Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 9, 1599. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1902.
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'Cecil Papers: January 1599, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 9, 1599, (London, 1902) pp. 3-29. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol9/pp3-29 [accessed 26 April 2024]
January 1599, 1–15
| Sir Henry Docwra to Edward Reynolds. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 1. | I am waiting for an answer to my last two letters to hear the full resolution of my Lord to Ireland. This is only to introduce to you this young gentleman, Mr. Guilpin's son, and to beg of you to show him what kindness you may, and in particular to introduce him to my Lord at some fit time.—The Hague, 1 January, 1598. | |
| Signed. 1 p. (58. 73.) | ||
| Sir Francis Vere and George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 1. | Since our last letter we have with much ado obtained from the States the ratification and obligation in such terms and form as was required, both of which we send by this bearer. We find the chief men disposed to perform the full contents of the last treaty and to take care that the money be ready against the time of payment, in hope that the like will be observed on the Queen's side. The difficulties moved by some of the Provinces (who pleaded impossibility to pay, their parts in their present estate) are now laid aside; and all are now resolved to maintain their own, both by defending and offending the enemy; whose slackness in not taking the opportunity at his first coming over the Khine has encouraged the quarters that were most subject to danger, and they now hope that if the Admirante do not more than hitherto before the Spring, the States will be strong enough to annoy him; to which end they are levying troops, part Dutch part French, are reinforcing their old companies, and raising five or six cornets of horse of their own nation. The Admirante is still at Rhees and has forced two or three towns of the Duke of Cleves to receive his soldiers in garrison. He has written to those of Wesel to admit the Catholick religion and remove the others, and threatened to use force. This frost is like to continue, and when the rivers can bear horse and man, somewhat will be enterprised by him to get into the Velewe and Betewe; to oppose which his Excellency resolves to depart to-morrow for Gelderland to collect a force for any occasion. We have heard nothing from you as to Lady Walsingham's pretended debt, and if you wish to use our services therein.—The Hague, 1 January, 1598. | |
| Signed. Seal. 2 pp. (58. 75.) | ||
| The Earl of Essex to his cousin, Fulk Greville. | ||
| [1598/9, Jan. 1?] | If you wonder that now in this time of general offerings you hear not from me, you must wonder also that in the eve of the last year the Queen having destined me to the hardest task that ever any gentleman was sent about, she hath yet [thought?] to ease her rebels in Ireland of some labour by breaking my heart [with her hardness?]. When my soul shall be freed from this [prison] of my body, [she] will then see her wrong to me and her wound given to herself, and the faults of those whom now she . . . . . . . . . . . . will revenge all my unkindnesses. But this I protest doth more afflict me than the hardness or the unworthiness of mine own destiny. For if I might with my death either quench the great fire of rebellion in Ireland, or divert those dangers which from foreign enemies are threatened, I should joy to be such a sacrifice. But how much soever her Majesty despiseth me she shall know she hath lost him who for her sake would have thought danger a sport and death a feast; yea, I know I leave behind me such a company as were fitter to watch by a sick body than to recover a sick State. And all the world shall witness that it is not the breath of me, which is but wind, or the love of the multitude, which burns as tinder, that I hunt after, but either to be valued by her above them that are of no value or to forget the world and to be forgotten by it. I had sent sooner to you if I had been well this morning. | |
| Endorsed :—“My master to Mr. Fulk Greville.” Holograph by Reynolds. Much injured by damp. ½ p. (176. 31.) | ||
| Thomas Edmondes to [Sir Robert Cecil]. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 2. | I sent you before a memorial of divers measures proposed to be put in force here after the peace, containing a proposal to restrain the import of foreign manufactures to raise better their own. This was then only meant to exclude silk as being rather an expense than a necessity. But since some have suggested that all manufactures should be excluded, to set their people at work and keep their money in the country; and that a revenue might be had from tolerations granted to particular persons. An edict was prepared for this, whereupon I addressed myself to the King and particularly to Mons. de Villeroy, Mons. de Bellievre, Mons. de Khosny, Mons. de Maisse, and Mons. d'Incarville, whom the King, doth specially use in these affairs, and prayed them to consider that the matter tended to the great offence of their neighbours and allies, and was directly against the ancient treaties of confederacy between the two crowns; that at this time the Queen's subjects rather deserved to receive immunities than to be prejudiced, especially in view of the burthen of the war with Spain; and that the Queen could not but be sensible of such proceeding. It was answered that in view of the afflicted state of the French people it was needful to restore their manufactures, by the same measures used by other countries and ourselves; but that if anything in the project was repugnant to former treaties, I was to deliver a request for the consideration of those points by the council to M. de Villeroy. Finding them so stiff, and hearing from our merchants at Kouen that the order would be their ruin, I made my declaration the sharper; but when I delivered it to M. de Villeroy he suggested me to reform it, as it might breed offence, but that in my speech I might enlarge upon it. I enclose a copy of the declaration and a note of the alteration. I dealt with them also about the toleration given to transport corn into Spain, which themselves did not permit to their allies before they had made their peace, albeit they now deny it. They lay the burthen of all their faults upon their necessity, and refuse to give up that traffick, complain that their Embassador does not receive satisfaction in England, and that they might as well begin a war with us as be continually spoilt by the Queen's subjects. I replied that the Queen had appointed special persons to join with their Embassador to examine the complaints and give speedy redress; whereas for the grievances of the Queen's subjects there is no other redress but to refer them to the tedious and corrupt justice of their Parliaments. I understand that the leave to transport corn into Spain was much debated in the Council, and it was alledged that no prohibition could hinder the same but only increase the profit to the governors, who underhand would give licences for money, and therefore it was concluded to give public permission, paying the King three crowns for every ton shipped. I understand that M. Lainett and others that load great quantity of corn are warranted that all Englishmen's goods shall be seized if their ships are stayed by the Queen's subjects. After six or seven days M. de Villeroy has declared to me that the King will take further time to consider of the matter and that in the meantime we have nothing to complain of. But other counsellors have told me that regard will be had to their treaties with the Queen. And their drift appears to be to keep us in awe of the execution of this law, until a better order be established for a quiet intercourse of traffic, being so incensed by the continual new complaints made to them that they will proceed to the staying of our merchants' goods. You will see that it is necessary that the Queen should send hither a minister of greater authority. | |
| The Duke of Savoy sent one lately hither, whose colourable occasion was to pray the King to press the Pope to determinethe difference of the Marquisate. He propounded also a marriage between one of his sons and the King's daughter and made great show of desire to come hither. Lastly, he complained against M. Dediguieres, that his garrisons still ravage the country; but the true cause was to discover if the King was preparing to attack him. The Swiss of the Canton of Berne, who are pressed by the Duke to restore what they took from him, and those of Geneva, have both sent to request the King to stipulate in his peace the comprehending of their differences, but they doubt that these men will only provide for their own interests. It is said that the King of Spain is assembling the States of Castile to procure him a contribution of money, and it is thought that he will not perform the voyage of Barcelona. The Queen his wife and the Archduke are at Milan, waiting till the winter is past to embark for Spain. Since they were there the palace has been thrice set on fire and the Queen once in great danger. The Prince of Lorraine is here intending to proceed in his marriage notwithstanding the inhibition of the Pope. It is appointed to take place at Fontaenbleu within fifteen days. The Count of Soissons has gone home while this is a doing. The Duke has warned the King that one who formerly served his son as a lacquey, being since become a Capuchin, has been practised by the Jesuits to kill the King, and is now come hither for that purpose. The King has straitly enjoined the parlement to pass the edict for those of the religion without delay, and this one of the reasons that hold him in town to see this done. The gentleman from Spain is expected shortly.—Paris, 2 January, 1598. | ||
