BHO
  1. Cecil Papers in Hatfield House
  2. Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598
  3. Cecil Papers: December 1598, 26-31

Cecil Papers: December 1598, 26-31

Pages 518-569

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

This free content was digitised by double rekeying and sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. All rights reserved.

Citation:

December 1598, 26–31

Thomas Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598,] Dec. 26. Love itself, I perceive, may sometimes be cumbersome, seeing the respective love which your worth and honourable favours do exact of me enforceth this unworthy hand of mine (which of late closed the eyes of him who gave me my being) to be the reporter of such a hateful, though an imposed, office, of such a heart-breaking charity, of such an impious piety. My most worthy, most dear father is dead, whose deep and hearty repentance of the errors of his youth, whose continual prayers, whose last breath ending in the name of Jesus may sufficiently proclaim the mercy that our Saviour shewed him, and the eternal state of bliss wherein He hath now placed him. His love and care towards his friends and country, his many legacies, and his excessive largesse bequeathed to the poor do manifestly declare. As for his zeal and loyal duty to our sovereign, besides the many proofs which the faith of his long service produceth, even his death bed wanted not sufficient demonstrations. For even there, where flattery had been bootless and dissimulation odious, he earnestly enquired of her Majesty's welfare, daily prayed for her prosperity and victory against her enemies, and being as then not able to do her further service, he notwithstanding bequeathed unto her gracious acceptance two presents, of little worth, yet the best (as he thought) that his present state afforded; the one a little table carpet wrought in China, a thing well esteemed of himself yet unworthy of so high a Majesty; the other my more unworthy self, both which being to be recommended to the intercession of yourself his dearest friend, shall ere long be brought to your hands. Many witnesses there were hereunto, but chiefly Mr. Budden, feodary of Dorsetshire, to whose faith this his request was committed. And though it may be said that I have little cause either to magnify his worth or to lament his loss, who hath left me but a state of life in any of his land, and not so much in the most of it, who hath tied his land to the payment of so many legacies, as for some years I shall not be able to live in the reputation of a mean gentleman, and who hath left me no one jot of his goods, no not so much as the use of them unless I put in sufficient security for the restoring, yet can not I think but that my father in his heart loved me, who now at last would not willingly be helped or touch or receive meat of any other than myself. Wherefore I can only complain of their malice, whom I could name, by whose cunning my father was drawn to lay so heavy a cross upon me, and of my misfortune which brought me so late to my father's presence as, though he wanted neither love to me nor will to alter his former courses, yet was he at my coming so wholly given up to God as that he loathed to be recalled to any wordly thoughts. God's will be fulfilled in all. Now my last recourse is to prostrate myself and what is mine at the feet of my never enough admired Sovereign. Your Honour's letter, replenished with the gracious considerations and more than motherly councils of her Majesty, how much it did content my heart my pen cannot express. I will ere long trouble your Honour with my attendance.—Anstey, this 26 of December.
Holograph. Seal.
2 pp. (67. 3.)
Lady Leighton to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598, Dec.] 26. Distance of places cannot extinguish a true thankfulness, though my ability to express it be answerable to the rude rock I live in. I beseech you to accept this my new year's witness of my humble mindfulness for your favours vouchsafed to Mr. Leighton and me. I beseech you that among your speeches of smallest importance you will be pleased sometimes only to sound forth in her Majesty's princely ears our humble loyal duties.—Guernsey, this 26 of December.
Holograph. Endorsed : 1598. Seal.
¾ p. (67. 5.)
The Queen to the King of Scotland.
[1598, Dec. 26.] The argument of my letter, if it should have the theme that your messenger's late embassade did chiefly treat of, would yield such a terror to my hand that my pen should scarce afford a right orthography to the words it wrote. Unnaming therefore what it was, it may suffice that you nor other king ever met with a better mind nor a rarer intent, which hath been well at full uttered by my signature to such a grant as I suppose you might have asked of many kings and lack such a furniture. But I forthink it not with a trust that in all other matters that may concern myself or state, we shall be rightly answered with equal care and unfeigned kindness; in this you shall strengthen yourself and render me my due. The best new year's gift that I can give you for this coming year shall be that in your greatest causes you heed well from what spirits the counsels that you will follow do come, and send you his grace to make a true scantlin betwixt what is pretended and meant and judge arightly betwixt what seems may be your best and that must needs be indeed. So shall you never do aught that may endanger yourself with thought to do you good, nor wrong your best friends that means but good and yet will not abide a wrong. And for your own dominions, I wish you guide them so as no innovators mar the fashion of your old government, remembering that there be in governments diseases that be in show not dangerous but in continuance perilous. Thus will I end, with this request that you remember the mind of the giver not the meanness of the gift which proceedeth from her that desireth of God a good grant to these my wishes.
P.S. This gentleman, I assure you, hath acquitted himself very faithfully and discreetly in his charge.
Endorsed :—“Copy of her Majesty's letter to the King of Scots.”
(133. 180.)
Sir John Haryngton to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 27. Finding this my brother's resolution to serve her Majesty in these wars of Ireland if he shall be thereunto called, in hope to revenge the much blood he has spent, the many joints he hath lost, and the life of his dearest son; withal to regain that which in these thirty years' service he had there gotten; I have presumed to recommend him to your favour, knowing that as none in those parts hath been more employed or had greater experience than himself, so no man will with greater care perform his best endeavours for her Majesty's service. And much the willinglier he offered himself understanding he is to serve under you, whom the family he and I are of do so much honour as if my son, as this my brother, were able to bear arms, I vow he should adventure his life in your service.—At Exton the 27th of December, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
½ p. (178. 50.)
Ralph Mansfield to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 27. Explaining the cause of the delay in his coming to Mr. Stanhope from London, owing to his desire to have been on the Border to know the “attempter's resolution.”
You shall receive R[obert] K[err]'s own letter to Mr. Percy and Mr. Percy's answer to him, which will give some light to her Majesty under his own hand of his purpose. If Mr. Wardman be not already directed down, I crave he may be presently sent away, for his service at the harbour will be most necessary. I hope it will be so handled as with the next packet all his whole plot in plain terms under his own hand shall be sent you, in a letter to the pledges which he is minded to send, and I have used what means may be to further it.
My desire is such to do her Majesty and you service in Ireland, where my first beginning was to follow the wars, as I crave pardon to renew my suit for a command of some light horse from the Border, with whom I would hope to do acceptable service. For 'scurying,' foraging or burning, the men are painful with their horses, able bodies of themselves to endure any hardness, besides naturally good guides. I am the bolder to declare this opinion of them for that I know it by experience in serving her Majesty 6 years upon these borders.—York, 27 December, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (178. 51.)
Dr. Henry [Robinson], Bishop of Carlisle, to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 27. 'Let not this book of the law' (saith God to the most valiant captain Joshua) 'depart out of thy mouth' . . . . . That book, not as then it was newly delivered by the hand of Moses, but more full of grace and consolation as we have received it from the hand of Jesus the Mediator of the New Testament, I make bold to present to your lordship, whom God hath raised up to be a Joshua unto us in fighting His battles. That He may go in and out with you as He hath done I beseech you let that delight which you take in this book abound more and more. . . . . . . Yourself have witnessed upon your own experience that there is no true fortitude until there be first a retiring unto God and a sure peace concluded between Him and the conscience. Neither do I doubt but that in your great services you have said in your heart as Jacob did, 'If God will be with me and will keep me in this journey which I go and will bring me again with safety, then shall the Lord be my God.' Let no transitory pleasure remove you from that foundation of valour and Christian courage which you have so wisely and skilfully laid.—Queen's College, December 27, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (178. 52.)
Thomas Mildmay, John Petre, and William Herris, sheriff, to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 27. Your letter unto us of the 25th of this month, requiring that Captain Wylton might furnish his company with his own arms, being good and serviceable, and receive from the country the usual allowance for the same, since the receipt of yours Captain Wylton hath further required that he might likewise apparel his company, and hath demanded for the arms and apparel of each soldier 3l. in money; which we have apprehended and fully concluded with him therein. Only where he requireth that the arms and apparel might be brought down to Lee, the place appointed for all the companies to imbark, we agreed that the arms shall be brought thither, but insomuch as the residue of the companies are appointed to be fitted with their arms and apparel at the town of Chelmsford on Monday, the 8th of January, and there delivered to their captain, we hold it very convenient, and so have we written unto him, that his company should be likewise apparelled at that time and place.—From Chelmsford, the 27th of December, 1598.
Signed.
2/3 p. (178. 49.)
Edward Stanhope to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 28. This day Mr. Ralph Mansfield shewed me three letters, and upon conference of the contents thereof I thought them all meet to be presented to your lordship, with this note, that [by] the hunting that is therein mentioned is meant the progress of the intended journey; the hounds of the Scot, his messenger that should come hither; the hounds of T[homas] P[ercy], his guide whom he will assign to conduct the messenger. The fault is meant that credence will not be given without the Scot's letters under his own hands to the pledges, which is thought thereby will be obtained when they two meet, and therefore referred in T. P. his letter to their speech. And I shall have notice of his coming hither before he pass to the pledges, so as to take him upon suspicion of other matters, and upon search find Sir R[obert] C[arr's] letters about him, displaying his own practice, which we trust can do no hurt, for himself will be before that time on the seas.
T. P. his letter to Mr. Ralph Mansfield shews the cause the others stay at the Court so long. For the rest I refer your lordship to his own letters to yourself.—York, 28 December, 1598.
Signed.
½ p. (178. 54.)
[See letters of 8, 14, and 15 December, supra.]
Sir Robert Sydney to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 28. Six years ago her Majesty gave me leave to come into England to recover my health after a very dangerous sickness which I had had, and it was many months before I could be recovered. Soon after her Majesty sent me unto the French King, which journey was very chargeable unto me, notwithstanding the allowance which was made unto me after my return. Part of my provisions I took up by means of Beecher and the other merchants which then had the dealings with the men of war, and intended to pay them out of my entertainments, trusting that my absence having been licensed by her Majesty, and during the time of it my service having been extraordinarily employed by her, that there would no check have come upon me. But I was notwithstanding checked, and now the merchants are very earnest with me for payment. It is true that it is now long since that this check did rise, but I was unwilling to make suit to her Majesty for so small a matter. Now I understand that by your good means divers captains do obtain their checks. If by the like favour I may also obtain mine which I have here spoken of, I will acknowledge myself very much bound unto you, and will in all service shew myself thankful for so good a benefit.—At Baynards Castle, the 28 of December, 1598.
Holograph. Seal broken.
1½ pp. (178. 56.)
Lord Willoughby to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 28. This bearer is desirous to prefer himself to your service in this journey or Ireland. He hath served Sir John Norris both on horseback and foot, and [as] clerk of his company of horse, with much commendation, by whom he was to me first commended; and since he hath served me in the Low Countries in the same place, and perfected all my accounts with the Council for my pay from her Majesty very carefully and sufficiently, and since continued in the troop [that] was mine under Sir John Poley whilst he lived. If it shall please you to make trial of his sufficiency in any fitting place, [he] will wholly submit himself to your consideration. He writeth well two or three sorts of hands, and is perfect in account, and served long, having ever well behaved himself and able every way to maintain himself.—Berwick, 28 December, 1598.
Signed. Seal.
½ p. (178. 55.)
Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 29. This journey hath been to me a true medley of both good and bad. My beginning was prosperous and I took sail, one small Brazilman and 6 great ships, which were laden at Ribandios with timber and other munitions for the ships of the king, and were going with them to San Lucar and Cadiz. These ships were not given me, and I am sure I have paid dear for the carriage of them. Being homeward bound ever since the 25th of November, I had good weather but to the last of the same. On the first of December a storm of contrary wind and foul weather took me. It continued unto the 18 of the same, but with diversity of force. From the 18 to the 20 we had some ease given us. But we paid dear in the end, for about twelve o'clock that night rose such a storm as all the mariners that were with me say they were never in the like. I was so distressed in this storm as I was forced for the safe guard of my ship to cut my mainmast overboard and in that instant I lost my foresail, which was split into a thousand pieces. This extremity being great was attended with a far worse. I lost my rudder from my ship, and we drove like a “wrack,” but utterly unable to work for ourselves, being utterly destitute of all help but only from God, who guided me into the road of St. Martin's in the Isle of Rhe, where I remain until I can borrow some money upon my ship to bring me into England. One of my prizes is cast away here, the other, I hope, are at home. My poor estate is not unknown to your Honour, and if it will please you to take a theme from this my voyage to work some good conceit in her Majesty towards me, not for any gift but only for her good opinion, I shall for ever be bound unto your Honour.—At St. Martin's, the 29 of December, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
2 pp. (67. 6.)
Captain William Constable to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 29. I have received your command by my friend's letter. I desire I may be pardoned if I do not attend you in that short time which he hath limited me. This country is so full of lets, that if my life lay of it I cannot so presently come. Lest my constrained stay should hinder your remembrance of me, having so many present suitors to solicit you for places, pardon my boldness that I do humbly entreat you by these to remember that I do absolutely rely of your Lordship.—Lambton, 29 December, '98.
Signed. Seal.
1 p. (67. 7.)
Captain Edward Symes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 29. The regiment, by God's grace, will embark on Friday next, and, had not Leicestershire men and “Wilkshire” men hindered our passage, we had taken sea on Tuesday last with a fair wind. Please you to take knowledge of the great care which Sir Henry Brumley and Mr. Lyggens, deputy lieutenants for Worcestershire, have taken in furthering her Majesty's service with able men well furnished and apparelled. The remembrance whereof, and of their well using me, I leave to your Honour's consideration.—Bristol, this 29 of December, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (67. 8.)
R. Moryson to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 30. I arrived at the seaside on Sunday last, where I found the wind contrary, as it had been four days before and so is continuing ever since, only some few hours on Thursday morning last with which we put to sea; but towards night it changed and blew much, which forced us to return to Margate, where now I am ready to attend the first hour of opportunity to pass. Only I thought it my duty to acquaint you with my constrained staying in respect of the days it pleased you to limit for the troops here and there.
