Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 14, Addenda. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1923.
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'Cecil Papers: January 1597', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 14, Addenda, (London, 1923) pp. 1-9. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol14/pp1-9 [accessed 20 April 2024]
January 1597
| Robert Knoles to the Queen. | |
| [1596–1597?]. | The manor of Taunton and others, Somerset, late parcel of the bishopric of Winchester, were granted to Sir Francis Knoles and his wife, with remainder to petitioner. Prays for warrant to receive the offices and profits thereof during the vacancy of the bishopric, and that the new Bishop shall make a lease of the same for forty years, to be assigned to him.— Undated. ½ p. (1034.) |
| Naval Affairs. | |
| [1596–7?] |
. . . benefit made of this universal contribution,
it is thought good to divide this fleet so as three ships and a
pinnace may be peculiarly employed between the coasts of
Sussex and Ushant; towards which the county wherein you
dwell must contribute. For all four we conceive the charge
will amount yearly to the sum of — besides all kind of
artillery and munition, whereof her Majesty will bear the whole
charge; towards the charge of which four ships her Majesty
recommends to you ( ) country to levy the sum of —.
The better to induce all men's minds to an approbation of this
motion, her Majesty intends that whatsoever is taken that is
good prize shall not only be wholly reserved towards maintenance of that fleet as long as it shall continue, but shall be
absolutely freed from custom and tenths, whereby it is not
unlikely that as this charge is no way expected to be raised
otherwise than by the voluntary contribution of those that are
well affected, so it is hoped this first provision will be the greatest
burden when all things shall be so well ordered as well in the
setting forth of the said ships as in their employment that there
shall not need any new charge after one year, but only the
continuance to bestow that which shall be recovered by the
industry of the servitors in this action. Or if it fall out that
the only gain hereof shall be no more but the prevention of
former losses, in comparison of the damage and dishonour
precedent, a good work, it will either be accounted worthy the
continuing, or otherwise it will lie in the power of those persons
that have been the causes of so good effects to withdraw
themselves from any further burden. Undated. Portion of draft in hand of Munck, Cecil's Secretary. 4 pp. (186. 6.) |
| Agnes Whitwell to Charles, Earl of Nottingham. | |
| [After 1596.] | Is a prisoner on false accusations of using scandalous speeches against him. Prays for her cause to be heard, and for bail or release.—Undated. 1 p. (980.) |
| Robert Whitwell to Sir R. Cecil. | |
|
Prays for warrant, Cecil's letter not being sufficient, for the
discharge of his wife and release of the recognisance.—Undated. ½ p. (975.) |
|
| [The Queen] to Th[omas] Bodeley. | |
| [1596–7, Jan. 3.] |
Where of late we did by our letters will
you to impart both to the States General and the Council of
State, our disposition for the aid of the French King, to have
the use of some of our bands of footmen being there in our pay,
to be by us employed in some service against the Spaniards
that have invaded Bryttany, and to obtain their liking and
assent thereto, wherein we hope you have accomplished our
commandment and obtained also their assent: We do now
for execution of this our necessary purpose, being profitable both
for those countries and ours, but of all others most necessary
for the French King, send our trusty and well-beloved servant,
Sir John Norrice, knight, to renew this our former request to
the States, and consequently to make choice out of all our
companies serving there of the number of 3,000 footmen in
orderly bands, and them to take into his charge, and to conduct
them by sea, as we have directed him. Wherefore, we have
commanded him to make you thoroughly acquainted both with
our commission and instructions; and thereupon our pleasure
is that you shall repair with him to the States and Council and
in all things to the best of your power further the service now
committed to him, according to our commission and your good
advice to procure that the same may be performed with the
good will of the States and of the country, being a matter percase
at the first not plausible, but by such reasons as the said Sir
John Norryce and yourself may use to approve our request,
