Cecil Papers: December 1598, 16-20 | British History Online

Pages 500-510

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.

Citation:

December 1598, 16–20



	G. Lord Hunsdon to Edward Reynolds.
1598, Dec. 16.	Whereas I have recommended to your lord [Essex] for captains of such companies as are to be sent into the Low Countries, Captain Raines and George Clarke, gentlemen, and for a lieutenant to some company that goes into Ireland, Mr. Ridgeway, recommended by the gentlemen of the Wight to me; his lordship's pleasure is that I should send their names unto you to be inserted in the rolls of such captains as are to be employed in the Low Countries, as recommended by me.—From the Court at Whitehall, 16th December, 1598.
	Signed. Seal.
	½ p. (178. 34.)
	Edward Stanhope to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 16.	It may please you to understand by this enclosed that Mr. Mansfield hath made reasonable good speed, the extremities of snows and frost, which have held here these nine or ten days, considered. It seemeth by his delivery that Sir R[obert] C[arr] intendeth his course by sea; and that he who shall be directed to be guide for their escape and conduct to Birlington shall come by York with his letters to the pledges, which Mr. Mansfield will cause to be intercepted here; and upon the guide's showing himself at Birlington shore, Sir R. C. will come on land and confer with him. Which if it be performed, I do not doubt but by one at Birlington that is at my devotion he may be taken, with such assistance as shall be appointed, as suspected for a seminary, and so carried to Mr. Griffith, being the next justice within three miles, and there, by discovery what he is, brought to York, or detained there till you be advertised. This course is likely that he will hold since he hath intended it, if the bruit of Dunkirkers lying off the coast of Yorkshire and our English ships to keep the same coast do not make him fear the seas. One other thing also Mr. Mansfield saith may hinder his course, the hope the Scottish King hath to obtain the delivery into Scotland of Mr. Witherington and Mr. Fenwick; whereof the sooner they be put out of hope, this attempt is the likelier to be performed.
	Another cross course is this day offered, the expectation whereof may happily stay their practice, which is, that the pledges have exhibited a petition to my lord's Grace and this Council, requiring either to be bailed, or that four of them may go home to make means to their King for their delivery or allowance for their diet, for which they owe Mr. Redhead already about 150l. Being answered by his Grace and us that there was no power in this Council to yield to any their demands, they required that his Grace would present their humble suit to her Majesty's Privy Council, which I would not seem to encounter because his Grace said their misery, not having wherewith to pay or to be further trusted, required some direction : and I might no way be seen to know more than the rest. But because, if any such thing should seem to be yielded to by the lords, it may cross this present action, I thought it my part to dispatch this gentleman your servant the sooner with the copy of the petition enclosed and these advertisements, that he might be with you before the packet, to the end that your lordship, conferring with Mr. Secretary, may resolve what answer is meetest to be given for that matter. And yet some answer it would have, for whilst they are in hope of this they may peradventure respite the other. I make account to find one in the Castle that the pledges will use for their mean, after they have heard from Sir R., that will let me know the plot and their time, and then I doubt not but to make them sure with sufficient strength. If you please to spare Mr. Wardman to be here about Twelfthtide, Mr. Mansfield thinketh he will be very fit to be employed at Birlington in company of him that shall wait to take Sir R. C. at his landing.—York, 16 December, 1598.
	Signed. Seal.
	1 p. (178. 35.)
	Sir Percyvall Harte to Mr. Secretary [Cecil].
1598, Dec. 16.	Understanding by your letter that the boy which proffered his service to me has departed without your leave or liking, and that it is your pleasure to have him sent up to you, I determined to send him up, but finding him not only weak with sickness but unwilling for his lewdness to see you, I thought it would be more convenient, by one of your servants coming down to persuade him, than by any violent means to enforce him up. If it please you either to send to-morrow or to signify your mind I will accordingly resolve of him. In the mean time there shall that watchfulness be had over him which one of his fleeting condition requires.—Lullingstone, 16 Dec. '98.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Percyvall Harte.”
