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| Oct. 2. |
1 Notes [by Lord Burghley], 24 Sept, and 2 Oct.; letters
received from Sir H. Wallop and Sir G. Fenton; warrants for
money required for navy cordage, ammunition, and ordnance, and
for the fortifying of Milford Haven; Lord Eure's commission for
the middle shires; the appointnig of Sir Thos. Smith to muster,
or to be a deputy lieutenant, &c. |
Oct. 2
Chester. |
2. Foulke Aldersey, mayor of Chester, to the Earl of Derby and
Sir Robt. Cecil. Her Majesty's Principal Secretary. Hump. Scaresbrick, comptroller of the Isle of Man, has arrived from Sir Thomas
Gerard, captain of the isle, with the money for payment of the
munition to be sent by your Honours, and I will safely secure the
money, and pay it on the arrival of the ordnance, which I hope will
be speedy, as the comptroller waits for it. |
| Oct. 4. |
3. Observations by Mr. Ellis, touching the proceedings of Richard
Young during his life, and the condition of his estate at the time
of his decease. Young exercised the office of packer of London,
worth between 300l. and 400l. a year, 45 years, and married a
widow worth 3,000l. at least, He gained greatly in trade, got
together, in lands and leases, above 200l. a year, and maintained
himself well; yet living within 400l. a year, so that he might have
a yearly surplus. |
|
Having discovered great concealments of Customs, he had large
offers to keep silent, and by refusing them, was put in danger of his
life. Having become customer, the Customs in the first year were
advanced from 28,000l. to 33,500l. and so continued for 18 years;
so that by his faithful service, the Queen gained 100,000l. more
in those last 18 years than in the first 18 of her reign; for this
service, and for the subsidey in London, he also got much hatred, and
sustained many bitter curses. Without profit to himself. He, at
his own cost, first advanced the Customs in divers outports, for
goods carried thither by land. |
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Being appointed a magistrate without allowance, and having so
many things of importance laid upon him, he was so careful to
discharge them that he neglected his trade and private estate, was
driven to great charges, and often hazarded his life therein. Having
beside his own income, 500l. a year in fees, &c., and then living
within the compass of 300l., he had no occasion to employ any of
the Queen's money. Whatever losses fell upon him grew after the
became an officer to the Queen; had he been able, he would have
continued to spend his own money, but for every talent he spent of
hers, he gained or saved ten, and protested that he had employed
the same in her service, and had spent his time and wealth,
hazarded, his life, neglected his own estate, and incurred the hatred
of many, without profit to himself or those he left behind. |
|
In his decalyed estate, he never sought to enrich himself by concealment, bribery, or other indirect means, but depended upon
Her Majesty's favours and promises. In the 30th year of her
reign she conferred upon him the licence for starch, by which he
expected to have made some good reckoning; but by the hard
practices of others, the great impositions laid thereupon, and the
oppressive charges he was put to thereby, instead of gain he reaped
loss, until a little before his death. However fortune frowned on
him, he hoped to be able to recover himself; but at last, being
driven to look into the largeness of his debts, his small means, the
danger he had brought his friends into, and how he had wasted his
estate, which he meant to leave to his own after his death, and
foreseeing how he had hazarded the undoing of many, if after his
decease a heavy hand should be laid on his estate for Her Majesty,
he appealed to her, entreating that the well-intended actions of
his life might not be buried in oblivion by his death, but might
move her to cover his nakedness with the mantle of her pity and
mercy, by remitting that which could not be had out of his estate
without danger and undoing of many; and that, at the last, he
might not be driven to cast off all bonds of nature towards his own,
or care of conscience towards those whose indemnity he had cause
to regard. |
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Upon the settled opinion of Her Majesty's favour, he disposed of
the remanant of his estate for security of such as stood in danger for
him, and for some good towards his own, as a pledge and token of
his good will, and the last fruits of all his long labours and travels,
in lieu of that which his flourishing estate had given them cause to
expect, hoping that she would allow thereof, foir which they would
have great cause to be thankful, and be better enabled to serve her.
[2¼ pages.] |
Oct. 4.
London. |
4. [Lord Burghley] to Rob. Smith. I find, on perusal of your
letters, that you have been to Berlin, and obtained writings from
the Marquis [of Brandeburg] about the materials, but the originals
were recovered from you; that Mr. Southwell quarrelled with the
about the materials, and had you arrested, and after long contest,
banished from Berlin. Also that you have returned to Stade, and
taken up 50l. on my account, and want an express commission from
Her Majesty on these affairs. I reply that the Queen will not
easily believe that you could obtain from the Marquis the sum you
name of 40,000 dollars, especially as Mr. Southwell, through whom
you expect to obtain it, does not mention it, and has become your
enemy; moreover, you said you desired to return to Berlin to answer
accusations, yet not naming the money, though your four months'
travail have been at great labour and little cost. I wonder at your
requesting a countenance from Her Majesty, when the affair was
undertaken by yourself. It were unfitting for her to employ any
one to sell materials which she is informed are of no value. |
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But for your undertaking the affair, the materials would have
been restored to Peterson, and now after a year's delay, she must
restore the materials, as she is not prepared to give 500l. without
further hope of your effecting anything unless you return to Berlin,
where you will most likely be made a prisoner. |
|
I warn you of the danger of practising idle conceits upon princes,
and advise you to relinquish this matter, unless fully assured of
what you promise, and to communicate with Mr. Ferrers thereon,
for the materials will be returned to Peterson, unless you absolutely
undertake soon to accomplish your promise. Should you renew
your undertaking and perform nothing, you would be utterly undone, and the Queen ruined. I refuse to pay the 50l. already
expended, and blame you for saying you were employed on Her
Majesty's service, as you had no commission, but only a few articles
for your better direction. Should your folly reach no further, all
may be passed over. Mr. Ferrers has orders to deal with you thereon.
