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Sir John Davis to the Earl Marshal [Essex]. |
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1598, Nov. 16. |
Begs to be appointed to some place, unspecified. Refers to his services to her Majesty—“as in France with your noble brother when this was King of Navarre : in the Portingal journey : almost four years in the Low Countries : at Cales : and at the Islands.” By giving him this place Essex shall make Reynolds [Essex's secretary] a contented satisfaction for some part of his honest services towards himself. |
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Encloses “some short collections of my former studies in artillery, wherein, if I had but that practice as this place doth of necessity draw a man unto, I would not doubt but in short time to discover the true effect of artillery more sufficiently than hitherto hath been by any of our nation.”—16 Nov., 1598. |
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Holograph. |
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1 p. (65. 72.) |
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The Enclosure :— |
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On the perfection of Artillery. |
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The paper deals principally with the following points : the true mixture of metals; the proportionate thickness; and the convenient length. For the mixture, for every 100 weight of brass, 5 of latten and 20 of tin are recommended. For the proportion : “For every pound weight of the bullet from falconet to colverine, to allow at the least 260 in metal, or rather 300 from colverine to cannon 205, and from cannon of 16 to 120 for every pound of the bullet to allow 120 in metal.” The proportions are given for the different parts of the piece. To all artillery so metalled may safely be given of good corn powder the weight of the iron bullet. Now they make their ladles less by a quarter of a bullet than they ought, and yet are fain for fear of breaking their ordnance to use weak serpentine powder, yet drive the bullet not above two thirds of the way, as was shown by their continual shooting short at Cales. As to length, formerly 18 or 20 bullets long was held convenient, but now, especially by the Venetians, and those other princes of Italy which spare no cost to discover the wonderful effects of artillery, they are increased to 30 bullets long and to 36, and lately, by
the invention of Giulio Savorgnano; to 40. Opinions of various Italian writers quoted. Table appended of the necessary appurtenants to divers pieces of artillery of the modern assize. |
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3 pp. (65. 70.) |
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Peter Proby to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 16. |
Details his proceedings in the matter of Kirkham's lease, in which her Majesty appointed him her solicitor. Finds that her Majesty is deceived of this lease. Gives particulars as to certain warrants which the Lord Treasurer [Burghley] was stated to have issued, but which Burghley denied. The report of Mr. Tyndall, and the last order, troubles them much, and many plots have since been made. It is deposed that “he” [apparently referring to Kirkham] practised forgery in his youth, and therefore like to have counterfeited all warrants of this lease, as the fee farm he did.—16 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 73.) |
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Ro. Milner to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 17. |
Acknowledges his favours. Complains of some who unjustly detain in their hands all he has in the world. Prays Cecil to continue him in his favour and countenance, which will happily prevent the practice of such as now mean by wronging and fraud utterly to undo him.—Nov. 17, 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 74.) |
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Sir George Devereux to the Earl Marshal [Essex]. |
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1598, Nov. 17. |
Is bound for the appearance of Thomas Fitz-Herbert. The Lords granted him an order for the latter to be brought before them, but he has fled. Prays that the Lords would grant a warrant for his apprehension. Asks for employment at sea, or otherwise. Hears that there are 3,000 men now to be employed for Ireland, and would like to have one of the regiments, or else will seek employment abroad, for at home he will not live discontented as he does. Prays Essex to send one of his followers to him, that he may impart to him “that I will not to tell-tale paper.”—Westminster, 17 Nov. |
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“Your Lordship's uncle to command.” |
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Holograph. Endorsed : 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 75.) |
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Mary, Lady Clifford to the Earl of Essex. |
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1598, Nov. 18. |
Protests Mr. Clifford's dutiful love and respect to Essex. Presumes Essex will never hold him so base “as to be a neuter, or to offer by letter or conference to any man living
to have gotten a kingdom, but to your Lordship.” Essex's indignation has been as grievous as possible flesh and blood may bear. She is sent by Clifford to deliver to Essex as much as his affairs imports : first, his letter to the Queen, and his letters to Essex and to the Council, which he willed her to acquaint Essex with, and to be commanded by him for the delivery of them.—18 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 76.) |
