Elizabeth I: volume 202 Part 2, June 1598

June 1598

June 1. Dublin.

56. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener to the Privy Council. Have been unjustly blamed for certain martial affairs, wherein they thought they had not to deal, only civil causes having been committed to them. No answer received as yet to their letter of April 21 to their Lordships. The last truce taken with " the great Rebel of the North" will expire on the 6th instant. " In this time, as in all other times of cessation from arms, the rebels have taken great advantage, and are grown to an exceeding strength. The rebels of Leinster, to wit, the Kavanaghs, the Byrnes, the O'Moores, and the O'Connors, heretofore accounted but a base and beggarly kind of people, are now, by the usual granting of protections unto them, grown to that number and insolency, as they have wasted a great part of that Province, being the best and principal part of Her Majesty's kingdom. For, after that they had murdered some ancient English servitors in Offally, called the King's County, and burned and left waste a great part thereof, as hath been formerly signified to your Lordships, then went they into Leix, called the Queen's County, and there, not only burned in most parts of the same, but likewise spoiled and utterly wasted all that county, which they do now in a manner possess as their own, the poor English gentlemen of that shire not daring to manure one foot of their land, or almost to look out of their castles; which they are now even ready to abandon, for lack of means to relieve them, their tenants being already departed from their dwellings, and become rebels with the rest; so as now we account that county no better than lost; the gaining whereof hath heretofore cost England so much English blood and treasure.

"After all which murders, burnings, spoils, wastes, and other villainies, having received a new protection, they then drew their rabble of rebels into the county of Wexford, where, after many vile outrages and spoils committed upon the poor inhabitants of that country, they have now lately (since the Lord Lieutenant's departing from hence) made a slaughter of a number of Her Majesty's soldiers and subjects in that shire, viz., the lieutenant, Serjeant, and 44 soldiers of the foot company under the leading of Sir Henry Wallop, being of Her Majesty's old garrison, and a strong band; [also of] four score of two several bands of the Picardy soldiers then under the leading of the lieutenant of Captain Wilton, wherein the said lieutenant and divers of the under officers of those two companies were also slain. And of the gentlemen and inhabitants of that county, being in number six score, there are likewise many of them slain; amongst which, one Leonard Colclogh, the second son of Sir Anthony Colclogh, was cruelly slain, and his elder brother, Sir Thomas Colclogh, sore wounded in two places of his arm, after that his horse was slain under him. Of which grievous accident we would have advertised your Lordships so soon as we heard thereof, but that we daily expected to receive a true report, as well of the numbers slain, being as we have before recited, as also of the manner thereof, of which we cannot yet learn the certainty. Hereupon the Lord Lieutenant General (being then at Kilkenny near to the rebels), having levied a great army, as well of Her Majesty's soldiers, as of the gentlemen and inhabitants of the country, and drawn to the parts where those bloody rebels remained, we were in great hope that his Lordship would have taken some sharp revenge upon them. But now we understand that his Lordship hath again protected them for a month longer, whereat we greatly marvel, and purposeth, as we hear, to bring with him at his coming hither, Donnell Spainagh, the chief of the sept of the Kavanaghs, and Brian Reogh, one of the chiefest of the O'Moores, both of them being the principal actors of this treacherous accident happened in the time of their former protection. Yet to what end, or for what cause, they are now to be brought hither, we know not, neither are we made acquainted therewith,"

Have, with the rest of the Council, dealt with Phelim M'Feagh, according to their Lordships' directions. His demands for pardon, and for his father's lands ; also that the fort of Rathdrum be " quit," and the ward there presently withdrawn ; further, that the bonds forfeited for the non-appearance of his " mother-in-law," Feagh's wife, be cancelled. Granted the two first demands. Deferred the performance of the two last until Allhallowtide next, when they were promised, if in the meantime he behaved himself as they expected. He seemed then well contented, and took his oath of loyalty to Her Majesty. Have since sealed the pardon for him and more than 400 of his country (whom he " booked " unto them), and have delivered the pardon to his agent, promising to pass him a grant of the lands, whensoever he sent about it. " Yet now we understand that he received his said pardon with many doubts and scruples, because he had not present performance of the demands for the fort and the cancelling of the bonds; by which, together with other circumstances, we doubt that, how full soever he shall be yielded unto in all his demands, yet he will still continue an arrant traitor in mind, and be ready to take the advantage of any opportunity to do mischief; as likewise we are of opinion the other two will do, that are now to come in with the Lord Lieutenant, what conditions soever shall be yielded unto them.

" We see, to our great grief, how by these cessations, protections, and protraction, the rebels do still combine and grow strong; the time to prosecute them passeth away; the country for the most part utterly wasted; the subject murdered and discouraged; Her Majesty's exceeding great charge of treasure, victual, and munition consumed, and (especially the great quantity of corn lately sent) will be wasted before any service can be attempted ; her realm perilled ; and we, Her Highness's poor servants and subjects, in daily danger to be massacred. We may well bemoan our miserable and distressed estate, but, having no power or authority in ourselves to redress it, otherwise than by advice, we do now make the same known to your Lordships, to be speedily considered of in your grave wisdom, and related to Her Most Gracious Majesty, from whom only, next unto God, our comfort and relief must proceed."—Dublin, 1598, June 1. Signed. pp. 3.

June 6. Greenwich.

57. Captain N. Dawtrey to Sir Robert Cecil. " I have answered the notes or postills set down by your Honour upon such articles or distinctions as I had formerly by Her Majesty's commandment sent unto Her Highness." [See Nos. 52 and 53 of May above.] Perceives now that the forces in Ireland are to be but 6,000 foot and 642 horse. These cannot, as intended, make a frontier or defensive war, by reason that the traitorous Earl, finding this determination, will know that his natural people of Ulster, who are not chargeable unto him, but such as yield him revenue, will be able to defend his country against Her Majesty's forces so employed, and that he may spare all his mercenaries to kindle fires in all other parts of Ireland.

"And the same mercenaries, so dispersed, will, with a right good-will, go to rake and hunt for spoil; and, for this purpose, he, the rebellious Earl, hath both Jesuits and seminaries to employ in all places to stir the base-born of every great house, or other discontented men of any family that are left without living, promising them that, if they can beat the English out of Ireland, that (sic) the Pope, and his Lieutenant, the traitor Tyrone, shall make them great Lords. These be his spirits and firebrands, that shall make great flames in divers parts of Ireland, to breed fear and discontentment amongst the subjects, whereby the Arch-traitor hath his purpose as well as if he had personably (sic) with great force of arms invaded all the whole kingdom. The cessations of arms from time to time are of the like nature, and will give him the like means to gain his desire, for, by the means of these frontier wars and cessations he still hits the mark he shoots at. If your Honour will receive my poor credit and experience, I assure you there is no way to quench the flames of his subtle practices abroad and out of his country but by garrisons seated in his very neck, to make a strong offensive war in his own country." Advantages thereof. Dawtrey's plans for the prosecution. Hears speak of 500 foot and 100 horse more, by reason of this late overthrow in Leinster, where the enemy is greatly increased in strength. The cost of these extra men will be but 753l. 10s. per month of 30 days, and they may be discharged after the Leinster rebellion is ceased, which will no doubt soon end, after they see the capital rebel Tyrone so strongly undertaken. It is a politic course to temporise a little with those outlaws of Leinster, and to pardon and take them in, "until that the same great Author of all the rebellions of Ireland be overthrown; then the rest will be met withal by ordinary course of justice ; for they are not so sound men, but that they will daily enter into felonies in the best times of peace."—Greenwich, 1598, June 6. Signed. pp. 2.

June 7.

58. "The present state of the house of Kildaie." Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil:—"Junii 7, '98. The state of the lands which the Earl of Kildare had." pp. 1½.

June 8. Gray's Inn.

59. Sir Roger Wilbraham, Solicitor-General of Ireland, to Sir Robert Cecil. Touching the matter to be contained in the new letters patent, passing his uncle's lands to Captain O'Connor Sligo. —Gray's Inn, 1598, June 8. Helograph. Seal. p. ½

June 9. Cloyne.

60. John Fitz Edmond Gerald to Sir Robert Cecil. His very good friend, Sir Walter Raleigh, certified by his letters of the good opinion conceived by Sir Robert of the writer, and how Sir Robert had defended him against the malicious accusations of Justice Saxey. Wrote about nine months ago, but understands his letter was not delivered by Mr. Southwell. His gratitude to Sir Robert. Sends by the bearer, his man, one "earie" [eyrie] of falcons, in signification of his good-will.—Cloyne, 1598, June 9. Signed. p. ½.

June 9.

61. Note of men, money, munition, and victuals sent into Ireland since May last. "By Privy seal dated the 9th of June, 24,000l." Foot, 4,000; horse, 100.—1598, June 9. p. 1.

June 11. Dublin.

62. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "I received yesterday your Honour's letter, which brought no small gladness to me, as well for your safe delivery out of that treacherous country of France as for that, by your return, the miseries of Ireland are in way to receive some measure of comfort, which by your absence they could not have. And I am not a little sorry that there is no better matter from hence, to congratulate your coming home, than the unsavoury events of this kingdom, which daily do multiply to worse, without expectation of better, till Tyrone be turned out of Tyrone, which I see will not be done with Her Majesty's honour for the present, nor with the safety of the kingdom for the time to come, without his entire extirpation and banishment.

