Elizabeth I: volume 212, October 1602

Elizabeth I: volume 212, October 1602

Sir Geoffrey Fenton to Secretary Cecil. [4 Oct.] Dublin.

I have "restrained" the intelligence from Spain to two persons, whom I shall send away in eight days to the Groyne and Ferrall [Ferrol], where forces for Ireland usually collect. "The party whom I send is thus qualified: He is a gentleman of the English Pale of loyal parents who are to answer for his misdemeanours if he commit any in this course. He speaketh the Spanish and French languages. His prymire education has been at school, where he hath obtained some insight in the Latin tongue and knoweth to use his pen in two or three manner of hands, and since he left the school he hath run the profession of soldier in Spain" for four or five years, "and came over hither with the Bishop Mattheo, who the last year was sent by the King to Tyrone to confirm him in the faction of Spain. He is of a close and secret carriage, and such one it standeth him upon to be the better to avoid his own danger whilst he liveth amongst them, so as I see no apparent cause to doubt of him in his employment." I have given him 50l. in Spanish silver for the first year of his employment and will take order to supply him half yearly afterwards whilst he lives in Spain, if I find his deserts to be answerable.

The other man, who is as well qualified as the first, is not yet returned from Spain, but I have written for him and expect him soon. I mean to settle him at Lisbon, whence he can send news there and from Syvile [Seville]. I hope to have all news by them, and I will send you what I get.

Pray send direction to the Treasurer to pay me over 100l., which I have paid, or shall pay, to these two men. I can, though not without some trouble, get this converted into Spanish silver, but other "quoyne" than Spanish will not serve this turn. In your letter to the Treasurer please give order that this money "may pass by concordatum in a title of some extraordinary services committed to me," but not naming the service, so that none but the Lord Deputy and himself may know of it.

P. ¾. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 39.

The Lord Deputy and Council to the English Privy Council. [4 Oct.] Dublin.

Much money has lately been spent in making platforms and mounting ordnance at Limerick, which is one of the most important places in Munster, and I, the Deputy, put a garrison of 30 men there under Sir Francis Barkeley. He has supported the garrison at his own charge since March 8 last, as I, the Treasurer, had no warrant to pay him and refused to do so without warrant. The establishment was full before the erection of that ward; and we see not what ward can be reduced unless it be that at Enniscorthy. There Sir Henry Wallop was given twenty men to defend him against Donell Spaniaghe [Kavanagh] and Feagh McHugh [Byrne's] sons, who are now in obedience. We know Limerick to be an important place, and beg to certify this; and ask that it may be allowed for either by increase of the list or as an extraordinary by concordatum, so that I may pay Sir Francis Barkeley for what he has spent already and for the future so long as you please that the garrison there be maintained.

P. 1. Signed by the Lord Deputy and by Cary, Wingfield, Pelham, Fenton and Bourchier. Add. Endd. Ibid, 40.

The Lord Deputy and Council to the English Privy Council. [6 Oct.] Dublin.

A grievous complaint has been made to us by Sir Tybbott Dillon against Sir Francis Shane "for some slanderous words touching him very near in his credit," written by Shane to Sir Henry Brunckard. We send the complaint. Shane denies having said anything of the kind, and says that if he said it he would have unjustly accused Dillon, whose men were not with Lord Delvin on the occasion in question. We let you know this in justice to Dillon. He begs that you will call Brunckard before you and require him to shew you the said letter; for he fears it was imparted to the Queen or to some of your lordships.

P. ²/3. Signed by the Lord Deputy and the Lord Chancellor (Archbishop of Dublin), and by Cary, Wingfield, the Bishop of Meath, St, Leger, Pelham, and Fenton. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 41. Enclosing:—

Petition of Sir Theobald Dillon to the Privy Council, shewing that:—

He has been brought up in view of the State since he was a child. Many of his kinsmen, servants and followers were slain in the Queen's service, and many of his castles razed to the ground, and he was banished from the most and best part of his living, before which time he might and did attend the then Lord Deputy to the field with 130 foot and 30 horse without charge to the Queen, as Sir William Russell and other Privy Councillors now here can say. Having refused to listen to Tyrone's offers at his first going into Munster, he was attacked by Tyrone at his brother's house in Westmeath, and his tenants were burnt, spoiled and preyed. Petitioner withstood Tyrone to the utmost of his ability; and suffered more than anyone else at his hands during his march to Munster. Petitioner did other services, as in duty bound, and received many favours from the Queen. Notwithstanding his loyalty and losses he now hears that Sir Francis Shane has written the following words to Sir Henry Brunckard, a gentleman of good worth and reputation at Court:—

"I must impart to you as to my dear friend that I am generally behated here not only of the meaner sort but also of the State, which is for my service at Multyfernam [Multifarnam], where I had some of my men slain, on my return by my Lord of Delvin's people and Sir Theobald Dillon, both my great enemies, who with their false sheowes they both slew and wounded my men."

