James I: September 1605

Calendar of State Papers, Ireland, 1603-1606 . Originally published by Longman and Co, London, 1872.

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'James I: September 1605', in Calendar of State Papers, Ireland, 1603-1606 , (London, 1872) pp. 308-324. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/ireland/1603-6/pp308-324 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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James I: September 1605

524. William Aves to Thomas Deyse, a priest, remaining at Paris, from Dublin. [Sept. 1.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 54.

Received his unexpected letter from Patrick Hanling, of Dredathe (Drogheda), the last of August, with us A.D. 1605, and also his four books therein mentioned, two missals, one breviary, and his scholar's book, Compendium of Logic, for which he thanks him heartily in all kindness, as for his good done. To his friends herein mentioned, will make his commendations when he shall see them. His new-coyned Parres (Paris) ph[r]ases of English are scarcely understood to be good; for in London and Oxford they are counted no better than inkpott terms, and in poor Dublin superfine for them, people not caring for them, but rather thinking how they shall keep themselves upright, out of debt and deadly sin. These are the worst times that ever he was in. As for coin and money, there is none with them. All the fathers of the Society here cannot find money to send there to Parres, Bordeaux, Doua (Douai), Bruges, nor Antwerpe. All the parents whose children are there are most careless of them here, and but very few will send anything there. Speaking is in vain. Begs to be commended to Henry Stanihurst, and is glad of his well-doing. His brother James promises to send him something or some bare token by John Brenneghan of Garve, student of Doua, and to go over before Michaelmas next, as he says, for Mres Bosse Stanihurst, his sister. Would God some poor place could be provided in Paris for his sister Thomasen also ! They would make some shift for some expenses to carry them there, but for no great succour; yet are they willing to see some goodness. Wrote to Mr. President Christofer Cusack hereof, but he defers, prolongs, and uses tergiversation. Mr. Stanihurst's two daughters, they hear, are placed in Lovan in a monastery, they know not how nor how cheap; and if cheap anywhere, would God they were there ! Also, there is a nephew, id est, a sister's son of his, brought up by him in Dublin. He has learned all his grammar, two years at music, song, and play; and would God he were there, if he had known his charges by the year, per annum ! His brother Robert B. at Salacanca, a Bernardine monk, writes for him very earnestly to send him to him by the first; but he is afraid of his health and the air, and his parents are not provided of helps or ready money for him as yet. Prays him (Deyse) most earnestly, therefore, to write by the first he can possible, his best advice where to send the boy, and also for the two maids and menials before mentioned, where to send them or direct them; and if a place were gotten fit, convenient, and good and cheap there, he would be content to walk with them there himself, and leave them there together, with his own boy and nephew, this next spring. — Dublin, 1 September 1605.

Postscript.—Symon Malone is now in Dublin. The plague is got into Manchester. His third son Walter is in Bilboa; both his eldest sons in Flanders; his second daughter going beyond seas, if not already gone; his wife is come over to Dublin as soon as he can take and get a good house. Many are come out of England to dwell here for fear of persecution there; and they are greatly feared and threatened this next term and parliament. God help ! If it shall be as they say, begs them to come over here in their places, and they will go over there in their stead; for they may do more good here, and be less known, spoken, and noted, or envied or exclaimed. Prays to be commended 1,000 times to all his dear countrymen, the priests and scholars, to Mr. Walter Taylor, and to good Mr. John Lee, his schoolfellow at Dredathe, to all the rest his acquaintances and good wishers. Would God he were amongst them there, especially now, seeing the Society of Jesus is admitted amongst them in Paris.

P. 1. Hol. Add. Endd.

525. The King to Sir George Carey, Treasurer at War in Ireland. [Sept. 3.] Add. Papers, Ireland, 8.

The Earl of Kildare, who is returning to Ireland, has made suit to have some arrearages due of his former entertainment paid unto him; and inasmuch as he has no present entertainment, it is the King's pleasure that there be paid to him out of the next treasure sent into Ireland, so much in "silver harpes" as shall appear to be due.

P. ½. Draft. Endd.: "The copie of a łre from the Kinge's Matie, in the behalfe of the Earle of Kildare to the Threr of Ireland."

