Sir George Carew was sent over as President of Munster.  He has left an account of his exploits in the Pacata Hibernia, which are not much to the credit of his humanity, but which he was pleased to consider refined strokes of policy.  The English Government not only countenanced his acts, but gave the example of a similar line of conduct.  James, son of Gerald, Earl of Desmond, who had long been imprisoned in London, was now sent to Ireland, and a patent, restoring his title and estates, was forwarded to Carew, with private instructions that it should be used or not, as might be found expedient.  The people flocked with joy to meet the heir of the ancient house, but their enthusiasm was soon turned into contempt.  He arrived on a Saturday, and on Sunday went to the Protestant service, for he had been educated in the new religion in London.  His people were amazed; they fell on their knees, and implored him not to desert the faith of his fathers; but he was ignorant of their language as well as of their creed.  Once this was understood, they showed how much dearer that was to them than even the old ties of kindred, so revered in their island; and his return from prayers was hailed by groans and revilings.  The hapless youth was found to be useless to his employers; he was therefore taken back to London, where he died soon after of a broken heart.

Attempts were made to assassinate O’Neill in 1601.  L2,000 was offered to any one who would capture him alive; L1,000 was offered for his head; but none of his own people could be found to play the traitor even for so high a stake.  The “Sugane Earl” was treacherously captured about the end of August, and was sent to London in chains, with Florence MacCarthy.  But the long-expected aid from Spain had at last arrived.  The fleet conveyed a force of 3,000 infantry, and entered the harbour of Kinsale on the 23rd of September, under the command of Don Juan d’Aquila.  It would appear as if Spanish expeditions were not destined to succeed on Irish soil for only part of the expedition arrived safely, and they had the misfortune to land in the worst situation, and to arrive after the war had ceased.  The northern chieftains set out at once to meet their allies when informed of their arrival; and O’Donnell, with characteristic impetuosity, was the first on the road.  Carew attempted to intercept him, but despaired of coming up with “so swift-footed a general,” and left him to pursue his way unmolested.

The Lord Deputy was besieging Kinsale, and Carew joined him there.  The siege was continued through the month of November during which time fresh reinforcements came from Spain; and on the 21st of December, O’Neill arrived with all his force.  Unfortunately, the Spanish general had become thoroughly disgusted with the enterprise; and, although the position of the English was such that the Lord Deputy had serious thoughts of raising the siege, he insisted on decisive measures; and O’Neill was obliged to surrender