Elizabeth I: volume 207 part 4, August 1600

August 1600

Aug. [1.]

54. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. " Before the receipt of their Lordships' last unto me, I had promised this bearer some few lines of recommendation in the behalf of Lady O'Carroll, who hath put him in trust with the soliciting of her affairs. But since, in regard of their restraint, I would assuredly have put him off, were it not that I should have thereby discontented the Lady's brother, Sir John McCoghlan, a man of good power in those parts, and of whom at this instant I am to make use in the prosecution of Leix and Offally. Besides, the extraordinary desert of her husband, and the fresh remembrance of his death in Her Majesty's service, did require that some extraordinary respect should be shewn towards her." Leaves the consideration of her suits to Sir Robert. Endorsed:—1600, August [1].

[Postscript.]— Is now going into Offally. Has sent Sir Oliver Lambert into Leix, to victual the fort [of Maryborough], and to spoil the corn there. " In the mean time he hath been doing somewhat. It is more hurt to the rebels than they have done to the Pale since my coming. I do send you his letter, because you shall perceive that to continue, which I assure you hath hitherto held, that we beat them wheresoever we meet them. Yet, whatsoever the end be, and the danger, in the meantime our conflicts seem to be but de lana caprina." Endorsed:—In favour of the Lady O'Carroll by Mr. Lee. Signed, The postscript is in Lord Mountjoy's hand, p. 1.

Encloses:—

54. i. Sir Oliver Lambert to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. "The carriages in port failed me, so that I was forced to lose a day, lest these nimble troops should be idle. I made a countenance as far as the Blakford, and suddenly turned over the Barrow by Rebane ; and, on Saturday morning, fell into part of Phelim McFeagh's country, and Donnell Spainagh's, where, out of their fastness, we hunted 1,000 cows and 500 garrans, and many more at our devotion, if I had been able to drive them, and fight too. By ten of the clock, their whole force were gathered, and fought with us till seven of the clock at night, that we came to our quarter, and kept us waking all night. We made them run wheresoever we encountered. They gave one brave proffer, when, if the horse had seconded their leaders, I blush to say what we might have done. Our chiefs did excellently well. Sir Oliver St. John hath tried his footmanship, who gallantly carried himself. Captain John Masterson must not be missed when your Lordship purposeth anything here.

"I met with your Lordship's letters at my return to Athy, when I was dividing the prey amongst the soldiers who best deserved it. We killed twenty-six of the rebels, and many hurt; the soldiers got great spoil. To-morrow I will rest. A Wednesday, God willing, I will victual the fort, and dwell in Leix till your Lordship send for me. Onie McRory assaulted Athy in my absence, to get the garrans. The Earl of Kildare's company guarded the place, who gave Onie his payment, with the loss of six of his best men. His attempt was desperate, his force 400. He shot at our victuals. He got twenty garrans and some churls, which he sent back, and bade them tell me that if I victualled the fort, he would give me leave to walk where I list in Leix; all which I believe, and I hope your Lordship shall hear it."— Athy, 21 July.[Postscript.]—"Our prey was milch cows; forty of the likeliest to be beef shall be sent to Kilmainham." Endorsed:—1600. Holograph. pp. 2.

August 3. Carrigofoyle.

55. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. "I have now returned this gentleman, Captain Joseph May, after his wearisome and tedious employment here. He hath shewed a good desire to advance the services in these parts, and I do assure myself would have done more therein, but that he hath since his arrival been much crossed and punished with sickness, wherein with great pain and charge he hath long continued, in a very dangerous sort for his life. But his care (notwithstanding the same) hath merited good favour, and the continuance and increase of your honourable opinion."—Carrigofoyle, 1600, August 3. Signed.

Sir George Carew has added in his own hand, and under his signature:— "This bearer, your servant, is an exceeding honest, painful, and well-disposed man. I am sorry his employment hath been no more beneficial unto him, for he hath spent much, got nothing, and escaped this country sickness with great extremity. If my recommending of him may multiply your favours unto him, I should account it a great favour unto myself." p. 1.

August 4. Dublin.

56. The Lord Chancellor Loftus to Sir Robert Cecil. In favour of Mr. John Lye, an ancient and faithful servitor to Her Majesty, who has license from the Lord Deputy to repair into England. His good service in frequently discovering the purposes and proceedings of the rebels. He has been a special mean to keep the inhabitants of Ely O'Carroll quiet. The barbarous rebels have burned and wasted his houses and land, except two castles, which he still holds. He has a perfect knowledge of the state of Ireland, and especially of Leinster.— Dublin, 1600, August 4. Signed. p. 1.

August 5. Dublin.

57. The Lord Chancellor Loftus to Sir Robert Cecil. In favour of Lady O'Carroll, widow of Sir Charles O'Carroll. She is in a distressed estate, and is much to be pitied. She seeks the payment of a great sum due for the entertainment of Sir Charles and his foot company. Recommends that favour be shewn her.—Dublin, 1600, August 5. Signed. p. 1.

August 6. [Dublin.]

58. Robert Newcomen to the Lord High Treasurer Buckhurst. Since his last letters no further victuals have arrived at Dublin owing to contrary winds. Sends a note of the victuals remaining in store there. It is to be desired that the winds may speedily turn.— [Dublin,] 1600, August 6. Signed. p. 1.

August 7.

59. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. "About the 16th of July I received all the packets that at divers times you had dispatched out of England, being the same day to take my journey towards Ardbraccan, not far from the borders of the Brenny. My intention was then, having received intelligence that Tyrone meant to draw into those parts (upon the taking of Tirlogh McShane, to assure that country, that was otherwise likely to revolt to (sic) the Estate), to have gone as far as the Cavan, to have spoiled the corn, to have executed Tirlogh upon his own land, and to have forced Tyrone, either to fight on the plains, or to make it appear that he was not able to make good his party, where he had promised aid. During my being there, O'Connor Roe Maguire submitted himself unto me, with much assurance to continue a good servant, and to do good service to the Queen. But, hearing that Tyrone was still at Strabane, and perceiving your desire to have something done in Leinster, I presently dispatched letters to Sir Oliver Lambert, who was gone to victual the fort of Leix, to meet me at Gessill in Offally about the 26 of July. I sent to Sir Arthur Savage to gather all the forces about him, and to come by Fercall, and in the way to burn and spoil what he could of the rebels'. I left the northern borders as strongly guarded as I could from incursions, and marched myself with 560 foot by the poll, and three-score horses, beside voluntaries, by the fort of Philipstown, over a great bog, into Gessill, the 25th of July. I went myself and all the company on foot; our horses were led with the baggage over hurdles that we brought with us. That night we took some 200 cows, seven or eight hundred garrans, 500 sheep, and great store of other small cattle. The next day we burned all that quarter about us, and spoiled the corn, marching towards the passage that Sir Oliver Lambert was to pass to meet us, being one of the most dangerous passes of Ireland. About noon that day we met him, having fought all that morning, and killed divers of the rebels, whereof there were fifteen left in the place, and very many hurt. Of his part, there were 28 hurt and seven killed. After we met, we marched that evening towards a place within their fastness, where we heard there was great plenty of corn. At the entry whereof being a ford, with wood on both sides, and bog between the wood on the right hand, they let the vanguard of the horse pass without any shot, and began the skirmish with me, being accompanied with a few gentlemen and my own servants, a little before the vanguard of the foot, who sending their wings out somewhat slowly, the enemy came up close unto me, yet with small hurt, more than a great wound that Captain Masterson received, and the killing of the easiest going horse I had under me. I heard after that I was so much beholden to Tyrrell, that he appointed a hundred shot to wait upon me, and gave them marks to know me. We continued, even till we encamped, a very good skirmish, beat them through their woods into their uttermost fastness, and, as I hear by one that says he was that day with them, we killed thirty-five of their men, and hurt seventy-five. We lost but two men, and few hurt. But, not to trouble you long with the particularities of these small encounters, we stayed in that country till the third of August. Every day we did work, both voluntaries, commanders, and soldiers, and almost every day fight, and as often beat them. We have burned all their houses, and destroyed all their corn. The most part of the wheat we cut down with our swords, unto the which with much difficulty we induced the soldiers (for it was extreme painful) with the example of the Captains and gentlemen that began and continued the work with them. The wheat that we destroyed was valued at above ten thousand pounds, being almost the only means for them to live, but the chief treasure wherewith they do entertain their bonnaughts. It is incredible in so barbarous a country how well the ground was manured, how orderly their fields were fenced, their towns inhabited, and every highway and path so well beaten. The reason whereof hath been that till this time there hath not been any of the Queen's forces in those parts since the beginning of the wars; with the which they were grown proud and secure. After we had dispatched the uttermost of our business, the soldier living for the most part with a small proportion of biscuit and water, and ourselves having left nothing in the camp to drink but water, we passed our army out of another part of Gessill, over a great bog, where we had no use of our horses, which beyond us and the rebels were led over with the baggage, so that the enemy had the advantage . they seem most to desire, which is, to fight with our foot without the assistance of our horse. Notwithstanding, they had been every day so well beaten, and so infinitely discouraged, that, although the whole forces of Leinster were gathered together, and had their natural ground to fight on, yet in their sight they suffered us to pass over without any one blow. That night I hanged one Lenaugh, a famous rebel, upon a tree which, by his own confession, was the meeting-place where he plotted all his villanies. When he was taken, I had eight heads brought unto me, and my guide into the country, going to see them, found his own son's amongst them. Before Sir Oliver Lambert came to me, finding his carriages not ready to put the victuals into the fort of Leix, he suddenly struck back into Donnell Spainagh's country, and brought away a thousand cows, 500 garrans, great store of sheep, and other spoil, and had the killing of twenty, before he was overtaken with the forces who fought with him all that day and part of the next night, with the loss and hurt of divers of their best men. They fought with him both going to the fort with the victuals, returning the carriages to Athy, and almost all the way that he came to me. Sir Arthur Savage on the other side, as I hear, was well fought with, took a great prey, spoiled the country, but was not able to pass to me.

"These, Sir, be the small things, although the greatest that we can do here, and with as much pains and hazard as any poor men endure in any war of the world, that in all our proceedings find so many difficulties, that, even in the beginning of this journey, our men were forced to fast two days, for want of carriage for our victual; and that only one impediment is the occasion of our omitting great opportunities. We do now look to receive from you for our northern journey men, munition, victual, and money. The first I am sure we want. For the money, I hope Mr. Treasurer will satisfy you, for he tells me, by the time We shall go, there will be none left. These demands, I know, are unpleasing, and knew they would be before I came hither; but both the place I hold and this civil office belonging to it is of necessity imposed upon me. Upon the arrival of Sir Geffrey Fenton, for whom we now look every day, I will make a despatch unto you of the estate of all things more at large."— 1600, August 7.

[Postscript.] "My Lord of Dunkellin and his brother Sir Thomas Burke were with me all this journey, and shew themselves very forward in all service." Holograph. pp. 3.

August 8. Dublin.

60. Sir George Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. In favour of Lady O'Carroll's claim to certain arrears of pay due to her late husband, Sir Charles O'Carroll. Recommends the bearer, Mr. John Lee, for his good service to Her Majesty, and by reason of the losses he has received at the hands of the rebels.—Dublin, 1600, August 8. Signed. p. 1.

August 9. Holyhead.

61. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. Left the whole of the troops quartered in Worrall, near their shipping, and ready to embark at the first favourable wind. Impressed upon the two Colonels the necessity of losing no opportunity for the transportation of their men.

"I came to this place yesternight, where I await for a southerly wind, and a bark to put me over, the post boat being already in Ireland, and no other remaining here to serve my turn. And therefore I left order with a bark in Chester-water to take me in here, if the post-bark do not return out of Ireland in the meanwhile. And yet, to have more strings to my bow, I have this day sent overland to Carnarvon, to know what shipping is in that harbour, to the end I might be there accommodated, if need were. I desire greatly to be in Ireland, to make use of the time, which I see passeth fast away, and little service done to that which will be expected, wherein, if I were with the Lord Deputy, I might somewhat quicken his Lordship in the course of his service ; which (by the time that is lost) I see is not so resolutely proceeded in as may answer Her Majesty's and your Lordships' expectation. And I would be glad that this harvest season in Ireland might be more fruitful than heretofore hath been, specially now that Her Majesty hath hallowed the work with all helps that in reason can be demanded.

"In my passage through the country, I found sundry corporate towns (specially in Wales) to grudge much at the misdemeanours of Captains and others passing out of Ireland, with commissions to press post-horses; by whose misdemeanours and the frequency of those commissions I find the people to be much stirred, whilst they see so many disordered men, for their private affairs and not in Her Majesty's service, to abuse themselves and spoil their horses. A matter which I found true in two instances, which I examined at the request of the country. They are very forward to answer all commissions that come for Her Majesty's service, but to serve private men's turns, under warrant of those commissions, is the thing that grieveth them, as being by that course unworthily used. The way to remedy this evil is to stop the frequency of those commissions in Ireland, wherein, God willing, I will move the Lord Deputy at my return, and acquaint him with the inconveniences. But, if it will please your Lordships, by a letter written to myself, to command me peremptorily to see that no commissions for posthorses be granted, but directly and simply for Her Majesty's service, and not colourably for private causes, it will thoroughly strengthen me, and stop all future inconveniences that way."—Holyhead, 1600, August 9. Signed. Seal. pp. 1½.

August. 10. Chester.

62. Sir Patrick Barnewall to Sir Robert Cecil.—"Here be "arrived many passengers from Lough Foyle, who do exceedingly, both in words, and especially by view of their own decayed and consumed bodies, possess men with an opinion of the misery of that place, which they affirm chiefly to proceed of wants, and that some of the victuals sent thither are so unsound and corrupt as must needs prove the ruin of those enforced to feed upon it (sic); the redress whereof I leave to your honourable consideration. 'But forasmuch as the reputation of this estate (so far forth as the nature of the matter doth reach) goeth engaged in this action, in that the traitor to my knowledge doth rest persuaded that, if this designation doth fail, then hath he absolutely won the bucklers, and freed himself from the fear of any attempt hereafter ever to be made against him, let me be humbly bold, out of that liberty it hath pleased your Honour to grant unto me, to signify my poor opinion how the decayed forces shall best be supplied there. I could wish the numbers meant for supply of that place were not immediately sent thither, but that some notice were given to the Deputy to draw down an equal number to that meant here for supply, out of the forces in Leinster and the hither part of Connaught, where most of the force of that province doth lie, to Carlingford or some other convenient port, where the supply from hence may be landed, and an equal number of the best and valiantest soldiers out of several bands, which this new supply for numbers may make again complete, shipped for Lough Foyle; so as the new men may have some time upon the frontier of the English Pale to exercise their weapons, and the service of Lough Foyle furnished with good and sufficient men, able to endure toil and hardness, and to perform at the very first what service soever their Commander shall bring them to. Wherein your new men can serve to little purpose, and commonly before they can be brought to have the use of their weapons, if their garrison at first be in places far from relief, they fall into sickness and diseases, and so drop away there, or are sent back again to England; a course not to be liked, except necessity doth enforce it, in that the very best men which can be sent thither, upon change of diet and air, do hardly escape sickness, and one man recovered is worth any three that can be sent for supply out of England. Therefore it were better to set down some course for the recovery of their health, than upon every little disease to send them away from thence.

"At my coming last out of Ireland, I understood for certainty what want the rebels were in for powder and lead; and, although the general opinion and report now in Ireland is, as I understand by letters from thence, that their stay from attempts and encountering our forces, at the victualling of the forts and elsewhere, is their expectation of the Spaniards, for whose arrival they reserve themselves, yet I assure your Honour it is their want of enablements and means, from whence this their general silence doth proceed; so as now the aptest opportunity doth present itself in every quarter to bend the forces against them. I have purposed never to be a suitor for employment, though my breeding and disposition doth chiefly incline and draw me that way; yet if, by your honourable favour, for which a letter from the Lords or your Honour signifying Her Highness ['s] pleasure will serve, I might have that horse and foot which my Lord of Southampton, now upon his passing into the Low Countries, resigned over to his Lieutenants, I will endeavour to deserve them."—Chester, 1600, August 10. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

August 11.

63. The Lord High Treasurer Buckhurst to [Sir Robert Cecil]. "Sir Arthur Chichester desires that one hundred men that he is to have may be armed [thus], viz. pikes, without cuirasses, 30; and the rest, culivers, with bandoliers, 70; all which himself offereth to furnish for 20s. a man. And because I hold him a man of worthiness and integrity, I have assented to it, if you like it, and do find by the reckoning of it, having conferred with him about it, that doing it well, as I hope he will, it cannot be done for less. And since the arming of these is but for one hundred, and rising but to a 100l., I had rather lay it upon the Queen than charge the country with it, these matters having been so chargeable already unto them.

"I have agreed with Jolles and Cockin, if you consent, for the providing of one month's victual more, to serve for Leinster and Connaught, and all to be of fish, but to be excellent good. But this is meant to be divided thus, that whereas they have already four months' victual of butter and cheese without any fish at all, now this month's victual, being all of fish, shall be divided by two days' fish into every of the former months' victual, and so there will be five months' victual; and every month's victual shall have only two days' fish every week, and all the rest of the week butter and cheese. And this I have done by the advice of Sir Arthur Chichester, who saith that being good fish, the soldier will like it better than always butter and cheese, and doth affirm that his soldiers at Carrickfergus have had continually two days' fish every week; so as the Commissary there, as it is plain by this, buys fish there good cheap, retains back the butter and cheese, and serves them with this fish ; for Jolles and Cockin do send no fish at all.

"Touching a course to be set down to Serjeant Warberton and Mr. Wilbraham for some exemplary punishment of the runaways, I hope my Lord Keeper will give them direction therein.

"Touching the distrust of the soldiers of not receiving their apparel at their landing, I mean to write a letter myself to the Lieutenants, and therein I will require them to signify to their soldiers that I do assure them that at their landing they shall have their apparel delivered unto them ; and by this means, the Major writes, he hopes to win the soldiers to go on shipboard.

"I send you this enclosed touching the state of victual in Ireland. There are divers ships of victual which long since have been ready to pass away, and do only stay for lack of wind, which we cannot help.

"It appears by the taking of 7,000 cattle that the army will lack no flesh, so as if they had but bread and salt, they might shift well enough. But they must have all things from England, without any manner of provision or care to be taken there [Ireland]. Our 2,000 men are attending the wind at Chester; so as, when God is pleased, they are to pass ; we can do no more.

"Touching treasure, though we have small store, yet, since the life of that service is now in hand, and without money the service will be dead, protesting still against this Treasurer, I will send 20,000l. if you think good ; whereof to Munster, 5,000l. and 15,00l. to Dublin. For as for Lough Foyle, they have sufficient, in respect of their full victual taken. Of the shilling there was no mention, so I give it to the next poor body I find. I am now going to Horseley secretly, and, if there be cause, you know where to have me. But without good cause, I hope you will spare me for some few days, having not seen my wife these four months. This 11 of August, 1600."

[Postscript.] "I send you this enclosed, whereby you may see that the matter of Savoy is rather breaking towards war than peace.

The advertiser is a master of art. I have had from him a dozen letters ; but I, not minding to entertain intelligence, have answered none. But if you will entertain him, I will direct him to you. He shall cost you nothing but your favour." Holograph. pp. 3.

August 12. Holyhead.

64. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "Yesterday I received by the post of this place your Honour's letter written from Nonsuch, consisting upon directions to be communicated to the Lord Deputy, which, God willing, I will accomplish with all requisite cautions, as near as I can. I wait still for the changing of the wind, which so soon as God shall turn into a right quarter, I will not fail to take the first commodity, having here little to do, but to think how I may rid myself from the penury of this place; humbly putting your Honour in mind to call upon the Mayor and Commissioners at Chester to be careful that the soldiers lose no opportunity of the wind there; a matter which I fear much, if the Commissioners be not quickened by your Lordships' frequent letters.

"I humbly desire your Honour, by a line or two of your next, to give me some taste of the proceedings in Munster, what return is made of Power's letters, and how Dermott O'Connor standeth or falleth to that service, wherein I see no reason to doubt of good success, if the project to send over the youth of the Tower be not altered, and the time taken to dispatch him thither, whilst the humours of the country are wrought that way, and that Dermott O'Connor and his hopes may have no time to grow cold. It may be it will be required, and I know it is looked for, what portion of his father's lands and houses shall be assigned unto him at his first entrance; and the well dealing with him therein in the beginning may prepare a good way to the well expediting of the whole cause; where, if he shall be used but with a spare and dry hand in that point of his first settling, it may put the buzz into the followers' and Dermott's heads that all is done, not in good meaning to establish him in sort as is conceived, but to carry on some other purpose for Her Majesty, and to make him the ground and instrument thereof, and afterwards to return him to his former captivity; which if it should fall out so, the case of Munster would be more desperate, and all hope taken away from others of the Irish to look for good measure at Her Majesty's hands hereafter. They are wily people, apt to cast in these matters as far as the wit of man can reach; and therefore I wish, if a portion of his father's lands and houses be urged by the followers and Dermott, that the matter be so carried, as, though they be not thoroughly satisfied for the present, yet they may hope to have their portion enlarged afterward, which no doubt will contain them for the time, and Her Majesty's turn may proceed to be served by them, to the breaking of that rebellion, which is the chief end and scope of all this business. I know the Lord President is best able to inform your Honour what parcels are meetest for the new Earl, and in what manner they may be compassed; yet I thought not amiss to note to you these three following, namely: 1, Tarbert, which is freely in Her Majesty's disposition; 2, the house of Askeaton, being likewise in Her Majesty's hands, though the seignory be passed to Sir Francis Barkley; 3, and Loughgirr, which is possessed by Sir George Bourchier, but will be drawn from him upon reasonable composition. One or two of these three may suffice him for his first establishing, and, as he shall go further on to do service, Her Majesty may use further liberalties to him, either by pension or some other quantities of land. But in this matter the Lord President may set down a better course than I can; only I wish that whether Her Majesty shall grace him with lands or pension, that he have but a provisional estate therein, which will make him labour to do well, to the end he may deserve a better. I have great care of this cause of Munster, for that out of the example of it other parts in Ireland may be wrought to serve Her Majesty's turn, humbly desiring your Honour therefore that I may know how things go there, that use may be made accordingly of occasions and opportunities in other parts of the realm."—Holyhead, 1600, August 12.

