Elizabeth I: volume 173, March 1594

March 1594

March 3.

70. Mr. Richard Gifforde to Burghley. For payment of 600l. due to his father-in-law, Sir Henry Duke. Autog. p. ¾.

March 3.

71. Stephen Barran to Burghley. For some portion of this treasure for Ireland. Holog. p. 1.

March 4. The Court.

72. Thomas Edney to Burghley. The great extremity of Sir Henry Bagenall for want of pay. Holog. p. ½.

March 5. London.

73. Alexander Mainwaringe to Burghley. For payment of 200l. to Sir Edward Herbert, now employed in this northern service. Holog. p. ¾.

March 5. In England.

74. Information by Piers Hackett, R. Rokeby, and Richard Young, of divers conspiracies which were laboured in to be brought to light, but some that undertook the service have revolted from performing the same, and are now at this instant here in England. Autogs. pp. 3.

March 5.

75. A true and perfect note by Piers Hackett of such Romish Bishops as are now in Ireland seducing Her Majesty's subjects from their obedience, and cursing Her Highness with bell, book, and candle. pp. 4.

March 6. Dublin.

76. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Report that Sir Owen O'Sullivan is suddenly departed into England. Pray their Lordships will take knowledge of their proceedings, which are chiefly agreeable to their Lordships' directions, grounded upon the equity of the whole cause between Donnell O'Sullivan and his uncle Sir Owen, for the countries of Beare and Bantry. p. 1.

Mar. 6. Knockfergus.

77. Charles Eggarton, Constable of Knockfergus, to the Lord Deputy. After the spoiling of Randal M'Neece's people, the first day of this month James M'Sorley Boy M'Donnell took from Neale M'Brian Ferto O'Neill, of Claneboy, about 200 cows. The next day after Art M'Baron's son and Neale M'Hugh M'Felemie being in number about 400 men, took Marshal Bagenall's stud, and have put them over the Bann, since which time they have threatened the burning of this town, only attending the coming of more horsemen unto them from beyond the Bann, for their better ability to enter the country. Beseeches that some consideration may be had for the defence of this country and the preservation of this Her Majesty's town, which is at this instant in a very weak state. Shane M'Brian Ferto and Randal M'Neece, with whom I have had some conference since their return from the Newry, seem to be afraid of speedy troubles in this country by direction forth of Tirone, and they affirm that James M'Sorley Boy doth nothing but by instructions from thence (Tirone). Nevertheless he pretendeth that the cause of his taking the pledge or prey from Neale M'Brian Ferto was for that his people have lately received divers stealths taken from him by the M'Quillins forth of the Route. Extract. p. ½.

Mar. 6. Dublin.

78. Sir Ralph Lane to Burghley. Hugh Roe O'Donnel would have broken down Ballyshannon, but his mother dissuaded him from it, assuring him that it might be defended with his own forces. The rebel Maguire has 700 galloglas and kerne besides 140 shot. Remembrance of his suit for the government to be established in Tirconnell. Autog. pp. 2.

Mar. 7. Carrickfergus.

79. Michael Savage, Mayor, to the Lord Deputy. Art M'Barron's son with Neale M'Hugh has taken Marshal Bagenall's stud, and put it over the Ban. Their intent to burn Carrickfergus. Extract. p. ¾.

Mar. 8. Carrickfergus.

