Elizabeth I: volume 205, August 1599

August 1599

Aug. 2.

127. "A note drawn out of the concordatums of Ireland," being payments to divers officers and others.—Endorsed, 1599, August 2. p. 1.

Aug. 3.

128. "A list of the whole army, as it stands at this present sorted and disposed to several places of garrison." Total: foot, 11,250; horse, 925.

" The list of the whole army is 16,000 foot and 1,300 horse; out of the which these 11,250 foot and 925 horse being deducted and disposed, as here is set down; and to be disposed, if the Lord Lieutenant go into Ulster, there remaineth towards the journey of Ulster, 4,750 foot and 378 horse; and yet to the province of Leinster there is appointed no more than to maintain a defensive war, and that very barely."—1599, August 3. pp. 1½.

Aug. 4. Nonsuch.

129. The Privy Council to the Earl of Essex and the Council. "Although we have received a letter of great length from your Lordship and the rest, containing many parts that are very fit for answers, yet because we consider that most of your Lordship's arguments tend to one end, by which you hope to advance the present actions, we will begin to give you satisfaction first where you concluded last. Your Lordship shall therefore understand that Her Majesty, having much debated your reasons alleged for entertainment of 2,000 Irish more during the harvest, wherein you have shewed so seriously of how great consequence it will be to the northern service to yield to that proposition for so short time, the rather to further the plantation of a garrison at Lough Foyle; although you can easily guess that all demands of this nature must be unpleasing, considering the multiplication of Her Majesty's expenses there, and of her daily expectation of some troubles from Spain; yet hath she (according to her royal wisdom) been pleased to yield to your request, according to the condition thereunto annexed, which is, that as much shall be abated of the sixteen thousand foot in the month succeeding. And therefore Her Majesty commandeth you, the Treasurer, to make payment of eighteen thousand foot, if you, the Lord Lieutenant, shall direct it, for which you shall have her warrant, under her hand, to allow thereof in your accounts, by the next despatch, for which at this present the time doth not serve."

Concerning the pay of the 300 Irish horse. Know that Essex will use them most now. Answers of victuallers as to alleged nonarrival of victuals, &c. Send a book and letter subscribed by them (wanting). One of the victuallers is appointed to repair to Essex, to give him more clear satisfaction in all things. As only 3,000l. has been defalked for victuals, the Treasurer must either have the magazines full, or have good store of money in his hands. With regard to the apparel, the purveyors affirm that the last proportion of 2,000 [suits] has been long since shipped, and they doubt not that it has arrived. This brings the number to 12,000 [suits], and the 2,000 men who last went over carried their clothes with them. So there can be no want in the army in that point; considering that the dead pays in the 16,000 amount to 960, "besides all those of that number that use none of those clothes. For the other point concerning the unserviceableness of stockings and shoes, we had before this time given order to those that deal with the apparel, to cause those kinds to be provided in Ireland, according to your Lordship's direction. And although the assigned day for winter apparel were, by your Lordship's assent, also continued, yet shall it now be hastened according to your desire." As to the concordatums, refer to certain payments which should not have been made by means thereof. The Queen can hardly be induced to believe the error which the Treasurer supposes Sir Henry Wallop to have made on this point in his certificate, and they cannot procure from Her Majesty any further enlargement. Neither can they persuade her to think that, if the concordatums are to be applied to pays of Colonels and Captains of horse and foot, with increase of pay to servitors (as, namely, to Sir Warham Sentleger, for one), it was to any purpose to have the army limited to any number. On comparing the issues for concordatums this year with those of last year, the Treasurer will find that many payments were made then under that title, which now are satisfied fully under others. The Treasurer lately confessed that if he had the two months' treasure sent at once (and it has long since been issued to him), no more need come over for a great while; which they believe, if he certified the defalcations as speedily as he ought. Concerning the abatements for checks, which are very small, it gives them good comfort to think that, as the Queen's charge diminishes not, so her force increases not. Essex is to direct the Mustermaster to send over a complete book, whereby Her Majesty may have "a perfect view of her army, and the numbers, with the names of her officers and captains." Have made no stay of the treasure to be sent over, but the Treasurer's men are slower in taking it.

"Thus have we written to your Lordship's general letter such answer as may in our opinions satisfy you, which we desire as much as your Lordship doth towards us, knowing that we in both realms concur in one end. To your Lordship's other particular letter written by yourself in answer of ours, which was grounded upon a former letter of your own, we can only say this, that those imputations of any indisposition towards you are so improper to us, as we will neither do your Lordship that wrong to take them so intended, nor ourselves that injury to go about to excuse them, knowing you too wise to apply those descriptions to any of us, and ourselves too honest to deserve any such exception; and therefore, as your Lordship pleased to say, that you will touch that point no more hereafter, so we desire to give you no occasion by our writing to revive it, nor any other of like nature, but to believe that we that are tied by the same duties with your Lordship, to desire and labour that the action may prosper in the highest degree, do also wish to your Lordship in particular that contentment, which they should do that remain, etc." (sic).—The Court at Nonsuch. Aug. 4. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 174 6-176 b. Copy. pp. 4½.

Aug. 5.

130. "A note of the army under the command of Sir Conyers Clifford, at the Curlews, Sunday, the 5th of August, 1599.

Sir Alexander Radcliffe's regiment having the vanguard:

The Lord Baron of Dunkellin's regiment having the battle:

Sir Arthur Savage's regiment being the rear:

Slain and hurt that day at the Curlews:—

Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil:—"This shews how many are slain." pp. 2.

Aug. 9. Nonsuch.

131. Queen Elisabeth to the Earl of Essex and the Council. "The letter which we have read this day from you of that Council concerning your opinions for the northern action, doth rather deserve reproof than much answer; and therefore you shall hereby understand that when we examine all parts of your writings, and lay them together, we see nothing but insinuations to dissuade that which should be done in that point of greatest consequence, because we should not find the error of those former courtesies, which have made it now of greater difficulty. A matter which in you (whom we have held worthy to advise in the causes of that kingdom) might seem much more strange unto us than they do, if we could forget most of the examples of your proceedings in former times, which (sic) the late Deputies Russell and Fitzwilliams, even when the prevention, or rather absolute cure, of all the maladies in that kingdom was put into your hands. Of which if we had taken straight account in Russell's time, the expense, the danger, and the dishonour succeeding, would not thus have multiplied. But we do see bitter effects of our long sufferings, with which things we could as well in our own natural dispense as any Prince that liveth, because we presume that they proceed, not out of lack of duty, but of circumspection. Yet may not our kingdoms, our honour, and the lives of our subjects, both at home and abroad, be still dallied withall. God hath given us those upon other conditions, and whilst He vouchsafeth to continue us over them, we will not be accusable for anything within our power to perform.

"Is it not enough for you of that Council to have been the greatest causes of that corruption in matter of religion (whereof the contagion reigneth in that kingdom) by your former suffering (nay favouring) Popery, and the cause of many disasters to our people, by lack of discipline, order, and direction? but that you must, at the landing of our Lieutenant, who came with no other purpose but to do us service in the place of greatest peril, seek to divert his course, when our army was in greatest strength, by persuading so long a journey into Munster, and leaving that prosecution (for which we have been only drawn on by you all to assent to send over so great forces), but that even now, on the 7th of August, we must receive new arguments framed to keep an army out of the north, thereby to increase the rebels' pride, and frustrate one whole year's charges. Observe well what we have already written, and apply your counsels to that which may shorten, and not prolong, the war, seeing never any of you was of other opinion, than that all other courses were but consumptions, except we went on with the northern prosecution. Do you forget that, within these seven days, you made a hot demand of 2,000 men for this action, and now, before you have answer, send us tidings that this huge charge must leave Tyrone untouched? What would you have us believe, if we did not think you loyal, but that either some of you cannot forget your old good wills to that Traitor, or else are insensible of all things, save your own particulars? For if these courses hitherto taken have well settled any of those Provinces, where your advices have carried our army (though contrary to the opinion' of you, our Lieutenant, at your first arrival), then seeing this was also accounted your fittest time, what can be the reason of your stay? If, otherwise, it hath abated our strength, and given more means to the Traitor to fortify himself by all kinds of practice against our army, then must you confess, that these difficulties are not found, but made by yourselves. For we do know it, and must believe it, till we see the contrary proved, that whatsoever was appointed by us for this service hath been more than fully completed. Lastly, for Lough Foyle, which still you ring in our ears, to be the place that would most annoy the rebel, we doubt not but to hear by the next that it is begun, and not in question.

"It remaineth now that we do return to your letter (our Lieutenant) such answer as is convenient, considering the contents of the same, not only that you may see we find the scope of the same, but also that you may know what we resolve. First, it appeareth that all that Council have united themselves to dissuade the northern journey, after they had joined with you seven days before in a request for greater numbers. Secondly, yourself express that you hold it pro bono augurio that we so much affect the journey, and that you do desire it, and resolve it, and yet demonstratively point at the danger in the consequence, seeking thereby to shew intention to do that out of obedience, against which, in your ominous parenthesis, you make direct protestations. But herein we would have you know, that howsoever we do like obedience as the sacrifice which becometh all good subjects, yet such are, and shall be ever, the rules of our directions in things of this nature, as none that serveth us in that place you do, shall ever win honour by obedience, where our country shall receive harm by our commandments. And where you describe unto us how strangely our Presidents of Munster and Connaught are mastered in those provinces without doing anything upon the rebels; that Offally with 1,500 cannot save themselves; that the northern garrisons are able to do nothing with 3,000 men; that within two miles of Dublin there are daily stealths and incursions; if it grow out of negligence of our Governors, it were fit to know it; if otherwise, then we wish they had occupied fewer numbers, seeing they ran no worse fortune before this great army arrived. And for the places which you have taken, we conceive you will leave no great numbers in them, seeing other provinces where they are seated receive no better fruits of their plantation, nor that we can hope of more success (by the Councils writing) than to be able to keep our towns, that were never lost, and some petty holds of small importance, with more than three parts of our army; it being decreed for the head of the rebellion (as it seems by them) that our forces shall not find the way this year to behold them. What despair this will work in our subjects' minds, that had greater hopes; what pride it will raise in the rebels, that had greater fears; and what dishonour it will do us in foreign parts; we had rather you had prevented, than we had noted. And surely when we fall in this calculation of the numbers you write of, howsoever you seem to apportion the numbers only of 4,750 foot and 340 horse for the journey of Ulster, yet ought you to reckon the greatest part of the forces of Connaught, as one of the portions always designed to correspond that service, to which if you shall add these 2,000, which we have granted you, with such extractions as upon better consideration you may draw both from divers places, that serve rather for protections of private men's countries and fortunes, than for the good of the public cause, besides what you may carry out of the frontier northern garrisons, when you are so near his country; you may not reckon under ten or eleven thousand for that service. All which considered, although we will not particularly enjoin you to this way or that course of undertaking him, if the carriage of your own actions have changed the reason of some former counsels; yet have we thought it fit to make you see that out of your own letters we may sufficiently gather the small success of your painful endeavours; wherein we confess our army hath lost no honour under your person; and that out of our letters you may collect some sufficient matter to prove that we command you no impossibilities. Which being all that at this time we think fit for this letter, we end."—The Court at Nonsuch, 1599, August 9. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 177-179. Copy. pp. 4½.

