Elizabeth I: volume 146, September 1589

September 1589

Sept. 1. Athlone.

27. J. Kinge, Secretary of Sir R. Bingham, to Mr. Richard Mapouther, Sheriff of the county of Roscommon. Recommends that he should look to himself, as the Deputy sweareth that he will keep sessions at Roscommon. "Well indeed clean the way and he cannot do you any injustice." Believes when all is done the Deputy will not be able to make peace with the Burkes, who stand upon new terms. Copy with the Deputy's postils. p. 1.

Sept. 2. Galway.

28. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Burghley. Answers his lordship's letters of 30 July, brought by his servant Dutton. Has now given to Sir Richard Bingham the copies of all complaints against him. The Burkes and O'Flaherties are the "most rudest, wildest, and barbarous sort" of people bred in this realm. They are afraid of their lives, and will never trust themselves where Sir Richard or his ministers are. They are not likely to be brought to Dublin to make any proof against Sir Richard Bingham, and Sir Richard knows this. There never will be peace in Connaught under Sir Richard. Thanks for 5,000l. treasure. Beverlie's account. Promises books of the Commissioners' charges and of the hurts done recently by the Burks and O'Flaherties. Thomas Fleming, a suitor at Court, is able to give Burghley a description of the countries possessed by the Earl of Tirone and Turlogh Lynogh, and by what rivers, castles, and mountains they are divided. Autogr. pp. 3. Incloses,

28. I. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Their perplexity how to obey the strict tenor of their lordships' directions, dated July 27, and received at Limerick, requiring them to examine the complaints presented at Galway against Sir Richard Bingham before the whole Council at Dublin. The difficulty of bringing the accusers who are rude and timorous to avouch their complaints at Dublin. They resolved to reserve every question touching Sir R. Bingham, and to proceed with the sessions. Sir Richard protested against holding sessions, and ordered the Bishop of Meath and Sir R. Dillon to quit the province, but the Lord Deputy commanded them to stay. Sir Richard remained in Ennis, but sat not in the sessions there. He said he would return to his own house. The Lord Deputy left him to himself. Their anxiety to confirm the peace and satisfy the subject, especially the Burks and O'Flaherties. Many books of extortions were presented, and the matters proved against the inferior officers at Ennis. Their purpose to make them an example. 1589, Aug. 26, Inyshe [Ennis]. Copy. pp. 2.

Sept. 2.

29. Petition of Thomas Flemynge, of Belgola, in Munster, to the Privy Council. Relates his services and losses during 18 years' wars in Ireland, particularly that at the taking of Sir John of Desmond he was the first that knew him on the field and put him from his weapons. Prays for some provision and maintenance. p. 1.

Sept. 4. Athlone.

30. Sir R. Bingham to Burghley Complains that having followed the Deputy to Galway he charged him, saying, I both wish and advise you to depart here hence presently, saying that hardly should he be able to effect the purpose for which he was come, so long as myself did remain, for that some of the Burkes would not come in; and so the next morning with great grief of mind Bingham left the town. Bingham is so innocent that he fears not when or how he be called to his answer, so he be not judged by his enemies. O'Rourk is the veriest beggar and wretch, whose demeanour is most odious to all good subjects. His motion for an indifferent trial, which may be as well in England as here. Autogr. pp. 4.

Sept. 4. Athlone.

31. Sir R. Bingham to Walsyngham. The Lord Deputy received the letters at Limerick before ever he entered the province of Connaught. Bingham gave no assent to his Lordship's journey. He relates how the Lord Deputy sent him away from Galway in disgrace, notwithstanding the letters of the Privy Council of England. Desires his trial may be in England, and undertakes to bring witnesses and other testimony to justify himself. So partial are some part of the Irish Council and so weak are the rest that let the Lord Deputy say what he will and determine how he list there is not any one of them that will gainsay him of all the councillors that be here. The matters against the sheriffs are but clamours, and most of the sheriffs have been made against his will. All the plausible courses in the world will never make the rebels good. The Chancellor Loftus is the cause of all the mischief against Bingham. Sir G. Fenton took no small pains when at Galway in the causes against Bingham, though his cunning be great to hide his doings. Thanks for favour to Wm. Phillippes. Necessity, misery, and poverty force Bingham to call for an end of these troubles before indifferent judges. The Burkes have greatly increased their strength, and made good preparations for war. The wrongs, extortions, and oppressions committed by those who have come into this province for the reformation of things doth exceed the wrongs exclaimed of by thousands. [Autog.] pp. 7.

Sept. 8. Athlone.

