Pages 325-348
Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.
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Citation:
September 1598, 1–15
| George St. Poll to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 1. | It is near twenty years since he began to serve Cecil's father, and he now tenders his services to Cecil.—Mellwood, 1st of September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 88.) | |
| Ric. Kyngesmyll to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 1. | Divers bills of wards being yet unsigned, he recommends to Cecil the despatch of them, and especially that for the wardship of Mr. Richard Gyfford, already sold and granted to him.—Thursborne, 1st September, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| ½ p. (63. 89.) | |
| Thomas, Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 1. | My honourable good brother, though I am very loth to trouble you with any private suits, yet this gentleman, the bearer hereof, Mr. Owsley, my countryman and one that hath served in the Low Countries and this late journey of Cales, hath earnestly required my letters unto you in his behalf, that upon the next going over of any companies into Ireland he may be assigned a company. Wherein I think that by this last overthrow there will be places enough void, so that you may very easily prefer him thereunto.—This first of September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| ¾ p. (177. 84.) | |
| Instructions. | |
| 1598, Sept. 2. | I.—Articles memoratifs pour M. D. H. Premierement, pour sonder le principal but et intention du Roy tres Chrestien en mandant Monsr. de Boyiessise, et a quoy ses desirs et plus secrets desseigns pourront viser le plus; et de qui par deca il pretend se prevalloir; et de qui par dela il despend le plus. |
| Sil a aulcune creance avec ceus de la Religion, avec telles autres particularites qui peuvent concerner la despendence, la correspondence, et la suffisance dudit personage. | |
| Comment ceste nouvelle alliance entre la France et l'Espaigne se raffermit, et quels grands seigneurs et conseilliers desirent la desnouer ou la rompre du tout, et par quels moyens ils pretendent d'en venir au bout. | |
| Quelle sympathie ou antypathie on observe entre le Roy tres Chrestien, et le jeune Roy D'Espaigne, et leurs humeurs et desseigns. | |
| Du mesme enter le Roy et l'Archeduc, et quels seigneurs et conseilliers il tient affectionnes ou pentionaires aupres du Roy pour l'advancement particulier de ses affaires, et si ledit Archeduc a aulcune intelligence pardeca, et avec qui. S'il n'y a quelque sourde trame enter la Pape et les deus roys, de quelque ligue secrette contre ceus de la Religion en generall et nommement contre cest estat. | |
| Qui sont les plus confidents amys et appuys de la personne et fortune du Comte de Soyssons, et en quels termes il est avec la maison de Guise. | |
| Si le Roy desire a bon escient, ou seulement en fait le semblant, que la paix se face entre sa Majeste et le Roy D'Espaigne, et le mesme pour le fait des Estats. | |
| Quel fonds le Roy commence d'establir en ses finances, et quels certains et liquides revenus il peult desia tirer chaque annee. | |
| En quels termes ceus de la Religion sont avec luy, non pas quant a sa mine, mais en son affection. | |
| Quelle correspondence il y a entre les chefs de ce party, comme le Duc de Bouillon, le D. de Tremouille, Desdeguieres, et les autres plus signalles. | |
| Quel interest le Duc de Bouillon a en la bonne grace et creance de Madame, et quels seigneurs et conseilliers Catholiques favorisent plus son party. | |
| Si ceus de la Religion ne pretendent, ou esperent de se prevalloir de quelque prince du sang, et auquel ils sont le plus affectionnes. | |
| Si la Maistresse du Roy n'est pas engagee d'advancer et favoriser les affaires du Pape et l'Espaigne, et qui la gouvernent. Et si son ambition destre reyne de France ne la fait servant de ceste ligue. | |
| Quelle creance l'Esveque de Glasco a aupres du Roy, et de q[ui] il se fie et fait plus d'estat. Quels sont ses projects et moyens, s'il a aucune intelligence pardeca, et avec qui, et s'il y a aulcune correspondence entre luy et le Comte Berlemont y residant pour L'Archeduc. | |
| Finallement, d'avoir tousjours l'oreille ouverte et, comme on dict, le nez en l'air, pour escouter et flerer de loign si on brasse ou conne quelque chose contre la personne de sa sacree Majeste, et ceste couronne, de quelque part que ce soit. | |
| Endorsed :—“Articles memoratifs pour M.D.H. le 2me de Septembre, '98.” | |
| (Two lines of the above are in the hand of Essex's Secretary.) | |
| 1½ pp. (63. 90.) | |
| II.—1. Quelle argument ils font en la Cour de France de l'estat d'Espaigne depuis la mort du Roy, quelles alterations ils attendent et sur quelles raisons leur opinions de matanon sont fondees, et comment ils se gouverneront en France en telles occasions. | |
| 2. Et Lorrayn puis que l'aisne de ceste maison luy a oste sa maistresse. | |
| 3. Outre son parent Monsr. de Rosny. | |
| 4. Quelle interest le Roy d'Escosse a en ceux de la Religion en France puis que ces addresses sont a Monsr. de Rosny qui faict profession de la Religion. Et comment le dit Roy peut conte [? compter] ceste partie, ces meilleurs amys en ceste royaume estants ces cousins de la maison de Guise et son Ambassadeur l'Esvesque de Glasco, et lun et les autres ennemys mortels de la Religion Reforme. | |
| Draft, in Essex's handwriting. | |
| 1 p. (63. 91.) | |
| Thomas, Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 2. | Sir, I would gladly have you to choose out your collar, George and garter before your return to the Court, for that to-morrow I mean to go to Wimbledon. The coffer which containeth is here, and if you take water you may do it without hindrance of your journey. If you will send me word what time you will come, I will prepare them for you to choose. |
| P.S.—I pray you send to Mr. Hycks to bring the note of them that he took. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598, Sep. 2.” | |
| ½ p. (177. 85.) | |
| 1598, Sept. 2/12;. | Le 12me de Septembre. Le Roy a fait un magnifique banquet a Fontainebleau au Legat et l'Ambassadeur du nouveau Duc de Brabant, a scavoir le Comte de Berlemont, où le Legat n'a failly de faire de nouveaux serments entre le Roy et le dt amb., promettant l'un al'autre de vivre et mourir bons amys et voysins. Tellement que le Legat et ledt ambr sont partys tres contents de la Court, ledt comte (qui est un de plus passionnes Seigneurs du Pais Bas) quand il entendist que le grand Trer [? Tresorier] fut mort ne laissa de dire generallemt, qu'à ce coup, il ne reste qu'une vielle a mourir, et en apres nos affaires se porteront bien. |
| Jay ouy dire de bonne part qu'on est apres de remuer quelques troubles en Escosse si l'on peult; la dessus le Duc de Brabant a despeche un noble fort secretement en Dennemarke; ils cerchent tous les moyens de vous nuire. | |
| La Fne a dict pardeca que sa Mate est plus avare astheure que jamais; tellement que la premiere demande qu'eHe fit aus Estats du Pais Bas fut, qu'ils la rendissent son argent. | |
| Je scais aussy par mesme moyen qu'on a demande a la Fne quel Ambr on envoyerait, qui respondit que l'Espaigne sera cause qu'on n'envoyera pas trop tost. Mail il le failloit faire mentir en envoyant promptement quelque brave homme. | |
| Boyieseise n'attend que le retour de la Fne pour vous aller voir. Je ne fais que retourner ce mattin de Fontainebleau, mais il seroit plus de besoign que je ne bougeasse de la Court. Cependant elle mange fort, comme scait tres bien votre Agent qui pour cela n'est bouge de quelque temps de Paris ou ce qu'il est astheure, non obstant qu'il a un fort bon entrennemt. | |