we hope the same shall have good success: wherein expedition
of time is of most moment to our purpose intended. Endorsed:—"3 Jan. 1596. M. to Mr. Bodley by Sir John Norris." Draft in Lord Burghley's handwriting with corrections. 1 p. (173. 1.) |
| The Duc de Bouillon to Mr. Edmondes. | |
| [1597?] Jan. 12/22. |
Je nay en nulles noles de vous despuis
nostre sesparassion. Vous scaures le commansemant de nostre
guerre ou je chemine par les moyens que je vous ay descourus
lesquels sont sy sansibles aux ennemis que ils tournent la
plus grande partie de leurs forses a moy et sommes pour ne
nous marchander . . (fn. 1) . . sy les ennemis et moy convenons
de dessins. Feites mes excuses a mon second moy mesmes que
j'aime et honore plus que moy, quy est Monsieur le Conte. Je
suis acable de peine, estant tout seul, dieu m'aidera. Feites
moy part des noles que vous aves de vostre royaume et de vostre
reine. Au camp a Brouigne ce 22° janvier. Holograph. 1 p. Addressed "Monsieur Hedmontes, agent de la Royne d'Angleterre pres du Roy." Endorsed (in a modern hand): 22 Jany., 1591, to Mr. Edmonds. |
| [La Fontaine] to [the Queen]. | |
| [1596–7, Jan. 14/24]. |
Selon votre commandement je vous envoie
l'extrait des lettres que j'ai recues de sa Majeste lequel informant la votre tant de l'etat de ses affaires que des preparatifs
et desseins de vos ennemies communes se resout a l'ouverture
qui a ete fait d'une entreprise de place et a une conference
de quelques uns de vos seigneurs avec ladite Majeste. Pour le
premier point j'appris hier par l'audience benigne qu'il vous
plut, Madame, me donner que vos Majestes conviennent au fait
de l'entreprise et en jugent quelle soit a present faisible. Mais
je crains bien fort cependant qu'on sera en controverse de la
main qui la doit garder que l'oportunite s'ecoulera de la sauver,
l'ennemi s'y fortifiant de sorte, qu'a peine se pourra elle jamais
recouvrer, et cependent il s'y batira un des nids de son
ambitieuse tyrannie, des plus dangereux et nuisibles qui
puissent etre pour la France, l'Angleterre, et les Etats tout
ensemble, et le plus propre pour accommoder tant ses pays
et villes qui vous sont ennemies, que ce qu'il y voudra faire
couler, et receuillir d'Espagne comme en un magasin aproprie
a ses desseins. Or, Madame, je ne suis pas si temeraire de
penetrer en la sage moderation de vos conseils, et quant a
ceux du Roi et quelle peut etre sa resolution, votre serenissime
Majeste le pourra mieux juger que moi par ses lettres. Mais
cela pose qui y est couche en termes bien expres que votre
Ambassadeur l'a assuré, que l'intention de votre Majeste
etait, la place etant reprise, qu'elle lui demeurerait, comme
elle lui appartient. Ce lui sera une proposition de condition
nouvelle et etrange, si on lui tient maintenant un autre
langage: joint que sa Majeste ne peut avoir oublie, ce que
je lui mandai par votre commandement a moi signifie par
Mons. Cecil faisant lors sa charge de Secretaire d'Etat, sur la
premier nouvelle du siege de Calais, a savoir que votre Majeste
prenait en mauvaise part qu'on entrait en jalousie d'elle
comme si sous pretexte d'aider ladite place de ses forces elle
pensait s'en emparer, ce qu'elle ne pretendait aucunement
mais seulement en porter son secours tant et si peu qu'on
le jugerait necessaire. Que la place de fait avait cidevant
ete utile a l'Angleterre, quand elle avait des guerres et affaires
a demeler avec la France, mais l'etat present etant tel qu'il
est quand bien ou lors ou en autre temps on s'en pourrait
saisir, que ceux qui plus ont de prudence ne le jugeraient
etre faisible pour le bien de l'Angleterre. Mais surtout Madame,
comme hier je vous touchais, representez vous le Roi (je vous
supplie) tres affectionné a ce qui vous est agreable, vous priant
qu' apres tant d'affection et de bienfaits pour le retablissement
de son Etat, vous ne le jettiez en nouveaux dangers, et de
trouble et de reputation. Madame, votre regne est vraiment
heureux, votre conseil sage, votre autorite vraiment royale,
et suivi d'obeissance pour ce que vos conseils sont bons
salutaires au bien de vos sujets et de votre etat. Mais vous
savez comment le Roi regne, qui l'environne, qui, comment
et a quelle condition on lui obeit, on le suit, on le sert; la plaie
est toute fraiche, les coeurs de plusieurs exulceres mal affectees
regardants l'Espagnol, qui d'affection qui de crainte, notamment
les villes de Picardie. Le Roi sans doute, Madame, vous
prie de n'avoir point si liberalement contribue au salut de
son etat, pour puis apres le precipiter en nouveaux dangers.
