Pages 141-167
Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 17, 1605. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1938.
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Citation:
April 1605, 16-30
| The Earl of Hertford to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 16. |
I received yesternight your letter with the
oath, for which I thank you, as also for your kind wishing me
all happiness in this my service.—At Rochester, Tuesday, 16
April 1605. Holograph. ½ p. (110. 83.) |
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| The Earl of Shrewsbury to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 16. | When I wrote last I said I was not then altogether free from some pain of the gout. I then thought it would have proved but a short and easy fit, but I was forced to keep my bed a week after, and in that time I never sat up one minute of an hour, yet was still in hope by this time to have endured to travel in a coach to London. But [I] have now made some trial and find myself altogether unable to take such a journey as yet, so am enforced to become suitor to his Majesty to dispense with my attendance at this next feast and to grant me a licence for absence, which I beseech you to procure for me. How unfortunately this infirmity has alighted upon me at this time you will easily judge when you understand the great occasions I have to be at London, besides my great desire to do my duty to his Majesty which, God willing, I will not fail to perform so soon as I dare adventure to travel so far without danger.—At Rughford, 16 April 1605. | |||
|
PS.—My wife desires she may be remembered unto you in
her best and friendliest manner. We both desire upon any
occasion you will express your favour to our brother, Sir Charles
Cavendish, which neither he nor we doubt of, but will ever
acknowledge in all thankfulness. Holograph. Endorsed: "For a dispensation for not coming to St. George's Feast." 1 p. (110. 84.) |
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| The Bishop of Winchester to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 16. |
I purposed to have attended this feast in
person and to have delivered to his Majesty the review that I
began of Jacob's importuned reformation. But a burning
ague seizing on me for six days, Easter day being the first, and
so weakening me with a continual drought and cough that for
ten days after the fever left me I took no sleep nor rest. I am
forced to stay at home through extreme weakness, which
suffers me not as yet to go about my chamber without the help
of a staff. I therefore pray you to present this entrance into
that cause to his Majesty, wherein the chiefest of the Reformer's
plots are examined and answered; and the rest that follows,
though it will require some more weeks yet, less pains than this
that is already past, by reason the foundations are here laid
down, which are the weightiest parts of this question. I entreat
your favour herein, because it pleased his Majesty by your
letters to recommend the cause unto me; and had not sickness
hindered me I had gone farther with greater facility; wherein
I will not slack, as soon as health and strength shall enable me.
—From my house at Waltham, 16 April 1605. Signed. ½ p. (110. 85.) |
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| Lord Say and Sele to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 16. | Pardon me in that towards my great expenses in preparing myself to attend this journey, in entertaining his Majesty's followers three days this last summer, and in supporting the title his Majesty has revived in me, I have taken boldness for some part of Sayes Court usually demised, as also for 34s. per annum in the Isle of Green [Grain] in Kent and some part of the demesnes of the Castle of Banbury; for which besides giving a reasonable fine I offer to free his Majesty from all future charges of repair—that I am suitor to be tenant to these things and yet it shall be in the choice of the farmers (if they will give me leave to set down the value of their estates and my reversion) to make election whether they will buy or sell. Otherwise I will give them liberty to estimate the value of theirs and mine, so that then the liberty may be in me to take or leave. So that I might not exhaust my poor patrimony there is no service that a loyal servant may perform but I will willingly expose myself to all hazards to execute it. And albeit I furnish myself with pictures of those kinds that may sort best with the place and humours of those unto whom I go, to ingratiate myself to be able to do his Majesty the better service, yet my chiefest care will be how to render often to you a true relation of the state of the Court and Army, government and governors both martial and political, not omitting how to be gracious if I can with the favourites of those that manage most the mightiest: only wishing since I go that I might have liberty to behold the forces in the field and partake of some of their martial disciplines, having heretofore seen the States, hoping if this peace proceed with Spain which (God his truth being not thereby impeached) from my heart I wish, that I shall yet "lite" under my royal Master to recover the L. Linier's lands in France, which to my noble ancestor were given, paying only every midsummer day an arming sword in Rouen.— Rochester, 16 April 1605. | |||
|
PS.—To a well deserving countryman of mine about your
lordship I am and have been beholden, and therefore it grieves
that his elder brother cannot affect me more; unto whom I
will yet omit no good office except such as savour of pusillanimity
or puritanism, which next popery I most hate, and in all
differences will be censured solely by you. Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (110. 86.) |
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| The Earl of Hertford to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 17. |
Having heard of the birth of the King of
Spain's son, he desires, considering the place to which his
employment tends, to know if any instructions from the King
concerning that point will be necessary for him to receive
before his going. He will use his best endeavour to embark
to-morrow. Prays that he may receive a few lines from
Cranborne hereon, and especially of the health of the King,
Queen and Prince, with the rest of the royal issue. Desires
to know how far forth it may be needful for him to give notice
of the late birth of his Majesty's daughter.—Canterbury, 17
April 1605. Holograph. 1 p. (190. 60.) |
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| Sir William Cecil to his father, Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 17. |
Acknowledges his two letters, the one by
Dr. Neale, the other by Daniell, who delivered him 10 angels
from Cranborne, for which he returns thanks. What Cranborne
wills him in his letters, he will labour to perform. He now
exercises himself in Seton's Logick, and some parts of Tully,
with daily translations out of English into Latin.—St. John's
College, Cambridge, 17 April 1605. Holograph. ½ p. (190. 61.) |
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| Thomas Keilwey to Sir Edward Phillips. | ||||
| 1605, April 17. |
His sister relies wholly on Mr. John
Bowncley's friendship, assuring herself by his means of
Phillips's favour. Prays Phillips to befriend her in what she
and Bowncley think to be for her good. Of his (Keilwey's)
deep indebtedness.—From the most unfortunate house of
Roykeborne, 17 April 1605. Holograph. 1 p. (206. 18.) |
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| Sir Edward Phelipps to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 19. |
Failing of my purpose to have attended you
in person [I] have presumed by this paper enclosed to acquaint
you with the proceedings of the last northern circuit in the
counties of York and Lancaster, beseeching you to excuse my
neglect in not doing thereof before.—From Serjeants' Inn, 19
April 1605. Signed. Seal. ½ p. (110. 92.) The Enclosure: "A true declaration of the proceedings at the last Assizes in the counties of York and Lancaster." |
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| In Yorkshire. | ||||
| 1. Mr. Pound by the order of the Star Chamber, being there to make acknowledgment of his fault, refused, otherwise than that if he had offended he was sorry for it. | ||||
| 2. One Thomas Robinson was convicted that he publicly and maliciously affirmed that it went not so well with the Protestants as they looked for; for although the judges at Durham had many recusants before them yet it would be no more so hereafter, for the King had sent a post to Durham not to proceed against recusants till they knew farther of his pleasure; and that he hoped once within a twelvemonth to see all the Protestants in England hanged or turn from their religion, and that all the ministers in England should be hanged and that he should have the hanging of 30 or 40 of them. For this offence he stood on the pillory and remains prisoner during his Majesty's pleasure. He was also convicted for wounding and beating a minister in the church, for which he had one of his ears cut off. | ||||
