Elizabeth I: volume 207 part 2, March 1600

IRELAND. ELIZABETH

March 1600

VOL. CCVII. PART 2. 1600. MARCH—APRIL.

March 1. Dublin.

1. The Lord Deputy Mount joy and the Council to the Privy Council. "I, the Deputy, being landed at the Head of Howth, seven miles from Dublin, the 26th of February, and coming hither the 27th, the day following, being the 28th, I took the sword, being careful not to defer time to enter into this weighty charge laid upon me by Her Majesty. And proceeding forthwith to consultation with us of the Council, I required to be informed by the table of the estate of the realm, and the condition and strength of the army, as two matters most considerable in so general a distraction of the affairs of this kingdom.

"Touching the estate of the realm, both what it was when the Earl of Essex entered into government, and how it hath increased to greater dangers and garboyles since, and particularly by the late passage, which the Archtraitor Tyrone hath made through the lower parts of Leinster, and so westward into Munster, where he hath long time ranged at his pleasure, and there remaineth still drawing the Lords and chieftains of countries to combine with him, and taking their pledges for their assurance, we of the Council could not in better sort make demonstration thereof to his Lordship, than by comparison of the first book we delivered to the Earl of Essex with the proceedings and sequel of things ensued since, inserting, by way of additions, in what sort the dangers of the realm have increased since, as well by a new defection of divers gentlemen, both in the Pale and elsewhere, declared apparently of late, as we have formerly advertised your Lordships at several times, as also what forces went with them, whereby the numbers and main strength of the rebellion is mightily increased. This book we have delivered to his Lordship, and have sent a double thereof to your Lordships, being inwardly grieved that after so long troubling you with these sour and tart matters of Ireland, we cannot give to your Lordships so much as a taste of more pleasing things. But we hope that God (who carrieth on all things to their just times) will, ere it be long, by Her Majesty's gracious hand break the clouds of these storms, and reduce this unhappy kingdom to a more comfortable calmness.

A. 5585. Wt.24881.400. 15/5/01. M.

"Touching the estate of the army, in which resteth our chief confidence, all the other parts of the realm being universally disjoined and altered, we cannot at this time deliver to his Lordship a perfect list thereof, for that concerning the companies laid in Leinster and the borders of the Pale, the Lord Lieutenant of the army, since Tyrone entered Leinster, hath thrice drawn out of the several companies by poll the choice men of most of the bands in Leinster, who are now with his Lordship; by which calling the true state of the companies cannot be set down, till they be returned again to their colours. And for the other provinces of Munster, Connaught, and part of Ulster, we have not seen of long time a perfect list of those forces, partly through the remote distance of the places, and partly for want of diligence in some of the commissaries; though we hope the Lord Lieutenant hath taken some further course with them therein. Only we understand by many private advertisements out of those remote provinces, that the companies there are weak in numbers, not answerable to that they ought to be; the abuse whereof, whether it be in the Commissary or in the Captain, is meet to be severely punished in the persons offending, whosoever they be, without respect; wherein we will all do our best, as being a service of great consequence to Her Majesty, for that even out of the weakness of the companies, as well in number as arms (which is as well known to the rebels as to ourselves), hath grown occasions of some of our former disasters, taken and followed by the traitors upon the advantage of those deficiencies. And now, being upon this point of the weakness of the army, and finding by me, the Deputy, that it is ordered by establishment out of England, that Her Majesty will have her army reduced to 12,000 foot and 1,200 horse, by which course 2,000 foot are to be cashiered and cast into other companies for supplies, the same to begin from the first of February, we are all drawn into an exceeding astonishment at this matter, when we see a purpose to lessen the strength of Her Majesty's forces at a time when the rebels are mightily increased in numbers and pride of mind, and the universal state of the realm more deeply engaged and endangered than ever. For if before, the forces were not sufficient to impeach the Archtraitor to enter Leinster, and so make his way whither he would into Munster untouched (for anything we know, Her Majesty's army being in pursuit of him under the Lord Lieutenant); and seeing those few, that were left by his Lordship upon the borders, were not able to pierce into any of the Irish countries, to the end to divert the Archtraitor, but thought it enough to defend the frontiers, and guard certain towns there, which yet were but weakly manned, if any strong attempt should have been made ; much less shall we be able either to offend or defend, or stand against the rage of the traitors, increasing daily by their still prevailing fortune, if so great a portion as 2,000 men should be taken off from the main army, at a time when the necessity is greater than ever it was to have them continued or rather increased. And, as to the traitors themselves, this diminution will be a great encouragement; who may make a dangerous advantage thereof, and, upon the bruit, do already insult much ; so, to the few poor subjects that stand firm, and have long depended upon Her Majesty's defence, it cannot but be an occasion to deject them altogether, and consequently to alter their hearts from her Majesty's government, a matter equally dangerous and dishonourable. Moreover, we see the actions of the realm do gather daily upon us by access of fresh occasions which cannot be shifted off; as, on the one side, the plantation of Lough Foyle, which cannot be performed but by the countenance of a strong force to be laid upon the north borders in that meanwhile, to hold the rebels in bridle that they shall not convert all their forces to resist the landing of the garrisons there and at Ballyshannon ; and, on the other side, a necessity to free these inner parts of the realm, by setting on foot a prosecution in Leinster ; which is a part of the kingdom most requisite to be first reduced, as being a country that before their defection yielded both profit and obedience to Her Majesty, and is the most ancient part of her imperial crown of this realm ; and being reduced, it would be a main step to draw in some other of the remote provinces. At least it would weaken the Archtraitor Tyrone by having such a principal limb stricken from him. And toward this prosecution we find, by computation of the army, that the other provinces being furnished as is prescribed out of England, and the frontier places of the Pale but weakly guarded for defence only, there will not be left full 1,000 foot, if the 2,000 above mentioned should be cashiered, which is a force not to hazard so great a service upon, unless it were wilfully to give to be lost both the men and the country. Besides, it appeareth by the establishment that this cashiering of 2,000 foot should commence from the first of February; a matter impossible, for that I, the Deputy, entered not into charge here before the 28th of the same. And if it should be now entered into, it could not be performed in six weeks or a month at least if the kingdom were in quiet, by reason the army is distracted into many parts far remote from hence, and their passage not safe by reason of the rebels. And what discouragement such an alteration might bring to the Captains and officers, who have trained those companies and served with them, may be easily conceived, when, after their time spent in the hard services of this realm, which yieldeth little other fruit than Her Majesty's pay, they shall be suddenly taken out of entertainment, and no provision made for them; besides a dangerous discouragement to other companies in the army, who may be hazarded to break, upon the cashiering of these ; as of late happened to certain companies, who, hearing that they should be put over to other Captains, dispersed themselves and embezzled their arms. Moreover, we assure ourselves that if, at the time that this resolution was set down there, Her Majesty and your Lordships had known of the passage of Tyrone through Leinster and Munster, and the havoc he hath made there, in drawing the Irish countries and Lords to his faction, whereby his rebellion is mightily strengthened beyond all former times, this direction to cashier 2,000 men at this time would have been forborne for a while. But we find that our advertisements of Tyrone's entering into the country were not come to your Lordships at the time of that resolution, which constraineth us, with the other reasons and necessities alleged before, not to deal in the cashiering of them for a time, until these great dangers may be lessened, or that we may hear further from your Lordships, humbly assuring your Lordships that, things standing as they do, we dare not proceed therein, neither is it possible to do it in any short time. And therefore do most humbly beseech your Lordships to make our defence to Her Majesty, and that we may receive with all speed Her Majesty's resolution. And in the mean while, we will do all that we can to prepare for the plantation of Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon, and the putting on foot a prosecution in Leinster, both which will be dangerous in the attempt, if these 2,000 men should be taken off from the army. Besides, a great part of the companies consisting upon Irish, in whom we have no reason to repose a soundness in service, but when they are mixed with the English, and that the English may overtop them in numbers and strength, it may greatly increase the danger of any service that they shall be employed in. And besides, as it is to be doubted that so many of these cassed companies as are Irish will run to the rebels with their arms, and thereby strengthen the traitors, so likewise if upon sending hither of the 5,000 for supplies, the army should be reduced to 12,000, we should in that case be driven to send back again very near 2,000 English soldiers, which would be very inconvenient, besides the danger in the example to send so many" men out of the realm, at a time when it hath so great need of forces. Lastly, not knowing bow long it will be before the Archtraitor Tyrone do return, or by what way he will make his return, whether through the English Pale (which we have reason to doubt) or through those Irish countries in Leinster by which he made his passage up, it still increaseth our fearfulness to meddle with the cashiering of these companies, in a time so apparently dangerous, and threatening the overthrow of the realm. The consideration of which we humbly submit to your Lordships, and that we may receive with all speed Her Majesty's absolute resolution in this point, being for our parts not only in this, but by all ways we can, most ready to lessen Her Majesty's charges, so far as the dangerous consequences of Her Highness ['s] affairs here will carry us with our duty."

In their next will advertise their Lordships of all further matters, which now the shortness of time and other requisite things to be done upon the change of the government will not permit. Send certificates, one of the remains of victuals (wanting), and the other of the remains of powder and munition. Their Lordships may see that there is want of victuals universally. This must be remedied from England. Pray for a proportion both of money and victuals, "the rather for that I, the Deputy, have given order that the money appointed for Lough Foyle shall not be touched ; otherwise the estate of the soldiers will be most lamentable, and their wants most grievous to us that cannot remedy them."

The forces for Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon to be hastened over, and the rest of the levies for supplies. Only 750 of the latter have arrived, under Sir Oliver St. John, and have been distributed in the companies about Leinster and the borders. When the other supplies arrive, they will be sufficient to make the bands full, and to give a good strength of English to the whole army. Order taken against the desertion of sundry of the supplies from England. Ask that a similar order may be taken in the ports on the west coast of England and in those of Wales.

"Lastly, I, the Deputy, am now in hand to make choice of the thousand men for Lough Foyle, appointed to be sent from hence with victuals to serve them for a month, who I mean shall consist of old companies, and to contain 1,000 by poll, as they shall be mustered at their going aboard, and to send them away with all speed, and have given order for shipping for their transportation, such as are to be had here, together with the great artilleries, munitions, and all other necessaries for that expedition ; which being to be taken in in several places will require the longer time; but there shall be no time omitted. And, in the meanwhile, I have sent to Chester sundry Captains to be ready to assist. Sir Henry Dockwra at his coming thither; and have also given order for setting together the barges that are here; which are to be carried with the ships that transport the soldiers to Lough Foyle.

"We have no means as yet to advertise your Lordships of Tyrone's particular doings in Munster, nor how the Lord Lieutenant of the army doth proceed against him, for that we have no certain report thereof, other than that by a private letter it is written to me, the Treasurer, by one of my paymasters, that his Lordship with the army was not far from Waterford the 27th of February, and that Tyrone was passed up westward as far as the mountain of Sleughloughar."

Will send advertisements with the best speed they can. Have reduced the field-officers and others according to the limitation of the establishment. Order given that the commissions and other instructions, which are usual for the Presidency of Munster, shall be expedited. These being dispatched, the President (who came over with Mountjoy) shall be sent up to his charge, " so soon as we may see how to send him with safety."—Dublin, 1599, March 1. Signed. Endorsed:—Received the 8th of March at Richmond. pp. 6.

Encloses:—

1. i. "The remain of munition and arms in the store at Dublin [and other places] the first of March, 1599." p. 1.

March 1. Dublin

2. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. The great danger of reducing the army in Ireland. The plantation of Lough Foyle would be hazarded more than in duty they could answer; for it must be countenanced by a strong force on the north borders, to keep the Ulster rebels in bridle, till the garrisons of Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon have made their landing good. "It is fearful to think what a desolation would be, if the army should be reduced to a less stint than it is."

Tyrone's proceedings in Leinster and Munster. " Continuing still in his action, prevailing and winning without impeachment, as it will be hard to sound the depth of his drifts, till it be seen by what way he will make his return, so, whilst he stayeth abroad, the more time he will have to poison the subjects, and peril the whole state of the realm. So as, so long as he standeth in his strength and pride, at least till he have in some measure felt the edge of Her Majesty's sword, it cannot be safe to decrease the forces of the nation." Begs that the cashiering of the 2,000 men may be delayed, till affairs are in a better conditon, "which 1 hope will not be so long protracted as in other times hath been, now that Her Highness hath furnished this government with this nobleman, who in all show beareth a heart sincerely devoted to her service, and the well proceeding thereof."

Encloses a letter he received yesternight, that Sir Robert " may see what brags that bare-legged traitor Tyrone doth make, to march into the heart of the Pale, and cut from this city the commodity of their water ; but I hope he will take better counsel, now that the Lord Deputy is come."— Dublin, 1599, March 1. Signed. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 8^th. pp. 1½.

Encloses:—

2. i. John Lye to Sir Geffrey Fenton. Sends further advertisements. Would have been the messenger himself, to have seen the Lord Deputy, but fears his ward would be negligent in his absence, the money being hard by, at Ferren O'Morghane['s], and wishing to get his castle, which is an eye-sore in their sight.

"First, upon Tuesday last past, the Connors had a meeting hard by here, at Ferren O'Morghane['s], as well to offer for Coll McTeig, O'Connor's son, that died, as also to meet and consult with six of the company of the fort of Philipstown, that came to them with as much powder as they might bring. Those six men have assured unto the Connors that the ward had but one month's victuals, at their departure from the said fort, whereof five days is spent sithence their departure, about which time they think to make an attempt against the fort.

"The castle of Esker, which the Connors got of late, as formerly I did certify unto you, they keep a ward therein, thinking thereby to get the castle of Clonnary hard by it, and lying betwixt it and the fort.

"All the Connors and other enemies with their forces are appointed by O'Neill to meet him in the county of Wexford the week before Easter, which time were fit to relieve the fort, if not sooner.

"Onie McRory O'Moore, as formerly I did certify, is limbless, and never like to be able to do anything, if he live. It were good to devise some draught upon him, fearing he should live.

"O'Neill's full intent in this his journey was, and is, first to join with him all the Irishry in those borders, and all others he may, and after to remain in Munster, till he join with him, and with the usurped Earl of Desmond, all the Lords and gentlemen in Munster, where he doth make full account to have Spanish forces to meet him, and, if he may, to make an attempt against some of the port-towns ; and, when he hath done there, he cometh to the county of Wexford, where he appointed the Connors and other rebels to meet him the week before Easter; and from thence he meaneth to come hither to the county of Kildare, and so to Dublin, and to continue a long time with all the forces he may bring.

"It is determined by him to take the water that goeth to the pipes in Dublin from the city, and all other small rivers, and with his forces being on the north side, to keep the water of the Liffey in sort that the citizens should not look out to bring any from thence; for they account that, if they overcome Dublin, all Ireland is their own.

"The said O'Neill looks for authority to come and meet him from the Church of Rome, to pronounce a general excommunication against all the gentlemen and inhabitants in the county of Kildare, Meath, and the Pale, and to keep priests and service from them, besides using the sword against them, unless they all take part with him, for maintenance of their religion; and by this means he thinketh to draw most of the people, under colour of religion, to join with him, and to revolt against Her Majesty. I assure you there are mighty matters intended at this time by O'Neill and his accomplices, to bring all the realm against Her Majesty, before his return to the north; and partly, he doth all this for a policy, to leave all this part of the realm in rebellion, to keep all Her Majesty's forces from the north. I do wish you to cause this to be carefully thought on by the Lord Deputy and Council, and, if there be not forces enough coming out of England, to send in haste for more, for I fear that by their practices and devices many will be drawn that hitherto held. These, intelligences I had from one that knew all O'Neill's intents and purposes, all which he meant to perform at his going, and will, unless God prevent him by other courses; for he means to have his will at this time, and that all the forces named to come over are not able to prevent him in this action. It is certainly reported here that O'Donnell with his forces is passed through Connaught to O'Neill." Prays for the Queen's victory.—Rathbride, 1599, March 1 [Sir Geffrey Fenton has struck out "January" and written "March" above. He has also endorsed the letter, " Advertisements from Mr. John Lye, primo Martii, '99."] [Postscript.] "After the writing of this my letter, I had intelligence from one that heard O'Neill swear that he would see the Naas before Easter Day; and, where else he would go, that he would keep that to himself, and that he would see what substance was in the Naas. I heard further, by these last intelligences, that there would forces meet with him before he would pass the Naas, besides what forces he had with him." Signed, pp. 2½.

March 3. Dublin.

3. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. "I do acknowledge no excuse sufficient for the not performing of any of Her Majesty's commandments, but impossibility, or warrant from herself ; with both which reasons I must excuse that I do not presently, according to the new establishment, reduce her army unto 12,000 foot. First, the establishment began before I had authority to do it, which taking force the first of February, I arrived not here till the 26th of the same month, and took the sword the next day, and with it my authority. But, finding upon a present consultation with Her Majesty's Council here, besides, many reasons wherein they did all without contradiction concur, that the army was so far divided, and the greatest part drawn from these parts by my Lord of Ormonde to attend the rebel in Munster, it was impossible for me to give order for their casting in any short time; since what company shall be discharged must be presently reduced into some other, and that with great caution, or else so many men and arms are merely lost from the service. Which, Sir, you may the better conceive by this one example before my coming, when the Lords Justices, determining to cast Sir Robert Lowell's company, being in list 150, and consisting of above a hundred by the poll of the oldest and best soldiers of the kingdom, had appointed other Captains to receive them, the next day after this transmitting of them was divulged, there was but three of the whole company and arms to be found. So that, besides the impossibility in any short time to send to so many places, so far asunder, and divided with the strength of the rebels, to execute there what we determine here, I can assure you, Sir, the casting of these men at this time will apparently endanger the breaking of the best part of the army.

"But the warrant I have from Her Majesty is, that it doth appear unto the Council here, and unto me, that the retaining of this 2,000 in list is for the prevention of a notorious peril to the kingdom, which, without any respect or private end of my own, I do protest, on my allegiance to God and the Queen, I do verily believe. Notwithstanding I do prepare, upon further knowledge of Her Majesty's pleasure, to execute her commandment, and with as much expedition as I could have performed it, if we had not these motives to become so earnest suitors unto Her Majesty to retain these forces for some time, to deliver us all from the general despair we shall otherwise fall into. For, although I think it my duty in this case of so dangerous consequence, both to proceed with great caution, and to inform what we do so assuredly apprehend, yet, that duty being discharged, I am ready to obey Her Majesty's pleasure, if it be only to confine myself to the Castle of Dublin. But, I beseech you, Sir, consider how this storm doth grow upon us, with great probability to fall very shortly, and with what confidence of more than a declared party the rebel hath come into these parts out of his own strength, with less than fifteen hundred horse or foot [and] gone from place to place in manner of a progress, without resistance, but making in all parts combinations, and taking pledges for the performance; and, being now in the remoter parts of Munster, hath gotten a greater access to his forces, as it is reported, than I dare make relation of without more assuredness, the numbers will appear so incredible unto you. But, without all question, he hath by this journey so far improved his power and reputation, that Her Majesty may have just cause to enter into a farther resolution than before, to meet with the growing danger of her kingdom. And, if Her Majesty be resolved to lessen her forces, they may be still cast, as they grow weak, and so insensibly fall into a less proportion, and in the meantime have the uttermost use and reputation of her army. But, if Her Majesty now at the first, when men put on either new hopes or fear [s], and when the danger is to all men apparent to be never greater, shall take away from that army, which before even by the effects was held insufficient, I protest, Sir, I do with too great reason fear an unrecoverable defection; and with the adding of so small a charge (in respect of the greater she is at), she shall, I hope, save the fruitless expense of the whole. And if it shall please God to bless our endeavours, I hope by this summer we shall yield her a good account of her expense. I do endeavour [by] all means from hence the plantation of Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon, and hope to be deficient in nothing belonging thereunto, for my part. But, Sir, believe it, that without some kind of prosecution in these parts, at or after their plantation, those garrisons will be lost, or at the least the true use of them. I will endeavour according to my instructions and my best discretion to reform all the abuses of the army, but so suddenly I can give no account thereof."— Dublin Castle, 1599, March 3.

[Postscript.] "I have sent you a note (wanting) of certain owners of barks that have without leave conveyed soldiers from hence. It would be fit they were punished there; and, if they come any more here, I will call them to account for it.

"I received a letter from their Lordships signifying some dislike of his (sic) proceeding in the transportation of the men, whereupon I willed him to give this account I send you under his hand, [wanting] which I pray, Sir, may serve for his just excuse."Holograph. Seal. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 8th. pp. 2½.

March 3.Dublin.

4. Sir George Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. Has received his letter of February 20, enclosing Her Majesty's warrant for the payment of the 2,000 men. Thanks Sir Robert for the same. Prays for a like warrant for the extraordinaries he has paid. Desires that the Auditors assigned to take his accounts may examine these extraordinaries, and that the warrant may be grounded thereupon.

