AUTOBIOGRAPHY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PJ. HON. SIR RICHARD COX, BART. 
 
 LOUD CHANCELLOR OF IRELAND, 
 
 FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT, PRESERVED 
 AT THE “MANOR HOUSE, DUNMANWAY,” 
 COUNTY CORK. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 RICHARD CAULFIELD, B.A., 
 
 CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES, 
 NORMANDY, ETC. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 J. RUSSELL SMITH, 36, SOHO SQUARE • 
 
 CORK : BRADFORD AND COMPANY, PATRICK -STREET. 
 
 1860. 
 

V 
 
 AUTOBIOGRAPHY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 RT. HON. SIR RICHARD COX, BART. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELAND, 
 
 FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT, PRESERVED 
 AT THE “MANOR HOUSE, DUNMANWAY,” 
 COUNTY CORK. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 RICHARD CAULFIELD, B.A., 
 
 CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES, 
 NORMANDY, ETC. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 J. RUSSELL SMITH, 36, SOHO SQUARE; 
 CORK: BRADFORD AND COMPANY, PATRICK- STREET. 
 1860. 
 
Cork:— Printed by George Nash, 16, Prince’s-Street. 
 

 TO 
 
 LIEUT.-COLONEL ANDREW J. WOOD, M.A, D.L., J.P., 
 €ji t /nllntuitig ^uhlitatinu 
 
 IS GRATEFULLY DEDICATED 
 
 BY ONE WHO HAS OFTEN EXPERIENCED HIS PRIVATE KINDNESS, 
 
 AND ADMIRED HIS PUBLIC VIRTUES AS A CITIZEN. 
 
 THE EDITOR. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2017 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urban.a-Champaign Alternates 
 
 https://archive.org/details/autobiographyfroOOcoxr 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 This Autobiography is the original of the memoir of 
 Sir Richard Cox, published by W alter Harris, in his 
 edition of Sir James Ware’s “Writers of Ireland,” 
 (Works, 1764, ii,, 207) and thence transferred to the 
 Biographia Britannica. Harris has not only enlarged 
 and embellished the language, but also has omitted 
 many of the minute facts. It is, therefore, thought 
 desirable that it should be given to the world in the 
 form in which it emanated from Sir Richard Cox’s own 
 pen. It appears, from its exordium, to have been 
 written, for the greater part, soon after the author 
 was appointed Lord Chief Justice in the year 1701 ; 
 and to have been afterwards continued from time 
 to time, as events arose. 
 
 It extends to the year 1707 ; but Sir Richard sur- 
 vived until the 3rd May, 1733, when he died at the 
 age of eighty-three ; of the latter part of his life, the 
 particulars will be found in Harris’s memoir. During 
 our author’s residence in Bristol, he commenced his 
 History of Ireland (see p 10); the first part of which 
 was published in folio, London, 1689, entitled “Hi- 
 bernia Anglicana : or the History of Ireland from the 
 Conquest thereof by the English, to the present time; 
 with an Introductory Discourse touching the ancient 
 state of that kingdom the second appeared in 1690, 
 but was not brought down later than 1653. Harris 
 states that he is supposed to have continued it in 
 manuscript, but this seems not to have been the case, 
 as the Editor, after diligent enquiry, has ascertained 
 
VI 
 
 that no such manuscript is known to his family ; he 
 has, however, left a copy of his History, with nume- 
 rous additions and observations on the margin, written 
 with his own hand. Sir Richard, after his removal 
 from the Chancellorship, cultivated the Study of 
 Divinity, to which he appears to have been much 
 inclined, and on this subject, published two works — 
 “ An Address to those of Roman Communion in Eng- 
 land, See., 1709,” and “ An Enquiry into Religion, 
 and the use of Reason in reference to it, 1711.” No 
 monument has been erected to his memory, but the 
 following inscription in the Church of Dunmanway, 
 in the transcept, immediately over the pew belonging 
 to the Cox family, perpetuates the memory of his 
 Lady: — 
 
 In Hope 
 of 
 
 A joyful Resurrection 
 is Deposited the Body 
 of 
 
 Mary Lady Cox 
 The Beloved Wife 
 of the Honourable 
 Sr. Rd. Cox, Knt. & Bart, 
 who was successively 
 Lord Ch. Ju. of both Benches 
 Lord High Chancellor 
 of Ireland 
 
 and Three Times One of the 
 Lords Justices Generali 
 & Generali Governors 
 of that Kingdom 
 Ob. 1° Junii, 1715. 
 
 The Editor begs to express his grateful obligations 
 to Miss M. D. Hamilton Cox, of the Manor House, 
 Dunmanway, for her extreme kindness and courtesy 
 in communicating with him on matters relating to the 
 history of her distinguished ancestor. 
 
 Cork, May 12, 1860. 
 
 R. C. 
 
IN THE NAME OF GOD, 
 
 AN ACCOUNT OF MY LIFE, ESTATE, AND CONCERNED 
 
 FOK THE 
 
 USE AND INFORMATION OF MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. 
 