I have gone and sent to Dover and all the ports hereabouts every day to inquire for any ship of war of the Low Countries that would put to sea this wind, but can hear of none. I have here one of the Queen's ships ready to take the first hour of any possible means to pass, and there shall want none of my endeavour for the hastening of your service.—Margate, this 30th of December, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (178. 57.)
Captain Richard Gwyne to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 30. Offers his service for Ireland; hopes he shall not be the least able to discharge any employment among the multitude of sufficient servants which will attend Essex. Has served in Ireland fourteen years and has been thought to have discharged well whatever was committed to him. If he is granted the leading of a company out of a shire of North Wales, hopes to give him no less contentment by his service than to the men themselves by honest usage. Presumes his lordship will appoint none to lead Welsh but such has hath the language, and is so sufficiently provided of himself to live as he shall not need to prey upon his company.—From Carnarvon, 30 December, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (178. 58.)
Sir Francis Darcy to the Earl of Essex.
[1598,] Dec. 30. Vouchsafe to uphold by your favour that honour which I acknowledge to have received only at your worthiest hands, so long as by no stain of disgrace I shall impeach the same; whereof if in your excellent judgment I shall be in the least faulty, reject me utterly. Till then, if my service, duty and endeavours shall be faultless and faithful, employ the same.—Braynford, this 30th of December.
Holograph.
½ p. (178. 59.)
Sir Anthony Poulett to Edward Reynolds.
1598, Dec. 30. I was a suitor unto your noble lord to bestow a company on the bearer William Fortescue, your old acquaintance, and he promised to effect my desire. Now he cometh to offer his service and I pray you afford him your furtherance, which I will make my proper debt. He doth most desire to follow my lord into Ireland, but if he could not obtain a company thither, he desireth one into the Low Countries. He is a younger brother, as you know, and without some place of maintenance shall not be able to undergo the charge.—Henton, this 30th of December, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (178. 60.)
George, Earl of Cumberland to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 31. I entreat your favour in the behalf of Captain Evans, this bearer, whose desire is to follow you in these intended services. The man being known to you, I will only desire that you will respect him as he deserves, and the better for my sake.—From my house, this last of December, 1598.
Signed.
½ p. (67. 9.)
Sir Francis Vere and George Gilpin to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598. Dec. 31. By ours of the 15th of this present we certified of the receipt of the last despatch containing her Majesty's pleasure about the obligation to be made by the States and what until then had been done to the procuring and furthering thereof by us. Which course we continued, employing thereto our uttermost endeavours, sparing no allegations nor reasons to induce and bring them to a resolution. But notwithstanding that the Greffier Aertsens in their behalfs told us that they had allowed of all the words by us inserted and set down in their own project, they difficulted anew to pass it so, without further order and express charge from the provinces and towns. Which would ask time and be subject to uncertainty and other inconvenience, and so urged to have, besides the words of “chascun insolidum,” the other of “subjects et leurs biens” left out, the one being as it were a dependance of the other. Whereunto if we would agree and might be liked, they would give order to despatch the obligations presently, which, said they, were and would be without those words of value and sufficient, considering the men and meaning of them was good that made and gave the obligations. To which we answered as the subject required, and that if they meant sincerely and to perform the contents of the treaty, there needed no difficulty to be moved or made to pass and give such a bond as was desired and fit. To set down all our particular speeches to those deputies whom we found most stiff in refusing that we demanded would be too tedious. Seeing this kind of proceeding we went to their full assembly, laying open at large how all had passed, what by us advertized over, the answer thereupon received, her Majesty's expectation, how many were the favours by her Highness extended, their slender requital, and that “if in the beginning they dealt thus, what was to be looked for in the end from them,” concluding with many other reasons and circumstances that if they continued in their refusal, we should be forced to write again over of all, not being in us, as we also meant not, to accept of any other obligation than in the order and form as by the last despatch received from your Honour was required. Whereof we had delivered them a copy. We insisted, therefore, that without further delay the same might be so granted and despatched, for that her Majesty should else have great cause to take their dealing very ill, if they regarded how much she had done for them and deserved. Whereupon what inconveniences might follow they could easily judge and should themselves be cause of. To this was answered for the time that they would be sorry to give any cause of discontentment, and, seeing their purpose was no other than to give her Majesty all satisfaction to the accomplishing of the treaty, they would deliberate thereupon, and endeavour so to resolve as might be to our liking. Whereupon, after two or three days' debating, word was sent us from the President that they had agreed unto all, and the said Greffier appointed to make the obligation in the order that we had desired it. Yesterday it was brought us to peruse, and we observed your order to see that the articles of the treaty agreed with the same. Towards night we were appointed to come into their college. The President excused that they could no sooner resolve in so weighty a matter. It was a troublesome and busy time with them to provide for the maintenance of their estate and to resist the enemy lying now very near their limits, and resolved to overthrow not only them but their allies and neighbours, yea, to extirp if possible the reformed religion. Therefore it behoved her Majesty and all professing the true Gospel to join forces to withstand such tyrannical enemies. So they delivered to us the bond and ratification, and we her Majesty to them, with entreaty that they would now take order for the payment of the money, both for the term already past as for that entered now and within short time expiring also. They said they would not fail, and that they were busied about the sure payment and repartition of the English companies, who would be used as all others in their services. Your Honour shall by this bearer receive the bond and ratification. The States have been continually busied about the grants of the contributions. Most of the Provinces have sent deputies to allege their difficulties, who have received reasonable satisfaction by the answers given them. It is not doubted but that they will furnish their portions, and establish a state of war by the Council of State delivered over. His Excellency and they have been most part of this week taking order for new levies, and the reforcing of their old companies, which doth greatly please the people, who with the Admirante's longness have taken heart. He is still at Rees and proceeds as he began against the neutrals, having of late forced sundry other towns to receive his garrisons. What he meaneth against Wesel will appear by the copy of his letter written them, and herewith sent. It is much feared that he will prevail against that town and then deal in like sort with others. This frost will also make him look towards the Betuwe and Weluwe, to try what he can do, which prevent his Excellency is going to-morrow towards Guelderland. Most of our nation lie in those parts. It is thought he will draw them with the rest of the forces near some one place together, and besides beset the passages so much as is possible. The Boors are commanded to break the ice every day. We leave the rest to this bearer's report.—From the Hague, this 31 December, 1598.
Signed. Seal. (67. 11.) 3 pp.
Thomas Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. 31. Mr. Donnington, sometime servant to my Lord of Southampton, in his return from Spain was here this present Sunday, whom myself refused to speak withal or to see. Though this might seem sufficient for my clearing, yet bearing a ever careful zeal to the safety of her Majesty's sacred person, and not knowing how far the poison of the Spanish practices may have infected his otherwise not unhonest disposition, I thought good to inform you hereof. I never knew ill by him, and, excepting any and hunting horses, I never knew him addicted to paly humour, much less to matter of practice. I hope that my well-meaning to my sovereign shall not get me the hateful name of a promoter.—Anstey, this last of December.
Holograph. Endorsed : 1598. Seal.
1 p. (67. 12.)
Sir Anthony Poulett to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. 31. In favour of William Fortescue, who desires a company and to follow him into Ireland or any other place.—“At my poor house, this 31st December, 1598.”
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (178. 61.)
Mary, Lady Clifford to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. “My humble sute is to yowar Lo : to give my husband the favor of yowar ho : consyderacyon how grevesly he leved 8 months wth hought intaynement for to And twenty Compenys. More ovar he was drevon to laye owght his owne mens for the keping them from starving.” For the love to your virtue he hath suffered more than death can be to a believing creature. May I have your letter to Sir John Fortescue to pay the 1040l. 11s. of which he had the accounts from the Lord Justice and Lord Lieutenant long since. Else must we sell that poor land which we have by your favour and the small means I brought him. I beseech you that I may obtain by your favour the suit for the raising of 100 horse, in respect he lost at the Blackwater, by the command of the Lord General, 27.
Holograph. Endorsed : December, 1598. Seal.
1 p. (67. 13.)
[John Colville to the Earl of Essex.]
[1598, Dec.] In respect there be many adventurers within this realm which would be glad to rencontre such a bargain, I humbly crave to be directed to some one of your own “suyit,” for rather or it fall in the hands of your ill willers or emulators it shall rather never be done so far as my credit may extend. Item of all the papers presented to your Honour I only crave my first information at my last being here to be rendered or destroyed, because the name of the original party is mentioned therein, which falling in unfriends' hands may undo him.—
In Colville's hand. Undated.
1 p. (66. 56.)
John Colville to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. The principal matter whereon I desire to confer being upon Scottish affairs, I hope your Lordship will take in good part that your humble servant writ briefly what he could and would more amply speak, viz.
The alienation of the king's mind appearing daily more and more by his actions, specially by calling home for some bad instruments, who have been abroad for no good offices (as Mr. George Ker, pater Gordon, and Sir Walter Lyndsay); by present employing of some others no better affected (as of the Lord Sempill and bishop of Glasgow); and at home by placing in offices of best credit such as be alumni Romani, Hispani aut Jesuitici (as his president, secretary, advocate), doth presage some inconvenient from that place, which being neglected may fall out as unexpectedly and dangerously as that of Tyrone.
So long as he is ruled and resolved to strengthen himself by your enemies, all occasions which may confirm him, or others, in any hope, would be, under correction, avoided, especially this furnishing of money, which is bestowed for the most part upon your enemies, and is commonly called by his flatterers the ailes (“aelles”) of his hope.
The most religious of this realm have most occasion to fear his greatness, especially such as for preservation of her Majesty's innocent life were forced to prevent the malice of his mother. As by wresting justice he did bring under the compass of justice his own faithfullest and best subjects, as Morton and Gowrie upon imputation of his father's death, so by the like partiality upon the death of his mother is intended to persecute, having time and place, her Majesty's best servants. For yourself, your actions are as hateful to his favourites as light is to the mole or owl. I do not speak without knowledge, or with any passion, being ready, as please her Majesty to employ me, to seal with my best blood that I am in heart no subject where I am born, but where I am in conscience and courtesies bound.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Dec. '98.” Seal.
2 pp. (67. 14.)
Sir Clement Heigham to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. Lest my enforced absence might cause me to be forgotten in your employments, I am bold to write these few lines as an assurance of my fidelity to your Honour.
Holograph. Endorsed :—Dec., 1598. Seal.
½ p. (67. 15.)
Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Dec. At Greenwich I gave you a note of the store of armour in my office. There were some, as I heard, would cunningly intrude themselves into my office. I beseech you allow no such injury to be offered me. As I received the office entire of itself, in such sort and in as good estate I desire to leave it. If it will please you to command my cousin and deputy in office, Mr. John Lee, to attend you, he will inform you of the wrongs which are offered me.
Signed. Endorsed : Dec. 1598.
1 p. (67. 16.)
Anthony Bacon to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. As Mr. Gravener's ancient settled devotion towards your lordship, his dutiful and chargeable endeavours to perform that he hath undertaken, his exceeding loss by the late Lord Treasurer's powerful displeasure, and the general reputation the gentleman hath to be religious, wise and stout, did earnestly move me at the first to recommend his suit unto you; so having understood that he hath divers competitors who may have greater and more importune solicitors than my poor self, but none more honestly jealous of your honour and the public service, I must crave leave to refresh your remembrance of him, and to intimate that which, without prevaricating his intended thankfulness and mine own good, I cannot defer to make known, which is his voluntary friendly offer he made this day unto me, that so long as he should have the furnishing of arms and apparel at as reasonable a rate as any other bona fide can undertake, he will put in good assurance of five hundred pounds by the year to whom it shall please you to assign it : which he saith he may do without wronging himself any way, as he will more particularly deduce unto your lordship.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Bacon. Dec., '98.”
Seal, damaged.
1 p. (178. 62.)
William Lord Herbert to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. I presume to commend to your favour this honest lieutenant, whom nothing but want of ambition has kept from better place. I do it partly for his good mind towards me, which I have well tried, but more to shew that I am bold on your kindness, which I beseech you take as an assured argument that most of all men you may command me. My suit is for a captain's place, which long service claims in some sort, especially at your hands where preferment is measured by desert.
Holograph. Endorsed : “Lord Harbert, Dec. '98.”
1 p. (178. 63.)
Sir Edward Hoby to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Dec. I do confess I can claim nothing by any desert from your lordship; but yet your being yourself and your worth being your own, and none so worthy as yourself, doth awaken my spirits which cry to you for your best assistance, which is so much the more to proceed from your mere favour as I am hollow left by those whom your judgment knoweth I have better deserved of, and other of my own, in whom a man would judge nature might move a greater regard to be had of me. If I knew any foul vice in myself I would not beg grace at your hands; if I were not resolved to venture (and almost willing to lose) my blood in aught might concern you, I would be ashamed to press you. My suit is that, whereas I perceive her Majesty is even drawn to resolve upon Trevor, and that instantly, it would please you to cast some bone though but to defer it, until I may by any opportunity present myself unto her, which knowing how far she is in this time kept from us, maketh me only to seek but delay; and when her Majesty shall have heard me, I then will rest satisfied with whatsoever her Majesty shall do if she then continue in the same mind. I press not your lordship to solicit you to speak for me, nor, I protest, enter not in this for aught else than your love to be requited with my life. Your wisdom may work and object what is not in compass of my pen or wit. Only I vow my soul to your service, who if you love me will think of me, and not doing it will leave a wound in myself, that after three apprenticeships in Court am enforced to seek a new trade.
Holograph. Endorsed : Dec. '98.
1 p. (178. 64.)
John Izod to [the Earl of Essex.]
