Crowne 20l The Clerke of the Counsell 20l The Serjeant at Armes 20l The Provost Marshall 264l 12s 6. d. The increase of pay to the present CoÌ„missioners 282. l. 10s Sum. total 949l 12s 6d Certaine Bands of Irish Kerne 1579l 8s 9d For Warders in severall Provinces 3577l 2d For Commissaries of Musters 577l 18s 4d For Pensioners of all sorts 3249l 9. d. Lastly Almes men 88l 19. s. 4. d. The totall of the above-named charge not contained in the establishment 21328l 8s 7d To which adde the establishment 277782l 15s The totall of the yeerly charge was 299111l 3s 7d To which if you adde the great charge of all Forts of Munitions with the like extraordinary expences and consider that the 1300 horse and the 1600 foot by new supplyes were to be made up 20000. What a masse of expence is here in one yeere able to drain this Kingdome seeing nothing comes from Ireland but complaints It will require the wisdome and providence of those that undertake it and the patience of the people that beare it All this in a readinesse the Earle of Essex departs from London in March 1â—99 in the beginning of the yeere not providently foreseeing what a step hee then made to his ruine The Nobility and gallant Gentry accompanied him on his way And the Earle of Kildare made such haste in an ill Vessell that himselfe and many a brave man with him were all drowned in the passage The Earle being arrived in Ireland took the place of government and laboured to acquaint himself with the estate of that Kingdome what parts were quiet what in rebellion Who had certaine intelligence that the Rebels in the County of Dublin were in number of the chiefe Families 48 foot 20 horse In Kildare 220 foot three horse In the County of Carlogh being wholly wasted only six or seven Castles held for the Queen In the County of VVexford all wasted but the Castles held for the queen and some English Families but all the rest in rebellion In these two Counties 750 foot 50 horse In the County of Leaz most of the chiefe in rebellion 570 foot 30 horse Only a few Castles held for the queen In the County of Ophaly some Castles held for the queen others by the Rebels 468 foot 12 horse In the County of Kilkenny many great Families of the Irish the Butlers in Rebellion 130 foot 20 horse The Rebels held the Castle of Bellirage and Colekill The rest the Earle of Ormond held for the queene In the County of Meth the son and heire of Sir William Nugent in rebellion and the Rebels of Vlster had much wasted the heart of the Pale In the County of West Meth lying most waste and possessed by the Rebels 140 foot twenty horse Besides Captain Tirril a bold man of English Race who had of Vlster men and other Rebels 200 foot In the County of Lowth all wasted by the Rebels only an English Irish Baron the Townes and Castles stood for the queene In the County of Langford 120 foot The whole in this Province of Lemster and Meth joyned with it 3048 foot 182 horse In the Province of Vlster Consisting most of Irish except somewhat which the Scots held were all forced to give way to Tyrone Dundalke the Frontier Towne between the Pale and Ulster and Knocfergus a Frontier Towne towards Scotland were kept by the English and some few other Castles all the rest possessed by the Rebels In the upper and lower Clandebays the Rebels 160 foot 70 horse The Duffery had 20 foot Two more Rebels had 100 foot 20 horse The Captain of Kilwarben had 60 foot 10 horse Mac 60 foot 10 horse Beyond the Min Water 40 foot Sir Francis Mac Surlebay 400 foot 100 horse The Island of Magie belonging to the Earle of Essex was wasted Mac Guir in Fermannagh had 600 foot 100 horse Other Rebels thereabout had 500 foot â—â—0 horse The O Reylies in the Brenny or County of Cavan had 800 foot 100 horse O Cane in his Countrey 500 foot 2â—0 horse Seven other chief Rebels had 1180 foot 281 horse Tyrone the Arch traytour Tyrone his country 700. foot 200 horse And divers other Rebels with him So the whole forces of the Rebels in Vlster 1702 horse 7220 foot In the County of Tipperary the Baron of Caher a Butler with his Brother and followers 30 foot 12 horse And divers other great Families had in severall companies some not having above three or foure horse 1660 F. 79 Horse In the County of Corke James fitz Thomas the new created Earle of Desmond 250 foot 30 horse And divers other Families 820 foot 8 horse In the County of Luirick Fisz Lacy with others had 300 foot 15 horse In the County of Kerry the Lord Fitz-Morice and others 500 foot 30 horse In the County of Desmond Osuillinan Beare and others had 500 foot 6 horse In the County of Waterford 200 foot 10 horse The whole number of the Rebels in Munster 5030 foot 242 Horse The Rebels of Connagh were 3070 foot 220 horse In all the foure Provinces Meth being reckoned for a County in Lemster the strength of the Rebels were 18246 foot 2346 horse Concerning which in April the Earle of Essex sent intelligence into England by a Letter And in a second Letter of the resolutions of Tyrone first that he intended to hearten his Confederates and then to make head in Vlster with his own forces and O Donnel in Connagh that the Rebels had taken oath at a publick Crosse to be constant and none â—ought pardon but in such insolent manner that it was rather a contempt That the very subjects grew cold in the service that although on private revenge they could appeare with an 100. Horse and 300 Foot yet now pleaded their inability to ayd the Queen with sixe of each the Earle gathered some English forces together and against his owne advice in England and the Q. command deceived by some false counsell hee set not on the head but on a few weake Rebels in Munster a matter of no consequence being beaten as they were June 15. the Lord Lievtenant received Letters from a Captain out of the North of Vlster that Tyrone had received Amunition out of Spaine but no treasure as was reported that he did sollicite the Redshanks into his pay and had provision of armes and other assistance daily from the Scots And also advised the Earle of their strength and of their intention to protract the warre and weary the English in prevention whereof he wished his Lordship to procure foure thousand Redshanks which in their Boats might break in upon Tyrone which thing the Lord Bourgh had formerly undertaken to procure but was prevented by death Iu. 25. the Lord Lievtenant wrote unto the Queen of the state and condition of the Rebels shewing the cause of their rebellion with the meanes to reduce and keepe them in subjection and that as well by Sea as Land provision must bee made to reduce them
