Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 15, 1603. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1930.
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'Cecil Papers: June 1603, 16-30', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 15, 1603, (London, 1930) pp. 136-163. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol15/pp136-163 [accessed 27 April 2024]
June 1603, 16-30
| The Earl of Oxford, to his brother-in-law, Lord Cecil. | |
| [1603], June 16. |
His Majesty hath heard his Attorney
General's report as touching mine interest to the keeping of the
forest and park of Havering; and I receiving from you and
my Lord Admiral his resolution, I have sent to Mr. Attorney
to set his hand to my particular. But as I am assured that he
cannot do the same unless he be warranted by six of the Council's
hands, according to a late decree of his Majesty, I most earnestly
desire you, as to the like purpose I have written to my Lord
Admiral, to procure me such a warrant.—This 16 of June. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (100. 99.) |
| Elizabeth, Lady Hunsdon, to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 16. |
Not long since I acquainted you with some
proceedings between Mr. Tregion and myself for a composition
for such portion of his lands as my lord, by our late Queen's gift,
doth now hold, and he by statute of Prœmunire did forfeit unto
her. Of late I am given to understand that he goeth about by
earnest suit to the King, not without slander of our title and
good usage of him, by compulsory means to repossess himself
of that land. Knowing none in Court upon whose favour
I have more confidently relied, if his Majesty refer our
claim with Mr. Tregion's suit to the Council table or to yourself
and some others, I entreat your best assistance in the support
of my title, which by counsel I am informed is well warranted
by the judicial course that hath been held in it: this being the
only grant the Queen bestowed upon my lord for his long service,
and the chief stay whereon I must rest to pay debts, legacies,
and to perform my lord's funerals, if God call him before me.—
Draiton, this 16 of June, 1603. Signed. Seal. 1 p. (100. 100.) |
| Sir Thomas Sherley to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 17. |
I beseech your letter to the ambassador at
Constantinople that by his help my unhappy son Thomas may
be set at liberty and safely conveyed home into England; and
if you mention the King's name only thus far, that you are
assured it will be acceptable to his Highness, I suppose it will
very much avail, and I am assured his Majesty will not be
offended at it, for it doth please his Highness to afford his
gracious favour to me and mine.—This 17 of June, 1603. Holograph. Seal broken. 1 p. (100. 101.) |
| Justice Touneshend to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 17. |
I do understand by my Lord President your
opinion and kindness to assent that his Majesty might have
graced me, but Sir Roger Aston's slowness hath for the present
deferred the matter; and I of force must to my circuit and to
the Council and no longer stay. In this intended offer to alter
the instructions in the Marches by yourself assented unto,
I beseech you have an eye what is done lately by you in the
instructions at York. If there be any of us in fault, as it may
be there is, let him be spared from the place. There are those
sufficient. But to discharge us of our poor 100l. fee and to bring
it to 6s. 8d. per diem during his attendance it may be nothing
in the year; at the most his absence in circuit time and his
liberty at home with his wife and family respected being
defalked out; it will not be 50l. per annum which is a small
recompense and not be at liberty to practice elsewhere as we
are sworn unto, or at least have lost the use of his practice and
clients. Let us attend at his lordship's pleasure, but the fee
to be certain as it is now, and as much good hath grown thereby
for two years as did in twenty before.—This 17 of June. Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (100. 102.) |
| John Crane to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 17. |
His father's bounty to this garrison and care
for the writer causes him to hope for the same bounty from Cecil:
they are a body of soldiers glad to give testimony of their worth
in any employment.—Berwick, 17 June, 1603. Holograph. 1 p. (100. 103.) |
| Lord Cobham to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 17. |
I have received from Dover certain letters
of Irishmen which were there made stay of and sent up unto me
by this bearer, amongst which there is one to the Earl of Tyrone.
By bearer you shall receive the letters, which if you find no
cause to the contrary, this post may then deliver them to the
parties, which I leave to your consideration.—From my house
in Blackfriars, this 17th of July (sic), 1603. Signed. Endorsed: "17 June, 1603." Seal. ½ p. (100. 104.) |
| Lord Cobham to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 17. |
If you have gotten the King's hand for the
dispatch of my business, I would be glad to wait upon you.
One hour I would be very proud of, if before I go, I might have
it with you, for only God knows whether I shall ever live to see
you again, though I thank God I despair not; but all is in His
hands, to whom I leave it. I would very fain go to the Spawe:
it is the kindliest year that came a great while: my physicians
assure me that for ever I shall be free of the stone, which God
is my witness is the disease that I know will most trouble me.
I hope I may go thither without offence, and I hasten the more
because I would take the opportunity of this next month, which
is the best time to be there. God continue his happiness towards
you.—Blackfriars, 17 June, 1603. Holograph. 1 p. (187. 74.) |
| George Nicolson to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 17. |
The King has signed a patent for a pension
for him, for as much as Cecil and Sir George Hume think fit.
Prays Cecil to make him thereby a means to live as her late
Majesty's servant, "and now his Majesty's first servant since
he was King of this nation, as it pleased him to make and call
me, the Sunday morn after Sir Robert Carey's advertising him
of her Grace's death." The King also agreed to continue to
him the entertainment her Majesty gave him of a mark a day,
till he took further order. The King is of a most liberal heroical
spirit and frank mind towards all, and Cecil's good consideration
will well please him. Although Cecil was the means of the
Queen's gift of 400l. to him, yet before he got to London he was
about 400l. in debt, and his estate is lamentable unless Cecil
now helps it. Asks leave to wait on him, and begs dispatch.—
London, 17 June, 1603. Holograph. 1 p. (187. 75.) |
| Lord Mountjoy. | |
| 1603, June 17. |
Letters patent granting to Lord Mountjoy,
Lieutenant of Ireland to the late Queen, for his notable services
in expelling the Spaniards out of that Kingdom and in suppressing rebellions there, and for his zeal in publishing "our right
to the succession of this our crown of England, and quieting of
great tumults begun in Ireland since our coming to the crown,"
Exchequer lands to the value of 200l. yearly and 200l. Duchy
lands.—Greenwich, 17 June 1603. Signed by the King. Parchment. 1 m. (218. 15.) |
| Lord Cobham to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 18. |
A friend of mine brought me these pearls
this morning, the 'losest' price is 12 French crowns the pearl.