"The last truce expired the 7th of this month, and, within two days after, Tyrone made this division of his forces. One part he sent before the Blackwater, which now he holdeth environed, swearing by his barbarous hand that he will not depart till he carry the fort. Another part he thrust into the Brenny, and at this present assaulteth the castle of the Cavan there, promising not to leave the place so long as he can get a cow out of the English Pale to feed his companies. A third part he hath laid ready to send into Leinster to strengthen his faction there; and they are upon the borders, awaiting a time to pass, and join with the Kavanaghs and the rest. Against these distresses the State is in weak case to make head, or at least a thorough resistance, the whole forces in the realm consisting [in] effect upon Irish, and the rest discontented; a lamentable matter, to hazard upon their trust the safety and preservation of the kingdom. And yet, touching the Blackwater, I see not, but it must be left to the valour and fortune of the garrison there, for that here is no means to put an army on foot to rescue it; for Leinster, being the danger that striketh nearest the heart, the Lord Lieutenant is now to make prosecution against them in his own person; and for succouring the Cavan, and to repel incursions into the Pale, a strength of 1,500 or 1,600 men is now to be sent up to the borders for that purpose. This is all that the State can do to encounter these great perils for the present, until forces come from England, which may help to rear an army to march into Ulster, and wrestle with Tyrone in his own country; and, till this be done, there will be no means to divert his forces out of Leinster, but he will more and more peril that Province, and make a dangerous hazard to the whole kingdom. It may please your Honour to haste away the soldiers with all possible speed, that the opportunity of this summer turn not to the advantage of the rebels and dishonour of Her Majesty, as have been suffered in the years past, to the grief of such here as have a true zeal of Her Majesty's service; and that it would please Her Majesty to consider out of hand for the settling of the government entirely in one man's hands, to the end this divided authority may cease, which assuredly is the ground of many enormities in the government.

"Tyrone is still inquisitive what conclusions are made in your Honour's last negotiation in France, and it seemeth he hath got an inkling that Spain and France are compounded; and Her Majesty left to a longer time to accept or refuse. This was advertised to me four days since by a person very inward with Tyrone; but, how true or false it is, your Honour best knoweth; only the intelligencer writeth that Tyrone is now more confident in the Spanish helps than ever he was, but, for his part, he seeth less probability thereof than at any time before, for that all this year (as he advertiseth) Tyrone hath received nothing from Spain, not so much as a letter of advice."—Dublin, 1598, June 11. Signed. pp. 1½.

June 12. Dublin.

63. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener, the Earl of Ormonde, and the rest of the Council, to Hugh, Earl of Tyrone. The complaints in his letter of June 11 of supposed breaches made on their side, whilst he seeks to avoid far greater violences done by him and his confederates both in Leinster and Ulster. His desire that a convenient day be appointed to hear and redress all wrongs on both sides. Know not what to gather from this uncertain manner of writing. See not how they may expect good dealings at his hands, or repose any assurance in his words, when by his letter he desires a day of meeting, and in the meanwhile commits apparent violent hostilities, by attempting the fort of the Blackwater, assaulting Cavan, and invading the islands there, with other insolencies done in other places, all contrary to the show he makes of a meeting for "commoning" of wrongs. Yet, for staying of further harms on both sides, will consider of a time for a meeting, if he signifies by the bearer, who is sent at once with his messenger, what time he desires. In the meanwhile, he is to demean himself better than he has done of late, and to give order that no more of those barbarous provocations be offered against Her Majesty. Have heard nothing from him in reply to their letter of May 4, advising him to think better of his duty in yielding to the articles formerly subscribed by him, but from which he fell upon some undutiful humour.—Dublin, 1598, June 12. Copy. pp. 1½.

June 12.

64. A list of the forces in Leinster. Foot, 2,180; horse, 150.— 1598, June 12. pp. 1½.

June 13. Dublin.

65. Sir Henry Wallop to Sir Robert Cecil. It is now more than half a year since, by his letter to Burghley, he signified his readiness and earnest desire to yield up his office of Vice-Treasurer and Treasurer at Wars in Ireland. Received answer that Her Highness gave favourable car to his motion, but was not resolved of his successor. Understands that Burghley has left the Court, and for a time retired himself for the recovery of his health. Begs Sir Robert to procure Her Majesty's resolution. His son, the bearer, shall attend Sir Robert to inform him of the causes which move Wallop to this suit. Is the rather forced to press a speedy dispatch thereof, because of the daily increase of his infirmities; and because his man, who has spent nearly two years in England, to Wallop's great charge, about a former account, now writes that the Auditors tell him the Commissioners will not pass the same until Wallop is present to be sworn to it. It is dangerous and grievous that a man of his years and infirmity of body should have so great accounts hanging in this sort undetermined.— Dublin, 1598, June 13. Endorsed:—"Received at London by his son, the 30 June." Signed. p. 1.

June 14. Dublin.

66. Sir Henry Brouncker to Sir Robert Cecil. "I sent you a letter by a servant of Sir Henry Norreys, which I trust is safely come to your hands, though I much doubted it, because it was reported and believed here that your Honour was gone again into France; and therefore I forbare to write until I received certain advertisements of your Honour's being at Court, which before yesterday I understood not.

"May it please your Honour to overlook my last letter, that, comparing it with the late accidents and with the estate of this present time, your Honour may allow or condemn my judgment. Concerning the courage and discipline of the enemy, their late attempts and their happy success against some English forces, both in the county of Wexford and elsewhere, doth (sic) sufficiently approve my opinion. What effects Phelim M'Feagh's pardon may work, though it be not yet so apparent as hereafter it may be, yet we see that, by the means and countenance thereof, he is already made so strong, as (being before but a fugitive wood-kern), to a late parley with Captain Montague he brought six score pikes, besides shot and other good furniture, and threatened to return his pardon again, unless he might presently have the fort of Rathdrum delivered to him, and Rose O'Toole's bonds presently cancelled, contrary to his former demand and composition with the State. It is certain that he hath continued intercourse of friendship, practice, and conference with Brian Reogh, the Kavanaghs, and the rest of the Leinster rebels, and that all the preys taken from the subjects are kept in his country ; that many of the Byrnes ['Burns'] are gone out already, and more expected to follow, all which is done by the privity and practice of Phelim; so as my judgment in that point falleth out to be too true, though many here did promise to themselves a far better event of this agreement with him. I will tax no man of corruption, but the course that is holden with him is very suspicious, and in the end will prove dishonourable to Her Majesty, and very dangerous for the state of this poor country. The time appointed for the general hosting is near at hand, but the unwillingness of the people in bringing in of beeves and other provision for the journey doth show how little good they hope to receive by it, especially now when the greatest part of the army is all Irish, worse armed than the rebels, and many as ill-affected, and haply waiting for a fit opportunity to revolt from us. Touching the protections, we find the inconvenience of them by the utter undoing of many; for the rebel, growing strong by them, making no conscience of his promise nor oath, and taking advantage of the time, executeth his will upon the poor subjects, who, finding themselves unable to resist, and illdefended by others, flee with their creaghts and goods to the rebels, making them rich with the waste and impoverishing of whole countries, especially in the county of Carlow, Leix, Offally, and the borders near adjoining; insomuch as at this day no man hath assurance of anything, though very near Dublin. If there come not a sufficient force to Lough Foyle, to keep Tyrone occupied there, the army will no sooner be on foot towards Ulster, but all Leinster will be on fire, a matter of great consequence, and the foundation indeed of Tyrone's safety. My continual purpose to return, and the expectation of some advice from your Honour, hath occasioned the stay of these occurrents. Being disappointed of both, I am bold to deliver my simple judgment." What troubles him most is his forced absence, without means to perform any service for Her Majesty. His indebtedness to Sir Robert.—Dublin, 1598, June 14. Holograph. pp. 2.

June 14. Greenwich.

67. "Certain articles undertaken before the Lords and others of Her Majesty's Privy Council, to be performed by John Jolls, of London, merchant; John Wood, of London, gent.; and George Beverley, of the City of Chester, gent., in the providing, shipping, and transporting of the provision of victual hereunder mentioned, out of this realm of England, to the port of Dublin in Ireland, for the victualling of 4,000 for two months."—Greenwich, 1598, June 14. Entry Book, No. 204. fos. 73^b-74^b. Copy. pp. 2.

June 15. Athlone.

68. Sir Conyers Clifford to [the Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener]. Received the Council's letter of June 14, as be was returning from Roscommon to advertise them of matters of Connaught. "I do send you O'Rourke's own letter (wanting) in answer to me to know his mind, having been advertised before of his purpose to revolt, but, in respect of my own opinion of the contrary, I could take no notice, for fear he should have had any jealousy of me. My opinion is now, that he is a villain amongst the rest, and that, by his show of submission, he desired to compass that which he hath now done, which was the compassing of Teig into his own hands. He hath in former letters lately to me complained of a prey my Lord of Delvin took from him, which I do assure your Lordships was very hardly done of my Lord, in respect of this time; yet I find he alleged the same but for shift. Ballymote is betrayed by two that the Constable trusted; and what they will do with it, I cannot yet advertise your Lordships. They make show as if they would deliver the same back to me again, but I have no hope, either of them or any else, longer than they may serve their turns. I will use all my endeavours to keep Her Majesty's footing in this Province as I may, but my means is (sic) such, as I take God to witness I know not how to provide the companies one day. Your Lordships and the rest know it is full four months and odd weeks sithence I received any money for their maintenance. For the 500l. your Lordships now write of, it is already expended in full pay for the months of January and February, so as I am out of any help thereby. The companies are full of Irishry, as I have advertised from the beginning, and, for want of means, lately grown very weak, so as my case is every way hard, and, for aught I see, likely to be worse¹; but, what extremity soever shall fall, I hope in God to discharge my duty to Her Majesty.

