Talis erat vultu sed linguâ menteÌ„ manuque Qualis erat qui vult discere scripta legat Consulat aut famam qui linguâ menteÌ„ manuû̄ Vinceret hunc famâ iudiceÌ„ rarus erat VOERST FEâ— Hir Scepter sweet hir sword was seldomeÌ„ sharp Yet reâ—câ— subiects and invading foes It quaid repelling theis reclayming those Such cure did set in tune the farring Harp To this last Act of hir exploits glory A Plauaite reviveth by this story MAde bright and glorious by Afflictions flame Forth from a Prison to a Crowne she came Attempting and effecting harder things Then haue been reached by the greatest Kings Of all her Causes Religion was the prime Which shee reformed in a dangerous time And though her neighbouring Princes thereat stormed Did all her life defend what she reformed As watchfull in the State-Affaires was shee And oft from civill broyles her Realmes did free From Ireland shee the Spanish 〈◊〉 expeld And all the rude rebellious Irish queld In Scotland shee did marre the Frenchmens hope Shee fooled all the projects of the Pope And though his Bulls did roare in ev'ry place Turn'd all his thundrings to his owne disgrace Spaines furie without feare shee did oppose And gaue their Forces famous overthrowes Yea shee the huge Armado over came Which of Invincible usurp'd the name And though shee had at home great works to do Shee ayded France and saved Belgia too Her Coyneâ—hee â—hee to just values did reduce Her wholsome Lawes redressed much abuse By Trades abroad shee Riches did encrease By Providence at home establish'd Peace Then having till the fortie fifth yeere raign'd And to the seventieth of her age attain'd Shee dyed and lefâ— behind her such a Fame As shall be lov'd while England hath a Name G. W. Printed for Robert Milbourne 1633. PACATA HIBERNIA IRELAND APPEASED AND REDVCED OR AN HISTORIE OF THE LATE Warres of IRELAND especially within the Province of MOVNSTER vnder the Government of Sir George Carew Knight then Lord President of that Province and afterwards Lord CAREVV of CLOPTON and Earle of TOTNES c. Wherein the Siedge of Kinsale the Defeat of the Earle of TYRONE and his Armie The Expulsion and sending home of Don Iuan de Aguila the Spanish Generall with his Forces and many other remarkeable passages of that time are related Illustrated with Seventeene severall MAPPES for the better understanding of the Storie IUVENAL SAT. 10. Bellorum Exuviae truncis affixa trophaeis Lorica fractâ de Casside buccula pendens Humanis majora bonis creduntur LONDON Printed by AVG MATHEVVES for ROBERT MILBOVRNE at the Signe of the Grey-hound in Pauls Church-yard 1633. TO HIS MOST SACRED MAIESTIE SIR THE great Actions of worthie and eminent Persons haue ever been esteemed so powerfull for the instruction of succeeding times that all Civill States haue made it their principall care to preserue and transmit them to Posteritie for their Example and Imitation The Meanes by which this is done is HISTORY a powerfull suggester and Recorder of Gods providence in publike Blessings and Iudgements the Mother of Experience the Nurse of Truth the common bond and ligature which unites present times with all ages past and makes them one To manifest this if othâ—r Arguments fayle the Examples of the greatest Emperors and Generalls were sufficient who in the midst of their Conquests thought their publike dutie not discharged if they imployed not some time to leaue the immortall memory of their owne actions by writing to Posteritie The omission of this hath bin a great defect of some ages foregoing ours being the Middle times betweene learned Antiquitie and this latter age wherein Language Arts and Elegancie haue revived and flourished In those times though there haue been many Qui fecerunt scribenda yet there were few qui describerent facta I dare not say that this our Age and Nation are guiltie of the like errour or negligence in deciphering to the life the occurrences of our owne times and affayres by such as best knew and faithfully would relate them A want of which many haue complained but few haue laboured to supply That which I now in all humilitie present is your Majesties by many Titles First from the subject matter being the finall Dispersion of that cloud of Rebellion which hath so long hung over that Kingdome of Ireland which by undoubted title and lawfull succession is descended to your Majestie and that performed by the prudent fortitude of the English Nation which your Majestie now so happily governes Next from your Majesties late faithfull Servant the Earle of Totnes whose Actions are not the least part of the Argument of this Historie hee being at that time chiefe Governour of the Province of Mounster which was the Stage whereon the last and greatest Scene of that Tragedie was acted and since advanced by your Majesties Royall Father and your selfe to many Honourable Titles and Imployments of State And lastly from the Publisher through whose hands nothing can passe which to your Majestie is not justly due both by common All geance and particular Service Pardon gracious Soveraigne this presumption in aspiring to so high a Patronage and graciously accept this poore Tribute of Dutie and thankefulnesse from him who hath eternally bound himselfe Your Sacred Majesties most faithfully devoted Subject and Servant THO STAFFORD TO THE READER OVT of a necessitie imposed by powerfull Custome somewhat must bee sayd to you Reader both to prevent mistakings touching the publishing of this VVorke and to prepare you with some unprejudicate affection to the reading thereof The large space of time thirtie yeeres and upwards betweene the matters Acted Written and now published may beget some wonder in what obscure corner this Worke hath lyen all this while without notice given or taken or if knowne why so long kept from publike view For answere heereto understand indifferent Reader that it was composed while the Actions were fresh in the memories of men by the Direction and appoyntment of the Right Honourable Earle of Totnes late deceased then Lord President of Mounster so often mentioned in this Historie The Collection made was by him first reserved for his owne private Information Secondly preserved for the furtherance of a Generall Historie of that Kingdome of Ireland when it should please God to raise up some industrious Writer to undertake a compleat Description of those Affayres And lastly out of his retyred Modestie the rather by him held backe from the Stage of Publication lest himselfe being a principall Actor in many of the particulars might be perhaps thought under the Narration of publike proceedings to giue vent and utterance to his private merit and Services howsoever justly memorable He leaving the world left it among his Papers where it was found by the now Publisher thereof to whom they were bequeathed and by whom it hath beene offered to the view and censure of divers learned and judicious persons By them it hath been esteemed worthy the view
penall Statutes as also of obligations and Recognizances taken made or acknowledged before the said L President and Councell or any of them within the limits of their authorities and Commission for apparance or for the peace or good abearing or by reason of any speciall Statute whatsoever then made or to be made And shall also have authority to cesse reasonable fines for any offences whereof any person shall happen to bee convicted before the said Lord President and Councell and such Summes of mony as shall grow or come by reason of any such compositions or Fines they shall cause it to bee entred into a booke subscribed with the hands of the said Lord President and Councell or two of them at the least whereof the Lord President to bee one To the end the Queenes Majestie may be answered of the same accordingly And also upon such compositions made of Fine or Fines set as aforesaid shall have authority to cancell or make voyde all such Obligations and Bonds And also the said Lord President shall cause as much as in him lyeth all Writts or Processes sent or to bee sent to any person or persons inhabiting or being within the precinct of his Commission out of the Kings Bench Chaunceâ—â—e or Exchequer or any other Court of Record diligently to bee observed and effectually to bee obeyed according to the tenor of the same And if hee shall find negligence slacknesse or willfull omission in any Officer or other Minister to whom the delivery or serving of such Processe doth appertaine Hee shall punish the same severely according to the greatnesse and qualitie of the offence And it shall bee lawfull for the said Lord President and Councell or any three of them whereof the Lord President to bee one after examination in the causes necessary upon vehement suspition and presumption of any great offence in any partie committed against the Queenes Majestie to put the said partie so suspected to tortures as they thinke convenient and as the cause shall require and also to respitt Iudgement of death upon any person convicted or attainted before him and that Councell for any treason murder or any other felony Or after Iudgement given to stay execution untill such time as hee shall certifie us the Lord Deputie and Councell of his doings and consideration of the same and receiue answere from us thereof Provided alwayes that the same certificate bee made to us the Lo Deputie and Councell within the space of 21 dayes after such thing is done Also if any Inquest within the precinct of their Commission within Liberties or without being sworne and charged upon triall of any fellonie murder or any like offender whatsoever hee bee having good and pregnant evidence for sufficient proofe of the matter whereof the said offendor shall bee accused indicted or arraigned doe utterly acquite such offendor contrary to the said evidence that then the said Lord President and Councell or any two of them whereof the Lord President to bee one shall examine such perjuries as well by deposition of witnesses as by all other kinde of proofes by their discretions and if the said Inquest bee convicted before the said Lord President and Councell or three of them at the least wherof the Lord President to be one the said Lord President and Councell may and shall proceed to the punishment of such offence by fine imprisonment or wearing of papers or standing on the pillorie as by their discretions shall seeme meet Also wee the said Lord Deputie and Councell doe earnestly require and straightly charge the said Lord President and Councell that they at all times and in all places where any great assembly shall bee made before them doe perswade the people by all good meanes and wayes to them seeming good and especially by their owne examples in observing all Orders for Divine Service and other things appertaining to Christian Religion and to embrace forlow and devoutly to obserue the Order and Service of the Church established in the Realme by Parliament or otherwayes by lawfull authoritie and earnestly to call upon and admonish all Bishops and Ordinaries within the precinct of their