[1598] In August great consultation was had about victualling the fort at the Blackwater, and relieving the garrison there, greatly distressed for lack of victual. It was thought good that letters should be directed to Captain Thomas Williams, then chief commander of the fort, that he should parley with the Earl of Tyrone, and depart upon honourable conditions, the which then might easily have been concluded; the which letters were effected and signed by the Lords Justices, Lord Lieutenant, and Council. But the Lord Lieutenant had no sooner left Dublin, but the Lords Justices called back the letters, and wrote to the Lord Lieutenant (so did Sir Harry Bagnall also, the 8th of July) for his presence, and direction in any wise not to give over the fort, but, maugre the beard of the enemy, to victual the same; which advice turned to the great dishonour of the Englishry, and the loss of many a brave man's life. The Lord Lieutenant, upon the said letters, returned shortly after to Dublin, conferred with the Lords Justices and Council, mustered three thousand nine hundred and odd able men, well appointed, with victuals sufficient, and directed them towards the north, with commission granted to Sir Harrie Bagnall, bearing date the 23rd of June 1598, as followeth:
‘Thomas Baron of Arklow, Viscount Thurles, Lord of the liberty and regality of the county of Tipperary, Earl of Ormond and Ossory, Lord Treasurer of Ireland, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter and Lord Lieutenant general of Her Majesty's Army and forces in and throughout the said Realm, by land and sea to Sir Henry Bagenall knight and marshall of the said Army and forces, greeting. Where it hath pleased her most excellent majesty by her most gratious letters patent under the great seal of England to ordain, constitute & make the said Earl to be her highness' lieutenant general, captain of the said army and forces, giving and granting to him full power and authoriry to command all her majesty's captains, constables of her highness' castles, & commanders of any forces, in any part of the said realm to serve her Majesty in any such places as his lord shall think meet and convenient to appoint and limit them for the defence of the said realm, against rebels or any other foreign enemies, giving also to the said Lord Lieutenant full power & authority in his own person, to levy and lead or cause to be led, all and singular her highness people and subjects of that Realm for her majesty's service, for the resisting and subduing of the said rebels and enemies, and further to do and execute, all and every other thing as Lord Lieutenant general, as by the said letters patent dated at Westminister the XIXth day of October, last past before the date hereof may appear. Forsomuch as the said Lord Lieutenant cannot be in person in all places of this Realm, needful for his presence for the prosecution of the said rebels and enemies, considering the dangerous revolt in the diverse places in the same. Therefore for the better effect of her majesty's services in this behalf and for conferring some part of his authority in some other meet person, the said Lord Lieutenant having special considerance in the approved valour, fidelity, circumspection and experience, of you the said marshal in her majesty's service and upon the imparting hereof to the Lords Justice and Council and their good liking of the same, have and do by virtue of her majesty's said letters patents, and by those patents, do ordain, constitute and make, you the said Sir Henry Bagnall, knight in the absence of the said Lord Lieutenant general to be chief and general commander of all such her majesty's forces of Ardmagh, Antrim, Down, Louth, Meath, Westmeath and the county of Drogheda or in any of them or the borders of the said counties, or any of them, aswell within liberties as without, and aswell by sea and by land. Giving to you by or any of them, in the said seven counties and every of them, and for the prosecuting of the said rebels and enemies into any other county or borders in the absence as aforesaid, and to use and employ, the said last receyted (sic) forces, against the said rebels and enemies, as well for the defence of those parts of the realm as for the prosecution of the said rebels and enemies as to you shall seem best for her majesty's service, And therein in the absence as aforesaid to deal and employ and absolutely to all respects and purposes and with as full power and authority, aswell for the defence and suppressing as aforesaid, as if the said Lord Lieutenant were there personally present, or may or might do, by virtue of her majesty's said letters patents, or any other letters patents in this behalf, and for taking of victual and carriages for the said service. Requiring not only you the said Sir Henry Bagnall to attend her Majesty's said services, and such directions as the said Lord Lieutenant shall from time to time give or direct you on this behalf. But also hereby requiring all manner of lords, captains, mayors, sheriffs, gentlemen as well within liberties as without, to be to you obeying, aiding, assisting and to perform you direction and commandments on this behalf, as if the said Lord Lieutenant were personally present. Provided always that the grants and authority by those present made and given to the said Sir Henry Bagnall shall no longer continue but during the absence and pleasure of the said Lord Lieutenant and until the contrary thereof shall be signified from the said Lord Lieutenant to the said Sir Henry Bagnall in writing under the hand and seal of the said Lord Lieutenant for the revocation of the same.’ 3