80. John Dallway, Sheriff of Antrim, to the Lord Deputy. My good Lord I received in the Newry, the first of this month, a proclamation from your Lordship for the rising out of the gentlemen of the county of Antrim, whereupon I made my repair home, at which time I found both the town of Carrickfergus (and also the country are) in such extreme fear, as that it is hard to keep any of the gentlemen of the country together, but such as are protected by the Scot, Randal M'Neice. Whereupon I have entertained some fifty shot of the country to keep the inhabitants together, to my great charge, and both do and would assemble the country together, but we are not as yet of force to make our "partie" good with them that do keep upon our country which is Brian M'Art M'Baron and his brother together with Neale M'Hugh M'Felomy (who have in their company some 50 horsemen and 300 footmen, by report of those who see them, lying now in a place called the Fews 14 miles distant from hence. They have killed a gentleman of the country, one Rory Magee, and threaten the inhabitants that if they will not yield to their malicious pretence that then they will prey them, take their spoil, and kill the poor inhabitants, which if here were but the garrison of the town, there would be present order taken with them, before they should by their forces draw the country to them. The second of the instant March, James Oge M'Sorley Boy M'Donnell took from Neale M'Brian Fartough the number of 200 cows, besides garrans and other spoil, and doth threaten to make his repair thither again both with his own force and also the force of Art M'Barron's son and Neale M'Hugh, except he promise to give him two horsemen's apparel after the Irish order which will be worth 100l. sterling, with condition that he shall not make challenge of any of his goods formerly taken. I forbear to advertise your Lordship of the taking of Mr. Marshal's stud and O'Hagan's prey, which Mr. Marshal did advertise your Lordship of at my being in the Newry. Here is like to be great harm done, if you do not prevent it in haste, and a small force would now prevent their malicious attempts, which if they once have, will not be got in haste, as well to keep all the gentlemen and best of the country together, as also some strong ward to be put in Eden-duff-carrick (Shane's Castle) which, if it should be lost, all the country lieth open ; and that is the only mark that these fellows shoot at. It bordereth upon Killultagh and all the fastness of Tirone, and so leaving all things to you to consider of wherein I desire your Lordship's speedy answer, I mean to keep these men formerly named together upon my own charge, with as many as will come to me, until I receive your answer. Copy. p. 1¼.

Mar. 9.

81. Sir Wm. Weston to Sir John Puckering, Keeper of the Great Seal. The spoils in Louth and Meath. The forces under Sir Henry Duke appointed for defence of the Pale.

Mar. 11. In England.

82. Richard Weston (fn. 1) to William Pratt, in St. Patrick's, Dublin. To solicit Sir Therellagh O'Brien to pay the 44l. he owes him. His surety Mr. John Darbiesheire is said to have bought the customship of Dublin. Dr. Roger Lopez is condemned to die for great conspiracy against Her Majesty. p. 1.

March 12.

83. Sir H. Wallop to Burghley. Certifies that certain sums are due to Mr. John Tirrell for the keeping of the ward of Dungarvan. Mr. Walcott's claim. p. 1.

March 12. Dublin.

84. Sir Geff. Fenton to Burghley. For reformation of disorders in his office of surveyor. p. 1.

March [14?].

85. Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy and Council for the appointment of Sir Robert Gardener and Sir Richard Bingham to be Lords Justices in case of the Deputy's sickness continuing or his death. Beleek and Bondrowes to be warded. The articles and directions for the benefit of Ireland. Draft, with corrections by Burghley. pp. 2.

March 14.

86. Certain material points contained in certain articles sent by Her Majesty to the Lord Deputy and Council, answered 31 May 1592, wherein Her Majesty desires to be fully answered concerning the state and government of Ireland. pp. 2.

For these articles at full see 1592, May 31, with the answers then returned. Vol. IV., p. 503–507.

March 15. Dublin.

87. Florence M'Carthy to Sir Robert Cecil. The Lord Barry has gone to England contrary to the pleasure of the Lord Deputy and Council. Prays Sir Robert to be a mean that the Lord Barry may not obtain any letters to hinder the writer of the benefit of his recognizance and forfeiture. p. 1.

March 16.

88. Memoranda by Burghley of certain articles heretofore sent that are to be answered now at the return of Sir Wm. Fytzwylliams. All in Burghley's hand. pp. 4¾.

March 16. Drogheda.