This is an untrue assertion. Petitioner prays that your lordships will call Shane before you, and, if he cannot deny the charge, that you will punish him and certify the truth of the matter to Sir H. Brunckard in England for petitioner's justification, "and the rather for that your suppliant, being bound to keep the peace unto the said Sir Francis, can seek no other means to be righted for this untrue reproaches."

P. ¾. Copy. Certified a true copy by Pa[trick] Foxe. S.P. Ireland 212, 41A.

Sir Geoffrey Fenton to Secretary Cecil. [8 Oct.] Dublin.

I have been directed by the President [of Munster] to send you the enclosed. The party escaped is of no importance and can do little mischief to us, for we command the chief castles of his country, and we have very good pledges, which are the best ties of him and his country. He escaped only to save his life, which, he saw, was greatly endangered by his treason; and I hope the Lord Deputy will take proceedings to attaint him "whereby would grow to her Majesty a rich escheat of his country, which is large and would yield a great revenue." As the rebellion declines a similar course should be taken with others of his rank and of like degree in treason, which would enable her Majesty to get some return for the huge cost of these wars. If you approve this course the Lord Deputy and Council should be informed at once to avoid delay.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 42. Enclosing:—

Sir George Carew to Sir Geoffrey Fenton.

Cormock McDermond escaped last night, being in irons and a guard to attend him. His keepers are either negligent or corrupt. This will greatly animate the rebels and give me the harder task in quieting the country. I have pledges from his principal followers, but they have such love for him that I think they will not respect their pledges.

The greatest task I now have is to clear the country about Cork for, as you know, his lands stretch to the gates of it. I have good ties on Cormock, his son in England (who is, I hope, in safe keeping), his wife and his dearest daughter restrained in Cork, and his three best castles, which are Blarney, Kilcrea and Mocrompe [Macroom]. I got the first two into my hands by persuasions and threats and prevented (fn. 1) the rebels to whom they were to have been delivered. The last, which had been delivered by his orders to the traitors, was yesterday taken by our forces under Sir Charles Wilmot's command. I have sent the manner of it to the Lord Deputy. These places in a manner clear Muskery, and will make him from the first a woodkerne and unable for any time to keep any large number of men together. Nevertheless I am exceedingly sorry for his escape, for he is the best-followed man in all Munster.

There is no shipping here, by which I could send to England. Please send this to Mr. Secretary to inform a truth until I may write to him.

P. 1. (Hol.) Dated, Cork, 30 Sept., 1602. Add. Endd. Ibid, 42A.

Sir Geoffrey Fenton to Secretary Cecil. [4 Oct.] Dublin.

As Mr. Watson is going back I renew my suit for Dunsink. It is of small value, and I hope may pass at some time though the present may seem unseasonable. The whole farm is but 240 acres, and the rent not more than 11l. and odd money. It is chargeable with cess and all other country burdens. There is an estate for life out of it, and it "lieth in the highway of oppression by the soldiers, which never was nor will be avoided." I hope the Queen will consider what the profit of it is, and how remote, if I am to enjoy it; but as it is only three or four miles from Dublin it may be profitable to me hereafter to "give help to my hospitality."

The benefit of Clontarf, which was the first and last gift the Queen gave me in recompense for 24 years' service here, is kept from me by a wicked farmer from whom I have not received a penny in rent. He repudiates me as his landlord, and refuses to show me his lease; and as I do not like to take proceedings (for fear of offending the Queen, who gave it me, or you, who recommended me for it) I am driven to press the more for Dunsink, as a help to me to stand in the Queen's service; which I cannot do without it. I have nothing but my salary, whereas all other Councillors here have great additional helps, men in pay, port corn, &c. Dunsink is of such small value that few servitors in this land would even ask for it.

Presses his suit further. Has instructed Mr. Watson to move in it.

P. 1. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 43.

Sir George Carew to Same. [9 Oct.] Cork.

