PELHAM to the LORD TREASURER (BURLEIGH).

Sent by Mr. Cotton.

Thanks for the advice in your letters of the 8th.

News is come of the death of that most worthy young gentleman, Mr. William Norris, who accompanied me to the Nurie.

I am utterly unable to bear her Majesty's indignation, and have stood condemned in the common opinion. All my friends cannot keep me from displeasure.

There are no more footmen than of necessity must be employed. The pensioners are discharged. Touching the fault reputed to me, for proclaiming of Desmond and the sacking of Youghall, I beseech you to acquaint yourself with my letters to her Majesty. The fault in the victualling cannot be excused, but I know neither Thickepenny nor Brinckelowe.

There is one Crooke, of Hampton, that useth much the trade of Limerick and Galway. He and other merchants might be dealt with to deliver us victuals at Limerick.

The choice of the surveyor of the victuals here is a matter of great moment, for few have been practisers here that are not either too cunning or too poor, or rather bankrupt." Mr. Waterhowse was named to that office, but is desirous to deal only with the casualties; besides, the office is more fit for an inferior man. He is a great stay to me in all weighty matters. I know he much depends on you.

I have to thank you for the good advice to make good choice of such as should aid me with their counsel. I think myself much beholden to all the councillors here for their concurrencies and outward shews of friendship, a thing much noted because of factions in former times. In most matters I use the advice of the Lord Keeper and the Treasurer.

Dublin, 26 December 1579. Signed.

Contemp. copy.