[1598, Dec.] The 5 November, by commissioners sent from Madrid, were all the Hollanders and Zealanders that were found here 'imbarged,' and so likewise in all other parts of the country. In this place were found 28 ships at that instant, and eight others within three days after; but a greater fleet of them being ready to enter into the mouth of the harbour, upon intelligence returned back. This thing is very unpleasing to all of this place in a generality, and not without cause; for without assistance of victuals from thence I think it impossible for the people here to live.
The King's going to Barcelona to receive his wife (who is daughter to the Archduke Charles) is deferred till the cold of the year be past; and then in his return it is thought he will receive his oath at Arragon.
The Cardinal is likewise expected who is to marry the King's sister, which by report is nothing pleasing to this King nor much allowed by his new councillors, which are at least seven or eight since his father died, whereof the Adelantado is the chiefest.
In public and private speeches there is great brags of their hope in the French King, touching their revenge for England; there is nothing here so much talked of.
The Earl Bothwell is at Madrid in great estimation, and for certain hath received the sacrament for the doing of some service against England, and in particular hath promised to raise a great army in Scotland when the King of Spain shall command him. Tyrone's ambassador is likewise there, who hath been heard with great applause. He is shortly expected here for his return home. The allowance of our Irish merchants' traffic in these parts in my opinion is very dangerous. The eighteen ships that were sent from Seville to fetch the treasure from the Havana are expected to be at home before the end of January.
Lisbon is much visited with the plague, by reason whereof the people do leave the city in great multitudes; but in most men's opinion their greatest fear is in the conceit they have of your lordship's coming thither, which doth appear many ways. And for mine own part (with all reverent zeal to her Majesty) I wish it might be so, for except it please God to cross it, I see no reason why it should not be instantly carried; and as I have spent the most of my life in the wars, so would I offer my head to the block if within a few hours after our approach into the suburbs I did not presently lead the way to an apparent entrance into the city.
At my coming hither there were not above twelve or fourteen hundred soldiers here, which indeed are very soldierlike men. Since that here are come seven companies more, which are more like goatkeepers than soldiers.
It is given out that a great army, both of horse and foot, is to come presently hither, but it is thought it is only to fear the people, who no question will be ready to take arms against the Spaniard if any fit army of foreign forces should attempt them, for never lived people in a more discontented government.
By reason of the plague here, it is thought there shall go but six carricks this year to the East Indies, whereas it was given out ten should have gone, and they would willingly be gone by the end of January, but the two new ships that are here or building I know cannot be ready by that time. Here is no manner of shipping that is worthy the taking notice of, but only some 10 carricks of all sorts.
I have heard that one Henry Bolt, an English Jesuit, is long since gone into England. By report he should seem to be a very dangerous man. He is somewhat lean and about forty years of age.
The Condy Porteleagre hath in person been all the sea coasts over to visit the forts and see them provided of all necessaries, as fearing some great matter; for publicly at his table he said he would never believe that so many of the Queen's ships should be prepared for Ireland.
Captain Donington hath divers other advertisements to present unto you.
Holograph.
2 pp. (83. 23.)
The Deputies of the States General to the Lords of the Council.
[1598.] We thank her Majesty for confirming in writing the expression of her good will and intention given by the mouths of the Earls of Essex and Nottingham, and of the Lord Buckhurst. We do, under correction, judge the continuation of war necessary, and beseech you therefore that the supplies of war be not diverted nor its conduct slackened and time wasted by the entertainment of proposals for peace. To the most Christian King no peace will be profitable unless lasting; a truce is but a postponement of hostilities. The surrender to him of a few small places will not be an equivalent to the advantage which the King of Spain will derive from having leisure to settle his affairs, and the peace granted too cheaply will seem to have been extorted by fears. France must have war, foreign or civil, that realm being in notorious partialities and dissensions. Peace abroad will rouse, not lull, distrust at home. The foundations of the League are too firm and too deep in too many hearts, and the factions can only be kept from internecine strife by the stronger attractions of a war against a foreign foe. We beseech her Majesty to remember that all her previous success is due to war, undertaken either in defence of her own realm or of her good and loyal neighbours.
The K. of Spain, enjoying peaceably the navigation of both Indies (which has not been open to him since the occupation of Portugal), will remain perpetually armed to assure that traffic. To guard against surprise her Majesty must remain armed, also watching for the first blow. Far be it from us to allege that peace is never good or that princes never keep faith. But, saving our reverence to her Majesty, the faithlessness of bad princes is the most fruitful cause of war, and the law of the Pope is, “No faith with heretics.”
And, for that Almighty God has given to kings the means for the good governance of their realms, not only in peace but also in war, so are they equally bound to choose a timely war as to embrace a tranquil peace. Sweet is the name of peace and the sound thereof desirable. The more need then to take care that full weight be given to arguments for war.
And even if the King of Spain give his daughter the Infanta to the Cardinal of Austria, he will be none the less to be feared. He will still be King of Spain, still armed, and the Emperor, his brother, in arms against the Turk and backed by the forces of Spain. The nearer the Infanta to her pretended rights, the more she will think of them. The habit and the title of Cardinal, his oath to the Pope deeply rooted in his heart, show clearly enough how little will the King of Spain has to accommodate his differences with his neighbours who profess the true Religion.
So much confidence have the States General in the Divine goodness forbidding such a disaster as a contravention of the league with them, that they have instructed us not to discuss any treaty of pacification, whether with a view to being comprised in it or no. Though much exhausted with an infinity of expenses, they are ready to contribute for the continuation of the war, but as such a matter must be resolved on by all the three confederates, we have no authority to treat separately with her Majesty regarding the same contribution. Though the continuation of the war will benefit them in particular, and so increase the multitude of their existing obligations to her Majesty, yet are they also fighting for the good of all Christendom in curbing the proud power of Spain. It is the interest of all potentates to prevent the United Provinces from again coming under his, or his dependents' rule, and her Majesty will, doubtless, remember the costs expended by her predecessors to have our friendship even when we were poorer, less populous and less powerful by land and sea than we are now. We supplicate her Majesty to pardon us for entering so far into the matter (wherein we but do our duty to those that sent us), and beseech an answer and opening of what has happened since the departure of the King's Ambassador.
Signed, Jehan de Duvenvoirde, Jan van Warck, Johan van Hottinga, Noel de Caron.
Endorsed :—“The reply of the Deputies of the States to the Lords of the Council their answer given to their propositions.”
French. 3½ pp. (67. 58.)
“A brief of the States' Propositions.”
[1598.] A summary of the arguments against the conclusion of peace with Spain.
In Essex's hand. Endorsed with the above title.
1 p. (67. 57.)
The Reply made to the Proposition of the Deputies of the States General on behalf of her Majesty.
[1598.] States that the Queen takes in good part the freedom used by the States in communicating to her their apprehensions at the news that the French King was treating with the Cardinal of Austria, their proceedings towards the said King, and their ideas on the question of war or peace. Traces the course of the negotiations for peace, from the first overture made by the Sieur de Maisse, ambassador of the King of France, to the present time, and sets forth the reasons for and against peace. Concludes : Ces sont les plus fortes et importantes raisons que Messieurs les Deputés ont usé en leur proposition, et toutesfois il se voit qu'elles sont que disputables. L'offre quils font au nom de Messieurs les Etats Generaux est en termes générales. Et pourtant sa Majesté doit être plus éclaircie si, par cette offre, elle serait induicte de refuser, pour l'amour et l'interet seul de Messsieurs les Etats, une bonne et convenable paix pour sa Majesté et pour ses royaumes. Pour conclure, sa Majesté ne peut faire autre réponse jusques à ce qu'elle a ouye ce qui s'est passé en France, et entendu les conditions de paix ou de guerre qu'on lui offrira. Mais quand elle sera éclaircie, sa Majesté prendra telle résolution qu'elle verra être le plus juste, sure et honorable, tant pour sa dite Majesté et ses royaumes que pour ses confédérés.
Draft in Essex's hand-writing.
4 pp. (205. 74.)
Motives against Peace with Spain.
[1598.] They which like the peace do say this offer is too little to refuse a peace for it, by which all traffic shall be renewed, blood spared and treasure preserved.
They which are for war, answer thus :—First : that it is a confusion of the question to make the comparison between peace and war, for of them two the choice is easy; but this is but an offer of treaty, in which, the circumstances considered, there may arise many doubts what shall be the success, and therefore the beginning to be very warily apprehended.
First, by treaty only.
(1) The Queen breaks her word to the States, in a matter which she hath objected to the Fr. King for a faul.
She hazardeth the astonishment of the people at this time, upon the doubtful apprehension of her proceedings, whereby faction amongst many towns will increase, and, in most persons, obstinacy and unwillingness to contribute to their defence, so as it is not unlikely but even by treating with the King, she shall do the King of Spain a pleasure, though, haply, when things come to issue betwixt him and her Majesty, she shall find he never intended good condition, but to see what he could win by the offer of peace.
When he offered a treaty in '88, it was seen what he intended, and it is to be thought that there had not then so much passed between the Princes as now hath done, whereby the revengeful mind on his part ought to be more durable.
Besides, it is very likely that he doth now find that, though we should make peace with him, yet we intend to help the Low Countries underhand. Which is to him one of the greatest despites that may be. And, therefore, it is most certain to be thought that, although, for his present necessity, he will be forced to make a formal temporary peace for restitution of his trade and traffic; yet he will run underhand courses with Ireland as we shall do with the Low Countries, so as we must either resolve to quit all help of them, overtly and covertly (and so suffer them to perish), or else he will still keep fire in Ireland, which will be all one equal vexation to the Queen. For we must think, he hath the same councils and the same cautions as other princes have; so as, either her Majesty shall now make no peace at all upon this treaty (but receive some proud demands after she hath shewed a purpose to follow the French King), or she shall make a hollow peace and break out into a war within a year or two, when the States are worse able than now to help us, and when he hath also gotten more strength again than now he hath, by the return of his treasure and abstinence of expenses in French wars.
Now, seeing the States bind her Majesty to no perpetuity of making war, but will pay these sums whilst she doth make war, and seeing the great matter, which ought to be the greatest motive to peace is yet in nubibus (namely, the donation to the Cardinal of the Low Countries to separate it from Spain), the manner whereof is accompanied with many suspected circumstances, it is disputable whether it be not good to take the States' offer for a year or two now, and see what will become of that matter, or to refuse their offer now and send to treat, being uncertain whether a peace will follow, or, if it does, whether it be likely to continue except the Queen utterly leave the States, in which the danger also is to be well weighed by those that are able to judge and foresee it. 1¼ pp. (67. 81.)
Reasons touching the transport of corn to the West.
The prohibition of the said transport would injure the United Provinces more than the enemy. Want of victual will never deter the Spanish King from his enterprises. If needful, he will seize provisions, which, having so many kingdoms, he will be able in any case to obtain. The profit which his enemies now gain by supplying him, will be transferred to his own people, and he will merely take order for the better cultivation of his own soil, if he finds that his enemies can injure him in the manner now proposed. Nor can a number of kingdoms be invested like a single besieged town. Neighbouring kings and princes not having joined in the embargo, navigation cannot be prevented either by the ordinary way of the Channel, or by the Ocean to the West of Ireland.
The Estates have even stronger reasons for objecting to a particular prohibition.
Immediately the prohibition is published, a multitude of merchants, mariners, artisans and other inhabitants will depart from the United Provinces with their merchandise, ships and possessions, to abide in some other place where traffic is free. Corn will become very dear, for no one will import it unless he can sell it in the most convenient place. The prohibition, without the concurrence of neighbouring States, will merely enrich those neighbouring States, such as Emden, Bremen, Hamburg, Lubeck, Scotland, Denmark, Poland and Sweden, at the expense of the United Provinces. It would soon be also necessary to raise a large navy to seize some good place to command the enemy. In spite of navigation, God has hitherto blessed her Majesty's arms, in support of whose enterprizes for the weal of her realm and the relief of her good confederates, the United Provinces will ever be ready to join their men of war to her armies.
Besides other reasons, it has been on another occasion amply represented to her Majesty that the inhabitants of the United Provinces could not dare to trade in Spain but under borrowed names and colours. The traffic in munitions of war has been forbidden, which is more than any neighbouring State has yet done. In fact, the United Provinces would be compelled to withdraw for the sake of their traffic, a course which would have a very serious effect on the common cause.
All which we humbly beseech her Majesty kindly to weigh and consider : that no hindrance be offered to the mariners, merchants and traders of the United Provinces, and that in any event notice be taken of the complaints of the Estates of Zeeland, for the reasons contained in the letters to which this is joined.
Signed : Jehan de Duvenvoird, Johan van Hottinga, Jan van Warck, Noel de Caron.
An enclosure.
3 pp. (67. 47.)
Peace Negotiations.
[1598.] “Memoire de quelques points touchant le traicté d'entre la Royne d'Angleterre et le Roy d'Espaigne, en cas que les Estats n'y vueillent estre comprins.”
French. Holograph by Essex's Secretary.
1 p. (49. 35.)
Treaty of Vervins.