Je dis, Madame, des dangers, car outre celui des mecontentment
du peuple et de sa noblesse qui est son bras dextre, il y a celui
de la reputation, car quelles que pourraient conclure et les
sujets et les etrangers sinon que le Roi est en tel desespoir
de sa puissance et du retablissement de son royaume, qu'il
n' a pas juge pouvoir jamais recouvrer et rejoindre cette place
a son etat, sans aider a le recouvrer pour la perdre. Au contraire
l'oeil de votre prudence, peut bien voir, Madame, qu'en cas
que par votre faveur et assistance le Roi puisse recouvrer
cette place, votre Majeste et votre etat en peuvent recevoir
sans aucune danger des utilites signalles. Cette entreprise
rompue, il vous faut avoir pour le Roi votre frere, l'Espagnol
pour voisin voire voisine, tres prochaine. Or, Calais a ete
Francais trente huit ans, ni votre Majeste ni vos sujets n'en
avez recu que toute amitie non plus que du reste de la France;
a present, vous avez un Roi vraiment frere, aime, aimant
constamment, fidele, charge de vos bienfaits, oblige avec
toute la France de contrats et d'alliances; tout cela, Madame,
vous presente une surete tres sure. L'Espagnol y aura il
pris pied ferme, ce qu'il y peut ou qu'il n'y peut pas, et quelle
commodite cette place lui presente de mal faire, cest a votre
sage prudence d'en juger, tant y a que l'ambition, la haine,
la vengeance, lui suggererait de la resolution a quelque prix
que ce soit de s'en servir pour mal faire. Or, Madame, l'utilite
n'est pas petite a votre Majeste d'eloigner un mauvais et
puissant voisin, et d'en approcher un tres ami, a laquelle
utilite vous conjoindrez celle de Messieurs les Etats vos
serviteurs et amis [lesquels], cette place demeurant assuree
entre les mains de votre ennemi commune, n'en peuvent
recevoir que beaucoup d'incommodite et dommage, duquel
ils vous ont fait paraitre desirer grandement d'etre delivres.
Il y a plus, Madame, que accommodant le Roi votre bon frere
pour cette entreprise, et pour peu de temps de vos forces,
il ne vous deniera l'aide de la conjunction des siennes, en ce
qui vous sera agreable, et que vous jugerez vous pouvoir etre
utile. Vous me sembliez hier craindre, Madame, qu'en cas
que la place demeurait en main francaise la perte en serait
aussi apparente et la garde aussi mal assuree que naguieres;
mais votre Majeste se souviendra s'il lui plait que le Roi n'est
point engage en aucun siege, et qu'en toutes sortes il a ses
coudes plus franches et que la place sera mise es mains de tel
gouverneur et de tel choix qu'il deliverera votre Majeste de ce
doute. Et quant aux forces que le Roi fait offre de contribuer
a cette entreprise, votre Majeste ne les trouvera petites si elle
se souvient de ce que je lui ai repute de l'etat de la Bretagne,
Bayonne, Languedoc, Provence, le Dauphine, et la Breste, et
qu'il faut que le Roi tienne un autre camp, pour les raisons
portees par ses lettres; et si en cela votre Majeste requiere
quelque chose de plus ou autrement, cela se pourrait eclaircir
et assurer par la conference. Or cette conference, Madame,
est la second point que je vous ai propose de desir du Roi votre
bon frere, sur quoi la replique de votre Majeste est bien de
consideration, a savoir que la bienseance de votre Majeste ne
porte pas de faire passer de vos principaux seigneurs sans
apparance de resoudre chose d'importance, mais votre
prudence voit bien, Madame, que ce dessein ne requiert pas les
delais de divers messages et passages de la mer et que la conference de vos grands bien instruits de votre volonte pourrait
denouer beaucoup de noeuds et difficultes; et quand rien
pour ce dessein ne se pourrait conclure, il y a deux articles
portes par votre alliance et vos contrats qui requierent
resolution, l'un d'aviser par vos forces communes ce qui se peut
et doit entreprendre sur l'ennemi commun, l'autre quels
princes et Etats on doit convier pour rentrer en votre confederation et alliance, ce que les serviteurs du Roi en Allemagne
disent etre attendu pardela avec bonne esperance. Outre
l'ordre qui doit etre mis pour empecher les depredations
et le dommage qui en rivient aux sujets de votre Majeste
sur lesquelles choses sa Majeste me commande, Madame, de
tirer promptement et lui faire savoir votre reponse, afin sur
cela de faire jugement, et donner cours au pieds de ses affaires;
de quoi pour cette cause, Madame, je ferai tres humble requete
a votre Majeste.—Undated. The original is in S.P. Foreign France, Vol. 39. Endorsed: M. Fon[tan] a sa Mate. Contemporary copy. 2½ pp. (174. 77.) |
| Arthur Gregory to the Queen. | |
