|
|
Sir James Deane and others to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
[1609 or earlier] |
Are creditors of John Hunt, William Pointer and
William Nevell, who have obtained protection on untrue suggestions.
Pray that the protections be not renewed, and that they may have
remedy for their debts. Undated
1 p. (P.751)
[See Cal.S.P.Dom., 1603–1610, pp. 162, 537.] |
|
Court Plate |
|
1608–9, January 1. |
'A note of all such plate which was received from
Mr Whitekers at Court at Newyearestyd last 1608 as followeth: |
|
Gilt Plate |
|
One ffaire Basen & Ewer frome Serjaunt Phillips wayinge 180oz di.
One ffaire standing Boule and Cover from Mr Atturney of the
Wards 74oz.
One other ffaire standing Boule and Cover from . . . wayinge 63oz.
One other standing Boule & Cover from Mr Spiller wayinge 59oz di.
[Marginal note: sould to Mr Prescott in liew of other plate bought of
him].
One other standing Boule & Cover from Sir Henry Fanshawe
wayinge 55oz di.
One other standinge Boule & Cover from the Bushopp of Winchester
wayinge 39oz.
One standing Boule & Cover from the Warden of the Ffleete
wayinge 41oz di. [Marginal note: laid by for my Ld. Francis for ye
like which was taken of her plate].
One standing Boule & Cover from the Bushopp of Durham wayinge
33oz.
One Boule & Cover from Mr. Angell wayinge 16oz qr.
One Chaffeinge dyshe gilt wayght 61oz 3 qrs. |
|
Whyte Plate |
|
One Basen & Ewer plaine frome Sir Francis Wooley wayinge 78oz di.
[Marginal note: this bason wt 48oz di was sold to Mr. Prescott with
an old ewer wt 18oz qr, and ye new ewer was deliverd instid of ye
old waying more by 12oz than ye old ewer did].
One ffruit Dishe frome the Surveyor of the outports wayinge
32oz 3 qrs.
One fyere shovell frome the farmor of the Sea Coalle wayinge 144oz.
And one paire of tongues wayinge 109oz di.
Theis are all entred in the plate booke.
Endorsed: "Plate Received of Mr Whitekers from Court which was
given to yor Ho; at Newyearstyde last 1608." 1 p. (143 149) |
|
Thomas Wilson to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 1. |
Encloses letter from Mr Holt, Lancashire, as to
a wardship. With respect to the charge of bricks at Hatfield. The
intention is now to burn them with sea coal instead of wood. New
Year's first night, 1608.
1 p. (P. 2418) |
|
[Sir Thomas Edmondes] to [the Earl of Salisbury] |
|
1608–9, January 4. |
Owen carried in the Spanish Ambassador's
coach to the Court, at which our Ambassador took exceptions, and the
Spanish Ambassador finding the gross error he had therein committed
promised he would do so no more. Order for 300,000 crowns, part of the
promised million: their allowance according to the rate of 100,000
crowns by the month. Don Rodrigo de Flores, a Spanish captain,
Knight of St Jaques, of the best estimation for his sufficiency of any of
his nation at Brussels, slain by a porter as he pressed to enter in with
other company to a marriage.
Abstract (227 p. 355) |
|
James Hyll to the Privy Council |
|
1608–9, January 5/15. |
Meeting by chance the bearer hereof, the
secretary of the company of Elbing, have I burdened him with these my
lines unto your Honours. I have in three former letters given certification
of my desires, as also did write of late unto his Majesty by one William
Sorner, a Suff[olk] gent[leman], who gave himself here out for a knight,
and for country's cause I did supply all his needful wants: but he
contrary to all honesty sold these letters for 100 dollars to the Swedish
Ambassadors, who then lay at the city of Wismer in Meakelburge, to
entreat of divers controversies betwixt the King of Denmark and him.