"My Lord Deputy, having now received the sword, beginneth very honourably and carefully to inform himself and employ his mind about the weighty charge committed unto him. He is now putting in readiness the barges for Lough Foyle, and takes up shipping to transport the 1,000 men for Knockfergus, and hath commanded me to provide victuals for them for one month, which shall be done. We hope that, if his Lordship be well backed out of England, some service will be done, especially if the army be well disciplined, the Captains apply their charge, and not live in Dublin, but yield an account of some service. I humbly beseech your Honour in your next despatch advise his Lordship to that end, though I do assure myself his Lordship of himself will have special care thereof."

His paymasters will be ready to go with such treasure as has been assigned for Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon, when the 1,000 sail for Carrickfergus. This shall be hastened with all speed. The 100l. has been paid to Sir Geffrey Fenton.

"For my Lord of Ormonde's prosecution of this Archtraitor, I refer it to the event; for I hear not yet from his Lordship, neither yet what is. done; only I received a letter from my paymaster there, of the 27 of the last, that upon my letter he had borrowed 1,400l. of the towns of Waterford and Kilkenny for the army, which then, as it should seem, lay not past 14 miles from Waterford, expecting the Traitor's return, who was then gone far west into Munster."

Reasons against the reduction of the army. Knighting of Sir Edwin Sandes. His own indebtedness to Sir Robert." God bless Her Majesty, or otherwise perhaps I may come home by weeping cross." Begs a continuance of Sir Robert's favour. Has not received any direction when the Earl of Ormonde's entertainment shall cease, nor when Sir Warham Sentleger's and Sir Henry Power's entertainment shall determine for Munster, or Sir Arthur Savage's for Connaught. Since it is Her Majesty's pleasure that his own entertainment shall cease from 10 January last, cares not how soon the rest do end also. Prays for direction, that he may frame his reckonings accordingly.— "From my house by Dublin," 1599, March 3. Holograph. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 10th. pp. 3.

March 3. Cashel.

5. The Earl of Ormonde to the Privy Council. " Since my last despatch [es] unto your Lordships of the 24th and 30th of January last, sent by Sir John Talbot, wherein I advertised of Tyrone's drawing up with great forces towards the counties of Kilkenny and Tipperary, with full intent to burn and spoil all Her Majesty's good subjects in those parts, and (as sithence I do understand), according his solemn oath, to hold a meeting at a place called the Abbey of Holy Cross, with James Fitz Thomas, the pretended Desmond, and all the other Munster traitors; upon such intelligence as daily came unto me of his so going upwards, I marched towards the county of Kilkenny, having at first drawn from the counties of Meath and Kildare but 700 foot and 80 horse. And, after I had sent from Kilkenny to Waterford for the paymaster and clerk of the munition, for their repair unto me with their several charges, and also (in regard of Tyrone's great force) for 200 foot of the companies of Sir Warham Sentleger, James Fitz Piers, and Captain Lee, who lay on the borders of the county of Kildare, within a day's march of Kilkenny, and best to be spared from those parts, by reason the traitors of Leix were much weakened by some late services performed against them, I set forwards with them and such other of Her Majesty's forces as were in these parts of the counties of Kilkenny and Tipperary, and, with such forces as I could command of my own servants and others of the rising out, I came to their appointed place of Holy Cross, there disappointing Tyrone and his meeting with Desmond of the performance of his oath, and enforcing him, and James Fitz Thomas with some of his forces, who also met him, to hold themselves in great strength of woods and bogs, within O'Dwyre's country called Killnemanagh, five or six miles near me; who, understanding of so near an approach, and that the next day I was to march towards Dreghedneferin, a castle of my own, standing upon a strait, ready to meet him in the field, they were early in the morning dislodged, taking for their safety the like further strength of wood and bog, at a place called Pollaghbeg and Shanganagh, in the foot of Arlow mountains, wherein their march for one day was 17 or 18 miles. And Tyrone thus gone so far upwards, I laid continued espial after him, and for want of means was driven to divide those forces between the poor corporate towns of Kilkenny, Clonmell, Cashel, and Fethard; whereof, in the time of this my absence, the suburbs of the town of Kilkenny, being but thatched houses called the Irishtown, was (as it were in a despiteful bravery) burned by the traitorous sons of the Lord Mountgarrett. And sithence; upon the Lord Justice Carey's letters (for which I wrote), for borrowing of monies of some merchants in these parts, to be re-paid in London, I have tried to the uttermost, in all being little more than 1,000l. And though being out of hope of any more loan of money that way, in that the Archtraitor Tyrone doth still continue in Munster, I am now onwards my journey to those parts to hearken to him, being further assisted (by my sending for [? them]) with some 400 foot and 70 horse out of the Pale, though I wrote for more; who had their means but for 14 days, which now is almost spent. What success shall fall out, I will (with God's grace) further signify to your Lordships.

"According to such directions as I gave to the Earl of Thomond, Sir Henry Power, and other the garrisons of Munster, to lose no opportunity of time to kill, burn, and spoil the traitors, some part of it hath been performed by the Earl in Conologh [Connello], and also by the garrisons of Moyalla [Mallow] and Waleston in the parts near them. By a copy enclosed [wanting] of a letter from the Lord Archbishop of Cashel concluded with (sic) (your Honour's to use and not to abuse), your Lordships may perceive his choleric humours, whereof, in presence of Sir Oliver Lambert, the Marshal (who accompanied me), Sir Henry Folliott, and some other the Captains and gentlemen, I reproving him, he presently stood in comparison for a companion with me, and that he was as good a subject as myself, and, if there were any better in Ireland, he was as good as he ; and, moreover, that he was as good a subject as any in England or Ireland. With reverence to a man of his coat (and not of his desert), I told him he had sometime been a friar, who answered that then he was an honest friar; and further, making known to him that in birth he was but a follower to Maguire's country, "nay," said he, "I am a gentleman, and a kinsman to Maguire, yea, and of the blood of O'Neill." Whereto I replied, and told him, " well bragged gentry," but wished him to know there was none in traitors' blood. To conclude, after many of his lewd and intemperate words to a man of my place, which I was content to put up (sic), regarding him unworthy, I demanded for the matter between him and O'Dwyre, wherein he brought me Her Majesty's letter, was not he tied in bands to abide the arbitrable order of Gerrott Comerford and John Everard, two gentlemen learned in the law? who could not deny such his submission. And then, for the peace, I told him that O'Dwyre in that presence should take his corporal oath that he should do no bodily harm to him or any of his, and withal I offered to give my word for it. Both which he nought regarded, and, time serving not to proceed in such private causes, the traitors being in the field, and O'Dwyre being Sheriff of the shire for this year, and a martial man (under correction) not meet to be further urged for further surety of the peace, having at this time manifested his duty by killing and apprehending some of Tyrone's men, standing constantly with Her Majesty's service in all this time of rebellion, I ended, and parted from the gentleman of so great blood. Wherein, if the Archbishop shall seem to complain, either for want of justice, or that I should otherwise behave myself towards him than were becoming me, I humbly pray your Lordships to forbear to give credit, till my answer may be heard."

Speaks of "the miserable state of the poor corporate towns "in Kilkenny and Tipperary, much impoverished through the waste of the country, and the great sums due to them for the continual bearing of soldiers. The payment thereof would be a great relief to the inhabitants.—Cashel, 1599, March 3. Signed. Endorsed:—Received at London the 12th. pp. 2½.

Sir Robert Cecil has noted the following on the dorse of the letter:—"Barry married my Lord Roche his sister. Donogh McCormack married Ed [round] FitzGibbon's daughter, the White Knight. Derby McOwen married the Lord Roche his daughter. The White Knight's country called Clangibbon ; Cosbridy, the [country of the] Earl of Desmond that now is."

March 3. Cashel.

6. The Earl of Ormonde to Sir Robert Cecil. "Although I know you shall be acquainted with my general letters written at this time to the Lords, yet I would not but let you understand of the lewd and malapert behaviour of the Archbishop of Cashel towards me, standing in comparison for a companion with me, and for a subject equal with me, or a better, if any such were in Ireland; yea, and as good a subject as any in England or Ireland. I reverenced him in respect of his calling, but not of himself ; and to tell you truth, being so much abused by him, in all my life I never used more patience, which was admired by Sir Oliver Lambert, and other the Captains and gentlemen that stood by. Haply he may write something of that which in speeches passed between us, but I know you will not be so easily carried as to give credit to that he may so write, before any answer shall be heard."

Refers to his general letter to the Privy Council. Begs Sir Robert to let the Archbishop know in a few lines, " how it may be taken at his hands to stand in such hateful terms of comparison " with Ormonde.—Cashel, 1599, March 3. Signed. Endorsed:—Received at London the 12th. p.1.

March [3?]

7."Articles against the town of Limerick."

Wine sent by the Mayor, on New Year's eve, 1599 [-1600], to James FitzThomas and Piers Lacy, contrary to order. Captain Tyrrell desires the Mayor not to suffer any soldiers to enter Limerick, to strengthen the garrison there. Meeting of Sir Francis Barkley and other Captains with James FitzThomas, in October, 1599. The rebels affirm that they love the Limerick townsmen more than the English churls. The Mayor welcomes great numbers of the rebels into the city, and the latter revile the garrison. Strangers lodged in Limerick. The powder and munition of the city not gathered into its storehouse, but issued to the rebels. Disloyalty of William Stritch, the Mayor, who was young, and insufficient to discharge that place, and of his father, John Stritch, in the latter's first Mayoralty. Opprobrious speech by Nicholas Comyn, one of the Aldermen, at a conference on 4 January, 1599 [-1600]. Contention between Tibbott Burke, brother of Lord Burke, and Thomas Stritch, one of the Aldermen, and maltreatment of soldiers by the citizens. Arrest of Tibbott Burke sought for by the Mayor. Dispute as to jurisdiction in the city. The Mayor and townsmen vaunt that they assaulted the Constable of the castle of Limerick, "and cut off his head, and brought the same into the Island, and played at football with it." They brag likewise that they have executed a Lord Justice, and buried many Englishmen in their cellars. The Mayor refuses to cess the company of Captain Brooks. Gift of James Fitz Thomas, the Sugane Earl, to the Mayor. The townsmen "friends and well-willers of "Piers Lacy. Money obtained in the city for his men. Thirty pardons obtained by the townsmen for divers abuses and outrages. The Mayor refuses to supply means for bringing soldiers from Askeaton to Limerick, and to prevent the rebels, if distressed by Ormonde, from passing over the river of Limerick. "Sir Francis Barkley, having his dwelling near the rebels, received advertisements that one Archer, called by the traitors the Pope's legate, plainly affirmed that all the towns here would revolt at one instant, and cut all our throats, that be soldiers and servitors to Her Majesty. The Bishops, Jesuits, and priests, which are with the rebels, have excommunicated all those persons as shall give any assistance or aid to any soldier or servant of Her Majesty's here, or any other place within this kingdom, which maketh the townsmen not to come to aid and assist us at all, nor to come in our companies, but to abandon our presence. I have received advertisements from Sir Francis Barkley, the 25th of February, 1599 [-1600], that there is (sic) continual messengers between the townsmen and the Archtraitor Tyrone."

Here follow "Articles of the abuses and undutiful dealings of the Mayor and chief citizens of Limerick, committed against the company of Captain Basil Brooks, being upon their guard in the church, usually held the 12th of November, 1599."

Certain witnesses "do all affirm that, the town boys being at play, called 'Fox to hole' in the church, where we usually held our guard, Charles Serny, one of the guard, went to play with them. And he, as the manner of the play is, strake one Maurice Case his servant with his glove, which he had hung in his girdle, whereat the said servant was angry, but said little. There was one Boundfield's man by, not having anything to do, but, as it should seem, only attending an opportunity, [who] took the matter in hand, and asking the soldier what he meant to strike the townsman in that sort; who answered he did but as the rest did; whereat Boundfield's man threw a stone at him. Then came Serjeant Nutter, being one of the guard, and asked the townsman what he meant, to fling the stone at the soldier, and why he played so rudely in the church so near the guard; who answered he might as well play there as all of them, to defile the church. The Serjeant asked him whom he meant. His answer was, 'all of them. 'At which words the Serjeant took him by the arm, and thrust him out of the church, which he said he would go and tell the Mayor. The Serjeant said he would go with him and went out after him; who no sooner came out of the churchyard, but this Boundfield's man took up dirt and stones, and threw at the Serjeant, and withal raised the cry, when presently came twenty with their swords and pikes, and laid at the Serjeant, who, in recovering the church stile, was stricken down, and had there been slain, had he not been presently rescued by some of the guard. And this was all the cause given them, for which they sought to cut all their throats, as shall appear by the articles following."

Here follow particulars of the riot, and of the attack on the soldiers in the church, with a list of the wounded soldiers. The names of witnesses are put in the margin of the articles. The whole are signed by the Earl of Thomond and Captain Basil Brooks. Then follow similar particulars of the " murdering and abusing of the company of Captain Thomas Browne " by the said townsmen of Limerick, when Mr. Gromell was Mayor in 1599, the whole signed by Captain Browne.

Endorsed:—1599. Received at Richmond the 16th of March. pp. 13½.

March 4.Cork.

8.The Commissioners of Munster to the Privy Council. Tyrone and his confederates continued for some space in Lord Roche's country, where they did little or no harm, only taking some horsemeat. While there, they sent horse and foot to Lord Barry's country, and fetched a prey of 1,000 cows, besides a great number of garrans and other cattle. Whence it seems that Lord Roche has in some sort patched with them, and impaired his loyalty. After his departure thence, Tyrone came over the Broad Water, and drew towards Lord Barry's country. John Barry, brother to his Lordship, went to Tyrone and persuaded him not to go into the country. Tyrone said he would not until his return, and so drew back towards Muskerry, and encamped within less than a mile of Blarney, the castle of Cormack McDermody, Lord of Muskerry. The eldest son of Teig, Cormack's brother, was delivered to Tyrone as a pledge, without Cormack's consent, the latter being in Cork at the time, and having both his sons there. Have, nevertheless, thought good to stay Cormack until Tyrone's departure. After coming into Muskerry, Tyrone, nowithstanding his former promise, finding some occasion to pick a quarrel with John Barry, to cause him to forsake their camp (which he did), unexpectedly turned back, and marched, within sight of Cork, into Lord Barry's country, where he remained six or seven days, preying, spoiling and burning. Loyalty of Lord Barry. After leaving his country, Tyrone returned again into the borders of Muskerry. For fourteen days continually, he was within four or five miles of Cork.

"Upon Saturday last, being the first of this instant, we, having received intelligence that certain of the traitors were dispersed from their camp, on the south side of this city, preying and spoiling in those parts of the country, sallied forth with the few horse we had here, and by good hap met with a troop of some five and forty horse, and sixteen foot of theirs, we being, one with another, some fifty horse. Whom having charged, it pleased God that there was slain Maguire, his foster father, and some four or five and thirty others, with his eldest son sore hurt. In token whereof we got their cornet; all without any loss of our side, but only Sir Warham Sentleger, grievously hurt with a staff in the head, so as we are in doubt of his escape."

On Saturday, Florence McCarthy came unto Tyrone; whereupon they are now with their whole forces gone towards Kinsale; to what end they cannot yet certainly learn. As formerly they wrote, they were constrained to make bold with 1,000l of the 2,000l. directed to be reserved until the Lord President's coming. Have since been enforced to issue the other 1,000l, chiefly for the garrisons at Kilmallock and Mallow, which places cannot be victualled without ready money. Yesterday, March 3, there arrived from Dublin a ship with the winter clothes for the army in Munster.

"Sithence the writing hereof, it hath pleased God to call unto His mercy Sir Warham Sentleger."—Cork, 1599 [-1600], March 4. Signed. Sealed. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond, the 15th of March, pp. 2.

March 4. Cork.

9. Sir Henry Power to the Privy Council. Tyrone's stay in Lord Roche's country, "the common report being that he temporized with him, the which as yet I believe, because he will not repair hither to clear himself of some objections laid against him by certain of the country, tending to that purpose." On February 18, Tyrone passed the Blackwater, not being able before to do it, by reason of the height thereof, and marched presently towards Cork, about which, sometimes within two miles and sometimes three or four miles off, he lodged until this day. By letters and menaces, he sought all the means he could to draw the gentlemen, who are subjects, into his faction, especially Lord Barry. Finding him resolutely bent to continue his allegiance, Tyrone burned, killed, and spoiled in his country, and, by an unknown passage, passed men into Lord Barry's Island, which he burned. If a certain ford had been defended, they could not have got in. Has secured the ford. Some have given pledges to Tyrone, for he has not used that violent course towards them, which he has towards Lord Barry, Charles McCarthy and some others. Commends the behaviour of Lord Barry.

After Tyrone had used "most extreme tyranny" towards his Lordship, he marched by this town and lodged at Carriggrohan, one mile distant from hence, where Maguire passing with the horsemen to spoil and burn the country, he himself afterwards ' passed, and encamped fast by the river side, the country burning. With such horse as I had, I went to see what countenance the rebels bore, thinking to get up some stragglers, to whose second Maguire stood with a gross of 45 horse and 16 shot, upon whom my fortune was to happen. With me was Sir Warham Sentleger, whom hardly I drew to consent to the charging of them; but in the end I put towards them, and then the residue followed me; which Maguire perceiving, prepared himself for the encounter. At the first his shot did us some harm, and amongst the rest killed one of my best horses with a bullet in the head. They being dispersed, I joined with the horse, and after some conflict overthrew them. There were 32 of his horsemen slain, amongst whom Maguire made one, his foster-father, his priest, all the commanders of his regiment, and five or six of Tyrone's principal gentlemen died with him. I had one blow at his eldest son with my staff, leaving the head of it buried in him, and him for dead, but since brought into their camp alive, but not likely to be recovered. And the better to make the overthrow manifest, I gained his cornet, a very fair one, and set it on the top of my castle, somewhat distant from the town, in the view of their camp. I left to pursue them any farther, the approaching of the night and the nearness of their camp forbidding me. Of us they hurt not many, only Sir Warham Sentleger with a blow of staff dangerously through the skull; myself, a blow on the head with a sword, and a push into the arm with a staff, but both of them faintly given, and not much hurtful. Thus this ancient traitor to Her Majesty ended his days, having prosperously continued these sixteen years, and being the means of drawing the rest into action, who ever before vaunted of his giving blows.

"This day they are passing farther up into the country. Florence McCarthy is come unto Tyrone, but by his letter assureth us of his loyalty. If he prove false, they will endanger Kinsale, all the town being for the most part of his alliance; but he has protested much, and as yet hath given us no cause to think him dishonest."

Hopes, when he writes in his next of Tyrone's further proceedings, to give their Lordships to understand that the Earl has not found or carried all things as he hoped for. " The Earl of Ormonde is drawn to meet him upon the borders of this province, but by his course taking it should rather seem he will pass over the Shannon, and so through the Earl of Thomond's country, being thereunto aided by certain galleys and boats brought thither for that purpose: which to prevent there shall be no want of good will in us."—Cork, 1599[-1600], March 4. Signed. Seal. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 15 of March. pp.2.

March 4.Waterford.

10. Sir Nicholas Walsh, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, to Sir Robert Cecil. " Being imbarred to go to Dublin by land, by reason that the highways are held by the rebels, and especially near Laghlin and Catherlagh, and missing any passage by sea at Waterford, I was fain to ride toward Wexford, where I remained some 12 days, detained by contrary winds. From thence have I advertised the Lords Justices of the state of Munster and Leinster, and how much the people were seduced by the late libel or letter sent by Tyrone to the inhabitants of the English Pale, and how meet it were to be answered in their names, with the privity of the Council. And, albeit I took as great care as might be that my letters should not be intercepted, by hiding of those, and causing them to be sewn in his old ' truise' [trews], which, for the raggedness thereof, none would covet, and by leaving other letters of private matters and of less moment more openly, yet have I heard nothing, neither of them nor of the messenger; those having been sent away more than a month since, whereby I doubt very much of his miscarriage. And therefore have I made bold to acquaint your Honour with some parts thereof, material in mine opinion to be made known. I have, among other things, advertised their Lordships of a letter received by me from a gentleman of the county of Wexford, a student of the laws and of good credit, discovering a conference had by him with that viperous traitor, James Archer, whom they call Father Archer. The original letter I sent to the Lords Justices, and herewith I do transmit a copy thereof, which I then reserved for myself [wanting, but see No. 136 of Vol. CCVII. part 1]. I do since understand from some of the Englishry born in this land, who have for a time accompanied the rebels of the Irishry, that they have in Leinster, at the Garkhill near Laghlin, brought forth their Irish books, importing what lands the several stirps of the Irishry have had before the conquest, and leaving the charge and expenses thereof unto them, and because they have disclosed their purposes, if they might prevail, to exclude all the ancient English gentlemen from their possessions, [?and] those [that] have forsaken them, and submitted themselves to her Majesty's clemency.

