Elizabeth I: volume 145, June 1589

June 1589

Vol. CXLV. 1589. June—July.

June 1. Dublin.

1. Sir Geff. Fenton to Burghley respecting the parsonage of Dunboyne. p. 1.

June 1. Dublin.

2. Sir Geff. Fenton to Walsyngham. His answer to the suggestion made against him that he holdeth the parsonage of Dunboyne without answering to Her Majesty the rent due for the same. p. 1.

June 2. Dublin.

3. The Council of Ireland to the Privy Council. Captain Francis Stafforde, who goes to England for the good of his health, is a valiant gentleman and a good servitor of Her Highness. He has been 16 years in Ireland, and has had charge of the garrison of Carrickfergus and of the country thereabouts. He deserves to receive extraordinary good acceptation at the hands of the Council. p. 1.

June 6. Dublin.

4. The Archbishop of Dublin to Walsyngham. Commends the bearer Mr. Samuel Bagnall, who behaved like a valiant gentleman in M'Mahon's country, where he received some hurt. p. 1.

June 6.

5. Proportion of munition for Ireland. p. 1.

June 7. Westminster.

Warrant to the Earl of Warwick Master, Sir Robert Constable Lieutenant, and other officers of the Ordnance to deliver certain munition for Ireland to Sir George Carewe, Master of the Ordnance in Ireland. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII.. p. 259.] p. 1.

June 10. Athlone.

6. Sir R. Bingham to Mr. Justice Robert Gardener. I would to God I had but three or four hours with you that I might unfold some things by word, which I dare not commit to writing, and especially if it fall out that you bend your course to England, for I do assure you there was never gentleman more unkindly and unworthily dealt withal in my place than I am, and such patching by these forerunners as unless the devil were one with them they would be ashamed of their doings.

Till the Commissioners came down last the rebels had done little harm anywhere save what O'Rourke did before in Co. Sligo whilst they were in their first treaty; But till now they had not lost so much as one mutton in Co. Roscommon; for though O'Rourke invaded it, yet the Sheriff gave him the repulse and rescued such preys as were taken. But now I am commanded to forbear all further prosecution of the rebels or hostility against them, and to withdraw my forces from the borders of M'Williams' country, so as the rebels may have no distrust or fear, and may have free access to the Commissioners: Upon this order, seeing my presence was so dangerous and that all authority was taken from me, I dispersed my forces and retired to Athlone to await the Lord Deputy's coming; but I was no sooner departed from the borders of Mayo but the rebels spoiled all they could come by thereabouts, at the very time that Robuck French was applying the peace with Sir Morough; The rebels came almost to the gates of Galway and there took away the Commissioners' hackneys. Grany Ne Malley burnt and spoiled the Isles of Arran, which belong to Sir Thomas Lestrange. O'Rourke and the Burkes made havoc in Sligo, and the O'Connors, O'Flanigans, and the rebels of Roscommon burnt there, preyed in the Maugherie, and not four days since carried away 700 cows of one Owen Granyes the blind man's. And for all this we may not prosecute them, but only defend; and they shall lie hard by us and daily and nightly do mischief upon Her Majesty's good subjects, and we shall keep all conditions with them, whether they keep any with us or not it makes no matter. Truly I have not heard of the like between a prince and her subjects, and much less with a race of such beggarly wretches as these.

On Saturday last the Lord Deputy past this way to Galway. He came in to see my wife, but would not once sit to drink; and I offered him my service to attend upon him thither, but he would not have me, saying that the rebels hated me so much as none of my name should be there now, and thus his Lordship passed onwards, leaving me to remain where I pleased hereabouts.

Now what will be the end of these stirs I assure you I know not, but if peace, I fear me it will be a bad one, howsoever the alteration of government may be promised them: and if it be no peace, then forsooth the rebels will never come in whilst I am governor. But I would ask no more but license to do as is meet and to be supplied with half the forces Her Majesty hath in entertainment. I would not doubt but before Michaelmas-day to quiet all Connaught, and neither to put Her Majesty to any one penny of extraordinary charges or lose Her one groat of Her revenue here, but rather increase it.

I mind not to displace myself. The place is not worth the keeping as things are carried now.

