Cecil Papers: September 1606, 1-15

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 18, 1606. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1940.

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'Cecil Papers: September 1606, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 18, 1606, (London, 1940) pp. 269-288. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol18/pp269-288 [accessed 26 April 2024]

September 1606, 1-15

Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 1. I have nothing by his Majesty's commandment to return to you in answer to your letters this morning received but that he took them very kindly and asked no questions but of two things: the one that he marvelled he heard not of further proceeding with the Spanish Ambassador, which question he had asked me before about two days since, because in your letter advertising of that business it seemed that there was a new day appointed of meeting, within five or six days as his Majesty conceived it. My answer was that I took the delay to be in the Ambassador, who would first hear out of Spain before he would shape the form of his grievances as he should perceive the humour framed there. The other was whether there were no news of the Low Countries, and I answering that I heard Espinoly [Spinola] was removed towards Berke his Majesty seemed to wonder that he had not been fought with by the Count Maurice, and to my seeming uttered but a contemptible opinion of the Count Maurice, though in obscure terms.
I have returned to you such things signed as were enclosed in your packet and a privy seal received from my Lord Treasurer for payment of the loans. His Majesty has also signed the royal assent for Durham and the respite of the first fruits for York for four years and no more, although the Archbishop wrote for longer time; but his Majesty followed your opinion, only granted that his first payment shall not begin till after the receipt of our Lady day's rent, which was his last refuge. This day his Majesty dined with the Earl of Southampton of whom he has received great entertainment, and in the afternoon is to see an exercise of war of the trained men of the Isle of Wight; and is so well pleased with his hunting here as he seems to have a purpose to visit it often. Of his pleasure you have heard by Sir Roger Ashton before now; it is hitherto more than ordinary.
This letter from Lord Hay should have come sooner to you if it had been any matter of importance.—From Beaulieu this 1 Sept., 1606.
PS.—His Majesty uttered to G. Beeston the accident you wrote of his father in such sort to him, though with a merry intention, as the youth scarcely believes but that his father is touched, and takes it more heavily than you would believe; which if the father knew perhaps it might cost him an hundred pounds to requite kindness, which is all the hurt I wish him and I doubt is as great an affliction to him as a plague sore.
Holograph. 1¾ pp. (117. 83.)
Lord Say and Sele to the Same.
1606, Sept. 1. I will irremovably honour you to whose most worthy father I was as greatly bound as to you. If therefore God should contrary to the due course of nature enlarge my days to see the longest day of your life, I beseech Him prosper me or mine no longer than that to my Lord of Cranborne I shall truly render what to you I shall be unable to perform. I hope your goshawks will before it be long kill you some partridges.— From my poor lodging in Holborn at Gray's Inn Lane corner, 1 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (117. 84.)
Edmond Casse to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606], Sept. 1. Upon receipt of your letter my Lord Cranborne prepared for his journey into Lancashire, attended with no idle followers but his own necessary servants. He purposes to be diverted no way for his pleasure's sake, for he has a satiety of it; but only to signify his duty and love to her ladyship. I am glad you expect his return so soon as with conveniency he can, for although we speak Latin both travelling and hunting, yet the sound of it is so harsh amongst a cry of dogs as it comes not with a wonted facility.—Drayton, this first of September.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606." 2/3 p. (117. 85.)
Gerard Malynes to the Same.
1606, Sept. 1. Being informed you are interested in the letters patents for the alum works, for the undertaking which I have covenanted with Sir Thomas Chaloner, having upon my great charges brought skilful workmen out of Germany according to my contract, I held it my duty to acquaint you with the forgetful dealings of Mr. William Turner and his partners, who (by my means being brought into the business) seek to deprive me of that part which Sir Thomas has always reserved for me: which caused me to find the means to agree particularly for certain other grounds, contained in the reservation of the said letters patents, where I and my company, merchants of great credit, intend to work, if you be pleased, at whose disposing all my partners have willed me to present what interest it shall please you, to reserve which will prove more profitable to us, having the commodiousness of foreign contracts at our advantage to vent at the least double the quantity they can do, with other benefits of less charges and partitions. As your weighty affairs are like to frustrate me of favourable access, signify your pleasure to Sir Walter Cope, whom I shall attend and impart unto other business of more moment.—London, 1 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. Seal broken. ½ p. (117. 86.)
The Earl of Hertford to the Privy Council.
1606, Sept. 2. I rest assured that the course you lately held for the reformation of opposition likely to arise against me in my office of Lieutenancy, in hindrance of his Majesty's service, will be sufficient if it were divulged in these counties to restrain every man within the limits of his duty. Nevertheless since coming into the country I am advertised of misconceits spread abroad amongst the vulgar of your proceedings in the cause between me and Sir Henry Poole, it being printed that the hearing brought dishonour to me and reputation to him; which makes me now of opinion that greater opposition will ensue except your lordships make known to the justices of these counties what your censure was therein, which course you in the time of hearing the cause thought fit and (as I conceived it) made promise then to perform. The same I now desire from you, having hitherto [deferred] and still purposing to defer any execution of his Majesty's service until I shall understand your pleasures in that behalf.—From Almsbury, 2 Sept., 1606.
Copy. 2/3 p. (117. 87.)
