Elizabeth I: volume 209, August 1601

Elizabeth I: volume 209, August 1601

Richard Hadsor to Secretary Cecil. 1601. [1 Aug.] From my chamber in Garnett's Buildings, near Temple Bar.

I have received news from Lord Dunsany and understand thereby that his forces at Liskennon or the Breny, in co. Cavan left neither man nor cattle in the cos. Cavan and Monaghan called McMahons country; . . . and that the Reylies and McMahons who live there have been driven to live with their Kyriaghts in MacGuire's country of the co. Fermanagh, from which his lordship also fetches their cows and pledges. The Irish, Lord Dunsany says, still hope for Spanish help, and priests and letters have lately arrived [in Ireland]. I thought it right to let you know of this for I do not think that Tyrone will ever submit unfeignedly until her Majesty is possessed of Dungannon, Ballyshannon and the other principal places of the North, and that his pretended submission is only to protract time till the Spaniards come. The English army is weakened by long service, and the summer past.

Pray read the enclosed petition which was laid before her Majesty a twelvemonth ago by Mr. Wilbraham. Sutton is my relative and only desires the benefit of the law without diminution of her Majesty's revenue. If he gets leave to bring his writ of error he will within two terms thereof give 200l. to be disposed of as your honour thinks fit. Details as to the Earl of Kildare's evidences in the "closed" [closet] in the House of Maynooth:— Pray give order to the Lord Deputy and Council for restitution of his evidences to the Earl. He is ready to answer any person who shall claim any interest therein. This will bind his lordship to you.

P. 1. (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 1.

Richard Bellew to Captain Henry Skipwith. St. Peter's (fn. 1) Day. [near Kinsale.]

Mr. Wills arrived this morning from Plymouth with news which seems to second the advertisement from Baltimore. A neighbour of Mr. Wills coming out of Spain heard of 17 ships preparing for Ireland, and, shortly after, coming homeward he chanced to light on just so many ships; "six whereof were armadoes to warft the rest, as he had also heard in Spain before his putting to sea." The merchant kept with them for a day and observed that they were bound for Ireland; but that was a fortnight ago and God knows whether they have put into some other port or been dispersed by the late contrary winds and fogs.

P. 1. Copy. Underwritten: "Directed to my friend Captain Henry Skipwith at Cork with speed," and, with a note, "This Bellew is a discreet gent, dwelling on the coast near Kinsale." S.P. Ireland, 209, 2.

The Irish Privy Council to the English Privy Council. [4 Aug.] Dublin.

We have, as directed, considered the demand of the Earl of Thomond for pay and apparel for his company of foot for 151 days within which time the company should be broken and discharged. We thought it best to try the question by calling before us the two principal officers of the cheque. They compared the time of the certificates made by the Commissary of the Musters for Connaught and the attestations of Sir Coniers Clifford, which all testified to the disbanding of the company and consequently its just discharge. They have set down their reasons in a report which we send.

P. ¾. Signed by A[dam Loftus, Archbishop of] Dublin and Chancellor, Sir George Carey, Sir Robert Gardener and Sir Geoffrey Fenton. Add. to the Privy Council. Endd. Ibid, 3.

Enclosing:—

Memorandum on reasons for refusing the Earl of Thomond's foot company.

1. All of the said company but very few are of the mere Irish, born and bred in Thomond, Connaught, Leinster and those borders. They are "known to be the most dangerfull men to the State and watch but their opportunity to obtain that which in their taverns and alehouses in Limerick they boldly prophesy" that they will soon have. Some of them were in actual rebellion with Teague O'Breane the Earl's brother.

2. When the Earl was lately in England and the company were left in command of his brother they mischievously spoiled, &c., and left no wrong undone in the north frinches [fringes?] of Limerick. They ravished an aged and decrepit woman and killed poor men's calves at the walls of Limerick.

3. Morishe McInbard, sergeant to the company, intercepted cows coming into Limerick which were part of the prey taken by the Earl's brother, Teague O'Breane, being then in action. Details.

4. They have pillaged "as neither good English heart or Welsh mind could, or ever did, attempt to do; for having meat and drink competent enough to satisfy honest men, they notwithstanding would in virulent manner, and mauger the hurts of the poor dismayed people, take from them 12d. a day" and other 9d. besides allowance of meat and drink and money for their wives, boys and stocks. On one occasion when there was a dispute between some of the company and Justice Gould, Edmund O'Lea, the sergeant of the company called out to his men to charge their muskets with double bullets and not spare to kill the townsmen. Details.

5. The said Earl and his officers refused to pass any ticket for the diet of the said soldiers during the last month they were cessed there by warrant of the Lord President. This amounts to 70l.

6. The mayor sent boats and cots down the river with 80l. and fishermen in them. The Earl did not give, and refuses to give, a ticket for these.

7. The citizens though dutiful to the Earl are loyal, and the Earl, seeing their loyalty, determined to starve them; and, knowing that his country is the best furnished to supply the market at Limerick forbade his "styvarde" to allow any beef, mutton, cheese or butter to come into the market from his country. This order the steward obeyed. Let your honours judge of the motives which prompted this action.

8. At the same time the Earl, when he knew the citizens wanted wood and fuel and that his country alone could supply it (and that the citizens much needed grass for their cattle and no man had more convenient grass than himself), forbad any wood to be brought out of his country, and threatened to hang any fishermen who should bring out such wood, and refused the citizens leave to graze on his ground, altho' he had more than he well knew how to employ.

9. Notwithstanding these abuses which we have suffered at the Earl's hands, yet, to forward her Majesty's service, we profer to send with his lordship all the boats and cots in the town with all their fishermen and victuals for fifteen days; and we offer a barrell of our own powder and will accomplish all his designs,"so that he do not cess upon us his foot rackhells."

Pp. 4. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 3A.

Sir Geoffrey Fenton to Secretary Cecil. [5 Aug.] Dublin.

Ulster being in action the rest of Ireland looks on to see how the "master bear" defends himself in danger now that he is "set upon at his own home." The Spaniards will try to raise a faction here against her Majesty, but I do not think they will invade us, for reasons I have often given before. They know that "to betray stranger and friend is as familiar to the Irishman as to eat and speak." "Munster is absolutely reduced, Leinster so growing to settling as there is no apparent cause to fear a relapse, and Connaught reasonably bridled." The Spaniards' only hope, therefore, is Ulster, and there the "uriaghtes and pottentates" are divided amongst themselves and will leave the arch-traitor if he is defeated by the Queen's army. The Ulster climate is not suited to the "dry constitution of the Spaniard," seeing there is not even one corporate town there in which he can protect himself; and if he fights a winter war there, the disease of the country will be a means sufficient to consume him.

I send an account of the doings of the army which has come from the marshal. He desires a grant of Reban, which will otherwise fall back to the Irish and become a dangerous border. Thomas Lea's wife, who seeks it, is a person of no virtue to cross a servitor who daily risks his life for the Queen.

P. 1½. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 4.

Sir George Carew to the Privy Council of England. [6 Aug.] Cork.

I am thankful for your lordship's promise to ask her Majesty to send 2,000 foot here. This will "stay the giddy humour of this unsettled people" and help us to resist a hostile attack on any place till further help can arrive. The places most likely to be attacked by the enemy, and therefore most to be defended, are Limerick, Cork and Waterford: for the other places are neither worth their labour to gain nor her Majesty's charge to defend. I do not think they will attempt Limerick as, to attack it, they must sail far inland up the Shannon and could not withdraw without an easterly wind which at this time of the year is rare in Ireland. "Waterford (though the seat of it be commodious for them by reason that so many inland shires are served from thence where the navigable rivers in that port do join and fall into the sea, which, being in their hands, will be a great bridle unto the shires aforesaid, and in like manner the seat of that city in nature weak and without many hands not to be defended yet) being so near a neighbour unto England as it is and so near unto relief from the State here (although I am not confident yet) I do think that they will make choice of some other place that may be no less honourable to them in gaining." I think therefore they will attack Cork "being a harbour as good as any of the west, more remote from England than Waterford and to be carried with least difficulty although your lordships (as you write) cannot persuade yourselves that they will there arrive. The warmest advocates of a Spanish descent are of that neighbourhood and I am informed that Florence Mc'Carthy counselled their coming there as the place to which all the provincial rebels might resort. I therefore give special attention to its defence as her Majesty's stores of victuals, munition and treasure are here and cannot (they are so large), be soon removed. They could not be removed without frightening loyalists and encouraging the rebels. The town is weak but I think I can defend it against an army of 6,000 men till help comes from the Lord Deputy or from England. I hope that 2,000 men will come before the Spaniards land, for I am much against evacuating any one of her Majesty's cities "for reasons which I need not enforce, being so pregnant in your lordship's understandings. I shall endeavour to defend this place then and "call the living God to my witness" that I do it not for my own reputation but because I think it best for her Majesty's service. As Florence McCarthy and James Fitzthomas are now her Majesty's prisoners the Spaniards will either not come to Munster or, if they do, will hesitate which way to advance after landing, not knowing which of the Irish leaders to trust. This will give us more time for defence.

As some people think Waterford will be the place of the Spanish landing, and as there are no companies there, I ask that if they be not at sea before your lordships receive this, you will direct those which come from Chester to Waterford, and the rest to Cork. I ask, next, that the munitions and victuals sent may be sent to Waterford, but with directions not to unlade without orders from me. I will supply victuals to the 2,000 till these victuals arrive.

I lately asked Secretary Cecil that some of the companies sent over might be sent without captains so that I may be able to give them to captains here who are without employment, and am obliged for your consent to this course. Pray order the Earl of Thomond and all other persons in her Majesty's pay to return at once to their posts here.

"For the better assurance of the Munster gent[ry] I have put their pledges in the best safety I may. Of the English race I think that no gent, of quality will revolt and of the Irish (who are more to be suspected) I have lately restrained three principal men, namely, Dermot McOwen Carty (the pretended lord of Dowhallo [Duhallow]), Teig McDermody Carty after the Irish custom Tanist of Muskerry, and Moelmoe O'Mahowne the pretended lord of the country of Kynelmeka [Kinalmeakey]." All these men are discontented at being unable to possess these seignories. I have forborne to restrain others though there is reason for doing so; but Dermot Moyle McCarty (brother to Florence), knowing his guilt, on his brother's arrest fled the province and is gone to Ulster. He can do little harm there.

P. S.P. Ireland 209, 5.

Sir George Carew to [Secretary Cecil]. [6 Aug.] Cork.

Yours of July 20 received here Aug. 3. If the 2,000 men reach here before the Spaniards come I do not care where they make their attack for I shall be able to resist them anywhere. When the 4,000 appointed to support them arrive I will keep the field and lodge close by them. I do not think any of the English race will rebel, and as for the Irish I have good security of them, having recently restrained Dermond McOwen, Teige McDermond brother to Cormack McDermond, whose son is now in pledge with Tyrone, and O'Mahon Cunhine [?]. These three were very discontented, not having the lands to which they lay claim. I think Cormack McDermond is loyal rather from policy than faith, for he holds his lands by English tenure, whereby his son should succeed, whereas if the Irish should prevail, his successor would be his brother. Moreover he is about to send his son, whom he loves as his own life, into England. The report of the sending of 6,000 men has had an excellent effect on weak hearts and on strong. I shall keep at Cork. If any of her Majesty's walled cities be taken, all will be lost and a general revolt ensue; so some risk must be taken rather than "apparently" (fn. 2) to lose all. The town is weak. [Repeats substance of the letter to the Privy Council of Aug., (fn. 3) 1601, as to the defensibility of Cork. Proceeds:—] but I could not get the victuals carried away elsewhere, especially at harvest time (when carts are busy), and if I sent them away by sea to Limerick or Waterford, they are no safer than at Cork. Even if the town be taken I can destroy the victuals and save the treasure. The razing of Shandon is to no purpose for every hill and ditch near the town commands the city no less than it.

The defences of earth which we are making are only made to gain time. The expenses of them are being borne by the town and country so that her Majesty's only charge is for pickaxes, &c. Dermond Moyle McCartie, Florence's brother, has not come near me since Florence's restraint, and has I think gone to Ulster. "His malice to the state and our nation is no less than his brother's, but his ability to do harm is very little; and yet he is much valienter and wiser than Florence. If he were in hand there is not a man more in this province that I would desire to restrain."

