Cecil Papers: January 1601 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1906.

'Cecil Papers: January 1601', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601, (London, 1906) pp. 1-26. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol11/pp1-26 [accessed 20 April 2024]

January 1601



	Customs and Subsidies.
1600/1, Jan. 1.	“An estimate of such money as hath been answered to the Q. Majesty in 12 years ended at Michaelmas last past, within the realm of England and Wales (Barwick except) for the custom and subsidy of lawns, cambricks, velvets, &c.,” viz. :—
	In anno 31,	9,121l.	9s.	1d.
	In anno 32,	8,796l.	4s.	6d.
	In anno 33,	11,238l.	5s.	6d.
	In anno 34,	10,143l.	9s.	7d.
	In anno 35,	9,077l.	15s.	9d.
	In anno 36,	8,709l.	4s.	6½d.
	In anno 37,	9,667l.	12s.	5d.
	In anno 38,	8,395l.	8s.	1¼d.
	In anno 39,	6,393l.	15s.	10d.
	In anno 40,	6,737l.	8s.	10½d.
	In anno 41,	6,572l.	16s.	1d.
	In anno 42,	7,293l.	14s.	11d.
	1 Jan. 1600.
	Endorsed by Cecil Cecil : “Silks.”
	1 p. (75. 98.)
	Ja. Hudson to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 1.	Asks for a passport for Captain Sinkler and Captain Henrison, with a gelding each, which they brought from Scotland. Their way is to the Low Countries, where they have their companies. The one is Lord Sinkler's son, the other cousin german to the Earl of Mar. They were both at the day of battle at Newport, and are very honest young gentlemen of conversation.
	Also, for a passport for France to Mr. Charles Geddash, a Scots gentleman, who is bound towards the Laird of Bakclewgh for his master's affairs. He should have come up with the writer from Berwick, as the abovenamed did, but missing him, came up with the Master of Gray. He is an honest man.—London, 1 Jan. 1600.
	Holograph. 1 p. (75. 99.)
	Sir R. Drury to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 1.	Prays him to present the enclosed letters to her Majesty, which are the clear witnesses of his innocence. Protests that never in his life there passed word through his lips which might tend to a want of faith or respect to the sacred throne or person of the Queen.—From Alderman Saltonstall's house, 1 Jan. 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 1.	Holograph. 1 p. (75. 100.)
	Filippo Corsini to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 1.	I have letters from Lyons dated 15 Dec. N.S. by the last courier but one from France, from my nephew Camillo Corsini and my kinsman Ottavio Rinuccini. They have been escorting the Queen of France, with other Florentine gentlemen, and they tell me that Don Virginio Orsino, Duke of Braciano, nephew of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, my master, has left Lyons and wished to visit England, relying on my house which I have nearly ready. I also hear of this visit from my brother Bartolomeo Corsini in Florence, and his Lordship is specially commended to me because the Grand Duke cares for him like a son. So I suppose he will be here shortly, and with him six or seven gentlemen in all. I have the names of two only who are the chief; D. Grazia Montalvo, a young Florentine, if I am not mistaken, and Sig. Giulio Riario, whom I suppose to be a Roman and also young. If your Lordship wishes to see the letters, I bring or send them as you please.—London, 1 January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 1.	Holograph. Italian. 1 p. (75. 101.)
	Aurelianus Townshend to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 2/12.	I have been advertised of your pleasure, and having addressed my reply to him who sent me the advertisement from your mouth, it remains only for me to hope that in judging of the expenses which I have incurred, you will regard not my merits but the extent of my desire to serve you. If after I am disengaged, it shall please you to make use of me, or to send me somewhither whence I may return fitter for your service, my desire shall always be accomplished in your commandments.—Paris, 12 Jan. 1601.
1600/1, Jan. 2/12.	Holograph. French. Endorsed :—“1600, 12 Jan. Your Honour's servant, Aurelianus Townshend.” 1 p. (84. 69.)
	George Tuchet, Lord Audley to —.
[1600/1,] Jan. 3.	Most honoured Lady : All Munster is in great peace, and God grant that good courses may be taken for the continuance. My humble request is, whereas her Majesty's promise was not to give from me the Glyne lately the land of the Knight of the Valley, that it may please you to move her to bestow it absolutely upon me : than the which there is not a worse place in Ireland, and yet such wherein I dare promise to do very good service, although it must be with as much hazard as may be.—Kilmallocke, 3 Jan.
[1600/1,] Jan. 3.	Signed, “Ge. Audelay.” Holograph. Endorsed :—“3 Jan. 1600.—Lord Audely to my Mr. (sic.)” 1 p. (75. 102.)
	Jo. Budden to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 4.	Proceedings to be taken for the passing of a new grant to Sir Raffe Horsey. As to Arthur Swayne's master's lease, apparently of the demesnes of Cranborne, Dorset. His proceedings at Cranborne.—Shafton, 4 Jan.
	Endorsed :—“1600.”
	1 p. (75. 103.)
	Lord Chief Justice Popham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 4.	I have sent you here inclosed a brief how the charge will fall out to be for three years' account, the moneys being merely base, and how it will be if it be made of 3 ounces Sterling fine, and the cause why the charge doth grow so great, being merely base or mixt, and how that charge is to be holpen, as I conceive. The cause why the latter two years be more easy in charge than the first is for that I lay the great charge upon that first year, and every pennyweight abated off the fineness saves 40,000 marks of the charge in the first year for the mixt moneys, and so after the rate that is coined in the other years a third part upon every pennyweight abated. And having received a letter from Geneva from my nephew Hanam this evening after my coming home, I thought it not amiss to send the letter herein also unto you, whereby it may appear what he advertiseth of the state of Savoy.—At Serjeants' Inn, the 4th of January 1600.
	PS.—I hear again out of Norfolk that matters there are not like to continue in a good course if it be not prevented.
	Holograph. 1 p. (180. 1.)
	W. Lord Herbert to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1, Jan. 5.]	You have given me so many testimonies of your love, that I will plainly and absolutely put myself into your hands. I was sent unto by a very friend of mine to come post to the Court, and not to fail of being there to wait on Tuesday at dinner, if I would not utterly lose the Queen's favour : a sentence of little more comfort than hanging : and yet if I had made all the haste I could, I should hardly have been there by the time, receiving the letters but this Monday morning about 8 o'clock; and if I could perchance have been there by the time, I leave to your judgment how fit to wait that day. Therefore, if ever you will express your love, let me find it in this, for if I cannot obtain her Majesty's favour to remain with my Lord in his weakness, I shall quite overthrow my fortune. His physician tells me he cannot live out this winter, nothing now supporting his body but his mind : so fond of my presence, that one day in my absence he gave away 1,000 marks, and though to him to whom I can afford anything, yet I could have been contented to have had it left to mine own discretion. The sight of me only prevents many of the like. You see both the shelfs I am like to suffer shipwreck on. I commit my whole course unto you as the skilfullest and faithfullest pilot of my fortune, yet if there be a necessity in the one, I will lose all, and presently upon hearing from you come away. I beseech you bestow a few lines in post upon me, that I may know my doom.—Wilton, Monday morning at 10 o'clock.
[1600/1, Jan. 5.]	Holograph. Endorsed :—“5 Jan. 1600. Lord Herbert.” 1 p. (75. 104.)
	William Barlow, [Rector of Easton, Treasurer of Lichfield,] to the Earl of Essex.
