Elizabeth I: volume 203, January 1599

January 1599

VOL. CCIII. 1599. January—March.

1598–9. Jan. 2. Dublin.

1. Sir Richard Bingham to Sir Robert Cecil. His great comfort from Sir Robert's letters of 30 November last. Thanks him for the good despatch his brother had with certain horses, which are now safely landed in Dublin. Is not a little glad to understand that Her Majesty is purposed to subdue the traitors with her princely sword. Wishes all parts to be so royally supplied, that they may proceed with assurance. " These people are grown [so] proud by their unexpected success from time to time, that it will be requisite Her Majesty send rather too much than too little." Tyrone, being the head of the rebellion, is to be chastised accordingly, and there is no doubt that, when he is once overthrown, the rest will be easily dealt withal; " whereas, otherwise, he will raise new stirs daily, and be a further scourge to England. He taketh upon him now the office of a King, raising and putting down in these Irish titles whom he pleaseth, and practiseth what he may with Her Majesty's enemies abroad. But Her Highness's forces being once put in by sea behind him, and the prosecution by land advanced near him likewise, there is good hope divers will fall from him, and join with Her Majesty, both to revenge his tyranny, and preserve themselves from danger."

In this Ulster action, is still of opinion that a regiment or two of Scots would do exceeding great service, besides the discouragement it would be to all the rest of the traitors, to hear that their friends were waged against them. They are made to believe that they have the assistance of the King of Scotland, and this might be an occasion to stop their powder and munition from thence. Tyrone is now in hand to send forces up into Leinster, to strengthen the rebels of Leix and the Geraldines. This argues some purpose against Dublin and the parts of the Pale, " but if we might have the aid of a thousand men more, and unite ourselves with Sir Samuel Bagenall and those forces (although Tyrone made head himself likewise), I would hope to give them a good blow for all their numbers, whereof they brag so much. Nothing hath so much overthrown this realm as the universal arming of this country men, which hereafter must be looked unto, and a strict order observed by all men; for there be bands of 100, which, sithence the wars began, have prepared and furnished the rebels with 400 able and well-armed persons, which were but boys before, and no way fitted to be soldiers ; so as these Irish companies must be reformed with some good course, and yet not discharged from the service.

" I am not a little grieved to be at this time held with sickness, whereby I cannot be abroad as I wish, albeit our strength yet will not carry us far from these parts. But, as God shall make me able, nothing shall be omitted or neglected by me."—Dublin, 1598 January 2. Signed. pp. 1½.

Jan. 2. Waterford.

2. Justice Nicholas Walsh to Sir Robert Cecil. The ways betwixt Waterford and Dublin are held by the rebels. As the Lords Justices cannot therefore ascertain the state of those parts, thought it needful to signify the same to Sir Robert. The number of rebels daily increases, though they were somewhat discouraged upon the arrival of the late forces sent for Munster. They labour to have assistance of men and munition from the King of Spain and from Tyrone. Wishes for the speedy arrival of further forces of Her Majesty, which will stay a number of doubtful men. "And if God Almighty hath decreed that this war will end with a general famine, it will be more comfort for the English soldier to come when there shall be some relief for him, than upon trust only of victuals out of England; and the Irish rebels have ever gained more safety by wastefulness than by habitation. The chief counsellors of the Munster rebels, Doctor Cragh and James Archer, can hardly keep them in unity, and I do assure myself that with small labour they will be brought to division, after it shall be seen that Her Highness's army can any long time hold the field." —Waterford, 1598, January 2. Signed. p. 1.

Jan. 3. Limerick.

3. James Gromwell, Mayor of Limerick, to Sir Robert Cecil. The Corporation, having determined to send the bearer, one of their aldermen, to Her Majesty with certain petitions, and remembering Burghley's continual care for their well-doing, resolved to commit the bearer to Sir Robert, who is, "for affability, wisdom, virtue, and calling, the right and lively heir of your said most honourable father." Crave he will second Burghley's affection to their poor city. Its misery since the rebellion began. Desire speedy dispatch for the bearer.—Limerick, 1598, January 3. Signed. p. 1.

Jan. 4. Dublin.

4. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. Mr. Birkinshawe, since his coming to Ireland, has used very good endeavours, both to discover the frauds in the musters, and to devise how to remedy the same. His travail has not been without much envy of the Captains, and some danger to himself in the journeys he has made; yet he has not spared to proceed in that charge, so far as the time would suffer him. Has given Birkinshawe his best advice and assistance, and will not fail to do so. The discontent of the Captains and soldiers, and the murmur of the country. "Out of this main evil are grown many other disorders and enormities in the government, which I know will be a tough matter for Mr. Birkinshawe to redress, without a stronger hand than his own." Wishes Birkinshawe were directed presently to repair to England, to disclose what he has found, whereby a course for reformation may be taken accordingly. Letters and instructions, however well conceived in England, and severally directed to Ireland, will work little, unless Birkinshawe personally gives the true grounds, how those matters may be managed.—Dublin, 1598, January 4. Signed.

[Postscript.]—"Since the writing of this letter, I am advertised that the rebels of Leinster are assembled to one head, and are come down within six or seven miles of the Naas, pretending to set upon that garrison, either in the town, or to draw them out by stratagem, to cut them off, and so to pass to this city, to distress it as much as they can. But I think rather they make this gathering as a countenance to receive the Ulster rebels, who are now ready to come into Leinster; and so, having all their forces together, to run upon the Pale, and lay it all waste, whereby neither the army here, nor the forces to come from thence, shall find no (sic) succour." p. 1.

Jan. 4. Athlone.

5. Sir Conyers Clifford to Sir Robert Cecil. "It had been most happy for Her Majesty and the great quiet of that kingdom, if your Honour's opinion for the preventing of the ruin of this kingdom had been followed in time by those that had the managing of the causes here, whereby such troubles had been prevented, as now cannot in reason, but by the sword; to such a height of pride is this rebellion grown.

"For my particular, I have often solicited the State here for means that the Province of Connaught might be taken from the northern faction, and have gone so far to persuade, as I have, under my hand, taken upon my life that, with the means I knew they might spare, I would constrain the people of this Province thereunto.

"I will trouble your Honour no further with that which is overslipped, either to approve my services, or to condemn others. I hope now to show with means what I could have done. I have presumed to find this great favour from your Honour, which in this time of some extremity is confirmed to my comfort. My presumption is not grounded upon any desert in me, but upon the knowledge I have that your Honour is always willing to show favour to such, as to their power respectively affect the same.

"Her Majesty's resolution for the choice of so worthy a general will, I hope, be in time sufficient, though, under correction, sooner, for charge, had been better." Will trouble Sir Robert no further with "this ragged hand."—Athlone, 1598, January 4. Holograph. p. 1.

Jan. 5.

6. "Remembrances for my Lords, the 5 of January, 1598." These are by the Earl of Essex, and relate to his expedition to Ireland.

The army to be made up to 1,000 horse and 14,000 foot, if the supplies already thought of be not sufficient. Commissaries to be sent to the ports of Bristol, Chester, and Milford. Ample supply of treasure to be made. The army to be increased if the Spaniard come. Pinnaces and strong long barges required for use in the north of Ireland. A Treasurer for the Wars to be resolved on. For a copy of the Earl of Sussex's commission, that the necessary alterations and additions may be made in the one to be granted to himself.

Sir Robert Cecil has put a marginal note to each "remembrance." pp. 1½.

Jan. 9. Dublin.

7. Captain Thomas Reade to Sir Robert Cecil. " Right Honourable, the news of my Lord of Essex's repair into Ireland doth breed a great and general content unto Her Majesty's poor subjects and soldiers; and the action he doth undertake will assuredly redound to Her Majesty's great honour and I hope it will purchase a perpetual obedience of the Irish ; but, under your Honour's correction, I will presume somewhat to yield my opinion.

