Legal tenure of Ballydehob, Dromreagh, Murreagh and Adroguinna, from 1626, West Cork.

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

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https://www.google.ie/maps/place/Ardogeena,+Co.+Cork/@51.6122167,-9.532978,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x48459fb8f9c0f5c7:0x7554b4a819007bca?hl=en

From the Encumbered estates Court 1854 where the title to land before the court is recited.  This court was an attempt to ‘dry clean’ in a legal sense property which was so heavily encumbered that in effect in was unsaleable.  Apart from bank mortgages much of this property, the insolvent estates of Irish landlords, was heavily affected by family settlements to provided for annuities for family members, marriage portions and so on. The famine was only the last straw which broke the camel’s back, the financial distress had been piling up since the collapse in agricultural prices with the ending of the Napoleonic Wars in 1817.

Deed 12th April and 13th 1738, Earl of Burlington and Cork (descendants of Boyle), Sir William Heathcote to Richard Tonson (one of the Tonsons was the illegitimate son of Hull, who ran a fishery in Schull and was a major landowner).  All manorial rights to the Lord of the Manor of Ballydehob and lands of Dromreagh, Murreagh and Ardoginna (these three townlands are in Durrus on the Schull side of the Mizen peninsula), acquires Dromrigh, alias Drumreagh, Dromlowe, and Ardogennae, three ploughlands in tenure and occupation of Edward Boyle and Mary his wife lease of 21st May 1626 for 5,000 years, sold to Richard Tonson for £1,700, Evanson 24th September 1765, Richard Tonson to Richard Tonson Evanson received by William Tonson Lord Baron Riversdale to Nathaniel Evanson 12th March 1811, Parliamentary conveyance his Grace to have right to protect claim, minerals to be excepted, (in fact the area is rich in minerals there were a number of mines in the region in the 19ht century).

Population Density and Emigration of West Cork Protestant families, from Mizen and Muintervera Peninsulas, to Rochester New York, Wisconsin and Percy Township, Northumberland County, Ontario from early 19th Century.

10 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by in Baker, Beamish, Dukelow, Edwardsburgh, Erie Canal, new York, Ontario, Percy Township, Rochester, Roycroft, Williamson

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https://www.google.ie/maps/place/Durrus,+Co.+Cork/@51.6217107,-9.521993,11z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48459fe7ccd270df:0x231e3744ac95441a

Effects of the Famine many of the same Surnames as in North America:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SjD7EiRBDPjnsK4c4B9xIu9HV2WPBOuY0jj5_Td7ogc/edit

The late 18th century and early 19th century was a boom period for Irish agriculture caused by the Napoleonic wars. After the end of the wars a deep depression descended made worse in areas such as West Cork by the collapse of the home weaving sector.  Emigration commenced in late 1820s of Protestant families and gathered pace in the later decades.  These families were small to middling tenant farmers with a sprinkling of labourers and carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, etc.  The area looked at is the triangle bounded by Skibbereen, Bantry, and Crookhaven.  Among the families (Catholic) from this area and period were those of the singer Bing Crosby.

At the time Rochester, New York was enjoying a boom due to the opening of the Erie Canal linking the Atlantic to the Great Lakes.  In politics some of the families especially from the Durrus area took to the area like ducks to water.  The following is  description    There is an interesting piece of history in Rochester connected to Co. Cork. “The community designated as Cork was in the section comprising Ontario, Davis, Kirk (Woodward) and North streets. The community was settled in the early 1840s and was composed of Protestant Irish immigrants from County Cork, Ireland. For years they were known as Corkonians and later as the “ninety-nine cousins”, it being claimed that the little colony bragged of 99 voters, unconditional Republicans. The families comprising the section were the Attridges, Bakers, Dukelows, Gays, Gosnells, Skuses, Swantons and Whitleys. James Baker, a political leader of the clan, a deacon of the North Street Methodist Church, a teetotaler, was the excise commissioner, in charge of granting licenses to the saloons of the city, there being one in the rear of many grocery establishments. In the 1880s and 1890s, when the detective force of the city consisted of but a small fraction of the present force, the “cousins” were represented by four: Baker, Dukelow, Skuse and Swanton.” Another article about the 99 Cousins also stated that the Shannon and Killip families were part of this family compact, and that they were a powerful force in local politics, with representatives in city government from the mayor’s chair down to the street cleaning department, and many on the police force.’.  The Mizen/Muintervara had an active history of political agitation.  In the 1830s the men of Durrus were led by a Catholic Landlord one of the O’Donovans of O’Donovan’s Cove to a monster meeting re Repeal to Mount Gabriel. It is interesting that John Attridge of Durrus was the godfather to one of the O’Donovan children.

There are accounts of  Monster meeting addressed in Durrus by the temperance pioneer Fr. Mathew.  Late during the Land Wars 1880s Durrus was a hot spot needing RIC reinforcements and the Protestant Tenants on the Earl of Bandon’s estate went on a rent strike.  They were described by his agent Richard  Wheeler Doherty as little better them animals.  This was the local background and the interconnected  families in Rochester built a political machine under the Republican Party which was more often be associated with Irish Catholic emigrants and the Democratic Party.   Details of the  records many from the US census are here…

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqhnQGE3ANjzdFdtYlpQTFJ2NXhtc2dGYmtRVFY0VFE#gid=0

It is also interesting that some of the Durrus families emerged in London during the Fenian Agitaton and their descendant were associated with Michael Collins in London. John Dukelow from Crottees married a Catholic lived at various houses around Durrus and emigrated to Poplar in East London. He died of cholera. His family were interconnected with the Swantons, and Hurleys in London during the Fenian Agitation. The Hurleys keep appearing were probably the tenant of a large farm in Ballycomane pre 1780 (one of them may have married one of the Vickeries who took over the farm). Michael Ducklaw is living in Edwardsburgh, Ontario in 1871 and the neighbouring farmers are Hurleys possibly a branch of the Durrus Hurleys.

The census records show the low economic status of the emigrants, labourers etc and with low property values.  As the decades roll on the children are emerging into the US mainstream becoming teachers, clerks photographs etc.  In the 1880 census there is a question on native language, many reply by putting in Irish.  It is not clear if they bi-lingual or meant the variant of English spoke in Ireland.  In the 1900 census some reply to ethnic origin by putting in Irish/English as say the Canadians put in Canadian/Engish/French.  Before that they invariably put in Irish to the question, it may reflect contemporary tensions in Ireland. For any amendments, additions comments contact pat25a@gmail.com

The family names were selected by using those common in the Tithe Aplottments 1830s, and Irish Loan Reproduction Records of the 1840s and are an educated guess.  They include those of Allen, Baker, Dukelow, King, Coughlan, Daly, Skuce, Attridge, Salter, Melville, Copithorne, Lannin, Gay, Varian, Peer, Gosnell, Croston, Williamson, Swanton, among others.