He invented many other forged letters that I held great correspondence
with the King of Denmark and Duke Julricke, his brother, the Sweden
enemies, and although these former letters concerned nothing the King
of Sweden, only offering my service unto your Honours, if it was to
aquit me of my rest which amounteth in the 17,0001 [? 27,0001], I know
not, did King Charles openly aver the receipt of my letters, call me a
traitor and seized all I had, and reported to all strange princes I held with
those that were his greatest enemies, and hath written to Duke Charles
of Meakleburge and Duke John they should arrest me. But they, having
advices of my innocency and perceiving the means hereby to cut off my
rest, gave me free choice to stay or depart out of their land, either to
serve them in that my wife is mistress of the maids to Duke John's
princes. The loss of the 27,0001 grieves me nothing at all, but the loss of
my honour grieves me to the very soul, for in these 18 years' travels
have I set my life to many adventures to enlarge the same. I have
wished King Charles so much good as unto my own soul; and, my Lords,
seeing the dishonour is not particular to me alone, but it toucheth the
honour of my whole nation, is therefore my entreaty unto you to
protect me as one of his Majesty's poorest vassals. I will stay here until
Easter to see and hear what they can lay against my charge. Three times
before was I committed and released, not finding the least cause against
me; and although the King of Poland offered me 100,000 ducats to serve
him, did I inform King Charles of the same, showing my fidelity. Although all my desires are to see my native soil, and serve my sovereign
King in my old years, do I perceive poverty will hinder the same. And
thus in haste I beseech your Honours to consider of these rude lines and
maintain the honour of a soldier. From the city of Wismer in Meakelburge, 15 January, 1609.
Holograph Seal 1 p. (126 149) |
|
James Hyll to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 5/15. |
The bearer hereof, Thomas Lordinge,
secretary unto the English company of Elbinge, travelling through the
dukedom of Meakelburge, 'met I him by chance, could do no less, in
regard I have made proof oft and many times before of his fidelity,' as to
write to you. I entreat you to give him credit in that time will not
permit me, and to grace me with your letters, after which received I
shall be always ready hereafter to serve. From the city of Wismer,
hastily, 15 January, 1608 [sic].
Holograph Seal ½ p. Endorsed: '15 Jan. 1608.' (126 150)
The date of the letter has been altered from 1609 to 1608 |
|
Middleton Mill, co. Northampton |
|
1608–9, January 9. |
Certificate by Sir Robert Wingfield, Supervisor
of the manor, and Edward Watson, Steward, as to the King's windmill
in Middleton, co. Northampton. The mill was blown down on Christmas
Eve last, whereby his Majesty's tenants in Cottingham and Middleton
are forced to go to foreign places for their grinding, and the farmer of
the mill is disabled to pay his rent. Some trees out of Rockingham
Forest are prayed for to re-edify the same. The particular pieces of
timber required in a mill are specified. 9 Jan. 6 Jac 1.
1 p. (132 47) |
|
Lord Haryngton to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 11. |
I understand that a second commission of
survey is directed forth to certify what timber and decayed oaks may
be spared to be sold within the forest of Leighfeild. I know the King's
occasions may urge your Lordship greatly to make money of anything
fit to be sold, and I have no thought to hinder your purposes. The most,
best and oldest timber trees in the forest stand in the coppices of late
years sold, so as they cannot be felled without great hurt to the underwoods. The decaying oaks for the most part stand on the roads, which
