Elizabeth I: volume 169, May 1593

May 1593

May 2, Dublin Castle.

28. Lord Deputy and Council to Burghley. Advertisement of the preparation intended against Ireland. Autogs. p. ¾. Incloses,

28. I. News from Spain delivered by Peter Blake to Sir Richard Bingham. Bickering of the 25 great ships which came from St. Lucars with some English ships. Discontentment between the Spaniards and the Portugals. 1593, April 28, Galway. Copy. p. 1.

[May 4.]

29. Edward Herbert to Lord Burghley. Offers to surrender his charge and interest in O'Reilly's country, and to be employed as sheriff into O'Donnell's country. Autog. p. 1.

May 4.

30. Robert Fowle to Burghley. Complains that Sir Richard Bingham has protested he would never pay him, bring what warrant he could for the same. p. 1½.

May 6.

31. Declaration by Robert Newcomen, victualler, touching the receipt and issue of treasure. With some reasons annexed for the continuance of chief victualler. pp. 2.

[May 6.]

32. Petition of Robert Newcomen, victualler, in Ireland, to Burghley for favour in his suit touching his office. p. 1.

May 7.

33. Examination of Mary Bowen, wife to Lucas Wafer, touching Stanton's murder. pp. 2.

May 8, Athlone.

34. Sir R. Bingham to Burghley. The province much troubled by writs from Dublin for the levy of some 80,000l. on desperate recognizances and by certain commissions granted to very mean persons for finding out concealed lands. Aut. p. 1¼.

May 8, Athlone.

35. Mr. Ralph Lane to Burghley. O'Donnell and Maguire having repulsed the new sheriff of Maguire's country came with 1,500 men to the borders of Connaught to stir the people to rebellion. Aut. pp. 3.

May 10.

36. John Bird to Burghley. His sickness, wants, and fruitless suits of eight years. The tenour of the letter to be written into Ireland in his behalf. p. 1.

May 10.

37. Brief of the contents of letters from the Queen and from the Privy Council to be addressed into Ireland in behalf of John Birde, to facilitate his regaining his offices there. pp. 3.

May 13, Dublin.

38. Sir Geff. Fenton to Burghley. Commends the bearer, Francis Shaen. p. 1.

May 14. Dublin.

39. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Has received his Lordship's letters for stay of the proceeding against Bowen. Richard Stanton had quietly lived like a civil and dutiful subject in the county of Kildare two years before his death. Bowen detected of many criminal causes, and from time to time pardoned. The murder of Stanton wickedly committed with purpose to get his land. p. 1½. Incloses,

39. I. Deposition of Edmund Nashe, Robert Bowen's declaration that Lucas Wafer had done nothing in the murder of Richard Stanton but by his direction. 1592–3, Feb. 2. Copy. p. ¾.

39. II. Examination of Walter Kittagh Stanton, implicating William Bowen, late sheriff of Mayo, in the murder of Richard Stanton. 1592–3, Feb. 13, Dublin Castle. pp. 2.

39. III. Interrogatories to be ministered to Richard Boy Stanton touching the murder of Richard Stanton. Copy. p. 1.

39. IV. The voluntary confession of Lucas Wafer touching the murder of Richard M'Moyler alias Stanton. Mrs. Bowen's charge to witness while he was in prison. Signed with his own hand. 1592–3, Feb. 13. pp. 3.

39. V. Articles to be ministered to Walter Harpole and others by John Luttrell and Thomas Lambin, Justices of Peace, by virtue of the Lord Deputy's Commission. With the examinations of Walter Harpole, Dean of Leighlin, Ony Eni Mortogh Lea, Katherine Eni Mortough Lea, Thomas Michel and John Callowhill. 1592–3, Mar. 16 and 17. Copies. pp. 3.

39. VI. Examination of Shane M'Tirlagh relative to the murder of Stanton. 1592–3, Mar. 16. Copy. pp. 2.

39. VII. Examination of Leighlen O'Hallynan. Richard Stanton, alias M'Moyler, was slain near Boolybeg. 1592–3, Mar. 20. Orig. p. ½.

39. VIII. Examination of Edmund Dorree touching the murder of Stanton by Bowen. 1592–3, Mar. 20, Maryborough. p. 1.

39. IX. Examinations of Brian O'Kelly, Isaac White, and John Crosby, touching the murder of Richard Stanton. 1592–3, Mar. 23, Maryborough. p. 1.

