The Earl of Glamorgans negotiations and colourable commitment in Ireland demonstrated: or the Irish plot for bringing ten thousand men and arms into England, whereof three hundred to be for Prince Charls's lifeguard. Discovered in several letters taken in a packet-boat by Sir Tho: Fairfax forces at Padstow in Cornwal. Which letters were cast into the sea, and by the sea coming in, afterwards regained. And were read in the Honorable House of Commons. Together with divers other letters taken by Captain Moulton at sea near Milford-Haven coming out of Ireland, concerning the same plot and negotiation. Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, that these letters be forthwith printed and published. H. Elsynge, Cler. Parl. D. Com.

To the Prince His Highnes.

May it please Your Highnes,

SInce my coming from his Majesty on the 14 of Octo. last, I have gone in such untroden paths, as have not afforded me the possibilitie of making any addresse unto your Highnes, untill this opportunity which hath made me live under no smal affliction, least my Actions should have been misrepresented to your Highnes, and lessen me in that good opinion of yours which I value as the greatest blessing of my life. I shall not presume ••o to trouble your Highnesse with so tedious a Narrative, as the reasons of my coming from the King, and the relation of my Adventures since must needs be; but I have done it at large to Sir Edward Hide, and I most humbly beseech your Highnesse to give him leave to entertain you with them at such leisure times, when he shall finde that you can admit of it with least trouble; which that you may the more easily grant me, I shall not importune you my self with any thing more at this time, then this sincere Protestation, That while I have the Honour to live in Your Highnesse thoughts; which favour, I shal think my self above all Misfortunes, how miserable soever otherwise, and I doubt not but your goodnesse will by preserving me so happy in your memory, encourage me in that which you cannot hinder me, from being

Your Highnes most humble and most faithful Servant, George Digby.

TO Sir EDWARD HIDE Chancellor of the Exchequer.

My dear Chancellor,

I Seize with much joy this occasion that flatters me with the hopes of conveying safe unto you, and by you unto the rest of my Friends there an Accompt of my Adventures, since you heard from me; these inclosed Papers will give you a very par∣ticular relation of all matters of Fact, I make no question but my unsuccessfulnesse in that imployment will give occasion to my enemies to accuse me of a great dis-service to the King, in having been the losse of so many of his horse, not in the conduct of them (for I apprehend not malice it self in that point) but in putting them upon so desperate a Design. This point I desire you to cleer, by letting all with whom you shall finde the Ob∣jection, know, That although I was of opinion, that the King himself ought to have ventured, when he was at Welbeck, the passage into Scotland, in case there had been a certainty of my Lord of Montrosses being on this side Forth, yet when that was once diverted, upon both my Intelligence and Advice, I had afterwards the least share of any man in the Councel of adven∣turing any part of the Kings horse upon so hopelesse a Design as that of Scotland was, while we were doubtful of my Lord of Montrosses condition; but the Northern horse being disgusted with Gerrard, refused absolutely to march back Southward to Welbeck, and so rather then they should disband, it was thought fit to try whether they would be ingaged to adventure to Mon∣trosse, who in all his Letters had seemed much to resent the neg∣lect of him, in not sending him a supply of horse, assuring, That with the help but of 1000. he could carry through his work:

The Proposition being made to Sir Marmaduke Langdale, he at first point-blanck refused it, as an undertaking which had by Gerrard and all the rest been declared desperate; even with all the Kings Horse; but upon second thoughts, finding that all his Horse would disband if they were drawn Southward, he and all the Northern Gentlemen came to the King, and told Him, That if he would lay His Commands upon me to take the charge and to go along with them, they would adventure it, otherwise not: whereupon, I having declared my obedience to whatsoever the King should impose upon me, His Majesty commanded me positively to that charge, using besides His plea∣sure, this Argument to me, That if I succeeded in it I should reap much Honour; if not, I could incur no prejudice by fail∣ing in that which was at first given for desperate: and so at half an hours warning, having (I protest to God) not dreamt of the matter before, I marcht off from the Rendezvouz, with an Addition onely to the Northern Horse, of such as would vo∣luntarily chuse to go with me, which proved to be a matter of Three hundred, with which I made that progresse, which you will finde related in the inclosed Papers: But here I am sure you will wonder, how I holding that place I did neer the King, and having the Honour of so great a part in His Trusts, especi∣ally at a time when he had scarce either Counsellor or Pen-man about Him, should be put upon so extravagant and desperate an imployment: To this I must let you know, and such onely as you shall think fit, That though I had no thought of the present Action, yet the King and I had long before (that is ever since His Affairs were made so desperate by the losse of Bristol) con∣cluded it most for his service, That I should absent my self from him for some time, in case I could finde a fair and honorable pre∣tence for it: I believe the accidents since befaln at Newark with Prince Rupert and Gerrard, will have given you a light of some reasons of my remove. The truth; Here follow many lines of Characters—

Over and above these urging Reasons, as to the time, upon the main of the Kings condition and mine; I found the King likely to suffer much by my stay near him, the wearinesse of the

War being so universal, and the despair of any approvement in His condition being so great in all about Him, I found it al∣most every mans opinion; Here come in more lines of Cha∣racters—

I thought it then high time to watch an opportunity of free∣ing His Maj••sty from an Attendant so pernicious to His Honour and Interest; And this, my dearest Friend, is as much as I think necessary to say unto you upon this subject, hoping that by your dextrous conveyance of it to His Highness the Prince of Wales, it will have the same impression with him, which I cannot doubt of with you.