If to your liking, I will send the party unto you and make your
own price; if not, I pray you return them by this bearer. I
have received the King's letter, for which I humbly thank you.—
From my house in the Black Friars, 18 of June, 1603. Holograph. ½ p. (100. 105.) |
| The Attorney General (Coke) to the Privy Council. | |
| 1603, June 19. |
With reference to the lards of Charles
Paget, Esq., I did send unto Mr. Francis Neale, his Majesty's
auditor of the county of Derby, in which county all the lands
which escheated to the late Queen by the attainder of the said
Mr. Paget do lie; from whom I received a particular with
certificate that all the lands have been granted for the most
for three lives in the 37th and 38th years of the reign of the late
Queen, and the rest for term of years in reversion. So as the
yearly revenue thereof doth only amount to 94l. 2s. 11½d.—At
the Temple this 19th of June, 1603. Signed. Seal. ½ p. (100. 106.) |
| James Worseley to "Sir Robert Cecil." | |
| 1603, June 19. |
Has written him many letters for the safety
of the realm and his private estate; if Cecil will but permit him
to speak with him, shall have no cause to think himself abused,
as he now imagines.—From Dieppe, 19 June, 1603. Holograph. 1 p. (100. 107.) |
| The Earl of Oxford to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 19. |
I most earnestly desire you to procure an
end of this my suit, in seeking whereof I am grown old and spent
the chiefest time of mine age. There remaineth only a warrant
according to the King's late order.to be signed by the six lords
in commission. The King I hear doth remove to-morrow
towards Windsor, whereby if by your especial favour you do
not procure me a full end this day or to-morrow, I cannot look
for any thing more than a long delay.—This 19 of June. Holograph. Seal. ¾ p. (100. 108.) |
| Lady Barbara Ruthven to the Council. | |
| [1603], June 19. |
Since the King commiserated her unhappy
and hard estate, his clemency has given her great comfort and
joy, and she has desired by ready submission to show herself
worthy so high grace and bounty. She understands his will
is that she shall retire into the country, the choice being left
to her. She has chosen Mr. Scott's house, where she was lately
placed by the Council's direction; as well because its usage is
known to her, as because he is of good report, and of religious
and sober behaviour. She purposes to go there on Tuesday
next, and to remain there till the King's pleasure be known.—
London, 19 June. Holograph. Signed: Barbara Rwthven. Endorsed: "1603." 1½ pp. (187. 77.) |
| Lord Cobham to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 20. |
With the examination of John Moore alias
John Kitchen, taken by the Commissioners of passage at Dover,
I have also sent you the party himself. Likewise the letters
brought over by Andrew Baylly the priest, which were laid by
and till now I could not find. May the bearer be paid his
charges.—From my house in Blackfriars, this 20th of June,
1603. Signed. Seal. ¼ p. (100. 110.) |
| The Enclosure:—Examination of John Moore, aged 20 years; Dover, 16 June, 1603. | |
| Was born at St. Germans in Cornwall. His father being dead five years past and leaving him no maintenance, hath since employed himself at the sea in divers voyages. In July last went in a pinnace with Sir William Monson, and being in danger to be castaway by shipwreck off the coast of Spain, was by one Isack an Englishman carried into Barbary; thence by a Fleming brought to Flushing; thence he travelled by land to Antwerp, Brussels, Douai, Mons, St. Omer, and so to Calais, whence he was transported in a French bark amongst other passengers to Dover. Touching his religion, will not make answer till he come to some other place. Will not take the oath of his Majesty's supremacy. | |
|
There were found about a bed in the chamber where he was
lodged in Dover certain papistical books, pictures, beads, reliques,
certificates from priests and others, and a letter in his behalf
from Sir William Stanley signifying that he came from Rome,
being desirous to serve in the wars, and was commended to Sir
William Stanley by Father Parsons and Mr. Fitzherbert; all
which he denied to be his or belonging to him, till being told he
should have them again if they were his he confessed and took
his oath they were his. Further, saith his name is not John
Moore as he first informed, but John Kitchin, according to a
certificate of his absolution by Philip Harrison, a penitentiary
of the Pope, printed at Rome; which certificate was amongst
the papers and books found in his chamber. Also confesseth
that he hath been at Rome. Refuseth to set his hand to this his confession. Signed: John Bacheler, deputy to the mayor, and by four others. 1 p. (100. 109.) |
|
| John [Jegon], Bishop of Norwich, to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 20. |
I recommend myself to your accustomed
good acceptance, craving pardon for my long and rude silence.
Howsoever my good esteem hath been impugned with you, I
will ever be most thankful for your favour, in token whereof
I present to you this poor patent and gratuity.—At Norwich
Palace, June 20, 1603. Signed. ⅓ p. (100. 111.) |
| Fr[ances], Lady Burgh, to her kinsman, Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 20.] |
I understand by the return of my petition
from the King it hath pleased him to refer it to my Lord
Keeper, Lord Treasurer, yourself and Sir George Hume,
wherein a very great good to the furtherance of my suit
will be the report of my husband's services done our late
Sovereign, which I perceive his Majesty will be willing to
hear; and none can better report that than yourself. I beseech
you the King may be fully satisfied by you of his worthiness in
all employments. If his Majesty grant me the full number set
down in my petition, it will yield no overplus, or very little,
for I find that the best sort will not exceed 20l. apiece and of
those but few; the other sort some 10l., some 6l., some five
pounds apiece, and of them the most number. So that in the
account it will easily appear how this suit will answer my
necessity, which am greatly indebted by suits about my lord's
estates since his death, and present charge. The best were
made denizens during such time as the Queen's Majesty yielded
her gracious grants to my Lord Chancellor Bromley, and after
to Sir Christopher Hatton. Those that then obtained that
benefit with great sums have left their wealth to their children,
who remain free born: so that now not any of much worth are
to be found for me, but only such of the meanest sort, whereof
some, of their own motion, to do me good, have offered themselves, desiring it for the freedom of their consciences, and in
hope of the King's peaceable government to become his grace's
subjects. By the denization of which the King shall be nothing
impeached in his customs, for notwithstanding that grace they
shall pay by accustomed order, double customs, as they did
before. Besides the benefit that may accrue to me hereby
is uncertain, for I know not yet where to have the fourth part
of the number set down in my petition, but must attend time
as I may hereafter find them out, so that when I have his
Majesty's grant it will rather become a yearly benefit to me,
till the number be run out, than a present relief, and so thereby
must stall my debts accordingly. Signed. Endorsed: "20 June, 1603." 1¼ pp. (130. 112.) |
| Henry Lock to the Same. | |
| [1603, June 20.] | The necessity of the times concurring with my fortune inforces my return to my wonted refuge of writing, as least troublesome to you and best fitting the passions accompanying my estate. As to the world's eye, it is alike evil to be really or supposed criminous, so to me not to receive some favour now is a manifest commination of disgrace and ruin. I hope, if you vouchsafe only to give me a fit and peaceable access to his Majesty, to make appear not only that my former employments were honourable in their objects, as they proceeded from her Majesty of blessed memory and the State, and were faithfully discharged; but that they were profitable to his Majesty, and such as though a Scottish King might chance distaste, a King of England might well regard if not reward. |
|
I omit my particular deserts, as not decent to be enumerated
to my sovereign; but I know (if others have not deckt themselves with my plumes) it will appear I was not the last or least
that strawed the branches of palm in his princely way. I
must appeal a Philippo irato ad Philippum pacificum by your
mediation. To you only I presume to recommend my first
flight in this new world. Holograph. Endorsed: "20 June, 1603." 1 p. (100. 113.) |
|
| Sir Edward Coke, Attorney General, to Lord Cecil. | |
| [1603, June 20.] |
Upon conference had by your commandment with a far wiser man than myself, we both (and yet we
challenge some understanding in it more than vulgar) were
never so puzzled in anything in our lives as we were in that
which this enclosed will express unto you. For my own part
I think it full of impossible difficulty and difficult impossibility,
accompanied with danger and inconvenience. I found no
opportunity to attend you yesterday, and therefore I thought
it my part to impart it by this means, lest you might think
me unmindful of anything that may concern you.—Undated. PS.—I pray you let me have a copy of it, for I will not trust any man I have with it, lest you might mislay it. Holograph. Endorsed: "20 June, 1603." 1 p. (187. 78.) |
| Lady Ellen McCartie to the Same. | |
| 1603 [c. June 21.] |
I beseech your lordship to have a true
understanding of my most miserable estate by the stay of that
small pension her Majesty did allow me; which, God knows, was
an allowance no way answerable to my charge, by reason whereof
I am so far indebted as there is not any man will credit me either
for houseroom or any sustenance of meat or drink, so that I
am even ready to perish for want. I beseech you to have
compassion and a true feeling of my lamentable case. I formerly
acquainted you of a letter Sir Thomas Lake delivered in my
behalf to the King; his Majesty's answer was very gracious
and wished there should be a due respect had of me with speed,
but he said that he could not absolutely dispose of such pensions
without your lordship's and the rest of the Council's advice.
