Elizabeth I: volume 166, September 1592

September 1592

Sept. 13. Colnyn.

55. C. Baron Delvin to Burghley. I have received intelligence that there is sent from hence by the Lord Deputy to the Privy Council an information tending to my prejudice. The matters informed (as I am told) are these. That I,amongst others of the English Pale, should have received into my house a bishop called Macrehe [qy. Dr. Creagh], a man odious, and "held in suspect" by the State, and that all the noblemen of this country do go to church, I only excepted. To the first, I say, touching myself, that the accusation is altogether false. I protest to God I neither received the said Macrehe into my house, or ever saw him at any time, or sent or received either letters or message from him. And this course I have held, not only with him, but also with all others that rest discontented or are ill thought of by the State. To the second, that all the nobility do go to church besides me, it is likewise untrue. And as I am neither to accuse or excuse any but myself, so shall there never be showed any just cause why I should be specially noted above the rest. But malice is the cause and ground hereof. And why? For that I with others of my sort delivered up certain articles of treason, wherewith Sir Robert Dillon stood charged to his Lordship, which though it were not very grateful to him, yet could we do no less in discharge of our duties to Her Majesty. The continuance of his favour towards this man, the injuries done to the Lord of Howth, and the ungodly practices used to overthrow myself and my poor brother (wherewith you shall be acquainted hereafter), do plainly manifest the same. This one thing we have yet to comfort us, that our vexation and troubles do grow for doing Her Majesty's service, which for his sake or any man's else living I will never desist from, inform what he list and as often as he will. If with more than these rehearsed I stand charged, my good Lord, let justice procure my answer. I desire but indifferent hearing. I stand at defiance with the world touching mine allegiance, for since my coming over hither I live so wary and retired to myself as no man living shall be able in particular justly to accuse me. Therefore I beseech you to be a mean that the credit due to the Deputy's place may not overthrow mine innocency before I be heard to speak for myself. It is here reported that Sir Robert Dillon's cause is put over to the Treasurer, Sir Henry Wallop, and one of Her Majesty's learned counsel at laws, to make report of to your Lordships of the Privy Council. As I am not to touch Sir Henry any manner of way in credit, so may I not in discharge of my duty to Her Highness, but advertise you that Mr. Wallop has been hitherto one of the most special friends he had, upon whom he most reposed himself. This much I assure you, also that his own hand is to be seen for manifest treason against him, as in relieving a notorious rebel in Connaught, called Teig Kieghe O'Kelly, in the time of his rebellion. A letter signed with his hand to that effect was delivered the Commissioners upon the re-examination. And Sir Richard Byngham will prove that the man was then in actual rebellion. I thought good to advertise you hereof, lest particular favour might drown this with other matters worth the looking on, to Her Majesty's loss of 500l. land, and the hurt of this poor commonwealth. I received a letter from a priest (now a prisoner in the castle of Dublin) called Shane M'Conganny. It imports that he will reveal great service for Her Majesty. He desires to be brought before the Lord Chancellor and Sir Robert Gardener to be examined. The letter being in Irish I translated it and delivered the same to his Lordship, who promised upon Sir Robert's return out of Munster to deal with the man. I greatly desire, my Lord, to see Her Majesty, if it may so stand with Her gracious pleasure, whereof I beseech you to advertise me. I protest to God there is nothing in this world I so much covet as to do that which may be acceptable to Her Highness, neither would I willingly live longer than I should rest assured of Her favour. I have sent you a horse as a remembrance of my observance, which shall never fail so far as my power shall extend, and so most humbly do take leave. [Autog. Seal, with arms.] pp. 2.

Sept. 13. The Clonyne.

56. William Nugent to Burghley. His sickness. Shane M'Congawney, a priest, is ready to declare great matters against Sir Robert Dillon. Sir Henry Wallop reckoned friendly to Sir R. Dillon. The Lord Deputy's good opinion of Sir R. Dillon and threats to William Nugent. [Autog.] pp. 2. Incloses,

56. I. Notes to be considered of in the examination of the matters informed against Sir Robert Dillon. 1592, Sept. 13. pp. 2.

Sept. 16. Kilmainham.

57. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Here arrived on Monday last the 11th instant Sir Geoffrey Fenton, Her Majesty's Secretary, together with my servants, Strowbridge and Quarles, which day I received your letters sent by my said servants, and the next day Her Majesty's and your Lordships' of the Council's letters with certain instructions brought by Mr. Secretary, all which the Lord Chancellor and I have perused, and will, upon the return of Sir Robert Gardener, see the several parts thereof duly executed, not omitting to do and perform what may be done in the meantime. And yet for mine own part, I have been so ill at ease for this seven-night past, as I have been forced to keep my chamber; but I thank God am now somewhat amended. Thus much I have made bold upon the sudden departure of this bearer to signify to you, meaning by my next more particularly and at large to write in answer to the same. By the private instructions I understand of certain services to be done by one Power of whom before I had never heard, but since have learned that he did arrive in Munster about a month past, where (as it is said) he is fallen sick. But upon his coming hither, the Council and I will consider what course is best to be taken therein, and accordingly do and advertise your Lordships of the Council of the same. I thank you for your honourable remembrance of me to Her Majesty upon my man's report touching the hard state of my body, which for these 18 months past has been more subject to infirmities than before, nevertheless I have not spared any travail that might any way further Her Majesty's service, nor will do so long as strength and ability of body will bear it. By the copy of Sir Richard Byngham's letter inclosed, you may partly perceive what effects have followed upon the coming in of Hugh Roe O'Donnell to Dundalk, who (as I have been advertised) upon his return home did not only make proclamation that all strangers should depart his country, but also wrote letters to sundry his bordering neighbours, exhorting them to live as should become dutiful subjects (which course he for his part intended to hold), and that if any of them did otherwise they should look for no friendship at his hand, for that he had sworn his duty and allegiance to Her Majesty and this State, and in that respect protested that he would prosecute any that should do the contrary with all the force and power he was able to make, all which I pray God he may faithfully perform. The 4th of this month here arrived from Liverpool one John Williams, assignee to Carmarthen, who showed me Her Majesty's license and grant for transportation of linen yarn, which if it had pleased Her Highness to have continued in her own hands, it would have grown within a very few years to have been worth 2,000 marks a year, if not 2,000l. But inasmuch as Her Majesty has so disposed of it, I have thought good to send you a note what benefit Her Majesty has received by it, since the 27th February last until the 20th August following (the best part of the year for that commodity being now coming), as also what has grown by the impost of corn. Since the receipt of your Lordships letters in that behalf, amounting to 156l. 13s. 4d., which for my time shall be continued as any merchants or other subjects will seek it. And where you in your last letters desire to be certified whether the Earls of Kildare and Ormond and the Lord of Dunsany did not subscribe to the matter of the composition, you may perceive by the copy inclosed how far forth they yielded their consents thereunto under their own hands. The state of the country generally at this present resteth very quiet. There is a rumour in Clandeboy, and those parts of the North, that a great number of Scots are coming hither upon a late agreement between Angus M'Connell and M'Alane [i.e., M'Lane]. If it might stand with your pleasure to write to the King of Scots therein, I hope if there be any such intention they might be stayed. As I was writing this letter I received yours in the behalf of the Lady Carew, whom I stayed not, but that she of herself would not go, unless the writings of Jacques Wingfelde in the desk, might be delivered over unto such men's hands as she thought indifferent, but not to me and the Council, and I suppose I wrote thus much formerly to you. I will use all the speed I may for her despatch. [Autog.] pp. 2¼ Incloses,