" I do also herewith send unto your Honour a true copy of a summons sent by Tyrone and the supposed Desmond to the Lord Barry, together with the like of their clergy, threatening excommunication from the Pope to all that will not join with them, whereby their wicked devices may be deciphered. And, albeit the Lord Barry and some other Lords and chief gentlemen of Munster do continue for Her Highness against those wicked rebels, yet, inasmuch as most of their followers are risen, and [have] taken arms with them, I hold it, under your Honour's reformation, very necessary that the President appointed for Munster be hastened over, as also the other forces to be sent to the rest of the parts of this kingdom, with store of victuals, the lack whereof is like enough to be a great help (sic) to the overthrow of the rebels." Prays God to " beat down these cursed caterpillars, to the comfort of all Her Majesty's faithful subjects, who now are called out and most hatefully prosecuted by those miscreants." Sends copy of a letter from [John] Lord Power to the Earl of Ormonde, containing intelligence regarding Tyrone and the rebels of Munster.—Waterford, 1599 [-1600], March 4. Signed. Seals. Endorsed:—Received at London, the 12th.pp. 1½

Encloses:—

10. i.Hugh, Earl of Tyrone [" O'Neill"] and James [Fitz Thomas, Earl of] Desmond to [David, Viscount Buttevant], Lord Barry. See original in No. 123, i. of Vol. CCVII., part 1.—Tipperary, 1599 [-1600], February 13. Copy. p. ½.

10. ii. Dermod, [Papal] Bishop of Cork, and Eugenius Hoganus, Vicar Apostolic, to [David, Viscount Buttevant], Lord Barry. See original in No. 123, ii. of Vol. CCVII., part 1.— The Catholic camp, 1599 [-1600], February 14 ("12" in the original referred to). Copy [the name of the Bishop is erroneously given as, " Dionisius Dorenc. Epus."] p½

10. iii. [John,] Lord Power, to the Earl of Ormonde. "Those which, according your Honour's direction, I have sent to bring intelligence of the doings of Tyrone and the supposed Earl of Desmond, are this night returned, and do certify that my Lord Barry's great Island is taken, all his country between that and Imokilly both burned and spoiled, [and] all the castles taken saving three, Barry's Court, Castellyan, and Bealwelly; my Lord's corn and houses there were burned to the gates. They marched therehence (sic) towards Muskerry. Teig McDermod, Cormack's brother, went to them with the most part of the followers of Muskerry, and offered his own son, and three of the best men of the country, as hostages, which Tyrone received; and, understanding that Cormack McDermody did repair to Cork, sent these hostages back, and is now taking the spoil of that country. Finnin [Florence] is made McCarthy More by the followers of the Earl of Clancarty's country, as in right of of his wife, and the bastard Daniel is come to Tyrone's camp. Derby McConnor is come from Finnin to Tyrone with some 200 men, and his brother Carbry remains with Finnin still. Tyrone agreed between Derby McConnor and James Fitz Thomas, and the barony of Inchiquin in Imokilly is given him [for] 31 years, he to maintain 700 men there between Cork and Youghal. If your Lordship will have me send to get more intelligence, let me receive further direction."—Curraghmore, 1599 [-1600], March 1.

[Postscript.] "Tyrone's daughter and O'Melan's wife are in the camp, earnest suitors to Tyrone to draw all his forces to this country." Unsigned, p. 1.

March 4. Cork.

11. William Meade, Mayor of Cork, to the Privy Council. The proceedings of Tyrone. His spoiling of Lord Barry's country. His return to Muskerry, and encamping by " the river of Lye, which runs by Cork." Spoiling by Maguire. Defeat of Maguire by Sir Henry Power.

Maguire "made directly towards Sir Warham [Sentleger], who then was singled from the rest of his company, with one or two men, and upon the encounter (knowing one another, as it is thought), Sir "Warham sped Maguire with his petronel charged with two bullets, and he sped Sir Warham in the head with his lance, and so they departed. Some of the rest of the enemy were fain to light, and betake themselves to the bog. Maguire's colours were then lost, and some of his horses, and so, the night approaching, Sir Warham being sore hurt, and (sic) the rest of his troop aforesaid retreated towards the city, where all the citizens were in armour at the port of the city, ready to succour them, if there were any pursuit. The next day we had very certain intelligence that Maguire and his base son and others were slain, and lay dead in the field all night, not far from the place of the skirmish. Tyrone, upon notice of the skirmish, assaying with more horse to come over the river to second Maguire, his horse ['s] legs failed with the force of the river, and so [he] was in great peril of drowning, and was fain to retire for that time. The next day, being Sunday, the second of March, he passed over and found the bodies of Maguire and one or two more, which he took away with him. The third of March, the camp removed over the river, and made towards Kinsale, Tyrone being accompanied with Florence McCarthy, who is joined with him (as I have formerly advertised), and is greatly allied at Kinsale. I pray God preserve the poor town from their villainy. There are there in garrison some two companies of foot, and they have one great brass piece of ordnance, which might greatly annoy, if it came to the enemy's hands.

"Cormack McDermod, inheritor of Muskerry, and his two eldest sons are here in this city, but I hear that his brother Teig and most of that country are joined with the enemy. I am of opinion that the gentlemen and freeholders of Desmond, having first joined with Florence against Donnell McCarthy, will now join with him and the rest of the rebels. This much I thought fit to signify in all haste to your Lordships, having no other passage than a French ship bound for St. Malo. The bearer can satisfy your Honours touching such other particulars as concerneth these parts. It is reported that Tyrone will remain in Munster till May, and that he expects some foreign assistance."

Begs their Lordships to afford some favourable dispatch to the agents of Cork long resident in London.—Cork, 1599 [-1600], March 4, Holograph, pp. 2.

March 5. Dublin.

12. The Earl of Thomond to Sir Robert Cecil. Commends the bearer, Captain Clare, Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment. The disloyal dealing of the citizens of Limerick. The bearer best acquainted with their doings. Sent heretofore a book of articles against the citizens. Hopes it has come to Sir Robert's hands. Would have sent another now, but that he stays for the Lord President's going to Munster. "Would have written oftener, but that there were no means to send, the ways and passages were so dangerous. His indebtness to Sir Robert. Has kept his poor country hitherto in good quietness, so that it is one of the quietest now in Ireland.

"As for the gentleman that is nominated my brother, who hath been in action against Her Majesty, I have committed him to the gaol in Limerick, to be disposed of as shall please your Honour, either to go for England, or to remain here in prison."—Dublin, 1600, March 5.Signed, p. 1.

March 5. Cork.

13. William [Lyon], Bishop of Cork and Ross, to Sir Robert Cecil. Endeavoured to send the enclosed (wanting) by Mr. Watson, but he was under sail before the messenger arrived. Proceedings of Tyrone in Munster. He passed within musket shot of the gates of Cork," but not one shot discharged at them, save that Sir Henry Power from Shandon Castle sent forth some loose shot, and slew of them. There was a culverin with two other pieces, which would have reached much farther than the enemy, as he passed along the side of the hill, which were upon their carriages charged ; but the Mayor would not suffer one shot to be made. He was not willing, neither durst he hurt the Catholic army, neither would he suffer the English in the city to go forth to Sir Henry Power. And a town Captain being willing to skirmish with the rebels with an hundred of voluntary townsmen, having Shandon Castle to succour, where Sir Henry Power was, the Mayor denied him. The Commissioners were eye witnesses hereto. I leave the consideration to your Honour. So the traitor went with his whole army into the Lord Barry's country and Imokilly adjoining, where John FitzEdmond dwells, burning and spoiling six days together, and namely the Great Island (an Island of the Lord Barry's well known to Sir Walter Ralegh), wherein were cattle great store, and the greater part of the goods of the country round about."

Supposed agreement between Tyrone and Muskerry, Cormack McDermod's country. " On Saturday last being the first of this month, Maguire with others were sent by Tyrone into Kirriwhiry (the seignory of old Sir Warham Sentleger) to burn and spoil." His defeat. Encounter between Maguire and Sir Warham. Death of both. Loss of the rebels. Maguire " died that night under a bush, and is gone to his place." Florence McCarthy is joined with O'Neill, to whom he surrendered his patent and all his right, and yielded to hold the country of him. This was done in his camp last Monday, March 3, and a gentleman of good account and credit informed the Council thereof. Tyrone then removed with his camp westward, within two miles of Kinsale, where he now is. What course he will take is not yet certainly known. "It is (thought he will not leave this province as yet, for, by his being here, he spareth his country in the north (I say in the north, for that he reckons all the land his own: he hath taken a great view of this river). Now is the time for sowing of corn in the north. But where he eometh he maketh great wastness. He hath not attempted any castles or holds as yet in the province."—Cork, 1599[-1600], March 5. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

March [6]. Dublin.

14. Letters Patent appointing Sir George Carew, President of Munster.—Dublin, 1599[-1600], March [6]. Copy. pp. 2½.

March [6]. Richmond.

15. Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. The great sum spent on extraordinaries under the government of the Earl of Essex. Allowance made to Mountjoy of 4,000l. yearly for that purpose. If sufficient cause be shewn, will be pleased to yield to a further sum. As correspondency will be difficult with Munster, Lough Foyle, and Ballyshannon, Mountjoy is to give a general warrant to the Treasurer at Wars, and to his deputies in those places, to issue monies for extraordinaries within such limits as Mountjoy thinks fit. For the rest of the provinces, the concordatums to be made as usual.— The Court at Richmond, 1599[-1600], March [6].Copy, pp. 1½.

March 6. Waterford.

16. Richard Madan, Mayor of Waterford, to Sir Robert Cecil. The extraordinary charges of the city by reason of the rebellion. Her Majesty's former graces to them. Her gift, some years ago, of a culverin, " which shall never be forgotten by us." Beg Sir Robert to obtain them another, which Her Majesty is inclined to bestow, as the bearer, Nicholas Wise, their agent, can relate.—Waterford, 1599 [-1600], March 6. Sir Robert's secretary has endorsed the letter erroneously, " 10 March, 1600."Holograph, p. 1.

March 7. Dublin.

17. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. In favour of the bearer [from the endorsement, Captain Edmund Fitzgerald], who has received letters of commendation from the Council in Ireland.—Dublin, 1599[-1600], March 7. Sir Robert's secretary has endorsed the letter erroneously, " 6th of March '99." Signed, p. ½.

March 7. Cork.

18. The Commissioners of Munster to Sir Robert Cecil. Since their letters of the 4th instant, Tyrone is returned towards Lord Roche's country, " and, as we are informed, hasteneth homewards, having before his departure made Florence McCarthy Governor of this province, and given him the title of McCarthy More, who is now also parted from Tyrone." The Chief Justice [William Saxey] made suit unto them for license to repair into England. This some of them thought could be granted, but, on further consideration, by reason of Sir Warham Sentleger's death, they utterly denied his request. Notwithstanding he has gone over. Pray Sir Robert to hasten his return, or to send some other in his stead, that the ordinary course of justice may not be hindered—Cork, 1599 [-1600], March 7. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

March 7. Barry Court.

19. David, Viscount Buttevant, Lord Barry, to Sir Robert Cecil. Since the writing of his last letters, the archtraitor Tyrone and the rest of his accomplices have dealt extremely and cruelly with him and his followers, and tenants. No house or rick of corn has been left in all his country. All the cattle and beasts have been preyed or killed. Some of the tenants have been murdered. The bearer will give further particulars. Means shortly to visit Sir Robert, and hopes to see him as soon as the bearer, but is staying chiefly for the Earl of Ormonde's coming, to yield his best assistance against the traitors, and that he may carry a report of Ormonde's success.—Barry Court, 1599 [-1600], March 7. Signed. Seal. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 19th. p. 1.

March 7. Waterford.

20. Sir Nicholas Walsh, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, to Sir Robert Cecil. Encloses copy he has received of a letter from Tyrone and the supposed Earl of Desmond to Lord Roche, whereby (as in the rest) their most traitorous intentions are manifested. " Those rebels, before the writing hereof, are removed westward toward Muskerry in the county of Cork, which is a very wooded country, through fear (as may be thought) of Her Majesty's forces under the Earl of Ormonde, who, with the Earl of Thomond, is drawing toward them with a strong army."— Waterford, 1599[-1600],March7.

[Postscript.] " The rebels have done nothing memorable in Munster since the coming of Tyrone thither, saving the taking of some preys and burning some villages belonging to those that refused to adhere unto them. And by that time Her Majesty's forces shall play their parts, I make myself sure the rebels of Munster shall be not only otherwise weakened, but also like to starve this next summer for want of food."

Holograph. Endorsed:—Received at London the 12th. p. 1.

Encloses:—

20. i. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone ["O'Neill"], and James [FitzThomas, Earl of] Desmond, to Lord Roche. " Let it be known unto you that the Lord Bishop, the clergy, and the Earl of Desmond and we came near you hither, and that we are all of one resolution and mind to entreat you to take our parts in the behalf of God, and for our conscience and country sake, to appear presently before us, to yield us sufficient security, as you ought, henceforward to be at our counsel and direction; and we will likewise secure you to spence (sic) with you henceforward as becometh. And if you do not so, in respect we intend to erect the Catholic religion, and exalt the general good of this realm of Ireland, with God's furtherance, we and all our partakers will labour against you, if you adhere not unto us. At Glamwyerie, this certain day to perform our wills, in Muskerricurcke, the 21 of February, 1600." Signed. Copy, p. ½.

20. ii. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone ["O'Neill"], and James [FitzThomas, Earl of] Desmond, to [David, Viscount Buttevant], Lord Barry. See above No. 10. i. p. ½.

20. iii. Dermod, [Papal] Bishop of Cork, and Eugenius Hoganus, Vicar Apostolic, to [David, Viscount Buttevant], Lord Barry. See above No. 10. ii. p. ½.

20. iv. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone ["O'Neill"], and James [FitzThomas, Earl of] Desmond, to Lord Roche. Another copy of No. 20. i. above, p. ½.

20. v. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone ["O'Neill"], and James [FitzThomas, Earl of] Desmond, to Cormack McDermod. Similar letter to No. 20. ii. above. Arlow, 1599 [-1600], February 13. Signed. Copy. p. ½.

[March 7.]

21. Another copy of the enclosures to the preceding letter, and also of a letter from Tyrone and Desmond to John FitzEdmund, for which see enclosure to No. 131 of Vol. CCVII. part 1. pp. 3½.

March 7. Youghal.

22. [Sir John Dowdall] to the Privy Council. "I am assured that your Honours have advertisements from the Commissioners of this province [of] the whole course of the proceedings of the traitor Tyrone, of his forces, by whom he is favoured, and what they were that he burnt, the killing of Maguire, the death of Sir Warham Sentleger, and the dealings of Florence McCarthy.

"For that I assure myself the Commissioners know not the estate of my Lord General Ormonde, I thought it my duty to signify unto your Honours so much as I know. These 14 days my Lord of Ormonde hath been drawing forces to the borders of Cashel and Clonmell, and on Monday last, the 3 of March, his Lordship came in person to Cashel, accompanied upon the towns of that frontier with 3,000 English foot and 300 horse. Foot of all sorts, 5,000, and 300 horse.

"The traitor Tyrone, removing himself from the borders of this town to the westwards of Cork, I presently sent out of this garrison 150 shot and 50 armed pikes, complete by poll, of 350 resident here; so your Honours may note that assistance goes to him from all parts, where the passage is clear, either by day or night. This traitor with his confederates must pass back the same way he came, by reason of two rivers, the one the Shannon, by Killaloe upon the said river, and the other, Gouldinge bridge upon the river of Shoewer [Suir], which two places are distant 16 miles. To the north, westwards, is the strong country, Kylquige; joining to that is McBrynaryes country, and McBrinagownagh's country. Joining to Gouldinge is O'Dyre's country.

"All these countries are sunken with bogs and woods, and the passages are very strait passes, and fords up to the saddle skirts in sundry places within a mile, which is very hard and difficult for an army to pass. I do hear surely that my Lord of Ormonde hath plashed and trenched all those passages, and strengthened them with men, upon which advantage he purposeth to fight with these rebels. If he do, by the assistance of God (who putteth them into his hands), he shall make them repent that ever they came into these parts. The traitors are in number 7,000 foot and 500 horse, good and bad. They are greatly dismayed by some sickness among them, the death of Maguire, and a bruit among them that O'Donnell is slain in Connaught; so they curse Tyrone that ever they came out of their country.

" This present day, being the 7th of this month, the traitor's army passed the river of Youghal, called Blackwater, at the fords of Formoye and Hyde's Castle, into Cundon's country, and so into Edmund McGibbon's country, called the White Knight; which way leads to Tipperary and the Holy Cross, where my Lord of Ormonde now lieth. If they make no stay, within these four days there is no doubt the two armies will meet, to the advancement of God's glory and Her Majesty's honour, for the time and place of their retreat offers no other but their overthrows; doubting nothing but the Commanders of this province will draw a head of all the forces out of their garrisons, which will be (with their assured assistances) 2,000 foot and 200 horse, to follow them upon the rear.

" This incursion of the northern traitors hath done the Queen more service than hurt. The reason is, that they have wasted and spoiled such as her Majesty's forces could not do with honour, for that they were not in open action ; yet did the enemy daily command their goods and cattle for their victualling. If it shall please your Honours to give instructions to the Deputy and Commanders here, as the traitors have wasted by fire and sword all such as were under her Majesty's obedience, so likewise that without favour or respect, that like waste be made by Her Majesty's forces upon all traitors and temporising subjects, and all the goods of such subjects as cannot defend themselves under the strength of towns and castles. And wheresoever an enemy shall be taken to eat meat by violence upon a subject, that subject shall presently remove or be wasted by the forces. This being truly executed, a famine must needs ensue, as is well known by former examples. Then the rebellious rout must of force starve in a short time, and Her Majesty's forces [be] strengthened in their several garrisons by victuals out of England. So shall those garrisons consume the whole kingdom in a very short time, except such as are under their protections and sure defence, taking none of them to mercy or protection; for the more they are in number, the sooner they will starve.

"To make these wars short, is not only (sic) to raise great forces but to force famine by all means possible, which is easy to be done' as aforesaid. And where they begin to quail in all parts, then may the garrisons be drawn to a head to make incursions into the north by land and sea, in time of harvest; and the more the enemy is forced to keep together in great numbers, they shall be the cause of their own ruins and waste. When the plough and breeding of cattle shall cease, then will the rebellion end."— Youghal, 1599 [-1600], March 7. The signature has been mostly torn away, but appears to end in "— all," and is probably that of Sir John Dowdall, one of the Captains in Munster. pp. 2.

March 8.

23. "A project for suppressing the rebellion of Ireland."

"My first project is for the surprising or destroying of the usurping traitor of Desmond his creaght, for the surprising of "them after I once know in what places they are kept, and in what manner they are driven and fed. I will propound unto the Lord President such means as shall appear possible, and very probable for the destroying of them as they pass, or where they feed and water. I have secret experience for that purpose. [Sir Robert Cecil has struck out this paragraph, and written on the margin:—" I like no such barbarism."]

"The second project is for the surprising or in (sic) executing of the persons of James Fitz Thomas and John Fitz Thomas his brother; in the which resolutely I offer to hazard my life by any draft or practice that shall be approved by the Lord President. [There is no marginal note to this.]

"The third project is for dividing of his troops, by distracting his forces and driving his followers from him. The White Knight his son, Maurice McGibbon, is of my familiar acquaintance, and [we] were comrades in the Low Countries ; whose nature and disposition is inwardly known unto me. I doubt not but by his means, and such others of my acquaintance amongst the followers of James Fitz Thomas, but to effect something of consequence for Her Majesty's service.

"The fourth project is secretly to fire his provision or magazine of powder at such convenient time as the Lord President shall think good.

"There be many advantages of great importance that to the eye of a discerning soldier will be presented, the which I will faithfully put in execution as the Lord President shall command. For the better execution of these services, if it may be so thought convenient, I do desire to have some 15 or 20 persons of Irish and English, such as I shall find in this country, unto whose resolution and secrecy I may give confidence." Endorsed:—1599-[1600], March 8. Unsigned, p. 1

March 9.[Dublin.]

24. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to the Privy Council. Arrival of Sir Samuel Bagenall from his government of Newry, to inform Mountjoy of his services, and to what forwardness other matters of special consequence were brought, and how with assistance they would very shortly be perfected. Told Sir Samuel of the Queen's command that none were to be retained but those having the entertainment of a Colonel, and that the list could not be increased. Encloses a report by Sir Samuel of his services. General voice in his favour of those of best judgment in Ireland. Cannot assist him, or any other that shall deserve extraordinarily, but by making their services known to their Lordships. Begs that, till some Colonel's place may fall, Sir Samuel may have some entertainment for the government of Newry, which he thinks it very necessary to continue in his charge. Encloses also a note of the confederates of Glasney McOughley, who has been already with Mountjoy, and undertakes to bring them in.—[Dublin], 1599 [-1600], March 9. Signed, p. 1.

Encloses:—

24. i. "A just and true account of the service done by the garrison of the Newry, since I had commission for the command of the forces in the province of Ulster, the same beginning the 28th of September, 1599."

On November 7, prey of cows and garrans taken from Tirlogh McHenry, killed one of his men called "a dorgan, who was amongst them of good account." Others hurt and slain, but none on Sir Samuel's side. Guided by Edmund Groome.

On November 16, 40 horse and 200 foot sent into Iveagh. Burnt divers towns. Killed some people. Took one of Magennis's horsemen, " one of good reckoning, and of their best men, as appeared by his wounds when he was taken."

On November 28, prey of cows and garrans taken from O'Hanlon. Had neither man nor horse killed or hurt. Guided by Hugh O'Hanlon, one of Phelim O'Hanlon's sons.

"I have divers times sent out soldiers with my thieves, who have at several times bought in a thousand head of cattle, mares, and garrans. They have killed and burned, so that none of our bordering neighbours durst dwell near us by 12 or 15 miles, except Tyrone's force were to defend them; which services were done in his former journey, before the truce made betwixt the Earl of Ormonde and him, Henry Oge McShane being then left to defend the bordering countries against this garrison."

Messages from, and conference with, Glasney McOughley, who agreed to serve Her Majesty. This he has reasonably performed. Conference "with divers of good quality, that are grown weary of Tyrone's tyrannies, and are desirous to become subjects."

At Tyrone's going Munsterward, he left his brother Cormack to " attend" the garrison of Newry. Cormack has ever lain within five or six miles of the same, but with no great force; "yet so it weakened Tyrone, that he was not able to carry with him above 1,500 foot and 150 horse by the head: whereupon I will lay my life, howsoever opinion may make him five, six, or seven thousand men."

In January he had intelligence that Magennis lay in camp with his people at a place called Lough Admghan (sic), some three miles from Cormack, " whither I went, and at the break of day burnt their houses, which they call their camp, cut some of his best men's throats, made most of that, multitude leave their arms and clothes ; yet men, women, and children were burnt in their houses. We took from there ten or twelve horses and hackneys, Magennis's own horses being burnt with their guard and keepers, which were to the number of fifteen, furnished with the Spanish harquebusses that came to Calbeg. This made him remove from thence some ten miles to his strengthward, and Cormack from the Glins, where he encamped, to Mulloughbane, which is Tyrone's camping place betwixt this town and Dundalk."

On "the 28th of this present February," a leader of Magennis's shot came to McOughley, and assured him, if he could get force, he would bring him on Magennis's camp. Sir Samuel conferred with the man, and, upon good pledges, undertook the journey. Successful attack on the camp, and heavy loss of the enemy. " Took 15 or 16 horses and hackneys, burnt divers towns, some people, and brought from thence 1,000 head of cattle."

If he has left anything undone, prays to be excused, by reason of the continued sickness he has borne since the departure of Essex.— [1599–1600, February.] Signed, pp. 2.

24. ii. "The confederates of Glasney McOughley."—[1599-1600, March.] p. ½.

March 9. Dublin.

25. Sir George Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. Is very sorry Her Majesty will not give him leave to go to England, to deliver the project he has long considered for the advancement of her service. She rather commands him to deliver to Sir Robert " a taste of this project," by writing, or by some confident person well instructed. Cannot well express his full meaning, nor answer all objections, by letters. Has sent Edward Hayes, with whom he has had many conferences about this matter. Hayes is sworn not to discover anything thereof to any living creature but Sir Robert. If Her Majesty be pleased to embrace this public good, hopes that no other may enjoy the fruits of his travail.

" I see by experience that these Irish wars do exhaust the treasure of England, that the state of England doth even groan under the burden thereof, that we expend faster here than you can gather it in in England ; and, that which is worst of all, I see by proof that Her Majesty's exceeding great charge doth enrich the rebels, and enable them to continue a war against her."

Begs Sir Robert to "take some taste" of his project, by which Her Majesty will gain in one year 150,000l., and make the rebels unable to continue any long war, and answer Her Majesty 1,000l. per annum out of the exchange during the time of the wars. Sends the project by the bearer. The sooner Her Majesty enters into this business, the sooner will her profit grow.— " From my house by Dublin," 1600, March 9. Holograph, pp. 2.

March 9. Dublin.

26. Sir George Carew, President of Munster, to Sir Robert Cecil. On behalf of the bearer, Captain [T.] Jackson, who has been discharged of his company for a fault committed by his lieutenant. Jackson is " an experienced Captain in the wars," and desires to justify himself.—Dublin, 1599[-1600], March 9. Holograph, p. 1.

[March 9.]

27. Account by Captain T. Jackson of the deceit of his lieutenant with regard to the musters. Other charges against the lieutenant. Character of the chief informers against Captain Jackson.—[1599-1600, March 9.] Signed, p. 1.

March 11. Dublin.

28. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. " Sir, I thank God hitherto I have no such disaster happened in my government as to be driven to mark the first face of my letter with so ill news as you have been accustomed to receive from this kingdom ; and therefore I will first show you my hopes, and no more of my fears than do more concern the estate than me.

" I have assuredly informed myself that Tyrone passed these parts with an army of some fifteen hundred horse and foot, compounded of such a sort of people in appearance, as, except they have the virtue of some secret charm with them, might, for anything I can conceive, have been with great advantage encountered by so many of the worst men the Queen hath here in pay. And now he is in Munster, with an army of some four thousand in reputation, attended by the Queen's army under the Earl of Ormonde, consisting of three thousand heads and three hundred horse. From my Lord of Ormonde I have received no particular intelligence since I came, but, by some Captains of good judgment that came from the army, I have learned thus much of ours and the enemy's strength, though I hear nothing of either of their counsels, how they determine to use it. Although the Queen's forces in these parts be but now the dregs of the army (my Lord of Ormonde having called out the best of every company), yet out of them I am able to draw fifteen hundred foot and very near three hundred horse, to make head against Tyrone's return by these parts ; with the which, though the Earl of Ormonde should not come up close with him in his rear, I would not doubt, by God's grace, but either to make him quit his carriages, which they say are many, and to steal away, or else to give him a greater blow. But, Sir, I beseech you, consider how this occasion is taken out of my hands by the directions I received (and determine to obey) when I was in England. Out of this 1,500 foot, I must presently draw 1,000 to send for Lough Foyle, and, whatsoever may happen here, leave all these parts naked unto him in his return, and to his mercy, for anything I know, except my Lord of Ormonde do follow him more close than I fear me he will. For I dare draw these forces no farther from this place than I may in one day send them back to be shipped, as soon as the ships we find here can be made ready, or that the wind shall serve. But if I had been left to my discretion, as I should have found cause to proceed here, I would now have sent away all the munition and treasure appointed for Lough Foyle to Knockfergus, with 200 old soldiers, and appointed Sir Henry Dockwra to have taken out 500 old soldiers more from thence, and to have left so many more new men in their places, and with the full number of men, munition, and treasure, appointed for Lough Foyle, to have gone presently and to plant in that place, which they might better do with so many in Tyrone's absence, than with the number added unto it that is appointed for Ballyshannon. I would have attended Tyrone's return with great advantage, as we are never likely to find him again at the like; and, if by any shameful evasion he has escaped me, I would have followed him into the north, where I assure you, Sir, an army will make the greatest part of his strength to quit him. For in general I receive overtures from many inclined to a defection from him upon the plantation of Lough Foyle, and some such prosecution in these parts, as may give them appearance to be defended, if they become good subjects. But they attend the issue of Tyrone's journey, and this first appearance of the war that is likely to be made against them will utterly confirm them and draw out others, or assure the doubtful to become good subjects, and make all the rest hearken after mercy. Neither should my keeping this army together have omitted the plantation of Ballyshannon, but by it sought out some opportunity to have planted in that place with more safety. For as I ever held the fortune of that garrison to be exceeding hard by the way and means they are appointed to go, so I do continually see more reason to be fearful of it. But I will follow the directions I have received, and make the best of the worst that can happen here ; and if whatsoever concerns my part for this dispatch of Lough Foyle were performed, I would, as soon as I might, put myself in the head of the army my Lord of Ormonde now hath, and draw them towards the north, and do the Queen there the best service I could.

"But I pray, Sir, be a means to Her Majesty to send sufficient treasure to pay her army in my time their weekly lendings in no worse sort than they were in my Lord of Essex ['s] time; for otherwise I shall be able to do nothing with them, nor to keep them in any order. For you cannot believe into what a confusion and disorder their slack payment since his departure hath put them all; and believe this to be so material a point, as, if it be not redressed, I dare boldly say that the Queen will lose her whole charge that she is at in this kingdom. The particular reasons whereof, and many circumstances which would make it plainly appear unto you, I protest at this time I am not able for want of time to write; and therefore I pray, Sir, let me be pardoned, if I omit to give an account of many things which might be required of me, being even oppressed with the burden I sustain, that, in the government of such a kingdom and of such an army, have so little assistance, that, if I missed the President of Munster, I protest I know no assistance of any value that I received from any other; for neither the Marshal nor Sir Francis Stafford are here, nor any one hath arrived in these parts since my coming. Wherefore I pray, Sir, let the President of Munster be excused to Her Majesty, if his departure be not so sudden as is expected, for until this time he could not have gone, neither by any means can he be spared, till these munitions and men be sent for Lough Foyle. For whatsoever others should be, yet he is only able to see such a provision in so short time, and shipping for them fitted as they should be. Besides my own particular that now sustain a public person, and am the more to be heard for what I speak in respect of that person ; as I am such a one [as] shall find so great a miss of him, as, when he is gone, I know not one here that I dare commit any trust of importance in (sic), nor from whose counsel I can receive any assistance. And yet, if I were aided by a council of Solomons, I think this kingdom and this army, as now they are, would afford them matter enough to try their best wits.

"Sir, I am driven to leave you abruptly, being weary of thus wearying of you, and called to give order for a number of rogues, that even now, they say, are burning certain villages in Kildare; and I beseech God send you more contentment than I have."—[Dublin,] 1599 [–1600], March 11.

[Postscript.] " I have sent you a letter from Sir Arthur O'Neill to one Fleming, that himself delivered to me, that you may by his humour guess of a number of others which I find in the like; of the which there will be great use, if the Queen at the first will countenance her wars. And I cannot but give unto Sir Samuel Bagenall his right, and desire you to let Her Majesty know that I find he hath in his charge done her very good service, but now by her order is without all entertainment, but of a private Captain. The original of this letter I send you I keep, written in Irish." Endorsed:—"Lord Deputy to my master, from Dublin. Received at Richmond the 16 of March 1599 [-1600.] " Holograph, pp. 3.

Encloses:—

28. i. Sir Arthur O'Neill to John Fleming. "I do much marvel that I could hear nothing from you touching the effectual business that I sent with you when you were with me. And we thought that when the Earl of Essex came into Ireland, that English men would come in Lough Foyle, and that we should have good play with O'Neill. But God or the devil defended him then, and since. And we hope in God and in the Queen of England that she will send her forces to Lough Foyle the next summer; and if she do, come you in company with them to me, with what answer and requests that I sent with you, under Her Majesty's hand, or under my Lord Deputy's hand, when he comes, and the Council's hand, or whether of them Sir Samuel Bagenall and yourself will choose for me. And I hope in God to deserve well what Her Majesty will give me, and I will help to put these wars to an end, with the help of God, with a smaller charge to the Queen than it is thought. And if I had but a little help, and stand sure of my demands, I would make O'Neill, since he went to Munster, to return home quickly to defend Tyrone itself.

"Have me commended to Sir Samuel Bagenall, and let him remember there is a great friendship between us, and (sic? as) between my father and the great Marshal, Sir Henry, that was killed by O'Neill. And tell him that I will help him to revenge the death of his cousin upon O'Neill, with the help of God; and let him not forget to do me what good he can, as I hope of him. You know my mind wholly, and deal for me accordingly. Let Sir Samuel Bagenall know my demands, and, if he think them too much, as he and you will cut them short, I will be contented. No more at this time, but God be with you. From the Cargyen. Let them bring great pieces with them, for I hope to get all O'Neill's money, armour, and powder. And come yourself with my requests, and Neale Garve's." Unsigned, p. 1.

[Mar. 11.]

29. "The service that Sir Arthur O'Neill will undertake for Her Majesty, if his requests be granted."

When the Queen's army shall land at Lough Foyle, the said Sir Arthur will undertake to pursue O'Neill from place to place in Tyrone with fire and sword; and will have spies in his camp, anywhere in Tyrone, whereby to draw upon him Her Majesty's forces both by day and night.

He will undertake that Neale Garve O'Donnell shall keep Tyrconnell in such fear, with the help of the Queen's army, that they shall not be able to dwell in any part of the plains thereof.

He will also undertake that, when it shall please God that the countries of Tyrone and Tyrconnell shall be in peace and quiet, those countries shall pay as many English soldiers for the Queen and their defence, as Tyrone himself doth now keep there to make wars against her; and besides, that those countries shall yield as great a revenue to Her Majesty, as ever they did to any of her ancestors.

Also, that if Coconaght Maguire may have Fermanagh to him and his heirs, he will keep the same in such fear that all the inhabitants thereof shall quit their dwellings, except such as shall be subjects to Her Majesty; and that he will keep as many men for the Queen as shall cause the same to stand in obedience, and to pay all former accustomed rents.—[1599-1600, March 11.] p. 1.

March 11. [Dublin.]

30. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. " Having given directions to Sir Arthur Chichester to draw the better part of the forces in these parts to a head about Trim and Athboy, I received from him this evening a letter, which I am desirous you should read, to see into what inconveniences this casting [cassing] of companies doth put us unto (sic), and what diversion it may prove to any service, not to have an army orderly paid. I do send you this, that you may judge ex unguibus leonem, and think it not impertinent to trouble you with the inserting this in our despatch."—[Dublin, 1599-1600], March 11. Unsigned. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 16th. Holograph. p. ½

Encloses:—

30. i.Sir Arthur Chichester to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. "I here find the companies in worse state than I left them. This rumour of turning over and cassing, together with the carelessness of the officers, hath diversely dispersed them. If present order be not taken by proclamation, and punishment for runaways, you will lose the third part of the army very shortly. There hath been an ill custom among the Captains in entertaining one another's men, which must be altered by your Lordship's severe punishing those disorders. Every port suffers them to pass into England, and will not stay them, for that they are allowed nothing for detaining them, and they will give all they have for passage. Most of the officers of these parts are following the runaways, and at Tredath for victuals this store affords us not means for one day; and the paymaster that I brought with me will issue no money without order from your Lordship. So, till we hear from you, the honest must live upon credit, others upon shift, and that hath undone the land. The absence of the officers, foul weather, and mustering to reinforce the company of Sir Henry Dockwra, to be sent to Dublin and Tredath according to your Lordship's directions, stay us this day from our march. To-morrow by one of the clock, we shall be at Athboy, from whence your Lordship shall hear the certainty of our strength. All is quiet upon these borders, and I have given in charge to the gentlemen to have care to guard the country in our absence. May it please your Lordship to cause more treasure to be brought, for this thousand pounds will serve but a short time, the troops having no other means but money. Your Lordship hath given me order to deliver companies to Sir Richard Wingfield, Sir Thomas Wingfield, and others. None of their officers come to receive them, but Sir Robert Lovell's, who shall presently be entered; the rest I will keep together with my best care."—Navan, 1599 [–1600], March 11. Holograph. p. 1.

March 11. Dublin.

31. The Lord Justice Carey to the Privy Council. Begs for more money with all expedition. Encloses breviate of the issue of the last proportion of the treasure. The army in great want both of money and victuals. Constrained to borrow what he may.— Dublin, 1599[–1600], March 11. Signed. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 16th. p. ½.

Encloses:—

31. i. Breviate of the issue of 20,821l. 7s. 7d., received out of England in February, 1599 [–1600].Unsigned. p. 1.

March 12. Dublin.

32. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy and the Council to the Privy Council. "Since our last despatch, albeit we have received no certain advertisement from the Lord Lieutenant of the army, either concerning the doings of Tyrone in Munster, or in what sort his Lordship proceedeth against him with the army, yet, by sundry particular letters written out of Munster to some of us in private, we find that that archtraitor remaineth still in the province, ranging from one country to another, and drawing to his faction the Lords and chieftains of countries, whereby he doth not a little strengthen his combination, and exceedingly countenance his rebellion. And as by most of our advertisements it may be probably gathered that he is near the time of his returning, and that by some other advice, written to some of us out of Ulster, it appeareth that his brother Cormack, with others, upon whose trust he left the country in his absence, have very lately written to him to haste his return thither, so nevertheless we cannot yet discover by what way he will return ; whether over the Shannon, and so through Connaught, or by the Irish countries of Leinster, by which he passed up, or through the more inner parts of the English Pale. For by one of these three he must make his way, if God, for the sins of this country, will suffer him to carry his passage clear, though we hope he will have much to do to escape without some encounter by the Lord Lieutenant of the army, who, it seemeth by our last advertisements, was about the parts of Limerick, both ready to cross him in his passage over the Shannon, if he should take that course, and also to accost him or follow him, if he should seek out any byways to slip from him. And for our parts, to the end to lay for him as much as in us lieth, at least if in his return he hold the tract of Leinster or the English Pale, I, the Deputy, by the joint advice of us all, have given order to draw to a head these few weak companies of horse and foot remaining in Leinster and the Pale, which is but a remnant of the forces assigned to those parts, after two or three callings made before by the Lord Lieutenant, besides some guard left to countenance the defence of the frontier towns. And with these companies I mean, God willing, to draw up in person to the parts of Westmeath, a place indifferent either to stop him, or turn him out of the way, if he make his return through Leinster, and to be ready for him also, if he should break through the more inner parts of the Pale. For the army to be quartered about Mullingar in Westmeath, that place is indifferent to answer any of these two ways for the archtraitor to pass, yet, till there be more certain intelligence which way he will return, I have directed the companies to assemble about Trim and Athboy, and not to pass on till they hear further from me, hoping, ere it be long, we shall receive from the Lord Lieutenant of the army to whom I, the Deputy, have written to be fully informed from him of all matters appertaining to these affairs, such certainty of the traitors' purpose to pass, as I may be able with better correspondence to take my course, as shall be most meet for so great a service. We have, besides, employed several espials into the Irish countries to hearken after Tyrone's doings, and to discover his purpose and manner of return. From whose advertisements I, the Deputy, may haply draw some light for the better carriage of my course to lay for him, which is all that as yet we can certify your Lordships touching this matter ; wherein, as further accidents and events shall break out, your Lordships shall be advertised of every particularity with all the speed we can.

" Touching some demonstration of the estate of Munster, and of Tyrone's practising and prevailing with the Lords there, and in what part he was, not many days past, your Lordships may be pleased to see by a late letter written hither from the Council of that province, the copy whereof is now sent to your Lordships by me, the President. And, particularly, your Lordships may see a resolute encounter, which Sir Warham Sentleger had with Maguire, in which they were both slain at the first charge. The manner whereof we leave to the letter, being not a little grieved for the loss of so worthy a servitor as Sir Warham, though with his own hands he revenged his death upon Maguire, being a great Lord of a country, and one of greatest reckoning with Tyrone, who died in the place. And for the revolting of Florence McCarthy, noted in the letter, we that have known him longest, did never look for other fruit out of such a Spanish heart.

