Elizabeth I: volume 137, October 1588

October 1588

Vol. CXXXVII. 1588. October.

Oct. 1. Dublin Castle.

1. Lord Deputy to Burghley. To increase his joys by understanding how God doth overthrow those that fight against his church and Her Majesty. Wishes that neither Hugh Roe O'Donnell nor Philip O'Reilly should have their liberty. Burghley to be a mean to Her Majesty in his behalf, if any seek to move her against him for clearing the country of Spaniards. Aut. pp. 3. Incloses,

1. I. Sir R. Bingham to the Lord Deputy. It may please your Honour, what I write unto your Lordship now is no more in effect, but a confirmation of my last letters, which I sent by Cotgrave the messenger. For sithence that time here hath not happened any great alteration of news. And yet it is delivered unto me by some of the prisoners of certain, that the Duke of Medina [Sidonia] himself was in the great ship, which received the 600 from land at Ballicro, and then by all likelihood he is cast away, for the wind fell contrary immediately after they put to sea, and became very stormy and foul weather, as not possible he could escape, except his ship were most strong and good, for he was marvellously pestered with such numbers of men. And in the seven ships which lay at Raviskeith on Thomond side, whereof two were lost and one burned, was the galleon St. John, wherein went John Martenus De Recaldus, admiral of the whole fleet, who put to sea the same day the Duke did. And sithence I have learned by a Breton, which came to Galway loaded with salt, that these four ships rode at anchor against the Blasquets in Munster, which may haply get home if any do. But by this may appear the great handiwork of Almighty God, who hath drowned the remains of that mighty army, for the most part, on the coasts of this province, which was the very place they themselves most doubted, as may appear by the instructions the Duke of Medina Sidonia gave them after the Queen's ships had left them, the copy whereof your Lordship shall hereinclosed receive.

This morning I am going to Galway to take order for some things there, and to despatch a man unto your Lordship with Don Lewis de Cordua, the prisoner, which we have yet gotten, and till now I could not satisfy your Lordship's desire therein for the great floods and other urgent occasions I had in hand, unless I should have sent some of the basest sort. And by him I shall be better able to advertise your Lordship the full particularities of all things which have happened in this action.

I had intelligence sent me from my brother [George] that the 700 Spaniards in Ulster were despatched, which I know your Lordship heareth before this time. And this I dare assure your Lordship now, that in a 15 or 16 ships cast away on the coast of this province, which I can in mine own knowledge say to be so many, there hath perished at the least a 6,000 or 7,000 men, of which there hath been put to the sword first and last by my brother George, and in Mayo, Thomond and Galway, and executed one way and another about 700 or 800, or upwards, besides those that be yet alive, of which Don Lewis de Cordua is supposed to be the best, for Pedro Mendosa was slain in Clare Island by Dowdaraugh O'Mayle before he would yield, in time of the execution. So as now this province stands clear and rid of all these foreign enemies, save a "sillye" poor prisoners, except O'Rourke do keep any contrary to our general order and proclamation, sithence the publication whereof I have not heard from my brother how he hath answered him in that point.

And touching the ordnance and other munitions lost here, all diligence shall be used to save as much as may be for Her Majesty's use, but the great ship at Ballicro, and the rest cast away about those islands, are now all broken in pieces, and the ordnance and everything else utterly lost I fear me. Treasure and great wealth hath been taken no doubt, but that by such unworthy persons, as it will hardly be ever any thereof come by at all, they be, such as hath it, as before now have always been upon their keepings; albeit it is possible in time some of it may be had. 1588, Sept. 21., Shrowle. p. 1¼. Incloses,

1. II. Direction given by the Duke of Medina for the course which the Spanish navy should hold in their return to Spain.

The course that is first to be held is to the north-north-east, until you be found under 61 degrees and a half; and then to take great heed lest you fall upon the Island of Ireland for fear of the harm that may happen unto you upon that coast. Then parting from those islands and doubling the Cape in 61 degrees and a half you shall run west-south-west until you be found under 58 degrees; and from thence to the south-west to the height of 53 degrees; and then to the south-south-west, making to the Cape Finisterre, and so to procure your entrance into the Groin [Corunna] or to Ferol, or to any other port of the coast of Galicia. p. ¼.

1. III. The examination of Don Lewis de Cordova in Andalusia. Don Lewis de Cordova in Andalozia, captain of the company cast on shore in Sir Morrough Ne Doe O'Flaherty's country, saith upon his examination that when the Spanish fleet came before Plymouth they were 140 sail of all sorts, whereof four score and 16 were great ships for the fight, and the rest were "patasses" and small vessels for carriage; at which place they met with 70 of the Queen's ships or thereabouts. The Queen's ships "gat" into the wind of them and shot at them, they keeping on their march towards Calais, answered the shot, which continued about two or three hours, in which skirmish Don Pedro [de Valdez] and his ship [a large galleon] were taken, being thrown behind his company by reason of a shot that "brake" his main mast. The next day was calm, and therefore nothing done between them, but a ship of 700 tons was burned by negligence among the Spaniards, but most of her men saved. The third day they skirmished five or six hours without loss of any ships, and the fourth day they fought four hours, without any ship lost; the fifth day they came before Calais, and there anchored and chained themselves. At which time there came to the succour of the Queen's ships 25 more. And in the night they perceived six ships, falling upon them fired; by reason whereof they were driven to cut their cables and set sail. At which time a great ship was burned among them and a "Gallyassey" cast away on the sands. After which the English ships entered into a sharp fight with them, wherein two of their greatest galleons were so beaten that they were driven to run ashore upon Flanders or those parts, having disburthened their men into their other ships. That day if the fire had not broken them, they had determined to have put 7,000 men on shore at Calais to have gone to the Prince of Parma to have known further his pleasure, for that they were from thence to be directed by him, and had some commission to him not opened at all, but lost in the ship that was there burnt; but being prevented by the said fire, they were broken and so fought withal and followed three days after that out of sight of the coast, and then the Queen's ships left them, and returned, shooting off a great volley of ordnance for joy. After this the Duke of Medina assembled all his forces that were left, and found that he had lost but six ships of all sorts; and then gave order for them to return to Spain. But about Norway the great tempest took them and beat these men now prisoners to this coast, of which coast the Duke had before given them great charge to take heed. He saith that in the army were many young dukes and noblemen adventurers, but he knoweth not their names.

He saith, touching himself, that his elder brother is a gentleman of a 1,000 ducats per annum, and that himself is not of any livelihood. He was employed by the King as a gentleman at 30 crowns per mensem in "Cicilia" [Sicily], and sent for from thence by the King to serve in this expedition, wherein, he had charge of a hundred men in this ship that is cast away, being a Flemish hulk called the White Falcon, in which were no more soldiers than this hundred. Copy. pp. 2.

Oct. 1. Dublin.

2. Mr. Solicitor General Roger Wilbraham to Burghley. Fearing right honourable you might require hence certificate of our proceedings, in the last commission for Munster titles, and doubting your leisure would not admit any long letter, I have imparted my knowledge to Sir Edward Waterhous in writing, who can thereby let your Honour understand at your leisure what I know therein; and I conjecture the Irish are not yet satisfied, they will have further hearing, which if it be granted it were not the worst way and least charge to have the depositions taken here, and the cause determined there in your sight. I find all things wax faint in the enterprise; undertakers seek nothing but money, and Irish lands yield nothing but meat, and sure I never hope to see any two undertakers people their seignories with English families near to the limitation in Her Majesty's articles, so difficult it is to draw honest English families to dwell in this tickle and unstable country, and so many causeless contentions happen between the undertakers, striving who shall have most, when much less were sufficient. [Holog.] p. 1.