57. I. Sir Rd. Byngham to the Lord Deputy Fitzwylliam. The same day I removed with the forces from the Gysedenagh towards Burrishoole, the best of the Burkes came in to me, and within two days after the whole sept of Ulick (saving one or two of the Burkes, whose submission I refused, in respect they would have had the Joys upon their peace), together with the Clandonnells, Clangibbons, and O'Malleys, humbly sought for Her Majesty's accustomed grace and mercy, and the conditions being prescribed unto them, they wholly submitted themselves thereunto. They are to bear all the charges of this action, which will amount unto some 1,500 marks. They are to yield pledges for every principal sept apart (by which we shall have some seven pledges of the whole). And all harms to be made good, and restitution of whatsoever any subject can charge any of them withal. For performance of all which, I have already two sufficient pledges of the Burkes, namely, Edmond M'Tibbott and Tibbott Reogh M'Gibbon, who are to lie in until the rest be performed. Notwithstanding this conclusion, I passed all alongst the Owles from Burrishoole through the edge of the Joys' country, by the side of Lough Mask, till we came out again by Aghelehard, and so hither to Clonigashall, having left the footmen at a place called Ballinevon, within the barony of Ross, which we commonly call the Joys' country. At Burrishoole we met with our shipping, and from thence we drew them to Cahirnemarte, and there gave direction for their passage to the coast of the Joys country, for that I purpose to give a blow to the said Joys, if they submit not themselves to Her Majesty the sooner. Our shipping cleared all the islands, which otherwise would have been a great strength and succour to the Burkes, for there are above 360 islands, most of which are two or three miles about, and some far greater. Within a few days I hope we shall so tame the Joys as it shall be a warning to them whilst they live, how they combine again with rebels, for these Joys did never make show till a day before we entered the pass that they would join with the Burkes, but rather offered their service against the Burkes, being a sept that lie between the Burkes and O'Flalierties, and have in times past for the most part depended upon Sir Morogh O'Flaherty till this their combination with the Burkes, and now Sir Morough earnestly desires to have them plagued, wherein himself will assist the forces the best he can. Of all the countries in Ireland, I take it the Joys' country is of greatest strength and fastness. And for my own part I did not think it could have been so ill, but this journey has made me now a guide all Connaught over. Sir Edward Hastings and Sir Richard Dyer endured the journey very well, and are here safely returned, and in very good health. Thus you shall understand that all things here (in respect) are already brought to a very good end, and Her Majesty no way charged or hindered the value of one penny, but so honourable and good a pacification made, as has not been here a many years. Sept. 8, Clonigashall. Copy. pp. 1¼.

57. II. Note of the articles concerning the composition, whereunto the Earls of Ormond and Kildare and the Lord of Dunsany yielded their consents under their hands. 1592, Sept. 13. Copy. pp. 2.

Sept. 17. Lescartayam.

58. Declaration by Thomas Wackly delivered to the Bishop of Meath. I, Thomas Wackly, of the Navan, gentleman, in discharge of my duty do testify that upon the first Tuesday of this month of September, in the afternoon, there came into my orchard at the Navan the Lord of Trymleston and his eldest son, Mr. Dillon, of Proudston, and one Fynglas, a gentleman, with whom I being in company showing them that courtesy in my orchard which I thought meet for me, upon the sudden there came into the orchard William Nugent, brother to the Lord Baron of Delvin, who first desired all the serving men that were in the company to stand back from the Lord of Trymleston and the rest of the gentlemen in his company, and then he the said William Nugent came unto me, being in company with my Lord of Trymleston and the rest of the gentlemen before-named, and said to me as follows: "Brother Wackly, I understand that you have accused me." I asked him of what. "Marry," said William Nugent, "that I should have brought unto you a letter of my Lord of Delvin's which came unto me out of England to desire me to go over into England, whereunto it is said that you answered saying: Why should not you go over. And that I answered you" (said William)" that I wanted money." That you answered me saying," I will lend you money if you lack any," and that William Nugent then said to me that he could not go over into England for fear of making a breach in his conscience, lest he should be forced to swear the oath of supremacy. "And besides," said William Nugent, "you have accused me that I had a pension of the King of Spain, and by God's wounds," said William, "you lied in that, and I will try it upon your flesh or upon the flesh of any man that will say it, that that is a lie." "Marry," said William Nugent, "I might have said unto you that I had a pension from the Pope." To whom I answered, saying, "What have I to do with that?" "Why," said William Nugent, "will not you be sworn to tell me the truth whether you have accused me or not." Whereunto I answered, saying, "Brother Nugent, this is the first that ever I heard of this matter. Let me first know my accuser and then I will further answer you." And then my Lord of Trymleston and the rest of the gentlemen said, "Mr. Nugent, this is a sufficient denial.' Then William Nugent said to me, "I heard of this in England when I was there." And to my remembrance he said also that my Lord Treasurer of England told him of this when he was in England, which I think my Lord of Trymleston and the rest of the gentlemen then present will testify. "But," said William Nugent, "so long as there was none present but you and I you shall never be able to prove any such matter upon me." I do further testify that yesternight my wife, having been at Kilcarne, told me at her coming home that her sister, William Nugent's wife, made a challenge to her against me that I had accused her husband. "Marry," said my wife, "this is the first time that ever I heard of it." Whereunto Mistress Nugent answered, saying, "Well, it is certain he has done it, and if he have so done he shall dearly buy it." This she told me yesternight after her coming from Kilcarne. This is a true declaration, written and subscribed with my own hand. By me, Thomas Wackly. Indorsed, Mr. Wakelie's declaration delivered to the Lord Bishop of Meath. Received enclosed in a letter from the Bishop of Meath, at Naas, 18 Sept. 1592. Send this letter of Mr. Wakelie's to the Lord Treasurer, and keep a copy for myself. [Holog.] pp. 2.

Sept. 17. Rathfaruham.

