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  1. Cecil Papers in Hatfield House
  2. Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 6, 1596
  3. Cecil Papers: March 1596, 1-15

Cecil Papers: March 1596, 1-15

Pages 77-99

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 6, 1596. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1895.

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Citation:

March 1596, 1–15

William Medeley to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1595/6], March 1. Upon Saturday, at night, last, being the 28 of February, one of the priests in the Castle of Wisbech, whose name is Francis Tilletson, by a cord of a bed let himself down over the Castle wall, and so is escaped. I have laid very great wait for him, both by water and land, round about me, far and near, and as yet I hear not of him, but am in good hope. I will spare for no cost, nor be idle in such a case. This priest was some times Mr. Thomas Slingesby's servant, attending upon him, both in my lord's house, as also after that in the Court, and after that Mr. Slingesby was drowned, he was entertained a little while in my lord of Northumberland's service. A man of small learning, or rather none at all, nor of any other respect among the rest within the Castle, more than as a man well willing to their religion : and so of a community to be relieved, and now grown to that extreme poverty, as he oweth to divers persons within the town of Wisbech the sum of 10l. and 12d., the particular whereof I present before you, besides that which he oweth unto me for his charges, due of long time, Since these late strict examinations in the Castle, by authority of your Honour and the rest of the lords, there hath been some of their friends with them, for they fear the worst, whereby they be grown to that general poverty, as that within this 10 or 12 days they shall not have wherewith to buy them bread and drink, much less for their clothing and other necessaries, as they do protest, which will grow to a further inconvenience towards me, I fear, if you and the rest of the lords do not either enlarge this restraint of their friends, or else set down some form of government for their relief and maintenance, for upon my knowledge they are greatly distressed.—From Wisbech, the 1st of March.
Holograph. Endorsed;—“1595.” 1 p. (30. 100.)
Encloses :—
[1595/6], 1 Mar.—Francis Tilletson's debts in Wisbech.
A list of twelve persons to whom small sums are due, amounting in the whole to 10l. 2s. 4d., including 16d. at the Saracen's Head.
Half sheet of paper. (30. 99.)
Sir Francis Wyllughby to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 1. Touching the wardship of my wife's son. Colbie Tamworthe, your ward. I am humbly to crave the preferment of the ward. And my dwelling here in Nottinghamshire being so far from London, give me leave to wait upon you for the same next term.—Wollaton, this 1st of March, 1595.
Holograph. ½ p. (30. 101.)
Roger Hurlston to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 1. Thanks him for his favourable letter, upon which he obtained of Mr. Beverley such time as he required for the satisfaction of his debt to Beverley as surety for Mr. Gilbert Gerrard.—Chester, 1 March, 1595. ½ p.
The Grand Duke of Tuscany to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, March 1/11. In return for his favour in obtaining a licence for grain for Tuscany, sends a present of a little box of oils, drugs and conserves made in his factory (fonderia).—Leghorn, 11 March, 1596.
Signed “II Granduca di T.”
Italian. Seal. 1 p. (33. 146.)
Thomas Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1595/6], March 3. Being charged to set down whatsoever in my voyage I have found that might tend to Her Majesty's service, the first that I can propound is myself, whose duty, having vowed the scope of my whole life to the service of the worthiest, emboldeneth me not to give place to any living creature. The second is the Emperor, whose sober, retired humour gives him good leisure to know, and knowing to admire, the rare high virtues of my never enough admired Queen. But it may be the intent is that I should set down the effect of such particulars as I imparted to yourself, wherefore I will again deliver by writing what I once thought to none but Her Majesty's self to have uttered.
I have probable reasons to think that the Emperor will enter into a faithful amity and perfect league with Her Majesty, if she so list. I durst undertake the Emperor shall send ambassadors to her to persuade her to be willing to a reasonable peace with the Spaniard, if matters be well handled from hence; and if, when the matters come to articling, she will remit it to the Emperor, that he shall deal very friendly, yea, and partially in the Queen's behalf, but if she will not credit him so far, that then he shall be content to take into commission with him any agreeable person, yea, though he were much his inferior. I doubt not but that the Archduke Mathias, who by me did recommend an affectionate respect to Her Majesty, coming now down to the government of Giulick and Cleveland, shall by the Emperor's means hold good love and intelligence with her. I durst undertake that the Cardinal Archduke, now Governor of the Low Countries, shall also, by the Emperor's means, do all good offices in agreeable sort between her and the Spaniard.
But now, let no man aim amiss at the reasons that should make me undertake thus much, for truly the Emperor never imparted it in particular to me, and when at any time any of his Council have had speech with me of the like matters, it hath been in such obscure manner, in such equivocal terms, as that they have ever kept themselves a retiring corner from affirming of that, as by way of offer, which none of them will dare to avow; though in speech with them, as by way of discourse, it was let fell by those who are not Spanish, that the Spanish King hath of long time wronged him, by making him still believe he shall have his daughter, but, when it comes to the push, will give nothing with her; another, that the Low Countries, which the King of Spain enjoys, lie fit for him and are in part greatly affected to him already, in which case none can better confirm the rest than the Queen. A third is that the Emperor hath long since given over to practise with the Jesuits, and for a fourth, some think that the Spanish over swelling pride doth already, by money and means, practise to invest the Empire, after the death of the Emperor, in the young Archduke of Styria, whose sister the Prince of Spain shall marry. Or it may be that myself, as the nature of men is, believe because I would have it so, imagining that these articles pretend some good to our estate. Howsoever it be, I am constant to my assertion, and therefore, if Her Majesty will leave to employ such as they deem to be scandalous persons, for that against such there is already great exception taken, and will use some man of good worth and birth, who being wise will tanquam aliud agens attempt it truly, I durst undertake he shall effect it.
As for the Emperor's message it is this : that he is glad to hear so strong proofs that Her Majesty is not in league with the Turk : that he was ever willing of himself to think so, though some would have persuaded him otherwise; that the Queen's leave to such as came to those parts to fight, not to look on, was a sufficient testimony to him of the good will she bare him, which he would be ever ready to requite, really and in effect. As for the Princes of Italy and Germany, who do already adore Her Majesty's 'hereytall' parts, there can be no readier way to make them offer themselves and their abilities than by the Emperor, to the service of Her Majesty. But lest I forget myself, having been in a manner a close prisoner this long time, even to the prejudice of my health, I do, in all humility, expect the gracious censure of her never erring judgment, in whose blissful favour stands the total sum of my earthly happiness. Could she, but in imagination, see the toilsome voyage, the shipwreck, the loss, and the danger which for her sake I endured, protesting that for no other cause I came home at this dead desperate time of the year but to do her service. I know the virtue of so pure a mind could not but feel some remorse. Yet it is time corrigit quem diligit Deus, and yet our earthly deity will not, I hope, in me forget the measure of her mercy. Honourable Sir Robert, stand a friend, if not to me, yet to my zealous loyalty to my sacred Sovereign, for whose safety sake I shall ever think my life happy adventured.—From the Fleet, this 3rd of March.
Endorsed :—“1595.” 2 pp.
Holograph. (30. 103.)
Sir H. Norris to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, March 3. The States General and Council of State have at last deputed certain deputies which are arrived in Zealand, and have written to me to come thither when they are ready to hear the difference, as they term it, between the bailli and me. I have thought fit, for divers reasons, to go unto them, especially lest they should give out that I would not be heard but where I command. I beseech you to allow of it, though I do depart without first advertising you, and from thence I will write unto you what conclusion should be taken. The taking of La Fere doth greatly discredit the great expectation of the Cardinal, who saith he will in to the field himself the latter end of this month. His rendezvous will be about Douai. His only hope is in his foot, which he prefers far beyond the French. He changeth all garrisons and sets up his rest; hoping this summer to overrun all Picardy. But if it might please Her Majesty to assure the French King with some foot to make a stand for his horse, I should think that ere long those two great monarchs would be reduced into equal balance, so that then Her Majesty might set what law it should please her to them both. In the meantime the States do mean to make their profit of all.—Ostend, 3 March, 1595.
