Elizabeth I: volume 206, November 1599

November 1599

Vol. CCVI. 1599. November—December.

Nov. 1. Cork.

1. Sir Warham Sentleger and William [Lyon], Bishop of Cork and Ross, to the [Earl of Essex], "Lord-Lieutenant and GovernorGeneral of Ireland." Upon his direction to Sir George Thornton to resort to Cork, and, as a Councillor of Munster, assist in managing such causes as might concern Her Majesty's service, Sir George attended accordingly. On the 25th instant, "being at dinner together, and being set next to Sir Henry Power on the bench side, I, Sir Warham, at the board's end, I, the Bishop of Cork, sitting on the form on the right hand, and the Chief Justice coming in after dinner, a matter being then in hearing, and Sir George, delivering his opinion, did not rise to give the Justice place. Which the Justice taking in evil part, said that he had received many indignities already, and would not endure the same any longer. And although I, Sir Warham, required him to stay and take his place, yet he refused it, and departed in very discontented manner. The next day the Council sent for him to know in private why he would not sit with us, for that we wanted his help in matters of law, and offering him his place, or anything else that was his due. He answered that for two reasons he would not sit; the one was, for that the day before Sir George did not give him place; and the other for that he was not sworn of the Council here, which was told him (as he said) by as good and a better man than Sir George, naming afterwards Justice Goold. And albeit the long continuance of Sir George in his place, the show of sundry commissions and directions, as well in former governments as in your Lordship's, with divers other infallible reasons and instances, might have sufficed any reasonable man to give credit thereunto; yet, such was the obstinacy of the Justice, being overcome with choler and passion, that he would would not be satisfied, except Sir George would absolutely be sworn before him, that he had already taken his oath by commission out of England, or from the State at Dublin, uttering many unseemly speeches that Sir George had only intruded himself into the Council by the countenance of Sir Thomas Norreys, being (as he enforced it) one of his minions. Wherein Sir George refused to satisfy him, not so much for the matter, as for the manner of his intemperate and immodest dealing, except we did overrule it. Nevertheless, at Sir Henry Power's motion, he took his oath to him, and to me, Sir Warham, that he was sworn of the Council, before old Sir Warham Sentleger, at Skiddies Castle, by virtue of the same commission that I, the Bishop, and Sir Edward Barkley were sworn by. Notwithstanding, the Justice refused to sit, unless Sir George were sequestered from the Council. At which time, also, he used me, the Bishop, no better than if I were his horseboy. With all which we have made humbly bold to acquaint your Lordship, hoping that you will signify your Lordship's pleasure that the Justice shall assist us, or that some other shall be assigned in his place to help us in matters of law. Which we humbly leave to your honourable and grave consideration; and whether, in honour or equity, it be fit that Sir George, having continued so long in his place and his service this thirty years, which we cannot but recommend to your Lordship, having the government of this province three several times, viz., first, with Nicholas Walsh and Sir William Stanley, next with Justice Smithes, and thirdly, to himself solely, as VicePresident, he should now be brought in question, for the satisfying of Mr. Justice's humours.

"There be some other causes concerning the obstinacy of the Mayor and townsmen of this city, which in another general letter we will give your Lordship knowledge of."—Cork, 1599, November 1. Signed. pp 1½.

2 Sir George Thornton to Sir Robert Cecil. His long experience by thirty years' service in Ireland makes him understand "how that dependence upon our states here doth seldom or never bring any man to promotion; for such is their desire to prefer their own friend upon every alteration, as they forget other servitors." The Lord President assured Sir George that he had recommended him by Captain Price. Begs Sir Robert, as the "only organ that soundeth in Her Majesty's ears the remembrance of reward to her well-deserving subjects," to write to the Lord Deputy or the Lord President, to bestow on him the first vacant company of foot. Has no other entertainment than 2s. per diem, as Provost Marshal of Munster, and that is "scarce the one half of pay, which the simplest Captain in Ireland hath, though he served since but yesterday." Sir George's "poor wife and many poor children."—[Cork, 1599, November 1.] Signed. p. 1.

Nov. [1.] Cork.

3. Sir George Thornton to the [Earl of Essex] "Lord Lieutenant and General Governor of Ireland."—The dispute with Chief Justice Saxey [the account is almost verbatim thai given in No. 1]. Prays that Essex will not suffer him " to be overtopped by such [an] one as he (Saxey) is, that never could agree long with any man."—Cork, 1599, November [1]. Signed. Seal. pp. 1½.

Nov. 3. Dublin.

4. Lord Justice Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. "This present day I received your Honour's letters of the 26, I think, of October. Forthwith, and with that speed as may be, either Mr. Stafford or Sir Thomas Maria Wingfield shall be sent over, instructed with the true state of this kingdom, which is in some hazard. Though there be 1,221 horse in list, yet there will not be 1,000 in pay. I pray God I find so many, for I will have an exact account The Master of the Ordnance shall be commanded presently to set down what is issued forth, and what remains. I will return your letter by the next trusty messenger. There are now no Irish bands paid by concordatums. Those bands that are of the Irish are expressed in the list sent to your Lordships. I pray signify unto me Her Majesty's pleasure touching my Lord Lieutenant's entertainment. At my first coming over, Her Majesty by her letters signified that I should imprest his Lordship two months' imprest beforehand; which he then refused, but now at his departure, his Lordship required 1,000l., which I delivered unto his Lordship. There be also a great sort of Captains and officers in England, or else let me have order to discharge them of pay."—Dublin, 1599, November 3. Holograph. p. 1.

Nov. 4. Barry Court.

5. David, Lord Barry, Viscount Buttevant, to Sir Robert Cecil. "I have heretofore written my letters unto you, partly concerning mine own private, and partly declaring the miserable estate of this poor country, but I fear me they are not come to your hands, for that I have had no answer of them, and also because many vessels have endured wreck this year upon these coasts. I had a purpose these three months to have sent my boy to attend on your Honour, but in all that time we have had no shipping here, so as the season of the year being far spent, I durst not commit him to the seas till the spring; at which time, God willing, without fail he shall wait upon your Honour, to be disposed of as you shall think good.

"I would have written now unto your Honour of all the occurrents here, but that I am loath, in the midst of your serious matters, to trouble you with a tedious tale of a frivolous and, I fear me, a remediless discourse of a most distressed and almost irrecoverable country; and that I understand there is a gentleman lately repaired thither, one Mr. Crosby, who can deliver the same at large, and in more effectual sort than I can write it. I know you are desirous to understand the certainty of all things in this kingdom, and particularly in this province, and now you may be sufficiently informed of all; for, if I were to pick out one in the whole realm for that purpose, I would make choice of him, as your Honour shall quickly perceive by conference had with him. Not long before his departure he was with, me, and told me that he was weary of this country, and meant to live quietly in England during these troubles. I told him I would write to your Honour, and he promised to carry my letters; and, when he came for them, I was in another part of the country, and missed of him. Nevertheless, I beseech your Honour, if he come not at you, to send for him, for he will be about the Court, and, I do assure your Honour, he can give you that light in matters of Ireland, as, I hope, with your Honour's handling, will turn to an infinite benefit both to Her Majesty and the subject."—Barry Court, 1599, November 4. Signed. p. 1.

Nov. 4.

6. An estimate of the store of munition in the Castle of Dublin on the 4th of November, 1599. Attested by Sir George Bourchier. Copy. p. 1.

Nov. 5. Richmond.

7. Queen Elizabeth to Lord Justice Carey, Treasurer at Wars in Ireland. Sir Henry Wallop paid divers sums of money to certain Captains for March and part of April last, Carey not having then arrived in Ireland. These sums should have been repaid to Sir Henry or his executors, but have not been. Directs Carey to pay, out of the treasure remaining in his hands, certain arrears due on 28 February last to certain Captains serving in remote parts of Ireland, and especially to Sir Christopher St. Lawrence and Captain Edward Fisher, of whom very good report has been made to her.—Richmond, 1599, November 5. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 188 b189 b. Copy. pp. 1½.

Nov. 5. Richmond.

8. Another copy of preceding, attested by Windebank.—Richmond, 1599, November 5. p. 1.

Nov. 5. Richmond.

8a. Another copy of preceding.—Richmond, 1599, November 5. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 205 b, 206. Copy. pp. 1½.

Nov. 5. Richmond.

9. Queen Elizabeth to Sir Geffrey Fenton. "Forasmuch, as, upon the return of Essex out of Ireland, we did lately give you commandment to confer with Tyrone, and to understand particularly in what sort he did crave our mercy, that we might thereupon resolve whether that which did proceed from him were worthy of acceptance or no, and did by that letter promise to send over some person with further authority to conclude, and to assure him how we would deal with him, if he did so carry himself in his petitions, as we might see just occasion with our honour to bestow our grace and favour upon him; having considered since, that the nobleman whom we should send to rule that kingdom, and by whom he might have perceived what we conceived of his submission, and how we purposed to proceed with him, both for the present and hereafter, cannot be ready so soon as we did then conceive he might have been, and calling to mind some other circumstances which belong to this matter concerning him, we have thought it necessary now to impart unto you presently our pleasure under our own hand, that you may the better govern yourself, when you shall deal with him, in all things that touch us or himself in the estate wherein he stands.

"First, we do find, by the manner of Essex his report, that he [Tyrone] seemeth to have been much carried on to this course of submission, in respect of the opinion he had of him, and the confidence he had by his mediation to procure all his desires; Tyrone professing, as it seemed, by Essex his words, that such was his affection to himself for his father's sake, as he would not draw his sword against him, but he would do that for him, which he would not do for any other. Herein we have thought good to require you to let him plainly understand that, although we do no more mislike that he should address himself to us by Essex than, by any other that should hold his place (it being always proper for men in his degree to make their suits known by those to whom the Prince committeth the trust of her kingdom), yet we would have him consider and remember, that as he is our subject born, and raised to honour by us only, and not born to depend upon any second power (as long" as he shall carry himself like a good subject), so if, after his offences known to the world so publicly, this submission of his shall not as well appear to the world by all clear circumstances to proceed simply out of his inward grief and sorrow for his offences against us, and from his earnest desire only to satisfy us his Sovereign, but that it must be bruited abroad that for any other man's respect whosoever he takes the way, either sooner or later, to become a good subject, or that it shall be conceived that Tyrone would forbear to draw his sword against our Lieutenant rather than against us, we shall take ourself thereby much dishonoured, and neither could value anything that shall proceed from him on such conditions, nor dispose our mind to be so gracious to him hereafter, as otherwise we might have been induced.

"And therefore we would have you assure him first, if he be put in the head that, though we should vouchsafe to pardon him presently, yet there might be some courses of injustice or hard measure offered him hereafter by those to whom the rule of that kingdom should be committed, that he shall never see the day, whensoever we have vouchsafed to pronounce the word of mercy and pardon to any, have he been never so notorious an offender, that any subject living shall use him in other sort than for such a one as we shall have received him. And, therefore, if any such suspicion may be raised in his mind, let him distrust those that so tell him, to care more for their own particular ends than for his good. And further, because we have understood that, in respect of our restraint of Essex here, it may be surmised or devised there, that we have so proceeded with Essex, because we mislike that he hath come over to persuade us to a course of mercy, as though we had a heart so hardened from compassion of the miseries of that kingdom, that we should [need ?] to be dealt withal to relieve the same, by any other course than by the shedding of our people's blood. We would have you let him know from ourself that our displeasure towards him hath no such relation, but hath grown by his breach of our commandment in bestowing our offices and honours contrary to his instructions, for issuing great sums of money contrary to our warrant, and for divers other things, besides his last presuming to come personally over out of that kingdom, where we had absolutely commanded him to stay till we had sent him license under our hand, and sent over some other nobleman to take his place. All which we could not suffer to pass unpunished, unless we would have given encouragement to others to have offended us with the like presumption.

"So as to conclude, although there be some points in his petition to Essex, concerning others his confederates in rebellion, which we can neither clearly understand, nor can accept in the form he seeketh (except he explain himself the better), it seeming by Essex['s] own speech that the short time of their conference made him not fully conceive the particular meaning of Tyrone in divers of those articles; yet, forasmuch as we have heard that since his meeting with Essex he hath shewed no ill affection (to our knowledge), but hath observed the cessation for his part inviolably, whereby, in the eye of the world, there is some show that he hath a desire and purpose to please us, which he hath not performed heretofore upon like occasions, our pleasure is, that you confer with him more particularly at this meeting, and to drive him from his follies by letting him know what we have been, and may be, to him, if he deserve it, and by making him see what it is for him to trust to foreign Princes, that despise him, but to serve their turns, and, whensoever they should help him, would esteem him but as a traitor; where, by returning to his Prince, he might escape misery, which must be his end, as the condemnation of ingratitude hath been so notorious and unnatural, offending her, that made him what he is, and will at last make him feel her power, rather than to be still dishonoured. The remission of all which you may assure him by virtue hereof, if he shall give us cause by such reasonable and dutiful offices to believe that he hath a remorse of his former errors, and a resolution to become and continue a good subject, our purpose being, at his earnest and humble suit, notwithstanding so many his just provocations of our indignation, to receive him now at last into our grace and mercy, so to live and to be used by us, as shall be for his greatest comfort, without any thought of taking other revenge towards him, than Almighty God doth use, after He hath forgiven the greatest sinners upon their speedy and sincere craving of mercy."—Richmond, 1599, November 5. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 189 b-191. Copy. pp. 3½

Nov. 6. Richmond.

10. Queen Elizabeth to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey, the Earl of Ormonde and the Test of the Council. "We have understood that you, our Secretary, are now to go to the borders to speak with Tyrone, and that Warren is appointed to assist you in this service, as one of whose person the Traitor is not suspicious. For the choice we do not disallow, as the case stands, neither are we unwilling the world should know, that if he shall present such offers as may discover an inward intention to become a good subject, and to yield the fruits of due obedience, that we will rather vouchsafe mercy, than spend the lives of our subjects one against another, the things that we desire most to enjoy on earth being the love and hearts of our people, and not their lives and fortunes, if, without dishonour to our estate as a Sovereign Prince, we may find cause to use forgiveness.

"It is true that when Essex did return, he did acquaint us with his [Tyrone's] offers to this effect which is hereinclosed (wanting), the substance whereof, as yet they appear unto us, are both full of scandal to our realm, and future peril in that State, when no other security is offered but the trust which we must repose in the constancy of the Traitor's conformity. Let it be but considered in one point of those offers. What shall become of all Munster, Leix, and Offally, if all the ancient exiled rebels be restored to all that our laws and hereditary succession have bestowed upon us? These things we would have considered, so as we might not be thought so careless of our estate and dignity, after such a huge expense with such an army, as to conclude with a Traitor that speaks in so high a style. But because it is not unlikely, but, by the ill carrying of all our actions of late, he had discovered that the likelihood of prevailing by present prosecution or plantation of northern garrisons was taken away, and therefore sought to possess our late Lieutenant with these demands, making his advantage of his former errors, and presuming upon the declination of our forces by that course he had held, that we would then yield to anything, we have thought good to inform you, as Councillors that are faithful to us, how we are disposed either one way or other.

"First, we are resolved; if with honour and safety we may end this calamity, to do it, though we dispense with some outward things that ought to be stood upon, if the person of a Sovereign Prince be compared with such a rebel, and a just consideration had of the expense and charge, at which we have been to so little purpose; so as if, by Fenton's dealing with him, we may see that, by any course that we may take to make him a subject, we shall not raise him to a greater exorbitancy, and conclude upon so unsure conditions, as either to be farced to continue our infinite charge, or else to run an extreme hazard, whensoever he shall list to take his opportunity, we can be content, for the good of our people, to pardon faults past, and to expect better in the future, with this reason, that we cannot expect pleasant fruit from thistles. What an indignity would it be that all those that have been ever formerly divided even in enmity from him, until they were united in rebellion against us, must now publicly work their good by him that wrought them into their treasons! For himself and the northern traitors if he did only seek to compound, so might the matter be carried as it was heretofore in Norreys['s] time, which is well known to you, our Secretary, that he might be assured underhand, that they should be pardoned upon their own reasonable submission, though in the face of the world they should be left singly to crave our mercy. For any other personal coming in of himself, or constraint in religion, we can be content, for the first, that he may know he shall not be peremptorily concluded, and, in the second, that we will leave that to God, who knows best how to work His will in those things, by means more fit than by violence, which doth rather obdurate than reform. And therefore, as in that case he need not to dread us, so we intend not to bind ourselves further for his security than by our former course we have witnessed; who have not used rigour in that point, even when we might with more probability have forced others than those [? who] are so far from religion as they are scarce acquainted with civility.

"That the last cessation was kept by Tyrone we do understand, and therefore allow better of that point in him than before we had cause. For those things that were done by you, our cousin of Ormonde, in revenge of them that brake it in Wexford, we think it done both valiantly and justly, if it be as we do hear; only this we must recommend unto you as a matter of consequence, that you do not irritate nor oppress any such as have submitted themselves to us, and do continue obedient, in respect of any private unkindness of your own, as Mountgarrett, Cahir, or others, if they do not fall from their duties again. Of both which we would know on what conditions they were received, and what surety they have given for their continuance; it being strange to us, even for honour's sake, that when Tyrone assented first to a cessation, that he did not, as in all former times men have done, put in pledges for the observation.