| Unsigned. [For the signed original see S.P. France, under date, in the Public Record Office.] 4 pp. (58. 76.) | ||
| Thomas Edmondes to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 2. | A servant of the Duke of Wittemberg has desired me to convey this enclosed letter to you from his master. You shall also receive herewith a letter from the Duke of Bouillon. There is little news, but from the enclosed you may see how kind these men are that would use uttermost rigorous dealing against us.—Paris, 2 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Edmondes, Sir Alex. Batleff, Lord Conway, Sir John Challoner, D. Flecher, Mr. Willouby, Tho. Woodhous.” ½ p. (58. 78.) | ||
| Captain Ralph Bossevile to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 2. | Prays not to be forgotten but to be employed under Essex's eye. The country to which Essex's journey is intended is the place where first in the wars for many years he had his beginning, and where he will merit his favour or have an ending.—The 2 of January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. 1 p. (176. 33.) | ||
| The Archbishop and Council of York to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 2. | The Scottish pledges in the Castle of York do call often upon us to know, if we have received any answer of our letters written to you and the rest of the lords concerning the permitting of some of them to go into their country to provide money for their maintenance, being already so far indebted for their victuals as they cannot be trusted any further. Upon which their importunity we are now bold to put you in mind thereof; as likewise to know your pleasures for the contribution of the city of York towards the ships of Hull, for that the men of that port have since our last writing solicited us to move again for contribution which they would have of the country, wherein we signified unto their lordships that the country in the same service did bear their particular charge in watching and attending the sea coast, and in having their men in a readiness to make resistance there if occasion should be offered. But, thanks be to God! we hear not of any ships now stirring upon these coasts, neither that those two ships of Hull do anything but lie in the road, for that they affirm they cannot well brook the seas during these winter storms.—At York, this second of January, 1598. | |
| Signed. Seal. ½ p. (176. 34.) | ||
| Francis Fox to [Edward] Reynolds. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 3. | I have been told by Mr. Germayne, one of my Lord's followers, that Udall hath been a chief procurer of Mr. Piers his services over at this time, so as I doubt much he will not fully acquaint you with the ill dealing of Udall towards myself and my friends. If my Lord have a purpose to come with the expedition that is spoken of here, lie ought to send some officers in advance, to make things ready for him. I have written to him by Mr. Solicitor's man. I pray you see that he gets it.—Dublin, 3 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. 1 p. (58. 79.) | ||
| Sir George Cary to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 3. | Of late arrived at Dartmouth a hulk of 400 tons burthen, laden with salt from Lisbon, and brought in her 90 English prisoners lately discharged from prison there. Captain Donnyngton advertised me that one Benedict Jacobson, born in Cologne (Cullen), who came over in her, had served the King of Spain six years as a gunner and was a dangerous fellow, and that he had with him £1,500 or £1,600 to buy a ship with, and letters to some in Plymouth. I therefore had him stayed, examined and searched, and find no such matter; but he confesses that he is come over at the request of Jasper Dauziudo touching a ship of salt at Plymouth sent thither by the said Jasper, and to take up 'blackmoores' for him, who intends to be in England soon with other English prisoners. I send you the letters he brought; money he has none. Until I hear from you he shall be kept in safe custody.—Cockington, 3 January, 1598. | |
| Signed. “George Cary.” Endorsed :—“Sir George Carew of Cockington to my Master.” Seal. 1 p. (58. 80.) | ||
| Sir Christopher Blount to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| [1598/9], Jan. 3. | You have now given me to understand that you are embarked upon this Irish action; and that duty, with our State's necessity, has tied you thereunto. I will no more, like a timorous mariner putting to sea, speak of the security of the harbour whence you put; but will wish and would advise (if I saw not by your manner of writing that you know well into what bottom you put your foot) you should arm against all intended mischiefs. For since you know who possess the mind of her that rules, I beseech you leave none of your provisions to the pleasure of your enemies. For not by what this estate proviseth, but by that you have in your own power this affair is to be managed; and then I fear not, since needs go you must, but that your virtue shall beget as great a necessity for your welcome home. Your commands for encouraging your friends in these parts shall be carefully undergone; but I shall not be able to give an account of the event of my travail until some fortnight hence, when you shall either hear from me or see me. My Mistress [“Mrs.”] thinks you move but indirectly my going with you, and I fear you doubt what might be my resolve if you were to command; but we both think you will use your authority that neither she have just cause to grieve at my absence nor I opinion to conceive but that a worthy friend hath the guiding of the heart of your true servant. [P.S.]—I beseech you to use my kinsman, Henry Clare, as he deserves; and to excuse my mistress not writing, who never rests to pray for your happy success, though her indisposition by occasion of a cold suffereth her not to write.—Jan. this 3rd. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 81.) | ||
| R. Proby to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 3. | I beg to present to you a book fitter for your eyes than mine, being a collection from ancient records of personal services due to the Crown, especially at the coronation. When I brought you the book of the state and condition of Island, you told me that you esteemed books more than gold, as you showed last year, when I could not procure you to accept a small token of the good I received by your means; which astonished me much until Sir John Stanhope told me it was your practice not to take anything of charge from those you liked best of.—Hopton, 3 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 82.) | ||
| George Throkmorton to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 3. | I have thought it over long in acknowledging my duty that it hath pleased you to offer to hear and determine the variances between Mr. Cheney and me, upon my presumption to name your lordship and my Lord Keeper, who hath refused the same; and therefore, most willing am I to refer the whole cause to your censure only. The true causes I have not attended you, according to direction, are that my counsel cannot be in London before the term, and inability through the infirmity of the gout sometime intermingled with an ague.—From Fubrooke, this third of January, 1598. | |
| Signed. Seal. 1 p. (176. 35.) | ||
| Sir George Cary to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 3. | According to your lordship's direction I have sent my son to follow your lordship in these Irish wars, or otherwise to be commanded as you shall best like. Shortly upon the beginning of the next term I will wait on you myself.—Cockington, this 3 of January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (176. 36.) | ||
| Martin Croft to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 4. | Hearing that you have a cause against me greatly touching my credit, I write to protest my innocence and ask to be allowed to purge myself before you. I protest I never suspected that any man of mine was bearing himself that way until last Midsummer, when I had a greyhound taken out of my house by my own man to Sir Henry Coke's men, who were his companions in their hunting; and then boulting it forth, I wrote to Sir Henry Coke, saying that I understood his men and mine had been in Hatfield wood in the night coursing and there spoiled my dog, and I referred the matter to him. From that time until these gross abuses came to light I never suspected anything at all.—My house in London, 4 Jan., 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 83.) | ||
