Correspondence of Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex (artt. 1-48), Robert his son,...

DE/VOL. I

1573-1641

Correspondence of Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex (artt. 1-48), Robert his son, 2nd Earl (artt. 49-67), and Robert his grandson (artt. 93-108) 3rd Earl, together with letters addressed to Gelly Meyrick, steward to the 2nd Earl (artt. 68-92), and to Sir Walter Devereux, natural son of the 2nd Earl (artt. 109-113); 1573 - 1641.

The more important letters are as follows:-

I. Correspondence of Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, chiefly in connexion with his expedition to Ireland in 1573, viz.:-

1. E[dward Clinton, Earl of] Lincoln, desiring the Earl of Essex to admit the bearer John Kiste to the office of Marshal of the Admiralty in co. Pembroke, etc.; Purforde [Pirford, co. Surr.] 16 Mar. 1572 [3] f.1.

2. J[acques] de Montgomery, [Comte de Lorges, son of Gabriel, Comte de Montgomery, see art. 16] announcing his arrival at "Plumue" [Plymouth], with intention to set sail [to La Rochelle] as soon as possible; "Plumue", 27 Mar. 1573 f.2.

3. Richard Vaughan, sending Essex a note of his rents, etc., from Monckton, co, Pemb., with "an auncient parchment boke" showing that many rights had been "withdrawen, loste and curteiled"; Whitland, 1 Apr. 1573 f.3.

4. Sir Francis Knollys, father-in-law to Essex, saying that he will not be in London until Monday night; Rotherfeld Greye 15 Apr. 1573 f.5.

5. Morgan Phillipps, reminding Essex of his suit "concerninge the office of peace to me and my brother Francis Laghame", etc.; Picton, 20 Apr. 1573. f.7.

6. Henry Clyfford, sending the rent of Keyston, and craving forbearance for his own rent; Keyston, 3 May, 1573. f.9.

7. Richard Bradforde, on the provision of six "costlettes" [corslets] for the musters of the lordship of Dimoke, co. Glouc.; Dimoke, 15 May, [1573?]. f.11.

8. S[imon] Harcourt, (a) on the killing of one of his "soon Robinsons men by a man of Mr Richard Chamberlynnes"; 25 May, 1573. f.13;- (b) promising his aid for "the advauncement of your Lordships joorneye" [into Ireland]; Lekhamsted, 23 June, 1573. f.54.

9. G. Prelie (?), praying that he may enjoy his lease of the parsonage of Little Mondon, co. Herts, without hindrance; "from the Benche, where I remayne a poore prysoner", 1 June, 1573. f.16.

10. Robert [Rich, Lord] Ryche [Rich] urging dispatch "for delayes brynge perrell, and the yeare well spent", etc; 1 June, 1573. f.18;- (b) asking whether Essex has taken leave of the Queen, etc.; Leez [Leighs, co. Essex] 7, July, 1573. f.82

11. [Sir] Thomas Cokayne, asking Essex to take his son, 18 years of age, into his service for Ireland, and saying he has also "a very perfecte sodyer" [soldier] for him; Pooley [co. Warw.] 10 June [1573]. f.20.

12. Humfrey Forster, craving pardon from Essex for not accomplishing his expectation; 12 June, [1573]. f.22.

13. Rouland Bulkeley, on the provision of "bisket" and beer for Ireland; Chester, 12 June, [1573]. f.24.

14. Andrew Mychylson tenant of Essex in Maldon, expressing his inability to serve, being the Queen's "servante sworne in her Towre of London", or to send "any man of myne owne chardge"; Maldon, 13 June, 1573. f.26.

15. Thomas Ridgeley, promising to appear "att my day appoynted as a horseman", to furnish himself and "on or two with me, whome I will prepare to be caliver shotte"; Novington, co. Derby, 13 June, 1573. f.27.