| Monsr., J'ay descouvert le pot aus roses, voyla pourquoy nottez bien cest article que le Roy a confirmé par serment jeuré, de vivre et mourir en la religion papalle, et que plus est d'ayder a estirper la religion reformee et princepallemt en Angletre et Pais Bas, et promptement: et de ne les jamais defendre, ains par secrets moyens de leur nuire, mais qu'on laisse ses subjets en paix a sa volunte pour un temps. Cecy est passé au depart du Legat et du Comte de Berlemont, lesquels portent tout signé par la main du Roy. Il y a peu des gents que le scavent, tellemt qu'il ne fault pas que votre Conseil se fie d'advantage en luy. | |
| Endorsed :—“De Fontainebleau le 12 de Septembre, '98.” | |
| 1 p. (64. 16.) | |
| Jo. Clapham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 3. | I am desirous to attend my Lord's corpse down to Stamford if I may understand your good liking thereof. I have sent to Wright for the astronomical instrument, which I think shall be brought unto you the next week. I have made further search for the patent concerning Viscount Rochford, which I cannot find; and whereas I conceived by your speech to me that my Lord Chamberlain should say directly it was in my custody, I may truly answer that to my knowledge I never saw it. But I well remember that his Lordship told me that my Lord had showed it him in Mr. Barnard's time, and that his Lordship required me twice or thrice to make search for it, which I promised to do though I knew nothing of it. Besides, although sometimes by my Lord's appointment I had access to his evidence house, yet the greatest part of his evidences was unknown to me, as having not been delivered to me by any note after Mr. Barnard's death. And yet if there had been any such I think it would have been found, as well as other things that have been missed. Desirous that you would be pleased to bestow one of my Lord's old horses, with the livery furniture thereto, upon me, I humbly take my leave.—Burleigh House, Sunday. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598, 3 September.” | |
| 1 p. (63. 92.) | |
| John Packer to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1598, Sept. 3. | I promised you news of the synod at Jargeau. It was held for the particular affairs of this province, the Orleannois, and for advisement as to more convenient places for the establishment of churches therein. Among others, the people of Orleans, who now have four leagues to go, will shorten their road by one-half, and will hear the Word at Pont Byonne, a little village two leagues from the town, but they will only have a barn, not a consecrated building. During the synod the two gates on the side towards Jargeau were closed, and the guards everywhere doubled; indeed the rumour was started that those of the Religion were assembling an army to rebel against the King. Really there was but a handful of ministers with no other weapons than riding switches and spurs. I fear this mistrust will be but the forerunner of some new sedition. Orleans is more prone to sedition than any other town of France.—Orleans, 3 September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| French. ¾ p. (177. 86.) | |
| Robert, Earl of Sussex to — | |
| 1598, Sept. 4. | I understand there are divers companies going for Ireland, amongst which some are levied in Essex and Suffolk. This bearer, my cousin Antho. Rushe, desirous to be employed, hath prayed my letter unto you, whom I cannot but commend, although I doubt not but it is well known unto you that he hath divers time had charge; wherefore in his commendation I will not write much, only I pray you earnestly to show him what favour you may. If through your kindness he shall obtain one of those companies I could wish he might have his men out of Suffolk, for that he is that countryman.—Newhall, 4th September 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 93.) | |
| “66” [Jo. Colville] to “60” [Earl of Essex]. | |
| 1598, Sept. 4. | Hearing that one Mr. William Balladyne, servitor to Coelo (the B. of Glasgow) is very shortly to come out of 71 (Scotland), who will carry the letters and credit of all from 43 (the K. of Scots) to Coelo (B. of Glasgow) and to that society here, I thought good to advertise you hereof, that your agent in 71 (Scotland), knowing thereof, may put in cunningly someone in the ship with him, and if they land in any part of 69 (England) by the way, as commonly all ships from 71 (Scotland) to 70 (France) do, that this supposed person may cause the mayor or magistrate of the place [to] take and seize him, and if your agent can neither get a man that doth know the said Mr. William, or that will undertake the matter, I have written to a servant of mine in 71 (Scotland) that shall faithfully do it, whose honesty your agent doth well know. |
| From Scotland shall come here shortly the Earl of Crawfurd and his brother the Lord of Spynie, cousin to the Bishop of Glasgow, but they shall have no commission, and these two shall be in one company. In one other company shall be the Master of Gray and Sippett that was sent out of Brittany, but the effect will be with Balladyne as is aforesaid. | |
| 49 (the Cardinal) doth expect some more forces from 73 (Spain), and it is yet unconcluded whether they will invade 69 (England) by entering in 71 (Scotland) or 74 (the Low Countries), but be assured this is in deliberation. | |
| The death of the King of Spain I take to be untrue, because they have ever used to put out bruits of his death at such time as they had greatest enterprises in hand, to put their enemies in careless security. | |
| All other generals of less consequence I remit to these that shall come to your two servants, this night myself going in to Cambrey.—From St. Quentins, 4th of September, 1598. | |
| Holograph. | |
| Endorsed :—“Mr. Colville to Earl of Essex; 4th September, 1598.” | |
| The deciphers given above in parentheses are in the handwriting of Essex's secretary. | |
| 1 p. (63. 95). | |
| Enclosure in the above:— | |
| Jo. Colville to Thome Davesone. | |
| As the presenter of these shall bid you, so do without contradiction; and as you have ever been faithful, so acquit yourself faithfully in this service which I have promised in your name. As for furnishing, the presenter, if he employ you, will have regard unto. I remit all particulars to new occasions. St. Quintin's, 4th September, 1598. To my beloved servant, Thomas Davesone. | |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 94.) | |
| “66” (Colville) to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1598, Sept. 4. | The two material points being put in 60 (my Lord's) his letter, and other matters which I thought should be over tedious unto you, in that of Mr. Hoodsone, I do refer all unto the same, only by these signifying that Coelo (the B. of Glasco) is marvellous busy with 49 (the Cardinal), that nothing be pretended on the part of 44 (the K. of Spain) that may offend 43 (the K. of Scots), and that the book made to the prejudice of 43 (the King of Scots) may be revoked. The Lard of Bonitonn, a excommunicate person, is sent to 49 (the Cardinal) to this effect, but I think the receiving of 86 (E. Bothwell) there shall much offend 43 (the K. of Scots). |
| Albeit in one of my former I did write as I thought of 86 (E. Bothwell), being moved thereunto by his terrible oaths and protestations, yet finding him still as light as a feather and more fraudfull nor a fox, I am forced to alter opinion, car en son faite il ny a ny ryme ny raison: but more of him in that of Mr. Hoodsone, wishing you, if it be your pleasure, communicate with others hinc inde. | |