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Sir Francis Vere and George Gilpin to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 18. |
What hath been done in her Majesty's business after the sending away of what we had propounded unto the States, and their answer by word at that time given, was touched to you of late in a private letter from me, Gilpin. Since, having insisted to hasten their resolution, they sent unto us the Griffier Aertsens with a project of such an obligation as they had agreed upon, and meant to make, to the end we should peruse the same and deliver our opinion and liking, which being by us read and examined, and finding that therein were left out not only the words of heirs and successors, but also certain other specified in the copy of the K. of Castile's by your Honour sent us, mentioning of his subjects and their goods, which in law are obligatory, we took occasion to put in and set down such as we thought fit and needful, and so returned the project to their Griffier, who (as we perceived) having communicated it unto some of the deputies, came again the next morning, being the 11th of this present, moving the difficulties found both in respect of the heirs and successors, as about the other words, especially chascun insolidum, to which we answered that our charge contained no other than to demand and receive a sufficient bond according to the copy of the K. of Castile's, mutatis mutandis. Wherein, for that the subjects and their goods were mentioned, it was consequently to be understood that the words chascun insolidum were to be inferred thereby, and therefore had joined them as in the correction appeared. Also that in the several treaties there were articles which mentioned plainly of the heirs and successors, requiring him to make such report to the States as might move them to resolve without further exception or delay. And to remember him thereof, and that we might know what likelihood of the despatch, we did on the 13th write to him, and were answered that he had made the States acquainted with our desires, but did not find matters yet so prepared but that it would ask some longer time to be considered of, which made us go to some of them in particular to show our reasons and urge a resolution. Since which time the Griffier was again sent to declare that they had perused the obligation, and deliberated upon the words by us added, but for so much as the draft by them made was within the true meaning of the treaty, and the conferences passed at the making thereof, they took the same to be sufficient and such as they might very well stand upon, yet to yield to her Majesty so
much contentment as conveniently they could, and show it by effects, they were contented to admit the words of heirs and successors with the other by us inserted, excepting only the last of chascun insolidum, which he affirmed in their behalfs not to have been or to be used by them upon any occasion in like instruments, and that for sundry reasons, which we knew sufficiently, requesting that we would consider of all, and to let the States understand whether that which by them was offered could by us be accepted, to the end he might then go forward and finish the despatches. Hereupon we went unto Barnefeild, and Vander Wercke (who presently presides) and acquainted them with that the Griffier had told us in the States' name, and what our answer was, by which we persisted taking the words (now excepted against) to be obligatoires et en legitime et due form, which in our judgments the States were to assent unto without refusal, and the sooner to induce them thereunto, alleged such reasons as we found to serve for the purpose, and that we could not neither meant to accept of any other without her Majesty's pleasure further known, and the while would detain the ratification in our hands as was commanded and we had done hitherto. To this both the one and the other brought forth several difficulties, wishing that we would rest satisfied and receive such an obligation as they could and were accustomed to give in like causes, taking it to be very difficult and full of impossibility to procure any other from the States, that it would cost long dispute, not being in the power of their Assembly to be done without communicating of all to the Provinces, which would require three or four months' time, and then yet doubtful what resolution may follow, but very apparent that it will bring questions amongst them, and make those Provinces (that now are slow enough in contributing) grow more backward and careless when they should once know that the other were bound to answer those debts whereof they were and ought to bear their parts, which was to be well considered of, besides other casualties that might fall out in the meantime. Our conclusion was that we desired that the States might understand what we had said, and they having been as deputies from them in England (and such as knew how it imported their State to content her Majesty in so just and reasonable a demand) that both of them would join and hold a good hand, and be means to procure it forthwith at least that we might know their final intent : which they promised to further, and so do we attend now what shall come from them : doubting much (though we could wish that they would yield to our desires, because in our opinions the words chascun insolidum would make all clear and cut off difficulties and contestations which otherwise may hereafter fall out with them about the payments) that more will not be gotten, because the binding of them insolidum is like enough also (as they alleged) to make the least contributing Provinces seek to lie all on the others' necks, and that they of Holland and Zeeland (who say to have done as much as was in them to grant unto all that possibly they could do, for her Majesty's more contentment),