526. Lord Roche to the Earl of Salisbury. [Sept. 10.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 56.

The many favours which his Lordship showed him at the time of his being in England, together with his own small merits, almost discourage him from troubling his Lordship further in his behalf; yet the due consideration of his kindness, the justness of his cause, and his Lordship's honourable forwardness to protect all them that be wrongfully injured, embolden him to crave his honourable favour for the preventing of a malicious course which is practised against him by Sir Richard Hansard, who, first begging his intrusion, and being thereby frustrated by law, to his great travel and charges, doth now, as he is advertised, labour to get from him the reversion of Bridgetown, which he holds, for many years, or what other title he may find in his lease to his prejudice. Humbly prays that Salisbury will be pleased to stop Hansard's proceedings therein, and not to suffer either him or any other to get the same from him; the rather because his grandfather, his father, and he himself have had it many a year in possession, and paid for the purchase of it to Mr. Lodovick. Briskett very dearly, as both he and any others may testify.—Castletowne, 10 September 1605.

Signed: D. de Rupe & Fermagh [Fermoy].

P. 1. Hol. Sealed. Add. Endd.

527. Sir Arthur Chichester to Sir J. Davys, AttorneyGeneral. [Sep. 12.] Carte Papers, vol. 61, p. 148.

Warrant for a fiant for James Ware, Esq., pursuant to His Majesty's letters of 27 June last, to have the office he now holds of assistant to the Commissioners for taking of foreign accounts, at 5s. per day during the King's pleasure, henceforth at 10s. per day for life.

P. 1. Endd.

528. Maelbrighde (fn. 1) O'Hosey to Father Robert Nuinnsionn [Nugent].[Sept. 19.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 55.

Valete. Duaci, 19 Septembris 1605.

Vester ad omnia,

Brigidus Hosseus.

P. 1. Hol., in the Irish character.

[Translation.] Maelbrighde O'Hosey to Father Robert Nugent.

Our blessing to you, Father Robert Nuinnsionn (Nugent). Know that what was for some time a matter of unwillingness to us, namely, the obligation which the President was demanding of us, has been assented to by us; and if it were possible for you to speak to the President for us, that he would send us then to Louvain, to make our [studies of] divinity, we would wish it for many reasons. And, first, in order that we might be in association with you, and near the son of O'Neill, if he comes to the country; as well as because, (if it be true,) that is the best place where learning is acquired (made). It is the fitter for the President to send me to a good place, since my only reason for opposing that obligation the first time, was the fear that it might come against my studies. If that fear which was upon me should come to an end, it would be less on another man to give him his vow. I call God to witness that it is no necessity whatever that influences myself to give it, but from a desire to do the will of the President; for I was often written to from Salamanca and Valladolid, where I could be without any trouble whatever being imposed on me regarding my studies. Besides, if O'Neill's son should come to this country, it is likely that I would get what I might require. For all that, I am now at his will, whatever he may choose that I should do. I would go on a visit to yourself this idle time, if I did not hope that it is thither I might be sent on every account.

Farewell,

Your entirely devoted,

Maelbrighde O'Heodhusa [O'Hosey].

Douai, 19 September 1605.