 I Sir Richard Cox, Knight, Lord Chief Justice of Her 
 Majesties Court of Common Pleas, and one of Her Ma- 
 jestyes most honourable Privy Councill for the Kingdom 
 of Ireland, was borne at Bandonbridge, in the County of 
 Corke, the 25th day of March, 1650. 
 
 My grandfather, Michaell Cox/ was a younger brother of 
 an honest family that have for some hundreds of yeares held 
 a good copyhold, neare Bishop’s Canings, in Wiltshire. He 
 settled near Kilworth, in the County of Corke, where he 
 grew considerably rich to the value of 5 or 6000 li. But 
 in the barbarous Irish rebellion 1641, he bore his share 
 in the common calamity, and lost most part of his substance, 
 soe that little remained to his family. 
 
 Richard, his third son, was my father, and being a very 
 strong and valiant person, he easily advanced himself in war 
 time, and became captain of a troop in Major-General Jepson’s 
 
 * Harris (Ware) says he was descended from Dr. Richard Cox, one of the 
 compilers of the liturgy, tutor to King Edward VI., and in the reign of 
 Queen Elizabeth, Bishop of Ely (Writers of Ireland, p, 207). This statement 
 seems unfounded, though it continues to be repeated at the baronettages. 
 Bishop Cox was born at Whaddon, in Buckinghamshire, of unknown parents ; 
 he left issue three sons, John, Sir Richard of Brame, in Ely, and Rogere ; 
 (Cooper’s Athense Cantabrigiensis Yol I., pp. 437 — 442.) whereas the grand- 
 father of Sir Richard was of a Wiltshire family. Wilts is very far from 
 Bucks, where the bishop’s father was unknown ; moreover, the arms borne 
 by the two families do not bear the slightest resemblance. The bishop 
 carried three cocks, and in chief a rose, between two ostrich feathers, in 
 allusion to his being preceptor to Edward, Prince of Wales ; our baronet’s 
 arms were Or, three bars azure, in a canton gules, a lion’s head erased 
 argent. 
 
8 
 
 Regiment of Horse, in the King’s army, in which station he 
 continued so long, that his arrears* amounted unto 1676 li. 
 
 My mother (Katherin) was an ingenious and a pretty black 
 woman, as I have been assured, she was daughter to Walter 
 Bird,f Esq., thrice Soveraigne, and a long time Recorder of 
 Clonakilty, and though he was likewise reduced by the afore- 
 said rebellion, 1641, yet he lived comfortably to the last, and 
 was an ingenious man, a good scholar, (having been bred 
 sometime in Oxford) and understood musick (especially the 
 base viol) exceeding well. 
 
 My father J was murdered by a cowardly fellow, one 
 Captain Norton, who stabbed him with a penknife as they 
 were walking together ; he dyed in July 1652, rather 1651. 
 
 My mother, whose first husband (Captain Thomas Batten) 
 was shot in the forehead and killed at the siege of Dungarvan, 
 anno 1642, could not long survive this second misfortune, 
 but through greef fell into a consumption, and dyed the 
 following winter, viz., 1652, so that I doe not remember 
 to have seen either my father or mother, or anything (money, 
 plate, rings, or household stuff) that was theirs ; but my 
 grandfather Bird (who I suppose had what was left of it) 
 took care of me, and kept me at schoole at Bandon, untill he 
 dyed on the 10th October, 1659. 
 
 * Houses in Galway were granted for a number of the 49 officers, or their 
 representatives, among them was Richard Cox, son of Captain Richard Cox, 
 whose arrears are stated at £1176 7s. lOd. ; this discrepancy in the amount 
 must be attributed to some typographical error in the report of the Record 
 Commissioners. 
 
 f This gentleman, at the breaking out of the rebellion, preserved the 
 charter and other records of the Borough of Clonakilty, at the hazard of his 
 life, and escaped with them to Bandon. 
 
 X Captain Richard Cox married Katherin Cox, alias Boorde ; by his Will, 
 dated 11th November, 1650, and proved 20th February following, he leaves 
 to his wife the half ploughland of Munodersan, and goods., debts, &c. > also 
 the fairs and markets of Killword, which I have custodiam of the same 
 during the states pleasure, after wifes death, all the above to my son and 
 heyre, Richard Cox, brothers Hannaball Cox and John Burde, Executors. 
 And upon further remembrance, I do hereby in my last will and testament’ 
 declare that I have been present when Mr. Michel his cattle was taken away 
 from Mr. Richard Canton, per force, by the Lord President, St Leagers forte [?] 
 being then in power in the Province of Munster, or about the year 1642. 
 
 “Signed with his own mark.” 
 
9 
 
 My good unkle John Birde, who dyed 1703, took care of 
 me thence forward, and put me to schoole to Mr. Thomas 
 Barry, at Cloghnakilty, who was very kind to me. It was 
 an advantage to me that I had no booke but a grammar, for 
 by writeing my lessons in the Classique authors, and. by 
 writeing B-hetorique, Logick, and part of Phisick, I learned 
 to write fast and well, and it also made a great impression in 
 my mind of what I learned. 
 