if they be felled will greatly deface the forest. The other trees within
the quarters are so thinly set, as if many be felled it will greatly hinder
the deer and not leave sufficient browse for them. Besides if you sell
the timber in Lawndwoods also (which is divided from the forest, but
with a pale only), it will much hinder the sale of both, for the country
will be soon glutted if there be sale in both at one time. From Kewe,
11 January, 1608.
Holograph ½ p. (126 145) |
|
[Sir Thomas Edmondes] to [the Earl of Salisbury] |
|
1608–9, January 11. |
The Spanish Ambassador, with whom Sir
Thomas Edmondes had treaty, wondered that Don Pedro de Cunniga
should so mistake himself, from whom they received the assurances that
his Majesty would undertake the procuring of a simple truce, and said
that it was muy ruincosa to be an Ambassador. The Archduke's confessor directed to treat in Spain with the Council of the Inquisition
(called the Council of Conscience) to bring the King of Spain to join in
the treaty upon pretence of advancing thereby the Catholic cause. The
Spanish Ambassador of opinion his Majesty will never yield. Agreement
of a meeting betwixt the Commissioners at Antwerp. A quarrel wherein
all the Court was interested between the Count Octavio Viscount, chief
Chamberlain in absence of Don Rodrigo de Lasso, and the Count of
Brouay, premier escuyer, taken by the Archduke; both Italians, therefore irreconcilable.
Abstract (227 p. 356) |
|
The Earl of Salisbury to Sir Henry Hobart |
|
1608–9, January 12. |
Concerning Mr Kingsmill's lease of certain
coppices in the forest of Chirk in Hampshire, and whether he has power
to cut them down. The matter is referred to the Attorney-General for
consideration. Whitehall, 12 January, 1608.
Signed Seal ½ p. (126 147) |
|
John Jude to [the Earl of Salisbury?] |
|
1608–9, January 14. |
Understanding from Mr. Wright of the conveniency of this conveyance for England, we could not omit to represent
our duties to your Worship. |
|
There is not at this present any breath of news stirring in this Court.
The confessor is not yet dispatched for Flanders, upon whose success is
thought to depend the crisis of this great negotiation. |
|
Some few days since was an extraordinary presence at the Council of
State, the King assisting in person. The general rumour sends a report
that the session was about the affairs of Flanders, that 70 or 80 captains
were appointed, some for Flanders others for the Indies. |
|
The complaints of merchants still increase. At present here is one
Mr Pitts, brother to him of the Receipt, whose man is imprisoned and
his goods embarked for bringing false brass money into these countries.
The quantity of his goods amounts not to above 14,000 or 16,000 rialls.
Two other merchants, John Elsey and Richard Bespicke, are imprisoned
for the same matter and have goods seized to the value of 200,000 rialls.
They are all, according to the declaration of Mr Pitts, most clear. |
|
My Lord [Cornwallis] opposes his authority in this business and we
doubt not but to have present redress in the matter. Madrid, the 14th
of January, 1608 sti. vet. |
|
PS.—By letters of December my Lord understands a prolongation of
his stay for another year. Sir Anto. Sherley parted alone some six days
since by one of the clock in the morning, no man knows whither. |
|
The Ambassador who has been here now some months in name of the
Archduke Mathias was this last week admitted to his place in chapel
and to the King's presence for Ambassador of the King of Hungary.
Holograph 1¼ pp. (194 107) |
|
Matthew Brunninge to Thomas Wilson |
|
1608–9, January 14/24. |
Acknowledges his obligations to Wilson.
Begs answer to his letters sent by Mr Adrian Tibault, and since by St.
Sebns [San Sebastian] of the 7th present. Will be glad to know how
Wilson will dispose of him if my Lord [Cornwallis] stay another year.
Fears Wilson is displeased with him, as he has not heard from him since
July. Offers services. Madrid, 24 January, 1609 stilo novo.
Holograph 1 p. (195 97) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 17. |
I have nothing to trouble you with by commandant from his Majesty. Having the opportunity of this bearer, I
thought it my duty to advertise you of the receipt of your letters
yesterday about noon, and that his Majesty being made acquainted
therewith was very well pleased with the apprehension of the party
mentioned therein and with your vigilancy. I received at the same time
direction from his Majesty for a bill to be made for 1000l to be given to
one Benjamyn Rudiard out of his Majesty's moiety reserved upon the
grant of old debts made to Sir Stephen Lesieur. The party in his
petition had demanded 1500l, but his Majesty restrained it to 1000l.
