|
|
John Mericke to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 1. |
Me Velycoe hospodare schare evelico knaze Burris Phedorowch seeyaruse Samoderzets velico hospodarsoe Vollodemerske Namoscovfskeys daenie monoge, &c. Postall estme tyba Sestra Nasshe Lubytellno Ellizabett Corolevina Aglenske, Poslanick hospodarsua Nassha Obestyt, Epro Nasshu scharsko ysderova skazat, Etwoye Sestra Nassha Lubytyllno ysderavia vedate, Dworonyne swoycho Gregory Evanowch mekuline. |
|
Preyezall Velycomo hospodare Nashemo charr evelyco knaze Burris Phedorowch seeyaruse at Elizabett corolevina ysgramotov Doctor Wyllis, &c. Thus much is the effect of your Honour's letter that I can conceive. The whole matter of the Ambassador's message delivered unto the Lords of the Council by him, it may please you your Honour shall receive on Monday next.—London, 1 Nov. |
|
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1600.” 1 p. (250. 100.) |
|
Nicholas Mosley to [Sir Robert Cecil?]. |
|
1600, Nov. 1. |
Before the departing of the Barbary Ambassador, upon Cecil's letters for repayment, he caused to be delivered to Captain Primme 230l. towards the defraying of the Ambassador's charges, which will not discharge all that is owing. Mr. Ratlefe, in whose house the Ambassador is lodged, expects consideration for the use thereof, and the spoil made by them; also the steward and porters. Sends the Chamberlain of London, who can better satisfy [Cecil] in the matter than he can write.—London, 1 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph., 1 p. (250. 101.) |
|
Sir Francis Hastings to the Earl of Essex. |
|
1600, Nov. 3. |
As it is God's doing that has exposed Essex to this late trouble and trial, he doubts not Essex will undergo the same with courage. His wish to have attended upon Essex in his restraint. Has received great comfort by the relation of such as daily saw Essex and observed his most Christian demeanour in this time. Reflections upon the spiritual benefits of the trial, quoting St. Augustine and the Scriptures.—Holwal, 3 Nov., 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (82. 17.) |
|
Sir John Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 3. |
Is importuned by this poor man, the solicitor for Kilkenny, who alleges the expenditure of his time and money about the business of the charter, and desires either to be referred to the Master of the Requests, or otherwise to be dispatched.—Richmond, 3 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. ½ p. (250. 96.) |
|
The Enclosure :— |
|
Nicholas Lang ton, Agent for Kilkenny, to Sir Robert Cecil. Has been a suitor for six months for privileges to be granted to that town, for the furtherance of her Majesty's service, and the better encouragement of her subjects to inhabit therein; their suburbs being burnt last winter by the traitor Edward Buttler, son to Viscount Montgerret. His suit was remitted to Sir Jeffrey Fenton and Mr. Wilbraham, who certified their opinions of what they thought fit to be granted; and the warrant has been ready for signature four months. The Corporation have been at great charges, besides paying 45l. for a sword and four maces for the officers to be instituted by the said charter. The Corporation are determined to wall their suburbs to avoid the further spoils of the traitors. They pray that the Queen will sign their book.—Undated, 1 p. (250. 95.) |
|
Lord Lumley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 3. |
As to the suit depending before Cecil in the Court of Wards, with regard to the inheritance of his brother Williams, particulars of which he gives. Sir John Egerton concerned in the suit. Entreats Cecil's favour to his brother.—Tower Hill, 3 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (250. 97.) |
|
Wy. Tresame to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 3. |
Last year, by permission of her Majesty's Ambassador, Sir Henry Nevel, he sent his servant with letters to Cecil. Thanks Cecil for favourably accepting them, and for his honourable dealing with certain of his (the writer's) “parents” [relations], in letting them know that the time was not then
proper to proceed in his demand : also for his promise to remember his petition. Hopes that the Ambassador has made known to Cecil the true reason of his (the writer's) journey last winter into Flanders, which he undertook by the good liking of the Ambassador, who assured him it should not be prejudicial to his pretensions. How he comported himself there, the Ambassador and Mr. Edmonds, who are both now in the Court, will testify. Prays favourable remembrance of his petition that he may return to his native country.—Boulogne, 3 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 2 pp. (250. 98.) |
|
Richard [Vaughan], Bishop of Chester, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 3. |