" We have long expected the soldiers appointed for supplies to come by the way of Bristol, and likewise the ships and hoys laden with victual and other provisions from London, but as yet we hear nothing of either of them, which maketh us think that by some great contrariety of wind and weather those matters are so long retarded. For, by our observation here, there hath been no passage made from England hither, since I, the Deputy, landed ; and, if I had not taken that start of the wind as I did, I had been yet in England. Nevertheless there hath been no time lost by us to advance the plantation of Lough Foyle, for so much as can be done here. The bulk of victuals being not brought, nor the proportion of shipping thought upon there to transport the thousand men from hence, with munition, artilleries, and other requisite provisions for that service, being not yet come out of England, we could not answer that which was to be performed here, other than to prepare things ready for the time. And yet, for supplying of that which is to be done here, lest that action, being so weighty and necessary, should receive any loss of time, and seeing the coming of the other shipping from England is so uncertain, we have taken up, in this harbour and Tredagh, so many barks as will suffice for transportation of all things from hence to Knockfergus; which, though it be somewhat more chargeable to Her Majesty by the impresting of the ships [and] mariners, and victualling the soldiers, and some other expenses which could not be avoided, yet the necessity and consequence being duly weighed, we doubt not but your Lordships will allow of this charge, where there was no way to avoid it. And if this should not have been done, that great work to plant at Lough Foyle might have been too long deferred, if not dangerously hazarded. And for the thousand men to be sent thither from hence, I, the Deputy, have already set them down, and do hope to have them ready to answer the time when their victuals, shipping, and all other provisions for that expedition shall be accomplished; which will draw some time, for the many difficulties occurring in those provisions. But it is not safe that the companies do know of their going till they be drawn to the place where they are to be embarked, so generally are they all distasted to go to any service in the north. But the way is to draw them together under some other colour of service; and therefore being a part of this regiment in Leinster, I have caused them to assemble with the residue of the army at Trim and Athboy, from whence I may make use of them with the rest against Tyrone in his return, if that should happen before their shipping and other provisions could be prepared for their transportation; or, being otherwise drawn together under this pretence, they may with more conveniency be kept together, till the instant time of their drawing down to their shipping, so as no way there shall be any time lost for them. For, though I, the Deputy, be abroad with the army upon this occasion of Tyrone, which in good foresight, to cover the Pale, and to avoid dishonour in letting the traitor pass unlooked upon, is the only main cause of my going abroad, yet I will leave the President of Munster, the Treasurer, Master of the Ordnance, and the Secretary, to expedite the preparation of the ships, and all other provisions requisite for that business. For so do I take to heart this planting in the north, as there shall be neither occasion nor opportunity pretermitted, which may advance that service, and to it shall all other business give place for the time. Likewise, the Captains that are to be sent from hence to meet Sir Henry Dockwra at Chester, some of them are gone already, and some are to depart this day, who, with the rest not yet come, could not be sent away before, by reason of the remote places from whence they are drawn; some being with the Lord Lieutenant in Munster, some in Connaught and some in Ulster ; from which provinces, the ways being strongly laid by the rebels, hath been no small let to their speedy coming, and that let could not be avoided without manifest hazarding their lives, which we humbly submit to your Lordships as a consideration that by us no greater expedition than this could not be used. And yet, neither for the Captains nor the soldiers, nor any other preparation to be made here, shall be found any just impediment to the plantation of Lough Foyle.

" And touching the certificates of munitions, which from hence were sent into England in January last, and, as it seemeth, compared and examined there by Sir George Carew and Sir Henry Dockwra, where it did there appear that here was sufficient to supply all the demands for the garrisons of Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon, now it is found that in divers natures here will not be sufficient to answer that turn, but that we are driven to make up those wants by way of some emptions in this city of Dublin. And in truth we find that the several magazines of munitions in the whole kingdom are low drawn, and little store remaining in any of them, considering the greatness of the action now in hand, except the store of Dublin, which being the nursery to feed all the realm, hath nevertheless but a small remain to answer so great a matter ; the certificates whereof are sent herewith to your Lordships by the Master of the Ordnance and other ministers that are here, humbly beseeching your Lordships that some round supply, especially of powder, lead, and match, with culivers, may be sent out of hand, as well for Dublin as for the magazines in Cork and Galway, both which we understand to be very weakly furnished. And, as in the case of munitions, so touching money, we are driven to press your Lordships to be relieved out of hand, for that the last twenty thousand eight hundred twenty and one pounds, 7s. 7d., though it is not long since it arrived, yet it is already divided and expended, and so little left, as we are driven to deal with this city of Dublin, and other particulars about the state, to borrow money to bear up the lendings of the army, and to answer many other unavoidable occasions in the service. The particular issue of the said twenty thousand eight-hundred and odd pounds is herewith sent to your Lordships by me, the Treasurer, and we do all join to beseech your Lordships eftsoons for a further supply of money, without which this army cannot be sustained. Likewise, for that the store of victuals through the whole kingdom is in effect spent, and the country in an universal dearth and scarcity of victuals, which daily riseth more and more in every place, it may please your Lordships to haste away, with all the speed that may be, the proportions of victuals so long expected here, and, as we understand, prepared there, humbly beseeching your Lordships to consider to what hard terms we are reduced, when we have neither money to pay the soldier, nor victuals to feed him; and yet the charges of the service increasing upon us still by many unexpected, accidents, humbly submitting our remedy and help herein to your Lordships' wonted honourable considerations.

" We have considered of such commissions of authority and other instructions as are thought requisite for Sir Henry Dockwra for Lough Foyle, and Sir Matthew Morgan, whom I, the Deputy, found a Colonel standing in list, and have appointed him for Ballyshannon, having distinguished their governments into limits and circuits, such as we thought best for their several commands. And I, the Deputy, have given commission and instructions severally to the Lord Dunkellin and Earl of Thomond for their jurisdiction over the martial forces in Connaught, as is prescribed out of England, and to the Justice and Council of that province for managing the civil affairs there.

" Sir Samuel Bagenall, having charge of Her Majesty's forces at the Newry, Carlingford, and other parts thereabouts, and having done sundry good services there, as well by killing the rebels and burning their corn as by spoiling them of some of their creaghts, hath brought hither of late one of the best of the Magennises, called Glasney McCooley [' McChowley'], a competitor to the country, and made Magennis by Tyrone not long since, but depressed and now is drawn from him by Sir Samuel to serve Her Majesty; by whose means Sir Samuel hath had many good drafts of service against Magennis and other the northern rebels by drawing blood of them. Some reward there hath been given to him, and the custodiam of the country, which he standeth for in right, young Magennis, the Lord thereof, being in actual rebellion. All which we thought good to touch to your Lordships, as well by way of commendation of Sir Samuel's service, as to move your Lordships to give allowance to the reward given to Glasney McCooley and his followers, being 200l., of which he spent the greatest part in entertaining of men for service, and also to such others as in the like kind may be distributed hereafter for causes of service, wherein we will use as sparing hand as we may, and not to (sic) give away Her Majesty's money but upon extraordinary services and urgent occasions.

" Lastly, there cannot be as yet any course taken for the safe sending up of the President of Munster to his charge, as well for the impossibility of shipping, if he should pass by sea, all the barks being taken up within this harbour and Tredagh for transportation of the thousand soldiers to the north, as also for the apparent danger of the ways, if he should pass by land. For that the rebels lie strong in the ways, and there is no means to give him sufficient convoy from hence, by reason the best part of the forces here are with the Lord Lieutenant of the army, and the rest, upon this occasion of Tyrone's returning, are to attend me, the Deputy, into Westmeath. So as he is enforced to remain here for a time, and yet his stay is to good purpose for furthering of the northern plantation, which for the most part dependeth upon him. But so soon as there is means to send him away, there shall be no time omitted, and himself is most desirous to be at his charge."—Dublin, 1599 [-1600], March 12. Signed. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 16 of March, '99.pp. 6. Enclose:—

32. i. The Commissioners of Munster to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey. Since their last letters, signifying the coming of Tyrone into those parts, he removed out of Lord Barry's country on Tuesday last, and encamped near Blarney. The next Saturday he sent out of his camp 100 horse and 200 foot, to burn the country of ' Kerichurchid' [Kerrycurrihy]. "On which day Sir Warham Sentleger and Sir Henry Power, with some horsemen, did rise forth to see if they might meet some of those companies straggling from the rest, and at length they descried a cornet of horse and drew toward them. And knowing the same to be Maguire, they made a charge upon him and his horsemen. Sir Warham encountered Maguire, and with his pistol shot two bullets into his breast; he with his staff stroke Sir Warham into the brain, of which blow within four days he died. And Maguire was not far gone, but he fell from his horse dead."

In this conflict 20 of the rebel horsemen were slain, many hurt and unhorsed, but none hurt on the English side, save Sir Warham. Tyrone is at present near Kinsale, and threatened to win the town. Cannot believe he may, for there is a garrison of 250 foot there, besides the townsmen. Florence McCarthy has been with Tyrone these six days, and, as they learn, has joined with him, waived the benefit of Her Majesty's patent for Desmond, surrendered his right therein to Tyrone, took the same bach by Irish tenure, sware to deliver his eldest son unto him as pledge, and to join with him in this rebellion to the end. Cormack McDermody, Lord of Muskerry, is in Cork, but all his country are revolted, and his brother and the rest of them have delivered pledges to Tyrone, to hold of his side. Young Charles is at Cork, and all his tenants are spoiled. "It is expected that all the rest of the McCarthys of Munster and their followers are to deliver pledges to Florence as (reputed by them) McCarthy More, Chief of the Irishry, and his pledge as Chief to remain for them with Tyrone." Under pretence of this agreement, all the McCarthys and their followers lands and tenants an preserved from spoil, saving young Charles and his brothers, but the rest of the subjects' countries are destroyed. Lastnight there arrived at Cork the winter clothes for the soldiers. Sir George Thornton prays that he may have bestowed upon him Sir Warham's place in the government, until the Lord President come—Cork, 1599[-1600], March 5. Copy. p.1.

32. ii. "The remain of all sorts of munitions at the Newry and Carlingford, with an estimate of those at Galway and Cork." Signed by Anthony Ersfield, Endorsed:—1 March, 1599 [–1600]. pp. 3.

32. iii. "An estimate of the remain of munition at the Newry, after the proportion of Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon is supplied." Signed by Anthony Ersfield. Endorsed:—1599 [–1600,March]. p. 1.

32. iv. "The remain of munition within the store at Dublin, when the proportion is shipped for Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon." Signed by Sir George Bourchier. Endorsed:—1599[-1600, March],p. 1.

32. v. "A report of the state and store of victual remaining at the several magazines in Ireland, the last day of February, 1599 [-1600], and of the several numbers of men victualled with the same." Attested by George Beverley. Copy. p. 1.

32. vi. Original of the preceding. Signed by George Beverley. p. 1.

March 12. Maynooth.

33. Mabel, Countess of Kildare, to Queen Elizabeth. Her Majesty's princely favour towards her. Loss of her sons. Begs for a continuance of favour, and that her "poor, desolate, and distressed estate " may be recommended to such as are appointed Governors over Ireland. Prays for her Majesty's long and happy reign.—Maynooth, 1599[-1600], March 12. Signed. p. 1.

March [12].

34. Warrant from the Queen to Sir George Carey to pay the sum of 220l., due to the Earl of Kildare, to such person as shall be appointed by the Countess of Kildare, now attending Her Majesty.—[1599–1600, March 12.] Draft, p. 1.

March 12.Dublin.

35. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. " By these extracts enclosed, your Honour may see that the army hath not as yet touched Tyrone, though they be both in one province, and not far distant one from the other. Only a face is made to lie for him in his way, which is a casual manner of prosecution, to beat an enemy out of a country, who should be sought and followed close, to give him no breath, specially where there is a force strong enough to make good all opportunities and occasions that may be taken to distress him. But I hope the purpose of this lingering is to draw on a fight at last, which is a matter (as I hear) that the Lord Lieutenant seeketh, and the Traitor shunneth. And I assure myself his lordship will not let him slip without some honourable encounter. But, by his long tarrying in Munster, he maketh strong his rebellion with those Irish Lords, and draweth away the hearts of the subjects from Her Majesty, when they see her army to give sufferance so long time, in the heart of their country, to an enemy stranger and a rebel of Ulster, far from them, and not known to them before.

"He beginneth now to cast for his return home ; and, to waylay him here, if he should bolt by these parts of Leinster, or the Pale, the Lord Deputy prepareth himself with his handful of men in Leinster to cross him in Westmeath, which is the passage (I think) he will seek, if he can make it clear. It is Lough Foyle, and the plantation intended there that bringeth him so suddenly out of Munster, which having passed heretofore but as a rumour, he seeth now it is sorted to a settled resolution. I am written unto that he hath vowed to spend his life in resisting that garrison to land there, and I doubt not, with God's help, but they will make their landing good without much effusion of blood. But I am not of that mind for the landing at Ballyshannon, which should be countenanced with a force by the way of Connaught, but I see that cannot be."—Dublin, 1599[-1600], March 12.Signed. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 16th. Seal. p. 1.

Encloses:—

35. i. " Extracts of several letters written to Sir Geffrey Fenton, concerning the Archtraitor Tyrone."

(a.) "From my Irish priest, by letter of the 6th of March, '99.—That Cormack, hearing that the Lord Deputy was drawing the army to a head, is in fear that his Lordship will enter Ulster in the absence of Tyrone, and plant garrisons at Armagh and Blackwater. And for that cause, Cormack hath sent up in haste sundry messengers to call Tyrone home out of Munster, to the end to withstand the Lord Deputy; and, in the meanwhile, Cormack having charge of the country in Tyrone's absence, hath sent for all the risings out of Ulster, to meet him by a day, for that he will be in readiness to stop the Lord Deputy."

(b.) "From a soldier in Tyrone's camp, by letter dated 5° Martii. That Tyrone hath written to Cormack, that he is now thinking by what way he shall return home, for that the Queen's army lieth in his way, and therefore he requireth Cormack to gather all the strength of Ulster, to be ready to give help to his returning, and to keep the Lord Deputy occupied till his return. That Tyrone heareth that the Lord Deputy is presently to send forces to Lough Foyle, and that he will haste home to prevent that garrison, if he can. This matter of Lough Foyle troubleth Tyrone much."

(c.) " From Garrett Comerford, by letter dated 8° Martii. That the Lord Lieutenant with Her Majesty's army is at Limerick, to stop Tyrone's passage over the Shannon, and to follow him, if he seek any other way. That if Tyrone break not his companies, and flee by some obscure ways, he will hardly escape the Lord Lieutenant. That he thinketh Tyrone is very desirous to return into Ulster, if not openly, yet by night, and will scatter his companies, to the end to pass with more safety."

(d.) "From the Provost Marshal of Munster, by letter dated 4 Martii. That Tyrone is within two miles of Kinsale in Munster, thinking to attempt that town, which I believe not. That the Lords of Carberry and Muskerry have given their pledges to Tyrone, and Florence McCarthy hath thrown away his English patent, and is created McCarthy More by Tyrone, and is now with Tyrone. That Sir Warham Sentleger, encountering with Maguire in a ford, they were both slain. That the province of Munster doth begin to curse Tyrone, for that, by his coming thither, he hath spoiled the country which the advertiser thinketh will turn to a good service to Her Majesty."—Endorsed by Sir Geffrey Fenton, " Advertisements concerning Tyrone.—Martii, '99." pp. 1½

March 12. "From my cell."

36. A. Standen to— Cuffe. "By the hand of Mr. Cranmer, I received yours of the seventh of February, and have dealt with Mr. Treasurer about your ward, for whom it seems there can no more be drawn than 350 pounds, Sir Patrick Barnwell being the man, as before I wrote unto you. The matter seems hard to me, being of such living ; but much thereof (as I am given to understand) his father held, more out of force and authority than by law or reason ; whereby, and by the misery of the State here since your departure, all things are under foot. I see Mr. Treasurer and Mr. Cranmer will grow to a conclusion. For the 100l in dispute, supposed to be but 80 [l.] upon better inquiry, it seems Mr. Treasurer to be now satisfied, and so silence to that.

"You have sent hither an honourable personage, to yield him as well as others a subject of misfortunes and miseries, being arrived in a place to lead men, and no kind of thing to feed them with, the Pale growing all to spoil and desolation. And if there were aught, here is no money to pay the army; so that the poor gentleman is in a mighty labyrinth of puzzle, the rather for that Tyrone with his forces hath, malgre the Earl of Ormonde and his army, passed out of the north into the south, and is yet in Munster, spoiling and burning as many as him best hath liked, and namely the Lord Barry utterly ruined. These here of the Byrnes, O'Tooles, and the Connors and Macgeoghans, to welcome my Lord Deputy withal, have burned between us and the mountain, and about the Naas, 20 villages and what they will fire more we know not. And so I conclude with Francis Plutarch, in questo stato son donna per voi. At my Lord's coming, we had some hope of the Earl Marshal's removal to his own habitation, after having escaped la camera stellata, et che le cose piglierebbero altro piegho. I thank you for my acquaintance with Mr. Cranmer, a mild, modest man, and, as I see, chief about his Lord. In few words, I am ready at all your employments here, and therefore direct, command, and dispose, and so I commit you to God. From my cell in the wonted place, the 12th of March, 1599"[-1600.] [Postscript.] "At a rencounter some ten days past between Sir Warham Sentleger and Maguire in Munster, the one slew the other with a pistol and a staff on horseback; and 'Cowebabye shalle shortlye lubberlepe the wydowe Gyfforde.' " Signed. p. 1.

March 13.

37. "A note of such principal leaders as were killed by Owen O'Callaghan, nephew to the Lord Barry, on the 13th of March, 1599." There are eleven names in the list, including two Scottish captains, "Gilliasbing McDonil Gorrom" [Gilliasbeg McDonnell Gorme], and "Donil Gorrom McVicDonil" [Donnell Gorme McVicDonnell]. Lord Mountjoy adds a note:—"Besides this news we had out of Munster, we can reckon three hundred that have been killed in these parts of the rebels, since my coming, whereof there were six of the McGeoghans killed at one time by Francis Shane." Unsigned. p. 1.

March 15. Dublin.

38. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "The archtraitor Tyrone, after so long ranging in Munster, and drawing so many Irish Lords to his confederacy, is at last start back into Ulster, making his way through these Irish countries in Leinster and Westmeath, by the which he passed up at first. The 13th or 14th of this month (as I am written to), he passed over the Enny in Westmeath, bordering upon the Brenny, having left most of his baggage in O'Molloy's country, with the traitor Captain Tyrrell. And I hear not that he did separate his forces, but carried them with him over the Enny, except some companies which he left with Tyrrell, to guard his carriage. I understand not as yet that he was fought withal in Munster or elsewhere, nor any force of ours following him in his back, to the end to put him in rout and disorder. If it be advertised hereafter that he was fought withal or chased by the army, your Honour shall have it with the first. But in the meanwhile it is no little grief to see so great an expectation, that he should be beaten in some measure, utterly frustrated. The cause and reason thereof it is not safe for me to scan, but it is meet Her Majesty should have it searched out by some strait examination, seeing the Traitor, by this manner of slipping away, hath given himself a greater reputation with the Irishry than ever; and how far the state of Her Majesty's service is blemished, it is easily discerned.

" The Lord Deputy, Lord President, and myself, have been long considering of the limits for the several governments of Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon, which we have at last quartered into several meres and bounds, to answer both governments; the particular heads whereof I have sent your Honour herewith, which it may please you to compare with the card. Touching their commissions of government, they are already under the seal; and for their instructions, I am now in hand to draw them, the doubles whereof shall be likewise sent you, when they are perfected.

" Upon Thursday last, the Lord Deputy rode to Trim, upon the first alarm of Tyrone's passing into Westmeath, thinking to have crossed him there ; but it was too late, so as his Lordship is to return again to Dublin this day."—Dublin, 1599 [-1600], March 15. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 22nd. Under the address is a note, " This letter should have been sent away five days since, but there was no ship for passage." Holograph. Seal. pp. 1½.

Encloses:—

38. i. "Limitation of the governments of the north."

(a.) "Sir Henry Dockwra, knight, chief commander and governor of all Her Majesty's forces of horse and foot appointed for Lough Foyle and the parts thereabouts.

"The circuit of his command doth contain the whole country of Tyrone; the county of Armagh to the Blackwater, with all O'Cahan's country, and all other countries between the river of the Bann in Tyrone and Hornehead in Tyrconnell, all O'Dogherty's country, all McSwyne Fanaght's country, Lough Swilly and McSwyne Ne Doe's country, with all Hugh Duff McHugh Duff's country, his sons and followers, and all Con O'Donnell's sons their countries and followers.

" And he hath commission, either by himself, or any other whom he shall employ, to enter at any time as occasion shall serve for Her Majesty's service, into the country of Fermanagh, called Maguire's country, either for prosecution or pacification with any rebels and others in that country, at all times, as he shall have occasion for Her Majesty's service."

(b.) "Sir Matthew Morgan, knight, chief commander and governor of all Her Majesty's forces of horse and foot appointed for Ballyshannon and the parts thereabouts.

"The circuit of his command doth contain Ballyshannon, Asheroe, Tirhugh, and all that country between Ballyshannon Donegal, and Barnesmore, unto the utmost parts of Barnesmore eastward, all O'Boyle's country and his followers, and all McSwyne Banaght's country and his followers." With commission, similar to the above, to enter into the counties of Sligo and Leitrim. p. 1.

March 17. Dublin.

39. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy and the Council to the Privy Council. "According a clause in our last despatch, that by some private letters written to some of us, as well out of Munster as from the county of Kilkenny, we found cause to gather that Tyrone was then casting for his going back into Ulster. But then, as nothing was advertised in certainty, neither had we received from the LordLieutenant of the army any light thereof, nor so much as a letter or advice from his Lordship, so nevertheless to the end we might be ready here to lay for that traitor (if he should make his return through Leinster or the Pale), I, the Deputy (as in our last is touched) gave order to draw to a head the remnant of the few companies left in these parts by the Lord-Lieutenant, staying them about Trim and Athboy, till, upon more certain intelligence of the traitor's returning, and the way he would take, I might with better commodity carry them to do service upon him, expecting still to hear from the Lord-Lieutenant of the time, manner, and way of the traitor's passing, to the end that, by the certainty of his Lordship's advertisements, I might apply all opportunities and occasions to the best for that service. And because I would be at hand as near as I could to fit the time for that purpose, I drew up in person to Trim the 13th of this month, where I understood that Tyrone was passed the night before over the Enny water in Westmeath in great haste, making extraordinary speed in his march, so as by reason he had got so great a start, there was no possibility for me to cross him, he having freed himself of Leinster, and passed over the Enny into the bounds of Ulster, almost two days before I had the first certain knowledge of his coming into the country; neither did I receive any advice therein from the Lord Lieutenant of the army, till I came at Trim, where his Lordship's letter was delivered to me, the copy whereof we send herewith to your Lordships. Upon this occasion, I, the Deputy, returned the 15th to Dublin, from whence we made a joint despatch this day to the Lord Lieutenant, requiring his Lordship to send hither with all speed the army under his charge, as well the companies he withdrew from hence at his going up, as the rest remaining with him before, reserving some competent guard for Ballyragget, the Lord Mountgarrett's house, and other places which he should think requisite for defence. Wherein for some reasons of our so doing, we wrote to his Lordship that, as Tyrone was now passed into Ulster, and therefore the cause taken away to have so great a part of the army kept absent from these parts, where do rise daily many occasions of their employment; so, considering how weakly Leinster and the Pale are left, not in case to make defence against the several bordering rebels, and much less able to break into their countries to offend them, and that now the plantation of Lough Foyle and Ballyshannon is to proceed, for the which all preparations here are drawn to a readiness, and for the countenancing of that action, and to make diversion of Tyrone's forces, the better to give way to the landing of those garrisons, it is requisite that a force be made towards the north, for the more entangling of the traitors during that time; for these respects, we thought it most convenient to require his Lordship to cause to draw hither that part of the army, as well for the countenancing of these great occasions, as to be doing with the rebels of Leinster, to keep them in some measure in bridle, that they break not into open violence against the subjects. And being upon this matter of Lough Foyle, the several provisions to be made here for that expedition, we hope will be all ready to be embarked by the latter end of this week, for which purpose we have had a tough work to provide competent shipping, here and at Tredagh, for their transportations.

"We find by all our advertisements that Tyrone was as high in Munster as Kinsale, where he made confederacy with the Lords of Carberry, Muskerry, Florence McCarthy, and others, and from thence disposed of his return by long marches, and the safest ways he could find out, the Lord Lieutenant with the army being then about the parts of Limerick, as by his Lordship's own letter appeareth. Only it cannot be, in our understanding, but that Tyrone in his coming up into Munster, in his so long remaining there, and in his returning back altogether untouched, hath insinuated a great reputation of himself with the Irish, and such as will make himself prouder than ever before. In which humour it is not unlike, but that now upon his return into Ulster without encounter, he will presume further of his strength than before. And therefore we are the more strongly to countenance those plantations in the north, which we see could not be done but with hazard and danger, if the list of the army of 14,000 foot should not stand entire without diminution. For the only confidence we have, either to defend or offend, is in the strength of this army, no hope remaining in the forces of the country, to whom I, the Deputy, the last week have addressed straight commissions to muster and arm all their able men, and to have them in readiness to answer the service at the borders upon the next warning; but, by the certificates of their doings, we see no likelihood to have any help from them ; and this same course (as I hear) they held with the Lords Justices before. We humbly pray your Lordships, with all the earnestness and duty we can, to haste away both money and victuals, of both which here is such want, as we are grieved to express it. But your Lordships may be pleased to conceive our extremity in both, for that, touching money, our credit in borrowing is already extended and passed to the uttermost; and, for victuals, the store here is utterly wasted, and no hope to be relieved by the country, such is the universal dearth and scarcity in every place; and yet the two forts of Philipstown and Maryborough are now in great want, and must be presently revictualled.

"William Brymigeam, a chief man of that nation, and lately in actual rebellion, having made means to me, the Deputy, to come to make his submission, hath now performed it publicly in humble and penitent manner, with some tokens that he will become a new man and redeem his former offences with some better course of life hereafter. In the meanwhile, we will take as good assurance as we can of him by pledges, expecting some service to be done by him ; and by his example being mildly dealt withal at his coming in, it may be that other new start up rebels of the Pale may seek for the like mercy ; by which course the knot of this great rebellion may be broken, which hitherunto hath not been done by force."—Dublin, 1599[-1600], March 17. Endorsed:— Received at Richmond the 22nd. Signed. pp. 3.

Enclose:—

39. i. The Earl of Ormonde to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. "Since my last letters written to the Lords Justices and Council, signifying my repair into Munster to hearken to Tyrone, I received sundry advertisements of his going far upward, to the countries of Muskerry and Desmond beyond Cork, and, among other, an advertisement from the Earl of Thomond of Tyrone's purpose to pass the river of Shannon, many boats being gathered together to that end. Whereupon I wrote my present Utters to the Earl, and also to the Mayor of Limerick, to set forth and man some shipping and boats to interrupt his passage that way, if he attempted the same, and also appointed the Earl to meet me with the best forces of horse and foot at a town called Balletarsne, between Cashel and Limerick; which, as he said, he could not perform, for that the Mayor would not suffer some of his company to lodge in the city, nor afford him carriage for his victuals out of the store, notwithstanding, upon this occasion, my earnest letters of commandment in that behalf. This being grievous unto me, and no advertisement coming, though I employed many, but that Tyrone was in those remote parts, till the coming of a letter from the Lord Roche of the 6th of this month, which I received not until the 8th, the copy whereof I send hereinclosed. Having stayed at Limerick but one night, leaving the camp within three miles on this side of it, Tyrone, in scattered and cowardly manner, hastened his return with that speed, both by night and by day, through the mountains of Mow and Slewmark, as he held a continual march for 27 miles this present day, till he came to Bellagh Cahil in the north border of Elyogerty, towards Slewvarnan in Omagher's country. I did heretofore oftentimes write to Sir Warham Sentleger and Sir Henry Power to be stirring in the province, having regard to their safety, marvelling I heard of no service performed with such forces as were under their charge. Whereupon, as it should seem, Sir Warham took occasion to rise forth, and in an encounter with Maguire, as I hear, he [was] slain, and Maguire also slain, at one instant. The manner and certainty whereof I do not yet fully know more than by report, seeming to carry likelihood of truth. In my travel I caused to be burned and spoiled the towns and villages with all their corn, which might serve for the relief of the traitors' countries. Tyrone used the like burning towards Her Majesty's subjects in his way passing through the country, with loss to him of some of his men in several places. I formerly wrote to the Lords Justices and to Sir Arthur Chichester, the Serjeant-Major, in the doubt of Tyrone's return through Westmeath, having large scope and many ways here to pass, that the greatest bulk of Her Majesty's forces in the Pale, and a general rising out of the country between the age of 16 and 60, should with armour and weapon draw to the county of Westmeath; for by all likelihood Tyrone taketh the same course in this his return, as he did in his coming up through the Irish countries, being for most part wood and bog. Wherein, for the rising out, the late Lords Justices do know as well as myself their backwardness in former times, though both their Lordships and myself did often command their service."—Whitestone, 1599 [–1600], March 8. Copy. pp. 1½.

39. ii. The Lord Roche to the Earl of Ormonde. The encounter with Maguire. Report that the rebels would take the way to Desmond. Panic among Lord Roche's tenants. Spoiling and burning of his lands by the rebels. The inhabitants stripped. The rebels " do encamp this night at my manor of Castletown, and do take all that they find without the walls thereof."—Castletown, 1599[-1600], March 6. Endorsed:—Received from the Lord Roche at Limerick, the 8th of March, betwixt 9 and 10 of the clock in the morning. Copy. p. ½.

March 17. Dublin.

40. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "Tyrone is now returned untouched, for aught I can learn, other than the death of Maguire, which is nothing to answer the long expectation conceived of far higher services to be done upon him. But howsoever the hope of great services is now utterly frustrated by his going away (as it were unlooked upon), he hath much increased his reputation with the Irish, with whom he could not leave stronger impressions of his greatness than in his return to clear his way without touch. Now the Lord Deputy very wisely turneth his counsels and cares to entangle him in the north, by facing him with some reasonable force upon the borders near his country, to work thereby his diversion whilst the plantation at Lough Foyle doth pass and settle. His Lordship, nor any of the Council, had not so much as an inkling of his coming into Leinster, till above 24 hours after he was passed the Enny water in Westmeath, his Lordship having received that intelligence after his coming to Trim, and not before, such was the looseness and treachery of the country, and so speedy and extraordinary the Traitor's marches. This day I received advertisement that, passing by Monaghan, he is gone to Dungannon, where he prepareth mightily to resist the landing at Lough Foyle; in which action I am advertised that he hath sworn to set up his uttermost rest; and so it behoveth him, for that he knoweth the settling of that garrison will be the heavy stone that will overwhelm him in Ulster. But while that garrison is in planting, it is requisite the matter be countenanced with a round force here, to keep the Traitor occupied far off; which cannot be performed till the army be returned from the Earl of Ormonde, neither could it be done with safety, but by continuing still the list of 14,000. The Lord Deputy, I find, maketh it one of his chiefest cares to settle these forces in the north, wherein his Lordship beginneth at the right way to break through these long-festered rebellions, and to drive the rest of his service to an honourable issue. But in the " well seconding of him from thence, resteth the whole honour and fruit of the work."— Dublin, 1599 [-1600], March 17. Signed. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 22nd. p. 1.

March 18. Dublin.

41. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. "Upon my first arrival here, I found this State to have so ill intelligence, as they were not well assured whether Tyrone were in Munster or no, although since I perceive that he was about thirteen days passing that part of Leinster, by the which he took his way, and sent out his mandates (of the which I have myself seen many) to all the subjects and others in those quarters to appear before him, and to join with him; neither received I any advertisement at all from the Earl of Ormonde of his own purpose or the rebels' proceeding; but hearing from others that Tyrone was still in Munster, and that he had threatened to do great matters in his return in the English Pale, whereof I found the rebels in great hope, and the subjects in greater fear, I thought it fit to make some head against his return, when or which way soever it should be, and to draw such forces as I could raise to the likeliest place to answer any intelligence I should receive of the way he should bend homewards; and to this purpose had gathered together about Athboy 1,200 foot and about two hundred horse, when the first news I heard came in one day, and almost at one time, that he was looking backwards out of Munster, came into Leinster, and passed over the river of Enny; and the next day, being assured of his escape, when I was drawing the forces back to ship one thousand of my twelve hundred for Lough Foyle, I received the first and all the intelligence I have had from the Earl of Ormonde since my coming into this kingdom, which in our letter to my Lords of the Council we have sent you. For Tyrone's unwillingness and my desire to fight at this time, I can say no more, but that he was but three days in his return passing that which but in thirteen he did at his going out, and that he marched seven and twenty miles in one day away, and I marched twenty miles in four hours after him, and immediately after my receiving the first news of him; and if it had been my fortune with that poor troop I had, being the refuse of every company, and such as were left behind as not fit to be drawn out of their garrisons, to have but encountered with this proud rebel, I do speak it advisedly, that I had just reason to have assured myself to have done the Queen the best service that hath in this kingdom been ever performed; but now I will look forwards, and make the estate of all things as much better than I found them as I can, and do not despair, but if the Queen will enable me, to turn the fashion and fortune of these wars, and to give her a good account of her expense, of the which already I have gotten the reputation here of being but a miserable steward. But at this time we have neither victuals, money, or credit left; the country and army unsatisfied and uncontented; and what the consequence will be thereof you may judge, except there be present order taken. I beseech you, Sir", let it be apprehended with you, as, believe me, it is of extraordinary importance. For I do protest against any hope to do the Queen any service here except you can devise the means to have the army orderly paid their lendings, and that some course may be taken to perfect their accounts for the time past; and, till their due may be fully satisfied, to pay them orderly from my time and during the war. If it shall please Her Majesty at this time to countenance her proceedings here, and that it please God that these plantations succeed well, I do see many reasons to hope for good success. For this prosecution in the north hath stricken the rebels with a fearful apprehension; which, if it be well followed, will, I hope, in short time clean alter the face of this kingdom. As soon as my Lord of Ormonde cometh up with the army, I will employ it with the best advice I can take, and with my best endeavours. For something must be done to divert the rebel as much as may be, who hath set up his rest to interrupt these plantations. There hath not one man or messenger come hither out of England since my arrival, from whence I do now infinitely long to hear of Her Majesty's prosperity, unto whose service I have bent my back entirely, and will commit no errors therein, but such as my best judgment and the soundest advice I can get cannot tell how to amend; and, if there be not malitia in roluntate, I hope Her Majesty, with God, whom she doth represent, will pardon defectum in intellectu; and the rather because I did think myself unworthy of this charge, but have taken it as obedient to her choice. I pray God send me matter worthy to be presented to her fair and royal eyes, and make my service as acceptable unto her, as I do strive it should be."—Dublin, 1599, March 18.

[Postscript.] "Beside the general apprehension how impossible it will be for Her Majesty's war to be made at this time with twelve thousand to that purpose which she intendeth, to make a speedy end thereof, I can assure you that I have already found this inconvenience, in the casting [cassing] of these companies, the Captains whereof were appointed for Lough Foyle, that, notwithstanding my uttermost care for prevention, we have lost in their turning over very near one thousand men with their arms, and of sundry men being old soldiers, as were more worth than three thousand of these new supplies. And if there should be at this time two thousand more utterly cast, beside the apparent disenabl[ing] us to do'any service, it would hazard the break[ing] of the army, the remnant whereof do[th] consist of as good men as Her Majesty hath [at] any time been served withal in this kingdom. And if I do not presently make some head towards the north, Her Majesty's garrisons to be planted there will run a very dangerous fortune; wherefore I pray so let it be considered of according to the great importance, which, as we think, we do justly conceive it to be of." (Signed.)

[Farther postscript.,] "I have received many advertisements, and some out of Tyrone's camp, that the cause of his great marches and sudden resolution to return backwards, was the intelligence he received of my drawing into the field to intercept him. There is neither shipping nor means to convey my Lord President into Munster, but, as soon as may be, much against my will, he shall be dispatched from hence; for, after his departure, I shall find my burden as heavy again as now it is."

Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 22nd, Holograph. Seal, pp. 3.

March 18. Poole.

42. William Saxey, Chief Justice of Munster, to Sir Robert Cecil. Through this rebellion in Munster, the ordinary course of justice is "put to dumb silence." Cannot find wherein he might do better office than by advertisement of such matters concerning the state of that country and people, as he has observed, and received by intelligence from others of good credit and experience. Has presumed to accompany the discovery of these advertisements with his personal attendance, being forced thereto by hope of recovery of his health, impaired in that country.

Last October he advertised Sir Robert of the means that first moved this rebellion, and of the ready inclination of the pretended subjects to embrace the same; of its generality, the means whereby it is maintained and increased, and how to suppress the same. Is now to discover some later occurrents; the just cause of suspicion on the part of the lords and chief gentlemen that are reputed subjects; the strength of the country against Her Majesty, and the weak service done for her; the great relief yielded by the reputed subjects to the rebels ; the treachery of the pretended subjects, whereby they cover their disloyalty; and, lastly, how Her Majesty's forces in time of future quiet may be sufficiently maintained, with small charge to Her Majesty, whereby the country may continue quiet without rebellion or open hostility.

"Florence McCarthy, having received gracious favours from Her Majesty, and pretending title to the country of Desmond under Her Highness ['s], grant, hath lately (as McCarthy More) taken a rod according to the Irish custom, holdeth the possession of that country by that abolished custom, and not by Her Majesty's laws. The banishment out of that country of Donald [Donnell] McCarthy (backed by the traitor Desmond before Florence['s] coming over) did argue that Florence was greatly graced, if not supported by Tyrone. And Florence himself, being charged both therewith and with private conference with Desmond, hath lately confessed that, since his late coming into Ireland, he lay with the traitor Desmond two nights, and gave out that it is Her Majesty's pleasure that he should converse with him. About the fourth of March, Florence came to Tyrone, then being in the county of Cork, and there took his oath to be true to him, and to serve him against the English, and gave him his brother for pledge, until he might send unto him his son and heir. And thereupon Tyrone appointed him Governor of Minister, and preferreth him, for that he is mere Irish, before Desmond, because he is of English race.

"McCarthy Reogh, Lord of Carberry, is brother-in-law to James FitzThornas, the supposed Earl of Desmond.

"Cormack McDermody, Lord of Muskerry, is of consanguinity to Dermond O'Connor, a principal traitor and head of the Connaught rebels, which Dermond married the old Earl of Desmond's daughter.

"John Barry, a notable rebel, married Cormack's sister.

"Teig McDermody, now in action of rebellion and joined with Tyrone, and given him his pledge, is brother to Cormack.

"Desmond the traitor, cousin-german to Cormack's mother.

"Cormack's mother sister to the archtraitor, James FitzMorris, that brought the Spaniards into Ireland.

"Carberry can make a thousand armed men against Her Majesty, but to serve her Majesty there are not 30.

"Muskerry can make a thousand armed men to do service against Her Majesty, but for Her Majesty scant 60.

"The like of Barry's country. The like of Roche's country.

"The traitor, James FitzThomas, hath out of Carberry above 300l. yearly pension; and, upon every rising forth against Her Majesty's forces, most of the inhabitants of that country (though reputed subjects) do aid the said traitor, and have of his company at cess.

"Dermond O'Connor, a principal traitor and head of the Connaught rebels, hath out of Muskerry a yearly pension of 300l.

"And the traitor Desmond had a pension out of Muskerry in November last, upon condition that he or his forces should not come amongst them. Some of his Connaught rebels scattered in that country and did some spoil, and Cormack finding breach of promise (under pretence of service) killed some of them ; whereat the traitor James grew angry, and Cormack, to appease him, delivered him a pledge to make satisfaction unto him for this slaughter to his own content. This Cormack thinketh to be good service, which is no better than relieving of traitors.

"The traitor James Fitz Thomas hath a pension of 200l. yearly out of Barry's country and Orrery, which is duly paid unto him. His and his tenants' cattle do pasture in common upon the Lord Barry's lands called Cosbride, with the Lord Barry's tenants. And John Barry, brother to the Lord Barry, doth levy for the said James in Ibawne 50l. yearly. John Fitz Thomas, brother to James, hath a yearly pension out of the countries of Rosscarberry, Bear and Bantry, and Barry's country.

" To colour these payments of pensions or other relief of the rebels, the inhabitants of every country meet at a parley, and if they propose to furnish the rebels with beeves, the same are levied upon the country, and driven together into such a place as the rebels shall have notice of, and easily come and take them away under shew of taking of a prey. And if the relief of the rebel be intended in money, then the Lord of the country at a parley shall request relief as for himself, and the same shall be granted and levied of the country, and if the Lord retain thereof some small portion, the rebel hath the most part. So appeareth manifestly that the Lords and chief gentlemen of the province, having sufficient strength to have suppressed the rebellion in the beginning, did not only forget their allegiance, in not joining with Her Majesty's forces, but also in treacherous and subtle manner have relieved and maintained the rebellion from time to time. And the late coming of Tyrone into Munster doth necessarily prove a general secret consent and adherency of all the country, which emboldened him to come out of the North hither. And at his being there, if the reputed subjects had performed the office of good subjects, they might have driven him out of the country, or at the least have cut off his carriage and provision, and have wrought him a hard return. But it is more proper to their treacherous disposition to make show of loyalty, and secretly to tie themselves unto the traitors' obedience by pledge or oath, upon receipt of the sacrament, and so they remain more hurtful enemies to Her Majesty than the open rebel."

