Pacata Hibernia Ireland appeased and reduced· Or, an historie of the late vvarres of Ireland, especially within the province of Mounster, vnder the government of Sir George Carew, Knight, then Lord President of that province, and afterwards Lord Carevv of Clopton, and Earle of Totnes, &c. VVherein the siedge of Kinsale, the defeat of the Earle of Tyrone, and his armie; the expulsion and sending home of Don Iuan de Aguila, the Spanish generall, with his forces; and many other remarkeable passages of that time are related. Illustrated with seventeene severall mappes, for the better understanding of the storie.

CHAP. XXVI.

The King of Spaines Letters in••ercepted. A Letter from the Duke of Lerma to Don Iuan de Aguila. A Letter from the Duke of Lerma to the Archbishop of Dublin. A Letter from the Secretary. Ybarra to Don Iuan de Aguila. A Letter from the Secretary Fragursa to Don Iuan de Aguila. A Letter from the King of Spai••e to Don Iuan de Aguila.

ABout the tenth of February,* 1.1 Do•• Iuan de Aguila residing in Corke, whilest his Troopes were preparing to bee embarqued for Spaine; In this interim, a Spanish Pin∣nace landed in the Westermost part of the Province, and in her, there was a Messenger sent from the King to Don Iuan de Aguila with a packet of Letters: The President having knowledge thereof, told the Lord Deputie, that if hee had a desire to know the King of Spaines intentions, there was a good occasion offered, the Lord Deputies heart itching to haue the Letters in his hands, prayed the President to intercept them if hee could hansomely doe it; the President undertooke it, and having notice that the next morning the Messenger would come from Kinsale to Corke, and knowing that there was but two wayes by the which hee might passe, called Captaine William Nuce unto him (who commanded his foote Company) to make choise of such men as hee could trust to lie upon those p••ssages, and when they saw such a Spaniard (whom hee had described unto him) to seaze upon him, and as thieues to rob him

both of his Letters, horses and money, not to hurt his person, but to leaue him and his Guid bound, that hee might make no swift pursuit after them, and when they had delivered him the Letters to runne away: Captaine Nuce so well followed his instructions, as the Spa∣niard was taken in a little Wood, and the Letters brought at dinner time; Don Iuan (if I doe not mistake) that very day dyning with him, who instantly caried them to the Lord Deputie, where at good leasure the packets were opened and read, which done the President went to his house, leaving the Letters with the Lord Deputie: the same evening, the Spanish Messenger having beene unbound by pas∣sengers, came to Don Iuan de Aguila relating his misfortune, in being robbed not fiue miles from the Towne: Don Iuan de Aguila went immediatly to the Lord Deputie, grievously complayning that the Messenger was robbed by Souldiers (as hee alleaged:) The Lord Deputie seemed no lesse sorry, but (said he) it is a common thing in all Armies to haue debaucht Souldiers, but hee thought it to bee ra∣ther done by some of the Countrey thieues; but if the fact was committed by Souldiers, it was most like to bee done by some Irish men, who thought it to bee a good purchase (as well as the money) to get the Letters, to shew them unto their friends in rebellion, that they might the better understand in what estate they were in: Don Iuan not being satisfied with this answer, desired the Lord Deputie to enquire of the Lord President, (for of his intercepting of them he had a vehement suspition) whether hee had any knowledge of the matter, and so they departed. The next morning the Lord Deputy related to the President the complaint, and his answers: Don Iuan eager in the pursuite of his Letters, came to know of the Lord De∣putie what the President answered: The Lord Deputie answered him upon his fayth, that hee was sure that the President had them not; which hee might well doe, for they were in his owne posses∣sion: In conclusion, a Proclamation was made, and a reward (in the same promised) for him that could discover the Theeues, and a pardon for their liues graunted that committed the fact, if they would come in and confesse it; with this Don Iuan rested satisfied: How much the intercepting of these Letters did import her Maje∣sties Service, (not one Spanyard being then imbarked, but remaining in a Body at Kinsale) may appeare by these ensuing Letters (English∣ed) taken at that time.