16. G[abriel, Comte] de Montgomery, the Huguenot leader and refugee, thanking Essex for taking his son with him [to Ireland ?]; "Ouyntone" [Ovington ?]. 14 June, [1573?]. f.28.

17. The tenants of Keyston, co. Hunts, (a) on their inability to furnish men to serve in Ireland; 14 June, 1573. f. 30;- (b) that they cannot give £100, but offer £40; 21 June, 1573. f.46.

18. Edward Berysforde, saying that he is willing to serve, but cannot provide or pay for his "furnyture"; 16 June, [1573]. f.32.

19. Thomas Trentham, saying he will "furnishe iiii horsemen" for Ireland, but cannot find any other "that is that waye mynded"; Charteley, 17 June, 1573. f.34. See also art. 30.

20 George Devereux, brother of the Earl of Essex, on his dealings with Essex's tenants to find out what they "wyll dooe" for the Irish expedition, and on the provision of ships, ordnance and stores; Caermarthen, 18 June, [1573]. f.36.

21. T[homas Lancaster, Archbishop of] Armagh, (a) desiring to know "the trewthe of your honours prosedinges into Ireland, which is the honorablest yornay that ever was taken this two hundereth yeres of any subiecte" etc. Salisbury [he was Treasurer of the Cathedral], 19 June, 1573. f.40;- (b) on his intention to meet Essex at Liverpool about 1 Aug and in praise of his tenant Davye Etherington as "a good Sodyer and valiant innowght (sc. enough in the feld", and "well knowne in all the partes of the northe"; Salisbury 29 June, 1573. f.70.

22. Reddi Gwyn, saying he cannot get foot-soldiers or artificers without authority, "for they will not voluntarylye go from home, nor yet furnishe themselfes without they be thereunto compelled"; Caermarthen, 20 June, 1573. f.42.

23. Sir Gyles Pole [or Poole], (a) on his trouble in finding men willing to serve; Saperton, [co. Glouc.] 21 June, 1573. f.44;- (b) reporting that he has "musterid and put in redyness ten men" at Dymoke, that at Teynton he cannot find one able man, but they are willing "to be at the charge of setting forth two," etc.; Saperton, 1 July [1573]. f.74.

24. William Cradock, on his grievances against one Chapman, to whom he has to pay £120 (cf. vol. iii. f.35) Stafford, 21 June, 1573. f.48.

25. Edmund Tyrell, sending £5 "towardes your greate charges in this voiage", with particulars as to the intentions of the other tenants of Ramsden manor [co. Essex]; Ramsden, 22 June, 1573. f.50.

26. T. Baskervyle, giving details of his efforts to procure men to serve in Ireland from Bodenham, etc, in co. Hereford; Nethe wood, 22 June, [1573]. f.52.

27. Edward Halfhyde to -- Barroll, asking his aid to procure a lease from the Earl of Essex of Bennington Park [co. Herts]; 23 June, 1573. f.56.

28. A[drian] Stockes [or Stokes, m. Frances, Duchess of Suffolk] assuring Essex that he thanks God that he is going to Ireland, "because I am fullie perswaded your jorney shalbe greatlie to the service of God, for that you shall drive out those which knoweth not God, and plant in those that shall drive out those which knoweth not God, and plant in those that shall lyve in his feare", congratulating him on being accompanied by Sir Peter Carew, "for his understanding of the warres", & by Mr. George Carlton for his honestie and his upright dealinge, not an honester man within the realme of England", etc.; Beamanoir [co. Leic.], 24 June, 1573. f.58.

29. Richard Fyton, excusing himself for not having, since landing at Plymouth, waited upon him; Trentham, 24 June, 1573. f.60.

30. Richard Bagott and Thomas Trentham, on the measures to be taken for "the shewe of horsses" at Stafford, 26 June, 1573. f.62.

31. William Hawtrey, thanking Essex for taking his kinsman Philip Hawtrey into his service, and promising to "furnyshe him with horse, armour and weapons"; "At my pore house Chekkers", 27 June, 1573. f.64.

