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: December 1594, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 5, 1594-1595, (London, 1894) pp. 26-39. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol5/pp26-39 [accessed 23 April 2024]
December 1594, 1–15
| —to “Mr. Peter Hallins.” | |
| 1594, Dec. 2. | Two of yours came jointly to my hands, dated 2 and 9 of November. Some few days before, I had received another from you, dated 27 October, whereof I acknowledged not sooner for that your self willed I should not, upon some intention you had to come for St. To. Onions (Middleburgh). I am glad to understand that you understood me better than afore and so remain better satisfied of such doubts as you had uttered to me. I am not employed to be factor for any since my master died, in which respect I cannot do for some friends as I would. Further, if I had been acquainted with Pistol's man (Mr. Vicechamberlain, Poley) or that matter by him or Paget, I would never have written to you about it; so I pray you to take for truth what I wrote. Touching that and all other things, I came to the knowledge of part of those secrets by means of Mr. Grynger (King of Spain) his secretary. The said Paget laboured hard of late to have permission for Pistol's man to come hither, assuring he would find means to discover much of Wilks' secrets if he came to these quarters; but he could not obtain the suit. You must understand, moreover, that Paget doth not draw in one line with Fa. Holt and Persons, nor Mr. Cloves (Car :) when he lived, with whom I kept correspondence. Touching your letter intercepted, your friend informed you wrong, and so you do both Verstegan and me wrong. If I had caused it to be done I never would have delivered the letters open to your friend as I did. The matter happened as follows. The postmaster in Bottels (Antwerp) doth often take English letters, and for that he cannot well read English useth to call the said Verstegan to read them, being his familiar friend. He knowing the hand—for that yours to me pass through his hands—sent them straight to me, thinking they had been for me (whereas otherwise they had been sent to the Council) signifying what had happened. And this is the truth, as I shall be saved. You are not so unwise as to think either him or me so foolish [as] to deliver letters open if we had intended maliciously to intercept them. If we had intended that, all had been concealed, and neither you nor your friend here had ever known of the matter. In one of yours came a letter to your friend which I have sent him; he is not for the present in this town, he is with Rosen (regiment). |
| The Turk in Hungary had taken a town called Rab (in Italian some call it Griavarino), afore the taking whereof he put the Christians' camp to the worst, with loss of many Christians; since which he pretended to take another town called Comar, from whence he was driven away with loss of 20,000 men; so some hope the Christians do conceive to recover that town again which they had lost with shame enough. But the truth is they have no good men of war; especially they want good leaders to command. Fail not to send me those books when they come forth against the King of Spain, written by Antonio Perez, and that of Lopez. If I have often inculcated (as you say) that point of exchange of gold (attempt against the Queen), it was only to give you satisfaction who condemned me for all which others did, being so ill managed as loss came thereof many ways; wherein you seemed always to think I was a chief doer, and would not believe the contrary notwithstanding all I wrote. I would most willingly gain by that traffic, and if I could find a wise factor I would set one about it, as knowing it to be the only way to gain much in small time. You know a man must have a good stock to begin, the want whereof chiefly stayeth me. If I had that I would in time find a good factor, which always may be had with diligence and good wages. I know of some that sought at merchants' hands certain 124 reams of post paper (money) for that purpose; but the merchant of ginger (King of Spain) nor his factors would part with more at that time, doubting of cosenage; and, as I think, some meant no better. | |
| One Cardinal Allen is dead, whereat the Papists make great mourning. Touching that matter of shoes (Ostend), true it is I was very earnest about it, by reason I know that the gain would be so exceeding great as all that would employ themselves that way would remain at their ease. There are certain merchants who have great store of post paper (money) that will not part therewith but for shoes (Ostend), onions (Flushing) or the like trash. If I had any store of money I would most willingly have paid the charge of a factor for a whole year to employ himself about it. I know it is a kind of trade you are not acquainted with, therefore I do not condemn your unwillingness to deal therein; but assure yourself the gain would be great to divers. Leather (Catholics in England) would be good, cheap, and esteemed worth money in Bristowe and in Zealand. I must confess that besides the gain in general I am carried away with a particular covetousness; therefore I would the more willingly have spoken with you to confer of all our merchandise, the which I would have pressed more if I had so good means as I have heart to pay your charges, for whatsoever [do now it goeth out of my own purse, and in times past my master paid for all; but [was left in the lurch above 700 crowns by being absent when he died. If you have to trade for St. Thomas Onions (Middleburgh), and do continue in your former opinion to come to Bottels (Antwerp), I shall be most glad of it, and will procure such means for your safety as shall give you contentment; and so you shall come and return safe or not come at all, always provided you give me some notice aforehand when you come to St. Tomas (for) Onions [sic]. . . . . . . . . . I have written to one in Bottels (Antwerp) to procure means there for the conveying of the 20l. you mention. If it can be found, the name of the party shall be put in this letter (for so I have required), as well who to deliver it unto there as the name of him to whom it shall be paid here.—This 2nd of December, 1594. | |