taking themselves too far engaged already, might chance (as we are credibly informed) to grow distasted, if they shall conceive that above all the same and the possessing of two of their chief port towns it should besides be urged to bind them for others, and so make them the more unwilling not only to yield to enter into such bond as is now offered by the States, but also be backward in anything else that upon other occasions might be required of them, being moreover not void of some doubt whether by other devices which often fall out in a time so full of uncertainties, they might not the sooner be drawn to hearken and seek to be eased and freed all they could of that they should deem to be too difficult and burdensome for them to bear, which we leave unto your Honour's grave judgment, having thought it our duties to enlarge of all passed and to what terms by us brought, which we presumed to touch in this sort, and withal to send the enclosed copy of their bond and our addition (which will appear to you by that underlined) beseeching that it may please you to consider the same and certify her Majesty's pleasure, to the end that we may let the States know thereof and bring these matters unto some good end, which we will labour to do, so to take away also their excuses, that they cannot urge the Provinces to the furnishing of the money to satisfy her Majesty at the day appointed, nor yet to procure the establishing of any sure payment of the companies, which are still entertained only by prests, until they have received the said ratification and sent the copies to the several Provinces. All other matters continue in a manner at one stay, and what came last from Doesburgh the enclosed copy will shew.—From the Haeghe, 18 Nov., 1598. |
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Signed. |
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3 pp. (65. 78.) |
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Sir Francis Vere and George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex. |
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1598, Nov. 18. |
As to our dealing here with the States about those business committed to us for her Majesty's service, will wholly refer [to the previous letter] and come to the particular concerning the debt pretended due unto the late deceased Mr. Secretary Walsingham to be answered by the States, which has not been forgotten to be thought upon. We do find, for sundry considerations omitted here, that the best course would be to commence and make the suit for satisfaction in the name and behalf of my Lady Walsingham, as widow of the deceased, and you not to be seen nor to deal at the first further therein, in respect that they have made you acquainted with their estate and repose on your favour, than by your letters to be written both unto the Estates General, his Excellency and the Advocate Barnefeild in particular, most earnestly recommending the same, with desire that in remembrance of the many good offices and favours done unto this State diversely by the said Mr. Secretary, and that his Lady hath now cause to gather in and use of that due unto her, they would the rather also at your instance show her all the courtesy and favour they could by giving such due contentment
as, for the causes afore alleged and other, which themselves can sufficiently consider, shall be found agreeable to reason and worthy of their profession to show thankfulness towards such as deserved so well as the said nobleman has done. And the better to further these business it will be also very necessary that such writings and copies be sent over as may serve for the better instruction of us, to know how the debt groweth, and what or by whom any promise hath been made to answer it, for all will be little enough to move this people to part from any money for such pretended debts as proceed of matters or occasions passed heretofore when all the Provinces were joined, which they here do utterly refuse unto all that claim the like, as not liable thereunto, and loath to yield in any sort for fear of the precedent; those of Holland and Zeeland pretending also to be exempt from the like, for that they were agreed with the other Provinces upon certain conditions, and not to be bound to any such debts, which they still have and do allege, howbeit no endeavour shall be omitted after your pleasure shall be further understood, and the letters with the needful papers sent to us, after the perusing whereof we shall likewise be the abler to certify our opinions of all, and to deal accordingly. The State here continues at one stay, the Admiraute not having done any great matter upon these countries in comparison of that he made show of at the first, contenting himself now with Barcke (which being far off, and the plague extreme there, could not be so conveniently rescued nor defended), and Dewticum, which was but weak and ill provided to withstand such forces as he brought with him. News are now come that he is retired with an intent (as is reported by those that run away from him daily) to break up his camp and place the companies in garrisons in the Cleveland and Munster towns which lie nearest unto these countries, to have them the readier at hand to be drawn together and used upon any exploit or service that he shall intend or go about when the frost comes in, being assuredly looked for that he meaneth to attempt the getting into the Bettew and Valewe, whereby to bring again all those quarters under contribution, especially if he can get or possess any town lying on the rivers. To oppose there against and prevent him, his