Whereunto the Lord Lieutenant subscribed his name and put to his seal of arms at Dublin the 23rd of June, in the presence of divese witnesses, together a proportion of the Lords Justices and Council well liking of the aforesaid grant and authority made to Sir Henrie Bagnall. The which circumstances I do the rather more largely insert, because of the accidents which in this behalf befell, contrary to all their expectations, the which the reader hereafter shall be better acquainted withal. The Earl of Tyrone, understanding of these forces coming against him, called the chiefs of his country, laid before them all that might be with them and against them. Many he found with him, and many against his purpose; yet they, for fear of him, promised to yield and join with him. They made preparation, and marched to meet the Queen's forces. When Her Highness's forces were come within a mile and somewhat more of the fort, and that the garrison within the fort had descried the English colours, they threw up their caps for joy, hoping to have a better supper than the dinner they had that day. To be short, the enemy lay all at an advantage, suffering the forces to pass by, and set first upon the rearward, assaulting them very fiercely, which were withstood very valiantly by Captain John Parker and others of that regiment. Then the rest of the traitors set upon the vanguard, and every man lying in ambush played their parts. That which came to pass is a grief to the Englishry. Two barrels of powder by unfortunate means in the regiments of Her Highness's forces were set on fire, spoiling our own men; a great field piece, which cleared the way, lost in a bog; Sir Henry Bagenal, Knight, General of the said forces, by a bullet which pierced his skull, falling down for dead. The whole army was discomfited. They fell to retire, and more perished in the retreat and trenches, which the enemy had made, than by force of arms; that day being Monday, and the 14th of August. Beside the general aforesaid, the Englishry lost Captain Moyle Moore O'Reilly, a gentleman of Irish birth, but a man, and a most valiant soldier every way; Captain Harry Street; Captain -- Pettitt; Captain -- Morgan; Captain Matthew Evans; Captain -- Henshaw; Captain -- Bethell; Captain Thomas Lee; Captain Henry Turner; Captain -- Fortescue; Captain -- Elsdon. Captain -- Rumney escaped the battle, went to a bush to ease himself, and there was knocked on the head. Captain -- Ratcliffe was taken by the enemy, but there died of his wounds. Captain--Cosby taken by the enemy. Captain -- Burke was killed. A young gentleman, one James Harrington, son and heir to Sir Henry Harrington, Knight, being not employed but voluntarily, going only to see the service, was there left for dead. There many a brave soldier, not by force of arms, but by misfortune and unskilful leading of new comers and unexperienced Captains, were cast away. The traitors and rebels like dogs lay dead in every bush. What then? The enemy triumphed, and after parley had with some of the English Captains, gave the army leave to depart, upon condition they should not go to the Newry, but straight to Dundalk. Contrary to this they went to the Newry, for, if they had gone to Dundalk (he having, according to his wonted treasons laid ambush for them), his determination was to cut them off every one. To be short, the fort upon good advertisement was yielded up by Captain Thomas Williams, and all to depart, leaving behind them the ordnance and munition. This was no sooner done, but horseboys and Irish cursitors carried it about the land, animated the enemy, and discouraged the true subject. Tidings hereof came to Her Majesty, who was mightily displeased. The Lords Justices and Council excused themselves, and signified that the victualling of the fort pretended was by the Lord Lieutenant General, without their privity. He cleared himself, and continued his honourable credit. Her Majesty, being wonderfully moved and sorry for the loss of her worthy subjects, wrote to the Lords Justices and Lord Lieutenant as followeth. Directed
4
To the most reverend father in God our right trusty and right well-beloved the Lord Archbishop of Dublin and to our right trusty and well-beloved Sir Robert Gardiner kinght, Lords Justices of our realm of Ireland now being and to rest of our council there.Most reverend father in God our right trusty and right well-beloved and trusty and right well-beloved, we greet you well.