59. The answers of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland to certain articles objected against him by Barnaby Ryche and Robert Legge, viz., 1. That by your commandment there are lacking and made out of the way so many recognizances as come to 24,000l. My answer to this article is, that if in this point I be found guilty I am very well worthy to lose my head. The diligence and care which I have always used to procure the payment of Her Majesty's debts in the Exchequer, and the great travail and pains which I have taken in the matter of the composition money at the Council table, known to the Lord Deputy and this whole state, will soon clear me of any wilful purpose to deceive Her Majesty of so great a sum, being an offence against my conscience which I would not commit to gain a kingdom; and this is my general answer to this article. Now, more particularly to answer the same, I confess that at my late being at Dundalk in July last, being there advertised by a passenger of good credit that Legge had an intention to lay this article to my charge, I was much troubled in my mind until I returned to Dublin, where I learned that one Thomas Say, who was clerk of the recognizances in the Chancery under Doctor Weston, and afterwards served under Sir William Geirarde as deputy clerk of the said recognizances under one Hollinshed, had delivered into Her Majesty's Exchequer an imperfect note of the names of certain men and of certain sums of money, as, for example, A to be bound in 1,000l., B bound in 500l., without shewing any cause or condition of the bond, all which recognizances were taken in Sir William Gerrard's time. Whereupon I called before me the said Thomas Say, now grown to age, and by sickness scarce of perfect memory, and commanded him to bring before me those recognizances at large, that I might see the conditions of them, and consider whether they were forfeited or no, who went and searched, but at the first found them not, which made me to threaten him with imprisonment unless he brought them to me. This Say sent presently into England to Hollinshed's wife at Chester to search among Hollinshed's books and writings for those recognizances, where many of them were found, and amongst other loose papers amongst Say's writings, by diligent search, all the rest are now found by him, and are delivered to the new clerk of the recognizances in the Chancery, amounting to the sum mentioned in the article, all which I have perused, and for anything I conceive of them they will not all be worth 40s. to Her Majesty. Where it is laid to my charge in the article that by my commandment these recognizances were lacking and made out of the way, I am most untruly charged therewith. True it is that considering Say to be an unmeet man to keep Her Majesty's recognizances, at my first entry into the Chancellorship I appointed another more meet man to serve in that place, and sent commandment unto Say to deliver over all such books of recognizances as remained in his custody to him that I appointed to serve in that office, who delivered certain books of recognizances which yet remain, but detained these, and delivered no part of these recognizances which are mentioned in the article. And this is the mistaking of the matter in Legge. For all recognizances taken in my time I see them orderly entered and kept, that it is apparent that Her Majesty in my time has not been deceived of one penny.

Article 2. You did let out a bishop out of the castle, that was sent from Rome without good warrant, which Romish bishop doth wander up and down and doth great hurt now in the north. I answer that true it is, that after the Romish bishop mentioned in the article, whose name is Connor O'Devana, had a long time continued prisoner in Her Majesty's castle of Dublin, being in extreme misery for want of relief, he preferred a petition to the Lord Deputy, who referred unto me, the Primate and Bishop of Meath to consider of the said petition, and to take such order therein as we thought meet, as more plainly appears by the true copy of the said petition and "referment" sent herewith. Which bishop being brought before us, willingly submitted himself not only to take the oath of supremacy, but also took his corporal oath ever afterwards to become Her Majesty's true and faithful subject, and especially in this, that he should reveal unto the Lord Deputy and Council from time to time any foreign or domestical practice against Her Majesty or this State coming to his knowledge; which oath he took with a most earnest protestation of his good and true meaning to serve Her Majesty. For which respect I and the rest were moved to take compassion of his miserable estate, and gave direction for his enlargement

Article 3. You hold pleas of debts and Crown land and tithes in the Chancery contrary to the laws of the realm. To this I answer, the counsellors at the bar and the judges will witness that I have often desired, yea and commanded in open court that the counsellors of the law should bring no cause either for debts, land, or otherwise in the Chancery, but at common law. Yet do they, I confess, prefer sometimes complaints for the said causes, adding and alleging therein such considerations in conscience to give jurisdiction to the Chancery as upon the show thereof without trial of the truth of the same, not resting in my knowledge I do accept the bill, and the defendants most commonly allowing the truth of that suggestion proceed in pleading. Whereby in justice, when that cause in conscience and equity alleged is not traversed, or denied by the defendant, I can no less do than hold plea of such causes. And though such suggestions were true and so allowed by the parties, yet if to my own understanding, or the matter growing in law doubtful by the advice of the judges upon the perusal of the bill, and sometimes upon hearing of the pleadings, the cause to move the court to hold plea be not sufficient, I do always remit the cause to "his" apt and meet court and place. For the plea of tithes few do come in question in the Chancery. Yet between Anthony Brabazon, complainant, and the Countess of Kildare, defendant, a plea of tithe being at point of decree, exception was moved, that by the statutes of the land, tithes were to be determined by common law. For my better understanding of the laws, I did call unto me the judges, as I always do in causes growing doubtful in law, whose opinions were that the Chancery might well hold plea thereof, the consideration moved in the bill being allowed and not denied by the party. For Crown land, which I take to be land whereof Her Majesty has the freehold or that the land is holden of Her Highness by rent and service, though both complainant and defendant assent to the ending and determining thereof in the Chancery, yet at all times, when such Her Majesty's benefit appear in pleading or by suggestion, and aid prayer of the parties, or by information of Her Majesty's learned counsel, I give time to search the truth thereof among the records, and finding the information true, I put the parties to sue by petition and sometimes to his traverse, and sometimes to his monstrance de droit, as the matter of the cause doth arise, and this is the course which I do use in all causes in the Chancery. And, for my trial, I call all the counsellors at bar, the clerks of the court, yea, and judges of the land, for my witnesses; all which my proceedings in causes of the Chancery, "is" as the judges of the law affirm, consonant and agreeable to ancient custom used in the court long before my time. And if this course of my proceedings shall be thought not to stand with Her Majesty's or your Lordships of the Council's good liking, I am very willing to follow what shall be prescribed unto me.

