from John Stevenson, Two Centuries of Life in Down. 1920, pp. 41-42 (reprinted 1990 by White Row Press, Belfast.

Maist loving cousing having spent thir thre wekis passit in trying and clering all maters questionabill betwixt my cousing Sir James Hamilton & Sir Hew Montgomere als weill in the marchis of thair landis as vtherwayis quhairin I thank God I have maid ane guid progres as I hope to bring it to ane happe end for thame boithe and to many gentilmen of gud faschion duelling vnder thame in this Kyngdome quhair thai have above 2000 habill Scottis men weill armit heir rady for his Ma/ service as thai sall be comandit thir many I will certefe zou I had at on dayis hunting with myself sence my heir cuming quhilk I most confes did incourage me the les to spare my travellis to put thame and hald thame in concorde vtherwayis foirseeing ruyne to thameselfis by discord not without greit hinderans to his Ma/ service and I beleve his Ma/ being trewle informit of my procedingis sall think I do him no lytill service heirin for beleve me thir gentilmen leving in concord as I trust now thai sall, being favored and allowit by his Ma/ in gud and civill coursis altho thai be mene gentilmen his Ma/ may assuredle expect grait service of thame in this Kyngdome and besydis thame be assurit thair ar no corner in the northe quhairin thair is not gud numbers of our nation & quhat I have at Straban I will not tak notice myself leving it to vtheris. Thair is cravit throch this Kyngdome by derection frome the Lord Depute & Counsall alsweill frome the vndertakers as vthers ane voluntar supple & fre gift as thai call it to his Ma/ I resavit ane letter frome Sir Tobe Oafeild for this effect to quhom I have answarit that geve I souild have occasionn to be at any publik meting for that bissines I waild maist willingle explaine my affection to my gratious Maisters service having nothing bot that quhilk I acknawlage to be his and frome him. And to the berar of his letter & my answer quhilk was Mr Hare Acheson I said vnto him geve his Ma/ souild have occasioun to crave anything of me in that faschion in this Kyngdome I couild never mak offer of les then one zeirs rent at leist this I gave out of purpois to make vthers the moir fre & that vthers souild not take advantage of me & honest men of our nation in this Kyngdome & certefe his Ma/ as I have said I have nothing in this woirld quhilk I will not be rady to lay doun at his sacred feit & myself with all to be deposit vpon at his Royall plesour. & quhat I say for my self I do in lyk sort for all thois quhome of I sall have power & credit and spetialle I gave this assurance for Sir James and Sir Hew heir present with me. Quhairfoir geve it pleis his Ma/ quho out of his grait wisdome considers the hardnes of our beginnings in this Kyngdome to desyre quhat is ours we desyre to vnderstand his sacred Ma/ gratious plesour & notwithstanding of our poverte his Ma/ sall have profe of our love & radiness & that we sall as we ar bund of all dewte prefer his strait to our awin meseries. Sir Hew Montgomere is in building ane fyn housse at the Newton quhair of ane quarter is almost compleit & Sir James Hamilton hes buildit at Killilenche ane vere stronge Castell the lyk is not in the Northe. After I have put an end to thair questionis & clerit thair quhole marchis I purpois to go Straban quhilk I think sall be about the 6 of this instant. It is thocht the parliament sall go fordwart heir the 11 of this instant befoir quhilk tyme I purpois to have my brother Sir Claud at Dublin quha now is at Straban taking ordour for his buildingis I hope ze will acquent his sacred Ma/ with my desyre to know his plesour & in all diligence lat me be certefeit thairof. quhilk I will expect in this Kyngdome befoir the 24 of this instant this I trust ze will tak in gud pairt as no service I sall be habill to do zow can be trubelsum to me I wisse ze souild wrete to my lord Secretar of Scotilland to derect zour answar in all diligence to my bedfallow at Paslay quha thairefter in all haist will not faill to derect the same to me.

Thus my most loving dewte remeberit to zour self & zour most woirthe lady I rest
   Zour most loving
    cousing
    Abercorn

Bangor the
3 of October 1614

from McClellan Family Papers, Collection T 640, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.

Sir Robt. McLellane of Bombie to Sir Hugh Montgomery Newtown Kt., 1614 [Receipt for part of the marriage portion (12,000 marks, Scotch part of 20,000 marks, due)

I Sir Robert Makclellane of Bombie Knyght doe heirby graunt and acknowledge my selffe by these presentes to have actualie ressavit frome The right worshipfull Sir Hughe Mongomery of Newtoune Knyght, one of the Esqueyrs of his Majesties bodie my father of Lawe the just and full sume of Twelff thowsand merkis money and two hundreth merkis lauchtfull good and usuale money of the Kingdome of Scotland in part of payment of the sowme of Twentie thowsand merkis money aforesade contracted and bound for to have bene payit to me by the said Sir Hughe in togher and mariage goods with Dame Elizabeth Mongomery his doghter now my wiffe conforme to the Covenant and contract of Mariage maid betwix us thereanent Off the whiche sowme of Twelff thowsand merkis money foirsaid in pairt of payement as said is All comptis and craveingis quhatsoever compted and allowed amonges us: I doe heirby holde me weale content satisfeid and payed and thereof for me my heyers executours and assignayes I doe exonor and frelie discharge the said Sir Hughe Mongomery and his cautionares quhatsoever their heyres executors and assignayes for ever.  And for the more securitie I am content and consentis that this present be insert and registrat in the bookis of counsell of Scotland or of any uther ordinarie jursidiction for conservatione theirof et ad perpetuam rei memoriam And for thatt effect I doe heirby mak and constitute ... procurators promitten. de rato In witness whereof I have sett my hand and seale heirunto Att Donoghadee in the Airdis in the Countie of Down in the Kingdome of Ireland the twentie three day of May the yeare of our Lord God jm sex hundreth and fourtene years And the elewint yeare of our Soverane Lord King James of Ingland France and Ireland Defendare of the faithe and of Scotland and xlvij yeare 1614 Beffore thir witness under subscryweand whose names ensewthe.

