CAPT. HENRY SKIPWITH to the LORD DEPUTY.

Perceiving by yours of the 26th of the last month, that it is your pleasure I should render you an account of my proceedings with the pirates, and what I knew of their intentions, and what is become of Capn. Midleton with their pardon, I have made bold to relate at full as well my opinion as knowledge therein.

At my return from you in August last, with warrants to protect the pirates upon offers of submission, I found them willing to have accepted the same, if doubt of the Hollandders (then reported to be at sea with intention to surprise them) had not enforced their present departure from the coast, the principal reason (as they alleged) proceeding from the disorder of their men. As the wind did not serve them to reach Kinsale, according to your direction for their security, they made sail towards the coast of Spain, with faithful vows to return with convenient safety, and to entertain the favour they had with so much importunity gained at your hands. Not long after their departure Mr. Curson arrived, with instructions from the Lords, concerning their pardon, and immediately after him Captain Midleton, with the pardon itself, about which time it pleased you to send me the copy with instruction for my conduct therein, if either they should remain upon the coast or come again.

It is reported that all the pirates are resolved to receive their pardon upon the conditions therein offered, and that they will in respect of their ignorance, not being able to understand the validity of the pardon, come upon this coast to demand your word according to promise.

I have been bold to move you that garrisons might be laid in the castles adjoining to the harbours frequented, by which means much of the concourse of the country (which is their principal comfort) may be cut off, and they be forced to betake themselves (if they will needs count upon this coast) to one or two peculiar harbours, where with more ease they may be found and assaulted by such forces as shall be sent against them, to which course you hath already con-descended and employed Captn. Povy therein.

Kinsale, Oct. 2, 1611.

Signed. Sealed. Addressed. Endorsed.

In Lo. Carew's hand: Re. the 7th of the same. Perused.