Oct. 1. Athlone.

3. Sir Richard Bingham to Walsingham. Wreck of the Spanish fleet. [Autog.] pp. 2.

Oct. 2. Dublin.

4. Patrick Foxe to Walsyngham. It may please you to be advertised that a three days past a messenger came up from the north with letters to the Lord Deputy as well from O'Neill as from Maguire, complaining one of another, for that in a meeting lately happened between them the number of 20 men and upwards were slain, whereof two soldiers of Captain Mostyn's band, which served under O'Neill, and one of O'Neill's own men were part, and the rest Maguire's. The messenger that came up was sent by Captain Mostyn's lieutenant, and he reported also to the said captain in mine own hearing that the Spanish ships that in my former letters I made report to your Honour of are lately departed from M'Sweeny [Ne Doe]'s country in the night time, whereby all danger of conspiracy in those parts is now avoided. [Autog.] p. ½.

Oct. 2. Castle of Kylbolan.

5. Mr. Hu. Cuffe to Burghley. I did long attend your Lordship's opportunity before my return into Ireland, and to have informed your Honour of the hard dealing of Sir John Southworth, Mr. Bullen, and other recusants, concerning the benefit which by your Lordship's favour I should have reaped by certain of their leases, and also by judgments in law, of both which I am like to be deprived, unless my servant, the bearer, and my friend, Mr. Riche, with whom I left order for presenting hereof, may receive such comfort by your honourable favour as the equity of my case doth require. I meant likewise to have become an humble suitor to your Lordship for your letters to the Lord Deputy to have been appointed sheriff of this county of [Cork ?] for this year, which if it may yet please your good Lordship to grant me may better my poor credit with the Irish and make me more able to do Her Majesty service, which I will unfeignedly deserve, with the remembrance of your Lordship in my daily prayers. Sends a present of two Irish cheeses. [Autog.] p.1.

Oct. 4. Dublin Castle.

6. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Burghley. Dislike of Treasurer Wallop's manner of issuing the treasure and the revenues of Ireland. [Autog.] pp. 2¼.Incloses

6. I. Dividend of the treasure which arrived at Dublin 10 Aug. 1588, being 6,000l., by Fantleroy. Copy. pp. 6.

6. II. Declaration of the issue of 10,000l. Copy. pp. 5.

Oct. 4.

7. A proportion of powder and other munition for Ireland. p. 1.

Oct. 6.Dublin.

8. Mr. Roger Wilbraham to Walsyngham. Doubting, right honourable, there might be imputation of undutifulness in us here for not certifying to your Honour hence the proceedings in the last commission for Munster titles, I thought it my duty to let your Honour understand that I have imparted to Sir Edward Waterhous in writing my knowledge therein, to the intent that if it shall be your pleasure, you may at your leisure be acquainted therewith; only I wish that if further hearing be given to the Irish claims, it may be in England, and the evidences and depositions for Her Majesty first transmitted from hence, so it shall be less charge and best satisfaction. I fear some of the greatest undertakers are discouraged in the action with sight of this rude and tottering uncertain state; and doubtless no greater dissension is feared here than such as shall breed and nestle amongst the undertakers themselves, and if it be not presumption I never hope to see the country repeopled with English, according to the limitation of Her Majesty's letters patents, so impossible it is, as appeareth by experience, to draw honest English inhabitants to this waste country, and therefore your Honour may consider of the action accordingly, which is not otherwise to be discovered, to the dismay of the adventurers, who expect money, and this country yieldeth only meat. [Holog.] p. 1.

Oct. 10.

9. Warrant from the Lord Deputy to Sir Thomas Williams, muster master and clerk of the check, to stay certain increase of allowance to certain of the garrison according to the Article of 1582, Nov. 12. Copy, received 1589, May 4. p. 1.

Oct. 12.St. James's.

Privy Council to the Earl of Derby for the sending of 200 soldiers levied in Cheshire and Lancashire into Ireland. Mr. G. Delves to have the charge of them. The mayor of Liverpool to provide shipping for their transportation. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 192.] p. 1.

Dublin Castle.

10. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Intention to proceed against the Spaniards in O'Donnell's country. Intention of offering mercy to such as shall submit.

Postcript.—It may please your Lordships this postscript was added after the former signing by us only of the English, who eftsoons most humbly desire your Lordships that three or four ships may be presently sent away, and to be directed only towards O'Donnell's country and the parts thereabouts. And likewise that there may be presently sent hither 2,000 sufficient and thoroughly well appointed men, and so many more after as speedily as your Lordships shall deem this dangerous time and service to require, neither of which shall be continued longer in pay than this service lasteth, which we hope will not be above a month or six weeks at the most. This we the rather desire, for that if it once appear that the Spaniards shall wax strong by the north's combination, we may then upon most vehement presumptions affirm unto your Lordships that besides the calling in of Scots for their assistance the most of the English pale and towns will make revolt, and other hope we can have none. And besides this our general opinion we signify unto your Lordships that for just causes which we have conceived in this time, we have a special distrust in the Earl of Tyrone.

Signed by the Lord Deputy FitzWylliam, Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin, the Lord Chancellor, Thomas Jones, Bishop of Meath, Sir Henry Wallop, and Chief Justice Robert Gardener. [Damaged.] pp. 2. Incloses,

10. I. Earl of Tyrone to the Lord Deputy. Reports 1,200 Spaniards mustered. Their proceedings. Threatens to break the peace with Turlough Lynagh O'Neill. The traitor, James FitzMaurice's son, is dead of an ague. 1588, Oct. 8, Dungannon. Copy. p. 1.

10. II. Richard and Henry Hoveden (generally called Ovington) to the Lord Deputy for two cwt. of powder, with lead and match. Con O'Donnell's sons and certain of the MacSweenys are gone 'to the Spaniards. Postilled with remarks on their bad intentions. 1588, Oct. 8, Loghegelly. Damaged. Copy. p. 1.

10. III. John Kelly to his brother William Kelly, surgeon. 1,100 Spaniards landed. To obtain the Lord Deputy's warrant that he may erect a company and be directed by the Earl of Tyrone. 1588, Oct. 8, Dungannon. Copy. p. 1.

10. IV. Geff. Fenton to the Lord Deputy. The taking of Sligo Castle for Her Majesty. The Spaniards are marching towards Sligo and are very near Lough Erne. Tyrone hath bitterly reproved O'Donnel saying he and his posterity may seek a dwelling in another country for having betrayed the Spaniards their only refuge. The M'Glanoughes will not suffer our spies to pass. Need of ships and soldiers from England. 1588, Oct. 7, Sligo. Copy. pp. 2.

10. V. Sir R. Byngham to the Lord Deputy. Advice how to attack the main body of 3,000 Spaniards, and to secure Dublin from the attacks of Tyrone and Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne. Mistrusts the two Hovedens. Hopes by Tuesday next to have passed the Curlews. 1588, Oct. 10. Copy. pp. 2 ½. Incloses,

10. VI. Geff. Fenton and George Bingham to Sir R. Bingham. Should the Spaniards pass the Erne they must retire over the Curlews. The M'Glannoghs hinder their espials reaching Ballyshannon. Will send Owen Cook to sound the Burkes. 1588, Oct. 8, Sligo. Copy. p. 1.