Aug. 9. Nonsuch.

132. Copy of preceding.—The Court at Nonsuch, 1599, August 9. Certified by Windebank. Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil;—"This need least to be read." Another endorsement says that this letter was in reply to a letter of 3 August from the Lord Lieutenant and Council. pp. 5.

Aug. 10. Nonsuch.

133. The Privy Council to the Earl of Essex and the Council. "Such letters as we have received from your Lordship and Her Majesty's Council there, we have imparted to Her Majesty, whereupon it hath pleased her to call us all that were here present to consultation. To both which letters, although Her Majesty hath fully answered upon very serious and exact examination of all the parts of the same, yet do we think it our part to make your Lordship a particular answer, and to deliver your Lordship such observations as we have made, using that plainness and freedom, which your Lordship, in like cases, doth and may always take with us, that thereby we may the better contribute each to other whatsoever is in us to advance Her Majesty's service. The first and special imputation which Her Majesty layeth daily to our charge, whensoever things fall not out to her expectation, is the remembrance of our earnest persuasions for the undertaking of this war, whereto as we have no other reply but to profess that which our conscience beareth us witness, that we were fully persuaded that this was the best way for her service, so can we not deny but we did ground our counsels upon this foundation, that there should have been a prosecution of the capital rebels in the north, whereby the war might have been shortened; which resolution as it was seriously advised by yourself before your going, and assented unto by most part of the Council of War that were called to the question, so must we confess to your Lordship that we have all this while concurred with Her Majesty in the same desire and expectation. And therefore, as upon your last letters by Harrison (wherein you moved, together with the whole Council, that you might be permitted to charge the list with 2,000 Irish men, for the better furtherance of the northern journey), no one of us did spare the best of our poor credits to induce Her Majesty thereunto, so must we confess that this sudden change hath brought us into great doubtfulness; for, if there were reason to press it then, and that your Lordship hath since done service in Offally, we do not yet conceive what may be the motive now of this alteration, knowing full well that, if your Lordship had conceived that that journey would have taken time from the main service, you would not have deferred it, nor, if you had not known that the journey into Offally would have been also to good purpose, you would not in respect thereof have lost any advantage. With these things therefore that are past, we will trouble your Lordship no further, but will resort to the considerations now of the present and future.

"First, we must let your Lordship understand that, upon perusal of the places which you have taken, we did apprehend, as there is cause, that Her Majesty's army was master where it went, and had left behind it monuments of his passage, having, as it seemeth, made all those castles of the rebels forts for Her Majesty. This account did much content Her Majesty, until in the rest of the relation, it appeared that, notwithstanding all this, yet neither the province of Munster, where you have been, nor any other, was in other state than such as Her Majesty's army must be employed in them for the defensive. For, if 3,300 foot and 200 horse, with as many more in Connaught, can neither win country nor beat rebel, nor the rest in other places save themselves, then doth it appear that the state of that kingdom is little bettered. Hereupon, Her Majesty remembering that always it was set down as a firm ground, that Ulster must be dealt with before any other of the provinces could be reduced, and perceiving now that one of the reasons why you should not go into the north, is by reason that these parts do require so great numbers, Her Majesty, out of expectation of that which should be done in the north, and out of experience of that which now is done elsewhere, resorteth to more mislike still of the time that hath been spent all this while in other places; not that anything by your Lordship hath been otherwise performed than with honour to Her Majesty's army, but that the difficulties of that which remains are made so great and dangerous. In which considerations, because your Lordship, with the same Council, made a request that tended to the advancement of the journey, and now that Council apart have used other arguments directly against that, and forasmuch as you particularly have written in a style rather of obedience than of confidence in the action, we are fallen much in our expectation of the great success which we desired, and must now only concur with Her Majesty's direction that, if your Lordship do not all which you would, yet that some such foundation be laid, whereby the Traitor may see he is not given over, as a person that may not be touched, and the world may see that these charges past have bettered the public state of that kingdom, so as that Her Majesty's great army may not be still required for the defensive, which was wholly intended for suppression of the rebellion in the north; which purpose when it shall be given over, then doth Her Majesty expect to hear from you what abatement shall be of this charge, which if it were not to end the war could not without infinite inconvenience be endured. For the declaration which your Lordship hath made of the numbers that are used in other parts, whereby the body of the army for Ulster is made less, we can say no more than Her Majesty hath written, being for our own parts also of opinion, that now you shall have 2,000 more, and that it was thought fit to tarry till this time, that we shall hear that your Lordship hath used Her Majesty's forces for the suppression of the Archtraitor, and other the capital rebels of the north, that have yet remained untouched, wherein we wish your Lordship the same success which your heart desireth."—The Court at Nonsuch, 1599, August 10. [Postscript.] "We have thought good to let your Lordship know, that where you mention in your last letter that, in your absence from Dublin, the Council there had advertised us of your success in Offally, we never did receive any such despatch, but only some of us received private letters, which reported particulars. This we write, as fearing some passage may have miscarried."—Entry Book, No. 201, fos. 179-180. Copy. pp. 3.

[Aug. 10.]

134. The Privy Council to Sir George Carey. Whereas Her Majesty has been certified by him that the allowance of 5,000l. per annum for extraordinary charges is insufficient for the defraying thereof, especially in this journey for " the suppressing of the chief and capital Rebel Tyrone," now to be undertaken by Essex, and that the sum of 1,000l. more is required for such prosecution, Her Majesty is pleased to grant the said sum, to be taken out of the 7,828l. 6s. 4d. remaining in Sir George's hands. Monthly certificates to be sent of the concordatums granted by Essex and the Council. In this journey, however, Essex's sole warrant to be sufficient.—[1599, August 10.] Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 180b, 181. Copy. pp. 1½.

Aug. 10.

135. Instructions [by the Earl of Essex] for Sir Theobald Dillon, knight. To return to Athlone, and there give his best advice and assistance to Lord Dunkellin and Sir Arthur Savage, for the settling of that country, and preventing further accidents, which "this disaster" [the defeat at the Curlew Mountains] is like to bring with it. To deal with all the Irishry that depended on Sir Conyers Clifford's purse or favour, assuring them that Essex will supply their loss in all respects. Because Dillon has special interest in Tibbott Ne Longe, he is to write to him, to assure him of Essex's good affection and resolution to protect him and his, and to heap upon him as many favours and benefits as he can, and that Essex will, if it be possible for him to march in time enough after drawing the dispersed troops to a head, go in person and set up his rest for the recovery of Tibbott's brother-in-law, O'Connor Sligo. Dillon is to consult with Lord Dunkellin and Sir Arthur Savage how the places " there " [in Connaught] may be held and victualled for some good time; " and how as many of those men may be sent away to Mullingar as may be presently spared; for I will never employ them there again, nor in any place where they shall be like to do anything but keep walls. The horsemen that cannot live well there shall be sent to Westmeath, to such places as shall be in your judgment best for them and the service." Essex is to be advertised of all things as often and as speedily as possible.—1599, August 10. Copy. p. 1.

[Aug. 10.]

136. Instructions [by the Earl of Essex] for Lord Dunkellin and Sir Arthur Savage. "You shall receive herewith a commission jointly and severally to command the forces of her Majesty in that Province (the forces in Thomond and Clanricarde excepted, which I commit to the two Earls themselves), till a Chief Commissioner of Connaught and Thomond be made. You shall first look that the town of Galway and the castle and town of Athlone have sufficient garrison in them to assure them, that the Boyle and Tulsk have sufficient wards to keep them and be provided of victuals for two or three months. You shall also place a sufficient ward at Roscommon, and a garrison of horse and foot, if you find that they may live well there, and that there is any part of the country there not wasted, which deserves the employment of such troops. You shall send away my Lord of Southampton's company of horse, and as many more as cannot be well provided for there. You shall also, when you have appointed sufficient garrisons for the places above named, send the rest of the foot to Mullingar, from whence I will send them to keep walls, since they do so cowardly and basely in the field. You shall also deal with all those Irish Lords of countries, Captains, gentlemen, and others, that depended on Sir Conyers Clifford's favour or purse, to assure them I will supply their loss of him, which I have likewise required Sir Tibbott Dillon to certify them; and both you and the said Sir Tibbott shall receive from them notes of all their wants, and what conditions they desire at my hands, to which I will return present answer, and as full satisfaction as they can in any reason desire. And especially you must give this assurance to Tibbott Ne Longe, requiring him to send me present word in what state O'Connor Sligo is, what time he is able to hold out, if he be not gone before the letter come, and to assure him that, if he give me time to assemble an army, I will march in person, and set up my rest to free him, to have a revenge for my worthy friend, and especially to recover her Majesty's honour. You shall in your letters to him also require him from us to have especial charge of the victual at Sligo, because by it we must relieve our army, and perform all the services in those parts. Lastly, you shall require him to advertise forthwith the state of the victual, and of the shipping and troops with him.