and afterward gives such direction to her Majestie as was followed in the ensuing warre though himselfe had not the good hap to put it in practice And in the conclusion bewayles his owne misfortune that his enemies whom he names had gotten so neere her Majesties elbow In the end of July his Lordship brought backe his forces into Lemster himselfe going to Dublin having done little but admitted some few to protection which afterward revolted againe In his absence 600. souldiers which were left in the Glinne had been beaten by the Irish for which his Lordship used great severity in punishing of them putting to death the tenth common souldier calling the Captaines to a Court Marshall caused an Irish Lievtenant to be shot for parlying with the Rebels By this time the Qu. advertised his Lordship of his errour in not setting on the chiefe Rebell Tyrone but he excused himselfe and layd the fault on the Counsell of Ireland and that his intention now was that way beat but yet that first hee must suppresse some neere Dublin which being done he took a view of his Army and found it so much impaired that hee sent to England for supply of 1000. new men to inable him presently to undertake the Vlster journey And now resolved to march Northwest he willed Sir Conyers Clifford Governour of Connagh to compell Tyrone to give resistance at Belike while himselfe set on him on the other side So that Sir Con. Clifford with one Troop of horse and 1400. foot came to the Curlew Mountaines where he left his carriages under the guard of his Horse untill he had tryed the passage forward Who was presently assaulted by the Rebels taking the advantage of the woods boggs and a stony Causey and although the English stoutly received the charge yet they being weary with a long march and their powder fayling them which they had about them they began to faint so to flye so that many were slain in the place and many hurt besides two worthy Commanders Sir Con. Clifford Alexand. Ratcliffe killed And had not Sir John Jepson valliantly succoured them with his Horse most of the rest had perished this happened by a great oversight as was thought By this time the 1000. men out of England were arrived in Ireland yet his Lordship wrote over that he could doe little this yeere but only goe to the borders of Vlster whether going in September Tyrone shewed himselfe two dayes together on severall hills some distance off whence hee sent to desire a parley with his Lordship Who rejected that offer also sent him word that on the morrow he should find him armed in the head of his Army The next day after a light skirmish one of Tyrones horsmen cryed that Tyrone would not fight but would speake with the Lord Lievtenant apart from the Army unarmed The next day also he was told that Tyrone desired the Qu. mercy and would faine speake with his Lordship at the foard Balla Elâ—nch neere the chiefe towne of the County of Louth Where they two only met and Tyrone saluted his Lordship very courtly many speeches passing betweene them Whether as being left not farre off his Lordship called sixe or seven of his chiefe Commanders and Tyrone as many of his friends and there was a Conference about a Treaty of peace and a truce made from sixe weekes to sixe weekes untill May with proviso that on 14. dayes warning given on either side it should be lawfull to resume armes againe Now the Queen having received his Lordships Letters what he had done which was nothing with such an Army in so long space She wrote him a tart Letter much blaming his proceedings and questioning his discretion Which did so gaule and wring his Lordship that presently he left Adam Loftus the Archbishop of Dublin and Sir George Carew Treasurer of the wars to governe Ireland so went into England And unexpected presented himselfe before the Qu. in her privy Chamber but had not that welcome that hee expected and after a few words was commanded to his Chamber and afterwards to the Lord Keepers house in the nature of a Prisoner And now a list of the Commanders and whole Army is taken and set downe both horse and foot how disposed of throughout the whole Kingdome and were 14422. Foote 1231. horse The truce continuing the helme was easily held by those hands in which it was put but Dec. 6. Tyrone began to practize acts of hostilitie upon that he had given as hee said 14. dayes warning and because the Earle of Essex was imprisoned in England on whom he did relye for safety and would not now trust the Counsell of Ireland that had so often deceived him before this intelligence posted into England that the Rebels were ready to assaile the Pale And a false rumour raysed by Essex enemies that England would suddenly be in a combustion which was no little prejudice to the said Earle The Queen hearing this and more that the Rebels daily increased and the English Irish discontented that the government was wholly out of their hands by sending English Deputies over That Tyrone grew proud bearing trust on the King of Spaine who had sent him somewhat but promised more and the Pope not wanting in his fatherly cate towards him sent him a crowne of Phenix feathers in imitation no doubt of Vrban the third who sent King John Lord of Ireland a crowne of Peacocks feathers Upon this Sir Charles Blunt Lord Montjoy is thought fit to be sent and was thought on by the Qu. before Essex came over who was forward to take the charge upon him and so turned the Queenes intentions This Lord was a tall comely man wise valiant and learned close in his counsels resolute in his determinations His courses were much contrary to other Deputies and so effected what they could not doe 1. He led our men warily on any service not willing to dis-hearten our men or incourage the enemie and himselfe ever at hand either to hearten or helpe hee ventured his own person often although it be a great question in Military discipline whether it be wisedome or no 2. His planting of Garrison in the Rebels countreys compassing Tyrone on every side so that they could not easily assist on the other Other Deputies made two or three journeys in the yeare and that with the whole Army which was discovered by the Rebels that they fled into the woods and bogges nor could the Army abide the field long for want of victuals being so many at one place where as the Lord Montjoy planting good Garrisons in many places taking the field with 1000 foot and 200. horse onely was able openly to affront Tyrone seeing he was compelled to leave many of his forces behind to guard his Countrey from those Garrisons which else would have forraged his Countrey Thus he did not only in Summer as others had done but in Winter also himselfe being five or sixe dayes in a weeke on horse-backe