[Postscript.] "Though the treaty of peace be for a time discontinued, yet I hope it is not dissolved; and in Ireland we must hold it up still, otherwise the Archtraitor and his confederates will make their advantage of it. And therefore if your Lordships jointly, or your Honour in particular, have occasion to write to the Earl of Ormonde [these last three words have been struck out], it were good to let him know that the treaty of the peace is to revive again after a small time; for from him it would be divulged amongst all the Irishry with better credit than from another." Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

August 12. Dublin.

65. Sir Francis Stafford to Sir Robert Cecil. Is assured that the success of the Lord Deputy's journey, begun on July 16 and ended on August 5, has been imparted to Sir Robert by his Lordship. Yet having been present, thought it his duty to make known to his Honour that this journey was to very good purpose. The Lord Deputy, with 100 horse and 500 foot, entered into the heart of Offally, "which hath not been heretofore done, when there lay in garrison at the fort of the Dyngan 800 foot and 50 horse." During his abode in those parts, his Lordship " burned all the country and spoiled by estimate 10,000l. in the fairest corn that ever was seen, fought divers times with the enemy, and did beat them." Sir Oliver Lambert, two days after the Lord Deputy came to those parts, joined his forces with those of his Lordship. On August 12 the Lord Deputy departs from Dublin towards Leix, intending to spoil the corn there. Thus he employs himself and the forces, that the army should not live idle until the journey northwards, which is purposed presently upon the arrival of the 2,000 soldiers who are at Chester, and are hourly expected. If God shall prosper the Lord Deputy's journey for the planting of the garrison at Armagh, and it shall please Her Majesty and the Council to hold their determination for Ballyshannon, the "President of the garrison at Lough Foyle" doth yield good testimony that Tyrone cannot long stand, for many daily both seek to revolt from him, and will, the planting of Lough Foyle having "put all the rebels of Ireland in an amaze," and "the disposition of the Irish is much altered."—Dublin, 1600, August 12. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

August 12. Nonsuch.

66. Sir Robert Cecil to the Lord High Treasurer Buckhurst. "Because I do guess, by receiving no answer to my last letter concerning the lady, that you are gone to your Tusculum, I think good to let your Lordship know that I am bold in these matters of Ireland to change some resolutions in some petty things, rather than to trouble you, or make it known here that you are gone abroad." Has appointed a letter to be drawn for 100l. to furnish arms for Knockfergus, and because Sir Arthur Chichester has a great debt, wherein he cannot be relieved but by the checks, and his present want is very great, has persuaded him to leave someone to look to the arms, rather than that he should be absent when the time is nigh to do service. Has won him to this, upon promise that he shall receive 100l. to help to carry him away. This may be done upon the remain of a Privy Seal.

"I have found by conference with Sir Arthur Chichester that the Queen's Commissaries are the destruction of her service, and therefore do earnestly desire that your Lordship's course may proceed for the assignment of their own Commissaries to the merchants that provide the victual, for thereby the burthen of the service will lie in the proper place; always provided this, that when the Commissary (appointed by the merchant) certifieth what victual they have sent, which is the satisfaction that your Lordship and we have of the merchant's good or bad dealing, it may be ordered that the certificate of the Commissary be accompanied with the hand of the principal Commander of that garrison, for thereby the Captain shall be concluded to have received the victual, and the Commissary restrained from abusing the Captain afterwards, as I see it is common now in Ireland. For Sir Arthur Chichester protesteth that, since he came to Knockfergus, he never received [a] bit of pork or bacon from any Commissary, and yet the merchants here did assure that they have sent thither at divers times great proportions of either."

Desires that Buckhurst will give order for money, for it is impossible to imagine how long the treasure may lie at the seaside, for want of wind. Victuals have been waiting for forty days. His arrangements with Jolles and Cockayne. Part of the new victual for Leinster to be fish. Sir Arthur Chichester has earnestly required that some fish may be sent to Lough Foyle, because in the depth of winter they cannot fish. Part of the provision of meal to be replaced by fish, and some seven or eight quarters of mustard seed is also required. "But, my Lord, the lack of beer hath overthrown them, and will do, if we think not of it; and therefore, if it were possible, until the brewhouses there be erected, to send one hundred tuns of beer thither, it were money well bestowed, whereby so many lives are saved."—Nonsuch, 1600, August 12. Signed.

Sir Robert Cecil has added in his own hand:—"I think 12,000l. to Ireland, considering the month's victual, and 3,000l. to Munster, will serve.

"I send you an abstract [wanting] of a horrible attempt on the King of Scots' person. All things else are as you left them." pp. 2.

August 13.

67. The Lord High Treasurer Buckhurst to Sir Robert Cecil. "It was Tuesday before the Lady Rich came unto me, for she was gone to Barn Elms, and thither I was fain to send for her. I took that course with her which your letters prescribed. She seemed very glad of this riddance, and prayed me to give Her Majesty most humble thanks for her favour, which she acknowledged with her follies and faults committed, and assured that this should be a warning to her for ever not to commit the like; concluding still with her most humble desire to have the happiness to see Her Majesty, until which she should never enjoy a day of comfort to her heart. I send you your letter again touching that cause.

"Now to the public. Having had conference with Beverley touching the Commissaries of the victuals, who are the caterpillars and consumers of the good effects of this service, I have thereupon framed two letters from the Lords to the Lord Deputy and Council, unto which for brevity I refer you. If you like thereof, then, I pray you, cause them to be signed by the rest of the Lords, and sent away with all speed. But of necessity, in my opinion, they must come over into England about their accounts; so as when the Treasurer's accounts are likewise sent hither, as that must also be done, then both being here before the auditors, I hope we shall see an end of the account. Only in the certificate of the checks will be the difficulty, which must be quickened by an earnest letter to the Mustermaster and Comptroller of the Musters.

"Touching the 100l. for arms for Sir Arthur Chichester, I have given order to Mr. Skinner to pay it. I am glad you have persuaded Sir Arthur Chichester to leave a man here about his debt, for how to pay him upon the sudden will be a difficult matter, and in the meanwhile he may have 100l. upon the remain of the Privy Seal yet unissued, upon which only is 300l. left. And when he hath his 100l., we shall have only 200l. left for all suitors. Mr. Skinner may pay it upon your hand and Mr. Chancellor's, and I upon my return will confirm it with mine.

"I am heartily glad that at length you concur with me to expel these beggarly corrupt knaves the Commissaries, who do nothing but spoil all for their own gain, and no remedy nor reformation given from the State there, but every one, as far as I see, intentus in rem suam, and fetching what they can from the public. The change now will only be thus, that from knaves and beggars you shall commit it to honest rich merchants, who stand upon their credit, and have a good state beside to answer misbehaviours; and, which is not the least of all, the good success thereof, I mean of the victual, will either bring credit or blame upon them if it fall not out well. For now, when a primo ad ultimum it passeth through one hand, we know whom to blame, and whom to commend if it be well. And I like exceeding well that one of the Colonels, if he be at hand, or else one of the principal Captains, do join with the Mayor and such other as shall be appointed Commissioners for the view of the victual at the landing, and for the allowing or disallowing thereof. It is a fortnight since I spake to Mr. Wade to draw this new contract touching these new Commissaries, and gave him full instructions touching the same ; and yet yesterday, talking with the victuallers, they hear nothing of it. That which you write of touching Sir Arthur Chichester's affirmation, how he had always two days' fish from Traves the Commissary, and never no flesh, was debated before me, where Sir Arthur affirmed the one, and the victuallers protested they sent no fish, but a great provision of flesh. So as it is manifest Traves bought fish, and sold away the flesh. If my Lord Deputy in his martial orders have not set down and published this to be death, in my opinion he doth not that he ought to do.

"Touching the contract of the victual of Lough Foyle, you must consider that the contract was for seven months' victual for 4,200 men; and it is soon spoken that such a mass of victual should be sent away presently, but it is not so soon done. First, it is impossible so soon to be gathered, which only can be done out of the maritime parts. Secondly, if it could be gathered, yet to send it away altogether were to destroy all. For it must be sent one after another, so as it may come fresh and fresh; and therefore, with your favour, the times of shipping these seven months' victual being thus, viz.:—
At or before the 20 of July—one month's victual
At or before the last of August—two months' victual
At or before the last of September—two months' victual
At or before the 15 of October—two months' victual

"and this contract being not made before the first of July, how it might be sorted to fitter times I know not; and you were then made privy to it, and you allowed and liked thereof. Nevertheless, if they can anticipate these times, I shall be glad thereof, so as always it be considered that the mass of victual, lack of storehouses, and length of time before it be issued, do not hurt more than the haste will do good, considering that all must be there before the middle of October, which at that time was said to be a very good time for passage. And I am glad that you like of a month's provision of fish, which no doubt being perfect good, as I doubt not but it shall, will be as good for the soldier, in respect of the change, as butter or cheese ; and of that opinion is Sir Arthur Chichester, and desires fish for his garrison, and so hath always had fish ; and this may be distributed into two days' fish for every week among the rest. I have also written this morning to Jolles and Cockain, that of the seven months' victual which is for Lough Foyle, one month's victual may be in perfect good fish, according to the contents of your letter and the advice of Sir Arthur Chichester; the which course, for my part, I like much better than all butter and all cheese, and I do assure myself that the soldier will like it also. And God forbid that they should lack mustard. I know it will sharpen their stomachs.

"Touching a hundred tun of beer, I will also deal with Cockain and Jolles to send so much for Lough Foyle, and to that end also this morning I wrote unto them; but how it may at this time of the year be brewed to have continuance, I know not, and yet I have written to the Mayor of Chester a month since to procure certain merchants of Chester to carry beer to Lough Foyle, and have given them license to go without custom. And I have also particularly written to Newcomen, besides the general letter of. the Lords, to go forward also with his offer of getting up his brewhouse there, which now is at Dublin.

"Touching sending money into Ireland, I am utterly against your opinion ; for, although my part is to send as little money out of the Receipt as may be, yet it remains in the Receipt to do Her Majesty service, and never can it do it better service than to save a kingdom; and if ever there be a time to bring safety unto it, it will be by this journey into the North. And therefore, at such a time, I had rather they had too much money than too little. For, if they have too much for that journey, they have it ready to serve for the time coming and future services, so as thereof can come no prejudice to the Queen. But, if that journey should fail for lack of money, then should the fault be cast upon us, and the kingdom either endangered or left in a perpetual war. Besides, if the Spaniards should land, I would be loath they should want money, for, if we can but defend the realm this summer, I make no doubt but this winter cold and the Irish air, so far different from Spain, would quite consume all the Spaniards before the spring. Therefore having, since my letters unto you, more nearly calculated and cast up what is one month's pay of 10,000 foot and 850 horse (for so many are in Leinster and Connaught), the list being now 16,000 foot and 1,300 horse, besides a 1,000 or 2,000 Irish at pay of a 1,000l. monthly, I find that one month's pay comes to 11,193l. 10s. 6d.; and yet you see in this reckoning that the extraordinaries are cast to be but 307l. 13s. 10d., the which no doubt at the going forth of the Deputy to this northern journey will be much more. Therefore I have now ordered that the Deputy shall have 18,000l. and Munster 2,000l., which is to the Deputy not above one month and a half's pay; and then we mean to be quiet in the Receipt here till Hallowtide, for to that time by estimate no doubt they are furnished, besides all defalcation of victuals, arms, and checks [sic, query clothes meant], yet doth the Treasurer protest that by this 2 of August all the last 20,000l. is utterly issued and spent. I send you the estimate of Mr. Meredith touching a month's pay, as is aforesaid.

"And now, having also this day till two of this clock been in the Tower, to see the riches and jewels there, where I have seen the admirable [st] sight of jewels and precious stones that ever was seen, I wish you all honour and happiness, trusting that you will now spare me for one ten days to see my wife and children, whom these four months I have not seen, and to have some use and comfort of my life here unless matter of necessity for Her Majesty's service shall call me away, and then I come an it be at midnight."—1600, August 13.

Lord Buckhurst had inadvertently written the closing portion of his letter on a blank page of Cecil's, and so adds this postscripts:—"I doubt not but you will laugh at this, that a part of my answer is a part of the paper of your letter, which grew by haste, I laying the one part of your letter before me to answer, and so mistook the other part, thinking it had been a part of mine own letter." Holograph. pp. 7.

Encloses:—

67. i. "Note of Her Majesty's charges in Ireland." Total 11,193l. 10s. 6d.—1600, August 12. p. 1.

August 13. Naas.

68. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to the Privy Council. "I received your letters of the last of June the 16 of July, being at that instant beginning a journey, wherein I have continued almost until this time; and therefore humbly desire your Lordships' pardon if I have not made so speedy answer as otherwise had been my duty. I can receive no greater comfort than to understand by your Lordships Her Majesty's gracious allowance of any of my labours, my chief end being to serve and please her without any respect to myself. And although I conceive how insupportable Her Majesty's charge is in this kingdom, yet do I hold myself bound to propound to your Lordships whatsoever I believe to be necessary for this service committed to my charge. Out of which respect I could do no less in duty than to let your Lordships know what in experience I found, that the state and strength of this rebellion being as it is, the army so divided was insufficient to make such an end of this war as might be most for Her Majesty's profit and honour. But now, with these supplies which it hath pleased Her Majesty to grant, and which we daily expect, I will endeavour above all worldly respects to finish speedily my heavy task; which unto none should be more grievous than to myself, were it not lightened with the remembrance for whom I suffer and labour. And although Her Majesty's expense ought to be, and is unto me, of very precious regard, yet I think no parsimony more dangerous than such as maketh all the rest of her expense unprofitable ; in which nature are many extraordinaries, the sparing whereof in many things and at many times doth set our whole work at a stay. The necessity of which charges I humbly desire your Lordships to consider and estimate by that computation which is generally made in all wars, that the extraordinaries are a third part of the charge unto the State. But, if your Lordships will vouchsafe to let me know in what one particular I have been prodigal, I will hereafter amend it, or give your Lordships good satisfaction for it.

"As I am in all things to obey your Lordships' pleasures, so am I ready to execute what it shall please you to direct me concerning the distribution of commands of horse and foot; but, as I conceive, the coupling of the charge of both to some is no increase of her Majesty's expense, no hindrance, to her service, nor any way contrary to the government of all wars, neither to that justice by which all offices and rewards are distributed, in which nothing is more unequal than equality. And for any charge I have myself conferred upon any, I hope so well to justify their worthiness, as to make it appear unto your Lordships what difference there is between them and such in whom their preferment stirreth up envy. For such commands as I found some possessed of before my coming, as by your Lordships' own order to Sir Samuel Bagenall, an 100 horse, 200 foot, and 20s. by the day, and to others by the Governors that were before me, I have from many of them taken part of their entertainment, and do most humbly desire your Lordships, that seeing I am so ill able to give contentment unto any, that it will please you to appoint such as you will have discharged. For he that is not particularly named by your Lordships will think himself wronged by me. But if your Lordships will give me leave to inform you herein what I think, to whom their abilities that serve under me should best appear, I fear your Lordships, by this course of equality, shall take away the greatest strength of the army, and that alacrity which from extreme discomfort I have now reduced it unto. For I dare affirm that the first downfall of the reputation of our nation in these wars did arise by the baseness of some private Captains, the valour and sufficiency of whom is so precious, as, if they be defective in neither, the private soldier will hardly be beaten. And as there are in divers degrees as good Captains in this kingdom as anywhere else in the like rank, so do I assure your Lordships that there are none more unworthy than such as most importune you there, while many of the better sort without charge attend their fortunes here with continual hazard of their lives. Where it pleaseth Her Majesty to dislike my granting license to many Captains to go over, it may please your Lordships to understand that, of some six or seven score in list, at their great importunity as I remember, I gave leave to no more than some six or seven, and in the summer, when they might be best spared, and many of them having occasions concerning their whole estates, in which case I think it a hard case to restrain a Captain from some time to intend them. Yet, both in that and in my recommendations, I will hereafter be more sparing, since I find it so offensive. For the treasure, I hope Mr. Treasurer will give your Lordships satisfaction, with whose accounts I am not privy, but understand by him that before the treasure arriveth the greater part of it is issued, and consequently find the army still in want; the which I humbly desire your Lordships to reduce unto some certainty. For in these wars, when we want means, we must not only stand still, but of necessity give some way to the disorder of the soldier.

"Where it appeareth some Commissaries have informed your Lordships that they dare not certify deficiency as they should, I must needs complain of their extreme dishonesty therein. For I have commanded them all to acquaint me with anything they could imagine conducing to Her Majesty's service in the musters, and given them the best encouragement I could devise, and to this time I never heard any of them complain unto me, although I doubt not but there is cause, as hath been ever in all armies that ever were. But to shew my desire not to have Her Majesty deceived, I have mustered the army after journeys in their marches, which is counted as extreme a course as can be held. For mine own particular concerning my allowance for transportation, all Deputies have been hitherto allowed whatsoever in that nature they disbursed; and for impresting myself at all times three months beforehand, it was no more than all Deputies in like sort have used. But I am sorry that your Lordships think me not worthy of the same favour, but am contented with your pleasures. In the matter of munition and arms, I must again solicit your Lordships for a resolute and direct answer, whether they shall be defalked out of the apparel, as heretofore sometimes hath been used, or out of the lendings, which here we find a thing intolerable, and therefore beseech your Lordships on the poor soldiers' behalf, that of their 3s. a week, whereon they can hardly live, nothing may be impaired. I have been careful to the uttermost of my power that no wasteful expense should be made of powder, and to that end have established a proportion to be allowed monthly to the soldier for his watches without defalcation, and that less than in the Low Countries is allowed by Her Majesty, viz., half a pound to a smaller shot and three-quarters to a musket, which I conceive to be spent as it were in day of service, since the charging and discharging of his piece in time of watches is of necessity. To the new companies for the first month I have allowed a double proportion in regard of their training, which is warrantable by Her Majesty's instructions delivered unto me, wherein not only the powder spent in day of service (as your Lordships seem to intimate) but a competent proportion also is allowed for training without defalcation, such as I should think meet to assign. But for that which is spent in service which is the greatest quantity, I know not what other course can be taken than by the certificates of the captains or officers, to whom it is best known. The daily return of able and sufficient soldiers from hence into England is a thing which I labour by all means to prevent, and have caused divers to be executed which have run from their colours with purpose to steal away, and proclaimed confiscation of bark and goods against such as should transport any soldier without license. If yet I could devise any stricter course, I would put it in execution; but on the other side I beseech your Lordship that in England the like severity may be used in the ports at their landing, which I think a more ready way to prevent this disorder, which because it seemeth by your Lordships' letter to be more frequent in the western parts, whither they seldom pass from hence but from Munster, I have written to the Lord President to stay that abuse.

"Concerning the proportion of victuals contracted for by your Lordships, whereof as yet no part is arrived, I perceive the greatest quantity thereof is to come in meal; which in two respects will be inconvenient; first, for that coming late, as it is now likely to do, it will require time in the baking, and secondly, being baked, we are not here able to find bags for the carriage, or if any, yet with double charge to Her Majesty for them, which, as I am informed by Mr. Treasurer, may be had in England for 11d. a piece, and here will cost seven groats; which I do the more willingly acquaint your Lordships withal, that you may perceive how necessarily we are oftentimes constrained to charge Her Majesty with extraordinary expense, especially in these new plantations, such as that of Lough Foyle already performed, and this of Armagh which is now intended, wherein besides the charges of carriage, which for so great a garrison and for so long a time must needs be excessive, I shall be forced to build a fort in the midway between the Newry and Armagh for the more easy victualling of it hereafter. The like charge of raising forts upon their straits and passages I find needful in many other places, which cannot otherwise be passed without endangering the whole army. The distribution of the business to divers of the Council is a matter which for mine own ease and discharge I would willingly embrace, and to that end, when first I went into the north, I directed a commission to Mr. Treasurer and Sir Geffrey Fenton for the matter of victuals. The like I was minded to have done in the munition, but that Sir George Bourchier, who of necessity was to be one therein, was at the same time drawn to Kilkenny by reason of the Earl of Ormonde's imprisonment, and is but even now returned from thence. But, as soon as I shall have leisure to stay here any time, which now I am not able, I will endeavour to settle a course in those and all other causes according to your Lordships' directions.

"To Lough Foyle I had, before the receipt of your letters, sent a supply of 2,000 boards, the want whereof in that garrison did especially arise from the stay of the Ballyshannon voyage, for which 1,000 boards were appointed to be sent from Galway, so as the 1,000 men assigned for Ballyshannon remaining at Lough Foyle wanted their provision in that kind. Bell, the shipwright, of whom your Lordships write, is dead, so as some other course must be taken for the boats of Lough Foyle. For the provision of that garrison with beer, I have, with the Council's advice, taken order for the erecting of a brewhouse there, whereby the soldier shall be furnished better cheap than with that which can be sent from hence.