In regard I cannot have speedy hearing of my petition at the
Council table, in the mean time, my present wants being so
great, would you speak or write to the Lord Treasurer that I may
receive my old pension according to the true meaning of her late
Majesty's letters patents, which yet standeth in force as I am by
my counsel assured. All my hope dependeth upon your favour
that you will be the best means to the raising of my pension. [A pension of 150l. and gratuity of 50l. were granted 21 June, 1603; see Calendar of S.P. Ireland under date]. Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (102. 144.) |
| The Countess of Southampton, to the Earl, her husband. | |
| 1603, June 21. | This letter enclosed I purposed when I writ it Sir Francis Darcy should have brought you; but now his stay is so long as I begin to think he shall no more be suffered to come where you are, and therefore I take the opportunity this bearer gives me of sending unto you, that I love as my soul, and everlastingly will. Send to me as soon as you possibly may, for I extremely long for such like assurance as I have already received from you of your perfect well being.—Chartly, the 21 of June. |
| PS.—The date of this enclosed letter is so old as I might well forbear to send it you, but having once meant it to you I cannot alter from that purpose. | |
|
Your daughter Penelope, who next you is my chief joy, is
very well. I hear of her beauty and fair grey eyes in all my
Lord Rich's letters hither, and much joy to hear so; but I fear
you do not so because I have in many letters sent you word of
it and I cannot have a word again from you of her. Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (100. 116.) |
|
| Sir Edward Wynfield to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 21. |
I am sorry more for my loss of liberty
because I cannot do my duty to you than for anything else.
I am a suitor to the King and have been so these three weeks.
The King bad me seek out somewhat to do me good, which I
did and sent it his Majesty; he did willing seem to grant it,
referring it to my lords of the Privy Council, but yet nothing
is done. The King is removing, and if it be not dispatched
before, I am undone. Dear lord, as ever you did love me, now
stick unto me; one kind word from your mouth will make me
for ever. My cousin Moyle will acquaint you with my suit.—
From the Fleet, the 21 of June. Holograph. ½ p. Seal. (100. 117.) |
| Charles Topclyffe to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 21. |
On the King's birthday, June 20, the Queen,
at Worksop Manor, showed herself in the sight of many most
honourable persons, to the comfort and joy of many; and took
Cecil's little son in her blessed arms and kissed him twice, and
bestowed a jewel on him, tying it herself in his ear. The gentleman's behaviour was admired of all beholders, manly and
graceful. After his Lord and Prince had danced, the Queen
commanded such of his age as attended him to dance; but no
one taking it on them, Cecil's son stepped forth in comely and
lowly manner, and took out the young sweet Princess, and danced
his galliarde. The excellence of his spirit and grace helped what
he wanted in the exercise of dancing.—Worsop, 21 June, 1603. Holograph. Endorsed: "Topcliff his letter, with other matters of recusancy." 1 p. (187. 79.) |
| Lord Buckhurst to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 21. |
You shall never need to excuse to me either
your hasty or slow writing. My assurance of and to you is and
ever shall be such as it needs no compliments. My Lord Keeper
and myself purpose to-morrow to ride to Windsor, and the next
day, being Thursday, to find out the King and Queen at the
place of dining. The cause is there to do our duties to the
Queen, the Prince and Princess, all the world flying beforehand
to see her. Now if our resolution be not good, but that any
other course for us be better, I pray you advise us, and we,
when you are to come in to the Chancery or Chequer, will then
advise you; and in this we will follow your advice. The
whole end of our purpose and desire is to do our duties
to the Queen and Prince before she come to Windsor.—This
Tuesday, 1603. Holograph. Endorsed: "June 21. L. Threr." 1 p. (187. 83.) |
| Thomas Blundeville to the King. | |
| 1603, June 22. | I crave leave to reveal a most high and horrible treason intended by certain of those our Jesuits which were last sent over to Calais, who have conspired the death of your Majesty and all your posterity. It may please you to send secretly for one Francis Burnell, called Captain Burnell, who hath a nephew called also Burnell, at this present harbinger to your Majesty, as he was to our late Queen, and straitly to charge him to reveal such conference as he had with Francis Tylleston alias Lawson, one of the said Jesuits, as well at Harwich in the town as in your Majesty's ship the Lion lying at anchor in the roads, the captain whereof is one Turner, and the name of him that had commission to carry the said Jesuits to Calais is Bowes. Before whom the Jesuit did not only reveal the conspiracy by mouth but did set it down in writing, directing his letters to Sir Robert Cecil and the rest of the Council; in which he also declared how many of the Council were pensionaries to the King of Spain. If Captain Burnell be loth to reveal the whole truth, at least he may reveal to you so much as he told me in mine own house; which he saith he had before revealed to some of the Council, and specially to those to whom the said Jesuit's letters were directed and sent up by Bowes. |
|
I have heard your Majesty hath much admired at the discourse of a young councillor never exercised in martial affairs,
made before you touching the matters of Holland and Zeland,
which discourse I think was chiefly borrowed by sight of a letter
written by that valiant soldier Sir John Norris unto the Queen
a little before his going into Ireland; the true copy whereof
I send enclosed.—From Newton Flotman, 22 June, 1603. Holograph. Seal. 1¼ pp. (100. 118.) |
|
| Lord Lumley to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 22. |
I perceive from Sir Thomas Lake that the
privy seal is past which was tendered to the King touching the
charges of these grounds, for which I most heartily thank
you.—From Nonsuch, this 22 of June. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (100. 119.) |
| Richard Cliffe. | |
| 1603, June 22. |
Pass by Lord Cecil for Mr. Richard Cliffe,
going into France to learn the language, with a man and guide.
—From the Court at Greenwich, this 22 of June, 1603. Underwritten: Passed for Calais with Thomas Harmon the 13th of August, 1603. Copia vera: Gyles Knyght, deputy searcher. Copy. 1 p. (100. 120.) |
| The Earl of Cumberland to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 23. |
This bearer Renould Bye hath long served
me honestly, which makes me give more respect to his words.