| Richard [Bancroft], Bishop of London, and others, to the Privy Council. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 4. | We have examined Robert Wiseman touching the escape of Lyster and Fletcher out of the Marshalsea, and though he denies it, we find in his examination reason to believe that he was privy to it.—The Palace of London, 4 January, 1598. | |
| Signed : Ric. London. Thomas Gerrard. Richard Martyn. Ric. Topclyffe. ½ p. (58. 84.) | ||
| RA. Assheton to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 4. | On the subject of a complaint of Mrs. Talbot against him as executor of her husband's will.—4 January, 1598. | |
| Signed. Seal. 1 p. (58. 85.) | ||
| The Earl of Essex to Lord Willoughby. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 4. | Noble Lord, you had heard from me ere this but that I durst not commit my letters to the ordinary hazard of a running packet, and I was loth to send away this messenger till I might send you some certain news. But now I can forbear no longer, and therefore this bearer is dispatched only to carry this letter, in which I am resolved to use as much freedom as if I spoke with you myself. First, for your own affairs, you must know that I have moved the Queen for your leave, for the horse company, for the changing of some of that garrison, and for the surveyor's office for Jentile. Your leave she grants when the times shall be void of suspicion. But of that she will be judge herself, and if I can judge anything, there will fall out rather occasions to fear than to suspect. For the horse company, she says she is loth to innovate, but yet she will advise of it, but cum quibus et quando she cannot resolve. To the changing of the garrison, she doth oppose the charge of levying new and sending them to Berwick and of drawing those from Berwick into Ireland, which, she says, being a double work must needs be a double charge. Also she uses this dilemma; if they be good men, why should I disfurnish the garrison of them : if ill, why should I send them hither where I had need to use my best? For the office, she likes well you should recommend him whom she chooseth, but makes difficulty to use a stranger in that place. To all these I made many, and as I thought, satisfactory answers, and because reasons are not like garments, the worse for the wearing, I used them many times. But I must first confess that you are no more gracious than commonly absent men are : and then you did choose a solicitor that can procure nothing for himself nor any of his friends but once a year a breakneck employment. The Queen in general does profess great favour to you, but in generalibus latet dolus. Before I go I shall procure you in all these things direct answers, and in some perhaps better. Now for myself. Into Ireland I go. The Queen hath irrevocably decreed it; the Council do passionately urge it; and I am tied to my own reputation to use no tergiversation. And as it were indecorum to slip collar now, so were it minime tutam, for Ireland would be lost, and though it perished by destiny, yet I should only be accused for it, because I saw the fire burn, was called to quench it, and yet gave no help. I am not ignorant what are the disadvantages of absence; the opportunities of practising enemies when they are neither encountered nor overlooked : the constructions of princes under whom magna fama is more dangerous than mala and successus minus quam nullus : the difficulties of a war where the rebel that hath been hitherto ever victorious is the least enemy that I shall have against me; for without an enemy, the disease of that country consumes our armies, and if they live, yet famine and nakedness makes them lose both heart and strength. And if victuals be sent over, yet there will be no means to carry it. And yet all those were better endured than to have a Hanno at Carthage or a Cato at Rome, barking at him that is every day venturing his life for his country abroad. All those things, which I am like to see, I do now foresee. For the war is hard; pulchra que difficilia : the rebel successful; that only makes him worthy to be undertaken : the supplies uncertain; it is safer for me to perform as much as shall lie in me or depend upon me, and to show the world that my endeavours were more than ordinary, when the state that set me out must conspire with the enemy against me. Too ill success will be dangerous; let them fear that who allow excuses, or can be content to overlive their honour. Too good will be envious; I will never forswear virtue for fear of ostracism. The Court is the centre; but methinks it is the fairer choice to command armies than honours. In the meantime enemies may be advanced; so I show who should be, let fortune show who be. These are my private problems and nightly disputations, which from your lordship, whom I account another myself, I cannot hide. Use them according to their nature and their author's purpose, that is, to commit them to no other eyes than your own.—4 January, '98. | |
| Copy. Endorsed :—“Copy of my Lord's letter to the Lord Willoughby.” 2 pp. (58. 86.) | ||
| John Basadonna to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 5. | About a year ago Gherard de Malines, a Dutch (Belga) merchant, and an English merchant, Robert Brombley, chartered my ship called the “Experience” for a voyage from London to Lisbon, Venice, Crete, and'so thence to London. I gave them all assistance and letters to the Venetians at Lisbon, and they sailed thither under the Venetian flag. At Lisbon they were kindly treated by the Venetian merchants, and took on board a valuable cargo. But then, on the ground that all English sailors who came to Naples were being arrested and sent to the galleys, they came back to England without finishing their voyage. When I protested against this, they flattered me, and yesterday morning put a notice on the doors of the Koyal Exchange in the name of the captain claiming that the cargo should be adjudged to them as Spanish goods. I therefore applied to you to move the Queen for an order that the ship with another crew might proceed on her proper voyage and that the offenders might be punished. And this, considerations of policy and justice alike make me expect to obtain.—London, 5 January, 1598. | |
| Latin. Holograph. 1½ pp. (58. 87.) | ||
| William Becher to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan 6. | In this matter of Captain Brett's I am very sorry I cannot content the Lords. I would (though not my debt) rather pay treble than trouble you in this way; but in view of my necessity, I must ask you to favour my petition to the most honourable Table.—6 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal.½ p. (58. 88.) | ||
| Frances, Lady Burgh to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 6. | I have been often told in my misery to take relief by your mediation to her Majesty, and have found well disposed for the love you bare my Lord and the remorse you took of the manifold mishaps befallen me by his untimely death in the Queen's service. I am now suing for a grant, for the relief of myself, my son and my daughters, of the Earl of Lennox his lands, (now to be united to the Exchequer revenues) of a lease for forty or fifty years of two or three hundred pounds a year, paying the rent reserved and such fine as may be proper. There are above £3,000 a year to be disposed of. The Queen was not used to ask more than seven or eight years' rent as fine, and I would ask for the mitigation of that. If this be granted, it will be the last suit I will ever make to the Queen. I protest my pension doth not find me a poor “dite” [? diet], far unanswerable to the former course of my life and my children's education. Whence then must come heavy law expenses, cost of apparel, means for my daughters' advancement as they grow to years, and all other necessaries amounting to a far greater sum than the former? Consider my state, with these depending on me, and that if I die before the Queen grant my suit, they all may be stage players or beg for any friend I have.—6 January. | |
| Signed. Seal. 1½ pp. (58. 89.) | ||
| Richard Lowther to Sir John Stanhope. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 6. | Understanding that Sir Robert Cecil would have had Andrew Hilton taken, I have caused my son William to take him at a dinner where many of the gentlemen were. If I may be maintained we shall take a greater traitor. So fearing to write with my own hand I take leave.—Lowther, 6 Jan., '98. | |
| Holograph. 1 p. (58. 90.) | ||
| Adrian Ost to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 7. | My pay in the Low Countries having been taken away, upon the allowance of my petition by the Lords of the Privy Council the Queen signified to me that I should have a pension out of the exchequer. I enclose a warrant for the same and would ask you to have it dispatched yourself. My state is too poor to let me await the uncertain audience of a Master of Bequests.—7 Jan., 1598. | |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“Captain Ost to my Master.” ½ p. (58. 93.) | ||