Commission diligently fervently and often to doe the same And if the Lord President and Councell shall finde them negligent and unwilling or unable to doe the same That then they shall advertise the Lord Deputie and Councell thereof and they shall call earnestly upon the Bishops severely to proceed according to the censuring of the church against all notorious Advowterers and such as without lawfull divorce doe leaue their Wiues or whilest that their lawfull Wife liveth doe marry with any other and the Sentence pronounced by the Bishop or Ordinarie upon the offendor The said Lo President and Councell shall endeavour themselues to the uttermost that they conveniently may to cause the same Sentence to bee put in execution according to the Lawes And if they shall finde the Ordinarie slacke or remisse in this duetie and not doing according to his Office they shall punish or cause to bee punished the same Bishop or Ordinary according to their discretions Also the Lord President and Councell shall examine the decay of all parish Churches and through whose defaults the same be decayed and to proceed to the procuring or informing of such as ought to repaire any Church or Churches with all convenient speed according to their discretions And in cases where her Majestie shall bee after due and advised inquisition found by reason of her possessions bound to repaire the same Churches In those cases advertisement shall bee given to us the Lord Deputie c. Or if they shall know of any that shall spoyle rob or deface any Church they shall with all sincerity proceed to the punishment of the Offenders according to the Lawes Statutes and Ordinances of this Realme or according to their discretions They shall assist and defend all Arch-Bishops Bishops and all other ecclesiastical Ministers in the ministery of their function and in the quiet possessing of their Landes rents services and hereditaments and shall punish the with-holders intruders and usurpers of the same according to their discretions and the quality of the offence They shall also giue earnest charge for the observation of all Lawes and Statutes or Ordinances made or to be made for the benefit of the Common-wealth and punishment of malefactors and especially the Statute for the Hue and crie for Night-watches and for Weights and Measures to be diligently considered and severely put in execution Also the said Lord President shall haue and retaine one Chaplin or Minister that shall and can preach and reade the Homilies who shall bee allowed his Dyet in the Houshold of the sayd Lord President and shall receiue his entertainment to bee payed out of the Fines growing in that Province to whom the Lo President shall cause due reverence to be given in respect of the Office that he shall haue for the Service of God Also the said Lo Deputie and
best Commanders amongst the Irish rebels By meanes whereof he had now the command of foureteene hundred men in his owne Bonaght and besides that might strike a great stroke with the other being by Tyrone at his departure out of Mounster ordained chiefe Commander of them all This man did the President make choise to deale withall for these reasons First because hee knew that the said Dermond being a meere Mercenary and serving in Mounster onely for pay might be induced by large Summes of monie to serue the Queene aswell as the rebels Secondly hee had a very fit Instrument whereby the more easily to worke him to his will namely his Wife who being brought up some part of her time amongst the English had not only learned the language but stood reasonably well affected to the English governement and likely it was that shee would use all her industry to advance the service in hope that if it succeeded well it would proue a good step or Ladder to procure the liberty of her Brother Iames Fits Gerald Sonne and Heire to Gerald Earle of Desmond slaine now Prisoner in the Tower and to raise his fortunes Lastly it was publikely knowen that the Sugan Earle would never doe service upon the Bownoghs except he might haue both the title and possessions of the Earle of Desmond confirmed unto him which her Maiestie would never condiscend unto Vpon these grounds in very secret manner hee provided and sent a fit agent to sound the inclination of the Lady Margaret for so was Dermonds Wife named and finding her fit to bee wrought upon the Conditions should be propounded viz. That if her husband would take Desmond Prisoner and deliver him into the hands of the President he should incontinently receiue one thousand pound sterling and that he should haue a Company of men in pay from the Queene and other conditions of satisfaction to her selfe and her Brother The Messenger was â—o sooner sent about these important affaires but that another occasion offered it selfe unto the President of no lesse moment then the former to aduance the service for immediately hereupon one Iohn Nugent sometimes servant to Sir Thomas Norris late President of Mounster pretending some wrongs and iniuries to be offered unto him by the State ioyned with the Rebels and became to his power the most malitious and bloody Traitor in all these parts At last having as it should seeme spit his poyson and spent his Venome sought to Sir Warham Saint Leger and Sir Henry Power the Commissioners to be received into protection who more for feare of the hurt that hee might doe then hope of the good that hee would doe granted the same untill the Lord Presidents pleasure who was now ready to depart from Dublin towards Mounster were further knowen At this time therefore Nugent came to make his submission to the President and to desire pardon for his faults committed Answer was made that for so much as his crimes and offences had beene extraordinary hee could not hope to bee reconciled unto the State except hee would deserue it by extraordinary service which saith the President if you shall performe you may deserue not onely Pardon for your faults committed heretofore but also some store of Crownes to releeue your wants hereafter Hee presently promised not to bee wanting in any thing that lay in the power of one man to accomplish and in private made offer to the President that if he might bee well recompenced hee would ruine within a short space either the Sugan Earle or Iohn Fits Thomas his Brother And indeed very likely hee was both to attempt and performe as much as he spake To attempt because hee was so valiant and daring as that he did not feare any thing and to execute because by reason of his many outrages before committed the chiefe Rebels did repose great confidence in him The President having contrived a plot for Iames Fits Thomas as is before shewed gaue him in charge to undertake Iohn his Brother But because the matter might be caried without any suspition upon the next morrow the Councell being set and a great concourse of people assembled Nugent renueth his suite for the continuance of his protection But the President rehearsing in publike audience a Catalogue of his mischievous outrages lately committed told the Councell that having farther enquired and better considered of Man and Matter for his part hee thought it an action of very ill example to receiue unto mercy such a notorious Malefactor the Councell were all of the same opinion who reviling him with many biting and bitter speeches and assuring him that if it were not for a religious regard that was holden of the Queenes word hee should pay a deare price for his former misdemeanor and so with publike disgrace was he dismissed their presence The promised submission of the white Knight the jealousie which the rebels conceived of Florence Mac Carty by his comming to the President and the Presidents Iourney being now blazed through the Province it caused Pierce Lacy who all the time of the Warres untill now had kept a ward in the Castle of the Brough three miles from Kilmallocke despayring to hold the same against her Majesties Forces And knowing it was a convenient place for a Garrison pluckt downe some part of the Castle burnt the rest and by the light thereof ran into the Woods Redmond Burke also with fiue hundred Bonoghs about this time which was in the beginning of May withdrew out of Connillogh and kept himselfe for a little time about the borders of Ownhy where being pressed with want of Victuals he intended to leaue the Province The Sugan Earle Pierce Lacy and some other hearing of this sudden departure dispatched Messengers unto him with earnest entreaties and large promises for increasing his Bonnoght if hee would returne but to no purpose The cause of this his unexpected departure was a trafficke betweene him and the President who did uphold him in certaine faint hopes about the obtaining of the Barronie of Lettrim which he claimed as his inheritance For this is most true that not long before this time one Richard Burke Vncle to the said Redmond wrote unto the President that his Nephew would be very glad of his Lordships favour that he would withdraw both himselfe and his Bownoghs out of Mounster so that hee would not send any Forces to molest him in Connaght Whereunto was answered that it became nor a Governour no not a private Subject to make any such agreement with a man in his condition And farther that hee might assure himselfe that by strong hand he could never invest himselfe in the Barrony of Lettrim nor be in secure possession of his Fathers Lands But if he would reclaime himselfe and doe service to her Majestie the President would use the best friends that hee had either in England or Ireland that his cause might bee respected with all favour according to the equity thereof Not