"For the secret satisfaction, which he pretended by Essex to receive from us by him that was our Governor, we have written to our Secretary to make him know our pleasure, which we conceive he cannot be so senseless as not to esteem all one, though he hath it not by the mean he would receive it; for that were to make us think that he were more carried and addicted with private affection to our subjects and servants, than with loyal and entire humbleness and love to his Sovereign. For what can any man's power be to do him, or any, good, which must not be derived from us ? or in what dare any man wrong him, that shall think thereby to displease [sic, ? please] us in breaking our royal promise or pleasure? Or what greater testimony can he have for assurance than our own hand? We do therefore thus inform you of all circumstances, that he may not think to hide himself by any excuse, because he hath not his desire, as well in the formality as in the substance, or that he shall seem to pretend just fear or doubt of performance of any of the fruits of our mercy, which we shall see cause to promise or pronounce, because those, who have deserved our displeasure for other things, are not still honoured with our employments. No, he shall now either disclose himself to have lodged treason still in his heart under other pretext, or else our royal intention shall so appear (if without delay he open himself, and sincerely offer such conformity, as may clear his heart, to be truly penitent for his faults, and so resolved to amend the same), as he shall see we intend no revenge, after cause given us to promise forgiveness; according to which purpose we have written a letter to our Secretary Fenton, signed with our royal hand.

"We do also let you know that, though we will not assent in other provinces to the restitution of all traitors to their livings, or the displantation of our subjects, that have spent their lives in the just defences of their possessions, which they have taken and held from us or our ancestors, yet, if any of them by voluntary encroachment, by packing false titles, or [by] unjust oppression, have drawn any into misery or rebellion, we will see those things justly and duly with all speed reformed, and in the point of justice make no difference of persons, when justice shall be craved by all in one fashion.

"And thus much have you now for our intention how far we intend to extend our mercy. It remaineth that we do also acquaint you with our purpose for the course of force, if we be driven to use our sword.

"First, you shall understand that we do think all courses vain that shall be carried on without plantation of garrisons, thereby to make the war in other sort than it hath been. And therefore can we not but still challenge you all, and you especially, our cousin of Ormonde, that, contrary to that counsel, you did so strangely urge our Lieutenant, against his own mind (as he protesteth), still to range so far from place to place in Munster, and to spend so long time, as not to arrive at Dublin before July were a third part spent, whereby you know that all the forces he carried (which were the flower of our army), were tired and harassed, and it accounted honour enough to bring them back again, whereof you saw this effect to follow; that, in some corners, whole regiments were defeated, in many places divers disasters happened, and in all places wheresoever the army itself marched, some losses fell of our best commanders, which was to those base rebels an honour, though not a victory, and to our nation a discouragement, whilst the Traitor triumphed, whom all you so earnestly wished to be first attempted, who contrariwise sat still, and kept our army [at] play with the overplus of his loose men, which he was desirous to [be] rid of himself. Surely, we must still say that the error was excusable in none of you, that prolonged the time, though in him less than any other, who best knew our pleasure in that and all other things, wherein he more directly and more contemptuously disobeyed us. And, though we did not disallow it for some short time at first in all you, when we heard of it, yet we dreamed not of such a prolongation, as should make it impossible, either to plant at Lough Foyle, or prosecute him [Tyrone] in other places of his country, but that both the time and means should be so consumed and disjointed for such an action. For he that shall read any of his letters, after he came last to Dublin, shall only see great words, what he meant and wished to be done, but in the substance of his letters nothing appeared but impossibility to do anything. But this is but accidental, for we have heretofore sufficiently handled this unpleasing subject.

"You shall therefore understand that, if we shall see it apparent that no gracious dealing can content these hardened hearts, we do resolve to use all orderly means to pursue this war, as one that will as soon lose ourself as lose any honour. We will therefore cause Lough Foyle to be planted, and make the war upon him, being now in good terms to compound the wars with Spain. Wherein, to the intent [that] you, our cousin of Ormonde, may see your mistress, after the old fashion, loveth rather to be sought to, than to seek to, we have caused our Secretary by his particular letter to inform you, and to shew you, how the Lieutenant of the King of Spain's army in the Low Countries, being by the House of Austria his cousin, and a Cardinal, made the first overture of that peace, and still pursued it since by letters and messages earnestly, until the King of Spain and the Archduke, with his wife the Infanta, have declared themselves in it, so far as it is now reduced to the terms it stands on; so as the rebels of Ireland shall have little cause to look for help from him, nor we be distracted from a considerate and judicial proceeding to end that war, to the comfort of our oppressed subjects, and to the terror of all other that shall presume to stand out against us, who never sought for greater conquest than to govern our people with peace and justice.

"What will be the answer of the Traitor for the last treason at the Bridge, where Esmond's company was defeated, we do attend by your next despatch, and what reason he will yield for usurping so unjustly, in the time of the cessation, to place Bremingham in the county of Kildare. But of these things we could wish that you would cause Fenton to expostulate, as from you our Governors there, rather than to take it from us, because we are desirous, if there may be appearance of any good means to save that kingdom from the curse of continual war, rather to seem for a beginning to be ignorant of some offences, than, by taking notice of them, to make them desperate, until we discover plainly their last and inward purposes, which we must refer principally to the good and sound judgment of you, our cousin of Ormonde, and to the trust of you, the Justices, and our Secretary whom we use herein. For, although it be true, that he goes far that never turns, yet we would be loath to be drawn so far upon false shadows, as not to return in time to our safest advantaged.

"To conclude, we must say this unto you, our cousin of Ormonde, that, although we have a purpose to send over some noblemen of this kingdom, that may make prosecution, if there be cause, which we will do hereafter as the disposition of our affairs there shall require, yet we repose so much upon your judgment and fidelity towards us, as we do wish you would make your greatest residence at our city of Dublin in the meanwhile, both to give the better countenance and stay to our services, and to prevent the inconveniences in the loss of time, when our despatches that are to be communicated to you, must be suspended from execution, until you and the Justices have meeting. We do hear of continual coming over of soldiers, not only sick men, but very able bodies. We do require you to take better order for that, or else we shall pay a strange army."—Richmond, 1599, November 6. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 191-194. Copy. pp. 6.

Nov. 6. Richmond.

11. Sir Robert Cecil to the Earl of Ormonde. "By the course of things that pass, it is like that I shall have more occasion to renew my old acquaintance with your Lordship by my letters, than when the government of that kingdom was otherwise sorted than now it is; wherein I do offer your Lordship, for Her Majesty's service, all correspondency, and, for your own sake, all the honour I can do you; myself being descended of that father who loved you, when there was cause to show it, although that destiny, which kept your Lordship since from much that you were worthy of, made your Lordship jealous, peradventure, that those, that professed more unto you of later times, would have strained their credit better for you, than either he hath done, or would do. A matter which now I touch without any purpose to call in question others' affection towards you, but only to take from you any suspicion that I will not be ready to do you all offices of a friend, as far as I shall find my profession entertained, whose fortune is not such (I thank God), as that I need in this kind betray my heart to any man living.

"By the letters which now your Lordship shall receive, directed to yourself, it shall appear unto you in how confused a course we hold the state of Ireland to be, after the greatest charge that ever the realm of England was put unto. I do see my Sovereign's heart inclined to end the war by composition, if with honour she may, wherein I must say truly to your Lordship that, if in your time now, by any discreet handling, a pacification with moderate terms of honour might be obtained, it would confirm to all the world that as your Lordship with the mean forces you had (before the last army arrived), delivered Her Majesty's kingdom, without any one town or castle of hers lost, besides the victualling of divers places besieged with petty armies, so now that success which may be expected, should now be effected, when the greatest burthen of that kingdom lies upon your shoulders. Herein (my Lord) I will be bold to speak my opinion that, if Tyrone had ever any purpose to be a subject, Her Majesty is likest to receive him with tolerable conditions, for she cares not for anything he holds in comparison of his obedience. She meaneth not to press for his coming in, but to leave that to himself. For the rest of the northern confederates, I do not find that she will stick much for anything they have, so as, for her honour's sake, they submit themselves as becometh. For the rest in other places (to whom there is any reason to show favour), she will not be found unreasonable, so it may not be to the ruin of her good subjects.

"But now, my Lord, I am come further than my pen purposed, and must resort to that which Her Majesty hath commanded me to discharge to you. You shall understand that, about four or five months since, the Cardinal Andrea of Austria, Lieutenant of the King of Spain's army in the Low Countries, did write this letter enclosed (wanting) to Her Majesty, to which she returned the answer underwritten (wanting). In this kind it proceeded, letter upon letter, the Queen standing still upon retired reservation, because she had been deceived, until both the King of Spain had declared himself to affect peace with her, and now lastly Archduke Albert, that hath married the King of Spain's sister, being come with his wife into the Low Countries, hath by his letter and messenger so renewed it, and upon such probability of good conditions, as Her Majesty is preparing to send over Commissioners to enter into the treaty; so as I hope, if the traitors be obstinate, Her Majesty shall be at better leisure to suppress them; although, for my own opinion, I think the worst peace is better than the best war. We have some difficulty how to provide for the Low Countries, who do greatly mislike our proceeding to peace, but the best is, either they will join with us in treaty by necessity, or, out of true knowledge that they are able to subsist, they will hold out war of themselves, which cannot much hurt us, but may give us leave to look on and respire, after so many years' war, whereunto we were chiefly thrown for their sakes.

"To conclude; I do think nothing more convenient than to discover with all speed, what is Tyrone's meaning, whereof so soon as Her Majesty shall be informed, she will send you absolute commission to make an end."—Richmond, 1599, November 6. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 194-195. Copy. pp. 2.

Nov. 6. Richmond.

12. Sir Robert Cecil to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey. "By the despatch to you all, and by Her Majesty's letter to Mr. Secretary, you shall see how all things are directed. Of the Queen's I send you a copy, and for my particular letters you may please to send them with speed to him, when you send Her Majesty's letter. I think it were good that you did send him also a copy of the general letter, if he be gone from Dublin, because it is not unlike that you will keep the original for my Lord of Ormonde, if he be absent.

"I can presently write no more unto you of any importance, but do desire you that Her Majesty's letter be safely sent to Mr. Secretary, and my private letters; for the Queen would be loath her letter should be intercepted by Tyrone, though for his satisfaction, when they meet, she can be content that Mr. Secretary show him even the original under her hand, as he receiveth it, which in all true construction is as much as my Lord of Essex could have brought him from her concerning her inward disposition, which he desired to know, to which the pardon authentical under the Seal being added, which he must have, if Her Majesty find cause to pardon him, it will be as strong, I think, as anything can make any Prince's promise, and the rather when, for aught that I see, Her Majesty will not refuse to receive him upon those conditions, wherein his person and estate runs small hazard. It is, therefore, not amiss that Her Majesty doth thus far drive him to the wall, for now can he not say that he hath any cause not to proceed to take his pardon of Her Majesty, for fear of his own life or fortune, if ever he meant it, when my Lord dealt with him, unless he mean to think nothing grace, without he be made in this peace Head and Monarch of Ireland, as he would by these offers pretend.

"Even as I was ending this letter, I received a packet by Sir John Harrington, of which I did communicate all the letters to Her Majesty, who did commend both the joint letter, and the letter of yon two the Justices, to be very wisely written, and allowed the provincial orders taken by the Lord Lieutenant for all things that might fall out at the end of the cessation; whereof Her Majesty hath had information that it was so seasonably made (though now it seems that in many provinces the rebels make use of it), as great good hath grown to the most of Her Majesty's subjects by it.

"Her Majesty is much offended still with the sound from all places of abuse in Commissaries, and liketh well the order you have now taken, but marvelleth why that doctrine, as she saith was no sooner followed, and would once be glad to hear that any severe correction were used for such offenders. For the matter of Mr. Patrick FitzGarrett, Her Majesty liketh well your provisional order for his supply of that place; but Her Majesty would have had the opinion of Mr. Justice Walsh of the man also, whereof if by your next you do advertise me, I will procure you Her Majesty's satisfaction. For any orders of companies or garrisons placing, which were taken by the Lord Lieutenant, Her Majesty referreth now all those things to you the Lords Justices and Lord Lieutenant, to alter for the good of her service, as you shall find cause by the circumstances of tilings happened since that time. In which point of Her Majesty's forces be [sic, ? being] drunk up for any respects in forts or holds that serve any particular turns, Her Majesty would have that reformed, and that force which she hath, not so employed as her public service be prejudiced.

"Of Munster, Her Majesty commands you to take care in any case, and to let the Commissioners know from time to time how things should be ordered. Her Majesty hath now signed a warrant for the 2,000 men that were newly levied, and for the 1000l. extraordinaries, which we will send you, the Lord Justice Treasurer, by our next, and you shall also know Her Majesty's pleasure for concordatums."—The Court at Richmond, 1599, November 6. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 195-196. Copy. pp. 2.

Nov. 6. Richmond.

13. Sir Robert Cecil to Sir William Warren. "Although you have used greater silence to me than you did promise me, yet I do excuse it, because I think you durst not; for otherwise I hope you cannot forget that I was your friend when others would not. Mr. Secretary Fenton hath written to me in a letter, that he findeth you very careful in Her Majesty's service, and, for this matter wherein you are employed, very sufficient as any man in Ireland. I will inform Her Majesty hereof, and will be glad by your good success to have occasion to continue you in Her Majesty's good opinion, and to procure Her Majesty's confirmation in the charge of Enockfergus, which I think be a very fit garrison for you, if the Earl will prove a good subject. Of whom I will now speak somewhat, because I have heard he spares not me, but that he holds me for a pernicious enemy to him, and that I have laid plots with Lapley, and I know not whom, to murder him, yea not to spare him when he should come to parleys. For the first, I confess I am his enemy, and shall be to all that are in his condition. But for the second, though I scorn to satisfy any man that will condemn me upon any such villain's report, yet to answer so lewd a lie, I will not be sparing, whomsoever it concern, when I know none but rogues and varlets can or dare so inform him. No, I would he should know it, I hate as much any such base humour as any man that liveth in this kingdom. To send spies into his country, to practise revolts, and make draughts upon him and his, if I have offended him, I am glad of it; for I have not been idle, nor will be; and so I could wish he knew it. But he may well be bold with me, seeing he doth accuse my sovereign for sending Bronckerd to betray him (when he should have come to meeting upon faith given), in which I will affirm this, that there is as much falsehood as in the devil himself. I pray you, therefore, when you see him, do but sound him from whence these lies have been put into his head, and tell him thus much from me; that though my father indeed, at his [Tyrone's] being in England, was shrewdly possessed with suspicion of those purposes to which he hath since been wrought by the priests and Popish knaves of Rome, who I wonder should abuse any wise man, though they may enchant women, children, and a rabble of ignorant savages, yet, after his late actual treasons, because my Lord did know that he had indeed been maliciously pursued in many things by Bagenall, and so was made desperate to go further, though certainly he had in many high points before absolutely forgotten his duty, I can affirm it, and upon my faith to Almighty God, that in all Sir John Norreys's time, both himself and myself did especially labour to have had him received into Her Majesty's mercy, upon any reasonable conditions, to which she was also inclinable; but that, by one means or other, still the Governors and others discovered palpable perfidious dealing in him, even against the most merciful and gracious Prince that the earth doth carry. But I am now gone too far. I do only wish you to use your best industry quickly to search him, whether with any good means he may be reduced, to the intent that we, that are of Her Majesty's Council, may incline to courses that way. Wherein I say to you plainly, that if he do conform himself in any such kind, as that the world may not say the Queen upon base conditions doth pardon him, he may be sure to be so received, as he may spend the remnant of his days in quietness; and for mine own part, I will employ that poor credit I have, as much to his good as any should have done, of whom he holdeth better opinion. And assure yourself it is in his own lowliness only, and nothing else, to mollify the Queen's heart to him, for she despiseth any profit by him or his country, as much as I do the straw under my foot. And surely it is more contentment to recover one lost sheep, than to have the whole ninety and nine that never went astray. For his coming in personally, on which Her Majesty formerly stood, she will not now press it, though in my conscience, when Tyrone is once sure of the Queen's grace, and can think that he hath deserved it, I shall see the day to shake him by the hand in England, for all his bitter railing on me now, with which I am not moved. For he that will not spare to take arms against his Prince, will not spare to speak against her poor servants. Use this as yon shall see cause, and if yon do perceive any dutiful disposition in him to Her Majesty, then can I be content he know my mind; if not, I am glad to be the man that should have the honour to be his greatest enemy. Methinks he should plainly discern that now that we are so forward with a peace with Spaing the best end of his fortune must be misery; and, for my own part, I protest that, if he do not now take reasonable conditions, I will advise the Queen, and so will wiser than I, to spare no charge on earth to reduce him, though after a better fashion than heretofore she hath done, in whose power (the right way taken) it is in one half year to make him weary of the ground he treads on."—The Court at Richmond, 1599, November 6. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 196-197. Copy. pp. 2½.

Nov. 7. Dublin.

14. Captain E. S. Symes to Sir Robert Cecil. "Having written divers letters unto you from my garrison at Galway, as well of thanks giving as of the occurrents which that part of Ireland affordeth, with my opinion of the general defects of the Irish war lately carried [on]; and mistrusting that my care and duty hath been obscured, and my letters opened and put to silence, as many other men's have been; I have therefore made choice of this bearer, that this letter may come to your own hands, humbly craving of your Honour leave to come over, that such tilings as I have collected, for Her Majesty's service and your intelligence, may have favourable hearing. Which I will not commit to letters, or communicate to any friend, not doubting but I shall give good account of my request in coming, and satisfy your most honourable expectation in granting me leave to come. The Baron of Dunkellin, who is present in the English Court, and Sir Robert Lovell, can witness my service, and yet your Honour finds me not in list amongst the knights, but left inferior in command to pages and scholars, although this twenty years without imputation I was a rank before the most lately dignified. I am at this present permitted to come from my garrison to Dublin, which is the first liberty I [have] had sithence my coming into Ireland, lame, by reason of a late hurt My most residence [is] with Sir Ralph Lane, where I will expect with honourable favour your speedy pleasure."—Dublin, 1599, November 7. Holograph, p. 1.

Nov. 8. Cork.

