Cecil Papers: May 1595 ,1-15

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 5, 1594-1595. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

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'Cecil Papers: May 1595 ,1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 5, 1594-1595, (London, 1894) pp. 195-207. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol5/pp195-207 [accessed 20 April 2024]

May 1595, 1–15

Thomas Danett to Lord Burghley.
1595, May 1. Prays his favour in the obtaining of the deputation of Mr. Beale's office in York, which through indisposition he is desirous to assign to someone whom Burghley and the rest of the Council shall allow of; and notwithstanding that divers are become suitors, yet because he and Beale were bred up together in their youth, thinks the latter will more willingly dispose himself towards him than the rest. Was a suitor for the place long since and failed then only because he was outbidden with money, which impediment is now removed.—1st May, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (32. 14.)
Sir J. Conway to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 1. As to the cause between him and William Lane, with regard to the goods of Anthony Bourne, a fugitive. Upon Lord Burghley's order he paid 1,000l. for the forfeiture or the goods; but he was challenged by Lane for 600l. more, under a grant made to Sir Edward Stafford, and Lane has obtained an extent of his lands. Details the proceedings in the matter, and asks for redress.—1 May 1595.
2 pp. (2375.)
Sir John Conway to —.
1595, May 1. On the same subject.—Endorsed, “May, 1595.”
Sir Edward Norris to the Earl of Essex.
1595, May 3, I doubt not but you will think it strange, considering the state of things in these parts, to hear that the enemy should have a fresh attempt against Ostend. I assure you I do find it so hardly to be believed that I have forborne to advertise it, though it hath been spoken of very hotly these three weeks; neither would I have written of it yet if I had not been advertised of it from the States themselves. The States say that the enemy hath some hope to prevail by fire, either by some practice within, or else some new devices from without, but I see no great ground of either, and yet I will look as narrowly to both as I can. But from the land I am advertised that their only hope is to take us at unawares, and thinking with some great fury to carry it before any succour can come; and for the more secret carriage of their enterprise they make their provisions at Antwerp and Mechlin, from whence all may be brought hither by water, and draw their head before Hulst, hoping that some troops should be drawn from hence thitherwards; and in the meantime give out that Ernestus' body must be brought to Bruges to be buried, under which pretence provision of victual sh all be there made and troops brought down and all the nobility and forces assembled there. Their time appointed draws very near, but yet I fear when all is done they will be better advised than to come; and if they shall this will be the only place to get honour. In the meantime I will have continually spies abroad to bring intelligences, and accordingly advertise you as I can for wind and weather. Howsoever it be, I beseech you to assure her Majesty that I have nothing so dear as the care of her service and her favour, for which I would not spare 1,000 lives; and so doubt not but to give her good account of the place. I know your lordship hears what the French do upon the frontiers from Calais better than I can write.—Ostend, 3 May 1595.
Holograph. Seal. 3 pp. (32. 15.)
William, Lord Cobham to Lord Burghley.
1595, May 3. Sends the bearer to see him and bring word of his good health. Sends the advices from Italy received this morning, with a catalogue of Englishmen dispersed in many places.—London, 3 May.
Endorsed—“1595.”
Signed. ½ p. (32. 17.)
Count Maurice of Nassau to the Earl of Essex.
1595, May 3/13. Le Sieur de Bodley at este si longtemps pardeça, et cognoist si bien toutes les affairs de ces Provinces, que je penserois luy faire tort si je tachois de vous en discourir icy au long sans m'en remettre à luy. Je pense que le bruict sera venu jusques à vous de quelle façon l'ennemy at envoyé pardeça deux deputés qui ont estes en Zelande pour sonder si de ce coste l'on voudroit entendre à entrer en quelque communication d'accort contre les Provinces ennemies et les Provinces icy. M. Bodley vous dira particulierement soubs quel pretext ils estoint venu pardeça et comme je les ay renvoyes : je ne vous scaurois mander asseurement si j'entreprendrai quelque chose cest este en campaigne, car les troupes qui sont restees pardeça sont si peu et lescompaignies si petites que à grand paine j'oserois entreprendre un siege sans un tres grand hasart d'avoir un affront. L'ennemi est desja en campaigne qui n'attant apres autre chose sinon pour voire ou nous voulons tourner la teste. It est plus fort qu'il n'a pas esté de beaucoup d'annees.—De la Hage ce 13 de May, '95.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (147. 110.)