By letters from the Council, the examination of the riots committed on the person and the cattle of the bearer, William Bretargh, was committed to me and other Justices of Lancashire. You shall receive by him under seal our proceedings therein, whereby I hope some of the offenders are sufficiently discovered, though the chief authors have conveyed themselves out of the way. The principal seducer of the people in that part to such barbarous practices was Thurstane Hunt, a desperate seminary priest, who being now apprehended, and sent up with another of his fellows, shall, I hope, receive the just reward of his many iniquities. This treacherous practiser and barbarous butcher has plotted and performed all the outrages in these parts, and was the first man that assaulted the messengers. If speedy and sharp justice be done on him and his confederates, I conceive strong hope that this country will be in a short time better appeased and sooner reformed. If otherwise, the wisest and best affected subjects expect none other but the continuance of disloyal attempts. In behalf therefore of all in general, and for this bearer in particular (by their inhuman massacres almost undone), my petition is that by correction of so notorious delinquents the good subjects may be satisfied, and put in hope to live in more security and peace : and this poor gentleman relieved by restitution for his losses.—Chester, 3 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (250. 99.) |
|
— to — |
|
1600, Nov. 4. |
To err is human, and did I declare aught human to be alien from me, I were unworthy to be called a man. Your Eminence knows that, convicted of no crime, I have suffered and still suffer, you know what I suffer and by what name my sufferings are called; for before you alone and the late Cardinal Caietan we were accused and appeared, when nothing was found against us deserving punishment, save that some in England had been scandalised by our recourse to the Holy Father, although they receiving, not in ignorance, a mandate dated 10 November, 1598, to enquire into the life and morals of those who opposed the Archpriest, had disappointed
the hope of our adversaries on which they relied, though I had always answered that had I been conscious of any crime, they would not have seen me at Rome. I need not fear, then, that the most religious prince can find any fault in me, nor need I hide what has happened or burden my soul when I answer any who ask me the reason of my grievous punishment, or lie against myself by saying that I endured it because I was convicted of any crime. |
|
The advice contained in the sentence passed by your Eminence and Cardinal Caietan and adopted by us at Rome, that we should live peacefully and religiously, I most willingly embrace here, and will do all I can to preserve peace; nor could anything else appear from the letters of our superior in England, if they have been rightly written. There are indeed controversies in England, which arose long before my coming thither, and would end no sooner were I to leave the island to-morrow. If I were to follow your advice and return to the place I have left, I should either declare myself destitute of common sense, or admit that I had feigned the reasons assigned by me for quitting it. For to omit the other dangers to my life, should I go thither, I see not how I could manage my cause, as I can by staying in England, where I in no way despise the censures of the church (as your Eminence seems to suppose), as the reasons I have mentioned persuade me that I neither incur any censure by performing my office, nor offend against the Holy Father by remaining in my own country. I may add that no one is bound to an impossibility, which would be the case if priests who can only live by the altar were forbidden to serve the altar. But if to go to Rome in an ecclesiastical case, being ready to abide by the judgment of the Holy See, be an inexpiable sin, which however could not deserve so cruel a death, let the Holy See provide me with the means to live that I may worthily quit the service at the altar. |
|
By your care I still hope that facts may be made to answer to words, and the peace of England restored before it is struck to the heart, and the innocent more oppressed by unjust accusations. For my part, so far as I can without prejudice to my cause, I humbly pray to be restored to my former state, an end desired by others even more than by myself. Your letters so far I have shown (as you desired) to few, because your Eminence preferred to publish them yourself. There is nothing in them which was not in the mouths of men before I received them. And may God, the author of peace, grant it to you, and keep your Eminence in safety.—London, 4 Nov., 1600, old style. |
|
Latin. Copy. 2 pp. (144. 165.) |
|
Sir Walter Ralegh to Lord Buckhurst and Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
[1600,] Nov. 4. |
According to the order which I had from you, I have proceeded in Cornwall and agreed with the tinners for a price certain, twenty shillings in the thousand less than I had
commission to give them, which they desire by petition to have added, and which, for mine own poor opinion, I could wish that her Majesty out of her own liberality should bestow on them. |
|
Mr. Brigame and Mr. Cunnocke can inform your Honours how I have proceeded, who can best judge what my little credit here hath done in this business. |
|
