Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.
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'Cecil Papers: August 1598, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598, (London, 1899) pp. 289-312. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol8/pp289-312 [accessed 26 April 2024]
August 1598, 1–15
| W. Lord Cobham to — Oldsworth. | |
| 159[8], Aug. 1. | As to a book in Oldsworth's custody, concerning the manor of Upton St. Leonards, of which Cobham requires a copy.—Blackfriars; 1 Aug. 159 [8]. |
| Signed. The last figure of the year torn off. | |
| ½ p. (63. 14.) | |
| The Earl of Pembroke to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 1. | In favour of Lieutenant Lloyd, for employment if any new companies shall be levied for service in the Low Countries.—Wilton, 1 Aug., 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| ½ p. (63. 15.) | |
| The Justices of the Peace of Lincolnshire to the Lord Treasurer. | |
| 1598, Aug. 1. | On the complaint of the country, they have made a survey of the defects in the rivers of Witham, Eu, and the waters leading to Boston Haven. They find that besides other defaults, there is a certain place called the Beightes lying below Dockedyke, in the outfall of the waters of the said rivers, which is so straitened by ingrows, sand beds, &c., both upon the side of Wildemore and the Eight Hundred Fen, as that the waters cannot have free passage, to the great prejudice of the adjoining country. As they find the same concerns his Lordship, the Earl of Derby and the Lord De La Ware, they have deferred making any laws therein till the last of August next, that they may know their Lordships' pleasure concerning the same.—Dockedyke, 1 August, 1598. |
| Signed by Ed. Dymoke and 8 others. | |
| 1 p. (63. 16.) | |
| Gilbert, Earl of Shrewsbury to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 1 | Perceiving by your letter that it is but ten days to the appointed time of her Majesty's remove, I will not be too hasty to take my leave until very near that time, nor yet trouble her Highness with any of my preparative speeches, until this great consultation (which now you have in hand) be somewhat overpassed, and will give you two or three days of breathing before I visit you with any of my private.—1 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| ½ p. (63. 17.) | |
| Richard Hawkins to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Aug. 1. | Since my coming to Spain, I have by divers ways from time to time written to your Honour. At this instant I think it my duty to certify you of the miserable estate of myself and of my poor countrymen here. |
| A few days past, being desperate of my liberty by justice due unto me, I contrived with one Captain Borgen, my fellow prisoner, to break prison, which we put in execution in that manner that all Seville wondered at, and gave sentence that he which had wrought that feat deserved to have his liberty given him. We were to go out at the roof of the prison at midnight, and then to strike ourselves down by a rope which was such as we could get, and so small and the prison so high, that although all possible means was used in sliding down, I fell more than four fathoms. Wherewith Captain Borgen being dismayed, durst not follow me, thinking me to be dead in the street. But the powerful hand of God sustained me that though I lay without feeling a good space, at length I recovered breathing, and after feeling my legs sound and able to sustain my body, I began first to go and after to run, as your Lordship may imagine, never looking behind me, till I was outside the gates of the city, guided by a servant of mine which waited for me in the street. I took my course “alongst” the country to Lisbon. Captain Borgen's staying behind made me to be found back presently, whereupon the city and country was in an uproar. Hue and cry—which they call the Hermanded—was made after me, and large reward promised to him that could discover me. Which I doubting, as soon as day appeared, two leagues onward of my way hid myself in a vineyard, minding not to stir in many days but in the owl light. But at noon come the keepers, or owners, of the vineyard, and found us sleeping. Who fatigating us with interrogatories, put me in jealousy to be discovered. Which, after their departure, I thought to prevent with crossing the way and taking up into the country. But, as I came into the highway, four men met me, which seemed to be Moriscos or Mulattoes, which I shunned not for that they were not all armed. As soon as they came within speech one of them asked me if we were those which had broken prison in Seville, to whom I answered, “And why asketh thou?” “For that,” said he, “four men on horseback met us even now, and asked us for such, but the signs are different.” For I went in habit of a mariner. I answered that such men we met this morning near Seville. With that they bade us farewell and that we should hide us presently if we were those. I stood much in doubt of them, and, therefore, till they were out of sight, I durst not void the highway. But they being past, and I thinking to take my way up into the country, two horsemen discovered me, who presently began to cry, “Here they be,” and we presently to take our way through vineyards and olive gardens more than a good pace, till we had run ourselves out of breath. Then I betook me to an olive tree and my servant to a bramble bush. Till sunset they went round about us, seeking us, more than five hundred men, and under the tree in which I stood passed footmen and horsemen sundry times. They had not discovered me at all but that by chance they found my man and handled him with some rigour. Who, being a white livered fellow, brought them to the tree where I was, and they with their pieces levelled threatening to kill me if I came not down—in fine, I fell again into the hands of thieves, for they took from me all that I had but the clothes on my back, and what grieved me most, a rapier and dagger dedicated to your lordship many months before. They returned me to Seville into the hands of the contratation, who hold me prisoner in a dungeon in the common gaol, with fetters day and night, and in that necessity and misery which words cannot paint. I rest without hope except your Honour be a mediation to her Majesty to succour me, and so are many more my poor countrymen, which endure that which cannot be imagined. There is no respect of persons with this nation. Nay, the better sort are worse entreated, and that which grieveth us most is to hear that noblemen's tables and aldermen's houses are for the Spaniards in England, and we perish in the common gaol, as good, or better, men than they. When we complain, they answer us that we dare not use them otherwise, and that the Mother of God keeps them that we have no further power but of their goods. Your Lordship shall do a great charity to relieve us, for there be amongst us that in five years have not had other maintenance than twelve ounces of bread a day, and that at times detained so long as that they have been enforced to eat the dogs that came into the prison. In four years and more they never gave me one ryal to sustain me, and now they have not only taken from me the money which, by friendship, I had procured, to be repaid by my wife upon exchange, but my apparel and what I had, saving the clothes on my back. | |
| They now require nine canons of those of Cales for me, which are rated in 35,000 ducats, and except I free them they say I shall never have my liberty. My poverty is well known to you. I have no hope of freedom but in the Queen and yourself. I have by divers ways written unto her Majesty, at this time I cannot. I pray you therefore to excuse me, and to have in mind the afflictions of the rest of your servitors here in prison who make daily prayers for you.—From Seville, the first of August, 1598. | |
| Holograph. | |
| 1½ pp. (177. 71.) | |