"Lastly, where it pleaseth your Lordships to admonish me what great cause Her Majesty hath to think many Captains and Commanders negligent, for that she findeth no service done by them to answer her charge, I humbly desire your Lordships to know that, first in general, there have more rebels, and those of the better sort, been killed since my coming than in more than two years before; there have been greater preys taken; and, God be thanked, I have no reason to send to your Lordships notice of any one disaster to any part of the army. And thus much the country and enemy doth acknowledge. For the garrisons in these parts, there are none of which your Lordships might in this time look for any especial account of their service, but Knockfergus, the Newry, Dundalk, Ardee, and Kells. For the rest of the forces were rather laid for the time, fit to be called together upon all occasions, than for any other service. Knockfergus, besides many good services, hath laid all the country waste for twenty miles about, which before was inhabited by the rebels. The Newry hath done the like, and Dundalk hath banished Tirlogh McHenry with his creaghts to lie out of his own country almost as far up as Monaghan; and yet Dundalk and the rest of the forces on this side have been ever part of the army which now three times hath been called together only to victual the forts. The which service being in itself so small, it may seem unnecessary to be followed with so great charge and hazard, except those forts might be made more profitable than they are. But first I found them held as they had been these many years, and durst not quit them without your Lordships' order. To leave them stronger in men, I could not; nor, if I had, could I have provided victual for them; since the reason we are driven so often with an army to adventure for these as they are, is because we can never get carriages sufficient at one time to carry provision for any long season. But I beseech your Lordships to remember that the summer [is in] this country the most idle time of all other to do service; and I think it a great work, finding all things as I did, if in this time I lay a good foundation for the war, and appoint and plant such garrisons as may be stirring all the winter; the which I will endeavour with all my power, and in all other things to serve Her Majesty as faithfully and painfully as I can to her contentment."—Naas, 1600, August 13.

[Postscript.] "Being at Kilkenny, the Lord of Cahir met me, whom I moved to endeavour himself for the recovery of his castle, assuring him that, if I were forced to draw down the army to take it again, he should never be master of it. Even now I understand from him that he hath recovered it, and holdeth it for Her Majesty. I am now in my journey to spoil the corn of Leix, as before I have done of Offally, whereof I have advertised Mr. Secretary, and doubt not but your Lordships have been acquainted therewith." Endorsed:—Received at Nonsuch the 20th. Signed. Seal. pp. 5.

August 13. [Naas.]

69. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to the Earl of Ormonde. "I received two letters from your Lordship by the way as I was coming towards Castle Dermott, for until the forces come over, which we expect daily, I am not willing to lose any time, and have therefore thought good to make a journey into Leix, as I have done into Offally. Which I do the more willingly, in regard of your Lordship, to take some revenge upon those traitors, against whom in particular you are most animated. Therefore I would intreat your Lordship, with such force of horse and foot as you can make, together with Sir Christopher St. Lawrence his company, to fall on Saturday night through Idough, and on Sunday night to meet me at Culinagh Castle. I am not willing to engage your Lordship any further in this service than may stand with your safety, which I more esteem than all the fruit of this journey. But if your Lordship think it not meet to adventure yourself with so small forces, I pray you notwithstanding to send Sir Christopher St. Lawrence unto me with his company and with your forces at the time and place appointed. I do exceedingly desire to see your Lordship and to confer with you, when it may stand with your best opportunity, about the Lord Mountgarrett his sons, and such other matters as are mentioned in your letter, whereof at this time I cannot so conveniently write. Only concerning Tirlogh McShane, although his malice against the Pale deserves no favour, yet, if it may give your Lordship any contentment concerning your pledges, I will spare his life for a time."—[Naas,] 1600, August 13. Copy. p. 1.

August 13. Carrigologh n Thomond.

70. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. On behalf of the bearer, his kinsman, who has been employed this summer in one of the crompsters upon that coast, that the Lord Admiral would employ him again next year. When transporting victuals or munition, would rather be attended by a kinsman, over whom he has commanding power, than by a stranger. Has written to the Lord Admiral at large of the necessity for a ship and barge in those parts. Begs Sir Robert to further this.—Carrigologh in Thomond, 1600, August 13. Holograph. p. 1.

August 13.

71. "A note of the forces which the Lord of Ormonde delivered to my Lord the 13 of August, 1600, before the return of the army from Ossory into Leix by the pass of Cashel." Total, 2,560. p. ½.

August 14. Dublin.

72. The Lord Chancellor Loftus to Sir Robert Cecil. " This morning I received this enclosed letter from a man of good credit, which, for that the Lord Deputy departing hence two days since and (sic) is by this time entered into the rebels' fastness, I thought very meet to send unto you. Two of the parties named in it are men of good account, I mean Stainhurst and Nugent, the one named Walter being brother to Richard Stainhurst, the learned physician who is with the King of Spain, and the other called Richard Nugent is eldest son to William Nugent, brother to the Lord of Delvin, which Richard by his mother shall be a good inheritor in the Pale. The other, named Shelton, is he of whom Sir Robert Gardener and myself heretofore wrote to your Honour in Lapley's cause, having then intelligence that he was at Court, under pretence to be cured of the Queen's evil. One of his brothers was executed with Lapley, and this young man hath been a good while in Tyrone with his treacherous uncle the Friar Nangle. I have made the more haste to let your Honour understand hereof, for that they departing so lately and going wholly through Scotland (where I doubt not they will think themselves very secure), there may be some good means used to have them apprehended there."—Dublin, 1600, August 14. Endorsed:—Received at Nonsuch the 21st. Signed. p. 1.

Encloses:—

72. i. Stephen Duff to the Lord Chancellor Loftus. " Having heard certainly by one that my Lord Deputy did license to go to the north for taking up some debts due to him, that there came to Tyrone an eight or ten days ago one Mr. Stanurst of Corduff from the Prince Cardinal in embassage to Tyrone, and is gone back again in the way he came, which was through Scotland, and there is gone with him back William Nugent his son and heir, and one Shelton of Dublin," thought it his duty to inform his Honour.—Drogheda, 1600, August 11. Endorsed:—Received the 14th in the morning. Holograph. p. ½.

August 15. Kilkenny.

73. The Earl of Ormonde to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. "Having had here with me some of my horsemen, with purpose to have repaired towards Dublin to confer with your Lordship, I received your Lordship's letter touching the ordnance at Cahir. Whereupon I sent those horsemen away to give assistance to that piece of work; and sithence, having received other your Lordship's letters to meet your Lordship at Culinagh Castle on Sunday night, I have with the speed I can sent for them back again; with whom and the other forces here I will, God willing, hold my meeting with your Lordship according the time and course you have appointed.

"I send your Lordship hereinclosed the copies of a letter which I received from Onie McRory and of my answer thereunto. I pray your Lordship upon your entry into Leix to Cause the Captains to hearken after my pledges in the best sort they may, and whither they go, lest unknown they might miscarry by some of the army. This morning I have a meeting near this town with my Lord Mountgarrett and his sons; and so, referring that shall fall out thereupon and other occasions to our meeting, with many thanks for your Lordship's favour in my suit touching Tirlogh McShane [marginal note:—'this was only to respite his execution till his Lordship might speak with the Lord Deputy,'] I end."—Kilkenny, 1600, August 15. [Postscript.] " Your Lordship's letter came [not] unto me until two hours after I was in bed yesternight." Copy. p. 1.

Encloses:—

73. i. Onie McRory O'More to the Earl of Ormonde. " Whereas I have heretofore written unto your Honour to take order for your pledges, I knew your Honour, being encumbered with other divers weighty matters, cannot accomplish your desire therein, wherewith I am well contented, although I have no so secure a place to keep them as I would, neither would I hitherunto send them where they might be safely and securely kept, lest the sending of them therein should be anything grievous to your Honour. I understand, Right Honourable, that the Lord Deputy doth now set forth with an army, and whither I know not; but, as I understand, they pretend a most abominable course, which is, wheresoever they go, to cut and reap down green corn, which is a most execrable course and bad example unto all the world. And as for my own part, Right Honourable, I have been taught as bad a lesson in a manner by them heretofore, and, as I am informed, they mean not to give over schooling of me yet in bad actions, which I protest unto your Honour is very loathsome unto me. But the best is, I have but little to lose, and if it be lost in that sort, I protest I mean not to seek for no more tillage, but rather live upon the tillage of others, not sparing friend nor foe. But, Right Honourable, fearing lest my cruel dealing herein should hereafter be objected against me, there is no reasonable course that might be taken for me, but I would be partly advised by my friends to take the same, rather than use such cruel plots as are set down to destroy this poor commonwealth of Ireland. Wherefore I am humbly to beseech your Honour (if by protection or otherwise you can stop this army), if they be coming hither, that your Honour will show your Honour's good will to the furtherance of the commonwealth of your poor country, I mean the whole realm, whereby we may take further deliberation as we shall further consult, and also that I may not be driven to remove your pledges, which I must do, if they remain in the country any time, specially if they spoil corn."—1600, August 13, Copy. p. 1.

73. ii. The Earl of Ormonde to Onie McRory O'More. "I received your letters of the 13th of this present, whereby I understand that you have heretofore written unto me for order to be taken for my pledges, which letter, if any you sent, came never to my hands nor any other letter of yours, since my delivery from you, save this letter; so as I know not what special course you desire I should follow for the enlargement of them. I understand by the said letter that my Lord Deputy is set forward to some journey, meaning to reap and destroy green corn wheresoever his Lordship shall travel, which, as it seemeth, you doubt may light upon that country. If you may certainly understand that his Lordship will come toward you, fail not to send me word thereof, and what time you think he will be there, to the end I may meet with his Lordship to have conference with him for a reasonable course to be taken with you. And if, in the mean time, I shall understand of his Lordship's coming towards those parts, I will make my repair towards him. Until then I do wish you to hold you from any more extremities, and until you shall hear from his Lordship. It is reported that you dealt without conscience or other good regard in killing Gerald FitzGerald, of late being your prisoner four days before, which with the outrageous burnings and spoils committed by you lately in the English Pale, may move my Lord to be revenged on you, wherewith I have not been made acquainted as yet; and therefore do by this bearer my servant, acquaint his Lordship with the contents of your letter, whom I pray you to conduct safely unto him. And so, wishing you to grow to dutiful terms of submission, which will be the best course you can follow, I end."—Kilkenny, 1600, August 14. Copy. pp. 1½.

August 15. Kilkenny.

74. The Earl of Ormonde to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. "Sithence I wrote my letters to your Lordship very early this morning, I have considered as well of your Lordship's great care of my safety, for which I most heartily thank you, as of the traitor's force, which is reported to be great, daily gathered together. And, lest some occasions, happening often in the course of these wars, might alter your coming to the appointed time and place on Sunday night next Culinagh, whereby I, with so few forces with me, might be engaged, I heartily pray your Lordship, in that (God willing) I mean to be there according to your appointment, to let some messenger pass from you unto me, whereby I may be ascertained of your Lordship's being there. And so, going forward in the best sort I may, wishing your Lordship all happy success, I commit your Lordship to the tuition of the Almighty."—Kilkenny, 1600, August 15. [Postscript.'] "Whosoever wished your Lordship to send for me with so few, was not well advised, and I doubt it will not be safe for me, yet will adventure it, understanding of your Lordship being there, if it be possible for me." Copy. p. 1.

August 16. Dublin.

75. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "With much ado, I got the coast of Ireland yesternight at midnight, and have this morning signified my arriving to the Lord Deputy, who, two days before, was drawn towards the Kavanaghs' country. I wrote to his Lordship that for the despatches I brought there was no safety for me either to bring them or send them to him, the rebels lying so strong upon the ways; and therefore I humbly wished his Lordship, if the service he was in would draw any long time, that his Lordship would send a convoy for me to come to the camp, otherwise to direct me to remain here till his return.

"There is come this night and this morning Captain Fisher with six or seven more companies of Sir Edward Herbert's regiment, whom I left in Worral. The residue of the whole complement, both of horse and foot, I hope will be brought up by this wind, if the Captains do use the diligence they ought. These that are come, and the rest to follow, shall be distributed to meet places for service, and to ease the country, till his Lordship's return, who I hope will then fashion himself altogether for Armagh, and the other services of Ulster, where there is great need of some good discipline and government, specially at Lough Foyle, for that the garrison there hath of late received a blow in their horses, by reason of the absence of their Captains, and want of good officers to guide the companies. Besides, the Governor himself, rising out to supply that want of the Captains, in rescuing their horses hath received a dangerous hurt in his head, so as if he should miscarry upon that wound (no sufficient man being there to raise up in his place), your Honour may gather what may be the hazard of the whole service there, if it be not utterly overthrown. Sir John Bolles, who was appointed to succeed him upon any such accident, is now in England, and no other Captain of judgment in all that army to take the superior charge, most of the other Captains being but young men, whose knowledge reacheth not beyond the leading of 100 men. I have written this much to the Lord Deputy, praying his Lordship to consider of a meet man out of hand to be sent to Lough Foyle to take charge there, if Sir Henry Dockwra should miscarry, which I greatly fear, whereby that service may be held up and continued, which is the main ground, with God's help, to suppress the whole rebellion. And now, under your Honour's favour, it is a strange course that Captains, who take Her Majesty's pay, shall disdain to abide in her service, and remain with their companies, by whose absence your Honour seeth how the inconveniences do daily multiply, and cannot but still increase, to the endangering of the great cause we have in hand, if they shall be suffered still to abandon their charge and live absent from the service. It is a course to enrich themselves and peril the service, but the example is dangerous, when servitors dare presume to take wages of a Prince and disdain to do the service they are appointed to. I have often written and spoken in this, and have reaped no other fruit than envy and malice; yet, in so apparent contempt of the Queen and dishonour of her service, I will hold my wonted plainness both to speak and write of these abuses, hoping your Lordships there will second me, as you have promised. For these two sores of the absence of Captains and licentiousness of the soldiers must either be stopped, or else the whole cause will run to an incurable course.

"I have sent your Honour enclosed this letter of Captain Willis [see No. 50 above], which came to me the same morning I arrived here, by which you may see more particularly the accident of Lough Foyle, and the estate and manner thereof." — Dublin, 1600, August 16.

[Postscript.] " Before the signing of this letter, seven or eight companies more of foot are arrived. But I hear nothing of Captain Dawtrey nor his charge of horse. I fear his passage will be as slow into Ireland as himself is unwieldy in body to answer the service when he is come." Signed. pp. 2.

August 17. Dublin.

76. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. In favour of the bearer, Mr. John Lee, who is ready to depart for England, licensed and recommended by the State. Advised him to forbear going till a more seasonable time. Lee's great experience and losses. He was a man inward with Sir Charles O'Carroll. His service in the latter's country.—Dublin, 1600, August 17. Signed. p. ½.

August 18. Knoketancaslane.

77. Piers Lacy to Sir George Carew. " I received your letters, and although mine offences be so heinous as I might desire rather to be pardoned than excused, yet it is known to the State and Council of Ireland how much against my will I was compelled by mine adversaries to enter first into this action. It is also known to the Earl of Ormonde, whose letters I have procured to your Honour that (sic) if it might stand with your Honour's good consideration, to receive me to Her Majesty's favour. And for my demands, notwithstanding your Honour little needeth the furtherance of a more sufficient man than myself in Her Majesty's service, yet being granted, I should not doubt to accomplish such services as may merit the same. My faithful disposition to do Her Majesty service heretofore hath been well known to the Council of Munster, as it may appear under their hands; and I protest unto your Honour that I am this day as willing to do the same, if I might with good ability and safety of my life. Whereas it hath been your Honour's pleasure that secretly I should repair towards you, I do not know how to come to your Honour privately without peril of my life; for, although I doubt not of your Honour's good word, yet the fear of mine adversaries, who heretofore hath transgressed the Lord Lieutenant General's commandment in doing me harm, doth make me so wareful, as I will not give them such opportunity as by my going thither privately they may watch. But, if it might stand with your Honour's consideration to grant my demands, I would repair openly to your Honour to make my submission, and to put in sufficient security for my loyalty hereafter."—Knoketancaslane, 1600, August 18. Copy. p. 1.

Annexed is, "A note of the demands of Piers Lacy," viz.:—Restitution of his blood and lands; forgiveness of all his recognizances ; to have a hundred men in the Queen's pay during the service in Munster; the said Piers to enter sufficient security, either by pledge or sureties, for his loyalty hereafter. Copy. p. ½.

[Aug.18.]

78. Extract from a letter of the Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir George Carew.

"I have written to the Lords that, of the 2,000 men which are now to come over, one thousand might be sent to you to remain in your garrisons, that the like number might be drawn hither of your old men, which I hope you will approve, because you very well know the toughest of our work is now in hand, being going into the north, and yours well-nigh brought to an end. If therefore 1,000 new men come unto you, I pray your Lordship to send me, in lieu of them, the companies of such Captains of your list as are absent, named [sic, namely], Sir Henry Power, Sir John Barkley, Sir Edward Fitzgarrett, and Captain George Blount, which amount to 600 men, and to make up the rest of the 1,000 with such companies as you shall think fittest to be sent. If the whole 2,000 come hither, yet will I entreat you that the companies above-named may be drawn hither, and I will supply you with the like number from hence of new men. For to the planting of Armagh I must go strong, which without some increase of old soldiers from you I cannot do. If your Lordship think 1,000 too many, I am content to have only such companies as I have already their Captains, and desire your Lordship to send them away with speed, and upon their first arrival I will return as many."—[1600, August 18.] Copy, attested by Sir George Carew. p. ½.

August 19. Limerick.

79. The Lord President [Sir George Carew] and Council of Munster to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. "By a letter of your Lordship to me the President, wherewith we are acquainted, you have thought fit to command from hence 1,000 of the foot companies for your present assistance in the northern services, or at least the companies of Sir John Barkley, Sir Henry Power, Sir Edward Fitzgarrett, and Captain George Blount. To which, as it may well be imagined by us, your Lordship hath been moved by some reports of a settled quietness in Munster, and thereupon they the better to be spared. If our endeavours might have effected what we specially both have laboured and desired in the reducing of this province to a quiet state and condition, we might have satisfied your Lordship's direction therein. But, in respect the whole work of the kingdom is your Lordship's, and that this, as a great part thereof under your Lordship, is now in some forwardness of reformation, if it be not by new accidents and combinations (by a late marriage, as we are credibly informed, made by Florence McCarthy between James McThomas and Cormack McDermott's sister) drawn into new disorder, we are hopeful to make a good account thereof in short time. But as we can conceive no better of Florence, than as of a traitor, intending as before to make a strong faction by joining to this head all the Carties, who will increase the number at least 3,000 more strong, we make no doubt your Lordship will, under due consideration which we humbly beseech, forbear to withdraw any forces hence till a better conveniency appear to spare them. Besides they are so dispersed into several garrisons remote from one another, and those now placed with an expectation of good to ensue, as in Kerry 1,050 in list with Sir Charles Wilmot (who by poll are not above 600 strong), the rest in no better case remaining at Askeaton, Kilmallock, Lismore, Kinsale, and Moyallo, and elsewhere as before. So as the companies your Lordship requires cannot be drawn forth of Kerry, and others to supply their places, before your Lordship's cause of employment for them will be passed. If, upon reports of a reasonable conformity here, or by the desire of any to have their charges removed thither, your Lordship is moved to withdraw part of our weak army, we humbly pray your more favourable consideration of the same, having here many obstinate and notorious rebels to deal with, and such as, if they should but once discern a dividing of these small and weak companies, would quickly incite these unsettled people to reunite and make a stronger and more troublesome faction than in the beginning. Or, if this harvest (from which they hope to gain great relief) be not with good care and means attended, to prevent them of the benefit thereof, very little good hath been done as yet. This we hope will serve to excuse the withdrawing of any companies out of Munster till better opportunity ; having here besides now a new report of the landing of Spaniards, which we cannot tell how to believe, in regard of the confident expectation these traitors have of their daily coming, and which we assure ourselves is the greatest cause of their obstinacy in this rebellion."—Limerick [1600], August 19. Copy. p. 1.

[Aug. 19.]

80. "A note of the levy of horse " that proceeded from Chester and Bristol to Ireland. Total, 183.—[1600, August 19.] Unsigned, p. 1.

August 19.

81. Donnell Spainagh [Kavanagh] to the Earl of Ormonde. Offers to repair to the Earl on obtaining the Lord Deputy's protection and the Earl's safe-conduct. Will then set down his griefs and clear himself of the bad reports made concerning him to the Lord Deputy. Bequests a speedy answer.—1600, August 19. Copy. p. 1.

August 19.

82. Redmond Keating to the Earl of Ormonde. Desires the Earl's safe-conduct, that he may come and confer with him. The Earl is "the only man under God" in whom Keating reposes his whole trust.—1600, August 19. Copy. p. ½.

August 20. Limerick.

83. Sir George Carew to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. " The 19th of this present. I received two letters from your Lordship by one Tobin, which I was exceeding glad to see, for that your letters came but seldom unto my hands, although I suppose your Lordship hath me oftener in remembrance. Of your good success in Offally I do as much rejoice as any man in this kingdom, for no man in loving you truly shall exceed me, and I hope that God will so multiply his blessings upon you, as that you shall return the happiest Governor that hath borne the sword in Ireland. I humbly thank your Lordship for leaving such order as you have done that on pardon for Munster men shall pass without my approbation; if there had been any such starting hole left them, I should have quickly run into contempt. As for Tobin, the service which he affected is performed, but I am very sorry that he came not to me in time ; himself shall witness with me that I will be ready to do him good, if it lie in my power.

"Your Lordship's second letter, written by your Secretary, consists of many points which doth not a little trouble me, because I am not able to satisfy your Lordship's commandment as you expect, and as myself desires. For God I call to witness, I am as ready to obey you as the meanest Captain in this realm. But I know your Lordship prefers the Queen's service before all other respects, which makes me thus far bold to certify you of my estate, which done my duty is discharged; and then afterwards, as it shall please you to direct, you shall find me obedient. For I protest before God, yourself excepted no man of this army doth more wish or endeavour the happy success of your proceedings than myself, which makes me to beseech you to think upon the estate of this province before you call any of my weak troops from me. And that you may be the better resolved of the same, although I have formerly written to your Lordship the present estate of Munster in my letters sent by the way of Connaught by a servant of my Lord of Thomond's, who I hope ere this time is with your Lordship, yet hereinclosed [wanting] I do send your Lordship the copy of that which I did then write, lest the other should miscarry, by the which it shall appear unto your Lordship how impossible it is for me to observe your commandment until the harvest be past which is now in hand, without the apparent loss of this year's service, whereof I do humbly pray your Lordship to have due consideration. But if, upon your next letters, you will command the same, when my duty in advertising you of the estate of the province is performed, I will be ready to obey, although exceeding sorry that you should continue in the counsel, which, under correction, for many respects I do not wish to be taken.