Lord Courcy has at length brought his matters of right in Munster to some readiness, though at greater expense than his estate can bear. The Lord Deputy and I have digested it in a letter from ourselves and the Council to the Lords in England which will make it clear to you. Lord Courcy attended the Lord Deputy at the siege of Kinsale, and has since continued near in expectation of a fresh invasion from Spain.

I therefore recommend him for favour in his reasonable suits. I have already spoken of his loyalty and need not trouble you by further remarks on it.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 44.

Sir George Cary to Same. [10 Oct.] Dublin.

The bearer, Thomas Watson, arrived after a long and crossed passage. Details. He left the treasure at Chester, and I think we shall have spent it before it comes. I have instructed him fully as to the Exchange, both as to the course I propose to pursue here, and as to that which I propose shall be taken in England, subject to the Queen's and your approval.

To settle on a turbulent country a coin which is distasteful, it is necessary that the entrance of it be as plausible as may be, and that the ministers thereof get in the beginning the best content that may be. Otherwise [i.e. if I had not done this] I should have perhaps hazarded myself and overthrown the service. I have taken in a good store of money into the Exchange, by which her Majesty is a good saver and gainer; but now that the new coin is well established and dispersed through the country I shall be backward in thus taking in money and giving bills of exchange. The Exchange must be countenanced, yet not so liberally as heretofore. The bearer will speak my mind, and say what I think as to maintaining the banks in England [in a manner] least burdensome and most profitable to the Queen.

The munition has not yet arrived, and we are in great want of pickaxes, spades and shovels. Those we have are spent in the fortifications which the Lord Deputy has taken in hand this summer.

Pray supply us at once. As you led us to believe, we are now free from fear of Spanish invasion for this year; and, this being so, and the garrisons planted as they are, I hope the traitor will be "shortly ruinated."

The Lord Deputy will, I think, shortly go to Athlone. I wish a governor were appointed for that place which, I feel sure, would further the Queen's service there. I recommend Sir Oliver Lambert as "a good stirring gent" who will not "forslowe his business" if appointed.

I am glad a Chief Baron is being sent over, and hope he will prove an honest gentleman, fit for the Queen's service, "if this country do not infect him, which he voweth and protesteth utterly to avoid." If so the Queen will reap a good benefit from his service, for, as things now stand, her Majesty has four good servitors in the Exchequer, which I hope may be reduced into a better order. I should like to second John Bingely for the reversion of office of Remembrancer in the Exchequer. He is an honest man, and has served the Queen and me well since I came here. I have instructed Watson to be your suitor herein.

Pp. 3. (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 45.

The Lord Deputy and Council to the English Privy Council. [11 Oct.] Dublin.

When O'Cane, who is "the greatest uriaght in Ulster," lately submitted one of the conditions of his submission was that he voluntarily passed over part of his country and several of his castles to the Queen for ever, and surrendered the rest to her "to receive it back to him and his heirs males with such limitations and cautions as we should think meet." He has performed the first of these promises by a conveyance under his hand to the Queen, conveying thereby the part of his land which, at his taking in, it was agreed that he should convey, together with, some of his castles which were chosen by Sir Henry Docwra as most fit for her Majesty's service.

He has now sent two persons here to solicit the performance of the other point—the surrender and re-grant; but, having no authority from the Queen to make such re-grant, we have given him a custodium under the great seal of Ireland of his part of his country till the Queen sends us a warrant to give him a further estate. Please expedite this, as he has fulfilled his part of the agreement. "The example of this man (departing with so large a portion of his country, which never any Irish before him in the knowledge of us that have served longest here hath done) deserveth more than ordinary respect." He promises "to separate himself from all dependency other than to hold merely and absolutely from the Queen and to live of his own, as other subjects do," under the law. Others of the Irish will seek to follow O'Cane's example, but as to these we have no authority from the Queen to act. As this is the way "to cut from them all their Irish tenures" and reduce them to the laws of the realm, we ask that the warrant in O'Cane's case may be drafted in general terms, enabling us to deal with all the Irish who are willing to surrender and take re-grants upon conditions. This course will "divide them from all former Irish dependency," and "bring them into the way of civility with a feeling of the difference between their former manner of life under the tyranny of their superior Irish lords and the easy and clement government of her Majesty." Such warrants have, on previous occasions, been sent here; and we enclose copies. We hope this one will be sent at once.

P.S.—We suggest that you should not put restrictions or particular conditions into the warrant, but leave them to be inserted by us according to the circumstances of each particular case.