In 1860 Land Grants became available and many of the Rochester families decamped to there.

Some families from the 1840s settled in Percy Township, Northumberland County, Ontario.  Names such as Dukelow, Beamish, Williamson, Baker and Roycroft appear.  In the case of Mary Dukelow b 1833 probably Durrus she married Charles Beamish 1821-1881 possibly from Kilcoe in Rochester, New York in 1851.  This shows a link to the significant Cork community in Rochester.  He emigrated to Ontario in 1848 and they appear in Canadian census at Percy Township thereafter.

http://automatedgenealogy.com/census52/View.jsp?id=14200&highlight=5&desc=1852+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Hu%3F+Beamish

In the recently published Atlas of the Irish Famine there is a map of population densities based on the 1841 census.  The map is adjusted for mountain and hill, bog and lakes.  It shows the Mizen and Muintervara with population densities among the highest in the non urban world, akin to India and China. It is hard to believe now but hundreds of thousands of people if not more especially from North America have an ancestor who came from the area.

Scan 289

Emigration from West Cork, 19th century, Dukelow family

02 Saturday Mar 2013

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The Dukelows were part of a family pattern of emigration from West Cork from the early 19th century. By way of background families were from a small to middling class of tenant farmers with some labourers and craftsmen. The earliest emigrations were mainly of families to Ontario and to Rochester in Upper New York. In this they were accompanied by other interrelated families from the area to Rochester the Allens, Skuces, Attridges, Gallaghers, Mahonys, Bakers and Swantons from, the Rossmore and Brahalish areas of Durrus. The Canadian emigration took in the broader area bounded by Skibbereen Crookhaven and Durrus and included some of the following families Melvilles, Goods, Copithorns, Dalys, Coghlans, Skuces, Swantons, Roycrofts, Whitleys and they are to be found in the various Canadian and US census and landing records of the period. From Rochester some family members went to Kansas and Wisconsin. Later in the century family members from the Coomkeen, Durrus area went to California. From mid-century emigration took the form of single individuals male and female.

In Rochester the extended families emulated the Irish Catholics who were Democrats  in getting control of Rochester City Council but through the Republican party.

There are quite a number of marriages in the US and Canada within the kin group not just Church of Ireland and Methodist but with Catholics from the same original area.

Up the 1930s there was repeat emigration to Rochester, a favourite destination especially for women the Kodak Film works.

Dukelow%20Emigration%2019th%2020th%20Century%20-%20Sheet1

If you would like to view this information, click here.

Compositions of Cess and other Imposts between Queen’s Commissioners and gentlemen of Carbery, 1592

21 Thursday Feb 2013

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COMPOSITIONS for CESSE and other IMPOSTS. MS 631 5 Aug-11 Oct 1592

These documents are held at Lambeth Palace Library

Former reference: MS 631

49 Pages.

COMPOSITIONS for CESSE and other IMPOSTS. MS 631 5 Aug-11 Oct 1592

These documents are held at Lambeth Palace Library

Former reference: MS 631

49 Pages.

Supplementary information: Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, ed. J. S. Brewer & W. Bullen (6 vols., 1867-73), vol. III, document 130.

Contents:
Articles indented betwixt the Queen’s Commissioners and the gentlemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the country of Orrerie in co. Cork, touching a composition in lieu of cesse; at Cork, 17 September 1592.
Whereas her Majesty by letters patents dated at Dublin 12th July last, and by instructions annexed to the said commission, authorized the said Commissioners to deal with the lords and freeholders and all other possessioners in Munster for a composition in lieu of cesse, such as is in Connaught; the said freeholders and possessioners of Orrerie, acknowledging her Majesty’s care and great masses of treasure spent within this province for the suppression of the late traitor Desmond and his complices, have submitted willingly to a composition, and do by these presents offer her a yearly composition out of the said country of 20l. sterling for three years. And the said Commissioners promise and agree that the said inhabitants shall be exonerated of all cesse, and of all victualling of her Majesty’s army and garrison, and of all provision of the household and stable of the Lord Deputy, the Lord President, and Vice-Presidents, and of all provision of horsemen, soldiers, galloglas, horses, horseboys, and all other impositions, except in case of any invasion or sudden rebellion. This country or barony shall appoint a collector to receive the same, without fee.
Mem.–“The chargeable lands of Liskarroll, lands of Ballimckowa, Ballehustie, and Kilmclenye, if any part thereof be chargeable, is meant to be subject to the above composition.
Signed: Nicholas Barry alias McShian’s mark, James Lumbard, Eily Barry of Bregoge, P. H. Rirragus (?), John Chillister, John Miz of Lessfricken, James Byrn, Edward Nangle, Cornell Dalie, Rallaghan McOwen.
Mem.–The day and year above said, the gentlemen and freeholders of all Condons’ country have compounded with the Commissioners to pay 6l. yearly for three years.
Signed: Edmond Gangahe, Edmond Og Condon, Piers Gold, Patrick Condon, Richard Condon alias McMaoge, Fynne Monsloe, Walter Condon, William McEdmond Condon, Edmond McJohn Condon.
II. Similar Articles betwixt the Commissioners and the gentlemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of Kinnalea, at Cork, 15 September 1592, in public assembly of the whole county.
A yearly composition of 15l ster.
Signed: Thomas Longe, John Bostock, Henry Barries alias Barricok, Philip Golde, George Robinson, Walter Graunte, Leoffin Meade, E. M. D., Awlie O’Flime, James Sarsfield, Thomas Fleminge, Richard Roche, John Roold, William Cogan, David McShane, Edmond FitzMoris Roche, Edmond White, William Risserd, David FitzWilliam Roche, Piers Golde.
III. Articles betwixt the Commissioners and the freeholders, &c. of Ibaone, at Cork, 17 September 1592.
A yearly composition of 25l. ster.
Signed: Donoghe Oge, Teige O’Hee alias O’Hea, Edmond Arundell, James Hodwett.
IV. Articles betwixt the Commissioners and the freeholders, &c. of Carbrey, at Cork, 15 September 1592.
A yearly composition of 80l. ster.
Signed: Owen Carte, Phenen O’Driscoll, John Slewright, Connour McMahowne, Walter Graunt, Donell Solevan, Donogh Driscoll, Conour McO’Mahowne “de Lenton,” Donell Oge ne Carte, Donell McDermod McCarte, Dermod McTege O’Driscoll, Fana McDonell McCarte, Dermod O’Driscoll, Donell McDonogh McCarte, Donogh McCormocke McCarte, Tege McDermod McFeleme, Tege O’Crole alias Crowle, Tege McCartan alias Tege McMockle, Cormocke Oge McCarte, Phenen O’Driscoll, Davy O’Crole.
V. Articles indented betwixt the Queen’s Commissioners and the gentlemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the lands of the sixteen toeghes in Connyloughe, charged with shraghe, marte, and other uncertain customs, at Limerick, 8 August 1592, in public assembly.
The said Commissioners having moved them to compound with her Majesty for the said shraughe, &c., all the said freeholders, &c. accepted of the same, and by way of composition do yield to her Majesty out of every quarter of land within the said sixteen toughes, in full satisfaction of all sraghe, marte, cesse, connye, livery, and other such charges, the yearly rent of 25s. ster. And although the said chargeable land was charged to the late Earl of Desmond in every toughe 40 marks and 20 beoffes clearly, besides coyne and livery and other uncertainties, yet in respect that the land wasted paid no portion of that charge during the waste, and no arrearages were at any time demanded, and that the said Earl when it was levied sometimes gave it back again, and that the said sixteen toughes are not yet fully peopled, by reason none dare inhabit the said land for fear of the great burden, the Commissioners do accept of the said offer and composition, to continue during her Majesty’s pleasure, and agree that the said freeholders, &c. shall be discharged of all sraghe, &c., and likewise of the provision of the Lord President, &c. The arrearages are deferred to further consideration.
Signed: Philip Suppell of Ballenetubbred, Thomas McEae (?), Doole McMulmurry, David Lacie, Richard Wale, James Lacie FitzDavid, Patrick Lalor, Morys Cooswill, McHenry, Carhill McGerrott, John FitzThomas McPhillipp, Gerrott Liston, James Nashe, William Oge England, David Barrie, Moriertaghe McMorghe, James Russell.
Supplementary information: Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, ed. J. S. Brewer & W. Bullen (6 vols., 1867-73), vol. III, document 130.