39. X. Justice Nicholas Walshe to the Lord Deputy. Robert Bowen hath deferred his trial for the murder of Richard Stanton by challenging nearly all the jury of the panel. Indictment of William Bowen. Prisoners removed to Dublin Castle. 1592–3, Mar. 23, Maryborough. Copy. p. 1.

39. XI. Examination of Mary Bowen, wife to Lucas Wafer, touching Stanton's murder. 1593, May 7. Copy. p. 1.

39. XII. Certificate under the hand of Mr. Justice Nicholas Walshe of the ground on which Lucas Wafer had charged the deceased, Richard Stanton, with treason. 1593, May. p. 1½.

39. XIII. Complaints of Brazill O'Kellie, Brien O'Kellie, and Tirlagh O'Kellie, to the Lord Deputy, against Robt. Bowen. They offer to prove divers horrible murders and treasons against Bowen. Copy. p. 1.

[Note of the dates of papers relative to the murder of Stanton by Bowen which had been here collected as inclosures, but are now placed in their respective dates, viz., 1592–3, Feb. 2, 13, 13, Mar. 16 and 17, 16, 20, Apr. 4, May 7].

May 14. Dublin.

40. The Chancellor to Burghley. Recommends the suit of Mr. Francis Shaen of Westmeath. He is a gentleman both forward in religion and in Her Majesty's service. p. ½.

May 17. Dublin Castle.

41. Lord Deputy to Burghley. The recovery of Lord Burghley. Mr. Pyne resteth as yet committed. Sends a copy of a letter from a lord of Scotland to the Earl of Kildare. Would restrain the coming of any Scots for a time. A report goeth that Maguire is to marry the Earl of Tirone's daughter. Small service of the Archbishop of Cashel and Mr. Power. pp. 2. Incloses,

41. I. Earl of Kildare to the Lord Deputy. Has received a letter from the Lord of Kilhilty, dwelling in Scotland, descended from the House of Kildare. Desires a passport for the safe coming and going of the said lord on a visit to him. 1593, May 10, Down. Copy. p. ¾.

May 17. Dublin.

42. C. Baron Delvin and others to Burghley. Touching the accusation against Sir Robert Dillon for practising with O'Rourke, Autogs. pp. 2¼.

May 18. Athlone.

43. Sir Richard Bingham to Burghley. Richard M'Moyler Stanton, that was killed was a most notorious traitor, a man of good account amongst the Burkes and as deep in the great rebellion as any. Autog. p. 1¾.

May 23. Athlone.

44. Sir R. Bingham to Burghley. Commends the bearer, the Baron of Dunkellin, for his dutiful service with his father, the Earl of Clanricard, in the late actions of the Bourkes. p. 1.

May 23. Kilmainham.

45. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Sir Robert Dillon restored to his place of a Privy Councillor. He is licensed to repair over. Doubt whether he should be prosecuted any further. The Lords of Delvin and Houth are not content but with his utter overthrow. p. 1¼.

May 26. Dublin.

46. Sir Geff. Fenton to Burghley. Impropriety of the Archbishop of Cashel in departing without licence. He has carried with him great sums of money, besides plate and jewels. p. ¾.

May 27.

47. Alice Bowen and William Bowen to Burghley. The services of Robert Bowen prisoner for the death of Richard Stanton. Sir Henry Wallop, Sir Henry Harrington, Sir George Carew, and others now at Court will speak to his good deserts. Some speedy order for his relief. p. 1.

May 28. Kilmainham.

48. Lord Deputy to Burghley. The Baron of Dunkellin desires to live at Court for experience sake. p. 1.

May 29. Dublin Castle.

49. Lord Deputy and Council to Burghley. Propose a journey to Dundalk on the 13th of June, for redress of disorders committed by Turlough M'Henry upon some parts of the Brenny. The 1,200 soldiers now in a readiness so to continue. pp. 2. Inclose,

49. I. Lord Deputy and Council to the Earl of Tirone. To repair to Dublin bringing the instrument passed between him and Sir Turlough touching the bargain of lands. 1593, May 9, Dublin. Copy. pp. 2.

49. II. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, to the Lord Deputy and Council. As yet I cannot lay hands on Turlough Grane O'Mulcrene, who has committed murther. Coule Lee M'Ardell and his co-partners were the drawers on of Captain Fuller and the rest who took Art O'Hagan's prey. Begs to be excused for not appearing before their Lordships. Agnus M'Connel hath taken James M'Sawerlie in hand. 1593, May 14, The Banside. Copy. p. 1.

