2 Nov.
Estado, 840.
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730. Report of the Council of State to Philip III. on England
and Ireland.
Your Majesty has ordered us through the duke of Lerma to
discuss what had better be done in Ireland in the present state
of affairs, since the death of Earl O'Donnell. We have duly
considered the matter, and record that in answer to our report
upon it of 22nd instant your Majesty was pleased to reply that the
correspondence should be continued with the Earl of Tyrone, as it is
he that has kept the spark glowing ; and that for the present the
Catholics should be encouraged by money, arms, and munitions, and
the 30,000 ducats your Majesty ordered should be sent to them,
10,000 ducats per month being sent also from the beginning of next
year. Tyrone was to be written to to this effect, that he might
understand the solicitude your Majesty feels for the Catholics.
The Commendador of Leon was of opinion that as men could
not at present be sent, the money, munitions, etc., ordered should
be dispatched at once, accompanied by some trustworthy person to
see to the distribution, and to take to the Catholics word of your
Majesty's bounty of 10,000 a month from the beginning of the
year, so that they might keep their forces in the field until the
main succour could be sent, which would be as soon as possible.
The person sent should be instructed to learn as minutely as possible
the present state of the country, both of friends and enemies, for
your Majesty's information. With the first 10,000 ducats, a person
of rank should be sent to reside there, and see that the money is
applied to the maintenance of troops, either Irish or Scotch, and he
hopes with this assistance they will be able to keep afoot, as they
have done for many years past.
Fray Gaspar de Cordova remarked that he heard from the
Irish in this court (Madrid) that Earl O'Neil can hold out until
the spring, if he be assured that the main succour will reach
him then, but otherwise they are in doubt about him, as he is
reduced to great straits, particularly now that Earl O'Donnell has
died, which will greatly discourage them. He is nevertheless of
opinion that the money, arms, etc. should be sent as previously
ordered. They should be taken by Don Martin de la Cerda, who
has been there before, and is known to them, and will be able to learn
the true state of affairs for your Majesty's information.
The Constable greatly doubted, seeing the present state of affairs,
whether it was possible to deal with this matter effectually, or that
the Catholics could hold out with the aid it was now proposed
to send them, and that promised for the future. But he nevertheless
agrees that Don Martin de la Cerda should be sent with the
money, arms etc., and bring back an account of matters.
The Marquis of Poza acknowledges the obligation and need
for helping these Catholics, and if the main succour could be sent in
the spring, he would be glad. In the meanwhile, the 10,000 crowns
should go as proposed, as otherwise the main expedition will be of
no use. But in case the succour cannot be sent, he is of opinion
that it will be better to undeceive these people in time, so that they
may make what arrangements they can.
Count de Olivares was of opinion that the matter should not
be abandoned, but that the person mentioned or some other, be sent
with the arms, money, etc. with orders to encourage the Catholics,
without deceiving them, by telling them that the main succour will
be sent in the spring ; and to assure them that your Majesty
sympathises with them and strives for their welfare. That your
Majesty will do your best to send them the assistance desired. He
should return promptly with a detailed report of affairs. He thinks
that the best ship that Count de Caracena has should be sent on
this service, in order to obtain prompt intelligence.
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