Florence and James McThomas will be sent over as soon as the Queen's ship at Limerick is free. Whereas it is "distilled" by some that I did not pursue the war to its extremity, and that if I had done so all those who are now hollow hearted would have been starved, let me say that I do not agree. "It may be that churls and women might have fallen into that misery but in the Earl of Desmond's rebellion we found by experience that the swordman was not (notwithstanding that great famine, the like whereof no former age hath seen) pinched to starving, as the churls were; neither is it possible to starve them as long as the other parts of the kingdom hath meat; for in the other provinces they will be welcome guests" so as the quenching of the flame in Munster will but increase the fire elsewhere. "To banish them by burning and spoiling is probable and easy, and, after a little time, there is no doubt of their return, whereby I may conclude that no man can make a continued peace in Ireland but on utter extirpation of that nation, which I am sure was never harboured in her Majesty's heart nor yet advised by any of her Council." I wish that those who criticise me had had my charge when I came to it. Three thousand in list to banish 20,000 rebels in action in so short a time, and capture the heads of the rebellion —this, I think, deserves favourable censure. (fn. 4) Munster is now very peacable and amenable to law—it was never more so. "After I had broken James McThomas' forces and banished his brothers I had my sword over them and might have been a Temerlanne [Tamerlane] amongst them," but, had I acted so, the war would not yet be over. The shortest way to end the war was, in my view, the best.

If a sharper course is desired I can at all times find "just causes of quarrel to prosecute anyone that I list to plague." I have pledges of all the Irishmen of quality; but I think we should not disturb the country, which will remain, as it now is, quiet till the Spaniards invade us. I am sure of this; and will write if it is otherwise. I was told, and believe, that the real test of success is easing of her Majesty's charge. I can keep the peace even when other parts of the country are in rebellion if I have a sufficient garrison. If the Spaniards do not come, 1,500 foot in list and 150 horse will be enough; and, after one year 1,000 foot and 100 horse. This is the greatest reduction which should take place and I am anxious it should not take place too soon. If the Spaniards do not come I believe it is the arrest of Florence and James Fitzthomas that makes the diversion, "for but into Munster they [the Spaniards] cannot be drawn and now that their [i.e., Florence and James'] assistance fails them I know not what reason they have to come or what aids they can hope of."

Pray hasten over the Earl of Thomond; and further him in his suits if they be reasonable.

Pp. 4. (Hol.) Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 6.

The Lord Deputy to [Secretary Cecil]. (fn. 5) [7 Aug.] Camp near Mountnorris.

I rarely have time to write to you at length for we have a watchful and strong enemy lying near us and [he] ever attempts something new. Repeats what is said in the letter of 9 Aug. as to the importance of spoiling the enemy's corn and so forcing him to use up his winter resources in the summer. Proceeds:— If we can be about in the corn country at the time of cutting crops we can enable our garrisons to gather in corn and shall keep the rebels from gathering in the rest. Repeats what is said in the letter of 9 Aug. as to not penetrating into Tyrone in order to destroy corn, Sir Henry Docwra's position, and the possible combination of "all the north" against them; and as to the new way found to Dungannon. Proceeds:— If we can build a fort there and a passage across the river I doubt not but by this time twelvemonths you might go as safe between Dublin and Dungannon as between Cockington and Plymouth, and that you should not hear of one inhabitant in all Tyrone in rebellion." Describes cutting a way through woods to Dungannon. Proceeds:— "If you had seen us all cutting down trees and carrying them away on our backs (and yet Captain Cutter fains sometimes to answer the alarm with his bill hooks) you would have said that we deserve our hire." I do not know whether we will have weather and means to build this fort; but if we do I am sure it will cut the traitor's throat. They are so confident in the approach of the Spaniards and in their love for O'Neale that we can defeat them only by cutting them asunder by force and these garrisons, which the State must see thoroughly provided all this winter. I think we should leave most of the army in garrisons hereabouts this winter. You must second our letters with yours for victuals, tools and munition to keep the garrisons active in the winter; "for by all other wise men in Ireland this country was never before now discovered unto men; for believe me it is one of the quietest [?] countries in the world; and I do think Ulster may easily be made one of the quietest countries in Ireland. And till it be so reduced, and the name of O'Neale, or Earl of Tyrone, utterly suppressed, never look for a sound peace in Ireland, but such a one as will in every year be in danger to break out, more to the Queen's charge than ever it did." We are now spoiling Art McBaron's country, and yesterday I sent out Sir Henry Davers to burn the houses with 200 or 300 foot and forty horse, "tho' it be of extreme fastness." On his return he was saluted with some 300 horse and all Tyrone's force; but we brought him off with some seconds and swinged [?] the rebels into their fastness. We cut corn and burn houses even in their fastness. We have lost few or no English (killed) except Dr. Latware. We have no sickness amongst us thank God, only Turlogh McHenry's men die, as they say, of eating of biscuit. He is most eager in the Queen's service, cutting down corn with his own hands and falling out with all that would do more than he. We came here to get supplies, for we are now at our last day's beef, and to give our horses some grass, for "we made them fare hard with lying so high as we did." This is not the time to take cows, but we keep them so close that some of them must starve, especially next winter. If we had not spoiled his corn O'Neale would have been able next year to have kept more bonnaughs than even we could have done and would, I think, have been able to feed the Spaniards too. I hope yet to get the traitor's head, but that cannot be till he be going down more headlong, which I hope will be shortly.

Proceeds on necessity of victualling the garrisons; otherwise must draw back to the Pale. . . . I can say nothing of the Spaniards; but if they come we must do our best.

Pp. 3. (Hol.) Endd. in same hand as the endorsements on letters to Secretary Cecil "The Lord Deputy to my Master.

Received 16 Aug." S.P. Ireland 209, 7.

The Lord Deputy to Secretary Cecil. [8 Aug.] Mountmorris.

Yours of the 25th July I received August 4 being in camp near the place where the Marshal Bagnoll was slain. I believe the President of Munster's reports as to the coming of the Spaniard are correct (if for no other reason) because the people here have suddenly changed from humbly begging of peace to great pride and confidence. The Arch-traitor himself has more fighting men in his army than we have. Nevertheless we omit nothing of our purposes and, since our coming here have "made that a fair way to Blackwater which the marshal shunned when he was overthrown and every day cut down either his woods or his corn in his sight only with some slight sckirmadges; in all which, God be thanked, we cannot say we have had one disaster hitherto, but in all he loseth some of his best men." Whether her Majesty's forces are unwisely distributed or not I do not know, but the whole brunt of the war falls upon us. We have directed Sir Arthur Chichester in a course which we believe will banish Tyrone if he can go forward in it and find another way into his country. "If we can but build a fort and make a passage over the river we shall make Dungannon a centre whither we can from all points draw together her Majesty's forces and, as I presume, before this winter ends, not leave a man in the country of Tyrone." Whatsoever others have undertaken I beseech you, Sir, to remember that in all my despatches I have declared that the uttermost we could do this summer was to plant garrisons, which would take effect next winter and that it was essential that we should be supplied with means and victuals. I have been so occupied in "as busy a war as any is in the world" that I commissioned members of the Council in Dublin to keep you informed of the state of affairs and let you know of our "remayne" and what we should want; but without means and victuals all her Majesty's other expenditure will be in vain. I am very busy, and sometimes these rogues compel us to keep watch all night, but in short, I may say that "I see a fair way to make Ulster one of the most quiet, assured and profitablest provinces if the Spaniards no not come."

If, however, they do come, we shall wait to see their purpose "for to provide for all places that carry equal probabilities of their undertaking, that we cannot, neither can I put myself into any part of Ireland with my chief strength but I may happen to be as far from their descent as I shall be where I am." I am not at the head of a great army, but of some 1,600 fighting men, of whom there are not half Englishmen; and, upon the notice of Spanish succours I do know few Irishmen "that I can reckon ours." With this army I must make my retreat, though I resolved to leave most of it in garrisons here through the winter. In my opinion our best course is to continue our policy of "garrisons against Tyrone," and, if the Spaniards come, to make head against them chiefly by means out of England. "And if we do but ruin and waste the traitors this winter it will be impossible for the Spaniards to make this people live; by which course I presume it is in her Majesty's power to give the King of Spain a great blow and to quiet this country for ever. If the Queen's army prove to be weak the fault is not mine; but the Muster-Master's. I wish we had 1,000 supplies of shot at the Newry and hope you will send some to supply the garrisons for the winter. My present troops are exhausted with long service. If Sir Henry Dockwra do not plant Ballyshannon I think it well that Sir Arthur Chichester had a thousand men off his list, whom I hope we would find means to plant within four or five miles of Dungannon, and by boats victual them commodiously. I have great hopes of that plantation, but, till I hear from you again, I will take no men from Lough Foyle. I am vexed at the Lord President saying that Sir Henry Dockwra has had more preference in the choice of captains than he [details]; but bear this, as other things for the Queen's service, with patience. Loyal expressions. I will so behave that all honest men shall be witnesses of my service to her Majesty. We have rid the President of Munster of one of the rebels most likely to renew the rebellion. For, at the night I received your last, the rogue poured 4,000 horse [?] into our camp; and we were so fortunate as to kill Piers Lacy and other principal men. We pray for a good wind for we are at our last day's bread. If it comes we shall not be idle.

P.S.—Details as to recommendation of officers going into England. "I mean not to make the wars my occupation, and do affect as much to have a great many followers as to be troubled with a kennel of hounds; but I wish to have the Queen well served," and unhappy is that general who must fight with weapons of other men's choosing.

Pp. 3½. Signed. Underwritten: "From the camp near Mountnorreys, 8th August, 1601, whither we are lately come to put up some store of victual to Armagh and Blackwater if we had them [?]." Endd.: Received 16 Aug. S.P. Ireland 209, 8.

The Lord Deputy to Sir George Carey, Treasurer at Wars. [8 Aug.] Camp near Mountnorris.

I got, by Birmingham, yours of 31st July on the 4th, and others of Sir Geoffrey Fenton. No victuals arrive, I suppose on account of the northerly wind. Pray send them to us, for, if we have supplies we shall destroy the rebels' sources of supply and weary them in the end. The "brute" [bruit] of the Spaniards coming keeps the Irish with [O'Neile] "so as none will undertake to perform upon him what I was once in good hope to have procured." We have only nine days' bread and cannot keep the field without supplies; and want as much bread, salt and other victuals as you can send.

I should be very grateful if you would send us some deal boards by the Newry for we want them to make a passage over another place on the Blackwater, and for the fort there if we have good weather. I am glad you remember to send Neale O'Quin's pledges, Cormock's son, and all things else for which I have formerly written.

P.S.—Meal sent in small barrells, so that a "carriage garon" could bear two of them, would be very useful.

P. 1½. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 9.

The Lord Deputy and Council to the English Privy Council. (fn. 6) [9 Aug.] Camp near Mountnorris.

Our efforts are devoted to forming garrisons for the winter and to spoiling the rebels' corn. Without corn "they have no other means to keep their bonnaghts, which are their hired soldiers, and this course since our last despatch . . . we have so earnestly . . . . applied (fn. 7) as that we have destroyed an incredible amount of corn." "If our means will serve to keep us together till their harvest be past we make no doubt but we shall utterly break and undo them; for though they have that abundance of corn that it is impossible for us to cut it all, yet, by being hereabouts, we shall give opportunity to the garrisons to gather in a good part which will stand them in great stead." We had hoped much to spoil the corn about Dungannon which is Tyrone's own corn, (though it was very small in quantity compared with what we have spoiled here, which belongs to him and his relatives) "but we find the ways thither to be of our side of so extreme difficulty" as that the enterprise was not worth the risk, especially as Sir Henry Docwra wrote that, through want of match, he was not able to come to meet us as he had in some sort promised. We did not much regret this, "since by that means the rebel was cut off from an opportunity, either upon his party or ours, to fling the dice again for the recovery of his fortune, and that upon no unequal hazard, considering the disadvantage of our way and the infinite number of our carriages. For though our several forces be so disposed as he is driven to divide his to answer both, yet we see by experience that he is able upon a sudden to draw all the North together and at such a time, and to such a purpose, set up his rest upon either of us, which neither with care nor industry can possibly prevent." In ranging through the country we have, however, discovered a new way unto Dungannon which no man heretofore could tell of and, by the cutting of one very broad "pace" through a thick wood, which we performed in two days, we came to a river within four miles of Dungannon, from whence there is a "plain open hard way" thither. If the weather and our means enable us to make a small fort there and a passage over by boat or bridge "we dare assure your lordships that we will cut the arch-traitor's throat" and drive him out of the country; "for though the love of this people to the name of O'Neale be such as for reward they cannot yet be drawn to practise anything against his person, especially so long as they have any hope of assistance from Spain" which, he has convinced them, is coming or come; "yet when they see us so well provided for by the coming of our supplies . . . . as we shall be able to go thorough (fn. 8) to prosecute them most when they think they can no longer keep the field, they will apparently discern their own confusion if they should offer to hold out any longer." The corn which we have destroyed, besides feeding their bonnaghts, would have fed many Spaniards, had they come.

