Elizabeth I: volume 122, February 1586

February 1586

Feb. 4. Tallonstown.

62. Oliver Plunket, fourth Baron of Louth, to Burghley. Relates how the Lord Deputy threatened him with disfavour and disgrace to compel him to subscribe a revocation of a former joint letter against cess. pp. 2.

Feb. 4. Tallonstown.

63. Same to Walsyngham. It may please your Honour. I have certainly learned that whereas in a late joint letter sent to Her Majesty from three of us, the temporal Lords, Slane, Howth, and myself, we complained against my Lord Deputy as well for his intention to burden this poor country with cess, as also for his disfavour and discountenance showed towards us for withstanding the repeal of Poyning's Act, in the first session of Parliament. His Lordship hath now lately by sinister means (to wit, by terrible threats) procured two of us to subscribe a recantation of that former letter, for which purpose also his Lordship sent for me, and when by entreaties he could not move me to do the same, against my conscience, knowing the former letter to contain truth; (the recantation whereof should but confirm the opinion of rashness to my utter discredit) whereof he hath most deeply accused me. His Lordship began to threaten that both here and in England he would seek my disgrace and utter undoing; which thing as here already he hath attempted, both by many bad speeches and reproachful terms used oftentimes against me, and by causing a serjeant-at-arms without cause to arrest me attending on his Lordship, at the last prorogation of Parliament at Tredathe [Drogheda], so I am likewise informed; that not content herewith he laboureth also with your Honor to work my discredit there; to whom as he himself hath reported he hath written both that direction may come from thence for my open punishment, for the letter we presumed to send to Her Highness. And in hatred of my person (which justly never offended his Lordship) he hath termed me a rash young man of very small haviour and less credit, I beseech your Honor to pardon my boldness in justifying the thing I have done, and in the modest and dutiful defence of myself against his Lordship's malicious information. The letter which we three Lords did formerly write unto Her Highness, contained nothing but a truth, the contents whereof I undertake hereby to justify, either here, before indifferent commissioners; or there, before the board against Sir John Perrot. My Lord Deputy in truth dealt very wisely for himself, which first procured a liberal composition for his own house, and after began to urge the other for Her Majesty, wherein finding ourselves grieved, as not able to endure the intolerable burden of both, and wishing rather our abilities were extended to the lessening of Her Highness' charges or maintaining the magnificency of the state in hospitality (wherein how miserably his Lordship doth pinch I refer it to the general report of the world) than to the feeding of his wonderful insatiety, we had no refuge but to advertise Her Majesty and to refer all to Her good pleasure, whose honourable and most gracious answer signified by the Lord Treasurer hath both greatly comforted us; and for ever bound us to pray for the continuance of Her Highness' most happy reign over us. Touching myself whom his Lordship by unseemly terms hath sought to disgrace, I would write nothing if my government and behaviour were known unto your Honour, but being a stranger unto you, I beseech you pardon me to say thus much that upon advised conference and just occasion we wrote the former letter to Her Majesty, whereby we know we have prevented many and great abuses. The manner of my government and behaviour I refer to the report of this council and state, not doubting but the same will countervail the information of my Lord Deputy made against me, only this I must say in my purgation of that crime of rashness objected against me, that had I at his Lordship's intreaty abandoned the justifying of that which maturely and upon good and deliberate consideration I did affirm to be true, I needed not more than others of my coat (which howsoever this last letter hath been extorted from them, differ not in opinion from me, as it shall most manifestly appear unto your Honor, whensoever they be free and secure from the injuries of his malice) stand in danger of those inconveniences which if your Honors and the rest's good and just favour do not protect me, my Lord Deputy's displeasure and indignation may procure and work unto me. As for my credit which his Lordship seeketh chiefly to impair, I may not therein yield; I dare be bold to avouch it is altogether as good in my country as Sir John Perrot's is in Wales; I confess my wealth is not so great as his (which maketh him in truth to despise all men without measure) yet have I a contented (sic) portion for a nobleman (having not lewdly impaired the patrimony my ancestors left me) which as generally all the nobility [of this kingdom] had their first creation rather in respect of the numbers of men they might command than greatness of revenues they dispended, and although I write it of myself, I both do and will stand Her Majesty in as good stead in my country as any of mine enemies how rich soever he be; so craving pardon for this my boldness I humbly take leave. pp. 2.

Feb. 5. Galway.

64. Sir Richard Byngham to Walsyngham. May it please your Honor, having so convenient a messenger as this bearer, Mr. Robert Fowle, I could not but (as in duty I stand bound) make mine humble service commended to your Honor in these few lines. The state of this province standeth generally (God be thanked) upon good terms. Some few bad members, which of late did after a sort annoy the quiet here, are cut off, and some others of the best sort and most to be doubted, whose liberty might open way to many bad actions, are detained in durance for the security of the rest, whereof and of all other actions and accidents here, this gentleman may in particular deliver your Honor the certainty. The composition rent lastly agreed upon, will be for this first year, by that time all is come in that will be gotten, about 2,000l., which is gathered with great difficulty and trouble, by reason that one man is appointed for the whole collection, which indeed requireth many collectors for the smooth and seasonable bringing in of the same. If I may get a commission to examine and go through again with the books of this composition, I hope I will draw it to a more certainty than it is, nothing diminishing it, and yet reducing it to such an order as shall tend to the great contentment of the country, and the ease of Her Majesty's officers.

