|
May 1.
Barn Elms. |
1. Sir Fr. Walsyngham to Tho. Phelippes. He liked well of
B—proceeding. He will furnish him with 20l. to perform his
journey. Desires Phelippes to decipher a letter enclosed. |
May 1.
Barn Elms. |
2. Same to Simon Rogers, minister of Byfield, in Northampton.
Directs him to make search for and apprehend a person who, under
the pretence of being a messenger, went up and down in Northamptonshire, under the feigned names of Sidney, Smith, Edwards, and
Pepper. |
| May 1. |
3. Tho. Milles to Mr. Burnett, attending on Mr. Sec. Davidson at
Weldhall, in Essex. Foreign news: The Duke of Main defeated
by the King of Navarre. The King of Scots at Aberdeen with
8,000 men in pursuit of Huntley and the other insurgent Lords. The
Laird of Wemys is returning to Scotland; effect of his message. The
Queen will give King James a pension of 5,000l. per annum. The
Duke of Parma prepares great store of munition at Bruges. The
English fleet had been seen off the coast of Biscay; has received
word of 20 bundles of dry rushes to be landed at Tower Wharf. |
May 1.
Chester. |
4. Wm. Massie and others, Mere Merchants of Chester, to Walsyngham. The dispute between them and the retailers. The mayor
refuses to call a general meeting to hear the order proposed by the
merchants of London. The retailers still exclaim against Peter
Newall. Inclosing, |
|
4. i. The answer of the Mere Merchants of Chester to the order
proposed by the Merchants of London, for settling the
controversy between them and the retailers. |
| May 2. |
5. Names of persons fit for the office of Justice of Chester; and
of those fit to be called to be Serjeants-at-law. |
May 2.
Barn Elms. |
6. Sir F. Walsyngham to Tho. Windebank, clerk of Her Majesty's
Signet. The draft of the letter to Norreys and Drake was in as
mild terms as could be expected. The two generals were men of
courage and would rather hazard Her Majesty's displeasure than let
the expedition fail. Considering how greatly Sir Roger Williams
is beloved both by captains and soldiers, the proceeding against
him might breed a mutiny and division in the army. |
May 2.
Plymouth. |
7. Humfrey Founes, Mayor, and Wm. Hawkins to Lord Burghley.
The most part of the money assigned over to them for victualling
the fleet had been previously paid into the Exchequer by the
collectors. Oil, beans, peas, and oatmeal were very difficult to be
procured, and would cost. nearly as much as the ordinary supply of
beef, butter, and cheese. Inclosing, |
|
7. i. Note of the receipt of all such sums of money at Plymouth
for victualling the fleet, with the answers of such collectors as have not sent any. |
May 3.
Deptford Strond. |
8. Sir John Hawkyns to the Mayor of Plymouth and Wm.
Hawkins. The Lord Treasurer had promised him 2,000l., and
6,000l. had been sent down to them by land for this service. The
Lord Treasurer is desirous of knowing full particulars of all the
provisions procured by them for the fleet. |
May 4.
Hogsden. |
9. Sir Tho. Tresame to Walsyngham. Has never been paid the
money owing to him by Mr. Bawle, of Buckinghamshire, for cattle
sold to him. Particulars of his dealings with Bawle. Solicits his
help to procure payment. |
| May 4. |
10. The Queen to Norreys and Drake. Doubteth not but they
have thoroughly weighed the heinousness of the offence lately committed by Sir Roger Williams in his forsaking the army with one of
her principal ships. If they have not inflicted the punishment of
death, he is to be deprived of all command and kept in safe custoday, at their perils. "For as we have authority to rule so we look
"to be obeyed." If Essex has joined the fleet, they are forthwith
to cause him to be sent home; if they do not they shall look to
answer for the same at their smart, for these be no childish actions.
[This, a draft, supervised by the Queen, and one word interlined by
her own hand.] |
May 6.