The suit, I perceive, was moved by my Lord Hay, and the reason his
Highness delivered to me was that he had been with his Majesty in
Scotland, and showed his good will in the Queen's time. The gentleman,
I hear, is a follower of my Lord Lieles, and otherwise I know not. At
the same time I received like order from his Majesty for a like grant of
500l to Mrs Middlemore, one of the Queen's maids, at the suit of Sir
Robert Carre, the King's Majesty withal giving many good words of her.
I thought it fit to advertise you of these suits because I see they grow
frequent out of opinion that there is a better order taken for the
recovery of their debts than has been. My poor opinion is that his
Majesty were remembered not to make them promiscuous to everybody
that will seek, but to reserve his own moiety to such as he has more
especial cause to respect, for that which has hitherto moved his Highness to be so easy in making grants of those, has been an opinion that
they were little profitable to the party. There be many here that are
attentive to the begging of his Majesty's part, among others Sir John
Drommond, who having a grant before of 3000l, with reservation of a
moiety to his Majesty, now seeks that moiety also. From the Court at
Royston, this 17 January, 1608.
Holograph Seal 1½ pp. (194 108) |
|
Lord Aubigny to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
[1608–9, January 18.] |
His Majesty granted me by your favour a
warrant for 1000l, which I have delivered to you. I have counselled
with my friends to offer unto you such parcels as I have collected according to the tenor of the said warrant, of which I beseech you to give order
to the auditor to deliver the particulars to you. I doubt not but that
having examined them and found them to be within the compass of the
warrant, you will be pleased to allow them. |
|
PS.—This bearer, Mr Hadzor, will inform you more particularly of
that which I cannot nor dare importune you by my letters, being one
whom I employ in this service.
Holograph French Seal Endorsed: '1608' 1 p. (126 96)
[See Cal.S.P.Dom., 1603–1610, p. 489] |
|
William Kirkham to Sir Julius Caesar |
|
1608–9, January 19. |
My son came to me this morning and told me
that he had been with you about the discharge and composition of my
fine, and said that you would do nothing therein without my consent in
writing under my hand. He was very importunate with me to write to
you, and at his request I have sent you my letter by him. But since,
having well considered what he should mean, and that you should do it
rather upon some honourable respect and regard of me to refuse to do it
without my consent, I have therefore presumed to trouble you with
these lines thereby to express my thankfulness of your care had of my
good, as also to beseech you to signify to me whether and whereupon it
was that you did make that motion to my son of having my consent,
lest my son might be drawn by some ill advice to do that which might
greatly turn to my prejudice. I therefore beseech you that if you have
any suspicion therein you will have that honourable care that nothing
may be done therein but to my good and the working of my present
enlargement, for I would be loath in these my aged years to subject
myself to the servitude of my son. 19 January, 1608.
Holograph Endorsed: '9 (sic) January, 1608. Mr William Kirkham to
Mr Chancellor.' 1 p. (194 111) |
|
William Kirkham to Sir Julius Caesar |
|
1608–9, January 20. |
Pardon me in being thus troublesome, but so
great is my grief by these ever reviving troubles that neither day nor
night I can take any rest until your Honour has yielded me some relief
and comfort. Yesternight since I wrote to you comes Mr Herunden, the
counsellor of Lincoln's Inn, to the Fleet, and told me that Sir Ro. Bevill
had gotten a lease of my manor of Haddon in the county of Huntingdon,
being the only thing by which I hoped to have redeemed myself out of
prison. If it be true, I am past all hope to be redeemed out of prison
without some honourable course be therein taken by your Honour and
my Lord Treasurer. I therefore beseech you to move my Lord Treasurer
and the rest of his Majesty's Council to grant a commission under the
Great Seal to such as you shall think fit to make sale of my manor of
Haddon, and thereupon to take order to satisfy unto his Majesty such
composition and sums of money as my Lord Treasurer and your Honour
have set down, and to call in my creditors and pay them such sums of
money as shall be found to be justly due to them; and that such lands
and leases, goods, chattels and evidences as have been unjustly taken
from me in these my troubles may be restored to me again. I fear if Sir
Ro. Beavill prevail in his practice and course with my son, that they
will work my perpetual restraint in prison and seek to defraud my creditors of their just debts, and in the end work the utter destruction of my
poor wife and children. I find by my son that Sir Ro. Bevill has made him
think evil of Sir Gregory Wolmer, whom your Honour knows has dealt
most honestly, faithfully and earnestly with you in my behalf. Fleet, 20
January, 1608.