Since my coming out of England, I staid a moneth for a wind at the Isle of Man, which time I cannot think mis-spent, having there received great civilities from my Lord of Derby, and had the means of a particular acquaintance with his Noble Lady, whom I think one of the wisest and generousest persons that I have known of her Sex: From thence, I and my company were very securely conveyed hither in a light Frigot of his Lordships, where I found all things in a great forwardnesse, the conclusion of which was expected within few dayes, and great Forces (as was pretended) already in a readinesse for England under the command of the Earl of Glamorgan the Confederates great General and Favourite; but his Lordship being sent for by my Lord Lieutenant and my self, to confer about the wayes of disposing those Ayds most to the advantage of His Majesties service, the businesses contained in the inclosed Papers brake sorth in such manner, as you will finde there set down, and ob∣liged me to that part in the Kings Vindication, which was thought could not so properly be performed by any as my self; you will finde the whole businesse so fu••ly stated in the Trans∣actions themselves which I send you, and in my Letter to my Brother Secretary, that I shall need to say no more upon the subject, onely let me ask you, whether according to the rules of Policy I have not carryed my body swimmingly, who being be∣fore so irreconciliably hated by the Puritan party, have thus seasonably made my self as odious with the Papists: well, my comfort is, that the very few honest men that are in the world

will love me the better, and whil'st I do the part of a man of Integrity and Honour, I am willing to trust God with the rest. I must not conclude without telling you, that if I had been brought hither by far greater misfortunes, I could not have re∣pined at any thing that had given me the happinesse of so parti∣cular a knowledge of, and friendship with the Marques of Or∣mond, who (if I can judge at all of men) is not onely the wisest yong man, but the most steady, generous, and vertuous person that I have ever known. I conjure you, as you love virtue, and as you love me, who have so little a share of it, build carefully by the diligent application upon those grounds which I have laid for a friendship between you; for indeed, I love him so much, as I cannot be at rest till we make up the Triangle equall on all sides, to that perfection wherewith I am

Dublin, Ian. 4. 1645.

Yours, George Digby.

Pray fail not to let my Father partake of what I write to you, and General Goring also, as far forth as you shall judge necessary.

To Secretary Nicholas.

My good Brother,

YOu will receive by this dispatch a particular accompt from my Lord Lieutenant of the state of the Treaty here, and of those Conditions upon which he was hopefull suddenly to have concluded such a Peace as would have afforded His Majesty powerful and timely ayds from this Kingdom, had not the un∣fortunate madnesse (for I can give it no other name) of my Lord of Glamorgan, and the necessary proceeding thereupon, cast all things back into a posture, as uncertain and more dangerous then ever. You will receive from my Lord Lieutenant and the Coun∣cel here, a punctual relation of the matter of Fact, and it is re∣ferred to me to convey unto you, and by you to His Majesty, the Circumstances and Reasons of the whole proceeding against his Lordship.

About ten dayes since, matters of the Treaty growing near to a conclusion, and in confidence thereof preparations being made by my Lord of Glamorgan, and the Irish (as they assured us) for the speedy sending over of three thousand men for the relief of Chester, which were to be made up ten thousand before the be∣ginning of March. It was thought necessary that we should confer with the said Earl of Glamorgan and some of the Irish Commissioners, to the end that before my Lord Lieutenants fi∣nal consent to the Articles of the Treaty, the businesse of the Kings supply might be reduced from discourse to a certainty, and directed in the most advantagious way for his service; to which end (we little suspecting then what was since discovered) the said Earl of Glamorgan and some of the Irish Commissioners then at Kilkenny were earnestly invited hither both by my Lord Lieutenant and my self.

Upon Monday last, the day before the said Earl of Glamorgan was expected in Town, my Lord Lieutenant received out of the North from an honest and well affected person, the copy which is sent you of my Lord of Glamorgans Articles and Oath with the Confederate Catholiques, assured to have been found in the

titulary Archbishop of Tuams pocket, killed in October last at Sligo. At first the thing appeared so impossible, as that we were apt to think it a Forgery and Plot against the King of the Par∣liamentary Rebells, till considering the circumstances, formali∣ties and punctualities thereof, we grew to apprehend somewhat more in the matter, and soon after a second and third copy of the same coming to other persons, all with Letters to the effect of this inclosed, it was then thought high time to take the busi∣nesse into most serious consideration; which being done by my Lord Lieutenant and my self, assisted by some of the wisest and best affected persons here, we soon concluded, that if these things were once published, and that they could be believed to be done by His Majesties Authority, they could have no lesse fa∣tall an effect then to make all men so believing, conclude all the former Scandals cast upon His Majesty of the inciting this Irish Rebellion true, That he was a Papist, and designed to introduce Popery even by wayes the most unkingly and perfidious; And consequently, that there would be a general revolt from him of all good Protestants, with whom this opinion could take place.

