Cecil Papers: April 1590

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1892.

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'Cecil Papers: April 1590', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594, (London, 1892) pp. 23-32. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol4/pp23-32 [accessed 25 April 2024]

April 1590

Barnimus, Duke of Stettin, to the Queen.
1590, April 1. On behalf of Laurence Becker, sent by him to Eng land to purchase iron ordnance, cloth and spices, that he may freely obtain the same and export them without payment of tax.—Rugenwalde in Pomerania : ipsis Calendis Aprilis. Anno 1590. Signed : Barnimus manu propria.
Latin. Endorsed by Lord Burghley.
Armorial Seal. 2 pp.
R. Douglas to Archibald Douglas.
1590, April 3. The very same day that my last were sent towards you, your first and last packet came to my hands containing letters of divers date, but because the principal matters that my lord Bothwell was desired by you to do were answered by my last, I thought this needed not so hasty an answer; and since he was gone to 'St Jhonestoune' and thereabouts for such matters as I wrote to you at the time, before I could get his answer to such points as were objected against his dealing, it behoved me to speak with himself and communicate to him the contents of your letters. Therefore, before I could do that, I followed him over the water the next day from place to place, where he had been for six days together, until my return to this town the last of March whither he and I came both and on one day. Here did I at length confer with him; but because that which her Majesty craved of him concerning his leaving farther dealing with foreigners is already ended, and that he has neither sent to Flanders nor Spain, but is ready to give up all intelligence or appearance of friendship with them in form as her Majesty shall think most expedient and, in like manner, to follow forth such a solid course at home is;agreeable to his sovereign's mind, I think it needless to repeat his resolution, since by my last you were sufficiently informed thereof : but by reason that her Majesty, partly by advertisements from hence, partly from inter cepted letters, seems in doubt of his honest intention in this course, a matter that indeed has touched him very near and that he apprehends very far there to be supported where he has dealt most uprightly, I thought I would give you his answer almost in his own words. To the first, touching his alleged promises to the King of Spain or some of his ministers to be able and willing to do him some day a piece of accept able service, he freely confesses, as you know and Her Majesty herself may remember he never denied, but that he had dealing a year ago or somewhat later with the King and some others of his ministers and that 'reciproque' promises both of good will and services passed betwixt them, and in that course, if the King, his sovereign, would have per mitted him, gladly would he have continued; but since he saw his prince bent against all such dealings and that himself had been in danger of the loss of his favour therefor, and that in conscience the course seemed contrary to his own intention and carrying danger to that be liked best, he had withdrawn himself from it piece and piece but yet not discharged. And therefore if her Majesty would say that since the departure of the King, or since he entered on this course with her Highness, any such promise had passed betwixt him and the King or any of his Ministers, or that since he had written so much as a letter to any of them before this which for her service he intended to have done, then he would be contented, renouncing all privilege of a stranger or a nobleman subject to another prince, to come to London to be punished as a disloyal and pervert traitor;or if Her Majesty would give him an author of any such matter, whether his countryman or otherwise, if he made him not in her presence, deny it, then to be reputed inhonest and a double dealer. The like answer almost he gives for Berwick and confesses that long ago he said to one sent hither from the Duke of Parma that he thought Berwick not impossible to be taken and that he doubted not having sufficient 'moyen,' either by surprise or corruption of some of the keepers, to make himself master or it, but this was but a manner of discourse whereof he heard never farther since that time, but that then when he spake it he would have been as glad to put it into effect as he was to speak it. If now any such motion had been attempted he would have made her Majesty acquainted therewith, but to have repeated to her all the ineffectual discourses betwixt him and some dealers with the prince he thought to no purpose. These were his very words as far as I can go, but in the meantime he was in such a choler to see himself suspected where he meant most uprightly, and his honour called in question where it was most dear to him, that both the Ambassador and I had much to do to appease him, and oft he said that he would take it for the greatest favour from her Majesty, since he saw she would have him without cause in suspicion, that if she would discharge him of his promises to her or' late, if then she suspected him it should not be without cause, for as for him he could not live in suspected friendship, not with his own prince. I see the delays used in the Court to come to some point with him drives him to this impatience. He will necessarily be at some point shortly and will have me to come to you very shortly to resolve him what he may look for, or if he may assure himself of her Majesty's perfect friendship, when he will be content not only to break off any dealing suspicious to her state, but also give up to any, his prince excepted, that it will please