"You shall call to council, in all services, Sir Griffin Markam, Sir Gerrard Harvey, and Sir Tibbott Dillon; and, in those things which are not of secresy, O'Connor Don and McSwyne Ne Doe, and such other principal Lords of the Irish, as you shall have with you; but especially you shall hear and confer with Sir Tibbott Dillon, because he both knoweth the country and the service of it exceeding well, and the late courses of Sir Conyers Clifford, with his designs and instruments, better than any other doth. You shall hold a continual correspondence with the Earls of Thomond and Clanricarde, to whom I have given the several charges of the forces in their several countries. Lastly, you shall advertise me from time to time of all your proceedings, and of all occurrents there, as often and as speedily as you can."—Endorsed, 1599, [August 10.]. Copy. pp. 2.

Aug. 10.

137. [The Earl of Essex] to Sir Arthur Savage. "Besides the letter which my Lord of Dunkellin and you send jointly to Tibbott Ne Longe, you must send a trusty messenger to Captain Coche, who by you must be conjured to look well to the victuals, shipping, and troops of soldiers, if upon this disaster Tibbott Ne Longe should forget his duty. But, upon his head, the messenger must be secret in this, and must charge Captain Coche to be so: and you to acquaint no man with this direction, but the messenger himself. And so I rest."—Endorsed, 1599, August 10. Copy. p. ½.

Aug. 11.

138. Declaration by Sir Theobald Dillon. "Upon Monday, being the 30 of July, 1599, within two miles of Mullingar, after I had received my dispatch from my Lord Lieutenant, being four companies of foot, and 300 beeves for the victualling of the forces in Connaught, his Lordship spake to me to this effect:—"Commend me to Sir Conyers, and wish him from me, unless he stand assured that he may go forward without danger to relieve O'Connor Sligo, that he first let me know with great expedition his let therein, and that he do not venture the breaking of his neck before the army be afoot, at which time I will myself venture the breaking of mine arms sooner than he should miscarry."—Theo. Dillon. "This message I delivered to Sir Conyers Clifford, in the presence of his lady, at Athlone. His answer was, that he had forces enough, and that he would rather hasten, because the northern forces should not join or come to head before his coming.—Theo. Dillon."

To the foregoing holograph declaration by Sir Theobald Dillon is appended a certificate, signed by the Earl of Essex and the Council, and dated 1599, August 11, stating how Sir Theobald affirmed the said declaration on oath before the Council on the date mentioned. Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil, "Since the overthrow." pp. 2.

August 14. Dublin.

139. The Earl of Essex and the Council to the Privy Council. "Your Lordships' letter of the 4th of this month we have received by Ed. Bushell, and do offer to the principal points therein contained this our humble answer.

"First, we are right glad that Her Majesty alloweth of our motion for the entertaining of 2,000 Irish during this harvest. And, albeit this disaster in Connaught hath made it an harder matter to levy them than when we made the motion, yet I, the Lieutenant, do hope I shall find all, or the greatest part of the number, and get them to stay with me, until Tyrone and I have once tried what we can do one upon the other. Notwithstanding, if my other forces should once but shake, I should find these new levies not unprovided of a counsel. Secondly, though I, the Lieutenant, confess it to be true that Her Majesty and your Lordships agreed to 1,300 horse but during the prosecution which then was intended to begin in Ulster, yet 1 must plead that this proportion, and sundry other allowances for this war, depended wholly upon the truth of such declarations as were daily made and presented there to your Lordships. But these being in many points imperfect, and consequently the foundations unsound, nothing that was built upon it can endure. The rebels were in England esteemed some sixteen or seventeen thousand, but their numbers, by the setting down of my Lord of Ormonde, who had the managing of the war before me, was above 20,000, and yet we all of the Council think his Lordship's account was with the least. The goodness of our men was thought to be such that we might give them advantage of place, and that, the war being prosecuted with equal numbers, the rebels would be cut off or reduced. But now our men, if they borrow not more confidence from their Commander than they find in themselves, do run away from equal, and sometimes inferior numbers to themselves. As for the strength of the Irish nobility, gentlemen, and the Pale, which hath been held an especial increase of our force, we find by proof that they all furnish not a man, but for his wages and hire out of Her Majesty's purse. So that now, instead of thinking this a summer's work, or an easy task, Her Majesty and your Lordships may believe that this is such a war as, if Her Majesty will prosper in it, she must keep a strong army, with liberal maintenance, and have ministers, which must appear in more brightness than their own by the beams of her favour.

"For the matter of victualling, as your Lordships do send us the books which you received from the undertakers, so we sent your Lordships the declaration which the Comptroller of the Victuals gave us, but if either of them come over, we will make all reckonings even, and send your Lordships a perfect view of expense past, of the present store, and of our opinions what is best for the future service.

"In the matter of apparel, if it would please your Lordships, instead of commanding the providers to make provision here of stockings and shoes, to give leave that the soldier might be his own provider, at the same rate and allowance as the merchants have, the service would be greatly advanced.

"But to come to the main point and life of this service; the concordatums and extraordinaries are already limited, and (as your Lordships say) by Her Majesty will not be enlarged. The causes and occasions of extraordinary expense are not limited, nor can be avoided, unless we will suffer the army to lie still, and never march, the magazines never to be removed, and the garrisons to trust to themselves, and never be supplied. In what a strait and confusion we are, whilst we want authority to make these allowances, and ability to do services without them, it is not hard to judge. The charge of extraordinaries hath grown especially in four natures; for the discharged Captains, for some Irish extraordinary companies, for transportations, and for land-carriages. The Captains are termed in your Lordships' letters, cashiered for offences; but the offence for which they were cashiered was their being in a list which could not bear them; for I, the Lieutenant, found 19,000 in list, having but 16,000 in allowance; and of those that were in list it was more reasonable and more just to cashier those which had been shamefully defeated at the Blackwater, than those which were without touch; and yet, till the day of their discharge, they could not be denied their allowance. The extraordinary companies were such as we of the Council thought not fit to be discharged, for fear of making them rebels, nor yet contained [i.e. continued] in the list, we never minding to pay them above one month in four. If there be any allowance for Colonels' or Captains' pays, either it is very small, or must be imputed to the fault of the winter; for very few, and those of small importance, have been given or passed our hands. Only Sir Thomas Gates in Munster, and Sir Gerard Harvey in Connaught, have had allowances as Serjeant-Majors in these two provinces, which kind of offices and allowances have ever been, where such troops have been employed.

"And now, we having answered that which concerneth us all, I, the Lord Lieutenant, for my particular will only say this, to the closing up of your Lordships' letter, that I will be true to my word in troubling your Lordships with no more complaints, and careful to yield all due reverence to that honourable Senate. I only described the affections and courses of some men, but the persons or qualities of none, and for my dread Sovereign's, and for my country's sake, will pray that that place may never be profaned with any such as shall agree with my descriptions."—Dublin, 1599, August 14.

[Postscript.] Before the perclosing of this letter, Captain Windsor returned from Connaught, who, having been present at the late disaster at the Curlews, and, as a Captain having charge, saw the manner of the action, reporteth that more of the soldiers fell by their Captains and Commanders striving to stay them from routing than by the hand of the enemies; and he affirmeth further that there was a greater number of the rebels hurt and slain there than of ours."—Signed. pp. 3.

August 14. Dublin.

140. The Earl of Essex to the Privy Council. "That, before your Lordships do counsel Her Majesty how to direct the affairs of this kingdom, you may be informed of the true state thereof, I have thought it requisite, in regard to my duty to Her Excellent Majesty, to send your Lordships this despatch, which shall describe every part and limb of the same. Ulster, which was never wholly in obedience, is now (two or three garrisons only excepted, which, though kept with great charge, are in a sort besieged) wholly in rebellion. In Connaught, Her Majesty holdeth the town of Galway, the castle of Athlone, and the wards of Roscommon, Tulsk, and the Boyle ; the rest of the province (Thomond and Clanricarde only excepted) lying utterly waste; and even these two countries being subject to the daily incursions of the provincial rebels, besides all such of the Munster rebels as shall pass over the Shannon. Munster hath many towns, the most of them garrisoned ; yet neither the army which I found there, nor the increase I left there, make us anywhere in that province absolutely masters of the field; but so soon as the garrisons stir out, the rebels are upon them, though most of the bonnaughts are gone out of the province. In Leinster we keep more of the country in obedience than in all the kingdom besides; notwithstanding the rebels are so strong in this province that everywhere they burn, spoil, and prey, saving betwixt the Liffey and the Boyne. Ulster is the seat of the Arch-rebel, and may not be weakly invaded, garrisoned, or frontiered. Connaught hath lost a valiant, a liberal, and understanding Governor, and cannot by me be supplied with another Conyers Clifford, though he also found too hard an encounter, and perished in it. Munster hath at this time in effect no Governor; the President, by reason of his weakness, being not able to be a director; and his brother (who, saving for his infirmity, might have assisted him) being now as unable as the President himself. In Leinster, when I go out of it, I shall leave my Lord of Ormonde (who will hardly be drawn to abandon the counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wexford, and Carlow) and the Marshal, who for a good while will not be able to execute in the field, nor at any time to direct from Dublin, where he wanteth the authority and reputation of a Councillor. In the army, wheresoever I go, I shall have but Sir Oliver Lambert and Sir Henry Dockwra that have formerly had any extraordinary commands, unless my Lord of Ormonde will spare me Sir Henry Power. And yet, when I march, I must look to have my vanguard, battle, and rearguard well commanded; and besides must supply the provinces of Connaught and Munster. Her Majesty in her list payeth many, but hath her service followed by few; for every town and place of garrison is an hospital, where our degenerate countrymen are glad to entertain sickness as a supersedeas for their going into the field, and every remove of an Irish company is almost a breaking of it, so as we can never make account what numbers we have of them. That the pride of the rebel will be very extraordinary upon this late success against Sir Conyers Clifford, your Lordships may easily believe; but believed it cannot be what baseness and cowardice most of these troops are grown unto. Yet must these rebels be assailed in the height of their pride, and these base clowns must be taught to fight again; else will Her Majesty's honour never be recovered, nor our nation valued, nor this kingdom reduced.