long after the receit of this Letter hee left the Countie of Limericke severed himselfe from the Mounster Rebells and setled in Ormond and Tirrell stayed not long behinde inwardly doubting some practise upon himselfe but publikely pretending the cause of his departure for a mislike betweene him and Dermond O Conner The President had given foorth ever since his first comming to Corke that his Armie should bee on foot in the way to Limerick by the sixth of May his intention not being to rise untill the twentieth the bruit thereof caused the Rebells greatest strength to assemble together who by the day assigned had united their Forces in the great Wood called Kilmore betweene Moyallo and Kilmallock neere the place of Ballihawre through the which the Armie was to march There they continued the space of tenne dayes attending continually and hearkening daily for the Presidents comming but finding that hee stirred not in all this time imagining that he durst not take the field at all they dispersed their Companies and departed every one into his owne Countrey Heereupon some thought that the President had altered his determination for going to Limerick and intended to begin the prosecution in some other place others supposed that hee would not venture out of Corke untill hee had received new Supplies which were daily expected out of England But both the one and other were besides the marke for by this stay which from the beginning he determined hee saw divers commodious opportunities might accrue unto him as that heereby hee should receiue certaine advertisement of the strength of the enemy that was to confront him and also that it was impossible for them any long time to hold together for divers wants which of necessitie must accompany such an undisciplined and disordered multitude by meanes whereof they would bee constrained to breake with their owne weight wherein he nothing failed of his expectation for within a few dayes following they were all divided into so many places and those so farre distant that they could not speedily be reassembled Vpon the sixteenth of May the President was advertised by Sir Richard Percie who was Governour at 〈◊〉 that by his Horsemen in Kinalmekagh whom he had sent to forrage that Country ten of the Bownoghs were slaine and a farre greater slaughter had beene made of them if Florence Mac Cartie had not had some intelligence out of Kinsale of his intention who gaue the Bownoghs warning of their comming whereupon they fled and dispersed themselues Vpon the seventeenth of May Iames fits Thomas the usurping Earle of Desmond wrote a Letter to Florence Mac Cartie praying the ayde of his Forces the Copie whereof is here inserted A Letter from Iames fits Thomas to Florence Mac Cartie AFter my very heartie Commendations Having received Intelgence of your happie escape out of Corke it was very joyfull to mee and many other your Cosens and adherents heere the fruit of your conference with the President and the rest I hope shall purchase ripe experience and harvest of further knowledge to cut off the cruell yoke of bloody enemies who daily studie to worke our perpetuall destruction and exile I am given to understand that they pretend a journey towards the Countie of Limerick I am gathering the best force and rising out of these parts to resist their wicked desires Redmond Burke is bordering on the Confines of Ormond expecting to heare from me if occasion of important service should require I haue the other day received his Letters signifying his constant service to be ready whensoever I shall send to him what news you haue with your best advice in all causes tending to our generall Service I expect to heare and if the President doe rise out as it is thought I pray you good Cosen slacke not time with your best Force Provision of victuals to prosecute him freshly in the Reareward as you respect me the exaltation of the Catholike faith and the ease of our countrey I looke no excuse at your hands which I pray to lay apart wherein you shall further the service and bind me with all my Forces to second you at your need I haue retained Dermond Oconner in Kerry two hundred Souldiers this quarter besides the Clanshihies and other Bonoghs with the rising out of my country so as I think I shall make up sixteen or seventeene hundred strong well appointed together with the Force of Redmond Burke Thus for lacke of farther Novelties I commit you to the blessed guiding of God From Crome the seventeenth of May 1600. I am credibly informed that fiue Spanish ships are landed in the North with Treasure Munition and great Ordinance with a competent number of three thousand Souldiers Pioners and religious persons I expect every day advertisement in writing and the comming up of Captaine Terrell with the Munition sent me by Oneyle I appointed your Cosen Maurice Oge Fits Maurice Gerald to haue the charge of Kierrycorrie I pray you afford him your lawfull favour Your most assured Cosen Iames Desmond The same day Captaine Gawen Harvy who then had in her Majesties pay a man of Warre wherein for the payment of the Armie there was three thousand pound in monie Munition Victuals and Souldiers apparrell set saile with direction for the River of Shenan to meete the Lord President at Limericke The President the twentie one of May left Corke and with his Armie incamped that night within three miles of Moyallo The twentie two they lodged within fiue miles of Kilmallocke the twentie three the Armie came within a mile of Kilmallocke where the white Knight according to his former promises made his humble submission unto the President whereby the Faggot began to unloose which combined the Rebellion in Mounster but let us a little looke backeward CHAP. VI. Cahir Castle surprized by Iames Galdie Butler A letter from Iames Galdie Butler to the Lord President The rendring of the Castle of Loghguyrre Nugents attempt upon Iohn fits Thomas â—lanwilliam spâ—yled and burnt by the Armie THe President being at Yoghall in his journey to Corke sent Sir Iohn Dowâ—all an ancient Captaine in Ireland to Cahir Castle as well to see the same provided of a sufficient Ward out of Captaine George Blunts Companie as to take order for the furnishing of them with Victuall Munition and other warlike Provision there hee left the eighth or ninth of May a Sergeant with nine and twenty Souldiers and all necessary Provision for two moneths who notwithstanding upon the three and twentieth of the same were surprized by Iames Galdie alias Butler brother to the Lord of Cahir and as it was suspected by many pregnant presumptions not without the consent and working of the Lord himselfe which in after times proved to be true The carelesse securitie of the Warders together with the treachery of an Irish-man who was placed sentinell upon the top of the Castle were the causes of this Surprize Iames Galdie had no
this high benefit which hee receiveth together with the orderly course which we intend shall bee observed in the raysing and disposing his Fortune doeth make us lesse doubtfull of that mischiefe then wee are for the present of some other scorne which we shall receiue if by our sending him over and your resolution to restore him no such effect should follow as might be answerable to that which is expected In which consideration although we know there are many of Opinion that the way to draw greatest things by him were to raise him high at first because it will make those cleaue to him the faster yet will we follow therein Our owne resolution which is rather to proceed in such a case by degrees then in any suddaine without reasonable caution and reservation For the first step therefore wee haue now sent him over by Captaine Price a trustie and discreet Person to deliver him safely into your hands whereas wee know the keeping of him in any state of a Prisoner would wholly overthrow the worke and multiply the jealousies of those who judge all others by themselues So in respect that you are in place where all circumstances are clearest knowen and that the change of causes altereth Councels Know this from Vs That we shall never disallow it if you in your discretion finde it necessarie at any time that you doe abridge him of any libertie or any favour now afforded him For as wee haue much the rather assented to send him over and place him there because you haue had your part in the Counsell So doe wee referre the managing of him to your discretion for his maintenance during his abode there there are but two wayes the one to bestow Lands vpon him with an habitation the other to maintaine him out of our owne purse with a pension In the first there must be time to consider where to seat him for the second because it is a thing that must be done and that he must be maintained with a convenient attendance that they may not scorne him and that hee hath one or two sisters whom we had rather should depend vpon himselfe then bee matched with any other that were ill affected whereof many there bee that would bee glad to fortifie themselues by them Wee doe heereby giue you order to peruse the Numbers you haue and where you finde any unprofitable Captaine that hath a weake band that you doe presently cashiere the same and to imploy part of that charge which was formerly bestowed in that Band towards the maintenance of him and his as you shall see requisite without further charging vs and the same to continue vntill wee may see how to resolue of some convenient Habitation for him that they may see hee is to bee seated amongst them with a competent portion of living where he may be a stay to Our service And now because wee know the Countrey will thinke him unlikely to stead them that shall follow him if they bee not assured that hee shall haue the Title which is a matter they doe so much affect to follow Wee haue heerewith sent you a Patent of his Earledome to the intent that you may assure all that are diffident of our performance and yet Wee can be content they plainely doe understand also that if they shall not actually and substantially performe those Services which may deserue this extraordinarie clemencie and giue us cause to consummate the rest Wee both can and will quickly recall all that is hitherto performed for which purpose wee doe heereby commaund you to advertise Vs what is effected for him by this demonstratiue acte of Ours and then to receiue our pleasure before the Patent bee delivered out of your handes although for the present you may let it bee shewed to any such persons as you shall see cause to assure by viewe of the same and thereby make them perceiue how vnjustly Wee haue beene slaundered by those that should possesse the world that Wee haue no desire or end but to extirpate as well the Innocent as the contrary of that Nation seeing Wee are contented to rayse the Sonne of that Father that had committed so notorious crimes For as much as Wee doe hold it convenient that the Archbishopp of Cassell should not bee in any sort kept in extremitie Wee would haue you convert tenne dead payes of Foote to his use parcell of that hundred which is appoynted to bee cashiered for the maintenance of Iames Fits Gerald Wherein likewise Wee would haue consideration helde of poore and some maintenance for the wife of Dermond O Conner All these allowances to bee borne by the Cashiering of that Companie and to bee ordered according to your discretion because Wee would not haue apparant penury to surprize any of these that haue entered so deepely although the fruites are yet ungathered which is the time when they must bee further rewarded Wee haue likewise given order to the Deputie to make an allowance of fortie shillings a weeke to the Archbishop in nature of Dead Payes to Preachers in lieu whereof hee may stay the pension of some other who is not so necessarie to be provided for Having now assented to doe that you haue advised Wee leaue it to be ordered accordingly to your discretion assuring you that wee are still of opinion if you use not this Patent well that they will bee lesse greedy to dispatch any businesse for Vs then they would haue beene if we had not gone on so hastily with theirs But wee repose such trust in you as we thinke our Honour and safetie of that Province in safe hands for so much as faith and discretion can secure to whom wee render condigne thankes for the good proofe you haue hitherto made of them both The Bishop is not vnfit to frequent the young Gentleman and therefore that credit which is fit let him haue and let your proofe of his zeale excuse other of his indiscretions Given at our Mannor of Otlands the first of October 1600. Ro. Cecill Her Majesties Letters Patents for Iames fits Gerald to bee Earle of Desmond ELIZABETH Dei Gratia Angliae Franciae Hiberniae Regina fidei Defensor c. Archiepiscopis Ducibus Marchionibus Comitibus Vicecomitibus Episcopis Baronibus Iusticiarijs prepositis Ballivis Ministris omnibus alijs fidelibus suis salutem Cum non ita pridem Gerot nuper Comes Desmondae Cuius proavos ob praeclaras suas erga Rempublicam res gestas progenitores nostri Regij Comitum titulo or narunt infandi in nobis Coronamque nostram perduellionis attinctus generis sanguinisque sui nobilitatem viciauerit totumque illud dignitatis nomen penitus aboleverit Ea tamen semper fuit nostra ad clementiam propensitas atque ad ignoscendum Regia facilitas vt in tota imperij nostri moderatione in hujusmodi proditor ' posteros non modo non summo jure vsi sumus sed etiam eos meritis suis non obstantibus ijsdem quibus