Having been moved by divers letters from yourselves, amongst other your lacks to supply that Council with some principal persons of experience and judgment, because you found yourselves unprovided of such as were able either to advise or execute in so many actions of importance, as by the several rebellions in that kingdom were necessary, we are pleased to make choice of our servant Richard Bingham, Knight, whom we have also appointed to be Marshal of that realm, to repair thither for the better furtherance of our service; of whose experience and sufficiency every way, because itis so well known to yourselves, we need say now no more than this, that he doth return with our favour and gracious opinion, of which we do require you to take notice, and to use him and hear him lovingly and friendly, in all things concerning our service. Wherein we know that you, our cousin of Ormond, our Lieutenant, will find great ease and contentment every way, it being neither fit nor possible that you should spend your body in all services at all times; and yet we must plainly tell you that we did much mislike (seeing this late action was undertaken) that you did not above all other things attend it, thereby to have directed and countenanced the same. For it was strange to us, when almost the whole forces of our kingdom were drawn to head, and a main blow like to be stroken for our honour against the capital rebel, that you, whose person would have better daunted the traitors, and would have carried with it another manner of reputation, and strength of the nobility of the kingdom, should employ yourself in an action of less importance, and leave that to se mean a conduction. And therefore, whosoever of our Council should dissuade you from that course, lacked both judgment and affection to our service and did that which is repugnant to the writings of divers of the best and greatest of them in that kingdom.
[The Lord Chancellor disuaded him only to grace Sir Henry Bagenal in the service.]
With which particularity we will not now trouble ourselves further, because we are so uncertainly informed of the circumstances of that action; only this we may not hide, that it doth not a little trouble us to find so hard effects of all things from thence, considering the notable supplies of men, treasure, and victuals, more plentifully sent than ever heretofore; wherein, although we do not deny but many things concur to make that State more difficult to be recovered than in former time, yet is there no person, be he never of so vulgar judgment, but doth plainly see notorious errors in that Government. Amongst which we have observed this proceeding for one, upon divers certificates, that, when there was great importunities for lacks of pay for the common soldier, occasioned by contrariety of winds, which kept back the treasure, we did never find that any one of the principal officers did ever forbear taking up their own allowance aforehand, in as plentiful manner as ever they did, a matter wherein they showed small consideration of the necessity of the time, when they were sure that at the next treasure they might be holpen. And for the numbers there maintained, we have great cause to be displeased with this great abuse, from which hath ensued notorious mischiefs, by the Captains entertaining of Irish, only to cover their frauds, and to make gain by licensing English to depart, whereby not only the places which ought to be defended by them are wasted and spoiled in their absence, but also at all times of service they are ready to turn our own arms against our own armies; as hath lately fallen out in this late accident at the Blackwater; wherein we may not pass over this foul error to our dishonour, when you of our Council framed such a letter to the traitor, after the defeat, as never was read the like, either in form or substance, for baseness, being such as we persuade ourself, if you shall peruse it again, when you are yourselves, that you will be ashamed of your own absurdities, and grieved that any fear or rashness should ever make you authors of an action so much to your Sovereign's dishonour, and to the increasing of the traitor's insolency. For other things past, we have well observed, that all the journeys and attempts upon the North have had these successes, that not only our armies have come back with loss, or doing nothing, but in their absence, other parts of our kingdom have been left to be spoiled and wasted by the rebels; and though the universality of the rebellion may be used as a reason of the mischief, yet it is almost a miracle that, with the charges of an army of eight or nine thousand men, the provincial rebels of Leinster and Wexford, and other places, should not be mastered, though the capital rebels have not there been reduced, a matter cried out on by all that either write or come out of Ireland, so as there can be no more token of ill carriage of all things, than where no one thing is reformed. With these things we cannot forbear to charge you in generalities, to the end that you may examine all particulars curiously, and attend the reformation. For the present we think fit only to prescribe you this much, that with all such forces as you have, and shall have by the late increase of those that were appointed for Lough foile, you see all our frontier towns strengthened and provided to defend themselves, especially those that are maritime in all places, because you can well consider that those must be staples of victuals, and retreat for such forces as shall be sent at any time to his prosecution. In the mean time you shall follow the wars of Leinster, which is in the heart of our kingdom, this winter, to the end that those inward provinces of the realm may be freed; and, above all things, seeing you have these late supplies of 4,000 men (when the last of Loghfoile shall be arrived), and that your own books did certify so great numbers in pay before those supplies, that you do use all convenient means to clear our army of the Irish, and so to order it, as for this winter it may be reduced to a list of eight thousand; which numbers, as in all men's opinions they are more than ever were seen needful there, so if we shall pay them, and not have them, we think yourselves will imagine that we shall have no small cause to be offended, having often written hereof, without any answer returned what is done in it. Further also, yourselves well know that, though some soldiers may run from the army to the rebel, it being upon the same continent (which are not many), yet all the rest must return by sea, which is not easy, if such good orders were taken as should be, that no soldier were suffered to embark in any our port towns, without good warrant for their passage. Since the writing of this letter, we have understood that your letter, which we heard from you was sent to the traitor by you, hath since been stayed by accident; whereof, for our own honour, we are very glad, though for yourselves, the former purpose still deserves the same imputation.