32. Sir R. Bingham to Burghley. State of Connaught, Mayo, Sligo, and Roscommon are much troubled with rebellious subjects. Complains of palpable errors in the peace made with the rebels. Collo O'Flin and Dewaltaghe O'Conor, who dwell in Artaghe, a country of Roscommon, have been laid upon the Burkes' peace, though they live more than 20 miles away. The inhabitants of Kilmeane, Clanmorishe, and Galen, lying betwixt them were good subjects but could no longer continue so. Davie Dowde, a rebel of Terrera, was also laid on the Burkes' peace. The M'Dermond Reoghes, the O'Flannigans, and O'Connor Roe's sons, are rebellious. They were laid on O'Rourke's peace. Distress of the good subject, who attended upon commandment, to defend but not offend. Rowland Burk, of Binemoore, has stept forth lately to the mountains of Slewghvaughtie with 60 swords. Teig Keogh O'Kelly has also gone out. Connaught is troubled in every county, Thomond only excepted. Alleges the cause of the rebels' going out was only to recover their old seignories, with their unlawful cuttings and Irish customs according to the Tanist law, which made them rich in that they might cut and charge the subject under them when they would and with as much as pleased them, even to the taking away his wife, his daughter, his cow, or his garran. These lords and tyrants were taken down in respect of their greatness by the composition. The whole province was growing to perfection, and men came from all parts of the realm to inhabit Connaught, even out of the county of Dublin. Their garrans and cows lay still without stealing. Her Majesty's rent amounted to 2,800l., and all paid up half yearly. In Sept. 1588 all were quiet save the Devil's Hook, Sir Morrogh Ne Doe, and O'Rourk, who refused to deliver their Spaniards, notwithstanding the provincial proclamation. Bingham never brake the composition, but the Lord Deputy hath done so. This malicious crossing course must be stopt or Bingham will not be able to do any service nor yet be able to live himself, so much have these troubles impoverished him. Four sundry journies have been made to try out all they can find against him, and as they say to his overthrow, and himself never called to answer any particular. [Autogr.] pp. 5.

Sept. 8. Farley.

33. Sir H. Wallop to Walsyngham, to procure for the bearer, Robert Ratcliffe, some relief. He hath been brought low by the sundry losses he hath sustained at sea by pirates and tempest sometime when he hath been used in Her Majesty's service in connexion with Ireland. [Autogr.] p. 1.

Sept. 8. Denyvale.

34. Sir E. Denny to Walsyngham. For friendly letters from Walsyngham and Burghley to the Lord Deputy to allow that he may put over his footband to Captain Dowdall. The gentleman's good service and sufficiency are well known. His grief for the loss of a child. Reposes his whole confidence always in Walsyngham's good care of his well doing. My most humble and affectionate duty, and my wife's to my Lady Walsyngham and to my Lady Sydney always remembered. Damaged by damp. [Autogr: Seal with device.] p. 1.

Sept. 10. Athlone.

35. Sir R. Bingham to Burghley. He is accused and wrongfully slandered by his enemies of many vile and horrible offences. Whatsoever the rebels have gotten they have gone away with it scot-free, which is a great discomfort to the good subject. Seven gallies arrived in Irris with Scots. They had for their guide and conductor one of Grana O'Malley's sons. Many others of these beggarly Scots have landed in Ulster lately. Complains that the grand jury at Galway was packed against him with such as had been reproved and punished for their offences. [Autogr.] pp. 3. Incloses,

35. I. Note of such spoils and harms as were committed by the Burks, O'Flaherties, and Joys before the peace, as also after the peace was made, and likewise what harms, hurts, and spoils were done by O'Rourke and his confederates the O'Flannigans, O'Connors, and Clandermond Reaghes before and after the said peace, with the value thereof. [Damaged at the head]. pp. 8.

35. II. Note of such sheriffs and sub-sheriffs as have been in every county in Oonnaught since Sir Ric. Bingham's first coming to the government. pp. 2.

Sept. 10.

36. A catalogue of the names of such persons as exhibited their complaints against the Burkes, O'Flaherties, Joys, and other rebels now in action, for their losses and spoils which they sustained, amounting to the value of 15,809l. 1s. 4d. [This paper, although not quite a copy of the above inclosure, p. 232, No. 35. I. called Note of such spoils and harms, etc. is almost identical], pp. 6.

Sept. 10.

37. Duplicate of above inclosure, No. 35. II., called Note of such sheriffs and sub-sheriffs. pp. 2.

Sept. 10.

