Pages 532-549
Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1915.
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Citation:
July-December 1595
| Sir Edmund Anderson, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1595, July 9. |
I am much bound to you for your kindness
in recommending my suit to her Majesty for obtaining her
grant of non obstante for me to have the circuit of Lincoln,
in which although objections be made that my son Monson
should have suits there, which haply might be tried before me, I
assure you that the matter thereof hath been already tried
in the country, and judgment therein passed on his side. If
any new suits arise, either for him or any other my friends
there, they shall take no trial before me. If my health would
permit me, I would not have left the Western circuit.—
9 July. Signed. Endorsed: 9 July, 1595. ½ p. (204. 17.) |
| Unlawful assemblies in London. | |
| 1595, July 10. |
Warrant appointing a Provost Martial
for the suppression of unlawful assemblies in the city and
suburbs of London.—Undated. Endorsed: 10 July, 1595. Draft, with corrections by Burghley. 3¼ pp. (199. 38.) |
| The Duc de Bouillon to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595, July 12/22. |
C'est trop demeure sans scavoir quel
est vostre contantemant puis qu'a vostre bien et vostre mal
je veus participer. Mandes moy donc de vos nouvelles et de
celles de vostre royne a laquelle toute prosperitee est desiree
de moy. Divers bruits faus a mon avis sont semes que ces
afaires ont eu quelque desfaveur an Hyrlande. Sy cella
vous pouvoyt tous animer de ne rien espargner pour la ruine
de l'Espagnol je croyrois que dieu se serviroyt de tels petits
coups pour vous aprandre ou vous debues viser. Vous aures
sceu mon despart de la court apres lequel je dispute La Ferte
a laquelle les ennemis furent contrynts de lever le siege. Mes
ma nescessite me la fit desmanteler. Le roy me commanda
expressemant de venyr an Picardie a quoy je satisfis,
habandonnant moy et exposant a ruine toute la terre de
Sedan, que les ennemis m'ont bruslee deus jours apres mon
partemant. Je m'an vins trouver le conte de St. Pol
donnant par la volonte du roy l'hautorite quy est due a ceus
qui ont l'ofisse que je m'estant ressolu a convyncre mes
anvieus de mansonge an ce qu'ils disent que mon ambission
nuit aus afayres du roy. Nous prismes la ville de Han et
taillesmes an piesses douse cents hommes aynsy que vous
l'aures pu antandre. Je me jecte dans Corbie que l'armes
des ennemis fesoyt samblant d'ataquer de la. Elle est venue
a Dourlens ou elle est despuis huit jours n'aiant ancores
commanse leur baterie. Nous avons ce jourduy passe la
riviere de Somme et sommes a sis lieus les ungs des autres.
Leur armee est composee de quynse cens chevaus sis mille
hommes de pied et vynt cync canons. Nous avons a cest heure
pres de mille chevaus et deus mille cinc cents hommes de pied.
Nous atandons Monsr. de Nevers a vec deus cents chevaus et huit
cents hommes de pied du coste de Paris. Nous atandons
autant de cavallerie et tout cella dans trois jours. La plasse
n'est pas bonne mes il y a dedans quinse cents hommes de
pied et deus cents cinquante hommes armes. Sy les ennemis
n'avansent leurs afayres nous atandrons tout le monde; sinon
nous antreprandrons avec ce que nous avons tout ce quy se
pourra pour garder que ceste plasse ne se perde. L'esvenemant
de ce siege estant de tres grande consequanse pour les ennemis
et pour nous s'il le prennent, ils couvrent toute leur frontiere
anticipe sur la nostre quinse lieus de long et huit de large; la
faillant ils auront espuise toute l'ardeur et les moyens de
leur armee, perdu l'esperanse au pais d'Artois d'estre deslivre
des ravages des gents de guerre, et le mescontantemant sera tel
dans leurs villes que je ne scay sy sy (sic) pourroit faire quelque
changemant dans quatre jours, nous serons aus mains ou ils
dessampareront la plasse ou le courage faudra aus nostres.
Cella fet, vostre amy s'an va jouyr de la vie privee pour donner
loysyr de faire l'examen de ces actions afin de voir sy elles
seront samblables aus blasmes que l'on m'imputent, ce que
n'estant la jugera que tels discours sentent de la connoissanse
que l'on a de mes servysses quy n'estants resconnus redarguent
de mesconnoissanse ceus quy les recoyvent. Ma religion
est aussy ce quy rand plus plausible tout ce que l'on opose
à ce quy me pourroit eslever. Je susporte passiamment
telles choses esperant que comme ma religion me donnoit
de l'anvie quelle me donroit du susport. Mes tout le contrere
m'estant sascrifie pour le bien commun je me vois habandonne
de tous, ce quy m'abat le courage mes bien plus les moyens
desquels je suis sy desnue qu'il faut me resduire an la vie
privee a quoy je suis tout ressolu; et au partir d'issy je m'y
vois plonge ou je servire a dieu et me remetre au moyens de
servir lors que les ocasions s'y ofriront a vous toutes et quantes
fois que vous le voudres et me fectes ce bien que je puisse
jouir des tesmongnages de vostre souvenanse aus heures de
vostre loysir, et croire que je seray plus heureux portier an
la meson de dieu que grand roy ailleurs.—A St. Ricquier ce
22 Juillot, 1595. Holograph. 3 pp. (135. 190.) |
| Comptroller of the Works. | |
| [1595, July 16.] |
Clauses of a grant of the office of
comptroller of the works in reversion after the death of Thomas
Fowler to William Spicer and Henry Fadys for their joint lives
and the life of the survivor. See Patent R. 37 Eliz. pt. 2. Draft. Latin. 1 p. (2312.) |
| Agnes Wright to the Queen. | |
| [1595, July 18.] | Her second husband John Wright has wasted her property, and the portion of her son Thomas Chambers, whom he has murdered, for which crime he is now in prison. The small remainder of her goods is seized for the Queen. Prays order to the escheator of Essex to restore it.—Undated. |
| (i.) Note by Cecil referring the examination to Sir John Popham. | |
|
(ii.) Note by Popham as to the state of the property. 2 pp. (587.) |
|
| The Duc de Bouillon to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595, July 23/Aug. 2. |
Je vous fais ceste lettre quy an acompagnera une autre que je fis deus jours d'avant l'esvenemant duquel je vous anvoye le discours despuis Dourlens
c'est perdu d'assaut. Monsr. de Nevers estant arive et
commandant a l'armee du roy il s'y est perdu ung bon
nombre d'hommes, les Espagnols n'aiant oublie nulle espesse
de cruaute. Ceste perte a resduit ceste frontiere an ung
grand peril lequel me retient afin de regarder par le mespris
de ma vie d'y porter quelque empeschemant. Tous les avis
que nous avons sont quel les ennemis voudront ataquer
Montreuil pour ceste ocasion. Je m'y anvois avec huit
cens Suisses et autant de Franses. Mes tant de choses
y desfuillent que je ne scay que vous dire de l'esvenemant.