32. Thomas Might [Surveyor of Victuals], sending a bill for £76-10, "which of force, as your honour knoweth, muste bee payde...for those hoppes of force I muste nedes have"; London, 28 June, 1573. f.66;- (b) promising to be "redy with my victualls redy ymbarked" on the 16th inst, with ships for 400 men, etc; Westchester, 7 July, 1573. f.80.

33. R[oger North, Lord] North, regretting that his "mean estate" forbids him "both to venter my purss and my parson with you", but praying for Essex's "good success and victorye. For, trewly, my Lord (without flattering of you) yf you miscarrye, God and the Queen shall lose a principall pillor for both their services, And to be plain with you, I ame sorry with my hart that you go", etc.; Kirtling, 28 June [1573]. f.68.

34. Walter Devereux, Earl of Essex, (a) to John Talbot, asking him to accompany him into Ireland; [1573] Draft. f. 71;-(b) to "Mr. Brytten" [John Breton], to provide "XX plowes" and "XX furnitures of the horses". f. 87; - (c) to ----, on the slowness of his "dispatche hence", and asking him to meet him at Hereford on 21 July with "suche of my seruauntes and frendes as meane to adventer with me", etc.; London, 15 July, 1573. f. 92;- (d) to ----, to the same effect asking him to meet him at Brecknock on 22 July; 15 July, 1573. f. 93; -- (e) to the Lords of the Council, "when the enterprise [in Ireland] was first dissolved" [so endorsed]; 29 Mar. 1575. See "Lives of the Devereux", i. p. 93. f. 104.

35. Richard Beynham, saying that he has mustered the tenants of Bicknor, but finds "smale choyse of able men" that they are willing to furnish "five caliver shott", and "for that they have noe furnyture in a readines are contentyd to geave your L. thyrtie powndes"; 1 July, [1573]. f. 72.

36. Giles Alington, craving favour for the bearer Rowland Argall, one of his wife's sons, sheriff of co. Down; Horsheth Hall, 2 July, 1573. f. 76.

37. Sir Thomas Bromley, asking Essex to employ the bearer as his secretary having been "ever brought up in good letters", at the University, Clements Inn and the Temple, and knowing Latin, French and Italian; London, 4 July, 1573. f. 78.

38. Edward Pennte, as to provisions for the expedition; Chester, 7 July, 1573. ff. 84, 85.

39. John Breton, promising that "the XX plooes [ploughs, cf. art. 34b] wyth theyr whole furniture" shall be ready in four days, and asking instructions as to their conveyance, etc.; Tamworth, 9 July [1573]. f. 88.

40. Robert Lawson, excusing himself for not having sent the Earl of Essex a larger sum for his Irish voyage, etc; Prytwell, 13 July, 1573. f. 90.

41. Thomas Monington to Will. Baroll, begging him to move the Earl of Essex that he may "serve as a footman", for "of truthe I cannot for money in all owr contrey provyd a horse suffyeyent for that servyce"; Chartley, [1573]. f. 94.

42. The tenants of Ramsden Barrington, co. Essex, sending a list of their contributions towards the Irish expedition; [1573]. f. 96.

43. W. Goodere, praying the Earl of Essex to assign to the tenants of Stretton in Monks Kirby [co. Warwick] a lease of the tithe-corn in the same granted to him by Trinity College, Cambridge; Monk's Kirby, 11 Feb. 1573[4]. f. 98.

44. Thomas [Butler, Earl of] Ormonde, disclaiming any intention of invading the Earl of Desmond's country; Kilkenny, 26 June; 1574. f. 100.

45. "The hole band of footemen under the leading of Capten Georg Boilsher", praying the Earl of Essex to procure the release of their captain, "captive in the handes of the Earle of Desmonde"; Kilmallock, 12 July, 1574. f. 102.