Excellency will in like sort fill all the frontier towns with soldiers and provide them provisions, fortify the weaker places, and guard the passages, that there will be hard coming over without to adventure on such danger and inconveniences as the enemy is like to run into if he enter too far in a watery soil, and far from any sure and good retreat, whereof in times past the Spaniards have had some trial. In the meantime the Imperial Princes are said to have been met, though little resolved how to redress and hinder the extraordinary proceedings of the Admiraute, inclining more (as it should seem) to tolerate the wrongs and outrages than otherways to help and defend the oppressed people. The States do the whilst also deliberate to procure and provide means against the time to be in readiness both to defend and offend whatsoever the enemy may then go about to conterprise upon them further.—From the Haegh, 18 Nov., 1598. |
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Signed. 2 pp. (65. 80.) |
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Gilbert, Earl of Shrewsbury to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 20. |
Proceedings as to the leases of Pomfret Park, referred by Cecil to the hearing of Mr. Attorney of the Duchy and others. However it may fall out in strictness of law, he will still appeal only to Cecil as an upright Chancellor. His father gave 1,000 marks to Mr. Davison for his lease, and he made so hard a bargain with his brothers for the composition of those leases that he lost by it £6,000 : and hopes there is never a just Chancellor living that can either take them from him, or not grant him new estates therein. It is given out that Edw. Talbot doubts not to procure her Majesty's favour herein : hopes her Majesty will not interpose for such a one as he is, who has neither wit, wealth, nor courage to do her service in any way. His wife sends her heartiest commendations.—Sheffeld Lodge, 20 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 81.) |
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Martin Heton to the Earl of Essex. |
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1598, Nov. 20. |
Prays him to give favourable hearing to the petition of the bearer, George Rives, to whom he has been very much beholden ever since he came into these parts.—Winchester, 20 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 82.) |
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Henry [Robinson], Bishop of Carlisle, to the Earl of Essex. |
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1598, Nov. 20. |
I have been of late informed that my poor tenants, dwelling near unto the borders over against Scotland, are at this present greatly impoverished by the Scots. The principal blame thereof is laid upon themselves, for that they neither keep their watches nor maintain their fences and turnpikes, neither are they furnished with horse and armour, as the custom and order of that place doth require. If it might please you to request Lord Scroope, Lord Warden of those Marches, to lay his commandment upon them for the present redress of this intolerable negligence and disorder, and withal to place over them a man of some sufficiency and worth to be their marshal steward, as heretofore they have had, who may see to their government and be a defence unto them, I do not doubt but that his lordship will willingly further so good a service, and the poor men shall have cause to honour you and pray to God for you.—Queen's College, 20 Nov., 1598. Signed. |
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1 p. (65. 82a.) |
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Samuel Harrison. |
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1598, Nov. 20. |
Warrant ordering the arrest of Samuel Harrison.—Whitehall, 20 Nov., 1598. |
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Draft. ¼ p. (67. 72). |
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Paul de la Hay to Richard Percival. |
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1598, Nov. 20. |
As yet I cannot get a certain note from Mr. Hopton his steward of such lands [as] are holden of him : and as the holidays are at hand, and if I should then be absent hence, I think it would somewhat blemish the credit of this house, unless I hear the contrary from you, [I] will adventure the staying from my master until after the holidays, until which time I pray you make my excuse. Withal persuade my master to stay his granting of dower to the supposed widow Cecil until my coming.—Alterinis, the 20th of November, 1598. |
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P.S.—If any complaint be made to my master against me, desire him to cause them to commit it to writing and by like will I answer. |
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Holograph. Seal. |
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½ p. (178. 6.) |
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Henry Darell to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 21. |
Prays to be allowed to appear before Cecil, and answer the informations against him, and to inform Cecil of the malicious practices that have been contrived against him. Protests his innocence.—21 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 83.) |
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William Becher to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 21. |
Encloses a petition to the Council, which he prays Cecil to further.—21 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 84a.) |
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The Enclosure :— |
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William Becher to the Council. |
