Cecil Papers: April 1609

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 21, 1609-1612. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1970.

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'Cecil Papers: April 1609', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 21, 1609-1612, (London, 1970) pp. 39-47. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol21/pp39-47 [accessed 19 March 2024]

April 1609

The Earl of Cumberland to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 2. He encloses his answer to the Lords as to how matters stand between the Duke and him, and will yield to whatever course Salisbury likes of. He hears the Duke has lately caused the deer, lodges and fences to be viewed, and that for the lodges and fences they mean to make no certificate. The deer have increased almost double since he and his brother entered. He will beg warrant to have a view taken of the lodges and fences. The Duke sent him a message that he would satisfy him for any charge he had been at. He will observe any directions the Lords give him herein. Begs that if his Majesty be in any way distasted, by misinformation, with his carriage in the matter, he may be rightly acquainted with his answers. Skipton Castle, 2 April, 1609.
Signed 1 p. (127 17)
Sir Henry Lee to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 3. With a present of 'such fruit as a barren ground bringeth forth'. Ditchley, 3 April, 1609.
Holograph 1 p. (127 18)
Thomas Crook to [Thomas] Wilson
1609, April 4. Reports arrival of Wilson's brother, himself, and all their company at Baltemore in Ireland. His voyage was principally to fetch 1001 for Mr Norton and Wilson. The Lord Treasurer was very willing to do Wilson any kindness, and delivered the 1001 on his own and Wilson's brother's bill. Presumes they will have the timbers that Mr Bingley felled at a very easy rate, and it is very fair 'knees'. Wilson's brother hopes to get freight for it 'for little or nothing but the bringing of a ship to London that is lost in these parts by pirates, if we find that to be a good means; there are so many lying in those parts as their freight about were worth 3001,' The time is scarce fit, for here are many 'baynsick' [? brainsick] fellows that think they can serve timber there for half the price it will stand them in. But Wilson may be sure that if any man can get one penny, 'we' can get two. The Lord Deputy tells him there is one that will deliver ship timber on the Thames for less than 30/- a ton. Discusses the sale of the timber. 'Till your brother come over, understand what returns other men make, but undertake nothing directly yourselves.' Dublin, 4 April, 1609.
Holograph 1 p. (127 51)
Henry de Gunderot to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 5. Troubles him with these few lines only to thank him for the many favours he has received, for which he prays opportunity to employ his life and all he has in his service. M. de St. Antoine will tell him he has only just reached Paris, and will inform of all that has happened in that Court. Paris, 5 April, 1609.
Holograph Two seals over pink silk Endorsed: '5 April 1608 (sic). Sir Henry Gunderot to my Lord from Paris.' 1 p. (125 81)
Sir Arthur Capel to Lord Treasurer Salisbury
1609, April 5. Salisbury and the Lord Chamberlain wrote to his wife, in her widowhood, understanding she purposed to marry him, requiring her to let her house at Madingley and its grounds to his brother, Mr Edward Hynde, at a reasonable rate. His wife has no interest therein but by way of jointure for life. Details their reasons for not wishing to part with it. If they hereafter purpose to let it, Mr Hynde shall have the first offer. Haddam, 5 April, 1609.
Holograph 1 p. (127 20)
Edward Boughton and Robert Treswell to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 8. According to their commission for the sale of the King's woods in Warwickshire, they have surveyed Combe and Bynley, both in lease to Lord Harrington, and report thereon. They have offered to his Lordship's officers 1000 [trees] for 1000 marks, which is more by 3s 4d each than is certified in the survey: and the officers offer 6001. Ask Salisbury's pleasure therein. The rest of the value is most fitly to be made out of the trees of the common at Bynley, whereof they have apportioned to be sold 1000 at 6s and 1000 at 4s. His Lordship, however, has put in a claim for them, and they ask directions whether they are to proceed with the sale, or desist. Bynley, 8 April, 1609.
