Preface

Calendar of State Papers, Ireland, 1588-1592. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1885.

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'Preface', in Calendar of State Papers, Ireland, 1588-1592, (London, 1885) pp. vii-xliii. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/ireland/1588-92/vii-xliii [accessed 24 March 2024]

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PREFACE.

The period of which this Volume treats is from August 1588 to September 1592. The last concluded just as the arrival of the Spanish fleet off the Lizard was announced, and this commences with full details of the disasters which befell the retreating Spaniards along all the west coast of Ireland, from the Giant's Causeway to Cape Clear, "where the ocean sea raiseth such a billow "as can hardly be endured by the greatest ships." (fn. 1)

It will be well to notice a few of the incidents in their voyage from Corunna, whence they sailed on the 12 / 22 of July, till they changed their course "on the 10 / 20 of August, "and steered for Spain." (fn. 2)

Upon Friday, 19th July, (fn. 3) part of the Spanish Navy, to the number of 50 sail, was discovered about the Isles of Scilly hovering in the wind.

On the 20th, the Admiral got forth with our Navy out of Plymouth, the wind being at south-west.

On Sunday, the 21st, by an accident of fire happening in one of their great ships, about 120 men were blown up, the rest being compelled to leave her, and she was sent by Admiral Howard into the west parts of England.

The same day, the 21st, a large galleon, commanded by Don Pedro de Valdez, which, in tacking, fell foul of another ship and sprung her foremast, was left behind, (fn. 4) and being seen by Drake the next day, he sent a pinnace and summoned her to yield, when Don Pedro after some hesitation complied, and, coming on board Drake's ship, was received courteously and entertained in Drake's own cabin, while the galleon was sent on to Plymouth.

On Tuesday, the 23rd, (fn. 5) the Lord Admiral chasing the enemy, who seemed more desirous to abide our force than before, fell in fight with them over against St. Alban's [Head] about five of the clock in the morning, and so continued with great force till late in the evening, when the wind coming to the south-west they began "to go room-wards."

On Thursday, the 25th, over against Dunnose, part of the Isle of Wight, the Lord Admiral, espying Captain Frobisher with a few ships to be in a sharp fight with the enemy, and fearing they should be distressed, did, with five of his best ships, bear up towards the Admiral of the Spanish Fleet, and, so breaking into the heart of them, began a very sharp fight, being within "two or three score" one of the other, until they had cleared Captain Frobisher, and made them give place.

Upon Saturday, the 27th, about 8 o'clock at night, the Lord Henry Seymour, Admiral of the Narrow Seas, joined with the Lord Admiral Howard in Whitsand Bay, over against the cliffs of Calais, and anchored together, and the Spanish Fleet rode also at anchor to leewards of the Lord Admiral and nearer to Calais roads.

Early on Monday morning, on the 29th of July, when the fire ships were discovered, and the cry was raised among the Spaniards of "cut your cables, get up your anchors," a large galleass having lost her rudder was driven on the sands, where she was afterwards attacked by the Admiral's long boat commanded by the Lord Admiral's lieutenant, with 100 of his principal men, and after a stout resistance, Dom Hugo de Montcaldo [Moncada], son of the viceroy of Valencia, and 400 soldiers and rowers were drowned or put to the sword. The ship and guns, after the English had set free three hundred galley slaves and taken out 50,000 ducats of gold, fell as a wreck to Monsieur Gourdan, the Governor of Calais. On the same day, the 29th of July, (fn. 6) there was much fighting, several of the Spanish ships were quite disabled, and many among their crews killed or wounded. The Duke of Medina Sidonia was desirous of turning against the English, and maintaining his position in the Channel, "but the pilots "declared it to be impossible against the wind and tide, "and that they must proceed into the North Sea, or be "driven on the shoals along the Flemish coast."

The same day, the 29th, the Lord Admiral wrote to Walsyngham. (fn. 7) The Spaniards have been chased in fight till evening, and are much distressed. "Their force is wonderful great and strong," and yet we pluck their feathers by little and little. I pray to God that the forces on the land be strong "Anufe" [enough] to "aunser" [answer] so puissant a force. There is not one Flushinger or Hollander at the seas. On the same day Drake wrote to the same, rejoicing "that God has given us so good a "day in forcing the enemy so far to leeward. (fn. 8)

Tuesday, the 30th, (fn. 9) one of the enemy's great ships was espied to be in great distress by Captain [Sampson] of Her Majesty's ship called the "Hope," who being in speech of yielding unto the said captain, before they could agree on certain conditions, sunk presently before their eyes.

On the same day, the 30th July, Richard Tomson writes to Walsyngham, from off the island of Walcheren, as follows : (fn. 10) —On Saturday, the 27th, the Spaniards came to anchor off Calais, and the English following anchored to the windward of them. On Sunday at midnight the Admiral, having the wind and tide, sent certain ships on fire amongst them. They let slip their anchors and cables in confusion, fell foul of each other, and ran out to sea pursued by the English along the coast of Flanders. Out of 124 that anchored off Calais only 86 can be found.

On the same day, viz., 30th July, Robert Cecil wrote to his father from Dover, (fn. 11) giving him the intelligence learned from a gentleman of Salamanca taken in the galleass stranded at Calais on the 29th. The Spaniards expect aid from Scotland, and wish to draw the English fleet northwards in chasing them, to enable the Duke of Parma to land his forces in England.

On Wednesday it is advertised (fn. 12) that the 31st of July two of their great ships, being in distress and grievously torn in the fight, are taken by certain Hollanders and brought into Flushing; the principal person of the greatest of them is called Dom Piedmontello, being also one of the Maestri del Campo.

On the same day, the 31st of July, Drake wrote to Walsyngham, (fn. 13) I am commanded to send these prisoners ashore (fn. 14) by my Lord Admiral (Lord Charles Howard), which would have ere this been long done, but that I thought their being here might have done something, which is not thought meet now. Let me beseech you that they may be presented to Her Majesty, either by your Honour or the Lord Chancellor Hatton, or both of you. The one Don Pedro [de Valdez] is a man of great estimation with the King of Spain, and thought next in this army to the Duke of [Medina] Sidonia. If they should be given from me unto any other it would be some grief to my friends. We have the army of Spain before us, and mind with the grace of God to "wressell a poull" with him. There was never anything pleased me better than the seeing the enemy flying with a southerly wind to the northwards. If we live, I doubt it not but ere it be long so to handle the matter with the Duke of Sidonia, as he shall wish himself at St. Mary Port among his orange trees.

On the same day, the 31st, the Armada continued its course to the North Sea, with the wind fresh from the south-west and much sea on. (fn. 15)

Lord Charles Howard, the Lord High Admiral, wrote from aboard the Ark on the 7th of August (fn. 16) to Walsyng ham. We gave them chase until we had cleared our own coast and some part of Scotland of them, and then we made for the Frith [of Forth] and sent certain pinnaces to dodge them until they should be past the Isles of Scotland, which I verily believe are "lefte" at their sterns ere this.

On the 8th of August (fn. 17) the Lord Admiral wrote to Walsyngham. I know not what you think of it at the Court, but I do think, and so do all here, that there cannot be too great forces maintained yet for five or six weeks on the seas. For although we have put the Spanish Fleet past the "Frythe, and I think past the Isles," yet God knoweth whether they go either to the Naze of Norway or into Denmark or to the Isles of Orkney to refresh themselves and so to return, for I think they dare not return with this dishonour and shame to their King. Sir, sure bind, sure find. A kingdom is a grand wager. Sir, you know security is dangerous. "An" [if] God had not been our best friend we should have found it so. I do warrant you all the world never saw such a force as "theirs" was, and some Spanish that we have taken that were in the fight at Lepanto [in 1571] do say that the worst of our four fights that we have had with them did exceed far the fight they had there, and they say that at some of our fights we had 20 times as much gun shot that played as they had there.