| 3. Thomas Welborn and William Browne were condemned of high treason for practising to seduce divers of his Majesty's subjects from the religion established to the Romish religion, to the intent to seduce them from their natural obedience to the King. The execution of them is stayed until his Majesty's pleasure known. These men appeared to be great practisers in withdrawing his Highness's subjects from their ecclesiastical obedience and to stir them to the Romish religion. Browne being before the Assizes, interrogated whether if the Pope should make war upon the King he would take part with the King or with the Pope, he then at the bar publicly said he would not answer it. Being also asked that if the Pope should excommunicate his Highness whether he and others of his religion were dissolved from their obedience to the King; he said he would answer nothing. Welborn being asked the same questions answered that he had nothing to say to that which is to come, and farther answer would not make. | ||||
| 4. There were about one thousand recusants there indicted and few or none of the better sort omitted. At this place his Majesty's gracious zeal and resolution in religion being made known, the applause and joy thereof appeared exceeding great in and to all sorts of people there present. | ||||
| The proceedings at Lancaster. | ||||
| 1. Mr. Pound there being resolved both by the attorney of the Wards and Mr. Tilsley to whom he appealed in the Star Chamber for testimony, and by all other the justices of peace at the former and this Assizes present, of the untruth of his information to his Majesty, he thereupon confessed his fault and with humility submitted himself. | ||||
| 2. One Bursco a priest was condemned of high treason but the execution of him stayed until his Majesty's pleasure known. This priest seemed to be of mild disposition free from practice, and much condemning all persuaders or stirrers to faction or rebellion. | ||||
| 3. There were convented before us 29 persons apprehended with the said priest, being prepared for the hearing of a mass; of which number 26 at the bar conformed themselves and went to the church. | ||||
| There were also 56 other recusants convented, of which 52 submitted and go to the church; of which number Thomas and Henry Clifton, being gentlemen of good descent and about 30 years of age, having been never before at church, now submitted and reformed themselves. | ||||
| There were indicted at this time about 600 recusants and few of the better sort omitted. | ||||
|
At this place the relation of his Majesty's zealous resolution
in religion was with great joy applauded, and the same with the
assurance of his clemency to all reformed offenders has and
is hoped to work an exceeding reformation in those parts. 2 pp. (110. 90.) |
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| Walter Mathew, Mayor of Plymouth, to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 10. (fn. 1) |
I wrote you the 7th inst. of a bark I had
sent to sea with the first packet to my Lord Admiral. Owing
to a leak and the illness of her pilot she returned this night
without finding his Honour. I hear from one Robert Corrall,
master of a ship called the Patience of London that my Lord
Admiral came out of Dover Road on Friday last with 3 of his
Majesty's ships and 4 merchantmen, and that they passed
Plymouth last night about 8 o'clock with the wind fair. Since
that I received another packet from you, which I sent away
in a bark hoping to overget them before they pass the Lysard,
with directions to return if they did not overtake my Lord
before reaching Silley. I return the first packet because your
last letter purports that you sent the same to Dover which was
delivered his Honour.—Plymouth, 10 April 1605. Signed. 1 p. (85. 169.) |
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| Sir Edward Coke, Attorney General, to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 20. | For his Majesty's special service I have with all possible expedition since Tuesday last made ready five several commissions for his signature, which no doubt (observing your instructions) will bring treasure to his coffers. Yesterday the matters appointed to be heard in the Star Chamber, the parties being accorded, proceeded not; and thereupon I on his Majesty's behalf informed against Thomas Stokes, a deputy purveyor for timber, who by colour of his office had oppressed many of his Majesty's subjects, felled their timber trees near about their mansion houses and carried them away in very unlawful manner. For which the Lords punished him severely by imprisonment, pillory, whipping and fine; by which sentence his Majesty's true and just prerogative was confirmed for confirmat usum qui tollit abusum, and confirmat proprietatem qui tollit iniquitatem. This day (being required by your letters) I have relieved the poor foreign curriers against a monopoly by Act of Parliament made and contrived in the Lower House the last Parliament, where by general words the freemen of London have sole power only, and no other, to curry leather within London, the suburbs and three miles compass; whereby twenty poor curriers, having been apprentices at that trade and ever used it to the relief of themselves, their wives and children, were like to be undone by the great penalty inflicted upon them by this uncharitable and crafty branch craftily inserted into a long Act of 5 rolls of parchment, and was not (being in general terms and of so base a subject) espied in the Higher House. But this day I have found a way to relieve them, and so it is ordered in the Exchequer, the said Act notwithstanding. | |||
|
I never see his Majesty but I return with exceeding comfort
and joy, and I never hear him without observation of some
excellent thing proceeding from his high and profound wisdom.
But such be his ordinary urgent affairs, which have been delayed
in respect of these three services, as without great prejudice to
them I cannot both effect them and attend on him to-morrow.—
20 April 1605. Signed. Seal. 1 p. (110. 93.) |
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| Lord Say and Sele to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 20. |
My Lord Ambassador hoisting sail upon the
19th being Friday about 9 o'clock in the forenoon, arrived
safely at Dunkirk upon Saturday the 20 of April by 9 o'clock
the next morning, and not before by these accidents happening.
My Lord Ambassador embarking himself and the lords, knights
and gentlemen of greatest quality with him in the Avantguard,
out of his noble disposition left the Lion's Whelp to the disposing
of my Lord Ambassador Leger, Sir Thomas Edmondes, for the
better transporting of him, his lady and others whom he liked
best to have attend him. It fell out before the Vantguard came
over against Calais 2 men of war of the Hollanders overtook the
Lion's Whelp (which was not past some league behind us) and
suddenly we might hear a piece shoot off out of her and withal
discover her boat coming towards us. Whereupon our Admiral,
albeit before that time being about 5 of the clock upon the
Friday afternoon [he] was almost becalmed before, yet made
slower speed than before, and could not conjecture what the
cause might be until their ship boat wherein [was] the captain
himself of the Lion's Whelp (called as I remember Captain
Salkel) came aboard us. Then I, walking with Sir William
Monson at that instant, heard him tell Sir William that the 2
men of war of Holland as they passed by them called to them and
seemed scornfully to ask them who they were, and after the
trumpet of the Lion's Whelp had sounded they would not answer
but offered the King's "spinisshe" [pinnace] to hale her
toward them; which indignity the captain perceiving, as also
their contempt, using no acknowledgment or respect to the
Lion's Whelp, our captain of her "gave the Hollanders the
blurr" as the seamen term it, the which the Hollanders returned
again to the Lion's Whelp: which I think had not Sir Thomas
Edmondes and his lady been there especially, the captain would
as he had reason have showed them his broadside. But Sir
Tho. Edmondes first advised him, the Admiral being so near,
to give him knowledge thereof, which made the captain of the
Lion's Whelp to shoot off a piece and take his boat and come
aboard us. But no sooner had he made relation to Sir William
Monson but he sent him the captain to both the Flemings,
requiring them to come aboard him and render him an account
of their doings or he would sink them. They returned answer
that they would come aboard him as soon as they were ready;
whereupon our Admiral sent the master of our ship the
Vantguard, who presently returned and brought word they
would presently come. But before upon the answer first
brought by the captain of the Lion's Whelp (which seemed
discontenting) they sounded a trumpet and Sir William stayed
to requite them with the like until he might be satisfied better.