89. Lord Chancellor, Sir R. Gardener and Sir Anthony St. Leger, Commissioners, to the Privy Council. Report. Recommend a pacification by pardoning Maguire, revoking Sir Henry Bagenall's commission, and removing Capt. Henshaw from the government of Monaghan. The numbers of men and cost required to chastise the rebellious if force should be resorted to. pp. 2. Inclose,

89. I. Journal of the proceedings. On Sunday, the 10th of March immediately after dinner, Henry Hoveden, the Earl of Tirone's man, came unto us and told us from the Earl, that he was so afraid to be deprived of his life that he durst not come to us to Dundalk, for he feared when he were there, the Lord Deputy and Mr. Marshal might deliver us some direction to apprehend him, and that the Earl was not so great a man as Sir John Perrot was, who was overthrown by the devices of the Lord Deputy and the Marshal. In the end Hoveden said that the Earl and O'Donnell would meet us at dinner the next day at Sir John Bellew's [marginal note, one mile from Dundalk], so that we brought no soldiers with us. After some consideration we answered that it was not honourable for Her Majesty that we being Commissioners sent in Her Majesty's name, should commit ourselves to the trust of the Earl, and O'Donnell seeing they refused to come to us to the town, we used many reasons to put that vain fear out of their heads. In the end, we asked him whether he had any more to say unto us; yea said he the Earl and O'Donnell, willed me to ask you what you meant to do with Maguire, O'Rourke, and them of Connaught, and with the rest that are out. We said that this should be answered when the Earl and O'Donnell themselves should come unto us. Mr. Gerot Moore came unto me the Chancellor, after 8 of the clock upon Sunday night, being the 10th of this March, and told me that the next morning he would go to the Earl as he was appointed by me and the rest, and desired to know if I would send any special message to the Earl. Nothing, said I, but use all the reasons you can to persuade the Earl to continue in his duty to Her Majesty. Mr. Moore answered, I have done so this day, when I was with him. And amongst other reasons I used this, that he was not so mighty as the Earl of Desmond was, nor Shane O'Neill, who both in short time were overthrown by Her Majest's forces. One of the Earl's men that stood by answered when Shane O'Neill was overthrown we had Tirconnell our enemy, but now we are joined together. On Monday, the next day, after dinner, Captain Lee went from us the Commissioners to the Earl to use all good means he could to draw him to come in; and also to descry to the best he could the Earl's intent and strength of men. And that day, we receiving a letter from the Earl and another from O'Donnell, we wrote an answer to O'Donnell's letter which we sent by Birmingham, the pursuivant, in the same Monday night with this caution to him, that he should, before the delivery of this letter, talk with Captain Lee, and if he found by him that the Earl would come in the next day, that then he should not deliver the letter, but if he should say that he would not come in to us, neither would meet with any of us the Commissioners a mile out of Dundalk, that then the letter should be delivered. On Tuesday morning very early we requested Mr. G. Moore to repair again to the Earl to persuade his coming in the best he could. And if he could not be drawn to Dundalk that rather than fail one of the Commissioners would meet him, with some two or three with him, as before he himself had requested, the better to persuade his safety to come. And if none of these means would serve then to cause Birmingham to deliver the letter herein ; we were the more earnest for that we saw the great mischief that otherwise by the Earl's going out would fall upon the English Pale, and the great fear the country had of it, and their unwillingness to serve, and small or no preparation to resist his present incursion, the Earl and O'Donnell having in a readiness in the Fews and between that and Armagh, as we were credibly informed by spial two thousand men at the least, besides many others lately mustered in Tirone, and a certain expectation and that presently of Scots, and the same Tuesday, Gerot Moore returned about nine of the clock in the morning, and assured us that the Earl was coming after and desired to speak with Sir Robert Gardener, one of the Commissioner's at Castleton, Sir John Bellew's house, who by our agreement presently prepared himself, and as secretly as he could, went out of the town with some half dozen with him, of gentlemen to meet with the Earl at the said Sir John Bellew's house, but I the said Sir Robert coming near the gate of the said Sir John found not the Earl there, but espied about a mile from thence a good number standing upon divers hills, and the said Earl coming with him about twenty horses and three score on foot, but seemed not to