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Lord Fyvie to Viscount Cranborne. |
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1604–5, Feb. 1. |
I send your lordship herewith my book,
passed and signed already by the Attorney, my Lord Treasurer,
and Chancellor of the Duchy. It wants no more, as I am informed, but his Majesty's signature and your lordship's to pass
the seals, which I hope you will procure and "expeed" shortly
after his Highness's return. It may seem strange that I have
made so long tarry here after others, but I have found such
courtesy and good entertainment, as has almost made me
forget all debts and affairs. There shall be no fault in me,
neither in good-will nor any doing may lie in my power, to serve
the State, or your lordship, for your innumerable courtesies.
As this errand was begun by you I can trouble none other but
you to the ending of it.—1 Feb. 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (103. 158.) |
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Sir Richard Hawkins to Viscount Cranborne. |
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1604–5, Feb. 1. |
Of late I have been solicited by divers to
acquaint you with the hard "intreaty" which our countrymen
receive generally in the Spanish dominions, contrary to that was
expected and far worse than when for the same we took occasion
to war against them, which they and all this country hope will
receive remedy by your mediation with his Majesty. There
have been in this harbour of Plymouth many ships of Zeland
and Holland long time expecting favourable wind and weather
to go for the Spanish dominions; but having certain intelligence
that in Spain war is declared against them with fire and sword,
they are all returned home, the most part of them laden with
corn. At their departure there happened a sugar prize to come
into Causon [Cawsand] Bay, taken by some of their countrymen
upon the coast of Portingall, in great distress, and durst not
to come into the harbour under the King's forts, for fear they
should be stayed. One of the King's ships the Aquitance being
in the harbour wafted her hence and turned all the English
which served in her on shore. The Flemings suspect she shall
be taken from them, and rest very malcontent. During their
abode in the bay some chests of sugar were conveyed on shore,
and the mariners in their chests brought bags and broken sugars.
I was intreated by some Flemings to make search for them and
seize them, and the like I am required by letters from the Lord
Admiral and the Judge of Admiralty for all goods of that
nature; which I have done accordingly, and have in my hands
some 6 or 7 chests. There rides at this instant in Causon Bay
a rich prize which was taken about Porchmouth by the States
Commission from a Dunkerker laden with Spaniards' goods.
They have been in Helford in Cornwall and here and there
they do by stealth sell of the goods which they have, but such
has been the tempestuous weather that notwithstanding I
have used my best endeavours I cannot learn of anything
certain. I beseech you that some directions may be given
that all the country may take knowledge what they are to do
in such cases, for without this great trouble may ensue to them.
For it has been alleged unto me that the Spaniard has no
open war with the States, and we being friend to both ought to
be indifferent, and how can we be indifferent if we take either
of their goods and deliver it to their enemy? All goods, say
they, taken from the enemy by the law of nations in 24 hours
has his property altered being quietly possessed, so that if
a Spaniard should take a Hollander's goods, and possess it
one entire day, if after another Holland man-of-war should take
the same goods, it ought not to be restored to the first Hollander
that lost it, but merely appertained to the second which got
them from his enemy. Now, conclude they, how can the King
of France or England then take the goods of any prize of Holland
being Hollander's goods, and deliver it to the first proprietor,
being his enemy, without doing wrong. They say further for
ships or goods made prize within his seas, his Majesty by
prerogative may use his discretion, but that it must be by
public edict, if it be any innovation; but out of his seas whatsoever is taken ought to be carried by the universal law of
nations. And doubtless the most are of this opinion. His
Majesty by giving each harbour shall best content his truest
friends, benefit his own purse, enrich his subjects, employ his
idle mariners and runagate soldiers, and excuse infinite questions
and molestations of his subjects, and win many hearts which
with grief and sorrow I see to be half alienated from him.
The company of the Brazil prize, I mean the English, challenge
the sugars in my possession to be given betwixt ten of
them by the captain in lieu of their shares, which is confirmed
by oath of several persons of credit.—From Plymouth, 1 Feb.
1604.
Signed. Seal. 2 pp. (103. 159.) |
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Examinations at Ludlow. |
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1604–5, Feb. 3. |
(1) Deposition of Walter Williams of
Llanfayse, co. Monmouth, taken before Edward, Lord Zouche,
Lord President, and others of the Council in the Marches of
Wales, touching certain words by him uttered touching his
Majesty and the State. |
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(2) Similar declaration by Moris Nicholas, mayor of Newport. |
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(3) The same by Nicholas Shorsawe of Abergavenny, gent.
