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The Earl of Lincoln to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 11. |
I have been so busied in making haste to despatch my company out of London, and many other occasions happening to occupy
my head, that I forgat all mine own affairs, and therefore am now desirous to know whether you have done anything in the matter for trial of Fulshaw's slanderous allegation; wherein I shall be overreached much by his cunning and crafty practices, if in my absence he may have any means to deal therein without my privity. For I am not so much afraid of anything in the world as of the devilish practices of Dymmock, Askyough, and Fulshaw, who, being all compact together, work many villanies against me by their agents and friends. I will not now therefore trouble you with any cause of mine own. If I find myself able to endure the seas, and that the master of the Queen's ship will be pleased to carry me, I intend for the speedier despatch of my service and coming to the Landsgrave to go to Stode; but whether he will be directed by me I have some cause to doubt.—Ware, this 11th of July, 1596. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (42. 35.) |
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Thomas Harriott to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 11. |
Whereas, according to your direction, I have been framing a chart out of some such of Sir Walter's [Ralegh's] notes and writings which he hath left behind him, his principal charts being carried with him, I do think most fit that the discovery of Capt. Kemish be added in his due place before I finish it. It is of importance, and all charts which had that coast before be very imperfect as in many things else; and that of Sir Walter's, although it were better in that part than any other, yet it was done but by intelligence from the Indians, and this voyage was specially for the discovery of the same, which is, as I find, well and sufficiently performed. And because the secrecy of these matters doth much import her Majesty and this state, I pray let me be so bold as to crave that the despatch of the plotting and describing be done only by me for you, according to the order of trust that Sir Walter left with me before his departure and as he hath usually done heretofore. If you have any notes from Sir Thomas Baskerville, if you make me acquainted with them, other particularities than that before Sir Walter hath described shall also be set down. Although Capt. Kemish be not come home rich, yet he hath done the special thing he was enjoined to do, as the discovery of the coast betwixt the river of Amazon and Orinoco, where are many goodly harbours for the greatest ships her Majesty hath, and any number; where there are great rivers and more than probability of great good to be done by them for Guiana as by any other way, or to other rich countries bordering upon it. As also the discovery of the mouth of Orinoco itself, a good harbour, and free passage for ingress and egress of most of the ordinary ships of England above three hundred miles into the country, insomuch that Berreo wondered much of our men's coming up so far, so that it seemeth they know not of that passage, neither could they or can possibly find it from Trinitado, from whence usually they have made their discoveries. But if it be done by them the shortest way it must be done out of Spain. Now, if it shall please her Majesty to undertake the enterprise or permit it in her subjects by her order, countenance, and authority, for the supplanting of those that are now gotten thither, I think it of great importance to keep that which is done as secretly as we may, lest the Spaniards learn to know those harbours and entrances and work to prevent us. And because I understand that the master of the ship with Capt. Kemish is somewhat careless of this by giving and selling copies of his travels and plots of discoveries, I thought it my duty to remember it unto your wisdom that some order might be taken for the prevention
of such inconviences as may thereby follow, by giving authority to some justice or the mayor to call him before them and to take all his writings and charts or papers that concern this discovery, or any else in other men's hands that he hath sold or conveyed them into, and to send them sealed to you, as also to take bond for his further secrecy in that behalf; and the like order to be taken by those others, as we shali farther inform you of, that have any such plots, which yet, for mine own part I know not of, or any other order by sending for him up or otherwise as to your wisdom shall seem best. Concerning the Eldorado which hath been shewed you out of the Spanish book of Alosta, which you had from Wright and I have seen, when I shall have that favour but to speak with you I shall shew you it is not ours that we mean, there being three, neither doth he say or mean that Amazon river and Orinoco is all one, as some, I hear, do aver to you, as by good proof out of that book alone I can make manifest; and by other means besides than this discovery I can put it out of all doubt. To be brief, I am at your commandment in love and duty farther than I can suddenly express for haste. I will wait upon you at Court or here at London about any of these matters or any others at any time, if I might but hear so much. I dare not presume of myself for some former respects. My fidelity hath never been impeached and I take that order that it never shall. I make no application. And I beseech you to pardon my boldness because of haste.—This Sunday, 11th of July 1596. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (42. 36.) |
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Robert Sackeville to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 11. |
If I respected not more the discredit I should receive by being put back from that wherein I have interest than the value of the thing in question, I would not be so indiscreet as to desire your favour in a matter of so small value as is this for the allowance of the lease of my little tenement, parcel of Charterhouse. Being certified that to-morrow is a day appointed by your Honour and Mr. Chancellor for rating of the whole particulars concerning the Charterhouse, as I cannot conveniently wait upon you myself, I have sent this bearer, my servant, with my lease and these lines, to entreat that my state in that tenement may be continued for so many years, as by my lease appears yet unexpired, yielding and paying therefore proportionably.—From Bolbroke, this 11th of July 1596. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (173. 94.) |
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Tenants and Inhabitants of Hoddesdon to Lord Burghley. |
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1596, July 11. |
A further petition for the revocation of the lease of Lord Burghley's woods there. Also, as to their grievances through the decay of their market by the barges, and the want of their free school. If the woods be also taken from them, there is nothing left for them. |
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Endorsed :—“11 July, 1596.” |
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1 p. (2073.) |
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R. Lord North to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 12. |
My son, John North, marrying with Dr. Dale's daughter and heir, had for his best portion with her a patronage of a benefice in Wales, wherewith he hath been encumbered and much troubled since Dr. Dale's death. Some hath heretofore entitled her