46. Francis Knowells [Knollys], regretting his neglect of his friends, promising to write while he is in France, and commending himself to the Earl of Essex and "Madame ma soeur et vostre femme"; Paris, 11 Nov. no year. Fr. f. 108.

47. Henry Poole, desiring to know "what ys becomme of my unthryfty Coye Harry Pole"; 8 June, no year. f. 110.

48. K[atherine Brandon, Duchess of] Suffolk [widow of Charles Brandon], disclaiming any wish to make the Earl of Essex "do anytheng to offend har highnes", in appealing to him in behalf of a person unnamed" Sff I haydde not knowen his true harte and humble obaydens to har maieste, I wolde not have wrytten for him", etc.; no date. f. 112. Cf. Dudley Papers, vol. 1, art. 37.

Correspondence of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, beginning with four letters from himself (for two more see Dudley Papers, vol IV. ff. 40, 41, and a third in vol. ii. f. 265.

49. [Robert, Earl of] Essex to the Lord Keeper [Sir John Puckering] asking that Thomas Monington "may be placed in the commission of the peace and subsidie" for co. Hereford, and that "one Robert Vaugham beinge a man of a verie contentious and unquiet disposicion" may be displaced; from the Court, 9 July, 1593. Copy. f. 114.

50. Warrant from [Robert, Earl of] Essex to Gilly Meyrick, his steward and Receiver General, to pay £20 half-yearly to his servant Thomas Uvedale; 17 Dec. 1593. Signed. f. 116.

51. [Robert, Earl of] Essex to [Sir John Popham], Lord Chief Justice, in favour of his kinsman Sir Thomas Knyvett of Norfolk, who is greatly concerned in a cause "between one Booty and Brewster"; London, 29 Jan. 1594[5]. Copy. f. 118. Printed in the Wilts Archoeol. May XVIII., 1879, p. 270.

52. [Robert, Earl of] Essex to Dr. Gyford [Roger Giffard, M. D., physician to the Queen] asking him to attend Antonio Perez, [the refugee Spanish Secretary of State] who has fallen sick at his house; [circ. 1594]. Holograph. f. 120.

53. Sir Fulk Greville to the Earl of Essex, begging for his interest with the Queen: "Whyle I am absent I feare other to be forgotten or misconterd (sc. misconstrued)", etc.; "From Solytary Broxeborne", [1585?]. f. 123. Printed, Wilts. Arch. Mag. XVIII., 1879, p. 268.

54. Thomas Davis, Mayor, and the Burgesses of Carmarthen, sending a blank "nominacion of our burgesse of Parliament.... leavinge the appointment of the person to your lordships best likinge"; Carmarthen, 1 Feb. 1592 [3]. f. 125.

55. Sir Roger Williams, commanding the English troops in Normandy, on the prospect of peace between Henry of Navarre and the League, and his fears lest "the pore king" and his followers, when they enter Paris, be "intertainid as they were at his mareig in the sayd towne" (sc. at the massacre of St. Bartholomew); 4 June [1593?]. f. 127.

56. Sir Thomas Leighton, Governor of Guernsey, concerning complaints from Alderney, his measures for its "better garde", etc.; Castle Cornett, 30 June, 1593. f. 129.

57. William Knollys, Henry Unton and Charles Wednestey, on a survey of "your landes in theis partes", with particular mention of Shiplake [co. Oxon], Englefield House [co. Berks] and Syndlesham; 31 July, 1593. f. 131.

58. George Horde, urging the Earl of Essex to procure one of the two daughters and co-heirs of Robert Corbett, deceased, of Moreton, co. Salop. in marriage for Robert Vernon his cousin; Temple, 22 Aug. 1593. f. 133. With a schedule of R. Corbett's lands in co. Salop, etc., enclosed (f. 135).

59. Sir Richard Bingham, in favour of the bearer "Mr. Holmes, a most godlie and learned minister"; Athlone, 15 Feb. 1593[4]. f. 136.