intend to come to the said Sir John's house, whereupon I, the said Sir Robert, proceeded further about half a mile towards the said Earl, and having full view of him I lighted upon a hill sending word unto him that if he would with O'Donnell come unto me, I would there stay, so the said Earl staying all his company about twenty score from me came unto me. And upon our meeting I said unto him; I was at his desire come to speak with him, and required him to speak his mind without danger. But he said what is it you will say unto me, then I said by his letter to the Lord Deputy and Council he promised to bring O'Donnell to Dundalk to meet with such in commission as should be sent, according to which we were come; he answered he did not promise to come thither, but to the borders thereof. And after entered into a long discourse of his good services towards Her Majesty with recital of some particulars, and so descended to discourse of his many griefs and injuries done to him by the Lord Deputy and Marshal, whereof he mentioned the accusations of them touching his loyalty, affirming they had used many hard practises against him in seeking his life, which he would keep as he could, adding further that though he trusted us the Commissioners, and knew no wrong would be done with our privity, yet he stood satisfied we were abused, for, said he, the Deputy and Marshal have not only procured a warrant from England to apprehend me when I shall come in, but also intend by all devices as formerly they have done, especially at their last being at Dundalk, to seek my life ; which was most dear unto him. And said this he could prove, but must not discover the means. And weeping, said he had received many favours from Her Majesty, and had been and would be most faithful unto her in spending his blood, and would willingly leave his country unto her and remain at her pleasure to have his life defended. Saying further he had spent his blood and three thousand pounds in this last service against Maguire, which he knew could not have been performed without him; but never received thanks, which he only desired, but disgraces therefore ; and the whole credit given to his enemy the Marshal, saying he perceived the plot intended by the executing of the late M'Mahon, and next by the coming of Captain Willis with great force into Maguire's country, saying there would be the like course against others; and that although he knew himself guiltless of any treasons against Her Majesty, yet he should be accused of some other small offences, as by having some traitors in his country, or their goods, or for some burning or borderages done by some of his followers which he could not help, nor did well know the danger thereof. And said in such manner had others been dealt withall, but still continued lamenting, with many protestations that he would be loyal unto Her Majesty, but inveighing strongly against the Marshal with many other speeches. But I, the said Sir Robert Gardener, interrupting him, said I was not now come to hear rehearsal of his own services, nor to hear the wrongs unto him done, as he mentioned, but to offer him safety of his life and liberty, if he would come to us the Commissioners. And I did recite many particulars of Her Majesty's favours and bounties towards him which he confessed. And I used many persuasions for his coming to us with O'Donnell, and required him to go to his company and bring the said O'Donnell with him. So he went his way, and after conference with the said O'Donnell and the rest of his said company, about one quarter of an hour after, the said Earl and O'Donnell came to me, and the Earl, leaving with me O'Donnell, departed some small way from me. I then used many speeches with the said O'Donnell touching his coming to us the Commissioners, saying the Earl had promised he should come unto us, and I demanded the causes of his absence. And because I conceived although he did understand English yet could hardly speak it, I called Sir Henry Duke to interpret his speeches, by whom I did learn that he said, he and his ancestors had always been loyal to Her Majesty, and so he would continue, but stood in danger of his life, and feared practises would be used against him. I used many like persuasions as formerly to the Earl for his coming in unto us, with the like assurance for his safe stay and return from us at his pleasure, and said the Earl had authority from the Lord Deputy to give protection, which he knew was ever performed. But he still alleged his fear, but after many speeches passing betwixt us, he said he would send unto us, his griefs with demands in writing; and after our answer unto them, he would answer further touching his coming unto us, for said he, if I shall come unto you and not be satisfied to my content, I shall return more discontented than now I am, unto which I the said Sir Robert answered, that we the Commissioners had our authority to parley