S. Robert Makclellane
 of Bombie (L.S.)
Signed sealed and delyvered
 in presence of
  William Schaw witness; Maister George
   Creithtoune witness; Quintein Mur witnes.

from William Fraser, ed. The Annandale Family Book of the Johnstones Earls and Marquises of Annandale. Volume two. Edinburgh, 1894.

• William Buchanan, Newton, to Elizabeth Shaw (of Greenock), first wife of Sir Hugh Montgomerie of Airds – About the seizure of a horse belonging to Sir Hugh. 25th June 1618.

Honorable Madame, – This berare hath beine showin me that the subsherife and his baleefes, accompanied withe Thomas Barcley, hes come to the lands that are possessed be Johne White, and there hes takin away ane din nage, maistrefullie and violentlie, that belonged to Sir Hugh Montgomery, altho in the keeping of Thomas Patoun, attending Sir Hugh his home coming. Madam, the best way to recouer this nage againe is to find out the names of these who were present at the way takin of the nage, and to preferr a bill of indictment against them for the fellonious way taking of the nage at the next quarter sessiouns, whiche is only to be found there and transmitted to general assysses there to byde a tryell. The assisses are to be within xx daies, and Sir Hugh himself wilbe there to manage the bussines, and in my consate this is the best and readiest course, and the thing whiche will make them smart the more for the attempts.  Your ladyship, if yee please, may wreat to the subsherife to redeliuer the nage againe in regaird he is Sir Hughs, and not to putt him self to further truble.  If he will not, he is the more inexcusable. As for Mr. Barcley, I hope your ladyship may overtake him for his doings in that sort.  Your ladyship would do weell to wreat to him likwise assuring him that whatever interest or domage ensewed throw the want of the horse it should light vpon him, becaus that wilfullie, wittinglie, and willinglie, he hes transgressed Sir Hugh his command and ordinance, sett downe in his worships court for record, that none of his tenents should ather prosecut any actioune or answer to any other mans instance before any judicatorie safe onlie his awin.  And if the sheref hes taken the horse (as happelie he will aledge) for a fine imposed vpon Thomas Patoun for his absence from his court, your ladyship may certefie the sheref of Sir Hugh his will to the heigh sheref, be his lettres out of Dublin, concerning his tenents, so as Mr. Subsheref seemes some thing too sawcie after this derectioune to medle withe any of yours.  As for his fyne that he hes laid vpon the honest man for one simple default, if it be xx s., as I heir, it is more nor he can do, for the fynes of the absents at the quarter sessiouns are only x s., so as if he prease vnder the cullour of his office to take or impose more, lett him do it att his perrell; for the greatest fine that a shereef can impose in a leet for any mans absence is a noble. Thus leaving to truble your ladyship any more, I rest, youris ladyshipis ever bounden serwand in all humiletie,
         William Buchanane.
Newtone, the 25 June, 1618.
To the honrable and vertuouse lady, my Lady Montgomery, derect.

• Hugh, First Viscount Montgomerie of Airds, to Sara, Countess of Wigton – A proposal of marriage.  20th April 1625.

Right Honnorabill, – He whois growndis hath sildowm bein settillid by imagenarey contemplatiowns, nathir yit hath had his actiowns limettid by othir menis lavell, bot who by the practicall effectis of his awin personall actiowns is accustomat (by Godis spetiall fawour) to owircom his opposing deficultes, hes (finding his accustomat rest and liberte becom a stranger vnto him) stolin him self from cuntrei and attendantis to offir him self to yowr honnouris wew, that by conferant he may not onle ondirstan the reall effect of his onaccustomat distrubant wroght by the fleing fame of yowr ledyschipis raer wertws, that by conferant he may ondirstand how athir to atten to the combill of desayiris or support the trevarsis of his froneing fortowne.  This intretting to be exkussid for that he hes thus passid the lemeitis of yowr honnouris prescriptiowne as for him who in kissing your honnouris is resolfeid to reman, - Youris honnouris affectionat servant,
          Montgomerie.
 Loghmaban, this 20 of April 1625.  
To the right honnorable and his singular good ladei, the Cowntas of Wigtowne, theis.

• Hugh, Viscount Montgomerie of Airds, to his wife, Sara, Countess of Wigton – Complaining of her long absence from him, and sending her some strong waters. 7th March 1631.