10. VII. Mr. G. Comerford's letter to Sir Ric. Byngham. Anably's report of the Spaniards in M'Sweeny Ne Doffe's country Mr. Henry Shoe has come from the Earl of Ormond to claim the Spanish wrecks. 1588, Oct. 7, Sligo. Copy. p. 1.

10. VIII. Earl of Tyrone to the Lord Deputy. 1,500 Spaniards in M'Sweeney Ne Doe's country. Prays, for munition and a commission of martial law, &c. He, will provide a month's victuals for his company to go against the Spaniards. Severe punishment for the soldiers who have run away from Capt. Henry Hoveden. Ships at Donegal. Prays that Capt. John Kelly may go with him, to this service. Dungannon, 1588, Oct. 11. Copy. pp. 1½.

10. IX. Henry Hoveden to the L. Deputy. Many of his soldiers have run away. Prays for authority of martial law. The Earl of Tyrone to be supplied with munition that he may attack the Spaniards before they depart. 1588, Oct. 11, Dungannon. Copy. Postilled in the margin. p. 1.

10. X. Geff. Fenton to [the Lord Deputy?] O'Neill has relieved the Spaniards in Tirconnel with 500 beeves. O'Rourke, M'Glannogh, Maguire, and the Burkes in Mayo are combined with the Spaniard. O'Rourke hath already sent all his galloglasses to Hugh Maguire, and hath let slip his son whom he had in hand, and meant himself to go out. The Spaniards with the M'Sweenys lay last night at Donegall, not 10 miles beyond the Earne. The Kerne who burned Ballymote said they were making way for King Philip. Ill success in digging out the Spanish ordnance. 1588, Oct. 9, Ballymote. Copy. pp. 2.

10. XI. Mr. Henry Duke to the Lord Deputy. Sends a translation of Sir Brian O'Rourke's letters of his own handwriting, whereby the combination betwixt him and M'Mahon may appear. Sir Brian O'Rourke hath written to the Spaniards in the north to join, with them. It is most true that M'Mahon and Maguire's eldest son, Hugh Maguire, will assist O'Rourke. 12 Oct., Castle Jurden. Received the 14th. Copy. p. ½. Incloses,

10. XII. O'Rourke to M'Mahon. He has not forgiven their mutual enemies. The Englishmen spy upon them daily. He has not a good harp in his country, but sends two great spears and two skeans. Literal translation. p. ½.

10. XIII. Sir R. Bingham to the Lord Deputy. The loss by the burning of Ballimote is only his brother George's. The burning of Ballimote was in revenge for the recovery of Sligo. Doubts the Earl of Tyrone more than all the combination besides. Sir Richard will march early on Monday. 1588. Oct. 12. Received 14 Oct. Abstract. p. 1.

10. XIV. Sir R. Byngham to the Lord Deputy. Report that T. Lynagh O'Neill hath entertained the Spaniards to make war on the Earl of Tyrone, to be suspected. Deputy to stand highly upon his guard, for between O'Neill, the Earl, and the Spaniards he may too deeply engage himself. Byngham is ready with all his forces to attend the Lord Deputy. 1588. Oct. 12, Late in the night. Athlone. Received 14 Oct. Abstract. p. 1.

10. XV. Secretary Geffery Fenton and Geo. Bingham to Sir Richard Byngham. The Spaniards are come 20 miles on this side M'Sweeney Ne Doe's country. If the Castle of Sligo had not been taken as it was, the Spaniards would have had it by now. 1588, Oct. 6. Abstract. p.½. Inclose.

10. XVI. Donough O'Conor to his servant John O'Strahan. He is going into England now, though refused license by the Lord Deputy, till Michaelmas next. Charges him not to deliver up his castle of Sligo to the English. 1588, Sept., Drogheda. Abstract. p. ½.

10. XVII. G. Fenton and Geo. Bingham to Sir R. Byngham. Expectation of a general revolt. William Taaffe left to ward Sligo Castle. 1588, Oct. 9, Ballimote. Copy. p. 1.

10. XVIII. William Taaffe to Secretary G. Fenton and Mr. G Bingham. 2,000 Spaniards camping at Forreside-more, within 6 miles of Strabane. Report that the Spaniards are going to aid Turlough Lynagh O'Neill to make war on the Earl of Tyrone. O'Donnell and the soldiers stayed by Tyrone to aid him against O'Neill. Two Spanish ships burned. Advice to write to O'Gall Chor [O'Gallogher] and Hugh M'Hugh Duff to remember their duty to the Queen. Oct. 10. Abstract. p. 1.

10. XIX. Mr. Geo. Bingham, to his brother, Sir Richard Byngham. His stables and three horses burnt by the Conors, O'Harts, and O'Dowds, who called themselves the Pope's and King Philip's men. The Spaniards will be in Sligo in five days. Does not spare his purse in plying of spies. He sent a man to O'Rourke with the Lord Deputy's letter. His messengers to Robt. Dillon and others detained. 1588, Oct. 10, Ballimote. Received Oct. 14. Abstract. p.½.

10. XX. Capt. Nicholas Mordaunt to Sir Richard Byngham. The Irishry are grown very proud. O'Rourke will join with the Spaniards whatsoever he writeth to the contrary. 1588, Oct. 11. Received 14th. Abstract, p. ¼.

Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Same as above. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 185.] p. 1½.

Oct. 12. Dublin Castle.

11. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Burghley. His haste to go against the Spaniards. Thanks for his honourable letter so largely and favourably written, and for consideration of his man. Postscript.—I humbly beseech your Lordship that Her Majesty may rather cast away 7,000£. or 8,000£. than to adventure that which is in great appearance like to fall out. I humbly beseech your Lordship that the postscript in our letter to your Lordships [of the Council of this day's date] may be most secretly kept, otherwise the Lord knoweth what it may breed. I write this, for that I know there is " an Ireland born" man, which serveth one of the gentlemen clerks of Her Majesty's [P.] Council, who writeth at the covert there and hath recourse to the Council coffer. He would have served me when I came over. I know your Lordship will hardly believe, howbeit I write but upon this Council's report, what matters of secrecy be sent into this land. It were good (but I crave pardon for my boldness) that no Ireland born man should be a writer about any of those gentlemen clerks of the Council. If this be known I assure myself of all hatred this nation better and worse can give me. [Autog. postscript holograph.] p. 1. Incloses,

11. I. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Calendared above, p. 53, No. 10. 1588, Oct. 12. Copy. pp. 2.

11. II. Earl of Tirone to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above. p. 53, No. 10. I. 1588, Oct. 8, Dungannon. Copy. p. 1.

11. III. Richard Hoveden and Henry Hoveden to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above. p. 53, No. 10. II. 1588, Oct. 8, Loghegelly. Copy. p.½.

11. IV. John Kelly to his brother William Kelly, surgeon. Calendared above, p. 53, No. 10. III. 1588, Oct. 8, Dungannon. Copy. p.½.

11. V. Geff. Fenton to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above, p. 53, No. 10. IV. 1588, Oct. 7, Sligo. Copy. pp. 2.

11. VI. Sir R. Byngham to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above, p. 53, No. 10. V. 1588, Oct. 10. Copy. pp. 2. Incloses,

11. VII. G. Fenton and G. Bingham to Sir Ric Bingham. Calendared above, p. 54, No. 10. VI. 1588, Oct. 8, at 8 at night, Sligo. Copy. p.l.

11. VIII. Earl of Tyrone to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above, p. 54, No. 10. VIII. 1588, Oct. 11, Dungannon. Copy. p. 1½.