Holograph. 2 pp. (30. 107.)
Lord Burghley to Archibald Douglas.
1595/6, March 3. I have not leisure to write much unto you at this time, but have sent you here included the passport required by you for John Sutlar, &c. [sic : Sinclair, see S.P. Scotland, Vol. LVIII., No. 29]. And whereas you require to have my opinion touching the coming and passing of the lord Sincklar [sic : Sanquhar, see ibid.] through the realm into France, I can give you no direction therein, as things I do not meddle withal; but this I know, that it were very convenient that such noblemen of Scotland as are to pass through the realm were recommended first hither from our ambassador there of their intention and cause of coming, and so direction to be given back again to him as shall be thought meet.—From the Court at Richmond, 3 March, 1595.
Signed. Seal, broken. 1 p. (171. 105.)
Captain Henry Docwra to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, March 4. Understanding by Sir Francis Vere that your lordship hath otherwise determined of me than in mine own free choice I should have disposed of myself, I have willingly conformed myself therein to your pleasure. Notwithstanding, sith on my part the bands of duty have been such, and on your lordship's the undeserved favour professed the like, that in so general an employment the leaving of me out may be diversely construed as not answerable to the expectation of either, I could not but desire some assurance that my endeavours in these parts, being so specially by your directions, may be accounted as no less in your service than if I had in person attended you in the journey.—From the Hague, 4 March, 1595.
[P.S.]—This bearer, my ensign, desireth some better preferment by your favour in his action, whose honest carriage of himself hath been such as I cannot but thereof yield a good report.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (171. 106.)
Sir Henry Unton to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, March 4. I acknowledge your favour in writing to me by Symondes and beseech you to excuse my hasty and short scribbles, being scarce able to put pen to paper by a fall from my horse, which putteth me to great pain and taketh away the use almost of my whole arm. The King doth not so well conceive of the comfort of her Majesty's reply as you hoped he would, and I fear our cold comfort and others' liberal offers will draw him to run a dangerous course for us, but I have received as yet no resolution from him, it being deferred until his return. He gave me a taste of his dislike of her Majesty's reply and seemed very much discontented therewith; I can but wish I had received more comfortable matter, and am much perplexed with my ill success; having no great hope of better, yet do I mean to dispute the points of her Majesty's reply the best I may and leave the success to God. I do not presume to call in question your grave proceedings, because I can but discern the outward bark of things; notwithstanding, it is thought here that you ought to have a better feeling of the imminent perils which do so much threaten us. I submit my conceits to your better judgment.—From Coneye, this 4th of March, 1595.
Holograph. 1 p. [See Murdin's State Papers, p. 730.]
(171. 107.)
Sir H. Unton to [Lord Burghley].
1595/6, March 4. I received by Symondes on Saturday, February 28, her Majesty's letters of the 5th and your lordship's of the 7th, 8th, and 10th of the same month, accompanied with her Majesty's reply to the King's answer to my first negotiation; whereupon I sent presently to demand audience, because I understood the King was to go to St. Quintin's to give order to those parts upon advice received of the enemy's readiness to march to the relief of La Fere. He accorded me audience the next day in the afternoon, and M. de Rochepott with others were appointed to receive and entertain me until the King sent for me up into his own chamber, where being arrived, he commanded all to depart save four or five of the principal persons whom he willed to stay but to withdraw to the lower end. After I had delivered her Majesty's kind salutations, which he received thankfully, and his enquiry thereupon of her health, and signified to him that her Majesty having seen the declaration he made in answer of my former negotiation with him, had thought good, for the better clearing of all doubtfulness between them, to send him her like reply to all the particular points thereof, which I doubted not would content him for the weighty reasons and just considerations it doth contain, he received it of me, and because he found it (as he said) to be very long, he called for M. Villeroy to read it to him; in which interim he shewed in his countenance many tokens of discontentment, and in the end brake with me into this speech; that he did not desire to contest with her Majesty, as that multitude of words did only infer, which was a consolation of poor virtue for his pressing necessity and unnecessary for him to entertain at this time in respect of their fruitless end, wherein his expectation was not deceived, to his grief; but he would exercise patience, and sithence he was thus resolved the matter required the less deliberation. I told him I was sorry the passion of his necessity made him conceive otherwise of her Majesty's intent than there was cause; but if he would truly understand the state of her affairs and the reasons and substance of her answer, he should find she had not omitted hitherto to witness her sincere love to him by all good effects, persisting still in the same affection. Also I did somewhat insist upon the latter part of the reply, the best part for his comfort; urging the conference and necessity such which, I said, might bring him all reasonable contentment, and was of no small consequence for the establishing of his affairs and confirmation of a never ending strict amity between him and her Majesty, who would not then suffer him to receive prejudice for want of her due assistance. Until then, that her Majesty had reason to be doubtful, and might hitherto challenge not to have received answerable measure in the overtures which have been made unto him of a peace, wherein their common interests ought to be alike respected; dilating the said point as her Majesty commanded by her letters. He replied I did more enforce the said answer of her Majesty than it doth import, himself seeing no cause to apprehend any such hope thereby, but that he would better consider thereof with his council and make me answer at his return from St. Quintin's, which he promised should be within four or five days; and so, seeming loth to hear more of the matter, dismissed me in an unpleasing humour. Hereof I thought good to give you advertisement, being much perplexed for my no better success. The rest of my proceedings with him I will let you know by Mr. Edmondes, who hath importuned me for his return in respect of his great necessity, albeit I have yet stayed him because by him I shall be best able to send you a full resolution of all things, which I mean to press with all earnestness and with my best skill, knowing that I shall not want contrary labours to countervail me, and fearing much the issue thereof in respect of the Pope's large offers and the instance of the Cardinal and of the King's Spanish counsel.
Cardinal Joyeux arrived here three days since, who hath been very kindly received by the King and all his court. They give out with great cunning that he cometh only for his private affairs, but I secretly learn he doth passionately propose a surseance of arms, having thereunto charge from the Pope to prepare the King's disposition against the coming of the legate, who is now appointed to be the Cardinal of Florence, Cardinal Aquaviva having also excused himself in respect of his unaptness through sickness for the journey. They tend to procure that the compounding of the difference and the points of honour may with speed be referred to the Pope's compromise as common father, and as in like cases hath been done between Catholic princes, and whereunto the King of Spain is said to be willing. This Cardinal doth also urge the sending of an ambassador to Rome from hence to that purpose, alleging the Pope doth complain of the neglect used to him by the King in that behalf. He is about the age of 30, superstitious, full of passion, and violently bent against them of the religion. The Bishop of Evreux is expected here very shortly to pursue the like course with the King; he returneth without his Cardinal's hat, but with promise thereof, and is confirmed Bishop by the Pope. As these things further succeed I hope to attain to the knowledge of the same; the most part of the King's council incline to this “compremisse” with greediness, and seem to run one course with the Pope in liking and disliking. President Rochetti, late ambassador of Savoy, hath sent hither a gent to assure the King that the Duke's deputies attend the coming to Lyons of those of the King's part to effect the treaty of peace and the composition for Salusto, and for the better advancement of the same the Duke will approach nearer to Chambery; wherein how confident he is already will appear by this enclosed letter of the ambassador of Venice to me. You may also see how effectually he doth recommend to me, in the name of the State, Signor Basadonna's suit, for whom I beseech you to employ your favour towards her Majesty to procure his gratifying, which will nourish their good devotion towards her Highness. Those of Brittany have enlarged their truce to comprehend also them of Normandy, but it is made first only for a month, having reference to a further continuance. M. de Rochepott is come hither post out of those parts and returneth presently. He is one of the chief commissioners that treateth with Duke Mercurie and a great instrument for the Duke.