Right Honnourabill and Deirly Belowid Hart, – By your letteris to your freindis heir it appeirris that ye ar informeid that I am seikly, quharof ye desayr to be aduerteised, for that if it war so, ye, my hart, would presently com hetheir what watheir soewir it war.  I could hef bein bettir satisfeid that ye, my hart, had keipid that to your self, in regard that our best effectid freindis, by all that heiris of ws, ar (not without caus possessid) with a oppiniowne that ye, my hart, heth newir lekin or contentment of my companei, no quhillist I am in helth, and that, heirring of my seiknes, ye sould be so ernist as to presipitat your self to ane em[in]ent dangerus jornay for a weisseit in my siknes (a confortles weisseit to trewly effectid luferis). No, my hairt, what thois that ar so possessid with the first oppeneowne would mak of this otheir, I leif the sensour may be mad of it to your approweid iugisment; and for that my desayris ar that ye, my confort, sould so settill your self and your turns thaer that that sosiete and confort that we ar tayeid the on to the otheir might be with such a mvtull hermonei contenoweid and confermeid, that this so gros and raer ensampill of our extrawagencies might ewaneis; and that we both might approwf our selfis to be fathfull, lowing and trew confortteris on of anotheir durring the small remender that is reservid for ows (leist a wore insew to both our discontentis). I will be sattisfeeid, therfor, to beir with this grewows occasiowne of discontent for yowr absenc for a tym, that therin ye may mak such a full and fenall settilling of thois occasiowns ye hawe thaer, that we both may iniow the confort of on anotheirris compane. The respect that I hef to the doctour is for that he is a Mexwell, and heth good partis in heim.  God hes so blissid me with the helth of the bodei (God mak me thankfull) that I hef  no ows of medesin.  My ewir hopfull confort, I persaw that ther is no hopis of settilling betuix the erill and yow, so as theis your hopfull dochteiris ar lek to hawe no confort from yow. Wald to God that I could suplei both your defectis. My hart, I hef sent your horc to yow, and such a on as I hop will gif yow content in all, safing in his cullowr; if nocht, he will both dissawe and discontent me.  My harte, thaer is a miserabill and lamentabill accident fallin owt to auld Achinneill, that will inforc me to keip the gennerall assayis at Kragfergus the 24 of this instant; and I hef also on occasiowne of my awin that I most keip the assaysis at Downe, for the quhilk sittis the 4 of Apprayll, so as by Godis faworabill assistanc I intend to be at Downeskay the 10 of Appreill (so God grant a saf passag), to see quhat conclutiowne I can mak of that fekles bulding I hawe ther; and in attending, my hart, your pleisowr conserneing your presenc heir (quhar as ye ar so mvch langid for). As conserneing my actiowns in law, I dow nocht dowt ther ewent, altho my aduersareis dow postpone tyme and drayf me to chargeis. My hart, being tow weill acquanttid with your extraordenar spaer dayat, and that this lentren tym mvfis yow to a harder, I hef sent yow a small supplei of strong wattiris of Doctour Maxwell his making heir in your awin towne, and thay ar als good as anny in Londowne, intretting yow to mak ows of them (as, or if, ye respect me) to confort that stomak of yourris that hes a frawerd gardean. To conclud, if our nobill, generus, and most lowing sone, the Lard of Hempisfeill, or anny vtheir of your nobill freindis, by thaer conwoy hetherwart, will gres your jornay to theis powr cottagis ye hef heir, lat mestir James be aduertissid what ye wald hef downe; that sinc ye ar nocht destitude of prowesiowne heir, that ther may be so mvch sent to Downskay as ye thinkis nessisare for that place, for this will ansuer for it self. This, hopping that quhatsoewir is insert in theis laynis schall be constroweid in the best sence as commeing from him that, tho he be agetattid and tossed with ma[n]y dywers and most inportant motiowns, yeit and still in the singilnes of hart and all trew affectiowne as he is, so shall he ewir approwf him self, your ledeiships fathfull and ewir lowing husband to be commandeid,
         Montgomerie.
Newtowne, this 7 of Marche, 1631.
To his right honnourabill and his onle and deirly belowid ledei, the Cowntes of
 Wigtowne and Veiscowntes Montgomere of the Greit Aerds, theis.

• Sara Maxwell, Viscountess Montgomerie, to her husband, Hugh, First Viscount Montgomerie of Airds – As to her procedure in the case of her daughter, and that she would come to him shortly. 24th August 1632.

My verie honorabill guid lord and deir hertt, – I did resseave your lordshipis letter, bot could not at that tyme ansour the circumstances thairof for lack of tyme; for I was presently goeing out of the towne when as your lordshipis sone George come thair, whom fra I did reseave two letteris of your lordshipis, on to that crovell Lord of Wigtoun, [the] vther to my poore sorifull doghter, who is so distractit from me be the tyrranie of that . . . of hiris, that it doeth me much greife. Bot I am goeing on the best I may for the help thairof, when as it pleasis God to grant the successe thairof, your lordship sall be farder accquentit. I find my Lord of Annandill hath showine your lordship these passageis we had befoir the counsell; it is treuth that Lord was much peiteit, and I gat hard justice.  The reassoune was I might not show these warrandis I had till requyre my doghter, but only vpon my motherlie cair of hir, quhilk was noght thoght sufficient; iff I might have showine hir letteres writtin be hir awine hand it wald have done the turne.  Bot so long as shoe is in his company I must keepe theme back for hir farder hurt. Nochtheles I must acknowledge that your lordship giveth me more and more occasioun to think vpon your manifold favoures towardis me and myne; and sall be maist willing till show myselffe so dewtyfull to your lordship and all your childareine as becometh, so far as I am able. I have nocht as yett lttine these lettres your lordship wryte goe to that lord nor to my doghter.  Bot is awaiting what effectis this purpose I am vpoun concerneing my doghteris releife out of that bondage shoe is intil may take; for I haue vsed the likleheid of hir libertie to come from the kingis majesteis directioun to the counsell that shoe may be exhibeit befoir thair lordshipis to declair hir awin will, quhilk I know shoe will expresse plainlie, to be frie of his tyrranie and in my company. I am in hopes till haue this back betuixt and the counsell day.  And so to quhilk tyme I must stryue till haue patience.
It seameth by your lordshipis letter that ye haue beine so bussiet vpoun your many great occasiounes that short tyme ye tuike for Irland, as also the dispatche of your sone to his woyage did constraine yow to come ower agane, quhilk I am sorie ye sould haue takine so great paines to your self, bot that I find those thingis could noght be done without your awine presence; God grant yow confort thairoff, and in ewerie thing ye haue to doe.  It seameth ye ar causing your workmen goe on both in your building and theikine of your gallerie att Dunskay. They ar necessarie thingis to be outride, seeing ye have put theme so far agait.  Bot I am suire they ar greit chargeis vnto yow quhilk now can noght be helpeit; bot your lordship most compleit thame, as ye haue done many greater turne.
Quhereas your lordship pleasis to have me settine doune the preseis tyme of my returne, assuire your selffe ther sall be no idle tyme spent be me heir, bot so soone as I am able to gett that bussines of that poore confortles doghtere of myne put to poynt, ther sall no vther thing withhald me; bot I sall conforme all my vther bussines that I may come shortly therefter quhair ewer your lordship is. And thairfoir let me intreate yow meane na such thing as to truble your selffe to take so extraordinar trevellis; for I wald rather, iff ye war in the fardest pairt in Irland, preise my selffe to come vnto yow befoir yow sould truble your awine persone so greatly as to come heir. So this being all that I can say for the present, bot expecting to heir from your lordship with the first occasioun of your lordshipis guid helth and contentment of all your great effaires; for ye will ewer find the occasioun from your port to Drumfreis. I remain, your lordshipis loveing bedfallow to be commandit,
       Sara Maxwell.
Lochwoode, the xxiiii of August 1632.  