C'est une fort grand plasse mal fortifiee ou toutes sortes de
mounissions manquent et ne puis trouver de quoy la fournir
de sescours. La Franse n'est presparee pour le nous donner.
Je rescours a vous afin que a ce besoyng vous assisties la
Franse et vostre amy. J'escris une lettre a vostre souveraine
que je vous prie luy bailler. Se sera a vous de limer mes
rudes parolles an luy demandant assistanse premierement
s'il est possible de vynt mylliers de poudres, de vint mille
escus pour le paiemant de nos gents de guerre et de deus mille
Anglois pour nous sescourir, pouvant venyr asses de cavallerie,
mes d'infanterie il ne nous an reste plus, sans laquelle l'on
ne peut antreprandre. Ce sera au roy que l'on donra tous
ces secours, mes ce sera la vie l'honneur de vostre amy quy
an seront conserves, car quy se pert ne fet james bien. Sy
le besoing n'y estoit je ne seroys demandeur, saschant combien
telles choses sont contreres a mes dessins, mes la nescessite
des afayres du roy me resduisent a n'avoyr autre voye. Sy je
ne prenoys la conservassion de ceste plasse nul ne la prandroit
et la perdant elle est d'une tres grande consequanse et ces
ennemis vous avoysineroyent de ce coste la. Il faut faire
tost ce que vous pourres. Seroit il bien possible que l'on
me refusat et que l'on proposat quelques resons de consequanse
pour ne m'acorder ce que l'on pourroit refuser a d'autres,
sy l'on acorde les hommes il faudroit que vous avisissies sy
l'on les pourroit avoir de quelques unes de vos garnisons,
car de les lever je croy que cella seroit plus long et de plus
de despanse. J'escris a Monsr. de la Fontene afin qu'il
communique avec vous et feres s'il vous plest fermer la lettre
de vostre souverayne. Il faut avant que pandre mon espee
randre ancores ce servisse et a vous tous ceus desquels je
me pourre aviser.—A Pequigny ce 2e d'aoust. Holograph. 3 pp. Endorsed: "à Pequinny 2° Augusti, 1595, novo stilo." (135. 192.) |
| Antonio Perez. | |
| [1595, July.] | Para con su Magestad. Terçera memoria Mejor tercera voluntad; numero de perfection. Que de mi correspondencia no diga à nadie nada; que no añade gusto comer delante de muchos. Y el otro dixo que el cuervo, sy callara, haberet plus dapis invidiœ que minus. |
| Los a visos sy, y las cosas. Que el que trata mercancia verdadera ver la dexa de buena gana: y hara mejor la prueva del juyzio de suo consejeros. Que es libre, quando no conoçe las partes. Que assy juzgan en la China; y el otro que dixo que no avian de tener ojos los juezes, esto quiso dezir. | |
| Que mande (fn. 1) por Mylord (fn. 1), ò por dos renglones à Antonio Bacon el cuydado (fn. 1) de mi correspondencia (fn. 1), por my seguridad, y por su caucion. Qué es tan fiel, que donde se atraviesa el honor de su fee, (fn. 2) aun de su serviçio se recatara. (fn. 2) | |
| Que à tales, como le dezia (fn. 3) el otrodia, (fn. 3) ame y estime, que roban coraçones, y voluntades para su serviçio. Qué otros, digo, (fn. 4) los que venden las gracias de sus Principes, y compran con ellas à sus vassalos, como à esclavos, venden à sus Principes, y hazen lo que los ladrones, que venden lo que roban à sus Prinçipes por merito tales obras. (fn. 4) | |
| Y tome Su Md por señal de los ministros à quien (fn. 5) tocare esto. Que seran los que se sintieren, y offendieren d'este advertimiento. (fn. 6) | |
| La muerte de Pedro (fn. 7) Wroht (fn. 6) Embiar à Veneçia otro (fn. 6) Tener cuzdado de aquel Prinçipe. Que es el prinçipal de Italia, y à quien todos los ostros tienen respecto; y primero le miran à la cara, que obren nada. | |
| Que es provechoso por mill causas. (fn. 6) Por las intelligencias: que es el commerçio prinçipal de los Prinçipes (fn. 6) Por el commerçio de los vassallos (fn. 6) Por la mayor seguridad de las mercançias dellos con Turcos, y con sus provinçias, y otras. (fn. 6) Ojo. (fn. 6) Beneficio de su Magestad, no solo por la satisfaçion de sus subditos, pero por la obligaçion en que les porria à nuevos servicios, y soccorros. (fn. 6) Por el seguro, que aun puede causar para lo mismo al commerçio de sus vassallos en respecto de España. Que la salsa d'estas viandas d'estado, es el gusto del entendimiento, y la fineza de la destreza. Que por una parte se offenda al enemigo, y se infeste; y por otra se aproveche d'el, como de amigo con la industria. Y à el le cresca la nariz del corrimiento, ò los enemigos. | |
| Que las Republicas, tienen mucho de damas, que se obligan façilmente. Demas d'esto reçiben por la partiçipaçion commun, como particular, en la estima, y pagan como Prinçipe, por la auctoridad. | |