But our master being with them and they seeing we began to
make ready our lower tier, they sent word namely one Captain
Lambert a Fleming that loved Sir W. Monson so well as that
he would come to him, but he must in kindness first bestow
2 or 3 pieces of ordnance in joy of meeting him: which the
said Lambert having a good man of war of 300 [tons] or better
did shoot off, and his fellow of 160 or 200 burden shot off one
or two pieces and in firing off the third the piece brake and they
feared their ship had been afire, calling to us for boats, which
with all speed we sent to them. But no great hurt being done,
only a man of theirs or two having some little hurt, they came
aboard us, both their captains (after they had "stroken"
their topsails) excusing themselves and promising to punish
their trumpeter and such as gave the offence, saying only they
had no reason to strike their topsail until they came to the
Admiral himself, he being so near them, they protested that
they owed as much duty to the King as they had done to the
Queen deceased and so would do still. And then Captain
Lambert offering all respect to my Lord Ambassador and Sir
William Monson his very familiar acquaintance, he and his
fellow captain went down into the place where my Lord dined,
and calling for English beer parted with all kindness, and
anchored by us all night. The next morning my Lord going
aboard a "pinis" [pinnace] about 5 of the clock, about 9 or
before landed into the very town of Dunkirk this Saturday:
where the Lord Barbarson with one Jago Diego de Ortise, a
Spaniard, and many other captains of command were at the
bank's side ready to attend my Lord, leaving no respect
unperformed to any his followers for accommodating his lordship
and us; giving at his entrance such a "tire" of ordnance as
I have seldom heard the like; and at the coming in of the Lion's
Whelp some men of war of Hollanders lying in Dunkirk Road
did also shoot off 3 or 4 pieces. And after my Lord was at his
lodging the mayor or chief magistrate made an ovation in
French congratulating greatly the peace and offering his lordship
all service.—Dunkirk, 20 April, 11 o'clock, 1605. Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (110. 94.) |
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| Viscount Butler to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 20. |
Seeing my Lord my father-in-law at this
time has written unto you of such matters as he has now sent
this bearer Henry Sherwood thither for, I will but refer you
unto that which most of any concerns me; and do not doubt
that in this as in all things else that may concern me I shall
find you ready to procure the same to be effected to my best
contentment: praying you that what else this bearer and my
friends there shall propound for my good you will afford your
furtherance therein.—From Carrick, 20 April 1605. Holograph. Seal. 1¼ pp. (110. 95.) |
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| The Earl of Ormonde to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 20. |
Since my last letter to you, languishing for
the more part in my bed, I was advertised from thence that
some go about to derive to themselves by suit to his Majesty
some part of the due reward of his Highness's progenitors unto
my ancestors for their faithful service, specially my prize wines
of this realm, which continues by way of entail in them
and me well near three hundred years. And albeit I find by
resolution of many of great judgment in the laws there and
here, that there is no impediment but that the same ought to
descend without question unto my son-in-law Viscount Butler
after my decease by force of the said entail, yet he being young
and inexperienced in suits in law, and might, by occasion of
them, be brought behindhand (as many of his sort have been)
I am earnestly to pray you according to my trust in you to give
attention to such suits if any shall be made, and to give impediment unto them by acquainting his Majesty with the state of
my cause and with my ancestors' and my own deserts by our
long continued service.—From the Carrick, 20 April 1605. Signed. ½ p. (110. 96.) |
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| Sir John Haryngton to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 20. |
You have been pleased in times past to read
some discourses of mine, and to give them better allowance
than men of meaner judgment. I entreat you to read this
short relation (for it is too long for a letter) containing my
zealous offer for his Majesty's service in Ireland. When you
have read it I make but one request more, that what success
it shall please God to send it my offer may have as it deserves
a favourable interpretation.—From Kellston, 20 April 1605. Holograph. Seal. ⅓ p. (110. 97.) |
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| Sir Edward Hoby to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 20. |
They very happily arrived at Dunkirk on
the 20th inst. He does not doubt Cranborne's best furtherance
of what he has already been a suitor for to the King, which he
reserves to proceed in till his return. The Duke of Aschot has
lost his wife within these 14 days, therefore it is thought his
"deuil" will be an occasion to hinder his appointed entertainment of his Excellency at Gaunt. Is sorry for Count Aremberg's
sake, fearing a remarriage.—Dunkirk, 20 April 1605. Holograph. 1 p. (190. 62.) |
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| The Earl of Dunfermline to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 20. | As to the estate of this country since I can remember this 29 years it was never so calm and quiet as it is at the present. No man living can say he has either seen or heard tell of so great reverence, fear and regard in this land to the authority, to the laws and to justice, as is at the present. You may hear say there, as it is written from thence, that there is here a great miscontentment amongst the nobility and great rumours amongst the ministry; but you may believe me, I can perceive no purpose in it but trifles of no consequence. Not the less, by God's grace, we shall be as careful to attend to all to maintain his Majesty's peace and obedience, as if the perils were greater. If I can perceive any just suspicion of any storm, I shall make you foreseeing with the foremost. It is likewise daily reported to us that the Puritans should be stirring there, and showing great malcontentment, and under pretext of them others also give forth their doleances and complaints of the present estate and government. But I hope these be but all toys and idle conceits, which you have been this long while acquainted with, and can easily prevent and quench. I think the din of these rumours be greater here than any effect is there. The Marquis of Huntly is returned from thence very well composed, has given his presence to the Council in all due humility, has promised all due obedience as ever he shall be charged or sent for, and so is retired home. I cannot declare to you what mickle good it has done to our whole estate:—the wise and grave form of proceeding his Majesty has kept with the said Marquis at his last being there. It will make the courses of all our great "ydalgos" the more temperate. I said no further to my Lord Marquis but this before the whole Council, that we had all great cause to thank God, for that he had brought the King to such estate as he might now freely deal with every subject according to his merit, give the law not only to every one of us in particular but even to us all, if they were never so many of us, nor so great, would seem to be mutin or rebellious; the which was able to make obedience, peace and justice to flourish and to bring wealth amongst us. | |||
|
I recommend unto you Mr. Alexander Hay, who will I hope
deliver this, and pray he may have your favourable countenance.
There is none understands our whole estate better nor he, and
is a very true and honest, diligent, discreet and well conditioned
person.—Edinbrough, 20 April 1605. Holograph, signed: Al. Dunfermeling. Endorsed: "L. Fivye." 4½ pp. (190. 63.) |
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| The Earl of Hertford to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 20 [rectius 21]. |
He embarked at Dover on Friday
the 19th, and by reason of a calm lay aboard the Vangard
that night. On Saturday morning they landed at Dunkirk,
where he was received by M. Barbanson, brother to the Count
of Aremberg, and M. Ortis, Governor of Dunkirk. This day,
Sunday, he is determined to rest, and on Monday to Newport,
and so forward. The town yielded them good lodging, but
scant of other provision, whereby he was constrained to send
into the country near about. He desires hourly to hear of
the health of the King, Queen and royal family.—Dunkirk,
20 [sic] April 1605. Signed. 1 p. (190. 66.) |
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| Lord Cobham to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 21. |
I understand by my servant Moris you have
procured a privy seal from his Majesty for my diet and my
extraordinary. I have no other requital but humble thanks,
and that which in me wants God will requite. I send you a
true note of my expenses which goeth out of my extraordinary;
I presume you will think nothing of it but necessary, and such
as otherwise I cannot keep those that attend me in my imprisonment and others that must follow my business. [To] my two
letters to his Majesty I have received only this answer; to the
first he said it was well, to the second he willed Mr. Gibbs to
show it him another time. Since I hear Mr. Gibbs is gone sick
from the Court, so you see what is become of my hope; as a
smoke so I compare it, no sooner seen but so soon consumed.
So are my ideas, conceived and in some hope, but in conclusion
as smoke, and this stands the fortune of your poor friend.
Often repetitions are ever held needless, yet in me excusable,
and there is no rule so general but some exceptions are allowed.