1600/1, Jan. 5.	Because I perceive you somewhat inclined to give credit unto the device of finding the variation by setting together of two sailing compasses, I, knowing assuredly the thing to be a plain impossibility in nature, and an error of dangerous consequent, thought it my duty to discover the untruth thereof, and by fit instruments to make it so manifest that you shall be easily able to confute any man living that will take upon him to avouch it. The instruments (being but two dial compasses), with the reasons and manner of trial, I have sent you by this bearer, lapped up together.
	May it please you not to defer your conference with Mr. Wright concerning the use of the celestial and terrestrial globe, and then the projection of charts, in bestowing two hours a day for a fortnight's space, it will be strange to see what a pleasing contentment of mind in those matters it will bring, and will enable you judicially to discern a multitude of dangerous errors, that as yet pass for current. And I do not think that this land hath any man more skilful, nor fitter to direct you in these things, than Mr. Wright is. Afterwards I earnestly desire that you would give me leave to confer with you about the nature of the magnet and magnetical conclusions, a thing of most admirable effects and use. The chief of that which I have observed and learned, both by reading and practice, I do not doubt but to acquaint you therewith in four days, and to resolve many questions, without flying into Sympathia, Antipathia, or Occulta Proprietas, the usual refuges of ignorance in this argument. Only I very earnestly wish that you would assay to provide you of 3 or 4 excellent good loadstones, and somewhat great in quantity, that they may be brought into the convenient forms most fit to demonstrate their effects. They be rare jewels, and very hard for any mean man to attain unto. The young gentleman of your Lordship's that was the last voyage, and is now to return again with Captain Davis, if it please you to send him to me, I will very willingly bestow pains upon him, to enable him to give you a very good account of his travail. I do very greatly affect his forward mind and disposition to these actions, and have somewhat a strong imagination that he will become a very gallant seaman. If it please you to give us leave to try our cunnings together, after one fortnight he shall return so furnished that all his companions will admire him.—Easton, 5 Jan. 1600.
	Holograph. 1 p. (75. 105.)
	Sir Philip Boteler to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 5.	Encloses one part of the tripartite indenture concerning the 15 soldiers lately sent out of Herts to West Chester for service in Ireland, furnished in all points according to her Majesty's letters and Cecil's instructions.—Woodhall (Herts), 5 Jan. 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 5.	Signed. 1 p. (75. 106.)
	J. Osborne to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 5.	Expresses his acknowledgments to Cecil for his (the writer's) brother's ward, and sends a mean remembrance of his affection. “As it hath pleased God to give you the grace, scant given to the son of any famous personage, that your own worth should rather receive lustre than 'obumbration' from your father's praises, so I wish you all his years and honours, to the succession of his other excellencies.”—5 Jan. 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 5.	Holograph. 1 p. (75. 107.)
	Gabriel Goodman, Dean of Westminster, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 7.	Acknowledges his obligations to the late Lord Burghley. He has endeavoured to do all the good he could to all, but principally to his own native soil, where he has, by Burghley's means, founded a free school and a hospital, together with a learned man to be a warden, and a continual preacher in the town of Ruthin, wherein he was born. Gives details of the history of the grant of privileges and of a parcel of ground called Garthegva, to Ruthin, and of the loss by the inhabitants of the benefit thereof, whereby the town, being a great market town, standing in the midst of the county of Denbigh, and the only town within the barony or lordship of Dyffryncloyd, and heretofore greatly enriched by clothing and other trades, is greatly decayed for want of officers and authority to compel the idle and evil disposed persons to labour for their livings, to bring in commodities to relieve the poor and distressed, and to expel foreigners, who now reap the like profit and commodity in their fairs and markets as the burgesses and inhabitants do, to their great loss and utter impoverishment. He therefore begs Cecil's help to obtain a Corporation for that town, together with the said ground in fee farm. The Countess of Warwick, being Lady of the town and lordship, will be ready to join with Cecil in the matter.—Westminster, 7 Jan. 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 7.	Signed. 1 p. (75. 108.)
	Dr. Hadrian Sarravia to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
1600/1, Jan. 7.	On the subject of one John Ellis, educated at Canterbury in the School of “this Church,” who later fled to France and became a Catholic. Describes his proceedings and companions in France, etc.—Canterbury, 7 January.
1600/1, Jan. 7.	Holograph. Latin. Endorsed :—“Jan. 7 1600. Dr. Seravia.” 3 pp. (75. 109.)
	Thomas Pickering, of Crosby Ravensworth, Westmorland.
1600/1, Jan. 7.	Bond in 1,000l., to appear before Sir Robert Cecil on the 1st of May next, and not depart without his licence first obtained, and to be forthcoming from time to time.—7 Jan. 43 Eliz.
1600/1, Jan. 7.	Contemporary copy. ½ p. (88. 45.)
	Edward Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 8.	Your late letters in my favour to my lady not being respected with that due observance of satisfaction befitting them, as being thereunto advised by the indiscretion of some who suggested imaginary oppositions of hopes, of Court reckonings, of purpose to deny and delay so honourable a request, whereby I am reduced again unto my former estate of miseries, without hope of succour, unless by your means some course may be devised in passing of the wardship to draw my lady unto some certain and reasonable allowance, whereupon I may ground the charges of my life in that reasonable portion as you may think sufficient for one who studies nothing more but to sacrifice himself in your service, and the rather for that (as herself told me) my father in his death recommended my person unto my lady's care to see the same provided for.—London, 8 Jan. 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 8.	Holograph. 1 p. (75. 111.)
	John [Whitgift,] Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 8.	I send unto you here enclosed the description of the party mentioned in Dr. Saravia his letter, which you have.—From “Lambehith,” 8 Jan. 1600.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord of Canterbury.” ½ p. (75, 112.)
	The Enclosure :—
	A young youth of a 19 or 20 years of age; pale faced, gray eyed, flaxen haired, little or no beard at all, and but slender of growth. ¼ p. (75. 113.)
	Thomas Payne, Mayor of Plymouth, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 8.	This day here arrived in a bark of Saltashe, which came from Rochelle, one Richard Newman, of London, mariner, who was lately taken prisoner into Spain and came from the Groyn 21 days since, as he reporteth, whose examination I send herein.—Plymouth, 8 Jan. 1600.
	Holograph. ½ p. (76. 114.)
	The examination enclosed :—
	The 18th day of December last, Newman was prisoner in the Groyne, where it was told him by one Captain Craffes, an Englishman, that about nine weeks since, there were two ships which departed thence bound for Ireland, wherein was eight chests of silver, two chests of gold and a casket of jewels, 120 barrels of powder, 4,000 muskets, 5,000 calivers, 4,000 pikes and great quantity of lead, with divers other necessaries, having in them about 200 men, and were bound for the north part of Ireland, for a place called Polbaye, where, they mind to fortify to receive the King's ships coming thither, and for effecting of the same, there went an old soldier of the Low Countries with them, who was to direct them therein.
	He saith further that in the said ships there went one with commission from the King to take the oath of the Earl of Tyrone to be true unto him : who is to return again in the same ships.
	He saith further that there was then at the Groyne an Irish priest, of stature tall, his hair reddish, and of some 28 years of age, and hath a scar, or hurt, over his brow or forehead, who reported that he would be at the Court in England before Shrovetide next, and in many other places there, where as he said that he had many good friends, who likewise went in the said ships.