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 3. To your letters of the 1st inst. his Majesty commanded me to return for answer that for matters of the forest if you were not so well advertised as you should be and as the western lords were by their presence the fault was in Sir Roger Ashton, his Master Huntsman, with whom you might be even in his next suit; or in your nephew Montgomery who has no such weighty affairs but that he might give intelligence if he were not more negligent of his uncle in such things than his uncle is of him in more serious matters. He has taken a great affection to the New Forest, as it deserves for its largeness, and renewed since his being here his liking of this park, but yet is not forgetful of returning homewards, and seems to be grieved with the growing of the sickness in London lest it should be occasion of delay of his Parliament affairs. For the matter of Spain he thinks you judge rightly that if they keep touch in the main, for bye matters there may be ways of satisfaction found, but takes the Spanish Ambassador's delay of a new conference to be that he finds his own error in having written over quickly to his master about his Majesty's and your lordships' proceedings in the causes touching them; he is now loth to come to the tilt again but stays upon his answers from Spain, either to justify himself if he find the humour there, suitable to his own, or else to frame a new course according to their inclination. For the Low Countries he seems to be moved with anything that sounds to the disadvantage of the States, and as I wrote before discovers no good opinion of their general's proceedings.
His Majesty is well pleased that Lord Sheffield may have licence to come to the Bath in hope (he willed me to tell you) that it may cure him of some ill humours against the Parliament which were in him before. There is nothing to advertise from hence but that the Earl of Mar fell suddenly and extremely sick at Beaulieu and from thence was removed to Southampton, where he remains deeply touched with a burning fever. Viscount Fenton is this day gone thither to visit him. I have returned the letters you commanded and sent the warrant for the Treasurer of the Chamber.—From Ivychurch, 3 Sept., 1606.
PS.—After I had written my letters his Majesty called again for the letters out of the Low Countries; they shall come with the next.
Holograph. Seal. 1¾ pp. (117. 88.)
Leonard Hallydaie, Lord Mayor of London, to the Privy Council.
1606, Sept. 3. I have received your letters wherein I perceive, to my great grief, that you conceive a great fault in me in not taking meet care in repressing the contagion of the plague within this city. Upon the increase of the sickness in the beginning of the year I directed precepts at sundry times to my brethren the aldermen for the putting in execution sundry orders within their several wards, whereof some are in print, one of which printed I send herewith: and have with all diligence given in charge to the provost marshal for the city, who in his own person repairs twice every day to every infected house within this city, to see whether they have been guarded with warders, and papers set over every door according to those printed orders; and myself not therewith satisfied have also sent two of my own officers abroad the city every day as superintendents on the marshal and constable, to understand whether they have done their duties; assuring you that above all other cares which appertain to my place (which are very many) I have with my uttermost power preferred this, the stay, if God so please, of this contagion of the plague which principally concerns the lives and states of the citizens. Touching your directions for setting of red crosses over the doors of infected houses, I have given present order to see the same carefully performed, which shall be laid in oil to the intent they may not easily be put out. I beseech you to give directions to the justices of the out shires to be careful to put in execution the like orders as in London, otherwise it will be very dangerous for this city, they having their daily recourse hither for buying and providing of their necessaries.—3 Sept. 1606.
Signed. 1 p. (117. 89.)
Sir Roger Aston to [the Earl of Salisbury].
[1606], Sept. 3. Your letter to Sir Thomas Lake came this last night in very good season and was very welcome. His Majesty at the reading was very pleased. He has commanded Sir Thomas Lake to answer your letter. The comparison you make with the lords here is thought a great presumption, as also the killing of his Majesty's "bokes" [bucks] which he perceives you do daily; for which your lordship and the rest will be called to account at meeting. No stag nor buck may save themselves from the cruelty of his Majesty's hounds; the day of his coming from Bewley [Beaulieu] he killed another great stag. He is very well and merry and so is all the company; he was exceeding glad that you were well amended of your disease. I send my Lord of Northampton enclosed a petition which was presented by the wild Viscount Bindon's wife concerning some matters of controversy between his lordship and her. I thought it my duty to acquaint his lordship with it to make him foresee what is their desire. I pray you let it be sent to his lordship.—From Ivychurch, 3 Sept.
Holograph, Endorsed; "1606." 1 p. (117. 90.)
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 5. Although I have no commandment from his Majesty yet I thought fit to advertise you, that yesternight he sent for me to know whether I had heard from you of an advertisement out of the Low Countries which is come hither to Mr. Alexander, but from whom I know not; that Spinola had forced the outworks at Berke and that in the defence thereof Colonel Edmonds and ten or twelve other Scottish captains were slain and more of that regiment, though with great loss to the enemy, as of 2000 men they say. It is delivered with so many particularities as carries good show to be overtrue, yet his Majesty suspends his judgment till he hear of it from you. This day we are returning homewards.—From Ivychurch, 5 Sept., 1606.
PS.—My Lord Fenton, is not returned from the Earl of Mar which makes us jealous of his danger.
Holograph. 2/3 p. (117. 91.)
The Earl of Northumberland to the Same.
[1606], Sept. 5. Your lordships being dispersed makes me solicit you severally, which otherwise by a letter to the whole table I should have done. I hear that extents are going down upon my lands for the fine imposed upon me. The ordinary course the sheriffs take in such cases your lordship knows: my desire is that some stay may be made now in his Majesty's absence (my wife not being able to make so long a journey) till I may become a suitor for his gracious favour therein, which when I know how far it will extend I will take as good order for the paying of that I must undergo as I shall be able. The fine is the greatest that ever was set upon any subject, and though I and my children may find the smart of it many ages, yet would I be sorry my poor tenants and farmers should suffer or be spoiled for that I am censured for to their undoings. I shall not trouble you more at this time in this cause; it is mine now, it may be any of yours hereafter.—5 Sept.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (117. 92.)