60. Henry Tuke, reporting "the late bourninge, spoillinge, praieinge and the meare wasting of all your honnors lands in Ferny" [Farney, co. Monaghan] by rebels; Dublin, 17 Feb. 1593[4]. f. 138.

61. William Pratt, giving further details "touching the estate of your countries of Ferney and Clancarroll", being "wholye wasted, burnt and spoyled, having not left one howse therein, such a hedd is the rebellious route growen unto", etc.; Dublin, 17 Feb. 1593[4]. f.140.

62. Walter Vaughan, asking that, if among the evidences of Sir Thomas Parott, deceased, the jointure made at the marriage of his (the writer's) wife's mother can be found, it may be given to him, "if any thinge therein doeth or maye in any wise concerne the honorable ladye your lordship's sister or her daughter", etc.; Golden Grove, 24 Feb. 1593[4]. f. 142.

63. John Lacy, praying that he may have his promised security for a debt; London, 24 Feb. 1593[4]. f. 144.

64. Ed. Phyton, on an application to "Mr Justis Beamond", and offering to disclose a matter (of concealed lands) "that may be worthe to your lordship without damage to any six or seven thousand pond"; Essex House, 11 Mar. 1593[4]. f. 146.

65. Rys ap Hugh, Robert Newcomen and Zachary Peers, on business connected with Essex's lands in Ireland: "As for your Lo. Lands and territories of Fernie, they lie all wast", etc.; Dublin, 10 Jan. 1595[6]. f. 148.

66. George Boleyn, Dean, and the Chapter of Lichfield, praying that certain "covenantes which concerne the payment of the Bushoppes rent" may be inserted into a grant, which they are called upon to seal; 23 Feb. [circ. 1590-1600]. Imperfect f. 150.

67. Petition of John Garnons of Garnons, co. Hereford, against the malice of "your honors servaunte Geylley Meyricke"; no date. f. 151.

68. Petition of Peter Cooke, Mayor of Portsmouth, and Marke James, Postmaster, against "one Mr. Herbert, a gentelman belonginge to your Lordship", who had taken a post-horse and ridden him "no man knoweth whither"; no date. f. 153.

III Letters addressed to Gilly Meyrick, steward to the Earl of Essex, and a few others; 1573-1596, but chiefly 1593-1594. The more important letters are as follows:-

69. John Wirley to his son in law John Breton, praying him to obtain from the Earl of Essex letters to three of his tenants at Bugbrook [co. Northton], who were on the panel of a jury for the trial of an action at Northampton between himself and one Morgan, bidding them not to appear at the assizes, "whearby the wholl jury myght be quashed"; Dodford, 30 June, 1573. f. 154.

70. James Baskervile to Gilly Meyrick, asking for the refusal of Ashperton Park [co. Heref.] if the Earl of Essex "shall be pleased to departe with it", lying "necessary to my manor of Westhide"; Hereford, 5 Oct., 1592. f. 159.

71. Mary Herbert [wife of Sir Edward Herbert?] to her servant Lawrence Johnson, "at my coosyn Mr Thomas Herberts shoppe in Cheapside", on "the obstenant coursis that menye of Mr Herberts unlovinge tenauntes of Powes have taken laietlye againste him", etc.; 8 June, 1593. f. 165.

72. George Horde to Gilly Meyrick, urging that the Earl of Essex should obtain for Robert Vernon, his "Kynseman and ward", the wardship of one of the two daughters and co-heirs of Robert Corbet (cf. art. 58); Temple, 20 June, 1593. f. 168.

73. Edward Wyrall to Will. Barell expressing readiness to serve the Earl of Essex "with one other as horsemen and to make of my companye besides ii others to be fotte men and shotte and to importe our owne chardges throwghlie", if Essex will give him the money now raised on the manor; English Bicknor [co. Glouc.], 30 June, 1593[?1573] f. 170.