| The Mayor of Boulogne to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Aug. 1/11. | Suivant l'adviz que je vous ay donne de Juan Daguiree et de ses pretensions, il escrit au sieur Robert Sisil, secretaire, comme vous vorrez par l'incluse. Je croy qu'il se met sur ses offres attendant s'il se pourra rappatrier avecq l'Espaignol. Vous retiendrez sy le trouvez bon les lettres et les vorrez, et sy jugez qu'il merite response vous luy ferez, me l'addressant. J' attens response des lettres qu'il a envoyees au cardinal. C'est pourquoy il ne seroit mal a propos de lentretenir d'esperances, affin que nous voions sy les espaignolz ne prendront aulcun goust en ses projects quy ne sont petitz, car oultre ce que je vous ay escrit par mes lettres, il se fait fort qu' avecq deux mil hommes, apres vostre flotte des Indes party, de pendre Plemue, Faltymue et deux ou trois aultres portz, sachant la force qu'il y a aux forteresses, dont il s'asseure comme de sa maison mesme. Vous considerez cecy, s'il vous plaist, quy n'est de petite importance (vostre grandeur m'excusera de l'usage de ces termes, mais l'envye que j'ay de vous servir me pousse). Ce personnage feint estre de la Religion. Je croy qu'il n'en a point. Il a este moyne qui, comme j'ay peu sçavoir, pour quelque forfait enorme s'en est fuy, et pour avoir impunite se dit de la Religion. Les lettres qu 'il escrit encores qu 'au Sieur Robert Sisil, je les vous addresse. Vous ferez ce que jugerez bon. Honorez moy, mon seigneur, d'un mot de response de la reception tant des premieres que de celles-cy, car je desire tirer la quintesssence de cest homme, et vous servir de sentinelle.—a Boulogne, ce 11me Aoust, 1598. C.C. |
| Seal. | |
| 1 p. (177. 75.) | |
| Sir Edward Stafford to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 2. | Details at length his dealings with Lord [Sheffield] in order to work the effect of her Majesty's desire. Describes his Lordship's condition of mind. He is resolved to leave the world in time, and turn himself to think wholly upon God and nothing else. When he endeavoured to persuade his Lordship that it was reasonable for him to deliver the patent with his own hands, he confessed it, and would do it if the Queen commanded it: but he hoped she would take compassion on his present estate, and accept its delivery by Cecil's means.—Norman by, 2 August. |
| Endorsed :—“1598. His proceedings with my Lord Sheffield.” | |
| Holograph. | |
| 3 pp. (63. 18.) | |
| Sir Edward Stafford to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 2. | Prays Cecil, when he has shown the Queen his letter about Lord Sheffield, to show it to his (the writer's) wife. Has got Lord Sheffield to eat and drink abroad, to hunt in the park this night, and to-morrow he has promised to go to Hatfield Chase to hunt, which has greatly rejoiced all the house. Will do what he can to make him take pleasure in somewhat: let God and himself work the rest, for all other courses will but do harm.— Normanby, 2 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 20.) | |
| Sir William Cornwaleys to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 2. | As to breaches of your Honours' and the judges' order by Lord Sands. Sands has been abusing your Honours two years with colours of having trusted his (Sands') uncle with this house and lands: and has produced no probability how to prove it. Prays that the order may be maintained and the controversy proceed to speedy trial. “So shall this knight with whom I now am be very much bound unto you.”—Winchester, Wednesday. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598, 2 Aug.” | |
| 1 p. (63. 21.) | |
| Roger Wilbraham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 2. | According to the Queen's pleasure lately signified in your letters, I have drawn and signed a book of a grant from her Majesty to Mr. Oconor Sligo of such lands as were formerly granted to his uncle, and with like reservations. Mr. Albeney departed from London before your last direction. If you think it needful, the gentleman must procure Mr. Solicitor's hand to his book.—From Gray's Inn, the 2 of August, 1598. |
| Endorsed :—“Mr. Solicitor of Ireland to my master.” | |
| Holograph. Seal. | |
| ½ p. (177. 72.) | |
| The Mayor of Boulogne to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Aug. 2/12. | I enclose a further letter from Joan Daguiree. He is in want, and thinks to live by his inventions. He does not conceal that if his own king will not have him, he will go to you or to the States. “Il a de l'esprit et homme entendu aux affaires. Il semble ne rien ignorer de l'estat des vostres.—Ce 12me Aoust, 1598. C.C.” |
| Seal. French. | |
| ½ p. (177. 76.) | |
| Sir Richard Molyneux to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 3. | As commanded, I have in some sort travailed for the discovering of a lewd practice here in this county, concerning the exercising upon certain persons which feigned themselves to be possessed with unclean spirits, and have apprehended divers who have been present at these exercises, by whose examinations I understand the practice hath been in this sort: two men (to be supposed priests) did carry a woman about with them, and at places where they were entertained did set the woman (whom they alleged to be possessed) in a chair, who would make show to be wonderfully writhen and tormented, in very strange manner, and this they used often, by which they drew many ignorant people to be present at their said exercises as desirous to see the novelty thereof. And thus much I had ere this signified to your Honour, but that I was still in great hope to apprehend the parties themselves which were actors in these illusions; and I verily think, afore it be long too, I shall take the party possessed, or the priest, or both, when I will advertise your Honour thereof to know your full pleasure therein. The parties apprehended which have been at these exercises (I think) will be by the Bishop punished for example in the city of Chester, and in divers market towns in this shire. I have of late brought in many to be comers to the church and to hear divine service, which were before recusants.—3 of August. |
| Endorsed :—“1598, Sir Rich. Molyneux, discovery of exorcysers.” | |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 22.) | |
| Thomas Windebank to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 3. | I will prepare myself to fulfil the commandment of her Majesty signified by your letter brought me by this messenger. I hope that in respect of harvest and other small but necessary causes, I may be dispensed with if I come not so soon by a day or two as otherwise I would to this sudden summons.— At Haynes Hill, the third of August, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| ½ p. (177. 73.) | |
| Richard [Howland], Bishop Of Peterborough, To Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 4. | I am sorry that Mr. Smithe, my chaplain, should thus move you for my Archdeaconry, which he knows to be bestowed long since upon another of my chaplains, an ancient bachelor of divinity and my attendant of longest continuance: which being so bestowed and that I cannot take it away from him without his consent, I desire you to pardon me in this, who would not in a clear case have denied you anything.—Castor, 4 August. |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“1598.” | |
| ½ p. (63. 23.) | |