Contents:
Articles indented betwixt the Queen’s Commissioners and the gentlemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the country of Orrerie in co. Cork, touching a composition in lieu of cesse; at Cork, 17 September 1592.
Whereas her Majesty by letters patents dated at Dublin 12th July last, and by instructions annexed to the said commission, authorized the said Commissioners to deal with the lords and freeholders and all other possessioners in Munster for a composition in lieu of cesse, such as is in Connaught; the said freeholders and possessioners of Orrerie, acknowledging her Majesty’s care and great masses of treasure spent within this province for the suppression of the late traitor Desmond and his complices, have submitted willingly to a composition, and do by these presents offer her a yearly composition out of the said country of 20l. sterling for three years. And the said Commissioners promise and agree that the said inhabitants shall be exonerated of all cesse, and of all victualling of her Majesty’s army and garrison, and of all provision of the household and stable of the Lord Deputy, the Lord President, and Vice-Presidents, and of all provision of horsemen, soldiers, galloglas, horses, horseboys, and all other impositions, except in case of any invasion or sudden rebellion. This country or barony shall appoint a collector to receive the same, without fee.
Mem.–“The chargeable lands of Liskarroll, lands of Ballimckowa, Ballehustie, and Kilmclenye, if any part thereof be chargeable, is meant to be subject to the above composition.
Signed: Nicholas Barry alias McShian’s mark, James Lumbard, Eily Barry of Bregoge, P. H. Rirragus (?), John Chillister, John Miz of Lessfricken, James Byrn, Edward Nangle, Cornell Dalie, Rallaghan McOwen.
Mem.–The day and year above said, the gentlemen and freeholders of all Condons’ country have compounded with the Commissioners to pay 6l. yearly for three years.
Signed: Edmond Gangahe, Edmond Og Condon, Piers Gold, Patrick Condon, Richard Condon alias McMaoge, Fynne Monsloe, Walter Condon, William McEdmond Condon, Edmond McJohn Condon.
II. Similar Articles betwixt the Commissioners and the gentlemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of Kinnalea, at Cork, 15 September 1592, in public assembly of the whole county.
A yearly composition of 15l ster.
Signed: Thomas Longe, John Bostock, Henry Barries alias Barricok, Philip Golde, George Robinson, Walter Graunte, Leoffin Meade, E. M. D., Awlie O’Flime, James Sarsfield, Thomas Fleminge, Richard Roche, John Roold, William Cogan, David McShane, Edmond FitzMoris Roche, Edmond White, William Risserd, David FitzWilliam Roche, Piers Golde.
III. Articles betwixt the Commissioners and the freeholders, &c. of Ibaone, at Cork, 17 September 1592.
A yearly composition of 25l. ster.
Signed: Donoghe Oge, Teige O’Hee alias O’Hea, Edmond Arundell, James Hodwett.
IV. Articles betwixt the Commissioners and the freeholders, &c. of Carbrey, at Cork, 15 September 1592.
A yearly composition of 80l. ster.
Signed: Owen Carte, Phenen O’Driscoll, John Slewright, Connour McMahowne, Walter Graunt, Donell Solevan, Donogh Driscoll, Conour McO’Mahowne “de Lenton,” Donell Oge ne Carte, Donell McDermod McCarte, Dermod McTege O’Driscoll, Fana McDonell McCarte, Dermod O’Driscoll, Donell McDonogh McCarte, Donogh McCormocke McCarte, Tege McDermod McFeleme, Tege O’Crole alias Crowle, Tege McCartan alias Tege McMockle, Cormocke Oge McCarte, Phenen O’Driscoll, Davy O’Crole.
V. Articles indented betwixt the Queen’s Commissioners and the gentlemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the lands of the sixteen toeghes in Connyloughe, charged with shraghe, marte, and other uncertain customs, at Limerick, 8 August 1592, in public assembly.
The said Commissioners having moved them to compound with her Majesty for the said shraughe, &c., all the said freeholders, &c. accepted of the same, and by way of composition do yield to her Majesty out of every quarter of land within the said sixteen toughes, in full satisfaction of all sraghe, marte, cesse, connye, livery, and other such charges, the yearly rent of 25s. ster. And although the said chargeable land was charged to the late Earl of Desmond in every toughe 40 marks and 20 beoffes clearly, besides coyne and livery and other uncertainties, yet in respect that the land wasted paid no portion of that charge during the waste, and no arrearages were at any time demanded, and that the said Earl when it was levied sometimes gave it back again, and that the said sixteen toughes are not yet fully peopled, by reason none dare inhabit the said land for fear of the great burden, the Commissioners do accept of the said offer and composition, to continue during her Majesty’s pleasure, and agree that the said freeholders, &c. shall be discharged of all sraghe, &c., and likewise of the provision of the Lord President, &c. The arrearages are deferred to further consideration.
Signed: Philip Suppell of Ballenetubbred, Thomas McEae (?), Doole McMulmurry, David Lacie, Richard Wale, James Lacie FitzDavid, Patrick Lalor, Morys Cooswill, McHenry, Carhill McGerrott, John FitzThomas McPhillipp, Gerrott Liston, James Nashe, William Oge England, David Barrie, Moriertaghe McMorghe, James Russell.