"Your Lordship by this copy of my letter may understand the weakness of my little army, and how they be dispersed in divers parts of the province, far distant one from another. The traitorous practice of Florence McCarthy, who is as I think past all hope of recovery, whereof I am, since the writing of my last unto you from Carigologh in Thomond, better satisfied of his obstinate revolt; for by the Bishop of Cork and Dominick Sarsfield, a lawyer, I am certified that the marriage between Cormack McDermott's sister and James McThomas is consummated. To prevent which mischief I am hastening to those borders, and must be enforced, if it be true, to draw from my other garrisons at least 1,000 foot and 50 horse to lay them in Carberry and the borders of Muskerry, to prevent and suppress this new beginning of a rebellion more dangerous and difficult than at the first. Moreover, your Lordship knows that the province for goodness and good towns is not inferior to any in the kingdom, and is the only place for the Spaniard to make his descent into, if he pretend any invasion, which is here constantly believed. Lastly, the companies your Lordship writeth for, which is, Sir Henry Power's, Sir John Barkley's, Sir Edward Fitzgerald's, and Captain Blount's, two of them are in Kerry, which cannot be brought from thence, being so remote, in any convenient time to come unto you for I may not remove them without great danger of the other companies which are weak, before I have sent two other companies for them; and the other two companies are in Connello, which is the chief strength which James McThomas hath, and, if they should be withdrawn, that country will be possessed by the enemy, which is his chiefest relief, and so give him breath to gather new strength to maintain the rebellion; whereas, if those garrisons may continue I have good hope to famish him this next year. The whole kingdom is your Lordship's charge, the good or ill success of every part of the same, you are indifferently interested in it. If anything succeed in Munster, the honour of the same is to be ascribed unto you, as to all other generals in the like. The love and honour I bear you moves me to write the more vehemently, for I know all my labours are lost, and the Queen's charges cast away, if my garrisons be now diminished. I am in a fair way to bring this province to some conformity. I humbly beseech your Lordship to permit me to proceed, and, because the detaining of these companies may not be thought by you to be any hindrance to your northern journey, as a Councillor I do (under correction) wish and counsel you to send for a good part of the garrisons of Connaught to assist you. The companies are all old soldiers, and although many of them be Irish, yet out of their countries they will do good service; and in my opinion they are best to be spared, for the prosecution there is not so hot on foot as this of Munster, neither are the provinces for divers respects to be equalled. These reasons, with many other, which, for that I will not be troublesome unto your Lordship, I do pass over, do move me to pray and humbly advise you not for a time not (sic) to withdraw any part of the forces from me. But yet, if it be your will to have them, I will not contest with your Lordship, but must and will obey, as in your wisdom you shall please to command. I protest unto your Lordship by the majesty of God, I do not enforce anything to abuse you, but do plainly declare unto you the present estate of this province, which when you have well examined, I hope you will give me thanks, and like the less of those that have counselled you to so ill a course, which either proceeds from such as do not understand the present estate of Munster, or else from some malignant persons that prefer their particulars before the public. I beseech your Lordship let my credit thus far prevail with you, to be believed for Munster before all men, for I do thus far arrogate unto myself, that no man living knoweth the present estate of the same better than I do, and do believe constantly no one man so well as myself; and if I should for any particular design of my own abuse you in the public proceedings, I were worthy of death. As in my last, so in this, I do humbly beseech you to procure a supply of men for Munster, for I am sure the army in no place are so weak as these companies are. And thereof there is no marvel, for since the 20th of May until now they were never out of the field, and now the garrisons of Askeaton are no better than in the field, for they lie in cabins and live upon provant victuals, not knowing any other drink than water. And for my particular, I do assure your Lordship, all mine own horses are so overtravelled as many of them are dead, and those that live so weak as they are not able to carry a man a foot pace. The garrisons, I thank God, are not idle, for, besides the harvest which in all places they possess every day, I have news of taking of preys and killings. I can make a true account unto your Lordship of a (sic) 1,000 rebels slain in small companies, since my coming into Munster. Those of Askeaton this last week in two skirmishes killed about 50, and they of Kilmallock many more. Captain Flower, as I hear, hath done good service at Lismore, and Sir Charles Wilmot prospereth well in Kerry. If this late marriage do not hinder me, I do hope in God to make your Lordship a good account of Munster; but whosoever informeth your Lordship that my work is almost at an end, either understands not what he said, or else I must judge worse of him; for as yet I am but in the beginning of a good way, which is subject to every little object to give it interruption. I know from those which serve with me, the opinion is held that the neck of the Munster war is broken, which is spoken rather out of fear it should be, so doubting to be discharged, than of any truth that it is so, or from a desire that they wish it so to be. Others, because they see the force of this province somewhat changed, because the army marcheth unfought withal, do judge the war ended, but such do but look upon the outside; but I that make it my study, and have better understanding in the managing of these affairs than those that are not so much interested in the service as I am, do find the numbers little less in rebellion than at the beginning, infested with the same traitors' hearts as heretofore. Only the difference I find is, a general distrust, which by practice I have infected them withal, that no one of them dare trust one another (sic), and every one seeketh to save himself in his own fastness. But let these fellows once take breath, and advise upon their business, they will easily be reconciled and unite, and then the work will be no less knotty than at the first.

"Your Lordship's letters in the behalf of the Lord Barry and Charles McCarthy, which you did formerly write, did never come into my hands, neither yet will I acquaint them with this, until I see how they stand, for a little absence breedeth a great alteration in this inconstant nation. I had good hope that the multitude of Commissaries would have eased the soldier of the check by discretion, which, for mine own part, I know no reason why it should be continued ; but with the rest I yield my neck to the yoke, since by your Lordship I understand it to be continued in Leinster, but by the Captains here I was otherwise informed. I will speak with the provant master of clothes; if there is any surplusage in Munster, your Lordship shall have understanding of it. So, praying your Lordship to bear with my long tedious letters, and to conster [sic, construe] the meaning of the same according to the truth of the estate of the province, and according to the dutiful affections I bear you, which is not to abuse you in the least, and beseeching you to bear with my boldness in advising you, which can better judge than myself, do most unfeignedly and resolvedly rest at your Lordship's service."—Limerick, 1600, August 20.

[Postscript.] "I did forget to write unto your Lordship that James Fitzgerald, son to the late Earl of Desmond, is now at liberty, and by Her Majesty is permitted to write himself Earl of Desmond. He is daily expected in Ireland, but I am an unbeliever in that point. As I was writing of this postscript, Sir Francis Barkley delivered me this little letter enclosed [wanting] sent unto him from one Morrogh Grany McSheehy, a notorious traitor, who now desires to be received into protection, by which your Lordship may perceive how they flatter themselves with Spanish aids, and do report, as by the same you may see, that four Spanish ships are upon the coast of the Dingle, and that two of the Spaniards have spoken with James McThomas at Castlemaine." Copy. pp. 4.

August 20.

84. A Book of Her Majesty's charges in the realm of Ireland, from 1 October, 1598, to February 28, 1598-9. Signed by Sir Ralph Lane on 20 August, 1600. pp. 58.

August 21.

85. A particular of the proportion of munition and such like, that has arrived at Cork since June 4, 1600. Unsigned. pp. 1½.

August 23. Dublin

86. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. " Since my arriving here, which is now eight days past, I have heard nothing from the Lord Deputy, which maketh me think that the two messengers I sent to him are cut off. But it cannot be long before his Lordship return, for that he hath appointed the general hosting to meet him at the hill of Tara the first of September, and so to pass into Ulster, for the which his Lordship will be better fitted than was looked for, now that the two thousand foot are landed, and some of the horse, together with some part of the munition. But of Captain Dawtrey and most of his company, I hear nothing as yet.

"I have heard these two or three days, that Onie McRory is shot in the body with two bullets, which I have forborne to advertise, for that it was but a report at random without any certain ground. But this day Imperia Romana, coming from those borders, telleth me that she heard he was dead of that hurt; which maketh me somewhat confident, though, till I understand more, I dare not assure it. But, if it be so, it is a blow given to break this rebellion in Leinster in short time. As I shall know further, your Honour shall be advertised. For which purpose I have this day returned Imperia Romana into Leix, from whom I shall receive the truth, so soon as she may come or send to me with safety. The slow coming of the horse from Chester cannot but hinder much the service, specially if they be not here four or five days before the journey into Ulster, that they may be refreshed and put into heart for that expedition. I hear the Lord Deputy hath destroyed a great part of the rebels' corn in Leix, and got some of their cows, but to what quantity I cannot write certainly till I hear more.

"I have heard nothing from Lough Foyle more than I wrote in my last, whereby may be gathered that Sir Henry Dockwra's wound will not endanger his life; for that, if there were peril that way, there would have been no such delay used to signify it hither."—Dublin, 1600, August 23. Endorsed:—Received at Oatlands, the 27th. Signed. p. 1.

August 23.

87. Document endorsed by Sir Geffrey Fenton, " Intelligences of a discovery of ships upon the north coast of Ireland, and certified to Tyroue to be Spaniards, &c.—directed to me the Secretary."

" August the 23rd, 1600.—Tyrone was drawn up as far as the woods called Kehanagh, betwixt McMahon's country and the Brenny. The causes of his coming up was to recover an island that some of his own kern kept against him, and to set order betwixt the Reillys. Upon Monday last he set down an order betwixt them, viz., that Edmund O'Reilly should continue O'Reilly during his life, and made Owen O'Reilly McHugh Connologh tanist. This Owen (P.W.) [marginal note:—'This P.W. is an intelligencer whom I have long time employed in Ulster'] saith his name is Owen (but I fear he mistaketh it), sought and still seeketh to be O'Reilly, and is withstood by old Edmund, by Clan Shane, and Clan Owen.

"Before Tyrone could take in the island, upon Monday night late after he was set down in camp, and all their cabins made, letters came in great post from O'Donnell, which having read he shewed exceeding great and outward tokens of joy, and told all that were near him, and that openly, that there were forty very great ships discovered upon the coast of O'Donnell's country; that, as soon as O'Donnell espied them making way towards the shore, he posted away those letters, wherein he did assure him that they were Spaniards; after, in all haste, giving order for the taking of the island, for the defence of those borders, and charging the Reillys to send out spial to observe when my Lord Deputy would make head northwards, and to send him word thereof in very great haste, he posted away towards O'Donnell, and took but a very small train with him. At his going thence, there was not any one ship come into haven, or any one man landed. The next day after Henry Oge and McMahon had the island yielded, and, dispersing their army, went every man home to his own house.

"P.W. saith that the news of the ships is very certain, but whence they are none knew then, although every one there answereth himself that they be Spaniards.

"Upon Wednesday he was at the Cavan, where the Reillys had been all day in parley, and at night were ready to go by the ears, but were parted by the old Reilly and the friars of the Cavan. He thinks they have fought by this time, and saith that, if opportunity be taken upon this first quarrel, they might be easily brought to cut one another's throats.

"After I had sealed up my other letter now sent, these advertisements were brought to me from Trim, which I make bold to send to your Honour, though I have little confidence in the intelligence. For the Spaniard, knowing the misery of the north of Ireland, where there is neither castle nor town to cover him, hath no reason to make his descent there, with purpose to invade and possess; neither hath Tyrone reason to draw a force of Spaniards into his country, where they can do him no good, but may put him and all his in hazard of expulsion. If the fleet had been discovered upon the west of Ireland, it had been more credible that they were Spaniards. And yet the summer being so far spent, the time is not for him to approach these coasts with a mind to tarry by it, but haply he may shake off some loose shipping to spoil and rob, and so to return back.

"It may be thought that this discovery, of so many ships is forged by the rebels, to keep their confederates in heart, who they see begin to faint in their hope of the Spaniards coming, as usually they have done every year heretofore. But if such a fleet of ships were discovered upon that coast, I think it rather a navy of Easterlings, who have often a trade that way to and fro the northeast countries."

Signed by Sir Geffrey Fenton, who adds in his own hand:—"I find many Captains here at Dublin, whose charge and places of command are upon the borders, where their companies do He in garrison, but their Captains absent from them, whereby the service is neglected, and the soldiers live in all licentiousness and disorder. It may please your Lordships, by a special letter to this purpose, to require the Lord Deputy to command all Captains to remain with their charge; otherwise to be discharged, and others put in their places. Otherwise I see it will be hard to redress this foul abuse of the absence of Captains from their colours." pp. 2½.

August 25. Cork.

88. Sir George Carew to the Privy Council. "That you may from time to time be satisfied of my proceedings in the service of this province, since the writing of my last dated the 18th of July, until which time nothing worthy your view was omitted, now pleaseth it your Lordships to understand that the 23rd of the last I departed from Limerick towards Kerry by the way of Thomond, enforced so to do by reason of great rain that fell, whereby the ordinary way over the mountain of Slewloughor was thought to be impassable for horse and carriage. The forces I carried with me was in list 1,050 foot and 75 horse, and marched into a place called Kilrush, opposite to Carrigofoyle in Kerry, and by the 28th day of the same month all the troops and baggage were transported, which considered (the breadth of the river being there at the least one league and a half over) was done with more expedition than I expected, and which in truth I could not have effected in many days, if my Lord of Thomond had not given me great aid, not having any other boats to perform that service, but such as he procured. The day following, having notice that the rebels in Kerry hastened the ruining of their castles, I sent Sir Charles Wilmot with the forces aforesaid into Clanmorris, who recovered the Lord FitzMorris['s] chiefest house called Lixnaw (being set upon props of wood ready to fall before they had time to fire them), and also a castle belonging to the Bishop of Kerry, called Rathonyne, not far from Tralee, which likewise stood upon props, and the enemy put from the firing of them; into which places he presently did put sufficient guards for their defence (either of them being fit for service). From thence, without stay, with fifty horse only, he went to view Tralee, which was Sir Edward Denny's house, and now utterly defaced, nothing being left unbroken but a few old vaults ; and, as they were in breaking of them, he came so suddenly upon the bonnaughts appointed by James FitzThomas to see that work perfected (being in number 150 foot and four horse), as they had not time to make any resistance, but fled, of whom he killed 30 dead (sic) in the place, and recovered the arms of 100 ; the rest that escaped was (sic) by the means and favour of a bog and mountain near adjoining to Tralee. The second of August, Sir Charles Wilmot returned with the forces to Garrigofoyle. In this meantime, the victuals which I had sent for from Cork (as in my former several letters I advertised your Lordships) came into the river, and for their safety rode at a place in Thomond called Carrigoholough (almost opposite to the river of Cassan in Kerry), from whence in boats I sent the same to Lixnaw, four miles into the land, where Sir Charles with his troops remained to receive them, in which service (as before) I was only aided by the Earl of Thomond. The Lord FitzMorris, when he saw his chief house possessed by our forces, took such an inward grief at the same, as the 12th of this month he died, leaving behind him his son and heir, as malicious a traitor as himself. The county of Kerry is (in my opinion) the best inhabited place in Ireland; but now (I thank God) their harvest is ours, which will be a good relief to the garrison.

"The Island of Kerry (the ancient and chiefest house of the Earls of Desmond, and late belonging to Sir William Herbert as an undertaker), and almost all the castles in those parts, are razed to the ground, which is an evident token of their resolved obstinacy in this rebellion. Florence McCarthy I do no less doubt than heretofore, for I know he is sworn to James FitzThomas, and yet protests the contrary unto me, as by the copies of his letters herewith may appear, as also by a declaration of one Garrett Liston (a late protected rebel, who submitted himself upon assurance since my being in Kerry) more evidently (sent with these) doth manifest. As soon as I came into Kerry, I sent for him to come unto me, at that time he being not ten miles from Carrigofoyle (where I then was) parleying with James FitzThomas. His answer unto the same (as before) is hereinclosed. Whereupon I wrote the second time unto him, and according his desire (to leave him without excuse), sent him a safeguard, the copy of which letter with these I present unto your Lordships, wherein I appointed him a time and place of meeting, unto which as yet I never received answer. If he be a rebel, as otherwise for anything I can judge I cannot account of him, then are the services of this province more difficult than is supposed. For I do assure your Lordships the Cartys of Munster, whom he hopes to draw into his faction, together with their dependents and followers, are of themselves able to make above 3,000 strong, which together with the remain of the other dispersed rebels yet in action, do amount to no less than 7,000 at the least. To strengthen this rebellion in a firmer combination, Florence McCarthy (as I am credibly advertised, and am constantly persuaded to be true) hath practised a marriage between the sister of Cormack McDermott, Lord of the country of Muskerry, and James FitzThomas; which I was advertised was consummated, but do find the contrary, and doubt not but to work the means to frustrate the same. If this plot should hold, then the city of Cork (until by force I do disperse them in this country) will be my frontier, for Muskerry adjoins unto the walls of that city, and do assure myself that many that are now subjects (if this marriage take effect) will run into rebellion. The Cartys' countries, which are large and spacious, comprehending the countries of Muskerry, Carberry, Dowallo, and Desmond (by reason of the multitude of huge mountains in the same), are in nature exceeding strong, and yet full of corn and cattle, having felt little of the war ; into the which for the present all the other rebels of the counties of Cork, Limerick, and Kerry (whom I have beaten out of their countries) do fly for refuge.

"Florence of late had his messenger with Tyrone (as he pretends) for the release of O'Sullivan More, his brother-in-law, who was carried prisoner by Dermott O'Connor out of this province; but my intelligencers assure me that it was only to procure forces to support this rebellion, for the heartening whereof Tyrone hath sent letters of comfort unto all his friends and confederates in this country, assuring them that before Michaelmas day the Spanish forces will land in Munster, which is confidently believed by James FitzThomas. For, notwithstanding his forces are very weak, yet he vaunts ere that time to be the greatest Earl of Desmond that ever was in Ireland. Within the province itself, there is no man that can hinder the service but Florence McCarthy, who like a dark cloud hangs over my head, threatening a storm to impeach our actions. But yet (without foreign aids) with the force I have, together with other means which I will procure, I doubt not but in short time to make him humble himself, and to sue for Her Majesty's mercy. Another argument that approves Florence to be a traitor, is this. In my last unto your Lordships, I wrote that I had sent into Kerry (at that time that I did besiege the Glan) a party of fifty soldiers by sea (which were led by a servant of mine own, called Morris Stacke), who surprised a little poor castle, called Lischahan. The enemy, as soon as I dislodged from the Glan towards Limerick, besieged that castle, and placed an engine called a sow to the walls thereof, to sap the same; but the ward did so well acquit themselves in a sally, as they brake the sow, and slew 27 of the bonnaughts, whereupon the enemy raised his siege. Not many days after, Florence came to speak with the ward, assuring them that I was gone to Cork, that most of my troops were defeated, and that it was impossible for them to expect aid till the next spring; but yet, for the love he bare me, would be glad to save their lives, persuading them to render the place unto him, promising to convey them safe unto Carrigofoyle. Their answer was, that in despite of all Ireland (until my coming) they would defend the castle. When this did not prevail, then he terrified them with the force of the enemy, and the weakness of Her Majesty's forces; with which prevailing as little as before, he departed, and lodged that night with James FitzThomas. Notwithstanding I know all this to be true, yet (under your Lordships' corrections) I think it meet for a time to hold that temporising course with him which hitherto I have done, being loath to add so powerful a traitor unto the other traitors, till the rest be more depressed, assuring your Lordships that both the horse and foot in this province are exceeding weak, decayed by sickness and killing, but most of all by runaways, who are conveyed away forth of the port towns, although in every of them I have proclaimed it to be death to him that shall carry a soldier into England without a passport from myself. And therefore I do humbly thank your Lordships for the favourable regard you have of this province in sending supplies hither, which (with the horse already sent) I wish had been already landed. No man can be more careful than I have been to prevent the escape of soldiers into England, but find it very hard to correct the same; for they pass away in English bottoms, and the searchers in the ports being of this country birth, and not the best affected to the State, are content for small bribes to wink at the same; but therein I will endeavour the best remedy I may, yet notwithstanding do humbly beseech your Lordships to give strait charge that such as land in England without a pass under my hand may be stayed, and of some of them an example made there, which will terrify others from doing the like. If I have not been too severe in punishing by martial discipline such runaways as have been taken, I am sure I have committed no error, having executed more for that fault than I have given pass to depart.

"All our garrisons, namely in Kerry, Askeaton, Kilmallock, Moyallo, Kinsale, Youghal, and Lismore, I thank good (sic) do prosper, and are now in their harvest, which must be well followed, or else this summer service will be lost, wherein I will be careful to lose no time, for the destruction of it will procure the next year's famine, by which means only the wars of Ireland must be determined. Since the placing of these garrisons no day passeth without report of burning, killing, and taking of preys from the enemy, insomuch as all places near unto them are wholly abandoned by the enemy, and left waste. Infinite numbers of their creaghts as kine, sheep and garrans, are taken from them, and by a true report, which I can justly account, besides husbandmen, women, and children (which I do not reckon), of weaponed men there hath been slain in this province, since my coming, above 1,200 men, and of Her Majesty's army not 40 slain by the enemy.