To my verie honorabill guid lord and loveing husband, My Lord Viscount Mountgomerie, of the Great Airdes, these

• Hugh, Viscount Montgomerie of Airds, to James, Lord Johnstone—Expressing his regard and affection.  28th August 1633.

RIGHT HONORABLE AND MY VERY GOOD LORD, — I receaued your lordshipis letter, and by my freind, Robert Montgomerie, I am at the full informed of the cair and travill that your lordship hes takin for his sones releife. Sone, I hop yow ar not of that mynd that I should insist, or with multitud of complements endevour to requyt your favours, seeing all that is in my power, since I am certainly perswaded that yow ar assured that there is nothing in my power that will not be extended to doe yow honour and service, or to any else haueing relatioune from your lordship. This, resting to the opportunitie and occatioune offering wherein I can endevoure to approoff my self, your lordshippis, in all true and inteire fatherly affectioune to honour and serue yow,
          MONTGOMERIE.
 Newtoun, this 28th of August 1633.

 These ar to intreat yow, noble sone, to remember my affectionnat duetie and service to your lordships most honorable and vertiows lady, and to your most hopfull sones and remenent childrin.
To the right honorable his very good lord and beloued sone, my Lord of Johnstone, thess.

Indenture between Sir Hugh Montgomery, knight, Lord Viscount Montgomery of the Great Ardes on the one part, and Alexander Earl of Eglinton in the kingdom of Scotland

from Report on the Manuscripts of the Earl of Eglinton ... London: Eyre and Spottiswood for the Historical Manuscripts Commission, 1885.

Whereas the said Lord Viscount Montgomery, being discended of the honorable howse of the Earles of Eglinton within the said kingdome of Scotland, is most willing that hee and his heires should at all tymes for ever hereafter acknowledg the respect and duty which they owe to the honor of the said house: In consideration whereof, and for the naturall love and affection which hee the said Lord Viscount Montgomery hath to the sayd Alexander, nowe Earle of Eglinton and his heires, the said Lord Viscount Montgomery for him and his heires, doeth graunt, covenant and agree to and with the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton, and his heires Earles of Eglintone which shal bee of the name and surname of Montgomery, that the heire and heires of the said Lord Viscount Montgomery shall in perpetuall remembrance of that love and dutie, freely giue and deliuer one faire horse of the value of thirty poundes of lawfull money of and in England, or thereabouts, to the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton and his heires being of the surname of Montgomery, within the space of one yeare after the heire and heires of the said Lord Viscount Montgomery shall haue sued forth his or theire livery, and entred into theire manors, lordshipps, landes and hereditaments, within the kingdoms of Ireland and Scotland; and the said Lord Viscount Montgomery, for himselfe his heires and assignes doeth covenant, promise and agree to and with the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton and his heires, Earles of Eglinton, by theis presents, that vpon default of the deliuery of the said horse of the said price of thirty poundes by the heire or heires of the said Lord Viscount Montgomery, made at the said tyme, contrary to the true intent and meaning of theis presents, that then it shall and may be lawfull vnto the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton and heires Earles of Eglinton being of the surname of Montegomery, to siue for the same, together with the sume of fifteene poundes sterling of like money nomine pene for euery such default to bee made by the heires of the said Lord Viscount Montgomery having first giuen due aduertisment and notice of theis presents vnto the heire by whome the default shall happen to be comitted as aforsaid: And the said Hugh Lord Viscount Montgomery doeth by theis presents, couenant, promise and agree to and with the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton that hee the said Lord Viscount Montgomery shall and will doe, make, acknowledge, finish, and execute all and euery such other reasonable act and acts, thing and things, conveyance and assurance in the lawe for the good and perfect assurance and suerty for the deliuery of the said horse of the price aforesaid, according to the true meaning of theis presents, as by the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton shalbe reasonably devised or required, soe that the said Lord Viscount Montgomery bee not desired to travaile for the makeing or acknowledging of such assurance from his dwelling-house. In witness whereof, the said partyes to theis presents haue herevnto interchangeablie putt theire hands and seales.
27th February 1630.
Montgomerie.
Sygned, sealled and deliuered in presens of J. Montgomerie, G. Montgomerie, J. Montgomerie, Senescall.  R. Montgomerie, minister of Newtowne.

from Historical Manuscripts Commission Report on Manuscripts in Various Collections. Volume V.: The Manuscripts of Col. Mordaunt-Hay, of Duns Castle; Sir Archibald Edmonstone of Duntreath; Sir John James Graham, of Fintry, K.C.M.G., etc. Hereford: HMSO, 1909, pp. 123–42.

