thus begging the whole question.[1] It is quite evident from the documents themselves that the Composition of 1585 and James' letter of 1615 plainly intended to give legal titles to all concerned.
To make the grants valid it was necessary to have the surrenders and grants enrolled in the Court of Chancery. From the list of grievances sent in, in 1624, by the landholders of the Pale we learn that the province of Connaught, after excessive charge for passing their lands, cannot now have their surrenders enrolled, and for want of the enrolment of the surrender they threaten to overthrow the whole ground, and thus defeat the inhabitants of the benefit of His Majesty's gracious intent. To this it was answered:—It is by default of the parties in neglecting the enrolment of their surrenders; and therefore it now rests wholly with His Majesty to give warrant for new letters patent.[2]
Among the "graces" asked for in May, 1628, number (29) is "that the inhabitants of Connaught, Thomond and Clare forthwith have their surrenders enrolled in the most beneficial manner possible, and that the passing of patents be carried through on terms favourable to the tenants." To this the answer of the Lords' Committee appointed to investigate and report on the concessions asked for was "The tenants of Connaught, Thomond and Clare should have their surrenders enrolled in the Chancery, according to the wish of
- ↑ The Connaught landowners claimed in 1641 "that the King is bound in honour to settle them in their lands, first by the composition made in the time of Q. Elizabeth, secondly by the letter of James I. of 21st July, 1615, and thirdly by the "graces" of 1628. Cal. St. Paps., 1641, p. 275.
- ↑ Cal. St. Paps., 1624, p. 507.
