Cecil Papers: March 1596, 26-31 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 6, 1596. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1895.

'Cecil Papers: March 1596, 26-31', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 6, 1596, (London, 1895) pp. 117-131. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol6/pp117-131 [accessed 19 April 2024]

March 1596, 26–31



	The Council at York.
1596, March 26.	“The weekly charge of the diet of the Archbishop and Counsell at York, from Jan. 1 to Mar. 26, 1596.” (Endorsement.) “The weekly expenses at the Manor of St. Mary's for the Councell and the family, which late were the Right Hon. the Earle of Huntingdon, in the month of Jany., 1595.” (Heading).
1596, March 26.	1 p. (141. 167.)
	The Earl of Essex to the Deputy Lieutenants [of counties] where there is no Lieutenant.
[1596], March 26.	Although you shall receive directions from the Lords of the Council for the setting forth of certain men in that county for her Majesty's present service, committed to my Lord Admiral and me, yet I could not, in my care for the better performance thereof as for my particular interest, being deeply engaged therein, but intreat you that you will well consider the importance of it, and how necessary it is that these men be well furnished, whereof, as I doubt not, you will have good regard, so you shall therein give evident demonstration of your affection to advance the service, and also assure me of your love. For the levying of these men we have given commission under our hands and seals to Sir Ch. Blunt, and deputed certain captains to assist him; to whom I do very earnestly pray you to give your best furtherance, and to use all the expedition you can for the more speedy accomplishment of the same, which I will be ready to deserve by all the friendly offices I can.—London, 26 of M[arch].
	Marginal note :—“Stafford, Warwick, deputy lieutenants.”
	Draft. ⅓ p. (47. 104.)
	[The Earl of Essex] to Sir Thomas Throckmorton.
1596, March 26.	To the same effect as to Mr. Ed. Greville and Lord Chandos below.
1596, March 26.	Draft. ½ p. (47. 109 dorse.)
	[The Earl of Essex] to the Lord Chandos.
1596, March 27.	Although the Lords of the Council have addressed their letters unto you for assistance to be given to Sir Christopher Blunt in the levying of a certain proportion of men in that county [Gloucester] to be employed in her Majesty's service under my Lord Admiral and me, Generals of the whole army, and I do nothing doubt of your honourable disposition to advance the same by your best endeavours; yet I cannot, in the great desire I have that all things may be well accomplished, but commend the same to your lordship's good consideration by a few private lines,—the rather for that I am so far engaged in the action as I must needs use all my credit with my friends to advance the good proceeding thereof, which your lordship cannot better do than by procuring these men to be well furnished. Wherein it may please you to use the authority of your place and such other good means as you shall think convenient to induce the country to a due regard of the importance of the service.—From London, the 27 March, 1596.
1596, March 27.	Draft. ½ p. (47. 109.)
	[The Earl of Essex] to Mr. Ed. Greville.
1596, March 27.	Notwithstanding the general letter for your assistance to Sir Christopher Blunt in the levying of men, I could not but add these few particular lines to let you know with what affection I commend the furtherance thereof unto you. I pray you therefore believe that you cannot do anything more accptable unto me than by using your credit and best endeavours herein.—From London, the 27 of March, 1596.
1596, March 27.	Draft. ½ p. (47. 109.)
	The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596], March 27.	The bearer hereof, D. Niphus, hath of late often importuned me in favour of a cause he hath depending in law, being desirous to be relieved therein against some hard measure he pretendeth to be offered unto him by his adversaries, but the necessity of my attending the present service hath not hitherto permitted me to yield him the contentment he desireth. And therefore he is become an humble suitor for my recommendation of his cause unto you. Wherein being willing to satisfy him I am to pray you to have some friendly regard of him.—London, March 27.
[1596], March 27.	Signed. ½ p. (39. 56.)
	Thomas Phelippes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, March 28.	By the encouragement of Sir Horatio Palavisino I did address myself unto your honour, knowing otherwise how small reason there is I should either press you with the matter or for myself any way. But since this occasion is offered I pray your favour for effecting his desire and mine, which is to be bound unto your honour if it so please the same; although the benefit be most his for that I must and will satisfy him the money, but I shall be rid of the Q. tempestuous displeasure, which is in no small favour to be obtained by this change of creditor. My honorable good Lord of Buckhurst will, I know, further the same by all means you shall think fit, and I hope the matter itself, delivered from so gracious a person as yourself, will make itself way, the Q. debt to him being as just as mine to her Highness and which the city of London do repine should hang over them so dangerously as it doth. It being therefore someway a matter of State I pray your honour to affect my good in this cause, whereby you shall win to yourself one who shall be able to do you some service.—28th March, 1596.
1596, March 28.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (39. 57.)
	Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, March 28.	I did understand that it had been thoroughly resolved upon that the commodity of pilcherds (which doth amount, as is reported by those who hath the dealings in it, to not more than 200l. a year) should have come to the maintenance of me and my officers, but by what means this is forgotten or otherwise resolved on I do not know. For my own part, since I am so far entered in it, and that it was her Majesty's pleasure to call me unto it, by which means I have lost a place of greater commodity than for ought I can perceive this is like to be, at which time it also pleased her to command me to rely upon her gracious pleasure; wherefore, I do not now intend to set down any other note for myself than it shall please her out of her princely heart to think me worthy of, leaving myself upon your favour towards me in furthering and urging her gracious bounty that I may the better be able to discharge my duty in the place.