Copies. 3½ pp. (103. 162.) |
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Lord Burghley to his brother Viscount Cranborne. |
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1604–5, Feb. 3. |
You were pleased about four months since,
upon my motion, to grant the wardship of one Askwith in Yorkshire unto Sir Timothy Whittingham then my neighbour there,
being one of the executors of the ward's father's will. Upon
notice from me of your promise he took upon him (with others)
the execution of the will, which otherwise he would not have
done. Since which time the ward's mother and one Askwith,
who refused the execution of the said will, have not only
obtained the wardship from Sir Timothy Whittingham by instant suit but have also commenced suit against him and the
other executors in the Court of Wards for supposed wrongs
done to the said ward. The suit is to be heard on Monday next.
I would entreat you to vouchsafe your presence at the hearing
of the cause and to afford the gentleman (whom I have ever
held very honest and peaceable) such indifferent favour for
my sake, as the justice and equity of the cause shall require.
And if you cannot be present that you would signify your
pleasure unto Mr. Attorney of the Wards, for I am loth my
love to him should turn to his farther loss, if he have dealt so
uprightly as I hope will appear.—3 Feb. 1604.
Signed. 2/3 p. (188. 56.) |
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The Earl of Shrewsbury to [Viscount Cranborne]. |
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1604–5, Feb. 4. |
The villainous gout's bailly having not many
hours before the receipt of your letter touching Hartyngton
arrested me, and I at the time being more desirous of one hour's
quiet, sound sleep, than the fee-simple of a good manor, my
wife told me the next day that she took the opportunity of one
then ready to take horse, by whom she wrote unto you what
she conjectured would be my answer; which hereby I would
confirm, and thereunto can add nothing, until I may hear
again. I will neither delay my resolute answer after I have
heard once again from you, nor impart what offers shall be
made either in particular or general to any creature. If I
should write to you the punishment that I have endured with
this sharp humour, you would pity me, but my heel and toe
would not be the sooner free from pain, only I have overcome
this fit so far as I can sleep without pain, though I can neither
go nor stand. God keep the inheritance that descended from
the most worthy Lord Treasurer Burghley to the Lord that now
is, his son and heir, may never fall in any part upon the second
brother, yourself I mean, to whom my wife desires to be in all
good affection remembered.—At Sheffield, 4 Feb. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (103. 161.) |
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The Bishop of Peterborough to the Lords of the
Council. |
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1604–5, Feb. 4. |
Touching the unconformable ministers of
my diocese, I have laboured to win them to obey the laws
established in the church for good order; I have exposed myself
to disputations both privately and publicly and many have
yielded themselves. The rest I pitied and begged to pity themselves, and then monished them by myself or such as were far
off by my deputies; and when nothing would prevail, in the
anguish of my soul, I suspended nine or ten, and deprived one
only, telling them all that if they still remained disobedient,
I should proceed in like manner against the rest. There I
ceased and meant so to have done still, but that letters came
from you, that it was the King's pleasure that I and the rest of
my brethren should at once remove such as were obstinate.
Such were mine who had conspired, as I think, to make unto
me one and the same answer, namely that they would never
conform themselves. I prayed them to demand time for
further conference, that I might conceive some hope of their
submission; they answered that if they should do so, they
should seem to be doubtful in those things wherein they were
soundly resolved never to yield; and that they had as lief
be deprived at first as at the last; then enforced by their
obstinacy I deprived fourteen more, ten of whom were formerly
suspended. Your lordships wonder at the number and so do
I, but I am informed that my diocese has been from time to
time the nest and nursery of factious ministers. Here they
have held their classes, hither have repaired from other parts
the most fiery and disorderly preachers of the whole kingdom.
Whereas complaint is now made that their places are unfurnished of preachers, your lordships will understand that it is
not my fault but theirs, for they have all appealed from my
sentence, and, pendente appellatione, I have nothing to do with
their benefices; yet I have written to the preachers near to
the void places to supply their defects.—Peterborough, 4
Feb. 1604.
