Elizabeth I: volume 123, April 1586

April 1586

April 4. Dublin.

26. Wallop to Burghley. For payment of the sum due to the bearer, Anne Thickpenny, widow of John Thickpenny, late victualler in Munster, now the Auditor has perfected the accounts. Her chargeable attendance four years about passing the accounts. p. 1.

April 6. Chester.

27. Justices of Cheshire, Sir Hugh Cholmundeley, Sir Rowland Stanley, Sir E. Phiton, P. Warburton, W. Brereton, Thomas Wylbrame, and Henry Manwaringe, to the Privy Council. Their meeting with Sir Edward Fyton, and proceeding to induce the gentlemen of Cheshire to take part in the peopling of Munster. p. 1. Inclose,

27. I. The names of such within the counties of Cheshire and Lancashire as will join in the action for the peopling of Munster with Sir Edward Fyton, knight, viz., Sir Rowland Stanley, knight, John Poole, John Egerton, Walter Leveson, John Pooll, junior, John Fradsame, Gilbert Gerrerd, Henry Bould, Roger Daulton, Thomas Asheton, Edward Joanes, Thomas Fleetwood, Thomas Salisbury, John Cauvert, Esquires, Richard Phiton, Alexander Phiton, Sir Edward Phiton, and Christopher Carowes, Esq.

April 10. Dublin.

28. G. Beverley to Burghley. Urges the speedy sending of a supply of money for victualling the soldiers. Wheat, 52s. the quarter. p. 1.

April 12. Dublin.

29. The Chancellor, Archbishop of Dublin, Loftus, to Burghley. That the clause in Her Majesty's letters by Fenton for revocation of a grant to Sir E. Waterhous of the boats upon the Shannon, be not enforced without some gracious consideration of the gentleman. Waterhous has ever since his repair into this land sought by all means to do good unto many, and never to hurt. "I for my part must needs confess myself in sort bounden unto the gentleman for his faithful assistance in the late and long contention and dislike between my Lord Deputy and me, which now to my great comfort is composed, wherein he has shown himself an earnest persuader to a more moderate course than hath been used." pp. 2.

April 12.

30. Copy of the above. pp. 2.

April 12. Dublin.

31. Sir N. White, Master of the Rolls, to Burghley. The Lord Deputy's deep wound with the contents of Fenton's despatch. His patience and good government. Ireland never so near a thorough reformation as now. The good composition in Connaught. Policy of weakening the Scot approved. As for Ulster "I" hear the Lord Deputy Perrot say he will prove the charges of his enterprise therein to be little or nothing. But touching the success thereof we all see the Scot (who is the hope of all rebellious minds in this realm) greatly beaten and banished, the potentates mastered by Her Majesty's soldiers upon their own charges, and now ready to compound for their in-garrisoning among them, as well to aid the good subjects as to annoy the evil. pp. 2.

April 12. Dublin.

32. N. White, Master of the Rolls, to Burghley. The heavy state of Sir Edw. Waterhous moves him to compassion. Experience of the effective service of the boats on the Shannon. [Dated 1585, but evidently 1586.] p. 1.

April 13. Dublin.

33. The Chancellor Archbishop to Burghley. For consideration of the long and good service of the bearer, Mr. Harvye. p. 1/2.

April 14.

34. The Queen to Lord Deputy Perrot. Let us have no more such rash unadvised journeys without good ground, as your last fond journey in the North. We marvel that you hanged not such saucy an advertiser as he that made you believe so great a company were coming. I know you do nothing but with a good intent for my service, but yet take better heed ere you use Us so again. [Copy of a clause written with Her Majesty's own hand in the top of her letter to the Lord Deputy.]

April 14. Dublin.

35. Henry Sheffelld to Lord Burghley. Thanks for letters to the Lord Deputy. Offers to take employment under Sir Thomas Cecil. p. 1.

April 15. Dublin.

