They complained that their people were plundered by sheriffs, under-sheriffs, officers, and soldiers; and that even their domestic privacy was hourly violated, that their remonstrances were unheeded, and their attempts to obtain legal remedies were frustrated.

At the same time their vassals were encouraged to repudiate their demands for tribute and rent.

Bishop Montgomery of Derry was a dangerous neighbour to O'Neill.

Meeting him one day at Dungannon, the earl said: 'My lord, you have two or three bishopricks, and yet you are not content with them, but seek the lands of my earldom.' 'My lord,' replied the bishop, 'your earldom is swollen so big with the lands of the Church, that it will burst if it be not vented.' If he had confined his venting operations to the chiefs, and abstained from bleeding the poor people, it would have been better for Protestantism.

For we read that he sent bailiffs through the diocese of Raphoe, to levy contributions for the Church.