Now when we considered the circumstances convincing the truth of this Transaction on my Lord of Glamorgans part, and how impossible almost it was for any man to be so mad, as to en∣ter into such an Agreement without powers from His Majesty, and there being some kinde of a formal Authority vouched in the Articles themselves, we did also conclude, That probably the greatest part of the world, who had no other knowledge of His Majesty then by outward appearances, would believe this true, and do according to that belief, unlesse His Majesty were sud∣denly and eminently vindicated by those who might justly pre∣tend to know him best. Upon this ground it was also concluded by us, That lesse then an Arrest of the Earl of Glamorgan upon suspition of High-Treason could not be a Vindication of His Majesty eminent or loud enough; and that this part could not properly nor effectually be performed by any other person then my self, both in regard of my Place and Trusts near His Maje∣stie, That the businesse of Ireland had pass'd for the most part through my hands, That I attended His Majesty about the time of the date of His Majesties pretended Commission, That since

that time I had by His Majesties command written to the Irish Commissioners a Letter, whereof I send you a copy so Diami∣trally opposite to the said Earls Transactions; And lastly, in re∣gard that my Lord Lieutenant, to whom otherwise His Maje∣sties Vindication in this kinde might properly have belonged, was generally thought to be unworthily cousened and abused in the matter, in case there were any such secret Authority given by His Majesty to the Earl of Glamorgan.

This being our unanimous judgement of what was fit to be done, and by whom, the onely Question then remaining, was to the point of Time, in which we were also of opinion, That if it were defer••'d till the businesse growing publike otherwayes, should begin to work its mischief, His Majesties Vindication would lose much of its force, and be thought rather applyed to the notarieting then to the impiety of the thing, and rather to the pernicious effects then to the detestable cause it self: Not∣withstanding I must confesse unto you, that the consideration of frustrating the supplies of three thousand men, which were so confidently affirmed to be in readinesse for the relief of Chester, in case the condition of that place could not bear the delay which this might occasion, wrought in us a very great suspension of Judgement, Whether the proceeding against my Lord of Glamorgan should not be forborn till that so necessary supply were sent away; but the case being more strictly examined, We found, first, that by the Lord of Glamorgans Oath, the Forces were not to be haz••rded till His Majesties performance of the said Earls Conditions: And secondly, that the said supply was never intended by my Lord of Glamorgan and the Irish, till the Articles of Peace were consented to, which the Lord Lieutenant durst in no wise do without a preceding Vindication of the Kings Honour, since this Transaction of my Lord of Glamorgans was known unto him, and known to be known unto him by those who wanted neither Art nor Malice to make use of it; so that the necessary forbearance to conclude the Treaty, frustra∣ting as much the relief of Chester, as the sudden and vigorous proceeding against my Lord of Glamorgan could do, our Reso∣lutions did in the end determine upon that course; when at the instant to remove all Objections, Information was brought us,

That the thing was already publike throughout the Town, and began to work such dangerous ••ff••cts, as in tru••h I do not believe that my Lord Lieutenant, or any of the Kings faithful Servants could have been many hours safe in the delay of this His Majesties and their Vindication, which h••th now been so seasonably applied, as that it hath wrought here not onely a ge∣neral satisfaction in all moderate men; but even such a conver∣sion in many lesse well inclined, That whereas before a Peace with the Irish, even upon those unavoidable Conditions, upon which my Lord Lieutenant must needs within few dayes have concluded, it would hardly have bin published in this place with∣out very much danger; mens mindes are so secured and setled by this proceeding, as that I believe the Peace now would be em∣braced upon those, & perhaps upon harder terms, without much mutiny or repining. This being so, our chief remaining fear is, lest what hath been done against my Lord of Glamorgan should so far incense the Irish, as to drive them to sudden extremes; things here on His Majesties part being in so ill a condition to enter again upon a War unto this danger, the best preventives we could think of are applied, This inclosed Letter written to my Lord of Muskerry by my Lord Lieutenant; Apt persons imployed to Kilkenny, to acquaint them with the reasons and necessities of this proceeding; And lastly, the Articles of Peace sent unto them with my Lord Lieutenants assent, in the very terms proposed, and acquiest in by themselves in the last results of this long Treaty; which in all probability will have one of these two effects, either to make them conclude a Peace (not∣withstanding this in••ervening accident) whereby Chester may be speedily relieved, and His Majesty further supplied this Spring, or make it break so foully on their side, as to divide from them the most considerable of their party. Whatever the event be, my Lord Lieutenant and I shall comfort our selves with this satisfaction, That we have done what belong'd to men of Honour, faithful to their King, and to their Religion, and as wisely as ours and our friends best understandings could di∣rect us, leaving the rest to God Almighty, whom we beseech (* 1.1 to direct) His Majesty to that course herein on His part, which may be correspondent to our faithful endeavours; and

that he will blesse them with as good effects upon the mindes of all honest men, towards his Majesties Vindication in that King∣dom, as I make no doubt but what we have done wil have in this, when seconded and pursued by those further directions from his Majesty, which I am sure His own Wisdom and Princely Indig∣nation to finde His Honour, Conscience, and Piety thus infa∣mously traduced, will dictate unto Him without further advice from

Dublin, Jan. 4. 1645.