her to command and will gladly do her service not only in this country but in any other part. He denies that either Cuddie Armour or Restalrigg had any such directions to write to my lord Chamberlain of late and avows that the letter written by him to Cuddie Armour to credit Restalrigg was a year ago during the time of his ward, neither has he at this time any intention as to come in that country, and whatsoever he would communicate to my lord Chamberlain he will use some other means than the two persons named. As the Ambassador can testify he has had a great care of late to keep them of Lidesdale from their accustomed disordering of the borders and such beggarly thewes as had of late made some spoils he caused them even now make sufficient redress. In like manner his honourable and wise behaviour about the apprehension and getting in his own hands the Spanish bark for by any man's exhortation, being unable to have been apprehended by force, I am assured the Ambassador also will testify, she now being in his power to be used as her Majesty will appoint. At his last being over the water he 'onditt' little or nothing of that I wrote unto you was his purpose, for Athol was gone before his coming to the Highlands, but hearing of his coming to the country he turned back [&] sent to my lord again to follow forth his first journey and intentions. The King wrote very earnestly to him to pacify by all possible gentle means the quarrelling between Huntley and Murray, Erroll and Athol before his returning, which now he is gone about, for that at Kincarne Erroll and Athol meet where he will use all good means for it. If they cannot prevail he will declare himself party for Athol and Murray, principally since his own particular moves him against Huntley who has intruded himself into the house of Spynie that my lord alleges to appertain to him. This difference he will also be content to submit to friends to be decided amiably. Otherwise if Huntley will do him no reason he vows he will seize upon Dunfermling. At this meeting he will have occasion to see divers of the other faction whose intentions he will learn as far as he can, which we understand not to be a little hindered by the news of his Majesty's hasty returning, and of the descent of the Spanish army in France for this year and not to this isle as they looked for. My lord wilbe as I understand very earnestly dealt with to re-enter in his old society with the other faction and many large offers and promises made to him, but I know he will do nothing therein except he be driven to that course by despite and malcontent of the State, whereof I wish he have no occasion. He has promised to cause the Irish bishop to be apprehended in the Highlands, and for that cause has sent for Angus Makoneil who he knows will not stick to betray him for any gain. The dealers from the country are busier nor they were both about the association and another practice of no less importance. I think my lord will also cause the two principal dealers to fall in the Ambassador's hands if he be well dealt with. The state of the country remains as it was in in that same quietness, since many give out bruits of the stirring of the lords of the other faction, and that because some of them are come in this country, and this meeting at Kincarne of the Earl Bothwell with so many suspected of the faction makes those who are not privy to his intentions to suspect that dealing shall do no good. But the Ambassador is persuaded and I am out of doubt. Maxwell and Jhonestoune are like to fall by the ears again, which will be no small trouble to that country, The day of law betwixt the Lord Hamiltone and the Lord Sanchar, I think by commandment of the Council, shall be stayed lest so great convocation may brood some trouble. Our Council is busy making preparation for the honourable receiving of their Majesties. The ships are now in readiness, and to depart this day or to-morrow, so that all men look for his Majesty's speedy return and sooner perhaps nor every one is aware of.—Edinburgh, 3 April 1590.
Holograph. Seal. 4½ pp.
Robert Bruce, “Minister of Christ's Evangel,” to the Lord Justice Clerk, “Ambasador to His Majesty.”
1590, April 3. I was sorry that you missed the letter which T sent to you by Mr. Patrick Galloway. In respect of the present occasion and turn that we have in hand I thank God of his merciful providence he has brought you there at such a time. There is a Mr. Weall, an English preacher who taught before the King the last General Assembly when the King's Majesty was present. This man is brought in danger of his life by the malice of the Bishops who have him in the vilest prison of the whole town where ye are, and as he has written to me himself within these few days, except the King intercede for him by his letter, he looks to be despatched ere the beginning of May. I have written to his Majesty and the Earl of “Ar” about him, that also the King of Denmark's request may be had to the English Ambassador who is there for the present. And surely I think that our request shall be obeyed as soon as possible. I earnestly request you to intercede with her Majesty, and with councillors of credit, that the man may be delivered to the King, our master, according to the conference that was betwixt him and the King, unto the which Mr. Veall promised that if he could not have liberty in his own country, unto which he was first and chiefly bound, he should most willingly employ his service in this. You have the supplications of the whole kirk, “warrandis of Godis word” and of a good conscience, and there cannot any effect issue out of it but that which must be comfortable to you; therefore take the work more boldly in hand and commit the issues concerning the man to the Providence of God.—Dunbar, 3 April, 1590.