Article 4. You have used maintenance in a case of the Bishop of Meath, for certain titles grown by Michael Fitzsymons, a close prisoner for treason. To this I answer that to my knowledge the Bishop of Meath had no dealing in the cause mentioned in the article during such time as it depended in the Chancery before me; but the plaintiffs in that cause were two brethren of the Hetheringtons, the sons of an ancient servitor in this land, in the right of their wives, which were the daughters of one David Hetherington, a very good and valiant servitor. And because I understand this matter is aggravated against me and the Bishop, I will humbly make bold to acquaint you with the state of that cause, and of my proceedings used therein. David Hetherington obtained a lease from my predecessor, the Archbishop Curwen, for certain years, yet unexpired, of a little farm called the farm of the Furrows, within five miles of Dublin. This David made a will wherein he left the said farm to his wife Thomasin during her life, and after her decease to his children, which were two daughters, who are married to the plaintiffs in this suit. After the death of David, this Thomasin intermarried, first with one Pentney, and afterwards with one Michael Fitzsymons, the traitor, and about two years and a half since the said Thomasin died. Soon after the death of Thomasin these plaintiffs entered into that farm by virtue of David Hetherington's will and testament, but were resisted by Michael Fitzsymons, who kept the possession of that farm against all reason, and the rather because the said Thomasin, accepting of her legacy for the term of her life, proved the said will in a court of record, was sworn, and took upon herself onus executionis testamenti. Whereupon the plaintiffs, being but poor young men and servitors in Her Majesty's pay, not able to try their right with Michael Fitzsymons (a man of great alliance in the city and county of Dublin) by course of the common law, made their humble petition before me in the Court of Chancery, where the suit depended almost a whole year, during which time Michael Fitzsymons had many peremptory days assigned him to answer their bill, which he still refused to do most contemptuously. Whereupon the plaintiffs made petition to the Lord Deputy that Fitzsymons might be enjoined to answer, who directed me to learn the opinion of Her Majesty's judges, whether a man committed to prison and remaining in durance might be compelled to answer a bill preferred against him by orphans, and accordingly to deal in the cause. The judges resolved that because the case concerned orphans, and the complainants carried an apparancy of a wrong to be done by Fitzsymons, that Fitzsymons was to be compelled to answer their bill, so as order were taken, that his learned counsel might have access unto him, which liberty was granted to Fitzsymons by the Lord Deputy, and also that he might with his keeper travel to his house in the country to take the benefit of any writings he had. After which, being sundry times called to answer their bill according the orders of the court, he still persisted in his obstinate refusal thereof. Whereupon order was given according the order of the court, that the plaintiffs should prove their bill; and upon due proof thereof a decree was by me given on their side, but I stayed the execution of my decree until it might be known, what should become of Fitzsymons, upon whose attainder and execution the farm was seized for Her Majesty, together with the goods of that traitor. Then the plaintiffs made their petition before the Lord Deputy and Council, that they might enjoy the benefit of their decree, before whom and Her Majesty's judges, being purposely assembled for that cause, both my decree was confirmed, Her Majesty's claim to the farm considered of, and order taken that the plaintiffs should be put in possession of that farm, with this proviso, that if any better matter should appear for Her Majesty hereafter, the possession of that farm should be delivered for Her Majesty's use. For performance whereof security is taken, and bonds entered in the Council book. Since which time I learn the Bishop of Meath has purchased the Hetheringtons' interest, being but for 16 years to come, in that farm, for which he paid 80l.

Article 5. You maintain Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne in all his disorders, in whose countries you have fostered your children. To this I answer that I am greatly wronged to be charged with the maintenance of Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne any manner of way, and especially in his disorders, which I myself and my poor tenants have more grievously endured for these many years than all Ireland besides. It is well known that by his rebellions all the lands of my bishopric in these parts have been laid utterly waste. If either I should maintain or relieve such an enemy, whom above all other loose and dissolute men in this kingdom I wish to be chastised (if that may prevail to work his reformation, or else to be "extirped," for a terror to all of his sort and condition), I might be justly counted, both for the general state of this kingdom very careless, and for the maintenance of my own poor estate very inconsiderate and unwise, to cherish such a viper, from whom in all reason I can expect no other course or dealing but that which shall tend to the beggaring of myself and the undoing of my posterity. This, therefore, is a most shameless slander proceeding of mere malice without any ground or reason. True it is, that for Her Majesty's service sake, for furtherance thereof, and for no other respect, I have against my own nature yielded to temporize with Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne, and to draw him to the performance of his duty and obedience. I have ventured to send the dearest jewel I have in the world, I mean my eldest son, into his country to bring him to the Lord Deputy, which I did once only, and that upon a special occasion, when your Lordships of the Privy Council signified your pleasures to have him examined upon certain points in Sir John Perrott's cause. Then I sent my son for him and chiefly upon my word, being a man very fearful and full of distrust, he came to the Lord Deputy according to his duty, which thing I myself was earnestly entreated by the Lord Deputy to bring to pass. If this be imputed to me as a fault, as these base companions which are not worthy or meet to be acquainted with State causes do enforce it, my state is very dangerous, the consideration whereof I leave to you, protesting that in my life I never had nor mean to have any dealing with that man but for Her Majesty's service, for which I will endure anything. And where in the latter part of this article it is suggested that my children have been fostered in Feagh M'Hugh's country, I say it is a most shameless slander, for all the children which God has given me have been both nursed and fostered in my own house, within three miles of Dublin, and never in Feagh M'Hugh's country as most untruly in this article is alleged.

Article 6. You are touched with corruption and bribery for causes before you as Chancellor. I answer that I am greatly wronged in this article. If any one man that fears God, can be produced to charge me with either of these faults, I am contented to lose both office and credit, and I freely make this offer, that if upon the view of such decrees as I have given in the Chancery it shall appear, that I have swerved from the rule of law, or have not done that which in all good equity and conscience was meet for me to do, I am contented to make satisfaction to him that is grieved threefold. I have been advertised that Legge's meaning in this article is, for some pecks of malt received from the brother of Richard Meredyth, Bishop of Leighlin, the Bishop being then in England, which Legge construes to have been given me for giving a decree on the Bishop's side against one Parkins. For declaration of the truth of which matter; true it is, that upon Parkins' confession of a debt due by him to the Bishop of Leighlin, I gave a decree for the Bishop. And about a year after the execution of my decree, the Bishop of Leighlin's brother, the Bishop, Richard Meredyth, himself being then in England, understanding by my steward that my provision of malt was spent, having at that time a number of workmen building of a stable, did send unto my steward 20 pecks of malt, viz., 10 pecks oat-malt, and 10 pecks of barley-malt, which at that time were worth 50s., or thereabouts, which I myself knew not of, until a quarter of a year after, and then the Bishop of Leighlin, being returned out of England, conceiving that the malt was lent me, I charged my steward in the Bishop's presence, to see the malt which he had borrowed of the Bishop's brother paid back again, the Bishop denied to receive it, saying that he directed his brother to send it as a help to the workmen, which courtesy I accepted, and thanked the Bishop for it, and this is the truth of that matter.