Your

I Believe you will be as much startled as I was to finde the Signet mentioned in my Lord of Glamorgans Transaction; but it seems that was mistaken; and that he now pretends to some kinde of Authority under the Kings Pocket-Seal, which I certainly believe to be as false, as I know the other.

Articles of agreement made and concluded between the Right Honourable Edw. Earle of Gla∣morgan, in pursuance, and by vertue of his Maje∣sties * 1.2 Authority under His Signet and Royall sig∣nature, bearing date at Oxon the twelfth day of March, in the 20th yeare of his Raigne, For, and on the behalfe of his most Excellent Majestie of the one part, and the Right Honourable Richard, Lord Viscount Mountgarret, Lord President of the su∣preme Councell of the Confederate Catholiques of Ireland, Donog. Lord Viscount Muskery; Alex∣ander, Mac Donnell, & Nicholas Plunket, Esquires; Sir Robert Talbot, Baronet; Dormet o Brian, John Dillon, Patrick Darcy, & Jeffrey Browne, Esquires, for and on the behalfe of his Majesties Roman Catholique subjects, and the Catholique Clergy of Ireland of the other part.

IMprimis, The said Earle doth grant, con∣clude and agreee on the behalfe of his Majestie, his Heires and Successours, to and with the said Rich. Lord Viscount Mountgarret, Donnog. Lord Viscount Muskery, Alex. Mac Donnell, and Ni∣cholas Plunket, Esquires; Sir Robert Talbot, Baronet; Dormet ô Brian, Jo. Dillon, Patr. Darcy, and Jeffrey Browne, Esquires, that the Roman Catholique Clergie of the said Kingdome, shall and may from hence-forth for ever, hold and

enjoy all and every such Lands, Tenements, Tithes and Heredi∣taments whatsoever by them respectively enjoyed within this Kingdome, or by them possessed at any time since the twenty three of October 1641. and to all other such Lands, Tenements, Tithes, and Hereditaments belonging to the Clergie within this Kingdome, other then such as are now actually enjoyed by his Majesties Protestant Clergie.

Item, It is granted, concluded, and agreed on by the said Ri∣chard Lord Viscount Mountgarrer, Donnog. Lord Viscount Muskery, Alex. Mac Donnell, and Nicholas Plunket, Sir Ro∣bert Talbot, Dormett ô Brian, Jo. Dillon, Patr. Darcy, and Jeffrey Browne, on the behalfe of the Confederate Roman Ca∣tholiques of Ireland, that two parts in three parts to be divided, of all the said Lands, Tithes, and Hereditaments whatsoever mentioned in the precedent Article, shall for three yeares next ensuing, the Feast of Easter, which shall bee in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred forty six, bee disposed of and converted for and to the use of his Majesties Forces em∣ployed, or to be employed in His service, and the other third part to the use of the said Clergy respectively; And so the like dispo∣sition to be renewed from three yeares to three yeares by the said Clergy during the warres.

Item, It is accorded and agreed by the said Earle of Glamor∣gan, for and in the behalfe of his Majestie, his Heires and Successors, that his Excellency, the Lord Marquesse of Ormond, Lord Lievtenant of Ireland, or any other or others authorized, or to be authorized by his Majestie, shall not disturbe the Pro∣fessors of the Roman Catholique Religion in the present possession, and continuance of the possession of their Churches, Lands, Tenements, Tithes, Hereditaments▪ Jurisdiction, or any other the matters aforesaid in these Articles agreed and condescended to by the said Earle, untill his Majesties pleasure bee signified for confirming and publishing the Graunts herein Articled for, and condescended unto by the said Earle.

Item, It is accorded and agreed by the sayd Earle, for and in the behalfe of his Majestie, his Heires and Successours, that an Act shall bee passed in the next Parliament, to bee held in this

Kingdome, according to the tenor of such agreement, or concessi∣ons as herein are expressed: and in the meane time, the said Cler∣gie shall enjoy the full benefit, freedome, and advantage of the said agreements and concessions, and every of them. And the Earle of Glamorgan doth hereby engage his Majesties Royall word and publike faith unto the said Lord Viscount Mountgar∣ret, and the rest of the said Commissioners, for the due observati∣on and performance of all and every the Articles, Agreements, and Concessions herein mentioned to be performed to the said Ro∣man Catholique Clergie, and every of them. In witnesse where∣of the parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably put their hands and seales the 25. of August, Anno Dom. 1645.

Glamorgan.

