Elizabeth I: volume 208 part 2, May 1601

Calendar of State Papers, Ireland, 1600-1601. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1905.

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'Elizabeth I: volume 208 part 2, May 1601', in Calendar of State Papers, Ireland, 1600-1601, (London, 1905) pp. 303-366. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/ireland/1600-1/pp303-366 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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May 1601

May 1. Dublin Castle.

35. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to the Privy Council. "Having long expected the coming over of Mr. Treasurer, upon whose relation of your pleasures in all things we might the better ground our resolutions here, I have hitherto deferred the account of the present estate of this kingdom, being in some hope to have delivered it to your Lordships from myself, or to make any particular project of our future purposes, because the chiefest overture unto our determinations should have been the knowledge of what and in what sort your Lordships had most desired to have been effected. But the year and our occasions drawing on so fast, and the means to perform our designs to be expected out of England, the Council here thought it fit to send over Mr. Newcomen with our humble desires to your Lordships to proportion and to distribute such quantity of victuals, and to such places as may best answer our intended endeavours; by whom because in our general letter we mentioned a project to be sent by me, the which I have delivered to this bearer, I do think it a duty which your Lordships will expect from me, to give you some light of the reasons and likelihood that moved me to conceive it; the chief whereof being grounded upon the present estate of our affairs, I must first presume to trouble your Lordships with a short and therefore imperfect relation thereof.

"Munster is not only long since reduced, and made new men by their pardons, but, as I hear, begins to taste the sweetness of peace, and to show good arguments of their desire to continue it. And the like I may say of all Leinster, except the Moores and Connors, whom I have refused to receive to mercy, yet banished the one clean out of Offally, and left of the others not above some forty living, scattered in the fastness of Leix. For Ulster, we have as much assured the northern borders as we can so uncertain a people; O'Hanlon's country, the Fews, Clancar . . . . [?vill, co. Monaghan], the Ferney, most of the gallowglasses, many of the McMahons, and some of the O'Reillys, being reduced, and a garrison planted in the Brenny to bridle the rest, to infest Monaghan, and to enable Maguire to look up as high as Ballyshannon, and sometimes as far as Lough Foyle. Sir Henry Dockwra and Sir Arthur Chichester have made their neighbours, if not sure to the State, yet unsure and almost unprofitable to the traitor, and both (as I think I may boldly affirm) have done Her Majesty excellent service. Only Connaught is of all others the most out of order, and yet the most easy to be reduced, insomuch that the only going through it with an army, to make the war in Ulster by Ballyshannon, is thought will absolutely reclaim and assure it; which is my reason to plant Ballyshannon through Connaught, and with an army. And the reason that moveth me to urge that plantation is, because there is nothing in reason (things standing as they do) to be conceived to the contrary, but that it will presently straiten, and very shortly banish, the two vipers of this kingdom, Tyrone and O'Donnell; and consequently make a final end of this war. Neither is it the least motive to my desire to make the war in those parts, and to have magazines accordingly there, seeing from thence, if Spain should attempt anything here, I might so conveniently join with the President of Munster, and apprehend the first occasions to resist them. To take away the chief dangers of this journey, I might to great purpose send from Galway by sea, or perchance by land, a thousand men to Sligo, somewhat before my rising from Athlone, which would assure our passage without any appearance of danger, and after join with us in our journey. To effect this work, your Lordships may perceive in the particular project that I have designed 1,500 foot and 50 horse to be taken from Munster, of the which I desire that a thousand may be still employed against Ulster, the other 500 foot and 50 horse but borrowed for a time, which in likelihood may be done without danger to that province. Of the which if it shall please your Lordships to confer with theirs, what numbers I do allot for Leinster, you may perceive that I have taken no less care to preserve it than these parts, in the reducing whereof I have a more particular interest, presuming that we carrying the war before us into Ulster, the forces left behind us will be sufficient, except the succours from Spain arrive, the consideration whereof we must leave to your Lordships, who best know the likelihood thereof, which if it shall appear unto your Lordships to be of any apparence, we must expect to be presently seconded from you, for we may fear a defection even of such as hitherto have never declared themselves. We do also find that Tyrone doth negotiate some aid of men from the Scottish Islands, which if your Lordships in your wisdoms, by such course as shall seem best to yourselves, might prevent, we should proceed with less difficulty in this war; but I hope their uttermost succours shall give us no main impediment. I do not write to your Lordships for more supplies of men, not because we have no need of them, but considering the intolerable charge Her Majesty and the country is at for their levy and transportation, and the little use we have of them when they come hither, such as commonly they are sent; and being in hope that the decreasing of the rebels' power will shortly give us leave to lessen Her Majesty's list, and by such companies as fall to fill up the rest that do stand ; which course, out of my care to abate Her Majesty's charge, I have hitherto held, without preferring such as even mine own eyes have witnessed to earn their advancement dearly with their bloods, or by satisfying again some worthy Commanders, from whom I have taken part of their entertainment, or pleasuring such as with me do venture with their lives in Her Majesty's service, with hope by me to be righted by her employments. But if Her Majesty (as of late I have received divers letters to that effect) command me to give companies as they fall to others, I shall not be able to diminish her army, nor to do those that serve her here that justice which they may so boldly challenge of me, in giving places of preferment to such as being absent have perchance served in this country at the losing of the kingdom, before these that have been present to all the labours and dangers in regaining of it. Neither do I insist upon the interest it hath pleased Her Majesty to give unto all commanders for the disposition of the places under them, to acquire unto myself any private dependency, which I have ever reckoned a vanity and burthen, but to strengthen myself only with such power as may best uphold my ability to do Her Majesty service, while it shall please her to employ me; for to take away the reputation of the Commander is but to take away the vigour of her own instrument, and nowhere more likely than here to endanger her work. In the which work I have and ever will labour with such sincerity as I hope God, who best doth know it, both hath already and will hereafter the better prosper me for it. Most of the chief Lords that submitted themselves to Her Majesty's mercy were here at Dublin at St. George's feast, whom then I thought fit to use with all kindness, and assurance of justice hereafter, to leave nothing undone to win and assure them, by being a bitter scourge unto them when they were in rebellion, and by pretending to be a friend and mediator for them as long as they continue loyal, and as I had made them feel her power, so now to give them some taste of Her Majesty and mercy (sic), and seeing (God be thanked) our hopes draw on so fast to end this war, as I am loath to trouble your Lordships for supplies out of England, of whom as is likely we should have no use, till the chief brunt of the service be past.

"It may please your Lordships to give me leave to wage some of these Irish by agreement and a certain time, as they use amongst themselves, whereby by them I should consume many of the rebels, and by the rebels consume many of them, and both for the good of the service. For I dare assure your Lordships, there rests little now to settle this kingdom, but some way to be devised to rid the remnant of the idle swordmen of both sides; and that the English owners would or were able to inhabit their lands. For the first, I find the Irishry at this time much to affect some journey into the Low Countries, or to the Indies, or to be led to any other place of service. Unto the which if it be objected that they will return more able soldiers and more dangerously affected, I can assure your Lordships there is no experience can better the knowledge they have already attained unto, both for the use of their weapons, and taking the advantage of such ground wherein they fight; and it hath been ever seen that more than three parts of four of these countrymen never return, being once engaged in any such voyage. For the inhabiting of such land of the English as lieth waste, I know not how it can be done in their possession that now have interest therein, the owners being so poor and the quantity so great. But your Lordships by this may guess at the inconveniency that groweth thereby to Her Majesty's service, there being both in Leix and Offally many gentlemen, and every one of them alone is possessed of so much land as, well inhabited, would maintain more men than all the rebels in both countries at this time are; yet these lands not being inhabited, the Queen must keep continual garrisons, or leave these countries as receptacles for such as at any time can gather together and make any head. Thus fearing to become too troublesome unto your Lordships, I humbly desire you to think that, although, according unto my duty, I have propounded the best project I could conceive for the present prosecution of the war, yet that I do submit myself therein, as in all things, to your Lordships' most grave judgments, being as ready to put in execution whatsoever course you shall otherwise determine, as this."—Dublin Castle, 1601, May 1. Endorsed:— "By Mr. Newcomen," and, "Received at Greenwich, 10 May. "Signed, pp. 5.

May 1. Dublin Castle.

36. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to the Privy Council. "This bearer, Captain Morris, is one of those whom I have lately cashiered upon no other ground than that he had one of the companies that came last over. I have reason to do the gentleman any good, because I know him to be valiant, and otherwise very meet for this service, and besides [he] is a follower of mine own. Yet have I been so careful to reduce the list, and thereby to ease Her Majesty of her exceeding charge, as I have neither spared him nor divers others, whom for good cause I do specially affect. But since I can neither give them the pay of Captains here, until they might be restored unto charge, nor can indeed hope to place them any more, until many others yet standing be discharged, I cannot stay them from seeking their preferment elsewhere, and upon that occasion have licensed this bearer to repair unto your Lordships, to be a suitor for something that may do him good. If it be land he aimeth at in this country, as I partly perceive it is, I wish he may find your Lordships favourable unto him ; for the planting of stirring men amongst the Irish, and such as are acquainted with the course of service here, will much better the places where they are to inhabit. And though I am very loath to trouble your Lordships with many suitors, if I might reasonably avoid it, yet I beseech your Lordships pardon me in this, considering by what a necessity I am led thereunto. For, having seen this gentlemen and divers others serve gallantly and shed their blood in the service, and immediately after to be discharged, having no means here to make them any recompense, if I should refuse to testify my knowledge, and to recommend them unto your Lordships, I should neither bear up the reputation of my place, nor do Her Majesty and her service that right which I hold myself in duty bound. I must likewise humbly desire your Lordships to forbear to recommend others from thence to places of charge here, for since divers yet standing must be discharged to reduce the list, it must needs be grievous both unto them and such others as already be cashiered, to see any man coming from thence, recommended only from your Lordships to enjoy that which they think they have especially deserved. And thus much I may say truly, that no one thing breedeth greater discontentment to the Captains here, and in the end must needs be troublesome to your Lordships ; for when they find no hope to have their turns served here, they break out with me, and will never be satisfied, until I give them leave to seek their remedy from your Lordships, which I see not how I can avoid, without disabling myself to serve Her Majesty as I ought, and I assure myself she expecteth."— Dublin Castle, 1601, May 1. Signed. pp. 1½.

May 1.Cork.

37. Sir George Carew to the Privy Council. On the 18th of April, being then at Limerick, received by Patrick Crosby their Lordships' two letters of the 8th and 13th of March. DeputyCommissaries of Victuals in Munster to be nominated by John Woods, the chief Victualler. Allen Apsley appointed, but earnestly solicits to be discharged from the post. Refuses to yield to his request. The care and circumspection of Apsley deserve commendation. Will readily assist the Deputy-Commissaries, The method of issuing the victuals. Four staples to be appointed, viz., Cork, Youghal, Limerick, and Tralee. Her Majesty's charge in transportation, land-carriage, and the country will be greatly eased. Desires a due proportion of biscuit, cheese, and butter in every bark. Defects of unproportioned stores. Example at Cork, where there is remaining for 1,000 men eighty days' provision of bread, and of other victual that ought to answer the same but for eighteen days. At Limerick, also, there remains of butter, cheese, &c, for 1,000 men, provision for 172 days, and of bread but for 90 days. Desires no other victual, "but biscuit, cheese, and butter, which doth best content the soldier, is more portable for service, and will much ease him in the carriage of pots and pans, that the dressing of other victuals will require, and that hereafter we may not be troubled with oatmeal, pease, herrings, pork, Pore John, dry-fish, &c, the most whereof are subject to corruption, and very unpleasing to the soldier." For the garrison of Munster, as they be now in the list, there are victuals for three months at least, if the same were equally proportioned, but being as they are, no one magazine will answer its garrison with victual for scarce half the time, "without assistance of other places by transportation, which from henceforth the Victualler with a little more care may easily remedy."

Has received a copy of the contract with the Victualler. "It seems there is too great a liberty given to the Deputy-Commissaries in the last article but one, by the which they have power to utter and sell to the poor in market towns where they shall reside, and near unto them, such victuals as are decayable and unfit to be issued to the soldiers, without limitation either of quantity or quality, but such as themselves shall say to be unmeet, Which trust to servants, and specially to those of that function, which many times are found deceitful (under your Lordships' reformation) were needful in some measure to be restrained; for, under colour thereof, they may at pleasure (if they be not the honester and not overseen) underhand sell the best-conditioned as well as the corrupt, which the scarcity of this time will the sooner invite them to do, by reason of the great profit they may make, and thereby Her Majesty's store to be disfurnished. For the avoiding whereof they may be limited to sell such victuals as upon due examination and survey shall be found defective, whereby falsehood may be prevented, the service better performed, and the Victualler notwithstanding sufficiently authorized, according the meaning of the article."

Will observe the two points in their Lordships' letter of March 13, not to diminish any of the forces into wards but upon necessity, and to give Sir George Thornton the next company that falls void.

Arrival of treasure. How long it will last, their Lordships may see by the enclosed list of forces. Although he promised at all times to be ready to assist the Lord Deputy with 1,000 foot, to the service of other parts, and is ready to perform it, yet prays they may be continued upon the list in Munster for countenancing the services thereof, "which no doubt will contain these provincials in good terms (of whose obedience I have daily appearance of good expectation), and make others more fearful to disturb the same, which is specially endeavoured by Tyrone, who leaves no way unattempted (either by invasion from other parts, or by persuasion to the better sort inhabitants thereof) to infest it."

Prays that the munition he wrote for may be sent, one half to Cork, and the other to Limerick. If this cannot be done without Her Majesty's greater charge, then all had better be sent to Limerick, which lies "proper to answer the service as well of Connaught as Munster." The Master of the Ordnance to be directed to mount " the three demi-cannons now at Limerick, whose carriages, being rotten and decayed, cannot be made serviceable."—Cork, 1601, May 1. Endorsed:—Received at Greenwich the 7 of June. Signed. Seal. pp. 4.

Encloses:—

37. i. "A list of Her Majesty's force of horse and foot, as now they stand victualled and paid in Munster, primo Maii, 1601.' Total, 2,500. Signed by Sir George Carew. p. 1.

May 2. Cork.

38. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. "As well as I could out of the few papers and evidences which I have here, I have made an abstract of my pedigree, to give you satisfaction that my ancestors were possessed of the moiety of the kingdom of Cork, and also with it I do send you the copy (both wanting) of the letters patent granted by K[ing] Henry II. to Robert Fitz Stephens, my ancestor, and Myles de Cogan, by tbe which it may appear unto you that for many descents together Carew was in possession of the said moiety, and by what means and when my ancestors did leave this kingdom; in the which although their patrimonies were great, yet in like manner they had large possessions in England, which made them the more careless of their lands here. But to speak anything more particularly to the lands of McMorris (without farther search) I cannot, but nothing is more certain than that his ancestors did intrude upon the lands they have in Kerry, and that the two last Barons of Lixnaw have confessed the same unto myself, and did offer me composition, evermore fearing that I would commence suit against them. Your Honour knows by my last letters the little affection I have to Irish land, but yet hold it agreeable to discretion to make claim unto it; and in reason I think the Queen should deal somewhat hardly with me, to give it to any man from me, having both an interest in right unto it, and besides the chiefest labourer in this work to banish the traitor that did possess it. Your Honour willed me to write somewhat, and it should be delivered. I am sure I shall never frame any letter or supplication that will content you, wherefore I humbly beseech you, now that you are better instructed than heretofore, that you will be pleased to write as you shall think good, either letter or petition in my name, and likewise to pardon me of this boldness to move you in my particular business. I do suppose that either the Queen will grant me McMorris land, or else in lieu thereof to (sic) give me some recompense. I have sold in her service the barony of Odrone, which was more land and better than these lands in Kerry.

"By that pedigree you may also see how many descents my ancestors were possessed of Carew Castle in Wales, and that my grandfather did but by a mortgage lose the same to Sir Rees ap Thomas, whose son, Sir Griffith ap Rees, Sir John Perrott, and the late Earl of Essex, in whose possession, ever since the mortgage, the castle hath continued, have all of them died attainted, whereof two of them were executed, and I think that land will prove unlucky unto all men that shall enjoy it, except it be a Carew.

"If I doubted of your love unto me, I would press your Honour, to urge you further than now I do. By good hap, McMorris land and Carew Castle are both in the Queen's hands. In the one I am interested by law; in the other I can allege little, but being so many descents in my ancestors' possession, and myself in blood the next heir male unto him that did forfeit the same by a mortgage, together [? with] the long time I have served Her Majesty, and was never benefited by way of reward the worth of a penny, doth challenge preferment in the suit before another man. Not to be troublesome unto you, if neither of them seem motives to your liking, I will not be wedded to my opinion, neither yet will I press you farther than you will admit, for I have given myself and fortune to be governed by you, and, except it be by your means, I look for no reward or benefit."—Cork,1601, May 2. Endorsed:—"Received at Greenwich, 7 Junii"; and by Sir George Carew, "This letter is but private affairs." Holograph. Seals. pp. 2.

May 2. Cork.

39. Sir George Carew to the Privy Council. Recommending the bearer, Patrick Crosby, who has been employed in Her Majesty's service nearly twenty years. His faithfulness and zeal. He has lost all his goods and the profits of his livings by this late rebellion. He is beloved of the better sort, and greatly hated of all the evilaffected, "both for his religion, and for that they know him a continual worker of means for their overthrow." His trustworthiness. "I know no man of his coat within this kingdom that is better able and more unfeignedly willing to do Her Majesty's service than he is, not only in this province, but also in all other parts of the realm."— Cork, 1601, May 2. Signed, p. 1.

May 2. Murronmue.

40. Donnell O'Sullivan to Sir George Carew. "The times being now reduced to some quiet (the Almighty be praised)," has leisure to consider his particulars, and craves Sir George's assistance therein. After the decease of his father, who was possessed of the Lordships of Bear and Bantry (the writer being then but two years old), his uncle, Sir Owen O'Sullivan, entered into his inheritance, pretending the custom of tanist, and endeavoured quite to disinherit him. When the writer came to some years, he endeavoured, with the help of some friends in the Council of Ireland, to prevent this, and sued his uncle before the Privy Council. His right appearing, he was ordered the principal place of those cantreds, viz. the Castle of Bearhaven, and the Lord Deputy and Council were appointed to part the rest of the said lordships and territories. They referred the same to some Commissioners in Munster. Neglect of the Commissioners, and an unequal division made by them, "differing greatly from the meaning of the said Lords, and of the said Lord Deputy and Council." Made suit thereupon in England for stay of the publication of the division. Meantime Sir Owen died, and the controversy growing betwixt the writer and Sir Owen's heirs, they referred the division to an indifferent arbitrator, who published an order with which they rest contented, "though I, for my part, being rightful heir of all, be thereby over-reached." As the writer's life is uncertain, he prays, for the sake of his heirs, that Sir George would recommend his cause to the Queen, that the writer might be warranted to surrender what he now quietly possesses, and obtain letters patent granting the same to him and his heirs, and that the pretended tanist custom may be quite abolished and extinguished.— Murronmue, 1601, May 2. Sigued. pp. 1½.

May 3. Cork.

41. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. Recommending Patrick Crosby. Has written in his behalf to the Privy Council. Prays that Crosby may have some of the attainted lands, when they are disposed of. He has a suit to Her Majesty concerning the brewers about London.—Cork, 1601, May 3. Signed. p. 1.

May 3.Cork.

42. Sir George Carew to the Privy Council. Recommending Sir Richard Greames, who had received license from the Lord Deputy to repair into England for two months. Received their Lordships' direction to bestow upon him, for his good deserts, 100l., but, by reason of Sir Richard's absence in Leinster, this could not be paid. Prays their Lordships to cause the sum to be delivered to him, and Sir Richard will by his services manifest his thankfulness.— Cork, 1601, May 3. Signed. p. 1.

May 3. Cork.

43. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. Recommending Sir Richard Greames for his good merits and service.— Cork, 1601, May 3. Signed. p. ½.

May 3.Cork.