This dalliance with these rebels makes them most insolent, and without the sword be now and then severely used, it is impossible to govern the Irish people. They believe this is their time and have hope of foreign aid. Of all these broils that sottish and cowardly traitor O'Rourke is the nurse and only stirrer, whose ability is so great as with 200 Englishmen I will undertake to banish him out of the country. His wife (that honest woman) is deceased in childbirth.

P.S.—I urged my Lord Deputy to give me leave to go to Galway, that there I might have answered myself to such objections as the rebels or any others should have charged upon me, but for all that I was denied. pp. 4.

June 11. Whitehall.

Privy Council to the Lord Deputy. Approve of his intended progress into Connaught to tranquillize the Burks, O'Flaherties, Joys, &c. To acquaint Sir Richard Byngham with the book of articles objected against him, that he may clear himself and his ministers. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 260.] p. 1.

June 13.

7. Memorial for the dispatch of the Commissioners for Munster. p. 1.

June 15. Dublin.

8. Sir N. White, Master of the Rolls, to Walsyngham to be a means to procure him the fee farm of the Priory of Connal, wherein he hath an estate for many years yet to come. Holograph, p. 1.

June 16.

9. Henry, Earl of Kildare, to Burghley for payment of two bills to the bearer John Wedon, his late father's servant. With indorsement signed by Burghley for the payment thereof. [Autog.] p. 1.

June 17.

10. Note by John Sheriff of the unjust demands of the late Master of the Ordnance, and his clerk Richard Hopwood. pp. 3.

June 17.

11. Petition of James FitzJohn [i.e., M'Shane] of Polwhirye to be restored to his lands which have been granted away to Arthur Robins, with the order set down by the Privy Council, and reference to Sir J. Perrot by Burghley. p. 1.

June 19. Galway.

12. The Lord Deputy Fitzwylliam to Burghley. Arrived at Galway on June 10th. Swooned twice on June 3, being the 2nd day of my departure from Dublin, and afterwards had three fits of a tertian.

The Commissioners had so wisely dealt that on June 11, Sir Morough Ne Doe O'Flaherty, and William Burke, alias the Blind Abbot, and others openly made in the church at Galway a humble submission, almost three-quarters of an hour together upon their knees. The books of their griefs are long, and very woeful, if they be true; for trial whereof there shall be commissioners appointed.

They would not be persuaded to come to the Commissioners if either Sir Richard Bingham or any Bingham with certain others of his and their men and officers were in this town, so fearful are they of their lives, and not without cause if the matters in their books be true. They will never be drawn to trust their lives under the government of Sir Richard Bingham, whom I fear I shall be forced to restrain from the use of marshal law.

The sheriffs, bailiffs, and inferior officers for justice and collection of the composition have most grievously dealt with the subjects.

The horsemen and footmen in Ireland are in most miserable state. They cry hourly on me for relief who am without both money and credit to help them. Autog. pp. 2. Incloses,

12. I. Submission of Moroghe O'Flaherty (i.e. Sir Morough Ne Doe), William Bourke alias the Blind Abbot, chief of the Low Bourks, Edmond Bourk M'Thomas Evagherie, Walter M'Tybot, Edmond M'Tybot, and others before the Lord Deputy. Copy. p. 1.

12. II. Petitions of the Burkes and 0'Flaherties. They beg that some certain rate may be laid down to be paid by them for pleading their pardons. They petition to have Sir Richard Bingham removed from the government of Connaught, and some other meet man placed over them. They beseech the Lord Deputy to qualify the extremity of marshal law. That there may be appointed to collect the composition some discreet man from amongst themselves and chosen by themselves. That gentlemen of the county may be appointed sheriffs instead of strangers and merchants as heretofore; that no man be dispossessed of his lands by provincial orders without trial by law, and that such as have been dispossessed by torture, fear of death, menaces, or imprisonment may be restored; and that that part of the yearly profits of M'William which was allotted to the house of Castlebarre, and is now fallen to Her Majesty, may be given to William Burke alias the Blind Abbot for his maintenance. June 12. Copy. pp. 2.

12. III. First petition of Sir Morogh Ne Doe O'Flaherty to the Lord, Deputy and Council. He did forbid the making of a MeWilliam by his letter to the Blind Abbot, and willed Edmund Bourke and Walter Ne Mullye not to be present at that act, which hath so undutifully been done. Copy. p. 1.