15. Sir Warham Sentleger, Sir Henry Power, William [Lyon] Bishop of Cork and Ross, and Sir George Thornton, Commissioners of Munster, to the [Earl of Essex] "Lord Lieutenant of the kingdom of Ireland." "Since the dispatch of our packet by Patrick Crosby, we have received certain news of the loss of Castlemaine, as by the copy of James FitzThomas['s] letter hereinclosed your Honour may perceive. And although by his said letter he much importuneth us for answer whether we will observe the cessation (which we in our opinions think he hath absolutely broken), yet we have forborne to answer him therein, until we hear either from your Lordship or the Lords Justices. We are also informed that he intendeth in like sort to block up the castle of Askeaton. Our want of means (by reason of the contrariness of the wind, the continuance of foul weather, want of victuals, and money, and the soldiers' clothes) is such, that with much ado we can hold the army together."—Cork, 1599, November 8. Signed. Seal. p. 1. Enclose,

15. I. James Desmond to the Commissioners of Munster. "I received your letters, dated the first of November, at 6 of the clock in the morning, the 4th of the same, for the continuing of the cessation. We are contented according to the Lords Justices' and O'Neill's agreement, signifying unto me under your hands the performance of the same, and that it shall be lawful for me and mine to transport and frequent in every place, according the tenor of the articles. And whereas you allege that Castlemaine hath been specified unto me by O'Neill to be victualled, and that he alloweth the same to be done, it is more than I know, and not specified unto me by him. And touching Castlemaine, my resolute answer is, that there can be no breach of the cessation considered in getting of the same, in respect that during these wars, and before the cessation, I have kept two hundred soldiers in garrison for restraint [of] the victualling thereof, which in mean time was never offered, until the ward by their own consents did yield the same, in respect of famine. And being at my devotion in regard of the cessation, I have granted them their lives, goods, and furnitures; and further as you allege that I have chased certain persons for relieving of the same, and do detain two as prisoners, there is no such matter. And as for altering of my companies in my garrisons, I hope, without breach of the cessation, it lieth in my disposition. Whereas you write that I received letters of yours sent me by Mr. John Barry, I received none, neither return of answer of mine own sent unto you by this bearer, John Archdeacon. And for getting of my house into my hands, it is my right, meaning to keep it, with God's assistance. So, expecting your present answer touching the continuance of the cessation, I end."—Castlemaine, 1599, November 4 [25 October-4 November]. Copy. p. 1.

Nov. 10.

16. "A book of concordatums granted, beginning primo Martii, 1598[-9], and ending decimo Novembris, 1599."

Sir Robert Cecil has endorsed it with the following note:—"It appeareth by this book that the sums appointed for concordatums to defray extraordinary charges, besides the establishment and the list; have been consumed in erecting of new companies; and for the Queen's storehouses, they had need be in repair, for you shall find great sums paid. I pray your Lordship do but cast your eye upon them, for I will pick good matter to stop many wild demands. R.C."

"A needless office," is the marginal note against the following posts:—Governor of Atherdee, Governor of Kilmallock, and Serjeant-Major of the Earl of Ormonde's regiment.

Among the items of interest are the following:—

"For re-edifying the Queen's Storehouse, commonly called the Innes, per warrant, 330l.

"For works and reparations done upon Her Majesty's house of Kilmainham, per warrant, 153l. 6s. 8d. [Marginal note, "A house of pleasure without Dublin, and therefore a superfluous charge."]

"Anne Partridge, widow, whose husband was slain in Her Majesty's service, 10l."

"For straw at several times for the said soldiers to lie on aboard the said ships and barks, 20s."

"The Society of Trinity College near Dublin, for six dead pays, at 8d. le piece per diem, for six months [and ] a half, ending ultimo Septembris, 1599, 36l. 8s.

"The said Society for one year's fee ended eodem die et anno, ut supra, 40l.

"Edward Walker, Dutchman, maimed, to help him into his own country, per warrant, 30s.

"Leys de la Brett, Frenchman, in like manner, to help him into his country, per warrant, 40s." pp. 18.

Nov. 10.

17. "A note of the forces of the Pale, collected by the Lords of the Pale, and by their Lordships exhibited to the Lords Justices and Council; 10 Novembris, '99." Total, horse and foot, 2,020. Sir Geffrey Fenton, who writes the endorsement, adds the names of the Lords of the Pale who were present at the conference, p. 1.

Nov. 10.

18. Edward Hayes, Commissary of the Musters for Leinster, to the Lord Justice Carey. Craves pardon for his absence, which was owing to sickness. Will be ready for any service after this day. State of the companies that he and Sir Arthur Champeraown have mustered. Endeavoured to do the Queen service, yet not overmuch to grieve the Commanders and companies already discontented. His Lordship may suppose this generally of all the army; that, of every 100 foot in list, there will not be 70 able fighting men for the present service. They may be reckoned after the rate of 65 in 100 men, and of 130 in 200, excepting sick men, "who are indeed many, and will be more, to the ruin of the army, if their diet be not amended, and made more wholesome." Wishes a mitigation of Lord Audley's muster (his officers having, it seems, abused him), " his Lordship having deeply engaged his faith and honour to have in readiness for the service as fair a company of 200, as any in the kingdom whosoever, if he be not now discouraged."—1599, November 10. Holograph, p. 1.

Nov. 10. Dungannon.

19. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, to the Earl of Essex. "Finding myself greatly grieved since your departure for many wrongs prof erred to me and my confederates, I have, according the articles of cessation, given fourteen days' warning to the State. And, because I will not be tedious with your Lordship, I will acquaint you only with the principal cause of my grief. First of all, having seven score of my men killed by the Earl of Ormonde in time of cessation; besides divers others of the Geraldines, who were slain by the Earl of Kildare. Another cause is, because I made my agreement only with your Lordship, in whom I had my only confidence, who, as I am given to understand, is now restrained from your liberty, for what cause I know not; so I have nobody else to conclude withal what I intended with your Lordship; unless I should deal with the Lords Justices and Council, who have already deceived me oftentimes. And, because your Lordship shall be made acquainted in particular of their dealings, I desire that they may be examined, and Sir William Warren, how I was dealt withal, both for a letter sent from Spain, as also for my pledges, who were delivered them in Sir John Norreys his time."—Dungannon, 1599, November 20 [10 November-20 November]. Endorsed by Lord Justice Carey, "Tyrone's letter to the Earl of Essex." Copy. p. 1.

Nov. 13.Dublin.

20. The Lord Justice Carey to Sir Eobert Cecil. "I have received two packets, the one of the 31 of October from your Honour and the rest of your Lordships, the other from Her gracious Majesty of the 6 of this present; [to] all which I cannot in particular return any direct answer, for the shortness of time, this messenger being upon his speedy dispatch. Sir William Warren this morning returned from this Archtraitor, whose treasons are too villainous, and [I] am fully persuaded that he never meant well from the beginning, but as an arrant traitor was desirous of a cessation to make his combination the greater and stronger, and to supply his wants. What the scope of his villainies are (sic), you may perceive by these enclosed, which are (sic) to do all mischiefs. And further not to keep the cessation by no means he will yield unto. O'Donnell, O'Rourke, and Maguire do purpose to go into Thomond." Beseeches Sir Robert to "consider well of his [Tyrone's] villainous libel."—Dublin, 1599, November 13.

[Postscript.] " By Watson your Honour shall receive your letter. This libel, the copy whereof I send your Honour (wanting) was secretly brought from one of Tyrone's servitors by one that came up with Sir William Warren, to be delivered to Henry FitzSymons, a priest in Dublin; but the party first brought the same very honestly unto the State. The like is purposed to be dispersed to other towns."

Under the address is written in a different hand, "After the sealing of this letter, my Lord of Ormonde came to Dublin, whereof I am very glad." Endorsed, Received the 21 of November. Holograph. p.1.

Nov. 14.Dublin.

21. The Lord Justice Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. "I wrote to your Honour by Mr. Brady, Mr. Secretary Fenton's son-in-law, two packets, and a book of all the extraordinaries, which passed by concordatum, both in the Lord Lieutenant's time and sithence; and, therefore, few are the matters I have now to write of; humbly beseeching your Honour to credit this bearer, Thomas Watson, whom I have appointed at your Honour's best leisure to deliver unto you some part of my griefs.

"Your Honour's last letters, which I return hereinclosed, do content me much, that by your Honour's good means Her Majesty is pleased to give me warrant for the raising of the 2,000 men, as also for the 1,000l. for extraordinaries, when my Lord went his journey towards the north, with a hope that Her Highness will be pleased to give further order for extraordinaries, which I desire may be for such causes as the necessity of Her Majesty's services shall require during the time of my government; and, for that as is past, I humbly desire Her Majesty to give allowance.

" There is yet one thing more, wherein I desire Her Highnesses] gracious favour. I was commanded to victual Her Majesty's ships, which attended this Irish service, and for that service I received, as I think, about 1,200l.; but the charge thereof did amount unto 2,000l., or thereabouts, as may appear by a book of account formerly given to my Lord Treasurer, for the which I humbly desire Her Majesty's warrant.

"My Lords of the Council do much dislike, as by their late sharp letters it doth appear, that I have not sent over a book of my half year's accounts, a matter that I more covet to effect than any earthly thing, considering the great and weighty charge that hangs upon me, which makes me to tremble to think on. But there is no possible means for me to effect the same, until the Captains' accounts be perfected, which I may not do before the Comptroller of the Musters have delivered unto me a book of the checks.

" And that my Lord and your Honour do certify unto me your opinions, what order I shall take about the defalcation of this summer apparel, wherein the agent of the provant hath not done well, being charged formerly by me to the contrary; yet hath he charged the Queen with 1,200 suits of apparel more than his proportion, and in such sort that divers of [the] Captains' reckonings will not bear it, as this bearer will inform your Honour, Without a direct course herein, I shall either prejudice the Queen or danger myself. I send your Honour a piece of the reckoning of the munition at Cork, having in my former letters by Mr. Brady sent your Honour the state of the arms and munition remaining at Dublin, the Newry, and Carlingford. Sir George Bourchier hath promised to send your Honour his certificate touching these matters. The Lord Lieutenant gave order that there should be no defalcation of powder, match, and lead, but of arms only, as may appear by his Lordship's warrant to Sir George Bourchier.

"In my Lords of the Council's letters, it appears that Her Majesty's pleasure is, that I should stay all Captains' entertainments from their departure until their return out of England to their charge here. This will be hard and dangerous for myself; for divers of them, having leave by warrant from my Lord Lieutenant to be absent for two months, have already, either by themselves or their officers, received their full entertainment; and therefore do humbly pray that this cessing of entertainment may be from the receipt of your Lordships' letters, which shall be duly performed, being the 12 of this month. If I durst, I would be glad to understand Her Majesty's pleasure touching my Lord of Essex['s] entertainment. For, as heretofore I wrote unto your Honour, two days before his Lordship's departure (not knowing, by Jesus, of his intention), he received of me 1,000l. over and above 500l. imprested unto him upon his entertainment. I must be plain with your Honour; these matters do cumber me exceedingly. I humbly beseech your Honour, favour me what ye may.

"For the government of Munster, Connaught, and Knockfergus, let us understand Her Majesty's pleasure. For the two first your Honour hath been advertised how they have been disposed. For the government of Knockfergus, the same was disposed by my Lord of Essex to the government of Sir William Warren. Sir Arthur Chichester, though, be now come from thence, yet he is loath to forego that place. And for my own opinion, I think he shall be able to do Her Majesty best service there.

"From Mr. Pyne I received a letter, and therein this enclosed (wanting). I beseech your Honour that some money may be sent over, for, in good faith, the last treasure is almost gone, not above three thousand pounds left. I grieve that money goeth away so fast; if it lay in me to remedy it, I assure your Lordships it should he done [these words in italics are struck out.]

"The transportation of these victuals from Carrickfergus and Galway to the garrisons appointed for the issuing thereof doth require great charge, which must be yielded unto; or otherwise Her Majesty's losses will be the greater, if the victual be not issued before it be utterly spoiled, being nought from the beginning, and that no more victuals be sent over until this be expended.

" By this bearer I send your Honour a falcon, as it is told me, of the best eyries in Ireland; and well may she bite, for she hath killed a goshawk, which I meant your Honour should have had. At Youghal there is a falcon and a tassel, which Harry Pyne gave me, but I must take them of Sir Edward Denny's gift; which I am well pleased therewith (sic), to avoid all titles, and that your Honour may have the better title unto them. Sir Edward is now in England. I pray let him take order that the hawks may be sent unto your Honour, who loveth hawks well, as I hear."—Dublin, 1599, November 14. Endorsed, "From Dublin. A private letter." Holograph. pp. 4.

Nov. 14. Dublin.

22. Sir Arthur Chichester to Sir Robert Cecil. "Being employed at Carrickfergus ever since my Lord Lieutenant his coming over, I have neither matter but mine own doings, nor means to write unto you. At his Lordship's departure he assigned me to the office of Serjeant-Major General, commanding my repair hither. From thence I lately adventured passage over land, the wind denying me it by sea. Here I attend what shall be commanded me by those in greater authority, and will refuse no hazard or pains wherein I may do service. But, may it please you, I had rather be continued in my place at Carrickfergus, than command in this office. I have same experience and knowledge of the country; some causes make me to desire it. If I be thought worthy, I can, with reasonable means, do Her Majesty good service in those parts; and I would be very loath, to go backward in degrees of my profession. I humbly desire to be censured by your honourable thoughts, and to be confirmed (if I be not thought unworthy) in my former place; and, until by some means I shall understand your further pleasure, I will execute all commands that shall be given me in this my new office.

"Your Honour understands matters of this State, and their resolutions, better than my letters can make known. We defend the heart, and care not greatly for the limbs; but, those being taken away, the heart cannot long be in safety. This enemy can never be beaten, but by dwelling and lodging near him, and in his own country. Journeys are consumptions of men, more hurting ourselves than those we seek to offend. The kingdom is great, and Her Majesty's force of fourteen thousand men are scarcely seen in it, but in this province of Leinster, where the greatest number have their abiding; and yet here can hardly 4,000 be drawn together to the field (leaving the garrisons weakly strengthened), to resist any incursions whatsoever. I could trouble your Honour with long discourse, but I fear I have already been too tedious, and I would be loath to meddle in great commanders' offices, thereby to offend."—Dublin, 1599, November 14. Holograph. p. 1.

Nov. 15.Dublin.

23. Nicholas Walsh, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, to Sir Robert Cecil. That he may be named in such commissions as are to pass, and wherein the holder of his office was want to be one.—Dublin, 1599, November 15. Signed, p. ½.

Nov. 15.Westminster.

24. Meyler [Magrath], Archbishop of Cashel, to Sir Robert Cecil. "Considering with myself how from day to day the disorders of the miserable and unfortunate land of Ireland seem to grow worse and worse, I thought it good to offer myself, my labour, and diligent service unto- Her Majesty, in this dutiful manner, viz., if it might so please her Highness to let me have such commissions and directions as I shall desire, and shew good reason [for] before yourself and her sacred person, that likely her service may be furthered by them. I hope with God's grace (although the state of the rebellion there became (sic) very desperate, and much altered since I have been with Tyrone), that I shall in a short time bring such certainty unto Her Highness, that, either by wars or peace, she shall know what shall be for her advantage to follow. My knowledge therein already, together with my alliance and friendship with Tyrone and the chiefest of Ulster, is such, that they shall hardly hide any thing from me. For, although they mislike much of me in matters of religion, yet they love me naturally, so that they shall be easily brought to believe that I wish rather their good amendment than their utter destruction. Therefore in my simple judgment, it cannot any way hinder the service to send me amongst them with such sure and certain instructions as Her Majesty shall think requisite. If I may do good therein, Her Majesty shall have the whole advantage thereof. If I shall be miscarried or lost in my journey, it is but the thing that I expect, to make an end of my days in Her Highnesses] service.

"And if any will say that I being an Irishman born, and so greatly allied to the Irishry, and therefore not to be trusted with such matters of weight; to that I answer thus. First, that there is not any one of the birth of Ireland at this day, to mine own knowledge, that hath more private and general causes to seek and work all possible means for pacifying these troubles (if I might) than myself, as in particular I may shew the same. And besides this, I have here with me two sons of mine own (whose lives I would not give for all the gold that the King of Spain can make); them both I am content to deliver in such custody as shall please Her Majesty, till my return. And if it shall be found that I shall not deal truly and dutifully according to Her Highness ['s] instructions, to my uttermost power, I am content that they both shall lose their heads, and myself also. And for taking this doubtful discourse and dangerous journey in hand, I desire neither reward, nor augmentation of living, or credit, till my return, more than as if I had stayed here at Court, whereby it may appear that it is the zeal I bear to God's glory (there much neglected and obscured), to Her Majesty's service, and her kingdom's safety, with mine own affection to my natural country and kindred, with the expectation of many profits and private commodities to myself and my posterity hereafter, [that] maketh me willing to essay any trouble, labour, and danger, in this doubtful and distressed time, in hope that God shall work by myself (as He might by any other little worm) some good for the reformation of that country. And therefore I beseech God that this my humble, dutiful, and devout offer be not accepted of according to the English proverb, offered service stinks. I know that such acceptance of service, sincerely offered, hath already hindered many good services in Ireland these sixteen years, where I saw divers great matters duly informed, and after marred for lack of discreet handling, the same being most commonly committed either to unskilful or unwilling persons, to be executed; humbly beseeching your Honour to signify this my dutiful offer to Her Majesty, as soon as you may, for in mora posset esse periculum."—" At my chamber next to the Fawlcon in Tuttlestreat [the Falcon in Tothill Street] in Westminster," 1599, November 15. Signed. p. 1.

Nov. 17.Dublin.