44. George [Touchet, Lord] Audley, to Sir Robert Cecil. "I was once (I cannot deny) much devoted to the Earl of Essex, carried with a conceit that he was truly honourable, loyal, honest, and possessed with rare and most excellent parts. I was carried, I confess, above might, right and beyond reason ; for in France he dealt with me more unkindly than I had either before or since received kindness, and yet could I not separate my sure grounded affection from him. But now being gone, and worthily gone, I find myself made fortunate through a well-counted liberty, being neither engaged with any knowledge of those most wild conspiracies, and being delivered besides of a most unjust monster, which was my own evil blinded affection. And therefore now at liberty, and honestly set at liberty, I make offer of my well-devoted mind to yourself." Will do his best to deserve his favour.— Cork, 1601, May 3.

[Postscript.] Has bought some land in Munster, so hopes he may be kept on the list of that province ; also that his company may be made 200 again. Reminds Sir Robert of his first suit for the Glynn. Holograph. p. 1.

May 4. Cork.

45. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. Recommending the bearer, Captain George Greames, to his favour. — Cork, 1601, May 4. Signed. p. ½.

May 4. Clangibbon.

46. Edmund Gibbon, the White Knight, to Sir Robert Cecil. Prays that the arrearages of rent due by him may be remitted. Impoverished state of his country through the late rebellion. —Cork, 1601, May 4. Signed. p. 1.

May 7.

47. Sir Francis Shane to Sir Robert Cecil. The gracious reception accorded him by the Queen, and her order to reward him. Is referred to Cecil. Desires a pension out of the Exchequer of Ireland, or the fee simple of lands in Ireland, or part of Her Highness's land in the Duchy in fee farm. As he has been made a precedent, that others of his countrymen should desist from seeking abatements of Her Majesty's rents, prays for an order to the Vice-Treasurer of Ireland to give him such allowance out of the arrear of rents grown upon him by these wastes as the summer apparel due to his company in 1600 shall amount unto. Concerning Captain Mostyn's bills for 970l. sterling, for which he bought the lands and castle of Callow. "Only my humble suit is for a speedy dispatch, whereunto my wants which know no bounds do forcibly drive me. Dirum telum necessitas." —1601, May 7. Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil, " Sir Francis Shane to me." Holograph. Seal. p. 1.

May 7.

48. Richard Hadsor to Sir Robert Cecil. "It may please your Honour to understand that since Tirlogh McHenry his last submission, he hath drawn his followers and chattels out of his country called the Fews, being part of the country of Tyrone, into the county of Louth, and shelters himself there under the protection of Her Majesty's forces securely, without offering to make any head or resistance in the defence of his country against his brother the traitor Tyrone; and, if any disaster should happen, it is to be doubted that he will fly out again this next winter, as he hath done upon the Lord Burgh his death, and so avoid this summer's prosecution. But, if he were driven and assisted by the State there to dwell and fortify in some convenient place in his country, it would further the service, and drive the rebels to a narrow compass, being now at their pleasure possessed of his country. And the like course being taken with Ever McCooley McMahon, usurped Lord of the country of Ferney, who hath lately submitted himself to the State, of which country the late Earl of Essex was tenant in fee simple, and of divers other lands in that realm, by letters patent granted by Her Majesty to his father; and also with O'Hanlon, and such other capital rebels as are or shall come in, it would keep them in continual action and blood with the rebels, whereby there should be the less hope of reconcilement between them, weaken their men of war on both sides, and strengthen the frontiers of the English Pale and other Her Majesty's obedient countries. If Her Majesty did think it fit to procure a marriage between the Earl of Desmond and the Earl of Ormonde his daughter, with his Lordship's consent, he might have some good houses, and above two thousand marks' land with her, and thereby [be] advanced without diminution of Her Majesty's revenue in Munster, which would rather nourish than break off the faction between the houses of Desmond and Ormonde, by placing of Desmond in the Butlers' seat and country. And if also Her Majesty would be pleased to procure a marriage between Sir Edmund Butler his only son, prisoner in the Castle of Dublin, and the Countess of Kildare's daughter, or any other whom Her Majesty should think meet, and that he should hold, with Her Majesty's favour, the titles of Earl of Ormonde and Ossory after the Earl's death, it would yield great comfort and contentment to the Earl and to all the family of the Butlers.

"This last summer I moved Mr. Attorney for Garrett Sutton my kinsman, whose father, being a civil gentleman, was accused by one Eustace, who had been in action of rebellion, of treason, and thereupon attainted in the late Lord Grey his government amongst divers other gentlemen, upon the like informations, whose heirs Her Majesty hath graciously restored all, saving only this poor gentleman, who desireth only that he may be admitted with Her Majesty's favour to the benefit of the law in reversing of his father's attainder, offering for Her Majesty's gracious favour therein, Upon the reversing thereof, to surrender the lands which he shall thereby recover to Her Majesty, and to receive the same of Her Majesty by letters patent in fee farm, yielding to Her Majesty such rents and services as the now tenants thereof do answer to Her Highness. Wherein Mr. Attorney promised to yield him his assistance, to the furtherance of the benefit of the law, if Her Majesty would be pleased to signify her allowance by your Honour's referment thereof from Her Majesty unto him. Whereupon Sutton exhibited a petition to her Majesty in August last, wherein Her Majesty being moved by Mr. Wilbraham, Her Highness referred the same to your Honour. And Sutton, having obtained a letter by your Honour's good favour from the Lords to the Lord Deputy for his employment, is gone into Ireland, and followed the service there, having left his suit in charge with me. My humble request is, that it would please your Honour to refer the same to Mr. Attorney, desiring him to give Sutton his furtherance in the obtaining of the benefit of the law, in reversing of his father's said attainder, Her Majesty's revenue being not to be diminished thereby." — 1601, May 7. Holograph. pp. 2.

May 8. Dublin.

49. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "I stand in some doubt in what style to write to you touching Udall and his projects, for, comparing his stirring spirit with the opportunity of the time, he may take occasion to carry his wit to work as busily upon conjecturals as upon matters confident; and in other times he hath run that course with small fruit to the service, and some prejudice to his own credit. Likewise, being charged here with treason, by which he seeth into how high a degree of danger he is drawn, he could not devise to give a better scope to that matter, than to pretend strange discoveries for Her Majesty's safety, and preservation of you, against whom he may think that some dregs of the late conspiracy are reserved, to endanger your life, which in reason may be feared, though I hope God's providence will be the same over you still that it hath been from the beginning. In these respects I did the rather consent to his sending over, wishing he might be thoroughly sounded touching the verity or vanity of his pretended discoveries, to the end he might receive his measure accordingly; either there, if his overtures deserve favour, or be returned hither, to be tried in the accusations laid against him by Nelson and Bath. These two particulars I only drew from him; first, that in the plot laid (as he saith) for the destruction of Her Majesty's person and murdering of you, the conspirators therein should be compounded both of English and Irish, but he would not set down their names; secondly, that in England there were two gentlemen specially appointed to receive the conspirators after the act attempted, or otherwise to direct their retreat to some other places of safety. He named these two gentlemen to be Mr. Talbot of Grafton and Simon Digby of Coleshill, or near Coleshill, whereof I thought good to give your Honour this notice, lest, in making his reports, you might find him either to disguise or halt in that point. He also told me that in Ireland every province had his particular parties to this conspiracy, namely in Ulster, Tyrone and O'Donnell, and in Munster the counterfeit Desmond; wherein your Honour may see how he walketh in general paths, which even little children knoweth as well as he. And lastly, he brought forth the Lord Baron of Delvin to be the man that should stir coals in Leinster, and specially in the parts of Westmeath. But this I leave to his own explanation, with such further circumstances as he hath to induce it. This is that I have to write in private of Udall and his projects; for other matters particular between him and some great ones here, standing upon discourses more large, I have forborne to meddle with him therein, as not to give cause of offence, where I find already such aptness to take offence."—Dublin, 1601, May 8. [Postscript.] "Udall told me that one Baxter gave him the first light of this great conspiracy plotted against Her Majesty and your Honour. I could not work out of him any material particularities, neither touching the quality of Baxter, nor of the circumstance of their acquaintance; only he said he resorted to him at his now being in prison, but knoweth not now where to have him." Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil:—"Sir G. Fenton to me." Signed. Seal. pp. 1½.

May 8. Moghelly.

50. Henry Pyne to Sir Robert Cecil. Notwithstanding letters from the Privy Council, the Lord Deputy and the Lord President are loath to name the captain whose company Pyne is to have. Has therefore made choice to become a new suitor to the Privy Council, rather than return to the Lord Deputy, from whom he expects nothing more than before. Craves Sir Robert's assistance. "And although I have forborne writing to your Honour ever since my departure from you, yet have I no way neglected from time to time to impart unto the Lord President what I have gathered and thought fit for his Lordship to know, which he taketh in such good part and is so thankful for, as I never found more kindness in mau than I do in him, for the which I humbly crave your Honour to take knowledge in your letters to him, as other matters needful for your Honour to know. I refer to the report of this bearer, Mr. William Hale, my Constable, who, for his true service to Her Majesty, and care of the discharge thereof in this place, deserveth better than my ability can afford him."— Moghelly, 1601, May 8. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

May 9. Dublin.

51. Sir Geffrey Fen ton to Sir Robert Cecil. "Captain Fisher, this bearer, is one of the (sic) companies lately discharged, not for any fault in himself, but to ease Her Majesty's charges. For I humbly assure your Honour he hath always kept his company full, and governed them with good reputation, as any Captain in the army, insomuch as at the day of his discharge (which was sudden and without warning) the Commissary of that garrison certified that he stood full eighty-six men by poll, very well armed, and in all things fashioned for the wars. He meaneth to be a suitor for a castle, and certain land belonging to it, called the Narrow Water, standing upon the passage to the Newry, fallen to Her Majesty by the treason of Magennis, and by his fall is merely in Her Majesty's disposition. It is not so fit for any as for a servitor, who, being enabled by some competent ward for a time, may both defend the place, and give commodity to all provisions that are to pass from Carlingford to the Newry, where if it should be put into any other hand, it might be abused to the prejudice of Her Majesty's service, as it hath been and is now, for that the most part of the inhabitants are but priests and such like, who in the heat of the rebellion were dangerous traitors, and now, since this late calmness, do stand but as neutrals. The ward that is now in it consisteth upon thirty soldiers drawn out of several companies, which though it be no new increase to Her Majesty, yet the army is weakened by wanting so many men's bodies in the field, and I think Captain Fisher (having some state in it) may undertake to keep it with sixteen for a while that the country do grow to a better settling, and then those numbers may be lessened, and in the end quite discharged, and the castle kept by the Captain upon the profits of the lands and other helps of the tenants. This, I think, will be the state of Captain Fisher's suit, for which all his hope is in your Honour, to whom I find he beareth a very true and faithful heart, and is a man that in his profession is well able to do you honour and service, for that he hath both a good understanding in the wars, and carrieth an orderly government of those men that are under his charge. For my part, I am glad when I find such a one as he is, being bred in this country, but I am more glad to see him faithfully given to your Honour and your service, of whom, in my opinion, you may make as certain account of an honest, true gentleman, as of any other of his sort that pretendeth to follow you, or depend upon your countenance. And so I most humbly leave him to your honourable favour touching this suit of the castle, or for any other if it should fail. Lastly, he is chosen by the Lord Deputy and Council, as a man of trust, to take charge of Udall, to bring him to your Honour, a matter which he would not have meddled withal, were it not that he is commanded by the State."—Dublin, 1601, May 9. Signed. Seal. pp. 1½.

May 9.

52. Sir John Bolles to Sir Henry Dockwra. "That I might be the better furnished to satisfy the Lords in those things which I know they will demand of me, I have bethought myself of these points following, of which I pray you that you will advisedly consider, and of those things which concern your own designs, [and] that you will at leisure set down in writing what you will have me to answer.

"1. What quantity of victual, munition, and instruments the whole army is furnished with, and every garrison in particular?

"2. The garrisons planted, of what numbers they consist by list, by poll of able men, how they are scited to defend or offend, what enemy they affront, of what strength is he, how nigh?

"3. What journeys have been made, and their success?

"4. What journeys are intended, when, to what end, how to be performed, and particularly for Ballyshannon; how the necessaries of them that stay there, their victuals, munition, instruments to work, and ordnance to take the place, shall be conveyed, so as to correspond justly with the men that go by land, and what quantity of each of these you will send; how many men you will leave there at first, how they shall be provided of houses, whence victualled, paid, and supplied hereafter; what horse you will leave there; how many men you will need to return with ; how you will divert the forces of O'Cahan, and them of Tyrone, from joining together to impeach you in your journey or return ; lastly, when this shall be undertaken? The like, almost, for the planting at the Bann?

"5. What use is to be made of the Irish in pay; what of those that are come in with their goods; what assurance of both, and particularly of Neale Garve, Cormack O'Neill, and Hugh Boy?

"6. What course you intend to take for the finishing of this war, and assuring of Her Majesty's charges; what hope you have thereof, within what time, and upon what grounds; what impediments you find, and how you desire to have them removed?

"These things cannot well be answered unto by me according to your mind, unless you further my memory with your writing, neither would I indeed speak of any of these things which are to be done, without your hand to warrant it to be according to your purpose." —[1601], May 9. Draft. p. 1.

May 9. Cork.

53. Captain William Power to Sir Robert Cecil. His love for the late Earl of Essex, "while he lived honest to himself." Now that Essex has "deserved his end," the writer must shield his honest carriage under some other in England, "from whence proceeds our light here." Offers his services to Sir Robert, to whom he has asked the Earl of Desmond to write on his behalf.— Cork, 1601, May 9. Signed. p. 1.

May 11. Dublin.

54. Sir Richard Wingfield to Sir Robert Cecil. "The late message I received from you by Mr. May, gentleman usher to the Lord Deputy, touching my suit for Castle Rebane, argueth the honourable good affection it pleaseth you to bear towards my welldoing, which doth not only comfort me to think that you would vouchsafe (amongst so many weighty and serious occasions) so honourably to remember me, but also doth encourage me to entreat your further favour in that behalf. But because I have already sundry times, and lately by Sir Francis Shane, been told to entreat your furtherance for Her Majesty's warrant for the grant and passing thereof, I will at this time only recommend myself and suit to your Honour's good consideration, and ever rest yours devoted in all love, duty, and service."

Recommends the bearer, Captain Fisher, who has "very well and sufficiently discharged his calling." Has been an eye-witness thereof. — Dublin, May 11. Endorsed:—1601. Holograph. Seal. p. 1.

May 12.Dublin Castle.

55. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy and Council to the Privy Council. "On the first of this instant, one Thomas Bath, a poor gentleman of this country birth, came before us, and at the Council table exhibited in writing under his hand some informations against one William Udall, touching him very deeply with several breaches of his allegiance (if the matters alleged by him prove true). In like manner, on the fifth of this instant, one Captain Neilson delivered to us some informations against Udall, wherein he doth in some points concur with Bath, and confirm his declaration, and in others accuseth Udall of some other special and very heinous matters (if his informations have any good ground). To the answering of which several matters preferred by Bath and Neilson, when we called Udall before us, and confronted them together (which course we thought meet to be used, because the informers do not agree in every particular), we found him to use for himself a double defence; first, by his denial, to avoid the matters wherewith he standeth charged, and secondly, by his constant affirmations, that he hath matters of great secrecy to discover, concerning the danger of Her Majesty's person, and the safety of you, Sir Robert Cecil; to desire to be sent into England, there to deliver his knowledge of all things, which he absolutely refused here to make known unto us. Whereupon, misdoubting that this request of Udall's might proceed from some device to be delivered from these troubles, we urged him by all good persuasions, and especially (in regard of the dangers by him pretended) to discover unto us his particular knowledge of these matters, and made offer unto him, that, in case he distrusted any of this Council, or were unwilling that the matters known to him in private should be communicated to us all, then of himself he should make choice of any one or two of this table, to whom he might impart his knowledge, for prevention of the dangers aforesaid ; and at length, being earnestly pressed by us all, he made his choice of us, the Marshal and Sir Geffrey Fenton, promising in particular to deliver such matters unto us as he did know and had learned, and his declaration, made to us in writing under his hand, we the Marshal and Secretary do send to your Lordships at this present (wanting, but see No. 20. i.). And further we make it known to your Lordships that, on the second (sic) of April last, Udall in like manner came before us, the Bishop of Meath and Sir Robert Gardener, and in general terms laid down in writing under his hand before us (being first authorised by the Lord Deputy to hear him) an outward show of great and weighty matters, hidden and kept secret in his own breast (as he affirmed), which he requested us to send to you, Sir Robert Cecil, and refused absolutely to acquaint us further with any particulars, albeit we both promised him our faithful secrecy, and offered unto him our careful travail and endeavours to bolt out the truth of any information he should deliver unto us for Her Majesty's service. According to which request of Udall's, by our letters of the 26th of April, we the Bishop of Meath and Sir Robert Gardener did send unto you, Sir Robert Cecil, Udall's declaration, all under his own hand, conceiving then that Udall himself would presently have followed our letters, to have performed those great matters in England, whereof (as he said) he did but deliver unto us the shadows; in which time he had his liberty to pass at his pleasure. And now albeit these informations delivered against Udall, and severally affirmed (as appeareth in the enclosed), are heinous and seem partly to be proved; yet, inasmuch as he pretendeth the discovery of great matters for the preservation of Her Majesty's sacred person, etc., we all thought it agreeable with our bounden duties to send him to your Lordships as a prisoner, under the guard of Captain Fisher, together with the copies of the informations preferred against him by Bath and Neilson (which we have done with the first opportunity of the wind), to the end that, upon his coming before your Lordships, you may better discern the true manner of his dealing, which he hideth from us, and thereupon may direct such a further course to be holden towards him, as in your grave wisdoms shall be thought most convenient; only giving your Lordships to understand that where Udall hath here given out, both by words and writing, that Bath and Neilson have received some encouragements to inform these matters against him (besides their apparent denials of this upon their oaths), we do all, both upon our duties and credits, affirm it to your Lordships that, neither directly nor indirectly, any course or proceeding hath been used to our knowledge, but such as is agreeable with the places we severally do hold, and with the duties we owe to Her most excellent Majesty."—Dublin Castle, 1601, May 12. Endorsed:—Received by Captain Fisher the 28th. Signed. pp. 4.

Enclose:—

55. i. "The declaration of Thomas Bath, exhibited upon his oath, the first of May, 1601, before the Lord Deputy, Mr. Marshal, Sir Hubert Gardener, and Sir Nicholas Walsh.

Notes taken against William Udall, upon speeches at sundry times, as followeth.

"1. Upon the 9 of February, 1600, between the hours of 9 and 10 of the clock in the forenoon, the said Udall wished that the Lord Deputy and the whole army might be overthrown as Sir Henry Bagenall was, in the hearing of me, Thomas Bath, who, replying, said that was an evil wish for the Queen and the whole country; to which Udall answered, that he spake it not for hurt to Her Majesty, but for his private hatred to the Lord Deputy.

"2. Also, upon the 6 of December, between the hours of 2 and 3 of the clock in the afternoon, and in the foresaid year, this deponent and Udall being talking together within his house at the High Cross, among other speeches told me that he had conference with traitors from time to time, who demanded whether he had authority so to do, in respect of a prohibition to the contrary by my Lord Deputy and Council, forbidding all manner of persons either to confer with or protect traitors (except the Earl of Ormonde, the Lord President of Minister, and Sir Henry Dockwra, Governor of Lough Foyle), who answered, 'Let me see who dare control me therein.'

"3. Further, upon the same day and year and place, he wished with all his heart to see the King of Scots King of the three realms, and then he would hope to be favoured and graced to his contentment.

"4. He further declareth that William Udall reporteth that he was the first that discovered the Karl of Essex ['s] conference with Tyrone, which Udall said was in this manner. The Earl of Essex going to the borders of the north, Tyrone came unto him, and meeting him said, 'Your Lordship is welcome into Ireland.' 'No,' said the Earl, 'you are too Scottish to bid me welcome.' To which Tyrone answered, 'No, my Lord, there is no man that liveth better welcome to me than your father's son.' The Earl said, 'Can I build upon that?' 'Yea, my Lord,' said the other, 'you may be sure of it.' These speeches were told to the said Udall by one that lay in a bush near the place of their conference (as Udall told me), but the man's name he doth not remember. [Marginal note:—"Udall confessed that it was Thomas Blunt."]

