ROBERT COGAN to SIR ARTHUR CHICHESTER, DEPUTY.

[This is in Carew's hand.] Cogan's instructions concerning the customs in Ireland.

I have, according to your appointment, riden down to most of the ports, and have there placed a fit number of officers to collect and receive the King's customs and poundage, and have delivered unto them your and the Council's warrants for the due execution thereof in their several ports, so that now the King is in full possession of them in manner following:

Dublin, Waterford, Drohedagh.--The King receives nothing but the custom and poundage of strangers, as the freemen of these towns pretend to be free of their own poundage by an Act of Parliament, 15 H. 7, and therefore refuse to pay any or to resign it up to the King upon any terms of composition.

Galway.--The King receives no custom or poundage, neither of the freemen nor of strangers. They claim it by charter.

Wexford, Rosse, Dungarvan, Youghall, Corke, Kinsale, Dinglecush, Lymericke.--These have submitted unto his Majesty, and do pay to his officers the poundage due by them and of strangers, and do beseech you that the arrearages past may be forgiven, and to that purpose they will all send up agents the next term to entreat your favour therein.

Dundalke, Carlingeford, Newrey, Knockfergus, are towns of small importance, and as yet no officers placed in them, by reason I wanted time to ride unto them, but this may be done when you think fit. To conclude this business and make it yield to the King a good annual revenue, there wants only the levying of the imposition of 12d. in the pound upon all goods and merchandises shipped in or out upon the four towns, which are free of poundage by Act of Parliament and charter, to make them equal with the rest of the towns that defray the poundage, which otherwise will be very prejudicial unto the King, and the undoing of all the rest of the other towns, for all men will pass under the colour of their freedom, whereby the King shall be daily deprived of his customs. This being done and once settled I doubt not but the kingdom continuing in peace, it is very likely to prove a very hopeful revenue in time to come.

Signed. Endorsed.