Cecil Papers: December 1589 | British History Online

Pages 446-463

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

Citation:

December 1589



	948. Thomas Fowler to Lord Burghley.
1589, Dec. 7.	I present your lordship most humble thanks for answering in my behalf touching the Earl Bothwell, who says he will do me no scathe, nor none of his shall. The said Earl, with the Duke, is gone this day to the Lord Fleming's house, to baptize a bairn. And there meets them divers companies, as, the Earl of Erroll, Montrose, and Captain James Steward, sometimes called Earl of Arran, who hath lain covertly within five miles of this town this month past, and hath spoken with Bothwell and the Duke sundry times as they have gone a hunting. The good and honest Councillors mislike these dealings, and some of them say—How can the Earl Bothwell be a friend to England if he deal with these men? And others answer, he doth it to cross the Lord Hamilton always. The best sort here fear the worst; and yet it may be he means well. On Tuesday last, the ambassador delivered her Majesty's letter at the Council board. They, all sitting, gave him place, and the Secretary read it; which done, his lordship rose presently, and bade them farewell, without one other word. The whole Board thought strange of it, and some honest men miscontent, for that Maxwell and others were present, that some words would have done well, to some purpose as they hold opinion. Hereupon, together with the news they hear daily amongst the Papists of the Spaniards' arrival in these parts in March next, makes divers good and wise councillors careful to prevent the worst so near as may be. And though they be not great nobles, yet, such as my host, Sir Robert Melvin, the Clerk of Register, and such like, are heard before greater many times. And first, they think it a matter of necessity that her Majesty send hither a man of some better credit, wise and learned, and of a good spirit; that can persuade and dissuade, and may carry a sway here. For they say that this man hath not the spirit to speak to a Council nor noblemen; and besides that, his word will never be of any credit here, for he spake and set down in writing to the King that he never could get performed, whereby their King was plainly scorned. And then, he is not beloved nor accompted of, as others have been that have served in his place. It is thought needful that her Majesty put her helping hand in time, to cause good and sure order be taken with suspected men here, according to the order of England. And it is wished by a number of the good men that her Majesty send by the side of Holland, and so on by land, some sufficient man to the King in Denmark, to understand of his state, and also, in special, to hasten home, or at least, in the meantime, to send hither new commission for provision against the Spaniards. Crichton, the Jesuit, is presently with the Prince of Parma, who wrote hither within these twenty days divers letters promising great matters so soon as possibly the weather served.
	And, amongst the rest, one was directed to “Jeamy Bogge,” which was Bothwell, for every one of their fashion, of accompt, hath a nickname. But for that, I doubt not, you are well informed of the particularities of that letter, and the matin book that with it was presented, as also that the Earl did (past all expectation) honestly send them both to Mr. Robert Bruce, the preacher; I will not trouble you with the other. Robert Brace, the Papist, is at Rome, and a noted Jesuit, with the King of Spain, attending the business diligently; and all their care is to get the Spanish forces to land here before the King return. There is another advice given, that it would please her Majesty to send down some noblemen to Berwick, to lie there to advise with, and to stay the countries thereabout. Thus am I bold to meddle in these matters but, as God help me, neither malice to any nor upon my own head, but at the special requests of my friends who visit me often, both councillors and preachers. And yesterday, the Chancellor's wife (who is a wise woman and half chancellor when he is at home) came up to me, and of purpose to persuade me to write into England in these matters. And Mr. Patrick Galloway came not long after to me to the same effect. But my host in special is an earnest man in these cares, for he is wise, religious, and honest, and makes his accompt that, if England receive hurt, Scotland cannot do well. His son and heir hath married the Earl of Bothwell's only sister, but yet he likes not of the Earl's doings in many things.
	Let me know your opinion that I may say somewhat to my friends. The last letter I received from you was of the 13th of October, since which I complained, as necessity drove me, of the ambassador's hard dealing with me, wherein I trust I have not offended. Mr. Richard Douglas has been sick, and besides his uncle, Mr. Archibald Douglas, wrote to him not to come very effectually; but now the Earl Bothwell says, notwithstanding, that he shall go out of hand.—Edinburgh Castle, 7 December 1589.
	Signed.
	3 pp.
	949. R[ichard] Douglas to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Dec. 9.	Your last of the 18th November came to my hands the last of that month, with one other pacquet directed to Mr. Fowler. So soon as I had received them, and had some conference with Mr. Fowler, I went immediately to the Earl Bothwell, to whom I delivered your letter, who received it very friendly, and has promised to obey your request and my desire. And for his better satisfaction touching Mr. Fowler, I shewed his lordship Mr. Secretary's letter to you, as you appointed, and that part of your letter to me wherein you set down my Lord Treasurer's answer to you upon that matter; which all my Lord has taken in very good part, and promised neither to do nor think ill to him in time coming, albeit he be not yet fully satisfied of the said Fowler's part, for Mr. Ashbie shewed his Lordship a letter written by Mr. Fowler to him during that rebellion when the king was in the north, where he finds fault with Mr. Ashbie for dealing for the Earl Bothwell, wherein my lord alleges there are some hard speeches of him. For all this my lord is contented to forget whatsoever is past, and to prove that to the duty he says he owes you and to the service I have done him. I have stayed from writing to you, as I was minded, these six days, upon Mr. Fowler's letters, which notwithstanding he cannot write, being fallen sick again in his old disease, I pray God it be not with worse success. Earl Bothwell shews himself very loving of you, and would gladly have you at home, and if you will be content to come upon his assurance, he will do what he can, or you will prescribe to hear you [?]; but of this you will hear farther or it be long. The state of this country is at this present very quiet, and the Borders I think were never more peaceable, the Wardens doing their duty to the uttermost : but I fear, and all men think, that this calm shall not long continue, but shall bring with it a dangerous storm that shall trouble