Elizabeth I: volume 202 Part 2, May 1598

May 1598

May. 4. Dublin.

26. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener, the Earl of Ormonde, and the Council, to the Privy Council. Could not answer their Lordships' letters of the 20th of March till now, owing to the absence of Ormonde in Munster and Leinster. He returned yesterday, and they, having considered the letters in the packet, and principally Her Majesty's of the 17th of March, are thoroughly grieved with the heavy impressions possessed by Her Majesty against them, and their endeavours in " this most unhappy Government " [the "un" is interlineated]; but have comfort in the honourable mediation of their Lordships, and in the rare and excellent manner used by Her Majesty, not to measure the services of her Ministers by the event of things, but according to the faithfulness and innocency of their hearts. The heavy opinion of Her Majesty is grounded upon sinister and secret informations, tending to tax them with some disorders in the Government, against which, though they have striven to their uttermost strength, yet, through the rage and iniquity of the time, contrary events have sometimes ensued, which it was not in their power to prevent. Nevertheless, will not fail hereafter to use all care and diligence to answer Her Majesty's service, so far as the distemperatures of this time, amongst so treasonable [a] people, will suffer them. Touching a note which Her Majesty makes in the forefront of her letter, as though there were division amongst them, it is no small grief to them that, through some deep malice, they should be so dangerously prejudiced in her opinion, there having been never so much as a show of disagreement amongst them. And though, through the division of the time, most parts of the realm stand divided and distracted, yet they have been careful amongst themselves to hold firm unity and agreement, the better to take away all occasions of inconveniences that might rise out of their disagreements.

Many of the parts of their Lordships letter of the 20th of March are answered by their last general despatch of the 19th of April, but they will run over the most material points again. The issue of the 14,000l. sent about Christmas last, was fully declared in their letter of the 20th of January, which they doubt not has long since come to their Lordships' hands. In every despatch since the arrival of the treasure, they have stated how it was used. Besides, the Treasurer has sent Burghley particular certificates of the issuing and remain of every treasure sent from England. In their despatch of the 19th of April was also sent an estate of the whole army, with the checks imposed for the last half year ended 30th September last.

The information to the Privy Council by Molyneux. the Victualler's agent, that the prices of victuals in England, joined with the charges of transportation, greatly exceeded the prices in Ireland. Provisions to be sent from Chester for divers places in Ireland. None arrived as yet, whereat they marvel, considering how long the wind has hung favourably. It will be hard to set down the precise numbers of the garrisons at Newry, Carrickfergus, Dundalk, and Cavan, seeing they are often increased and diminished, as the occasions of service and want of victuals require; yet there are great numbers of soldiers in all those places, because of their importance. It were convenient that each of them were furnished with six months' victuals. Have received a schedule of the grain sent by their Lordships for several places in Ireland. When it arrives, Ormonde will take the best order he can for disposing of it, according to their Lordships' directions. Its arrival to be hastened.

Former certificates of the numbers of men in pay, and how they were bestowed. No pay is made, except on the Commissary's certificate of his personal view of the men; so, if the officer do his duty, Her Majesty cannot be charged with the pay of men who are not extant, or not sufficient. Sir Ralph Lane promises to be more careful and diligent in the execution of his charge hereafter. Will not fail to call upon him from time to time, till they see some better reformation, whereof they hope well in him. William Paule was restored to his former place as Commissary because, although justly detected and punished, yet, on his submission and confession, and promise of better service, the Lord Lieutenant, having received letters on his behalf from England, was willing to make trial of him again. Ere it be long, their Lordships shall receive a certificate of the checks grown during the last half year, together with a particular state of the array, subscribed by Sir Ralph Lane.

" Where your Lordships do press still some account to be made what hath become of the bodies, armour, and weapon[s] of 7,466 persons sent hither of late out of England, besides other companies raised here, which was before we, the Lords Justices and the Lord Lieutenant, entered into charge, wherein your Lordships think us to have greatly overshot ourselves, being Councillors, to suffer such disorders to have passed without seeking reformation, and that we ought to have pressed Sir Ralph Lane to have made account for the time of his service ; by a late letter written from us, of the 27th of February, we have at large made answer to these points, humbly beseeching your Lordships to accept thereof, as being grounded upon truth, without any colourable disguising. And albeit we did often urge reformation of this disorder at the hands of the then Lord Deputy and General Norreys, yet it was without fruit, considering that they, being superior Commanders, assumed to themselves all dealings with the army and martial causes, without communicating their doings to any of us, though we oftentimes commanded the same; and most of us were then excluded out of the Council of Wars, and yet we did not stick to admonish them both, that a strait account of these matters would be required at their hands, the rather for that they were not ignorant that many of the captains did not only change their men from English to Irish, but suffered many of the English to return home, retaining with themselves their arms, which was an abuse over-frequent in those times; but we could not do withal."

Ask for good quantities of armour and weapons, especially of morions and swords. By the death and running away of soldiers, and by their selling and embezzling their arms, as well to the rebels as to the country people, and through weapons being broken, lost, and consumed, there cannot but be a great want of the same. Supplies are urgently required.

The companies from Picardy, including the sick, numbered on muster only 612 persons. Some were sent to lie on the borders of Leinster, and the rest dispersed to requisite places.

The Privy Council find by their former certificate that three parts of the whole army in Ireland are Irish, and would know their opinion how the same might be discharged in some measure, without diversion to the rebel. "We are sorry to see such an alteration of the army into Irish (though happened before our time), a matter very dangerous for the service and us that live here in the hazard; and particularly to me the Lord Lieutenant General, that am to be with them in the action of service. But how they may be changed, without a further danger to run to the rebel, we know no better way than, after the bands shall be made up with English to be sent out of England, most of the Irish, to be drawn under the leading of some commander, whom they will trust, may by him be led into the Low Countries or France, whereby this realm may be rid of them, which will be the convenientest way to shift them out of this kingdom, if Her Majesty shall have cause to use the service of so many in foreign places; and yet we think it will be very difficult to have this performed, specially for any great numbers of them."

Certificate of the distribution of the apparel to the companies sent over by Hassall, one of the merchants, whom they have just dispatched to England. The whole has been distributed. Method thereof. Will be careful that the due defalcations are made. Enclose certificate of captains absent in England. Think it meet they were returned to their charge. If any exceed the time for which they were licensed, they shall be checked as they deserve. Promise with all convenient speed a certificate of the distribution of the 12,000l. sent a fortnight ago. This will be devoted to the lendings for March and April. Further supply of money wanted out of hand, to pay the lendings, and to answer all other occasions of service. Pray their Lordships to remember some proportion of money to defray the diet of soldiers in the towns and country, as often desired in former despatches, " by want whereof, the English Pale, alleging their poverty, do utterly deny to furnish the soldiers with any more victuals; which is a cause to drive the garrisons," placed by the Lord Lieutenant upon the borders, to oppress the country.

The munition written for has not yet arrived. Pray that it may be hastened away with all possible speed, " for that, in our opinions, there was never kingdom, having so many great occasions to use powder and other munitions, that had so extreme wants thereof, as this kingdom hath," nothing remaining in the store, and all the port towns in the realm unable to furnish them with any proportion. These wants, being known as well to the rebels as to themselves, are a great cause to give them heart in their rebellion. Would be glad to know what course they are to hold touching the defalcations for munition, as it will be hard to strain the soldier to answerhis wonted price for his powder, since so much of his pay runneth up in his lendings and apparel. Besides, by a letter written over in the time of Lord Burgh's government, the summer suit of apparel was ordered to be stayed for the arms and munition received by the soldier, whereof the culiver alone cometh to 23s.

Send copies of letters between Ormonde and Tyrone, whereby their Lordships may see how Tyrone runs on in his wonted course of shifts and delays. Are driven by their wants to use a manner of temporising with him, according to the time concluded in the last treaty, contrary to their will. Understands he labours still to combine himself strongly with the Irish. Such as he holds doubtful in Ulster, viz., Maguire, Sir Arthur O'Neill, Tirlogh M'Henry, Ever Roe M'Cooley, Sir John O'Dogherty, and some of Con O'Donnells sons, "all being very chief and principal persons," he takes in hand, till he can exact good conditions of assurance from them. Others, in Leinster specially, and in other parts of Ireland he labours by his instruments to win, under large offers and promises that he will see them restored to their ancient Irish and abolished titles. Thus he has seduced many of the Kavanaghs, and others in Low Leinster, against whom Ormonde has employed part of Her Majesty's forces, and still continues to do so. Besides Tyrone's expectation of Spaniards very shortly, he dependeth confidently upon a succour of 3,000 or 4,000 Scots. Are also credibly advertised that he has received of late, by certain Scottish boats, great quantities of powder and munition, sent from Glasgow; whether underhand, or by the King's authority, is not stated. To cut off these helps of Scotland from him, it were good that two pinnaces were employed all this summer upon those seas between Scotland and Ulster. Otherwise, there is no means to impeach their course of access, or to keep their galleys in awe. Have often written to their Lordships touching Tyrone's intelligence with Scotland. The probability thereof is daily more and more apparent. Suggest that Her Majesty's Ambassador in Edinburgh be instructed to inquire into the truth of the same.

Have given order for the general hosting to begin on June 6. Albeit they look for no great strength of men, or other helps, the realm being so poor and backward, yet they thought not amiss, for order's sake, to continue it, according to ancient usage. " In the execution whereof, we will be as careful as we can to keep the country from unnecessary burthens, and preserve the subjects from extortion of the soldiers, who, through the impunity of former times, have grown very licentious." Have been careful to correct those faults; the Lords Justices, by imprisonment and restitution; Ormonde, by death and otherwise; as their Lordships may see by a note enclosed herewith. These exemplary punishments have done much ever since to stay the violence of the soldiers, and to satisfy the good subjects.

If Her Majesty will go through with a prosecution against the northern rebels, it is most requisite that a special force of 1,000 foot and 100 horse be sent out of England by sea, directly to Lough Foyle, to lie there in garrison, with victuals and all other necessaries for six or eight months. Such a garrison, well led by captains worthy for skill and valour, and "with a superior Commander over them, who knew how to direct the service, and who would keep the companies in discipline, could not but greatly advantage the prosecution against both Tyrone and O'Donnell, if Her Majesty will pull them down by force. "We do all concur in this plot, and particularly I, the Lord Lieutenant-General, do think it most requisite, and do humbly wish that it may be performed."