The King sent for me 7 or 8 days since to come to La Fere, as well to see the stopping of the river as to acquaint me with the news of Marseilles, newly received, and [which], for the strangeness of the success, seemeth almost incredible. He declared that one called Libertade, a captain of a quarter in the town, entered into intelligence with the Duke of Guise and acquainted him that it was the custom of Casaulx and Viguier to walk every morning with their guard of 200 upon the counterscarfe without the town; willing him therefore to lodge in ambuscado near the town to cut them off upon the signal he would give him from the Port Royal when he should be in guard, and assuring him to hold the port open for him. The Duke having been twice in ambuscado he was forced to disappoint him for that Casaulx and Viguier did not walk forth according to their accustomed manner. Returning the third time, as Casaulx and Viguier were passing out of the gate, they met a Minim friar that advertised them to have seen near at hand certain men of war in amubscado, wishing them to look to themselves. Viguier, that was the more confident of the two, said they could be no other than the accustomed roaders, and he would go with a dozen horse to take them. Captain Libertade, seeing his design frustrated, and that it would be discovered and himself likely to perish, took resolution, being accompanied with three of his kindred with whom he had only communicated his enterprise, to kill Casaulx with a pistol in the port in the head of those 200 of his guard; which he performed, and therewith cried the restoring of their liberty and acknowledging of the King, putting a white scarf about his neck. The guard admonished therewith and fearing he had been assisted with some great party, ranged themselves instantly with him, saying they would with him maintain the common liberty, sith the tyrant was dead, and thereupon drew the dead body into the town, publishing the former cry, which was followed with the general applause of all the people; whose affections when he had so stirred, he disposed their minds to the further ordering of things. He had before caused the signal to be given to the Duke of Guise, the first part of whose troop thereupon advancing, those of the port (for that they had no intelligence of the correspondence with the Duke) discharged the first and second time the artillery and divers volleys of small shot upon them, killing 4 or 5 and hurting 50. At last Libertade having settled some order, killing some few, in the town, came to Port Royal and received the Duke, declaring that the town was at the King's obedience, but before they could permit him to enter he must subscribe to a capitulation with them; wherein having satisfied them they received him, with only his private company, into the town. Viguier, that was out of the town, when he found Casaulx was slain, entered by another port more at his devotion and began to assemble an head, but was quickly forced to flee the town to save himself; whom the Duke afterwards took and sent to Aix to receive the judgment of the Court of Parlement, to be broken on the wheel. The Spaniards during this event conveyed themselves with diligence aboard their galleys and out of the haven, save only 50 or 60 which were overtaken and slain. If Libertade had communicated his enterprise with the captain of the Chayne, the Spanish galleys and Prince Doria might have been all taken. The King is assured that if things had not thus succeeded, those two persons had within four days delivered the town into the Spaniards' hands, Doria having 1,200 men in readiness to convey secretly thither, and there being found in Casaulx's house armour for 2,000 men. It pleased the King to note that the name of Libertade and of the Port Royal did well sort with the enterprise. He did not long entertain me because of my indisposition by reason of a great bruise received by the falling of my horse upon me in going to him, whereof I am not yet recovered.
The King is still ignorant for how long this town is furnished of victuals. The water was once carried to a good height into the meadow, but is since fallen again and they dare not absolutely stop the river lest the over great strength thereof break the causey, as it hath already done twice. The King is made certainly believe that the enemy pretendeth to come forthwith to the relief of this town, and doth dispose himself to receive them, entrenching himself very strongly here.
M. de Montigny going the other day to the war, defeated between Chastelet and Cambray 200 foot and 100 Spaniards and Italians, of whom he slew 50 and took some of the leaders prisoners.
The King is secretly treating to withdraw Rhosne, a Lorraine and one of the best captains the King of Spain hath, to his service, being an instrument of great hurt to him. He doth give him a marshal's place, 50,000 crowns, and a pension of 4,000 crowns. The King's sister is fallen very sick at Compiegne, which hath made the King forbear to press her in the matter of marriage with Duke Montpensier, and hath given her time till after Easter to advise thereof, whereupon the Duke is returned to Rouen, but she remaineth very constant to the Comte Soissons, and passionate in her affection. I acknowledge with all humility and thankfulness her Majesty's great goodness in so approving my poor endeavours, as by her own most gracious letters and yours I have received testimony; which though it cannot increase my care, yet doth the comfort thereof make all burthens the lighter that I shall fear for her service. Only my grief is that the quality of my employment is such as doth not produce more profitable and desired effects.—From Concy, 4 March 1595.
[P.S.] I have not failed heretofore to call upon the King and his Council touching the ordinnance at Dieppe, but they have still delayed me until the coming of the Governor of Dieppe, who is now here, and by Mr. Edmondes I hope to send you their resolute answers.
Endorsed :—Sir H. Unton.
Unsigned. Copy. 5 pp. (108. 110.)
Arthur Atye to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 6. You are in place where you may and do daily shew great favours. I am now become a suitor and want favour. Upon this confidence, I pray you to afford me your favour in this; the later Secretaryship is a place I much desire, and have been heretofore long in talk with Sir John Wolley for. It is the only place that hath been void, since my master's decease, which I could think myself fit for. It would from an idle life draw me forth to the doing of somewhat, it would give me, which I lack, the greatest credit I shall ever hope for, and the accomplishment indeed of all my ambitious desires. I am humble suitor to Her Majesty for it; I pray you to give me your favour in furtherance of me to it how you shall think fit.—At Caringe my house, this 6 of March 1595, not very well, otherwise I had attended you.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (30. 104.)
Will Kynmouth.
1595/6, March 6. Whereas by the commandment of the right Honourable Thomas, Lord Scrope, Lord Warden of the West Marches foranenst Scotland, we whose names are here underwritten are to make a true report of the taking of Will of Kynmouth because we were the takers of him, and are to set down the manner of his taking under our hands, we therefore have set down the whole course of his taking as followeth. Blacklock being taken away out of the office of Bewcastle, and by such as are not answerable to any laws, we pursuing the said parties in hope to rescue the prisoner, following our road nigh to the house of Peters of the Harlaw, where Kynmouth was staying, whom we knowing, calling unto him afar off, willed him to ride his way, saying that we had nothing to say unto him, yet nevertheless he knowing us did shout 'A Harlaw, Harlaw,' yet still we willed him to ride his way, but in no case he would leave off his shouting, so that he having thereby broken the assurance, and stopping us of our road by reason of his shouting, we were forced for our own safety to pursue him, perceiving the country to be raised only by his means, and in the pursuit, after he had made resistance and given strokes, we took him and delivered him to Mr. Salkeld, my lord's officer.—7 March, 1595. John Musgrave, John Musgrave, Thomas Musgrave.
1 p. (30. 105.)
The Governor of Brest to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, March 6/16. Ses marchants s'en retournants en Angleterre, je n'ay voullu manquer de vous escripre, tant pour me ramentenoyr en l'heur de vos bonnes graces que pour vous supplier de me voulloir continuer l'amitie qu'il vous a pleu me faire cest honneur de me promettre, vous protestant, Monsieur, que non honererez jamais personne de ce monde qui plus librement sacrifie sa vie pour vous rendre preuve de son service que moy, qui en recherchere tous les jours de ma vie les occasions.