Mr. Cunnocke himself hath taken great pains herein and furnished me with many good arguments and reasons. You could not have employed any man, as I think, both for his diligence and knowledge, of more sufficiency. Mr. Bulmer's offer of 29l. held us long upon that price, and hath done us much wrong in this business, and had we not called such a jury as we did of the principal gentlemen, we had had a long work of it. There are yet many things to be done which this gentleman can better inform you of than myself, which your Honours will take care of. For myself, I have performed your commandments, and have little else to do but to see promise kept with these poor men to whom my faith is engaged, and this bearer can inform you truly whether “they tinners” do not more rely thereon than on all the rest of our arguments. I will shortly attend you myself.—From Radford by Plymouth, this 4th of November. |
|
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1600.” 1 p. (181. 33.) [Printed in Edwards' Life of Ralegh, Vol. II., p. 209.] |
|
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 4. |
Encloses letters from Mr. Connock. The Lord Warden is now at the Vice-Admiral's, whence it is thought he intends to depart this day towards the Court.—Plymouth, 4 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (250. 128.) |
|
Sir Nicholas Parker to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 5. |
Relative to the fortification of Pendennis Castle and ordnance for the same.—Pendenas Castle, 5 Nov., 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (82. 18.) |
|
Sir Anthony Cooke to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 5. |
As a kinsman of Cecil's, prays for a favourable reply to his suit made through Mr. Wilson, and encloses a letter from the Lord President of Munster in his behalf. Speaks of his services amongst “this miserable, uncivil, and, as I fear, accursed nation of the Irish.”—Mallowe, 5 Nov., 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1½ pp. (82. 19.) |
|
The Lords of the Council to Mr. Nicholson. |
|
1600, Nov. 5. |
You shall hereby understand that according to your former letters to me, the Secretary, her Majesty hath resolved to use the service of Archynross, who in respect of his inwardness with the late MacClane is allowed for the fittest man
to manage that action. At his being at London his offer was to carry to Loughfoyle 150 or 200 Scots, such as should be members of the late MacClane, which is most odious to Tyrone. For we do well know that if it be not in such respects of blood, there may be Islanders enough that would be glad for eightpence a day to serve any party, and therefore, although it be true that this man hath been formerly well known unto some of us, yet if by any late agreements or compositions of feuds, any old enmities be reconciled, you can well judge that in such case her Majesty may be abused and no service done. For prevention whereof, it belongeth to you more than any other to be careful, because you are in the place where you may learn particulars which are to us unknown. : but it is true that your old master had so good an opinion of him as we are apt to conceive well of him. We are, therefore, thus resolved that you shall speak with him presently, and make an accord with him upon these conditions following. That he shall find the means without troubling the King, the Earl of Argyle or any other, to levy and transport to Loughfoyle at his charges one hundred and fifty or two hundred Scots to be in Ireland before Christmas. That they shall be armed sufficiently to serve against the traitors. That her Majesty shall be at no charge to victual them and apparel them; and that they shall present themselves upon their arrival to the Governor at Loughfoyle, whosoever he be, and then to be disposed of as shall seem good to him for her Majesty's service. These are the things the which are to be required on her Majesty's behalf; provided also that these men to be commanded by some valiant and civil leader, and some discreet officers to be chosen who may be capable of directions, and may contain the common soldier in discipline. The conditions which he required are these; that for every one of these hundreds which he will furnish with a captain and officers as aforesaid, he may have one hundred and twenty pounds a month, and so rateably for two hundred or three hundred : he doth also desire to have a month's pay imprested towards his provision of their furniture both of apparel, victual and arms, the same to be defalked upon their entertainments. For this sum to be imprested he doth offer to put in good caution, either to bring you certificate from Sir Henry Dockwra of their arrival, or else to pay the money back again, and when he hath brought the certificate, then he desireth that he may receive the monthly pay at Edinburgh from time to time afterward, which pay shall be counted to begin from the time of their arrival; and, therefore, though this sum be first imprested at their going, yet will there be no more due to them till they have done a month's service, and therefore all such payments are to be made according to such certificates as Sir Henry Dockwra shall send unto you, because you may be assured to pay no greater numbers than there are present, wherein we pray you to be well-advised, and to write to Sir Henry Dockwra from time to time what certificates you receive and what you pay, for which you shall have commodity presented to write by such messengers as pass to and fro, and then to send unto him copies from time to time of such orders as you find cause to take