Given under the signet
at our manor of Greenwich,the 12th day of September in the fortieth year of our reign
Immediately upon the death of the Marshal of Ireland news came that the Lord Treasurer of England (the Lord Burghley) was dead. Ireland did not mourn for them; for the Marshal (said they) contended with the Earl of Tyrone, and was in some part a cause that he went into action, which bred great woe to the true subjects. The Lord Treasurer in England (said they) hindered the service of Ireland upon the information of some Captains that would not be out of entertainment, and persuaded the Queen's Majesty from time to time (as a good husband for her treasure) to send a handful of money and a handful of men; both which no sooner landed in Ireland, but melted away like hoar frost before the sun; and as the service continued, rebellion increased, and the true subjects went to wreck.
Upon good deliberation, advice, and counsel had in England by Her Majesty, together with her most honourable Council, her pleasure and most gracious favour was signified unto Sir Samuell Bagnall, knight, that he should be employed for the service of Ireland. And this seemeth to be afore their intelligence in England of the former misfortune at the Blackwater; for the accident at Blackwater was the 14th of August, as the reader may gather before, and Her Highness's commission granted to Sir Samuell Bagnall beareth date as followeth, at Westminster, the 12th of August:
Elizabeth by the grace of God queen of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith.5To our trusty and well-beloved Sir Samuell Bagnall Knight greeting.
Whereas for the speedier suppressing and chastising of our rebels in the north parts of our realm of Ireland, we have thought meet that some good strength of our forces should be planted upon the river of Loghfoile in our province of Ulster, to be there entrenched and fortified in some place convenient, both for there lesidence (sic) and for the annoying of the said rebels. Which our force we have appointed to be the number of 2,000 footmen and one hundred horse. Ever when we think it meet that some person of valour and experience in military services be appointed to have the charge and conduct of them such as we know you to be. We have therefore upon the special confidence, we have in your judgement and experience made choise of you therein in manner following, viz we do hereby make constitute and appoint you to be colonel general and chief commander of the said two thousand footmen and 100 horsemen, as well colonel captain as others. And do give you full power and authority to receive them into your charge and to use, employ and command them, and every of them, in all things concerning this our service, according to such directions as you shall receive in writings by instruction from us or our privy council at your departure, or here after from time to time by any letters, or other signification of our pleasure, from ourselves, our said council, or from our deputy or chief justices and council of our said realm of Ireland or from the lord lieutenant general of our forces, there for the time being. And we do hereby straightly charge and command all colonels, captains and lieutenants and soldiers that shall be under your conduct, charge and commandment, to give all due obedience and respect unto you, as their colonel general and chief commander. Authorizing you to lay upon all persons disobedient and offending against the laws of military discipline, according to need, in any other our armies and forces, being in our service such punishments as you shall think meet, according to the quality of their offences, using therein the advise of the other colonel and some convenient number of captains in the regiment, whereof the rule of our people committed to execute martial law. And upon trial by an orderly martial court, where necessary cause shall require, to inflict punishment of life or member, upon any heinous offender. And to further we do hereby give you full power and authority, to employ all our subjects, now being under your charge, to invade burn, spoil and destroy and to do all manner hostile act, upon our said rebels, or any their aiders, abettors or adherents and to lead them to such services, as you shall be required by our deputy, justices or chief governor and council of our said realm, or by the lieutenant general of our army and forces, there for the time being, not being repugnant to such instructions as you shall have from us or our council, for your direction in the use of this commission. And we do also hereby make and appoint, Charles Egerton Esquire, having charge of a regiment of 1,000 under you to be our lieutenant over all our forces under your charge. Requiring you that if ought shall happen to you by sickness or death, to commit to him the charge of our said forces, in such manner as we commit them to you, until our pleasure shall be made known unto him. And for that it may be for the advantage of our service, thast you do give ear to such of our rebels or to Scots or others being in arms against us within our province of Ulster as shall be willing to submit themselves and seek our grace, or otherwise be apt to be employed in some spial service. We do therefore give you full power and authority and warrant as well to treat and parley with any our rebels within our said province, or with any Scots or others being in arms against us, within the limits thereof, as also to them and any of them, to grant, safeguard and protection and safe conduct to repair unto you, and likewise to depart from you again, at their pleasure, as you shall agree with them. In which time or as soon as you may, you shall advertise our deputy, justice or chief governor of our said realm and our council there, or the lord lieutenant general of our forces in our said realm for the time being, whom you shall protect and the reasons moving you thereto and shall receive direction from them from time to time as there shall be cause, in what sort you have or shall proceed with such persons to the good of our service.
