Traitors in Leinster, Leix and Offaly. Wony McRory, son of the Rory Og the traitor calling himself O'Moore, with all that traitorous sept, went into action to revenge his father's death, and to recover, as he said, his father's land by the sword.
The O'Connors in Offally followed.
The bastard Geraldines in the county of Kildare, reported by the Lords Justices unto Sir Garrett Aylmer knight and he to the lord Lieutenant from them to be the worst sort of traitors in the kingdom; their ill bringing up, their wicked lives, and shameful disloyalty, to be a slander and shame to the house of Kildare.
Phelim McFeagh, the wolf of the mountain, son of Feagh McHugh, an ancient sept of rebels of which Phelim O'Toole said that ‘they never were nor never would be true’.
Following the steps of his father together with Redmond his brother, oft protected, oft pardoned and many graces and favours offered him yet still in rebellion.
Brian Reogh, brother to Walter the traitor, who was executed at Dublin, and the sons of Garrett Owre, with certain of the Walshes. It is found that he was nine times protected, and twice pardoned, yet never true.
Donnell Kavanagh, chief of the Kavanaghs, called Donnell Spainagh, for that he a boy waited upon Stuckley into Spain, of a stubborn and ambitious sept, descending as they say from McMorrogh, King of Leinster, whose daughter and heir Strongbow married. When the race of noble English birth neglected their possessions, and deputed of their alliance some of the Kavanaghs in their absence and room as tenants to enjoy the same. These Kavanaghs in short space (so did the Moores in Leix) drew sword, and with strong hand claimed the possessions as their own, and from time to time opposed themselves against the English nation, disquieted the land, and continued the rebellion. Dr. Weston, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, was of opinion that, unless Her Majesty would remove them from Ireland, and give them land somewhere else, she would never have her kingdom quiet. This Donnell made claim to Enniscorthy, which Sir Harry Wallop knight possessed, and the rebellious rogues his followers took him for their King of Leinster. Hovenden, an Englishman, but a papistical traitor, took Donnell's son, and carried him to the Earl of Tyrone, with the consent of his father, as a pledge of his fidelity in league of rebellion with him to and blazed abroad that the son was stolen away, full sore against Donnell's will, and that the State might might assure themselves of his faithful loyalty and subjection. Thus he wrought underhand, until the rebellion was ripe, and growen to the height and then he broke out to all kind of mischief. It is found that he was protected and pardoned 14 times. Vide the mischief Phelim did about Dublin. After all this, he came in to the Earl of Essex, who received him in the chamber of presence with more honour and grace than became the Earl to shew him, or he to receive. For the Earl was no sooner gone for England, than Donnell fell to his old vomit.
James FitzPiers, of the county of Kildare, the son of an honest gentleman and true servitor to Her Majesty, Sir Piers FitzJames, having his father with his whole family (as I said before) by Walter Reogh and his rebellious associates burned to ashes, wanting grace, and forgetting his father's injury and villany of traitors, went into open action, and became a malicious rebel. Immediately after the burning of his father, he went into England, delivered his grief and great losses. Her Majesty, according unto her wonted clemency, graced him divers ways, and gave him ten horse in pay. After his return, he behaved himself civilly, and was made Sheriff of that county, kept much company with Captain Thomas Lee, who was a great favourer of the Earl of Tyrone (and then in question and disgrace therefore); and, as it may be gathered, infected with that company, underhand this James practised a long time with the Earl of Tyrone, but at length broke out, and his practices were revealed to the Lords Justices. Captain Lee and he making merry together, said Lee, 'James, thou and I will be shortly McRustclyns,' that is to say Robin Hoods, 'for we can get nothing as we are.' These words were brought to the Lords Justices. They were both sent for by a pursuivant. Lee appeared, was charged with treasons, and was committed to the Castle; but James would not shew himself. He practised to betray the fort in Leix, but failed of his purpose. He made claim to the Lordship of Cloncurry, which was the jointure of the Lady Baltinglas, and, because he could not prevail, he practised with the ward there to betray the same, and so it came to pass. He complained unjustly, as traitors did, of the Earl of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant; the which complaint Sir Garrett Aylmer (in the absence of the Lord Lieutenant) answered, and satisfied the Lords Justices, delivering upon his credit and certain knowledge, that the Earl did him no wrong, and that he was void of any gall towards him. The cause of his knowledge was that he had travailed between them, and found the Lord Lieutenant most honourable, and ready to show him any favour. He feared the Lord Archbishop of Dublin, for that he in England was examined whether the said Bishop had kept Rose O'Toole, wife to Feagh McHugh; as malefactors fearing everybody, and dare not trust themselves. After many mischiefs by him done, when both the Earls met at Athy, the 12 of May, anno 1599, with their forces, to pass into Leix for the victualling of the new fort, he pulled the bridge of Athy upon the river of the Barrow down, manned the castle at the bridge foot, trenched the fords on the river side, to hinder the passage of the horsemen. But when there was a passage found, and horsemen conveyed over to compass the town, the ward ran away, and he, seeing himself in distress, came to the Earl of Essex upon his knees, and desired mercy, and so he was received into favour.