with them, because you may not be ignorant one of another's proceedings. And to the intent that he may likewise know who you are we do write unto him, which letter you may also send at such time as you shall send yours. We have also taken order with Craven to make you over presently the sum of two hundred pounds, which you may imprest according to the accord that shall be passed between you and him, whereof we desire to receive from you a copy, and as you shall certify us what numbers you agree for, which to begin with may be 150 for trial, and against what time you think it fit to make over more money unto you, we will take order with Craven here to make over from time to time those sums unto you. Thus have you now a true declaration of the state of this business, wherein we require you to use both expedition and discretion, and if you can make any better bargain with him for the Queen you shall do very well.—From the Court at Richmond this — of November, 1600. |
|
Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endorsed :—“1600, November 5. Minute from the Lords to Mr. Nicholson.” 2½ pp. (181. 35.) |
|
J. Herbert to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 6. |
Sir Oliver St. Jones came late yesternight to Court, whereby I could not impart then the contents of my Lord Deputy's letters, yet I gave her Majesty to understand in general terms that the proceedings there went forward greatly to her honour. Thereupon she dismissed me, and commanded me to attend her this forenoon with Sir Oliver. But before he came I had access to her and read to her both the letters. The general letter, written by my Lord Deputy and the Council, she did not greatly disallow, upon the reason there alleged, and especially the latter part, which seemed to tend to abridge the charge by discharging of soldiers, and reducing them to fewer companies. Touching the particular letter written by my Lord Deputy alone, she seems somewhat to be moved therewith, affirming the reprehensions and caveats that were given were not meant any way to touch him or his actions, but other of the Council there, who needed sharp admonitions. Such had been, as she affirmed, their former negligence as they needed a spur; protesting withal that all that was written was done by her own direction, and yourself noway to have given any cause thereof : and that at all times and at all conferences, as my Lord Deputy's actions were wisely attempted and honourably performed, so you too have maintained them, as affecting both his Lordship and his proceedings. This afternoon both Sir Oliver and Captain Price had access to her. They seem both to rest well contented with her princely acceptance of their services, and the general report they made of the proceedings and good success of the Lord Deputy and the Governor of Munster.—The Court, 6 November. |
|
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Secretary Herbert. 1600.' 1½ pp. (250. 127.) |
|
The Warden and Fellows of “Allsolne” College, Oxford, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 6. |
Last year the Queen recommended Abell Treffry to be chosen a Fellow in their College, but no place was then Void. This year Cecil has renewed Treffry's suit; but the Queen has now signified her special desire for the choice of another, who has been brought up in their college, and is especially likely to prove a good member. They have not found Treffry altogether answerable to that which has been delivered to Cecil in his behalf, so that they have not been able to satisfy Cecil's request. They hope he will accept this humble answer.—6 November, 1600. |
|
Signed as above. 1 p. (250. 129.) |
|
Richard Lowther to Sir John Stanhope. |
|
1600, Nov. 7. |
In reward for his own services, he desires that his son Launcelot Lowther be made her Majesty's Attorney before the Council at York; since Mr. Surveyor of the Wards cannot execute that office above one year by deputy.—Lowther, 7 November, 1600. |
|
Signed. 1 p. (250. 108.) |
|
Sir H. Brouncker to [?Sir R. Cecil]. |
|
1600, Nov. 7. |
Being now able to write, he acknowledges Cecil's care and good regard of him, and offers services.—7 Nov., 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (250. 110.) |
|
William [Cotton], Bishop of Exeter, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 7. |
Details proceedings taken with William Jesepp, who lately came from the Seminary of Civill. Jesepp has taken the oath of supremacy very willingly, and gives them occasion for the present to hope the best; but he is afraid there is an increase of these bad subjects, especially in these remote parts, and he therefore prays for a further authority by commission.—Exeter, 7th November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (250. 113.) |
|
Richard Clayton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 7. |
Will fulfil, as he best can, Cecil's request for the preferment of Mr. Collins, Fellow of their College, to the “Phisick lecture” there. Expresses the obligations of the College to Cecil in their late controversy with Trinity College; though they had unfortunate success, as not only to be wrongfully molested and put to great charges, but now suffering reproach and disgrace. Details the grievances of the College against Trinity College with regard to a certain enclosure.—St. John's College, Cambridge, 7 November, 1600. |
|
Signed. 1 p. (250. 115.) |
|
Francis Bacon to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