Pp. 1¼. Signed by the Lord Deputy, the Archbishop of Dublin (and Lord Chancellor), and by Cary, Wingfield, Pelham, Harington and Fenton. The P.S. signed by the Lord Deputy. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 46.

Also copy of the same without the postscript. Pp. 1¾. Endd. Ibid, 47.

The Lord Deputy to Secretary Cecil. [12 Oct.] Dublin.

Sir Henry Davers, who is going over about his private business, will bring you news of all things here. The North, as I hear from Sir A. Chichester, remains as I left it. Tyrone is on the borders of Fermannaugh [Fermanagh], the only corner we have yet left unspoiled. There he, MacMahowne, Cormack McBaron, and Brian McArt, by living together, do almost as much waste as we should have done. Art McBaron is now here with me, and assures me they are very weak, "and Tyrone despairing in any course he can propound to himself to take, but that there is growing so extreme a famine amongst them that there will be no possibility for them to subsist."

Sir Oliver Lambert has been with me in connection with some matters which I misliked in his government. Tibbott ne Longe was with him, and I have sent them back [to Connaught] with a resolution which I hope will tend to the speedy quieting of that country.

O'Rorke will, I hear, become a subject. If he do Connaught will be presently in good terms and Tyrone deprived of his chief retreat.

"In all Leinster there is not now one rebel—the Moores are consumed, the O'Connors banished, and but some thirty of them left whose return out of Connaught is all that Leinster fears." The chief effect of our garrisons will not appear till towards the spring. "If there were but little keeps of stone in those garrisons I have planted, and some others, I am confident the country were reduced or the war might be made with very few." I am resolved there is no other security to be taken of this people; and we cannot, without such forts, diminish the army here whilst there is any hope out of Spain. If you could by any means rid this country of 2,000 Irish I would presently cast 2,000 more; but if you cannot I think the best course is to keep the army strong until the spring. Then, if it be kept strong, the Queen may establish her laws where she will. I am so convinced of the necessity of these stone keeps that I have given order to make provision for them against next summer. If you think this will be misliked, pray let me know it.

My private affairs urgently demand that I should go over to England. There is much to do that cannot be done in my absence; and for the service of this kingdom I despair to make myself thoroughly understood by you until I hear you and am heard by you.

This intelligence [enclosed] about O'Donnell is very likely to be true. The letter would hardly have been written unless it were so. "I am sorry to hear that the King of Spain is able to embrace an action against Algiers, because, until he be engaged, it may turn for this."

P.S.—I have directed the President of Munster to waste the country as much as he may on these men's revolts. This is better than merely taking in the Irish, for if the Spaniards do come it is well they should find the country poor.

Pp. 2. (Hol.) Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 48. Enclosing:—

A. Relation of William Floudd, who arrived at Dublin 11 October, 1602.

Left Dublin about 2 July. Arrived Lisbon about 14 July. About a fortnight after Diego de Brochero went out with about nine ships. He left three others behind for want of mariners. It was said that he went to Bayon [Bayonne] and thence back to Cales[Cadiz], in which journey he lost the St. Andrew, vice-admiral. After his departure only three small ships and three gallies were left in Lisbon.

No "sugars nor Brasill [Brazil] men" came in late, but only a report that all the Brazil men are taken. The West India fleet returned to Civill [Seville].

A great army is at Cales and many gallies bound for the straits. They had not gone at deponent's departure. They muster every day in Lisbon, "but make a very poor parado."

The two captains retained as pledges at Cork arrived at Lisbon lately.

Three weeks before leaving deponent saw a letter written from Valedelid [Valladolid] that O'Donnell died there about September 10 and was buried in the abbey of Valladolid. It was reported that he should have brought into Ireland 4,000 foot and 200 horse.

Deponent left Lisbon 20 days ago.

P. 1. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 48A.

Sir George Thornton to Secretary Cecil. [14 Oct.] Cork.

I landed here on 11 October, with eight ships. The ninth, with 100 men, a great part of the arms and some apparel, was driven by very foul weather into Waterford. The men are to come on by land and the provisions by sea. Pray remember my suit for the seven and a half ploughlands late the property of Pierce Lacy, a traitor who was slain in the North, and save me the expense of going over. I have appointed Patrick Crosbie to solicit you in my despatches.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 49.

Memorandum on the state of the Exchange. [14 Oct.]

[Details given of pay to the general and provincial officers, warders in the provinces, and to the officers and men of 12 companies of horse and 120 companies of foot.]