Her Highness' ancient revenue rent, which hath heretofore been either concealed or detained in arrear, I have by search and travail found out, and have made a collection of all the rents and arrearages due since my time, in such sort, as the like has never been before, and so as Her Majesty shall now lose no part of it. This and the composition rent, is all that we have here to discharge the entertainments of this province. For the impost of Galway this last year was not past 120l., whereof a great part was allowed to noblemen and others; and this year it hath not yet been anything worth, for there came no wine hither.

The composition the last year was gathered to the sum of 1,300l. or thereabouts. And this year we have had some help by money of the fines and casualties.

I understand from thence, that letters are come over for the laying of Ballimote and the Boyle, to the government here, and the reasons that were alleged to induce the Lords there to it, were that there belonged certain waste land to it, and the houses were great and fit for the governor to keep and inhabit. However it is, I am sure it hath been chargeable to me. And I know this to be nothing else but a colour of my Lord Deputy, to keep the house of Athlone, which is worth to him yearly 300l. and out of my way above 400l. besides the disgrace that I receive in wanting that house, which my Lord Deputy I think is desirous I should live in. And^* there are divers in this province which stick not as I judge to solicit their friends in England to that end, and all to keep me so short as I should not be able to hold out in the government here, whereof I humbly beseech your Honour to conceive according to your wonted and honourable favour. And even so with mine humble duty and service to your Honor and my good lady, and to my lady and mistress, (mistress Blanche?) I humbly take leave. Such land as the land of the Boyle and Ballimote is, which is all waste land, I can have a thousand acres and a thousand if I will for nothing, and therefore it may please your Honor to think that Ballimote and the Boyle will be nothing worth to me in effect. Indorsed. "Entered." p. 1½

64. I. For that I would gladly lay open to your Honor my whole mind touching the house of Athlone, the Boyle and Ballimote, I have enclosed this paper within your Honor's letter, which I humbly beseech you to peruse. The only keeping of Ballimote with such ward in it as of necessity I am forced unto, hath cost me a hundred pound since I have recovered it from the M'Donnoghoesse. Both that and the Boyle is laid under the new and last established composition, and doth pay to Her Majesty ten shillings upon a quarter of land, besides the rent reserved to Her Majesty before, which on the Boyle is 15l. per annum. The account which my Lord Deputy maketh of those two houses with their waste lands, is nothing else but a show and flourish that he presenteth to your Honors [of the Privy Council], whom he would bear in hand by annexing those two houses to this Government, to increase a great benefit to the same, countervailing the commodity of the house of Athlone, which is indeed no benefit at all, for the one is waste land not of any account, and the other, viz., Athlone, is a house, or rather a grange for my Lord, worth him better than 300 l. per annum, besides the benefit of the ward which standeth Her Majesty yearly in 200l. And the same is out of my way, of that it would be worth to be a resident house for me, 500l., besides the great disgrace which I receive in wanting of it. Yet this is not the worst, for if my Lord could be contented to have the benefit of it during his own time, it should breed some hope in me to have it at the last, but his covetous desire extendeth farther, for his drift is, when he shall depart hence, to leave it to the Treasurer [Wallop], for some piece of money, from whom he had the same, for the said Treasurer had a lease of it past in this land, before my Lord Deputy's coming over. Mr. Treasurer is a doer in this matter for his own benefit, as your Honor may gather; and Sir Edward Waterhous is the like, in favour of his kinsman John Norton, now vice-constable of the said castle. Thus they all join together to take from me the said house during my time, and I think, to take it from the Government here for ever. I am bold to acquaint your Honor with these their devices, wherein I humbly crave pardon. I do marvel where they will bestow the chief officer of this province the next year, when Mr. Malbie cometh to his lands, and shall resume and take to him Roscommon. The Boyle hath no house, stick, nor stone standing (to any stead), and the land is all waste. If Athlone be taken away, there is then no house for the Governor here but Ballimote, which I won myself, and have kept it still hitherunto, to my great charges, and was never allowed one penny by my Lord Deputy in consideration thereof. And although it may be a house for the chief officer to rest in for a month or the like time, when he shall have occasion to repair thither, to the frontiers of the province, yet all the world knoweth it is no place to keep house in continually, as well for the want of many commodities which ought to belong to a house, as also for that it is too far remote out of the heart of the province. Indorsed: A note of Sir Richard Byngham's. pp. 1¼ [The asterisk in Byngham's above letter is put to mark the place where this note might come in.]

[Feb. 5.]