| Monsieur de Wemes and Ja. Colville protesting such regard to 60 (the Earl of Essex) and to Monseigneur de Bacon (which protestation I know to be unfeigned in both), it should not be amiss that either one or both of them were by some lines from 60 (the Earl) or the other Honourable, required to concur with me, for they both ha[u]nt Coelo (the B. of Glasco), which I do not myself but by instruments. | |
| That I did forget in that to 60 (my L.) how Sir Ja. Lyndsay, brother to the Earl Crawfurd, is arrived from Scotland to Bruxells, but as yet I know not if he has any commission, or if he be come of his own accord to Monsieur d'Awmall, on whom he has a long time attended. By my next that shall, God willing, be clear, but Bothwell's cousining me of new and going thither, and the said Sir Ja. arrival there to Bruxells, together with the flocking of many of our papists thither, are proofs they intend something toward Scotland, and it may be, the intent of lifting of men to the Isles have some other signification nor to go thither to the Isles; all these concurring and much more gives probability to that which I have written to 60 (the Earl).—St. Quintins. 4 Sept. 1598. | |
| 1 p. (65. 48.) | |
| [The explanations of the ciphers in parentheses, are in the handwriting of Essex's secretary.] | |
| W. Fletewood, Receiver of the Wards, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 4. | Estimate of the profits of his office uncertain: some years £16,000, some years £15,000; for of late the revenue is less than in former years.—This fourth of September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (177. 87.) | |
| Court of Wards. | |
| 1598, Sept. 5. | Outgoings from the office of Receiver of Wards:—Certain (fixed) outgoings, £14,000, “besides payments upon decrees which are uncertain,” and, “more paid into receipt in June last, by order from the L. Treasurer, £3,000.” |
| Endorsed :—“1598, Sep. 5.” ½ p. (177. 88.) | |
| John [Whitgift], Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 5. | I have of long time endeavoured to place Dr. Reinolds in Oxford, and the rather because he is employed in writing against the Jesuits and others our adversaries. And now with much ado Dr. Cole, President of Corpus Christi College in Oxford, is content to yield up his Presidentship to Dr. Reinolds, so that it would please her Majesty to bestow the deanery of Lincoln of [on] him, which now Dr. Reinolds hath, wherewith also Dr. Reinolds is well contented. I pray you to move her Majesty to bestow the said deanery upon Dr. Coles, who is an ancient Doctor of Divinity and an honest, learned and grave man. This exchange is greatly for the benefit of the Church, and for God's and her Majesty's service. My especial good Lord your father, whilst he lived, did sundry times signify to me that he had collected divers notes for the answering of sundry of the lewd libels published against this State. I heartily pray you that, if any such do come to your hands, you would be pleased to keep them safely till I may speak with you myself. Her Majesty did fully resolve with me that the Bishop of Gloucester should have the archdeaconry of Worcester in commendam; and whatsoever is reported of his wealth, yet I assure you he shall never be able to maintain that place without that and some further help beside, and therefore I pray you stand his friend therein.—Beakesborne, 5th of September, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (63. 96.) | |
| [The Earl of Essex] to the Queen. | |
| 1598, Sept. 5. | What can be written by a weak hand or indited by a distempered head fit to be presented to your Majesty? Nothing but humble thanks, thanks poorly paid but faithfully owed. I will presume with them to send two humble advertisements. The first, that there is this difference betwixt the favours you now bestow and the afflictions you have lately laid upon me. These are your own that cost you nothing: the other were borrowed and unnatural to you. These ever fruitful: the other best when they are barrenest. These increase my obligation to you: the other add to my merit of you. My other advertisement is, that since your Majesty's will is the law, and your power is the cause by which I am longer kept in this world, if you repent you of it hereafter, you must charge yourself and not your Majesty's humblest servant E.—Wanstead, 5th September. |
| Endorsed, in handwriting of Essex's secretary: “Copy of my L. letter to her Majesty, 5 Sept., '98.” | |
| ½ p. (63. 97.) | |
| G. Battista Giustiniano to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 5. | An Italian merchant, my friend, of Middleburgh has recommended to me a Bohemian gentleman named William de Slamata (sic), 'Signor di Clain et Cossumbere.' The same merchant has also recommended him to Horatio Franciotti, who finds that he is cousin german to the Baron Zerotino, who was here a few years ago, and that he has letters for her Majesty, whose hand he desires to kiss. And so I await your commands. |
| As regards the brother of Signor Pallavicino, I have orders to entreat that at the least the principal sum may be divided, and for payment, that can be discussed at a more suitable time.—London, 5 September, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Italian. | |
| 1 p. (63. 98.) | |
| Filippo Corsini to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 5. | The bearer hereof (is) Captain Marino di Raguina, a Ragusey who hath been brought into this realm with his ship's lading of corn, appointed for Cales; and touching his freight, the owners of the ships that brought him hither and he are fallen to an agreement. Since which time the great Duke of Tuscany, my sovereign Lord, hath sent me two letters for her Majesty in his commendation about this matter, holding him in the place of one of his good subjects, having also an interest in his said ship. Captain Marino being unprovided to return to Ligorne, beseeches her Majesty to grant him license for 15 pieces of cast ordnance of iron and 50 muskets, to furnish his said ship.—5th September, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (63. 99.) | |
| Sir Edward Norreys to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Sept. 5. | I hope thatby this time you are returned to the Court. I was exceedingly sorry for your going into the country. |
| This bearer Thomas Roper hath requested me to put you in remembrance of him. I beseech you, if any employment be, he may be one. | |
| Now that the town is given up to the States and the garrison like to be clean altered, there is remaining some small rest of powder, which should by custom belong to me, two demi-culverins and two sakers of brass, and some iron pieces, not worth the sending over. If I may have them I know the town will be glad to buy them of me. There are also a few old muskets, but neither I nor anybody charged with any of these things, nor ever any allowance made for looking to them, so there is no account to be made of them. Though I be clearly discharged from her Majesty's pay and entertainment, I beseech that I may see that there is some regard had of me.—Ostend, the 5 of Sept., 1598. | |
| Holograph. | |
| 3 pp. (177. 91.) | |
| K. Knyght to John Clapton. | |
| 1598, Sept. 5. | Details his proceedings with regard to his ward Gifford.—Hurstow, 4 Sept. |
| Endorsed :—“5 Sept., 1598, Mr. Surveyor of the Liveries to J.C.” | |
| 1 p. (204. 100.) | |
| The Privy Council to the Earl of Essex, Earl Marshal of England. | |