529. Lord and Lady Delvin to Salisbury. [Sept. 20.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 57.

Upon the repair of his father, the late Lord of Delvin, into England as petitioner unto her late Majesty for reward of his many recommended services, and loss therein sustained, he was granted 100l., ster., in fee-farm of such rebels' lands as were or should be slain or attainted in the counties of Cavan and Longford, sithence the first beginning of the late wars or rebellion in this land. And howbeit divers of the landed men of the said counties were so slain and attainted, by due course of law, yet he himself, after the death of his father, repaired into England of purpose to surrender the said limited grant to Her Majesty, in hope to obtain something of less show and more profit, which, by reason of Her Majesty's death then happening, took no effect. And afterwards, his mother and himself (going again to be petitioners to the King's Majesty for the same purpose), were contented to accept 60l. for the said 100l., adding to the same two counties the county of Meath and Westmeath, in which two latter counties (though precedent grants took up all the best things, they were resolved to content themselves, until one Rosse O'Ferrall and others, chief of the moiety of the county of Longford (being themselves attainted, as most part of that country were), became very earnest suitors unto them to take in their lands upon their (the Delvins') grant, saying they expected more favour at their hands than at any others who might pass the same. Upon those persuasions they proceeded according to the due course of law, and so passed to their great charges several dispersed and waste parcels of land, under His Majesty's great seal, which, besides the new survey, are subject to many other charges more than the profit of the land is like to dis charge. And therefore they entered into quiet possession of the chief parcels, by consent of the said Rosse and others, the best of those attainted persons whom they used favourably, in respect of their conformity unto them the King's patentees; and so they continued near a whole year, until they were, through an ambitious spirit, moved to contention by one Sir Francis Shane, saying that he himself was of the Farralls, and that if those poor people would make him chief of them, and give him some lands and freedoms which belonged to O'Farrall, he would overthrow the King's title, and record the lands for himself and them. And albeit the said Sir Francis Shane is known to be the son of one Nicholas Shane, who was son to one Shane, some time Smyth of Ardrath, who was none of the family of the O'Farralls, and neither inherited any lands, nor ever dwelled within the said county of Longford; yet the said Rosse and other poor attainted persons are contented to make him their ringleader, and were drawn by him to complain before the Lord Deputy and Council at Dublin; and now they are (partly upon his own charges) procured by him to go to explain into England, where he (Lord Delvin) hopes they shall have no better countenance than their cause and behaviour ever deserved. But if this plot of Sir Francis Shane's to raise himself by the overthrow of the King's title, be admitted, or in any respect countenanced, it will prove a prejudicial precedent, and very inconvenient for His Majesty, who is interested in many other things of this nature. Delvin's charges in these suits, and travels into England about this grant, have already amounted to near 3,000l.; though with half the money he might have purchased all the lands contained in this book, which their adversaries cannot deny. And if they might quietly enjoy it, it will be very long (by means it is all waste) ere they can make so much good of it, as will defray the growing rent reserved upon them for His Majesty, which neither he nor his predecessors ever had before. So that this, being a reward for services, is rather a service than a hindrance to His Majesty; and if they be limited hereunto they should think their fortunes very hard, and be forced eftsoons to become suitors to His Majesty for a new grant, which (by all likelihood) cannot be so little to his hindrance, or so small for their profit as this is. Therefore, and in respect that this His Highness's cause hath been already more chargeable unto them than their ability could bear, they humbly crave that the said Sir Francis, by his Lordship's good furtherance, may be commanded to desist in this his wrongful maintenance, and the rest from their vexations; and that they be no less countenanced than all other His Majesty's patentee's are. And for the better inhabiting of the said waste lands, they will use the said Rosse, and the said other livings of the other attainted persons, with such conditions as in reason they cannot dislike; nor indeed, would not, if the said Sir Francis had not moved him to the contrary. And further, if any hath or shall report that the thing they have passed was not meet to the passed unto them, they are content, His Majesty giving reasonable consideration for their charges or for their grant, to surrender their whole book to His Majesty, to be reserved or disposed of according to his pleasure. For whose favour they are ready not only to spend that, and all the lands they have, but also their lives to do his service, &c.—Clonyn, 20 September 1605.

Pp. 2. Signed. Add. Endd.: "Lord and Lady Delvin to Salisbury."

530. Lady and Lord Delvin to the Earl of Shrosberie [Shrewsbury]. [Sept. 20.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 58.

On the same subject and of similar tenor with the above.— Clonyn, 20 September 1605.

Pp. 2.

531. Sir George Bourchier to Salisbury. [Sept. 22.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 59.

Is emboldened by his former favours to recommend this poor gentleman, his eldest son Thomas Bourchier, unto his favour and protection, as to one whom he knows to be an honourable man.

He, himself, worn out with a laborious life, and a long grievous sickness, is even now at the period of his days, looking every hour for a peaceable passage to his grave. On which extremity he is oppressed with this grief only, that having spent so many years in the faithful service of his prince and country, he sees himself the poorest man of all those that served Queen Elizabeth (or His Majesty since her death) so painfully as he has done, whereby he leaves his poor children the most miserable sons of an unhappy father. In this grief he is most of all comforted with an assurance of that most noble virtue that Salisbury possesses in the eye of all men; hoping that, as his service hath been long and faithful, and not inferior to some of those that have been honourably rewarded, so Salisbury will have a consideration of him, and of them for his sake, and will be pleased to be a mediator for this his son unto His Majesty, that whatsoever he himself might be thought worthy to taste of His Highness's bounty and favour, may be conferred on him who relieth on his good Lord, and whom he has enjoined ever to depend on his Lordship as his servant and follower. The best estate he is able to leave him, as well for his own maintenance as for his poor brethren, is the small debt which His Majesty most justly oweth him, for which he was heretofore an humble suitor, and was respited or deferred, but until his accounts (unto the death of the Queen) were determined, which he has laboured to effect, being in hand and in great forwardness, and will very shortly be finished and declared to the manifest approving of his honest and profitable service. And he doubts not but by Salisbury's means it will now be obtained at his hands or something in lieu thereof, which favour and furtherance he beseeches of his Lordship, and that he will have due compassion of him for his poor father's sake, who maketh this his last petition unto him, &c.—22 September 1605.

P. 1. Signed. Add. Endd.: "Sir G. Bourchier to Salisbury."

532. Earl of Ormond to Salisbury. [Sept. 25.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 60.

Has had advertisement from thence, as he has formerly written, that some go about irrespectively to draw from his son-in-law, the bearer hereof, after his (Ormond's) death, some good parcels of the reward of his own and his ancestors' faithful service; he himself remaining now far worn by his long sickness, has dispatched him away thither, the better to be able, by Salisbury's accustomed friendly direction and good means, to free him from such extremity as might, without Salisbury's help, too heavily light upon him. Commits him to Salisbury's accustomed honourable friendly care, both now and always.—Carricke, 25 September 1605.