25. The Lords Justices Loftus and Carey, the Earl of Ormonde, and the rest of the Council, to the Privy Council. " Her Majesty's letter of the 6th of this month, and your Lordships' of the 31st of the last, were delivered here by the post of Holyhead the 12th hereof; and, almost at the same instant, Sir William Warren returned hither from Tyrone, to whom he was sent seven or eight days before, as we have signified to your Lordships in our last of the 3rd of this present And, as Sir William Warren's proceedings with Tyrone are set down in a declaration under his hand (the copy whereof we send herewith),—wanting—so one Barnewall, a gentleman of the borders of the English Pale, returning with him at the same time from Tyrone, to whom he had been employed before by the Lord Lieutenant (as he saith), we examined Barnewall apart of many things concerning his behaviour with Tyrone, and what discoveries he could make for Her Majesty's service, the copy of whose report is herewith sent to your Lordships, testified under his hand.

"And particularly he shewed us a writing subscribed by the Archtraitor, not below, as he was wont, but above, contrary to all duty; which, for the monstrous matters it containeth, and the pernicious ends it draweth unto, though we wish it had not been practised nor produced, yet, in discharge of our duty, we thought meet to transmit it to your Lordships, not in a double, but in the original (wanting), to represent to your Lordships, more lively, the malicious pride of the Archtraitor, and the venom of his stomach against Her sacred Majesty, all breaking forth at a time, when he had promised to Warren, at his being with him very lately before, to keep the cessation inviolably for six weeks more, as we have before advertised to your Lordships. The substance and purpose of this writing need no exposition, for that they both tend directly (under an old pretext of all rebels and traitors) to alter the hearts of the people, both by threats and promises, and by insinuating a horrible deprivation of Her Majesty from all obedience and allegiance of her subjects. And this concurring with his last most insolent letter written to me, the Earl of Ormonde, the copy whereof we sent to your Lordships in our last he doth manifest himself fully to be out of hope of all recovery, and an apparent sworn enemy to Her Majesty and her government.

"We were in hand, before the breaking forth of this, how to work a meeting of me, the Secretary, with Tyrone, according Her Majesty's pleasure, signified to us all jointly, and to me apart, wherein we were all careful to observe Her Majesty's pleasure, grounded upon her rare and princely mind, full of clemency and mercy, to recover him, if it might be, and by that course to discover him to the bottom, and, if need were, to satisfy him in some points, wherein he seemed unsatisfied. But being encountered with this unexpected hateful libel, and comparing therewith the phrase and style of his letter before written to me, the Earl of Ormonde, and having good intelligence of his intention to break the cessation before the time, and of the violent preparations he made to invade the Pale upon the sudden; and lastly, how in all the intercourses between Warren and him, he shifted off to have a meeting with me, the Secretary; and, when he was urged in that point, would answer it slightly, as though he made no reckoning of it, we thought it both dishonourable and fruitless to depend further of a meeting, but rather feared that we should highly offend Her Majesty to follow such a matter at his hand, who (sic) we saw so far gone in the ways of his own pride, as he did but turn to a scorn all overtures of grace and favour to be made unto him. Besides, Sir William Warren, in all his reports coming from him, affirmed generally that he found no hope of good in him. For these reasons, we have forborne to deal further touching the meeting, until we had signified thus much to your Lordships, whom we humbly beseech to intimate these our respects to Her Majesty, proceeding simply of a desire to preserve her honour entire, and not to have it blemished in any sort by such a barbarous savage rebel, who, in our opinions, is of mind that he is to receive no grace from Her Majesty, whom by his overt act he denieth to be his sovereign Prince, but rather noteth her for a person private, divested of all her regality, as appeareth by the scope of his lib[el]. And we most humbly beseech your Lordships to vouchsafe to further us with your wonted honourable favours towards Her Majesty for our doings in this point; and yet, notwithstanding, if it shall please Her Majesty to have a further proceeding with him by way of treaty and parley, upon signification of her pleasure, it shall be performed with the best industry we can use; though we are out of hope to do any good, to serve Her Majesty's turn that way. And yet we have not utterly left it off, but have left to Warren to entertain it underhand in a dilatory manner, till we shall hear further from Her Majesty, wherein we humbly pray Her Majesty's speedy resolution. And in the meanwhile, I, the Earl of Ormonde, Lieutenant of the army, am here ready to draw to the borders, so fast as provision can be made, to gather the companies into two leads, to answer the two places of rendezvous, the one at the Navan, and the other at the Naas, according the project of our late letter, dated 28 of the last month; having likewise caused the five shires of the Pale to muster and draw into arms, to be ready to give their assistance in this great service. For, even at the writing of this letter, I, the Secretary, received intelligence out of the country of Tyrone, that that Archtraitor was drawing to the borders, and, before the ending of the letter, we understood that he is entered the Pale, and O'Donnell into Connaught, with all their forces, to strike some sudden blow in both places at once; and that out of Munster, the counterfeit Desmond was to come to meet with Tyrone in some place about the Shannon-side, as hath been formerly written to your Lordships.

"I, the Lieutenant of the army, do send to your Lordships, herewith, a list (wanting) of the particular companies of horse and foot, that are to be employed in this service of Leinster, which, we assure ourselves, are for the most part weaker (by reason of sickness) by a third part by poll than they stand in list; whom, nevertheless, I, the Lieutenant, will see exactly mustered in the field, and then certify to your Lordships the true strength of every company. Your Lordships shall also see by this list what companies are left for guard of the towns upon the borders, though I, the Lieutenant, do not think that those companies are sufficient to defend the places against any great attempt. And for the country forces, as they are very few in number, and slenderly armed, so we look that they will stand us in slender stead, considering their general unaptness to martial service, and some particular unwillingness in some of them. So as it may please your Lordships to consider in what case we stand, to be so weakly fitted to answer so strong a force of enemies, prepared, and now ready to set upon us in several places; and besides, many of the chief captains and commanders of the army are now absent in England, whose want, your Lordships may judge, will be no small maim to the service. For our parts, we have not that confidence in the Pale-men, which we have had, for that we have daily information of some gentlemen, being younger brothers, that run to the rebels, which is not without suspicion that they make way for their friends and parents; and, in the time of the cessation, some gentlemen of living went into Ulster to the Archtraitor for divers ends, to serve their own turn; who, we have reason to think, will break out manifestly upon any advantage of the time; by which looseness in some of the Pale-men your Lordships may judge what small assurance we have to repose in the aids of the Pale.

" Where it pleaseth Her Majesty to require at our hands upon what conditions the Lords Mountgarrett and Cahir were received, and what sureties they have given for their continuance in obedience, we have only this to say, that, before the Lord Lieutenant of the Realm his last journey to the borders of the north, which was a little before his going into England, both those Lords, with some others of the submittees in Leinster, appeared in Council, and yielded to put in their several pledges according the schedule herewith sent, who not performing that order, and the two Lords seeking to go home to their country, we wrote to his Lordship for his direction therein, lying then at Tredagh, but could receive none, neither do we know how the two Lords were dismissed, nor what order was taken for their sureties, a matter which we were never made privy to. Yet, after his Lordship's going into England, we wrote to both those Lords touching their pledges, and to certify us under what conditions they were dismissed; from whom we never received answer, neither do we stand greatly assured of their continuance in duty. Only, their two principal castles remain still in Her Majesty's possession, which I, the Lieutenant, will be as careful as I can to preserve for Her Highness, though the Viscount Mountgarrett presseth greatly to be restored to his castle of Ballyragget, wherein for our parts we discover no good meaning in him.

"It appeareth in one clause of Her Majesty's letter, that Her Majesty hath been informed that the Lord Lieutenant's journey into Munster grew by our consent and advice, contrary to his Lordship's own proposition and desire, whereby a great part of the summer was lost, and the flower of the army so tired, as it was accounted honour enough to bring them back again. For our parts, we were utterly ignorant of his Lordship's purpose to go into Munster, the same being not so much as once spoken of in Council, nor any of our advices or consents demanded. Though in this matter we could write more liberally in our own defence, yet we hope his Lordship will do us the right to purge us, to whom our clearness is best known, and upon that confidence we have been thus long silent, awaiting still that his Lordship would free us from all imputation that way. Touching the particular interest of me, the Earl of Ormonde, in this matter, I was not at that consultation when the Lord Lieutenant took his journey from Dublin, but I attended him to Leix, and so to Kilkenny, and from thence, by his own direction, I went with him the whole journey of Munster, and back again to Dublin, not knowing of his intention to pass further into Munster than the Castle of Cahir, or thereabouts.

" Touching Tyrone's answer for a late treason used at the bridge of Johnstown, where some of Captain Esmond's company were defeated, and what reason he yieldeth for usurping so unjustly in the time of cessation to place Brimigham, a head of his nation, in the county of Kildare, we collected these and sundry other violences done by him and his in the cessation, and gave them all to Sir William Warren, to the end to expostulate with him. But he hath brought back but slight and frivolous answers, such as are not worthy to be certified; only to Esmond's defeat, Tyrone saith he was not privy thereunto, and for Brimigham, he did but give him a kind of right, till a better title might appear.

"Touching the charge of the 2,000 men, newly levied, wherein it seemeth your Lordships are not satisfied, neither from what day they were put in charge, nor how long they continued, your Lordships shall receive herewith the Mustermaster's explanation thereof, to whose particular office it doth belong; and, for their apparel, the time of their service being so short, Her Majesty is not to be charged therewith. But, touching this matter of apparel, as we have reason to think that Her Majesty is not so uprightly dealt withal as were meet, both in the gross, and in the particular issuing of the suits; so, for an instance, it is discovered to some of us, that the provant merchants have overcharged Her Majesty in this summer apparel about 1,200 suits, the further particularities whereof your Lordships, ere it be long, shall understand from me, the Treasurer.

"Where it appeareth that your Lordships have understood by letters out of Munster that we are not here so careful of that province as we should, considering the importance of that part of the kingdom, and particularly that the city of Limerick doth not disgest the Irish soldiers that are garrisoned there, specially the Earl of Thomond's company; before the receipt of your Lordships' letter, we had written to the Commissioners in Munster to withdraw those Irish soldiers out of Limerick, and to supply that garrison with English companies, which we hope is done before this. Likewise, we gave the same order to the city of Cork and town of Galway in Connaught, where we had information that there was no good agreement between the soldiers and the townsmen. And, for staying of farther harms, we wrote long since, as well to those corporations as to the commanders of the garrisons, to hold a better course of agreement amongst themselves, lest, through their disagreement, the places might be endangered; having also admonished in particular some of the Council residing at Cork, between whom and some of their colleagues we understood there was grown some heart-burning, that there should be amongst them a more unity and agreement, and that neither party should be apt to give or take occasions for slight matters. But touching the objection made by some of the Commissioners of Munster, that that province is not regarded here at Dublin as it ought to be, we humbly assure your Lordships upon our credit, we have been as careful to supply them there with money, victuals, and clothes, as any other part of the realm, according their proportion, but having no other means to transport these provisions than by sea, if they have not come to them so speedily as they expected, they are not to lay the blame in (sic) us. And where it seemeth Sir Warham Sentleger and Sir Henry Power have advertised thither that we have refused to grant any more than 20 nobles a week for their diet, they might have added to that advertisement, that they have also 40s. sterling a day between them, besides the 20 nobles sterling a week, all which, being drawn into reckoning, will amount very near to the full allowance the President had; so as by this account it may please your Lordships to see, that we have regarded them as much as in us lay, both for their general provisions and their particular allowances, wherein, if they had dealt justly with us, they might have certified as well the one as the other, or else have forborne to complain at all.

" Touching the collection of the treasure, which your Lordships have made, as well that which hath come out of England as the poor revenue received here, we of the Council, who have not so particular dealing in those matters as I, the Treasurer, being the immediate officer therein, do think that your Lordships have made a just calculation of the charge, being not a little grieved for our parts to see so great a mass of treasure sent out of England and consumed in the actions of this unfortunate kingdom. But touching the issue, and the relation thereof, together with the victuals transported from Galway to Limerick, from Xnockfergus to Tredagh, and from Dublin to Cork, for the answering of the garrisons in those parts, to satisfy your Lordships in these points, it doth principally belong to me, the Treasurer, who cannot as yet so fully clear your Lordships therein as I shall do within a small time, for that there is no means to make up the Captains' reckonings, until the Comptroller of the Musters be sent hither, who is to collect and settle the checks; and, till that be done, neither can the Captains know the certainty of their reckonings, nor Her Majesty understand in what case she standeth with them; which being the only way to make all reckonings clear, it may please your Lordships to speed away Birkinshawe, to whom that charge doth principally belong. And, in the mean while, I have directed Watson my servant to inform your Lordships in many things touching the reckonings of this kingdom, until I may send you a more full and perfect certificate.

"But touching the impost, which your Lordships seem to note to be paid by Sir Henry Brouncker, and to amount this year to 2,000l., I, the Treasurer, do assure your Lordships, upon my credit, that the year being ended at Michaelmas last, there is not one penny paid in of that 2,000l., besides his arrear of the last year's rent, which riseth to a round sum. Sir Henry Brouncker is now there [in England], and his agent, John Large, is suddenly slipped from hence thither, as we think, without leave or privity to any here, at a time when he should have discharged the first half year's payment, payable at Whitsuntide, and the next half year being due at Candlemas next, and no part of either of them paid in as yet. In which respect, we humbly pray your Lordships to take order with Mr. (sic) Brouncker, both for this year's rent, being 2,000l., and for the arrear remaining of the last year, of which we have no certain note, for that Sir Henry Brouncker hath not passed his account thereof.

"We are still bold to remember your Lordships to supply us out of hand with money, for that the army, being now in action in the field, it must be borne up by their ordinary lendings, besides sundry occasions of extraordinaries, which cannot be avoided, unless the whole service should be suffered to fall to the ground. Likewise, it may please your Lordships to consider that, in this broken time, our chiefest assurance must rest in the army, who if they should fall into discontentment for want of their means, it might tempt some of them, having amongst them, as I, the Lieutenant, do know, too many companies of Irish, to run to the rebels, where is all liberty given to live upon spoil and booty, the prevention whereof cannot rest in us, if we have not money to answer them with their lendings, wherein we are out of hope to be relieved much here, so poor and destitute are both towns and country.

"We are also to remember to your Lordships, at the motion of the Earl of Ormonde, who is, by his charge of Lieutenant of the army, now to follow in person this great service against the traitors, and by that occasion, and Her Majesty's express commandment, is to make his ordinary residency for the most part in these parts, that thereby he shall be driven to an extraordinary expense for himself and train, being absent from his own house and country, where he hath received great spoils by the rebels, and much of his land wasted, in which respect it may please your Lordships to move Her Majesty for some further allowance for him, his ordinary entertainment being already 3l. sterling per diem, besides 200 foot and 50 horse in Her Majesty's ordinary pay; the consideration whereof we humbly leave to your Lordships.

"Lastly, as the sore that most doth grieve us, we cannot but still bemoan to your Lordships, in the inward sorrow of our hearts, the extreme dangerous state of this kingdom, such as in the knowledge of us, that have served longest here, was never seen; neither can we think but it will run daily to more universal desolation, if God and Her Majesty do not with great speed prevent it. For now that the Archtraitor hath published his quarrel to be for religion and popular liberty, we fear it will work such alteration in the hearts of the people and the corporate towns, as we shall not be able with the means we have, both to keep the towns in order, where no doubt this wicked libel will work impressions against Her Majesty's government in many of them, and also to be in case to resist the rebels in the field, the country of the Pale being so loose and suspicious in many parts as it is, and the Archtraitor being already entered. And therefore, we most humbly, even upon the knees of our hearts, desire your Lordships to apprehend our hard estate, and to move Her Majesty to strengthen this poor kingdom out of hand, with more men and money, and a nobleman to govern; and he to be sent out of hand, to enter into charge, the better to stay disasters, which otherwise cannot but break out without remedy. And, a Deputy being speedily sent over, enabled with means, to give defence to the subjects, and offence to the traitors, who think now (and some of them let not to speak it openly) that Her Majesty is not able to pull them down, we hope that this great stream of adversity, that for many years hath run so violently against this realm, will turn his course to the overflowing of God's enemies and Her Majesty's, who in the pride of their heart contemn her power and scorn her mercy."—Dublin, 1599, November 17.

[Postscript] "At the signing of this letter we received advertisements that eight or ten gentlemen of the Darcys, and as many of the Daltons of Westmeath, all gentlemen of English nation, are gone into rebellion, and we cannot but think that sundry others within the Pale and borders thereof will run the same course."

Endorsed, Received at Whitehall the 24th; and, by Sir Robert Cecil, "Their ignorance of the Munster journey." Signed. pp. 7. Enclose,Enclose,

25. I. "A declaration of the journey of Sir William Warren to Tyrone."—1599, October 3. Duplicate of No. 195 I. in Vol CCV. Copy. pp. 3.

25. II. "The declaration of Sir William Warren, knight, touching my second journey to Tyrone, since the departure of the Lord Lieutenant, according his Lordship's former commission."—1599, October 20. Duplicate of No. 218 II. in Vol. CCV. Copy. pp.2.

25. III. "The declaration of Thomas Barnewall, of Robertstown, in the county of Meath."

"He saith that the 4 of this November, Sir William Warren being sent by the Lords Justices and Council to speak with Tyrone, he, the said Thomas accompanied him, by direction likewise of their Lordships. And being at Dungannon the 8 of the said month, one Richard Owen (a man very inward with Tyrone) shewed unto me several writings, to the number of 6 or 7, whereof having read one unto me, he told me that he purposed to have them cast abroad in the streets of Dublin and Drogheda, all of them being by Tyrone's own hand subscribed. But I, the said Thomas, fearing some inconvenience might grow by that course of easting them abroad, moved him to another course, which was, that he would send one of them by me to whom he thought he might best trust, to the end that party might acquaint many others in more secret manner with the same; whereof he liked well, and thereupon delivered one of them unto me, which I, according my duty, delivered to your Lordships and Council.