| Que ay mas, que hazer de una dama galan, (que es amor extraordinario) es para enamorar mas à otros. | |
|
Que de mas desto, nunca muere el obligado como ny el
offendido. Porque se obra en la espeçie, que es incorruptible,
y no en individuo que son mortales. A. Pz. Endorsed: 1607 (? perhaps No. 7). Para con su Magestad. 3a memoria. Holograph. |
|
| A French translation in Anthony Bacon's hand is printed by Birch, I. 265 sq. from vol. vii, f. 63, of Bacon's papers. It includes four paragraphs which are not represented in the Spanish, all but the first come at the end of the document, and may represent a subsequent memorandum. The translation will be found occasionally to be very bad and was probably therefore done by Bacon from another version in Spanish. The document is presumably an aide-mémoire for an interview with Eliz. (119. 171.) | |
| Sir Francis Darcy to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1595 ?] July. |
Acknowledges favours received, and prays
continuance thereof.—Undated. Endorsed: July. 1 p. (98. 78.) |
| The Earl of Essex to Sir Henry Unton. | |
| [1595, July ?] |
I will not now longer hold your man, though
by him I can not send you any certain resolution. This
week I am not my own man. In the beginning of the next
the Queen removes; but if you will then be privately at
London, towards the end of the week, I will appoint a place
and time of meeting with you.—Undated. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (179. 155.) |
| The Duc de Bouillon to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595, Aug. 7/17. |
Je vous advertis de la perte de Dourlens,
de ma venue a Monstreul et de l'opinion que j'avois d'y estre
assiege. Les ennemis ont tout a coup torne leur teste et
sont alle investir Cambre. Monsr. de Balagny est dedans
tres mal fourny d'hommes et surtout de capitenes et de
personnes d'experianse. Monsr. de Nevers estoit desmeure
lors que je vyns vers la mer de ce coste quy a mon a vis n'y
aura ancores porte aucun sescours; d'esperer qu'a cest heure de
nous mesmes que nous le puissions fayre, je ne l'espere pas.
La conqueste de ceste plasse est au Roy d'Espangne d'une
tres grande consequanse tant pour la resputassion que pour
l'ouverture qu'elle donne a son pais estant an nos mayns.
C'est vostre souveraine seulle quy la peut sescouryr an
anvoyant promtemant quatre mille hommes de pied aiant
asses de cavallerie par dessa et fesant que ceus des estats
an anvoyassent deus mille. Mes sy la volonte de sa Mate
estoit telle il y faut user de diligense. Ce secours an l'absanse
du Roy seroyt continuer a sa Majesté de se montrer vraie
protectrisse des afaires du Roy. S'il messavient de ceste
plasse dieu operera miraculeusemant ou les ennemis feront
ung grand progres. La plus part des villes an ceste frontiere
ont este de la ligue et an plusieurs n'y a nulle garnison quy
me fet crayndre que Cambre perdu quelles ne fassent ung
mauves esfect. Vostre souveraine seulle le peut sescouryr.
Mon cher conte, n'obmetes nulle persuasion a ce qu'elle
s'asquiere ceste gloyre et une immortelle obligassion sur tous
les Franses. Mandes moy tost ce que nous aurons a esperer.
— A Nanpon trois lieus pres Monstreul, ce 17e aoust. Endorsed: "Le D. de Bouillon, a Monstreul, 17 d'Aoust, '95 nouveau stile." Holograph. 1½ pp. (135. 219.) |
| John Wetenhall to Thomas Bartlot, one of the pages of the Queen. | |
| [1595 ?] Aug. 7. |
The keepership of Hanmer and other
woods in the lordship of East Witton being vacant, he urges
him to get the Lord Treasurer's grant thereof. Instructs
him how to proceed in the matter. Has sent a petition to be
shown to the Lord Treasurer with respect to a commission
on the keepership.—7 of August, from Heynings, near
Kylgram Bridge. 1 p. (99. 30.) |
| Ed. Wylton to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595, Aug. 8. |
Since my last there is news that the
D. of Guise is unfortunately slain, playing in his bed with
Monsieur le Tremouille, by the fall of some engine from his
bed's head. That there hath passed letters full of bitter
spirit betwixt the King and Count Soissons, a matter not
unlike to breed great inconvenience in France, as it is thought.
That the D. Mercure is declared for Spain. That the Count
Fuentes hath taken Perfoun, a castle not far from Noyoun.
That the King stays at Lions as yet, hoping to accord with
the Dukes Epernoun and Joyeuse by mediation of the
Constable. That the D. de Mayne has made his peace and
shall be governor of the French County. That Monsieur
de Thurin and Chateaurow, sons of the Marshals of Matinion
and d'Haultmont, have slain each other in a duel at Court.