	1 p. (66. 68.)
	Sir Matthew Morgan to the Marshal of England [Essex].
[1598?] Dec. 16.	As Essex has helped divers captains to their cheques by a warrant lately granted, prays him to assist him in the warrant for his cheque, which was in the service of Calles, which he never had, though all men had it but himself. Also, as to the chargeableness of his present company, which was in lieu of the company of horse that Essex gave him. He raised and armed them, and has never had allowance. Desires a place in the North of Ireland, and to attend Essex in the field.—16 Dec.
	Holograph.
	1 p. (66. 69.)
	— Moylle to Sir George Carew, his cousin.
1598, Dec. 16.	Desires employment with the shipping to be employed upon the coast of Ireland, and begs Carew to speak to Essex for him.—16 Dec., 1598.
	Holograph.
	1 p. (66. 70.)
	Prince Maurice of Nassau to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 16/26.	I have heard that the Queen intends to take 2,000 men from the English companies serving in this country to use in the war against the Irish, a course which at the present conjuncture can only be prejudicial to this State, and consequently to her Majesty. For the whole burden of such an army (which hitherto has caused so much labour, not only to the State but to the Crown of France) being upon our shoulders, and at the charge of our country (now but too scantily supplied with soldiers, and using every effort to strengthen itself for the coming spring), we shall be thrown into fresh perplexity if our chief reliance, our English soldiers, by now trained to our methods of service, are withdrawn altogether or replaced by novices. I pray you obtain for us a mitigation of her Majesty's resolve.—The Hague, 26 December, 1598.
	Signed. French.
	2 pp. (67. 4.)
	Thomas Bodley to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 17.	Recommends his kinsman, William Bodley of Devon, who desires the change of a footband in the service for Ireland. He has a competent living, and is known to Sir Matthew Morgan and both Mr. Champernounes.—From my house in Kent, Dec. 17.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—'98.
	1 p. (66. 71.)
	William Becher to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 17.	He understands that many captains are suitors to obtain allowance of their cheques, by the Queen's warrant. Prays him to command the Paymaster not to satisfy such of them as are indebted to the writer, until he has been first paid his due. Sir Robert Sydney is one of those who are most indebted to him, as the enclosed petition will show.—17 Dec., 1598.
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	1 p. (66. 72.)
	Captain Jo : Chamberlaine to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 17.	By Sir Alexander Ratlyfe I made known to you my earnest affection to follow your Lordship in your noble enterprise for Ireland, of which we now have certain understanding. By you I have received my first entrance to hope for a fortune by the wars, and in following your honourable undertakings my fortunes must rise, or never. If you have any opinion to use me in this journey, I have entreated Sir Gelly Meryck and Mr. Wiseman to solicit your resolution and to procure me your letter to Mr. Gelpin to deal with the States for my money they owe me, being with the least £400, through their late ill payment of us; my company I know I shall lose, and therefore I count my money lost if I get it not at my departure. I have in my last to your Lordship advertised my opinion of the levying of these men you shall receive hence, which I refer to your wisdom.—The Hague, 17 Dec., '98.
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	1 p. (66. 75.)
	John Blytheman, Mayor of Plymouth, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 17.	The three ships that lately transported the 400 soldiers hence into Ireland arrived here again yesterday. Has advertised the Council thereof, and of the reports the companies make of certain accidents that have happened there. The service of the ships being ended, prays that they may be satisfied of the charge disbursed, the account of which he has sent by Walter Mathew, whose despatch he prays Cecil to favour.—Plymouth, 17 Dec., 1598.
	Signed.
	1 p. (66. 76.)
	John Blytheman, Mayor of Plymouth, to the Council.