"What strength I shall be able to carry into the field, and in what places, and with what designs I purpose to assail the Traitor, your Lordships by my next shall be fully informed. My journey hath been all this while stayed, by reason that the best companies which I should carry with me are not yet come to me; and there will be no beeves nor carriages gotten yet these eight days. Besides, this whole province did cry out upon me to stay till they had gotten in some corn; otherwise they must either starve, or resolve to run over into England. But within eight or ten days at the furthest, I hope to be marching; howbeit with what disadvantages, wants, and necessities, we shall keep the field, your Lordships may easily judge, when we have no allowance for espials, for practice to effect service, for transportation of victuals or munitions, for rewards to such as shall well deserve, for relief of miserable and unserviceable creatures, lastly, for any extnordinray charges whatsoever; the sum of 5,000l. being quite run out, and Her Majesty tying us to that stint. Had I not already, and did I not every day bankrupt myself upon these mercenary Irish, I would myself defray many of these charges without asking allowance.

"At my first coming into this kingdom, the name of Her Majesty's Lieutenant, and that reputation (whatsoever it was), which I had purchased in her services, made me to be sought by some, and respected by all. But that season, Her Majesty's favour, and my comfort, ended all at once. Since, I have sought by all the means that my industry and ability could compass, to put hope and spirit into this army, but it hath drooped every day. Those which go from me will, according to the fashion of the world, lend me charities to excuse themselves. Those who tarry with me do, me thinks, continually upbraid me how much I owe them, that I am not left alone in such a fortune. And the Irish generally profess (at least for ceremony and show) that they would as soon build upon my word as upon any man's living, in all things that are in my power to perform; but till my fortune be as good as my faith, they will not rely upon me, nor make me their mediator to Her Majesty's mercy, till I have more evident demonstration of her favour. So that I have no further interest in any of them, than that which I obtain by purchase, nor for longer time than whiles I feed them with money; neither have I any use of them, but when I go myself with them; and those whom yesterday I led to the field, fight against me to-day; and those who shot at me to-day, will come in, and fight on my side to-morrow. Such is the nature of this people, and of this war."—Dublin, August 14. Endorsed, 1599, by the Lord Cromwell. Signed. pp. 2½.

Aug. 14. [Dublin.]

141. List of pledges which certain submittees of the province of Leinster agreed to put in.

Viscount Mountgarrett—His son Edward Butler.

Baron of Cahir—His brother Edmond Butler, or his brother Edward.

Sir Terence O'Dempsy—His son Onie, or his son James; Onie to be sent to Lord Delvin, and James to remain at Dublin at school.

Teig Oge O'Don—His son Edward, to be delivered to Sir Warham Sentleger, to remain at Monasterevan.

Callow O'Molloy—His son Cahir, to be delivered to the Lord Lieutenant. Cahir "is now at school in Dublin."

This list is signed, as examined, by Sir Geffrey Fenton, who endorses the document with the statement that the promise of the pledges was "not performed."—[Dublin], 1599, August 14. p. 1.

Aug. 18. Dublin.

142. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. In favour of the bearer, Mr. [Ralph] Birkinshawe, who has license to repair to England for his private affairs. His good service in the musters. Prays that he may have a private audience of the Queen. The sooner he is returned, the better.—Dublin, 1599, August 18. Endorsed, Received at Nonsuch the 25th. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

Aug. 19. Dublin.

143. The Earl of Essex to the Privy Council. "By letters yesternight from Athlone, I hear for certain that O'Connor Sligo is gone to Tyrone, having first taken four pledges for his return into his castle, if he do not agree upon his composition. I hear also, but not of such certainty, that since he is quite revolted, and that Theobald Ne Longe hath betrayed our ships and victuals, which went by sea to meet Sir Conyers Clifford, that the Abbey of the Boyle is likewise given up, and most of that province revolting. Which, if it be true, I must hasten thither, for undoubtedly O'Donnell, in the pride of his success, will follow his fortune, and overrun all that province, if he be not encountered. The amazement of our base soldiers upon the late disaster, and the fear of a northern journey is such, as they disband daily; the Irish go to the rebels by herds; the others make strange adventures to steal over; and some force themselves to be sick, and lie like creatures that have neither hearts nor souls. Yet, by the favour of God, our little army, which will hardly be 3,500 foot, and not much above 300 horse, shall give Her Majesty as good account as ever any troop did to their sovereign. I am so distracted with the misery of Connaught, the wants of Minister, the mutiny of Leinster (because I tarry not with them), the want of Governors and men able to take charge, that I protest that, if I did not more for Her Majesty's service and honour bear these scorns of fortune and torture of mind than for any pleasure I take in the world, I should quickly find a fair way to free myself."—Dublin, August 19. Endorsed, 1599. Signed. p. 1.

Aug. 19. Dublin.

144. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "I have received at 11 this forenoon your Honour's letter of the 31st of the last, being the time that this bearer, the pursuivant landed here. When I asked of him Her Majesty's letter mentioned in that of yours, he answered that he had presently delivered it to the Lord Lieutenant, to his own hands; upon which, I think, doth grow this packet, signed by his Lordship, which he sent unto me as I was at dinner, requiring me to send it away with all speed. I humbly pray your Honour to let me know by your next, whether this packet, signed "Essex," be an answer to that of Her Majesty recommended by you to my trust, to the end that, if it do not directly answer that letter, I may press a further answer; for I will rather offend any here, than not to do that which I ought for your Honour's satisfaction, to whom I will not fail to give all faithful and humble correspondency, to the uttermost of my power."—Dublin, 1599, August 19. Endorsed, By Stillingfleet Holograph. p. 1.

Aug. 21. Dublin Castle.

145. "The opinion of the Lords and Colonels of the Army, dissuading the journey northward."

"We, the Lords, Colonels, and Knights of the Army, being called to a Council at War, the day and year above written, (at what time the Lord Lieutenant, proposing to us his purpose of invading Ulster, as well in regard of Her Majesty's express commandment, as also to pull down the pride of the Archtraitor Tyrone, to redeem the late scorn of the Curlews, and lastly to hold up the reputation of the army, required us to deliver our opinions in what sort a present journey thither might be made,) we, who were then present, being thoroughly acquainted with the state of Her Majesty's forces (as having particular charge of them, some as Colonels over regiments, and some as Captains over companies), after long debating, every one of us having spoken in order, at last by common consent resolved that, seeing the army so unwilling to be carried thither, that some secretly run into England, others revolt to the rebels, a third sort partly hide themselves in the country, and partly feign themselves sick; and seeing that there could be no planting this year at Lough Foyle, nor assailing of the north but one way (the Connaught army, consisting of a great part of old companies, being lately defeated), and that our army, which passeth not the number 3,500, or 4,000 at the most, of strong and serviceable men, should be far overmatched, when all the forces of the north should encounter them; and sithence that it was a course full of danger, and of little or no hope, to carry the army into their strengths, where the rebels should be first lodged, and were able to bring 6,000 shot to entertain fight with less than 2,000 (in which places, also, our horse should never be able to serve, or succour our foot); and, further, forasmuch as we could place no garrisons in the north, but such as consisted of very great numbers, and great numbers we could not spare from so small an army, with any likelihood of making a good retreat with the rest (to say nothing of the want of shipping, and especially of victualling, caused by the great decay thereof); and lastly sithence, if we could spare a sufficient number, and could lodge them at Armagh and the Blackwater, it would but tie the army to be ever busied in victualling them, and consequently more incommodate us than trouble the rebels (as it appeareth in the former plantations there in the times of the Lord Burgh, Sir William Russell, and Sir John Norreys); in regard of the premisses, we all were of opinion that we could not, with duty to Her Majesty, and safety to this kingdom, advise or assent to the undertaking of any journey far north. In which resolution if any man suspected it proceeded of weakness or baseness, we will not only in all likely and profitable service disprove him, but will, every one of us, seal with his life, that we dissuaded this undertaking with more duty than any man could persuade unto it."—Dublin Castle, 1599, August 21.

This document is signed:—Ed. Wynfield, H. Southampton, Oliver Lambert, Ga. Kildare, W. Mounteagle, R. Dewy, Henry Power, Rich. Castleconnell, Math. Morgan, H. Davers, John Bolle, Fra. Darcy, Henry Docwra, Sa. Bagenall, Edward Herbert, Cha. Wilmot, Tho. Jermyn, and Arthur Champernowne. Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil, "Sent with the letter of the 27th of August." pp. 2.

Aug. 22. Dublin.

146. The Earl of Essex and the Council to the Privy Council. "In a late joint letter of the 27th of the last month, we were bold (amongst other things) to put your Lordships in mind how infinitely the service of this realm was, and would be, maimed by a limitation of all extraordinaries to five thousand pounds per annum; and that, in such a stint, it was not possible for us to hold up the service without some further enlargement therein." The reasons they used did not work the hoped for effect, as appears by their Lordships' letter of August 4. The extreme urgency for increasing the sum for extraordinary charges. The 5,000l. allowed for the same has long since been expended, or at least very little remains. "And yet, lest the army, which is now ready to be employed against the Arch-traitor, or some of his principal confederates, might receive delay, the season and action concurring aptly together, we have adventured to borrow so much money as we can for this purpose, and have put it into the hands of a special paymaster, to issue it by concordatum from me, the Lord Lieutenant, and such of the Council as shall be with me in the field, for such extraordinaries as shall occur in the service, and shall be thought most requisite to be paid." Pray their Lordships' good acceptation of this action, and that they will earnestly move Her Majesty to enlarge the allowance for extraordinaries, if she will not set it wholly at liberty, as in other times it hath been. "This intended journey, and the preparations, together with the purpose thereof, and the forces employed, your Lordships shall receive from me, the Lieutenant, by the next, being not able at this instant to satisfy your Lordships so fully therein, as by my next I shall be."—Dublin, 1599, August 22. Sir Robert Cecil adds to the endorsement about the concordatums:—"and a purpose expressed to invade the Arch-Traitor, or his principal followers." Received at Hampton Court the 4th of September. Signed. pp. 2.