| [P.S.]—Your old friend Filsher is here long since, who told me of late he had written to you and wondered he had no answer, and sent the same by means of the friend who brought you and me first acquainted. You shall do well to answer him. | |
| Endorsed : “Intelligences.” | |
| The words in italics are in cipher in the original, and have been supplied in another hand. | |
| Unsigned. 3½ pp. (29. 12.) | |
| Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 2. | Offers his services, but his sojourn here is painful to him, as by the death (infelice caso) of Signor Cornwalleys, the reason of his coming is gone. Intends to return, alone, in the end of January. The fleets of New Spain were not yet arrived at Seville on 7 November, and were not generally expected until the new year (tempo nuovo), which is also signified by an order, which King Philip has issued i.e., that no merchant is to be compelled to pay any debt until the coming of the fleet (di essa), the debts meanwhile to carry interest at 1 per cent. a month. The order come to Lisbon to arm the ships of war was not to meet the fleet, but to carry soldiers into Brittany. This news is not more than a fortnight old. Hopes they will arrive too late to succour the fort of Brest, against which our people were about to make every effort. Already knew of the return of the pinnace; the result is as he expected, as it left so late; they must allow that they played away that money. |
| Thanks him for the favour he does him “intorno al Novell' anno.” Commendations to his father. That Hippolito of Brussels writes that he has been accused of being a spy, and has fought and killed his accuser : he offers to write anew.—The Hague, 2 Dec. 1594. | |
| P.S.—Does not write of events here, so as not to wrong Mr. Guilpin. | |
| Italian. Hol. 1 p. (171. 30.) | |
| Sir Walter Waller to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 3. | I pray you, “of your honourable disposition to do all the good you may to any distressed or impoverished soldier,” to further my suit unto her Majesty for my relief, having wracked my estate by my long and chargeable serving in her Majesty's wars of Ireland and the Low Countries. The suit is honourable for her to grant, profitable to her being granted, will breed security to her and the realm, and give no just cause of offence to any honest or true hearted inhabitant in her dominions. I hope, if you will peruse the few combined leaves herewith presented, to gain “your favourable doom in furthering this my only suit to her Majesty.”—3 December, 1594. |
| Signed. 1 p. (29. 14.) | |
| Thomas Honiman to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 4. | Having a small bark here ready to depart to my brother, if there offer any occasion of affairs in those parts, your honour may be provided of conveyance. Since our last loss by the Spaniards upon that coast, our returns have not been so ordinary that you might have answer of the last letters. This bark is a French bark which I wrote to my brother to buy there, and having Frenchmen in her, though they meet with the Spaniard, they may pass. I have partly an intent that my brother shall lade her in Bayonne for some place in Spain, and from thence come hither. She may be despatched at any time from my brother to any port in Spain where any the King's strength lieth or shall be providing. In shew of a small quantity of rosin she may carry she will be void of suspicion. Mons. de Chasteaumartin had sometimes a Frenchman sent him to Bayonne, when I was there, by Sir Francis Walsingham, whom we conveyed into Spain. Such a man, contrived into mariner's attire, may be so directed that none of the rest of the bark shall know otherwise than [that] he goeth for their fellow mariner. He may bring notice of their strength, what voyage they pretend, and by what time they may be ready, with other advices. I send you herewithal a relation of the first plot set down to the King of Spain by the Marquis of Santa Crus for the invasion of England, which was in all points followed, except they after concluded [that] only the great ship should serve for war and carriage both, and so the small shipping be wholly dismised. I Englished the same, doubting whether your honour were skilled in the Spanish tongue. Here are come divers Flemish fly boats out of Spain, which report the King hath taken up divers ships to transport salt for the province of Quipuscoa and Biscay : if he be not sufficiently bridled of his fancy to England, this may happily direct you some insight in the manner of their proceedings for hereafter. By it is seen the situation of his strength in his country, and from whence it is to be levied, by which foresight their joining together may be partly prevented. Here goeth also the same in Spanish, which was given me for a thing conveyed out of the Marquis his study. The “leviacion” and charge of the soldiers and infantry followed, but it was hard to convey all. This, which is the charge of the shipping only, I esteeming to be the chiefest, made less “shewtt” for the rest.—London, 4 December, 1594. |