That the K. of Spain has stayed almost 500 Netherlanders,
notwithstanding his edict that it should be lawful for any
Catholic of those countries to traffic with him. That a gentleman of Arragon, one Sennor de Penilla, a man well known
to Sennor Perez (as having for his cause lost his living and
country), being employed by the King in the Low Countries,
is now returned, arrived at Diep; saith he hath been many
times in the Spanish army as a Portuguese, and faithfully
performed that he promised (as Sr. Perez saith) who (I think)
will certify you at large of his particular services. I have
thought good also to acquaint you that at a solemn festival
Sr. Perez would needs have Mr. Wiseman and myself with
him into the church, fearing his person in such a multitude.
We obeyed him for that time, though unwillingly, purposing
to certify you hereof and humbly crave to know your pleasure
herein, if in the like case he request our company, for I will
rather leave him to his fear and fortunes than offend you in
the least matter. If you be desirous to know anything
touching his particular, this I dare affirm, that he is exceeding
timorous, will not stir abroad without us, disliketh the French
and their manners, boasteth greatly of her Majesty's and your
favours, is discontent that Bassadonna hath not returned his
money, and desireth infinitely to be with the K., as well as for
his special service as because he hopeth presently to discern
of his estate. Our spy insinuateth himself by all the means he can
into Sinnior Peres' company nothwithstanding that he hath
almost in plain terms forbidden him. We look within this
4 or 5 days to hear from the King, who (they say) by reason
of his occasions in Picardy, will be drawn shortly into these
parts.—Diepe, 8 August '95. Holograph. 2 pp. (199. 28.) The passages in italics are in cipher in the original. |
| Ry. Champernoun to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1595, Aug. 15. |
Sir Thomas Gorge[s] gave me to understand of your desire of my youth that sings, whose years of
apprenticeship I long since bought, by my own travail and
great charge have brought him up, myself receiving small
or no contentment but in music: he wanting the rest, of no
value, being of many bad the best: and no way answering
the report made of him. Your father's favours have bound
me in greatest duty and service, and so have I carried a most
ready mind for the best merits at your hands: in regard
whereof I should not know how to deny what I esteem far
above his value, with the loss of all my contentment: though
rightly and with others no way to be so regarded. But my
reputation is called in question as though I had required
or forced this youth with others to be dealt withal against
reason and the law, to be "gellt" [gelded] which rumour
being spread is most disgraceful. I will write no further,
not knowing whom it concerns, though touching myself near:
of whose author I being resolved, I shall be more willing to
answer your desire. Also must I swallow this unlooked [for]
and undeserved disgrace as I may, and resolve to put on a
resolution to endure the hardest measure can be offered or laid
on me, which if this time afford her Majesty's subjects, I must
have patience and keep the liberty of my thoughts to myself:
hoping of better fruits of no ill deserts from you, and indeed
to enjoy that liberty which befits all gentlemen, and which
I purpose.—Modbury, 15 August, 1595. Holograph. 1 p. (73. 24.) |
| The Duc de Bouillon to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595, Aug. 15/25. |
Je croy que l'on n'obtiendra non plus
pour le sescours de Cambre que l'on an avoit promis pour
celluy de Monstreuil. Je croyois meriter quelque chose an
mon particullier outre ce quy despandoit du servisse du roy.
Monsr. de la Fonteine vous dira de mes nouvelles Je ne partire
ancores de Picardie, sy vous m'y voules mander des vostres.—
A Querbigny ce 25e Aoust. Note at foot of letter: Je vous anvoye ung paquet du seigneur Antonio Peres. Holograph. Endorsed: "25 d' Aoust '95, nouveau stile." 1 p. (135. 195.) |
| The Duc de Bouillon to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595, Aug. |
You will have learnt from my previous letters
what has passed on this frontier. The enemy having
approached Cambray to invest it, I was begged by the Conte
de St. Pol to leave Montreul and advance to St. Quentin
with the troops I had with me. On my way, I have met
Monsieur Chevalier, Master of the Requests of the King's
Household, who has been dispatched to the Queen your
sovereign on behalf of the Prince de Conti and those of the
Council whom his Majesty has left at Paris, to ask her assistance in the necessity in which the affairs of this province now
are. In the absence of the King there is no one but you from
whom the province can obtain more prompt and more salutary
assistance. Cambray is a good place, but so ill-provided
with men that if it be not promptly assisted it must undoubtedly be lost. The assurance you have given me of
your friendship makes me more freely beg you to favour
our supplications to this princess. The sufficiency and quality
of the said Sieur Chevalier keeps me from further particularising to you our condition. French. Signed. 1½ pp. Endorsed: "receu le 21er d' Aoust, 1595." (135. 194.) |
| Ed. Wilton to the Same. | |
| 1595, Sept. 4/14. | Sennor Antonio Perez is now arrived at Paris, accompanied with Monsieur d'Incarville, who defrayed his charges in the journey, and provided him lodging in the town, but not so well but that the Council mean to see him better accommodated. His entertainment good, both of the Prince Contye and the rest; but especially M. de Forse, the Governor of Berne, used him with an extraordinary respect. The Council for his security have commanded four of the "Swish" of the King's Guard to attend at his lodging. The King hath appointed him 4,000 crowns pension, to be paid in such sort as he shall not need to solicit the financiers, for against that he has always protested. In this sort have they provided for his security, these are the means promised, all this he likes well; only as yet he has received nothing: that he likes not so well. Senor de Penilla (he of whom I wrote to you before) that affirmed he came out of the Spanish camp, and had done many services there for the King, has been waged by the Spaniards to kill the King and Senor Perez. The Council have talked with him this present day: thought to temporise: but he noting their suspicion is fled. |
|
The news from Cambray is very good, 800 foot and 300
harquebuss a cheval are entered the town under the conduct
of a very valiant commander. The King is looked for here
this next week. Our spy hath followed us to Paris but Senor Perez
hath almost in plain terms forbidden him his company. [Side
note to the cipher: This is according to the form of my
notes in the top of the book.]—Paris, 14 September stilo
novo, 1595. Holograph. 1 p. (199. 29.) The passages in italics are in cipher in the original. |
|
| Edmund Wiseman to the Same. | |
| 1595, Sept. 14. |
Senior Peres came to this town this last
of August in the company of Monsieur Incravill and Monsieur
Mottavilla, the first President of the revenues of Normandy.