65. Reasons why it is more fit that the castle of Athlone should be in the custody and government of the Chief Commissioner of Connaught, rather than in the disposition of the Lord Deputy.

First. That it is the chiefest key of the said province of Connaught and nearer to Dublin, where the Lord Deputy keepeth resident, than any other part of that province, whereby advertisements may pass sooner and more safely to and fro.

Secondly. That the castle is conveniently furnished with buildings and other necessaries fit for the said Commissioner, but far too mean for the Lord Deputy and the train that must follow the state.

Thirdly. That as it is or remaining with any other the town will decay (as it now doth), the inhabitants making their repair to other habitations, and being annexed to Connaught the town will daily increase, being a place of importance, and to be maintained.

Fourthly. Thereby the lands adjoining to the river will be inhabited when they shall be sure of continual residence at Athlone by the said Commissioner.

Fifthly. It will be a great stay to the bad borders of the English Pale, as Leix and Offaly, the Annaly, and all other parts thereunto adjoining.

Sixthly. That being now slenderly guarded, it is in danger to be surprised. Besides being seated within the limits of the province, and Her Majesty not having any other place or house convenient for the said Commissioner. It is some disgrace unto him that an inferior person should be trusted with the guard of a place of so great importance, before the said Commissioner being within the province of his government. Indorsed by Burghley, "Athlone in Connaught." p. 1.

[Feb. 5.]

66. The Constable and Warders of Athlone. For himself at 23l. 6s. 8d. per annum, and 20 warders at 8d. per diem apiece, for one whole year amounteth unto 267l. 7s.11½d., Irish, making sterling 200l. 10s.11½d. Besides the profits and demesnes of the house of Athlone. Indorsed, "A note of the yearly value of Athlone due to the Lord Deputy by enjoying the same." p. 1/4.

Feb. 7. Dublin Castle.

67. Lord Deputy Perrot to Walsyngham. Sir, it may please you. Albeit, I am persuaded you have otherwise intelligence of foreign purposes, specially of the Spanish, as very requisite it is you should have, and as the time requireth. Yet I think it my duty to let you understand, what I have this evening since the despatch of the packet to sea received of two merchants. One that comes from Galway tells me that a Frenchman there arrived with iron out of Biscay, saith that there is no preparation for war in Biscay, other than shipping put in readiness, but that all men do constantly report there, that in the inner parts of Spain, men, corn, armour, and munition are preparing, and all for England and Ireland, as they say.

One Kyst, a merchant of this town, this day arrived here out of Lisbon, saith that at his first coming thither, he meant to pretend himself and his goods to be French, as some few Englishmen there do, but perceiving straight all Irishmen had free traffic and safe access thither, he showed himself to be as he was, and so was freely communicated of all things that his countrymen knew, of whom divers are residents there.

The sum of that he learned of them in private was but what he heard of all others in common, and partly saw in doing. That the King was preparing an army of 40,000 Almains, Italians, Spaniards, and Portuguese, the greatest part for England, the rest for Ireland. That there was great provision of wheat a making, and likewise of armour and munition, and some he saw a furnishing in Lisbon. That there were 85 great hulks towed up the river by seven galleys, whereof five he saw. And many of the hulks had their sterns taken away, and all laid up in docks ready for portage, and that the merchants in them had free liberty and traffic for themselves, and the corn and other ware they brought. That corn is there very plentiful, and not worth above nine rials an English bushel. That most of the ships, whereof some argosies and the rest of other sorts, small and great, are a providing within the straits. That the traitor, Baltinglas, died five weeks before this last Christmas. And finally, that it was a credible report there, that English men-of-war had taken two very rich ships of Spain about the islands, as they were coming out of Hispaniola. p. 1.

Feb. 10. Dyryloskan.

68. Eleanor, Countess of Desmond, to Burghley. Albeit, I have long since written unto your Honor, both of my great misery and also how I was barred by my Lord Deputy, not to make claim to my thirds or jointure, yet now I am enforced through extreme poverty to make my moan unto your Honor. At this present my misery is such that my five children and myself liveth in all want of meat, drink, and clothes, having no house or dwelling wherein I with them may rest, neither the aid of brother or kinsman to relieve our necessity, which is so miserable that I see my poor children in a manner starve before me. Therefore, I humbly beseech your Honor, for God's sake, and according the trust I have always reposed in your Honor to be a mean unto Her Majesty, that it may please Her Highness of her charitable compassion to let me have some competent living in England or in this realm, or else that I may enjoy my jointure. In doing whereof your Lordship shall preserve my children and me from perishing. And bind us during life to pray for the preservation of your honorable estate long to continue in all health and prosperity. p. 1.

Feb. 10. Dyryloskan.

69. Eleanor, Countess of Desmond, to Walsyngham, to procure her some relief from Her Majesty. p. 1.

Feb. 11. Dublin Castle.