| Signed. 1 p. (29. 19.) | |
| Enclosed :—(1.) Relation of the ships, galleys, galliases and other shipping, seamen, infantry, horsemen, spenders, officers and particular persons, artillery, arms, munitions and other necessaries, which is thought to be needful in case shall be performed the journey for England, and the “bastisments” which shall be necessary to provide for the same, with the prices that they may cost, the parts from whence both one and other is to be provided, and what all will amount unto, accompting the army and host which shall be levied for the said enterprise to go provided, paid and “vastised” for eight months. | |
| The number of ships required is as follows :—150 great ships, viz., 65 of 600 tons each, 20 of 700 tons, 35 of 350 tons, and 30 of 400 tons : 40 hulks of 200 tons : and 320 (sic) small ships, viz., 50 of 100 tons, 50 of 150 tons, 100 of 80 tons and 20 of 25 tons. Total, 510 ships of 110,750 tons gross, to be furnished and manned by the places specified. The pay of the above ships for 8 months, accounting 6 Castilian reals for every ton, amounts to 180,744,000 “maravedis,” with certain deductions specified, amounting to 41,616,000 “maravedis.” | |
| Spanish. 3 pp. (29. 15.) | |
| (2.) English translation of the above. | |
| 2½ pp. (29. 17.) | |
| William Lee to Lord Burghley. | |
| 1594, Dec. 6. | I have been so persecuted by the papists ever since I was of Campion's jury, that by their malicious practice I do remain in prison, whence I do not expect very speedily to be delivered. But as I account my service employed to bring those traitors unto judgment the best that ever I did for the safety of my Queen and country, so it may be God's good pleasure to make me an instrument of His farther justice against them if they do not conform themselves, whereof I see small hope, for they abandon themselves every day more and more from our service and sacraments, having no other cause but the Pope's curse against us and our godly Queen. I am to advertise you of an imminent mischief which will shortly happen, if not prevented by your wisdom. One John Threell, a gentleman born in Sussex, where he dwelt till seven or eight years past, whence he was driven to fly for his incestuous life, discontentment in religion, and other lewd misdemeanours, doth seek to be sub-warden of the Fleet, where he purposeth to animate the recusants and afflict the Queen's faithful subjects. Wherefore restrain this officer that we may not have the wolf to be keeper of the sheep. My lord Buckhurst, abused by this man's hypocrisy, doth give him countenance; if he did know his disposition so well as many gentlemen in Sussex and elsewhere, he would shew him no favour. I do not envy his advancement unto this gaolership, for it is a place whereunto I wish mine enemy rather than my friend; howbeit, for her poor subjects' sake, I have presumed to inform you thus far.—6 December, 1594. |
| Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (29. 20.) | |
| Sir William Cornwallis to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 6. | Mr. Attorney two days since sent me the submission drawn by him and signed by that “cative,” after two or three offers of it to his obstinacy; a thing which is only for satisfaction of the Lords, yet not fully for the chief point neither, considering his libel chargeth them with acceptances of false witnesses, whereupon their decree standeth most plainly, which is discharged in his submission most mystically, and with no more in effect than was in the cunning preface of the libel; but to me for corruption of witnesses, to my daughter for being his wife, or worse, comprised in the libel, not a sentence, so as I shall never desire to have it performed, knowing it will be but increase of babble and ridiculous scorn among minstrels and coseners of the company, who are ready to give out it was a lesson taught him and made by Mr. Attorney to save his other ear and his whipping. This whipping, Sir, puts me in remembrance that my Lord Keeper told me this other day you should say to him her Majesty thought good he should be whipped, though he lost not his ear. And if it be yet so ordered, to be whipped from the prison to the place and there to read this submission (bonâ fide fashion), would argue to the world he came not thither to play a part in a play and tell a tale set down to him for the nonce to save his punishment; and might in earnest satisfy the Lords highly wronged, me, and my poor daughter undone otherwise; for the people's humours will excuse him all he hath said if they hear the Queen inclined to pardon him all he hath done. Good Sir, take a remembrance of this point and of the reason of my demand of this. I am even deeply contemplating my life past, and comparing my meaning to deserve some strength of the Queen's favour with my fortune to find in this the weakness of it. A base merchant's son of Norwich shall go home and tell all that town in my own country, how he hath had more power by lending my Lady Skidmoore 500l. five year agone, or rather indeed by putting some purse into her pocket, gathered among his friends akin to the knave, to stop decrees of due punishment, in such a reiterated wrong