of the Newry with a thousand two hundred and fifty foot and an hundred and fifty horse The nine and twentieth day his Lordship had notice that Sir Henry Davers had done much damage to Brisan mac Art in killing his men and taking his cattell Many received Pardons and were accepted of because that certaine newes came that the Spanish forces which lay at Lisbone were to come for Ireland So his Lordship disposed of the Companies into Garrisons and Forts neere the enemies Countrey and went with his followers to Dundalke having with him onely three companies of foot and a troop of horse but going towards the North he gathered some forces out of the Garrisons so he went to a Hill neere Blackwater on the Southside making a stand where Tyrone and his horse and foot shewed themselves in a Medow beyond the River with Trumpets and Drums and Colours which they used not to doe before but now only in a bravado Making some shot at us which being at too fat distance fell short without doing any hurt but we having a Rabenet and a Falcon planted on a little Hill made some shot at the Rebels which made them seulke into the Woods like Puppits So that his Lordship sent 300 foot to a Hill close by the waterside and at the evening came and encamped upon it whence he saw Tyrone draw some horse over the water to our side but Sir William Gâ—dâ—lphin went with a troope of horse to meet him but he presently retyred back So we placing the two small pieces charging them with Musket shot drove the Rebels out of the Trenches which they had made beyond the River so that the 300 men passed over the River and possessed them and an adjoyning old Fort with a plain not altogether Musket shot from the Wood where the Rebell was fled and his Lordship seeing the Trenches did admire that they wold take so much pains to make that which they had so little care to keepe so his Lordship went to view a Place in Tyrones Wood who stood looking on us who only made a few shot at our men in their retreat So the sixteenth his Lordship passing over the Blackwater with a Regiment of Irish marched to a place at the left hand of our Campe at the entrance of a great Wood where our men made a stand in a fair green Medow having our Campe not farre behinde them and the Wood at each side and before them in which great multitudes of the Rebels were assembled so that there hapned a great and large skirmish with various accidents sometimes they sometimes wee giving ground for the Lord Deputy drew our forces out of the Campe as he saw the Rebels increase Doctor Latwar his Lordships Chaplaine not content to see this in the Campe went into the Medow to our Colours and was shot so that he died the next day Not one more slain of the English only a Captaines legg broken but 26 of the Irish on our side and 72 hurt such as were kept in pay only that they should not side with the Rebell Among the Rebels Tyrones Secretary and above two hundred Kernes were killed which did much abate their courage and animate our men His Lordship wrote into England complayning of the scarcity of the victuals and that which was being salt fish which as hee said was most unfit for marching was not good nor wholsome His Lordship rising from about Blackwater made another Proclamation for Tyrones head at 1000l and 2000l to bring him alive So hee marched too and fro spoyling and cutting downe all the Corn thereabouts and burning houses in the woods neere where the Rebels lay but would not fight So he returned to the Blackwater and with some choice foot and horse went to view the way to Dungannon Tyron's chief house ten miles distant and setting some to cut down the wood the Rebels sought to hinder them but were beaten back so after we marched six miles to Armagh and three to Rawlaghtany From whence Sir Hen. Davers with 300 foot and 40 horse went to burn some houses that stood in a Fortresse which he performed but the Rebels followed them back even to our Campe into which they poured a Volley of shot and retyred into an adjoyning Fortresse Here the Commissary viewed the Army and found in the List 2950 but by Pole 1728. The fourth day at night the Rebels came with cryes Drums and Bag-pipes as if they would have attempted our Campe And poured into it two or three thousand shot but doing little hurt For his Lordship commanded that none of our men should stirre having lodged in a Trench some 400 shot with command that they should not give fire untill the rebels were neere which doing they put up paid with the shot and sent out lamentable cryes So then his Lordship sent for more forces because hee had intelligence that Tyron's Army was much increased Now there came more certaine newes of the Spaniards comming and of their intention to land at Waterford in respect of the commodious harbour and the peoples good affection unto the Spaniards A speedy supply of a thousand shot was required out of England because Tyrone was growne very strong as appeared by a list given by one that had been lately Tyrones Marshall and now received into favour as followeth Tyrone for his guard 100 horse His sonne Hugh O Neale 100 horse in all 400. His brother Carmack 100 horse in all 400. Art mac Baron 20 horse Phelim O hanlors sonne 10 horse Turlogh Brasils sonne 50 horse Con Tyron's base sonne 20 horse His guard of foot led by James O sheale a Lemster man 200. 400 Led by Jenken Fitz Simon of Lecale 200. 400 Other chiefe Commanders of foot 3260 foot Tot. Horse and Foot 4060. All these except 300 had meanes to keepe themselves and companies in Tyrone and divers of them besides have great forces to keep their owne forces About this time some discourtesies hapned between the Lord Deputy and the Lord President of Munster for that he had made some complaints of the Deputy in England but by perswasion of Secretary Cecil the Lord Presidents great friend they were united as fast as greatnes will permit His Lordship for want of victuall lay about Armagh and the Blackwater Fort Aug. 29. his Lordship came to Trim where the counsell of Dublin met him and from whence September the third they wrote into England in excuse that they had passed the limited summe of 6000 for extraordinaries it being farre too little to compasse so much businesse and provide so many things as was needfull and had not been able out of it to repaire Athlone Castle the Key of Connagh nor divers other Forts and Castles of great consequence Now intelligence came from Secretary Cecill that the Spaniards were discovered about Sylly 45 sayle whereof 17 men of warre and supposed that they would lâ—nd â—t Limrick most of them 100 tun apiece and had six thousand souldiers in them As