In witness whereof we have caused our letters of commission to sealed with our great seal, witness our self at Westminster, the XII day of August in the XL year of our reign.
He received also instructions at Greenwich, the 17th of August, from the Lords of the Council, the which I need not insert6, for that the said commission and the whole formerly course, upon some accident, was by Her Majesty altered, as the Lords of the Council signified unto Sir Samuell Bagnall from Greenwich, the 23 of August, as followeth:
Whereas her Majesty was purposed to send the number of 2,000 soldiers unto Loughfoile in the North of Ireland under your charge, as chief colonel of those companies, whereof 1,000 were levied lately in sundry countries of the realm and the rest were taken out of the West Country being of old soldiers heretofore drawn out of the garrison in the Low Countries, to which end you had your instructions delivered you for your better direction in that service uppon some accident lately happened near to Armagh in Ireland, by the overthrow of the marshal, Her Majesty hath altered her determination, for sending these men to Loughfoile, for this present, and dothe now purpose that as well the horse raised by you as the 2000 foot shall be directed to the port of Carlingford, wherein the like order is given to Colonel Egerton to carry the 1,400, appointed to be embarked at Plymouth withal speed and expedition, first unto Lambay near to the city of Dublin in Ireland and there to stay a tide or two. And in the mean season, if he receive not other direction, from the Lord Justices and Council, then to make his repair to the haven of Carlingford, there to attend such direction, as he receive from the said Lord Justices and Council or Lieutenant-general of Her Majesty's army.
Therefore whereas of these 2,000 men 600 were appointed to be embarked at the port of Chester, where the horse provided by you are also to be transported Her Majesty's pleasure is you shall in like manner make your immediate repair first to the city of Chester, and uppon your arrival of that port, direct your course with all deligence, with those men that are there, with their captains and officers unto Lambay before Dublin, and there to stop a tide or two. And if in the mean season you can conveniently send word to the state of your arrival, whom we doubt not by our letters already sent thether shall have intelligence thereof and will use the means to give you advise, what course you are to hold. But if in that time you shall hear nothing from them, then you shall proceed directly to go to Carlingford, with your companies of horse and foot, whereupon your landing, you shall advertise the Lord Justices and Council and the Lord Lieutenant General of your arrival in that place, with the number of your forces and bestow your soldiers in the mean season in the towns of Carlingford and Dundalk and the Newry, until you shall receive other order from them or his Lordship what course you are to hold, what directions you are to follow, the government of that realm and of all martial causes being committed to them and to his lordship.7
Sir Samuell Bagnall arrived at Dublin the 11th of September (and Colonel Egerton's regiment landed at Youghal in Munster), and took his directions and instructions all new again from the Lord Lieutenant General, with warrants of entries and entertainment to the Clerk of the Check, for him, the Captains of his regiment, officers and companies, to garrison themselves on the northern frontiers with this special caveat, that he should bend his course rather to a defensive war than to an offensive, unless it were with that advantage and care, that he stood always in safety of himself and the forces under him, and in that case to lose no opportunity. The Captains of that regiment were these: Captain Charles Eggerton, second Colonel, Sir Urian Lee, knight, chief commander of the horse company under the Colonel-General, Captain Francis Croftes, Captain Edward Trevor, Captain Edmond Leigh, Captain Francis Roe, Captain Ralph Bingley, Captain Geoffrey Dutton, Captain Walter Rogers, Captain John Burtall, Captain John Owen Tuder, Captain John Sidney, Captain Nicolas Panier, Captain Fulke Conway, Captain John Jesson, Captain Augustine Heath, Captain Edward Blayney, Captain Toby Caulfield, Captain Josias Bodley.