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earls of Suffolk and Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 5. It was late this evening before his Majesty's commodity served to acquaint him with your advertisement of the sickness at Windsor, which his Highness was much troubled withal and would needs know of me if I understood it by any other way; which I assured to be by a servant of mine own who had passed that way coming hither from my house in the country. And thereupon I desired because the time was short to know his pleasure for the Queen's remove, for whom your chiefest care was. Whereunto after pausing his Majesty willed me to signify that he would not in any sort have her to remove and that your lordships should so advertise her in his name; for if in this seasonable weather the contagion spread, his Majesty judges it to be a sign that the infection is strong. And for himself his purpose is not to stay in Windsor above two nights, but will spend his time for conclusion of his hunting for this season about Farnham and Bagshot, and be very little in Windsor but hasten to meet with your lordship as his affairs shall require at a standing house. The orders touching the sickness were not contained in your packet. Of the news of the Low Countries as I wrote this morning by Sir W. Godolphin his Majesty had heard otherwise but now holds them for true.—From the Court at Truntor (?) this 5 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. Seal, broken. 1 p. (117. 93.)
Roger Manners to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 5. Thanks for his many former favours, but specially for this last in obtaining for him their lordships' letters, which will preserve him from trouble. Desires nothing more than to end his days in peace.—At Enfield, 5 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. ⅓ p. (117. 94.)
Sir Thomas Windebank to Mr. Calvert.
1606, Sept. 6. The messenger Stonard has this morning by word of mouth only brought me word from you, that I should send to my Lord [Salisbury] a warrant concerning Sir Oliver Cromwell, which I had a care whithersoever I went to carry with me; and so do accordingly send it enclosed. The messenger told me he had been with Sir John Wood and Mr. Faunt for it; but my Lord had forgotten that he willed me to keep it myself. My Lord William Howard, as my Lord may remember, had all the warrants under the privy seal from me, by his lordship's commandment; since which time I never saw nor heard of Lord William Howard.—"This 6th of September 1606, hoping, God willing, to be at Court this Michaelmas."
Holograph. ½ p. (117. 95.)
Sir Robert Knollys to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 6. Finding the time very unfit this morning to move you about a suit I have, by reason of Mr. Caron's attendance on you, I thought it my best course to signify by writing what I was minded to deliver by words. Before the end of the last sessions of Parliament I delivered a petition to his Majesty about a suit, the contents whereof I send enclosed; since which I have forborne to move his Majesty until I had made you acquainted therewith, wherein I crave favour the rather that it will bring a good benefit to his Majesty's coffers where now he has nothing, neither shall it appear to be more hurtful to the State of Ireland, if they shall be transported by his Majesty's grant, than heretofore it has been, they being transported continually by stealth without any profit to his Majesty. I would not move any suit carrying any show of hurt to the State not for my life, and therefore beseech you to peruse this note; if you think it inconvenient anyway I would not deal any farther therein; but if with your liking I may move his Majesty again about it I will. I desire it with this prvoiso that if at any time hereafter upon the execution of the grant it shall appear to your Honours here anyway hurtful to the State upon just proof before you, that then it be called in again.— The Vinegarden, 6 Sept. 1606.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (117. 96.)
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 7. His Majesty this morning commanded me to advertise you that he has received from the Queen a letter or message complaining that the matter standing yet no otherwise than it does between the King of Denmark and the Countess of Nottingham, the Lord Admiral brought her the privy way to her Majesty's lodgings, and that her Highness finding fault with it his lordship answered her in other sort than was meet, and with more haughty language than she expected although his lady had not given the offence she has, much less standing in those terms. Which behaviour of his and hers the Queen takes ill, and his Majesty also is moved with: but as the Queen in her complaint says she will not make quarrel to him, being an old man and a nobleman whom she respects, so will not his Majesty be so sensible of it as he might, but would have you to let him understand that his Majesty thinks he was in an error to bring his lady so near the Queen remaining in terms of offence towards her as he did without knowing her pleasure; and that his Highness's will is that he shall seek to give the Queen satisfaction and restrain his lady from her presence or her Court or his Majesty's until she be licensed: which he doubts not but his lordship in his own judgment thinks meet, but yet his Majesty lest any more errors should follow wishes you to advise him.
His Highness also much commends the orders for avoiding the contagion, only wishes that your lordships as you have showed your wisdoms in prescribing them would show like care in calling the Lord Mayor to account once a week how he proceeds in the execution of your directions. Many of these prescriptions his Highness finds to be agreeable to the orders of Scotland, and thinks that in penning of them your lordships have called to mind his speeches about like matters. I send you herewith a privy seal received from the Earl of Worcester for provision of his Majesty's horses, which was signed before but the sum mistaken as the Earl advertises me, and so is signed anew.
His Majesty's course homeward since the altering of his purpose for Windsor is to be two nights at Sir Richard Tichborn's near Farnham, two nights at Bagshot, one at Woking, and so on Saturday to Hampton Court; or to be sooner there as he shall hear from your lordships.—From Farley, Sir H. Wallop's, 7 Sept., 1606.