| Steven Rodwey to Secretary Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 4. | I was advised by Mr. Mainard to write to you, but because it seemed a preposterours course to defend me from the faults [which] were none of mine, I chose to rest in my innocency without further enquiry, and went into the country, where I have stayed till now that Mr. Paget once more has written to me to come over and accompany him into Italy. Because he has written earnestly that, except I be stayed by your commandment, I should not fail to come unto him, I thought it belonging to that service I have ever owed him once more to attempt my passage by your means, the rather for that Lord Cobham hath not only wished me to satisfy you, though I know not of what, but assures me of his favour for the recovery of your good opinion. Whereas Lord Cobham, Mr. Maynard and Mr. Allen have told me that I should be said to be suspected for my religion, and that I am a man ill given, with other matters of state, I know not what, you may truly believe the contrary. As for matters of religion, neither myself nor any of my friends were ever touched, or presumed to be given that way: besides, my chiefest acquaintances are men religious and divines graced by her Majesty, as Dr. Eeds. At being on the other side, the most of the time I spent was in Protestant towns or in Geneva. For my loyalty I appeal to Stephen Powl, whether in the year '88 I behaved as became a good subject or no, when neither Mr. Secretary Walsingham nor my Lord your father had ever any other intelligence of moment but what I sent out of Italy, and am only the man that discovered with manifest danger of my life the treason of Giraldi, that was sent to poison her Highness from the Cardinal. What I am charged directly with I know not, neither the persons. That I went not over with Mr. Paget was by reason of a suit in law between Stephen Powl and me. I have lived eight years without all spot in Mr. Paget's acquaintance. That I desired your passport especially was in respect of the great favours you had done Mr. Paget. That I desired her Majesty's packet, was not for the profit, but in regard of my own safety, that would be loth to commit the little living I have to the mercy of the statute without licence. The disgrace with your Honour I suspect to proceed (to say nothing of those counterfeit pistolets that are said to be taken in a prize of my Lord Chamberlain's, and put away by a man's son of his own of the Isle of Wight) either of Lord Cobham's disfavour at another man's suit, which I have not deserved; or by the suggestion of Ward, Mr. Paget's solicitor, because I refused to carry his letters that was so lately “jested” with high treason, and might father all the faults I am charged with: or by Mr. Maynard's unkindness, instead of the good he owed my father, and can report, if he will, how desirous I was to have only served your Honour. I beseech your good favour, and that with your passport and any packet or letter for the affairs of her Majesty I may have leave to go over, which the more boldly I entreat for that it concerns Mr. Paget.—4 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 4 pp. (63. 24.) | |
| Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 4. | I cannot but condole both with you and the common weal. But I know sorrow is increased and not comforted by formalities and ceremonious compliments, and therefore I leave them. Yet having long loved your virtues and cherished your good opinion and favour towards me, I cannot forbear to present unto you my love and affection, and my desire and readiness to be used by you in all I can.—At the Court, 4 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Keeper.” | |
| 1 p. (63. 26.) | |
| Foulke Grevyll To Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 5. | It may please you to comfort yourself in yourself, for there is cause. I would have waited upon you but that I think it an unmannerly kindness till business have enforced your grief to think of something else. If in the mean time you shall think my poor service worthy the commanding, I will take it as a pledge of that interest I desire to have in you.—From the Court this Saturday. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“5 Aug., 1598.” | |
| ½ p. (63. 27.) | |
| Chr. Harris to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, August 5. | According to the contents of your letters concerning Edward Conyers, I have released him as privately as I could, and delivered him £10, and directed him to your house in Strand.—Radford, 5 August, 1598. |
| P.S.—If you cause the £10 to be paid to your servant William Stellenge, who is now gone to London, it shall suffice. | |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 28.) | |
| Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, August 6. | Letter of condolence on the death of his father.—Baburham, 6 Aug., 1598. |
| Holograph. Italian. | |
| 1 p. (63. 29.) | |
| H. Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 6. | Beholds here no other thing but the mourning countenance of many unhappy persons for the loss of “so honourable a person our master.” Asks leave of absence to go to his house in Essex. Clapham is here, who is acquainted with most of the books.—The Strand, Sunday morning. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“6 August, '98.” | |
| 1 p. (63. 30.) | |
| Rich. Sute to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 7. | Speaks of his long and honest service to Lord Burghley, and complains of the taking away from him of the office of feodary, and of other wrongs and oppressions. Prays to enter Cecil's service, or if this cannot be, for relief of his wrongs and some repair of credit: also that the now Lord Burghley may be moved to afford him recompense.—Aldersgate, 7 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 31.) | |
| Gervase [Babington], Bishop of Worcester, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 7. | I have received letters from his Grace of Canterbury by direction from the Privy Council for the payment of three score pounds towards the furnishing of two horses for the service of Ireland. As I am most bound so am I most willing to perform the same, if my estate were answerable. It is not yet nine months since I came to my bishopric, and this year out of the revenue of it, being but 900 and odd pounds, I am in tenths besides and first fruits to pay her Majesty about 500l. My ordinary charges in my remove and in settling myself and my family in this place, I could not defray for 700l. My charges here at my first coming are more than ordinary, and my estate at my translation, considering the shortness of my abode in Exeter, the slenderness of my revenues there (being de claro but 450l. by the year) and the extraordinary charge of that seat, could yield small help to support my expenses. I beg that for this time I may be disburdened of this charge.—From Hartlebury, this seventh of August, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| ¾ p. (177. 74.) | |
| Gilbert, Earl of Shrewsbury to Mr. Secretary. | |
| 1598, Aug. 8. | I told you of a goshawk that my Lady of Ormonde had sent you out of Ireland. I perceive there is a falcon sent you also from her. For the falcon, she soars too high for my compass, and therefore God speed you well with her, but for the goshawk that flies near the earth more humbly like my nature and fortune, I have her in my custody, with meaning that you shall never see her. I have given this bearer that brought her so liberal a reward already as it will be but superfluous for you to bestow anything on him.—8 Aug., '98. |
| Holograph. | |
| ½ p. (63. 32.) | |
| Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 8. | I send you the intelligence I have from Italy. They are making ready to receive the Infanta of Spain in September, with a great assembling of princes; it is thought the Archduke will come to Milan for the marriage; the Pope is eagerly negotiating with the Emperor for the calling a diet at Trent, a town near to Italy; he promises to attend himself, hoping to obtain the election of the Archduke as King of the Romans, and a strict law against the infidels and Protestants of our confession, leaving out the Lutherans, whose chiefs he hopes to unite against us. This scheme is the more dangerous, because the Reformers in Germany are much hated, and the present Archduke is bent upon their ruin; already you can see what his forces have done in 'Aquisgrana' and how they threaten Wessel.—B[aburham], 8 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. Italian. Signature torn off. Seal. | |