On the same day, the 8th of August, (fn. 18) Sir Francis Drake wrote to the Queen as follows : "On Friday last, the 2nd of August, we left the army of Spain so far to the northwards as they could neither recover England nor Scotland, and within three days after we were entertained with a great storm, considering the time of the year. The which storm in many of our judgments hath not a little annoyed the enemy's army."

On the 10th [Aug.] (fn. 19) he says to Walsyngham. Their ships, masts, sails, and ropes were very much spoiled by our great shot. Then at Calais by fire we forced them to cut many of their cables, whereby they lost many of their anchors. Further, I assure your Honour, Her Majesty's good ships felt much of that storm, and lost many of their boats and pinnaces with some anchors and cables, yet were we fair by our own shore, and the [west] wind right off the land. We left a pinnace of Her Majesty's, the "Advice," [50 tons, 40 seamen, and nine guns. Captain John Harris], and a fine carvell of my own to attend the Fleet of Spain when we left them ; but what is become of them in that great storm I know not.

The Spanish narrative says, "We continued our course "until we got through the Channel of the Sea of Norway; "not being possible to return to the English Channel, "though it has been our desire to do so to the present "day, the 10/20th of August, on which day, having doubled "the Islands of Scotland, we are steering for Spain with "the wind east-north-east."

On the 14th of August the Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam wrote to the Privy Council (fn. 20) in answer to theirs of the 4th of July, which commanded him with all the speed and force he may to make his repair into Munster, and there remain with the adventure of his life, "which he will." He says but for such forces as he may take with him there is not of them 300 of all sorts. He presently spreads abroad the comfortable news that the Lord Admiral Howard will land with 10,000 men if so occasion require, which will greatly encourage the few dutiful subjects, and abate the pride of the wicked sort, but he could rather have wished that 3,000 or 4,000 men had been here already, both to have daunted the traitorous sort and encountered the foreign enemy at his first landing.

In his letter of 21st August to King Philip II., Don Pedro de Valdez describes his making terms on board Drake's ship : "The best conclusion that could be taken was the "safety of our lives and courteous entertainment, for "performance whereof he gave us his hand and word of "a gentleman." (fn. 21)

On the 24th of August (fn. 22) Fytzwylliam writes to the Privy Council that the Spanish Fleet is now passed through the Narrow Seas.

On the 26th (fn. 23) of August Bingham writes to Burghley that we rejoice much in Her Majesty's victory against the Spanish Fleet.

On Sept. 4th (fn. 24) Sir John Hawkyns wrote from the Ark in the Downs to Burghley. He gives a list of all Her Majesty' ships that have arrived and met together in the Downs, with a note of their companies, being 4,453 men at this present. The companies do fall sick daily. Our ships are utterly unfitted and unmeet to follow any enterprise from hence without a thorough new trimming, refreshing and new furnishing with provisions, grounding, and fresh men.

Let us here contemplate the wreck and miseries which befel the Spaniards on the coast of Ireland, and the resistance offered to their landing by the obedient subjects there, together with the welcome offered them by some of the "bad disposed" and "wicked sort," and the measures of resistance taken by the Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam, the Governor of Connaught, and other chief officers, in obedience to the instructions they received from home.

On the 5th September George Bingham, the Sheriff of Sligo, writes to Sir Richard Bingham (fn. 25) that John Fetigan, who came out of the barony of Carbrie, relates that he saw three great ships coming from the south-west and bearing towards O'Donnell's country, and took their course right to the harbour of Killibeggs, the next haven to Donegal. The country were determined once, upon the coming so near of those ships, to have fired their beacons. Some of the country people say that they saw yesterday about Aringlass (an open bay in O'Dowd's country in Tereragh, in the county of Sligo) six great ships. The son of O'Rourke, who lately ran away from Oxford, lieth upon the borders of his country with 200 men, and McGlanathie has made proclamation for all the wood-kerne to resort unto him and they shall have entertainment.

On the 6th of September, (fn. 26) Dominick Ryesse, the Suffrein of Dingle Cush, writes to the Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam, or, in his absence, to Vice President Thomas Norreys, as follows, "Right Honourable.—My duty always remem"bered, these shall be to testify that here is arrived upon "Thursday in the afternoon, which was the 5th of Sep"tember, in the Sound of Blasgay (Blasquets) which is "three miles westward of Dingle, two ships and a frigate, "and afore their arriving, they did send a boat ashore "and landed three of their men, and the boat, by the foul "weather was also afterwards set ashore with five other "men, my fortune being to b ... them, and took "them and examined them, and found they are Spaniards, "and part of the Fleet that came from Spain. Amongst "the company that I took, there is a Scotsman who was "taken by them at sea, as he says, whom I examined "apart, who affirms that in the two ships and frigate "there is the number of 1,000 men, and the most part of "them are sick, destitute of victual, and in great ex"tremity for want of knowledge, and also there is a "great galleass upon the coast which was in their com"pany, and not seen by them these four days, which "hath 1,000 men. So it is, Right Honourable, that I "have gathered so many as are in this hundred, as with "my townsmen I have interrupted their landing to my "power."

On the 8th of September, (fn. 27) Nicholas Furlong, who was at the Groin [Corunna] when the Spanish Armada departed, says, in his examination, that the Armada went intending to take land at Mounts Bay, in Cornwall, and that the Duke of Parma with his force of 40,000 men was appointed to land in the Isle of Wight. But, if the Spanish Navy were disappointed of landing in Cornwall, then they would land in the Isle of Wight, together with the Duke of Parma's forces. Also the Duke of Guise should have sent 20,000 men to this action, and likewise the King of Scots should be ready with 30,000 men to invade the north of England so soon as he should understand that the Spaniards had landed. The Spanish army would have sailed for Ireland if it had been delayed a fortnight later at the Groin, and would, in that case, have entered Waterford and Beare Haven, there to winter and abide till the next spring. The cause of deponent's knowledge is that Patrick Lynch, a master gunner in the Navy, who had all this news from his captain, imparted it to him, and also that one Rochford, an Irish Jesuit, who at that time died at the Groin, discovered at his death to certain Irishmen, his countrymen, that the Spanish forces were not above 22,000 men of all sorts in the Fleet that left the Groin. There were 500 Englishmen and Irishmen in the Armada.

On the 8th of September (fn. 28) George Fannyng, the Mayor of Limerick, wrote to Alexander Brywer, the Mayor of Waterford: Mr. Mayor, there he 11 Spanish ships upon the coast. It is thought that they are the Fleet "that have been in Flanders" with the army, and returning home to Spain, are beaten by weather to the coast of Ireland. Nevertheless I thought good to certify your worship thereof.—Limerick, in haste. The letter whereof this is a copy was received at 12 o'clock at noon on the 9th of September.

On the 8th September (fn. 29) Captain Richard Hovenden and Henry Hovenden wrote to the Lord Deputy from Berte Castle. Two days past Sir John O'Dogherty sent us word that some Spaniards were landed in his country. We have received assured word of their landing to the number of 600 or 700 at least, and they give out that they mean to draw towards Galway. These Spaniards were driven by stress of weather into a creek named Glanganvey, where their ship is drowned with 200 or 300 men in her. It is said O'Dogherty himself has had an interview with them. There are 11 sail in another creek near McSweeny Ne Doe's country. We are 150 men, and will be doing with the Spaniards as we may find advantage, although we are in doubt whether the country be true to us or not.

On the same day, the 8th, (fn. 30) the Earl of Tirone wrote to the Lord Deputy from Dungannon. I let you understand that I am providing for all my forces, and I am now without any help saving O'Donnell and myself, for "I have "no trust in no man in this quarter," and I desire to know of your Honour what I shall do. I mean to draw all the creates [kereates] near up, and such forces as I am able to make, to be in a readiness. And I desire your Lordship's answer what I shall do. All the soldiers that are in the North are drawing near to the Spaniards, but they lack munition. Please to send two or three barrels of powder. [Note signed by Fytzwilliam ;—I received these letters upon Wednesday the 11th of September 1588, after 10 of the clock at night.]

