BHO
  1. Cecil Papers in Hatfield House
  2. Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589
  3. Cecil Papers: August 1587

Cecil Papers: August 1587

Pages 270-279

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

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Citation:

August 1587

563. Memorandum of the Lord Chancellor for Suits to the Queen.
1587, Aug. 9. Sir Thomas Cecil. Mr. Arundell, Mr. Warcupp, Sir Amias Paulett. Mr. Wolley, Earl of Ormond, Lord Deputy, Lady Paget, Mr. Fynes, Mrs. Gifford, Lor4 Henrv Seymour.
1 p.
564. Thomas Ellys.
1587, Aug. 9. Form of grant to Thomas Ellys, late a yeoman of the chamber, of a. lease in reversion of the parsonage of Llanegreyne, Merionethshire. Referred to the Lord Treasurer and others.
Note by Sir J. Herbert that the Queen sanctions the lease. Note by Burghley, dated 9 Aug. 1587.
1 p.
565. Sir Francis Walsingham to Archibald Douglas.
1587, Aug. 10. Because I know not when I shall have opportunity to see your lordship, being now commanded to attend diligently here, I have thought good to send this bearer, my servant, unto your lordship, by whom if it please you to write unto me such particularities as you may desire to be satisfied in, I shall not fail to return your answer by him, to whom I have also given directions to acquaint your lordship with the answer that is to be yielded to your requests.—At Theobald's, the 10th of August 1587.
½ p.
566. Advices from Brussels.
[1587 ?], Aug. 10. The Duke remained at Nimyngam [Nimeguen], but he is expected daily at Brussels, and so to pass for France, with these companies; the Bishop of Trevers [Trèves] brother, 1,000 reiters; one of the Duke of Saxony, 2,000 reiters; from “Sambellmone a Loremes” 1,000; and two other of the Con [Count] of Lussingburg [Luxembourg], 2,000; and new supplies for the filling up of the old regiments, and two or three regiments out of Germany, so that it is reported the Duke will go very strong into France : the causes that make him to drive so long are many, yet disliked of divers.
The old regiments of Walloons are all filled up. The Spanish regiment at Deft [Delft] continues in mutiny, and among divers demands they utterly refuse their old Cronell [Colonel].
They expect divers forces out of Italy, of Spaniards and Italians, one regiment of Italians newly levied, and some other to fill up the old regiment here; the Tercia of Naples and the Tercia of Sicilia, these are upon the way; a commissary was sent to provide for them in Burgundy.
The Duke de Mayne was the 7th of this month at Beron, and was going to meet the Prince of Ascole, to join with him to succour Noyon, that is besieged by the King.
The Prince of Ascole's forces, which I saw, were 6,000 foot and 1,000 horse; they are entered into the Duchy of Burgundy, near to Langrette.
These men of account are with the Pope's forces, as Don John de Medicis, the Marcus dell Quasco (sic), and the Prince of Castrell Belltran, heir to the Governor of Milan, with divers others.
The Irish regiment has of late received certain months' pay, which has given it some contentment. The Irish regiment goes into Spain, to be employed into Ireland, about the beginning of October.
Colonel Boyd, a Scotsman, [is] much discontented for that his Highness took from him a company of horse that the Count of Mansfeldt had given him, when his Highness was in France, and therefore many things may be written by him.
The Count of Mansfeldt is now to have the government of these parts, when his Highness goes into France; his return is holden uncertain.
Cardinal Allen is at this present at Rome.
Morgan remains still in prison; he stands much upon his justification.
Father Holt, a Jesuit, and Hugh Owen, have the managing of all the causes of our nation.
Divers men of account here may be drawn home upon very easy conditions, which were very necessary.
Endorsed :—“10 August at Brussells.—M. Moody. Advertizments.”
2 pp.
567. Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas.