"I received, with your Lordships' letters, other letters from the Lords of Her Majesty's Council of England, in answer of some from me to their Honours, but the time is so far altered sithence, as I must deliver to your Lordships this for my opinion. The people whom I recovered I saw good use might have been made of, if the opportunity had been taken." O'Rourke's pledges and assurances. Full submission of others, Thought no better assurance could be required than to see them draw blood one of the other. Was scantily provided from the time of his first entrance into Connaught, so, of necessity, had to "temper" [temporise]. "For aught I see, there is no way for Her Majesty now but to invade those proud rebels in some convenient place upon the sea, and with good numbers (for the course of temporising is fully ended, if I be not deceived). For I assure your Lordships and the rest, divers of these parts, which had rather live in their duties to Her Majesty than join with these Northern men, are utterly discouraged. First, the time hath been long that they have endured great spoils by the rebels, and great burdens by the soldiers, in all parts ; so as at this day they seem desperate what to do, seeing the pride of the rebels generally so great, that they despair of relief. And, in my opinion, if Her Majesty do not abate their prides before harvest, but suffer them to take in the corn, Ireland will be chargeable to recover."

Will send daily advertisements, and desires to hear from their Lordships, so that he may the better direct himself to win time as long as may be.

"For Sligo, if opportunity had been taken whilst they were broken, one upon the other, in those parts, it was easier for me to have settled a garrison there with 500 men, than it is now with 2,000; for your Lordships may conceive there is no possibility now with any reasonable force from hence, unless Tyrone were busied elsewhere; for whosoever undertaketh that work now, must be armed to encounter O'Donnell, all the Province that are now joined again, and many of the forces of Tyrone. I am instantly to draw to Roscommon again, where I have appointed O'Connor Don, M'Dermott, and O'Connor Rce, to meet me, where I purpose to persuade them, if I may, to draw all their cattle between Roscommon and Athlone; which I do in respect not to venture the forces far, till I be better enabled. I assure your Lordships, this day I have not one barrel of powder."—Athlone, 1598, June 15. Copy. pp. 3.

June 16. Dublin.

69. Sir Henry Wallop to the Privy Council. In accordance with the directions of the Council in Ireland, sends a brief collection (wanting) of various sums due to the country for beeves, and to several towns and corporations for diet of soldiers.—Dublin, 1598 June 16. Signed. p. ½.

June 16. [London.]

70. Arthur Hyde to Sir Robert Cecil. Begs his favour to set an end to the overburdensome and tedious suit between himself and Condon. Encloses his petition and breviate (wanting).—[London], 1598, June 16. Signed. p. 1.

June 16. The Fews.

71. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, to the Earl of Ormonde. "I received your letters, in which you generally charge me with many outrages committed in Ulster, and by Leinster men, contrary to our truce ; to which, seeing the causes are unknown to me, I say, that anything done by those of Ulster are (sic) little or nothing to the loss they sustained. And as for Leinster men, their cause is not private to me. If they have done anything contrary to our peace, I will stand to my promise touching them, so that you also see ray losses amended as you promised. As for attempting the fort of Blackwater, I gave them more commodities of wood and other things than I promised; which they requited by taking my prey, as I formerly complained, and found no redress. As for anything done to the Cavan and Islands, I believe you will find no fault withal, considering in our former truces their injuries were adjudged to be satisfied, and was not done (sic). And in this last truce Mulmorey himself banished O'Reilly out of his country, took both his uncles prisoners, took all their goods and tenants, and his uncle Owen O'Reilly's castle. Not only this, but very many more, done by these and others, will I verify, if indifferent arbitrators be appointed to hear and determine our matters, and prove myself to be true of word and promise. Also, my prey was taken by the garrison of Dundalk, who put a ward in Glasdromine, an island of mine in the Fews, and received their 'cirichts.' I wrote unto you heretofore to know whether my pledges might be released for the young Lord of Trimletston and Captain Constable, and received no answer, and now would fain understand your determination. As for a day of meeting, I told your man my mind, and do seek none, if things be no better kept than they were hitherto; only I would be glad to discharge me of any breach, wherewith I should be falsely charged. So I end; from the Fews, the 16th of June 1598." Endorsed:— " Copy of the Archtraitor Tyrone's letter to the Lord Lieutenant;" also, "The like being written verbatim to the State by Tyrone, in answer of one written before to him by the State." p. 1.

June 17. Dublin.

72. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener, the Earl of Ormonde, and the rest of the Council, to the Privy Council. Acknowledge the receipt of their Lordships' packet of May 28, delivered on the 11th instant, and are comforted at being purged in Her Majesty's opinion from the hard imputations sinisterly surmised against them. "So for the public distresses of this kingdom, which we cannot but lay near our hearts, and have given you from time to time notice and insinuation thereof by all our former despatches, we see that, though you have honourably comforted us, that we shall be aided with men, victuals, money, and munition, yet it seemeth your Lordships, upon other considerations not concurring with, our advertisements, have thought good not to answer us so fully in the means we have desired, as, in our understanding, the dangers of the realm do require; and, in our opinion, the lessening of the means written for, after so long hoping for them, and so much time given to the rebels in the meanwhile to grow in strength, doth not a little increase our dangers; for Tyrone, Laving long feared a great force to be sent out of England for his prosecution resolutely, and particularly a strong garrison of foot and horse to be laid this summer at Lough Foyle, the conceit whereof did not a little amaze him, for that he saw how far it might tend to his ruin, now when he seeth no accomplishment of that plot, and that he shall stand clear in the part where he feared most danger, it cannot but put him into more stomach, seeing Her Majesty doth forbear to trouble him in the place which he doubteth most. And, upon this alteration, we cannot but think that, in the pride of his mind, he will attempt more dangerously against the heart of this State than he would have done, if he had found impeachment in such an outer limb as Lough Foyle is, whereof he beginning [sic; begins] already to make apparent demonstration, by preparing to employ a great part of his forces into Leinster, to bear up his faction there; and by thrusting another part into the Brenny, where he hath already evicted some islands; and taken the prey, killing ten or twelve of the guard that kept them, with the loss of eighty-six of his own men; and afterwards, making offer to attempt the castle of the Cavan, where a garrison is held for Her Majesty, he was put back by the soldiers, with the loss of six more of his men. And with another part of his forces he hath blocked in the fort of the Blackwater, swearing in his barbarous mood that his force should not depart, till he had carried the piece. All which he could not have done, if a force had been sent to Lough Foyle, which, holding him occupied in those parts, would have been a mean to divert him from Leinster and other borders near the English Pale. But, inasmuch as it is thought good to your Lordships otherwise, it is meet we do submit ourselves thereunto ; though (under your Lordships' honourable favours) we are of mind that he will now bend his main force against Leinster and the English Pale, seeing he need not doubt to be impeached and troubled by an army in Ulster. And, for Leinster, we have credible advertisements that he hath ready upon the borders a strong company, awaiting a fit time to enter, and to join with the Kavanaghs, the O'Mores, the O'Connors, and most of the Byrnes and Tooles, who are now in open action, and do consist altogether upon a strength of 800 or 900 fighting men at the least, besides other loose people, that do daily draw to them in no small numbers, and besides the said forces of Ulster ready to enter, which we hear will arise to 1,000 men well appointed, besides others that may be sent after them, and besides a further force, which he hath prepared to break into the English Pale by incursions by the borders of the north. So as the whole brunt of the danger is now like to fall upon Leinster and the English Pale; for that, upon conference in Council, and a thorough view and consideration of Her Majesty's forces within the realm, we see not how we are able to make a sufficient strength to set upon him at home in Ulster, whereby the war might have been counterpoised in some measure, or at least the whole burthen not to light altogether upon Leinster and the Pale ; which as it is above the experience of any of us, that have served longest here, that Ulster should have so strong a party in Leinster, and a ready way to maintain it, by sending in fresh supplies of forces, so the danger is the greater, as there hath been no example thereof; and what will be the further events, we see not how we can make any good account thereof, being not able to trouble him in his own country, as aforesaid.