[Draft, corrected by Burghley. 4 pages.] |
Oct. 5
Court. |
5 Sir Robert Cecil to Mr. Jackson. The bearer (Mr.Popwell)
is employed for the service, and besides his 100 crowns, has received
50 more; he is very likely, by next January or February, to need
more. I request you to furnish him with 100 crowns, either by bill
of exchange or otherwise; upon his producing his receipt, is shall be
repaid. [Draft.] |
| Oct. 5. |
6. The Council to the Mayor and Aldermen of Bristol. We understand that in time past, an almshouse was erected in your city
for the relief of aged and impotent sailors, for maintenance of which
there was levied and collected, by consent of the merchants and
sailors, 1½d. on every ton's lading of merchants' goods of the city,
and a penny in the pound out of each sailors' wages, with which
the said almshouse has hitherto been maintained; as also a free
school for mariners' children, and a yearly stipend paid to a minister
to say service in a chapel at Shirehampton, near Hungroad; so
that the mariners bound to attend their ships might be editied and
not drawn from their charge, to the endangering of their ships and
goods; but this laudable and godly order is somewhat withstood by
reprisers, and such as go fishing voyages to Newfoundland. Knowing that by reason of the great number of mariners who of late
have been maimed in Her Majesty's service, and on those reprisal voyages, and who may have relief there, it ought now to
be the more maintained—we require you to assist the collectors
of the said hospital to gather the said 1½d. per ton on the
merchants' goods, and a penny in the pound on the mariners' wages,
as well on the said reprisers and Newfoundland men as on other
merchants [Copy.] |
Oct. 5.
London. |
7. Wm. Holliday to Sir Robert Cecil. When at Lisbon, I wrote
my Lord of one Nunez Velho, a Portuguese, prisoner of my Lord
of Cumberland, sending letters from London to the Condé of Portallegro, Governor of Portugal, of the preparations making for Sir
Fras. Drake's voyage, and setting down the number of the Queen's
and the merchants' ships, their burden, number of men, for how
long victualling, number of boats made for landing men, and when
it was thought they would be ready, &c. The man is known to be
of great experience, has served the King [of Spain] as captain of a
city in the East Indies for 30 years, and is well thought of by the
King, and in Portugal. Understanding that he, with Blase Curreo and
George Barretto, Spaniards, are going amongst other Spaniards and
Portuguese to Dieppe, for Spain and Portugal, I caution you about
them; as they have been in London 14 months, I would suggest
whether they should be allowed to depart, considering the preparations the King is reported to be making; they will inform in Spain
that most of the best ships here are abroad, and others making ready
for the Straits. Velho is a better man than he is taken for here.
[1¼ pages.] |
| Oct. 5. |
8. Copy of the above. |
Oct. 6.
Paris. |
9. Sir Chas. Danvers to Sir R. Cecil. M. de Lomenie will
intercede with the Queen, in the French King's name, for my
restitution. I beg your influence. Thanks for assurances by Sir
Roger Williams, that your affection is not swayed by the adversity of my fortune. I think my brother [Sir W. Danvers] has
been wronged by reports; I cannot conceive that he would forget
himself towards one whom he respects in the highest degree. I beg
suspension of judgment. |
Oct. 6.
Hertford. |
10. Sir Hen. Cock, Sir John Brockett, and Sir Philip Boteler,
deputy lieutenants of Hertfordshire, to the Council. We have
carefully considered the cause of the continuance of the high prices
of corn and grain, as our poor neighbours are greatly touched
thereby; one principal reason is the small yield of the last crop,
which succeeding a dear year, wherein all former stores were spent,
upheld the high prices. Wheat is better in quality this year, but
the quantity is small, whereby barley, which was but thin, carries a
higher price, as the poor who were wont to feed upon wheat and
rye are driven to it. These things being dear, all other victuals
bear higher prices. White meats are high, through the great loss
last year of milch beasts, and those which escaped were so poor as
to yield little profit, whereby the store of butter and cheese
failed. |
|
The County of Hertford being barren, most of the markets are
furnished with butter, eggs, poultry, &c. out of more fruitful shires
adjoining, but they are so troubled with the higglers of Middlesex,
and other purveyors for London, that the inhabitants can hardly
get anything; the others having a ready vent for these things at
London, give great prices, and buy them nearly all up. Another
cause of the raising of the prices of corn and grain proceeds from
the bakers and brewers of London; formerly divers of the country
inhabitants, being badgers and loaders by trade, went from market
to market and bought corn and grain, which they weekly carried
to London, whereby many of them grew to be men of wealth,
and set poor men at work, and could pay many necessary charges
amongst their neighbours; but now the bakers and brewers, not
content to receive those commodities from the loaders, come down
and greedily buy great quantities of grain, and offer such high
prices as to do great hurt; by these means they have overthrown
the trade of the loaders, and make them their servants and carriers.
If these bakers and brewers buy at over high prices, they can
save themselves by their trades, but the country loader must
always make his market so as to sell again at London upon
reasonable prices; besides he usually buys by licence in the open
markets, but the others, under colour of their freedom of London,
buy without licence great quantities of corn, as well in the markets
as at men's houses. |
|
As the city [London] is grown to be exceedingly populous, the
consumption must be great; it is supplied principally from some few
shires adjoining, which are generally much annoyed, for by the daily
carrying away of their commodities, the prices of those which remain
are very much raised. As they of London receive great benefits from
their neighbours, so they should benefit them again this year, as they
did the last, by a timely provision of foreign corn; it is feared there
will be as great need of it, if not greater. That favourable help
has always been urged by your honourable and provident care,
for which God has blessed you with the hearty prayers of many.