| 1 p. (63. 33.) | |
| Edward Lord Zouche to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 8. | Of Lord Burghley's death. Expresses his obligations to him and his desire to serve Cecil. Wishes to wait upon him, to see whether he will command him anything touching the service wherein he was employed into Denmark, though he doubts not Mr. Parkins will sufficiently discourse the whole proceedings.—Hacknay, 8 Aug., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 34.) | |
| Thomas Fletcher, Mayor of Chester, to Lord Burghley. | |
| 1598, Aug. 8. | I have presumed to impart to you the present state of this poor incorporation, and to move you in behalf thereof. For as others that have before me executed this office, in the transportation of soldiers into Ireland and such like services have taken up money of the citizens for accomplishing the same, and have well satisfied all victuallers, owners of ships and others employed in those services, so in these late employments committed to me, observing the like course, I have found the citizens so willing to advance the Queen's service that I cannot without wronging them but make report of their deserts. But I have found this poor city to be generally very weak and much decayed, so especially in the chiefest parts thereof (the merchants) who have been heretofore the most able to do her Majesty service upon these occasions. The greatest cause hereof is no doubt the restraint between her Highness' subjects and Spain, a place wherewith the merchants had all their intercourse. A more particular reason is the stay of traffic at this instant into all parts, even to Rochelle and Bordeaux, the only places of their recourse. As it pleased the Queen about 12 years since, by reason of the late embarment, and the many losses by shipwreck and piracy sustained by the merchants, to grant them 10,000 dicker of calf skins tanned within a certain time to be transported; so it is that the time limited is lately expired, yet the greatest part is not yet transported. The merchants, hoping for a longer time for transporting, made their provision of that commodity: all which, being a great part of their estates, lie still on their hands, through the delays they have found in their suit. By this means all traffic is here stayed, and there has not been one ship nor small bark laden since Christmas last into any foreign place, nor is likely to be, except the former grant be renewed, or some toleration had by you till her Majesty shall have further considered their suit.—Chester, 8 Aug., 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (63. 35.) | |
| Sir John Fortescue to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 8. | I was to have gone to meet with you and my Lord of Buckhurst to have had order for the despatch of the Irish causes, but understanding you are to meet at my Lord Keeper's this afternoon, and not knowing whether your meeting be any private commission or a general assembly of the Council, I pray you let me know whether I shall meet you there or at your house at some time for despatch of the Irish business. The suitors are importunate, and I have not the warrant for the £8,000, nor without warrant can give any direction. There remain among the writings of your late father a lease for the licences of alienations, a commission for granting leases, and divers commissions for taking of accounts, which of necessity must be renewed. Mr. Maynard can tell best where they are bestowed. It may please you to give order for delivery of them to me that I may make ready for proceeding therein.—At the Wardrobe, 8 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir John Fortescew.” | |
| 1 p. (63. 36.) | |
| Sir Robert Cecil to Lady Sheffield. | |
| 1598, Aug. 8. | I send you what I now received: one letter for yourself, and another for me. When you have done with mine, I pray you send it me, and believe that in anything concerning your Ladyship or yours, I will be as affectionate as I am in all things of mine own “infortunate.”—Undated. |
| Holograph. | |
| ½ p. (63. 37.) | |
| Lady Sheffield to [Cecil]. | |
| I humbly thank you, and think myself bound to you, both for mine and myself. My true faith and service shall always seek to deserve it, and my desires and assured hope is that you shall both live and die with as honourable happiness as your father did, and I as glad to see it as any friend you have.—Undated. | |
| Holograph, at foot of preceding letter. Endorsed :—“8 August, 1598, Lady Sheffield to my Mr.” ½ p. (63. 37.) | |
| H. Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 8. | I send here inclosed the writing of the principal things in this little entry or gallery, and will expect to hear from you to-morrow touching my going down into the country, if it may be done without offence. Touching the commissions for demising the Q. lands, and for the fines and alienations, they be here in readiness, if it shall please Mr. Chancellor to send for them; or if it be your pleasure to have them sent to him, it shall be done.—8th August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| ½ p. (63. 38.) | |
| Florence McCarthy to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 8. | It was not at my desire that your Honour and the rest of the Council ordained that I should be maintained at her Majesty's charges until I were despatched, for I had rather both now and then have any reasonable end, and to repair into my country to serve her Highness, than to rest here charging her unnecessarily, and ready notwithstanding every hour to starve, together with my mother-in-law, wife, and children, as we are at this instant, having received not a penny of her Majesty since the latter end of June last twelvemonth, at which time I received but £100 to maintain me until Michaelmas last, being promised an end then. Whereupon, being sent into Ireland for a new certificate, my wife and children remained here ready to starve, until one Brandon, and three or four such of her poor countrymen, spent all their substance to maintain her, whereby she has run about £120 in their debt. For that I have, as you wished me in the Council chamber, dealt with Sir John Stanhope, who, because I could by no means procure to deal with her Majesty for money matters, I have procured her Highness to be dealt withal, whose answer is that she will give order to you at your return from London to see me satisfied. Wherefore I humbly beseech you, both to have me in remembrance to her Majesty, and to be a mean that I may have so much money as may discharge my wife and son, and send my mother-in-law into her country, with that which may maintain myself, my wife and children here.—8th of August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 39.) | |
| [The Mayor of Boulogne] to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Aug. 9/19. | More concerning him whom I judge to be manifestly plotting the ruin of England. He has this day received an answer to a letter which he had written to Mons. de Salinas, reputed to be one of the chiefest councillors of Spain. I have obtained an inkling of his designs, which are all against your State. He boasts of your favour, and says that all his knowledge of English affairs comes from you. I send you what I can gather. I had one of his letters written in Spanish to his Highness. Conferring with Sailly, agent of the Estates-General, he asked me for it to impart to you, without any other address than what he promised me. I gave it to him. It did not contain any particulars, only general terms. I am daily expecting the return of a messenger whom I have sent to get hold of his letters at Brussels. I desire instructions so that the said Spaniard may not become suspicious, and so I may fathom the depths of his intentions.—C. C., 19 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. French. | |