Whitehall. |
11. Richard Dane to Walsyngham. Extracts of letters written
from Lisbon to Antonio Fernandez in Brazil, giving an account of
the losses sustained by the Spanish fleet. The trade ships from Brazil
in sugars to go round about Scotland to Hamburgh. Death of the
Prince of Ascula, and John Martinez de Recald, the great Admiral
of Spain. News from France. The King endeavours to kill the
Duke of Guise and his brother the Cardinal, and one of his sons.
Paris is in revolt against the King. |
May 6.
The Downs. |
12. Sir Martin Frobiser to the Lord Admiral. The Moon in
going to Ostend had taken a ship with a Spaniard on board
who threw two packets of letters over board. Will send their
examinations. |
May 6.
Groyne. |
13. Capt. Tho. Fenner to Burghley. Informs him of the arrival
of the fleet at the Groyne on the 24th of April. Details their
operations. Assault and capture of the Lower Town. Many ships
burnt and destroyed. Capture of 150 pieces of artillery, corn, meal,
beef, and other stores. They had attacked and defeated 8,500 of
the enemy with great loss. Sir Edward Norreys was hurt in the
head. |
May 7.
The Groyne. |
14. Anthony Ashley to the Council. Sends some particulars of
the action in hand. Both the generals are earnestly affected to
accomplish all things, but their wants, arising from some parsimony
at home, hinder them. An army of 10,000 good soldiers might pass
through the whole realm. Sends examinations of prisoners. Fears
it will be impossible to enter Lisbon. Commends the valour of
Sir Edw. Norreys., Col. Sidney, Capt. Fulke, Capt. Hinder, Capt.
George, and John Cooper, in the fight yesterday with the Spanish
troops. |
May 7.
The Groyne. |
15. Extracts from a letter of Sir John Norreys and Sir F.
Drake to same. Giving an account of their engagement with the
Spanish army 15,000 strong. Sir Edward Norreys grievously hurt
on the head, two soldiers killed and one corporal of the field; the
enemy lost about 1,000, and abandoned their weapons, bag and
baggage. Several English captains wounded. |
May 7.
Downs. |
16. Sir M. Frobiser to the Lord Admiral. Sends particulars of
the hoy, bound for Dunkirk, which was captured by the Moon.
The Spaniard was John de Toledo. Desires his orders for shipping
provisions for the fleet; and he has but seven days' victuals left. |
| May 7. |
17. The answer of Roger Windham, upon his oath, to the articles
objected against him touching the spoil of the ship and goods belonging to certain Scotch merchants, in Norfolk, with the replication
of the Scotchmen. |
May 7.
Chester. |
18. Wm. Hammett, Mayor, and many Citizens of Chester to
Walsyngham. Objections to the decision of the merchants of
London in the controversy between the retailers and mere merchants
of Chester. Particulars of the licence for calf skins granted to
Walter Newall. |
May 7.
Mr. Boswell's
house. |
19. Gilbert Lord Talbott to Walsyngham. Requests him to write
to the Earl of Huntingdon in favor of Mr. Peter Rosse, to be appointed
one of the Council at York. He is of the Middle Temple, one of
the ancientest double Readers there, very learned, sound in religion,
and a very honest gentleman. |
May 8.
Whitehall. |
20. Warrant to Tho. Wylkes, clerk of the Council, to search the
lodgings of Edward Isham, in the Old Bailey, and to seize all his
papers and writings. |
| May 8. |
21. Tho. Windebank to Walsyngham. Sends certain letters to
him to be sealed with the privy seal, the one to the Emperor on behalf
of one Proctor to be returned. Her Majesty has granted the
privilege for making iron. |
May 8.
Groyne. |
22. Sir John Norreys to Lord Burghley. He would by their
letters to the Council understand what had passed since their
departure. They were unable to take the town for want of artillery
They intend going at once for Portugal. Requests him to move
Her Majesty for a supply of artillery, powder, and other provisions.
It is more honorable and profitable for Her Majesty to assail her
enemies abroad than to defend herself at home. It is most certain
there was a fleet provided for another attempt on some part of her
dominions. |
May 8.