"5. He saith also that Udall and he being talking of Doleman's book about January last, Udall told him that the King of Scots wrote unto him, charging him to be the author of that book, but thereof (he said) he cleared himself to the King, and after was commanded by the Queen to answer that book; which after he took in hand and had done somewhat in it, the Earl of Essex, understanding of it, reproved him for it, so as after he never durst proceed in that work.

"6. Also he saith that upon the coming over of the proclamations against the Earl of Essex, Udall used these speeches to him, 'Now the gap is open for the King of Scots.'

"7. Udall likewise told him that he was sent over by the Queen and Sir Robert Cecil to pry into the Earl of Essex['s] doings.

"A further declaration of the said Thomas Bath, exhibited the 4 of May, 1601, before the Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of Meath, Mr. Marshal, Sir Robert Gardener, Sir Nicholas Walsh, Sir Francis Stafford, and Sir Geffrey Fenton.

"8. About the midst of October last, Udall sent for me to come speak with him, and, sitting together in the said Udall's house by the fire, Udall said that he knew all Lapley's conspiracy, long before it was put in practice ; and thereupon I asked him how it chanced that he, knowing thereof, had not revealed it. He answered that he revealed it to Sir Robert Cecil, but he would not at the first give credit to it, but, after he was advertised from hence thereof, Sir Robert sent for Udall, and told him he had found his words true, saying to him these or such words, 'How couldest thou come to the knowledge of these secrets?' Udall answered, 'It is sufficient that your Honour know I know them, and that I told you the truth. I know also that you gave Lapley thirty pounds secretly, thinking that none had known thereof but yourself and Lapley'; and then Sir Robert said he would for ever after believe him the better.

"9. Also he told me at the same instant that he had revealed to Sir John Stanhope that Florence McCarthy and other gentlemen of Munster being about their suits at Court in England, that their meaning was presently upon their landing in Ireland to go out into rebellion, and hereupon his credit first grew with Sir John Stanhope upon this information.

"10. He said likewise that my Lord Deputy is as far engaged in these late troubles of England as any of the rest, and for that cause the treasure was brought ashore again, after it had been embarked for this land.

"11. Further, he reported that his Lordship was sent for into England.

" These articles were delivered upon oath by the said Bath to the Councillors before named, the 5 of May, 1601.

"12. In November last Udall said that the last time that ever Tyrone was in Dublin, the said Tyrone stayed at the bridge of Dublin till Udall came to him, whom he kindly embraced at their meeting, and so they went on foot together, till they came as far as the butts on Oxmantown Green, where they had secret conference together by the space of two hours or thereabouts, walking between the two butts, and promised to show me a letter that he had received from Tyrone, but never did so.

"13. And at many other times he said that, if Tyrone would but follow his counsel, he would show him the way quickly how to come to his purpose, without making so long a work of it, but by means of the Earl of Essex he thought that now the Earl of Tyrone would not have given him credit.

"The 7 of May, 1601. This day, Thomas Bath, being by the Lord, Deputy and Council aforesaid examined upon his oath, whether he hath had any private conference concerning Udall with the Lord Deputy, or whether he hath received any private encouragement from the Lord Deputy to accuse Udall, deposed that never in his life, before the first day of this instant May, he did ever speak with the Lord Deputy, and then, before the Lord Deputy and Council, delivered in writing under his hand his declaration against Udall, and neither before nor sithence had any manner of encouragement from his Lordship or any other to accuse Udall, against whom he protesteth he had taken this course only in discharge of his duty.

"The copy of a letter, written to Sir Robert Gardener, from one Nicolas Fitzsimmons and William Dougan, prisoners in the Marshalsea.

"It may please your worship, Mr. Udall, prisoner where we are, hath in our hearing and presence delivered these speeches; that a plot is laid for destruction of Her Majesty and murder of Mr. Secretary Cecil. The plot is laid by men both in England and Ireland. These speeches being horrible, we, for acquittal of ourselves of (sic) any imputation touching the same, have thought good to advertise your worship, as one that principally should have care to be a discoverer thereof. And so, humbly praying your worship to cause thus much for our discharge to be remembered in the Council Book, for prevention of what may be objected against us, if hereafter it might be alleged or said we have not performed our duty therein, we take leave. The Marshalsea, 2 of May, 1601." [Copy certified by Sir Geffrey Fenton. Here follow the signatures of the Lord Deputy and seven members of the Council.]

"The 7 of May, 1601, Thomas Bath and William Udall, being before the Lord Deputy and Council, Udall was charged with every of the said Bath's articles in particular." [Udall denies articles 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13.] Article 4, "Udall confesseth all this part of Bath's declaration, and being demanded why he did not reveal it, he saith he did reveal the same to Sir Robert Cecil." Article 5, "Udall denieth that the King of Scots did write to him, or did say so to Bath, but saith he procured the priest Watson to answer Doleman's book." Article 12, Udall confesseth he told Bath that he met Tyrone on the bridge, and had private speeches with him."

"Udall, being charged with the letter sent from William Dongan and Nicolas Fitzsimmons, confesseth that he told those words to them two in the Marshalsea." [Copy certified by Sir Geffrey Fenton. Here follow the signatures of the Lord Deputy and of the same seven members of Council as before.] pp. 8.

55. ii. "Marmaduke Neilson's declaration upon his oath, exhibited before the Lord Deputy and the whole Council, the 7 of May, 1601."

"1. At such time as my Lord Deputy was following the enemy in Offally this last summer, William Udall told me that the rebels had made a very strong head, and had engaged our army in a strait where they could not come off, but at the least they were sure to be very soundly beaten, using such a kind of gesture and countenance in the delivery of these words, as manifestly bewrayed the inward joy he conceived thereat.

" 2. He showed me two libels, written in a fond kind of poetical rhythm, the one very opprobriously taxing Sir Robert Cecil and extolling the Earl of Essex, the other altogether in opposition of the first, affirming that he knew the authors of them, and had sent copies thereof into England. Both which libels, consisting of like kind of verse, and carrying one and the selfsame kind of style, must needs be the invention of one man's head, and. myself comparing them with a short pamphlet of Udall's, which I had seen written in commendation of women, found that all was but his own invention, to give a colour to the rest of his forgeries.

"3. About January last he sent for me, requesting that I would come speak with him, and he would tell of very strange matters that were lately happened. When I came, he was in the upper room of his house in private talk with some one, so that he could not attend to speak with me, nor I to stay his leisure, but came away. But he presently sent for me again, excusing himself for not coming down to me at first, by reason of his secret and earnest business, which he had with the foresaid party, whom he affirmed to have come directly from Tyrone, and to have brought him such wonderful intelligence, as I would marvel to hear, but he might not disclose it, till he were in England. But in conclusion, his business with me was to borrow money, to redeem a purse that was in pawn, which pleasure I was content to do him, at his wife's request.

"4. He had formerly acquainted me with a stratagem for the taking or killing of Tyrone, assuring me that he had dealt so effectually with his two brothers-in-law, the Geraltiens (sic), as they should not fail for their parts to give their assistance towards the performance, persuading me by very honest reasons to be a participant in the enterprise. Whereto I condescended, thinking he had meant truly and honestly for Her Majesty's service. But when I perceived that he did but dally and linger the time, and would never bring his said brothers to confer with me about the project (they being the parties by whose especial means the device should have been coloured), but still shifting off with vain excuses, every day borrowing money of me by 2s., 3s., and 5s. at a time, as he did likewise of another person of no mean place and calling, who was also interested in the cause [marginal note:—"Sir Griffith Marcham"], I began to suspect that it was but a cosening trick and a coney-catching device of his to serve his turn upon us (his want being extreme), as indeed in the end it proved to be. For I, urging him still to go forward with the practice, and charging him that, whereas he had promised for his two brothers that they should not fail, I found they were either very slack and weary of the match, or else they had no such intent at all, he answered, viz. (sic), 'What is that to me, whether they perform or no? It is not the performance of the thing that I do stand upon. It is all I desired but to have their hands to show to the State that I have brought them to make the offer, and, if they do not perform it, the blame is theirs, and I am free.' 'What care I if they were both hanged' (said he)? I know them to be but cogging companions, and will keep their word in nothing. They have put me to no small charges here for their lodging (shewing me the bed and pallet where they lay), and promised to send me money, but they serve me in that as in the rest.' When I found this, I knew he did but abuse the State, and told him I would be loath to bring my name in question, to promise a service of such moment, seeing so slender hope and so tickle a confederacy for the performance. Yet, if he would acquaint the Lord Deputy therewith, if his Lordship did like of it, I would be willing for my part to put it to the trial. But he (to delay the time) said it must of force be first allowed of by the Council in England. Whereto I replied, that we knew well enough that the Lord Deputy had proposed a reward for Tyrone's head already, and therefore the Council in England would not only return and refer the matter to his Lordship, but would blame us for not making the first offer to him, and besides the Deputy might have reason to take it unkindly at our hands. 'Well' (quoth he), 'then I perceive you know nothing. If you knew what I know, you would beware how you acquainted the Deputy with any such matter' ; and so fell into a violent humour of railing, as though he would accuse the Lord Deputy of some high and capital crime. Here did I first discover his malice, and though before I did conceive but some light suspicion that he was the enemy's instrument, used like a spark under dry straw, to he lurking till he might find an opportunity to fire the house of the State by sedition, yet now his own speeches bewrayed him, and made me out of doubt that my former opinion was not vain, but that he is a devoted enemy to the present State, which I prove by these reasons.

"5. He hath confessed to have had private conference with the enemy and intercourse with Tyrone, by what authority or to what purpose let him answer. He hath practised to sow sedition in the State by forging untruths and suggesting false caluminations, not only against the Lord Deputy, but against divers others honourable personages, especially those whom he seeth most careful of Her Majesty's services, and such as Her Majesty hath in dearest respect, therein rightly imitating the devil, who, being himself most wicked, never ceaseth to accuse the godly. [There is no paragraph, No. 6.]

"That he thirsteth vehemently after an alteration these reasons and inducements make manifest, viz.:—

" 7. He hath many times said that he wished he might see the King of Scots established in the three realms, and in mine own hearing he said it would be a happy time if that were once come to pass, which desire of his must needs infer the loss of our most dear Sovereign.

"8. He hath confessed to have received letters from the King of Scots, his wife is of Scottish descent, and, as he saith, of the best blood in Scotland, wherein he boasteth much, shewing what friendship he should find by her means, if the expected time were once come.

"9. When he heard of the late troubles in England, he was so ravished with joy and puffed up with arrogant conceit, as he burst out into these and such like speeches, viz., 'Now let me see who will say Udall is dishonest? Now I hope I may hold up my head again? Who hath done this work but I? Was not I the discoverer of this treachery? I hope I have now made the passage clear; I have removed the block; I hope to see the day shortly to be as much graced as ever I have been disgraced'; boasting ever of his future hopes, and covertly and by way of surmise, as though he would that his meaning were understood, and yet in plain terms would not express it. He would give such apparent glances northwards, as a man of meanest capacity must needs judge that he wished and hoped to see the end of this Her Majesty's most gracious and happy government, in hope to be advanced by the successor, knowing himself to be so spotted with villainy as during the virtuous reign of Her Majesty such as he shall never find favour. I have heard Thomas Bath of Dublin report that he did utter these speeches in his hearing, viz. [marginal note:—"This was about November last as Thomas Bath affirmeth"], 'If I thought the Earl of Tyrone would take my counsel, I could teach him a way how to overrun this kingdom quickly without making so long a work of it as he doth ; but I think now he will no more give credit to me by means of the Earl of Essex'; by which words it appears that, before the Earl and Tyrone did parley, Udall was of some trust with him, but now he doubts Tyrone is altered.

"10. The said Udall confessed to myself that he had a caveat given him by a friend of his to beware that his own hand were not showed to the Deputy to manifest his practices, and that upon this warning he did burn all his papers that concerned any matter of moment, fearing lest his house should be searched. If those papers contained no treachery why should he burn them? If his conscience were not guilty, why should he fear?

"11. He hath many ways scandalised the State, as namely in every base company where he cometh, he professeth himself to be the Queen's spy, only to borrow and shift for money at their hands, whom he finds fit subjects to work upon, where, if he were willing to do Her Majesty's service, in giving true and honest intelligence, he should walk as covertly as he might, and let no man know that he is used in such purposes.

"12. He said that Her Majesty commanded him to pen a discourse, which he termeth a motive to draw the Earl of Essex into dislike or hatred of the people, presently after his first committal, which discourse I have seen. What a base lie this seems to be, I refer to the judgment of wise men, who know that Her Majesty hath choice enough of more excellent wits, if there had been such use of them, and would never have admitted such a drunken tell-tale as this to so high a secret. I chanced to see a letter wherein Sir John Stanhope did sharply rebuke Udall for bragging that he was countenanced by him and Mr. Secretary, utterly disclaiming him and his dependency. When Udall saw that I had read the letter, he told me that I was but a novice in the policies of Court; 'that letter,' quoth he, 'was written of purpose to be showed, but I could show you another manner of letter, if it pleased me." [Copy certified by Sir Geffrey Fenton. Here follow the signatures of the Lord Deputy and of the same seven members of the Council as before.]

" The 7 of May 1601, Marmaduke Neilson and William Udall being before the Lord Deputy and Council, Udall was charged with every article." [Udall denies Nos. 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13.] Article 2, "Udall confesseth he told Neilson of certain libels, and now saith he sent the same into England, to Sir Robert Cecil." Article 3, "Udall denieth that he told Neilson of any messenger from Tyrone." Article 4, "Udall confesseth he acquainted Neilson with his plot, and said, if his brothers deceived him, he trusted other manner of men than they were to effect it, and little cared whether they performed it or no. And Udall denies the last part of the article concerning the Lord Deputy. Neilson affirms it, and saith that Udall did tell him that he had made offer of this plot to the Lord Deputy, and that the Lord Deputy did refuse it." Article 5, "Udall saith that whatsoever he hath said in this article he hath certified it into England." Article 12, "Udall denies the article, but confesseth he did write such a motive. Neilson affirms it, and saith he can prove it by witness." [Copy certified by Sir Geffrey Fenton. Here follow the signatures of the Lord Deputy and of the same seven members of Council as before.] pp. 9.

May [12]. Dublin.

56. Sir Richard Wingfield and Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. Udall's alleged "discoveries." He will not give particulars to any save Sir Robert. Enclose his declaration (wanting). Udall is being sent to England in the charge of Captain Fisher. "And we have specially enjoined Fisher to look narrowly to him, lest he escape, which we have reason to think is his main purpose, if he be not well prevented; for, in our observation since we had dealing with him, he hath shewed some tokens thereof."—Dublin, 1601, May [12]. Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil:—"The Marshal and Sir G. Fenton, Maii, 1601." Signed. Seal. pp. 1½.

Enclose:—

56. i. William Udall to Sir Richard Wingfield and Sir Geffrey Fenton. Complains of his treatment, when he desired by his discoveries to do Her Majesty service. The "perfidious and base practices "of his accusers.— 1601, May 6. Endorsed by Sir Geffrey Fenton. Holograph. Seal. pp. 1½.

56. ii. William Udall to Sir Richard Wingfield. The strange way he is used. Strictures on Captain Nelson. Reposes his trust in Sir Richard and in Sir Francis Stafford. "Sir Robert Gardiner told my wife twice that I should presently be sent into England, but I doubt there is no such intent, except it be by your worship's means." This is Nelson's third practice against Udall's life. "My prison affordeth me no conveniency to write unto you at large."—"From my restraint," 1601, May 9. Holograph. p. 1.

May 12. Dublin.

57. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to the Privy Council. Recommending Captain Fisher, who is licensed to go to England on his private affairs. Udall is sent over in Fisher's custody. "And forsomuch as he had the conducting of the last supplies of 2,000 men out of England, and since that time the command of 100 foot in these wars, and that in my care to lessen the Queen's expense, and abate the list according to your Lordships' expectation, I was forced of late to cast his company, I thought good to give him this testimony, that I discharged him and others of very good desert, not for any opinion of their unworthiness, or any want I found in them, but only thinking it the most equal course to begin with the companies last erected."—Dublin, 1601, May 12. Signed. Seal. p. ½.

May 12. Derry.

58. Sir Henry Dockwra to the Privy Council. "Within two days after my return from the journey into McSwyne Fanat's country, even as I had finished the letter which I wrote unto your Lordships of the success thereof, I was advertised by true intelligence of O'Donnell's coming down, and that he held his course directly as if he had purposed to enter Ennisowen, which I was the more easily led to think he would have done, because I had divided the forces (as I wrote unto your Lordships), leaving Neale Garve with all the Irish and 150 English in Fanaght, to take in the same. And therefore I made head to the passages with such men only as I had then in readiness about me, but at my coming to Bert Castle, which I made "the chief place of my rendezvous, I heard he had changed his course, and was turned towards Neale Garve, for whose security, as also for saving of the country, I had in my opinion sufficiently provided before, in that I left him furnished with a competent number of men, a place of safety to retire unto if necessity urged, and a sufficient provision of victual, besides the cows which the country yielded, to live upon. Notwithstanding, the same night came Neale unto me himself (having passed over the water at Ramollan). He brought me word that after he had taken McSwyne ['s] and divers other chief pledges, and accounted himself sure of the rest, that O'Donnell surprised him on the sudden, and was entered within two miles of the place where he lay, before he knew anything of his coming; and by that means having yet a party that never came to Neale, they stole unto him, and with their cows, and goods laden upon garrans' backs, accompanied him, and departed the country, because the sudden surprising of him in that manner could not be excused. He mended the matter the best he could with saying the prey was small, and not within the compass of his power to have relieved, though he had known before of O'Donnell's coming. Hereupon (the matter being now past remedy), I entered into Council, whereat Sir John Bolles was present, what course were fittest to be taken, seeing O'Donnell lay still upon the neck of Fanaght in Hugh McHugh Duff's country, and the pledges taken for the Queen. For to have forced the people to obedience, and then to have abandoned them to be preyed the very next day, seemed a thing both dishonourable and unjust; and to have sought to remove O'Donnell from the place where he lay, for divers considerations we thought it not fit to attempt, and especially for this cause, that, howsoever he lay, strong or weak, we should never come to fight with him, but at his own choice, and upon terms of advantage. Our resolution therefore was this; Neale Garve should return, and keeping with him still the Irish and those 150 English, which I left with him at first, he should go and encamp at Ramoltan, a place that lies fitly to be furnished with victual, conveniently to be defended with a small power against a greater, and the meetest and most commodious of any other upon the neck of the country, and for defence thereof. Having thus resolved amongst ourselves, we sent for Neale Garve, to acquaint him with what we had determined. Whereunto he replied the country was waste, and for him to stay there in that manner, he would not, but rather return to his own garrison at Lifford. By the fairest means I could, I persuaded him to consider the necessity of the Queen's service, and advised him without contradiction to conform himself to the benefit thereof; but all prevailed not, for he answered me plainly he would not. Whereupon I told him again he should, and charged him upon his allegiance to make no further dispute, but go in hand to execute that I commanded him in Her Majesty's name. With much ado he yielded to go, but as a man discontented thereat in the highest degree; yet going and performing the business more earnestly than he had done before. For he built up the castle with his own people, sufficiently tenable with a few men, and with no manner help of tools or instruments from us, for we had them not. It took good effect, and within three days after was the greatest part of the prey stole [n] into the country back again, and O'Donnell removed from those coasts, and encamped himself at Ballinakip, twelve miles beyond Lifford. So that by this means the country being again reduced into some reasonable good terms, and a countenance given for defending it, and O'Donnell's weakness discovered, that had not power to enter further than the very neck of the country, the people began to be more secure, and glad of their protection under Her Majesty. And in this state doth it now stand, which is the best I can set in till I have further time (and less work in hand otherwise) to be acquainted with the state thereof, and to settle the same in a better assurance. And so, to satisfy Neale Garve the better, I have yielded him leave to come away, leaving only a brother of his with 100 of his foot, and Shane McManus, with the 50 foot and 25 horse which he hath in pay, taken out of the number allowed to Neale. So that by this your Lordships may much discern the disposition of the man, that further than he may hope for his own benefit, there is nothing to be required at his hands, but by mere compulsion, as your Lordships may also the better perceive by this, that the time I took the prey before McSwyne Fanat was come in, he came in a raging and violent manner, exclaiming on the injustice of the course that was held in preying a man that was ready to come in, and had assured him of the same, urging me even with these words, 'What shall I be the better for the country, when you leave me nothing in it, but the bare land desolate and destroyed ?' Upon which importunity of his, I yielded to leave a great part of the prey, and freely gave back much at his earnest suit and request, and yet but two days after, himself lost all that I had spared, and to make amends (having first taken the pledges of the country) he took even of that small remainder O'Donnell had left, about three score cows, and converted them to his own use, not to eat for the present (for that had been tolerable if need had required), but to carry home to make use of to his own direct profit, which was a thing much repined at, and complained of by the country, yet, for appeasing his insatiable humour, I was contented to wink at. And thus much concerning our proceedings since the writing of my last letters, and the unreasonableness of Neale Garve's humours, which perhaps I may seem a little too curious in setting forth ; but I do them to the end your Lordships shall be fully informed of the reasons that move me to hold that opinion of him that I do, craving pardon if I err in another fault by too much tediousness.