a Protestant was the onely cause that bred this coynesse in them all for if hee had been a Romish Catholike the hearts and knees of all degrees in the Province would haue bowed unto him Besides his comming was not well liked by the Vndertakers who were in some jealousie that in after times he might be restored to his Fathers Inheritances and thereby become their Lord and their Rents now payed to the Crowne would in time be conferred upon him These considerations assured the President that his personall being in Mounster would produce small effects but onely to make tryall what power hee had CHAP. XV. The juggling of Florence Mac Cartie Supplies of Men and Apparell sent into Mounster The submission of Florence Mac Cartie A skirmish betweene the Mac Carties and the Oleries Olery slaine A Letter from Redmond Burke to the Lord President THE President attempted by his meanes the getting of Castle Mange a Castle of her Majesties in the which before and at the beginning of the Warre shee had a Ward surprised by the supposed Desmond and left by him in the custodie of Thomas Oge as aforesaid which by his negotiation with the said Constable was at last rendred unto him together with Pierce Lacie his two sonnes which were kept as pledges therein and this was all the service that hee did or could doe during his abode in Ireland And that worke of his Florence Mac Cartie used all his wit and policie to prevent and overthrow for at the very instant when Thomas Oge who had the keeping of Castle Mange and Pierce Lacies sonnes as pledges therein had faithfully assured the yeelding up thereof and of the aforesaid Pledges to the Lord President Florence being then entertained by the President in his house at Moyallo and as fast bound unto him by many benefits and favours as Florence was by the strongest oathes and vowes that any Christian could be obliged by gott some secret hint that Castle Mange was by Thomas Oge to be yeelded up to her Majestie who well foreseeing what reputation it would bring to Desmond and how much it would make up towards the hastening of his owne ruine if that Fort were once regained and an English Garrison placed there he presumed and that in the Presidents owne house where he was so graciously used and entertained to write his effectuall and earnest Letters to the said Thomas Oge assuring him that Redmond Burke and Captaine Tirrell were on their way with great Forces to set Mounster on fire againe disswading him from keeping his promise with the President and the young Earle of Desmond promising and binding his promises with damnable oathes that he would presently revictuall the Ward of Castle Mange for three moneths pay them the Arrear of all their vvages and that he would giue Thomas Oge and his Heires for ever six Plowlands of his owne Inheritance so he would not deliver up Castle Mange And these Letters were by the watchfulnesse of Master Boyle intercepted and delivered to the President And from thenceforward after Florence knew his Letters were intercepted and his treacheries more and more discovered But all this while it was a world to see how Florence plaied fast and loose betweene the President and the Governour of Kerry For when the President sent to haue him come to him then he answered that he was within few dayes to meete with the Governour of Kerry by a former appointment if Sir Charles sent for him then he was shortly to repaire to the President and so deluding both he would come to neither His stay was as we haue shewed because he purposed to stand out and for that cause had the last Moneth before planted as it was reported some number of Bownoghs in his Countrey but the governors people upon one side and these his Bownoghs on the other side had by this time so harried and consumed his Countrey as he found the same unable longer to maintaine his Mercenaries and therefore delayed with good words to gaine longer time for it was commonly spoken among the Protectees and Captaine Taffe wrote so much to the President from Kilkenny that Redmond Burke and Captaine Tirrell with all the Forces they could gather in Connaght and Linster would make an other incursion into Mounster so soone as the Lord Deputie should returne from the North which was expected very shortly because the time of the yeare would breed many difficulties and inconveniences in his longer stay Whether it were this bruite or the hearking after a Ship to arriue in those parts which might transport him beyond Seas that occasioned his delatory excuses I know not But sure I am that they proceeded not from any loyall or dutifull mind The beggerly Earle in the meane time lurked in the Woods with some two or three in his Company sometimes in Arlogh sometimes in Drumfinnin but most in the Countie of Typperrarie where hee had much kindred by his Mothers side The President had intelligence every day where hee lodged the night before but never untill he was departed and had left the place not but that the Countrey could haue reported aswell where he is as where he had beene but they were possessed with such a superstitious folly so terrified with the Priests Thunderbolts of Excommunication as they adjudged him unavoidably damned that should ruinate such a principall Piller of the Catholike action And Fits Maurice was in little better case for although since his returne into Mounster himselfe with the Knight of the Glyn had assembled some fower score in the Faâ—tnesse of Clanmorris who guarded their Corne that should maintaine them for the yeere following Yet Sir Charles Wilmot marching twelue miles through their Woods being directed by a trusty Guid came suddenly upon them and slew sixtie of them the two Principals escaping very narrowly After the killing ended they scowâ—ed the Woods and finding great store of Corne therein they burnt the same and returned with the Armes of all the dispersed Kerne Pierce Lacy had so well bestirred himselfe in his negotiation with those of Ormond and Ossery that of the Ormond and Ossery men with the Purcels Omaghers he had reinforced himselfe with fiue hundred men and being now joyned with Redmond Burke who had one thousand Foote and sixtie Horse as was credibly informed drew their Forces into O Carrels Countrey threatning daily to invade the small Countie of Limerick which bordered upon them but their stay as was reported depended upon the returne of Iohn of Desmond who was expected with Forces out of the North. But Tyrone was so well set a worke by the honourable painefull and prosperous proceedings of the Lord Deputie as hee had enough to doe in defending his owne Countrey much lesse could he spare any Forces for other parts In September last mention is made that the Lords of the Councell had promised to send unto the President sixe hundred Foote for the supplying of his Armie which accordingly arrived at Corke
Majestie professing to doe service such as should merit favour Humbly besought him not desiring any protection that hee might remaine with his Lordship The President granted his request and withall sent him a Protection which in an other Letter unto Richard Boyle the Clarke of the Councell hee besought The reason which moved the President to grant his request was the absence of the Earle of Thomond then in England that during the same the County of Clare might bee freed from Bonfires but now for a time we must leaue the President in Cork returne to Florence Mac Carty You heard before that Florence had a cutting as they call it upon Carberry towards his charges in the pretended journey for England but employed all the same and whatsoever more hee could procure to another end for about this time he provided a Barke which hee fraught with Hides Tallow and such commodities committing the care and trust thereof to some of Kinsale by whom the same merchandize should bee transported beyond the Seas and in liew thereof munition and abilliments of warre should be returned and and delivered unto him in the Harbour of Valentia Moreover about the same time hee did earnestly sollicit aide from the neighbour Provinces to resist Her Majesties forces and for the same purpose wrote a Letter in Irish which was read by Iames Welsh by whose relation I received this light unto one in Ormond called Cahir Mac Shane Glasse Omulrian desiring that he would leavy for him sixe hundred Foote in Linster which if hee could not then to procure Redmond Burke to come with so many to his aide and if hee failed likewise herein to deale with Captaine Terrill to the same effect and hee would pay them upon the Countrey of Desmond Lastly Donoghe Mac Cormuck called Mac Donoghe his Agent with Tyrone laboured so much at his hands and that so earnestly as he procured a Letter from Tyrone the Contents whereof were as followeth And thus translated out of the Irish. A Letter from Tyrone to Florence Mac Carty OVr commendations to yoâ— Mac Carty More I send shortly unto you according to our trust of you that you will doe a stout and hopefull thing against the pagan beast and thereupon our Armie is to goe into Mounster and with the will of God we consent unto you and will that you beleeue not any word from us for ever before wee write againe unto you for you shall see trouble enough in England by English men it selfe so as there shall be easinesse of suffering their warres at May next in respect of that it is now And since this cause of Mounster was left to you next under God let no weaknesse or imbecillitie bee found in you and the time of helpe is neere you and all the rest From Dongannon the sixth of February 1601. Stilo Novo Oneale The Armie mentioned in this Letter was the same which now you heard of taking their journey by the way of Connaght which as may appeare both by the examination of Iames Welsh and the Contents of those Letters were solicited and sent principally by the meanes promises and procurement of Florence he being then and before under protection the breach whereof hee nothing esteemed But surceasing farther to