In his examination on Monday the 9th of September (fn. 31) Petrus Baptista of Naples, purser of the galleass called "Sumiga," states that the Armada sailed from the haven of the city of Corney [Corunna] about [Friday] the 12 / 22 of July, and "upon the Saturday after" [it was on the 20/30 of July], descried the land of England, and did see the English Navy about evening of the same day afar off, and Sunday morning [21 July] betimes, the English Navy began to fight with them, and in that fight Don Pedro de Valdez, a noble Spaniard, the third principal captain of the Spanish army was taken prisoner. This examinate was taken in Ireland in manner following, viz., one of the galleass's boats did slip away, and being blown to land the Sheriff did cause it to be burned, fearing lest they should recover the same again, and shortly after they did set forth another boat, wherein this examinate, because he can speak Latin, was sent, accompanied with a gentleman whom he doth term Patronus Navis, and others, peaceably without weapons, feigning themselves to be merchants, in hope the rather to get flesh and water for money without sus picion, and as this examinate and the gentleman came out of the boat they that were ashore presently laid hands upon the said examinate. The gentleman seeing his fellow so taken leapt suddenly into the boat amongst his fellows, and got away to the galleass; there are many oars upon the same, and lieth out against Dogh i Conor in the barony of Corcomroe. The master of the galleass, with two or three more, are dead since they came to this coast.

On the 10th of September (fn. 32) Edward Keys, the Constable of the Blackwater, wrote to the Lord Deputy. I am informed of a certainty that there are landed in Sir John O'Dogherty's country (fn. 33) a ten sail of the Spaniards. I advertise you thereof according to my duty. Written at 8 o'clock at night.

On the 12th of September (fn. 34) Edward Whyte wrote to his brother Stephen Whyte of Limerick, alderman, that there arrived in the harbour of Sligo three ships, but as it is thought they are departed; there arrived also certain of them in "Tirawly" and some in "Irrisse," [Innish] (fn. 35) also three at the isles of Arran, whereof there is one come into the bay within a mile of the common road of Galway, of 200 tons, one at "Lysemore," Sir Turlough O'Brien's place, and 8 in your harbour. [Side note: These seem to be those ships which were in the Shannon, for that is the entry of the haven of Limerick where Stephen Whyte dwelleth.] Whether these are of such as were in the overthrow upon the coast of England or not we know not. There is a ship of 900 tons of those which came to "Irrisse"

[Innishe] cast up upon the sands at Ballycroohie, 13 of their gentlemen are taken, the rest to the number of 400 of the men of that ship are come to land, and do, as we hear, fortify at Ballycroohie; there was also another of those ships cast away at the island of Clere in " Irrisse " [Innishe], 68 of their men are drowned and slain, all the powder in the great ship of 900 tons was spoiled, and the men greatly distressed for want of victuals and fresh water; there is another great ship cast away in Tirawly, 72 of her men are taken by William Burke of Ardnerie [Ardnerry], and a bishop and a friar, and of the said number there be three noblemen, and most of all the rest of the men of that ship are either slain or drowned, for as it is written to Sir Richard [Bingham] they were so miserably distressed coming to land, as one man, named "Melaghlen McCabb," killed 80 of them with his galloglas axe. We hear of none of the country which hath joined with them. I hope they will be all true, for as yet they have served well against them. I pray God confound them all that are Her Majesty's enemies, of what nation soever they be, and preserve her Highness from all dangers, and her faithful subjects from the tyranny of merciless strangers. The Governor [Bingham] will shortly set forth to rouse these fellows which do fortify, wherein you shall understand there is none that fortifieth but those who have lost their ships. I think the rest will return to their country, for they shall never be able to do us any great hurt, although they may, perhaps, keep us occupied a little, and so trouble us for a time. I pray God keep you there from their violence; commend me to all my friends.

In his examination of 12 September (fn. 36) Emanuel Fremoso, a Portuguese, who was in the flag ship of the Admiral Don John Martinez di Ricaldo, saith that when they came forth there were 800 soldiers, and for mariners there were 60 Portuguese and 40 Biscayans. The ship was the largest of the whole Fleet. He saith they were in all at their coming forth 135 sail, whereof four were galleasses, four gallies, and nine victuallers. He saith after their departure from the Groin about eight days [viz., from Friday 12th to Saturday the 20th of July] the Fleet came to the Lizard, where they all struck sail for the night, and next morning they saw the English Fleet, whereupon they hoisted sail. He saith in the first fight, north-east of the Lizard, his ship lost 15 men. He saith they anchored off Calais where, through the firing of the English [fire] ships, they were driven to leave their anchors and to depart, so that each of the ships lost two anchors at that place. The next morning, Monday, the [29th of July] the fight began about 8 o'clock and continued for eight hours along the Channel towards the north. After which fight the General [the Duke of Medina Sidonia] took account of the whole Navy, and found there were left 120 sail of the whole Fleet, but of his own sight he saw not passing 85. He saith they were pursued by the English about five days after this fight, northward out of sight of any land. He saith that about four days after the English Fleet left them, the whole Fleet remaining came to an island off the north part of Scotland, where they stayed not nor had any relief, but at this place the General called all the ships together, giving them in charge that they should haste them to the first place they could get to, of the coast of Spain or Portugal. He saith that out of his ship there died four or five every day of hunger and thirst. After this for about 10 days the whole Fleet held together towards Spain. About 21 days past they were severed by a great storm, which lasted from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next day, in which storm the Admiral came away with 27 sail, but what is become of the rest of the Fleet he cannot tell. Again about 10 days past they had another great storm with a mist, by which they were again severed, so that of these 27 sail there came unto the coast of "Dengen e Choushe" [Dingle Cush] but the Admiral, another ship of 400 ton, and a bark of about 40 ton, and what is become of the rest of those 27 sail he knoweth not. He saith that of all sorts there be now remaining in the Admiral [called Don John of Oporto] near about 500, of whom there be 25 Biscayans and 40 Portuguese who are mariners, the master being very sick and one of the pilots. There are 80 soldiers and 20 mariners in the Admiral very sick, and do lie down and die daily, and the rest he saith are all very weak, and the cockswain very sad and weak.

He saith they were so near the coast before they found it out, that by the violence of the strong westerly wind they were not able to double out from it. There is in this Admiral's (ship) but 25 pipes of wine and very little bread, and no water, but what they brought out of Spain, which stinkcth marvellously, and their flesh meat they cannot eat their drought is so great. He saith no part of the Navy ever touched upon any land, until the time they came to Dingle Cush, nor hath had any water, victual, or other relief from any coast since the English Fleet left off the pursuit of them. He saith that when they lay before Calais there came a pinnace to their Fleet from the Duke of Parma, who told them that the Duke could not be ready for them until the Friday following [viz., Aug. 2.] But by reason of this fight of the English Fleet with them, they were not able to tarry there so long. The Admiral's purpose is upon the first wind that serveth to pass away for Spain. He saith there be of principal men in the Admiral, Don John do Luna, a Spaniard, who is chief captain of the soldiers of that ship, Don Gomes, a Spaniard, and Don Sebastian, a Portuguese. He saith he thinketh that the Duke [de Medina Sidonia] is passed towards Spain for that he was seen some 12 leagues more westerly than the Admiral was, in the first storm. He saith that the great galleon which came from the Duke of Florence was never seen since they were in the fight at Calais. He saith the people of the galleasses were most spoiled by the English Fleet.