	And this examinate further saith that it was told him by certain Portingals which they took at sea, which came out of Lisbon about five weeks since, that there went out of Lisbon seven carricks and fifteen of the King's ships of war with them, bound for the East Indies, in which ships, besides the carricks, were embarked 5,000 soldiers, and it was reported there were in the carricks also 5,000 men more, who are thought to be sent to subdue those parts of the East Indies that rebelled against the King and entertained the fleet of Flemings lately set forth.
	And he further saith that the same Portingals reported that there were two ships of Dunkirk at Lisbon attending to waft over certain French ships, wherein were embarked 4,000 Italian soldiers sent by the King of Spain to the Cardinal in the Low Countries.—7 January 1600.
	1 p. (84. 48.)
	Dr. Richard Webster to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 9.	Accompanying a book of Amandus Polanus, a modern author with a great name.—Januar 9^o, 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 9.	Holograph. Seal. Latin. 1½ pp. (84. 53.)
	Customs and Subsidies.
1600/1, Jan. 9.	Lease from the Queen to Thomas Bellott and Roger Houghton of the customs and subsidies on imported goods, for the yearly rent of 8,882l.
1600/1, Jan. 9.	Certified copy. 4 pp. (141. 208.)
	The East India Voyage.
[1600/1, Jan. 10].	Names of such merchants as refuse to contribute to the East India Voyage :—
	Thomas Cambell, alderman; John Westwray; William Meggs; Anthoney Moseley; Richard Champion; William Kellett; Richard Brown; Humphrey Handford; Hugh Hamersley; Bartholomew Haggett; Robert Bowyer; John Bate; Laurance Boeckley; Nathaniel Marten; Gregory Allen; William Albaney; John Stokes; William Barrett : Sums of money placed against each name : the first, 300l., the others 200l. each.
	“These parties above written do refuse to bring in their monies according to their handwriting for the sums above written for the adventures to the Easte Indya, we of the said Compan[y] humbly desire your Honour to send for them before the Lords against tomorrow, where some of us will give our attendance.”—Undated.
	Endorsed Endorsed :—“10 Jan. 1600.”
	1 p. (75. 115.)
	John [Whitgift,] Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 10.	I send you another letter which I lately received from Dr. Saravia, touching John Ellis, wherein some more particulars are contained against him.—Croiden, 10 Jan. 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 10.	Holograph. ½ p. (75. 116.)
	E. FitzGerald to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 12.	I have presumed to present this enclosed project (drawn by the assistance of Mr. Hadsor) to you, showing some causes of the pride and present strength of the mere Irishry, and of the weakness of the nobility and gent. of the English race of Ireland : and declaring the descents of the mere Irish from the ancient kings of Ireland, and of their alliances one to another, at whose hands her Majesty is not to expect any extraordinary service to be performed by one of them upon another, in regard of the proximity of their blood, except it be for some extraordinary benefit, which oftentimes they have received without their performance of either promise or duty, or for some private quarrel between themselves, having now for the more part joined in one league, and suppressed their former factions and quarrels by the policy of the traitor Tyrone, and by the persuasions of some of their mere Irish priests, who do continually preach unto them that their unity in joining firmly together must be the means to recover their former liberty and command of the kingdom again, and to dispossess her Majesty thereof, which, as they allege, was conquered by King Henry the Second by reason of their division and civil dissension amongst themselves. It is therefore necessary, in my opinion, to nourish and continue their factions, and to foresee that from henceforth none of them have any estate of inheritance, command, seneschalship, captaincy, or the freehold of any one country wholly, as Tyrone and others have by gift from her Majesty. But that the gent. and freeholders of each country may have estates of inheritance in their livings, to be holden of her Majesty by certain rents and services, whereby they may be encouraged to build and settle themselves in civil manner upon the same, which will be an occasion that they will not be so ready to neglect their duty of allegiance in following of their chieftains, in any disloyal action, as formerly being only tenants at will and vassals to their lords, they have been driven to do. And so her Majesty may have the wardships of their lands and the escheats thereof upon any just occasion, which they would be loth to forfeit, having any such estate of inheritance in their lands. This I thought good to prefer only to you, beseeching you if there be anything therein disagreeable to your good liking, to accept of my good will, and bear with mine ignorance, being ready to yield my best assistance to her Majesty's service, my living and likewise the rest of my friends their estates depending upon the general good of that realm.—12 Jan. 1600.
	PS.—In the end of the enclosed project there is an article containing some reasons that the coining of base money for Ireland will be some impediment to Tyrone his furnishing of himself with munition and other necessaries from beyond the seas, and that white groats are not to be coined.
	Holograph. 1 p. (75. 118.)
	Sir Robert Sydney to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 12.	I am very much grieved to understand that her Majesty is offended at my coming down hither. I hear also that your Honour was pleased to ask for me and to wish I were at the Court. If it would please her to consider the weak estate of the Earl of Pembroke and what I am to him, I am sure she would say I am bound to perform for him a far greater matter than this was. Neither was I commanded to stay otherwise than did seem to be a gracious care in her Majesty that I should not hurt myself by the journey. And now I am stayed here for two or three days more through the weakness of my Lord of Pembroke. It is true he eats every meal abroad and hath looked upon all the sports this Christmas, which indeed were only made to give him some kind of contentment, and hath his memory and his senses as well as I have known them these many years. But for all that, I fear his friends shall not have him long, and when he is gone I shall lose him to whom of all men, my father and elder brother alone excepted, I have been most bound. My Lord Herbert is bound in a stronger knot than I am, and his estate the worse that he is more earnestly called for at the Court. He trusts in your mediation, and doth very carefully expect your answer unto a letter he wrote unto you. For if he go, how little so ever his stay be, I do not think he will ever see his father alive again.—At Wilton, the 12 of Jan. 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 12.	Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (180. 2.)
	Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 14.	I understand by my cousin Thomas Lee that it is you only to whom he is most bound both for the money which hath been paid him, and for the obtaining her Majesty's better opinion for his employment into Ireland. Himself will be unto you most thankful, and so will myself. I need not make known unto you the many enemies he hath in the country he goeth into. Wherefore I beseech you to be the means that he may have to the hundred and fifty foot some horse; because it is the men under his own command whom he must trust more unto than three times so many horse and foot of other men's soldiers. I will undertake he will perform any service he undertaketh, or else lose his life.—Woodstock lodge, this 14 of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 14.	Signed. 1 p. (76. 1.)
	Richard Hitchens, deputy of Thomas Payne, Mayor of Plymouth, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 15.	Her Majesty in the 35th year of her reign granted us, towards the walling and fortifying of our town, 12d. upon every hogshead of pilchards transported by any subject out of this realm, and 18d. by any stranger. Also 100l. yearly out of her revenues of her custom houses of Devon and Cornwall, and the moiety of all penalties and forfeitures of prohibited wares; which hath been received and employed, except of the inhabitants of the town of Foye who have always refused to pay the same. And upon untrue suggestions by them made unto the Lord Treasurer and Sir John Fortescue that the inhabitants of Cornwall had by voluntary contribution disbursed great sums of money towards our fortifications, and bestowed 1000l. towards the fortifications at Falmouth, and that the inhabitants of Foye had bestowed 400l. in fortifying their own town, about February 1599 [they] procured their Honours' [the Council's] letters for exempting and freeing them from the payment of the same imposition money, whereby her Majesty's grant is like to be clean taken from us and our town left desolate and not fortified as a place of that importance ought to be. For relief herein we send this bearer, who can at large inform you of the true state of our cause.—Plymouth, 15th of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 15.	Signed. 1 p. (76. 2.)