this state farther nor ever it was. For the malcontent lords, what in state and what in religion, are busier nor ever they were, and daily adjuring and seeking to join a greater number to their faction; and this jealousy betwixt the Stewarts and Hamiltons gives them assurance to win one of the two to take part with them. Then this constant bruit of the coming of the Spaniards against the spring time in these seas, gives them further courage, and they assure themselves that they shall land in this country first; and for this cause it is certain that some Jesuits and others are directed from them both towards the Duke of Parma, the King of Spain, and the Pope, as well to let them understand the strength of their faction, the properness of the time during his Majesty's absence, which is thought shall be unto May, as also to seek support of money and armour which is looked for from Dunkirk, and to persuade the Spaniards to take land in this country. The pretext that our nobility will have to be in arms, and assemble their forces and friends, will be, some particular quarrels betwixt some of them here at home, as betwixt Huntly and Erroll against Athol for some private matter, and betwixt the Lord Maxwell and our Earl of Morton for that earldom; so that these two matters shall draw almost this whole country in two factions. But this I think shall lie over until the spring, that some resolution come from Flanders, or else some other matter break out at home here, that yet appears not. The Duke and Bothwell are presently at Kincarne, at the baptism of the Lord Fleming's son, where it is thought there are divers others of the malcontent nobility, and there it is said they are to be dealt with to join in that faction; but at their return, which we look for within a day or two, I will understand the truth of that matter. This is all I can at this time write to your lordship of the state of this country; shortly I shall advertise you farther. The Earl Both well has divers times within these eight days past assured me of his goodwill to keep the country in quietness, and to keep amity and friendship with that country, as his Majesty at his departure commanded; and of his willing mind to take some solid course, whereby to resist both such as would trouble the quietness and state present, and receive strangers to their help; and if he follow forth that form that he said he would, your lordship will hear of it before any other; but I forbear to write thereof until I have some better ground and greater assurance. The Master of Gray is in this town about his particular of Dunfermline, wherein he is not like to run great speed, for the King at his departure left a discharge to the Lords to meddle in that matter before his return. He is not much respected here, and both the factions mistrust him. As to your particular with the Advocate, after many delays at last I have obtained of him this answer, that he assures your lordship, of his credit, that there was never a contract passed betwixt the lord of St. John and the house of Bonvisi, but that they took his money to use it as their own, and gave him such profit for it as they could make for themselves; so much at every fair, where they had their money employed; and that he had no farther security nor the [ac]counts your lordship saw. His opinion is you should rather deal in that matter with the lord of St. John's heir nor with the executor, for he thinks that in law it cannot appertain to the executor, and then he is assured you may have far easier composition of the heir nor of Mr. John Grahame. If James Sandelands, who is tutor, had not been absent with the King, I should have brought it to some point. This is all I can hear of the Advocate. As for that matter you are so earnest in betwixt Crystie and Wiseman, surely, my lord, I know not Crystie, and he dwells in “Samoltredoss,” where I no ways haunt; but since you desire so earnestly, I shall make a voyage thither, and know his answer. It is a marvel that, since his Majesty's departure, we hear no word from him, which astonishes many, and holds many others in suspense. I think, before it shall be presently known where he is, and how long to be absent, there shall be no great matter done here. What shall be like to fall out your lordship shall be advertised. I have been slower in sending to you this while past, because divers are curious both who writes and what is written, and therefore I must always send a man on horseback a great way about to Berwick, for the safe conveying both of my letters and Mr. Fowler's.—From Edinburgh, this 9th of December, 1589.
	Two seals.
	3 pp.
	950. George Leicester to Mr. Daniell.
1589, Dec. 12.	About eight days past certain barks departed from Sandwich, laden with wheat and other victuals, for Flushing, including one with 60 quarters of wheat and some pork and beef, appointed for Berghen; and now at Sandwich another is laden with wheat and oats for that place, and with all speed possible you shall be sufficiently furnished. Show the Governor that, by reason of the late provisions sent to France, all the shipping was so taken up as I could get none to go for the Low Countries, and now having wheat, barley, and oats, in readiness to send away, a general restraint of grain is sent down to all the ports, so my provisions cannot pass until I have procured new letters, which I hope within three or four days to obtain, and then all things shall be supplied to hid good liking. Meantime I have taken order with Sir Thomas Sherley that the companies may have 20l. a week in money as they had before, and the rest in victuals, if their muster rolls will bear it. There is sent to Flushing, to John Warding, fine millen fustian, some silk netherstocks, with gold and silver lace. I have also shipped two fatts with millen fustians, coloured velvet Venetians for the horsemen, and other things. I perceive you have received 88 barrels of strong beer out of Mathias Peterson's; I pray despatch as you may and write for more if you find vent for it. I pray you speak to the Governor not to write of any wants.—London, 12 December 1589.
	Endorsed :—“Directed to my loving friend Mr. Daniell, at Berghen op Zome.”
	Copy.
	1⅓ pp.
	951. Robert Carvyle to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Dec. 12.	Received his letter of Nov. 18, the two packets for Mr. Richard Douglas and Mr. Fowler, and Mr. Secretary's letter to himself for the safe conveying the same, on Nov. 26. The 27th of the same, I rode to John Brown to help them away, and found him not well pleased for want of his money, which he looked for long since; so I rode to Whittingham, and happily met Mr. Richard there, and delivered them safe into his own hands, who promised me in three or four days to return answer, but as yet I hear not from him. There is no news out of Scotland, but that there are great presumptions that the Stewarts and Hamiltons will not long agree together. The 11th inst., Mr. Bowes came to Berwick, and is presently to go into Scotland; he rests only for his safe conduct.—Berwick, December 12, 1589.
	Seal.
	1 p.