[1587], Aug. 12. My lord,—Ever since my coming in this country I have been compelled to write to you by another man's hand, having hurt my own that I could scarcely hold a pen, which also hindered me from going northward to the King, being commanded by the chirurgeons, who dealt with me, to remain in this town. Now since I have recovered the use of my hand, your lordship shall be sure to hear from me at all occasions and as matters shall fall out. The vij of this month I came to Falkland, whither his Majesty that same day returned from his journey of the north. There I presented myself unto him, where I assure you I received but a slender countenance, and waited ten days before I could speak with his Majesty. At last, at the coming of his dogs, I took occasion by their presenting to speak with him, wherein I perceived that his Highness has been very hardly informed of you & of your dealing by them who seek nothing more willingly than the least occasion to calumniate you and your actions. The particular causes of his displeasure against you, neither would he take leisure to let me understand, neither yet would he hear me discourse upon your proceedings at length, as I would have done, but remitted them to some other time more convenient; so that I must needs follow him to Stirling, whither he goes to-morrow, & await some lit occasion to speak of that matter at length, whereinall I shall omit nothing that can serve either to purge you, or to let him understand how careful you have been of his service, and how able you are to serve him in that thing he seems to have greatest care of. I hope to do some good, & either to bring about that you be openly employed, or else, which I rather wish, that you be desired to return. I had notwithstanding large conference with him touching that state, the queen, the nobility, the councillors, and all the rest of that state, wherein he heard me very willingly, and approved all the advices you gave him thereupon. In like manner he received very thankfully the book and the letter, thanking both the sender and the rest that concurred therein, promising secrecy, & a loving mind towards them all, whereof you may very well assure the party. So did he receive the cross-bows and the dogs, whereof he makes no small account, and thanks my lord of Warwick very heartily. This is all I have done as yet, & more nor I looked for at the beginning, for had not been (sic) your friend Mr. Foular, I think I should shortly yet have spoken with him.
This all I have as yet done; the rest I shall follow forth the best I may to your contentment, & shall spare no pains therein, as you shall understand particularly hereafter. His Majesty is returned from the north, where he has made but very small profit by these justice courts. The occasion thereof proceeds, as is thought, because the Chancellor did abstain from the voyage purposely, to eschew hatred of the people, & lay it upon others who accompanied his Majesty, & they for that same cause had taken such order that very few or none had been condemned, by giving them assizes of their own neighbours, who being alike guilty, every one cleansed another. The Earl of Errol has made his composition by means of the Master of Glamis. He gives the King two thousand crowns in composition, & re-enters to his own. In like manner every one of those lords prisoners are to be fined, to help the king with money to his marriage, & so to be put at liberty. The marriage of Denmark goes forward with all expedition, & the first articles are clean altered. & full power to the ambassador to accord, and bring her home. The King has appointed a Convention to be at Stirling, within these three or four days, of some of the nobility and deputies of the boroughs for matters concerning his marriage, wherein, amongst other things, the boroughs are to be desired to be caution for the Queen's dower, which is desired to be of 50,000l., if she outlive his Majesty; in like manner to counsel of other matters touching the entertainment of the Queen. It is thought that the boroughs shall altogether refuse to enter in any such bond, &, in like manner, that there shall be no silver granted. Mr. John Colvill also is like to be sent very shortly in that country, to persuade the Queen to be contented, & approve this marriage, to require some help in money, & to beg some provision of plate & other meubles for his Majesty. I suspect, as I told him freely, being required, that he should find a cold suit, & this I hope shall do you good, if you meddle not therein, neither to hinder nor further him. I understand by him he is to seek your good will and favour, wherein I think you cannot well refuse, at least if you be not of the town, as I would wish you to be at his being there. But you know what is meet for yourself better nor I can advise you.
The Earl Bothwell and the Chancellor are agreed upon the Master of Glamis' cost, for the Chancellor and he are altogether divided : what that shall produce at the Master's coming to court, who is yet in the north with the Justice Clerk, Sir Robert Melvill, and the rest of the Council, we shall behold.