"Now your Lordships may be pleased to understand I have received from your Lordships by this passage four letters, dated the 10 of February, the 23 of March, and the 20th and 22nd of April. The first concerneth the setting of the ovens a work, and providing wood for the same purpose, wherein I shall gladly obey your Lordships' commandment, so far as lieth in my power; for I will deal with the churls of the country to bring in heath and wood, so much as may serve, and hire as many as I can get thereunto, for to do it by the labour of the soldier I find a matter utterly impossible, by reason there are few companies left in this place, and those that are have so many other works in hand, as it is impossible they should attend it, as your Lordships may be better informed of by Sir John Bolles. Another point in the same letter is that I should seize upon such victual as should come into this harbour without license, and cause it to be issued by the Commissary to the Queen's use, which I have given directions for, but find that none such hath at any time been brought, saving beer or wine, which cannot be distributed to the soldier, and therefore (as I take it) is not your Lordships' intent should be meddled withal. A third point is concerning the sending over of Marmaduke Handenby, who is long since departed, and I assure your Honours left the best and likeliest men behind him that ever I saw eome out of England, as Sir John Bolles can best testify, that received them from him. The next letter doth only concern the leave granted to Sir John Bolles, who accordingly is the messenger and bearer hereof, and as fully instructed in all things as either of us can devise.

"The next is touching a supply of 1,000 foot and forty horse, which it seems Her Majesty is pleased shall be forthwith levied for making a plantation at Ballyshannon, to which point I have answered at full in a discourse thereof apart. And for the planting at Coleraine, your Honours shall be informed of the difficulties and impossibilities by Sir John Bolles. The next point is touching Her Majesty's gracious persuasion of my poor and honest endeavours and your most honourable acceptation thereof in good part, which I humbly acknowledge with all thankfulness and duty, according to which, God (the searcher of all men's hearts) knoweth the scope and drift of all my doings have in deed and ever shall be conformable. The last point in the same letter is touching the Spaniards, of whom your Lordships seem to be secure for this year, and so do I confidently give it out in the country, and doubt not but your Honours are sufficiently assured thereof by infallible advertisements. But Sir John Bolles can inform your Lordships what is the opinion of Hugh Boy in this matter, and what I said of it before I imparted any thing thereof unto him. For he ever told me from the beginning, and so I wrote (as I remember) by Captain Vaughan, or at least he knew it as well as I, that it was the word between these rebels and the Spaniards, that when they should be advertised of a few forces ready for the Low Countries, they should be assured it was intended for them, and only so disguised to the end the letters being intercepted should not be rightly construed.

"The last letter is wholly concerning an abuse committed by the Marshal in exacting a fee upon the beer provided by Her Majesty's ministers for relief of the army ; whereunto should I be accessory, my fault were inexcusable. But your Lordships are wholly misinformed in the matter ; for neither did ever man open his lips in complaint of any such thing to me, nor hath any such course been ever put in practice. But the fees demanded by the Marshal was at first indeed 8s. upon every tun of beer of those only that tapped and sold by the can (for of the merchant or any other delivered out to the use of the soldier hath never penny been demanded); and because I thought that exaction too great, though he claimed it by a common custom over all Ireland, I abated it one half, and yet conditionally and by provision that my Lord Deputy (to decide all controversies), should set down his allowance by his Lordship's warrant, which I expect every day to receive. And for making a levy for paving the streets, and making a wharf at the waterside to land on, I have indeed imposed upon every victualler to pay 2s. upon a tun of beer, and 4s. upon wine, in the name of a fine for his license, without which I suffer no man to use that trade, for the manifold abuses and inconveniences I have found by suffering the contrary.

"Your Lordships may further be pleased to take notice that I have returned the two crompsters, because they are grown out of order, and almost unserviceable, whereof your Lordships wrote for one before, but she was then at Dublin. I have victualled them both, for that they had none from England, and could not persuade them to stay without allowance. I beseech your Lordships it may be allowed according to the acquittances remaining in the Commissary's hands for receipt of the same, and abated in their allowance provided, or to be provided, by the officers of the Navy."—Derry, 1601, May 12. Endorsed:—Received at Greenwich by Sir John Bolles the 28th. Signed. Seal. pp. 5.

May 12.

59. "Provision of victuals to be made for Ireland;" viz., for three months, to Dublin (2,000 men), to Carlingford (3,000 men), to Lough Foyle (2,000 men), to Lough Foyle for Ballyshannon (1,000 men), and to Galway (500 men). The provisions are to be embarked on 31 May, 25 June, and 20 July. Here follow "the Lord Deputy's demands," and further details as to the provisions. Endorsed:—12 May, 1601. Draft. pp. 3.

May 13. Cork.

60. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. On behalf of [Henry] Pyne. This time his suit is for Her Majesty's profit. Recommends him to Sir Robert's favour. Encloses a petition (wanting) from Pyne to himself.—Cork, 1601, May 13. Signed. p. 1.

May 13. Dublin.

61. Sir Francis Stafford to Sir Robert Cecil. Strongly recommending Captain Fisher, who has, much against his will, been sent to England in charge of Udall. Fisher's good service and reputation. "He kept his last company very full of English, and well appointed, and held them always in good discipline, and readiness to answer all employments." His costs greater than all his entertainment. His suit for the "castle called the Narrow Water and certain lands lying to it some three miles from the Newry." These by the revolt of Magennis are returned into Her Majesty's disposition. The Narrow Water is one of the fittest places to be kept by Her Majesty in those parts. The writer was the first to take it in, on the death of old Magennis. It is now defended by a ward of thirty soldiers, commanded by a man of mean reckoning, who suffers the best half of the ward to be for the most part absent, " whereby Her Majesty is defrauded, her provisions engaged in the passage, and the lands all kept waste, or inhabited by neutrals and seditious priests, to Her Majesty's prejudice." If the castle and lands were bestowed on Fisher, he would undertake to keep it during the wars with half the ward now allowed, and would be encouraged to follow his good course of service. The castle was heretofore given by Sir Henry Sidney to a gentleman of Offally, who afterwards sold it to Magennis for 100l. or thereabouts. Again commends Fisher.—Dublin, 1601, May 13. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

May 13. Blarney.

62. Cor [mack] Carty [Fitz Derby McCarthy] to Sir Robert Cecil. The loyalty of his ancestors and of himself testified to by the late Lord Burghley. His refusal to join in the insurrection in Munster, notwithstanding the promises and menaces made by Tyrone and the attacks by the rebels. Sent the heads of those he slew to the Lord President at Cork. Was dangerously wounded and lost many of his gentlemen and followers. Is, as always, willing and ready to refresh Her Majesty's forces. There has been no rising forth by them, either in Ulster or Munster, but he attended the Lord President both with horse and foot. Good effect of this on some of the Lords and gentlemen of Munster. Craves Sir Robert's patronage and tuition, "and thereby to make these mine humble and dutiful offices known to Her Majesty and to the rest of the Lords, and to be a mean that I may be tendered with like equal respect of favour among the Lords (Her Highness ['s] subjects of this province), that peradventure have not so well deserved."—" From my house of Blarney," 1601, May 13. Signed. p. 1.

May 14. Dublin Castle.

63. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. "This bearer, Captain Richard Hansard, was, before my coming into this kingdom, Trenchmaster of the army ; in which place, as also in the place of Quartermaster of the army, I have used his service (so often as occasion was offered) with my very good satisfaction. In November last, when I fought with Tyrone near Carlingford, his place (with other commanders) was in the rearward, where, after he had carried himself the whole time of the fight with very good resolution and judgment, he received in his coming off a very dangerous hurt with a bullet, whereof he remaineth lame at this present. Which testimony of him I think myself bound to make unto you, that my just attestation of his valour, industry, and understanding in his profession, might move you to further a suit which he intendeth to have unto the Lords of the Council. Wherein I desire so much his good success, that I cannot satisfy myself in being only a witness of his merit, but make myself a suitor in his behalf, earnestly intreating that to that which you shall be moved to do for him for his own desert, may be added something at my instance."—Dublin Castle, 1601, May 14. Signed. p. 1.

May 14.

64. Memorial to the Privy Council on behalf of Sir George Carey, Treasurer at Wars in Ireland, by Thomas Wattson, his agent.

That 70,000l. of the new monies may be forthwith coined, and sent with all possible speed; first, 50,000l. for Minister, whereof 40,000l. to Cork and 10,000l. to Galway ; then 20,000l. to Dublin, for that Mr. Treasurer means to disperse forthwith the 51,000l. last sent over in Ulster and Leinster; and as soon as he understands that this 50.000l., to be sent for Munster, has arrived there, he will give order through the kingdom to issue the same according to his instructions.

Such proportion of sterling money as Mr. Treasurer has appointed to be sent to Chester and Bristol with the new money, and to remain there until the latter is issued in Ireland. The statute of 19 Henry VII., prohibiting the transportation of sterling money into Ireland, to be put in due execution. Instructions to be sent to the officers of all the English ports.

"That whereas Bristol, being a place remote, far from the Treasurer himself, or any of his people of great trust, and far from your Lordships' eyes ; and having appointed one Wilson, a servant of his, to attend the exchange there, he hath in his discretion, for the safety of Her Majesty's treasure, made choice of Mr. Pitt, Chamberlain of Bristol, a man of good report and estate, to associate his servant in these businesses, for which he will give him a yearly stipend, the money to remain in Mr. Pitt's house, where his man shall confine himself to live, Mr. Pitt to keep a key to the chest, and his man the other. He humbly beseecheth your Lordships to be pleased to write your letters to Mr. Pitt to this purpose, and that your Lordships will command him to take this charge into his house."

A learned and discreet man wanted to succeed Sir Robert Napper as Chief Baron in Ireland, since the affairs of the Exchequer there are being much hindered.

The Popinjay old and unserviceable. Her sale recommended. Birkinshawe to be commanded to repair speedily to Dublin. Sir Richard Greame to be sent back as soon as possible, for the Lord Deputy can ill spare him, now that his Lordship is going into the north. For the same reason, Newcomen, the Victualler, to be returned speedily to Dublin, "the Lord Deputy having hitherto made no journey but [he] hath taken Newcomen with him, by reason of his extraordinary care, diligence, and service." Warrant desired for the " releasing of the impost of coals," both in England and Ireland. Some reasonable contentment to be given to Alderman Weston, of Dublin, in his suit for a debt of 1,700l. due to that city. The great sums lent by the citizens of Dublin to Her Majesty, "in which, and some other shews of their loyalties, they are far before the rest of the towns in Ireland."

A letter to be written to the Lord Deputy. "to give straight commandment to the army, that none in Her Majesty's pay shall take up anything upon ticket in Ireland of any subject, after the issuing of the new money, upon great penalties, but to pay ready money for anything they take. This thing will give a general contentment to the subject, and add reputation to the project." The carts that conveyed from the Tower the munition sent for Ireland have been sold in the parts of Cheshire at mean values. Allen, who has charge of that munition now, to be enjoined to take over with him forty [carts], if his proportion be so great, or so many as their Lordships shall think requisite, to remain always in the store at Dublin, and other places of the realm, in readiness for the carriage of Her Majesty's munition, victual, clothes, &c., which will be a great help to the services, and lessen the extraordinaries. Payment to be hastened of the Irish debts to many poor suitors, whereby their Lordships shall give great contentment to many, and disperse much of the new money into several parts of the kingdom. "The suitors are also indebted to others in the realm of Ireland, whereby they will also disperse it amongst the subjects into divers parts, for the payment of their debts in small sums. If a composition be made with them, he humbly entreateth that it may be made in England, and that a schedule of those debts may be sent to Mr. Treasurer, with full instructions what shall be paid to every particular man; and to be set down exactly by the Auditors."—1601, May 14. Unsigned. pp. 2½.

May 14.Derry.

65. Sir Henry Dockwra to Sir Robert Cecil. "There is no subject (in matters of war and advertisement of business) so certain to write upon, but commonly, even before a man's letters are finished, there happens an accident to alter it. So is it with me at this time, for my letters written, and my despatch (as I thought) fully made, I have notice of the rebels assembling together with great forces, such as where before I held myself in nature of an assailant, I am now enforced to take upon me the person of a defendant. But seeing the bearer is able to deliver unto your Honour our true estate, as well in this by his own entire knowledge, as in other matters partly by knowledge and partly by instruction, I may excuse myself (with your honourable favour) though I omit that large discourse which would require leisure and advisement, because they are two commodities which the suddenness of time and this present action afford me not. For all other matters touching what I have done, what reasons have led me, and what by probable conjecture I gather may be done, my general letter to the Lords, and my particular discourse apart by itself, will declare." His devotion to Sir Robert.—Derry, 1601, May 14. Holograph. p. 1.

May 14. London.

66. [Donogh O'Brien], Earl of Thomond, to Sir Robert Cecil. Has sent him his "conceit" for the reducing of Connaught and surprising of Ballyshannon, now undertaken by Sir Henry Dockwra. Desires to do service agreeable to the Queen. "For the Earl of Clanrickarde, there can be no exceptions taken, though, being a nobleman, he resteth still in his own country, and followeth not Her Majesty's service in each place, as I have done. Besides, being in conference with him at my coming over, he manifested himself very desirous of my employments there. To return into Ireland in more disgrace than I came from thence, I would be very loath, and therefore now rest only at your Honour's disposition, nothing doubting of your furtherances in these my most willing enterprises."—London, 1601, May 14. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

May 14. [Carrickfergus.]

67. Anthony Dawtrey to Sir Arthur Chichester. Hearing by Ensign Clatworthy that Sir Arthur was minded to write to the Lord Deputy for a new supply of men for Carrickfergus, urges the necessity of a bark of 30 or 40 tons coming at the same time with victual. The butter is almost gone, and they will have nothing shortly but fish,"and here is no contract yet for this place."—[Carrickfergus], 1601, May 14. Copy. p. ½.

Overleaf are:—"Sir Arthur Chichester's demands for the present service at Knockfergus." These are, to have certain boats built upon Lough Eagh, in addition to the other boats already there, and for that purpose that there be sent pitch, tar, oakum ("okecome"), rosin, ropes, nails, sails, masts, boards, and other necessaries; that more victuals be sent; that 5l., promised to the bark and messenger that came with these letters, be allowed him; and that a "present answer" may be sent to him. Copy. p. 1.

May 15. Massercene.

68. Sir Arthur Chichester to Sir Robert Cecil. "Albeit I write by an uncertain passage, sending these to Dublin before they can be transported to England, yet I thought it unfit to let slip any opportunity, conveyance being so seldom afforded unto me. Since my last letters written about the middle of April (as I remember) James McSorley was buried. His brother Randall, returning out of Scotland, met with James McConnell, son to the Lord of Clantire (Cantire), coming from Tyrone with Henry O'Hagan and eighty of Tyrone's men in his company, who made shew of purposes to speak with me. Randall requested assistance from me, and James a safe-conduct to confer about business concerning Her Majesty's service, as he seemed to pretend; but it could not be honest, he bringing O'Hagan in his company, which made me draw forth with the few foot and horse I had ready upon the sudden, and marched towards the place [? where] I thought they should meet, of which I had little doubt, though I trusted neither party, for I knew them to be mortal enemies, and I knew I should make my party good, they being by the ears. Which I found as I expected, for, before I came to the place, a messenger met me from Randall, declaring the overthrow of James, who is prisoner in Dunluce, and O'Hagan and some 40 or 50 others slain. Some three or four days after, I met with Randall, who sought Her Majesty's protection, until he had answer of a petition exhibited by him (as he said) to Her Majesty, preferred by the King of Scots to be followed by his ambassador, the Earl of Mar, and he urged this service as a testimony of his honest meaning. I demanded to have James delivered me as the Queen's prisoner, and that he should give me pledges during his protection, and until I understood the Queen's, or my Lord Deputy's, pleasure touching his petition. Both which upon slender reason he refused, which notwithstanding I gave him a protection, more to avoid suspicion of revenge, which I am thought to seek upon him, than for any thought I have his desires will be granted, if he stand upon those terms himself reports unto me, which is, a pardon for himself, brothers, and followers, with a patent for the lands of the Route and Glins, and some 4[00] or 500 men in pay to keep it. The McQuillins, who have served honestly among us during these wars, have better title to the Route than they, and when it was last ordered in Sir John Perrott's time, that country being divided into nine towns, Sorley Boy had five, and the McQuillins four. Now it is all the Queen's by reason of rebellion, and so is all the north, and if I had so many men more to these I have, as he propounds for, I would soon bring him to lower demands, or ease him of a country. I cannot say but Randall hath carried himself true of his word ever since I had first dealings with him, and I should be glad he were an honest subject, but not to the hurt of others, nor to make him more proud, for I assure your Honour the hearts of these rebels be brought much lower than hath been accustomed.

"The bonnaughts which I lodged upon the Upper Clandeboy have given good testimony of their honesties. It is a month since Tyrone sent about 400 men to his nephew Brian McArt to war upon me, and that country, with which he brake into the plain through the woods, of which I had notice being then in Knockfergus, and marching presently to their relief we fall to blows, in which day some seventy or eighty men were slain, and all Irish, and some of the chiefs of that country as Owen McHugh O'Neill, Magyllyaspicke, [and] some of the Kellys and Tortroes. These were of our side, lately come from the enemy, and entertained by me. Brian McArt lost his brother, and other of the O'Neills. It was good service on both sides, for never an honest man was slain.

"Since that time I have been most at this fort, and have visited Tyrone with the boat of the Queen's and some small boat[s] and cotts, in all which I can transport sixty men besides labourers; and we have burnt and destroyed along the Lough, even within four miles of Dungannon, where we kill[ed] man, woman, child, horse, beast, and whatsoever we found [' fende '], not being able to bring anything thence, and our stay must not be long in that country with so few men. The last service (from which we returned yesterday) was upon Patrick O'Quin, one of the chief men in Tyrone, dwelling within four miles of Dungannon, fearing nothing; but we lighted upon him and killed him, his wife, sons, daughters, servants, and followers, being many, and burnt all to the ground, whereat Tyrone marvelled; being within a mile, hearing a drum, and seeing such fires in his country, he sent some shot upon us, who did us little hurt, and some of them never returned unto him.

"I am few men in list, and much tired with continual service, lying dispersed upon divers holds, with which I have acquainted my Lord Deputy, and with all business in these parts. I hope for some supply from him, and for more boats, or money to build them. I protest unto your Honour all the men of war the Queen hath in this government have not been able to make ten pounds these twenty days. We can neither feed ourselves, nor reward spy, guide, or any other that shall draw us upon service. We all live upon the store, which is now all near spent but fish, which is no meat for our men lying in field, where they have no kettles to seethe them, nor means to water or carry them. It is written from the contractors to their servants here that we are not contracted for. If we have neither victuals nor money, we shall not do what is expected, and I assure your Honour (for the number) we can and will do as good service as others that should seem to be more respected and thought on. I hope of the continuance of your Honour's love, which is my greatest comfort in these miserable wars. I will be thought worthy thereof, if my true and faithful service can deserve so much. I must keep my men busied for fear of murmuring, having long wanted money, and I no means to supply them. I hope your Honour hath favourably respected my humble suit touching the payment of the money due from Her Majesty, and I humbly beseech your Honour to give order that this government may be paid half money and half victuals, the greatest part bread or meal. I have written hereof to my Lord Treasurer a month since. Some ships are passed by to Lough Foyle laden with victuals. If we be not contracted for, I wish they might have order to relieve us, as we have done them.