and villany, upon the pillory, than Sir W. Cornwallis had by his 24 years' service, 20,000l. spent in service, or by his giving or spending upon herself in his time 2,000l. or 3,000l. What, Sir, must this teach me that desire to have but justice? To tarry at home and gather 500l. to lend some lady there, rather than with miserable lodgings, fare and disease to toil out body with attendance and spend out all lands and living a man hath! If it had been her own humour to pardon him, my heart is a subject to her's; but when it is wrought by a base fellow for such a base respect as lending money or giving some 60l. or 100 marks, by such a barbarous brasen faced woman, in such a case of a woman, a poor girl she was then, the child of a courtier, in a matter that with the stay of his punishment stays the disgrace upon her still, I cannot choose, Sir, but complain my time, my youth spent, my charge lost in court, and all my faith and my affection there evil weighed and quited. If it had been a cosenage that had touched my Lords only, or goods or slander of myself, I would never have complained thus; but when there must be pity taken upon the base flesh of a villain, and no pity upon her fame, her fortune so pitifully spoiled by him and those confederates that platted to make money of it, I hold myself the unhappiest man alive.—From Highgate, this Friday. |
| Endorsed :—“6 December, 1594.” | |
| Holograph. Seal broken. 2 pp. (29. 21.) | |
| John [Whitgift,] Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 6. | Good Sir Robert, I do think myself so greatly beholden unto you for your honorable and friendly dealing in this action for the bishoprics, and especially for Norwich, that though in many respects I did faithfully love you before, yet now you have more straitly bound me unto you, and I do but wish occasion in effect to shew the same. I heartily pray you let Norwich have that expedition which you may afford.—From Lambeth, 6 December, 1594. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (171. 31.) | |
| “For Sir Francis Carew, of Winchester.” | |
| 1594, Dec. 7. | Notes as to the value of lands, &c., in co. Southampton. |
| The sites of the manors of Eastmeon, and the South farm, Droxford, Beaworth, Hamuldon, with the rectory, some for 18 and some 20 years yet to come, at the rent of 100l. | |
| Demesne lands of Eastmeon, with farm of 426 sheep, 44l. 6s. 8d. | |
| Farm of demesne lands of Eastmeon church, 4l. 13s. 4d; demesne lands of Drokensford, 15l. 2s. 3d.; Beaworth manor, 119s. 8d; Hamuldon demesne lands, 20l; Hamuldon rectory, 24l. Total, 114l. 23d. | |
| Endorsed :—“7 December, 1594. Certificate from Mr. Beale.” | |
| ½ p. (29. 22.) | |
| Nicholas Longford to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 7. | Before this time I have, for some scruple of my own conscience, broken her Majesty's law in not coming to the church as myself and every other subject are required. Being in that behalf by some of my learned friends satisfied, [I] have already shewed myself conformable to the law by my several repairs to divine service in divers public presences; which duty, first towards God and secondly to her Majesty and her laws, I do intend to continue whilst I live. My suit is that as you have power so you will help to deliver me from those former dangers and troubles I have incurred by my recusancy. For sithence my determination (under God) is that way to offend no more, I am desirous to apprehend the means whereby I may redeem myself from the things that are past.—Langford, 7 December, 1594. |
| Signed. ½ p. (29. 23.) | |
| Richard [Fletcher,] Bishop of Worcester, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 7. | I am so holden with a cold I cannot attend with mine answer concerning her Majesty's pleasure delivered for Sir Edward Denny. There is nothing in the world I more desire than to obey her princely commandments and motives; but I ever observe her gracious words to me when first it pleased her Majesty to call me into this order, that if any things were by her Majesty required of me to do, which with testimony of my conscience I might not yield unto, that then I should, upon good reason rendered, satisfy her Majesty and retain her gracious favour. Two especial things I do without all shift beseech her most excellent Majesty to receive as my answer in this matter, which both, in conscience, I am bound to regard. One is the scandal which such conditions of coming to our dignities ecclesiastical bring with it, which not only at home doth give occasion against our credit and callings, but even in every lie and libel from beyond is objected to the slander of her Majesty's happy government. The other is the great disadvantage it giveth to the bishopric and the successors therein, which is impossible, considering the great sums of money payable to her Majesty for first fruits, tenths, and double subsidies yearly, to be supported without such poor help as come by fines in the see of London,—which bishopric is left of late, as I suppose, never any since her Majesty's happy government. It will require, if it be sustained for her service and the dignity of the place, another manner of charge than lately it hath been passed over withal. This I trust her Majesty shall see shortly, to the satisfaction of her royal contentment and the expectation of all : but how it will be if these things for the maintenance of it be gleaned from it, I cannot by all my industry and insight, which hath been somewhat of late, attain unto. These things, if it may please her Majesty to receive as my answer, I shall be as ever most bound to her, and better enabled to serve God and her Majesty in that great and troublesome see. If not, I submit to her most wise and princely disposition of me and my service where and wherein soever it may please her. My grief is great that I cannot do whatsoever her Highness' pleasure is primitively; but it will be the greatest in the world if I lose the least mite of her grace and goodness towards me.—At Chelsea, 7 December, 1594. |