My legs are weak, continually cold, no means I can use can
bring heat into them, a plain sign of the general decay of the
natural heat in my body. This place will kill me, which I may
resolve of, except you take compassion on me.—Tower, 21 April
1605. Holograph, signed: Henry Brooke. Seal. 1 p. (110. 98.) |
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| The Enclosure:—The expenses I must necessarily disburse out of my allowance yearly. | ||||
| To Morris for his wages | 20l. | 0s. | 0d. | |
| To Peny for his wages | 20l. | 0s. | 0d. | |
| To Lanman for his wages | 13l. | 6s. | 8d. | |
| To my cook | 15l. | 0s. | 0d. | |
| For his house rent | 5l. | 0s. | 0d. | |
| To Jackson who writes for me | 13l. | 6s. | 8d. | |
| Total | 86l. | 13s. | 4d. | |
| ½ p. (110. 99.) | ||||
| Sir Wilfrid Lawson to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 21. |
Besides our general letter to all the Privy
Council give me leave to signify unto you that after we his
Majesty's Commissioners all, saving Sir William Selby and Sir
Gideon Murray (who excused their absence by want of health),
had met at Carlisle the 8th inst., and after publication of his
Majesty's commission and proclamation made to give notice of
such things as were to be put in execution for the better government of these countries (lately called the Borders) in time to come,
and many complaints heard, some whereof were ordered and the
rest referred to be ordered either at Dumfries, Jedburgh or
Berwick as the cause required: upon Monday last we rode to
Dumfries, and there after publication of his Majesty's commission and proclamation as aforesaid upon the Tuesday one
Alexander Armstrong was there tried and executed for the death
of Sir John Carmichael, his Majesty's late Warden, being by
us the day before sent thither out of Carlisle gaol where he was
prisoner. We have appointed a gaol delivery to hold here at
Carlisle May 2 next, and at Newcastle the 10th of the same,
and that all his Majesty's Commissioners shall meet at Berwick
May 29. I cannot but commend the honest care and forwardness we find in the Scottish Commissioners to the furtherance
of the service and advancement of justice without partiality;
which course if we all still hold there is no doubt but in short
time the people here, formerly inured to all kind of vice, will
be brought to know God and yield due obedience to the King
and his laws; and the sooner if a convenient number of such
as from their infancy have delighted in nothing but blood and
theft were picked out (or sent away) as well of the one side as
of the other.—Carlisle, 21 April 1605. Signed. Seal. 1 p. (110. 100.) |
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| Lord Balmerino, Secretary of Scotland, to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 21. |
I have been ever since my returning partly by
his Majesty's service and since by my own private affairs in the
country so distracted, and the time has been so scarce of matter
worthy of advertisement, that I have been silent. By the
bearer you will be informed of the estate of our affairs and
specially of our proceedings anent the Isles, and what present
help is requisite from thence. Matters are, praised be God,
in good frame, but some little clergy perturbations are in some
proportion common to both the States. I would be glad to be
strengthened by your judgment in all our matters and that
you should help us with your advice, and command either in
his Majesty's service or for your own particular what lies in my
power to do. As I acknowledge your favour in the procuring
of Sir John Roper's reversion of his office, so I must still entreat
the continuance thereof that by the same mean it may be
effectual to me whensoever the place "sall vack" [shall fall
vacant].—Holyrood House, 21 April 1605. Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (110. 101.) |
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| Sir Thomas Windebank to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 21. |
Returns the warrant, with the additional
clause. Sends also the other warrant engrossed with his own
hand, meaning to wait upon Cranborne some day this week,
after wrestling to have some remedy for his disease, whereof as
yet he finds none.—Hayne's Hill, 21 April 1605. Holograph. 1 p. (190. 67.) |
|||
| The Master of Gray to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 22. | The Controller, my Lord of Skone, hath sent you the particular of my account subscribed by the Chancellor, Secretary and himself. As he has not yet received warrant, he will promise no payment at this Whitsunday, which is the term in Scotland when all must pay their debts or renew bonds. I have paid for his Majesty's debts annually now 22 years and yet neither in the first allowance of my accounts nor at this time was there one penny allowed save the principal. I am compelled to trouble you to push this triple to a point and send me the warrant for the Controller. I had directed Capt. Tyrie to show you, for the multiplication of words is no pleasant offering. If my Lord of Barwik shall say one word to the Controller, it cannot but help.—Dundee, 22 April 1605. | |||
|
PS.—I crave pardon for an oversight in my last letter, for
enclosing within the packet other men's letters, but it was gone
before I did remember. Holograph. 1½ pp. (85. 151.) |
||||
| Lord Morley to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 22. |
I would long ere this, but for indisposition
of body, have attended you to offer my thanks for your favour
in the suit the King has granted me, I was indebted to the
Queen some 400l. or thereabouts which I am not without great
hindrance able to discharge, by reason that the grant from his
Majesty will yield me no great benefit. Therefore I intend
to be a suitor to his Highness to forgive that debt, if I may have
your furtherance, when his Majesty shall acquaint you with
my pretence.—Holborn, 22 April 1605. Signed. Seal. ½ p. (110. 102.) |
|||
| Mrs. Florence Stallinge to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 22. | In January last you advised me to enter into due consideration concerning Sir Robert Steward's suit to my husband for a marriage between him and my daughter; and to take such course therein that Sir Robert might speedily know what to trust unto. Your letters together with some from Sir Robert came to my hands in the latter end of February, whereby I understood his purpose to be to come hither himself in person to receive answer in his suit; which accordingly he did about the middle of March. At which coming, respecting his birth and qualities, as also your letters, I endeavoured to give him the best content I could. Notwithstanding I always wished him to take all opportunities for his best fortune elsewhere and not to rely upon marriage with my daughter, considering how unfit it were for him to stay until she were of ripe years, being yet but a child, and that it was uncertain how she would be affected towards him hereafter. These and other considerations and conferences had, finding my daughter unfit for years and not inclined in affection towards him we departed finally and friendly as I took it. And I much marvel he would again importune you to write at this time, having from the beginning promised not to solicit my daughter until she were marriageable. His then resolution I thought to be a full satisfaction unto your first letters and therefore forbore to trouble you with any further answer in writing, wherein if I have forgotten myself or mistaken the scope of your letters I humbly crave pardon. | |||
|
I have since received other letters from your lordship,
requiring an answer to be made to his Majesty's letter in Sir
Robert Steward's behalf about the same matter. His Majesty's
letters were directed to my husband and not to myself, and
came to his hands long before his death: after receipt of which
he attended on his Majesty at Whitehall and there by word of
mouth gave answer to him as he informed me. Other answer
than that he then gave to those letters I trust his Majesty does
not expect, neither can I well make, except you impart unto
his Highness the inequality of years between Sir Robert and my
daughter, who is but of eleven years and odd months of age;
with her childish resolution at his being here, that she could
not affect him nor any other: although divers other respects
both for jointure, present maintenance and future inheritance
for posterity, in your discretion (I doubt not) may well beseem
a mother to require for her daughter in such a case. All which
I confess his Majesty's gracious favour more than countervails
and I wish no longer to live than whiles I give content to his
Highness, and in all duty satisfy you. So relying upon your
relation hereof unto his Highness as occasion shall require I
take my leave.—From Kenn, 22 April 1605. Signed. Seal. ¾ p. (110. 103.) |
||||
| Lord Harington to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| [1605], April 22. |
Finding that by your furtherance my
servant, whom I employed the last half year in the receipt of
the Lady Elizabeth's allowance, had thereby a speedy dispatch,
whereas formerly to my charge my servant attended a quarter
of a year before he could get payment, emboldens me,
being now again to require her grace's half year's allowance,
to entreat you—finding the accounts fit to be passed—to allow
of them by subscribing thereunto.—From Eyton this 22 of
April. Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1605." ½ p. (110. 104.) |
|||
| William Saxey to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 22 | In his eleven years' service as Chief Justice of Munster he has observed divers enormities tending to the ruin of that kingdom, and has laboured to discover fit remedies. That province, having one archbishopric, 7 bishoprics, and many great benefices with cure, 3 cities rich and well peopled, and a great number of wealthy and populous ports and haven towns, is now so destitute of godly ministers and preachers to reclaim the people from their inbred idolatry and superstition, and the treasonable errors of the Jesuits and Popish priests, that there is not one able preacher in all the province. | |||
|
The Archbishops and Bishops, though unlearned, have
pluralities of bishoprics and great number of benefices, and
unconscionably receive the profits, as well of those benefices
as of many spiritual dignities in cathedral churches, to the great
decay of religion, and no less prejudice to his Majesty's usurped
rights. For the discovery whereof he recommends that a
commission be directed to meet persons, being no Irish nor
recusant, to enquire (1) how many bishoprics there are in the
province, who enjoys them or their lands, and by what title;
(2) the particulars of the dignities spiritual belonging to any
cathedral or collegiate church, the value of the lands belonging
thereto, by whom the profits are received, and by what title;
(3) particulars of the benefices with cure in every diocese, their
value, value of their lands, and the title of their incumbents.