Sir Richard Bingham, Knight, as by Her Majesty's letters formerly appeareth, bearing date the 12th day of September, was made Marshal of Ireland, and arrived at Dublin the 8th day of October, with 200 foot and 50 horse, to be directed in all his course by the Lord Lieutenant General; but, being often written for by the most honourable Lord Lieutenant, to be employed in present service, excused himself, partly with the let by sickness, and also that the Lords Justices stayed him. So commonly they did stay others, more for the safeguard of their private persons than the service of the Prince.
In Munster, anno --,8 Donnell McCarthy, a bastard of the Earl of Clancarr, grieved as he said that his father allotted him no maintenance, fell into open rebellion, preyed and spoiled many, and got many rogues to follow him. Sir Thomas Norris, then Vice-President of the Province, protected him and procured him his pardon.
Thomas Butler lord baron of Cahir with his brethren, kindred and all his country went to open rebellion. The Lord lieutenant wrote unto him that he shold with speed repair unto him with his forces and show his loyalty the which he refused. He wrote the 2nd time, viz the 26 of November 1598 but he came not. For he was bewitched (a fool he was before) by his wife that was Mountgarrett's sister, Doctor Cragh and Father Archer.9
In Ormond -- dies.
Murtogh Oge McShee, and his brothers Rory and Edmund, from the cradle inclined to mischief, as all that sept hath been, being oft apprehended and imprisoned, and having broken prisons (Murtogh at Limerick, Rory at Kilkenny), after many favours went into open action, and in the end were cut off. Murtogh was grieved (as he said) that he was oft protected, but could never get his pardon; that when the date of his protection was expired, he must pay money for the continuance of it to Sir Thomas Norris from time to time; and that he was no longer able to feed him. This rebel was marked by nature; he had a stump arm; a desperate villain, and a skilful targeteer. He was taken in a wood, killing of porks and making provision to entertain the rebels of Leinster, Tyrrell the traitor and his company. Being brought to Cork, and arraigned, evidence was given against him that he had preyed, spoiled, and murdered about fourscore English families. Small resistance to the rebel, and small aid to the subject, did the President give. When any came to complain that he had lost his cows, ‘Why’ (saith he) ‘must I keep thy cows?’ In the end sentence was given upon this traitor, that he should have his arms and his thighs broken with a sledge, and hang in chains; so was he executed without the north gate of Cork. Anno 1597. Rory was killed by an Irish kern, and Edmund was killed by an Englishman at the spoil of Kilcolman. At this time David Lacy, with his brethren Piers, Ulick, and William, played the rebels. David, being once pardoned, was after killed in service. Piers was hanged at Limerick, Ulick and William were hanged at Kilkenny, by the commandment of the Earl of Ormond; fair riddance of such rebels.
[October 1598] In the beginning of October, the unfortunate news of rebellion in Munster, and the general combination of the Irishry thoughout the land against the Englishry, came to Dublin; where the most honourable Earl of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant, understanding thereof, according to Her Majesty's direction formerly mentioned preparing himself for the service in Leinster for the winter following, and having appointed sufficient garrisons for the northern frontiers, directed his course through the Province of Leinster for Munster, to subdue the rebels there lately combined into open action. He took with him from Dublin, the 4 of October, these companies: Sir Harrie Power, Knight, Captain of 200 foot; Captain Harrie Sheffield, Sergeant-Major, leader of 100 foot; Captain Lawrence Esmond, 100 foot; Captain Thomas Lee, his company, 100 foot; Captain John Parker, 100 foot; Captain Richard Greame, 100 foot; Captain Henry Folliot, 100 foot; Captain William Warren's company, 100 foot; Captain William Eustace, 100 foot; Captain Edmund Tobyn, Lieutenant -- Eustace, of the Earl of Kildare's horse. The horsemen at his appointment met him, viz., Sir Walter Butler, Knight, with 50 horse; William Taaff, Lieutenant to Sir Harrie Norris, with 50 horse; Captain John Butler, with 20 horse. When he came to Kilkenny (where he stayed but one night with the sweet lady, the Countess, his wife), he sent for the noblemen and gentlemen of the country to accompany him. And there came the Lord Power, the Lord of Dunboyne, with others. The Lord Lieutenant, understanding that Piers Lacy, a gentleman sometime of good sort in the county of Limerick, but then in open action against Her Highness, had drawn unto him the traitors of Leinster, Captain Tyrrell, Wony McRory, and others, and were ready to lay siege to Kilmallock; marched thither with all haste, and wrote unto the Lord President of Munster, and to the noblemen and gentlemen of Munster to meet him at Kilmallock with all the forces and strength they could make.