| Signed. Seal. 1 p. (29. 24.) | |
| 1594, Dec. 7. | “The Bishop of Worcester's answer to Sir Edward Denny's demands,” referred to in the preceding letter. Relates to the manor, park and mills of Harford, and the parsonage of Broxbourne, demanded by Denny in reversion. The Bishop answers that the demand is unreasonable, for beside that it is the taking of the state of an old tenant, and the whole living of a gentleman (Sir Harry Cock) over his head, it exceeds the orderly and ordinary course of bishops' demises, and is a state upon a state, not to return to the see again for 100 years. |
| Endorsed :—“7 Dec. 1594.” | |
| 1 p. (2456.) | |
| The Bishop of Worcester to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 8. | I do heartily thank you for the care you have of my occasions, and do no less pray you to take the best opportunity for the reference of my reasons to her Majesty. This gentleman shall from time to time attend you in the business. Myself came home very ill, and must of necessity keep within until I may recover. By the way, I must let you know that Parsons, the gentleman whose land and whole living is now sought by Sir Ed. Denny, is toward my Lord Chamberlain, who doth also interpose himself, and vowed to be most earnest with her Majesty to sink this pursuit. If her Majesty be pleased to let things proceed, I beseech you write a word or two to the Dean and Chapter for the soonest despatch of the election.—From Chelsea, 8 of December. |
| Endorsed :—“1594.” | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (171. 32.) | |
| A Diamond. | |
| [1594, Dec. 9.] | Depositions of Robert Brook, goldsmith. Whereas I, Robert Brook, goldsmith, about the 3rd or 4th Sept. 1594, lent unto Bartholomew Gilbert and Robert Howe, by means of Giles Simpson, goldsmith, 1,000l. for three months, the said Gilbert and Howe did condition that, if they paid 1,025l. on the 6 of this present month of December 1594, I should enter into a bond of 2,000 marks or 1,000l., I know not well which; but because they were willing to sell the stone before the 6 December, they prayed me to see the most it would make. Whereupon, with some money of my own and some I borrowed to make up the 1,025l. to pay to Giles Simpson [goldsmith in Lombard Street, at the sign of the White Bear], I redeemed the stone and shewed it to divers jewellers. Some did bid me 1,200l., some 1,300l. so as they might have a year's day of payment. Having learnt what it would make, I bought it from the said Gilbert and Howe for 100l. more, which was done about 3rd or 4th of this month. The said Howe and Gilbert, on receipt of the 100l., did come to my shop and fully answer that it was their own, that they would warrant it against all the world, that they had bought and paid for it, and therefore they might make the better warranty of it. |
| Copy. 1 p. (28. 19.) | |
| A Diamond. | |
| 1594, Dec. 9. | A summary of the preceding examination, with the following addition :— |
| “This Gilbert lodgeth about the Charterhouse, and as he thinketh is towards the Earl of Cumberland.” | |
| ⅓ p. (29. 25.) | |
| A Diamond. | |
| [1594, about Dec. 9.] | Examination of Bartholomew Gilbert, goldsmith. Bartholomew Gilbert, of London, goldsmith, being required to tell where he bought a certain uncut diamond of 26½ carats, saith as follows :— |
| About three months since he bought the said stone of a sea-faring man whom John Maddox, of Ipswich, brought unto him; who first shewed it unto him at Limehouse, in the company of Maddox, and sold it him at John Tirrie's house in Cheapside, where he paid for it 550l. in money, two nests of cups, and a diamond ring; and did then promise Maddox the third part of the gain, which he hath since paid him. The next day, he and Robert Howe pawned it to Robert Brooke. | |
| Undated. Copy. | |
| Endorsed :—“1594. Gilbert's note about a diamond.” (28. 7.) | |
| Henry Lock to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 9. | I crave your consideration of me in not suffering your own work to be foiled and my hope frustrated, not only in respect of my very great charges and travel employed therein, and credit of me and my friends among our kinsfolk, like to be touched if I be foiled herein, as that the opposition proceedeth from Borows, the old collector, who claimeth promise for this vacancy from the Dean, and braggeth of assurance from the succeeding Bishop, through two Councillors, 'tis procured in his favour, which I hold not sufficient counterpoise to her Majesty's pleasure and past promise. The resolution thereof here hath been deferred through the Dean's and a sufficient Chapter's absence, who having by bills according to custom been summoned can make no longer delay than Saturday next. Having received their answer I shall haste back to you as soon as a lame leg through a horse fall will permit me. In the meantime I beseech you if any Bishop be nominate (as here it is currently reported there is presently), let his grant be timely procured, for I will put in as good security as any in these parts.—Exon, this 9 December, 1594. |
| Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (171. 33.) | |
| Archduke Ernest to the King of Spain. | |
| 1594, Dec. 10/20. | Wrote, by last courier, that he was expecting an ambassador from England, and sent a translation of the Queen's letter and his answer. They have now changed their minds. Sends copy of the letter which the Queen's Council wrote to Richardot, explaining why the embassy is refused, and of Richardot's reply. From their changing their minds for such a trifle, one may conclude that there was little sincerity in their embassy, “y, porque, segun la opinion que todos tienen de Reyna y gente, no se podia prometer de su conversacion sino trayciones y inconvenientes, tengo por cierto que esta mejor assi.” |
| Every effort is made to learn what passes there; but, as there is no person of substance engaged in this, the advices are of less value than they should be. Sends some papers of the news received, and is seeking better means of communication. The most credit may be given to what is written by Jesuits “que andan in commission”; but, as they go “de fuera” and warily, they can only tell what they hear in the highways. Many affirm that the King's force in the port of Brest has perished; but as this is not known elsewhere it may be considered false, like other news which daily appears in London. He had no direct news from Brittany since he came to these states except, a few days ago, a letter from Don Mendo, in credence of a friar who brought it, directed to Don Diego de Ybarra. Encloses the friar's report. It is a matter that deserves to be listened to; a spark kindled there would make a great stir throughout the kingdom. (A todos parece que es platica à que conviene dar oydos, los haria gran movimnento, en todo el reyno la centella, que alla se encendiesse. (fn. 1) ) Of the parts of Aillon (Ireland?), and their zeal for the Religion, the King is sufficiently informed, and therefore, as communication with it from here is very slow (and much more so would be the power of aiding any movement there) it has been replied to Don Mendo that he should make his report to your Majesty, from whom must come both the resolution and the means to execute it. | |
| In Scotland the Catholics have risen against the heretics, and it is said the King does not declare for the Catholics only because he has no forces to resist the succours which the heretics receive from the Queen of England, who fears most for herself from the side of Scotland. In Ireland they are at war (andan a la manos) for the Religion, and the Queen is preparing succours for the heretics. Matters of Scotland are treated of by Father Creton and one Brusio. The papers enclosed are theirs, but are, however, very contradictory. Another Irish clergyman of zeal and intelligence, who has a salary here from your Majesty for a certain practice which is still kept up with the garrison of Flushing, is author of the paper about Ireland. Brusio is the person to whom you entrusted some money. He has departed again into Scotland. Reminds the King of their names because they are the persons whom he has found best informed. Makes use also of Father William Hun and of Hugh Hoen; but more sources of information are necessary. | |
| Found here one Rergel, of whom the Duke of Parma and Mansfeld both made use for these things; but has been wary of him, because Cardinal Allen has written to Stephen de Ybarra not to trust him, saying he was to blame, through ignorance or through malice, in the death of the Queen of Scots, and of others who were afterwards punished in London for having held practices with this Rergel; and Fathers William and Creton and Hugh Hoen “no le tienen en figura de haver seguridad.” | |
| Has, as commanded, made enquiry why the Duke of Parma “tenia preso uno añt Morgano,” by means of the said Jesuit fathers and well meaning persons. Has cleared up the matter, as explained in a paper enclosed.—Brussels, 20 Dec. 1594. | |
| Spanish. Copy. 2 pp. (133. 129.) | |
| Lords of the Council to [Matthew Hutton,] Bishop of Durham. | |
| 1594, Dec. [10] | It hath pleased her Majesty, out of her knowledge of your learning and gravity, to sign a writ of Con[gé] deslire with a letter of recommendation to the Dean and Chapter of York, for you to be preferred to that see, being now void by the death of the late Archbishop, a man of such learning and condition as her Majesty hath desired he should be imitated by you whom she doth know to be endued with equal gifts. Before his death it pleased her Majesty (as by the copy of a letter here enclosed you may perceive) to request at his hands a favour for the younger son of the Lord Cobham, which he would willingly have performed, as by his own letter may appear, in answer of a letter to the Lord Treasurer, if God had not taken him out of this life; and that to the full number of years required, in regard that the site and manor and demesnes are so long out of lease as a grant for shorter time would have been little use to the gentleman. These things having thus passed, her Majesty hath commanded us seriously to recommend this request of hers before any other things required at your hands, both for her favour to the gentleman, as especially for the remembrance of her mother whom she esteemed so dear in her life time. We pray you therefore to consider of this copy of her Majesty's letter, which you may in case of doubt compare with the original, which you may easily recover out of the hands of some of the Archbishop's executors, and after you have determined with yourself what course to take (the matter having been thus far dealt in already), to certify by your handwriting unto us what measure the gentleman shall find at your hands; wherein we will not farther enlarge ourselves, but leave it to your good consideration how fit it shall be not to deny her Majesty his satisfaction. |