Knowledge of the premises must be chiefly had by search of the
Bishops' registers, which will be the sooner had if the Bishops
be commanded by the Council to produce the registers and other
evidences. This course will furnish that country with sufficient
preachers and ministers, for whom there is sufficient maintenance
out of the spiritual livings; and is like to draw great benefit
from such as have unlawfully usurped the receipt of his Majesty's
rights. The commissioners should have power to compound
with usurpers. Offers to help in the above service.—Bidney,
Hereford, 22 April 1605. Holograph. Endorsed: "Mr Justice Saxey." 3 pp. (190. 68.) |
||||
| Walter Mathew, Mayor of Plymouth, to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 23. |
Yesterday sent away the letter for the Lord
Admiral by a bark that left this harbour for Sevill, by the hands
of Martin Philips of Plymouth. It was not sent sooner because
the wind has been southerly ever since he received it, so that
no shipping has gone out.—Plymouth, 23 April 1605. Signed. 1 p. (86. 4.) |
|||
| Ha. Vivian to Mr. Percival, "attendant on Lord Cranborne." | ||||
| 1605, April 23. | I have used my best endeavours to find a tenure for his Majesty for the wardship of John Trelawney's heir. What the escheator has done therein I am not informed, but if there be not an office found before next term I am out of hope to do good therein. | |||
| I wrote this vacation to you and my Lord touching a presentation passed by his lordship unto one Chawly (?) of one of the portions of Tiverton, being fourth in number. This turn belonged unto my cousin Courtney and me and not to our cousin Trelawny, by reason of his minority, in whose right this man was presented. And by another letter to Mr. Bremerton I entreated him to procure his lordship's answer, whether he would command me not to attempt law against Chawly, or permit me to try our right, by this presentation much prejudiced. For as I then wrote, so I assure you I will rather lose the inheritance than give his lordship the least cause of offence; but thereof I have received no answer. | ||||
|
The townsmen of Marhasewe, presuming on his lordship,
have taken from me and my partners a fair that time out of
mind was kept on our green there, but now kept in the town.
I told Mr. Rosmarie of it as done by his direction, as I am
informed. He denies it, albeit some of the townsmen have
informed me otherwise. I know it is not his lordship's pleasure
to [do] injury the least, and therefore pray you speak with
Mr. Rosmaric in it that the like may not be offered.—Trelawaren,
23 April 1605. Holograph. Seal broken. 2/3 p. (110. 105.) |
||||
| Sir John Ogle to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 23/May 3. |
I hope the assurance you have of the duty
I owe and bear to you will intercede for me against any
misconstruction of my long silence; which I have done not of
neglect but out of regard to your greatness, holding it too great
a presumption to write only matter of compliment. And though
these times afford me not as yet the fittest subjects to discourse
of, which is de rebus gestis, how our businesses are carried in
matters of action, which is the part of men of my condition;
yet shall it not, I presume, be displeasing to you that I represent
(though in a dim confused glass) the course of our present affairs
here. Our army is in good readiness and will be on foot within
8 days at furthest, if nothing cross the resolution taken yesterday by the General Estates. That which has held us up for
some few days past has been principally the not aright understanding of each other [by] the Hollanders and Zelanders, together with the opinion of a fleet out of Spain that should
transport some say six, others eight, thousand men for some
part of these Netherlands. But the resolution is now taken to
go forward with the design. What it is is known to very few
here, and hidden from many of the Councillors themselves. By
the number of waggons which are provided which amount, as
I am informed, to 1700 in least, it should be a land journey,
and by that we gather it is into Brabant. 2,000 of the Germans
are already come and are at the Tolhouse by the land of Cleves,
the other thousand are daily expected. The Estates make
account to bring into the field 12,000 foot and 3,000 horse,
besides the troops which they will leave in Flanders, and 5,000
which shall be destined for the defence of the Rhine, to hinder
the passage of the enemy if he attempt it. The town of
Rheneberke [Rhineberg] is well provided of victual, though
the walls are none of the best fortified; yet 5,000 to lie without
it on the other side the water will ever keep the river open to
them and strengthen the town better than 5 bulwarks, so that
if Spinola engage himself there we are in good hope he will have
but an ill bargain. The English troops are now at length
disposed under colonels, namely Sir Edward Cecyl, Captain
Sutton and myself, so that there shall be now four regiments,
over which Sir Horace Vere presses hard to have commission
for command. Sir Ed. Cecyl has hitherto somewhat opposed;
I for my part have from the beginning referred myself to the
discretion of the Estates who I doubt not will do that is fittest
for their service, and will consider withal the honour of the
nation. In what nature our commissions shall be I know not
yet, neither whether it be resolved that Sir Hor. Vere shall
superintend, for the resolution was taken but yesternight.—
Hague, May 3 stilo novo, 1605. Holograph. 1½ pp. (110. 129.) |
|||
| Sir Gamaliel Capell to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 24. |
Begs him to accept a "leage" of pheasants
and 3 brace of partridges; hopes to enjoy his favour as long
as he demeans himself uprightly in his calling and is sincerely
devoted to him.—At Abbas Rooding in Essex, 24 April 1605. Holograph. Seal. 2/3 p. (110. 106.) |
|||
| Lord Sheffield to the Same. | ||||
| [1605], April 24. |
I have received your letters of the 1st of
April, whereby it is made clear to me how graciously the King
accepts my letters to you, as also your accustomed favour in
the delivery of them. It is an extraordinary comfort to me that
his Majesty is so well affected towards me, and that you are
my faithful friend. According to your advice I have written
a letter to the King, of which I enclose a copy, desiring you to
deliver it or make stay of it at your pleasure. What moves
you to account them whom I term Mr. Darse's men to be priests,
it being more than we could here find out? It should seem you
have some other intelligence of them, which I should be glad
to know, as also what his Majesty's pleasure is to have done
with them. The justice done upon Pounde and others this
last assizes has done great good in these parts, for now the
Papists have left their brags, of which before they were very
prodigal. The King's letter to the Archbishop and myself has
likewise cleared many foolish doubts, which vain people had
conceived, of greater favour intended to the priests than I
know ever was meant; so that things now in some measure
begin to return, and be reduced to that wise and judicial frame
wherein, by the grave advice of your worthy father and yourself,
our late Mistress left it. I pray you commend me to the noble
Lord Chamberlain and my Lady.—Normanbie, 24 April. Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." 2 pp. (190. 59.) |
|||
| Sydney Wylby to Sir Thomas Lake. | ||||
| [1605, April 24]. |
I have importuned you these six weeks for
your letter to warrant my journey to Rome, but I find it is not
to be had but with more difficulty than I expected. The reason
I cannot divine, unless it be fear to offend him that wrongfully
hates me, for I understand that your accesses to his Majesty
since I spake to you have been frequent. If I had apprehended
that it would not have been facile and without distaste I would
have attempted it by other means, though something more
improper. Rather than you should prejudice yourself in the
loss of the least hair of your head by pleasuring me, I would not
only quit my intention though it would be to my grief, but as
soon break a leg as speak of it. My journey admits now no
longer protraction without notable inconvenience, in respect
that my money is already made over, and my trunk at seaside
above 15 days since, attending my coming to embark. If
therefore you may pleasure your friend without displeasing
yourself let me once again entreat you to effect it with some
expedition, or at least to return me your final answer. Mr.