" My Lord of Essex is a mere stranger unto the country of Ireland, and altogether unacquainted with the manner of the war here, and with the condition of the people; and, upon his arrival, perchance his worthy mind will think to carry the course of his wars, as he hath already done in France and Cadiz ('Cales'), and other his honourable journeys and attempts, wherein his singular wisdom may soon be over-reached, if beforehand he do not judicially consider of things. For in this war, which he doth undertake against the traitor Tyrone, which is the head and fountain of all this mischief, he must not think to find a gallant enemy, which will meet him in the field, and end this cause by the trial and fortune of a battle. But his manner of fight will be by skirmishes in passes, bogs, woods, fords, and in all places of advantage. And they hold it no dishonour to run away, for the best sconce and castle for their security is their feet. Therefore his Honour must be sure to place his garrisons at Lough Foyle, Ballyshannon, Carrickfergus, [marginal note:—'The Governor of Carrickfergus must in his own discretion employ his forces in places of most annoyance, but especially he must fortify upon the strait and ford at Toome, whereby he may hinder the passage of Tyrone's creaghts, during the time of my Lord's prosecution], Armagh, the Cavan, Newry, to take in the Blackwater, and to free and open the passage there; and that all these forces may be settled and established before his Honour undertake in person the general prosecution, whereby when his Lordship intendeth to draw into the field, every garrison may be in readiness to receive their directions, and, according their several days prefixed, to fall upon the enemy in the quarter next them; and that at that instant there may be no defects, or cause of stay, or breach of command, but that the traitor and his accomplices may be assaulted in many places at one time, which will be a cause that the traitor shall be constrained to separate his forces for the safeguard of his followers and country. And by this means he shall not be able to keep his forces in bulk, which hitherto he hath been accustomed to do, and it will also yield my Lord a far easier and more sure passage unto Dungannon, wherein will consist the peril of his journey, and the goal of his Honour; for truly I do assure myself that, if his Honour pass safe from Armagh unto Dungannon, which is but twelve miles, and withal assure his retreat, the rest of his war will be easy against Tyrone.

"Now for the arrival of his forces, it were not fit that the season of this spring of the year should be omitted, whereby each garrison, upon their landing, may have some time to entrench and fortify, and to accommodate their soldiers' munition and victuals, before the times of their employment.

"Further, when all these things are perfected, I do judge that, if my Lord do land by the latter end of March, it will be the latter ending of May, before his Honour shall take in the Blackwater, and assure that passage, and settle his garrisons of the Cavan and Armagh, which must be the first enterprise of his war.

"I do not also hold it convenient that his Honour with his army should, at that present when he doth take in the Blackwater, attempt the passing unto Dungannon [marginal note:—'The reason is the great want which then will be of grass and forage for the finding of his horses of service, and the carriage horses of the army, which will be very many'], but in his wisdom I would have him make his retreat into the Pale, and there, for the space of two months, to reinforce his army, and to hearten and refresh his soldiers; and that there may be provision made of all things necessary for his army against a new journey, which I would have his Honour undertake about the latter ending of August unto the Blackwater, and then to attempt the passage unto Dungannon. Which journey unto Dungannon being once performed, his Lordship shall have the country of Tyrone subject unto his will; and then may the garrisons of Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon, and his own army, burn, spoil, and sack all Tyrone and Tyrconnell at their pleasures; and then shall they have great store of grass and corn, which will mightily relieve his army, and feed his horses. And I would not have my Lord to depart those countries before the end of October, in which time, if the cause be well followed, Tyrone shall be so impoverished, as that his country shall not be able to harbour his followers, and to find his men of war; but that they shall be forced to disperse, for the safeguard of themselves, their goods, and their wives and children. And assuredly, in the time of my Lord's ' remainder' in the country, many, which now make fair weather with Tyrone, will draw and repair unto my Lord of Essex, which will be a principal cause of Tyrone's ruin and overthrow. And then, in the end of October, his Lordship may return his soldiers of Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon to their garrisons, and he may draw with his own army to Dungannon, and so to the Blackwater, and from thence unto Dublin, where my Lord shall have the time and liberty of the winter to prosecute the rebels of Leinster; provided always that, during the time of my Lord's prosecution of the traitor, there may be great care taken for the security of the Pale, for fear of the enemy's invasion; and the like for Leinster.

"And for the safe and better passage of his hurt, sick, and weak men of the army, there must attend his Honour shipping at Lough Foyle and the Bann, which may furnish his army with victuals, munition, and other necessaries during his abode in those parts ; and to be in a readiness to prevent or impeach any provision of munition or arms, which otherwise will repair to that coast for the succour and maintenance of the enemy; which being held and detained from them their war is easy, and can be of no continuance. And besides, they may transport all unserviceable men of the army, and, upon the retreat, unburthen the army of a great mass of their carriages; which will be a cause that the army may fight with better strength and less disadvantage."

If this advice be followed, the sequel will be most honourable; but, if it be not followed, beseeches Sir Robert to carry in mind what now he writes, and to compare the future event with the opinion now delivered.—Dublin, 1598, January 9. Signed. pp. 3.

Jan. 10.

8. " A schedule of the several counties from whence 100 horse were levied for the service of Ireland," under Sir John Brooke and Sir Anthony Cooke.—1598–9, January 10. Entry Book, No. 204, fo. 111. Copy. p. ½.

Jan. 12. Whitehall.

9. "Articles of contract made and concluded upon by the Right Honourable the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, the Earl Marshal of England, the Lord Admiral of England, and the rest of the Lords and others of Her Majesty's Privy Council, on the behalf of Her Majesty, on the one part, and Marmaduke Darell, Esq., one of the Surveyors of the Victuals for Her Majesty's navy, and John Jolls, of London, merchant, of the other part, for and concerning the providing, shipping, and transporting of the proportion of victuals hereunder mentioned, out of the realm of England, to the ports of Dublin, Cork, and the Newry, in Ireland, for the victualling of ten thousand men there, for the month of February next ensuing, containing 28 days."—The Court at Whitehall, 1598–9, January 12. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 111–112^b. Copy. pp. 3½.

Jan. 13.

10. "A note of the principal leaders, commanders, and other notorious traitors executed, and put to the sword, at the Lord Lieutenant's going to victual the fort of Maryborough, the 11th of January, and in his return the 12th and 13th of the same, 1598." Total (including a few wounded), 254. The first in the list is "Lysagh Oge O'More, slain, being one of the chiefest of the Moores, and a principal leader." pp. 1½.

Jan. 14. Whitehall.

11. The Privy Council to the Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and the Council. "Whereas it hath pleased Her Majesty to take resolution for the sending of our very good Lord, the Earl Marshal, with as much speed as can be used, into that realm of Ireland, there to undertake the managing of the wars and government of that state, far engaged in the power of the rebels, and thereupon is likewise pleased, for the better enabling of his Lordship in the place, and for the advancement of her service, to give him the honour that such means, commodities, and preeminences as that State may afford, shall be reserved and kept entire for his Lordship against his coming thither," they give notice hereby that no offices or places of charge, &c. that are now, or shall be vacant, before the Earl's arrival, are to be disposed of, so that they may be ordered by the said Earl Marshal upon his coming.— The Court at Whitehall, 1598-9, January 14. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 112^b, 113. Copy. p. 1.

Jan. 18. Whitehall.

12. Sir Robert Cecil to the Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener. Concerning the lease corn claimed by Lady Burgh. Requests them to terminate the business.—The Court at Whitehall, 1598, January 18. Draft, with alterations, in Sir Robert's hand, pp. 1½.

Jan. 18. [Whitehall.]