"When I went last into Kerry, I employed Mr. Gerrott Comerford, a Councillor of this province (who since my coming hither hath very carefully attended me), to deal with the Lord of Cahir to recover his castle from his brother, with promise to repossess him of the same, if he could obtain it. Which is brought to effect, for the Lord of Cahir is possessed thereof, and his traitorly brother (who did surprise the same upon the ward) hath promised to come unto me to submit himself, and to receive Her Majesty's gracious pardon. The cannon and culverin with all their carriages, necessaries, and shot (which was left there by the Earl of Essex), I have taken order for, to be sent to Clonmell. The motives that urged the Lord of Cahir especially to do this service, was the fear which he justly conceived that, at my return into these parts, I would take the same by force and raze it to the ground, which I swore unto him I would do if it were not delivered into his hands. Your Lordships' further pleasure touching him and that castle I do humbly pray to receive, for I can do in the same what it shall please you to command. The use of it for the present is not so needful in my opinion as when the White Knight was in rebellion, and the charge to keep it will be great, and as long as the great ordnance shall remain so near unto it, there is no doubt but the house will be kept under good command. There remaineth yet two other castles of the Lord of Cahir's in Her Majesty's possession, one of them called Knocknemany in the keeping of the Lord of Dunboyne, and the other Derrinlare in the custody of one Richard Power, a gentleman of good reputation, and upon whom I have good bands for the safe keeping and delivery thereof when it shall be required; both kept without charge to Her Highness. But these castles his Lordship hath greatly importuned me to be restored unto, challenging them by virtue of Her Majesty's free pardon, which he hath obtained to be restored thereby unto all his possessions, as in former time (before this rebellion) he was. Wherein I have forborne to satisfy him until your Lordships' further pleasure signified unto me in these, which shall be duly performed; but your purpose therein I humbly beseech, may not be revealed to any man but myself.

"After I had settled Sir Charles Wilmot in Kerry (as aforesaid), the 16th of this present I returned to Limerick, where understanding that (by reason of my long absence from these parts) the cankered poison of rebellion did by Florence's practice threaten new disorders, I made there but little abode, and the 20th came to Kilmallock, where I remained one day, enforced so to do, to take assurances of many gentlemen and freeholders that came to submit themselves, having not hitherto received any into Her Majesty's protection, but upon absolute submission and security. The day following (the White Knight being then in my company), news was brought him that the garrison of Moyallo, commanded by Captain Roger Harvey, had in skirmish slain sundry of his followers. I, being careful to give him contentment (being as he is under Her Majesty's protection), examined the matter in his own presence, and found that Captain Harvey, having intelligence by a spy that was his guide of a notable rebel called Shane McRedmond, and certain other traitors and their goods, who were near unto Sir Walter Ralegh's lands adjoining unto the White Knight's country, with 70 foot and 24 horse, marched that night twenty miles from Moyallo, and at the break of day (our men thinking they had been brought upon an enemy's town) set fire to a house having some few people in it; but an old soldier being in the company, knowing it to be the White Knight's chiefest town, informed the Captain thereof, who instantly had hanged the guide for his traitorly practice, if by any other means he could have returned home. The country in this meantime being assembled (our men having then passed ten miles homeward) overtook them, and the White Knight's second son had speech with Captain Harvey, who told him that he was sorry that his traitorly guide for private malice had so vilely deceived him, and that he would not fail to satisfy his father when he came unto me for any harm that was received, to his content. But the young man, following the advice of one Garrett McShane (who lately was a notable traitor), thinking [it] not possible for so small a company to withstand his greater force, which consisted of 120 pikes and 160 shot and 18 horse, would needs fight, and gave a charge, wherein their foot came to join with ours within two pikes' length, and then brake. In this conflict there were slain and hurt about sixty on their side, and amongst them Garrett McShane, the leader and procurer of this fight, was slain by Captain Harvey. Of our men some few were hurt, but none slain. Captain Harvey received a shot on his morion, a blow with a pike in his back (but escaped killing by the benefit of his buff coat), and had his horse slain under him. The White Knight (upon knowledge of the truth of this accident) condemned his people for their folly to enforce a fight, having no harm intended them, nor any done, but the burning of that one house, confessing them to be well lost. But yet for his better satisfaction (albeit his men are not to be excused) the traitorly guide had his due reward, wherewith the White Knight departed from me (as he protested) very well satisfied. The skirmish hath been the best performed of any of long time in this country, and the rather considering the inequality of numbers, and their long and wearisome march; for of late (by what new valour I know not) they have esteemed their foot far to exceed ours. From Moyallo, the 23rd of this instant, I came to this town, from whence, as more matter worthy of relation shall be offered, I will from time to time humbly present the same to your Lordships."—Cork, 1600, August 25. Signed. pp. 6.

Encloses:—

88. i. Florence McCarthy to Sir George Carew. " Your letters were safely delivered unto me, which had assuredly cost the messenger his life, if he had been taken by the way. And as for your Lordship's doubt therein whether I stand firmly your friend or no, because it is so long since your Lordship heard from me, I am, I assure your Lordship, and shall be ever found, a true subject to the Queen's most sacred Majesty, and a poor true old friend of your Lordship, and as faithful to your Lordship's chiefest friends in England as I can for my life; otherwise God let me not live. Neither should your Honour miss to hear at all times from me, if I had means to have my letters safely conveyed or delivered, as your Lordship may judge by my last several letters, which (as God judge me) I sent hid or stitched up in women's apparel; the one of which women went safe to your Lordship to Limerick, by Mr. Marshal's means, and the other went safe to my Lord of Thomond, by whom she sent her letters. By the contents of which letters your Lordship perceived my mind and intention towards Her Majesty's service, and the advancement of your. Lordship's reputation. For I am sure your Lordship found no greater resistance than I told you, neither did myself, nor any of my people or of all my country, assist or relieve any rebels or others against your Lordship, as I promised, more than that my brother went down to Castlelishen with the Kellys, who promised him upon any good opportunity to take away my brother-in-law, O'Sullivan More, from Dermott O'Connor, for the which he stayed, when the Geraldines with their Earl were taken by Dermott O'Connor, and did his best against Dermott for the recovering of the prisoners, in hope to recover O'Sullivan. And after the Geraldmen were got out, he stayed there still, until for want of victuals there remained not above six with him. At which time I protest I had been there with seven or eight hundred and had recovered my brotherin-law, but that I was sure you would be persuaded that I had gone thither to assist rebels. But if I had then recovered my brother-in-law, O'Sullivan, I assure your Lordship both he and I, or at the least myself, had been at the Glin with you, or at Carrigofoyle, at your first coming thither. At the receiving of your Lordship's letters now, I was (thinking little thereof) over the mountains of Mangirtagh [Mangerton], to pacify a mortal controversy for land between the best and chiefest gentlemen here, thereby to keep them from killing one another. At the first I endeavoured to prepare myself to ride unto your Lordship, and had, I assure your Lordship, ventured it upon the sudden, if I had any good company of horsemen. For want whereof I sent to gather my people, for I cannot for my life keep many companies of footmen here a long time together in one place for want of victuals, but must disperse them into divers cantreds of the country. And before they came, I understood that your Lordship's forces were come to Clanmorris, and that the Geraldines' forces were come over the mountains, the rest being gathered here in Kerry and Clanmorris. Whereby I could not see how I might go with any safety for my country or person. For if I had gone, I should go headlong without any assurance for my safe return from your Lordship and the Earl of Thomond, and should go into a country far off, where I had no knowledge nor friendship nor place of retreat, until I had spoken with your Lordship or the Earl of Thomond, being also ignorant of the intention of the forces which your Lordship sent to Clanmorris towards me, who stood in my way, and [being] assured that the Geraldines would cut me and all my people in pieces, if they found me going to your Lordship; and, if they had missed me, that they would spoil all my country, and place Dermod McOwen or some one of my name there, and write and blaze such matters of me as I should never have my brother-in-law, O'Sullivan, who is at Tyrone's disposition; this also being a very commodious time for the rebels of Munster to alter and undo this country, both by reason of O'Sullivan More's absence, and the dissension and controversy that is betwixt the rest of the chiefest men here. If it please your Lordship to send for me at any time when these forces of the Geraldines are dispersed, I will not fail, if I hare any safe way, to go to your Lordship and to my Lord of Thomond upon good assurance; for I will not trust myself into any others' hands, having already passed twelve years in several prisons. The number of forces that James McThomas brought with him over the mountains now is above 300 foot, being 400 or well near, and somewhat less than twenty horsemen. Thomas Oge joined with him with above 100 foot and five or six horsemen. This much I learned certainly of one of this country that was there among them. The freeholders or follower[s] of Kerry, I cannot certainly tell what number they will make. The Lord FitzMorris hath some 200 foot or very little more; the Knight of Kerry hath 300, and about a dozen horsemen upon the sudden, and one hundred footmen more within three or four days' warning. He is my cousin, and one that is allied to me, and that I have won to follow my counsel; but the hard usage of my nephew, O'Connor of Kerry, and the taking of his castle from him, myself having persuaded him to go to your Lordship [Sir George Carew writes on the margin:—'O'Connor did never send or come unto me until the Glan was taken, and two cannon in a boat ready to sail to his castle of Carrigofoyle']; and having dealt with your Lordship and the Earl of Thomond for him at Cork, doth make a great number loath to be persuaded by me. Yet notwithstanding I have persuaded the Knight of Kerry, and [he] is sworn to follow mine advice upon coming of some of your Lordship's forces to Clanmorris. I wished him to send all his cattle over the Maine, for he hath lands of his own there by my country; and, if his cattle were come, I would be surer of his being ruled by me. He hath written unto me, whose letter, together with James McThomas his letter, I do send to your Lordship [wanting]; beseeching your Lordship, if you have letters out of England for me from Sir Robert and Sir Walter and Sir John Stanhope, to deliver them to my nephew O'Connor, for upon Mr. Secretary and Sir Walter I dare put myself, or venture myself anywhere. I believe I might better come to your Lordship at Thomond or Limerick than here, for I would (whensoever you would have me) have you to give me some time to provide for the safety of my country, whiles I were (sic) absent with your Lordship; for I could, if I had any good convenient place to meet my Lord of Thomond. I would go, upon your Lordship's word in writing, and my Lord's faith for my sending safe into my country, with him to Thomond or Limerick; or else, if your Lordship and my Lord of Thomond can direct any surer course for my safety until I had met yourselves, I will be ready to do it. At Cork I might go in my own strength within eight miles thereof, and within four or five miles of Kinsale."—The Palace, 1600, August 2. [Postscript.] "If Sir Charles Wilmott do continue in any place here, he shall never, I assure you, receive no hurt by me, nor by any of my country, neither will I omit to offord him any succour that I may conveniently, if he be near me in any extremity." Copy certified by Sir George Carew. pp. 2.

88. ii. Florence McCarthy to Sir George Carew. "Since the writing of my other letter, there is the chiefest follower that followed Donnell McCarthy taken by some of my people and brought to me. He was going from Donnell McCarthy to the Earl of Desmond, or rather to James McThomas. He had a letter in Irish, which I interpreted, the contents whereof is, that if the Earl do send for him sufficient gentlemen to assure him that he shall come and go safe, he will come to him, and will take any indifferent portion at my hands before the Earl. Which if I will not, and that the Earl will not take his part, he takes God to witness that it is not his fault to go against the holy action. At the writing hereof, there came a third letter to me from Desmond, because that at the first I wrote to him and told him plainly that I would not go to him to meet him, not to parley with him, be [cause I was] determined to write to your Lordship; which, as I hear, made mightily . . . . ., and thereupon wrote this letter, which I do send your Lordship hereinclosed [wanting]. Thus being not resolved what to do before I hear from your Lordship and the great boar of Thomond, I humbly take leave, this 2 of August, 1600." [Postscript.] "If your Lordship do find any safe way for me to come unto you, send my nephew O'Connor to me, but he cannot come too safe. I was parleying with James McThomas at his last being here, and went with him to the Island, in hope to get his letters for the delivery of O'Sullivan, but could not. And where it was blazed through the country then that I should join with him, or promise to help or assist him, I renounce God and my Christianity if ever I promised to join with him, or ever meant it, which doth make me marvel what vow he speaks of." Copy certified by Sir George Carew. p. 1.

88. iii. Declaration of Garrett Liston. "Garrett Liston, of Skehanaghe in the county of Limerick, gentleman, being in actual rebellion with James FitzThomas, attended him into the county of Kerry, to a village (possessed before the rebellion by James Hussey) called Bollaghafenan, being near two miles distant from Castlemaine, whither, about five weeks since, Florence McCarthy, guarded by 100 foot, under the leading of Morrogh ne Moe, came. Where, after they had saluted each other, Florence took upon him to excuse himself to James FitzThomas for not having met the said James with his forces, to join both their forces together according to some former agreement concluded upon between them, to fight with the Lord President and Her Majesty's army, and alleged for the reason of his absence that it would have been a great weakening to that opinion which the country conceived of their strength, and an utter overthrow to their credits, if they two (with their joint forces), being the chief actors and supporters of the action should be together, and not able to put the Lord President to the worst, which Florence seemed much to mistrust; and, after his excuses had pacified James Fitz-Thomas in the hearing and presence of McAulyff, Thomas Oge, Moriertagh McSheehy, John Ulick, and me the said Garrett Liston, that he would continue with James FitzThomas in this action, and take such part therein as he did, and, although James FitzThomas would give over this rebellion (which Florence termed a just war), yet he himself would keep life in it, so long as he could get anyone to follow him, if O'Neill himself would hold out with him, with whom he was sworn and resolved to sink or swim. And hereupon James and his chief gentlemen being satisfied they departed, James to the castle of the Currans, where he lay that night, and Florence lodged at Mollaghheef, which was the house wherein Mr. Nicholas Browne dwelt." —[1600, August] Unsigned. p. 1.

88. iv. Sir George Carew to Florence McCarthy. "I have received your letter, and do by the same perceive the continuance of your loyal disposition, which I do rejoice at, for I should be exceeding sorry to understand the contrary. For my particular, I never held but an assured opinion of your fidelity to Her Majesty, from whom you have received such infinite graces, and the like your friends and mine are persuaded of you in England. Yet nevertheless I may not omit in friendship to admonish you to take a more plain course; for, albeit that we do conceive of you as you profess and we believe you to be, yet remember the duty of a subject, which is not only to be internally sound, but apparently by overt actions to demonstrate the same. The country you hold is by the favour and bounty of your Sovereign, who will not permit you to receive any detriment or loss by serving of her without reward to your content. The party that the world conceives you adhere unto, is an unnatural traitor, usurping counterfeit titles to abuse fools to run his desperate fortune, who is already no better than a wood-kern, and followed of a few poor men that already are ready to leave him. Your discretion leads you to know that no monarch in Europe is able to maintain a war in Ireland with Her Majesty, much less a titulary Earl of his own making. The example of the last rebellion by him that had a just title to an Earldom, may persuade sufficiently men of discretion to avoid the danger that his complices did fall into. I do not use these speeches that any doubt rests in me of your faith to your Sovereign, but only to advise you to cast off the imputation of slander which now follows you by holding the neutral course which hitherto you have entertained. I cannot nor will not commit to paper all that I could and would say upon this subject, but do refer it to speech, praying you as you have promised me in your letter to come presently unto me. My Lord of Thomond and I will either tarry for you at Carrigoholoughe in Thomond, or else we will come over the water to meet you at the Feynitt. And because you may know that I do understand that you may come safely unto me, you may pass over the Manig to the Knight of Kerry, and by him you may be conveyed either into Thomond or to the Feynitt. John O'Connor, your nephew, shall meet you at any place where you shall appoint him; but herein you must use no delay, for as in my last letter, so in this, in cases of this importance no excuse may be admitted. With these you shall receive a letter from Sir John Stanhope. Sir Walter Ralegh is not at the Court, but at Shirburne. Mr. Secretary tells me that Sir John Stanhope's letter will suffice, and therefore doth forbear to write, but not to be your friend, except you run that course which will make your enemies to rejoice, and cause your friends to be sorry. But his opinion yet is no less confident than mine, which is, that nothing shall remove you from your loyalty, but yet with me doth not allow of your neutral course, and so he willed me to tell you. To be short, if you love the continuance of your estate in happiness, and have regard to your duty and reputation, which above all other respects is chiefly to be preferred, cast of all underhand temporising, and fight for her who hath advanced your fortunes, and believe that she that is able to make the greatest monarch in Europe to sue for a peace will evermore support you against those petty companions that disturb the quiet of this kingdom, whose days are few, and will in short time perish either by famine or sword. You shall also receive with these, as you have desired, a safe-conduct for yourself and as many as you shall bring with you. So bid you farewell with this verse of Ovid, Nil mihi rescribas attamen ipse vent."—Carrigofoyle, 1600, August 4. Copy certified by Sir George Carew. pp. 1½.

August 26. Kilkenny.

89. The Earl of Ormonde to Sir Robert Cecil. "Now that the Lord Archbishop of Cashel is again repaired over into England (upon what occasion I know not), I thought good to acquaint you with a copy of a letter pretended to be written from him unto me, of the date of the 9th of April last, which I never received, nor did understand of any such, but by a supposed copy of it, which he found mean [s] to send to Sir George Bourchier, being here with me, which I received not till the 4th of August. The date of his said letter, if any such were, meeting jump with the day before my late unfortunate taking by the traitors, and coming after my delivery in sort as it did, maketh me vehemently presume that there was no such original letter written at all, according to the date and place therein mentioned. But that, and what is therein contained, I leave to your good consideration, the adjoined schedule, mentioned towards the end of the same, being not sent with this copy. In the proceeding whereof this matter did partly arise, which is concerning a controversy of land between him and O'Dwyer, you may perceive, by the original of his letter herewith sent, what he hath written to me of his attendance all the last sessions at Clonmell to answer any the said Lord Archbishop's causes according to course of law, but he neither came, nor any for him; so as if he should seem now to inform that he could not have justice, or that I was not, or am not, ready to perform Her Majesty's pleasure towards him in any his reasonable causes, he must impute the fault thereof to his own absence, nothing in this world binding me more (according to duty) than to observe the directions and commandment of Her Highness, howsoever the Archbishop may inform the contrary in this particular of his own; and so I doubt not but Her Majesty will censure of me.

"As soon as I did understand from my Lord Deputy of his coming towards Leix, I presently repaired towards him with such forces as on the sudden I could gather together. In which journey his Lordship had very happy success, to cut off that notorious traitor Onie McRory, and also one Callogh McWalter, the second best leader in the country, which I thought good to make known unto you. And in his further travel through Leix and Upper Ossory, I, accompanying his Lordship (without all regard to such of my pledges as are holden there, whatsoever hath been maliciously by some of my backfriends, either there or here, doubted or given forth to the contrary), did give him my best advice and counsel for suppressing of the barbarous traitors in those countries, both by such spoil in their corn and cattle and otherwise, as they will feel the smart of it in a good while after. Wherein for the country of Upper Ossory, I must plainly say that they have been from the beginning chief relievers and supporters of the traitors in Leix, and in other parts of Leinster, and of themselves continual traitors in all actions. I have (God be thanked) recovered some of my pledges, and am in hope of the rest, by such means as I have plotted for them, acknowledging myself much beholden therein to such help as the Lord Deputy hath given me, which I must undoubtedly believe came of the special care Her Highness had of me; beseeching you that in your next despatch unto his Lordship you will let him know how thankfully I take it at his hands."—Kilkenny, 1600, August 26. Endorsed:—Received at Oatlands 6 September. Signed. pp. 1½.

Encloses:—

89. i. Milerus [Magrath], Archbishop of Cashel, to the Earl of Ormonde. "I am given to understand by a letter from the Lords of Her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council that your Lordship informed them that I in choler should compare [? myself] with your Lordship in birth or gentility. Which, if it were true, might be judged both arrogantly and absurdly done by me. And although I might prove myself not to be altogether void of gentility, if an Irishman may claim the like (as I know some may do), yet I protest I never did, nor thought to, compare with your Lordship in any point, otherwise than to say that I thought myself to be as true a subject as any other. And when your Lordship said you scorned to have such a companion as I, then to my remembrance I said no more but that in other countries it was not thought scorn for an Earl to have a man of my place and calling to accompany him in reputation. These be the comparisons as I remember; which words of mine, howsoever your Lordship construed them, were neither spoken in disdain nor malice to your Lordship, as God knoweth. And, my good Lord, I am sure you remember that I was then termed no better by your Lordship than a scurvy friar, a knave and a liar, very unfit terms for a man of my profession and age, together with threatening to be beaten withal, adding to my greater grief than the rest, that you thought O'Dwyer (being such as he is) to be a better subject and servitor to Her Majesty than myself. These words, with the rest of mine usage then, might provoke a man of any reputation to some motion of anger. And, Right Honourable, what it availed me to have my calling in the Church, and your Lordship knowing the same to proceed from Her Majesty in such trust and countenance as it is, except I may freely reprehend without dissimulation such as deserve it, both in God's cause and Her Majesty's, and specially in your presence, whom I always hoped to be my patron, or any man else to defend the cause, and being authorized by Her Majesty for the same purpose, by whom little before you were required to see me specially assisted. Yet, my good Lord, both for the charity that ought to be in one of my profession, and the reverence I did always bear to your honourable person, with the instruction I received from my honourable Lords of the Council in England, I am content, and will not be ashamed, if your Lordship, or any man else that knoweth pre-eminence of callings, dignities, and degrees, judge my speeches therein to deserve punishment, to submit myself to the same, and do heartily therefore beseech your good Lordship to accept of it, as proceeding from one that doth both honour and love you, and rather to attend the calamity wherein your poor country now consisteth than aflicto affixionem (sic), addere to which matter (according Her Majesty's opinion of me) your Lordship and all others in Her Highnesses ['s] name shall use my simple experience and poor ability. And, my good Lord, albeit my mind was mightily clogged for that any man should note a dislike between your Lordship and me, and specially in these extreme days, yet did I not mean in any sort to acquaint any other with the same, till your Lordship were either reconciled of yourself, or else by mine own entreaty. But since it pleased your Lordship to move the Lords of the Council with the same, I shall desire your Lordship to give me leave to complain to yourself, wherein I was and am yet grieved; which in particularity here I do adjoin in a special schedule, to be by your Honour considered, and then to pronounce your sentence, which I will endure as far forth as I shall be able, not doubting but your Lordship shall therein receive me to your former favour, and remedy all the causes of my grief."—Waterford, 1600, April 9. Copy. Underneath the Archbishop has written and signed the following note, "This is the true copy of the letter written by me the day and place above written. "Endorsed:—Received by Sir George Bourchier the 4th of August, 1600. pp. 2.