"If more men be sent unto me, I will settle at Toom. I cannot as yet hold it and these other places, not being strong in any place a l50 men. The carriages of our victuals overland most troubles us, in that there is much loose, and it is told me by the contractors' men that we shall bear the charge thereof, and of the carriage. If it be so, my entertainment will not defray it, having nothing allowed unto me but ten shillings a day ; and for my companies of horse and foot, no Captain gets less by them, nor will I, where men are of more esteem than money. I refer me and the consideration of these things to your Honour, and when my Lord Deputy comes northward, he shall find I have carried myself like an honest man, if I can in the meantime keep what I have gotten. I hope of his speedy coming, and the sooner the better; so much I have advertised to his Lordship, and given him good reasons to hasten."—Massereene, 1601, May 15. Endorsed:—Received at Greenwich the 7 of June. Holograph. pp.4.

May 15. Derry.

69. Captain Humphrey Willis to Sir Robert Cecil. "I landed at Culmore with Neale Garve and Cormack O'Neill, returning from my Lord Deputy the 13th of April last. The 16th of the same, the Governor did march to the Lifford, and from thence, with 500 English and the Irish, to McSwyne [Ne] Doe's country, to relieve his castle, which was besieged by the old McSwyne (late with us) and by O'Donnell's brother Rory with 400 men. As soon as we came within eight miles of the same, they raised their siege, and took some few cows, and drew away towards Donegal, where they left O'Donnell very weak.

"In this journey, continuing four days, we took in McSwyne [Ne]Doe's country, and McSwyne Fanat's country, and have their best pledges; also Hugh McHugh Duff's country, and have fortified his castle Rathmoltan that was razed (down one side), and there left one of Neale Garve's brothers with 100 of his foot in garrison. A boat of 20 ton[s] will anchor at the castle. In this journey also we took many poor cows and other cattle, but little beneficial to the soldier, for a great part of them were restored again upon good consideration. Cormack O'Neill hath now of himself fortified at Strabane, and made it strong against the Irish, and lieth there with his men. They have already built a tower there after their fashion. There are come in to him, since his coming, at least 5,000 cows, and most of them by the Governor's direction are gone into O'Dogherty's country; never a cow of them have (sic) been taken for the use of the army. O'Dogherty's country now is so fortified in the neck of the land between the two Loughs by raising six forts, that it is as it were an island. Within are of the country cows by estimation 16,000, and all the people these cows belong unto. They have been commanded by one Hugh Boy, who hath been a great counsellor of O'Donnell's, but now Cahir O'Dogherty (son to the late Sir John O'Dogherty) is come from O'Donnell, having been in durance since his father's death. He is a great man in his country already, and all the country do stoop unto him. O'Donnell lieth now twelve miles above the Lifford, with O'Connor Sligo, Hugh Mostian, Shane Shamerie's sons, and some other helps out of Connaught. He is some 800 men.

"Cormack [Mc]Baron and O'Cahan are at the Newtown with their forces. Tyrone is to and fro about the Blackwater and Dungannon with not many men. O'Donnell is feared, and doth give out he will come into O'Dogherty's country, and take the cows with all the force he can make. I will not believe it (if O'Dogherty be true), but if he do, we shall, I trust in God, put this war to a good end, and have a happy day. If your Honour did see the country, and how our forts lie to answer the passages, your Honour would think it strange for their forces to go into the country, we lying at them as we do. Tyrone and O'Donnell now with the rest are fully persuaded they shall have no help of Spaniards this year, and have for some part resolved in council that when they are fully put to it, they both will away for Spain, and leave their countries (as Tyrone to his eldest son Hugh, and Tyrconnell to Rory O'Donnell) with directions how they shall make means to the State, as innocents that have not offended, and so to seek to hold the countries, until they may have some relief.

"I doubt those letters which I wrote to your Honour from Dublin and hence are miscarried. Your Honour shall hear further from me very shortly."—Derry, 1601, May 15. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

May 15.Dublin.

70. Ga[rrett Fitzgerald, Earl of] Kildare, to Sir Robert Cecil. "Being advertised by my servant of your honourable and friendly regard and acceptance of my last letters, by your friendly acknowledgment of your willingness to further my request therein, I am thereby emboldened once again to importune you by renewing the same request to you again; beseeching that it may please you to vouchsafe the continuance of that your honourable and friendly inclination towards me, for which I shall rest most bound and beholden.

"Since my return hither, I have alway attended my Lord Deputy in all his journeys, in Ranelagh, Byrnes' country, Westmeath, the borders of Fercall and Offally, until it pleased his Lordship, the 26th of March last, to appoint me some companies of foot and horse, for attending the service of Offally, and prosecuting the rebels thereabouts, being within my government. Since which time I have, by all the endeavours I could, followed them; yea and the same in such sort as (thanks be to God) the traitors, the Connors, are so banished and dispersed, some to the north, some to Connaught, sundry of them and their followers put to the sword, their dwellings and principal habitations and holts of Islands and Inches, upon woods and in rivers, are burned and rifled, [and] their substance and means, as well cattle as otherwise, generally taken from them. By which means they are not left together in number in that part above thirty persons, and the number so divided into parts and sects severally, as there is not above six or seven in a company. All which maketh me hope, if those companies be admitted with me to attend ray charge, that the Connors shall not in a long time grow to the like head again. In these and other employments I have since my charge here sustained the loss of sundry good men, together with the loss of horses, to the value at the least of 400l. ; and so do purpose evermore to adventure my life, with all the means and men I shall have in this world, to perform such acceptable services to her most excellent Majesty, as manifest unto Her Highness my zealous and dutiful intention to do her service, as I have formerly bestowed the rest of my life and living in her service.

"I do not advertise particularly what hath been done and performed by my companies, for that I think the same is publicly advertised by sundry others long or (sic) now; and so praying you earnestly that I may not always remain at one stay, without any token of Her Majesty's favour. For though it please Her Highness, as she doth often express, to think much of my entertainment, yet I assure you I have spent a thousand pounds of the small portion [that] was received for the sale of my living in England, over and above my pay or any other coming in I have, to maintain myself in her service, the same being the extremest and last shift I am able to make, so that being no way enabled by Her Majesty I must utterly perish through wants wholly grown by my expenses in her service, as the world doth witness. I am loath to meddle in matters that concern me not; notwithstanding, in discharge of my duty to Her Majesty, I have thought good to inform you that the most part of Her Majesty's army at this day in this kingdom are of the Irishry, and most of them hath been in action; which although they be the ablest and fittest men for this country service, yet in my opinion it were very necessary the forces here were reinforced from thence. I speak this like an Englishman, and would be glad to be so accounted. No man can have assurance of any such people as are runagates, and only hunt after spoil."

Hopes, through Sir Robert and the Treasurer, to attain his suit, as it is in no way prejudicial to Her Majesty, nor of such value as she is informed, "rather a matter to express her gracious meaning towards me, than likely to yield me profit during my life."—Dublin, 1601, May 15. [Postscript.] Has written to the Privy Council touching a house of his, called Rathhangan. Prays to have his suit therein furthered, as the building requires some haste, to the good of Her Majesty's service. Signed. pp. 1½.

May 15.Derry.

71. Captain Humphrey Covert to Sir Robert Cecil. "Since my last letter to your Honour of the 23rd of April, Neale Garve O'Donnell being possessed by Sir Henry Dockwra of McSwyne's country, having good forces of his own, and 150 English to assist him, O'Donnell the rebel, through good espial upon him being carelessly quartered, as the manner of the Irish is to do, suddenly gathered his forces, and re-preyed most of all the cows before by us and them taken; besides, some of that country, which five days before had yielded themselves to Her Majesty, upon this incursion revolted again, and went out into rebellion with him.

"The 26, the Governor sent for me, and entered into a long discourse of the Captains' discontentment through my strict musters, alleging how desperate the enterprise of Lough Foyle was at the first held to be, the extraordinary charges they lived at in this place, more than the Captains in any other, and now that Tyrone was come to Newtown, six miles beyond Lifford, the army altogether (and of long time before) without money, how impatient they seemed, even when he was to draw them upon service, being (as they said) the worst dealt with of any other Captains the Queen hath, whereas at the beginning of the war of Lough Foyle they were promised best usage and largest contentment of all others. I had the less disposition to answer, because I knew all this speech tented to the musters, and in them something concerned myself. Howbeit, I pleaded your Honour's instructions, which I durst not break, or would, notwithstanding their injuries and practices against me, nothing doubting but Her Majesty, through your Honour's motion, would vouchsafe so great satisfaction unto them, in partition of lands, that they would be glad they ever entertained so honourable an action; and so for that time we ceased.

"The 4th of May, the Governor having a purpose to attempt the castle of Newtown, six miles beyond the Lifford, suddenly left it upon O'Donnell's coming thither, who stole a few cows from the Lifford, and slew and hurt very dangerously fourteen of our soldiers going for wood, and some report we killed as many of them. But because Sir John Bolles was there, and not myself, I refer to his report the truth and manner of it, and all other accidents that hath lately happened, with O'Cahan's subtle and desperate ambuscadoes upon his own garrison of Dunalong, the 6th of May, being the day of our general muster.

"I am an humble suitor to your Honour in the poor soldiers' behalf that you will be pleased to allow to the several companies at Lough Foyle, being 25 in number, a pair of wooden scales and brazen weights, sealed according to statute, viz., of four pounds, half pounds and ounces, which will not rise to any great charge, but be a special mean to preserve many a man's life; for the clerks being the Captains' servants use stones for to weigh with, which, for want of true weights to compare them withal, we cannot disprove, but the falseness thereof is found in many of the soldiers' cheeks. When these complaints are by me urged in their behalf, the poor soldiers dare not appear for fear of worse usage; or if he do, the officers spare no oaths to avouch their dealing to be just.

"The contractors for the victual have sent too great a proportion of fish called Poor John to Lough Foyle, for, besides the soldiers utterly refuse to eat of it at all, their means is very inconvenient to prepare and boil the same. The content of it amounts to ninety thousand, for the stowage and keeping of which the ship called the Samaritan is yet stayed, at three score pounds per month charge to the Queen.

"One of the two storehouses, which was sent in March last, was very well set up, and covered with slate, but the Commissary of the Victual having stowed in the middle floor thereof about fifteen ton weight at the most (sic), the two great sommers, or main pieces of timber, that lie [a] thwart the house, brake in the middle in the whole timber, as Sir John Bolles and this bearer can witness, who have seen it; which fault was not in them that set it up, but in the badness of the stuff allowed by the Mayor of Chester.

"The seventh of May the summer apparel for Her Majesty's soldiers arrived in Lough Foyle, and the 13th they were unladen at the Derry, the check whereof I will certify your Honour upon the full delivery, which shall be done with as much speed as the distance of the garrisons will give us leave.

"I have sent your Honour an abstract of the half-year's checks, with all the Captains' muster books and books of entries and discharges to confirm the same, with a brief certificate (herein folded) of the last general musters taken the 6th of May; within which abstract I have also sent your Honour the plot of the large county of Ennisowen, or O'Dogherty's country (whose son and heir came to the Governor this day, either in policy licensed by O'Donnell to come, or else escaped); by which plot your Honour may plainly perceive, both how the forces are dispersed in several garrisons, and also how strongly it is enclosed with rivers, loughs, bogs, and forts; only Hugh Boy is yet in possession of the strong castle of Birt, which, under your Honour's correction, me seemeth would far better become an English garrison than an Irish, the strength whereof this bearer, my Lieutenant, can very justly report, who hath been in it, and very judicially viewed it, to whom I humbly beseech your Honour to be gracious, in regard of his great pains and honest careful dealing, used with me in performing the musters." Prays that his half-year's endeavours may be allowed of.—Derry, 1601, M[ay] 15.

[Postscript.] "Since the writing of my letter, O'Donnell is drawn near our Island of Ennisowen "With all his own forces, assisted with eight hundred of Tyrone's best soldiers, under the c[ommand] of Cormac his brother. He is thought to be in all full 2,000. They have ...... and sworn each to other to prey the country, and beat us out of ...... Island, which they shall never do, albeit Hugh Boy do turn traitor ag[ainst us], of whose fidelity I do and have always greatly doubted. Of the success [? thereof] by my next letters your Honour shall be advertised."Endorsed:—1601, May 15. Signed. pp. 3.

Encloses:

71. i. "Abstract of the checks imposed upon such companies as be resident in garrison in or about the Derry, for the space of six months and fourteen days, beginning the 1 of October, 1600, and ending the last of March, 1601." Total, 4,242l. 12s. 4d. pp. 2.

71. ii. "Abstract of the checks raised upon the companies of foot and horse employed at Lough Foyle, in the several garrisons of the Derry, Dunalong, and the Lifford, with the castles of Culmore,Colmackatreyne, Strabane, and Romolin, for six months fourteen days, beginning the 1 of October, 1600, and ending the 31 of March, 1601, as well for the Captains' entertainments and the lendings of the soldiers, as also for their winter apparel." Total, 7,607l. 7s. pp. 5.

71. iii. "The state of Her Majesty's forces at Lough Foyle in Ireland, as they appeared at the general muster taken the 6 of May, 1601." Total: foot, 1,854; horse, 86. Signed by Captain Covert. p. ½.

71. iv. Sketch map by Ro. Ashby of the country about Lough Foyle, shewing the following places:—Derry, Culmore, Dunalong, Strabane, Lifford, Gargan, Ellaugh, Inch Island, Fane Castle, Colmackatreyne, Birt Castle, and Ramollan. One sheet.

71. v. Sketch of the castle of Birt. p. 1.

May 15. Cork.

72. Meyler [Magrath], Archbishop of Cashel, to Sir Robert Cecil. "I do now perceive by your Honour's long silence in not answering any part of my letters, and not granting my requests, that the untrue information, or rather the false and slanderous accusation sent or made to your Honour of me (as your letter to the Earl of Desmond purported) that your Honour do conceive of me otherwise than I deserved, and by that I find myself of late much decayed, both in credit, profit, and reputation, to which I know not what to say but nihil mihi conscius sum, sed non in hoc justificatus sum ; but this I know, that your Honour shall never find any English or Irish able to prove any just cause against me, whereby I should be stopped or hindered in any of them. And where your Honour did write in the said letter, that I most irreligiously suffered the churches under me to lie like hog-stys, and that I was not so bare left by the wars, but that I might remedy the same, I do confess the churches in the most parts, and within five miles to Dublin itself, to be like hog-stys, or rather worse, yet am not I in fault thereof, but rather the three sorts of people against whom I have no power, namely, the traitors, the papists, and the soldiers; and in this land is hard to find so many as will suffice to build or repair a church, but the said sorts, amongst whom the very best sort the soldiers, although they pull not down the roof and the walls but seldom, yet some of them, in former Governors' time, have taken the vestments, the doors, and the very rotten bones out of monuments, where they lay more than 500 years; yet all the fault of the want and disorder of the church is imputed to me and to others of my sort, who are not obeyed, feared, reverenced, or harboured. And thereby it came to pass that I myself, being named (though unworthy) an Archbishop, was the last Sunday, being the 10th of this May, beaten like a dog by Captain Nuse, within the precinct of mine own broken and burned house at Lismore ; saving, for credit's sake, that instead of a cudgel or a club, I was beaten and struck with pikes [and] halberds, and shot at with bullets, which kind of credit I would rather lose than have; and as poor and as despised as I am, God knoweth that I might within one hour after pay that Captain well home according to his deserts, if it pleased me ; yet I would not, making choice to bear injury rather than to use just revenge, which I have now committed only to the Lord President and Council, before whom the matter now standeth to be redressed. Where if I shall want that measure which should be given for such a fact, I assure your Honour that I will trouble yourself with my presence there (being mine only place of refuge), although, as far as I see, all my endeavours and doings are misconstrued there; in which case I wonder that the Lord President, who is an eye-witness of my daily diligence in Her Majesty's service, do not satisfy your Honour of the truth in my behalf ; which if he omitted to do, his own letters are extant good witnesses, and the truth shall be known in due time; and till then, by the enclosed copy of a declaration by me delivered to the Governor, your Honour shall know the manner of the abuse offered by Captain Nuse, which I beseech your Honour to make known to Sir Walter Ralegh, being committed by his servant, to whose judgment and yours I mean to draw that matter.

"And now, notwithstanding all misinformations, I am boldly to put your Honour in remembrance of your promise concerning the poor stipend of 40s. by the week, allowed to me by yourself in March last was twelvemonth, of which I received no part ever since, although your Honour promised, if the Lord Deputy should deny me, that then your Honour would see me paid from yourself, assuring your Honour, upon my poor credit, that I got not of Her Majesty's money, since I came to Ireland last, as much as spials, messengers, and other instruments about Her Majesty's special service did cost me during that time. And where it is informed to your Honour that I have ability of myself to support my charge, I protest, upon my fidelity, that at this present year, all my revenues, spiritual and temporal, will not make up one hundred merks sterling; and if this be a competent living for a man of my calling and diligence in Her Majesty's service, having neither household nor goods abroad left me by the rebels, let your Honour judge thereof; and to the end that my state should be fully made known to your Honour, I am now seeking a commission to examine and certify what my certainty and profit is by the year, in hope that your [Honour] shall be a mean to supply some part of my want, having still spent more in Her Majesty's service than some of them to whom she giveth 2,000l. by the year.

"And concerning the present state of this province, I know that the same is particularly certified by the Lord President daily, whereby I need not trouble your Honour with the same. But concerning James FitzThomas (fn. 1) I am persuaded that 2049 (fn. 2) and the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 1) have already appointed more means to find him out than the Lord Admiral of England hath for the hunting of the fox, yet the same is not had as yet, although promised daily, such is the favour, power, and strength of the priests (fn. 1) and 2057 amongst us, that when one or other do bargain with me to deliver unto my hands James FitzThomas, (fn. 1) suddenly after, by the enchantments of them and their instruments, they are stopped and put back, and mine intent discovered to my great danger. And yet I will still (God willing) follow that hunting until I get the game, unless I be compelled to flee into England, being hated above all men by the Irish, and not much countenanced or harboured by others, the Irish proverb signifying in Latin, Vce cui solus princeps amicus, being fully verified in me. There are other impediments, whereby the delivery of James FitzThomas (fn. 1) is deferred, because that the promises made first in articles to the Archbishop of Cashel, (fn. 1) by the Lord Admiral (fn. 1) and 2030, (fn. 3) is now altered by proclamations and otherwise; and also because the Archbishop of Cashel have not the 607 to be shewed to the parties that will take the service (fn. 1) in hand, being very doubtful and incredulous that promises shall be kept to them. If these impediments were removed or mended, it were much the better ; and in truth I do know none more earnest about this matter, although many undertakers thereof, saving 2049 (fn. 2) and the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 1) and 851. The rest of the 1080, that were very willing heretofore, are now in the absence of 1078 very slow in it, saying that they know not what good it should work ; therefore I would that 1078 were here, for I do lack him much. For when I do urge that the end of James FitzThomas (fn. 1) shall be the next way to increase the prosperity of James, Earl of Desmond, (fn. 4) they reply that they have less hope of that now than during his being with 2063. By which speeches they shew both their ungratefulness and foolishness, because they esteem nothing but their own private and present commodity, and their love to James, Earl of Desmond (fn. 4) is only when he is able to give them profit; and now they, knowing his disability therein, they forget him; insomuch as I think, if James FitzThomas (fn. 4) would trust them, they were surer to him now than ever before; and for my part, having the bridle of my horse in another man's hand, I ought not to be blamed for not running well; sapienti hæc dico. And unless 1078, who be there now with James, Earl of Desmond, (fn. 4) shall dissemble in the matter, your Honour shall have full knowledge in these cases, and why James, Earl of Desmond, (fn. 4) is not had; which I would Her Majesty and your Honour had known as well as myself [rather] than all my revenues this year."—Cork, 1601, May 15. Signed both with name and cipher. pp. 3.

Encloses:—

72. i. "The manner of my coming, on Sunday, being the 10th of May, 1601, toward Lismore, having with me the Lord Power, with intent to settle his Lordship in the possession of the lands there, for term of years, after concluding with him for that purpose; and how 1 was resisted and abused by Captain Nuse ; thereof followeth in particular.