| Endorsed :—“December, 1594. Copy of a letter from some of the Lords to the B[ishop] of Duresme.” | |
| Draft. 1¾ pp. (29. 59.) | |
| Matthew [Hutton,] Bishop of Durham, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 11. | The Lord Chamberlain hath advertised me that the Queen hath set down a full resolution to remove me to York; a thing I assure you that I did not desire, being so well placed already, so aged, and so much decayed. Yet, because it hath pleased God to incline her Majesty's heart towards me, I commit myself to the gracious disposition of so gracious a Sovereign. I think it is looked for that I should send some up about this matter. But because I am loth either by hasty sending to seem too forward, or in slackness not to have due regard of so gracious a resolution, I am heartily to pray you to confer with your father, whose hand, I doubt not, is in this as in all my preferments heretofore, and to know of him what time he doth think best for me to send up. Mr. Tailbois is about your ward's office. When it is perfected it shall be sent you.—From Auckland, 11 December, 1594. |
| Signed. Seal. ½ p. (29. 26.) | |
| The States General of the United Provinces to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1594, Dec. 11/21. | Nous avons, à toutes occasions qui se sont representées, trouve en votre Seigneurie tant de faveur et affection envers nos affaires et la conservation de notre estat pour le bien de la cause commune, que nous avons pour ce regard conceu une ferme opinion qu'il ne se pourroit presenter chose ou vous nous vouldries de faillir de votre assistance et intercession vers sa Majesté, qui tendat a ceste mesme fin. C'est pourquoi que nous trouvans presentement en tres grande peine et comme esperdus parmi nos deliberations et conseils de guerre pour la prochaine saison, a cause de l'advertissement que le Sieur Chevalier Veer nous a fait ce jourdhui, de ce qu'il auroit pleu a sa Majesté eacute; luy commander de se tenir apperceu afin de renvoyer en Angleterre les Anglois qu'il avoit illecq leves pour notre service, au premier commandement qu'il en recepvroit d'icelle, nous prennons derechef notre addresse a votre Seigneurie, veu que jusques a ce temps nous n'avions pense que a faire quelque levee extraordinaire, selon les moyens qu'esperions impetrer extraordinairement des Provinces Unies, pour, avec icelle et les compagnies qui restent en notre service, pouvoir faire non seulement teste a l'ennemi, ains aussi entreprendro sur lui selon les occasions et occurrences, sans qu'ayons eu la moindre doubte que aulcunes d'icelles nous pouvoient manquer, speciallement point les compagnies Angloises : Priants, monsieur, bien affectueusement, qu'il vous plaise nous moyenner encoires ceste difficulté eacute; vers sa dite Majesté, et tellement interceder qu'elle soit esmeue a changer sa dite resolution, et consentir que les dites compagnies demeurent pardeca, et continuent leur service soubz le commandement du dit Chevalier Veer, comme elles ont faictes jusques a present, pour l'asseurance, bien, et conservation de cest estat, honueur et service de sa dite Majesté, et l'advancement de la dicte cause commune; Luy remonstrant a ceste fin que les dites compagnies Angloises ayantes estez levees et transportees pardeca a nos grands despens, et mesmes aguerries en notre service, le partement d'icelles nous incommoderoit de tant plus en nos desseings, fundees partie sur ceste trouppe et leur valeur, et notamment en ceste conjuncture que de l'aultre costé eacute; les Provinces Unies se trouvent aultant menacées d'invasion que oncques auparavant, par les lettres interceptes de l'Archiducq Erneste, Taxis, et aultres, escriptes au Roi d'Espaigne; avecq telles aultres considerations d'estat et circumstances que votre Seigneurie jugera pouvoir servir au dit effect. Et nous vous demeurerons, Monsieur, tant plus obliges a recognoistre ceste votre prompte bonne volonte et affection, ensemble le service que en ce ferez a ces pays et cause commune partout ou l'occasion s'en pourra presenter.—De La Haye ce 31e de Decembre, 1594. |
| Signed on behalf of the States General :—“Aers\sens.” | |
| 2½ pp. (29. 41.) | |
| A Diamond. | |
| Examination of Alice Hamour. | |
| 1594, Dec. 13. | Alice Hamour, wife of William Hamour, of London, scrivener, of the age of 26 years or thereabouts, examined before Sir Richard Martyn, saith that about 14 days since she heard speeches of a diamond which should be sold or pawned to Robert Brookes, as she thinketh for 1,000l.; but she did not see the diamond till about three days ago, which she esteemeth to be about the bigness of the end of her little finger. She neither did see the diamond nor heard that it was brought to her husband's house yesterday, nor knoweth where it is; only she heard Mr. Brookes was in trouble for it. Further she knoweth not of it at this hour, nor did not yesterday. But if it had been delivered unto her, either by her husband or Mr. Brookes, she would have kept it safe, but neither of them took her any such matter.—13 December, 1594. |