It is pitiful to consider the great multitude of poor in most of the
towns of the shire, who having the last year spent the greatest
part of their substance, are now driven to live upon relief; the
wealthier sort are thereby so overburdened that many protest they
shall not be able to continue it long. We will do therein according to our duties (God willing). With marginal notes of abstracts.
[2 pages.] |
| Oct. 6. |
11. Sir Hen. Cock, Sir John Brockett, and Sir Philip Boteler to
Lord Burghley, Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. We mustered the
five train bands within the shire, and find many defects, especially
of armour. Some of it has been sent for foreign service, some lost
by the death of sundry persons, who have divided their livings
amongst their wives and children, and by the removal of others into
different shires; to supply it will be very heavy to this poor county,
which according to its size is more deeply charged than any shire
in England. In many townships the armour and furniture was laid
upon the farmers, and their terms being ended, they are either racked
up to such high rents that they are now not able to bear their
former burdens, or else their farms are let out by parcels to poor
men. |
|
Another great mischief, which brings a heavy burden upon many
poor, is that certain owners of manors, of whom a list is enclosed,
used to find light horses and armour towards furnishing the trained
bands, but having sold their lands to merchants of London or
persons living out of the shire, the purchasers have let the lands
at great rents to poor men, and will neither bear any burden of
the armour, nor contribute one penny towards any manner of charge,
alleging that they are deeply rated at London. This not only
hinders the service, but makes the poor repine, and say that where
men reap much gain, they should help to bear some burden. We
desire your aid, or our county will hardly be able to bear this heavy
burden, the general number being very poor. |
|
We want an abatement of 10 in every 100 for dead pays, as
in foreign service, and request that the 100 bows in the band, which
for want of use are utterly unserviceable, may be supplied with
muskets, which will greatly strengthen the bands. Sir Hen. Coningsby's band still remains without a captain; his son Ralph begs
to be excused; his father having left the greater part of his living
to Lady Coningsby, the mother, and he greatly depending upon
her for maintenance, he cannot trouble her in such a chargeable
matter. We recommend John Colt of Rickmansworth for the
place, and desire your Lordship's letter to him in that behalf, for all
men show unwillingness, and delay, and make excuses for their
discharge. As directed, we have employed Capt. Gill as muster
master; by his skill we hope soon to bring all our bands to perfect
service. We will attend to the other matters contained in the
Council's letter. [1¾ pages.] Enclose, |
|
11. i. List of the owners of manors formerly residing in Hertfordshire who found lances and light horses belonging to
the trained bands, of whom some are dead, some removed,
and some now unable Oct. 6, 1595. |
Oct. 6.
Westminster. |
12. John Daniell to Sir Robert Cecil. As your Honour has been
a means to Her Majesty for granting me a pension of 40l., I will be
ready to do any service; I enclose a letter received from Piers Wale,
servant to a Bishop of Armagh, who has lately come from Rome
and is now a prisoner in Bridewell. Wale calls himself my cousin;
I would not have spared him if he had been my brother. I am
for Her Majesty's service, without respect of persons. If Wale and
others may be had either before the Lord Keeper, who had their examinations, or before the justices of the peace, and I brought to see
them, I could say if I have seen them before, and declare may knowledge against them to the utmost of my power; in case they are
not of my acquaintance, I will try to make them manifest themselves
good and dutiful subjects. |
| Oct. 6. |
13. The Queen to the Provost of King's College, Cambridge.
Having in your absence received a very dutiful and discreet letter
from the Fellows of the College, showing that they are ready to
yield all the satisfaction in their power, but cannot fully accomplish
anything without your being there, we doubt not but if more
zeal or expedition are needed, your coming will quicken and conclude
it, to our content. |
|
There has been some former motion amongst the Fellows for one
Temple, a man honest and capable of preferment, yet wishing to
benefit Edw. Gorges, our own servant, who of late has sustained loss
and imprisonment in his employment to the French King, we require you to forbear making any other grant than to him, and expect
such reasonable conditions as are customary in such cases. [Draft,
corrected by Cecil.] |
| Oct. 8. |
14. Particulars of the size and quantity of cables, hawsers, and
coils of cordage received from Russia during the year 1595; total,
1,516 ends; they should weigh about 8,300 quintalls, which at 24s.
per cwt., is 9,960l. |
Oct. 8.
Lincoln. |
15. Charles Lord Willoughby of Parham to Lord Burghley.
According to your directions to me and Sir Edw. Dymock, I have
viewed all the horse and foot bands within Lindsey and the city of
Lincoln, in presence of Capt. Buck, and supplied their wants with
sufficient and able men; all the bands have been trained by Capt.
Buck, as well as the time and season of the year would allow.
Many of the foot had bows and bills, but by his advice. I have
changed the bows into swords, muskets, and calivers, which makes
the bands much fairer and stronger than heretofore, and I send the
usual certificate of the state of the bands. |
|
Since the last musters, many who were charged to find armour are
dead; I have appointed others in their place, and given them untill
the 1st of November to provide themselves; I will then so review
them as to have all defects supplied. The number of the petronels
rests upon the justices, and is abated by reason of there not being so
many justices as formerly. I have offered Mr. Buck for his pains
40 marks, which he refused, as being too much for so small travail;
nevertheless the county being willing to yield it him, I will press it
upon him, and the rather because I see his willingness to do the
country good. |
Oct. 9.
West Horndon. |
16. Sir Thos. Mildmay and Sir John Petre, deputy lieutenants
of Essex, to Lord Burghley, Lord Lieutenant. We could not certify
the state of the forces of the shire earlier, for the bands, not having
been viewed since 1592, were so out of order that the captains
could not supply their wants by the time then limited; Sir Hen.