The Groyne. |
23. Sir Fr. Drake to Secretary Wolley. Details of the capture
of the Groyne, four ships, divers barks, and 150 pieces of ordnance,
wherein they have slain near 1,000 Spaniards. They have done
the King of Spain many pretty services at that place, for which
he will not thank them. Insufficiently supplied with powder and
provisions. "The Kyng of Spayne slepethe not, nor wanteth no will
to do us hurt: God grant we may prevent him." |
May 8.
At the Groyne. |
24. Same to Burghley. On the 24th of April they landed 7,000
men at the Groyne, and took the Lower Town, and they found
there four large ships preparing for a fresh armada against
England, one of which they burnt and the other three taken. They
have 150 pieces of ordnance, and destroyed great quantities of provisions and stores. Attack and defeat of upwards of 10,000
Spaniards, which is no little quailing to the enemy. Want of
artillery. |
May 9.
Plymouth. |
25. Capt. Anthony Plott to same. That Sir John Norreys
and Sir Fr. Drake had appointed him marshal at Plymouth to
provide ships and mariners for conveying provisions to the fleet.
Hearing that Capt. Crosse is to take charge of the fleet of victuallers,
he prays to be reimbursed his expenses in this service. Incloses, |
|
25. i. The charge of victuals provided by Capt. Plott for the
action under Norreys and Drake, with the names of the
ships impressed by him. |
May 9.
The Downs. |
26. Sir Martin Frobiser to same. Has sent his letter of the 8th
to Sir John Conway. States at some length his opinions on the
importance of preventing the enemy from possessing the seaport
towns of Flanders and the Netherlands. |
May 9,
Plymouth. |
27. Wm. Moys to Burghley. Money due to the country for provision
and stores since the 9th of April. Two ships, separated from the
fleet and driven into harbour by contrary winds, had been revictualled and will be sent off with the convoy of provisions for the
fleet. Incloses, |
|
27. i. Note of the debts owing to the country and town of
Plymouth, for victuals delivered to the fleet, since the
9th of April. |
May 9.
The Mineries. |
28. Sir Robt. Constable to same. Information of powder newly
arrived from Stoad. Desires that it may be taken up for Her
Majesty's service. Incloses, |
|
28. i. Note of such powder as is at present in London, and
what is expected to come by the next voyage from Hamborough. |
| May 10. |
29. Peter Pett, Mathew Baker, and Richard Chapman to same.
Soliciting payment for the provision of timber and planks for the
new works, and also for the old debt of Gravesend. |
| May 10. |
30. Note of payments made of the debts in the office of the Admiralty for 1587 and 1588, and of those which yet remain to be
answered. |
May 11.
Plymouth. |
31. Humfrey Founes, Mayor, Wm. Hawkyns, and Wm. Moys, to
the Council. Intelligence of the burning of the shipping at the
Groyne by the English fleet, the capture of Byon (Bayona), and that
they were then going towards Lisbon. French news. |
| May 11. |
32. Tho. Windebank to Walsyngham. His ill health. Her
Majesty had signed the Lord Chamberlain's book, but objects to
Mr. Chidley's commission, because she would have custom paid for
such prizes as might be brought in; she also refused to sign Mr. Alderman Elkin's commission. Dr. Bell is appointed Dean of Ely;
Dr. Dove's for the deanery of Norwich is stayed till Mr. Thornborough may have some preferment. She also stays the grant of
denization to Stephen le Sieur. |
| May 11. |
33. Battista Aurellio to same. As many people applied to him
for assistance as if he were a bishop; the bearer thought that his
Honor might be able to find him some employment, as he was in
great distress. Italian. |
May 12.
The Court. |
34. Earl of Warwick to the Lord Mayor of London. Is desirous
to effect the redemption of the barony of Denbigh. Prays him to
call a court to consider of his offers. Incloses, |
|
34. i. Offers made by the Earl of Warwick's officers unto the
Lord Mayor of London and the rest interested in the
lordship of Denbigh, touching the redemption of the
same: with a list of names, probably of the parties interested. |
May 12.
Ivy-church. |
35. The Earl of Pembroke to Walsyngham. Has been informed
that many gentlemen in Herefordshire able to contribute to the loan
had not been duly certified. |
| May 12. |
36. Remembrance by Tho. Bedwell for keeping the store of the
ordnance. The ordnance at Woolwich and Chatham had not been
included in Sir Wm. Wynter's patent. Solicits that office for himself. |
May 12.