Signed: Tho. Petriburg. Endorsed with some rough money
account. 2½ pp. (104. 1.) |
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Lord Cobham to Viscount Cranborne. |
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1604–5. Feb. 4. |
If you will vouchsafe to read this book,
my translation of Seneca's De Ira, I shall take it as a favour.
The book is worthy your reading, and my pains I shall not hold
lost if it receive your allowance, whose judgment will settle
me whether my pains therein be aught. I have almost done the
rest of his books. Then the whole I intend to your lordship.
I recommend myself to your remembrance, whom else all the
world have forgotten. Think of me your poor friend and help
me out of this captivity.—From the Tower the 4 of February,
1604. Your loving brother-in-law, humbly to command.
Holograph, signed: H. Brooke. Seal. ½ p. (104. 3.) |
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[Sir Edward Hoby] to the Same. |
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1604–5, Feb. 4. |
I have at the last received from Mr. Attorney
two privy seals, one for rents and one for a release of arrearages,
for which I give you humble thanks. To my motion before
your lordship for a further supply of money it pleased you to
yield some allowance. My desire was to have had my arrearages
pardoned and a further supply to have made up 1000l. to provide
a house wherein my wife might put her head, if I should die,
as I have none in the world now but Quinborough castle during
my mother's life. I had another house in Chatham, which,
not to disguise my thrift, lies now at mortgage to a citizen in
this town, and did mind to have sold it clean out if I had not
been constrained to leave Shurland. None is more loth to
importune you than I, and I hope never after this to be cumbersome to you, but will learn, according to the proverb, to cut
my coat according to my cloth.—4 Feb. 1604.
Unsigned. Endorsed: "Sir Edward Hoby." 1 p.
(104. 4.) |
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Thomas Phelippes to the Same. |
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1604–5, Feb. 5. |
I acknowledge in all humility your favour
and submit myself to the King's pleasure. Three ends I know
there are in the infliction of all punishments, correction of the
party, reparation of the wrong done, example. Less, if it had
pleased the King, should have reformed my errors, void of
malice I will still profess; and I should have been able to make
a better amends by service otherwise. But for the example it
is my ill luck that there should be any necessity of making it
so public. And therefore I beseech you to continue your
resolution of easing me of this burden. I am not in case to bear
such expense; my confusion will do his Majesty no good;
for further prevention whereof I pray that beside the liberty of
access for my people to me for my business, which has received
great prejudice by this fortnight's close restraint, I may not be
burdened, while the King's commandment is on me, with actions
or sales of private men. For all dogs will be upon a man thus
disgraced. And as in those trunks, which were taken, there be
evidences concerning my private, I hope your lordship would
be pleased now they have been perused, to have them redelivered
to me, that I be not utterly undone. Your afflicted prisoner.—
5 Feb. 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (104. 5.) |
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Sir George Reynell to Viscount Cranborne. |
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1604–5, Feb. 6. |
It being the common opinion that Mr.
Tirrell by this late tumult has forfeited his estate in the Fleet,
and I happening to see a letter to a servant of his Majesty
wishing him to make suit therein, I thought good to take advice
for my own interest, and find from my counsel that neither Mr.
Tirrell nor Mr. Trench has lawful right to receive or discharge
any prisoner but whatsoever is done therein is to my prejudice.
I would have acquainted Mr. Attorney of the Wards herewith,
but he would receive no motion but in court, which my counsel
wished me to forbear, not thinking it fit to question publicly
whether Mr. Tirrell has made a forfeiture or not, nor to
manifest Mr. Trench's no interest, lest the prisoners should
thereupon raise some tumult. I have therefore by the advice
of Mr. Attorney and my own counsel written to your lordship
that you may take the opinion of some of the judges herein, or
such other course as may agree with your uprightness.—
6 Feb. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (104. 6.) |
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Sir Edward Coke, Attorney General, to the Same. |
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1604–5, Feb. 7. |
Whereas you have been informed that the
mayor of Chester in the renewing of the charter of that city
intends to insert some new clauses derogatory to the jurisdiction
of the Court of Exchequer there, I find that the petition consists of two parts, (1) to renew certain privy seals for the discharge of the new impost of Gascon wine and of 2s. for every
ton of Spanish iron, as in certain privy seals granted by the late
Queen Elizabeth appears; (2) to renew certain letters patent
likewise granted by the said late Queen for transportation of
certain dickers of leather. So that it evidently appears that
none of these can derogate anything from the jurisdiction of
the Court of Exchequer within the county palatine of Chester.—
7 Feb. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (188. 59.) |
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John Talbot to Viscount Cranborne. |
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1604–5, Feb. 8. |
Perceiving by my Lord of Shrewsbury that
he and your lordship have by letters had conference touching
my cause, and that I might now compound with Sir William
Anstruther for my yearly recusancy money, which is granted
unto him for the term of my life, I protest that I never intended
to seek for any toleration from his Highness, but only to be
discharged for my life in good sort for my goods, as the book
for that purpose can witness; which to satisfy you I sundry
times thought to have showed you, but could not have a convenient access; and if I had thought that my proceedings
herein had not been favoured by you, I would much sooner have
desisted that course. But now if I may deal with this gentleman, as my Lord of Shrewsbury has directed by his letters
unto you herewith sent, I will put it in execution, otherwise
will leave it off.—Peperhill, 8 Feb. 1604.