13. Copy of the preceding, with some alterations.—[The Court at Whitehall, 1598, January 18.] pp. 2½.

Jan. 18. Kilkenny

14. The Earl of Ormonde to Queen Elizabeth. Received on the 6th instant, from the Lords Justices, a transcript of her letters of December 1 to them and to him. Therein were set down sundry omissions of great moment concerning the army. These, in probable appearance, might seem justly to be imputed to his want of due consideration and care. Craves her accustomed clemency and favour, in giving ear to what he shall truly and sincerely declare for his own discharge in that behalf. His efforts for the training of the soldiers, and for the maintenance of discipline. The officers near him have performed his directions. Where he could not be in person, he was compelled, in these matters, to rely on those appointed by Her Highness. " For the numbers unjustly and falsely certified in list, what care hath been taken by me to the contrary, is very well known to all inferior officers of that charge, and my extraordinary diligence used therein, so far offensive unto them all, as some letted not to say their denominations to offices were to small effect for their own benefit, when I used to send private persons, of trust with myself, to control what they have formerly done by ordinary course." As for discharging soldiers, to pass back again into England, has only so licensed such as were incapable of serving through incurable sickness or wounds, and these not exceeding the number of ten persons; " howsoever it pleased the Lords Justices, without such consideration, in my absence, to dispense with a far greater number." Proclamations made in marine towns. Apprehension of soldiers intending to pass; some, for example's sake, executed by martial law.

Of the 3,000 last appointed to Ireland for supplies, only 2,306 arrived; and of these companies the Lords Justices have disposed without his privity. " For the list of 9,000 certified, if any untruth were therein, it justly lighted upon the Mustermaster and his Commissaries ; and the numbers set down by them, employed by my direction, to places of service and necessity, as by the list sent herewith (wanting) may appear; and none scanted, of the defences of Munster and Connaught, at any time, but the same increased, as probable opinion grew of any extremity or danger in those parts.

"And for my absence from the place of residence of the State here, it is well known I always resided there during the greater time of my charge. And as in reason I ought so to do (no urgent cause falling out to the contrary), so, in like reason, the Province of Leinster being brought to most miserable state, and the Province of Munster almost quite overrun by the rebels, I could not, with any due consideration, remain in Dublin, but speedily resort unto those parts, for the relief and comfort of the subjects, and the annoy and prosecution of the traitors, both which I many ways performed, as well in prosecution of them, as in assuring (the best I might) your Highness's incorporate towns of Kilkenny, Ross, Thomastown, Clonmel, Cashel, Fedarth [Fethard], Callan, the fort of Duncannon and other important places, standing in great fear and danger, and intended by the rebels to be suprised and betrayed (as in my last despatch I advertised), and had so been, had not my special care prevented the same. And yet for all this, I never set forward from Dublin, before order left for the defence of the northern borders, and places adjacent about Dublin against the mountain rebels, according to the forces then in strength, as then I advertised your Highness ; and nothing done herein without former consultation with the Lords Justices and Council: no cause also being sufficient for my remain in Dublin, your Highness having expressly commanded the war of Leinster to be followed this winter; and since that time, many great and urgent occasions of my repair hither fallen out, as the rebellion of Mountgarrett, Cahir, and their complices, beside the universal traitorous revolt in Munster. And albeit no such unexpected disasters had happened, yet the continual sickness of Sir Richard Bingham (as the Lords Justices and himself wrote unto me), whom I never saw since his arrival in Ireland, drawing him of necessity from following the service in Leinster, I could in no wise, in regard of my bounden duty, leave the same exposed to the incursions of the rebels, and great endangering of the incorporate towns, the traitors being there and ever sithence in great strength and intolerable pride. Yet would I at this present have made my repair unto Dublin, were it not for my undoubted resolution that, in my absence, and withdrawing the few forces I have from these parts, the incorporate towns had been taken and destroyed by the rebels, the rest of the country overrun and utterly wasted, and the subjects in both spoiled and murdered; which (in discharge of my duty) I thought fit to make known to your Highness, resting nevertheless most ready, upon your Majesty's pleasure signified, to follow what course it shall please you to appoint me."

Will continue to take pledges for loyalty from the noblemen and gentlemen of Leinster, and has required the President of Munster to follow the like course.

"And for your Highness's pleasure signified of all good means to be used for conservation of victuals and garrans for use of the army that shall arrive, and that wheresoever there is any victuals not likely to be kept from the traitor, it be rather destroyed than reserved, it may please your most excellent' Majesty, to understand that, albeit this last harvest, in regard of fertility, hath yielded great store of corn in this country, yet such hath been the incursions of traitors abroad, and continual charge of borough towns in victualling no small number of your Highness's army, as very little store remains, either within or without, to serve for sustenance of the townships, or yet relief of the army, if any such necessity thereof shall be urgent; which scarcity of victuals, and want of staples in places convenient for the same, have been no small impediment to your Highness's service, necessity enforcing the sending of companies to boroughs far distant, from whence they could not be easily drawn without danger, nor in so secret manner, but, that the rebels must have knowledge thereof; and thereby their drawing to head dangerous to themselves, and the service to be performed greatly hindered ; the borough towns also like to be left desolate, their provisions and victuals being so consumed ; and, this nine months past, no payment made unto them due for their tickets.

"And lastly, your Highness's pleasure for sending over a true certificate of the strength of the army, it is already accomplished and sent, as by letters lately received from the Lords Justices I am advertised ; which, long before the receipt of your Majesty's letter, I often importuned them unto, and yet am of opinion that the strength certified is far greater than they are in deed.

" Most gracious and dread Sovereign, I presume in no small grief of mind to complain unto your Highness of the cold disposition I find in the Lords Justices (what show so ever they give outwardly to the contrary) for furtherance of any special service intended by me; as may be apparent unto your Majesty in the course they held with me for this last victualling of the fort of Leix; who being most earnestly importuned by me very many times for forces, victuals, and other necessaries, speedily to effect a matter of so great consequence, have still protracted the same; at some times alleging the want of victuals in a readiness, at other times the want of money and weakness of forces, and at all times some one thing or other to 'impedite' the same. And now, last of all, in answer of my letters to that purpose, have signified that, as well the forces agreed upon betwixt us, as sufficient victuals and other necessaries, stood in a readiness, desiring a time and place certain to be set down by me for that victualling, where the forces from thence, and those few I have here, might join together. Whereupon I precisely appointed a time and place for our meeting, desiring, in regard of the great harm that might ensue thereof, not to disappoint the same; and, having despatched my letters to that effect, which came in due time to their Lordships' hands, and receiving no answer from them to the contrary, I set forward in my journey, and, understanding by messengers sent by me to the place appointed for our meeting, that no forces nor victuals were come thither, and, considering the forces I had were drawn together (whose returning back doing no service might fall out to be as dangerous as the going on for so good purpose), I presently levied of my own cattle a convenient proportion, which, with other necessaries sufficient for three months' victuals, I took with me, and therewith proceeded towards the fort, being not in number above 700 foot and a 140 (sic) horse; whither passing in my way, the rebels gave impediment in woods and other places of advantage, through which having passed, and victualled the fort, returning back again, I was entertained with a more hotter (sic) skirmish than before, and presented with a battle of 1,200 foot, besides many wings of shot, and 30 horse; whom I encountered, and (by the help of God) forced them to retire to their fastness, with the loss of some of their chiefest men, and with the killing and wounding of not so few as 200, as more particularly appeareth by this enclosed note, with no loss of your Highness's side (I thank God) than two soldiers slain and ten hurt; whereof Sir Henry Power and Captain Esmond were two, and are, without danger of death, like to recover ; who, with the rest of the Captains and soldiers, both English and Irish, most valiantly acquitte[d] themselves ; and no small grief unto me to see your Highness's soldiers of so good desert, so poor and naked for want of their clothes, for which I have often written to the Lords Justices, and now at last am answered, that the proportions last sent over are already bestowed, wherein I think myself very hardly used, these few men being most employed in your Majesty's whole army."