	952. Florence McCarthy to Lord Burghley.
1589, Dec. 12.	“My very good lord, my humble duty always remembered, having at my first coming hither informed your lordship by letters how I was by the misinformations of mine adversaries wrongfully troubled, and finding a little after that the hearing of my cause was referred to Mr. Secretary Walsingham, I have therefore omitted to trouble your lordship any further, until I had seen what order his honour had taken for me. Who, having examined me upon certain articles and other points, of all which I have in such sort cleared myself as his Honour (as well by reason of mine examination, as by other circumstances which he hath learned touching me) doth not deny but that he was misinformed against me. And forasmuch as I do understand that your Lordship is not thoroughly acquainted with my cause, nor with my quality at home in my country, I have thought good to acquaint your Lordship withal, lest that your Lordship had been, by the procurement of any of mine adversaries, misinformed against me, as Mr. Secretary hath been, whereby (besides mine imprisonment and trouble in Ireland) I have now remained in this prison a twelvemonth. It may, therefore, please your Lordship to understand that, a little after ray last departing here hence (sic), having at her own request married the Earl of Clancarty's daughter, to no other intent, but being thereunto induced, as well by reason of the affection that I bare herself, as that I was bound in a bond of 6,000l. to her father for the performance thereof, by reason of which marriage divers of mine adversaries took occasion to devise sundry matters against me. Among the rest, the Lord Barry (understanding of my said marriage) came presently to Cork, where, having by entreaty won Sir Warham “Salinger” [St. Leger] to assist him, he wrote a letter presently, as though the same were written in some other place of his country, and directed the said letter to Sir Warham St. Leger, wherein he did let him understand that I married the Earl of Clancarty's daughter, and that the said Earl's country people took me for their lord, and were determined never to receive the said Earl, and that it was thought that I strengthened myself in that country for some further purpose, as it was to be feared, or rather that I pretended also to have some title to the country of Carberry, which countries if I might possess, I should join all the Irishry of Munster together, and become more stronger (sic) than ever the Earl of Desmond was, and that it was like that I should breed some commotion or trouble in the country, if I were not speedily looked to, which was the more to be feared, that I was a man greatly affected to Spaniards, and could speak their language, and that those countries lay commodiously by the sea coast. All which matters, being set down in the Lord Barry's letter to Sir Warham St. Leger, he got the said Sir Warham to enclose the same in a letter of his own, and to send the same hither to Sir Walter Raleigh, confirming by his own letter the Lord Barry's allegations. By reason of which informations, and at the suit of Sir Valentine Browne and the Earl of Clancarty, her Majesty's letters were forthwith sent into Ireland for my commitment; which informations, if they were true, or if they had carried any likelihood or possibility, the Vice-President of Munster had not (within few days after my commitment, by his own letter to Mr. Secretary Walsingham), cleared me of all those surmises and suspicions; which letter was delivered unto him (as I hope his Honour doth remember) by one Hurly of Kilmalok, whom I hired to come hither to solicit my cause; nor would not also (for the space of six months that I remained prisoner at Cork) admit that I should have liberty to go where I pleased about that city, as is known to Sir Henry Wallop, who saw me there, and to Mr. Justice Gardner, who met me a mile or thereabouts without that city; neither had I been admitted, when I was sent from thence to Dublin, that I should go thither, accompanied only with two of mine own men, having received myself and two of my friends bound in a bond for mine appearance there by a certain day; nor the Lord Chancellor and Council of Ireland, before whom I appeared (Sir Henry Wallop and Mr. Justice Gardner, who are here now, being there present) would not admit that I should upon sureties have the liberty of the city of Dublin and three miles thereabout, if they had suspected me to be such a one as mine adversaries do affirm. And as for any title that I have, or that I may have, to the countries of Carberry and Desmond, I was, at the time of mine examination by Mr. Secretary and by Sir John Perrot, (who knew all that I alleged therein to be true), questioned touching those points, whom I have then satisfied for all those matters, and which I might easily do, being a thing most manifest, as your Lordship doth know, and as appears by the courts here, that Florence McCarthy, my great grandfather, having made a surrender of the said country to king Henry the 7th, got the same under patent, to him and to his heirs; which, after his death, Donnell McCarthy, his eldest son, did possess; which Donell, having left four sons (of which four my father was the third), his eldest son, Corrnack McCarthy, enjoyed the said country during his life, and after him his second brother, and then my father, and Sir Owen McCarthy, being the youngest brother of all, doth now possess the said country; who, the better to entitle himself thereunto (with intent to leave the same to his own son) hath, at Sir Henry Sidney's last being in Ireland, made a surrender to her Majesty, and got the same under patent; and now, Mr. Daniel McCarthy, being Corrnack McCarthy, the eldest brother's son, doth (as is well known to Sir John Perrot), by virtue of king Henry the 7th's patent, challenge the said country of his uncle. Sir Owen McCarthy, by reason that he is his lawful heir that made the first surrender, and is also, by the custom of tanistship, to enjoy the said country before me, because his father was my father's eldest brother, and that he is elder than myself, whereby they have, betwixt them, excluded me from having to the said country any title worthy to be spoken of; for the one is in possession, and hath her Majesty's patent to strengthen him; and the other hath king Henry the 7th's patent; and the one and the other have lawful issue to succeed them, the one being already in possession, and the other also is, by the custom of tanistship, to enjoy the same before me; so that all the title that I have thereunto is, that by the custom of tanistship (which is now in alt places abolished, by reason that her Majesty's laws take place throughout all Ireland) I am the third person, after Sir Owen McCarthy, and after Mr. Daniel McCarthy, to possess the said country; which title (I protest unto your Lordship) I never weighed, nor never hoped to receive any benefit thereby; in proof whereof, J am now content to do therein whatsoever your Lordship shall think good. And as touching any title that I or my wife may have to the country of Desmond, it is manifest that the Earl of Clancarty, about 24 years ago, made a surrender unto her Majesty of all that country, and got the same under patent to him and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, who, having no heirs male, no . . . . . . . that the reversion of that country is her Majesty's, as