A Letter from the Duke of Lerma, to Don Iuan de Aguila.

NOt many dayes past I wrote unto you, and now I make answere to those which I received from you the thirteenth of the last October▪ assuring you, that his Majesty puts great confidence in your care and valour: As touching the men, and other things which you demaund, there is dispatched a good quantitie, and more is in preparing, and make you no doubt, but still more shall bee in sending, as much as may bee: for his Maje∣stie hath it before his eyes, and I haue taken in hand the solliciting thereof; Wherefore you may bee assured, that you shall not want any thing which may bee sent that is needfull: There is now in readinesse, 150 Launces, which shall be presently embarqued, and more men are in levying with expedition, with whom Money shall be sent: And so referring my selfe (for the rest) to his Majesties Dispatch, I will say no more, but to assure you, that in all things which may concerne you, esteeme mee ever to bee your Sollicitor. God keepe you.

Valladolid▪ the fourth of December. 1601.* 2.1

El Duque de Lerma, Marques de Denia.

To Don Iuan de Aguila, Master of the Campe, Generall of the men of Warre in Ireland.

A Letter from the Duke of Lerma to the Archbishop of Dublin.

I Haue received your Lordships Letters, giving thanks to God for the suc∣cesse of your journey, for by it it appeares, that there is a way and doore open for many good purposes for his service, and his Majestie hath much confidence of the care & zeale▪ which your Lordship hath for the progression in the same. Now we send you a good Body of men, with such things as is ne∣cessary, and more shall be prepared, and so continue sending as much as wee may, whereof you need not doubt: for his Majestie (whom God preserue) holds it before his eyes, forasmuch as the most important thing (appertaining to this businesse) is the joyning of the Earles with Don Iuan de Aguila: his Majestie commandeth your Lordship to doe in it your uttermost ende∣vour▪ according to the confidence hee hath in your zeale. God preserue your Lordship.

From Valladolid the fifth of December. 1601.* 3.1

El Duque de Lerma Marques de Denia.

Let not your Lordship be we••ried with your travells, I hope in God they will be full of good successes. Al Ar••obispo de Dublin.

A Letter from the Secretary Ybarra to Don Iuan de Aguila.

BY Captaine Albornoz I wrote unto your Lordship, and I wish that this dispatch may overtake him (at the Groyne) according to the desire I hold, that it, and that which goes with it, were with your Lordship, certifying you that as much is done (as may be) for your supply in all things: I wrote unto your Lordship, that there were two Companies of Horse ready to be sent unto you, but now I say there is three, and in them two hundred and twenty Souldiers well armed, and horsed; and it please God they shall be all embar∣qued in this Moneth, God in his divine mercy guid them: There is men levied in all Castile and Portugall, and shipping embarg••d to transport them, victuals, and other necessaries in providing; and now at this instant there is embarqued in Lisborne, in the Groyne, and Saint Ander a more then sixe thousand Hanegas of Wheat, and three hundred pipes of Wine, and some Beanes and Rice, and sixe hundred Arrobas of Oyle; and moreover, besides this which I say is embarqued, there are Commissaries taking of more up, and no care shall be wanting to ••asten them away: I haue spoken with Captaine Moreles, and of that which hee hath told mee of the seat of the place, and of the small number of men your Lordship hath, I feele my selfe grieved; but when I call to mind, what a person Don Iuan de Aguila is, the way is open unto me, to expect great matters, and I hope God will grant the same accor∣ding to the worth of your Lordship, against your wicked enemies: Let your Lordship hasten the joyning of the Earles with you, for of all things that is most important, which being done, before the Queene can reenforce her Ar∣my all is accomplished; I am desirous to heare that the excellent good Horse∣men were with your Lordship, that with them your Lordship may winne ho∣nour in the field, &c.

From Valladolid this seventh of December, 1601.* 4.1

Estevan de Ybarra.

To Don Iuan de Aguila, Generall Master of the Campe.

A Letter from the Secretary Franquesa, to Don Iuan de Aguila.