Craves pardon for his long letter, and prays for her prosperity and the confusion of all her enemies.—Kilkenny, 1598, January 18. Holograph. pp. 9. Incloses,

14. I. Note of the principal traitors slain and hurt at the time of the Lord Lieutenant's victualling of the fort of Maryborough. Almost the same list as that in No. 10.—1598, January 11[-13], p. 1.

Jan. 18. Kilkenny.

15. The Earl of Ormonde to the Privy Council. His desire to have conference with Sir Richard Bingham disappointed. Delays of the Council in Ireland with respect to the victualling of the fort of Maryborough. His own efforts and success. Put in seven barrels of powder and victuals for three months. Defeat of the traitors who attacked him. The very day of his coming to the fort, the garrison had killed two horses, which were all the food they had. Is hardly dealt with for money and clothes for the soldiers. The towns have received no diet money for nine months past, and are much impoverished. They are also debarred from all trade in the country, through its being possessed by the rebels. Recommends the sending over of "some pieces for battery, with all necessaries and skilful officers," to take the castles of Lords Mountgarrett and Cabir, which are a great annoyance to the subject. " The traitor Mountgarrett ceaseth not daily to incite and draw together all he may possibly, to attempt some great action, especially towards this town of Kilkenny, in revenge of the great loss he and his sustained at the said last victualling of the fort in Leix, as partly the enclosed copy of a letter from William Harpole doth specify." One or two thousand men should be speedily sent over to Waterford, before the greater number, with victual and munition, the Earl of Thomond, who was reported in Ireland to be coming over with some forces, having not yet arrived. God be thanked, Her Majesty's towns and forces are yet safe, though in many of them treachery has been practised, and some have been executed for the same. Hopes his former several letters sent to the Privy Council by Captain Plunket and William Power will procure speedy relief to " this poor and woeful kingdom, being in the same or rather worse state than before was certified." Great comfort to the few true subjects from that part of Her Majesty's letter of December 1 last, touching present relief to come over.—Kilkenny, 1598, January 18. Endorsed:—Received 28th at Whitehall. pp. 3. Incloses,

15. I. Note of the principal traitors slain and hurt at the time of the Lord Lieutenant's victualling of the fort of Maryborough.— Duplicate of No. 14. I. p. 1.

15. II. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and the Council to the Earl of Ormonde. On receipt of his letters of December 3 they consulted about the victualling of the fort [of Maryborough]. For aught they can learn, it is yet in no great distress, and, if they husbanded well the proportion last put in unto them, they have store yet for some good time. Sir Warham Sentleger has this day affirmed that he is assured they have store of corn to serve them a good while. Notwithstanding, to prevent the worst, and especially the great inconvenience which may happen by victualling it with an army, they have attempted again to relieve it by some secret means, and are in good hope very shortly to have 100 barrels of grain and some good store of beeves put in. Hope his Lordship likewise may devise some course to relieve them with beeves and salt, rather than adventure the hazard of the army. As the forces with Ormonde are, as he writes, both weak and discontented, so those under Sir Richard Bingham (who yet lieth sick, and not like a good while to undertake any travel), will come nothing near the strength his Lordship expects. They are but fifteen companies in all. Two at least must be left at Naas for its safety, and one at Kildare; the rest will not make much above 700 by poll, whereof many are Irish, and the English not yet well trained; "so as we would be very loath your Lordship should adventure such another day's work as was at the Blackwater, if otherwise it may possibly be holpen." Leave it nevertheless wholly to Ormonde's further resolution, and will advise upon receipt of his next letters. Meantime, the victuals and munition are in a readiness. How the forces with Sir Richard Bingham may be strengthened from other places, they see not, unless they should be drawn from the borders of the north; whither they have sent Sir Christopher St. Lawrence's company to Kells, and Sir Edward FitzGerald's to Ballymore, thinking it more meet rather to strengthen those parts than to weaken them, considering the Council receive daily intelligence of Tyrone's coming up to the borders, and of his purpose to send 1,500 men to Mountgarrett.

Are advertised from the county of Wexford, that the same is wellnigh wasted and overrun by the bordering rebels, without any resistance, the forces appointed thither being unable to make any defence ; and therefore wish Ormonde to make the companies there 500 foot and 40 horse strong, whereby they may be able to encounter the rebel, "the rather for that Her Majesty's pleasure is, that, next the Pale, that county should especially be respected." Sir Henry Wallop is advertised from Enniscorthy that there is yet good store of corn in the country to maintain a good garrison, if the same be of strength to command it; and that likewise the townsmen of Wexford have built a strong barge with two cast pieces and thirty muskets in her, which will be able (being made to row with twelve oars) to victual at all times the garrison at Enniscorthy. Think the companies at Newry are too many to keep the town only, and too few to perform any other service. At the earnest entreaty of Sir Conyers. Clifford, and especially for the safety of the town of Galway, they sent him Captain Lister's company, in the place of which they appointed the company of Sir Edward FitzGerald.— Dublin, 1598, December 11.

[Postscript.]—After the signing of this letter, Lord Delvin came and told them that, within these twelve days, he had a spy with Tyrone, who informed him that Mountgarrett sent a messenger in English apparel to solicit the Earl to send some forces into Leinster, assuring him that, when they besieged Kilkenny, there were some within the town, who would deliver it unto them. Doubt not that Lord Delvin has signified so much to Ormonde. Copy. pp. 1½.

15. III. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and the Council to the Earl of Ormonde. His letters of 14th and 15th December were delivered to them yesterday. By the first of these they understand that theirs of the 11th December were come to his Lordship's hands. Have by divers means put into the fort of Maryborough, 22 beeves, and 26½ barrels of wheat, all of which is paid for. Their other endeavours for its relief. " Nevertheless doubting the uncertainty of men's promises in these days, and the iniquity of the time considered, our cares have been the greater for the preservation of that piece of so great importance." Have therefore often written to his Lordship to use like means on his side, and understand of his honourable care in the same, and hope to hear of his success." But, howsoever it be, as it is dangerous to trust to such uncertainties, so it is high time to consider how it may be thoroughly relieved, for we have some inducements to think this manner of victualling it by piecemeal will in the end hazard the loss thereof, and we may well conceive that those rebels, who peradventure are not yet so strong and well-provided as they would be, can be rather content to suffer it to be fed thus by little and little, than by interrupting the same (before their expected northern forces shall be come to them) to procure us to set up a rest in supplying the wants by force ; and your Lordship may the more easily believe it, that your advertisements and ours do concur touching the coming of forces from the north. At which time, if they shall pass without interruption, there is no doubt but they will (by all the ways they can) hinder the victualling thereof at any hand." Again recommend the care of it to him, and will always be ready to assist him to their uttermost.