Signed 1 p. (127 21)
Thomas Hayward to Lord Eure
1609, April 10. Mr Oliver Thurgood is now making sale of divers of the King's woods in Worcestershire, by virtue of a commission out of the Exchequer. He offers to sell divers principal trees in Bewdley Park upon the banks adjoining to Tickenhill House; amongst which one special tree called the Prince's Oak, and 2 others near the same, are already sold, and the same being fallen will much tend to the disgrace and prejudice of that house. I, being woodward for that county, acquaint you herewith, to the end you may take order for its prevention. Bewdley, 10 April, 1609.
Holograph 1 p. (127 21/2)
Sir Thomas Mildmay to Lord Treasurer Salisbury
1609. April 10. He was chosen one of the Commissioners for the service of Aid in his county. Excuses his absence from the third meeting of the Commissioners, caused by his sickness. At the second meeting some compounded, and there are many more who have offered composition according to Salisbury's letters. Springfield Barnes, 10 April, 1609.
Holograph 1 p. (127 22)
Sir Walter Cope to Lord Norreys
1609, April 12. The King's counsel are of opinion that Norreys can challenge no part of the body of the tree. As for the lops and the bark, if the commissioners for sale can compound with him at reasonable rates, he shall be satisfied for them; if not the Lord Treasurer says his claim shall be considered next term, when may be heard what can be said for the King's title. Court at Whitehall, 12 April, 1609.
Signed Endorsed: 'Sir W. Copes to be sent unto Sir Fran. Stonard and Sir Robert Johnson, that they should compound with me for the tops and bark of trees sold out of Shottover and Stowe woods or given by the King.' ½ p. (132 49)
The Earl of Northumberland to the Earl of Salisbury
[1609] April 13. There are some things in question which come under your direction, too long to particularise by writing; therefore I pray you give this officer of mine hearing for me. 13 April.
Holograph Endorsed: '1609.' ½ p. (127 23)
Sir Edward Wyntour to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 13. You will be well pleased to understand what has been done in this country about the appeasing of such great disorders and dangerous tumults as have happened here of late. As it cannot be done by letters, I will come up myself. All matters here remain now very quiet, the people much ashamed and, as it should seem, very sorry of the vanity and rashness that without any just cause sent them into so high a contempt of his Majesty's authority. They promise all future obedience. My poor house of Lydney, 13 April, 1609.
Holograph 1 p. (127 24)
[Sir Thomas Edmondes] to [the Earl of Salisbury]
1609, April 13. Treaty with the Infanta, the Archduke and the President concerning Hoens. The truce published. Discourses upon the truce, as if the conditions were all to the Archduke's advantage. Desire to have the unnatural subjects, which remain on that side and are as firebrands to his Majesty's estate, removed. Touching the presents of the Commissioners.
The same to the Earl of Northampton. Recommending matters to his secretary's report, with thanks for his letters.
Abstract (227 p. 358)
Sir Robert Johnson to the Earl of Salisbury
[1609, April 14] Gives details of the sale made of trees at Newport where he had the assistance of Sir William Andrewes.
Touching Lord Norris's demands, they wrote something from Rycott. Begs that nothing be resolved therein till he has delivered his knowledge of the matter to Salisbury.
Details of the sale of trees at Olney by Sir Arthur Tyrringham and himself. He has not yet sold in any other manors. He is now going to Whaddon and Nash, and thence to Hanslop. Undated.
Holograph Endorsed: '14 April 1609.' 2 pp. (127 25)
William Hancocke, Mayor of Coventry, Henry Breres, Henry Sewall and John Rogerson to the Privy Council
1609, April 17. We received the commission for the taxation of the first payment of the third subsidy, and the Council's letters of February 9 for the increase of the same; and appointed cessors as well for the inhabitants of the city as for the foreign inhabitants of the towns within the county of the city. We found two causes of impediment alleged by them, which we know to be true. One is the general and great decay of our city and the tradesmen of all sort in the same since the beginning of her late Majesty's reign, by reason that such as formerly used to traffic at Coventry now turn all or the most part of their dealings to London; a thing common to many other corporations of this realm, to the great and notorious decay of the same. The other is the present great dearth of all kinds of victual under the burden whereof the meaner sort of tradesmen so labour that they are enforced not only to sell their household moveables to find them victuals, but also to seek relief from the more able sort of citizens, to their great charge. We pray you to accept this as our just excuse for not increasing our taxation. Coventry, 17 April, 1609.