	The number of soldiers can by no means be lessened and I have small hope to give myself any help by that. The officers that I intended to have maintained by the aforesaid means are these; a lieutenant, an ensign, a sergeant, one master gunner in the fort, another in the island, whose entertainments would have amounted to in all some 80l. a year. Her Majesty's intent to give it over for avoiding of change I cannot help, but how necessary it is it should be carefully looked into no man will deny. But if there be a further intent (than I will imagine) by the return of Sir Francis Drake, I must plainly protest unto your honour, whom I do so much love and honour, and unto whom I do acknowledge myself to be so many ways bound, there can fall nothing more heavy upon me than the burden of that disgrace. I cannot but have a more confident hope and assurance of the strength and love of so many of my friends; which if my expectation be deceived I will content myself with the meanest estate in the world.—From Plymouth, 28 March.
	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (39. 58.)
	Mons. de la Chaste, Governor of Dieppe, to the Earl of Essex.
1596, March 28/April 7.	Has heard with grief the news brought by this gentleman, the bearer, “de Monsieur Aymeton [Unton] l'ambassadeur, l'ayant lessé a l'extremité.” Loses in him a good friend, but one must conform to the will of God. “Il eyteyt bien nesesere qui luy eut pleu le conserver pour les grandes afferes qu'il avoyt negosier aupres de sa Mageste.”—Dieppe, 7 April.
	Endorsed :—“Governor of Dieppe, 7 April '96.”
	French. 1 p. (39. 99.)
	Jehan van Oldenbarnevelt to the Earl of Essex.
1596, March 28./April 7.	L'honneur que je recois de vostre Excellence m'oblige pour luy prier tres humblement de croire que pour rendre la negociation du Sr. De Bodley, Ambassadeur de sa Majeste, fructueuse et aggreable a icelle, jay emploie tous mes sens et credit, esperant que le rapport dudit Sr. Ambassadeur le tesmoingnera, et que vostre Excellence continuera ses bonnes affections et faveurs a cest estat.
	Aussi tost, Monseigneur, que par la lettre de votre Excellence du 18 de fevrier et l'ouverture du Sr. Veer, j'ay entendu la magnanime et heroique resolution de sa Majeste contre l'ennemi commun, et que nostre Excellence estoit designe cheff et General pour l'execution d'icelle, presageant une louable et heureuse issue, j'ay travaille par tous les moyens possibles pour impetrer une prompte et fructueuse resolution par de ca, tant au regard des navires de guerre, bien equipees et furnis de toutes choses necessaires, que pour les meilleurs gens de guerre de la nation Angloise, tellement qu'jespere que sa Majeste et vostre Excellence verront bein tost ledict Sr. Veer, avec les troupes Angloises, et Monsieur Jehan de Dunenvoorde, Sr. de Warmont et Woude, Admiral et Grand Venuer d'Hollande, avec lesdictes navires de guerre, lesquels je recommande a vostre Excellence.—La Haye, 7 Avril, 1596.
	Signed.
	2 pp. (204. 33.)
	Henry Brooke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, March 29.	Her Majesty hath commanded me to send unto you for a French letter she did give unto you from the French King unto la Fontaine for to-morrow after dinner, she have appointed him to be here. It is that letter which Her Majesty refused to answer till she had heard from her ambassador. If you have it, I pray you send me word for the satisfying of Her Majesty.—From the Court at Richmond, the 29th of March, 1596, your brother-in-law to command, Henry Brooke.
1596, March 29.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (39. 61.)
	Lord Charles Mountjoy to Lord Burghley, the Earl of Essex, and the Lord Admiral.
1596, March 29.	According to your directions of 19th March, 1594, I have employed Mr. Paul Ivye for such works as were held fit to be undertaken about Portsmouth ; that which your lordship and beginning at the key bulwarks, I have, agreeably to Mr. Addams' “platts” to which your Lordships referred me, deepened and enlarged the ditches, and conveyed the earth arising from thence into the town and therewith reinforced the bulwarks, and advanced the rampart to the uttermost angle of the gate bulwark. Further, there is made in the counterscarp a covert way, and a wall of stone intended for the defence of the season the north-west side of the town is finished. The work already done is answerable to Mr. Addams' platts, but the charge doth much exceed his estimate. There remaineth in the same estate as before these last works it was from the gate bulwark unto the platform : which although it ever was the far better part of the town, yet is the ditch all the way passable, in many places dry and the rampart very low. The money which is left will do no more than finish the work purposed about the round tower. Of that which is disbursed I am ready to account at your appointment. My desire is (the place in these times being so much to be respected) that you will appoint some, upon whose judgement you may rely, to view what has been done, and to enquire with what diligence and integrity Her Majesty's money has been employed, and to consider what is fit further to be added to his faith and care that keeps it to make it tenable; since, if by men of judgement the present estate of the place be thoroughly considered, it may be justiy feared that till these works be perfected there is but so much begun for him that will attempt it. Neither is it to be esteemed altogether secure from an undertaking enemy, since if he continued his purpose (which the success hath already discovered) to possess himself of the westward harbours of France his town will become a frontier to his war, and for many respects not unlikely to be his first step on this side into his great desire for England, Thus much I think it my duty to let your Lordships understand, unto whom Her Majesty referred to consider hereof : desiring your Lordships for your better satisfaction to be informed by the views and report of some other, since herein I am but a party.—29 March, 1596.