11. IX. Henry Hoveden to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above, p. 54, No. 10. IX. 1588, Oct. 11, Dungannon. Copy. p. 1.

11. X. Geff. Fenton to [the Lord Deputy.] The Spaniards lay at Donnegal last night. Calendared above, p. 54, No. 10. X. 1588, Oct. 9, Ballymote. Copy. Slightly damaged. pp. 2.

11. XI. Mr. Henry Duke to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above, p. 54, No. 10. XI. 1588, Oct. 12, Castle Jurden. Copy. p. ½.

11. XII. Sir R. Byngham to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above, p. 54, No. 10. XIII. 1588, Oct. 12. Abstract. p. 1.

11. XIII. Sir R. Byngham to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above, p. 55, No. 10. XIV. 1588, Oct. 12, late in the night, Athlone. Abstract. p. 1.

11. XIV. G. Fenton and G. Bingham to Sir R. Byngham. Calendared above, p. 55, No. 10. XV. 1588, Oct. 6. Abstract. p. 1. Incloses,

11. XV.Donough 0'Conor to his servant John O'Strahan. Calendared above, p. 55, No. 10. XVI. 1588, Sept., Drogheda. Abstract. p.1.

11. XVI. William Taaffe to Secretary Fenton and G. Bingham Calendared above, p p. 55, No. 10. XVIII. 1588, Oct. 10. Abstract. p.1.

11. XVII. Geo. Bingham to Sir R. Byngham. Calendared above, p. 55, No. 10. XIX, 1588, Oct. 10. Ballimote. Abstract. p. 1.

11. XVIII. Capt. N. Mordaunt to Sir R. Byngham. Calendared above, p. 55, No. 10. XX. 1588, Oct. 11. Abstract. p. ¼.

Oct. 12. Dublin Castle.

12. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Walsyngham. For men, money, ships, and munition. There is " an Ireland born " man who serveth one of the gentlemen clerks of the Council who reveals secrets into Ireland. p. 1.

Oct. 12.

Copy of the above letter. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 186.] p. 1.

Oct. 12. Knockfergus.

13. Capt. Christopher Carleill to Walsingham. It may please you to understand that Captain Thomas Lea hath sent over his wife, as I am informed, with intention amongst other matters to solicit the having of the 50 footmen now under the leading of Captain Thomas Henshaw to be returned over unto her husband, from whom they were taken and given to me by Sir John Perrot now four years past, when I undertook the service in the northernmost parts, which by divers others was refused. At which time Captain Henshaw was lieutenant of the said Captain Lea's 50 footmen, and then was made my lieutenant of my whole hundred, the other 50 being supplied up unto me out of other bands, and so afterwards by my giving over my charge unto my said lieutenant he ever since hath continued Captain of the said 50 footmen, never omitting to be in place of service which he hath acquitted so sufficiently, as if it will please you to inquire of Sir John Perrot, Sir Edward Waterhous, or any other that have lived in that time here, it will, I doubt not, appear by all their reports to be such as will well deserve to be favoured in his rightful causes. For myself I must needs say thus much in his behalf, that I found far better stuff of a soldierlike carriage in him, than was in a great number of the captains and other officers here, and do assure your Honour that there are very few in all this country so well inclined to entertain a good discipline as he is, and no man whatsoever more ready or resolute to the service than he hath always in my knowledge showed himself. He hath been of long continuance in this country, and amongst other places he was lieutenant to Captain [Francis] Acham of his 50 horsemen who was slain, unto whom he ought by orderly course to have succeeded in his charge, inasmuch as he was a soldier of some good time standing, and of no less desert. But Captain Lea by favourable means of some friends in court prevented him thereof. He lieth here in garrison with his said 50 men, having no more than those left unto him, for upon the levying of the troops here to go with Sir William Stanley into the Low Countries the other 50 was taken from him. Surely the gentleman may very ill be spared from hence, for there is none of the rest that belongeth to this place unto whom I may so well commit the handling of this government as unto him in any occasion of my absence, and therefore I humbly beseech your Honour to stand as firmly for this his rightful cause as if it concerned myself, who by infinite other regards must and will ever acknowledge myself a most bounden man to your Honour's service. Autograph. p. 1.

Oct. 12.

14. Instructions for the Lord Primate, Sir H. Wallop, and David Gwyn to examine the Spanish prisoners at Drogheda. pp. 2.

Oct. 13. Drogheda.

15. Examination of Don Alonso de Lusone, master of the camp of the "Tercia " of Naples, being 10 ensigns containing 1,800 men. Detail of the wreck of their ship, and the treatment they received of the barbarous people. The slaughter of them after having laid down their arms to Her Majesty's use. [A terzo is a regiment of 3,000 men furnished by Italian states to the Kings of Spain.] pp. 4.

Oct. 13.

16., Examination of Baltasar Lopes del Arbal, serjeant-major of the whole " Tercia " of Naples, the company in the Valensera de Venecia came from Naples. Their leak and wreck on O'Dogherty's country. The little aid they received from the savage people. pp. 5.

Oct. 13. Drogheda.

17. The names of Spanish prisoners who died by the way and were left behind sick on coming out of O'Donnell's country, and of those who came to Drogheda.

Don Alfonso de Luson, Maestro de campo, a younger brother.

Don Rodrigo Lasso de la Vega, cavallero de la horden de Sant Iago.

A second brother of good house and credit.

Capitan Geronimo de Aynar, a soldier by service.

Alferez Pedro Ramirez, an ensign bearer.

Capitan Juan de Guzman, a younger brother of a noble house and of good credit.

Capitan Don Garcia Manrique, of a special house in Castile.

Capitan Don Beltran del Salto-Benia, of Castile.

Sargento Maior Baltazar Lopez del Albor, or de L'arboll.

Capitan Reformato Juan Fernandez de la Pila.

Juan De Porras Alferez Reformado.

Diego Xuarez, Alferez Reformado.

Antonio Xuarez, sargento del maestro de campo.

Juan Hidalgo, Capitan di Campana, Provost Marshall.

Sebastian Vasquez, sergento reformado.

Juan de Guzman, soldato.

Pedro Fernandez, medico.

Horatio Donayo, Venitiano, capitan de la Nave.

Dominico de Jorge, escrivanelo de la Nave.

Miguel de Venetia, marinero Venetiano y bombadero.

Thodorni Greco marinero.

Jacques Flamenco, master of the hulk which was wrecked.

Juan Dominico, Italiano, a tambor major.

Juan Italiano a tambor.

Juan Moreno, Espagnol, a tambor.

Pedro Italiano. Francisco Desoto and certain servants.

These three are dead, viz.:—Don Diego de Luzon, Don Sebastian Capata and El Sargente Antonio de Bacca; also Don Garcia De Avila, Don Caspar de Avila, his brother, Don Christoval Maldonada, Don Diego de Guzman, and divers others sick and dead on the way. [Most part in Spanish.] pp. 2.

Oct. 14. Dublin.