 I began Logick at 14, and left schoole at 15 years old, and 
 not having meanes for the colledge, I spent three years idely, 
 saveing that I beguiled some of my tedious houres with Hey- 
 lin’s Cosmography,* and such historyes as I could borrow. 
 
 This was the uneasy part of my life ; for nothing is to me 
 soe irksome as idleness, nor soe troublesome as time that lyes 
 upon ones hands. 
 
 The rise of my fortune sprung from a principle of honesty : 
 and I thank God I can truly say, that from my infancy I have 
 had a great regard for religion, sincerity, and virtue. 
 
 I owd a cobf which by driblets I had lost at the trucktable, 
 and being dun’d for it, I stole one from my unkle, but being 
 checqu’d by my principle, I restored it immediately, and re- 
 solved to take some lawful course to pay that debt, and furnish 
 myself with more money. 
 
 * Cosmography in Four Books, by Peter Heylyn, D.D., First Edition, 
 entitled “ Microcosmos, or little description of the Great World.” Oxon, 
 1622. For a full account of Heylyn’s Works, see Bohn’s edition Loundes’ 
 Bibliographer’s Manual. 
 
 f The cob was a Spanish dollar which (with other foreign coins) was at 
 this time current in Ireland, the standard value being fixed on them by a pro- 
 clamation, issued 30th October, 1560 ; when “ His Majesty taking into consi- 
 deration the hardships under which his subjects of Ireland labored for want 
 of good silver species, and by the great quantity of base money imported into 
 this kingdom, was pleased, by his letter of the thirtieth of October, to order 
 the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland to issue a proclamation for raising 
 the value of gold and silver coins; and accordingly, the twenty-ninth of 
 January following, a proclamation came out for ascertaining the value of, 
 and declaring the several gold and silver coins therein mentioned to be 
 current coin of this kingdom.” By the proclamation, “The Mexico, or 
 Seville-piece of eight, the Bix-dollar, or Cross-dollar, weight 17dwt., was 
 valued at 4s, 9d.” — Simon on Irish coins. 
 
 C 
 
10 
 
 That very night I proposed to my unkle (who was seneschal 
 of several of the Earle of Corkes mannours) that I might have 
 his permission to practise as an attorney ; which being granted, 
 I got enough to pay my debt the first Court day. And this is 
 another principle which I reaped great benefit by, viz., that 
 I was always carefull to pay debts as soon as I possibly could. 
 
 I soon got enough by my practise (wherein I was very 
 dilligent and punctuall) to keep me in good cloaths and 
 in good company, which last is a point of the greatest im- 
 portance, and haveing spent three yeares thus, and got about 
 50 li. in my pocket, and being now of age, and in possession 
 of the lott I had in Galway for my father’s 49 arreares, which 
 yielded me £61i. per annum. I sold an interest my grand- 
 father left me, neare Kil worth, for £150, payable in 4 yeares ; 
 and thus furnished, I resolved to advance my fortune in the 
 same profession of the law, and haveing the opportunity 
 of goeing over to England with the Earle of Burlington* 
 and Corke, who was very kind to me, I entred my self at 
 Grayes Inn, in September, 1671. 
 
 I was not of full two yeares standing, when by great pro- 
 vidence, and at the most critical juncture (my money being 
 almost spent), friends were raised up for me, who found 
 meanes to make me one of the surveyors at Sir Robert 
 Shaftoe’sf reading, in consequence whereof I was called to 
 the bar at Gray’s Inn, on the 9th August, 1673 ; and the 
 Munday before, I argued the reader’s case in the hall with 
 so much applause, that Sir Francis RatclifF,{ since Earl of 
 Derwentwater, offered me lOOli per annum certaine, and 
 other great advantages, if I would settle with him in the 
 north. 
 
 * Richard Boyle, who distinguished himself in the restoration of Charles II., 
 was, for his services, created Earl of Burlington, in the County York, 20th 
 March, 16 Charles II. In 1689 he was attainted by King James’s parliament 
 in Ireland, but was confirmed by King William in his post of Lord High 
 Treasurer in Ireland; he died I5th June, 1697-8, aged 86 years. 
 
 f Sir Robert Shaftoe, of Whitworth, in the County Durham, Sergeant- at- 
 Law and Recorder of Newcastle; he died 1705. 
 
 t Created Baron of Tyndal, County Northumberland, and Earl of Der- 
 wentwater, &c., 7th March, 1688 ; he died 1696, 
 
11 
 
 But cc Seqnimur quo fata trahunt,” and I returned to my 
 owne country, and landed at Dungarvan, and came to Bandon 
 11th January, and by my unkle Bird’s advice, I married my 
 now wife (Mary Bourne*) on Thursday, 26th February, 1673, 
 she being but 15, and I not full 24 years old ; this was the rock 
 I had like to split upon, for though she proved a very good 
 wife, yet being disappointed in her portion, which was ill 
 paid by her mother and by driblets, and from whom I also 
 received some other unkindnesses, I retired into the country, 
 and lived at Cloghnikilty for 7 ycares, but very plentifully 
 and pleasantly. 
 
