MUNSTER.

Instructions by the Earl of Essex for Mr. Justice Saxey, the 16th of August 1599.

Owing to the news of the Lord President of Munster's (Norris) dangerous sickness, which greatly grieves us, we send you and Sir Charles Willmott with directions for the government of that province. We have appointed that during the President's disability three at least of the Council there shall lie at Cork to direct all civil causes and the business of State. These are to be the Bishop of Cork, yourself, and Sir George Thorenton, or, if he cannot come from his charge of Killmallocke, Sir Francis Barckely, who is to come by sea from Limerick.

You shall have authority "to hear and order causes which, by interruption of the ordinary course of justice during this rebellion, cannot be tried in the courts of justice at assizes and sessions; to direct parleys with any rebels; to receive their submissions; to give safeconducts and protections, and to husband her Majesty's treasure, munitions, and victuals, so none of them be wastefully or unnecessarily expended, nor yet her forces broken or weakened for want of necessary relief."

All warrants for issues from the store or for cessing soldiers upon the country to be signed by you of the Council at Cork. Such commanders of garrisons as want means for their soldiers, and have no time to obtain order from you, may cess their men upon the towns or countries until your order comes.

You must be ready to hear all civil causes, but "you must with caution and tenderness order matters of importance and weight; for as the people of this kingdom are apt to start out upon all occasions, so they are in the opinion of the multitude justified when they do it upon any heavy burthen laid upon them, or severe course taken against them. Therefore, since there are so few good to be encouraged by seeing exact and extreme justice done in all things, you may do well to make as few as you can desperate, but when great and public considerations move you to it, and such, when you find you have wounded them, to watch to keep single out of the great herd of the rebels."

In parleys, receiving submissions, or granting protections, you shall rather use fit instruments "to sound and feel the disposition of such as offer to deal with you, than make any open parley or treaty with them, for that were dishonorable to her Majesty."

Treat with "men of living," and not with loose knaves; the former will cut off the latter.

Receive no submission but without condition, and with all the humble forms that can be devised; give safeconduct only until you may send the parties to us; and take pledges for their loyalty hereafter, as also of the Irish lords of countries and principal gentlemen whom you find wavering or not willingly engaging themselves in the service.

In giving warrant for the issue of treasure, "keep yourself within a list which you shall receive from the Treasurer."

As we purpose not to draw the forces of that province into the field, we have not given the sole command to any one. But though we do not give you authority to make wars, or to dispose of the forces, we have charged all commanders to acquaint you with all their proceedings. "If God should call the President, .... you shall have this authority s[ent] down till we take further order."

"You shall have authority to perform all things above specified when four, three, or two of you shall be present and assent together."

Signed by Essex at the beginning and end.

Copy. Endorsed.