the meane time the Marshall found a way through the Foord to the ground where the Rebels stood hee possessed the same with some foot and presently got over three troope of Horse with which he charged the enemies battailes of 1800 men but finding them stand firme wheeled about But now three troope of Horse more and two Regiments of foot which were with the Lord Deputy who stood not farre off with a vigilant eye came all up So that the Marshall with the Horse charged home upon the reare of the Battell which being Irish and not used to fight in the plaine especially seeing their horse dye which were the chief Gentlemen in number five or six hundred were suddenly routed and our men followed the execution The other two Battels seeing the other routed advanced to their succour but the Lord Deputy sending another Regiment to charge on the flanke of the Vangard which presently retyred disorderly being followed by our horse and foot But the Spaniards that were not so light footed drew out by themselves yet were soon broken by a troope of horse led by Sir William Godâ—lphin and most of them killed their Commander Don Alinza del Campo taken prisoner together with two Captaines 7 Alfieroes Ensignes or Colours as we call them and 40 souldiers In the mean time many of the light-footed Irish escaped away by advantage of this execution done on the Spaniard and all the mayn battaile except 60 were killed On our side little hurt Sir Richard Greames Coronet killed some Commanders of quality hurt and six souldiers hurt many of our horses killed and others hurt Of the Irish 1200 left dead in the place besides those that were killed in two miles chase Wee took nine of their Ensignes all their Drums Powder and two thousand armes And their destruction had been greater had not the greedinesse of our men in pillaging and rifling the Spaniards hindred it And had not our foot been tired out with continuall service and our horse spent for want of provision to keepe them in good case we had cut the throat of all the Rebels for they never made resistance nor looked behind them but ran and shifted for their lives His Lordship presently in the midst of the dead bodies gave thanks to God for this great victorie So let all thine enemies perish O Lord but let them that love him be as the Sun when he goeth forth in his might The Rebels were upon report about six thousand foot 500 horse whereof 14 Captains slain souldiers slain 1995. His Lordship had not above 1200 foot and lesse then 400 horse so that it was Gods great goodnesse to give him the day And about noon he returned giving volleys of shot in manner of Triumph Which the Spaniards in the town hearing who had layn still all this while expecting Tyrone and now supposed that it had been he made a sally out upon our Campe but soone perceiving their errour they did retire into the town again But made divers sallies out to hinder our making of trenches and other works which now we did most earnestly About the last of December Don Jean sent to the Deputy about a parley tearming him Vice-roy and much complained of the treachery and falshood of the Irish And that if honorable conditions were offered he would accept and so after many parlyes and propositions Articles were accorded on both sides That the Spaniard with all he had and while they tarry be well intreated and have things necessary for their money and sent safe away into Spain in English ships assoone as conveniently they may paying for their passage and leaving a pledge for the safe returne of them backe againe So our army went to refresh it self at Corke and the Span. abroad in Kinsale only Don Jean rode with the Deputy and made means to his Lordship that his Excellencie would shew some commiseration on the Spanish prisoners that were in Corke that were in great extremity for want of provision in number 160. Ian 25 certaine Captaines are dispatched West ward to receive from the Spaniards at Castle-haven Baltamore and Bâ—â—r-haven those Castles which they possessed but they not knowing of this their Generals Composition they aâ—Bâ—â—r-haven being 60 did build a Fort of trees and earth and planted three pieces in it About the eight of March for so long it was by reason of foule weather and crosse winds before all the Spaniards could be sent home his Lordship with the Army attending thereabout not willing to trust them over-much or give them occasion of doing ill About the end of the yeere 1601 his Lordship wrote unto the Counsell in England shewing them the hope that they had of the peace and quiet of Munster upon the death and execution of three arch-rebels Likewise shewing them there was great discontentment in the army upon an occasion of an abatement of halfe a pound of beefe to each mâ—â— a day and two herring oâ—â—â—â—shdays and that the horsmen did murmure for that 〈…〉 were raised 5 s. in a quarter more then usual being but 〈…〉 before now 15 s. which his Lordship did alter againe for feare of a mutiny And presently after his Lordship fell sicke and so continued repayring to Dublin to take physiâ—k Now here Majesties charge is cast up for the former yeer ending 1602 and it was 246087 l 7 s. 8. d. Besides the Concordâ—uâ—â— Bils impressed upon account here the levies and transporting of forces paid in England the payment of works and the charge of the office of the Ordnance Powder Bullets c. Now a List is taken of the army in the beginning of theâ— yeere 1602 Collonels 14. Totallâ— of the horse by the list 1487. foot 16950. But of these only 500 horse and 3650 foot went into the field with his Lordship the rest were placed in severall Forts Castles and Countries for the better preventing of the Rebels joyning together and were so placed that upon little warning many oâ— them might meet with his Lordship now intending to bend all his forces on Tyrons country So being recovered took the field in Iune and marching up to Blackwater to the fittest passage into the heart of Tyrone five miles Eastward from the Fort of Blackwater There was but a small space or skirt of a Wood between our Camp and the River which wood he had cut through the yeere before and there building a bridge over the River and a Fort to safegard it calling it Charlemount he passed to Dungannon six miles distant a plaine open way whence Tyrone making hast away left the Towne and his own house there seated all a fire so his Lordship sending aâ— company before to view it presently marched thither with his army and Tyrone fled as high as the Castle Râ—â— uponâ— be Ban his Lordship sent out Companys to spoyle and forrage as farre as Enâ—â—killin or Lough Erne and taking two of Tyrones chiefe Islands hee marched to Lough-Sidney where he met Sir Arthur Chicester