38. Notes touching the state of Connaught, showing how Sir Richard Bingham would have managed the rebels, and how much prejudice the Commissioners and the Lord Deputy have done to the service. The rebels have restored and do exercise the Brehon law. They name themselves King Philip's men. They charge Her Majesty's subjects with the entertainment of the forces they retained to serve against her. The peace is wholly prejudicial. pp. 4.

[This is probably an abstract by Bingham's agent in London of the first document mentioned in Bingham's letter of Sept. 10, which document is at present wanting or not identified.]

Sept. 11. Killmean.

39. Arthur Clayton, gent., who is well known in this the county of Mayo, declareth that upon the going of John Browne of the Neale, the last lent into the Owles with 200 or 300 men, Richard Burke, the Devil's Hook's son, sent unto him (because he thought his coming into the country with that number did not tend to any good end, and also because it was known to that part of the country long before that the said Browne was gathering his soldiers to go that way) that he should not with his people come into that country, and that all things that were due to Her Majesty should not only be paid according to the composition, but also all things else they ought to yield and pay. And for so doing he would give to Browne himself 60 marks and a chain of gold, which things the said Browne denied, saying he would go through their country, and if they did think evil of that, he would drive them into the sea. Whereupon he (Browne) drew himself that night to Carrickchowlie, and the next morning he sent John Gilson, William Browne, and Christopher Garvey, with a certain company to Irris to gather the prey of the country, where they killed men, women, and children, and himself the said Browne and Derbie Daly with their companies followed and took such preys as they found by the way. And the said Richard Burke and his company hearing of the killing aforesaid and taking of their goods, met the said Browne and Daly with their company, assaulted them and killed them as is heard and known.

And further declareth that Gibson and Daly would have had me to have gone with them which I offered so to do, so that I might see some commission to warrant our doings. They said they had good commission. I bade them let me see it, and I would go to do my master the best service I could, then they said I should see no commission if I would not trust them, and thereupon I left them. I further declare that those whom they then murdered were the tenants of Browne and Daly, and had given them of their lands and castles and would have given them what they would have desired of them, and trusted them as their own brothers and sisters. Copy. p. 1.

Sept. 12. Chester.