Send certificate of the issue of munition during the half year ending September 30, 1597.—Dublin, 1598, May 4. Signed, pp. 7. Inclose,

26. I. "The names of such Captains as be absent from their charge in England."—[1598, May.] p. 1.

20. II. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, to the Earl of Ormonde. The Governor of the Blackwater has knowledge of no longer truce than until the 4th of May. It rests with Ormonde to prolong the same for six weeks and ten days, from Easter Day last. Prays to know his Lordship's resolution seven days before the 4th of May. Also, that he would send his direction to the Governor of Carrickfergus, and to all other garrisons, that no hurt may be done by them during the truce.—Dungannon, 1598, April 19. Copy. p. ½.

26. III. The Earl of Ormonde to Hugh, Earl of Tyrone. His letter of the 19th April received on the 27th. The truce taken on the 18th of March last was to continue until the 4th of May, and seven days after. Before the expiration of that time, Tyrone shall hear further. Has written to the garrisons bordering upon the north. Purposes to repair presently to these borders.—Kilkenny, 1598, April 29. Copy. p. ½.

26. IV. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, to the Earl of Ormonde. Whereas his Lordship charges him with a breach of truce committed upon Sir Edmund Butler and others by some of Donnell Spainagh's retinue, will fulfil his promise towards those men, by leaving them to themselves, if they have without just occasion broken the truce. Craves his Lordship to bear with him, until he hears from them. As for the apprehension of Ormonde's nephew, and the prey taken by Brian Reogh, has urgently written to Brian for the nephew's enlargement. Not knowing what provoked Brian to take the prey, cannot, until he hears from him, fitly resolve his Lordship until their meeting, when the matter shall be reasonably decided. His letter of 19th April as to the extension of the truce. The hard dealing of the Blackwater garrison in taking from him some few cows, in place of the beeves that were "unpaid" of the number he promised long since.—Strabane, 1598, April 28. Copy. p. 1.

26. V. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener, the Earl of Ormonde, and the Council, to Hugh, Earl of Tyrone. Agree to the extension of the truce for six weeks and ten days, beginning from Easter Day last. Are sending to the garrisons to forbear arms accordingly. " Where you desire to have a meeting with me, the Lord Lieutenant, we all are of opinion that it is not fit there should be any more meeting, unless you do think better of your duty and obedience, in yielding to the articles so mercifully prescribed to you by Her Majesty, wherewith you were made acquainted; to which for the most part you have subscribed, and afterwards most undutifully and unadvisedly fell from the same. Wherein we require you to certify us your final resolution with all convenient speed."— Dublin, 1598, May 4. Copy. p. 1.

26. VI. "A note of the names of such persons as were condemned by Adam Loftus, Judge of the Martial Court, since the government of the Right Honourable the Earl of Ormonde, Lord Lieutenant General of Her Majesty's army." The names are seventeen in number, beginning with that of "David Rawly" Endorsed:— "The names of certain soldiers, executed by order from the Lord Lieutenant, for robberies, and extorting the subjects without warrant." [1598, May.] p. 1.

26. VII. Certificate of munition issued between 1st April and 30th September, 1597. Signed by Sir George Bourchier.—1598, May 4. One sheet.

May 7. Whitehall.

27. The Privy Council to the Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and the rest of the Council. Concerning the claim to the seignory of Tarbert made by Justice Goold of Munster, to whom all interest therein was assigned by Sir John Hollis, son and heir of Denzil Hollis, who deceased before his patent passed. Recommendation of Justice Goold. The seignory not to be passed to any one until Her Majesty's further pleasure be known.—The Court at Whitehall, 1598, May 7. Endorsed:—"For Sir Geffrey Fenton." [See No. 79, March 8, above.] Copy. p. 1.

May 7. Dublin.

28. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. Received, two days past, from an Irishman dwelling in Ayr, that the King of Scots had made a proclamation of late, restraining from Tyrone all aids of men, munition, and victuals. Although the penalties were severe, yet this day he hears from Tyrconnell that certain Scottish boats have, since the last parley with Tyrone, brought into Lough Foyle great quantities of powder and other provisions for him and O'Donnell. Knows not whether they were sent by the Earl Huntly, or by some others of that faction, or were permitted underhand by the King's authority. But, considering the King's former favourable dealings with Tyrone, cannot but think that the King is a secret supporter of these Irish rebels, notwithstanding his proclamation, and many other fair shows made to the contrary. Urges the use of the Queen's Ambassador in Edinburgh, to discern the certainty of the King's dealings. Is still of mind, that the only way to cross all secret succours from Scotland, is to have two of Her Majesty's pinnaces of war lying in the northern seas. Assures himself the rebels will receive many helps of men and munition, if they be not stopped by that course. Finds that Tyrone, being promised money from Spain, makes his project with that money to wage men out of Scotland, and to be furnished with powder and other necessaries for his rebellion.

If it will please Her Majesty to enter into a resolute prosecution against this cankered rebel Tyrone, now is the opportunity to undertake it. By reason of his late tyrannous dealings with the uriaghts and other chieftains, whom he has taken in hand and holds in straight prison, many of the Irish are fallen from him in heart, and would no doubt turn against him, if they might once see Her Majesty strong in the field, and determined to proceed thoroughly against him. Otherwise, howsoever they may have good wills, yet they dare not show themselves apparently till they see how they may be defended by Her Majesty. "Without a strong faction to be raised amongst themselves, it will be a chargeable work to suppress them." Makes bold to say " that it will trouble the greatest captain in Europe to prevail against these rebels, so borne up by foreign princes, without working some of them to Her Majesty's part, and to serve against them." But, however Her Majesty resolves to have them taken down by force, wishes " there were a present course taken to set this government in the hands of a sufficient Deputy, thoroughly enabled to manage the prosecution, and, by reducing the whole charge into one man's hands, to cease thereby this divided authority in the government, which is carried now in a twofold manner, namely, some authorised for the civil affairs, and another to command over the martial services; which division of the authority in this broken time cannot be so safe for Her Majesty, by reason it doth in some sort divide and distract men's affections, as it would be, if the whole were settled under one man's rule. I am bold to give your Honour this note, out of my experience and observation of things here, and were it not to your Honour, and that I see how many inconveniences may dangerously increase by these several anthorities in government, if they should continue, I should not dare to deal so liberally in this point, knowing how much it would draw me into envy here, if I should be discovered in this advice, humbly beseeching you, therefore, that I may be secreted therein."— Dublin, 1598, May 7. Signed. pp. 2.

May. 7.

29. Sir Edward Fitton to Sir Robert Cecil. Burghley's kindness in nominating him to the Treasurership of Ireland, now that Sir Henry Wallop is coming thence. Desires he may have it with as good conditions as any. Holds himself as able to serve as any that have been before him. Respects his credit before any worldly thing. Sir John Stanhope, his singular friend, will acquaint Sir Robert with the state of this cause. Must await a time to acquaint Sir Robert with the condition of his niece, the Countess. Has told Burghley. If Sir Robert assists her not, it will be the worse. —1598, May 7. Holograph, p. 1.

May. 8. Dublin.

30. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and Sir Henry Wallop to Burghley. Refer to their despatch of April 21. Forbore to make any " divident" of the 12,000l. lately arrived from England, until the return of Ormonde to Dublin on May 3. Have assigned two months' lendings to the whole army, and are now dispatching away the several paymasters for Ulster, Connaught, and Carrickfergus. The Treasurer will then send a particular and perfect certificate with all convenient speed. When they came to the signing of the warrants for the paymasters, Ormonde refused to add his signature, alleging that in the late directions he was not appointed thereunto. So, considering the present necessity of the army, they have subscribed by themselves. Having already dispatched the paymasters "for the foreign parts," they are now in band with the paymaster of Dublin for Leinster. Enclose a brief of the reduction of certain weak bands. None of the munition has yet arrived from Chester.—Dublin, 1598, May 8. Signed, pp. 2. Inclose.

30. I. "Companies reduced to fewer numbers, as hereafter particularly ensueth." Twenty companies are mentioned.—1598, May 8. One sheet.

May. [8.]

31. "A note of Captains of horse and foot discharged by the Lord Lieutenant." Endorsed:—1598, May [8]. p. ½.

May. 9.

32. Captain John Bingham to Sir Robert Cecil. Has been for three years a suitor to Her Majesty for the arrearages of pay due to his brother Captain George Bingham, who was murdered in Sligo Castle. In summer he has applied himself to the wars; in winter he has bestowed his time, travail, and expense on this matter. Became of late one of the Irish petitioners to Her Majesty, and, understanding that she has given order for their dispatch, thought it his duty to acquaint Sir Robert with his suit. His right as good as any man's, as well in regard of his dead brother, whose life was spent in Her Majesty's service, as in regard of himself, who has followed the wars in the Low Countries, Ireland, "Cales" [Cadiz], and France, and who is now without any manner of entertainment. Would be glad to attend on Sir Robert. Has studied in the University and Inns of Court. Endorsed:—1598, May 9. Holograph. p. 1.

May. 11. Dublin.

33. Sir Ralph Lane to Burghley. Required by the Lords Justices to deliver in a certificate to them of the whole charge of the army for the two half years, 1st April to 30th September 1597, and 1st October 1597, to 31st March 1598. The charge of the musters and check was, during the first of these, committed principally to Maurice Kyffin, and, during the second, absolutely to himself. The charge during the first was 68,304l. sterling, and the checks, as collected by Hugh Tuder, Kyffin's servant, amounted to 10,000l. sterling, "and odd money." Out of this latter sum, 1,500l. should have gone to Sir Ralph's credit. During the second half year, the charge was 68,379l. sterling, and the checks amounted to above 10,500l. sterling. The benefit to Her Majesty of commissaries and monthly musters, for which he had often earnestly petitioned, is thus very apparent.

Might have sent by this packet the book of Her Majesty's charge for the last half year, had the Lords Justices and the Lord Lieutenant General agreed touching the reducement of certain companies of foot from hundreds to fifties. Nevertheless the book cannot be deferred beyond six days. Defends himself against the charge of slackness in his office. His thankfulness for Burghley's mediation. Beseeches his Lordship to finish this good work towards him, who is not only oppressed, but also almost suppressed, by wrongful informations to Her Majesty against him. Desires restoration to his place on the Council, assigned to him in the beginning of Sir William Russell's government. " And, albeit neither in this time, nor in my Lord Burgh's government, I either stand, or ever stood, discharged in any sort from it, nevertheless I have, since Her Majesty's disgrace, in the beginning of his time made known here, voluntarily withdrawn myself from the Board, having also, in the same time of my great abasement by some at that Board, been piqued with a poor yet spiteful exception to the bareness of the letters for my Councillorship, for that in the same were set down no words for the swearing of me, therefore my Councillorship to have been but temporary, and to have expired with the departure of Sir William Russell, to whom the said letters were directed. Whereunto, in this long time of Her Majesty's disgrace, though the same by unjust informations was most undeservedly inflicted upon me, I would never oppose myself by any contradiction. But now, my most especial good Lord, the justice of my cause appearing to the world, and no ambition, but an honest detestation of the shame, to be by emulation shouldered out of a place that by so honourable favour was given me, from the which I never deserved, otherwise than by wrongful informations, to be disgraded, enforceth me to be a most humble suitor unto your Lordship for my re-settling again in the same." His loyal zeal for Her Majesty's service.

