ruin, unless he could work his reconciliation, and
besides bearing no goodwill to his cousin Cormock
MacDermond, the Lord of Muskerry, for some contro-
versy about title of lands between them, desired a
safe-conduct to come to the President, promising to
reveal to him such matters of importance as might
happily make satisfaction for his former offences. His
motion was hearkened unto, and a protection granted
' Kilcrea Abbey, an interesting relic in fine preservation.
'^ Teg fulfilled this promise at all events. When O'Sullivan was
retreating, Teg fusilladed him vigorously as he marched northwards
through West Muskerry.
VOL. 11. Q
226 Pacata Hibernia.
for three days, within which time he presented him-
self before his Lordship, and delivered to him in
private that he was able to vouch and prove divers
capital matters of notorious treasons in his kinsman
Corraock MacDermond. First, that he had under-
hand traffic with Don John de Aguila, letters
ordinarily passing between him and the said Cormock,
and in particular he averred that he saw Don John
himself deliver to James Galde Batler (Cormock's
wife's brother) two letters, the one from the King
and the other from the Church, but from what par-
ticular churchman he could not certainly affirm, but
by all probability it should seem to be from the Pope.
These two letters were by him sent to be delivered to
Cormock aforesaid, together with his own commenda-
tions in these words : " Commend me to your brother-
in-law Cormock, and deliver him these two letters, the
one from the King and the other from the Church,"
which were the same night delivered. Moreover he
w^as deposed, by virtue of which oath he affirmed,
that, upon his knowledge, Cormock had secret con-
ference with Owen MacEggan since his last arrival
out of Spain, and that from him he had received eight
hundred ducats impress, and thereupon had accorded
to yield into the Spaniards' hands, immediately upon
their landing, his strong castle of the Blarney, situate
within two miles of Cork, which deposition was after-
wards confirmed by the testimony and evidence of
sundry other credible personages. These informations
concurring with the examinations of Dermond Muc-
Carty, by the Spaniards called Don Dermutio
(executed at Cork, of whom you have before heard),
and also manifold proofs existing of his frequent
combination with Tyrone, O'Donnell, Florence Mac-
Pacata Hibernia. 227
Carty, and James FitzThomas, with other trivial
treasons ordinary amongst these provincials, the
President, with the advice of the Provincial Council,
thought it a matter of very dangerous consequence
to permit such gross and palpable treasons to escape
unpunished, the toleration whereof might breed such
intolerable boldness in these people that Her Majesty's
politic government and authority temporal would grow
no less contemptible than the ecclesiastic, against
which the best seeming subjects were refractory. To
prevent therefore such future mischief as might ensue
by longer protraction it was thought fit that during
the time of these sessions (then in hand) the said
Cormock should be apprehended and committed to
safe custody until such time as the original and
depth of his offences, being found out, he might be
brought to his trial according to due course in law.
The day and time therefore being appointed for his
commitment, which was about the eighteenth of
August, the President, the same morning, to avoid
all suspicion, took a journey to Kinsale to view the
fortifications in Castle ny Park, leaving behind him
double directions concerning Cormock : first, for his
Castle of Blarney, which is one of the largest and
strongest castles within the province of Munster,
for it is four piles joined in one, seated upon a main
rock,^ so that it is free from mining, the wall being
eighteen feet thick and well flanked at each corner to
the best advantage. Considering therefore the diffi-
'' The castle now shown as Blarney is apparently a poor remanet.
The point of the allusion to its being upon a rock is this, that it could
not be undermined and blown up.
The MacCarties of Muskerry, it must be remembered, were one of
the Irish clans by which the Queen dragged down the Earl of
Desmond.