Signed 1 p. (127 26)
The Governor, Assistants and Generality of the Fellowship of Merchant Adventurers to the Lord Treasurer
1609, April 17. You called in a former warrant to the officers of the Customs for the port of London, for an accustomed allowance of 90 tons of English beer to serve for the ordinary diet of the Merchant Adventurers residing at Midlebrough, and confirmed the same by like warrant from yourself, for which they are thankful. They desire you to permit the like quantity of 90 tons of ordinary table beer to be shipped this year also to John Turner, 'Conseirge' of the English House in Midlebrough, for the provision of the said merchants, who have always found the English beer more wholesome and better agreeing with their bodies than that which the Netherlands can afford. London, 17 April, 1609.
Signed: William Romeny (1 p. (127 27)
Sir Thomas Leighton to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 18. He has instructed his son and servants to give their best assistance to Mr Thurgood, his Majesty's Surveyor, in the sale of decayed trees in the Forest of Feckenham. He begs Salisbury to allow the bearer to inform him of the state of the King's woods there, and also of his (Leighton's) right in the woods of the manors of Feckenham and Hanbury, according to the late Queen's grant, which he trusts with Salisbury's favour to enjoy. Guernsey, 18 April, 1609.
Holograph 1 p. (132 50)
The Bishop of Ely, Miles Sandys and R. Cox to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 18. They found Mrs Anne Balam unfit to govern her person and estate, and therefore committed both to her brother Mr Egremond Ragland, a very discreet man, and best worthy to receive the residue of her estate after her liberal maintenance. But the day after he took upon him this charge the gentlewoman died, so that unless Salisbury be good to him he will lose all his labour and charges. This matter might have come better to pass if some wilful men had not both contemned their proceedings and neglected Salisbury's authority more than was fit. Dounham, 18 April, 1609.
Signed 1 p. (195 102)
The Earl of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 20. I thank you for procuring me his Majesty's licence for my absence from this feast, so near at hand. Mr Doctor Barrow of Cambridge is come hither, under whose hand I am to be held as a prisoner for 20 days at the least. God keep you from the gout or stone, and all other infirmities. I had not troubled you now, had not Mr Johnson, surveyor of his Majesty's woods in these parts, desired me to convey a letter of his to Sir Walter Cope. I present my wife's best commendations. Sheffield Lodge, 20 April, 1609.
Holograph ½ p. (127 28)
Simon Wyllys to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 21. I desire to spend some longer time in France, to better my knowledge and avoid the shame of an idle life at home. It was only the near expiration of my licence that drew me thence, and had I not been called in question and restrained as I have been, my purpose was not to stay here longer than till I could have renewed my licence and resettled my fortune, wherein my three years' absence had wrought some distraction. I pray I may have licence as formerly. 21 April, 1609.
Holograph 1 p. (127 29)
The Privy Council to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 24. Great losses have happened to the merchants trading France by reason of the deceit and disloyalty of English cloth transported thither. His Majesty, particularly for the settling of the said trade, has passed a treaty of late with the French King, and finds that without a form of government amongst the merchants it cannot be well observed. He is therefore inclinable to establish a company, without appropriating the same to any limited number of merchants, or to any one city or place, or suffering it to be used in any degree of monopoly, but to lay it open to all his subjects who are willing to enter on reasonable terms for the support thereof. Give notice of his pleasure to the customers and other officers of the ports, and all others to whom it may appertain, that there is no purpose to bar any mere merchant from the said trade, but only to establish a government for the good thereof and continuance of the treaty; and give order that all such mere merchants willing to be conjoined in that trade or order, return their names to you by the 10th of June. Court at Whitehall, 24 April, 1609.