rake in the filthy Channels of his malicious practises like maladies immedicable lest it should be loathsome to the Reader I will leade him abroad into the open Aire to behold the hunting rousing and fall of a great Stag which was after sent into England to Her Majestie and by her received as a most acceptable Present although it was not Gods will that shee should liue to reward the chiefe Ranger About the middest of May the Lord President received a Letter from the Lords of the Councell in England which bare date the eight and twentieth of Aprill which for the Readers better vnderstanding how the Affaires of Mounster did sute with the Directions and Counsels in England I thinke it meet to be inserted A Letter from the Lords of the Councell to the Lord President AFter our very heartie Commendations to your Lordship Although we haue before this time acquainted you with her Majesties gracious acceptation of your service because wee know you had no greater object then to deserue her Majesties grace and favour yet now vve vvill forbeare to touch it at this time because her Majestie giues you notice of it with her owne hand and for the present onely let you know what care vvee haue taken to satisfie all your demaunds for her Majesties service because it may appeare unto you seeing you doe orderly and carefully giue us account of your proceedings that wee will in no sort neglect such things as you in your discretion hold fit or necessary Wee haue therefore first by her Majesties Commandement sent you a supply of Munitions according to your request We haue likewise given order for Victuals in good proportion although it seemeth to us by the Certificate of the Victualler that you were better stored at your writing then you knew for Wee haue also given order for Oates to be presently sent you and because you haue so good use of a Ship for transporting of Victualls to and fro besides the service shee may doe in mastering those Barques and Boats which offend the Coast wee haue sent Captaine Harvie with a good Ship for that purpose And now that you may know what Letters wee haue intercepted out of Spaine concerning those bruits which wee perceiue are spread of Spanish succours you shall receiue the Copies of three Letters whereof wee haue the Originall which were committed to the charge of Peter Strong of Watterford whose Ship and Goods were taken in Famouth where they were put in by storme One of them comes from the Governour of the Groyne and another from a Fryer that resideth with him the third from one Sennock who as it seemeth being unwilling to haue Tyrone deceived sheweth him truely how little reason they haue to trust to any of the Spanish Succours as they expect of these you may make such use as you thinke good As concerning your desire to know what shall become of the Lady Ioane of Desmond wee thinke you should doe well to set her at libertie againe as shee was before referring the care of her well doing to some of her Sisters that may haue an eye over her We doe also require you still to foresee that her Majesties Forces being now so much diminished may not bee spent in maintaining private mens Castles and houses but where those places are of use for her Majesties service Lastly concerning the Fine imposed on the Major of Limrick for which we finde you had so just occasion wee wish you in no wise to remit it but rather to bestow it upon the repaire of her Majesties Castle there which as it seemeth will serue to so good purpose for her Maâ—esties service And so wee bid your Lordship very heartily farewell From the Court
at Whitehall the 28 of Aprill 1601. Your Lordships very loving Friends Thomaâ— Egerton C. Tho. Buckhurst W. Knowles Ro. Cecill Ioh. Fortescue I. Herbert The eight and twentieth day Dermond Mac Awlie who was lately come out of Vlster and daily conversant with the Traytors of Mounster and acquainted with all their proceedings and Councell by mediation of friends made his repaire to the President and being examined whether they intended to come againe with new forces into the Province hee affirmed that at his departure from them they were ready to come away and did particularize what Munitions and Money every one of them was furnished withall by Tyrone viz. The Lo. of Lixnaw Calievers 40. Powder Barrells 02. Lead one Sow 01 Match faddoms 120 Money 14. pound Iohn fits Thomas Calievers 25. Powder Barrels 01. Lead Sowes ½ Match faddoms  Money 10. li. Pierce Lacie Calievers 20. Powder Barrels 01. Lead Sowes ½ Match faddoms  Money 8. li. Mac Donogh Calievers 25. Powder Barrels 01. Lead Sowes â— Match  Money 12. li. Redmond Burke Calievers 150. Powder Barrels 10. Lead Sowes 05. Match  Money 500. li. Teg Orwrke Calievers 150. Powder Barrels 10. Lead Sowes 05. Match  Money 500. li. From Odonnell to Teg Kewgh Calievers 12 Powder Barrels 02 Lead Sowes ½ Match Fathomes  Money 40. li. CHAP. III. Iames fits Thomas the titulary Earle of Desmond taken Prisoner Iames fits Thomas kept Prisoner in the Lord Presidents house His 〈◊〉 and condemnation His relation presented to the Lord President The Lord Presidents Letter to Her Majesty Two Letters from Iames fits Thomas to the King of Spaine The causes of the Rebellion in Mounster as Iames fits Thomas alleaged Hussies report of the causes of the Rebellion in Mounster THere was no man of account in all Mounster whom the President had not oftentimes laboured about the taking of the reputed Earle still lurking secretly within this Province promising very bountifull and liberall rewards to all or any such as would draw such a draught whereby he might be gotten aliue or dead every man entertained these proffers as being resolute in performing the same service although they never conceived any such thought but at last it hapned after this manner The Lord Barry having one hundred men in pay from the Queene employed them many times about such service as either the President should command or himselfe thought requisit and namely about the fourteenth of May knowing that one Dermond Odogan a Harper dwelling at Garryduffe vsed to harbour this Arch-rebell or else upon occasion of some stealth that had beene made in his Countrey the thieues making towards this Fastnesse his Souldiers pursued them into this Wood where by good fortune this supposed Earle with two of the Baldones and this Dermond were gathered together being almost ready to goe to supper but having discovered these Souldiers they left their meate and made haste to shift for themselues they were no sooner gone out of the Cabbin but the Souldiers were come in and finding this provision and a Mantle which they knew belonged to Iames fits Thomas they followed the chase of the Stag now roused By this time the Harper had convaied the Sugan Earle into the thickest part of the Fastnesse and himselfe with his two other Companions of purpose discovered themselues to the Souldiers and left the Wood with the Lapwings policie that they being busied in pursuite of them the other might remaine secure within that Fastnesse and so indeed it fell out for the Souldiers supposing that Iames fits Thomas had beene of that Company made after them till Evening by what time they had recovered the White Knights Countrey where being past hope of any farther service they returned to Barry-court and informed the Lord Barry of all those accidents On the next morning the Lord Barry glad of so good a cause of complaint against the White Knight whom hee hated hasteth to the President and relating unto him all these particulars signifieth what a narrow escape the Arch-traytor had made and that if the White Knights people had assisted his Souldiers hee could not possibly haue escaped their hands Hereupon the White Knight was presently sent for who being called before the President was rebuked with sharpe words and bitter reprehensions for the negligence of his Countrey in so important a busines and was menaced that for so much as hee had undertaken for his whole Countrey therefore hee was answerable both with life and lands for any default by them made The White Knight receiving these threatnings to heart humbly intreated the President to suspend his judgement for a few dayes vowing upon his soule that if the said Desmond were now in his Countrey as was averted or should hereafter repaire thither hee would giue the President a good account of him aliue or dead otherwise he was contented that both his Lands and Goods should remaine at the Queenes mercy and with these protestations he departed And presently repairing to Sir George Thornton hee recounted unto him the sharpe reproofes which from the President hee had received Sir George finding him thus well netled tooke hold of the occasion never left urging him to performe the service untill he had taken his corporall oath upon a booke that he would employ all his endeavours to effect the same Assoone as he was returned to his house he made the like moane unto some of his faithfullest Followers as hee had done to Sir George Thornton and to stirre up their minds to helpe him in the perill hee stood hee promised him that could bring unto him word where Iames fits Thomas was he would giue him fiftie pound in money the inheritance of a Plough land to him and his Heires for ever with many immunities and freedomes One of his Followers which loved him dearely compassionating the perplexity hee was in but would you indeed said he lay hands upon Iames fits Thomas if you knew where to find him the Knight confirmed it with protestations then follow me said he and I will bring you where he is The White Knight and hee with sixe or seven more whereof Redmond Burke of Muskry-quirke was one presently upon the nine and twentie nineth of May tooke horse and were guided to a Caue in the Mountaine of Slewgort which had but a narrow mouth yet deepe in the ground where the Caytiffe Earle accompanied onely with one of his foster brothers called Thomas Opheghie was then lurking The White Knight called Iames fits Thomas requiring him to come out and render himselfe his Prisoner But contrariwise hee presuming upon the greatnes of his quality comming to the Caues mouth required Redmond â—urke and the rest to lay hands upon the Knight for both hee and they were his naturall Followers but the vvheele of his fortune being turned vvith their swords drawen they entred the Caue and without resistance disarming him and his foster Brother they delivered them bound to the White Knight