"The next day following, I asked Tyrone if he would anything to the Earl of Essex, telling him that I was purposed to go into England; to which he answered, that he would write a letter to his Lordship; which after he did, and, delivered the same to Sir William Warren. And I understanding there was nothing in the said letters concerning the continuance of the cessation, or any further peace, I asked Tyrone if he would send any message by mouth to his Lordship; who gave me a slender message, whereupon he grew into further speech with me concerning the writing subscribed with his own hand, and delivered me the night before by Owen, desiring me earnestly to deliver the same to the party to whom it was sent with all haste, and that likewise I myself would be a means to publish it to others; which I undertook and promised to do, to the end I might the more safely bring the same to your Lordships. Whereupon at that time they made stay of all the rest of the writings of that kind. Tyrone said further unto me that he marvelled greatly that the Spaniards were not landed in England and Ireland by this time, their time appointed being Allhallowtide; but yet he said he expected them shortly. Whereupon I asked him when he did hear from them. He answered not in twelve or thirteen weeks before; and so our speeches ended, and presently Sir William and myself took our leave, and came away."—1599, November 15. Signed, "Tho. Barnewall." Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil, " The writing mentioned was the infamous libel, signed by O'Neill, which Mr. Attorney hath." pp. 2.

25. IV. "A list or brief collection of 1,950 footmen erected by sundry warrants of the Lord Lieutenant, in July, August, and September, 1599, which were appointed to attend his Lordship in the northern journey." Endorsed, " 1599, November 17. Sent with the Lords Justices' letters of the 17th of November." Certified by James Carroll, deputy to the Mustermaster. pp. 1½.

Nov. 17.

26. Memorandum of a letter from Queen Elizabeth to the Lords Justices and Council, in favour of Sir Theobald Dillon. His return to England with Essex. Dillon's good services in Ireland. Endorsed, 1599, November 17. p. 1.

Nov. 17. [Westminster.]

27. Draft, corrected by Sir Robert Cecil, of a letter from Queen Elizabeth to the Lords Justices, and Council, in favour of Mulmorey McSwyne, of Toa, knight His loyalty and services. The Queen directs their Lordships to accept the proffered surrender of the castles, lands, and hereditaments in McSwyne Ne Doe's country, and to regrant them to Sir Mulmorey and his heirs under the Great Seal of Ireland, to be held by knight's service, and by rendering the services and rising out of five horsemen and ten footmen, and fifteen beeves yearly, with license to alienate any parcels in fee simple. Sir Mulmorey is also to have a custodiam of all the lands and hereditaments in the countries of McSwyne Faned and McSwyne Banet, until true advertisements are received of the loyalty of the pretended inheritors of those countries. He is to be employed upon the borders of Tyrconnell, as their Lordships think he can best do service. They are to grant him a pension of [six] shillings per diem [to begin from Michaelmas last].—[Westminster, 1599, November 17.] pp. 1½.

Nov. 17. Westminster.

28. Copy of preceding, with a postscript directing that Sir Mulmorey is to be presently employed in Connaught, in some charge of good entertainment, meet for him.—Westminster, 1599, November 17. pp. 2.

Nov. 17. Westminster.

29. Another copy of the foregoing.—Westminster, 1599, November 17. pp. 3.

Nov. 17. Whitehall.

30. The Privy Council to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey. "Although your last letters, bearing date the 4th of November, have brought unto Her Majesty too much matter, whereby to judge the hard state of her kingdom, yet doth Her Majesty well allow both of your diligence in advertising, and of your proceedings for resisting such attempts as the Traitor shall make upon Her Majesty's country and forces. And when we have considered, as well as by this uncertain list can be gathered, what may be the cause that an army of 14,000 foot and 1,200 horse should not be able to make a defensive war against his proud threats, we only conceive that this will be the answer; that the army is divided in so many portions and places, as you are not able to draw in gross sufficient forces to make head against them. Wherein, although the reasons of all those tilings must needs be better known to you than to us, yet we must tell you our opinions; that it is strange unto us, that so great forces should be kept upon the frontiers of Ulster, where Her Majesty hath no country to defend, but only her towns, which need not half the numbers in garrison for defence, nor could do much harm upon the rebels if they were much greater, considering that his greatest forces are nearest adjoining to those quarters. So as, although they were well sorted, when there was a purpose of prosecution, yet things being now reduced to that state (as it seemeth that you can determine of nothing but of defence), we do not see why all those numbers should be left to remain in those garrisons, which will not easily be taken by any Irish sieges, but that the forces might be drawn nearer together into the heart of the kingdom, to resist the sudden incursions of the rebels. In which respect we think it impertinent that in so many holds and petty castles so many should be bestowed, when both the one half would defend the places, and the fewer numbers not require so often supplies, when there is not so many mouths to consume the store. Of your purpose to draw ten companies from Connaught to the heart of the country, to defend the Pale and other places necessary, as we do well allow, so do all we represent all this unto you, as things whereof Her Majesty would have you to consider, we being here very much to seek how to satisfy Her Majesty particularly in many things, because we have not the half-year's book; neither can we well tell what commanders to return back, or how to order them, because divers are named in the list, which you have sent over, who deny to have any companies, and divers, that have two or three kinds of entertainment by report, pretend unto us to bear only the name of some of them, without any wages. But we have commanded most of them back again in Her Majesty's name. And for the letters written by Tyrone to my Lord of Ormonde, we never expected better; and therefore we doubt not but Her Majesty will in short time (by the favour of God) make him understand better what it is to continue in his reprobate state against his Sovereign; except, upon Her Majesty's last letters, which we doubt not are by this time brought unto him, she shall find that he hath better bethought himself than by your last despatch it appeareth. Because we do observe that in some part of Tyrone's last writing to the Earl of Ormonde, he findeth fault with the Earl's often usage of the word traitor, we would have wished to have seen the copy of that letter, which so much displeased him. We do return Birkinshawe unto you, and by him Her Majesty's warrant for the last 2,000 men; and likewise to you, the Lord Justice Treasurer, further allowance for concordatums."—The Court at Whitehall, 1599, November 17. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 197 b-198. Copy. pp. 2.

Nov. 18. Dublin.

31. The Earl of Ormonde to Sir Robert Cecil. " Your letter of the 6 of this instant I received the 13 of the same, which was very welcome unto me, for that of long time I have not heard from you. Where you write you shall have more occasion to renew your old acquaintance with me, there is no friend you have that shall be readier to accept thereof than myself; neither shall you find your good will bestowed upon any that shall be readier in what I may to deserve the same. I will not trouble you with the particulars of the course of things here, for that at large the same is related in our joint letter to Her Majesty, which I know will come unto your hands. Only thus much I am to pray you to take notice [of], that, notwithstanding my drawing now into the field, there is no provisions nor means yet sent to the Navan to relieve the army, which will be a cause to stay the troops from going to their garrison place; who, I know, are far more weak now than you were informed; besides, many of them are Irish companies, who (as the time is) are rather to be doubted than trusted, whereof you shall be more particularly advertised, after myself have seen them.

"Although I find small hope of conformity in these arrogant traitors, now grown to extreme terms (as by Tyrone's damnable libel you may perceive), yet will I not fail to do my uttermost endeavours to draw them to obedience, if (without Her Majesty's dishonour) I may bring it to pass; and will from time to time (as I may) acquaint you with my proceedings therein, praying you that order may be given to the Treasurer here for the allowance of packet-money, as I shall have occasion to send unto you.

"I would to God it might stand with Her Majesty's pleasure to make choice of some such man as shall stand best with her liking, to be Governor of this realm, if my Lord of Essex come not over again, that these insolent traitors may see (if they crave not mercy in time) that Her Majesty meaneth to lay her sword heavily on them. For that the borough and inland towns in the county of Kilkenny have been the greatest mean to keep Her Majesty's footing in those parts, who have great sums of money due unto them for relieving and victualling of Her Majesty's soldiers, I could wish for their better encouragement, that (by your good means) some contentment might be given them. And when our joint letter shall come in hearing before the Lords, I pray you be a mean for the increase of my allowance, which I am forced to lay open before you, for that my lands in a manner (by these malicious rebels) are utterly wasted. I most humbly thank Her Majesty for her remembrance of me with the copies of the letters you sent me, that passed between her and the Archduke Albert, which I pray God may take effect to her best liking.

"This morning, being in Council chamber, there came a letter from the town of Kenles [Kells], fourteen miles from the Brenny, the copy whereof I have thought fit hereinclosed to send you, whereby you may the better understand the weakness of that town, and how far indefensible it is, which without a good force will hardly be kept, for that it was never fortified, so as I think the companies in great danger that shall keep the same, and am of opinion that Ardee near Dundalk is in little better state."—Dublin, 1599, November 18.

[Postscript in the Earl of Ormonde's hand] "Sir, you forgot to put your hand to the letter you sent me." Signed. pp. 2. Encloses,

31. I. Captain Sir Robert Heath to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey and the rest of the Council. " I thought it my duty to advertise your Lordships of the danger the town of Kenles is in, and the borders thereabouts, if sudden order be not taken by your Lordships for the preventing of it. This night, being Friday, we received intelligence that the Earl of Tyrone lay the night before at Brian McColl's house, being fourteen miles distant; and for certain he was purposed to surprise Kenles, which he esteems a place much hindering his affairs. To resist his attempt the town is but weakly furnished, having but two English companies to maintain so weak a wall and so large a compass in ground; and though they do endure for a time, yet will they not be able to continue so intolerable a watch, as the necessity of the time doth impose upon us. For the company of my Lord of Dunsany, though we durst, yet do we not adventure them to hold any guard, because some of them had conference with the rebels of late, as your Lordships hereafter may understand further of it, in regard that it may please your Honours to appoint some one company of foot more, with fifty horse, for the better safety of the town and country; and that a competent proportion of victuals may be sent hither, that we be not driven, as we have been, to labour our soldiers to Drogheda, to fetch their own provision, which hath been most toilsome to them and chargeable to the Captains. Further we find the townsmen very obstinate and unready to perform any duty which belongs to their own safety, not sticking to give evil speeches, if they be demanded but things honest. Therefore I beseech your Lordships to give authority to whomsoever commands in the absence of my Lord of Dunsany, to command them in his discretion to be ready to perform that which is requisite for them in so troublesome a time. Lastly, it is not possible for the garrison of Kenles to free all the borders thereabouts, unless your Lordships do place garrisons in the convenient passages which now lies (sic) open to be a prey to the enemy. For the better consideration, I have thought good to nominate as followeth. The castle of Reckeny is a fit place for a company; the castle of Clomgell, where my company did lie; the bridge of Taltowne; the castle of Keren, which was lately burnt for want of a garrison; all very necessary places to hold, and resist the enemy, for passing between us and the Navan, and between the Navan and Slaney and Drogheda ; which garrisons may be united in four hours, all in one body, to encounter any army marchable, which otherwise it is without doubt impossible to prevent (sic) the spoiling of the country, which is daily engaged."—Kenles, 1599, November 17. [Postscript.] Captain Sidney's company lies fit to be drawn to Kenles, for it is near. Copy. p. 1.

Nov. 18. Dublin.

32. The Lord Justice Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. "I have sent unto your Honour those two gentlemen that you wrote for, and have delivered to 'everich' [each] of them 30l. towards their charges. I suppose they can so well deliver unto your Honour the poor estate of this distressed kingdom, that I shall not need to be further troublesome therein unto your Honour. We want money and winter clothes for the soldiers, the want whereof will occasion weakness very much to the army, for that divers of the companies are almost half naked, and the cold winter approacheth fast. And if the provant apparel do not come, the sooner I must of necessity be compelled to provide both hose and shoes for a great number of them, or else they will die with extremity, now that they shall be enforced to lie in the field."—Dublin, 1599, November 18. Endorsed, By Sir Thomas Wingfield. Holograph. p. 1.

Nov. 18. Dublin.

33. Sir Robert Napper, Chief Baron of the Exchequer, to Sir Robert Cecil. " By our general letters the causes appear, why we proceed not further in parley with Tyrone; first, his letter signifying to the Earl of Ormonde that he took in hand the Catholic cause, called the Governors tyrants and enemies to God and man, which we signified by letters of the 3 of November; next, the cutting of the cessation, promised, as Sir William Warren told us, precisely for six weeks, though it seemed by Tyrone's note that he referred it to former agreements, which were upon the matter, but for fourteen days; thirdly, his cold dealing with Warren, not to speak with Sir Geffrey Fenton touching Her Majesty's mercy to be shewed him, &c.; specially then by the delivery of the damnable cartel, or libel, which one Barnewell (being with Warren at Tyrone's) did deliver us, full of horrible treasons against Her Majesty and her kingdom. He saw there seven more, signed by Tyrone, meant to be sent and divulged in cities and towns by the Jesuits and priests. I add to these this circumstance, that, at the time he ended and signified the end of cessation, O'Donnell's man was with him, and did expostulate with him that it was so long continued, for now was their time. Tyrone dealt secretly with the same Barnewell to see that libel delivered to a mass priest in Dublin, and to persuade the execution thereof himself. Again, upon our conference in Council with the Lords of the Pale, the 8 of this month, we found a general backwardness in plain words. For my Lord of Dunsany (by the consent of all the rest, as he then confessed) told us all that out Captains and men of war had all the milk, and they not respected This was the argument of his oration, and that they now, in this pinch and time of danger, must bear all the burden. He was answered that himself had been long in pay, and others of them, and that all the younger brothers almost of the Pale were in pay, and a great number of our companies Irish, and so, though we had weakened ourselves by entertaining them, who by duty and habitation were to defend themselves, yet it had not been so much misliked by us, as in truth we ought, specially that they might see that we sought both their contentment and employment, &c. In the end, they agreed to supply us out of the Pale with 1,500 foot and about 400 horse and carbines, which to this day, notwithstanding our imminent danger, are not ready.

"Also, the city of Kildare did refuse to give relief to our soldiers generally. The town of Tredath, the cities of Galway, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, &c., grieved also, to whom though many and great particular causes of grievance have been given, yet we must think, now this matter breaketh out to open flame, that all is drawn from the fountain of this pestilent libel, long past from time to time persuaded by their priests. I note also that in the Pale the breaking out of these septs, as the Breminghams, and now the Husseys, all the Daltons, divers of the Darcys; and even now Garrett Oge's son, of Westmeath, being a neighbour to one Mr. Wakly, and being entertained as many times before kindly in his house, upon a sudden took his castle, and put them there to sword, and Wakly himself being wounded by hap escaped at a window. Sithence the receipt of this libel, some of my Lord of Dunsany's foot company be fled from Kells, their garrison place, to the traitors, and even now we hear from the Commissioners of Munster that the Earl of Thomond and the Lord Burke seem discon[ten]ted. And now Tyrone is come to the Pale to make good his promise to assist such as shall join with him, and to hearken what effect his libels will work.

"Our Commissioners for Munster have now of late drawn in their forces into the cities, and namely 500 to Cork, and their horses, whereat the citizens have sent their complaints to us. Such grievous complaints have been framed to us, as it is lamentable to hear. Reform other than by letters we know not, &c. (sic). Castlemaine, being Her Majesty's, is lost [In margin, " Sir Warham Sentleger had the keeping of Castlemaine."], and Askeaton is blocked up, which Sir Francis Barkley hath, but he is not there in person. The companies laid in Munster have been exceeding idle, and now Sentleger, always a man of war, sitteth at Cork in judging civil causes, and so doth Sir Henry Power, who doth better commanded than when he commandeth. For now this winter time, the cessation ending, they should set garrison hard upon the traitors. If a new Governor come, and Munster be left to the chief command of the Earl of Ormonde, his Lordship will quickly bring in that province, for it bordereth near him, and Tipperary is there. I have heard long sithence that his Lordship desireth that particular government, but lately he commended my Lord of Thomond unto it. But, in my judgment, my Lord of Ormonde is fittest for it, and will do the most good of any. For I heard my Lord of Dunboyne and Walter Butler both say that my Lord was now willing to have it. As the times now be, I have cause to think that it were a sure way for Her Majesty at this time to appoint it to his Lordship; they will yield to him much for love, much for fear, and such as will not yield for those, he will compel by force. Good faith, they told me he would quiet it, if he were Governor, in three months; a good work, if it were done. I may be deceived in this great matter, for my particular affection to his Lordship may hinder my judgment to look deeply into it, but I write as I think."

Touching Connaught [" Conocke "], they have received letters from the Earl of Clanrickarde, complaining that O'Donnell and the rest of the rebels there have drawn their forces upon him. They thought once to have drawn about a thousand out of Connaught to the defence of the Pale, and to that end gave directions; but, upon a new consultation, they revoked their former determination. They hear that the Boyle is lost, and Roscommon in great danger to be so. Sir Robert conjectures that Tyrone would first wholly win Connaught (saving such few castles as they have), and to that end Tyrone has agreed that O'Donnell shall set up a new O'Brien for Thomond, in Lord Thomond's place, and so draw all Thomond, or else persuade Lord Thomond (wherein Sir Robert thinks he shall never prevail for many causes), and then either win Clanrickarde by fear of his force to his combination (which he hath long sought), or else overthrow him by fight, and so gain them as he hath won Connor Sligo; and that done, to rest and refresh his soldiers, it is like he will seek or consent to a new cessation, and so plague and infest the cities with revolts. Her Majesty they since publish to be no lawful prince, and they call the State here tyrants and enemies to God and men, and have made two Irish terms of scorn against the Earl of Essex; one, that he never drew sword but to make knights; the other, that he came like a hasty messenger, that went away before he had done his errand. "Sithence the rebellion is so general, and we not desirous to fight, what comfort have we to serve among such a people? I have no more to write, but that the enclosed letter, sent in Mr. Maynard's letter, was meant to (sic) your Honour. And thus, not thinking upon return, until the kingdom be better settled, do with all duty take my leave, this 18 November, 1599." Endorsed, From Dublin. Received the 24 of November. Holograph. pp. 2.