18. Pat. Foxe to Walsyngham. It may please you to be advertised that lately Captain Kelly came hither as post from the north with news of the landing of Spaniards, to the number of 10 ensigns, in M'Sweeny Ne Doe's country, where the other Spaniards, whereof in my former letters I made report to your Honour, landed. They have as it is reported; entrenched and fortified there for their more safety; both the M'Sweenys did join with them, and as it is now thought O'Rourke will join also with them, for his people have very lately burnt Ballimote, a town of Mr. Byngham's, which is within 12 miles to Sligo, that argueth a disloyal mind in him, and no doubt he did hitherto but watch his time. My Lord Deputy meaneth to draw down towards the Spaniards very shortly; his Lordship hath showed me no good countenance as yet, for what cause I known not. The term is adjourned till crastino animarum, the morrow of All Souls Day. I humbly pray your Honour, lest I should be hardly thought of here, for advertising you the state of the realm, to send me your warrant for that and for searching out such as purpose to conspire against Her Majesty, and no doubt I shall be able to do Her Highness good service and your Honour credit. I left my suit with Mr. Nedome to be remembered unto your Honour, whereof I humbly pray your Honour to have a care when time doth serve. Autograph. Seal, with arms. p. 1.

Oct. 15. Dublin.

19. Geo. Beverley to Burghley. The declaration that 2,000£. parcel of the 6,000£. was delivered to him for victuals was unfounded. p. 1. Incloses,

Oct. 15. Dublin.

19. I. Declaration of the issue of 4,000£. received for victualling causes by a P.S. 29 June, 1588. pp. 2.

Oct. 15

20. The Lord Roche, i.e., M. de Rupe et Fermoy to Walsyngham. Right honourable, my duty remembered, may it please the same to be advertised that howbeit myself with many other suitors of this province [of ? Munster] had great expectations of justice, with favour and expedition, at the hands of the Commissioners, whom Her Majesty for the ease of suitors hath appointed to repair hither, yet when they came we found the success of our suits to proceed and fall out quite contrary, for in all their proceedings only one petition for half a ploughland, to one of the traitors, the late archrebel, the Earl of Desmond's servant was allowed, in respect of some service, being indeed one that was of the chiefest in action of rebellion, against Her Highness with his said master, neither any other suitor besides, obtained one foot of land, or any redress or remedy, in anything he complained of, whether his land were found by office or otherwise intruded upon by the undertakers without any office or colour of right, so as we are left entangled and subject to the suppressions and heavy hand of the undertakers without redress as before, and every one discontented. And albeit the justness of the causes of diverse and their service required and merited favour to be extended in their suits, especially those whom Her Majesty, by Her Grace's letters willed to be favoured, yet no suitor, his cause being never so just and lawful, his forwardness in service never so apparent, or his letters never so gracious and effect[ual] could esteem or judge the success of his suit to be anything the better for any bill that wanted one word, either of form or matter, that was abated and rejected, and yet would they permit a new to be made, and those that wanted neither had no redress at all, whereby the poor people and subjects. by reason of that hard course taken, when as they chiefly expected to be reformed according to Her Majesty's undoubted pleasure, are now very much discouraged, and in a manner fallen into despair, being not able for want of ability to have recourse unto Her Highness. And for my own causes and suits, being left without redress at the said Commissioners' hands, yet I want not more grievous cause of complaint for they, with Mr. Heale, solicitor for those causes, by the malicious procurement of some by heavy friends intending thereby to discourage me of my suits, have so discourteously, despitefully, and shamefully abused and dishonouredme in public assembly and audience, with such rabblement of scornful, odius, and slanderous speeches, and most unseemly accusations, as the loss of all the rest of my lands' and livings could not half so much grieve me, having withal, because I said I would complain of that abuse unto Her Majesty, committed me to the common Marshalsea at Cork, where never nobleman was committed before. And so remained in duress six days, until the evening before their departures, so as thereby the small hope remaining of any good success at their hands and my said injurious and wrongful imprisonment, together with the sudden griefs conceived by all my friends, servants, and retinue discouraged me from trying the end of their severity and hard dealing in most of my causes. All which I thought good to impart and certify your Honour, and complain to Her Highness, to the end you would make known to Her Majesty and the Lords of Her Highness's most honourable Privy Council, that we are not so favourably here dealt withal as their pleasures is we should. Assuring myself of your Honour's lawful favour, and furtherance as well herein, as in many other causes and suits I have heretofore found, for which I rest most thankful. His complaint respecting the Manor of Buttevant, also he is crossed in the Court of Exchequer concerning the remittal of certain arrearages. [Autogr.] pp. 2.

Oct. 16. Dublin.

21. Sir Valentine Browne to the Privy Council. The Commissioners in Munster have justly found Her Majesty's titles. Doubts of the measures of Arthur Robins. Francis Jobson recommended to be a surveyor there. Donnel Granea has burned Mahownes Castle. The undertakers seek profit too much. Recommends that some of the Irish septs be encouraged beyond the Leape, [probably in County Cork.] pp. 2. Incloses,

21. I. Note of cesses which were laid on the country of Carbery and other remote places in Munster. p. 1.

Oct. 16. Dublin.

22. Sir Valentine Browne to Walsingham. Prays for a fee-farm. Stands in doubt all the M'Carthys will join against his three sons who are possessed of those lands which Florence M'Carthy did look to have upon the marriage of the Earl of Clancar's daughter. Donnell M'Carthy the Earl's bastard son, is gone to the woods. The Earl's daughter resorts to Florence M'Carthy's prison with small restraint. p. 1.

Oct. 17. Dublin.

23. Pat. Foxe to Walsyngham. Can get no countenance for the cloth he daily wears. Desires a warrant to search for Papists. Mortagh Oge Kavanagh's two sons have burnt a town of Henry Heron's. p. 1.

[Oct. 17.]

24. Petition of Henry Heron to Queen Elizabeth, for some meet relief in consideration of his former services, and the burning and plunder to the value of 500l. done on him the 11th of October (1588) by Art and Murtough Kavanagh, sons of the late rebel Murtough Oge Kavanagh. p. 1.

Oct. 18. Dublin Castle

25. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Send over David Gwyn, sent by the Privy Council to view the Spanish prisoners in Drogheda, and his accuser E. Hart. p. 1. Inclose,

25. I. Declaration of Eustace Hart, gent., that David Gwyn, being in one of the Spanish gallies wrecked off Bayonne in August, did give out that Sir Francis Walsyngham was for the Spaniards and would deliver Her Majesty's person into their hands. 1588, Oct. 16. pp. 2.

Oct. 18.

Copy of the above letter. [Entry Book, Ireland, p. 187.] p. 1.

Oct. 18. Dublin Castle.

26. Lord Deputy to Walsyngham. The caitiff that hath villainously charged him to be severely punished. Fytzwylliam ready to defend Walsyngham's loyalty with the loss of his blood. p. 1. Incloses,

26. I. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Calendared above, No. 25. 1588, Oct. 18. Copy. p. 1. Inclose,

26. II. Declaration of Eustace Hart. Calendared above, p. 61, No. 25. I. 1588, Oct. 16. pp. 2.

Oct. 18. Dublin.

27. Capt. Thomas Lee to Walsyngham. For his furtherance of the suits to the Queen which he sends over by his wife. p. 1.

Oct. 19. Dublin.

28. Sir N. White, Master of the Rolls, to Walsingham. David Gwyn's perjury and embezzling of certain chains of gold and coin received by him of the Spaniards to the Queen's use. p. 1.

Oct. 20. Dublin.

29. Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Have received their letters of September 2, for the enlargement on bond of Edmund FitzGibbon and Donough M'Cormock M'Carthy. Pray that they may be still kept close till the Spaniards nestled in the north may be vanquished. Their last letters by Chichester. p. 1.

Oct. 20. Dublin.

30. Chr. Peyton to Burghley. The order between Sir Henry Wallop and him concerning captains' reckonings. He demurs to deliver to Wallop all his books. Desires that Mr. Petre should send him duplicates of the charge of Wallop's receipts. p. 1.