vpon the same which they would not doe vpon a Countrey not lying vpon the Sea You shall receiue what Newes of Spaniards came to these parts by Iohn fits Thomas and Donogh Mac Cormock and whatsoever they brought with them we impart with you and doe provide for the same men to send unto you if they may be had Our Commendations to Patrick Condon and to the rest of our friends in those parts Your very assured Friend Hugh Odonnell The Earle of Thomond at the request of the Lord President sent a Priest called Teg Mac Gillipatrick as a Spie into Vlster to learne what newes hee could get among the Rebels there returned the one and twentieth of February 1600 and came to the Lord President at Moyallo reporting that at his being at Donegall in the Christmas Holy dayes Tirone Odonnell and most of the Northerne Captaines being there present made a new combination to continue the Rebellion at which assembly the Spanish Archbishop of Dublin was present then ready to depart for Spaine with sixteene Irish Priests in his company for the better assurance of their confederacie the Sacrament was solemnely received by them all At the same time Teg Mac Gillipatrick the Priest aforesaid did see a Letter of Florence Mac Carties lately sent to Tirone by a Messenger of his owne which hee heard read openly the Contents whereof was That hee protested hee was not fallen from them but had made a peace with the Lo President of Mounster untill May next and that then he was at libertie One Dermond Mac Cartie a kinsman and dependanâ— upon Florence and by him as is supposed was sent into Spaine where hee continued his Intelligencer many yeeres and by the Spanyards called Don Dermutio Cartie wrote a Letter unto his Master Florence dated at the Groyne the ninth of March 1600. A long letter in Spanish the materiall poynts whereof are thus abstracted and Englished That hee was glad to heare that his Lordship upon the fiftâ—enth of December last was landed at Corke after his eleven yeeres restraint in England whereof three of them in the Tower of London that his Imprisonment was not for marrying of the Earle of Clan Cares daughter without leaue as was pretended but upon suspition which the State had of his loyaltie which he understood by Letters written from the Lord Deputie and Treasurer of Ireland to the Queene which was intercepted and brought into Spaine wherein it was suggested that hee having so many kinsmen friends and followers and himselfe who was knowne to beare affection to Spanyards it were fit hee were restrayned and that this onely was the cause of his eleven yeeres restraint Wherefore hee advised him not to put any confidence in the English for if they once againe lay hold upon him they would never enlarge him Hee advised him to certifie his Majestie how much hee was his Servant what Townes and places hee could put into his handes what number of men of warre hee could serue him withall and if he could surprize Corke he should bee well supplyed by the King of Spaine That hee might send his Letters written to the King unto Don Diego Brochero who is a great favourer of the Irish Nation and in great credit with the King by which meanes they would bee safely delivered as also his Letters unto him for the solicitation of his businesse That within three dayes hee might send him answere from the Groyne which hee could not doe unto Oneale and O Donnell who were so farre off in the North of the Kingdome and advised him to write unto them that they in like manner should direct their Letters to Don Diego Brochero but if he would not write unto him hee would advise with Don Diego and repaire himselfe unto him into Ireland Lastly hee hoped that the King of Spaine would the next Spring send an Armie into Ireland It would bee too tedious to set downe at large all the manifest proofes of Florâ—â—ce his juggling Treasons wherefore I will for brevitie sake relate but a few more Abstracts of Letters and Examinations which heere ensue The thirteenth of May 1600. Florence received Letters from Tyrone wherein hee prayeth him that hee would constantly presevere in the Catholike cause as hee had promised that aide should come unto him from the North by Lammas next That he had written in his favour to the King of Spaine commended his service and prayed the King to giue him assistance Tyrone wrote unto both the Osulevans requiring them to giue obedience unto Florence for hee had complained of them Tyrone threatning the said Osâ—levans that if they did not obey him as they ought hee would with his forces come into Mounster to destroy them Dated the thirtieth of October 1599. Tyrone to Florence dated the seventeenth of Aprill 1600. that according to the trust and confidence he had in him and his Confederats in Mounster they should fight valiantly against the English whereunto they were bound in conscience and for their Countries good Another from Tyrone to Florence Mac Cartie dated the second of May 1600. wherein hee signifieth unto him of the arrivall of the Popes Archbishop of Dublin And of present aides from Spaine he thanked God that the Earle of Ormond is taken hee incited him to entertaine as many Bonoghs as heâ— can against their enemies that hee hath acquainted the King of Spaine of his service unto whom hee hath sent his Sonne Henry Oneale and that hee would shortly send him aide Garret Liston of Skehanaghe in the County of Limerick Gentleman being examined upon oath said that Florence Mac Cartie met with Iames fits Thomas at Belaghafenan two miles from Castle Mayne where Iames challenged him for not comming unto him with his forces to fight with the Lord President as he had promised whom after hee had with smooth language pacified hee protested solemnly and tooke his oath in the presence of Iames fits Thomas Mac Awlife Thomas Oge Muriertaghe Mac Shihie Iohn Vlicke and this Examinat that hee would continue with Iames fits Thomas in this action And although Iames should giue over the rebellion which hee termed a just warte yet hee himselfe would keepe life in it so long as hee could get any to follow him c. This examination was taken by the Lord President the twentieth of August 1600. Another from Oâ—eâ—le to Florence dated the sixth of February 1600. wherein hee exhorteth him to serue valiantly against the Pagan Beast That before hee did write unto him againe hee should see trouble enough in England it selfe and that yeaâ—e May ensuing the warres of Irâ—land would bee easie And for that the cause of Mounster was left unto him hee wished that no imbecillity should bee found in him and that the time of helpe was neere Florence Mac Carties wife told Sir Charles Wilmot that her husbands heart was malitious to the State and that hee would never come in but upon necessitie
order ready to fight then the President drew his owne and the Earle of Thomonds regiments to the boats not twelue score from them which the Rebels preceiving and too late finding their error in a disordered manner made towards our landing place but before they could compasse the fret or cleft rocky ground as aforesaid all our Army was landed Neverthelesse they came on brauely but our falcons made them hault our Vanguard made towards them and a good skirmish ensued which continued untill the other Regiments came up but then they brake and ran faster then wee could follow vpon the place eight and twentie of them was slaine whereof two were officers and thirtie wounded whereof Captaine Tirrell was one shot in the body but not deepe enough There was onely two prisoners taken and presently hanged whereof a servant of Iames Archer the infamous Iesuit was one and with him his masters sword and portace And if the Iesuit himselfe had not beene a light footed Priest hee had fallen into our hands and yet as nimble as hee was hee escaped with much difficulâ—ie and besides him great numbers of them would haue passed the edge of the sword had not they had a boggie Wood at hand wherein they were sheltered The losse of our side was onely the hurting of seven men but none of marke the skirmish being ended wee lodged that night upon the same ground neere unto Castle Dermond CHAP. VII The Spanish ship which arrived neere Ardea broâ—ght Passengers Munition and Money to â—he Rebels The distribâ—ters and distribution of same of the money A Letter from Owen Mac Eggan unto Richard Mac Goghagan at Donbay A Letter from Iames Archer Iesuit to Dominick Collins Iesuit at Donboy A Letter from Iohn Anias to Dominick at Donboy A Letter from Iohn Anias to the Barrâ—n of Lixnaâ— a little before hiâ— execution WITHIN two houres after the skirmish aforesaid was ended the Rebels had intelligence that there was a Spanish patach landed the night before at the haven of Kilmokilloc not farre from Ardea in the Bay of Camnarra shee was purposely sent from Spaine to know the estate of the Castle of Donboy whether it held still for the King of Spaine some Irish passengers was in her namely a Fryer Iames Nelane a Thomond man belonging to Sir Tirlogh Obrian who had the charge of the treasure Owen Mac Eggan the Popes Bishop of Rosse and his vicarius Apostolicus with Letters to sundry Rebels and twelue thousand pounds as the President was credibly informed by one called Moylmurry Mac Edmond Boy Mac Swyny then a Rebell who saw it besides munition which did put such a fresh spirit into the Rebels who formerly were advising rather to breake and disperse then to endure a siege as they solemnly vowed to persevere in the defence of the Castle assuring the Messenger which they confirmed by their Letters that they would hold the same until Michaelmas within which time they prayed aid which the Messenger confidently promised for said hee two thousand men were drawen to the Groyne before I departed thence And the next morning being the fifteenth hee set saile for Spaine carrying with him Brian Okelly and Donnagh Mac Mahon Obrian The distribution of the money by appointment in Spaine as Moylemurry aforesaid affirmed was left principally to the disposition of Donnell Oulevan Beare Owen Mac Eggan Iames Archer and some others and Ellen Cartie wife to Owen Osulevan then a prisoner with Donnell Osulevan Beare did see some part of that treasure disbursed in manner following To Donnell Osulevan Beare 1500. li. To Iames Archer Iesuit 0150 To Donoghe Moyle Mac Cartie 0160 To Finnin Mac Cartie To Dermond Moyle Florence his Brother 0300. li. To Odonevan 0200 To Sir Finnin Odrischall and Conner his Son 0500 To Conner Mac Nemarra 0100 To Richard Blake To the Lord of Lixnaw 0100 To Iohn fits Thomas 0200 To O Conner Kerry 0100 To the Knight of the Valley To Donnell Mac Cartie the Baâ—t 0400 Â Summ. 3710. li. And likewise the said Moilmurry saw foure great Boat loads of wine munition and money taken out of the patach and caried on shore by Osulevan Beare into the Castle of Ardea but how much munition was brought he did not know part thereof was presently sent to Donboy to encourage the Rebels in the Castle Owen Mac Eggan wrote a Letter to Richard Mac Goghagan which is here ensuing truely related and an other written by Archer the Iesuit to Dominick Collins the Fryer and a third from Iohn Anias who conceived himselfe to be a good Ingeniere All which Letters doe here ensue A Letter from Owen Mac Eggan to Richard Mac Goghagan at Donboy MAster Richard I commend mee unto you being very glad of the good report I heare of you whereby I cannot but expect much with God his assistance in that lawfull and godly cause of you I am sorry but it was my lucke to conferre with you and with the rest of your company and informe you of all the State of the matters of Spaine but upon my credit and