36. G. Fenton to Burghley. Relates the grief which the despatch he carried over has caused to the Lord Deputy, who thinketh that over hard measure is used to him from thence, both contrary to the promises made when he first accepted the government, and against his own deserts which he pretendeth to have merited better construction. His Lordship doth write to his friends there to solicit his speedy revocation. The heads of Alexander M'Surley Boy M'Donnell, and M'Donnell Vallough sent to Dublin, the one the eldest son of Sorley Boy, and the other his near kinsman, and both esteemed men of importance amongst the Scots. It seemeth the Lord Deputy hath a desire to count this accident to a commodity to prosecute Sorley Boy still and to end that war by the sword, thinking that the maim he hath given them by cutting off of these two chief leaders will do much to end the quarrel, as though by this blow hidra's head were seared up, and no others remaining as bad as they to rise in their places. I do often put his Lordship in mind of the harms that may ensue by continuing the prosecution, especially in a time so unseasonable, and where so many incommodities are to occur, but chiefly I make bold to remember his Lordship of his restraint in that point by Her Majesty's express direction, which I doubt not will more prevail with him in a matter so weighty than his own affection. pp. 2.

April 15. Dublin.

37. G. Beverley to Burghley. The numbers victualled. The cess. The scarcity and high price of grain. Letters written in another hand. pp. 2. Incloses,

37. I. Account of the disbursement of money delivered to G. Beverley for victualling causes; parcel of treasure sent for growing charges. Apr. 7. p. 1.

37. II. Answer of G. Beverley to a point of the instruction delivered to Mr. Fenton concerning the victualling. Copy. p. 1.

April 15.

38. G. Beverley to Burghley. [Copy.] pp. 1¼. Inclosing,

38. I. Answer of G. Beverley, the victualler, to a point of the instruction delivered to Mr. Fenton concerning the victualling. April. Copy. p. 1.

April 16. Dublin Castle.

39. Lord Deputy Perrot to Burghley. His great grief at the three disgraces put upon him by the despatches brought over by Fenton. For first there is such a kind of superintendency of this Council set over me, as I do not see how I may henceforth without fear enter into consultation much less action of any importance, and therefore must forbear to enterprise upon anything more than very necessity shall draw me unto. Next, I am restrained for passing sundry sorts of grants that are left unto my disposition by my patent, and the Lord Chancellor with the seal appointed so to curb me, as I am made unable to pleasure friend or servant, so as I shall have no man of value to tarry with me or to depend on me. Lastly, I am in such sort barred the benefit of the prerogative upon the new composition to be made, as I must either undo myself or imbase (lower) the countenance of this place. Intreats a revocation for the sake of the service which he can no longer support. Sir V. Browne's surveys. The freeholders who have lands mixed with the attainted lands will hardly make an exchange with Her Majesty for other lands, so are they of this land wedded to their own baubles. I must say with the good Emperor Trajan, speaking of the Sicilians upon his return from his conquests in Asia, that servitude did conserve the Sicilians, and liberty did destroy them. The like may be said I protest of this island people for the general. pp. 1¼.

April 16. Dublin.

40. Sir E. Waterhous to Burghley. Touching the continuance of the boats at Athlone. pp. 2.

April 18. Dublin.

41. Wallop to Burghley. For a quantity of grain to be sent out of England, with money to buy beeves, butter, &c. p. 1.

April 18.

42. Sir H. Wallop to Burghley explains the way in which he became possessed of an interest in the monasteries of Adare, &c. which he has delivered up to Mr. Rigges. Desires to be restored to Athlone. Copy. pp. 4.

[April 18.]

43. Petition of Gregory Rigges to Burghley for Her Majesty's letters to the Lord Deputy to pass him the lease of Adare. p. 1.

April 18. Dublin.

44. Mr. Roger Wilbraham to Burghley. The Acts of attainder likely to be stayed by the misnaming of persons. There be some lawyers here who having purchased rebels' lands will secretly countermine, but they stand upon quicksands and want ground to work upon. We find their cunning no less than we were forewarned of. Difficulty in obtaining information. His Patent not yet sealed, but the Lord Deputy gives him good speeches and in short time will remember him. p. 1.

April 18.

45. Brief of Her Majesty's debt in Ireland by Burghley. Remain of the debt due at Michaelmas 1585, 31,864l. 8s. 0d. p. 1.

April 19. Dublin.