George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex.
1595, May 3. Mr. Bodley returning homeward can and will so particularly satisfy you both of his proceedings and success, and whatsoever else may concern this state, as I need not trouble your lordship, were it not to assure you of my ready service when and wheresoever it may please you to employ me. I am forced still to harp upon my old string, and do write presently to my Lord Treasurer about my suit for increase of the present entertainment or other relief. If it would be your pleasure to put in a word when occasion may best serve, I am sure I should speed the better and sooner. If the chargeableness of these parts enforced me not hereunto, I would not presume to be thus troublesome.—Hague, this 3 of May, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (171. 136.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 3. To-day from Middleburgh I received the accompanying letter from Antwerp. I do not know the writer, nor have ever heard his name; but as he only asks me to present the letter I think I cannot fail, and trust the Council will take in good part my sending of it whatever it contains.—London, 3 May, 1595.
They write of the arrival in Spain of the ships which were bringing silver from the West Indies.
Italian. Holograph. 1 p. (171. 137.)
John van Olden Barnvelt to the Earl of Essex.
1595, May 3/13. Has received from Mr. Bodley his letter of January 13 last, by which, and from the ambassador and various advices of Mr. Caron, he learns the continuation of his affection to the common cause, especially to that state, for which that state in general and all good patriots will be for ever most obliged. As, however, he knows that the answer given by the States General of the United Provinces to Mr. Bodley's proposition, notwithstanding it is founded on right and reason, will require his favourable assistance to make it agreeable to her Majesty, prays his Lordship to give it his support to that end; a thing tending to the honour and service of Her Majesty, the good of the state, and worthy of him.—From the Hague, 13 May, 1595.
Signed. French. 1 p. (171. 141.)
Sir Foulke Greville to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 4. I have, by grant from her Majesty, the keeping of the forest of Feckenham in Worcestershire, where the keepers have such slender wages and allowance as I have been driven for divers years past to augment the same out of mine own purse. Besides they have neither lands nor lodges, wherewith when I acquainted your father at Sudeley he marvelled much thereat. I am now a suitor to his Lordship for some amendment therein, as also that he will give warrant for the delivery of such fee wood as heretofore hath been always allowed to the keepers out of Her Majesty's woods in Hambury within the said forest, while it remained in Her Highness's hands, the manor being now granted in fee farm to Sir Thomas Leighton, and all the woods excepted.—From Beauchamps lane, the 4th of May, 1595.
Endorsed : “Sir Foulke Grevyll to my master.”
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (171. 138.)
Bartholomew Dewhurst to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 6. I have been with Mr. Dean of Westminster to see the words of Mr. Fowler's will for his house. First he gives his house to his executors for a year after his death rent free, to the end in that time they may finish his accounts and make sale of the things therein. After that year he gives it to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster for ever, upon condition that they see the rent of 20l. per annum disposed unto certain poor men and women of his kindred, some 4l., some 60s. a piece. If they fail of those payments it is given to the vicar and churchwardens of St. Martin's for ever under the same conditions; and if they make default, to his own next heirs. And if my lord [Burghley] or you mind to have the house, his will is he or you shall have it from year to year for 20l. per annum. His mind is the same shall be one entire house as it is, and not be divided into tenements. If my lord or you have it not, such fine or increase of rent as the same shall be let for he disposes of amongst divers of his kindred by name; so this is but a simple gift during your lives, as I take it.—Westminster, 6 May, 1595.
Holograph. 1 p. (32. 18.)
Richard Carmarden to Lord Burghley.