40. John Garland to Sir John Perrot. After my arrival in Ireland in May last the Lord Deputy demanded of me whether I had brought any letters for Sir Morough O'Flaherty or for M'Mahon, and I told him I had brought none, then he asked me whether I had brought any letters for O'Rourke, I answered, yea marry have I! and he commanded me on my duty not to deliver it until I knew further his pleasure, for, said he, it was evil done of you to bring a letter for a rebel. My Lord, said I, that is more than I did know, but I dare presume to deliver any letter that my master doth send by me, for I know he is a warrant good enough to stand between me and any harm. After that I took my journey to Sir Turlough O'Neill, and found him at the Bannside at Castle Rowe, where I was very heartily welcome; then said he presently, "How doth my honourable friend your "master and my own good Deputy," and then said he with a great solemn oath, and he wished that all they were hanged that were the occasioners of your honour's going out of Ireland, and cursed and banned both them and their posterity, saving only Her Majesty, and he said that he was well assured that Ireland would never be quiet before your honour came thither once again, and he doth imagine before it be long, that Ireland would be topsy turvy. And that word and promise he gave you he will never break it, until he hear further from you, for he saith he receiveth great wrongs at inferior persons hands, and unless your honour remedy it shortly, he can bear it no longer, for he hath written a letter by me to Her Majesty, and another letter to your Honour, for all his hope and trust under God is in your Honour to do for him. And he doth protest that there is neither man nor woman, saving his duty to Her Majesty, that may command him more than you, in token whereof he will sustain and abide all wrongs until he hear from your Honour further. I have sent Her Majesty's letter and your Honour's by this bearer. After the delivery of your Honour's "scoule," [scull], to O'Neill, he took it in his hand and kissed it at least half-a-score times, and then presently he sent for two hogsheads of wine and christened your scull, and after he had drunk his fill, and he put on his shirt of mail and his jack, and called for a bowl of wine, and drank it to your Honour's health, withal he put on his scull and drew out his sword with a great oath, and said that Sir John Perrot was the truest man of his word that ever he knew, and he would prove it upon any man that would say the contrary, as old as he was, and then sat down and said I am now 10 years younger by reason of this scull. I perceive he can tell how to make an old man young. Sir, all his hawks were gone before I came, and he sware that if all the hawks in the world were his you should have them although you sent for none. There was one Dudall [Dowdall], at the Bann that fetched a cast of falcons out of Sir John Dogherty's country, which your Honour should have had; and he gave some small thing for them. And O'Neill sent for the said George Dudall who had the hawks, and prayed him to come speak with him, and so he came, and O'Neill did agree with him for the hawks, but after the said Dudall understood that your Honour should have them then he would not send the hawks, (I know the cause, because your Honour committed him once to the Castle for his knavery about the taking of Hugh Roe.) O'Neill was in a great rage because he did not send the hawks according to his promise, and O'Neill desired me to go down to the ship wherein Dudall was, and so I went from O'Neill to entreat with him for to have the hawks. And I spoke to Dudall for the hawks, and he said: Now I know they are for your master, you shall "not have them nor your master neither" if they would save his life, and said I care not a button neither for your master nor you. Thanks be to God he is far enough from us, he can do us no harm. Thou art a beast, said I, for saying so, for all the country doth rue it but only thyself, for thou could'st not fish so quietly here in the Bann as thou dost, but only for the peace that he left. Then I did entreat with him that I might have them for money, and he said if I would give him 20l. for them I should not have them, so he and I fell at great words, and I had not any evil word at any man or woman's hands as long as I was in Ireland, but only at his hands, but was as well used as any man in the world could be or would desire. And six or seven weeks, after my Lord Deputy's coming from his journey, then I took my journey to O'Rourke, and after three or four days' travel in his country I delivered my letter, where I was every day up to the girdle in water and bog, which letter was very well welcome to O'Rourke, and he did swear no man's man was better welcome in the world than I was, and withal said that your letter should command him sooner than 500 men should, so after being with him two nights he gave me my despatch, and said withal if you sent but your letter or the least boy in your house, that he would come to you in London or any place else that you would command him, and wished himself with you. My Lord of Proscerie [Upper Ossory], hath sent you a cast of tassels of Goshawks. My Lord of Howth hath sent your Honour one intermute gossawk, my Lord of Trimleston hath sent one falcon, the Earl of Tyrone hath sent one falcon, Sir Lucas Dillon hath sent one goshawk, Sir H. Harrington hath sent a "feare" falcon, your man, Steven Segar, hath sent a tassell gentle. Sir H. Harrington hath a fair horse for you if you will write for it. All your poor servants in Ireland and followers have no countenance in the world nor credit, saving my Lord Chancellor and Sir Henry Harrington, I mean no Irishman. Sir, I have received your honourable letter touching Sir Thomas Cecil, and according to your commandment I am gone back again to him to Holyhead in Anglesea, although I am not very well furnished in the purse, but nevertheless I will attend upon him, and do him all the service I can in his journey, which I hope shall be to his liking and your Honour's. I beseech your Honour to shew me this favour that Mr. Mainwaring or "Mr. Vosse," may receive the rewards for any of those hawks which your Honour doth give away; the cause that makes me write this is for that I have kept a man and a boy, and have been at great charges with them, and that either of them may receive it for me, and keep it till my coming. Holograph. pp. 4.

Sept. 13. His house at Tintarne.

41. Sir William Herbert to Burghley. For certain seignories to be granted to his cousins Winston and Minors, who desire to become undertakers. Mr. Stone, one of Her Majesty's footmen, and Champion, a man of Sir Walter Rawley's, are unable through insufficient means to inhabit the lands they have undertaken in Kerry. These 8,000 acres might be given to Winston. The land called Terbert, with a ruinous castle, is said to be given over by Mr. Holles. This land with some more attainted land there, not yet found by office, would content Minors if no more can be had. If these places cannot be had then there is Askeaton, which is void, which he wishes Winston might have. Thinks Sir William Courtney will never deal in the Seignory of Newcastle in Conologh, for the best parts of it are included in Mr. Trencharde's letters patent, and other things which best fitted that Seignory have been restored by Her Majesty to the Knight of the Valley's son. Autog. pp. 3.

Sept. 14. Athlone.

42. Sir R. Bingham to Burghley. An extract only of the Burkes and O'Flaherties' books of complaint delivered to him, and the rest of the books denied. The Lord Deputy has kept a Cold Sessions in Mayo and so small, as all their appearance could hardly afford them a grand jury, but that they were forced to impanel some persons who came in company from Galway with them. He has departed towards Sligo. The Burkes make the 600 Scots that landed in Irris believe that they will entertain them. The Burkes drew them in for certain. Bingham has gotten in for Her Majesty four great seignories, viz. Ballimote, Clonowen, which was that famous traitor's, Mahon O'Brien's, Castle Barre, and Sligo. The Boile lies waste, which is no small decay to Boscommon County. He complains of the hard course used towards him in the Sessions. Autog. pp. 3.

Sept. 14. Athlone.