Signed. ½ p. (104. 9.) |
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E[lizabeth], Countess of Oxford, to the Same. |
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1604–5, Feb. 9. |
Whereas Sir Edward Coke has lately
obtained a grant of the stewardship of the manor of Havering,
which I know of right to be my son's inheritance, and has never
been given by king or queen, when the Earls of Oxford have
been in possession of their office of the forest of Havering, as
by many evidences plainly appears; I desire your favour in
my son's behalf that in his young years his rights may be
preserved with equity and justice.—Channon Row, 9 Feb. 1604.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (104. 10.) |
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Sir William Constable to the Same. |
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1604–5, Feb. 9. |
I crave pardon for presenting my lines when
my speech is not barred from you; my insufficiency is the cause,
lest by speech I forget what I would or speak otherwise than I
should. Hitherto have I attended the bettering of my fortunes, which depend upon your continuing to support the
remnant of a wretched life, which yesterday three years was
forfeited had not your Honour above my merit preserved me
(when your enemy unworthy of any grace), which has so
firmly tied me unto you. It pleased my Lord of Southampton
at Woodstock to witness the presentation of my fidelity unto
you: and since then he lives not that shall better use his sword
in your service. I beg your honourable conceit of my plainness,
for I have not the compliments of the Court, which want makes
my wants as they be. The suit which I entreated Mr. L'Vines
[Levinus Munck] your secretary to show you concerning
attorneys is failed; my creditors call on me for my debts;
my friends wonder that in all this time I have effected nothing
for my good. May I crave your opinion for the suit of the
impost of tobacco in Ireland, which might support my estate
till my better deserving attain to better? If you please. I will
cause this to be drawn in a petition and present it. If this
fail, good my Lord, assist me either for a petition or some other
means to support my poor estate.—From my house, 9 Feb.
1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (104. 11.) |
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Matthew Carew to Viscount Cranborne. |
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1604–5, Feb. 9. |
I can challenge no more property in your
goodness than all men; but if you will consider my poor self
not ignobly descended or mechanically bred up, I know you will
rather pity my estate than charge me above my ability. I
have and always will perform my duty as a subject. Many
privy seals have been brought unto me for the loan of money
in her late Majesty's time; I delivered 30l. upon one of them,
whereby I was promised repayment, which I never yet had.
Now again I am pressed by three more to make another loan
of as much. To the first which I received in Surrey I made my
answer to Sir George Moore, from whom I have received no
reply. Forthwith I received another by Sir Arthur Atye
lately deceased, whereto I returned my reasons. Now again
I am pressed by Sir William Bowier to satisfy the third, and
being now in my decrepit age. when I had most need to keep
me warmest and would gladly end my life with some reputation,
I am loth to uncover my nakedness to the vision of many;
for I fear not to let your lordship see my bareness. I was born
a younger brother, and although fortune lent my father much,
yet by his intestacy I neither had any lands or goods of his,
but by my own pains and industry have lived in the world,
without raising my fortune to much; and desiring to marry
the only daughter I had into good place, I stretched the strings
of my purse above their tune, whereto I was driven to sell that
little land I had gotten together; and to get me some rent
again to live on, I put more to it to raise the same by building
here, which has left me deeply in debt and in interest for the same,
the which before I be able to pay, I shall not be able to lend.