| 1598, Sept. 6. | Upon notice lately given unto her Majesty of divers notorious and outrageous misdemeanours of certain rogues, vagabonds and other dissolute persons, that in some places not far distant from London have committed such violences (even to the assailing and slaying of some of her Majesty's Officers) as the ordinary course of justice sufficeth not to suppress them; it hath pleased her Majesty to give order for the appointing of a provost marshal for London and for some of the counties near adjoining. Hereupon we have proceeded thus far by her Majesty's commandment as to cause a commission to be drawn for a provost marshal, to be signed by her Majesty, and certain letters to be written by us unto the said counties, to give them knowledge of the commission, and to require their service in the redressing of the said disorders. But because we consider that this may in some sort appertain to your Lordship's office of the Earl Marshal of England, and would by no means take any course therein that may be prejudicial to the right and authority of your place, we have thought meet to acquaint your Lordship herewith before we go any further in the business, and do pray your Lordship to certify us of your opinion, both concerning your own particular right and interest in the ordering and executing of this service, by virtue of your office, as also in generality to give your good advice for our better proceeding herein. Herewith also we think meet to advertise your Lordship that in the year 37 of her reign, when upon like occasion Sir Thomas Wilford was made Provost Marshal, the same was ordered and done by commission under the Great Seal of England, and like letters written from the Council Table unto the counties as are now intended: which we do signify only to renew the remembrance of that which was done in the like case heretofore.—Court at Greenwich, 6th September, 1598. |
| Signed, Tho. Egerton, G. Hunsden, R. North, W. Knollys, Ro. Cecyll. | |
| 1 p. (63. 108.) | |
| The Earl of Essex to the Privy Council. | |
| 1598, [about Sept. 6]. | I have even now received your lordships' letters whereby you require me to deliver my opinion how the outrages and horrible misdemeanours done by the swarms of roguish and desperate persons may be met withal, and how far this direction or order that shall be given may concern my office of Marshal of England. To which two demands I cannot answer as I would, the council chamber of my poor mind being so ill affected at this present, and my books and papers which do concern my office being not with me. But to satisfy your lordships as well as I can upon this sudden, I think that the riding continually of some troops of horse that may scour all the byways near to London is the means to take these persons, and the holding twice a week of a Marshal Court the best way to rid those that are taken. The warrant for doing this must be under the great seal of England, and the persons that shall lead or command the horsemen that are sent abroad must be in the nature of provost marshals. The reasons that move me to wish these rogues and vagabonds to be taken and so rid by a Marshal Court, are that it doth agree with her Majesty's merciful and excellent government not to let her subjects die sans replique, as the Frenchman terms it, while her kingdom is free both from invasion and rebellion; that there is like to be better justice done and discretion used in the taking of men's lives by a Marshal Court than by every man that in a county shall be used as a provost marshal; and lastly, as it carries with it a form of civil justice as well as martial, whereby it will be thought less hard, so it will as fully and effectually meet with the inconvenience as if the provost marshal had authority to hang them upon the first sight. For mine own interest, I take it, under your good lordships' reformation, that all provost marshals in England are but subaltern officers under the Marshal of England, and that they owe account unto him, and he may be appealed to from them. Besides, the records of the Exchequer and of the Tower do prove that the Marshal of England, 12 miles about the Prince's person, is to judge all criminal causes and persons, and to command those judgments to be executed. The Knight Marshal, who is indeed but the K. Provost Marshal and is called in France Grand Provost de l'Hostel, hath been used in those kind of services, and so have other men specially chosen by the Prince's commission, as in the 37th year of her Majesty's reign Sir Thomas Wolford. But this hath been in the vacancy or absence of a Marshal of England. For myself, I do assure your Lordships faithfully, I neither have cause nor humour to draw trouble to me, and yet I had rather endure a great deal than such an ancient office of the Crown should in me lose his authority and jurisdiction. If her Majesty's commission be granted unto one to call and hold the Court, and pay given him for some horsemen, it will be easy for him to find men fit to go abroad, and conduct them. And so neither her Majesty's Marshal nor the county shall be charged with giving entertainments to provost marshals. I humbly crave your Lordships' favorable conceit of this sudden opinion delivered by him that when he had best health durst never offer you his conceit out of presumption, and yet now he hath worst will yield it to your Lordships for obedience.—Undated. |
| Draft, in Essex's hand. | |
| Endorsed by Essex's secretary : “My Lord's answer to a letter from the Council, Sept. '98.” | |
| 3 pp. (64. 67.) | |
| The Privy Council to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 6. | In view of the late divers notorious outrages committed in places not far distant from the city by certain riotous and dissolute persons, supposed to have resort to the city of London and suburbs of the same, order having been given by us unto the Lord Mayor to cause forthwith a privy search to be made throughout London and the suburbs thereof, for the apprehension of all such vagrant and licentious persons as may be found there, we pray you to give direction to your under officers for the like search to be made throughout the Liberty of Westminster; and also within the Liberty of the Duchy; your under officer to take notice from the Lord Mayor, that the times of the searches may agree.—Court at Greenwich, 6 September, 1598. |
| Signed, Tho. Egerton, G. Hunsden, R. North, W. Knollys. | |
| 1 p. (63. 110.) | |
| Sir John Dowdall to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 6. | The Queen referred his petition to the Lord Admiral and Sir Robert Cecil. Encloses a note of his desires. Has received letters from his family in Ireland, which is between 50 and 60 persons, reporting that there have been sundry persons murdered near his house. He has lost by the extortion of the country gentlemen, cess of the soldiers, beans for the army, and thefts of cattle by neighbours, to the value of £140 since his departure. His family stand in doubt for their lives, as the nights grow long, without his presence for their defence, therefore he purposes to take his journey thither. Is at present without entertainment from the Queen, and hopes his former service is not forgotten. Has drawn blood of the greatest part of the nations of that kingdom, and is maligned for it, and they would requite it with the loss of his head. Prays to be commended to the Lord President of Munster, to be one of that Council, and to be freed of all country charges and exactions, paying the Queen compensation for such land as he holds, which is 12 plough land. In recompense he will bear the charges of himself, his men and horses.—6 Sept. 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 112.) | |
| Enclosure in the above:— | |
| [Sir John Dowdall] to —. | |
| Prays that the money due to him from her Majesty may be paid; or that he may have a fee farm of £50 a year, or a hundred pound of her land in lease for 40 years in reversion.—Undated. | |
| ¼ p. (63. 111.) | |
| Sir Harry Winston to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 7. | Prays for a company for his eldest son, who has already served in Ireland under Lord Burrowes.—Standish, 7 Sept. 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (63. 113.) | |