[1600, Nov. 8. |
I understand that the body of the son and heir of one He : Benefield is by you granted to one Mr. Nuse's wife, the stepfather, into which hand if the lease of the land should follow, or if it should be put into any ether hand, which should press the ward's right for his own commodity hardly, to the overthrow of the grandfather's will, it would be a matter of troublesome suit and much extremity. In regard whereof, if it may please you to stay the passing of the lease till you be informed by the petition of some that tender only the performance of the will, with due respect to the Queen's interest, you shall do an honourable and just deed. I, who upon good credit have taken this general information, will take care to inform you particularly, and so submit it to your pleasure.—Gray's Inn, 8 November. |
|
Holograph. Endorsed :—1600. 1 p. (250. 74.) |
|
John [Thornborough], Bishop of Limerick, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 8. |
Places his house of Limerick, and all else he has, at Cecil's commandment, and encloses a warrant to his agent there to deliver to the Archbishop the use of his house.—8 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. ½ p. (250. 112.) |
|
Thomas Hartoppe to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 8. |
Details negotiations for the purchase of lands in Essenden, belonging to Laxton.—Brannston, 8 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (250. 119.) |
|
Arthur Hall to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 8. |
Last summer he participated a matter, intended to serve her Majesty and profit the commonwealth, to his relative by marriage Sir Anthony Mildmay, with which he desired him to acquaint Cecil. Begs Cecil's mind thereon. Speaks of the weight of his debts and his old age.—London, 8 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (250. 120.) |
|
Dr. John Jegon, Vice-Chancellor, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 10. |
Cecil is a principal officer in this “desolate and most maligned body” of the University of Cambridge. They are by their town neighbours most unjustly maligned, as the bearer, the University officer, will acquaint Cecil : and they pray for Cecil's protection.—Cambridge, 10 November, 1600. |
|
Signed. 1 p. (250. 121.) |
|
The Same to the Earl of Essex, the Chancellor. |
|
1600, Nov. 11. |
I am again called to the office of Vice-Chancellor, wherein I pray your allowance and protection, and the
rather because the enemies of our body are many and our friends few; and the townsmen grown so intolerable by reason that their former injuries, complained of, heard and convicted, had no manner of censure, that now they plainly make none account, either of our ancient inviolable customs or of the most plain and peremptory points of our charters, as the bearer, Mr. Mountayne, a most careful officer, will make plain to you. That which is worst is there is no hope of reformation, until they may know by some discipline what it is to incur indignationem principis, the penalty for breach of our charters : this because they never feel, they never fear; which in good zeal to this poor University I do more boldly than willingly intimate to your Honour.—Cambridge, 11 November, 1600. |
|
Signed. ¾ p. (136. 86.) |
|
Sir William Bowes to the Queen. |
|
1600, Nov. 11. |
Treasurer of Berwick. In discharge of his duty, lays before the Queen the distempered estate of this costly postern of her kingdom, and together with the enormities of this place, his own wrongs, so far only as concern the impeachment of his service. Protests that he has faithfully advised to the best of his skill : that he has duly made the pays, and every year defrayed more (the necessities of the service requiring) than the Queen's allotment amounted to, for contentment of the garrison, as is testified by the noble person to whom the Queen has committed this government : and that he is innocent of the imputations mentioned in this declaration. Prays the Queen to judge his cause, seeing his main disadvantage grows from his accusers so mightily befriended, whereby, in several letters showed her in open Council from great persons, he is half condemned before he is heard.—Barwick, 11 Nov., 1600. |
|
Signed. 2 pp. (82. 20.) |
|
Sir John Ogle to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 12. |
In these parts there has been lately nothing done, something lately attempted. A plot upon Vendelo, a town standing upon the Maze, contrived by some inferior commanders of horse and undertaken by the Count Lodowick, their general, who was furthered by his Excellency both with advice and forces. He had of all nations in the land several troops, out of every company 60 of the most able men, and the principal commanders of all. His strength was about 2,000 foot and 800 horse. Of the English, there were the chosen men of the 7 companies lying nearest to that part where they gathered head. With them was sent Sir Horatius Vere, and myself under him. My Lord of Northumberland honoured the journey with his presence, and by the virtue of his mind enabled his body against the inconveniences that wait upon those sudden exploits, as labour, cold, and want of rest and sleep. The Count Lodowick carried with him 5 petars, which were the engines for our entrance into the town.