1596, March 29.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (39. 62.)
	William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, March 29.	This morning received his letter of the 17th, and will send the “helling stones” by the first convenient shipping. There are two sorts, the fairest blue, the other grey and not so fair, but said to be “of more continuance.” Need not write the news from Sir Francis Vere, as Sir Farnando Gorge and the mayor's deputy here have written. The Spaniards are so busy between this and Ussant that no small shipping can “pass in or out this channel or without great danger to go from one port to another.”—Plymouth, 29 March, 1596.
1595, March 29.	Holograph. Addressed :—At Court. Seal broken. 1 p. (39. 63.)
	Thomas Ferrers to Lord Burghley.
1596, March 29.	His last was of the 23rd, enclosing one to the Queen from the Duke of Harbrowe, her pensioner. Showmaker, of Hamborch, means to go to England, but it is uncertain when he will be ready. “Robert Smyth hath days past written me that he will shortly be here, which I hardly believe. He coming I will observe your lordship's commission and so send him for England. This day Mr. Francis Tusser was with me and willed that I would advertise your honour that the King of Denmark will not suffer any shipping or provision to go for S. [Spain] or Portugal, but hath written to Lubicke and Hamborch, who are not now so forward, as at Christmas they intended to be ne that away.”—Stod, 29 March, '96.
	The Duke of Holst has written to the King of Denmark about a ship or two to depart with corn, but has no answer as yet, as Tusser says.
	Signed :—“Thomas Ferrers her Matis agent here.”
	Addressed :—At Court.
	Endorsed :—“From Stoad.” 1 p. (39. 64.)
	The Earl of Essex to Viscount Bindon.
1596, March 29.	As I have solicited my good friends in that and other counties for their assistance to Sir Conyers Clifford in the levying of certain footmen in those parts for her Majesty's service, so I must entreat your honourable furtherance, both in regard to the great importance thereof to the whole state as for my own particular interest, being very deeply engaged therein and careful of the good accomplishment thereof, to her Majesty's honour and benefit of her realm.—London, the 29 of March, 1596.
1596, March 29.	Draft. ½ p. (47. 104.)
	Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, March 29.	Does not mean that he should present the petition to the Queen and be the mover of the matter, but only that he may know what it is that M. Fillippes petitions for, and consult with lord Buckhurst as to the best manner of presenting the petition. Lord Buckhurst shall have the petition.—London, 29 March, 1596.
1596, March 29.	Italian. Holograph. 1 p. (173. 55.)
	Sir Francis Vere to the Earl of Essex.
1596, March 30.	Has urged Mr. Penneall to content the mariners who are to transport the men. The sum is about 900l. which he (Penneall) has paid on his credit. Begs that the bills, which are addressed to Essex, may be paid. Hearing that Essex has stayed Captain Lambert, has charged Captain Meetkerken to bring over the 300 men. His sufficiency is such that Essex will be pleased. “I begin now to stirr and shall slack no time to perform that which your lordship hath enjoined.”—Haghe, 30 March, 1595.
1596, March 30.	Holograph. Endorsed :—1596. 1 p. (39. 65.)
	Dr. Ch. Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, March 30.	Is told that some “urge” the Queen that it is not honourable to admit him to her service because his education has been foreign. Answers the argument in the enclosed, sent also to Cecil's father. Has been employed to the Emperor and the Kings of Denmark and Poland and in other services. Begs favour.—30 March, 1596.
	Holograph. 1 p. (39. 69.)
	ii. On the back in Cecil's hand are the following names each with the letter “D” (i.e., Doctor) prefixed :—Cowell, Playford, Mownt, Barloe, Raynold, Mountacute, Blague, Duport, Watson (?), Harvy, Graunt, Wright, Raundl. (?), Taylour (?), Clerall (?), Craner (?), Tulkis (?), Holland (?), Hatcher. Mostly very illegible.
	Enclosure :—
	A paper headed, “If it be honourable I be preferred to place of service,” giving definitions of the word “honourable” in its moral and its political sense. The writer has been recommended for a post of “Master of the Requests extraordinary” with a pension, but some object to his “strange education.” Went out of England after he was 20 years of age, received no education abroad but what might stand with good English duty and at Rome they never boasted of him “as they did of many other in divers their catalogues” and now in his last voyage to Poland the Pope, upon information of his doings against the Legate, offered near 2,000l. for his life. Denies that his education has been “strange,” seeing that he has spent most of his time in England, first at Winchester and then at Oxford, and now, after his travel, these seven years in the Queen's service. Having learnt how to deal with strangers and written “some good part” of the Queen's Latin letters, he desires to be “a Master of the Requests ordinary, especially for foreign causes, and Latin Secretary,” and concludes that such a promotion would be “honourable.” Not signed.
	Holograph. 2 pp. (39. 68.)
	Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, March 30.	“E. C.” writes little by his last letters of the 19th from Brussels. The chief business is done so secretly that it cannot be readily known. The Cardinal was hastening his preparations to go on campaign (in campagna)—a sign that not much victual had entered La Fere. By a courier of Prince Doria, from Venice, the Cardinal had letters from the Court of Spain. He writes the news, from Porto Rico, of Mr. Drake, which we already know, and nothing else of importance.—London, 30 March, 1596.
1596, March 30.	Italian. Holograph. 1 p. (173. 56.)
	Matthew [Hutton], Archbishop of York, to Lord Burghley.
1596, March 30.	I have received your Lordship's letters of the 25th of this month with a letter enclosed from my Lo. Gr. of Canterbury, touching the furniture of the charge; and, albeit his Grace, writing in haste, hath not fully satisfied me, yet (God willing) I will proceed with all convenient expedition, and will not forget your general rule to lay the chief burden and charge upon plurality men and non-residents, according to their ability. Yet, indeed, there are few of them in this diocese, but great store of very poor vicars. Thus, hoping shortly to hear of some resolution concerning the burial of this noble man, I commit your good Lo. to the protection of the Almighty.—From Bishopthorp, the 30th of March, 1596.
1596, March 30.	Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (173. 58.)
	Francis Edmund (?) to Mr. Archibald Douglas.
1596, March 31.	“My lord, my humlye dewytye be ramambryt. I prey your 1. to thynk no ewail in me be ye long absence of my pns. (presence) ffor I am so crossyt y^t I can nocht impert be vry^t. I have tane baldnes to present yis gentilman, my gude frend, and one in quhome zo^r l. mey trust y^t his rasolution is and vas to have plesuryt zo^r l., and he has steyit zo^r 1. lusure sua he vald be akkawladgyt of his gude vil be zo^r l. gude favo^r, rafferryng hym to zo^r l. awyne courtasey. It wil pleis zo^r l. to sand zo^r l. servand to the lord—in my caust and caus, I hope, ye matar vald be effectuate be zo^r l. interssyon, declaryng y^t zo^r l. steyit be in ye gevyne in a pityon for my debt. Thus I am bauld at zo^r l. hands, commyttyng zo^r l. to ye Almy^t tye, yis last of Merche, 1596.
	Zo^r l. to his pouar Francis Edmund.”
	Holograph. Addressed, “Lord ambassador to his Majesty.”
	(1 p.) (39. 70.)
	The Council of the North to Lord Burghley.
1596, March 31.	Enclose declaration of the weekly charges “of the diet here” from 1 Jan. to 26 March, when the assizes here ended. Omit charges between “his lordships” [Lord Huntingdon's] death, and the first of January, because “his lordship” received allowance for that whole quarter. The country is in good quietness.—York, 31 March, 1596. Signed. Matth. Ebor.: Humphrey Purefry : E. Stanhope : Wm. Cardynall : Jo. Ferne.
	Endorsed :—“With a book of their diets.”
	1 p. (39. 71.)
	Geo. Gilpin to the Earl of Essex.
1596, March 31.	“The 27th I received yours of the 12th, and presently despatched the enclosed unto my lord of Rutland with the merchants' ordinary post, so as I nothing doubt of the safe delivery. How well Sir Francis Vere hath sped in his business unto the States your lordship, I am sure, hath and shall by his letters be made acquainted with. And for other matters passed here, there is no great alteration, only that the sudden news of th' enemy's coming afore Calais troubleth these men much, knowing th' importance of that place, whereby (if the Spaniard should hold it) all the trade through the narrow seas would be letted. They send hence provision of ammunition and other like necessaries, but the contrary winds will hinder the speedy transport. His Excellency is looked for to be here ere this week end, and then shall the better further order be taken about the rescueing of the said town.” Has known the bearer, lieutenant Aldrich, many years. He has been at all sieges and exploits and has gained the reputation of “a very tall and able soldier,” and, considering his sufficiency to command, is worthy of a far better place.—The Hague, 31 March, 1596.
	Addressed : Master of her Majesty's horse.”
	Signed. 1 p. (39. 73.)
	C. Lord Howard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, March 31.	Asks him so favour the bearer his servant Butten, “in regard of his time and charges bestowed and imprisonment endured in her Majesty's service,” in a suit he has to Cecil's father; and afterwards to prefer Butten's suit to the Queen—Deptford, 31 March, 1596.
	Endorsed :—Lord Admiral.
	Signed. Seal. 1 p. (39. 72.)
	Thomas Pallyser to William Waad.
	Jhesus.