Holograph 2 pp. (194 112) |
|
The Isle of Man |
|
1608–9, January 21. |
Receipt of Thomas Harvey for 177l from the
Earl of Salisbury for the use of the Earl of Huntingdon for certain profits
for the Isle of Man. 21 January, 1608–9.
½ p. (206 48) |
|
Captain Gray to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 22. |
At Brussels I communicated the comportment
and resolution of a certain gentleman, who then was to part from thence
to this, to Sir Thomas Edmondes, Ambassador in those parts, who willed
me to write the same to you with my own hand; which immediately I
set down in writing as it was, being of intention to have retained that
and to send the true copy thereof to you. Which [I] reading before my
Lord Ambassador, and presently would have copied it, he would not
grant me so much time, because his packet was instantly to be closed,
and your post ready to part. Wherefore I supplie [beseech] you to hold me
excused for letting come to your view these blotted lines from my hand,
as also my boldness in this present; for albeit the gentleman perhaps
had no evil intention, the duty I owe to our King's Majesty and his true
subjects makes me to be exceeding jealous of any private person that I
know to haunt and confer with those that are his Majesty's and their
suspected enemies as he did. My Lord, ever since I had the honour to
kiss last his Majesty's hands, I have been 'empeched' by a certain familiar
disease to me, that as yet I could not crave the honour to kiss your
hands and require your commands. London, 22 January, 1608.
Holograph Seal 1 p. (125 16) |
|
Sir Griffin Markham to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 23. |
I am desirous to be as little troublesome to you
as my poor distressed estate will give me leave; but when I see my
imminent ruin will speedily come if some compassion be not had, I am
forced earnestly to sue. It is now going upon three years since I entered
into banishment, since which time every year something has been
wrested from me, yet I have said little and importuned less because I
was loth to lay open in some that evil nature I was sorry to see in them.
But now others perceiving how quietly I have hitherto suffered myself
to be oppressed, begin to wrong me to the very consummation of my
ruin. One Mr Orrell, who has bought the wardship of my father-in-law's
heir (as I am certainly informed), has inserted in a book, given by his
Majesty, the portion due to my wife from her father, which without
prevention will be my utter overthrow. My misery in this point is my
absence, which gives advantage to everybody, and the world seeing no
relaxation of my punishment, presumes still that anything whatsoever
will be easily heard, any reports lightly believed, and any suit readily
granted to my prejudice. To them, if I were present, I could answer
enough; to the State I can plead nothing but sue for commiseration,
which I beseech you with your mediation [to] further. I did mean
before Christmas to become suitor to you to alter the seat of my
banishment into Ireland; because then Tyrone's going to Rome and
his public show of great hopes might give me an opinion to be able by
such opportunity to do some service there, but then his journey being
stayed, I forbore. Now Tyrone's journey begins again with his hopes to
revive, and my friends summon me out of necessity to sue for some grace.
Assist me with your favour to the altering my course of banishment, and
I will endeavour by my service to make appear to the world that I
remember my vows at the bar in such fashion as you shall have no
dishonour, nor that grace his sacred Majesty has so mercifully bestowed
appear unworthily given. Brussels, 23 January, 1608.