• J. Montgomerie to his cousin, Archibald Edmonstone of Duntreath, desiring him to protect the bearer from an oppression.
 1630, July 27th, Newtone. – Lovinge cosene, this honorabill man, Robert Browne, hath beine carefully recomended unto me by my Lord Semple that I would interpose my credite for his safftie against a wronge that is offerede him by Sir Moyses Hilles seneschall. The particulars the honest man will relate unto your self and howe he is prosecuted and what meanes hath beine used to doe him wronge. Nowe, Sir, for that noble Lord’s cause and alsoe for that the honest woman that is his wife is of those Mountgomryes that I will respect, I most intreat your favorable assistance to be interposede for their bettere releife, and to shewe Richard McCanne, that is Sir Moyses seneschall, that if he doe presse to doe tham any wronge, assure himself that I will warr the price of 40 such pones as he sues them for or otherwise I will cause him repente his undue proceedinges. This desiringe to be excused for my homly charge as for him that will be ready to requit yow in the like or the greater, and soe rememberinge my best wishes to your ladie mothere and to your lovinge bedfellowe, I rest, your freind and cosen to be comaunded, J. MONTGEMERIE.

• J. Montgomerie to Archibald Edmonstone of Duntreath. Requesting the loan of some horses.
 1631, April 21st, Knockfergus.–“ Worshipfull and loving coossen, It hathe so falne out that in my passage from Dunstey I have beine forced to land far doun in Iyeland McGhie so as I ame forced to imploy my freinds for supplie of horsses, and in regarde the countrey is upoun the heate of there labour, I must intreate yow for the laine of some three of four garreins for the transporting of my self and company to the Newtoun. This with the rememberance of my love and dewtie to your loving ladie mother, your self and verteous ladie, I rest, yours ever loving freind and cousein as profest.  Montgomerie.
 [On the same page is the following reply.]
 Right honourable my [sic], I sent your Lordship thrie garreins and for this present I have non els exept my gray hors that rane ane cours yeisterday, and I dar nott ventur him so schoune efter the race. My Lord, I tak very unkyndly that ye suld have gone by this cottage, always I hop your Lordship vill make ane amends. Thus with in quhat I am able I remain, your Lordship’s loving cousing and servant. AR. EDMONSTOUN. From my bed.

from William Fraser, Memorials of the Montgomeries (Edinburgh, 1859).

• Indenture between Hugh Viscount Montgomerie of the Greate Ardes, and Alexander sixth Earl of Eglinton, 27th February 1630.

This Indenture made the seavn and twenteth day of Februarie in the yeere of our Lord one thousand six hundred and thirty, betweene the right honorable Sir Hughe Montgomery, Knight, Lord Viscount Montgomery of the Greate Ardes, on the one parte, and the right honorable Alexander Earle of Eglinton in the kingdome of Scotland, on the other parte, witnesseth, that whereas the said Lord Viscount Montgomery, being discended of the honorable howse of the Earles of Eglinton within the said kingdome of Scotland, is most willing that hee and his heires should at all tymes for ever hereafter acknowledg the respect and duty which they owe to the honor of the said house: In consideration whereof, and for the naturall love and affection which hee, the said Lord Viscount Montgomery, hath to the sayd Alexander, nowe Earle of Eglinton, and his heires, the said Lord Viscount Montgomery, for him and his heires, doeth graunt, covenant, and agree to and with the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton, and his heires Earles of Eglintone, which shalbee of the name and surname of Montgomery, that the heire and heires of the said Lord Viscount Montgomery shall, in perpetuall remembrance of that love and dutie, freely giue and deliuer one faire horse of the value of thirty poundes of lawfull money of and in England, or thereabouts, to the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton and his heires, being of the surname of Montgomery, within the space of one yeare after the heire and heires of the said Lord Viscount Montgomery shall haue sued forth his or theire livery, and entred into theire mannors, lordshipps, landes and hereditaments, within the kingdoms of Ireland and Scotland; and the said Lord Viscount Montgomery, for himselfe, his heires and assignes, doeth couenant, promise and agree, to and with the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton and his heires. Earles of Eglinton, by theis presents, that vpon default of the deliuery of the said horse of the said price of thirty poundes by the heire or heires of the said Lord Viscount Montgomery, made at the said tyme, contrary to the true intent and meaning of theis presents, that then it shall and may be lawfull vnto the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton and his heires, Earles of Eglinton, being of the surname of Montegomery, to siue for the same, together with the sume of fifteene poundes sterling of like money, nomine pene, for euery such default to bee made by the heires of the said Lord Viscount Montgomery, having first giuen due aduertisment and notice of theis presents vnto the heire by whome the default shall happen to be comitted as aforsaid: And the said Hugh Lord Viscount Montgomery doeth by theis presents, couenant, promise and agree, to and with the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton, that hee the said Lord Viscount Montgomery shall and will doe, make, acknowledge, finish and execute, all and euery such other reasonable act and acts, thing and things, conveyance and assurance in the lawe, for the good and perfect assurance and suerty for the deliuery of the said horse of the price aforesaid, according to the true meaning of theis presents, as by the said Alexander Earle of Eglinton shalbe reasonably devised or required, soe that the said Lord Viscount Montgomery bee not desired to travaile for the makeing or acknowledging of such assurance from his dwelling-house.  In witnes whereof, the said partyes to theis presents haue herevnto interchangeablie putt theire hands and seales, the day and yeere first above written.
 Sygned, sealled and deliuered in presens of
 J. Montgomerie  J. Montgomerie, Senescall. Montgomerie
 G. Montgomerie. R. Montgomerie, Minister of Newtowne.
 

