Catalogue description MARTIN PELLYS to [CROMWELL?].

The subtil compassing of the Irishmen, as well within the English pale as without, doth almost pass the capacity of any man without it be your Lordship, or other like that hath been used to have communication with them, or by writing from them that be continuers and dwellers among them." They daily consult together how they may find means that "no English gentleman nor other" shall have rule or authority in Ireland but only Irishmen. They are sorry that Englishmen know so much of the country as they do, as the bearer can inform you from the experience which he had here in the Duke of Norfolk's time. If your Lordship do give command to the Deputy, the Treasurer, the Prior of Cellmaynam and the Master of the Rolls "to avoid covetousness," then the King and you will hear of such things done as will please you, which cannot be done so long as the Irishmen know as much of the King's counsel as the Englishmen who are the King's Council.

The Butlars be of a high courage and liveth here like princes." Many fear they will be loth to live in subjection, if any other means may be found either by fair words, subtil wit, or for money; "for all the country prayeth daily to God that the Butlars especially may never be their head rulers," nor any that are native born in this land. They also pray for the prosperity of your Lordship, for they say you moved the King "to go so graciously through with this country as his Grace hath done," whereby they are brought out of misery.

I have seen some countries more than England, [Qu. a mistake for Ireland ?] yet I never, nor no other man that ever I have communed with but saith for all things it is the goodliest land that ever they have seen, not only for pleasure and pastime of a prince, but as well for profit to his Grace profit (sic), and for the whole realm of England." I would your Lordship were in this land but three months; you would make the noblest journey that ever was made. The King can lose no more than is lost, unless he lose all. If the King and you cause the country between Dublin and Waterford to be inhabited, then the King might say Ireland was clearly won, and after that he would be at little cost and receive great profits, with men and money at his pleasure.

Dublin, 6 February.

Endorsed.

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 96.