1598, Dec. 17.	The three ships that lately transported the 400 of soldiers herehence into Ireland arrived here in harbour yesterday in the afternoon. The ship called The Christian, wherein went Captain Richard Jenyngs, and the ship called The Fortune, wherein Captain Brooke went (as the company of the same report), arrived at Cork the last day of November, and there landed their men the second of this present month, where they were received by my Lord President. They also report that, on Tuesday after, my lord went forth of Cork with 12 companies of soldiers, and marched to a castle that stood three miles from thence, that was possessed by an Irishman whom my lord held as an enemy, and having subdued the same castle, he left 30 of his soldiers behind him to guard the same, and returned again to Cork. The next night after there were 16 of the said soldiers killed. The Wednesday after, upon intelligence thereof, my Lord made towards it again with some force. What became of it they know not, for that they came from thence that day. The ship called The Cressent, wherein Captain Oseley and Captain Poole went, being a “leuward” ship, went to Kinshall, where she landed her men, and there delivered to Captain Oseley the 71 barrels of powder, the lead and match embarked at Plymouth, as by a receipt from Captain Oseley under his hand appears. The master of the said ship says that Captain Oseley and the Mayor of Kinsall joining together, sent away a post, immediately upon the arrival of the said ship in Kinsall, to my Lord President, advertising his lordship of the arrival of the said ship, and as it was generally thought, they would have assaulted the town within three days after, if our forces had not come.
	The service of the ships being ended, he has sent the account of the charge by Walter Mathew, and prays that payment thereof may be made to him.—Plymouth, 17 Dec., 1598.
	Signed.
	1 p. (66. 77.)
	The Attorney General [Coke] to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 17.	As to mine opinion of this grant (which herewith I send you), I take it, it may be granted by law, but whether it be at this time convenient, I think it were fit some of the principal judges [should decide], who, being justices of assize, do know how to give satisfaction in this point better than I.—This 17 of December, '98.
	Holograph.
	Seal. ½ p. (178. 36.)
	Lord Russell to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 17.	This bearer, Captain George Sands, having followed the wars, and of late served in Ireland where he very well behaved himself, I recommend him to you, whom he is especially desirous to follow; doubting not you shall find him very forward to gain your favour and win reputation.—From Cumberlogrene, this 17th of December, 1598.
1598, Dec. 17.	Signed. ½ p. (178. 37.)
	Ralph Mansfield to the Earl of Essex.
1598, [before Dec. 18].	I understood at my now being upon the Borders, by my S[cottish] friend, that the other party assuredly purposeth before Christmas be ended, if the wind serve, to attempt his intent. He is at this present with the King procuring a licence to travel, thinking thereby to prevent what accidents might happen by sea. He hath had his ship ready any time this month; she must be furnished with coals. He will be accompanied with one Ker, a seaman, and three or four at the most of his own men to attend him, besides the mariners. He cometh disguised as a merchant. He had been in more forwardness ere now if Mr. P[ercy] had not delayed him till he understood your pleasure, which I have delivered him by your own letter, by which he hath received that encouragement as I assure myself he will both carefully and dutifully to her Majesty entertain the other man's request.
	There is no doubt, as the S[cotish]man telleth me, but he will presently attempt this if the King put him not in hope by Fenwick and Widderington to have the pledges released; and therefore crave, if it may stand with your pleasure, that by some means that hope may be cut off.
	To prevent this insolent man in his proud attempt, I have concluded with Mr. P. that the guide shall make known to me what means they have, and at what time of night they mean to escape. Besides, Mr. P. is directed by Sir Robert [Kerr] to be here at the same time to advise with the pledges of their courses, so as, both by Mr. P. and the guide, I shall understand their whole purposes and the very instant of their attempt, to inform Mr. Stanhope that he may prepare for the taking of them with their guide, which may be easily done by four men, for the guide shall make no resistance, and the first that breaketh forth shall be taken, so as there can be no danger for any to escape. At the harbour for Sir Ro. I would wish the bearer hereof, your servant Mr. Wardman, might attend to join with one that Mr. Stanhope will use in this service, that they upon advertisement from Mr. Stanhope, the same night the pledges are taken, may stay both the ship and the men who will be attending there for the pledges.
	If these courses do not like you, I crave your further direction, and shall do my whole endeavour to observe them, for I make no doubt if some great and apparent misfortune stay him not he will attempt it. I most humbly beseech you to have me in remembrance for Ireland.