conscience there is no peece of service now in hand in all Christendome for the King of Spaine then the same that yee haue How great it is to God and necessary for our Countrey affaires you know Moreover within few dayes you shall haue releefe of men come to helpe you thither out of Spaine the great Army of fourteene thousand men are forth comming you shall all be aswell recompensed both by God and by the Kings Majestie as any Ward that is in all the world againe haue me I pray commended to all and especially to father Dominick and bid him bee of good courage there comes with the Army a father of the company an Italian for the Pope his Nuncius in whose company I came from Rome to the Court of Spaine and there hee expects the Armies comming hither hee shall giue all a benediction yea I hope within your Castle there spite of all the devils in hell From the Catholike Campe this present Wednesday 1602. Your assured Friend Owen Hegaine In my sacrifice and other poore prayers I will not faile but commend you and your good cause to God our shippe did arriue three dayes agon and our Letters is come to the King by this time Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem c. A Letter from Iames Archer Iesuite to Dominick Collins Iesuite at Donboy YOur Letters of Thursday last came to our hands but our disagreeing in some matters makes to bee slacke in performing your desire yet you must take better order for the premises in the meane while how ever becomes of our delayes or insufficiencies bee yee of heroicall minds for of such consequence is the keeping of that Caâ—tle that every one there shall surpasse in deserts any of us here and for Noble valiant Souldiers shall passe immortall throughout all ages to come for the better incouraging let these words be read in their hearing Out
the summe of the other pretending ignorance in both whereupon hee was committed to the common Goale But let us leaue Cormock for a while with the Gentleman Porter and his man in the Goale and speake of other accidents and matters of State which at this time were handled Vpon the second of September the Lord President received Letters from the Lords of the Councell wherein they signified unto him how well her Majestie and themselues liked of his services performed in Mounster with many other things worthy to be remembred which importeth me in this place to relate the true copie of the originall Letter CHAP. XIII A Letter from the Lords of the Councell to the Lord President Instructions for Captaine Harvie to write into Spaine A Letter written by her Majesties owne hand to the Lord President A Letter from the Lord President to her Majestie A Letter from Captaine Harvie to Pedro Lopez de Soto the Sâ—anish Veador A Letter from O Donnell to O Connor Kerry A Letter from Don Iuan de Aguila to the Lord President A Letter from the Lord President to Don Iuan de Aguila Captaine Harvies Passeport sent to the Veadâ—r The Lord Presidents Passeport for Captaine Edny into Spaine Spanish intelligence sent from Master Secretary Cecill to the Lord President The Lord Presidents opinion sent to Master Secretary of a defensiue warre in Ireland A Letter from the Lords of the Councell to the Lord President AFTER our very hearty Commendations Wee haue according to our dueties imparted to her Majestie your dispatch of the seven and twentieth of Iuly who hath conceived so great liking of your proceedings as she hath commanded us to take notice of the same in the most gratious tearmes that our owne heart could wish being likewise most desirous that the Army under you as well in generall as those Gentlemen and Officers in particular who haue so valiantly exposed themselues to danger as appeareth by your particular relation may know that they haue ventured their liues for a Prince who holdeth them so deare as if shee could preserue her estate and them without the losse and hazard of them there is nothing which she possesseth of her owne which she would spare to redeeme their trouble and danger It remayneth now that wee acquaint what is done by her Majestie to prevent the purposes of the King of Spaine wherein wee cannot but much commend the apprehension you take of those advertisements you haue and the judgement you use in applying the same for the safetie of that Province the defection whereof as wee are sorry to find by so understanding a person as you are So doe wee hope when it shall appeare as it doth daily in all parts of Ireland that God doth blesse her Majesties Army against the Rebels and that the King of Spaine shall find himselfe not so at ease as to employ any Army there in haste that that lacke of duety and ingratitude which doth now liue in them will either dye in it selfe and turne to the contrary or else that God will as hee hath begun confound them in their owne malitious inventions It is very true that her Majesties owne advertisements doe confirme that a Pinnace of fiftie Tunne was sent with some of Odonnels Followers and some trâ—asure to assure the Rebels of an Army to come into Ireland which Pinnace being once put to Sea was forced backe againe to Vinera but they parted thence againe within three or fower dayes after which is the same that landed at Ardea whereof your Letters make mention Wee haue also assured advertisements that her Majesties fleete being kept on the Coast hath much hindered the Spanish deâ—ignes not that they were fully ready to come forth but because the fleete kept their preparations from drawing to a head for this next moneth is the time which is the fittest for them to put to Sea if her Majesties fleete doe not hinder them For which purpose though now most of her ships being long at Sea and come in with the carrick yet they are going out againe with all possible speed You shall further understand that her Majestie hath beene acquainted of the Letters of complements betweene Don Iohn and you the Copies being sent over by the Deputie by Sir Oliver Saint-Iohn whereof you now send the originall At which time hee sent her Majestie his owne and kept no counsell that â—ee had intercepted your great bribe wee haue also seene the Letter of Soto to Captaine Harvie and the Passeport of whose conference from which Passeport also proceeded her Majesty conceiveth that you may make some good use for her service in this forme following Where it doth appeare by Odonnels Letter to O Connor Kerry out of Spaine that hee is desirous to understand the State of Ireland but so as if thee bee any bad it may bee concealed from the Spaniards Captaine Harvie may in requitall of the Veadors curtesie towards him use this freedome of a Gentleman though an enemy to let him see how much the King of Spaine is abused by the Rebels who seeke to engage him upon false hopes and conceale just causes of doubts for which purpose hee shall send him Odonnels owne Letter which hee cannot deny and withall in any case it being well overâ—eene by you make him a relation of the successes of her Majesties Army now if it may bee said that they will thinke this Letter is aposted and take this to be a finenesse in Harvie the worst that can come is that this good may ensue That under colour of sending that to him there may some person goe in the ship who may discover what preparations there is in that place for the better colouring whereof hee may reply that where hee hath sent him a Passeport for the safe conduct of any person whatsoever hee should send to negotiate in the matter which passed betweene them in conference that he looked rather to haue received from him who was the Propounder of the same with so great affection some such overture from that side as might haue given him foundation to breake with the Deputy or your selfe to send over to her Majesty about it for which purpose he may offer him as good a Passeport for any of his Messengers as he hath sent to himselfe it being very great reason that such a motion should prooceed from that side rather which hath opened it selfe with greatest violence then from any of her Majesties ministers who haue in steed of their malitious attempt performed all offices of honour and humanity And so much for answer of that poynt For your opinion concerning such places as are fit to bee fortified her Majestie doeth very well approoue the reasous whereupon the same is grounded being such indeed as ought to sway her Maiesties Iudgements either one way or other for as it is true that charge is well forborne which draweth with it perill so it is a double danger to spend in any place where safetie followeth
Letter bare date the seventh of August and arrived at Corke the second of September following whereby the Reader may see that the King of Spaines eyes were yet still notwithstanding the rowt at Kinsale the dishonour hee received in the returnes of his troopes and the losse of Dunboy whereby his footing in Ireland was meerely loâ—t open upon that kingdome Although Queene Elizabeth of happie memory was dead before Lieutenant Edney returned yet I hold it not impertinent in this place to 〈◊〉 his sucâ—esses When hee was landed at the Groynt hee understood that Don Iohn de Aguila by the accusation of the Irish Fugitiues was in disgrace confined to his house where of griefe shortly after hee dyed His Letters and Pasports were taken from him by the Earle of Carazena and sent to the Court and himselfe stayed untill the Kings pleasure was knowen The Irish Traytors inveighed much against him â—aying That under pretext of Trade and bringing of Presents hee came as a Spie Neverthelesse he was well intreated and had the libertie of the Towne and to weare his Sword with allowance from the King of a Duccat per diem for his dyet His goods were solde for the best advantage and his Barque returned into Ireland But the Presidents present to Don Iohn the Earle of Carazena detayned to his owne use And after nine moneths restraint Edney was enlarged and returned into England in Iuly 1603. A little before this time Sir Robert Cecill her Majesties principall Secretary wrote unto the Lord Deputie the Newes of Spaine a branch of which hee also sent to the President dated upon the seventh of August and received the second of September I hold meet to insert wherby the Reader may understand that the King of Spaine had still his eyes open upon Ireland One great cause of my writing this private Letter is this that where I see how much it doth distract your mind to thinke of Spaine behinde you and of the North before you fearing to bee diverted from the conclusion of your labours you may perceiue in what estate the preparations of Spaine are now as I am certainly advertised by one of mine owne who is newly arrived from the Port of Lisbone where he tooke shipping the 21 of Iuly There are two great Ships each of them of a thousand Tunnes one called the Andrew the other which shall be the Viceadmirall the name forgotten Besides there are twelue ships of two hundred tunnes and downeward in which it is resolved to send some fifteene hundred men to haue releeved the siege at Bearehaven the Newes of the