43. Sir R. Bingham to Walsingham. Has drawn out his answer to every article extracted from the books of the Burkes and O'Flaherties delivered to him at Ennis. He has enclosed some tedious letters out of Mayo to Mr. Mills, Walsingham's secretary. Conjuring of jurors in Mayo to present untruths against Bingham. Bingham has not extorted the value of one mutton throughout the whole province. Their presentments in the sessions are mostly of matters against the Lord Deputy himself and the extortions committed by his soldiers. Will undertake to prove that every day the Lord Deputy and his train remain in the province they commit more harms and extortions than shall be proved against the officers and soldiers of the province at any one session. Favor to the suit of John Newton. The Boile to be given to Sir Richard Dyer. Sir Geffery Fenton lost 5,000l. worth of artillery from the Spanish wrecks. Autog. pp. 4. Incloses,

43. I. Answers of Sir Richard Bingham to the slanderous articles objected against him in the Burks' book. Ewistin M'Donnell was executed for raising a mutiny among the country people to remove the Queen's forces from about Donnomony, and under warrant with the consent of Sir Richard's assistants. The Blind Abbot's son was justly executed for the Blind Abbot's rebellion. He gave John Brown the commission to prosecute the Devil's Hook and his adherents because they had broken their protections, and moreover they had retained Spaniards. Sir Richard is prepared to justify the hanging of every man executed in Connaught in his time. He says all the accusations are untrue and says he was never guilty of extortion, corruption, or injustice. Autog. pp. 6.

43. II. Answer of Sir Richard Bingham to the complaint of Edmund Burke of Conge in the county of Mayo. The said Edmund refused to come in to the Lord Deputy at Conge under safe conduct, although his son was brought from Nolan's Castle to be hanged being his pledge. The son was saved on the entreaty of his grandfather, William Burke of Shrule. Also answer to the complaints of Ulick M'Shane M'Davie M'Gibbon. They are all lies. Sir Richard wishes for justice on the contrivers of these slanders. [1589, Sept. 14.] pp. 2¼.

43. III. Attestation of Owen Baveen and Walter Oge M'Walter Faugh touching the cows charged in Edmund Burke's complaint against Sir Richard Bingham. They never took any beeves or hogs for Sir Richard or for his lady. 1589, Sept. 12. p. 1.

43. IV. Answers of Sir Richard Bingham to the slanderous articles exhibited against him by Sir Morogh Ne Doe O'Flaherty. Roger O'Flaherty not in possession of more land than he was at Sir Richard's coming into Connaught. The articles are all untrue and chiefly devised by some more clever in that way than Sir Morogh. Sir Richard will justify the commission given to John Browne. Sir Morogh's sorrow is natural for he hath played the old fool, lost his sons, broken his castle, and endured a disquiet and troublesome life, but he is not sorry for falling away from his duty of allegiance, "nor never was, nor never will be." [1589, Sept. 14.] Autog. pp. 5.

Sept. 17. Athlone.

44. Sir R. Bingham to Walsyngham. The Burkes desired openly of the Lord Deputy that he would procure Bingham's former favor unto them. The Lord Deputy himself and the Commissioners do now confess that the Burkes will never be good till the sword go among them. Refers to a letter from "My cousin" George Bingham. Autog. p. 1. Incloses,

44. I. George Bingham [the cousin] to Sir Richard Bingham. The Lord Deputy lodged on Saturday night at O'Hara Rewe's town. Sir George Bingham found the Lord Deputy with the train that followed him near the bridge of Coloyne [Collooney] devoutly at prayer. Difficulty of getting a grand jury. The merchants of Galway were robbed at my Lord's heels, of wine and goods worth 60l. Sir R. Dillon lost his horse and the Bishop of Meath had almost lost his carriage and man, the matter would not have been great if it had been himself. Sir Richard's opinion is now confirmed by the Lord Deputy and the chief peace makers who now only look to the sword. Copy. p. 1.

Sept. 17.

45. Answer of Richard Harison attorney unto Phane Becher, Esq., to the articles set down by the Commissioners. The title to Kinallmeky disputed by Sir Owen McCarthy. Daniel Graney O'Mahoney entered Castle O'Mahone and burned it and thence did take the spoil of the goods therein, belonging to the said Phane Becher. Hugh Worthe who was joined in the patent with Becher, has sold his moiety to Sir Richard Grinfield. The whole nation of O'Mahony is to be suspected. Autog. pp. 2.

Sept. 17.

46. Petition of Sir Owen M'Carthy to the Privy Council for favor to his suit for the lands of Kennalemekye parcel of his lordship of Carribree. p. 1.

Sept. 19. Chester.