Holograph. 1 p.
[Richard Douglas] to Archibald Douglas.
1590, April 9. It grieves me marvellously to be so discomforted by your last letter as to be almost out of all hope of any good success in the Earl Bothwell's affairs; whereof, my lord, suppose for my own part I dealt in that matter as honestly as possibly I could, yet I cannot but be blamed, having almost assured him of better, so that to be plain with you I cannot tell how to behave myself. To entertain him with vain esperances, as hitherto it has proven, it cannot at the length but turn to my blame; to deal plainly with him and show him how it goes indeed, it will so irritate him that I know he will run to be avenged on them any desperate course, and so both lose his prince's favour and undo himself. I am herein in a marvellous perplexity and wish I had never meddled therewith, but now it is too late, and yet as God knows my intention was good both for my lord and the King's service. Mr. Bowes has been very plain with me and if I be not far deceived has dealt very honestly in this matter. He has shown me both my Lord Treasurer's and Mr. Secretary's letters, full of good will towards my lord, showing an earnest desire they have to see him contented and laying all the blame upon the Queen herself that it is so long in doing, and my Lord Treasurer takes the matter en himself, which gives me some little hope and the more courage yet to continue. I wot not how I can eschew my coming to you, for my lord will needs have it and Mr. Bowes thinks it also meet, notwithstanding your opinion which I told him. 1 fear I shall be forced to come, or else to leave him. I will the rather come because I would have your opinion in some matters concerning yourself and my behaviour at his Majesty's return, which cannot so well be done by letters that carry no reply. As to that you wrote of the discovery of some dealing in this country, indeed there is some, and the truth thereof I hope to understand within a day or two; but the man who is with our cousin understands nothing, he is a very ass and knows not what they are doing in the world. 1 marvel that ever he should have deserved banishment being so simple a soul; but I have some better moyen. As to that you wrote touching my lord the Justice Clerk, indeed I cannot certainly affirm what is his principal errand; but I saw a letter written from his Majesty to Mr. Fowler desiring him to further with all his best help the Justice Clerk who was directed to England, that makes me think his errand is some begging matter. As for the other purpose you wrote of, I know Colonel Stewart made such a motion to Mr. Bowes, that, he thought the King and the Estate of Denmark might be moved, if it were thought expedient, to send such a message to Spain, and promised to employ himself therein, as also, in care of refusal of peace, for a league betwixt the princes of Germany, the princes of this Isle, and the King of Denmark to resist the King of Spain's attempts in these seas; but that it be as yet gone any further it is more than I understand. Always, by my lord Justice Clerk himself you will understand the truth of that purpose and whatsomever else he intends there, with whom I wish you to be in strait friendship as one able to do great matters in this country. You know he is wise, honest and friendly and full of valour, and no great friend to your only enemy. I wish me the rather to be there for his cause, for I have a great opinion of him. I thank your lordship for the care you have of my wants, which indeed are not little, but if I can I will borrow silver for my coming if you may relieve me when I shall come there. As for that you write touching Mr. John Colvill, the cause of his discord with his lord proceeded first of my lady his wife and his friends who this long time sought to bring it to pass; and now Mr. John being collector to the last taxation and a part of it appointed to the lord Hamilton as lieutenant on the borders, he was somewhat slow as they allege in debursing money, so that first on that ground they stirred my lord against him. Since, Mr. John, loth to be no pillar, has leaned to the Duke and the Earl Bothwell, which augments his lord's hatred against him, so that now I take it to be irreconcilable. My lord is yesterday gone to the borders to do justice. I can write nothing of this assembly in Kincame until within a day or two. I cannot understand that my lord Bothwell sent any letter in Mr. Bowes his packet but I gave Mr. Bowes one my lord wrote to me which he sent to Mr. Secretary. Indeed I wrote once a single letter that I sent in Mr. Bowes' packet but direct[ed] to you, but of no great importance, and shortly bearing only the coming of William Shaw from the King and the Justice Clerk's direction in England.—This 9 of April, 1590.
Addressed : “To the right honorabill Mr. Archibald Douglas for his pryvatt affaires.”
Two seals. 2½ pp.