 But then considering my charge of children, I rouzed my* 
 self from that lethargy, and resolved to struggle for a better 
 fortune ; accordingly I removed to Corke, and being made 
 Recorder of Kinsale, I stuck close to my practise, and got 
 £500 the first yeare, and continued in very gqod practise, 
 purchased land, kept my coach, and lived very well untill my 
 removal into England, in Aprill 1687. 
 
 But being a sincere Protestant and a good Englishman, I 
 could not be silent when I thought all was at stake, but tooke 
 an opportunity to express my zeale “ pro aris et focis” in 
 an elaborate charge which (being chairman) I gave at the 
 Quarter Sessions, held for the County of Corke, at Bandon, 
 in Aprill 1679, at a critical season when the Popish plot began 
 to be ridicul’d. It will not be vaine to say, that I did it with 
 that spirit and good sense that mightily animated the Protes- 
 tants, and as highly provoked the Papists ; and it is certain 
 that God Almighty rewarded my sincerity therein, since this 
 very act laid the foundation of my present fortune. 
 
 For, as the Papists from hence became outrageous against 
 me, soe it gave me caution not to trust them, and put me 
 under a necessity of leaveing the kingdom as soon as the 
 power came into their hands, and accordingly I went to Eng- 
 gland, the 7th of Aprill, 1687. 
 
 * Daughter of John Bourne, Esq., who had a grant of lands in the Barony 
 of Carbery, County Cork, in 1667, containing 612 acres; she died 1st June, 
 1715. 
 
12 
 
 My wife and children followed in June after, and we settled 
 at Bristol, where we were very kindly us’d, and where I fell 
 into good practise, but not so much but that I found leisure 
 to write and publish my History of Ireland, 
 
 Here I grew acquainted with one of the worthyest persons 
 in the world, Sir Robert Southwell,* * * § who has since prov’d the 
 best friend that ever I had. And when King William de- 
 sign’d for Ireland, and made him Secretary of State, he chose 
 his own excellent son, his worthy kinsman Captain Waller, 
 and myself to accompany him in that journey ; we acted in 
 quality of Secretaryes, but were used as his companions, rode in 
 the same coach, lay in the same tent, and eat at the same table, 
 and had our allowance from the King’s kitchen and cellar. 
 
 Upon the rendition of Waterford, I was made Recorder 
 there, and soon after, when the King embarqued at Duncannon,f 
 I was asked what imployment I would choose, and I pitcht 
 upon the place of Second Justice of the Common Pleas, and 
 was accordingly sworne on Munday, 15th September, 1690, 
 and at Michalmas I received 200 li. for the halfe-year’s 
 sailary, usually paid at that gale, which with 240 li. I got in 
 the camp, and 800 li. I brought from England, did encourage 
 me to look out for a purchase. 
 
 In October, 1690, Robert Rochford, Esq.,J then one of the 
 Commissioners of the Greate Seale, and I went with a Com- 
 mission of Assize and Goale delivery to Ardee and Drogheda. 
 And in December, 1690, Richard Pine, Esq.,§ First Com- 
 
 * Sir Robert Southwell resided at King’s Weston, near Bristol. u Than 
 whom (Harris says) the world could not shew a man of more religion, virtue, 
 and wisdom.” 
 
 f King William sailed from D uncannon on the 3rd September, 1690. 
 
 t Robert Rochford, an eminent lawyer, was born 9th December, 1652, 
 chosen Recorder of Londonderry, 13th July, 1680. August 1, 1600, he was 
 with Richard Pyne, Esq., and Sir Richard Ryves, appointed Commissioners 
 of the Great Seal ; on the reduction of Ireland by King William, 6th June, 
 1695, he was made Attorney-General, which appointment he subsequently 
 held under Queen Anne; he died suddenly at Gaulstown, 10th October, 
 1727, and was there interred. 
 
 § Afterwards Sir Richard Pyne, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, 169-1 j 
 of the King’s Bench, 1695; died 1T0O. 
 
13 
 
 missioner of the Greate Seale, and I went with the like 
 Commission to Corke, Waterford, and Wexford, for which 
 we had lOOli. a-piece. 
 
 In March, the Lord Chief Justice Reyn ell* and I went. 
 Judges of Assize, to Corke and Waterford, and bv order of 
 the Government, we gave printed protections to the Irish, for 
 which we had six pence a-piece, so that we got 300 li. a-piece 
 that journey. 
 