Urges the ordering of the horse and foot bands " in a course fit for this time, to fight with a rebel now by time armed with order, and, by many late blows given unto us, grown both armed with arms, with pride and valour; whereof Her Majesty's greatest forces may find the proof, whensoever the same shall be enforced in his own strength and fastness to seek him." Desires leave for his nephew, Robert Lane the elder, to attend upon Burghley in his behalf, as occa sion may serve.—Dublin, 1598, May 11. Signed, pp. 3.

May. 13. Inny Bridge.

34. Sir Edward York to Sir Robert Cecil. For the payment of the arrears due to him for his service in Ireland. Necessity constrains him. His service unto Her Majesty has been honest, without bribing, or deceiving of her, and painful. Has served these thirty years as a soldier and commander, and these nine years as her sworn servant. None has gained less by the wars than he has done, for, where he spent in every journey seven or eight score pounds, being Lieutenant-General of the horse, contenting himself with 20s. per diem, and receiving ever a month's imprest beforehand for the better furnishing of him, when Lord Burgh came, he was allowed but 10s. per diem, and so forced to give over the place. Could never get his warrant to the Treasurer paid. Is worse, by his service in Ireland, by four hundred pounds, than when he went over with Sir William Russell. If Sir Robert finds that he dissembles, let him never be trusted again.—Innie Brydge, May 13. Endorsed:—1598, Holograph, p. 1.

May 13.

35. "Wood's note for the victualling of 4,000 soldiers in Ireland." Endorsed:—1598, May 13. p. 1.

May 15. Dublin.

36. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. For the passing to him of the seignory of Tarbert, part of the escheated lands in Munster. It is ungranted to any other ; the matter is just, and the suit ordinary and prejudicing no person. The seignory was meant for him at the first setting down of the establishment for Munster, but he was injuriously prevented by Sir Valentine Browne, who was then of the quorum in that Commission, and who allotted it to Mr. Hollis. The latter never sued out his letters patent, but passed over his interest, for two or three horses of small value, to one James Goold, a mere Irishman, and thereby incapable thereof, by the words of the establishment, which exclude all men except mere Englishmen. Sir Henry Wallop is the only Commissioner opposed to him, and cares not who has the seignory, so that Sir Geffrey does not. If made an undertaker, will be able, with the rest, to reform many disorders among them, which in truth have been overlong suffered.

Finds that Tyrone depends much on the conclusion of the last great negotiation in France, and till he hear somewhat thereof, he " is in a staggering " what to resolve for his own affairs. Gives the names of the Commissioners for the disposing of the escheated lands in Munster.—Dublin, 1598, May 15. Signed, p. 1.

May. 15.

37. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. Sends three original Commissions (wanting); two of them directed to the late Lord Burgh and others of the Council for demising Her Majesty's lands, disposing of wards, and getting in Her debts ; the third addressed to Sir Robert Gardener and others of the Council for passing grants of lands to the undertakers in Munster.

The first two can be returned when the Government is settled in the hands of a Deputy, " which assuredly is high time to be looked unto and performed." Prays that the third may be renewed, and his own name put in, it being some discredit to him that other Councillors of far less service and experience in the affairs of Munster should have special prenomination in that Commission, and he be utterly left out. Asks that the bearer be returned with all speed. Unsigned and unaddressed, but endorsed:—1598, May 15. Sir Geffrey Fenton to my master." p. 1.

May 18.

38. "The humble requests of the Captains of Ireland" [to the Privy Council]. That Her Majesty's instructions for the weekly lendings and for the provant clothes may be observed, and that the soldier may be relieved in both in due time, " which hitherto having not been observed hath bred many inconveniences."

That their garrisons being far distant from Dublin, " and dangerous [in danger] therefore," the paymasters may bring the lendings to them " as by convoys they may," and that the Captains may not be forced to fetch the money with the number of eight soldiers, which is dangerous and exceeding chargeable.

That, upon the mustering of their companies, the Captains may not be forced to their oaths, but that their alterations may be referred to the clerk's oath, according to use; and that the Captains may not be subject to every Commissary, who understands not the course of war.

That the Commissaries of Musters may not be permitted in their own discretion to discharge any soldier without the privity of the Chief Commander or Captain of the company; for by that course the Captain is lightly regarded and the enemy strengthened.

That, in regard to the great dearth and misery of the country, " and that, of all other wars, the wars of Ireland are known to be the most toilsome," so many dead pays to a hundred may be allowed, as are allowed in all other Her Majesty's wars; whereby the Captain may be enabled to give entertainment to gentlemen, who are a great aid upon any occasion of service.

In these their humble requests they have no purpose to deceive Her Highness, but desire that the honest commander may be known from the bad and lewd, and that the misdemeanor of the latter may not breed impeachment or disgrace to the rest, but that the offender may be tried and publicly punished. Pray that such courses may be had with the army in Ireland, both in lendings and allowances for ordinary charge of arms and munition, as are had with her Captains and soldiers in all other wars or places of employment. "And the rather we beseech all these, because the war of Ireland is well known to be the most miserable war for travail, toil, and famine in the world."

Annexed to the foregoing is the following paper:—

"The enormities which are within these few years grown generally through the kingdom of Ireland, by not placing Her Majesty's forces in garrisons convenient for service, and where they might be easily relieved by sea; and [? by] the want of victuals, money, and munition, causes of the ruin of the army."

The army consists, by the view of list, of 76 companies of foot and 642 horse. The number is great, "and, in the judgment of good men of war, able to perform much in suppressing of the rebel Tyrone and his associates, considering how lightly both he and the Irish enemies is (sic) weighed by them unto whom they are unknown. We will now forbear to deliver our opinion of the sufficiency of the people in the use of their arms and otherwise; because, having been ourselves commanders against them, we may be thought to speak partially."

Great numbers of soldiers have been sent into Ireland, and landed for the most part at Dublin. It had been fitter for them to have been landed in places, whence they might have annoyed the rebels in the heart of their countries, as at Lough Foyle, the non-arrival of soldiers at which has much encouraged the rebels. The landing at Dublin is as chargeable as to any other port; besides, the inconveniences are much greater. The men are transported and landed without respect of their future victualling. The ensuing prejudice has mightily weakened the army and strengthened the enemy. [Marginal note:—"The supply in June 1597, and the success of my Lord Burgh's journey to the Blackwater, where there died of famine almost a 1,000 men."]

"Upon their landing at Dublin, if they be appointed into remote garrisons, their unaccustomed travel wearieth them, their change of diet and lodging weakeneth them; in their march they spoil and extort upon the country, and so being driven out of heart by their travel, they disperse and run away, they lose and make away their arms, and, within three months, you shall have most of the new companies ready to be spoiled with (sic) men and arms." If they were landed in places tit for service, and there fortified themselves, it would mightily discourage the enemy, and they never would or could so conveniently disperse and run away; and during the time of their strength and lustiness they would, with experienced commanders, annoy the enemy much, where now he rests and sleeps without fear.

Small care of victualling the inland garrisons. The Blackwater lost Enniskillen; Monaghan, Cavan; the forts in the King's and Queen's Counties like to be lost; Newry, "a principal mote in the rebel's eyes," not duly cared for, "considering that it is the only footing northward, and always the place of relief for the army."

The want of money. The soldier wanting, spoils the country, and takes from one what should equally be divided amongst many. "By this course, and between the enemy and the soldier, the people of the country are spoiled, his [its] Lord is discontented, the churl and his family starveth, and his Lord revolteth unto the enemy; and nevertheless the soldier still wanteth."

Great abuse and extortion in the collecting of beeves in the country. "For the collector, under the colour of taking up the proportion of beeves for the soldiers' relief, taketh up much more than he is appointed, to his own use. The soldier is not in time relieved, the country and the poor people much oppressed." [Marginal note:—"The Collector of Meath extorted on the country, in anno 1596, 260l."]

The soldier being commonly relieved by being cessed upon the towns, the burden is so great, and the poor inhabitants' means so small, that they abandon the towns, and draw to the enemy. [Marginal note:—"Namely, the Newry, Dundalk, Louth, Ardee, Kells, Athboy, and many others.] "So the towns, which have been long a populating, are now waxen waste, for the soldier payeth but 5d. per diem for his victuals, and the townsmen will willingly give him 8d. per diem to find himself; a great impoverishing unto the towns in this dear and miserable time."

The want of relief makes the soldier sell his arms and munition to feed himself, [Marginal note:— "A thing severely punished, yet daily used"], a wonderful strengthening to the enemy and a weakening to the army. It makes the soldier sickly, weak, and unfit for service, so he grows to be very chargeable and unprofitable.

" The charge which the soldier abideth, in paying for his arms and munition, is very burdensome unto him, because he knoweth it will be deducted out of his weekly lendings or out of his provant clothes. The inconvenience. It maketh him unwilling to burn powder, either (sic) delight to have good arms, because he by that means thinketh he should starve his belly or his back, both which . are unpleasant; besides it maketh soldiers cowards." [Marginal note:—"A precedent. Sir John Chichester with his garrisons beaten; Captain Parsons beaten; Captain Hovenden, Captain James Butler, with others."]

Non-observance of the instructions for weekly lendings, after they had continued for nearly eight weeks from 1st September 1597. The first payment of the soldiers, and the report of the continuance of it, encouraged the townspeople so much, that there was no town but made provision both by sea and land for the maintenance of the poor soldiers, hoping that the course of due payments would have been continued. But they, seeing the want afterwards, and the little care taken for the soldiers, desisted from their former intention and purpose. So the country being waste, and the towns not provided, the soldier buys his victuals at great and unreasonable rates, and is thus more impoverished and starved. The non-provision by the towns due to their fear of the soldiers being cessed upon them after the accustomed manner, "and it is long before they be paid any such debts."

"Another great inconvenience there is, when any proportion of treasure is landed at Dublin, the State will take deliberation and sit in Council, and thereby mightily impoverish, weaken, and discontent the army, before they be relieved. It also causeth the Captains and officers to be lodgers, beggars, and petitioners in Dublin for means for themselves and soldiers, where it were more requisite we should attend our commands, both for the advancing of the service, and the keeping of the soldiers in obedience.