HIs Majestie is much satisfied of the good government (in those occasi∣ons) of your Army; and I hope in God, that with the succors, which now shall bee sent unto you, it will bee bettered, in such sort, that you will not onely bee able to defend your selfe from the Enemies, but also to chastise them, the meanes to effect the same, is for you to hold your selfe as you are, untill the succours aforesaid doe ••ome; in the meane time, the more you are pressed

upon, the more will be your reward and recompence, which his Majestie will conferre upon you, the which I will thrust on, as occasion shall offer it selfe, and bee alwayes vigilant in these things which shall concerne your Lordship as I haue beene: God preserue your Lordship according to my desire: From Man••illa the thirteenth of Ianuary,* 5.1 1602.

To Don Iuan de Aguila, Master of the Campe, Generall of his Majesties Army in Ireland.

A Letter from the Duke of Lerma to Don Iuan de Aguila.

BY that which Zubiare and Pedro Lopez de Soto hath written, and by the comming of the Earle Odonnell, who is now in the Groyne, wee haue understood of the overthrow of the Earles, and from thence is gathered, that all the forces are now bent against you, and that your onely valour and wise∣dome hath beene able to resist them; and let the great estimation his Maje∣stie holdeth of you, mitigate the care which this businesse may bring you; his Majestie hath commanded me speedily to prepare gallant succours, both by Land and Sea, which is done, and shall bee presently dispatched, and this ship is onely sent to advertise you thereof, to the end that you may with the more courage defend your selfe, and to bring a true report in what state you stand, which may more particularly appeare unto you by his Majesties Letter, which with this you shall receiue, whereunto hee hath commanded me to add this, that hee hath in his favour made you one of his Councellers of his coun∣cell at warres, which I congratulate with you; assuring you on his part, that God willing hee will conferre greater favours upon you, wherefore proceed cheerefully, as both now and heretofore (in the course of your life) you haue done, taking every occasion to strengthen your selfe in this siege, and to en∣dammage the Enemy that hee may not hinder you, and to assure the Army, no man living hath received greater rewards from his Majestie then you shall; I take upon my selfe the care of it, and I pray you to write me such good newes as I desire, whereof I hope in God:

In Man••illa the thirtieth of Ianuary, 1602.* 6.1

El Duque de Lerma Marques de Denia.

God is my witnesse,* 7.1 I neither eate nor sleepe with lesse care then any one of them that are with you, and I would willingly be in the perill of every one of you, and if the shedding of my blood might be advantageous, I would readily giue it for you all that haue such need: Doe your endeavours, for presently succours shall be sent unto you.

To Don Iuan de Aguila, Master of the Campe, Generall of the men of warre in Ireland▪

A Letter from the King of Spaine to Don Iuan de Aguila.

EL REY.

DOn Iuan de Aguila Master of the Campe, Generall of my Army in Ireland; by that which Pedro de Zubiare, and Pedro Lopez de Soto haue written unto me, I haue understood of the defeat of the Earles, Oneale and Odonnell, and likewise I now see that all your hopes remaines in your valour and wisedome; wherein I haue such confidence, that I hope in the middest of so many dangers and labours (wherewith you are inuiro∣ned) that you will preserue the Army, untill more succours of shipping, men, armes, and munitions be sent unto you, which are with al possible expedition in preparing, and shall bee speedily dispatched: You may make vse of them, and take reuenge of the Enemy, and untill they come, which shall be (as I haue said) with celerity, preserue your selfe: I doe not advise you of any particu∣lars, because I assure my selfe of your judgement and experience, that knowes how to make your advantage of such occasions, as the Enemy shall giue for the benefit of the siege: And your selfe and the Army (which is with you) shall haue good testimony of my bounty, thankfulnesse, and honour I will doe unto you all: and so much doe you signifie unto the Army from me. The Duke of Lerma shall write more unto you

from Man••illa, the one and thirtie of Ianua∣ry, 1602.* 8.1

Yo El Rey.

To Don Iuan de Aguila, Master of the Campe, Generall of our Army in Ireland. Don Pedro Franquesa.