 On the first of May, 1691, I was sent with a Commission 
 to governe the Countyes of Corke and Citty of Cork. I came 
 there 4th May, and had with me a Commission of Oyer and 
 Terminer and Goale delivery. I soon raysed and array’d 8 
 Regiments of Dragoonsf and 3 of Foot, which were under 
 my command all that summer ; they did great service, and 
 did much execution upon the Irish, and took from them soe 
 much prey (to the value perhaps of 10,000 li.) as set many of 
 them up after the war. I tooke no share of it myself, though 
 I might have had the tenth, but in every thing I acted the 
 part of a true Englishman, whose heart was in the cause, and 
 in requitall, had a very hearty address of thanks from both 
 countyes, and received from the Government 150 li. by con- 
 cordatum, and from their Majesty es, an abatement of half my 
 quit-rent for ever. 
 
 And it is a matter I may justly boast of, and my posterity 
 may rejoice in, that though I kept a frontier of 80 miles long 
 from Tallow to Sherkin, and sent 1000 men to the Camp at 
 Limerick, and made many excursions into the Irish quarters, 
 yet I took my measures so right, and God Almighty so bless’d 
 my honest endeavours, that I did not loose ten men in the 
 execution of my orders throughout the whole campagne. 
 
 In September, 1691, I held Assizes at Corke and 
 
 * Sir Richard Reynell, Justice of the Common Pleas, 1674 ; of the King’s 
 Bench, 1685 ; of the Chief Justice, 1690; resigned, 1695. 
 
 f 1st August, 1691, “ whereas Judge Cox hath has sent in an account of 
 the Cittyes Charge ffor the Campe, which amounts to 21 li. 14s. sterling per 
 weeke. Ordered this day, that a Speciall Sessions be called on Monday next 
 for the raising of 50 li., which will serve for a fortnight, and other contingent 
 charges.” Council Book. 
 
14 
 
 Waterford, by virtue of a Commission to the Lord Chief 
 Justice Rcyncll and me. 
 
 In March the Lord Chief Justice Pyne and I went, 
 Judges of Assize, to Munster, hut I sat alone at Limerick 
 and Clare. 
 
 On 12th of Aprill, 1692, I was sworne Deputy-Governor 
 of the Royall Fishery Company, and on the 13th was sworne 
 one of their Majestyes Privy Councill. 
 
 And now there being fresh rumours of a French invasion, 
 I was again sent to settle the Militia of Munster, for which I 
 had 100 li.; I set out 12tli May, and stay’d till Autumne, 
 when Lord Chief Justice Reynell brought a Commission of 
 Assize to us for Munster circuit, which was the most bene- 
 ficiall to us that ever was known, producing about 4001. a- 
 peece, including the clerk’s fees. 
 
 1692. On the 5th November, I was Knighted with the 
 Sword of State, in the Castle of Dublin, by His Excellency 
 the Lord Sydney, Lord Lieutenant. 
 
 1693. On the 8th day of May, I set sail for England* 
 where I obtain’d an order to abate one moyety of my quit- 
 rent, being 641i. 10s. 00|d. for ever. I was very kindly used 
 by the great men, and by my Lord Godolphin, First Com- 
 missioner of the Treasury, who told me, that they were all 
 oblig’d to doe what they could for me. 
 
 August, I went north-west circuit with Mr. Sergeant 
 Donelan,* but some business requiring my return to Dublin, 
 I went no further than Trim. 
 
 On 1st January, I went (with Mr. Justice Jeffryson, whom 
 I chose for my colleague), with a Commission of Oyer and 
 Terminer to Waterford, and executed that commission to the 
 satisfaction of the country, which was much oppress’d by 
 Brigadier Villers, who dyed the very day I gave the charge 
 there, being 4th January, 1693-4. 
 
 On the 10th of February, I was sworne one of the Commis- 
 sioners of Forfeitures, being made so by the Lords of the 
 
 * Nehemiah Donellan, Prime Sergeant, 1G92; Baron of the Exchequer, 
 1695; Chief Baron, 1703; died, 1706. 
 
15 
 
 Treasury in England, without any application of mine ; our 
 sallary was 400 li. a-piece per annum. 
 
 Lord Chief Baron Hely and I went Lent circuit ; I sat alone 
 at Naas. He went to Wicklow and Wexford. I met him at 
 Kilkenny, and returned to Dublin from Carlow, 24th March. 
 
 1694. I went summer circuit with Sir John Jeffryson, 
 and sat at Carlow, 26th July; at Wexford, 31st July; and 
 then I went with the Commissioners of Forfeitures to Carlow, 
 Wexford, Waterford, Corke, and Clonmell. 
 
 I went Lent circuit to Molingar and Longford, and my 
 brother Coote* went the rest alone. 
 
 1695. The summer circuit I went round Conaught, and 
 my brother Donelan sat only at Molingar, Longford, Ros- 
 comon, and Galway. 
 
 Lord Chief Justice Hely and I sat at Waterford, 29th 
 February. We went alone to Kerry, and we ended at 
 Ennis, 26th March, 1696. 
 