"The order taken for the furnishing of the army with provant clothes was done with great judgment, and it is very honourable, if with pardon I may yield mine opinion, in lieu of the kersey stockings and the English shoes, they might be furnished with Irish frieze stockings and brogues, and each soldier a mantle. [Marginal note:—"An equal charge and far better for the soldier."] The mantle is the soldier's best bed, and his only relief on his watch and ward in cold and wet weather, in sickness and in health; and, howsoever, it is the best garment an Irish soldier can have. Daily experience hath taught us the use and good of it."

The course taken by the Commissioners with them for the view and mustering of their companies is very severe. [Marginal note: —"Used by Mr. Kyffin, and other courses held, not agreeable to reason, since his death."] Hope it is not Her Highness's pleasure that any indirect or extraordinary course should be used, as to check by discretion, without taking the muster of any company. The mustering of a company upon a march, or upon the dissolving of the camp, or removing of garrisons, not regarding the accidental causes of the weakness of a company by sickness or by fight, but taking the Captains upon advantage, without any liberty for the reinforcing of their companies, or respect to the extraordinary charge which Captains are at by sick, hurt, and loss of men and arms, is "a thing not usual in any war but here."

Pray that, in addition to the lendings and provant clothes, they may receive allowances for the maintenance of their arms, as is ordained in other Her Majesty's occasions of war.

Their complaints are not tendered without just cause. "It is well known, and of truth to be avouched, that there have been divers garrisons in many places of Ireland, which have lived without the taste of bread or drink, but with relief only of beef-water, some the space of six months, some eight, some more. Further, we are forced to pay unto Her Majesty after the rate of 20s. a beef, where the soldier heretofore never paid above 15s. And, where Her Majesty alloweth each soldier 24 ounces of bread per diem for penny halfpenny, the rates of corn are such in Ireland, Her Majesty's store being expended and issued, and the soldier by his lendings of 3s. a week put to find himself, that not many days before I departed Ireland, there was sold unto the soldier, in the garrison of Dundalk, bread after the rate of 6 ounces for a penny ; and whether this dearth and misery, with many other extraordinary accidental causes by sickness, fight, [and] runaways, be not a means to weaken the strength of the English, which have not been usually accustomed to feel the burthen of so intolerable want, I leave to the opinion of your grave judgments.

"All these things being by your singular uprightness considered, and the soldier of Ireland having often felt and abidden this penury and misery both in his travel, want of victuals, and other necessaries, and yet without intention of mutiny either (sic) show of undutiful meaning, but with his continual obedience and discharge of his duty, I hope my delivery in their behalf, of their grievances past and the inconveniences which are like to ensue, shall without offence be protected, under the favour of your grave and honourable censures." Endorsed:—1598, May 18. Unsigned, pp. 4½. [From the handwriting of the word "grave," interlineated at the close of the last paragraph but one, it seems probable that the officer in question was Sir Calisthenes Brooke:]

May 20. Cornehorne.

39. Brian Reogh O'More to Teig M'Mortogh and Lysagh Oge and their followers. Has killed the Treasurer's band that lay at Enniscorthy, and two of the Brittany bands, and 120 of the county of Wexford. Richard Masterson is hurt, and two of the Murphys [" Morffyes "]. Has taken two drums and an ensign ; the rest were carried away by the horsemen. For the prey taken from Thomas Grace, they are presently to restore it, for the cows are the Earl of Ormonde's, " and let us not make him set upon us again." Ormonde has promised to do them great good, " therefore let us not have his Honour's displeasure, but let us spare him and all his followers; and if any man refuse to deliver the prey, take him in hand till I deliver him to my Lord of Ormonde. If I hear no other news that I sent about, I will be with you within these two days."—Cornehorne, 1598, May 20. Certified copy. p. 1.

May 20. Dublin.

40. Sir Henry Brouncker to Sir Robert Cecil. "I purposed to advertise you of all the proceedings in this last treaty with Tyrone, but hearing that your Honour was not returned out of France, and knowing that the Bishop of Meath hath truly observed and faithfully reported the same to your honourable father, I shall not need to trouble you with it. Upon the examination of the circumstances, your Honour may find my old opinion fully confirmed touching the Earl's credit with the rebels of Leinster, his extreme pride, the discipline, courage, and arms of the Irishry, and the necessity of a present sharp war, without which it will be impossible to reclaim him. We have found by many lamentable experiences that this war must not be made by general hostings and manifold protections, which have impoverished, and almost devoured, a great part of the kingdom ; but the prosecution must be by strong garrisons eating upon the enemy, and keeping him occupied in his own country, whilst the poor subject may gather heart, and grow in wealth, to maintain the soldier in time of need. If Her Majesty may be pleased to send a convenient number to Lough Foyle, they may be so placed as, with the help of Sir Conyers Clifford and the well ordering of the garrisons upon the frontiers, the rebellion in Ulster would undoubtedly have a speedy end; which by this temporising course doth increase daily, and, reaching into the Provinces yet in quiet, will at last draw the whole Irishry into open action of rebellion. It is very apparent that the combination is almost general, and therefore the root must be cut up in time, that the branches spread no farther. And at this time I am persuaded it is more easy than before, through the late tyranny of Tyrone, who, contrary to his oath and all ancient custom, hath taken as many in hand as might hinder his greatness. But his unnatural policy, by God's just judgment, turneth to his own hurt, making many jealous of their lives and liberties, who, joining with Her Majesty's forces, would prove fit instruments of his utter ruin. Herein if your Honour shall be pleased to speak with Captain Stafford, you shall find him a gentleman of good understanding, and best acquainted with the factions and service of Ulster.

" The course of late holden with the rebels of Leinster, and specially with Phelim M'Feagh (besides the dishonour to Her Majesty) will prove a very dangerous precedent for the time to come, and very available for the rest of the rebels, who, committing the like offences, will stand upon the same terms, and not be satisfied with meaner conditions ; so as by this example Her Majesty must be forced, not only to pardon, but to reward rebellion. 1 conceive that Feagh M'Hugh's country is given to his son Phelim, that Rose O'Tcole's bonds are promised to be cancelled, that the fort of Rathdrum shall be delivered, and that he hath a pardon for himself and almost five hundred besides, whereas his father, in his greatest pride, did never demand pardon nor protection for more than six score ; and this is granted without any other assurance of his loyalty than a bare promise of a pledge not worth the accepting; which how it may stand with the honour of Her Majesty or any sound policy, I cannot see. Sure I am it giveth him a perpetual dependency of as many as are within his pardon, and thereby a name and credit of greatness which before he had not. It giveth him a liberty to grow in wealth and people, and ministereth means of harbour and relief to the Kavanaghs and the rest of the adjoining rebels, all which, with the Moores, Connors, &c. will be ready to set an unquenchable fire in Leinster, whensoever it may most hurt, or best serve Tyrone's turn. In the meantime he enjoyeth the name and privilege of a subject, and by the countenance thereof will work more mischief than by open action he can be able; the event whereof I leave to your honourable judgment.

" Here is now an expectation of a Deputy, which for many respects (and chiefly for the better grace and countenance to the State, now almost in contempt) were very necessary; and yet I am persuaded that, for ending of this war, no man will be found more fit than the Earl of Ormonde, as well for his long experience of this country['s] service, and handling of the factions and partialities amongst the Irish, as for his inward and settled hatred against Tyrone for his treacherous and insolent behaviour at this last treaty, which (besides his duty to Her Majesty) he is bound by many respects of honour to revenge; and being in years, and greedy of glory, will use all possible means of expedition therein; whereas a new Deputy, of what sufficiency soever, coming to a State and time so troublesome, cannot so suddenly apprehend the right course of prosecution, but he must fall into many errors, which in a long time can hardly be reformed. This, under your honourable favour, is my poor opinion, which I speak not of affection to the Earl (being not so inward with his Lordship as in times past), nor in any sort beholden to him, I protest to God, but in duty to Her Majesty, and zeal of her service, which nevertheless I humbly submit to your great wisdom.

" I am sorry to hear that Her Majesty continueth her hard conceit of Sir Ralph Lane's negligence and insufficiency. At my first coming hither, the office was so intricate and confused through the contraiy courses holden by Mr. Kyffin and him, as I could not well discern the faults, neither can I in all things justify either of them; but since Mr. Kyffin's death, I have better observed the proceedings therein, and do assure your Honour that Sir Ralph Lane hath been most diligent and careful in the execution of his office, and hath established so certain a course therein as no man shall be able to devise a better ; which I suppose is confirmed by the testimony of the Lords Justices from hence. It will be hard for any man, without long practice and experience of the abuses, to redress them. Now he understandeth his office thoroughly, it will be against Her Majesty's profit to remove him, seeing he endeavoureth nothing else but to recover Her H ighness's favour by an absolute discharge of his duty, without respect of any man's person, which I dare promise in his behalf even upon the uttermost peril of my credit, which I most esteem."—Dublin, 1598, May 20. Endorsed:—" Sir Ha. Bronckerd to my Master." Unaddressed. Holograph, pp. 3.

May 20.

41. "Memorial delivered by Sir Calisthenes Brooke," to thePrivy Council. That their Lordships would come to a speedy resolution respecting Tibbott Ne Longe and O'Rourke, whose submissions and demands had been forwarded to them. Desire of Sir Conyers Clifford " that in policy there may be a letter written to him either from Her Sacred Majesty or the Honourable Lords of the Council, of Her Majesty's good acceptance of all the gentlemen of the Province, and to assure them of Her Majesty's mercy, that, so soon as peace shall be established, there shall be order taken to give them their lands which of right they possessed, without charge of law: O'Rourke specially mentioned, who is able to do Her Majesty great service." Sir Conyers also desires that there may be a stay made of the entertainments of those captains who have served in the Province, till it be known what they owe the poor people upon their tickets for feeding their companies, and that, when the same has been defalked, payment may be made.