Holograph Seal 1¼ pp. (120 27) |
|
The Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 23. |
Being by the providence of God and pleasure
of the University chosen Vice-Chancellor for the remainder of this year,
craves his countenance therein. Salisbury knows well how many crosses
are wont to accompany this cumbersome office; his only comfort is he
will be his servant. All his care shall be to keep all quiet for avoiding
his Honour's trouble and the University charge, which (ever poor) is
now poorer than ever by the death of Dr Soame, his predecessor, who
having small living left but little, owed much to many and to the
University very much, which they know not how to recover. This makes
him send these letters without a bedell, which he hopes will be pardoned
because it was heretofore commanded by Lord Burghley for sparing of
the poor University purse. Cambridge, January 23, 1608.
Signed: Thomas Jegon. 1 p. (136 193) |
|
The Earl of Salisbury to Thomas Wilson |
|
[1608–9] January 23. |
Grants him a commission for finding an office
after the death of Robert Holt of Lancashire. 'Hasten my stairs and
paving, and for any that will not conclude to have his shop built before
"Shroftyde" 3 days, and pass his lease before the Monday after Candlemas, I will not have him resolutely.' January 23.
1 p. (P.2233) |
|
Lady Saltonstall to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 23. |
Was suitor to the King for his letters to her
son, on behalf of herself and her children, which she understands the
King has lately signed at Royston. Prays Salisbury to afford her the
same letters under the King's Signet. Mincing Lane, 23 January, 1608
½ p. (P.1976) |
|
[Sir Thomas Edmondes] to [the Earl of Salisbury] |
|
1608–9, January 24. |
The stay of the Confessor in Spain a sign of
good news from thence, because it is thought his arguments have given
subject of consultation, whereas if the King had rested peremptory in
his former purpose there would then have come a speedy answer.
Complaint that notwithstanding the Archduke's commandment the
English Jesuits did plant at Watten. The Archduke hereupon wrote
his letter to inhibit them, and refused to give allowance to a bull of the
Pope's which the Jesuits had procured in their favour. The Archduke's
letter Au Père Provincial Florentinus . . . A college of English Benedictines intended to be erected at Douai.
Abstract (227 p. 356) |
|
Sir Francis Stonor to Lord Treasurer Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 24. |
Having finished the survey of his Majesty's
woods in co. Oxon, I thought good with all speed to send you a particular
of that which has been done since last term, having appointed my man
to engross this latter part and to fix it to the former already in the
Exchequer if you think fit. Vouchsafe remembrance of my suit and
your promise for the farming of his Majesty's woods in this county
mentioned in my letters delivered to you at my coming from London;
which because they were of mine own surveying I beseech may be
reviewed by some person whom you shall appoint. Stonor, 24 January,
1608.
Holograph Seal ½ p. (125 17) |
|
James Fitzgerald to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 25. |
I beseech you not to have so hard an opinion of
me as to think that ever I would bear a hollow heart to my Sovereign
King, to whom I owe all duty and allegiance of a subject. For any
treason or a treacherous thought that ever I did bear to the crown of
England by practice or words or by consent or otherwise, I pray God
that if ever I did think upon any such, that He may make it manifest
to the world with more torment than man can devise. And seeing my
hard fortune was to meddle in this matter I beseech you pardon me, for
that I being after the losses of my goods and having no means caused
me to make at Tyrconnel for his help. And now I am where I have no
friends nor acquaintance; unless you have compassion upon me I am
utterly undone for life, for one penny means I have not. From Gatehouse, 25 January, 1608.
Holograph Endorsed: 'January 25, 1608.' 1 p. (125 18) |
|
William Hammond to Lord Treasurer Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 25. |
According to your commandment I have this
day delivered to your servant the touchstone, in weight 20 tons and in
number 82 great stones; which were but 79 as they were digged out of
the quarry, but by the negligence of them that brought them in using
rotten ropes in the lading of them, three miscarried and were broken.