[1598.] 1. Ils rapportent que le Legat leur a affirmé que les deputez de France poursuivront le traicté encore que l'Angleterre et l'Hollande ny vueillent entendre, et qu'ils ne pouvoient moins faire que de monster quelque contraire, pour l'honneur de leur Roy. Et aussy que le diet Legat les a asseurez que le Roy estoit bien adverty que la Royne d'Angleterre et les Hollandois n'entendront pas au traicté, mais que ce qu'il en faisoit n'estoit que par manière d' acquit. 2. Richardot rapporte que Mons. de Villeroy a la premiere conference qu'il eust avec eux diet, que le Roy son maistre avoit asseuré le General des Cordeliers, lorsqu'il le vint trouver le xjme de Febr., que ses deputez auroient plein pouvoir de traicter et conclurre, nonobstant que ses confederez ne s'y voulussent accorder. 3. Monsieur de Bellieure a faict en fin entendre qu'il avoit donne cognoissance au Roy son maistre de l'ouverture de leur negotiation, et que le Roy estoit bien satisfaict du pouvoir du Cardinal. Et quant à la Royne d'Angleterre, pour ce qu'il ne se trouva point de pouvoir pour elle, que de la part du Cardinal, qu'il en escriroit a la Royne, et tascheroit de la contenter, conseillant d'envoyer en Espaigne pour apporter une plus ample commission, et que le desseing du Roy estoit, et leur avoit ainsy commandé de proceder a la conclusion du traicté pour ce qui concerneroit les deux Rois, et apres que l'accord en seroit faict, ils le redigeroient par articles, et le reduiroient en forme de traicté pour estre signé par les deputez de part et d'aultre, et puis estre mis entre les mains du Legat, pour estre gardé jusques a temps de la publication. Et sur le doupte si le diet traicté auroit lieu en cas que ses alliés n'y voulussent entendre, il fust respondu par les diets deputez que leur Roy estoit un prince absolu, ne dependant de personne que de Dieu et de sa volonté, et qu'il ne laisseroit pas de traicter et faire ses affaires, encores que ses alliés ne s'y voulussent pas accommoder. 4. Ils ont charge de faire obliger le Roy, par le moyen du legat, d'exterminer l'herecie et les hereticques de son royaulme sans en recevoir aulcun aux charges publicques. 5. Ils tascheront de persuader a la Royne de prendre de l'argent en recompence des places qu'elle tient au Roy, et qu'ils apprendront secrettement quelle en sera la somme, sans y obliger le Roy.
Ils accorderont le renouvellement des traictes et libertez de commerce qui ont esté par le passé entre l'Angleterre et l'Espaigne, le Portugal et les Pays Bas.
Endorsed by Cecil :—“The copy of an extraict delivered to the French King.”
1½ pp. (49. 38.)
Extract from the three General Instructions from the Cardinal to the Special Commissioners to treat with France, England, and The States.
[1598.] Nous importent ce qui scait de defaire et desraciner du tout la ligue, communication et correspondance que le Roy de France a jusques a maintenant eu avecque l'Angleterre, et nos rebelles, il conviendra qu'en ce present traicté se mette un article nouveau auquel inserant le substance de ceste article je lie ce particulier avecq les clauses et parolles les plus fortes et plus efficaces qu'il se pourra et obligeant non seulement le Roy mais aussi tous ses vassaulx et subjects de quelque qualité et religion qu'ils soient, &c.
Antonio Perez, les Arragoneyes et Portugais qui ont suivi la partie de Don Antonio exceptés d'estre compris.
Que le Roy de France mist governeurs Catholiques tousjours aux places renduez par le Cardinal.
Et surtout comme vous scavez la sainte intention de sa Mate et que toutes nos actions se doiuvent tousjours commencer par ce qui plus importe à la religion, vous aurez la mire a ce que ceste paix se face avecque la seureté de nostre Ste foy Catholique et que le legat de la part de sa Ste oblige le Roy de France de desraciner l'heresye de son royaume et persecuter les heretiques et ne les admettre aux charges publiques dont par le loix du Royaume ils sont exclus que sera affere de vray Catholique, &c.
Si le Roy de France ne veult traicter sans ses confederes, l'Angleterre et Hollande, ils seront admiz, mais avecq caution de capituler, par 3 traictés particuliers chascun a par soy et sans faire mention l'un de l'autre. Mais si cela ne se peult faire il le laisse en liberté. Et au regard d'Angleterre si la paix se doit fayre avecqe elle, que ce soit sans desesperer les pauvres Catholiques, et que sa Sté y ait particuliere soin d'y apposer condition, que par tout le Royaume y ait libre exersise de la religion Catholiq. Et qu' apres celà ce traicte, mais par le moyen du dit legat et general, des interestes de sa Mate et reparation des dommages qu'on luy ayt faict. Qui est un point que sa Ste doit favorizer puis qu'il touche le plus obeissant fils du' dit siège et la plus contumace et desobeissante personne de la Chrestienté.
Et pour ceulx dc Hollande, Zelande et associés, que ce soit avecq l'obeissance deue à Dieu, et au Roy et avecq l'establissement de nostre saincte religion. A quoy le Roy de France ne devroyt contredire s'il est tel qu'il veult faire a croire. Mesmes ne refusant sa Majesté qu'il s'entremeet en traicté encores qu'en regard de ses sujets qui ne l'avoyent recognu il n'a voulu admettre aulcun mediateur mais que simplement ils le recognussent et advouassent pour leur Roy, sire et souverain Prince. (67. 55.)
In the Instructions for treaty with England.
The places the Q. holds must be restored to the K. of Spain, or else the treaty to break off.
That they practise to see if for a sum of money they may be gotten, if not otherwise. But the Commissioners to tie themselves to nothing till further order.
To couch in the articles of England those things spoken of in the instructions of treaty with France.
Instructions for treaty with The States.
Ils seront touts generalment rendus habilles et capables pour povoir servyr en toutes sortes des charges et affaires et que toutes fois dites avecque termes si decores et convenables que par la nous ne soyons obliges de faire pour les heretiques plus que la raison ne veult, etc.
Si vous voyes ce qu'ils proposent estre tant esloigné, &c. Les ires tenant en halein de telle manière qu'encores par la vous ne nous oblegeres à rien, etc.
In Essex's hand. Endorsed with title, as above.
4 pp. (67. 56.)
A copy of the above, entirely in French.
4 pp. (49. 36.)
The Earl of Northumberland to the Earl of Essex.
[1598.] Noble brother, I forgot to move you the last night in behalf of this gentleman who desires to do you any service in this journey of yours towards Ireland. He desires to have a company. He was with you on your last voyage, as a private person.
Holograph. Undated. Seal.
1 p. (58. 38.)
Sir Thomas Gates to [the Earl of Essex.]
[1598.] I perceive your Lordship so much troubled with those that importune you, that I am forced to present you my poor service in this paper. Forget me not in the roll of those that have long followed you with their hearts and abilities, and have now nothing left but my life to spend for you. I have been with your Lordship in all your former voyages, and it would much grieve me to be left behind in this, which is for the recovery of no less than a kingdom.
Holograph. Endorsed :—1598.
¾ p. (67. 42.)
Francis Bacon to Edward Reynolds.
[1598.] I obtained his Lordship's full promise for a company for Captain Garrett. Wherefore I pray you his name may be entered into his Lordship's private list, and that you will yield him such care and favour as to the effecting of my Lord's promise appertaineth, wherein you shall deserve my best thanks.
Holograph.
½ p. (67. 19.)
Sir John Scott to Edward Reynolds.
[? 1598.] I understand that the general despatch doth hasten forward and would gladly learn what hope I might conceive of his Lordship's purpose for my particular, that I might have time as well to settle my estate at home as provide me of necessaries. If his Lordship have already disposed of such places as might have honoured me, I would not press him with terms not answerable to his own liking.
Holograph.
½ p. (67. 77.)
John Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598.] My Lord of Northumberland hearing of some men should go into Ireland, hath prayed me to write to you to show that favour, if you can, as to reserve the place of a captain for his brother Charles who was in France with my Lord of Essex, because he hath a liking that his brother should follow the wars, especially where the Q. hath any service, and he will be ready to pray my Lord of Essex to join in the furtherance thereof.
Holograph. Undated.
½ p. (67. 82.)
Sir Robert Cecil to the Escheator of Sussex.
1598. Requiring him to stay further proceedings in the case of Philip Gratwick, deceased. The Court of Wards will probably have to deal with the Queen's claim to the wardship of Gratwick's daughter and heiress.
Draft.
Endorsed :—“1598. A minute of a letter to be written to the Escheator of Sussex.”
¾ p. (60. 78.)
Richard Perceval to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598.] On to-morrow and Thursday very great causes are to be heard, which have been deferred since the beginning of last term, so that your being here to-morrow would do much good. But I will see whether I can reserve them from to-morrow till Wednesday, though it be ordinarily a day of motions and matters of revenue.—Monday morning.
Holograph. Seal.
½ p. (61. 4.)
Sir Robert Cecil to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
[1598.] By the Queen's favour towards Lady Katherine Cornwallis, late wife of Thomas Cornwallis, Esquire, the Queen's groom-porter, the late Secretary Sir Francis Walsingham and the Earl of Nottingham were instructed to signify to the magistrates that her Majesty would not have the Lady Katherine molested for not attending church. But since her husband's death the lady has been troubled, and by the Queen's command I am to signify that her Majesty's favour towards the Lady Katherine is nowise diminished, but that she is still to have the liberty of her conscience, and that you will prohibit all magistrates from prosecuting any suit for recusancy against her, or searching her house.—Whitehall, this—of—1598.
Draft corrected by Cecil.
Endorsed :—“Sir William Cornwallis”; and with another version of the close of the letter.
1 p. (61. 44.)
Lady Burgh.
1598. Warrant for the delivery to Lady Burgh of certain port corn due to her husband, late Deputy [in Ireland]. We perceive that the pretence for detaining it was that by the leases the corn was to be delivered at some time after his Lordship's death, though due for the harvest before it. The respects of that tolerance of payment of the corn so long after Michaelmas, the day of payment of the tenants' rent, was for that it benefited our governors that they might have convenient stowage for it, as it should be brought in; and also our farmers, by giving convenient time after the sowing their grounds to thresh and bring in their rent-corn without danger of forfeiture of their leases. We are satisfied that the corn in equity appertained to our said Deputy, he having taken the charge of our sword long before the harvest and lived until after Michaelmas. We regard also the great charge that he lived at, and the hard estate in which he left his wife and children by his own sudden and untimely death.
Draft, with corrections in Cecil's hand. Endorsed : 1598.
1½ pp. (67. 22.)
John Colville.
Note of my director's disbursing.
[? 1598.] For relief of Nicolson's friend, who lieth in prison at Dunkirk, six score pounds, because the honest man should smart if he should be prisoner in time of Nicolson's enterprize.
For defraying Nicolson himself and his brother, six score pounds.
To the Cordelier's brother sent about three score pounds.
He has even now mortgaged his land for a hundred pound, to be given the governor because he dare not displease him, having so high a matter in hand.
Your Honour may easy judge that this matter will require on his part before February yet more nor another hundred pounds—say £500.
In Colville's handwriting.
¾ p. (67. 28.)
The Barons of the Cinque Ports to the Lords of the Council.
1598. Time out of mind they and their predecessors have used to recover their debts and other duties by any inhabitant, not only in the City of London or any other town corporate in England, but also in any town beyond the seas where her Majesty hath league and amity, by way of withernam, after certain letters of process first sent to the governors of any such town, entreating them that they will cause the debtor to pay his debt or answer why he ought not. Which course of withernam the City of London and all other corporations in England, and also the said places beyond the seas, have ever yielded unto and obeyed, and your Lordships in the year 1576, upon a very learned hearing and arguing of the lawfulness and reasonableness thereof, did allow and approve it unto your said orators. But now the said City of London doth seek to overthrow the same, taking occasion thereunto by their own wrong done to the Ports, in that they did seize and do withhold the goods of one Thomas Nowell, a baron of the Cinque Ports, contrary to law and charters of the ports for foreign buying and selling. For remedy whereof, according to the course of withernam, the Mayor of Sandwich, in default of justice in the said City, took in withernam a citizen of London, and detained him until satisfaction. Since which time the said City of London hath suborned the said citizen to bring divers suits, but especially this action of false imprisonment against the Mayor of Sandwich and others in H.M. court of Common Pleas, supposing that the Mayor of Sandwich did commit him to prison in London. The said Nowell complained of this wrong to your Lordships and your Lordships committed the hearing thereof to H.M. learned counsel and the Recorder of London. Who, upon the hearing, certified your Lordships that the City had done the Baron of the Ports wrong in seizing his goods, and that the City would promise to take no advantage by that suit against the defendant, only they would try by this action whether this privilege of withernam be lawful, which from the Conquest in all ages hitherto hath been allowed by them to be lawful and no record to the contrary. Unto which trial the Ports have been very willing, and have twice argued the cause by their learned serjeants in the law before the Judges of the said court. Some of which Judges are of opinion that it is rather a matter of State than Common Law, yet by reason of some errors alleged to be in the form of pleading the said withernam, whereby London have strong advantage, they thereupon follow earnestly for judgment to overthrow the said ancient privilege. May it, therefore, please your good Lordships, in consideration that the ground of all this suit is upon their own wrongdoing, the continuance also thereof is upon an imprisonment feigned and false, and the advantages which they follow are certain escapes in pleading committed before your orators were made acquainted with the said action, to take the defence of this ancient privilege unto your honourable hearing; and, as your Lordships have already relieved the said baron of the Ports which the City had wronged, so it will please you to relieve the whole Ports from the wrong the City would do them in overthrowing their privileges, the very sinews and strength of the Ports, wherewith her Majesty's most noble progenitors have very anciently endowed them, and that your Lordships will be further pleased to read in the next paper the reasons why it is necessary that the Cinque Ports should have and enjoy the same privileges.
Endorsed : 1598.
1 p. (67. 29.)
The paper enclosed :—
The Cinque Ports lie within three hours sail of the ancient enemy of this land, the French, and of the Spaniard at Dunkirk, Gravelines, &c., in great danger of invasion and of impoverishment by sudden spoil of their ships. These dangers bring on them extreme charges, viz., provision of powder, &c., besides the maintenance of a watch of horse and foot to the number of 60 in a town every night. The magistrates themselves in their turns watch every night in person. The Ports are charged by their service to find a great navy with 1200 men warlike appointed, which in the years 1588 and 1596 they have performed, to their cost of £8000.