Sir Ralph Lane has sent away a certificate of the state and strength of the army, which they hope will hasten the sending of forces. As to the soldiers' apparel, which his Lordship wishes to be sent to Waterford, one of the merchants who had charge thereof is dead, and the other is at the point of death. Will use their best means to accomplish his Lordship's wish. For the 9,000 and odd in list, only 5,000 suits have yet come. Have, delivered 1,200 suits for Sir Samuel Bagenall's 24 companies. Have sent l,200l. to Waterford for the present relief of the soldiers. Durst not adventure a greater portion. Hope the treasure out of England for Munster has arrived at Cork. Have given direction to Lord Delvin, Sir Conyers Clifford, Sir Samuel Bagenall, and others to prevent, as best they may, the sending of forces from Tyrone to Mountgarrett. Glad to hear of the safety of the town of Ross, and of the execution of the traitors who conspired against it. As to the sending of the companies of the two Captains Atherton to Waterford, the Captain Atherton who came from Belfast, brought not above thirty men with him. Have appointed him 46 of the supplies last arrived (until Ormonde should otherwise dispose of them), and have placed him in Dublin, with the other company appointed to Captain Stafford. Both are too few for the defence of the city, " considering the nightly alarums which we have here, and the threats of the army near adjoining." The other Atherton and Harvey remain at Naas, under Sir Richard Bingham. The daily increasing strength of the enemy. No companies can he drawn from Newry to Wexford. Sir Thomas Maria Wingfield and his allowance.

By Ormondes second letter, of the 15th of December, they understand the Castle of Blackford is lost, for which they are very sorry. Fear of indirect practices against the house of Catherlogh. His Lordship may, with more conveniency than they, provide for its safety, and for that of Leighlin house. Will, as far as in them lies, see Ormonde's directions in these martial affairs performed. If Captain Flower's company is drawn from Munster, Her Majesty's pleasure is that another should be sent in its place.— Dublin, 1598, December 23.

[Postscript.]—" We would gladly know what time your Lordship shall be ready to rise with your forces towards the victualling of the fort, when you shall determine the same, and when you would have the forces at the Naas ready to meet your Lordship in that service." Copy. pp. 2.

15. IV. The Earl of Ormonde to the Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and the Council. Received their letters of the 23rd of December on the last of the same month. Takes knowledge of their grave advice for the speedy victualling of the fort of Maryborough. Since his letters of October 31 has always been most willing to set this victualling afoot. The daily increase of the traitors' forces. The loss of the castles at Athy and Blackford. His want of means. The stay and sickness of Sir Richard Bingham. The weakness of the companies. Not above 500 men with him. Reckoned on having 1,400 foot from them, and 150 horse. Requires now 2,000, or, at the least, 1,600 foot, and 150 horse. Will have 400 or 500 more from where he is. All the horse and foot to be at Curlow on January 10, where he will meet them. Through the loss of Athy and Blackford, must take another way.

"I earnestly pray your Lordships to consider of this so weighty a cause, by the example of the defeat at Armagh, that the full numbers last before mentioned do hold time and place, well furnished with no less than 24 barrels of powder, with match and lead proportionably, and then ten days' victuals at least, besides the victuals for the fort; the whole carriages to come strong and lightly laden, with their drivers and other the necessaries mentioned in a note enclosed (wanting). And for powder, in respect of the greatness of this Her Majesty's army, with the strength of the traitors, there will be the more cause of a larger proportion than at the last victualling, having then spent eighteen barrels in two days; and some munition also is to be left in the fort, where I hear there is some want thereof." Sends copy of a letter from one he used, who writes of the delivery of 20l. sterling to one who undertook to put into the fort the value thereof. It is very likely that most of the traitors will draw together to hinder this journey. The forces left behind on the northern borders and other parts have many companies in garrison. These, with the noblemen, gentlemen, and other subjects of the Pale may at least make a defensive war of it, as Ormonde purposes to do, where he is. If the Marshal may not come with the forces, special choice could be made of a Commander and other officers. Hopes, after meeting with the forces, to accomplish the intended service. Trusts the advertisements in his letters of December 25 have come to their Lordships' hands, and craves for speedy answer, that the course now determined on by him may be followed without delay; unless their Lordships do find the higher danger, by the Archtraitors proceedings, to hang over them. If certified in convenient time of this interval [i.e., until January 10], will be ready upon three days' warning. Without such great cause, will not for anything be disappointed of those numbers of men, or of anything meet for that service, having absolutely resolved upon it. If their Lordships hear of greater forces to come from the north unto the traitors, prays them to send greater forces to him.

"I am glad the certificate of the musters is sent over, and yet I fear that the strength of the army is certified in a far greater number than they are, which may be a let of sending sufficient forces for suppressing of so great and violent a rebellion." The want of money and apparel for the forces with him. Many have gone to the enemy. Holds it most meet that the two companies in Dublin, or the like number, do attend there, for the safety of the place. Again begs for the sending of the forces he has asked for. Sir Thomas Maria Wingfield and Wexford.—Kilkenny, 1598, January 1. Copy. pp. 2.

15. V. Terence O'Dempsy to [the Earl of Ormonde]. Received his letters on the 10th of December. Edmund M'Rory came with 200 men, and lay two nights watching over the passages. Nothing can pass, and now the enemy have got a strong castle upon the way, which they keep well manned. To accomplish Ormonde's pleasure, has put 20l. sterling into a friend's hands, who has promised to convey the value thereof unto the place nominated. This is the only safe way, "by reason of the multitude of enemies swarming in every corner, which have mewed me up in my castle so that I dare not come once abroad." The writers brother is with the rebels, and has drawn away most of his followers and countrymen, "in such sort that nothing can come into the country, or out, but it is presently intercepted." The pride of the enemy, and the small hope they have of reformation. The hope of this alone keeps the writer in heart. Prays for Ormonde's success.—1598, December 13. Copy. p. 1.

15. VI. Copy of part of the letter from the Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and the Council to the Earl of Ormonde, dated the 8th of January, 1598–9, and received at Carlow on the 13th of the same month, after the victualling of the fort of Maryborough.

Received his letters of January 1st late at night on the 6th of the same. It was impossible to send the forces and supplies he asked for to the place specified, in four days, even if there were no other impediments. Find much hardness and exceeding great danger in drawing any companies from the borders of the north, to make up the numbers required by his Lordship, since Tyrone has been for these eight or ten days in the Fews, and is there still, expecting an opportunity either to attempt some mischief against the Pale, or to convey some aids of men and munition to the Leinster rebels. These are grown to that height of pride, that very lately they approached near Naas, whereabouts, and in those parts, they have continued these eight or nine days. The Sergeant-Major had some skirmish with them. The mountain rebels yesternight burnt all the town of Kilmainham, and part of Cromlin ; so it is apparent that the Pale is the only mark they now shoot at. For defence thereof, the forces in it should be rather increased than diminished. Agree that the fort of Maryborough should be victualled, but see not how it can be done without his Lordship's presence in Dublin, which they expect very shortly now. Hope he has received their last letters, enclosing copy of Her Majesty's letter. Will give him all the furtherance they can. Have the three months' victuals still in a readiness, but fear greatly it will be very hard to provide in any short time the necessary carriages for that journey, the county of Kildare being in a manner wholly possessed by the rebels. p. 1.

15. VII. William Hartepoole [or Harpole, Constable of Carlow] to the Earl of Ormonde. Lord Mountgarrett and Onie M'Rory, with all their confederates, intend to visit his Lordship in the Irish town of Kilkenny, within these two or three nights. They have warned all the forces of Leix to be at "Knocke Arde O'Gurry" [Knockardagur] in Gallin to-morrow, Tuesday. They have given out that Con O'Neill is come to them. Hears this is not so. All the forces that were near them met Ormonde at the Rede Moor, as the Doynes, those of Ossory, the Dempsies, the Geraldines, the Brennans, the Keatings, and 200 with Lord Mountgarrett's sons, and certain of the Burkes, who lost the best commander they had. There were some sixteen of their best men slain the last day, and many hurt. Lysagh Oge was buried the day Ormonde came from the fort [of Maryborough]. His attempt has scared the rebels mightily, and they do not know how "to be even with " him, but by an attempt on Kilkenny.—Carlow, "this present Monday, at night, at ten of the clock." Endorsed:—Received the 16 of January, 1598. Copy. p. ½.

Jan. 18.