74. Michael Molyns to Gilly Meyrick, praying that the Earl of Essex will use his favour with the Queen to further a certain suit, "No sute can passe from her highnes to him with lesse shew or countenaunce of gayne then this"; 10 July, 1593. f. 173.

75. Charles Chester to [Gilly] Meyrick, begging him to procure him "my lordes cloth (sc. livery) whome I have loved from his infansy", and promising to "more reverently use yt then Cumberland will esteem his robes of parlement, which is the rudest Earll by reson of his northerly bringen up and great societe ever syns the first race at Salsburi [in 1585 when the Earl of Cumberland's horse won the golden bell] amunckst mariners that he hath gotten thear good wills, as he thincketh to make him admirall on day, which may be never", etc; no date [circ. 1593]. f. 177. Printed, Wilts. Archaeol. May. XVIII. 1879, p. 269.

76. Nicholas Geffe to Gilly Meyrick, as to the right of Mr Dyer to "all laye fees and appropriacions" of the College of Aberguilley [Abergwili, co. Carm.]; 6 Feb. 1593[4]. f. 186.

77. Edward Barker, to Gilly Meyrick, praying him to give order that he may receive a "butte of sack of the beste sorte", allowed him yearly by the Earl of Essex "at his first entrance into the impostes of the sackes and sweete wines"; 13 Feb. 1593[4]. f. 191.

78. Andrew Blunden to Gilley Meyrick, on behalf of Edward Lyngen in prison at York, "his offence is that he hath servid in the warres with the Kyng of Spayne and under Sir William Stanley, and his fortune was to comme into England with a Jesuyt", etc., with the postscript "Fyftye poundes wilbe given for his delyverance"; 24 Feb. 1593[4]. f. 204.

79. Thomas Throkmorton to Gilly Meyrick, offering the Earl of Essex his cousin Guyese's lease "of the libertyes of the forrest of Deane", with "the ayres of goshaukes which ar two besydes the Earle of Pembroke his a yerye belongenge to his office [of] the Constalbshipe"; Tortworth [co. Glouc.], 12 Mar. 1593[4]. f. 212.

80. Thomas Wilkes to Gilly Meyrick, on behalf of "the Examiners of the Chancery" suitors to the Earl of Essex for his "furtherance of her Maiestie in a matter of their right to certaine thinges usurped from them by the Sixe Clarkes of ye Chancery", etc.; London, 23 Mar. 1593[4]. f. 226.

81. G. Lisle to the same, asking on behalf of "my Ladie Walsingham [mother-in-law of the Earl of Essex], that her bed which was taken to the Fleet prison for the use of Sir Nicholas Clifforde may be brought back now that he is removed to the Tower; London, 3 Apr. 1593. f. 244.

82. Francis Hastings to the same, deprecating favour from the Earl of Essex to Sir Harry Barkley and asking support for the suit of the "Examiners of the Chancery" (cf. art. 80); Cadbury, 5 Apr. 1594. f. 248.

83. Anne Boyle to the same, asking for the favour of the Earl of Essex in the hearing of a cause before the Council between her cousin Henry Boyle and William Duppa, clerk; Hereford, 6 Apr. 1594. f. 249.

84. Margaret [Lloyd?], widow, to the same, deprecating a marriage with Edmund Morgan, women claiming privilege to "match after theyr owne fancie", etc.; 10 Apr. 1594. f. 258.

85. James Baskervile to the same, on an invitation by the Earl of Essex to his "frindes or followers of the County of Hereford" to accompany him in "this intendid voiage" (sc. the Cadiz expedition); 30 Apr. 1596. f. 265.

86. Thomas Canon to the same, sending a "poore testimonie" of his duty to the Earl of Essex in the way of a contribution to the cost of the Cadiz expedition; Haverfordwest, 3 May, 1596. f. 267.