| Richard Forster to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 7. | Lord Burghley gave him the wardship of Nevell Godden, of Laborne Castle, Kent, whom he bestowed on his eldest daughter. Godden's pecuniary position. Godden is now dead, and left his daughter nothing, and he is fain to take her home again. Prays for the wardship of the next heir coming to full age 7 weeks hence, that he may relieve his daughter's distresses.—St. Cythes Lane, the Queen's birthday. |
| Holograph. Endorsed : “7 Sept., 1598, Dr. Forster.” | |
| 1 p. (63. 114.) | |
| Thomas Raynold and William Turner, Bailiffs of Colchester, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 7. | Here landed at our port of Colchester to-day Jeremy Shamler from the Briell in Holland, who declared that he had been a prisoner in Spain, and that he was to acquaint the Council of certain treason intended against her Majesty's most royal person by certain men in England, whose names he craved pardon to conceal until he should come before the Council. Whereupon we have sent him by one of our officers, referring him to your order and examination.—Colchester, 7th September, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| ½ p. (63. 115.) | |
| John Trelawny, Mayor of Plymouth, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 7. | Andrew Facye, an Englishman, who was used as a pilot in a Spanish ship lately taken and brought in hither, using speech to Peter Scoble and Hugh Necholes, men of this town, that were sometime captives and prisoners to the said Facye and his company, who bruited abroad about the town so much as by their depositions herewith sent is set down appears, I called them before me, and took their examinations, and manifest the same to your Lordship, leaving it to your consideration how far it is meet it should be revealed. The Council, by their letters of the 3rd of this month, whereby they sent new directions for the Colonel Mr. Egerton where in Ireland he should go with his companies of soldiers, with other special matters, finding fault with us, to whom commission to that effect was formerly directed of the 22 of August, for that we had not made mention of the receipt of the same: for my own part I answer, that there was never any such letters came to my hands, nor ever heard thereof until I received the copy thereof inclosed in these last letters of the 3rd of this month. What was received by any other I know not. I hope it shall appear to the Council that there was that care had to her Majesty's service, as nothing was omitted that on my part was to be required. I reckon by Saturday next the companies of soldiers will be embarked with all things according to their Lordships' commandments, which being done there shall be a general letter written of all the proceedings.—Plymouth, 7th September 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 118.) | |
| The Enclosure :— | |
| Depositions taken at Plymouth, 7th September, 1598, before John Trelawny, Mayor of Plymouth, and his brethren. | |
| 1598, Sept. 7.—Peter Scoble of Plymouth, mariner, who was lately taken at the seas by a Spanish ship of war, whereof Andrew Facye, late of Stonehouse, Devon, was pilot, saith that whilst he was prisoner under the said Spaniards the said Facye and he had sundry conferences together, amongst which Facye asked him of the estate of Mr. Edgecombe of Mount Edgecombe, and whether Mr. John Killigrewe were put to death or in prison; and this deponent answered that at his departure out of England the said Killigrewe was in prison. Then Facye asked this deponent whether Sir Fardynando Gorges' name was called in question, yea or no; whereunto this deponent answered, no. Then said the said Facye, I thought he had. And falling from this, the said Facye fetched and delivered to this deponent a book of Father Parsons' work, and bid him to read the same, saying, when you have read it you will be better resolved as touching the religion between you and us. Facye further said to him that he had read divers books and authors, but he never read of any woman to carry supremacy in any country. Facye also said to him that he would not for two thousand pounds that he were in England, for he did know that his neck would crack. | |
| The examination of Hugh Necholes follows, to the same effect. | |
| 2 pp. (63. 116.) | |
| Lady Burgh to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 8. | Thanks him for his favours, and acknowledges him as her best friend in her miseries. The Queen has not kept promise with her, for though she uses her very graciously, her delays are insupportable. All she has is the £400 he procured, which will not find her meat. How then shall she pay her debts, and apparel her 5 children, having nothing to advance them with but their father's desert, her Majesty's grace, and their own good and honest education? Prays him to peruse “this tedious paper.” |
| Lord Burghley well understood the wrong she had, and took a course to redress it, but he being dead, she is forced to begin where he left.—St. James Park, 8 September 1598. | |
| Signed. | |
| Endorsed : “Lady Borough. Her petition to the Queen.” | |
| 1 p. (64. 1.) | |
| Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 9. | My son Thomas has taken four Esterlings laden from Lisbon and has brought them in at Southampton. I hope they will prove good prize, in which case I beseech your assistance as occasion may be offered.—9th September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (64. 2.) | |
| Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 9. | Now that your directions are accomplished, as far forth I protest (whatsoever you might have reported unto you) as hath lyen in my power, and for the furtherance thereof I have done many things without warrant, the which if I be called in question for, I hope I shall receive your Honour's favour. But I most humbly pray that hereafter I be not coupled with two such other commissioners as was our Mayor and Colonel; for, for the Colonel, I never saw so poor a gentleman. I was forced before they went aboard to be both colonel, lieutenant-colonel, sergeant-major, and commissary and all. But notwithstanding this ill help, they were all embarked in 4 hours after we began, and the ships out into the Sound, so as this night they set sail about 12 of the clock. By the next your Honour shall receive a particular of their certain number at their embarking, and what they have been furnished withal by me.—From the Fort by Plymouth, 9th September, 1598. |
| Signed. 1 p. (64. 3.) | |
| H. Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 9. | Sends a packet of papers touching the King of Scots' pension, the copy of the Queen's letter by which he hath and continues to demand the £4,000 pension, and a note written with my Lord's [Burghley's] hand that Mr. Wootton had not warrant to offer more than £4,000. [“Sir Edward Wootton, as it seemeth, can best answer this.”—Margin.] Also finds a letter of Mr. Ashebie's, whereby it seems an offer was made of £500 (sic). Sends the above papers, with the papers of Mr. Randolph's discourses in a packet apart; also a paper containing all such sums of money as the King of Scots hath had since 1581, which was made in April last, when the King was a suitor for money. In searching among the papers of Scotland that were brought from thence, he finds a part of the treaty at Carlisle, which he also sends herewith.—9th September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (64. 4.) | |
