Elizabeth I: volume 179, May 1595

May 1595

May 2. Bristol.

65. Sir J. Norreys to the Privy Council. Touching the muster of such men and furniture as should pass with him into Ireland. Autog. p. ¾.

May 2. Dublin.

66. Sir R. Lane to Burghley. To obtain his poor private suit from Her Majesty. His object to cess himself on his parish clerks for chickens and bacon while travelling about the musters. The Queen and Burghley grant things gratis, not so others. Autog. p. 1.

May 3. Bristol.

67. Sir J. Norreys to Sir Robert Cecil. He is now on board, and expects to be presently in Ireland. Autog. p. ½.

May 5. Dublin.

68. Sir Geff. Fenton to Burghley. The camp in Shyllelowe. Taking of Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne's wife. Service will be done upon his worst son, Turlough M'Feagh, for against her husband Feagh's wife could not be wrought to do any thing. O'Donnell, Maguire, and Cormock have assaulted the Castle in Longford and taken the Constable and his wife prisoners, with a prey of 10,000 cattle. p. 1½.

May 5. Dublin.

69. Sir R. Lane to Sir R. Cecil. The bearer, Captain James Carlyle. The project for Ulster. p. ¾.

May 5.

70. Petition of Grany Ne Mailly to Burghley. For Her Majesty's letters to the Lord Deputy to put 'her in quiet possession of the third parts of the lands of her late husbands, M'William and O'Flaherty. And to live secure of her life. p. 1.

May 5.

71. Declaration of ready money received by Geo. Beverley for the providing of corn and victuals. p. 1.

May 6. Dublin.

72. Sir R. Lane to Burghley. Sends a chart of Ulster and a project [for settling in Down and Antrim.] The old garrison, upon whom hath lien the bitterness of the past most miserable services are to be left unpaid. Their desperation. p. 1¾. Incloses,

72. I. Sir R. Lane, Muster Master, to Queen Elizabeth. Sends a plot of Ulster by Capt. James Carlile, with the septs and factions as well Scottish as Irish. The final retreat of the Earl will be in the woods and glens of Down and Antrim. The writer, who is the ancientest servant except Bingham, desires the government of those two counties. The piles overthrown by the Earl shall be restored. 1595, May 2, Dublin. Copy. pp. 2¾.

May 7.

73. Estimate of the Queen's charge in the victualling of a soldier in Ireland by the day. p. 1.

May 7.

74. Note by William Becher of the prices of corn and victuals at Chester. p. ¼.

May 8. Waterford.

75. Sir J. Norreys to Sir R. Cecil. His indisposition of ague. The Lord Deputy's war against Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne. Latewardness of the year. Want of grass for the horses. The companies from Brittany are arrived. Norreys's charges at entering into this action. Holog. pp. 2.

May 9. Bristol.

76. Mayor and Aldermen to the Privy Council. The despatch of Sir John Norreys, his men and horses. p. 1. Inclose,

76. I. Roll of such men as are transported from Bristol. p. 1.

May 10/20. Alcala de Henares in New Castile.

77. Edmundus Donaldinus to Firdorcha MacEoin Mic Somhairle. An Irish letter. [It would seem that Edmundus Donaldinus had been long in Spain, and that he was either a fellow or a professor in the Collegio Mayor de San Ildefonso, founded by Cardinal Ximenes in 1510, and richly endowed by him. Edmundus probably dictated the letter in Irish to a friend, but he could not sign it himself in Irish, for he writes at the end "hujus scriptionis omnino sum oblitus. Datum Compluti, 20 Maii 1595. Edmundus Donaldinus." Written in a clear running hand. It is probable that this Firdorcha was Ferdorough M'Owen M'Sorley, and that he was a grandson of Sorley Boy McDonnell of Dunluce. Possibly too Donaldinus may signify M'Donnell.] p. ¾.

May 12. Dublin.

78. Sir Robert Gardener to Burghley. The commission for Munster causes delivered in November last came unto my hands by delivery of Mr. Cuffe the eighth of this present. The cess composition to be renewed. General discontent at the greediness of our nimble officers to find so much concealed lands. Holog. Seal with device. pp. 2.

May 14.

79. Petition of Sir William Fytzwylliam to Burghley, touching the payment of his debt of 1,700l. to Her Majesty. p. ¾.

May 15.

80. Note of such victuals and other provisions as G. Beverley hath at this present sent into Ireland, with an estimate what the same hath cost. p. 1.

May 16.

81. Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy and Lord Chancellor. Warrant to grant in fee farm Enniscorthy and other lands to Sir Henry Wallop. Draft. Printed in Morin, p. 402, No. 38. [1595, May 22].

May 18. Dublin.

82. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. For some round sum of money to relieve the great wants of the old garrison bands. Great necessity of their service. Sir Henry Wallop is not as yet returned into this realm. Have stayed the publishing of the proclamation against Tirone till Sir John Norreys's repair. It is being printed in English and Irish. We received advertisements yesterday that the traitors have taken the Castle of Enniskillen, a matter strange to us, considering the ward wanted no munition, and for victuals the Constable who had charge therein, by his last letter assured us that he had sufficient to serve their turns till this month of May, and besides, where his company assigned him for warders, was twenty-five persons, and according to that number he had received his proportion of victuals, it is now certified that they were but fourteen or fifteen in all, by which diminution of numbers he might have drawn out his provision of victuals to a far longer time. This is a true report of the state of that ward before they miscarried, which it may please your Lordships to believe, howsoever through envy, or to serve some private turn it may be otherwise certified to your Lordships. We hear that after the Constable and warders were come out of the castle with bag and baggage and promise of life, they were put to the sword by the traitors, which we have some reason to believe, considering the savage and barbarous minds of those in whose hands they were, and that we can hear of none of them to be returned as yet. By the taking away of the great boat from the ward, which commanded the lough, and kept the passage free between Enniskillen and Belturbet, all means since have been shut up by water, both to receive and give intelligence to the ward, and by land it could not be done without the countenance of an army; yet omitting no means to know the state of that castle from time to time, we employed several messengers to discover the truth thereof, of whom we think some were cut off for that they did not return, but the last we sent in March last, brought to us the said letter from the Constable, signifying that he was furnished with victuals till May following. Humbly beseeching your Lordships to acquaint Her Majesty with this in our discharge, not doubting but we shall have a time to recover it again with a larger recompense from those traitors. Thirty-six heads of Feagh M'Hugh's followers brought to Dublin. Desire a fresh 1,000 men to be put in readiness. The Lord of Howth to receive some few words of thanks from Her Majesty for his service in the Glinns. Autogs. pp. 4. Inclose.

82. I. Brief certificate of the monthly charge of the garrison, being 5,002l. 9s. 3¾d. 1595, May 18. pp. 14.

May 18. Dublin.

83. Lord Deputy and Council to Burghley. Touching Sir John Norreys and his British bands. Have despatched a pursuivant to hasten his coming. For a further relief of money to be sent out of hand. The chief trust placed in the old garrison bands. Autogs. pp. 5. Inclose,

83. I. Schedule of the captains and soldiers from Brittany according to the musters taken at Dublin. 1595, April 7. pp. 4.

83. II. Armour and other furniture issued out of the store at Waterford for the Brittaine companies for which Sir Henry Norreys is answerable. 1595, May 16. p. ½.

83. III. Note of such armours and furnitures as were delivered out of the country store remaining in the city of Dublin to divers of Her Majesty's garrison. p. ½.

83. IV. Certificate of the monthly charge of the old standing garrison, and new supplies with the new bands from Brittany and England, under the hand of Rafe Lane. pp. 16.

May 18. Dublin.

84. Sir R. Lane to Burghley. Certifies the numbers of the soldiers and captains that came from Brittany. Autog. p. 1¼.

May 19. Dublin.

85. Sir Geff. Fenton to Burghley. The Jesuit Monfort, a dangerous man of special understanding and wit having more than any other seduced the Earl to fall from his duty, is going to Spain by way of Scotland. Her Majesty's Ambassador there to intercept him. Tirone stands in doubt that the Scots will not come, and offers them larger conditions. Autog. p. 1.

May 21& 22. Chester.

86. Geo. Beverley to Burghley. Desires a commission to the mayor and others to make the knights and gentlemen serve Her Majesty with victual at reasonable prices. The bearer, his servant, William Dixson, is well acquainted with prices. Embarcation of Capt. Trevor's 100 footmen. Autog. p. 1. Incloses,

86. I. Prices of corn in Cheshire. 1595, May 16. p. ½.

86. II. Brief collection upon the accounts of George Beverley from 10 Aug. 1583 to 30 Sept. 1588. 1595, May 7. p. 1.

May 21. Chester.

87. Petition from Chester to the Lord Burghley that such victuals as have been taken up by William Becher's agents may be transferred to other officers of the victuals, and not sold away at his leaving of the victualling. p. 1.

May 22. Dublin.

88. Sir Geff. Fenton to Burghley. Arrival of 100 men under Capt. Trevor and 100 from Pempole in Brittany. Outline of the intended war. Autog. p. 1.

May 23. Dublin.

89. Lord Deputy and Council to Burghley. For a warrant for Captain Goringe's pay from the 11th of March 1594–5. Autogs. p. 1.

May 23. Dublin Castle.

90. Lord Deputy to Sir Robert Cecil. Morgan's informations. Apprehension of Hall, a priest. Wishes Mr. George Nowell to have the ward of Duncannon. Has spent full five weeks in the prosecution of Feagh M'Hugh. The ward of Enniskillen reduced by sickness to 14 who have been all murdered. Marshal Bagenall sent to relieve Monaghan. Autog. pp. 3½.

May 24. Dublin Castle.

91. Lord Deputy to Burghley. His proceedings with Thomas Fleming for the overthrowing of the traitorous Earl. Have deferred proclaiming him till they have an army ready in the field. Both captain and soldiers are very desirous to have money. Holog. pp. 2¼. Incloses,

91. I. Thomas Flemyng to [Burghley]. His offer to procure a despatch of the Earl in his house. 1595, May 21. Holog. p. 1.