Je vous dire que depuis mon retour du voyage que j'ay faict auprès du Roy, mon maistre, j'ay esté assuré par deux pataches, qui depuis quatre jours ont passé au Conquet, venants d'Espaigne, qu'il sy faisoit de grands preparatifs, tant de levee de gens de guerre que armée navalle, pour rebastir leur fort en Craodon et ung autre sur l'autre poinete du goulet à l'oposite, se deliberants par ung mesme tenir ceste place asiegée. Je vous supplie, en cas qu'elle le seroit, de vouloir moyenner envers la serenissime Majesté de la Royne ung prompt secours. Vous pouvez juger que la perte de ceste place, tombante entre les mains de l'Espaignol, est non moings de consequence à l'estat du royaume d'Angleterre qu'à celuy de la France. De moy, je perire premier qu'il en arive inconvenient, mais vous scavez qu'il n'y a sy bonne place qui à la longue et n'estant recourue ne se prenne.—De Brest ce 16me Mars, 1596.
Signed :—Sourdeac.
Endorsed :—“The Governor of Brest, 16 March 1595, old style.
Governor of Brest
Bayonne
Rochell
Diepe.
Mr de la Cruche. Mr Mountmarte. La Varence. Mr de Mayenne.”
(39. 18.)
The Lord Admiral to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1595/6], March 7. I thank you, for I know your delivery of the toy to Her Majesty did better it ten times the value of it. For my coming into the Court, it must needs be less now than it was, for every day bringeth on that which cannot bide delay. My lord Thomas, Sir W. Ralegh and myself were yesterday from eight in the morning till three in the afternoon very busy at Mr. Quarelor's office, and after, till it was night, Sir Walter and myself were up and down on the river continually busied. If you were but one day with us, you should see whether we have any spare time. Our business will lesser spare me than the term can spare the Lord Chancellor. I must be gone tomorrow, or Thursday very early, to Chatham. There is nothing that can pass but by my hand, and a heavy charge now daily lieth on me. We have 260 men that feedeth and hath wages of us, for now the victuals be taking in every ship, which is not the Queen's charge. I daresay you, nor my lord your father in his time, hath seen any army that the generals hath kept promise in their going out, by two months whatsoever and more; nor any private man, as the Earl of Cumberland, or any other, but hath broken their appointed time more, though they had but three ships to set out. I promised at the first the first beginning of April, and let but the first go to the 15th at the uttermost, and I hope to be master of my word. I promised Her Majesty the two new ships should be builded by the 20 March; it was performed before, and yet every body said it was impossible, but I assure you my often eye and my purse was the furtherer of it. I must be careful in this, for besides the delay of time will undo us, so it will be said that if Sir F. D. or Sir Jo. Hawkins had been here this would have been better expedited. It is not with me as it hath been with other admirals, all things ready to their hands, so as they had nothing to do but to make their living and to provide bacon meats and so go aboard. My time will be past after this for doing any more, and therefore will do the best I can in this, and must say, as your father doth to them that say they will wait on him to speak with him when he is not busy, who answereth—'When is that?' So my coming to the Court must be, and I trust I shall be excused and the better by you. You know I am not vainglorious for myself, but very zealous in anything I have to do for Her Majesty's service, and as near as I can use my doings so as how painful soever, as what eyes soever look on it, and with what mind soever, I shall not care for it.—This 7 March.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (30. 106.)
Edward Wylton to the Earl of Essex.
[1595/6], March 7. After my departure I stayed five days in Rye for the wind. I escaped well a desperate storm on the seas, divers fishermen were cast away. Notwithstanding, the next day, which was on Friday, the 5th March, I arrived safe at Dieppe, where I delivered your letters to the governor, who advised me to go by way of Paris. It is yet uncertain where Ottiwell Smith is; they rather think he is in Brittany or Spain, than in Dunkirk.—Rouen, 7 March, stil. ant.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed :—“1595.” ½ p. (30. 108.)
Sir Francis Vere to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, March 7. The 4th of this month I made my proposition to the States, and since have used all the good means I can think of to hasten the matter. This afternoon Mr. Barnevelt, with one other, was deputed by their college to know whether my instructions were so absolute as that no excuse might be admitted, of which I put them fully out of doubt, and have afresh showed them both the necessity of their agreement, and of the speediness thereof, which, I persuade myself, will draw them to grow to a good answer. I have by provision enquired for shipping, which I find may be had in sufficient store, though somewhat dearer than your lordship was informed, conditionally that they may receive assurance here not to be constrained to go furtherand to be paid according as shall be agreed for the time they shall be held at Plymouth above five days, so that your lordship sending over your order, both for the payment of the said shipping and victual, the States performing their parts, and the wind serving, I make no doubt to be at the rendezvous by the time appointed. I would gladly know your pleasure concerning the dividing of these men, for I do not well remember whether your meaning were to divide them by hundreds, and make so many companies of them, or rather to have them into so many bands, as you had determined to make these men parcels of regiments, and so to have reinforced them with new men, by which means you should have old and new in one band, which no doubt were the best. Herein, for that I hope to hear from you shortly, I forbear to do anything.
Your lordship's resolution and great hope of this voyage maketh me frame my thoughts wholly that way, and yet in regard I know not precisely what your purpose is, I cannot give myself the true subject to work on. If you mean to land in Spain, and remain there, it shall be necessary to think of some place fortifiable, and of a good port to the same, of which I hear there be two very special, the Groyny and Cales, that of the Groyny harder to be taken and farther from doing that annoyance to the Spaniard, being in a country mountainous, far from the heart, and not so well situated to annoy the coast. Cales, somewhat further, more intemperate, but so seated that no place in Spain better to trouble them, both of land and sea; neither can be of other use than of one summer's bravery, if it please not Her Majesty to proceed royally. But let that be answered by them who shall be faulty. Your lordship meaning to lay the foundation of a great work, with all due respect be it written, must go with provision answerable. One thing of very great moment in the war, is to know the place the war is to be made in. There wanteth not in England those that are acquainted with the coast, and your lordship's most devoted Antonio de Perez were an excellent instrument for many uses. If you should have any fight in field, it shall not be amiss to consider that you have no horse, which taketh away, in a manner, all hope of good success, for in straits or amongst mountains your enemy will not seek you, and an undertaking army must make his way everywhere. I shall be as willing as any man that shall follow you to be at the doing of great things, and therefore have thought how that want may be helpen somewhat, perchance you will laugh at the means. Your Honour hath heard of certain short stakes that our old archers used to stick in the ground, when they had to do with horsemen. I could set down four or five battles where they served the turn well, and I esteemed the true use of them would here be found. In the Tower, I think they are to be had, or to be made for little money. This is for fighting, working is the next point, and therefore necessary to be provided for the same. Engineers are very scant in England, but some there are 'theoricians,' and such a one were very fit. In the army some will be found not altogether void of practice. There is Edward Hamnun, in London, sometimes belonging to my lord of Oxford, who is not ignorant in architecture, and might serve to good purpose. Of workers your army will find enough, so that the chiefest want shall be of tools, unless your Honour increase the number to as many again as were set down at my lord Admiral's, especially of spades, whereof, so far as I remember, there was only 3,000 agreed on. For your army, I left you disposed to make it as strong as you could, which no doubt would be of a large proportion, if shipping could be provided. I have cast out some speeches to divers of the chief men here, whereof they might know that a profer of so many ships as would receive 3,000 men at this time should be very acceptable; which I think might be compassed if the States were earnestly written unto in that behalf. The exceeding great desire I have of your honour and prosperity thrusteth me so far that, unless it pleaseth you to believe the best, it shall seem 'for like' presumption, but the assurance I have of your good conceit maketh me be thus plain, and shall work ever so in me that, all other respects set aside, I shall look only how I may do you best service.—Hague, 7 March.