people Gallaeci in Spaine a chiefe town and little inferiour to any in Ireland built round like a Tower a Bishops See much frequented by Merchants invited by a commodious haven and safe roade Foure miles from hence stands Knoc-toe that is the hill of Axes and not farre off Aterith having a large wall but poorely inhabited the Birminghams are Barons of English race but of Irish disposition The better sort of Irish are O Kelleis O Maiden O Flairles mac Dervis c. The country of clan Richard lyeth at the entrance of this County and is annexed to it it tooke the name from Richard de Burgh out of which stock Henry the eight made an Earle of Clan Rich whose eldest sonne hath the title of Baron of Dun Kellis In this territory is the Archbishops See of Toam unto which many Bishopricks were formerly subject but now only three The County of Maio limited on the West by the Ocean South by Gollway East by the County of Roscoman and North by the county of Slige very rich and fruitfull abounding with cattle Deere Hawks and honey taking its name from a little city which had a Bishops See but now laid to Toam as I said but the inhabitants are under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Killaly Lord Bourgh is Vicount Maio There is a remarkable lake at the West side of this called Loghmesk full of fish and two small Ilands this County is inhabited with a valiant kind of people stout and hardie most of which were invited by the rebels out of the Scottish Ilands the Hebrides to aid mac William and mac Conell who were defeated by Captain Bingham Governor of Conagh The County of Slego lying along the Westerne Sea betweene it and Ulster Northward runneth the River Tâ—obis issuing from the lake Erne it is parted from the bordering Counties Le Trim and Roscoman by the vast Curlew hills and cut in twaine by the River Suc it is very fit and convenient for the breeding and rearing of cattle Sligo is the principall place of this county where there stands a castle under which is the Bay of Slego a road full of good harbours for shipping the chiefe names besides the O Conors are O Don O Harris O Ghar and mac Donagh There is an honourable Family in Herefordshire now dignified with the title of Baron Scudamore of Dromore and Vicount of Sligo The County of le Trim formerly called Breany which incloseth the county of Sligo on the East and was the possessions of that ancient Family of the Rorck untill Brion O Rorck rebelled in queen Elizabeths dayes who was chased into Scotland and sent thence into England and there hanged so that his lands fell unto the Crown the Sherards are Barons of le Trim after it was made a county by the Lord Deputy and called le Trim from the chiefe towne This county is full of rising hills and very fat ranke pastures so that one saith of it but how true I know not that it is so full of forrage that unlesse cattle were kept sometimes from grazing their fulnesse would endanger them but so fruitfull and fertile it is that in a small circuit of ground it was able at once to shew one hundred and twenty thousand head of beasts here is the See of the Bishop of Achonry united to the See of Elphin The head of the long and large river Shannon first sheweth it selfe here The Families of note O Rorck O Murreis mac Lochleims mac Glancheis and mac Granelles all meere Irish The County of Roscoman lieth Southwest from le Trim made a county likewise by Henry Sidney Lord Deputy being long but narrow and bound with the Rivers Suc Eastward and Shannon Westward and on the North with Curlew mountaines which are high and impassible untill a cut was made thorow them It is a plain fertile countrey much abounding with cattle because tillage is too painfull for the inhabitants There are foure Baronies in this county lying under Curlew hils by the River Shannon 1 That of Boyle where mac Dermot is chiefe 2 That of Balin Tober by the River Suc where O Coner Dun is of greatest power and upon it joyneth Elphen the Bishops See Somewhat lower lyeth Roscomon the Barony of O Coner Roo but the Dillons since have been Earls of Roscommon in which place is feated the chiefe town but now poore and meane More Southward lyeth Athlone the Barony of the O Kellies so named of the head town which hath a castle in it and a most beautifull bridge of hewen stone built by queen Elizabeth and thought it the most convenient place for the Lord Deputies to reside the better to suppresse seditions The fifth part or Province is Ulster the North part of Ireland hath ten Counties THe County of Louth in Irish Iriel or Uriel situated beyond Meth and the River Boyn runneth out with a shore bending towards the North A fruitfull and pleasant soyle if well imployed neere Boyns mouth is seated Drogheda or in English Tredagh a fine town well peopled and frequented so called of the Bridge Boyne cutting it thorow it hath both a Market and Faire granted by King Edward the second as also a Mint once there The Moores now beare the honour of Vicount Drogheda Not farre off stands Mellifont Abbey much praised by Saint Bernard given by queene Elizabeth to Sir Edward Moore of Kent Seven miles off standeth Ardeth an inland town and above it Dundakle having a commodious haven and formerly a wall which Edward Brâ—â— the King of Scots brother did burne but after both himselfe and forces slain and defeated by Sir John Birmingham the Lord Gorges are Barons of it Eight miles from hence stands Carlingford a port of good use and frequencie the Swifts are honoured with the title of Vicounts of this place the names of note are Verdons Tates Clintons Bellewes Donedalls Wottons and some others Sir John Birmingham before named was formerly Earle of Louth But Henry the eight honoured Sir Oliver plunket with the Barony of Louth The County of Cavan lying to the West of Louth and formerly called East Brieny the habitation of O Kellies who have been powerfull in horsemen for the suppressing of whom Sir Henry Sidney divided it into seven severall Baronies to hold in fee from the Crown of England they have no townes but dwell scattered here and there in forts and piles they have a poore Bishop of their owne whose See is at Kilmore yet somewhat better than those Irish Bishops who had no other rents and revenues than three milch kine which being dry the Parishioners did change for a new milch one the L. Lambert or Barons of Cavan The County of Fermanagh lyeth to the West and nore of Cavan full of woods and many boggs in the middest whereof is the greatest lake in Ireland called logh Erne reaching out forty miles very full of inhabited Hands some containing three hundred others foure hundred acres of land and the banks of the lake are