Not long after most of the Spaniards were imbarqued in Kinsale, onely a few remayning which were to passe with Don Iohn; the day before his departure, the Lord Deputie shewed him the copie of the Letters, saying that they were sent unto him out of Vlsterby a Priest, who was his spy about Tyrone, unto whom the Letters had beene caried; Don Iuan (taking this for good payment) thanked the Lord Deputie for his favourable care: All the while Don Iuan was at Corke, every day the President and hee had familiar discourse toge∣ther, but for the most part their passages in speech was betweene jest and earnest, somewhat sharpe, and especially when they spake of religion, their Soveraignes, or the Nations: But it seemes that hee caried a good respect of the President, as by writing and presents sent, which shall in its due place appeare.

The fifteenth,* 8.2 the Lord Deputie and the President, having acquain∣ted

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the rest of the Councell, with the effect of the Spanish Letters, (intercepted as aforesaid) though not with the manner how they were gotten, they thought it meete to write unto the Lords of the Councell in England this ensuing Letter, whereby they might under∣stand how things stood for the present, as also to provide for the fu∣ture, since by the intercepted Letters it appeared, that the King of Spaine had set his heart upon the warre of Ireland.

A Letter from the Lord Deputie and Councell, to the Lords in England.

MAy it please your Lordships: The fourteenth of this Moneth we dis∣patched Sir Richard Morison with our Letters to your Lordships from this place, and the nine and twentieth we wrote againe by Cap∣taine Butler, yet to this day the wind hath continued still so westerly, as since the departure of Sir Richard, no shipping is come to us, either out of Eng∣land from your Lordships (as we desired) or from Waterford, Wexford, and those parts (as we directed) to carry away the Spanyards hence; nor yet un∣till Sunday the seventh hereof, could those ships stirre, that lay ready at Kin∣sale, to be sent to Baltimore, Castle-haven, and Beere-haven; but now they are gone, Wee hope that the Service to bee done by them, (which is the pos∣sessing of the Castles, and sending away of the Spaniards in them) will bee presently accomplished, although the winde hath served them so scantly, as we feare they will hardly recover all the places whereunto they are directed: There is onely one Scottish ship gone from Kinsale for Spaine, which carried one hundred and sixtie Spaniards, with part of the Artillerie, but there lies now readie at the Harbour for the first winde, so much shipping as will carrie away fifteene hundred more: so as there will bee yet remaining in Kinsale aboue one thousand more, which with the first shipping that comes from the o∣ther Ports, shall be 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Don Iuan stayes to goe last: It appeareth by some Letters intercepted, which wee send her e••ithall unto your Lordships, that the King of Spaine purposeth in send a larger supply hither with all ex∣pedition: Don Iuan ass••res 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to doe the best ••ee can to stay them, and if he arriue first in Spain••, hec makes no doubt to disswade their comming; but if they should come before his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hee promiseth to returne them accor∣ding to his Covenant in the 〈…〉〈…〉, if they doe not come under the command of some other, that hath a 〈…〉〈…〉 from his, from the King: The Irish haue of late received Letters from Odonnell, to encourage the Rebels to persevere in their 〈…〉〈…〉 the•• of present ayde from Spaine, in the meane time, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their•• all doe but temporize, being readie to assist them when they come, especially if they come in any strength, as it is to bee thought in all reason they will, having found their first errour: Her Maje∣stie must therefore be pleased to ••ee at some charge to erect Fortifications at

