|
| Aug. 3. |
67. Notes [by Lord Burghley] relative to the places whence the
several troops in Normandy were drawn, the captains' names, the
order for their transmission and pay, &c. |
| Aug. 3. |
68. Declaration of the charge for the wages, &c. of officers and men
serving in Normandy for two months, from 3 August to 27 September
1593; total, 3,009l. 12s. |
| Aug. 3. |
69. Sir Thomas Fludd and Wm. Sedley to Lord Cobham. Perceiving
by his letter that Her Majesty marvels that Kent has not
agreed upon the composition for the service of her household, have
thought it good to inform him, that since they last waited upon
the commissioners for purveyance, they have had conference with
sundry gentlemen of the country, who are willing to compound for
the service of the household and stable, in as reasonable a manner as
other counties are charged. Think the county of Essex is as large or
larger than Kent, and much better able to yield provisions for this
service. Kent is willing to yield as much as Essex, though it has
many more charges than Essex or any other shire in the realm, and
a number of places are exempted from the service. There would have
been no refusal of this offer, but the commissioners found a composition
in being for Romney and other marshes adjoining, for a greater
proportion than the country is able to serve. This was occasioned
first from a composition being made by the officers with the said
levels, which they duly served without any fault found, until the
officers twice broke off, alleging they should serve more, demanding
at last almost double as much as they served before. The country
answered they were not able to serve so much, and the officers replied,
if they were not, they should neither breed nor feed cattle in
those levels, but the cattle should be taken by commission, and they
should seek for the money for them; and if any butcher bought any
cattle of them, they should be taken by commission, and the butcher
should also seek for his money. This being known to some of the
great occupiers in the marshes then having a great stock of cattle,
fearing the hard dealings of the purveyors, a few of them, without
consent of the rest, being many in number, yielded to the composition. |
|
It lies so heavy upon the country that they would have given
it over long since, but that those few great occupiers, from
whom in former times all the services for those levels were
taken, having now drawn the occupiers, many of whom are such
as never served nor kept oxen fit for the service, to contribute
with them, they have thereby become themselves greatly eased,
and use great means for its longer continuance. If this offer shall
not be deemed sufficient, and the Commissioners will set down how
much any shire yields for the household and stable, doubt not but
to persuade the gentlemen and others of the country to yield as much,
although the country, both in greatness and provision, be far inferior
to others. [2 pages.] Annexing, |
|
69. I. Reasons why those of Kent desire moderation in the
assessment of purveyance for Her Majesty's household.
Kent is a maritime country, compelled to watch the
beacons, and keep watch and ward on the coast, and on
every approach or show of the enemy, driven to put on
arms and keep the field, oftener than any other shire of
the realm. The Royal Navy continually lies in harbour
within that shire, and the storehouses at Deptford, Woolwich, Rochester, Chatham, &c. are chiefly served by the
shire by commission, as well with victuals as timber,
labourers, carriages, &c. for building and repairing ships.
Within the shire are the castle and blockhouses at Gravesend,
Upnor, Quinborough, Sandown, Deal, Walmer, and
Dover, Mote's bulwark, Arch-cliffe bulwark, and Sandgate;
also Royal houses at Greenwich, Eltham, Dartford,
Otford, and Canterbury, towards the reparations of
which the country is burdened by commission, both for
provisions and carriage. |
|
The shire, being the only high street or way by which
all comers and goers into and out of the realm pass, is
greatly charged with provisions, horses, and carriages,
and the personal attendance of the best sort, some of which
services have cost 3,000l. It has lately borne, and during
the war is likely to bear, a great burden of the soldiers
of other shires, who lie there for wind and shipping, and
are often billeted in towns and villages, and many times
not paid for. There are also divers quarries of serviceable
stone, which is often, at great cost to the country,
conveyed by commission to the waterside, to be employed
in Her Majesty's works. The timber of Sussex has lately
been carried in great quantities through Kent, for repair
of the shipping, in a short time to the extent of
3,000l. damage to the shire, and the charge is likely to
continue. The cities of Rochester and Canterbury, and
the port towns and their members (being a large portion
of the shire) are not, by virtue of their privilege, to be
drawn to any contribution, so that the whole burden of
these proportions must lie upon the residue of the in
habitants. Aug. 1593. |
Aug. 6.
St. Mary's,
Isle of Scilly. |
70. Robt. Adams to Lord Burghley. Leaves the success of their
labours there to Sir Fras. [Drake] and his own joint certificate.