89. ii. Der[by] O'Dwyer to the Earl of Ormonde. "It is so that a man of the Lord Archbishop of Cashel came to my house yesterday, and left there the copy of a letter or commandment procured by him from the Lord President of Munster, commanding me to satisfy unto the said Lord Archbishop and his children and tenants their just demands for such lands, goods, chattels and munition as he supposed to be wrongfully taken or kept from him by me, as by the said copy, which I do send your Honour hereinclosed, may appear unto you. Your Lordship may call to remembrance that, at such time as the Lord Archbishop shewed unto you certain letters brought by him out of England from the Queen's most excellent Majesty, your Lordship then answered that for the lands in controversy between the Lord Archbishop and me, and for such other demands as he hath against me (seeing you were no ordinary judge to determine those matters), that you would refer the determination and ordering of them to the Seneschal and Justice of your liberty, to be ended by them at the assizes to be holden in the said liberty according the course of law; except in the mean time Mr. Gerrott Comerford, Her Majesty's Attorney in Connaught, and Mr. John Everard, arbitrators chosen by his Lordship and me to end the said controversy, might determine the same. And for that the said arbitrators could not be drawn together to end the same, I attended at the last assizes holden at Clonmell within the liberty, with my learned counsel, expecting the Lord Archbishop's coming hither touching these causes, whereby they might be there determined according the course of Her Majesty's laws; where the Lord Archbishop came not in person, nor by attorney, so as (by mean of his absence) nothing could be done therein. Whereby your Lordship may perceive that the fault is in him and not in me; whereof I mean to advertise my Lord President, whereby his Lordship may understand what indirect course the Lord Archbishop do take in following this cause, which I doubt not will satisfy his Lordship. I understand he carried the original commandment sent from the Lord President unto me with him, and left the said copy, purposing to shew the said letter in England, and to exclaim there against me to Her Majesty and the Lords of Her Highness ['s] most honourable Privy Council, where he hath no cause of complaint. Whereof I thought good to advertise your Honour, humbly praying your good Lordship to advertise the Lords of the Council of his indirect dealing and practices touching this cause."—Miltown, 1600, July 27. Endorsed:—Received the 29 of July, 1600. Signed. pp. 1½.

89. iii. Order from Sir George Carew, Lord President of Munster, to Derby FitzPhilip O'Dwyer, of Miltown within the county of Cross, "now Sheriff of the liberty of Tipperary," to satisfy the just demands of the Archbishop of Cashel and his children and tenants.—Castle of the Glan, 1600, July 9. Attested copy. p. 1.

August 26.

90. Receipt by Edward Brewen, servant of Sir George Carey, Treasurer at Wars in Ireland, for the sum of 10,000l. sterling, to pay Her Majesty's forces in Munster.—1600, August 26. It is noted that the 300l. assigned for the Earl of Thomond is paid to his Lordship's man in Dublin. Signed, "Edward Brune." p. 1.

August 27. Cork.

91. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. In favour of Captain Francis Cotesmore, who is repairing to the Court of England. His long and good service in Ireland under Sir Thomas Norreys and the writer.—Cork, 1600, August 27. Signed. p. ½.

August 27. Cork.

92. Hugh Cuff to Sir Robert Cecil. Acknowledges the favours he has received from the late Lord Burghley and from Sir Robert. The estate of Munster stands thus. The bonnaughts under the conduct of Dermond O'Connor, with Burke and divers others, to the number of 2,000, are departed out of the province. Almost 1,200 of the enemy have been slain. The rest for the most part have been taken in; so that the remainder that follows their supposed Earl, with Florence McCarthy, Piers Lacy, Thomas Oge, the Knight of the Valley, young McMorris, the late Lord of Lixnaw's son, with others, is not above 2,000. Thus there is good hope that, unless the Spaniards, who are daily expected, come, all will be quiet in Munster in a very short time, "but how long it will endure, it is doubtful." Has set down at large his opinion herein to the President, " the which forasmuch as his Lordship vowed unto me by Christ that he liked the same exceedingly well (saving that it came a little too soon), it hath encouraged me to send the same hereinclosed [wanting], whereby your Honour may understand the true estate of this province for the time to come."—Cork, 1600, August 27. Holograph, pp. 1½.

August 27. Derry.

93. Sir Henry Dockwra to Sir Robert Cecil. " I had rather acknowledge an error in time, while it may be amended, than, by seeking to cover it, incur a greater inconvenience. In my despatch made by Sir John Bolles, I desired a supply of seven or eight hundred men; in that by Mr. Parkins, of. 1,000. I have since more thoroughly considered our estate, and viewed the troops man by man more particularly (by reason of my hurt) than I could do whiles he was here. I assure your Honour we have not in this place at the Derry above 300 sufficient fighting men, at Dunalong scarce 400, and in all places together not above 800. Our artificers are as scant, for had we not of late received from Dublin a supply of six carpenters and five masons, we had not now had any man to lay a stone, or cut a piece of timber. The works we have yet of necessity to do are infinite. Our men daily fall down, beyond expectation and almost all credit. The weather is already grown wonderful stormy, even such as no man can conceive that feeleth it not. The Irish that have stood out from the beginning have knowledge of all; they cease not to work all the means they can possibly to take their advantage. Those that have stood upon terms of coming in temporise, and expect what the next despatch will bring, that cometh from England. Those that are with us, I fear have scarce so much honesty, but even already begin to prepare their way to a revolt. I speak it not upon certainty, but the manner of their carriage, and the words they let fall, joined to uncertain reports coming from other parts, make me much suspect it. Sir Arthur O'Neill is lodged with the garrison at Dunalong. The place was first taken to satisfy his request, and to the end he might have commodity to draw his followers together, being on the other side of the river, and the place itself part of his own country. Under the colour of these followers, we have harboured many rebels that have come in and gone out again at their pleasure. Notwithstanding I have held a course that no man should be received but where he would give his word, for he is of late grown into open terms of discontentment, for none other cause but that requiring more money, I advised him first to do some service worthy of that he had already. He holdeth me still in expectation of Neale Garve's coming in, and the party that worketh it is one of his men. For this cause I appease his discontentment, and give him for the present whatsoever he demandeth. That done, his men begin a quarrel with the garrison, wherein they both presently betook them to their arms. In the brawl, one of his men is slain, by whom appeareth no manner [of] proof. Notwithstanding, he requireth justice, and seeing no man found to execute it upon, with any pretence of equity, he maketh it a new cause of dislike. His mind is violently bent upon revenge, and, being of itself subject to other men's humours, is in this case strangely transported from all reason. I protest, before God, knew I the man that justly deserved it, no man living should more willingly deliver him into his hands than I. But to satisfy his appetite with an innocent man's blood, I had rather endure the hazard of his disloyalty, whatsoever danger it put me unto. The conclusion of all is this, I withdraw him from Dunalong to the place where I am myself. I hold him on with fair words, and with an honest pretence am resolved to send him away with the next shipping to Dublin. In the mean time I must of necessity adventure what his, or his followers', malice will work upon us, and that at a time when our forces are weak, and our fortifications not half made up. I beseech your Honour, whatsoever my demand was before, we may now be supplied with 2,000 men, whereof 1,000 armed, or order given to the Master of the Ordnance, that the Captains may be furnished out of the store; but so as neither the soldier be charged with that unreasonable rate, which yet he setteth upon them, nor yet the Captain bear the loss of arming his soldier upon his own purse, which were a charge intolerable, and, to say truth, not in their powers possibly to have amended in this place. I have written thus much, chiefly by reason of this accident fallen between Sir Arthur's men and us; and not unwillingly I laid hold on the occasion, for that I saw the error which I had committed before in making demand of so few men. I beseech your Honour construe it favourably, and pardon whatsoever may seem amiss, for it proceedeth from none other but a faithful and serviceable heart."—The Derry, 1600, August 27. Endorsed:—Received at London, 8 September. Holograph. pp. 3.

August 28. Dublin.

94. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. " Before the general letters which I brought were read in Council, I acquainted the Lord Deputy privately with some observations committed to me by your Lordships, tending to reform some abuses in the government, and particularly to encounter the misdemeanours of the Captains and soldiers. I told his Lordship that these insolencies and looseness passing in the army, the longer they were suffered, the more they would blemish his government. And as, upon those enormities of the army, the Palemen take occasion to collect their books of complaint, which the Lord Howth, &c, exhibited to your Lordships, so Her Majesty and your Lordships, being grieved that the subjects of Ireland should be driven to recur to Her Highness for justice in those manner of wrongs, charged me (besides the public letter) to recommend the care to reform them to his Lordship, which would be a service acceptable to Her Majesty, and honourable to himself. Wherein, to give his Lordship as deep a feeling as I could, I gave to him in writing summary notes tending to the same purpose, the doubles whereof I have sent to your Honour herewith [wanting], holding it both duty and reason for me to answer faithfully that part of my charge, howsoever it might be or was taken here. But to keep that these prohibitions should not distaste his Lordship to a discouragement, I told his Lordship withal how much he stood in Her Majesty's good opinion and favour, that no subject could be more bound to his Prince for sundry honourable reports she made of him, than his Lordship was ; yea, she desired that the service of Ireland might prosper under him rather than under any that had gone before him ; and to that end she was careful to have him admonished to eschew his predecessors' errors, which led them astray in her service. Then I acquainted him how careful your Honour was in particular to bear up all his doings, to cross his enviers, and still to be at hand to feed Her Majesty's gracious inclination towards him. I told him how desirous you were that his Lordship should give some honourable blow to this rebellion, that your Honour might make it a ground for you to work his revocation with some honourable provisions at home. This I found to taste better with his Lordship than the other, and yet I saw not but a very inward desire to reform those abuses of the soldiers, and to plant a better agreement between the army and the subjects of the Pale, which humour I doubt not he will hold firm, notwithstanding all contrary workings, for his Lordship is inwardly a lover of justice, and carrieth his authority to countenance the same, and to keep the subjects in contentment.

"Notwithstanding the present wants of money and victuals, the journey into Ulster is to go on the 12th of the next month, where I doubt not to have a garrison planted at Armagh with small resistance. But the victualling of it for four or five months must come from thence, which I hope will be done before we pass thither. I hear no more of the fleet of Spaniards mentioned in my last, which maketh me think it was one of Tyrone's old forged rumours, by which he was wont to abuse his confederates. Yet his priests and other instruments are still sent abroad to seduce both the rebels and subjects of Leinster with this ridiculous hope of the coming of Spaniards. The Archduke sent one Standish [in margin:—"or Stanhust" (? Stanihurst)] to Tyrone about 20 days past, whom Tyrone hath returned with reward; but what his business was is not known. I told the Lord Deputy of this, and I am bold to advertise it to your Honour, that you may see how Spain laboureth still to bear up the rebellion of Ireland. And the Archduke, for all his protestations to peace, is an underhand minister for them to trouble Her Majesty in Ireland, though he do use fair shows to the contrary. Tyrone's priests report that before Michaelmas there will be a great army of Spaniards either in England or Ireland. But the Irish begin now to faint in that hope, specially since the late cutting off of Onie McRory in Leix, which was an honourable service done by the Lord Deputy.

"I understand the garrison at Lough Foyle groweth weak by sickness of their men, and late loss of their horses. Your Honour knoweth that that army of Lough Foyle is the main ground to pull down this great rebellion of Ulster, and therefore to be supported and kept in strength by a special care above the rest. It is good your Honour would consider to supply them with men before winter, and to write to the Lord Deputy to use all the care he can on this side to give them help. The undertakers have faulted greatly towards your Lordships in deferring so long their proportion of victuals, which by the contract should have here in good time to answer the journey for Ulster; and they have done thereby as much as in them lay to hazard that service, the same being of as great consequence as any that hath been intended since this rebellion. They have not wanted wind to serve their turn, which taketh from them all excuse."—Dublin, 1600, August 28. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

August 28. Cork.

95. Allen Apsley to the Privy Council. By a warrant from Auditor Gofton and Auditor Ware in July last, he made his immediate repair to Dublin, since which he received their Lordships' directions, whereby it seems some suggestion has been made against his willingness. Hopes that his importuning for the taking of his accounts, and his repairing twice to Dublin only for that purpose, may satisfy as to his desire to yield his accounts. Hitherto these have been delayed to his great danger and charges in passing this broken time between Dublin and Cork, being 120 miles, besides the damage he is subject to in trusting others to discharge the duty of his place. His accounts have to go from Cork to Dublin, from Dublin to their Lordships, from their Lordships to the President and Council of Munster, and from them, by a new direction, again to Dublin, "and there again frustrate." Has not near so competent means as the occasions and service continually importune. Begs that his accounts may be taken with all conveniency.—Cork, 1600, August 28. [Postscript.] Has delivered to the Lord President of Munster the state and remain of the victual in that province on the 26th instant. His Lordship will forward the same in his packet. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

[Aug. 28.]

96. The causes of suspicion against McSwine Ne Doe.

His " very expostulating and discontented fashion." His desire for a company in the Queen's pay referred to the Lord Deputy. Courtesies of Sir Henry Dockwra to McSwine. Apologies of the latter, and reconciliation with Sir Henry. McSwine's messenger into O'Donnell's country. Return of the messenger with another Irishman, " bearing the habit and profession of a scholar." Both brought by McSwine to Sir Henry. Reported discovery of three great ships off Ballyshannon. Both men sent to see if these are Spaniards. O'Donnell and the McSwines. News of a composition between O'Donnell and McSwine Ne Doe. The latter charged by Sir Henry with it, and acknowledges its truth. McSwine committed to Captain Fleming's ship. Return of McSwine's messenger to Sir Henry's camp. His examination and confession as to the composition with O'Donnell. Further proofs of the same. Examination of two intelligencers sent into O'Donnell's country.— [1600, August 28.] Signed by Sir Henry Dockwra. pp. 6½.

August 29. Derry.

97. Sir Henry Dockwra to Sir Robert Cecil. "My letters being sealed up and delivered to the messenger that stayed but for a tide to be gone, Captain Fleming's men, into whose ship I had committed McSwine Ne Doe, with special charge of safe looking to him, bring me word of his escape. The manner of it was thus. He kept his bed of a disease, which the surgeon of the army testifieth he was troubled withal in deed, and, having the repair of a lewd woman whom he kept (notwithstanding I had expressly forbidden her coming unto him), got knowledge when the boat was gone about other business, and suddenly rose naked from his bed, the woman opening the cabin door at the very instant, and so leaped first into the waist of the ship above hatches, and thence presently into the river. One shot with a great piece was only made after him, and the alarm given of his departure; but all in vain, for in sight of most of our men he recovered the shore on O'Cahan's side, and so away, before any boat or man we sent after could overtake him. The loss, more than the miss of due punishing a traitor, I think not great; for though he should have more credit with the rebel than I am persuaded he shall ever have, we shall yet easily prevent whatsoever he should attempt upon us. I made choice of the ship to keep him in, rather than at land, because I thought it a place of far more security, and had long ere this dispatched him away to my Lord Deputy, with such accusations and evidence as I had gathered against him, but that the tempestuousness and contrariety of the winds hindered the passage of all shipping even to this day, and might well excuse this vessel that carries my letters, but that I press her forth by a kind of necessity for Her Majesty's service. This accident I would not withhold from your Honour's knowledge, having nothing else to add thereunto."—The Derry, 1600, August 29. Endorsed:—Received at London, 8 September. Holograph. Seal. pp. 2.

August 29. Cork.

98. Sir George Carew to the Privy Council. On his return to Cork on the 23rd instant, he received a letter from their Lordships " of an old date the 27th of May," with an inventory enclosed of certain munitions taken out of a ship of war at Waterford that appertained to the States of the United Provinces. Explains how they came into the store at Waterford, and the few things he has had therefrom. Will write further when he has received the certificate from the Clerk of the Ordnance at Waterford.

Another letter from their Lordships of the 25th of May, he received at the same time by the Mayor of Cork, with an abstract enclosed of the petitions made by that city for the enlargement of their charters. As soon as he may have convenient leisure, and the advice and help of others of the Council, he will return their opinions to their Lordships. Received likewise one other letter, dated in July, touching the Lady Sentleger, the examination whereof shall not be neglected.

By their letter of July 13, in the behalf of Mr. Hyde, whose estate deserves no less commiseration than their Lordships conceive, they direct that Hyde, his son, and three servants, shall be put into Her Majesty's pay. Is very willing to do this, and has given Hyde knowledge thereof. But by conference with him, finds that he expects the leading of a company of foot. Cannot do this, as the Lord Deputy has reserved the same to himself. Nor can he increase Her Majesty's charge. But, if Hyde will serve in either horse or foot company as a private gentleman, then he will do the best he can for him. In answer to their Lordships' letters of the 28th of July, for the sending of Apsley the victualler to Dublin to perfect his accounts, before the receipt thereof he directed Apsley thither; who went, and has. returned, but the Commissioners had left Dublin before he got there. His trust in Apsley's discretion and honesty. Sends certificate of the receipts and store of Her Majesty's victuals at Cork. As to victuals hereafter to be sent, begs that two parts thereof may go to the river of Limerick, and the third part to Cork ; also, that " somewhat more than the one half " of the portion for Limerick may be commanded to come to an anchor at Carrigoholough in Thomond, a safe and very commodious place for victualling the garrison in Kerry, consisting of 1,050 foot and 75 horse. The rest of the portion to be sent to the town of Limerick, to victual the garrison of Askeaton, consisting of 700 foot and 50 horse. To expect any victuals to be provided in Cork for ready money would but deceive the service, which can be supplied only by victuals from England.

The munitions referred to in their Lordships' letter of the 4th of July have arrived, but have not yet been disbarked. By their letter of the 7th of June, the issue of munitions thenceforward was to be defalked (except on days of service) from the lendings of the companies. Is willed by the Lord Deputy to make stay thereof, until their Lordships' pleasure be further signified to him, the Lord Deputy having written to them in that behalf. Arrival at Cork of 10,000l. in treasure. Thanks for the same, and hopes that before its expenditure due consideration will be had of a supply.

On the 23rd of July, when he had passed out of Limerick towards Kerry, he received a letter from their Lordships of the 4th of that month, which did not a little comfort him, because of their acceptance of the beginnings of his services. Will continue to use his best endeavour to deserve further confirmation of the same. Hopes that the account of his proceedings, in his letter of 18 July and in this one, will witness that he has been careful to observe their commandments. In the same letter of July 4, their Lordships inform him that they have directed the Treasurer at Wars to pay him 345l. 17s. Od. for the fortifying of Limerick Castle, but, as he has already advertised, on a more exact view he found it very unmeet to deserve such an expense, and so he has only Constructed some platforms and store-houses, to ease Her Majesty's charge of rent. Has no meaning to put Her Majesty to any needless charge therein.

By Mr. Hyde he received their Lordships' letter of the 20th of July, concerning the company of horse to supply the weak troops of Munster. The number of 44 men were to have come ; has received only 36. Sends in proof a certificate under the hand of the Commissary who viewed them. Leaves it to their Lordships to deal with the deficients. "Since when the horsemen sent with them, having understood much of the hardness of the service of this country, have made very earnest suit to be returned; and because I found here a greater want of horses than horsemen, our horses being most decayed, I did the rather consent to give them licence therein, and with their horses and arms to furnish such as had long served in the troops, and thereby acquainted with the hardness of the country, and more able to endure the burden thereof, than to retain such as I found unwilling, and would not in long time have been made fit to continue the same. Besides, the holding of them against their desires would have been in very short time the decay of the horses, and thereby have much prejudiced the service. But if herein I have done anything against your Lordships' purposes, I do pray that you will be pleased to remit it, having (in my judgment) done that which is most beneficial for the service."—Cork, 1600 August 29. Endorsed:—Received 6 September at Oatlands. Signed. pp. 4.

Encloses:—

98. i. "The particular certificate of such victual as hath been delivered at the port of Cork in Munster, by the agents of Mr. Wood, unto the Commissary of the victuals there, for the relief of Her Majesty's forces, between the 20th of May and the 25th of August, 1600."—1600, August 26. Signed by Allen Apsley. pp. 2.

98. ii. "The supplies of horse sent from England out of divers shires for the reinforcing of the troops in the province of Munster, as they were mustered at Cork the 25 of August, 1600, and turned over the same day unto several Captains, with the names of the owners, riders furnished, and special marks of their horses." Signed by Hugh Cuffe. One sheet.

August 29. Cork.

99. Sir George Carew to the Privy Council. On behalf of Lord Audley, whom he has permitted to repair to England on urgent private affairs.—Cork, 1600, August 29. Signed. p. 1.

August 29. Cork.

100. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. On behalf of Lord Audley, who is repairing into England on some important private causes. "I do find withal that he hath a purpose to become a suitor to Her Majesty for some estate in the castle and lands of the Glan, a place in itself of reasonable strength, but of no means to incite any man's desire, besides his Lordship's, to make suit for the same, the commodities thereunto are so few. The lands are for the most part wood, mountain, and bog, and no better almost in any place near unto it; so as the reason that moves him most is only to contain the wild neighbours thereof, and to punish them if they should start. The owner thereof followeth the steps of his traitorous ancestors, himself now being one of the most obstinate and rebellious traitors in this province. And therefore, in respect his Lordship hath a special desire thereunto, and may do Her Majesty good service in that place being once settled, I have thought it very convenient to accompany him with my letters unto your Honour in his favour." Lord Audley's good service. He will be found "very respective to merit the increase of" Sir Robert's favourable opinion towards him.—Cork, 1600, August 29. Signed. p. 1.