 1696. By the undeserved malice of Mr. Secretary 
 Aldworth, who govern’d the Lord-Deputy Capellf as a 
 schoolmaster, I was superseded from the Councill in June, 
 1695, with great compliment that it was for no dislike of 
 my services, but to obviate a jealous notion of the subject, 
 that if many judges were of that board, it might in time 
 become a court of judicature, and to countenance this sugges- 
 tion, Judge Jeffryson was turn’d out with me. But the true 
 reason was, because I was a firm Churchman, and stopt a bill 
 for “ liberty of conscience,” by saying I was content every 
 man should have liberty “ of goeing to Heaven,” but I 
 desired nobody might have liberty of comeing into Govern- 
 ment, but those who would conform to it. 
 
 There was also a base contrivance to get a vote of Parliament 
 that the forfeitures were mismanag’d, which the Lord De- 
 puty would make use of to alter the commission. But I was 
 
 • Thomas Coote, Justice of the King’s Bench, 1693 ; removed, 1714. 
 
 f Henry, Lord Capel, of Tewksbury, second son of Arthur, Lord Capel, of 
 Hadham, whose character Lord Clarendon highly eulogizes, and brother of 
 Arthur, first Earl of Essex ; he died Lord-Deputy of Ireland, at DublinCastle, 
 30th May, 1696, and was buried at Dublin. 
 
16 
 
 heard at the Committee, and shew’d that there haveing been 
 severall Commissions of Forfeitures, common justice requir’d 
 they should particularize the mismanagements, that it might bo 
 known to whom to object them, and that the innocent might 
 not be confounded with the guilty. Then Sir It. Bulkly 
 produced a list of objections against us (though at first they 
 assured us, that we were not design’d to be reflected on), 
 but I answered them all ere tenn to the satisfaction of the 
 Committee; whereupon that designe fell, and the Lord- 
 Deputie had no other way to supersede that commission, but 
 by getting it devolved upon the Commissioners of Revenue, 
 on the pretence of saveing our sallaryes. 
 
 1696. On 18th Aprill, being very ill, I set saile from 
 Kinsale, and landed at Plymouth, 21st, came to London 28th, 
 and to Bath 17th May. 
 
 On 22nd June, I returned to Dublin, and went to Trim ; 
 my colleague, Sir Thomas Packenham* went the rest of the 
 N orth-west circuit. 
 
 Lent circuit, I went Munster with Baron Echlin,f we sat 
 at Waterford, 14th March, and he went to Kerry alone. 
 
 1697. Lord Chief Justice HelyJ and I went Leinster 
 circuit, and he sat at Naas, 14th July; 16th, 1 met him at 
 Kilkenny, went to Wexford and Wicklow, and returned to 
 Dublin, the 24th. 
 
 We went the same circuit in Lent, but I went from Duiir 
 manway to Kilkenny, and sat there 7th April, 1698. 
 
 1698. We both went the same circuit in summer, and sat 
 25th July, at Naas ; 28th, Philipstown, and I left him at 
 Kilkenny. 
 
 We went together Lent circuit to Munster, and sat* at 
 Ennis, 15th March ; at Limerick, the 18th ; at Traly, the 
 27th; at Corke, the 4th Aprill; and at Waterford, the 12th. 
 
 * Sir Thomas Packenham, Knt, Prime Sergeant-at-Law, 1695 ; died, 1706. 
 
 f Sir Henry Echlin, Baronet, Baron of the Exchequer, 1690 ; Justice of 
 the King’s Bench, 1692; again Baron of the Exchequer, 1693; removed, 
 1714 ; died, 1725. 
 
 + John Ilely, Chief Baron, 1690; Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, 
 1695; died, 1700. 
 
17 
 
 1699. I and Sir John Jeffryson* * * § went Conaught circuit 
 in summer. Lord Chief Justice Hely and I went Munster 
 circuit in Lent; he began at Ennis, 5th March, and we 
 ended at Waterford, the 3rd Aprill. 
 
 1700. I went North-west circuit with Baron Echlin, and 
 began at Trim, 4th July ; at Cavan, 9th ; at Iniskilling, 12th ; 
 at Omagh 15th ; at Lifford, 17th ; and at Londonderry, the 
 18th, where the city addressd me to print my charge. 
 
 On 18th October, my daughter Amyf was married to Sir 
 William Mansell, Baronet. 
 
 Lord Chief Justice Hely and I went Lent circuit to 
 Munster; he died at Ennis, the [7th] day of [April], and 
 I went all the rest alone. 
 
 1701. I was sworne Chief Justice of the Common Pleas 
 
 on the 16th day of May, and of the Privy Council on the 
 
 ( ) 
 
 On the 15th day of June, my daughter Mary was marryed 
 Mr. Allen Riggs, which had a good prospect, but proved an 
 unfortunate match. 
 
 I went Leinster circuit in summer, and met my brother 
 Mr. Justice Smith* at Kilkenny, and we went togather to 
 Carlow, Maryborough, Phillipstowne, and Naas, and came to 
 Dublin,. . . .September, and the next day the Earle of Ro- 
 chester§ landed, and was sworne Lord Lieutenant. 
 