appears by the said Earl's patent, where . . . . . . . [by my wife may?] have no title to the said country, except her Majesty do of her own free will entitle her thereunto, to the . . . [which her] highness may entitle any other whatsoever, as well as my wife; and as for the Earl of Clancarty, it appeared by his doings against me, and it is manifest to all those that know me, that he, and all his country people, had rather than anything to see me and my wife hanged, in hope that, upon the first commotion or trouble that should be in Ireland, they might, by rebelling, find some opportunity to establish the said Earl's bastard lord of that country, his said bastard being a wild kerne that followed Sir John of Desmond in all the last rebellion, to which purpose the said Earl and his priest brought in Sir Valentine Browne to bring me into all this trouble, persuading themselves that, if ever they found any such opportunity of time, they might easily kill the said Sir Valentine's son, which they could “hadly” [? hardly] do to me if her Majesty had entitled me thereunto; for all which matters I refer myself as well to Mr. Secretary Walsingham, who hath examined me, and who is thoroughly acquainted with my cause, as to Sir John Perrot, who knows better than myself any title that I have to the country of Carberry, or any possibility that I may have to possess the country of Desmond, or any part thereof. And as for the Earl of Clancarty and his country people, as well their intent to establish his bastard as aforesaid, as also his said bastard's disposition, is not (I am sure) unknown to Sir William Herbert, who is their next neighbour. And as for any affection that I should bear to Spaniards, it appeared in the last rebellion (when all her Majesty's subjects in Munster were well tried) that I bare them no affection, having always faithfully served her Majesty against them and their adherents, as it hath been (at my last being in England) sufficiently made known both to Her Majesty and to your Lordship, as well by the Earl of Ormond, who was Lord General, as by Captain Edward Bartley and other Captains that served there. In the later end of which rebellion, understanding that the Earl of Desmond and all his men were maintained in the Earl of Clancarty's country, I (with three hundred footmen of mine own) joined with Captain Edward Bartley, who had one hundred English footmen, with which company (as his brother, who is here now, can witness) we went thither, and drew him out of that country, by means whereof the most part of his men, within few days after, forsook him, for want of victuals to be had in his own waste country; and within a little after, the said Earl being forsaken of all his men, and being kept by Gory McSwyne, who was one of his chiefest leaders in all the last rebellion, and who kept him almost a twelvemonth after he was forsaken of all his men, I refer it to the Earl of Ormond, whether they were not my men that brought his Lordship the said Gory McSwyne's head, after whose death within one fortnight the Earl of Desmond was killed, being not able to keep himself any time without him; where, to the contrary, it is manifest that the Lord Barry (who is the chiefest procurer of my trouble) was from the beginning the second person, next the Earl of Desmond, in all the last rebellion, which rebellion was begun by Sir John of Desmond at the incitation of the old Lord Barry, his father, for the which his said father was by Sir William Pelham, being then Lord Justice, and by the Earl of Ormond sent to the Castle of Dublin, where he ended his life; as also, that his allegations against me should be the less credited, in respect that he is my mortal enemy, whose father killed mine own mother, and whom I have offended by serving her Majesty against him in the last rebellion, and who hath in the last rebellion also killed some of my men, and spoiled myself and my followers of 3,000 cows and mares, at which time he killed one hundred English footmen, which were in the country under Captain James Fenlon, Mr. Secretary Fenton's brother, who is here now, and who can witness all this, besides also the killing of Sir Arthur Champernoun's son, and other infinite hurts, which he hath done to her Majesty in the last rebellion. All which matters I have at large set down to your Lordship lest that the Lord Barry, who hath been the chiefest procurer of my trouble, should (by reason of his authority and credit with those that govern in Munster), cause any more matters to be devised against me, whose authority and credit is such as he may get the Vice-President of Munster, or any other that is there, to prefer what he thinks good against me, as he hath, as aforesaid, gotten Sir Warham St. Leger to do. Wherefore, forasmuch as I am, by reason of this mine imprisonment and trouble, brought into a most miserable state, having remained prisoner in Ireland nine months, and here almost a twelvemonth, where, for want of clothes and other necessaries, I have in this cold prison taken such an extreme “tisik” (besides other diseases which I am loath to name), as that I do not look to live long, if some present consideration be not had of my cause. Wherefore I am most humbly to beseech your Lordship's favour for the speedy obtaining of my liberty, and, for your Lordship's better satisfaction, the Earl of Ormond, my Lord of Dunsany, and any other out of Ireland that are here now, or other sufficient sureties of this land with them, shall be bound . . . . . . . not depart out of this realm without obtaining your Lordship's, and the rest of the Lords of the Council's, license, which your Lordship may the rather grant, that this mine imprisonment doth nobody good, but put her Majesty to charges and work my destruction. And even so, praying unto Cod for your Lordship's health and prosperity, I humbly take leave. From my prison in the Tower, the 12 of December 1589, your Lordship's most humble to command, Flor. McCarthy.
	Countersigned :—O. Hampton.
	Seal.
	3 pp.
	953. Henry Billingsley to [Lord Burghley].
1589, Dec. 13.	I have drawn out a brief note of the remainder, as well of the things pertaining to the Portugal action as of the money and victuals concerning the new supply; which I could not do exactly by reason some accounts are not yet finished, and many things yet to sell, which I am forced to give but an estimate of. But this will be the chief sum and substance; unless anything may be recovered of the things purloined and embezzled, whereof I see small hope, especially of any great matter to come thereby. How far wide this will be to answer all things yet unpaid pertaining to the action, your Lordship can easily judge. Only it is thought that the ordnance and copper delivered for Her Majesty's use, being rated at 3l. per cent., will amount to very near 3,000l.; but I cannot affirm this of certainty till the account thereof be received from Sir Robert Constable. I would, if I might not be overbold, be an humble suitor to you to be a mean to Her Majesty in my behalf, that if the prizes brought in by Sir Mar [tin] Furb[isher] do discharge at Plymouth, it would please her to spare me that long and tedious journey at this time of the year. But in this, as in all other things, I do submit myself to do to the uttermost of my power whatsoever shall be her pleasure.—London, 13 December 1589.
	Endorsed :—“Mr. Alderman Billingsley. Estimate of the Portingale accompt.”
	1 p.