Aug. 22. Dublin.

147. The Earl of Essex to the Privy Council. "The news of Tibbott He Longe's betraying of the victuals and ships at Sligo (God be thanked) is proved untrue. But O'Connor Sligo is held prisoner with O'Donnell, so that there I am not tied to make a journey for his rescue. I have written to those who command the forces of the province, that they shall not seek to draw me thither, if it be not upon terms of extremity. I have caused Mr. Treasurer to send them one thousand pounds, and have directed them how they shall victual and secure the castles held for Her Majesty there, whereby I conceive good hope not to be diverted from Ulster to those parts. This night I expect my Lord of Ormonde and the Marshal here, with whom I will leave the best order I can for the securing of these parts behind me; and in the mean time I am sending away munition and victuals to Kells and to the Navan; and draw the army into Meath; myself purposing, by the grace of God, to follow at the end of this week; howbeit the poverty or ill affection of this people doth make us want more than half our proportion as well of beeves as of carriages." Prays that he may be borne with for two or three days, when he will send a special messenger to give an account of all his "purposes and conceived abilities."—Dublin, August 22. Endorsed, 1599. Received at Hampton Court the 4th of September. Signed. p. 1.

Aug. 22. Mallow.

148. Captain Francis Kingsmill to Sir Robert Cecil. "The late infinite disaster befallen us by the death of my Lord President and Sir Henry Norreys, one of them dying the sixteenth day of this month, the other the one and twentieth, doth embolden me to write to your Honour something which concerneth the present state of this province, and would more particularly have discovered it to you, had not this gentleman, Mr. Crosby, being now weary of this unfortunate place, been willing to repair to your Lordship with all speed. He is one that, since the beginning of all these rebellions in Munster, hath remained in my Lord President's house with him, and can best inform your Honour of the present state here, and the best means for reducing it to a settledness, of any that I know. My Lord President since these stirs hath used him in many conferences with the chief of the rebels, in which he hath both faithfully and truly performed the part of an honest man, and one that shewed himself very sealous in Her Majesty's service; and by his means both McDonogh, the White Knight, John Barry, the Knight of Kerry, and many that have entered chiefly into these rebellions with the Desmond, and are the principal men, were at this instant upon the point of coming in, whereof some of them had taken their oath, so soon as my Lord were recovered, to perform it, and all of them seemed willing in many of their actions. The Desmond also hath lately written to Sir George Thornton, Marshal of Munster, to be a means to the President for a stay of all matters for a month, till he might have some conference, and make his means to my Lord Lieutenant. How this unhappy mischance may alter all, I know not. But if it shall please your Honour to pardon me, I will set down my opinion of the courses to be held here, which otherwise will hardly grow to good effects.

"The extreme exactions of the bonnaught or hired strangers here, maintained by the province, hath so wearied both the gentlemen and generally the churls, as it was assured to my Lord President that, were it not for the desperate courses some few have run, and the ambition of very few others, there could not anything happen to them more pleasing than a (sic) assuredness of their estates, and a riddance and release of the extreme charge they are at, by giving pay to these Connaught and Ulster men here amongst them, which have, to the number of four thousand, every man 30s. a quarter, and a milch cow, besides meat and drink, and what they can get from the churls by exacting, and from those that pretend subjection, by force. These insolencies had so wearied those that hired them, as almost all desired to be out of their lives rather than to have endured it; and, if it had pleased God to have spared life to this most worthy gentleman but two months longer, I assure myself there had been very few out in this province; for those men being in, which had desired the Queen's mercy, there had not one bonnaught dared to stay in Munster, for fear of draughts to be drawn on them by them and their friends. The country of itself is well able to make four thousand more, though they are not so well furnished, nor so good men, all the strangers serving for the most part with pike and shot; and, through the extreme exactions they use on the churls and country people, the weaponed men live with much more abundance and in greater heart than ever they did, and are grown men that will willingly fight when occasion shall be offered them.

"The estate of our army here is far contrary; those that be, rather carrying the shew of men than men fit to fight, insomuch as I do assure your Honour, where five hundred lay in a garrison together, being all old companies and the best in Munster, they are not able to draw out two hundred able men here at Mallow. The rest in all places are, I know, worse; some having fifty, some forty, sick in a company, and few or any that are fit to be carried to any service, by reason they have been eight months here without any kind of relief of clothes; and the two thousand almost ten (sic) which came over about Allhallowtide, besides, continually kept to be fed on bread and cheese and butter, which for the better part is so ill, as they are rather poisoned with it than nourished. If there may not be some better course held, both for relieving of them rather before the time with clothes than after, and that seeing we do for the most part live in garrisons, where we may live exceedingly well, having our lendings duly paid us, there may some order be taken for three months' victuals, that is good, and will continue so for a year, if occasion be to use it in any journey into the field; and being here in magazine, that the soldiers' lendings be duly paid them, to hearten and encourage them. Let it not be any marvel if we, as in other places one time or other, happen on a blow, being to fight against men that are generally in all the world reputed valiant, that live in their own country, and in much better estate than ever they did, which carry arms equal to ours, saving the cuirasses only, which the pikemen want, and which, through the want our soldiers have been in many times, had too good fortune against them (sic). All which I submit to your Honour's graver judgment.

"I humbly beseech you to pardon me, in that I have written that which is fit, though it may be, it may be thought some presumption in me, whom it less concerns than many here. For any particular thing, this gentleman can well inform your Honour, whom I have stayed here only so long as I could have time to write this letter, being very desirous to take the first opportunity of the wind. My Lord Lieutenant, as we hear, is gone, upon the late news of Sir Gonyers Clifford, into Connaught, to whom there is letters gone that way, and others to Dublin, by which he may know how to take a course for this country, which is now in very ill state, being without a head, neither almost a week's victuals for half the army, nor one penny of money this three or four months; but, as we hear, there is some little at Waterford, which my Lord President before his death sent to the Mayor, to send up with the first wind. This also is one of the principal misfortunes we are tied to here in this province; that whatsoever is employed for the service here comes not directly from Bristol, but must have six winds to blow before we can receive it. I do not doubt but my Lord Lieutenant, if he be in Connaught, will either come this way, or give present order for the government here; but, because I think the settled Governor must come by order from Her Majesty, I thought it my duty, if it shall please your Honour to pardon me, to let you know the general hope of (sic; ? that) all, both subjects and soldiers here, live in, that once again one of that honourable race may be sent hither, which, by his own worm and the good opinion conceived here of the name, is able to do the Queen more service here than any [that] can be sent; which I submit also to your better direction. I humbly beseech your Honour, as you have continued always favourable to this most honourable gentleman now departed, so you will remain to his poor son, who is left ten thousand pound in his estate worse, than he was likely this time twelve months, besides the loss of as good a father as lived; and for myself I must intreat your honourable favour, that you will be pleased to let me be paid money due to me from Her Majesty, which I was a long suitor for at my last being in England, having now lost both Sir John Norreys and this my last friend, by which means I have more need of it than ever."—Mallow, August 22. Endorsed, 1599. Holograph. pp. 4.

Aug. 25. Dublin.

149. The Lord Chancellor Loftus, the Earl of Ormonde, and Sir Robert Gardener, to Sir Robert Cecil. Concerning the corn claimed by Lady Burgh (with marginal notes in behalf of her Ladyship).—Dublin, 1599, August 25. Signed. pp. 2½.

Aug. 25. Limerick.

150. The Earl of Thomond to Sir Robert Cecil. Since his coming into Ireland, has endeavoured to follow Her Majesty's service as much as lay in his power, both in Munster and in the county of dare, which he found for the most part possessed by the enemy. Has reduced that county to Her Majesty's subjection, although it was very much wasted by the rebels. At his coming out of England, was appointed second in command in Munster. Hopes that he may be thought worthy to be Governor there, now that Sir Thomas Norreys is dead. Has sent the bearer, his Lieutenant, who can discourse to Sir Robert of the disaster to Sir Conyers Clifford, the death of Sir Thomas Norreys, and the state of Connaught and Munster, where he has served many years with the writer.—Limerick, 1599, August 25. Endorsed, By his Lieutenant, Mr. Norton. Received at Richmond, 25 October. Signed. p. 1.

Aug. 26. Dublin.

151. Sir George Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. Acknowledges the receipt of the Privy Council's letters of the 18th of August, and of Sir Robert's of the 19th of August. Has performed their commands to disburse 1,000l. more for extraordinaries. Was the more willing to do this, as he would give some small assistance to Essex in his journey northward, "for I see little prosecution and little good success, but when his Lordship is in person." A long time has been spent in debating this journey, every man in general protesting against it. The army is exceeding weak; for, either through the corruptions of the victuals, or of this cursed climate, or of both, the soldiers fall sick exceedingly, [so] that I assure your Honour that, though Her Majesty's pay at this present in list [is] after the rate of 17,[000] or 18,000, yet is there not in this kingdom 10,000 strong; so that your Honour may guess that the companies, which now shall go with his Lordship, can be but weak, and the numbers but small. And it is to be feared that, more towards winter, the soldiers will fall sick in far greater numbers. I would oftener write to your Honour, but our late evil successes doth discourage me to be the messenger of evil news. Sir Thomas Egerton, my good friend, is lately dead, and so is Sir Hewett Osborne, and divers others sick."—Dublin, 1599, August 26. Endorsed, By Sir William Lovelace. Received at Hampton Court the 5th of September. Holograph. Seal. p. 1.