" That it will please their Honourable Lordships to remember the submission Sir Conyers sent in his last despatch of the people of Tyrconnel, who are desirous to come under his government, as also to be informed that all the cattle and wealth of Connaught is in Tyrconnell, saving what the soldier hath eaten, which hath made the gentlemen in his Province by petition (which I have to show) desire him to make means for liberty to make war on O'Donnell and Maguire, that they may recover their own to feed themselves, and to inhabit and till their lands ; which war, if it be committed to any other, on my knowledge Her Majesty for many years will lose the composition, and the country and people will be utterly starved and undone, having already eaten their garrans which should plough; and, at my coming away they lived on the ground, and ate dogs' flesh. Besides the Erne is so necessary to Connaught, as the joining of it to the Province excludes them from aid and hope of the northern rebels. It is the convenientest place of garrison to hold the people on both sides in obedience ; a strait between those countries ; and at all times, if all the kingdom were in rebellion, it may be victualled. This, and the people's wants and importunities, with the consideration of the petition they of Tyrconnell sent to him, and the punishment that O'Donnell hath inflicted upon some of them for his sake, enforceth him humbly to desire the prosecution. Withal he finds he may speedier, and with smaller charge to Her Majesty, undertake this action than any other. The reason he demandeth but 1,200 foot [and] 100 horse is, that the rising out of Connaught, and those gentlemen and their people that have lost and been deceived by O'Donnell, will double the number he desires of Her Majesty; and for the greediness of gains, as they for their ability are the ablest (sic) for that service, so will they speediest spoil the enemy. By granting him the managing of this action, Her Majesty shall be at charge, but with six companies foot, and 50 horse; for, under six companies and his 50 horse, he is not able to govern the Province and defend the frontier, till O'Donnell and Maguire be banished or have submitted.

" For Fermanagh, O'Rourke hath married Maguire's sister, who hath so great interest in him as divers times he sent to the Governor to receive him to Her Majesty's mercy; and now, notwithstanding that Tyrone hath imprisoned Maguire, his brother that holds Enniskillen is wholly at O'Rourke's will and counsel.

" The worthy Lord Deputy Burgh gave him commission for the prosecution of Tyrconnell, which is not yet re-called, and which he hopes Her Sacred Majesty will confirm ; which he humbly desireth that he may do her some acceptable service (which is his chiefest drift) and be revenged of some small loss which he sustained by O'Donnell in his journey to Ballyshannon by famine and want of munition, and to disprove those false suggestions that maliciously were bruited.

" Out of this a great good ariseth, for by bringing the Connaught people into Tyrconnell to spoil, it causeth the ancient emulations, besides one rebel shall kill another, without loss of subjects.

" And, in my poor opinion, it is a great thrift to Her Majesty and ease to her grand army, that with six companies of foot and 50 horse, added to a like number, which the safety of the Province necessarily requires, the countries of O'Donnell and Maguire shall be invaded, and their people kept from joining with Tyrone against the Lord General, which in number, modestly spoken, are foot 1,200 and horse 200," Endorsed:—1598, May 20. p. l.

May 24. Dundalk.

42. William Paule to Captain Henry Skipwith. Is sorry for his indisposition, but glad of his recovery. Change of station for his company. It has been reduced to fifty. Other officers and bands in the same predicament. Wishes Skipwith could increase his fifty to a hundred against the coining of the next supplies. More of Tirlogh's men are come in, with their creaghts. " Thomas Cheyney, the petty merchant, was yesternight almost killed by Phelomy Oge and his crew, hard by Ballymascanlan, the nursery of rebels and thieves. Garrett Moore played a villainous cowardly part with me on the way between Ballruddry and Swords, having nine or ten in his company, and I being alone, [on] the 9th of May. I got away with a broken pate, but it is whole again, though not disgested. The quarrel was for that I would not deny a letter written to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland concerning him and his brother Warren; which I preferred to justify as became a gentleman; but he durst not abide equal trial, but took the advantage. Within two days after, a kinsman of his was stabbed in Mellifont and murdered by a horse boy, and, the report goeth, by this Moore's procurement, for fear of revealing tales out of school."

On the 7th or 8th of May, the Earl of Tyrone being at the Bann, Cormack M'Baron received two letters at Dunluce, the one to himself, and the other to his brother Tyrone. Being asked, what news, and whence they came, he said from Captain Warren, and that they imported naught but wars. Heard from an honest man, who saw the letters, that they advertised the Earl to be upon his keeping, and to expect naught else but wars from England. "Hereupon ensued the proclamation by Tyrone that all men should stand upon their keeping ; the creaghts were withdrawn from this side the Blackwater, but Thomas Williams met with some sixty by the way. Art M'Baron was sent for in post from the burial of his son, and left the corpse to be interred by callioes. The Earl promiseth hereupon 1,500 men in pay to James M'Sorley, and, as it is said, hath gotten Robin [Robert] Constable and young Banks into his custody. And all the inhabitants in the north cry out with open mouths, that neither Hovenden, Bedlowe, nor Weston, but Warren and Moore, betrayed Tirlogh M'Henry, Maguire, Sir John O'Dogherty, &c. Now the Earl, upon this caveat and advertisement from Warren, is gone further into the north, to confer with O'Donnell in Tyrconnell for resistance against Lough Foyle."

Skipwith's man, Morgan, has done what he could, but there is no money to be had at all. Expects to see Skipwith shortly.— Dundalk, 1598, May 24. Holograph. Seal. pp. 3.

May 25. Gray's Inn.

43. Sir Roger Wilbraham, Solicitor-General of Ireland, to Sir Robert Cecil. Has considered the papers in the suit of Donnell M'Carthy. Finds that all the parcels mentioned in the survey were assigned to the petitioner and his heirs by the Earl [of Clancarty] his father. The contents of the said parcels are seven quarters, " some quarters containing four ploughlands, some three ploughlands, and some five ploughlands, as the country manner is variable."

Recommends that M'Carthy be given an estate, to him and his heirs male, in the said seven quarters of land, lying in the remote parts of Kerry and Desmond; and, where the jury in the survey value each quarter to be 4s. Irish per annum, wishes the rent to be increased to 20s. Irish each quarter per annum, and also that composition be paid, and the charges of the Prince and country. Divers cautions to be inserted in the letters patent. Returns the papers (wanting) concerning the cause.—Gray's Inn, 1598, May 25. Signed, p. 1.

May 25.

44. Mr. Henry Malbie to Sir Robert Cecil. His miserable state. Is thoroughly humbled. Has great cause to say he has little favour; for he has served so long, and starved so often, and has engaged his friends, means, body, and blood to advance Her Highness's service and to maintain the favour of his country, and now, when he is not able to clothe or feed himself and his, is cast into disgrace without a hearing. Prays for relief. If he be unworthy of the liberty of his own country, begs that order may be taken for his poor wife and children out of the small means left to him ; and that he may have leave to seek some more constancy and freedom in a meaner fortune in another land. Endorsed:—1598, May 25. Holograph, p. 1.

May 25.

45. "A note of O'Rourke's demands, 8th February, 1597[-8]." Apostilled by Sir Robert Cecil. [Duplicate, with slight alterations, of No. 48 of February 8 above. See also Nos. 21. II, and 21. III. of April 24.] Endorsed:—1598,May 25. One sheet.

May 27. London.

46. Richard Hadsor, " the Solicitor for Irish causes," to Sir Robert Cecil. Concerning the sureties of Philip O'Reilly. That a portion of the penalty be remitted, and that the residue be accepted in imprest bills and sufficient warrants, seeing that Her Majesty is entitled to the said Philip O'Reilly's lands, which are a great quantity, and that the said sureties delivered his eldest son into the Castle of Dublin. " And for your Honour's furtherance of this their suit, upon the affecting thereof, I will be ready to gratify you with forty pounds."—London, 1598, May 27. Signed, p. 1.

May 28.

47. The Privy Council to the Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener, the Earl of Ormonde, and the rest of the Council. Acknowledge their letters of the 4th of May, which have fully answered the Privy Council's letters of March 20. "We hope we have satisfied Her Majesty with your excuses for your defence against certain mislikings of Her Majesty, imparted unto you in general, for the evil success of things in that Government, contrary to her desire and, as now it seemeth, without any evil desert of yours."

The issue of the 13,560l. sent to Ireland in November last. Small abatements made for victuals and checks. The deficients are, according to the late muster book, nearly 2,000, so the checks are far less than they ought to have been. No sum abated for the apparel. Insufficiency of the account in the muster book sent by Sir Ralph Lane and Kyffin's man, for the half year ended 30th September 1597. Desired to be certified if the victuals lately sent over have arrived. The further muster book promised by Sir Ralph Lane, Are sorry to perceive that for answer to the doubt conceived as to what had become of the armour of more than 7,400 persons sent out of England, they now write that the disorder and waste of the said armour and weapons happened in the time of former Governors, when they had no authority to reform the same. This may serve for some colour of defence, yet, they being Councillors of State, their excuse is not sufficient. Hope they will hereafter have better regard that the like error be not committed. Will, as requested, send over a supply of armour and weapons, especially of swords and morions; and wish straight order to be taken that the same be not aliened to the Irish, or otherwise negligently wasted. Confess that, at the making of the Ordinances, there was no way appointed for defalcation of the money due for munition issued. Have thought good, following somewhat the example of the late Lord Burgh, to spare so much of the value of the apparel as the munitions received by the particular soldiers amount to. Have done this for the summer apparel, so that where, by former order, every band should have had apparel to the value of 85l. 19s. 4d., the merchants are now to deliver them to the value of 58l. 4s.

" You make it doubtful how the multitude of the Irish entertained in bands may be changed, without danger to run to the rebel, adding your conceit that, after the bands might be made up with English, most of the Irish might be drawn under some commander to serve in the Low Countries or France. But we see not any opportunity how to effect the same ; and therefore we know no better way presently than to have care taken there by the Commissaries and the Mustermaster that, as any of the Irish shall decay, or otherwise to (sic) relinquish service, their captains may be charged, upon great penalty, to receive no more of the Irish to supply those rooms, but, either to supply the same with such English as may be found there, or, rather than to supply them with Irish, to give knowledge hither unto us for the furnishing with some convenient numbers of those defects, which we will, upon knowledge and request from you, cause to be furnished."

Like very well the distribution of the apparel, especially that none; receive any, who have not continued three months in service. They mention no defalcation for the apparel. Like very well also that they mean to check all such as are absent from service in Ireland without license. Wish them to use therein all convenient severity. Marvel at their delay in issuing the last treasure sent to Ireland. Extraordinary sums expended, besides the due wages of the soldiers. Arrears of the latter. They make mention of money due for the diet of soldiers in towns, but do not express the particularities thereof ; yet there have been paid in England divers great sums to sundry townsmen. Doubt not the munition lately sent has long ago arrived. Desire to be advertised of the same.

" We are very sorry to see that, where Her Majesty hath been at charge to have sent out of Picardy thither above eleven hundred soldiers in bands, upon the mustering of them there in Ireland, they were found to be but 612 persons. For which purpose we require you, the Lord Lieutenant, to charge Sir Henry Power, who was the conductor of them, to make answer, both for himself and the eight captains of his company, how their said bands were decayed, and by what error or falsehood the same hath been committed, considering Her Majesty did allow both victuals and wages for above one thousand. Whereof we require you, the Lord Lieutenant, to certify us, so as such an offence may be duly punished.