Since his coming he has visited the Prince, Count, the Count de
Shomburdg, Monsieur Forca, Captain of the King's Guard,
and Monsieur Gevere. The King has given Senior Peres a
pension of 4,000 crowns a year as Monsieur Incravell tells
him, and in such sort as Peres shall not have need of him
for his pension, nor of any of the financiers. Monsieur
Shomberdg with the rest of the Council here, has appointed
four of the King's guard of Swiss daily to attend him. Senior de
Penillia, that I wrote to you of to be employed in the King
of France's service, I think is employed by the King of Spain
for the killing of Senior Peres; for this day being suspected
by Monsieur la Force, he has laid a horse saddled and bridled
over the water, commanding of them where he is that in any
wise he be ready. Monsieur de la Force means to stay him.
The Governor of St. Denis, Monsieur Vic. Sarred, is gone
into Cambray: 800, the most of them horse. It is thought
it will be an occasion of the King's longer stay from this town,
because he is known to be most valiant.—Paris, 14 September,
1595. Holograph. 1 p. (199. 30.) |
| The Duc de Bouillon to the Same. | |
| [1595,] Sept. 15/25. |
I know not whether my grievances
have been renewed or relieved by the singular demonstration
you have made me of your friendship. Participating in all
that afflicts you and having seen how much you were afflicted
at my loss, I do not dissociate myself from this resentment,
but in truth my consolation is the greater for seeing my second
self ordered to bear my grievances, which time will remove
as it will everything save the perfection of our friendship.—
A Paris ce 25e Septembre. French. Holograph. 1 p. (135. 196.) |
| [Ed. Wylton] to the Same. | |
| [1595, Sept. 22.] |
Decipher of the two passages relating
to Monsieur de Force and Harry Constable in the letter printed
in this Calendar, Part V, pp. 385–6. 1 p. (179. 156.) |
| Dutch Merchants. | |
| [1595, Sept.] | Names of the Dutch merchants that sue Captain Chillcot and his company. Walter Artsone, Thomas Coottells, owners; and 12 others, factors.—Undated. (205. 50.) |
| De Neufville (?) to Monsieur Perez. | |
| [1595, Sept.] |
Jay oublie apres disner a vous parler de la
deposition de La Penille qui a este execute a mort a Paris.
Je vous en envoye une coppie que jay faict tirer, et ne se
passera rien qui vous touche dont je ne vous donne advis.—
Undated. Signed. Endorsed: Para embiar a Mylord. ½ p. (174. 96.) |
| Sir Charles Danvers to the Earl of Essex. | |
| [1595, c. Oct. 6.] |
This gentleman M. de Lomeny, among
other affairs of greater importance for her Majesty from the
(French) King, is to entreat for the restitution of my brother
and myself, and carries letters to you for your assistance.
Next the hope I have in her Majesty's gracious disposition
my confidence is in your mediation.—Undated. Holograph. 1 p. (179. 139.) |
| The Duc de Bouillon to Monsieur de la Fontaine. | |
| [1595 ?] Oct. 25. | Je ne vous diray pas les prosperitez reiterees par diverses fois ceste annee aux Espagnols dautant que leurs armes ne me donnent encores de creinte pour le faict de la Religion, veu quilz ont a les emploier en lieu ou Dieu nest gueres servi en nostre France. Mais bien vous diray-je les creintes qu'elles me donnent voiant les humeurs disposees a vouloir le repos et nos necessitez generales, qui sont asses forts conseillers pour persuader de ne pouvoir trouver nostre salut qu'en une reconciliation, de laquelle les commencemens sont desia tels que l'on peult aiseement en juger la fin, qui ne peult estre qu'en executant les conditions apposées a l'absolution donnee au Roy. Dom Alonce d'Idiaque doibt rendre responce pour toute ceste semaine des ouvertures faictes dung traicté general a l'arrivée du Roi en Picardie. Le gouverneur de La Fere a proposé une trefve pour six semaines a laquelle j'ay laissé le Roi comme disposé aiant licentié la pluspart de ses forces et a mon advis sur ceste esperance il a rompu entierement toutes les trouppes que j'avois; et quoiquil eust asseuré Monsr. de la Noue de lui donner le commandement de celles que les Estats paient, il les a reparties dans les garnisons, mais dans la plus forte il n'en a mis que deux compagnies. Aiant encores quelques trouppes et estant solicité des Picards de les loger pres La Fere et voulant y faire joindre son armee qui vient de Bourgougne, il en a donné le commandement a Mons. de Retz qui est une asses evidente preuve que l'insuffisaunce de ce chef lui est moins suspecte, que n'eust esté dommageable de m'en donner la charge a la creance quil veult donner a Rome de ne vouloir plus se servir aux grandes charges de ceux de la Religion. On prepare ung estat pour l'année qui vient par lequel on nous ostera toutes les villes que nous tenons d'autant qu'on ne veult entretenir garnison qu'aux villes de frontiere et de forces qu'en la seule armee du Roi. Lequel m'a incertainement parlé de traicter avec le Roy d'Espagne: chose, si elle advient, qui ne me surprendra pas, l'aiant presumé de long temps. Et semble que chacun a aidé a ce desseing mesme ceux qui avoient plus d'interest au contraire. Et ce desir lui croisera autant qu'il verra que les moiens de sauver son estat, honneur, et reputation lui en seront plus ou moins offertz. II m'a dict estre disposé a faire une conference avec la Roine, procedeure que je trouve tresbonne. Et tout ainsi que j'ay par cy devant solicité que sa Majte secourust ses affaires d'hommes et d'argent. Je croi que par ceste