Article 7. For disposing the livings of St. Patrick's upon your kinsfolk and alliance, and in keeping the Chancellorship of St. Patrick's in commendam to yourself. Your bestowing of prebends upon your sons, as one upon Edward Loftus, being here in England; another upon Adam Loftus, your brother's son; upon Adam Purdon, your wife's kinsman; upon Gilbert Purdon, your wife's brother; Godfrey Loftus, your kinsman; D. Conway, your kinsman; one Pratt, your kinsman; Thomas Leake, your schoolmaster; and in many of these, you are charged, after you have bestowed them, to take them in farm of the parties. Answer: Although it is not meet that men of Ryche and Legge's condition should meddle with the bestowing of ecclesiastical livings, yet for your thorough satisfaction, and to the end it may appear to you how much I am in every way wronged by these two lewd men, I will answer every particular point in this article. True it is that I keep the Chancellorship of St. Patrick's in commendam, and have so done these 13 years past, which I do by Her Majesty's special grant, who hath licensed me under the great seal of England, 20 years ago, to take in commendam for my better maintenance any ecclesiastical livings rated in her books under the value of 100l. per annum, and I content myself with this only benefice, being but rated at 37l. 10s. per annum I confess, likewise, that I have bestowed a prebend, without cure, upon my son Edward Loftus, being a toward Master of Arts in the university, whom I have dedicated to the ministry. And another upon Adam Loftus, my brother's son, being a Master of Arts of three or four years' standing, and entered into the ministry. For Adam Purdon, true it is, I bestowed upon him a poor living worth 10l. per annum, to maintain him at the university, and understanding that he profited not there, I have deprived him, and bestowed the same upon one that is a preacher and a Master of Arts. Gilbert Purdon is a grave man, a minister, one that keeps good hospitality, and is a good member of the Church. Godfrey Loftus is an honest poor man in the ministry, resident upon his poor living, which is but 10l. per ann. D. Conway is an ancient doctor of the civil law, a very honest and sufficient man in the ministry, very well worthy of a far better living in the Church than now he has. For William Pratt, he is a minister, a Master of Arts, and a preacher very well worthy of better preferment. Thomas Leake was indeed my schoolmaster for a time, and he is in the ministry, but he has no benefice of my collation, the benefice which he doth hold was given him by the Countess of Kildare. And where I am charged to be farmer to many of these livings, I affirm to your Lordship upon my credit that I am farmer to never one of these, but I perceive hereby the informers are not ashamed to set down any untruth.

It may please you, I am informed that Ryche has exhibited petition to the Lords and others of the Privy Council that six of my men lay first in wait for to murder him in the High Street of Dublin, and have since awaited on him in greater number. For your satisfaction I have thought good hereby to signify unto you, even upon my credit, that not one of my men ever yet drew his sword against him in the streets of Dublin or in any other place, save that only man whom he cowardly wounded before he could draw out his sword, who never dealt with him but at that only time when he was hurt, whereof I formerly wrote unto you in my letter of the 17th June last. Neither can it ever be proved that any of my men did ever lie in wait for him, as I hear Rich has most untruly alleged. For as I gave them strait and special charge not to meddle with Rich, so I undertake they have duly observed my commandment therein. [Autog.] pp. 12½. Incloses,

59. I. Petition of Conoghor or Conor O'Devana to the Right Honourable the Lord Deputy Sir William Fytzwylliams. In most humble manner maketh petition to your [Honourable Lordship], your poor distressed suppliant, Conoghor O'Devana, priest, [long a] prisoner in Her Majesty's castle of Dublin, that where in the government of Sir John Perrot, your suppliant was committed concerning matters of religion, and albeit your suppliant cannot deny but in those days he committed divers faults worthy of condign punishment, yet having received the hire thereof, being prisoner ever since, and heartily repenting him of his former wicked life, doth utterly denounce from henceforth ever to live in so disordered a manner of life, and therefore most humbly prostrating himself before your Lordship's merciful consideration, beseecheth your Lordship, even for God's cause, that he may be set at liberty to go and live among his poor friends, the rather for that he is now ready to starve for want of food, and hath no friends to become bound for him whom your Lordship would accept of, and [that] he utterly refuseth all favour or mercy from henceforth if ever he shall willingly transgress Her Majesty's proceedings in all causes of religion, and he shall pray, &c., vera copia, under the hand of the Lord Chancellor Archbishop Loftus. Indorsed, Conoghor O'Decana. 11 November 1590. Referred to the Lord Chancellor, Lord Primate [of Armagh], and the Lord Bishop of Meath [Thomas Jones], to consider of this petition, and to take such order therein as to them shall be thought meet. W. Fytzwylliam, copia vera under the hand of Archbishop Loftus. Damaged. p. 1.

Sept. 19. Dublin.

60. Attorney-General Charles Calthorpe to Burghley. May it please your honourable good Lordship, I understand by the report of this bearer, my man Warren, how much I am still especially beholding unto your Lordship in my cause at the Court, for which I may not nor will be unthankful as long as I live. It was expected that upon Sir Geoffrey Fenton's late return hither he should have brought a resolution thereof, but he has brought none. I was advertised that by the mediation of my honourable and good friends, amongst whom your Lordship was not the least, there was an order set down in the Council book for my restitution to my office, yet but in sequestration. And that since there has been a suspense of that order with an intention to place me in a higher office of more charge but less maintenance. I do most humbly thank Her Majesty and all my mediators, that it pleaseth Her Highness I shall any way continue in her service, which I am loath to leave, although I should serve for sixpence a day as a common soldier. But if it might please her that I might continue in my own place wherein I have had experience these eight years and more (and therefore fitter than for any other office) I doubt not but so to carry myself, and at my coming into England to render such a particular account of my service and knowledge of Her Majesty's cause in this country (whereof I hope there will be made some good acceptation). I am lately put in fear here by one that seemeth to know much of these causes at the Court, that there is an intention, notwithstanding that I have sent my absolute submission into England, and have made the same voluntarily in public court to the Lord Deputy here, and that I was the last and dealt least of any of the eight Commissioners, and yet have received more disgrace and hindrance than all the Commissioners except two, that this, notwithstanding, I shall be called into the Star Chamber (here named the Castle Chamber), and for this cause to be fined, &c. If it shall please Her Majesty that that course shall be taken with me, and that I be deemed in England equally culpable with the rest, and that in regard of equal and sincere justice (which I think after religion to be the next ornament of Her Majesty's most gracious government, and therefore thought not fit in my private particular, nor befitting her justice mixt with mercy, but that I shall be called into that Court) then I do cease, and give over further making suit to you or any other, and will betake myself to a private life and pray for Her Majesty and your Lordship and other my honourable friends, because I shall never be able to do Her Majesty any more other service. I protest coram Deo I am not the better by my office, nor any other means, since my coming hither forty pounds (if I shall be thus deprived). I am a younger brother, never but little worth, called from my practice in England by divers of my honourable friends, now dead, without my seeking, intended for my preferment by their honours, which now has contrary success, being amongst other respects not the least sorry, that this my offence and fortune shall be an occasion, as some think, to discourage other English officers to come hither, whereof Her Majesiy's service has much need. And thus humbly submitting and committing myself and my cause to Her Majesty and you with pardon for my tediousness beseeching you in the rest to give credit to this bearer, I take my leave. [Autog.] p. 1.

Sept. 22. Dublin.