	954. Henry Billingsley to [Lord Burghley].
1589, Dec. 18.	Your Lordship two days past wrote unto me to confer with Mr. Cordall, or some other of the Venetian merchants, touching a petition exhibited to Her Majesty by the Venetian mariners, to be freed from paying the new impost and customs, and referred by Her Majesty to you; and to understand their opinion, as well touching the suit as also whether the English mariners be so favoured at Venice as they pretend they are. I have conferred with Cordall and others trading [to] that place, and understand that at Venice neither they themselves nor any English mariners pay any such impost; but only at Zante, where, indeed, it should seem is the chief and, in a manner, the only place of lading the said commodities. And touching these mariners, they think that if it shall seem good to Her Majesty and to your liking, she should deal graciously with them to free them for this present of the said impost, for some considerations which they allege besides the freedom at Venice. The quantity entered by them is 35,000 weight, the impost whereof at 5s. 6d. per cent, is 96l. 5s.—London, 18 December 1589.
	1 p.
	955. Adam Wachendorff to Sir Francis Walsingham.
1589, Dec. 19.	Asking for a reply to the letters from the Senate of Lubeck.—From the Steelyard in London, 19 December 1589.
	½ p.
	956. R. Douglas to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Dec. 20.	My Lord, since the writing of this other letter, which I thought to have sent away long ago, the Earl of Bothwell stayed me, that I could have no resolution of him until now, promising daily that either he should give me large instructions to be sent unto you, touching matters of this state, or else direct myself away unto you with such matter as should have been for the weal of this country, and contentment of Her Majesty there. But now, seeing he delays time so long, and takes no solid resolution, I could stay no longer, principally since I fear it shall be yet a great while before he be at a point with that he minds to follow forth. Mr. Bowes' coming in this country, directed Ambassador, has put him in a marvellous jealousy, as though he had been brought here by Mr. John Colvill's travail for advancing of the Hamiltons, and not for the weal of the Duke and him; and this suspicion proceeded so far that my Lord did what he could both to stay him from being heard, and then not to have been suffered to remain here, alleging they had no power to receive, nor deal with, new Ambassadors. But at length we have so dealt with my Lord, that he is somewhat more pacified, and is contented to suspend his judgment in that matter, until he see further; so that this day he has had large conference particularly with Mr. Bowes, of whom he remains better satisfied “nor he was of befor,” so that I hope they shall agree better hereafter, “of” this little jar in the beginning. Mr. Bowes' coming hither, and the return of Colonel Stewart, the Lord of Dingwall, the Constable of Dundee, and a number of others from His Majesty from Norway, fell both in one day, so that now at length we have received the truth of that we longed to have understood, that is, of His Majesty's state and welfare, which they report to be as his best subjects could have wished, that is, in good health and contentment of mind with his married Queen, whom he has found in all things, as they all affirm, answerable to his heart's desire, when, the next Sunday after his arrival, “to” [? at] the town of Ashloe, where the queen remained, the marriage was solemnized; where he remains presently, and minds to remain, until the return of the Justice Clerk, whom he has directed to Denmark, as well to certify the state of his coming there, and completing of the marriage, as to crave that shipping may be sent to him for his transport to his own country, for he is resolved not to go in Denmark. The particulars of the marriage, and other matters passed there, I omit to write, knowing that their Ambassadors here present have written that matter all at length. It is thought His Majesty shall send some one of his company to the Princes of Germany, friends and allied with Denmark, for contracting of amity with them upon this his alliance. Sir William Keith desires that charge, but some say the Chancellor himself will be employed therein. Colonel Stewart has brought directions from His Majesty to the Duke, Earl Bothwell, and Council for keeping good order and quietness in the country until his return, and for the entertainment of good amity and intelligence with the Queen and State, and in like manner to the Lord Hamilton for matters touching the Borders, to whom he went yesterday for discharging of his commission. I am certainly informed that the king has “disponit” to the Queen, his wife, the Abbey of Dunfermline in gift, the day after the marriage, but secretly, that it should not be known before his return, so that neither Huntly nor the Master of Gray shall keep it. Our state continues here quiet enough, as I wrote in my last, except this Convention that is to be in this town, the 29th of this month, betwixt the Lord Maxwell and the Earl of Morton, about the Lord Maxwell's service by a brief, as heir to his mother and mother's sister, whereat the greatest part of our nobility is to be, by the cause of some great stir, as is feared, but I hope the Council shall take such order therewith, that there shall no trouble ensue presently thereupon. The Earl Bothwell continues still in his former purpose to have you at home, and if he follow forth that course and “plat” he has laid, you will understand it more particularly hereafter. But I dare assure nothing of his word, before I have a more certain ground of him to build upon than his bare promise. I marvel your Lordship wrote not to me by Mr. Bowes, that I might have known of you how to have behaved myself towards him, yet, upon the remembrance of your old friendship and continued acquaintance, I have done, and will do, for him the good offices I may. Mr. John Colvill has not been in this town since your last to me, so that I could not have his answer touching that you wrote of masking clothes he borrowed. At his coming, which I look shall be with the Lord Hamilton within three days, I shall understand what he will say.—Edinburgh, 20 December, 1589.
	Seals.
	2½ pp.
	957. Christopher Osland to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Dec. 23.	Wrote to the Lord Treasurer the day before tha^t he was imprisoned in the Counter in Wood Street in London, at the suit of one Hurdeis of London. The Lord Treasurer wrote that morning most favourably in his behalf to the keeper and secondaries, requiring them to certify him for what cause and for what debt, or whether upon any execution or no, he was imprisoned, and, on that being certified, as it should be that day or night, he would make his further pleasure known. The same Nicholas Hurdeis, in whose behalf he was an earnest suitor to the Scottish Ambassador to speak to the Lord Chancellor, that he might be one of the guard or yeomen of the chamber to her Majesty, gave Osland five pounds in earnest of forty pounds to be given to him when Hurdeis should be sworn one of the guard. Now repenting, as it seemed, of his bargain, Hurdeis would have the five pounds back, which the writer's counsel forbade, because it would infringe the bargain altogether. Prays the Scottish Ambassador to write to the Lord Treasurer, and signify to him that the King's letter written to the Ambassador on Osland's Latin book in verse, and his princely favour conceived thereupon towards the writer, moved his Honour to speak for him in the cause above specified. Hopes the Lord Treasurer will take it thankfully, as he has always favoured Osland and his writings. Will be ever bound to the Scottish Ambassador, and will certify, at time convenient, how much he is obliged to the King for his princely mind and good will towards him. Desires the Scottish Ambassador to write a few words to the Recorder of London to give his sentence according to the equity of the matter.—23 [? 13] Dec. 1589.