 * Justice of the Common Pleas, 1690; died 1700. 
 
 f (Daughter Amy=Sir William Mansell, Baronet.) “By Articles before 
 his marriage, he was to settle an estate in Wales to the value of 450 li, per 
 annum, and. then, and not till then, I was to pay 1 1 00 li., and an annuity to 
 Lady Mansell of 100 li. per annum; and though that is not done, yet in 
 kindness to them I have paid 900 li., endorsed with his receipt on the back of 
 the Articles, besides 100 li. for her annuity to 1st August, 1706, which I 
 paid.” 
 
 “Also I gave her a bed and bedstead, &c., cost me 37 li., and a chaise cost 
 me ten pounds, and I maintain’d her and her servants, and clear’d all her 
 debts to 1st August, 1705, which together amounted to lOOli. per annum, at 
 least while her husband was absent.’’ — Cox MS. Sir William the fifth 
 Baronet, succeeded his father in the title and lordship of Ischoed, in Camar- 
 thensliire, and Pentry-Easthill, in Glamorganshire. 
 
 + John Smith, Justice of the Common Pleas, 1700; resigned, 1702. 
 
 § Lawrence Hyde, first Earl of Rochester, the Queen’s natural uncle. 
 
18 
 
 1702. I went Munster circuit with my brother Smith, 
 and sat at Waterford, 21st March ; at Corke, 26th; I went 
 alone to Kerry, and he to Limerick and Ennis. 
 
 I went with Mr. Justice Macartny* Conaught circuit this 
 summer, but having gone to Molingar, Longford, Roscomon, 
 and Galway, I struck off to Limerick, and so to Corke and 
 Dunmanway. 
 
 1702-3. I went with Mr. Justice MacCartny Conaught 
 circuit, but having sat at Molingar, Longford, Roscomon, 
 and Carrick, I read a letter there from the Earle of Notting- 
 ham,f Principall Secretary of State, importing Her Majestyes 
 commands that I should, with all convenient speed, repair to 
 London, to consult about the future parliament; accordingly 
 I set saile 10th Aprill, and returned with the Duke of Or- 
 mond Lord Lieutenant. 
 
 1703. I went the same circuit with the same colleague, 
 but I sat onely at Molingar, and went thence to Kilkeny and 
 Dunmanway. 
 
 On Friday, the 6th day of August, I was sworne Lord 
 Chancellor at the Council board, and on Tuesday, 10th 
 August, I issued writs for the parliament, which sat Tuesday, 
 21st September, 1703, where by virtue of my office, I was 
 Speaker of the House of Lords ; and though I met with great 
 difficulties in that station, yet by the blessing of God I sur- 
 mounted them all, and the first meeting ended hapily by 
 adjournment, Saturday, 27th November, to Tuesday, 11th 
 January. 
 
 On Saturday, 4th December, 1703, the Lord Mayor,:}: 
 Recorder, Alderman, and Sheriffs of Dublin, came to my 
 house, and presented me with my freedom of the citty in 
 a gold box, which cost 30 li., and wish’d me many years en- 
 joyment of my office. 
 
 * James Macartny, Justice of the King’s Bench, 1700; removed 1711. 
 
 f Daniel Finch, son of Heneage, Earl of Nottingham, Lord High Chancellor 
 of England, was constituted one of His Majesty King William’s principal 
 Secretaries of State the very day he was proclaimed, he held the same office 
 under Queen Anne, and was appointed Lord President of the Council in the 
 reign of George I.; he died 21st January, 1729-30. 
 
 + John Page, Lord Mayor; John Hendrick and William French, Sheriffs. 
 
19 
 
 New Seales being sent over, the old great Seale and the 
 Seale of the Common Pleas belonged to me, the former being 
 100, and the latter 25 ounces of plate, I made both into 
 a handsome Monteth,* with the Duke of Ormond’s armes on 
 one side, and my own on the other, and desire that it, 
 together with the aforesaid box, may be preserved in my 
 family as long as may be. 
 
 1703-4. On Thursday, 23rd March, I was sworne one 
 of the Lords Justices of Ireland, together with Hugh, Earle 
 of Mountallexander, and Lieutenant-General Thomas Earle, 
 and that day the Privy Councill dined with me. 
 
 I should have mentioned, that the Parliament sat with 
 great success, maugre all the devices of our enemys, who 
 were entirely balled by the integrity of our management, for 
 the noble Duke of Ormond shewed himself a true lover of 
 his country, a true son of the Church, and a loyal subject to 
 the Queen, and by the good laws he obtained of our Gracious 
 Soveraigne for us, established the Protestant religion and 
 English interest in Ireland for ever. 
 
 1704. His speech (which I compiled) was universally 
 approv’d ; and on the 4th of March, 1703, the Parliament 
 was prorogued with generall satisfaction to the 3rd day 
 of October, 1704, and thence to the 10th of February, by a 
 Proclamation from us the Lords Justices. 
 