12. IV. Second petition and submission of Sir Morogh Ne Doe O'Flaherty to the Lord Deputy and Council. He declares his innocence of any breach of the peace, and desires license to repair into his country to put it in order. Copy. p. 1.

12. V. Informations of David O'Dowda, chief of his name, and of Ambrose Carue against Sir George Bingham and William Taafe for oppressing the inhabitants of the county of Sligo while sheriffs therein. They maintained great numbers of men and boys and horses at the expense of the people, and travelled about extorting meat, drink, and money from the inhabitants; they levied money wrongfully and under false pretences, they took bribes to set malefactors at liberty, and extorted by menaces, tortures, and imprisonment land and money and goods from honest people. They put people to death without any trial. The gentlemen are afraid to come forward to complain of their grievances against these two men, and O'Dowda can never return to his own country while Taafe or any Bingham has rule therein. No man there can say that anything that he hath is certainly his own, so long as any of the said parties hath the stroke over them, for there is neither horse, hackney, hawk, hound, or mantle, tablecloth, or anything else which is worth the asking or having, but they must have it, yea if it be but a man's wife or daughter which Taafe doth fancy he must have her at his will. In winter 1588, William Taafe called before him all the clergy in that country, and caused as many of them as ever had wives or kept concubines to pay unto him some 40s., some more, but none less than 20s., and he said he did it by Sir Richard Bingham's directions. June 20. Copy. pp. 18.

June 19. Galway.

13. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Walsyngham. His arrival at Galway on the 10th. Wise dealing of the Commissioners. The rebels would not be persuaded to come to the Commissioners if any Bingham were in the town, so fearful be they of their lives. The sheriffs and officers for justice and collection of the composition have most grievously dealt with the subjects. Hard estate both of the horsemen and footmen of Ireland. [Autog.] pp. 2. Incloses,

13. I. Petitions of the Burkes and O'Flaherties to the Lord Deputy and Council. June 12. Calendared, p. 206, No. 12. II. Copy. pp. 2.

13. II. First petition and submission of Sir Morrogh Ne Doe O'Flaherty to the Lord Deputy and Council. Copy, calendared, p. 207, No. 12. III. p. 1.

13. III. Second petition of Sir Morrogh Ne Doe O'Flaherty to the Lord Deputy and Council. Calendared p. 207, No. 12. IV. p. 1.

June 19. Newry.

14. Sir N. Bagenall to Burghley for payment to Roger Goodritche of his pension. Autog. p. 1.

[June 19.]

15. Petition of Roger Hardwicke to Burghley for speedy payment of his entertainment, the rather for that he is utterly maimed in Her Majesty's service, p. 1.

June 19.

16. Plot for the province of Ulster to be reduced and continued in dutiful obedience to Her Majesty by an old servitor of upwards of 40 years. Also a genealogy of the Earl of Tyrone by Burghley. pp. 4.

June 19.

17. The compositions of Connaught in Sir Nicholas Malbies time and in Sir John Perrot's, with a brief abstract of comparison. In Sir N. Malbie's time the average paid was 1,158l., whereas in 1586 Sir John Perrot raised 2,894l., which was collected by Sir R. Bingham. pp. 3.

June 19.

18. Modern copy. pp. 3.

June 22. Cork.

19. Sir Warham Sentleger to Burghley. The Earl of Clancar has dispossessed and threatened to murder Alexander Clarke who holdeth 25 plough lands called Clan Donnell Roe, as an undertaker from Mr. Attorney General of England. Would to God the said wicked Earl had been kept in England when he was there, for he was never born to do good to this country. The said Earl's base son Donnell M'Cartie hath lately stabbed an honest subject in Desmond for resisting Irish extortions, and is gone out playing the Robin Hood with 20 swords. The wives of Patrick Fitzmaurice and Patrick Condon have stolen passage over to sue for the liberty of their husbands. Deal with Her Highness so that their suits may not take place as these are dangerous men. [Much of this letter is printed in the Life and Letters of Florence M'Carthy, pages 72, 73.] Autog. pp. 2.

June 23. Limerick.