He hath even now told me a matter of so great importance that
I must entreat you to speak with him presently and privately,
for it falls out with me as well I cannot come to the Court,
being to go out of the town about 2 o'clock.—This 23 of June. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (100. 121.) |
| Richard Hadsor to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 23. | Sir Neile Garve Odonell desireth access to you and your accustomed favour and such favour of his Majesty as her Majesty intended unto him; and that he may not be in worse condition than the most capital late rebels of that kingdom are. I understand he hath been the most faithful servitor of the mere Irish to her Majesty; and that before his coming to Sir Henry Docwra, as I am informed, having four thousand foot and two hundred horse upon his landing at Lough Foyle, the rebels had taken many of his horse and environed the army so as they could not be supplied with firewood or other necessaries by land without danger, and after Sir Neile's submission to the state and his joining with 300 foot and 100 horse of his followers with Sir Henry Docwra (which companies he hath kept hitherto in the service, having but half the ordinary English entertainment for them) he found further means for their entrance into the country of Tyrconell and took Castle Leffer, Donegal, and other the principal places in Tyrconell, and killed Odonell's brother, and hath done such service against Tyrone and Odonell as Tyrone told me this day he hath undone himself and them. |
| The principal matters objected against Sir Neile are that he had conference and conspired with Odonell before his going to the Spaniards to Kinsale; and that he called himself Odonell, and broke out of prison in April last from Sir Henry Docwra. | |
| Whereunto Sir Neile answereth that he being with his said companies of horse and foot with six English companies of foot at Donegal was besieged there two months by Odonell immediately before the landing of the Spaniards; and having victualled the said companies during that time upon his own charge, Odonell moved him then to join with him, wherewith he acquainted Sir Henry Docwra, who gave him direction for the gaining of time, the forces being in some distress, to entertain the motion; of the success whereof Sir Henry Docwra had intelligence from time to time and so Odonell's expectation was frustrate. And upon the landing of the Spaniards Odonell raised his siege and went unto them, whereupon Sir Neile took in the monastery of Essero within musket shot of Bellashanin [Ballyshannon], and also the island of Ennisever, adjoining the place where ships lie at anchor under the castle of Ballyshannon; and soon after furthered the taking of Ballyshannon after the overthrow of the Spaniards. | |
| And touching the title of Odonell, the Lord Lieutenant called him Odonell in sundry his extant letters in the lifetime of the late Odonell, as likewise her Majesty called him chief of his name in the Custodiam granted unto him under the great seal of Ireland of the country of Tyrconell. At the request therefore of his followers upon the death of Odonell in Spain he took upon him the name, having better right thereunto than any other of his family; which being not capitally inhibited he conceived would not be offensive to the state. | |
|
For the breach of prison Sir Neile told Sir Henry Docwra
at the time of his imprisonment upon notice of her Majesty's
death and the publishing of his Majesty's right, that he served
the Queen faithfully and would not forget his duty to his Majesty,
and that he should have any pledge in his country besides both
his sons, one of his brothers and 7 other pledges which were then
answerable for his good behaviour. Which Sir Henry Docwra
refused to accept, and Sir Neile fearing some hard measure to
be offered unto him and that his followers should be discontented
or prejudiced, notwithstanding his innocency, he made an
escape; and immediately after his departure advertised Sir
Henry Docwra that he would carry himself dutifully and go
to the Lord Deputy and give him such other pledges as he would
demand, and sent him his other brother as a pledge. Whereby
it appeareth he had no purpose to show himself disloyal to the
State, who having lost three of his brothers and divers kinsmen
and followers in her Majesty's service, and being Shane Oneile's
daughter's son of a contrary faction to Tyrone, being raised will
weaken Tyrone; and Rory Odonell, brother to the late Odonell
and uncle to Tyrone his son being advanced, Tyrone will be
as great in the northern faction as formerly he hath been.—23
June, 1603. Holograph. 2¼ pp. (100. 122, 123). |
|
| Sir Richard Musgrave to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 23. |
Being come to this place as deputed from
my lord lieutenant of these counties I have committed a hundred
and threescore notable and arch offenders, which I have all
under safeguard to the settled quietness of this country. All
which doings though by the instructions of my lord lieutenant,
yet the passage thereof hath so far crossed the designs of the
la[ird] of Johnston, a late commissioner here, as he could not
contain himself by any wit or discretion, but manifested his
affection in the behalf of the bad ones; and his ill will to me
he doth not conceal. Hearing the l[aird] hath especially this
day directed away his man to the Court, with what information
I know not, I do presume to promise to give good account of
that I have done, having done nothing but that my lord bishop
of Carlisle and Mr. Charles Hales his Majesty's commissioners
here were eye-witnesses of.—Carlisle, 23 June, 1603. Holograph. Seal broken. 2/3 p. (100. 125.) |
| Sir William Cornwallis to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 23. |
Coming to the Court yesterday to attend
upon you, I found no opportunity, and this [day] I am riding
towards the Queen. I moved you in a matter for my father
without his privity. His years yield no longing to go up the
stairs. But if that may not be I beseech you lay by that
conceit. For though there be only one herb named filius ante
patrem, because it brings out the flower before the leaf, yet
I see it prosper or commended in a few gardens. But if you
could allow of the ordinary course of herbs, and let me spring
out of a root reared a little higher, I and my house should account
it an obligation perpetual. If not so, yet set me in some
place that may grace my grey hairs, and if not help to repair
the ruins of courting expenses in the last time may yet stay me
from running further in this.—From Highgate, this 23rd of
June, 1603. Holograph. 1 p. (100. 126.) |
| Thomas Ferrers to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 23. |
His Majesty upon Tuesday last referred
consideration of my petition to you, which petition, with a brief
of my services and disbursements, I herewith present.—Greenwich, 23 June, 1603. Signed. ½ p. (100. 127.) |
| Thomas Packer to the Same. | |
| [1603, June 23.] |
As I have hitherto attended on the Privy
Seal under the banner of your favour, I beseech your protection
of my suit unto his Majesty for the fourth reversion of a clerk
of the Privy Seal; and that it may please you to give your
testimony on my bill of my sixteen years employment in the
said office. Holograph. Endorsed: "23 June 1603." ¼ p. (100. 128.) |
| Sir Theobald Dillon to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 23. |
I had a great desire these two years past to
come to see you, but my Lord Lieutenant would not license
my absence from my employment until now the Lord Deputy
and Council, considering my great losses and chargeable service
in these troubles, wrote in my favour to your honours, which
letters I have not yet delivered, expecting to have spoken with
you. The copy of the letter is enclosed. I see you are so busied
that I am loath to be troublesome, and will attend your leisure.
In the mean time I fear those rebels that did me great hurt
for my often serving upon them, and for not hearkening to their
traitorous offers, shall speed better than I shall do, that lost
both my kinsmen, goods, and houses and castles burnt and
razed to the ground.—23 June, 1603. Signed: Theo. Dillon. 1 p. (187. 80.) |
|
The Enclosure:—Lord Deputy and Council of Ireland to the
Council. Praying their favourable consideration of Sir Theobald
Dillon, an ancient and principal servitor here, who for many
years served the late Queen very chargeably, and with the loss
of many of his kinsmen and friends, and who by reason of the
last rebellion has sustained great hindrance, by the waste of
his lands, and breaking down of his houses and castles, which he
maintained upon his own costs to impeach the passage of the
rebels.—Dublin, 7 June, 1603. Signed: Adam Dublin, F. Stafford, George Cary, Ric. Winfield, Edmund Pelham, Anth. Sentleger and Geff. Fenton. Contemporary Copy. 1 p. (187. 81.) |
|
| Walter Frauncis, Mayor of Dartmouth, to Sir Thomas Ridgewaie. | |
| 1603, June 23. |
Sends following copy of a letter sent from
St. Malos to the Lieutenant of Guernsey, from the Lieutenant
to the Mayor of Plymouth, and so to him. Dartmouth, 23
June, 1603. Holograph. (187. 82.) |
|
The Enclosure:—Here are in this town three traitors,
whereof two are Englishmen, the other an Irishman, all bound
for England. They come out of Spain and are Jesuits, men that
are greatly to be doubted, for one is the chiefest of all English
Jesuits, and withal they have great store of letters. I pray
you acquaint Mr. Lieutenant, and keep it to yourself. If any
such like men happen to come to the islands, you shall do the
King great service to apprehend one of them. The one goes
as a French gentleman, and has two men waiting on him. I
have not seen him, but it is credibly reported to me. The other
I have seen, his name is Blackwell. The other has a green
cloak and a cut doublet of fustian, with lace like a merchant,
and has a hare lip. The other is the Irishman and his name is
Jackson, and has a grey cloak. But all these marks may be
altered. They have letters. They have spoken horrible words
since their coming here, and are going over to England about
some great villainy against our realm.—St. Malos, 4 June, 1603. Unsigned. 1 p. (187. 82.) |
|
| Lord Cobham to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 23. |
This enclosed I have deferred, hoping that
before this I should have seen you. If it be to your liking I
pray return it, and under my hand and seal you shall receive
it. One thing more let me entreat, that you will procure a
letter from some of the lords unto Mr. Attorney, and that in
his Majesty's name, to have care of the suit now depending
betwixt me as Warden of the 5 Ports and Mr. Herdson, and
any other cases hereafter that may concern that office; that
which is maintained by me is but the right of the crown. It
will make him the more careful, and the like commandment
from our dear and worthy mistress he received. I am assured
yourself was by when she spake unto him about it. I hope
I shall see you to take my leave of you.—From my house in
the Black Friars, the 23 of June, 1603. Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (100. 124.) |
|
The Enclosure:—Letter nominating Cecil during his absence
to his place of Warden of the Cinque Ports.—From my house
in the Black[Friars], 24 June, 1603. Signed. Seal. 1 p. (100. 130.) |
|
| Sir William Waad to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 24. |
His Majesty being pleased to allow such
suits for some of her ancient servants, as in her lifetime her late
Majesty had given consent unto; I being in that predicament
did present my petition by the Master of Requests, whom my
late dear Sovereign bad assure me, before my sickness, of her
good pleasure therein, as he will certify you. My suit was the
same Sir Thomas Wilkes obtained chiefly by your means;
and I know the only stay I obtained it not long sithence grew
by reason her Majesty was not resolved of the Chancellor
of the Duchy. You I hope will remember what gracious
words her Majesty used to you two several times at Sir William
Clerke's in the late progress, of her princely and earnest desire
to relieve me, expressing her favour in such words as is not fit
in modesty for me to set down; and a little before at my Lord
Keeper's house at Harfield she willed me to take knowledge of
your good favour in putting her in remembrance of me, as I
did. His Majesty hath referred me and my suit to my good
lords, as the Master of the Requests will make report. I pray
your good word and furtherance, my long service and her
Highness's gracious mind being known unto you.—24 June, 1603. Holograph. Seal. 2/3 p. (100. 131.) |
| Bennett [Corpus Christi] College, Cambridge. | |
| 1603, June 25. |
(1.) The Archbishop of Canterbury to Lord
Cecil.—It seemeth from this petition enclosed that his Majesty
hath again referred the hearing of the controversy in Bennet
College, touching the election of the Master to you and me.