The force of the people of the counties adjoining is not near to the said Ports. The Ports are not walled. The air is very unhealthy. But the defence of the Ports and the maintenance of this navy of great importance to the whole land. Wherefore the inhabitants have been granted by her Majesty and her progenitors divers great privileges more than other places, to cause the continual abode of the inhabitants, as this custom of withernam, exemptions from the Queen's writs, and from 'sises, sessions, juries and such like, that thereby people of the better sort might be encouraged plentifully to inhabit there. But if the privileges be withdrawn, away go all the rich men, and with them their armour and the maintenance of the poor, which cannot live but by the rich who set them on work and employ them. Thus the ports shall be unpeopled and unarmed, whereby may most apparently ensue these mischiefs following :
(1.) The loss of the towns, with many of her Majesty's faithful subjects and serviceable mariners, by sudden invasion.
(2.) The planting of the enemy there, a thing heretofore attempted.
(3.) The weakening and slander of the whole realm.
(4.) The danger of her Majesty's person, the readiest passage of the enemy to London being from the said ports.
At this time the ports are in great need of aid, the inhabitants not being near so many nor of such wealth as heretofore. Indeed, were they not sworn to maintain them, they would rather forsake ports and privileges than undergo their present charge and trouble.
1 p. (67. 30.)
Sir Anthony Ashley.
1598. Things in my judgment that Sir Anthony Asheley brought home, which I have seen in his house, besides many other things which I think were in his house before.
Nine pieces of old hangings. Certain “pourslande dycheses,” dollars to the value of 340 ducats, a great lump of ambergris, a “fatte bocke” which Mr. Asheley saith was parcel of that which his company brought in yesternight. “A rede bockes,” full of Spanish toys of small price, as one pair of perfumed gloves and three pair of silk stockings. A bason and three candlesticks of silver.
Mr. Asheley saith there is taken out of one of his trunks at the Limehouse in dollars which he had in exchange to the value of £300.
He taketh God to witness that the trunks which were at Limehouse were laid there without his direction, but to bring them directly to his house in Holborn, as he thought he might do without offence.
He carried above £500 of English coin with him to employ to his benefit.
He doth further protest that whatsoever he got on the voyage, he hath by both the generals' free gifts and knowledge in recompence of his service.
Endorsed :—“1598. Mr. Drake.”
1 p. (67. 31.)
Clement Edmondes to Edward Reynolds.
1598. Sir John Scott hath written to you that he desireth to do my lord all honour and service. He hopeth my lord will not wish him to any course that may be prejudicial to his estate or reputation. Lest he might err in terms which might infer a carelessness in him to deserve my lord's favour by such earnest solicitation as is nowadays practised, he hath sent you the letter open, desiring you to amend whatsoever may savour of any such mistrust. He altogether relieth on you, and will gratify your kindness with the best arguments of his love.
P.S. Sir John stayeth in town until to-morrow 8 of the clock in the morning, and then there shall one attend you to see if you can procure an answer this night. It would save him many miles' riding if it would so fall out.
Holograph.
1 p. (67. 32.)
The Earl of Essex.
[1598.] Note of the number of various gentlemen's troops.
Signed.
¼ p. (67. 33.)
The Earl of Essex's “Apology.”
[1598.] I do protest myself free from all thought or purpose to have it published either in print or writing. I was so far from giving copies of it, as I charged my man that kept my papers not to let any of my friends see it but in his hand or at least in his presence. I cannot guess how it should come abroad but by the corruption of some of my servants that had access to my chamber, who might take and copy out my loose papers which lay ever sheet by sheet under my bed's head till I had leisure to finish the whole. I have had the papers of him whom I have cause to suspect brought to me by the like indirect means, but never sent any to the press or to scrivener's shop.
Holograph.
Endorsed :—“Protestation of my L. concerning his apology.”
¾ p. (67. 38.)
Richard Carmarden.
1598. Form for a grant of the farm of customs on gold lace.
Draft with corrections. Signed.
1 p. (67. 45.)
Accompanied by :—
A note of all the Venice gold and silver, copper gold, Cullen (Cologne) gold and silver, copper upon thread and copper lace, brought into the Port of London between Xmas 1594 and Midsummer 1598, viz. :—
Total Amounts.
1594/5. 1595/6. 1596/7. 1597/8.
Venice gold and silver 83lb. — 193lb. 50lb.
Copper gold 479lb. 98lb. 216lb. 146lb.
Cullen gold and silver. 441 255 — 47
mast. mast. mast.
Copper upon thread. 1025lb. 1967lb. 254lb. 1119lb.
Copper lace — 48lb. 20lb. 560lb.
The subsidy on which amounted altogether to £136 7s. 4d. and the additional custom on the part imported by aliens to £9 0s. 9d.
Rates. Venice gold and silver the pound £2 13 4
Copper gold per lb. 0 13 4
Cullen gold and silver the mast (= 2½ lb.) 0 13 4
Copper upon thread per lb. 0 3 4
Copper lace per lb. 0 5 0
[or as the merchant will depose it to be worth.
2 pp. (67. 46.)
John Robinson, a Searcher, to [Sir Robert Cecil].
1598. Robert Goodwyn and Thomas Holden, informers, under pretence of searching for sheeps' pelts and horns, about the 13th of March last, went aboard divers ships of Amsterdam with one Fox, the Sergeant of the Admiralty's man. They searched all the said ships, affirming that they have as good authority to search as I have. In concert with the said Holden, with John Braye, another informer, and John Kelsterne, one of the “prasers,” the same Goodwyn has made a book of articles against me, and has practised with divers gentlemen to beg my office of the Queen, alleging that I have lost the said office with all my goods. They affirm that they will produce the book at the Council Table, and only stay the doing thereof till they have gotten my office. I pray you to call Goodwyn before you and cause him to produce the book, whereby I may make my answer to their objections, for I know myself clear of any disorderly dealings.
Holograph. Endorsed :—1598.
1 p. (67. 49.)
Richard Harvey to the Earl of Essex.
1598. Complaining of the remoteness of his living and the savagery of his bishop.
Holograph. Latin.
¾ p. (67. 53.)
Sir Richard Bingham.
1598. Please his Honour to write in my behalf to the Lord Deputy and Council for the liberty of my brother to come over to do such his necessary business here as in Ireland, he putting in bond to answer when he shall be called, and so for my nephew Thomas B. that was vice-constable of Athlone. Further, that we be not wronged upon such our stuff and moveable goods as we left in her Majesty's castles and houses, but may receive for it according to equity. Thirdly, I have been discharged forth of all entertainments this nine or ten months. I have not received anything for my allowances of fee and diet not this year and half or almost two years. May I receive some three or four hundred pounds here upon my account of this treasure that shall next go over, or may the said Treasurer deliver so much upon my account to my brother and servant in Ireland to discharge my debts and occasions there.
Without signature or address. Endorsed with name and date.
¾ p. (67. 68.)
Sir Thomas Knollys to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598.] Seeing divers of no greater desert than myself either preferred in the wars abroad or recompensed for their service at home, I am emboldened to present these few lines to your most favourable construction. The States at their last being here used me very kindly, partly for the alliance of my wife, partly for the long and toilsome service which I have endured in those countries, and at their late departure they promised me either a regiment in the field or the command of one of their garrison towns. I shall, if I be not otherwise commanded, go very shortly into the Low Countries to seek my preferment. My means to live here is but small, besides the loss of my time. My little inheritance in England is near adjoining either to your house at Chelsea or to your manor of Theobalds. That adjoining to Theobalds I am willing to part from, and make proffer thereof to you before any man else. I would gladly have been a suitor for the Brill, for that my wife's mother and most of her friends are bordering near upon it, but I think the grant thereof is past. Nevertheless, albeit I have a promise from the States for a regiment, my most humble suit is to be nominated from here, whereby I may part with her Majesty's most gracious leave and favour.
P.S. If I may not be troublesome, I will come to the Court and attend your best leisure.
Holograph.
Endorsed :—“Without date;” and in another hand, “1598.”
1 p. (67. 69.)
Sir Gelly Meyrick.
1598. Memorandum of sums owed by him to the writer, [Edward Reynolds].
1 p. (67. 71.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598.] There is no gentleman in this county taxed for the subsidy above 40l. (quaranta lire). My Lord North himself, if I am right, just reaches that limit. I am assessed at eighty. No one sends more than three horses to the muster; I was charged with six, though in the end the number was reduced to four. These things would not matter much, if it were not said, to justify these figures, that I was in possession of very great wealth, a veritable treasure, and had boundless gains through my agents. So I feel myself reputed in men's mouths for the wealthiest man in the county, while in reality I get poorer every day, and daily lose hope of getting back the patrimony I placed in the Queen's hands. I would have you consider then whether I ought any longer to endure this mistaken reputation, or if it be not honourable to let the world know my real position. Indeed, thinking this needful, I have begun by sending a letter—of which I enclose a copy—to Sir John Peyton and Sir John Cotton, from whom I have a message of no very courteous kind in answer; for they appear to consider my letter as not so much an explanation of my position as a censure of their assessment, especially of the way in which they themselves contribute nothing, though I did not intend any such criticism. They told my messenger they would send me a reply, which so far has not come. Meanwhile it will soon be Saturday, when I must pay the money; and not to be in default, I bade Giustiniano take the sum to Sir Thomas Stanhope, to whose hands I understand it is to come; but my not sending it to Cambridge will probably provoke much complaint from the “lieutenants” (luoghitenente) to Lord North. And so appears the object of my letter, to let the world know by your means that my estate is not what they imagine; and that in the future my assessment may be reduced from 80l. to 40l., and the number of horses chargeable on me from 4 to 2; and so for all other taxes that may occur in the future. This reduction is very necessary, not so much for the heaviness of these charges (for which in truth I care little), as to correct the mistaken opinion of my wealth, which inconveniences me often, and to show that this is really my intention, I am prepared to send to the Irish army a man well armed, and with a first-rate horse, so that in lieu of the 3l. 10s. I shall save on my assessment I shall spend 40l. I will trust to you to tell Giustiniano what to say to Sir John Stanhope.
P.S.—I have just received an answer from Sgi Peyton and Cotton. They defend their assessment on the common opinion of my wealth. All those they name in their letter have more and better land than I; but excuses are made for them. I alone am injured by the money I do not possess.
Italian. Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (67. 74.)
A duplicate of the preceding letter.
Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp.
Leonard Poe to Edward Reynolds.
[1598.] I have sent you an opiate which I would have you use every night and morning, as much as a hazel nut. It is very good for your head and eyes. Mrs. Smith is sick, and I would stay a day or two to see her sickness come to state. My old adversary, Dr. Paddy, hath ranged to all the counters and entreated at Newgate, but none will serve his warrant. My most truest physician friend, Mr. Dr. Marbeck, hath revealed to me their next practice. They intend to write to my honourable good Lord that they may deal with me by their warrants to continually vex me, which, by the warrant I have from the Lords, I stay. If I have offended them or any other man or woman, wronged the College, or done anything contrary to equity, honesty and justice, let them take their due course by common law. I will answer them. Please you to yield me your advice whether I were not best to make my cause known to my honourable good Lord by humble petition before, they possess him with their suggestions. I beseech you entreat Mr. Smith's favourable advice.
Holograph.
Endorsed with a rough draft in Reynolds's hand of a letter recommending Mr. Mason to succeed the late Dr. Crok in “the Reader's place in that House.”
½ p. (67. 76.)
Henry Sekford and John Baptist, grooms of the Privy Chamber, to the Lords of the Council.
1598. Appealing against the decision of the Commissioners for the examination of English goods arrested in Spain. The Commissioners deducted from 893l. 0s. 7¼d., the value of the applicants' ship as assessed by the English Admiralty, 72l. 3s. 7d. for stores, although the said stores were consumed by Spaniards. The ship was arrested at Gibraltar by Don Alvero de Bassano, admiral for the ports of Andalusia. The applicants and their factor, Robert Harvy, have for four years been applying for redress, which, although Spanish Courts have decided in their favour, they have not obtained. The loss to them is very heavy.
Endorsed :—1598.
1 sheet. (67. 78.)
John Stanley to the Earl of Essex.
1598. Vouchsafe to suffer me to be brought once again before your Honour, where I will, please God, serve my sovereign, right your Honour, and save my soul, which is most grievously perplexed until the same be performed. The Lord give you a heart to vouchsafe me this mercy, and that Sir Robert Cecil may be there. If you go away unsatisfied, suffer me not to live an hour.
Holograph. Endorsed :—1598.
½ p. (67. 83.)
John Stanley.
[1598.] Relation of John Stanley, addressed to the Council. Details of his adventures during the past 14 years in Portugal and Spain and in Drake's last voyage to the Indies. Gives particulars of various plots of the Jesuits and others against the Queen; a list of English fugitives who serve the King of Spain; and proceedings of priests in England. Offers to discover further matters for the Queen's service.
Marginal notes by Sir R. Cecil and by Essex, who denies that the writer has ever been in his service as stated.
Undated.
60 pp. (233. 5.)
[The Privy Council] to the [President of the Council of the North].
1598. Thomas Wakefield, bailiff or head sergeant at the Mace for the town of Beverley, having complained to this Board, order was taken that he should be continued in that office, which order was lately confirmed by the Mayor, Recorder and Governors of that town. But we are informed that the now Mayor, Robert Robinson, will not suffer him to enjoy it, but hath placed another in that office. You are therefore to call the Mayor, Recorder and Governors before you, and to see what just cause they can produce against the said Wakefield, and if they cannot allege sufficient matter, to take order that he may be admitted to his office.
Draft.
1 p. (67. 85.)
— to —
1598. Enquiring “his resolute price” for a bowl of white marble, eight feet round, concerning which my Lord Admiral has spoken to the Queen, unless it has been already disposed of.
Draft, unsigned.
Endorsed :—“1598, a note.”
¼ p. (67. 88.)
The Queen to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598.] Let the Lords after their examination sequester him to his chamber, and let Dru Drury be with him till their doings have been declared me, and then I like well these warrants, saving that three be the least that such a matter deserves. And therefore, instead of your father that never was with them, the Lord Chamberlain may be inserted who was one, for I like not “er” [? to err] in such a case. E.R.