"First, the said Captain, having the night before at Youghal assembled together a number of soldiers, as well of Captain Sheffield's company as others, travelled them all that night till they came to Lismore, where having placed and left them in sort as an ambush, the next morning did ride toward Dungarvan, and meeting us in the way from thence to Lismore, saluted us in friendly manner, and accordingly was conversant, and in friendly sort returned with us back, making motion unto me to purchase my interest in the said lands, until we came to the town of Lismore. And I knowing not in all this while of the said Captain his pretence or purpose, I and the said Captain entering together into the ruinous walls of the house there, and when I saw some of the soldiers placed upon part of the broken wall, and others following himself as a guard about his body, marvelling of it demanded of him what he meant by drawing of Her Majesty's soldiers from their garrison place thither; who said that he came to defend that possession for himself. Whereupon, having then told him of mine own interest therein, being possessed thereof by virtue of Sir Walter Ralegh's lease passed unto me of the same, and accordingly desired and required him in Her Majesty's name to withdraw his force, and not to interrupt myself in my possession, nor in the purpose I came thither for, which was for the settling of my Lord Power in the possession of the said lands, as ajoresaid, and desired him not to give me occasion or impediment to forego so good a tenant. Who replied that he would not in any respect depart; at which I turned to my Lord Power (then standing by), and desired his Lordship (being a Justice of Peace within that county), the force being in his view, according to law to remove the same. Whereunto my Lord Power said that he would send to the Sheriff to have a jury impannelled, and accordingly to proceed. At which word the said Captain, no sooner hearing the name of a Sheriff, but presently took a pike out of a soldier's hand standing next by him, and with the same lifted his hand, and struck me in my head and shoulders, and presently thereupon made a push or two of the pike at my body, which my Lord Power seeing, with a white wand in his hand commanding the peace, the said Captain made another thrust at him, and thereupon commanded his company to charge upon us, which they did, insomuch as if our horses had not stood by (having recovered them with very great danger), the said Captain would have killed us every one, as he did soon after affirm. Wherewith being not contented, after we were mounted, [he] chased us a great way, still making shot at us, until we came out of their reach, where lighting to stay for some of our company dispersed, and to part with my Lord Power (who was to return homeward), the said Captain sent a message by one Edmund Offloyne, that he was right sorry that I had so good a privy coat as then I wore; and presently thereupon we were ware of nothing, until we saw him and his company suddenly issuing out and coming upon us, still charging and shooting at us, that we had much to do in recovering our horses the second time, and so followed us a great mile, still making shot at us, that it was most miraculous how we did escape the danger. It is since reported from him by [an] agent of good sort, that if he had known my children (then present), that he would for no good forego the shedding of their blood. This being the truth of the manner of that fact wherewith I am so dangerously and slanderously abused, I beseech your Honour and the Council to consider thereof as becometh, and speedily to provide some fit remedy therein, as also in the hindrance I received by losing so good a tenant as my Lord Power, with many others that came before to inhabit that land, of whom the said Captain took a prey the same morning, and who thereby departed their dwellings, and left the land waste. Wherein I crave your Lordship's speedier dispatch, the time requiring haste, as your Honour knoweth." Subscribed and signed:—"Veritatem scripsit Milerus Ar. Casselen." pp. 2.

May 16. Dublin Castle

73. The Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. "This bearer, Mr. Sherwood, is sued at this table by Philip Conran, an Alderman of Dublin, for the sum of 174l., which by both parties is affirmed to be due for wares received by Sherwood to the use of Sir John Norreys, whom lately he served, and hath now no other means left for him to help himself at this present, other than certain warrants to the value of 172l., which belonged to the said Sir John. Sherwood has attended the State, and followed the service, both in Sir John Norreys's time, and ever since under the Earl of Ormonde. Payment of this large sum, being not his own debt, will be even his undoing. Pray that the warrants may be paid to Sherwood, or that Sir John's executors may be ordered to free him from the debt, by paying the same to Conran, or to Sherwood for Conran's use.—Dublin Castle, 1601, May 16. Signed. p. 1.

May 16. Cork.

74. Sir George Carew to the Privy Council. "Immediately after my repair from Limerick to this town, I presently made a despatch, relating unto your Lordships all which had passed from the Earl of Thomond's departure until that present, which packet bare date the third of this month, and also therein an answer of those letters which were brought unto me from your Lordships by Patrick Crosby, into whose hands I delivered the same, but for want of wind hitherto [he] hath been detained in this port. Since which time I have received a letter from your Lordships, bearing date the 28th of April, by the which I receive no small comfort, to hear that my poor endeavours in this province (in themselves unworthy of so great favour) have such good acceptation in the censures of Her Majesty and your Lordships. But whereas it pleaseth you to mention in your letters of one from Her Majesty (to be sent with your Lordships', as I suppose), I have not received any such, whereof I am exceeding sorry, in being deprived of the sight of her royal hand, than the which (but her sacred person) nothing of more comfort can be presented to mine eyes.

"I may not omit to present unto your Lordships all humble thanks for the supplies of munition and victuals, which by your letters are shortly to arrive, as also for the sending of shipping upon this coast, which will assure us from invasion by sea.

" Before the receipt of your Lordships' letters, it was here bruited by the priests that in England there were certain letters counterfeited as sent unto Tyrone out of Spain, and given out to be taken in the ship of Peter Strong of Waterford, whereas (as they report) there was no such matter, but a device in England to distract weak spirits from persevering in the Catholic cause. Wherefore (in my weak opinion) your Lordships (to beat down untruths) have with great judgment sent hither the copies of the said letters, under the testimony of your own hands, which no doubt being well handled will produce good fruit to alien many from this wicked rebellion. For as far as I can judge of the present estate of this kingdom, were it not for the hopes of aid from Spain (whereof in their opinions this summer they shall not fail) the rebellion would instantly die. But if they receive succours of men, money, and munitions, or of money and munitions only, the war will be drawn to a great length, and (contrary to the vulgar opinion) I think that the aid of money and munition (of the two evils) will prove the worst. The only comfort I retain is, that they will be deceived in both, if the relations out of Spain of the King's weakness in each of them be true. The other points of your Lordships' letters (which require an answer) I will forbear your further trouble in them, being ready to obey your commandments.

"Since the third of May (the date of my last letters) in this province hath been no alteration, and the external appearance of continuance in obedience better confirmed, making no doubt, with God's favour, although Tyrone and the Popish clergy do endeavour by all possible means to put new flames in Munster, to keep the same, by any Irish attempts, from general revolt. But to warrant every part of it (having more idle swordmen in it than in any other province of the realm) I dare not adventure, for the return of Teig O'Rourke and Redmond Burke by land, and McMorris by sea, is daily expected, whose coming cannot choose but make disturbance and in the looser sort, that cannot live in a settled government, will breed defection. But as in my former letters, so in this, the list and state of Munster standing as now it doth, I do not esteem of all the malice and practices of the rebels, hoping in God to make them weary of any attempt against the province."—Cork, 1601, May 16. Endorsed:—Received at Greenwich the 7th of June. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

[May 16. Cork.

75. Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. The suit of Alderman Philip Conran at the Council Table in Dublin against Henry Sherwood, sometime secretary to Sir John Norreys and now to the Earl of Ormonde, for the sum of 174l. Begs that the desires expressed by the Lord Deputy and Council in the behalf of Sherwood [see No. 73] may be fulfilled, and the debt answered where it is most properly due. Recommends Sherwood to Sir Robert's favour.—[Cork, 1601, May 16.] Signed. p. 1.

May 19. [Dublin]

76. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. " I will not trouble you with much by this bearer, because Mr. Treasurer tells me he will within these two or three days despatch a servant of his unto you, by whom I shall have occasion to advertise you of more. In the meantime this man having obtained my leave to go over about his own business, I thought good to let you know that I have received your letters by Mr. Treasurer, and resolve very shortly to place Sir Francis Stafford in the Newry. If you think it good, I desire my Lords should take some notice in their public letters of their dislike to Sir Samuel Bagenall, whom if I did not think unfit for the place he holds, I know you would excuse me, and I would desire it, from doing him any wrong. But the commendation I have heretofore given him was for the service I found at my first coming done at that garrison, which at that time in this kingdom was dainty ('dayntye'). But since, I have observed that it was performed by such under him that would have done more if his weakness had not hindered them, and himself to be imperfect for any charge of importance.

"Sir, I have some light that you have conceived that I have not been so forward to farther the fortunes of your friends with my power here, as I have been to others. Believe me, Sir, I am confident to make you know that ever since my coming I have been and shewed myself as willing to pleasure any, whom I did indeed think yours, with any substantial courtesy, as any of my own friends; and if I have not used them with like inward familiarity as others, it hath been their own fault and not mine. And even at my first coming over, my Lord President can witness, whether I did not complain unto him that some of them did too much estrange themselves from me. But, Sir, believe me, I pray you, that I will ever endeavour to go beyond my profession to you of that love you have deserved, and I am resolved to bear you, and so, Sir, I wish you as much happiness as to myself, or else I desire God to send me none."—[Dublin], 1601, May 19. Holograph. Seal. p. 1.

May 19. Dublin.

77. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "I have little to write now, but to advertise your Honour that the Lord Deputy about three days hence meaneth to draw to Dundalk, there to spend time upon those borders, while the season of the year do bring on the great intended journey for Ulster. By his being there, he shall be apt to take opportunities to do service upon the rebels; but chiefly by his presence upon the borders, his Lordship shall better contain the late submittees in obedience, and haply put them into blood against the traitors of Ulster. Besides, he will work the submittees to cut down passes, and make passable the Moyerie, by which hitherto the army hath received most distress. These are the main purposes of his going; other accidents may fall in, which are considered of, but not to be advertised, till some matters secretly projected may shew themselves. And if it be not too much to harass his army before the time of the main journey of Ulster, I think his Lordship will pass some forces to the Newry, and so further northwards, to puzzle Tyrone about Lecale and those borders. But lastly, his Lordship by having the army upon the borders (a matter not looked for of Tyrone) will assuredly astonish that traitor, and haply break some of his greatest designs. I think his Lordship will return to Dublin to answer the time of the general hosting, which is this day proclaimed, to begin the last of June next. And in the meanwhile he hath left to the Council the care of all preparations to answer the expedition of Ulster against the time.

" Touching such directions as Mr. Treasurer brought, I forbear to write anything, for that the matters of that despatch are but now in deliberation, and have not had time to sort to resolution. Only by the Lord Deputy's commandment, he and I have this day given order to have 2[00] or 300 proclamations printed, to the end they may be ready to be published, when the several bulks of money shall be settled in their due places to answer the exchange, and afterwards to be issued according the time limited in the proclamation. I dare not prophesy of the good or ill success of these new coins, for that all sudden and new alterations run no small hazard, when they are to pass through the hands of many contentious spirits, who in their envy will not stick to raise slight oppositions at the first. But after, when the project shall be rightly apprehended, and the distribution of the money made by well-chosen officers, I see not (for my part) but it will be gladsomely received, both of the army and the subjects; only the first plantation may find some difficulties, but they can be of no continuance."—Dublin, 1601, May 19. Endorsed:—Received at Greenwich 7 Junii. Signed. Seal. pp. 1½.

[May 19.]

78. Sir Geffrey Fenton [to Sir Robert Cecil]. Warmly thanks Sir Robert for the 100l. procured by his means. "Received in one year more comfort in my poor estate, than in twenty-two years that I have spent my health in the toilsome services of this wretched land." His devotion to Sir Robert.

" Tyrone is gathering all the forces he can to resist the invasion of Ulster, but, if we be not interrupted by Spain, I hope this summer's work will either make a final end of him, or at least so weaken him, that he will never be able to bear up head again. Many of his principal confederates are prepared in heart to forsake him, when they shall see the army strong in Ulster. It is a real invasion that will either cut him off or expel him, and I hope this summer is the time prefixed by God to perfect that work."—[1601, May 19.] Without date or signature, but in the handwriting of Sir Geffrey Fenton. p. 1.

May 20. Dublin.

79. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy and Council to the Privy Council. "We have little to advertise by this despatch, other than that, since the arriving of me, the Treasurer, being six days past, we have conferred together touching the settling of the new monies, to the which we have had no time to give other beginning, than, upon view of Her Majesty's proclamation, to give order for 2[00] or 300 of them to be printed, to answer the several parts of the realm, to the end that all the subjects may take full notice of Her Majesty's most princely purpose concerning those coins. And in the meanwhile I the Treasurer am in hand to divide the monies that I brought with me, some to Lough Foyle, some to Knockfergus, and some for Munster, to be laid in those places as a bulk, to be issued when the other proportion shall come out of England, and then all to be ready for distribution after the proclamation shall be published, and a time limited for decrying of all other monies, which we think will be either fourteen or twenty days at the furthest, after the divulging of the proclamation. Touching some other points of the directions, which I, the Treasurer, brought, your Lordships by our next shall have a more ample certificate, and yet in the meantime we have given order to take the Clerk of the First Fruits accounts, and are now to pass commission to call the undertakers' deputies to yield their reckoning for their disbursements and other matters incident to their charge, which had been long before performed, if they had been ready to exhibit their books.

"We have this day, upon an assembly of grand council, agreed upon a general hosting for this year, to begin the last of June next; and in the meanwhile I, the Deputy, will draw to Dundalk, to occupy the time upon the northern borders, while the general hosting shall be preparing, there to be at hand, to apply occasions and opportunities for Her Majesty's service, and specially by my presence to press the late submittees to attempt service upon the Archtraitor and his confederates, and to put them in blood one against another, if I can. Towards the time of the general hosting (if other greater occasions of the Ulster service shall not stay me), I mean to be back again at Dublin, having now left order with the Council to put in readiness all preparations for that great action, so as no time may be pretermitted to set upon the Archtraitor at his own doors, when we shall be fitted for it. Wherein we humbly desire your Lordships to expedite with all possible speed the victuals and munitions that are to come from thence, for the which your Lordships have there with you two special solicitors, Newcomen and Allen, whom it may please your Lordships to dispatch away with the several proportions committed to their charge, which if they be here to answer the time, we hope your Lordships shall hear of some honourable service attempted in Ulster; at least there shall be no time lost by us, which is all that for the present we have to trouble your Lordships withal, for that, by our next letters, we shall have occasion to write more at large, and particularly of Sir Henry Dockwra's project for Ballyshannon, which yet we have seen no cause to disallow; the rather for that he, being near the place, doth see at eye, and is best able to judge of the probability of that plot."—Dublin, 1601, May 20. [Postscript.] "If your Lordships think that you shall not be able to answer us with the provisions for Ballyshannon in due time, then I, the Deputy, must think of another plot to carry the army against Tyrone, and to set upon him some other way, of which I would be glad to have some understanding from your Lordships, whether those provisions will answer us, or not answer us, in due time." Endorsed:—Received at Greenwich 7 Junii. Signed. pp. 1½.

May 20.

80. Sir Theobald Dillon to Sir Robert Cecil. "This bearer, Captain Yelverton, repairing thither, being one most willing in my own knowledge to venture his life for your Honour, and in furthering Her Majesty's service, he hath been this many years following the wars, well known to me, and often in my own sight discharged the part of a valiant gentleman. He lost both his brothers, all his goods, and himself banished from his house and dwelling, as myself and others are to our great hindrance. Such a Captain as he is for many causes in my opinion were more fitter for the service here than many others. I had a desire to have seen Her Majesty and your Honour, but that my Lord Deputy would not license me as yet, saying I may not be spared from the service ; my charge being but one company of foot continually employed. If mine advice, willingness, or experience, be to any purpose for the furtherance of Her Highness['s] service, I would I were better enabled thereunto than the meanest Captain in the kingdom, considering how long I have served without charge to Her Majesty, well known to Sir William Russell during his government here, and to many others, and that I am also banished from my living in Connaught, and my houses razed, and all the goods that I and mine had taken by the rebels, and that Tyrone in person came where I now dwell, and for not hearkening to his traitor [ou] s offers, burnt, preyed, and spoiled not only myself, but all such as depended upon me, well known to this bearer and to all the realm of Ireland, and sent commandment publicly to O'Rourke, and gave the like to Tyrrell, the Omalaughlins, and the McGeoghans and all the rest, to apply me and mine, which they did often with the greatest fury they could, in killing, burning, and spoiling, as well by night as by day, until they left nothing but bare castles. God be praised, they are not much the better. Now many of the doers thereof do submit themselves, only for very want, and for no desire they have to do Her Majesty service, whereof I am well assured. I would, seeing my fortune is such, that neither the will and desire I have, and the continual travail and pains I take here, according my bounden duty unto Her Majesty, do not deserve to [be] better enabled for the furtherance of Her Highness ['s] service in this unhappy country, that it would please your Honour to employ me in Her Highness ['s] service anywhere else in the world, protesting I think no man of my sort living that hath a greater desire to venture life and living in the service of her most gracious sacred Majesty than I am, wishing that by your Honour's good means I may be so employed in some service for a time, that I may make manifest the same, which is the only desire I have. I humbly beseech your Honour that I may be licensed by Her Majesty to go see Her Highness, and in the meantime that your Honour, as already you have done, write to my Lord Deputy to respect me with some extraordinary favour, or else, if it may please your Honour, that I may have it from thence, to the end that mine enemies may see that I am remembered and respected.

"I hope by Michaelmas, if the castle of Ballyshannon be gotten into Her Majesty's hands, these troubles will be ended; then God grant that good courses may be held for the continuance thereof. Though the wars of this country be ended, as there is no doubt thereof, yet is it no place for me ever to dwell amongst them, unless I shall be able ever to make my party good against these rebels, whose ancestors were never true to Her Highness ['s] most sacred Majesty nor to her ancestors, being now come hither with one that I took coming out of the north from the traitor Tyrrell to his wife and friends in Leinster, to encourage them, and to let them know that he will be with them himself five days hence, and that eight of his company were taken in their passing to the north lately by my son-in-law, and executed at Mullingar; amongst whom there was one Shane O'Reilly, which doth greatly grieve him.

"I understand that Cowley, the suitor, is troubled for the money which I appointed him to pay at my last being with your Honour, beseeching your Honour to be a mean that he may receive so much as is due to me by Her Majesty, for the discharge of my credit."—Dublin, 1601, May 20. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

May 20. Cork.

81. [Meyler Magrath, Archbishop of Cashel], to Sir Robert Cecil. "I am given to understand that it was reported to your Honour and others there, that I have precisely and generally sworn that I never did or shall do by word or writing any act or acts in derogation of the credit and profit of The Earl of Ormonde. (fn. 5) The manner and truth of that oath, as it passed betwixt the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 5) and the Earl of Ormonde, (fn. 5) was thus. A general report was given out through 276 (? Munster) that the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 6) hath combined with 1102 (fn. 7) in making and exhibiting books of articles and defamations in England (fn. 6) against the Earl of Ormonde, (fn. 6) whereby it was given out that the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 6) was not like to live long in that country, and by reason thereof divers of both sides did advise the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 6) to signify the truth therein, rather than to be subject to the dangers that might follow. And thereupon the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 6) made a corporal oath before good witnesses that he was never privy nor aider of that book, or the like, either to 1102 (fn. 7) or any other ; which oath is most true. And thereupon the Earl of Ormonde (fn. 6) and the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 6) have promised to continue friends during each party [h]is loyalty. And whatsoever more than as aforesaid is reported or certified concerning that matter, it is a flat lie (as the Lord liveth) and subornation, whosoever saith the contrary, and the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 6) is ready in every respect to prove, either in England (fn. 6) or Ireland (fn. 6) praying therefore 2030 (Sir Robert Cecil) not to think otherwise of the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 6) than too zealous and constant in all his actions, and so to continue till the end, and in the same."— Cork, 1601, May 20.

[Postscript.] "The daily expectation of the end of James FitzThomas (fn. 6) is the only stay of the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 6) from England * and being there shall prove the premises. And in the meantime 2030 (Sir Robert Cecil) may consider why that which was reported of the Archbishop of Cashel (fn. 6) was not had under his own hand, being so publicly done, as well as under others, being by their report a voluntary act, &c."(sic). Unsigned. p. 1.

May 20. Dublin.

82. Proclamation concerning the new moneys for Ireland.—Dublin, 1601, May 20. " Printed by John Francke at the Bridgefoot." One sheet.

[May 20.]

83. Abstract of the foregoing proclamation.—1601, [May 20]. The month has been erroneously set down as June. p. 1.

[May 20.]