	Addressed :—To the Lord Ambassador of Scotland at his house in Lime Street.
	1 p.
	958. David Huchoun of Kirkcaldy to Archibald Douglas.
1589 [Dec. 23?].	Thanks for his lordship's good remembrance of him since he was put in prison. The bearer, James Fillin, is partner of his ship, and has directions to pass away home with the ship, for he cannot be relieved out of prison till Master Bonstone of Lynn comes, for his company and ship is at great charges. Has bought some wares for his provision and his friends, and desires his lordship to help him with two trunks.—At the prison this Tuesday [Dec. 23?], 1589.
	1 p.
	959. Cloth for the King of Denmark.
1589, Dec, 24.	Warrant to allow Strong Matteo, factor of the King of Denmark, at the Queen of Denmark's request, to transport 300 western cloths from the port of London yearly, for the said King's use, free of custom; and also 100 Wiltshire cloths which Matteo has bought with certain money recovered from John Killegrew, for the same purpose.—Richmond Manor, 24 December 1589.
	Sign Manual, Signet.
	1 p.
	960. John Walter to the Queen.
1589, Dec.	For lease in reversion of the parsonages of Griston and West Brednam, Norfolk, for his services as ordinary yeoman of the chamber.
	Endorsed :—December 1589.
	Note by Sir J. Herbert that the Queen grants the petition. Also, that the above parcels being found to be surrendered, the petitioner asks for another grant in place thereof. His charges in keeping Lodowyke Grevyll in the Tower.
	2 pp.
	961. Sir John Conway to Sir Francis Walsingham.
1589, Dec.	Petition for pay granted him by the Earl of Leicester.—December 1589.
	½ p.
	962. Paul Wentworth.
1589.	Petition of Paul Went worth for a lease in reversion of the site of the late dissolved Monastery of Burnham, co. Bucks, as formerly granted to William Tildesley. Recites that he had obtained the site by marriage with the sometime wife of said Tildesley, who was late servant to King Henry VIII.; after that, servant to Edward VI.; after that, servant to Queen Mary; and after that, servant to Queen Elizabeth during all his life. States that Sir Henry Nevill had the custody of Duke of Norfolk in the said house at Burnham.—Undated.
	Noted :—“Her Majesty most princely calling to mind the long and dutiful service of this suppliant, her Highness's servant, his loyal care, trouble and charge at the committing of the late Duke of Norfolk to his house, most graciously did consent that a grant in reversion should be drawn according to this petition, for such term and at such fine as should seem convenient to the Lord High Treasurer of England.” “J. Herbert.”
	Endorsed :—1589.
	One sheet of parchment.
	963. Extraordinary Payments in the Low Countries, (besides the charges for auxiliary and cautionary soldiers).
[1589.]	Imprimis, to the Earl of Leycester, for the paie of clvj lawnces, being no part of the auxiliarie companies for certaine times before '86, contayned in a book signed by Sir Christopher Blunt, Captain of his lordship's horseband	mmccclxx^li xiii^s vi^d
	Item, to the Lord North, for xxj lawnces for lxvi dayes, begun the 11th of January, 1585, and ended the 15th of July, 1586, being no part of the auxiliary bands	cccv^li xviii^s
	Item, paid for the charges of 31 new companies, consisting of 4460 men sent into the Low Countries for relief of ships	xviii^m iiii^c xlviii^li
	Item, for the levy, apparel, and transporting the same	iiii^m ix^{c li}
	Item, for the charges of 1500 men, divided into ix bands, under the conduct of Sir John Norris, for the relief of Berghen op Zome in October 1588	mmmcccvi^li
	Item, for the charges and weeklie imprests of 450 footmen, divided into 3 bands sent into the Low Countries in June, 1589, for the support of Ostend	vi^c iii^xx vi^li II^s
	Item, to diverse Captains, as Sir Edmund Carey and others, serving in the States' pay in the years 1586 and 1587	viii^c xxxv^li
	Item, paid to diverse Colonnells, straungers, as Freming, Rutten, Luddieman, Hans Van Loo, &c, to 8 Dutch captains which came out of Sluys with Sir Roger Williams, and to diverse others of like condicion being straungers and serving the States	mccclxxviii^li
	Item, for a like number of cannoniers in Berghen op Zome	mccviii^li xiii^s
	Item, for diverse cannoniers serving at the siege of sluys m summer 1587	ciii^{xx li} v^s
	Item, for necessary charges about the great ordonnance sent to the relief of Sluys.	ccciiii^xx xiiii^li xviii^s vi^d
	Item, for the fortifications of the town of Ostend in June, July and August, 1588	iiii^{c li}
	Item, for diverse extraordinary charges and fortifying about the Castle of Ramekins	cclxx^li
	Summa totalis—xli^m lxxi^li.
	2 pp.
	964. The Provost, Bailiffs and Council of Edinburgh to Archibald Douglas.
[158.]	Thanks for his good will in the cause concerning their neighbour Archibald Johnstonn, and others their neighbours, who were spoiled and rest at Runtoun. If his Majesty had been in the country, they would have craved him to have written to his lordship to that effect, as he did before.—From Edinburgh.
	Signed.
	1 p.
	965. Letitia, Countess of Leicester, to the Earl of Essex.
[1589.]	Your poor friends here, my dear son, are in great longing to know how you fare, to which purpose we have addressed this bearer to bring us true word thereof. For although our ears are fed with many flying reports, yet we believe nothing but what we receive from the oracle of truth, wherefore relieve us, if it please you, with some of your occurrents.