61. Sir Geoffrey Fenton to Burghley. I could not arrive in any part of this land before the 12th of this month, though I put to the sea at Helbrye the 26th of the last, having been carried ever since by variable winds along the coasts of Wales from harbour to harbour, and at last so overtaken with a fearful storm within three leagues of the bar of Dublin, that for 12 hours the whole company looked to be devoured by the sea, and no doubt, had not God been present in his power and mercy, there would not a creature have escaped. I am still bold to remember you for a Chief Baron, who if he might be sent over to enter into charge at the beginning of the term, Her Majesty's service in the Exchequer would be the better furthered, and her profit more assured, for that in this term there is a great access of causes, and more good to be done for Her Majesty's benefit in that court, than in the whole year besides. It will be hard without the presence of a superior officer in that court, to avoid sundry prejudices which, through favour and partial dealing, may be wrought against Her Majesty; for though Mr. Justice Gardener, sitting sometimes in the Exchequer, may both help the weakness of the Barons, and see to prevent frauds and abuses, yet his principal charge being in the King's bench, he cannot so fully as were meet, answer the service of both places without doing wrong to one. The Commissioners that were long since employed into Munster for ordering of controversies amongst the undertakers, and for other services, are not returned, neither can I as yet advertise you of any part of their doings, for that I have not heard from any of them since my arrival. The day after my arriving here, Sir Richard Byngham wrote to the Lord Deputy of his late success with the Burkes, namely, that some part of them were come to conditions, and were to put in pledges, whose example I hope the residue will follow. If that province were once settled, and the hearts of the people won from revolting and stirs, Her Majesty might say that the realm of Ireland were in an universal quietness in all the parts thereof, but until there be a better liking and trust between the people of Connaught and their governor, it cannot be denied but still a gap will be kept open to greater alterations, both there and in other parts of the kingdom, and a mean left for the foreign enemy to put on foot his attempts, through the favour of such a faction as are the Burkes, the Joys, the O'Flahertys, and other that stand staggering and are discontented in that government. It may please you to remember the renewing of the commission for demising of lands and disposing of wards, and to name such Commissioners as will stand firm for Her Majesty's advantage, otherwise the commission will be of little profit. [Autog.] pp. 1¼.

Sept. 23. Cork.

62. Sir Warham Sentleger to Burghley. Concerning the controversy between Her Majesty and the pretended freeholders of Kirrywhirry. And also the controversy between the said Sir Warham Sentleger and Mr. John Cooper, a pensioner, concerning certain lands in Kirrywhirry in the county of Cork. p. 1.

Sept. 24.

63. Sir Richard Bingham to Burghley. Thanks. His innocency in the cause of Sir John Perrot. [Holog.] p. 1½.

Sept. 24. Gormanston.

64. Lord Gormanston to Burghley. His suite for his country of Mointerolis and other lands that were witheld from him by the late traitor O'Rourke. [Autog. Seal with arms.] p. 1.

Sept. 25. Dublin.

65. Sir Geff. Fenton to Burghley. That the restraint of his patent of general collector in the English Pale may be released. His losses while attending at court. [Holog.] p. 1¾.

Sept. 25. Clonigashall.

66. Sir Richard Byngham to Burghley. It may please your Honour, were it not that I assured myself that the Lord Deputy would from time to time advertise you of the success of things in this province (myself writing weekly to him of all my proceedings here in Mayo), I would not have been silent so long from writing to your Honour as I have been, and in that regard I do not doubt of your wonted most honourable consideration, purposing now by your Honour's license to inform you as briefly as I may of all circumstances in the late action here to the date hereof. After the Burkes and the rest had made their traitorous attempt in June last against myself and the Commissioners here in sessions time, they still made show as though they were desirous of peace, howbeit they refused to yield to any such reasonable conditions for points of their submission, as the State might be any better assured of their obediency than before, being indeed fed with a vain hope from Hugh Roe O'Donnel and his two Popish Bishops, James O'Hely and Neale O'Boyle, of foreign aid and I cannot tell what: and assuredly the combination which was made betwixt them and Hugh Roe O'Donnel, did greatly stir them to stand upon terms as they did, for I intercepted a bag full of Irish letters (the copies whereof I sent to the Lord Deputy) as they were going hence from the Burkes to the said Hugh Roe being carried by his own gallowglass, and withal sundry letters to the said two Popish Bishops, to whose judgment the Burkes offered to stand in all things betwixt them and Hugh Roe O'Donnel. Also it appears by the said letters that Hugh RoeO'Donnel had promised to come hither himself to join with the Burkes, and they in their letters conjured him greatly with terms of good will, and how they had wholly revolted from the English and would never be subject again to any foreigners (as they termed it) whilst they lived. Notwithstanding when they saw no performance of any promise by Hugh Roe, and that myself drew near unto them with a good force to prosecute them, they began to repent themselves of that which they had done, and by little and little did come to meetly good offers for points of their duties. I had prepared two barks, the one of a good burthen ownered by one Valentine Blake, of Galway, with four or five great boats or pinnaces to come about by sea to Burrishoole, and myself having lien long at the Gissaden within the boundary of Karro [Carra] about four miles from Castlebarry, and could not by any fair means draw the Burkes to submit themselves to Her Majesty but as they listed, which I saw was neither honorable nor assured, I gathered such force together as I had purposely caused to be in a readiness and addressed, with the assistance of the Earl of Clanricard, Theobald Dillon, and other companies of the province itself, and began to march (both horse and foot) towards the mountains. And the very first day that I removed from the Gissaden towards the Burkes, the captains of their gallowglasses, viz., Tirlough Roe M'Merkus and Phelim M'Merkus, the best of all the Clandonnells came in to me upon their knees, offering to stand to what conditions soever myself and the rest (in Her Majesty's behalf) should prescribe, and being thereupon received, they would not depart from me in many days after. Then the Burkes seeing the Clandonnells to have forsaken them, Edmund Burke M'Richard En Erin (the best of the sept of Ulick) came in great haste in to us the same day, offering in the behalf of all the rest to perform all such conditions as on Her Majesty's behalf, should be required of them; so the prosecution might be forborne and the Burkes received into Her Highness' protection. This submission was accepted and we diverted with all the forces, and took our next way to Burrishoole, forbearing in our march to commit any kind of spoil. At Burrishoole we met with our shipping and so continued there two nights all together. The shipping had done great service, for the same had cleared all their islands, which are in number above 360, and most of them two or three miles about, and divers of them much greater. Otherwise if the shipping had not been, both themselves and their cattle would have been relieved in those islands. From Burrishoole we removed to Carnemarte whither our boats came to us, and from thence to Awghagorie in the Owles; and at this place Tibbot Burke M'Richard En Erin came in to us, and agreed unto all things for the Burkes, O'Malleys, and Clangibbons, to be received into Her Majesty's mercy and protection, laying in his foster father, Edmund M'Tibbot and one Tibbot M'Gibbon, to remain as pledges, till the other pledges for the several septs should be brought in, and the other conditions be performed at full. Here we had somewhat to do with the Burkes, for that they would needs have had the sept of the Joys upon their peace (as they termed it) which myself would in no sort allow of. For indeed those Joys are a people that lie in the greatest fastness, I think, within all Ireland, for mountain, wood, and bog between the Burkes and O'Flahertys and are challenged to be followers of the O'Flahertys. But in the end the Burkes were contented to leave the Joys to deal for themselves, and promised to serve against the Joys if need were. The chiefest conditions laid down to the Burkes were these, viz., that every principal sept should lay in a several pledge, namely, the Burkes by themselves, the Clangibbons by themselves, and so in like sort the O'Malleys, as also the Clandonnells, by which we have divided them one from another. And upon all these septs (for of each name there are divers septs) we shall have nine or ten pledges. Next they are to yield 1,500 marks presently towards the satisfying of the companies of soldiers which were purposely erected for this action. And among divers other conditions they are within so many months to make restitution of all things committed by way of spoil upon any of Her Majesty's good subjects since the year 1588, for since this action began I kept them from doing one pennyworth of hurt to any subject next adjoining.