And the profiting any more by my labours in the Chancery
where I have painfully served these thirty years, addicting
myself wholly thereto, by the late statute is taken from me,
so as I am now driven with the starved bee to live upon the
honey that remains in the hive, whereof there is so little store
left as if my life be lengthened it will fall too short to feed it
out. but shall be driven to make sale of that I have.—Chancery
Lane, 9 Feb. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (104. 12.) |
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Sir Fulke Greville to Viscount Cranborne. |
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[1604–5], Feb. 10. |
I find so many reasons in my heart and
fortune to make me confident of your favour, as I dare presume
to crave leave to wait upon you sometime to-morrow or Tuesday
at what hour your leisure will best serve.—Austyn Friars,
10 Feb.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." ½ p. (104. 14.) |
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Sir Anthony Ashley to the Same. |
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1604–5, Feb. 10. |
I desire you leave to attend this day the
hearing of the cause concerning the county clerkship of Yorkshire referred to the hearing of the Lord Chief Baron. I have
entreated Sir Thomas Smith to supply my absence, and delivered
him the papers you appointed to be dispatched at this council.—
From my poor house. 10 Feb. 1604.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (104. 15.) |
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Monsieur de la Fontaine to the Same. |
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1604–5, Feb. 11. |
Begs Cranborne's acceptance of a present
of a dozen boxes of quince marmelade (condignac) and of a
dozen boxes of "marmelade d'Orleans."—"De vostre petite
maison à Blackfrieres cest xie fevrier 1604."
Holograph. French. ⅓ p. (188. 57.) |
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Sir Robert Wingfeilde to the Same. |
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1604–5, Feb. 12. |
If I had sent your Honour the greatest
present, I could not have desired more than to receive under
your own hand testimony that you think of me as carrying a
true and constant heart to you. And since you tell me you
would be glad of any occasion whereby you might yield me the
fruits of your affection, I beseech you to prefer me to be his
Majesty's servant in his privy chamber, or else about the Queen
or the Prince. I am bound unto his Majesty by his good
opinion of me, of which you are the chiefest cause, and hope
to deserve the continuance of his love. I do not desire
to be troublesome to him with suits, but it will again suffice me
for the world to see that I am in your favour, and a great comfort
to see my friends more than I do and to live in better reputation
than I do.—12 Feb. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (104. 16.) |
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The Earl of Shrewsbury to the Same. |
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1604–5, Feb. 12. |
This unmannerly course of sending my
letters sometimes under your cover I am bold to use, presuming
always of your pardon therein. Of that matter of Hartyngton
I can say no more, till I hear again from your lordship. I begin
now to walk again, but much after your brother my Lord
Burghley's fashion, so as if I had on a pair of furred buskyns
you could not know me by my pace to be other than he; but
yet the difference I hope will be betwixt us, that he will halt
all the year long or else die by it, and I will halt some month or
two in a year and go upright afterwards like an honest man.—
Sheffield Lodge, Shrove Tuesday, 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (104. 17.) |
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Sir Francis Vere to Viscount Cranborne. |
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[1604–5], Feb. 12. |
Since my last I have received a letter
from my Lord of Erskine in which he desires to speak with me
about certain points of a letter I sent him before my coming
down, wherein I justified my own integrity to his Majesty both
before and since his accession. I am exceedingly glad of the
occasion to clear me of the wrongs that may have been done me,
and am preparing to repair to his lordship, whereof I thought it
my duty to advertise you, lest my abrupt leaving this place
might be mistaken.—Tilburye, 12 Feb. |
|
PS. |
I have written to my Lord of Erskine that I have
signified to your lordship the content of his letter.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." ½ p. (104. 18.) |
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"Jo. Co." to Thomas Wilson. |
|
1604–5, Feb. 12. |
I received your letters upon Saturday last,
but the bearer's haste would not permit him to stay for my
reply. The occurrences here in Court since your departure have
been few. Therefore I pray you rest content with this slender
advertisement. |
|
I understand that Sir Charles Cornwallis is appointed to
reside in Spain; he had access to the King yesterday afternoon.
Sir Thomas Edmunds has charge to make his preparations, but
has order for his allowances before hand to do the same. The
ministers of London have been two or three before the bishops.
At their last dispute on Thursday last they were all suspended.