Aug. 26. Dublin.

152. Sir George Carey to the Privy Council. Acknowledges the receipt of their letters of the 18th instant, wherein they command him to issue 1,000l. for the extraordinary charges of the journey northwards, out of the 7,828l. remaining in his hands. Though, at the end of the six months ending 15 August, he had in hand very nearly 10,000l, yet, by their Lordships' direction, the list is increased 2,000, so that the payments are greater. Yet, as he was desirous to advance Her Majesty's services, and to obey their Lordships' commands, and also to supply all wants to the uttermost of his small power, he borrowed 1,000l. for the extraordinaries, and delivered the same to Mr. Beverley, by direction of the Lord Lieutenant and Council, to furnish his Lordship in this journey. Has also appointed 4,000l. to pay the army which is now to go with Essex; 1,500l. to be sent into Munster; 1,000l. into Connaught; 1,000l. to Newry; and 1,000l. to Carrickfergus. The rest, which is not 2,000l. remains at Dublin to pay the garrisons in Kilkenny, Leix, Offally, Kells, Dundalk, Navan, and other places; so this proportion will not suffice till the middle of September. Reminds their Lordships that, at Michaelmas next, the Officers of Justice in Ireland, the Governors of Provinces, Patentees, Pensioners, Warders of Castles, and others, must be paid; all which amounts to 20,000l. per annum. "What Her Majesty's receipts of the revenue of this kingdom will be this halfyear ending at Michaelmas (and which will not be paid before it be near Christmas) I know not; but I do assure your Lordships on my faith that the last half-year's receipt was not above 1,400l." Has, according to directions, made payments for the 2,000 extra men during harvest time. Asks for Her Majesty's promised warrant for the same, as also for the extraordinaries.—Dublin, 1599, August 26. The letter is addressed by Sir George but is unsigned. Sir Robert Cecil endorses it, "He forgot to set to his name;" and his Secretary has put, "By Sir William Lovelace." Seal. p. 1.

Aug. 27. Dublin.

153. The Earl of Essex and the Council to the Privy Council. Essex, by virtue of his patent, has, on the petition of the inhabitants of Athlone, and by the advice of the Council, passed an incorporation, under the name of the Portgrave and burgesses of Athlone. Pray that their Lordships may be a means to obtain from Her Majesty further franchises and liberties for the town, and some help towards the building of its walls. "The place of our own knowledge is a chief frontier town upon many rebellions septs, and, in the late confusions of this kingdom, hath been specially and most maliciously shot at by them, the rather for that it is a thoroughfare town between the provinces of Leinster and Connaught, and hath from time to time given great relief to all Her Majesty's armies and garrisons, as they had occasion either to pass or reside there; and, being holpen with Her Majesty's grant of liberties and freedoms, it would be far better enabled to bear out the heavy burdens of the time, and much advance the future services of Her Majesty in those parts." The bearer, Richard Nolan, is the chosen agent for the town.—Dublin, 1599, August 27. Signed. pp. 2.

Aug. 27. Erris in Thomond.

154. Gerrott Comerford, Attorney-General of Connaught, to Sir Robert Cecil. "The manifold favours extended towards me by my very good Lord your father urged me, in acknowledging my love to him and duty to your Honour, to impart unto you the distressed state of this province of Connaught and Thomond, whereof I am Her Majesty's Attorney. The last disaster that happened to Sir Conyers Clifford and the army then under his leading, hath so dismayed the faithful subjects, and raised to a height of pride the bad members thereof, that the whole province by that Archtraitor O'Donnell, and Redmond Burke, son to the late Lord Baron of Leitrim, is brought in danger to be ru[i]nated. Sir Conyers Clifford, before the arrival of the Eight Honourable the Earl of Essex, in hope to appease, and by fair means to draw to obedience, the inhabitants thereof, hath not only bestowed divers gifts and rewards upon them, but also made Captains of divers of them over those that were in rebellion with them, who were by Her Majesty's monition made expert and perfect soldiers, and having remained for a time obedient, in the end divers of them revolted to the enemy, and are in a manner the strongest strength they have against us. And before their revolt, others, of far better desert in their conceit, seeing them thus preferred, repined at their fortune, and, in hope to be rewarded as they were, took an unnatural course, and revolted, whereby most of all the realm were in arms (some of the noblemen, the cities, and port towns, and divers descended of English race, and some few of the mere Irish excepted); and the said rebels, being linked with that Archtraitor O'Neill, who hath, under the cloak and colour of feigned religion, and for divers other wicked respects, seduced and stirred the Geraldines of Munster, the Clancartys, Clangibbons, Clansheehys, the Lacys, the Lord Roche, the Lord of Cahir, the Lord of Lixnaw, the Sullivans, Mullrians, Kennedys, O'Carrolls (Sir Charles O'Carroll excepted), and divers other inferior unto them, to revolt in Munster; and, in Leinster, some of the Geraldines of the county of Kildare, the Burkes, Byrnes, Tooles, Moores, Connors, Kavanaghs, the Lord Mountgarrett, and Dermot McGillpatrick, and others of Ossory, near kinsmen to the Lord of Upper Ossory, and divers other inferior septs. In Connaught and Thomond, divers of the Briens, Burkes, Clandonnells, Connors, Kellys, Malleys, Flaherties, McSwynes, Clandonoghs, Doudyes [O'Dowdas], and divers other inferior unto them, revolted; the realm being thus in an uproar; the Earl of Ormonde, Lord Lieutenant of Her Majesty's army, having had his hands full only to defend the cities, towns, and forts of Her Majesty,' and from time to time, as occasion was offered, to victual them. In the execution) whereof, divers notable good services were effected by his Lordship, as well in winning of Ballyne, a strong manor warded by the Lord of Mountgarrett, as in killing of a most dangerous traitor Lysagh O'More, and divers other notable rebels at sundry times, and in well victualling, guarding, and defending the cities, towns, and forts, who (sic) were distressed, and especially Kilmallock, the fort of Leix [Maryborough], the fort of Offally [Philipstown], and other weak corporate towns dispersed over the kingdom. Upon the arrival of the Earl of Thomond, Thomond for the most part being [sic, ? was] in arms, and joined with his Lordship's second brother Teig, who upon his Lordship['s] coming was so 'freicted' [frightened] and forsaken by the inhabitants of Thomond, that he was enforced to be a petitioner to the Lord Lieutenant of the army, before the coming of the Lord Lieutenant General, to receive him, and the rest of his confederates, to Her Majesty's mercy ; whereby the Earl of Thomond hath appeased, by hanging of divers principal ringleaders to mischief of Thomond, the rebellion of Thomond, and brought that country to a full subjection, some few of the Briens and McMahons, who are joined with, the supposed Desmond, excepted.

" The Lord Lieutenant and Governor-General, after his arrival at Dublin, having consulted with the Lord Lieutenant of the army, and the rest of Her Majesty's Privy Council of this realm, what course to take, have (sic) resolved to draw first to Leinster and Munster, being the heart of this realm, in hope to appease the rebellion there, and after all to set upon Ulster, who (sic) is the well-spring of all mischief; in performing whereof the Lord Lieutenant General, having rested at Dublin some few days, marched to the Naas. The Lord Lieutenant of the army met his Lordship by the way beyond the Naas, and brought him the Lord of Mountgarrett and the Lord of Cahir, who promised the delivery of their castles and strongholds to his Lordship, and so conditionally they were received; and therehence (sic) marched to McThomas's country, and intending to lay siege to Ballahy, McThomas, a principal gentleman and inheritor of great territories there, submitted himself to his Lordship; and therehence marched towards Kilkenny, where the Moores in our way skirmished with his Lordship in a pass, with mountains and bogs on either side of it; and having galled and killed divers of the enemy, with few lost and some galled with shot of our side, we marched to Beallaraged, one of my Lord of Mountgarrett's principal manors, which was yielded up by him to the Lord Lieutenant, where his Lordship left Captain Folliott and his company; and therehence marched to Kilkenny, where his Lordship remained two days, and understanding that the Cahir, a principal house of the Lord of Cahir, was warded, and not in point to be yielded, his Lordship sent to Waterford for a cannon and a culverin, and in his Lordship['s] way intended to lay siege to the Castle of Derynlare, within two miles to Clonmell, who (sic) was, before the assault yielded up to his Lordship and warded by his Honour; and marched therehence to Clonmell, and from Clonmell to the Cahir, having the Lord Mountgarrett and the Lord of Cahir in the Marshal's ward. The ward denied the yielding up of the Castle of the Cahir. The cannon and culverin being mounted, the Castle was assaulted; and, in the space of four days, a great breach being made, the ward by night attempted to fly away, and some twenty two of them were slain, and the rest 'scoope' [escaped] by reason of a deep river that was near the castle. His Lordship having left a ward there, the castle being wardable, the Lord Mountgarrett was put at liberty, and therehence [the Lord Lieutenant] marched to Limerick, and at Caherconreogh, Thomas Burke, brother to the Lord Burke, submitted himself; and at Limerick, Sir Conyers Clifford met the Lord Lieutenant, and from thence I was directed to this province to my charge, where I remain, not without the eminent danger of my life. His Lordship marched through the province of Munster, where the enemy durst not meet his Honour, but in places of advantage skirmished with his Lordship and were put to flight; and soon after his Honour made a journey to Ferekall, where Sir Conyers Clifford met his Lordship; and, in his way, the castle of Ballaboye was yielded unto him, being situated for service, where a strong garrison was left. And his Lordship having preyed, burned, and killed divers of the rebels there, marched backward to the English Pale.