	Endorsed : “Rafe Mansfield, at York. Rec[eived] 18 Dec. '98.”
	Holograph. Seal.
	1¼ pp. (178. 42.)
	Sir John Peyton, Edward Coke, Thomas Flemynge and Francis Bacon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 18.	We have compared the enclosed extract with the examinations of Val. Thomas, and find it to agree in substance, but we observe that, seeing it is but an extract out of Val. Thomas his examination, two small circumstances are not warranted out of his confessions, but mentioned in Craford's confession, viz. :—that John Steward of the Buttrye should be the keeper of the King's door, which Crawforth affirmeth, but is not to be found in Thomas his confession. 2. Valentine Thomas confesseth that he was called Tho. Alderson, but not “or Anderson.” The words not warranted : in the 1 and 2 line, “or Anderson” : in the 3 and 4 line, “who keepeth the K. door”. And if it please your Honour to add to the title, “subscribed by himself,” we think it were fit.—18 Dec., '98.
	Signed.
	Endorsed :—“Lieutenant of the Tower, Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Solicitor General, Mr. Fra. Bakon, to my Mr. Exceptions taken to the extract of Val. Thomas confession.”
	1 p. (66. 80.)
	Sir John Poyntz to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 18.	On behalf of the bearer Mr. Verny, his near kinsman, who has served in the Low Countries, France and Ireland; for a company in the next sending for Ireland.—Benerstone, 18 Dec., 1598.
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	1 p. (66. 66.)
	Anthony Wingfield to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 18.	Has often addressed his illustrious father in former times, when public orator at Cambridge, in Latin letters, and he the Nestor of his country, notwithstanding his daily business, bearing like Atlas the whole weight of the country on his shoulders in Council, was accustomed sometimes to peruse these writings in his leisure hours. Now much the same is expected from him, Sir Robert, the heir of his father's wisdom and goodness. The writer having left academic fountains, where matters were pleasant and prosperous, has endured the hardships of the sea of a Court, afflicted by winds and storms, and only escaping shipwreck through Cecil's help. Expresses his sense of duty and devotion to him as his beneficent patron.—London, 18 Dec., 1598.
	Holograph. Latin.
	2 pp. (66. 78.)
	Don Juan de Rosas y Gusman to [the Earl of Essex.]
1598, Dec. 18.	The reasons for his coming into England were to serve God as He commands in the Holy Scriptures, to serve her Majesty the Queen, and the Earl of Essex on account of his great reputation. That he may be believed, he mentions some services he did her Majesty in Spain. First, a captain and 8 Englishmen being taken in the city of Lugo in Galicia, and order being given to starve them, he gave the captain 2 reals a day and the others half a real, and procured them their liberty. Secondly, Captain John Upon of Bristo, for whom a passport was obtained, not having money to send for it, he (the Don) sent a courier at his own expense. Thirdly, Captain Henrique being in prison, he obtained liberty for him to come to his house in the day, returning to custody at night. Fourthly, Sir Thomas Briges being a prisoner, he delivered him, giving a bond and paying his charges.—London, 18 Dec., '98.
	Spanish.
	3 pp. (66. 81.)
	Sir Thomas Egerton, Lord Keeper, to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 18.	Recommends the bearer, Ed. Leigh. His eldest brother, Sir Vrian Leigh, is known to Essex; his brother Thomas Leigh, a valiant gentleman lately slain in Ireland, with Sir Henry Baggenhall.—Dec. 18, 1598.
	Holograph.
	1 p. (66. 83.)
	Sir Edward Norreys to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 18.	I am very glad to hear that you go into Ireland in so great and honourable expedition, hoping that you shall return with the glory of the title to be the reducer of Ireland to their obedience. This bearer, who has served in Ireland and Brittany and now last with me, ensign of my own company, has requested me to recommend him to you, whom you shall find a very honest and tall soldier. Our news here is that the enemy doth mean this next summer to employ all that possibly he can make against Holland, forbidding all licences, passports and contributions, and that the Cardinal nor the Infanta do not mean to be here until they see what will succeed of this summer's wars. I send your Lordship the manner of the Queen of Spain's entertainment at Ferrara by the Pope.—Ostend, 18 Dec., 1598.