16. Report by divers Welshmen concerning the Earl of Tyrone.

That he was proclaimed King of Ireland, and that he was called "Earl Terowyne, which is a word of Welsh, which is in English, the Earl of Owen's land," also, that " he descended of Owyne Clyne Dore, who had interest both in Ireland and Wales," and " that there was a prophecy the Earl of Tyrone should prevail against the English nation." Further, that he was proclaimed Prince of Wales, and that he had friends in Wales that looked for him, as he was both favourable and bountiful to Welshmen; affirming that time and place were appointed for the Earl of Tyrone and the Spanish force to meet together to visit England. That the Earl would visit England shortly; and that within six weeks last past there had been a general stay of shipping in Spain. That the Earl of Tyrone had in his service 500 Welshmen, whom he had made officers in his band, and " rewardeth with double pay above the Irish nation." Griffith John, of Llanridene in Glamorganshire, " reporteth that no Welshmen should be used in service against the Irishmen, because they were not to be trusted," and Philip William, of Escrode Cenles, in Brecknockshire, made the same report. Endorsed:—1598, January 18. pp. 1½.

Jan. 18.

17. "An abstract of letters from Rochelle of the 18 January 1598."

"Captain Crofton came from Dublin hither with a great quantity of butter, to the number of 270 firkins or barrels, with some other provisions.

"Robert Tyler came from another port in Ireland, and brought hither bread, beef, and match. These provisions are surely conveyed away by the Captains or officers put in trust by the Lords. I think it the part of a good subject to acquaint their Honours therewith, whereby it might be prevented in time, so that Her Highness's service be not hindered thereby."—Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil:—"Cap[tains] that steal from Ireland." p. ½.

Jan. 19. Dublin.

18. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and the Council to the Privy Council. " We are now, to our great grief, occasioned to signify unto your Lordships that Sir Richard Bingham, Her Majesty's Marshal of this realm (having for the most part, since his arrival here, been very sickly), is now this last night departed out of this transitory life, whereby we are left very bare and destitute of a commander, fit to take charge of that army in this time of great and present danger. His companies, both of horse and foot, were so strong and well furnished, as very few companies in this realm are like unto them." Thought it their duty to keep them together, until further directed, and have continued Captain John Bingham, who led the foot and [Captain] John St. Barbe, who led the horse, in their respective charges. St. Barbe, however, having obtained license to repair into England on his private affairs, they have appointed his Cornet, one Gilbert, to take charge of the horse. Have signified Sir Richard's death to Ormonde, to whom they have, in three several despatches, sent copies of Her Majesty's letters with regard to the fitness of his abiding in Dublin. Have not heard from his Lordship either in that or any other matter. Are credibly advertised that this last week Ormonde victualled the fort of Maryborough for some time, and returned thence to his house at Kilkenny.

The Leinster rebels grow strong daily in number, but, through the special care taken, both in Dublin and all other towns, to restrain the sale of arms and munition, are in very great want of powder and lead. Believe this the rather, because they have not, in these three last weeks, so boldly attempted as formerly to do mischief. Understand now that the great Archtraitor has not only supplied that want in some measure from the north, but has also increased their traitorous crew with the number of about 800 shot and pike, under his base son Con, who met them in Leix about the end of last week. Had notice that the rebels purposed to pass into Leinster through Westmeath, and sent despatches to Lord Delvin, who commanded in that county, to Sir Conyers Clifford, and to Sir Samuel Bagenall, that they might " have correspondency " in stopping the rebels' passage; " yet by some unhappy accident, or rather negligence, as we conceive it, the foresaid 800 rebels passed, even at noon time of the day, through the same way, in the lower part of Westmeath (which we directed to be diligently attended) without stop or encounter of any of Her Majesty's forces, save only one foot company under the leading of Captain Willis, and some few horsemen of the companies of Sir Conyers Clifford and Captain Theobald Dillon, who, together with Francis Shaen, the Sheriff of that county, and such small number as might be drawn together of the country forces, had some bickering with them, near to the town of Ballymore-Loughsewdy, in the said county of Westmeath." The Sheriff was shot through the leg, and his horse was slain under him. Captain Dillon's horse was hurt under him, and divers of the soldiers and country gentlemen were slain and sore galled in that fight. Had it been well attended and seconded, as they set down the plot, there had been very great service performed, and such a blow given to the rebels, as would have been a great quiet to Leinster. Have intelligence from divers parts that the Archtraitor Tyrone, who is now at the Fews, about five miles from Dundalk, has " made an atonement " with his half-brother Tirlogh M'Henry, whom he has set at liberty, and has summoned him, with O'Donnell, Maguire, and all the rest of his northern adherents, to come with all their forces unto him, with a month's victuals, having a purpose by several ways to invade the Pale.

"Thus do our sorrows increase by the loss of this worthy gentleman, whose life and presence would have been a great daunt to these traitors, whose pride is by his death increased, and your Lordships may conceive how our dangers do still multiply ; but our great comfort is, that God and Her most excellent Majesty will in short time deliver this her distressed kingdom, and us her poor servants and subjects, who live in it, from these calamities," Have sent letters both by sea and land, to the Lord Lieutenant General, and hope he will the sooner be drawn to Dublin for their succour. Meantime, will use their best endeavours to defend those parts, although some of the Captains, knowing the absolute managing of these martial affairs to be in the Lord Lieutenant General, do not so fully obey their directions as were meet.

"There is a great disorder grown among the said Captains and the soldiers touching their apparel for this winter season ; for the merchants, agents of that apparel, had given out that they had brought a full proportion to serve Her Majesty's army; and yet, when it came to be distributed, we found that they had not above two thousand five hundred suits. Whereupon, being desirous that the nakedness of each company might in an equal measure be relieved, we made our warrants to deliver to each Captain sixty suits, with direction that they should carefully observe to furnish such of their soldiers as stood in most want, until the rest should come. But most of the Captains and their companies (especially that regiment under Sir Samuel Bagenall's command), have utterly refused to receive the same, although we have sent the said proportion of apparel to their garrison place unto them. Whereby the soldiers are in great nakedness, so as we doubt we shall hardly prevent a dangerous mutiny amongst them ; which we have thought meet to signify to your Lordships, to the end it may please you to give direction for examining where the fault lieth."

Enclose a certificate of the strength of the horse and foot companies under Sir Richard Bingham, as mustered on the 12th of January.—Dublin, 1598, January 19. Signed, pp. 4. Inclose,

18. I. " The certificate of the strength of the company of horse and foot, late under the leading of Sir Richard Bingham, knight, as they were mustered at the Naas, the 12 of January, 1598." Signed by Sir Ralph Lane and Ralph Birkinshawe. p. 1.

Jan. 19. Dublin.

19. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. The forces, which he wrote were preparing in Ulster to be sent up into Leinster, being between 800 and 900 men, are now come, and are commanded by Tyrone's base son, Con O'Neill. Albeit warning was given to all the commanders upon the borders to lay for them in their passage, yet those rebels made their entry through the heart of Westmeath in the open daylight. No force used against them, except that Captain Willis with his 100 foot, and Captain Theobald Dillon with his 25 horse, skirmished with them a whole afternoon, without any great hurt, " because they were not seconded by the residue of the forces laid in those parts, under the charge of the Lord Delvin, who was sufficiently forewarned from time to time by the State, to be in readiness to attend that service. Captain Willis and Captain Dillon have written to me that, if they had been answered by the residue of those forces in Westmeath, as they looked for, they had either driven the northern rebels back again, " or else cut them off altogether." Hears they are gone to Mountgarrett, and, being joined with him and the rest, intend to divide themselves into two strengths, the one to set upon the Earl of Ormonde in his country, and the other to invade the Pale. This they may easily do, for the old impediment still continues, namely, that there are no fit commanders to lead the companies to the service, other than Sir Samuel Bagenall, who has charge to defend the northern borders, and lies there with his regiment. Now that the Marshal is dead, it will go worse with them in Leinster, for there are none to take the superior charge of the army. Prays that Her Majesty may haste away the Lord Deputy, and also constitute another Marshal. It greatly increaseth the danger of the kingdom, to be destitute at one instant both of a Deputy and a Marshal. Above all, it is thought strange that Sir Arthur Savage, with his regiment of 1,000 foot, is not yet come, considering how long the easterly winds have hung favourably for him.