| Sir Thomas Egerton, Lord Keeper, to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 7. | I return with most humble thanks these letters. When I am well aired and smoked and dried, I know not what I may be fit for. But such dry victual, if it serve for anything, is for Lent stuff or term provision for poor hungry suitors; it cannot fit the taste of the Court unless it be to give an appetite to dainty stomachs. I will not fail by some mean or other to present from time to time my humblest duty and desire to wait upon her Majesty, but that must be when I am called, or, at least, permitted without offence. The cure of dangerous distrusts is to flee cito etprocul and return tarde. I have erred in the two first, wherefore it behoves me to be heedful in the last. Howsoever it be, I will fashion myself as your lordship shall think meet. | |
| Holograph. Undated. Seal. Endorsed :—“The L. Keeper, 7 Jan., '98.” 1 p. (58. 94.) | ||
| Sir William Broune to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 7. | Captain Morrison arrived with the Queen's letters of the 15th of December on the 3rd of January, and is gone on into Holland. I cannot be sure that the forces can be drawn hither by the 20th of January, but if the States' willingness be secured, quick dispatch may be made. The present strength of the enemy makes them digest these demands grievingly. The 600 from Ostend must also be expected from above, for in Ostend are only the Governor's company and Sir Gerard Harvey's. On the arrival of the troops here we will fill up their numbers with our best men, if the defect be not too great. I should be glad of your more particular instructions whether in this case I shall send broken companies hence, or captains with whole companies, and then what captains to choose. Sir Francis Vere's man arrived here the day Captain Morrison embarked for Holland; he made no stay, and both would reach the Hague yesterday.—Flushing, 7 of January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. 3 seals. 1 p. (58. 95.) | ||
| Henry [Robinson], Bishop of Carlisle, to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 8. | I desire greatly to show you my gratitude. But, as one said to Augustus, “effecisti ut vivam et moriar ingratus.” Still, hoping that you are like God, of whom it is written, “If there be a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not,” I send you this book (indeed incomparably better than all worldly treasures, but whereof you have no need, for I am persuaded you have never been without this book from a child). Now, the Lord of mercy, Who by His manifold graces hath made known the riches of His love towards you, be with you in all your great service, and fill your heart with that knowledge which is only to be learned out of this book, and which only maketh wise unto salvation.—Queen's College, Oxford, Jan. 8, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 96.) | ||
| Sir Henry Bromley to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 7. | According to your letters in behalf of Captain Sims, I have been careful to deliver unto him one hundred of able men and have armed and apparelled them to his good contentment, following the direction of your lordship and the rest of the lords.—Holt Castle, this 7th of January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. ½ p. (176. 37.) | ||
| Sir Thomas Egerton to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 7. | Having now recovered some health and strength, I purpose to go into the country for some few days and so to air both myself and my house, and to enable myself for the labours of the term. I make bold therefore by these few lines to take my leave of your lordship and to offer my service in all I can.—At York House, 7 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (176. 38.) | ||
| Florence McCarthy to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 8. | If I had deserved any favour from the Queen, I think I should have an end in xj or xij years : but if all my suffering in so many years' imprisonment and suit, my former service in the last Earl of Desmond's rebellion, and my care in revealing the intentions of all the rebels in Ireland be nothing esteemed, yet I beseech you to let me show my zeal for the Queen's service, now at this time most fit to deserve her favour by serving her against my mortal enemies the rebels of Munster, who are all allied to my chiefest adversary McCarthy Reogh, who enjoys my father's country and intends to defeat me of it after his death for his own son by this new Earl of Desmond's sister, Dermond McOwen, who calls himself Earl of Clancarthy, being also his sister's son; who, among them, now endeavour to cut off and destroy all the people and means I have, lest my service hereafter should undo them, a thing easy to be done to men that have no head, whereby they are neither rebels nor subjects, but in general fear of all men, being by the Lord President condemned as rebels for their absence, and by this new Earl of Clancarthy and the rebels spoiled and ransomed, as was lately done to my own foster brother Ranell Oge. Even if I would not serve the Queen faithfully, yet all must believe I would fight against this Earl and my enemies. Will she then keep me here at her charge to lose my country, my people, and my hope to save her? I beseech you be a mean to put me to death rather. But now that the Queen has signified her pleasure to the Earl of Essex that he and you should dispatch me, and lately to Sir John Stanhope her willingness thereto, I would ask that my cause may be heard, all my adversaries' allegations of my greatness and my enjoying my father's country and my wife's being but devices to hurt me. I have no means to stay longer for my dispatch, the forty pounds I received by your means some twenty days before Christmas having scarce bought me one suit of apparel to the holidays and maintained me for that time, so that this last week I had to pawn my clothes for my ordinary expenses. | |
| Holograph. (58. 118.) | ||
| The Justices of Middlesex to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 9. | With respect to the petition of certain men of the Liberty of Westminster, setting forth that they are overcharged in their portions towards the setting out of 100 soldiers, we have examined the presenters, viz. Ralph Robinson, bailiff, rated at 20d., Patrick Derrick, late high constable, rated at 2s. 8d., and Richard Woodlock, chief burgess, rated at 2s. 8d., and find that these sums are far under the rates of men of like ability in other parts of the country; and that their real grievance is that diverse inhabitants in the liberty refuse to pay their share assessed among themselves,' which in truth is a general failing throughout the whole country; whereof we are humble suitors for redress.—London, 9 Jan., 1598. | |
| Signed : Robert Wrothe. John Peyton. Francis Darcy. J. Barne. Thomas Fowler. E. Grange. 1 p. (58. 97.) | ||
| Lord Buckhurst to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 9 | The enclosed will show the care of the deputy lieutenants of Sussex in levying and sending up of this £1,200. I hope you are convinced that I have done my best endeavours to serve the Queen in the cause wherein you are now a principal actor.—9 Jan., 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 98.) | ||
| The Earl of Desmond. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 10. | Warrant from the Earl of Desmond ordering all persons to assist Captain Andrew Roche to equip and provision a ship for his journey on the Earl's business.—St. Matthews Castell, 10 January, 1598. | |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“James Fitz Thomas warrant to Captain Roche.” ½ p. (58. 100.) | ||
| Richard Carmarden to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 10. | According to your directions I presently gave order both for this port of London and for the ports in Kent, and sent this bearer my clerk with one of the searchers' men to Gravesend, who both searched the ship there lying and the town, but could not find any such party. After this came one in port thither from the Lord Cobham to make search thereof, but it was done before. I have likewise given order to Colchester, Harwich, Ipswich and Yarmouth, where I am informed a ship is laden, which is suspected will go for Dunkirk. As for our brewers and their wharfs, [they] convey both in and out more than is possible for all her [Majesty's?] officers to look into until the ancient orders set forth in the 7th year of her Majesty's reign be better observed, which will not be before a Lord Treasurer be made, which my late lord your father purposed to have seen performed. But I understand by Mr. Middleton that this bad fellow escaped hath a brother dwelling at Weymouth or that way. It were not amiss to send thither closely, otherwise, except by great help, he will not be met withal.—London, 10 January, 1598. | |
| Endorsed :—“Search made for Randall, but he cannot be found.” | ||
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (176. 39.) | ||