Suspected U-Boat Landing, Bantry Bay, November 1939

21 Thursday Feb 2013

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Intelligence Organisation in Eire. CAB 66/3/31
be accepted, nor wholly dis-counted. One such report, however (of a U-boat coming into Bantry Bay and taking in provisions on the evening of the 9th November), comes first-hand from a reliable source. There are also reports that certain individuals in
Former reference: WP (39) 131
Date: 1939
Source: Cabinet Office papers

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/search/search_results.aspx?Page=12&QueryText=Bantry&SelectedDatabases=A2A%7cARCHON%7cBOOKSHOP%7cCABPAPERS%7cEROL3%7cMOVINGHERE%7cNRA%7cNRALISTS%7cPREM19%7cRESEARCHGUIDES%7cE179%7cWEBSITE%7cTRAFALGAR

In Northern Ireland there is a belief that the ‘De Valera Government’ actively provided fuel and other supplies to U-Boats during the war. This is generally told alongside the notion that the most bombed city in the United Kingdom was Belfast. Other stories told are the Ulster Division at the Battle of the Somme.

Inquisition in Cork into Conor O’Mahoney, Rebel, of present day Bandon, 1587

21 Thursday Feb 2013

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Supplementary information: Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, ed. J. S. Brewer & W. Bullen (6 vols., 1867-73), vol. II, document 629.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=109-mss_1-1_6&cid=1-62#1-62

Contents:
Extract from an inquisition at Cork, 4 November, 26 Eliz., before Nicholas Welche, Chief Justice of Munster, John Myagh, Secondary Justice of Munster, Thomas Wyseman, James Gold, Robert Rosier, [and] Arthur Robins, Commissioners (the jury consisting of Fulk Mownstowe and 13 others), whereby it was found that Conohor O’Mahownye, late of Castle Mahowne, entered into rebellion with Gerald, late Earl of Desmond, and was slain therein; and that he was seized of Castle Mahowne, and of the barony or cantred of Keneallineaky.
Examined, 19 June 1587, by Thomas Wyseman.
II. Similar extract, relating to the said O’Mahownye, from an inquisition taken at Youghill, 6 October, 28 Eliz., before Thomas Norris, Vice-President of Munster, Sir Henry Wallopp, Charles Calthropp, Roger Wilbraham, Launcelot Allford, Thomas Wiseman, and Arthur Robins, Commissioners.
Examined, ut supra.

Sir George Carew President of Munster’s list of the Irish who left for Spain since December 1601

21 Thursday Feb 2013

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EMIGRANTS to SPAIN. MS 601, p. 235 1602

These documents are held at Lambeth Palace Library

Former reference: MS 601, p. 235

EMIGRANTS to SPAIN. MS 601, p. 235 1602

These documents are held at Lambeth Palace Library

Former reference: MS 601, p. 235

4 Pages.

Supplementary information: Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, ed. J. S. Brewer & W. Bullen (6 vols., 1867-73), vol. IV, document 205.

Related information: Pacata Hibernia, p. 424.