| 1 p. (177. 82.) | |
| Stephen Lynche to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 10. | Your father in March last granted licence to me for the conveying hence or out of any other port 30 tuns of beer for the provision of her Highness' garrisons in Galway under the command of Sir Coniers Clifford. At Bristol, where I have embarked the said beer, for want of a convenient vessel to carry the provision, the necessity being such, I was driven to leave behind 10 tuns of the said beer, and being taken at sea by a Briton of Crosvicke on the 28th April last, was robbed of the more part of the said provision and other goods, to the value of £500. I pray you to certify the officers of the port of Bristol hereof, requiring them to licence me not only to carry away the said 10 tun of beer without custom, but also, in that the garrisons are to lie at Galway within this month, the winter time drawing near, 20 tuns more of beer and 50 or 60 quarters of malt in like sort for their provision, I entering into sureties for the taking of it thither.—London, 10 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 40.) | |
| Thomas Bradburye to Mr. Percival, servant to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 10. | In regard to charges of waste and breaking up of new grounds in some property, unspecified, in which Cecil has a title. Refers to letters received from Cecil thereon. Disclaims any intention of giving offence to Cecil, and offers to attend before him at Michaelmas next to answer whatever shall be objected against him.—10th August. |
| Holograph. Endorsed : 1598. | |
| 1 p. (63. 41.) | |
| Giovanni Battista Giustiniano to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 10. | I would offer you my sympathy on your very great loss. |
| I recently let you know that I had presented to the Magistrate of this City a petition on behalf of Signor Fabricio Palavicino in the matter of the debt due to him from the Queen and the City, and that the petition had been given to Signor Fortescue, who promised to mention the matter in his negotiations with the States. Since then Signor Fabricio has sent me another petition and ordered me to present it. The Magistrate has sent it to the Council by the hand of Dr. Fletcher, who presented it last Sunday, and it now also is with Signor Fortescue; who told both Dr. Fletcher and myself yesterday that he had spoken of the matter to the Commissioners, but that nothing was concluded. From what he said to Dr. Fletcher, Signor Fortescue seems to have got very warm with Signor Barneveldt; so I venture to ask you to try if you can advance the matter, and to remember Signor Horatio if you think he ought to come.—London, 10 Aug., 1598. | |
| Holograph. Italian. | |
| 1 p. (63. 42.) | |
| Gabriel Goodman, Dean of Westminster, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 10. | I am very sorry for your and all our great loss. So am I most sorry for the public loss and great calamity which is to be feared that will ensue, which your Honour knoweth better than I can conceive. He is happy vivus et mortuus in Domino. As it pleased God to bless him many ways in testimony of his favour towards him, so that is not the least blessing that God the Father of all providence did grant unto him as unto David to see Solomon his son, so your good father to see you succeed him in his place. Pardon me in remembering you of the word of your late dear mother, a lady of blessed memory, most especially for the practice of the same: Jacta super Dominum curam tuam (Psalm 55, verse 23 (fn. 1) ), a sure defence, specially in affliction. I must also now recommend unto your Honour the religious and divine posie of my Lord your father, Cor unum, via una (Jer. 32, verse 36 (fn. 1) ), he wisely knowing concord to be the strength of all society in church and commonwealth. It pleased God in like wise to bless him so that he saw his two sons noble branches of himself being the root, the strength of his honourable house and all depending thereupon. Your Honour shall find me as I am bound to do to you and your house what service I can to the uttermost.—Newport, 10th of August, 1598. |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“The Dean of Westminster.” | |
| 1 p. (63. 43.) | |
| Lord Burghley. | |
| 1598, Aug. 11. | Epitaph on Lord Burghley by Thomas Fowler. |
| 1 p. (140. 86.) | |
| Edward, Lord Zouche to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 12. | Asks for an appointment to wait upon Cecil.—Hackney, 12 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 45.) | |
| John Danyell to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 12. | Being in London, a countryman of mine told me that one Captain William Laplin and Lieutenant George Caffoyr, our countrymen, are departed for Ireland, and by mean of some speeches they uttered in his hearing, he supposes that their only intent is to go to the Earl of Tyrone as soon as they have come thither. Captain Laplin served of late in France, married there, and for killing of a gent. officer of that country was driven to fly from thence, and living in want here departed discontented. He is a tall soldier, as I hear say. Caffoyr was lieutenant to Captain Eustace in the Low Countries, in Sir William Stanley's regiment. I know him to be a “thickles humoured” man. They are gone to Westchester. How necessary it is to curb them and all other her Majesty's subjects of their profession from those wicked steps, I leave it to your Honour's grave consideration and censure. I beseech you to give order to Mr. Wade for the enlargement of Donnoghe McCarthie, or if there be any cause for his stay in prison, that order be given for relieving him for his diet and some reasonable apparel, for he liveth in a most miserable estate.—12th of August, 1598. Holograph. |
| 2 pp. (63. 46.) | |
| Andrew Facy to the Lord Admiral. | |
| 1598, Aug. 13. | Having by God's great goodness so fit opportunity to acquaint your good Lordship with a pretence I have, through God's permittance, to do your Honour service and my country good, I have upon mine own head engaged my life therein, devoted unto your good Lordship, who, I hope, will accept this my willing mind. Whereupon I have written these few confused lines, craving pardon though preposterous, because I live here among the Linxes, and see daily the new devised and manifold tortures our poor countrymen are put unto if they be found to halt in the least, which is the cause I am the more timorous and write this letter under a rock by the sea side to avoid all suspicion. I have declared my mind to one Captain Clattory, an English gentleman, that hath lain here two years in prison, who I have no doubt but will certify your Honour thereof, and deliver a privy watchword which you may give unto him whom you send to treat of the Spanish affairs with me, against whose coming I have no doubt but to advertise your Honour at the full both of Court and Army, which doth winter here by order come from the Court this present day, and shall not be above two thousand soldiers, sailors and all, being but eight galleons of the King's and some small pinnaces, with three argosies. The rest of all the flyboats are sold unto particular men, and shall be sent away. No money in the King's army, which is the cause as many will get away as may, because the King is almost two years behind. What Love of Weymouth hath revealed, I understand here by our General, and my chambermate John Lambert, an Englishman who is pilot royal of Spain, and whose advice they use in all English affairs, that Killigrew without doubt is faulty, for I know the Spaniard brought over the letters, and if they had prevailed nine thousand men should have gone to Plymouth. What Sir Ferdinando Gorges did therein, as yet I cannot learn, but I hope to acquaint your Lordship with all the Papists of account and traitors of England, whereof I am sure one is a great man. In meantime the Spanish proceedings I will not let to record, only the better to effect this matter, if your Honour send me over some fifty pound in double pistolets to bribe the chief officer's men, I shall do a great deal the better, for they be all given to bribery. This bearer Mr. Pyt can relate some further matter concerning an army of galleys pretended for England this next year, and the places of their landing, whom I beseech your Honour to credit, and at his return to bring me a letter from your Lordship, written in this sort, with the juice of a lemon. What your Honour's pleasure is I shall do herein. And so having committed both life and death under the shadow of your Lordship's bounteous wing, do in the bowels of our Saviour Jesus Christ desire your good Lordship not to acquaint any persons of this my pretence but them your Honour knoweth undoubtedly sure, for then in recompense of my zeal to do my Queen and country good and your Honour service my blood shall be shed with extreme torments.—From the Groyn in Galizia, 13 August, 1598. |