Signed. Sealed, and delivered in the presence of John Summerset, Jeffrey Browne, and Robert Barry,

VVHereas in these Articles touching the Clergies li∣vings, the Right Honourable, the Earle of Glamor∣gan is obliged in his Majesties behalfe, to secure the Concessi∣ons in these Articles by Act of Parliament; We holding that manner of securing these Graunts as to the Clergies livings, to prove more difficult and prejudiciall to his Majestie, then by doing thereof, and securing these Concessions, otherwise as to the said Livings, the said Earle undertaking, and promising in the behalfe of his Majestie, his Heires and Successors, as here∣by he doth undertake, to settle the said Concessions, and secure them to the Clergie, and their respective successours, as ano∣ther secure way, other then by Parliament at present, till a fit opportunity be offred for securing the same, doe agree and con∣descend thereunto. And this instrument by his Lordship signed, was before the perfection thereof intended to that pur∣pose, as to the said Livings; to which purpose we have mutu∣ally Signed this Endorsment. And it is further intended that the Catholique Clergie shall not bee interrupted by Parlia∣ment,

or otherwise, as to the said livings, contrary to the meaning of these Articles.

Glamorgan.

Copia vera collata fideliter cum Origin. Tho. Cashell, F. Patricius, Waterford & Lismor.

VVHereas much time hath been spent in Meetings and Debates betwixt his Excellencie Ja. Lord Mar∣quesse of Ormond, Lord Lievtenant, and Generall, Governour of his Majesties Kingdome of Ireland, Commissioner to his most Excellent Majesty, CHARLES, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France and Ireland &c. for the Trea∣ting and Concluding of a Peace in the said Kingdome: of his Majesties humble and loyall Subjects, the Confederate Ro∣man Catholiques of the said Kingdome of Ireland, of the one part, and the Right Honourable Donnog. Lord Viscount Muskery, and other Commissioners deputed and Authorized by the said Consederate Roman Catholique subjects of the other part; And thereupon many difficulties did arise, by occa∣sion whereof, sundry matters of great weight and conse∣quence necessarily requisite to be condescended unto by his Ma∣jesties said Commissioner, for the safety of the said Confederate Roman Catholiques were not hitherto agreed upon, which re∣tarded, and doth as yet retard the Conclusion of a firme Peace and settlement in the said Kingdome. And whereas the Right Honourable Edward Earle of Glamorgan, is intrusted and Authorized by his most Excellent Majesty to Grant and assure to the said Confederate Roman Catholique subjects farther graces and favours which the said Lord Lievtenant did not, as yet, in that latitude as they expected grant unto them. And the said Earle having seriously considered of all matters, and due circumstances of the great Affaires now in agitation which is the peace and quiet of the said Kingdome, and the impor∣tance thereof in order to his Majesties service, and in relation to a Peace and settlement in his other Kingdomes, and here upon the place having seene the ardent desire of the said Ca∣tholiques

to assist his Majestie against all that doe, or shall op∣pose his Royall Right or Monarchique Government, and ha∣ving discerned the alacrity and cheerefulnesse of the said Ro∣man Catholiques to embrace honourable Conditions of Peace, which may preserve their Religion, and other just Interests; In pursuance thereof in the twentieth of His Raigne, granted unto the said Earle of Glamorgan, the tenour whereof is as followeth, viz. CHARLES R. Charles by the Grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defendor of the Faith, &c. To Our Right Trusty and well-beloved Cousin, Edw. Earle of Glamorgan Greeting. Wee reposing great and especiall trust and confidence in your approved wisedome and fidelity, doe by these (as firmly as under Our Great Seale, to all intents and purposes) Authorize and give conclude you power to Treat and conclude with the Confederate Roman Catholiques in our Kingdome of Ireland, if upon necessitie any thing be to be condescended unto, wherein Our Lord Lievtenant cannot so well be seen in, as not fit for us at this present publickly to owne, and therefore we charge you to proceed according to this our Warrant, with all possible secresie; And for whatsoe∣ver yo•• shall engage your selfe, upon such valuable considera∣tions, as you in your judgement shall deeme fit, Wee promise in the word of a King, and a Christian, to ratifie and performe the same that shall be granted by you and under your hand & seale▪ the said Confederate Catholiques, having by their sup∣plyes testified their zeale to Our service: And this shall bee in each particular to you a sufficient warrant. Given at Our Court at Oxon, under Our Signet, and Royall Signature the twelfth day of March, in the twentieth yeare of our Raigne, 1644. To Our Right Trusty and well-beloved Cousin Edward Earle of Glamorgan. It is therefore granted, accorded, and agreed, by and betweene the said Earle of Glamorgan, for and on the behalfe of his most Excellent Majesty, his Heires and Successors on the one part, and the Right Honourable, Richard Lord Viscount Mountgarret, Lord President, of the supreame Councell of the said Confederate Catholiques, and the said Donnog, Lord Viscount Muskery, Alex. Mac Donnell, and

Nich. Plunket, Esquires; Sir Robert Talbot, Baronet; Dormet ô Brian, Jo. Dillon; P……r. Darcy, and Jeffrey B••owne. Esquires; Commissioners in that behalfe appointed, by the said Confe∣derate Roman Catholique subjects of Ireland, for and in the behalfe of the said Confederate Roman Catholiques of the other part, in manner following, that is to say,

Imprimis, It is agreed, accorded, and granted by the said Earle, for, and on the behalfe of his most Excellent Majesty, his Heires and Successours, That all and every of the professors of the Roman Catholike Religion in this Kingdome of Ireland, of what ever estate, degree or quality soever he or they be or shall be, shall for ever hereafter have and enjoy within the said Kingdome, the free and publike use and exercise of the sayd Roman Catho∣lique Religion, and of the respective functions therein.