Their bigness (some of them weighing 20 hundred, some 12, some 10
hundred apiece) is an enemy to their 'brickelnes' if they chance to fall
by not being carefully handled in loading and unloading. The carriage
of them at this time of the year from the quarry to the waterside, up
those steep hills they were to pass, was held a difficulty (till it was done)
not to be overcome by the industry of man. They were shipped December 4, and had been here before the time but for the foul weather. The
freight, lighter and such like dues I have defrayed as my Lord commanded. 25 January, 1608.
Holograph Seal 1 p. (125 19) |
|
[Sir Thomas Edmondes] to [the Earl of Salisbury] |
|
1608–9, January 25. |
No news from Spain of the King's resolution,
though a courier came expressly with letters from the Confessor, and
was in 11 days from Madrid to Brussels.
Abstract (227 p. 357) |
|
R. Cocks to Thomas Wilson |
|
1608–9, January 25. |
My last was of the 21st current enclosed to Mr
Joseph Jackson, and sent by way of Bordeaux, wherein I advised you of
the stay or embargo of the Rochellers' goods at Sebast and Bilbao by
virtue of a letter of marque granted to a Spaniard against the Rochellers
for a ship which was taken 3 years past. I have received this packet
which goes herewith for my Lord of Salisbury and came from my Lord
Ambassador from the Court of Spain, with directions to have it sent
away with all speed possible. News we have not, only an Irishman
arrived at Bilbao some few days past, and some six weeks since had
departed out of Ireland. They report there were 3 or 4 Irish lords or
gentlemen taken prisoner; and one Captain Terrill, an Englishman,
escaped and fled into the woods or bogs with 500 rebels his companions.
Bayonne, 25 January, 1608.
Holograph 1 p. (125 20) |
|
Sir John Parker to Lord Treasurer Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 26. |
In discharge of my duty, and the rather because
I conceive you would have the commission well executed, I am bold to
deliver my conceit concerning commissioners. Mr Randall coming unto
me, who this last summer was commended by your Honours in the like
business, now ready to depart this town with commissions, I desired to
see the commission for Cornwall, and have entreated his stay a few
hours until your wisdom, who can best judge of my reasons, [and] your
pleasure were known, whether best to hazard the commission or not.
First Sir William Godolphin will not be in the country; Sir John Parker
may well be spared and would gladly be absent if so please you; doubtful whether Sir Nicholas Prideaux will travel therein, because he is
placed amongst the esquires; Peter Edgecombe long since dead; John
Rashelay now High Sheriff. So that of eleven commissioners there are
but 6 to be hoped for to sit on this commission, and if 3 of these shall be
let by sickness or other accident of necessity the commission must be
returned, for under 4 nothing can be done. It is true these 6, five of them
dwell 30 miles at least from Hilford where all the business in effect lies
by reason that many pirates have had recourse thither these 4 or 5 years
past, so that their age and disposition to travel so far may find some
excuse. It is needful therefore, in my opinion, for the more sure execution of this commission that at least 2 commissioners be inserted in the
places of Peter Edgecombe and John Rashley. The gentlemen I think
fit to be named are John Arondel of Trerise and Hugh Trevanion,
esquires; both gentlemen that live with great reputation, very discreet
and well disposed to further his Majesty's service, nearer unto the western division than any of the five, and such as I think there can be no
exception taken unto. This Thursday morning, 26 January, 1608.
Underwritten: The Commissioners named for Cornwall. |
|
absent, |
Sir Wm. Godolphin |
|
|
|
Sir Reinald Mohan |
Knights |
|
absent, |
Sir John Parker |
|
|
|
Sir Anthony Rouse |
|
|
mort, |
Peter Edgecombe |
|
|
|
Richard Carew |
|
|
knight |
Nicholas Prideaux |
Esquires |
|
|
Tho. St. Aubins |
|
|
|
Richard Trefuses |
|
|
sheriff |
John Rasheley |
|
|
Gilbert Michell
Holograph Seal, broken 1 p. (125 21) |
|
William Kirkham to Sir Julius Caesar |
|
[1608–9] January 29. |
Is so broken with his long imprisonment that
he would rather make choice of death than live any longer. Prays that
he and his may be discharged 'of this great and unportable fine', and
will consent to any composition or agreement that his Honour may make
with his son. 29 of January.
