An ESTIMATE REPORT made by Sir Laurence Esmond, Sir Edward Fisher, Knights, and the...

According to your direction we made our repair unto the territories of the Morrowes, Kinshlaghes, and other lands of low Leinster, lying between the rivers of Slane and Blackwater, and at our coming into those countries we assembled the inhabitants of each principal territory before us at several places, and imparted to them at large the King's just and apparent title to those lands, and also his purpose to take all those lands into his hands, to the end to plant and dispose of them. And withal we shewed our authority from you to proceed therein accordingly. We acquainted them that the King's pleasure was to distribute the lands as well to strangers as to the natives and present inhabitants, for the better civilizing and planting the country, and that such as were worthy should be made freeholders by patent, the residue to be settled upon terms of years or lives at reasonable rents.

We found the inhabitants ready to embrace the course of plantation, and disposed to yield to the King's pleasure, only some doubted if he was acquainted with it, and many of them feared a sudden removal out of that country, which did terrify them.

The first thing we took in hand was the survey of the several territories, which we executed by measurement of several parcels in each territory, by the oaths of the best and most expert inhabitants of each parish, and we found that all the lands lying within the limits above mentioned being two small barronies, amounted to about 61,000 acres of all manner of land, over and besides two small territories called Synott's lands and Roche's lands, containing about 4,000 acres, which we forbear to add to the other sum of the King's lands, because those gentlemen being of English progeny do stand upon ancient title from the Crown, which must be further examined, and if it be found for the King, yet they and their kindred will look to be preferred thereto before others.

We find that within the continent of 61,000 acres, there are about 13,000 acres, as well abbey land as other, lately granted to several persons by letters patent from the Crown of the rent of 91l. 3s. 4d. 1r., and also 2,000 acres at least, parcel of the temporalities of the Bishop of Fearnes, but passed from that See to several persons upon small reservation. Their land we see not how other ways to deal with than to confirm them for the most part to the patentees and grantees, or so much other land, in lieu thereof, as the conveniency of planting may best admit.

We find likewise so great a number of present inhabitants as well of English lineage as mere Irish, who now hold a good form of subjection, that we cannot see how they may be settled upon less than 24,000 acres, including therein Sir Richard Maisterson, who is now possessed of a great quantity. And yet to the Irish, of whom few are like to be freeholders, we shall allow but mean proportion, holding it fit that none of them have above 1,000, nor any less than 100 acres, so as there will then remain about 22,000 acres to be bestowed amongst civil families for intermixture with the natives, who will build for the strength and civility of the country.

Out of these 22,000 acres, the chief rent of 90l. st. per. ann. due to Sir Richard Masterson out of the Kinshellaghes, and 116l. per ann., over and above the King's rent paid to the heir of Sir Wm. Synnot out of the Morrowes, are to be brought in and to be compounded, for the better quiet of the King's tenants, for all which land is to be given at such reasonable rates as by parties may be agreed. And, further, out of these lands is to be raised all the charge and expense laid out in the prosecution of this business, both in England and here; as attending the King's pleasure, finding out records, making several surveys of the lands, etc. that the King be not burthened therewith. And upon their lands are all the castles like to be built; for the Irish can have no great proportions, neither will they be able to build.

We published in the country the commission directed to us to receive the surrenders of all the inhabitants of the above-mentioned lands, which we declared was rather to give the King satisfaction of their conformity and readiness to submit themselves to his purposes for civilizing those parts, by bestowing some of his own lands upon his better educated subjects, than any way by the least enforcement to constrain them to give over any good right they had or to mend any title claimed by the King. Many of the best understanding and ability in the country, to the number of fifty persons, and a few of the meanest rank, have voluntarily and freely surrendered into the King's hands all their lands, rights, and demands in the said territories, to be disposed of at his will, without any manner of promise or assurance from us. And so would all the rest have done had not certain lawyers (who would never be seen) distracted them much for their own private interest.

In settling the natives and inhabitants, we think very fit that some principal men of the Cavenaghes, especially those who now have land upon the inland borders of their territories, be transplanted and settled upon the places towards the sea, though that be the best and most profitable land of the country, for that upon those borders most of the castles are to be built, which the Irish will never do. And those borders being secured all the land between them and the sea is recovered. And, besides, these castles will stand very conveniently to balance all the Irish neighbour countries, which have hitherto lain open to all licentious practices.

During the time of our proceeding in these affairs, we received from your Lp. and Council a commandment to enter into examination of the title of one John Morphie, or any his ancestors, to the country of the Morrowes, or the most part thereof, wherein we have laboured and do find he has utterly mistaken himself, and by taking hold of a name and undigested pedigree, gathered out of the mouths of some hoping to make use of him he has emboldened himself to claim the King's license and aid to be restored to that country, whereunto in truth he hath no manner of colour, by the attainders of the lineal heirs truly known and acknowledged by all men.

During the time of our continuance in the country, finding the people well disposed to further the business we laboured in and especially as they declared to us divers recent titles, which the King might, if he pleased, take hold of, by late attainders, of several persons, as well by course of common law, as by Act of Parliament and killing in rebellion, I, the Escheator, caused a jury to be impannelled to inquire therein, who have found the attainders of at least 185 persons.

And when by perusal of the records we find the King has hitherunto by way of composition and for rent received out of all the said territories but 179l. 3s. 4d. Ir. per ann., besides rectories and tithes, we think you may now advance his revenue for the temporal lands into those parts to 400l. per ann., besides placing some civil inhabitants and building a competent number of castles to quiet all those parts.

Lastly, since our return from the survey of the above lands, the King's title being now generally notified, a sufficient number of meet persons and of good quality and substance have presented themselves to undertake all the lands remaining to be planted by strangers, so as you may forbear entertaining others until you shall take a full consideration of theirs.

Signed: Laurence Esmond, Edw. Fysher, I. Barlowe, N. Kenney.

Endorsed: Rec. the 21st of Sept. 1611

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