[1596, March].	These are to certify you touching the speeches used by the Athalantado of Spain unto me at Farroll in Galicia, that whereas he perceived by Father Charles Tancredd my earnest desire to depart for my country, he was contented to further me therein [as] he might, willing me to advertise the Catholics of England of his sincere affection towards them, affirming that he intended nothing else (and that with an oath) but reformation of religion. And first, to the end they might believe him, his pretence was that if he had gone to Ireland at that time, which was (as I suppose) about the end of November, had been for no other cause but to have shewed by his courteous dealing and good using, as also payment of soldiers duly, his sincere affection, whereby the Catholicks of England might the sooner believe him; wishing me to tell them that his loss was not so great as, perhaps, was reported; that he knew how to repair the loss anew by gathering from divers places 18,000 old soldiers besides young soldiers; that he meant to be so strong of himself as he would not trust to any other's help whatsoever; and, if he met with her Majesty's Fleet, he would fight with it, because it was her chiefest strength, and land at the first place he should first come to, either Ireland or England, this next spring following. There were at Farroll about 6,000 soldiers (as I guess) appointed unto divers places in the country where they should remain. It was reported that there were at the Islands of Baona 4,000 old soldiers, which Peter de Sebiour brought out of Brittany. As touching the ships, there were in Farroll about five and fifty, at the Islands of Baona about forty, great and little, the most of them in both places being Flemish hulks. I saw in Passage three new galleons with two new frigates, besides one or two old ships which were there. Further, it was said that at a place or port in Portugal, called Portugaleete, there were about eight galleons in making which would shortly be ready. As touching the names of the two pilots which were in St. Paul the Admiral, the one was an Englishman whose name I do not remember, and the other a Scotchman called Alexander. As touching my relation, unless it were the loss of ships, I neither made any to Mr. Vaughan or Mr. Webster or any other. The English pilot aforenamed made four small ships of war for the King at Lisbon after the English manner or fashion, which were in the fleet that came to Farroll. Touching any speeches either of F. Persons, or any other, touching her Majesty or the conquering of the realm, I never heard them use any, but that F. Persons used sometimes to jest in the time of recreation which he very seldom kept. Thus ceasing, I do request your worship to accept in good part this my rude certificate.
	Endorsed :—“March, 1596. Pallyser, y^e priest, to Mr. Waade.”
	Holograph. Undated. Seal. 1½ pp. (39. 30.)
	[The Earl of Essex] to the Sheriffs.
[1596, March].	Begging them to give their assistance to the captain appointed by Sir Christopher Blunt to levy men in their shires.
	Underwritten is another version of the latter portion of the above, noted, “This may serve for letters of request.”
	Draft. ²/3 p. (47. 104.)
	The Earl of Essex to his servants.
1596, March.	I have not time to write particular letters to all my friends and followers in that county, and therefore I have made choice of you to signify my desire to be made beholden unto them for their furtherance of her Majesty's service committed to my Lord Admiral and me, Generals; and if any of them shall come either themselves or send any of theirs unto me furnished, to let them know that they shall be very welcome in regard of the good testimony they shall thereby give of their love towards me. And as there are certain men to be levied there by virtue of our commission to Sir M[atthew] M[organ], I must pray you to take the best care you can that they may be well furnished for her Majesty's said service; whereunto although you are not straightly tied otherwise than you shall be well contented, yet I doubt not but you and they will for the credit of your country, advancement of the service, and in your love to me, stretch yourselves to do that that shall be meet, which I will take very thankfully, and so I pray you to assure them all in whom you find this good disposition.—London, the — of March, 1596.
1596, March.	Draft. ½ p. (47. 104 dorse.)
	The Expedition to Cadiz.
[1596, March].	(i.) Commission of the Earl of Essex and Lord Howard, “Lieutenants Generals and Governors of her Highness's navy and army employed in this present intended service against the declared enemies of her Majesty, her realms and dominions,” to Sir Robert Drury, to levy, muster, and arm 150 or 200 men in Suffolk, to conduct them to Harwich and embark them there for the general rendezvous at Plymouth, to be there the 20th of April.
	Draft. ½ p. (47. 105.)
	(ii.). Commission from the same to the same to levy 100 men in Suffolk and conduct them to Harwich or other convenient port for transportation to Plymouth.—London.
	Draft. ½ p. (47. 111.)
	The Expedition to Cadiz.
[1596, March].	“The form of a letter of assistance for the levying of men in the county of Lancaster by Sir Thomas Gerrard and such captains as are sent with him, to be directed [from the Council] to the Sheriffs and justices of that county.”
	Requesting their assistance to Sir Tho. Gerrard in levying in that county part of the 5,000 men to be raised for the service. “And although neither we will impose any charge upon the country, nor their lordships urge you either for arming or conduct money further than of yourselves you are willing; yet what you shall therein do of your own accord, or others of ability by your good persuasions, will ease the charge of their lordships, who are already deeply engaged, further the service, and be very well taken at your hands. But you must know it is neither her Majesty's purpose nor ours to weaken or diminish the trained bands in that county, or to have any ordinary servant lawfully retained in any man's service to be taken from his master without the master's consent.”
	Draft. 1 p. (47. 106.)
	The Expedition to Cadiz.
1596, March 31.	Commission of Sir Conyers Clifford to Captain Henry Fowkes to levy and arm — men in the county of—. March 31, 38 Eliz.
	Signed, but the number of men and the county left blank.
	½ p. (47. 107.)
	The Expedition to Cadiz.
[1596, March.]	“The form of a letter from the two Generals [Earl of Essex and Lord Admiral Howard] to the Sheriff and justices of peace in the county of Lancaster.”