Asks for a letter to him, to allow him his entertainment. Has to
travel five miles daily to and from the works at the fort, to keep a
continual eye over the masons, who do not conceive such walling;
also to attend the laying of every stone, whose hardness and difficulty
to dig out, from their bigness, he dares not express. Asks
him to further his suit before Her Majesty; always depended upon
him. |
Aug. 6.
St. Mary's,
Isle of Scilly. |
71. Sir Fras. Godolphin and Robt. Adams to the Council. Thank
them for allowing their choice of the place and form of the fort
which is begun on the Hew Hill, and is so forward that, if reasonable
weather continue, they hope by Michaelmas to compass it with
trench and walls, and to make up part of the walls of the house
within it, which till next spring will be covered with a thatched
roof, as a lodging for the soldiers. Some good water issued from
the rocks at the bottom of the trench, but,— it being compassed
with very great rocks, and they hastening to proceed,— could not
work it deeper; have resolved to make further proof as soon as
the trench is ended. When they understand that Sir Walter
Raleigh has ordered the 100 men in the western parts of Cornwall
to be in readiness for the aid of that place, will prepare sufficient
beacons. |
Aug. 6.
St. Mary's,
Isle of Scilly. |
72. Sir Fras. Godolphin to Lord Burghley. Adams is well deserving,
for besides his perfect skill in numbers and measures, he is
very provident in saving, and no less painful in attending; the
work considered, so much has seldom been performed at such small
charge, and with so few hands, in so short a time. Thanks God,
who has blessed it with fine weather, and safe return of all transportations,
prospered their enterprise of making lime in the island, and
comforted them with a favourable sign of water, even on the hill top,
although so near the sea and 100 feet above the height thereof, in this
the driest time of summer. During the last seven days, have had store
of ships near the isles, sometimes as many as 20 sail, one an exceeding
great one, but could not discover whether friends or enemies. This
increases their desire for the speedy furnishing with artillery, which
would turn the enemies' boldness into terror, as the present suspicion
of danger gives confidence. When the fort and house are ended,
many works should be speedily performed, as three blockhouses,
four platforms, all the ordnance carriages newly made, and a trench
and bank to compass the hill near the sea, to shadow the men from
discovery by the shipping; also a windmill, and houses for brewing
and baking, dwellings for soldiers, and a pier for the safety of boats
and ships, for which there is a very apt place under command of the
fort. Has not mentioned these works as desiring to charge Her
Majesty with greater allowance than is already granted, but to give
his Lordship a view of the labours that must be performed either
by himself, or his son in his absence, whose return from sea he
hopes for shortly. |
|
If no better success come of the yearly charge allowed for
Dover pier than was conceived the last Parliament, if that work
should be given over, or the collection for the same applied to no
better effect, wishes that a portion of that rate, as 1d. per ton, might
be converted to disburden Her Majesty of the pay at Scilly, and to
help to build a sufficient pier there. Most shipmasters and owners
would willingly yield their contributions, as to a place for their
better succour. Asks for some cast-iron guns, as he dares not sue
for brass, to place within the fort, to beat the adjoining plain, but
especially for two of the blockhouses, where they may shoot at shipping
within 240 yards. Wants timber, boards, and planks; Narbert
Forest, in Wales, is the best place he can hear of to supply them,
as the quantity is great, and the value small; if his Lordship will
grant a warrant for as many trees as may suffice, will cause them to
be felled and transported to Scilly by next March, at which time
they will set onwards again for the speedy finishing of the works.
[2 pages.] |
| Aug. 8. |
73. Account of the number of men levied in counties mentioned
in England, in April and Aug. 1591, and Sept. and Oct. 1592, and
sent to Brittany, together with the names of the captains and the
numbers appointed to each; also of those sent out of the Low
Countries to Brittany in April 1591 and Dec. 1592, and of those
sent to the Low Countries, April 1591, in their place. [3 pages.] |
| Aug. 9. |
74. Indenture of apprenticeship, whereby John, son of John
Millington, late of Millington, co. Cheshire, deceased, binds himself
to Oswald Mosley, of Manchester, co. Lancaster, draper, for one
year, and after that for eight years more, Mosley teaching him his
trade, and finding him sufficient meat, drink, clothes, and lodging,
and 6d. a year for his hire and wages, if lawfully demanded. |
| Aug. 9. |
75. "Memorial [by Lord Burghley] for diminution of the excessive
number at Windsor." A book is to be made of all the officers of the
household, distinguishing how many attend, how many are lodged
within the Castle, and how many abroad, and in what places.