Gray being out of the country, and Sir John Peter dangerously sick,
we pray you to forbear expecting it till 10 November. As the
season of the year is unfit for training, we would suggest its postponement until Lent. which will greatly ease the country; before
we send our certificate, we intend having the foot bands viewed
before Capt. Raynes. Finding the defects in the cornets of horse
to be very great, we have advised as to the persons most meet
to supply the same, send a book of their names, and desire an
order to charge them, which we doubt not will be generally obeyed,
though some may find means to be excused; we think Candlemas Day will be a convenient time to limit them to, so that the foot
and horse bands being made complete, may be ready to be trained
together in Lent. |
|
The beacon watches are still continued, but being very chargeable
to the country, we are required by many parties to move your Lordship therein. Wm. Kemp, who had the charge as cornet of 50 light
horse in the room of Gamaliel Capel, begs release on account of
sickness. We recommend John Sammes, junior, of Wickham, to succeed him. We have treated with Capt. Raynes as to his allowance
as muster master; he wishes for a yearly pension; we offered him
60l.,—a convenient entertainment, and quite heavy enough for the
country to bear, considering the number of other charges that daily
happen,—but it was not to his expectation; we entreat your opinion
therein. |
|
In a conference upon the Council's letters touching the high prices
of corn and victuals, we found that the passage of them by water,
under colour of provisions for London and other places, is one great
cause, and especially in butter and cheese. We have therefore ordered
the customers, comptrollers, and searchers of the port to stay the
grant of cockets until they hear your pleasure therein, the commission for restraining the passage of corn and other victuals being
now expired. [1½ pages.] Enclose, |
|
16. i. Names and addresses of 120 gentlemen residing in the
several hundreds of Essex, fit to supply the bands of
lancers and light horse. [6 pages.] Oct. 9, 1595. |
Oct. 11.
King's College, Cambridge. |
17. Dr. Roger Goad, Provost of King's College, Cambridge, to
the Queen. Being so mean a person, I would not have presumed to
write to so great a Majesty, had not your Majesty's letter to me,
in behalf of Edw. Gorges, needed my answer. You require me to
forbear to pass the lease of Coombe to any other than Gorges. I as
well as the rest of the college stand bound to yield to your commands, yet what we could do by statute touching the said farm we
did four years since, at our public meeting, and yielded the place to
Mr. Temple, secretary to the Earl of Essex, and a special member of
our house, and this upon your earnest request, signified by several
letters from the late Lord Chancellor, accompanied with the solicitation of Mr. Davison, whom Mr. Temple then served. We hold
ourselves tied by our promise to the party, which it does not lie in
us to revoke without great inconvenience. We beg consideration
thereof, yet will stay the grant until your pleasure is further known. |
| Oct. 11. |
18. Abstract of checks raised upon the companies named serving
in the Low Countries, &c., for 26 weeks, from 12 April to 11 Oct.
1595; total, 761l. 17s. 8d.; with particulars of the strength of each
company, according to certificates rendered. Also of checks raised
on the summer apparel of the said companies; total, 231l. 8s. 8d.
[7 pages.] |
| Oct. 12. |
19. Estimate for victualling 300 men in harbour, for one
month; according to the prices in 1587, 183l. 17s. 1d.; at the
present, rate of prices 283l. 6s. 1d. also for 500 serving in Her
Majesty's ships in the Narrow Seas, in 1587, 256l. 5s.; in 1595,
398l. 1s. 10d., exclusive of salt, bags, transport, &c. |
Oct. 13.
Plymouth. |
20. Jas Bagg, Mayor of Plymouth, Sir George Carey, Sir Ferd.
Gorges, and three others, to the Council. Upon receipt of your
letters of 28 September, we examined the accounts for erecting
the new fort at Plymouth, as also what works were required for
finishing it, with the estimate of the charge. We enclose a brief of
the accounts, a note of the works meet for finishing the fort, and
the estimate. In reply to Her Majesty's wish to be acquainted with
all things that may tend to the safety of the town and haven, we
signify that the island there is the only life of the harbour, and a
place of such importance that special regard thereof ought to be had. |
|
The town of Plymouth has the island by a grant from Her
Majesty, with a yearly stipend of 39l. a year; they have bestowed,
as they say, 1,000l. in strengthening it, planted divers pieces of
artillery there, and furnished it with sufficient armour and weapons,
yet the island is in great danger of being surprized, for want of
a sufficient resident garrison, the charge of which the town is not
able to endure; we pray you to move Her Majesty for some speedy
order for its better defence. Thanks for your requiring us, upon
any attempt of the enemy, to use the advice of Sir Ferd. Gorges;
we will think ourselves much bound to Her Majesty if it is her
pleasure to seat a gentleman of his worth and experience amongst
us, in these dangerous time. Enclose, |
|
20. i. Account by Wm. Stallenge, of his receipts and disbursements for repair of the fortifications on the Hoo,
at Plymouth, from 17 July 1592 to 11 October 1595.
Receipts from Her Majesty, imprest, 200l.; gift, 250l,;
imposts, 741l. 17s.; from ten noblemen and gentlemen
named, and from London and Plymouth 276l. 10s.,
including 60l. each from Sir Fras. Drake and Sir
John Hawkins; total subscribed, 1,468l. 7s.; disbursed,
1,627l. 1s. 5d.; balance due, 158l. 14s. 5d.
October 11, 1595. |
|
20. ii. Similar account for the same period, making the receipts
1,594l. 7s., and balance due, 158l. 14s. 5d.