70. Lord Deputy Perrot to Walsyngham. By my last of the 7th of this month, I sent you such advertisements, as I then had newly received from Biscay and Lisbon. And even now Justice Walshe showed me a letter written to him, from the Mayor of Waterford, who willed him to impart it unto me. He saith that two merchants of that city, arriving there on Sunday, the 6th of this month, in a French bark of St. John de Luz, freighted by themselves with Spanish iron, did tell him that there are above 60 sails of Englishmen there, and that the Biscayans and Spaniards resort thither traffic to with them. That they of Rochelle do continually fortify themselves for fear of the Guise, the Pope, and King of Spain, who, as it is said there, are joined to annoy them. And that the King of Spain is now at Valencia in Arragon, and other news bring they none. At the same time, as he writeth in a postscript being ready to close up his letter, a ship of St. Malo's, laden with sack and aqua vitæ, came to their harbour, the merchants whereof reported that there is an army of ships, galleys, and galiasses a making ready in Gibraltar, and another as they heard tell at Lisbon. They loosed, as they said, from St. Mary Port, within the Bay of Caals [Cadiz] twelve days before.

To these and all other advertisements I will add thus much, which I pray you to tell Her Majesty from me in discharge of some part of my duty, that the Irishry here do hearken greedily for the coming over of foreign forces, sending from one to another, whereof I have secret and certain intelligences by my spials, which makes me the rather to believe that is said, that some part of this Spanish preparation is for this land. This people are naturally so given to delight in change and alteration how well soever they are dealt withal, that they are ready to watch and attend for all opportunities, as I and this Council "joynt" wrote very lately to your Lordships. And yet I have done, and do what I can, according to the plausible course I understand would be there best liked, to feed them on in as good sort as with any honorable conveniency I may, the rather to assure and settle them in some stayedness of duty. But because I see they begin, and I doubt will grow thereby the more insolent, and so take their advantage to join with the foreign enemy, I humbly pray you to procure some special and extraordinary care to be had of that that I and this Council have in this behalf written very lately, that we be not taken short and Her Majesty's state endangered.

The White Knight's son is by my direction newly arrived out of Spain, as his father told me yesterday, and I have sent for him hither. I understand by your letters you have been of late very sick, whereof I was heartily sorry, but am as glad again hearing by others that you are somewhat recovered, which I pray God to perfect with as much good and comfort as I would to mine own soul. I am of opinion your sickness was the chief impediment to the despatch of resolutions necessary for this state, to have been sent away long ere this. For if there be not better ear given, more care had of it, and quicker despatches than hitherto have been, I doubt the repentance will come all too late. And I and this Council having thus forewarned may hold ourselves discharged in duty. I send over now a couple of spies that are fit men I think, and that will discover all the Spanish purposes. I will shortly send you a cipher, and a piece of parchment indented, when they write unto you by that character, and send the counterpart indenture, you may know it cometh from them. pp. 1½

Feb. 12. Cork.

71. Nicholas Skiddie to Walsyngham. Right honourable my humble and most bounden duty premised, finding this bearer, my cousin, James Myaghe, repairing towards the Court, I thought good to write your Honor these few lines, declaring that William Barry, the man that brought the Earl of Clancarr's son into France, is apprehended in Desmond, and now brought to Cork; I offered to bring him to your Honour, wherein I could not prevail, by reason that my Lord Deputy did write for him, and it is meant that the said Barry shall be sent to Dublin. Also here arrived one Captain John Challis out of Barbary; the man is an Englishman. He gave out that he had in very gold aboard his ship 12 barrels of gold, as I understand he took a "britton loode" of linen cloth, and sold the cloth in Barbary, he is gone back again to sea, whither God knoweth. And as touching the state of the province of Munster, where I dwell, the same is very quiet, and no rebellion or other sedition amongst the people, except it were some stealths. And in truth it is no marvel we should have stealths, when I myself have brought a tenant of the now Lord Barry's before the Vice-President, Thomas Norreys and one Justice Smythes, for stealing of certain plough horses from me, the said Lord Barry sitting on the bench as one of Her Majesty's Justices of peace, did so maintain his tenant's cause (being arraigned of felony) and procured a jury to be packed up, of purpose to save his life, so that (notwithstanding the man was in action of rebellion with the said Lord Barry, and of so evil name and fame as all the country did rejoice to see him despatched) he was acquit. This is a great encouragement to the evil members of our Commonwealth, that reconciled traitors shall have as much favour as the dutiful subjects. Better it were to destroy one wolf than a hundred sheep. I would there were an order set down amongst us (as hath been in old time amongst the Romans) that the judges should have a share of the offender's goods, and then they would not be grieved to punish malefactors. Then should not a poor man for stealing of a sheep be hanged, and such a notorious traitor permitted to live, being justly accused by me (your Honor's servant). And seeing Right Honorable your servant is not respected of the Governors here, nor cannot have favour in his lawful causes for your sake, but rather daily do prefer their own servants, I beseech your Honor to be good to your servants yourself, to the end they may the better keep their master's credit and their own. For if I were sheriff of the county of Cork and a justice of peace there, then might your Honor's servant of himself punish offenders; if I were collector or controller of the impost of Cork, then of myself and by the help of my friends, I would not only augment Her Majesty's revenue, but also Her Highness should be sure not to be deceived, or if I were clerk of the Council of Munster, I do not doubt but that I might discharge mine office with credit. Protesting before God I seek not an office for lucre or gain altogether, but to win credit, were it but that I might be able to write and send unto your Honor the examination of the said William Barry touching his journey to France, who no doubt of it, can discover great matters. Thus referring all to your honorable consideration, beseeching God to prosper your Honor in all your affairs, with long life to the Queen's most Excellent Majesty for vitâ Elizabethæ conservatur respublica, I most humbly take my leave. pp. 1⅓