In Upper Ossory, the Baron's nephews.
John McCoghlan joined with Con O'Neill, yet he excused himself in a letter to the Lord Lieutenant, and sent therein enclosed a letter which the traitor of Tyrone sent unto him, to withdraw him from his loyalty.
Redmond Burke, Sir Charles O'Carroll with Con O'Neill and purpose to besiege Roscrea.
The O'Mulrians in Tipperary.
The O'Kennedys in Ormond.
In October 1598 Edmund, Viscount Mountgarrett, having long covered the sparkles of rebellion in the hid ashes of dissimulation, began to break out, having matched his son and heir with the traitor of Tyrone's daughter, his sister with Thomas, Baron of Cahir and, sworn to the general combination of rebellion, practised by Derby Cragh, the Pope's nuncio, first in the county of Kilkenny he acquainteth his followers with his purpose, next he worketh very subtly with the county of Wexford, and writeth to Sir Thomas Colclogh, knight, James Furlong, Robert Codd with others as followeth:
[The Lord Mountgarrett to the gentlemen in Wexford]
I commend me unto you.I have dealt with all the Cavenaghs in your behalfs, whose promise I have no to meddle or spoil any of your county for the space of one fortnight, so as neither your not any of yours give them or me any cause in the meantime to the contrary and in the meantime I would have you meet me when I shall send you word that we may have further conference together.
And so I commit you to God,October 1598.
[The Lord Mountgarrett to the sheriff &c of Wexford] Again he writeth to the sheriff and gentlemen of the county of Wexford.
Gentlemen of the County of Wexford,
I have entreated peace for you hitherto of all the Irishry in Leinster and now can procure it no longer than Wednesday except you contribute to bear part of their charges in this action as you and they shall agree & if you be so mynded to do or as many as shall let them assemble themselves in some place of the borders and advertise me thereof by Wednesday next.
In the meantime I commit you to God,Sunday 1598.
[The Lord Mountgarrett to James Devereux and others] Again he writeth to James Devereux and the rest of the gentlemen in the aforesaid county.
Where the rebels now of late have spoiled me utterly in the County of Kylkenny & now do begin to use you in that sort, therefore I have thought good to do my best in furthering the queen's service, as also to do my commonwealth and neighbour's good. Therefore I am to let you understand that if it shall please you to assist me therein and to bear the charge of two hundred men both in meat and wages for one fortnight I will keep garrison in some convenient place upon the borders, where I will not only bestow myself in the service, but also will undertake whatsoever the country shall lose during that time, to pay it myself or else to venture both mine own person and my companies in pursuit of any of their losses & ever so I commit you to God, this present Friday.