Monsieur Chatilion, with other Frenchmen, seemed to busy themselves about those stratagems. Scaling ladders and other provision was carried along. The rendezvous was at Newmeghen, from whence the troops marched 22 hours without rest. They set out about 12 in the night, and the night following about the same time (having rested a little by the way) came to a stand beyond Stroll, a neighbour and friend town to Vendelo. They of Stroll having discovered the troops, hung out their fires, shot their warning pieces, the country took the alarums, which was the cause our attempt went not forward, though the Count pretended slowness in marching had hindered the design. Our expectation thus made void, we returned at more leisure, but with less contentment, to Newmeghen. The news was current in Holland we had taken Stroll, but the certainty is as I have showed you, which though (in my own judgment) is not matter of any consequence, because there was nothing effected, yet I presume you will excuse me showing no less desire of performance of duty in acquainting you sometime as well with the designs as the effects of wars. I am much bound to my Lord the General whom I follow, and I assure myself the more for your sake. He has given me the place of Sergeant Major to his regiment. The end of my desires is that I may prove worthy to your Honour of your favour, to him of his good opinion.—Dordrecht, 12 Nov., stylo vet. 1600. |
|
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Captain Ogle.” 1 p. (82. 21.) |
|
William Smythe to Mr. Crompton. |
|
1600, Nov. 12. |
I perceive by your short and unsweet message that through sinister suggestion of the adverse competitor, somewhat has been insinuated against me unto his Honour. If I have done anything displeasing to his Honour, it must needs arise of one of these three : either that I sued, that I sued to her Majesty, or that I sued by such means. But neither of these, as I hope, could give just cause of displeasure. It could not be displeasing that (1) I sued, for so, long before, did Dr. Barlow, Dr. Pope, &c., and none of these were therefore rebuked; myself somewhat the fitter, some have thought, for that I am beneficed so near the University. |
|
2. Sued to her Majesty; which to his Honour was no injury if there were no devolution. A devolution expired by this long omission contrary to the (1) letter of the statute, which requires statim perfici : (2) meaning, for at first it allows but 10 days considering the great inconveniences of over long vacancy; insomuch that the Fellows themselves have been forced to seek to others for relief. |
|
A devolution supposed, or rather imposed, for his Honour never shewed any desire to draw it unto himself, nor deal in it when it was in some sort offered, and his promise passed to Dr. Branthwaite. That, notwithstanding, I could never learn he misliked any for using their friends in Court, and Dr. Playfair reported he had express licence from his lordship to take that
course : yet did he never seek it till he had spent many weeks in the Court, and at the last lighted upon Sir John Stanhope, who put him into that course; whereas I, before I came to Court, repaired for this end to Hounslow, and after missing you there at the Court, made means to Mr. Reynolds, to my lord Harry, &c., and this in some sort of necessity, for that neither Dr. Mowtloc nor Mr. Boyse would otherwise be content to resign unto me, nor my best friends in Court to undertake the suit. |
|
3. Sued by such means : the persons, being at first by her Majesty's grant possessed of the cause, could not by me be neglected; being threatened, if I take any other course, to be crossed; if this, I had large promises presently to be despatched. Defends himself also against suspicion of indirect dealing. And for this whole suit, if it please my lord to summon me with my accusers, if I prove not myself as direct as the rest of them, I will never look him in the face.—November 12, 1600. |
|
Holograph. Addressed :—“At his house in the upper end of Aldergate Street.” 2 pp. (83. 73.) |
|
Bridget, Lady Norreys to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
[1600, Nov. 13. |
She has drawn those particulars that Cecil wished her to do concerning her house and land in Ireland; and commends to his allowance a letter containing her offer and request to her Majesty. She has no hope but in his promised favour. |
|
Undated. Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lady Norreis, 13 Nov.” 1 p. (82. 24.) |
|
Sir J. Popham to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 13. |
Where in Heaton's instructions which I delivered you yesterday, a nobleman not named is mentioned, that nobleman is, as he says, the Lord Ewrye, but his man's name mentioned there he cannot inform, but the men there especially named do know his name : in respect whereof it may please you to consider who were fit to be used in the examination of these priests, to carry it secretly, or whether to send for the discoverers up hither.—Sergeants' Inn, 13 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (250. 73.) |
|
Sir W. Ralegh to [Sir Robert Cecil]. |