The Earl Bothwell, to eschew factions & other troubles like to fall out in this country, whereof he fears he cannot rid himself, being present, is minded to go in France, & the rather under hope to have the charge of this levy, if any be made for the king of France. For this cause, and divers others also, he would be glad to be appointed with the Queen of England, & would have both your advice how that may best be done, & your assistance therein. He minds to go through that country, & for that cause would be glad to be employed in some plausible message to that Queen, wherein he might make himself agreeable to her. Of this he would have your opinion, & h[ear] what commission were fittest to seek. I pray your lordship write back to me your mind in this matter, to be communicated to him. I delivered him your letter and your message, which he received gladly, & promises to do for you what lies in his power, yea to make no comparison betwixt you and the Chancellor, nor no other that is your unfriend. I can see no appearance that Mr. John Graham & you shall agree, for neither will he accept of the condition I offered him, nor condescend on no other certain sum, therefore I let him alone until he have further to do. What you will have me to do further in that matter, or any other, advertize me, & I shall do good will to accomplish it. I pray your lordship, take order that Mr. Craven be satisfied for the ten pounds I should have given him for Robert Scott, & that I may have his letter here to Robert for my discharge, otherwise I will be compelled to pay it here with great interest. James Hudson writes to me that your lordship will not allow him the four pounds I told you of long ago. Indeed my brother received that money, fifty shillings for my use, the rest to his own. I pray your lordship make not difficulty in that small matter. Remember I beseech you on John Brown, who quarrels me almost for doing nothing for him; and, as your lordship sees occasion, remember Mr. Secretary on my suit & his promise, for indeed I will have to do therewith. Mr. Holman has had service commended to your lordship & Monsieur de Seville. I send here to Mr. John Nisbett a packet of theas to their friends at London, which I pray your lordship see delivered to him, & that he deliver it, as it is addressed. And thus with my humble commendations of service until the next occasion, which shall be in grace of God shortly, I take my leave.—Falkland, this 12 of August, Your lordship's loving nephew to do you service, R. Douglas.”
[Postscript.]—“I have neither seen the Earl of Angus nor Morton. The one is as yet in the north, and the other at his house in Fife. How soon the occasion presents, I will not fail to do my duty to them.”
Addressed :—“To the Richt Honorabill Mr Archibald Douglas, persone of Clascoue, presentlie att London.”
3 pp.
568. Richard Carmerden to the Queen.
1587, Aug. 17. I have received sundry letters from your Majesty's servant, Alderman Billingsley, since his being at Saltash in commission, and lastly one from him yesternight of the 9th of this August, wherein he certifieth, as before in all his former letters, that the value of the lading by his estimation cannot amount to much above a hundred thousand pounds, and hardly that without good forecast in the sales, wherein he hath also set down his best advice, hoping to be here shortly, for that he stayeth but upon order from the Lords. As for the treasure, he plainly certifieth me that there is none; for the which to find he and the rest took much more pains than else they needed. But if there were any more than they first certified of, he doubted the birds were flown before they came. But if it would please your Majesty to talk with this bringer, your servant, Henry Bellingham, as I first wished your Majesty to do, he can declare to you what the principals of the prize confessed to him being then his prisoners, who hath a cup garnished with fine gold to present to your Majesty, which at his first entrance into the prize he took in the Viceroy's cabin. We take the cup to be of unicorn's horn, which, if it so be, is a most rare jewel for the greatness of it. Which cup, so soon as it came up hither, he delivered it unto me to learn of some men of knowledge whether it were unicorn's horn or not. But I durst not much enquire of it. The garnishing of it sheweth it to be some precious horn, if not unicorn. He protesteth he had not anything more out of the prize of the value of 5l. &c.—London, the 17th of August 1587.
¾ p.
569. Edward Turnor to the Queen.
1587, Aug. 17. For lease in reversion of the parsonage of Garstange, Lancashire, to Roger Dalton the present tenant.
Endorsed :—17 August 1587.
[Note by Dr. Valentine Dale that the Queen grants the suit.]
1 p.