P. 1. Signed. Sealed. Add. Endd.: "Ormond to Salisbury."

533. Lord Deputy's Warrant to Sir John Davys, Knight, Solicitor-General. [Sept. 25.] Carte Papers, vol. 61, p. 150.

Arthur Chichester.—By the Lord Deputy.

These are to will and require you forthwith, upon receipt hereof, to make forth a frame of His Majesty's most gracious and general free pardon (treasons tending to the destruction of His Majesty's person only excepted) unto the persons whose names are hereunder writ, being in number 28, inserting therein no provisoes; and for your doings, this shall be your warrant.—Howth, 25 September 1605.

Phelim M'Cartan, chief of his name.

Patrick M'Cartan.

Eugenius M'Cartan.

Donell Oge.

Agholy Oge.

Edmund.

Patrick Rogane.

Bryan Rogane.

Henry Rogane.

Thomas Birne.

Patrick Birne.

Thaddie Birne.

Phelim Rogane.

Murtagh Birne.

John Birne.

Agholy M'Cartan.

Doughee O'Rogane.

Murtagh M'Cartan.

Catheline Magneis [Magennis].

Catheline Oge M'Cartan.

Evelin M'Cartan.

Catherin M'Cartan.

Margarett M'Cartan.

Donell M'Cartan.

Jenkin O'Kerne; and

Con O'Haran, gent., of the county of Down.

Pp. 2. Endd.: "To our well beloved Sir John Davys, Knight, His Majesty's Sollicitor General for Ireland.— He. Percy."

534. Lord Deputy's Warrant to Sir John Davys. [Sept. 26.] Carte Papers, vol. 61, p. 151.

Warrant for Lord Cromwell's commission to be governor and commander as well of all the country of Lecale, M'Cartan's country, the tower and castle of Dundrum, and the borders of them, in the county of Down, as also of His Majesty's forces in the said countries; with power to execute martial law, by death or other punishment, upon any mutinous or disobedient soldiers, or any other that shall deserve the same, as fully as Sir Richard Morision or Sir Ralph Bingley held the same.— Howth, 26 September 1605.

Signed at the head: "By the Lord Deputy. Arthur Chichester."

P. 1. Add.: "To Sir John Daveys, His Majesty's Sollicitor General for Ireland."

535. Lord Deputy's Warrant to Sir John Davys. Ibid., s. d.

A similar warrant, mutatis mutandis, for a re-grant of the other moiety of M'Cartan's country, above mentioned, to Lord Cromwell, his heirs and assigns.

Pp. 2. Add. as preceding No.

536. Sir Arthur Chichester to Salisbury. [Sept. 29.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 61.

This gentleman, his cousin Bourchier, upon the death of his father, is desirous to repair unto the Court, and having a great account to pass, and as he conceives good sums of money due to his deceased father, he will be an humble suitor that His Majesty may suspend the disposal of that office for five or six months, within which time he is assured by the ministers of his father that they will be fully finished; and having cleared with His Majesty, if the remains due unto him be answerable to his expectation, he will be content to release a good part thereof, to be further confirmed in the said office. But if through his young years, or through other respects, he be not thought fit to undergo so great a charge, he (Chichester) is then a humble suitor that Salisbury will be pleased to favour him towards the receipt of his money, it being all that is left for the maintenance of himself and two brethren, except a little land in Munster, of small value over and above the King's rents. He is a gentleman of good understanding and towardness, which makes Chichester bold to recommend him to Salisbury's favour, which he hopes will in some measure be afforded him.—Howth, 29 September 1605.

Pp.2. Hol. Sealed. Add. Endd.: "Chichester to Salisbury."

537. Sir Arthur Chichester to Salisbury. [Sept. 30.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 62.

Sir George Bourchier died on Tuesday the 24th instant, and has left three young gentlemen, his sons, to very poor fortunes, other than what their own worths and deserts shall enable them unto. Has certified my Lord Lieutenant what course he has taken for the careful and safe looking unto the magazines and stores of artillery and munition lately under his charge; and, in order that all future dangers may be prevented, and that place worthily supplied, has put my Lord Lieutenant in remembrance of Sir Oliver Lambeart, and of a promise lately made unto him in letters of His Majesty's of the 9th of September 1605, written in his behalf, and in these words:

Having a further intention to bestow upon him the next office of that kingdom fit for one of his sort which shall happen to be voided;" and seeing that His Highness is so graciously inclined towards him, and that Sir Oliver's long service and good understanding doth so well enable him for that office, he humbly beseeches Salisbury's good favour and furtherance to be extended towards him; for which they shall both be much bound, and will endeavour to deserve the same to the uttermost of their powers. Sir Oliver being the most fit man that Chichester knows for that office, he is the more earnest in his humble motions.—Howth, 30 September 1605.