	Ambrose Dudley to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1, Jan. 16.]	Touching my lease of Chopwell within the bishopric of Durham, granted unto me by my late lord your father. But the now Lord Treasurer hath granted a second lease thereof unto one William Constable, and an injunction to dispossess me, without my knowledge or any examination of the cause, I having before that quietly enjoyed the same the space of 7 years. I have been at great charges in suits of law with the said Constable, and by several orders and decrees in court, my lease held good and his void; yet notwithstanding, Constable taking advantage that one half year's rent was paid some 2 or 3 days after the express day mentioned in my lease, I am advised by my counsel that my lease will prove determinable, and so this next term Constable will overthrow me. I have moved her Majesty to confirm my lease, wherein I find her very graciously inclined. I have gotten Mr. Fardinando to solicit the same. But my suit to you is that you would afford me your good favour and furtherance.
[1600/1, Jan. 16.]	Signed. Undated. Endorsed :—“Jan. 16, 1600.” 1 p. (76. 3.)
	Ralph, Lord Eure to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1,], Jan. 16.	You know how Sir Thomas Hobbye is renewing before the Star Chamber, the complaint which he made before the Council at York, against my son and other gentlemen, for having misconducted themselves in his house. Be pleased to read the truth, which my son, the bearer, did affirm before this Council.—Inglebye, this 16th January.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1600.” Seal. ¾ p. (180. 4.)
	The Enclosure :—
	Statement by William Eure of such things as passed in Sir Thomas Hobie's house in August last, whereupon myself and divers other gentlemen then in my company are drawn in question in the Star Chamber.
	Being myself accompanied with six other gentlemen hunting at that time near to Sir Thomas Hobie's house in Yorkshire, and purposing to lodge with him in kindness, I sent beforehand my footman to signify so much unto him, and some three hours after we followed. Finding none of his servants ready to receive us, we sent our horses into the town, and went into the house ourselves. First, into the hall where we found nobody. Then into the great chamber, where we stayed some quarter of an hour or more before Sir Thomas came to us, which seemed to us strange and not answerable to our northern entertainments. Coming at last, he bade us coldly welcome, and accompanied us till after supper, when he retired to his chamber. We fell to cards to beguile the time and continued the play the longer for that none of his servants came to show us any lodgings. At last, being sleepy, and understanding that his servants had been at prayer in the hall under the great chamber, where we were, and were gone to bed, we were forced to seek out lodgings, which we found prepared, and so we rested that night. The next day we rose early to hunt, and word was brought by one of his servants that breakfast was ready. Whereupon I willed one of his men to entreat Sir Thomas' company, who returning answered that Sir Thomas was not yet stirring; so to breakfast we went. Which being done, we fell again to play, expecting Sir Thomas' coming forth. Shortly after one of his servants came and told me peremptorily our play was offensive to his lady, and therefore willed us to depart the house. I told him our stay was only to take leave, and he repeating the former words, I said the message was a scurvy message, and willed the servant to tell Sir Thomas I would gladly speak with him before I went. I wished to understand whether the message had proceeded from him, or that the fellow of himself had abused us. Whereupon the servant departed and presently returning told me my lady was willing to speak with me, and guided us into a inner room next adjoining to her chamber. I going into my Lady, the others withdrew themselves into the great chamber again. Sir Thomas Hobie had shut himself into the study, being unwilling to be spoken with, but watching there, as now I may conjecture, to take advantage if I should use any unseemly speeches. I expostulated a little with my Lady about the message and entertainment, whereupon she, with some show of dislike of her husband's strange fashions, entreated me with patience to depart. Which accordingly we did, and going out of the court in some discontent, I took up a little stone and cast it towards the house, not touching any windows, and so I took horse. His suggesting of tearing any commission is merely untrue, neither was any man's heels tript up, as he incerteth.
	Holograph. ½ p. (180. 3.)
	Lady Denny to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1,] Jan. 17.	I was desirous to have been an humble suitor to you, but understanding you continue still at Court, from which place I hold those of my sort banished, I am inforced to intreat your favour with the rest of the Council, to whom I must be a petitioner for the remitting a check upon Mr. Denny for his absence, as well for his colonel's as footmen's pay, being rather a negligence in myself than an error in the officers there, who being ignorant of their courses, gave them no notice of Mr. Denny's pass from the general being for her Majesty's service, or the cause of his stay from his garrison, which was the sickness that ended his life. I hear of no captain so checked but himself, neither did her Majesty ever yet check any for sickness, which gives me hope he shall not be made a precedent, for I assure you this action cost him near 800l., and this 100l. which they check is all his children hath good to countervail that charge, and the losses of their father by that service.—London this 17 of January.
[1600/1,] Jan. 17.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1600.” ½ p. (76. 4.)
	Loans.
1600/1, Jan. 17.	Privy seal by the Queen directing loans to be obtained from strangers within the realm, subjects of the Provinces of Holland and Zealand, and other strangers enjoying the benefit of the ancient intercourse between England and the House of Burgundy.—Westminster, 17 Jan. 43 Eliz.
1600/1, Jan. 17.	Sign Manual. Parchment. 1 p. (218. 5.)
	Sir Edward Wotton to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1, c. Jan. 17.]	Because I doubt your Honour had not time yesterday to commend my son to the Duke of Bracciano by reason of his hasty leavetaking, I would ask you to do so sometime this forenoon (for in the afternoon he goeth his way) with two or three lines of your own hand.
[1600/1, c. Jan. 17.]	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“1600.” Seal. 1 p. (181. 84).
	Virginio Orsino, Duke of Bracciano, to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1, c. Jan. 17.]	I had designed to quarrel with “Signor Cavaliere” Wotton, fearing that he had obtained from you an introduction for his son, when his own claims on me were so many. But hearing from him that this was done of your own motion, I can only regret that you should ask of me only what I must have done unasked. All I can ask is that you shall give me another opportunity of serving you.
[1600/1, c. Jan. 17.]	Italian. Undated. Signed. Endorsed :—“1600.” Seal. 1 p. (181. 54.)
	William, Lord Herbert to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1,] Jan. 18.	I should have forgotten myself very much if I had imputed any neglect to you who have so carefully and kindly performed what I entreated : but such is my fortune at this time that I must crave a new benefit before I have means to pay that for which I stand already indebted. I do not think my lord can live 48 hours. He hath dealt as kindly with me as myself could desire; yet without her Majesty deal graciously with me, my state will prove very hard. There hath been many false and scandalous reports forged of me, which have as maliciously been delivered unto her Majesty, to make her if it were possible to withdraw her former favour from me; taking this advantage of my absence when I could make no answer for myself, but I doubt not in the end the shame will fall upon themselves. Yet they have driven me to this inconvenience, that when I should sue for a benefit I am forced to excuse a fault, two actions unfit to be coupled together, but as my state now is, not to be divided. You know there be some offices now fallen into the Queen's hands which my lord in his lifetime held, and though of small commodity, yet the disgrace of not being as worthy as another to enjoy them after him will be to me exceeding great. Therefore I beseech you thus much to stand my friend, that they may be stayed till I have the happiness to speak with her Majesty myself.—Wilton, this 18th of January in the evening.
	PS.—If you have not a note of the offices, Rowland White shall deliver one unto you.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1600.” Seal, broken. 2 pp. (76. 5.)
	Sir Carew Reynell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 18.	I have lately had sent me out of Ireland an Irish hobby, which in my heart I have only devoted unto you. His pace is easy and I hope he will prove fit for your saddle. I entreat you do me the favour to accept of him.—From my lodging, this 18 of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 18.	Holograph. Seal. ²/3 p. (76. 6.)