Item, it is granted, accorded, and agreed by the said Earle, for, and on the behalfe of his Majesty, his Heires and Successours, That the sayd Professours of Roman Catholique Religion shall hold and enjoy, all and every of the Churches by them enjoyed within this Kingdome, or by them possessed at any time since the 23. of October 1641. and all other Churches in the said King∣dome, other then such as are now actually enjoyed by his Maje∣sties Protestant subjects.

Item, it is granted, accorded, and agreed by the said Earle, for, and on the behalfe of his most Excellent Majesty, his Heires and Successors, That all and every of the Catholique subjects of Ireland, of what state and condition, degree or quality soever, shall be free and exempt from the Iurisdiction of the Protestant Clergy, and every of them, and that the Catholique Roman Cler∣gy of this Kingdome, shall not be punished, troubled or molested for the exercise of their Jurisdiction over their respective Catho∣lique flocks in matters spirituall and Ecclesiasticall.

Item, It is further accorded, granted, and agreed by the said Earle, for, and on the behalfe of his most Excellent Majesty, his Heires and Successors, That an Act shall be passed in the next Parliament to be held in this Kingdome; the tenour and purport wherof shall be as followeth, viz. An Act for the relief of his Ma∣jesties Catholique subjects of his Highnesse Kingdome of Ireland.

Whereas by an Act made in Parliament held at Dublin, in the second yeare of the Raigne of the late Queene Elizabeth, intitu∣led, An Act for restoring to the Crown the antient Jurisdiction over the state Ecclesiasticall and Spirituall, and abolish all For∣raigne power repugnant to the same, And by another Statute made in the said last mentioned Parliament, intituled, An Act for the uniformity of Common Prayer and Service in the Church, and the Administration of the Sacraments, sundry mulcts, penalties, restraints, and incapacities are and have been layd upon the pro∣fessors of the Roman Catholique religion in this Kingdome, in and for, and concerning the use, profession, and exercise of their Reli∣gion, and their functions therein, to the great prejudice, trouble, and disquiet of the Roman Catholiques in their Liberties and estates, to the generall disturbance of the whole Kingdome; For remedy whereof, and for the better settling, increase, and continu∣ance of the peace, unity, and tranquillity of this Kingdome of Ire∣land, his Majesty at the humble suit and request of the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, is graciously pleased, that it may be enacted, and bee it enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty, the Lords spirituall and temporall, and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by authority of the same, that from, of, and after the first day of this Session of Parliament, it shall and may be lawfull to, and for all the Pro∣fessors of the Roman Catholique Religion, of what degree, conditi∣on or quality soever, to have and enjoy the free and publike exer∣cise and profession of the said Roman Catholique Religion, and of their severall and respective functions therein, without incurring any mulct and penalty whatsoever, or being subject to any restraint or incapacity concerning the same, any Article, Clause, sentence, or provision in the said last mentioned Acts of Parliament, or in any other Act or Acts of Parliament, Ordinances, Law or usage to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. And be it also further enacted, that neither the said Statutes, or any other Statute, Act, or Ordinance heretofore made in your Majesties Raigne, or in any the Raigne of any of your Highnesse most noble Progenitors or Ancestors and now of force in this Kingdome, nor all, nor any Branch, Article, Clause, and sentence in them, or any of them

contained and expressed shall be of force and validity in this Realme, to extend to be construed or adjudged to extend in any wise to enquiet, prejudice, vexe or molest the professors of the said Ro∣man Catholique Religion, in their persons, lands, hereditaments, or goods, for any thing, matter, or cause whatsoever touching, and concerning the free and publique use, exercise and enjoying of their sayd Religion, function, and profession. And be it also further e∣nacted and declared by the authority aforesaid that your Maje∣sties Roman Catholique Subjects in the said Realme of Ireland from the first day of this session of Parliament shall be and be taken de……ed, and adjudged capable of all offices of trust, and advance∣ment places, degrees & dignit••es and preferments whatsoever with∣in your said Realme of Ireland, any Act Statute, Ʋsage or Law, to the contrary notwithstanding. And that other Acts shall be passed in the said Parliament, according to the tenor of such agreement or concessions as herein are expressed, and that in the meane time the said Roman Catholique Subjects, and every of them shall en∣joy the full freedome, benefit and advantage of the said agreement or concessions and of every of them.