The opening of the new way to Dungannon lays open the principal fastness for their cattle. And though we have not taken many of their cows this summer "yet have we made them keep them close together in such woods and places of strength as they were wont to reserve for them in winter and caused them to eat the very corn they have sowed in their fastness"; so that if they must keep them there in coming winter, both their cattle and themselves will starve.

To avoid starvation they must sally forth and then our garrisons will get them. For this purpose we must have the 1,000 shot for which we asked, and victuals, tools and munition. We send the last number of our own army and a note of Shane McDonell Groome, who was lately marshal to O'Neile,—a note confirmed by others. When we spoiled Shane's corn (valued at 2,000l.) he asked to be received into mercy, to which we agreed, that others might not think their case desperate. We have seen forces of them larger than the whole of ours, and last night they poured 2,000 or 3,000 of shot into our camp, and would have forced it if possible. The figures show how much we need reinforcements, and at least half our force is Irish who cannot be trusted if the Spaniards come. A note signed by me and the Master of the Ordnance will show how much munition and tools we want. It will be delivered to the Clerk of the Munitions who will attend and solicit it with your lordships. Pray attend to it and send him back soon, and pay his charges. It was owing to the delays in his last coming over that we lost a great part of the summer. We have cut their corn and burnt their houses even in their fastness. In all our engagements we have been successful and left no English but Dr. Latewar at the skirmish at Benburb, where we hear that the rebels' loss was heavy. We have no great sickness in the army. If supplies do not come before winter we must fall back and live on the Pale and lose all the results of this summer's success. Pray allow the captains for their broken arms and see that the next arms and tools which come are better made. The last by breaking did more harm to us than did the rebels for five or six men lost their hands in this way [by muskets bursting] within the last six days. We need match more than powder or lead, for much match is spent in keeping the watches.

P.S.—Details as to supply and use of powder.

Pp. 2½. Signed by the Lord Deputy, Sir Richard Wingfield and Sir George Bourchier. Add. Endd.: Received 16 August. S.P. Ireland 209, 10; Enclosing:—

A. Return shewing the number of soldiers now actually in the field with the Lord Deputy:—

This does not include officers sick or wounded, but the effective fighting force. In many companies too, there are warders allowed by warrant which in these musters are to be allowed for.

Officers' servants are not shewn in this list, but are allowed for when present at the musters.

Two copies. Each p. 1; signed, Baptist Johnes, Commissary for the Army. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 10A & B.

3. List of the Captains who attend Tyrone. (fn. 10)

This does not include O'Cane, O'Donnell and the other Ulster lords but only such as attend the arch-traitor in Tyrone.

All of these have separate means of support in Tyrone's lands; and many of them have other forces which they maintain on their own lands.

This note was delivered by Shane McDonnell Groome, late Marshal to Tyrone, who (by reason of his place) had the raising of all these companies.

P. 1½. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 10c.

The Lord Deputy to Secretary Cecil. [9 Aug.] Camp near Mountnorris.

Sending a proposition as to what provision should be sent from England if the Spaniards come in the strength which they will bring if they land at all.

P. ½. Enclosure missing. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 11.

Same to Same. Same.

I send letters from the King of Spain and others there to the principal rebels here. They were brought to me by one that had served Tyrone's secretary. Everyone here knows that the rebels here have had munition and money to keep them in heart from Spain; which are better evidence of her love than these letters, which are of old date, can be.

P. ²/3. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 12.

Sir Richard Graeme to Secretary Cecil. [9 Aug.] From the camp [near Mountnorris].

There was a fight at Benburb before I came here, where we lost in killed and wounded about 60. Ferdorogh McArt O'Hagan was reported slain on the Irish side "but yet recovered" and many others were hurt and slain. Since then they gave a bravado in the night; and they lost Pierce Lacy, McGilespicke, a captain of Tyrone's, and nine more. There is a report that the Spaniards have landed at Callangebegg [Killybegs] in O'Donell's country and that Tyrone is gone to meet them. The Lord Deputy has taken the Blackwater and fortified there and went from thence to Shane McDonnellaughe's land, and then in succession to the countries of Terlagh Brislaugh [and] Art McBaron, in all of which places he destroyed great quantities of corn. He is now in camp in O'Hanlon's country close to Mountnorris. He has not 1,600 men, and Tyrone is stronger than we thought.

P.S.—Two Spanish ships have landed at Killaloe [Killala] between Mayo and Sligo, but probably only contain money and and munitions.

P. ²/3. Signed. Attaching:—

List of Tyrone's forces.

Similar to that calendared above. Notes that in the whole of Tyrone's forces there are not above 200 strangers. All the others have means in Tyrone's country except these 200, who have their means upon Clandeboye and O'Hanlon.

In all pp. 2¼. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 13.

Sir George Carew, President of Munster, to the English Privy Council. [9 Aug.] Cork.

See Cal. of S P. Carew, 1601–3, pp. 120–121.

P. ²/3. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid,, 14.

List, drawn up by Sir Rafe [Ralph] Lane, of Her Majesty's Army in Ireland as it stood in Her Majesty's pay on 10 August, 1601. [9 Aug.]

This list gives the daily pay of all the officers (fn. 11) in each of the following classes:—

1. Officers General:—

Lord Mountjoy, Lord Deputy, with his band of horse, 50 foot and 1,000l. in lieu of cess.

The Earl of Ormond, Lieutenant of the army; Sir George Cary, Treasurer at Wars; Sir Richard Wingfield, Marshal, with 30 horse without check.

Sir Oliver Lambert, Sergt. Major; Sir George Bourchier, Master of the Ordnance, with clerks, gunners and ministers.

Sir Ralph Lane, Muster Master General; George Beverley, Esq., Comptroller of the Victuals; five Commissaries of the Victuals and fourteen Colonels.

Captain Henry Croftes, Scoutmaster, and Owen Aphugh, Provost Marshal.

Total per day—30l. 19s. 1¾d.

2. Officers, Provincial:—

Munster:—Sir George Carew, Kt., President of Munster, with a retinue of 30 horse and 20 foot; Sir George Thornton, Provost Marshal.

Connaught:—Sir John Barkeley, Commander of the Forces in Connaught; Captain Edmund Wenman, Provost Marshal.

Lough Foyle:—Sir Henry Docwra, Commander at Lough Foyle; George Man, Provost Marshal.

Leinster:—Sir Henry Power, Lieutenant of the Queen's Co.; Robert Bowen, Provost Marshal.

Total per day—6l. 1s. 2¾d.

3. Wardens in the provinces:—

Leinster.

Dublin:—Tristram Eccleston, Constable of the Castle and ten men.

Maryborough:—Philip Harvey (C), (fn. 12) a porter and sixteen warders.

Philipstown:—Sir Edward Moore (C), and twelve warders.

Laughlin bridge:—Sir George Carew (C), and twenty footmen.

Ferns:—Sir Richard Masterson (C), and ten men; also ten at Wexford.

Carlow:—William Hartpole (C), and ten men.

Duncannon:—Sir John Brockett (C), a lieutenant, canonier and thirty warders.

Total for Leinster per day—3l. 11s. 10d.

Ulster.

Sir John Talbot for certain castles in co. Louth; Katherine Butler for Cloughwoghter and Ballincargy.

Carrickfergus:—Charles Egerton (C), and 20 warders.

Castle of Carrickfergus:—John Dalway (C), and 20 warders.

Nicholas Fitzsymon for Kilcliffe and ten warders.

Total for Ulster per day—2l. 5s. 0d.

Munster.

Dungarvan:—Sir George Carey (C), a porter and 20 warders.

Castle Maigne:—Sir Charles Wilmot (C), 4 horse and 14 foot.

Limerick:—Sir Francis Barkley (C), and a porter.

Total for Munster per day—1l. 9s. 9d.

Connaught.

Athlone:—George Finch (C), and twenty footmen 10s. 11d.

Total for warders in Ireland per day—7l. 17s. 6½d.

4: Horsemen in list.

At 18d. a day per man:—

The Lord Deputy 100, President of Munster 100, Sir Henry Davers 50, Sir Henry Docwra 50, Sir Arthur Chichester 25, Sir Richard Wingfield 20, Capt. John Jephson 30.

At 15d. a day each man:—

Sir John Bolles, Sir Anthony Cooke and Sir Francis Stafford—each 50.

At 12d. a day each man:—

Sir Henry Davers 50, Sir Henry Docwra 25, Sir Richard Wingfield 30, Captain John Jephson 70; the Earls of Ormond, Kildare and Clanricarde, Lord Dunsany, Sir Samuel Bagnall, Sir Richard Graeme and Captain William Taaffe, each 50; Sir Garrott Moore, Sir Christopher St. Lawrence, Sir Henry Harington, Sir Oliver Lambert, Sir William Warren, Captain Garrett Fleming and Captain George Darsey, each 25; Sir Edward Herbert 12; Captain Weynman, Provost Marshal of Connaught, 10; Captain Robert Piggott 10; Sir John Barkeley 12, and Captain H. Crofts (Scoutmaster) 6.

Total for horse per day—3l. 19s. 3d.

5. Footmen in list:—

At Lough Foyle or Carrickfergus, 150 men under each of the following captains:—Sir Henry Docwra, Sir Matthew (?) Morgan, Thos. Badby, Sir John Bolles, John Vaughan, Ralph Bingley, Ellis Lloyd, Lewis Orrell, Paul Jones, and (at Carrickfergus) Sir Fulke Conway.

200 (at Carrickfergus) under Sir Arthur Chichester.

100 under each of the following captains:—Anthony Errington, John Vaughan, Thomas Cooch, Edward Bassett, Adam Dutton, Roger Orme, Lancelot Alford, Humphrey Willis, William Stafford, Nicholas Pyman, William Winezsor, Ralph Sedley, Roger Atkinson, Edward Digges, Basill Brooke, Edmond Legh and John Sydney, and (at Carrickfergus) Captains Sackford, Gregory Norton, Thos. Phillips and Roger Billings.

Total foot at Loughfoyle 2,900 and at Carrickfergus 750. (fn. 13)

The following are attending the Lord Deputy or are garrisoned in several places in Leinster :—

200 men under each of the following :—The Lord Deputy, Sir Oliver St. John and Sir Francis Stafford.

150 men under each of the following :—Sir Henry Davers, Sir Samuel Bagnall, Captains Edward Blayney, Henry Atherton, and Josias Bodley; Sir Richard Moryson, Captains Tobias Caulfield, Lawrence Esmond, Thomas Williams, Lord Delvin, the Earl of Kildare, Sir Christopher St. Lawrence, Mr. Marshall, Sir Oliver Lambert, Sir Henry ffoliott, Sir Francis Ruishee, James Fitzpierse, the Earl of Ormond, Lord Dunsany, Captain Lionel Guest, Sir Henry Power, Captains Thomas Roper and Thomas Rotherhan.

100 men under each of the following :—Captains Edward Trevor, Richard Hansard, Ferdinando Frekleton, Francis Roe, Sir Garott Moore, Sir Henry Warren, Sir William Warren, Sir Francis Shaen, Sir George Bourchier, Captains Mulrony O'Carroll, John Maisterson, Sir Thomas Loftus, Sir Henry Harington, Captain Hugh O'Reily, Sir Edward Herbert, Captain Constable, Sir William Fortescue and Tirlough McHenry.

Total—5,800.

In Connaught:—

200 men under Sir John Barkeley.