• Hew Montgomery to Alexander, sixth of Earl of Eglintoun, 17th December 1641.

My right honorable lord – My most humble dewtie and service being remembred to yowr lordship: I thocht befor now to have wrytin to yowr lordship; bot seldome falls it out that anie goes from heir to Scotland, nether is ther so muche as on considerable gentilman that comes ather to contribut his advyce, or to ease my Lord of Airds of the smallest part of that infinit burthen and cair whiche lyethe upon him at this tyme, exept Craybuye, a young gentlman, and William Shaw, quho is Mr. George his brother in law; and they have more then eneuche to doe withe the charg of ther two companies whiche they hav in the regiment.  As for us who ar uther officers wnder his lordship, yowr lordship knowethe we can be but small helpe in that whiche consernethe the countrie.  His lordship was pleaset to keep up his Lewtenant Collonels place for me after he received yowr lordships letter, for which amongste the rest of yowr lordships singular favours, I stand humblie bonde to your lordship; but he had placet the shiref of Gallowayes sone his Major befor we cam; but to satisfie yowr lordship according [to] your lordships letter, he appoyntet Captain Logane his oldest Captain and Quartermaster. The strenthe of the rebels can not be known, nether doe they nor can they know ther owne strenthe; for all of them that can winne runes to them, and we know that they ar hudg numbers of men; for the wholl paele is out, who have a number of good armes quhiche they had gott from the Lords at Dublin, and now refuse to restore them; for ther masters excuse themselves, and say that ther tennants ar gon out in rebellione withe them.  Dublin is verie hard bestead; for all the Britttishe and uthers that are protestans, have send ther wyves, bairnes and goods away.  The rebells interceptet a good daile of armes and uther ammunitione that was comming from Dublin (as we heir) for insetting of Tredethe; and increas daylie in strenthe, and goes on in ther former crewelties withe all sorts of persones, young and old; and except speidie assistanc be sent from Scotland, be all outward appearance they will find but few of ther cuntrie men to welcome them, and verie evile landing heir; for we ar few and verie naket for want of armes to withstand them.  My Lord of Airds his strenthe at Cummer will be 4 hundrethe foot, withe sythes, cornforks, stafs and few pykes, and about ane hundrethe and threttie muskets, whereof ane hundrethe cam yesterday to ws from Dublin. My lord hathe lykwys 60 horsmen armed as they may be.  Sir James lyethe at Downpatrick withe ane old cumpanie of foot, ane other of horse, his owne regiment, and his troupe is about our strenthe, and so armet: he hes a matter of 60 horsmen of my Lord Clandebuoys, and Sir Arthur Tyringhame lyethe at Lisnagarvie withe a matter of eicht hundrethe men, wherof ar three old troupes of horsmen. This is our whol strenthe, and our fortificationes suche as Kilwinning and Irwing.  The rebells burne and kill everie uther night within a myl two or three wnto ws, nether can we helpe it; for what they doe is in the night, and if we send out a partie, they have centinels on all the hills, and will not stand but reteir to the woods.  We ar informet they ar divyding themselves in three; Sir Philome Oneil in two; wherof on half ar appoyntet for Lisnegarvie, and the uther for ws, and Sir Conne McGinnies and MkCairten for Downe: yet it wer but a small matter, if we had fyv thousand of such men and armes as wer at Newcastle, to marche towards them and give battel to threttie thousand in the open feilds; for they ar a confuset multitud: but what resistance we ar able to mak, yowr lordship may judge be the former part of this letter.  We heir Langshaws brother is killett, but we ar not suir.  Mr. Georg his house, and what was ther is all burnt. So praying the Lord, whose aid we must onlie relye upon, to assist yowr lordship and us, I rest, and shall whil I leive remaine
    Your lordships humble and obedient servant.
Cummer, the 17 of December 1641. Hew Montogomery

  I must humblie intreat yowr lordship to putt in a word for the Captaines meines quhat rests to me as yet, quhen yowr lordship finds occasione fitt; for notwithstanding of the owtward appearances of our distructione befor your assistance cum, yet I am verie houpfull, by the grace of God, to be yowr lordships humble servant quhen ther stormes ar over.
To the right honorable and my verie noble lord, my Lord the Erie of Eglington.  Delyver thes.