We have allowed for each soldier the sum of 4l. per year, but we hold it impossible that each man should save so much. If he is paid 8d. a day that amounts to £E.12 3s. 4d. a year. From this there is deducted 4l. 6s. 8d. for apparel furnished from here, and 6l. 1s. 8d. for victual—for 4d. a day is the least that we can expect to deduct for victual. If this be so, his whole profit in a year is 1l. 15s. 0d. Now even if every horseman, footman, and warder returns the whole of his balance on to the Exchange, the total amount put on the Exchange will be only £E.23,542 15s. And so after this rate the charge of the Exchange will only amount to £E.66,617 18s. 1d., "wherein the Deputy, President, Commissioners, captains, constables, and all their officers of bands have their full pays set down without deduction of any charge towards their maintenance."

It is also to be remembered that, towards the charge of the Exchange, the benefit of the said sum of £E.66,600 at 12d. in the 1l. will amount to 3,330l.

Your lordships have asked what the Queen would save or lose by the merchant in the Exchange if he should be ordered to bring in £60 in sterling in every 100l. which he brought to the Exchange. It is impossible to answer this question, for the Treasurer's certificates do not distinguish what bills come from the merchants and what from the army only. If, however, your lordships order the Master of the Exchange to make calculations separately of the bills which come from these two sources and get information from him as to its results, the question which you ask might be answered in the following way. Taking a figure of 100l., the Queen, when she pays anybody 100l. in Irish money, saves £E.75. If this 100l. is brought back to the Exchange and 60l. thereof is brought back in sterling money, the Queen loses only 25l. in the manner. She receives in money £E.60, saves by the exchange 5l., and has in the copper money £E.10, all which comes to £E.75; so she only loses 25l. If, then, over and above the sum returned by the army, the merchants return 40,000l. a year into the Exchange, the Queen loses 25 per cent. of that sum.

Pp. 2¾. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 50.

Sir George Carew to Secretary Cecil. [15 Oct.] Shandon.

I recommend Sir George Bourchier, who is going to England on private business. Pray favour his suits, and let him know that you do so at my request.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 51.

Same to Same. [15 Oct.] Cork.

I recommend Captain Francis Kingsmill, who seems to depend wholly on your good opinion. The company which he holds from his sister, the Lady Norreys, had been so much abused by those who had previously been in command of it that, though its nominal strength was 150 it could not number above 100. Since Kingsmill has been in command there has been a great improvement in the company in this respect. Lady Norreys' choice was excellent; and though she might well have been expected to give the company to her brother for particular reasons, I approve her choice thoroughly. Captain Kingsmill has served well since he came to Munster.

P. ²/3. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 52.

The Earl of Thomond to Secretary Cecil. [15 Oct.] Cork.

I arrived at Cork on the 6th after a bad passage. Sir George with the soldiers arrived here two days after, having been driven in at Waterford and coming on from thence. I shall send Connaught news when the President can give me leisure to go there.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 53.

The President and Council of Munster to Lord Buckhurst (Lord High Treasurer), the Earl of Nottingham (Lord High Admiral), and Secretary Cecil. [16 Oct.] Cork.

The new standard is held in such small account here and the restraint on the Exchange is so rigid that merchants will sell no wares here at less than 100 % profit. All prices are raised in the like unmeasurable proportion, and persons in the Queen's pay cannot live on their salaries. This is so discouraging to captains and officers that many of them daily forsake their posts and go to England. We have now found a merchant, Lewis Clotworthy, who undertakes to supply the army with all necessaries at such profit as a merchant may reasonably expect, "so that [i.e. provided that] he may be sure to have his money received into the bank here according to the proclamation, and his bills at reasonable days paid in England by order from your lordships." As a guarantee against imposture he is content that entry be made in the custom house at London or Bristol of such goods as he shall from time to time ship for Ireland, which will make it impossible for him to charge the banks colourably with more than for money so received. As "he is no freeman of the city of Cork, whereby he is subject to be called in question amongst the townsmen for retailing of wares" he offers to be bound not to sell to anybody but to the army if your lordships write letters in his favour to the town and save him from being troubled. If you grant this request the Queen will be better served. The merchants will trade no more here, and have shut up their shops so that necessaries cannot be bought from them to supply the needs of the army, as could formerly be done.

P. ¾. Signed by Sir George Carew, the Earl of Thomond, Sir G. Thornton, Lord Audley, Sir Charles Wilmot, William Saxey, and Gerald Comerford. Add. as in heading. Endd. Ibid, 54.