Her Highness's forces, within five or six years past, used to be cessed upon the country. In place thereof a composition was yielded to Her Majesty, whereby divers inconveniences grew. First, a loss unto Her Majesty; for, if the cess had continued, there might great numbers of soldiers have been maintained upon the charge of the Irish, which in like time of trouble would soon have saved Her Majesty treasure more than double the value of the composition. Secondly, it is a great weakening of the country ; for the forces maintained at the charge of the country would have been always ready, both to defend the English, and to offend the thief and rebel. Thirdly, the traitor and rebel hath thereby opportunity to enrich imself, for by the composition the Irish are charged with a trifle in regard of the cess. And lastly, the rebel gaineth liberty to enter into all traitors' parleys of matters hurtful to the State, which the English forces (cessed amongst them) might and would soon have espied and prevented, and the Irish themselves for fear of detection would have forborne to conspire such treasons and rebellion. "Whereupon may be concluded that when that country shall be reduced to quiet, if the ancient cess be revived, Her Majesty's forces shall be sufficiently maintained with small charge to Her Majesty, and thereby the country shall the rather continue quiet without rebellion or open hostility.

Has served Her Highness, in the place of Justice, for almost seven years, with great danger of his life, being laid for by rebels, by which service his state is decayed more than 2,000l. (which he would have got by his practice in England), besides his great losses, his horses at one time maliciously burned, and, in the beginning of this rebellion, his corn, cattle, and other goods of value, stolen, spoiled, and carried away. Is above three score years old, his life is threatened, and through being in Ireland his body is weak and diseased, making him unable to perform the duty of his place any longer. Has a wife and many grown up children, besides two lately dead in Her Majesty's service. Prays that some other of his profession may be sent to supply his place, and that he may remain in England, and pass the residue of his aged and sickly years in some other place of service.

Serricia tamen per moderata compendia provocantur. Preferments of others for some small and quiet services in Ireland. Mr. Snagg, for two years' service as Attorney-General at Dublin, was made Her Majesty's Serjeant-at-law; Mr. Rookeby, for his service in Connaught, three years at most, and those quiet, was made Master of the Requests ; Mr. Walsh, his predecessor, was rewarded with the Abbey of Mayne, of the yearly value of 100l., to him and to his heirs ; and his last predecessor with a seignory worth 500l. Craves no extraordinary reward for service, nor relief in respect of his losses, but that he may be made a Serjeant-at-law, so that his dignity may receive no disgrace, and that he may live in no worse condition than heretofore. "So shall others to be employed in like service hereafter take upon them the like charge with the better comfort and hope, and myself apt and most ready, by intelligences and advertisements of the state of that country and people from time to time, to do Her Majesty better service here than ever I could do there; and for that purpose would tie my dwelling so near London, as thereby I may be ready to attend at all command."

Prays for payment of the arrears due to him. Has already spent 100l. in his suit for them. Will be satisfied with the portion Sir Robert awards him. Will be ready to attend his Honour, as soon as he is stronger.— Poole, 1599 [–1600], March 18. Holograph, pp. 4½.

March 18. Moghelly.

43. Henry Pyne to Sir Robert Cecil. " My excuse and fault in not having written unto your Honour must be with craving pardon, and promise henceforth to offend no more. And, seeing the bad courses hitherto taken by these rebels will rather increase than be in any short time ended in this province of Munster, if they be not by other means prevented than hitherto hath been used, I will make bold to deliver unto your Honour my opinion therein.

" The cause of the little service done with so great a number of English soldiers as have been employed in these parts, hath been the continual keeping them garrisoned in towns, viz., Limerick, Kilmallock, Cork, Youghal, and Kinsale; where if they had been placed in castles, scattered abroad, they might have so spoiled and wasted the country, that no cows could have pastured nor ploughs gone; which course now, as it seemeth, the Earl of Ormonde beginneth to take. The experience hereof I have in this place, being (as Sir Walter Rawley can inform your Honour) adjoining to the strongest woods and strengths the Desmonds have in their rebellious holden for their refuge. Where I, having but 50 men and some few horses, have forced most of Desmond's tenants in these borders to take protections, and to bring in all their corn and cows under my walls, where I may command them, and thereby do prevent their victualling rebels, which otherwise they would do. If the like courses were taken in places fit, it would either starve or force the rebels to yield. Desmond, finding that those bonnaughts Tyrone sent him could not so speedily force the nobility, and others that here hold for Her Majesty, to join with him; and that in August last, they seeking the spoil of the Lord Barry and his country, when they were to the number of 3,000 within 8 miles of his country, the White Knight, John Barry, Piers Lacy, the clergy, and divers of the English race, seeing those bonnaughts' intention was only to overthrow them all, vowed to Desmond that, if he did not presently discharge his said bonnaughts, they would all join with the Lord Barry, and so threatened him that he presently discharged 2,000 of them. Which being done, shortly after John Barry and divers others took protection and left Desmond ; whereupon he sent to Tyrone that, if he did not presently assist him with forces, he could no longer resist; which caused Tyrone to take his journey hither, and finding all to rely upon Barry, he first began with him, as by the enclosed papers, which I have had of my Lord Barry, your Honour may see what service I have done in persuading the said Lord Barry and others upon these occasions to stand fast for Her Majesty ; and what more hath passed I dare not commit to paper, but I refer the same until my coming to your Honour, which shall be with the Lord Barry presently after the Lord President's arrival to his charge.

" What spoils Tyrone hath made, and what service sithence his departure the Earl of Ormonde hath done upon the White Knight, I doubt not but your Honour hath been by others advertised. Desmond is now retired into Connello and Kerry, where (as they give out) he expecteth the arrival of Maurice FitzJohn from Spain, with munitions, great ordnance, and money. If there were some such hoys and flat-bottom vessels sent into the river of Shannon, as the States do use in their wars, and with them two pieces of great ordnance to batter those 5 or 6 castles that, near and upon that river, are holden by FitzMorris, the Knight of the Valley, O'Connor, and others, they would do good service there.

" The Lord Barry's coming into England is to inform Her Majesty and your Honour of the estate of this province, and for himself and others to crave entertainment and armour, and, in regard of his great loss, to have Desmond's lands which bordereth upon him. He would have now put a ward into the castle my Lord of Essex forced Desmond to quit, called Conoghe; but, because it is fit to be joined to these lands Sir Walter Rawley holdeth of Her Majesty here, I have told him, the Earl of Essex not finding fit to put a ward into it, he should beware how he ventured to fortify any places without warrant; so he forbeareth. I beseech your Honour not to acquaint him when he cometh with this my writing; for, where now he is much ruled by me, he will seek revenge, if he prevail not in his suit; the nature of the Irish being to forget good turns, and ever to remember and revenge bad. There hath been some bickering between a nephew of my Lord Barry's and Florence McCarthy's bonnaughts, in which of my Lord Barry's people his nephew only was slain, and of Florence his men some 50 or 60."

Will be happy to be employed in any service in those parts for his Honour.—Moghelly, 1599 [-1600], March 18. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

Encloses:—

43. i. David, Viscount Buttevant, Lord Barry, to Henry Pyne. "Notwithstanding the late tyranny and spoils of the Archtraitor Tyrone done to me and mine, yet now his new created and elected McCarthy More (Florence McCarthy) being not contented to relieve all his Connaught traitors, that he had gotten from James Fitz Thomas (by his alliance and confederation with them), upon my poor tenants and followers in the barony of Ibawne,for the space of six weeks together before his going into Desmond, but hath now, the 12th of March, traitorously and maliciously assigned one Rickerd Bourke, one of his chief captains, with divers others of his principal captains and gentlemen, whose names are hereunder written, to come into the said barony of Ibawne, by the said Florence's direction, and there to take up their wages, with meat and drink, of my said poor followers, and being thereof denied, they took some of the gentlemen of that barony prisoners, and besides took all the spoils they could get. Whereupon, notwithstanding their great force, a nephew of mine that I put in charge to oversee both my wards and the rest of that barony, who had a hundred men in pay from me, with the help of those of my wards that he sent for to assist him, did follow the said traitors the next morning, and overtook them near the borders of the country in Carberry, and fought with them, and gave them the overthrow, and killed their Captain and all their chiefest men of account, together with the number of some three score of their pirivate soldiers, besides many that escaped deadly wounded and hurt, and my prisoners rescued. Yet such is my hard fortune that, among all the rest of mine, there was none slain but my said nephew, and some forty hurt grievously, which is to my no small grief, if I might remedy it, this being a weighty cause unto me, considering that the safety of that barony depends upon a sufficient man (being environed round with the enemy) to be placed there to oversee both my soldiers and wards. And moreover, the report that we hear of the landing of both the Lord Deputy and our Lord President of this province is a let unto me not to hasten away for England so speedily as my necessity requires, hoping that my stay might be a help unto their Lordships concerning the state of this province, in which I hope to discharge my duty to God and my prince. That being done, I cannot but make a start into England, there to acquaint Her Majesty and the honourable Lords of the Council of my impoverishing by the Archtraitor Tyrone and his associates at his being here, as partly you know. And in that I had not convenient leisure to acquaint you with two several letters of Tyrone's unto me, and a letter from his clergy, nor with my answer unto them, now I send you their copies hereinclosed under my hand, because you may be the better acquainted with their malicious inventions. Other papers they sent me, which I will, God willing, safely keep unto I deliver them myself (sic) unto my honourable good friend Sir Robert Cecil in England, assuring you that no copy shall be drawn of them till then."— Castlelyons, 1599 [-1600], March 17.

[Postscript.] "The names of those Captains and leaders that were slain, viz., Rickerd Bourke, Theobald Bourke, Teig O'Malley, Owen O'Malley, Dounell Oge McDonnell Gorme, a Scots captain and leader, McTheobald Bourke's two sons, Theobald McGaderug, the chiefest trainer of all the Connaughts, with others, whose names are not as yet to me inserted" (sic). Signed. pp. 2.

43. ii. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone ["O'Neill"] and James [Fitz Thomas, Earl of] Desmond, to David, Viscount Buttevant, Lord Barry. See last volume of this Calendar, p. 493.

43. iii. Der[mott Creagh], Bishop of Cork, and Eugenius Heganius, Vicar Apostolic, to David, Viscount Buttevant, Lord Barry. See last volume of this Calendar, p. 494.

43. iv. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone ["O'Neill".], to David, Viscount Buttevant, Lord Barry. See last volume of this Calendar, p. 497.

March 19. Letrom.

44. R[ichard Burke], Baron Dunkellin, to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. " When I came from the Court, I did then understand that it was Her Majesty's pleasure I should command and direct her forces and martial affairs in Connaught; and though I did urge the necessity of managing civil causes withal, for the better enabling of the proceedings in the place, yet, seeing it was not thought convenient, I held myself satisfied with that that was most agreeable with her gracious liking. Since, upon the receiving of my commission from your Lordship, I find that I am also exempted from the commanding of the garrisons of Galway and Athlone, by the means of which places all the service that hath been or can be done is chiefly to be perfected; neither is there any service of importance within this province to be undertaken, but for the most part must have their means and directions from those places. Besides, here is not any place for a garrison, nor any to be commanded, those being taken away, all the province being out, saving a few that depend upon my father and myself. I cannot but acquaint your Lordship with the inconveniency of this course, which will quite weaken and disable my reputation, both with my own friends, whom God knows I have long laboured in this mischievous and troublesome time to hold firm and stedfast to Her Majesty, and also with such as I had hope either with force or persuasion to reduce and bring to their former obedience, when as they shall perceive that the things of which there is any account made of, and without which no acceptable service can be performed, are not committed to my care. For Galway, because it is a place of importance, being a haven town, and no other in the province but it, it were fit I should be enjoined neither to admit nor place any there but English, of which I protest I would be most careful of myself, and which were sufficient for the safety of the town. For Athlone, of necessity, he that will do any good in Connaught, commanding the force in chief, must lie there most part of his time, in regard the greatest strength of the rebels are round about it, and which must be quickly mastered, or else they will starve that place, and grow careless of any course that may be taken against them any where else. These things I humbly entreat your Lordship to advertise into England, and how necessary they are to be redressed, without the which no good can be done here, and wherein I know I shall quite perish. I protest, if I might be so happy as to be able to settle any reasonable quietness in this place, and to leave my father in any security, Ireland should not long lodge me; and with this I conclude, that all the fortune this land can afford me can [not] make me disloyal to Her Majesty, nor a stranger to so many my worthy friends in England.

" There must some order be taken for the victualling of the Boyle, Tulsk, and Roscommon, with expedition, for they want relief. The number of the force here being so small, I shall, I believe, find it somewhat difficult, especially when I cannot victual it from Athlone, for from thence it were far more easy, and I may not take the advantage of that, because I am barred from meddling therein. Notwithstanding I will do my best, and will hope for speedy remedy herein. We have here neither munition, money, nor arms, nor anything yet that is necessary for the service. And therefore I beseech your Lordship to take present order, with as much conveniency as may be, for the redress of these things, that we may go forward in our business with comfort."— Letrom, 1599 [-1600], March 19. Holograph. Seal. pp. 2½

March 19. [Letrom.]

45. R[ichard Burke], Baron Dunkellin, to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. " I have sent your Lordship a letter wherein I have in some part set down the inconveniency of my manner of employment in this province, which I humbly pray your Lordship to send into England ; and that an answer may be had of those things with as much speed as may be ; for until then there is little hope of any good to be done here, every thing being clean out of order.

" I do much desire to take a great deal of labour and pains in this business in your Lordship's time here, and with hope to leave things so as I may be able to attend you into England, whensoever your Lordship goes from hence; and, if these restraints and limitations hold, my grief will be, more that I shall not be able to shew your Lordship the desire I have to do you unfeigned service, than any cause else whatsoever. My Lord, your Lordship shall find me ever honest, and whatsoever your Lordship will undertake for me, believe I will never fail you, but will conform myself to your Lordship in all things. I have not used many protestations to your Lordship, neither do I hold them but needless ceremonies ; only let me now entreat your Lordship, that you will ever esteem of me but as a part of yourself, and such a part as will not fail to hazard life and all for your good. Your Lordship's love to that noble gentleman whom I honour so much did first bind me to you, and since, your many kind favours to myself, which being joined together, have so engaged me to you, as I will ever remain your Lordship's most faithful R. Dunkellyn. [1599-1600,] March 19."

[Postscript.] " I have not yet any news to write to your Lordship, nor any other matter of importance, because I have not been any time here. I do conceal my restraints from all my friends here, for fear of giving them any cause of discouragement." Holograph. Seal. p. 1.

March 20.

46. Sir John Stanhope to Florence McCarthy. "Although it be true that many reports from Munster of your proceedings since Tyrone came thither, do give occasion to those that wish you ill there to number you amongst the ill-affected subjects ; yet, till it be heard from yourself, and seen by more infallible proofs, your friends that know you cannot but retain that assured opinion which they have ever conceived of your inseparable duty towards your gracious Sovereign. For first, it is as well known to me, as to any man living, that Her Majesty in her own nature hath ever been so far from condemning you heretofore, as when divers of her Council have urged circumstances against you, she did ever conclude you inwardly faithful to her. Next, methinks when I remember you, Mr. Florence, a wise and civil gentleman, generally beloved of this Court, and particularly esteemed by divers of extraordinary place and credit, I am so far from belief that you have incorporated yourself into the combination of savage traitors, as. I do assure myself that the manner of your formal associating or temporising with them in this confusion hath no other end than thereby to enable you to show your resolution and affection to do Her Majesty service. In doing whereof (even now when greatest trial may be made of valour and duty), you are assured to gain yourself honour, quiet, and happiness. Thus have I now plainly shewed you my belief, from which I protest nothing can remove me, but yourself, wherein if I be deceived (which yet I hold impossible), let me in requital of all former good-will hear from you what is true or false, and then shall I conclude there is no faith in Israel. If otherwise it be, and that you have any secret purpose and honest desires to make known, let me be informed of them, and I will impart it to Her Majesty, who still laugheth at the folly of any of those flying bruits, which do but tend to suspicion of any resolved defection in you, and I assure myself would be more pleased with any good services that you should do her, than with ten times so much of others, whom she knoweth not nor values not. You may be now assured of all the favour which the President can shew you, for the Queen did principally recommend you to him, and of myself you may expect all the offices which your good carriage can deserve from him that hath ever been Your loving friend."— Endorsed:—March 20. Copy, with corrections by Sir Robert Cecil. pp. 2.

March 20.

47. "An estimate of victuals remaining in Her Majesty's store at Cork, Youghal, and Kinsale. Biscuit, 70,000 ; butter, 24,000 ; cheese, 20,000 ; 'poor John,' 5,000. This proportion will serve one thousand men for ten weeks after the date hereof, being the twentieth day of March, 1599[-1600]." Unsigned. p. 1.

March 21. Kilkenny.

48. The Earl of Ormonde to Sir Robert Cecil. Recommending William Campian, his chaplain, for the Bishopric of Ferns, vacant by the death of Bishop Allen.— Kilkenny, 1599 [-1600], March 21. Signed. p. 1.

March 21.

49. "A breviate of the munition and arms remaining in Her Majesty's store at Cork, the 21^st of March, 1599 [-1600], in the charge of Michael Hughes, clerk." Signed. p. ½.

March 22. Dublin.

50. The Lord Chancellor Loftus and Thomas [Jones], Bishop of Meath, to Sir Robert Cecil. The vacancy in the Bishopric of Ferns. "The living itself, partly by reason of these troubles, and partly through the careless regard of Mr. Allen, in making of many leases, and disposing unthriftily the lands thereof, is of very small value, for the present not exceeding 30l. per annum. But in regard it is seated in an ancient English county, within the province of Leinster, it requireth a man of good sufficiency to be preferred unto the same, both for the advancement of God's service in the Church, and the service of Her Majesty. For which respects, having due knowledge of the wisdom, learning, and good conversation of Nicholas Stafford, Chancellor of that Cathedral Church, a gentleman descended of an ancient English house in that county, very well experienced, and many times employed in Her Majesty's service, wherein he hath from time to time in our remembrance carried himself with good commendation, we humbly make bold to recommend him unto your Honour's good favour and furtherance, as a necessary instrument, and of very good ability to serve Her Highness in that country ; either by persuasion to reclaim those rebels to conformity and obedience, or by giving of advice for their chastisement and correction ; for the performance of either which services, we know him to be a man of very good experience, and in regard he is very zealously affected to Her Majesty's service, of good birth and credit in that county, and hath as well the Irish as English language, we are of opinion he may do much good ; and in respect of our knowledge of the man, we dare adventure to pawn our credits with your Honour for his best endeavours still to be employed to that end."— Dublin, 1599 [-1600], March 22. Signed. p. 1.

March 22. Holyhead.

51. Sir Francis Stafford to Sir Robert Cecil. Urges the importance of maintaining the Green Castle, near the harbour of Carlingford. Recommends the bearer, who has kept the castle, especially since the death of Sir Henry Bagenall, and can thoroughly discover to Sir Robert the state of the north.— Holyhead, 1599 [-1600], March 22. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

March 22.

52. Charles McCarthy to Sir Robert Cecil. Has come "hither" to show his loyalty in this most dangerous time, and to seek relief. Has brought letters of recommendation from the Council of Minister. His reliance on Sir Robert. Desires entertainment for a company, which he will raise himself, of sufficient men, and prays that his service may be tried for two or three months. After that, if he has not done good service, he is to be removed by the Lord President of Munster. If his request be inconvenient, begs entertainment for himself, in respect of his losses from the traitor Tyrone, and because of his services hitherto performed, and those he may yet render.—1599[-1600], March 22. Signed. p. 1.

March 24.

53. "Intelligences out of the north," in the handwriting of Sir George Carey: 24 March, 1599 [-1600].

" The intelligencer saith that on Saturday last he was at Monaghan with Henry Oge McHenry McShane O'Neill. There was with him Corre McBaron and Patrick McArt Moyle. Corre McBaron went from them that day to his own house, being twelve miles off, where he intendeth to stay until Tyrone doth come up to make an agreement betwixt Connor Roe Maguire and qui Conouthe Oge Maguire, brother to that Maguire which was last slain. They contending which should be Maguire, on Thursday last, there was a little skirmish betwixt them, and there was one horseman of side (sic) slain. He supposeth that Tyrone will support qui Conouthe Oge Maguire.

"He saith that Tyrone on Wednesday last had thought to have surprised Sir Arthur O'Neill, being then in his own town, twelve miles from Dungannon; but by good hap Sir Arthur escaped, having intelligence of his coming beforehand. He saith that O'Donnell and James McSorley are appointed to attend the landing at Lough Foyle. Tyrone and the rest of the forces are appointed to attend the borders.

"He saith that they do not yet fortify at Lough Foyle, because they do not know in what place our forces will land; but they are glad to give it out so, and that they shall have great aid out of Scotland; but there is no such matter.

" He saith McDonnell did attempt the taking of the fort at the Blackwater, but missed of his purpose, and therefore now, for fear of Tyrone, he is drawn down towards the Newry with all his creaghts. Tyrone and the rest are all at their houses, keeping their Easter, &c." Unsigned. pp. 1½.