Majesty to it by way of lapse, and one Roberts obtained her Majesty's presentation to the same; whereupon I informed her Majesty of the state of the case and it pleased her to revoke her presentation, which John North hath under the great seal. Besides, her Majesty's Attorney and Solicitor that then were allowed of my son's right. Now it falleth out that the Dean of Armagh supposeth the like lapse and goeth forward in the case, as also the bishop of that diocese who meaneth to present in his right, so that my son is very like to be half undone without your furtherance to her Majesty. My son shall wait on you himself. I take his suit to be most just; he prayeth sequestration of the fruits into indifferent men's hands, until the cause may be tried between the bishop and the dean and my son.—At Harrow Hill, 12 July, 1596. |
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Holograph. Seal. 2/3 p. (42. 37.) |
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George Gilpin to [Sir Robert Cecil]. |
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1596, July 12. |
What news have been written me from the land of Hulst the enclosed will enlarge, and how the camp, town, and forts lie you may see by the plat I send herewith. Since, we are advertised that the enemy, having beaten the counterscarf between the town and the Moervaert on Thursday night till day appeared, did then assail it with main force and prevailed; for the men that were appointed to defend and keep it, being 14 companies, made small resistance, abandoning their wards, part saving themselves in the town and the rest in the said fort : which, after the enemy had lodged himself under some covert, he began to beat with 11 pieces from ten till four in the afternoon being Friday, when as the breach being saltable and the enemy ready to come unto it, the defendants, as fainthearted as their fellows, rendered the place by composition not to serve in Hulst in a time, and so parted with bag and baggage. What the enemy will now do further we shall see ere long. The Count Maurice was in Hulst from Tuesday till Friday, and now is come again to Sandenborgh, a fort on Safting side. On the other side the access or entrance into the town is open and free, neither can it be hindered so long as we can keep the fort of Nassau. His Excellency hath provided the town with all necessaries and put in a strong garrison, but I have small hope of holding out long unless our forces were stronger. They have written hence unto her Majesty for aid according to a promise they pretend to have been made by Sir Francis Vere when he had the men to go the voyage. How the suit will speed we shall hear within a while; and when you shall have any news from home pray you make me partaker.—From the Hague, this 12th of July, 1596. |
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Endorsed :—“Mr. Gilpin to my master. Received the 26th.” |
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The heading of the letter has been torn off. Holograph. 1 p. (42. 38.) |
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James Bagg, Mayor of Plymouth, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 13. |
Sir Fardinando Gorges hath received this present day letters from you for the Generals of her Majesty's ships and forces now beyond the seas, to be sent by Nicholas Saunders, who is now here. Mr. Saunders, at the departure hence of the fleet, received a commandment in writing from their honours to put his ship in a readiness and to follow after them, which, by my means, since protected him against process out of the high court of the Admiralty to attach him at the suit of a certain Frenchman. But he shortly hereupon forgetting this did
not only lay up his ship and land his ordinance, making proffer to make sale of both, but entered into bargain with a poor trader, one Adams of this town, for certain sugars, receiving of the party in part of payment 400l. and thereupon entered' into 800l. bond for the delivery and warranting of the same sugars. And it falling out that the party cannot enjoy the sugars according to his bargain, neither have order for repayment of his money, he hath arrested him here in our town court. So in regard that he hath neglected that which he was required to do, and not now in readiness with his ship, which will be better done with a man of trust in other shipping, ready to depart with the first good wind, I hope you will rather leave the service to be done by another than by him; otherwise the party that detaineth him by action will repair to me for remedy (as lawfully he may) if I should set him free, which will be too great a burden for me to bear. Yet will I rather endure the hardness thereof than withstand what you shall command. Hereof I have presumed, for that you may signify your pleasure in time without hindrance of the service, to advertise you.—From Plymouth, the 13th day of July, 1596. |
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Signed. 1 p. (42. 39.) |
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Nicholas Saunders to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 13. |
The 13th of this month your letter was delivered to me from Sir Ferd. Gorges, the seal broken open and the letter opened, and with it another letter from you to my Lord Thomas Howard; but whereas you write of a letter likewise to the Lord Generals by me to be delivered to them, truly I saw none such, nor can hear of any such. As concerning the hat I wrote of to you, although made as described, yet it falleth not out to be of such value as I at first esteemed it. Myself saw it but once and that in the night, when as by candle light it made a glorious shew, and I took it to have been a hat that was described to me by one Captain Morris here that went with Sir Francis Drake in the last voyage; for he told me that there was such a hat taken in the action of an Indian king or viceroy and that he saw it, and described it to me to be even such a one as this. But the owner of this saith that he hath had it long and bought it of one Robert Brooke, a goldsmith dwelling in Lombard Street : the beauty of it is in a manner gone, and there are divers little 'bracks' in it which I could not perceive, having at first but a short sight of it. I was commanded by the Lord Generals to come to the eastward of the South Cape, where I should meet with a pinnace left expressly to direct me. Through a matter happened to me I am constrained to stay yet some se'night, which being despatched, by the grace of God I will go and perform as well this or anything else you will command me.—From Plymouth, 13 July 1596. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (42. 40.) |
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Sir Edward Stanley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 13. |
There is a place void in the Court of Requests by the death of Mr. Rookebie which must be supplied by a temporal lawyer, who if it would please her Majesty to give me the nomination of such an one as should be commended to her by Mr. Attorney and other grave lawyers for his virtues, it would be two hundred pounds in my way, which would not only relieve my present wants but also enable me to put in suit by law mine annuity given me
by the Earl of Leicester : the which if I might recover, with th' arrearages, I would rest satisfied and never be more troublesome to her Majesty, but evermore study to do her and my country honest and religious service. For I thank God I am neither ambitious nor covetous, but only desire to live with an honest reputation.—From my lodging in Great St. Bartholomews, 13 July. |
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Signed. ½ p. (42. 41.) |
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Sir Anthony Mildmay to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 13. |