October 11, 1595. |
| Oct. 13. |
21. [Lord Burghley to Sir Thos. Mildmay and Sir John Petre],
deputy lieutenants of Essex. I received your letter of the 9th inst.,
and will wait for your certificate of the state of your forces until
10 November, although the greater part of the realm are ordered to
make theirs before the 20th of this month; but I dare not assent to
your deferring the training, as a precise order is given, by command
of the Queen, to all the counties, for present training. |
|
As to the defect of the horses, I do not find the number of those
lances, and of 120 to find light horse; but considering the number
of lances has been but 50, and 200 light horse, I cannot conceive
whom you would have chosen of the catalogue, until you advertise
the persons decayed, with your opinion how many are requisite to
supply, and which of them are the most fit. As to your request to
be discharged of the beacons, I think watching is to be continued in
other counties until Allhallow-tide; but if I find other are discharged, you shall know it. I send a couple of letters, one to Wm.
Kemp, and the other to Sims, to take his charge to 50 light horse. |
|
I think you have offered Raynes. recommended to be muster
master, a large reward; but the continuance of him for a year is
unusual, considering his service will not be used the fourth
part of it; therefore if he refuse, you may leave him to himself. I wish Sir John Petre a better return of his health than
I can look for of my own strength. In a conference in Council, it
was thought reasonable that where any persons inhabiting any
houses of value have been chargeable either for horse or foot, though
they be removed from thence, yet such as succeed them, and have
habitation in the same place ought to be charged. [1½ pages. Draft.] |
| Oct. 13. |
22. Note by Wm. Borough, that in 1594, 7,593l. 12s. was
paid to persons named, for cordage delivered into the stores at
Deptford, for payment of which a privy seal for 7,532l. 11s. 4d. was
allowed on 7 Feb. 1594. Upon a survey made 19 Jan. 1594, the old
cordage found remaining there amounted to 8,501 cwt. 2 qrs. 21 lbs.,
and between that and 16 July 1595, when another survey was
taken, the cordage received amounted to 12,689 cwt. 0 qrs. 21 lbs.,
and between that and 16 July 1595, when another survey was
taken, the cordage received amounted to 12,689 cwt. 0 qrs. 4 lbs.,
of which there then remained 5,114 cwt. 0 qrs. 21 lbs.; so that
7,575 cwt. had been issued between 19 Jan. 1594 and 16 July 1595.
[Damaged.] |
|
There was also 2,115 cwt. 1 qr. 6 lbs. delivered to six ships now at
sea, under the charge of Sir Fras. Drake and Sir John Hawkins;
teh residue, being 5,459 cwt. 3 qrs. 5 lbs., has been employed on the
rest of Her Majesty's ships at sea and in harbour. |
| Oct. 13. |
23. Statement by Humphrey Abdy, that his late father Roger
Abdy's affairs being looked into by Geo. Sotherton and Thos.
Cambell, merchants, it was found that at his decause, 20 June
1595, he left property value 20,748l. 15s. 5d., and debts to
the amount of 23,767l. 0s. 3d., so that his estate required
3,018l. 4s. 10d. to make it good. As his son and executor, I became
bound for the whole, and having within these two months paid
4,000l. of his debts,—with abatement according to the shortness
of the estate,—I beseech that during the time of the protection
granted by Her Majesty, no other suit may be commenced against
me at common law, but that excepted in the protection; I shall
otherwise be in a greater extremity than if I had no such protection; also that some further order may be taken with Mr. Tristram
Conyers, who has a mind to proceed cruelly against me. |
| Oct. 14. |
24. Tristram Conyers to Mr. Dewhurst, Cecil House, Strand.
Old Serjeant Bendlos, of the Common Pleas bar, was wont, at his
departure in the end of term, to make a cross upon the bar, and
with a solemn kneeling, kiss the bar, praying that once more, if it
pleased God, he might come thither again; so I, in every suit
wherein I have troubled you, atter my despatch, have prayed that
once more I might trouble you again. I have sued heretofore for
gain, but now it is to get my own without loss. One Abdy of
London owed me 205l., as mentioned in a petition enclosed, which
I beg may be presented to Sir Robt. Cecil. Details of Abdy's
ill treatment in procuring postponement of the payment, and meanwhile obtaining a protection from Sir Robt. Cecil. Divers of his
creditors, hearing of this, have compounded with him to the value
of 3,000l., abating 25l. to 30l. per cent., by which he has saved at
least 800l.; he should therefore see me well satisfied; if he deny
all these things, I will prove them. |
|
P.S. His father left sufficient to pay all, and 1,000l. to spare,
beside his lands and leases, value 6,000l., and since his father's
death, he has tried to sell them for 5,000l. To-morrow the month
in which Sir Robert appointed Abdy to take order with me ends.
[1½ pages.] |
| Oct. 14. |
25. Examination of Geo. Masters, before Sir John Popham and
Sir Wm. Periam, The Monday after the robbery of the Purnells,
was sent for by Hen. Bridges to meet Chas. Bridges, Mr. Huntley
of Boxwell, Nicholas Bridges, and Guilford, the next day at Froster,
when Charles Bridges said that two were taken up on suspicion for
the robbery, and desired him to go to Sir Hen. Winston's to take
their examination; refused, as Sir Henry was reported to be not at
home; would not act without the assistance of some other justice.