Endorsed :—1595.
Holograph. Seal cut out. 4 pp. (30. 109.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 8. As it hath pleased Her Majesty from the beginning to acquaint you with our journey, so I must, both in my lord Admiral's name and mine own, entreat you to expedite those things that are to pass through your hands, for so you shall both advance Her Majesty's service greatly and pleasure us two, who, by want of despatch, may be ruined in our estates. At this present you have three letters which are to be signed by Her Majesty. I pray you offer them and let Her Majesty know I stay Captain Deryf to carry them. The wind is now good, and at this time of the year uncertain, and Sir Francis Vere hath sent me word that he will hold his day, and therefore if the 700 men which are to come out of the Zutphen shall be come down to Flushing before the Governors send their numbers, we must give them board wages all the while that they stay for their fellows, which you will not think our exhausted purses are fit to do. I have said enough to make it appear that my motion imports Her Majesty's service.—8 March.
Endorsed :—1595.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (30. 111.)
John [Coldwell,] Bishop of Salisbury, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 8. The Chancellorship of the Garter, belonging to the Bishop of Salisbury by the charter of Edward IV., as you may see by the enclosed, though ignorantly penned, was possessed by all my predecessors, till of late, sede vacante, the execution thereof was passed by Her Majesty to Sir John Wolley. He, I understand, is now dead, and thereby the disposition of discharging that office, as I suppose, returneth unto me. And therefore, desirous that you shall take both the exercise and profit of that Chancellorship, as Sir Francis Walsingham and Sir John Wolley have done before you, I am to pray you to accept my good will, in 'namening' you unto it, and to afford your help to compass the same; and what you please shall be that further I shall do for perfecting of it, upon knowledge of your mind, I will see performed. My lord of Pembroke urgeth me much, otherwise than the lieutenants of Berkshire, being in my diocese, do, to cause the poor ministers to entertain men at their own charges to wear their armour, which neither have men nor money to accomplish it, and besides, they can get none that will serve, if needs require, without a press as on other subjects is ordinarily laid. In regard whereof, and the rather for that your letters do require that the names of the soldiers should be enrolled, and so certified unto you, I humbly beseech you to be a means to the rest of the lords of the Council that their warrant may come forth to press fit men, as for the rest of Her Majesty's subjects is accustomably used; otherwise they must be driven to wear their own armour and be mustered in it, which I think you will judge inconvenient, and so much the sooner, for that if either the ministers themselves shall go into the field, or our own men, which keep but few, we may look to be subject to the rapine and spoil of such idle and lewd people as are left at home.—From my house in Sarum, this 8th of March 1595.
Signed : Jo. Sarum.
Holograph. 1 p. (30. 113.)
Encloses :—
The Order of the Garter.
Copy of the Charter, dated 1 Oct. 5. Edward I., establishing the office of Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, and vesting it in Richard Beauchamp and his successors, Bishops of Salisbury, by reason that the chapel of St. George, in Windsor Castle, is within that diocese, the appointment to be without prejudice of the rights of the Bishop of Winchester under the statutes of the Order.
(30. 112.)
Sir Robert Cecil to Lord Willoughby D'eresby.
1595/6, March 8. The Queen has imparted me a letter of your lordship, wherein you take notice of hers, which I drew by her commandment, and shew your dutiful purpose to return with all speed to her presence, for whose service you write you will haste as fast at the eagle to the sun, or some such other speech, which doth well please her as an argument of your heart's affection. I can assure you it is graciously interpreted, and I am commanded expressly to let you know so much from herself at this time, and therewithal to add this much, that although she shall ever be most glad to see you, yet, because the glorious figures of pretended invasions to her kingdom are now so much abated, and she knoweth that if you take your journey in the time you write, it will cross your opportunity of receiving good by the baths, she will in no wise have you needlessly anticipate your former prefixed time, whereby you may return hereafter with a well confirmed health, which shall best please Her Majesty, and render the rest of your life to yourself most comfortable [and] to Her Majesty and to your country serviceable, as heretofore it hath been by many honourable demonstrations.—From the Court, 8 March, 1595.
Endorsed :—“Copy of my master's letters to the Lord Willoughby of Eresby.”
Signed. 1 p. (30. 114.)
Matteo de Terenzio to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, March 8/18. By command of his master, the Grand Duke, forwards to him by this ship the Suelta, Captain Ant. Seuard, of London, a case containing certain robes, as appears by bill of lading enclosed. Begs to be notified of its arrival.—Livorno, 18 March, 1596. Signs as “Sottoprorecevitore” of Livorno.
Italian. 1 p. (38. 107.)
Thomas Ferrers, H.M. Agent at Stoade, to Lord Burghley.
1595/6, March 9. My last was of the 15 February. The Right Honourable Thomas Arundell was created Earl by the Emperor, as since my last I have understood, and doth write himself to be of Her Majesty's consanguinity. Robert Smith is still about the Duke of Brunswick's court. In my last I did crave your favour for Her Majesty's allowance for my journey into Denmark, and that I might have the 50l. sterling repaid me that I long since disbursed to Robert Smith.
I have according to your advice followed the advice of Sir Thomas Wilkes and have dealt in private with P. that he would receive the three glass bodies, and re-deliver me Her Majesty's signature, but by no means could induce him thereunto. Then according to my commission I made protest against him in the presence of the chief magistrate of this town, by two notaries, a counsellor and four witnesses, the same two Englishmen that were unto his protest, the other were both chief men of this town. I made tender of the glass bodies in the presence aforenamed, willing him to see and view them all if they were not sealed with his seal, and so as he delivered them in England, who answered 'Yea,' and that he could not perceive the contrary. Then I pretended to deliver the glass bodies to R. P. and demanded Her Majesty's note of signature, which he had; his answer was that he would not receive them, neither might deliver Her Majesty's signature. Upon which I made protest as afore, and then at that instant, I was counselled not to retain the glass bodies by me after protest, but as he had refused them, so must I do the like for Her Majesty. Then the said box was sealed by me and the four witnesses, and is in the custody of the Senate of this town. The protest being large, and three to be made, two in Dutch and one in Latin, the same are not yet ready, but by the next, I will send two, one in Latin and one in Dutch; the third I do mean to retain by me. Herewith I send a letter which I received at the hands of one Francis Tusser, gentleman, belonging to Her Majesty, as he saith; he willed me to advertise you when Joachim Showmaker's ship of Hamburg doth depart for England.—Stod, this 9th March, 1595.
Signed :—Tho. Ferrers, Her Majesty's agent here.
Endorsed :—“Protests against Peterson, etc.”
Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (30. 116.)
Sir Francis Vere to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, March 9. I have now received a full grant from the States of that I demanded, only excepted that in lieu of the 500 men I was to have charge of [as] my own regiment, they have allotted so many companies, which I stood not much against, for that it shall no way turn to the prejudice of this service, and may stead them, in that they keep those companies remain in good strength. Now it resteth that your lordship send order for the shipping and victualling of the men, as also whether you desire the time of shipping them shall be deferred, which, if you find the rest of your troop cannot be in readiness according as you had hoped, it shall be good to signify in time for the avoiding of the charge. You were pleased at my being with you to acquaint me with a purpose you had to draw Her Majesty, the French King and the States into a firm league. I have, as occasion hath been offered, felt the disposition both of the chief men here and M. de Busenvall, and find on all sides a great inclination thereunto. It falleth out very fit in this time of your action, and if you would so think of it, there might some overture be made of seconding your action by the three States. In case that you can possess yourself of some good plan, these men I do gather will not be backward in the matter, and Mr. Bodley and I have thought it good to use some means that those who shall go hence into England upon the conclusion of his negotiation, shall have charge to hearken after your action. There is no so ready way in the world to terrify and ruin the great adversary, whose constancy in the following of his ambitious purpose may assure these States that they cannot be safe without his overthrow.