I hear that the Bishop of Norwich deposed last week over thirty
in Suffolk and was this week to take order in Norfolk. The
world expects some new consultation in these matters. His
Majesty assisted the Lords of the Council yesterday after dinner,
and to-day again after dinner they assembled. It is thought
there is some matter of importance in hand; I am promised
notice of it. Sir Edward Stafford deceased this last week.
Upon Thursday was the Parliament prorogued until the 3rd
of October, at which assembly my Lord Denny was inducted.
The cause of Philipp's [Phelippes's] imprisonment is only, as I
hear, for writing to Owen, which is in the Low Countries. If
you have not the copy of the B. of York's letter, which I told
you of, I can now help you to it. The Princess, the King's
daughter, arrived here on Saturday evening. The Lord Howard
arrived here yesterday from the Low Countries. |
|
I received yesterday letters from my Lord Ambassador
[in France], the particulars whereof follow:—The Lord Duke
of Lennox hath been here honourably entertained and is likely
. . . . at the King's hands grace for the gr . . . . but the
arrest is already past against . . . . You must not forbear to
thank Mr. Wilson in my name, if he be not already departed for
Spain, the doubt whereof caused me to forbear to write to him. |
|
I received advertisement from Rome this last week that the
King of Spain sent thither to divers of the nobility the dignity
and ornaments of his order; amongst the rest Mr. Arthur Poole
is honoured therewith, and with a yearly pension of 1000 crowns,
which, how it may be interpreted, I know not, but I like nothing
the more, because withal it is advertised that he designs to
procure for his brother a cardinal's hat; and these extraordinary favours are here construed in the worst sense. |
|
The Duke of Savoy hath of late caused the French of the
religion that inhabited in the marquisate of Saluces to depart
the province, for which De Diguieres complaining to the King
here hath order to place them in his Majesty's dominions adjoining. They are to the number of 4000 persons. |
|
The Archduke and the Spaniards have done the like against
divers of the French inhabiting at Cambrai, who upon doubt of
practices were on the sudden expelled, and are by order of this
King received into the cities and towns adjoining St. Quentin
and others. |
|
On Sunday next the great marriage of De Rohan with M.
de Rosny's daughter shall be solemnized. He hath with her,
given by her father, 50,000 crowns argent comptant and in jewels
10,000 crowns. The King bestoweth on him the charge of
Colonel of the Suisses, with the pension of 4000 livres yearly,
and besides hath augmented his ordinary pensions which he
received before 2000 crowns. |
|
It is thought the King in his progress to Provence will render
to the Prince of Orange his town, which [he] hath so long sued
for not without the prejudice and discontentment of those of
the religion. |
|
On Thursday last were condemned the prisoners, for whom
the Duke obtained grace, M. Comte d'Auvergne, M. d'Entragues,
and Tho. Morgan to be beheaded; the lady Marquise to be
detained in ward till further information against her touching
that [affair], but how this shall be mitigated will appear shortly
upon the King's promise; but the Court giveth out that
d'Auvergne shall be confined in the castle of Angers, d'Entragues
to his house, and the Marquise the like for a time at . . . .
Morgan portera la peine pour tous. Monsieur de Beaumont
sollicite fort son retour. Le Comte de Cramail est nommé pour luy
succeder.—12 Feb. 1604. |
|
PS.—The King as they say will depart about Friday for
Royston. I think Sir John Hallom will go for France.
Signed: Jo. Coved struck out and below: Jo. Co. Addressed:
"Mr. Thomas Wilson, at Mr. Calton's house next the Parsonage
in Greenwich."
The last few lines in French and in a different handwriting from
the earlier part of the letter. 4 pp. (104. 19.) |
|
[Sir Edward Hoby] to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604–5], Feb. 12. |
I understand that the King is going away
upon Friday and beseech to understand from you a resolution
concerning my motion in my two last letters to you. I would
be glad to have means to have an assured house of mine own
for my wife to put her head in. This done I would quickly
home though I carry a surgeon along with me; and if his
Majesty have branded me in the forehead and I must be marked
to suffer, I thank God I can carry it patiently. Having some
cause of suspicion in that it is so long since I heard from your
lordship, I beseech pardon for my importunity, being loth to
betray myself for want of soliciting my best friends, whom this
business once over I hope never to be a trouble to again,
desiring only now to be left in statu quo prius. 12 Feb.