It was not agreed before examinate's departure, that the prisoners
should be brought to Ciciter, nevertheless, Huntley and Chas. Bridges
brought them to his house at Ciciter that afternoon, saying they
would have gone to Sir John Tracey's at Firford, but they understood Mr. Davers was at home; sent for him, and on his coming,
took the information of the Purnells, and the examination of the
prisoners, the latter of which was wholly written by Davers. |
|
Asked whether the Purnells would charge the prisoners with
felony, to which they replied "not for all the world"; ascertained
that one was taken at Weston, and the other at Huntley's house,
by Huntley himself, and that none of the money or things
taken were found upon them. The Purnells said that they raised
the hue and cry directly after the robbery, and the prisoners
were taken that night; that they suspected Nicholas Bridges
and Guilford, but would not directly charge them for 500l. Did
not ask Huntley any questions, neither did he tell them anything touching the robbery. As the Purnells would not directly
charge them with felony, only took a bond in 50l. a piece of the
sureties, and 100l. of the prisoners. There was a motion made
touching the taking of a bond for 20 days for the forthcoming of
the prisoners; they were told it was not the course, so the motion
took no effect. [2¾ pages.] |
Oct. 14.
8 p.m. |
26. Lord Burghley to Sir Robt. Cecil. My aching pains so
increase that I am all night sleepless, though not idle in mind; if
this continue, I cannot. I send the Irish packets, wishing that
Her Majesty would not regard rumours before safety; every
month's delay will charge her 2 parts of 3000l., her charge
being for her army only 10,000l., besides the great loss of her people
this winter; though some numbers may be cashed where the
rest are put in garrison, yet if the war continue, there must
be supplies made out of England, the costs whereof are not
estimateable. |
|
I know this can be no pleasing counsel to a Sovereign Prince
that respects a traitorous subject, yet a contrary course may
breed a peril hardly recoverable, but God's will be done. I can
hardly read what I have written, not being able to bow my head
to my paper. Signed [Achephalos]. |
Oct. 16.
Plymouth. |
27. James Bagg, mayor of Plymouth, Sir George Carey, Sir Ferd.
Gorges, and three others, to the Council. Having received intelligence of the repair of more galleys and shipping to Brittany, and
of preparations for invading our parts, we have, with advice of
Sir Ferd. Gorges, placed 40 men in St. Nicholas' island, to serve
as soldiers and pioneers, for guarding and fortifying it, of whom
the town are, by their letters patent, to maintain 12 at their own
charge, during the time of war. We have committed the charge of
them to Anthony Goddard and Ingram Barker, of the town, and
undertake for their sufficiency and loyalty. We hope they will
suffice to defend that place from any sudden onset; it might otherwise
be very easily surprised, to the extreme danger both of the
town and harbour. We desire an order for payment of the other
28 men's wages, amounting to 6l. 10s. 8d. per week. |
Oct. 17.
Alderman Radcliffe's, London. |
28. Dr. Ch. Parkins to Sir Robt. Cecil. I send an English translation of the Emperor's letter to Her Majesty, in behalf of the
Hanse towns, and against the English Merchant Adventurers. The
Hanse towns are a society of cities, some in the Low Countries,
some in the Empire, and some under Poland. Their mother city is
Lubec, where they held their Parliaments every two years, until
1591, since which they could have none, divers cities refusing the
charge; some have separated themselves from the society, and others
are staggering. Therefore Lubec has obtained this letter from the
Emperor, making mention of their old privileges, of the monopolists,
as they term the Adventurers, and of their sea losses; all which may
with reason be answered. |
|
Mention is also made of a decree from Ratisbon, whereof Her
Majesty has not as yet been certified; the Hanses have not as
yet sought the bettering of their trade, but refused her clemency
in offering to take them as her own subjects. |
|
Since 1591. Lubec has been dealt with separately, and not as
mother for the other cities, whereby it has happened that the Parliaments have ceased, and some cities withdrawn themselves, so that
if this course be hereafter followed, it may cause more to fall from
them, whereby the Hanse controversies may thoroughly desist. Of
all the Empire cities, there are only Lubec and Hamburg to be dealt
with. I think that those of the Stilyard ought to be called upon
by some fit commissioners, and asked what they can say of the
monopolists and other scandalous trades of the Adventurers, used
in the Empire against their laws, as alleged by this procuration of
Lubec; if they can say nothing, then teh Adventurers may be
called to answer to the same information, when a fit letter may
be drawn to the Emperor, offering that if Lubec or any other of his
cities should require any reasonable order from Her Majesty for
bettering their trade in her dominions, she will have especial regard
of his friendship and commendation. |
|
I beg your influence with Her Majesty for my Durham suit;
I have spent seven years in her service, with less provision than meat
and drink, and declined all other occasions of living; having been
an earnest suitor in the most honest manner, that is by duty and
desert, I now sue by petition. I wish anything that may be offered
should be honourable to the giver and my patrons, and also sufficient to maintain my charge of service. So reason wants not that
Durham be graciously yielded me. As for favour, "Submisse rogo,
humiliter obsecro, gratissimis promerebor obsequiis." |
Oct. 18.
West Horndon. |
29. Sir Hen. Gray, Sir Thos. Mildmay, and Sir John Petre,
deputy lieutenants of Essex, to Lord Burghley. We have ordered
the present mustering and training of all the foot bands of the
county, to begin next Friday, and continue until it is performed.
We hope to hold the day for our general certificate. In the book
sent for supply of horses, we did not particularly certify the
wants in every cornet, presuming it would have been over troublesome, but we enclose a schedule of the defects of every band, with
the reasons that moved us to set down the numbers we did. Mr.
Browne, to whom your Lordship has committed Hum. Mildmay's
band, is ready to receive it when Mildmay comes to deliver it; we
desire your Lordship to hasten him, lest we be not able to make
our certificate certain. Enclose, |
|
29. i. Schedule, by the same, of the number of horses wanted in
the several companies of lancers and light horse named;
total, 71. It has always been usual to have a surplus of five horses to every 50, to keep the band strong,
and provide for deaths or removals; to complete
these wants, we set down the names of 120, daily finding it difficult to draw men to consent to these charges.