And because opportunity serveth not for us to meet in any
convenient time, and the poor man Mr. Middleton hath to his
great charge long attended here, I thought good to signify
unto you the state of the whole cause. The writing whereunto
the doctors have set their hands, Mr. Middleton hath delivered
unto Lord Henry Howard. My opinion is that Jegon's election
is void and that this man, Middleton, is in divers respects
fitter for that place and I suppose that the best of that University are of the same opinion, and all circumstances considered,
I take his election to be good and him to be Master here, but
it may be thought I am something partial in this action, though
you know I have done good for evil. Therefore I refer the
further consideration of the matter to you and the resolution
to his Majesty.—Croydon, the 25 June, 1603. Signed. ½ p. (136. 114). |
|
(2.) The Fellows to Lord Cecil.—Wanting opportunity of
access to him after long attendance, assure Cecil of their duty
and affection towards him. Seal. Endorsed: "Fellows of Bennett College to my master. 1603." (136. 115.) |
|
|
(3.) Petition of the Society of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.—In desiring to satisfy his Grace and Cecil concerning
the validity of their election, attended with their counsel at
his Grace's appointment on Monday last at Lambeth, where
they hoped and desired Cecil's presence but instead his Grace
was assisted by three civilians, his own officers, who seemed as
earnest against them as their adversaries, and as they were
informed had before set their hands against their election.
Before them they answered by their counsel such objections as
were made against their election, and at last his Grace referred
the further hearing of the case to his said officers. By this
manner of proceeding, a judicial course seems to be used by
his Grace before such persons, whom they cannot hope to be
indifferent hearers. Pray Cecil as their Chancellor, that they
neither be driven to have their cause here examined in judicial
course, contrary to their oaths and privileges, nor to be heard
before such persons, from whom they can expect small
comfort. Their assigned counsel, Dr. Styward and Dr. Creke,
have under their hands confirmed their election to be right
and lawful. 1 p. (136. 116.) |
|
| Lord Cecil to Lord Treasurer Buckhurst. | |
| 1603, June 26. |
Where[as] your lordship is formerly warranted
by privy seal to pay unto me 200l. quarterly for matter of
espial; I pray you give order for the payment of the 200l.
now due for this Midsummer quarter, to be delivered to the
bearer.—From the Court at Windsor, this 26 of June, 1603. Endorsed: "The Lord Cecil, for 200l. due at Midsummer for intelligences." Signed. Seal. ½ p. (100. 133.) |
| Lady Arabella Stuart to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 26. |
From Sheen, the 26 of June, 1603. Holograph. Seal broken. 2/3 p. (100. 134.) [Printed: Bradley's Life of Arabella Stuart, Vol. II. p. 179.] |
| Lord Treasurer Buckhurst to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 26. |
Since the writing of this other letter unto
you, these examinations and letter from a justice of peace in
Sussex is sent unto me. Because they touch so highly the
honour of the Majesty deceased I am fearful to deal therein
without your advice. If I should follow mine own mind, these
foul speeches by rogues and rascals of kings should never come
in public question, but he that is bound to appear should never
be called for, but forgotten. 26 June, 1603. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (100. 135.) |
| John Martyn, Mayor of Plymouth, to the Privy Council. | |
| 1603, June 26. |
Our town of Plymouth being a poor maritime
town, the state of the same hath and doth chiefly depend upon
merchants and fishermen adventuring and trading to the
Newfoundland and other places beyond the seas in amity
with our late Queen; whereby not only many poor people
are and have been set a work and relieved; but also many
good mariners have been bred that have done good service in
her Majesty's royal ships. Now of late since our late Queen's
death, there do daily resort hither such a great number of
sailors, mariners and other masterless men, that heretofore have
been at sea in men of war, and being now restrained from that
course do still remain here and pester our town which is already
overcharged with many poor people. And some of them do
daily commit such intolerable outrages as they steal and take
away boats in the night out of the harbour and rob both English
and French, which will tend to our and others' utter undoing.
Therefore we beseech you some speedy order may be taken for
redress thereof, and that these disordered persons by your
warrant be commanded to repair to their dwelling places,
that there be no hurt done to any in league with his Majesty.—
Plymouth, 26 June, 1603. Signed. Two seals. 1 p. (100. 136.) |
| J. Linewraye to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 26. |
On Friday, in the absence of Sir George
Harvye, he received from the Council a warrant for delivery
of munition for Ireland. The proceedings in the same are
defective, the greatest part being emptions to be provided with
ready money by privy seal, and the charges of freight and
transportation wholly omitted. Without allowance for these
they are not able to perform the service. He has therefore
caused the schedule to be set out with the value thereof, distinguishing the emptions from the store, with a warrant and
privy seal made thereupon, being the accustomed course, which
he has delivered to Sir George Bourcher, and leaves to Cecil's
consideration.—Tower, 26 June, 1603. Holograph. |
|
Endorsed with the following names: "Mr. Temple, Joh.
Dycheman, Sir Rob Jhonson, Mr. Wentworth, Mr. Ja. Symple,
Sr Gawen Harvy, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Basell, Mr. Kerkam,
Archb. of York." 1 p. (187. 84.) |
|
| Sir Thomas Fane to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 27. |
This afternoon about 2 of the clock the
Marquis Rhosny came to Dover, and about 5 of the clock I
received your packet with a packet therein directed to Mons.