| Sir Anthony Poulett to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 10. | Yesterday there was an Irishman brought before me who nameth himself Nicholas Deverox, and pretendeth to have been your servant, recommended unto you by the Earl of Ormond some ten years past. This man had a passport from the mayor of Plymouth which testified that he had received loss at seas and came lately from Lisbon. I did examine him and caused him to be searched. He saith that there are some 100 sail of Flemings stayed at Lisbon, that there are four great ships of the King ready to go to sea but had not yet their men, and that he understood by an Irishman that dwelleth in Lisbon that two of these ships should go for Ireland. Saith further that there are some 1,000 Spaniards in garrison in Lisbon, and by report some 20,000 thousand (sic) more to come out of the high country thither, what to do he could not learn. Saith that the Earl of Tyrone had agents at the Spanish Court, newly come over as he understood. This is in effect that I could get of him. In searching him I found three popish psalters about him, which I took from him. He was very unwilling you should know of these books. He will repair unto your lordship, and is a tall man with a red beard, about 40 or 50 years of age.—“My poor house, this 10th of January, 1598.” | |
| Holograph. 1½ pp. (176. 40.) | ||
| Anthony Wardman to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 10. | Since my coming down I have been daily with Mr. Stanhope, but as yet there is nothing to be done. He saith that of late there hath been a messenger with their pledges from their King [i.e., the Scotch King], who hath put them in hope of their enlargement. Mr. Mansfield hath heard nothing since he wrote to you, but he looketh daily for Mr. Percy. He thinketh that the enterprise hath been hindered by this stormy weather which hath been here. The party understands by some intelligence that her Majesty is highly offended with him, which if it be so, perhaps he will doubt that he is discovered.—York, the 10 of January, '98. | |
| Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (176. 41.) | ||
| Petition of the Scottish Pledges to the Archbishop and Council of York. | ||
| [1598/9, Jan. 10?] | The Scottish pledges now prisoners within her Majesty's castle of York have remained there very long time, and thereby so impoverished as now are like to famish for want of food, for that by no means they can either pay that great debt they already owe or otherwise make provision to sustain themselves, but wholly depend of their keeper who is very unable to endure that unpaid, being a great sum, and much less able still to suffice them. In tender consideration whereof, and the rather for that they be strangers and have no friends nor acquaintance, they most instantly pray that they being Christians may not be suffered to perish, but that it may please you to take such charitable order as relief may be had either to redeem and deliver them into their own country by bail, in the same degree that the Englishmen were bailed, being pledges in Scotland, or that four of them may have liberty for some convenient time to go home, and the rest to lie engaged for their return, to make provision of their own, with the help of their friends, to defray all their charges past and to come. And albeit it may seem strange to you that they desire so many to go, yet such is their necessity as they can be no fewer, for that some of them be Liddesdale men and some West Tevedale and some East Tevedale, all which countries be very spacious, and many of them here not one have known another till their entry into England, as also unknown or acquainted in these countries but only in them wherein they have their dwelling. It may appear unto you that the fewer that go the more their ease, in regard of the charges in travelling. All which they refer to your grave wisdom, beseeching your wonted clemency to strangers most distressed. | |
| Endorsed by Essex's Secretary, 1 p. | ||
| Subjoined :— | ||
| A note of pledges from the West and Middle Marches. | ||
| Pledges from the West Marches. | ||
| Simon Armstrong, L. of Whitto, a man of great action and good living, and one that was at the breaking of Carlisle Castle. | ||
| William Elwood of Hardiskarr, of action and some living. | ||
| William Elwood of Clyntwod, a child of 12 years, heir to a man of fair living. | ||
| Pledges from the Middle Marches. | ||
| Robert Frissell, lord of Everton | men of some living and action | |
| Thomas Eynesby | ||
| Dandy Pringle | ||
| Dandy Davyson | ||
| James Yonge | men of wealth but of small action. | |
| William Tayte | ||
| Richard Rotherford, cousin german to the Earl Huntley | stirring men but of small living. | |
| William Hall | ||
| Raphe Bourne | ||
| Richard Yonge | men of very small action and obscure men. | |
| Raph Hall | ||
| John Robson | ||
| Raphe Moo | ||
| Endorsed by Essex's Secretary, ½ p. (176. 42.) | ||
| Sir Matthew Morgan to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| [1598/9], Jan. 11. | I hope my absence has not made you unmindful of me, but I am obliged to write being too ill to attend you; I have asked my good friend Sir Robert Sidney to mention me to you; and now hearing you are soon to start, would ask wherein I am to be employed. I hear that many high charges are already given away, and that Captain Warren has the command of Knockfergus, which I marvel at seeing that you promised you would deal for me. I would also remind you of your servant my brother. He is poor, since ten years old brought up in arms, and it would be hard if sixty captains are to be advanced and he not relieved.—From a weary bed. 11 January. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (58. 101.) | ||
| Arthur Champernowne to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 11. | According to a letter from Mr. Reynolds, I have caused Mr. John Howell, merchant of Exeter, the bearer of this, to repair to you, to discuss the question of victualling. He is well informed as to the price, &c. of such provisions as these parts can supply, and can give sufficient bond.—Chyldhaye in Dorset, 11 January. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 102.) | ||
| John Bird to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 11. | In Lancashire, at a place called the Speake, dwells one Edward Norris, an esquire of £500 livelihood, a known recusant, but who, through fear of his greatness, has never been presented. By report he harbours two priests, one called little Sir Richard, or Sir Richard Norris, the other Sir Peter, for the most part lodged in a chamber over the parlour; and at night strangers visit the house. Sir Richard waits at table in a livery coat and cognisance. His [Edward Norris's] children (especially one daughter married to Mr. Edward Molineux, a gentleman of fair living) are said to be christened, married, and buried with masses and Romish ceremonies. This I heard from a gentleman now dead, and the persons and places are utterly unknown to me. But if you think it good, I am ready to devote my wit and purse to search out the truth of this matter. I know that this service may bring more envy on me than the best acceptance of statesmen can repay. How dangerous it is for such priests to to range about the countries on the maritime coast of Ireland, I leave to your consideration. For I found during my service under five governments (until Sir John Perrot in my absence, to commend his government to that idolatrous nation, displaced my brother from my deputation of the general registrarship for Ecclesiastical Government there) that the firebrands of all disaffection were such Romanists carrying the name of the Pope's legates and claiming bishoprics in Ireland by his donation; one of whom in one day has turned to rebellion more subjects (even well affected ones) than all the bishops, preachers or the Queen's forces could win back again in many years. To stop this, it were well to impose some restraint on intercourse between England and Ireland, as at present the disaffected in both countries have free intercourse; also the penal statutes should be better enforced. For the whole state of Ireland springs from the neglect of two laws, viz. the act of Henry VIII, “for restoring to the Crown its ancient jurisdiction over matters ecclesiastical,” and the Act of Uniformity; whereby it is that for every protestant native of Ireland there are ten thousand catholics, who daily pray for the Pope and Prince O'Neale. My zeal to impart to you the result of my 25 years' experience of Ireland must excuse the length of this letter. If I were to be replaced in my service there, I could do the Queen better service than all the Registers of my faculty in England, if the law were above arms. And I only desire this restitution in virtue of the commendatory letters I brought with me from Ireland to the Table here, and your father. All I desire is that if any have accused me to you, we may have an equal hearing.—11th January, 1598. | |
| Signed, 2 pp. (58. 103.) | ||