Addressed :—“To the Eλфε.”
Endorsed by Cecil :—“Her Majesty to R. Cecyll,” and in another hand, “Written with her own hands.”
Holograph. Undated.
½ p. (133. 187.)
The University and Town of Cambridge.
[1598.] A particular of wrongs offered and done unto the Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge by Robert Wallis, William Nicholson, and others of the town, contrary to charters granted and confirmed by Act of Parliament.
1. They have enlarged and set at liberty divers persons, being in execution there, and committed by sentence of the Vice-Chancellor, to the utter overthrow of the jurisdiction of the University.
Persons enlarged.—John Tiddeswell, George Pretty, Edward Hurste, Robt. Dauntrie, Agnes Shawe.
2. They have disfranchised divers burgesses of the said town, for serving of her Majesty in an inquisition, leet, or lawday, and by name for presenting engrossers of corn.
Persons disfranchised.—Edward Pottell, Richard Bembridge, John Wells, Richard Bracher, Eliott Curr.
3. They deny and resist the University search for light persons, or suspected of evil, except in victualling houses, which search is granted by charter for the better safety of young gentlemen, students, whereof some have been and daily are endangered to be drawn into contracts and marriages with mean persons.
Persons denying search.—Robert Wallis, Leonard Whaley, Henry Slegg.
Gentlemen contracted secretly.—Mr. Anthony Biron, Mr. Wickliff, Mr. Wood, Mr. Bowser.
4. They do in leet and sessions enquire of victuallers and victualling contrary to the University charters, absolutely inhibiting the same, contrary also to her Majesty's letters. 6 Eliz.
Witnesses hereof.—Philip Stringer, John Holmes, Robert Pippin.
The record of Sessions. A precept dated 29th Dec : 39 Eliz.
5. They have wilfully imprisoned divers of the body of the University for matters of misdemeanour and not serving at musters, contrary to charter.
Privileged persons imprisoned.—John . . . . Mr. Wilbore Humbletoft's man, by Mr. Norcott, mayor; John Longworth, William Wright, by Mr. Wallis, mayor; William Sterne, Arnold, by Mr. Robson, mayor.
6. They do ordinarily procure writs of Habeas Corpus and such like writs, for removing themselves out of prison and their causes out of the Vice-Chancellor's Court, notwithstanding that her Majesty hath commanded the contrary under danger of her displeasure.
Persons removing their causes.—William Nicholsone, Edward Hurste, George Pretty, Leonard Whaley, Thomas Hodilowe. William Nicholsone's action laid in London against the Vice-Chancellor and his beadle.
7. They have, for their private benefit and defrauding of her Majesty, provided that none of the privileged persons of the University shall be assessors of subsidy, contrary to the composition made between the University and town. Witnesses hereof. Robert Wallis, Thomas Smith, Richard Redding, Thompson Constable.
Wrongs offered more lately, since the exhibiting of the former complaints.
1. They have proclaimed the Mayor to be sole governor of Sturbridge fair, contrary to the charter, 31 Eliz :
2. Aldermen have refused to take their oaths in the black assembly contrary to the ancient charters.
3. They have assessed all the privileged persons in terris, because they may be liable to subsidy, of mere malice, although the privileged persons have far more goods than lands, and scarce one of them hath lands.
4. They have maliciously plucked down the scales for weights at Sturbridge fair, set up by the officers of the University, to the intent to disgrace the University openly.
[See S.P. Dom. Eliz. Vol. CCLXIX. No. 54.]
1 p. (136. 38.)
[1597 ?] A true report of the late inquiry and breach of the privilege of the University of Cambridge, begun by Mr. John Norcott, Mayor of the town of Cambridge, Anno Domini 1595, and continued by Mr. Robert Wallis, now Mayor.
A paper with this heading, wherein the principal grievance charged is of neglect to inform the University two or three days before the Mayor's entrance upon office, as hath been the custom, to the end that the Vice-Chancellor, or other person by him assigned, might be there ready to take oath of the Mayor and bailiffs to observe the privileges and custom of the University.
2 pp. (136. 39.)
Another paper in the same handwriting, headed “The answer of the University then made in the Town Hall unto the said reasons.”
Contains answers to reasons advanced by the Mayor for not having taken the oath in the manner required by the University. The reasons are not here.
2 pp. (136. 40.)
Lionel Sharpe.
[1598.] Treatise addressed to Sir Robert Cecil by “Leonellus Sharpe.”
Directed against papacy, and suggesting an epitaph for Cecil's father, Lord Burghley.
Latin. Mutilated. 11 pp.
(139. 86.)
Lord Burghley.
[1598.] A paper endorsed “My late Lo : Trer's. Offices.” The offices were :—Master of the game in Husburne in Hampshire; steward of Bristol; steward of the Manor of Busshopston in the co. of Glamorgan; steward of the possessions of the Bishopric of Winton in the counties of Southampton and Wilts; master of the Queen's wards and liveries; treasurer of the Exchequer; steward of the manor of Edelmton; steward, escheator, “crowner,” bailiff and clerk of the market of Westminster; steward of the possessions of Trinity College, Cambridge; master of all the game in the parks, forests and chaces belonging to the bishopric of Chichester; steward of the bishopric of Coventry and Lichfield; steward of the lands of the Bishop of St. David's.
Undated.
1¼ pp. (139. 86.)
Lord Burghley.
[1598.] Verses. Complaint of Richard Vennarde of Lincolns Inn on the death of the late Lord Treasurer, “since whose death he could never find justice in England.”
1 p. (140. 87.)
Lord Burghley.
1. Pedigree of the Walcots and the Cecils. Partly in Lord Burghley's hand.
1 p. (204. 86.)
2. Pedigree of the Cecil family, from 1091, and their connection with the Baskervilles and Milburnes.
Endorsed by Lord Burghley.
3 pp. (204. 87.)
3. Pedigree. Connection of the Cecil and Ward families.
Partly in Lord Burghley's hand.
1 p. (204. 89.)
4. Pedigree of the Cecil family.
Endorsed by Lord Burghley : “Pedigree Cecil from Mr. D. Lews.”
1 p. (204. 90.)
5. Pedigree of Richard Sitsilt of Altyrennis, and Vaughan of Tilleglas, to Lord Burghley.
Endorsed by Lord Burghley.
2 pp. (204. 91.)
6. Pedigree of the Kings of Portugal, the House of Braganza, &c.
Endorsed by Lord Burghley : “Mr. Roger—Portugale.”
8 pp. (204. 92.)
The Merchants Adventurers.
[1598.] Four papers, viz.,
1. Considerations against the exaction from the Merchants Adventurers of certain new and extraordinary duties by the States General of the United Provinces, set out in detail.
Signed :—Richard Godard, Governor : George Sotherton.
French. 2 pp.
2. Alterations suggested in the above.
1½ pp.
3. Draft of the “Considerations,” the suggested alterations incorporated.
French. 2 pp.
4. Another copy of the above, the articles arranged in a different order, and certain additions made.
[See S. P. Dom. Eliz. Vol. CCLXVIII. No. 5.]
(176. 16.)
The Earl of Essex.
1598. Portion of an account, endorsed, “Note of disbursements, '98”, in the hand of Edward Reynolds, Essex's secretary. Includes receipts from Mr. Tasborowe and Mr. Pitt. Also payments to the same : for carrying money from the Exchequer to Essex House : by your Lordship's (Essex's) warrant to Ed. Reynolds, J. Ware, R. Pytchford, Sir Gelly Meyricke for the Countess of Southampton, Peter Vanloore, Charles Ogle, Sir Henry Davers, Francis Jepheson the Earl of Rutland's man, William Downhall, William Ireland, horse courser, Thomas Elyott, and Christofer Dodyngton.
1 p. (214. 32.)
George Brooke to the Earl of Essex.
1598. If myself were able to wait upon you in this journey of Ireland I would not recommend any man's service unto you before mine own, but being utterly unable in that kind to shew my love unto you, I desire that, instead of myself, I may recommend my near kinsman Calisthenes Brooke, whom in that respect I do not esteem so much as for the opinion I have of his honesty, valour and ability. As I know the hurts which I hope he hath well received, and the distance of place can turn him to no disadvantage with your Lordship, so I doubt not but his good desert will make you hereafter think that place well bestowed upon him, whatsoever you shall think him worthy of.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (178. 67.)
“Minute for my Lord Treasurer.”
1598. It was full nine o'clock before I could get from the Lime-house and land, and therefore, being so late and having lost my supper, I pray you pardon me that I leave the report of the manner of my proceeding unto this bearer, Mr. Bacon's footman, who can do it well. I thought, upon consideration of the case, being full of suspicion, you may send some to guard the things found, with three poor men whom I charged with the keeping at my coming away. In the place whither the old fellow directed me, which, in the presence of three of Sir Anthony's men and of an honest neighbour, in absence of a constable, I caused to be broken open by a smith, I found two trunks, two fair cabinets, laid on with ebony engraven, and six chests, whereof two were open. I looked into them but stirred nothing, but seemed to be apparel and household stuff. I caused the door to be nailed up and set on my L. seal in four places and left three men to guard it all night. King's wife came to the house, but I thought not good to search her house, but that may be done to-morrow. She seems to be a fierce woman.
Endorsed :—“1598.” Portion of seal.
1 p. (178. 68.)
The Mayor of Boulogne to the Earl of Essex.
[1598.] J'estois en peyne de vous advertir qu'il s'est retire icy ung Espaignol nomme Joan Daguires, homme fort altiere, quy dit avoir sceu plusieurs propositions de voz conseilz touchant les Indes et le voiage que l'on y veut entreprendre, mesmes dit avoir entendu quilz sont les amys de sa Majesté. De ces choses il traitte avecq l'Espaignol et leur offre pour se remettre en graces de grandes particularitez de vostre estat. Il attent responses de ses offres. Il promet de scavoir toutes nouvelles des affaires d'Angleterre et sejourner icy pour plus commodement en bailler adviz au Sr. Archiduc. Il leur offre aussy de descouvrir les amys du filz du roy de Portugal qui sont prez son alteze Cardinale. Cest chose qui me semble estre fort prejudiciable a vostre. Il a encores quelque dessein que je suis apres de descouvrir ce que je feray et vous en advertiray. Vous me ferez s'il vous plaist scavoir cependant comme je feray avecq le dit Espaignol. Je ne fais doubte de descouvrir toutes ses pretensions. Je seray tousjours fort curieux de vous servir en toutes choses que je cognoistray vous toucher. Les nouvelles et reponses veues du dit Espaignol j'en tireray coppye pour vous l'envoyer.
P.S.—Je desirerois supplyer vostre grandeur d'avoir ung passeport de sa Majesté pour deux haquenees que je desire tirer dicy. Je vous supplye treshumblement que j'aye response pour le fait de l'Espaignol pour ce que cest chose d'importance je vous supplye le croire.
Signed with a cypher.
Endorsed by Essex's Secretary :—“Maior of Bullen.”
(178. 69.)
The Mayor of Boulogne to the Earl of Essex.
1598. J'ay esté en extreme peyne des deux despeches que je vous ay faites, n'ayant aulcun subject de penser qu'elles ne vous ayent esté rendues, et n'eust esté l'asseurans que m'en a donné celluy a quy je les adresse a Douvres je y fusse encores. Ung nouveau subject s'est offert qui ne m'a permis demeurer plus longtemps sans le vous faire scavoir. Cest que nostre Espaignol soubz les asseurances de ceulx qui l'ont attiré par leurs promesses est allé a Bruxelles, ou au conseil il a desploye sa mercerye. Il doibt comme l'on m'a asseuré faire passer quelques gens par Boullongne ou Calais pour aller recognoistre les portz que je vous nommois par le memoire que je vous ay envoyé ou sa Majesté fait poser ses vaisseaux. Il y fault prendre garde; et me sembleroit sy vostre grandeur le trouve bon de faire publier que nul n'ayt a mettre pied a terre venant de France qu'il ne prenne passeport du gouverneur du lieu dont il partira, portant certificat du lieu ou il vient et ou il s'en va. Cecy sera l'asseurans et mettera beaucoup de deffiance au cœur des entrepreneurs. Cest ce a quoy l'on doibt bien prendre garde, car je vous asseure que les Jesuistes des Pays Bas ont une intelligens grande avecq les cordeliers de cette ville, tant pour faire tenir leurs lettres et passer leurs gens vers vous. Et a Calais ilz ont le doien ou curé qui est l'entremetteur de toutes leurs affaires, mesmes m'a l'on dit et asseuré qu'il a une bourse pour les passans qu'un Jesuiste nommé Pere Henry luy baille. Cest pourquoy il fault avoir l'œuil au boys. Sije puis cependant descouvrir quelque conseil particulier j'en adviseray vostre grandeur, qui s'asseurera tousjours si luy plaist que je recheray toutes les occasions que je pourray pour luy tesmoigner que je n'ay rien plus cher que la servir de mon possible.
Signed with a cypher.
Endorsed by Reynolds :—“The Maior of Bullen, '98.”
1 p. (178. 70.)
Sir Anthony Cope to the Earl of Essex.
[? 1598.] Your many favours have emboldened me to send my son to become a suitor for your letters in his behalf, without which he hath little hope of success in this business. For, unless you interpose your authority, neither will the old woman be presently drawn to any convenient maintenance, nor Sir Christopher Blunt allow of my portion, though I am resolved to submit myself and estate wholly to your moderation.
Holograph. Seal.
⅓ p. (178. 71.)
Henry Fortescue to the Earl of Essex.
[1598.] The fortunes of my brethren, Captain Fortescue and Thomas Fortescue, having been to end their lives in these Irish wars, and myself having served there twice as lieutenant, and having had many hard journeys thither, my suit is that you would allow me preferment to some company, that thereby I may in some respect satisfy my grieved mind for the great losses I have sustained in those actions.