Q 2
2 2S Pacata Hibernia.
culty that might grow in taking this castle by force,
the President gave direction to Sir Charles Wilmot
and Captain Roger Harvy (taking for their guard a
sergeant with four and twenty foot) to make show of
going only to hunt the buck in the parts near ad-
joining, and being hot and weary between the hours
of ten and eleven o'clock in the forenoon, to take
the said castle on their way homeward, and calling for
wine and usquebagh, whereof Irish gentlemen are
seldom unfurnished, should, if it were possible, them-
selves first and their soldiers afterwards, draw into
the castle and gain possession thereof ; and the Chief
Justice Saxey likewise had direction to call Cormock
before him in the public sessions, and, taking occasion
of defect and delay about certain prisoners whom he
should have forthcoming at these assizes, should at
the same hour before appointed commit him to the
Gentleman Porter till the President's pleasure should
be farther known at his return from Kinsale. This
latter order concerning his person was accordingly
effected, but the former stratagem about the castle
was frustrated ; for the warders, whether out of the
jealous custom of the nation in general (which is not
to admit into their castles any strangers in their
master's absence), or whether Cormock in his guilti-
ness had given them such directions, I know not, but
sui'e I am that neither Sir Charles, though he much
importuned to see the rooms within, nor any of his
company were permitted to go into the gate of the
castle nor hardly to look within the gate of the bawn.
The President was no sooner returned to Cork than
one of Cormock's followers saluted him with a petition
relating at large the hard measure that his master
had received from the Chief Justice, to whom answer
Pacata Hibernia. 229
was made that lie would call for the Chief Justice
before him, and, being satisfied from him of all par-
ticulars, order should be taken that no unjust or
sinister proceedings should be taken against him ; in
the meantime he must be content to submit himself
and be amenable unto law. Now did the time better
permit the offences formerly committed to be pursued
by course of justice, for could he but have gathered
by probable conjecture of the discovery of any part
of these treacheries before his apprehension he had
in readiness one thousand men of his own followers,
well armed, to have stepped with him into action upon
the first alarm. ^
The combination lately contracted by Cormock with
the priest, Owen MacEggan, being manifestly proved
by several witnesses, subject to no exceptions, the
Gentleman Porter, called Master Ealph Hammon,
was commanded to bring the prisoner before the
President and Council, who were assembled at
Shandon Castle, who, making his appearance, was
charged with the several treasons before recited,
who insisted very much upon his justification, pre-
tending that these accusations were injuriously de-
vised and slanderously suggested by his enemies,
especially for the last article concerning the con-
spiracy with the priest MacEggan, which indeed was
so cunningly and secretly carried, as he supposed,
that it was rather presumed than proved against
him. He renounced all favour and pardon if it
would be justified by lawful testimony. The Presi-
dent replied that this was the only matter of sub-
stance that he was charged withal, the former being
' And the Queen had had the benefit of this military strencrth ao
far.
230 Pacata Hibernia,
pardoned since tlie perpetrating thereof, being only
inducements and presumptions whereby they were
the rather moved to sive ear and credit to the latter
accusation ; but he, still persisting in his innocence,
was at last urged with this dilemma, namely, that
either he should confess his fault, and so entreat
Her Majesty's mercy, or else, in token of his loyal
and guiltless heart, ho should deliver unto the State
his Castle of Blarney, upon condition that if the
fact whereof he was charged were not evidently
proved against him the said castle should be re-
delivered to him or his assignees by a day appointed.
At first ho seemed very inclinable to the motion, but
in process it was perceived that he intended nothing
but juggling and devices ; wherefore a warrant from
the whole body of the Council was directed to the
said Gentleman Porter, straightly charging and com-
manding that he should be kept in irons closer than
before until he should demean himself in more duti-
ful conformity ; and, besides, they appointed Captain
Taffe, in whom Cormock reposed much trust, to per-
suade him to surrender the said castle into the Presi-
dent's hands, undertaking upon his credit to retain
the same and all the goods in it, or near thereunto,
belonging either to himself or his followers, from loss
and danger, either by subject or rebel. Cormock, at
last, finding that the President was resolved either to
make him bend or break, caused his constable, though
much against his will, to yield the said castle to
Captain Taffe, so that no other whosoever might have
the charge or custody thereof. The prisoner, besides
the Castle of Blarney, had two places, kept by his
dependents, of good importance to command the
country; the one, an abbey called Kilcrey, distant
Pacata Hieernia. 231
from Cork six miles, and the other a castle called