Oct. 20. Castle of the Island in Cullough. Herbert in the county of Kerry.

31. Sir William Herbert to Burghley. Our pretence in the enterprise of plantation was to establish in these parts piety, justice, "inhabitation," and civility, with comfort and good example to the parts adjacent. Our drift now is, being here possessed of land, to extort, make the state of things turbulent, and live by prey and by pay. Sir Edward Denny's letters patent to be recalled and Sir Valentine Browne's to be stayed. Disorder of the plantation in Munster. [Autog] p. 1. Incloses,

31. I. Sir Valentine Browne to Sir William Herbert. Thanks for kindness to certain of his men. Chides him, for the course he pursues. [With postils in the margin by Herbert.] 1588, Aug. 17, Dublin. [Autog.] pp. 2.

Oct. 22. Dublin Castle.

32. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Burghley. The noble Spaniards discovered by David Gwyn. Don Louis de Cordua, blames the Irish for letting the Spaniards range up and down the country after they had stripped them of their apparel and robbed them of their money and jewels. That his brother may have some other lands than those granted to him. pp. 3.

Oct. 22. Dublin Castle.

33. Act by the Lord Deputy and Council, that the county of Kilkenny and the out counties, except Carlow and Wexford, shall pay up the Composition for cess as allotted 15th May 1586. Copy. pp. 2.

Oct.[25.]

34. Wallop to the Queen. The causes of his stay in Ireland this summer. The malice of certain towards him. Copy. pp. 2.

Oct. 25. Dublin.

35. Sir Henry Wallop to Burghley. He is called upon by the Lord Deputy to march against the Spaniards. His peril in the account. Perrot and Fytzwylliam do all they can to discredit him His band at Enniscorthy. Auditor Peyton's unjust demands

A ship wrecked with stuff and plate of his to the value of 700l. pp. 4.

Oct. 25.

36. Copy of the above. pp. 3.

Oct. 25. Dublin.

37. Sir N. White to Burghley against the suit of Lady Malbie's husband for payment of a concordatum of 3,000l. and odd granted to his predecessor, Sir Nicholas Malbie. p. 1.

Oct. 26. Greenwich.

Privy Council to Sir Thomas Perrott. To release him of the place and charge of Colonel. Captain Jenkins to conduct the soldiers to Dublin. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 194.] p. 1.

Oct. 26. Dublin Castle.

38. Lord Deputy to Burghley.—The wit wherewith God hath indued the Baron Delvin and the love wherewith the country doth affect him. The book of Irish Advertisements. The Spanish wrecks belong to the Queen as waifs, as the owners came alive to land. 8,000l. arrearages of the Composition. The need of making an end of Cornelius, [titular] Bishop of Down and Connor, an obstinate enemy to God. pp. 3. Incloses,

38. I. Redmund, [titular] Bishop of Derry, to Cornelius, Bishop of Down and Connor, granting the power of absolution, &c. for one year. 1588, July 1, Tamlar Church. Lat. Copy. p. 1.

Oct. 27. Dublin Castle.

39. Lord Deputy to Burghley. A galley of Spaniards departing from Calebeg [Killibeggs] towards the Out Isles of Scotland for aid was wrecked and many drowned off Bunboys, near Dunluce. Sorley Boy M'Donnell was lately at Strabane to consummate his marriage with O'Neill's daughter. Desires to know what he shall do with the Spaniards who wish to be prisoners. [Autog] pp. 2. Incloses,

39. I. Henry Dowgan and Salomon Faranan to the Lord Deputy. The Spaniards in M'Sweeny Ne Doe's country have repaired one ship. O'Donnell's wife, James M'Donnell's daughter, Ineen Duv, saith openly that she will hire the Spaniards to stir up wars except she can get her son, that is in the castle, at the return of her husband. 1588, Oct. 13. Abstract. p. 1.

39. II. Patrick Eulane to Sir Henry Bagenall. The Spaniards from the two ships wrecked off M'Sweeney Banagh's country have joined those in M'Sweeny Ne Doe's. M'Swiney's fear to hunger his country. The Spaniards are buying garrons and mares for food. The best of the Spaniards in M'Sweeny's country are going away and will leave the rest to shift for themselves because the ship cannot receive all. If those who are left can get any guide they will go to O'Rourke's country, or else if they can get any passage they will go into Scotland. James FitzMaurice's son was in the ship that came to M'Sweeny Ne Doe's country, and died 40 leagues before they came to land. Certain of his company remain yet. There is another ship at Donegall, and it was saved by the means of a coal boat that was sent to them from the shore, but they lost their mainmast, and they cast out 120 great horses and 60 mules. The [titular] Bishop of Derry goes away to Rome presently. 1588, Oct. 14. Copy. p. 1.

39. III. John Crofton, Thos. Mostion, and Richard Dogherty to Sir R. Bingham. Sorley Boy's messenger to O'Rourke declared that 3,500 Spaniards having burned their broken ships had sent for succour. Two more Spanish ships arrived. Sir Brian O'Rourke keepeth still the Queen's rent in his hands. 1588, Oct. 19, Saturday, Isertrowe. Copy. p. 1.

39. IV. Sir John O'Dogherty [Odochartay] to the Lord Deputy. Complains that M'Sweeny, having subsisted the 3,000 Spaniards till his country is consumed, directs them now for hate into his country to lie upon it and consume it, and unless the Lord Deputy helps him he fears that he shall not be able to resist them. 1588, Oct. (received 24), his manor of Oileach. Latin. Copy. p. ½.

39. V. Examination of William Browne, of Waterford, mariner, of the age of 23 years. He was pressed aboard the St. Anne of St. Sebastians the 16 th of May last. Describes his passage in the Spanish Armada, and his return with but two sail to Passage in Biscay after the great overthrow. The Duke of Medina arrived at St. Andrews with two or three sail, never having touched Ireland. About 25 ships recovered divers ports in Spain. Manner of his return home. 1588, Oct. 26, Dublin. Copy. p. 1.

39. VI. Advertisements received from Mr. Henry Duke, late on Saturday at night, being the 26th of October 1588, which he had from a spy he had sent into the north to obtain information about the Spaniards.

Three of the Spanish ships coming into the harbour of the Killibeggs in M'Sweeny's country, one of them was cast away a little without the harbour, another running aground on the shore brake to pieces. The third being a gaily, and sore bruised with the seas, was repaired in the said harbour with some of the planks of the second ship, and the planks of a pinnace which they had of M'Sweeny.

The 16th of this instant October the said gally departed from the said harbour with as many of the Spaniards as she could carry, and sailing along the coast towards the Out Isles of Scotland, whither they were then bound, struck against the rock of Bunboyes, [near Dunluce], where both ship and men perished, save only five who hardly got to shore; three of which five men came the next day, being the 17th, in company with Sorley Boy M'Donnell unto O'Neill's house at Strabane, where they certified of their late shipwreck.

Sorley Boy's coming to Strabane at this time was to get O'Neill's daughter to wife.

This rock of Bunboyes is hard by Sorley Boy's house [of Dunluce]. The M'Sweenys affirmed that the Spaniards remaining in their country were 2,400. As it is judged they have left in one Brian M'Manus's house at the Killibegg's vicar of that place, one of the chief of their company, being very sore sick of the flux. They have likewise left with M'Sweeny, an, Irish friar called James Ne Dowrough, who first went into Spain with James FitzMaurice. This friar is of no small account amongst the Irishry in those parts. The Spaniards would give the country people a caliver for a mutton. There are great numbers of Spaniards received into divers castles in M'Sweeny's country; and M'Sweeny hath made open proclamation to relieve all such Spaniards as are straggling up and down the country.