After we had thus ended with the Burkes and received their pledges, we marched along the mountains towards the Joys, and came to a place called Ballynonon upon the side of Lough Mask. Hither the Joys came, and presently submitted themselves to Her Majesty upon the like conditions that the Burkes did, namely, they are to pay 500 marks for their share towards the charges of the action, and have put in already three good pledges for continuance of their loyalties to Her Highness hereafter. And thus within one eight days it pleased God to bring this action to that good pass as I am sure the like was never made by way of pacification before within this county of Mayo. And if any pledges will assure the peace, or hold this people in subjection, we have as many of them pledges now as myself did require, and most of them men of action. It is strange that such beggarly septs should thus rise into action to hurt themselves only, and none else, for if they be prosecuted indeed a very small force will clean banish them the country, and yet all the temporizing courses in the world will never bring them to obedience after they once stand upon terms. Such are their wild natures that what grace soever is offered unto them from the State, and not sought for first by themselves they impute it to a weakness in Her Majesty to suppress them, and to their own strength and likelihood to prevail. But in very truth the rebellions of these people are carried still in the policy of three or four of their chief men, which in time of peace do live by the spoil of the rest under them, and in time of stirs do maintain their greatness, the inferior people and such as have any goods of their own being tractable enough to live in obedience. Namely, I find the Devil's Hook's son, Edmund M'Richard In Iren, and Tibbot M'Richard In Iren to be men of no possessions, or to have of any goods so much as half-a-dozen cows a piece, and yet in the peaceablest time that is, every one of them has daily attending on him 20 or 30 loose knaves, which he maintains upon the inhabitants of the country; and the way to reform this must be, as I take it, to lay here and there amongst them such small garrisons or wards as shall be able to match the loose and ill men, and defend the better sort against the tyrannies of the others; and then will he that has goods and wealth of his own be glad to depend on the State (finding the sweet thereof), and put to his hand to weed out the evil members, as I hope in God 'ere long be such a course shall be taken, as henceforth your honour shall not hear so much of the name of these Burkes. Since my coming to this country now, I have repaired this castle called Clonigashall, and another castle in Carra called the Gissaden, where I have placed a ward, and had masons and workmen ready to have gone in hand with the building up of Castlebarry, as the only place to settle a garrison in, whereby to divide the Burkes and the Clandonnells for ever. But this extreme wet weather coming on so suddenly I was forced to forbear it till March next if that season be "more fitter."After the aforesaid fine of 2,000 marks shall be taken up upon the Burkes and Joys, which the soldiers are now in hand withal, I will repair to Galway to keep sessions, and so to Dublin about my accounts, not doubting but before I go hence to take so good order for the establishing of a general quiet in this county as the same shall continue with better assurance than ever before, and Her Majesty in the meanwhile shall rather gain than any way lose or be hindered one farthing by anything that is done or shall be done here, assuring you that I shall be able at all times to give so good account of all my doings as shall well satisfy and like your Honour. There has no action fallen out here in any time wherein the Earl of Clanrickard has not shown himself very serviceable to the State as, namely, in this last occasion, which I humbly desire it might please you by letter to take knowledge of. For my cousin, Georgo Byngham, having several letters from you to the Earl and myself (as he has informed me) by mischance lost them both; so as if anything were contained therein which required answer I humbly beseech you to hold me excused as ignorant of your pleasure in that behalf. This province affords no news or other occurrence at this present, for all things now are generally very quiet, and Her Majesty's receipt of composition at this Michaelmas next like to be greater than at any term heretofore since the same was laid. I could wish that some means were made to get these two Popish bishops and arch-traitors that be with Hugh Roe O'Donnell, for they do much harm in seducing the ill Irishry and bad borderers, and by persuading them to fall from their duties. But for any belonging to this province I hope to keep them so under (and yet will do nothing but what shall be just and lawful) as what occasion of stir soever shall happen, they shall not be able to do much, neither shall Her Majesty at any time be charged to the value of one penny, or any good subject the worse, and yet this province had never so ill neighbours towards the north as it has now. For between Maguire and this new O'Donnell our rebellious borderers are still maintained, as, namely, they two only do relieve Brian Oge O'Rourke and myself may not deal with them what hurt soever they commit towards the subjects of this province; but the best is all of them I hope, shall not be able to do any great matter this way. Lastly, I have been made acquainted by my cousin, George Byngham, with the copy of Fowle's complaint, which he exhibited to Her Majesty against me, which I willingly would have answered now, if I had not thought the same would have been a trouble to you. But I humbly beseech you to suspend your judgment in that behalf, and if any shall think me guilty of any of those things wherewith he has most unjustly charged me, that it may please you to send for me over, to answer the same or any man else before your Honour face to face, and then let me receive due punishment or reproof according to my deserts; assuring you in the meanwhile that the man has most maliciously devised and forged those things against me, and not any one matter contained in this complaint does carry any likelihood of truth. But my hope is that you do partly know the man and what malicious disposition he has always been of, having an entertainment here from Her Majesty of 4s. 6d. per diem for himself, and 10 horsemen in sterling pay, for which he never did Her Majesty one hour's service since he first had the same. So humbly beseeching your Honour's most favourable construction and good acceptance hereof, I rest most ready at your Honour's commandment, and so take my humble leave. [Autog.] pp. 6.

Sept. 27. Oxford.

67. R. Wright to —. Touching a lease of Ferney. Ferney promised to Mr. Talbot for three years at 300l. rent per annum. Mr. Broughton. The plague in London doth increase. Mr. Reynoldes will solicit the suit. Imperfect. p. 1.

About 1592, Sept. 27.

68. Part of a bond between John Talbot and the Earl —. Connected with the above. Imperfect. p. 1.

Sept. 28. Kilmainham.