At my being in England I found Her Majesty much troubled with the opinion she had conceived of Sancy his coming hither, out of which she would not be put, though I signified by the report of M. de Busenvall, that he was first to repair unto Her Majesty. Whereupon, at my return hither, I took occasion to talk with M. Busenvall of the same matter, and handled it so that he delivered me a letter of M. de Sancy in answer of some others of his, by the which it appeareth that both Busenvall dissuaded and he approved that there was no coming hither but by the way of England. Which letter, in regard that the Lord Treasurer had some speech with me about the same matter, I have sent unto him, and signified that M. de Busenvall desireth that the same may only be imported to Her Majesty and both your lordships, and so sent back again. For his purpose is to give Her Majesty satisfaction of his preceedings in this and to work an opinion in her that he is mindful of the good he received whilst he was in England and that he will continue, whilst he shall be in place of service, to do those best offices he can think of for holding his master in good terms with Her Majesty. He is very careful to have it kept secret, in so much that I was fain to promise him not to acquaint any man living with the same but your lordships, which I shall keep, and should be loth that he should find the same divulged any way to his prejudice.
The enemy marcheth towards Luxemburg, as it is thought to besiege Ehdan, for good store of artillery and other provisions for a siege are taken out of Namur and shipped. His Excellency is minded, so soon as they are engaged, to take something in hand, which he telleth me shall be the besieging of the Sass, a place of very great importance for the annoying of Ghent and those parts of Flanders, so that the French King not being idle and your lordship's action afoot, a man may boldly say there are wars on all sides. When I have given order for all things to be done here concerning the despatching of these soldiers, if it may stand with your liking, I shall appoint one to take charge of them to Plymouth, and repair myself to attend you, wherein I shall expect your further directions.—Hague, 9 March, 1595.
P.S. I have sent a copy of Sancy his letter, though I assure myself the original will not be long out of your hands.
Holograph. 3½ pp. (30. 117.)
The Enclosure :—
M. Sancy to M. Busanval.
1596, Feb. 10.—J'ai aujourdhuy receu en ceste ville les deux lettres qu'il vous a pleu m'escrire, l'une du 27 de Decembre, l'autre du 27 de Januair, suivant lesquelles je suis d'advis de differer le voyage que le Roy ha resolu me faire fayre jusques a ve que nous ayouns advis d'Angleterre que j'y puisse servir de quelque chose. Mais il est bien certayn que sy nous faillons a ceste conjonction a nous bien unyr, nostre ennemy en prendra ung grand advantage. Vray est que je n'y puis rien proposer davantage que ce que j'ay veu par la proposition que vous leur ares faite. Mais je craings, pendant les longueurs d' Angleterre, une mauvais heure ne nous emperte en ce Conseil ou vous scaves que l'on impute aux Huegenetts tout le trouble et mal du Royaume. Je suis venu ici pour faire de l'argent. J'ay envoyé le payement d'un moys nostre armée, et donné ordre qu'il ensuvvra encores cinc ou syx, entre cy, et que cela soyt dépendu, nous en trouverons d'autres, Dieu eydant. Car il n'y a que la pauverté du Roi qui esleu ceulx qui conseillent une payx douteuse, plus tost, que de patyr les yncommodites qui leur deplaisent et auxquelles ils ne soni nourris. Je desire que vous veniez par deça, pour entendre de vous plus amplement l'estat des affayres pardela, et ce que sy peult projecter.—De Paris, 10 Februayr, 1596.
Addressed : A Monsieur, Monsieur de Busanvall, gentilhomme de la Chambre du Roy et Ambassadeur pour Sa Majesté aux Pays Bas.
Copy in Vere's hand. 1 p. (30. 58.)
[Tobias Matthew,] Bishop of Durham, and the Justices of the Bishopric to Lord Burghley.
1595/6, March 9. Praying him to be a mean that the county of Durham may be eased of the charge of ten horsemen, laid upon them by the Council of York, as part of a levy of 80 light horsemen directed by Her Majesty's letters to be raised in the county of York and port of Durham to be employed for defence of the Middle Marches in the winter season, the rather for that no such horsemen have ever been sent out of that country for service on the Borders, and partly for that the inhabitants of the Shire have been contented to yield to the great charge of 400 calivers and 400 corslets, amounting to no small sum, which the late lord Lieutenant did promise should be an ease otherwise unto them, which is a sufficient burden to them, being by their tenures and customs bound to serve out their own charges on the Borders for a number of days, how often so ever that kind of service shall be required by sufficient authority. They hope these allegations may suffice, especially since the winter season is now almost expired, or will be, before these horsemen with their furniture can be levied; neither do they doubt that the Lord Warden, having honourably discharged that place in the more dangerous time of the year by past, shall be sufficiently guarded for the defence of the rest by the 70 horsemen already appointed out of Yorkshire, which shire as it is very large is very able to perform that proportion, and no way tied to any such customary service on the Borders as they are.—Bishop Auckland, 9 March 1595. Signed, Tobie Duresme, Wyllyam Hylltonn, John Conyers, Tho. Hylton, H. Anderson, Geor. Grevile, Ry. Belassis, Anthony Hutton, Robert Bowes, Jo. Hedworthe, Robt. Swift, Geo. Lightfoote, Clement Colmore.
Episcopal Seal. 1 p. (30. 119.)
Dr. Christopher Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 10. I send you enclosed the letter you willed me to write, with the English, remembering assuredly that such things extraordinarily performed cannot easily be so perfect as when taken in hand ex officio. And that all things may the better consequently be handled, such Latin letters as were in Sir J. W.'s custody would not be neglected, but rather be committed to some fit man who is like to look them over, that he may be the readier for all occasions. And if, as is said, it usually pleaseth her Majesty to bestow such vacant offices rather to such as have long laboured in the same than to interlopers, I thought good to remember my labour passed herein.
I thank you that you have designed Carlisle for my enabling to her Majesty's service, doubting nothing but that you mean it without disguising intentions, as I intend loyally to deserve the same. I have done my duty to Lord Buckhurst, who with his courteous entertainment hath bound me to farther thankfulness.—At your house in London, 10 March, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. 2/3 p. (31. 1.)
The Council of the North to Lord Burghley.
1595/6, March 10. Your letters of the 4th and 6th of this month to me the Archbishop of York came to my hands the 9th inst. for answer whereof, as to the renewing of the Ecclesiastical Commission, I have now written my private letters to your lordship; and touching the commission of Oyer and Terminer for the north parts, it was renewed last term and doth extend as well to Northumberland as the rest of the counties and cities within the usual commission for this Council in the North, and is a sufficient commission to any four, whereof two to be of the quorum, to hold any gaol delivery within the counties, cities and towns in the same.
Lord Eure hath lately signified to her Majesty's Council at York that it is convenient to have a gaol delivery for Northumberland, and desired some of this Council to be present with him in that service, and [been] desirous to know a fit time at our leisure (as hath been heretofore used by any Lord Wardens when they have had the like occasion). We have agreed to hold it at Hexham on Monday the sixth week of Lent, immediately after the sitting and assizes here ended; and two of this Council will at that time attend his lordship to perform the same.