The Spaniards were drawn to the Out Isles by the request of Shane Oge M'Shane O'Neill, who. lieth there hurt, and intendeth presently upon his recovery to assault the Earl of Tyrone with all the force which he, by any means, may or can get; his mother being Malligane's [qy. M'Alain's] daughter, lately deceased, which letted his coming into Ireland as yet. It is most certainly reported by the friar aforesaid that James FitzMaurice's son, who was in Spain, died upon the seas as he was coming hither. The Spaniards gave M'Sweeny, at their departure, 12 butts of sack wine, and to one Murrough Oge M'Murrough I Vayell, four butts. The M'Sweenys and their followers have gotten great store of the Spanish calivers and muskets. 1588, Oct. 26. p. 1½.

39. VII. Capt. Nicholas Meryman to [the L. Deputy].Calendared below, p. 68, No. 48. I. 1588, Oct. 26, the Small Camp, Evaughe, Copy. p. ½.

Oct. 27. Dublin Castle.

40. Lord Deputy to Walsyngham. The manner in which Sir Patrick Barnewell obtained certain lands to the prejudice of Mr. Pipho, Walsingham's kinsman. Desires to know what he shall do with the Spaniards who may come to his hand, and who, doubtless, would gladly be prisoners. Seal with arms. p. 1.

Oct. 27. Dublin.

41. Wallop to Walsyngham. His health bad these few days past. The Lord Deputy's journey against the Spaniards might well be spared. Danger of his startling the guilty Irish into rebellion. Mr. Briskett well deserveth consideration. p. 1. Incloses,

41. I. Sir R. Bingham to Sir H. Wallop. The Spaniards have departed, leaving but a few begging sick men. 1588, Oct. 24, Athlone. Autog. p. 1. Incloses,

41. II. William Taaffe to [Sir R. Bingham] M'Sweeny killed 40 of the best Spaniards as soon as the rest were gone a-shipboard. The nephews of Hugh Oge M'Hugh Duff have come to M'Glanchie's country to aid the rebels, and threaten to burn Taffe's lands. 1588, Oct. 22, Bonneneddan. Copy. p. 1.

Oct. 27. Dublin.

42. Sir Edward Denny to Walsyngham. None else has been so hardly dealt with as he. He stays to see an end of the Spaniards in the north. The Lord Deputy claims all that was taken of the Spaniards for Her Majesty. Holograph. pp. 2.

Oct. 27. Dublin.

43. Sir Lucas Dillon to Walsyngham. His reconciliation with Sir Nicholas White effected by Sir J. Perrot. The villainous speech of David Gwynn. Autograph. p. 1.

Oct. 27. Dublin.

44. Sir Thos. Williams, muster master, to Walsyngham. His agreement with Sir R. Byngham before the receipt of Walsyngham's letter of the 27th August. Autograph, damaged. p. ½.

Oct. 28.

45. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Three hundred soldiers to be presently sent over to countenance the present service against the Spaniards. Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne and the Kavanaghs are to be doubted in this broken time. All the garrison bands and the rising out of the Irishry are appointed to go with the Lord Deputy, who intends to begin his journey the 2nd of November. The Lord Chancellor Loftus and certain of the Council left at Dublin for the government of the Pale.

We send your Lordships of the Privy Council certain advertisements by which your Lordships may see that as some of the Spaniards seeking to steal away in a galley were wrecked, so it appears that the residue of the numbers of Spaniards remain, and are relieved by the M'Sweenys and others, and received into their castles by troops, to the end to cherish them and make them the stronger for any bad enterprise which they will draw them unto, which is to us a vehement reason to hasten towards them, and make head against them, lest the longer they tarry the more infection they make, for that we find already that the name of the Spaniards worketh much in the hearts of the Irishry, which I will labour in this journey to remedy, by rooting out of their minds all bad impressions. And though some of them in some degree may have dangerously erred by practising with the Spaniards, yet I mean not so to lay those faults to their charge as thereby to move any stir or disturbance, but rather to defer them until in a better time they may be called to reason.

Moreover, I, the Deputy, have appointed in returning from my journey to hear at the Newry a very weighty matter between Turlough Lynagh O'Neill and the Earl of Tyrone, touching the demand of lands which the Earl held of him by lease for term of seven years, with proviso nevertheless, that if the said Turlough Lynagh O'Neill would demand the same at three years' end (being expired at this last Michaelmas), then the lease to cease; at which time Turlough Lynagh did demand it with great earnestness, and signified so much to me, the Deputy, and Council by several letters, affirming that he would rather lose his life than his lands, which to perform nevertheless, the said Earl with as great vehemency denieth, and the rather because the said Earl taketh hold of some instructions sent from Her Majesty to Sir J. Perrot, reciting that the said lease was to endure during the life of the said Turlough, which was mistaken, and is for no other time than aforesaid, whereupon we think it convenient, if it so stand with your Lordships' good liking, that Her Majesty's pleasure may be speedily signified what course were best to be taken therein, and the same to be certified as well to the parties as to us. Orig. pp. 2. Inclose,

45. I. Henry Dowgan and Salomon Faranan to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above, p. 63, No. 39. I. 1588, Oct. 13. Abstract. p. 1.

45. II. Patrick Eulane to Sir Henry Bagenall. Calendared above, p. 63, No. 39. II. 1588, Oct. 14. Copy. p. 1.

45. III. J. Crofton and others to Sir R. Bingham. Calendared above, p. 64, No. 39. III. 1588, Oct. 19, Saturday, Ishetrowe. Copy p. 1.

45. IV. Sir John O'Dogherty to the Lord Deputy. Calendared above, p. 64, No. 39. IV. 1588, Oct. (received 24), His Manor of Oileach. Latin. Copy. p. ½.

45. V. Examination of William Browne, of Waterford, mariner. Calendared above, p. 64, No. 39. V. 1588, Oct. 26, Dublin. Copy. p. 1.

45. VI. Advertisements from Mr. Henry Duke's spy. Calendared above, p. 64, No. 39. VI. 1588, Oct., received late on Saturday the 26th. Copy. pp. 1½.

45. VII. Capt. Nicholas Meryman to [the Lord Deputy]. Calendared below, p. 68, No. 48. 1.1588, Oct. 26, the Small Camp, Evaughe. Copy. p. ½.

Oct. 28.

Copy of the above letter, but not of the inclosures. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 195.] p. 1½.

Oct. 28.

46. Lord Deputy and Lord Chancellor to the Privy Council. The accounts left unfinished to be made up by Peyton and paid for by Jennyson's executors. p. 1. Inclose,

46. I. Sir Valentine Browne's certificate of 17 whole years' accounts, to be engrossed at 40l. for each year. 1588, Oct. 28. p. 1.

Oct. 28. Dublin Castle.

47. Lord Deputy to Burghley. I humbly crave pardon to trouble your Lordship (amongst other my letters) "with these few lines, for that having ever since I first understood of the Spanish Fleet to come against Plymouth I made stay, as formerly hath been advertised to your Lordships, of all shipping in these parts, not suffering any to pass either for Spain or France till Her Majesty's pleasure therein signified. I am occasioned at this present by the importunacy of certain merchants and owners of vessels here, eftsoons humbly to beseech your Lordship for Her Majesty's pleasure, either for the releasing or continuance of the said restraint, giving your Lordship, nevertheless, humbly to understand that there be not more forward men to victual and relieve the Spaniards than these Irish merchants, especially those of Waterford, as I am informed, some of whom not long before the coming out of the fleet from Lisbon did there unlade, as was credibly reported, not so few as 1,000 pecks of corn and half a score horses.