London. |
37. Mandamus of the Archbishop of Canterbury touching the
inhibition of Dr. Dey, advocate of the Arches Court, against
Edmond (Freke), formerly Bishop of Norwich, and Dr. Robt.
Redman. Latin. |
| May 12. |
38. Note of the powder and munition delivered out of Her
Majesty's stores in the Tower, for which J. Powell and Sir Ro.
Constable have received payment. Mr. Hockenhall's information. |
| May 13. |
39. Tho. Windebank to Walsyngham. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are of opinion that Mr. Thornborow is sufficiently
learned to be appointed to the Bishoprick of Salisbury, but that he
might be Dean of Peterborough or Rochester, if Dr. Hutton, Dean
of York, were removed from the Deanery of York to the Bishoprick
of Durham, and Dr. Fletcher, now Dean of Peterborough, were
removed to the Deanery of York. An offer for the making of
salt. Mr. Chidley's commission. Mr. Cooke is going to God. |
| May 13. |
40. Order in Council commanding Lady Gresham to make present
payment of the sum of 157l. 10s. to Lady Rivers. |
| May 13. |
41. Memoranda, in Lord Burghley's hand, of public business:
500 soldiers to be levied for Ostend; abuses permitted by the
captains of the trained bands; matters of the loan; defences of the
realm. |
May 14.
Lincoln's Inn. |
42. Richard Ridgate to Mr. Danyell of Deresbury. On private
legal business. Has retained Mr. Grymston for him. There is a
full bar of Serjeants at the Common Pleas, for five new ones have
been chosen. Serjeant Walmesley is chosen Justice of the Common
Pleas and Serjeant Shuttleworth Justice for Chester Assizes. |
May 15.
Ely Place. |
43. Lord Chancellor Hatton to Lord Burghley. Recommends
that Capt. Crosse should be sent with the provisions for the fleet, as
he had received particular directions from Her Majesty concerning
the two generals and the Earl of Essex. Thinks the charge of the
ships going out may well be divided between Capt. Plott and
Capt. Crosse. |
May 16.
The Court. |
44. Earl of Sussex to Walsyngham. Sir Wm. Knolly's report.
Sends intelligence of the success of the English fleet at the Groyne,
and the taking of the Lower Town, brought from thence by Sir
Wm. Knollys. Particulars of the engagement with the Spaniards.
Sir John Norreys was upon the bridge in his doublet and hose,
with his pike, at the fight. The Earl of Essex had not been heard of. |
| May 16. |
45. Specification of the proportions for building of the three great
ships, the four crompsters, and six great boats, with an estimate of
the charge of the same. |
| May 16. |
46. Duplicate of the above, with slight alterations and contracts
of Peter Pett to execute the same. |
| May 16. |
47. Extracts from the letters of Sir John Norreys and Sir F.Drake.
The companies and order of the assault against the Lower Town of
of the Groyne. Names of the colonels and companies engaged with
the enemy at Burgos, and the order of battle in which they were
placed. |
May 16.
The Court. |
48. Sir Tho. Heneage, Vice Chamberlain, to Walsyngham. Sir
Wm. Knollys' report of the success of the English at the Groyne.
He left them ready to sail for Lisbon. Nothing had been heard of
the Earl of Essex. Her Majesty will visit Walsyngham on Thursday
or Friday next. |
| May 17. |
49. Tho. Windebank to same. Her Majesty has signed the commission for Mr. Chidley with the clause of custom and subsidies to
be paid; also the warrant for Sir Nich. Parker and Mr. Dove's bill.
Her Majesty had given order for the Archbishop of Canterbury
to prohibit the printing of the Psalms in Dutch, as set forth
by St. Aldegonde. He could not obtain the suit for Mr. Tho.