20. Mr. Vice-President Thomas Norreys to Walsyngham. His brother leaves him too little money to uphold his state in the government of Munster. He desires leave to come to England to cure a hurt in his arm at the Bath. The bearer Capt. George Thornton much commended. Autog. pp. 2.

June 24. The Court.

21. Sir Francis Walsyngham to the Bishop of Meath. My Lord of Meath, I am sorry to write to a man of your calling in such sort as I am justly occasioned by your illusage of Sir R. Bingham, towards whom you have borne such malice ever since his good dealing in the matter of the office for Sligo's lands, which by your means was corruptly found against Her Majesty. It was told me at what time you were in England that I should in the end find you a hypocrite. And what better reckoning can I make of you. If you had been so wise either in divinity or policy as you would be taken to be, you might easily have considered that such loose persons as they are that broke out in Connaught could and should in no better sort be repressed than by the sword, which was the course adopted by Sir Richard Bingham. You and some others think by cunning dealing to overthrow the gentleman, but this practice of yours, though not by Sir Richard Bingham, is sufficiently discovered already from that realm, and the gentleman I doubt not will stand upright there, in despite of all your malice. I am sorry that a man of your profession should under the color of justice carry yourself so maliciously. Copy. p. 1.

June 24. Athlone.

22. Sir R. Bingham to Walsyngham. The rebels have preyed and burned great part of Connaught during the last six weeks since the Commissioners came to make the pacification, and he, although the Governor of the province, is restrained from opposing them. No peace has yet been concluded though the Lord Deputy has been three weeks at Galway, and the province is impoverished by the cost of his train. He complains of the unfair and disgraceful manner in which he and his adherents are treated by the Lord Deputy and these malicious Commissioners; and he derides the importance attached by the Lord Deputy to the rebels who have come into Galway. The eldest son of the Lord Primate of Armagh, a son of the Mayor of Galway, and two Aldermen's sons remain pledges with the rebels in the mountains for the safety of Sir Morrogh Ne Doe and the blind Abbot, a couple of old doating fools, as if the protection of Her Majesty's word were not enough for a rebel. Neither the Devil's Hook, Walter Ne Mullye, or any chief ringleader would by any means come in. There was never the like suit made to a race of such beggars and wretches for peace from a prince. This is not the way to procure a lasting peace. The rebels will never be drawn by fair means into a loyal peace. That archtraitor O'Rourke is the nurse of all mischief, and the " most arranteste " beggar; while this man is suffered to hold out, it will never be well in Connaught. Would undertake with 200 men to banish him, or worse, in 14 days. He complains of the malice of T. Jones, the spiteful Bishop of Meath, and Sir Robert Dillon, the corrupt justice. They draw in the other Commissioners and the Lord Deputy thinking to disgrace him, but they have instead disgraced Her Majesty's service. All this has arisen through his reproving their great falsehoods against Her Majesty in their Commission of Sligo's lands. Ewistin (Ustian) M'Donnell was as well hanged as any man in Connaught. Prays for an impartial hearing in England. [Autograph.] pp. 8. Incloses,

22. I. Lords and chief gentlemen of Connaught to the Privy Council. Desire that Sir R. Bingham, who was then employed in the Low Countries, may be sent as Governor of Connaught again.

Note the letter was not delivered. 1587, Oct. 20. Copy. p. 1.

[See June 24.]

23. Note of the beeves given as of free gift to Sir R. Bingham after his last return into Ireland, by the Earl of Clanricard 50 beeves, Lord of Athanry, Edward Birmingham of Miltown, and Richard Oge M'Jonin 18 beeves, Sir Hubert Burke of Glinske 20 beeves, William Burke of Srwher 20 beeves, Donnel O'Madden of Longford, William Mostyn, and Walter Lawrence 19 beeves, Richard M'Maurice, and David M'Maurice of the barony of Clan maurice 20 beeves, Richard Burke, and William Grana of the barony of Clare 20 beeves, William Bowen, and Thomas Nolan 20 beeves, Walter Burke, and Pierce Barrat say that the beeves given by them for the inhabitants of Tyrawley were of their free will, and Brian M'Dermond 18 beeves of his free gift. Total 205. p. 1.

June 24. Tenelicke.

24. The O'Ferrals to Burghley that their agent Edward Nangle may be returned in safety with the despatch of their suit. p. 1.

[June 24.]