"Nevertheless, according the weak means we have, we have now laid down a course, both for a prosecution to be intended against the traitors in Leinster, and also a strength to be sent up to the borders of the north, to lie off and on, to resist the incursions that way; and this force for the borders, consisting of 2,000 foot in list, which we doubt will not hold out by poll, in respect of the deficients, we mean shall be laid in two places, to be drawn together for a bulk, to answer every part for defence of the borders, as occasion shall serve, not being able to keep them together, as were meet, for want of victuals and money to provide them. And to these are to be added about 160 horsemen in Her Majesty's pay, such as they are, besides the risings out, both of horse and foot, of those shires of the Pale that frontier nearest the borders, who being but a few in number, and very slenderly appointed for the wars for arms and weapon[s], will stand the service in small stead. And all these to be commanded by the Lord of Delvin and Captain Cuny, if the Marshal may not be spared to take that charge, to whom we have now written therein. And, for the prosecution intended in Leinster, there is likewise a force of 2,000 foot, besides some companies of horse, and the risings out of the countries adjacent to those parts, all which are divided in several troops, into Leix and Offally, the counties of Wexford, Carlow, and Kilkenny, and the south mountains 'for anempst' the counties of Dublin and Kildare, as they shall be drawn upon occasion of service, those being the places where the traitors do make their most haunt. This prosecution in Leinster I, the Lord Lieutenant General, intend to follow in person, for that the service being of great consequence, and the action thereof to be divided into many parts, I will do my best to manage it myself in person, the better to carry others in good order by my example. And yet we think it a force not strong enough, for that we have no means to employ an army to entangle Tyrone in Ulster, as the Lord Burgh did the last year, who then had no impediments by Leinster, for that the O'Mores and Connors were then in, and with his Lordship, and the Kavanaghs stood in good terms, so as he had no cause to he withdrawn from Ulster by any wars in Leinster. And Fcagh M'Hugh was also suppressed before he entered into charge, and his offal banished into Ulster, to seek succour of Tyrone; but now his two sons, with the most part of the Byrnes and Tooles, are doubtful."

Enclose list of the disposition of the forces; also a list of all the forces in Her Majesty's pay (wanting) as they stand now reduced, to answer the service of the field. Three-fourths of them are Irish. Beg that the promised 2,000 soldiers may be hastened, and directed to land at Dublin and Drogheda. Pray for supplies of munition, victuals, and money. Ormonde will cause an exact inquiry to be made into the decay of the Picardy soldiers from 1,100 to 612.

"We have seen the copies of such letters as your Lordships sent with the packet concerning Sir Conyers Clifford, grounded as it seemeth upon overtures left to the solicitation of Sir Calisthenes Brooke, wherein, for so much of those matters as shall pertain to any of us, to be performed by our several authorities, we will not fail to answer Sir Conyers in all things, as shall be most expedient for Her Majesty's service, according our usual means, wishing, as your Lordships do, that the gent[leman], through his over much confidence, be not deceived by those Irish treacheries or falsehoods, who have many deep subtleties to abuse such as know them not thoroughly ; wherein, nevertheless, as we have done, so still we will not fail from time to time to give him the best advice and cautions that we can."

The long-expected munition arrived about twenty days past. The greater part already issued. Enclose certificate. Crave a further large proportion. Will be as heedful as they can concerning the defalcation of the munition from the soldiers' pay, though they know it will be a difficult matter, as the soldier is already so much strained in his lendings and apparel.

"Where, in the forefront of this letter, we made mention of the fort of Blackwater, and how it is blocked by the traitor Tyrone, not mentioning then for how long time it was victualled, which is but till the last of this month at the furthest; and, forasmuch as neither the traitor's force can be removed, nor the place relieved with victuals but by the countenance of an army, it standing so far in the main land, as there is no commodity to succour it by water ; we doubt that, through these extremities, it may receive such disaster as we shall be sorry for, and yet not able to remedy it, not having means thereunto for want of force; therefore we thought good, upon these considerations, to desire your Lordships' advice and direction, whether (the great necessity of the fort not being otherwise to be relieved), we may not advise such as have charge there to consider how they may quit the place with the best advantage for their own safety. The garrison there consisteth upon four companies of foot, such as, in former attempts made by Tyrone against that place, have behaved themselves with great valour and resolution, whose worthy services have well deserved not to leave them to be exposed to the uttermost hazard and cruelty of the enemy, if there be any way to preserve them; in which respect we humbly pray again to have your Lordships' special resolution therein with all possible speed, I, the Lord Lieutenant, and all the rest of us, being not a little grieved to make this overture, if we could devise any other means to prevent the mischief by removing the traitors by force; and for my part, I, the Lord Lieutenant (if the extremity be not to be holpen otherwise), do think it less dishonour to have it razed, or yielded upon composition, than the soldiers to be left to the uttermost danger.

"We have daily advertisements of Tyrone's treacherous practices to extend his rebellion and treason into all the parts of the realm, having his ministers to pass to and fro through every Province and other country of the kingdom, labouring to seduce the people, by many colourable offers and pretences, to right them in their supposed Irish claims and titles to lands and countries, long since lawfully evicted from them, and to introduce papistry, which he beginneth now to make a more firm ground of his rebellion than he did before, insinuating that he is borne up and maintained therein by the Spanish King, by which course he hath wrought dangerous impressions in the hearts of the people, who, of themselves, are overmuch inclined to alteration, but specially being carried with the promise of restitution to their idolatrous religion and old vain titles of lands. And though there be some, who are not so lightly carried down the stream as the rest, but do stay to await what time will bring forth, yet it is to be doubted that many of those, seeing Her Majesty not to proceed so resolutely as were to be wished, to pull down this great traitor, may grow to a further weakness in their loyalty than is meet for good subjects, specially when they consider how long Her Majesty hath suffered him in his rebellion, and how much he hath prevailed therein. And the example of Leinster being so much corrupted to the devotion of Ulster, as was never seen before, is to him a special ground to work many to his party in the other Provinces of the realm, wherein I, the Lord Lieutenant General, have done what I can to keep them hitherto out of Munster, having had a late meeting with the Lord President touching certain doubtful men, to be laid hands on there, whose names I gave him a note [of]; so as, if Tyrone be not out of hand before winter otherwise encountered than he hath been, he will put in hazard to shake the whole State. For, though he feed the people with the pretences before touched, yet we are of opinion that it is not religion, nor old beggarly titles, that do carry him, but that it is the alteration of the government and State that he aimeth at, as by his letters, which we have formerly signified to your Lordships, he hath promised to the Spaniards, and is still countenanced and encouraged therein by them. Thus much we are bold in discharge of our duties to acquaint your Lordships withal, humbly leaving to your Lordships' considerations, how great are the dangers of this realm, and how requisite it is that Her Majesty enter into a real removing of them, before things grow to the utmost hazard.'

Weak state of the horsemen in Ireland. Beg that one hundred well-furnished horse may be sent with all speed. Mistake in a former certificate as to the numbers of horse and foot. Send a corrected one (wanting), and beg that the proportion of money and victuals may be sent in accordance with it. Enclose a note of such of the traitors as have been cut off by the sword and martial law since the last certificate was sent.—Dublin, 1598,

June 17. Signed. Endorsed:—"Received at Greenwich the 23rd." pp. 5. Inclose,—

72. I. "A list of the forces upon the northern borders;" foot, 2,140; horse, 204. Also, a list of forces remaining in the north; foot, 1,020; horse, 95.—1598, June 12. pp. 2½.

72. II. The issue of the munition lately arrived at Dublin, together with a remain thereof, taken the 16th of June, 1598. Signed by Sir George Bourchier. pp. 5.

72. III. "A collection of certain traitors, executed and slain, since the last certificate sent by the Lord Lieutenant into England, 1598." Signed by the Earl of Ormonde, 1598, June 17. pp. 2.

June 17. Dublin.

73. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener, the Earl of Ormonde, and the rest of the Council to the Priyy Council. Are much importuned on behalf of the young Baron of Trimletston, who, about a year ago, in the lifetime of his father, was wounded and taken prisoner in Her Majesty's service, and who yet remains with the traitor Cormack M'Baron. The latter refuses to enlarge him upon any other condition than the liberty of his son, a child, who, together with Tirlogh M'Henry's son, was long since delivered as pledge for Tyrone's loyalty. The young nobleman deserves great commiseration. If his liberty had stood upon the enlargement of a prisoner of other nature, though of far greater weight, they would not have troubled their Lordships. But as the prisoner demanded was delivered in as a pledge to Her Majesty (though it has appeared to the whole kingdom that his detaining neither has restrained, nor, in their opinions, will restrain, either his father or Tyrone from any disloyal action), they have thought it meet to acquaint their Lordships first. Beg for a speedy reply, "for that we fear that their barbarous usage of him, so far contrary to his education and nature, may endanger his life, which we doubt not your Lordships will most favourably regard, the rather for that he is a nobleman, and, in his first entrance into Her Majesty's service, hath, with the loss of his blood, showed so good forwardness and resolution."

Beg also to know their Lordships' pleasure concerning Captain Constable, who was taken prisoner by James M'Sorley, the Scot, at the time Sir John Chichester was slain. Two other pledges, one of the Quins and one of the Hagans, may work his liberty. "As to Tirlogh M'Henry's son, as the matter now standeth betwixt Tyrone and Tirlogh, we think it not meet he should be delivered into Tyrone's hands, but, for the rest before named, we are all of opinion that no better use can now be made of them than to redeem such men of worth as, by mishap in Her Majesty's service, have fallen into those traitors' hands."—Dublin, 1598, June 17. Endorsed is a memorandum by the Clerk of the Privy Council, dated at Greenwich, 2 July 1598, stating that the Council are of opinion that Her Majesty shall do a gracious deed by taking some such order for the liberty of the two prisoners, as is motioned by the letter. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

June 18. Dublin.

74. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and the Earl of Ormonde to Burghley. His letter dated at Theobalds, 11 June, was delivered to them on the 15th instant; "by which we understand that your Lordship had sequestered yourself thither from intermeddling with great affairs, to make proof whether you may recover the health there, which to our great grief we understand your Lordship [to] have lost in other places. Yet, in regard, both of your most honourable affection to Her Majesty's service, and your wonted care of this miserable country, we perceive your Lordship could not, with good satisfaction of your mind, forbear to impart unto us sundry things mentioned in your Lordship's said letters." These they have in effect already answered in their joint letter with the Council, yet, for Burghley's private satisfaction, have now thought meet to give further particulars.

Explain the variety of payments in the issue of the last 12,000l. Have acquainted Sir Henry Wallop with Burghley's letter. Beg the speedy dispatch of a large proportion of treasure. Their extreme care in the issue of money. Pray for supplies of men and victuals, otherwise, "it will so peril the state of this sore-shaken kingdom, as we know not what account we shall be able to render to Her Majesty of her services here.

"Touching the reports of terrible news, wherewith your Lordship hath been much troubled to hear of the loss of Her Majesty's subjects, and of some holds here, viz., the Blackwater and Armagh, both supposed to be destroyed by the rebel; and in Leinster, first Kingsmill's band, likewise supposed to be destroyed, and now last of all, the Treasurer's band, also either destroyed or defeated by the Kavanaghs; we are sorry that those, who take upon them to be intelligencers, or reporters of the affairs here, do not with better advice inform themselves, before they write or speak, but, even upon the first report of unfortunate accidents, to (sic) advertise things often proving untruths, as, God be thanked, it hath done in this (sic). And that your Lordship may now be better informed thereof, it may please your Lordship to remember that, first, for Armagh, it hath long since been signified thither to your Lordship and the rest, that the same was quit by the Lord Burgh in the time of his government. Blackwater stands, and is yet held, for Her Majesty, but we doubt greatly that neither it, nor holds of as great importance, will not (sic) long so continue, unless we may be speedily holpen with means from thence, to pull down that Archtraitor, who omitteth not one day's watch and opportunity to destroy them. And of Kingsmill's band, not one man destroyed or hurt, for they were not in place at that conflict with the Kavanaghs; but of Sir Henry Wallop's company there were slain at that time, in the county of Wexford, his lieutenant and 44 soldiers; of the Picardy companies, Captain Wilton's lieutenant, 4 under officers, and 80 soldiers; and of the inhabitants of that country about 30 Yet the rebel scaped not so free, but there were slain of them (as I, the Lord Lieutenant am credibly informed), the number of 80 or upwards, even in their own fastness, whither by their trains they drew on our forces, where the numbers before mentioned, and no more, were (through their own foolish hardiness, and want of discipline in one Leonard Colclogh, who had the leading of the country forces) so lost, and this we inform your Lordship of the truth of that accident."

The corn sent to the several ports has arrived, but in ill condition. Insufficiency of the apparel sent; "and although we must agree with your Lordship that there were no reason to allow [any to] the mere Irish (if we had others to put in their rooms), yet how dangerous it were, either to discharge them, the army consisting for the more part of that nation, as we have often informed thither, or to exempt them from receiving apparel as the rest, and so to drive them in a generality to jealousy, discontentment, and mutiny, not having others presently to supply their places, we leave to your Lordship's grave and wise consideration; and ourselves have lately had experience thereof from some of them, who, for that the apparel stretched not to serve them, have given their captains and other officers work enough to keep them from disbanding and running to the enemy." The great care exercised in the distribution of the apparel. The defalcation for the same. "And for that we have cause to doubt the event of things by having bands thus stuffed with Irish, it hath made us to forbear reinforcing the several companies lately reduced to lesser numbers, until we may be supplied from thence, although we had never more need to make them strong, which (sic) for that and other purposes of great importance, it is high time to haste them hither in good number, otherwise we assure your Lordship that we have great cause to doubt that such will be our case, as we shall not often more write unto you."

The proposed attendance of Sir Henry Wallop in England with respect to his accounts. Told him that point in Burghley's letter. "We were loath to advise him for his own repair thither, for that we have great use of him in these times of importance, both for his long and good experience of this country and service, as also by reason of his place and employment here, where great sums of money are to be used." Hope he will appoint a sufficient d.eputy ; "but our greatest hope and comfort is, that God will restore and spare your Lordship, as a careful father for this poor realm, now groaning in misery, and that your Lordship will, in your wonted respect to Her Majesty's service, and care of this her kingdom, and us her poor servants and subjects, continue your honourable endeavours, in furthering our relief with all fit means from thence."

The reason why the Lord Lieutenant did not make warrants for the army was, that Burghley's late letters, sent with the treasure, were directed to the Lords Justices and Sir Henry Wallop. Yet they stayed the issue of the treasure fourteen days for the arrival of the Lord Lieutenant, who was then on the borders. They will, from henceforth, with all willingness leave the work to Ormonde, and be ready to assist him with their best advice, whenever he requires it.

"Although we fear we have been over troublesome unto your Lordship, yet, lest some of these busy intelligencers should take upon them to advertise thither an unhappy accident happened here in these mountains by Dublin, the 14 of this instant, and therein haply err, as in the former reports they have done, we have now thought good to certify your Lordship the truth thereof, as from me, the Lord Lieutenant, who was myself in person at that instant in the field; and thus it succeeded. The 13 of this month, at 12 of the clock in the night, an intelligence was brought unto me of a saucy approach made by Cahir M'Hugh, brother to the late traitor Feagh, towards the parts of the mountains next adjoining to this city. Whereupon, I instantly prepared myself, and with what haste I could drew forth the two companies of Folliott and Kingsmill, then garrisoned here, with such small number of the citizens as upon that sudden could be had out (and yet they came not in time to the service), and then, accompanied with but a few horsemen, and some captains that then were here, I hasted forwards, and the plot being well laid the night before, I was brought the next morning where I discovered some part of the enemy in some villages within 14 miles to Dublin, and following the rebel as covertly as I could, doubting lest they should too soon discover me, and so fly towards their fastness, as commonly as they use, I both gave commandment myself, [and] sent Sir George Bourchier, my steward, and another messenger, at several times to stay some few horsemen of the gentlemen who accompanied me, and went before without either reason or discipline, and, to be short, such was their rash hardiness, as, contrary to all my former commandments, they rested not galloping before me, until, ere they were aware, they engaged themselves amongst the enemies, where their horses were so spent with their unreasonable riding of them before, as they were not able to stir a foot; but that the rebel, after a volley of shot discharged in the bosoms of them, came even to hand blows, where they ten times over-numbered them, and so put them to the sword, viz., Mr. Oliver Wallop, second son to the Treasurer, and a voluntary follower at that time, who was first shot in the breast with two bullets, and afterwards pitifully mangled with a sword; one Gibson, a captain, who made such haste, as he had neither staff, sword, nor rapier, at that instant to defend himself; one Nix, a pensioner, who is said to have drawn on the rest to their untimely end; and one Greame, a horseman. These were all that were slain; and but hurt, a captain only, called Alford. Of the enemy there were slain 45, as I, the Lord Lieutenant, am credibly informed; and assuredly, but for the rash over-forwardness of the fore-named gentlemen thus perished, I had performed a good piece of service, for, in all likelihood, few or none of the rebel[s] had escaped, being then after a long journey fallen to their rest, and beset round about by me, until by these means discovered.

"In these conflicts the rebels go not free; for, since the last certificate of me, the Lord Lieutenant, mentioning the number slain and executed of them by martial law, there hath likewise been put to the sword, and executed of them by martiar law, as I am severally advertised, above 434 ; and, by a good and speedy means from thence, I hope the like confusion will befall the whole rabble of them."—Dublin, 1598, June 18. Signed, pp. 6.

June 18. Dublin.

75. The Earl of Ormonde to Queen Elizabeth. Finds the pride and insolency of the archtraitors Tyrone and O'Donnell such that he cannot but be heartily sorry that stay is made of the forces once meant to be sent into the north to subdue them. They "deserve the sharpest prosecution that can be devised by fire, sword, or any other extremity, whereby they may be an example for all other traitors to the world's end." Begs that Her Majesty would send to Lough Foyle 1,200 foot and 100 horse, victualled for five or six months, and with a proportion of money and munition. Also, that the 2,000 men for supplies may be presently sent over.—Dublin, 1598, June 18. Signed. p. 1.

June 18. Dublin.

76. The Earl of Ormonde to Sir Robert Cecil. No man is gladder than he at Sir Robert's safe return. Will hereafter, as Burghley has written, give his warrants for issuing such treasure as shall come.

"You write that you of the Council were sensible of my lacks. I confess it is no small heart grief to me to hold the place I do, and to want the means whereby I should be enabled to perform that I most desire against the traitors. I protest to God the state of the scurvy fort of Blackwater, which cannot be long held, doth more touch my heart than all the spoils that ever were made by traitors on my own lands. This fort was always falling, and never victualled but once (by myself) without an army, to Her Majesty's exceeding charges."

Refers on other matters to the joint letter of the Council, now sent over. Thanks Sir Robert for his French advertisements, whereby he perceives that the French King has shown himself a cold friend, and that the States are to be dealt with by Commissioners, who being, as the French King says, enriched by the wars, are like therefore to forsake peace, which will prove bad for them, if Her Majesty leave them to themselves.

"Sir, I pray you help to supply our wants speedily, that we may have some revenge upon these wicked and unnatural traitors that daily increase, though there have been since my employment to this present above a 1,000 put to the sword and executed by martial law, as I can avow."—Dublin, 1598, June 18. Holograph, p. 1.