	Signed :—“Your mother that more than affectionately loveth you,—L. Leycester.”
	Undated.
	1 p.
	966. Robert, Earl of Essex, to the Vice-Chamberlain [Heneage].
[1589.]	What my courses have been, I need not repeat, for no man knoweth them better than yourself. What my state now is, I will tell you; my revenue no greater than it was when I sued my livery, my debts at the least two or three and twenty thousand pounds. Her Majesty's goodness has been so great as I could not ask more of her; no way left to repair myself but mine own adventure, which I had much rather undertake than offend her Majesty with suits, as I have done heretofore. If I speed well, I will adventure to be rich; if not, I will not live to see th' end of my poverty. And so, wishing that this letter, which I have left for you, may come to your hands, I commit you to God's good protection.—“From my study, some few days before my departure.”
	Endorsed :—“The Earl of Essex before his departure to the voyage of Portugal.”
	Undated.
	1 p.
	967. William Bruter to [Archibald Douglas].
[1589.]	I trow to be an end of my business shortly, for Sir Francis willed me to stay at Court, and was very careful of my lodging, and hath bidden me come to his table dinner and supper; but I mean not to trouble it very much. I trow to conclude but that this two days he will take medicine. There's no good to be gotten about this town, but yet it will be strange and we find not some thing : it is the pleasantest being here that may be. Dirrick Dirrickson has written this letter; requests to know what to do in it. I was the other day the best part of the afternoon with my Lord Treasurer, making discourse to him of the genealogy of the Dukes of Medina and the house they came of, and the Marquesses of Aymonty and Gibralean and of their lands, and how it lay. I was a great councillor with his honour. If I had your lordship's instructions, then could I have gotten anything done at his honour's hands. Write what you think of his letter, and what I should do in it.—From Court, Friday morning, [26 December, 1589?].
	1 p.
	968. “The Religion” [in Ireland].
[1589.]	It shall be good to see whether any of the deprived bishops were unjustly deprived, and if they were, they to be restored, and new to be placed in void sees.
	The records are to be sought how many and what noblemen and bishops have been at any time summoned by writ to come to the Parliament; what counties, cities and towns corporate have at any time sent knights, citizens or burgesses to the Parliament, and writs are to be sent forth according to those records, wherein the governor may use means to make a strong party, &c.
	There may be some special men called to be of the Lords' House for that Parliament, or during life at the Queen's pleasure. The like hath been done there at the renouncing of the Pope.
	The Governor may sit himself often in the Lords' house, whereby he shall the better draw them to his will.
	There are some learned men to be sent from hence, and to be placed in the principal offices, and the fittest there are to be placed in the rest.
	There may be sent, for to treat of matters of the State, the bishop of Kildare, the bishop of Meath, Justice Dyllon, Scurlocke the Queen's attorney, and Mr. Netterfeld, who are to be kept here during the Parliament; and the bishops to give their proxies to the Archbishop of Dublin.
	Cusack or Stanhurst will be fit to be Speaker. It shall be good that the Governor, the ceremonies of the Parliament finished, do with his own mouth declare to both Houses assembled, before they go to sit, the great abuses in religion, with the reforming that is meant, and to give to them a gentle exhortation to proceed accordingly.
	Letters must be written to divers of the nobility to stir their forwardness herein.
	When the religion shall be established by law, then the governor must sharply and speedily punish the breakers of the law, which will soon bring under faint-hearted people.
	The law is to be made general, but for all time not to be put in use but amongst the obedient people (sic).
	Good ministers must be chosen to teach the people.—Undated.
	Headed :—“For the settling of religion.”
	Endorsed :—“Ireland, L. Sussex.”
	Much injured by damp.
	1 p.
	969. Thomas Phelips to Archibald Douglas.
[1589.]	Asks him to satisfy Mr. Secretary touching Mr. Wigmore, of whom the latter had written, that he was one over busy in Scotland and that he had been forced to leave England for certain youthful treacherous courses—evil reports which he attributes to Fowler, who has done many things almost as bad for like purposes. As for his following the Earl of Bothwell, the reasons have been such as he can always justify.
	1½ pp.
	970. Ambassadors.
[1589.]	Memoranda endorsed, “Stile of y^e Comrs. for England,” revised by Lord Burghley. The names of the Commissioners, whose style and titles are here given at length, are, the Earl of Derby, Lord Cobham, Sir James Crofts, Dr. Valentine Dale, and Sir Amyas Paulet.
	1 p.
	971. James Douglas to John Douglas.
[1589.]	Brother.—Now I know that you are passed your course in learning, and I know that God hath not dealt niggardly with you, for he hath given you a heart to understand, a mind to conceive, and a memory to keep, so that I may well say that he hath dealt more liberally with none than with you, as well in Greek as Latin letters. Therefore, since God hath given (or rather lent) you so good a talent, I would not that you should let it lie hid in the earth, but rather put it to usury, that ye may make ten for one. We are, in truth, marvellously bound to them that first did find the use of letters and writing; for our life being so short and nevertheless crossed with so many dangers, annoys, griefs, sicknesses, maladies, both of body and mind, nothing hath ever been given to man of more consolation than the reading or lecture, nothing more proper to make him live after death than the writings of learned men. For virtue, during the time that she exerciseth herself, doth only profit them that perceive the benefit and receive the fruit, and make him respected in whom she doth reign. But, for how long doth this last? Surely for a short minute of time, the which through his swift course and hasty moving doth tear away the memory of it as soon as it can be thought of. Of what then had served Hercules' merits among men, the travails sustained by him, or the pains he took for this occasion? Or, what had Achilles' valour availed him? What had Alexander's conquests or Julius Caesar's deeds of arms stood them in stead, if the memory of them and their deeds had died with themselves? A king or a prince would not think himself happy or content of the authority and commandment over a great number of people and nations that he hath, nor for the respect that is had of him, nor for the great delights and pleasures that he may live in (if it so please him), if he were not constituted and ordained of God in such a place as the memory of him cannot be so soon extinguished as of another prince. . . . . . . I could have discoursed a great deal more, but time will not suffer, only I wish you to have respect to your fame after death, living eternally as hath done Homer, Virgil, Titus Livius, Sallust, and many more, whom I cannot nominate here for shortness of the time.—Undated.