150 men under each of the following :— The Earl of Clanricarde, Sir Arthur Savage, Captain Henry Clare, Sir Thomas Banks, Captain Henry Malby, the Lord President, the Earl of Thomond, Lord Audley, Captain Roger Harvy, Sir Charles Wilmot, Captain Thomas Spencer, Sir Richard Percy, Sir Jarrard Harvy.

100 men under each of the following :—Sir Theobald Dillon, Captains Theobald Neling, Thomas Bourke, the—— (who received from the late Earl of Clanricarde), Mr. Treasurer, Sir Francis Barkeley, Captain George Flower, Captains John Bostock, William Saxey, Nuce, George Blountt, George Kingsmill, Sir John Dowdall, Captain Gerald Dillon, the Lord Barry, Sir Jarrard Harvy, Captain William Power, the Earl of Desmond.

Total—2,600.

In addition to these there are certain companies of horse and foot of Irish birth, which have been "erected" by her Majesty's special letters, vizt.:—

These Irish soldiers increase the monthly expense of 13,823l. 3s. 9d. to 14,498l 9s. 1d.

This list includes only payment of salaries and not payment for apparel.

Extraordinary charges [details] are not given in this list. They vary, and are not mentioned in any late erections of Irish companies made by the Lord Deputy since he went on his northern journey.

P. 11. Signed by Sir Ralph Lane. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 15.

Sir George Carey to Secretary Cecil. [10 Aug.] Dublin.

Details. The rebels have great hope of the Spaniards "who if they were at sea [?] I am in good hope that the late north-east wind . . . hath sent most of them to the devill by this time." I have sent an account of the munitions issued and of what remains, showing that very little is now left over; and I hope fresh supplies will be sent.

I have, according to your directions, sent off 40,000 weight of biscuit to his lordship [Lord Mountjoy] and will within three days ship off 60,000 weight more. This will serve him in bread till the last of September. We have enough corn and meat left to make 30,000 more. I have written to his lordship that as he is not going to fight the arch-traitor, but to sit down by him, we shall send him all the help we can. We have lately received plenty of butter and 120 bags of rice. I told his lordship there is no returning without dishonour unless this arch-traitor is pulled down. Pray send supplies for the winter. Poor Captain Esmond and forty more of our men were slain as my Lord of Dunsany [?] writes, who hardly escaped. They made a journey into McMahon's country, took 1,400 cows, and were set upon by 700 rebels in a pass on their return, and our soldiers were but 400. This will grieve the Lord Deputy and rejoice the rebels.

P. 1½. (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 16.

Enclosing:—

Statement shewing the remains of munitions and arms in the store of Dublin on 6 August, 1601 :—

Common powder 79 barrells, of which nineteen are owing to the citizens.

P. ²/3. Endd. Ibid, 16A.

Sir Henry Docwra to the English Privy Council. [10 Aug.] Derry.

At the time when Captain Covert, the last messenger, left here, I received letters from the Lord Deputy asking me to meet him about the pace at Blackwater. I have long prepared to be able to do this and preserve what was necessary to enable me to do it; for when I lately told the Clerk of the Ordnance to load up his munition, intending a journey upon O'Cane, I suddenly discovered that we had only match for one week. Thereupon, seeing the difficulty of replenishing my store of this and the possibility of a foreign power's arriving, I thought it best to defer my journey, and reserve myself for the meeting with my lord. When preparing to do this I found I had really but 6 barrells of match; and as I had to leave 2 barrells here and knew I should have to skirmish with O'Donnell, O'Cane, Maguire and Cormock McBaron all the way to Blackwater, I thought it best not to start. My chief captains agreed. I wrote to the Lord Deputy saying that if I could be supplied with match on joining him I would start, even slenderly provided as I was; but receiving no assurance from him, and having in view the importance of planting Ballyshannon (which could never be so easily done as now when O'Donnell was drawn towards Connaught by the alarm of the army coming that way) I sent off Neale Garve with his own men and 400 English to Donegal. They occupied it before their departure was known even at the Derry.

I did not go myself or send a large force because there would have been difficulty about victualling such a force. I have sent a ship with victuals there, as you will see by enclosed, and the Tremontane is still guarding these coasts and was seen chasing a small Spanish ship, but we know not with what result. There is a report that a fleet of Spaniards is at hand. If so I hope that the late north east wind, which was very cruel for three days, has dispersed them. If they come at all, extraordinary steps must be taken to defend these parts, for there is no place of the like importance to turn upside down the whole of her Majesty's proceedings. In case they come Culmore should be fortified against them, and it can be done without great expense if we have not only men but other necessities for which I could at the proper time lay an estimate before your lordships. My reasons for advocating this fortification is that we cannot, as we are, hold out either against Spaniards or Scots (whom I think very dangerous neighbours) if they come with artillery, as they easily may. Moreover the Irish, even in the next generation will do everything they can to expel us, and are always treacherous.

I have told you about Mac Swynado, how, after his pledges were let go by the marshal, [and] he got from her Majesty some bands of men in pay, then allowed himself, willingly or not, to be "preyed" by O'Donell, and then, on a colourable excuse of following his goods, betook himself "to his old state of a perfidious rebel." I twice preyed the other McSwyne, (Fannaght,) and twice restored what I had taken and might have kept, in order to gain him by kindness, taking six pledges who were reported to be "the very Parliament or state and body of his whole country." But shortly after, when I drew towards the Liffer [Lifford], and it was thought that I was going to join the Lord Deputy, he drew a "platt" [plot] on Captain Bingley, took out 40 of his men under pretence of taking a prey from Mac Swynado, and, having them abroad ten mile from here, fell upon them as traitors, drove them to a church for safety, and carried away the cattle, people and goods of the whole country. Before we could relieve those in the church, who sent for help, they basely surrendered (they say for fear of a piece of artillery) and are now kept by McSwyne in the hope to have his pledges set at liberty. I shall not release them but "keep them to be martyred with such a degree of punishment as may worthily give an example and terror to all such traitors." I should do no less to the ensign who surrendered if he were in my hands, that so cowardly and basely gave his throat to be cut, wanting neither munition nor victuals for 24 hours space at large. The rescuers came up three hours afterwards, only to hear of the base surrender.

I sent the forces to Donegal at the very instant of this prank, and as soon as he heard of it, MacSwyne began to make his apology ; but I rejected it; and, when my other tasks are done, shall I believe be able to revenge myself "upon the whole generation." They cannot now get away, as they hoped to have done by Ballyshannon until I occupied Donegal.

I sent away Neale Garve to Donegal at an hour's warning, in order that his journey might be secret and with no supplies whatever but only the men's bare arms. Next day I sent 100 beeves, and carriages with munition after them. I sent Captain Willis with 300 English to convey them, and told off Cormock O'Neale's Irish to drive the cows. They refused to march, however, without money and victuals, though they had the same measure of bread as is served out to our own men. They persevered in this refusal for five hours after Cormock himself had drawn out. Thus he was only able to get together seven men out of 200. I then took a guard of 700 soldiers and fell upon them as traitors and hanged two of them over the gates of their fort at Strabane, and "though not intending it yet, I must confess, not greatly forbidding it, suffered the soldiers to kill one and hurt about four more." They were then terrorised and yielded; but a few days later thirty more gave us the slip and joined the rebels.

From all these matters I conclude that the Irish have a general plan to betray us if ever they find us at a disadvantage; and that Hugh boy and those of Inishowen would revolt if they could (they are now very much in our power). I have considered the case of Neale Garve, and, though I cannot see into his heart, believe that he is the most ready and able of all [the Irish here] to do the Queen service, "in both which points, I must give him his right, he far excelleth all other of his nation." I have given him money and horses, and when he asked for victual, gave him 4d. a day. I believe the revolt of Cormock O'Neale's men was against his will, though he has indeed done nothing to justify the charge to which he has put her Majesty; but, in fine, I find him simple, aspiring no further but to live at ease, gathering together by an underhand contribution in the country, and then resting himself as having gained a sufficient purchase, "neither remembering what he ought nor endeavouring what he may do more."

I have therefore divided his 200 horse and 50 foot as follows :

To Terlagh Maguilson (" a man that, of all the Irish without exception in the nature of a wasting kerne, hath absolutely done the best service and discovered most of his countrymen's lewdness") I have given 50 foot and lodged him at the Newtown.

To Art McHugh Mergoh, who seems " a man of best carriage" amongst them (and has been expelled by his own people) I have given 50 foot and lodged him at the Omy [Omagh].

To Cormock himself I yet leave 100 foot and lodge him in the heart of O'Cane's country.

I cast the horse, who were inefficient, and have taken pledges of all of them "upon this condition to hang them if he for whom the several pledge lyith waste not the country about him for at least twelve miles compass, or take any manner contribution whatever from churl or other." I think this will be an effective way of wasting the country. These people must be treated with "a hand equally tempered with honey and gall."

You will see by musters what is the strength of our army ; and I will try to make independent reckonings as to it. I desire that an exchange be established in this place so that we may be frequented with merchants as we have formerly been, or else that steps be taken for sending over beer, which we much need. We have had no food for three months but meal and the cattle which we have taken. We should have biscuit and some part of the soldiers' pay should be given them in victual; but we should have done much better if merchants had continued their trade, which we hoped they would have done. I hear the treasure is drawing low, and make bold to ask for a supply because I think it a benefit to her Majesty to issue it. I have noticed that of all that which is come to his place there is not returned by bills of exchange above 500l. at the most. To pay the Irish usually in money is easy and profitable.

I want, lastly, men. I have sent 250 more to Donegal that they may possess themselves of the abbey of Asheroe. If this is done, the planting of Ballyshannon is in a manner effected at a small charge, for I shall no sooner send about the cannon but, by the commodiousness of the Abbey, got unbroken, I undertake in three days to take the castle. I could not send it yet, on account of a broken axle-tree and because I did not know what would become of their Spanish preparations.

I must send more men there till I have made up their list to 1,000 foot and 50 horse. With less they will do little good. With these I doubt not but the whole country of Tyrconnell is gained. The 50 horse must not (I beg) be taken out of my list.

P.S.—(Hol.) 12 Aug.—I hear from Neale Garve that the Tremontane has chased the Spanish ship ashore at Sligo where 40 men got ashore ; but under the guard of O'Donell's people who, they say, have made a small fort there.

In all pp. 8¼. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 17. Enclosing :—

Note of such things as were shipped into the Nightingale to be transported to Donegal on Aug. 6th, 1601.

Gives a detailed account of the amount of supplies such as bacon, "Newlande fish," hogsheads of meal ; and of munitions, such as common powder, rolls of match and of tools of all kinds and bedding, which were sent to Donegal. Mentions also as having been sent:

20 caliver moulds.

10 melting ladles.

An iron beam with wooden scales and weights.

Besides all these 70 cows were sent by land with Neale Garve. These were bought at Lifford with ready money at 16s. apiece. Accordingly they are to be issued out to the soldiers and the officers must account for them. And 500l.has been delivered in money by Mr. Ford, to be paid out as follows:

Every English company shall be paid in money unless the captain think otherwise, and that they should have some "drinking money or half lendings." If the county affords purchaseable supplies you may use your discretion in the matter.

If possible, pay the Irish in money only, or part in money only, or part in money and part in victual. Never exceed 4d. a day. Make no allowance for officers, and in this dangerous time offend the men as little as possible. The English officers to be paid wholly in money unless they want victual out of the store.

In all p ²/3. To which is attached:—

Brief of the army as mustered 26 July, 1601, in the various garrisons.

The foot are 3,000 of whom 2,120 are effective. There are 363 sick, 60 preachers and canoniers, 180 dead-pays and 277 deficit.

The horse are 700.

P. ²/3 (small). Examined and signed 7 Aug., 1601, by Anth. Reynolds.

In all p. 4. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 17A.

Sir Henry Docwra to Lord Buckhurst, Lord High Treasurer of England. [10 Aug.] Derry.