Holograph. Seal.
½ p. (178. 73.)
Francis Gainsford to the Earl of Essex.
[1598.] I make myself known unto you to be one that have continually spent my time in service of her Majesty in the Low Countries these ten or twelve years, as lately in following your Lordship in both your late voyages; being your first voyage corporal to your troop of horse at Calles, and the last voyage I commanded a company of foot under Captain Williams, being appointed by you as his lieutenant. For my sufficiency, I refer myself to the report of Sir Francis Vere, Sir Nicholas Parker, and Sir Oliver Lambert, who have seen the trial of my service as well on horseback as foot. Withal I entreat that I may have a company into Ireland.
Signed. Highly illuminated.
1 p. (178. 74.)
The Earl of Essex to the Earl of Southampton.
[? 1598.] Sept. 25. I do purpose, God willing, to be at Barn Elms or London the next week, and do long to see your Lordship in one of those places. I commanded Cuff to attend your Lordship upon your first coming, and to acquaint what was the course which I thought would be of most advantage to you; to solicit the kissing of the Queen's hand by Mr. Secretary, and to spend some of your first time in that suit. I did also note down of your being so good a husband as to make a journey down to “Leaze.” Your Lordship shall from day to day know by Cuff what hath become of me, and your messengers shall find him out, if they seek him at Barn Elms. I can say no more for the present than that I cannot be gladder of anything than I am of your Lordship's health, happiness, and return hither.—Newton Lodge, 25 Sept.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (179. 88.)
Sir John Hawkins's Family.
[1598.] I. “The humble petition of Judith, the wife of Richard Hawkyns, gent., prisoner in Spain, to the Queen.
“It pleased Sir John Hawkyns (being possessed of goods and chattels to the value of 10,000l. and more, over and above all debts) by his last will to make the said Richard Hawkyns co-executor with Dame Margaret, wife to the said Sir John, with condition, That if he were redeemed and did not return home within three years, which expireth the 20th of December next, and if he came not within the said three years, that then he gave unto the said Richard Hawkyns the sum of 3,000l. towards his redemption. The Lady Hawkyns hath proved the will and taken into her hands all the goods and estate of the said Sir John, being of far greater value than before is expressed. Your suppliant is put in hope by letters lately received from her husband that he is to be ransomed if he had wherewith to do it, as she hath not. May it therefore please your Majesty to command the Lady Hawkins forthwith to disburse the said 3,000l. towards the redeeming of your oratrix's husband, and not to take any advantage of the time of his redemption, and that the Earl Marshal and the Earl of Nottingham may deal with the Lady Hawkyns for the effecting of the contents of this petition.”
1 p. (178. 75.)
II. The answer of Dame Margaret Hawkins, widow, to the above.
First, Sir John Hawkins by his testament did will that in case the said Richard should not return into England by the 20th of December, 1598, to be co-executor with the said Dame Margaret, then the sum of 3,000l. should be paid for his redemption if therewith or otherwise he might be redeemed, the words of which will are as followeth, viz :—“And where also in and by my said will and testament I have ordained and made my well beloved wife Dame Margaret Hawkins and my son Richard Hawkins mine executors for the performance thereof, forasmuch as the said Richard Hawkins is supposed to be taken and detained prisoner in the Inges, therefore my will is, if the said Richard Hawkins shall not return into this realm of England within the space of three years to commence and immediately ensue at and after the 20th day of December next coming after the date of my said will, that then and thenceforth the said Dame Margaret my wife shall be my sole and whole executrix, and that then the executorship and all legacies of any my goods or chattels by the said will given or appointed to the said Richard my son shall cease and be void, saving only the sum of 3,000l. I will my said executrix shall pay for and towards his redemption and ransom if therewith only or therewith together with other supply or means he may be redeemed and not otherwise.”
It appeareth hereby that if the said Richard do return by the 20th of December next then he is to be co-executor with the said Dame Margaret, and not to reap any benefit of his legacy of 3,000l. appointed to be paid towards his redemption. Next, that this 3,000l. is not at all to be paid unless therewith or with other supply or means he may be redeemed and ransomed.
Therefore, the said Dame Margaret hopeth that her Majesty and your lordships will think it reasonable she may, as by law she ought, detain the said sum until he be redeemed and do come into England to give a sufficient discharge for the same, and otherwise to secure the said Dame Margaret, which none can do but himself. And lest there should be any sinister information given of the said Sir John his dealing toward the said Richard, it is to be made manifest by the will and otherwise that the said Sir John, besides many other advancements, hath assured to the said Richard lands to the value of 140l. by year at the least.
That he did also sustain the greatest burthen of the charge of his voyage, wherein he was taken prisoner, to the value [of] 2,500l. That likewise the said Sir John did, a little before he went forth in his last voyage, release the said Richard of the sum of near 600l. which he owed him. And if he do not return to be co-executor with the said Dame Margaret, he hath also bequeathed to his wife a legacy of 500l. and to his daughter another legacy of 1,000l., as by the will appeareth.
Admitting, therefore, the estate of the said Sir John to be as much as the said petitioner doth pretend, namely 10,000l., it is specially to be noted that the said Dame Margaret hath thereout been compelled to issue, by express commandment from her Majesty signified to her by your lordships and others, the sum of 1,250l. towards the payment of the mariners and soldiers returned from that unfortunate voyage in which her husband lost his life.
Also, the charge in passing the accounts for nine years of the Treasurership for Marine Causes stood her in 1,000l. at the least.
And upon the determination of these accounts she being found, contrary to her own expectation, to be indebted to her Majesty in the sum of 1,400l. was forced by the late Lord Treasurer in one day to make payment thereof.
Notwithstanding all which, and that she is subject to a defalcation out of this and other legacies, to many troubles and charges and debts not here expressed, she is and will be willing to perform every point of the said will so far forth as any way she is chargeable; and humbly desireth and trusteth that she shall not be further urged.
1½ pp. (178. 76.)
Sir Michael Hickes to Mr. Reynolds.
[1598.] My lord of Essex required me yesterday to send the note to you of the date of a statute wherein Mr. Anthony Bacon standeth bound to me. I pray you give his lordship to understand that it beareth date the 25th day of December, as I told him yesterday I thought it did.—From my house at St. Peter's Hill, near Paul's Wharf.
On the back in Reynolds' hand :—“The Swan of Flushing, Master Daniel Cornellison, stay made of her at Bristowe to discharge her. The Madame of Bristowe.”
Holograph.
½ p. (178. 77.)
Ireland.
[1598.] “Names of Gentlemen, Ireland.”—A list of 38 names.
Holograph by Reynolds.
(178. 78.)
John Keymer to the Earl of Essex.
[1598]. Having already finished up my works, both the first and the second, so far forth as I thought I might presume, I come again unto you with the same, of mere zeal and love towards my prince and country, and even now is a fit time to take regard thereof. For the first work is how to increase her Majesty's treasure above one hundred thousand pounds a year, with the good contentment of all her Majesty's loving subjects. The second work is of greater force than this, as by the same may appear. And thus I take my leave, giving your Lordship most hearty thanks for your late letters in behalf of my kinsman Daniel Jackson, which I am sure had prevailed if that they had not made election of another the same day you granted me your letters.
Holograph.
½ p. (178. 79.)
Ralph Mansfield to Edward Reynolds.
[1598.] I beseech you excuse me that I come not to you to acknowledge your kindness, for which I shall rest always thankful. Thus beseeching to seal me these two letters and to send me the copies of the other two letters, entreating your acceptance of this small remembrance, I rest.
Holograph.
½ p. (178. 80.)
John Callys.
1598. A letter [to be written] from my Lord Treasurer [Burghley] to Sir Edward Maunsfield, knight, touching a commission from the Queen's Majesty's Court of the Admiralty directed unto him and others, for the examining of certain spoils committed by John Callys upon a Spanish ship laden with 206 pockets of Spanish wools and brought the most part to Cardiff.
Endorsed :—“1598, A note.”
½ p. (178. 81.)
W. Mostyn to the Earl of Essex and the rest of the Privy Council.
[1598.] Is now arrested upon an execution of 80l. for the payment of 40l. by one Richard Boile, due from her Majesty by warrant for the entertainment of Captain Fowle. Begs for remedy and some relief out of her Majesty's purse till some order be had for his enlargement. Otherwise he must be removed into the dunghill and perish utterly with famine and penury.—Gatehouse.
Signed.
½ p. (178. 82.)
Thomas Patten to the Earl of Essex.
1598. Complimentary letter.
Holograph. Latin.
1 p. (178. 83.)
Mrs. Dionise Poe to Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Temple, Secretaries to the Earl of Essex.
1598. Since my being with you I have acquainted my husband with my suit unto you for my brother's release, and have at the last prevailed with him to deal with Dr. Stanhope to qualify his fury in his proceedings against him, which were very violent. But he hath granted so much as presently he sued for, that my brother shall nominate what honest curate he will and he shall be allowed; and the residue of the profits not spent that way, and for other than necessary businesses in the place, to be yielded to my brother's wife, and for my husband's sake he will do him what good he can. Now therefore but procure his release and pardon for the fact, or his liberty upon sureties for the avoiding of charge, who shall be bound ever to be ready to answer at my lord's command and to abide the censure of the court at all times. If you help him now for my sake I protest by the faith of an honest constant woman never to trouble you in the like or any other.—From my house in Ivy Lane, London, this present Sunday, 1598.
Holograph.
½ p. (178. 84.)
Francis Purefey to the Earl of Essex.
1598. Presenting him with a book by Mr. Purefey, the writer's uncle. The desire of performing the author's will, and the good that by the discoveries therein may redound to the prince and country, have caused him, as the author intended, to offer the dedication to Essex, not doubting of his acceptance thereof because of the love his father bore to the author, whom he made choice of and with more than servantlike familiarity for six years entertained. The author afterwards returned to his intermitted studies at Gray's Inn, being then chosen one of her Majesty's Counsel learned established in the North, where continuing 16 years, he devoted his study and substance to the good of his country. In which service, that Earl sorting every of the counsel learned, besides their general employment, to particular designments, imposed on him the care of religion and the looking unto seditious seminaries, perverting priests, and recusants. Having sounded by all manner advertisements and no few years' experience the disposition of most of the North of any special note, and having attained good intelligence of the most of such dangerous seducing seminaries as frequent especially those quarters, and to avoid the trap there laid, fly to other lurking holes, he reduced his many years' gatherings into this book and digested it into the order of the alphabet by their surnames; adorning and making more delightsome with divers noblemen's pedigrees and many worthy antiquities of which he was a faithful treasurer. Its matter and method being not very pleasant, the good use of those discoveries and the some not unpleasant relations of the foul nests of those filthy birds here disclosed, their shameful and shameless practices, landings, guides, complots, haunts and holes laid open, may alleviate its tediousness. The firm affiance of Essex's wisdom and service assured the author and himself of the amongst northern unnatural naturals, in whose misled minds feuds commonly stretch unto families. Prays God to continue Essex the Scipio and sword of England.
Endorsed :—“1598.”
Holograph.
2¼ pp. (178. 85.)
Carew Reynell (or Reynolds) to Edward Reynolds.
[1598.] Good Ned, let my Lord (Essex) know that by reason of my being ill I cannot attend him, but have intreated you to know his pleasure touching my cousin Carye now Mr. Varneye is come up, and to give directions therein.—From my lodging.
Holograph.
⅓ p. (178. 87.)
John Udall to The Queen.
[1598?] I present unto your Highness the natural wit of your natural subject, and so unhappily may prove a natural, but I have adventured as being happily bred up in the blessed days of so blessed a Queen. Sacred lady, disdain not the water in my hands humbled at your princely feet; the cause is God's, the service yours. Your Majesty's ever memorable servant, the Lord of Essex, hath cast me into these parts in hope to mould me for better purposes than to post with the packet. Vouchsafe once to cast your merciful eyes upon the footstool of your kingdom, since it hath been said that enemy prince that durst not put on his 'cayske' in open hostility by hidden practice hath poisoned a stirrup. Vouchsafe, I may only urge unto your Highness the noble speech of the noble Lord Mountanye [Montaigne] of France, spoken by Anthestanes [Antisthenes] to the “Atthenynnces” [Athenians]. How chanceth it, saith he, you do not employ your asses in the labour of your land as you do your horses? to whom it was replied, the beast was not born to the use. Why then, saith he, how fareth it you employ them in your common wealth and war? This paradox will suffice at least to make your Majesty laugh if it be no more worth, and so haply may make your Sir Philip Sydney's Dametas better known unto your Highness in time.
Holograph. Two seals, device a dagger.
1⅓ pp. (178. 97.)
The Borders.
1598. “A description of the state and government, together with the land as it lieth, in and upon the West Marches of England.” By John Udall.
Describes the people of the frontiers as strangely compounded : barbarous more of will than manners, active of person and speech, stout and subtle, inclined to theft and strife, factious and seditious, full of malice and revenge, being nursed up in these vices from their ancestors, apt to quarrel rather with blood than speech, though scant of neither. They are the more apt to these mischiefs as the place, fronting one nation upon another, gives them advantage to traffic merchandise of this kind. The land lies high and low, full of swift rivers, apt for good tillage and sufficiently well pastured. The towns are weak and the houses barbarous, few castles, and those not strong nor well guarded. Considering the idle disposition of the people, the weakness of the governors and commanders, and the advantage of the place to wicked purposes, he does not marvel at the many outrages, factions, thefts and murders there committed, but wonders rather that there are not many more, tending not only to civil broils, but to matters of state, which shows that though they are naturally ambitious, yet it is but upon base subjects, just as carrion crows, that sooner thieve upon the dead horse than upon a quick, yet are they nimble enough to steal a horse. No people will undertake an enterprise with stronger resolution, easily turned into any outrage : but falling once under justice, there are not so fearful nor miserable wretches living. They turn their deadly feuds into infinite horrible murders, and this is held impossible to be reformed among them, living as they do worse than infidels, so as the clown makes the gentleman knave. Notwithstanding their gallantry, some will sell the blood and death of their father for money; as they term it, for “kynboote;” contrariwise the killer will submit himself naked upon his knees, holding his own sword by the point held to his breast, yielding the handle to his enemy's hand, and so with abject humility ask forgiveness. If for kynboote they happen to sell the death of some of their blood, which they often do, and some one of their alliance, nobler than the rest, will not consent, then will the whole tribe quit claim him, and give a “letter of slaynnce,” as they phrase it, that it shall be lawful for the adversary to kill him, whereby they enjoin themselves likewise to do the like. Upon every base and wild theft the fray, as they term it, arrives, which then gives the alarm even to the Warden himself, and her Majesty's forces, to answer and rescue it; yet on any cruel murder there is not one that moves.