The corpse of our late good lord the Earl of Huntingdon immediately after his death, by direction of the Council, was embowelled, embalmed, and closed in “seere” cloth and lead, and so hath remained in his lordship's bedchamber (where he died), attended on every night with four of his servants by turn, without hearse or any other funeral rites; although Mr. Weston, whom the Countess of Huntingdon sent hither, was earnestly called of by us to furnish the chamber and coffin somewhat answerable to his lordship's degree, which was all that could be done by this Council because we still expected her ladyship would then immediately give special order for performance of some further duties about the corpse whilst it remained unburied. For we were moved to think her ladyship would have taken the administration, because she did at first send her officers hither, and wrote to us to have inventories taken of all his goods within this province and a valuation of the same, which was performed accordingly; so as we had no cause to think the contrary till February 18 last, when she signified the refusal of the administration. For the place of burial we know nothing of any desire his lordship had to be buried here or elsewhere, but that the Countess hath signified that his desire once was to be buried at York if he should die there. As to the value of his lordship's goods, an inventory and valuation was thereof made in January last, according as your lordship and the Countess did by letters dated January 15 direct, and the inventory Mr. Weston did then send up to her ladyship, and did not leave any copy with us. Yet by such original notes as Mr. Blackoller, the steward of his lordship's house, took at the inventorying thereof in these parts, the note of his lordship's armour at Newcastle and at Hull, we have sent you a near estimation of the value of all the goods within this province, containing what is spent thereof in necessary victuals, what remaineth here praised and in whose custody, and what unpraised, and what her ladyship had from hence. The goods which remain at York are in custody of the servants and officers that heretofore had the charge of the same, such only excepted as by her ladyship's direction have been removed, whereof there is a perfect note to charge them with the same. There was sent up to the Countess in Christmas last certain caskets and desks, four thereof your lordship, by letters of December 21 to me the Archbishop, did require to be sent to her ladyship. Such money, plate, jewels, and other goods of the Earl's as have been carried up to her ladyship doth appear by the brief herewith sent and by the confession of Mathew Harvey, a groom in his lordship's chamber at the time of his death, by whose examination enclosed doth appear what he delivered to her ladyship.
There are no grounds in Sheriff Hutton (which his lordship and former Lord Presidents had) but the park, for herbage, whereof they have yielded her Majesty about 8l. rent, and the use of the house for their remove; in which park, besides her Majesty's game, his lordship's geldings, mares, and colts yet remain. The keeping of the park, with the usual fees and allowances, his lordship hath long committed to the bearer, Mr. Richard Pollard, who in these parts hath done very special service to her Majesty and his lordship; and he presuming upon letters we wrote to you before Christmas in his behalf, hath still taken upon him the keepership, until your pleasure be further known. In respect he hath adventured his life often in apprehending seminaries and other disloyal subjects, and been vigilant to preserve the game and apprehend offenders, if it stand with your good pleasure to continue him in the keepership until her Majesty place a Lord President, we think he will do her Highness very good service, and be the meeter for it in respect his lordship obtained for him a patent of the constableship of the castle and stewardship of the manor of Sheriff Hutton.
At the time of the Earl's death there attended on his lordship many ancient and poor servants, to the number of 75 or thereabouts, all as yet having their wages unpaid, which they expecting daily, upon an administration they thought would be taken by her ladyship, have the rather attended, without seeking to provide for themselves. Your direction touching their departure shall presently be made known unto them. Nevertheless, for that many of them have charge of the goods in their several offices, which none here as yet hath authority to discharge them of, and most of them poor and unprovided, and now in the sitting time and whilst the corpse is here more attendance in the house needful, we refer it to your consideration whether it were not good to give them time to provide themselves by the Annunciation now at hand, being the quarterday; at which time it will be very fit for her Majesty's Receiver to begin such proportion as her Highness shall think meet for this Council during the vacancy of a President; praying you to remember her Highness how needful the presence of a Lord President is in these north parts. And whereas it hath pleased her Majesty by her instructions dated February 26, to give direction for the placing of a steward of the houses hold for the diet of this Council, we are moved to remember you that we think sundry other officers will be necessary to be continued for the ordering and attendance of the same house and diet, which must have meat, drink, and wages for their service; besides a necessary portion of the Earl's furniture for the hall, dining chamber and council chamber, to be taken, as they be praised, for the use of the house, which the steward saith Mr. Weston did praise, although he told him they were her Majesty's and in her Highness's house when his lordship came thither.—At York, this 10th of March, 1595.
P.S.—We have enclosed a roll of the household at this present.
Signed by five of the Council. 3 pp. (31. 2.)
Matthew Hutton, Archbishop of York, to Lord Burghley.
1595/6, March 10. Immediately upon the death of the Lord President, you wrote to me it was her Majesty's pleasure that the administration of his goods should be granted to none but the Countess of Huntingdon, and that certain caskets and cabinets should be presently sent unto her, which was done. And since, I understand that his collar of SS., his George, his Garter, and certain moneys were conveyed in the caskets. And now I am most sorry that, my lady refusing to take administration, so noble a man and so worthy a governor should be forsaken of friends, of brethren and of wife, whom he so tenderly loved; it giveth an occasion to the Papists to speak many things. The Commission came hither in good time and is continued now till this tenth day, and, we hope, shall continue to the end, to the benefit and content of Her Majesty's dutiful subjects. All other things contained in your two other letters of the 4th and 6th inst. are answered in our common letter of this instant. I heartily thank you for your favour in the furtherance of the Ecclesiastical Commission.—From York, 10 March 1593.
P.S.—It were not amiss in mine opinion that the corpse were carried unto Ashbie, where is a vault prepared for that house. As to his desire to be buried here nobody knoweth anything in this country.
Signed and postscript by the Archbishop. 1 p. (31. 4.)
François le Fort to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March ½ 1/1. Sending the letters written by Monsieur de la Noue and the deputies of the churches of France to the King, with the placat of the King of Spain, and a little discourse which has been made to the Low Countries, although he thinks that Cecil will have seen this. If so, begs that he will return it by this bearer.
Begs that he will have remembrance of the expedition of La Fere, that the bonds in the hands of Maistre Carmardin may be had by them, and that Cecil will be pleased to give the necessary orders to Maiître Stalin.—A Loydres, le 21 jour de Mars, 1596.
French. ½ p. (39. 35.)
Thomas Smith, Clerk of the Council, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 12. I presumed of late to move a suit to your father for a wardship of small value, fallen of late in Wiltshire by the decease of one Mr. Bodenham. A friend of mine hath signified to me in private that I am not unlike to find good success. If so, I am exceedingly bound to his lordship, so much the more because his goodness doth prevent my service; if not, I shall esteem it a great favour that he pardon my boldness. Be pleased to take knowledge of it to his lordship that if it be like to succeed, it may prosper the better by your good word.—At the Court this 12 of March.
Endorsed :—1595.
Holograph. 1 p. (31. 5.)
Sir William Hatton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 12. Relative to a lease he held of the Savoy, which being almost expired he was desirous to renew, unless Cecil should deal in it for himself.—Ely place, 12 March, 1595.
Holograph. 1 p. (31. 6.)
Sir Henry Cocke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 12. Upon a felony committed by one Robert Cordle, of Cheshunt, in stealing an ox of Mr. Knighton's, which he confessed unto me, I did commit him unto gaol, where at our last assizes he was very strangely acquitted; and hearing he was suspected to be an actor or counseller in the killing of a white buck of your father's, I did very straightly examine him thereof, which he very earnestly denied. Yet he did confess that with a greyhound (of late sent to Mr. Billett) he had killed two or three deer in Enfield Chace, and at the fall of one of them two of the keeper's men came unto him, but upon his earnest entreaty let him go with the deer and greyhound. Although he was acquitted of the felony (which was very greatly misliked of by the Judge) I was a mean for his stay in gaol until your pleasure were known. He is a notorious lewd fellow, long given to very bad courses. He weareth Lord Mordant's livery and is (as he saith) his collier; but he never cometh over to Cheshunt, where he is too often, but there is great disorder committed by him and his companions. He confessed also that once he pitched a haye in your father's park at Theobalds for taking conies, and took a tegge which they killed and carried away.—From Broxborne, 12 March, 1595.