While it was thus an evil time for the "Invincible Armada," it was far from fair weather in the English Fleet, the Lord Admiral Howard writing to the Privy Council from Dover on the 22nd of August, says, upon my coming hither on the 21st at 3 p.m. (fn. 37) I presently sent for the Lord Henry Seymour, Sir William Wynter, Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkyns, and others, to consider of Her Majesty's service. As I left some of the ships of the Fleet infected at my coming up, so now I find that the most part of the Fleet is grievously infected and die daily, falling sick in the ships by numbers. It is thought to be a very plague. We find that the fresh men that we draw into our ships are infected one day and die the next, so as many of the ships have hardly men enough to weigh their anchors, for my Lord Thomas Howard, my Lord Sheffield, and five or six other ships, being at Margate, and the wind ill for that road, are so weakly manned by reason of this sickness and mortality, as they were not able to weigh their anchors to come.

On the 13th of September, (fn. 38) Gerald Comerford writes to Sir Richard Bingham, I have stayed within the view of the ship that was here at Pollilly by Torrane before, till I saw both the company of the said ship and of the ship that is here, joined together and entered into one ship, and this present morning took the sea bag and baggage, towards the south-west. The ship that is here aground is well stored of great pieces, and other munition, wine and oil, and many other things under water. Here are no boats able to come by them, neither is it possible to take any thing of any great value out of the same as yet.

James Blake and others have taken a boat full of treasure out of the ship. Prays Bingham that if they be taken they may be put up safe, and not bailed, as he wishes to charge them with disloyalty, for they have disobeyed his commandment given them in writing, and beaten and wounded his people, which offence he hopes will be punished. He then adds, this part of the coast is clear and there is no ship here remaining, saving one that hath no cock boat, at Bealingly, and they can put no man ashore, and I have given commandment to the country people that none should go to rescue them. I have gone into Irris with the rest of my company, being a 40 or 50 in company, having not above "fower" of this country people, hoping to light upon some that straggled from the Spaniards left by them ashore. Because the Spaniards are gone, the country people here make a show of great loyalty. I hope your worship by this [time] is upon the borders near at hand, and if you be, it were not amiss that you should make towards Inyre in Irris, where there is a ship cast away, and all the goods saved. In this ship that is here, one "Dondelango," was the principal man, and as I do learn the leader of the whole army. I understand your worship hath great forces coming, if there be not causes administered in the county of Sligo, you need not for this county, if it be not Tyrawly, for they are fled and gone to sea here hence. I will go presently to Tyrawly, and will advertise your worship from thence.

On Sunday morning the 15th of September (fn. 39) Sir Richard Bingham, Thomas Dillon, Chief Justice in Connaught, Captains Anthony Brabazon and Nathaniel Smythe wrote to the Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam : Since my last from Donmore, the house of the Lord Bermingham of Athanry, we have proceeded thus far on our way, namely to Castle McGarret within the county of Mayo, and 24 miles from Erris, where we received these inclosed advertisements from Mr. [Gerald] Comerford. All the Spaniards who were at Torrane are embarked in " the one great ship" and gone to sea, so this service now is at a good end, unless this south-west wind do blow them back again.

To-morrow we will hold on our journey as far as Donnamonie, and it may be beyond, to re-settle those parts, and to order such things as have been disquieted by means of the arrival of these strangers. And albeit there may be some commodity got by a kind of "pilling" out of "this last ship," yet having a greater care for the general service, we do mind to return back and take our journey by Galway into Thomond, where the places of most danger be now as we suspect. And therefore in our opinions we hold it most convenient that all such forces as were written for hither should be diverted the next way for Limerick, doubting lest that these men escaped from hence, may fall into that river where a good strength of their fellows be before them. For now that these 1,400 are gone, and the three ships cast away at Sligo, we do not presently mistrust of any further cause to use extraordinary forces, without it be that these lately departed hence, or some of these 26 sails which were seen in McSweeny Ne Doe's country, by this contrary wind he thrown again upon these coasts, otherwise we may well perceive they have no intent to land if they can choose; but we stand not thoroughly resolved of the state of things in Sligo, which is partly the cause why we proceed on at all, hut the certainty we shall know this day or tomorrow. And those companies, if your Lordship think good being drawn to Limerick, shall be indifferent near to answer the service either on Thomond side or Munster. We would be loth to breed any garboils or trouble within this province by drawing in of soldiers, more than of necessity we must, and at this time especially for hindering the collection of the province revenues. The ships which now have been cast away in several parts within Connaught that we know, are to the number of 10, whereof four great ones, the least of 700 or 800 tons. It is very likely that once this day I may hear that these ships within the mouth of the Shannon be put to sea, and gone for Spain also, and then have I little to do in this action but to husband what I may of this spoil, to Her Majesty's profit, which I doubt will be small, except the great artillery; and for the saving whereof I will give present order to the several parts of the province where the ships were cast away, to use all diligence that may be, and will send men of purpose to assist the country in doing thereof. Also I will send some sufficient gentleman with some strength into Dowdarraugh [Roe] O'Malie's [country] to recover that prisoner Don Pedro de Mendosa if I may. And what shall be further done I will presently advertise unto you.

As I had written thus much I received this inclosed letter from William Martin of Galway, whereby your Lordship may perceive that there is another ship cast away in Sir Morough Ne Doe O'Flaherty's country, which now makes 11 ships in all, that we are assured have been lost upon these coasts, and more there hath been cast away no doubt. And truly it is very like that the most part of these ships which are escaped hence and gone for Spain will hardly recover home; their ships are so bruised and beaten, and the men so weak and miserable.

On the 30th of September (fn. 40) Edward Whyte the clerk of the Council in Connaught wrote to Walsyngham. I was abroad all the while the Spaniards remained upon this coast, attending in my place upon the Governor of this province. I have thought it my bounden duty to make a Collection of such things as happened during that time and to send it unto you, wherein you shall see the great care which the Governor hath taken for the defence of the country.

In this discourse of the overthrow and wreck of the Spanish Fleet (fn. 41) inclosed by Edward Whyte it is stated that, upon Tuesday the 10th of September, there blew a most extreme wind and cruel storm, the like whereof hath not been seen or heard a long time. On Wednesday, the 11th of September, it was written that the ship which rode before Ballycrowhy the day before, was cast upon the sands, and that her men to the number of 600 came aland, and entered into the castle of Ballycrowhie, and began to fortify about them. Don Alonzo de Leva, a nobleman of Spain, was chief captain of the said company. Two days before this ship was lost the master [called Giovanni Avancinj] and 14 Italian mariners went ashore in the cockboat, which they abandoned and marched through the country, but Richard Burke, called "the Devil's son," meeting them took them prisoners and spoiled them of all they had. The cockboat being ashore, Don Alonzo de Leva and his company were compelled to set men aland upon empty casks [and other devices] to fetch her again, whereby they saved themselves from drowning when the ship was distressed.

Sir Richard Bingham also received advertisements from Mr. George Bingham the younger, and Robert O'Malley upon Thursday the 12th [correct] September that the great ship which was at the Isle of Clear was cast away with 700 men in her and clean sunk to the bottom of the sea, saving 100 men who had landed in the island two days before, the chief of whom was Don Pedro de Mendoza [the captain], as it is said, who perceiving that their ship was lost, would have departed from the island, and carried with them certain boats, belonging to the islanders, and have gone to the other ships which rode before Torrane, but one Dowdary Roe O'Malley, chief of the island, perceiving whereabout they intended to go, called his men together, and put them all to the sword, saving one poor Spaniard and an Irishman of the county of Wexford. They brought a great quantity of treasure to the island which came to Dowdaryes [Diodorowe's] hands.