Pp. 2. Hol. Sealed. Add. Endd.: "Lord Deputy to Salisbury."

538. Lord Deputy and Council to the Lords. [Sept. 30.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 63.

Having now ended their northern journey, and being returned to Dublin, they proceed to give an account of their endeavours, by due administration of justice, and by good example and advice, to beget in the people a disposition to live in obedience and civility, and to reclaim them from the barbarous customs and courses to which they have been so long enured.

They began their labours at Ardmagh; and first, in the church there, which was much rained and fallen into decay, they found a number of priests all ordained by foreign authority, and holding their dignities and prebends by Bulls from Rome, not one man amongst them disposed to celebrate divine service and sacraments according to His Majesty's laws. They found also that certain tithes of great value, intended for the support of a college of 22 vicars choral of that church, were demised in lease, by Mr. Wood, the dean, without any lawful authority. For redress of these enormities they have directed the Lord Primate, the Archbishop of that see, and then in their company, with all speed to place a sufficient minister to serve in that church according to His Highness's injunctions, and also have admonished and enjoined himself, who is well able to speak their language, to repair thither in person on every summer season, and there to reside for three or four months, to instruct the people by his preaching, and to reform a number of abuses amongst them. They have likewise caused him to sequester the tithes and profits of that college, to be reserved for the maintenance of some poor scholars of that province (whereof already they have chosen a few that are of some towardness) to be placed in the college near Dublin, until a competent number of ministers may be provided and placed there to attend the service of that church.

They next entered into consideration of the whole country of Ardmaghe, and upon conference first had with the Earl of Tyrone and other the principal inhabitants, they divided the county, which before their coming was not distinguished into baronies and hundreds, into six several baronies, annexing Clanbrassilagh, which before lay doubtful between it and the county of Down, unto that county.

Besides this they have procured the lands of three towns, containing by estimation 300 acres, to be allotted to the fort of Mountnorris, by the consent of Patrick O'Hanlon, who made claim thereunto, and in lieu thereof, they intend to accept of his surrender of other eight towns and a half adjoining, and to grant unto him a good estate therein from His Majesty, he now holding the same by the old custom of Tanestrie. And in this place they have left Capt. Henry Adderton with a ward of 20 men (with entertainment out of the 1,000l. yearly allowed by His Majesty to the Deputy for extraordinary charges), he being a gentleman that hath carried himself well, and very honestly in war and peace, and is now a good help unto them, both for execution and administration of justice in those parts.

They have also allotted 300 acres to the fort of Charlemount of the lands next adjoining (according to the reservation made in His Majesty's letters patents lastly made unto the Earl), with competent houseboote, hedgeboote, ploughboote, fireboote, and turberie, for the garrison, growing upon the lands of the said Earl of Tirone, nearest adjoining unto the said fort. The land is of very large measure and they intend to take further assurance for His Majesty.

After diligent hearing of the cause depending between the Earl of Tyrone and Sir Henry Oge O'Neile, they have ended that difference, having by their order established Sir Henry Oge in all the lands he was possessed of at the time of his first submission to the Lord Lieutenant, being two ballibetoes in Tyrone, adjoining to the river of Blackwater on the north side, called Mointerbirne, and three ballibetoes in Tourannie, on the south side of that river, in performance of the true meaning of the Lord Lieutenant's promise and words passed to the said Sir Henry. They have not heard of any difference between the Earl and Sir Tirlagh M'Henry touching the Fewes.

Proceeding in their journey they came to Dunganon. They found the county of Tyrone to be distinguished into eight several baronies, including the three baronies of Anaghe, Lymevadie, and Colrane, lying in O'Cahane's country. In each of these baronies they have persuaded the Earl of Tyrone to agree to create freeholders, and he has already named the persons, although the thing cannot as yet be perfected for longer than for his life, as his eldest son is yet in minority. He has also laid down in writing before us his plot and purpose to make his three young sons by the now Countess, his wife, freeholders in the county of Ardmagh, near to the state, and his second son, named Henry (now in Spain or in the Low Countries) in the barony of Strabane, in the county of Tyrone, allotting to every of them a good quantity of land, distinguished from the lands of the earldom.