47. Geo. Beverley to Burghley. Account of the Mayor of Chester and Mr. Delves for treasure delivered to them in Nevember 1588. The Treasurer Wallop doth now possess of a great part of a province in Ireland, and is able to victual the garrisons out of his own store, and pay himself out of the treasure. Beverley is an humble suitor for Burghley's good favours in the matter of the debts grown on his accounts of Michaelmas 1588. Holograph. Seal with arms. pp. 2. Incloses,

47. I. John Vincent to Mr. Robert Newcomen for payment of 100l., remaining unpaid of the bond which should have been paid at Midsummer; or for some part. His losses in the service have been great enough and the clamour of his creditors must be met. August 16, Newry. Holograph. p. 1.

Sept. 20.

48. An information of necessary points to be given in instructions to the Lord Deputy of Ireland.

Custodiums of escheated lands are not to be granted till office is found, and a valuation made, and the same put in charge before the auditor.

Sept. 23. Manor of Orlands.

49. Warrant from Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy to make an estate in fee farm of the commandry of Killarge within the County of Carlow to the Lady Baltinglas. Copy. p. 1.

Another copy, p. 1. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 279.]

[Sept. 23.]

50. Petition of the Lady Baltinglas to the Privy Council for some grant of land or annuity to relieve her necessities, caused by the loss of jointure and dower by the attainder of her husband [attainted April 1585, died November 1585]. p. 1.

Sept. 23.

51. Mr. Solicitor Thomas Egerton's report on the petition of the Lady Baltinglas, referred to him by the Privy Council. He cannot certify the truth of Lady Baltinglasse's statements, but Mr. Gerald Aylmer offers to give a bond for the truth of the statements. p. 1.

Sept. 24. Athlone.

52. Sir R. Bingham to Burghley. O'Rourke did not come to the Lord Deputy at Roscommon. No peace secured. The circuit of the Lord Deputy has been held for searching out matters against the officers of Connaught, and but few controversies between party and party have been ended. The articles of complaint delivered to Sir George Bingham at Sligo are to be sent to the Privy Council. Certain persons who could not and so would not charge Sir George threatened with the pillory, and that their ears should be cut off. Autog. pp. 4.

Sept. 25. Limerick.

53. Answer under the hand of Alexander Fyton, agent for Sir Edward Fyton, to the Articles of Her Majesty's Commissioners. Sir Edward meaneth himself to inhabit Kilmanehin Cloghketing and Tyrvow [Tervoe].

He has let the following land on lease:—

To Alex. Fyton, Richard Bedlew, "Wm. Field, and Robert Gener (an old servant) four ploughlands in Any.

To Hugh and Ralph Hollingshead and Ulick Browne; Kilkelane, Camas, Ballynemony more, Ballynemony beg, Knocmonehey, and Elton, in all six. ploughlands.

To Ralph Owldame—Cromwell—one ploughland.

To Harry Manley, Carykketell and Killtylle, one ploughland.

To Geffrey Story, Rahanere, half a ploughland.

To Patrick Purssell, Ballynecomte, half a ploughland.

At Kilmanehin Sir Edward has Walter Jevers and nine other serving men.

Sir Edward has on his land 1,000 sheep, 500 milch cows, 19 ploughs, 160 garrans, 600 swine and hogs. pp. 2.

Sept. 25.

54. Answer of Alexander Fyton for himself and his brother Richard Fyton to the Articles of May 12. p. 1

Sept. 27. Manor of Oatlands.

55. Warrant from Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy to grant a lease of 20l. a year to George Isham. Copy. p. 1.

Sept. 27.

Another copy. p. 1. [Entry Book Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 280.]

Sept. 27.

56. Mr. Jo. Merbury to Burghley. Bingham's petition and humble suit that his cause may be tried personally before the Council Board in England. He thinketh no heart of an honest man could endure the grief of his trouble. Gathers by the manner of the rebels' proceedings that they mean plain war. Holog. Seal.

Sept. 27.