Sir George Carew to Secretary Cecil. [16 Oct.] Cork.

Recapitulates briefly the substance of the foregoing, and recommends Lewis Clotworthy, the person mentioned therein. There will soon (the merchants refusing to trade) be an absolute failure of supply here. Asks that the letters to the Corporation of Cork in Clotworthy's favour mentioned in the foregoing may be written.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. S.P. Ireland 212, 55.

Sir George Carew to Secretary Cecil. [17 Oct.] Shandon.

I recommend Mr. Justice Saxey. His assistance furthered the Queen's service. "He is a man of long continuance and very judicially read in the laws of the realm," and deserves promotion. His attendance here is so chargeable that his fee of 100l. does not defray half his expenses. Pray favour his reasonable desires.

P. ½. Signed. Add. Endd. Ibid, 56.

The Lord Deputy and Council to Same. [26 Oct.] Dublin.

Sir Rafe Lane has by petition represented to us that he has been at great expense for building a castle in the Dufferin, bordering on Lecale and other Irish countries, and in keeping a strong ward there at his own expense, "being a place of good importance to answer the service both by sea and land and fit to curb the rebels bordering upon it." He has spent himself in it so that he cannot go through with it unless he is helped by the Queen. The petition was referred to [two of] us, the Chief Baron and Secretary, who have sent in our opinion (enclosed) on the question of relieving him. Pray respect his great charges, and send authority hither allowing some help to be given to complete and maintain his place and work.

P. ²/3. Signed by the Lord Deputy, the Archbishop of Dublin, (and Lord Chancellor), and by Cary, Fenton, Pelham (Chief Baron of the Exchequer), St. Leger and Harington. Add. Endd. Ibid, 57. Enclosing:—

A. Petition to the Lord Deputy of Sir Rafe Lane, shewing that:—

He has done much for the Queen in the Dufferin, (fn. 2) the last two years, and has employed many men; for which he craves the Queen's bounty and relief. Asks that as the Council is busy on public days with many suits, his petition (fn. 3) may be referred to, and related to the Lord Deputy by, two others of the Council.

P. ½. Underwritten with order signed by the Lord Deputy referring the petition to the Chief Baron and Secretary. Endd. Ibid, 57A.

B. Further petition of Same to Same, shewing that:—

Petitioner has long had the interest of the Dufferm in him, but could not, since Tyrone's rebellion, conceive any benefit to be reaped by him out of it till some two years past when the success of the campaign in Ireland "in your lordship's valorous carriage of the government of it" emboldened him to try and take his footing there. He there built a castle of stonework which is not yet finished to the full, but also has ever since maintained there, at his great charges, a ward of sixteen English and thirty Irish. With these men, and others drawn from different governors, he has done divers good services which are set out in the accompanying certificate and letters. He has not, however, received any profit from the country, and is unlikely to; but, from motives both of interest and loyalty, does not like to leave it. He prays for a grant by concordatum of such a sum of money as shall be proportionate to his charge and for your lordship's recommendation of the country to the Lord Deputy in regard of its fitness for the Queen's service and for a plantation and place of refuge for people who "have a desire to be loyal subjects inhabiting in those wild parts." This can be done by placing a strong ward there against the rebel who is hourly expected to return "for whom by the said country are holden two strong loughs, the one called Lough Gronnushe [Granagh (fn. 4) ], the other the Lough Enock [Henney (fn. 4) ]." These were taken by the retinue of the Dufferin with the assistance of the two governors adjoining, but, as there is no means to hold them, are eftsoons returned or to be returned to the possession of the grand Rebel. If his request is granted, petitioner promises to make such a plantation as will be greatly to the securing of the Dufferin and the neighbourhood.

Postscript.—Petitioner has just heard from Sir Richard Moryson that John White, the leader of his kerne, has been slain by Brian McArt's men. These laid an ambush for him as he was going from Rannahady [Ringhaddy (fn. 4) ] Castle to a castle which he had built on a neck of land leased to him by petitioner, called Randuffren. This shows how necessary is a system of "daily interchangeable services." (fn. 5) "If there were strength of men at times to enter the woods, there would be an interchange of heads as current in that part as in any part of Ulster of equal charge" to the Queen.