Item It is accorded granted and agreed by the said Earle, For and on the behalfe of his Majesty, his Heires and Successors, That his Ex. the Lord Marques of Ormond Lord Livetenant of Ireland or any other or others authorized by his Majesty shall not disturbe the Professors of the Roman Catholique Religion in their present posession, and continuance of the posession of their said Chur∣ches, Jurisdiction or any other the matters aforesaid in these Ar∣ticles agreed and consented unto by the said E. untill his Majesties pleasure be signified for confirming and publishing the grounds and Agreements hereby articled for, and condiscended unto by the said Earle. And the said Earle of Glamorgan doth hereby ingage his Majesties Royall and publique Faith unto all and singular the professors of the said Roman Catholique Religion within the said Kingdome of Ireland, for the due observance and performance of all and every the Articles, Grounds and Clauses, herein contain∣ed, and the Conscessions herein mentioned to be performed to them.

Item It is accorded and agreed that the publique Faith of the kingdom shal be engaged unto the said Earl by the said confederate Catholiques

for sending 10000. men to serve his Majesty by order and publique Declaration of the generall assembly now sitting: and the supreame Councell of the said Confederate Catholiques, shall engage themselves to bring the said number of men armed the one halfe with musketts, and the other halfe with Pikes unto any Port within this realme at the election of the said Earle, and at such time as he shall appoint to be by him shipped and transpor∣ted to serve his Majesty in England, Wales, or Scotland, under the Command of the said Earle of Glamorgan, as Lord Generall of the said army: which army is to be kept together in one entire bo∣dy, and all other the said Officers and Commanders of the said ar∣my are to be named by the supreame Councell of the said Confe∣derate Catholiques, or by such others as the severall assembly of the said Confederate Catholiques of this Kingdome shall entrust there∣with. In witnes whereof the parties of these presents have hereunto enterchangeably put their hands and seales the 25. Day of Au∣gust 1645.

Glamorgan.

Copia vera collata fideliter originali Thomas Cashell. F Partricius Waterford & Lismore.

I Edward Earle of Glamorgan doe protest and sweare faith∣fully to acquaint the Kings most excellent Majesty with the proceedings of this Kingdome, in order to his service and to the endeerement of this Nation, and punctuall performance of what I have (as authorized by his Majesty) obliged my selfe to see performed. And in default not to permit the army intrusted to my charge to adventure it selfe or any considerable part thereof, untill conditions from his Majesty, and by his Majesty be performed.

Sept. 3. 1645.

Glamorgan.

Copia vera concordans de verbo & verbis cum originali. Tho: Cashell.

To the Lord Hopton.

My Noble Lord

IF the report of the many difficulties wherewith I have strugled in compassing my designes for his Majesties ser∣vie, have not before this reached you, a faithfull Relation of the whole will be made to you by the bearer hereof Cap∣taine Allen, whom I desire your Lordship to present unto the Prince His Highnes as an honest man, and one that pro∣poseth a course for Intelligence to passe between this Country and his Majesties Quarters, whereof there is great need: Now (God be thanked) the businesse is brought to that upshot, that the ten thousand men are designed for his Majesties service, sixe thousand whereof are ready for Transportation: The means for which are wanting, unlesse your Lordship will please to solicite his Highnes the Prince for transmitting what shiping those parts are furnished with, that all possible expedition may be used. We heare (God be thanked) that as yet Chester holds out, to releive which the 6000. men are ready for transportati∣on. This bearer hath intimated the Princes desire for haveing ••00 men hence for his highnes Lifguard, which may be transpor∣ted to his highnes by the returne of such shiping as shall be sent hither for the aforesaid service. By his returne I desire to learne from your Lordship, the Kings present State and being, that wee may shape our Designes accordingly, Thereby I should be most glad to know of the Princes and your Lordships good successe and prosperity, for which none can be more solicitous then I who am

My Lord

Waterford 28 Feb. 1645.

Your L. most affectionate humble servant Glamorgan

Right Honourable,

I Have hitherto been so farre from troubling you with many Letters, that I can scarce abstain for excusing this Addresse, But as I hope you will do me the favour, to beleeve that those Ommissions have proceeded out of a tendernesse to molest you unnecessarily, & not out of any slothfulness in things essential to my duty, so in my own opinion I were now too much to blame, if after so long time, & some late hazards, I should not take this occasion to repeat unto you the assurances of my most humble service, proceeding from the due sence I have of your goodnesse to me, which howsoever I have bin deficient in expressing, as to the outward, I assure your Honour, I preserve the memory in a very sure Cabinet, as a treasure there laid up wholly for your service, when ever you shall thinke me worthy the tryall.