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By her Majesty's command I first devised the manner of her Highness' service as it is now performed by Bromley and Babington, and made offer of that profit her Majesty now reaps when they refused to give more than £1,000 per annum, and if the same might have taken effect by Quarles, whom I nominated, with better security than they have given, it had much avoided my controversies with Sir Thomas Sherley, it had readily perfected all the captains' reckonings, and would have been some relief to me. Some let thereof grew by that it was informed, amongst other things wherein I have been wronged, that I altered the patterns worse than they were, that I exacted unreasonable gain of the captains, and dealt ill with the soldiers. To the first I answer that the patterns by me delivered into her Majesty's Wardrobe were much better than those first delivered by Bromley and Babington, and were so made by Sir Thomas Sherley's direction, of purpose thereby to put off Cage and Joells from the business. To the second, the gain I have
made by the captains has turned to my own prejudice by advancing money beforehand, and by Sir Thomas Sherley's slack and disorderly payments, whereby the interest and other charge of the business has eaten away much more than the profit. In the soldiers' apparel I followed the precedent left me by Bromley and Babington, by whom much more gain has been exacted than ever was taken by me, and yet they were not charged with the profit to her Majesty which all my time was allowed. Since it is my hardship that I may receive no relief by the business which by another's default has been my overthrow, I beseech you for leave to take my remedy against Bromley and Babington upon the breach of their covenants with me, or rather that you would enjoin them to perform their own offer : also for leave to find others as able as themselves that shall undertake the service to the Queen's more profit. |
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1 p. (65. 84.) |
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Jo. Harmar to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 21. |
I have already shewed myself sufficiently mindful of that it pleased you formerly to signify unto me her Majesty's pleasure for restraint of farther grant of the parsonage of Andever until her Highness' will were in that behalf determined. Therefore, albeit I have lately received very earnest letters from my Lord Chamberlain, who presseth our covenant, and promise for the renewing of the now tenant's lease, notwithstanding I have returned my answer therein, and excused myself by signifying what commandment was laid before on me by you in her Majesty's name. And so I stand resolved to yield unto nothing in that business until I shall be set at liberty in that behalf by a most special intimation from yourself of her Highness' pleasure.—Winchester College, 21 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 85.) |
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Sir Charles Percy to the [Earl of Essex.] |
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1598, Nov. 21. |
Hearing that your lordship was very likely to make a journey this spring into Ireland, I wrote to you, entreating you to remember me for a regiment, or the leading of your own regiment. It is not unknown unto you how unable I am to go as a voluntary, wherefore I am the more earnest that you would remember me. Withal I would entreat to excuse me if I come not over to be a suitor myself in this, which I forbear both for that it will be an extraordinary charge unto me to tarry so long in England until your going, as also that we have an expectation here that there shall be some forces drawn out from the Low Countries to go your journey, which if it be, I would entreat you to appoint me for the transporting of them.—From the Hague, this 21 of November. |
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1 p. (178. 9.) |
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“M. Bergavenny” to the Earl of Essex. |
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1598, Nov. 22. |
She is glad that he is to hear her cause, but grieved that the time of warning is so short that she cannot either present herself or instruct counsel, as she has in her own custody all the books and papers. Prays for seven days' delay. —Badsell, 22 Nov., 1598. |
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Holograph. Endorsed : “The Lady Vane.” |
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1 p. (65. 86.) |
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Thomas Wright to Anthony Bacon. |
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1598, Nov. 22. |
I have lingered long expecting the names I promised you, and now at last, having received them, I thought good to send them. I am almost as desirous to see my Lord as the Queen of Saba King Solomon. My Lord Mountjoy has sent me word that he will further my suit with my Lord of Essex, because, as he says, my request is most reasonable, viz., to pass into France. But for all these words I must most of all rely upon you, for I fear my misery does not pierce so deeply his heart as it does yours : and for that you have always been acquainted with my proceedings, therefore you may speak by better assurance. And specially for that I offered myself freely not upon constraint, therefore I request to depart freely without restraint. I understand that shortly, viz. the next week, all the priests in London are to be removed to Wisbech, therefore I would request you to deal quickly and effectually that either I may speak with my Lord or depart for France. I have more in my mind than I will write, the which I reserve till I may speak with your worship.—From my labyrinth of misery in Bridwell, 22 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 87.) |