	By the Queen's commission, dated Westminster, 18 March, are empowered to levy 5,000 men for this present service. Have chosen Sir Tho. Gerrard, knight, [underlined, and “Sir Christopher Blunt” written over and in the margin] to levy and arm 1,000 soldiers in cos. Lancaster, Chester, Derby, and North Wales [underlined, and in the margin, “Gloucester, Worcester, Warwick, Salop, and Stafford”]. Require them to assist in levying such a proportion and number as may be well spared in that county and as there may be hope out of the counties mentioned to fill up the whole number. “And although we do not exact upon the counties or charge them to arm the whole numbers which we desire to levy, yet we doubt not but in this service, so great and so important, you will willingly set forth the most part of the men you send well armed and furnished; for whatsoever is lacking in your provisions must be supplied by us two, who are already at a greater charge than any two subjects have been at in the like service this long time. And yet rather than the country should be overburthened or grieved we will undergo any charge whatever.”
	Draft, corrected by Essex. 1 p. (47. 108.)
	Tho. Arundell to Count Tilly.
[1596], March.	“Illustrissimo et da me sommamente amato Signore Conte, non ho voluto mancare di mandare a sua Signoria Ill^ma queste poche righe accioche lei habbia certa informatione del mio arrivo, et del mio esser qua, et anchor a fin che io non paia del' tutto scordevole del' debito mio per li suoi grandi et da me nullamente meritati favori. Da Hamburgo io lei mandai una mia letter a, avisandola del' mio arrivo in quella citta et delle novelle che allora li si dicevano. Pochi giorni poi io me imbarcai per tornare alla dolce patria et alla mia piu che dolce regina. Et dopo esser guinto qua in Londra ho d'avisarla come li conti et baroni di questo regno (pigliando in mala parte che l'Imperatore mi havesse dato quel' titolo di conte) talmente si mostrarono offesi che la Reina, benche da se sia molto pietosa, anzi la pieta stessa, nondimeno (parte per sodisfar a cosi fatte querele di costoro, parte per farne essempio alli altri affin che mai nessuno da qui innanzi habbia ardire d'accettare honori da principi forestieri) si contento d'incarcerarmi per qualche poco tempo et anche di vietarmi di non me intitolar conte del' Imperio. Et per dire il vero io mi doglio estremamente d'haver dato cosi mala sodisfattione alla tranquilla mente di costei, le cui virtu piu che mortali l'hanno a tal grado di perfettione alzata che meritamente si puo chamare, Deliciœ generis humani. Et pero cognoscendo che la Maesta d'Inghilterra e tanto assoluta et ha cosi grand' autorita come qualsivoglia altro re del' mondo nelli suoi regni, et considerando la grande invidia che per questo conto mi sia qua sollevata contra, poi che et la reina et la nobilta qua vogliano che moia questo mio titolo, io pregho che lei voglia tanto effettuare che non sia altrimenti importunato, per non dare maggiore fastidio alla Reina, alla cuiplenaria authorita non é ragione che io me ne opponghi. Non havendo io stesso parlato a sua sacra Maesta, per esser fin' hora imprigionato, non posso darla altro raggualio delle cose qua passate se non a pregarla di commandarmi dovunq' io saro buono per servirla.—Da Londra, questo —– (blank) di Marzo.
	“Affettionatissimo di servire a sua Signoria Illustrissima Tho. Arundell.”
	P.S. “Quanto a questi negotii di che ne ho tanto parlato con sua Signoria Illustrissima, io ne ho dato informatione á un de ii piu fidati consiglieri della Reina, dalla cui risposta questo construtto si puo cavare che lei nonostante li grand' torti fattile dal' Re d'Hispania, nonostante la iniquissima prattica tenuta per avelenarla, si contentarebbe (salvo l'honor) di prestar l'orecchia, (fn. 1) per l'amor del ben publico á una ben bilanciata pace; ma che si veda che il Re d'Hispania non trami alcun' inganno, come fece l'anno 88^o che stando li imbasciatori Inglesi nella Fiandra per trattar di pace lui in quel mentre mandó la sua armata per assalire il regno; per questo sua Maesta ha ragione di stare avisata in simil trattati et pero se lei ne trovera qualche intentione in quelle bande d'una buona pace non sarebbe sconvenevole che ne fusse dato a me qualche lume et se ne assicuri che da qua trovare un procedere molto scietto et reale.”
	Holograph.
	Addressed : “il Signore di Siercla, Conte di Tilly, consigliere della Maesta Cesarea.”
	Endorsed : 1596; and by Cecil : “Mr. Tho. Arundell to a counsellor of the Emperor's.”
	(47. 70.)
	2. Draft of the first portion of the preceding letter down to the words “generis humani,” and of the postscript down to the words “ben bilanciata pace.” It then continues :—“Se a me toccara d'esser impiegato in questi servitii, l'Imperator si potra ben assicurare della fidelta mia. Perche l'heroica dispositione della mia Reina non patira mai che un suo parente (altered to “of hers—alcun de gli suoi”) faccia inganni ad un tal Imperatore al quale per li suoi grandissimi favori io ne resto tanto obligato. Innanzi d'haver io stesso parlato con la Reina non potro darla altro ragguaglio di questo; et non essendo anchora sciolto dalla prigion della propria casa non so che dire altro se non d'offerirmi pronto di servire a Sua Sig^ria Illustris^ma dovunque io saro buono. Da Londra questo —– (blank) di Marzo.”
	Italian. 2 pp., with corrections by Sir Robert Cecil. (47. 71.)