All this while he went about the bush, and pretended the Queen's service, as it appeareth when as he durst confer with the traitorous Kavanaghs and the Irishry of Leinster and to plant garrisons without commission. When he perceived this would not take effect, that the gentlemen of Wexford weighed him not, and that the whole county defied him, out he went into open action, gathered his rebellious forces together, and joined with all the traitors in Leinster and Munster, and sent his agent to Ulster to the Archtraitor of Tyrone, to send him aid thence to strengthen his forces. Then his rogues ran about like the devil's scouts, preying, burning, and killing. The Mayor of Waterford wrote to the Lord Lieutenant-General to that effect, and withal of the death of Philip, King of Spain, and how that Sorleboy took shipping at Lough Foyle to go for Spain. His Lordship likewise was certified from Thomastown how that Mountgarrett stayed all boats, and threatened to kill the boatmen that passed along the Barrow for Waterford. Also intelligence was given that he went about to match one of his daughters, Piers Baccagh his widow, to James Desmond; a second to Donnell Spainagh his son; and third to Gerald McMurtogh Oge his son; a fourth to O'Donnell; the fifth to Wony McRory; the faster to hold by the link of rebellion. The Lord Lieutenant wrote unto him, marvelling what he meant to fall into that outrage of disloyalty to his prince, infamy to his name and utter ruin of his house. For answer, he desired to parley. That granted, and the day and place agreed upon, viz., the 13 of November, beside Gowran, upon the top of a hill called Crossmans, Mountgarrett, with Wony McRory, Morgan McBrian Kavanagh, his son-in-law, Donnell Spainagh, and others, shewed themselves. He sent two horsemen before, and two to second them, at length came himself to a riverside, where the Lord Lieutenant of the other side being come, demanded of him what he had to say. Mountgarrett answereth, 'A day of meeting was appointed as now in this place, and I am come accordingly.' To cut off his preface, said the Lord Lieutenant, 'What say ye to me?' Then began he with trifling matters and long speeches, that he was not regarded according to his calling; that, when the Justices of Assize came to the country, he sat among inferior persons; that the Lord Lieutenant, rejecting his kindred, took base fellows of his counsel, the Sheas and Rouths of Kilkenny; that his Lordship, since his last coming from England, held a hard hand over him; that he wronged him a little before in sending him prisoner to the Castle of Dublin; that he commanded the horsemen to cut off his head by the way; and that he was given to understand that there was a warrant issued from the Lords Justices to his Lordship to apprehend him, that he stood in fear of himself, which moved him to take the course he had. The Lord Lieutenant replied, 'I am sorry to behold the sight that is before mine eyes this day; you, being of my house, and of that creation Lord of Parliament, to be in company with such rascal traitors. As for your grievances, if they were in substance true, yet are they slender causes to induce you into such great extremities. For answer unto you, I do know that every one of discretion, that knoweth you, reverenceth your person. I am not therewith to be charged. You know I have, of my part, used you ever most kindly. As for sitting with the Judges of Assize, none must assist them but such as are of the Commission of Oyer and Terminer. Touching my kindred, they know I love them well. If they be good, I will endeavour to advance them; if they be nought, I will be a mean to cut them off. Where you scorn my counsel, I will hearken unto them that directs me for the best. Since my coming last from England, I have showed you all the favours I could. No marvel you were apprehended upon suspicion, and committed to the Castle of Dublin, having matched with Tyrone, and secretly combined with traitors, by the practices of Dr. Cragh, the which then was concealed, but now come to light. And in that journey, there was no sinister dealing meant towards you, as the Earl of Thomond, your keeper (who used you most honourably), is at all times ready to witness. Lastly, you greatly mistake yourself. For what should I do with the Lords Justices' warrant to apprehend you, when as I had authority sufficient of myself, under the broad Seal of England, to all such effects? But in fine, deceive not yourself. Remember what you have is of the gracious gifts of the Kings of England. Devise how to call yourself back to your duty.' Saith Mountgarrett, 'If you mean it for peace, I will not consent to any without O'Neill.' Hold being taken of that, he most arrogantly added thereto, that he would not do the contrary for all them of the one side and the other side of the river, and that he was not as then sworn to O'Neill, but had sent his agent to him about his affairs. 