Belling will attend you for it.—Undated. Holograph. Endorsed: "24 April 1605. Copy of my letter to Sir Thomas Lake. To procure me leave to go to Rome." 2/3 p. (110. 107.) |
|||
| The Earl of Shrewsbury to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 25. | All my letters to you are either to entreat some favour of you, or to thank you for the last suit obtained; as this now, for so speedily procuring me his Majesty's dispensation for my absence from this feast, which I have kept as lamely here as both your father and mine have often done, through the very same infirmity, which yet makes me go limping. I thank you infinitely for your jealousy lest I had been visited with the stone, which proceeding out of your care of me I must needs take most kindly; but I never was troubled therewith since I saw you last otherwise than I have been for the most part these 5 or 6 years past, and at this time only with the gout, besides the sharpness whereof I have complained to you heretofore. It will not be long I hope before we shall see you at Court.—At Sheffield lodge this 25th of April 1605. | |||
|
PS.—It is reported in the mouths of many in these parts
that my Lord Burghley your brother has ended his days, which
I assure myself is untrue, for I have not heard it any otherwise
than by vulgar report. Holograph. Seal broken. 1 p. (110. 108 (1).) |
||||
| Lord Sheffield to the Same. | ||||
| [1605], April 25. |
I entreat your favour towards this gentleman
my neighbour, that in such occasions as he shall have at the
Court you will have respect of him for my sake. He deserves
very worthily to be regarded, being a gentleman of good parts,
honourably descended, and one who does the King as good
service where he dwells as any man in the shire. I know not
his particular desires, they being at his going up not fully
resolved on; but reasonable they will be, for he is a gentleman
regular in all his courses.—York, 25 April. Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1605." 1 p. (110. 108 (2).) |
|||
| Lord Cobham to [the Same], his brother-in-law. | ||||
| 1605, April 25. |
This morning Morris spake with my Lord
Treasurer. He has deferred the allowing of the privy seal till
his next speaking with you. My servant is able to inform
you truly what was the allowance to the Earl of Arundel,
who this morning spake with Mr. Neiton who ever paid the
money to my Lord's servants. I am only bound to you and
so refer it wholly unto you.—From the Tower, this 25 of
April 1605. Holograph, signed: H. Brooke. ⅓ p. (110. 109.) |
|||
| The Earl of Shrewsbury to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 26. |
The bearer will tell Cranborne the cause
of the shortness of these lines, which will be supplied by another
messenger shortly to follow.—Sheffield, 26 April 1605. Holograph. ½ p. (99. 138.) |
|||
| The Earl of Devonshire to the Same. | ||||
| [1605], April 26. |
With this new establishment that is to go
into Ireland I think there must be letters to the Deputy and
Council, either from his Majesty or my Lords, to give notice
of the receipt of their last dispatch, with good acceptance of
their diligence therein and promise of answer shortly: and
this not so much to give them, as the country there, satisfaction
that we are busy about the consideration of them. In mentioning the diminution of the army it were good to seem that the
King is induced thereunto out of the confidence of the good
disposition of those people to his obedience and the inclination
they show to live under justice; which moves his Majesty
as much as may be to ease them of the burden of the soldier,
to command the Deputy by all means that may be to ease them
of any burden or oppression of the garrisons and to make them
see that they are maintained for the defence only of the King's
good subjects, and not to annoy them. And as the Deputy
is to encourage the people in this their good way of civility and
obedience, so his Majesty must promise him speedy supply of
power to suppress any new irruption, and in the mean time
give him authority, if there should be any extraordinary occasion,
with the advice of the Council there to levy and put into entertainment as many as shall be thought fit, and for as long. And
where[as] in the reducement of this establishment some necessary
wants may be omitted, if there be any such which he shall
think of extraordinary importance, his Majesty may give him
power to continue or erect them, so they exceeded not some
thousand pounds per annum; and I dare undertake we will
find the means to abate twice as much. Pardon me if I write
idly for I am as weak as I have been after a year's sickness;
but I thank God I am past my pain, and now I would fain make
much of myself till I recover strength.—26 April. Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1605." 1 p. (110. 110.) |
|||
| Sir Wilfrid Lawson to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 27. |
Hearing that the prisoners, condemned
when the Earl of Cumberland was his Majesty's Lieutenant
here, had broken the prison upon Wednesday last at night
and gone, I made my repair to Carlisle, where I found that of
33, the whole number, 29 were escaped and gone. Enclosed
you shall receive their names; 8 of the first named are Scots,
the rest Englishmen. The Scots I hear are gone into Scotland.
I have written to Sir John Chartrours, one of his Majesty's
Commissioners there, dwelling next, as well for their apprehension as to prevent their reset. I hear also that 9 or 10 of
the Englishmen should have been met yesterday betwixt
Penrith and Appleby travelling southward. I wish they had
been straitlier kept, for divers of them being evil men and
condemned persons besides, I marvel to hear of the liberty
(it is said) they have had at their hands [who] had them
in charge.—From Carlisle, 27 April 1605. Signed. Seal. 2/3 p. (100. 111.) |
|||
| Lord Cobham to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 27. |
It was but the advice of Mr. Gibbs, which
I was bold to acquaint you with. It were to small purpose
to write to the Lords if they would not move the King for me,
so I hold it better to forbear, only I presume of your favour,
which I cannot despair of; and so to God, the King, and time
I leave my fortune. I thank you that you would have one of
mine go down to Cobham to see that cabinet delivered, wherein
there be some private letters. You I imagine forgot it, for
when I spake with you at Winchester, and twice since I wrote
to you that you would send for it: I make this suit that the
keys of the studies of Cobham and Blackfriars you will take
into your own hands, now there is no cause why anybody should
have them, and this I shall take as a great favour. Times of
jubilee had ever wont to be mixed with deeds of clemency, and
God may put into the King's heart to think of me.—From the
Tower, 27 April 1605. Holograph, signed: H. Brooke. 1 p. (190. 69.) |
|||
| Simon Basyll to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 27. |
Asks in what manner the bearer, Mr. [John]
Shaw, is to be employed at Theobalds. Mr. Flint understands
that at the end of this term Cranborne will employ Shaw about
a survey at Fourde in Sussex. Recommends that Shaw should
be here resident until the works be fully finished, as well to keep
account of the workmen as of the receipt of materials. If he
be taken away, it will breed a confusion in the accounts. This
day he (Basyll) has amended, or rather enlarged, the hall,
chapel and kitchen, for the almshouse.—27 April 1605. Holograph. 1 p. (190. 70.) |
|||
| Sir Fulke Grevyll to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| [1605], April 27. |
Begs his favour to a poor distressed gentlewoman of his (Grevill's) blood. She was daughter to Sommerfield and, but for his error, in possibility of a fine estate. He
is informed the Lords are all nobly disposed towards her. The
world's opinion that Cranborne bears some respect to him
procures him this trouble.—London, 27 April. Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." 1 p. (190. 71.) |
|||
| Lord Cobham to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 28. |
Yesternight I heard from Mr. Gibbs, who
sends me word that the King has read my second letter. This
answer to it he made, that he remembered me sufficiently upon
my first letter, and was determined what course he would take
with me, which very shortly I should hear of. His Majesty
had many particular speeches with him of me, but especially
about my health; who told him as he had heard, how lame I
was. The King's manner of questioning with him seems that
he rather conceives that it is given forth to move commiseration
than that I am so. Oh that the King knew truly my heart!
he then would know that I rely wholly upon his royal and
Christian clemency, and not to abuse him nor the world with
such base tricks. Mr. Gibbs advises me that I should write a
letter to some 2 or 3 of my Lords; he thinks their favourable
dealing with the King would hasten the King's determination
for my liberty. If you held it fit, such a letter would I write.