" The later part of your letters contain a declaration of you, the Lord Lieutenant, concerning the Archtraitor Tyrone, for declaration whereof we have received divers letters written between you and him by which we perceive his cunning disposition to serve his own turn by winning of time, and by breaking of his faith and word with you, for which we doubt not but you, the Lord Lieutenant, have sufficient cause both to hate him and to pursue him with all extremity, as we hope you will upon the arrival of these 2,000 for your supply. You will therewith seek to abate the traitor's pride, and omit no good means to gain some parties against him, whom he doth tyrannously misuse. You shall understand that Her Majesty hath taken great care for your relief with such things as of late you did require, which hath been victual, men, money, and munition, for all which this order hath, and is to be taken." Quantities of wheat and rye sent to Ireland; also of butter and cheese.

Have entered into consideration of the state of the army in Ireland, according to the muster book lately sent, which has been circumspectly and diligently made up. Number of deficients in horse and foot. The new companies raised for wards and kern ought to be abated. Absent captains. Send a schedule showing how the new levies are to be disposed. Desire their opinion upon the same. Hope to send money to serve for these two months past, "and no more." Have given order to make provision of victual for 4,000 men for four months. They are to have better regard hereafter of the expense of the victual. None but those in the bands to receive of it. All who have sterling pay made unto them, by way of augmentation, should not be victualled at Her Majesty's charges, as they find by the Treasurer's certificates has been the case; " a matter very offensive unto Her Majesty, and worthy of reformation."

Have received letters from Sir Conyers Clifford, sent by Sir Calisthenes Brooke, who also had a memorial delivered to him by the said Sir Conyers. Connaught reported " to be rid of all open rebellion, and namely of the heinous traitor M'William." O'Rourke's submission. Tibbott Ne Longe's good service and demands. Earnest disposition of Sir Conyers to do some service against O'Donnell, " in having an intent to remove Ballyshannon." Besides he pretends to have the aid of divers of the chieftains of Tyrconnell, and such others of Connaught as he hopes to carry with him into Tyrconnell, by the favour of O'Rourke and Tibbott Ne Longe and their parties. Forces required by him. Recount his plans. Know not how they may be effected, " but, considering his confident offer of this service, and the sight of O'Rourke's submission, and his pledges given, we cannot but wish that he be not therein deceived by any treachery or falsehood, or by mistaking of O'Donnell's hatred borne unto him by his own country folks and kindred. And therefore do let your Lordships understand that Her Majesty, being acquainted with this offer, hath thought it not good to refuse it." Unless they see any cause to the contrary, the Queen is content to yield to his request. Leave it to their Lordships how to direct the said numbers to serve this purpose. Wish them to be paid their lendings and other allowances daily during their service. As this faction has been stirred up in Tyrconnell against O'Donnell, wish that some like faction might be stirred up in Tyrone by such as the Earl has grievously pursued, as Sir Arthur O'Neill, Tirlogh M'Henry, Ever Roe M'Coolye, Sir John O'Dogherty, and Con O'Donnell's sons ; to which may be added his attempts against Maguire, M'Mahon, and such others as submitted to Her Majesty.

The schedule mentioned in the former part of this letter is not ready to be sent. The men shall be dispatched as speedily as possible. Desire the Lord Lieutenant to state where it were meetest for them to arrive, and in what proportions; also as to the victual. But will not necessarily wait for his answer.—1598, May 28. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 65^b-69^b. Copy. pp. 8½.

May 28.

48. The Privy Council to Sir Conyers Clifford. Have received his letter of April 24, and the memorial, sent by Sir Calisthenes Brooke. His regaining of Connaught to obedience. His plans against the northern rebels. His conclusion with O'Rourke. The pledges and letters delivered up by the latter. The drawing by Sir Conyers of M'Dermott and O'Connor Don from O'Donnell. The faction in Tyrconnell against O'Donnell. The services of Tibbott Ne Longe. The submission of Shane M'Manus Oge O'Donnell, and his subsequent fate. Her Majesty's acceptance of Sir Conyers' services. His proposed prosecution of O'Donnell. Consider that, if it might take such success as he pretends, it were very good and honourable to be embraced. Cannot say whether in this conceit he is abused by the Irish. Her Majesty has instructed the Lord Lieutenant that, unless he shall find cause to the contrary, the numbers required by Sir Conyers shall be allowed for the times expressed.

Enclose letters to be delivered to O'Rourke, to continue him in his obedience. Also, general letters for the chieftains and principal men of Connaught, who have submitted; " not doubting but, upon full pacification of that Province, you will have care, not only for the peaceable government thereof, but for the recovery of the duties heretofore reserved to Her Majesty, in lieu of composition, whereof how much you have already recovered, or how much is answered therefore, we would be glad to understand; for otherwise, without recovery of the rents and compositions, Her Majesty shall pay very dearly for continuance of it in peace." Send answers to divers petitions exhibited by O'Rourke before his absolute submission. Some things they have passed over in silence, until they have further experience of his good behaviour. Have also sent a note of O'Rourke's demands and of these answers to the Lords Justices, the Lord Lieutenant, and the rest of the Council.— [1598], May 28. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 69^b-70^b. Copy, pp. 2½. Inclose,

48. I. The Privy Council to Sir Conyers Clifford. " Whereas, by your letters of late sent unto us, we have been advertised of the good effect that your service to Her Majesty hath taken in that Province of Connaught, especially in reducing to Her Majesty's obedience and allegiance all the chief persons and principal men of that Province, whereby not only a settled peace and quietness is like there to ensue, but you do also conceive good hope to repress that traitorous neighbour O'Donnell, and so to weaken the chief rebel and traitor Tyrone himself; you shall understand that, as your good service, having been made known by us, is well pleasing and very acceptable unto Her Majesty, so her gracious disposition which is always inclined and bent rather to exercise mercy than to execute the severity of justice among her subjects, receiveth good contentment by the submission of those whom you have certified to be returned to their dutiful obedience, and is graciously resolved to grant them free pardons of their disloyalty for the time past, and to hold them from henceforth in peace and account of good subjects, upon hope that they will not only continue in their duty and allegiance, but also do their endeavours, by their good service against those that persist in rebellion, to make some amends for their former offence ; whereof Her Majesty's pleasure is that we shall give you notice, and that you shall assure and avow the same unto those persons in that county (sic) of Connaught, or elsewhere, of whose dutiful submission you have certified us; letting them understand that, as Her Most Gracious Majesty doth, merely of her own clemency, deal so mercifully with them, and is like enough to show the like mercy unto others, that shall not over long prove her patience, but voluntarily return to obedience, so she will not fail, very severely and without remission, to punish those that shall, by longer abusing her clemency, sharpen her displeasure, and constrain her to alter her natural disposition from mercy to the execution of justice."— 1598, May 28. Entry Book, No. 204, fo. 71. Copy. p. 1.

48. II. The Privy Council to Brian O'Rourke, "Chieftain of Leitrim in Connaught" Sir Conyers Clifford has advertised the Queen of O'Rourke's penitent submission made in public, and his delivery of three pledges. Her Majesty is pleased to accept his return to his duty, and has commanded them to send him these letters. Look to see him fully bent to continue his duty, for the further quietness of his country, and its recovery from the losses and ruin it has suffered by the late unnatural rebellion. Find by Sir Conyers Clifford that no one person within the Province is more able, or is now more willing, than O'Rourke, to procure a full resettling of that country in the state in which it was before this late rebellion. "And we doubt not but that this experience which you have had, in the time of your offences, of the malicious purposes of the Spaniards, under colour of giving you aid, to conquer the land to themselves, and to plant the same with Spaniards, as they do in all countries where they seek to have rule, will induce you, and keep you still in memory, in no wise to give ear to their enchantments, whose intention hath appeared by the special letters of the King of Spain lately directed to you, which you have dutifully delivered to Sir Conyers Clifford." Her Majesty's clemency, and readiness to reward good service. The answers to O'Rourke's petitions.—1598, May 28. Entry Book, No. 204. fos. 71^b-72^b. Copy. pp. 2.

May 28.

49. The Privy Council to the Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener, the Earl of Ormonde, and the rest of the Council. Signifying Her Majesty's allowance of the demands and articles of O'Rourke, sent by Sir Conyers Clifford, and directing them to confirm and make the same good unto him, unless they shall know any special and very weighty cause to the contrary.—1598, May 28. Entry Book, No. 204, fo. 71^b. Copy. p. 1. Inclose,

49. I. "A note of O'Rourke's demands, 8th February, 1597[-8]." Apostilled. [Duplicate, with slight alterations, of No. 48 of 8th February above. See also Nos. 21. II., 21. III. of April 24 and No. 45 of May 25.] Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 72^b-73^b. Copy. pp. 2.

May 28.

50. "The Lord Treasurer's articles concerning the service of Ireland." "The Queen's Majesty, being informed of a project presented by you for an enterprise by force to subdue the rebellion of the Archtraitor Tyrone, O'Donnell, and their complices, is desirous for her full satisfaction how she may proceed therein, to have you to consider aforehand of all things, that in our judgment shall be requisite and necessary for the entry to the due execution of that enterprise ; so as Her Majesty may see probable cause for taking the same in hand, and execution thereof according to your project. And, though your knowledge doth serve to foresee all things necessary hereunto, yet, for some remembrance unto you, you may think of these things hereafter following, adding thereto such other circumstances as shall further your project, and without the which you shall think the same shall be frustrate.

"First, what numbers of men of foot and horse shall be necessary to be herein used ?

"What may be the monthly wages for the said numbers ?

" What number of pioneers shall be necessary to work upon any fortifications to be made ?

" Of what condition shall the said fortifications be made, and where shall they be placed ; whether only of earth, or of stone and timber; and how many places shall be fortified; how large the same shall be to contain garrisons ?

" Whether [there] shall be any sconces made to have wards in them, to stay the passages at the fords upon the principal rivers, and what companies shall be placed there ?

" What quantity of munition and powder shall be requisite both for the army and for the forts ; within what time may the forts be built; and what artificers, as masons and carpenters, shall be requisite for the same ?

"What buildings or houses shall be made for habitation, or covering of the garrison from the weather ?

"What quantity of victual shall be necessary to be provided; and of what kinds; and for how long time the said victual shall serve the army and garrisons; and where shall the same be kept ?

"What shipping shall be requisite to transport both the forces of men and their victual ?

"What number of ships, and of what quality, with the numbers of men to serve therein, may serve for defence of the sea coast, against access of Scots and their galleys ?

"Within what compass of time is it likely, joining with the Commissary (sic) of Connaught's forces, to subdue Tyrone and O'Donnell, or either of them ?