Contents:
“Anno 1601. A List of the Names of so many of the Irish as have shipped themselves for Spain forth of Munster, since December 1601, besides divers depending upon these, and many others whose names I know not.”
From Castlehaven in December 1601 with the Adelantado, O’Donnel, Redmond Bourke, Hugh Mostian, and their train, the number whereof I know not.
O’Sulyvan Beare’s son, and with him one Traunt of the Dingle from Beare-haven, in February 1601[-2].
Donnel, son to Sir Fynnen O’Driscoyle, from Castlehaven with the Veedor Pedro Lopes de Soto.
From Kinsale with Don John in March 1601:–Teige MacDonnell ne Countey, a cousin-germain to Cormack Mac Dermonde, Lord of Muskrie; William McShane, the Seneschal’s son of Imokelly; Dermot McConougher O’Driscoyle, of Castlehaven, with his brother and son; Thomas O’M[o]rhine, alias Thomas Keagh McEdmond, of Muskerry, a horseman (his father is with O’Callaughann); Richard Myagh, son and heir to James Myagh, of Kinsale; Domynicke White, of Kinsale, a carpenter’s son; Melaughlin More, of Kinsale, born in Connought; Conoughor O’Menone, of Kinsale, born there; Edmond McThomas, of Kinsale; Dermot McShane, of Kinsale; Donough Deasagh, of Kinsale; Andrew Butler, born at Galway, a kearne; William Butler, brother to Andrew, a kearne; Mahowne McDonnough O’Lyne, dwelling under Barry Oge; Dermot McOwen, a shot; David Fitz Garrat Barry, his wife and children, dwelling at Rincorran in Barry Oge’s country; Garrot, Nicholas, John, and David Oge Barry, sons to David FitzGerrat Barry abovesaid; William Hartluge, of Rincorran; John Hartluge, son to William; Dermot Oge O’Sulyvane, of Rincorran; Dermot O’Griffen, of Rincorran; John McDonnell Keady, of Rincorran; Dermot McDonnell Keady, brother to John; Morris Roche Fitz John, of Ellenfinchtowne in Kynallea; John FitzJohn Roche, a brother to Morrice; Conougher McDonnough, of Rathmore in Kynallea; Donnell Gowe, a Connoughtman, dwelling at Rathmore; Hugh O’Healy, a Connoughtman; Donnoug Moel McEnestlis, Dermot Moel McCartie’s man; Owen McDonnough McFynnen Cartie, of Currowrane, Donnel Oge McDonnel McFynnen McCarty, brother to Don Carlos Carty, slain at Kinsale; Fynnen Oge Cartye, brother also to Don Carlos; Conougher O’Cullenane, of Rathmore in Kynalea; Donnell O’Griffen, of the same; William McCormock, Dermot McShane, Edmond O’Lavien, William McRichard, and Cormocke O’Lanehie, all Connoughtmen; Dermot Deasagh, of Carbry; Dermot O’Longie, of Muskry; Richard Gogaine FitzPhilip, of Barnehelly in Kyrrywhirry; Fynnen McDonnough Cartie, a cousin to Don Carlos; Dermott McFynnen Carty, of Skeath in Carbry, and Donnell McFynnen Carty, of the same, brothers; Donnell McTeige Carty, of the same; David Skemnehan, of Rincorran; John McDermott McShane, a Connoughtman; Dermot MacShane, a Connoughtman; Cormocke, the Lord President’s footman, of the Birnes in Leinster; William McShane, of Rathmore in the county of Lymericke; Donnell McShane O’Cullenan, of Rathmore in Kynallea; John Oge O’Lensy, a Connoughtman; Teige Walsh, alias Teige Brennagh; Cormocke McDonnough ne Mroen O’Riordane, Dermot McDonnough ne Mroen O’Riordane, and Owen McDonnough ne Mroen O’Riordane, all of Muskerry, brothers; Donnell McShane O’Riordane, of Muskerry; John Feild FitzMorrice, of Tracton Abbey; John Roe McWilliam, of the county of Lymericke; Donnell O’Sisnane, of Kinsale; Teig O’Sisnane, son to Donnell;–Hugh Lassye, Walter Lea, of Kilkenny, Richard Stacboll, and one FitzJames, a pensioner, who came with Don Juan to Kinsale, and returned thence again with him.
From Ardea, in the Patache, the 7th of June 1602:–Donnough, bastard brother to Florence McCarty; Donough McMahon O’Bryan McEnaspicke, of Tomond; Bryan O’Kelly, a captain of Bowines, and a Connoughtman.
With Connor O’Driscoyle and James Archer, the 6th of July 1602:–Connor O’Driscoyle, eldest son to Sir Fynnen O’Driscoyle; James Archer, Jesuit; Colly McSwyny McEdmond, of the McSwynes, of Carbry (his son Owen was hanged at Donboye, in June 1602); Cormock McDonnough, Vic Donnell Rabbing, one of the Carties; Donoug McConnor Vic Vic Donnough, of Glanbarathaine, (in English called Castellhaven, and owner of it; he is of the O’Drischalls); Donnell McConnor Vic Dermodi O’Driscoyle; McCon McIffie O’Driscoyle, Teige McIffie O’Driscoyle, and Moriertaugh McIffie O’Driscoyle, brothers; Dermod McConnor Vic Dounes, of Kilkoe, one of the Carties, and Conor Oge, of the same, brothers; Shane McDermody Iholoughane, of Bantry; Shane McGyllycuddy Iholoughane, of Beare; Teige Oge, ne Mocklaughe, one of the Carties, and Owen McTeige ne Mocklaughe, brothers; Fynnen McBrowne, one of the O’Driscoyles; Connor O’Mahowny, of Lenicon, one of the O’Mahons of Ivaghe, one of the sons of Gulleduffe of Cleare, one of the O’Driscoyles; Dermott Oge McDermody O’Driscoyle; Connor McFynnen Roe, of Bonnane in Bantry; Terlaugh, son to Teige Keagh McMahowny, of Thomond (he slew his father when Donboy was besieged; his lands her Majesty hath given to the Earl of Thomond’s brother); Shane O’Kahan, of Thomonde; Dowaltaugh McMorrough I Corromaine, a foster-brother to O’Donnell, and an Ulsterman; Ellyne ny Donnough, late wife to Dermot Moel McCartie, brother to Florence McCartie in the Tower; Fynnen Kearigh, of the Fyall, one of the Carties; Dermot McShanaughane, a Rymer; Gulleduffe, a Thomondeman; two soldiers of Thomonde, whose names not known, but serving under Connor O’Driscoyle; David McShane, servant to James Archer, the Jesuit (son to John Rice, of the Dingle); Shane McDermody Vic Donnough Oge I Cullaine, Archer’s boy; Connor Oge O’Driscoyle, son and heir to Connor, son to Fitz Fynnen (nine years of age); Thomas, son and heir to the Knight of the Valley (14 years old); Donnell O’Mahowny, a mariner that came in company with Owen McEigan; five Frenchmen that were taken by Teige Keagh McMahowny, when he took the ship and merchant of Galway.
Signed: George Carew.
At the end in Carew’s hand:–This note was sent into England to the Lords of the Council by Sir George Carew, knight, Lord President of Mounster.
Copy.

4 Pages.

Supplementary information: Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, ed. J. S. Brewer & W. Bullen (6 vols., 1867-73), vol. IV, document 205.

Related information: Pacata Hibernia, p. 424.