June 18. Dublin.

77. The Earl of Ormonde to Sir Robert Cecil. The distressed estate of Ireland. "Except our wants be presently supplied, I fear all the country here will be overrun, before any means be sent to make resistance against the incursions of those wicked traitors, who grow very strong by mean of the continual revolt of their confederates, taking advantage of the wants we have, wherewith they are well acquainted." The numbers slain and executed. The imminent langer, unless men are sent to Lough Foyle, and the promised 2,000 supplies come over presently; "for the traitors, as I understand, are preparing to invade the Pale, and our army here are (sic) so dispersed in Connaught, the counties of Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Leix, Offally, Kildare, and the county of Dublin, to withstand the several forces of the rebels in those counties, as, until we shall have supplies, we shall not be able to encounter their main force ; which is no small heart-breaking unto me, being employed in this service, and not supplied with means to effect the same." Begs that the men may be hastened, and victuals with them. These cannot be had in Ireland. "Divers do break out here daily, which hitherto have not discovered their treachery; and O'Rourke, lately come in to Sir Conyers Clifford, is now revolted from him. I am forced thus to leave, the post being ready to depart, and am very sorry that I can send you no better news." Prays Sir Robert to haste the Earl of Thomond to Ireland, "for he hath well by his service deserved the same." Sends a note received from Sir Geffrey Fenton, to be used as Sir Robert thinks fit.—Dublin, 1598, June 18. Signed. p. 1. Incloses,

77. I. Sir Geffrey Fenton to the Earl of Ormonde. Asking him to have the following inserted in a letter to the Privy Council:— "Forsomuch as, by Her Majesty's last letter, I am directly restrained to deal further with Tyrone by way of treaties or parley, unless he submit himself to the articles formerly prescribed to him by Her Majesty, which I have submitted to your Lordships before, it may please your Lordships to move Her Majesty whether, upon the occasion of our great weakness here to set upon him in Ulster, and the great dangers that thereby may fall upon the State by his strong faction in Leinster, and the forcible incursions he may make into the English Pale, I may not deal further with him by temporising, to the end to divert the dangers from the heart of the State, if I can by that course; humbly praying your Lordships that herein I may receive Her Majesty's direction out of hand."—[1598, June 18,] Holograph, p. 1.

June 18. Dublin.

78. The Earl of Ormonde to Sir Robert Cecil. That favour may be shown to the bearer, Florence M'Carthy, who is now repairing into England about some suits of his; and that he may be dispatched back, as he can be hardly spared in this dangerous time.—Dublin, 1598, June 18. Signed. p. ½.

June 18. Dublin.

79. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "The two general packets now sent contain largely the ill condition of things here, only in particular I am bold, in the grief of my mind, to write a little how dangerous it is for this kingdom not to be able to vex Tyrone in his own country, but to give him the fruit of this summer to invade us in the heart of the realm. And the matter that increaseth our danger is that Tyrone hath received knowledge that Her Majesty will send no forces to Lough Foyle this year, which was the place he feared would soonest ruin him. This alteration he carrieth many ways to his advantage; first, he liveth free at home, without fear to be distressed in Ulster; secondly, he hath commodity to bend all his force against the heart and seat of the kingdom, I mean Leinster and the English Pale, into which he is ready to make a strong invasion in three parts, namely, by the way of Longford and Westmeath, with a force of 1,000 men to be led by O'Donnell, Maguire, and the O'Farrells; into Meath and Offaly, with 800 men, guided by Captain[s] Tyrrell and Nugent, and they to pass through the Brenny; and into the county of Louth and Dundalk, by way of the Fews, with 800 men to be led by Cormack, Tyrone's brother, and the M'Mahons; and to give a better passage to these invasions, he hath drawn a strong faction in Low Leinster, which he spareth not to bear up with men and means out of Ulster. So as your Houour may see how he hath made a globe of his forces to comprehend us round, assuring you it will be hard for us to avoid a dangerous blow, without good store of men and victuals to be sent out of England with all possible speed. But the matter that I fear most is that this, his thorough fortune in Leinster, will cast Connaught again into a relapse, and stir coals in Munster, which remaineth yet in reasonable good terms. To make us the stronger against these invasions, the State is driven, for preservation and defence of the heart, to abandon two of the outward limbs; and I fear more will run the same fortune, if it be not Her Majesty's pleasure to reinforce us out of hand, or at least with the 2,000 men promised and 100 horsemen, with money and victuals to sustain them. The hazard of the kingdom is apparent, without a stronger force than we have to prevent it; and the not settling of the government in one sufficient man's hands entirely, whereby the divided authority might cease, is a cause of some confusions which otherwise might be repressed. But, having written at large of this before, I forbear to trouble you further, being overwhelmed in the miseries and wretched events in this unhappy State."—Dublin 1598, June 18.

[Postscript.]—"After I had signed this letter, I understood out of Connaught that O'Rourke was revolted, of whom for my part I never looked for other, and therefore his new treachery doth not much trouble me." Signed. p. 1.

June 18.

80. "A schedule of the several numbers of men to be levied in certain counties of the Principality of Wales and the marches of the same, and in other particular counties, mentioned in the said schedule, for the supplying of the decayed bands in Ireland." The places at which the men were to embark are Bristol, Chester and Milford, and the number of the men is 2,000. The names of the officers in charge are given.—1598, June 18. Entry Book, No. 204, fo. 74^b. Copy. p. 1.

Appended are, "Instructions for the Captains that were to conduct the said 2,000 men to the ports from whence they were to be transported."—Greenwich, 1598, June 18. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 75, 75^b. Copy. pp. 1½.

June 19. Dublin.

81. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener, the Earl of Ormonde and the rest of the Council, to the Privy Council. Send the bearer, John Allen, clerk of the Ordnance, to receive the munition for which they have written. Pray for his speedy dispatch back.— Dublin, 1598, June 19. Signed. p. 1.

June 22. Dublin.

82. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "I wrote of late to you that Tyrone's two sons, with their schoolmaster, were left in Dunluce, upon pretence to study there. But as I doubted then of some further dangerous meaning, both in Tyrone and James M'Donnell, who is the usurper of Dunluce, and did at that time acquaint the State here with my conjecture therein, so sithence I have received advice out of Ulster that Tyrone's meaning to leave his sons in Dunluce was not for learning['s] sake, but rather to lie there in the custody of James M'Donnell, as pledges to the King of Scots, upon some compact made between His Highness and Tyrone. I have no certainty of this, yet the likelihood is great, for that the castle of Dunluce standing upon a point of land towards Scotland, and James M'Donnell being wholly for the Scottish King, and combined with Tyrone, it argueth a more deep pretence to have his two sons confined to that castle than to follow their books in so remote a place from himself, and so apt to negotiate any matter with Scotland. I am loath to be over-suspicious of the Scottish practices against Her Majesty with these rebels of Ireland, and yet fresh probabilities rise daily to move a belief therein, but your Honour bath better means to discover that bottom than I can have, which I humbly leave to your own course, only still I follow this ground, that between Spain and Scotland, the one for money and the other for men, this dangerous rebellion of Ireland is borne up, for it is not the house of O'Neill, nor the succours of the beggarly potentates in Ireland, that could stir and maintain so great a sedition, if it were not countenanced and fed by foreign Princes." Recommends Sir Robert to labour with Her Majesty for the settling of the government of Ireland in one sufficient man's hands, "which will be a main step to reconcile this broken estate."—Dublin, 1598, June 22.

[Postscript.]—The Marshal is sent for to take charge of the forces laid upon the borders to resist Tyrone's incursions into the Pale. The Lord Lieutenant is to follow the prosecution in Leinster, "where the rebels rise daily into heart." Signed. p. 1.

[A Commission from the Earl of Ormonde, dated 1598, June 23, appointing Marshal Sir Henry Bagenall Chief Commander of Her Majesty's forces in the counties of Armagh, Antrim, Down, Louth, Meath, Westmeath, and Drogheda, will be found in No. 140 of October folloiving.]

June 25. Dublin.

83. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "It may please your Honour to see by this enclosed what dangerous correspondencies do still pass between the King of Scots and Tyrone. I have often advertised that the fair semblances, used by that King to Her Majesty are but so many Scottish dissimulations, and having taken a particular care to trace out so much of his dealings as concerned this government and his intelligences with Tyrone, I find still that the meaning of that King is, to bear up the rebellion of Ireland and underhand to hold Her Majesty entangled here to the end to draw her to serve some turn of his, which he thinketh he cannot bring to pass by other means.

"I doubt not but he maketh all contrary demonstrations to Her Majesty, and so it behoveth him the better to stand clear in Her Majesty's opinion. But assure yourself he runneth on with his practices to keep Ireland in sedition, of which I have had so many strong presumptions, as I have no reason to rest any longer in doubt thereof, Tyrone's two sons (as I wrote to your Honour two days past), continue still in Dunluce, and I see not but by seme stratagem they might be surprised in that castle; which in my opinion might best be performed by the two pinnaces of war, which I understand Her Majesty meaneth to send to occupy these northern seas between Scotland and Ulster. There are pretexts enough to shadow this matter, which are familiar to seamen of any understanding. Yet, if your Honour shall think good to address to me any one secret staid man of those pinnaces, I will give him some special notes for the better carriage of his attempt, which I am of mind may be compassed without any great hazard.