| (P.S.)—I am pilot of the Vice-Admiral of Spain, and have my diet and 60 pounds the year of the King, and if God favour me, liking to come to some credit, because I have made a new invented sea card and certain instruments never seen before, which are presented to the Prince Don Philippo. It is thought the King's daughter shall be sent with 20 galleys to the Prince Cardinal. | |
| A copy in the handwriting of Essex's Secretary. For the original, see S. P. Dom. Eliz., Vol. CCLXVIII. No. 24. | |
| 1 p. (63. 47.) | |
| Edward Seymour to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 13. | Of his controversy with Richard Champernowne. The latter would exempt 200 out of the writer's regiment, ever certified to the Council under the same regiment, as well in the time of Sir John Gilbert as since; and without them he cannot raise a regiment. He was commanded by the Council to take charge of Gilbert's foot companies, being unsought by himself, and has not spared any endeavours or charge for their instruction in martial discipline, nor encroached upon any man's government. Prays Cecil to favour him that he be not disgraced.—Bery Castle, 13 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 48.) | |
| Sir W. Stafford to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 13. | I beseech you to consider of me, who live here most like a fat beast ready for the slaughter, in fat pasture, and too much ease, which few hardly complain on, but this is my case, which I beseech you to tender, the fall being not so dangerous in adversity as in prosperity, which puffeth up, making us very oftentimes to forget our duties to God and man. My duty remembered to your Honour, desiring God to reward your Honour's many favours, and more for that in the Gatehouse than for this in the Bishop's palace.—Waltham, 13 August. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598.” | |
| (63. 68.) | |
| Giovanni Battista Giustiniano to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 13. | I have acquainted Sire Palavicino with what you told me in regard to his business, and I am to ask you in his name to be advertised that these frequent demands without result do not support their view that they are not liable for the debt, but have been put on a better footing by the new contract. In regard to their urging the difficulty of the times, it should be observed that present payment is not demanded, but only an acknowledgment of the debt. He thinks thus to sound their intentions, which will probably be anything sooner than a desire to satisfy her Majesty, and indeed, whenever they have taken order for payment, they have not put themselves about therefore. Finally, will you devise a means of approaching Sieur Barnevelt privately?—London, 13 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. Italian. | |
| ¾ p. (177. 77.) | |
| Sir Edward Conway to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Aug. 13. | I hear my Lord Sheffield hath resigned his patent, that there are many suitors for the government, and Sir Francis Vere named to it. If he be chosen, I am well satisfied, but against all others I would appeal to you to remember how I have served here without the countenance, counsel or support of a governor.—August 13, 1598. |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“From the Brill.” Seal. | |
| ½ p. (177. 78.) | |
| Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 14. | I am utterly ashamed of myself that I am enforced to make an apology how I was constrained to save myself from being cousined, which mischief I was rather likely to have fallen into by reason that my poverty did wrap me in many inconveniences, than that I was ignorant of what I did. I am bold to trouble your Honour with these tedious lines because I do desire to have your good opinion more than I do the conceit of any other, and therefore I humbly beseech you to pardon me though I presume to trouble you with a discourse of my whole tempest, which was thus. That serpent-headed fellow Goddeffrey Markam (a man allotted me by Skinner), with the advice of Sir Oliver Lamberte, hath so practised against me that my first pretended voyage is utterly overthrown. The courses he took were strange and intricate, for first he sought by all ways possible to wrest me out of my place, and himself to enjoy it. He founded his course against me by taking opportunity of my being absent from Hampton at Bristow, for whilst I was present he could prevail nothing against me, neither in truth durst he enterprise anything whilst mine eye was present to look into all his actions; and in this time did he riotously spend above £300 (as he himself did gloriously give forth) amongst my people, and so won their hearts that at my return to Hampton I had not five men left at my command. He did further practise with my master for the reward of £4 to deliver my sails from the yards into his hand, thereby supposing to rest assured of mine overthrow, being thoroughly persuaded that I could by no means stir to get money if once he had me in his mercy, which mischief I thank God I prevented, since which time they are still working new drifts against me, upon which occasion I was forced to go to sea with one ship, which I did rather choose than the disgrace of being cousined of all, which mine adversaries did and do practise, being thereto chiefly encouraged by my poverty and want of means. Thus craving a continuance of your honourable favour to me, I humbly rest.—Aboard The Dragon, 14th August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 2 pp. (63. 49.) | |
| The Justices of Lincolnshire to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 14. | Having been greatly bound unto the Lord Treasurer, your deceased father, and especially for the zealous care and respective regard he had unto the estate of this our country above all others, being lord lieutenant thereof, we beseech you that as you are the successor to his virtues and most grave counsels of estate, so you would continue the like favourable care of our said country, that by your good means such a one may succeed his Lordship in the lieutenancy as may have a due respect and loving consideration to the condition thereof.—Lincoln, 14 August, 1598. |
| Signed by George St. Poll and eleven others. | |
| 1 p. (63. 50.) | |
| John Conley to the Privy Council. | |
| 1598, Aug. 14. | Through the non-payment of several warrants due to him by the Queen for the entertainment of Captain Tucthey Parkins, deceased, and Parkins' brother Thomas, his creditors have arrested him, and he is lying in the compter in Wood Street, London, without relief, and shall during his life, except the Council will have commiseration upon him. Furthermore, he is agent for Theobald Dillon and others for the obtaining of £202 due for beeves, of which there remains £100 due. Prays the present satisfaction of the said sums, and assures the Council that within a very short time he will find to the Queen's Majesty's purse £500.—From the Compter in Wood Street, 14 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 51.) | |