Also how many lords and ladies are lodged within Windsor Castle,
and how many persons attend upon them. Also to cause the mayor
of Windsor, with the harbingers and deputies of the knight marshal,
to survey the town of Windsor, so as to ascertain how many persons
lodge there who are not attending upon the Queen's household,
how many houses are infected, where they are situated, and how
provided for, and how many strangers are lodged where the College
is, when directions may be given how to diminish the access of the
great multitude. Mr. Herbert and Mr. Ashley to enquire what
suitors are about the Court. [1¼ pages.] |
| Aug. 9. |
76. Account of the pay of the officers of the field and imprest
to 22 bands, consisting of 3,350 men, serving in Brittany, from
13 Sept. to 7 Nov. 1593; total, 4,870l. 14s. 8d. [2 pages.] |
| Aug. 14. |
77. Certificate by Sir John Hawkins, and five other officers and
under shipwrights of the navy, of the number of trees standing in
Panborough Forest, Hampshire, and Beere Wood, Ashridge Wood,
and the Ort by Reading, Berkshire, fit for repairing four of the
Queen's ships, when dry docked at Woolwich. Total, 1,740 trees, or
2,020 loads. With note that a warrant was given to the officers of
the said woods for them. |
Aug. 15.
Hull. |
78. Hen. Segrave to ——, Was glad of his letter, as it relieved
doubts about the miscarriage of the writer's letters, and the continuance
of his intention to trade with him still in silks and satins.
Feared his great loss by raisins would have broken his back.
Remains at Hull by reason of the sickness in London, and in such a
dead time, can make little provision of any commodity fit for their
use, unless he can find means to freight a ship with onions and
garlic, and perhaps shoes, and might barter 127 bales of fustians
with their own leather. Rests chiefly upon alum, and can furnish
him with a reasonable proportion. Asks for directions therein.
He is to tell his wife she shall want no needles. Also to send the
true prices of copperas, rapeseed, ginger, skins, and honey. Has
now got a better store of ducats, and is more fit for a bargain of
brown paper in Zealand or elsewhere. Had like to have received
great loss by some false brothers that said he sent alum to Bristol,
and conveyed over his ducats to buy ginger, and for that purpose
had secret communication with him and others. [Draft by Thos.
Phelippes. A cipher, by which political news is disguised under
trading terms.] |
| Aug. 16. |
79. P——— [Chas. Harington?] to Jehan Baxter, of Rouen. The
plague has driven him from London, and so from traffic for a time;
as all is dead there, has gone with his old friend for a while. The
courtiers are so afraid of the sickness that there is a restraint put
upon all from infected places. Instead therefore of wares, sends
him such news as the place affords. |
|
In Scotland the Court has received a great welter, Bothwell
having got possession thereof, and of the King's person. The manner
was this: the King came, accompanied with the Earls of the name
of Stewart, from Falkland to Holyrood House, and as he was in his
chamber, reference was made to Bothwell, whereupon the King
uttered his griefs against him, when they replied in his favour, as
they thought fit; Bothwell thereupon suddenly stepped forth armed,
from behind a hanging, and presenting himself before the King on
his knee, prayed pardon for such common riots as he had been
forced to commit, being out of his favour through the malice of his
enemies; and for anything committed against his crown or person, he
refused no trial according to law. The rest of the Lords seconding
his suit, it could not but be granted by the King, for whom some
about him offered to venture their lives if he would command them,
but he answered, " I am well enough, if they keep promise with me."
Men diversely discourse whether it was by the King's consent, the
practice of the Lords, or with D.'s privity; * * * * * *
and Sir Rob. Melville received small contentmenthere, touching that
point of his negotiations, * * * * * saving that he had 2,000l.
with him for the King his master. Upon this news, he was sent
for back, to carry new answers according to this accident. |
|
The proceeding of the King of France, in changing his religion, is
thought very strange, and at first was not believed; thinks that they
are content to let him, as it seems,* * * * * to serve their
turns. Upon the news of his reception into the Catholic Church,
and the truce that ensued, the 1,500 men levied for France were
stayed, and those in Normandy and Brittany are to return home.
Asks his opinion, * * * * * and thinks C. should be hardly
dealt with, and M. and N. may be overtaken; X. did as much once
before, and yet afterwards deceived those that relied upon it. * * * |
|
There is great expectation of the treaty of peace now in hand
between the King of France and those of the league, it being a
thing so necessary and grateful to the towns, whose greatest scandal
is removed by the King's coming to church, and no doubt will
force their heads to embrace the same upon easier conditions than
they will perhaps propound. What Baxter wrote was discovered
by intercepted letters. Wishes to hear from him. [Partly in cipher.
cipher. Draft by Thos. Phelippes. 2 pages. The asterisks represent
passages as yet undeciphered.] |
| Aug. [20]. |
80. Account of the winter apparel required for the 4,300 foot in
the Low Countries; total, 9,680l. 11s. 8d. |
| Aug. 20. |
81. Copy of the above. Also list dated 24 July, of the captains,
lieutenants, and numbers of men ordered to be transported to Caen
by 13 Aug. Marked [by Burghley], "These were stayed, ult. Julii."
