Catalogue description H. [INGE], ARCHBISHOP OF DUBLIN and P. BERMINGHAM, to the DUKE OF NORFOLK.

We have often made supplication to the King and Council for "some good defensour" of this poor land, ever fearing lest some misfortune might chance, the Baron of Delvyn having the governance of it. We have always counselled the Baron rather to suffer for a time than to give occasion of war to any Irishman, especially O'Chonour; "for betwixt them hath been continual contention sith the Earl of Kildare's departing from hence, for divers robberies made on Englishmen, and conveyed to his country, for which the Vice Deputy hath stopped such wages or tribute that O'Chonours have had in times past." On the 12th inst. they appointed a parliament near O'Chonour's country, by a castle of Sir William Darcy's called Rathyn, where the Vice-Deputy "was (by trayn) taken, all his footmen slain, divers of his horsemen sore wounded, and some taken," amongst whom was Christopher Cusake, as you will see by the copy of the Prior of Conalle's letters inclosed, to whom and Sir Walter Delahide we wrote, desiring them to speak with O'Chonour for deliverance of the Vice-Deputy and observance of peace, according to his oath made while you were here, and since to the Earl of Kildare.

These parts are destitute of good captains, and few are apt for war, except the Garrantynes, so that we are compelled to make Sir Thomas Fitz Garrat a "a general captain" for these parts, considering the distance of the Earl of Ossory, and the great affairs which he has in his country. Beseech help from England. The King's revenues do not suffice for the ordinary charges as there is no subsidy. The Irishmen, never so strong as now, "have spied their time and our debility." Send the bearer with instructions to be shown to you, and by you to the King and the Lord Cardinal. Our chief hope is in you.

Dublin, 15 May.

Signed: H. Dublinens.; P. Bermyngheam, Justic.

Addressed: Duke of Norfolk, Treasurer of England.

State Papers II., 129.

Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, ed. J. S. Brewer & W. Bullen (6 vols., 1867-73), vol. I, document 29.