| Thomas Myddelton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 14. | These inclosed came two days past, myself being sick, so as I understood not thereof till now. I have been a long suitor to you that I might obtain the Spaniard that is her Majesty's prisoner in the Gatehouse, to redeem my nephew and another merchant which are prisoners in Spain. He putteth her Highness to great charges and no hope of benefit. I am sure, if your Honour please, I may easily obtain him to redeem two better than himself, both taken in her Majesty's service in Sir Francis Drake's last voyage.—14th August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 51a.) | |
| Thomas Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 14. | I have sent you herewith the charge of all the blacks, to put in whom you think good, if any be left out whom you would have in. I spake to Thomas Forsman to remember you to write to the Almoner, the Bishop of (blank in MS.), to entreat him to make the funeral sermon. I hope we shall not need to give him matter, for he hath a large field to gather flowers in, and, as I hear, he hath a good gift of utterance. The herald hath been with my Lord Marshal, who, as I understand, hath addressed him unto you, to know her Majesty's pleasure whether, in respect to the office he bore to her, it will please her to have him buried as in his own degree, or in a higher degree, according to the public place, favour and credit he bore with her. And it will please you to bring your resolution hereof when you come next to the town. We have no news of Mr. Dean of Westminster. I thank you for the return of your kind letter, which I will not only keep as a testimony, but the rest of your honourable and thankful dealing with me shall be reserved in a true and a brotherly heart towards you. I have given order this day to send away the blacks to my Lord of Canterbury in both our names, and have written unto him the day of the burial, though I think he will not be here.—This present Monday. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—1598, 14 August. | |
| 1 p. (63. 52.) | |
| Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 14. | If you direct me not otherwise I will go to London this night, and give despatch for some business of mine own. If you will have me at any time here, it is but some little labour for some idle messenger for an idle errand, and I will be ready when you appoint.—14 August, 1598. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Keeper to my master.” | |
| ½ p. (63. 53.) | |
| Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 14. | It is quite clear that the States intend to believe that they have cleared all accounts with the payment of the money they have undertaken by the new contract: and if any new demand in the name of the Queen is made to them in respect of the money owed to me, they will have plenty of excuses ready. It has done much harm that this debt was ever allowed to be treated as a private debt at all; for they have thus taken occasion to postpone paying it until the end of the war, a date we shall never see. But since her Majesty is satisfied with their offers, I am glad enough to have done with soliciting; my brothers will have to petition the Queen now, or to put pressure on the city by proceeding against the citizens, either before the English Courts if they are not prohibited, or abroad wherever they can find any goods belonging to the citizens. But perhaps I might ask you, before the commissaries leave, to point out to them that that money is no private debt to me, but a debt to the Queen, and to get from them a declaration that they will so treat it without evasions or difficulties. This would be doing a good service to her Majesty, and will save her from the disagreeable alternative of either paying the money herself or breaking public faith; and as to this last I would have you consider the chances of this new war.—Baburham, 14 August, 1598. |
| Italian. Holograph. Seal. | |
| 1 p. (63. 55.) | |
| Francis Cokayne to Thomas Ferrers. | |
| 1598, Aug. 14. | Elbing, the 14th of August, 1598. |
| With my hearty commendations to you and our good cousin your bedfellow. I doubt not that the dealing of the K. of Denmark with her M. subjects and the wrongfully taking away of their goods, whereby a great many of her subjects and some of my nearest friends are greatly endamaged, is unknown unto you. No less do I esteem you ignorant of the troubles. I have been in those places, and but 16 days past came I home, whereby I could not perform my promise and come unto you at my being at London. The King of Poland 16 days since parted from Danske for Sweden. Our latest news affirmeth him to be arrived at Kalmer, and with some small retinue of about 20 to be admitted to enter the castle. The rest of his soldiers to be kept aboard ship. The castle was strengthened in Charles' behalf sufficiently, yet within a while after, themselves desiring pardon of the King for not delivering it at the first, delivered the castle to him, where his latest news leaveth him yet with his soldiers. At Calmer the report is an English ship or two [which] served the King are cast away. We have no certain news what ships they are. It is thought the King and Duke Charles will agree well enough at this meeting, but I doubt it greatly. The Prince of Siebenbrouge hath delivered over his dominion voluntarily into the hand of Maximilian. The Emperor's brother hath betaken himself to his brother's men, meaning to end his life there. Some think he doth it upon policy in that he hath long since taken divers of his chiefest nobility's heads from their shoulders, whose sons now waxing into years and being strong, he feareth they might seek revenge, which danger to prevent he hath given himself into a cloister. Mr. Carewe, whom her Majesty sent into these parts, as 5 days since came to Danske, where the ensuing day he had audience by the 'Rode,' which was very gratefully accepted, and he very gently entertained. He is bound for the King of Poland into Swethen, from whence we make account his return will be hither. Commend me to my good friends Dr. Parkens and Mr. Alderman More and his wife. | |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (177. 79.) | |
| On the same sheet with the above is another communication, from the same to the same, dated 3rd of October 1597, as follows:— | |
| News out of Sweden is, the King of Poland being before within the Castle of Stegkburke beset by the Duke Charles his uncle, in such sort that he could by no means pass from thence by land, or get any victuals except by sea, about the 20th of September the Duke's ships also came into the haven where the King's ships lay, the Duke having a 26 sail of tall ships very well appointed, with a 30 or 40 brass pieces at the least in each of them, the King's ships being some 60 or 70 sail, thereof some 30 Hollanders with little or no ordnance at all, a 20 English hoys also easily appointed, some 5 or 6 merchants' ships English with a 12 cast pieces in them, and few Danskers, altogether unable to withstand Duke Charles his power. They were also forewarned by the King's admiral to make the best shift they could for themselves, and the like by the King. So soon as the Duke's ships came in, 4 of the King's ships set sail to go out another way, whom the Hollanders followed, and got all of them away except the admiral, who came aground and was taken by the Duke's power. Therein is supposed to be of the King's treasure, some say to the value of two, some of three, ton of gold. All the rest are come to Danske where they are arrested till they have further news