With note that the voluntaries were appointed to have been taken
out of London, but were stayed by reason of the infection, and
that the captains had 20l. each imprested for provision of colours. [2 pages.] |
| Aug. 20. |
82. Note of money lent to the King of France, 1589 and
1590, 50,233l. 17s.; for the pay of troops, 1591–1593, 136, 237l.;
total, with other expenses connected with the French King,
316, 141l.; the monthly pay of troops in Normandy and Brittany is
6,130l. 12s. [French. 2 pages.] |
| Aug. 20. |
83. Expenses of the pay of troops in Brittany, 1591–1593,
110,806l. 16s.; and in Normandy, 49, 383l. 3s.; given in French
and English money. [French.] |
| Aug. 20. |
84. Copy of the above. |
| Aug. 20. |
85. Draft of the above in English, corrected [by Burghley.] |
| Aug. 22. |
86. "A memorial [by Lord Burghley] of sundry things to be
executed for the return of the forces in Normandy." Sir John
Hawkins to provide seven boys to bring 700 or 800 men from
Dieppe. Instructions to be sent to Sir Edw. Brook, and to the
muster master, to ascertain and record how many are in every company,
how armed and weaponed, and from what countries they
were sent. The treasurer's deputy to give to every soldier, at
his discharge, some portion of what is due to him, to discharge
his debts; if any desire it, they may be suffered to tarry and
serve the French King, and be paid their wages then due, but
their armour is to be detained and brought into England; every
captain is to see the armour and weapons of all that return
brought to England, and delivered to the Mayor of Dover or Rye
by indenture. Every captain to give to each soldier of his band
a billet of discharge and licence to pass to his country. Upon their
arrival at Rye or Dover, certificate to be made to Council to what
counties they are directed, and what quantity of armour is received,
so that they may advertise the lieutenants of counties
thereof. There are about 1,100 that carry arms, whereof 60 are
returned; 300 or 400 will tarry or serve in France, and 700 or 800
will return. [2 pages.] |
Aug. ?
Saturday. |
87. Sir R. Cecil to H. Maynard. Cook brought a letter from
Lord [Burghley], purporting to enclose one from Mr. Bowes;
only found one to the Lord Admiral, and a French letter of
Hautbois, an intelligencer; it may have been forgotten, and he
may send it. Asks what has been done in the matter of Aubin's
stuffs, which were stayed, for which the Vidame sues the Queen; if
any of the ambassador's men come, he is to let them know his Lordship's
answer. Wants his Lordship's pleasure concerning Mr. Noel's
suit, of which he would fain be rid. Annexing, |
|
87. I. "The state of M. D' Aubin's request." Mons. De St. Aubin
wrote from Caen to Sieur De Humets, merchant in
London, to buy him certain things, which he accordingly
did, and ordered his wife to send them to Aubin, with
other merchandise; whereupon she caused her husband's
goods to be entered, but the things for Aubin she did not
suppose it needful to enter, and therefore the searcher
seized them for Her Majesty's use. With request [by Cecil
to Lord Burghley] that if he release them, he would let the
ambassador know it by Mr. Maynard. |
| Aug. |
88. Effect of the petition of the Vidame of Chartres, for permission
to import into England 600 tuns of French wine, free of
custom, between Michaelmas 1593 and 1594. [French.] |
| Aug. ? |
89. "The desire of the Puritans to have abbey lands converted
to their seniories, and how the livings of the Church may not be
alienated,"being extracts from" A discourse of Ecclesiastical
Government," "Ecclesiastical Discipline," and " A Complaint of the
Commonalty to the Parliament, 1585," in support of the above
points. [1½ pages.] |
| Aug. ? |
90. Notes by Dr. Bancroft, on the demands made by the Puritans,
and their consequences; they overthrow Her Majesty's supremacy,
her ecclesiastical prerogative as patron paramount of all benefices
in England; her first fruits and tenths; her safety, by subjecting
her to their excommunications; the archbishops' and bishops' livings;
all ecclesiastical and canon, and much common law; the division of
the land into parishes; and the whole government of the Church,
used ever since the Apostles' time. The Conquest brought not such
an alteration, and six kings' reigns of parliaments would not bring
this platform to any tolerable government. The best divines in
England disallow it; it cannot be warranted by the Word of God,
and it would be the occasion of schism, &c. |
| Aug. ? |
91. Copy of the above. |
