It may please Your Honour, on Monday the xiij of this instant thEarle of Desmond with his retynue, and attendants were embarked at Bristoll; and arrived at Youghall the next day aboute vij of the clock at night. At whose entrey into the town there was so great and wonderfull allaccryty, and reioicyng of the people both men, women, and children, and so mightie crying and pressing about him, as there was not onlie muche a doe to folloue him, but also a great nomber ouerthrowne, and ouerrun in the streates in striving who should com first, unto him; the like wherof I neuer hearde or sawe before, nor woulde think it coulde euer be, except it were aboute or Prince. Indeed I haue often read that upon thelleccion of a kinge the people generallie he woulde crie Kinge H, King H, or otherwise, according to his name, so likewise (though unmeete to be don to a subiect) the harts of the people: Ye the very infants, hearing but this Desmond named, coulde not contayne them selves from shewing thaffeccion they beare to his house. I assure your Honour it was not like the crie made to Richard the third at Baynardes Castle.
The next daie there came flocking unto him from all parts of the contrey Lords Gentlemen and commons both to congratulat his commyng, and to offer their service, and attended him that night to Clone, Mr. Fitz Edmonde's house. The next daie to Cork, and so on Thursday to Mallow, to my Lord President, where he was entertayned, and a certen course taken for his estate, and whither all intelligences doe com, and the people doe resorte from all places.
The twoe plotts both for Castlemange and th usurping Eale are nowe in hand, and within theis twoe daies a jorney wilbe undertaken to see what good may be don both in them, and in other things; I hope, and I doubte not, but all will doe well, and that very shortlie untill the profe wrought may be had, My Lord President will not suffer me to departe, but must attend the successe of his jorney.
I knowe your Honour will looke to here of the yonge Earle's carriadg since his depture thence (my self being still with him) wherein I must say (as I love to tell your Honour truth) that of his owne nature and disposition he is both honest, faithfull, and dutifull, and very willing to doe her Majeste service; but I see so muche alreadie touching thexpences, and other things as I doe not think fitt that either him self, or any of his owne people shoulde holde the raynes of his bridle; but the same to be comytted to others, of whom there hath bene had good triall, both of their fidelitie to the state, their knowledg of the countrey, and sufficiencie to performe the acte, whose vigillant care and circumspeccion ouer him wilbe suche, as they will not onlie not suffer him to run any other then an even course (whereunto I must sweare him self is very well inclyned) nor permitt any badd resorte unto him, that may any way corrupt him, either in his religion or otherwise: but also by their councell and advice wilbe good assistants unto him for the managing of his causes, withoute whose helpes he cannot but erre; for neither his yers, his experience of the worlde, or knowledg of the countrey can warrant the sufficient dischardging of so waightie matters. Yet I am persuaded (in respect he is so tractable and towardlie) that it wilbe easy to carry him to all good courses. This I assure your Honour wilbe the way to make him to doe that which is expected, for which, as you are alreadie growen famous in this province and in most parte of the kingdom, and have purchased the prayers of a nomber of people, so I doubte not but her Majesty shall have great cause to gev you thanks for the same, as for one of the greatest services (considering thiniquity of the tyme) that euer was don her in this kingdom.
Touching this bearer Captain Price I say that although he be noe great doctor, nor any of these curious stately followers, yet I assure your Honour he is an honest plaine gentlemanand as discreete and carefull of his chardge as euer I saue any; I would he had the lik still about him to hold the helme so he could speak the lauguadge. The Archbushop is very good if he could still contynue with th Erle, but he cannot be alwayes with him. Thus muche for this tyme, hopeing tobe the next my self, or at least to send you better newes, and in the mean while, and for euer wilbe
readie to live and die in Your Service,
P. CROSBIE
From Mallow