87. James Rethelth to Sir Gilly Meyrick, complaining of the contempt shown for the men he had provided for the Cadiz expedition; Llandewy, 13 Aug. 1596. f. 271.

88. Sir J[ohn] Stanhope to the same, asking that the bearer Francis Whitfeilde may receive his pay, having served at Fushing and "from thence drawne to serve in her Maties warres in Spayne under the bloodye collers, where he was sore hurte", Greenwich, 8 Sept. 1596. f. 273.

89. Thomas Monyngton to the same, denouncing Mr. Harley, a Justice, for "most barbarous ymmanitye [inhumanity] to a woman and her suckyng child"; St. Peter's even, no year. f. 291.

90. Edmond Morgan to the same, on the contempt shown by "the gentlewoman" (cf. art. 84) to the letters of the Earl of Essex in his favour; no date [? Apr. 1594]. f. 294.

91. R. Pitchford to the same, (a) bidding him from the Earl of Essex to provide on the morrow "a table that will hould 14 or 15 persons. He will dyne in the chamber next his bedchamber. Ther comes the Lo. Admerall and Sir Ro. Sissell [Cecil], the reste I knowe not, nor I care not"; no date. f. 299;- (b) saying that his Lord "wilbe sicke this 3 or 4 dayes", but that Meyrick should provide dinner at Essex House "as well as yf he weare ther present. He sayethe my Lo. Admerall and Sir Ro. Sissell and others shall dyne ther"; no date. f. 300.

92. Albane Stepneth to the same, sending "a pore present of fiftie poundes in golde" to furnish soldiers for the Cadiz expedition; Prendergast, 28 Apr. 1596. f. 309.

93. Roger Vaughan to the same, in behalf of James Lewis, who had served "under Sir Phelipe Sidney as on of hes gard and after hes dethe under Sir William Russell", and was now unjustly accused of robbery; no date. f. 312. nd

IV Letters addressed to Robert Devereux, 3rd (and last) Earl of Essex and his agents, chiefly relating to his lands in Ireland, with a few other letters.

94. Andrew Archer to [? Frances, widow of Robert, 2nd Earl of Essex, and wife of Rich. de Burgh, Earl of Clanricarde] respecting a proposed marriage between his son [Simon Archer] and her daughter [Lady Dorothy Devereux]; Tamworth [co. Warw.], 26 Aug. 1609. f. 317.

95. Sir Robert Digbye to the Earl of Essex, on the means taken to delay a patent to the Primate of Ireland alleged to be prejudicial to rights of the Earl, and on an offer of Sir Adam Loftus to purchase the Earl's Irish lands; Dublin, 8 Feb. 1614[5]. f. 318.

96. Rory Mc Mahon and [his uncle] Cowlo Mc Mahon to the Earl of Essex, praying for an addition of better land to their holding on his estate of Ferney [Farney, co. Monaghan]; Ferney, 15 Feb. 1618[9]. f. 320.

97. Sir William Ryves to the same, as to a suit with --- Garnon concerning the Earl's right to certain lands in Ireland; Dublin, 23 Feb. 1619[20]. Partly rotted away by damp. f. 322.

98. Thomas Petre to the same, as to the terms of a lease to him from the Earl of lands in Ireland for plantacion"; 30 Apr. 1623. f. 325.

99. T[homas Cromwell, Lord] Cromwell to William Wingfield on a dispute between the Primate of Ireland and the Earl of Essex as to the title to certain lands, and on money matters of the Earl, etc.; no date (end Feb. 1627), Dublin, 9 Feb. 1628, 29 Apr. 1629, Throwley, 20 June, 1629. ff. 333, 337, 339, 340.

In the third letter he writes, "I am for want of company contented to be a sport that I understand not, cockinge [sc. cock-fighting] ... An honest papist in Lycke is com to me called Mr Beddel with his cocks, and I have lost 5 battells at 40s a battel".