Your letters dated the 8th of this month I received the 12th, whereby I perceive to my great comfort her Majesty's good and gracious opinion of me, for which I acknowledge myself infinitely bound unto her Highness, wishing I had as good means as I have an earnest desire to satisfy her expectation in any service it shall please her to command me. My wants are great and many, as indisposition of body, having been very sickly these three years past, and at this present not well able in that respect to undertake a journey of so great pains and trust; the smallness of my revenue insufficient to maintain the countenance of her Majesty's ambassador; my debts being of no small value, yet to be answered only from thence, my lands being so entailed as thereby I cannot be helped though necessity should enforce it : my father's will as yet unexecuted, whereby I am hitherto defrauded of his goodness towards me and thereby also the more disabled to perform any service of great expense. It may please you to acquaint her Majesty with these my imperfections, together with the want of knowledge of the country and language, being now above 21 years since I was there : all which notwithstanding, if it shall please her Majesty in her princely wise consideration either graciously to allow of, or disallowing to supply in some sort best pleasing to herself, I will be ready in an instant to fulfil her commandment, reputing myself most happy if with the expense of my small substance and the hazard of my life I may do her any agreeable service.—From Abthorpe, the 13th of July, 1596. |
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Endorsed :—“Mr. Anthony Myldmay to my master.” |
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Holograph. 1 p. (42. 42.) |
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Earl of Northumberland to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 13. |
This present Tuesday I received your letter dated the 8th of July, and her Majesty's commandment for my preparation into France, and because I perceive that it demands haste, the necessity of the cause how urgent I know not, and the late receipt of your letter, I thought good by this to crave most humbly her Highness's pardon for my dispense in this embassage, and withal to allege such reasons for my excuse as I hope will both suit with her Highness's liking, and obtain my desire. In the mean time with all speed I will make my repair to Court. |
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The reasons I must bring forth to defend my demands to be reasonable must especially consist upon these two heads : the imperfection of my hearing, and the consideration of my state. |
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The imperfection of my hearing, what absurdities of necessity it must beget, as trouble to the King, evil performance of my part of her Majesty's affairs, and disgrace to myself, I hope she will rightly understand when she shall remember how by the first I shall force a King to speak with often repetitions, and to strain his voice above ordinary, both which my secret conceit must needs hold as indecorum in course of good
manners, when I shall entreat him or force him to it out of my want : besides, how slenderly I shall execute the performance of my charge I must refer to her Majesty's judgment, when I shall not understand distinctly by reason of the quickness of their pronunciation, and the unacquaintedness of their accents, not being accustomed to it, which defect how much it troubles me even in my own usual tongue with strangers, none but myself and mine grief can best make witness of, or they which have the conditions of deafness. Further, how disgraceful the end may be to me, considering the scoffing and scornful humours of them to all of other nations in whom they discover the least imperfection, and how soon they may lay upon me the reputation of a fool, and so by consequent and out of boldness grace me with some such disgrace as hath happened to others before me, which in my opinion would nothing fit with her Majesty's honour nor my contentment. |
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For the other, which is concerning my state, and how little, or with what possibility I am able to undertake and perform her Highness's will, shall be laid down without either hazarding my word to be proved false, or the least tittle to sound of an unjust position. First, that my living is not much. Whosoever pleaseth but to look into what portion my mother is invested withal shall very well understand that the remainder is no more than will suffice the maintaining of a family's expense befitting me : which care I must rather take than be forced to beg a dinner, or constrained to more desperate courses. Secondly, where most men's livings affords them a great overplus out of fines, mine are so wasted for the most part, lying upon the borders, both out of mine own absence, the Scots' incursions, my officers' knaveries, and the small redress the poor people hath had of their wrongs, as not only I make no further benefit than the rents, but also the rents themselves are unanswered, and they greatly in my debt. Thirdly, my woods are already wasted, my fines in like sort gone for the satisfying of debts, so as all profits that way is altogether void and exempt. Fourthly, my lands are so entailed that I can neither help myself by sale, mortgage, or pawn, to give security to any. Lastly, my debts are so great and for want of payments my credit for money matters so shaken, that I know not which way or by what means to satisfy my desire to do her Majesty this service; and therefore I hope out of her Highness's just consideration that she will excuse me in this action, since it depends so upon necessity, and withal I do most humbly kiss her hands, acknowledging myself most deeply bound for the trust it hath pleased her to demonstrate to the world of me.—Petworth, 13 July. |
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Endorsed :—“E. of Northumberland, 1596.” |
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Holograph. 1 p. (71. 59.) |
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John Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 14. |
The warrant specified in your letter of the 8th of July for the increase of 4d. the day to this garrison is this day come to Sir Robert Carey's hands from my lord your father; I hope that now you shall not hear that he will sit idle. I understand by a letter from my wife that she hopes it will please the Queen's Majesty shortly to give me a small liberty to come up, whereby I may have a happy sight of her Majesty, which I have long desired, as also to see you and other my good friends, and for despatch of some of my business, which being once done, I shall not care how long afterward I remain here. I pray your favour therein, and the rather for that I hear my lord my father is very ill and sickly, who I would gladly see before any danger come to
him, having been so long from either seeing or speaking with him. Surely, Sir, if there were here any cause or likeli[hood] of troubles I would not desire any leave; but for that all things are likely to be quiet and that there is now both the gentleman porter and the master of th'ordinance in the town, and Sir Robert Carey lying in the town, I think I might be the better spared for a month or six weeks, which should be the uttermost I would desire; for to tell you truly, the chief cause of my desire to come up is only to see the Queen's Majesty and my father. And it may be I might impart somewhat to her Majesty not prejudicial to her service.—Berwick, 14 July, 1596. |
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Signed. 1 p. (42. 43.) |
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Thomas, Earl of Ormond and Ossory to the Queen. |
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1596, July 14. |