P. 1, followed by:—

Declaration and petition of Sir Rafe Lane to the Lord Deputy and Council, shewing that:—

In your suppliant's castle of Ranahady, Bryan McArt held his personal residence, "and had the repair unto him of Scottish barques and others with all manner of provisions, sometimes twenty in a week, lying at rode [road] under the castle wall." But, hearing of your lordship's coming into Lecale, he quitted his castle and beat it down to the ground, and withdrew for his refuge over the Bann. Petitioner then appointed Edward Brookes (here present) Seneschal of his country, and caused him at his great charge to re-edify the castle. He put into it a guard of fifteen English and thirty Irish. With these and some troops sent by the Governors of Lecale and Carrickfergus he performed the following services:—

1. In May, 1601, assisted by some 50 of the Lecale garrison he took Lough Gronnush [Granagh] in the Dufferin with great store of butter and other victuals. Bryan McArt kept that store there under a guard of six men, and it contained provision for 300 of the bonnaughts for six months.

2. He also took Bryan's stronghold of Lough Enoch [Henney], which the Irish garrison surrendered.

3 and 4. In August, 1601, Con O'Neale Ustian McDonell and McAlexander Roe, who had formerly submitted to the Governor of Carrickfergus, went again suddenly into rebellion and possessed themselves of the Dufferin, save only the castle of Ranahady. This they often attempted, but the Seneschal defended it with success. The whole neighbourhood being in rebellion, the Governor of Carrickfergus drew out some troops [to suppress it], and, by chance intercepted a letter written from Ustian McDonnell to Randall McSorley of the Rowte requesting him to send good store of Scots unto him for that he stood assured of the absolute signory of the Dufferin. Upon this, the Governor himself came [to Ranahady] and carried out some service which the petitioner's seneschal had plotted against Con O'Neale, "and unlooked for surprised the said Con O'Neale on the sudden when he was aslape in the woods, which when Ustian McDonnell (a most desperate rebel) understood, he crossed the Governor's passage and very resolutely came up to the sword, but by a couple of bullets shot out of a pistol he was there fortunately slain." McAlexander Roe, the other rebel, then surrendered upon the Governor's conditions.

In spite of this defeat these rebels broke out again into rebellion on the coming of the Spaniards; and Brian McArt came again into the Dufferin with all his forces and seated himself in the plains of the country, which he had never done before since the petitioner came to it. He possessed himself of a great and strong island there called Lough Clea, where he put most of his provisions and stores of butter, corn, &c., for his relief. When petitioner's seneschal saw this, he realised that the place was one which he could not take by force; yet "for a fourth service he devised by a secret practice with a priest called Patrick McCrossan for the sum of 20l. to betray the said island at the time he should say mass; which the said priest undertook and effectually performed at the time of his mass by letting in thirty of your suppliant's men," who took the island and those in it without resistance.

This loss compelled Brian McArt to withdraw to his main fort in Killultagh: and he never more had any footing there. The provisions taken were, by the Governor's order, given to the soldiers and kerne in spoil, or divided amongst the ward; but the corn was for the most part given to the followers of the country to continue them there and to sow the land again.

5. The country continued "sometimes in and sometimes out" until your lordship's repassing again over the Blackwater. White, the leader of your petitioner's kerne, killed above 30 rebels, including three or four chiefs, principals of septs. In June last, Debdall, the Constable of Carrickfergus, certified this to Sir Arthur Chichester.

Petitioner sends a copy of a letter from Sir Arthur Chichester in which he certifies these services. Prays for the Queen's bounty in proportion to his great charges.

P. 1½. Copy [?]. In all pp. 2½. S.P. Ireland 212, 57B.

C. Sir Arthur Chichester to Secretary Cecil.

I am asked by Sir Rafe Lane to say what I know of the Dufjerin, which is part of my government, and which he has taken to ferme of the owner thereof. I know the country well. It lies between Lough Coane to the eastward and the great woods of the Dufferin, Kilwarlin, Kenelerto and Killulto [Killultagh] on the west. The lough itself is full of islands and is entered by the river of Strangford. It has during all this rebellion been a great support to the rebels "by a frequent trade into it of Scottish barques with munition, cloth, wine and aqua vitæ, often supplying the rebel." The haven is large enough to contain the largest fleet of ships of burden or gallies which any Prince has, and there is timber growing hard aboard to build other ships or gallies. "To the landward the said country is bordered in every quarter of it with the woodmen of the woods above specified, who are never honest in peace nor war, and from hence daily incursions may be made upon them."

Sir Rafe Lane has, with his experience, realised the value of such a "plot of earth," either in war or peace. He wishes to make an English plantation and defensible town there. I think this plan deserves all favour and that he has [good] reason to ask, as he does, for a company.