Unsigned. Endorsed by Cranborne's clerk.—"1604 Feb. 12.
Sir Edward Hoby." 1 p. (188. 60.) |
|
Wm. Fouler to the Same. |
|
1604–5, Feb. 13. |
I had since we were at Woodstock two
portraits of the Archdukes and Infantas delivered me by her
Majesty to my custody these days bygone, and at this instant
hour, her Majesty has sent for them and as I think to give
them away and to be conveyed into Scotland. Out of my love
therefore and service towards your Honour, I made bold to
acquaint you therewith, thinking them more fit for your use
and house at Thibaulds, which her Majesty I think will not
deny. They are very fair, large and costly and above 1300
florins paid for the workmanship. They are to be hung this
night in the gallery. Your lordship might obtain a conditional
promise of her Majesty, that if she be pleased at any time to
give them to any, you might have the first assurance.—13 Feb.
1604.
Signed. ⅓ p. (188. 61.) |
|
Thomas Phelippes to the Same. |
|
1604–5, Feb. 14. |
I understand from my Lord of Kinloss
that he has moved the King in my matter and, though he
at first found the King much moved, he left him in better
tune, as well by the reasons he urged as by the show of part of
my letter. His lordship has also confirmed, what I understood
from yourself of your favour towards me; I pray that before
the King's going you will procure some grace for determining
this durance, of which nothing can redound to his Majesty's
service, I having already suffered that loss that nothing can
repair.—14 Feb. 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (104. 22.) |
|
Sir Francis Godolphin to the Same. |
|
1604–5, Feb. 14. |
In my last I signified unto your lordship
the answer of Walter Daniell of Truroe, how he once had a small
quantity of ambergris found within your manor of Ellinglase
and how he refused to confirm with his voluntary oath that he
had therein set down his full knowledge. I have now attained
a piece found to the westward of your land, weighing scarce
two ounces. The party from whom I had it, alleging his skill
to be small in the manner to find it, says that such as are skilful
covet the wind between them and the places they search and
soonest discover it by the scent, as it is said the foxes by the
smell find it. Such as are not perfect in the knowledge of it
make their proof by casting a little on the coals, whereon it
will fume as frankincense. This commodity richer in value
than the finest gold being thrown out of that great glassy meadow
of the sea, wherein none has so rightful propriety as his Majesty,
worthily deserves his Majesty's commission for the examination
of so much as has been found or sold since the beginning of his
reign, with commandment that none presume to buy or sell
the same but to such as it shall please his Majesty to assign
both for receiving thereof to his use as for payment to the
finders after a certain rate, as forty shillings for the ounce or
as shall be thought convenient to his Majesty.—From Godolphin,
14 Feb. 1604.
Signature torn off. Endorsed:—"Sir Francis Godolphin to
my Lord." 1 p. (188. 62.) |
|
Noel de Caron to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604–5, Feb. 14. |
Your lordship has been so good as to
communicate to me the letter written to you by Monsieur
Winwodt about the wish of the father of the agent D'Arssen,
who resides in France, that his son should have the same title
as the Estates were resolved to give me, notwithstanding that
they have been assured that the King, with whom he is, would
be content to receive him in this quality. Wherefore, I pray
you, once again permit me to say that in my case they would
have wished to do this rather to gratify me and encourage me
to continue in my charge than for any reasons of state. For
I am assured that none of them would have thought that his
Majesty would have made any difficulty about it. And in
order that you may see that our state registrar (greffier d'estat),
his said father, says that elsewhere (meaning in France) no
difficulty would have been made about it, I have enclosed his
letter at the foot of which he touches on this matter to that
effect. Not that I wish to re-open this business for I have
made firm resolution never to speak of it again, having for
long resigned to my lords, the Estates, all the good they wanted
to do me in this, even the increase of their wages, without the
charge of which, I know, they would have given me the said
title these ten years past. |
|
Your lordship will see also by the said letter that he discourses
freely enough upon affairs but as I know your prudence and
judgment in matters of state I could not keep his letter back
but submit it entirely to your censure. And I would add my
confidence that you will not reject the said arguments for you
know too well the value of the maintenance of our state and of
the authority of the Estates, having for long (as I have been
advised) disputed this cause in the place where it should be
received, and that any arguments to the contrary which proceed
from so high a place bring great disrepute upon us and our
affairs.—"A Surdt Lambeth le 14e jour de Fev. 1604." |
|
PS.—I have also enclosed a letter come to me from Cales
by which you will see that his Majesty's ships in the Downs
(Dunes) favour our enemies as much as they can. I pray you,
after you have had my letters, hand them to your secretary
Livnus [Levinus Munck], so that I may have them again.