	The Earl of Shrewsbury to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 18.	For the matter of my stepmother's complaint, as also some other particulars of my present businesses in hand, I will refer them all to the report of this bearer Kydman. A new matter concerning a wardship there is, wherein, though I will first intreat your justice, yet will I follow any course it shall please you to direct me.—At Sheffield Lodge, this 18th of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 18.	Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (76. 7.)
	William, Earl of Pembroke to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1,] Jan. 19.	I am now at last fallen into your hands against my will. In the midst of my sorrows, I have taken the boldness to write unto her Majesty, whom if it please not to deal very graciously with me, I shall prove a poorer Earl than I was before a Lord. I build upon the assurance of your love, being now forced to try the affection of my friends. My uncle can acquaint you with the particulars of anything that concerns me.—Wilton, this 19 of January.
[1600/1,] Jan. 19.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“19 January 1600. Old Earl of Pembroke dead.” Seal. 1 p. (76. 8.)
	Lord Grey to the Privy Council.
[1600/1,] Jan. 20.	Since my years have been capable of any sound impression, my studies and desires have only aspired to do her Majesty service. I therefore now hold myself most unfortunate to appear before your lordships (who represent her Sovereign authority), either to answer an offence or to be inforced to sue for remission. Yet sith my disaster hath thrown me into this extremity, I humbly confess my fault unto her Majesty, and have with patience and humility endured your lordships' censure; but now, afflicted with the ill air of this wretched place and a sincere sorrow for her just displeasure, I humbly beseech you to present unto her my submission and to implore the return of her princely favour, the eclipse whereof no corporal torment can equal.—From the Fleet, this 20 of January.
[1600/1,] Jan. 20.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1600.” 1½ pp. (76. 9.)
	Carew Ralegh to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1,] Jan. 20.	To advertise you of my lord of Pembroke's weakness, given over by his physicians as not to live so long as till this my letter shall come to your reading. Your Honour must take present order for Cramborne chase; on the sudden they will make great spoil. I would have sent you pheasants, but the hawk you gave me is not as yet cunning.—Downton, this 20th of January.
[1600/1,] Jan. 20.	Signed. Endorsed :—“1600.” ½ p. (76. 12.)
	[Sir Robert Cecil] to Lord Willoughby and Sir William Bowes.
[1600/1, Jan. 20.]	Having received from you on Saturday night last a packet of intercepted letters, I did acquaint her Majesty with your great cares and diligences, for the which her Majesty hath commanded us to give you infinite thanks, as an argument of your great circumspection; withal commanding us to tell you, Sir William Bowes, that she doth well remember and hath newly read the quotations which concern that point. Within some three hours after the receipt of your letters, there came a despatch from Sir Robert Carey, taking great unkindness that your lordship (my lord Governor of Berwick) had sent of your own authority so far into his Wardenry, pretending how infinite a touch it was to his reputation not only to have the search made without his authority, but when he was taken, to carry him away; pretending also, that though it be true that you did write him a post letter, yet your 50 horse was within two miles of his house; and that the boy told him your men did stay him that he should come no faster to him. The prisoner he hath yet in his own house, and her Majesty forbeareth any resolution to dismiss him, or to send for him up, for some few days; only she doth desire your lordship, who she knows is wise and temperate, to interpret the best of Sir Robert Carey's actions, who doth pretend that he had no ambition to desire the person, but only the fear he had that it would have wounded his credit, to have had him carried away. In which consideration the Queen will take it well that your lordship shall keep down as much as you can the opinion of the great dissension between the Warden and you. To conclude, I have not known her Majesty take a service better this seven years, which ought to be more accounted of by you than all those petty crosses and thoughts which one man receives of another, according to their passions; wherein I know your lordship will use more moderation than some of them, which cannot but increase your reputation in all wise men's minds. I think it not amiss to let you know, notwithstanding all Sir William Ever's contestation, that he hath now confessed his being with the King of Scots, where Sir George Hume and Sir Ro. Kerr were present, who brought him to the King, where he had long conference with him. I protest I am very sorry to see a gentleman of so good parts so far overshoot himself, first in the error, next in the denial, which in all cases multiplieth suspicion, yea, though the matter were very venial ab origine. Other news I have none, God be praised, but that the French King hath agreed a peace with Savoy, which cannot be good for England, whose quiet would have increased if Spain had been better occupied than now it shall be. The King quitted the Marquisate for the exchange of all Bresse which he hath already, wherein he doth not follow Alexander's answer, who being moved after a conquest of part to make a change for some of the rest with the part he had gotten, made a reply, that if they would give him half of that which remained unconquered he would divide it; but of that he had he meant to make no alteration. Thus we take our leaves.
	Endorsed :—“20 January 1600. To my lo : Willoughby and Sir William Bowes, from my master.”
	Draft. 2 pp. (76. 10.)
	Henry Baker to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1, Jan. 20.]	Selects Cecil before any other of the Council to whom he may give intelligence of many enormities and misdemeanours done by such as have regiment in Ireland. The revealment hereof doth highly concern the estate of Irish affairs. Attends a time to be appointed.
[1600/1, Jan. 20.]	Signed. Undated. Endorsed :—“1600, 20 Jan.” Seal. ½ p. (76. 11.)
	William Button to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 20.	As it hath pleased your Honour to allow of my employment to solicit the English suits of depredations in France, so must I acknowledge it my duty faithfully to advertise you of all things which may “aboade” unexpected delays to our causes or excessive charge to the merchants. The great opinion they conceived of this new erected commission at Rouen revived in them some hope of speedy justice, but before they would resolve to be at further expenses, they were desirous to be ascertained of the tenor thereof by the French Ambassador himself, who assured them that those Commissioners both had absolute power from the King immediately to take notice of all English grievances of that kind and, after summary hearing thereof, definitively to sentence them without further appeal any whither. In the security of this promise the merchants resolved of a new charge in law, and became suitors to your Honours for your letters in their favour, which were granted : also it pleased your Honour with my Lord Admiral to write to the French Ambassador to recommend their causes in like sort, which he hath done. But at the delivery of his letters upon Sunday last he gave me an unlooked for though known advertisement of the state of France. “For there,” said he, “are several parliaments, all of as mere and absolute authority the one as the other, and where actions once begun are finally to be determined, insomuch that the parties adjourned thither are not to be impleaded elsewhere without special suit at Court for letters of evocation.” Now, forasmuch as we have several suits and some of the weightiest, commenced either in other parliaments or in their resorts, as Aix, Bordeaux and Rennes, and the parties interested are in some expectancy of present relief by this my going to Rouen—how far they are from apprehending the necessity of a tedious and costly suit in an army at Savoy for letters of evocation to be sent to Aix, Bordeaux and Rennes and thence to Rouen, before the Commissioners can be possessed of any notice of their causes, and what time the new traversing or at the least the summary reviewing of their causes there will require, I submit to the judgment of your wisdom. Moreover, for the English causes which have already received sentence for us in Paris, which parliament, as you know, hath only submitted itself to this commission, I asked the Ambassador whether we might for our easier charge have execution thereof at Rouen, because the offenders dwell within that resort. He doubted it, so that finding it impossible, because of the unjustified promise of the French Ambassador to procure the merchants such speedy satisfaction as their need requireth, I durst not begin my journey, though ready to embark, before I had acquainted you how it stands with their business, lest the discontent of their delayed longings should accuse me hereafter to you.—This 20th January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 20.	Signed. 1 p. (84. 79.)