Signed: T. Ellesmere, Canc., R. Salisbury, H. Northampton, Nottingham, T. Suffold, E. Zouche, W. Knollys, J. Herbert, J. Stanhope, Jul. Caesar. 1 p. (127 30)
Jane Jobson to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 25. On behalf of Anthonie Atkinson, late Surveyor of the port of Hull, who is in suit with one Fenton about an office.
Her husband and she have been forced to sell land worth 1601 per annum for payment of his brother's debts to the King since he was Customer of Hull; and by fire she has lost all her apparel, jewels and household stuff; so their estate is much weakened. Nothing grieves her so much as a preacher they keep in their house, unto whom they are not able to give maintenance as they wish. Begs for the grant of an office or wardship. 'Your poor kinswoman.' Bromtingham, 25 April, 1609.
Signed 1 p. (127 31)
Henry Sanderson to Lord Salisbury
1609, April 25. There is a commission, copy of which he encloses, directed to him, George Warde and Ambrose Dudley, for the sale of trees blown down in Chappell Wood. There is also a warrant from Salisbury that Mr Thomas Murey, schoolmaster to the Duke of York, should have certain timber out of the same. Warde, the bailiff there, by colour of the commission, refuses to deliver Murey's wood. Asks instructions Details abuses and spoils committed by Warde and his officers in those woods. Reports as to other trees blown down in his Majesty's woods within Durham and suggests appointment of commissioners. Barwick, 25 April, 1609.
Partly holograph 1 p. (132 51)
[Sir Thomas Edmondes] to [the Earl of Salisbury]
1609 [April] 26. The Confessor sent again into Spain to give satisfaction in the particular points of the treaty, according to a paraphrase made by President Richardot, and to procure the payment of debt to the army and the settling of the State Composition with the army for the 3rd part of their arrearages. 'I understand that the Pope not knowing what to determine in the complaints of the continual dissensions between the English Jesuits and the Benedictines, he hath given them this general answer, that if they do not better agree he will revoke both the orders out of England; which doth much displease the Jesuits that the Benedictines should be put in such equal rank with them.'
Abstract (227 p. 358)
Anne, Lady Brouncker to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 28. I desire your favour in my grief. Lord Hay first procured letters to Sir James Ley and Sir John Davyes to know whether Mr Brouncker's lease of the impost of wines in Ireland might be avoided, and they answered it could not. I now hear he purposes to send over his agent to find out some new matter to avoid the lease. I hope Mr Brouncker's deserts were not such as his distressed wife and children should be thus vexed as to seek advantage of forfeitures. The lease was engaged by him for above 40001; besides I have no other means to provide portions for my five younger children. Although Lord Hay has neither honour nor humanity to desire these courses, yet I have cause to fear him, considering how great he is and how little I am respected. You wrote to Mr Brouncker that the King's promise was no advantage of forfeiture should be taken: and the Lord Deputy provided in Lord Hay's lease that no omission past should be prejudicial to the lease in being. I beseech you uphold my poor estate. Kingestreete, 28 April, 1609.
Holograph Endorsed: 'The Ladie Brownkar.' 1 p. (127 32)
Viscount Byndon to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 29. I request your picture in the Garter robes, to be placed in a gallery I lately made for the pictures of my friends, whose presentation daily to behold will greatly delight me to walk often in that place. Also your favour to Mr Jhon Budden, whose faithful attendance on your affairs is publicly known. One John Jesop, a physician, who is ever busy in cunning practices for his own commodity, lately found a ward, by a little 'quyllet' of land which came to him by a void exchange. This ward I took to have been mine, as holden of my manor of Sutton Poynts, and bestowed on Mr Budden: which now happening in your gift, I desire you to confirm the same to him. 29 April, 1609.
Holograph ½ p. (127 33)
The Bishop of Rochester to the Earl of Salisbury
1609, April 29. Begs Salisbury to excuse him to the King for not waiting upon him tomorrow. Their College gardener here at Westminster yesterday buried his wife of the sickness, and though the house in which she died be somewhat remote from the College, yet the gardener had been within the College since her sickness. Therefore he holds it fit that he and his servants should forbear so close attendance about the King till time gives better security that there is no danger.