Most gracious and dread Sovereign, I did in regard of my bounden duty by several letters acquaint your Highness with the troublesome state of Ulster and Connaught, and do now think fit (it standing with your Majesty's pleasure) that some speedy prevention were used for the Moores of Lex, Feagh McHugh, the Kavans, and other traitors, combined together and growing to great strength, whereof I lately advertised the Lord Deputy here. And howsoever it pleased some to practise to draw your Highness to a hard opinion of me, it shall be well known to the world that no man living will be more ready to venture his life in your Majesty's service than myself, to the loss of the last drop of my blood. I pray God bless your Highness with a most prosperous and long reign, to the comfort of your faithful subjects and the utter confusion of all unnatural traitors and malicious foreign enemies.—From my poor house at Kilkenny, the 14 of July 1596. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (42. 44.) |
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Dr. Ch. Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 14. |
Your servant hath been with me at my entrance into my lodging requiring in your name the book of precedents and the letters I have now written. I beseech you interpret my speech as it hath been uttered and as reason requireth; my reverence to you hath given me confidence to declare my griefs which are very near me, not to stir more than shall be decent but to be directed of you. But upon a sudden to break, before reflection of mind, it cannot be fit.—This 14 July, 1596. |
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[P.S.]—I send the book and letters by this bearer. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (42. 45.) |
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Garrett de Malynes to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 14. |
Forasmuch that I do not doubt your Honour to be informed that by my weak means some service in matters of estate hath been effected during the most commendable, particular good government of Sir Francis Walsingham, I shall omit mention thereof, the rather for that I should not seem to challenge any desert or give cause to be thought rather a mercenary man than a “welwiller” to the good and quiet estate of this kingdom, and most especially to the advancement of the true gospel and doctrine, by instigation whereof I have (under correction) emboldened myself to [address th]is letter unto your Ho., for that also it pleased her Majesty (by Divine inspiration) after so long a vacation of the place of the said Sir Francis, not finding as it
should seem any equal successor, to advance thereunto your Ho., in whom doubtless shall be found all effects answerable to the common expectation and equal to your predecessor of worthy memory : since whose decease, and expiration of warrant to deal in any such action, I have been requested by Mr. Henry Brooke to continue with those men that Mr. Secretary did use and partly maintain in Spain, wherein I have somewhat continued according to the occasions and as circumstances did require, and being destituted of the secrecy most requisite in such affairs, the matter also being unto me more chargeable than (through these wrongful vexations and long imprisonments) I am able to bear, I have of late been constrained to admit silence until more convenient time and occasion should be offered unto me, as being always ready to do service and that at mine own proper costs, charges and losses, as I have done hitherto, receiving but hard measure every way in place of gratification. Nevertheless [I] am most assured that one day all matters shall be redressed, and so most ready to proceed, if it shall please your Ho. to command me, being now most especially moved upon the coming over of my friend (that hath continued in Spain since the death of Sir Francis aforesaid and is now come to Brussels) for that he findeth very great inclination and opp[ortunity to] propound a treaty for a peace with England, France and the [Low] countries, although for the states of these countries (as he saith), considering what they now are and then might be, there is not any likelihood of peace at their hands. One Esteven de Yvarra, principal Secretary to the Cardinal, or rather sole Governor under him, will take this matter in hand : who is now come to Calis, and there stayed for several advices out of Spain upon the success of our fleet, whereof by a zabra that came over from the Groyne in nine days above five days ago, they understood our fleet to be passed Portugal and Galicia, and taking their course towards the island of Calis or Cades, and about Lisborne were above 2,000 men in arms, also a great many in Biscay, as being fully advertised all the country over. And by way of Antwerp some news cometh of their being in : which we should have sooner this way, or else directly as your Ho. may. If I may by some means understand that your Ho. is well pleased to undermine this matter of Estevan de Yvarra, whiles he doth stay at Calis, I will endeavour myself thereunto, and find the means [to obtain] his letters, and show unto your Ho. the same as soon as possible. If also to the contrary, I shall put all matters of this nature in oblivion and utterly desist.—This 14 of July 1596. |
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Damaged in parts. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (173. 95.) |
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Princess of Condé. |
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1596, July 14/24. |
Proceedings of the Parliament of Paris upon a petition presented by the Lady Charlotte Katherine Tremoille, widow of Messire Henry de Bourbon, Prince de Condé, when the said Princess was declared wholly innocent of the charges made against her, whether at St. Jean d'Angely or elsewhere, on the part of the Prince of Condé and Comte de Soissons. |
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Faict en Parlement le vingtquatresme Juillet mil cinq cent quatrevingt seize. Signé Voisin. |
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French. Copy. 1 p. (43. 9.) |
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Stephen Slany, Lord Mayor of London, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 15. |
There was brought unto me by one Benjamin Monger, whom I have sent to attend you, the book enclosed, which was delivered unto him by one Edward Blonden, a bookbinder, to be copied out by Monger : which, forasmuch as it containeth matter touching the state, I thought very meet to send forthwith to you, and in the meanwhile to commit the party who brought it to be copied forth to safe keeping, craving your present direction whether I shall dismiss the said Blonden or continue him in prison till I understand your pleasure for his discharge, being (as I hear) a very poor honest young man.—From London, 15 July 1596. |
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Signed. Seal. ½ p. (42. 46.) |
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Lord St. John to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 15. |
Thanking him for procuring her Majesty's grant of licence for his travel into Germany, and asking him to direct the same to be made in such liberal manner as to others of his calling in like case hath been granted. His desired company is nine or ten (whereof a sister's son is one) with like number of horses and necessary money and carriages.—St. Bartholomew's, this xvth of July, 1596. |
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Signed, J. Saint John. |
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Endorsed :—“L. St Johns to my Mr.” |
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1 p. (173. 96.) |
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Thomas Edmondes to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 16. |