PS.—These letters are from the teller here about his Majesty's provision and they tell me require hasty delivery.
Holograph. 1¼ pp. (117. 97.)
The Earl of Lincoln to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 8. Whilst I was with you two fair gentlewomen came to Chelsea to me from Hampton Court; and finding me not there came to me to Canon Row, very late. They have overcome me so far that I have agreed to give 600l., whereupon Mrs. Carew desires only time to send to her father and to give me answer. Therefore, as also for that I can tarry no longer. I have desired to be at liberty and to depend no more upon it; praying you to pardon me if I have offered too much, and leave it now only to you to do as you please with them and to consider of so much as concerns me as you think fit. I will leave my money at Chelsea ready and order that it shall be delivered to you whensoever you send for it.—8 Sept., 1606.
Signed. ½ p. (117. 98.)
Sir Roger Aston to the Same.
[1606], Sept. 8. His Majesty is in good health; his coming to Windsor is altered. On Tuesday he will be in Bacsoutt [Bagshot] and tarry there Wednesday all day. On Thursday night he will be at Ockeng [Woking] and Friday at night meet the Queen at Oatlands; and on Saturday at night King and Queen will be at Hampton Court, where his Majesty looks to meet your lordship and some others with you. Next week his Majesty will go to Windsor for two or three days to end his buck hunting; this week he ends the stag hunting if the weather will serve. This two days and two nights here has been nothing but wind and rain. Dunbar will be here the 19th accompanied with Huntly, Argyle, Glentown, Winton and divers others of the Council. The Secretary is coming to make his apology. There is a course against him and to be followed out by the Earl of Dunbar and those that are coming with him.—From Hurle, 8 Sept.
PS.—After this letter was written my Lord has come from the Queen. She desires his Majesty to be in Hampton Court on Friday at night, so he has resolved and not to go to Oatlands.
Holograph. Seal broken. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (117. 99.)
Diego de Soto to the King of Spain.
1606, Sept. 8/18. Report from Diego de Soto, official at Bilbao, to the King of Spain, as to proceedings against two merchants of London, who have imported pepper without warrant from the custom-house at Lisbon. At the request of Don Pedro de Cunija, Ambassador in England, these proceedings are now stayed.— Biluao, 18 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. Spanish. 1½ pp. (119. 170.)
Captain Thomas Mewtys to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606], Sept. 9. I am bold to acquaint you with my proceedings in this with my intricate business for the raising of my company, both chargeable to my purse and troublesome to my mind for fear I should not perform that duty to the States which I am engaged to. I have raised already 96 men fit for their service, besides those which have run away from me and have cost me dear to the number of 40; these men in all have drained me so dry already that without you stand close to me I shall sink in the midst of my business. The wind has been so contrary that my men have lain upon my hands a shipboard and at land this 16 or 18 days at 4l. 16s. a day. I received 100l. of Sir Noel Caron in part of my means which the States allow me, which is in all 160l.; out of which sum I am to raise them 200 men, victual, arm and transport them and keep them a month after I come over; which month's entertainment comes to 260l. A privy search I have had throughout London and the suburbs, but profit I received none, for they brought into the prisons not above nine or ten, of which number not one would willingly go. Therefore hitherto I have had no help but my purse; I intend honestly, howsoever fortune may cross me, in my business, but I beseech God to bless you with your health or else England will be no place for me.—9 Sept.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (117. 100.)
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 9. His Majesty has been made acquainted this morning before his going forth with your letters received yesternight late and seems to be satisfied therewith, if her Majesty be satisfied. I have returned the bill for Mr. Brooke which his Majesty signed and another which I received a two days since concerning the Lady Walsingham.—From Aldershot, 9 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. ⅓ p. (117. 101.)
Michael Kirklaie to William Grenwell.
1606, Sept. 9. "Yours of the 1st inst. by Henry Chapman shows you had formerly writ for delivering 200l. to Mr. Beamond, but till then I had no such order. Considering what money I had sent away and appointed before receipt of yours I see not how I can pay him any, for having that money of Henry and father (which long since I promised them to take) it will be as much as will clear one Michaelmas quarter, nor shall I get all the money due in this quarter till well on in the next, and the receipt of next quarter will be no great matter; so you may signify this to Mr. Angel and com[pany] if you think good." Private money matters. "Yesternight between 5 and 8 of the clock was John Crooke frayed upon three several times by one Robert Barker, who is brother to John Barker (though far from his disposition), and at the last time by the help of some which came with Barker John Crooke was hurt in the head, and notwithstanding that he and I three several times complained to the now mayor of the abuse, yet [we] could not so much as have the party called before him to give any reason of the same, he being his friend; which neglect of justice will so encourage all men against us as we shall not be able to do anything as it ought to be. Occasion by Crooke was none given, except it were that about a month before being aboard of a Frenchman he found 2 papist books brought out of France which he delivered to Mr. Murton who is one of the High Commission; the same books as is reported did belong to a 'concerte' of Barker's. We being so far from you and from all place of indifferent justice I know not what we can do except redress can be had at York, whither we mean to send with all speed; but missing that we have no remedy except you procure it from above; and be sure if some be not made an example (especially in so gross abuse as this is) look for none here to do you any good. And indeed we are all of us in such hatred, especially with the common multitude, by the intimation of King's officers and others, as ere long we shall be all ready to leave the service; for what comfort can a man have to serve those [who] will suffer him to be abused and without redress? For my own part if I see not better reformation hereafter than hitherto in such abuses I desire not to serve to be trodden upon, as we shall all be here ere long if some punishment follow not upon such presumptuous abuses. It is not long since one Bright of Lynne offered no small abuse, thereto encouraged by Mr. Ryvers and others of the custom house, of which Mr. Tonge and I wrote to the farmers, and yet not any punishment or so much as question made of it that we hear of. Entreat the farmers to do something in these things that it may appear they do not altogether forget their business here, and though it cost them somewhat it may well in time do more than countervail the charge." Business matters and private affairs.—Newcastle, 9 Sept. 1606.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (117. 102.)