Here in this county (as in all the rest) many gentlemen of the O'Neiles and other septs, preferred their petitions, claiming a right in freehold to several parcels of lands possessed by them and their ancestors, which the Earl withstood, alleging the whole country to be his own, and in his disposition. Time not serving to decide these titles, they have ordered that those ancient gentlemen in Tyrone, and in all other parts of Ulster, shall continue in their possessions until further consideration may be had of their estates. Only in the case of Tirlaghe M'Arte O'Neile, the legitimate son of Sir Arthur O'Neile, the son of Sir Tirlaghe Lenaghe, they have ordered him the present possession of one entire ballibetoe to be chosen by himself, and to be holden immediately from the King and without payment of rent, between the rivers of Dergne and Fyn. They were induced to take this present order for his maintenance and relief, being a poor young gent. of some good hope. And though they have seen the copy of the late Queen's letters, signifying her favour towards the posterity of Sir Tirlaghe Lenaghe, and intention to place them in all the lands lying between the aforesaid rivers, and in the towns and lands of Strabane adjoining, (but without) the said rivers over against the Lyffer, they have left them in the Earl's possession, leaving the young gent, to seek by law for a greater scope intended to him by the Queen's said letters.

While at Dungannon they rode to His Majesty's fort of Mountjoy. The castle is now in good forwardness, and they have allotted to it and distinguished 300 acres of very large measure, with like allowances as to the other fort of Charlemount.

From Dungannon they travelled to the Liffer, where the controversy between the Earl of Tyrconnel and Sir Neil Garve O'Donnell was brought before them, Sir Neil challenging a right to the whole country, the Earl unwilling to allow him a foot of land, and both of them stating to the Liffer, to which neither of them showed a sufficient title. After giving them and their counsel a long hearing, after some persuasions of the Deputy and Council, the Earl and the said Sir Neile absolutely submitted themselves to their order; and thereupon they have ordered to Sir Neile Garve and his heirs the number of 43 quarters of land in Glan Fyn and Munganaghe, next adjoining unto the same. Both these parcels of land are seated near to the Liffer, which they conceive to be a sufficient portion for Sir Neile, containing 12,900 acres at least. But concerning the town of Liffer, they are all of opinion that it is a place of special importance to be kept and preserved in His Majesty's own hands, and to be turned to a town corporate, for which they prefer it far above the Derrie. By the keeping of it for His Highness, and as a free town, they foresee that all these parts, both on Tyrone and Tirconnell's side, will soon be gained and won to civility and obedience. The Deputy accordingly (with the advice of the Council) has absolutely reserved the town of the Liffer, with four quarters of land, and a meadow containing 60 acres of land, adjoining to the town and called Stramoore, to His Majesty's sole disposition. They suggest that it be converted to a free town, and be walled about, and so inhabited only with English and Scottish men, as a special means to establish obedience, peace, civility, and plenty in those parts, and to prevent many future mischiefs. They will only here note unto their Lordships the meeting of three good rivers, the Dargne, the Mourne, and the Fyn, which near to that place fall into one channel, and so pass together from thence into Loughfoile, and the exceeding commodity gotten by the fishings of that loch and of those rivers. For the furtherance of this project of the Liffer, they advise,—

First, that the lands allotted to it may be divided into small parcels, to be laid to the houses which may be bestowed upon soldiers and servitors, that will undertake to follow their travels and occupations.

Secondly, that a greater proportion of lands be laid unto few inns for entertainment; also to the fort to defend the town and to keep the coast of the country ; and that ground lying near be assigned for a common for the inferior sort.

And lastly, that the whole may not be subjected to the rule of one man, but be kept unto the civil government of the magistracy, lest the access of able merchants be discouraged.

Upon coming to the Liffer, they found that the Earl of Tyrconnell had procured the M'Swynes, O'Boyle, and other ancient gents, inhabitants of Tyrconnell, to surrender their several estates in their lands, which the Earl himself, being called before them, did not deny ; but upon the persuasion of the Deputy and Council he named such of them as he deemed fit to be freeholders of part thereof, reserving their ancient rents in certainty. They have taken an exact note of all the quarters of land in that county of Donegall, and intend to distinguish them unto six several baronies, where formerly they were but four, and those not recorded according to the order of law. Sir Cahire O'Doghertie is also to deliver to them the names of fit persons to be created freeholders in Inish Owen.

From Liffer they came to the city of Derrie. They observed there many good buildings. As a place of importance, they hope that so good a work may not be suffered to decay. They deem the best means for the preservation of this city, as also of the Liffer, is to replenish those two places with merchants, tradesmen, and artificers from England and Scotland, which must be commanded by authority to come over and compelled to remain and set up their trades and occupation in those corporations.