'Put it down in paper' (saith he) 'if ye please.' The next day, Mountgarrett desired peace for a month or three weeks, until he might hear from Tyrone, upon these conditions, that his tenants and ploughs might not be disturbed; if they were, then would he do his worst; that he and his followers might have license to take meat and drink from Her Majesty's subjects; that there should no more garrisons be drawn into his country, than were at that time. To the which the Lord Lieutenant answered, 'Your proud (sic) and threatenings I weigh not; the course of Her Majesty's service will I not stop, neither so much dishonour Her Majesty as to license any traitor to oppress Her Highness' subjects, for I used not to exact the same myself for Her Majesty's forces, but paid for that I took.' Being demanded what assurance he would give for the observance of the peace, if it were granted, he scornfully answered, 'the gentlemen on this side and that side of the water, and all Leinster to the north, to depend of the same.' One whispered him in the ear, whereupon he explained himself, saying he meant it of all such as would take his part. In the end, peace (without the former conditions) was concluded for three weeks; and Mountgarrett sent, the 15 of November, to the Lord Lieutenant the names of all those that should stand upon his dependence during the said truce by John FitzRichard, whose names for mememy of their rebellions and treasons unto the posterity are these: all the Ryans and Brenans his followers, his sons, daughters and kindred. Lieutenant Burke who with some 50 soldiers came to him from Captain John Masterson, Lieutenant William McKervick who came to him the 14 of November from Captain Thomas Loftous. The same John FitzRichard the 20 of November delivered more particularly these names following, viz his sons Richard Butler, James, Edward, Thomas, Tibald, John and Gilbert. The Lady Mountgarrett with her daughters Margaret, Marie, Marget, Elish, Joan, Mary and Ellen Butler daughter to the Lord of Dunboyne married to her son James. John Butler Fitz Richard brother to Mountgarrett of the rebellious sept of Ryans, Walter Boy O'Rian, Pierse O'Rian, Daniel O'Rian, Teig O'Rian, Lysagh O'Rian, David FitzWalter O'Rian, Teig FitzWalter O'Rian, Teig Mc-- O'Rian, Dermot McMorogh O'Rian, James McJohn O'Rian, Morogh FitzPeirse O'Rian, Richard FitzPierce O'Rian, Richard Fitz Murtagh O'Rian, Dermot McMurtagh O'Rian, Turlough McEdward O Rian, Teig McEdmond O'Rian, Teig McEdmond O'Rian, John McDavid O'Rian, Murtagh FitzDavid O'Rian, John McDavid of Ullard, Turlough McEdmond O'Rian, Cahir O'Rian, Richard Boy O'Rian, James Fitz Henry O'Rian, Pierce FitzMelaughlin O'Rian, Conogher Duff that chiefest shott that kept with Pierse Butler Baccagh. Turlough O'Rian another son to O'Rian, Dermot Roe McMurogh O'Rian, Seron Reagh McDavid O'Rian, Donnell McEdmund O'Rian, Shane Caragh O'Rian. Such a rabble of Ryan rebels (gentle reader) thou hast not read before. Notwithstanding the truce formerly taken, yet Mountgarrett ceased not, but travelled from place to place, animating his confederates and strengthening his complices.
[The messenger Morgan McBrian from Mountgarrett] The 5th of December following, Morgan McBrian Kavanagh, his son-in-law, came to Kilkenny in the absence of the Lord Lieutenant, and left in writing this message:
First, the Lord Mountgarrett is content to be at peace for the space of 14 dayes ensuing the date hereof and the said peace to be kept to the Lord Lieutenant and all his both in the county of Kilkenny and Tipperarie and nowhere else.
Item he doth undertake for those which he undertook for already in his last peace.
Item where he is joined and linked both to Oneale, therle of Desmond and divers others in the realm, if he can obtain licence from them, he will then take the order of the lord of Dunboyne, the Lord of Cahir, the Lord Power and the Erle of Desmond, provided that during the said peace if any the queen's forces enter to annoy any of the Irish countries or any of his partakers therein than he to be at his own liberty to help and assist the said partakers during that enterprise.
Further during the aforesaid peace that it shall be lawful for him or any of his to carry, bring away any of his provision or stuff from place to place without lett or impediment, and also to buy or sell in any port town any of his necessaries, armour and munition excepted.