Contents:
“Anno 1601. A List of the Names of so many of the Irish as have shipped themselves for Spain forth of Munster, since December 1601, besides divers depending upon these, and many others whose names I know not.”
From Castlehaven in December 1601 with the Adelantado, O’Donnel, Redmond Bourke, Hugh Mostian, and their train, the number whereof I know not.
O’Sulyvan Beare’s son, and with him one Traunt of the Dingle from Beare-haven, in February 1601[-2].
Donnel, son to Sir Fynnen O’Driscoyle, from Castlehaven with the Veedor Pedro Lopes de Soto.
From Kinsale with Don John in March 1601:–Teige MacDonnell ne Countey, a cousin-germain to Cormack Mac Dermonde, Lord of Muskrie; William McShane, the Seneschal’s son of Imokelly; Dermot McConougher O’Driscoyle, of Castlehaven, with his brother and son; Thomas O’M[o]rhine, alias Thomas Keagh McEdmond, of Muskerry, a horseman (his father is with O’Callaughann); Richard Myagh, son and heir to James Myagh, of Kinsale; Domynicke White, of Kinsale, a carpenter’s son; Melaughlin More, of Kinsale, born in Connought; Conoughor O’Menone, of Kinsale, born there; Edmond McThomas, of Kinsale; Dermot McShane, of Kinsale; Donough Deasagh, of Kinsale; Andrew Butler, born at Galway, a kearne; William Butler, brother to Andrew, a kearne; Mahowne McDonnough O’Lyne, dwelling under Barry Oge; Dermot McOwen, a shot; David Fitz Garrat Barry, his wife and children, dwelling at Rincorran in Barry Oge’s country; Garrot, Nicholas, John, and David Oge Barry, sons to David FitzGerrat Barry abovesaid; William Hartluge, of Rincorran; John Hartluge, son to William; Dermot Oge O’Sulyvane, of Rincorran; Dermot O’Griffen, of Rincorran; John McDonnell Keady, of Rincorran; Dermot McDonnell Keady, brother to John; Morris Roche Fitz John, of Ellenfinchtowne in Kynallea; John FitzJohn Roche, a brother to Morrice; Conougher McDonnough, of Rathmore in Kynallea; Donnell Gowe, a Connoughtman, dwelling at Rathmore; Hugh O’Healy, a Connoughtman; Donnoug Moel McEnestlis, Dermot Moel McCartie’s man; Owen McDonnough McFynnen Cartie, of Currowrane, Donnel Oge McDonnel McFynnen McCarty, brother to Don Carlos Carty, slain at Kinsale; Fynnen Oge Cartye, brother also to Don Carlos; Conougher O’Cullenane, of Rathmore in Kynalea; Donnell O’Griffen, of the same; William McCormock, Dermot McShane, Edmond O’Lavien, William McRichard, and Cormocke O’Lanehie, all Connoughtmen; Dermot Deasagh, of Carbry; Dermot O’Longie, of Muskry; Richard Gogaine FitzPhilip, of Barnehelly in Kyrrywhirry; Fynnen McDonnough Cartie, a cousin to Don Carlos; Dermott McFynnen Carty, of Skeath in Carbry, and Donnell McFynnen Carty, of the same, brothers; Donnell McTeige Carty, of the same; David Skemnehan, of Rincorran; John McDermott McShane, a Connoughtman; Dermot MacShane, a Connoughtman; Cormocke, the Lord President’s footman, of the Birnes in Leinster; William McShane, of Rathmore in the county of Lymericke; Donnell McShane O’Cullenan, of Rathmore in Kynallea; John Oge O’Lensy, a Connoughtman; Teige Walsh, alias Teige Brennagh; Cormocke McDonnough ne Mroen O’Riordane, Dermot McDonnough ne Mroen O’Riordane, and Owen McDonnough ne Mroen O’Riordane, all of Muskerry, brothers; Donnell McShane O’Riordane, of Muskerry; John Feild FitzMorrice, of Tracton Abbey; John Roe McWilliam, of the county of Lymericke; Donnell O’Sisnane, of Kinsale; Teig O’Sisnane, son to Donnell;–Hugh Lassye, Walter Lea, of Kilkenny, Richard Stacboll, and one FitzJames, a pensioner, who came with Don Juan to Kinsale, and returned thence again with him.
From Ardea, in the Patache, the 7th of June 1602:–Donnough, bastard brother to Florence McCarty; Donough McMahon O’Bryan McEnaspicke, of Tomond; Bryan O’Kelly, a captain of Bowines, and a Connoughtman.
With Connor O’Driscoyle and James Archer, the 6th of July 1602:–Connor O’Driscoyle, eldest son to Sir Fynnen O’Driscoyle; James Archer, Jesuit; Colly McSwyny McEdmond, of the McSwynes, of Carbry (his son Owen was hanged at Donboye, in June 1602); Cormock McDonnough, Vic Donnell Rabbing, one of the Carties; Donoug McConnor Vic Vic Donnough, of Glanbarathaine, (in English called Castellhaven, and owner of it; he is of the O’Drischalls); Donnell McConnor Vic Dermodi O’Driscoyle; McCon McIffie O’Driscoyle, Teige McIffie O’Driscoyle, and Moriertaugh McIffie O’Driscoyle, brothers; Dermod McConnor Vic Dounes, of Kilkoe, one of the Carties, and Conor Oge, of the same, brothers; Shane McDermody Iholoughane, of Bantry; Shane McGyllycuddy Iholoughane, of Beare; Teige Oge, ne Mocklaughe, one of the Carties, and Owen McTeige ne Mocklaughe, brothers; Fynnen McBrowne, one of the O’Driscoyles; Connor O’Mahowny, of Lenicon, one of the O’Mahons of Ivaghe, one of the sons of Gulleduffe of Cleare, one of the O’Driscoyles; Dermott Oge McDermody O’Driscoyle; Connor McFynnen Roe, of Bonnane in Bantry; Terlaugh, son to Teige Keagh McMahowny, of Thomond (he slew his father when Donboy was besieged; his lands her Majesty hath given to the Earl of Thomond’s brother); Shane O’Kahan, of Thomonde; Dowaltaugh McMorrough I Corromaine, a foster-brother to O’Donnell, and an Ulsterman; Ellyne ny Donnough, late wife to Dermot Moel McCartie, brother to Florence McCartie in the Tower; Fynnen Kearigh, of the Fyall, one of the Carties; Dermot McShanaughane, a Rymer; Gulleduffe, a Thomondeman; two soldiers of Thomonde, whose names not known, but serving under Connor O’Driscoyle; David McShane, servant to James Archer, the Jesuit (son to John Rice, of the Dingle); Shane McDermody Vic Donnough Oge I Cullaine, Archer’s boy; Connor Oge O’Driscoyle, son and heir to Connor, son to Fitz Fynnen (nine years of age); Thomas, son and heir to the Knight of the Valley (14 years old); Donnell O’Mahowny, a mariner that came in company with Owen McEigan; five Frenchmen that were taken by Teige Keagh McMahowny, when he took the ship and merchant of Galway.
Signed: George Carew.
At the end in Carew’s hand:–This note was sent into England to the Lords of the Council by Sir George Carew, knight, Lord President of Mounster.
Copy.

Carew manuscript to Privy Council, re Bantry, O’Sullivan Bere etc 1603

21 Thursday Feb 2013

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SIR G. CAREW to the PRIVY COUNCIL. MS 620, p. 123 22 Jan 1603

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=109-mss_1-1_6&cid=4-90#4-90

Supplementary information: Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, ed. J. S. Brewer & W. Bullen (6 vols., 1867-73), vol. IV, document 374.