	On the back Cecil has jotted down instances of persons who obtained titles from foreign princes, viz.:—“Edw. III. Coucy of Bedford, a Champaign. Ed. 2. Andro de Hercle, E. of Carlile, a Scot. Ed. 4. Grautheuze, a Low Country man, Erl of Wynchester. Hambleton d. of Chastelerot. Stuart duke of Aubygny.”
	Thomas Arundel.
[1596, March.]	Extract from the form of creation of Thomas Arundel and his descendants Counts and Countesses of the Holy Roman Empire, saving the rights of the Queen of England.
[1596, March.]	½ p. (47. 73.)
	Thomas Arundel to his Cousin, [Sir R. Cecil.]
1596 [March].	I have here written that which I hope, and the more hope by your means, shall receive good acceptance. I have not sent my seal to the end that my letter may return unto me for this cause, that whereas in the superscription I have entitled the Count of Tilley consigliere, I may add di guerra. My intended voyage to sea is the only course left me whereby I may avoid further evil and hope for future good. If in this course you will lend two or three mendacia officiosa, viz.: that I have spirit enough to discharge any voyage whatsoever; that now being more stirred than ever to confirm in her Majesty and the world a good opinion of my well winning my late honour, there is no doubt but I will attempt some honourable action; that a good wit whetted on with so sharp a desire will no doubt bring forth effects answerable to her expectation, and good of my country; that yourself are so well in liking with the intention of the voyage, being not sprung from any young giddy brain, and with the actor (who being no bankrupt doth not undertake it out of despair, as many do) that you would rather venture in this than in any : this course, I say, may further my interest and so make me better able to deserve your favours past. My intention is to the East Indias where there are many kings so great as that they can bring into the field a hundred thousand or two hundred thousand men apiece, viz. the king of Bengala, the king of Pegu, the king of Sumatra, the Emperor of China, the king of Giava, Presbiter Ihon, &c. If it please the Queen to let me have her letters to some of these, I will not doubt to conclude such an amity and intercourse of traffic as shall much weaken the Spanish strength in those parts, shall much enrich our merchants and by consequence the Queen, and greatly increase her Majesty's customs. And this I write to the end it may be known that I desire not to go with letters of mart, which is as much to say as leave to steal; but with the Queen's authority as employed by her to do her service and my country good. But if any Spanish carrick, any ships of Moors, Gentiles, or Jews, of which there are many and many infinitely rich, come in my way, I hope the world will think me worthy to have them if I can win them. If this were done then have you not only procured my liberty but made a perpetuity of it.
	[P.S.] I desire this may be burnt.
	Endorsed :—“Thos. Arundel, 1596.”
	Holograph. 1 p. (47. 74.)
	The Queen to the Emperor.
1596 [March].	We have received letters from your Majesty, dated the 30th of the month of December, in commendation of a subject of ours named Thomas Arundel, a gentleman whom we recommended to your Majesty certain years past at his desire to travel beyond seas; which letters of yours came not to our hands before the 6th of this month of March, by reason the said Thomas Arundel in his coming hither by sea suffered shipwreck and was forced to save his life by swimming. But hearing by report that he pretended to have a title to be an Earl of the Empire (a matter very strange unto us and not credited) whereto he alleged that he was by a grant under your Majesty's seal of the Empire preferred and created, although the same original grant was, as he said, lost in the seas with other his goods at the shipwreck, we entering into a further consideration of this his allegation, pretending that he should now come home as an Earl that when he went from hence was but a private gentleman without any title of honour, and but the son of an ancient gentleman that now liveth without other degree than to be cques auratus : adding thereto also of our certain knowledge, that there was never any example in this age nor of any former time that any natural born subject of this kingdom was ever preferred by any, either Emperor or other King in Christendom, to such high title of honour; neither yet do we think it convenient or agreeable to reason that any subject to a Prince Sovereign should receive any honour whereby to be bound to do service to a Prince to whom he is not a born subject, without some former allowance of his natural lord and prince, to whom he is wholly and solely bound by his natural birth, to serve with his life, blood, lands, goods, and all his earthly power without exception or reservation to any other prince : upon which considerations we thought him worthy of great reprehension either for seeking or accepting such a dignity without our knowledge. And hearing of this his report that he had brought such a grant from your Majesty (though the original with your seal was lost), we did commanded him to forbear to come to our presence, or to challenge to himself any such title of dignity as never any subject of our realm had accepted. And for further satisfaction of a number of our good subjects of greater degree than he was that grudged against him for such an extraordinary title, we committed him for a shew of correction to custody, restraining him of his liberty, whereto he yielded obediently, confessing his error herein. But yet when we do perceive by the said grant, as also by his own relation, that your good will towards us (whom false reports had sought to render suspicious), together with his service done against the common enemy of Christ, hath been the cause that your Majesty hath so graciously entreated and accepted this gentleman upon our commendation, and hath with such an excess of honour rewarded his service, for which we shall better esteem him and all those that adventured in that action : we cannot but by these our letters give your Majesty our most hearty thanks, and do require you not to think but that we do greatly allow of your Majesty's noble nature in offering to a subject of ours both such a reward for his service, and do most kindly interpret it as an overt testimony of your love and kindness to ourself, whereof we shall ever be most desirous to make requital : Not doubting but your Majesty will in your wisdom allow of the reasons above expressed, the rather for that we are informed by some that have seen a clause in a copy of your Majesty's original grant in these words, Serenissimœ tamen principis et dominœ Elizabethe, Reginœ Angliœ. Franciœ et Hiberniœ, sororis et consanguinœ nostrœ charissimœ, juribus et superioritatibus semper illœsis ac salvis. By which special words we see plainly how your Majesty had due respect to us, as a Queen Sovereign, to have our royal superiority preserved in such manner as we will always observe to your Imperial Majesty, either in the like occasion or any other good office fit for us to perform.