This whatsoever it be, yet so much show of favour I had not
since my destruction, which only to God and you I attribute.—
Tower, this 28 of April 1605. Holograph, signed: H. Brooke. Seal. ¾ p. (110. 112.) |
|||
| Dr. Roger Goade to the Same. | ||||
| 1605, April 28. | Dr. Neale, being in our College this last Lent, about your lordship's affairs, when it happened myself to be from home, left word with one of our bursars touching Ruislip matters, that you having bought the lease of the common woods, which I was glad to hear, desired for the security of our rent, that where we have 50l. land per annum lying in Enfield, assured from Mr. Assebye the late farmer, in lieu thereof so much per annum for the same security of your land might be accepted. This being all one to the College, so that the land do not lie far off, I shall be willing to further the same, when you please, and upon assurance of the new to deliver back the old, touching the land in Enfield. | |||
|
It pleased you by Dr. Neale to remember the College with
a treble saltcellar of silver for the upper table in our Common
Hall, and myself with a cup of silver gilt. They are accordingly
received, for which I humbly thank you.—King's College,
Cambridge, 28 April 1605. Signed. ½ p. (136. 131.) |
||||
| Chief Justice Popham to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 28. | This enclosed was brought to me yesternight late after supper, by a servant of Sir Richard Lewknor's, which he found fixed to the wall of an entry here in Serjeants' Inn, which is a common passage. Yesterday afternoon there was brought from the Middle Temple another letter directed to his Majesty, and dropped down the night before in that Temple Hall, containing a libel of admonition unto his Majesty touching Spain, the religion, and other affairs at home, subscribed in the name of one Greene, which Mr. Attorney and myself labour to discover. | |||
|
Give me leave to inform you truly of the cause concerning
Mrs. Leversag, lately condemned of felony in Somerset, and of
her condition of life, lest a misconceit might be settled in his
Majesty and your lordships of the justices that in discharge
of their duties did discover that matter. This gentlewoman
of a long time lived a very wicked and dissolute life with that
gentleman that after was by the Bishop of the diocese and
censure of the Church compelled to marry her. But in the
mean season this gentleman so wasted his estate as for many
years he has lived in that country as an outlaw, not yielding
himself as subject to any justice or process. The inhabitants
about him complaining to the justices of the loss of their cattle
and sheep, it was plainly discovered that this gentlewoman had
procured her servant to steal cattle, which she spent in her
house. For the which two are as I have heard condemned, and
the third is fled. Since this matter was discovered those parts
are in good quiet, and the country is in great fear if she be soon
delivered those parts will grow worse than before: there be
such bad people entertained in that house. I hear his Majesty
has signed her pardon, but whether it shall be fit to pass
presently under seal, or that she undergo some further time of
correction before it pass, I leave to your consideration: the
rather for that if she had not any pardon, the privilege of her
belly being already allowed her, she cannot by the law be
executed until the year be passed. I have in part acquainted
my Lord Chancellor herewith, who wished me to make it known
to you.—Serjeants' Inn, 28 April 1605. Holograph. 2 pp. (190. 72.) |
||||
| The Earl of Worcester to the Same. | ||||
| [1605], April 29. |
The King upon reading Cranborne's letters
was not fully satisfied with the interrogatories and has commanded Worcester to set down the points wherein he desires
that Mr. Haddock should satisfy him in writing. Four interro
gatories as to Haddock's preaching, his principal motive, the
reason of his continuance in that humour, the three sermons
he preached during his abode at Court, and whether if he had
been dismissed without discovery he minded to have continued
that course of preaching by night.—April 29th, 11 at night. Holograph. 1 p. (110. 113.) [Printed in extenso in Lodge, Illustrations, etc. III, pp. 284–285.] |
|||
| Lord Scone to the King. | ||||
| 1605, April 29. |
I thought myself so far graced by your
Majesty with benefits far exceeding the merits of my service
that I durst not expect any further. Yet by advertisement
from my Lords Cranborne and Berwick understanding it has
pleased you to grant me 1,100l. when I least expected any such
gift, I cannot resolve in what sufficient manner to express that
faithful thankfulness which my mind acknowledges to be owing.
Because your Majesty knows I am not "ane guid Secretare"
able to declare my thoughts so thankful as they are, I will
desist from this craft whereof I am unskilful and remit the
further proof of my thankfulness to the effects of my truth
and readiness in your service, when either my pains, hazard
or blood may conserve the same.—Falkland, penult. Aprilis,
1605. Holograph. Endorsed: "27 [sic] April 1605." ½ p. (110. 114.) |
|||
| Examination of Joseph Tenny. | ||||
| 1605, April 30. |
Joseph Tenny of St. Kew confesses that
about Christmas last was 2 years he went in a ship of Fowey
called the Edward and John to Bilbao in Spain as a merchant,
and being there he went to Portingalet, some 3 miles from
Bilbao, and there lay in a Dutch house almost 2 months, where
he became servant to Martin de Burtendona, being general
of a fleet called the Biscay squadron, with whom he continued
three quarters of one year; and then his master died at Lisbon,
with whom he was at the time of his death. Immediately after
his death he served one Villiago de Countadora, of the said
squadron, with whom he remained one year and a quarter;
and examinate desiring to come for England he gave him leave
to return. When in Spain he observed that the Spaniards did
not best brook our nation, because he often heard them call
Englishmen Lutherans, with other words of reproach. Further
he says that this last year the King of Spain builded to his
knowledge 20 sail of great ships, the least above 500 tons and the
Admiral about 1,000 tons; whereof was builded at St. Anderos
12, at Bilbao 6, and 2 at Alleredo, and they were all launched
and rigging ere his coming thence. There ride at the passage
4 great galleons, 2 potacions, and 1 Dunkirker. There are also
at St. Anderos 3 ships of 700 ton apiece. This fleet is said to
be bound for Flanders, and there was to come thence about
20 days since the 2 potacions and the Dunkirker, to come upon
our coast, under pretence to see if there be any Hollanders of
war at sea, and upon their return the whole fleet should set to
sea. In this fleet it was reported there should be taken 10,000
soldiers under the leading of Don Anthony de Keado, Don
Diego de Brachero, and Suriago, which is said shall be general.