Rhosny, which I caused to be delivered unto him without
delay.—Dover Castle, 27 June, 1603. Signed. ⅓ p. (100. 132.) |
| Sir Lewis Lewkenor to the Same | |
| 1603, June 27. | Standing this night upon the pier with Mons. de Rhosny a packet of letters was delivered unto him by Mr. Manwood, wherein amongst others was one of his Majesty's own hand to the French King with this superscription:—"A mon trescher frere le Roy treschretien"; which did put him into such exceeding passion that I was bold to demand the cause of his so sudden alteration, which he frankly confessed unto me to proceed from that manner of his Majesty's writing, in regard that the French King had written a Monsieur mon Frere, &c.; and thereupon he instantly requested me with all secrecy and speed to dispatch a messenger to the Court for the reformation of this error (as he called it), and that it would please his Majesty to write a letter with correspondent style to the same which he had formerly received and that you would send it after him with all possible speed, for he cannot deliver this which he hath received to the King his master without great scandal to his master and imputation to himself, as he saith. He hopeth such diligence shall be used that the new letter shall overtake him before his arrival at Paris, being determined to linger his journey of purpose. He desireth that this reformation, if there be any, may not seem by any means to come from any complaint or mediation of his. Sir, I refer all to your consideration and have written this being by him thereunto entreated earnestly. He intendeth to embark to-morrow by 4 o'clock in the morning. |
| We have news that the Spanish ambassador departed from Brussels on Thursday last towards Gravelinge. I intend to stay here to-morrow and to attend the return of our ships that do convoy M. de Rhosny to Calais, Captain Barken (Bacon) having promised me to use his best diligence to enquire out the certainty when he intendeth to be at Gravelinges. There hath been since our departure from Gravesend many fightings and woundings among the French. In all occasions here for his Majesty's service I have found that exceeding readiness and chargeable attendance in Mr. Peter Manwood, the high sheriff, that I cannot but recommend him to you: for in truth, without his help and extraordinary diligence, this and the former services had been very lamely performed.—27 June, 1603. Dover. | |
|
PS. Mons. de Rhosny was so nettled that while I was writing
this letter he came to my chamber and writ there with my
paper and ink a letter to the ambassador Beaumont, which he
entreated to send away with mine; which I have done. Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (100. 137.) |
|
| John Gage to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 28. |
Because you commanded me to acquaint
Mr. Blackwell with your pleasure to speak with him, getting
no commodity to speak with him I did my best endeavour by
letter, and he hearing that I was to answer before my lord
bishop of London for conveying his letter, sent to me to understand the issue thereof. Since, I have received an answer of
my letter from him, by whom sent or from whence I am wholly
ignorant, the letter being sent to my wife in my absence. I
send you a true copy of my letter to him, and his answer. I
durst not come myself to the Court, because the sickness is not
far from my lodging, although I hope I am in no danger thereof.
Since my being before you I have omitted no diligence to find
out Mr. Anthony Coply, but as yet hear not of him; his brother
with many oaths assured me that he saw him not these three
weeks, neither knoweth where to hear of him. If I can find him,
or learn farther of any practices against his Majesty or the
state, I will forthwith repair to my lord bishop of London
holding it my duty to reveal all disloyal attempts.—28 of June. Signed. Seal. 1 p. (100. 139.) |
|
The Enclosure:—John Gage to Rev. Mr. Blackwell. It hath
been my hap lately to be before Lord Cecil, my lord of
London. and other Scottish lords as I took them to be,
there to answer what I knew touching any practice against
his Majesty or the state, by reason that I knew (as there
I confessed) that I was privy to a letter written by you in
general terms, the contents whereof were as I remember
that you understanding some intemperate persons grew
discontented by reason that the King, contrary to expectation, took the money for recusancy, and hearing of some
attempts to be made—but by whom or in what sort being
wholly ignorant—you had written a letter to advise, and
in as much as in you lay to command all priests that were
obedient to you to labour to give stay and restraint to all bad
attempts practised in the places of their abodes. I am charged
to say how I was privy to this letter, and have confessed that I
sometimes see you and hear from you by letters, and acknowledged that I had delivered so much to Mr. Barneby in message
from you. But because all that I can say will not persuade the
Lords but that you knew some particular reason why you
wrote in that manner, I am required to produce yourself, having
for your security the word and reputation of Lord Cecil that
you should with all safety be dismissed again after some conference had with you. To which I answered that I knew not
where to find you; and being then bid to write to you, I
promised I would; and therefore give you to understand that
if it please you to adventure I hope you shall find nothing but
good performance of his promise. But I refer the resolution
to your own discretion, craving for my answer to his lordship
your speedy return of letter. Copy. 1 p. (100. 138.) |
|
| Lady Ellen [Mc]Carty to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 28. |
Whatsoever good is done me I do and must
ever acknowledge to proceed from the only means of your
lordship. His Majesty hath increased my pension 50l. more
per annum during my life, and 50l. his Highness hath bestowed
upon me as a free gift to be delivered me presently towards my
relief and great wants, for which 50l. I have his Majesty's
warrant under his privy seal to the Treasurer and Chamberlains
of the Exchequer to pay me presently upon sight thereof.
Notwithstanding, my lord Treasurer doth delay me, and hath
refused to sign the order for receiving my money. Therefore
I appeal to you to desire him to delay me no longer; for my
necessities and wants are so great that I am forced to be still
thus troublesome to you.—28 June, 1603. [See S.P. Ireland, 21 June, 1603, in the Public Record Office.] Signed. Seal. ½ p. (100. 140.) |
| Sir Lewis Lewkenor to the Same. | |
| 1603, June 29. |
Mons. de Rhosny embarked yesterday about
four of the clock in the morning with a good wind and a fair
passage, but in his mind much discontented; both which and
the cause thereof he spared not with great bitterness publicly
to manifest, although he had formerly enjoined me to great
secrecy therein. The last speech he used was that if any new
letter came, I would cause the same to be sent after him with
all speed to Calais where he would leave direction with the
governor for the farther conveyance thereof. The ships that
carried him are not yet returned in regard the wind is contrary;
but this next tide we expect news from them, as also concerning
the Spanish ambassador, Captain Bacon having promised to
bring or send me certain news by means of enquiry he intendeth
to make from Gravelinges; which answer I think best to
attend here and thereupon to order my stay or departure hence
accordingly. We have here very certain news that he departed
from Brussels to Antwerp on Thursday last; so that unless he
have made stay in his journey he could not but be yesternight
or before at Gravelinges. The coast is full of ships [of] war of
Holland that I think would be glad to meet with him. I
beseech you excuse my last hasty scribbled letter, being thereunto so importunately called upon by Mons. de Rhosny, as
though the world had depended upon the speedy dispatch
thereof; himself following me to my chamber with M. Fontaine
in his company, before I had written six lines.—Dover, 29
June, 1603. Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (100. 141.) |
| Levinus Munck to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 29. | Yesternight very late about 10 of the clock the French Ambassador Mons. de Beaumont sent for me to come presently to him, to acquaint me with some matter of moment. When I came he excused himself for troubling me so late in the night, but that the business which he would tell me was such as required speedy redress, if any might be had in so mean an occasion as this is, and yet so much importing the due respect of mutual correspondency between both Princes. To be short, he told me that the King's Majesty's letter written with his own hand and now sent to M. de Rhosny, did bear this superscription A mon bon frere, &c. where the French King's own letter to our King brought by Mons. de Rhosny, was superscribed A Monsieur mon frere. This omission of the word Monsieur, though in itself he knew, and so protested, that it proceeded not out of any second purpose, yet the French King having begun otherwise before, he thought the same equality might be observed. Whereupon after I had used the best excuses I could, when I desired to have some further warrant than his bare word to serve your lordship for a foundation to acquaint the King withal, he showed me Mons. de Rhosny's own letter written from Dover to that purpose. But being unwilling to put that letter into my hands, and very curious to have it thought that either he or Mons. de Rhosny would presume to find fault with Princes' writings otherwise than became them (wherein indeed he showed very great respect and discretion) he chose rather to write this letter enclosed to you, whereby he told me he desired only that you would give credit to that which I should write unto you concerning this matter. In sum his desire is, if it might so stand with his Majesty's liking and leisure, to have another letter written by his Majesty's own hand as the former was, wherein that compliment Monsieur might be added. And if he could receive that letter by Thursday at night in London he doubted not but to find means to have it conveyed to Mons. de Rhosny into France, and to come time enough to him before his arrival to the King; and to cause him to send back the first letter. This is the substance of his request which I leave to your consideration, craving pardon for the suddenness of this writing and entreating your answer by post to satisfy the ambassador.—From my lodging in Silver Street this Wednesday morning at five o'clock. |
|
PS.—I sent to Sir Thomas Edmonds to have acquainted
him with it, but he was gone into Essex, and the ambassador
tells me that in the letter with Mr. Edmonds's hand the word
Monsieur is expressed, but not in the letter which his Majesty
wrote himself. Mons. de Rhosny will be this day at Calais, but
th'ambassador hopeth to send time enough to him before he
come to Paris. Holograph. Seal broken. 2 pp. (100. 142.) |
|
| William Clerke to the Bishop of London. | |
| 1603, June 30. |
I understand by many means that false
reports have been suggested unto his Majesty against me of
I know not what practices, whereupon divers warrants are
sent forth for my apprehension. I see that all this proceedeth
from the inveterate malice of the Jesuits and arch-priest against
me, without any true or just ground at all; and had the case
stood as heretofore I would have come to satisfy you herein
to the full, for I fear not what the devil himself can suggest
against me. I never carried the mind of the least disloyalty.