1595, May 7. As to the informations against Captain Docenton, Captain Langton, and Captain Smyth, slain in a late voyage. For the value of 1,600l. worth of ambergrease and other goods by a suggested estimate of 30,000 pounds, if the same were either in pearl stones precious, or such jewels of price to be proved, the same may fall out true; but for mine own opinion, until I confer with Mr. Myddelton, I find all this to rest upon a dead man's report, and rather uttered now to relieve the widow with than to be allowed for any good proof to charge any man with, if not to a worse end, that is, to hinder the Earl's chargeable now intended voyage. For I can assure you that, by your son Sir Robert Cecil and the rest, then in commission at Dartmouth for the carrick causes, I was, presently after my arrival thither by commandment of your letters, sent away next day with Sir F. Drake to Plymouth, to examine Captain Langton and others of the Earl's men in that voyage; from whom we could find no great matter.—London, 7 May 1595.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (32. 19.)
Thomas, Lord Buckhurst to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 7. My cousin Tasburgh informeth me that my Lord Chief Justice intendeth this day to begin a new examination of this cause informed by Mr. Pigot against him, calling before him all such parties as Mr. Pigot will produce, and so to unrip all the parts of this cause, both touching my cousin Tasburgh and his wife, both before her reconcilement to this church and state, and since. For my part, considering that by her Majesty's own commandment we have dealt in this cause, and that also in some sort even for the manner thereof by direction from the Queen herself, and that the cause by our order hath been by honest and discreet gentlemen of good calling examined and certified, and we thereupon agreed to make report thereof to her Majesty, I cannot think it but dishonour to her Majesty, discredit to us and injury to the gentleman and his wife also, if this course should now take place against him. Wherefore, as I would do nothing herein alone, so if you shall like thereof, I shall be very willing to join with you in a letter to my Lord Chief Justice, expressing the whole state of the cause as it hath been handled by us, and thereupon to require him to surcease his farther dealing therein.—This 7 of May, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (32. 20.)
Peter Edgecumb to Sir Robert Cecil, Governor of the Royal Mines Company.
1595, May 7. I humbly crave, both of your honour and the company, that my coming up to London the beginning of this Easter term may be forborne for this season, but will send up one of purpose within 14 days to attend you and the company; also that the rent demanded of me for the said mines may only be forborne till Michaelmas term next, and then the whole be fully paid. I may truly allege these reasons for this little time of forbearing. First, for that myself and my partners being out not so little as 2,000l. in charges of these mineral affairs, and not as yet made any profit by the same, we shall think ourselves very happy if for a little time longer we may be spared from payment of rent; if not until any gain be made, yet until somewhat be raised for defraying part of our charges. Another cause for myself is some revenue of the Mines Royal, being for a twenty-fourth part of the same which I bought of Mr. Customer Smith about ten years since; the rent whereof being due unto me, as well for Keswick mines as for the rent of Cardigan and Carmarthen shires, the like for Devonshire, besides my like part due for Cornwall and Merioneth for seven years before I took the late lease of the same of Mr. John Smith, for which in the whole I do account there is due unto me above 500 marks, as I shall give further advertisement to you and the company upon my sending up this term, and shall desire to be at an account with them, as well for the rent due by me as to be also resolved how I shall be answered by them for the rent aforesaid. The mines are like to turn, after the short time of my lease expired, to the great benefit of the whole company. Where it pleased you to signify that if the rent were not now paid by me the company could not want other sufficient offerers for taking the said mines, which now by their lease I do enjoy, I doubt not there be many who, in the beginning not willing to adventure any money in the mines, will now be ready (without reason or conscience) to enjoy the benefit of other men's travail and charge. But myself and my partners depend on the good consideration both of your honour and the company.—From Mount Edgecumbe, 7 May, 1595.
Signed. Seal. 1½ pp. (32. 21.)
Thomas Savell, the Queen's Surveyor, to Sir R. Cecil.
1595, May 7. As to a petition which he wishes should reach “his Lordship” [apparently Lord Burghley]. Speaks of “the heavy delay of four years, partly by sickness, but specially by the vehement appetite of the Lady Gargrave, watching all opportunities to dispossess me of my living.”—7th May, 1595.
1 p. (700.)
John Colville to “S.” [Mr. Bowes].