assemblee il est expedient de traicter de quelques seuretez dont il ne puisse aiseement se departir. Aultrement ce sera faciliter ceste maudite reconciliation. Si sa Majte veult scavoir mon opinion vous vous pourrez servir de ce que dessus. Du general je viendray au particulier, comme estant celui qui sans doubte sera les premices de ce qui sera sacrifié. Mon desir de pousser ces commencemens de guerre pour prevenir ces reconciliations et la confiance que j'avois que nous serrons soustenus de ceux qui y avoient interest m'ont faict mettre ceste pouvre place, seule ou dieu est servi librement deca la riviere de Loire, en hazard, en aiant espuizé les munitions et vivres, et les aiant emploiez aux affaires du Roy, de quoi je ne puis, quelqz diligense que j'y face, avoir remplacement. J'y ay commencé une fortification plus que necessaire. Le commencement en est tres dangereux, d'autant qu'il m'a fallu combler mon fossé et le retranchement du commencemens des assignations que le Roy m'avoit ordonnees pour cest effect est cause qu'elles devienrent imparfaictes et n'ay de moi nuls moiens d'y pourveoir, vous jurant qu'en six mois que j'ay demeuré en Picardie, sans veoir ung seul denier du Roi, j'ay faict fournir plus de vingt mille escuts pour ses affaires pour lesquels il m'a fallu vendre jusques a ma vesselle d'argent de facon que je ne voi moien de conserver ce petit estat si d'ailleurs je ne suis assisté. La bonte de la Roine envers tous ceux qui vont vers elle et les singuliers tesmoingnages qu'il lui a pleu me rendre de ses bonnes graces, m'enhardist de lui faire une tres humble supplication de m'accommoder de douze mille escuts sol, moiennant lesquels je mettray ceste place hors de moien de l'assaillir, ni par la force ni par la necessité. Je laisseray a sa Majte de veoir comme il lui plaira user de ceste liberalité, non envers moi seulement mais envers tous ceux de la Religion, qui se joindront a mon obligation pour le reconoistre par tres humbles services. Mais la diligense y est requise d'autant qu'il fault travailler durant l'hyver a fin que la fortification soit en estat au primtemps; aiant ceste commodité de me servir de mauvais temps d'autant que je travaille dans le Roc qui m'oste la necessite des murailles. Je vous puis asseurer que j'ay recours a ce remede comme a l'anchre sacrée laquelle me manquant je n'en scay nul aultre, qui me faict croire que ceste Roine bien-faictrice a toute l'Europe ne me vouldra desnier ceste petite assistance: petite pour elle, mais tres grande puis qu'elle peult sauver tant d'ames du violent joug de la tyrannie de l'Espagnol et du Pape. Je vous prie que j'aie bien tost responce et croiez que quoi qui arrive quand ceci se perdra (comme je n'en doubte pas sans ceste assistance) je m'en iray en Guienne vivre et mourir au milieu de nos eglises. |
| [1595 ?] Oct. 25. |
Du mesme jour 25e. Vous aurez encores
ce mot pour vous convier a vour emploier avec toute ardeur a ce
que je vous mande, vous protestant que j'essaie ce moien avec
beaucoup de deplaisir. Mais cest force forcee et au moine telles
recerches me serviront d'excuse apres que le mal sera arrivé d'y
avoir, et a temps cerché touts remedes. Dieu vueille que je sois
trompé mais je prevoy de grands maux si dieu par sa grace
ne les divertit. Vous pourrez joindre vos raisons pour faire
veoir l'importance de ceste place, combien sa perte seroit
prejudiciable et quel regret l'on y devroit avoir si elle estoit
advenue pour si peu. Quant a moi je vous jure que sans la
consideration publicque je m'en desferois, ne me portant
que de la despense et incommoditez et en accommoderois
tres advantageusement mes affaires privées; mais dieu me
garde de profiter aux despens de tant d'ames qui le servent.
Souvienne vous que la conference et les contractz sont
necessaires si on veult rompre nos traictez avec l'Espagnol.
Ce que je voy, ne se peult escrire. Mais toutes choses nous
sont meshuy (sic) loisibles pourveu qu'elles nous donnent
la jouissance de nos plaisirs. Vous presenterez la lettre
que j'escri a la Roine et lui en exposerez la creance je vous
en envoie pour Monsr. le grand Threzorier et communiquerez
aussi de ce faict avec Mr. le Comte d'Essex. Je seray fort
aise que le Roy ne sache poinct ce voiage, veu les temps
et les humeurs des hommes. Il m'est fort necessaire de m'en
aller en Guienne. Nos eglises sont pleines de confusions et
de creintes; je vous prie usez de diligence. Endorsed: "Desciphremt d'une l're de Monsr. de Bouillon a Monsr. de la Fontaine." 2¾ pp. (135. 181, 182.) |
| Antonio Perez. | |
| 1595, Oct. 30/Nov. 9. |
Extracts from Edward Wylton's letter
of the above date, relative to Antonio Perez, namely the
parts in cipher deciphered. [See Calendar of Cecil Papers,
Part V. p. 435.] Undated. Unsigned. Endorsed: "Concerning Sir Antonio Perez." 1 p. (58. 49.) |
| John and James Rutledge to the Council. | |
| [1595, Oct. ?] |
For themselves and other tenants of Bewcastle, Cumberland. Complain of the spoils and oppressions
committed against them by the Scots. Lord Scroope unable
to defend, them for lack of soldiers. Pray for relief.—Undated. 1 p. (1163.) |
| — Ersfild to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595, Nov. 24. |
At my landing in Dieppe I delivered
Mr. Smith his letter, who for your cause was ready to advise
me the surest course for my present passage unto the King,
where I came the 16th of November, and gave Signor Perez
and Mr. Edmonds your letters, which I hope they will signify.