Feb. 12.

72. Petition of Donald Earl of Clancarr to Burghley by his agent James Myaghe, for payment of 50l. for 100 beeves delivered at the request of Captain Zouche. p. 1.

Feb. 14. Philipstown.

73. Sir G. Bowrchier to Walsyngham. Finds little good of his office. Some part of the manors of Any, Cloneoger, and Loughe, taken from him and delivered to the Countess of Desmond. p. 1.

Feb. 15. Dublin Castle.

74. Lord Deputy Perrot to same. Sir, it may please you, there are newly arrived two ships at St. Malo's, the one at this port, the other at Drogheda, and certain merchants of both towns are come over with them. They are laden with "secks," (sack) and other Spanish commodities, and were before at Cales (Cadiz) within these fifteen days. They all agree in one report that there is great preparation of shipping made by that King in sundry ports, and numbers of men a putting in readiness. That he doth make provision of a great quantity of wheat, which nevertheless was not many a year so good cheap there, for it exceedeth not six rials a hamick, and cheaper, it would have been but for this provision of the King's. That he hath taken up at Caels (Cadiz) 1,225 buts of seck. And that the ordinary and constant speech is of every man there that all this is meant for England and Ireland, except some part of the seck which they say is for the Indies where it is dear and much wanted. Thus still as I hear I do and will think it my duty to advertise you, humbly praying you to procure it may be carefully thought on and speedily provided for. It will else be too late, when once the enemy is arrived and no means to resist him. For here we are not able to bring into the field, though we leave all parts of the realm unguarded above nine bands of footmen, which will scarce make 800 bodies and 200 horse, whereof too many Irish, and all so worn out of heart through want of meat, money, and clothes, as I know not what to say or think of them. There were never poor men so ill dealt with, they desire but meat, drink, and clothes for all the miserable toil they endure, besides the adventure of their lives, and because they want these necessaries, they think and speak very hardly of me. It may please you therefore earnestly to solicit not only redress in these things but also a sufficient company of men to be sent over with victuals, money, munition, and all things necessary to answer this danger in sort as I and this Counil joint and myself apart have of late written. I have but a life, which I weigh no more than mete is, but shall spend it in this action with the better contented conscience that I have discharged my duty to Her Majesty and my country in thus forewarning the danger, where otherwise being provided I might with God's favour live to make account of it and my service to Her Majesty's honor. P.S. Sir "bere with this crebbed letter" because of the haste of the passage. p. 1.

Feb. 19. Dublin.

75. Wallop to Burghley, for payment of 100l. sterling, borrowed of Mr. George Carew. p. 1.

Feb. 20. Dublin Castle.

76. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. May it please your most honorable Lordships. We anderstand that some labour is made there, to move Her Majesty to show mercy towards Cahil O'Conor. Your Lordships know what a canker to this state the O'Conors and O'Mores have ever been, insomuch that all Governors have been driven, not so much of policy as necessity, to seek to extirp, or at least to keep them as much under as might be, which hath been a matter of long trouble and no small charge. And forasmuch as of all that race there was never any one more maliciously minded to the state, nor otherwise generally more mischievously given, delighting in burning and blood, than this Cahil, we think it our duties to give that notice of him; and withall to let your Lordships understand that of all the murthers he hath committed, the last (whatsoever is otherwise there reported to move the more on this behalf) was the most treacherous, which he did upon Captain Mackworth, an honest gentleman, and a servitor of as good valour as any of his sort in this land, whom after he had laboured for him, and procured his protection which he had delivered him, he on the sudden slew, when he least suspected him: the manner whereof we now forbear to trouble your Lordships withal, knowing you have heretofore heard it at large.