46. G. Fenton to Burghley. Sorely Boy hath written an humble letter to the Lord Deputy not only for pardon, and to come to his Lordship to sue for it upon his knees as becometh an offender, but also to submit himself to such conditions as shall be imposed upon him. It may be he preferreth this offer but of policy to entertain time being now reduced to weakness and want of all things, which shift in other times both he and his faction have used. "But if he come in, which I cannot but believe, for that since my arrival he hath had some secret comfort to find grace upon his submission, I doubt not but a good conclusion will ensue to the settling of all those stirs in the North."

"I am bold to press still the Lord Deputy [Perrot] to this course of pacification whereunto I hope he will fully conform himself, though inwardly he do little affect it, and apparently some others oppose reasons against it, in whom is to be wished, for Her Majesty's service sake, more moderate minds."

Hopes the Lord Deputy will accept of him. p. 1.

April 21. Dublin.

47. Wallop to Burghley as to lands assigned for the maintenance of the House of the Lord President of Munster. That Askeaton may also be joined thereto. pp. 1½.

April 23. Dublin.

48. Wallop to Burghley. Her Majesty's debts. Her revenue. The Auditor Jenyson has been these 8 weeks troubled with the gout. Roger Manwaring sick. His account. pp. 2½. Incloses,

48. I. Book of the issuing and defraying of 10,000l., assigned by Privy Seal 11 Jan. 1585–6, and of some part of the revenues. pp. 19.

[April.]

49. Copy of the above book. pp. 19.

April 23. Dublin.

50. Sir G. Bowrchier to Burghley, that the land belonging to the Fort of Offaly, which Sir Edw. Moore has by a collusive grant, may be restored. pp. 2.

April 24. Dublin.