taking whereof was first knowen by a Ship from Waterford to Lisbon and not before Of the fifteene hundred men eight hundred came from the Groyne being part of those which were transported out of Ireland In the Groyne remaineth Odonnell and there is onely the great Saint Philip with ten small Barques with which he mightily importuned to be sent to the North. If these had been sent unto Beerehaven in Mounster hoping upon his arrivall with some fifteene hundred men to haue raised the siege possessed some parts and made a beginning of a plantation heereof great benefit must needs haue growen to the Rebels for as those small numbers which should haue been landed at Mounster with the bruite of the rest to follow which is alwayes multiplied would haue made a distraction of the Vlster prosecution c. Lastly in the said Letter he prayed the President to set downe his opinion what course were best to be taken in a Defensiue warre if the King of Spaine did invade Ireland with a Royall Armie The next passage to giue Master Secretarie satisfaction the Lord President wrote unto him a long Letter but because many private things were handled in the same I will onely relate so much of it as concernes his opinion touching a defensiue warre in Ireland The Lord Presidents Opinion sent to Master Secretary of a Defensiue Warre in Ireland GRanting that the Enemie will come no lesse powerfull then is reported and that the Irish will joyne with them whereof there is no doubt then consideration is to bee had what in such a Sea of troubles is meetest to bee done that may best preserue the Queenes army with lest charge and the way to weary the enemy and the countrey Because my opinion may perchance differ from other men whose Authority Greatnesse and better iudgement in the worldes opinion beares more sway I will forbeare to deale in so waightie a businesse any farther then to your selfe vsing the libertie you haue euer giuen me to say what I conceiue to be the best Counsaile if the army of Spaine be so great as is both reported by those that come from thence and expected heere let us make no doubt but he will bee Master of the field for the present and will so hold himselfe except the Armie of Ireland bee reenforced to a farre higher Liâ—t the charge whereof will make if I bee not deceived both England and Ireland to groane Wherefore the best way in my conceit to moderate such huge Expences is for the present to be carelesse of the Countreys generally throughout the kingdome for in seeking both to defend them and to make head against the Enemy will be too heavie a burden The principall regard which we ought to haue is of the Cities in every of which I doe wish a strong Garison both of Horse and foot able to defend a siege when the Enemie shall see that wee are dispersed into Garrisons either hee will presently in his best strength goe to besiege one of those places or else disperse because hee hath the Countrey to friend as wee doe if he attempt the besieging of any of our places aforesaid there is no doubt but in such a businesse he will unite all his forces in one then may wee be bold to draw all our forces from their severall Garrisons to a head to releeue that place and with Gods favour make no doubt but to enforce the Enemy to rise if hee disperse then those Garrisons will be able to master the Countries about them and leaue no habitation to releeue either Spanyard or Irish and upon occasion two or more of these Garrisons may assemble and meet to effect greater services then otherwise can bee done This fashion of a warre will in a short time destroy all the Countrey make the Irish to curse the Spaniard and themselues for drawing them hither driue the King to an inestimable charge and hazard by Sea to victuall and releeue his Army which otherwise will perish ease the Queenes charge and secure the chiefe Townes which is chiefely and aboue all other things to be respected Supposing the Army would land in Mounster in it I would haue principall regard of Corke Limerick and Waterford in either of which Cities I doe wish there might be a strong Garrison of three thousand foote and three hundred horses one thousand foote more to be dispersed
such Land If any of them heereafter be disobedient to her Lawes or breake foorth in Rebellion shee may when they shall bee more divided ruine them more easily for example unto others and if it be thought fit may plant English or other Irish in their Countreyes For although there ever haue beene and hereafter may bee small eruptions in some places which at the first may easily bee suppressed yet the suffering them to grow to that generall head and combination did questionlesse proceed from great errour in the judgement heere and may be easily as I thinke prevented hereafter And further it may please her Majestie to ground her resolution for the time and numbers of the next abatement of the List of her Armie somewhat upon our poore advise from hence and to beleeue that wee will not so farre corrupt our Iudgements with any private respects and without necessitie to continue her Charge seeing wee doe throughly conceiue how grievous it is unto her Estate and that wee may not bee precisely tyed to an Establishment that shall conclude the payments of the Treasure since it hath ever been thought fit to bee otherwise till the comming over of the Earle of Essex and some such extraordinarie Occasions may fall out that it will bee dangerous to attend your Lordships Resolutions and when it will bee safe to diminish the Armie heere that there may bee some course thought of by some other Employment to disburthen this Countrey of the idle Sword-men in whom I finde an inclination apt enough to bee carried elsewhere either by some of this Countrey of best reputation among them or in Companies as now they stand under English Captaines who may bee reinforced with the greatest part of Irish That it may bee left to our discretion to make Passages and Bridges into Countreyes otherwise unaccessable and to build little Pyles of stone in such Garrisons as shall bee thought fittest to bee continuall Bridles upon the people by the commoditie of which wee may at any time drawe the greatest part of the Armie together to make a Head against any part that shall first breake out and yet reserue the places onely with a Ward to put in greater Forces as occasion shall require which I am perswaded will prooue great Pledges upon this Countrey that upon any urgent cause the Queene may safely draw the greatest part of her Armie heere out of the Kingdome to bee employed at least for a time elsewhere wherein I beseech your Lordships to consider what a strength so many experienced Captaines and Souldiers would bee to any Armie of new men erected in England against an Invasion or sent abroad in any offensiue warre But untill these places bee built I cannot conceiue how her Majestie with any safetie can make any great diminution of her Armie Lastly I doe humbly desire your Lordships to receiue the further explanation of my meaning and confirmation of my reasons that doe induce mee unto these propositions for the Lord President of Mounster who as he hath been a very worthy Actor in the reducement and defence of this Kingdome so doe I thinke him to be the best able to giue you through account of the present Estate and future providence for the preservation thereof wherein it may please your Lordships to require his opinion of the hazard this Kingdome is like to runne in if it should by any mightie Power be invaded and how hard it will bee for us in any measure to provide for the present defence if any such bee intended and withall to goe on with the suppression of these that are left in rebellion so that wee must either adventure the kindling of this fire that is almost extinguished or intending onely that leaue the other to exceeding perill And thus having remembred to your Lordships the most materiall poynts as I conceiue that are fittest for the present to bee considered of I doe humbly recommend my selfe and them to your Lordships favour From her Majesties Castle of Dublin the sixe and twentieth of February 1602. After the Lord Deputie departed by reason of Easterly winds the President was stayed aboue three weekes in Dublin during which time every day Posts were emploied betweene them untill the twentieth of March which was the day the Lord President set saile for England the day following hee arrived at Bewmarris at his comming to Chester hee met with the lamentable newes of the decease of his good and gracious Mistresse Queene Elizabeth for whom as he had good cause he extreamely mourned But two dayes following being at Lichfield he assisted the Major in the proclaiming of King Iames which gaue him new life whom I beseech God long to preserue and continue his Posteritie for ever over his triumphant Monarchy of Great Brittaine and Ireland Although my VVorke bee finished yet according to the course I haue held in the end of the two former Bookes I may not omit to recount to the Reader the most memorable Services and accidents which hapned in this yeere 1602. In the Catalogue whereof I must first begin with the forces sent into Carbery with the Earle of Thomond The sending of Sir Charles Wilmot with his Regiment into Kerry The Lord Presidents departure from Corke with the Armie towards Donboy His long abode at Carew Castle expecting Munition and Victuals The difficulty he had in his approaching towards Donboy The defeat given to the Rebels The arrivall of a Spanish Caravell in Beare with Letters of Comfort Money and Munition from Spaine The siege of Donboy the winning and rasing of it The Presidents returne to Corke and Sir Charles Wilmots into Kerry The flight of Iames Archer the Iesuite and Connor Odrischall into Spaine The relapse of Sir Owen Mac Carties Sonnes The Spanish Hostages returned into Spaine The restraint of Cormock Lord of Muskery His escape and reduction The winning of the Castle of Mocrumpe The defeat of Tirrell and his Bonnoghs in Muskery The sending of Sir Samuell Bagnall with fifteene hundred men to the Lord Deputie The Service done upon the Knight of Kerry The flight of Tirrell with his Bonoghs out of the Province The defeat of the Rebells in Glangarne The flight of William Burke with his Bonoghs Osulevan Beare and Connor Kerry out of Mounster The overthrow of the Cartyes in Carbery And the killing of the Popes Apostolique Vicar Owen Mac Egan The sending of a Regiment with Munition and Victualls for the service in Connaght The defeat of the Lord of Lixnaw The finall Reduction of Mounster The appointing of Sir Charles Wilmot and Sir George Thornton joynt Commissioners for the Government of Mounster And the departure of the Lord President into ENGLAND FINIS 1599. Devoreux Butler Roche Blunt Carew The landing of the Lord Deputie and Lord President in Ireland St. Lawrence Carew The Warrant for the passing of letters Patents to the Lo. President Norris Carew Blunt Carew Norris Norris Norris Cary. The Lo. Presidents Letters Patents Norris Carew Carew Blunt Carew