 This year I gave ten pound to the Organ at Kilkenny, and 
 1001i., that is 701i. in money, and 30 li. being my fees for the 
 act, to the new Workhouse, neare Dublin, and I gave my 
 picture (which cost me 35 li.) to the Hospital at Kilmainham.f 
 
 My Lord Lieutenant returned 16th November, 1704; and 
 on the day appointed the Parliament met, and voted a supply 
 
 * Monteth, so called from the name of the inventor. A vessel in which 
 glasses are washed. (Todd’s Johnson.) 
 
 New things produce new words, and thus Monteth 
 Has by one vessel sav’d himself from death. — King. 
 
 This interesting vessel is now in the possession of the Honourable Yilliers 
 Stuart, of Castletown, County Kilkenny, in right of his wife, who inherited it 
 on the death of her brother, the late Sir Richard Cox, Baronet. 
 
 t This portrait still hangs in the large dining hall of the establishment. 
 
20 
 
 of 1 50,000 li., and the Session was yery easy; and being 
 adjournd the. .. .day of March, to Tuesday, 1st May, then 
 met, and haveing finished, and pass’d many good bills. 
 
 1705. The Royal assent was given, Saturday, the 16th day 
 of June, and the Parliament prorogued to the 13th day of 
 J une next, with generall satisfaction. 
 
 1705, On Wednesday, the 27th day of June, I was (with 
 my Lord Cutts) sworne at the Councill Board, the Commis- 
 sion of Lords Justices being to us two onely, and that day 
 the Privy Councill dined with me at Palmerstown. 
 
 25th October, I gave Archdeacon Percivall* 51i. towards 
 building an English church at Roterdam. 
 
 August, 1706, I gave 25 li. towards building Bandon 
 Church, being the towne where I was borne. 
 
 I gave 40 li. to bind Will Cox apprentice to Mr. Minchen, 
 Chyrurgion. 
 
 1706. On Sunday, the 26th day of January, my Lord 
 Cutts died suddenly, that is unexpectedly, though he had 
 been indisposed for some months. This accident plung’d me 
 into great difficultyes, for the whole Councill were of opinion 
 that I ought to issue writs for a new election, pursuant to 
 the Irish statute of 33 Hen. 8., cap. 2 ; but I knowing that 
 so doing would avoid the Duke of Ormond’s Commission, 
 who was then Lord Lieutenant, and in England, did rightly 
 distinguish between the Government being voide and being 
 unsupplyed; and afterwards I found a precedent, upon the 
 death of Lord Deputy Wandesford, anno 1640, which fully 
 justyfyed my distinction and opinion. 
 
 This was the most critical juncture of my life, for my 
 judgment, my courage, and my integrity were all at stake ; 
 the former was shock’t by the generality of opinion against me, 
 the second was attack’d by threats of impeachment, and the 
 great danger I was under if I should prove to be in the 
 wrong ; but my integrity supported my courage, and the 
 precedent, when found, settled my judgment, and convinced 
 severall of my opposers. 
 
 * William Percivall, Archdeacon of Cashel, 1703; he resigned 1725. 
 
21 
 
 
 
 On Saturday, the 15th of February, my Lord Primate* * * § 
 and I were sworne Lords Justices at the Councill chamber. 
 
 1707. On 10th Aprill, the Duke of Ormond had notice 
 that the Earle of Pembroke was to succeed him, who was 
 accordingly declared in Councill the 17th, but the Duke was 
 not actually superseded till the 30th Aprill. 
 
 In the Earle of Pembroke’sf patent was a clause to con- 
 tinue our Commission of Lords Justices untill his arrival, 
 which happened £4th June, and then he was sworne Lord 
 Lieutenant at the Councill chamber. 
 
 The Ministry in England haveing, as I suppose, a designe 
 to repeal the test here as to Dissenters, and render them 
 capable of offices, which it was (truly) judg’d I would never 
 promote, it was thought fitt that the Lord Chief Baron Free- 
 man:}: should be Lord Chancellor, and, accordingly, I sealed 
 his patent, 30th June, and then delivered the Great Seale to 
 the Lord Lieutenant, at the Castle, who had it carried to the 
 Councill chamber, where the new Chancellor was sworne the 
 same day. 
 
 I had, by message from Lord Treasurerg (by Mr. South- 
 well), compliments that the Queen was not dissatisfiede 
 with my conduct, but was obliged, by reasons of State, to 
 change hands, and an assurance of compensation, and I had 
 the same assurance from Lord Lieutenant. 
 
 But experience has convincd me, that we ought not to put 
 too great trust in men. 
 
 * Narcissus Marsh, D.D.; he died November 2nd, 1713, and was buried 
 in the Church yard of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. 
 
 f Thomas, Earle of Pembroke, succeeded his brother Philip, August 29th. 
 1683 ; he arrived in Dublin, as Lord Lieutenant, 24th June, 1707, and was 
 sworne in the same day. 
 
 X Richard Freeman, Chief Baron, 1706; died, 1710. 
 
 § Sydney, Earle of Godolphin, on the accession of Queen Anne he was 
 constituted, 6th May, 1702, Lord High Treasurer of England; he died 
 15tli September, 1712, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, 
 
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