At 10 o'clock on the 13th of September the Governor Sir R. Bingham took [his horse] at Athlone, and rode that night to Sir Hubert McDavie's house of Glynske. And be[ing come] three miles in his journey, he received letters in the great pass from his brother, Mr. George Bingham [the elder] importing that the three ships which were at anchor in the Bay of Sligo were distressed and cast away upon the coast of Carbry, betwixt Sligo and Bundrowes [and] a thousand men and upward drowned in them, and seven score of such as came aland [and] escaped drowning were executed by himself. There escaped divers others out [of those] ships, which being stript and spoiled by the country people, they let them go at liberty with[ersoever they] list, who coming to Sir Brian O'Rourke's country, were by him gladly received and [newly] apparelled and relieved. The said Sir Brian being earnestly written unto, to send them to [the] Governor, hath utterly refused so to do, but standing upon very undutiful terms after his [wonted] manner hath kept them about himself, and did new furnish them with weapon.

Having ridden about half a mile further, Sir R. Bingham received other advertisements f[rom the] sheriff of the county of Clare and the rest of the commissioners there, and from cer[tain of] his own gentlemen, whom he sent thither before, for the service of Her Majesty, that two of the ships which were at anchor thereabouts were cast away by the tempest which fell the Tuesday before, via., one at Downbeg [Dunbeg] in the river of Limerick [the Shannon] and another at Tromra [Trumree], in the barony of Ibraccan, and above a thousand men drowned in them, and that three hundred who escaped to land were taken prisoners and put to the sword.

according to his worship the Governor's instructions, whereof his worship at the same very instant certified the Lord Deputy, from the place where he received the same advertisements. At the end of the pass the Chief Justice of the province, Thomas Dillon, met him with his own men well furnished, and did accompany him all the journey. From thence they rode together to McDavy's house, where Captain Anthony Brabazon, one of the Council of the province, Captain Nathaniel Smythe, and Mr. George Goodman came to him with certain horsemen. The next morning, being Saturday, the 14th of September, (fn. 42) he took his journey from Glynske to Castle McGeralte, and by the way Henry Malbie, Esq., met him with a good company of horsemen of the Lordship of Roscommon and certain other gentlemen, who came to give their attendance upon his worship in that service. And being come on his journey as far as the Lord Bermingham's house, called Downemore [Dunmore], he received letters from Mr. Comerford declaring that the 600 who were at Ballycrowhie were conveyed to the castle of Torane, a very strong place, and there joined with 800 more, who came out of another great ship which lay at anchor in the road of Torane, and that being 1,400 in all, they entered into the same castle, and made show as though they intended to fortify in that place. Upon the receipt of these letters, the Governor (Bingham) despatched a messenger to the Lord Deputy Fitzwylliam signifying the same, and desired that Sir George Bowrchier's and Captain . . . . Sent Leger's two bands of footmen might be sent to him for his better assistance to attempt the winning of the castle of Torane and resist the enemy in their further attempts, as occasion should be ministered ; but at his coming to Castle McGeralte, he received other letters from the said Comerford, certifying that they were all shipped and gone to sea at noon the same day in the great ship which lay at anchor there, and that there was another great ship with 500 men cast away at Inver, the farthest part of "Irrysse," and all the rest of the ships which lay thereabouts gone to sea, saving one which lost her cockboat, and no further danger to be feared that way. And that two great ships were sunk at Burrishoole [Boryesowle] and nine hundred men. Hereupon the Governor despatched another messenger to the Lord Deputy with sure advertisements thereof, to stay the former bands from coming to the province [which he] wrote for before, and to prevent all other occasions, which upon his former letters from D[ownemore] might breed any charges to Her Majesty or the country.

The next morning being Sunday the 15th, he and his whole company came to .... Dwnemony [Donnemony] where they camped, and there directed his letters to the officers near the sea to know the state of everything amongst them, that upon all occasions he might be ready to answer them. Here he was advertised from William Martyne, of Galway, and Teige [Ne Bully] O'Flaherty, son to Sir Morough Ne Doe O'Flaherty, that two other great ships were cast away in O'Flaherty's country, viz., one under Sir Morough and another under Teige Ne Bowlye O'Flaherty, with 600 men in them, viz., 200 in the one and 400 in the other. It was also certified that the Duke of Medina Sidonia himself was in that great ship which rode at Torane, and that the ship had a great leak at her departing, and further it was told his worship that the same night it went to sea certain great pieces were heard to shoot off in the land, whereby in all men's opinions the same ship was lost or sunk at that instant. Upon Monday the 16th of September, it was thought good by the Governor and Council, forasmuch as many of the Spaniards who escaped shipwreck were kept by divers gentlemen and others of the province, and used with more favour than they thought meet, to set forth a proclamation, upon pain of death, that every man who had or kept any of them should presently bring them in, and deliver them to Robert Fowle, the Provost Marshal, the justices of peace, the sheriffs, or other head officers, or else that any man who should detain any of them above four hours after the publication of the said proclamation to be held and reputed as a traitor, which he published in every place for avoiding of further peril. Whereupon Teige Ne Bully O'Flaherty and many others brought their prisoners to Galway, and for that there were many Spaniards brought to the town of Galway from other parts of the province, besides those which the townsmen had taken prisoners bef[ore, he] despatched Robert Fowle, the Provost Marshal, Captain Nathaniel Smythe and John Byrte [thither] with warrant and commission to put them all to the sword, saving the noblemen or such [principal] gentlemen as were among them, and afterwards to repair to O'Flaherty's country [to make] earnest search who kept any Spaniards in their hands [and to] execute them in like manner, and take view of the great ordnance, munition, and oth[er] things which were in the two ships that were lost in that country, and see how it might be sa[ved for] the use of Her Majesty. Whereupon they executed 300 men at Galway. He also despatched his cousins George Bingham, the younger, Francis Bingham and Robert [Coker], gentleman, and Captain Grene O'Molloy, with commission to them and to Mr. Comerford and Mr. Brow[ne of] the Neale for the like execution and search to be made in the baronies of the 0[wles] and Irrysse, and to see how the great ordnance and munition might [be] saved.

Having set these things in order, he received advertisements from the Sheriff of Thomond, and from William Martyne that all the ships which were upon that coast were [gone to] sea, whereupon he directed commission to Sir Turlough O'Brien, Captain [Mordaunt] the sheriff, and Edward Mostyn, for the execution of all the prisoners and stragglers [which were] yet reserved or concealed there, and take care how the great ordnance might be saved. And also sent one John Gorwey to Tyrawly to f[ind out] such Spaniards as were yet kept alive in Tyrawly, and sent the former proclamation] to his brother George Bingham to the county of Sligo, with the like instructions] which he gave to others for execution of the prisoners, and finding out and viewing of the [great] ordnance, munition, and such other things as might be saved.

And forasmuch as the Earl of Clanricard was not as yet come to him with his forc[es and] that there was no cause now to employ him, for that the enemy was departed and distressed, he wrote to his Lordship to dismiss his company and tarry at home. In the afternoon of this day Cotgrave, the pursuivant at arms, came with letters from the Lord Deputy and Council, which were answered the same night.

The 17th of September, word was brought to the Governor, that one of the great ships which lay before Torane, was driven back with a contrary wind, but afterwards put to sea again.

This day, in the evening, being Wednesday, the 18th. he received advertise[ments] from all the remote parts of the province, and the several shires and places near the sea, [that] as many of the Spanish Fleet as escaped shipwreck were departed [and] no further cause of any doubt of their invasion to be feared at that time, which was advertised to the Lord Deputy.

Upon Thursday, the 19th of September, the Governor rode from Downemony to the [Owles] to give direction there for the doing and performance of certain services, and returned back to Downemony again. Here he did understand by one of the Spaniards who was brought prisoner out of [Irrishe] that Maurice Fitz Gerald, son to the late Archtraitor James Fitzmaurice, was d[ead in] the great ship which lay before Torane, and cast into the sea in a fair cypress ch[est with] great solemnity.