Likewise at the Derrie they have taken a small order for the satisfaction of the Danes, whose cause, partly through their own wilfulness, and partly by the indiscreet dealings of some merchants, could not be ended before their coming. And further, upon the recommendation of Sir Henry Docwra of the good services of Denis O'Mullan in spying and guiding upon sundry services in the time of the late rebellion, they have persuaded the Earl of Tirone and O'Cahane to pass unto him in freehold for ever one town of land in the place where he was born, without payment of any other rent, duties, and customs but 12d. per ann. to the chief Lord.

From the Derrie they came to Lymevade [Newtown-Limavady], O'Cahane's chief house, and there, in regard of the convenience of the place, they established a market weekly and one fair to be held yearly. From thence to Colrane, and thence to Carrickfergus, where they divided the county of Antrim into eight baronies, annexing Kilultaghe to that county, by reason it is meared by the river of the Lagan, which divides it from the county of Down, being a very great county, and conceiving that the inhabitants may more conveniently be looked unto by the sheriff of Antrim than of Down. And in this county of Antrim, by virtue of His Majesty's letters, which they received at Ardmaghe, they purpose to divide the Lower or North Clandeboie in manner following ; viz., to pass unto Shane O'Neile five toaghes of land (every toaghe of land contains 16 towns, every town 120 acres, some more and few less); to the children of Neile M'Hugh two toaghes ; to Rowrie M'Guilin (in consideration of the loss of his inheritance and lands disposed of by His Majesty to Sir Randolphe M'Donnell), one toaghe in freehold; and to other ancient gentlemen and inhabitants of that county, one toaghe, and reserving the remainder of this Lower Clandeboie towards Carrigfergus (and not formerly given by His Majesty, to be passed to English and Scottish men by Mr. Hamilton) in freehold, reserving a rent. For this end they must make use of Mr. Hamilton's grants, with his assent, for the better settlement of freeholders in this part thereafter, which they could not then complete, as those lands are not yet passed ; nor in the Route and Glinnes, in regard of Sir Randolph M'Donnell's absence, who by his letters to him (the Deputy) assented in this point to do as the rest of the Lords and gentlemen have done.

Besides in this their travel the assizes were kept in the counties of Ardmaghe, Tyrone, Donegall, and Antrim, and in the city and county of Derrie, and in the town and county of Carrigfergus, in each of which they appointed coroners and constables. In some of them were great numbers of prisoners delivered, and in all these places an unknown number of complaints, bills, and petitions were heard and determined.

In consequence of the exceeding great wastes and desolation they have observed in this whole journey, in all the parts of this province, which hath happened through God's just judgment upon this people for their stubbornness and rebellion, they have been compelled for a time to make a stay of the delivery of His Majesty's letters, concerning a composition to be raised in this province, because they see no means how it may be yet effected according to His Majesty's pleasure.

As for the churches in this province, they find but a show of some few, and none in repair; but they have taken the best order they could in this short time, for the rebuilding of some.

Notwithstanding the length of this letter, they beg leave to represent unto them their other observations of some particular places of importance very fit in their opinions to be respected for His Highness's service and for the assurance of this province.

Amongst these is St. Omey, seated upon the river of Omey, in Tyrone, 20 miles beneath Dungannon, in the way to the Liffer, from which it is 12 miles distant. Round about this place there is a general desolation, by reason of which it happeneth that merchants and other passengers weakly guarded, travelling to or from the Derrie or Liffer to the Pale, are usually in their passage cut off and murdered. For remedy they intend to plant there an English servitor, with the allowance of 10 foot and six horse, the rather because they foresee that this plantation of a servitor there may well be done, without any wrong to the Earl of Tyrone, in regard there is a little abbey with a small quantity of land belonging unto it, which is already passed upon some book given by His Majesty unto Captain Edward Leigh, a gentleman of good experience in those parts, who hath lived there in this late rebellion, having command of 500 foot and 100 horse, and performed good services, who also undertakes to build upon that abbey if he may have that encouragement of entertainment from His Majesty.

Secondly, they observe upon the importance of keeping Culmore. They think that a ward should be established there of 22 men (one or two of them to be cannoniers), because that place is a very sure bar to hinder the passage of any ship or bark up the river from the great Lough, and below it on Tirconnell's side there is no landing, the water being shallow and the ground a deep ooze.

