The LORD JUSTICE and COUNCIL to the LORDS in ENGLAND.

As the Queen absolutely commands the discharge of the new pensioners, and filling up of broken bands by cashing of some others, we have taken order both with the Clerk of the Check and Earl of Ormond for the same.

We have taken precise order for the continual view and mustering of the bands. Great defalcation by checks will be found upon the general pays, though the numbers are certified of 4,000.

Upon Ormond's request for a further supply to be sent him we dispatched Captains Mackeworth and Hollingworth, and allowed him one battel of her Majesty's gallowglas for 40 days. As you think we should bend all our offensive forces that way, and as there remain upon those northern borders but such competent companies as may serve only to defend, I, the Lord Justice, will repair to the forts, and from thence to the borders of Munster, so soon as I hear of the return of the Earl from his journey.

We are now informed by some that came from the vintage, that not only great gatherings of soldiers are in Spain, and much preparation for their navy, but also restraint of such merchandises as fruits and wines, which were accustomably traded hither.

As touching the victuals sent to Waterford, albeit we cannot deliver you the victualler's reckoning, yet we conceive that the first proportion sent by Bland did revictual Sir John Perrott at his departure from Waterford. Part of the second, sent by Mr. Bashe, is delivered to Captain Yorke for The Achates and her pinnace, and the rest distributed by Ormond to the army. If a third proportion be sent, care shall be had of the employing of it.

Touching the offences done to O'Relieghe, Hollingworth was not so blameworthy as you conceived. "Mr. Brabson, lieutenant to Captain Mackeworth, was even then conducting the Earl of Desmond's son from the town of Kilkenny unto the castle of Dublin, and therefore no way to be touched." We remitted those causes to commissioners. O'Releighe has made his submission.

As to the allowance to be given to Desmond's son, we have ordered that the constable of the castle of Dublin shall provide for his diet and wants, "and that his nurse shall only attend him there.

Little above 5,000l. has now arrived, and will not serve for the full pay of the soldiers, much less to give the monthly imprest for the victualling beforehand.

Desmond has daily messengers with Turloughe Lenoughe. Turloughe is procuring Scots to go to Munster. Con McNeill Oge has preyed Lecaill. All the Irish save Magennis are at the devotion of Turloughe from Dundalke to Sleigo.

Droghda, 15 December 1579. Signed.

Contemp. copy.