Besides these matters past, we do think ourselves bound in duty to let your Lordships understand further, how we are of opinion, that if he being a chief fellow amongst them should now (after he hath been driven to be a long time a fugitive) be returned home with any show of grace, not only the example would do harm, and breed a stomach and contempt in others of his sort, but also soon stir up those of his nation (that are now low enough) to rear head under him as a fit leader for them, and so put Her Majesty and this state to no small charge and trouble, where now, wanting such a one to depend upon, they are the liker to be held still down. We have heretofore had this consideration of the fellow, and in respect thereof have not thought him fit to be admitted to mercy, and yet have there been offers of good show made to the Lord Grey, us the late Lords Justices (the Chancellor, Archbishop, and Wallop), and since often to me the Lord Deputy from him, which being put to the touch have always proved as uncertain as himself. For what services soever have been conditioned with him, to see how well he would deserve any grace; he never showed disposition to perform any, but if Her Majesty and your Lordships do find there any cause to hope better of him, and so will grant him mercy, we would under correction think him fitter, to be held still there, or employed into the Low Countries, than returned hither, where he can do no good, but is likely to be an instrument of much hurt. If your Lordships would vouchsafe to send unto us for our opinions concerning such men and matters as this is, we suppose private persons would be the better advised, how they would henceforth prefer their affections in this sort to Her Majesty or your Lordships. [Signed by Perrot, Loftus Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor, John Garvey, Bishop of Kilmore, Vice-treasurer Wallop, Sir Edw. Waterhous, and Edward Brabazon.] pp. 1¼

Feb. 20. Dublin Castle.

77. Lord Deputy Perrot to Walsyngham. Sir, it may please you: since my last advertisements received at merchants' hands then arrived out of Spain, I had occasion to repair to Drogheda for proroguing of the Parliament until the 21st. of the next month. I felt a disposition in my body (before I went) of the stone. Nevertheless necessity urging it, I went thither and paid well for it, being so sharply touched, as I was driven to lie by it five days longer than I meant, or otherwise needed. In respect of that casualty, and as well for fear of the like, as for the inability of that town to bear the train of a Parliament, I have prorogued it to this town. During mine abode there certain merchants of that town, with French owners of their shipping, then arriving out of Spain came, unto me, and delivered me the like report of the Spanish preparation and purposes that I have heretofore sent you from Waterford, Cork, and Galway. Upon my return thence hither, I have received letters of the like effect from the Mayor of Limerick, and another from one Walter Sherloke a merchant of Waterford, which I send here inclosed, for that coming lately thence, he writeth somewhat sensibly and of his own knowledge. Albeit I am persuaded Her Majesty and your Lordships have things of better certainty there, as reason is you should have, and that I do, as meet I should, rest and depend greatly thereupon. Yet for the discharge of my duty I am to say, that by these and all other reports I hear out of Spain, and specially by this Sherloke's letters herewith sent, the time of their readiness to attempt what they will do is nearer hand than perhaps is imagined, for sith corn is amongst them so cheap, and such provision made for it and other viands necessary; it may be gathered they mean to take the advantage of time with the use of their own, and not to tarry for the apt seasons of either countries that they purpose to attempt; knowing well what great things are to be done on the sudden and unlooked for. The deeper consideration of these things I humbly leave to Her Majesty and your Lordships, craving pardon for presuming to enter thus far in with my dutiful care. But if your Lordships' intelligences there concur with these here, truly it is time the danger were provided for. That shipping were despatched to the coast, and men, money, munition, and victuals sent over, or at least in full readiness for it, according as I and this Council have lately motioned by our joint letters. For I would not have any great trust reposed in any assistance here. What our garrison is, and how it is mixed and out of heart, I pray I may refer you to remember by my last letters. And for this country people, though there be I am well assured, a great many most dutifully affected, yet they are generally addicted to these three dangerous humours, papistry, change of government, and licentious liberty; so as surely, how fair soever they pretend, as still they do unto me, yet if a new master, and a stronger come, they will follow him, and leave the old when they see him unable of himself to make his party good, whereof the Lord Primate and Sir Edward Moore, had some proof upon a small accident of the discovery of a few Scottish merchants upon the coast, returning with wines out of France, for while it was uncertain whence that shipping was and what would become of it, they were but strangely looked upon by their most bounden and familiar followers; and the like countenance Rice ap Hugh the provost marshal told me he found at Carlingford and those parts, amongst those he made account he might dispose of. At these and many other more open holes than these, it is not hard to find daylight, the graver consideration whereof I humbly leave to your Lordships.

But to the end I would the more certainly discover the purposes of Spain, I have made choice of one I take to be a very fit instrument for that purpose. He hath the Italian and Spanish tongue, having travelled both those regions, and been at Rome accepted for one of the fraternity of the Jesuits, and goeth hence as it were, disgraced by me and recommended by a supposed Bishop of the Pope's, now prisoner in this castle. The man besides is of good carriage, born in this land, and his name is Davy Duke, brother to Harry Duke, Captain of Her Majesty's kerne here and a servitor of good desert. I have concluded with him upon a figure and tripartite indented piece of parchment, whereof I send you one part herein closed. If he write unto you in that figure, and send unto you his counterpart of the indenture, you are to consider of it and I take it, to give credit to it, for I think he will deal both wisely and honestly.