Thirdly, they recommend some plantation of English and Scots at Colraine, upon the Bande side. This they intend to perform by permitting Mr. Hamilton to pass that abbey and lands appertaining to it, in his book, and by repassing the same to Captain Thomas Philippes, a discreet and honest servitor there settled, who undertakes to bestow some charges in building for this end. In the meantime they have esta blished a ferry boat upon that passage. In like manner they must remind them of the necessity of holding Masserine for the preserving of their boats and the passage of the Lough. Without this the forts of Charlemont and Mountjoy will hardly be relieved, nor can there be any intercourse between these countries. Toome, also upon the entrance of the Lough into the river of the Bande [Bann], and Enisholaghlin [Inishloughlin], standing in Kilultaghe, should also be kept. Both of these, by reason of the strength of bogs and woods, are the shelter and lurking places of most of the idle men, thieves, murderers, and lawless kerne, which at this present are not free from them.

And lastly, they recommend that the town of Carrickfergus be walled round, one part of which was finished by the late Queen, and the rest was both intended and promised to be done, as also that the castle there, being an ancient and goodly castle, founded by His Majesty's ancestors, may be repaired, and the pier bettered, all which they conceive will be done with 4,000l. of silver harpes, and when done will yield an increase of a yearly rent to His Majesty of 40l.

At the Newrie they entered into consideration of the county of Down, and perceiving it cannot conveniently be governed by one sheriff by reason of its extent and of the separation of the river of Strangford, and strength of woods and fastnesses, they think it will be the best to divide it into two counties, and then Kilultaghe shall be annexed to one of them, and not unto Antrim.

Before their setting forth in this journey, the Lord Chief Justice and Chief Baron having ridden the Southern circuit, consisting of the counties of Catherlagh, Wexford, and Kilkenny, did also by virtue of several commissions, not only renew His Majesty's compositions for these counties (although with great difficulty), but also divided the counties of Catherlagh and Wexford, with certain limits and bounds, which before that time had been very doubtful, by means of which divers murders and offences formerly committed had escaped unpunished.

And being now entered into this matter of division of counties, they renew their former motion that the country of the Tooles and Birnes, and other mountain parts adjoining, being very spacious and yet barbarous, wanting means of justice, and therefore a perpetual sink of rebellion hitherto, may be reduced into a county for the better government thereof.

And so humbly recommending to their considerations this report of their service and proceedings in this journey, they commend them with their prayers to God's divine protection. —Howth, this last of September 1605.

Signed: Sir Arthur Chichester, Tho. Midensis, Edmund Pelham, James Ley, G. Moore.

Pp. 11. Signed. Add. Endd.: "L. D. & Council to the Lords."

539. Earl of Tyrconnell to Earl of Salisbury. [Sept. 30.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 64.

Had formerly written to him from Dublin, and now is forced again to trouble him, humbly begging that he may be a means to His Highness that he may have Liffer, with the lands thereunto belonging, restored unto him, which was lately taken unto His Majesty's hands, upon pretence that it is a place very necessary for His Highness to build a city on. His Lordship knows what and how much heretofore has been taken from him of that his ancestors had, and if upon such suggestions of those who, under colour of His Majesty's service, hunt after their private gain to His Highness's costs, men s lands shall be taken from them, the subject will remain ever poor, and His Majesty never freed from intolerable charges. His estate is already brought to a very low ebb, so as he is not able to maintain the countenance of that dignity which His Highness's bounty hath given him, and by this means (if he be not a mean to help him), it will be utterly overthrown.

P 1. Signed. Add. Endd.: "E. Tirconel to Salisbury."

540. Memorandum regarding Great Ordnance in Ireland. [Sept.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 62 a.

Note of great ordnance remaining in several places in Ireland, probably immediately after the death of Sir George Bourchier, Master of the Ordnance.

Pp. 2½.

541. Lords of the Privy Council to Lord Deputy. [Sept. ] Add. Papers Ireland, 23.

Ordering that the suit of Connor M'Dermott Rey, to be permitted to surrender his lands and tenements in the county of Roscommon, and to have a new lease of the same at an increased rent of 20s. yearly, with other conditions as to a weekly market and yearly fair at Kilmactrany, shall be granted, the said conditions being referred to the Lord Deputy's judgment.—Hampton Court, [ ] September 1605.

Signed: Ellesmere, Canc., Th. Dorset, Nottingham, Northumberland, Fr. Worcester, Northampton, Salisbury.

P. 1. Add.: "L. Deputie of Ireland." Endd.: "M'Dermott Rey."

542. Treasure sent into Ireland. [Sept.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 65.

Memorandum, in Salisbury's hand, of treasure sent into Ireland.

Hol.

543. Charges of Entertainments in Ireland. [Sept.] S.P., Ireland, vol. 217, 66.

Memorandum, in Salisbury's hand, of the charges of the entertainment in Ireland.

Hol.

Footnotes

  • 1. Known also in his order (the Franciscan) under the name of Father Bonaventure O'Hosey. He is the author of the earliest printed catechism in the Irish language.