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 10. I received from Mr. Adam Newton a form of a dispensation for him to hold the deanery of Durham, which when his Majesty signed this morning he commanded me to signify to you, that it was a part of agreement both of the Prince and Mr. Newton that if his Majesty would bestow the deanery on Mr. Newton he should quit his pension to the Dean [of the Chapel], which his Majesty would have you to let him understand, and before this pass the seals that he surrender it that his Highness may thereof make an assignment to the Dean, who waits as his Highness says without any allowance. This charge his Majesty thinks shall shortly cease, for he will prefer the Dean to the next bishopric that shall fall.—From the Court at Bagshot, 10 Sept., 1606.
PS.—This morning the inhabitants of Windsor have exhibited a petition to his Majesty that it was a false information given to his Highness that the sickness was in the town, and to beseech him not to forbear it; whereupon he is purposed to go thither on Monday.
Holograph. 2/3 p. (117. 103.)
Richard Robertes to Mr. Calvert and Mr. Levines [Levinus Munck], Secretaries to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 10. Some fortnight since my master the Duke of Lennox wrote to my Lord of Salisbury, requesting him to relieve him in some matters improper for himself to deal in. The letter was delivered by Mr. Hadsor, one of his counsel: the answer protracted by his remiss attendance, as I take it. In my Lord Duke's name I entreat you to send me my Lord of Salisbury's letter, if it be ready; if not, to procure it. The business concerns my Lord Duke very much.—10 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. 1 p. (192. 127.)
The Earl of Northumberland to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606], Sept. 11. I am sorry my wife has carried herself to dislike you any way; your lordship knows I have had experience of her earnestness in matters less importing her than this, therefore I hope you will out of your wisdom bear with her because she is a woman, a loving wife, and a tender mother of her children. Her coming was without my privity, as often times it has been in following this suit of mine.—These troubles concern her as much as me, and more in some cases because she is a woman and not able with fortitude to bear out crosses of the world as men are, and she will sometimes have her own ways, let me do what I can, which is not unknown to you. I wish I could make an amends for her oversights, and entreat you to bear a little with her passions, for she has tasted of more crosses than any lady in England of her quality. When I shall have occasion to send to you I will employ some other; in the meantime I pray you help me in what you may for ease in this heavy fine.—11 Sept.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (117. 104.)
Gervis Smith, parson of Polstead.
1606, Sept. 11. Sum of a discourse of Gervis Smith, parson of Polested, Suffolk, uttered between Polested and Higham, Suffolk, Sept. 11, 1606; written by Richard Humfrey, master of arts and schoolmaster of Dedham.
Showed his dislike of the government of the Church. Averred that the laws against Popery were to no purpose; that the Papists were the strongest faction by far: that the King was illegitimate: no more a "Tiddar" [Tudor], or of that blood than he himself. Said he had heard there was like to be a separation between the King and Queen Anne, and that for her ["incontinency" struck out] default. He spake of sundry prophecies, naming none but Merlin, that expressly set down that I should succeed E, M should succeed I, and E should succeed M; and because whatever these prophecies foretold to "compass" had hitherto fallen out accordingly, he was persuaded of the truth of them concerning what was to come. He affrmed that the King should come to ruin by the Papists, who should set up Mary, and she should be a bloody persecutor of the Protestants, compelling them to call for the help of Edward descending of the house of Cadwallader, either King Edward the sixth being in Africa, or being dead should be raised up again miraculously, or else some other of that name and line; and that Prince Henry should be willing thereunto, and glad to enjoy only the kingdom of Scotland. He rejected all our King's issue from succeeding.
Countersigned: Tho. Suffolke, E. Worcester, H. Northampton, Salisbury, Downber [Dunbar]. Endorsed by Salisbury: "Traitorous speeches uttered by Gervis Smyth, whereof Richard Umphrey is his accuser to the Bishop of London, who brought him to the Council." 1 p. (192. 131.)
Contemporary copy of above. (192. 132.)
Sir Richard Lewkenor to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 12. According to his Majesty's instructions I have taken charge of the housekeeping at Ludlow and provision of diet for his Majesty's Council within this Principality and Marches, and for other officers with their servants which are allowed diet there. For provision whereof it is by the said instructions provided (as by former instructions has been used) that a warrant dormant should be signed by his Majesty to the general receivers of South Wales and North Wales for payment of the money allowed for diet; the copy whereof and of the instructions I send you, with my humble prayer that you will procure the same warrant; which I am the bolder to do for that I have already disbursed money of mine own about the said provision and must disburse much more before the dead time of winter. The number of those ordinarily allowed diet in the vacancy of a Lord President is 64, besides one or two more of the Council which are used to be called for their assistance in the term times, which are allowed diet for themselves and three men apiece for the time of their attendance. All which take consideration of, that I may direct my courses as well for that household as mine own, for it would be a great charge to me not only to disburse money for provision and to entertain officers and servants fit for that place, and to have both the provision, officers and servants turned back upon me on the sudden.—Ludlow Castle, 12 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. 2/3 p. (117. 106.)