Upon Friday, the 20th of September, his worship removed from Downemony to Kyllnemannaghe, and from thence took his journey the next day, being the 21st, to Galway, and came thither about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. At which time he called Don Lewis de Cordova before him and all the rest of the prisoners, which were not put to the sword before, to the number of 40 persons, which he commanded to be executed, saving 10 of the best of them, whom he committed to the custody of divers gentlemen, till the Lord Deputy should have resolved what to do with them. Having made a clear despatch of them, both within the town and in the country, he rested Sunday all day, giving thanks to Almighty God for Her Majesty's most happy success in that action, and our deliverance from such dangerous enemies.

Upon Monday morning, being the 23rd, he departed from the town of Galway, and having left all things in good order, both within the town and in every place else where he travelled, he dismissed such gentlemen and others as attended upon him in this journey, and so came to Athlone, upon Tuesday following. And doubting that Sir Brian O'Rourke or any other in the county of Sligo, or the borders thereof, would, with the help of such few Spaniards as they have kept alive, attempt any stir or rebellion to disquiet the country, he appointed his band of footmen to repair to Ballimote, to be ready there at his brother George Bingham's direction, to defend the country, and bridle the said Sir Brian O'Rourke upon all occasions that might happen.

There were lost in all places upon the coasts of Connaught and Thomond by shipwreck and fire as follows:—

Great ships lost by shipwreck, 9. Ship burned, 1. Spaniards drowned in the sea, 5,600. Spaniards slain and put to execution, which escaped out of the ships that were lost, 1,100. Ships sunk to our knowledge, 3. And 2 more said to be sunk a seaboard the Out Isles, besides many other ships which were sunk and drowned upon the islands of this province and other places of the realm, as well in Connaught as in Ulster and Munster, so as in the opinion of some of the best shipmasters of that Fleet, which were taken prisoners and executed, it is not like that twenty ships of all the whole fleet should return into Spain. For besides those that were taken, and that perished both in the Narrow Seas and here upon the coast of Ireland, most of their ships had many leaks and wanted victuals and fresh water, and very sore rent, torn, and battered in many places, and bulged under water in such wise, as very few can hold out any long time.

[It is to be noted that this document No. 57 I. is much damaged, but the damaged and missing words have been supplied from No. 58.]

On the 22nd of October, (fn. 43) William Taaffe wrote that McSweeny killed 40 of the best Spaniards as soon as the rest were gone a-shipboard.

On the [24] October, (fn. 44) Sir John O'Dogherty complained to the Lord Deputy that McSweeny, having subsisted 3,000 Spaniards till his own country is consumed, directs the Spaniards for hate, into his country to consume it. Prays for help against them.

On the 26th of October, (fn. 45) Captain Nicholas Merriman wrote that the Spanish ship which went from McSweeny's country for the Out Isles of Scotland was wrecked on the 18th of October, and that 260 dead bodies were driven to the shore by the rough weather. Sorley Boy McDonnell has taken up sundry butts of wine for his use which were among the wreckage near Dunluce.

On the same day, the 26th of October, (fn. 46) Mr. Henry Duke advertised that the McSweenys affirmed that the Spaniards remaining in their country were 2,400. They have left with McSweeny an Irish friar called James Ne Dowrough, who went into Spain with James Fitz Maurice.

On the same day, the 26th of October, (fn. 47) William Browne of Waterford states in his examination that the 16th of May last he was pressed at Lisbon out of a ship called the "Sunday," to serve in one of the King's ships, called the "Saint Anne," of St. Sebastians, Captain O'Candy, a dweller at St. Sebastians, and so sailed thence to Corunna, where certain of the Fleet was, in number 200 sail. From thence they sailed to the coast of England, and having sighted the Land's End, passed along the coast where they met about Plymouth seven sail of English ships, which gave them chace. Within three hours after they saw 50 sail coming, wherein was the Lord Admiral Howard and Sir Francis Drake, who gave them chace till they came to Calais Roads, in which time they lost certain ships and a galleass; and being at anchor at Calais Roads, certain of Her Majesty's ships drove them from their anchor-hold with fire works, and so they sailed along the coast towards the North Foreland. In that course they lost divers of their ships. From thence they sailed with the Duke of Medina Sidonia and 50 ships in company about Scotland and Ireland. Of which 50 sail, being come within 20 leagues of the coast of Spain, we arrived at Passages in Biscay two sail; and as we did understand the Duke of Medina Sidonia arrived at Santander with two or three sail, and others in several ports to the number of 25 sail. And as this deponent heard by the captains, soldiers, and companies reported, that they would come into Ireland the next summer and land at Cape Clear. The cause of his knowledge was for that he was aboard the said ship called the "St. Anne" during the said voyage. And departing secretly from them towards Bourdeaux, by the way met with a ship of West Chester at St. Jean de Luz, bound for England, and so obtained their good wills to come with them into England, and so came to Holyhead, where he met with an English bark bound for Ireland, and so landed here at Dublin the 25th of October. This examinate further saith that the Duke de Medina Sidonia never touched this coast of Ireland.

It is thus well established by these papers that the Duke de Medina Sidonia never landed in Scotland or Ireland, or anywhere else after he gave up the enterprise on the 10th of August, and changed his course to steer for Spain, till he landed at Santander long before the 25th of October, when William Browne landed at Dublin. (fn. 48)

Again, on the 28th of October, (fn. 49) Fenton wrote:—

"I numbered in one strand of less than five miles in length above 1,100 dead corpses of men which the sea had driven upon the shore. And the country people told me the like was in other places. Yesternight a letter from St. John de Luz arrived, which contains the news that the Duke of Medina Sidonia and Admiral Oquendo were newly come into Spain with but twenty ships, and they sore bruised, and the men much weakened and almost starved."

On the 31st of December, the Lord Deputy (fn. 50) wrote to the Privy Council:—

The spials which I and this Council used in the discovery of the numbers of Spaniards, being some of them priests and others as badly affected as they, finding certainly that the journey held, acquainted such as relieved the Spaniards therewith. Whereof Don Alonzo de Leva having intelligence be[ing] then intrenched in Tirconnell, near the place where the hulk, h[e] came in thither, brake, meaning to have wintered there so long as [till] from Spain or Scotland there might have come some ships [for] their return, forthwith removed himself 10 miles off, to a place where the broken and bruised galleas lay, and there lay incamped certain days, and in the meantime put her in so good state of repair as he thought would have served to carry him along the coast into Scotland, and to that end had hired three skilful pilots for Ireland and one for Scotland, and then taking with him his own company, being near 1,200, and all as may be with greatest reason thought choice men and of best account both for birth and service, went aboard her, who together with the galleas's company being at the point of 700 or 800, were altogether, as formerly I advertised your Lordships, cast away upon the rock of "Bonboys," lying between the Bann mouth and Dunluce. Others to the number of 400 or 500 miserable and ragged creatures utterly spoiled by the Irishry, were sent from Sorley Boy's and other places into Scotland, and order taken there, as it is reported, for their clothing and conveying into Spain. And nevertheless there yet remaineth in that province, as it is said, 100 or thereabouts, being most miserable, both in body and apparel, and few or none of them Spaniards, whom the Council and I thought good to draw from thence, by offering unto them the Queen's mercy, rather than to suffer them to abide there, after which 20 came in, and as I hear many of the rest are coming in as they are able. But before the proclamation, after my coming into those provinces there were divers of them executed in each of them, the number and names of which, I will humbly make bold to trouble your Lordships with by my next.

The Lord Deputy says, (fn. 51) I received from your Lordships seven several letters, whereof one jointly to me and the Council, the other to myself, containing in substance as well Her Majesty's most gracious acceptance of our dutiful service and proceedings in this action, both in making head against the enemy and in executing such Spaniards as fell into our hands, as also your Lordship's honourable and favourable regard in the despatch hither of men, munition, and money, for which we yield our most dutiful thanks.