Nov. 18. Tallonstown.

34. O[liver Plunket], Lord Louth, to the Earl of Ormonde. Received from the Lords Justices and Council on the 13th instant, a commission dated 10 November, to muster from 16 to 60 within this country, to be in readiness, upon pain of death, on an hour's warning, to come where his Lordship shall appoint by letters or word. Upon receipt thereof, he presently wrote to the chief serjeant to warn all such to be at Ardee on Saturday, the 17th instant. Attended there from nine o'clock to four in the afternoon, and none came but five or six of the gentlemen. Certified this to the State, and now signifies it to his Honour, not knowing how to remedy the same. Will always be at his direction with as many as he is able to make, " although we are in continual distress, as we may not conveniently depart our houses without great danger." Refers to the bearer, his cousin, Peter Taffe, for the state of "this poor afflicted country."—Tallonstown, 1599, November 18. Copy. p. 1.

Nov. 20.

35. C[hristopher Preston], Viscount Gormanston, to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey. According to their Lordships' commission, appointed a general muster, on Sunday last, at the hill of Tarragh, of every man from 16 to 60. There the Lords of Slane and Trimletston, and himself, met with intentions to accomplish their Lordships' pleasure, but found no appearance in effect, some few gentlemen excepted, and the whole number of all sorts in their view not many over 100. The thoroughfare of the soldiers, coming into several parts of the shire, whose trouble and charge could not be little. Extremities of the baronies of Fowre, Kells, Leene, Dace, Moyfenragh, and Morgallion. Condemns the greatest number of mighty default, which, in his opinion, may not be redressed, without authority henceforth to fine them. As for corporal punishment, does not see how the same may well be done, the fault being so general; and, to tell truth, finds unwillingness in most, their poverty being so great, and with no assurance of any pay; besides, the mighty wastes of, the country, and all degrees are wonderfully decayed. Captains appointed in the baronies to take muster therein, and the gentlemen of the baronies commanded to assist them. These say that the people have great want of munition (needful for this service), and where or how they may be sped they know not, except their Lordships furnish them out of Her Majesty's store. Prays for their resolution therein.—1599, November 20. Copy. p. 1.

Nov. 21. Gormanston.

36. Christopher [Plunket], Viscount Gormanston, to the Earl of Ormonde. Received this morning his Lordship's letters directing the Lord of Trimletston and himself to raise forth the foot of the shire presently, with fourteen days' victuals. Is sorry that, through an extreme cold lately taken by his travel to the hill of Taragh for the muster (where he found none appearance), and not having his health before, he is unable to attend upon his Lordship, or to take the air. Nevertheless, has sent his Lordship's letter, with his best advice, to the Lord of Trimletston, and has also written to the Sheriff presently to warn the country to rise forth, with victuals, as directed, and to take extraordinary pain therein.—Gormanston, 1599, November 21. Copy. p. 1.

Nov. 22. Cork.

37. "William Saxey, Chief Justice of Munster, to Sir Robert Cecil. Praying for the payment of arrears due unto him, viz., 234l. and 139l. [The details are very much the same as those given in the last paragraph of his letter of October 23 (vide supra)].—Cork, 1599, November 22. Holograph. pp. 1½.

Nov. 22. The Forows.

38. Thomas [Jones], Bishop of Meath, to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey. "There is newly come to me a boy from Ardbraccan with the intelligence inclosed (wanting), which I thought it my duty to send unto your Lordships as I received it."—The Forows, 1599, November 22.

[Postscript.] "The boy who brought this letter told me that, looking behind him as he came to Skryne, he saw divers towns on fire on this side Ardbraccan by the Boyne side." Holograph. p. 1.

Nov. 22.

39. "An estimate of Tyrone's forces upon the relation of Thomas Barnewall, who was in his camp on Thursday last, being the 22nd of November, 1599." The forces in camp are first given, and then those opposing the garrisons of Dundalk, Ardee, Newry, Carrickfergus, as well as those " against Connaught." The totals of the first are, shot, 3,870; kern, 1,340; horse, 902 : of the second, shot, 1,720; horse, 212: of the third, foot, 4,060; horse, 200. Endorsed, "22 November, 1599," but evidently a few days later. In the handwriting of Lord Justice Carey, pp. 2.

Nov. 25.

40. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, to Sir William Warren. "I have received your letters, whereby I understand that Her Majesty directed some message to be delivered by Sir Geffrey Fenton, and by you unto me, which is no hindrance, as your letter imports, to that which I intend.

"Seeing it is Her Majesty's pleasure that you should deliver me her will, nothing prejudicial to the furtherance of my meaning and cause, which in reason I could not reject, I will undertake that none resident in my army here will do any hindrance to any of your side until to-morrow noon; and, if you will, I shall meet with you at the place where Mr. Peter Taffe left me the other day, wherein I may understand Her Majesty's will. And, if I had known that my Lord of Ormonde would intreat with me of the delivery of any message from Her Majesty, I would not in any sort refuse to confer with his Honour, but I thought his Honour, for his advantage, would prolong time, to the hindrance of mine intent. From my camp, this present Sunday, 1599." Signed, "O'Neill." Copy. p. 1.

Nov. 26.

41. " Officers and artificers appointed for Her Majesty's service, to attend the artillery and munition in Ireland, which are not comprised in the ordinary list," (this is noted as in "Lord Lieutenant's [Earl of Essex's] time of government"); also, "A list of the ministers and artificers of the Ordnance, to be allowed out of the lendings of the Cannoneer[s], beginning 26 die Novembris, 1599" (this is noted as "in the government of the Lords Justices"), pp. 2.

Nov. 27. Dublin. 42. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "This bearer, John Walley, being occasioned to repair into England for the discharge of some services touching his late master, the Lord President of Munster, albeit I am much prevented to write at large to your Honour, by reason of a grievous ague, wherewith I have these seven days past been vexed, and constrained to keep my bed, but chiefly through a sudden direction (notwithstanding the same) to take upon me a journey to the northern borders, which how unable soever I am to endure (being very weak and much depressed therewith), I will (God willing) begin to-morrow morning; yet, in respect he is one trained up under myself, and whose conversation I know to be honest, and is made ripe and fit for employments, having last served the late Lord President in Munster, under whom he managed the place of Secretary, and gained his good opinion, I am humbly bold to recommend him herewith to your honourable regard, beseeching you to yield him your countenance and favour for his only and best means for preferment. And as I know it is not meant that places of special exercise and import for Her Majesty's service in Munster should be so lightly regarded, as to be referred over to the'discharge of deputies or assignees in this troublesome time, when it is most needful to have the same with the best means and diligence executed, or not as the office of Clerk of the Council in that province now is, managed only by a youth, altogether unfit, which much distempereth the state of many causes, and maketh the place of greater neglect (the immediate officer himself being, through age and other debilities, not able to endure the trouble thereof): so as (your Honour having no employment for this gentleman) if by your honourable means that place may be conferred upon him, who is very able each way to perform the services thereof, I doubt not but that all things there will be more directly and perfectly carried than now they be, and Her Majesty's service in the place much advantaged; herein presuming the more, as a matter to be regarded, I doubt not, of your honourable consideration towards this gentleman." Will acknowledge any favour to him as done to himself.—Dublin, 1599, November 27. [Postscript.] "The fee of the office is but 20l. per annum; and yet, being executed by deputy, it doth but increase extortions and exactions, which do breed no small murmur in the province, where, if the office were settled in one that would occupy it himself, the service would be better performed, and the people better satisfied." Signed. pp. 1½.

Nov. 27. Upper Ossory.

43. F. [FitzPatrick], Baron of Upper Ossory, to Sir Robert Cecil. "Upon the repair over of this bearer, my servant and tenant, dwelling at Herrolds Grange, near Dublin, I have taken occasion to write these few lines to your Honour, thereby to give your Honour to understand that, upon the perusal of my late brother's writings, I have found many letters that have passed between your most worthy father and my said brother, both when he was in France from the King's Majesty, and here in Ireland; whereupon I presume to challenge that interest in you the son, which my said brother had in your honourable father, sending herewithal a few marten skins, to the number of fifteen, as a small token of my good will; my ability in respect of the calamity of this woeful kingdom being not able to afford that which my willing heart would do, to gratify you with something of more value; and therefore, craving pardon, do crave you to accept of my good will, beyond what might be given.

"Now may it pleasa your Honour to understand that I have not to trouble you at this time, but only a small suit, on the behalf of my said servant and tenant, that where I hold the said farm of the Grange by the gift of King Edward, being parcel of St. Mary['s] Abbey, [it] ought to be free from all country charges; yet, for that I dwelt somewhat remote, the cessors and collectors doth (sic) charge the same, and oftentimes the soldiers do rifle and take away all my poor tenants' goods; and also certain hamlets, and other members, belonging to the same, time beyond man's memory, are erroneously and unjustly subtracted, and by sinister means taken, from the said house and farm, to Her Majesty's great indignity and prejudice (being in remainder); that it may please your Honour to procure for me, and in the behalf of my said servant, their Lordships' favourable letters to the Governor here for the time being, to give straight order whereby I may have, as well the benefit of the ancient freedom allowed to the said house and farm, which here shall be sufficiently proved before the State at Dublin, as also to establish his quiet possession in the same lands, until it be recovered and evicted from him by ordinary course of common laws. And this the rather, because it is all the lands I have in the English Pale, and was given for the relief of my horses in my repair to Dublin; the most part thereof being in the tenure and occupation of a youth in ward for many years, who is allied and befriended in the Pale (where I shall have no indifferency)." Has much desired to see Her Majesty, but die troubles of Ireland give impediment. These once at an end or appeased, will do his bounden duty in that behalf.—Upper Ossory, 1599, November 27. [Postscript.] Sends one of Burghley's letters for Sir Robert to peruse. Begs that it may be returned, "that thereby my children may take notice of their most assured friends." Signed. Seal. p. 1.

Nov. 28. Dublin.

44. The Lords Justices Loftus and Carey to the Privy Council. "We hope that the two last despatches of the 24 of this instant, and then sent from us and the rest of this Council by the common post, are by this time come to your Lordships. And although we have not since then received any matters much worth the advertizing, yet that your Lordships may be pleased to conceive, that we would not willingly intermit any time, to let you know of all occurrents happening here in these days of so great danger, we do now again take occasion by this passage to write this much in private from ourselves to your Lordships. Wherein we do send unto your Lordships as well the copies of certain letters written unto us since that time from the Baron Delvin, with our answers to them, as also the copies of several letters lately received from the Lord Lieutenant of the army, with our answers to them also, and likewise the copies of two letters written from the arch-traitor Tyrone to Sir William Warren; the reading of all which albeit we know will be troublesome to your Lordships in your more weighty affairs, yet in the discharge of our bounden duty, and that your Lordships may conceive the whole course of our proceedings in these great dangers wherein the kingdom stands, we have nevertheless made humbly bold to be so far forth troublesome unto you.

"Your Lordships will see by the letters from the Lord Lieutenant of the army, his purpose to parley with Tyrone, and his desire to have Sir Geffrey Fenton's company and assistance therein, and the Bishop of Meath's also, who was not here, nor upon the sudden could be sent for. And although for our own part we are of opinion that the success of that parley will rather increase the insolency of those proud traitors, than prove any way to the good of Her Majesty's service, we advised Mr. Secretary, according Her Majesty's former directions to him, to assist his Lordship according his desire in that parley, to which, although he was not (nor hath not been this sevennight past) in good health, he hath addressed himself, and is betimes this morning set forwards towards his Lordship; and what shall be done therein we will, with all the speed we may, advertize the same to your Lordships.

"Your Lordships will perceive by the Lord Lieutenant's letters how much he complaineth of the weakness of the army, which we are exceedingly grieved to hear and find true. It proceeds chiefly through the sickness grown generally among them, which we attribute to the corruptness of the victuals, and their nakedness by the want of their winter apparel not yet arrived. And as to the corruption and badness of the victuals mentioned by his Lordship, the whole fault must be laid on them who were the first purveyors of such rotten and unserviceable stuff, yet have we used our best endeavours to help it in the stowage and garnering thereof here.

"Sir Arthur Savage is now come hither from that charge in Connaught, wherein the Lord Lieutenant of the kingdom left him, and we calling him to an account for that departure, in a time of so great danger, he stood upon two points for his defence. First, that what commission was left him by the Lord Lieutenant of the realm for that government (with which, if any were, we were not, made acquainted) was carried away by the Baron of Dunkellin, who is now there in England; and the second, that he had a kind of a license from me, the Treasurer, for his coming hither, which I must thus answer in mine own discharge. In the time of the last cessation, Sir Arthur wrote unto me that he had some special matters of importance touching Her Majesty's service to impart to me and the State, and therefore desired that he might have leave to repair hither to that end. I answered him by my private letters that, if he could leave the house of Athlone well provided for and secure, and be sure also that O'Donnell had no purpose, or were not in readiness, to enter into that province, I could be content that he should then (being in the time of cessation) make a start hither for three or four days, to understand what that was, which he would so fain impart to me and the Council. In which conditional leave I, the Chancellor, did afterwards join with the Treasurer; and since that time, being above a month past, neither in time of cessation nor since till now, we heard not any more from him in that matter. But now, a great while after the cessation, he hath repaired hither, notwithstanding our timely advertisement to him (in that time of cessation) of Tyrone's purpose not to continue it any longer than the 14 days, and that he could not himself be ignorant of O'Donnell's preparation and intent to enter Connaught, for the spoil of the countries of Clanrickard and Thomond, which we signified unto him, as himself doth confess, and as by other letters written to him, and by us seen, doth manifestly appear. And now, he being taxed by us for that his remiss manner of proceeding in that great charge committed to him, we required him that he would exactly set down in writing under his hand in what state he had left the several parts of that province, and Her Majesty's army remaining in it, the copy whereof we do herewith send to your Lordships; by which you will find that Sir Gerald Harvey, whom we formerly appointed to take charge of the town of Galway and the soldiers there (who were without any man of worth to command them), is now by him left at Athlone, clean contrary to our direction formerly given. We have now commanded Sir Arthur to return presently to his charge; and, although we urged him thereunto upon his duty to Her Majesty, yet did we perceive an unwillingness in him to return thither, unless he might have commission from us, and entertainment to enable him thereunto, disclaiming now that license of me, the Treasurer, by him pretended, and alleging that the cause indeed, which made him come from thence, was the want of that commission and entertainment now by him desired. Whereupon, we entering into consideration of the present danger of the time, and the necessity of some man of his quality to reside there, we have both granted him commission for that government, and also thus far presumed upon Her Majesty's bounty as to make him an allowance of 20s. per diem, as an extraordinary entertainment, to bear his charge there, until we shall understand Her Majesty's further pleasure therein, and that she do like of it to begin at the time of the Earl of Essex his going hence, the rather that since that time Her Highness hath not been charged with the entertainment of a Governor and Council there, as was accustomed, which amounted to a far greater sum. And understanding by his report of the want of victuals at Athlone, being now even the key of that province, and chief defence on that side to this province of Leinster, we have written to the Lady Dillon, Francis Shaen, and others on that border to supply the place with corn and other victuals, down the river of Shannon, and have also this morning dispatched away two special men, born in that part of Westmeath, who, with the money that we have delivered them, and their credit and knowledge in the country, will, we hope, together with the other course, furnish the place in some good measure, whereof we will hereafter advertise your Lordships. When we were thus near the end of our letter, we received a letter from Sir Gerald Harvey, the copy whereof we send to your Lordships, which, in our great care of the place, hath made us both to dispatch other messengers with letters for that victualling to the effect of the former, doubting lest they should be intercepted, as many times letters are, and also to hasten away Sir Arthur Savage, who hath promised us to be gone within these two or three days. And even now we are given to understand that our foresaid letters, in answer to the Lord Delvin's, the copy whereof (as we said before) we send your Lordships, were openly read before his Lordship and many of the gentlemen of that country; and that, albeit we advised him to keep and defend his house, and not to parley or speak with Tyrone in any sort, yet, upon Monday last in the morning, he, with his own company of 150 foot, a part of Captain Mynn's company lying at Mullingar, and of Captain Francis Shaen's company at Ballymore in Westmeath, with a good number both of horse and foot of the gentlemen of the country, were on their way towards Tyrone, but to what end, or by what authority, we know not. We pray God it be for the best, but we, that are jealous of this dangerous State, do fear the worst. We must still presume to importune your Lordships to hasten hither money and also apparel for the poor naked soldiers, the want whereof and corrupt victuals hath brought them to that misery of sickness, as it makes them altogether unserviceable, and [it] is most grievous for us to behold them. Lastly, and above all the rest, we do most humbly beseech your Lordships to be a mean to Her most excellent Majesty to send hither, as speedily as may be, a martial man, fit for the government of this distressed kingdom."—Dublin, 1599, November 28. Endorsed, Received the 5th of December at Whitehall. Signed. Seal. pp. 3½. Enclose,

44. I.C[hristopher Nugent], Baron Delvin, to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey, and the rest of the Council. "I am now in the greatest extremity that may he, being environed with Tyrone's forces between me and Trim, the Leinster forces on the other quarter between Athboy and Portlester and the great moor, and O'Rourke's forces being in the next part of the county of Longford, ready to enter this country, and draw forward all to meet about my house here, which is made rather for pleasure than defence. I posted one with a letter to the Navan, not doubting but my Lord Lieutenant had been there with forces able to relieve me; but this day the whole country being on fire, my boy returned with my own letters from the Navan, and told me that there were no forces, but a few, for the defence of the town, and that his Lordship returned to Dublin, which was a cold comfort for me, whose person is most desired by them of any in this kingdom. Therefore I beseech your Lordships, direct me with all speed what course to hold; whether I shall steal away, if I can, to your Lordships, and so save one that may hereafter serve the Queen in a better time; or stay here subject to all adventures of fortune, in a weak house, not possible long to be kept, the country being already overrun. I sent away part of my children yesterday towards Maynooth, which I fear are taken by the rebels. I mistrust a great part of the country will revolt, some according their own lewd disposition, as I formerly wrote unto your Lordships, and others in respect they have no defence."—Clonin, 1599, November 22. Copy. p. 1.