I am grateful for your praise and have done my best and shall so continue till the work is finished. I have not had time to attend to the setting up of storehouses as some say I should have done, or enough labourers for the work. Much timber to be used for them was embezzled, but I have completed two in good order. A third was to be set up at Ballyshannon as your lordship required. I delayed sending round the materials till provisions which were to go there with them arrived. As these did not arrive I had the timbers put ashore to avoid further delay, and put together here ; where they now lie, not set up but not dismemberable. The soldiers are busy at the wharf which is only 60 feet long; and we have to send for wood for it. The two storehouses sent from Chester were incomplete, and I had to supply what they required here. Pray send reinforcements for Donegal, and supplies. It will then be a "present breakneck" for one arch-rebel to help to ruin the other. I hope that the abbey of Asherowe and all Tyrconnell will be gained for her Majesty. The rebels have lately burst forth in a few places and [occupied] a few forts, but we shall easily take them if they have not already given them up of themselves.

P. 1²/3. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 18.

Note of Ordnance. [10 Aug.] At the Derry in Lough Foyle.

Received by Ralph Shakerly, clerk of the Ordnance, in the George of Chester, from Robert Johnes, purser of the ship :—

Much other match was sent, but was rotten or wet.

P. ½. Signed by Shakerly. Endd. with note (in Docwra's hand) that the match is often wet and the powder deficient. S.P. Ireland 209, 19.

Sir Francis Shane to Sir Geoffrey Fenton. Latest date [11 Aug.]

Since my last, news has come from Ross O'Ferall of 500 Spaniards arriving in the north; but, finding the rebels weak and that many of them had submitted, they took sea. They set ashore some of their people to learn the state of the country and take them aboard again. One whom I employed in O'Connor Roe's country told me to-day that ships were seen in the Connaught sea. They are said to be English and I hope so. Tyrrell's forces are in Montereolis [co. Leitrim] and upon Sir John Barkley's departure, I know they will attempt to pass southward, which is to be prevented by sending more forces. I think fit my Lord of Kildare should lie at Durrow [?]. This would serve to stay the enemy. My Lord of Delvin, as I am told, would seem to lay the charge of stopping Tyrrell on Sir Tibot Dillon and me with our companies, and lie himself with his 100 [?] and Sir Richard Fitzgerrot's companies at Fenae [Finae]. I will take no such desperate charge on myself, but will be as forward as the best. Tyrrell cannot pass at Fenae which twenty men will keep if 500 offer to pass. Pray attend to these business[es], which require haste. The Earl of Clanrickard is at Elphin with all his forces. Greetings. From Loughrea, 11 August.

Since writing the above I have news from Sir John Barkley that only one Spanish carvel was sent with a Bishop to see how the rebels stood affected to the King. His army, being ready for Ireland, was diverted by a device of Hugh Duff O'Donel, now with Sir Henry Dockwra.

Lord Clanricarde is fronted by O'Donel himself, O'Rorke and the rest of the Connaught rebels. Tyrrell was afoot on Monday to pass for Leinster and being come to Bellaleag (fn. 14) [Ballyleague, co. Rosc.], O'Donel sent for him back, intending to offer battle to the Earl [of Clanricarde]. Sir John Barkley has written to my Lord of Kildare and Lord Delvin to come as far as Heroghboy [Curraghboy ?], Macoghlan is [his] house, next Thursday when he and they will confer as to how to second that army which Sir John's spies do affirm to be engaged very much. He has requested them, if they will not countenance the action with their own presence, at least to send part of their forces to him. He [will] endeavour to assist them the best he can. I have again written to Lord Delvin urging him to come with his foot company to those borders where Tyrrell means to pass, but know that my letter will prevail as much [i.e. as little] as myself. If Sir John did not by his stay at Ballymore [?] check Tyrrell he would pass at his pleasure for [i.e. in spite of] any other interruption. Sir John and I lay out yesternight upon the passages, but Tyrrell was called back by O'Donnell. Neil Garrow O'Donell is at Donegal and Sir Henry Docwra is planting garrisons there. I sent orders from the Council for the enlarging of Christopher Magawle [?] to the sheriff at Lord Delvin's request. I would he were as well known to them there as to us here. Many treasons will be proved against him since my lord's word to him. If there were nothing against him but the late breaking of the Queen's jail it might suffice. Pray move the Council to refer for consideration, before he is enlarged, the question whether he has not lost the benefit of my lord's word since it was given, which proved, my lord told me [?] hisself he could be satisfied it were pity if he should be enlarged, especially as he [Magawle] offered his service to Tyrrell if he came up.

Pp. 3. Small (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 20.

Sir George Carew to Secretary Cecil. [12 Aug.] Cork.

Recommends Christopher Bankes, Lieutenant to Sir Anthony Cooke for his horse troop, who is going to England for special causes. He has served well, and is as good a soldier as any in the army.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 21.

Sir Edward Fisher to the Same. [12 Aug.] Bristol.

I am just leaving for Ireland with my company. Pray give me a letter of favour to the Lord Deputy. I have served the Queen in Ireland since the wars there began, and was cast only for want of favour as his letter [enclosed] testifies. [Details.] I now ask that by your influence I may be "held in" so long as I deserve the same.

P. ²/3. (Hol.) Add. Endd. Ibid, 22. Enclosing:—

The Lord Deputy to Captain Fisher.

I regret to have to cast your company and only do so because of the Queen's orders to reduce the list, not because of any insufficiency on your part. Her Majesty is displeased that I have not taken this step before ; but I was unwilling to discharge any of you in hope I should have been excused. I should willingly have cast some of my own company and of the rest of the companies of 200 if that would have served to keep you standing. If the Queen erects fresh companies I shall be glad to pleasure you before others who are not in this sort disappointed.

P. ½, dated 16 Mar., 1600 [1601]. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 22A.

Declaration shewing the charge to which Her Majesty is at for the garrisons in and about Loughfoyle. [12 Aug.]

This declaration gives the daily, weekly and monthly payments made to the following officers. The payments are made "for the full entertainments of captains [and officers] and dead-pays together with the lendings in money both for horse and foot over and above the victuals by them received according to the late establishments." It also contains the "entertainment of several chief officers and others belonging to the said army as particularly hereafter appears."

The following are the items in respect of which payments are shewn:—

Captain and officers of 100 foot, dead-pays, with their companies of 80 strong. These are estimated to amount to 3,000.

Captains, officers, dead-pays and companies of 100 horse.

Governor's pay.

Three colonels, a sergeant major, a provost marshal, two corporals of the field, one carriage master, commissaries of the victuals, comptrollers and commissaries of musters, clerk of the munition, overseer of the long boats, thirty men to row in the four long boats, six carpenters, bakers, 500 Irish foot, 100 Irish horse and extras.

The total charge for all these per month is 2,067l. 7s. 4d.

P. 1. Underwritten: Ex[tracta ?] 12 Aug. per Rich. Lindlie, Jo. Dobb. S.P. Ireland 209, 23.

Sir George Carew to Secretary Cecil. [13 Aug.] Cork.

By mine of the 6th (delayed by winds) I wrote that James Fitzthomas and Florence MaCarthy should be sent to England as prisoners. This is now done by this bearer, Sir Anthony Cooke. Although he is your kinsman and can need no recommendation from me, I recommend him as a faithful servant of the Queen. [Details.] Sir Francis Barkeley wrote to me (his letter was dated the 5th [?] of this month) that two Spanish ships had arrived at Killala in Tirawley about the second of this month; that they are laden with munition and treasure, and that O'Donnell has gone thither to receive it; that 14,000 soldiers for certain are at Lisbon and ready to embark for Munster and Connaught. This he heard from Tibalt [?] ne Longe, who is in camp with them and the Earl of Clanricarde at the abbey of Elphine in Roscommon.

I doubt all this news. I doubt that the two ships have arrived, and that, if they have done so, they will be supported by others; for it is "oppugnant to reason" that if an army is to be sent to Ireland the munition and treasure should be sent unguarded.

Here our last news from Spain is from a merchant of Cork who arrived from Nantes in Brittany a week ago. He could give no definite news, but says there was a rumour that 7,000 troops were ready to embark at Lisbon and for Ireland. If our reinforcements of 2,000 arrive before them I care not how soon they come; for with these I can defend this province against them till further help comes from England; and you will find me a true prophet that those who come will come to their ruin.

Dermond Moyle McCartie has gone to Ulster, on the advice of his brother Florence to draw Ulstermen into Munster to raise a new rebellion. He hopes in this way to get Florence set at liberty for the purpose of quelling the rebellion. Tyrrell, 'the old rebel' is come out of Ulster into Connaught with 500 rogues with a purpose to come for Munster as Sir F. Barkeley writes. Dermond Moyle is trying to hasten their coming, but when my 2,000 supports arrive I will make a shift to withstand them and guard that place which the Spaniards will attempt. If they come into Munster, as I am too weak to detach men from these parts until the coming of the reinforcements be assured, "I shall be shrewdly puslled" and it will disturb the province exceedingly, for these forces and the Spaniards "will carry all the loose vagabonds of Munster unto them." So Tyrrell's coming causes me more anxiety than the alleged invasion from Spain; but, if the 2,000 supports arrive, I am safe.

Of the three gentlemen whom I lately restrained (Dermond McOwen, Teig McCormock and O'Mahon), the first is a gentleman of great land of Florence's surname, his cousin german and married to his cousin german. The second is his cousin and married to his sister. The third is his aunt's son. By these restraints his brother Dermond will want the help he expected.

The county are very willing to contribute to the cost of the earthworks now in making at Cork, but now that the town have been forced to make defences for themselves the Mayor and Corporation are very slow in forwarding them, and have to be forced by threats to do so. Some of them are corrupt at heart and believe that the Spaniards will not harm them if they do come.

I send you now the originals [missing] of sundry letters directed to Florence MacCarthy and some examinations [missing]. I hope the names of the examinates may be kept secret, as, if they become known, their lives may be taken in revenge, which would discourage other revelations later on. The letters sent to him by James McThomas were sent to me by him [James] to disguise his treason, for James confesses to me that at the same time he was shewing to Florence my letters to him [James]. James will swear "damnably" that he was always loyal and only negociated with the rebels so as to obtain their secrets and save his own people from being ruined. He ascribes to himself that he banished the buonies (fn. 15) out of Munster; but the evidence now sent shows his treasonable heart and that he was the last person in Munster who continued "buonies" in pay. I send also the examination of James Fitzthomas, but it is of little value, he "being a dull spirited traitor and understanding no more of his own business than by his counsel was put unto him."

As to the leaders and objects of the rebellion in Munster, I send you the opinions of one Oliver Hussie, a very learned and wise man, and "during the rebellion a great adviser of their actions." I have not imprested one penny to Sir Anthony Cooke for the charges of the prisoners except the freight of the barque. Pray send him a direction as to where he is to bring his prisoners.

Pp. 4. (Hol.) S.P. Ireland 209, 24.

The Lord Chancellor and Privy Councillors in Dublin to the English Privy Council. [13 Aug.] Dublin.

Forwarding a messenger from the Lord Deputy in camp with a note stating what munition is needed for the army.

P. ²/3. Signed by Adam [Loftus], Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor, Sir George Carey and Sir Geoffrey Fenton. Add. Endd. Ibid, 25.

Sir Geoffrey Fenton to Secretary Cecil. Same.

Refers to the messenger referred to in foregoing, who bears also this letter. Proceeds:—The munitions and stores which we have will only sustain a few days' fight either with rebels or foreigners. The Lord Deputy's bold action is likely to develop into a winter war. We must have many garrisons to eat out the arch-traitor and, for this purpose, need much powder. It is very difficult to send stores out [to garrisons] after October, and we should have them before that time; and if we have to replenish the forts lying away from the sea after that time it will occupy many companies, and this is one of the most unfruitful employments of the service. Michaelmas will now come upon us as fast as this messenger can ride post. I pray that an advance consignment may be sent at once and before the rest.

The garrisons in Leinster and Connaught are in want of fresh supplies and from the corporate towns here nothing more can be expected. If the foreign enemy should come (which I believe not) you may think what a condition we shall be in. I know that a great deal of powder has been expended and think that steps should be taken [details] to bring the officers in Ireland to account for what has been used from the beginning of the Earl of Essex' government till last May.

P.S.—It is usual for me, as secretary, to receive and deal with all correspondence in the Lord Deputy's absence and for all letters to be addressed to me ; but, since the Lord Deputy has been away this practice has not been respected, letters having been addressed to others.

P. 1½. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 26.

David [Lord Barry and Viscount] Buttevant to the Same. [13 Aug.] Barry Court.