All the persons set down were not perfectly known, but
many taken by relation, and it is likely, when they are
called to answer, that some of their estates may prove to
be weaker than was reported, and so they may allege just
cause of excuse; some others able enough will find means
to free themselves from the charge; the like reasons will apply to the lancers. We think that hardly sufficient will be
drawn from the book sent to make the bands strong, and
therefore thought it more convenient to send the whole of
the names at once, than a few at a time. [1¼ pages] Oct. 20, 1595. |
Oct. 20.
Lyons. |
30 Sir Hen. Danvers to Sir Rob. Cecil. Thanks for your
favourable interecession to Her Majesty; the obligation is the
greater my deserts being small. I offer service, and protest duty,
but refrain from compliments "common to all of your degree, and
tedious to men of your affairs." |
Oct. 21.
Kyme. |
31. Sir Edw. Dymock to Lord Burghley. I send the certificate of
the musters for Kesteven and Holland, co. Lincoln. I have not
certified any bows, as they have all been converted into calievers by
Capt. Sims' direction. There are more muskets than certified, but
being the voluntary charge of the country, obtained by the Earl of
Rutland, and never certified by him or Sir Anth. Thorold, I have
refused to put them into the roll; they are ready for the defence
of the country, whenever need requires. According to your Lordship's letters, I have admitted Mr. Read as captain in Mr. Ogle's
place. If you will remit the watching of beacons during the
winter, it whall be renewed in the spring. Encloses, |
|
31 i. Certificate of a muster made by Capt. Sims of the trained
and untrained bands for the parts of Holland and
Kesteven, with the names of the officers; total, including
horse and foot, 1,090. Oct. 8, 1595. |
| Oct. 21. |
32. Notes [by Lord Burghley] of provisions to be made for the
navy; an army of 10,000, to go from London to Flushing; no
ships for foreign parts to be allowed to sail; the ordnance stores to
be increased; preparations for defence fo Milford Haven, and finishing Plymouth fort; other forts near the sea to be viewed; the
clergy to find soldiers; the noblemen in maritime counties to continue to reside there, and other preparations to be made for withstanding any invasion. [3 pages.] |
| Oct. 22. |
33. List of the ships built by merchants mentioned, within the
last three years, for which tonnage money has been allowed; total,
ships, 48; tonnage, 10,622; money paid, 2,683l. 5s. [4 pages,
Latin.] |
| Oct. 22 |
34. John Colt to Lord Burghley. Excuse my accepting the
captaincy of 300 men in Hertfordshire, in the room of Sir Harry
Coningsby, deceased. I am only 21 years of age, have small
or no experience in managing affairs, and but a little living,
which is charged with many debts and legacies by my father.
I therefore hope it will not be imposed upon me until my years,
experience, and living be bettered; then neither my purse nor
person shall be unready to do any service imposed. By reason of
my small ability, I am driven to sojourn, being unable to keep
house as yet, by reason of the aforesaid legacies and debts. I know
the captaincy to be of good account, and would willingly have
accepted it, were I fit for it. |
| Oct. 26. |
35. Account by Wm. Gerard of fees of 6s. 8d. received in 14 suits
mentioned, for privy seals, attachments, commissions, exemplifications, &c.; also fo 8 for the Queen, and 2 in formâ pauperis, for
which no payments were made. |
Oct. 27.
Alderman Redcliffe's, London. |
36. Dr. Chr. Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil. I think the Emperor's
Dutch letter must not be neglected. I enclose a copy of my letter
to Lord Burghley about it; also of my Latin letter to the Hanse
Parliament, sent from Denmark to Lubec in 1591. The reason of
this letter was that the Hanse towns indicting their Parliament,
sent to their cities the propositions they were to handle, amongst
which were many against Her Majesty's dignity. |
|
Being referred by Her Majesty to you, as the person whom I
should use in occurrences of service, I think you the most fitting
person to enable me to serve; had I nothing but my bare petition,
without deserts and expectations, it would be necessary to use others'
intercession, but I have served seven years almost for nothing, and
often spent my day's allowance in boat hire for service. I persuade
myself it will suffice to mention some sufficient provision, that I
may obtain somewhat near the value of my services, and be the
better able to perform them for the future. I think Durham worth
the least of any void, and (considering what mean actions make
men worthy of wealth in this country), cannot understand how my
petition therein should be thought strange, since by industry applied
elsewhere these seven years, I might have got nearly enough to
buy as good an annuity for life as Durham. I would gladly have
some living, be it Durham or anything else. |
Oct. 28.
Durham House. |
37. Sir Geo. Carew to Sir Rob. Cecil. As directed, I send a
proportion of munition for the Isle of Man, for the prescribed
sum of 460l.; if you want a man to take charge of it, I will provide one who shall discharge his trust honestly. I want news from
you, expecting none good from any other. Encloses, |
|
37. i. List of arms, munition, and other necessaries to be sent
from Chester to the Isle of Man, with the prices of the
several articles; total, including the carriage and
transportationm 460l. [1½ pages.] Oct. 23, 1595. |
Oct. 30.
Southwark. |
38. John Ardern to Sir Rob. Cecil. I pray remembrance of my
undoubted necessity. I rely upon my aged and distressed mother,
to whom I am overchargeable. I am loth to offend by long protestations, having Honour. I received your last command, as from
Her Majesty, with a true and loyal heart. I never had an ill thought
against her; I pray that she may never have a worse-meaning
subject than myself. If she is pleased to employ me against her
enemies, I will honestly perform the trust. |
Oct. 30.