The 11th of October, the Lord Lieutenant came to Kilmallock unlooked for. The rebels had determined to assault them, the town had warning thereof, and finding themselves weak (faint hearts and white livers had they, yea, and a number of false hearts) determined to yield up the town for the safeguard of their lives. But when the Lord Lieutenant's trump sounded, and that they understood it was the most noble Earl of Ormond, they opened their gates, and for joy threw up their caps, signifying their lives and goods were saved.
The Lord President of Munster, being sent for, durst not, no, not in the Province committed to his charge (as he said) travel without convoy and strong guard from the Lord Lieutenant (so he wrote unto him and such was the weak sight of that government), who satisfied his request. And so the Lord President come to him to Kilmallock, and the crew of the Englishry followed him saying, his cowardise disposition was the cause of all their overthrow, the which, gentle reader, shall afterwards more at large appear.
There came also to Kilmallock noblemen and gentlemen of Munster, as followeth: the Lord Roche, the Lord Barry, with others.
At Kilmallock, news came to the Lord Lieutenant that Ormond, Ossory, the county of Kilkenny, and all his country, was a burning, preying, and upon destroying by the rebels (Donnell Spainagh, William McHubbert, Phelim McHugh), and that the traitors in Munster determined to burn Mallow, where the Lord President dwelt. The Lord Lieutenant's answer was, that he would be revenged of them that spoiled his country upon his return, but then that he would have special care of the service in Munster. He left a strong garrison at Kilmallock, and marched towards Mallow, the traitor's camp being but three miles off them still as they marched. Afore he came thither, the rebels had burned Buttevant, a town of the Lord Barry's, and were within a mile of him, but he (leaving the foot companies behind) for all the swiftness of his horsemen could not overtake them. They took the woods and bogs, and ran away. At Mallow he took order that the thatch of the houses should be pulled down and burned, to save the rebel a labour; for the whole town, being English, ran away, to their shame. Donnell, called there McCarty Reogh, Lord of Carberry, met with him with threescore foot and twenty horse, ill furnished. The 17 of October he came to Cork, mustered the town, viewed their strength. The townsmen, fearing a further burthen and charge to be imposed upon them, undertook to defend their town. The Lord Lieutenant dealt with the best of the inhabitants of Kinsale, and they in like sort undertook their defence. He came to Youghal the 20th day, mustered the town, found them weak, but great store of beef to be salted, which he commanded to be stayed for the army, and left there, for their defence, Captain Ferdinando Kingsmill and Captain George Flower with their companies. The Lord Lieutenant found generally that cities and corporate towns, few excepted, were very badly or not at all furnished with weapons and munition, neither did they fortify themselves (such was their negligence) in this late time of peace; as, thinking they lived in all security, they never sought to prevent the mischief that might, and then on the sudden, rise, among them.
The misery of the Englishry was great. The wealthier sort, leaving their castles and dwelling-houses, and their victual and furniture, made haste into walled towns, when there was no enemy within ten miles. The meaner sort (the rebellion having overtaken them), were slain, man, woman, and child; and such as escaped came all naked to the towns, the women covering with their hands that which nature commanded to be kept secret.10 Their moan was great, the sight lamentable; the Lord Lieutenant was therewith much moved. And specially, seeing how shamefully the undertakers in general (very few, not past three or four, excepted) did forsake their castles and strong houses before any enemy entered the county of Limerick, which so animated the traitors in pride to go forwards, no resistance being made or one shot discharged out of any castle, as the very Irish churls, their tenants, and country people, took the spoil of their landlords, and ran to the enemy, furnished with the arms and munition which the undertakers had in their castles, to Her Highness's great dishonour and their own deserved shame and discredit for ever.