August 29. Cork.

101. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. Testifying to the good service of Captain Richard Greames, and recommending him for the command of a company of foot, in addition to his troop of fifty horse.—Cork, 1600, August 29. In a postscript in his own hand, Sir George states:—" this gentleman is of extraordinary good desert, which makes me to recommend him, and he is worthy of all favour." Signed. p. 1.

August 29. Cork.

102. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. On behalf of Mr. Alexander Fitton, who is repairing to England. Since the beginning of the troubles, he has followed the service in person, at an extraordinary charge to himself.—Cork, 1600, August 29. Signed. p. ½.

August 29. Cork.

103. David, Viscount Buttevant, Lord Barry, to Sir Robert Cecil. Is thankful to Sir Robert for his manifold favours, and chiefly for remembering him to Her Majesty. Accepts gratefully the bestowal upon him of a company of 100 foot in Her Majesty's pay. Will never fail to be as forward, ready, and willing as any of his degree or ability. Prays for the dispatch of his servant, who is at Court, and that the Queen would bestow upon himself some horsemen in pay.—Cork, 1600, August 29. Signed. p. 1.

August 29. Westohester.

104. F[lorence], Baron of Upper Ossory, to Sir Robert Cecil. Received the enclosed letter [wanting], as he came towards Chester. It is of "no small comfort" unto him, "in respect that so many of Her Majesty's enemies hath been thus cut off." Is most beholden to Sir Robert for his honourable favours.—Westchester, 1600, August 29. Signed. p. ½.

August 30. Cork.

105. Sir George Carew to the Privy Council. " In my letter of the 25th of this instant herewith sent [wanting], among other particularities therein comprised I did relate unto you a marriage intended, and was (sic) near brought to the point of effecting, between the sister of Cormack McDermott, Lord of the country of Muskerry, and James FitzThomas, the counterfeit Earl, which did threaten a strong faction to maintain this rebellion. Since that time I have so diligently pursued the breaking of that league, as I doubt not but that design, which was plotted by Florence McCarthy, is merely frustrated. Donnell McCarthy, base brother to Florence's wife, and son to the Earl of Clancar (who in the beginning of this rebellion was by the country elected to be McCarthy More, that is, to be chief Lord of the country of Desmond, and displaced by Tyrone, at his being in Munster, to erect Florence) hath made his humble submission, and accordingly beseecheth Her Majesty's gracious pardon, requiring no reward but such as his service shall merit, promising faithfully that when I shall intend the prosecution of Florence, with the help of Her Majesty's forces, he hath good hope in a, short time to banish him the country. His proffers I entertain, and, according the quality of his service, have promised him to be a means to Her Majesty that she will be pleased to bestow some portion of that land upon him; for the performance whereof, if his deserts shall merit it, I do humbly beseech your Lordships' furtherance.

"Divers reports are made of Florence, some that he is gone into Spain, others that he will go shortly; and to that effect I have a letter of the White Knight's, dated the 27th of this month, that if he be not gone already, yet he is resolved to go thither. Which makes me to hope (if it be true), that they begin to despair of Spaniards; albeit nothing is more lively in the mouths of all persons of this kingdom, in towns, countries, subjects, or rebels. His errand undoubtedly is to no other purpose than to solicit their coming; and to that end (as I am informed since I came hither), he hath sent, whiles I was in Kerry, one Owen Keggan, a priest, to understand more truly his (sic ? their) designs. I have sent to Sir Charles Wilmot, whose garrison neighbours him near, and cannot want good intelligence thereof, and according as I shall be advertised from him (being now more confidently persuaded of his treasons than heretofore), I do intend to prepare for that service. But, before such time as I shall hear from your Lordships again, because I will give no impediment to the garrisons which are now in their harvest, destroying what they may, I shall not be able to look into Desmond, the necessity whereof doth somewhat trouble me, being loath to be engaged in that remote service before these other parts were better settled, especially the time of the year after Michaelmas so ill agreeing for an army in that savage, boggy and mountainous country. In the same letter also of the White Knight's he advertised me that Redmond Burke and Captain Tyrrell with 1,100 bonnaughts are at this present in O'Maugher's country in Ormonde, with a purpose to come further into Munster; but what they intend for the present I do not perfectly know, but sure I am that they have been much laboured by James Fitz Thomas to return hither. I am likewise in the same advertised that John McThomas with three horsemen only is gone into Ulster to procure aid from Tyrone; but I rather think he is stolen away for fear, not daring to abide any longer in these parts, [and am] induced to believe the same because his brother and he in policy do live asunder, for fear of surprising, and these parts about Harlowe (where John remained) have submitted themselves unto Her Majesty, whereby there is no safety for him to continue there.

" Out of Kerry, by report of some of mine own foot company that came from thence (for as yet I have not heard from Sir Charles Wilmot), I hear (and do believe to be true) that the Knight of Kerry hath submitted himself to Her Majesty, and that his brother is the pledge of his loyalty. By my next your Lordships shall of all these be more exactly advertised.

"In June last, a Frenchman of St. Malo in Brittany, called Vicengrave, brought to the Dingle a ship laden with wine and munition, and sold the same to the rebels; himself (returning his ship) stayed in the country (and is yet there) to gather up his debts in such commodities as this country yields, being the payment which he was to receive; and, finding good vent for his merchandises, did take order for his ship's return again to that harbour, laden as before. Who (as I understand) is now returned with others of St. Malo's in her company. For the restraint of such relief, which is no small aid to the rebels, Her Majesty's letters to her Ambassador ' leidger' in France (in my simple judgment) were very necessary, to deal with the King in that behalf ; but the consideration thereof I humbly leave unto your Lordships' wisdoms.

" Whereas in my former letters I have divers times made suit unto your Lordships that one of the crompsters allotted for the service upon this coast might be continued for some longer time in service, which I held to be very necessary, and was very willing to retain, yet [I] was enforced to discharge them both, by reason of inabilities to do any further service. The defects that did disenable them, I do refer unto the reports of the Captains who are returned ; and withal do most humbly pray your Lordships to send me such other shipping, of as little or rather less charge, as in my letters to my Lord Admiral by Captain Gawen Harvey I have humbly entreated. The service that shall be effected by them, and the time of their coming hither, is likewise mentioned in that letter, whereunto I most humbly refer you.

" The day I left Limerick, I received from the Lord Deputy (as by direction from your Lordships he was commanded) warrants of entry for the Lord Barry and Charles McCarthy, for either of them to have a company of foot. That for the Lord Barry with the best conveniency I may I will see effected, praying God that his services may prove according to the power that is in him to effect. But the other for Charles is already determined, who died by the time that the warrant came to my hands. The gentleman was of good ability and every way willing to do Her Majesty good service; but whether Her Highness hath gained or lost by his death I rest in doubt, for such was the unreconcileable malice between him and Cormack McDermott, the Lord of Muskerry, his kinsman, about the title of that land, as both they living, the country could never be quiet, which was no little disturbance to the countries adjoining. But since it is necessary that one should be wanting, it had been good for the service [that] the lot had fallen upon Cormack, who is inconstant and ill-disposed, and would (no doubt) be as ill as the rest, if a careful eye were not held over him. But now that his competition is dead (whom he thought the State did more favour than himself, and whereof in truth he was far more worthy), the cause of his discontentment being gone, although his honesty will not be increased, yet I hope to hold him in better terms than heretofore."—Cork, 1600, August 30. Endorsed:—Received 6 September at Oatlands. Signed. pp. 3.

August 30. Cork.

106. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. "In what sort I found this province of Munster when I first entered into my charge, I need not trouble your Honour with repetitions thereof; [it] being evidently known to all men that since the conquest of Ireland the same was never so much distempered. For no place was free from rebellion, even to the very gates of the cities, and the enemy evermore master of the field, so as Her Majesty's garrisons (being in no better condition than besieged) did but lie in towns for their safety, and the towns so forgetful of their duties, as in them Her Majesty's troops were not well assured. Since which time, by Her Majesty's forces, together with mine own industry, what an alteration is made, both by the common report of those that come from hence and by my letters unto the Lords of the Council, is apparent unto you. And, although I do assure myself that in time Her Majesty's army will be able to suppress these proud unnatural traitors, who are not worthy of so divine a princess to be their Sovereign, envied but not imitated by any her neighbour kings, yet the speedy extinguishing of their rebellion, which the zeal of my duty leadeth me to wish and labour to effect, is not like to be performed in so short a time as I desire it should be, except my counsels may be believed and put in execution. Whoso knoweth this kingdom and the people will confess that to conquer the same and them by the sword only is opus laboris, and almost may be said to be impossible. And I do verily believe that all the treasure of England will be consumed in that work, except other additions of help be ministered unto it. The fair way that I am in towards the finishing of the heavy task which I undergo, I am afraid will receive some speedy and tough impediment, unless my advice in sending of the young Desmond hither may be followed. The good which by his presence will be effected hath been by me so often declared, as I hold it needless to trouble you with reiterations of the same. The danger that may ensue if he should prove a traitor (which I suppose to be the motive of his detention) is no more than the malice of a weak rebel, who can never be so great by reason of his education, which hath been in simplicity unaccustomed to action, together with his religion, as this counterfeit Earl, nourished in villainy and treasons, and the greatest pillar (Tyrone excepted) that ever the Pope had in this kingdom. And farther, if this traitor were taken or slain, yet the rebellion is not ended; for these Munster rebels will establish another Robin Hood in his room, and so in sequence, as long as there is a Geraldine in Ireland. As soon as the bruit was divulged that he should be sent unto me, I found such an alacrity in his followers, as an immediate sigh of a present quiet did represent itself unto me ; but since that time, they having notice that yet he is in some degree a prisoner, and persuaded by the traitorly priests that there was never no intention to enlarge him, and that that which was done was only to abuse the world to breed distractions to ruin the Catholic cause, which they call a just war, they do again begin to decline, and the best I can expect from them is to stand as neutrals, and that but for a time, until they grow farther desperate of his coming. Sir, believe me all the persuasions in the world will not prevail to induce them to serve against James McThomas, much less to do anything upon his person, before they see his face. For this incredulous nation measure the like falsehood in others which they know to be in themselves; and therefore I wonder that stay is made of him, since his coming may do so great good. In all counsels, I hold it far better to receive a present and apparent benefit than to neglect the same for fear of a future harm, which cannot be great, and as I hope will never fall out. At my coming into this province I had some credit amongst them, which now impaireth and groweth weak, because my promise of his coming hither is not performed. I do mightily fear a reuniting, whereof I have daily advertisements, which if it proceed, the difficulty to dissolve it will be desperate and almost impossible. The hearts of princes are in the hands of God, and therefore unto Him I must leave it; but I am infinitely sorry that it was my cursed fortune to fall to be my lot (sic) to manage this business, having so little credit to persuade, as it seemeth; and with my heart do wish that some other man had been appointed to this task whose opinions would have been better believed. My desires, as your Honour knoweth, were evermore repugnant to go into Ireland, and if I thought I should be any long time confined here, I should account myself most unhappy. If God be pleased, for the good, of this country, to direct Her Majesty's counsels to send him hither, I do humbly beseech you to move her that he may come (or not at all) as a free man, without any mark of a prisoner, and that he may enjoy the name and title of an Earl. What land is most convenient for him to have, and least dangerous if he should be ill-disposed, I have heretofore at large delivered my opinion, and also how easy it is to prevent any harm he may do, if he be inclined to do ill. If Spaniards do not invade us, his coming hither is the readiest way to end the rebellion. If there be an invasion, his presence will draw the greatest force from James McThomas, which should give them most assistance. The zeal I bear unto Her Majesty, whom I serve in all respects as in duty I am bound, moveth me to write; otherwise, as men of my occupation, I would forbear, and let every counsel and occasion pass that might shorten the war."—Cork, 1600, August 30. Signed. pp. 2.

August 30. Cork.

107. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. On behalf of Sir Anthony Cooke, Sir Robert's "nephew and dear kinsman." He " merits more for his continuance in this hard service, wherein he hath ever since his coming into Ireland been a daily labourer without intermission, than any gentleman of his quality that serves in this army." Recommends that Sir Anthony be made a member of the Council of Munster. He "deserves as well as Mr. Cuffe at the least," and it is a "disreputation" to Sir Anthony "to be a stander by where his inferiors do sit."—Cork, 1600, August 30. [Postscript.] "All the hawks I have living I have sent your Honour by a servant of my Lord of Thomond's, called Friar." Holograph. p. 1.

August 30. Cork.

108. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. " This summer, by reason of continual employment abroad in service, not having leisure to prole for hawks, I cannot make that present unto you as I desired. Yet there was given me by some that favoured me about twelve goshawks and tarsels, of which proportion, for want of a skilful falconer, ten are dead. I have yet one goshawk and a tarsel living, which I have sent unto your Honour by this bearer called Fryer, a servant to my Lord of Thomond, who presents you with hawks from him. They are both very sound and perfect good, and also a tarsel gentle. If you be already stored, I then humbly pray you to bestow the goshawk on Sir John Fortescue, unto whom I did promise one. This next year, if you or any of my friends, I mean your selected friends, will send a falconer unto me in May, to keep those which shall be procured by me, I will defray his charges, and furnish you all (this year I pray excuse), and will then satisfy every man. I do not write unto Sir John Fortescue that he shall have a hawk, because I know not your pleasure."—Cork, 1600, August 30. Holograph. p. 1.

August. Dublin.

109. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy and the Council to the Privy Council. "Before I, the Deputy, entered into my late journey into Leix, I left order with the Treasurer in Council to put in readiness such quantities of victuals, munitions, and other provisions as he could raise by any means, to answer at my return an expedition for Ulster, intended principally to plant a garrison of 1,000 foot and 100 horse at Armagh; a service which I always held of such consequence that, howsoever the present opportunity drew me into Leix for a time (the late 2,000 men being not come over), yet, at my return, I would omit no time to prosecute that intention for Ulster, so as I might in any reasonable sort be furnished with means to carry thither such part of Her Majesty's army as were meet for such a service. For which purpose, also, I and the Council had given order to prepare the general hosting to assemble at the hill of Tara the first of the next month. But now, being returned hither yesterday, and finding by conference with the Treasurer and the rest of us of the Council, that victuals and money fall out far too short to answer a journey into Ulster so soon, and no ways here to supply those wants, by reason of the scarcity of the country, we are all drawn into no small astonishment, comparing on the one side the consequence of the action for Ulster, and the expectation gathered by Her Majesty and your Lordships (as we find by me, the Secretary); and on the other side considering how I am scanted with victuals and money at this present, to carry an army thither; besides, the hasty passing away of the season of the year, which draweth no small weight in a cause of this nature. Yet, understanding by me, the Secretary, that your Lordships had, long before my dispatch from thence, contracted liberally for good quantities of victuals to be sent hither, with limitation of their times, and ports to the which they were addressed, we have presumed, notwithstanding these present wants and difficulties, to hold firm the first project for Ulster, only enlarging the day of rendezvous for the forces, and the general hosting, until the 12th of September, in hope that by that time we shall be relieved both with victuals and money from thence, according your Lordships' most honourable foresight expressed in the contracts exhibited here by the Secretary, the not coming up whereof in due time cannot be laid to want of providence in your Lordships, who had so long since given order to the undertakers for the transporting thereof at the times prescribed. Touching these wants of victuals and money, I, the Treasurer, in the absence of the Lord Deputy, have lately written to your Lordship, the Lord Treasurer, and now we have sent you herewith not only a true note of the ' invoyes' arrived, and what is the full remain of victuals of all natures here, but also a particular proportion calculated by the victualler to serve a garrison of 1,000 foot and 100 horse for three months, to be laid at Armagh. All which are herewith sent to your Lordships under the hand of the victualler, being the officer of those affairs. By which it may please your Lordship to see in what hard case we stand, to carry on the journey into Ulster, being so weakly furnished of the two main sinews for an army. Nevertheless I, the Deputy, will, God willing, proceed in the journey at the time now last appointed, hoping that in the meanwhile God will give a wind to bring on the victuals from England, which we cannot but think are long since upon the seas. So as howsoever I find want of means to go through with so great an action, yet there shall not lack a mind in me to proceed in it, hoping that God will not suffer so good a purpose to fall, for want of means to hold it up. For the companies of horse and foot which I mean to take with me, I cannot yet set them down in a confident list, for that a special consideration is to be had, how to divide part of these new men, brought over by the Secretary, into garrison, and draw out others of the old companies to answer the present service northwards. Wherein, if I might have exchanged some of the trained companies in the remote provinces for so many of these that came last, it would have been a good countenance to the service. But that cannot be done, for the shortness of time that the journey is to begin. By my next your Lordships shall have a perfect declaration of the particular companies, and some other matters occurring in this business, which now cannot be certified. Only we most humbly desire your Lordships to press the undertakers to speed away all their several proportions of victuals, to answer this realm according the times laid down in their contracts, and rather before (if it be possible) for preventing of inconveniencies. For in such long voyages by sea, subject to such uncertainty of winds, where the proportions are lingered, and not measured to be at their due ports rather before their time than just with the time appointed, it may hazard the whole estate of a service otherwise laid and intended to the best. But in this case we must lay the failing of victuals at this time to the improvidence of the undertakers only, for that we understand by me, the Secretary, that your Lordships had finished your contracts with them in time sufficient to be here at the days agreed upon, if they had used a faithful diligence to send them away in time.

"I, the Deputy, have sent your Lordships herewith a summary journal of my proceedings in Leix, in which service as God hath blessed me to cut off the archtraitor of Leinster, Onie McRory O'More, and destroy most of the rebels' corn, besides taking of some of their cattle, so we hope that this blow so happily stricken upon the head of them, will scatter the members, and make them think of some other course for their safety. Another man touched in the journal and slain there, called Callogh McWalter, was (as it were) a second person to Onie, and more bloody and dangerous to the subjects than any of the rest, being the man that laid the first hands upon the Earl of Ormonde at his taking. Besides, a nephew to the traitor Tyrrell, who was Captain and Commander of all his forces, was likewise cut off in this service.

" We have read all the despatches which I, the Secretary, have brought, together with your Lordships' letter written on behalf of the causes of the Pale, and delivered here yesterday by the Lord of Howth and Sir Patrick Barnewell, to whom we have prefixed a day for a further hearing of them and the rest upon Tuesday nex which time your Lordships shall understand further of on ceedings with them, and of our answer to some particularities b by the Secretary, which we cannot do at this time, f multiplicity of business which groweth upon us, specially to n the preparations for the journey for Ulster, which can suf deferring."—Dublin, 1600, August. Endorsed:—Received a lands 6th September. Signed. pp. 3.

Enclose:—

109. i. "The invoyes of victuals brought into Ireland up late contracts," between 1 January, 1599, and 30 August Signed by Robert Newcomen. p. 1.

109. ii. "The journey into the Queen's County."

"Before the Lord Deputy's departure from Dublin, his Lc left order with the Treasurer and the rest of the Cou expedite all things in his absence for the northern jour dispatch all victuals and munition, as they should arrive, Newry, and to send unto all parts letters for the general and for beeves. The northern borders his Lordship strong, both of horse and foot, as might guard them fro incursion.

"The 12, being Tuesday, his Lordship went to the Naas, before given order for the victuals and munition to meet him at Castle Dermott. The next day to Moone, where the forces met, being about 800 foot and 100 horse. From hence his Lordship wrote to the Earl of Ormonde, that his and Sir Christopher St. Lawrence[s] companies, both of horse and foot, should fall into Leix by Idough on the Saturday night following, and on Sunday night to meet his Lordship at Culinagh. The 14, his Lordship marched the direct way towards Donnell Spainagh's country, and in the evening turned to Catherlogh. By the way his Lordship left Sir James FitzPiers and Sir Henry Folliott with 400 men to fall into Leix another way, that night, for some prey. The 15, his Lordship commanded the horse to draw out early in the morning, to meet Sir James FitzPiers and Sir Henry Folliott, who returned without any prey, partly through the extreme rain that fell that night, and partly because that morning before day they fell upon Keating's house in the midst of his fastness, where Onie McRory was with 100 kern, who entertained them with skirmish, to the loss of some 24 of the rebels, of whom one [was a] principal leader, and five or our own; whereof some killed with the sword on both sides. The same day the Lord Deputy removed from Carlogh to the foot of the mountain into Keating's country, burning and spoiling both it and the corn thereabouts.

" The 16, the Lord Deputy, early in the morning, sent 600 foot under the conduct of Sir Oliver Lambert, knight, who marched through all the fastness of Slemarge, spoiling their plots of corn within the woods, and burning their towns, with some skirmish in the passes, but no loss. His Lordship, with his horse and his own company of foot and the carriage, coasted along the plains, spoiling and burning likewise, passing quietly over a ford between two woods, where the Earl of Ormonde, entering into Leix heretofore with 1,500 men, was soundly fought with. At evening the forces met together at the camp, where a boy came to his Lordship from Onie with a letter, desiring that some gentleman might be sent to him for conference. The letter his Lordship would not receive, but caused it to be delivered to one Neale Moore, an Irish fool which attends him, to send an answer to Onie, which was done to such effect as in the letter appeareth. Here, about the river where the army was to water, there was some skirmish between our men and the rebels, both this evening and the next morning, because the river lay somewhat near unto a wood, whereout they were both times beaten, and the river cleared with some loss of their side.