The Enclosure:
"A copie of three Articles of his Majesty's Instructions for Wales which doe concern the Dyett."
24. And the King's pleasure is that the household shall be kept by the Chief Justice of Chester for the diet of himself and the rest of the Council as aforesaid, and for such others as are by his Majesty allowed to have their diets there. And the Chief Justice of Chester shall from time to time appoint a substantial man to be steward of the household, and all other officers necessary for the household, and that the councillors there attendant shall have in diet and household these servants:—the Chief Justice of Chester to have in household eight servants and a chaplain or preacher and every person of the Council appointed to continual attendance, or any other when called to attend, shall have in household three servants. And his Majesty's straight commandment is that no councillor other than such as are appointed to continual attendance shall without being sent for by his Highness's letters under the seal of that Court come to the place of service to sit in Council or in any sort to deal in the service of the Court. Nevertheless such of the Council as are men of estimation and livelihood, though not learned in the laws nor having any fee for attendance, may for the greater honour of the Court and dispatch of his Majesty's service in term times be appointed by turn to repair to the Council at the places meetest for their resort in respect of their dwellings: provided that if any of the Council other than as aforesaid come thither not being sent for he shall have no allowance of diet or otherwise nor be received to sit in Council without the special allowance of the Council or three of them at least, whereof the Chief Justice of Chester to be one.
25. And his Majesty's pleasure is there shall be a warrant dormant signed by his Highness to his general receivers of South Wales and North Wales for the time being, for the sure payment of the Council for the diet of him and the rest of the Council after the rate of 20l. sterling by the week and over and besides the same for foreign expenses appertaining to the diet yearly there one hundred marks; which diet money the King's pleasure is the Council as aforesaid shall have only to the maintenance of an honourable household without yielding any account to his Majesty, foreseeing that the charges of the diet exceed not the said allowance, whereby the profit of the fines should be thereby chargeable.
26. His Majesty's pleasure is the said 20l. by the week shall be employed in the household in diet of the Council, and that no fees of the Council or any other shall be paid out of the said diet money, save the wages of the officers of the household, who shall be yearly paid out of the same; and that the steward of his Majesty's household there to be appointed shall receive and disburse the sums for diet and foreign expenses, and yearly yield account before the Council or three of them at least (whereof the Chief Justice of Chester to be one) for all sums by him received for the household. And for the better ordering of the expenses of the household the King's pleasure is that the said steward or clerk of the kitchen shall once every week declare before the Chief Justice of Chester and two of the Council resident at the least (if so many shall be there) a true account of the expenses of the household for that week, which shall be entered in a book provided for the same and subscribed weekly with the hands of the Council or such of them as shall be there present.
pp. (117. 105.)
Sir Thomas Sherley the younger to Capt. Alexander Hepburn.
1606, Sept. 12. Having had need of Capt. Alexander Hepburn's help in Naples who became surety that Sherley would pay 125 ducats in Venice, of 6 pound Venetian and a fifth for every ducat, Sherley binds himself if this money be not paid in Venice to pay that money to Capt. Hepburn with all charges, losses, &c., due to neglect of payment; and binds himself and his heirs to performance of these presents. Has made this bill in testimony that Capt. Hepburn procured him the foresaid sum in Naples.—12 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "12 Sept. 1607" [sic]. 1 p. (117. 107.)
The Earl of Nottingham, Lord Admiral, to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606, Sept. 12]. It is hard for me to tell how to do justice, for at the Ambassador's desire by Dr. Taylor I committed as many as he desired and arrested ships and goods. Yesterday after I came from you I was met in the orchard with a "kenell" of merchants exclaiming of my hard dealing with them and desired that they might have justice, and brought me a note from some civilians that I ought in justice to bail the parties imprisoned. Yet I wrote my letter very "respectively" to Dr. Hone, Deputy Judge, that if the law were so as that I ought to bail them, that then he should. My Lord, if this case of piracy were as some are, I would not think it fit for all their opinions to bail them; but this is the case of most of these men. A Holland man-of-war brought in a prize of Portingales laden with sugars: the Moors bought the sugars and sold them afterwards to these Englishmen that were merchants and not men of war; and this Dr. Taylor himself told me. But howsoever it will fall out I will follow your counsel. I have written to the Deputy Judge that if he have not bailed them, he shall not; if he have done it already, then he shall not; if he have done it already, then he shall commit them again, every man where he was prisoner. I sent to the Ambassador to let him know the law, that in this I should deal hardly and against justice if I did not bail them upon good securities. I believe there will be complaints on the other side when Mr. Caron shall come to the knowledge of this. I pray you send for Dr. Taylor and that he may let the Ambassador know that this could no ways prejudice him, for I wrote that the bail should be very good. And I doubt they will procure bail whether I will or no, and not so sure as this. My Lord, I desire to please men with justice, but how just soever it be one side will mislike it. God send you that amendment which I should wish myself in your case.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "12 Sept. 1606" 1 p. (117. 108.)