The extremity of my estate, which daily increaseth heavily upon me, forceth me to beg importunately of your honour to be good unto me, being otherwise undone and a miserable wretch. I know you have relieved many of much better desert, but I will presume to promise that none shall remain a more thankful poor bondman to you than myself. If I had not run out my time, and were not so much engaged in this expectation of her Majesty's relief, I might have shaped some other course to live, but you can judge how hardly I can now do it.—At the Court, this sixteenth of July, 1596. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (42. 47.) |
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Lady Margaret Hawkins to [the Queen.] |
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1596, July 16. |
The gracious messages I received from your Highness by divers, but especially the first by Mr. Kiligrew, makes me presume, when any hard measure is offered me, to fly to your Majesty for relief, in whom only it resteth to deal most graciously with me. It pleased your Highness to give Mr. Hawkins leave to adventure 5,000l. in this late unfortunate voyage, which I can very well prove he hath disbursed, and above 5,000l. more for the benefit of that journey. All this being utterly lost, besides the loss of his life, which I account the greatest only for very grief and sorrow that he could not effect that which he had undertaken for your Majesty's benefit, is not by some thought sufficient, but they come to me now in your Highness's name for 2,000l. more towards the satisfaction of such as are yet unpaid; insomuch as in this world I see there is nothing but one affliction and misery heaped upon
another, so as next under God I receive no worldly comfort in anything but only in the continuance of your most gracious and merciful inclination towards me. If it be your pleasure to impose this charge upon me I must and will sell all that ever I possess, leave myself a beggar, put away my servants and sojourn with my friends, rather than leave it unperformed and have your displeasure. But yet I doubt not but your Majesty will deal the more graciously with me for Mr. Hawkins' sake, who, besides the loss of his life, and the greater part of his substance therewith in your service, received many former losses in his lifetime, as 7,000l. in Sir Fr. Drake's voyage about the world, all men having received their portions, himself only excepted, and at the least 10,000l. in the late carracque where his portion was kept from him and given to others very well known to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Admiral; besides that he ever served your Majesty in a most painful and chargeable office, wherein I doubt not but your Highness doth conceive he hath done very acceptable service. All which being considered, I submit in all dutiful obedience to your most gracious pleasure and am ready to perform, as soon as possibly I may make money of such plate and other stuff that is left me, anything that your Majesty shall determine, if I may understand your pleasure by Mr. Killigrew or any other.—Deptford, this 16th July, 1596. |
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Holograph copy, probably enclosed in Lady Hawkins' letter to Cecil, 24 July post, p. 281. |
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1 p. (42. 48.) |
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Anthony Watson, Bishop of Chichester, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 17. |
I must for ever acknowledge your affection to regard and better my poor estate, which being effected by your gracious favour, I had rather not live than be noted with any spot of unthankfulness. It falleth out by reason of some matters to be ordered before my departing from Bristol that I could not attend at Court as might be expected; and till the fruits of this harvest be obtained, which are the certain stay of my living, I dare not hasten the consecration; beseeching you neither to be offended with my constrained absence nor with my suspected slackness in these proceedings. And as you have vouchsafed to draw Her Highness's good liking to name me for the almoner, and to retain my right in Cheyham as a convenient place for residence in that service, so I am emboldened to continue my suit that you will bring these good motions to the desired end, for which so great favour I trust my good Lord and Lady Lumley will assist me in some part of thankfulness.—From Cheyham [Cheam], July 17. |
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Endorsed :—“17 July 1596, The bishop of Chichester to my master.” |
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Holograph. 1 p. (42. 49.) |
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[Dr. Bilson,] Bishop of Worcester, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 17. |
I have viewed the state of Worcester diocese, and find it, as may somewhat appear by the particulars here enclosed, for the quantity as dangerous as any place that I know. In that small circuit there are nine score recusants of note, besides retainers, wanderers, and secret lurkers, dispersed in forty several parishes, and six score and ten households, whereof about forty are families of gentlemen that themselves or their wives refrain the church, and many of them not only
of good wealth but of great alliance, as the Windsors, Talbots, Throgmortons, Abingtons and others, and in either respect, if they may have their forth, able to prevail much with the simpler sort. Besides, Warwick and the parts thereabout are freighted with a number of men precisely conceited against her Majesty's government ecclesiastical, and they trouble the people as much with their curiosity as the other with their obstinacy. How weak ordinary authority is to do any good on either sort long experience hath taught me, excommunication being the only bridle the law yieldeth to a bishop, and either side utterly despising that course of correction, as men that gladly and of their own accord refuse the communion of the church both in sacraments and prayers. In respect therefore of the number and danger of those divers humours both denying obedience to her Majesty's proceedings, if it please her Highness to trust me and others in that shire with the commission ecclesiastical, as in other places of like importance is used, I will do my endeavour to serve God and her Majesty in that diocese to the uttermost of my power; first, by viewing their qualities, retinues, abilities and dispositions; next, by drawing them to private and often conference, lest ignorance make them perversely devout; thirdly, by restraining them from receiving, succouring or maintaining any wanderers or servitors that feed their humours; and lastly, by certifying what effects or defects I find to be the cause of so many revolting. Her Majesty hath trusted me fifteen years since to be of the quorum on the commission ecclesiastical in Hampshire, and therefore age and experience growing, as also my care and charge increasing, I hope I shall not need to produce any farther motives to obtain her Majesty's favour therein but the profession of my duty and promise of my best service with all diligence and discretion, which I hope shall turn to her content and good of her people. With which my most humble petition, if it please you to acquaint her Majesty, I will render you all due thanks, and make what speed I may towards the place where I long to be and wish to labour to the pleasure of Almighty God and good liking of her Majesty.—London, 17 July 1596. |
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Signed. 1½ pp. (42. 51.) |
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Encloses :— |
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The names and qualities of the wealthier sort of Recusants in Worcester diocese :— |
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The Lady Windsor, with her retinue. |
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Mr. Talbot. |
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Thomas Abington, esq., and Dorothy, his sister. |
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Thomas Throgmorion, esq.