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	2 pp. (66. 84.)
	Michael Murgatroy to Mr. Reynolds, Secretary to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 18.	My lord and master the Archbishop of Canterbury having written to the Earl Marshal of England in the behalf of this bearer, Mr. Edw. Scott, that he might attend your said lord now at his going for Ireland, in such place of charge as his lordship should think the young gentleman meet to undertake, my lord's grace, upon a special care he beareth towards Mr. Scott, hath willed me to recommend this suit unto your friendly mediation also, which I do most willingly.—At Lambeth, the 18th of December, 1598.
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	²/3 p. (178. 38.)
	Mons. Noel de Caron to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 18.	His late father always granted a warrant to the officers and customers of London for free provision of his wine, which amounts on the whole to six tuns of wine by the year. Is expecting his said provision by the first fleet from Bordeaux, so requests Cecil's letters to the said officers and customers of London to allow him to take it without payment of any custom.—London, 18 December, 1598.
	Holograph. French. Seal.
	1 p. (178. 39.)
	Sir Henry Docwra to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 18.	I may not conceal what your lordship hath knowledge of already, that some unkind conceits had been nourished in Sir Fr. Vere towards me, neither that I had laboured to establish mine own fortune by the means of my friends to some better state than that wherein I stood, or yet do stand; which was the very and only point of suspicion and breach between us. Notwithstanding, how respectfully I ever bore myself toward him I will not at this time use arguments to prove, other than the reconciliation which upon full debating of the matter ensued of itself; which being, as I am firmly persuaded, concluded with more confidence and assurance than ever before, the terms I was to stand upon for my preferment and continuance in these countries could not but withal be much bettered. But having brought myself thither, that I esteemed my reputation every way salved, both by regaining his good opinion (which I could not esteem of lightly, being of necessity to live under his command), and also by gracing myself with her Majesty's favour, by the benefit whereof I was assured within short time to attain to my desires, I could not then, being in that freedom of estate, but bethink myself both of the infinite duty I owe expressly to the service of mine own sacred Prince, as also of the particular affection I had made protestation of to your lordship, and the reasons by which I was bound to continue in the same. These and none other considerations moved me, as the God that knoweth my thoughts shall witness, to make offer of my service to you by my last letters, which I could not but second again with these, for that I have since understood you were minded so to dispose of matters as not to make use of my service, moved thereunto, as I am persuaded, upon an opinion that my desires should rather affect this place than any other.—Hague, this 18th of December, '98.
	Holograph. Seal.
	1½ pp. (178. 40.)
	Edward Stanhope to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 18.	Has no further matter to advertise than he did upon Saturday by Mr. Wardman, but the same night late he received his lordship's letters, and his direction therein shall be performed with all diligence and secrecy. Finding by Mr. Ralph Mansfield's delivery now upon his return that the thing is much more likely, there shall be no good opportunity omitted for the effecting of it. Writes that Essex may know that the Scottishmen's petition, with the Council of York's letters to the lords sent to Mr. Secretary, come at this present.—York, 18 December, 1598.
	Signed. Seal.
	½ p. (178. 41.)
	Mons. Hens to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 18/28.	Protests his affection and his obligations to Essex : would have written to thank him oftener, but hoped to see some one from him who could better express to him the great honour in which he holds him than he can himself.—Paris, 28 December, 1598.
	Holograph. Two seals. French.
	1 p. (178. 53.)
	Thomas Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 19.	Describes his visit to his dying father, who is far spent with a burning ague, and with intolerable pains of stone and “strangurye.” By his will he has left him no interest either in lands or goods, but only a use for life, and that so limited by a lease he has made to feoffees that he does not see how he may be able to pay his debts.