84. Memorandum concerning the new coinage.

"The fifteenth of May, the Lord Deputy received by the hands of of Sir George Carey, Treasurer at Wars, a proclamation (signed by the Queen) to be published, for making the new standard of mixed moneys to be only current in this kingdom, all other coins being to be brought to the Treasurer ; and likewise a letter from the Queen, requiring the Lord Deputy and Council to further the due execution of the contents of this proclamation, and by some plausible graces done in general to the subject (in the establishing an exchange of this coin into sterling money of England, and taking away the impositions of sea coal transported into Ireland, and in particular to the Captains of the army, in allowing their dead pays in money, after the rate of 8d. per diem, and some like favours), inviting, &c. (sic).

"The twentieth of May, the Lord Deputy advertised the Lords in England that they had given order to print 300 proclamations for the new coin, to be published through all parts of Ireland at one time."—1601, [May 20]. p. ½.

May 20. Fort in Leix.

85. Sir Francis Rush to Sir Robert Cecil. Excuses himself for never writing to Sir Robert. His poor and private command can yield little matter worthy attention. Encloses a particular (wanting) of the state of Queen's County. Expresses his devotion to Sir Robert, and craves his patronage.—Fort in Leix (Maryborough), May 20. Endorsed:—1601. Holograph, p. 1.

May 20. Dublin.

86. Sir George Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. "Upon my now arrival, I delivered your H. . . . . . . . (fn. 8) to my Lord Deputy, who accepted of th. . . . . . . . kindly. I did assure his Lordship of your Ho. . . . . . love towards him, which was very. . . . . . unto him, and his Lordship with many vows. . . . . . . did assure me of his love and affec[tion] to your Honour, on whom he would rely. . . . . . make his chiefest dependency. If I. . . . . . believe a Christian, he is wholly yours assure [dly], and ready to deserve those good favours that your Honour shall do to Her Majesty in his behalf.

"His Lordship, being now furnished of all things necessary, which he wanted before my coming, is ready to depart this town, and intendeth to draw down the army unto the borders of Tyrone, and there to be doing of something, as occasion shall be offered, until he begin the northern journey, for the which the general hosting is now agreed on. His Lordship approaching to the borders will occasion the Traitor to keep his forces togethers (sic) which will spend and weaken him very much; and by his lying there he will the better assure Tirlogh McHenry and the rest unto Her Majesty, by enforcing them to draw blood on their neighbours. I signified unto his Lordship that it was greatly expected in England, both of Her Majesty and Council, that the Archtraitor's head should not so long stand on his shoulders. His Lordship is not negligent therein, and hath good hope to effect the same, for he hath laid two or three plots for the doing thereof.

"Sithence my coming over, there wa. . . . . . . Hamilton of this town who brou [ght]. . . . . . Lordship a letter from one that lately cam[e] . . . . . Scotland, who by contrary winds . . . . . . . into Beaumaris, and there stayed . . . . . . . . . . . the party that sent the letter was un . . . . . . . . unto his Lordship, and his Lordship, suspicious to receive any letters that came out of Scotland, being in jealousy what they might import, sent the said letter unto me by his secretary, fast sealed as his Lordship first received the same, with request that I would open the letter. The letter I opened, and examined the party that brought the letter, all which I send your Honour hereinclosed. Sithence which time the party himself is arrived, and in my presence delivered unto my Lord Deputy a packet from your Honour, wherein was a letter to his Lordship from the Earl [of] Argyle. These things being made known to the Council here, I suppose his Lordship will acquaint your Honour therewith, and with his answer to the Earl.

"I desire that the rest of the new moneys may be sent into Minister with all speed, for, if that were there, we would then put forth Her Majesty's proclamation, and begin to issue the same. I hope in God it will be for Her Majesty's good service. I have now sent in Her Highness ['s] ship, the Tremantayne, to Lough Foyle twelve thousand two hundred and fifty pounds of these new moneys, and five thousand two hundred [and] fifty pounds to Knockfergus, that the same may be in a readiness. —Dublin, 1601, May 21.

[Postscript.] "The Dean of Limerick continueth still in the list of the preachers. His entertainment shall be paid, for my Lord Deputy hath promised not to displace him, or check him in respect of his absence."Asks that Mr. Lake may be remembered with some recompense for his travail in the matter of the exchange. Endorsed:—Received at Greenwich, 7 Junii. Holograph. pp. 2½.

Encloses:—

86. i. "Richard Gile, of Hilbree, master and owner of a barque called the Harry of Hilbree, saith that being at Chester about the ninth of May, to receive some loading for his barque, being then bound for Dublin, there came one unto him with a letter, directed to one Robert Hamilton of Dublin, and desired the said Richard Gile to deliver the letter accordingly. But who it was that delivered him the letter, or what manner of man he was, the said Richard Gile knoweth not. But the letter he delivered at his coming to Dublin. And Robert Hamilton confesseth the receipt of the said letter and saith that in opening of the said letter he found therein enclosed a letter to the Lord Deputy, which he delivered unto his Lordship in the presence of Mr. Cook, his Lordship's secretary, Sir Henry Davers, Sir Henry Folliott, and others."—1601, May 18. In the handwriting of Sir George Carey, and signed by him. p. 1.

86. ii. "George Askinson (sic), of Scotland,"to Robert Hamilton ("Hambleton"). Requesting him to deliver a letter to the Lord Deputy of Ireland.—Beaumaris, 1601, May 9. Addressed to Hamilton "at his house in Dublin, near the Merchants' Quay. "Endorsed:—"Delivered by Richard Gile, of Hilbree. "Holograph. p. ½.

86. iii. George Erskine (""Areskyn") to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. "I was directed from Scotland by my master, the Earl of Argyle, with letters to your Lordship and to O'Donnell, if so it might seem meet to be delivered unto him. I had some particular credit from his Lordship to have imparted unto your Honour, but a violent tempest hath carried me hither into Wales, where I am made prisoner, and my letters taken from me, and direct[ed]to London. I had but three ; two from my master to your Lordship and O'Donnell, with commandment to be ruled in that letter of O'Donnell's by your Lordship's advice and direction. The third was from some Englishman, direct [ed] to your Lordship's page from some of his parents, which contains no matter of importance, except fatherly love to his child, and regret for his own trouble, which is by reason of some enmity that has happened with some warden or commander on the border, and by reason of the same to have fled into Scotland ; desiring his son, if it might seem to himself expedient, that he should visit him with letters or presents.

"The credit of my letter to your Lordship was to lay a course against Her Majesty's rebels there, who are to make alliance with Sir James McConnell, my master his greatest enemy. But because this matter would take a longer time, your Lordship shall understand them either by me, or some other direct[ed] by my master to that effect."—Beaumaris, 1601, April 30.

[Postscript.] "It may please your Honour to excuse my boldness; although my acquaintance be little, my business has forced me to do this.

"I am very uncourteously used here by the Mayor of this town, who would not. convey my letters with his own to London, to Mr. Secretary. For this aforenoon I have understood that some malicious persons have traduced me here, giving me out for a seminary, or some man that would have killed the King of Scotland. Means [were] found out by Captain Bethel, of Tradaff, to linger me in these parts, seeing 1 could have complained, for his robbery done (as I am informed) upon some of our people, unto your Honour. He has been reset and entertained in this town fourteen days. I pray your Lordship signify this to Mr. Secretary, for all means are closed whereby I may do the same. "Holograph. pp. 1½.

May 21. Dublin.

87. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy and Council to the Earl of Argyle. "Although by some course taken by the Mayor of Beaumaris, not being able to distinguish of the safety or peril to suffer such a one to pass as your Lordship's servant arriving in that place in such sort as he did, there hath fallen out some interruption to the service you gave him in charge, yet out of the confidence Her Majesty hath of the good affection the King, and consequently your Lordship, doth bear to the prosperity of her just and royal proceedings both here and elsewhere, I found her graciously inclined that, according to your desire, this bearer should have leave and the best safety I could give him to confer with O'Donnell, and to that purpose have given him a safe conduct to pass in such sort as he shall advise to be best for his own safety. But as we presume upon just cause that your Lordship will entertain no correspondency with him, but sorting to the good, or at the least not against the good, of her estate, so we are the rather induced to desire you that you will authorise whomsoever you shall employ in this negotiation to communicate the effect thereof upon his return with me and Her Majesty's Council here, that we may the better concur with your Lordship in the end we presume your Lordship doth propound unto yourself in this business."—1601, May 21. Copy. p. 1.

May 21. Dublin.

88. Safe-conduct given by the Lord Deputy to George Erskine, servant of the Earl of Argyle, to pass to O'Donnell and to return.—Dublin, 1601, May 21. Copy. p. 1.

May 22. Rhudlan in Wales.

89. Captain Edward Fisher to Sir Robert Cecil. "It pleased my Lord Deputy and Council to commit to my charge, to be safely brought to your Honour, one Udall, who [m] Sir Richard Wingfield, and others chiefly depending upon your honourable favour, entreated me to be exceeding careful of, for that his sending over chiefly concerned your Honour's safety, which the rather I will with all respect and duty perform. This Udall, being fearful of his not coming for England after a resolution to the contrary, wrote this letter unto me, which hereinclosed (wanting) I send to your Honour. Whereby you may perceive of what importance his discovery seemeth to be, and how he urged me for the same. The packet with which this letter goeth Sir Geffrey Fenton gave me direction that presently after my landing I should send before me to your Honour ; another packet I have from the Lord Deputy and Council, which with myself I will bring to your Honour; all which I thought my duty to acquaint your Honour withal before."—Rhudlan in Wales, 1601, May 22. Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil:—"Captain Fisher to me." Signed. Seal. p. 1.

May 21.

June 1. Madrid.

90. John Trehar to Thomas Honeyman, "merchant in London." "The other day I sent you a letter, showing how that I was safely arrived to Madrid, and from thence had determined to have gone for Seville, but by reason of the great plague, there is no passing to nor fro. There dies every day, as it is reported, three hundred. Those great and little crucifixes, which I left order with you to be sent me, you shall not need send them, until you hear farther from me. I have of late heard that there are some fifteen pictures of Our Lady del Antigua in a ship at St. Mary Port, with twenty-four crucifixes of the greatest sort; and as yet I cannot learn of any other, neither any probability is there any other as yet. I have sent to Lisbon to understand whether any crucifixes be arrived there for me, but I cannot learn of any; news of importance we have none. The King and the Queen are in good health, thanks be to God. Now of late the King hath taken a note of all plate in Spain, as well in churches as in every private house, and it is imagined that he minds to take the third part thereof. The which is as it is only surmised ; but, howsoever it be, I doubt not but it will be all for advancement of the Catholic religion."—Madrid, 1601, June 1 [May 2/June 1]. Copy. p. 1.

This letter is evidently in cipher, at least partly. In the margin is written, "15 galleys, 24 great ships," as interpretation of the 15 pictures and 24 crucifixes. The copy is headed, "Jesus in St. Jean de Luz, 30th June, anno 1601," which has given rise to the erroneous date in the endorsement. This, however, was probably intended by Sir Robert Cecil as the date of receipt. Seville, also, is put by another hand as the place of writina.

May 23. Drogheda.

91. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir George Carey. "I send you hereinclosed Sir Arthur Chichester's letter and demands for money and necessaries for the building of certain boats. I assure myself they will very much further the service, and therefore mean presently to write unto him to make up so many as he shall think fit, and pray you very earnestly to furnish him with money and such other things as he writes for, and dispatch them with all speed possible; for I doubt not but he will be able to do great matters, if he may have help in time as he desireth. I know your readiness and care, yet cannot but recommend the same unto you ; and that you will also take some speedy course to have them victualled, seeing their store is spent, as he allegeth, and without more the service will be hindered. I will dispatch letters to him forthwith from Carlingford, and let him know that he shall have all those things from you that he lacketh.

"I pray you acquaint the rest of the Council there with my desire that Neale O'Quin may be sent to me speedily to Dundalk, and take some course to have him brought safely thither for some special occasions of the service."—Drogheda, 1601, May 23. [Postscript.] "In these matters for the boats and such like, we must not be sparing of the Queen's purse, for then we shall overthrow the service. This gentleman is to be respected, and his endeavours, for they are likely to prove of great consequence. Farewell, good Mr. Treasurer, and God send us a happy meeting, and me to do Her Majesty some good service in the meantime. I pray send me Sir Arthur's letter back, when you have read it." Copy. p. 1.

Encloses:—

91. i. Sir Arthur Chichester to the Lord Deputy Mountjoy. "I would more often give you notice of the success and estate of these parts, but no means is afforded me of conveyance of my letters, but such as I press of purpose, or force against their wills. Since my last letters written in April, Henry O'Hagan is dead, and I have spoken with Randall, whose demands I have set down in paper hereinclosed (wanting), and have given him a protection until your Lordship's pleasure made known unto me, and for 48 hours after, if I must make war upon him. Which I granted to him the sooner for killing Tyrone's men, though I know he did it not willingly, but, being in company with his mortal adversaries, he was slain by a good slane (sic) after he was in hand. And I understand by letters from Mr. Nicholson, lieger in Scotland, that Randall preferred a petition to Her Majesty by the Earl of Mar, the King's ambassador now in England: in which suit the King (as he writes) will undertake for his and brothers' honest carriage towards the Queen and her proceedings. And I cannot say but Randall hath carried himself true of his word since I first dealt with him; but I know his demands are greater than his hopes, for much of those lands belong to the McQuillins, who have all these wars served honestly among us; and in granting patents for lands I hope your Lordship will think well of that business of import, for one journey northward will make them hearken unto more reasonable terms than they make show of, and, if they be well curbed, they will be unfit for rebellion of long time. I dare not wade too far in these matters. Your Lordship hath better counsel about you, but my knowledge of these parts, and zeal to your Honour, makes me say something, and I may truly write, I find few men in these parts worthy of what they demand, or [of] what would have been theirs, had they carried themselves for the Queen's service. But now all is the Queen's, and your Lordship may give and shorten their demands as best pleaseth you, who I know will do nothing but justice and favour.

"Tyrone doth so relieve his nephew, Brian McArt, with supplies of men, and he keeps himself so within the fastnadge of Killultagh and Kilwarnan, that I cannot harm him as I desire. The force[s] I have are 550 foot and 125 horse. We are weak in good and able of both sorts, though I patch up the number, more for terror to the enemy than service, which lies upon the hands and hazards of a few. In my last letters I acquainted your Lordship with the helps I had, since which time Captain Jephson is fallen very sick, and I see our endeavours take so good success, that I am loath to be idle, and I take more in hand than I can keep, if your Lordship supplies us not in season.

"I have launched the great boat, and have twice visited Tyrone with her, and oftener with lesser [boats]. We have killed, burnt, and spoiled all along the Lough within four miles of Dungannon, from whence she returned hither yesterday; in which journeys we have killed above100 people of all sorts, besides such as were burnt, how many I know not. We spare none of what quality or sex soever, and it hath bred much terror in the people, who heard not a drum, nor saw not a fire there of long time. The last service was upon Patrick O'Quin, whose house and town was burnt, wife, son, children and people slain, himself (as is now reported unto me) dead of a hurt received in flying from his house, and other gentlemen which received blows in following us in our return to the boat; and Tyrone himself lay within a mile of this place, but kept himself safe, sending 100 shot to know the matter, which he seemed to marvel at. He keeps some sconces upon that side. We can carry in our boats and cots some sixty men to fight, and I would endeavour the making of more boats if I had money to pay workmen or content spies, guides, and such necessary employments. What I give is in victuals, and what we have more than the store affords us, we must fight for. I beseech your Lordship to supply our wants of men, money, victuals, tools, and other necessaries; otherwise we shall fall into decay very shortly, and withdraw our men from the places I have now lodged them in, and fittest to answer the services upon Tyrone of any in these northern parts.

"If your Lordship make a journey hitherwards in season, you shall find a wonderful alteration. He is weak in men, weak in opinion; every catching knave is desirous to serve upon him. It is lately that one of the Clandonnell's is gone out against him with 100 shot, and keeps himself in the middle of his country, doing harm upon him daily. More would follow, if they saw any succours near them. I would have been this day at Toome, but news came yesternight unto me that the Traitor was drawn thither, minding to give upon this country in revenge of his burnings; but some spies lately come unto me assure it that he is near the Blackwater, attending your Lordship coming upon him, and God grant it be so ; and you shall find no great resisting I hope. By God's grace, I will thither to-morrow, and I shall either force their hold, or place one of our own, which I shall well supply hence with the boats. Our greatest impediment is carriage overland, and will be victuals, if you supply us not. For the contractors have written out of England that we are not contracted for. Three or four great ships are passed by to Lough Foyle, laden with victuals, and we have furnished them with most of it we had in our store, but fish, which is ill furnishment for these places, where we have not a kettle to seethe them, and most of the fishes will be in pieces before it comes unto us. I have sent the contractors' servants' letters this day written unto me from Knockfergus, so that if men be sent, victuals must needs be sent with them. If neither of them both come, we shall be driven to withdraw to the town and take from the country, which forbearance hath brought into reasonable show of honesty.

"We are in as great want of clothes as of money, and of them both more than ever I formerly saw in the Queen's wars. I can hardly keep our men in discipline, they so exclaim for those dejects, and it is not reasonable to inflict punishment, where dues are so long withholden; their daily employment, some killing, and a little booty puts them out of minding of these wants many times. I beseech your Lordship to think of us, for I find we are not much thought of elsewhere, and we will do you very honest service, and give your Lordship good testimony thereof, if you come into these parts. May it please you to answer Randall's business, if you send me more men; and you please I will bring him to very indifferent terms shortly. He promised to write unto your Lordship by a messenger of his own, and to set down what was contained in his petition to the Queen's Majesty. But that matters not much, for I have acquainted you with the whole, and will do him with your Lordship's pleasure.

"This matter of entertainment of Irish doth little good; they keep never a man the more for it. Shane McBrian hath had it these five months, and I could never draw them together, but a few loose fellows with much trouble, which hath made me to divide the entertainment betwixt them and Neill McHugh (who hath lately gotten more men), as I have done the country, until your Lordship order a better agreement betwixt them. And I desire that this may stand with your Lordship's good favour, for it is done with both their assents, and it breeds much quiet to the country; and, if your Lordship please to hang them both, you shall have cause enough against them, notwithstanding my endeavours to make them honest. I might well propound for more boats and greater numbers of men, for I know how to do good service with them, but I know not how your Lordship can supply me, and I am loath to be a greater craver than a doer. In these and my former demands sent by my man, I humbly desire your Lordship's answer, and I will follow your directions very respectively."—Massereene, 1601, May 14. Copy, pp. 5½.

May 24. Cork.

92. John Meade, Mayor of Cork, to Sir Robert Cecil, Prays that the Corporation may be eased of the charge for the diet of horsemen. Formerly it was charged upon the country. The rate is 16d. sterling for the horseman and 5d. sterling for the boy. The repayment is by ticket, and for but 9d. sterling. "Her Majesty's treasures be without bottom, as the citizens have ever found by experience." The prevailing scarcity.—Cork, 1601, May 24.

[Postscript.] "It may also please your Honour to remember that, among other the Lords' resolutions, it was set down that soldiers offending other subjects, or committing felonies, robberies, or like misdemeanours, or being indebted, should be tried and their causes decided by course of common law, and not by any martial proceeding. I beseech your Honour to put my Lord President in mind that we may enjoy the full benefit thereof, for the captains and soldiers do greatly endeavour to take another course." Signed. p. 1.

May 25. Dublin.

93. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. "The Lord Deputy is now drawn to Dundalk, where he shall want the service of some captains that are at Court, and particularly of Sir Francis Shane; for that his Lordship, attending the borders of Ulster with some part of the army, is to make distribution of the residue to other places of the frontiers, to stop the incursions of Tyrrell into Westmeath, where, by reason of Sir Francis Shane's absence, all those westernly parts of the borders are like to be distressed, for that there are few others that can or will take care to defend the subjects in those quarters. And it is not meet that any captain or commander should be suffered to be from his charge at this time, when both the Lord Deputy is abroad in person, and the service is like to grow hot in all places. It may please your Honour, therefore, to dismiss all those that are attendant at the court, and particularly Sir Francis Shane, to the end that every one in his charge might be ready to do that in the public service, for the which they receive Her Majesty's wages. But in this I humbly beseech your Honour that I may be secreted better than I have been, for that of late I have been taxed to be an informer against the absence of Captains, wherein some copies of my letters have been returned hither, and my doings therein have been made matter of imputation against me, to my no small discouragement, though in that kind of my advertisements I have written truly, and as becometh a faithful servant to Her Majesty."—Dublin, 1601, May 25. [Postscript.] Sent away immediately to Dundalk a packet, addressed by Sir Robert to the Lord Deputy, brought by the post-barque to-day. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

May 25. Dublin.