1595, May 8. The estate now being quiet, there is no new thing to write till this Convention end, and I think about the 15th hereof I shall take journey, like as the young Earl Murray, the abbot of St. Cosme, and Cluny will do, who thinks long for their passport. Junior [margin : “Young laird of Lawys (Lawers)”] hearing that some boats were to go out of Renfrew beside Glasgow for the Isles to carry some men, is gone thither to stay the said boats, and if need be your servant shall purchase his Majesty's letter to that effect; but Junior has taken that in hand, desiring that advertisement may be sent to the Isle of Man to be watchful, for he has heard some whispering that they mind to make some incursion there, but as yet nothing to Ireland. If Francis Tenant's letters be not yet sent to Calais, I wish them sent to Dieppe to the house of one called Ja. Vachop, a factor, Scottishman, for he has desired me to send his letters there, which I have closed up as if they were from his wife.—This 8 of May, 1595.
Holograph. Signed “[symbol],” and addressed “To S.”
Endorsed :—“Mr. John Colvill. viijo Maii 1595.”
Westm. xiiijo ejusdem
1 p. (32. 22.)
John Lee to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 8. Among the varieties of fortune whereof I have tasted both good and evil, none hath happened more grievous unto me than the late relation you made, that I should be in some disgrace here at home before my departure beyond the seas, a matter so far repugnant to the truth that I must needs conceive the malice of the world devised this. Ever since I first saw her Highness, being a boy at my poor father's house, then her Majesty's servant, where it pleased her Highness to be lodged six or seven weeks together while her house at Assheridge, where her Majesty then usually lay, was aired and cleaned, I never had nor shall have any undutiful thoughts against her Highness. It pleased her Majesty at such time as I was admitted to her presence to give me thanks for my service voluntarily offered to her, which my service I directed to your father, who then, as his lordship doth know, carried the greatest sway of this commonwealth, who thankfully returned answer of my first letter and wished the continuance of my service, and I should find him thankful, as I have done; whereupon I continued my service six or seven years together. And were it not that I have lately lost by the death of one Hopkins, a fugitive, 100l. per annum paid me by Mr. Ludwic Grivell and his son, which I obtained by your father's means, I would not have troubled his lordship or you in this suit for Mr. Bedwell's place in the Tower. I crave continuance of your most honourable friendship notwithstanding this false surmised suggestion. Your father promised by his letter to Lady Russell that he would further me what he could if I could get anybody to recommend my suit unto her Highness.
Endorsed :—“8 May 1595.”
Signed. 1 p. (32. 23.)
Robert Walmisley to Mr. Anthony Kempe.
1595, May 9. I am urged to write unto you in another style than I am wont. I sent my man the other day for a pair of virginals which I lent your children to learn upon; you send me word I shall have none. You say I owe you 100s., that I am a cosener, a murderer, and that I have killed your wife. Thus you have to my great discredit abused me, such a friend as again you shall never find; abused yourself, being more ungrateful than a gentleman should; and make me recapitulate those things which will be no pleasure for you to hear. You reported that I sent to you for a morning gown, and said that you sent me word I should have a halter; an immodest speech of a gentleman by his friend, and a base message if sent. Because you shall condemn yourself of your too much unkindness towards me, I will begin at the first of my kindness, courtesies and services towards you, and repeat your unkind dealing and ingratitude towards me. First, being commended unto your wife by my good friends, she sent for me to cure her deafness and many other imperfections, when she had been so imperfected ten years before, and had passed under the hands of the best physicians of London to no purpose. I perfected her health, brought her hearing, which continued four years after till she died, by my continual counsel to preserve it, without any recompence from you; but even in the midst of my cure you used me most unkindly in receiving villanous reports of me, to the intent neither she should be cured nor I receive the reward of my well doing. Yet I, then not knowing what now I do, did in my love towards you in too much humility salve that with great patience; but the canker of your malice remaining, and peradventure being exasperated because I talked with a Jesuit priest in your house which you fostered to absolve you, who persuaded me to forsake my allegiance and not come to the churches here in England, but for this I should have been slain one night late, as you know, by your porter, who in shew you turned away, but presently after entertained him again, belike to do some like exploit, for I have heard somewhat arguing the same. Then when there was found in your gallery under the boards such furniture as serveth for mass, and the finders thereof, intending to undo you and all yours, came to the Court to exclaim against you for such maintenance against the Queen