And farther he confesses to have heard among the Spaniards
in Court that they purposed to land these men either by Dover
or Calais by reason their shipping are too great to go for Flanders,
and so to pass these men by lesser shipping thither. There is
serving in this fleet of English mariners, to his knowledge, above
300, to whom they give pay as they deserve; to a gunner 8
ducats the month, to the quarter gunner 6 ducats, and to every
sailor 4 ducats the month. Farther this examinate says, that
after the Constable's return out of England he was not gracious
to the King, for after he saw the King he went to his house in
"Subvoyer" and in 3 weeks after came not near him, nor
much since his return. Says that within 2 days of the
Constable's coming to Court his secretary was slain in Court;
but how, it was not reported. Being asked who was reputed
to be in greatest favour with the King, answers that since the
Constable's being in England the Duke of Medina de Castile and
the Duke of Savoy. Headed: "Ultimo Aprilis 1605." 1 p. (110. 115.) |
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| Auditor Francis Gofton to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| 1605, April 30. |
I am bold to put you in mind that I have
not yet received from you the book of the jewels. You gave
me knowledge of your purpose to be a means of some suit for
me for his Majesty either in Ireland or England. So many
warrants have passed for Ireland that now a great value will
yield a small profit. I desire that I might rather have here
some such small value of parsonages and tithes, or chantry
lands and quilletts omitted out of the entail, in fee farm, as
you shall think meet for me.—This last of April 1605. Holograph. 2/3 p. (110. 116.) |
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| Sir Thomas Hamilton to the King. | ||||
| 1605, April 30. |
Thanks his Majesty for his gift of 1,100l.
and offers services.—Edr [Edinburgh], last of April 1605. Holograph. Endorsed: "Lord Advocate of Scotland." 1 p. (190. 73.) |
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| [Viscount Cranborne] to the Gentlemen of Leicestershire. | ||||
| 1605, April. |
Such is my goodwill to you all in general, in
respect of my knowledge of your zeal in religion, and loyalty
to the King, besides the particular bands of blood and friendship
between me and divers of you, as when I read your letters I
found myself drawn into a strait, in what sort to proceed
towards you; being loth to deny you whom I love, and yet
unwilling to yield to you, because I wish you so much good.
Of which having now no better means to give you proof than
by my plainness, I have resolved at this time to return you
the answer which followeth. For the request you make, that
I shall interpose my mediation in favour of divers ministers
that show themselves unconformable to the ordinances of the
church, in respect of that comfort which you have received
by their ministry, this is that I must say, that for the religion
which they profess I reverence them and their calling; but
for their unconformity I acknowledge myself no way warranted
to deal with them, because the course they take is no way safe
in such a monarchy as this, where his Majesty aimeth at no
other end than where there is but one true faith and doctrine
preached, there to establish one form that a perpetual peace may
be settled in the church of God: where[as] contrariwise these
men by this singularity of theirs, in things approved to be
indifferent by so many reverend fathers of the church, by so
great multitudes of their own brethren (yea, many that have
been formerly touched with the like weaknesses) do daily
minister cause of scandal in the Church of England, and give
impediment to that great and godly work towards which all
honest men are bound to yield their best means, according to
their several callings, namely to suppress idolatry and Romish
superstition in all his Majesty's dominions. Further I must not
hide from you, that when I observe this form that you have
used in writing jointly for these men, I see it evidently, that if
I should make any use of it to his Majesty to further your desires
I should much distaste the King, forget my own duty, and
throw an imputation upon you. For how can you plead
ignorance or any of you, that the learned judges and fathers
of the law have delivered in open Courts direct censures against
those that gather hands and hearts in favour of this disobedience,
and how his Majesty and the Council have dealt with other
petitioners upon the like occasions? In which consideration,
and many more, let me entreat you now to give me leave to
change the case and make myself the petitioner to you in this
kind, that you (foreseeing the dishonour and danger like to
ensue by these separations of ourselves one from another in
matters of this nature, concurring otherwise in all main points
of faith and doctrine) would so interpose your private authorities
over these poor men (who are easily carried by your breath in
things indifferent) as they may not be found ready to strain
the gnat and swallow the camel, nor wilfully to stop their own
mouths from instructing those of whom they profess to take
so great care, but rather to conform themselves to the ordinances
of the church, to which they owe obedience, seeing we so fully
agree in one true substance of faith and religion, and ought all
to strive in a brotherly course to maintain the bonds of unity
and conformity, for the advancement of God's glory and
furtherance of our own salvation. And thus being sorry to
refuse a request subscribed by so many of my friends and
kinsmen I commit you to God's protection.—From the Court
at Greenwich this—of April 1605. Draft, corrected by Cranborne. 12/3 pp. (110. 117.) |
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|
[The passage from "for the religion which they profess"
to "his Majesty's dominions" is printed in Gardiner, History
of England, Vol. I, p. 201.] Another copy with variations, also corrected by Cranborne. 6½ pp. (193. 45.) |
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| Apparently an earlier draft of the foregoing with a correction by Cranborne and PS.—Since the writing of my letter I have had some speech with the messenger, to see whether in his particular carriage I could observe any such spirit as tending to conformity might move me to have entreated his Diocesan for some time of further consideration, or relief in his private estate; of whom in a word this I must say, that in my life I never spake with any of whose absolute profane curiosity I took so great distaste. | ||||
| Endorsed by Cranborne: "A draught of a letter to the gentlemen of Leicestershire, changed afterward in some points." Also, "Minute concerning deprived ministers." 3 pp. (114. 128.) | ||||
| Lord Mounteagle to Viscount Cranborne. | ||||
| [1605, April.] |
I am advertised that there are letters directed
from some of the Council to the tenants who are farmers of those
lands which are now in controversy betwixt my Lord of Hertford
and myself, that they should repair to London to compound
with his Majesty either for the inheritance of those lands or to
renew their leases because their estates are defective as it is
suggested, there being a flaw in the letters patents granted by
Henry VIII to the Duke of Suffolk; and that there is a commission granted to some of the Lords to make sale thereof. I
am persuaded that this proceeds from a mistaking and that it
more properly concerns your lordship than any other, as
Master of the Court of Wards, so I made bold to acquaint you
with this information, leaving the consideration thereof to your
grave wisdom.—Undated. Holograph. Endorsed: "1605 April." 1 p. (110. 118.) |
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| Jo. Franciscus a Rao, President of the Court of Justice of the Kingdom of Sicily, to his Excellency —. | ||||
| [1605, ? April.] | Has read the letters his Excellency received from the King of England dated at Greenwich, 31 March 1605, containing the complaints of English merchants that two English ships and one French ship laden with English goods had been taken by triremes, or rather by the ships of his Excellency, and seeking compensation, specially after the friendship concluded with his Catholic Majesty "our lord." The cause of the ship Trialis, James Lito master, had been already tried and punishment inflicted, the said James having been guilty of many piracies. He therefore thinks the sentence just. | |||
| As to the other English ship, called Corsaletta, by his Excellency's decree three parts of her merchandise had been delivered to her owners (dominis). The fourth part is said to belong to the master George Cook, who was proved to be a pirate and publicly proscribed by decree of the King of England: as to this fourth part has directed the proceedings to be revised and the rights of the parties to be maturely considered. | ||||
|
As to the French ship it is false to say any English goods
were in it; for it was proved at Messana, where James Elouin,
master, and other Frenchmen were brought before his Excellency,
that a great quantity of wheat was put on board by certain
merchants which they sold and then took to acts of piracy
against Christians; murdering Hans Liviner, Andrew and
Colas or Nicholas, Flemings who would not consent to such
wickedness. For this crime Elouin, Guglielmus Leo, and Peter
Marchondich were condemned to death, which punishment was
commuted for the galleys by his Excellency's clemency. This
has nothing to do with the English. Signed. Latin. Endorsed: "from Sicilia." 2½ pp. (110. 119.) |
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| Egleston, [co. Durham.] | ||||
| [Before May, 1605.] |
Dealings of Ralph Bowes and Anthony
Arrowsmith in relation to the manor.—Undated. 1 p. (Pet. 2278.) [Cf. Cal. S.P. Dom., 1603–1610, p. 219.] |
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