25. Petition of Edw. Nangle to Burghley, that the Letters Patent lately granted to O'Ferral Boy, of certain lands in Longford may be speedily revoked. p. 1.

June 25.

26. George Beverley to Burghley for payment of money due to him for victualling in Ireland. Average number of soldiers victualled daily, 1,000. Autog. p. 1. Incloses,

26. I. Brief state of the accounts of George Beverley, surveyor of the victuals for 5 years 52 days, ending at Michaelmas 1588. p. 1.

June 25. From my Castle of the Currins.

27. Sir Charles Herbert to Sir William Herbert [at St. Julian's.] I received your letter of April 3 on May 28. The controversy between my brother and Mr. Proger still continueth. No Quarter Sessions have been held in Kerry or Desmond since your departure. Upon the murder lately committed by Donnel M'Carthy, Mr. Vice-President gave commission unto O'Sullivan More and M'Finnin to have certain Irish soldiers at cess there, to the intent to do service upon Donnell M'Carthy. It is generally taken here that they both do and will, rather maintain him than abridge him from his lewdness. Lieutenant Bostock and 50 soldiers and kerns were at the Desmond, and there lived upon the country after their old custom, meat, drink, and money, pretending to seek Donnell M'Carthy, unless some of the country themselves should betray him to avoid the extortion. His service in that point is but slender. The 13th of June certain of Sir Edward Denny's band coming from Youghal did rest themselves at Ardnegraghe with Sir Morris O'Whoren and other of your tenants, who in truth freely gave them such entertainment as their ability and provision extended. Therewith they were not contented, but in the morning killed a fat wether and brought it away with them; besides they took away their Irish cloaks for that they would not give them money. The same very day that they were thus used my Lady Denny was at "Limerick Haile," for to have seen a course at a stag, to the which pastime Mr. Gray had been at the Currins the day before to invite me and my wife, to give my lady the meeting, which we did; and there this abuse was showed me; but I hear restitution is made. The greatest hindrance of justice is in those who have the charge of the soldiers. The soldiers ought to be divided among the undertakers, and not left to the command of one. This would be best for Her Majesty, and so preserve the English from this nation. My lord M'Carthy's commission to recall his tenants breedeth great discontentment and trouble amongst all the inhabitants of Kerry. Their complaint is lamentable that they should be compelled against their wills to dwell with any man, specially such as were never my lord's tenants, but those that were tenants to other men, as O'Sullivan More, Sir Owen O'Sullivan, and such others as held in fee farm of my lord, paying certain chiefrents. Their undertenants that have been, my lord claimeth to be his tenants, and by that means thinketh to carry them nolens volens unto him. It is a hard case to constrain them to dwell where they never had any interest, and where divers now in Kerry came from Desmond for safety. In Desmond, Donnel M'Carthy robbeth and spoileth where he thinks good. He and his company at Brasnagh robbed my man of 7l. and his weapons while coming from the fair at Kilmallock. M'Carthy gives out that if he had known it was my man he would not have taken the money, and says, as I hear, by the next convenient messenger he will send them me again. Remembrances to the writer's uncle Matthew Jones. The roof of Sir William's hall at the Island is set up. Sir William has a great harvest coming this year. Has given his. note for certain plate and jewels received for Sir William Herbert of Cadwalleder Rowlands. I intend to obtain the lands of Bally M'Danyell by exchange or otherwise. Holog. pp. 3.

June 25.

28. Proportion of powder and munition for Ireland. p. 1.

June 27. Dublin.

29. The Lord Chancellor to Burghley in favour of the bearer Captain Giles Cornwall. Autog. Seal. p. 1.

June 28 and July 8. St. Mark's, at Rome.

30. Faculties granted by Pope Sextus V. to Dermitius [Derby M'Craghe] Bishop of Cork, or to his official or vicar, to absolve ecclesiastical and other persons. Latin. Copy. pp. 2.

June 30. Galway.

31. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. In favour of the bearer Sir Geffery Fenton. [Autographs.] p. 1.

June 30. Galway.