• Hugh, second Viscout Montgomerie of the Great Airdes, to Alexander, sixth Earl of Eglington, 31st December 1641

Right honourable and my very good lord – if I haue not written to your lordship soe often as in duety I am bound, impute it not to any slaknes or carelessnes in me, whoe might alwise acknowledge myself more bound to your lordships favour nor to all the world beside, His Majastie being excepted. My lord, the trueth is we ar keept exceeding busy with the rebells, whoe burne and kill within a myle and a half to this place; insoemuch as from the Newry to this, ther is not a Scotts or Inglishe dweller; this being thirty four myles; nor from Downepatrik to Killilieagh, nor trom thence hither. At Lisnegarry ther is a garisone of seaven or eight hundred men, and some two troupes of horse: at Belfast ther is a garisone of a matter of three or four hundred men: at Carrigfergus ther is likwise a troupe of horse and some sex or seaven hundred foote: at Mosryne I heer ther is gathered together a matter of one thousand men.  Heer I ly with a matter of eight companys of foote and three troupes of horse. At Killileagh ther is the Lord Claneboyes, whoe to speake truely, is extreame weake, onely that he hes a stronge house. Upon Wensday last Major Barclay, Captain Inglis and Mr. Elliott went abroade with ellevin or twelve score of men, as the report comes to me, wherof ther wes seaven score musquetiers and the rest pykemen, some fyve or sex myles from Killileagh. They mett with party of the rebells, whose custome is to fall one with a great shoutt or cry, wherupone the most parte of the soldiers that wer with Barelay and Inglis fled before ever the rebells charged them; soe as these two or three gentlemen, with the most parte of all the men together with ther armes, wer losed. Captain Alexander Hamiltone wes come to Newtone the day before vpone some occasiones, soe as now I beleeve my Lord Claneboys hes not above ane hundred men with him.  That night I sent out my Lewtenant Collonell and Major Crawfurd, with a party of 300 foote and 80 horses, whoe marched all night, and in the dawning came to the Leigure wher the rebells ly that ar on this syde of the countrey, whoe we did not thinke to haue bene soe stronge as indeed they wer.  But, praised be God! they returned home yester night with the losse onely of twoe or three foote soldiers, and four or fyve wounded, whoe I hope will not be the worse.  They brought with them a prey from the rebells of a matter of twelve or thirten score of cowes; and the cutting off of above fyfty of the rebells, whoe wer vpwards of 1000 men. Major Blare being heer accidentally went out vpone the party with them, he will acquent your lordship with the maner of the service. The rogues raised ther cry, but I thank God it wrought not vpone our men. My brother Sir James lyes at Downepatrik, with a matter of sex or seaven companys of his owne, and a troupe of horse; he hes ther likwise an old foote company and a troupe of horse; and soe my lord this is the strength of these two countys for matter of soldiours. The people that are fled out of the countyes of Ardmagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Managhan, and these of this county itself, from the Newry all the way to this place, ar soe burdensome that in trueth we much fear that ther will be scarsety. My lord, the intelligeince that we had from the neighboring countyes of Wlster is cutt off by Sir Phelemy O Neall; soe as I can give your lordship no good accompt what the estate of the Brittish is towards Colraine and Londonberry. By sea we haue receaved intelligence from Dubline, that all the Lords of the Pale ar in armes, and that the papistes all over the kingdome are also vp, that Tredath, which is within 20 myles of Dubline, is besieged, wher the Lord Moore comands some four or fyve troupes of horse, and Sir Harry Touchburne, a very braue gentlemen, a regiment of foote. The passage to them by sea being blocked vp; the Lord Moores house of Mellefant taken by the rebells with the loss of some mane one each syde; sex hundred men that wer sent from Dubline to Tredath wer cutt off by the way.  It is reported that they robbe, burne, and kill neer to Dubline.  It is likwise said that ther ar 10,000 Englishe landed at a place in Monster, call Yoghill; that 20,000 li. of moneys is likwise sent over; and that the Londoners haue contributed 10,000 li. to the maintenance of the ware.  By advertisement from my brother Sir James, I understand that Sir Cone Magenis, Turlogh O Neall, Sir Phelemys brother, and McCarten ar joyned together, haveing at least 2500 horse and foote ready to enter into Lecall. The rest of all the strength of the countrey heer are likwise ready to fall downe vpone these parts; soe as we cannot giue assistance one to another.  Notwithstanding that I hade severall tymes ayded Lisnegarvy, they refussed to goe out with me against these rebells, though for the present they ar pretty and stronge; soe as all of ws do severally ly vpone our guards expecting the setting on of the rebells.  In the word, my lord, our present conditione is as hard as can be well imagined; and the harder that we want armes and ammunitione.  By your lordships favor I haue had thte supply of some gentlemen that I most needs comend to be proper men and good soldiers, which makes me the more grewed that we should want such provisiones as might enable ws to performe that service which might be expected from such comanders; for supply wherof, if it please God to send it tyme, wnder whome I doe rely vpon your lordship; for which ther is no security that your lordship shall be pleased to draw vp and sent vnto me; but I will signe whatsoever come vnto me. I must supply my brother with a parte of it; for which I will take his security. My lord, all the supply of armes I haue had from the begyneing hes come vnto me out of Scotland, by the meanes of a privat friend of myne, whoe is well knowen to your lordship; from the Lords Justices and State heer I haue onely had a matter of 100 musquetts; wherof I haue sent a parte to my brother from His Maiesties store at Carrigfergus. I haue bene refuissed of a supply of amunitione; they wrott unto me that the store house wes ill provyded, and that they hoped I might be supplied from Scotland. I know your lordship now expects to be informed what provisiones is to be had heer for the intertayneing of the forces that shall come from that kingdome: my lord, all I can say to that is, that ther is yet some reasonable store of cornes and other provisione in these corners that the rebells hawe not yet marched over; but if the army be long acomeing, the shorter the provisiones will be every day.  The more ground the rebells gain vpon ws the shorter our store must be; and if we shall be cutt aff before the supplyes come, the less safety will be for ther landing. And soe, my lord, craving pardon for this my tedious letter, praying God to bliss your lordship and all yours, and to protect ws, I remayne, your lordships affectionat cowsen and humble servant,

Mont-Alexander, the last of December 1641.