69. Lord Deputy and Chancellor Loftus to Burghley. Being abroad in Leix, at my return I received the 26th of this month a letter from the Bishop of Meath with a faculty or dispensation therein to William Nugent from the traitor the Bishop of Derry, the originals of both which you herewith shall receive, the one being as well known to be the traitor's hand as the other is the Bishop of Meath's. What Her Majesty's pleasure and your Lordship's is to have done with William Nugent, who is quiet for anything I know at his house, and up and down the country, I humbly rest to know, but a most dangerous man, if time and power would serve, he now by this manifestly appears to be. The country for quiet is as at my last I wrote to you. The Chief Justice and Solicitor are not yet returned, from whom "I heard not" since I sent them the Queen's letter. I durst not trust any with this matter but the Lord Chancellor, and have made bold thereupon to trouble you with my bad scribbled hand to the end my man should not be acquainted with any part of it. [Holog. of the Lord Deputy.] p. ½. Inclose,

69. I. Thomas Jones, Bishop of Meath, to the Lord Deputy. I send you here inclosed a faculty or dispensation from a Romish prelate, whose heart has been fraught with treason even from his cradle, to a gentleman of this country, who bewrayeth himself in his colours, to be a very meet scholar for so ungracious a master. When you have read the enclosed writing and duly considered the parts and contents thereof, I know you will wonder how it came to my hands. But since it stands with the justice of God to discover falsehearted and disloyal subjects to so gracious a prince (be their practices and dissimulation never so deep or covert) we are taught now by experience to learn both these sayings be true; that albeit pravum est cor hominis et inscrutabile, yet nihil est occultum, quod non revelabitur. The writing enclosed is known as well to be the handwriting of that traitorous Rome-runner, the Bishop of Derry, as it is known to you that this my letter is written all with mine own hand. The mean whereby this writing came into my hands was truly this: The messenger that was sent to bring this faculty to William Nugent, in his return from the north came through Kells, where, either being overcome with drink, or upon some other occasion, he began to quarrel with a young man of the Plunketts, a scholar. As they were struggling, this writing fell from him. The young man took it up. The curate of the town coming by by chance at that instant, espying this writing in the young man's hand, snatched at it, and by that snatch the tearing which is in the first line happened. The curate ever since that time kept within a book the enclosed paper, until within these three days that he discovered unto one Harry Plunkett, a friend of mine, thus much, in a generality (that he had found a letter, lately sent to William Nugent from a Bishop of the Derry.) This Harry Plunkett came to Ardhrachan and informed me of the curate's speeches to him, whereupon I presently sent a discreet man for the said curate, and from him received this writing inclosed. And now conceiving it to be an unmeet relick to remain in my custody, I have in duty thought good with all speed to send it to you, having truly made known to you the manner and means how it came to my hands. This one point I forgot to signify to you, that the curate informed me that the messenger used all possible means, and offered money to get the writing again. Ardhrachan, 22 Sept. [Holog.] p. 1.

69. II. Faculty by Remundus Derensis Episcopus ac Primatis locumtenens to William Nugent to hold lands, possessions and tithes pertaining to churches and monasteries. In Cœnobio de lios gabhail, 19 Aprilis, 1592. [Latin.] p. ½.

Sept. 28. West Chester.

70. Mr. Ralf Lane to Burghley. His suit for the custodiam of the castle, town and abbey of Sligo, barony of Carbery, castles of Bondrois and Beleek, the fee farm of the castle and lands of Ballyshannon, and the abbey of Asheroe. [Autog.] pp. 2. Incloses,

70. I. Sir R. Bingham to Ralph Lane, Esq., muster master of Ireland. Recommends the house of Sligo and the barony of Carbery as a fit residence for him having a great country and some of the best land in Ireland. 1592, August 3. Clonigashall in Mayo. pp. 2¼. [Autog. Seal with arms.]

Sept

71. Description of Thomond or the county of Clare, in Burghley's hand. pp. 2.

Sept.

72. Petition of Donough M'Cormack, alias M'Donough [M'Carthy] of Keanturk, gentleman to the Privy Council. That where your suppliant after long and tedious suit, both in the realm of Ireland and also in England, recovered against one Darby M'Owen before the Lord Deputy and Council of the said realm, after hearing and long debating of either party's title and depositions on either side duly taken; and all things duly proceeded in so far as law or equity did require, the castle of Keanturk, Carra, and all other the lands, tenements, and hereditaments, belonging to M'Donough or chieftain of Dowhally for the time being. The said Lord Deputy and Council having proceeded to the hearing and determining of the said suit by virtue of Her Highness' and your Honour's several letters to them directed in that behalf, and being put in possession accordingly, the said castle of Keanturk and Carra with the lands and other the premises to the same belonging so duly recovered, were sequestered, and the said other lands belonging to M'Donough, of which your petitioner had order against the said Darby as may presently appear, were delivered to the said Darby by virtue of certain letters procured by the said Darby from your Honours, bearing date the 23 of December 1591, which letters were laboured and obtained by the said Darby upon untrue and false informations which your suppliant is ready presently and sufficiently to disprove. The same considered, and in respect of your suppliant's good service heretofore done to Her Majesty, as by evident testimony thereof may presently appear, and in regard that your orator and his tenants have after fallow made upon the said lands so duly recovered, and their corn sowed and the same well approved, been driven to give over the said lands, and the said Darby possessed thereof to your suppliant's damages of 1,000l. sterling, he and his said tenants being by means thereof utterly undone. It may therefore please you to direct your letters to the said Lord Deputy and Council for restoring your suppliant to his former possession according to the said decree grounded upon your suppliant's undoubted right. And for dissolving the said sequestration. And that your petitioner may have his surrender accepted of the said lands, and rehave the same again by English tenure according to the effect of Her Majesty's and your former letters directed in that behalf, ready to be showed. p. 1.

Sept.

73. Petition of Donnogh M'Cormock, alias M'Donnoghe of Keantuirck, to Burghley, against Dorbe M'Owen for Dowhallie. Prays that the sequestration procured by letters of 1591, December 23, may be dissolved. With topographical notes as to Dowalla and Canturk, and sundry genealogical tricks relating to Donough M'Cormock Carthy Oge Beg, who married a daughter of the White Knight. Derby M'Owen M'Carthy, who married a daughter of the Lord Roche. The Lord of Dunboyne, who married the widow of M'Carthy Reagh. And the Seneschal of Imokilly. All in Burghley's handwriting. pp. 2.

Sept.

74. Petition of Dermod M'Carty to Burghley, for the revoking of a letter from the Privy Council to the Lord Deputy and Council, lately procured by Donoghe M'Cormack Begg to the petitioner's undoing. p. ½.

[Sept.]

75. The state of the cause of Dermod M'Owen M'Carty. With the effect of his requests. p. 1.

[Sept.]

76. Privy Council to the Lord Deputy and Council. Revoke all former letters, either in behalf of Donoghe M'Cormock Oge Begg M'Carty, or of Dermott M'Owen M'Carty. The Council have considered of the cause, both parties being present, and direct that they may have the benefit of law. [Draft.] p. 1.

[Sept.]

77. Petition of Richard Gyfford, son-in-law and agent of Sir Henry Duke to Lord Burghley. For payment of 600l., due to Sir Henry at Michaelmas, 1592. p. 1.