Also that it shall be lawful for those that he doeth undertake for, to buy and sell within his cities or port towns, such necessaries or wares as they shall need, they having his warrant thereunto.
And where it is said and supposed that his breach of peace hath been committed by those that he undertook for, now whether it be wars or peace, if it shall please the lord lieutenant to send any gentleman in his name to prove any breach upon any of those whom he hath undertaken for, then he is ready to make satisfaction according to the quality of the hurt done. So as if he shall prove any breach of the contrary side, he may have the like.
Lastly he doth undertake for those of the Graces and Famagh which are out, and for Thomas FitzWalter, Edmund FitzPierse, Pierse and Richard FitzRichard and with such as follow them.12
[The Lord Lieutenant answereth the message of Mountgarrett] When the Lord Lieutenant came to Kilkenny and had read this insolent message the 13 of December, he wrote for answer as followeth:
‘Being of late in Her Majesty's service, in the county of Tipperary in prosecution of the traitor your brother-in-law, the Baron of Cahir, Doctor Cragh, and other his complices, I received a paper of your demands, left (in my absence) at my house in Kilkenny, by your son-in-law, Morrogh McBrian Kavanagh; which I perused, and the more I considered of your demands therein, the less I found in you, either loyal regard of bounden duty to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, or yet so much as any provident consideration of the shameful and headlong race you have run, to your own utter destruction, and perpetual subversion of your offspring and posterity: so as now your wickedness must denounce you to the world for a most malicious traitor to Her Highness's sacred person. And I cannot but be sorry that so unnatural and degenerate a member is descended from the house you are come of. Now for your demands, which you desire to be answered in particular; wherein, among others, you expressly declare yourself to be (as you term it) joined and linked with the Archtraitor Tyrone, and the rest of the rebels now in action in this kingdom. For one general answer to all I say, that as I account all your demands most wicked, odious, and most traitorous, so do I absolutely resolve to yield to neither of them, not doubting but the just reward of your deserts will heavily light upon you and the rest; to effecting whereof assure yourself that my best endeavour shall not be wanting, to the shedding of the last drop of my blood.’13
[The malapert message of Mountgarrett]
The 22 of December by David Hickey that delivered, the Lord Mountgarrett refusing to write, sent by word of mouth ‘Let the Lord Lieutenant do what he can for the Queen and I will do on the other side what I can for O'Neill.’ After that the northern rebels, under the conduct of Con O'Neill, the bastard, had met with Mountgarrett and others the Lords of Leinster and Munster then in action, and conferred together on sundry points, they could not agree, but jarred among themselves. For every one (such was their aspiring humours) would be General and Commander of the rest. Redmond Burke challenged the generalty, Con O'Neill, challenging that style to himself, snuffed at his fellow traitors, and charged them with breach of promise; that they had sent unto his father (the traitor) for aid, promised great favours, kindness, and entertainment, but then denied him his style, and his followers cess; and so he departed from them in great rage. Then Mountgarrett was in great perplexity, not knowing whom to trust, fain would become a subject, and wist not how to compass it; for he had sworn to the rebels, and received the sacrament upon it. Yet he used secret means to speak with the Lord Lieutenant; at length wrote unto him that, if his Lordship would not vouchsafe himself to come and meet him, it would please him to send the Earl of Thomond, who then was at Kilkenny. The Earl of Thomond, by direction from the Lord Lieutenant, met him the 23 of February, who received of him but shifts and slender excuses (after his wonted manner), and that fear of his person drove him to the course he held. He entreated for peace, which was then granted him for 14 days; but he, notwithstanding, in that time (traitor like), sent 200 of his men into Leix, to hinder the Lord Lieutenant in prosecution of the rebels. After that the Lord Lieutenant had victualled the fort in Leix, foiled the rebels, and preyed Upper Ossory, Mountgarrett's castles and country lying in his way, and fearing the Lord Lieutenant's whip, the 15th of March he sent two of his horsemen unto him, as