51. Wallop to same. As to 475l. 2s. 4½d. due to Sir G. Carewe. p. 1.

1586. April 26. Dublin.

52. Wallop to Burghley. Quiet state of the country. To begin with the North, as the only place now of expectation for any action, since the death of Alexander M'Sorley Boy M'Donnell, and the withdrawing of the bands of soldiers from O'Donnell, O'Cahan, and Magwire, or rather their expulsing of them, it seemeth to be all in reasonable quiet, which bands, as I conceive, were the greatest cause of their late mislike; when the rest that be upon O'Neill, Claneboy, Kilultagh, Culverlin, and Magenis' country shall be likewise withdrawn, I suppose for a time they will be quiet. In truth, they are not able to bear so many soldiers, especially in such an extreme year of dearth and death of cattle, as this is here. O'Neill seemeth content with the division of his country so he may have his rent, which in this place the Earl of Tyrone promiseth to make him full payment of. He is now old, weak, both by infirmities following age, and by being ill beloved of his followers, who more respect according to their several affections, such as stand in expectation to succeed him, than himself, so as necessity enforceth him to depend upon Her Majesty for his own safety. Sorley Boy M'Donnell has also written that he will be here very shortly and submit himself, but I dare not assure it. Both he and his cousin Agnus M'Donnell have broken their promises so often in that behalf. If he come the peace will be the more honourable for Her Majesty, although I make account that what rent or service soever they yield pay or do, they will not perform any longer than force shall make them. And to conclude with the North, my opinion is, there is no dealing with it until Her Majesty shall be resolved to fortify or build there. For roads and journeys of the Deputy or other governors never leave any mark or sign behind them. In my opinion Carrickfergus being left with a convenient guard, the rest of the garrisons may be withdrawn from thence to places where they may stand in better stead. In Connaught, Sir Richard Byngham, about a month since, besieged one Mahon O'Brien, called the Bishop's son, a notable thief of long continuance, and ever an associate with the rebels of that province, and others near, killed him and 14 of his men and razed his castle, which was a very good service, the Earl of Clanricarde giving his aid and help. O'Rourke standeth upon tickle terms, and some few of the Burkes of the county of Mayo are said to be start out. But by such direction as the Lord Deputy hath sent they will soon be appeased. Sir Richard Byngham seemeth to imagine that their starting out is partly procured by such as would seek his disgrace. In Munster all is quiet. The Seneschal of Imokilly and Garret M'Thomas alias Tonboyreagh of Connelo, stand also still upon their guard, refusing to come to the Vice-President, though nothing have been attempted against them, whereupon they might alledge cause of fear, whereby it seemeth they look and hope for a day, which I hope shall be the day of their hanging, for good or true do I never look they will be. Leinster is all still, and the ill members thereof all much weakened except the O'Mores, who nevertheless use their accustomed trades of petty stealths and taking of meat and drink to the great oppression of the poor people. The Pale poor are at present, through the unseasonableness of last year, fallen into great dearth and scarcity, which by all likelihood is to be feared will increase; for besides that many could not for wet, sow their winter corn, and many for want of grain, have been driven to leave part of their summer corn unsown, cattle have so perished, as the ploughs have been given over by sundry persons; because their ability serveth not to buy either corn or garrans, to continue their tillage. God grant that in England it fall out better, from whence our only hope of relief is. Thus having as briefly as I could, run over the occurrences of the provinces particularly, it resteth only for me now to renew a motion, long since made by me, touching the commissions for setting and letting Her Majesty's lands, demanding, stalling, and remitting Her Majesty's debts and arrearages, in all which being brought over by the Lord Deputy, he only is of the quorum, whereas ever heretofore there was some joined with the governors of the quorum. As yet he hath little dealt in any of them, but haply now he would, were he not restrained in some; but if your Lordship please to pardon me, I think as heretofore, it were much better that the governors here should have nothing to do with those commissions; for while they are of the commission, although others be of the quorum as well as they, yet do they still of themselves and most commonly without advice, dispose, grant, and determine of all those causes, and having signed the fiants, warrants, or other writings, send them to the other commissioners to have their hands, of which some for fear of displeasure, and some to purchase favour sign them without further consideration, and all they well like of, but if any refuse or seem to enter into consideration of the thing he is frowned upon, and disgraced as much as may be. All wardships pass in the like manner. If men of meaner calling, well chosen, of honesty and sufficiency were employed therein, assuredly it would be much more for Her Majesty's profit than now it is, for the Deputy or Governor might at convenient set times see into their doings, and by sundry other means they might be called to yield reason for the same, but the greatness of the Deputies is a cause to make few dare to displease them, and of all others this is the haughtiest that ever I saw, and that most desireth to deal in all things absolutely and of himself. About four years past I once wrote to your Lordship concerning this matter and as I remember to the like effect, and never dealt therein with any other but with yourself; and as I continue still in the same mind, and find daily more reason for my opinion, so do I humbly beseech your Lordship if you like not of it, let it be buried with yourself. But this I dare boldly affirm, so long as the governors shall have authority in those commissions, all things that should yield commodity by fines or forfeitures, or are not to be disposed for rewards of services upon servitors here shall be bestowed upon their men, favourites, and followers, and Her Highness reap little commodity by them. The last despatch which Mr. Fenton brought over thence, methinketh, hath been very unpleasant to the Lord Deputy, for besides that hitherto he hath done little to the forwarding the instructions sent by him, he is also since grown to be more sour than before. His Lordship hath always seemed to make light of our travails that were commissioners for the surveying of the lands in Munster, saying it would come to little or nothing, but now of late to discredit our service the more he hath often spoken it openly, that all we did was by a beggarly serjeant and that without him we could have done nothing, by whom he meaneth a man who had been under officer for the late Earl of Desmond by that name of a serjeant in Connelo, and in some other part of the county of Limerick, the greatest part whereof we had surveyed before he came to us; he was perfect and ready to tell us the names of the places and persons who had been in rebellion in all those quarters, where his instructions indeed furthered greatly our travail and the service, but in the counties of Cork, Kerry, Waterford, and [the county of] the Cross^* of Tipperary he could say nothing. And if he had been as perfect in all them as in the other, yet I hope Her Majesty nor your Lordship will not be persuaded or judge that the substance of all our service and travail consisted only upon his report and declaration: neither do I know any reason or cause why his Lordship should seek to deface our service and our labour, wherein God is our witness what we sustained in travel of body and mind, and for my part in expense; and with what sincerity of mind I followed it, I wish were thoroughly known to Her Highness and your Lordship, unless his nature be such as he envieth any good action and can like of nothing but that is done by himself or by men of his own appointment, howbeit I hope his disgracing thereof being grounded no deeper than so, shall work us nor our travail any great discredit, but thereby I may conclude with your Lordship that it is not likely he will further anything tending to the advancement of that service to any great purpose. His man Fauntleroy touched with an ague. Has written to William Burton his man to attend Burghley for treasure causes. pp. 5½.