Dudley. |
| May 17. |
50. Same to same. Sends the placard for six horses for the King
of Scotts. Her Majesty ordered him to cross out "mares." She
refuses to grant the privilege to the Germans for the making of
salt, as many of her subjects make salt of sea water. Conversation about Norreys and Drake. She thinks they had left two places
where they ought to have gone and burnt the ships, before going to
the Groyne, but they went to places more for profit than for service.
She is strangely informed against them. |
May 19.
Plymouth. |
51. Capt. Robt. Crosse to Lord Burghley. Has inspected the
shipping for carying the victuals, which would be ready to set
sail on the 22nd. Mr. Mose had in readiness the provisions for the
fleet, but Captain Plott had delayed the ships for his own private
gain. |
| May 20. |
52. Lord Burghley to the Deputy Lieutenants of Essex, Hertford,
and Lincoln. Her Majesty in Council had given directions for the
whole forces of the realm to be reviewed, mustered, and put in
order. Directs them as his deputy lieutenants to carry into
execution the letters of the Council, and to put everything in good
order for the satisfaction of Her Majesty's good pleasure. |
| May 20. |
53. The Queen to Sir John Norreys and Sir Fr. Drake. Is surprised at their demand for more men and munitions after her liberal
contribution of 20,000l. and the further round sum she had advanced
since that. Upbraids them with perverting the primary object of
the expedition, which was to have burnt the King of Spain's navy
and shipping in the ports where they lay, the Groyne being of little
importance and very hazardous in the attempt. She expects they
will yet destroy the King of Spain's navy, and attempt the restoring
of Don Antonio in Portugal, and then proceed to the Azores
according to their instructions. Puts them in mind that they are
not to suffer themselves to be transported with an haviour of vainglory, which will obfuscate the eyes of their judgment. Desires to
know who has been put in the place of Sir Roger Williams. |
May 20.
Banbury. |
54. Precept from Richard Wheatlye, Constable of the Hundred of
Banbury, to Wm. Long, Constable of Nethorp and Cothorpe, to
take down all May-poles within his district and to repress and put
down all Whitsun-ales, May-games, and Morris-dances, and utterly
to forbid any wakes or fairs to be kept. |
| May 20. |
55. Similar precept to William Scott, constable. |
May 21.
Plymouth. |
56. H. Founes, Mayor, Wm. Hawkins, and Wm. Moys to Burghley.
Account of money received for victualling the fleet. Arrival of four
Dutch flyboats with 200 soldiers, having been separated from the
fleet on the coast of Spain. Desire to know what they shall do
with any other ships which may return. |
| May 22. |
57. John Danvers, Sheriff of Oxford, to all Justices of Peace and
other Officers in that county. Order to repress all riots and tumults
that may be raised under pretence of taking down May-poles, which
being well used, and the time of Divine service duly observed, were
lawful to be kept. |
May 22.
Cothropp. |
58. The same to the Lord Chancellor. Has been obliged to
acquaint the Archbishop of Canterbury with the bad proceedings
of Anthony Cope and others of the town of Banbury, who under
the plea of religion were practising to abolish most pastimes used in
the country, as May-poles, Morris-dances, Whitsun-ales, and others
to the great discontentment of Her Majesty's loving subjects.
Desires that the matter may be considered by the Council. |
| May 23. |
59. Note of spices delivered out of the spicery for the service of
the privy chamber and Her Majesty's kitchen. The quantity supplied for the gentlewomen of the privy chamber for posset and
caudle, burnt sack, &c. |
May 23.
Norwich. |
60. Henry Lord Cromwell and the Justices of Norfolk to the
Council. Desiring permission for the county to export grain, there
being a great store of old and a prospect of an abundant harvest,
wheat selling for 12s. a quarter and barley for only 6s. |
May 24.