March 25.

54. Minute to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. "We have understood that your Lordship hath, among other companies, cassed Captain Thomas Lee['s], wherein we know your Lordship hath proceeded with respect to Her Majesty's service, and therefore have no meaning in any wise, for his or any other man's sake, to have any new charge imposed, and especial for one of whose good services, as Her Majesty hath had report in former times, so doth he stand at this time suspended upon divers informations, that carry great probability of his ill behaviour. Notwithstanding, in regard he is allied to some whom Her Majesty favoureth, and doth profess to be able to clear himself, when he shall be particularly charged, we have thought good to let you know that we do wish that his company of 100 foot might be continued to him until the army be brought to 12,000, or that he be so tried as to be clear or guilty of these things which are objected against him. And if it be so that they be already disposed, and all other companies complete, then that your Lordship, upon the first falling, will relieve him with a company, which we think you shall have opportunity to do, considering how often the Captains miscarry. In the meantime, if it be true, as he suggesteth, that his house serveth for so good a place for a ward, your Lordship may, for his relief, place some few warders there, that may be part of some company near hand." Endorsed:—1600, March 25. pp. 1½.

March 25. York.

55. John [Thornborough], Bishop of Limerick, to Sir John Stanhope, Treasurer of Her Majesty's Chamber. " I make bold to send to you the enclosed letter [wanting], which I received 24th this instant March (sic) praying you to read the postscript, and withal to entreat the right honourable Secretary to direct his letters to Sir George Carew, Lord President of Munster, touching his care for Her Majesty's city of Limerick; because, if the citizens fall away, Her Majesty will find more charge and loss, than in the revolt of all Munster. In these parts where I live there is no news; only the constant, and honourable, and zealous, painful government of our Lord President here, will alter minds of men formerly disobedient, and bring all into order, and hold them in duty of obedience.

" Let me, I pray, commend the remembrance of my late humble suit, and so I take leave.— York, 25th March." Endorsed:—1600. Holograph. p. ½.

March 27. Dublin.

56. Sir George Carew, President of Munster, to Sir Robert Cecil. " This bearer, Mr. Graves, who hath these many years preached the word of God in this realm, and according to his profession hath demeaned himself to his great commendation, whereof, when I was last in Ireland, I am (sic) a witness, is encouraged by his good friends to be a suitor for the bishopric of Ferns, which is now void; wherein my Lord Deputy doth yield him his honourable favour, understanding that the gentleman is as worthy of preferment as any man of his profession in this kingdom. Amongst other his good friends, which he hath solicited in this business, he hath prayed the assistance of my letter unto your Honour, which, for the reasons abovesaid, I could not deny ; but in truth for the country's sake, which wants men of learning to preach the word, I do earnestly desire his preferment, and even so do recommend him to your honourable favour."—Dublin, 1600, March 27. Holograph. p. 1.

March 27. Mellifont.

57. Sir Edward Moore to Sir Robert Cecil. Would have written before, but has been exempted from all command since this rebellion. Would gladly render Sir Robert any service. Has, to his great charge, endeavoured to defend what he holds of Her Majesty, for which he pays her 600l. rent per annum. Has "orderly" discharged this. Holds no other possession in Ireland. His great losses by the traitors, and by willing cessing of soldiers on himself and his tenants, are such as few gentlemen in Ireland have had, and he has in no way been eased in his rent. The only entertainment he has had of Her Majesty for twenty years past is the Constableship of the fort of Philipstown, at 18d. per diem, and entertainment for twelve warders, whom he has duly paid. Prays that he may have allowed to him 400l. out of the arrears due to him, towards the payment of his rent to Her Majesty. Has directed a brother of his to attend Sir Robert in this matter. Understands from him of the efforts made by Sir Robert for the liberation from the traitors of John Moore, the writer's nephew. Thanks for the same.—Mellifont, 1600, March 27. Signed. p. 1.

March 27.

58. Certificate of the half-year's muster of the companies of horse and foot in the province of Munster, from 1 October, 1599, to March, 1600 ; also a certificate of checks for the same period. Both signed by the Commissary for Munster, William Jones.

The following notes are appended by the Commissary to the certificate of checks:—" The Earl of Thomond and Sir George Carey receiving their apparel at Dublin, I am uncertain what they are to be checked therein. Captain Francis Kingsmill received all the apparel for his company there likewise, which he made away, and turned the profit thereof to his own use, leaving the soldiers unclothed. In the check of the lendings, those Captains and soldiers, which stayed in England above the time limited in their pass, are according to my instructions checked accordingly." pp. 21½

March 28. Dublin.

59. The Lord Chancellor Loftus to Sir Robert Cecil. "Your letter of the 16 of January, returned unto me by my servant, did bring me into such perplexity of mind, as before this time I could not grow to any resolution with myself, whether to write again, or to be silent, being altogether oppressed with grief and sorrow, to understand that my long and faithful services, with all zeal and sincerity performed to Her Highness, hath found no better acceptation with Her sacred Majesty; but that the practices of mine enemies have so far prevailed to work in Her Majesty's royal heart a kind of impression or hard conceit against me, that, in regard of some respect unto my children, I have not so zealously bent mine endeavours to advance Her Majesty's service in these dangerous times, as otherwise it is conceived I would have done.

" Sir, the denial of my suit doth not much grieve me, for I was not well advised to move it, and no benefit had I received by it, if it had been granted (that traitor being now received to mercy, restored to his lands, and pardoned) ; but to perceive Her Majesty's heavy conceit of my good meaning and daily endeavours to please her, is a thing I must confess that throweth me down, and striketh me to the heart. And to increase my grief in this behalf, the Lord Deputy, at whose hands I hoped for all good favour and countenance in my just causes, upon his first arrival has discharged one of my sons out of her Majesty's pay, being known to be a gentleman of very good towardness and sufficiency, which with patience I could well bear, were it not here bruited, to my great discomfort, that some of mine enemies have in England procured me this disgrace. If my children be the cause of this my mishap (than the which upon earth there could not happen a more grievous unto me, that Her Majesty should conceive they have withdrawn me from her service), I may in a manner rue the time that ever I did beget them ; but, seeing the suggestion hath proceeded from some malicious heart, I humbly crave your Honour's pardon to license me before yourself truly to lay down the present condition of my children.

"My daughters are married to the sons of ancient English servitors in the King's County, which being now wasted by the O'Connors, and they quite banished, they and their husbands, children, and families, are all come unto me for refuge, not having left unto them, in that country, so much as bread to put into their mouths.

" My sons have in this sort been employed. The eldest, having the charge only of twenty horse in pay in the service at Belleek upon the river of Erne, had his horse killed under him in the midst of an hundred rebels, where, by God's special providence and his own valour, he escaped. Being loath to adventure him again upon so small entertainment, I procured him to give over his horse unto my third son, named Adam, who sticking to it, when others fled, in that unworthy disaster which happened to Sir Henry Harrington in the Byrnes' country, there valiantly ended his days in Her Majesty's service. Two other sons I have brought up and well trained in Her Majesty's service, and these had either of them a company of an hundred foot in Her Majesty's pay ; but now, to my discomfort and great disgrace, the one of them is discharged, after he had been at great and extraordinary charges to furnish his company. This is truly the state of my poor children, which thus is envied, and for whose sakes it is conceived I am grown either cold, or not so zealous as I should be, in Her Majesty's service, wherein both I and they have many times adventured the loss of our lives, and will still be ready to do the same.

" This being our case, as I have truly expressed it, I do appeal unto your Honour's upright and wise consideration, how much both I for them, and they of themselves, are wronged in this behalf; and inasmuch as such malicious reports of this nature as have been made against me and them, have possessed Her Majesty's heart, and wrought therein a kind of hard impression against myself, I humbly beseech your Honour, even for God's cause, and in regard I now do want the staff whereunto I leaned (during whose days none durst have presumed to have sought on this wise, either to have undermined my credit or to have wrought my disgrace with Her most excellent Majesty), at your convenient opportunity, to satisfy my most dear and gracious Sovereign in this behalf, at whose feet I prostrate myself, my service, and my present grey hairs, with all my poor children, and to procure from Her Highness (for my comfort and encouragement, with all zealous and sincere affection, to end my days in Her Highness ['s] service), her gracious direction to her Deputy here, to yield his good countenance and favour to myself and my children, by their preferment and employment in Her Majesty's service, so long only as I by sound advice and counsel to (sic? do) further all Her Majesty's affairs, and they, with continual readiness to adventure their lives and to spend their blood in Her Majesty's service, shall still endeavour to deserve the same."—Dublin, 1600, March 28. Signed. pp. 2.

March 30. Cork.

60. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. Again recommending William Saxey, Chief Justice of Munster, for the post of Chief Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland.—Cork, 1600, March 30. Signed. p. 1.

March 31. Dublin.

61. The Lord Chancellor Loftus to Sir Robert Cecil. Warm commendation of the bearer, the Earl of Kildare, and of the services he had rendered in Ireland.—Dublin, 1600, March 31. Signed. p. 1.

March 31. Dublin.

62. Sir George Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. Desires leave to come into England, to acquaint Sir Robert with "a matter of some secrecy," greatly concerning Her Majesty's benefit and "possibly very beneficial to " Sir Robert. His indebtedness to him for many favours. Prays for leave speedily. Shall do the Queen better service in England at present than he can by remaining in Ireland.—"From my house by Dublin, this last of March, 1600." Holograph. p. 1.

March 31. Dublin.

63. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. " The Lord Deputy hath now considered throughly of the estate of the army as it consisteth of 14,000 foot and 1,200 horse in list, and having divided to Munster, Connaught, Lough Foyle, Ballyshannon, and Knockfergus, the numbers limited to those places in England, his Lordship hath a remnant left of about 4,600 foot in list, and 400 horse; of which remnant his Lordship is to make use in this manner.

"First his Lordship hath a purpose to draw in person to the Newry, and so higher to Armagh, thereby to entangle Tyrone by diversion, whilst the forces for Lough Foyle do make their landing good there. But this journey is not to be performed till we hear of the loosing of the fleet from Chester to Knockfergus, and the coming hither of the victuals expected out of England, of which we hear nothing as yet. In the meanwhile, his Lordship meaneth to quarter the greater part of this remnant of the army upon the north borders, to the end to be ready to be called together in four and twenty hours, to answer the expedition of Ulster, when the time shall serve; and with the residue, his Lordship will put on foot a prosecution in Leinster, which, being well followed, cannot but draw that province to some settling in short time. But the fruit and good of that service will consist chiefly in the diligence and stirring of the commander, who, I think, will be the Lord Lieutenant of the army. I wished the Lord Deputy to send to your Honour a particular list of this disposition, and yet I thought not amiss to give your Honour this foretaste, not knowing how the list might be retarded. I have sent your Honour also herewith some extracts of letters written to me of late, upon which I have made some short marginal comments for your Honour's better understanding."—Dublin, 1600, March 31. Endorsed:—Received at Richmond the 6 of April. Signed. p. 1.

Encloses:—

63.i. "Intelligences out of the north of Ireland," from letters to Sir Geffrey Fenton, dated from Dungannon on 21 March, 1599 [-1600], and 28 March, 1600, with marginal comments by Sir Geffrey Fenton.

From the former letter:—

"You shall understand that I came to Dungannon on Wednesday last [the 19th of March, 1599(-1600)].

"Tyrone is here, and as I wrote to you in my last letter touching the Earl of Clanrickarde and Fininge McArty, that they have given their word to Tyrone, Fininge McArty's pledges are now with Tyrone at Dungannon, and other pledges of that country. [There is another advertisement which sheweth that Clanrickarde stayed but for the return of his son out of England, and that then he would join with Tyrone, desiring in the meanwhile to be borne withal till May next.]

"Tyrone hath agreed that O'Donnell with all his forces, Cormack, Tyrone's brother, and O'Cahan with a thousand foot, shall be sent to Lough Foyle to join with O'Donnell. [Tyrone will employ the greatest part of his forces to resist the landing at Lough Foyle, and with the residue he will draw up to the borders to attend the Lord Deputy, and to watch opportunities to make incursions to break into the Pale.]

"Tyrone sent to O'Donnell to take pledges of all them he doth mistrust in all his country. Also, he hath sent to take pledges of all his own men joining to Lough Foyle. [By this taking of pledges he preventeth many of the Irish, whom he did suspect would draw to the English upon the arriving of Her Majesty's forces at Lough Foyle.]

"He bringeth Art O'Neill with himself to the borders of the Pale to attend your coming. [This is Sir Arthur O'Neill, eldest son to the last O'Neill. He was made beforehand by the State to leave Tyrone, and come to her Majesty, when he should see the forces settled at Lough Foyle.]

"He setteth in 3,000 men in pay to attend himself to the borders. Captain Tyrrell cometh down with 300 men to Tyrone from Munster. [He will hardly make so many men to attend the borders, and leave a thorough strength to impeach the plantation of Lough Foyle.]

"The killing of Maguire doth trouble them very much. The cause is, that there is three that seek to be Maguire. If Tyrone make one Maguire, the other two will come in to us. It is very good to send down amongst them to learn their minds. [The Lord Deputy hath of late employed an instrument into Maguire's country, to sound the disposition of the followers, and to see which way a party might be raised in the country for Her Majesty.]

"Neiss McDonnell, the Lord of the Out Isles in Scotland, sent a messenger to Tyrone this day, requesting him to meet him towards Lough Foyle, and that he would confer with him; and if he could get right of Tyrone, that he would do him no hurt; but otherwise he would go to the garrison of Knockfergus, and there serve against him. Presently Tyrone wrote a letter to the Earl o Argyle, to tell him of Neiss McDonnell's dealings, and requested him to send to the King of Scotland, and to know whether it be his pleasure that Neiss McDonnell should serve against him, or not; and he requested the King that he might have present answer. [It is requisite that her Majesty write to her ambassador in Scotland, to deal with the King not to forbid Neiss McDonnell to serve against Tyrone, and to command the Earl of Argyle to give no aid to Tyrone, directly nor indirectly.

"William Nugent's son is here, and came hither the last Thursday. There is one Shelton, a young man of Dublin, come to Tyrone, and he is Father Nangle's nephew. Father Nangle is to go to Connaught to deal with the Earl of Clanrickarde and with his son, for that Tyrone heard that his son is Governor of Connaught. [This is the son of William Nugent, whose father rebelled in the Lord Grey's government. The brother of this Shelton was executed the last year for Lapley's cause. Father Nangle is a friar of great reverence amongst the Papists here. His going into Connaught, now that the Baron of Dunkellin is returned out of England, maketh it very suspicious that his inward purpose of going thither is to seduce both the Earl and his son.]

From the second letter:—

"William Nugent's son departed Dungannon the last Monday, with letters to McMahon and the Brenny, to give him aid of men to annoy the Pale, when he would ask him, and Nugent's son promised Tyrone that he would do all the hurt he could to the Pale.

"Young Shelton is gone with Friar Nangle to O'Donnell, and from thence to O'Connor Sligo, and from thence to the Earl of Clanrickarde, to feel his mind, assuring your worship that Clanrickarde is sworn to Tyrone. Tyrone hearing yesterday that Clanrickarde's son was made Governor of Connaught wished that the house of Athlone were put upon his hand. [I know not what to judge of Clanrickarde. He hath been once tainted of treason before, therefore more to be doubted now, considering the treachery of the time.]

"Art Oge O'Neill, mentioned in my last letter, is escaped from Tyrone, and reserveth himself for Her Majesty, when the forces of Lough Foyle shall be landed." Copy. pp. 3.

March 31.

64. "A brief of the checks for one year and a half, ending the last of March, 1600." Unsigned. p. 1.

March 31.

65. "An estimate of the remain of victuals at Limerick, the last of March, anno 1600." Unsigned. p. 1.

March.

66. Copy of Sir George Carey's letter in answer to a letter sent by Sir Robert Cecil to the Auditors in Ireland, for a certificate of the state of Captain Fleming's account. Giving reasons why such certificate should not be issued.

"Lastly, Her Majesty is so unconscionably abused and deceived by false musters as we are bound by all means possible to withstand the greedy demands of a number of Captains, to whom in conscience little or nothing is due.—Endorsed:—1600, March. Unsigned. p. 1.

March.

67. Minute from the Privy Council to Mr. Watson. For the Paymaster in Munster to be more precise in issuing the treasure, and to send over some declaration as to the state in which the army in that province stands with respect to their lendings. There is no arrearage due to Mr. Treasurer: "yet there comes over hither divers, that are not ashamed to pretend that they have seen none of the Queen's pay in Munster since July ; so as how this money, and this victual, is consumed, which is sent over, and yet the forces unpaid, we do not see any reason."—Endorsed;—1600, March. Draft, p. 1.

[March.]

68. "Remembrances for the right honourable Mr. Secretary in the behalf of Mr. Treasurer of Ireland."

That the monthly certificates of extraordinaries in Munster may be made directly from that province, and not from Dublin. That the Lord Justices may receive their entertainment for the time of their government, according to custom. That Mr. Treasurer, may know when the entertainments of the following cease:—the Earl of Ormonde, Sir Henry Power, Sir Warham Sentleger, and Sir Arthur Savage. That he may be informed of any change of Captains. That "the establishment may be altered to begin the first of April; for that in the remote provinces many of the companies were paid before any notice was had of the alteration." That Mr. Birkinshawe may be commanded to make up his checks every month or six weeks. That Mr. Treasurer may have leave to go to England to settle his estate. That Mr. Treasurer may have a warrant for the extraordinaries issued last year above the establishment. " He promiseth (being now acquainted with the estate of that kingdom) to be so provident in Her Majesty's service, that she shall no more sustain such charge extraordinarily, while he continues in his place."

A brief of the extraordinaries for last year annexed [wanting].—[1600, March.] p. 1.

March.

69. Document endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil, "Martii—Ireland—1600. A Note of the reckonings in Ireland." Relating chiefly to preachers, cannoneers, and surgeons.

"The army not mustered the last northern journey by the Lord Deputy's commandment, as the Commissaries certify, whereby no checks were raised.

"Memorandum, there are divers persons that have great pensions granted them in several Governors' times, but specially of late years, which seldom or never serve in Ireland, and might be saved to Her Majesty."

The Lord Deputy's preacher and physician have each 5l.per week. p. 1.

[March.]

70. "An abstract of certain arrearages of rent which are to be defalked upon the parties' entertainments, or otherwise out of such debts as they claim of Her Majesty."—[1600, March.] p. 1.

[March.]

71. [Sir Robert Cecil to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy.] "You shall receive by the hands of Florence McCarthy a letter, whereby Her Majesty hath given you authority to pass unto him a grant of such lands of the Earl of Clancarty, his father-in-law, and with such reservations as were thought convenient upon the conference had, where Her Majesty directed me the Secretary to attend your Lordship in the consideration of that cause, assisted by two of Her Majesty's learned counsel, the Master of the Rolls and the Solicitor. Since that time, there hath been something written out of Munster in general terms from the President there, tending rather to wish his stay than his sending thither, though not alleging any particular cause, save that his brother and others are out. Her Majesty, notwithstanding finding the country so far out as it is already and the lands which he claimed possessed by the rebels, hath a gracious disposition rather to commit some trust to this man, who hath long endured lack and want, and who undertaketh, or at the least offereth, to assist her service with all the means he and his friends can make, than to make him desperate, having been so long kept in comfort. She hath therefore been pleased, according to your former opinion, to resolve to give him an estate in those lands, according to a note subscribed by their hands, whereof your Lordship did allow before your going. Nevertheless, she hath commanded us in private to say thus much unto you, that if you shall, now that you are arrived in that kingdom, understand by further conference with our Council, or any other, that this grant of Her Majesty's may be likely to be dangerous to her service, and that, in respect that he shall be heir to McCarthy likewise, these exceptions and reservations of all those matters of rule and chieferies, together with the imposition of rent, and such other circumstances, which do abridge the rule and superiority over other Lords, which the old Earl had, do not now make suspicion of alteration in this man's state and his father's, in this case,. Her Majesty is pleased that your Lordship proceed with him, to pass unto him either more or less of these things limited in Her Majesty's letter. And where your Lordship shall receive likewise his petition, whereby it appeareth to Her Majesty that your Lordship meant to make some use of his service, Her Majesty hath thus dispatched him in that respect, and leaveth him in all things to be used by you, and to receive that benefit by her letter, which you, in your wisdom, shall think good."—[1600, March.] Copy. pp. 1½.

March.

72. Munition sent from the Tower of London to Ireland.—Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil:—"Certified by Sir John Davies."—1599[-1600], March. pp. 2.

March.

73. Powder delivered by Richard Grant, Clerk of the munition at Waterford, by warrants from the Earl of Ormonde, to whose house most of the said powder was carried.—1600, March. Unsigned. p. 1.