The Earl of Ormonde, the 11 of this instant, came to Ormonde, and laid siege to Balleneclohye, a strong castle, and won it, and had the killing of divers of the Kennedys, and took pledges for the loyalty of divers of the inhabitants of Ormonde. The 18 of this instant, Redmond Burke, the supposed son of the late Lord Baron of Leitrim, with some five hundred men, entered into the fastness of Clanrickarde, I being then with the Earl of Clanrickarde, by reason that the rebels were fortifying near Thomond. I came to the Earl of Thomond, to give his Lordship notice thereof, his Honour having newly come from Munster, after the burning of divers villages, and spoiling and burning of certain corn there, and killing of some of the enemy, who maintained a hot skirmish with his Lordship. His Honour assembled the inhabitants of Thomond together, and joined them with his own company, and some few of the garrison of Limerick, and marched towards the enemy, they being environed round about his Lordship of one side, and the Earl of Clanrickarde of the other side. The Earl of Clanrickarde having skirmished with them near their fastness, and putting them to the worst, the rebels, understanding of the Earl of Thomond's approach near unto them, by night went away, expecting the coming of the Arch-traitor 0 Donnell to their aid, who threatened daily to overrun this province, prolonging his time to hearken after what course the Lord Lieutenant will hold, in making a road to Ulster or to Connaught. O'Donnell may not well be interrupted from coming to this province till Sligo be fortified, and a stronger garrison there placed, which by sea may be relieved at all times.

"It is credibly given out that O'Connor Sligo and Tibbott Ne Longe Burke (sic) are joined with O'Donnell, and O'Connor sent to the Archtraitor Tyrone. O'Connor was in great distress in the castle of Colownye, five miles from Sligo, and was enforced, for want of relief, to yield up his castle. This untimely accident, that happened to Sir Conyers Clifford, was for a desire he had to relieve him. If our shipping and preparation then sent to Sligo were yielded up to O'Donnell, whereof I can learn no certainly, but by report that they were delivered up, it will greatly avail him and hinder the future service. The Lord Lieutenant is expected to be at Athlone speedily. If his. Lordship will attend the service of Leinster and Munster this season, and make a defensive war upon Tyrone and O'Donnell, there is great hope conceived of the quieting of both provinces. Albeit that there are divers unstaid people and young imps there dwelling, whose desire is more to have war than peace, and that divers of our soldiers are weak, and cannot brook the travel and diet of this country, yet consid[ering] that the enemy always have had the worst, and were driven to fly to the woods and bogs, where the Lord Lieutenant was in the field, if his Lordship could attend the service of Munster and Leinster, and ......... them in by the sword, or good pledges for their loyalty hereafter, Ulster would, in time s......... by sending of a strong army to Lough Foyle." Cannot write more certain[ly] of O'Connor Sligo, by reason that his [the writer's] messengers ana spials are daily intercepted by the enemy. Craves pardon if he writes aught amiss.—Ennis in Thomond, 1599, August 27. Signed. Endorsed, Received at Richmond, 25 of October, by Mr. Norton, pp. 3½.

Aug. 28. Dublin.

155. The Earl of Essex to the Privy Council. "I am even now putting my foot into the stirrup, to go to the rendezvous at the Navan; and from thence I will draw the army so far, and to do as much, as duty will warrant me, and God enable me."—Dublin, August 28. Endorsed, 1599. By Mr. Lovelace. Received at Hampton Court, 5 September. Holograph. p. 1.

Aug. 28. The Bawn.

156. Richard Weston to the Earl of Essex. Came yesternight from Tyrone, who is now in camp near Mokeno, with not 500 men, for he gave all his men license to go about their harvest, and now he cannot gather them together. He has made proclamation that, upon pain of death, they be with him presently. He has sent for O'Donnell, O'Rourke, and Maguire, to come as speedily as they can. The number of their forces is as follows. Tyrone has ceased upon O'Cahan, Sir Arthur O'Neill, Cormack, and upon all his own men, 2,300 foot Then he has some risings out upon the country, which will amount to 300 foot and 300 horse. The Mahons will make some 400 foot and 100 horse; Magennis, 100 foot and 20 horse. O'Hanlon and all his people, with 100 of Tyrone's foot, stays to keep towards the Moyerie. Brian McArt stays in Clandeboy with all his forces to keep there. Maguire, if he come, will bring with him 400 foot and 30 horse. O'Rourke, if he come, will bring 400 foot and 30 horse. If O'Donnell come, he will bring 1,000 foot and 60 horse. James McSorley Boy is not sent for at all, for Tyrone is offended with him for causing Shane McBrien's coming in to Knockfergus. Knows not whether he [McSorley] will send any or no. O'Connor [Sligo] is fully agreed with O'Donnell and all the rest.

"Tibbott Ne Longe was within with O'Donnell, and O'Donnell did send out of him as pledges O'Dogherty, and two other pledges, the best of his country. I heard Tyrone himself say they are agreed, but they will not have any to know it. Tyrone will gather his forces to Mockeno, and there to (sic) be ready to meet your Lordship, wheresoever you go. My opinion is, that the sooner you go forward, the better it will be, for he will have the less people. He has trenched very much betwixt the Blackwater and Armagh. He did write to McMahon to cut and trench some way, that is, betwixt the Brenny and Moneasvane. There is no news there of no shipping. There came no news from Scotland, not in these fifteen days, but a fifteen days ago there came a letter out of Scotland from one, but Tyrone brake the man's name that sent it The effect was that there was some bickering betwixt them and the English, and that they expected help very shortly; and wrote that Tyrone should write to him of all news from him, and that he should have all intelligence from him of that party. He wrote in the last of his letter that your Honour was mightily crossed in England, since you left it, and did think that you would make no great stay here. Here is no other news at this present, but that I pray God send you a prosperous journey. My good Lord, if that you think that I may do your Honour any service in these intelligences, be assured your Honour shall have them truly. But I thought good to advertise your Lordship that my warrant is near out."—The Bawn, Wednesday, 28 August, 1599. Holograph. pp. 2½.

Aug. 30. Ardbraccan.

157. The Earl of Essex to the Privy Council. "I do send by this bearer a list (wanting) of the army I carry into the field, as also of all the rest of Her Majesty's forces in the kingdom, and of the officers set down in both the establishments. I have also sent such letters as are come to my hands of the successes of Her Majesty's troops in several quarters.

"If in all particulars my despatch do not satisfy Her Majesty and your Lordships, I must pray your Lordships to consider what small assistance I have; how infinite my cares must be; and how little should be expected from a man that hath no constant health, and no comfort from thence.

"I have dismissed the poor Marshal maimed, fit now to serve Her Majesty with his prayers, his limbs being gone, and his service in Council forbidden by Her Majesty. I have with me none fit to succeed him, but must myself do his office and mine own. The charge of Leinster in mine absence I have committed to my Lord of Ormonde, who might have had more men of me, if he had not thought the army too weak which I go withal. I hear even now that Tyrone is coming into the Brenny, and hath sent for all that he can make in the world; bragging that he will do wonders. But if he have as much courage as he pretendeth, we will on one side or the other end the war." [Sir Robert Cecil underlines this last sentence, and writes on the margin:—"Here was no sign of a parley toward."]—Ardbraccan, August 30. Endorsed, 1599. Received by Mr. Cuff at Hampton Court. Signed. p. 1. Encloses,

157. I. The Earl of Clanrickarde to the Earl of Essex. " Since my last letters written to your Lordship, touching Redmond Burke and such traitors as did accompany him into the fastness of this country, having skirmished with them at the first, much to their discomfort, where divers of them were slain, and many hurt, we lodged ourselves so close to them that they were neither able to send away their hurt men, nor get themselves any relief. And perceiving that we were not about to dally with them, they undertook to go away by night, through woods and bogs, leaving many of their hurt men in their camp, having cut the passes behind them betwixt us, where no horse could pass, nor foot could serve at night. We perceiving their going away about midnight, by one that brought intelligence, I sent my son with companies of horse and light foot to follow them a great way about, which pursued them all night and the next day so hard, and followed them myself with the rest of the force, so as they were driven to disperse themselves in the woods, where a hundred of them were lost, and one of their chief leaders, being of the principallest traitors of the county of Mayo, named Riccard Oge McJonyn, was taken prisoner; who is executed with divers others of them which were taken. And immediately upon their pursuit, [I] followed them to the fort, which was fortified by them upon the Shannon, in an island, which ten men might keep against a thousand. And upon my coming, my son, with certain of our companies, entered into the island in quoitts [i-e, cots, or small boats], and, upon his entrance where the fort stood, the ward, with the rest of the traitors which fled thither for refuge when they were broken, made all the shift they could to fly away, as well in their cots as by swimming, having left a prey behind them in the island. And certain of themselves lost, and the fort destroyed by us, understanding that the said Redmond and his men were fostered at Medick ["Mylycke"]by a base sister of mine, which is married to one John Moore, my son hath dispossessed him of the house, and left a ward therein, being the fittest place of service betwixt Athlone and the city of Limerick upon the Shannon, and one of the principallest places in this province to annoy Her Majesty's subjects, if it were left for want of looking to it. If it had come to the enemy's hands, it would be hard to recover it, and would stop the passage of any boat betwixt Limerick and Athlone; and, in my opinion is most necessary to be kept for Her Majesty's service, during the wars, for the safely of this province. I cannot but remember Sir Robert Lovell, knight, who deserved exceeding well at this service, and Captain Syms and Captain Hugh Mostyn were with me, and hath (sic) both done very well. I hope these traitors, being so dispersed, will not soon gather again so strong to annoy us, and our only expectation is to be hurted by O'Donnell's forces, who doth daily threaten to come to this part of the province."—Leitrim, 1599, August 25. Signed. pp. 2.

Aug. 30. Dublin.

158. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "The 28th of this month, the Lord Lieutenant began his journey towards the borders of the north, and hath directed the army to meet him this day at Kells, from whence I think his Lordship's first march will be to the Cavan, to see if he may take in that country, and so to pass to Monaghan, which is the next adjacent country to the Cavan. If his Lordship do draw in these two countries, it will greatly secure the English Pale towards the north, and not a little weaken the Archtraitor Tyrone, by having two such principal limbs cut from him. His Lordship hopeth, by attempting these two countries, to draw Tyrone to some manner of fight, a matter much desired by his Lordship, and I doubt will be as much avoided by Tyrone, unless it be in passes, or other fastness, where the advantage will be his, and the disadvantage ours. For the proceedings and accidents in this undertaking northwards, I know nor shall know nothing, other than by the market, for that I am still left at home, as I have been in all journeys since his Lordship entered into charge; which being so thought good by his Lordship, it is my part to use obedience, and to carry my comfort in silence, till my twenty years' service be thought worthy of better measure. And in the meanwhile my love and duty to run and rest where it ought."—Dublin, 1599, August 30. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

Aug. 30. Garnet's Buildings, Temple Bar, London.