| Anthony Radclyff to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 11. | I most humbly thank you that at the request of my very good lady and friend the Lady Walsingham, you moved my Lord Keeper his favour in my suit; hoping hereafter by continuance of your favour I shall have my cause the better favoured, which I trust is both reasonable and lawful. As I do desire to show myself any way wherein my poor service may do you any pleasure for the furtherance of this honourable action which your lordship hath now in hand, I have called to mind some service that I did for her Majesty whiles Sir Francis Walsingham lived, when her Highness had not so great occasion to use the service of her subjects as now she hath for the better suppressing of the Irish rebels; which is for the levying of a good round sum of money amongst such as in duty they ought and are very well able to pay it. When you appoint me to attend upon you I will do my duty and wait upon you.—London, this 11th of January, 1598. | |
| Signed. ½ p. (176. 44.) | ||
| Richard Hadsor to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 11. | Having bestowed some time in the study of the common law, with purpose by God's permission to enable myself thereby to do her Majesty service and my country good, as my father in his lifetime, with the loss of his blood, voluntarily without entertainment from her Majesty, hath done in the field, which is well known to the lord of Dunsany, Captain Warren, and other men of worth of the English pale of Ireland, and seeing your lordship is to undertake the finishing of the conquest of the province of Ulster (the wellspring of the civil war of that realm), which was well begun by your father during his government there and hindered by his untimely death, and to suppress all the rebels of that country, upon which expedition the recovery and defence of my small patrimony and all others of English race do wholly depend : I presume therefore, although I am not known to you, to acquaint you that the Earl of Sussex, in regard of his suppressing the Moores and Connors during his government, had authority given him by Act of Parliament in the 3 and 4 years of the reign of King Philip and Queen Mary enacted there to grant warrants to the Lord Chancellor or Keeper of the Great Seal of that realm for the passing of all the lands of the countries of Leix and Offaily possessed by the said Moores and Connors, now called the King and Queen's Counties, to such persons in fee farm as he should think meet, reserving such rents and services to her Majesty for the same as should be thought expedient. And if it might stand with her Majesty's pleasure to give you the same authority for the disposing of the rebels' lands there which shall be by you suppressed, especially in the province of Ulster where your lordship hath the country of Farny and half the fishing of the river of the Baud (sic) in fee simple by descent from your father by her Majesty's letters patents, whereof I have seen a record in the office of the Rolls here, dated the 15th year of her Majesty's reign, and divers other territories—of which fishing, I understand, one hath since taken a lease for many years yet to come from her Majesty, which is void in law for the one half by reason of the former grant made thereof in fee simple to your father—the same authority being given unto you would encourage many gentlemen, both English and of English race there, to venture their lives with their followers voluntarily in your lordship's company, to the great furtherance of her Majesty's service and increase of her revenues; which authority her Majesty may give you by commission under the Great Seal of England in like sort as certain commissioners there now have power to give warrants to the Lord Chancellor for passing of the Queen's attainted lands in the province of Munster, reserving such rents and services as her Highness by her instructions hath laid down.—From my chamber in Garnett's Buildings in Shere lane, near Temple Bar, the 11th day of January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (176. 45.) | ||
| Sir Thomas Leighton to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 12. | I have lately heard from Brittany and Spain that a great army is preparing for Ireland and these Islands. I have written to the Privy Council to ask for more soldiers to be sent here; and would ask you to further my letter with the other lords.—Guernsey, 12 Jan., 1598. | |
| Signed. ½ p. (58. 104.) | ||
| Sir William Bulstrode to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| [1598/9,] Jan. 12. | Being prevented from waiting on you by some physic I am entered into, I have presumed to make these my entreaties that you will not forget your poor follower, who desires to share your journey for Ireland. I will not expostulate any place, but submit myself to your will and account of myself as you shall estimate me.—Exton, 12 January. | |
| Signed. 2 seals. ½ p. (58. 105.) | ||
| The Earl of Pembroke to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 12. | Recommending Captain Sackville, who desires to follow Essex to Ireland, and received his first appointment on Essex's own recommendation.—Ivychurch, 12 January, 1598. | |
| Signed. 1½ p. (58. 106.) | ||
| George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 12. | I received your letter of the 21st ultimo on the 7th instant by Captain Morison; and we have dealt with the States and the several deputies to effect your wishes. His Excellency, being written to, came hither and promised to be a furtherance to your wishes, as our joint letters or Sir Francis Vere's will more fully explain; and here all is in order, hoping that by the help of the thaw, whereby the rivers are now passable, all the troops will be at the rendezvous in time. Sir Henry Dockwra is preparing to conduct them, of whom I need not write, as he is well known to you, more than that if he had continued in service here he had fine prospects of advancement, being well thought of; but the importance of the war in Ireland and his devotion to the Queen and you made him resolve to return. If I can do anything for you in these parts during your absence I will not fail, and only ask you to speak a good word for me to the Queen before you leave the court, if time and occasion shall serve. The change in the weather caused his Excellency to return and to send back to the garrisons the troops he had collected. The Admirante has attempted nothing but continues his course against the neutrals, where the complaints of the people have forced their Princes to get the Emperor to appoint a meeting to consider of the redress of the outrages and exactions of the Spaniards. And because the Cardinal knows that this might be to the disservice of the King of Spain, he is sending thither Lopez, Governor of Carpen, to be instructed by the Admirante how to excuse matters, in order that the Admirante may still be allowed to attack the States on that side.—The Hague, 12 January, 1598. | |
| Signed. Seal. 2 pp. (58. 107.) | ||
| Anne, Countess of Warwick to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 12. | Out of your own worth and place your help is sought for and found; now let it be obtained for one that hath lived long in Court with desert sufficient, being compared with others, in nature having not much of the fox's craft or subtlety and as little of the lion's help; having lost friends almost all, no face to crave, nor desire to feign. This paper enclosed, let it speak it; help me with your favour. All I write is true, for suits and troubles by law have emptied my purse and pulled down my estate. Some testimony of her Majesty's goodness I desire may help to supply, especially to keep me from contempt with others in my place, my fortune not my fault, being such as may be bettered there, yet not lightly worse. But the best I wish you, and so end.—Broad Street, 12 January. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 108.) | ||
| Sir Thomas Egerton to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 12. | I make bold in this mine exile to recommend the humble remembrance of my love and affection to you. I solace myself in this interim with a country life and freedom a strepitu forensi. For Court and State matters I hope and pray for the best, but know nor hear nothing. I am sorry the term comes on so fast, which will bereave me of this liberty. Before it begins I trust I shall be sufficiently aired and weathered and somewhat strengthened to endure the labours of it.—Pirford, 12 Jan., 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 109.) | ||
| Captain B. Morison to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| [1598/9,] Jan. 12. | I arrived at the Hague the fifth of this month, where I found Sir Francis Vere and Mr. Gilpin, who then solicited the despatch of the troops within the time limited by you, which will be done. His Excellency was at Arnheim, but arrived the day after me. I presented your letter to him and the other to M. Barneveldt. I have now only to go to Flushing with the troops. I would then ask to be allowed to return to England before going to Ireland. Sir Henry Docwra has the command of these men. All the captains are ready to follow you, though the States are reinforcing all the companies to two hundred, which makes them expect your favour to continue their commissions.—12 January. | |