"The Marshal is this day come hither, and to-morrow is to return to the borders of the North, to take charge of the forces assigned to lie there against Tyrone. And this day the Lord Lieutenant is to depart towards Leinster, to manage that prosecution; and, in his way, is to attempt to victual the fort of Maryborough. The proportion of these forces I sent to your Honour in the last general despatch, hoping by my next to give you some taste of their services; for, now the axe is laid to the tree, I hope some branches will be cut off ere it be long; and it is high time that either the corrupt trunk of the tree be cut down, or some of his principal boughs be shred off."—Dublin, 1598, June 25. [Postscript]—" Tyrone is still inquisitive whether there will be a peace between Her Majesty and Spain this year, wherein it seemeth he expecteth to be comprehended ; and he thinketh that, by deferring to make war upon him this summer in Ulster, Her Majesty hath a purpose to make peace with Spain." Signed. p. 1. Incloses,

83. I.—to Sir Geffrey Fenton. "Yesterday, being Thursday, I was in talk, within three miles of Dundalk, with the Earl and others of his people, where he did tell me that the Earl of Ormonde did deal very hardly with him after this manner. That the King of Scots did send the Earl of Tyrone a letter, [of] which letter he gave the copy to the Earl of Ormonde; and the Earl of Ormonde did send it to the Council in England; the Council in England did send it back to the King of Scots; and the King of Scots did send the same, or the copy, to the Earl of Tyrone, the 15th day of this month, which was, as I think, on Monday last. Whereupon he hath written an excuse to the King that the letter was stolen from him. You know I wrote to your worship, when that letter came to the Earl of Tyrone; assure yourself that the King will and doth him any favour he can." The rebel forces that are to go to Leiynster, They go up 800 men, and will depart by Sunday next. "At the Venvery," 1598, June 21. No signature. Copy. p. 1.

June 26. Athlone.

84. Sir Conyers Clifford to the Privy Council. His particular travails for the settling of the Province. Sworn protestations of loyalty from O'Rourke and the general assembly of the people of Connaught at Athlone. His former requirements of 1,200 foot and 100 horse, for the recovery of Ballyshannon and the keeping busy of O'Dormell with factions.

" What, my most honourable Lords, I did then write touching the recovery of this Province, was true, upon my duty of allegiance; and what I now write for these parts, and for the service upon O'Donnell, I require no favour, but being now provided of 1,500 foot and 100 horse, and freed of Tyrone's forces, to be undertaken at the same time by the army, I will upon my life make due performance of all which formerly I have set down, notwithstanding O'Rourke is since combined with O'Donnell, who saith (as your honourable Lordships by his letter will see), that he doubted of my accomplishment of the promises I made to him in Her Majesty's name, by reason the Lord Lieutenant sent Teig O'Rourke's mother to him, with great promises to Teig, who is near allied to his Lordship, and hath been brought up with him. Besides, it doth appear that Teig was no fit instrument to be gained for Her Majesty ; for O'Donnell, to recover O'Rourke again, hath taken Teig prisoner, and, in the agreements between O'Donnell and O'Rourke, must deliver him to O'Rourke, which is not yet done, neither hath O'Rourke seen O'Donnell since his submission; so as I hope, if I be enabled in time as I desire, O'Rourke will be for Her Majesty's service, as he is bound by oath and pledges unto me. And as I conceive this is but a subtlety in O'Donnell to entrap O'Rourke, and a time-winning in O'Rourke to save the wealth of his country from O'Donnell ; yet shall O'Rourke find, God willing, that, if he join assuredly with O'Donnell, I will thoroughly meet with him therein.

"This he allegeth to be the cause why he again combined with O'Donnell, and your honourable Lordships, well understanding the state of this kingdom, know them to be a fickle, inconstant people, and of necessity sometimes to be humoured, according to their own natures."

Does not excuse O'Rourke. Will not approve his own proceedings further than their Lordships think them grounded upon good reason. Since his last, the companies with him have been without any means, but such as be has taken from the regained subjects, the most dangerous cause of all inconveniences to Her Majesty's proceedings. Nearly five months, since he was supplied " with any penny " to maintain the forces with him. The plans he formerly proposed. Desires now but 1,500 foot and 100 horse to constrain O'Rourke to a new submission " or other overthrow," and to break O'Donnell; after which only six companies of foot and 100 horse need be continued in the Province.

" For I do assure myself by my former experiences of O'Donnell's strength, Tyrone's forces and the instruments he useth for Leinster being stiffly held to by such to whom it appertaineth, to be able, with the faction in Tyrconnell and the assistance of the provincial chieftains sithence my coming hither submitted (notwithstanding O'Rourke's revolt), both to recover the castle of Ballyshannon and to work O'Donnell to equal terms with the rest, who, by the prosecution of the rest of the army, shall be regained.

" And where I conceive your honourable Lordships think this large offer to proceed from my trust in the Irishry, I do protest unto your Lordships, never any man came amongst them that affecteth their barbarous customs less than myself, and, under correction I may speak it, no man of my poor estate hath paid dearer to know them than myself, and only, as I shall answer before God, to do Her Majesty service. So as, building no conceit upon their trust, but induced by the passage of the service from my entry into this Province until this time, and thereby grounded upon reason, I have presumed to undertake the service afore set down, being so accomplished as I most humbly desire."

His former success in Connaught. " What danger soever this kingdom is now in is by no policy of the rebel, but altogether by want of means to such as are employed by Her Majesty." Begs that the Earl of Thomond, the Baron of Dunkellin, Sir Calisthenes Brooke, and O'Connor Sligo, may be returned to their charges. Good service of O'Connor Sligo, whom it is necessary to return well satisfied.—Athlone, 1598, June 26. Endorsed:—"Received at Greenwich the 21 of July." Signed. pp. 3. Incloses,

84. I. Brian O'Rourke to Sir Conyers Clifford. Received at the same time his letters, and those of the Privy Council, and the copy of his articles postilled by the Secretary. Thanks Sir Conyers for the great trouble he has taken on his behalf. Was credibly informed by some friends that the Earl of Ormonde " was crossing to have any dispatch" of O'Rourke's business for Teig's sake, and that he had promised to give ear to Teig's agents. Ormonde's support to Teig. "Of your worship's wonted favour I doubt not, assuring myself, if all the magistrates of Ireland were of your mind that these wars of Ireland had been ended long ago; but when they that are authorised do rather look to their friends than to the furtherance of Her Majesty's service, all goes hard, and God keep all honest men from such dealings." Is credibly informed that no point of his business is ended yet in England, from whence he got all news of late. Prays that the dealings of Sir Conyers in his behalf may not hurt his credit," taking God to witness that I wish you no worse than mine own life, and if the hard dealings of them that have jurisdiction to bar my proceedings in all my lawful causes should not put us aside, God confound him that should break with your worship." Sends two hawks to Sir Conyers.— "Lough Asknye, this present Saturday, being the 27 [17 / 27] of June 1598." Endorsed:—"Received 19 June 1598." Signed. p. 1.

June 26.

85. "Divers points to be handled at this consultation." "1. What money must be now sent to make up a payment of lendings to this day for the companies which are already in Ireland

"2. It would be considered what shall be done with those Irish that are, there in pay, which are three whole parts of the army, as is certified.

"3. Whether Her Majesty shall send any more now than 2,000 already levied, which will be at the seaside by the 9 of July, which numbers, being added to those already, will make the army 8,000.

"4. Further order to be taken for victual, there being now only provided victual for 2,000 men for four months, where it is required that there may be a provision for victual for 4,000 men for 4 months.

"5. Provision of munition and arms according to a note subscribed by the Master of the Ordnance there, and sent to my Lord Essex.

"6. What advice shall be given them for Blackwater, now in danger, in which point they do so much desire to be instructed.

"7. What money shall be sent to pay lendings for the army from henceforth, when these 2,000 men already levied shall be there.

"8. Whether there shall be any forces sent to Lough Foyle if 2,000 men more shall be levied.

"Mr. Lane's opinion that the Irish serve well and endure all hardness.

"Memorandum : That money will be presently required for the conduct, transportation, and coating of 2,000 men.

"Debts of touns; of captains cassed; of others not discharged. Sir Conyers Gilford to be paid."

The words in italics are in Sir Robert Cecil's hand. Endorsed: —"1598, June 26." p. 1.

June 27.

86. Donogh O'Connor Sligo to Sir Robert Cecil. " Where my bad fortune is such as all this while I could not be dispatched, in respect I had not the letters patents made to my uncle here to show, but have sent for them a fortnight ago, according your Honour's direction ; yet understanding of the daily increase of troubles in Ireland, and specially in Connaught, where I left the said patent, where all the ways and passages be so dangerous, as I fear me my man will not nor can not be here again this quarter of a year to come at least; it may therefore please your Honour to send your warrant to Mr. Attorney, to have my book drawn according to the contents of this my most reasonable petition here inclosed (wanting); and the rather that my present repair into Ireland is so necessary for Her Majesty's service in general, and that the rebels may see how graciously Her Majesty useth such of her subjects as faithfully serve her and stick unto her; and that my poor tenants, bordering upon O'Donnell's country, be subject to the daily incursions of the northern rebels ; and lastly mine own estate being such as I am not able to continue any longer in England."—1598, June 27. Signed. p. 1.