he was at Aghmocartie in Upper Ossory, desiring he might come and speak with him, which the Lord Lieutenant refused in his own person, yet sent Sir Christopher St. Lawrence, Sir Walter Butler, Sir James Butler, and certain other Captains unto him, to understand what he had to say, with instructions accordingly. He entreated for peace. They demanded a pledge for performance of the conditions that should be agreed upon. He offered land; it was refused. They demanded one of his sons and two castles; that he denied. He offered his own word and honour; they said it was worth little. He craved time to be advised by his learned counsel. They, perceiving all was but shifts and delays, left him as they found him, among a company of rascal traitors. In the evening, that day, William FitzNicholas came from Mountgarrett, desiring the Lord Lieutenant to vouchsafe to speak with him; the which he would not grant, unless he made his penitent submission, submitting himself absolutely to Her Majesty's mercy; adding withal that, if the cause were between the Earl of Ormond and Mountgarrett, he would look to have both pledge and obedience at his hands, being chief of the house whence Mountgarrett descended. Shortly after he sent his son -- to Dunmore, where the Lord Lieutenant was, desiring peace for five days, which was granted. Yet all that while was he practising mischief. The 26 of April he came to the castle of Kilkenny, kneeled down before the Earl of Ormond, and desired two things; first, the benefit of Her Majesty's proclamation, the which the Earl of Essex had lately brought over with him; secondly, that he might, by the Earl's means, be safely brought to the Earl of Essex's presence; both which were granted him. On the 12 of May, at Athy, the two Earls meeting together, the Earl of Ormond presented him and the Lord of Cahir to the Earl of Essex, who, as they kneeled, gave them a long and a sharp exhortation touching their rebellion, their subjection and loyalty being of them forgotten. The Earl of Essex, Lord Lieutenant-General, committed them to the Marshal, took them with him to Dublin, where he pardoned Mountgarrett and his ungracious children, and gave him all his lands, with great favours. But in a short while after (small account being made of Mountgarrett himself, a man unwieldy), his sons were as far in rebellion as they were before.
Thomas Butler, Lord Baron of Cahir, with his brethren, kindred, and all his country, went to open rebellion. The Earl of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant, wrote unto him that he should with speed repair unto him with his forces, and shew his loyalty; the which he refused. He wrote the second time, viz., the 26 of November, 1598, to the same effect, but he came not. The man was simple and foolish, carried away by his wife, that was Mountgarrett's sister, Dr. Cragh, the Pope's Nuncio, and Father Archer. The 9 of May (remembering himself after the example of Mountgarrett) he came to the castle of Kilkenny, kneeled before the Earl of Ormond, and desired the benefit of Her Majesty's proclamation, which the Earl of Essex had late brought over with him. ‘Now goodman fool’ (said the Earl of Ormond), ‘what would you have? the benefit of Her Majesty's proclamation? Your father was a wise man, an honest gentleman, a good subject; but you have combined with traitors and rebels, and overrun your wits. That which you desire I grant you. Stand up, and I will bring you to the Earl of Essex, Lord Lieutenant-General, and let him dispose of you, as seemeth best unto him.’ At Athy he was delivered unto him, and there committed to the Marshal, and carried along the journey. His castle of Cahir, after he had forsaken it, was kept by his brother James, and other traitors, against the Queen's forces, and the simple man could not command his own house; so that the Earl of Essex was driven to convey by water thither from Waterford a cannon and a culverin, to batter the house. Upon Whitsun Sunday, in the evening, the ordnance being mounted, they began to play and batter the castle. The Lord of Cahir and his wife, being then in camp and prisoners, beholding the battery of their house, wept like children. So sore was the castle assaulted and battered, that Her Majesty's forces determined, upon Tuesday in the morning, to enter; but the night before, the Lord of Cahir's brother, and a few with him, got away through a sink and under a water-mill; the rest of the rebels were pitifully mangled and slain along the river. Sir Christopher St. Lawrence and Captain Lawrence Esmond, with their forces, entered, took the spoil, and kept it, until the Earl of Essex had appointed a ward.