I have heard that the escape of some pledges out of this castle of late, hath been made a great matter there, and great effects given forth of companies thereupon raised, and spoils and burnings committed, so ready some are to blow loud abroad anything that may seem to the disadvantage of my credit, insomuch that for Art O'Neill they have for the name's sake put in Harry as the more dangerous man, where indeed his brother is worse than he; some inconveniences have, and more might have fallen out, by escape of pledges and prisoners out of this castle and other places, whither I had with no small care and trouble gotten them in, as I have heretofore written unto you. But God be thanked, the danger hath been otherwise provided for, and the harm of this escape hath alighted upon the runaways themselves, who have been so hardly laid for, that they could lurk no longer for starving, much less do the harm that hath been bruited of them, for Art in his way homewards to the North was taken, but first sore wounded; of O'Neil's pledges one recovered long since, the rest slain and drowned. Instead of Feagh M'Hugh [O'Byrne]'s son, whose head I hope to have ere it be long, I have his brother (found in Art's company) and had before a younger son of his, so as I have now two for one. Divers others of Art's conductors northwards were some taken and some killed. And so be many other malefactors in sundry parts of the realm daily licked up, but specially in Leinster. So as all is in quiet yet, and so I think would continue if it be not along of foreign expectations, or of want of convenient maintenance thence.

O'Neill's wife is of late come over, but brought no more Scots in her company than thirty or forty. And I hear no certainty yet of any numbers to come over, nor yet do I hear anything of Angus M'Donnell; when I do I will advertise, and likewise what the commissioners whom I have now sent to compound the causes of Ulster shall return.pp. 3.

Feb. 21. London.

78. Pierre Des Maistres to Walsyngham. Respecting the money issued for cultivating woad in Ireland, and the success of the undertaking. French. p. 1.

[Feb. 22.]

79. Similar to the above. French. p. 1.

Feb. 24. Greenwich.

80. Privy Council to Sir John Stowell, and others of Somersetshire. To treat with such gentlemen of good family and countenance as will undertake to plant and re-people the parts of Munster now in Her Majesty's possession. They may confer with the Attorney General, Sir John Popham, on the particulars of the business. [Copy.] [Carew ii., p. 419, under 14 Feb.] p. 1.

Feb. 26. Greenwich.

81. The Queen to the Lord Chancellor and others of the Council of Ireland. Her command, that the Deputies there be not suffered to act contrary to the opinion of the Council, but that information be sent to Her in case any Deputy shall persist after admonition given to him. Agnus M'Donnell and Sorley Boy to be reasonably compounded with. Sir Edward Waterhous's grant to be re-called. [Copy.] Indorsed, Her Majesty's letter which was the cause that bred all the broil. pp. 2.

Feb. 26.

82. Another copy of the above. pp. 2.

Feb. 26. Tristernaghe.

83. Capt. W. Piers to Walsyngham. Mr. Fowle's dealing in minerals. Her Majesty's great charge in the north. Piers offered his service having ability to endure travel and to ride. A less number of men might hold the country in quiet. p. 1.

Feb. 27. Dublin.

84. Vice-President Tho. Norreys to Burghley. Effects of the late rumours of the wars with Spain. The parcels of Desmond's lands, annexed by custodiam to the Presidency, should not be given away. p. 1.

Feb. 27. Dublin.

85. Mr. Charles Calthorpe, Attorney General, to Walsyngham. Concerning his agreement with Mr. Colman, Her Majesty's Remembrancer. Her Majesty defrauded of the benefit of her tenures, wardships, alienations, and intrusions. His good service. pp. 2.

Feb. 27. Dublin.

86. Mr. George Carew to same. Right Honorable, since it pleased your Honour to enjoin me to write unto you, I could not with my duty neglect it, being so many ways bound in services unto you, for the sundry favours which I must acknowledge to have received at your hands; for the letter which your Honor wrote in my behalf to the Lord Deputy, I most humbly thank you, beseeching you to take knowledge in your next letters unto his Lordship, that I have signified unto your Honor how well he hath entreated me for your sake, which is far beyond his custom and my expectation. Intelligences from hence I am assured doth daily instruct your Honor in what estate this country is now in, better a great deal than I can any way inform your Honour, yet notwithstanding in such sort as I find it I will be bold to advertise, which in my opinion is in doubtful terms, if good care be not had to prevent such dangers as by invasions (which is suspected and feared by the honester sort), are likely to ensue, for intelligences of good assurance is daily brought into this land of such mischiefs not long to come. To withstand these threats if they chance, the governor is weakly provided both of men, money, munition, and victuals, not having of any of these sufficient store to keep the field if necessity do require it. Before these rumours were spread abroad amongst the Irish, the Lord Deputy's proceeding prospered so well as good hope of reformation was had, and establishment of quietness throughout the realm was expected, which now may be held doubtful because the day is at hand (as they think) so long looked for, to shake off the English government, that upon the least occasion they are apt to enter into new rebellions, if the Lord Deputy against his nature did not wonderfully temporize with them. The late coming over of the Scots and the doubt that is had of O'Neill's joining with them, I am sure is well known to your Honor, but small regard is to be had of their worst, for Her Majesty's forces together with the assistance of the Earl of Tyrone and O'Donnell (who undoubtedly in this action will to their uttermost endeavour themselves like good subjects) is able at any time to chasten their insolences and disobediences. Art O'Neill, son to Shane O'Neill, and the other his fellow prisoners, which brake out of Dublin Castle, are by good hap taken again. Other advertisements this present yields not. Indorsed "From Mr. George Carewe." [About this time Sir George Carew was knighted, but this letter is indorsed Mr. by Walsyngham's secretary.] pp. 2.