set all with shady woods Such plenty of fish Pikes Trouts and Salmons that the nets are broken a peeces often with the great draughts At Bal Tarbet a little towne first it stretcheth six miles in length from South to North then for the space of six miles it narroweth in which space standeth Inis Killin a faire Castle from which Brian mac Guir takes his Barony Then it greatly inlargeth it selfe towards the Sea as far as to Belek neere unto which is a great down-fall of water that most renowned Salmons leape Mac Guir was chiefe untill his rebellion many of that Family dwel on both sides and those beyond the Lake are counted of Ulster and they on this side of Conagh The County Monaghan lyeth on the West side of the former great Lake having many hills and much wood not having any towne but Monaghan which imparts its name to the County which is divided into five Baronies Iriel Dartre Ferey Loughty with the little territory Donemain The mac Mahons that is the sons of Ursus or the Bear were powerfull but through dissention among themselves and their rebellious practises are rooted out the Blanys are Barons of this place The County of Armagh lieth towards the east in length compassed with the River Neury by East with the County of Louth by South and with the Blackwater by North So fruitfull and fat a soyle that if any compos or dung be laid on it in scorne of it it becomes barren The first place is Fewes a small territory belonging to Turlogh mac Henry one of the Family of Oneal thick set with wood and by reason of the lakes and bogs impassible Next is Orry in want of wood where dwelt O Hanlon and where stands Mont Norris built by the Lord Montjoy and Ansley are Barons of Mont-norris eight miles off neere the River Kalin lyeth Armagh a poore town yet an Archbishops See and Metropolitan the first Archbishop was Saint Malachie much commended by Saint Bernard yet nevermore happy than in the enjoying of that learned and right reverend Prelate Doct. Usher now Archbishop whose learning and piety is well known and shews that an Archbishop and religious though not always convertible yet sometimes compatible This towne in the last Rebellion was ruinated by Tyrone The chiefe men are mac Genis O Hanlan and many of the Sept of O Neal which assume unto themselves severall by-names The Blackwater Eastward runneth betweene this Shire and Tiroen the Chaworths have the dignity of Vicount from this place The County of Down lyeth Eastward on the Irish Sea long and broad on the North to the Lake Eaugh and on the South to the County of Louth from which it is severed by the river Newry upon which standeth a town called Bagnall in remembrance of that noble Marshall of Ireland Sir Richard Bagnall Neere which town the River Banthelesse ariseth out of the mountains of Mourne passing thorow the country of Eaugh which pertains to mac Genis it hath a Bishops See at Dromore above which are the tracts of Kilwalto Kilwarny much incumbred with woods and bogs and lye inwardly But by the shore the Sea doth winde in and incroach upon the land and makes many creeks and the Lake spreadeth it selfe neere Dyffrin a valley full of woods anciently the Mandavils afterward the Whits so that it makes two Bilands Lecall Southward and Ardes Northward Lecall very rich and battle ground runneth farthest into the East of any part of Ireland and is the out-most Promontory called S. Johns Foreland the Cromwels are intitled Vicount Lecall In the very streight hereof lyeth Down a very famous town and a Bishops See where Saint Patricks Tombe is said to be By the Sea side stands Arglâ—s where S. Patrick founded a Church and Strangford formerly called Strandford where there is a safe harbour at which the River Coyn with a violent course breaketh into the Sea from an honourable Family of the Smiths in Kent have the dignity of Vicount Strangford Aâ—des the other Biland called Audes lyeth over against Lecall to the North parted with a small channell out of the Lake Coyn which on the West side incloseth it as the sea doth on the East and the Bay of Knocfergus on the North the soyle is good and fruitfull save only in the middest where it is moist and waterish plain the shore is replenished with many small Villages Vicount Mountgomery hath his title from Ardes At the Bay of Knocfergus there was an ancient Monastery of the same Order and name with that neere Chester to wit Banchor More inward neer the Lake is the Bishops See of Conereth or Coner whose Pastor was devout but his flock wicked as Saint Bernard describes them Ardes was large in the possession of the Savages one of whom was perswaded to build a Fort for his safeguard made answer that he would not trust to a Castle of stones but of bones meaning himselfe and men Above Ardes to the South-west lyeth Clanbay that iâ— the yellow nation a County full of woods reaching to Knocfergus the farthest part of Down inhabited by the Family of the Oneals the Popes are Earles of Down and Barons Bealterâ—erts The County of Antrim lyeth next in order unto Louth Northward taking its name from a poore despicable town so called and is seated in an out-corner of Ireland towards Scotland within three hours saile and is limited with Knocferguâ— Logh Eaugh and the river Ban the mac Donels are Earls of Antrim Knocfergus in Irish Cangfergus that is the rock of Fergus where a famous man of that name was drowned that place is well inhabited and more frequented than the rest of that country by reason of a good and commodious harbour well fortified and strong Vicount Chichester hath his title from it Hard by lyeth the nether Clanboy possessed by the O Neals untill their rebellion in the queens time now the Hamiltons are stiled Vic Clanbâ—y from this or the like place neer Knocfergus there is a little Biland which runs out into the sea is called the Ile Magie four miles in length and one in bredth where was a Monastery of that name highly praised by venerable Bede Then begins the Glins that is the Vallies at Olderfleet which is a bad road and run out far into the sea this place was formerly much annoyed with the Ilander Scots under the leading of James mac Conel Lord of Cantire in Scotland but Shan O Neale slew him and chased away his army About this place as far as the river Ban is called the Rowt the seat of the mac Guillies a well esteemed Family Dunluse castle a strong one seated on a rock that hangeth over the sea the possessions of Surley Boy that is Charles the Yellow who rebelled and was so chased by captain Meriman his son slain his cattell taken away of which he had a great stock of 50000 Cows So that he made his submission and was received into the queens favour and had a fair