	Sir Anthony Ashley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 21.	At my late being in the West parts I have caused the three brethren to be advisedly dealt with severally for their interests in the Priory of Cramborn; and do find the younger brother, very willing and tractable for a small sum. The elder also is contented upon reasonable conditions. Howbeit the second brother who holdeth the present occupation of the priory under him at some nine score pounds rent at the most, and being next in reversion to his brother (who cannot be less than 90 years old), is very loth, with any reasonable conditions, to depart either with his own interest in reversion or with the present estate he hath from his brother. I am in hope to have better success with him hereafter, if you be determined to proceed. Look upon me with your favourable eye, which sometimes heretofore I have found of so good comfort in time of grace towards me that I earnestly affect to recover it again as a thing of greatest value and most unfortunately lost; wherein if I be so happy to prevail, I will give you perfect testimony of my hearty true affection. I have but one poor child, which you were pleased to be a witness to, there is little hope to have more by this wife; but, howsoever, I will by some speedy certain act manifest my love unto you. I beseech you let me not be mistaken in mine intent, for my desire is nothing less than to wait as I was wont in my place of ordinary attendance, for my double prenticeship hath sufficiently weaned me from that shadow of glory without any manner profit, but only by your good means to be restored to her Majesty's good conceit, that I may live and die in public opinion her trusty and honest servant, which I affect and thirst for more than any worldly thing. And in case her Majesty shall yet continue her fifth year's displeasure towards me, that I may at least have the matters objected against me re-examined upon cold blood and in time not so passionate as the former.—This 21st of January, 1600.
	Postscript.—I beseech you to renew your last year's letter to the present sheriff of York in the behalf of myself and my fellow Lake, patentees of that county clerkship, for our deputy's quiet execution of that place as these fourscore years past.
	Signed. Seal, broken. 1½ pp. (76. 13.)
	Jonas Bradbury to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 22.	My Lord and master hath given to me the place of Vice-admiral in Ireland, being now void. I beseech your favour in my behalf. I have served her Majesty this 12 years in the place of a captain of her pinnaces and ships, and I have had a former grant from your Lordship in Captain Thornton's lifetime.—The 22 of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 22.	Holograph. ¾ p. (180. 5.)
	Sir William Malory to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 23.	This last summer, being at the Court, I made bold to acquaint you with her Majesty's gracious speeches to myself, that then her Highness was so greatly charged with the defending of all us her subjects, and especially with those of Ireland, as she must for a time restrain her bountiful hand from rewarding her servants; giving me this comfort that she would not be forgetful of the duty and service she had always found in me. If you will make known unto me, how her Majesty's disposition resteth at this time, I will proceed according to your good pleasure.—My lodge in Hewton Park, this 23rd of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 23.	Signed. Seal. ½ p. (76. 14.)
	The Company trading to the East Indies.
1600/1, Jan. 24.	Letters patent to James Lancaster, chosen by the Governor and Company of the merchants of London trading to the East Indies, as their Governor General. The Queen approves of their choice, and grants authority to Lancaster to exercise the office.
1600/1, Jan. 24.	Contemporary Copy. 2 pp. (142. 172.)
	Sir R. Lewkenor, H. Towneshend, and Richard Atkyns to the Privy Council.
1600/1, Jan. 25.	We have now instantly received intelligence of the death of the [Earl of Pembroke], Lord President of this Council [of the Marches of Wales]. We do here continue the household and the officers thereof, and do proceed in the services of the court as formerly was used, conceiving the same to be warranted by her Highness's last letter and instructions. Nevertheless, we do therein most humbly refer ourselves to her Majesty's good pleasure and your lordship's directions.—From her Majesty's Castle of Ludlow, this 25th of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 25.	Endorsed :—“Justice Lewkenor, Justice Townshend, and Mr. Atkyns to my master.” Signed. Seal. ½ p. (76. 16.)
	Herbert [Westfaling], Bishop of Hereford, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 25.	It hath pleased you to write to me for a lease of the tithes of Stockton and Kimbolton to be renewed unto one Stephen Smalman, son of Thomas Smalman, deceased, who held the same before him. I made a grant thereof last year unto two gentlemen of these parts, and I was the more easily drawn thereto because the said Thomas Smalman had not the said tithes of the grant of my predecessor, but bought the estate of Silvan Scorie, my predecessor's son, even while he was an arbitrator in the controversies between the said Silvan and me. Which being so, I hope to be holden excused.—From Whitbourne, the 25 of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 25.	Holograph. ¾ p. (180. 6.)
	Sir Gelly Meyrick to Sir Arthur Chichester, Governor of Carrickfergus.
1600/1, Jan. 26.	The news here being not answerable to my desire (concerning my lord) I have had no great desire to trouble you with them; only this, his lordship is in health and we expect better news, which God send. And for my part, I constantly believe it will prove in the end to the contentment of his friends and his honour. For your two letters you sent me concerning the questions between my lady and Sir John Vaughan, I doubt not but at our meeting he will give satisfaction, if already you be not, for I writ to Sir John Vaughan to write to you. It is said the King of Spain prepareth a great navy and army; his treasure is arrived in the Low Countries : 3000 or 4000 men are in shipping at Blewet. It was once reported here that some of them were cast away upon the coast of Ireland. The King of France hath made peace with the Duke of Savoy, and reserved a passage for the King of Spain's army to pass through Savoy into the Low Countries. I hear that my lady your wife is well and all your friends in that country.—This 26th of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 26.	Holograph. 1 p. (76. 17.)
	The Earl of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1600/1, Jan. 26.]	I found my wife very extreme ill, and divers in my house have agues. I will stay with my wife this day, and if she be anything better, I will be at the Court to-morrow morning. If there be anything that is worth the writing, I pray you let me hear of it.
	Postscript.—Within these three days 9 is fallen sick of agues in my house, and very ill of them. My wife's as yet is but an extreme cold, but I never saw a greater.
	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“26 January 1600.” ½ p. (76. 18.)
	Sir Edmund Uvedale to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 26.	This bearer who hath lived with me sometime and now a near neighbour to me in Dorsetshire, is very desirous to follow you, and to that purpose hath entreated my letters to you. I assure you he hath had such bringing up as is fit to do you service. He hath a parcel of land near your manor of Cramborne which is called the manor of Cramborne Alderholt, which in my opinion lieth most convenient and fittest for you, which if you like of, he will be contented to make sale of to you before any other.—Hoult lodge, 26th January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 26.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (76. 19.)
	Sir Gelly Meyrick to Captain John Jefson at Carrickfergus.
1600/1, Jan. 26.	I am very glad to hear of your health, and your friends here would be glad to receive two or three lines from you. I was the other day at “Ichine” at my Lord of Southampton's, where I saw your noble brother, who is well. According to your entreaty, I have forborne to demand the 26l. of him, but then told him of your care not to press him. It was about the 20th of January. As conveniently as you may, let me hear from you.—This 26th of January 1600.
	PS.—You shall have shortly very good store of brass coin with some small quantity of silver. Therefore I doubt not but now you will grow rich and give over your play.
	Holograph. ½ p. (180. 7.)
	John [Whitgift,] Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 26.	Forwarding a very lewd and seditious rhyme, or libel, spread in Wales, received with letters from the Bishop of Llandaff.—Lambeth, the 26 of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 26.	Holograph. Seal. ¼ p. (180. 8.)