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John Wheeler, gent., and Elizabeth, his wife. |
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Thomas Bluntt, gent., and Bridgett, his wife. |
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John Smyth, gent. Thomas Greene, gent. |
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Hugh Ligon, gent., and Barbara, his wife. |
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Michael Folliatt, gent., and Margaret, his wife. |
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John Newport, gent., and Margaret, his wife. |
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William Coles, gent., and Marie, his wife. |
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Mr. Bluntt, gent., of Hallow. |
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Hugh Day, gent., and Margaret, his wife. |
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Lyon Barton, gent
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John Taylor, gent., and Ann, his wife. |
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John Midlemore, gent.; Hugh Throgmorton, gent. |
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Humphrey Packington, gent.; John Woolmer, gent., of Inkbarrow. |
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Rowse Woolmer, gent.; John Woolmer, gent., of Kingston.
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Mr. Busshop, gent., of Oldburrow. [Total]—23. |
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The names of the gentlewomen that refuse the church, though their husbands do not :— |
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Margaret, wife of Roger Pen, gent. |
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Jane, wife of John Midlemore.
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Alice, wife of John Hornyhold, gent. |
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Margaret, wife of William Rigby, gent. |
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Mary, wife of Thomas Sheldon, gent. |
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Dorothy, wife of Thomas Ranckford, gent. |
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Ann, wife of William Fox, gent. |
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Joan, wife of Thomas Barber, gent. |
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Prudence, wife of Thomas Oldnall, gent. |
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Frances, wife of John Jeffrys, gent. |
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Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Randall, gent. |
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Mary, wife of William Woolmer, gent. |
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Elizabeth Ferrys, widow; Jane Sheldon, widow. |
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Katherine Sparks, of Hinlipp; Dorothy Woolmer. |
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Jane, Mary, Eleanor, daughters of Anthony Woolmer, gent. |
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Of the meaner sort :— |
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Fourscore and ten several households, where the man or wife or both are recusants, besides children and servants. |
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1½ pp. (42. 50.) |
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Anthony Poulett to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 18. |
Whilst I was yet in England I signified unto my lord Treasurer that my brother, my lieutenant, finding that the great abundance of waters which have fallen this summer did make ruins and would breed farther inconveniences to her Majesty's new fort in this Isle, if in season somewhat were not done to stop the course thereof, had been compelled to set men awork with expedition therein; and I made bold to renew my suit unto my lord for a sum of money to be employed this year thereupon. Now, having visited the place myself and finding it most requisite to have somewhat more done before winter be in hand for the saving of much charge hereafter, I do now again refresh my suit unto the Lords of the Council.—Jersey, this 18th of July, 1596. |
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Signed. 1 p. (42. 52.) |
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Elizabeth, Lady Danvers, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 18. |
It pleased you to promise to deal with Mr. Bowier, whereof I am bold to remember you, having attended at Court so long to so little purpose, and yet, being informed by my friends of her Majesty's good inclination to mercy, and favour for my sons, I cannot but think the cause why this disposition of hers yieldeth no fruit is in regard not to grieve them whom if some reasonable composition could content, I am content by you to be ruled, even against my own reason and my heart; beseeching you that in debate of the matter you will not begin at the death of Mr. Long, but at the murder of one of Mr. Danvers' men, the cunning contriving of the saving of his life that did it, derisions and foul abuses offered to my husband's chief officer, and open scorns of him and his in saying they had knighted him with a glass of beer; last of all, letters addressed to my son Charles, of such form as the heart of a man indeed had rather die than endure, how the beginning of all this quarrel was prosecuting of justice against thieves harboured and maintained by the Longs, as all the country knows. And if a life notwithstanding must be answered with a life, what may be trulier said
than that my son slew Long with a dagger and they have been the cause of slaying my husband with dolor and grief; and if Sir John Danvers were a worthier man, and his life of more worth than Harry Long's, so much odds the Longs have had already of our good name and house. What loss I have sustained and my children by forfeiture to her Majesty, it is not unknown to them, nor fit to be forgotten, if it please you, in this conference. I pray you pardon me my boldness, I held it very requisite to remember in short the causes and causers of all these mischiefs, and to allege and lay my losses to theirs and to prove mine to me far beyond theirs, which had never happened to me and mine but by their beginning and continuing of injuries, and wrong upon wrong, which discourse, though it will little serve in common law, yet in common reason it will; and I am bold to write it since the matter must be reasoned of, and notwithstanding all mine own reason do refer myself to your judgment and order.—18 July 1596. |
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[P.S.] Sir, I must not forget the man who was executed, so in all they have had three lives for one, Mr. Danvers and two servants. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (42. 53.) |
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Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 18. |
Since the writing of my last sent by this bearer, who for want of a wind could not depart from our fleet, I thought good likewise by him to write you in these what hath happened and hath been performed by us. The 14th day of this month both the generals and the whole army landed in a little island, at easternmost part of it, in the which is Cape St. Mary. The Lord Admiral being distempered with the heat of the day and very faint, not able to endure a long march, by persuasion of the Earl [of Essex] and others, much against his will, was persuaded to return to his ship. That night we encamped not far from the place we landed, and the next day the army being led by the Lord General Essex, we marched to the city of Faro, which before our coming the enemy abandoned and left us the town, in the which little or nothing was found, for they had carried their goods into the mountains. There we remained two whole days and sent out into the country above twelve miles towards the mountains five or six hundred men, who returned unfought withal, albeit the enemy was in sundry places in good troops both of horse and foot. The 16th we burnt the city to the ground and marched back again towards our ships the same way we marched before, which at least is three great Spanish leagues, the day extreme hot, and the ground deep sand which was painful unto us. In all this march, both outward and back again, the Lord General went afoot, having no more ease than other captains. The 17th we embarked our army again and this day are under sail with a good wind, which, in a short time if it hold, will carry us for the doubling of the southerly cape. Other accidences as yet hath not happened; as opportunity of messengers may be had you shall hear from me again.—From her Majesty's good ship the Mary Rose, now on the coast of Algarvia, this 18 of July, 1596. |
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Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (42. 54.) |
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Navy. |
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1596, July 18. |
“The charge of setting forth of the two ships, the Costley and the James, from the port of Ipswich, in warlike manner for her Majesty's service, being of 200 tons apiece, and both of them
furnished alike with 20 pieces of great ordinance, namely, demi-culverins, sacres, and minion, and 20 muskets, besides calivers and all other necessary weapons, as swords, targets, pikes, and such like.” |
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Hire of the two ships at 40l. the month for 5 months, 400l.; wages of officers and crew for 5 months at the rate of her Majesty's allowance in her smallest pinnace, 400l.; &c., &c. Total cost for all manner of charges, 1,896l.