[^*At this period the present county of Tipperary consisted of the county of Tipperary and the county of the Cross of Tipperary; the county of the Cross being supposed to represent the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of it. The late Mr. John Dalton, author of the Annals of Boyle, &c., was of opinion that the county of the Cross is now comprised in the barony of Middlethird.]

April 26. Dublin.

53. Wallop to Burghley. He has purchased Mr. Rigge's interest in waste lands of the Abbeys of Nenaghe, Negeilaugh, and the friaries of Adare. His suit to have the fee-farm thereof. pp. 1½.

April 26. Dublin.

54. Loftus to Burghley. Thanks for his grave and fatherly advice as to his behaviour towards the Lord Deputy Perrot. The state of Ulster continueth as yet to be such as formerly I have advertised your Lordship, saving that some expectancy there is (by means of the killing of Alexander, the eldest son of Sorley Boy M'Donnell, by a late good accident), that Turlough Lynagh O'Neill, O'Donnell, and Sorley Boy himself, upon their protections will come to Dublin, whereby those dangerous broils may be the better pacified, and in the mean season, the soldiers which were banished from Turlough Lynagh and O'Donnell, remain cessed in the English Pale for the better success of that pacification. There is no certainty as yet of their repair hither, but some good likelihood there is, that Sorley Boy will come, by the procurement of Captain William Warren, a gentleman who wholly dependeth upon me (he married Loftus's daughter), who hath had conference with Sorley by way of parley, and hath advertised me privately, that in regard of some old acquaintance between Sorley and his father, Mr. Humphrey Warren, in my Lord of Sussex's Government, Sorley hath promised upon the Captain's word to come to Dublin with him, both to submit himself to Her Majesty, and to accept of very reasonable conditions, which promise, if it be performed, I have good hope these broils will be quieted. . . . . According to your Lordship's most grave advice immediately upon the arrival of Secretary Fenton, with all humility I offered reconciliation to my Lord Deputy, who, according to Her Highness's direction, very honourably accepted thereof, and upon our agreement (the matter being first made known by us both to the whole Council), upon Easter Day we perfected our agreement by communicating together, since which time his Lordship hath used me both well and honourably, and I for my part have freely remitted all former injuries, and as privately to himself, I have already promised, so hereby I protest unto your good Lordship, that in all causes (especially concerning Her Majesty's service), I will surely join with him as a most faithful assistant, and never hereafter give unto him any just cause of offence, accounting myself for ever bounden to your good Lordship for this good end. pp. 1½.

April 28. Dublin, alias Balliclee.

55. Christopher Peyton to Burghley. His dealings with Jenyson. Sends by the bearer a book of survey of all the attainted and escheated lands in the small and great county of Limerick, with index at the beginning of the book. His opinion that the inhabited lands should answer to Her Majesty the same rents as they did to Desmond, till such time as by the 8th Article of Her Majesty's Offers is appointed. p. 1.

[April 28.]

56. A brief note of the number of acres of escheated land in the great and small counties of Limerick and Kerry, 232,379 acres, and Cork, Waterford, and Tipperary 345,266 acres, and what rent they may yield after an easy rate. p. 1.

April 29.

57. New petitions of the gentlemen of Somersetshire, Dorsetshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, for inhabiting of Munster. pp. 2.

[April 29.]

58. The new petitions after the publishing of the plot. pp. 2.

April 30. Dublin.

59. G. Beverley to Burghley. State of the debt to Thomas Lynyall for provision of victual at Chester. Commends the dutiful affection of Cheshire in forwarding Her Majesty's affairs. pp. 2.

April 30. Dublin.

60. G. Beverley to Walsyngham. Thomas Lynyall's long suit at the Court for money. The yarn transported to Manchester. p. 1. Incloses,

60. I. G. Beverley to Burghley. Apr. 30. Copy. pp1¼

[April 30.]

61. Declaration of Thomas Lynyall to be showed to Burghley touching victualling causes. [Last date 1586, Mar. 28.] pp. 2.