| Holograph. 1 p. (58. 110.) | ||
| Captain Henry Carew to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 12. | I have, upon the assurance of your lordship's going into Ireland, and that companies are to be drawn from hence, made myself one of the number, as desirous to follow you, leaving my fortune here and him that I have long followed and have good assurance of his love; wholly disposing myself to your service.—Hague, 12 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (176. 46.) | ||
| Sir Henry Docwra to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 12. | I may not conceal the unspeakable contentment I feel that it hath pleased your lordship so honourably to accept the offer of my service, and shall not fail by the day appointed to be with the troops at Flushing, attending there your further directions. Sir Francis Vere hath thought it good to divide the number into companies of 150 apiece, and for mine own to deliver me 200; at which rate I must be an humble suitor, as well for my own particular as in behalf of the rest of the captains, that they may be continued upon the list; and most part of them having quitted their old companies of long continuance, which were now to have been reduced to 200 apiece, only out of their desires to attend your lordship. If it please you, moreover, if the shortness of the time may permit it, to send over to the treasurer that shall be appointed to meet us at Flushing that some little sum of money be disbursed to the accommodating of the ships for lodging the soldiers at more convenience, I think it will much ease them in their journey, and you shall find them in better ability for service at their landing; for which if there come not special order, I will presume in mine own discretion to get it done. What kind of men you shall be served withal from hence I cannot yet tell, but I fear they will require time to be trained little less than the others which are but new levied. .In the meantime my endeavours shall not fail in anything to the making of them serviceable, being the height of my ambition to do you faithful and acceptable service.—From the Hague, this 12th of January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal 1½ pp. (176. 47.) | ||
| Thomas Percy to the Earl of Essex, Earl Marshal of England. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 12. | I am emboldened by your lordship's command of my best endeavours in this matter to be troublesome to your more weighty affairs with my simple proceeding in this business, which you may best perceive by these letters. | |
| I do not importune the man with haste in this matter lest he should grow suspicious : but seeing his settled inclination to effect this purpose, I do by my letter encourage him with assurance that nothing shall be wanting which on my part may or can be performed. He hath brought to pass divers small matters on the Border with such ease as he holds no doubt of prevention in any his attempts; and therefore nothing can stay his determination but a plain discovery of the plot; which I hope your wisdom will prevent, and safe keep it from all them which may give notice of it into this country. I have reasons to urge this which I may not commit to writing, but will make known to your lordship when it shall please you to hear me speak. (fn. 1) —Alnwick, January 12. | ||
| Endorsed by Essex's Secretary :—“Mr. Thos. Percy, at Alnwick. 12 Jan. '98.” | ||
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (176. 48.) | ||
| Sir Edward Conway to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 12. | By my humble letters I made offer of my service to you, seeing more light to good fortune through that window than all other ways could shew me. To come to you without leave was impossible to me, having never since I first commanded here as lieutenant-governor seen governor here that might discharge me. But had my worth been like my affection you would have commanded me with you in a place as your honest servant; and although the Brill opens upon me like my grave, I must have patience in it, and yet will hope once for a delivery hence to such a place of duty to you as in it I may witness my honouring of you.—Brill, this 12 of January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. 1 p. (176. 49.) . | ||
| Sir Christopher Heydon to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 13. | To introduce my brother, who desires to serve you and to take the opportunity of this journey. Important business alone prevents my attending you myself, the death of four of my wife's nearest friends and allies, all whose estates nearly concern mine, and cannot be settled without my presence. But it shall not be long before I wait on you myself, with some testimony of my devotion to excuse my absence from this honourable expedition.—Baconsthorpe, 13 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 111.) | ||
| Michael Leeman to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 13. | I am bold to trouble you again, although last year you told me and my wife that you were not to be molested in my broken causes, when I was a suitor for your favour against Gabrye's extreme courses used against me, whereby no man lost but I my fame and the poor Portingale his goods. But now I would ask your favour for the enclosed petition presented by Mr. Ingelbart by reason of my long sickness. I have law and equity on my side, and I take it not to be denied, considering that by ignorance I have missed my own ten years; the recovery of which would enable me to pay my debts and support my family.—Redriff, 13 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Fragment of Seal. 1 p. (58. 113.) | ||
| The Enclosure :— | ||
| Petition from Michael Leeman, late agent for the merchants of Holland and Zealand, to the Privy Council, reciting the provisions of the acts of Henry VI. and Edward VI. against the abuses of purveyors, and setting forth that in contravention of these acts one Marmaduke Dorr ell, a purveyor to the navy, did in 1588 seize at Plymouth 90 bags of rice worth £542, and by the order of Sir Francis Drake distribute them about the fleet, then lying at that port to await the Spanish navy, without making a price or any payment, whereof the petitioner could never get redress, it being an extraordinary victual not allowed for the navy, whereby and by other similar seizures, in all amounting to £1,300, the petitioner has been utterly ruined and is not able quietly to walk in the streets of London. He prays leave to proceed against the purveyor for the seizure of the rice; and that enquiry may be made into the other seizures. | ||
| Copy. (58. 112.) | ||
| William Beeches, to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 13. | I have yet received no knowledge that my petition to the Table has been read or answered, and fear it is want of soliciting; wherefore I pray you pardon my reminding you of it.—13 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (58. 114.) | ||
| Sir Thomas Egerton to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 13. | I wrote you a letter yesterday, which I hope you have received, speaking of the idle life I lead here. It seems to me the way to heaven is in the country, where there be no rubbish of Court nor State affairs to stop. I know not when I shall be thought sufficiently aired, and therefore, since others must judge of it, I choose rather to stay long enough than to make sail with ill speed. And if I mistake not much, I have a special privilege to go when I will and come when I am called for. Yet I prepare myself for term business, and challenge as due unto me the blessing Jacob gave Issachar to be fortissimus. On Tuesday or Wednesday I mean to be at York House and there during the pleasure of those that command me. I return Mr. Edmunds' despatch. That of Ireland, which you mentioned, was not in your letter. It is almost a wonder to find this continuance of your favour to me. I take great comfort in it, but I am dull and heavy when I see no means to requite it.—Pirford, 13 Jan., 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 116.) | ||
| Sir Thomas Egerton to Mr. Reynolds. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 13. | I thank you for this letter out of Ireland; my lord [Essex] mentioned it in his letter to me, but not finding it, I did for mine excuse write to his lordship that it was not inclosed in his letter as he wrote. I do now return it to you here inclosed.—At Pirford, 13 Jan., 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (176. 50.) | ||