Then according to the instructions you vouchsaved me I
enquired such particularities as I find best worthy advertisement. The King daily is amongst his soldiers and pioneers.
These are paid money and bread to the value of 6d. every
day: the other, good words, which they must yet feed on.
At night commonly he retires to Chonilz, two leagues off,
to repose himself in his mistress' favour and her child's
prettiness, which he loves, and cannot hide. His forces
now with him are at the most 2,000 landsknights, and 3,000
Switzers, which march towards him from the wars of
Bourgony, where he left them. They mutined for want
of pay, and would have departed, but now are satisfied. The
French forces not above 1,000 foot and 500 horse at this
present, but he has sent for more, looking the enemy should
come to relieve Lafere, which he holds straitly besieged,
having taken all the passages, beaten down all their mills
but one, and means to drown them by devise of sluices, raising
a long trench, of breadth 12 foot, of height 18, which cannot
come to perfection before January; and am afraid will then
hardly taken effect; because the compass of ground that must
be drowned is great, and the course of the river little; and
besides the top of the trench will not countervail half the
height of the wall; more, if the trench break, which is
doubtful, because it is slenderly rammed, then were all that
great labour lost. The fort he makes may contain a thousand
men, and many think it needless to make it so great. It has
two places of entry. If the enemy come to victual, they must
needs come upon that side the fort is, which will be a secure
retreat if it be finished before his coming. It is thought
the town is provided for 4 months, only wanting salt.
Concerning the situation of the town, how it stands in marsh
ground without danger of cannon or assault, how it must
be taken by famine, the number of fighting men within, which
are 1,500, and of other people as many more, how it stands
upon the King never to leave it till he have it, how it annoys
that part of Picardy, how in regard it is his inheritance by
the House of Vendome; all these things I doubt not but
you have been largely informed of by such as have had judgment and time to peruse it. La Chappelle 5 leagues off, is the
nearest place the Spaniard has unto Lafere; yet is it thought
it will be a tedious siege, unless the King's invention of
annoying them by water take good effect. The town is little:
only one church in it. Concerning the King's provision
in the army, there is plenty of all victual in his quarter. The
sickness is amongst his soldiers, but not violent. The French
murmur for want of money, and unless the King stay by it
in person it is thought they will not abide it. His people
of Paris and other cities are much discontented at the new
impositions, and give bold speeches against the financiers
for the King's want. Paris, as I am credibly told, yields
him upon this last impost (which by Parliament must continue
a year) 100,000 crowns a month more than ever it did any
King's time before. The "dace" upon all sort of merchandise
is double for that it was. Their meat, wine, wood, all generally
that comes for man's use, except corn, pay to the King's use,
and yet he has not to pay his soldier. He keeps the Parisian
very short, which makes the place hard to live in. The King
and the Duke of Mayne are very shortly to meet at Compeigne
(a day's journey from Paris) there to confirm their reconciliation. He is Governor of the Isle of France, and has Soissons
for his retreat. The best nobility of France assemble there
with the Council. The young Prince and his mother come
likewise, where it is thought she shall be freed wholly from
the crime of her husband's death. The Marquise of Pisan
is the Governor, and Madame d'Angolesme the Governess
of the Prince. I am told for certain that at Poictiers he heard
his first mass. The Duke of Guise and Desdiguieres his
lieutenant undertake the war against d'Espernon in
Provence, of which he is Governor.—Paris, 24 November. Holograph. Endorsed: 1595, November 24. 2 pp. (199. 31.) |
| The Queen to the Lord Deputy and Sir J. N. [Sir John Norris]. | |
| [1595, Nov. or Dec.] |
We have by a despatch bearing
date the 12th of November prescribed to you, our Deputy,
and the whole Council, such forms of proceeding with the
traitors of Ulster as in our own judgment we do not see, if
they be well and rightly dealt with, but they would be right
glad of: and yet when we consider what great charges this
base rebellion hath put us unto, and how small progress our
armies have made into the hearts of their strengths, notwithstanding that they have all this while flown with their own
feathers, we have thought good for prevention of such further
mischief as the rebellion of Ulster, wherewith now Connaught
is also notoriously infected, may throw upon us, to make
choice of you especially and only if you find that much sticking
upon those conditions to which in our general letter you are
prescribed, will prejudice or danger the speedy and sound
conclusion, then in that case to make an end with those traitors
by sending to them a pardon without longer labouring for
more of those conditions for the present then shall be judged of
necessity for the case as now it standeth; and, for performance
of all things meet, you shall procure sure pledges and enjoin
them in any wise a short time of their coming in to submit
themselves to the State after the receipt of their pardon,
which we would have you speedily send them; whereby
they may have less colour to practise or deal underhand
with strangers or be furnished with other means to maintain
their rebellion. For all other things we refer you to the
letters of our Council, without new sendings or postings to
and fro. And thus have you both more trust than others
and power and authority absolutely committed to you to
order this cause, in which regard we hope to have occasion
by your diligent and discreet usage to allow the conclusion
which is the perfection of all works, and so more easily to pass
over the memory of all other actions since first this rebellion
spread itself in that our kingdom. Draft corrected by Cecil. Endorsed: "C of a P (?) letter to the D. and Sir J. N." 1 p. (97. 127.) |
| Francis Dacre to Elenor Dacre. | |
| 1595, Dec. 5. |
Begins: "Dearly beloved daughter Eleonor."