49. III. Declaration of Thady Nolan before the Lord Deputy and Council. This day I, Thady Nolan, returning home from the north do declare that on Monday last, the 14th of this month, I came from the Earl of Tyrone and left him at Castle Toome, having in his company among others, both the day before and that morning, Phelim M'Turlough O'Neill. And the same morning after I was come half a mile from thence having in my company, by the Earl's appointment, one Pat Hagan to be my guide to Armagh, certain of the Hagans on horseback and foot did overtake me, being in number as I guess about 40, who told unto Patrick Hagan, my guide, that they had killed Phelim M'Turlough O'Neill, and three or four of his men that were in his company; which they said they had done in revenge of one of the Hagans that the said Phelim had before killed. [In margin. This gentleman was of the O'Neills, and of great account and good force, one whom the Earl feared and never could like of. He was lately pardoned, and the Earl's oath given for the safety of the man. And besides the Earl's oath there were two or three several orders taken with the Earl by me and the Council for his receipt of him home and safety of his life. The O'Hagans be a sept of people whom the Earl greatly loveth and trusteth; and the Earl was not gone 20 score from his house when the murder was committed before his door.] The fact, as they said, was done at Toome. Whereupon Patrick Hagan, my guide, told me that by reason he was sent that day with me he was like to lose the worth of his horse, in that he might not do as the rest of his kinsmen did, to which I answered that if he were so disposed he might go with them, for I knew the way very well, and so he left me and told me that he would go with the rest to the spoil of Phelim's country. And afterwards I heard that they had taken the spoil of the said Phelim's country, and had killed some of his nearest kinsmen there.

I do also declare that coming the same day over the water at Lough Neagh in a cott being ferried over by a poor man born under the said Phelim, the said poor man said unto me what should men do with a pardon for our Lord is killed who had one; and it is thought the letters which you brought down with you to the Earl is the cause of the murthering of him. Underwritten.

This was read unto Thady Nolan, 25th May, before the Lord Deputy and Council, and acknowledged to be his declaration. Thady N. Nolan's mark. 1593, May 17. Copy. p. 1.

49. IV. Earl of Tirone to the Lord Deputy and Council. My very good Lords, albeit I perceive by your Lordships' letters now sent unto me that Sir Turlough O'Neill has, in his letters unto you of the 3rd of this present, written an apparent contradiction of the manner of his dealing with me for the passing of such of my territories as were in his possession, yet now that your Honours desire to be intermeddlers in the bargain betwixt us, it shall appear unto you by his oath and writings passed unto me in that behalf, that the wrong is altogether in him. And "as I have formerly still written" that I have done nothing but with his own full consent and good will. Wherefore I most humbly beseech your Lordships to forbear mine appearance (now expected by you) until such time as beeves be in season to be made money of for defraying of charges.

[In margin. His Lordship knoweth beeves will not be in state to make money well of until the end of August or towards Michaelmas; and the traitorous bishops have assured upon letters, which some of them have lately received, that the Spaniards will be here by the 20th of July at the furthest, and so they give out in every place with great show of joy.] And as then when it shall please your Lordships to send for Sir Turlough and me, I will be ready to attend your Honours' pleasure in that or any other matter. In the meantime I will, according to your Lordships' commandments, forbear to proceed any further in the bargain with Sir Turlough, but will leave it as it is, which I doubt not is as sufficient as may be for that matter. I am to advertise your Honours of that which I have always feared, and that is the killing of Phelim M'Turlough, which was done at Toome, in the Killetragh, on the 14th of this month by two of the brethren of Shane M'Owen O'Hagan, whom the said Phelim, as your Honour doth know, before in like sort killed. And so referring myself and causes unto your Honours' censure I humbly take my leave.

P.S. My Lords, since the perclosing of these my letters this bearer, Her Majesty's pursuivant, hath heard and may testify unto your Honours what hath been deposed, upon the Holy Evangelist, by O'Cahan, O'Quin, Edmond Oge O'Hagan, and by Sir Turlough's own man, Donough M'Rory, touching the manner of Sir Turlough's passing of the bargain unto me. 1593, May 21, The Bannside. Copy. certified by the Lord Deputy and Council. p. 1.

49. V. Sir H. Bagenall to the Lord Deputy. Henry Oge O'Neill, a gentleman of great force, prevented by the Earl of Tirone from meeting Mr. Marshal at Muckno. 1593, May 24. Copy. p. ¾.

