PELHAM to WALSINGHAM.

Sent by Mr. Cotton.

By your letters of the 12th I receive double comfort in the recovery of your health, and the mitigation of her Majesty's displeasure towards me; yet, finding by her second letter a confirmation of her former disliking, I am hardly persuaded of any sudden alteration, or that my friends can prevail against my enemies. Upon the assembly of the Council and nobility here for consultation about my journey, you shall be advertised of our determinations. As for the victualling, provisions shall be made in Westmeath, to be carried upon the Lough and the Shennen to Limerick. The device of Sir Nicholas Malbie for boats to be maintained upon the Lough and that river may stand her Majesty in marvellous great stead for the purpose of victualling.

Mr. William Norris is departed this life. When he was opened, [it was found that] his heart was utterly consumed, his spleen corrupted, his brain mixed with great store of matter. I have bestowed the captainry of part of his charge upon his brother Thomas.

Ormond hath received letters here even now, and others are come to me, that both he and I have been hardly dealt withal by the L. C. [Lord Chancellor Gerrard.] in discommending the course taken in Munster." He furthered the Earl's appointment more than any other man.

I cannot but marvel at the nomination of Mr. Waterhouse to have the charge of the victuals.

Dublin, 29 December 1579. Signed.

Contemp. copy.