44. ii. C[hristopher Nugent], Baron Delvin, to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey and the rest of the Council. " Notwithstanding my former letters of importance, I have sent the bearer, my Lieutenant, instructed to acquaint your Lordships with mine own present estate, and other matters greatly importing Her Majesty's service; to whom it may please your Lordships to give credit."—Clonin, 1599; November 22. Copy. p. ½.

44. III. "Motions made to the right honourable the Lords Justices and Council, in the behalf of the Lord Baron of Delvin, 24 November, 1599."

To grant a special commission to the said Baron, "or his wife, or whom else he shall think meet," to parley and work all the best means that may be devised, for the safety of himself and the country.

That 200 or 300 at least of the soldiers garrisoned at Trim, Athboy, or thereabouts, be presently posted for the defence of his "corn, house, and person," which is most of all shot at, and the rather that those walled towns will not be assaulted until the country be altogether destroyed.

The Lord Lieutenant [the Earl of Ormonde], with all that he can to draw presently to Athboy, where he may be at liberty to leave or take, and stand indifferent to march safe forward, for the relief of the said Lord Delvin and that distressed country, or backward for Eastmeath, as occasion may serve. And, if the said Lord Delvin shall be wished to make any treaty for Her Majesty and the country, to have it with the rest in writing.

On Tuesday last, Christopher FitzOliver, a gentleman of Westmeath, being nearly allied to O'Reilly's wife, and having certain intelligence of the enemy's purpose to overrun the country, met them by the way, and of himself demanded the cause of his great envy towards Lord Delvin. Tyrone answered that Lord Delvin "was the only block that hindered him from overrunning the whole kingdom," and vowed that he would never leave Westmeath until he had overrun him; whereupon the gentleman of himself (as from Lord Delvin) desired that they might have some reasonable time to answer. Whereupon Tyrone was content to give them days till Monday next, and suspecting that the gentleman was not sent by Lord Delvin, he sent a priest together with the gentleman to know the certainty thereof. In the meantime Lord Delvin desired to be relieved with same reasonable force, so that Tyrone should not expect to be so fully satisfied in his unreasonable demand as peradventure he would look to be, if he saw not Lord Delvin able to defend himself. A commission for the parley on Monday next asked for, or advice to Lord Delvin what course to hold. His house to be besieged.

Lieutenant Thomas Leycester, who signs these "motions," prays to be returned with all expedition, " lest that the enemy should have notice of my coming hither, and so in the meantime seek to effect their wicked purpose against my Lord, and to cut off myself by the way." Copy. pp. 2.

44. IV. The Lords Justices Loftus and Carey and the rest of the Council to [Christopher Nugent], Baron Delvin. Have received his letters, together with the message he sent them by his Lieutenant; by all which they perceive the great danger and distress his Lordship stands in. Will to the uttermost of their power labour to relieve the same, having, before the receipt of his letters, and now again, written to the Lord Lieutenant (who on Thursday night was at the Navan, with such strength and forces that they hope his Lordship shall not need to fear much in his house), to take all possible care of him. Assure themselves that Ormonde with his army will be able not only to remove all danger from him, but also to repel that Archtraitor out of the country. "And where your Lordship desires our advice, whether you shall come hither yourself and leave your house guarded, therein we see no safety to your person (whereof we have more care than of all that country), and therefore we wish your Lordship, having your own company with you, to keep your house, which will be safer for you, and much more comfortable to many others than your remove will be; for (as we have already said) we hope you shall endure no extremity of siege, considering the great army with the Lord Lieutenant; and your coming from thence will not only discomfort all your own friends, but dismay the whole country. And as for entertaining any parley or treaty with the rebel, we wish (now that Her Majesty's army is afoot) that you forbear any speech or parley with him, which will be most honourable both to Her Majesty and yourself, unless you be so advised and authorized by the Lord Lieutenant."—Dublin, 1599, November 24. Copy. pp. 1½.

44. V. The Earl of Ormonde to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey. Notwithstanding his dispatch of Mr. Marshal to their Lordships to acquaint them particularly with their wants, and how occurrents do pass, has nevertheless thought fit by his letters to deliver some particulars thereof. Encloses a list of the strength of the companies at the Navan, and how the rest garrisoned upon those borders are disposed of for the defence of the incorporate towns, from which they cannot be drawn without hazarding the loss of the same. Prays they may be kept as they are. Has no hope (as he formerly wrote) of the 600 foot and 400 horse promised by the Pale, although he has been ready to give them all the assistance he could. Some of the noblemen have been to see him, without bringing any with them. Their Lordships may do, well to question Barnewell about the principal men that are to parley with Tyrone on Monday or Tuesday next. Notwithstanding his many warrants to the Sheriff of Meath, has not yet got one garran to bring the victuals to the Navan. Is informed the victuals are unserviceable. The small quantity of treasure sent him, without any instructions for its issue. Begs for a greater proportion, without which he will not be able to keep the companies together. Prays that the stockings and shoes for the army may be hastened away, with some apparel, if possible, for many of the soldiers go barefoot and naked in most miserable sort. The Captains are much discontented that they cannot receive half money and half victuals, as, they say, they were promised. Prays their Lordships to hasten Lord Dunsany to his charge. Is informed that none of his horsemen and but few of his foot are at Kells. The bark with munition appointed for Drogheda is not yet heard of, though said to have been laden three weeks past. If the wind do not serve, begs that some other course may be taken to supply their wants.

As he finds the army at the Navan much weaker than he looked for, has given instructions to Mr. Marshal to bring thither some of the forces from the Naas; and prays their Lordships to dispatch him again with speed, because he cannot be spared from Navan. Is ready to spend his life in his Sovereign's service, but all his wants he expects to be supplied by their Lordships.—Navan, 1599, November. 25.

[Postscript.] " Out of these few troops, I am forced to send some companies to Trim and other places, to strengthen those poor towns; and I fear, when they come there, they will be in danger to be surprised by the rebels and hunger; and, if the traitors keep any time in the field, I know not how the companies can be victualled.

"I pray your Lordships send presently hither some swords for the army, for that the most part of the soldiers do want them.

"At the making up of, this letter, I received yours of the 24 of this instant, with the several copies thereinclosed, being sorry that your Lordships refused the Lord Baron of Delvin's offer for his coming to Dublin, which if you had taken, and advised him thereunto, you had been assured of his own person, who might also have been, as I fear the ease standeth, a good pledge upon others. Sir Anthony Cooke, I hear, is not yet gone. I pray your Lordships, dispatch him away with speed, otherwise I fear the Castle of Cahir will be lost, if Desmond come into those parts, as I hear he doth. Of all these things, in discharge, of my duty to Her Majesty, let her be made acquainted with all haste." Copy. pp. 2.

44. VI. A certificate of the present number of men in the foot companies and horse troops, mustered before the Lord Lieutenant at Navan, 24 November, 1599. Totals:— foot; in list, 1,900, present, 1,132; horse; in list, 430, present, 291. Signed by Edward Hayes, Commissary of the army, who adds a memorandum, " Here are not mentioned any sick men, left behind in their quarters, and fallen by the way upon their march, as by certificate, under the magistrate's hands, from sundry places appeareth, and are in manner a fourth part of this army; which weakness is imputed to proceed of corrupt victuals, and want of clothes, in this hard season of the year. Moreover, herein is neither dead pay nor any absent mentioned." Commissary Hayes also notes, with regard to the horse, " that the English horses are for the, most part poor." pp. 2½.

44. VII. The Earl of Ormonde to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey. " Sir William Warren hath been with me from Tyrone, who desireth to have a parley with me, and till Friday to have a cessation. I pray your Lordships therefore to hasten Sir Geffrey Fenton unto me, so that he may be with me at Drogheda on Wednesday morning by ten of the clock, to accompany me that night to Ardee, for that I purpose the next day to repair towards the place of meeting." Again prays that Sir Geffrey may be hastened. If wishing would serve, I would my Lord of Meath were with me, so it were no trouble to him."—Navan, 1599, November 26. Copy. p. ½.

44. VIII. The Lords Justices Loftus and Carey and the rest of the Council to the Earl of Ormonde. Have received his letters by Mr. Marshal, together with the list of the strength of the army, which they are very sorry falls out to be no stronger. Have learned as much from Barnewell as at this time he knew, and have dispatched him again in the same business, "whom we wish your Lordship had forborne to have named for his more safety." Have again written straitly to the Sheriff of Meath. As he is now nearer Ormonde, pray him to take some severe course with the Sheriff. Wish they could have afforded a greater quantity of treasure. Are even now labouring all they may to borrow 500l. more to send him, which is as much as they will be able to do. As for instructions for the issue of it, all they can say is, that the companies may live upon the victuals as long as may be with their drinking money, "because the victuals will be less serviceable every day," and by that. means the money may be drawn to stretch the longer. The paymaster [at Navan] has been told to follow Ormonde's directions The winter apparel is not yet come, but they hope that by this time the stockings and shoes lately sent for 2,000 men are come to him. Mr. Marshal tells them he met Lord Dunsany on his way towards Ormonde. Are grieved that the bark with the munition has not arrived, but Sir George Bourchier did not regard their advices and directions. Complaint concerning him.

"We were sorry to understand of your Lordship's purpose to draw some of the forces with Mr. Marshall from the Naas, considering the openness of all these parts, and the strength of these mountain rebels, whom we have laboured all we can to contain, by sending them as they desired protection, according your Lordship's advice; which whether they will now accept, we do not yet know; but since the whole charge of the army and martial government is committed to you, we leave it to your Lordship's disposition, not doubting but you will gravely consider the great mischiefs still threatened to this city and the whole country adjoining, which if the rebels, for want of force and a martial man in these parts, shall be able to execute, how dangerous and dishonourable it would be, we likewise leave to your Lordship's good consideration.

"Touching the Lord of Delvin, whose desire to come to Dublin your Lordship is sorry we did not satisfy, we hold it more safe both for him and us (he meaning well) not to have yielded thereunto; for, besides the casual danger he might have fallen in, what, under pretence of our allowance of his remove, of set purpose might have been done, your Lordship doth easily conceive; and we suspect that his Lieutenant, who carried our said letters, will not pass to him without intercepting, and all of set purpose."

Have ordered Sir Anthony Cooke to repair to his charge. Before the receipt of Ormonde's letters, had acquainted the Privy Council with all the contents thereof, except the strength of the army, which they cannot well do, until the Commissary certify the sick and deficient soldiers. Will acquaint the Privy Council of this certificate, when it has been received. Will do all they possibly can to supply Ormonde's wants. For the present, will take order to send him some powder overland, although they hoped he would with greater ease have been more plentifully provided. Even at the writing hereof, at eleven o'clock this morning, they received Ormonde's letters of yesternight, wherewith they acquainted Sir Geffrey Fenton. Though he be sickly, yet will he strain himself to attend Ormonde, in such sort as his Lordship shall understand from him. " We pray your Lordship to take great care that none of the country gentlemen attend you in this parley, for their often going to the like hath done much harm."—Dublin, 1599, November 27. Copy. pp. 2.

44. IX. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, to Sir William Warren. "I am ready to speak with my Lord of Ormonde in the place where I have spoken with the Earl of Essex; but passing, before the receipt of your letter, that way, I do not think it so convenient, because we cannot well hear one another, for the greatness of the water there. Wherefore, if it seem fit to his Honour to come near Thomastown, where the river is narrower, I take it to be the fittest place; which I leave to his Honour's discretion. But I assure you we cannot either by speaking or sending concur to determine what we intend at Balalagan. As for to give you any further time after, our speeches for to place men in your garrisons, we will take order when we meet together. I rest, Killeny, this present Wednesday [November 21], 1599." [Postscript] "We cannot possibly talk at Athdynt, or in any place in mat part, unless we do it near Thomastown." Signed, O'Neill. Copy. p. ½.

44. X. Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, to Sir William Warren. [Duplicate of No. 40, under date, 25 November, 1599]. Endorsed, 25 November, 1599. p. 1.

44. XI. "Matters wherein we require to be satisfied by you, Sir Arthur Savage, knight."

"What companies have you appointed to assist the Earls of Clanricharde and Thomond? Item, what companies have you assigned to assist Tibbott Ne Long upon any occasion?

"I left all the companies of Athenry, namely, Captain Mostyn, the three Burkes, Sir Robert Lovell, besides my Lord of Clanrickarde's company, and both his sons, and some convenient number out of Galway.

"Item, to deliver unto us in writing under your hand in what case you have left both for men and victuals the holds of Roscommon, Tulsk, and the Boyle.

"The Constables of Roscommon, Tulsk, and the Boyle, have undertaken their charges, till the last of January, being victualled, manned, and having store of munition to their liking; only they complain for want of clothes for their men.

"Item, also to set down under your hand in what state you have left the Castle of Athlone, both what strength of men to defend it, and what proportion of victuals: to sustain the men, and for what time, and what store of munition have you left there?

"I left the Castle of Athlone under the command of Sir Gerald Harvey, manned with the ward allowed, and saving that nightly there is put in three soldiers for the better guard. I left them monied at 8d. a day till the last of this month, and the market then served well. If they happened to be blocked up by the incursion of the enemy, Sir Gerald Harvey had private instruction to kill all the cows of the town and to take tike salt, and to put it for provision into the Castle." Signed by Sir Arthur Savage. Endorsed by Lord Justice Carey, 27 November, 1599. p. 1.

44. XII. Sir Gerald Harvey to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey and the rest of the Council. On Friday, the 24th of November, the rebels preyed Athlone. About 80 of the garrison, through the indiscretion of some of the officers, fell into an ambush three miles from the town, and were chased by the rebels to within a quarter of a mile of it. Was forced to retire his few men for the assuring of the town. Lost four or five of his best men. "I fear this success will embolden them so much, that this side of the town towards Dublin will be as much troubled as the other, and that the market will be stopped, so that the Castle will be in very ill taking, having not three days' victuals in it I beseech your Lordships think upon this, and send us some munition for our wants are exceeding great, being not able at this time to supply ourselves from Galway. I received a letter at this instant from Sir Thomas Burke, who doth assure me that our companies are safely passed to Galway, and that O'Donnell is come into Clanrickarde." Will not fail to send any further intelligence he gains.—Athlone, 1599, November 24. Copy. p. 1.

Nov. 28. Dublin.

45. The Lord Justice Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. "Our wants are great, and the troubles and dangers many. I wish and beseech your Honour, if it were so pleasing to Her Majesty, that some fit Governor were sent hither. Mr. Secretary Fenton hath been evil at ease this sennight, yet is he this day ridden to Tredath, and to-morrow doth overget my Lord of Ormonde at Ardee. And so it is agreed that there shall be a meeting with that Archtraitor, who I am persuaded is past all grace, and all hope of ever to become (sic) a loyal or dutiful subject. And yet I find that these rebels are in their minds much cumbered lest the peace betwixt England and Spain should take effect, and more doubtful lest their means from Scotland should be taken from them: which may easily be effected in my poor opinion, which is, by the King himself, or else by keeping two ships continually on those coasts, with four or five small pinnaces or large boats to attend those services. This course will distress them more by taking from them their means out of Scotland, than all their helps out of Spain did ever relieve them.

"The fear I have of the Baron of Delvin's joining with Tyrone doth cumber me exceedingly; but, if he stood firm, I do assure myself it will stay a great many which now stand wavering. We have almost as many sick of our people as we have whole and able to do service. The want of winter apparel, and badness of victuals, with the unwholesomeness of this cursed climate,—until men's bodies are thoroughly acquainted [therewith], doth occasion much sickness, whereof many die or hardly recover."—Dublin, 1599, November 28.

[Postscript.] " Whereas I formerly wrote that I had discharged Her Majesty's pinnace called the Popinjay, and laid her up for this winter; now, upon better consideration, lest mischief should happen unto her lying aground in the dangerous times, I have this last spring, caused her to draw down the river, and have put into [her] twenty men for her better safety." Holograph. pp. 2.

Nov. 28. Dublin.

46. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "This day, at twelve of the clock, I received direction from the Earl of Ormonde to meet him to-morrow at the borders, partly to give his Lordship assistance in this great service he hath now in charge against Tyrone, and partly to perform a meeting with Tyrone, if such a matter shall fall out, of which his Lordship hath written nothing in certainty. How unseasonably this falleth out for me at this time, it may please your Honour to judge, considering that, these eight days next before, I have for sickness kept my chamber, and, for the most part, my bed, and now upon the sudden, being weak and distempered, I am called out to a journey, dangerous and remote, not having so much as ten hours respite. Nevertheless, I will, God willing, not fail to answer his Lordship according his time and place appointed, if through feebleness I sink not by the way; for Her Majesty's service must be preferred before all other respects. This is only to acquaint your Honour with the suddenness of my calling out; for, touching the sequel and issue of this journey, I can advertise you nothing, no, not so much as conjecturally, for that I know not how this sudden meeting with Tyrone is wrought, whether by our industry, or by his; but I wink it riseth more by some wooing of our side than by his seeking; and that maketh me fear that the event will be rather dishonourable than allowable. Yet, for that I doubt Her Majesty cannot be fitted to reinforce her army, but by the help of some temporising, and to the end Her Majesty may take the longer time both to deliberate and resolve, I will do what I can to win time of him; which, how little soever it be, will yet be commodious for Her Majesty's affairs, and give a breathing time to this poor country of the English Pale, which, being the heart of the kingdom, is almost become without heart. This is written as I was going to horse; our further proceeding and succeeding shall be signified to you at more leisure, I hope."—Dublin, 1599, November 28. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

Nov. 29.