32. The Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. Your Lordships' directions what course to hold towards the rebels in Connaught came to hand in a most convenient opportunity while we were at Galway in treaty with them. All who are of account among the rebels have come to Galway and submitted themselves. They say they never would have revolted unless they had been forced thereto by Sir R. Bingham's commission to Mr. Browne. The original commission, for their prosecution with fire and sword, together with a private letter both subscribed only by Sir Richard Bingham came into their hands, being found in Browne's pocket when he was killed in the prosecution of them. The commission and letter have been delivered to the Lord Deputy. The rebels have been allowed to present, in writing, the causes of their griefs and complaints. And though we cannot believe that a great part of that which is by them avouched is likely to be true, yet we send the books of their complaints for your Lordships' grave judgment. They do not stand in any terms against her Majesty, but are ready to pay the composition, and to admit a sheriff and other officers craving only the reformation of the abuses; we have thought it more meet to receive them into her Majesty's protection than to prosecute them. The latter could not be ended but with great charge to Her Majesty, and the desolation of the province; besides great likelyhood of inconvenience in other parts. We cannot learn that there are more than six or seven Spaniards in Irrishe [Erris] and these of small account, whom the now protectees have covenanted to deliver into our hands. We shall not fail according to your Lordships' directions, to deliver to Sir Richard Bingham, the copies of all books of complaints made against himself and his officers, of whom, albeit, we have that good opinion which becometh us, yet can we not forbear to inform you of that inward dislike and deep distrust which we find in this people, both of himself and of his government.

We have received many and grievous complaints of great extortions and oppressions of sheriffs and under-officers; of the taking away of men's lands and possessions without order of law; and also that in these remote counties sessions have not in these two years been so ordinarily kept as they should have been. Whereupon we have advised that there shall be a general sessions in every shire throughout the province in August and September next, whereat I, the Lord Deputy with some of this Board have resolved to be for the more and better satisfaction of the people to take away that general exclamation and murmur which they make, seeming now to be in some distrust of justice. Meanwhile we have received the Burkes and Flaherties and their accomplices into Her Majesty's peace, and have taken such pledges of every sept as we thought meet. These protectees have solemnly and publicly sworn before us, the nobility and chief gentlemen of the province, the mayor and corporation of Galway, that unless Sir Brian O'Rourke will become a dutiful subject, and pay Her Majesty's composition, they will spend their lives and goods to chastise him as they shall be directed. The Lord Deputy purposes to send Commissioners to O'Rourke; and understanding of divers complaints between the lord of Upper Ossory and O'Carroll and others, the Lord Deputy purposes to return that way to Dublin. Sir Geffrey Fenton, the bearer, will relate all other particulars. (Copy.) pp. 3.

June 30. Castle Rw [Roe].

33. O'Neill [i.e. Turlough Lynagh] to Burghley. To further his petitions which he sends to her Majesty. Thanks him for having stood his good friend heretofore. [Autog.] p. 1.

[June.]

34. Petition of Sir Charles O'Carroll, of Lemyvanan in Ely, to the Privy Council. Complains that during his attendance on the Lord Deputy in Connaught in November last, Piers Butler of Roscree, constable to the Earl of Ormond, and 18 others, whose names are given, gathered to Balleskennagh and there wilfully murdered Shane M'Turlough O'Carrol, Shane M'Mulrony O'Carrol, and others, and did great spoil. p. 1.

[June.]

35. Another of the above. p. 1.

[June.]

36. Substance of Sir Charles O'Carrol's petition to the Privy Council in England. Fair means and foul have been sought to bring him to plead in the palatine court of Tipperary. Dispute with the Earl of Ormond. Ely O'Carrol is not within the County Palatine. Prays that Ely O'Carrol may be shired with other tracts; or else that Ely O'Carrol may be united to King's County There is an Act of Parliament authorizing this. Claims the towns, castles, and lands of Laccagh and Athnecarriggy, usurpedly called the Nether Ormond, and of Ballaghmore. Prays their Lordships to revoke letters touching Ballaghmore to the Lord Deputy and Council, obtained by the Baron of Upper Ossory under a false colour. pp. 3.

[June.]

37. Statement of Sir Charles O'Carrol's case, being indicted for the death of James Cantwell slain about 19th May last, while with others he was preying the country of Ely. p. 1.

[June.]

38. Petition of John M'Coghlan, chief of his name, and the gentlemen and freeholders of his country to the Lord Deputy, to send home Sir Charles O'Carrol to assist them in withstanding their enemies. p. 1.