with him with his safety, but could not receive his mind in writing. And I did reprove him in that he stood in such terms, but gathered by many his speeches that he would be ruled by the Earl, whereupon I did leave him, and went to the said Earl and delivered unto him most part of the said O'Donnell's speeches. And I said I perceived that O'Donnell would be ruled by him, and his not well doing would be accounted his fault, meaning the Earl. And after more than two hours spent in speeches with them, I said, I go to dinner to Sir John Bellew's, being near by, for so I had promised. And desired the Earl to go with me to Sir John Bellew's house, and to bring O'Donnell, where we would talk further, and where they might remain without danger. The Earl answered he must first go unto his company to persuade them, and wished me to go before and he would follow. So I went to the said Sir John's and there dined, but the said Earl came not nor heard I of him till after dinner. And then message came unto me that the said Earl with a great company were at the gate, but would come no further, so then I took horse and rode out unto them, where were many on horse beside footmen, amongst whom was the said O'Donnell, Cormock the Earl's brother, Turlough M'Henry, the Earl's half-brother, Sir John O'Dogherty, Sir Art O'Neill and his brother Henry Oge M'Henry, the Earl's son-in-law, Ever Roe M'Mahon, with many others which followed the Earl and I myself [and we proceeded] towards Dundalk, where the said Earl and I repeated some of our former speeches, and then again I required him to go with me, using many reasons to persuade him to go. But in the end he said he stood in fear of his life and durst not go, neither would his company suffer him. Now said I, I perceive your meaning, and that Her Majesty's expectation is deceived and all her favours and bounties lost. And now, said I, I am more grieved to see by your ill carriage so much blood of innocents as of children and women like to be spent, whereof though you have no care of your duty, yet should you care for them, and not cause so great a misery, and said Her Majesty could not otherwise do with honour and safety, but still the Earl continued, saying he would be loyal, and what he would do should be only in defence of his life. Herewith came some of his followers riding unto him, willing him to depart and to turn with them. Then said I unto the Earl, I am sorry to foresee your end. And, said I, doubt you not but many of these forward fellows seeing hereafter your miserable estate will forsake you, and therewith offering my hand said unto him, I now leave you for ever. Then he, much lamenting with tears, said, I pray you let me not lose you, that hath been my dear friend. Then said I, you have not lost me until you first lost yourself. And so did take him by the hand. Therewith his company again hastened his return, wherewith he turned his horse towards them, and yet did take me by the sleeve, saying, I pray you send Tom Lee with me, meaning Captain Thomas Lee. I will, said I, and so the said Captain with Mr. Gerald Moore returned with him. And I with the rest came towards Dundalk, and after I had delivered unto the rest of the Commissioners most part of the speeches I had had with the said Earl and O'Donnell, the said Captain Lee and Mr. Moore came unto us from the said Earl, saying now there was no hope, for they were in danger and threatened by the Earl's company, and some of them, viz., O'Donnell and some of the others, thrust their staves towards their breasts, willing them to depart, and if they returned they would kill them, whereupon the Earl was greatly grieved, willing them the said Captain and Mr. Moore to depart and come no more, whereupon they departed and came unto the Commissioners, but yet within small time after the Earl sent unto Captain Lee, saying if he might have a protection he would come unto us, which we granted, upon which the said Earl the same evening came [in margin "The Earl came to the Commissioners upon protection" in Burghley's hand] unto us, and required he might have time to deliver unto us his griefs in writing, which being granted he spent all the next day in framing and writing thereof, and delivered them unto us the next day, being Thursday, upon delivery whereof we disliked of many articles, and in some we prevailed, whereupon he prayed time to alter them, and then bringing them again unto us, yet we greatly disliked of some of them and especially of the first, but he then being somewhat earnest said he would make no further alteration, and said he would complain of us to Her Majesty if we received them not as he now had delivered them, and pressed us to promise we would send them to Her Majesty without alteration. Signed by the Chancellor, Gardener, and Sentleger. Indorsed in Burghley's hand: The Earl of Tirone and O'Donnell's parley with Sir Robert Gardener. March 8–15. Autogs. pp. 6.