100. William Sherborne to the Earl of Essex, on business connected with the Earl's Herefordshire estates; Ross, 27 Sept. 1632, Pembridge, 25 Apr. 1633, Hereford, 17 Apr. 1635, 20 Aug. 1639. ff. 341, 343, 345, 355.

101. The Commissioners for the Principality of Wales to the Earls of Essex and Suffolk, desiring them to choose "carefull and honest men" to be their Deputies as Stewards of manors, in South Wales as in spite of the "great fees" allowed to them, the said Earls, the profits of the Courts were of very small value to the crown, "otherwise we shall be inforced to make stay of your Lordshippes fees"; "from his Majesties Commission Howse in Fleet street, London", 15 June, 1638. Signed by [Richard Lumley, Viscount] Lumley [of Waterford], Richard Wynn, James Bagg, D. Cuningham and C. Harbord. f. 347

102. Christopher Wandesforde, Master of the Rolls in Ireland, to the Earl of Essex, informing him that his cause against Patrick Gernon would be heard on 27 Jan.; 28 Nov. 1638. Endorsed," ..... delivered by a boye to his Lo. at the Playehouse in Blacke Friers the 10th of Januarie". f. 349.

103. Nicholas Whyte to the same, enquiring on behalf of a friend whether he had "any purpose to part with "his Irish lands; Dublin, 28 Jan, 1638[9]. f. 351.

104. John Trevor to the same, reporting on the backwardness in the payment of his Irish rents, etc.; 29 July, 1639. f. 353.

105. Richard Herbert to the same, giving interesting particulars of the march of the army to Newcastle, the movements of the Scots, etc.: "Northumberland is given already lost and all intended is defence of Newcastle and Yorke by making good the river Tyne ... The Scotch passed the river yesterday and entered England, they declaring themselves resolved to carry both Newcastle and Yorke"; York, 18 Aug. 1640. f. 357.

106. Coll Mc Mahon to the same, complaining of his harsh treatment as a tenant of Fearny; Anaghmore, 10 Aug. 1640. f. 359.

107. Copie of a letter sent from an Alderman of Newcastle" concerning the Scotch invasion; 8 Sept. 1640. f. 361.

108. Honora Burk [dau. of the Earl of Clanricarde and Frances his wife, widow of the 2nd Earl of Essex] to her brother, the 3rd Earl of Essex, on her father's regret that "I should settle an affection wheare he had so great a dislike", and her conclusion that, "if he and my frends could find out a fitt one for me and one that I could affect, I would give way", etc.; 12 Nov. [bef. 12 Nov. 1635, when her father died]. She mar. John Paulet, Marquis of Winchester, circ. 1647. f. 363.

109. "Elizabeth Essex" [dau. of Sir Will. Paulet and 2nd wife of Robert, 3rd Earl of Essex] to ---, concerning £650 due to her "from my Lord of Essex" and her "brother Essexes" (sc. Essex Paulet) £200 (cf. vol. IV. art. 6); no date. f. 365.

V. Letters addressed to Sir Walter Devereux, natural son of Robert, 2nd Earl of Essex.

110. Richard Cimyn (?), sending rents, enumerating the "great charges" on Sir Walter's house, etc.; Pembroke, 1 Nov. 1618. f. 367.

111. Sir Robert Talbot and John Trevor, on an allotment of "tenn tates" of land in Ireland reserved to them by Sir Walter and the Commissioners; 17 May, 1637. f. 369

112. Nicholas Whyte, on an offer for the purchase of the Earl of Essex's Irish lands (cf. art. 103); Dublin, 22 Mar. 1638[9]. f. 371.

113. Christopher Wandesforde, expressing his readiness to serve the Earl of Essex in all his affairs in Ireland; Dublin, 28 Mar. 1639. f. 373.

114. Robert Branthwait, on business connected with the Earl of Essex's Irish lands; Carrick, 31 July, 1641. f. 375.

Folio; ff. 378.

English