1596 [March].	Draft, corrected by Cecil. 2¼ pp. (47. 75, 76.)
	M. de La Fontaine to the Earl of Essex.
[1596, ? March.]	Here is the Chevalier, Master of Requests of the King's household, sent by the Prince of Conti and Council at Paris and the lords who are in Picardy. He will show you Cambray indubitably lost without your assistance. I am here at Court for Sir Robert Cecil, and dare not see you unless you think it fitting.
[1596, ? March.]	French. Holograph. 1 p. (172. 129.)
	M. de La Fontaine to the Earl of Essex.
[1596, about March.]	Asks him to grant an audience to Mons. de la Hee, a Breton gentleman, who sends him the letters of Mons. de St. Luc, as he failed to find him at Court. “Upon the information you gave me some months ago you have herewith the mayor of Rochelle's answer.”
[1596, about March.]	French. Holograph. 1 p. Seal. (172. 127.)
	M. de La Fontaine to the Earl of Essex.
[1596 ? March.]	The premier lacquais left immediately after receiving your packet. It is he whom I intend to send back for the information I told you of : however, if your letter is ready to-morrow morning I will depatch him at once. I would like to see you and will be at your lodging (au logis) until ten o'clock when I shall be with M. de Boues at Mr. Carron's.
[1596 ? March.]	French. Holograph. 1 p. (172. 128.)
	M. de La Fontaine to the Earl of Essex.
[1596, March.]	I thank you for your very new news and still more for your frank determination to provide for this affair. I am surprised at this enterprise of the enemy, who must know of your forces. God grant that there be fidelity within, as I hope there is on the Governor's part! But either there must be “intelligence,” or the enemy would at one stroke deliver La Fere and disturb your design, or that the town is badly furnished, a thing you could remedy. At any rate, without good ground for it, it would be the enterprise of a fine Cardinal. But what if it be a feint for Boulogne? You too have eyes. If I hear anything I will write. But what bad news is this of Mons. de Unton? God keep us from such losses!
[1596, March.]	French. Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (172. 130.)
	Francois d'Orleans, Count of St. Pol, to the Earl of Essex.
[1596, about March].	“Monsieur, je vous ay escrit ce matin et fait entendre tout ce qui se passe depuis je prie Mr. Chevalier prendre la payne vous retourner trouver (?), affin que la reyne reconoissant lestat de ceste place usast de diligence pour le secours qui y est necessaire. Je viens presentement a avoir advis de leffort que les ennemis y ont fait aujourduy, qui cest passé fort heuresement pour nous, et espere, si vous nous fetes tant de grace que dasister la France en ceste occasion, que nous ruynerons nos communs ennemis. Je vous envoye ce porteur qui est amoy, lequel vous dira plus amplement toute nouvelles. Je s[uis] vostre affectionné a vous fere service.”
[1596, about March].	Holograph. 1 p. (172. 136.)
	Claude de la Tremoille to the Earl of Essex.
[? 1596 about March or April].	“Monsieur, je desirerois pouvoir satisfaire, en vous rendent autant de servise que vostre vertu et lassurense qui vous plaist me donner de vostre bonne grasse me oblige, a lestime qui vous voules faire de moy, qui ne desire rien plus au monde que la conservasion des jen de bien qui servent a Dieu. Voila pour quoy jay resu un mervoeuilloeus contentement de la correspondense, que vous plaist trouver bon, que soit entre nous, que jestime dautant plus ferme que sest pour servir a lavansement de la gloire de Dieu, reconnoisant combien il est resiproquément utille que ses doeus reomes [deux royaumes] demoeurent unis ayeant les maimes interest et les maimes anemis prinsipallement mous [qu. nous] qui fesons profession de la Religion. Je croy que la raine, en seste occasion si urgente, doit prendre se temps pour sasurer, avec un tracte ferme et solide, par le moyen duquel nostre condision demoeura plus assurée et selle de vostre estat plus unie avec la Franse. Soeus [ceux] qui ceront anvoyes de vostre part et de la nostre pouront produire les bons eu mauvais essais [qu. effects], Jestime que vous deves y avoir soin. Montrant le poeu de confiense que vous prendres des nostres, qui vous connoises vous estre mal affectiones, je say que lon vous envoyra soeus que desireres, comme plus particulierement jenay discouru avec Mons. Boulins(?). Et de lassurense que je vous supplie bien umblement prendre de mon fidelle servise, ne voulant non plus meuquer a se devoir qua vous estre eternellement, Monsieur, vostre bien umble et tres affectionné amy et servitoeur, Claude de la Tremoillé.”
[? 1596 about March or April].	Holograph. 2 pp. (172. 137.)