and her laws, I by my intreatance and purse stayed that your ransack, because you told me that was none of yours, when as the precedent shews you had used those relics with the appurtenances. Then when the plague happened in your house, who would come to you but I? Did not all your most professed friends forsake you? But when you sent for me (because I loved you) I came, forsook all my friends and patients in London, only intended your good, preserved you and the rest of your house; yet when did you ever give me one fee or gratify me with one courtesy, but only that you sent for me into the country, where I tarried not long but came to London, and the same day was I sent for again, your daughter Mary being like to die. So before I slept I returned unto you 50 miles, and saved your daughter's life, being infected with the pestilence. You then requited me I know how. You could not have had a physician in London at that time for the like cause for 20l., yet my love carried me above my strength to satisfy all parts of a friend to you, and then you thought my skill good; but now, behold how you requite me! Calling to mind how all these my courtesies have been requited, I cannot remember any one act that ever you did that could argue that ever you loved me, unless this were one. I once in your gallery at Slindon did but name the seminary priest with whom I talked in your house at Blackfriars; you never afterward could brook me, neither would suffer your wife to be in quiet till I was gone. Well, away I went, yet ceased not to do you any pleasure I could; and that I did you some I have your letters to shew. A year after, you coming to London, your wife fell sick. I cured her three times, who when she fell into relapse again, her body being weak and her mind sick, you had other physicians that gave her physic till she died (but thereby lies a tale). In this time of her often sending, for me, I could never be at home, but with her; the good I had deserved at her hands did so much breed her good opinion of me. So I attended her 10 weeks, yet did you never give me one fee as though you had regarded me. Now she is gone, to defraud me you lay unto my charge the having of 100l., that I killed your wife, that I am a cosener and that you will recover it to my shame. Whereas you have thus slandered me, I know what the law will give me in this case; satisfy yourself I will have recompence for my 10 weeks waiting on your wife. You placed two of your men in a corner to take hold of my speeches when I came to talk with you concerning your unlawful demand, but know this, I brought two with me that heard all I said and can tell all the course of our talk. One thing grieves me much, that you should abuse me your loving friend, and make an instrument to abuse me of him that hath abused you in the highest degree. Seeing my good deserts are rewarded with thus many injuries, I will make it known (unless you presently satisfy me) to so sufficient judges as shall very well be able to judge between you and me, and then you shall know what it is to abuse your friend and to awake a sleeping dog. Witness I have sufficient to prove that you have been more false to the Queen than you can answer; and that you may not deceive yourself examine the laws and statutes in this behalf. Rastall will tell you, in the titles of “Crown” and “Treason.” Now judge whether it be more shame for me to deny that I never had, or for you to deal thus disloyally with your Sovereign and unnaturally with me that have ever deserved well.—This 9 of May.
Endorsed :—“9 May 1595. Robert Walmisley's letter to Mr. Anthony Kemp.”
Copy. 2 pp. (32. 24.)
Henry, Earl of Huntington, President of the Council of York, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 9. This morning at eight hours I did receive a letter from my Lords dated at Greenwich, 5 April 1595, instead of May, 1595. In this letter I am willed to take care of Hull, for such cause as is mentioned. I am also willed to inquire of one Richardson, that hath been a schoolmaster (as himself saith) and six years together dwelt at Skipton, without any other addition, where he taught the school. I understand there is divers towns of that name in these parts, and therefore I require that I may know more particularly where this town is, and in the meantime I will try what I can learn. For Hull I have taken the best order I could long since, yea, even the very same which my Lords in these letters have now directed. But I have presently sent an addrsss thither, and also taken order for the remove of the recusants, which I think be but few if there be any at all. But in the blockhouses I am sure there is not one.—At York, 9 May, 1595.
Signed. 1 p. (32. 25.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 9. When I come to Court I will tell you what I concluded yesterday with the Count. This morning I drew up the accompanying minute in Her Majesty's name for an answer to the letter of the States, and I beg you to consider the reasons by me alleged “et se le stima buone a convincere la loro durezza, Io spero che la risposta sarà necessaria et fruttuosa.” But this morning I hear that Mr. Bodley arrived last night; which will make a change, and will occasion the Queen either to send a new and greater ambassador or to send him back at once.—London, 9 May, 1595.