49. VI. Declaration by John Bremingham, the pursuivant, how the Earl of Tyrone reproached him as Her Majesty's servant at his house at Castle Rowe, near the Bann Side, in the presence of O'Cahan, O'Quinn, O'Hagan, and others. Dera mcDia, Barum basell, ne has hagh toogum, ne tha coate, en garr dirg, Cogh en derna la, which is in English. By God's son it were better for me to be dead than to see thy like, coming to me every other day in thy short red coat. [Marginal note. The red coat was Her Majesty's livery, very richly garded with velvet, and as richly garnished with gold, as any of Her Majesty's messengers commonly use to have. 1593, May 28. Copy certified under the hands of the Lord Deputy and Council. Autogs. p. 1.

49. VII. Walter Scurlock to Mr. Henry Burnell. It is commonly bruited here of a great conspiracy amongst the northern lords in Ireland, whereupon there be soldiers immediately bound over to their ruin I doubt not. The Earl of Tyrone is in common bruit here, as far in as the rest, which being so I wish he may receive punishment according unto his desert. This is all the news common amongst us, which I pray God may sort to the safety of our Prince. Extract out of a letter written from England. 1593, May 12, in England. p. ¾.

49. VIII. R. Ailward, Mayor, to the Lord Deputy. The Scots hardly used at Lisbon and put into the holy house. 1593, May 4, Waterford. p. 1.

49. IX. Intelligence by Richard Prowdefote brought from Rochelle. Such intelligence as I, Richard Prowdefoote, merchant of Dublin, have brought from Rochelle. Item, the 17th day of April 1593, being with my ship within the Haven of Rochelle there came letters from the Governor of Bordeaux to the Mayor of Rochelle that there arrived the day before in the river of Bordeaux 17 great ships of Spain to the rescue of the Castle of Blois, all with English and Scotch flags, where finding six English ships of war that served the King of France, upon the sudden the Admiral of the Spaniards and the Vice-Admiral attacked Burddet, the Admiral of the English ships; the Vice-Admiral and the rest of the English ships escaped with some spoil, but the said English Admiral, after long fight, seeing no remedy, set fire upon all the three ships and for the most part leapt into the sea, making their best shift to swim to the shore, but were intercepted by the Spaniards, who in their pinnaces murdered the most part of the Englishmen in their swimming.

The 9th of the said month there came letters from Bordeaux that by direction from the Governor of Bordeaux certain galleys and pinnaces and the ordnance upon the shore sunk three great ships of the Spaniards.

There came letters from the aforesaid Governor of Bordeaux to Rochelle and Brouage to send their forces into the river of Bordeaux for the surprising of the Spanish fleet remaining there, and upon that another letter to hasten away, Bordeaux having made ready and finished all the shipping that were at Bordeaux to the number of 20 ships, English, Scotts and some Flemings, Brouage did set forth 10 ships and two galleys, and Rochelle 10 ships, three galleys, and six pinnaces, all these were entered into the river of Bordeaux the 20th of the said month.

It was also certified that a small pinnace of the Spaniards was taken landing in the river of Bordeaux, wherein there were letters found that did betray great conspiraces wrought by the Spaniards, both in the City of Bordeaux and other ports of the country, whereby their malicious intention is prevented.

The 22nd of April I made sail from Rochelle in the company of 35 sail of ships Flemings, French, and Scottish. Received the 5th of May. 1593, May 5. p. 1.

49. X. Declaration of Andrew Sybbald of Mondroise [Montrose] in Scotland. The great preparations of shipping in Spain, some say for Scotland, some for Ireland, &c. 1593, May 24. Autog. p. 1.

May 29. Kilmainham.

50. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Archbishop of Cashel's departure without license. His information against Deputy all false. It will appear unto your Lordship by our letters in what "tickle state" the north now standeth, and therefore if it might please you to hasten away Mr. Edward Herbert, sheriff of the county of Cavan, his service here would be of great importance being both a valiant and faithful servant. That county hath of late, by the Earl of Tyrone's half brother Turlough M'Henry, chief of the Fews, and some other of their neighbours (as Maguire with whom divers of the Earl's people have joined) received great losses and some slaughter of good subjects. I humbly beseech you send home the sheriff, for if anything fall out in the north, he will be "a most good" servant. Autog. pp. 3. Incloses

50. I. Miler, Archbishop of Cashel, to the Lord Deputy. Laments the hard measure he receives from his Lordship, and reproaches his justice. 1593, May 6. Lismore.

50. II. Book of the wages of the Lord Deputy and Garrison for half a year ended 31st March 1593. 1593, May 20.pp. 13.

May 29. Dublin.

51. Lords Delvin and Howthe to Burghley. Sir Robert Dillon secretly gone out of Ireland without license. p. ½.