Contents:
“Lest imputation of blame may be cast upon me, that I have not (as in former times) written oftener unto your Lordships, in my just excuse, the blame thereof ariseth for want of shipping, trade being lately ceased between this realm and England. No one bark to my knowledge since the middest of November last hath passed between this province and this (that?) kingdom.”
Since my last of 31 October, “it hath pleased God to bless our proceedings in such sort as I hope the war of Munster is absolutely broken. After Cormock McDermod, the lord of Muskerry, was reduced, and Terrell beaten by Sir Samuel Bagnall,.. and that country of Muskerry well settled, the rebels repaired to their old strength in O’Solyvan Beare’s country, not thinking at this season of the year I would have given them any disturbance, which they knew to be very difficult to enterprise. Neither in truth any service was possibly to be performed upon them until garrisons were planted at Bantry in the west of the county of Cork and at Donkerran in Desmond; in peforming whereof all October and November was expired, by reason of the great incommodities which the forces found to answer them with land carriages for the necessaries, and the want of winds to transport their victuals and munitions by sea.
“As soon as these garrisons were planted, I lost no time in prosecution, every day the enemy receiving great damages by them, insomuch as near unto those places all was throughly wasted. And to give the greater expedition to the business, I assembled the rising out of the province, to be commanded by the Lord Barry, to the number in list of 1,600 foot, at their own charges, who though with unwilling minds were drawn unto it, and that I stood in no great need of their help, or trusted much in it, yet I held it necessary to draw as many hands together as I could, who, according to their manner, for spoil’s sake will not spare their dear friends; and also I held it meet in policy, (if possibly I might,) to make them draw blood upon the rebels.
“With this rising out, to countenance them the better, I joined Sir George Thornton with 550 English foot in list. The garrison of Bantry, being 1,050 in list, was commanded by Captain Flower, and that at Donkerran, consisting of 1,000 in list, was commanded by Sir Charles Wyllmott; and, preparing myself to have gone the journey, was drawn from it by the Lord Deputy’s direction to attend him at Gallwaye, which I held secret to myself, lest the rising out by any prescience of my stay should become more slack to attend the service, and prolonged my going until I saw this assembly of the country on foot. Sir George Thornton, with his regiment, joined unto them. And because the traitors lodged in Beare (being part of the government which I assigned unto Sir Charles Wyllmott,) I left him commission in my absence to command these forces in chief; whom I may not omit to recommend unto your Lordships for the good discretion he hath used in the charge committed unto him.
“The rebels, by continual advertisements understanding of these great preparations made to rouse them out of their fastness, to divert the same, in their counsels thought it fit to dispose their forces into three bodies; one to reside in Beare with O’Solevan, and with him William Bourke, consisting of 700 able men; another of 400 in Carbry, to be commanded by Sir Owen McCartie’s sons; and the third, of 500 strong, with Tyrrell, who with McMorrice was to go into Kerry. But Tyrrell, being on his march thitherward, fearing to run a hard fortune, (notwithstanding he had lately received a large imprest in Spanish money of O’Solevan,) resolved with all possible expedition to quit the province; which he performed, and making McMorrice acquainted with his departure but at the instant, neither yet resting day or night, leaving all his carriages and impediments, as they tired, scattered to hazard, until he came into O’Carroll’s country, being 60 long Irish miles from the mountain of Slewghlogher, from whence he departed. This was upon the day of appointment for the meeting of the forces at their rendezvous; whose desertion from the rest made the work so much the more easy.
“Our forces abovesaid met with Sir Charles Wyllmott the 27th of the last month, and the last of the same, being encamped upon a mountain near unto the traitors’ fastness, they entered into it; and after six hours’ fight, with loss of slain and hurt on both sides, but more of the rebels, and most of them of the best sort, and some of them principal leaders, drave them out of it, possessed their fastness, and took a prey from them of 1,000 cows, as many garrons, and 2,000 sheep. The 1st and 2nd of this instant her Majesty’s forces did not dislodge from the mountain aforesaid; within which time the enemy’s force was weakened by desertion, many of them (whereof some were captains of their buonyes) came unto Sir Charles with their goods, and made their submission to him. Which distraction possessed William Bourke, the chief commander of the buonyes, with such fear, as without further consultation or advice, the 3rd of this present, in the night, he willed O’Solevan Beare either to rise with him or that he would leave him there. This sudden warning, unlooked for by O’Solyvan, and finding no other means for safety of his life, [he] assented unto him, and fled; so as the next morning, when Sir Charles prepared himself to seek the enemy in his camp, he found no resistance, for the traitors were gone, leaving behind them all their baggage, their hurt men, women, and children, and churls, whereof the soldiers made booty; their hurt men being executed, and the rest escaped not free.
“In pursuit of the rebels the Lord Barry with the light Irish followed them with the best expedition he might, but the traitors’ fear enforced such a hasty march as he could not overtake them, being light, and free from all impediments, and never looked behind them until they had clean quit this province, and were come into O’Carroll’s country in Leinster, passing by many preys in their march, and (as Tyrrell did) durst not make stay to carry away any with them. When they departed Desmond they were 500 strong, but before they came into Leinster a great many of them stole away, so as by this time I think they are all scattered, every traitor drawing to his own country’s safety for himself. O’Solyvan (as I understand) is gone directly to Tyrone, and with him of this province rebels O’Connor Kerry and Thomas Oge, a Geraldine. There is yet remaining of men of note, McMorrice, the Knight of the Valley, John FitzThomas, and O’Solevan More’s son, a nephew to Florence McCartie; who amongst them all are not now able to make 100 men. They live separated in small companies, seeking safety in every bush.
“After the departure of the foresaid rebels, and the rising out returned, Sir Charles Wyllmott, with the English regiments, overcame all Beare and Bantry, destroying all that they could find meet for the relief of men, so as that country is wholly wasted. The like waste and slaughter was made by sea upon O’Solevan’s islands. Captain Flemynge, who at the same time, (being sent thither by Sir Charles,) having the aid of soldiers, entered into them with boats, took all their boats, and an English bark, which O’Solevan had taken and kept there to serve him for his flight into Spain when he should be enforced unto it. Moreover, whereas O’Solevan held the castles of Ardea and Carignasse with strong guards, Ardea is rendered to Sir Charles, and by this time I think that Carrignass is likewise in his possession. So as, if O’Solevan should return (which I little doubt), he hath no place of safety left in it, nor anything for his relief, and thereby unabled to renew a war in Munster. The sharpness of this winter’s journey hath tried the strength of our companies, for the mountains of Beare, being at that time covered with snow, tested the strongest bodies, whereby many returned sick, and some (unable to endure the extremity) died standing sentinel. And that which much weakened them was their ill victualling, consisting most of poor-John, and no other drink but water. Yet, I thank God, of men slain and dead I do not hear of 20, and am in good hope for the recovery of the rest.
“In this interim, whiles this service was in prosecution in Beare, in my journey to the Lord Deputy meeting with some part of the rising out of the country to the number of 400 in list that came short to their rendezvous, and understanding that the sons of Sir Owen McCartie and Donnoghe Keough, brother to Florence McCartie in the Tower, had retired out of Beare into the strengths of Carbry, with their creats and followers, to the number of 400 fighting men, I commanded this bearer, Captain Taaff, with the 400 aforesaid, together with his own troop of horse and 40 of Sir Edward Wyngefeld’s foot, to draw into those parts, and to endeavour the best service he could upon them, whiles the other forces were busied in Beare. Wherein it pleased God to give him good success, for the 5th of this present, his foot entering their fastness, these Carties, before remembered, gave him a good skirmish, and put his men in rout, whereof many of them were slain; which he seeing, being with his troop upon the skirt of the wood, charged them into the same [and] slew four horsemen of theirs; whereat their foot amazed fled. Which Owen McEgan, the Pope’s Nuncio, perceiving, with a drawn sword in one hand, and his portus and beads in the other, with 100 men led by himself, came up to the sword, where he was slain; whose death so amazed the rest as they instantly brake, and for expedition cast away their weapons. In which flight there was killed and drowned in the river of Banden, besides many commanders and principal men of the rebels, at least 120 of the Irish on both sides, their loss double exceeding ours. Of Taaff’s troop one slain, and of Sir Edward Wyngfeld’s, 40 footmen either killed or hurt. He also took another priest, who is here prisoner, and shall have his reward. Of the creats about 300 were taken, besides many sheep and garrons.