| John Lyly to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 9. | I hope you will pardon this unexpected presumption to serve you with a writ of Tandem aliquando, being the last that offer a remembrance of my devotion. When I balanced the matter with words, I found the worth to weigh down all wit. He that studies to be longest in the commendation, must come short. I leave discourses to those that have more copy of words, but not more feeling of grief, and content myself that all my epitaphs be written in amazedness, leaving them as heads for others to anatomise, concluding with the true saying, Leves curae loquuntur, ingentes stupent. I have enclosed a few verses of a brother of mine, chaplain of the Savoy, who is a partner of the common loss, and showeth both his affection and duty. And so as one of the Queen's patients, who have nothing applied these ten years to my wants but promises, I humbly end, hoping that, seeing her Majesty is pleased that your Honour and Mr. Grevil may be her remembrancers, I shall find a speedy repair of my ruined expectation.—September 9th, 1598. |
| At foot, six lines commencing : “Cæcilius moritur, lachrimæ hoc singultibus addant”: ending, “Anglia dixerat hæc, gemituque recumbit anhelans.” | |
| Endorsed :—“Dr. Lyly. Epitaph upon the death of My Lord Treasurer.” | |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (64. 5.) | |
| Sir Henry Danvers to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 9. | Prays for a company in the Low Countries. Desires in his own profession to regain her Majesty's favour. |
| Holograph. | |
| Endorsed : “9th September, 1598. Sir Ha. Danvers.” | |
| 1 p. (64. 6.) | |
| Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 10. | Has brought in four hulks, which carried very unlawful goods, which are the only ships that the Spanish King employs in his businesses. Prays Cecil's help in the probate of the prizes, because their Dutch cunning in colouring Spanish goods will make that questionable which is clear. The manner of his fight with the hulks he refers to Sir Matthew Morgan's report. Thanks him for his new company. The news of the King of Spain's death is not true, for these men say he is in good health.—10th September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| Endorsed : “Sir Tho. Sherley the younger.” | |
| 1 p. (64. 7.) | |
| John Trelawny, Mayor of Plymouth, and his brethren to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 10. | There came this day out of Cornwall one Drake, that lately took at the seas one Willes an Englishman, who can reveal matters of great importance touching the State; the effect whereof in part if not in all appears in the inclosed. Drake and Willes are being sent by ordinary post.—Plymouth, 10th September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (64. 10.) | |
| The Enclosure :— | |
| 1598, Sept. 9.—Jona. Trelawny to John Trelawny, Mayor of Plymouth, or in his absence to his deputy, or Mr. George Barons, Plymouth. | |
| This bearer Mr. Drake hath brought into the harbour of Foy one William Wyles, who for two voyages hath been a pilot for the Spaniard upon these coasts. He came from the Groyne about 10 days since, and on Tuesday last, eight leagues from the Lizard, he took a man-of-war of one Scobbles of Plymouth. The next day after himself was taken. He confesseth that being at the Groyne he had conference with one Father Patrick and divers other Irish gentlemen: and that a kinsman of the Earl of Tyrone hath been with the King of Spain, of whom he hath obtained 6 galleons, certain Flemish ships and “pattachaes,” wherein there shall be transported for the north part of Ireland 3,000 old soldiers of the garrisons of Calais, Bluett, and others, whereof there was gathered at the Groyne, before this examinant's coming from thence, eight companies, and the ships were graven and rigging. He saith that there it was reported that there were 46 ships of war already gone to the Islands for the intercepting of the Earl of Cumberland. He hath been examined by myself and cousin Treffry, and we have sent it up to the Lords with this bearer and Wyles himself. We pray you to provide them a post warrant for three horses to London. I pray you advertise what intelligence you received by the Spanish man of war that was brought into your town. I pray you take care for the safe and speedy sending of this my letter unto Sir Henry Killigrew, and for this gentleman's commission. I pray you to be very careful to procure it from Sir Ferdinando Gorges, if yourself do it not.—Hall, 9th September, 1598. | |
| Signed. 1 p. (64. 9.) | |
| E. Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. | |
| 1598, Sept. 10. | Of Lord Burghley's death. Mr. Humfrey Purefey, one of the Queen's Council in the north parts, is dead in Warwickshire. Recommends Mr. Hesketh, attorney of the Court of Wards, in his place. As to the arrangements for the sittings of the Court there.—York, 10th September, 1598. |
| Signed. 1 p. (64. 11.) | |
| W. Waad to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 11. | Harrys, the companion of Comes, was taken by a warrant from me and other justices, and after his apprehension break from the constable, and hurt two of them that took him very dangerously. If direction be given to my Lord Cromwell and to Sir John Shelton he may easily be taken, for yesterday in the afternoon he was at my Lord's house at Hackeney, and repaireth often to them both. I am this morning informed that there are to the number of 4 score of these persons, whereof the most part have been soldiers, that have some secret conspiracy to do some mischievous act, and lie dispersed in divers places about the city, whereof advice is given me of a house by the Tower Hill where four of them are lodged. Every man hath his case of pistols, so as they will endanger those that shall apprehend them. Therefore, if it so like your Honour, there would be special charge in some letters given to the justices about London for the apprehending of them, and those in the White Lion would be examined strictly of their confederates, or put to the torture. If your Honour's orders be not performed by filling up the companies that shall go out of Flushing to the States with those that shall be discharged out of the other companies upon this “arteration,” you shall have many soldiers repair hither that may be drawn to this crew, and in the absence of the Court and in this time of vacation some great mischief might by them be attempted, the prevention whereof I leave to your Honour's wisdom.—From Mour Lane, the 11th of September, 1598. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598, 11th August (sic).” | |
| 2 pp. (63. 44.) | |
| Andro Hunter, Minister of the Evangel, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 11. | Has resolved no longer to remain under Colonel Murray in the Scots Regiment. Has proposed to Sir Francis Vere to preach the Gospel to the English companies in the Low Countries, but in consideration of the familiarity between Murray and Vere, Vere would do that which might entertain that familiarity, and is content to confer with Cecil therein, in case Cecil should please to move the same. If it please Cecil to find out means that he could remain in Zeeland, either in Flushing or Middleborough, preaching to the English there, he will be able to attend sufficiently upon the camp here. Whatsoever can occur or be espied there, her Majesty should know his care and fidelity in her cause and the cause of religion. Vere will give Cecil further light touching the means of the writer's entertainment, and the benefit which may redound therefrom. In case neither of the above means of his stay fall out, he is willing to transport himself and his wife and family towards England, to be ready to serve her Majesty.—11th September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1½ pp. (64. 12.) | |