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Thomas Southwell to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 22. |
As it has pleased the Council to employ me for her Majesty's service into Ireland, these are to advertise you of the special regard that the gentlemen of this country have had in the sufficient choice of their men, who are very well furnished in all points. The gentlemen of this town of Foie have especially had a care for the provision of shipping, and chiefly one Mr. Rashlie, whose care was wholly employed therein, giving great and most kind entertainment unto the captains, where we lay during the time of our abode in the town at his own cost. I desire you in our behalfs to be thankful unto him for it.—Foie, 22 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 88.) |
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William Godolphin to the Earl of Essex. |
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[1598,] Nov. 22. |
The general opinion of Essex's determination for Ireland invites him to make petition that Essex will command his attendance by letters to his father, lest a voluntary journey prejudice his interest in the lieutenancy of her Majesty's fort in Scilly, which by the Earl's favour he holds under his father. Might more fitly have delivered this to his ear, but the majesty of his presence causes him to speak in too much fear.—November 22. |
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Holograph. Seal. |
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½ p. (178. 7.) |
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Humphrey Parkes to the Earl of Essex. |
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1598, Nov. 22. |
The 19th of this November there arrived in Falmouth harbour one Vallecote of Bastable [Barnstaple], who saith that being at Bayonne in France, two English gentlemen and a Spanish gentleman, in their attire rich, with their pages attending them, desired passage of him for England, seeming to have some matters of importance to deliver. They lay aboard him one day and night, and so left him. They spake of a general embargo of all shipping, chiefly Flemings, who are all imprisoned in Spain. Also there came with this Vallecote into Falmouth a young man which lived in Castile, a barber, ever since the first embargo, who was now pressed to serve the King, reporting himself to be a Fleming was discharged by the commissioner. |
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P.S.—I do gather further that these English gentlemen were Capt. Duffield and Capt. Bridges, which we left prisoners in the Indies in Sir Francis Drake's voyage.—Falmouth, November 22. |
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1 p. (178. 8.) |
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Thomas Bellott to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 23. |
Having received from the lords and your Honour letters of commission unto the mayor of this town, myself and the rest, for the provision of convenient shipping and victual for the passage of 400 soldiers from hence to the town of Cork, we have accordingly performed that care of our bound duties therein, as, both for the fit vessels and good victuals allowed by your Honours for 14 days after the time of their departure, there will be no cause of objection against us, nor impediment for them, the wind at this time being now come very good, only it blows so exceeding vehement and outrageous as by no means they can budge forth into the road with the shipping without great hazard or peril to all. Touching the particular charge of all things what it amounteth unto, and also of their abode from the 15th of this month, you shall be certified by the mayor and
us forthwith, who purposeth himself to attend your Honour and their lordships for the better discharge of our duties therein.—Mel[combe] Regis, 23 Nov., 1598. |
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[P.S.]—The three ships are now haling forth, and this forenoon will be shipping of the men. |
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1 p. (65. 90.) |
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Captain Thomas Phillips to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 23. |
We came hither the 15th of this present according to your directions and with long wishing for a fair wind, which God has sent this day, but very big, which if had it not been we would have embarked presently, but by God's grace will be in the morning. I have also received my number of men with their furniture, reasonable good men and armed thereafter.—Weymouth, Milcom Regis, 23 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 91.) |
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Lady Ka. Howard to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 23. |
Prays for his furtherance of the suit of Mrs. Bullingham. The suit concerns a lease which Mrs. Bullingham's late husband, the Bishop of Gloucester, in consideration of divers sums which were of her children's portions, made to John Marowe, of a house and land called the Vineyard : which lease is good in law : yet the now Bishop's Register, one Jones, has cunningly and forcibly taken possession.—Undated. |
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Endorsed : “23 Nov., 98. La : Catherine Howard.” |
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1 p. (65. 92). |
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Henry Malbie to the Earl of Essex. |
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1598, Nov. 24. |