94. Sir Geffrey Fenton to Sir Robert Cecil. Apologizes for troubling Sir Robert with a letter of recommendation, but makes bold to write on behalf of "this bearer, Captain Hansard, a man of great sufficiency in his profession, and of so good rule and government of his soldiers, as, being a Commissioner in the grievances between the country and the army, I have not heard so much as one complaint against him, which is rare, and without example in others. And in truth such as he is should be leaders of men in Ireland, who knoweth what belongeth to discipline, and will not suffer the rules thereof to be corrupted. Besides he hath a very good insight in fortifications, and so qualified otherwise in the knowledge of wars, as he may be a leader of greater numbers than of 100 men. For my part, I have not found many of his capacity and gifts in his profession, and the same accompanied with a feeling mind of the miseries of the country."Recommends Captain Hansard also for the "wounds of his body, which will be a perpetual maim to him."—Dublin, 1601, May 25. Signed. Seal. p. 1.

May 25. Chester.

95. Jonathan Field to Sir Robert Cecil. Apologizes for not going to see Sir Robert before his departure from London. Was anxious to get to Chester before the time limited: even so other men have anticipated him in his purpose of service there. For, arriving but one day after my prefixed time, I found things done that I, without causing new work to the Commissioners, could not enter into. For this cause, but especially for the wind's sake, which is like to be fair, I have deferred my certificate till I come on land at our garrison." Meantime, for the state of the forces, he refers to the report of the Mayor and Captain Vaughan. Of their 830 men, under 50 were missing. If the wind prove fair, they purpose to put to sea next morning. Desires the good opinion of Sir Robert.—Chester, 1601, May 25. Holograph, p. 1.

May 26. Chester.

96. Captain John Vaughan to Sir Robert Cecil. Concerning the mustering of the forces at Chester. Mr. Field did not arrive until the 21st of May. Most of the forces had been mustered before he came, and the Town Clerk acted as a Commissary. If Mr. Field has not time to certify before the forces depart of the muster taken yesterday on board, it shall be done from Lough Foyle. Has taken great pains in this service. Desires to dwell in Sir Robert's favour.—Chester, 1601, May 26. Holograph. Seal. p. 1.

May 28. Cork.

97. Sir George Carew to the Privy Council. Has received Her Majesty's letter, which has multiplied his comfort. Will take the uttermost care to see that the contents of the letter are performed. Sends by the bearer, Patrick Crosby, three letters of the 1st, 2nd, and 16th of May (wanting). Easterly winds have prevented their despatch hitherto. These letters contain the relation of two whole months. "This province remaineth (as before) without any alteration, rather yielding hopes of more assurance in conformity than to the contrary. How narrowly I have many times missed the taking of James Fitz Thomas, because I missed him, I will not trouble your Lordships with long and needful discourses. But my hope is, ere it be long, to make you a better account of him." The necessity for the victuals to be more proportionably sent to the magazines. There is no want in the quantity. The last supply of treasure, which arrived in April, is already disbursed, "so as to answer any sudden occasion (more than out of my own credit I shall be able to supply) I know not what shift to make." Prays their Lordships to consider this.

"Together with Her Majesty's letters I received the copy of the proclamation intended to be published for the calling down of the moneys now current in this kingdom, and for the establishing of the new coin to be sent; wherein your Lordships (to my understanding) have proceeded with so great judgment, as no good subject can mislike thereof, and those which are worst affected cannot justly find cause to grudge at it." Doubts not "but to give so full satisfaction to every one, as that the new coin shall have good acceptance. The men that will most repine at this good establishment are the merchants, who, not regarding the public good (in respect of particular gain which hitherto they have made by embezzling the sterling coin sent out of England into foreign kingdoms, for which no other return was made but such commodities as is most vendible to the rebels) will do what they may to discredit the same. But the country being satisfied, their repining harms not; for, as they are in their own natures backward evermore in their duty, so are they in quality weak, and unable to disturb the State."

The provant clothes arrived in Cork about the 18th of May. The satisfaction given by them. "What hath prospered well in Munster must be wholly attributed unto your Lordship's provident regard of the same."—Cork, 1601, May 28. Endorsed:—Received at Greenwich 7 Junii. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

May 28. Drumconragh.

98. Sir William Warren to Sir Robert Cecil. The favour shewn him by Sir Robert, in obtaining for him the reversion of his brother's land and in his suit for the government of Carrickfergus. Expresses his devotion to Sir Robert.

"I was by your Honour's direction a suitor to the Earl of Essex for his favour for the government of Carrickfergus, he then having his dispatch for Ireland. Wherein I prevailed to my cost, although no profit to him, and yet never received the benefit of my desire. His behaviour was very well perceived here, if man durst have either spoken or written of it. His greatness was such, he was called here the Earl of Excess, which name he well deserved. For, if the wealth of England and Spain had been put into his hands, he would have consumed it winning towns and towers in the air, promising much and performing nothing. I protest to Almighty God, I would not have lost the least part of your love for his entirest affection."

Will make known his griefs to Sir Robert, having no other succour to fly unto. Has served these twenty years as a Captain, having raised 100 foot and 50 horse at his own charges. Of late it hath pleased the Lord Deputy to take away 25 of his horsemen, and to give them to another. Is left altogether without any employment or preferment in the service. Is able many ways, if he were employed, to do better service than divers that have great commands. "I am informed that it is by direction out of England that I am kept back from any advancement, which grieveth me the more, considering that I have ever carried myself like an honest subject in Her Majesty's service, my father having lost his life in her service, and myself and seven of my brothers serving of her ever since we were able to carry weapon."

Desires that the Lord Deputy may be directed to employ him "as my ability and long continuance hath and can deserve," and to give him 25 of Captain Dawtray's horsemen, Dawtrey being dead. "I do hear that Tyrone will fain come in, and will offer very good terms and dutiful."— Drumconragh, 1601, May 28. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

May 29. Kilmeheny.

99. Ed[mund Fitz] Gibbon, the White Knight of Minister, to Sir George Carew. "Being not unmindful of the great charge your Lordship gave me divers times for the searching out of James FitzThomas, and especially when now last I was at Cork, I have, both to satisfy your Lordship, as also to manifest my willingness to do my Prince service, all this while endeavoured myself to enquire after the said James. For compassing of which purpose, I protest to your Lordship I could take no rest, for I think, if any other should take him but myself, my heart would burst. I came in conference with the harper Dermott O'Doan, John Shannyghane the priest, and the Baldons, whom your Lordship knoweth to be their last relievers and company, privately offering every of them particularly to have Her Majesty's mercy and favour extended to them, their wives and children, with other great rewards, about which matter I spent a long time. Yet every one of them did put me off, taking their oaths they knew not where the said James was at all. Yet I found them perjured therein, because now I know the priest and [O']Doan was that very day with him. Well, when that way failed me, I brought before me all those of my country that I most trusted, and that I knew to have loved me most. I fell into private conference with every of them particularly, shewing them what great danger was like to ensue to me and my country, unless I had done some service upon James Fitz Thomas, who always was found to be bordering upon my country. Wherefore they were to be suspected for him. And the more to procure them to venture themselves for me in my extremity, I published amongst them that Sir George Thornton was bound for me, body for body, to appear at the next Sessions. Whereupon I eftsones prayed them, as they loved me and my country, and to avoid such great inconvenience, that they would work all the means they could to learn me news of the said James. To which every one answered that they knew nothing of him at all. At last, seeing me in that perplexity, one, whom I protest I least suspected of all my country, came to me a little before supper, and told me that the said James and one Thomas Roe O'Feighy lay at such a cave or den by Slevgrott. I, unwilling to lose my opportunity, seeing it pleased God to send me such good news, repaired thither presently with a very few company; and, being right over the said cave or den, sent down three or four men, who finding them there, James returned me one forth, putting me in mind of his kindred, and praying me not to remember him at that time for any harm he did me before, promising to make great amends thereof, and that he was sure to be well able to perform it within two months, for that he should have, or that time, 6,000 men well provided with munition and other necessaries in Munster, with many other unreasonable offers, which should be to my great profit. When I would not accept anything at his hands, but told him that he was now Her Majesty's prisoner, then began he to rail at me, and laboured my followers and servants to forsake me, and take his part, and that he would reward them largely with lands for their posterity for ever, and other gifts of great value, whereof he failed, as of the rest. This is the manner of his taking, having him and the said [0'] Feighy in my safe keeping within my castle, to be presented to Her Majesty; and as I have performed this, with many other principal services heretofore for Her Highness, even so do I hope that this shall not be the last. I sent to Sir George Thornton to Kilmallock, presently to bring me a good guard of horse and foot, to lead him to your Lordship to Cork to-morrow."—Kilmeheny, 1601, May 29. Endorsed:—Received 30 ejusdem. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

May 30.

100. Captain Charles Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. Understands by Mr. Henry Seckford, of Her Majesty's Privy Chamber, that he has moved Sir Robert in the behalf of Captain Henry Seckford, his brother's son, for the charge of Carrickfergus Castle, together with the foot company under Egerton's leading. Subtle devices used against Egerton in his suits in England. These must be prevented by the course of law, or he, his wife and children, will be utterly undone. Delays in his case, and need of his continuance in England. First had the charge of the said Castle from Captain Seckford's father. The captain is the son of Egerton's sister. Will give up his post and company to his said nephew, in preference to any other. If this be not to Her Highness['s] liking, will rather hazard the loss of his whole estate "here in England," and follow the service in Ireland, than incur any displeasure by giving his post over.—1601, May 30. Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil:—"30 Maii, 1601. Mr. Seckford's suit for Egerton's place." Signed, p.1.

May 30. Dublin.

101. Sir Ralph Lane to Sir Robert Cecil. Returns thanks for Sir Robert's favour and support. Sinister endeavour of some that sought to supplant him in his office. This was bestowed upon him wholly through the mediation of Lord Burghley, was under the Great Seal for term of life, and with a special dispensation to execute the same by deputy. His past services; the money he saved Her Majesty in his first year of office.

"Which, Right Honourable, I do not now produce to beg a thank to myself (humbly acknowledging I did therein but my duty), but only at this time to use it as an armour of some sound proof against the paper bullets of reproachful slanders at random shot at me by my injurious competitors." Their inexperience. Her Majesty to maintain inviolable her princely letters patent. His gratitude to the late Lord Burghley and to Sir Robert.—Dublin, 1601, May 30. Signed. Seal. pp. 2.

May 31. Dublin.

102. The Lord Deputy Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. The bearer, Christopher Peyton, Auditor of Ireland, has craved leave to repair to England, to make known some things regarding his office, and also for some private business. His diligence and labour "in collecting in one volume a book containing Her Majesty's debts in this kingdom of twenty years' collection, all Sir Henry Wallop's time, containing many particular sums, being a very great work, and to good purpose for calling in Her Majesty's debts." Recommends Peyton for his service in matters of victuals, munition, &c. These his businesses "are done of his own charges."—Dublin, 1601, May 31. Signed. Seal. p. ½.

May 31. Lough Foyle.

103. Captain Humphrey Covert to Sir Robert Cecil. "Albeit I am well assured, that Sir Henry Dockwra hath at large acquainted your Honour with these last proceedings of the northern rebels, Tyrone, O'Donnell, and their confederates, upon our garrisons, yet, in discharge of my ever-bounden duty, I have humbly presumed to certify what I observed thereof.

"Hugh Boy, through his cunning temporising with O'Donnell, made him believe that all his familiarity and abode with Sir Henry Dockwra was but to betray him and all the English into his own hands, and, to confirm the same, gave him slight intelligence as testimony thereof unto him; by which means he got young Cahir O'Dogherty out of his fingers, assuring O'Donnell, if he would procure Tyrone and O'Cahan, with their forces, to lie upon Strabane side to force it, or Dunalong, which he held not hard to be done, and himself with Cormack McBaron, O'Connor Sligo, O'Rourke, and McWilliam, with the rest of his friends, being in number twelve hundred foot and horse, to lie betwixt the Lifford and Ennisowen, himself with the Irish faction of that country (of whom he stood assured of) upon his entry into the same would either seize upon the Derry and the other forts, or come so stiffly upon our backs as we must needs be overthrown.

"That the rebels with their forces, according to this plot, were assembled, your Honour was advertised by Sir John Bolles. Ten days they encamped near our garrison, and in all that time, perceiving small effect of Hugh Boy's promise, the 22nd of this present, Tyrone, impatient of delay, commanded O'Cahan with his kern to charge upon Cormack O'Neill's quarter, which was, and yet is, at Strabane. The which he did very resolutely, and took away a few cows, with the loss of four of his men for one of Cormack's.

"The same day likewise, about five o'clock towards evening, O'Donnell with his companions, knowing certain English companies to be withdrawn from the Lifford to reinforce Ennisowen, two of the which (as God pleased) were sent up thither by water that afternoon, gave a very round charge within culiver shot of the same, against whom part of the garrison sallied out, and forced their retreat. The skirmish endured till dark night; the rebels lost forty that were slain in the place, besides very many that were hurt, and since as we hear dead; and we lost but one, an Irishman, Captain Tirlogh's Lieutenant. O'Donnell remained yet in his quarter, within six miles of the Lifford, expecting Hugh Boy's further direction. But Tyrone and O'Cahan departed further off, subtly giving it forth he was gone against my Lord Deputy, who was come to Armagh.

"This day Lieutenant Higham, Captain Errington's Lieutenant, and Captain Coach's clerk, who had received some apparel from the merchants for their captain's companies which were at Lifford, were slain rowing in a boat with the same up thither; for some of the rebels, spying the boat, fell from the skirmish, and in the narrow place, which the islands make, took it and rifled it. Against them came Captain Tirlogh and his company upon Strabane side, and forced them to run away. So the boat was recovered with the beer and wine that was in it, but the apparel is lost, to the number of fifty private suits and six officers'. Captain Errington is since dead of sickness, and his company disposed, by the Lord Deputy's order, to one Lieutenant Rand.

"The 25th, O'Donnell lodged within three miles of the Birt, whereupon the Governor possessed himself of that strong castle, and dismounted the great artillery thereof, placing it in the fort at the foot of the same hill, and at Colmackatreyne. He caused all the cows of the country, except those that were about the Derry, to be driven to the furthest end of the country of Ennisowen, where nature hath so framed a neck of the land, as, with a little labour of intrenchment that was raised, they were preserved. Phelemy Reogh, Hugh Boy's brother, was there, with some churls of the country and four score English, for the defence of the place. The 26th, by break of day, O'Donnell entered into Ennisowen, with twelve hundred men, horse and foot, upon four score hurdles laid over the bog, between Colmackatreyne and the little fort next unto it, at the end of the Lough that lies next to the Cargan, and marched through the country peaceably, without any manner resistance of us, and encamped the same night at Fane Castle, in the edge of Lough Swilly. The 27th, he marched with like liberty further into the country, towards the end land, whither all the cows were driven, nothing doubting of getting all the prey, and of the revolt of many in the country unto him. But those who were appointed to defend the place maintained it so well that, although about a hundred of the rebels were (at the third charge) entered forty paces within the trench, and had clapped two colours upon the walls [0'] Connor Sligo's and Mostyn's, they beat them back again, and recovered their ground in their despite, to their great commendations. O'Donnell lost at this charge seven of his best commanders, Captain Connell, a notable traitor, being one, and thirty other, that were slain on the place, besides divers drowned, and many that were hurt. And when he perceived how dearly he had bought this enterprise, he grew to tempt them with promises of rewards and advancement of charge, if they would give over the place, laying before them our weakness, his own strength present, with the power of Tyrone and O'Cahan not far off in his assistance, who kept them from any relief or hope of succours that Sir Henry Dockwra could give them; which they despitefully refused, and defied him to his face (although their munition was very far spent), calling them all rebels, cowards, and traitors, till they were hoarse with crying, and had not Almighty God provided better for them than either they expected or the Governor could assure, the rebels had forced the place, and driven the prey. For this evening O'Donnell's scouts discovered those ships under sail, which we knew not of, that brought our supplies from Chester; whereupon, the next morning early, he made his retreat, having gotten about 100 cows, which one of the country gave him, who came in to him; and at low water passed upon the sand between the Birt and Colmackatreyne. At this place the Governor, with those soldiers of the Derry and others that were laid thereabouts, skirmished with the very rearward upon their going off, without any hurt to them, except fourteen of their horsemen slain and hurt with the ordnance; and we had a Lieutenant and four soldiers shot, but without danger of death.

"The day before this sudden retreat, or indeed, running away of his, the Governor sent Neale Garve with his Irish to burn and prey O'Donnell's country, which as he was in purpose to do, being at Lifford, he had intelligence where the fox Tyrone was chasht, who two days before caused it to be published he was gone to Armagh, which was but to make us secure, for he only lurked in O'Cahan's country, and for the feeding of his people (before day) had stolen a few cows from a priest of Sir John Bolles his protection near Dunalong. And as he lay at large, watching occasion upon us, and listening after O'Donnell's success, Neale Garve, with his own Irish, only countenanced with some of our English, fell spritly (sic) upon him, and slew a full hundred upon the ground, hurt very many, put them all to rout, took thirteen of Tyrone's chief horse, forced him to abandon his foot, and with twelve horse in his company shamefully to run away, Neale crying unto him to strike one blow, as he was a gentleman. In this service the valiant Tirlogh was shot through the thigh, and, in return from the chase, they found good store of furnitures, as Spanish pikes, culivers, and such like. So as, Almighty God be thanked, they have all now left us, with no small grievance to their chiefs, discontentment to their confederates, murmuring of their followers, and not without fear to be forsaken, for by common and true report they have left behind them slain two hundred bodies, besides the hurt, and those not of their worst servitors; and of our part, one Lieutenant and four soldiers slain, Lieutenant Mannington shot in the thigh, but with hope of recovery.

"The supplies sent by Captain Vaughan are arrived, and distributed according to the check of every company, so far as they would reach, being about 800; and upon the coming of the Barnstaple men, which daily are expected, the rest shall be fully supplied. There is of them to come a hundred and seventy, or thereabouts. The last of this present, there arrived seven and twenty horse in two barks; the third bark in which are thirteen, was even now said to be entered the Lough ; such as I have viewed, which is the number landed, are very sufficient and faultless. The treasure is also this day come, but without order from your Lordships to be issued, for they have not yet Her Majesty's proclamation for the authorising of the same. Such is the paymaster's speeches, which yields some discontentment to the army in general.

"Your Honour's gracious letter (vouchsafed me all unworthy) by Mr. Field, gave me like content as balm to the wound, warmth to the cold, health to the sick, strength to the weak, and life to the dead; for the which I humbly acknowledge myself justly bound unto you.

"The delivery of the summer apparel, and check thereof, with what else I now for haste have omitted (or shall in the interim happen), at my coming, which shall be with the convenientest speed I may, I will according to my ever-during duty most humbly present your Honour with."—Lough Foyle, 1601, May 31. Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil:—Captain Covert. Signed. pp. 3.

May.

104. The inconveniences that grow unto Her Majesty's service by granting ample and large charters to the corporations of the several cities and towns of Ireland. Endorsed:—1601, May. Unsigned. pp. 2.

[May.]

105. An estimate by Sir John Bolles of the provisions fit to be made for the intended journey to Ballyshannon ; such as ordnance, shipping, houses ready framed for lodging the forces, storehouses, a hospital for forty beds, boards of oak, fir and deal, a smith's forge, Welsh coal, &c.— [1601, May.] Unsigned, pp. 3.

Footnotes

  • 1. Cipher deciphered;
  • 2. Sir G. Carew.
  • 3. Sir R. Cecil.
  • 4. Cipher deciphered.
  • 5. Cipher deciphered.
  • 6. Cipher deciphered.
  • 7. Cipher undeciphered.
  • 8. The letter is mutilated in parts.