| Sir Edward Conway to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 11. | Commends the suit for employment of Mr. Edward Bassett, who commanded long Lord Burgh's company.—Briell, September 11th, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (64. 13.) | |
| Sir Thomas Wylsford to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 11. | Acknowledges Cecil's favours. “And whereas you write that now Sir Richard Bingham is made Marshal, it might be good for me to be made Governor of Ulster, Seneschal of Clandeboye, and Governor of Knockfergus, I do not as yet understand of any other profits growing by them but by the government or constableship of Knockfergus, the which if it be no greater than heretofore, it will nothing better my estate, but much impair the same. I have no desire of myself to go into Ireland, unless it were to do her Majesty service, and yet in such sort as I may be able to live by her service; otherwise I most humbly crave that I may end my days at home, though in as beggarly sort as now I live in.” If the Queen would bestow that place upon his eldest son it would much ease his charges. His son has been in the wars ten years, and never reaped any preferment but wounds, and his following of Lord Essex in four journeys cost a thousand pounds.—September 11th. |
| Holograph. | |
| Endorsed : “Sir Thomas Wylford, 1598.” | |
| 1 p. (64. 14.) | |
| Jo. Ferne to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 11. | Of the death of Lord Burghley, in whom he has lost a special patron. Prays for the continuance of Cecil's favour. Mr. Purefey, one of the Queen's Council there, is dead in Warwickshire the 4th of this present month. Prays Cecil to be a means to the Queen for the present supply of the place with a learned lawyer, honest, wise, and religious.—York, 11th September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (64. 15.) | |
| T. Lord Grey to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 12. | Your offer to acquaint me with the fit season for the prosecution of my business, procures these lines to crave your direction unto this place. For the business, though the command would much serve for the training and instructing mine inexperienced youth, yet to fail in that respect would not be so bitter as opinion of mine own over-valuation and indiscretion to attempt an uncompassed action. Much “opposion” I expect, your favour I rely on.—My lodging in Tuttle Street this 12 of Sept. |
| Signed. Endorsed : “1598.” | |
| 1 p. (177. 94.) | |
| Th. Smith to Mr. Secretary. | |
| 1598, Sept. 13. | The inclosed is the letter that you require, which I have written in my Lord of Essex's own words, for in a matter of this importance I desired his Lordship to dictate; and his Lordship took instruction for it from her Majesty. His Lordship hath signed it, and it is to be signed by no more but by his Lordship and yourself. If it come not so speedily to your hands as you expected, it was partly because I was a mile or two absent from this place when he came with your letter, having withdrawn myself to a friend's house to dinner, and when I came I found not readily opportunity with my Lord to move her Majesty, because he was in private with her Majesty a long hour before I could speak with him.—Micham, 13th September. |
| Holograph. | |
| Endorsed : “1598, Mr. Smythe, Clerk of the Council.” | |
| 1 p. (64. 17.) | |
| Ra. Dobbinson to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 13. | Encloses the certificate of Westminster touching the search which was done according to Cecil's direction. Explains delay in making the certificate. Such persons as were taken within the liberty were carried before the Lord Mayor and Justices, who punished some, and others had certificate to convey them whither they should go. Divers the bakers in Westminster much forget themselves in breaking that assize in their bread that is held in London. He has no means, in the absence of the clerk of the market, to compel them to observe good assize, except it shall please Cecil to give warrant for such assize to be kept there as is in London, and in default punishment to be inflicted according to the law.—Westminster, 13th September, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| Endorsed : “Raphe Dobbynson, the under Bailiff of Westminster.” | |
| 1 p. (64. 18.) | |
| [Sir Robert Cecil] to Sir Ferdinando Gorges and other Commissioners. | |
| 1598, Sept. 13. | By the letter of August 22nd you received, with others from the Council, a letter whereby you were directed to provide for the sending those soldiers under Colonel Egerton to Dublin or Carlingford, which were directed to go for Lough Foyle. The letters were sent you by running post, and you may easily guess whether my Lords, that feared those men, for lack of new direction, might have gone to Lough Foyle according to the first commandment; had not reason to expect an answer of the safe arrival of that packet. You must know further that the direction of packets, and the account of them, lieth heavy upon me, which being bitterly objected against me by her Majesty at this time, you must pardon me to seek to put it from me, with a better clearing than by this letter which I have received from all you of the 9th of September I can do; for you have therein used many words, but have avoided the direct point of setting down when you received the letter, and why you had not imparted it to the rest, or if you did, why Captain Jephson was sent up, and when he came up could satisfy the Lords in nothing, but came for many directions which by our former letters we had provided for. I pray you, therefore, without circumstances certify me what day that packet arrived, for I will search all the mystery of it to the bone before I would be thought guilty of negligent direction of a packet of that the troops could not have gone away sooner than they did, but where it is alleged that so much as concerned everybody to do was imparted to them severally, and not the letter, I take it a strange answer, when a letter is jointly to four, that the special matter which concerns you all should be concealed from those whom it most concerned. Neither do I see, considering that victual was to be provided by the Mayor, and shipping, and the men to be carried by the Colonel, how it can be thought justifiable that either of them two should not be acquainted that the soldiers were not to pass for Lough Foyle but to go to Dublin, and with all things else. And if it shall be said that they did know this, I will make them both ashamed of their ignorance expressed in their former writings, howsoever now the matter is shuffled up, neither did you on writing speak otherwise. I pray you therefore write up unto me, as you will stand to it, where the fault is, and let every ass bear his own burden. If it be mine, I will confess it; if it be yours, severally or jointly, I would rather it were known so than I suspected. If it be the post, he shall dearly pay for it. If you write directly what day you received it, why you would take no knowledge of it in such letters as you wrote after the receipt of it, it will appear what is true and what is false.—From my house near the Savoy, 13th September, 1598. |
| Draft, corrected by Cecil. | |
| Endorsed : “Copy of my master's letter to Sir Far. Gorges and the other Commissioners at Plymouth.” | |
| 1½ pp. (64. 20.) | |
| Wyll. Poyntz to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 13. | Protests his affection. Details the conduct towards him of Sir Thomas Heneage, to whose mercy his sister Heneage, when she died, left him and a brother. Is now going into the Low Countries, and has but nine shillings in his purse. Prays Cecil to increase his poor stock to buy him a few necessaries, “for my noble cousin's sake that is gone.”—London, 13th September, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (64. 21.) | |