Holograph Seal, broken Endorsed: '29 January, 1608. Mr William
Kirkham to Mr Chancellor.' 1 p. (194 115) |
|
George Storie to The King |
|
[1608–9, January 29] |
The King's manor of Middleham, Yorkshire,
has been dismembered by the granting away of all the parks, save one,
in fee farm. If the King please to resume the castle and parks, there
were not the like royalty in all the Northern parts. Prays that the consideration hereof may be referred to the Lord Treasurer. Undated
Note by Sir Daniel Dun [Sir Daniel Donne]: that the King refers the
petition to the Lord Treasurer. Dated the Court at Royston, 29 January,
1608.
1 p. (P.169) |
|
The Earl of Dorset to Lord Treasurer Salisbury |
|
1608–9, January 31. |
The sickness of one of my son's principal counsellors at law. Sir Francis Bacon, who was best instructed in this business
of Sir John Leveson, in the Court of Wards, and the occasion of my
sickness that I could not oversee the diligence of my solicitors as formerly
I have done, brought to pass that the rest of my son's counsellors at law
were very slightly informed in a matter of such weight and length as
this is; which was the cause why I was a suitor to you, and still am, that
the hearing of this matter may be deferred till the beginning of next term
or the later end of this term. Sir John Leveson obtained the deferring
of his cause against the King in the Exchequer for three terms together
before my Lord died, only upon allegation that he was so much troubled
about defending his petition, which was referred to the Council, that he
could not well follow the other. My desire is only now that it may be put
over for this one short term, or at least that it may be referred till
towards the end of this term, that I may then yet have some time to
inform my counsel the better. But yet I make my desire no other to
your Lordship than with this my express meaning, that if in justice my
request may not be granted, I had much rather my son's cause should
receive a deep wound for want of a little time than your just proceedings
be touched with the least aspersion for doing anything at my humble
request contrary to the due course and orders of that Court wherein your
Lordship sits so worthily, the principal judge; intending that my son's
counsel shall be ready what day you shall prefix. From Dorset House,
the last of January, 1608.
Signed 1 p. (125 22) |
|
Sir Robert Wingfield to the Earl of Salisbury |
|
[? 1608–9, c January or February] |
I am not able through want of
health to wait upon you myself. The commission for Morhay is returned
by the verderes into Mr Osborne's office and this enclosed, being a true
copy of the same under Mr Osborne's hand, I send to you, being desirous
to know your pleasure. I would gladly have the works finished before
Mayday, the decays being so great now as the lawn and the forest are
even all one. Sir Pexall Brocas lives and, I hope, towards amendment.
The course about his business granted by you and the rest of the Lords
of the Council before Christmas, he cannot pursue, unless he had been
indicted, which makes the conspiracy. I think his adversaries will take
away that objection, for as himself tells me, they purpose at this
assizes at Wyncester to indict him. He seems to be brave, if deep and
earnest protestations and oaths may stand for proofs. And yet he is
much perplexed, which to my understanding a guiltless conscience
needs not. He importunes me also to go down to be a witness how he is
dealt with, or else he vows to disinherit his son. I beseech your advice
in this point, which for your least trouble I may but understand by
Mr Calvert, your servant. I would gladly do my best to keep him from
wrong, but to countenance murder or any such crying sin, I hope I shall
never consent unto. Yours Honour's poor kinsman. Undated.
Holograph Seal Endorsed: 'Sir Robert Wingfield to my Lord.' 1 p.
(128 97)
[See Cal.S.P.Dom., 1603–10, pp. 473, 495] |