	[Postscript.]—In France the Queen Mother is dead. The Duke of Guise slain by the King. His brother arrested prisoner. Due de Nemours and his mother prisoners. Cardinal of Bourbon prisoner. Archbishop of Lyons arrested, and thereafter hanged. This you shall find more at large in my father's letter.
	Holograph; part torn away.
	2 pp.
	972. [—] to [the Duke of Parma].
[1589?]	It may please your Excellency, by my former letters I have made known to your Highness that with great difficulty and peril the estate in this realm was framed to have received effects agreeable to the good pleasure of the King of Spain, and for the advancement of his service undertaken by his friends in this country; but having hitherto obtained no resolution for progress of the same, I do presently find the cause distressed with many impediments, and so far endangered as the present condition of this time and of these affairs can now suffer no delay in the expedition, either of sufficient means to be immediately applied for prevention of the dangers incurred, or else of timely stay to await better opportunity hereafter for the safety of the cause and the parties interested therein. And that your highness may understand both the great preparations in England by sea and land to defeat the designs of the King of Spain, and hastily to stir up and join with this estate to rout out all persons devoted to the said King's service, and also the decrees and readiness of the Council and State of this realm, with the support of England, to suppress and ruinate all men attempting the alteration of this estate, or drawing foreign forces into this country, which hardly can be brought hither in time, and without which the powers of your friends here suffice not to withstand the forces prepared, and to be speedily employed, against them. Therefore I have thought good to instruct this bearer in all the particularities of the matters mentioned, and therein to address him to your Highness to inform you fully in the same; right heartily praying you to give him firm credit therein as to myself, and upon your good deliberation thereof, that it may please you to return him speedily to me with your mind and resolution how the dangers appearing may be prevented, and what myself and your other friends in this action should certainly look for, to the intent we may prepare ourselves to proceed in the cause, or otherwise provide for our safeguards by the timely stay of our actions and reasonable behaviour of ourselves, by which means in time to be used we may preserve the cause and all the parties in this Isle for better opportunity, as your honour shall at more large be advertised by the bearer. In the mean season, assuring your honour that, for my own part, I shall be ready to do therein as I shall be directed, so far as in any ways I may, my duty only reserved to his Majesty's my sovereign's person. And so [unfinished].
	Copy by Richard Douglas.
	1 p.
	973. [Mildred, Lady Burghley?]
[1589?]	Note of mourners, and the order to be observed by them at the funeral of [Mildred, Lady Burghley?].
	Chiefly in Burghley's hand.
	Endorsed :—“The number of mourners to be appointed :” and by Burghley, “The first book.”
	1 p.
	974. Mines.
[1589?]	1. It is no purpose to send any man thither, because we must be here resolved by the great assay what the ure (ore) is, and warranted that the ore shall still fall out accordingly.
	2. The second [query] is answered by the first.
	3. To the third, we will have nothing to do with the ground, but deal with the ore only, to be delivered where we shall agree.
	4. The fourth is to be answered when the goodness of the ore and warrant for the continuance thereof is had and known.
	5. The fifth is to be determined by us at our pleasures when we have proof and warrant for the goodness of the ore.
	6. To the sixth, no ore in reason ought to be paid for otherwise than according to the warranty of the value : and whereas doubt may be that some may fall out much worse than other (as it doth in all mines) his lordship may have a supervisor to see unto what value it riseth, which will be the most indifferent course, both for him and them that deal with him.
	7. To the seventh, we will have no partners but such as are abiding for the most part about the city of London, and in their absence shall have sufficient deputies there to deal conclusively in this cause.
	The best conclusion is to have the ore delivered here at my lord's charge, with warranty what it shall rise unto : and if it shall happen to rise short of the value warranted, then so much proportionably to be defalked from his lordship.—Undated.
	Injured.
	1¼ pp.
	975. Salt.
[1589?]	“The Memorial for the salt matter at Burwage.”
	1. That a letter may be directed to the contractors, authorising them by their discretion to hire one to go beyond sea to freight 24 hulks to fetch salt at Burwage, Alrond and St. Martyn's in France, and to give the parties such articles of commission therefor as the said contractors shall think good.
	2. Like authority to send away Nicholas Culverwell forthwith into France to lade the said salt as afore, with such articles of commission as to the contractors shall seem meet; and to take account of him and of all the rest employed in this service.
	3. Likewise authority to send two persons to survey what stowage and cellarage for salt will be got at every port, and to give them like articles of commission by their discretion.
	4. The same letter to contain a clause that the contractors shall be saved harmless for all manner of contracts made about the said hulks, salt, or any incidents thereunto, and of all damages and hindrances they may sustain, as well for dead freight, lack of payment thereof in time, as any other matter thereabout. Such special instructions as the Commissioners shall think meet to be given to Nicholas Culverwell to be signified in the said letter.
	That the Commissioners be made privy of the said articles to be given by the contractors, and of all other matters about the salt from time to time, and, in their absence, Sir Walter Mildmay, knight, &c.
	The commission patent for the assurance of the contractors with ships, stowage, &c., to be remembered.—Undated.
	1 p.
	976. The Defence of the Realm.
[1588/9?]	A memorial to the High Sheriffs of counties and others who shall assemble for the execution of her Majesty's service, as by her letters directed, desiring to be certified of the agreement which shall be made at their said assembly for the effectual and speedy proceeding in this service, and also what every gentleman (in commission) will disburse, to the encouraging of others, to deserve the good opinion of their gracious sovereign, by showing their forwardness in that defence of their country, which (at this present) doth challenge it as the duty of all natural and Christian countrymen.—Undated.
	1 p.