| Captain John Throckmorton to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Sept. 13. | Our Lord Governor hath made me know that there is great question to give away either my office of sergeant major, or my company. Most honourable, as well in my reputation as estate, if either the one or the other shall be so carried from me, I am utterly undone. I most humbly pray that your Honour will not forsake me. I have ever been forward to take the first alarum of your Honour's going into any action, and no man shall be still more ready than myself to do you any service.—Flushing, 13th Sept., 1598. |
| Holograph. Seal. | |
| 1 p. (177. 95.) | |
| Robert Vernon to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Sept. 13. | Duty bids me to make known to your Lordship how I have bestowed my time since my coming out of England. I will bend my studies wholly how to please you and profit myself, and your instructions which you have promised to send me from time to time shall be my schoolmasters and books to teach me. The gentleman you sent with me is of a good disposition. Since we have been here in the Low Country we have bestowed the greatest part of our time in seeing the country and the principal towns in it.—13 of September. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—1598. Seals. | |
| 1½ pp. (177. 96.) | |
| Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Sept. 14. | The Queen takes it offensively that he brought in four hulks, Easterlings. Beseeches Cecil to second his suit for pardon. One reason leading him to take the ships was the commandment given to the Queen's ships to stay four hulks bound for Cales laden with treasure belonging to the Spanish King, which in his judgment were very like to be these, and so he thinks they may prove. Another reason was the unreverent words that they used against her Highness, which he resolved to avenge, or die in the quarrel. Also he perceived that they were Lubeckers, who are not well willers to her Majesty. He will make good any loss sustained.—Portsmouth, 14th September, 1598. |
| Holograph. Endorsed : “Sir Thomas Sherley.” | |
| 1 p. (64. 22.) | |
| O. Hopteun to William Jackson, Town Clerk of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. | |
| 1598, Sept. 14. | I doubt not, for all such things as concern the good of the cause you have in hand, but that you are sufficiently advised by those whom it doth most touch. Therefore I do omit to write anything thereof but upon an accident befallen Mr. Morton, which as he hath handled the matter, doth grieve the adversary not a little. Upon some three weeks since in his sermon at All Hallows, his text leading him thereunto, he did refute the arguments used by our disciplinarians, and examining every one of their reasons, he came to a place in the 22 of St. Luke where the Geneva translation hath in it, “You shall not reign as the Gentiles and be termed lsquo;Gracious Lords,’” or to that effect. Hereupon Mr. Morton alleging this place to be erroneously translated, they have ever since held themselves much aggrieved, affirming him to have spoken against the whole Bible, insomuch as Mr. Sanderson, meeting him in Durham in my Lord's great chamber, took him by the bosom and gave him very evil speeches, saying he would complain unto the Council of him. To whom he with such modesty answered as he got himself great credit and left the adversary reputed a madman, he so famously demeaned himself. Thus they are now become open impugners of the title of Bishops. Mr. Morton will not complain here. Thus much have I thought good to let you know, lest, the shameless Saunderson complaining, you might not be able to answer.—Newcastle, this 14 of September, 1598. |
| Addressed :–“To Mr. Wiliam Jackson, Town Clerk of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the Star in Fish Street, London.” | |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (177. 97.) | |
| Fulk Grevyll to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, [before Sept. 15 (fn. 1) ] | My bill came to your hands not out of any particular interest I challenge in you, but in the quality of your place, which we take to be the mean altar from whence the petitions of inferiors should ascend to the highest. By your own report I find since how equally and honourably you have discharged it; yet, Sir, the answer you return me being far short both of your long expectation and mine, give me leave to lay my griefs upon the same altar where I laid my desires, and the rather because I fear that he who personally pleads sorrow to a prince in a kind pleads merit, which I do not. It is now almost two years since I have languished in the suit of this place, I trust without unreverent importunacy, either to her Highness or you, and, I protest, without other glory or ambition in it than first to think I should be of her own choice, and then that in her service I should have pour un champ d'honeur un siecle corrumpu. To avow anything from her Majesty's own mouth I will not presume: what she hath been pleased to say to my Lord of Buckhurst, Sir John Fortescu and divers others, they have so liberally published to the world and me, as expectation is almost withered with expecting. If there were any notorious impotency or stain in me; nay, if the place were very much greater than I, these cautions and councils of time were gentle corrections. But since I am her Majesty's creature, and by her goodness in a degree which hath led up to the greatest advancements, give me leave, howsoever unworthy, yet for the honour of that place, to marvel why this competency between me and Langford is so long continued, and, Sir, conclude it to be chance or destiny, for the world shall never make me believe that her Majesty valueth either our faiths, sufficiencies or gages equal. Besides, she in her princely nature knoweth that I have commanded mine own genius, and left all courses in the world that advance other men, only for her sake: which zeal alone hath so many times been made a merit, as I cannot think myself only chosen to be lost there. Now, Sir, if as a councillor you see that you have already more work than hands, whereby her Majesty's service suffers in this delay with me, be pleased to let your care deliver both: for if Seneca say true, Qui diu dubitat, etiam matri negare potest, as the world is now possessed, were I disabled for ever; because no competency can be easier to me than this with Langford, and when I shall despair in her Majesty I will hope in nobody.—From my lodging this instant. |
| Signed. | |
| Endorsed : “1598.” | |
| 1 p. (67. 50.) | |
| Richard Bingham to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Sept. 15. | My brother, Captain John Bingham, having served her Majesty a long time in Ireland until the stirs happened, was in the end put from all that ever he had. He hath never had nor desired pay nor other means from her Majesty. Wherefore I shall now beseech you to stand his good Lord. If the action in Ireland be to be undertaken, procure him a company of 200 or 150 men.—London, the 15 of September, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| ¾ p. (177. 98.) | |
| Sir Edward Conway to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Sept. 15. | I am humbly thankful that your hand is not to the letter that reduceth my company to 100 heads. It will teach me that the conscience of good deeds only is a bare encouragement to do so again. I never got a penny by a soldier. The money appointed to pay my company is £13 6s. 8d. weekly and 2s. a day to me, not enough to hold together the honest gentlemen that serve in my company. The accidents that happen to me in the Brill might well despair me.—Brill, September 15, 1598. |
| Signed. Seal. | |
| 1 p. (177. 99.) | |