[June.]

39. Petition of the gentlemen and freeholders of the borders of Fercal to the Lord Deputy. To send home Sir Charles O'Carrol from Dublin, to protect them in their dwelling places; he being a man whom the enemies greatly fear. p. 1.

June.

40. Answer of Robert Cooper, agent for Henry Billingsley, esquire, undertaker. To the 12th article he says that Gerrott Harbard alias Hubberte of Castle Morishine, archdeacon of Limerick, doth relieve and maintain Morris Oge Hubberte, Edmond McHenry, and over 16 other bad, idle, and suspicious persons who live disorderly. p. 1.

June.

41. Note of Mr. Henry Billingsley's tenants inhabiting his seignory being mere English men. pp. 2.

June.

42. Answer of Henry Billingsley, to the Articles of May 12. He has undertaken a seignory of 12,000 acres, at a rent of 147l. 10s.

There are no chargeable lands in his seignory.

The whole of Conilo was the Earl's own demesne which he let from year to year at his own pleasure.

He has on his seignory 40 households, each of 16 or 17 persons of English birth.

No Irishmen inhabit on his seignory but some two or three which make claim unto certain parcels contained in his patent, which he suffereth to remain upon his land as his tenants, until such time as their titles shall be determined, because he would not have them run over and complain at the Court of England, that their land is injuriously detained from them as many other do continually, though without color of right.

He has on his own demesne, five ploughs of horse and oxen, nine score kine, six hundred sheep, besides young cattle. He has 100 acres of wheat and as much of summer corn. No dangerous Irishmen near his seignory. pp. 2.

June.

43. Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy. Warrant to take a surrender of a grant of 42,000 acres to Sir Walter Rawley, and thereupon to make to him a new grant of one whole seignory containing 12,000 acres. Draft, pp. 2.

June.

44. Answer of Edmund Mainwaring, esq., to the Articles of May 12. He has but 3,747 acres. Complains that he cannot have his lands in quiet. pp. 2.

45. Note of money paid by Mr. Michael Blunte in discharge of Thomas Moore's debts. Total, 2,016l. 2s. 6d. p. 1.

46. Examination of Captain William Mostyn, before the Lord Deputy and Council, touching the manner of the taking of the prey of the island, and the death of Owen McDonnell Echegie, and others. Certain of the Joyes and Clangibbons being declared traitors. John Bingham was appointed general of the field to prosecute the said traitors and take their goods and chattels. William Mostyn and Ambrose O'Madden were singled out with about 200 men to gather the prey of the country. Some nights 100 cows would be brought to the camp, some nights 200 cows. In the end they came to a castle near the seacoast, not far from certain islands. Drawing towards the coast they fell upon a gut of the sea, about three quoits' cast in breadth, dividing the island from the mainland. There was a great number of cattle on the island. Owen M'Donnell being there, sent a boat and ferried Mostyn and his company across, and entreated him to cesse the company in the island, saying, if you will lie in together, you shall have meat and such as is in the island. The soldiers going abroad and threatening some people, and questioning them where to have some spoil or booty, found that some of the cattle belonged to the Joyes and some to the Clangibbons. Mostyn therefore arrested Owen M'Donnell and demanded of him what he meant to ask to cesse the company upon the rebels, unless it was to have the soldiers' throats cut; he answered, "there are no rebels in the islands, but what marvel is it that I should keep my foster's goods." Then the General sent other forces, and the prey of the island was gathered together, some 5,000 or 6,000 head, and was brought away, together with Owen McDonnell. There were divers that followed their goods, who coming to the camp where John Bingham was, were executed to the number of 14. Mostyn heard Bingham command that the old man should be spared, but, Grene O'Moley, then marshal, coming up said he was already hanged. On first going to the Island some people were killed by the soldiers, and a woman who swam to recover a boat was struck with a staff or stone and so drowned by the soldiers. Mostyn was angry at it, but it was said the people used some resistance, and were entering into boats to take to the sea. One night when Ambrose O'Madden was guarding the cows an alarm was raised that half of them were breaking away and Owen M'Donnell was killed, but Mostyn knows not how. The prey was brought within a mile of Galway and there divided by the governor. (Copy.) pp. 2.