Some speeches I confess have passed concerning the general disgusts of this time, and fears of some breaches that might happen
to the disturbance of the state or prejudice of his Majesty; in
which discourses some have wished that such Catholic gentlemen
as might be about the city would be vigilant, that if any tumult
should happen they might thrust in for the defence of his
Majesty, to show their loyalty and love. I know many have
deserved well of his Majesty and far beyond my ability to merit;
yet was that poor ability which I had stretched to the uttermost
when time served to bestead my Sovereign. I beseech you to
present the enclosed unto his Majesty.—Last of June, 1603. Holograph. 1¼ pp. (100. 143.) |
|
The Enclosure:—William Clerke to the King. It is well
known how earnestly I laboured to my small posse for
your peaceable entrance into the throne of England. My
labours and pains were in posting many miles, by night
and by day, to oppose myself against such plots as were
used by some to have raised tumults in divers places
against your peaceable ingress, and how I stood in the face
of such who went about to persuade that no Catholic could in
conscience concur to bring your Majesty into the possession of
the crown and sceptre, is not unknown. The aversion and
wrongs which I yet sustain for my labour therein sufficiently
witness the same. How can it be imagined I should now in
your settled estate seek to inquietate the same? I pray God
the authors of these my last wrongs by unjust suggestions to
your Majesty be not of that sort of people whom in my endeavours for your Majesty I most resisted, I mean the Jesuits,
that hereby they may requite my former oppositions. If
ever there were so much as talk of anything concerning your
Majesty in place where I at any time was present; yet was
it so far from any intendment of hurt or prejudice unto your
regal person or state that it altogether tended unto the safety
and preservance thereof; neither would I fear the devil himself
to accuse me of the contrary, might I safely with your protection
come in to answer unto your Majesty whatsoever should be
objected against me.—Last of June, 1603. Holograph. 1½ pp. (100. 144.) |
|
| Lady Arabella Stuart to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, June 30. |
I have received his Majesty's liberality by
your lordship's means, for which I acknowledge myself greatly
bounden to your Lordship. Sheen, 30 June, 1603. |
| Holograph. Endorsed Arabella and below in a column these names Countess Shrewsbury, Countess Arundel, Countess of Pembroke, Lady Catherine Howard, Lady Grace Cavendish, Lady Paget. Seal. ½ p. (134. 39.) | |
| Sir Edward Coke to the Same. | |
| 1603, June. | I have reduced the warrant to a narrower and better form. The book itself is in hand; when the King's hand is to it then will I make my warrant to the auditor for particulars, for the plain way is the sure way. I pray you remember your own business, wherein your labour is no more but to send a man capable and well instructed. |
| Holograph. Endorsed: "June, 1603. Sir Edward Coke to my lord, with a warrant for my L. Thomas his book." Seal. ⅓ p. (100. 145.) | |
| English Ships and Venetian Galleys. | |
| 1603, June. | "A note under the hand of Walker & Glover concerning the intolerable injury done by the Venice Galleys to the ship Angel, near Zante in the Straits." |
| Being within the Straits in trade of merchandise in the good ship the Angel of London, master Thomas Gardner, and bound from Alexandria to Zante, the 29th of June, 1603, at night we made the Island of Zante being about 8 leagues off and within two leagues of the Stravalios, which by reason of little and contrary winds that night we could not reach unto. The 30th day in the morning from the topmast head we descried under Stravalios four galleys which made sail and came off to sea towards us, and being come within shot they all struck their sails and fitted themselves to fight. Our ship then becalmed; we could not go within speech of them, but put forth our flag in the main top and waved to have had them come or send to us, who would neither come nor send nor show any flag whereby we might be advised what they were, but contrary to all reason or law did presently shoot at us with their great ordnance about six shot before we offered them any or made any show at all to shoot. After such a beginning with them we could not but persuade ourselves they were our enemies, and therefore did arm ourselves the best we could to withstand them, and did shoot divers shot at them again; in which time no hurt passed on either side. | |
| Having thus continued in fight for two hours or more and the galleys never offered to board or come nearer our ship than the reach of their great ordnance, we thought them to be Venice galleys by their cowardly manner of fight; and therefore to avoid further danger that might have ensued, we thought meet with a flag of truce to send our ship's boat manned with five men to the admiral galley to know the certainty, persuading ourselves if they were belonging to the D[oge] of Venice our trouble had been at an end in regard of our peace with them; and if of the King of Spain we might have resolved to withstand them like Englishmen, and there to overcome or end our lives, being always persuaded that the governor though our enemy would not detain the men we sent. | |
| The boat being gone from the ship with a flag of truce the galleys left shooting till she arrived at them, not showing any flag in all this time whereby we might know what they were. When the boat was come up to them they compassed her between the admiral and vice-admiral's galley and there detained her a good space, not certifying our men what they were, but willed them to come into the galley: who answered they were not sent to go aboard the galleys but to know what they were and to certify them of us, and therefore again desired to know of them to whom the galleys belonged? Which they told them not, but commanded them again to come aboard the galleys, The mariners thinking them Spanish galleys were fearful to go aboard lest they should detain them, and therefore set themselves to row away, and told the governor of the galleys that they would return aboard the ship and take licence of their master and then come again to him, and therewithal began to row away, when presently out of the vice-admiral they discharged three pieces of ordnance upon them and sundry small shot when the boat was yet under the reach of their oars; by which shot they slew one man who was a quartermaster in the ship and wounded three others, and so took the boat and men and detained [them] for the space of half an hour aboard the galleys, examining them what they were and the proceedings of our voyage. After all which though perceiving us to be merchants they yet detained our men and boat and began again to renew their fight and shot sundry shot at us wherein they endangered our ship very greatly, shot us through and wounded some Turks were passengers aboard the ship. But at last [they] sent our boat again unto us with two men only wishing the master and captain to come aboard of their galleys, which we thought not requisite till we had further knowledge of them, being not certainly known in all this time unto us; and therefore we sent a Greek that was passenger with us with sundry letters that were from Italian merchants resident in Alexandria whence we came, thereby the better to show that we were merchants. By the Greek we were advised that they were Venice galleys, and in the boat with him the general sent two of his company requesting that we would come aboard his galley which we did, and there were very kindly entreated of him, the governor showing himself very sorry that such trouble had happened (excusing himself that he took us for a man of war) and there offered us all manner of courtesy in furnishing our wants or towing our ship into Zante Road with his galleys, which we accepted for a very great favour lying then becalmed and likely so to continue; and after some congratulation passed between us he sent us wine, &c., for presents, seeming very sorrowful for that which had passed using us very kindly and professing all good unto us. | |
| Being thus come to knowledge one of another we thought ourselves very well that we were in the hands of our friends, the rather that at our coming to Zante we hoped to have recompense for the hurt we had sustained by them. But there contrary to all reason or justice we were detained by the Providitor for 25 days and the master and merchants of the ship imprisoned, and by the said Providitor forced to unlade all our goods out of the ship, he also pretending that we were men of war; although we were well known both to ourselves (sic) and sundry merchants of the town some of our said factors having been beforetimes resident in Zante, and even that voyage in our passage for Alexandria had discharged both goods and moneys in Zante, which had been sufficient to have satisfied any reasonable justice in such an opinion. Notwithstanding all which he continued not only in his former injuries in forcing us to unlade our ship and keeping us in prison, but after our goods so discharged would have us pay for inventory of them after the rate of 2 per cent., which we were forced to put in our attorney to answer, in which difference is already spent 200l. sterling and as yet continueth the suit, whereof we know not what may be the event. | |
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Hereby it may appear our loss to amount to a great sum, the
very charge of our ship only all other things omitted amounting
to at least 800l. Not long before this another ship called the
Salamander of London, master William Browne, bound for
Zante from the Arches with corn, was met by the same galleys
and used in the same or worse manner. The master knowing
what galleys they were, when they came up to him and shot
at him never offered one shot again, but presently 'mayned' all
his sails, the galleys still shooting at him and shot him through
to the great danger of the ship so continuing until the master
was forced to take out his boat and sent to them, and then was
carried by them into Zante and there ransacked at their pleasure. Unsigned. Endorsed as above. 3 pp. (102. 117–118.) |
|
| Warrant to [Sir John Peyton.] | |
| [1603], June. |
Giving him leave to absent himself from his
post as Lieutenant of the Tower, on finding a suitable deputy
for the same. Undated copy. ½ p. (103. 39.) |
| M. de Rosny's Suite.(?) (fn. 1) | |
| [?1603, June.] |
Monsieur de Rosny, Monsieur de Bounte,
Monsieur de Campaniola, Governor of Bullen. The Prince of
Pinnoy and his brother. Monsieur St. Luke, Monsieur le Marquis
de . . . . [torn off]. Monsieur de Chatillion, Monsieur de
Terraile. Monsieur de Blarencorte, Monsieur de Vosan.