It is certain that these gentlemen ar cutt aff to my Lord Claneboys, and 100 musquets lost with other armes; wherwith the rebells fought the next day against the party I sent out.

• Hugh, second Viscount Montgomerie of the Great Airdes, to Alexander, sixth Earl of Eglintoun, 6th December 1642.

Right honorable and my verie good lord – I am extreame sorrie of the occassioune I have to trouble your lordship, yet the assurance I have of your lordships nobill favowris makes me bolde to acquent yow with everie thing concearnis moe; becaus from your lordship onlie I expect soverane remeidies. I doubt not but the Gennerall, (to whome I am infinitlie obliged,) according to the wngrate informacion of my cousin, Bally Crabry, of whome I wold not have expected any such thing, hath informed your lordship of the bussynes which may be hath induced yow to conceive some harsh opinion of me. Wherefore, I intreate your lordship not onlie to perswade your self of the contrarie, but also the Gennerall; and intreate him not to proceide in that bussynes concerning the trowpes of horse, according to my cousins relatioun; for I shall either make it appeare (to my greif for my cousines miscariage) that he hath extreamlie wronged me, and neglected his owne duety, else let not my name be inscrybed amongst these of Cavileiris. So earnestlie desyreing the continuance of your lordships favouris, I rest, my lord, your lordships most humble servant and cousin,
Newtoun, the 6th of December 1642.        Montgomerie.
I intreat your lordship that this letter to my vncle may be gotten sent to him with all possible dilligence, and the best saftie can be.
For the right honorable and his verie good lord, my lord the Earle of Eglintowne. These present.
John, sixth Earl of Cassillis, to Alexander, sixth Earl of Eglintoun, 15th December 1642.

Sir Arthur Chichester to the Earl of Salisbury, 14th of June 1606

Wishes that Mr. Hamilton, who twelve months since was recommended thither by letters from His Majesty for passing (amongst others) the lands of the Upper Clandeboy and Great Ardes, were countenanced in his courses to plant and settle them. The lands are for the most part mere waste and wilderness, and the planting of them with civil people will be a principal service to His Majesty in that corner of the kingdom.

He is the more to be favoured for his willingness to pleasure some English gentlemen and officers, in passing their estates in fee farm in other lands in the Lower Clandeboy, which he passed upon his book to His Majesty's advantage in raising a good rent, besides a clause for building of castles. The rent will be assuredly paid henceforth, which was formerly but promised, and the castles will be a great countenance and strength to the country, which hath been waste of long time. The business has been effected, without grudge or offence to any of the Irish Lords or gentlemen formerly pretending title to the same, by reason they had passed good quantities to themselves at easy rents by virtue of His Majesty's letters. If the like course had been taken with the Roote and Glynnes before it had been wholly passed to Sir Randall M'Donell, there would have been as great hope of the perfect reformation of that government as of any in the kingdom; and His Majesty would have had the hearts and services of many his good subjects within that country, where now that gentleman is neither thankful nor obedient, as some late actions of his brothers, upon his command, hath laid open, as Mr. Hamilton could at large Salisbury.

Chichester, for some respects, had borne with him and his misdemeanors theretofore; but conceived that there would be means found to enforce him to what was fitting, to the better settlement thereof, by creating to be freeholders immediately from the King, some of the ancient inhabitants who then were as slaves unto him, and yet leaving large quantities of land to himself. By this means all the seaside on the eastern parts from the river of the Bann to this city, would be civilly planted, and His Majesty's rents increased and truly answered, whereas he is a suitor to have them daily abated. Induced by His Majesty's letters requiring him to be favourably used, Chichester had granted him two years' rent, which was £201; yet he was not satisfied, but immediately sought to have 401 of his yearly rent abated for ever, when the whole is but 1601, for 16 small baronies containing above 30 miles in length lying together, and as good as any in thole parts of the kingdom. This he had gottin from His Majesty by mere suggestion, as his ancient inheritance, whereas his father held only four toughes of the M'Quyllins' lands by grant from the Deputy, which by light (if any were) should have descended to the son of his elder brother Sir James, the dispossessing of whose children and thrusting the M'Quyllins clean out of all, would in time raise trouble in those parts; yet (as in some former letters he had signified to Salisbury), Chichester had given the M'Quyllins some poor contentment by seating them in land in the Lower Clan de boy. Refers him to Mr. Hamilton for more particular information.

Dublin Castle, 14 June 1606.
Pp. 3. Signed. Sealed. .Add. Endd.:
"Sir Arthur Chichester to the Earl of Salisbury."

The Earl of Tyrone to the King, 17th June 1606

Had presumed by his letters written in December last, to complain to His Majesty of the hard courses held against him before the present Lord Deputy's time, by sundry persons that have pryed so nicely into his late patent, that, unless it please His Majesty to explain his royal meaning in expounding his patent, those courses would work the overthrow of his estate. For divers offices has been found and returned without the privity of the Lord Deputy then governing, by juries impannelled unawares of him (Tyrone). But having received no answers to his letters, and finding the now Lord Deputy very upright, he renews his most humble suit. And inasmuch as the chief ground of such as sought to take his living from him; rose upon colour of terming divers parcels of his inheritance to be monasteries, flianes, and of abbey land; and as the Bishops of Clogher and Dirry, where their predecessors had only chief rent, would now have the land itself; he besought the King to stop any such mean courses, and force them to be contented with what their predecessors had formerly enjoyed these many years past.

Dungannon, 17 June 1606
P. 1. Signed. Sealed. Add. Endd.
"The Earl of Tirone to the King's Majesty."