Italian. Hol. 1 p. (171. 139.)
Thomas Fane, Lieutenant of Dover Castle, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 10. I received your letter by post of the 10th instant, concerning one James Symons, a messenger sent with letters of Her Majesty's towards the Low Countries, which letters you require to be returned without his going over. Whereupon, finding for certain that he is not here nor hath been of any late time, I have “indelayedly” taken order that like diligent enquiry shall be made throughout all other towns and harbours where he may be likely to seek passage for the Low Countries.—Dover Castle, 10 May, 1595.
[P.S.] Since the date of this letter the party being returned whom I sent unto other towns and ports, bringeth word the said messenger is not as yet come to any of them.
Signed. 1 p. (32. 26.)
Lord Cobham.
1595, May 10. List of Lord Cobham's geldings.
1 p. (145. 206.)
Alexander Nowell, Dean of St. Paul's, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 12. Both I and they of the college finding my lord of Canterbury unwilling to deal any more in the cause between Sir Edward Hoby and the college, for the long troubles he hath had before by Sir Edward's delays, we certified his Grace that the college should be enforced to enter their articles before this term be ended, else they shall lose the whole benefit thereof; which yet they would not do if Sir Edward by his Grace's and your authority could be brought to any reasonable order before the end of this term. Which if it cannot be, the collegs is of necessity to make their most humble supplication to Her Majesty that Sir Edward may appear to an action in law to be brought by the college against him for the arrearages, and answer to be made without unnecessary delays by him as tenant of the lands which Her Majesty hath given unto the said college, and not to fustrate the college by not appearing and other more strange shifts, as hitherto he hath done by the space of five years and more, in which time he hath paid no rent at all for the lands given by her Majesty unto the college to those godly uses. So that he oweth the college now above 800l. Yet the college had rather quietly and speedily by my lord of Canterbury and your authorities have the half thereof than seek the whole by long and chargeable suits in law, which both the college and I do protest for our our true excuse against all surmises that we will no way but law.—12 May, 1595.
Signed. 2/3 p. (32. 29.)
Henry Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 12. As soon as my lord's [Burghley's] door was open, being now about 11 of the clock, I acquainted him with your departure to the Court to be ready when Mr. Bodley should come thither and to answer for his absence; whereof he did well like and willed me to let you understand that his pain hath this last night been so great and the gout possessing so many places as he is not able to come out of his bed, neither hopeth of better ease until the weather may be more constant, wherby he knoweth not when he can come to the Court. This letter enclosed from Sir Goffrey Fenton came this morning by post, which in part confirmeth the late flying news by the taking of Feagh's wife, though not Feagh himself. His lordship commanded me to send the same to you, which I do with the more speed for that at the same time the post had a letter from the same party to my Lord of Buckhurst.—From the Strand in haste, this 12 May, 1595.
Holograph. ½ p. (32. 30.)
Sir Francis Knowles to the Queen.
1595, May 12. Petition for lease in reversion of lands at Battell, Berks, of which he is farmer.
Endorsed :—“12 May 1595.”
Referred for consideration of the fine &c. to the Lord Treasurer and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
1 p. (739.)
Declaration of Samuel Wharton.