Dr Smith has desired to preach before his Majesty tomorrow, purposing to crave some pardon for the error of his last sermon, and with some better discourse somewhat to recover his good opinion; wherewith my Lord of Bath and Wells has acquainted his Majesty, and he is well contented that he do so. Westminster College, 29 April, 1609.
Holograph ½ p. (195 103)
Lord Norreys to the Earl of Salisbury
[1609, April] As to the fee due to him out of such trees as the King shall either sell or give away. Some of what he challenges is granted by the Attorney-General, as the enclosed shows. He complains that Sir Robert Johnson and Sir Francis Stonard will not make any valuation of his fees, though he is willing to accept anything they set down in writing. They might sell 700 trees, the barks and tops of which are worth 700 angels, but he will take so many French crowns, which comes to 1701; which allowance he will either take in money, in trees, or let it be deducted from the debt he owes the King for his subsidies. Undated.
Holograph Endorsed: 'April 1609.' 1 p. (132 52)
Humfrey Wheeler to the Earl of Salisbury
[1609, April] He did not receive the enclosed warrant for the apprehension of Richard Moore till March 20th. He immediately went to Moore's usual abode, 20 miles distant, found he was newly departed, and stayed there for him till the date of the warrant was expired. If Salisbury renews the warrant, he has no doubt but to apprehend Moore, and bring or send him up. Since the warrant expired, Moore has been within four miles of the writer's house three times. Undated.
Holograph Endorsed: 'Rec: in April 1609.' 2 pp. (127 34)
Sir Henry Goodere to the Earl of Salisbury
[1609, April] To remain guilty in Salisbury's opinion would lay a heavy burden on him; he therefore seeks to rectify himself. He did not hunt after 'that business' at first, but took it when it was presented to him, and might have fallen into worse hands; and he only proceeded therein as seemed lawful and requisite for his reputation. After the King had shown inclination to his first motion, he did not urge any advantage of priority, but was contented to join with him who made a later petition; and when he understood that his proceedings were distasteful he abandoned them. Regrets that Salisbury's name was used therein; but Salisbury will not punish an oversight like a crime. Begs for his favour. Undated.
Holograph Endorsed: 'April 1609.' 1 p. (195 101)
The Earl of Dunbar to [the Earl of Salisbury]
[? 1609, April] I received your letter this morning. The Prince being here with us has heard of the King how merry and glad he was at the reading of the same, and in presence of all that was in the bedchamber he has spoken more of your wisdom and good nature than I am able to express. He says before us all in public hearing of many these words: 'I believe not a king in the world has such a Secretary as I have, both for earnest matter and great affairs, and also for jest; and his nature is even according to my heart's desire; for were it that I had in his place a sour 'mallancolleows' humour of a man that were 'sattereke', having so great affairs to do with me as my Lord of Salisbury has, then would I break my heart, but the greatest affairs that he ever has to do with me he does deliver them with so good method and so pleasantly, as I protest to God I will never weary in doing my affairs and giving of dispatches with him, more than if I were at some sport upon the fields.' The Lord Hay who came in to the end of our discourse, can show you something of his Majesty's contentment. His Majesty has read your letter sent unto me, and has perused all your papers enclosed therewith. He, having well considered, conceives a great contrariety between the King's ratification and the Archduke's treaty; for, says his Majesty, in the treaty they are acknowledged as a free estate, and in the ratification the Duke and Infanta are termed sovereign lord and lady proprietors of the Low Countries. And yet his Majesty notwithstanding agrees with the opinion of your letter, that it is a 'branse' of the Spanish humour agreeing with their Spanish ostentation, and that they will not stand to give satisfaction. I am glad you wrote your letter in so jesting a style, for his Majesty was well pleased with it. I was directed to send back all these papers to you. In your next you will let us know when we shall see you. Undated.
Holograph Endorsed by Salisbury's secretary: 'E. of Downbar to my Lord.' 2 pp. (124 48)