	Prays Cecil to make known the clearness of his innocency to his sovereign. She cannot delight in others' ruin, much less of the innocent, and least of all such whose hard stars have brought them to the lowest of misery. Prays for the gracious acceptance of his services, which will be to him a sufficient recompense for past imprisonments and disgraces.—Anstye, the present Wednesday.
	Holograph.
	Endorsed :—“Mr. Arundell, 20 Dec., 1598.”
	2 pp. (66. 90.)
	Arthur Champernowne to the Earl of Essex.
[1598], Dec. 19.	I have a carvell of better than 34 tons which rows with 16 oars, being a very fit boat to do service on any such river as Lafoyll; and a barque of 60 tons which would make a good man of war for the Irish coast; the which two vessels I offered unto certain of our Western merchants at a very reasonable hand, so they would freight them with bread, beer and other such necessary provisions and victual, to attend you to the army on what quarter soever of the Irish coast you should command them, where sufficient harbour might be had; with whom I have not as yet thoroughly agreed because of your doubtful undertaking of that action. Those merchants, however, offered to deliver on six weeks' warning out of our Western ports, such provisions as the country would yield, as good and at a better hand than else it should be gotten any other where so conveniently for the Irish service, because all grains are now hard to be had at a very reasonable rate. Please cause Mr. Ronnols [Edward Reynolds] to write me a note at what rate other merchants have offered to furnish the same.—Chyldhaye, near Croukhorne, 19 Dec.
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	1 p. (75. 40.)
	George, Earl of Huntingdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 20.	Destruction of her Majesty's game in Leicester forest. Asks Cecil to assist him in punishing the misdemeanour, as heretofore her Majesty's other Chancellors have done.—Ashbye Delazouche, 20 Dec. 1598.
	Holograph.
	1 p. (66. 85.)
	John Jefferey, Mayor of Southampton, to Sir Robert Cecil and Sir John Fortescue.
1598, Dec. 20.	Edward Barlow, beer brewer of Southampton, has provided 150 quarters of barley about Chichester and Arundel, intended for this town. In view of her Majesty's grant to Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney, for provision of malt, wood and such like, wherewith they are from this port principally furnished, as also in respect of divers ships of war which are wholly victualled hence, he asks that Barlow may be permitted to lade from Chichester and Arundel the above barley, giving bond to discharge the same in Southampton.—Southampton, 20 Dec., 1598.
	Signed.
	1 p. (66. 86.)
	George Wadham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 20.	For satisfaction for his ship the Reyne Deare, lost in her Majesty's service.—20 Dec. 1598.
	Holograph.
	1 p. (66. 87.)
	Ja. Hudson to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 20.	For all his pains and costs in this service he is like to be undone, for the £200 paid by him for Thomas Fowels is like to be laid upon him, which he must pay or go to prison. Fowels and Robert Jowssy owe him £400. Prays Cecil to write to Fowels in his behalf. Speaks of his services and good offices “to the K. [of Scotland].”—London, 20 Dec., 1598.
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	1 p. (66. 88.)
	Mons. De la Fontaine to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 20.	Je vous supplie de vouloir voir ce mien gendre et le favouriser sur une petite requete qu'il a vous faire. J'attends toujours votre loisir pour vous voir.
	Holograph.
	Endorsed :—20 Dec., '98.
	½ p. (66. 89.)
	Thomas Percy to Captain Mansfield.
1598, Dec. 20.	When I wrote these letters I thought to have sent my servant Taylboys with them, but remembering that your man Ewarth was to return, I have stayed for him this eight days; and the rather for that I daily expect your gentleman's return from Edinburgh, at which time I would not want Taylboys for that may happen.
	There is now a convention in Scotland by which, if he had not been stayed, the matter had ere this been put in execution. Fear nothing, for it cannot fail shortly to take effect, the matter is so vehemently prosecuted, and nothing can prevent it but want of secrecy, which I pray you urge to be kept by all parties. When you have read burn these letters and very shortly you shall either see me or hear from me.—Alnwick, this 20 of December.
	Holograph. Three seals.
	1 p. (178. 29.)