For what concernes the affaires of this Kingdome, My Lord gives you so full & particular an accompt thereof, that I cannot adde to your knowledge of them. Therefore I shall sufficiently have observed the decorum of the place, and complyed with my duty too, when I shall have made these few reflections upon the generall condition of these parts, and especially of the English Quarters, which in my judgement is very sad, they being not onely reduced within a very narrow compasse of ground, but totally ruinated, the whole Countrie waste, and unhabited, Farms and Villages burnt down to the ground, not a Garrison of his Majesties. 36. 45. 188. 23. 27. 58. 24. 12. 66. or any wise 5. 69. 11. 13. 38. 57 61. 59. 70. 37. 71. 63. 40. 6. 5. 59. 72. just 66. 84. 45. 36. Provisions of all sorts very scant. The Corporations: 8. 35. 55. 16. 62. and 49. 63. 46. 68. 12. 2. 49. between 36. 4. 25. 15. 63. 6. 67. 29. 87. 4. 19. 34. 58. 42. 13. 11. 6 66. 45. the 8. 16. 35. 67. 62. 51. 67. 70. 11. 29. 40. 20. 2. 15. 70. 16. 5. 31. 36. equall to either, The Army in 66. 3. 55. 40. 29. 23. 12. 2. 34. 71. 38. 10. 62. as 300. 3. 22. 11. 6. 68. 29 5. 58. 56. 37. 20. 39. above 45. 5. 35. 30. 59. 66. thousand 27 58. 46. 2. 66. 48. 19. 40. 49. 16. 69. 12. Foot, and 66. 67. 28. 34. 2. 62. 69 Hundred horse, Garrisons and all, and those for the most part of 51. 52. 6. 4. 2. 3. 42. 2. 49. 71. 27. 39. 24. 26. 67. 68. 55. 56. 29. This place it selfe in a man∣ner

Blockt up by the Parliament Shipps, riding continually without it, and no lesse pincht at land by the Irish Quartered within a very few miles of it, This condition of his Majesties Quarters here, compared with that of the Irish, contrary to i•• almost in every respect, may seeme unlikely upon any condi∣tions offered hitherto, to further such a Peace as must dispossesse them of great advantages gotten by the War, and such a Peace as thwarts the Ambition, and covetous desires of all those of the Long Robe, whether they be their Clergie or Laiety, and the sway and Authority of their Nobility, the unlimited Liberty of the People. The Popes interest, consisting in being Head, not of a Militant, but tryumphant Church, and (it may be) the secret negotiations, which they have, and do still entertain with For∣raigne Princes. It is true, the duty that subjects owe to their Prince should out-ballance all such considerations; But I doubt, that duty is taught at Rome, with as many limitations, as at Edenborough, or in Westminster it selfe; And as for those Refle∣ctions, that should be made upon the future, they are not for every capacity, but for understanding men onely, and such may (for ought appears to me to the contrary) see as faire and pro∣mising hopes for themselves in our embroylements at home, as we can see for our advantage in their refusall and obstinacie; To which I may adde this further consideration, how they will be able to suppresse Inchiquin, assisted and supported from Eng∣land and maintain their own too, against the Scots, if they shall once have parted with 10000. of their best men, and with so many Armes, since it is plaine that sithence the Cessation, they have made no great progresse against either of the two, with their entire strength: for as for any assistance they can expect from my Lord Lievtenant it is inconsiderable, and these Garri∣sons must not bee drained for feare of Insurrections within, where we find much wavering, and such a hatred even in the Souldiers themselves against the Confederates, that I can pro∣mise my selfe but little good from their Conjunction. Thus your Honour may see what probability my Lord Lievtenant, though never so good a Gamester, hath of the Game in hand between the danger of war, and the difficulty of procuring an

usefull, and honourable Peace for his Majestie by this Treaty. The proceedings whereof I leave to his Lordships relation, resting

Sir,

Dublin the 2. day of January 1645.

Your Honours most humble, affectionate, and obliged Servant▪ John Poingdexter.

To the Lord Culpeper.

My Lord,

HAving orepast many Rubbs and difficulties, the long expected worke is at last compassed, which by what meanes it wa•• retarded, your Lordship perhaps before hath learned, and will be more faithfully and amply Related by the Bearer, Captaine Bamber, whom I have employed to his Highnesse the Prince, to give an account of the state of affaires here, and in what a Mist wee are for want of Intelligence, whereby wee might be ascertained of the Kings and Princes Condition, which one Allen a Merchant of Waterford pro∣poseth to undertake a course for. And 〈…〉〈…〉 his Highnesse de∣sire, which moved for three hundred men for the Princes Life-Guard which the Irish party is willing should bee sent him by the returne of such shipping as I have humbly desired from his Highnesse, might be sent hither to Waterford for to waft over the men, whereof six thousand are in a readinesse for the reliefe of Chester (which yet wee heare holds out) and the other foure thousand by the first of May are to follow. Your * 5.1 Lordship would extreamly further the service by your Re∣presenting to his Highnesse the necessitie of a course of Intel∣ligence, That we might not (as we are now) buried in igno∣rance of his Majesties and the Princes being and Condition, of which I hoped your Lordship will vouchsafe me some light, that our motion may be according thereunto, by which like∣wise

to be assertained of your Lordships wellfare and happi∣nesse would be most wellcome newes to

Waterford the 27. of Febr. 1645.

My Lord,

• Your Lordships most affectionate and humble servant, Glamorgan.
• Lord Culpeper.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Some such words should be supplyed to make it sence, though they be not in the Original.
• * 1.2

  This is the true Copy of the Articles sent by the Lord George Digby, to Se∣cretary Ni∣cholas, to be by him com∣municated to his Maje∣sty.
• * 5.1

  First of May.