Beere-haven, Kinsale, and this place, the Commodities and weaknesse of these places being as well knowen to the Spaniards, as to vs, and further withall to erect Cittadels at Limerick, Corke, and Waterford, though it bee onely to assure the Townes from revolt. It appeareth by the King of Spaines Letter, (and so by the Duke of Lermaes, that his heart is very much set vpon the enterprise of Ireland, and therefore it is not unlike but that he may send more supplies, after or before Don Iuans arrivall in Spaine, ei∣ther vnder him, or some other Commaunder; which if he doe, it is also like∣ly the same will be sent shortly: For prevention thereof (if in your Lord∣ships wisedome it shall be thought meet) we doe humbly beseech, that the foure thousand supplyes heretofore desired, and by your Lordships intended, may be presently sent hither, whereof two thousand to bee erected in Companies, and their Captaines to bee named heere, and the other two thousand for the supplyes of the Armie, which is exceeding weake; for our men die daily in greater numbers then they dyed in the Campe, the infection being greater, and by some thought, a kinde of plague, (for the people in the Townes dye in farre greater numbers then the Souldiers) though wee hope the contrarie: And we doe further desire, that her Majestie will bee pleased to hasten her Fleet to the coast of Spaine, which comming timely, will in our opinions hin∣der any enterprise for Ireland; But lest that should faile, wee renew our former motion, that the Tremontania and the Moone may bee returned to serue upon the coast of Mounster, that the proportions of Munition and Victuals desired in our former Letters, may speedily bee dispatched hither, and that victualls without impediment may come for all places to releeue vs: for already a very great dearth is begun, and a famine must ensue, the rates of all things being incredible, and the new Money much repyned at, which notwithstanding wee doe our uttermost endeavors to advance it. But in a matter of so great importance, we humbly desire your Lordships to giue vs leaue to deliver our opinions freely, having so assured ground for it, that if the King of Spaine continue his Warre in this Countrey, it will bee hard to preserue her Majesties Army and kingdome, without the altering of the cur∣rant money, so generall is the dislike thereof, and so insolently doe they begin already to refuse it; but if there come no other forraine aid, her Majesty (as we thinke) may securely continue it as it is: For all we that are of the Army, whom it most concerneth, (in regard we liue wholly upon our entertainment) will (God willing) endure it for the advancement of the service, though wee are sensible of our losse, by the excessiue enhansing of the prizes of all things that we are to liue upon, which cannot be holpen so long as this new Coyne con∣tinues currant. Of Tyrone, since his overthrow and departure, we hitherto haue heard little, neither doe wee thinke hee will bee able to doe any great harme, without the ayde of new supplies from Spaine. And so wee humbly take leaue, &c. From Corke. 15. February. 1601.

Among many Letters and papers which were found in the Castle of Dunboy (of the winning whereof you shall after heare;)* 9.1 there was one written bearing date the fourth of February, 1602. Stilo novo, by Patrike Sinnet an Irish Priest, remayning in the Groyne with the Earle of Caraçena to Dominick Collins a Iesuit, who was taken at Dun∣boy and executed; sundry other things he related of Odonnels landing in the Asturias, who with the Generall Pedro de Zubiare embarqued at Castle-haven the Ianuary, the next day after he came to the Groyne, where he was nobly received by the Earle of Caraçena, who invited Odonnell to lodge in his house; but hee being Sea sicke, in good manner refused his curtesie; wherefore the Earle lodged him in a ve∣ry faire house, not farre from his; but when his sea-sicknesse was past, he lodged in the Earles house; and upon the twenty seventh of Ia∣nuary, Odonnell departed from the Groyne, accompanied by the Earle and many Captaines, and Gentlemen of quality, who evermore gaue Odonnell the right hand, which within his government he would not haue done to the greatest Duke in Spaine; and at his depar∣ture, hee presented Odonnell with one thousand duckets, and that night hee lay at Santa Lucia: the Earle of Caraçena being returned, the next day hee went to Saint Iames of Compostella, where he was re∣ceived with magnificence by the Prelats, Citizens, and religious per∣sons, and his lodging was made ready for him at Saint Martins, but before hee saw it, hee visited the Archbishop, who instantly prayed him to lodge in his house; but Odonnell excused it: The nine and twentieth the Archbishop saying Masse with pontificall solemnity, did minister the Sacrament to Odonnell, which done hee feasted him at dinner in his house; and at his departure hee gaue him one thousand duckets: The King understanding of Odonnels arrivall, wrote unto the Earle of Caraçena concerning the reception of him, and the affaires of Ireland, which was one of the most gratious Let∣ters that ever King directed; for by it, it plainely appeared that hee would endanger his kingdome to succour the Catholikes of Ireland, to their content, and not faile therein; for the perfecting whereof, great preparations were in hand: Odonnell caried with him to the Court, Redmond Burke, Father Florence, Captaine Mostian, and nine Gentlemen more, where they were nobly received; although the knowledge of the reception of Odonnell in Spaine, was not well knowen by mee untill after the taking of Dunboy, yet I thought it requisite to insert it in its due place, according to the time of his be∣ing at the Groyne: But now let us returne to the affaires of Mounster.