On the 11th of February 158 8 / 9, (fn. 52) the Lord Deputy wrote to Walsyngham enclosing the extract of a letter from Captain Eggarton as follows:—

The Spanish ship that was burnt in M'Lane's country was a galleon of Venice of 1,200 tons. There were burned in her two chief captains, five of M'Lane's pledges, and 700 men, except two or three that were blown on shore with the upper deck. One captain and 100 men are with M'Lean. One Morris O'Desmond, so called, and Thomas O'Desmond, base son of Sir John O'Desmond, and another Irishman named Robert Aspolle, now accompanying John Madine [i.e., Don Juan Lopez de Medina], who at home in Spain is governor of Cadix, and in this voyage was an admiral of 24 hulks. Their ship, called the "Griffin," of Riske in Flanders, with 300 men, was wrecked on Fair Isle. They intend to ship themselves for Spain without dely.

From this we see that it was the flag ship of John Madine, or rather let us call him at once Don Juan Lopez de Medina "who at home in Spain is governor of Cadix," a Flemish urea or hulk called El Gran Grifon, that was wrecked on the rocks of Fair Isle.

This John Madine is entered in Barrow's life of Drake (fn. 53) as Don Juan Lopez de Medina, Admiral of a fleet of 23 ureas, with 950 mariners, and 4,170 soldiers.

On the 12th of February 1589, (fn. 54) the Lord Deputy encloses the report of William Herbert, of Dublin, of such things as have happened in Spain from 14th April to 16th December, and relates the wailing of the people, the hanging of the bakers, the message from King Philip to the Duke of Medina, forbidding his presence within seven leagues of the court, and that they in the holy house at Lisbon did in great fury burn their holy woman.

On the 28th of February, (fn. 55) Richard Strange encloses to Walsyngham the news brought by such merchants as arrived since the 4th of February. Nicholas White of Waterford says, that Don John Martinez de Ricaldo ended his life four days after his landing. Nicholas Strange says, that not above 7,000 of the army that returned from England are alive. Edward Walshe says, that the Duke of Medina Sidonia stayed aboard for six days after his arrival at Santandcr, and then apparelled himself and his gentlemen all in black and landed followed by 50 gentlemen like mourners. The like lamentation was never in any country.

On the 14th of March the Lord Deputy informed Burghley (fn. 56) that all the Nobility of Spain were called to Court except the Duke of Medina and another Earl.

On the 15th of July 1589, (fn. 57) Edmund Palmer writes from St. Jean de Luz to the Lord Deputy that many Spaniards and Portuguese were executed by the King's commission for not doing better in the Armada.

I have long been aware that the descendants of a remnant of the shipwrecked Spaniards still exist in the North of Scotland, and when I commenced preparing this fourth volume for press, I asked all my friends for such particulars of the overthrow as they might have gathered in the localities where the wrecks took place.

W. Traill Dennison, Esq., of West Brough, in the Orkneys, kindly sent to a mutual friend for my information a reference to a description of the Islands of Orkney and Zetland, published at Edinburgh by Sir Robert Sibbald, M.D., and printed by Andrew Sympson in 1711, together with many interesting particulars as to the present state of the descendants of these Spaniards; to whom I take this opportunity of returning my sincere thanks. I have also been referred to the Diary of the Minister of An struther, but the limits of a preface compel me to proceed with the notice of the papers here calendared.

We have carefully followed the misfortunes and distresses of the Armada, for they are the chief feature of the history of Ireland during the period embraced by this volume; it was a period of no progress, every man's thoughts being absorbed by Spanish speculations. All eyes, both in Ireland and England, were turned to Spain, and the consideration of how to ward off the calamity which might arise by a further prosecution of the Spanish adventure, stayed the carrying out of every project for the further advancement of prosperity in both islands.

On the 14th of December 1589, (fn. 58) the Lord Deputy wrote to Walsyngham for 1,000 men to be presently sent to lie at Waterford, and asks that the remainder of the 6,000 men may be sent soon. He also encloses a note of the forces of the doubtful persons in the provinces. Connaught.—The Burkes, O'Flaherties, O'Mallies, and Joyces, 1,000 horse and foot; O'Rourke, 500 horse and foot. Ulster.—Young Maguire, 500 ; Brian McHugh Oge, 400; the Captain of the Fews, 50; McSweeny Bana, McSweeny Fano, and McSweeny Adoe, 500 ; Sorley Boy McDonnell, 200; the Blind Scot's sons, 80 ; the Captains of Killultagh, Kilwarlin, and Macartan, 200. Leinster.— Feagh McHugh O'Byrne, 80; the Kavanaghs, 60. Sum total, 3,570 horse and foot.

In Ulster, Sir Turlough Lynagh O'Neill (fn. 59) continued to attempt mischief, and carried his enmity to the Earl of Tyrone to a troublesome degree in his dispute about some of his lands, which Tyrone held on a short lease. His wife Agnes Campbell (fn. 60) sent for a great piece of Spanish ordnance which Sorley Boy had secured for himself, and which his son James has mounted upon Dunluce Castle. Sir Nicholas White reports that Sir Turlough Lynagh O'Neill (fn. 61) hath strengthened himself against the Earl of Tyrone by marrying his daughter to O'Donnell's son, who leads the McSweenys and all Tyrconnell at his pleasure.

On the 12th of October 1588 (fn. 62) the Lord Deputy and Council wrote to the Privy Council in England to send at once 2,000 sufficient and thoroughly well appointed men to join in the service directed against the main body of 3,000 Spaniards in O'Donnell's country and the North. They also signify to the Privy Council that for just causes they have conceived a special distrust of the Earl of Tyrone at this time. On the 7th of October (fn. 63) Secretary Fenton wrote to the Lord Deputy from Sligo that the Spaniards are marching towards Sligo, and are very near Lough Erne. Tyrone hath bitterly reproved O'Donnell, saying he and his posterity may seek a dwelling in another country for having betrayed the Spaniards their only refuge.

And on the 18th of June (fn. 64) the Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam wrote of him, the dutiful old knight was shot through the shoulder with a bullet and stricken with a horseman's staff in the small of his back in a fray with the Earl of Tyrone.

On the 12th of October (fn. 65) Sir Richard Byngham wrote to the Lord Deputy that he doubts the Earl of Tyrone more than all the combination of the Spaniards with Sir Brian O'Rourke, McGlannogh, Maguire, and McMahon. On the 10th of October (fn. 66) William Taaffe wrote to Fenton that 2,000 Spaniards were camping at Forresidc—more within six miles of Strabane.

Meanwhile, the Earl of Tyrone went on aggrandizing himself quietly. Amongst other acts he hanged Hugh Ne Gavelagh, the son of Shane O'Neill, who had been taken by Maguire, and whom he purchased from him to be executed. Hugh Gavelagh was a great favourite with the people, and the Earl had to execute him with his own hands, (fn. 67) as he could find no one who would obey his orders to do it. The Donnylaghs, who are the greatest men about the Earl, were the fosterers of Hugh's father, Shane, and they offered 300 horses and 5,000 cows that he might be spared.

On the 12th of August 1591 (fn. 68) Hugh Earl of Tyrone wrote to Burghley, announcing his marriage with Sir Henry Bagenall's sister. The next day, August 13, (fn. 69) Sir Henry Bagenall wrote to the same complaining of the Earl of Tyrone for the marriage of his sister without his privity. His divorce from Sir Brian McPhelim's daughter. His late wife, O'Donnell's daughter, and the circumstances of his controversy with Sir Arthur O'Neill, will all be found by reference to his name in the index.

In Munster the Lord Chief Justice, Sir E. Anderson, the Chief Justice, Sir Robert Gardener, Thomas Gent, one of the Barons of the Exchequer in England, and other Commissioners for arriere claims on the escheated lands, were prosecuting their investigations while the Undertakers were but sparingly giving attention to the settlement of the country.