Is now an injured prisoner of an unjust spleen of a base and infamous adversary. The bearer will report the particulars. Prays not to be neglected in his distress.—24 Nov., 1598. |
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1 p. (65. 93.) |
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John Spurlyn, Serjeant-at-law, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 24. |
Offers to Cecil the like service he did to his father, to both of whom he must ever acknowledge his rising. Has heard some objections should be made against him : prays that he may know them, and hopes that he shall sufficiently answer them. If any can justly charge him with the receipt of any penny indirectly, let him lose Cecil's favour. Prays leave to wait upon Cecil, to clear himself.—Serjeants Inn, in Chancery Lane, 24 Nov., 1598. Signed. |
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1 p. (65. 94.) |
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The Earl of Nottingham to the Earl of Essex. |
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1598, Nov. 24. |
To the end I might best fit those ships for Ireland to your lordship's best liking and contentment, I sent for Sir Henry Palmer to come to me from Chatham, although he could ill be spared thence at this time, and have conferred with him, and leave it to your lordship's choice to have the Dreadnought or the Antelope to be admiral. But forasmuch as the Foresight is an old ship and has been sore beaten of late in the voyages wherein she was employed, I hold her unfit for those Irish seas, albeit she may well serve for the narrow seas in summer weather. Therefore in her stead I have thought good to commend unto your lordship the Adventure, a strong, new and well-conditioned ship. And whereas the Adventure is of less burden and therefore uses 40 men fewer than the Foresight, your lordship may with those 40 men set out the Popingay, which is in Ireland, and will be as convenient a vessel for that service as any I know of her burden in England. And that your lordship may be resolved that her ordinary and extraordinary charge is borne and defrayed out of this office, Sir Henry Palmer is able to satisfy your lordship, whom I have sent to attend you and to yield you his reasons in these points, and to do as shall best like your lordship.—Detford, 24 Nov., 1598. |
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[P.S.] The Adventure is as well conditioned and as well furnished to make a good fight as the Foresight is. Sir George Carro is able to acquaint you of her, but howsoever you make choice shall please me. If you take the Adventure, the proportion may stand as it doth, and then the fleet will be the Dreadnought, the Adventure, the Charles, the Popingay, the Mone, and the four flyboats, which I mean shall be the best there may be found here. |
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Holograph. Endorsed;—“L. Admiral.” |
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2 pp. (65. 95.) |
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Francis Gofton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 24. |
I have sent here inclosed the certificate of the entertainments of her Majesty's lieutenants general and other officers of armies at several times, which be all the accounts remaining with the Auditors of the Prests. For the account of the service at St. Quyntins, I have no note or knowledge of the same except it be remaining in the Augmentation Court.—24 Nov., 1598. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Auditor Gofton.” |
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1 p. (65. 96.) |
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Sir William Peryam to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 24. |
As to the sheriffs for Monmouthshire. Gives particulars as to the three objected to by the Queen : Mr. Arnalt, and two others unnamed. “The shire being little, there is small choice there to be had, especially of gentlemen well affected in religion, the country being much backward and inclined otherwise.” |
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Encloses names of three others.—Serjeants Inn, 24 Nov., 1598. |
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Signed. Endorsed :—“The Lord Chief Baron.” |
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1 p. (65. 98.) |
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Captain John Izod to the Earl of Essex. |
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[1598.] Nov. 24. |
Finding myself not so secure as I expected, and my return as yet somewhat doubtful, I present you with some few advertisements by Captain Dunington, whose ill hap it hath been to be brought hither prisoner since my coming. He is able to deliver the state of things in these parts. Please God to put it in her Majesty's heart to employ you, with a fit army, for this place. As it is of great importance, so do I apparently see, out of my life's experience in the wars, that without any difficulty it may be surprised. I will undertake, upon offering my head to the block, that within six hours after you shall be possessed of the suburbs, you shall be possessed of some principal within the city. Touching mine own employment, if the weakness of my consorts hinder it not, I hope in God to make a good return.—Lisbon, this 24th of November. |
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Holograph. |
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¾ p. (67. 67.) |
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John Havard to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 25. |