"The 17, the army encamped at Ferney Abbey. In the way, the army marching along the valley, the rebels coasted along the mountains, and a little before the quarter where that night we resolved to encamp, they mustered themselves upon a mountain, from the which to the army there was a glade between two roads; and his Lordship being with the vanguard of foot, having sent the Marshal before to make the quarter, made an halt till the rest of the army might come up. And being alighted to rest himself, divers of the rebels came from the hill, leaving us to them with their swords, and calliny to us, as their manner is, with railing speeches. Whereupon his Lordship sent for Sir Oliver Lambert, and willed him to send out 100 men, and to appoint a good second to go fire certain houses close by the gross of the rebels, and not to entertain skirmish with them, except they were forced to it; which his Lordship did to answer their braving with a scorn. Sir Oliver himself drew into this glade upon the mountain with some few horse, and the rebels came down in gross to the rescue of the houses. Our men presently charged them, beat them back, and fell into their greatest fastness with them. In this skirmish Onie McRory was mortally wounded in two places, whereof he died that night, and Callogh McWalter, one of the most stirringest rebels in Leinster, and the most bloody, was killed in helping of Onie, who for a time was in a sound [swoon], and left till night hidden in a bush. Callogh's head was presently brought to the Lord Deputy. This man, besides the killing of Captain Boswell and Sir Henry Dockwra's Lieutenant the last year, and divers famous murders in these parts, was, as it is reported, the first man that laid hand on the Earl of Ormonde, when he was taken prisoner by Onie.

" The report was for the present that Onie was only hurt, but the next day by divers which came from the rebels it was known he died the same night; and, as it [is] said, fearing his head should come into the Lord Deputy's hands, willed it to be cut off presently after his death, and buried, and appointed Onie McShane, a man of no spirit or courage, to be O'Moore.

" Upon the death of Onie, the Moores dispersed themselves by six and ten in a company, every man seeking to save his own. This night were sent out two parties to search the woods for cattle, who, going contrary ways, returned the next day, being the 18, with some six or seven soore cows, and great store of sheep and goats. For, by reason the rebels had driven the greatest part of their cattle into Ossory, upon intelligence of the army's arrival, the prey could not be very great; but a base son of the Earl of Ormonde's met with some four hundred head of them by the way, and took them. This day the Earl and Sir Christopher came to his Lordship with above 300 foot and 120 horse.

" The 19, the army passed, the pass of Cashel to Ballyroane, and so the next day to Kilgighy in Ossory, passing thereunto by the castle of Gortenele, where the Earl was kept sometime during his imprisonment. By the way the Earl of Ormonde received letters from Donnell Spainagh, who was now come into Leix with some 200 men, and from Redmond Keating, craving his Lordship's means to be under protection and safe-conduct to come to the Lord Deputy. All the way we burned all their houses in their fastness and woods. In one of them was found the Queen's picture behind the door, and the King of Spain's at the upper end of the table.

" This night Sir Christopher went into the woods for cows, and took a prey of some seven hundred, besides sheep and goats; of which seven hundred there came to the eamp but few ; the rest, as it is said, were shifted into the county of Kilkenny and the countries near adjoining. His Lordship was persuaded to draw down into Ossory, being ever the nursery of the rebellion in Leix, partly to burn their corn, and partly to see the country being so near ; the rather for that the Earl was of opinion that, upon the army's arrival, the chief rebels of that country would give in their pledges. This day, being the 21, we encamped by Teig FitzPatrick's castle, the Lord of Upper Ossory's son, but in rebellion, who, upon the approach of the army, set his own town afire. And here Redmond Keating submitted himself with condition to deliver the Earl of Ormonde's pledges which remained in his hands.

"The 22, the army marched in extreme rain over the Nore, having first spoiled the corn about the castle, which, if it had been omitted that night, could hardly have been done afterwards, by reason of the great fall of rain, which continued for 48 hours without cease (sic), so as the camp could not remove. This day the Kellys and Lalors were protected for a month, upon condition to bring in the Earl's pledges, which were in their custody, within ten days, which they were afterwards sworn to perform. Redmond Bourke at the same time made complaint to his Lordship by letter of wrongs done to him, and of service he was willing to do.

" The 23, the Lord Mountgarrett's sons, Richard and Edward, took their oath to be true subjects, as by the act thereof may appear.

"The 24, recognizance of 2,000l. was signed by the Lord of Mountgarrett and his sureties for the redelivery of Ballyraggett upon twenty days' warning. This day the army marched, with expectance to fight in the pass of Cashel, which was said to be possessed by 2,560 of the rebels, according to a list delivered to his Lordship by the Earl of Ormonde the night before, and to his Lordship by one that affirmed on his oath he had seen so many mustered in their camp. A little before the entrance of the pass, Donnell Spainagh, who was to have maintained, fight on the right hand, where they had entrenched the passage, came to the head of the army, and fell down on his knees to the Lord Deputy, and desired protection for twelve days, till he might come to Dublin, which was granted, for in that time his Lordship could do him no harm, and thereupon his men quitted the trench, and drew up to the mountain, to see the event of the fight.

" The rebels being already possessed of the pass of Cashel next to the great bog, we turned with our carriage through an upper pass near adjoining unto it, in the midst whereof they began to skirmish with a great cry, charging home. Our men beat them presently into the lower pass, and from thence into the bog, where they beat them into the wood beyond it, to the loss and hurt of many of them, and Captain William Tyrrell shot into the reins, of the which it is said he is since dead. Whereupon the Lord Deputy called them off, gave order to the army to march to Stradbury, and with some twenty horse went to see the fort of Leix, and came that night to the camp.

" The 25, the companies being sent to their several garrisons, his Lordship came to the Naas, where he found 700 of the new men placed, and, the 26, to Dublin."—[1600], August. Unsigned. pp. 6.

August 31.

110. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. "Neither in the whole course of my life hitherto, nor in respect of the success of my government here, nor of my years, that are now almost forty years old, I deserve so little belief or reputation as to find myself believed in nothing concerning this estate or my own particular, while I am here, and every idle projector, or poor false discontented informer, to prevail in your judgments against me. I dare not write thus much to you as you are a Councillor, but as to one that hath given me leave to deal freely with you. I knew and looked for the uttermost that malice could do against me. My trust was in the Queen, in you as a chief minister, and in my own sincerity. I must confess that herein my hopes have failed me, and I find it is not enough to mean and to do well. God is my witness that I do not accuse myself, having examined all the imputations laid upon me, to be faulty in any one; and so I am sure I can make it appear. But to conclude, Sir, I will boldly affirm that hitherto, for so much time as I have governed this kingdom, I have done the Queen better service than ever any Deputy did unto Her Majesty. From henceforward you have disabled me to serve her here. My own heart and the heart of my endeavours are broken, and therefore, Sir, I desire you, even for humanity's sake, to deliver me of this burden, which you know how violently it was thrust upon me; and my own conscience knoweth how much I am wronged in it. I shall by my return do the Queen more service than even now I can do here, for I will undertake to deliver her truly the estate of this kingdom which, believe me, was never it done (sic) unto Her Majesty. There is no one thing objected against me, but Sir Geffrey Fenton could have answered, if he had been as he should be. But, if I had known anything amiss in my proceedings, I would never have sent him over. Pardon me, Sir, if I am in passion to meet such a packet, after so many labours and dangers and good effects thereof, and now to be tied by your expectations to a journey, which in itself is most miserable and dangerous, and to have neither money nor victuals to go forwards with it. Notwithstanding, if I should not, I am sure you will not lay the fault upon yourselves; and therefore, God willing, you shall find no fault in me, if you will measure my endeavours, and not the success, the fear of which in those that have and do govern here hath spent her so many millions, and I am afraid will spend her so many more before this country be reduced ; although I will boldly say and prove that this war was never so near an end, if you do not mar all yourselves. Sir, if you think my letter will do me more hurt than good to the cause, I pray read it and burn it; and although I perceive you suspect that I use not your letters as I should, yet if I think it fit, or to be your desire, I have power in myself to make them as reserved as you like."—August 31. Endorsed:—1600. Received at Oatlands 6 September. Holograph. p. 1.

August 31. Dublin.

111. Sir George Carey to the Privy Council. Has received their Lordships' letters of the 28th July and 8th August. By the first, he was directed to send over to England his ledger book, with the warrants and escripts incident thereunto, and a person sufficiently instructed for answering and following the same. Has not received Her Majesty's letters for the sending over of this book and the said warrants, &c. Prays for her warrant to that end, as his predecessors had, and that he may have leave to go to England himself to answer his great and weighty account. By the second letter, he is directed to discharge the officers of the regiment assigned to Bally shannon. Has acquainted the Lord Deputy, and will take the necessary steps with his paymasters at Lough Foyle. The Commissaries of victuals for Munster, Connaught, and Leinster, have perfected their books, but Mr. Travers neither comes nor sends, although often written to. Has told the Lord Deputy of the concordatums their Lordships mislike, and he says he will satisfy them therein. Does not understand their postscript touching the increase of 2,000l. for extraordinaries. For these, by the last establishment, a limit of 4,000l. for the year is appointed. The charge for extraordinaries, up to the 20th of July last, comes to 7,441l. 9s. 3d., over and above the extraordinaries for Munster and Lough Foyle. "I grieve that the charge doth grow to so great an height, and yet I know not how to restrain them, humbly beseeching your Lordships to consider how dangerously to my poor estate I wade in this service, except Her Majesty by your Lordships' good means be gracious unto me." Again prays for her warrant for the passing of his accounts, and for leave to go to England.—Dublin, 1600, August 31. Endorsed:—Received at Oatlands the 6th of September. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

August 31. Dublin.

112. Sir George Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. Asks for the Queen's warrant, as in the preceding. Then he will send over Charles Huet with the ledger book, warrants, and escripts. Prays that he himself may have leave to go and answer his account, as it is his first.—Dublin, 1600, August 31. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

August 31. Cork.

113. Sir Anthony Cooke to Sir Robert Cecil. Knows not how, after so long a silence, these lines will be accepted. Has small hopes ("by means of" his present hard estate and fortunes) to reap any benefit by the greatness of his blood. Begs Sir Robert's favour in the following cause. An express warrant from the Privy Council to Sir George Carey, bearing date 3 November last, lately came, commanding him to detain Sir Anthony's entertainment for the payment of 40l. borrowed by him from the Earl of Bath, to be repaid at the end of six months. This sum was borrowed for no vain or idle expense of his own, but only for the speedy furtherance of Her Majesty's service.

" I was, by extremity of foul weather, driven with Sir John Brooke to put in from sea into Ilfracombe, where most unhappily (as by my former letters then sent from thence to the Court to your Honour I made particularly known), I had one bark cast away upon the rocks at her going forth the harbour mouth, wherein I lost nine of my best horses with the bark, and as much furniture for horse and men, with other necessaries of mine and my followers, to the value of 200 marks and better. Neither was it unknown both to his Lordship and to Sir Thomas Norreys, then Lord President of Munster, that I bestowed all that money then borrowed, and much more, in the hiring and furnishing another ship for the better and more speedy performance of my duty expected in that service; finding withal that, if I had made my stay there with the remainder of my troop, until from your Honours I had received order for my supply, I should not only have spent the country much more than that sum, but also have lost the opportunity of that longexpected wind, and so consequently have hindered that good service, which by my speedy landing here was shortly after very happily performed: besides, the danger I then stood in of receiving a grievous check from your Honour and that most honourable Board, as supposing some great fault or negligence in me. For these respects only (Right Honourable) did I borrow this money, simply and only upon mine own bond. Since which time, may it please your Honour to understand, I have been credibly informed by the several letter's of both my honourable Lord and Lady, which they sent me with my bond cancelled, that your Honour (both in love to me, and favour of my great loss sustained then and since) had kindly repaid the same to his Honour again. Besides that, it may please your Honour to understand, I have lost by good service, and have had killed in good fight (since my coming amongst this ungodly nation) twenty-eight tall men and fifty-six good horses, all which (until the receiving of this late small supply from my Lord President, which I know his Lordship hath made known unto your Honour), I have from time to time fully supplied upon mine own cost and charges, to my no little hindrance. These my wrongs and losses, besides many others since my being in this place sustained, which (without your Honour's greater favour and good furtherance) [I] am likely still to undergo, I have now thought very fit to make your Honour acquainted with, that so I may rather receive some recompense than still to stand charged with this bond of 40l. sterling as yet I do, which I had been far better and more for my ease according to my first intent to have paid in England, than now in this place of the sudden to be detained from me, where I am to live upon my bare entertainments, such as they are, and poorer and barer though they be, and far less than any man's of my quality that hath continued here, whereof I humbly pray not only your Honour's kind consideration, but also to make known your further pleasure and direction therein."

Refers Sir Robert to the bearer, and encloses a letter on his own behalf [see No. 107 above] from President Carew.—Cork, 1600, August 31. Holograph. pp. 2.

August.

114. Petition of Lord Barry to the Queen, referring to his former good services and his great losses in the rebellion, and praying for a grant of the castle of Conehie and the lands of Kynnaltalowne, lately in the possession of James FitzThomas, and also for entertainment of such companies of horse and foot as Her Highness may give him, to enable him to do her service, and for the maintenance of his own estate. Endorsed:—1600, August. Unsigned. p. ½.

[August.]

115. "A particular of the Lord Viscount Buttevant's humble requests." [Almost a duplicate of the preceding.—1600, August.] Unsigned. p. 1.

August. Kilmallock.

116. [?Hugh Cuff] to [Sir George Carew.] "Although I doubt not but as you have (beyond all expectation to your exceeding great honour) in so short a time brought this province almost to her former quietness, so your Lordship will, the same being once settled, take such a course that the fire now suppressed shall never, to our great prejudice, return again to his former flame, myself (as one zealous for the furtherance of Her Majesty's service, and having some particular interest therein, as also thereunto tied by oath as a Councillor), am moved to set down my opinion herein, wishing the like from all the rest, whereby your Lordship might discern in your wisdom what is fit to be chosen and followed, and what to be disallowed and rejected. Wherefore (under correction of your better judgment) in my opinion, seeing the best course, I mean the prosecuting of them with the sword, whereby her Highness by their lands should both have strengthened her province and added to her crown a great revenue, is, as well in regard of the time as for saving infinite charges, and other considerations best known to your Honour, not thought fit to be followed; now, since the case stands thus, what hope remains, but that upon every light occasion (there having been few examples yet made either by loss of life or land upon any of the better sort), but that they will be ready to fall again unto their accustomed villainy; for the prevention whereof, under hope of your Lordship's good acceptance, I will adventure to declare to your Lordship my conceit for the next best means to retain them in their due obedience and loyalty.

"1. First, I could wish that as soon as conveniently it may be, that by little and little, their swordmen should be drawn away to be employed in Her Majesty's foreign wars, as well those that have served Her Majesty (I mean the idle men) as others; for that otherwise you shall find them in the end to become rebels, as always they have done heretofore.

" 2. Secondly, that while our forces are remaining here, the rest should be disarmed, and for ever hereafter prohibited to bear arms, upon such pain as shall be thought fit.

" 3. Thirdly, forasmuch as the strength or safety of the English inhabitants must arise out of the weakening of the Irish, and that few chieftains in this province possess their territories without some competitors of their own family, as the McCarties, the McDonoghs, the O'Sullivans, and almost all the rest of any name, I hold it necessary (under the reformation of your Honour's better advised judgment, to which I subject all my own opinions), that now, upon the resettling of this disjointed province, their variances may rather be pacified than ended, to the intent that, when this rebellion is quieted, they may spend their strength and malice one upon another; for seeing their natures are to be in action, it will be agreeable to policy that the factions kindled and grown amongst themselves should be on the weaker part secretly nourished and supported by the State, lest their humours should be otherwise spent upon the English subject.

"4. Fourthly, that whereas they have been contented, of their own wild motion, to allow and maintain upon their lands and followers 3,000 soldiers to make war against Her Majesty, they should be enforced to maintain to Her Highness ['s] use the sixth part of so many, which is but 500. Those, with other Her Majesty's forces here, might serve to keep them in their due obedience and loyalty, without which strait course let no man expect any good of them, for they in nature do resemble the nettle, which, being softly handled and gently touched, will sting and prick, but, if hardly and roughly, they never hurt.

" 5. Fifthly, as every undertaker is bound for a full seignory to have in a readiness 20 foot and 10 horse, and so every one proportionably according to the quantity he holds, to follow any service within thirty miles for thirty days at their own charges, and not otherwise, may it please your Lordship, the number of the undertakers are 36, some holding full seignories, others half, and some less; howbeit they all amount to twenty full seignories, the which according to the rate above specified arises to 400 foot and 200 horse, which, upon any occasion being added to the 500 aforesaid, makes in the "whole 900 foot and 200 horse, which (in my judgment) will be sufficient for the country (the same being reduced to the form before-mentioned) to keep it without any further disbursements from England, or impairing of Her Highness ['s] revenues here.

" Now there may be objected against me in this article two things; the first, what trust shall there be reposed in the undertakers, having heretofore failed in the performance of their duties; and secondly, that it is too great a burden suddenly to be imposed upon them, considering their great rents, and that they are now altogether unsettled.

" To the first I answer, that true it is there was a great imputation to be laid to their charge in general, although some did their parts, and deserved both commendations and rewards. Nevertheless, in that the better sort, as Sir William Courtney, Sir George Bourchier, Sir Edward Denny, with divers others, who had scarce any English upon their seignories, but rather for their private gains inhabited their lands with the relics of the rebellious Irish, the which did not alone destroy and waste their own lands, but others also that endeavoured themselves in all earnest and dutiful manner to perform the effect of the conditions whereunto they were tied. This was the cause that brought the scandal upon our heads, which may easily be prevented for the time to come, and this plot made good, if there be an officer appointed in nature of a Commissary, who four times in the year shall take musters of every particular man's rising out, as also to see that every full seignory (and so the lesser quantity) be furnished with so many English inhabitants and families, as by their patents they are enjoined to have, by which means there would be no failing of the numbers aforesaid.

" To the second I say, that where it may be thought too great a burden for them in regard of their rents, it may be eased in this manner, only to tie them to have their companies always in a readiness, and when they shall be commanded upon any service more than two or three days, that then Her Majesty shall allow them entertainment, to be defalked out of the rents of those seignories from whence they are taken; and for the re-establishing of them there may be a time limited, with a strait command both in England and Ireland, and that upon some pain within that time they do not fail to perform their inhabiting according as by their patents they are enjoined, and to have some favour for toleration of rent, as may be thought fit, until they be again settled.

"6. Sixthly, for the reformation of the cities and towns which have been the roots of all these mischiefs, as in sending into Spain their sons, whereof some have been brought up as seminaries and such like other paltry priests, who have returned with their lessons to seduce Her Majesty's subjects from their due obedience; others, more fitter for the war, have been trained up therein, and so likewise returned to be leaders in this their wicked action. Moreover, there is not one of these principal late rebels but hath in their next bordering towns either a Christian gossip or a fosterer, and what a band of assured friendship this doth draw even to the adventuring of their lives in furnishing them with all kind of munition and other necessaries. Of all which I marvel not, they being addicted to a contrary religion, and sworn both to the Pope and King of Spain, whereof there will be good proof made, and yet they are not ashamed (as men of great desert) to sue unto Her Majesty for enlargement of their privileges, whereas it is well known unto all men that they have not had their powder or shot from any place elsewhere but from them, without which they could not have maintained their rebellious wars. Furthermore, we can never rise so secretly out of any of these towns to do service, but before our men be drawn together some one is dispatched, either on horseback or foot, to give speedy intelligence to the rebels of the coming of our forces. The which argues a confirmation of that which I have written as concerning their disloyalty ; and therefore, in my opinion, it were fitter to recall their charters and grant them new upon submission with more fitter conditions; not themselves to be customers, comptrollers, vice-admirals, as also not to reap the profits of fines and amerciaments, with other such advantages as our best subjects in England have not the like. Wherefore these things being taken from them, it will not only abate their pride, but also be sufficient to maintain a garrison in every of the towns, in some citadel or castle already built or to be built, with some Captains of understanding, both to prevent them in their undutiful dealings and to keep them in their due subjection. For as long as they have the privileges themselves, and especially the fines and amerciaments that may be imposed upon them, by virtue of any high commission, for contempt in religion, what hope is there of any reformation, but a severe course to be taken with them, when time shall serve, for the advancement of God's glory ? And to begin with them, there should none bear office but such as were known to be well affected in religion, which would be a principal means to draw others to conformity; and so having good teachers, with severe punishment for offenders, I would not doubt but in short time, to the benefit and endless honour of Her Majesty, here would be a flourishing commonwealth, where contrary it is dreadful, to any of a good conscience, to live here under the hazard to participate with them of the plagues which God in His justice will send for such unnatural and abominable offences as are daily here committed. To conclude, seeing there is no other assurance but by strong hand to contain them in their loyalties, for that they hold themselves damned to do otherwise than hath been here recited, necessity therefore from henceforth must enforce us to give over to pamper them with favours and rewards, as hitherunto they have been, but rather to hold them down, both with word and sword, as hath been heretofore expressed, and as the King of Spain and all other princes in the like cases do. The which being performed as well in this province as in the others, and every of the said provinces to maintain Her Majesty's forces, all of English birth, this I say truly effected, Her Highness from henceforth shall receive both honour and profit, instead of troubles and consuming both of her treasure and subjects."— Kilmallock, 1600, August. Unsigned. pp. 4.

[August.] Whitehall.

117. Letter, unsigned and unaddressed, telling of negotiations with a Scottish gentleman born in the Out Isles, for a force of 4,000 Scots to be employed in Ireland. Provision of victuals. Post-bark to convey letters "betwixt you and Dublin." Many flying bruits of losses and perils in Ireland. Sir Arthur O'Neill's position and complaints. " We did signify both to the Lord Deputy and to you" Her Majesty's pleasure to favour him. Desire to know " what you have bestowed upon " Sir Arthur. Great care needed in the treatment of such as he. "For we do see it a common thing now-adays, that when such a one as Sir Arthur O'Neill or O'Dogherty is a rebel, they are able to live and infest the Queen, but when they come in, the Queen is put to an extreme charge, as though she did command no country beyond the trenches."— The Court at White hall, 1600, [August]. pp. 2.