Mocrumpe, sixteen miles distant from Cork ; the
former situated upon the south and the latter upon
the north side of the River Lee. The Castle and
Abbey of Kilcrey was rendered to Captain Francis
Slingsby, sent thither by the President ; but Mo-
crumpe, seated in the heart of Muskerry, and en-
vironed by woods and bogs, could not be got
without the countenance of an army ; therefore the
President sent first Captain Flower, and afterwards
Sir Charles Wilmot, with a competent number of
foot and horse, to lie before it until such time as
they might gain it by sap or mine, or by some
other stratagem, as time and occasion should minister
opportunity. During this siege the President cast
about for his wife and children, and, having got
them likewise into his hands, confined them within
the walls of Cork. These things thus accomplished
the President dispatched letters both to the Lords
of Her Majesty's Privy Council of England, and to
the Lord Deputy and Council of Ireland, relating to
them the apprehension of Cormock and the reasons
inducing him thereunto, desiring also to receive their
Lordships' pleasures for his further proceedings in
this business ; but before answer could be returned,
an unfortunate accident unexpectedly altered the
whole platform of this intended service ; for Cor-
mock's followers had plotted his escape, and likewise
to procure Cormock Oge, his eldest son, who was
then a student in Oxford,^ to be conveyed secretly out
of the University and brought to Ireland, or, as some
' Divers sons of chieftains were already finding their way to
Oxford, The most conspicuous of these so far were Brian of the
Battle-axes, O'Rourke, Prince of Leitrim, Richard Burke, Earl of
Clauricarde, and the son of O'Kelly, captain of Hy-Many.
2 32 Pacata Hibernia.
thought;, to be sent into Spain ; for effecting whereof,
John O'Healy, one of Cormock's old thieves, was
(the next passage) to be sent into England. Adver-
tisement hereof was brought to the President, who,
to prevent both of these designs, first sent for the
Gentleman Porter and delivered unto him at large
the great prejudice that should arise to Her Majesty's
service if the prisoner should escape, that the Queen's
charge and his own pains and laborious travail were
all frustrated ; yea, if the Spaniards should arrive
(as they were expected) the whole kingdom of Ireland
should receive hazard and prejudice by it ; wherefore
he charged him upon his duty to the State, his
allegiance to Her Majesty, and in the love he bore
unto himself that he would be no less careful of his
safe-keeping than of his own life, which in some sort
depended thereon. Answer was made by Hammon
that his Lordship should not need to trouble his
mind with any such imaginary doubts ; for if shackles
of iron, walls of stone, and force of men (for he had
certain soldiers allowed him for a guard) could make
him sure, then should the prisoner be forthcoming
whensoever the State should be pleased to call for
him ; and for John O'Healy, the President held a
watchful eye over him, but it was not thought good
to make stay of him until he should be aboard the
ship, that such intructions and letters as should be
sent by him might with himself be apprehended,
whereby the whole circumstance of these plots, and
the chief agents therein, might be discovered. To bd
brief, the wind was fair, the master hasteth aboard,
the mariners and passengers purposing to set sail
the next tide ; amongst the rest John O'Healy, un-
regarded as he thought, is also on board ; but he
Pacata Hibernia. 233
was mucli deceived in his opinion, for presently a
messenger, sent from the State, found him in the hold ;
when he began to search him for his letters, he
making show to deliver them willingly, suddenly
threw both his letters and money into the sea ; which
although it plainly demonstrated apparent guiltiness,
yet could he never afterwards be brought to confess
either the contents of the one or the sura of the other,
pretending ignorance in both, whereupon he was
committed to the common gaol.
But let us leave Cormock for a while with the
Gentleman Porter, and his man in the gaol, and speak
of other accidents and matters of State which at this
time were handled.
Upon the second of September, the Lord President
received letters from the Lords of the Council, wherein
they signified to him how well Her Majesty and
themselves liked his services performed in Munster,
with many other things worthy to be remembered,
which importeth me in this place to relate the true
copy of the original letter : —
CHAPTER XIII.
A letter from the Lords of the Council to the Lord President
— Instructions for Captain Harvy to write to Spain — A letter
written by Her Majesty's own hand to the Lord President — A
letter from the Lord President to Her Majesty — A letter from
Captain Harvy to Pedro Lopez de Soto, the Spanish Veador
— A letter from O'Donnell to O'Conner Kerry — A letter from
Don Juan de Aguila to the Lord President — A letter from the
Lord President to Don Juan de Aguila — Captain Harvy's
passport sent to the Veador — The Lord President's passport for
Captain Edny into Spain — Spanish intelligence sent from Master
Secretary Cecil to the Lord President — The Lord President's
opinion sent to Master Secretary of a defensive war in Ireland.