| [1597.] [Jan. ?.] |
For a grant of fugitives' concealed lands
and goods.—Undated. ½ p. (853.) |
| Ireland. | |
| [Early in 1597?] | "A breife discovery of my simple conceite of some meanes to withstande the mallice of all forraine potentates against Englande, and the reducing of Irelande to civell obedience." |
| The writer is "resolved that though sundry foreign actions may be undertaken greatly to annoy the enemy and for a time to impeach his said proceeding, yet unless he may be deprived of the benefit of his Indies, or we light upon the like or some other mean to countervail his ability thereby, he will over-sway us at length and make us weary in the end of that which in the beginning may seem both honourable, profitable and safe." | |
|
The charge of an army sufficient for such an action upon his
territories as might constrain him to recall all his employed
forces elsewhere, will prove no small matter—wherein if any
cross success should happen the loss were like to become
unsupportable. If reasonable good success should follow, as
those undertaken by Sir Francis Drake, Sir Jo. Norris, and lastly
by the Earl of Essex, experience teacheth us that the gain as
it hath been and is like to be used, will bring small benefit to
our Commonwealth, saving that for the time it will keep a
number of idle unnecessary members occupied which otherwise
might "caterpill" the same. Holds it most honourable for
us to secure our own dominions. Before we undertake any
foreign action whatsoever (which for many respects in apt time
he wishes should be the recovery of Calais before anything
in the world), he would be glad to hear of some present effectual
course endeavoured for the sure protection of England and the
safe reducing of Ireland. For the former asks that her Highness
would refer the brief discourse he lately presented to her to
the consideration of the Lords of the Privy Council. For the
latter which as the case standeth, seemeth a matter of great
difficulty is in duty moved to shoot forth his simple bolt among
the arrows of most skilful archers which, flying heavily yet
surely, may by the assistance of favourable wind and weather
as soon hit the mark as the light and sharpest shaft. It is
evident that Ireland at this instant standeth in case of a sore
disease, and corrupt extreme sick body, languishing and heaving
for breath, even ready to yield up the ghost. Holds it most
necessary that her most sacred and judgeable Majesty, with her
like grave and experienced council, should consider the causes
of this dangerous disease—and thereby finding out the variety
of the infectious humours, to collect out of the garden and
storehouse of their approved science the most pure and perfect
simples which may be found, and thereof to compound a sound
medicine which without alteration or intermission be given to
the patient by every minister of what condition soever which
from time to time shall be employed in the business. For as
the "skilless" change of salves doth rather corrupt than cleanse
a wound, so hath the mutability of fancies and variable humours
of the deputies, presidents, captains and other inferior officers
of Ireland, some running a wild course, some a more sour, and
some a most severe, and all in the end to no other end than
their particular benefit, so contrarily wrought upon the
inveterate cancer of the Irish long accustomed licentious liberty,
as now the same is given to the fullness of all sensuality and to
a very gangrene in nature. Her Majesty by the advice of her
Council should set down some "plot," strictly to be observed
under most severe penalties, until the ancient Irish impious
customs be utterly abrogated and her Majesty's English government and wholesome laws thoroughly established; so if the true
and principal cause of infidelity and disobedience in the Irishry
to the English government springeth from the hard and
intolerable yoke of oppression, misery and bondage which long
hath been laid upon their necks, it is to be hoped that if those
enormities were effectually remedied, and such conditions
offered as in reason might promise christian peace, piety in
religion, equity in justice and apparent profit, all would most
joyfully embrace the same; whereto that will they nil they
at least may be at length constrained and yet in kind and
courteous manner. His opinion under correction is that being
but labour lost any longer to temporize with them in hope of
their purification by tractable policy, especially at this time
when they build so strong a hope upon the Spanish assistance,