“Immediately after this discomfiture, Sir Owen McCartie’s sons, who formerly had been humble suitors to me to be protected, and were refused, did now again importune to be received into the Queen’s mercy. At which time Captain Taaff, not knowing of the good success that our forces had in Beare, and having formerly received instructions from me, after a blow, to receive them if it were humbly sought, did accept of their submissions, and hath brought them, with Donnoghe Keoghe, Florence’s brother, unto me. By which means all the country of Carbrye (being the largest scope of land of any lordship in Munster) is clearly reduced, and at this hour no one traitor remaining in action in it.
“The taking in of these men is a great ease to the service, for their strength was great and friends many; and to say truly of them, I do think they are heartily sorry for their offences past, and will redeem it with future service. In token whereof they are not satisfied in themselves until they have made their humble submissions in England, and to that end have desired my leave to go with this bearer to humble themselves before your Lordships, trusting (seeing they have put in sufficient and good assurances unto me for their future loyalties, although they be not pardoned, but have my word only,) that they shall not be detained, and that your Lordships will be pleased by your letters to direct their particular pardoning in this kingdom; which, for the performance of my word, in their behalf I most humbly beseech.
“Notwithstanding that these men have thus submitted themselves, yet I have withdrawn and removed them with their creats and their followers forth of Carbry into the east parts of the county of Cork, meaning thereby to leave absolutely waste all the west part of the country of Carbry, as I have already ordered for the countries of Beare, Bantry, and Desmond, that the home traitors, now departed the province, knowing the waste that is made therein, and those which are yet remaining behind, finding their hopes weakened by the want of these places, may have no relief to succour them there, or the Spaniard, upon his arrival, if he come, any assistance in those parts.
“I may not omit to inform your Lordships of the benefit which the service hath received by the death of that traitorly priest, Owen McEgan, which, in my opinion, is more beneficial to the State than to have the head of O’Solevan or any other capital rebel in the province; for the respect that was borne unto him by reason of his authority from the Pope, and the credit which he had obtained in Spain, was so great, as that his power was absolute over them all, and he only hath been the means of their obstinacy hitherunto. The dignity in being the Pope’s Nuncio did hold them in vassalage unto him, and the livings given unto him in Munster by the Pope’s grant were to be valued, if he might have enjoyed them, at no less than 3,000l. per annum. And further, to bind the popish clergy unto him the faster, he had power from Rome to dispose of all the rest of the spiritual livings within this province; by which authority, together with the credit he had with the Spanish King, (well known to the Irishry,) did give him in a manner an absolute power of the temporality and spirituality in the province. And a more malicious traitor against the State and Crown of England never breathed, which well appeared by the barbarous tyranny he exercised upon his countrymen Catholics who were not of his party, when they fell into his hands; for as soon as any prisoner was taken, the party by himself, or by some other priest assigned by him, in piety (as he pretended), was absolved, and instantly in his own sight he would cause him to be slain; which religious tyranny was in him held sanctity, and bred terror in many from serving the Queen. The numbers which in this manner have been put to death are very many, as is confirmed unto me by divers of the rebels of the latter quality that have been in action with him.
“The province of Munster being thus cleared, the buonies and O’Solevan gone, and the remaining rebels, as McMorrice, John FitzThomas, the Knight of the Valley, and O’Solevan More’s son, weakly dispersed, together with the order which I have taken in wasting and withdrawing the inhabitants of Desmond, Beare, Bantry, and the west of Carbry, doth in reason assure me, that the rebellion in Munster is not only absolutely broken, but all means taken away from them which are now in action to return; so as I boldly presume (which I seldom do) to assure your Lordships that no rebellion shall in any short time break out again, except the Spaniard by an invasion do move the same. Notwithstanding, I may not omit to put your Lordships in mind that the provincials have no less corruption in their hearts than heretofore, and how obedient soever they protest or seem to be, nothing but the sword held over their heads can hold them in subjection.
“The list of Munster is now upon the last general cash; it is reduced to 2,400 foot and 200 horse, an army evermore sufficient to hold the province in good terms, and after a little time (the country being better settled), in respect of the province itself, may in part be diminished. Nevertheless (under your Lordships’ reformation), until such time as the rumour of Spanish forces be clear extinguished, in my simple judgment I think it meet that the list be continued in the height it is, as well to keep down the malicious humour of the provincials, that cannot be beaten out of the hopes of Spain, (for of this province, as formerly I have advertised your Lordships, there is remaining in that kingdom above 120 who daily poison the hearts of their friends and kinsmen here with large promises from thence), as also to assure the towns from any sudden surprise of any sudden enemy, the inhabitants whereof how they now stand affected more dangerously tha[n] accustomed, your Lordships may well judge by the multiplicity of suitors that there attend you.
“At the writing hereof I received a letter from one of my friends in Court, that in November last it was there rumoured and vulgarly reported that the Lord Roche and the Lord Caher were in actual rebellion, and that Tyrrell at noon-day had burned the town of Mallo, in the which I held a garrison, and likewise Cormock McDermod, after his escape, had by force removed her Majesty’s army from the siege of Mocrompe. How untrue these reports are (although I know that your Lordships are fully satisfied), yet because until this present I had no knowledge thereof, or once dreamed that any such untruths would have been suggested, I held it my duty to deliver the truth unto you.
“And first, for the Lord Roche, if I have any judgment in me, I do not think any nobleman within the province of Munster to be more assured to the Crown of England, which all his actions do manifest, for I have not the company of any one of his rank so much as of himself; and therefore the Viscount is much wronged. As for the Baron of Caher, having been already once touched, I dare not answer for him, and to say my opinion truly, if opportunity serve, he will declare the ill affection he beareth. But that he hath actually relapsed since my coming into Munster is merely false. For the burning of Mallo, since my coming into Munster no rebels hath dared to look into it, much less to burn it by daylight. And to demonstrate the fear that the rebels have lived in, ever since the siege of Kynsale, I do assure your Lordships, upon my poor reputation, that all the traitors and buonies in the province (if all their spoils were accompted) have not taken from the subject 300 cows, but have lived in their strengths, spending upon themselves. For the removing of her Majesty’s forces from the siege of Mocrompe by Cormock McDermod, I need not to say no other than formerly I have written, that the castle was taken by her Majesty’s forces. And thus much for himself since his last submission: he hath carried a good fashion, and in the last service before remembered, being himself with Sir Charles Wyllmott in the west, he lost at the same time with Captain Taaff 30 of his best men.”
I beg credence for Captain Taaff, the bearer. The Lord Deputy “at the siege of Kynsale, both before and at the overthrow of the Irish army of Tyrone, hath been an eyewitness of his extraordinary merit.”
Cork, 22 January, 1602.
“Sent by Captain William Taaff.”
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