A Letter feom the Lords of the Council to the
Lord President.
After our heavy commendations : We have, according
to our duties, imparted to Her Majesty your dispatch
of the seven-and-twentieth of July, who hath con-
ceived so great liking of your proceedings, as she
hath commanded us to take notice of the same in the
most gracious terms that our own heart could wish,
being likewise most desirous that the army under
you, as well in general as those gentlemen and
officers in particular who have so vahantly exposed
themselves to danger, as appeareth by your particular
relation, may know that they have ventured their
lives for a Prince who holdeth them so dear, as if
she could preserve her estate and them without the
Pacata Hibernia. 235
loss and hazard of them there is nothing which she
possesseth (of her own) which she would spare to
redeem their trouble and danger. It remaineth now
that we acquaint what is done by Her Majesty to
prevent the purposes of the King of Spain, wherein
we cannot but much commend the apprehension you
take of those advertisements you have, and the
judgment you use in applying the same, for the
safety of that province, the defection whereof, as we
are sorry to find by so understanding a person as you
are. So do we hope when it shall appear (as it doth
daily in all parts of Ireland) that God doth bless Her
Majesty's army against the rebels, and that the King
of Spain shall find himself not so at ease as to
employ any army there in haste, that lack of duty
and ingratitude which doth now live in them will
either die in itself and turn to the contrary, or else
that God will, as He hath begun, confound them in
their own malicious inventions. It is very true
that Her Majesty's own advertisements do confirm
that a pinnace of fifty tons was sent with some of
O'Donnell's followers, and some treasure, to assure
the rebels of an army to come into Ireland, which
pinnace, being once put to sea, was forced back
again to Vinera ; but they parted thence again within
three or four days after, which is the same that
landed at Ardea, whereof your letters make mention.
We have also assured advertisements that Her
Majesty's fleet, being kept on the coast, hath much
hindered the Spanish designs, not that they were
fully ready to come forth, but because the fleet kept
their preparations from drawing to a head, for this
next month is the time which is the fittest for them
to put to sea if Her Majesty's fleet do not hinder
236 Pacata Hibernia.
them ; for which purpose, though now most of her
ships, being long at sea, and come in with the
carriek, yet they are going out again with all possible
speed. You shall further understand • that Her
Majesty hath been acquainted of the letters of compli-
ments between Don John and you, the copies being
sent over by the Deputy, by Sir Oliver Saint-John,
-^yhereof you now send the original, at which time
he sent Her Majesty his own and kept no counsel
that he had intercepted your great bribe. We have
also seen the letter of Soto to Captain Harvy, and
the passport of whose conference (from which pass-
port also proceeded) Her Majesty conceiveth that
you may make some good use for her service, in this
form following : Where it doth appear by O'Donnell's
letter to O'Connor Kerry out of Spain that he is
desirous to understand the state of Ireland, but so
as if there be any bad it may be concealed from
the Spaniards, Captain Harvy may in requital of
the Veador's courtesy towards him use this freedom
of a gentleman though an enemy to let him see how
much the King of Spain is abused by the rebels, who
seek to engage him upon false hopes, and conceal
just causes of doubts, for which purpose he shall
send him O'Donnell's own letter, which he cannot
deny, and withal in any case (it being well overseen
by you) make him a relation of the successes of Her
Majesty's army. Now if it may be said that they
will think this letter is posted, and take this to be
a finesse in Harvy, the worst that can come is that
this good may ensue : that under colour of sending
that to him there may some person go in the ship
who may discover what preparations there are in that
place ; for the better colouring whereof he may reply
Pacata Hibernia. 237
that wliere he hath sent him a passport for the safe-
conduct of any person whatsoever he should send to
negotiate in the matter (which passed between thera
in conference) that he looked rather to have received
from him, who was the propounder of the same (with
so great affection), some such overture from that side
as might have given him foundation to break witli
the Deputy, or yourself, to send over to Her Majesty
about it, for w^hich purpose he may offer him as
good a passport for any of his messengers as he
hath sent to himself, it being very great reason that
such a motion should proceed from that side rather,
which hath opened itself with greatest violence,
than from any of Her Majesty's Ministers, who have
instead of their malicious attempt performed all
offices of honour and humanity. And so much for
answer of that point.