As to the best kind of government for them, he recommends mercy before strict justice, unless upon capital offences : politic reasons before severe laws, love before fear, example before precept; and gives reasons in support. Recommends that the law should be severely executed upon these bloody slaughters, even to the taking of the life of the first mover, no matter what his condition; but in private quarrels, fought man to man, the conqueror should be pardoned.
He describes Carlisle as a city set on a hill, a stately castle, good enough for defence “according to the ancient Saxsone manner of the Pyctys and Vandalls against speer and sheld,” strongly walled, with a citadel in the East Gate. But he never saw a town so weakly guarded, and so much neglected. The present Governor is a nobleman by birth, young, not conversant with the knowledge of home and foreign nations, of no great judgment in affairs of the frontier, of no great ambition, weakly guarded in himself, having to deal with so subtle a people. His deputy is brave and practical, knows the people, and governs well.
The writer then gives a long description of the qualities a governor ought to possess.
The people are for the most part of brave spirit, and might be employed to brave actions if marshalled under military discipline. Their service consists of horse and foot : the horsemen “jack and spear, small and great, hand over head” : the foot, poor infantry with “pip and pystaf, the right club of a clown.” If they were marshalled and commanded, the strength of the frontiers would be much advanced, and the Scots no way able to annoy us. Then should we easily baptise them with their old phrase “fy gownes fy, shame gownes shame,” and so run them back in a wild goose again to Sollwe Mosse, there to draw their King down out of the mire.” The people are discouraged for want of a worthy governor. He prays that it come not to pass, according to the old phrase, that “when the steed is stolen, steek the stable door.”
Holograph by John Udall.
Endorsed :—“Mr. Udall's discourse of the North parts.”
8 pp. (178. 90.)
The West Marches.
[1598.] “Mr. J. Udall's project for defence of the Borders from incursions.” Discusses the proposition that her Majesty should keep in pay 100 horse and foot for defence of the West Marches against the Scotch incursions. Suggests three-score horsemen, to be disposed under the leaders named, and that the Lord Warden should have 100 shot for the town, castle, and citadel of Carlisle, &c.
Holograph by Udall.
3 pp. (178. 95.)
Scotland.
[1598.] “Mr. Udall's note touching his employment in the North.”
The matter entertained by M.A.
Two observations urged by him. First, that her Majesty hold good correspondence with the King, at least for the form. Argyle to be dealt withal for the general services with honourable compliments which will most draw him on.
George Askyrne, a youth, his favourite, who can draw him to anything, to be liberally handled.
John Achynross the man to accomplish the action.
Donn Algoram, Surleboy, Makconell. These three to be drawn directly from T., and to make war upon him if it shall be so thought good. Maclayne to serve with four thousand men upon T., if so it please her Majesty. Spoot and Achynross are presently to come up to counsel upon the demands and conditions, and to give and receive pledges. Sir George-Elvynston [Elphinstone], the King's favourite, to be drawn for her Majesty's service.
James Elvynston, Justice of the Sessions, whom both crowns will entertain.
The King of France very secretly treateth with the King of Scots to renew the ancient league between France and Scotland, to which purpose the King hath lately received a private letter from the King of France, whereof the King of Scots boasteth highly.
Holograph by Udall.
1 p. (178. 94.)
R. Wigmore to the Earl of Essex.
[1598.] Hearing your resolution is manifested for the expedition of Ireland I could not but make tender of my service, as one who long since consecrated his life and poor fortunes unto the performance of your commandments. Having acquainted myself with those seas under Sir H. Gilbert, Sir W. Winter, and Mr. George Winter, I dare confidently affirm that few masters in England do know the coast of Ireland from Waterford to Galloway better than myself, beside some time spent there by me under Sir W. Drury and the Lord Gray.
Holograph.
1 p. (178. 101.)
Sir John Pakington's starch patent.
1598. Draft orders of Council against the infringement, addressed to the justices, &c. of Bristol and other places. “The effect of the Council's letters to the Mayor and Aldermen of Bristol.” Transactions between James Anthon, farmer to Sir John, and John Ellis. Two orders in Council summoning offenders against the patent, signed by Nottingham, Hunsdon, Buckhurst, Cecil and Fortescue. 1598.
24 Papers. (209. 10.)
The Kelway Family.
1598. Notes of Statutes of record at London and Sarum, Recognisances in the Chancery, and outlawries after judgment, concerning the Keylweye family, circ. 1598.
2 pp. (213. 105.)
Casper Dienirs to Sir R. Cecil.
1598. For decision by the Council of the cause between him and Sir Ferdinando Gorges, as to his ship the Whithorse, of Dantzic.
Endorsed :—1598.
1 p. (783.)
John Newton and Thomas Owen to Sir R. Cecil.
[1598]. For the Queen's letters to the King of Barbary, for the recovery of money taken from them by Moors, and for payment of a debt due to them by the King.
Undated. 1 p. (908.)
William Edwardes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598. As to the parsonage of Witherley, which be recovered against one Cooke the incumbent. Complains of the fraudulent interposition of one Wollaston in the suit.
Endorsed :—1598. (1268.)
[? 1598.] Case of Elizabeth and Thomas Morse against Gregory Brett and others. Brief of the disorders and riots of Brett and others upon lands of complainants, inherited from Sir Thomas Kitson, in Flempton, Suffolk.
1 p. (2228.)
Warrants.
1598. Register of “Queen Elizabeth's Warrants to my late Lord Treasurer Broughley, 1560–1598.”
11 pp. (243. 3.)
E[lizabeth, Dowager] Lady Russell, to Mr. Secretary Cecil.
[1598.] I answered not your last letter because it seemed to be fruits of a troubled mind. But on my faith I know nothing why either yourself should have, or that you have any so powerful enemies as should seek the privation of your friends. For I know nothing that you seek which you have not enjoyed long. I mean by your merits to deserve from her Majesty so much favour as that none may have more for opinion of loyalty and faithful service. Since your father's death I meddle with no matters but my own and my children's, which have beggared me; my health and hearing so bad that I dare not go where I have not a lodging warm, and therefore come not to Court; my beggary by interest such as maketh me not able to keep a coach continually in town. Yet if at any time you would have me to do anything that yourself so well may not, I will come, and you shall find that nature will not suffer me to like of any that shall go about to wrong you, if I may any way right you. I have heard of a thing not fit in my conceit for the eyes or ears of any living but her Majesty's only; wherein I meant to have had your advice only because you might see how clearly I deal, devoting my service only to God and my sovereign. But in asking by letter whether you would not be in trust more friendly to another than kind to me, after many good words you did so peremptory expulse me with bursting out that you hated the very name of marriage, as that you terrified me with so cruel and bitter a 'lewse' as that, though what I meant was very far from marriage, Christ knoweth. Yet whether it may be a bait of these broils may be doubted; but I have hitherto stayed to get it into my hands, which when I have done you shall hear more from me.
Holograph. Two seals over green silk.
1 p. (49. 92).
The owners of the ship Urus to [the Lords of the Council].
[1598 or after.] In the year [15]97 their ship Urus was seized by the Queen's fleet and brought into Plymouth, but at length released, except a small but valuable portion of the merchandise which was detained, payment being promised by the Queen. The victuals not seized were fruitlessly consumed by the crew, so that they received damage of many thousands by no fault of their own. Have now sent their fellow citizen to receive payment for their merchandise and for their damages. Pray their lordships to commend their cause to the Queen.
Latin. Injured.
1½ pp. (47. 83.)
The Earl of Essex.
[After 1597.] Commencement of a grant to Robert, Earl of Essex, which breaks off abruptly after reciting his services as captain, general, and commander of the Queen's army sent into Normandy; again in 1596, in the expedition to Cadiz; and again in the year 1597.
Latin. Draft, with corrections.
2 pp. (168. 74.)
— to —
[1598.] Ce gentilhomme present porteur m'a surpris—en sorte que je seray constraint de vous abreger beaucoup des chosestque j'eusse deduit au long avec ung peu plus de loisir. Sa Ma e se porte fort bien, Dieu mercy. Il se resoult à espouser Madame la duchesse, et a ses fines il a envoié Monseigneur le Cardinal de Joyeuse a Rome por faire trouver bon ce mariage au Pape. Lequel l'a refusé pour un commencemt fonde sur la declaration que la royne sa femme a faicte, laquelle luy donne absolu pouvoir avec son bon gré de faire ledict mariage avec deux conditions. En premier lieu que s'il se veult resouldre a une seconde nopce qu'il espouse une princesse de sa qualité. Et puis apres qu'il soit pour le bien de la France. Le Pape a fait pour responce qu'il ne peult trouver bon ce mariage jusques a ce qu'il sache avec qui le Poy pretend se marier et apres que la renontiation et declaration de la Roine y soil simple et sans restriction aulcune. Ce que la Roine a fait par une seconde declaration. Le frere de madame de Sourdy part a Rome avec la deposition de la Royne comme un St. Jehan Baptiste, et Monsr. de Silery luy suit apres comme ambassadeur pour parachever l'oeuvre, et conclure le tout a Rome.
Madame la Duchesse prend la place par dessus toutes les Princesses excepté Madame. Il y a deux factions desja formées. L'une de Monseignr le Prince de Condé, la ou preside monseignr le Conestable et toute sa maison, tous les malcontens et ceulx dc la religion, et entre les autres le sieur de Sancy. Le Roy luy demanda ung jour, Venez ca, Sancy, vous qui aves esté aultrefois escriptoire ne scaves vous dire si un bastard ayont une fois passé par dessus le poile ou legitime, s'il pourra succeder au bien paternel. Le Sieur de Sancy se sentant offencé en cholere pour ce que c'estoit en presence de Madame la Duchesse—Sire, un bastard estant legitime peult bien succeder à ung bien de cinq cents escus de rente mais non pas à une couronne. Et voila ce qu'en disoient les escriptoires. Si la demande luy fut apre la response y estoit aultant aspre a madame la Duchesse. En fin le Seignr. de Sancy se fist de la ligue de Monsr. le Prince; mesprisé du Roy de regret est tombé malade, et mort comme je croy a l'heure qui je vous en parle. La seconde faction y est de Cesar Mons., Monseignr. le Conte de Soissones et beaucoup d'aultres que j'espere vous nommer par ma prochaine.
Monseignr. le Conte de Soissones s'est retiré a sa maison, pour n'assister point au mariage de Madame, ne pouvant supporter avee patience qu'un aultre en soit jouissant de ce qu'il a tant souhaitté. Il est bien avec le Roy et mieulx avec madame la Duchesse comme estant son compere.
On pense que le Roy faira publier l'edict fort favorable pour ceulx de la religion non sans mutinerie de la partie adverse.
On parle de marier Monseigr. d' Espernon avec le Marquise de Menelin, et son fils avec la fille de la dicte Marquise qui est la plus grande heretiere de la France par la mort de son petit frere unique. La Roy s'essaie de rompre ces deux marriages, et de colloquer la Monseigr. le Conestable et son fils come ayant son bien en Picardie pres de la Duche d' Aluin.
Monseigr de Nemours espouse Madamoiselle de Longueville.
Monseigr le Due de Nevers espouse la fille de Monsr de Mayenne qui est fort bien avec le Roy.
L' Ambassadeur du Roy d' Escosse est veu de fort bon oeil icy. On luy a donné un Agent plus papiste que luy.
On envoie un ambassadour pour resider en Escosse. Il y a trois on quatre qui briguent ceste charge.
Le Conte de Bothwel a bien fait des siens a Bruxelles. Il douze mille escus d' estat. Les uns pensent que c'est pour attenter quelque chose en Angleterre contre les plus grands. Les autres disent que c'est pour troubler la religion en Escosse. Car il est devenu un archecatholique. Les aultres pensent qu'il soit pour dresser un Regiment. Quoy qu'il ce soit, il trame quelque chose de grand. Il a este icy en ceste ville despuis quinze jours en ca il a couru grand risque d' y estre attrappé. On ne scait pas le subject pourquoy. Il a amené quant et luy troys Italiens les plus grands sorciers qui soient au monde.
Le Roy faira les Chevaliers dimanche prochain. Il attend l' arrivée de Monseigr. le Prince de Lorraine. Le mariage se faira incontinent apres a Fontainebleau. Il y a force contents et malcontents icy.
Monsr de Rhosny tient le hault bout icy. Il a bien bravé Monseigr de Espernon comme on dit. S'il fait aultant à Monseigr le Duc de Biron je luy quitte. Il y est affectionné Escossois come il y a force d' aultres des plus grands en ce conseil et court. Atque de his hactenus. Nous vous manderons la reste ung altra volta. Cependant je vous supplie, monsr, me daigner conserver en vos bonnes graces puisque vous m 'avec honoré du tiltre de vostre tres humble et plus obligé serviteur.
2 pp. (67. 41.)
M. Dixon to the Earl of Essex.
1598. Complimentary and offering services.
Undated. French.
18th cent. copy.
1 p. (213. 82.)