and have masked themselves with the general vizard of papistical
religion, the best course is forthwith to send a competent and
sufficient army thither, which being employed without abuse
in profitable manner, different from all former defiled fashions,
may in all likelihood terrify and quite discourage the foreign
enemy from his intended invasion. Holds it not amiss that
proclamation through the realm should then be made, signifying
that notwithstanding these warlike preparations, if they will
yet dispose themselves quietly to yield, to their unspeakable
happiness, and every subject in his degree be content with the
lawful possession of his own, that then her Majesty will suspend
and wholly restrain her just avenging arm, and so far stretch
forth her hand of mercy towards them as they shall have good
cause to know her to be, as she is, the most loving careful and
gracious princess in the world; and for proof thereof will
presently call a parliament to which all men should have free
and safe access for the deciding of every man's title and establishing accordingly of every man's right, to the end that all
noble men and great men, with their freeholders and tenants
may forever after quietly possess their approved ancient
patrimonies and estates, wherein for the avoiding of all doubtful
questions hereafter amongst themselves, and all unkindness
between her Majesty and them, she holdeth it necessary to take
order that with convenient expedition every chief Lord do
cause their territories so established to be severed and divided
from their bordering neighbours with sufficient boundaries,
and that from thenceforth they do occupy the same according
to the general usage and manner of England as near as may be,
namely, reserving a competent and reasonable portion thereof
for their "demaynes" according to their several callings, and
leaving to the proper use of their freeholders what to them
in right appertaineth; to let and set the rest by copy of court
roll or by lease to their tenants for lives, or so long years as
may encourage them to enclose and manure their tenements
and holdings to their best profit; whereby the chief lords
receiving great rents besides their demesnes may be able to
maintain their estates honorably and worshipfully after a
godly and civil manner, and their tenants to be sure to live
quietly and wealthily under them: and that all motives to the
contrary may be removed, her Highness thinketh it necessary
that all their rymers be suppressed and their forces of horsemen,
gallowglasses, kerne, and other followers, the only sowers of
sedition and maintainers of troubles, discords and other
enormities, be dissolved; and that with one consent they
endeavour to build and re-edify market towns through the realm
six or eight miles distant one from the other, with villages in
places most convenient; and that in convenient time sundry
grammar schools and 2 universities may be founded for the
bringing up of their youth in all kind of godly and virtuous
sciences; and that for the exercise of religion, the use of the
book of common prayer may be established in their cathedral
churches and parishes; and lastly, forsaking and abolishing
all their absurd and impious laws and customs, especially the
Tanys law and variable taking and divorcing of wives, that they
yield unto her Majesty all due obedience, etc. In consideration
whereof her Majesty will make no difference between them and
English subjects in all preferments of honour, office or form
whatsoever, and will withdraw out of the realm and every part
thereof her armed forces and oppressing ministers, and will
establish such laws as, according to the rules of God and law,
may be most proper and answerable to the condition and nature
of the country, and will settle in most convenient places courts
of jurisdictions like unto those of York and Wales. If these
measures take not good effect, then is there no remedy but to
hazard the fortune of war. Indicates in detail the lines on
which warlike operations, etc., should be carried on, and urges
that this or some other more forcible enterprise should be
undertaken by her Majesty in piety towards God, duty to the
world and humanity to her subjects, for that nothing hath long
been more reproachfull to her progenitors (which scandal is
necessary to be removed) than to suffer so fair and manly a
province to continue more barbarous than any under the sun,
and to put the Crown to infinite charge which may yield strength
and profit to the same. Unsigned and undated. 11½ pp. (139. 110.) |
|