Sends certain extracts of a letter written to him by Weston, whom he has long employed about Tyrone for intelligences. Has often written of his good discoveries, and has found him to do the best service, without charge to Her Majesty. The intention of Spain continues to send forces to Ireland to subtract the kingdom from Her Majesty. Fears Scotland " is of the pack " with Spain, notwithstanding all the fair semblances made to the contrary. " If the Lord Deputy, and the forces assigned to come with him, were here, it would do much to cross the Spanish attempts, and break many confederacies with the Irish, who. finding this destitution of a Deputy and further forces, take boldness to combine more and more amongst themselves." Importance of sending over a Lord Deputy out of hand, with forces and provisions. The longer that is deferred, the more way is given to the utter hazard of the kingdom, " wherein for my part I have so often written thither, as I know not what to write more, and yet the necessity urgeth to write still, howsoever it be taken."—Dublin, 1598, January 19. Endorsed:—Received at Whitehall the 28th. Signed, pp. 1½. Incloses,

19. I. Extracts from a letter written by Richard Weston to Sir Geffrey Fenton, dated Newry, 1598, January 15.

The messenger whom Tyrone and O'Donnell sent into Spain last, has written letters to them lately, sending the same by the way of Scotland. The letters are dated the 10th of November last.

The King of Spain had assured Tyrone that he would send 6,000 men into Ireland, and that these were already preparing in three several places. They would be ready within fifteen days before or after Christmas. If" the party " could get the whole 6,000, he intended to land at Limerick or thereabouts, but if the numbers were under, then he would make for Lough Foyle or Carlingford. If he would have come away with money, munition, and furniture, he needed not to have stayed one fortnight in Spain. Tyrone and O'Donnell should not spare beeves, garrans, or anything else they could provide for the Spaniards, and their horses of service should be kept in very good plight. The King of Scots made a challenge to Tyrone for sending the copy of his letter to the Lord General. This was sent into England, and from thence to the King again. Tyrone's man, called John Bathe, who remains in Scotland, had procured of late a warrant from the King, for powder and munition for Tyrone, by virtue of which warrant he had bought great store, p. 1.

Jan. 19. Dublin.

20. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. The bearer, Sir Warham Sentleger, having long time remained lame of a wound received in Her Majesty's service in Ireland, has got leave to repair into England, hoping to find a more perfect recovery there. During the time of his sickness, the house where he lay in Dublin took fire in the night, and was burnt to ashes, together with all his goods; " and himself, lying lame in bed, was hardly rescued from the fire, being by strength of his men borne out, and set in the streets in his shirt, not having so much as a garment left to cast upon him." Besides this loss, being (it is thought) the greatest part of all he had gathered together, in the whole time of his service of above 25 years, he was a little before spoiled by the rebels of all his cattle and other substance in the country. His house was assaulted by the traitors, but valiantly defended by his men, who slew sundry of the best of them. By these two afflictions, coming almost together the poor gentleman is overthrown in his estate, to the utter impoverishing of his wife and children, without Her Majesty's gracious comfort towards his reparation. He has served long in Ireland, " with good credit, and without reproach; and, by the experience he hath gotten, he is well able to acquaint your honour with the estate of his ruined government, and to give advice how it may be restored."—Dublin, 1598, January 19. Signed. p. 1.

Jan. 20. Dublin.

21. Sir Henry Wallop to Sir Robert Cecil. His hearty thanks for Sir Robert's commending speeches of him to Her Majesty. Craves him to suspend his judgment till Wallop's answer made, "when either I may be hardly reported of, or may myself seem to give the cause, an unhappiness that I note to accompany all our services here." Will not touch more on that point.

" For the present estate of the country, I am sorry to have cause to continue my former course of writing, that all things in generality decline and wax worse and worse." In particular, no special accident has happened since their last [letter], save the slipping out of the north of Con O'Neill, with some 800 men, to the aid of Mountgarrett. " Whether the purpose be, that those forces shall be used still for Mountgarrett's assistance, or for backing the Munster rebels, we as yet discover not." Victualling of the fort of Maryborough by Ormonde. They seldom receive intelligence from him, and the passages are generally so stopped, that they cannot expect to hear much from others. Their earnest desire for Ormonde's repair to Dublin.

" On Thursday night last, being the 19th hereof, it pleased God so to free Sir Richard Bingham of his long-lingering sickness, as to take him to Himself. In whose life, sickness, and hour of death, such constancy hath appeared as hath seemed rare; and we, Her Majesty's servants here that remain, cannot but be grieved to see her service and ourselves deprived of so worthy a gent, whose sufficiency (especially for this country service, in this so broken a time) gave us as great an hope of good success as from one of his place could be expected. The Lord grant a good choice in his room, and that we may speedily be comforted with the relief (that this kingdom needeth) of one absolute authority here over all, whereby the threatened ruin may be prevented, which to your wisdoms there is to be left, who know all, and can best consider of all."

The 4,000l. appointed for Munster has been detained three weeks by contrary winds. The weather being now very fair, the treasure may go at any tide.—Dublin, 1598, January 20. Endorsed:— Received at Whitehall the 28th. Signed. pp. 2.

Jan. 20. Dublin.

22. Sir Ralph Lane to Sir Robert Cecil. Recommends Sir Henry Brouncker for the post of Marshal. The Lords Justices and Council consider him the best man for the place. Brouncker's long experience in the north of Ireland, in the time of the old Earl of Essex, and in the late wars. The singular good-will of all the martial men of Ireland to him, for worthy parts universally observed in him.

It will be a great saving of charge to Her Majesty if, instead of the 1,000 horse proposed to be sent with the Earl of Essex, she be pleased to entertain, for present service in Ulster, 300 Scottish horsemen from the borders of Scotland. These will be sufficient to beat all the horse that Tyrone and O'Donnell can keep in the field, till midsummer next; although at midsummer, when the grass is good, they will be able to bring into the field 1,000 horse at least, " if, in the meanwhile, their plumes be not plucked." The saving to Her Majesty will be 3,000l. His monthly musters of Sir Samuel Bagenall's troop; "very fair and serviceable horses at his first landing, now so decayed, and all for the most part dead, and turned to Irish, both horses and men." Has also advertised the Earl Marshal thereof. Has sent Mr. Maynard a breviate of Her Majesty's whole charge for Ireland, for the half year ended 30th September last, and has given him the reasons for the stay in sending the whole books, with certificates of checks, &c.—Dublin, 1598, January 20. Endorsed:—Received at Whitehall the 29th. Signed. p. 1.

Jan. 20.

23. Document endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil, " 20 Jan. 1598, a list for Ireland," giving the salaries of the military establishment in that country, under the Earl of Essex, p. 1.

Jan. 24. Cork.