570. The Earl of Huntingdon to Lord Burghley.
1587, Aug. 19. Your lordship's honourable speeches to me this morning putteth me in hope of good success in my suit to her Majesty, as indeed my case requireth, which in truth is such as I have shewed you. And my causeless contention with the Lord Mountjoy I may affirm to be the only cause thereof. For, if it had not happened unto me, I might have been able more easily to overcome all other matters, though, since my going to the service of her Majesty in the North, my charges therein have far surmounted all her Majesty's allowances to me. And to open my case to your Lordship in some more particular sort than hitherto I have done, thus it standeth with me, that in November next the utter ruin of my poor state will begin, and every week or fortnight until towards the end of February will increase, and by the last of that month I may say, Consummatum est, except it please her Majesty in the meantime of her gracious bounty to relieve me. I was ever, and am still, a most bashful suitor, but her Majesty's good speeches to me bath much emboldened me, as the necessity of my case greatly urges me, to lay aside all fear of offence, which importunate suitors may sometimes be subject unto. I cannot well tell what I should ask of her Majesty, but somewhat I have thought of, as this bearer shall shew your Lordship, and on Monday or Tuesday I hope myself to wait on her Majesty. But I will first come to you. To know her good pleasure timely doth greatly stand me in hand. And herein, as also in the procuring of my good in this matter, so far as may be, I do very instantly pray the continuance of your good favour, &c.—At the Savoy, the 19 of August 1587.
1 p.
Annexing :—
1. My humble suit to her Majesty is, that it will please her to grant unto me and my heirs, in exchange for 450l. per annum of my land, 450l. of her Majesty's lands, 200l. whereof to be in fee farm and 250l. without any rent.
½ p.
2. First, the inheritance that did descend to me from my father was wider 1,500l. a year, whereof my portion in possession was no more but 480l. per annum The like portion was allotted to the execution of my lord's will. And all the rest my lady and mother had in jointure. The debts and legacies amounted to 11,000l. with the charges of his funeral.
My lands were charged also with sundry annuities, which do continue to this day, which at the first pinched me greatly, because I had then so little to live on. The inheritance which did descend to me from my Lady my mother was under 500l. rent per annum, 80l. only in pecuniis. Besides my ordinary expenses, and the charges of my livery, I have been subject to these unlooked for hindrances :—(1) My debt to her Majesty for Sir Thomas Lodge was 4,000l. (2) And my debt for my uncle, the Lord Hastings of Loughborough, came unto above 5,000l. (3) The suit with the Lord Mountjoy hath cost me, I might rightly term it, a nemo scit.
Since I went unto the service of the North I have spent more than her Majesty's allowance, above 20,000l. But I do not set this down, that I account it among the causes of my hindrance. For I hold both my life and living to no other end but that I may therewith serve God and her Majesty, and yet so to spend my living, as, when I am gone, the heir of my house may always be able to serve his Prince and country.
1½ pp.
571. Roger Ashton.
1587, Aug. 22. Warrant under the Signet to Lord Burghley and Sir Walter Mildmay to prepare a lease for 31 years to Roger Ashton, gentleman, of lands within the survey of the Exchequer, amounting to the clear annual value of 40l.—Given at Oatlands, 22 August, 29 Elizabeth.
Signed and sealed. 1 p.
572. Sir Francis Walsingham to Archibald Douglas.
1587, Aug. 22 I have received your letter, in answer whereof you shall understand that first, touching the matters of spoil both upon the Borders, and of piracies complained of unto your lordship, my Lords have appointed to confer with your lordship on the same on Wednesday next in the afternoon, at which time it may please your lordship to be here by three of the clock.
For the requests of the Lord of . . . . bengall and the Master of Gray . . . . do purpose this day to know . . . . final resolution in them, which I hope they shall to-morrow receive. Touching address for the Master of Gray's letters, if he can direct them to one Thomas Bickner's house in Room (?), and let him understand they are for me, which will be a sufficient charge unto him, he will see them from time to time safely conveyed unto me.—From the Court, the 22nd of August 1587.
Much defaced. ½ p.
573. Timber for Portsmouth.
1587, Aug. 24 Warrant, addressed to Lord Burghley, for the supply of timber from the Forest of Bere, to the Earl of Sussex, Captain of the town and Castle of Portsmouth, for the making of bridges and scaffolds there.—Manor of Oatlands, 24 August 1587.
Sign Manual. Signet. 1 p.