57. Mixed collections, by Capt. J. Merbury, proving the necessity to make war in Connaught. Henry M'Gin to be examined about the Scottish letters he brought with him from Castlebarry's sons. Sir Morogh Ne Doe is reckoned above 75 years, the Devil's Hook, Ulick Burke, and Robert O'Maly nigh to 60. Walter Ny Mully is exceeding poor, but crafty-headed and bold. Walter Kittough is wise enough, but too weak to attain to the M'Williamship. Davy O'Dowd is a young knave drawn in through anger. The blind abbot was never wise, steady, or honest. He doats for age; is very beggarly overborne by his children. Edmund Burke, of Conge, called M'Thomas Yvaughery, is a very handsome man; always out for fear of the law for killing Ulick Burke, of the Neale, and if Cong be taken from him, which indeed did belong to Sir William Collyer, he will be very poor by and by. The many factions among themselves is enough to overthrow them. O'Rourk verily believeth the Queen to be afraid of him. Formerly he escaped narrowly Sir Richard's hands by Sir John Perrot's dandling. He must be brought down first of all men. Clanricard and Thomond are to be doubted, but the former has enemies in his own country. Many amongst the M'Na Maras, M'Mahons, O'Loughlins, and O'Briens carry wounded hearts with the Earl of Thomond's greatness. The Rome runners are the very bellows of rebellion. Albeit Irish are most commonly papists, because they know no better Christ; but as for the rebels they take his part for their own profit's sake, otherwise they care neither for God nor man. Sir Geffery Fenton sent a servant of his own of purpose to linger the knowledge of the Council's letters written in Sir Richard Bingham's behalf, who was 10 days going between Dublin and Athlone. [This is the writing mentioned by Capt. Jo. Merbury, 1589, Sept. 27.] pp. 6.

Sept. 27.

58. Mixed collections, by Capt. J. Merbury, somewhat similar to the above. pp. 4.

[Sept. 27.]

59. Petitions of Sir Ric. Bingham to the Lords of the Privy Council for ending his troubles, which no gentleman or natural man could endure, neither can he for all the realm of England. [Solicited apparently by Capt. Jo. Merbury.] p. 1½.

[Sept. 27.]

60. Mr. John Merbury to Burghley. His advice for the division of O'Rourk's country. O'Rourk's power should be broken. The composition of 1585 was badly managed, and O'Rourk grew more dangerous and absolute than before. The evil consequences of the Irish exactions. Old M'Morrough, a chief man in the country, wept with joy and blessed the good Queen at the time O'Rourk's composition was made at Drummahear, and said, "We have heretofore paid to O'Rourk better than 10 marks on a quarter, and shall we indeed escape now for a trifle of 20 shillings." O'Rourk's own inheritance is above 166 quarters, too much for one man in so small a scope of country. Autog. Seal with device. pp. 7.

[Sept. 27.]

61. Petition of John Merbury to the Privy Council. His long stay here for the delivery of his knowledge in the causes of Sir John Perrot and O'Rourke His arrearages 144l. 16s. 8d. at Easter last. To have a reward in relief of his old age. p. 1.

Sept. 88. Richmond.

62-3. Warrant from Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy to swear Sir Edward Moore one of the Council. Two copies, pp. 2.

Sept. 28.

Another copy. p. ½. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 281.]

Sept. 29. Coroughboy.

64. Lord Deputy and Commissioners to the Privy Council. Informing them of the good success of their labours in Connaught. Sir Morough Ne Doe O'Flaherty came with his followers to the sessions at Galway and gave pledges. The merchants of Galway. gave bonds for the payment of his composition. Four hundred Scots of the sept of the Barrones invaded Irris, killed 600 cows, freighting their gallies with the spoil, and 500 cows besides they carried to an island and there killed them and took away the hides and tallow. The Burkes gathered their forces to expel the Scots, and some blood was shed on both sides. Six of the principal Burkes came to the sessions at Kilmean; the rest were engaged against the Scots. After several frivolous excuses, O'Rourke refused to come to sessions, saying he would not go to any sessions in Connaught where the Binghams or their ministers had to do. He promises to come to Dublin next term. O'Rourke must be chastised, otherwise he will continue a most noisome neighbour to Roscommon and Sligo counties. The two principal men of the septs of O'Connor Roe and O'Flanagans came to Roscommon sessions and made complaint against Mapother, the sheriff. He entered their countries with a great force while they were under protection and took all their cattle, which drove them to fly to O'Rourke. Mapother, by way of excuse, has alleged that they had a purpose to have joined O'Rourke. In these four sessions now ended there have been presented unto us sundry abuses and extortions of sheriffs, sub-sheriffs, bailiffs errant, and other inferior ministers, by whom this people have been much oppressed, but specially in the county of Sligo most pitiful complaints have been made unto us of the hard course of government used there by Sir George Bingham and William Taaff, by mean whereof many of the inhabitants of that county had dispersed themselves and left their habitations, and now, albeit upon our words most of them came unto us to declare their griefs, yet withal they signified such and so great fear and distrust of Sir George's authority over them that after four days' speeches had with them we had much ado either to persuade them to trust ourselves or to return to their dwellings upon our protection. Notwithstanding at the last we stayed them, and in this travail we brought back to their houses four several septs of that country, viz., of the Harts, of some of the O'Connors, M'Donoughs, and of the O'Garies, which before were fled into O'Rourke's country and elsewhere.

