Catalogue description WILLIAM WISE to CROMWELL.

Mr. White, justice of the liberty of Waisford, and I, waited on the Lord Deputy in the last journey into Munster. His Lordship was accompanied by my Lord of Ormond. Their exploits will be seen by their own letters to the King and you. "As touching James FitzJohn of Desmound (saving your Honour, that disloyal wretch), he is so far despaired for his heinous offences, which he will not openly confess, that being now so fast knit by oath and promise with O'Brene, O'Nele, and O'Donell, can do nothing, nor will not without their advice and counsel. Howbeit this journey hath plucked away his wings, if they keep true touch." The Lord Deputy has not only restored to James FitzMaurice "his old inheritance in Kyrykurry, with divers castles, during the King's pleasure, in Imokylly, such as he thought meet for his safeguard, but also took bands and hostages of all the lords and captains of that quarter to be of the King's side, and to withdraw their aid and service from the said James Fitz John. I have no great hope of their good demeanour no longer than the King's forces shall overmatch them and be resident near their countries, which, being totally wasted, cannot victual one hundred soldiers. And if such as now remain at Youghell shall repair to Dublin, the said James FitzMaurice having no great substance of his own, nor yet approved discreet men to lead him by good counsel, I fear he will forget his honorable entertainment, and step in danger of his mortal enemies. For it cometh oft to pass that men well esteemed in England change here their honest conditions, so that they are sooner overcome with our vices, than we made honest through their good ensample. I wish that your Lordship might once in person see this poor land." The opinion of wise men here is "that without a general reformation the King's Majesty shall vainly consume his treasure in this land, for these roads and journeys that we make to punish our enemies are in effect plain exploits against our friends, which are so charged with continual coyne and livery, that pity is to hear their exclamations, and yet the King's Majesty is at continual exbursements.

Saint John's besides Waterford, 23 Dec.

Addressed: Lord Privy Seal. 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 138.