	P. Tourner to Archibald Douglas.
1600/1, Jan. 27.	Since that Mr. Davyston did send me his discharge, I do remain in indurance in most miserable estate. It has pleased God to send me friends, being mere strangers, who taking pity on me, has given their bands for me, on my side not expecting so much favour. And although Mr. Davyston would have given his band for me, it would not have been taken. And now, my good lord, my only discharge and liberty stands for the paying of twenty shillings, beseeching you to stand so far my friend that either by you or any other that you will procure me it, that I may be enlarged of this great misery that I have lain in this three quarters of a year.—From the King's Bench, the 27th of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 27.	Holograph. Addressed :—“In Alderman Harvey's house in Lime Street.” ½ p. (76. 20.)
	Dr. Griffith Lewis to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 27.	I am the more bold to crave your favour in a small suit that now I have in hand for that your father for these thirty years ever favoured me, and for that I have been prebendary of this church of Westminster (whereof we account you our singular patron) above 25 years now past. Some of my well willers in Court have wished my preferment to the bishopric of St. Asaph, in which diocese I was born; but understanding that the lord Archbishop of Canterbury, yourself, and some other great personages are inclined to the translation of the bishop of Llandaff thither, I have stayed my that my course, as one not willing to offend your Honours therein way. My petition is that it would please you to join with my of Canterbury his grace to plant me in that poor and small of Llandaff, that now in mine old age I may do good in that my native country. Yea, rather, I thus presume for that I have served her Majesty these 17 years as ordinary chaplain, in all which time I never received any promotion but only the poor deanery of Gloucester.—From Westminster, this 27th of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 27.	Holograph Seal, broken. 1 p. (76. 21.)
	Sir Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 27.	I received the enclosed packet on the 17th instant and hired John Vayle of Dover, mariner, with his crayer, to convey it to Calais. He started the same night and, after being twice beaten back by tempest, on Sunday night recovered Boulogne, and immediately by post-horse went to Calais. On his way he met with the Governor of Calais going to the Court, but he kept the packet secret to himself, and coming to Calais understood that the Duke was gone for Antwerp the Saturday morning, having stayed in Calais but one day, and purposed to lie that Saturday night at St. Thomas. So Vayle, finding him to be so far passed into the enemy's country that he durst not follow him, was enforced by contrary winds to stay in Calais till this 27th of January when he arrived at Dover, with the packet.—Dover Castle, the 27 January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 27.	Signed. Endorsed :—“The Duke of Bracciano gone from Calais before your Honour's packet came thither.” 1 p. (84. 95.)
	[Sir Robert Cecil] to [George] Nicholson.
1600/1, [Jan. 28].	I have received divers packets from you since I answered any, and now last one full of cipher both from yourself and —; wherein although I thank you very much for your care and your advertisement to me of all things you hear, yet I protest unto you I do more admire the vain conceits of that place than ever I did anything in my life having for my own part put on this resolution never to spend breath in excusing particular imputations to myself, because innocency scorned apologies which must labour to confute the suggestions of poor silly vipers, that live by coining continual untruths. Only this in regard of my dear Sovereign's service I must needs tell for your satisfaction, that where it is informed that the Master of Gray hath been practising on the Borders against the King, that God Himself knoweth, if he have done so, neither her Majesty nor myself are more guilty of it than the child unborn; wherein this circumstance of accusing Locke to have been with him in the north parts is so far from truth, and that I affirm upon my religion to God Almighty, as if ever it be proved that he hath been 20 miles northward this six months day, I will be contented to be condemned for a villain; so as the monstrous untruths of the most things written from thence shake my belief almost in all things belonging to those quarters. Whereunto to make you see that we understand it otherwise, yourself may know that mine eyes have seen the King's own letter to the Master, whereby it appeareth that the said Master's whole drift is to recover the King's favour, to whom we evidently see that he hath offered all humble service. What I believe of his inward purposes is hard for me to speak certainly, but I promise you faithfully I think the rod of his own affliction hath made him weary of unquiet humours, and his understanding better the state of foreign courses than many about the King hath opened his judgment so far as for the King's good he would labour to draw him to the best courses he could with the Queen of England. Always, be he saint be he devil, let him bear his burthen. You have, I think, ere this time heard of Pury Oglebye's staying by my lord Willoughby's means, though now he be in the hands of Sir Ro. Carey. Of the man I have heard as evil as I have heard of any, but what they will get out of him, or how the King would have the Q[ueen] dealt withal to stay him or to release him, I pray you let me hear. As for the letter sent by —, it is the first that ever I heard, and in it no matter but very ordinary, though such as promiseth an expectation of more, which I mean to see before I make judgment; and so I pray you when you see him tell him so. For you shall understand that he hath propounded to me sub sigillo confessoris that he might write no more in cipher of his own for being deciphered; but rather to make you the conveyer of those things which he will put into your breast. Agree with him therefore according as you and he shall think meet, but be watchful of this, that never one intelligencer know of another, for you know they will cut one another's throat. As for —, although I find her Majesty resolute to give no pensions in that kingdom, neither indeed do find that any of his advertisements are such that almost the King himself might not hear; yet if you send up a reckoning what sums of money you have laid out by my direction I will see it discharged, and upon my next letters, as I find my purse stored, give you some order to deliver you something from me. I pray you, seeing — is desirous to trust you, let him know that where he thinks — coming hither would do good he will find himself deceived, being one who hath not delivered the best of this State, nor conceived by the Queen to labour anything more than to bring as many of her subjects to private practices as he can, it being well enough known that he was only privy to the plot of—. —departeth out of England the next week for the Low Countries. The peace is made between France and Savoy with many good conditions for the King of Spain, for his brother-in-law the Duke of Savoy hath all his places in Savoy rendered and retaineth the marquisate of Saluser for ever, in lieu whereof the King keepeth the country of Bress, but is contented to be bound that all the King of Spain's soldiers shall at their pleasure come through that country into the Low Countries. So as it appeareth now that he being a wise king loveth peace and embraceth it without imputation; where, contrariwise, the Queen of England, who hath exhausted her treasures, cannot go about to restore her country to peace but it must be scandalised to be a purpose to do injury to others and to bring infamy upon her own actions and counsels by seeking to bequeath her crown and people to be governed hereafter by a branch of that root whereof the whole kind is odious to all Englishmen. To conclude, time which is the mother of truth hath hitherto converted the gayle [gall ?] of their own lips into their own throat who have wrought into the King's mind either so unjust or absurd an apprehension, to the which and to God's providence I commit all things, and so rest.
	Postscript.—I have obtained 20l. a year in reversion from the Queen for you, wherein if you write to any friend you have to attend me or seek out the particulars, I will see it despatched.
	Endorsed :—“Jan. 28 [?] 1600. Minute from my master to Mr. Nicholson.” Draft. 4 pp. (76. 22.)
	Richard Hadsor to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 28.	I have joined lately with Captain Edward Fitzgerald in preferring of a project unto you touching the alliance and descents of the mere Irish; containing likewise some reasons for the not coining of a piece of base money called a white groat now current in Ireland. And if her Majesty shall think fit to give order for the coining of base money for the service of Ireland, and that there shall be exchange received by merchants and such as shall be allowed to disburse money here, in my opinion it is necessary to insert in her Majesty's proclamation for the making current of the base money there, that the same shall be received for all commodities and payments upon any contract made after the proclamation, giving such a convenient time as the Council thinks fit for the payment of such sums of money as are to be paid upon contracts and bonds made before the publishing of her Majesty's proclamation in current money of England, and that order may be taken for giving exchange at Bristol, Chester and London to merchants and such as shall be allowed to exchange money here, for that many of that country merchants shall have no occasion to come to London but only to Bristol or Chester and thereabouts; and the treasurer at wars of that country his paymasters resident in all the chief towns and ports there may upon fit occasions receive the base money to be paid by exchange in one of the said three cities here, which will serve all the merchants and people of that kingdom conveniently. And if her Majesty will be pleased to take eight pence in the pound for exchange, as Mr. Cutts and other merchants of London do receive, it will defray the charges of the ministers to be appointed for the exchange of the same base money.—28 January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 28.	Holograph. 1 p. (76. 22.)