Signed. 1 p. (31. 7.)
Thomas Brereton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 12. Being employed by Sir Thomas Hennage, not long before he died, in some service for her Majesty, and by his death deprived of sufficient warrant for my proceedings in that course, I have thought best to present my duty to you. If you command me I shall hold myself happy in your service and will be found faithful in my duty.
Endorsed :—“12 March, 1595.”
Holograph. ½ p. (31. 8.)
Sir Richard Berkeley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 12. Intended to have been at Court at the time he signified to Cecil, but his wife fell very sick, which has been the cause of his stay. Means to set forward toward London next week.—At Stoke, 12 March.
Endorsed :—“12 March, 1595.”
Signed. ½ p. (31. 9.)
Foulke Greville to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 12. It was this honourable man's pleasure to promise to move your father to take some course with me less than the extremity of law, to which effect his will was I should write him this letter whereof I send you the copy, beseeching you to acquaint your father with it, in whose justice I am confident and at whose hands I presume to ask nothing that he shall think unreasonable. I should have died in my own debt if I had not made proof of Sir John Fortescue's goodness, for I have already tasted of his power, and if the way in the nature of man be as easy to do good as to do harm, he hath promised enough. We poor men do worship and believe in you; good sir, take a little more [care?] of me that at least my lord may understand me right, and that I may know how the other great man manages his word.—From Lambethe, this Friday.
Endorsed :—12 March, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (171. 111.)
The Earl of Oxford to Lord Burghley.
1595/6, March 14. Understands that in his late notes sent to Burghley concerning the pre-emption of tin, are some points whereof he would be satisfied; is ignorant what they are unless his lordship notify them to him. Has received a most favourable message from him, and prays him to continue to further his suit to her Majesty, who although of herself she has oftentimes good motions and dispositions to do him good, yet for want of such a friend as Burghley to settle her inclination to a full effect, he perceives all his hopes wither. By his proferred help will hereafter expect a more fruitful harvest of his long labour.—14 March 1595.
Holograph. Seal. ¾ p. (31. 11.)
The Governor of Bayonne to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, before March 15. The Queen honoured the late Chasteau-martin with a commission tending to two objects; the principal one to keep an eye on the designs of the Spaniard and give advice thereof, in consideration of which he had a yearly pension of 1,200 crowns payable quarterly; the other to assist the English merchants trading in that town and at St. John de Luz, to take in hand their wrongs and their cause when need arose, and, generally, to forward all that concerned them. For doing this the said merchants consenting to it gave him also one per cent. on all wares and merchandise arriving at those places, where he was their consul; and truly a person faithful to the service of the Queen and well affectioned to her subjects, would be very useful there. For both objects the Queen should find some honest man worthy of the charge. Knows such a man, a principal inhabitant, a man of honour, of friends, and of credit, who has served the [French] Kings twenty five years under the governors, as he does under himself now, in everything concerning his Majesty's service, deputed in many important negotiations, who has many intelligences and from whom the English merchants trading there during the last twelve years have received much courtesy in their affairs. If the Queen will make use of him for her service and comfort of her subjects, will answer for his fidelity and capacity, and she will never regret the entertainment given him, for he has more means of giving the Queen intelligences in one year, and more reliable, of what passes in Spain than Chasteaumartin ever had; besides which he can do more in the particular interests of the merchants than any one in the country. His name is Martin Peyrae. Prays him to obtain the said commission in his favour. Has mentioned it to the Ambassador of France.
Endorsed :—“Received 15 March 1595.”
Signed. French. 1¼ pp. (31. 14.)
The Lord Keeper to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595/6, March 15. Has returned his paper with hearty thanks. The time was too unseasonable for the other matters.—“Yours as you know, J. C.”
Endorsed :—“15 March 1595. L. Keeper to my master.” (31. 12.)
Thomas Ferrers, deputy governor of the Merchant Adventurers at Stade, to Lord Burghley.
1595/6, March 15. My last was dated the 9th present overland, to be delivered to you by my friend Mr. William Cockayne, jun., partly to the effect of my former, dated 25 February, sent by Mr. Wm. Masham. In my last I advertised that Robert Smith was about the Duke of Brunswick's court, and I understand he is there yet, and although I have written him many letters to come hither, I having letters for him, and that I am enjoined to confer with him touching her Majesty's affairs, I cannot get him hither. Even this day I send him another letter to that effect. Also, I certified that I have, according to your order, followed the advice of Sir Thomas Wilkes and have dealt in private with Roloff Peterson for the receiving of the three glass bodies which I had in my hands, and that he would re-deliver her Majesty's signature which he had unto me, but by no means could induce him thereunto, he answering that he had her Majesty's hand to pay unto him 500l. if the glass bodies were not delivered here in Stod at the end of the six months; which he demanded but then they were not here. So I, perceiving that I could not prevail, was driven to make protest against him according to my commission, which was done before the chief magistrate of this town, a counsellor at law, two public notaries, and four witnesses, the two Englishmen that were unto his protest, the others two chief men of this town. I in their presence did make offer and tender of the said 3 glass bodies, willing him to see if the same were sealed with his own seal as at his delivery of them in England. Who then answered he could not perceive the contrary. Then I demanded, presenting the said glass bodies unto him, whether he would receive them and re-deliver unto me for her Majesty's signature which he had. He in presence as afore denied to do the same, and so I went forward with my protest against the forenamed Rolof Peterson in the name of her Majesty and myself. And because he had refused to receive the said glass bodies by protest, so was I counselled not to keep the same, but must do the like, which I did; I having myself even then packed them did set my seal upon them and the four witnesses did the like. Then the case or box so sealed was delivered to the chief borough master to be kept by the Senate of this town until further order were taken for the same.
In my last I sent a letter directed to you which I received from one Francis Tuser, as he saith, belonging to her Majesty. He willed me to learn when Joachim Showmaker ship of Hamburgh, did go for England and to advertise you. As yet I cannot learn of his departure. I do now send two protests, the one in Latin, the other in Dutch. Petterson doth take time to bethink himself what course he will take in this matter. At the protest making against Petterson he did use all humble duty towards her Majesty and seemed very loth to give offence, but doth retain his right as he thinks. He was minded to go into England, but what he will do I know not. It may please you that I may know her Majesty's pleasure for the answering of the honourable Henrick Ransome, for he will shortly look for the same. With one of these two ships doth depart a young man professing to be a scholar, apparelled all in black, naming himself Wm. Widoson. He saith he came out of England about Michaelmas last; I fear he is of some ill condition. I will cause him to be sent in [charge of] Robert Duck or Ric. Morecke, the two masters of the ships which now depart.—Stod, 15 March, 1595.
Endorsed :—“To have answer of the motion made by H. Ransowe to lend her Majesty 20,000 dollars.”
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (31. 15.)
M. de Montmartin to the Earl of Essex.
1595/6, March 15/25. Thanks him for his letter, and offers his service. The extreme sickness of M. de Humpton (Sir H. Unton) is a matter of much regret to all the well disposed at the Court; the King went to see him yesterday. The enemy threaten to succour la Fere; the King will receive them and if they make the attempt they will retreat in disgrace and confusion.—The Camp before la Fere, 25 March 1596.
Endorsed :—“25 Mars, 1595, vieux stile.”
French. Holograph. 1 p. (31. 46.)