While this trial was going on, or soon after, the inhabitants sent over to London (Dec. 1611) a petition by the hands of Walsh setting forth the injustice which they considered had been done to them. The facts set forth in it seem in the main correct, for they agree with the findings of a subsequent government commission of enquiry.[1] In particular they stated that when authority was given to receive their surrenders in February, 1609—10, Chichester himself had by Act of Council directed the Commissioners for Defective Titles to declare that they should have letters patent on their surrenders, the lands to be holden in free and common socage.
The Commissioners for Irish Causes after recital of the facts advised that the surrender of 1609 be accepted, and that regrants of all their lands should be made to the former holders, thus upsetting all plans for a plantation.[2]
Accordingly in January, 1612, the King wrote to Chichester, revoking his letter of May, 1611, and directing that there should be no plantation. Chichester protested to Salisbury against this decision and stayed all proceedings pending further directions.[3]
The King, influenced probably by Salisbury, changed his mind.[4] On the pretext that he had