159. Richard Hadsor to Sir Robert Cecil. "It may please your Honour, the Queen, the 10th of May, the 29th year of Her Majesty's reign, granted by letters patent, under the Great Seal of England, all the castles, manors, lands, tenements, rents, and hereditaments, in the country of Tyrone, to the traitor Tyrone for his life, the remainder thereof to each of his two sons, by their several names, and to the heirs male of each of their bodies begotten, successively, the remainder in tail to the said Tyrone and to the heirs male of his body begotten, the remainder thereof, for default of such issue, to his brother Cormack, and to the heirs male of his body begotten, to be held of Her Majesty in capite, without rent. So that he hath the freehold of all the country of Tyrone and the inhabitants thereof, but (sic) his tenants at will to be removed, and taxed at his pleasure. And after, it was agreed by indenture, dated the 13th of the said month, between Her Majesty and Tyrone, amongst other matters, that the Judges and Her Majesty's learned counsel, with the assistance of his learned counsel, should lay down some good course in law, for the reviving of such rents, customs, and services, as were due and formerly paid by the said inhabitants to his ancestors, to the end he and the said patentees might have the same according to Her Majesty's said grant. By which it appeareth that Her Majesty's gracious intention was, that he and his heirs should have the ancient rents of the said country, and that the inhabitants should have the inheritance thereof, to be divided according to each man his quality, and his accustomed portion of the said country; for that Tyrone cannot have all the freehold of the said country and the ancient rents thereof at one time. And now seeing as I do understand, that he makes some offers of submission to Her Majesty, if it be Her Highness' good pleasure to accept thereof, and to extend her gracious clemency towards him, it is therefore necessary, in my simple opinion, which with your Honour's good favour I presume to deliver, that he may be drawn, upon his submission, to yield that Her Majesty's meaning in the said indenture may be accomplished, by settling of an estate of inheritance in the possessors of the lands of the said country by division according to each man's calling, leaving certain demesne lands to the seats of each of his manor houses, to be holden by the said inhabitants and their heirs of Her Majesty, so long as Tyrone and his brother Cormack shall have heirs male of their bodies, yielding certain rents and services to Her Majesty, and paying to Tyrone and his brother Cormack and their heirs, according to the intent of the said indenture, such lawful rents, customs, and services, as their ancestors have had out of the same; which will not be so burdensome to the same inhabitants as his intolerable cuttings and taxations are, they bearing his whole charge, be it never so riotous or great, in time of peace and war; which estates and rents may be established by Parliament. Whereby Her Majesty shall draw unto her the dependency of the same inhabitants from Tyrone, cut off the absolute power which he hath now in peace and war to dispose of them and their goods, which is the ground of his strength and wealth, increase Her Majesty's revenue, and encourage them having estates of inheritances in their lands, to build and settle themselves, as the inhabitants of the English Pale do. By which also Her Majesty shall have the wards and escheats of their lands upon their deaths without heirs, and by their attainders of felony or treason, which escheated lands may be inhabited with English; whereas otherwise it will rest in Tyrone covertly to incite any of the same inhabitants to rebellion, or to rob the English Pale, as formerly he hath done when he was a reputed subject, and to advance their posterity, notwithstanding their attainders for such offences. The necessity also of the effecting thereof is such that Her Majesty's laws cannot be otherwise duly ministered in that country, for that no matter of land, contract, or wrong between party and party in that country, where the matter in question, or the damages to be recovered for the same, shall be of twenty marks value, can be tried by a jury, unless each of the same jurors have forty shillings freehold by the year; nor no office can be taken for Her Majesty but by such jurors; so that the said inhabitants being Tyrone his tenants at will, as now they are, they cannot be sufficient jurors for the trial of causes by course of law. And so, being as willing to yield my best furtherance in advancing in my profession Her Majesty's service, as my grandfather, being an Englishman, and my father, were in spending of their blood voluntarily in the field therein, having my patrimony wasted by the northern rebels these four years since my father's death, craving pardon for this my boldness, I humbly take leave. From my chamber in Garnet's Buildings, near Temple Bar, in London, the 30th of August, 1599." Signed. pp. 1½.

Aug. 31. Ardbraccan.

160. The Earl of Essex to the Privy Council. "I have forborne to advertise your Lordships anything of my negotiations with the rebels of these parts, because I still looked to [have] had a full conclusion with them. But since I must draw away before I leave the business perfect, I will acquaint Her Majesty by your Lordships how far I have proceeded.

"First, I have been particularly sought by all with whom I have had to do, and have sought none. Secondly, I have accepted of none that hath not made an absolute and simple submission, without any condition whatsoever. And lastly, I have required pledges of all them that have come in, for their loyalty hereafter. Donnell Spainagh hath made such a submission upon his knees in Her Majesty's presence chamber at the Castle of Dublin; and he brought with him Brian McDonogh and others of the principal Kavanaghs. He doth undertake for all the Kavanaghs, and he puts in one pledge, and Brian McDonogh another. Onie McRory, chief of the Moores, hath first solicited a truce with the Marshal before his hurt, and since hath written to myself by Hugh Boy McCallogh, the chief of the gallowglass, and Her Majesty's pensioner. Whereupon I gave leave to Sir Terence O'Dempsey and Hugh Boy to parley with him. Upon which parley I received from him this day another letter, wherein he desires me to send him a protection for a month; at the end of which term, or when I am returned into the Pale, he offers to come to me, and to bring in Feagh McHugh's sons, the Connors, the O'Molloys, the McGeoghans, the Omalaughlins, the Keatings, the Dunns, that are out, and all those of Ossory; and in the meantime, if I grant him protection, he protesteth that he and all those of Leix will not offend any subject. Of this, by the advice of the Council that are here with me, I have taken hold for these reasons. First, because it will be more advantage to Her Majesty than to the rebels, that there be no prosecution of either side in mine absence, the rebels being without all comparison masters of the field. Secondly, this rebel is not known, nor taken to be, so false as the rest, but holdeth some reputation for keeping (fn. 1) his word and oath with all that deal with him. And lastly, he is undoubtedly able to bring them all in if he list, he being the valiantest rogue, and having the most commanding spirit of them all. And yet I have observed two cautions; the one, that he shall take his corporal oath to observe what he hath undertaken before he receive protection; the other, that there shall be force ready to assail him, if he should break. Phelim McFeagh was with the Marshal at Reban, while he lay hurt there; and doth profess himself ready and resolved to come in; but he only tarries for Onie McRory. The gallowglass of the mountain, Walter McEdmund, hath upon his knees submitted himself, and doth serve Her Majesty with an hundred men; (fn. 1) the same men that overthrew Sir H. Harrington, and have been bonnaughts with Phelim all this year. With these men, if I could have stayed in Leinster, I should have brought that province to a good state ; but the speech of my going northward hath drawn Tyrone with his forces to the frontier; and the season of the year is so far gone that, if it be not now done, I must not look upon him this year. In this forwardness I have left things with my Lord of Ormonde, and given him commission to go on with them in my absence."—Ardbraccan, August 31. Endorsed, 1599. By Mr. Cuff. Sir Robert Cecil has written on the back, "This is worth your reading." Signed. pp. 1½.

Aug. 31. Ardbraccan.

161. Sir Warham Sentleger to Sir Robert Cecil. "I have understood by some of my good friends that your Honour had conceived some hard conceit of me for a message that I should bring from one of the Queen's maids to Sir Thomas Jermyn, the truth whereof I have already written, and likewise by speech delivered, to such of my honourable friends, as I hope have, long ere this, fully satisfied your Honour; of which to hear I do much thirst.

"My poor estate doth enforce me again to send over this bearer, to follow some business of mine, and to let your Honour understand that for the last five months, to the coming of my Lord Lieutenant, I have been unpaid for the lendings for any entertainment. The cause that there is no more lendings due to me, is an unjust check imposed by the Comptroller of the Musters, by answering of munition received, and defalcations for my rent out of lands that I hold, utterly wasted by the iniquity of the time. The remain of that entertainment I have no means to come by here, for that the late Treasurer's heir affirmeth that the now Treasurer hath received that money that should have answered us, which was by Sir Henry Wallop disbursed for March and April last; and now Sir George Carey will not repay it. I am therefore humbly to beseech your Honour to further this my reasonable request I find likewise that my Lords of the Council have found fault with some concordatum granted to me since my Lord Lieutenant's coming hither." Explains how the same arose.

"Now, Sir, what to write to your Honour I protest I know not, touching the estate of this kingdom; only to excuse me thus far, that I never was of opinion that the war was to begin in Ulster, and I would in England have more spoken against it, but that I was assured that my Lord, at his arrival here, should have been enforced to take the course that he hath now done. And, under your Honour's favour, I dare boldly say that these preparations for a northern journey have lost the opportunity for the recovery of the rest, especially Leinster, which by this time would have been even in a manner recovered; and now the traitors have and will not only reap their own harvest, but most of the subjects, I mean of the King['s] and Queen's County (sic), a place well seated with English gentlemen; in which countries, as likewise some other adjoining, no subject can keep his house without immediate means from Her Majesty. But now his Lordship is on his journey to the north. The God of heaven speed him well. His army is small, and his other means not great; the traitors strong and in pride; and, although I fear not an overthrow where he himself is, yet I know the decay of the army will not be small in a northern journey; my experience hath often seen that one army will do little or no hurt to those traitors."—Ardbraocan, 1599, August 31. Signed. Seal. pp. 3.