[Castles in Limerick forsaken] In the county of Limerick these castles were forsaken: Meane, Pallice, Ballenwylly, of Sir Henry Ughtred, Knight, who together with his lady fled to Limerick, left sixteen men in his house, who within two days ran away; Edward Fitton, Sheriff of the county, fled to England, left Glanogher, his house, and lands to the rebels; Sir George Bourchier, having Richard Rowley for his tenant in Loughgirre, put in Ulick Browne, who by treachery gave all to the rebel; Newcastle, Glancuyn, and Portneard, of Sir William Courtney, Knight, who neglected his seignory, put servants in trust that were careless of the defence; Corgrag, Foyne, Shanytt, of Mr. Trenchard, his executors after his decease left all open to the enemy; Tarbert, Bellanecory, of Justice Goold forsaken; Mr. Aylmer left Killfinien without men or victual; Captain Colvin left his house and fled to Asketyn; the abbey of Adare of Mr. George Thornton, where he had thirty men shot, munition, and victual, yet was forsaken, for they all ran away, and the Bruff, which he had in lease from Piers Lacy, wherein the President had put eighteen men in ward, upon their running away, was given up to Piers Lacy; Fannyngton, of William Mainwaring, I marvel at him more than at all the rest, considering his old occupation in England, acquainted with all robbers and thieves in the land, that the rebels in Ireland, brought up in the same school, would not favour him, or at least that he had none of his school-points to defend himself.
[Castles in Kerry and Desmond forsaken] In the county of Kerry and Desmond, the island of Kerry, the seignory of Sir William Herbert, after his death was forsaken by one Mr. Williams; Furryes, of Nicholas Browne his seignory; Tralee, a town of Sir Edward Denny's seignory. Generally, all the English in Kerry ran away, when there was no rebel within forty miles of them. Castlemayne was long defended by the ward without any means but their own shifts, which cost John Middleton, a fine clerk, his life, not having his natural diet. They sware to James Desmond the traitor, in parley, that they had victuals for half a year. Hereupon they yielded the castle, and saved their lives, whereas they had not one iota of any food.
[Castles in Cork forsaken] In the county of Cork, Mallow, and the town, being Sir Thomas Norris's; and he, President of the Province, ran away first, together with his lady, into Cork, and discouraged all the Englishry about him. Mr. Waynman left Doneraile, and fled away. He was a great sheep-master, and in that trouble ye might buy an English mutton for 12d. Tarregeroghan, where both the Clavells, English gentlemen, dwelt, was forsaken. Mr. Cuff made haste to Kilmallock, left his castle Nyeckill to a young Irishman of his bring up, who sent his master some two wain-load of stuff afterwards, shut the castle, and kept all to himself. Carregaleyn of Henry Ditton; Tractan Abbey, of the seignory of Sir Warham Sentleger, where Mr. Daunt and Mr. Sampson dwelt;
Ballengary, of Mr. Walter Sentleger;
Castle Mahon of Mr. Beecher;
Derywyllans, Carreganedey of Mr. Hyde's he being in England, his wife fled to Cork, (Patrick Condon was there his own carver); Tallow, a great town, all English, man, woman, and child, where there were about three score householders, thirty good shot, and in all about six score able men, ran away every one. The enemy came after, and burned all to the ground. Balabegg, a town hard by Mallow, of some twenty families, did the like. All the English of the seignory of Sir Walter Ralegh, viz., John Harris, William Andrew -- with others, ran away.
The inhabitants of the lands of Gosbryd, of the seignory of Sir Warham Sentleger, took their flight.
Arundel Castle was forsaken by Walter Grant.
Bostock, lieutenant of Sir Thomas Norris his horsemen, forsook his castle a sevennight afore the enemy came.
William Lions, Bishop of Cork, was loath to be a martyr. First, he forsook a strong house, all of stone, which he had at Ross in Carberry, afterwards left a fine and a strong house he had without the walls of Cork, and fled into the city.
William Saxey, Chief Justice of Munster, urchin-wise, like Harry Pyne of Mogylie, afore presaging the mischief to come, which he no doubt secretly learned and concealed, made haste for England cum pannis, as commonly we term it, with bag and baggage, got a bark, embarked together with him his wife, family, and all that he had, and left the charge committed unto him from Her Majesty at six and seven.11
In the county of Waterford, Mistress Dalton, an English gentlewoman and a widow, forsook her castle of Knockmone.
Mr. Hayles forsook his castle of Capperquin, and fled away.
Captain Fitton played the coward, hearing of rebels coming to the country, forsook his castle of Kylmahanyn, in the county of Tipperary, and ran away.