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Endorsed :—“18 July 1596.” |
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2 pp. (42. 55.) |
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William, Lord Cobham to his son in law, Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 19. |
There is no news come as yet from the Duke of Bouillon and I see by a letter from Dieppe by one Geoffrey, a person well known to divers in the Court, the Duke was not so ready to come as it was said; and since I am informed that the plague is much increased at Boulogne, Monstreil, Abbeville and Dieppe. I pray God they do not bring it with them. It is true that her Majesty hath honoured me with the order of the Garter, called me most unworthy to he a Councillor, and given me credit in my country, but yet far unfit to take charge of such journey. I know my own weakness and unaptness, therefore I pray you and my lord your father so to deal with her Majesty that I may not be thought of; and surely it were an inequality for a poor baron to be sent thither, and a Duke and a Marshal of France to be sent hither. |
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I will take order with the sheriff of the shire [that he] shall meet the Duke between Canterbury and Dover, who shall bring him to Sittingbourn, and thereabouts I will do my good will to meet with him and bring him to his lodging at Dartford, if it be her Majesty's good pleasure. What news we have here Sir Henry Palmer wrote unto you yesterday. I have heard such diversity of occurrences of our fleet since I came to these parts as I durst not write them.—From Dover, 19 July. |
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Endorsed :—“Post hast, post hast, post hast, post with all diligence. Dover the 19th of July at eight in the morning. W. Cobham.” “At Canterbury past a 12 aclock.” “Sittingbourn past iiij in the afternoon.” “Rochester at almost 6 afternoon.” “Darford almost viij afternoon.” |
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Holograph. 1 p. (42. 56.) |
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Sir Richard Fenys (or Fiennes) to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 19. |
The messenger hath brought her Majesty's letters which I have desired Mr. Brackenbury safely to lay up until my lord of Lincoln come, which we hope will be to-morrow the 20th of this month, believing verily that some great occasion there hath happened to move his lordship's stay longer than his appointed time, being Saturday; sithence which time of her Majesty's servants' repair hither, they have carefully embarked her Highness's great present, and the gentlemen appointed to attend my lord, giving here all dutiful attendance, have in like sort shipped all such carriages as they desired to transport, insomuch as upon my lord's first repair our trust to God is if the wind hold where now it is we shall arrive at Flushing within 15 hours. So with my daily prayer for the longest preservation of her Majesty and all such as are most honourable instruments, like yourself, thereof, I crave pardon; beseeching God to send good news of our fleet, which we hear
in this place, by one that parted from some of the Low Countries that lately came from Lisbon, are thought to be at the island of Cadiz and so possessors of the river of Seville, whither we hear that the King's son, with most of the cavalry of Spain, is gone to encounter them. For her Majesty's most gracious placard for myself, I hope it be come down with the rest, which shall all safely be delivered to my lord sealed at his first repair.—Yarmouth, the 19th day of July 1596, which day of the month, as we were at supper, the messenger brought the letters about vij of the clock. |
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Holograph. Seal, broken. 1 p. (42. 57.) |
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M. Noel de Caron to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 19. |
Would be very glad to hear the Queen's resolution touching the remonstrance which he made to her for the succour of some soldiers in their urgent necessity. Is keeping his packet open until he learns this from Cecil. |
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The bearer brings him a smoked salmon and is charged to tell Cecil's cook the mode they use with such. Perhaps he might also like to taste it. |
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Does not remember when he wished to have the little pheasants : they shall come when it pleases him to name the day.—Stretham, 19 July, 1596. |
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Holograph. French. 1 p. (173. 97.) |
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William Cecil to his uncle, Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, before July 20. |
Must be a suitor to the Privy Council and, next him from whom he acknowledges all, Cecil is his best protector. Bearer will explain the cause; “but in brief it is thus :—Whereas I have been many years seised of a lease called the prebend of Stoke, belonging unto the church of Lincoln, and have ever heretofore carefully paid my rent, so it is that in my absence at London, partly through negligence of servants and miscarriage of my directions by letters, my rent was tendered a day after entry made, which of an unconscionable prelate would not be received nor no other agreement accepted.”—St. Leonards nigh Newark this — of July. |
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Endorsed :—“July 1596. Mr. William Cecill to my master. R. 20th July.” |
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Holograph. 1 p. (173. 110.) |
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The Earl of Pembroke to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 20. |
I have received your letters and therein a petition which Sir John North, knight, exhibited to her Majesty, and have endeavoured to accomplish her Majesty's commandment in the best sort I could. When your letters came to my hands there was no bill in this court for Sir John North, and to call any person hither, or to make any order, without a bill, this court by her Majesty's instructions is not allowed. Therefore, that my doings might be justifiable, either I must have a warrant signed by her Majesty commanding the sequestration desired, or a bill must be exhibited in this court whereupon it might be granted. I therefore advised his servant to retain counsel for the drawing of a bill for his master, and a bill is now exhibited against the Bishop of St. David's and the clerk by him admitted to the benefice in