Holograph. French. 2 pp. (188. 63.) |
|
Lord Morley to Levinus [Munck]. |
|
1604–5, Feb. 15. |
Your Lord at my last being with him
promised to move his Majesty touching my suit before his
departure hence. As I know him to be troubled with weighty
matters and many men's suits, I entreat you to put him in
mind of my suit, and to ask him to notice the quality thereof,
which otherwise his Majesty may think to be greater than it is.
I am not offered above twelve years purchase and to give long
days of payment, yet I was in hope at the first beginning of
my suit to have had fifteen years.—High Holborne, 15 Feb. 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (104. 23.) |
|
Sir Richard Holland to the Lords of the Council. |
|
[1604–5], Feb. 15. |
For answer to your letters by this bearer,
Mr. Hugh Pechie, upon publication of the late proclamation
for conformity of the church's ministers to the ceremonies
therein now established, very many well affected to the preaching
of the gospels, both of better and meaner calling in this county,
seeing the increase of Popish religion and looseness of life, were
much dismayed, and feared lo[ss] of the preachers whose life
and doctrine have been so m[uch] approved amongst us. Divers
are maintained by the love of the congregations, and if they
should be removed there would be a great want especially in
those parts, where his Majesty is obeyed of conscience. These
thoughts falling into men's minds, there was brought unto my
house by Mr. Gosnell, preacher at Boulton in the Moors, a
draft of a petition to his Majesty on behalf of the preachers
by such justice of the peace as would subscribe the same, which
he had framed. The matter whereof I did well allow in my
simple judgment, and after some alteration, using the advice
of Mr. Burne of the Felowes, preacher at Manchester, who was
then with me, I delivered it back to Mr. Gosnell to be engrossed;
and, after this was done, be sent it to me to subscribe. This
I did, meaning no offence or opposition to the proclamation,
but having heard that unto the like suit made by Mr. Chatterton,
Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, on behalf of the
ministers of that county, at the time of the late conference, his
Majesty vouchsafed a very gracious answer. Observing also
that favourable regard has been had in former times unto
petitions for mitigation of the rigour of penal laws, yea for the
life and pardon of many condemned for capital crimes; and
that the people have been most obedient to the State in those
parts, where they have been best instructed by the labours
of these preachers, we thought it our duties to advertise his
Majesty thereof. This petition by me subscribed was carried
or sent by Mr. Gosnell to the rest of the gentlemen, who readily
subscribed it without more solicitation, as the most part of
them, as Randle Barton, esquire, now sheriff of this county,
Sir Nicholas Mosseley, Sir Edmund Trafford, Sir Richard
Ashton, knights, James Asheton, John Howlt, and John Bradshaw, esquires, have acknowledged. It was then given to Mr.
Mudgeley, the younger, now vicar of Rochdale, to procure it
to be presented unto his Majesty by such person as he could
entreat to undertake the delivery thereof, for whose furtherance
I wrote to my son-in-law, Mr. Reddiche, that if the bearer,
meaning Mr. Mudgeley, did acquaint him with his business, I
trusted he would yield him his best furtherance, as far as I now
remember. |
|
And as having made my declaration of the ground of the
said petition, by whose advice it was drawn, who was the solicitor
to me and others for subscription and delivery thereof, I humbly
ask you to pardon anything done amiss in the matter.—Feb.
15.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 2 pp. (104. 24.) |
|
Lord Cobham to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604–5, Feb. 15. |
This morning Sir John Leuson has been
with me, by whom I understand how much I am bound to you;
though with difficulty, yet your lordship has obtained from
his Majesty the staying of the leases. A deed of greater charity
you can never do. I that had, and have not, can best judge,
what favour you have done me; such as my beginning from you
I must acknowledge, so now I will forbear to trouble you with
any other particular; but according to the merit of the favour,
for ever will love you, and cannot despair but that I shall live
to show it in effect.—From the Tower, 15 Feb. 1604.
Holograph, signed: H. Brooke. 1 p. (104. 25.) |