I have told you how much I suffered in the late rebellion and how "by my only means" the arch-traitor, James Fitzthomas, was brought forth by the White Knight. I therefore pray for a grant of Comichie [Conna] and other the lands of the said James, to which I am entitled and which have been detained from me by strong hand. "For this interest as also for all other your accustomed and daily favours I shall but only rest,

Most ready ever more to do your honour service. David Buttevant."

P. ⅓. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 27.

Articles of Advertisements to be preferred to the right honourable James, Earl of Desmond. (fn. 16) About. same.

Right Honourable,

The love "and most fervent nature which I bear unto your own good self" and to this native soil whereof I am induce me to send you a few instructions as to upholding the war, and to resist the foreign invasion of your adversaries, who work to "cut off yourself, your chieftains and gentlemen of your lives, lands and livings, which God . . . . defend."

1. First what belongs to ecclesiastical and ghostly causes we refer them to the godly fathers and superiors of the Catholic Church, "Nam quid supra nos mihil ad nos." Above all things seek to keep up that rock of the faith and religion.

2. For the wars:—A few days ago a gentleman who holds with her Majesty wrote for aid to resist the northern forces that come to his country. The Council answered (and I myself saw the letters) that there was none to come, and that no aid would be sent till next spring, and that then very few would be sent except to Munster "for that her Majesty does take the insurrection of that place in a more stomack and grief" than all the wars of Ireland besides.

3. To prevent those harms you must keep the country in subjection to yourself and in control, as you know the Queen has gold enough to "imbayte and bribe" your gentlemen and followers who are covetous and greedy as before they used the late Earl. You should therefore leave the most part of them "over their home, houses and family" and appoint and put in upon them old and expert officers and soldiers whereby they may be ready at all times as occasion shall serve; and, moreover, those who receive wages will be bolder than those who have none and are less careful for you to be lost.

3. You shall cause all those officers whom you hire to take "their corporal oaths before the legacy of the church" that they shall be faithful and true to yourself and serve you diligently at all times.

4. You must cause them to be enrolled at certain times that they deceive you not with dead-pays, and turn out to have no companies when the time comes for service. Keep the muster rolls by your secretary or clerk.

5. "You shall not permit . . . . any your l[ord] chieftains nor gent[lemen] to ward any of their castles except it be a strong main house, and therein to keep munition of powder nor lead valuable; for the matter stands not upon the defence of castles but upon standing and upholding the field."

6. Cause your officers and collectors to collect all the powder in the country, wherever it is, into your stores (whereby you may have it if it be needed), except such powder as your noblemen and gentlemen of account have for the "provant" [provision] of their own forces. This will cause the landlords of the castles to fear you and to be unable to stand out against you.

7. You should have an agent or "some honest man of proof and knowledge" always with O'Neill, who is the fountain and original of this insurrection.

The agent will tell O'Neill of your movements and you of his. You should have a couple of trusty messengers, as there are between O'Neill himself and O'Donell and McWilliam when they are asunder. I myself know McOyle's son, O'Neill's foster brother, who is always with O'Donnell from O'Neill in this sort.

8. As soon as you take Kilmallock you should compel those pettifoggers and shiftmakers who delay or prevaricate about joining you to take your part and do as you do, or, if they refuse, deliver their goods to your soldiers for pay and "break their castles that they have no recourse there; otherwise by their policies or spies it may fall out as McSwyne Naduah did deceive O'Donnell but that it was prevented by times" [betimes].

9. "You shall also gather all the old shots and people that were accustomed to make powder, and smiths, pike-makers and artillerers" to make powder and pikes, and give them materials and pay. Place them in a strong town of your own where none shall spoil them as O'Neill does in Dungannon. This will make you independent in the matter of supply of arms, &c.

10. "You shall be very careful and wise (if any forces foreign do come) that you do wage any general battle with them in open or plain field, but always to cut and cross them in the straights, bogs and paces [passes], whence you may easily give them the overthrow without any great hurt of your own, for truly the Englishmen do not care to live and die in open field, where he may have his foot dry."

11. For your own safety do not be too open to all men, but keep a guard always about you which is not only a safeguard, but a dignity.

Pp. 3. Endd. in Carew's hand:

I send this advice which was given to James MacThomas not long before his coming into Munster, for it was since McSwyne NaDoghe revolted from O'Donnell. Who gave it to him I cannot learn. It will show you what concealed traitors lie amongst us. The adviser is no doubt an "external subject." This advice and many more papers and the bull of Pius V excommunicating the Queen, and other proclamations in print which James Fitzthomas brought into Ireland, were taken in Listoell [Listowel] Castle.

The endorsement signed "G. Carew." S.P. Ireland 209, 28.

John Hopkins, Mayor of Bristol, to Secretary Cecil. [13 Aug.] 7 p.m. Bristol.

I have just received a packet for you which came by the post from Milford. We have [acted] on your honour's warrant for pressing of mariners and seafaring men, and have sent 86 up to Chatham, and have delivered them their press and conduct money. We had to keep 120 here to take over the soldiers and furniture to Ireland, so could not send more; also a great many of our mariners here are at the Newfoundland on their fishing voyage, and not yet returned.

P. ¾. Signed. Add. Endd.:

Haste Haste, &c., Bristol, 7 p.m.

At Marchfield, 13 Aug. at 11 p.m.

At Calne at 1 a.m.

At Marlborough at [half an ?] hour past 2 [?] in the morning.

At Newbury past 7 [?] o'clock a.m.

At Reading at 11 o'clock.

Ibid, 29.

The Earl of Upper Ossory to the Same. [13 Aug.] Dublin.

Owing to my position amongst bogs and mountains, which give great advantage to the enemy to harrass those who oppose them, I have had difficulty in ruling "my tenants kinsmen and other alliance." When spoiled by the enemy they are apt to recover their goods by indirect means, according to the liberty which the times afforded them. Having no command in the wars I could not entertain them in service; but I believe you have other evidence that I have sought to keep them loyal. I had only my castles to trust to, my goods being taken by the enemy and my lands spoiled. Since I was in England and received her Highness' favours I have done my best to deserve them. I know that it is approved by my Lord Deputy that many of the meaner sort in action should be bought over by protections and pardons, so that the enemy might be weakened and the pardoned men used for future service. I received into protection in this way (on 28 May last) several men who did me unrecoverable harm in the late wars. When I was in Dublin to receive their pardons, which were sealed on 9 June, some of them who were in her Highness' protection, namely Dermot McShane, Edmund McShane and Fynin McDonnell and others, were preyed of six score cows, 2,000 sheep, household stuff and horses by Sir Harry Power and the forces of the Queen's County, whereupon the men, distrusting the pardons which were so abused, entered into action again. I have since served on them as on the Queen's enemies and have kept them out of Upper Ossory. These persons and others lately preyed on the co. Kilkenny which is not near my country and none of my people were concerned in that action. Yet in revenge for the same Sir Walter Butler of Kilcaish [Kilcash] in the co. Kilkenny, nephew to the Earl of Ormond, Richard Purcell, Baron of Loughma [Loughmoe] in co. Tipperary, Dermot O'Dwyer chief of his name, and Walter Bourke of Boreyse [Borris], commonly called Walter of the same, Walter Mor McPearse Oge and his brother Richard of the same, accompanied by Captain Flower and 200 of the Queen's forces, took from me and my tenants on the 22nd of this month 700 cows, 3,000 sheep, 120 garrauns, six horses, and 200l. in household stuff, and killed one Donagh O'Deevain, a scholar, James O'Hallyn and another. This raid has so discouraged the people of Upper Ossory that I am not able to keep them in a lawful course, unless I and they are compensated. I beg you to write to the Lord Deputy ordering compensation to be made, otherwise the injured persons will "shrink in their loyalty."

P. 1½. Signed (primitively): F[lorence] Opper Oss. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 30.

Sir George Carew to Secretary Cecil. [13 Aug.] Cork.

I need scarcely recommend Captain Henry Shefield to you, for you know his long service here, and he was long since a dependant on your father. Pray show him all favour. He is going over I know not on what errand, and has at present no charge or (so far as I know) means to comfort his old age. He has hastened his departure in order to help Sir A. Cooke in taking over the prisoners.

P. ²/3. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid. 31.

Same to the Privy Council. [14 Aug.] Cork.

Since writing my last, sent with this, I have received a letter from Sir Francis Barkeley, who with the Earl of Clanricarde and the Munster regiment is in camp at Elphin, co. Rosc. They say that O'Donnell, O'Rowrke, Redmond Bourke and Captain Tyrrell with all the force of those parts and the fugitive gentlemen of this province (1,600 foot and 300 horse) are lodged in view of them. The force we have [there] is 13 companies and 60 horse who cannot hold that place long for want of victuals, but must fight on their retreat. The enemy skirmishes with them daily. He writes "When we come off I think it will be as great a fight as any was in these wars in Ireland but in the end we must make our way with our swords and leave the event to God who I doubt not will give us good success." (fn. 17) He also writes as follows: ". . . . The truth is there landed one Spanish ship in Sligo, driven in thither by a ship of her Majesty's. She landed 70 men and these began to fortify. The captain is gone to O'Neyle and is content to lose his head if there be not in Ireland 20 ships out of Spain in 15 days." He says, further, that O'Donnell and his friends are grown very proud. This makes it certain that the Spaniards will come, but I do not yet know to what part of Ireland. I believe they will not come to the North but to this province, and that the ship at Sligo was merely sent to give news of the coming of the others. Sir Francis Barkeley writes that the Lord Deputy has ordered 650 of the 1,000 men under his [Barkeley's] command to be sent at once to him [the Lord Deputy] in Ulster. Lest the service should suffer "I have sent him express commandment to obey his lordship's pleaser." Lord Ormond writes that Tyrrell "forth of the north" is directed to this province to stir up fresh disturbance. We have therefore only 1,350 foot left here, many of whom are employed in wards; and as the Spaniards are daily expected I must keep what companies I have in hand for the defence of Cork and Limerick, and dare not draw them into the field till the descent of the Spaniards be known. Pray send over the 2,000 who are ready. They are no more than enough to keep Munster quiet. Wherever the Spaniards land their arrival will be the signal for a general distraction throughout this province. The loose sort will immediately grow to a head and commit outrages, and the best affected will but temporise in neutrality until a judgment may be made "whether side will prevail." The last rebellion in Munster would never have happened if the President, Sir Thomas Norreys, had had a sufficient force to suppress it at the outset.

Although I have in my power the heads of the rebellion yet the people are so apt to revolt and so encouraged by the prospect of help from Tyrrell and from Spain that I earnestly ask for means of repression. If the Spaniards come I can hold this province with the forces I have and the 2,000 supplies (if these come); and if the Spaniards do not come, less than 2,000 supplies will suffice. But, if "the rest of the kingdom is on flame, longer than the sword is held over them it is impossible to establish a firm peace in Munster."

I asked, in mine of the 6th, that the Earl of Thomond might be promptly sent back here. He will be of use to me for the service.

Pp. 2¹/8. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 32.

Sir George Carew to Secretary Cecil. [14 Aug.] Cork.

Refers to foregoing. Proceeds:—I think that more than 20 ships will come from Spain. I have news from a gentleman in Connaught that the Spaniards who have landed speak of 14,000 men, some to go to Munster and some to Connaught. I do not believe so large an army as 14,000 will come, but really believe that an invasion will take place. When the Lord Deputy ordered me to send 1,000 foot and 50 [?] horse into Connaught he promised me to return them; but now they are ordered to join him in Ulster. God grant they may reach him in safety, which I doubt. I never expect to see them here again. They have a proud enemy who encamps within little more than a musket shot of them, and have to retreat 30 miles before they can be in safety.

When they are returned or gone into Ulster I expect the coming of Tyrrell and the Munster fugitives into Munster. This distresses me very much for I cannot both resist them and hold the towns of Limerick and Cork. I must therefore refrain from going out to meet the rebels in the field. The 2,000 troops if they come will relieve my difficulties, which would not have been so great had I not obeyed my Lord Deputy's order to send 1,000 foot and 30 [?] horse [to Connaught]. I was sorry to have to do this, but "in obeying, my duty is discharged." Pray send reinforcements and order the Earl of Thomond to return. He will be of great use here. If O'Donnell prevail in Connaught and the Munster forces are gone into Ulster his country will assuredly be harrassed.