I did lately license some upon their earnest suit and good commendation made of them to depart for France, taking good bonds with sureties that they should not traffic to Spain, who, notwithstanding, as I am told, are gone thither. But this I humbly beseech your Lordship may not be known until their return home, before which time I hope to learn more certainty, when I will call them to their answer and proceed against them in course and strictness of law. I understand that some are lately departed hence into England to become suitors unto Her Majesty for their " releasement," which, with the rest, I humbly refer unto your honourable consideration. If I would have licensed some to have gone into France, who under that colour meant to go to. Spain, I could have had a 1,000l. [Autogr.] p. 1.

Oct. 28. Dublin Castle.

48. Lord Deputy to Walsyngham. Sir,—Having for the more expedition sent afore by my man Morris, as well such letters as advertise the state of our occurrences here, as also those which particularly concern Hart and Gwynn, committed to the charge of this bearer my servant, likewise sent for the safe bringing of them unto their Lordships of the Privy Council, I thought it meet to the end both he and they might have the better and more convenient access unto you to accompany him with these few lines only to signify the same. I send the copy of Merriman's letter, which confirmeth that there cannot be gone above 300 of all the men which landed, neither have they now any one vessel left to carry the rest away; and since it hath pleased God by his hand upon the rocks to drown the greater and better sort of them, I will, with his favour, be his soldier for the despatching of those "ragges" which yet remain. [Autogr] p. 1. Incloses,

48. I. Capt. Nicholas Meryman to [the Lord Deputy]. The Spanish ship sent from M'Sweeny's country to the Out Isles of Scotland was wrecked near Dunluce, 18 Oct. 260 bodies washed ashore, with certain wine, which Sorley Boy M'Donnell hath taken up. 1588, Oct. 26, the Small Camp, Evaughe. Copy. p. ½.

Oct. 28. Dublin.

49. G. Fenton to Burghley. Importance of keeping Sligo Castle. The Lord Deputy's loyal zeal to march against the enemy. At my late being at Sligo, I found both by view of eye and credible report that the number of ships and men perished upon these coasts was more than was advertised thither by the Lord Deputy and Council, for I numbered in one strand of less than 5 miles in length above 1,100 dead corpses of men which the sea had driven upon the shore since the time of the advertisement, and as the country people told me the like was in other places, though not of like number. And touching the remain of the fleet, which by possibility might get back to Spain, many of the prisoners whom I examined upon that point affirmed that it was not like that of the whole navy, 40 ships, should return home, so great were their distresses, and yet most of them agreed that it was not unlikely but that the Duke of Medina Sidonia had already recovered Spain, which was verified here yesternight by a letter from St. John de Luz, of a late date, namely, that the Duke and Admiral Oquendo were newly come into Spain, but with 20 ships, and they sore bruised, and the men much weakened and almost starved. [Autogr.] p. 1.

Oct. 28. Dublin.

50. G. Fenton to Walsyngham. His suit to Her Majesty. The withholding Her Majesty's comfort from him so long disgraces him. pp. 2.

Prob. Oct. 28.

51. Note of three small requests of [Sir?] Geffery Fenton, one to have the rooms which Auditor Jenyson lately had in the castle of Dublin for keeping the records of survey, &c., now kept in Secretary Fenton's house, and two other requests respecting the parsonage of Dunboyne.

Oct. 29.

52. Privy Council to the Lord Deputy. Have given orders for sending over 2,000 soldiers under the command of Sir Thomas Perrot, appointed to be their colonel. And further, for your reinforcement in numbers of men, it is thought meet, upon conference with Sir John Perrot and Sir Edward Waterhous, that certain bands of soldiers entertained by Turlough Lynagh O'Neill, O'Donnell, and some other of the northern lords upon composition, which they suppose will amount to the number of 500 men, under sufficient captains, should be received into Her Majesty's pay, and so to continue during this service, if you shall think it convenient for the staying of them from the enemy or from the Irish. And for the other 2,000 that are appointed to be sent from hence, Sir Thomas Perrot is directed, with your liking and consent, to make choice of such captains to commit the leading of them unto as may be found in that realm, being in Her Majesty's pension, who it is thought are the fittest to have the charge of them, as being best acquainted with that country services. And because we perceive by your Lordship's said letters that the Spaniards are in such numbers, with the assistance of the Irishry, as you cannot well make head against them, we have thought good to advise your Lordship not to hazard the fight with them, except it be upon special and apparent advantage, until these supplies may come unto you. We think it meet also that special care should be had of the safe keeping of such prisoners of the Irishry as are in the castle of Dublin, lest, getting their liberty, they may join themselves and their followers with the Spaniards. And likewise that your Lordship give the like direction to Thomas Norreys, vice-president of Munster, touching Florence M'Carthy to be kept in more safety than we hear that he is. Draft, corrected by Burghley. Indorsed: Minute to the Lord Deputy. Entered. pp. 3.

Oct. [29].

Copy of the above. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 187.] p. 1. Incloses,

52. I. Schedule of 687s. 10s. issued for coat money, &c. 1588, Oct. 25. p. 1.

52. II. Proportion of munition to be sent to Ireland. 1588, Oct. 28. p. 1.

Oct. 28.

Copy of above. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 184.] p. 1.

Oct. 30.

53. Sir John Popham, Attorney-General, to Queen Elizabeth. Petition that the 30 horse allotted to him and his son-in-law, Mr. Rogers, may be changed into 90 foot. Restraint of the numbers of kerne. An English justice and a sufficient attorney to be appointed. General pardons to be surceased. Autog. pp. 2.

Oct. 30.

54. Memorial for Ireland. Sir V. Browne to hasten his return To appoint another Justice in Munster to be paid out of the composition money, and to give a competent allowance to the Justices of the circuit, p. 1.

Oct. 31. Dublin Castle.

55. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Walsyngham. The bearer, Mr. Wilbraham, Her Majesty's Solicitor-General for Ireland, is deserving of good pay and good reward. State of the composition and revenues. Autog. p. 1.

Oct. 31. Dublin.

56. Wallop to Walsyngham. To further Mr. Pipho to some other recompense, as Sir Pat. Barnewall has obtained his suit. Aut. p. 1.

Oct. 31.

57. Memorandum of the money imprested to George Beverley, Surveyor of the Victuals in Ireland, by Wallop, viz., 30,000l p. 1.

Oct.

Privy Council to the Earl of Pembroke. 1,500 Spaniards, or thereabouts, whose ships have been cast away on the north of Ireland, have combined with the Irish. Pembroke to levy men in Wales to send over under Sir Thomas Perrot, who is appointed colonel. Mr. G. Delves to take charge of such as shall repair to Chester and Beaumaris. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 190.] p. 1.

Oct.

Numbers of soldiers, viz., 2,000, appointed to be presently transported into Ireland. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 190.] p. 1.

Oct.

Privy Council to Sir Thomas Perrot. To take charge as colonel of the 1,600 foot to be presently sent into Ireland. Captain Jenkins appointed his lieutenant-colonel. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 193.) p. 1.

Oct.

Privy Council to certain port towns to provide shipping for the men that are to be sent into Ireland. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 193.] p. 1/2.

Oct.

Note of the sums of money, viz., 1,630l., to be disbursed within this realm for footmen to be sent into Ireland. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 189.] p. 1.