Sir John Conway to —.
1590, April 12. This day I have sent off Jacques Berlaer; I could not sooner procure his delivery without suspicion. He doth vow and promise faithfully to serve her Majesty, following his own points set down, and all other directions which shall be given him. He hath discretion sufficient to do good service. To encourage him I have defrayed his charges of imprisonment, and given him 12l. as an entry of her Majesty's pay. I have also taken a bond of his father and kins man to pay for his ransom and charges, at two certain days, 100l., and have assured him that doing his service faithfully towards her Majesty, and the same acknowledged by your honour, I will acquit him and his father of the whole, and be a mean of his further recompence as his service shall merit. I hope you shall shortly hear from him; according to the directions I received his letters shall come to you, which you shall know by the special mark made with his own pen in the end of this letter, for they shall be all signed with the same mark instead of his name : and the direction as he hath underwritten with his own hand.—This 12th of April, 1590, Ostend.
Underwritten : Principalis ad Andream de Loo Londini tegmentum ad domum Thomam Jefferey mercatorem Caleti.
[symbol] De Berlaer.
1 p.
Oath of J. De Berlaer.
1590, April 12. I Jacques Berlaer, being of the office of provisions of victuals and other munitions of war, may and do undertake to give secret and true foreknowledge of all the special services of danger which shall be intended by the King's side, or any his confederates, against the Queen's most royal Majesty of England, or any her realms, dominions, or governments or any her friends in league with her Majesty.
I do also promise to advertise truly and carefully what shall pass in the office of finances, which may concern the Queen of England or any her friends in league.
Item, having free access and good acceptance with the Count Barlaraont, I do likewise promise to give foreknowledge of any special service which shall be intended and prepared at sea to annoy any place belonging to the Queen's Majesty.
Item, having like access and good grace with Mons. Crabb, provincial of the order of St. Augustine, who hath daily advertisements of the occurrents of Spain and Italy, I do promise to understand and advertise so much as shall concern the Queen and her friends.
Item, I do promise to become conversant and familiar with all such Englishmen as live in these Low Countries, or any other place where I shall be employed; so as I may truly advertise their dispositions towards her Majesty and her services, also by whom they be relieved out of England, and by whom and what means they send any letters or messengers into England, and to what effect.
Lastly, I do take the Almighty God of heaven to witness that I do here sincerely and truly promise and vow to serve the Queen of England in these points, and all other services wherein I shall have direction, faithfully and truly : renouncing the Pope and all his con federates. In confirmation of which truth I have subscribed my name the 12th of April, 1590, before John Conway, knight, and Robert Adams, gentleman, witness-bearers.
Underwritten as above.
1 p.
The Queen to the King of Scotland.
[1590, April 16.] My dear brother. I find an old English proverb truly verified, that “a feast long looked [for] is good when it cometh,” by the late report that this gentleman hath brought me. For after many months' no knowledge of your good estate, I perceive the finishing of your late nuptial feast and of your safe escape from eminent dangers for which I have been so careful as a great burden of heavy thoughts are thereby unladen from my breast, and yield to God the thanks, not to any your endeavour who tempted (I think) too much his goodness in adventuring his mercy. I cannot but render you a million of thanks that, though it were long first, yet at length you right me so much as to suppose of my content to hear of your safety. And as touching your home causes, I assure you they need much a king's eye and are too great slenderly to be governed. If you would trust true warnings, you would have kept your subjects, yea your greatest, in better awe and more fear than they be. For God's sake and for your own surety, look better to your kingdom than you have done !. Boldness will make too many rulers if no kings, and nimia familiaritas generat contemptum. You may believe me for experience, though not to trust me for my wit, and judge rightly of me that, as I bear none of your malice, so can I not endure that their bold attempts shall shake your State or trouble your neighbours. There are not yet three days past since I intercepted a note that was sent concerning the surety that the Spaniard had of friends in your country, and that your out Isles were assured to have succour from your inlander lords and both to join with the foreigner's aid. If you suppose that these advertisements are inventions and no truth, I vow unto you on my knowledge you are in an extreme error; and am afraid, if you shorten not such work, they will spin you such a thread as will mar the fashion of your dominion. I have imparted something of this matter to this gentleman, as also answer to those two points that concern both league and unity; and, as you see, I have remembered more your affairs than mine own. So I trust you will think that I yield myself obliged unto you that have such a care for such things as concern us both. So I commit you, my dear brother, to God's safe tuition, who ever guide you to do that is best for your own surety.