For your opinion concerning such places as are fit
to be fortified, Her Majesty doth very well approve
the reasons whereupon the same is grounded, being
such indeed as ought to sway Her Majesty*s judg-
ment either one way or other ; for as it is true that
charge is well forborne which draweth with it peril,
so it is a double danger to spend in any place where
safety followeth not such a charge. And therefore if
you do continue in the mind that Baltimore is like
to be of greatest use to the enemy both in regard of
the haven itself and of the country adjoining, and
that some such fortification may be raised as may
command the haven, without any great charge, Her
Majesty is content that you do proceed ; otherwise if
you do think that whensoever any forces shall descend,
that the place so fortified cannot hold out for any
time, then Her Majesty doth like it better, both there
238 PACATA HiBERNIA.
and elsewhere, that those castles which you do win
from the Irish, seated upon the sea, be utterly-
demolished rather than be left for the rebels to nestle
in at their first arrival, and easier to be furnished by
them for their great advantage. In which point of
fortifications, because you may see the temper of Her
Majesty's mind, that useth mean in all things, and
knoweth when to spend and when to spare, in both
which never prince was so little subject to private
humour, either one way or other, further than stood
with the safety of her State and people, over which
her care is rather to be admired than matched, we
do send you an extract of her own letter to the Lord
Deputy, how he should govern himself in that point,
whereof we fear you have not yet had notice, in
respect that the distance between you and him is well
near the longitude of Ireland. For the artillery which
you have taken, if you find them necessary for that
kingdom, she is well pleased that they be detained, as
well to serve for a scourge to them that brought
them (if again they renew their attempt) as to prevent
the inconvenience and charge of their transportation
hither. But if you find them not necessary for that
place, but that iron may do as good service, you may
transport them in some of the victuallers, when they do
return from that province. And so we do commit you
to God's protection. From the court at Greenwich,
this eighteenth of July, 1602.
Your very loving friends,
Thomas Egeeton, C.S. Thomas Buohurst.
NoTiNGHAM. John Stanhope.
Robert Cecil. John Fortescue.
At the same time also he received a gracious letter
Pacata Hibernia. 239
written by Her Majesty with her own hands, which
multiplied his comforts, thinking all his laborious
endeavours to be fully recompensed in that they were
so graciously accepted.
A Letter Written by Her Majesty's Own Hand to
THE Lord President.
Your Sovereign, E. R., — My faithful George, how
joyed we are that so good event hath followed so
toilsome endeavours, laborious cares, and heedful
travels, you may guess, but we can best witness ; and
do protest that your safety hath equalled the most
thereof : and so God ever bless you in all your
actions.
Not many days after the receipt of this gracious
letter the President in his next dispatch into England
wrote to Her Majesty this letter following : —
A Letter from the Lord President to Her
Majesty.
Sacred Majesty, — If I could sufficiently express the
joy which my heart conceived when I beheld a letter
written by your royal hand, and directed unto me
(who in your service have merited little, though in
zeal, faith and loyalty equal to any), your Majesty
would not in your more than abounding charity mis-
like your pains, having thereby raised the dejected
spirit of a poor creature, exiled from that blessing
which others enjoy in beholding your royal person,
whose beauty adorns the world, and whose wisdom is
240 P AC ATA HiBEKN'IA.
the miracle of our age.* Gracious Sovereign, three
years are now almost fully expired, since my employ-
ment into this kingdom took its beginning ; during
which time, rest in body and mind hath been a stranger
unto me; and, overwearied in both, I do most humbly
beseech your Majesty (if this realm be not invaded
from Spain, whereof in a few days true judgment may
be made) to grant me leave, but only for two months
this winter to attend you in your court ; which small
time of respiring, and at that time of the year, can
be no hindrance to the service, and yet sufficient to
relieve my mind, and enable my body, which now is