| Captain Ed. Moylle to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 14. | I have since my arrival from this last Irish service given my attendance as by your lordship I was commanded; since which time you have been remembered by myself, my cousin Carew and Sir Thomas Gerrard, at which time you did assure them of my employment. And for that I see you mightily troubled, so that I cannot as I would deliver in speech the full of my desire, I have presumed to commit the same by letter, whereby you shall perceive the willingness I have to follow you in this service, and to make known such service as I have been at since I was able to carry arms. I served the Prince of Orange 2 years together; I came into Holland with Count Marke and was with him at the winning of the Brill and Maasland Sluse; I was at the siege of Harlem, the siege of Alkamer, the siege of Amsterdam, the siege of Leyden, the siege of Sconehoven, the siege of Middleburgh, and the siege of Tregoose with Sir Humphrey Gilbert, at which time I had command of foot; also with your Honour at the winning of Cales and your voyage to the islands. Since the death of Colonel Chester, I have lived most in Ireland, and there have twice had command of horse, which Sir Nicholas Parker knows, in Sir William Drewry his time in Munster; so that I thank God I can as well serve by land as by sea, and for knowledge of the country and people I think few in this kingdom can say more. The enemy of late hath pulled down both my castles, one of which I built myself : they have taken all my cattle and corn and left me nothing. My request is, for that you have already appointed the shipping for Ireland so that I can have no place fit for a man of my time, that you will give me employment of horse or foot, and that I be not left as a man of no desert. Now to become a suitor to her Majesty in this busy time it is contrary [to] my nature; my desire is only employment, which without your good means cannot be had.—This 14th of January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. 1 p. (176. 51.) | ||
| Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 15. | Your last by this messenger I received this afternoon at three o'clock. There is no letters or message I receive from you but I take comfort in it, as coming from one in whose love and favour I so much rely. But of all others this brought me double joy, in recalling a prisoner to liberty and an exile from banishment. I mean to be in London to-morrow or Wednesday, and so soon as I come will send to you. After, I am to be disposed of as the Queen shall command. I have now for nine weeks past endured three afflictions, sickness, imprisonment and exile, accompanied by other anxieties and griefs, fruits of long absence from so gracious a sovereign. But of all these your letter brings me repairs.—Pirford, 15 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (58. 117.) | ||
| Anthony Wardman to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 15. | I wrote to your lordship the 10th of this month, which were not despatched away with that speed I desired by reason of Mr. Stanhope's absence out of the town. Since which time there is letters come to Mr. Mansfield both from Mr. Percy and the other party, which show that the enterprise goeth forward although it be not with that expedition your lordship expecteth, yet I hope it will be effected in good time. If it fail, secrecy will be the cause. Howsoever it happen, I hope there shall be no fault in me, for Mr. Percy and Mr. Mansfield I make no doubt of, because it concerns them very much. All that we can imagine to be the stay is the stormy weather which hath been in these parts.—York, 15 January, '98. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (176. 52.) | ||
| Sir Thomas Egerton to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 15. | Within half a quarter of an hour after I received your letter with this inclosed, by my servant Jones, a messenger followed him with a letter from Mr. Secretary signifying that her Majesty's pleasure is I should come to the Court on Wednesday, which is one of. the limited Council days (so he writeth). But I mean to bear a little longer and yet to be in London before Sunday. So soon as I come I will present myself to your lordship, although not in person as I wish, yet by letter or messenger.—At Pirford, 15 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (176. 53.) | ||
| Sir Edward Norreys to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 15. | I received her Majesty's letter and your lordship's the 8th of this present, and was sorry that the companies were parted hence before, for I should not have failed to have sent you as gallant a troop of good soldiers as for the number could have been seen together. | |
| Presently I despatched one of purpose to Mr. Gilpin with her Majesty's letter, that accordingly order might be taken that your lordship were not disappointed of the number, and will not fail to make choice of such as shall be fittest for the service and send them to Flushing. And for myself, since I do not wait on you in this action, I wish you all happy and honourable success, and be ready to do you any service you shall command me. | ||
| Sir Gerard Hervy, who of all the companies is only remaining with me, is very desirous to attend your lordship in this voyage. But considering that I have nobody with whom to converse, or with whom I can confer of any matter, either concerning the service or myself, but with him, and besides having occasion of business that will shortly draw me into England, I would be glad to leave the charge in his hands during my absence rather than in a stranger's. These reasons have made me bold to stay him, and hope that you will allow of it. | ||
| I most humbly thank you for your promise of your favour to my brothers. I dare assure you of their faithful service. This bearer, bred up with me of a boy and trained in the services, was ancient in your last voyage and now desireth again to be recommended to your lordship. He is young but a tall soldier, and his friends are in the Court. Our news is small, only a general speech that this next summer all the Spaniards shall be drawn out of the garrisons into the field, divers speeches of the Archduke's return since the burning of the castle of Milan, and some opinion doth now begin to grow that the King of Spain will prove a very peaceable prince. | ||
| I pray God send your lordship a very honourable return out of this so great expedition.—From Ostend, this 15 January, 1598. | ||
| Holograph. 4 pp. (176. 54.) | ||
| Ralph Mansfield to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 15. | I received the 14th inst. these letters from Mr. Percy and delivered them to Mr. Stanhope the 15th to send to you, by which you may see there is yet a resolute determination of the attempt, and there is no doubt of anything to hinder it if secrecy may be used. I understand for certain he is advertised from above here that her Highness is greatly offended with him. The advertiser, it should seem, delivered him no cause, and I hope could not deliver this plot to be the cause; for he judgeth his earnest labouring of the [Scotch] King to have Woderington and Fenwick delivered to be the reason thereof, together with the means he hath used to her Highness to have the Scottish pledges released, and so with a greater stomach desireth the sooner to attempt his insolent act. I am the bolder to offer this unto you for that I know your care hath and will be to prevent what may discover this plot, considering it is not only the loss of Mr. Percy and the other Scottish gentlemen here, but a hindrance to the well affecting that which it should seem her Highness greatly desireth. | |
| I understand by Mr. Wardman from you that there shall no horse go from these parts to be employed for Ireland, yet I crave to continue my suit that, after the effecting of this Scottish matter, it will please you to employ me in such sort as shall seem best to you.—York, 15 January, '98. | ||
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (176. 56.) | ||
| Ed. Stanhope to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 15. | I have, both before and since your servant Mr. Wardman's coming, daily expected to hear from the North, and Mr. E. Mansfield hath come hither once or twice to let me know that he hath sent a man purposely to Mr. T[homas] P[ercy], because he hath not heard from him since the last I sent you, wherein was one of the hand of Sir R[obert] C[arr?] shewing his intention to proceeed. The expectancy of further matter to advertise made me keep this letter of your servant's two or three days longer than else I would.—York, 15 January, 1598. | |
| Holograph. ½ p. (176. 57.) | ||
| Joshua Hilliard to the Earl of Essex. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 15. | Has not followed the wars since the death of Sir Thomas Baskerville. Has had a great desire to follow Essex; prays him to employ him in this journey into Ireland or elsewhere. Has been exceedingly sick three months and not able to stir out of his lodging.—15th of January. | |
| Holograph. 1 p. (176. 58.) | ||
| Sir Robert Sydney to Sir Robert Cecil. | ||
| 1598/9, Jan. 15. | I had purposed to bring Captain Throckmorten this day unto you, who is now returned out of the country, but acquainting Mr. Waad withal, he desired me to stay till he could be there also, because he saith that he can say much in the matter. Mr. Waad is now gone upon a commission of my Lord of Buckhurst, and will not be in town again till to-morrow at night.—At Baynard's Castle, this Monday. | |
| Endorsed :—“15 January, '98.” (176. 78.) | ||