Feb. 27. Kilkenny.

87. R. Shee to Walsyngham. Thanks for his care of him in his late trouble. The bearer, his son, will impart the success he is likely to have. p. 1.

Feb. 28. Dublin Castle.

88. Lord Deputy to same. His proceedings touching Her Majesty's casualties and debts. p. 1. Incloses,

88. I. Answer by Thomas Jenyson, Auditor of Ireland, to certain questions touching the Queen's revenues, delivered to him by the Lord Deputy. pp. 4.

Feb. 28. Kilkenny.

89. R. Shee to Burghley. The Lord Deputy would not redeliver him the book wherein his evidences are exemplified nor restore him to any place of credit. Prays for the passing of a reversion of some farms granted to him. p. 1.

Feb. 28. Dublin.

90. Captain John Price to Walsyngham. It may please your Honor. We have taken some of O'Neill's pledges, which broke prison before Christmas, and are now in Dublin Castle. We killed certain Scots which we found in company with the pledges, and whereas both Sorley Boy [M'Donnell] and his son, had given their words to come in to the Lord Deputy, they say now they will not, nor they dare not, for Angus M'Donnell, who hath promised them two thousand Scots to be sent to Ireland to war against Her Majesty here. I doubt not but with God's help we will eftsoons quell their courage. The Irishry are wonderfully addicted to popery and giving great credit to blind prophecy. Here is not any news, otherwise than I certified your Honor in my last letter.

Feb. .

91. Roger Maynwaringe to Lord, of the amount of Her Majesty's debts owing in Ireland for all manner of causes until Michaelmas 1585, being 62,859l. 7s.1½d. Irish, making sterling 47,144l. 10s. 4d. pp. 2.

Feb.

92. Draft of articles delivered to Secretary Fenton, to be delivered in Her Majesty's name to the Lord Deputy and others whom they may concern, to be answered without delay. Enlarged and noted by Burghley. pp. 6.

Feb.

93. Commission for taking Treasurer Wallop's accounts to 1585, Sept. 30. Copy. pp. 6.

Feb. The Court.

94. Sir F. Walsyngham to the Lord Deputy. Multitude of business. Despatch of Leicester to the Low Countries. Her Majesty liketh not that being told of his faults, he should seek to be discharged of his service. Thinks it not convenient that Perrot should cause his motion for revocation to be renewed. Perrot's adversaries have put it into Her Highness' ear that he has had more care for the advancement of his own particular profit than for Her Majesty's. His neglect to revive the composition in lieu of cess, and to reduce the sterling pay to the old Irish. Perrot has made a composition with the English Pale for his own household of 1,500l. a year. Walsyngham is of opinion that Perrot should not proceed in the device he had propounded of laying an imposition of 2d. or 4d. upon every acre of corn, and as much upon cows and garrons, lest it should breed a general discontent throughout the whole realm, as it hath oftentimes fallen out here in this realm that like charges laid upon our people hath bred very dangerous tumults. Inconveniences likely to arise from the war entered into against the King of Spain. Perrot to knit up with peace all difference with the Scots and others. The Lords of the Council are all of opinion that Perrot's composition with the lords and gentlemen of Ulster will not hold out, by reason that the said lords and gentlemen are not able to perform that which they have undertaken. The Queen will not be drawn to the charge of placing a President in Ulster, and mislikes of the attempt against the Scots. Gilson utterly denies the evil speeches which Perrot had been informed he should give out of him, and desires to be confronted with the Baron of Delvin, which Walsyngham will see performed. Walsyngham has received the suggestions and imputations of his enemies. Walsyngham is very glad to hear of the good liking Perrot has taken of Sir Richard Byngham. Prays Perrot to express his goodwill to Sir Richard Byngham effectually when he shall have occasion. Walsyngham holds Byngham very dear. Finds Burghley very ready to maintain Perrot's doings against such as do seek to disgrace him. Thinks the Lord Boyde will retire to Scotland if he have not already gone. Perrot's request to Walsyngham to procure warrant under the Queen's own hand for doing certain things for which he had had direction from Mr. Fenton in her name. As those things were matters of thrift and tending to the sparing and ease of Her Majesty's purse, Perrot needed not to have made scruple to obey that direction. Has disbursed 100l. to Pierre Desmaistres for the sowing of woad, and will deliver another 100l. after Christmas. Copy. pp. 3¼.