	Thomas Jobson to [William] Temple.
1600/1, Jan. 28.	I have not dissembled the hardness of my estate, neither in the moan I have made to your lord [Essex] nor in the shew that I make thereof to the world. That I should seek relief in that place, having been in a sort alienus a vestra republica, I conceive that I was thereunto directed by the good providence of God, that I might also receive a blessing of that worthy lord, as many in this island have done. This poor boy is the eldest of my children, by whom let me know your mind.—From my poor house at Westminster, 28 January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 28.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Hobson (sic) to Mr. Temple.” 1 p. (83. 70.)
	Christopher Yelverton and Sir Edward Coke to [Sir Robert Cecil.]
1600/1, Jan. 28.	We are given to understand by this bearer, Mr. Vennard of Lincoln's Inn, a gentleman well known to us, that you will procure her Majesty's letter to the Benchers of Lincoln's Inn for his calling to the Bar, so as your Honour may be certified that we have formerly commended him in that behalf. To which effect we have as well written as moved Mr. Solicitor. But the gentleman himself doth most humbly desire that it might grow unto him by her Majesty's favour.—This 28 January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 28.	Signed. ¼ p. (180. 9.]
	Ro. Brerewood, Mayor of Chester, to the Privy Council.
1600/1, Jan. 29.	By my letter of the 27th inst. I have certified your lordships that the soldiers to be transported from this port to Lough Foyle were embarked the 26th, and the next day in the morning made sail and put to sea, where they remained until yesterday in the evening. But by reason of adverse winds the mariners were enforced to return back again and to land the said soldiers in Wirral, where they are “cessed,” and do still remain in expectancy of a favourable wind. Moreover, I have used my best means in the speedy sending of the soldiers away, for I have had a sufficient proportion of sea victuals ready ever since their repair hither, and have embarked them twice and by contrary winds was enforced to unship them again. Any negligence or want of care in me I would rather die than deserve.—Chester, the 29th of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 29.	Signed. ½ p. (76. 23.)
	Lord Grey of Wilton and the Earl of Southampton.
1600/1, Jan. 29.	Extracts from Birch's Memoirs, Winwood's Memoirs, &c., as to the quarrel between the above noblemen.
1600/1, Jan. 29.	Holograph by Murdin. 1½ pp. (76. 24.)
	Thomas Jobson to W. Temple, at Essex House.
1600/1, Jan. 30.	Assures him of the unfeigned love of a poor gentleman, with the daily prayers of a company of poor creatures which lift up their innocent hands to thank God for the comfort likely to come on them by his means. His want pricks him on to lose no opportunity of hearkening after a happy despatch : is to-day to give satisfaction of a little money to a poor woman that nurseth two of his children, which otherwise is enforced to bring them home unprovided. His poor wife being with child, sickly, and destitute of a servant, he prays the loan of 20s. till he shall be able to render it again.—“From my poor house in Westminster, this 30th of January, 1600.”
1600/1, Jan. 30.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (76. 28.)
	Sir John Haryngton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 31.	I was given to understand by Sir John Stanhope both that I am bound to you in general for your good opinion, and particularly that, upon the decease of Dr. James, you did name me as one fit to be a reader to her Majesty. Also, upon your favourable letters when I went to the north to Mr. Attorney of the Wards, he hath been exceeding ready ever since to do me pleasure and much strengtheneth my hope of good success in that business. My best requital is truly to honour you and to make all those in whom I can challenge any interest to do the like, which without any private respect we were bound to do for your open and honourable course in strengthening justice with authority and gracing merits with favour. If you shall proceed to second me with your good word when I shall get her Highness moved for such a place as nature, breeding, and my earnest desire make me think myself fit for, you shall see I count no vice more foul than ingratitude.—This last of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 31.	Holograph. Seal, broken. ½ p. (76. 29.)
	Justice Ger. Comerford to [Sir George Carew,] the Lord President of Munster.
1600/1, Jan. 31.	I have received your letter of the 27th instant the last of the same. Albeit most ready and willing to the uttermost of my power to accomplish the contents thereof, nevertheless it will be most expedient that your lordship draw some forces to the borders of Limerick, and your coming thither would divert the course, now publicly and secretly revealed to the Earl of Thomond and myself, which the Ulster rebels purposeth to hold in coming to the province of Munster and Connaught with all their rabblements, in hope to disturb and draw to their faction the now reclaimed. I beseech your lordship to hearken to the intelligence given to his lordship from divers persons, and if you may draw some forces to a head, Limerick will be the most convenient place to encounter the enemy; and your lordship may at your coming hither, under the pretence of one piece of service, effect the taking of good assurance, and fully supply the contents of the condition inserted in their pardon, which may not be conveniently done without your presence. I purpose, according [to] your direction, to hold the sessions, and with the assistance of the rest to proceed. Only I will defer the sureties till I hear from you, not acquainting any with the doubt conceived. Notwithstanding that the Earl of Thomond, contrary to your direction, is not of the commission of assizes, his lordship will be there to attend your pleasure.—Inishe, ultimo January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 31.	Underwritten :—“A trew copie. George Carewe” 1 p. (76. 30.)
	Edward Suliard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 31.	May it please you to take in good part a few partridges and a pheasant of my hawk's killing, which I make bold to send unto you; sorry they are no more, but hoping another year, through the goodness of your Irish tassel, to send them in more plenty.—From Flemings, the last day of January 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 31.	Holograph. ¼ p. (76. 31.)
	William [Cotton], Bishop of Exeter, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1600/1, Jan. 31.	My humble desire is of your furtherance for the obtaining of an ecclesiastical Commission for my diocese which is so far from London and as large as any almost in England. I seek not my own gain herein, but no doubt her Majesty shall be benefited much thereby, and the intolerable wildness and wickedness of the country in some part amended. His Grace of Canterbury hath acquainted you with his liking hereof by Mr. Dean of Exeter, but his Grace is loth to subscribe to any Commission. I have enclosed a brief of some disorders, (fn. 1) by which you shall see the ground of my earnest request.—From Exeter, 31 Jan. 1600.
1600/1, Jan. 31.	Holograph. ½ p. (85. 1.)
	Considerations preferred to her Majesty's Commissioners, on behalf of Sir Edward Dyer, William Typper and others which were Sir Edward Stafford's creditors.
[1600/1, Jan.]	Refers to the grant made 23 Eliz. to Sir Edward Stafford of a warrant for parsonages impropriate, chantries, guilds, fraternities, and the gift of all advowsons, which should fall in lapse during 60 years : and details the subsequent dealings in connection with it, before and after its purchase by Sir Edward Dyer. The Queen has now appointed the warrant to be executed by Commissioners, which may be his utter overthrow if some honourable course be not taken for him. He prays that they will let him pass again such lands as he already has got under the great seal, yielding two years' fine.—Undated. 2 pp. (186. 34.)
[1600/1, Jan.]	[The Commission issued Jan. 18, 1601. See Cal. of S. P. Dom.].