In Leinster the attention of the principal people was equally attracted by the distracting expectation of a further Spanish invasion, and in Connaught Sir Richard Byngham was once more in the ascendant.

As to Connaught we may observe, on the 9th of April (fn. 70) the Lord Deputy wrote to Burghley that O'Rourke having found in a church an image of a tall woman wrote upon it Queen Elizabeth, and then fell with traitorous speeches to rail at it, after which his gallowglass fastened a halter about the neck and dragged it along.

On the 23rd of May 1589 (fn. 71) Sir Richard Bingham wrote to Walsingham that Sir Brian O'Rourke is now in action of rebellion, and also that he had an intent to make peace with him. O'Rourke invaded the county of Sligo, and preyed, burned, and spoiled it several times.

On the 8th of September 1589 (fn. 72) Sir R. Byngham wrote to Burghley that in September 1588 all people were quiet in Connaught, save the Devil's Hook (i.e., Richard McRickard Burke), Sir Morough Ne Doe, and Sir Brian O'Rourke, who refused to deliver their Spaniards. On the 29th of September 1589 (fn. 73) the Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam and Commissioners wrote to the Privy Council that after several frivolous excuses O'Rourke refused to come to Sessions, but promises to come to Dublin next term. Also O'Rourke must be chastised, otherwise he will continue a most noisome neighbour to Roscommon and Sligo counties.

On the 10th of December 1590, (fn. 74) Sir R. Byngham wrote to Burghley, Sir Brian O'Rourke still continues in exile in McSwyne Ne Doe's country, but his son Brian Oge O'Rourke is now and then seen upon the borders of Brcnny O'Rourke with a few followers.

On the 13th of March 1591, (fn. 75) the Lord Deputy wrote to Burghley. The flight of O'Rourke is confirmed by a Scot, who met him accompanied by three men repairing to the Court in Scotland.

In conclusion I have the pleasing duty to thank M. Molony, Esq., Barrister-at-law, for assisting me while he was in this office, and also J. G. Black, Esq., a clerk in this office who helped me with the Index. I will also take this opportunity to thank Her Majesty's Printers, Messrs. Eyre and Spottiswoode, who have fulfilled their part of the work to my entire satisfaction.

H. C. Hamilton.

13th November 1885.

Footnotes

  • 1. Jan. 5, 1584–5, Vol. CXIV., No. 11.
  • 2. For valuable information quoted here and elsewhere from a Spanish Narrative, I am indebted to the Life of Drake, by Sir John Barrow. 8vo. London, 1843. At page 287 Sir John describes this narrative as a manuscript in the Spanish language, and sent to a gentleman of the Admiralty from the archives of Madrid.
  • 3. Domestic, Elizabeth, Vol. CCXIV., No. 42, I.
  • 4. Spanish Narrative.
  • 5. Domestic, CCXIV., No. 42, I.
  • 6. Spanish Narrative.
  • 7. State Papers, Domestic, Elizabeth, Vol. CCXIII, No. 64.
  • 8. State Papers, Domestic, Elizabeth, Vol. CCXIII., No. 65.
  • 9. Dom., Vol. CCXIV., No. 42, I.
  • 10. Domestic, Elizabeth, Vol. CCXIII., No. 67.
  • 11. Vol. CCXIII., No. 66.
  • 12. Dom., Vol. CCXIV., No. 42, I.
  • 13. Domestic, Elizabeth, Vol. CCXIIL, No. 73.
  • 14. Don Pedro, in his letter to the King of Spain, quoted below, Domestic, Elizabeth, CCXV., No. 36, p. xiv., says, after 10 days space that I had been in Drake's company he sent me to London, and with me the captains of footmen, Don Alonzo de Sayas and Don Vasco de Mendosa y [Don Antonio] de Selva [Selva] of Xerez, de los Cavalleros ; and the Queen, at his request, sent us four leagues off to a gentleman's house called Richard Drake that is his kinsman, about 40 of the better sort are bestowed in divers houses in London, and the rest, together with the ship, were carried to Plymouth.
  • 15. Spanish Narrative.
  • 16. Dom., Vol. CCXIV., No. 42.
  • 17. Dom., Vol. CCXIV., No. 50.
  • 18. Dom., Vol. CCXIV., No. 47.
  • 19. Dom. Vol. CCXIV., No. 65.
  • 20. page 4 of this volume.
  • 21. Domestic, Eliz. Vol. CCXV., No. 36.
  • 22. P. 7, Vol. CXXXVI., No. 11.
  • 23. Ib. No. 13.
  • 24. Domestic, Elizabeth, Vol. CCXVI., No. 3.
  • 25. Vol. CXXXVI. No. 27, III.
  • 26. Ibid., No. 24, I.
  • 27. Ib. No. 27, I.
  • 28. Ib. No. 30. I.
  • 29. Ib. No. 36, III.
  • 30. Ib. 36, IV.
  • 31. Ib. 43, v.
  • 32. Ib. 36, I.
  • 33. That is between Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly.
  • 34. Ibid. 43, XI., and 41, VI.
  • 35. We have two copies of this letter both made in great haste to send to England. I have not attempted to rectify the names of places which differ, but have here given the various readings in brackets. Irrisse is the barony of Erris in Mayo. Innish is altogether wrong.
  • 36. Ib. No. 42, I.
  • 37. Domestic, Elizabeth, Vol. CCXV., No. 41.
  • 38. Vol. CXXXVL, No. 43, iv.
  • 39. Ibid. No. 43, III.
  • 40. Vol. CXXXVI. No. 57.
  • 41. Ib. 57, I.
  • 42. Saturday was the 14th, but Edward Whyte's discourse correctly gives Tuesday as the 10th, and Wednesday the 11th of September, yet in this and one or two more dates he makes the mistake of a day, writing here the 15th instead of the 14th. He sent this with all haste to Walsyngham, but the next document, No. 58, is an improved discourse, and in that we have all these dates given with the greatest accuracy, and we adopt them in this discourse.
  • 43. Vol. CXXXVII. 41, II.
  • 44. Ib. 39, iv.
  • 45. Ib. 48, I.
  • 46. Page 64, No. 39, vi.
  • 47. Vol. CXXXVII. No. 39, v.
  • 48. Vol. CXXXVII. No. 39. v.
  • 49. p. 63, Vol. 137, No. 49.
  • 50. p. 92. Vol. CXXX1X. No. 25.
  • 51. p. 96, Vol. CXXXIX., No. 25.
  • 52. p. 121, Vol. CXLI. No. 19. iv.
  • 53. p. 269.
  • 54. p. 122, Vol. CXLI. No. 21.
  • 55. p. 126, Vol. CXLI. No. 43.
  • 56. p. 135, No. 26. 111.
  • 57. p. 226. Vol. CXLVI., No. 6. 11.
  • 58. p. 279, Vol. CXLIX., No. 33. 111.
  • 59. p. 95, Vol. CXXXIX., No. 25.
  • 60. p. 313, No. 77. 1.
  • 61. p. 302, No. 27.
  • 62. p. 53, No. 10. iv.p.54., No.10,XIII
  • 63. p. 53, No. 10, iv.
  • 64. p. 398, No. 47.
  • 65. p. 54, No. 10, xiii
  • 66. p. 55, No. 10, xviii.
  • 67. p. 302, Vol. CL., No. 27.
  • 68. p. 409, Vol. CLIX., No. 38.
  • 69. No. 39.
  • 70. p. 142, No. 12.
  • 71. p. 188, No. 55.
  • 72. p. 232, No. 32.
  • 73. p. 242, No. 64.
  • 74. p. 374, Vol. CLVI.
  • 75. p. 387, No. 37.