Messieurs de Beveron, Monsieur de Marry. Monsieur de Gedangcourte. Monsieur le Baron de Countenan, Monsieur de Pestree,
Monsieur de Mongla.—Undated. ½ p. (130. 188.) |
| — to Lord Cobham, Lord Warden of the Five Ports. | |
| [Before July, 1603.] |
The writer has conferred with the clerk
of his lordship's kitchen upon the weekly expenses, and heard
his reasons for exceeding the proportions set down. Finding
him willing to endeavour a reformation, a new proportion of
diet need not be set down, but discretion in sparing must be
observed by the officers, especially in this Lent season. It
seems by the clerk that much is imputed to my Lady, and many
things called for by her people in her name which are thought
unmeet for her disposition, and some servants repining at
reformation oppose themselves against good orders, and draw
access of strangers to the house, which cause greater expenses.
Has informed the clerk of the order kept in his lordship's
father's time for the Lent, what diet he thinks meet to be
provided for the Lady, and what to be allowed in the Hall every
day; and also what bread, beer and other victuals may weekly
suffice. Hopes the clerk will give his lordship contentment
therein, and make up his books perfectly against Lady Day.
Then his lordship may further reform as cause shall present. Unsigned. Undated. 1 p. |
|
The Enclosure:—Paper reviewing the household accounts kept
by Glanvell and giving directions thereon. He does not set
down the particulars of expenses, nor state the "remain" at
every week's end, according to orders. Another book should
be furnished giving these particulars. His book shows only
the money disbursed for a month. If the acates in the margin
which came from Cobham be valued at the London rate, the
value is no less than 26l. 10s. (The acates mentioned are
lambs 8, beef 6 pieces, bacon 1 flitch, rabbits 4 score, veal 5
joints, pigeons 96, butter 96 lb., pigs 1, chickens 18, lights 80 lb.
herbs, meal 2 qrs., beer 10 barrels, and in the cellar "at your
lordship's coming" 11 barrels.) In his emptions he does not
name what the joints may be, yet the prices of joints in veal and
mutton greatly vary, therefore the joints should be named, as
"neck," "leg," "shoulder," &c. Points out discrepancies
between the quantities of certain acates received from Cobham,
and the quantities charged in the account. When his expenses
are properly set down a comparison with former books were not
amiss to be regarded. Endorsed: "An observation how I should keep my household books." 1 p. (98. 66 (2 & 3).) |
|
| Watson's Plot and the (Catholic) Appellants. | |
| [1603.] [After June.] | Certain points wherein I desire to be resolved. To know if your Honour think the Appellants and their adherents men capable of his Majesty's favours or no, if you think them worthy the entertaining for any future services. |
| As hitherto you have received nothing but honour and contentment by the Appellants' negotiation with France, so doubt I not but you may receive far more hereafter if you think it not prejudicial that we conserve ourselves still in the same good grace of his Majesty of France, in which point also may it please you to signify his Majesty's pleasure. | |
| This good at least I think you may gain, that whether peace be concluded or war continued, the Appellants and their friends, both for diverting men from disloyal attempts and detecting them attempted, will be able to do you more service than any other sort of subjects. What our endeavours have been in this kind abroad I hope your L. have seen such evident demonstrations thereof in our papers and relations in my Lord of London's hands that it shall be needless to speak further. I desire further to be advised if the union pretended among the Appellants and their adherents be any way offensive to the state or no, the end thereof being to purge our company at home and colleges abroad of all such as may give the least suspicion of offence. | |
| If you repel the Appellants the end will be that the contrary faction will prevail so far that howsoever they do at home, at least abroad, they will triumph and abuse the ears of princes without controlment unless it shall please his Majesty by some general indulgence to gain the hearts of all. | |
| Reasons to demonstrate that this late fact of Watson can no way be drawn to discredit the Appellants or their adherents, or any principal man or member of that body. | |
| 1. It is evident by Watson's own letters that long before he entered into this late practice he had broken the bonds of friendship with the Appellants and told them that he and his friends would lay a new foundation. | |
| 2. He and his friends had combined with the Jesuits and so was of them and not of the Appellants when he began this his late unhappy building. | |
| 3. The Appellants were the first and most faithful discoverers of this attempt. | |
| 4. The instances made by us at Rome against intermeddling in state matters more than justify us in this particular. | |
| 5. The like diligence used to the same effect in France. | |
| 6. The like clause set down in our articles of union demonstrates all sincerity in our proceedings. | |
| 7. We always disclaimed Watson, and disliked his turbulent spirit whose temerities were laid to our charge at Rome, and much hindered the progress of our affairs. | |
| 8. In my private "memories" I brought, which are still in your hands, you may remember a note which tells of men of two divers spirits and apprehensions even among the Appellants, which "memory" was to direct me to single them out among us whom we feared might fail us in the main chance, and so by their private projects call us all in question. | |
| 9. If I might have been admitted at my first coming my intention was to have set down in particulars every man's humour as not willing to be involved in other men's labyrinths, with whom I united partly to help them out of their briars, but especially to oversee their doings, and to discharge my duty towards your Honour and his Majesty. | |
| 10. Whereas it is objected that, how can you say more, write more, or protest more than Watson? We answer the case is far different, for what Watson did or said was here in the realm, where both fear and favour might be the motives to make him stretch or strain to serve the times. But we performed in that kind far more than he in the face of the enemy without all hope of recompense, with no small peril of our lives or liberties, and I in particular without any private respect than the desire to make it known that I was assured it might be justified that a Catholic might be a true and faithful subject: which I hope you find sufficiently testified in our papers I brought with me. | |
|
To conclude, whatsoever you find in that relation done against
invasions, against the Infanta's title, against the plot for the
Prince of Parma, they cannot be otherwise construed than as
good services performed in behalf of our sovereign that now
is: and all this was performed as you know in Rome where his
Majesty's enemies were most potent and title little favoured.
Which considered, I wonder to hear my Lord of London sometimes to put us in balance for matter of our fidelity with Watson
and his witless companions whom desperation as it seems drives
to lay (as he writes) a new foundation and make a new union
to the shame and confusion (as appeareth) of himself and all
his poor, silly, deceived friends.—Undated. 3 pp. (206. 81.) |
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