"By what means may the Irish in Clandeboy, the Route, the Glynus, the Ardes, and other places possessed by the Scots, be suppressed, to be severed from the aid of the rebel Tyrone; whether shall the Lefer [Lifford] or the Drury [Derry] be taken, to be held with the garrison; and whether the house of Strabane, being the rebel's chief house in those parts, set upon the Lefer, may be taken without great ordnance ?

"How shall the two forces from Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon be able to march to meet together through all Tyrconnell, without help of necessary garrans both for their victuals and for their tents, and other carriages; considering the rebel will fly with his creaght, either towards Maguire, or else to the country of the M'Swynes [M'Sweenys] upon the North seas, and there continue for all the time that the English army shall be on foot, which may not long continue without relief?" Endorsed:—1598, May 28. Copy. pp. 2½.

May 30. Mallow.

51. Sir Thomas Norreys to Sir Robert Cecil. " The wars in the North continuing and increasing with the several overthrows lately given by the traitors to Her Majesty's soldiers and subjects, whereof I doubt not but that your Honour is advertised, hath (sic) very much stirred up the evil-disposed Irish of this Province, who seek only to run the same traitorous course with the rest, when they may find opportunity. Which to prevent, I have caused an assembly of the most part of the Lords, gentlemen, and others of this Province, and have, by their own consents, drawn them to put in pledges for their loyalties; which course I intend (with the advice of the Council here) to hold with all the rest; and such as are most to be doubted, to restrain of their liberty for a time ; but for the keeping of them there is not any convenient place of strength within this Province, so as I am forced to divide them into the several towns, to remain in merchants' houses at the charge of those who put them in; which course, although it may serve for a time, yet if any foreign invasion should happen, it will be needful to be better assured of them. For which purpose, Her Majesty's Castle of Limerick were the fittest place, if it were sufficiently warded, there being now allowed only a porter.

"The traitors of Leinster do daily threaten to invade this Province. I do cause general musters, and the inhabitants to be furnished with weapon[s] (being thereunto directed by my Lord General), although, I assure your Honour, it may be much doubted which way they will convert them.

"It is very requisite that some bands do continue here, which may from time to time be removed into other places of service, and weak bands sent to be refreshed in their places. But if the Province be left altogether without soldiers, it will greatly encourage the evil-disposed.

"There is not within this Province any munition at all of Her Majesty, the want thereof I have divers times advertised to the State at Dublin, but have received no order to be supplied." Craves a supply.—Moyallo, 1598, May 30. Endorsed:—"Received at London the 30 of June." Holograph, pp. 2.

May 31.

52. Discourse on the rebellion in Ireland. The writer is Captain Dawtrey.

Is given to understand that the army in Ireland (which consists of 96 companies according to Captain Stafford's information) is to be supplied and made full. [Marginal note by Sir Robert Cecil:—" Not so resolved yet."] There will then be 9,600 men to make a frontier war until the next spring of the year. Thinks that this army, conveniently divided and placed, will do more than make a frontier war; for it will rather make a strong war, to pull down much of the rebel pride and strength. " As for frontier wars, your Majesty hath had four years' experience that it hath availed little, but consumed many men and much treasure, without any damage done unto this arch-traitor." The great charges for the number of companies above mentioned. If captains of honesty and experience were chosen, much expense might be saved. Good captains would hasten the end of the war, so as to enjoy a proportion of the attainted lands. This would bring a new revenue to Her Majesty, and much honour and profit to them. Considers 7,000 foot and 600 horse would suffice, to be divided as follows:—For Tyrconnell and the River Lifford, 2,000 foot and 200 horse ; for Clandeboy and the river of the Band [Bann], 2,000 foot and 200 horse; for Leinster, 2,000 foot and 100 horse; and for Connaught, 1,000 foot and 100 horse. The forces must be divided, since the rebellion is dispersed into many places. Tyrone could not then make any incursions in force into the Pale, because of the two garrisons of Lifford and the Bann in his rear, and the commanders can easily breed factions amongst the rebels in his country. Tyrone would also have to disperse his forces and cattle, so raids would be easy for the two garrisons. This kind of service will, during the long winter nights, so fret and eat out his forces, that, by the spring, he will have few to follow him. [Marginal note by Sir Robert Cecil:— 'The garrison of Lough Foyle cannot be settled before the spring; but, if it be sent now, it shall cost the Queen much, before the prosecution intended shall be begun, with which it must hold correspondency; for many things are incident to the planting of that garrison, which cannot be now provided ; but I do agree that it is the best place to discommode the traitor."] If the Lord General draws from the border upon Tyrone, he will not only have these two garrisons at commandment, " to be a backset for him," but all the noblemen and gentlemen, and Her Majesty's retinue, to strengthen his forces.

The Governor of Connaught has advertised that the Province stands upon good terms of obedience, and he has, therefore, little employment for his 1,000 foot and 100 horse, with all the risings out of the country to assist him, but to make sallies and raids upon the west part of Ulster. The people of Connaught, being made poor by this long war, will be glad to serve upon the enemy of Ulster, to get the spoil of that country. " Thus your most Excellent Majesty may see by the reasons aforesaid that this kind of division of your forces hath great possibility to ruinate and extirp this capital rebel between August and the end of May."

States officers and wages for the foot and horse for Tyrconnell and Clandeboy. The entertainment of the 7,000 foot and 600 horse would come altogether, per mensem, to 9,661l., and be less by 1,950l. than the cost of a continued frontier war.

The objections to be made against these two garrisons of the Lifford and the Bann are, the fortifying and building of storehouses for the keeping of victual and munition, freights, adventures, wastes of victual, charge of bakers, brewers, millners, labourers, and such like charges," all which he will take away from Her Majesty upon profitable conditions [marginal note by Sir Robert Cecil:—" Those conditions would be known,"] if she use him therein.

Recommends that the most insufficient companies of the 96 be discharged, and that their men supply the rest, that have the best captains of experience, " otherwise the whole army will still be infected with that pestilent infirmity of the training and breeding up both of Irish captains and soldiers, which hath put that whole kingdom in great danger. For as soon as these supplies come over into Ireland, so many as are either Irish captains, or of Irish birth, will suffer the English to depart by degrees, so they leave their arms behind them, which they willingly will do, so they may be discharged ; so shall the Irish be furnished with their arms, and their bands filled up with Irishmen, in place of the English discharged." Unsigned.

A note to Sir Robert Cecil, endorsed on this document, states that the discourse was read to Her Majesty, and that she directed that it should be delivered to Sir Robert, and that Captain Dawlrey should attend on him, to state how he would make good what was promised therein.—[1598], May 31. pp. 3.

[May.]

53. "The answer to the three notes or postills set down by your Honours upon the margent of certain opinions laid down by me unto the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, according to Her Highness's commandment in that behalf." These have reference to Captain Dawtrey's plan, and are written by him to the Privy Council.

Urges the necessity of a strong prosecution instead of a frontier war. A true and sound carriage of the forces (when the bands were made up) would give the enemy an overthrow between the middle of August and the end of May or middle of June, sooner than would the fronting of the rebels in the border towns, without any profit unto the subjects, or damage unto the said enemy. "Perhaps your Honours will think that it is in Ireland easier for Her Highness to defend than to offend, and that she may do it better cheap, and with less danger. But it is not so there; but the true defensive war is to divide your forces, so as they may have daily possibility to offend the enemy strongly in his own country. So shall you stop (as the rural proverb is) two bracks with one bush; that is, by offending your enemy daily in his own country, you shall as daily defend the subjects. And there is no true defensive war to be made upon the rebel Tyrone but in this sort."

The division of the forces requisite for Ulster, Leinster, and Connaught, and the advantages thereof. Inability of the forces in the border towns to suppress the rebellion. By the division mentioned, not only will the subjects be substantially defended, but the rebel Tyrone will also be made to call home all his firebrands of mischief, to assist himself. Yet within the time spoken of, from the midst of August next to the midst of June following, it will so pull him down, that 1,500 men," garonyzed " [garrisoned] upon the Bann, Lifford, and Blackwater, will be sufficient to make an end of the war, if the rebel be alive then. Less men cannot be left in Ulster, to keep the people, who are received to mercy, in their obedience, and to withstand the incursions of the Scots. How these 1,500 men would be divided. " And the said Province, within two years after the enemy is subdued, will be made very well able to pay all the garrisons (and their officers of Ulster) their entertainments; and, I think, some good remain for the Receipt of the Exchequer."

If the Queen purposes to turn her frontier war into the kind of garrisons he has laid down, then the forces intended to be sent to Ireland this spring will not be needful. It will be quite possible for the men to be in the rebels' country by the middle of August next.

As regards the profitable conditions for the disburdening of Her Majesty from the charge of fortifying, &c. (stated in his plan), he will, if given the command of Clandeboy and of the forces there, undertake to do those things substantially, and put in good surety for the performance thereof, upon the conditions ensuing, "not doubting but that Her Majesty will think it very profitable for her to inhabit that country with Englishmen, and to give the land there in fee-farm, as she hath done that of the Province of Munster. And upon the re-establishing of such Irishmen as shall be received to mercy, that they shall change their manuer of dwellings and customs heretofore used; and shall have rents and compositions imposed upon them likewise, to bear the charge of Her Majesty's forces that must be established there (to keep them down in their obedience), as they do now maintain the rebels' mercenaries against Her Highness's crown and dignity."

The conditions alluded to are:—1. That the garrisons be paid two or three months beforehand, and that the sureties remaining in England may see victuals, and all other things covenanted, purveyed, and sent accordingly. 2. That he and his sureties may have all the land within three miles of the Bann, paying 33s. 4d. for every plough land, each plough land rated at 150 acres of arable land; besides, to have all the mountain, moor, bog, and woodland within that compass, to be equally divided to every plough land of arable, as wastes and commons belonging to the same, for the feeding of their cattle. Further, that they may have the royalty of the said river for fishing and fowling, paying unto Her Majesty and her successors 20l. per annum ; that, at the end of four years, they begin to pay one moiety of their rent until the seventh year, and then pay the whole rent yearly for ever, as it was covenanted with the undertakers of Munster. 3. That he and his heirs may have the constableships of the storehouses and fortifications to be built, so long as they shall be loyal subjects, " and withal descended of English parents by father and mother, and that they themselves shall also be born in England."

Garrisons thus settled " will soon root out and extirp these viperous people." The greater charge to Her Majesty, if she does the victualling. " I never saw yet but that the want and corrupt victuals that hath (sic) often been sent into that realm, were the occasion of the death of more men in that army than the enemies' weapons. And yet Her Majesty's pay went on still, and thereby drove the matter to a continual charge and a long war."