1595, May 13. Being in the Low Countries he happened to have some conference with one Edward Fulthrop, sometimes a merchant of Newcastle upon Tyne, [Margin : Fulthrop is now towards my lord Lumley] who told examinate he was heretofore bound to appear before the Lord Lieutenant and Council in the North; but slipping away he had remained ever since in Bergen-op-Zoom in Brabant, which is about ten or twelve years. Further, he had written to his brother, Mr. Nicholas Fulthrop, for two of his sons to come into Brabant to him, which, he said, he would bring up in learning at Antwerp or some place thereabouts, and he saith further Fulthrop told him he had great sums of money owing him in those parts, and that so soon as he could get his money in, he would depart into some solitary place to live, and give his substance to his nephews. He saith further, that Edward Fulthrop being a merchant frequenteth the English house at Middleburgh, where under colour of merchants' letters he sendeth, and may send at his pleasure, letters to Newcastle and other places in Northumberland, to divers papists in the north, whereby he may do great harm, and especially by sending letters to the house of one Ursula Tailer, a spinster at Shields near Newcastle, at whose house divers of our countrymen that go into Flanders do secretly remain till such times as they can safely steal away. All which examinate hath heard reported to be true by one Christopher Askquith and Wm. Robinson, Yorkshiremen, who did lie there before their coming over. Ursula Tailer is a notable young woman as is in all England, and hath secret intelligences often times from the Low Countries, divers times by Fulthrop's means, whose brother married her sister. He saith further that Fulthrop about a year since was at commandment at Flushing in Zealand, for suspicion to be of a conspiracy with one Captain White for the delivering of Flushing to them of Bruges; but how he was acquitted he knoweth not, yet this examinate hath known divers letters sent between them from Bergen-upon-Zoom to Flushing, and divers secret conferences that they have had at Flushing, and that Fulthrop is now in London. If it be thought convenient he doubteth not to find him shortly. He saith further, there is one Robert Howard, a gentleman of Yorkshire, now at London, who was at Rome in December last, and studied there physic, who hath remained there and at Dowa (Douay) these three years at least, and that he was very earnest with examinate as touching his reconciliation, and did labour earnestly to the rector and other officers in the English College for his stay there, and of all others did seem most of all to rejoice that God (as he termed it) “had given me grace to come thither to save my own soul.” Further, he did hear in Spain, there is a priest in London named Markham, who was made priest of late, which was at Rome in December last. He further desireth most humbly that he may have some directions to the Lord Lieutenant of the North, lest he be troubled by him in his business at his going down into Yorkshire.
1½ pp. (32. 31.)
Export free of Duty.
1595, May 14. Warrant under the sign manual for John Coningham, servant of McAlan, a nobleman of the Highlands of Scotland, to transport from London 80 long bows, four coffers containing divers parcels of necessaries, and two small packs of apparel, free of custom.—Greenwich, 14 of May, 37 Eliz.
Privy Signet. 1 sheet. (32. 32.)
Pa. Robinson to [Archibald Douglas,] Ambassador of Scotland.
1595, May 14. Mr. Dodsworth of York returned a message from your lordship unto me, that my Lord Keeper hath given the poor living which I have away to another, and so hath reversed his hand and deed : therefore I cannot possess the same any longer unless I were denizen, the which you will obtain so that I disburse 50l. My lord, I did take you my very good lord and such an one as hath pleasured me, and may do in a greater thing. You had 10l. of me and Mr. Anderson 5l., and you did promise to have obtained the denization which was not, but for this I do think myself sure but if your lordship will get me another I will not stick to disburse 50l. for your pains. If so be I be thus dealt with, I do not doubt but I will procure [not] only all the gentlemen of Yorkshire's [hand to] my Lord Keeper, and also the King's h[and] to her Majesty in my behalf, before I [suffer] such wrong. If there were any such attempt, it had been your lordship's part in respect of the country, (?) to have signified the same by writing and not to have bruited it abroad in every man's mouth. None would have searched in any such thing but [by your] lordship's means, therefore, good my [lord], let me understand your mind [in] writing, and according thereunto will [I do].—York, 14 May, 1595.
[P.S.] I pray you to impart your mind to the bearer hereof, Mr. Bethell, my good friend and master.
Holograph. Injured. 1 p. (32. 33.)
George Goring to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 14. Lady Scudamore delivered my letter unto her Majesty, and had a gracious answer. After, Mr. Carmarthen moved her Majesty, when her Majesty gave out earnest speeches that my lands should not be sold, with other words inclining to grace, and then called for you as meaning to say somewhat in my favour that you should from her Highness deliver unto my Lord Treasurer. But you were then at the Star Chamber, being Friday last. I leave to press her Majesty herein until Mr. Carmarthen come to her next. My suit is that all my father's living may be extended, as also that which I was joint purchaser of; all will be about 800 [l.] per annum. I crave your pardon for this my presumption in letters, but my poor estate and the overthrow of my house stands on it. I and mine shall be bound unto you for your goodness herein. I was ready this morning to have come unto the Court, when I was sent for to my Lady Dacres, who hath been this last night and morning more sick than before; as I understand more so you shall be advertised by Mr. More or myself. God deal in mercy with her, she is an honourable person.—14 May, 1595.