out of Sweden. Two of our ships by report were also under sail, at whom the Duke's ships shot, and shot one of them through and through, whereupon they struck their sails. Whenas one of the Duke's ships came near them and the rest, a trumpeter sounded and in Duke Charles' name willed all them that would stay to be out of fear of any harm, threatening his uttermost power to be bent against them that would venture to pass away, whereupon our ships all stayed. Those that are come report that our ships have betrayed the King. We have no certainty from our ships, but I doubt not the contrary. The report also affirmeth that Mr. Carew, her Majesty's ambassador, coming from thence in a Lubecker the day before this broil, is also taken by Duke Charles' ships and so stayed there, he having had first but easy entertainment of the King, to whom he also gave as few good words. The King at two o'clock in the night, before the Duke's ships came, with his chief captains and a 900 men, parted afoot from the Castle at Steckburke, but as yet no man knoweth whither. Howbeit it is thought of many he is taken prisoner by the Duke, and I for my part do judge he can hardly 'scape. This news have divers Dutchmen, but we have no writing from any of our ships. Other news is that the Prince of Seebenberge who left his government for a cloister, not finding the Emperor and Pope to hold their promise of a cardinalship and two dukedoms to be given him, is unawares returned into his own seat, and, Maximilian dispossessed, enjoyeth his own again, to the great content of his subjects. | |
| Addressed:—“To his very loving cossen, Mr. Thomas Ferrers, merchant, London.” | |
| 1 p. (177. 79.) | |
| Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 14. | By your last I am to supply the six companies of Cornwall with arms, but I perceive by the Captains themselves that they have compounded with the country at 20 pounds a piece to supply their own defects. The two companies I last wrote of, you shall find very defective both of men and arms, for the supply whereof there shall not need to be more unto me than a word from you. But if there be anything to be taken from the country, I beseech you that there may be good warrant given for my discharge. By this enclosed you shall see whether there be cause or no. It were good there were some other course taken than I see any yet for the accomplishing your expectations or there will be confusion and great defects.—From the Fort by Plymouth, this 14th of August, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (177. 80.) | |
| Roger Manners to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 15. | The loss of your most noble father is grievous to all England, but specially to those that were to him most bound; yet must we submit ourselves to the will of the Almighty with patience. For myself, as I was to his Lordship specially beholden, so was I in every degree to him true, faithful and dutiful. Now therefore I am to present the same affection I bare to his Lordship to your good self. If it shall please your Honour so to accept of my good will, my desire is to be protected (only in my honest and just causes) under the shadow of your wings, as I was by his Lordship, and I shall truly honour you with the same affection I did his Lordship.—Buckestones, 15th of August. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598, Mr. Roger Manners.” | |
| ½ p. (63. 55.) | |
| The Earl of Lincoln to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 15. | This book which Mr. Maynard remembers to be delivered to me was sent to me by your honourable father only to peruse, and to return it to him presently, which I did accordingly. His Lordship in his wisdom did then think fit to make choice of some special commissioners, whereof I remember Mr. Phillipp Tyrwhitt and Gregorie Woolmer were two, to examine this cause, both for that Bardall was then tenant in Conesbie to Sir Edward Dymock, who then and ever since showed much favour to the said Bardall, and both did and doth very maliciously prosecute the poor man that gave information against this traitorous Papist. Who upon his apprehension did confess that if one other book (which he was then charged withal, and was conveyed by him to Boston to one Parker) were found, he was but a dead man and hoped for no life; and therefore often made means to know whether the same book were burned or made away or no. Which being now not to be found, this prisoner careth the less for the matters in this book which is written for, and be but foolish prophecies and vain. Yet for that the scope of them do tend to a change, and restoring the Pope to rule, and to have tribute within this realm, after that her Majesty had reigned forty years, I am of the same opinion that your honourable father was, that a matter which concerneth any way her Majesty and the realm, should be sifted by selected commissioners, which being so ordered by the Council's letters, I would marvel why the deputy lieutenants should take upon them to deal in it, without any of those justices of peace which were authorized for the same, being not a matter appertaining to their commission of lieutenancy, if I had not by experience known before that Sir Edward Dymock (who both wrote and indited the letter to my Lord) cunningly carries the other two to do many things wherein they serve his turn and find not his intent. He was never like to unfold the secret practices of these cunning papists since he was married in their tribe, and linked in friendship with the principal persons northward, as hath been seen apparently by his actions, since his travel in Italy, and conference with that traitor Tempest his uncle, by whose credit he received great favours in Rome. Thus looking for no good success of any of these causes which are handled by them, I leave to trouble you any further.—Channon Row, 15th August, 1598. |
| (P.S.)—If it please you to be better satisfied of the redelivery of this book, I shall be ready at any time to give you proofs to your contentment therein, or in any other, praying you in the meantime when like occasions are offered by my adversaries (which are great, mighty and many), to have an honourable and friendly conceit of me till the cause be answered. So shall you make me beholden to you, to love you and to be at your commandment. | |
| Signed, and the postscript holograph. | |
| 1 p. (63. 58.) | |
| John Russowe and others v. Sir Ferdinando Gorges and another. | |
| 1598, Aug. 15. | Copy of a decree in this cause relating to a certain ship in dispute. |
| Latin. | |
| 1 p. (63. 56.) | |
| Richard Hadsor to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Aug. 15. | In February last the Justices of Ireland wrote to the late Lord Treasurer, recommending Mr. Dillon, my kinsman, chief Justice of Connaught, for the place of second Justice of the Queen's Bench, void since the preferment of Sir Nicholas Walsh to the office of Chief Justice of the Common Pleas there. Mr. Dillon, by these late troubles, hath lost the small revenue which he had in Connaught, and is driven to withdraw his family into the English Pale, whereby there is grown a great increase of his charge, and extraordinary travail which his body cannot now bear as heretofore. He was recommended by the late Lord Treasurer, through Mr. Windebank, to her Majesty, who in May last signified her assent. The Lords Justices wish that he may have the place in as full and ample a manner as Sir Nicholas Walsh had it, which will not exceed the benefit which Mr. Dillon's place now yieldeth. I beseech you therefore to further a grant to him of the place, with a seat at the Council Board of Ireland, as Sir Nicholas Walsh had. Mr. Dillon hath been mainly employed in matters of State touching the government of Connaught during the time he hath been Chief Justice there.—London, the 15th of August, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (177. 81.) | |