Gives the rates at which the victuals shall be issued to the soldier:—Beer, "very good and strong," three quarts for 4d.; biscuit, 2d. a lb.; "loaf bread," 1½ lbs., 2d.; cheese, 2½d. a lb.; butter, 4d. a lb.; " great oatmeal," 2d. a quart; fresh beef, 1d. a lb.; salt beef, 1¼d. a lb.; pickled pork, 2d. a lb.; bacon, 3d. a lb.; peas, 1d. a quart; herrings, 8 for 2¼d.; oats for horses, 4d. a peck.

Further advantages of his plan. " Now for the conclusion unto your Honour[s], I take that a war is ever well laid down, where the soldiers shall be well victualled, paid, and maintained full and strong; and that the Colonels must see all these things done for their own profit and ease, whose gain can never begin until the Queen's charge doth end, and the enemy [be] overthrown. And this course will suffice to remedy all the enormities of the war heretofore found." [1598, May.] Unsigned, pp. 7.

[May.]

54. Memorandum by Captain Stafford on the state of Ireland. The reason why Ireland is not in a better state, and why Her Majesty is forced to a continual disbursement, notwithstanding the great charges she has been at bitherto, is, that, since the practice and seditious fire kindled by the treacherous Tyrone, it has not been thought convenient to commit the realm to the government of any particular man ; but the Deputy has always possessed the authority of the sword, and some other the command of the forces. This has ruined the army, and Her Majesty's " poor Irish subjects are burned, spoiled, and beggared, and the kingdom so far distempered, that it were a more honourable service and easier charge, for Her Highness and her subjects, to proceed to the enterprise of a new conquest than by a plausible and protracting course to continue the burden of an infinite and unpleasing expense, especially seeing their daily actions and continual practices do yield true testimony of no assured obedience or fidelity of the Irish."

Her Majesty's forces are " composed of two nations, English and Irish, both subjects to the dignity of Her Crown ; the first, natural, obedient, and faithful, and the fewest in number; the second, discontented, perfidious, and ungrateful, ever disposed to innovation, and apt to rebellion, and they are by two parts in three the stronger. In what danger Her Majesty's interest of this kingdom, purchased by the royal conquest of her progenitors, and continued in subjection by herself, standeth in, well weighing their causeless and sudden entering into arms, and now the general combination through the realm, the pretended cause manifested to be the advancement of the Popish religion, we leave to the wise to judge of; yet presuming to give this caution, that this cause of religion persuadeth much in Ireland, considering how they are animated by the instigation of many seditious and evil-disposed persons, still resorting from Spain and Rome. And assuredly many forbear to show themselves in this action, which have a most willing desire thereunto, were it not that the terror of Her Majesty's sword did daunt them, and the hope and expectation of a fitter opportunity for the present withdraw them.

"But against so imminent perils speedy prevention availeth much. The means to reduce people not capable of gratuitie (sic) and mercy, is by force to bring them to obedience, when princely and mild courses are not accepted. And if the Spaniard should land (in whom consisteth their only hope) we are to expect (without God's divine mercy, and Her Majesty's worthy providence), no other sequel than a general subversion of the English, and that upon an instant not to be eschewed, considering the discontented time and weak estate of the kingdom at this present.

"Withal, this parley and treaty with Tyrone, and this time of cessation, availeth him much, wherein his policy is great, and his advantage more. For, generally, he never seeketh peace but at two times in the year, and these times such wherein he might receive the greatest hurt. The first and chiefest time is from February until it be May, which being granted unto him, he then seeketh to entertain the State with a persuasion of his desire of peace, avd thereby winneth time unto himself hoping by that means that protraction shall be used in those determinations which Her Majesty and her honourable Council were resolved upon for his prosecution. He then well knoweth that there can nothing be determined in Ireland before it be considered of by this honourable table in England. And before the advertisements pass from Ireland and the confirmation of Her Highness's pleasure returned, the summer passeth away, the benefit of the time is his, the loss and prejudice Her Majesty's. And, upon an intended war, before Her Highness's forces, and provisions answerable, shall arrive in Ireland, the winter and long nights approach and draw on, being the times in which both he, his instruments, and accomplices, use to execute all their outrages. Then doth be assure himself that the army cannot remain long in [the] field for his annoyance ; he being not in summer impeached, is in his desire satisfied, and then doth he all the winter employ his forces, wits, and endeavours to the subversion and ruin of the subject. Also in this time of truce he relieveth all his weak cattle upon such places which (sic) have been kept waste by the garrisons; where, otherwise, being weak, they stand in much danger to be taken from him, and many would have starved; and by the starving of his cattle, his people had not been well able to have relieved his forces, neither fed themselves.

" The second time he commonly seeketh peace is when their corn is ready to be cut; then he greatly feareth the burthen and spoil of the general hosting, which, being held in fit time and performed iu good sort, doth mightily impoverish his people and country. And there dependeth in this cessation more matters of principal consequence. The first, the enemy in this time spareth his victuals, and many of his people relieve themselves, and extort, upon the subject. His people then without fear repair to all port towns and markets, and then and there new furnish themselves with all sorts of grains, iron, salt, weapons, armour, and all kind of munition. He reinforceth his companies by his wicked enticements, then taketh his time and opportunities to be revenged upon such as he judgeth apt either (sic) willing to fall from him to Her Majesty's obedience. And by that time the cessation is expired he is fitted with everything to his content, and better able to do mischief than before. And, commonly, he then standeth upon more insolent and proud terms, reposing himself upon the pride of his strength and combination. And every spring he is so fed and nourished with an hope and expectation of the arrival of Spanish forces, that, his actions being without favour censured, and his often subtillizing with the State judicially looked into, there can be no greater argument of his infidelity and disloyalty than he doth daily manifest.

" And it is to be supposed he will never be discounselled from those former courses, which he hath already complotted with Spain, and hath by his oaths tied himself unto.

" And it may be well observed and noted in all these treaties and parleys that the Irish have free access and intercourse with the traitor without contradiction, By this means Tyrone understandeth the state and disposition of all parts and people of Ireland. Besides there are no malefactors, which have been in action within all Ulster and Leinster, but he inserts their truce and protections in his demand and articles, as the chief author of their mischiefs, and the protector of their villainies and disobedience.

" And further, by his directions, the tyrannical prosecution of the English hath been such that it hath bred a great terror and fear in all them that are Her Majesty's inhabitants, that they now, most of them, seek to withdraw themselves from their castles and places of manurance, and do retire to the towns and ports for the safety of themselves and families; which hath given a great encouragement to the enemy, and doth much weaken the state of the kingdom, in regard they abandon those places, leaving them to be subject to the command of the enemy, which hath been hitherto maintained by your English, and hath been a great cause of the obedience and loyalty heretofore of the Irish." Unsigned. pp. 3½.

Annexed is:—A list of the horse and foot under Tyrone, with the names of the commanders. Horse, 1,042 ; foot, 3,460. p. 1.

Then follows a paper:—" The factions through the North of Ireland." In Lower Clandeboy there is mortal malice between the sons of Sir Hugh M'Phelim O'Neill and the sons of Sir Brian M'Phelim O'Neill. Sir Hugh, the elder brother, dwells at Edenduffcarrick, Sir Brian at Belfast. John M' Brian, the base son of Brian M'Phelim, having been countenanced by the State, possesses and commands all the country. If Sir Hugh's son, Neill M'Hugh, were advanced, he would be, with small forces, a notable instrument for the suppressing of John O'Neill, the most perfidious traitor in all those parts. And withal, it would be a very good course for the re-establishing of that country, and the keeping of them both in obedience.

In Upper Clandeboy Neill M'Brian Ferto is Lord now in possession. There is an enemy unto him, Owen M'Hugh, who thinks he has wrong that he is not Lord of the country; and he lives in expectation to succeed the other, after the country's manner. This causes a mortal quarrel between them, and the rather because the Lord now in possession has a son at man's estate.

In Iveagh, a country adjoining to the Lordship of Newry, which Sir Hugh Magennis held from Her Majesty, and in which his son Arthur Magennis succeeded him, there is a great discontentment between the uncle Edmund Magennis and the nephew; and between Arthur Magennis and one Glaseney M'Conle [sic ? M'Cool] Magennis, who thinks himself " better worthy of " the country than either the uncle or the nephew. The greatness of Arthur Magennis is because he married a daughter of the Earl of Tyrone, and the Earl married a sister of his, and a nephew of the Earl married the said Arthur's mother.

There is a great division among the M'Mahon's; for Patrick M'Art Moyle, now possessing the chief seat in the county of Monaghan, is mightily maliced by Brian M'Hugh Oge, chief of the Mahons, and so now made M'Mahon by Tyrone.

Henry Oge M'Henry M'Shane O'Neill, who married the Earl's daughter, and his brothers, the sons of Tirlogh O'Neill, are, for the division and title of land, at mortal wars, and hardly to be reconciled.

There is a great dislike between Ever Roe M'Cowly's son and Con M'Coll (the one dwelling in Ferney, and the other near adjoining unto him in Clancarroll) for the superiority of the country.

Maguire and Con Roe Maguire are at the like variance for the same cause.

Edmund O'Reilly, and Mulmorey O'Reilly, and Philip O'Reilly's sons are at dissension for the like cause.

" There is no great love between O'Hanlon and the sept of Shane Oge."

In Tyrone there is a great faction of the Donneloughes, which the Earl seeks by all means he can to suppress, in respect of the love they bear unto Shane O'Neill's sons, because they fostered unto Shane O'Neill.

Sir Arthur O'Neill lives a great discontented man, and would easily be persuaded to revolt, if he might see this traitor the Earl well followed [prosecuted].

There are mortal wars between the Scots and M'William for the lands of the Route.

There is great dislike between Teig O'Rourke, a legitimate son, and Brian O'Rourke, base-born, for the command of the country. Brian O'Rourke of late fell to obedience by Sir Conyers Clifford's good policy.

Sir John O'Dogherty, a man easily persuaded to obedience, and a good instrument to be used, if Her Majesty employ forces to Lough Foyle.

Hugh Duff M'Donnell, a very good instrument also, and would soon revolt from O'Donnell if he saw a strong garrison settled in Lough Foyle.

" And many, which now shadow themselves under the cloak of Tyrone's villainies, will yield great means, and plot good courses for Tyrone's ruin and overthrow, if they might see Her Majesty fully resolved to prosecute war against them."—[1598, May.] pp. 2.

[May.]

55. The submission of Phelim M'Feagh M'Hugh, addressed to the Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener, the Earl of Ormonde, and the rest of the Council. Prays for mercy, and that he and his brother may have their father's lands at such rents and under such conditions as shall be thought meet.—[1598, May.] Copy. p. 1.