|
[1600, Nov. 13. |
Since I wrote unto you out of Cornwall of the agreement with the tinners, I have not heard from you. I much desire to know how our labours are accepted of, and how the world fareth. I linger here as long as I can to despatch my private affairs; except there be cause to hasten me up, I will herein be directed by you, and in all things else disposed at your pleasure. From hence no other news but that we are all, little and great, in good health.—Shurburne, 13 November. |
|
Holograph. ½ p. (250. 102.) |
|
John [Whitgift], Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 13. |
Recommends the bearer, Dr. Duporte, Master of Jesus College, Cambridge, for preferment.—Lambeth, 13 Nov., 1600. |
|
Signed. ½ p. (250. 124.) |
|
Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
[1600, Nov. 15. |
He desires that a friend of his, Thomas Berfer, in Warwickshire, who is first In the bill for sheriffs, may be forborne. Sends venison.—Woodstock Lodge, 15 Nov. |
|
Holograph. ½ p. (250. 130.) |
|
Sir W. Ralegh to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 15. |
This gentleman, Mr. Crymes, hath erected certain clash-mills upon Roburge Down, to work the tin which upon that place is got with extreme labour and charge out of the ground. The townsmen of Plymouth allege that these mills are prejudicial to them, and that the course of their water, which runneth through Plymouth, is diverted, contrary to a statute. I took the pains to view the river and mills. I found that in my opinion they could not disallow the building or using the same : for that there are above 200 works which must lie unwrought without the use of such clash-mills and the benefit of that river, and no hindrance at all to the water-course. Otherwise her Highness can receive no commodity thereby, and the poor tinners will be undone. I had an especial care to satisfy them : and the tinners made an act that those clash-mills should not be prejudicial to the town. Notwithstanding, they have procured subpoenas out of the Star Chamber, to call the matter in question there : the matter being tryable and determinable in the Stannary Courts, where it now dependeth. But, if this be suffered to proceed in the Star Chamber, it will not be available to speak of her Majesty's late imposition, or increase of custom, or to establish good laws amongst tinners : when others who can by a great purse, or procuring extraordinary means, diminish to their power her Majesty's duties and the common benefit of the people. I do humbly therefore desire your honorable favour in their behalf, that, when the question shall grow for this matter in the Star Chamber, that it may be either respited until my coming, or dismissed to the place and nature of the proper trial.—From my house at Shyrebourne, the 15th of November, 1600. |
|
Signed. 1 p. [Printed in extenso in Edwards' Life of Ralegh, Vol. II., p. 211.] (250. 107.) |
|
Lod. Bryskett to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 15. |
Of his difficulties in ordering his broken estate before his going. Begs relief therein. When he took leave of her Majesty, she assured him she never meant to withdraw from
him any part of her former bounty : and she had told Sir John Stanhope that she meant to allow him 100l. towards his debts, and 100l. a year for his maintenance abroad. He understood he was to take the 100l. Cecil assigned him for the year's allowance beforehand, without any motion for the other 100l. for his debts : but he can find no other means to satisfy his debts but by that 100l., so that for his maintenance abroad he is unfurnished. Prays for present means for setting forth in reputation and credit. Has sent to Mr. Lavinus [Munck] a draft of two letters which he moved Cecil to write in his behalf to the Lord Deputy and the Lord President of Munster, which he prays may be signed.—London, 15 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 2 pp. (250. 117.) |
|
W., Earl of Bath to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 15. |
For some late space there have not happened any special occasions of service in these parts wherewith to trouble you, but rather I have found all things in good quiet. Only I thought it not necessary hastily to discharge the watching of our beacons, which I continued till a fortnight past. By reason of the death of my cousin Hugh Fortescue, I am a suitor to the Lords that my friends and kinsmen, Sir Robert Bassett and Hugh Pollarde, may be admitted as deputy lieutenants in Devon. I entreat you to yield your furtherance therein.—Towstock, 15 Nov., 1600. |
|
Signed. 1 p. (250. 122.) |
|
William Medeley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1600, Nov. 15. |
His adversaries imprisoned him in the Gatehouse, then in the Counter, and now lastly in the King's Bench. Prays Cecil to call before him Charles Yelverton, one of her Majesty's gentlemen pensioners, who is indebted to him 160l., and command him to pay it. Yelverton being her Majesty's servant in that place, he has small remedy against him.—King's Bench, 15 November, 1600. |
|
Holograph. 1 p. (250. 125.) |