His hard destiny is such that he has come out of the Low Countries to be a prisoner in the King's Bench, being unjustly detained by Nico. Walmesley. Prays for Cecil's letters to three of the underwritten (Sir J. Hart, Thomas Low, alderman, John Watts, alderman, Leonard Hollyday, alderman, Mr. Ollyver Stylle, and Mr. Thomas Cordell) willing them as High Commissioners to call Walmesley and him before them and determine the cause, or certify their finding. Details Walmesley's proceedings at the hearing of his case by the Lord Chief Justice.—25 Nov., 1598. |
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Holograph. |
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1 p. (65. 85.) |
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J. Hyll to the Earl of Essex. |
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1598, Nov. 25. |
Offers his services to attend Essex in this journey into Ireland, where he began to be a soldier, though he is able to yield little account thereof.—25 Nov., 1598. |
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Holograph. |
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1 p. (65. 89.) |
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Captain Charles Cæsar to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 25. |
According to the Lords' directions given us, we made our speedy repair to Southampton, where we have stayed this fortnight daily expecting a fair wind to have embarked our men, and so to have passed the sooner into Ireland, but the wind has never yet any way served our turn, till Thursday last, the 23 of this month, at when instant we were all ready to have departed, if shipping and victual had been so provided, but now this present 25 day (the wind continuing still fair) we have embarked all our men and so depart, hoping by God's grace
within these 2 or 3 days, the wind serving, to be landed in Ireland, where God bless our actions to His glory, our prince's honour, and our country's benefit.—Hampton, 25 Nov., 1598. |
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Holograph. |
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1 p. (65. 99.) |
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Paul de la Hay to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 25. |
Encloses articles of complaint against Jo. Harrie, who, by plain cosening of his (the writer's) father-in-law, intends to obtain a certain wardship : and begs Cecil to enquire into the matter.—Alterinnis, 25 Nov., 1598. |
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Holograph. |
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1 p. (65. 100.) |
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Sir Thomas E[gerton], Lord Keeper, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 25. |
Besides mine own indisposition of health, I am sorry there is such other cause, as I feel, to make me absent from waiting upon her Majesty, which I greatly desire to do, but dare not adventure until I shall see some better success of that which is too doubtful yet. I have thought good to trouble you with the bill of sheriffs for Wales, and such note as I have received for Lincolnshire and Surrey and Sussex. Some notes there are also touching divers of the shires of Wales, which I leave to your good consideration.—Undated. |
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Endorsed :—25 Nov., '98. |
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1 p. (65. 101.) |
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W. Cooke to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1598, Nov. 25. |
Gives particulars with regard to the men whose names were last sent to Cecil [query, to be submitted for sheriff of Monmouthshire : see Lord Chief Baron to Cecil, 24 Nov., above] : i.e. Thomas Morgan of Tredegar, Henry Morgan (being relations by marriage of John Arnold), and John Jones of Treowen. Charles Herberts of Hadrocke, William Lewis of Abergeveni, and Walter, also mentioned. A suit between the writer and certain of the others as to lands worth over £400 a year, is referred to. Sends other names enclosed, and prays Cecil to procure the Lord Chief Baron's allowance of them.—25 Nov., '98. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Cooke for shreifs.” |
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1 p. (65. 102.) |
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The Earl of Essex to — Percy. |
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1598, Nov. 25. |
I have been informed by my servant Ralph Mansfeld, and her Majesty by me, of some means you have to do her service : wherein as you have very dutifully imparted what is desired of the other side and what is like to be attempted, so I am commanded both to encourage and authorise you to entertain
the business, and not only to prevent the escape of the [Scottish] pledges, but to draw the practiser into the net, to which purpose I write this letter. |
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Endorsed :—“Copy of my lord's letter to Mr. Percy by Ralph Mansfeld, 25 November, '98.” |
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¼ p. (178. 10.) |
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The Earl of Essex to Edward Stanhope. |
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1598, Nov. 25. |
I do direct this bearer, Ralph Mansfeld my servant, unto you by her Majesty's commandment, from whom I must require you to hear him, to keep that secret which he shall impart unto you, and to use your authority there and best care and diligence to the effecting of the service; referring the rest to his own relation. |
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Endorsed :—“Copy of my lord's letter to Mr. Ed. Stanhope by Ralph Mansfeld. 25 November, '98.” |
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¼ p. (178. 11.) |