574. Sir Kobert Cecil to Lord Burghley.
1587, Aug. 25. This last night at 9 of clock, I received your lordship's letter, with the advertisement of her Majesty's conclusion of that she promised me; which, though it was to me very welcome news, yet at the first aspect it was tremped with such a mixture as, had I not been sure enough that your lordship could not think me so undutiful as her Majesty conceived, it would quickly have altered any joyful conceit I should have had of her Majesty's gift. Wherefore, although I am sorry she did mistrust so much my natural duty to your lordship, as to think that either I could have the thought to dream of the use of it during your lordship's time, otherwise than with your permission, or else that her Majesty doubted so much my discretion, as that I should not plainly perceive how soon either this or greater good befalling me would be obscured by the great want of your lordship, on whom dependeth the whole stay of my good fortune, yet am I both quieted in mind to see by your lordship's own answer the conceit you had of my dutiful thoughts, and also account myself most bound to your lordship for your sound advice and fatherly direction, both how I should discharge my bond to the Earl, and therein inclusively yield her Majesty satisfaction in that for which she not without cause misliked me, until she was assuredly persuaded of your full consent and approbation. I have followed it to my best, and have sent it herewith to your lordship, either to be reformed or else delivered by your commandment to my Lord of Essex, who, I presume, will acquaint her Majesty with the particularities thereof. And so desiring God to give me no longer breath than while I carry an obedient heart to your lordship, craving your daily blessing, I most humbly take my leave. From London, this 11 o'clock on Friday, going towards Theobalds.
[P.S.] I waited on my Lord of Warwick and my lady yesterday at dinner, where was my Lord Talbot, Mr. Fulk Greville, and others. They came all to London yesternight; my Lord of Warwick being not a little pleased that his hounds had killed a stag of force in your lordship's woods, where my Lord Chamberlain and so many others had missed before.
1 p.
575. Sir Thomas Cecil to Lord Burghley.
1587, Aug. 27. Since my coming down I found so good news as I could not but impart it presently unto your lordship, which is of my daughter St. John's being with a great belly, whereof I have likewise sent word to my Lord and Lady Marquess, next ourselves not knowing who will more congratulate the good hap than your lordship and they.
At my coming from London, I sent a note unto the Lord Steward, to deliver unto your Lordship, of the account of the hangings, such as Pallavicini delivered unto me, wherein I shall be contented to join with your lordship in buying of them, and to pay half the money, so as they may remain to Burghley, but I hope for the interest money your lordship may bear some stroke (sic) with him, since your house had no use of them, but howsoever it shall fall out, the one half I will be contented to disburse this next term, wherein I desire to know your lordship's pleasure, that thereupon I may give order to provide money, which although it cometh very evil at this time, having my marriage money to pay. yet rather than your lordship should refuse them, being already made fit for the rooms here, and hardly to get the like hangings as the times are now, I will strain myself therein.
Your lordship's buildings go on very fast this year, and I hope, by Michaelmas, they will be ready to cover with lead; the next year it will be some comfort if your lordship can get leave to see the perfection of your long and costly buildings, wherein your posterity I hope will be thankful unto your lordship for it, as myself must think myself most bound, who of all others receiveth the most use of it.
This present day of the writing hereof, we all set forward towards Yorkshire, where we mean to tarry not above a fortnight, and to return hither before Michaelmas, &c.—From your house at Burghley, 27th of August.
1 p.
576. John Morley to Archibald Douglas.
1587, Aug. 27. Requests him to make an appointment to meet him at the Court, as he has been “weak by reason of a late sudden sickness.”—Old Windsor, 27 August 1587.
½ p.
577. Horatio Pallavicini to [Lord Burghley].
1587, Aug. 29. Sua Mta tolse nell' anno 1585 a sostenere la liberta del Paese Basso, et ad opporsi ali dissegni della lega di Francia, attioni in un certo modo necessariamente congionte et guidate da una stessa causa, nell' una e l' altra delle quali sapendesi la grandezza delli nemici,. et la debilita di chi si toglieva a sostenere, vi si attose con modi et con aiuti straordinarii et maggiori di quelli che per l'adietro si erano impiegati.
La prima e succeduta infelicemente, la seconda non e ancora intermini da peternefarr certo giuditio. Se adesso che gli nemici sono animati per gli buoni successi, et armati non solo per la difesa, ma etiandio per la offesa, sua Mta abbandonera 1' una e 1' altra impresa in uno istesso tempo. Pare che possa riuscire pericoloso partito non fondandossi che su l'esperanze di una pace offerta et non richiesta dal nemico, per la quale si puo dubitare che sua Mta habbi di poi a dipendere piu tosto dalla fede di lui che da se stessa.