89. II. Earl of Tirone's griefs delivered to the Commissioners, at Dundalk. Complaint against Thomas Henshaw, now Seneschal of Monaghan, and William Moate, vice-constable of the fort. Calendared. Carew, Vol. III., p. 87, No. 137. Copy. Autogs. of the Chancellor, Gardener, and St. Leger. 1593–4, March 14, Dundalk. pp. 9.

89. III. Conclusion of a kind of truce between the Commissioners and the Earl of Tirone, to last till Her Majesty's pleasure touching the Earl's griefs and petitions may be ascertained. Autogs. Orig. 1593–4, March 15, Dundalk. p. 1¼.

89. IV. Earl of Tirone to the Commissioners sent to parley with him. Would gladly know what security they would give him for his life, country, and goods till he may in person come unto Her Majesty to declare his grief unto Her. 1593–4, March 11, The Fewes. Copy. p. ½.

Mar. 16.

90. Florence M'Carthy to Burghley. His proffers of service. Dermod M'Owen M'Carthy, the young M'Donnogh, and Sir Owen O'Sullivan are greatly discontented and very desperate, and likely to be stirred to evil by the rumours from the North. Printed in the life of Florence M'Carthy. Holog. pp. 2.

Mar. 20. Dublin.

91. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. The Earl of Tirone, O'Donnell, &c., have made a strong combination among themselves, with a meaning either to remedy the Earl's private griefs or to have a force in readiness to answer any occasion of the foreign enemy. Desire that a force of 1,500 soldiers may be sent from England. Before we had finished this letter we received very assured advertisement of a lamentable murder committed in the county of Kildare by Walter Reogh and Feagh M'Hugh, O'Byrne's sons, with their associates, upon Sir Piers Fitz James, Knight, his wife and sundry others in his own castle, standing upon the river of the Barrow near to Athy, as by the petition exhibited this day by his son and heir with his kinsman which we now send to your Lordships herewith may more at large appear. Touching Sir Piers, he hath been always a servitor very assured and faithful to the State, such a one as hath been from time to time employed and trusted with great services, and hath with good sufficiency and fidelity acquitted himself therein, and being a special instrument for Her Majesty's service upon those borders, we can not otherwise think but that being taken away in this violent manner, there may be some further matter intended, and that not without intelligence of the ill-affected in the North, which we humbly beseech you to consider as a further reason for the sending of forces hither. [Indorsed by Burghley: " A demand for one thousand five hundred soldiers."] Autogs. pp. 3. Inclose,

91. I. Commission granted to the Lord Chancellor, Sir Robert Gardener, and Sir Anthony St. Leger to parley and treat with the Earl of Tirone and Hugh Roe O'Donnell. 1593–4, March 7. Copy. p. 1. Annexing

91. II. Instructions to the Commissioners to break all combination for coming in of Scots, to deal with the Earl to stop all access of rebels from the Fews and Tirone, and to stay O'Donnell from further dealing with Maguire. Copy. pp. 2.

91. III. Articles delivered by the Earl of Tirone to the Commissioners. Calendared above, 16 March, No. 89. II. 1593–4, March 14. Copy. pp. 5¾.

91. IV. Conclusion between the Commissioners and Tirone. Calendared above, No. III. 1593–4, March 15, Dundalk. Copy. p. 1.

91. V. Patrick Morgan, Mayor, to the Lord Deputy. Report of 23 great Spanish ships of war under Don Francisco de Columbe being sent from Cadix to conduct the Indian ships with treasure or for some other purpose. 1593–4, March 11, Waterford. Copy. p. 1.

91. VI. Complaint of James FitzGerald, son and heir of Sir Pierce Fitz James, and Edward FitzGerald, son of Sir Maurice FitzGerald, exhibited to the Lord Deputy and Council. On Monday, the 18th of March 1593–4, Walter Reagh, with three of his brethren, three of Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne's sons, and twenty other traitors, came to your suppliants' father's town of Ardree standing on the river of the Barrow near unto Athy, and there fired his castle, half an hour before day, where Sir Pierce FitzJames, his wife, two of her sisters (all three sisters to the said Edward FitzGerald), her daughter, and one gentlewoman and two shot were burned to death. The said Walter Reagh [son-in-law of Feagh M'Hugh] with his company staying there until it was eight of the clock to see his traitorous intent executed, at which time he passed safely away through the country with the prey of the said town. All which your suppliants do most humbly beseech your Honours duly to consider of. March. p. ½.

Mar. 21. Dublin.

92. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Undutifulness of the opinion that the Earl of Tirone might compel Her Majesty to a course of pacification. The head of Philip M'Caffrie, foster brother to the traitor Maguire, who had under him 16,000 cows. pp. 2. Incloses,

92. I. Draft of a letter framed by the Deputy to the Privy Council in England, but rejected by the Council. Earl of Tirone took Shane O'Neill's sons upon intelligence that they purposed to murder him. 2,000 men to be prepared for the service in Ireland. 1593–4, March 21, Dublin. Draft. p. 1.