controversy, and they both by her Majesty's process commanded forthwith to shew cause why the sequestration granted to persons unable to answer the profits (as it is informed) should not be revoked, and a new made to men of better ability and more indifferency. I have also written my private letters to the Bishop, letting him know that Sir John North seeking that which is agreeable to justice, prejudicial to no man, and by her Majesty allowed, it is meet the same should not in any wise be withstood by him.—At her Majesty's house of Tickenhill near Beudley, this 20th of July, 1596. |
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Signed. 1 p. (42. 58.) |
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William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 20. |
Since my coming hither I have enquired concerning the prize of rice, and do find the same was taken by a bark set forth from hence by Sir Fardinando Gorge, in the company of one other small bark of this town; and not any under the charge of the Earl of Essex and Lord Admiral present thereat, as reported. The rice, as I understand, doth belong to certain merchants of Maxcellias (Marseilles) and therefore doubtful whether the same will prove good prize. |
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No farther news from the fleet.—Plymouth, the 20th of July, 1596. |
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Signed. Seal. ½ p. (42. 59.) |
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Lord Henry Howard to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1596, July 20. |
I neither know by what words nor in what measure to acknowledge the matter or the manner wherein it pleased you yesternight to salute one in his bed, who presently, according to the religious example of godly David, media nocte surrexit ad confitendum domino. Not the manner, when I conceive the kindness of a person in your place vouchsafing with your own hand, in a world of business, so much at large, and before many of your own noble friends, to impart this comfort to an abject and a castaway. But the deeper your kind merit the greater my bond, and therefore my only suit is that you will unfeignedly believe that though I be but a bankrupt in fortune's exchange yet I will he an alchemist in my own devoted affection. I confess that your receipts come in gold which others send in glass, and therefore I am pleased most in reading your own letter. I hope we shall shortly hear of the health and safety of our worthy friends who make themselves every day more worthy by their own rare deserts; and this one addition will make complete happiness. I must give you notice of a certain importunate beggar from Detworth who will be suitor to you before you sleep, to be rid of his employment, which he fears not only more than purgatory, which is painted on the back side of his book, in respect of the Queen's injunctions, but, I fear, more than hell which is limned in the inner part of his apprehension with water colours, in respect of his philosophy. Give me leave to be merry with you out of the legend in speaking of a pretty lord who can hardly be saved by his book because either non legit omnino vel non legit ut clericus. On the other side my lord of Shrewsbury in my conscience will not be hasty of this honour when the other hath had a taste of it.—In haste this Monday morning. |
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[P.S.] Commend my service to the most virtuous and truly honourable lady in the world, who shall shortly hear not from me but from an auctress at Chesterford. |
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Holograph. 2 pp. (42. 60.) |
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Nicholas Smith, customer, and other officers of the port of Yarmouth to Lord Burghley. |
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1596, July 20. |
The bailiffs of Yarmouth cannot furnish us with the knowledge of the charge of the ship which they sent forth this present summer for the Queen's Majesty's service under the Earl of Essex and Lord High Admiral, as they say, for that Mr. Felton hath the notes of all things, being sent unto you with a true particular certificate of them all. Only, we understand the ship to be 140 tons with 70 able men well furnished, but for any aid from the “creakes” of this port or from the inland countries, as yet they have not received any that we can understand of.—From Yarmouth, 20 July, 1596. |
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Signed. Seal. ½ p. (42. 61.) |
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Thomas Hoo, Mayor, and the Burgesses of King's Lynn to Lord Burghley. |
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1596, July 20. |
Upon the 19th of this instant month Mr. Owen, the customer of this port, imparted to us Her Majesty's pleasure to be certified of the charge of setting forth our ship for her Majesty's service under my lord of Essex and Lord Admiral this year, which therefore we certify by this messenger. The said ship is of 160 tons, we rating it, as merchants use, at a lesser rate than ships of service be ordinarily. We have yet had no aid out of the county and “cricks” belonging to this port. For albeit we have had good words, whereby we expected some aid out of the said county and city of Norwich, at the request of the Privy Council their first letters, dated the fifth of April and delivered to them the twelfth of the same, we had a dilatory answer to be answered at the sessions at Whitsuntide following; but then were deferred again to the assizes which began the twelfth of July, before which time we had obtained their honours' second letters for contribution to us by the said county and city, which then we there delivered, and then had a third dilatory answer to be answered after harvest were ended : therefore perceive, unless you have a clement commiseration unto us as a most singular good patron, we are not able to undergo this heavy burthen without some special aid from her Majesty or from the said county and city, as twice hath been required by their lordships at the humble suit of us of this town and the bailiffs of Yarmouth, wherein we have at large set out our disabilities, and therefore obtain their said letters to the lieutenants and justices of the said county and to the mayor and citizens of Norwich to contribute herein unto us : though we have not as yet received any answer but delays, as before is shewed, nor are any way like, for that their last speech unto us was that they would answer your letters. Wherefore necessity doth still enforce us to seek our relief at your and their honours' hands, we having already imposed four whole subsidies upon our inhabitants and must be constrained to lay six more upon ourselves if we have not relief by their lordship's direction, which we are not able to undergo.—Kings Lynn, this 20th of July, 1596. |
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Signed. Seal. ½ pp. (42. 62.) |