which course did so vexe the Rebels who were driven to lye in the woods without shelter for themselves or cowes which allowing them not milk they wanted present provision nor could they save their corne for the future 4. Againe he had a speciall care to cut the passages open and plaine that our forces might the more secure meet together 5. Further he was not easie to grant Pardons and Protections but to such who had drawne blood on their fellowes and so lost the hope of reconciliation to the Rebels and forbad all parlyes with them But as the Rebels were many at the Earle of Essex comming so now much more increased In the County of Dublin increased one hundred And in many other Countreys besides five Castles lately taken by the Irish In the Province of Lemster increased 1280. Rebels In the Province of Connagh increased 300. Rebels besides the doubt of Tibot ne Longe Who had one hundred Irish men in the Queenes pay So that now the Enemie strongest the English weakest and many other disasters made the businesse very difficult In this case the Lord Montjoy undertooke the businesse about Ian. 1599. A little before whose comming Tyrone marcheth out of the North in a vaunting manner unto Munster to incourage and countenance the Rebels but under a religious pretence to visite a peece of the Crosse at a Monastery in Tipperary County and so accompanied with the Lemster rebels went on his devotion Now the army of English reduced to 12000. foot 1200. horse for whose payment order is given to the Treasurer and Chamberlaine of the Exchequer of England to pay the Treasurer of the Warres of Ireland after the rate of the former establishment and other extraordinaries So there was signed an establishment by the Queene Ian. 1. 1599. for the pay of Commanders and Souldiers And the Lord Deputy hasting away for Ireland Ian. 10. 1599. in his way wrote backe to master Secretary that he might have more Forces in regard the Rebels were so strong A second establishment signed by the Lords 11. Feb. 1599. wherein every Officers and Souldiers pay and other charges the whole yearely charge 14055 pounds 4 shillings 8 pence farre short of that allowance which the Earle of Essex had February 26. the Lord Deputy landed in Ireland when Sir George Carew was made Lord President of Munster Tyrone did not expect such a sudden arrivall so that hee was still in West Munster where he might be surprised as the Earle of Ormond thought if things hapned well And that he could not thence escape without engaging himselfe if the passages were watched So that daily newes came that Tyrone now or never was to be ruinated and how many Lords and others of the Irish which were for the Queene had layed waite for him and would stop his passage back but all this vanished into Irish ostentation of service which seldome use to take effect and many times are not truly intended as this businesse did shew And that his Lordship should not expect any helpe from divers of the Nobilitie and Gentry of the Pale they preferred a Petition to him that they were not able by reason of the spoyles the souldiers had made upon them but a meere excuse as Essex shewed before Then his Lordship wrote to Secretary Cecill to excuse himselfe for not reducing the 14000 which hee found in the Army unto 12000 and the cause thereof as he had done before And upon that receives an answer from the Queen that she doth accept of his reasons for the present but would have him effect it by degrees And not to entertain many Irish Commanders who are of small fidelity and being employed to use them far from their own countrey and useth some other advertisements and so concludeth And now for all the great hopes Tyrone escaped into the North passing over the Enny in great hast and marcheth 27 miles in one day more then he had gone in five before so that he could not be over-taken And at his being there he sent out a Mandate by which hee summoned the Subjects of Munster to appeare before him in this forme O Neal commendeth himself unto you Moris Fitz Thomas O Neal requesteth you in Gods name to take part with him and fight for your conscience and right and in so doing O Neale will spend his life to see you righted in all your affaires and will help you And if you come not to O Neale between this and 12 of the clocke tomorrow and take his part O Neale is not beholding to you and will doe to the uttermost of his power to overthrow you if you come not to him by Saturday noon at the furthest from Knoc Dumain in Calrye the fourth of Feb. 1599. O Neale requesteth you to come and speak with him and doth give you his word that you shall receive no harme neither in comming or going from him whether you be friend or not and bring with you to O Neale Gerald Fitz Gerald subscribed O Neale March the 7 the Lord Deputy had intelligence that Tyrone was come to his house at Dungannon and that the Earle of Clanrichard had sworn that when his sonne came out off England in May he would enter into action for so they call Rebellion and that the Plantation at Logh foyle was endeavoured to be hindered by the Rebell The 20 of March the Secretary informed his Lordship of the relaxation of the Earle of Essex who sued earnestly in his behalfe to the Secretary even so far as to make his excuse for the matter in Ireland The Lord Deputy makes a List of his army about the beginning of the yeare 1600 and casts up the allowances Generall Officers for the army as in the former establishment Collonels 12 apiece per diem 10 s. Twenty six troops of horse in some more in some lesse at severall rates of pay in number 1200. In Loghfoyle Garrison 4000 foot In Carickfergus Garrison 700 foot In the Province of Connagh 1400 foot In the Province of Munster 2950 foot In the Province of Lemster 4500 foot Totall of Foot 1400. Likewise a List which the Deputy drew out of the Companies formerly mentioned which lay in Lemster Newry and Carbugford for to prosecute Tyrone in his Country horse 325 foot 3200. Out of these taken to guard places and passages while the Army did return foot 810 horse 20. Besides deduct the six dead pays allowed to each Company of foot which is 288 and foure out of fifty horse which is 26 and other deductions of sicke and unsufficient men for service There remayns for his army in field 2102 foot horse 279 which is but a small handfull for so great a service Divers others there were which had pay as his Lordships chief Chaplain five l. a week and ten other Preachers at forty shillings a week his Doctor of Physick five pound a week In Aprill it was consulted about entertayning of 2000 Scots and that each man should have a