As I was writing the enclosed arrived from Harry Pyne to Mr. Boyle, (fn. 18) clerk of the Council here. You know more about the truth of what is stated in it than the reporter.

P. 1¾. (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P.Ireland 209, 33. Enclosing:—

Henry Pyne to Richard Boyle.

Mr. "boyle." I understood yesterday at Youghall by Ancient Bethell, who the night before arrived from Padstow, that the Spanish fleet, in number about 80 sail, whereof 11 huge ships having in them 14,000 soldiers to land ("which number we think is too great for Spain to spare"), were first discovered about Hysant [Ushant] and came from thence directly to the Sylles [Scilly] in their way, and took divers English ships and bent their course from thence north-west. This has caused such great fear on the west coast that happy was he that could remember [?] there were 5,000 [?] men ready to come for Munster.

Ostende was still straightly besieged. Acquaint my Lord herewith. If you have any news of their landing or being on the north coast give us part (fn. 19) by this bearer. And so to God I commit you.

P. ²/3. Dated Mogely [Mogeely], 14 Aug., 1601. Endd. Ibid, 33A.

Captain E. Fitzgerald to Secretary Cecil. [14 Aug.] "From my Lodging" [London].

I hear that Captain William Eustace of Castle Martin in Ireland is determined to be a suitor to the Queen for cerain lands in the English pale in Ireland, which were lately the possession of Viscount Baltinglass who was attainted, and several other gentlemen of the Eustaces who have been attainted. Sir Henry Harington holds part of these lands by lease from the Queen, and another part by inheritance, and the Lord Chancellor of Ireland holds some of them by inheritance. The heir of Sir Nicholas White, late Master of the Rolls in Ireland, also holds some of them by inheritance, as do Sir Edward Harbord's "nephies," and I hold some of them by lease from the Queen for years and some part by inheritance. Others hold portions of the land from the Queen and pay rent and services for the same. Captain Eustace alleges that this house is the chief house of the Eustaces in Ireland and does his utmost to bring the land into his hands, and thus become the chief Eustace of the country. In consideration thereof he is ready to give the Queen some title that he has to one moiety of the rents of Annally. He has bargained as to these since his coming into England to Captain Thomas Lee, who was his father-in-law, for some title from him to Castle Reban. The rents which the Queen receives from those who hold these attainted lands is fairly certain and the rents of Annally are uncertain, "by reason that it is among the myre Irishrie and in the myrest border of Ireland."

I therefore pray you to be mindful of these worthy gentlemen and of myself, that neither the reversion of the lands nor the rent which we pay for them be granted to any private man. The present tenants are more fit to hold the lands than any others in Ireland, and "wher[eas] the said Captain Eustace doth allege himself of my own knowledge to be the chief Eustace within the county of Kildare and therefore to be next in right to the Viscount of Baltinglass, I assure you it is not so; but one William Eustace of Little Bollies" [Boleybeg] is next heir in blood to Viscount Baltinglass. He is now in my company here. I tell you this for truth's sake and to save my own things and continue in my tenancy to the Queen. Captain Eustace depends upon Lord Grea's [Grey's] favour with you to forward his claim. If you will speak with me or any other of the gentlemen that are here now we can make explain the whole truth.

P. 1½. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 34.

Thomas Hibbotts to Secretary Cecil. [14 Aug.] From shipboard, at the New Quay, by Nesson.

Putting to sea on Tuesday night last we were enforced to anchor beyond the bar at Dublin that night. Then next morning I received a packet of the searcher, which he said came from the Lord Deputy, but is signed by the Treasurer and directed to you. This packet and other letters from the Treasurer to the Privy Council [of England] and others from Sir Geoffrey Fenton to you which I formerly received, I sent away now (at 6 p.m. on 14 August) by this bearer, being myself to attend the landing and conveying of 1,735l. for the bank at Chester. We were delayed by bad weather but I am thankful that the Queen's treasure is at last safe.

P. ¾. (Hol.) Add. Endd. Ibid, 35.

Sir George Carew to the Same. [20 Aug.] Cork.

Recommends the Archbishop of Cashel who is "so specially occasioned into England" that his going there cannot in reason be opposed. He will give a full account of the state of Munster. Proceeds:—I hope you will see that he gets relief with contentment and his causes well entertained. I could write more but that his lordship is well known to you.

P. ²/3. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 36.

Sir George Carew to Secretary Cecil. [21 Aug.]

I have no news since the prisoners went with Sir Anthony Cooke, and hear nothing of the Spaniards more than is in the enclosed letters. These agree that a large fleet is at Lisbon but, as they differ in details, I have sent them both to you. I can hardly believe that the fleet is so large as they report.

Captain Power's letter from Connaught shows what has become of the forces there. I think that O'Donnell's sudden return was not due to any fear of our forces, but to a desire to resist Neal Gaure, who has taken Donegal and Asheroe Abbey, adjoining Ballyshannon, which, if kept, is almost as useful as Ballyshannon Castle, and [those in it] could soon force the ward of the castle to quit or render.

It is, we think, too late in the year for the Spanish fleet to come, but twice before they landed in Ireland in September and attempted Falmouth in October; and in February when you were at Dover they put force into Calais. I therefore suspend my opinion, and as the fleet is not yet dissolved they may attempt something. I think the Spaniards would not have sent the ship to Sligo in advance if James Fitzthomas and Florence had been at liberty, and that they are more grieved at Florence's restraint than at James' apprehension. The party which attempted this service upon 100 [Tyrone (fn. 20) ] is Morishe Oge, a bastard son to Morishe Atolane [?] and brother to James Fitzmaurice the great traitor. I expect news from him daily. He desires four ploughlands at Carigelyne, a broken castle by Cork, now in the possession of a son of Sir Warham St. Leger. If he perform his service he is worthy of it and the Queen may give him [these or] equivalent lands elsewhere. The lands were his father's.

Of Pierce Lacy's death I have three different reports, but as his friends do not mourn I hardly believe it. Tyrrell is in Leinster, it is said with 500 rogues, and some of the Munster fugitives. They will probably draw him to Muuster; otherwise they would not have left Ulster to serve with him.

Justice Saxey is going to England to ask for the succession to Napper's post. For reasons which you may well imagine, I support this suit.

If the report of the Spaniards coming does not grow weak I beg that the 2,000 supplies may be sent at once. With my present force I cannot guard the towns of Cork and Limerick and also oppose Tyrrell.

Pp. 2. (Hol.) Add. Endd. Ibid, 37. Enclosing:—

A. Edward Goeghe, Mayor of Waterford, to Sir George Carew.

A Scotch ship which left Avero for Dublin on 7 August came in here on account of stress of weather. I sent for the merchant by the water-bailiff of Passage to give me news of those foreign parts, but as he was ready to sail and had a good wind the bailiff took his examination. He says that the Allantado was come to Lisbon with a great fleet well appointed, but he did not know how many ships, or where they were going. He says also there is a great stay of all nations in Spain and that there were thirty Scotch ships embarqued [embargoed] and staid for that service; saying further that the report there was that the chief occasion of that preparation was that the French King has levied and raised an army of 150,000 men to go to Navarr[e] and thence intends to go to establish the King of Portugal in his country.

P. ¾. Signed. Dated: Waterford, 18 Aug. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 37A.

B. Jasper Woodcock to Sir Nicholas Walsh, Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in Ireland.

Repeats the news given in foregoing from the same source. Adds that there is an army of 150 sail ready in Lisbon, bound for Ireland, but that, when the news of James Fitzthomas' taking was received the course of the army was altered, and that the informant did not now know what its course was. The King of France has put three separate armies of 50,000 men on the borders of Navarre, with the object of recovering Navarre from the King of Spain, Navarre being the King of France's inheritance. Details.

P. ²/3. (Hol.) Dated: Waterford, 17 Aug. Add. Endd. Ibid, 37B.

c. Captain William Power to Sir George Carew.

On the 4th of this month we came to Elphin and entrenched ourselves near the abbey. On the 8th O'Donnell, O'Roirk, O'Connor Roe, McDermody, the Kellies, Redmond McScabe's sons, McMorris of Munster, John Bourke's sons, Redmond and William Tyrrell, Mustian, and all the force of the county of Sligo (O'Connor's brothers excepted) came and encamped within half a mile of us. They were equal to us in foot and had 300 horse, as we thought, whilst we had only Lord Clanricarde's troop of fifty. Lord Clanricarde therefore decided not to fight but to keep a quarter and reserve our powder, which we could not replenish except from Dublin or Limerick. The enemy grew very bold at this, "their scouts commanding round about us and openly telling us at our trenches" and sending word to us, openly or privately, that we would steal away, else none of us would escape, and that they would prevent us stealing away the best they could. On the 10th their whole force advanced as if to attack us in our trenches. "But it fell out that, before they came near the quarter, the brabble was begun by some unruly body of us and the skirmish continuing two hours very hot they were beaten home to their groce [?] and all put to their retreat." We lost one killed and 16 wounded, and they had 40 killed and wounded, and some horses killed. Their scouts have since left us more elbow room. When we pressed them they retired in disorder, not caring who should go first. Their horse, which were in their rear, alone preserved any order. When they were past danger of our shot our soldiers sent a shout after them, threw up their caps and returned to their own quarters.

The next day we all drew out except a few left to guard the baggage in our trenches. O'Donnell did the same, but when we advanced he retreated to his quarter. This was so strong that after debate we decided (on account of our want of munition and horse) not to attempt it. The next day he marched away bag and baggage after all his brag. My Lord hearing that he was gone over the Curlews and that O'Roirk was gone into his country, we dislodged the next day and came hither. Had we had more powder and 50 English horse more, we had likely ended this Connaught war.

The two Spanish ships you heard of came to Killalowe [Killala] on their way northward. One of them was chased by one of the Queen's ships and driven into Sligo from whence the captain went by land to Tyrone. It is but a barque of 40 tons with 10 mariners and 70 soldiers, "the poorest thing that ever I heard of." They say they stay in Sligo fortifying, but some that saw them of the rebels have told me privately that they have not either spirit or judgment. Pierce Lacy is slain in Tyrone's camp, and Tyrone wrote to O'Donnell in his own hand informing him of it.

Neale Garrove has gotten Donegal and Asheroe Abbey and planted them. If they be maintained I have heard unlikelier things than O'Donnell to keep this Spanish barque for flight to Spain, from whence his first original is derived.

There is much working to disperse this Munster regiment and draw them from under your command. Recent orders from the Lord Deputy directed that the companies of Sir Francis Barkeley, Sir Richard Piercie and myself should remain with Lord Clanricarde but that the remainder should be sent to his lordship [the Lord Deputy] in the north. Since then we have had directions that if there be any more news of the Spanish purpose for this province the remaining companies shall lie in Galway with Captain Clare's, under the command of Sir Francis.

I have as your lordship knows never made suit to stay in any place except where you commanded me; but I must confess I should choose, if I might, rather to serve in Munster and under your lordship than under any other commander or in any other place. I am the most hated man in Ireland by those who love not the Queen; and they hate me for what I did by your lordship's orders, in which I am supposed to be a greater actor than I was. But they would betray me if they could, so it behoves me to live under your lordship's protection. Pray let me know how you will dispose of me, and also favour my poor wife, who, I know, is much wronged in my absence by some of her neighbours.

Pp. 2. (Hol.) Dated: Roscommon camp, 15 Aug., 1601. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 37c.

Edward [Lord Barry and Viscount] Buttevant to Secretary Cecil. [21 Aug.] Castle-Lyons.

The Queen long since promised me a grant of the lands, &c., late in the possession of James Fitzthomas. I have a just title to them in right of some of my ancestors. But Her Majesty has not yet confirmed her promise. Pray use your influence with the Queen to grant my suit, or, if this cannot be granted, to grant such other suit as my servant John Lumbard may, under my instructions, prefer.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 38.

William Thompson to Thomas Ritson. [21 Aug.] Dublin Castle.

"My loving cousin."

I have formerly asked you to get your lord [the Earl of Shrewsbury] in his letters to the Council [to ask] on my behalf that they would promptly make an end of the controversy between Travies [?] the victualler and myself according to the equity of the cause. I only ask for an end to it to free me from my imprisonment here which has lasted for 27 weeks, to my undoing without your help, for I lie at 17s. a week, which I can hardly endure. Pray get and send me letters [for my hearing or release ?]. I only want a fair hearing.