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 13. Where by his Majesty's commandment I wrote to you to stay the passing of Mr. Newton's bills until he had surrendered his pension to the use of the Dean of the Chapel, this morning his Majesty told me that Mr. Dean and Mr. Newton are agreed about that matter and that now his bills may pass. I take the matter to be that the Dean receives private assurance from Mr. Newton for payment of the 200l. yearly, but [the latter] surrenders not his letters patents because he hopes that when the Dean is preferred to some bishopric he may receive again the benefit of his pension by virtue of his letters patents, although he have given his word to his Majesty to deliver them up at his pleasure. Besides this allowance from him to the Dean his Majesty commanded that I should make another bill for the Dean for 200l. a year during his Majesty's pleasure, which his Highness says cannot last long because he means to give him the next bishopric that shall fall void and cease the pension. I understood his Majesty at his first commandment meant Mr. Newton's pension should be surrendered and passed to the Dean during pleasure, to end upon his preferment; but I perceive it is like to be otherwise. It may please you to give order for the passing of his bills.—From the Court at Hampton Court, 13 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. 1 p. (117. 109.)
The Earl of Dorset, Lord Treasurer, to the Same.
1606, Sept. 13. I doubted how unseasonably my coming to you thus late might have been, and therefore chose rather by this my letter to salute you, with hearty desire to know how you do and what time to-morrow with least trouble to you I may come, both to see you and to show you what course I have taken to be imparted to his Majesty and the Lords as by you I shall be advised. Trouble not yourself with any writing, but only tell the messenger what hour I shall come and how you are now in your health—Dorset House, 13 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (117. 110.)
The Commissioners of the Middle Shires to the Same.
1606, Sept. 13. With much difficulty we have got together such number of the chief Grahams, and others whose names appear in the schedule enclosed, and sent them to the port of Workington, under the conduction of the high sheriff of Cumberland with the assistance of the country and Mr. John Musgrave and the horse garrison for these parts. We could not attain to send away fifty families of the Grahams for that divers of the poorer sort, least dangerous, after they had been before us and yielded themselves unto transportation, at the instant thereof fled and hid themselves, as we are informed, rather of weariness of their bondage wherein they lived under their masters, the chief Grahams, now transported, than for other cause; and if we transported them without means sufficient, which we could not obtain from the country, there had been great doubt of perishing of many of them this winter there, they having many children and being exceeding poor. Such as we had confined to Carlisle, being all the chief, are gone, and none escaped us at this time, and there is not now left between Leven and Sark any Graham, as we think, of any ability but three, whereof there be two old men more than fourscore years of age presently also to remove from that place, and of whose children we have sent some over; so as all the known notorious offenders whose names heretofore terrified all peaceable men, and the young able men of whom there might be doubt in time to come of danger, which we could get in, are sent away, and we have endeavoured by our agreements with Sir Ralph Sidley to compel them to begin families in Ireland and to plant themselves wholly there,—which if they shall not do they may be sent to his Majesty's wars, as he shall direct. Amongst those sent over, some of their wives being with child, and children at nurse, we could not send them away, but have taken bond for their transporting into Ireland in the spring at their own charges. Many of the notable offenders whom we never got in, by the industry of the provost marshal, upon his Majesty's pleasure known to secure them of their lives, yielded themselves and are transported; and we hope that many of the children and friends of those now transported will shortly of themselves follow.
The length of the service has grown from two causes, the backwardness of the country in the contribution and the cunning of the Grahams, who have left no delay unsought to win a small time, the special matter they pretended being to gain their corn, hay and grass of this season, which they have got for the bettering of their estate from the Earl of Cumberland, whose officers by their clamour and our entreaty have been enforced to yield and are gone away without allowance of any rent to him for the same; so this present year he can have little or no profit of his seignory.
We have dealt with Sir Ralph Sidley touching the estates and farms of the persons transported to be taken of him, whom we find well affected to use them well if they so deserve, and also for the employment of the money levied from the country for them, amounting to 300l., which we have committed to him. The copy of the agreement with him and manner of distribution of the money amongst the Grahams and others transported, according to their estates and qualities, we have also now sent you and for that the whole estate of many of the persons transported depends upon the trust reposed in Sir Ralph Sidley, and such security as we could provide for their good by the same articles, we pray you to recommend the execution thereof, for the good of the poor men, to the Lord Deputy and Council of Ireland; and to give such further direction for their better encouragement and commandment to remain in that kingdom and upon the seignory of Roscommon, unto which they are now transported, as you shall think meet, for the country is much fearful of their return, if there shall not by his Majesty and the Privy Council be special order taken for their restraint. There yet remains almost 200l. to be levied of the country, which we think fit should be gathered up that it may be a mean hereafter either to transport the residue of the Grahams or others, or to increase the stock of such as be now transported, as it shall seem good to the Privy Council; and men forward in this contribution will be much discouraged if such as have been frowardly backward for so good a cause should have any immunity herein. And albeit Esk, Sarke and Leven are reasonably well purged of evil men, yet are there remaining in Bewcastle office and Gillesland divers fit to follow these now transported. The country has no good opinion of the service of the captain of Bewcastle for their good.