Makes choice of her as his eldest and fittest daughter
to communicate his present state and purposes to. Charges
her to deal with their friends to employ their credit so
that, by some honourable means procured from her Majesty,
their house may be restored to its ancient state, and pardon
and licence obtained for him and his son to return to their
country's service. She may affirm that he and his son are
departed the King of Spain's dominions, having already some
months past left his pension and service: though means have
been made to them to receive the pension again. "Your
most loving father."—Liege, 5 December, 1595. Addressed: "To hir loving cosing Mistris Elenor Dacre." Endorsed: 1598 (sic). Holograph. 1 p. (66. 31.) |
|
Enclosure:— Detailed particulars of his wishes as regards his pardon, lands, title &c. Mentions as his dear friends, his sister Montague, Lord Wharton, and his nephew Francis Clifford.—Undated. 1 p. (66. 30.) |
|
| William, Lord Cobham, to the Mayor, Jurats and Common Council of the town and port of Sandwich. | |
| 1595, Dec. 13. |
Understands that their number of freemen
of the vulgar sort is so increased that by their great number
of voices they sway all matters without due regard to their
duties, and grow very wilful and heady at their assemblies,
endangering the quiet of the town. He requires them therefore to fill up the number presently wanting of their
36 common councillors, and to elect 12 more of the discreeter
sort of commons into the Common Council; which number
of 48 they shall always maintain by election of the discreeter
sort of commons. Further directions as to the conduct of
their proceedings, wherein no common freeman shall have
voice or power to intermeddle, save only to hear and see for
better experience.—Blackfriars, 13 December, 1595. Endorsed: Lord Cobham. Contemporary copy. 1 p. (75. 27.) |
| i. Another copy. (75. 28.) | |
| The Council to the Mayor, Jurats and Common Council of the town and port of Sandwich. | |
| 1595, Dec. 13. |
They understand by Lord Cobham, Lord
Warden of the 5 Ports, of some insolent demeanour in the
meaner sort of the commoners there, at a late assembly made
for the choice of their Treasurers. The Council command
them to execute the directions sent them by Lord Cobham
under this date.—Court at Richmond, 13 December, 1595. Signed: J. Puckeringe, W. Burley, Essex, C. Howard, J. Hunsdon, J. Fortescue. Contemporary copy. 1 p. (75. 27a.) |
| J. St. John to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1595, Dec. 17. |
I have received your letter of this date,
whereby it seems you have been advertised that I should
have in my hands a cart of the last summer's voyage
performed by Sir Walter Rawley into the Indies, which you
desire to see; the rather for that a servant of yours did lately
lose one upon the highway, which might by some happiness
of finding be brought to my hands. I neither have or at any
time had any such cart. Only a servant of Sir Raphe Lane's
came unto me upon Sunday last, and showed me a book
written containing a discourse of that voyage, and as I
remember told me he had also a cart thereof, but by reason
of my being accompanied with divers friends at that time
I had no leisure to peruse it, and so dismissed the party;
since which time I have not heard of him any more.—
St. Bartholomews, 17 December, 1595. Signed. Endorsed: L. St. John. 1 p. (199. 34.) |
| — Ersfild to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595, Dec. 21. |
My place of residence has not such plenty
of certain occurrences as I presumed so great a city would
have yielded. Their former miseries make them attend
private commodities, striving most to talk of the proceedings
in Court of Parliament, where the Advocate is continually
employed to plead the outrages of his own nation, committed in
their wars one against another. The prattlings of the people
(which these times of fear have made the Frenchman to esteem
as the counsels of the wise) are generally to desire peace,
be it with never so dishonourable condition; their present
necessities urging them to leave the boast of their ancient
valours, and to seek capitulation with their greatest enemies.
Those I have talked with I find have no remembrance of the
supports they have had by neighbour nations, and if they
may purchase quiet, they care not how others fare. The
King is not well beloved, his own servants term him "le
meilleur Prince mais le plus mauvais Maistre." His subjects
the Papists suspect his hypocrisy. They of the Religion
condemn his open pailliardise. His soldiers would have
him leave building (to which he is much given) and make his
pay. They generally murmur at his great impositions (which
are sharp considering their wants) so that his clemency and
care to preserve them is in their fickle natures almost forgotten.
Concerning his affairs in Picardy, you I know shall have better
relation than I am able to make. His expenses and travail
about his trench at Lafere have yet effected nothing but
prevention of mutiny, by keeping his soldiers from idleness.
Many be of opinion that France will be at a general peace
very shortly. Duke Joyeuse is pacified. Duke d'Espernon is
ready to yield his government of Provence, and to accept
the conditions heretofore propounded. Mercoeur is essayed
by all means to reconciliation. The Savoy is weary of war,
and willingly will condescend (as it is thought) to an accord.
Others likewise reckon upon a peace between France
and Spain. Others again think the Spaniard will entertain
no composition, knowing how France is wasted and consumed,
but will annoy them by continual war, thereby the easier
to secure his usurped places. I leave to your provident
wisdom to determine the issue of their purposes, not doubting
but French promises are balanced according to their weight.
The Spaniards' preparation by sea is confirmed from all
places to be 200 sail, and that they be in a great readiness.
If I may understand how I may perform more acceptable
services than my private living in Paris can afford, I will
employ my best endeavours to do your commandments.
I wrote to you by Mr. Wilton, when I desired that now I
entreat, reprehension when I offend. If her Majesty send
an Ambassador (which Mr. Edmunds hopes), I would crave
some place of employment about him.—Paris, 21 December. Holograph. Endorsed: '95, December 21. 2 pp. (199. 32.) |