May 24. Dublin Castle.

92. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Have lighted upon some of Feagh M'Hugh's relievers, and brought them prisoners to the Castle with Feagh's wife, Rose. The Earl is 6,000 strong and better trained than ours. Commission for passing wards and leases. Autog. pp. 4½.

May 24. Dublin Castle.

93. Lord Deputy to Sir Robt. Cecil. His well liking of the assistance of Sir John Norreys' advice. There be many that will seek under hand to make some pique or grudge between them. Has taken Hall, the priest, a thing not usual here. The ward of Inniskillen put to the sword by Cormock M'Baron. Sir Edward York and Sir William Clark sent to assist Marshall Bagenall. Holog. pp. 2¼.

May 25.

94. Florence M'Carthy to Burghley. For letters in the behalf of Mr. Cormuck M'Dermod to the Lord Deputy and Council. His adversary Charles seeketh by new courses to prolong the controversy. Holog. p. ¾.

May 29. The Newry.

95. Marshal Bagenall to Burghley. May it please your Lordship, I was directed by the Lord Deputy and Council as Commander of the forces that were designed for the victualling of Monaghan, for which expedition there came hither the 24th of this instant May, fourteen colours and some troops of horse, my commission to victual the place was delivered unto me the same day, and that being performed, myself directed to return instantly hither, and they back to their garrison places from whence they came. We advanced forward the 25th, and marched that night some eight miles from hence, and there encamped ourselves. The Earl of Tirone late in the evening, with a troop of a hundred horse, came to look into our camp, whereupon I issued out accompanied with the gentlemen and some troops of our horse, and forced him from one hill to another till such time as we perceived he had no purpose to fight, then returned to our camp again; the next morning we "discamped" and marched till we approached the confines of the county of Monaghan, where, in the place of his best advantage, the Earl again presented himself with all his forces, both horse and foot, that he was able to make, and skirmished for the space of three or four hours, pressing forward very hotly, yet we passed to Monaghan that night, victualled the place, left there some munition out of that small proportion which we had with us; and the next morning I took view of Sir John Dowdall's company, which being weak I was forced to take out of every company a man, and thereby made his company full. Having thus, in the best wise I could, disposed of things there for the safeguard of the place, we that day, about 10 of the clock, dislodged, and being returned three miles, the Earl having for his advantage a main bog of every side, discovered himself both horse and foot, and played with his loose shot on our vanguard, rereward, and on both sides our battle, approaching us with horse and foot as he found occasions, being ever strengthened with battalions for his better retreat placed in the skirts of their fastness; and in this sort they continued for six hours, not leaving off skirmishing till it was very late, and we in camp, where the soldier had some ease, and we time to dispose that small store of munition that was left, amounting not to the third part of a pound of powder for a shot. The Earl sat down by us, whereby we were enforced to stand most part of that night in arms for our better guard. We dislodged ourselves the next morning about 6 or 7 of the clock, what time they rose, and marched close by us without offering any fight, although we fired and wasted his country along as we returned. I must say (with your Lordship's favour) to right all men, that all commanders, officers, gentlemen, and soldiers did to their singular commendation show great resolution, and well acquit themselves. A list of the numbers and qualities of our hurt and slain men I have enclosed sent to your Lordship. As for the number of the enemy slain and hurt I can report no certainty as yet, by reason they were so scattered amongst wood and bog that we could not see them; only I hear for a truth that Cormock O'Neill, old O'Neill (i.e., Turlough Lynagh)'s son, and the chief of the O'Hagans, with some 200 or 300 of all sorts of horse and foot are slain and hurt. The 28th the army returned to the Newry wearied and hungry, where they refresh themselves in the best manner so wasted a place can afford. Now, my good Lord, seeing all my lands are wasted, having not one penny of revenue in this kingdom left for my relief, yet my charge daily more and more and employment continual, I am humbly to pray you to be a mean to Her Majesty that I may receive some comfort and present means to uphold me to do her service. I take the Earl's numbers to be 800 horse and 5,000 foot. Autog. pp. 2. Incloses,

95. I. List of slain 31, and hurt 109. Horses and hackneys great company killed and hurt. pp. 2.

May 30. Newry.

96. Marshal Bagenall and the Captains at the Newry to the Lord Deputy. The army is unable to return to Dundalk for want of munition. Tirone has possessed himself of the passes and straits by the way. Copy. Calendared below, Vol. 180, No. 5. I. p. 1.

May 30.

97. Brief estimate of Her Majesty's present charge in Ireland by Burghley. p. 1.

May. Barry's Court.

98. David, Viscount Buttevante (i.e., Lord Barry) to Sir Robt. Cecil. Requests his good means to obtain him a competent company of horse or foot to serve with in these wars. p. 1.

May.

99. Substance of the Lord Deputy's request in the behalf of Mr. Noel to have the Constableship of Duncannon. p. 1.