Whitehall. |
61. The Council to Lord Norris. They have been informed that
there has been some disorder in the town of Banbury about the
setting up of a May-pole and like pastimes of recreation. They see
no objection to such pastimes, so that they were not made an excuse
for unlawful meetings. |
| May 24. |
62. Tho. Windebank to Walsyngham. Sends him the placard for
the Master of Graye's horses. Has moved the Lord Admiral for a
ship for the safe conduct of Mrs. Bodley. Has moved Her Majesty
on behalf of Mr. Broncard. |
| [May 24.] |
63. Lord Burghley to the Deputy Lieutenants of Essex. Directions
that the same gentlemen who were chosen by the Earl of Leycester,
when Lord Lieutenant, to be captains of the trained bands, should
continue in that service. Has requested Mr. Edw. Walgrave to
resume his command of 50 lances. Has appointed three gentlemen
to be captains of the 600 foot formerly entrusted to Sir John Petre,
now a deputy lieutenant. |
| May 24. |
64. Names of the captains of horse and foot in the county of
Essex, with their several charges. Sir John Smythe colonel and
Robert Pecock muster master. |
| May 25. |
65. Memorandum by Richard Wheatlye and Wm. Long that on
exhibiting to John Danvers, the sheriff, a letter from the Deputy
Lieutenant of Oxfordshire for the suppression of May-poles, the
sheriff received it with great and ragious speeches and called the
high constable knave, twice or thrice. |
| May 25. |
66. Anthony Cope to the Council. Defends himself from the
malice of Mr. Danvers, the sheriff, and prays to be heard at the
Council table. Protests that he never had any suspicious meetings
about religion. Has never restrained Whitsun-ales and Morrisdances. Disorderly conduct and living of Mr. Danvers. |
May 25.
Westminster. |
67. Passport granted by the Queen for the safe coming of a confidential person to be sent by the Duke of Parma into England to
satisfy and pay the sums of money agreed upon for the ranson of
the Spanish prisoners. |
May 25.
Whitehall. |
68. The Council to the Judge of the Admiralty, Dr. Awbrey, and
others. To certify their opinions who ought to be chargeable with
payment of the freight and goods taken in the Searkyder of Hamborough, Lawrens Sweer master. Incloses, |
|
68. i. Petition of Lawrens Sweer to the Council. Prays for
compensation for loss of his ship and goods, taken by
Tho. Drake and Wm. Hawkyns; the goods being sold by
Sir Fr. Drake and the ship taken into Her Majesty's
service. |
May 26.
Broxbourn. |
69. Sir Henry Cocke to Lord Burghley. Had with Sir Philip
Butler, in the absence of Sir John Brockett, assembled the justices
of peace and taken order for mustering the forces of the shire.
Captain Poulter has requested to resign his command. Reasons for
continuing Capt. Edw. Newport in his command of 60 men. |
May 27.
The Fleet. |
70. John Shereff to Lord Burghley.
Is ready to give every
information in his power as to the accounts of the late Master of the
Ordnance, both for England and Ireland. It will be necessary for
him to consult the books of accounts. |
May 29.
Knebworth. |
71. Rowland Lytton to same.
The Deputy Lieutenants had given
order for the musters at a general meeting. Desires to have his
authority confirmed with power to settle any disputes that may
arise among the soldiers. Distribution of powder and other stores. |
May 30.
Queen's College. |
72. Roger Earl of Rutland to Sir Fr.
Walsyngham. Thanks him
for his many favors, and is happy it has pleased God to stir up for
him so good a friend and patron. |
| [May.] |
73. Account of the goods and money received in Plymouth out
of the Sea Ryder and the White Falcon of Hamburgh brought in
by Capt. Thomas Drake, together with the issuing thereof for Her
Majesty's service, by the order of Sir John Norreys and Sir F.
Drake, Knights. [The Court of Admiralty were directed to inquire
into the account of the goods sold out of the Sea Ryder, May 25,
1589. Co. Reg.] |
| May. |
74. Information given by Mr. Price of certain idolatries and
superstitions practised by the people in North Wales: the sacrifice
of bullocks at Whitsuntide to Beyno the patron saint of the parish
of Clynnog in the bishoprick of Bangor. |
| May. |
75. The opinions of Dr. Aubrey and Dr. Hammond touching the
payment of freight of a ship which was stayed by the Inquisition in
Spain. |
| May ? |
76. Tho. Howard to Lord Burghley. Reasons of the falling off
of the subsidy in Dorsetshire. Abuses committed by clerks of
justices of the peace holding the office of sub-collectors. |