P. ¾. Copy. Dated, Dublin, 12 May, 1602. Copy overwritten as in heading. Ibid, 57C.

D. William Debdall, Constable of Rannahady, to [Sir Geoffrey Fenton].

Thirty of my kerne went out under my orders to deal with some loose knaves who lay in the woods of Ranahaddy and spoilt the poor tenants who went for wood. They brought in one head and four prisoners. I informed the Governor of Knockfergus of this; and he was pleased [&c., see enclosed]. I set up the head on the top of the castle to stand "as a sentinel for the terrifying of other knaves." The prisoners I kept here pending the Governor's decision, but as one of them leapt over the wall and escaped while my men were busy in beating off a night attack "I took better order for the rest, and for their safe keeping hanged them presently according the Governor's order." Some of the fellows were of note, and cows to the value of 500l. were offered as ransom for one of them.

This being done, I am now taking action against Brian McArt's creats, hoping of as good success. If they are brought in they will not escape, for I have made the castle strong enough to prevent this.

P. 1 1/10. Copy. Dated, 31 May, 1602. S.P. Ireland 212, 57D. Enclosing:—

D (fn. 6). Sir Arthur Chichester to Sir William Debdall.

I am glad of the good services done by your advice and furtherance. They will help to obtain for Sir Rafe Lane the force which he desires to have allowed for that place. As Brian McGill and Patrick O'Kelly are taken with four others of the "Slutt Henry Hyughes" (fn. 6) and in custody with you I would have them kept safe till I send a convoy for them in a few days, or let them be hanged if there is danger in keeping of them. I will have your expenses paid with recompence by my Lord Deputy.

P.S.—Captain Jephson is now in the Ards, coming hitherward with 500 or 600 foot. If you can send the prisoners to him he can bring them here. If not, I will send for them.

Since writing the above, I have your letters directed to Sir Fulke Conway and Captain Lankford. As touching the four "Slutt Hanry Hiuhes" I am content you keep one for a pledge and hang the others if you cannot keep them.

P. ¾. Ibid, 57D (fn. 6).

E. Report by Sir Edmund Pelham and Sir Goeffrey Fenton on the petition of Sir Rafe Lane,

They recommended that it be granted and that he be given l. by concordatum. His expenses there have been incurred more for the Queen's service than his own benefit; and if the concordatum be [expressly] grounded on these considerations, it can, we think, give no offence. Otherwise, your lordship may write favourably to Secretary Cecil on behalf of Lane's cause, mentioning the importance of the Dufferin if the petitioner should receive some assistance from her Majesty.

P. ²/3. Signed by Pelham and Fenton. Dated, 12 Oct., 1602. Ibid, 57E.

Return shewing the Sums (fn. 7) due by her Majesty in the three Exchanges of England for bills sent from the four Exchanges of Ireland. [31 Oct.]

Details given under each head shew the particular sums due to various classes of creditors, i.e., English merchants, Irish merchants, merchant strangers, captains, lieutenants, gentlemen, mariners and Commissaries of Victuals. In some cases sums not yet fallen due are inserted.

P. 1. Endd. with date. S.P. Ireland 212, 58.

Memorandum shewing why Officers should be numbered with the bands with which they serve. [Oct.]

In the English forces which the Queen has from time to time kept in Normandy, Brittany and other parts of France, the officers of the bands have been always part of the bands and reckoned to make up the number of the list. In Ireland the list consists of the common soldiers only, and the officers are numbered apart. If the Irish list was assimilated to those abroad the Queen would yearly save 13,592l.; and the bands would be kept more complete rather than weakened; for, in a company of 100 when the officers are part of the 100 the captain hath less occasion to diminish his number, and it is a comfort to the soldier to have officers accounted in the company with them and not reckoned a number severally and apart, which is a hindrance to the check.

In the Low Countries there is an allowance of ten dead-pays to every 100; in Ireland only of six. This is an additional reason why the officers there should be of the band.

If this were so, then, whenever the Queen reduces her army in Ireland, the list shall be kept higher with greater reputation to the army, and yet the charge not increased.

For example, if this order be established and the list be kept at 12,000, her Majesty's charge will be as if it were 11,000. By this means, too, you will retain more captains and officers which are men of service and strengthen the army, "who also grow discontented when they are cassed, having no other means to live."

The captains cannot object to this course, and when it is desired to increase the army this can be done without increasing the list; and it is well known that the companies in Ireland are never complete.

P. ⅓. Endd. with date. Ibid, 59.