June 27.

87. List of " warrants already granted " for the pay, victualling, &c, of the troops for Ireland. Signed by Lord Buckhurst, Sir Robert Cecil, and Sir John Fortescue.—1598, June 27. p. 1.

June 30. Dublin.

88. The Lords Justices Loftus and Gardener and the Council to the Privy Council. Acknowledge their letters of 20th March last touching the accusation and commitment in Dublin of Captain Thomas Lee. Those letters came not to their hands until April 20, when the Lord Lieutenant and divers of the Council were absent. The witnesses, also, to be examined were many, and dwelling diversly and far off, and some of them not to be come by; as Cahir M'Hugh, brother of the late Feagh M'Hugh, and now in actual rebellion ; Oliver Garrett, Captain Lee's Lieutenant, not yet come by, but likely to come to them. Strict examination of the rest of the witnesses, and re-examination of some. The cause has divers times been debated at large at the Council table, and Piers Hackett, the principal accuser, and the party accused, were there once confronted; the one very constantly (in words) did maintain his accusation, the other as confidently (in words) denied in part, and in part laboured to avoid the same. The circumstances of those examinations have been such that, with their other great employment, they could not make their certificate in the matter before now. Send the informations, accusations, and examinations verbatim, and also a catalogue and abstract of the same. Will attend their Lordships' further pleasure touching their further proceedings.— Dublin, 1598, June 30. Signed. pp. 2. Inclose,

88. I. "A note of such articles as Captain Lee will be charged withal." Duplicate of No. 73, March 3, above. Endorsed by Burghley:—"Contr. Capt. Lee." pp. 3½.

88. ii. Copy of the examination of Cahir O'Toole, taken on January 2,1597–8, by direction of the Lords Justices, before Her Majesty's Serjeant and Attorney. Attested by the same. pp. 2.

88. III. "A note of certain articles against Captain Thomas Lee, which doth partly manifest how the said Captain Lee was privy, not only of the first intent of treason of the Earl of Tyrone against Her Majesty in the realm of Ireland, and now of the coming of these northern men and forces of the Earl of Tyrone to Leinster, which were sent to the foresaid Captain with a privy token from O'Neill to the said Captain Lee, the which token was betwixt the Earl and the foresaid Captain Lee from the beginning of the first malicious intent; and also commanding them, I mean these northern men that came last from the foresaid O'Neill to Leinster, not only to follow the said Captain Lee his direction and counsel in their wicked intent and treachery against Her Majesty's subjects in Leinster, but also commanding them to join in familiarity and love with the foresaid Captain, and also that the Captain should forget and forgive all matters that ever was betwixt the foresaid Captain and Feagh M'Hugh his sons, the which is set down more at large by me Piers Hackett, as followeth." —Dublin, 1597–8, February 25. Attested like the preceding. Copy. pp. 3.

88. IV. Copy of the confession of Edmond M'Shane Oge, upon his book oath, taken before the Lord Lieutenant General, Sir Robert Napper, Sir George Bourchier, and Sir Walter Butler.— Dublin, 1597–8, March 2. Attested like the preceding, p. 1.

88. V. Copy of the examination of Owen M'Hugh M'Owen, taken, by direction of the Lords Justices, before Her Majesty's Serjeant and Attorney, the 10th day of March, 1597–8. Detailing Captain Lee's disloyal dealings with various rebels. Attested like the preceding, pp. 2½.

88. VI. Copy of the examination of Donnell M'Hugh Duff, taken before Sir George Bourchier, Sir Geffrey Fenton, and Sir Walter Butler, by direction from the Lord Lieutenant General. Dated at Dublin, the 23rd of March, 1597–8. Attested like the preceding. p. 1.

88. VII. Copy of the examination of William Goldsmith, sometime Lieutenant to Captain Lee, taken, by direction of the Lords Justices, before Her Majesty's Serjeant and Attorney, the 10th day of April, 1598.

Concerning Captain Lee's interview with Brian Reogh, and Goldsmith's own meetings with the same chieftain. Attested like the preceding. pp. 3.

88. VIII. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, to Captain Thomas Lee. Original of No. 12. II. above, under April 19.—1598, April 16. Her Majesty's Serjeant and Attorney have put their signatures at the foot of this letter. p. ½.

88. IX. Copy of the examination of Brian M'Tirlogh M'Phelim Boy, taken at Rathvilly, the 2nd of May, 1598, before the Lord Lieutenant General, Sir Nicholas Walsh, and Sir Robert Napper. Attested like the preceding. p. ½.

88. X. Copy of the examination of Phelim M'Feagh O'Byrne, taken before us, Her Majesty's Serjeant and Attorney, the 11th of May, 1598, by the direction of the Lords Justices. Attested like the preceding. p. ½.

88. XI. Copy of the re-examination of Owen M'Hugh [M'Owen], taken 11th May, 1598. Attested like the preceding. p. ½.

88. XII. Copy of the examination of James M'Knowde, otherwise James Knowles, soldier and household servant to Captain Thomas Lee, taken by us, Her Majesty's Serjeant and Attorney, by direction of the Lords Justices.—1598, May 14. Attested like the preceding. p. 1.

88. XIII. Copy of the examination of Alexander M'Donnell, soldier and household servant to Captain Thomas Lee.—[1598, May 14.] Attested like the preceding. p.l.

88. XIV. Certain personal interrogatories ministered to Captain Lee at the Council table, 24 May, 1598.

1. "Whether did you write any letter, sithence the beginning of August last, to the said Piers Hackett, that he should not interrupt one Elizabeth Bane, the Earl of Tyrone's messenger that then came to Redmond M'Feagh with special advice from the Earl, or no; and, if you did, what was the reason made you to make that restraint, and wished (sic) Hackett not to meddle with that messenger? [See last volume of this Calendar, p. 381; also No. 88 III. above.]

2. "Whether did you in August last incite Edmund M'Shane and others of the Byrnes to enter into rebellion, and to stand upon their title of the land, which was first given or promised to yourself by Sir William Russell in his government, and after given or promised by the Lord Burgh to Captain Clare, or no? or what speech had you with the Byrnes concerning that matter ?

3. Item, what privy token have you received from the said Earl of Tyrone sithence the beginning of A.ugust last, and to what purpose, and to whom have [you] made that token known, and when"? Signed by Her Majesty's Serjeant and Attorney. p. 1.

88. xv. A Catalogue of such matters as are herewith sent (one or two are wanting) concerning Captain Lee's cause.—Endorsed:—1598, June 6. Signed by Her Majesty's Serjeant and Attorney. p. 1.

88. XVI. "The state of the cause whereof Captain Thomas Lee is accused, with the commencement and proceedings of the same, until this present 30th day of June, 1598; abstracted out of the informations, accusations, and examinations herewith sent."

In this abstract are Captain Lee's answers to the three personal interrogatories given in No. 88. xiv. To the first, he replies that his meaning was to have taken the woman on her return to the Earl of Tyrone, and that thus he would have known not only the message, but the answer to it. He mentions four persons to whom he told his intent, but these were absent [from Dublin] on Her Majesty's service. To the second, he replies by denying that he incited the Byrnes to rebellion, but confesses that he had some speech with them concerning their title to the land, and the same being given from him to Captain Clare. He further showed five commissions empowering him to parley with the traitors named. To the third, he replies that a privy token did come to him from the Earl of Tyrone, and that he imparted the same to the Lord Justice Norreys, the Lord Lieutenant General and the Lord Justice Gardener. All three deny that he did. Captain Lee stated that the Earl meant that, when that token was sent, he intended to come in. As to the letter from the Earl of Tyrone to Captain Lee, the Lords Justices admit that they were made privy to it on its receipt.

Signed by Her Majesty's Serjeant and Attorney. pp. 8.

[June.]

89. Rough notes by Sir Robert Cecil regarding the cost of the forces to be sent to Ireland.—[1598, June.] p. 1.

[June.]

90. Memorandum of certain omissions by the Clerk of the Ordnance in his brief respecting the issue of the munition.—[1598, June.] p. ½.

June.

91. "A supply of munition meet to be sent for out of England, for the furnishing of the army in Ireland." Signed by Sir George Bourchier.—1598, June. Copy. p. ½.

[June.]

92. Sir Conyers Clifford to Sir Robert Cecil. " Tyrone takes his opportunity by the weakness of Her Majesty's arms, and busies Leinster very hotly. O'Donnell came as far as Sligo into this Province, and hath brought O'Rourke to join with him again, but so as he will not trust his person with him, nor be drawn yet to do anything as a rebel. Her Majesty must of necessity busy them this harvest in their own countries, or else divers, who are yet subjects, in the winter by all likelihood, will join with him; who stay but to see Her Majesty's proceedings.

" I do only desire this honourable favour from your Honour, that I may have the prosecuting of O'Donnell; which I desire to Her Majesty's service only, as shall appear. And if Sir Calisthenes Brooke be there at the coming of the supplies, I beseech your Honour that he may bring the supply that shall come to me, that they may land at Galway, or where I shall appoint upon O'Donnell. Your Honour will see by my general letter what part I undertake, and with what number; which I desire I may be tried withal. And for the rest of the project for Ireland, I dare not meddle." His indebtedness to Sir Robert.—[1598, June.] Holograph. p. 1.