| Underwritten :—“Alice Hamour, her mark [symbol].” | |
| ½ p. (29. 28) | |
| Robert Wrothe to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 14. | On the subject of an information against Robert Cordle for lodging in his lodge certain suspected persons for felony, and for the spoil of the game under his charge. I understand that one John Bygrame, now, as is reported, a prisoner in Winchester gaol, did sometimes lodge with Cordle in the lodge, but, as Cordle affirmeth, not known to him to be so lewd a person as he is now noted to be. I have treated with North and Cordle, upon a composition between them, that North shall be sole keeper under you, and Cordle will leave that interest he hath unto North.—Leaden Hall in London, 14 December, 1594. |
| Signed. 1 p. (29. 27.) | |
| The Diamond. | |
| 1594, Dec. 14. | Examination of William Hamore. Having confessed that yesterday morning one Robert Brooke delivered unto him an uncut diamond, being now commanded to tell where it is, he maketh answer, That he delivered it unto his wife, not acquainting her with the value of it, and that since he hath looked for it in his chest and cannot find it : further, that unless he may be assured of the 200l. he hath laid out upon it, he will rather remain at her Majesty's commandment to be committed or otherwise, than deliver it, having a poor wife and seven children, and hoping her Majesty will not see him undone.—14 December. |
| Signed :—“Per me, Wm. Hamore.” | |
| ½ p. (29. 30.) | |
| William [Wickham,] Bishop of Lincoln, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 14. | Before the receipt of his letters by the bearer, imparting her Majesty's pleasure for his passing over certain things appertaining to [the see of] Winton, was careful to testify his thankful mind for Cecil's late favours; which he prays him to continue. Since he is a stranger to and unacquainted with the things desired, which at first view shew to be matters of moment, aud is to come up next week, prays some time of respite. At his coming will yield such further answer as he hopes may be to Cecil's content.—Buckden, 14 December, 1594. |
| Signed. ½ p. (29. 29.) | |
| William Hamore to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1594, after Dec. 14.] | As he truly delivered when before Cecil, so by this writing repeats that Robert Brooke, goldsmith, truly and bonâ fide bought of Robert Howe and Bartholomew Gilbert, the unwrought diamond which, on Cecil's command, Hamore delivered to him. Brooke paid 1,125l. for the same, whereof he advanced 200l., being well acquainted with the plain and open sale of the diamond. He and Brooke being dispossessed both of the diamond and what they paid for it, he beseeches that, in regard of their poor estate and the truth of their cause, they may have re-delivery of either the one or the other. |
| Endorsed :—“1594.” Undated. Copy. (28. 6.) | |
| Sir Richard Martyn, Alderman of London, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1594, Dec. 15. | I have examined Bartholomew Gilbert, which I send hereinclosed, together with the manner of the last bargain with Brookes for the diamond, and Hamour, the scrivener, his full knowledge concerning the same. I have not as yet apprehended How, but will do my best to attach him, and upon his apprehension will give you knowledge thereof.—London, this 15th day of December, 1594. |
| Signed. ½ p. (29. 33.) | |
| Encloses :— | |
| (1.)—Examination of Bartholomew Gilbert, goldsmith, concerning the loss of a diamond. | |
| Examinate hath been acquainted with one John Madox, of Ipswich, merchant, for six years past, and as examinate went to Limehouse about three months past he met Madox there, who told him a friend of his had a great diamond to sell, and if he would give as much as another would for it, examinate might have it so he would give Madox some part of the gains if he bought it; which examinate promised to do. Whereupon they agreed this examinate should see the diamond at a tavern at Limehouse the next day, which he did, for Madox and a mariner, whom this examinate knoweth not, brought it to the tavern and shewed it him. Examinate asked what he should pay for it, and they asked 700l., and after some speech he desired them to bring the diamond next day to the shop of John Terry, goldsmith, in Cheapside, and he would there buy the same. And according to appointment Madox and the mariner came and examinate told them he would give 500l. for the diamond; and after some speech he agreed to give them 550l. in money, three silver beakers, three silver pots and a gold ring set with a diamond for the said diamond; which 550l., ring, beakers and pots examinate did pay them for the said diamond at the said shop. Item, he thinketh Madox lieth at the House of one Huntington, a merchant in Ipswich who married Madox's sister, and keepeth most there unless he be at sea; but where the mariner is that Madox brought with him examinate knoweth not. Item, he doth not know where Robert How, goldsmith, is, neither did examinate ever see him sithence he came in quettion about the said diamond. And this examinate saith he only bought the said diamond, and neither How nor any other was privy thereunto, saving only that this examinate desired the said How to be surety for him to Robert Broke, goldsmith, for to pay the 1,000l. he borrowed upon the said diamond, and to redeem it from Broke at a day now past.—Taken before Sir Richard Martyn, 15 December, 1594. | |
| Signed :—“By me, Bartholomew Gylburd.” | |
| 2½ pp. (29. 31.) | |