47. "A Memorial concerning the Lord Justice Treasurer" [Carey], addressed by Thomas Watson to [Sir Robert Cecil]. The great need of Charles Huet to declare an account of Sir Henry Wallop, and to assist the Treasurer in certifying the state of his accounts. Unskilfulness of the people now with the Treasurer, who "will be near undone" without Huet's help.

"Mr. Treasurer's desire is, that your Honour will be pleased to be a mean that he may, before the delivery of the sword to the Deputy now to go over, grace one or two of his good friends now there, being men of worth and desert, with knighthood; which number of two he will not exceed, neither will adventure to do it without your Honour's direction.

"His desire is that, upon the staying of my Lord of Essex's entertainments, your Honour will take knowledge that he hath imprested him two months' entertainment, which was done, as the Treasurer protesteth, before he had any suspicion of his coming into England." Endorsed, 1599, November 29. Signed. p. 1.

Nov. 29. Castletown.

48. Sir Charles O'Carroll to Sir Robert Cecil. Accounts himself the most unhappy man in Ireland, by reason of the manifold crosses that have lighted on him in these wars. Is the more worthy of these griefs that he has so silenced his pen, and neglected Cecil, to whom he is most bound. Has not yet obtained the command of the foot company he hoped for, although the Earl of Essex gave him warrant to raise 100 men in Her Majesty's pay, to begin from the 24th of May last Arrears due to him, amounting in all to 1,896l. 9s. 10d. Has often made suit to the State to be paid, but is answered that order must be taken for him in England, because they have no authority to pay such sums. Has consumed both himself and many friends in bearing this heavy charge. What service he has done to Her Majesty in this time, he refers to the report of any that affect the good success of the service. Begs Sir Robert to procure him payment of the arrears due to him. " I am the more earnest and bold to sue for payment, because I know I have performed better service to Her Majesty than they that have received 100,000l. of Her Highness['s] treasure, as the State here do well know."

Asks for the command of one regiment, with the allowance of 50 horse and 150 foot in Her Majesty's ordinary pay, and if he does not perform such good service as shall deserve such a command, he will lose his credit with Sir Robert for ever, and his life in the service; "for I have imbrued my hands so far in traitors' blood, as I must violently prosecute them, or they will have my life. I was never in more distress, and therefore let me be comforted now or never." Begs for sure letters from England, or else he hopes for little in Ireland. " The traitor Tyrone and all his imps do so thirst after my blood, as by the assistance of God (in granting this my request) I will repay into their bosoms to their confusion.

"I have an approved good goshawk for your Honour, which I would now have sent, but for winter weather's sake; at the spring your Honour shall receive her with a new coat; at which time your Honour shall hear further from me." Again desires Sir Robert to remember his suits.—Castletown, 1599, November 29. Signed. pp. 1½.

Nov. 30. Whitehall.

49. The Privy Council to the Lords Justices Loftus and Carey and the rest of the Council. "Although we cannot at this time write so particularly unto you of all things, as the necessity of Her Majesty's affairs doth require (whereof it is almost incredible to see the universal distraction), yet to the intent you may know that the advertisements are not neglected, but a consideration is had to prepare all particulars, whereon a foundation may, be laid to build the main work of Her Majesty's service, we think good to give you answer to divers particulars of your letter of the 17th of November, as followeth, although we must refer many of them until our next despatch.

You have jointly and very sensibly described the particularities of this Traitor's horrible treasons, which though they are broken forth now more palpably than heretofore, in many notorious circumstances, yet no man of any sound judgment apprehended less of it in substance long before this time, so as for that point we need say no more, but that we are all of your minds, and must all concur in our several duties to do Her Majesty the best service we can. For the second point, wherein you have used consideration to forbear the execution of Her Majesty's commandment in the point of any treaty, because the time hath now given notorious causes of alteration of that counsel, which was (sic) not known before to her as since it hath been, Her Majesty hath commanded us to let you know, that she alloweth very well of that discreet consideration, and doth require you to use her name to so odious a traitor no more than to cast pearls before swine. You shall also understand that Her Majesty hath commanded a nobleman according to all your desires to prepare himself within twenty days to go over to take charge of that kingdom; and, for the present necessity, hath commanded a month's pay more to be sent over, which is already telling in the hands of the servants of you, the Lord Justice Treasurer.

"But Her Majesty is still informed so certainly of the miseries wherein the companies live in Munster, and doth so apparently see the confusion which grows to the service, by sending the supplies for that province first to Dublin, as Her Majesty hath commanded us to let you know resolutely, that the supplies for that province shall be directly carried from hence thither, both of men, victuals, and apparel, hereafter, and, above all things, the treasure. For which purpose, as we do presently send over to Cork some quantity of victual, of which we hear the army there is in great want, so we have stayed 4,000l. of this treasure, to be sent thither to your paymaster that lieth at Cork. And therefore, as we require him orderly to issue it, so we expect that you shall, with all possible speed, send authority thither to some assigns to receive it from time to time, and to carry it to Bristol, and not to Chester, that it may pass directly thither, and under your account (a matter which peradventure you, the Treasurer, will impugn, but we require you to understand hereby, that it is so resolved, as by no disputations it will be changed). Herein we must further add, that you are more slenderly furnished with numbers of servants of sufficiency than Sir Henry Wallop was, although for Watson, one who dealt with us in diverse things committed to his charge, we find him both discreet and diligent, though neither he nor any man living can make it appear to us (especially to me, the Lord Treasurer), but that the issues of victual, the deficiency of numbers, the defalcation of arms, and the payments made here to a great part of the army, from March till the 14th of April (before which time they arrived not), hath left great sums in your hands, which may both supply the payments growing, and remedy the lacks in many things, for which you pretend to be driven so oft to make such hard shifts. But of that point we will write further, because you say you will write more particularly to us, and, because we will rather be beforehand with you than otherwise, you may receive satisfaction by this portion, which we send away presently. For the matter of victuals, we doubt not but that there may be great abuse in the providers, whom we have called to account here, and so we know that the Commissaries there, that are sworn for the Queen to receive it, are not without great faults; and therefore we pray you examine it strictly, and to join in every place with the Queen's Commissary some officer of the port or town, or some other officer, that may be also present at the reviewing thereof, to the intent it may once clearly appear, without posting one to another, in whom the fault is, which we will see severely punished, in whomsoever it is, and so we trust you will do. And because it is very convenient in this matter of victual [that] there be an orderly proceeding, we do require you to send over presently Newcomen, the Victualler, with all his books and reckonings, with whom there may be particular conference concerning the same, till which time we cannot resolve of any certain establishment. There be many other things contained in that despatch, whereunto we will make present answer only this point. It seemeth to us of all things most improbable, that Her Majesty should pay such full numbers, when all the world crieth out that, saving upon the muster day, there are few Captains of hundreds able to show threescore, and that it is apparent by your own letters that you are doubtful almost of every place where the enemy shall attempt."—The Court at Whitehall, 1599, November 30. Entry Book, No. 204, fos. 198–199b. Copy. pp. 2½.

Nov. [30]. Dublin.

50. Sir George Bourchier to the Privy Council. Sends divers books and papers relating to the Ordnance. Prays for better maintenance for himself and his clerks.—Dublin, 1599, November [30]. Endorsed, Received at Richmond the 12th of December. Signed. p. 1. Encloses,

50. I. "The expense of arms issued out of the store at Dublin from the first of March to the last of September following, 1599, as appeareth by several warrants and bills of Captains and others of the army, remaining in the office of the Ordnance." Total, 1,234£. 2s. 4d. Signed by Sir George Bourchier. pp. 9.

50. II. "Munition issued out of the store at Dublin, and spent by the army, from the first of March to the last of September, 1599, as appeareth by several warrants and bills of Captains and others of the army, remaining in the office of the Ordnance." Total, fifteen lasts and two barrels of powder. Signed by Sir George Bourchier. pp. 12.

50. III. "The state of the office of the Ordnance in Ireland, at the arrival of the Lord Lieutenant there in April, 1599;" also, "The state of the proportion of artillery, arms, and munition, sent into Ireland with the Lord Lieutenant in April, 1599." Signed by Sir George Bourchier. One large sheet.

50. IV. Warrant by the Earl of Essex to Sir George Bourchier, Master of the Ordnance, and Captain John Davies, Lieutenant of the same, for restraining the defalcation of powder spent by the army in Ireland.—1599, April 21. Copy. p. ½.

50. V. "A note of the charge, issue, and remain of Her Majesty's store at the Newry and Carlingford, from the first of March unto the last of September, 1599." Signed by Anthony Ersfield. Copy. p. 1.

50. VI. "The charge, issues, and remain of Her Majesty's store of munition at Galway from the first of March, 1598 [9], unto the 18th of October, 1599, including the waste and expenditures in the late service for Sligo, Daniel Barnes being appointed by warrant to take charge of the munition in that service." Signed by John Pavey. pp. 3.

50. VII. "A brief of the expense of munition and arms, and of the remain left in store in charge of the Master of the Ordnance and his ministers, from the first of March to the last of September, 1599." Signed by Sir George Bourchier. p. 1.

Nov. [30]. Dublin.

51. Sir George Bourchier to Sir Robert Cecil. Understands of some blame imputed to him for not certifying the expense of munition since March last. Has endeavoured by all means to make a perfect certificate; but the munition sent to Ireland was disposed so far abroad, and in the hands of such Commissaries as brought it out of England, and were not accountable to him, that he had no command of either the one or the other. Only a fourth part came under his charge in Dublin, and he has sent a book of the expense thereof to their Lordships. Has also sent them a view of the whole state of his office. Prays for an increase of entertainment. Sends a copy of Essex's warrant regarding the munition.—Dublin, 1599, November [30]. Signed. Seal. p. 1. Encloses,

51. I. Warrant by the Earl of Essex [Duplicate of No. 50 IV. above].—1599, April 21. Copy. p. ½.

Nov.

52. Sir Theobald Dillon to Sir Robert Cecil. If he is to have nothing for his maintenance, until his living be settled, prays that the Lords Justices may be instructed to afford him extraordinary favour, and that he may have the first suitable pension that shall fall vacant in Ireland; so that his kinsmen, followers, and such as depend upon him, may thus know that his service is respected, and himself greatly favoured. Signed. Endorsed, November, '99. p. 1.

[Nov.]

53. "A memorial on the behalf of Sir Geffrey Fenton," [addressed to Sir Robert Cecil.] Praying for Her Majesty's letter to " the Lord Deputy of Ireland " [Lord Mount joy was under orders to go], authorising him to pass to Fenton in reversion, the house and lands of Clontarf, near Dublin, now in the possession and occupation of George King, gentleman; or, at least, that Cecil "will be pleased to lay in the way of" any other suitors for the same. Fenton has lately taken a small farm of Lord Howth, near Clontarf. No date. [A grant was made to Fenton of the above on 27 August, 1600, under the Queen's letter of 24 July, 1600. See also letter below of 4 January, 1599-1600.] Draft. p. ½.

[Nov.]

54. "Remembrances for the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary on the behalf of Sir George Carey, Treasurer at Wars in Ireland."

Governors of Connaught and Munster to be speedily sent into Ireland. All the absent Captains to be sent over to their charge. License from Her Majesty to grant wards during the continuance of the now Lords Justices. Mr. Treasurer meaneth not to give any, but to make the most of them for the Queen's benefit They now yield Her Majesty nothing. License to grant pensions as they fall void; Mr. Treasurer will erect no new pension, but give those that fall to men of desert To know what entertainment the Lords Justices shall be allowed during their continuance in office. To know from what time my Lord of Essex's entertainment shall cease. To know from what time the Earl of Ormonde's entertainment of 3l. per diem, as Lieutenant of the army, shall cease, or whether it shall continue. To know whether the absent Captains' entertainment shall be stayed from the time of their coming over with Essex, or from the receipt of the [Privy] Council's letter at Dublin on November 14. To procure some money for extraordinaries, and that the expending of part thereof may be left to Mr. Treasurer's discretion. To procure warrant from Her Majesty for all the money that hath been issued by concordatum since Essex's going into Ireland. To procure her warrant for payment of the 2,000 foot above the list of 16,000. To procure her warrant for the 1,000l. for extraordinaries, delivered to Essex when he went his journey into the north. To have warrant for the laying forth of money for the shipping, according to an account formerly sent to the Lord Treasurer [Buckhurst]. Mr. Treasurer's desire is, that no more than 9,000 soldiers' suits be sent into Ireland for the next apparelling, unless the army be increased; for he will undertake to make 70 suits serve every company of 100. Mr. Treasurer's complaint of the victuallers for sending over corrupt victuals. His desire is that no more victuals be sent over, until he send warrant, and that the victuallers send them monthly, according to the course formerly held by Mr. Beverley. To take some order with Sir Henry Bronckerd in England for the payment of 2,000l., due for the farm of the impost. To know whether hereafter powder and shot shall be defalked, as well as arms. To procure some order for present cost to be bestowed upon the Popinjay, that now lies at Dublin. It is very old, and not fit for the sea, until repaired. There will be great want of her service.—[1599, November.] Copy. pp. 1½.

[Nov.]

55. " Articles intended to be stood upon by Tyrone." Sir Robert Cecil has endorsed these with the word, " Ewtopia."

"1. That the Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman religion be openly preached and taught throughout all Ireland, as well in cities as borough towns, by Bishops, seminary priests, Jesuits, and all other religious men.

"2. That the Church of Ireland be wholly governed by the Pope.

"3. That all cathedrals and parish churches, abbeys, and all other religious houses, with all tithes and church lands, now in the hands of the English, be presently restored to the Catholic churchmen.

"4. That all Irish priests and religious men, now prisoners in England or Ireland, be presently set at liberty, with all temporal Irishmen, that are troubled for their conscience, and to go where they will without further trouble.

"5. That all Irish priests and religious men may freely pass and repass, by sea and land, to and from foreign countries.

"6. That no Englishman may be a churchman in Ireland.

"7. That there be erected an university upon the Grown rents of Ireland, wherein all sciences shall be taught according the manner of the Catholic Roman Church.

"8. That the Governor of Ireland be at least an Earl, and of the Privy Council of England, bearing the name of Viceroy.

"9. That the Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, Lord Admiral, the Council of State, the Justices of the laws, Queen's Attorney, Queen's Serjeant, and all other officers appertaining to the Council and law of Ireland, be Irishmen.

"10. That all principal governments of Ireland, as Connaught, Munster, &c., be governed by Irish noblemen.

"11. That the Master of Ordnance, and half the soldiers with their officers resident in Ireland, be Irishmen.

"12. That no Irishman's heirs shall lose their lands for the faults of their ancestors.

"13. That no Irishman's heir under age shall fall in the Queen's or her successors' hands, as a ward, but that the living be put to the heir's profit, and the advancement of his younger brethren, and marriages of his sisters, if he have any.

"14. That no children nor any other friends be taken as pledges for the good abearing of their parents, and, if there be any such pledges now in the hands of the English, they must presently be released.

"15. That all statutes made against the preferment of Irishmen, as well in their own country as abroad, be presently recalled.

"16. That the Queen nor her successors may in no sort press an Irishman to serve them against his will.

"17. That O'Neill, O'Donnell, the Earl of Desmond, with all their partakers, may peaceably enjoy all lands and privileges that did appertain to their predecessors 200 years past.

"18. That all Irishmen, of what quality they be, may freely travel in foreign countries for their better experience, without making any of the Queen's officers acquainted withal.

"19. That all Irishmen may as freely travel and traffic all merchandises in England as Englishmen, paying the same rights and tributes as the English do.

"20. That all Irishmen may freely traffic with all merchandises, that shall be thought necessary by the Council of State of Ireland for the profit of their Republic, with foreigners or in foreign countries, and that no Irishman shall be troubled for the passage of priests or other religious men.

"21. That all Irishmen that will may learn, and use all occupations and arts whatsoever.

"[22.] That all Irishmen may freely build ships of what burden they will, furnishing the same with artillery and all munition at their pleasure."—[1599, November.] Draft. pp. 3.

[Nov.]

56. "Articles set out by Tyrone for demand of peace, or else net." Endorsed, "For Mr. Suckling.''

"First, he demandeth to have the Catholick Church, and free liberty throughout the realm, and service said openly everywhere.

"2. That all Church livings shall be restored as appertaineth to the Catholic Church.

"3. That there shall be no Lord Deputy of Ireland but one of the nobility of England, and of the Privy Council there.

"4. That the Lord Chancellor of Ireland shall be a born man of this country.

"5. That none of Her Majesty's officers of the Courts, as Master of the Rolls, Serjeant, Solicitor, Attorney, shall be appointed, but such as shall be Irishmen born.

"6. Also, that Her Majesty may, upon her own charges, erect or build a College for the Catholics to teach their art in.

"7. Also, that every band of soldiers that Her Majesty doth keep in Ireland shall be half or more Irishmen.

"8. That none shall be pressed to be a soldier but by his own goodwill.

"9. That there shall be no Governor appointed for the four Provinces but an Irishman born.

"10. That all such as are in prison, either in England or Ireland, for the Catholic faith, may be set at liberty.

"11. Also, that those Catholic priests that say mass in corners, and will not say it openly, shall be excommunicated.

"12. Item, that if any man in England or Ireland be minded to go over sea for learning, that he shall be suffered to pass without any let or stay.

"13. Also, that if any fatherless child being [sic; be] within age, that his living shall go to the next of his kin, till he come to full age himself.

"14. Also, that all nations in Ireland shall enjoy their living as they did two hundred ears ago.

"15. Also, that it shall be lawful for any man to build a ship or bark to his ability.

"16. Also, that any man that is out of the realm for religion may return safe home into England or Ireland."—[1599, November.] Draft. p. 1.