Endorsed :—“Copy of her Majesty's letter to the king of Scotland, sent by Mr. Justice Clark.”
“Written the 16 April 1590.” [Bruce, p. 165.]
1 p.
Robert Carvyle to Archibald Douglas.
1590, April 17. Having to go to Scotland, to Mr. Bowes, with the sorrowful news of the death of our good friend Mr. Secretary, whose death is as much lamented in Edinburgh as here, coming thither the 13th inst., thinking to go see Mr. Fowler, for that I heard he was sick, word was brought me he was speechless; whereupon immediately he died. He was no sooner dead but my lord Bothwell sent Mr. William Lesley and Hugh Carmichael to seize all his goods. There was no ready money in his house but 13s., in jewels the value of 500l., in obligations to the value of 1000l. or thereabout, whereof there was a bond of Rodger Ashton's for 400l. The same morning lord Hume came into Edinburgh to lord Bothwell where agreement was made upon the sudden, which was not known to many persons, whereof many of both their chief friends think much. The 15th inst. very early in the morning the laird of Carmichael arrived at Leith, who came presently from the King to make ready against his Majesty's coming, who he saith was to take shipping the same day or the day following that he came to Leith.—Berwick, 17 April, 1590.
1 p.
Robert, Lord Seton to [the Bishop of Ross].
1590, April 18. Has received sundry letters from him; as to that where his late father owes him 200 or 300 crowns he is very uncertain, not the less as, he is informed, if any such debt be, he has received sufficient pledges of household “geir” in coffers from his said late father, which are still in his hands, and are of as great value as any debt remaining to him. Has not seen his late father's testament, and knows not what true debts are owing; and further is neither heir nor executor, nor as yet “intromettor” with any of his goods or “geir,” and so cannot be found to be debtor. Has been so greatly troubled for a great number of debts alleged owing by him that he has scarcely got leisure to rest. Prays to be excused in the matter.—Off Seton, 18 April, 1590.
1 p.
Henry IV. of France to the Earl of Essex.
[1590,] April 18/28. Thanking him for his affection, &c. The bearer will report his convalescence and the reduction of the town of Vienne to his obedience.—Fontainebleau, 28 April.
Holograph.
French. 1 p.
G. S. to Archibald Douglas.
[1590,] April 22. Apologising for the non-performance of his promise to be “at you” this month—having been visited with “the faver teize”—which is so common in this country that thousands have it and the Bishop of Holyrood's house is “deadly tormented” with it. Promises to appear on the 11th of Aug. on his way to France. As for such “currantis” as come to my knowledge you shall be “pertesephant” (participant) as I find commodity. Lord Bothwell and Lord Home are finally agreed and have drunken and shaken hands and are daily in company together. None of my lord Home's friends knew of it until it was done and they marvel much at it. It is spoken here that Mr. William Leslie was the “dresser of that grement” betwixt the two noblemen. There was no one who came with Lord Home to Ed[inburgh] except Thomas Tyirie. The 11th of this month Lord Hamilton came to Jedburgh to hold a Justice Court. No man was executed this time. On the “syntene” day he rode out of Jedburgh to Hawick with the laird of Buccleuch (“Buklewthe”) and 500 horse, to remain there for a certain time to take order in that part, as he has done hereof before, and “out of that” he will repair to Dumfries to set order in those bounds as he has done in these parts, in preparation for his Majesty's home coming. It is supposed that a short space after his home coming his Grace shall repair to the Borders himself and there make such justice as the like has not been made there these many years, and not only upon the Borders but through all his whole realm. Master Fowler is departed to God “in the canogait into Johne Atchisoneis house,” and after his departure to God my lord Bothwell has meddled with all his goods, alleging he is a bastard and that it appertains unto the King's Majesty. Afterwards, my lord Justice Clerk's brother, Mr. Thomas Ballentyne, came to my lord Bothwell to allege that he had done wrong in so doing, because it was within the regality of my lord Justice Clerk. My Lord Bothwell answered, “Gentleman, when it shall please God to send my lord your brother home I shall be answer able to his lordship if that his right be greater nor mine at his own lordship's pleasure.” Lady Lovit, wife of Capt. James Stuart, sometimes called Lord and Lady Arrane, is departed this world, and her husband holds him quiet in the North parts. There is a bruit that Lord Angus is to disinherit his eldest son because he is a papist and will not “re-knowledge” the Kirk of God. Sir John Ker of the “husell and appeirand” of “Lytilldane” has parted with his wife, sister to the laird of Wedderburn, and is married to her who was Lady of Enderwick by an English minister, and the Kirk has excommunicated them both, and in all the Kirks throughout the land where there is ministration, has declared to the people that no man have to do with the said Sir John Ker in buying, selling or any other doings, for nothing that Sir John does can be valuable. Asks for news out of France.