Holograph. 1 p. (32. 34.)
Sir Edward Hoby to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 14. I shall be most glad that it will please you to join with my lord of Canterbury for the ending of this cause, and will perform whatsoever you shall think fit upon the hearing. But I beseech you to pardon my labouring of it to my lord of Canterbury. Let that be the D[ean's] suit, I will be ready to attend at such time and place as I shall receive notice of from either of you both. The 800l. he talketh of was but 200l. by the Lords' own order.
Holograph. 1 p. (32. 35.)
Edward More to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 14. It has pleased God to take away my Lady Dacres, whereupon I have thought good to give you present knowledge thereof, and to desire that by your means Her Majesty may be possessed speedily of a gracious conceit of her and her doings. She hath in dutiful remembrance of Her Majesty appointed by her will a jewel of 300l. value to be provided for her. She hath given her brother's eldest son and his other children that which is thought to be worth 8,000l. or 9,000l. Also she hath given Mr. Leonard and his wife, who was my lord's sister, and a child of his that which is thought to be worth 6,000l. or 7,000l., and the land which Mr. Leonard is like to have by the death of Lord Dacre and her is taken to be worth, when it shall be out of lease, 2,500l. by the year, besides my lord's chief house and the value of 2,000l. in woods; whereby I doubt not but it will be thought that both her husband's house and her own are honourably remembered. Also Mr. Vice-Chamberlain hath a very honourable legacy given him, and divers others about Her Majesty. All which, with what else you shall think good, may be published to prevent malicious speeches and win friends, but I pray you show not this letter lest for haste I have mistaken somewhat. My Lord Treasurer is overseer of her will, which I hope will give him sufficient cause to show himself forward in maintaining the same.—In haste this Wednesday at 6 of the clock.
Endorsed :—“14 May 1595.”
Holograph. 1 p. (32. 36.)
Peter Edgecumbe to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 14. I am right sorry you should conceive any unwillingness in me to pay the rent due for the Mines Royal of Cornwall, assuring you of my earnest purpose for satisfying thereof; but by reason I have been of late greatly charged, I am utterly destitute of money and wholly unprovided for satisfying of the rent required, although since your first letter I have neglected neither time nor occasion for procuring money, but without that success I hoped of. Therefore, to deal truly with you, I am forced for want of money humbly to entreat that I may be only six months longer forborne, for payment of the rent, when, God willing, I will not fail to satisfy the whole rent due, although I sell land for discharge thereof. My coming up without money, as I know it will be no contentation to them, so will it be not only very troublesome unto me, my age of 60 years considered, but also greatly to the hindrance of mineral proceedings in this season; which being unprofitable for them and me, I hope they will not require. If I fail payment of the rent in Michaelmas term next, I will not only give up my lease of the mines unto the company, but also yield myself to your censure, as well for satisfying the said rent as for giving the company any recompence for my former breach by non-payment thereof as you shall think reasonable.—From Mount Edgecumbe, 14 May, 1595.
P.S.—I wrote a second letter before this unto you by a messenger which came from the Council, partly touching my request as beforesaid, promising to send up some one this term, which I will do, for conference with the company and to understand their pleasure how I shall be allowed for the rent of Keswick and other places, for which there is due to me near about 400 or 500 marks. Although I stand in no certain hope to speed, I will not fail my best endeavour to prove whether I can provide for payment of the rent in Midsummer term now at hand.
Signed. Seal. 1½ pp. (32. 37.)
Sir Henry Gray to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, May 14. Being of late grievously troubled with the gout and since that with a burning fever so as he has not been able to stir abroad, thought good by letter to crave his favour on behalf of the bearer, that he will accept him into his service.—Pirgo, this 14 May 1595.
Signed. ½ p. (32. 56.)
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