P. ¾. (Hol.) Add.: "To my most loving cousin and approved good friend Mr. Thomas Ritson, attendant on the right honourable the Earl of Shrewsbury at his house in Broad street, London." Ibid, 39.

Sir George Carew to Secretary Cecil. [22 Aug.] Cork.

Mr. Saxey, Chief Justice of Munster, is going to England and will stay some time at Court. He is to give the Lords and you a detailed account of the affairs of this province and to suggest remedies for the inconveniences that begin to disturb the civil government. Pray countenance him and give full credit to his report, which will be that of an experienced man. Pray also favour his request for promotion, for he is able to do her Majesty service. He has long served here and is learned in the laws. Pray assist him to provide for his expenses.

P. ⁴/5. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 40.

Memorandum on the Provision of Victuals for Ireland. [22 Aug.]

Deals with (1) the full provision now to be provided, (2) the victual for Loughfoyle and Ballyshannon by former contracts, (3) the victual for Loughfoyle by a new contract, and (4) the victual for Carrickfergus by a new contract.

The victual to be supplied for Loughfoyle was to be sufficient for 3,000 men; that for Carrickfergus for 1,000.

The victual to consist of fish, cheese, butter, pease, oatmeal or rice, pork, bacon or beef, and bread.

P. 1¾. With details. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 41.

The Lord Deputy to Secretary Cecil. [23 Aug.] Carrickbane Camp.

When I planted the garrison at Armagh I appointed Sir H. Davers to command the same in the absence of Sir Francis Stafford both because I found him the best able for that service, and because it could be done without any fresh charge to her Majesty, he having both horse and foot of his own in entertainment. Also he was very anxious to have an active appointment in her Majesty's service. I advised him "to be often stirring with his forces upon the rebels and above all to practise what possibly he could devise upon the person of the arch-traitor Tyrone." He assured me he would obey these directions, and shortly after one Walker, a landowner, came to him who "brake with him to be employed in that same business, alleging that he knew it to be a service tending greatly to his country's good, and for that cause, and to advance his own fortune, that he was come resolved to kill Tyrone, having plotted the manner how to do it." Sir Henry pressed him for the details of his plan, but he refused to give them, saying that he should thus keep it more secretly; and he asked nothing but "to be put without the guards in the night and left to take his fortune." Sir Henry Davers having reported the matter to me I directed that Walker should be allowed to make the attempt. Walker got to Tyrone, but did not effect his purpose, though he says he once drew his sword to kill him under pretence of defending him in a quarrel. [Details.] I had him examined on his return by Mr. Marshall and Sir George Bourchier, and afterwards sent him prisoner to Newry and had him examined there by Sir Francis Stafford. I now send him in bonds to you. I think him "little better than frantic," but you may be able to find out something of his intent and disposition as he has; and a frantic man was not unfit for such an enterprise; and he might otherwise [i.e., if not allowed to attempt it] have been dangerous to me or any other gentleman that set him a work.

P.S.—Enclosed will shew you the "discretion" of Walker.

P. 1²/3. (Hol.) Add. Endd. Ibid, 42. Enclosing:—

Thomas Walker to the Lord Deputy.

I pray for support while in prison. My friends are afraid to supply me lest they be brought into trouble for me. I could have smitten Tyrone had I had the heart as well as the mind of a soldier, but I gave way to "effeminate thoughts" and forgot my promise to God. When I was with Tyrone he had no guard about him neither had he on a quilted coat, only a black frieze jerkin, which being unbuttoned I might see his breast, and he had ordered my arms to be delivered to me. He took me by the hand and said that I was the most fortunate man that ever came to him for that, had I met with his horsemen or footmen, they would have wounded me, or, would never have come alive before him. Professions of loyalty.

P. 1. A rambling letter probably by an insane person, dated 22 Aug., 1601, from Newry prison. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 42A.

The Lord Deputy to Secretary Cecil. [23 Aug.]

[See Fynes Moryson's Itinerary (1907), II. 429 seq.]

P. 1½. (Hol.) Add. Endd: "R. at Basing, 9 Sept." Ibid, 43.

The Lord Deputy and Councillors in Camp to the English Privy Council. [25 Aug.] Newry Camp.

[See Fynes Moryson's Itinerary (1907), II, 433 seq.]

Pp. 4½. Signed by the Lord Deputy and Wingfield, Bourchier, and Stafford. Add. Endd. "R. at Basing 9 Septr." Ibid, 44.

Captain Henry Clare to Secretary Cecil. [26 Aug.] Galway.

When I last came over into Ireland I left my state in England unsettled by reason that my company was given by the Lord Deputy to another. I have been here for 13 months and hear that meantime there is an estate of 200l. levied upon my lands for a debt of a man whom I never knew. I beg you to write favourable letters to the Lord Deputy giving me leave to come over and that my company may stand, till I return, in this town. I beg this in case the Lord Deputy has commanded Sir Francis Barkeley to command here, which I have done for eight months with better success than many or any before me, for which I am rewarded with disgrace and may the better be spared. If there is to be a governor in Galway I beseech you that I may have the place, who expect no grace or good here unless commanded from England, and that only by your honourable means. Details. The Earl of Clanricarde is returned and had a skirmish at Alfyn [Elphin] with O'Donnell. Details as to the Spanish ship at Sligo. "Owld MacWilliam begins to gather strength again, and hope is nourished by cunning."

P. ¾. (Hol.) Add. Endd. Ibid, 45.

Petition to the Privy Council of England of John Jolles and William Cokayne shewing that:— [20 Aug.]

Our first contract was to continue the service one half-year. This is ended above six months ago. Since then we have voluntarily made divers contracts by which we are no longer bound than for the times mentioned in them.

Your lordships would have us now enter into a new contract for the victualling of 9,500 men. We are not able to do this at the rates at which we have previously contracted. Had the prices of victuals remained unchanged during the time of our first contract, we might have gone on and been reasonable gainers; but, owing to the rise of prices, we can no longer contract at these terms. We appeal to you, the Lord High Treasurer, to remember that we have warned your lordship of this for four months past.

We send an abstract shewing the price of victuals. We hear from Carrickfergus and Loughfoyle they return our fish, though it is good, and the best we could have for money.

We ask either for a higher price, or that we may serve upon account, which we will do truly upon our oaths, and to have such recompense for our trouble as your lordship shall think reasonable. Otherwise we must perforce give over the service.

P. ¾. Signed by the petitioners. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 46. Enclosing:—

Estimate of the charge of every day's victuals per man as they are now worth and appointed by contract to be delivered to the soldiers serving in Ireland for every day in the week:

Monday and Tuesday. Biscuit and butter. Biscuit 1lb. per day per man each day of the week. With freight bags, weighing, sowing, shipping, waste by mariners, 'portridge,' vermin, spoil on ship or in store, rotting and wetting of the bags and sundry charges, the charge for this is 2d. per lb.

Butter is at 5d. per lb. Taking a firkin at 50lb., the firkin costs 20s. to 21s. Allowing for waste by "running out of the pickele," &c., the price must be taken at 2½d.

For biscuit and butter therefore the daily charge per man is 4½d.

Wednesdays. Biscuits and cheese. Biscuit 2d. per lb. Cheese, allowing for the loss by delay, by drying, and by eating by mariners, will cost fully or more than 3d. per lb.

Thursday. Biscuit and rice. Biscuit as before. One half-pound of rice, with two ounces of butter or 1½ pints of oatmeal, will cost, allowing for waste, 3d.

Friday and Saturday. Biscuit and fish. Biscuit as before. One Newland fish and a half or a fifth part of a Holland ling, or eight herrings, with carriage and allowing for waste, delivered in Ireland, 2½d.

Sunday. Biscuit and beef. Biscuit as before. Beef 1½lb., or bacon or pork 1lb., costs with freight and waste 3¼d.

In this estimate we do not set down anything for our own services or entertainment, for the charges of our agents in England and Wales, horse-hire, carriage or bad debts. These are very large items.

P. 1. Endd. Ibid, 46A.

"State" of the Army according to the Muster taken between the 18th and 22nd of August, 1601.

P. ²/3. Ex[tracted] 26 Aug. by Anthony Reynolds and signed by him. Ibid, 47.

[Gerald] Earl of Kildare to Secretary Cecil. [29 Aug.] Castle Brack, in Ophaly.

I have been informed of your honourable and indifferent carriage in an affair between the Earl of Kildare and me, in which there comes a third person entitled the Lady Lettyce Ophaly, whose title should have been known long ere this had she any right thereto. My two cousins Henry and William lived some thirteen years and no such matter spoken of. How I have deserved that this new title should enforce anything against me I cannot find. As you have sway at the Council table I shall ask you to allow my evidences to be restored to me "considering that the good old lady being formerly incited by sinister counsel is now weary of troubling me," and [also] the evidences (fn. 22) stayed in the behalf of Sir Robert Digby, seeing they were in my own possession, and in my cousin's, two descents before me, by which I must make my defence. Out of your goodness favour me and I shall be grateful. The general letter and notes which I send will inform you of the circumstances of the proceeding between my lady and me.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 209, 47A.

The Earl of Desmond to the Same. [31 Aug.] Greenwich.

I am sorry not to be able to accompany your honour so often as I should like; for I rely only on you. [Details and subservient remarks.] I have enclosed sent you a note of a suit [which] will not involve her Majesty in any expense, but gain her 20l. a year "which by the aire of your breath unto her sacred Majesty and the blessedness of her grant may supply these my wants and never hereafter shall importune you." If I am not so fortunate as to get it some other will; and who deserves her charity more than I, who have received from her life and grace.

P.S.—I hear that you will be importuned for a grant of James Fitzthomas' lands. I beseech you not to procure any such grant till the grant to me be past.

P. ¾. (Hol.) Add. Endd. Ibid, 48.

Memorandum [by Sir Edward Stanley] on the Invasion and Defence of Ireland. About [Aug.]

"Forasmuch as all good subjects ought not only to be ready to serve their Prince and country with life and goods, but also study and premeditate in their private chambers how to perform the same, therefore I have thought good to set down my opinion as concerning the Spaniards' arrival in Ireland, as one who ought to have some knowledge of that country and people in respect of my long service there."

I do not think they will land in Ulster for there are no good harbours there "but some wild and open roads." If the wind goes to the north-west these roads become very dangerous "as is well known to themselves from the year 1588."

Moreover the Earl [of Tyrone] has enough forces there to defend himself, and the difference between the Spanish "order and discipline" and the Irish would lead to mutiny and disorder. They would do nothing but spoil the country and serve her Majesty more than themselves.

Where then will they land—for I think that land they will.

For reasons which I will not put down in writing my opinion is that they will land in Galway, Limerick, Cork, Waterford or Dyveling [Dublin]. I "least doubt" Dyveling as it is so far in St. George's Channel and as the population there are loyal to the Queen and of her faith. The other ports are in much more peril. Ships of the greatest burden can come within ten or twelve miles of them, and their smaller ships and pinnaces may go to the town walls. The people there are of the Popish religion. So these places must be looked to.

Each place must have a garrison of at least 500 men; for the walls are so large and ruinous that less will not do. Moreover, they must be able to command the whole town or else they will have little help from the inhabitants upon any approach of the enemy.

"But shall I speak my opinion ? Methinks it should be far better and less charge to build within four or five miles of the foresaid towns some sconce or fort wherein to put 100 men apiece" with artillery. These will give courage to the surrounding country, as providing a refuge; but they will also beat the enemies' ships and boats so that they will have to disembark their men and ordnance in some creek or barren place of the country where they shall never be able, for want of carriage and ill passages, to bring away the munition, without which any town may easily be kept till relieved. But these forts must be built "so that musket and small shot may play on the enemy as well as great ordenaunce, and not as Dungannon [Duncannon] is, upon a wild road where with a stiff gale of wind a man may go by with forty sail of ships, and peradventure amongst them all one or two shall be hit."

"Even if the Spaniards do not come, surely these sconces would be of use to strengthen the Queen's good subjects in those countries, and keep the towns in obedience, who assuredly are over much affected to the Spaniard."

Pp. 2¾. Endd.: "Sir Edward Stanle." S.P. Ireland 209, 49.