Cow for a moneths pay or six pence per diem Which businesse was to be furthered by the Queens Agent in Scotland but it came to nothing being disliked in England Now the Deputy resolved to pursue the Rebels in many places at once both by the North Garrisons and the rest of the Army Aprill the third the Lord Deputy sent Master Secretary notice of the falsheartednesse of those that seemed most sure and that the Irish Commanders were dangerous to keep yet knew not how to remove them without certain losse of them And how he intended to send a thousand old Souldiers out of Dublin to Loghfoyle and others to lye in Garrison at Balishannan both places of great consequence and proved very advantageous to the English afterwards And informed likewise that Tyrone by his so suddain and hasty flight out of Munster had much disheartned many of his Confederates so that daily the heads of some Rebels or others were brought unto the Deputy And the Rebels of Lemster made suit to be received to mercy only the Towns where the Rebels had to do were very insolent And Tyrone by the arrivall of two ships wherein were many Priests did incourage his friends Lastly the Deputy complained to the Secretary that all places were bestowed in England so that he could gratifie no deserving man Further hee sent word that hee doubted of the Earle of Ormonds constancy to the Queenes cause and shewed his reasonsa name greatly followed in that Countrey In that Province of Munster the Rebels were very strong by reason Tyrone had been there and by the aide of Mac Carty more There hapned an ill chance about the time that Sir George Carew went to his charge of Munster whereof he was President Who comming to Kilkenney in his way from Dublin with the Earle of Thomond in his company and a hundred horse to attend him where the Earle of Ormond told them that he was to parley with some Rebels of those parts whereof Owâ—y Mâ—c Rory was chiefe and requested them to accompany him To which they consented and rode eight miles to the place of meeting with some twenty horse of the Earle of Ormonds and a few followers refusing the guard of the Lord Presidents 100 horse and the Earl of Ormond left his two hundred foot two miles short and with his other company met with Owny who came out of the Woods leaving five hundred men well appointed not farre off came up to him with some pikes but after an houre spent and nothing agreed on the Lord President wisht the Earle of Ormond to returne but he said hee would first speak with the Jesuit Archer and did much revile him calling him Traytor In the mean time the Rebels foot had incompassed the Earle and his company and presently tooke the Earle of Ormond prisoner and Mac Rory laid hands on the Lord President but the Earle of Thomound rushed on him with his horse and they both hardly escaped the Earle of Thom. being hurt in the thigh The Countesse of Ormond having one only daughter was much perplexed and distressed but the Lord Deputy sent her a Guard for her House There were severall conceits upon his surprisall some supposing it was not against his owne will but howsoever the Lord Deputy thought it a matter of no great consequence The Fort of Phillipstown in Ophaly was to be victualled and the Rebels gave cut that they would hinder it And through the emulation of a great Commander that had another preferred before him and strengthened by the Court faction in England It might have miscarried for the said Commander chose out some weake companies for this service to be led by the other but the Deputy being advertised thereof profered them to him that had made the choise of them but hee refused to goe with them And Sir Oliver Lambert with 14 companyes did with much valour and courage effect the businesse though strongly opposed May the fifth the Lord Deputy makes toward Tyrone in the North who had intelligence that he was lodged in the strong Fortresse of Coughlurkin where the Rebels had fortified three miles in length His Lordship drew towards Armagh with 1500 hundred foot and two hundred horse and sent Captain Edward Blany with five hundred foot and fifty horse to make good the passage through the Moyry for the Earle of Southampton and Sir Oliver Lambert who were to come that way to the Army and comming to the Faghard not far from Dundalke whether hee went to the Earle and told him of the convoy assuring him that the Lord Deputy would meet him by two of the clocke in the afternoon hereupon the Earle having with him besides the conuoy two foot companyes and fifty horse of Gentlemen Volunteers and so marched backe to the dangerous passage of the Moyry where the Rebels taking advantage of the Woods and Bogs assailed our men lying lurking on both sides our men being to passe over a Ford But by this time the Lord Deputy himselfe was come neere the place who sent two Regiments who beat backe the Rebels who left a few to skirmish with those two Regiments and the rest fell back into the Wood and issued out upon the Reare brought up by the Earle of Southampton with great fury both with horse and foot But Sir Henry Foliot made very good stand and Sir Oliver Lambert taking his colours in his own hand with some thirty of the Earle of Southamptons best men hastened towards the assaylants to second the Earle who behaved himselfe with great courage and made the Rebels give ground Tyrone was seene not farre off with great forces yet fell not on so that they marched to the Camp little hurt being done to the English but much to the Rebels May the 26 the Deputy had Letters from the Lords in England and it was only to answer the demands of some Irish Lords upon submission June the 19 the Lord Deputy sent to Master Secretary how that certain aide was come from Spaine to the Rebels and makes a request for a fleet to lie on the Coast of Ireland and some small Barks to hinder the Scots from relieving the Irish Now Sir Samuel Bagnal drew out of the Newry into Monaghan where he took some booty and slue six Commanders and many of the Rebels men with little damage to himselfe Many Rebels of Lemster now seek for mercy but are not admitted except some service done for the Queene against their companions Two chiefe Rebels offer to submit but neither could be received without the others head His Lordship now out of England required to doe some thing against the Lemster rebels in his way thither tooke two hundred Cowes seven hundred Garrais and five hundred sheep burning and wasting the corne all the way as he went to a most dangerous passage where Sir Oliver Lambert was appointed to meet him both being constrained to fight all the way with the rebels untill they met having done much harme unto the