24. Sir Thomas Norreys to Sir Robert Cecil. " Since my last by Mr, Spenser, here hath happened so little matter, as I hold it not fit to trouble your Honour therewith," Refers to his letter to the Privy Council. Prays for speedy supply of men and provisions. The great want of money. Although he has endeavoured to preserve his men to the uttermost, yet are they decayed by sickness above measure. " The Captains impute it to the small allowance, and badness of the victual, which hitherto they have received ; which, (I assure your Honour, if they be not by your honourable means better provided for,) will altogether ruin them. The traitors daily increase in strength, fresh supplies resorting unto them out of all other parts of this realm, without resistance of any; so as it will be hard for me to judge what force may serve to suppress this rebellion, or to what issue the war will sort unto, unless by Her Majesty's forces in other places the foreigners be restrained from coming hither." To supply the present want of munition, has taken up a quantity from the bearer, a man of Barstaple. Recommends him.—Cork, 1598, January 24. Endorsed:—Received at Whitehall, 6 February. Signed, p. 1.

Jan. 25.

25. "Proclamation for Ireland, 25 January, 1598": with alterations and additions in Sir Robert Cecil's hand.

"Although our actions, and carriage of the whole course of our affairs, ever since it pleased God to call us to the succession of this Crown, being uprightly considered, may as evidently manifest to all our subjects, as our conscience doth clearly witness to our self, how earnestly we have affected the peace and tranquillity of the people of our dominions, and how much we have preferred clemency before any other respect, as a virtue both agreeable to our natural disposition, the sincerity of the religion which we profess, and always esteemed by us the greatest surety in politic government, when our subjects' hearts are assured to us by the bond of love rather than by any other obligation: notwithstanding, it hath fallen out, to our great grief, that this our gracious intention in the scope of our government hath not wrought in all men's minds a like effect, nor brought forth everywhere that fruit of obedience which we expected, and mainly in our kingdom and people of Ireland, where (as oftentimes heretofore), so now, especially of late years, divers of our subjects, both of the better sort and of the meaner, perverting our lenity to their advantage, have unnaturally, and without all ground or cause offered to (sic) us, forgotten their allegiance, and, rebelliously taking arms, have committed many bloody and violent actions upon our loyal subjects. And though their own consciences can bear them witness that, both by us and by our ministers there, more ways have been attempted to reclaim them by clemency, for avoiding of bloodshed, than did well beseem the dignity of our estate, or the power we have to reduce them by other ways, yet have we not therein reaped those fruits, which so great a grace deserved, if there had been in them any sense of religion, duty, or common humanity. This is the true cause that, after so long and almost impossible patience, we have been compelled to take resolution to reduce that kingdom to that obedience, which by the laws of God and nature is due unto us, by using an extraordinary power and force against them, assuring ourselves so much in the justice of our cause, as we shall find the same success which ever it is the pleasure of God to give to Princes' rights against unnatural rebellions. Wherein, notwithstanding, because we do conceive that all our people, which are at this present actors in this rebellion, are not of one sort, nor carried into it with one mind; but some, out of feeling they have of hard measures heretofore perhaps offered them by some of our ministers; some, for fear of the power and might that their adverse sects and factions have, by advantage of this loose time, grown into; and some, for want of due protection and defence against the wild and barbarous rebels; and many inveigled with superstitious impressions, wrought in them by the cunning of seditious priests and seminaries, crept into them from foreign parts, suborned by those that are our open enemies; and a great part, out of a strong but misconceived opinion, infused into them by the heads of this rebellion, that we intended an utter extirpation and rooting out of that nation, and conquest of the country; we have therefore thought it good, and answerable to that justice and clemency which we profess to be with us in account above all other royal virtues, to accompany our army which we send thither with this signification to our subjects, that we are not ignorant of the divers causes that have misled them into these violent actions, and that we both can and will make distinction of their offences. And for their better comfort touching the apprehension of conquest, wherewith the capital and unnatural traitors do seek to harden the hearts of those that have less offended us, thereby to bind them faster to ruin their desperate fortune; we do profess hereby to the world, that we are so far from any such purpose, as the very name of conquest seemeth so ridiculous to us, as we cannot imagine upon what ground it could enter into any man's conceit, that our actions, tending only to reduce a simple and barbarous rabble of misguided rebels, should need any such title of conquest, having in that our kingdom, to our great contentment, the best part of our nobility, the people of all our good towns, and multitudes of other our subjects, so assured in their loyalty to us, as they never yet gave suspicion of diverting from their duties. Of which our true and princely meaning we require all our subjects there in general to take comfort, and such as are for any cause revolted from their duty, to bethink themselves betimes of the extreme misery whereinto they shall throw themselves, if by persisting in this rebellion, they give us cause to use against them the last but worst of all remedies, the sword, which, for repairing of our honour, the safety of the rest of our people, and the assurance of the course of our justice, we are both forced and so resolved to do, except they shall with all expedition, penitence, and humility prostrate themselves to our mercy, as their only way to redeem themselves from their calamities and confusions, whereof their own hearts cannot feel beforehand the horror. For confirmation of all which resolution, as well how to proceed with the grieved and humbled hearts, as with the obstinate and obdurate, we have made choice of such a person to be in that realm the minister both of our justice and mercy, whose valour, wisdom, and success in other public actions, which we have committed unto him, and the force of our good subjects with which he shall be attended, as it may be a just terror to the wicked in making them see before their eyes the short and desperate end of these their barbarous and unnatural courses, so may this election of a servant of his place and rank, every way, both in our councils and our kingdom, sufficiently assure our dutiful subjects there of the great care we have of their preservation, of the abundance of our clemency, and gracious disposition to those that shall deserve mercy, and of our resolution to extirpate the rest, as enemies to God, and traitors to our Crown and dignity." pp 7.

Jan. 31.

26. The Privy Council to the Mayors and officers of the ports of Chester, Milford, Pembroke, and Haverfordwest. Increase of the forces in Ireland. The number of 2,550 foot and 200 horse to be sent over by the end of February. To have shipping in readiness for that purpose, also a proportion of sea victual. To take order for their lodging and victualling, if the wind do not serve for their transportation immediately after arrival. The rates to be 6d. a day per man for the footmen, and 2d. in money to be given daily to each, The horsemen merely to be lodged, they will have ready money for their victualling. Further forces will arrive after these; shipping and victual to be in readiness.—1598–9, January 31. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 113, 113^b. Copy. pp. 1½.

Jan. 31.

27. The Privy Council to the Mayor of Bristol. One hundred horse, under Sir Henry Davers, to be levied for Ireland, and to embark at Bristol, by the 20th of February, for Dublin. Shipping and victualling to be in readiness. Order to be taken for lodging, if necessary. Further forces, both horse and foot, are to come to Bristol very shortly. Shipping and victuals to be ready for them. —1598-9, January 31. Entry Book, No. 204, fo. 114. Copy. p. 1.

Jan. Kinsale.

28. Captain Thomas Phillips to Sir Robert Cecil. His success since his landing. Is in garrison at Kinsale. Went with Sir Thomas Norreys to victual Kilmallock. Since then no great exploit attempted by them or by the enemy. " All the Province of Munster is very unquiet, and such gentlemen as continue subjects can neither command their kinsmen, tenants, nor followers, in sort as they ought, for the performance of any service. The rebels are many, though for the most part naked and unarmed. The cities and corporate towns are our only relief and comfort for our soldiers doing (sic) daily decay, being worn out this last journey somewhat out of apparel, and by that means come to sickness, and we not having as yet any pay to succour them." The victualling of the fort of Maryborough. Sir Thomas Norreys has been from Kinsale for six days, having drawn out two of the companies from the garrison. Phillips appointed to keep the town. Repulsed a party of the enemy. Has now begun a fortification in an old abbey adjoining the town walls. The townsmen are unwilling to help. Is fain to do it himself, as it is of great importance, and will make the town stronger by 300 men; and if the latter should be taken, the fortification will serve, for it may be kept with twenty men from all the rebels. Sends a list (wanting) of as many of the principal rebels of the Province as he can learn of.—Kinsale, 1598, January—. Holograph. Seal. p. 1.