Captaine Roger Ha••••ie (according to his directions) being come to Castle-haven,* 9.2 Pedro••Lop••z do Sot•• the Veador, who had the chiefe command thereof, after the receipt of Don Iuan de Aguila his Letters

and messages, entertayned him with great humanity, and upon the twelfth of February rendered the Castle unto him, receiving an ac∣knowledgement under his, and his brothers Captaine Gawen Harvies hands in writing for the receipt thereof, which done they embar∣qued their victuals, baggage, and Ordnance; lastly their men to the number of one hundred and fourtie by pole, and foure Spanish Cap∣taines; Captaine Roger Harvie delivered the charge of the Castle un∣to his brother Captaine Gawen Harvie, there to remaine in garison with his Company of one hundred foote: The same day that Cap∣taine Harvie came to Castle-haven, the Odrischals (who had the inhe∣ritance of the same) by a slight got into the Castle, and had made themselues masters of it; the Spaniards to recover it againe assaulted it, and were undermining the same when Captaine Harvie was en∣tering into the Haven; but upon the sight of his ships the Irish by composition (to depart in safetie) rendered it to the Spaniard, who had lost two of their Souldiers in the attempt. The one and twen∣tieth, Captaine Harvie having in his Company the Veador, and some other Spaniards,* 9.3 set saile for Baltimore, whereupon the three and twentieth they went on land, and were feasted in the Castle of Do∣nelong by the Governour thereof, called Andreas de Aervy, and the next day (by the direction of the Veador) their Ordnance (being se∣ven in number in the Castle) were shipped: And the sixe and twen∣tieth the said Castle, and the Castle of Donneshed, were with Spanish gravitie rendered to her Majesties use. The second of March fol∣lowing they were all embarqued, and set saile for Spaine: while these things were in doing, Captaine Roger Harvie sent a partie of men to Cape-Cleere, the Castle whereof was guarded by Captaine Terrils men, which they could not gaine, but they pillaged the Iland, and brought from thence three Boats; and the second day follow∣ing, the Rebels not liking the neighbourhood of the English quitted the Castle, wherein Captaine Harvie placed a Guard:* 9.4 at this time Sir Finnin Odrischall came to Captaine Harvie and submitted himselfe: The tenth of the same Moneth, the Lord Barry, Captaine Taffe, and Captaine Iohn Barry, chanced to light upon Donoghe Moyle Mac Car∣ties men, and slew eighteene of the best of them.

From Baltimore Captaine George Flower was shipped in a Hoy of one hundred and twentie Tuns,* 9.5 with two Companies of two hun∣dred in list, (but weake by pole) to receiue from the Spaniards the Castle of Dunboy, but doe all hee could, by reason of fowle weather and contrary winds, hee could never (although hee was at the mouth of the Haven of Beere) recover the Land, and so enforced to returne, effecting nothing, in this short Navigation fiftie of his Souldiers by infection dyed, and but seven of the Saylers living.

Notes

• * 1.1

  10. Febr. The King of Spaines Let∣ters inter∣cepted.
• * 2.1

  Stilo novo.
• * 3.1

  Stilo novo.
• * 4.1

  Stilo novo.
• * 5.1

  Stilo novo.
• * 6.1

  Stilo novo.
• * 7.1

  Postscript.
• * 8.1

  Stilo novo.
• * 8.2

  15. Feb.
• * 9.1

  Odonnels landing and reception in Spaine.
• * 9.2

  Castle haven rendred by the Spani∣ards.
• * 9.3

  The Castles of Doneshed and Done∣long rendred by the Spani∣ards.
• * 9.4

  The Castle of Cape-Cleere guar∣ded by Cap∣taine Harvy.
• * 9.5

  The illsuc∣cesse of Cap∣taine Flow∣ers employ∣ment.