Ma se sua Mta pigliasse partito di cedere dolcemente al men male nel Paese Basso per caggione delle grandi difficulta e spese di quell' impresa, et al' incontro sostenesse con maggior vigore le cose di Francia, terrebbe per aventura quivi talmente occupati i nemici, che ella ne restarebbe molto piu libera e sicura, et essendo quel Regno tutto ripieno di materia di guerra, et attrissimo a nodrirla, le arme generali di tutti vi si impiegarebbero et finalmente traccherebbero.
Questo pare consiglio mensottoposto alli pericoli deila fortuna, et piu sicuro al Consigliero fra le passioni domestiche, pero che la guerra di Francia vivamente sostenuta sara sempre un freno alli Spagnuoli, et una sigurta di quella fede, che nella pace del Paese Basso ci haverano dato, dove che maniando tal freno, et non rimanendoci che la nuda fede si puo ben vedere, il pericolo dover ester maggiore, et in caso averso l' odio vehementissimo verso il Consigliero
Endorsed :—“At Oatlands. Advice of Horatio Pallavicini.”
1¼ pp.
578. The Laird of Barne Bougle.
1587, Aug. 31. Warrant, addressed to Lord Burghley, licensing the laird of Barne Bougle, a Scottish gentleman, to embark out of the realm beyond seas, without paying any custom, 200 broad cloths, wrought or unwrought.—Manor of Oatlands, the last day of August, 1587.
Sign Manual. Signet. 1 p.
579. Francis Kellwey to Lord Burghley.
1587, Aug. 31. My duty willeth me to advertise you that I have received secret understanding of certain preparation, which is made by the procurement of some Papists fur their transportation into France. There is already money delivered for the buying of a boat, and the boat bought, and also the Master to transport them agreed withal. What they are that are to pass, or when, resteth yet unknown. Nevertheless my trust is that they shall not pass, but that I shall have a forewarning of the same. If her Majesty's pleasure be by order from your Honours to have them taken in the passing, then will it be requisite that I do receive a warrant to that effect, for it may be, and so is likely, that they will stand to defence, wherein if any man should casually be slain (which shall not be if otherwise it may be), the danger would be too great to be answered unto. In like case it may please you to think it requisite that I do receive a warrant from your Honours for myself and my servants to pass and repass from time to time without molestation till the service be performed. The reason hereof is, that if such as be workers and travaillers of this knowledge, or any of them, should chance to be stayed upon examination or otherwise before that service, it might be a means to give light to them, which have eyes, ears, and friends in every corner, which warrant shall not be used unless extremity shall thereunto compel, which I hope to prevent.
I do also pray your Honours to grant a commission for post horses, for mine own be daily used to and fro about these and such other causes, as also to advertise your Honours from time to time, if occasion shall be ministered. And then by God's good grace I shall not trouble your Honours any further till it be done.
I am also advertised that there hath been good store of gold, taken up and procured in this country, by such as are thought no favourers, and doubted lest the same be transported into France, where there is made of every sovereign two French crowns, as it is said; howbeit this resteth in suspicion, and no perfect ground to be avouched. There is also secret passive into France, some under colour of merchandize, and some otherwise, along this coast. And I am likewise advertized that thereby are many letters, as well carried thither as also sent from thence hither; amongst which, under your Honour's correction, I do think it were not unnecessary to have such searched at their return as are thought in the country to be no favourers of God's truth.
There is also along this coast a common shipping of geldings into France, under pretence of licence, to the great unfurnishing and weakening of the realm, being not such as by the statute are allowed, but of the best to be gotten and choice of the country. If it be true Anthony Fleare has returned have a careful consideration, thereof. For undoubtedly there is hidden therein some more and greater matter, if it might come to light. There dwelleth in Purbeck a brother of Gilbert Wells, the recusant, by whom, or near to his house, it is thought there is passage to and fro of very bad men, &c.—From Ibsley, this last of August 1587.
3 pp.