In the sessions at Sligo we likewise have examined the book of complaints presented against Sir George Bingham and William Taaff, the now sheriff of that county, by David Dowde, chief of his name, and Ambrose Cary, a bailiff errand, and late servant to them both, in their offices of sheriffship, which for the most part hath been proved. And besides that book which was sent to your Lordships by Sir Geoffrey Fenton, some other matters against them both have been discovered unto us, bewraying a strange course of government, which hath bred a wonderful terror in that people. In particular there was a most grievous complaint presented by the foresaid David Dowde that having for himself and his country, being the best part of the barony of Tyreraugh, concluded the pacification at our last being at Galway, for the assurance whereof we gave Her Majesty's word to him and others, which had been confederate with the Burkes in the late action, and were then upon their humble submissions protected by us, by open proclamation in the town of Galway. Notwithstanding Sir George Bingham, upon colour to fetch some beeves for relieving the ward in the castle of Sligo, being but 15 persons, two several times invaded his country, first sending the under-sheriff of the county with 40 or 50 soldiers into the same, which remained there the space of three days, and afterwards he went himself in person into that barony with Sir Richard's foot band, three erected companies of fifties, 40 horsemen, besides some kearns, to take the prey of the country, which fled over the river of the Moy, and so his purpose was disappointed, to the apparent breach of the peace, of Her Majesty's word given by us, and to the great dishonour of this State, wherewith we were not a little moved, the matter being proved before us, and the precedent so dangerous to have raised a new tumult amongst that timorous people, which therefore we have thought good to make known to your Lordships. The inferior officers, both by good proofs and their own confessions, have been convicted of sundry extortions, whom we mean to punish for example's sake hereafter. And thus we have left this province in quiet in appearance, and have admonished Sir Richard to hold such a temperate course of government over this people, as they be not provoked to any undutifulness. Autographs, pp. 5. Inclose,

64. 1. Petition of William Burke, the Blind Abbot, Walter Kittagh Burke, Walter Ne Molly, Shane M'Tibbot, and others, in the name of all the Burkes and Clandonnells, to the Lord Deputy, &c. Pray to be excused for all of them not being present at the sessions at Kilmean, as they are obliged to withstand an incursion of the Scots, who have killed and preyed their people. They would rather that all the Spaniards were hanged than that the Queen, the Lord Deputy, and the Council should be displeased. 1589, Sept. 11. Copy. p. 1.

Sept. 30. Dublin.

65. The Chancellor Archbishop Loftus to Burghley respecting attachments sued against the body and goods of Robert Newcomen for great sums for which he hath entered into suretiship with George Beverley, surveyor of the victuals. This is referred by Burghley to Wallop for his opinion, p. 1.

Sept.

66. Book of the wages grown due to the Lord Deputy, chief officers, and garrison of Ireland for half a year, being men 1,777, whereof 70 deducted as dead pays; money, 18,215l. 19s. 4²/3d. Irish, or 13,162l. sterling, pp. 15.

Sept.

Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy to grant a lease of 30l. a year to William Bath, of Dromconragh. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 279.] Copy. p. 1.

Sept. Oatlands.

67. Privy Council to the Lord Deputy. The Earl of Thomond to enjoy such lands as are contained in his patent. His uncle's title to certain lands to be examined, and fit persons to be appointed to the office of sheriff in co. Clare, and not needy persons who have no land or living in that shire, but live on the spoil of the people. Modern copy. pp. 2.

Sept.

Copy. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 281.] pp. 2.

Sept.

Privy Council to the Lord Deputy. To take order for defence of the ships and vessels fishing about the haven of Waterford. The mariners to be trained on holidays, so that resistance may be made in case of a Spanish attempt. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 282.] Copy. p. 1.

Sept.

Privy Council to the Earl of Pembroke to levy men in the principality of Wales and counties of Monmouth, Worcester, Hereford, Salop, Wilts, and Somerset, and train them to be in readiness to send to Ireland to resist the threatened Spanish invasion. Names and numbers contained in the like circular to other counties. Total 2,300 men. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII, p. 283.] Copy. p. 1.

Sept. 7. Moyculen.

68. Roger O'Flahertie to Walsyngham. To write to the Lord Deputy and Council in his behalf, not to dispossess him of his inheritance which he enjoys by order of law. Sir Richard Bingham is a great help and mainstay for all of Walsingham's poor friends in Ireland. Autograph. Seal of wax impressed with a coin. p. 1.