92. II. Sir Henry Duke to the Lord Deputy. Sends the head of Rory M'Hugh Oge M'Mahowne, whom he has slain with Brian M'Manus' two sons and about 40 other traitors. George Rutlytch, who served most valiantly, is dangerously wounded. Hugh M'Rory M'Brian M'Mahowne seeks pardon for himself and his brother, with the living that was their father's, and offers to do service upon Ever M'Coolie's sons. 1593–4, March 18, Louth. Copy. p. 1¼.

92. III. Sir H. Bagenall to the Lord Deputy. The outrages committed by Art M'Baron's sons. 1593–4, March 18, The Newry. Extract. p. ¾. Incloses,

92. IV. Ensign John Dallway to Sir H. Bagenall. To keep secret the information sent relative to the business of the Seneschal O'Hagan at Belfast. 1593–4, March 14, Carrickfergus. p. ½. Incloses,

92. V. Examination of Shane M'Brian [M'Phelim] O'Neill before John Dallway, Sheriff of Antrim. The Earl of Tirone sent O'Hagan to Belfast to have the said Shane to become his man and join him against the Queen. His promises and slanty. 1593–4, March 14. Copy. p. 1.

Mar. 22. Dublin Castle.

93. Lord Deputy to Burghley. The bearer, the Dean of Armagh and chaplain of the Earl of Essex, will report all that passed between the Commissioners and Tirone and O'Donnell. p. ½.

Mar. 23. Dublin.

94. Doctor Meredith Hanmer [a vicar choral, Christ Church, Dublin, and the author of a Chronicle of Ireland from the earliest times to 1284, collected in the year 1571, and printed at Dublin 1633,] to Burghley. The unsettled state of Ireland. Tirone's power 700 horse and 3,000 foot, and if he make a fire upon the bank [i.e., if he light the beacons upon the rocks] within 7 hours he can have an endless supply of Scots, by whom he is greatly favoured. The letter concludes, "I beinge sett a worke to collect the antiquities of this land and to registre them unto the posteritie, doe come to the knowledge and view of these things." Holograph. p.1¼.

Mar. 23. Dublin.

95. Chr. Peyton to Mr. Henry Maynarde. The 100l. stayed for the customer of Plymouth. Prays that his fees may be no more stopped. p. ¾.

Mar. 26. Newry.

96. Sir H. Bagenall to the Privy Council. Sends answers to the Earl of Tirone's suggested surmises against him. His innocence. p. 1. Autog. Incloses,

96. I. Articles delivered by the Earl of Tirone to the Commissioners at Dundalk. Calendared above, No. 89. II., March 14. Copy. pp. 5½.

Mar. 26. Newry.

97. Sir H. Bagenall to Burghley. He never preferred aught against the Earl of Tirone, but as he received the same. It is the intention to rebel that inciteth the Earl of Tirone to frame imaginative quarrels against him. The Earl uses his son, brethren, and nephews as the open instruments of his wicked designs. He has possessed himself of Shane O'Neill's sons, who might have been used as instruments to impede his intended purposes. He expects great aids of foreign forces. Autog. pp. 2¾.

Mar. 28. Dublin Castle.

98. Lord Deputy to Burghley. The forces written for to be sent over. 10 more of the rebels are dead since the 43 that were slain with Rory M'Hugh Oge M'Mahowne. p. ¾. Incloses,

98. I. Sir H. Bagenall to the Lord Deputy. Last night Art M'Baron's son with two great troops of the Earl of Tirone's men burnt 6 or 7 towns and in the most cruel manner burnt men, women, and children in the houses. All the Irishry, the O'Hanlons, and the Magenisses have combined with the Earl, but not for any love they bear him. 1593–4, March 20, the Newry. Copy. p. 1.

Mar. 28. Dublin Castle.

99. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. For munition to be sent to supply the Ordnance Office in Ireland. The bearer John Allen. p. 1. Inclose,

99. I. Necessary provisions of munition to be sent out of England, &c. 1594, March 31. p. 1.