Holograph. Injured by damp.
pp.
[Mons. Buzanval to the French Ambassador.]
1590, April 28/May 8. Je ne vous scaurois que mander de bien developpé en ceste confusion ou nous sommes, c'est à dire aux portes de Paris, ou nous pensons entrer dans peu de jours Aut arte aut Marte. Au moins si l'ung et l'aultre moien nous deffault, la faim ne leur manquera pas. Nous en aurons aussi notre part, car vous ne scauriez croire comme tout est ruyné ici à l'entour. C'est pourquoi il y a du desordre en ceste armee, chacun estant aussi empesché, ou plus, à la queste des vivres qu' à la conqueste des ennemis. Mais nous en attendons par le moien des rivieres et passages que nou3 avons nettoyez et ouvertes. Nous eussions donné jusques à Auxerre et votre pays de Bourgougne bien avant, n'eust este que ceux qui nous appelloyent à ceste grande ville ne nous permirent de continuer la breche que nous avions faicte à Sens, ou nous feusmes; c'est à dire le Roy emporté, contre sa volonté, par l'esperance et asseurance que luy donnoit Chanvallon qui y commandoit de luy faire ung bon service. Dieu benisse ce desseing present; d'icelluy tout depend. J'espère et crains beaucoup. Le Roy a couché cest nuict au pont Charanton, nous esperons en St. Denis. Monsieur de Malligny se porte bien maintenant, sa maladie nous ha aydé à nous faire perdre Soissons [au] Roy, et qui pis est, Vernueil, qui a esté surprins. D'affaires il n'est point de nouvelles. Nous remettons le tout au Louvre à Paris, d'ou si nous pouvons donner des patentes dans xv jours j'espère que receverez tout contentement. Monsieur de la Fin commande en ce lieu. Je monte à cheval pour aller trouver S. M.; j'estois icy demouré pour quelques affaires et pour la conversation de mes amis voisins; car nous mangeons tout. Nous avons Mon seigneur le Conte de Soissons, et Mons. de St. Luc et mil autres, et entre ces mil infinis Ligueurs qui ont tourné visage; Dieu vueille que le cceur soit de mesme. Nous manquons en personnes d'auctorité des nostres. Les Savoyartz et Suissos nous vollent M. de Guitry qui est tousjours malade de sa pierre à Senlis. Il y a icy deputez exprez de toutes le Communaultez de dela qui le demandent. Ilz ont argent sur les lieux et ne demandent qu'un chef. Il y a mil choses desquelles ny ce pappier ny ceste haste ny ceste confusion ne sont capables. Je les remetz à la premiere despesche. Je suis votre serviteur et croyez que je ne vis icy sans soing de ce qui vous touche, mais nous ne pouvons rien depescher à faulte d'argent.
Headed :—“Coppie d'une lettre de Mons. de Buzanval escripte a Lagny le viije Mai.”
Leonard Davies and John Banfylde, to the Queen.
[1590, April 28.] For lease in reversion, for their services as gentlemen of the Queen's chapel, and one of the Queen's littermen.—Endorsed, 28 April 1590.
Note by J. Herbert that the Queen grants the petition.
Appended : Draft warrant, unsigned, to Mr. Morison, Clerk of the Pipe, requiring him to let nothing pass upon surrender or otherwise, being parcel of the particulars of above petitioners, but only to them.—June 1590.
2 pp.
Henry Billingsley, Alderman, to the Lord Treasurer of England.
1590, April 29. In reply to a letter of 18 April relative to allowances claimed by Parker, Barret and Gardiner, waiters in the port of London. I beseech you to appoint some other for the service of “this place of mine, with the execution whereof except I may have such extraordinary allowances, I will not by any means meddle, for that I know assuredly it will turn to Her Majesty's great loss, and so to my greater discredit.”—London, 29 April 1590.
Holograph. 1 p.