For furnishing the present charge of the conduction of the Grahams to the port of Workington we have taken order and there provided ships for them; but until the conductors and purveyors return we cannot know the certain charge, but by our next you shall have perfect advertisement. The Grahams carry with them many horses and much household stuff. Sir Ralph Sidley has taken view of their houses upon Esk and advertised us that having plenty of wood and timber in Ireland, with small allowance made for building of their houses, they may make them sufficient houses according to the manner of the country, which is the cause of such allowances [as] we have set down to them for that purpose. Divers of the great thieves are unmarried yet to encourage them to remain in Ireland we have made them allowances towards their planting there as to others and committed the same to Sir Ralph's discretion to pay the same to them to that end, upon such security as may be reasonable and as appears by our articles of agreement. There are yet remaining outlaws, the sons of Walter Graham of Netherby, three sons of George Langtowne, and three brothers of Wills Jock deceased and some of their sons, as also Jock of Galloway and Geordie Sandy and divers others.—Carlisle, 13 Sept., 1606.
Signed. 3 pp. (117. 111.)
Sir Thomas Smith to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606], Sept. 13. I received direction from my Lord Chamberlain for writing the enclosed to Lord Wotton; which when I told him I would send to you for your hand, he willed me to advertise you from himself that the King's meaning is not to defray the charge of the Count Vaudemont until he be lodged at Kingston, for which order is taken. I have come twice or thrice to the presence of his Majesty, but found not opportunity to deliver what you willed me to say touching the D[uke] of Curland, neither did his Majesty say any word to me concerning any other of the Latin letters; but this evening happily some better opportunity may be taken. If these lines to so little purpose be troublesome, first my Lord Chamberlain's commandment must make me excused; and then I presume you will easily pardon it in one that owes you all duty and service.—From Hampton Court, 13 Sept.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (117. 113.)
John Lytler, Mayor of Chester, to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606, Sept. 14. I received the enclosed letter directed to you about 12 of the clock this present Sunday, 14 Sept., and have presently sent it away by the post according to your former direction.—Chester, 14 Sept., 1606.
Holograph. ½ p. (117. 114.)
Sir Henry Montagu, Recorder of London, to the Same.
[1606], Sept. 14. It recovers me from sickness to hear of your amendment. I perceive a little distance will beget a great report; for me it passed not what became of me. Some sickness it pleased God to send me, begotten but not felt while others' labours were upon me; but to hear you were so ill, if that be ill which men call death, made me little desirous of life. But God be thanked, and I am infinitely glad to be so assured by your hand. I know not in what terms to acknowledge this exceeding favour in pleasing to visit me with so comfortable lines.—Yarnton, 14 Sept.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (117. 115.)
The Earl of Nottingham, Lord Admiral, to the Same.
[1606, Sept. 14]. I perceive by your letter how earnest the French Ambassador is in this point of law concerning money, I doubt not of their earnestness in this as in all other things, but that must not make me to "ilde" [yield] and to prejudice the place I hold. You may remember that Sir Julius Cæsar proved it to be law, yea, their own law before Beaumont, and Mr. Doctor Done confirmed it. I think it will be showed that 3 or 4 times it was taken for the Queen's Majesty, our late dear mistress, into the Exchequer, in that time that my predecessor had delivered all the benefit of "prytas" [? prizes] into her Majesty's hands and had for it 100l. "land in vicempell" [sic: land in fee simple]. I would I had so to be out of all this trouble, and then his Majesty might do with it as it should please him. Your lordship I am sure remembers that Beaumont took the money of me as given, and so protested before all your lordships; but this question must be ended only this way: let Sir Julius Cæsar, the Judge of the Admiralty, Dr. Done and some other excellent civilian deliver their opinions before you of the right, and I will yield to their judgments; and so I think he ought. If it be in right belonging to my office I must be pardoned for ever yielding to it; I have of my free gift given many of these, but I had it ever judged mine first for prejudicing the right. You write you wish there should be some meeting on Thursday next, which is impossible, for in these cases that concern the Admiralty I will not deal in them except the Judge of the Admiralty be at it, for I trust not to live to prejudice so honourable an office by want of my learning. Besides his Majesty goes to Windsor which being my charge I must attend on him. But after the judge is come, whom I have sent for with all speed to repair hither, what day you shall appoint I will be ready to attend.—Undated.
PS.—I trust you do not think it reasonable for all the French Ambassador's big words that if it be law he should be yielded unto. It is enough that I give them my right, but I will never leave to yield to him if by law it be my right; and then since he holds this course it shall make me stay my liberality.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "14 Sept. 1606." 1¾ pp. (117. 116.)
Sir Michael Stanhope to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606], Sept. 15. After my last being with you at Whitehall I told my father-in-law that upon my better information of you of his great years and the weakness of his body unaccustomed to travel (for other weakness there is none) it pleased you to say you would take that information from me and would think of some other more fit for that journey; but that you could not freely discharge him as then, but that he should attend you 20 October next and then he should receive your full answer. This did exceedingly content him. I eftsoons urged unto him that he should be well advised in this meantime not to speak too much of his journey, not to do anything whereby he might be deemed not so old as I reported him or of a better strength of body than I pretended until that time were past, lest there might some blame be laid upon me. Which he promised he would observe, but has not performed; for the very next day after I went from him towards my house he was asked in the church and not long after married. In his anger all his revenge was upon his children, saying that if he went this journey he would pay his son no more his annuity, and that he would presently break up house and convey away all his lands. This is his weakness who more respects the satisfaction of his doting humour than any other thing in the world. I thought it my duty to advertise you hereof, minding to attend you before 20 October.—Sudborne, 15 Sept.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606." 1⅓ pp. (117. 117.)