Salibury. |
39. John, Bishop of Salisbury, to Sir Rob. Cecil, at Court. I
would satisfy your desire concerning a patent of the clerkship of
Salisbury, but two patents being already granted, one in possession, and the other upon the death of Sir Thos. Heneage, I know not
how to effect it with credit. I have practised with Jewill Hooper,
the patentee in possession, to recover by composition his right to
myself, that I might to better purpose pass it to you, but the conditions he stands upon are so hard, and the danger so great of the
entry of Ayscott, who has the other patent, that I dare not do
anything until their titles are tried; I think this will be shortly.
My own patent will be worth nothing if any of theirs be good, and
I am therefore loth to make it over to you, before declaring the
state of the case. If notwithstanding you wish to have one, and
to wrestle with them, I will make it, and leave you to use it at
pleasure. If you prevail, I beg the deputation to serve as your
substitute in that office, for one who has the records of the courts. |
| Oct. 30. |
40. List of 12 of the principal gentlemen in co. Somerset, 9 in
Wilts, 10 in Lincoln, 11 in Surrey, 8 in Oxford, 10 in Berks, 8 in
Cambridge, 9 in Huntingdon, and 14 in Bucks, being the counties
assistant to the maritime counties. [3 pages.] |
Oct. 31.
St. Mawes' Castle. |
41. Ha. Vyvyan to Sir Geo. Carew, Lieutenant of Ordnance.
I acknowledge the receipt of half a last of powder and a ton of shot,
return a brass cannon, a demi culverin, and other iron ordnance,
as unserviceable, and want a receipt. I gave my opinion as to
what pieces I thought necessary for St. Mawes' castle, where I
will not dwell unless I have a better supply, viz., a whole culverin
four demi culverins, and three sakers, with some more muskets and
powder. My neighbour, Mr. Killegrew, has now had two lasts of
powder, 40 muskets, &c.; his place requires it, but so will St. Mawes,
if there is any occasion of service. Sir Henry Palmer can inform
you that I have furnished the house under my charge with many
things wanted, and I hope the other things required for defence of
the place, which it is out of my power to supply, may be sent, and
I prevented being a further suitor, for the time will not permit of
any delay. I cannot stay here without further supply. |
| Oct. 31 |
42. Account by Wm. Gerard of fees of 6s. 8d. received for privy
seals, commissions, &c., in 15 suits mentioned. |
| Oct. 31. |
43. Estimate for the brass and iron ordnance to be made for a
great ship building; total, 2,869l. 17s. 8d. Also of the cost for
iron ordnance for a smaller ship also building; total, 523l. [1¾
pages.] |
| [Oct.] |
44. Petition of Wm. Tatton, George Leicester, John Daniell, Geo.
Spurstow, and John Hockenhall, five captains of trained soldiers in
Cheshire, to the Council. Were long since appointed by Henry,
then Earl of Derby, to the charge of 100 men, and arms delivered
for the same eight years past, which they have kept in good order
without allowance. Request a commission to Sir John Savage and
Sir Hugh Cholmondeley, deputy lieutenants, to gather an allowance
for the keeping of the armour. With detail of the furniture appointed
for the 70 calivers and 30 corslets required for each 100 men.
With reference thereon to the Council's present order, and order that
a letter be written to the Commissioners in Cheshire, for such
allowance as they think meet. |
| Oct. ? |
45. Petition of Randall Maning, Wm. Garway, and 13 other
Merchant adventurers of England, for payment to Roloff Peterson,
merchant of Lubec, of 500l. which he pretends to be due to him by
Her Majesty, for certain materials sent to her and not re-delivered.
Have sold him cloth, value 1,000l., on bills for payment, and he
alleges the want of this money as a pretence for non-payment to
them. |
| Oct. ? |
46.Protest to be made by deputy governor of the Merchant
Adventures at Stade. In Sept. 1594, the Queen received from
Roloff Peterson of Lubec certain materials of alchemy, sealed up in
glass cases, and promised that they should be returned safe and unopened in six months, to the Merchant adventurers' deputy at Stade,
for restoration to Peterson, or else that he should be paid 500l.
Before the time appointed, the Queen, as she could not obtain information in time of the virtues supposed to be in the materials,
returned them to the said deputy, requesting Peterson to wait an
answer till Rob. Smith had procured a person from Germany to
inform her of their qualities. Peterson promised to wait till
Sept. 30, when he declared he could wait not longer, and demanded the 500l. Sent the Queen word, and received her directions, that as Peterson will not be content to wait till she
can procure a skilful person,—who is not easily to be found,—to test
the value of the materials, Her Majesty returns them. Thereupon
I, the deputy, hereby tender to him the three glass bodies, to see
that they have been unopened, and am ready to deliver them to him
on his delivery of the Queen's note thereon. |
|
Peterson having refused to receive to receive the same, I, the deputy, protest
my freedom from any charge or damage relating to the said goods,
and declare that neither I nor Her Majesty is bound to pay the
500l., unless she had retained the goods. I think Peterson forgets
the high state of the sacred person he deals with, in claiming the
money without having intimated his mislike of the delays. [6 pages.] |
| [Oct.] |
47. Account by Sir Thos. Sherley of the amount required for the
weekly pay of officers and companies mentioned serving in the Low
Countries. for two months, from 24 Dec. 1595, to 17 Feb. 1596;
total, 7,677l. 17s. 4d. With note that it is to be advance 13
Nov. 1695, being six weeks beforehand, so as to allow a month
to the merchants, and 14 days to receive and distribute the money,
[3¼ pages.] |
| Oct. ? |
48. Note stating that the Dean of Windsor being parson of Hambledon, whereof Lord Scrope is patron, as he is to be translated to
a bishoprice, the gift of the said parsonage has become vested in Her
Majesty, who has granted the same to Lord Scrope. |
| [Oct.] |
49. Memorandum book [by Lord Burghley], commencing 22 May
and ending 24 Oct. 1595, containing notes as to the vicutalling of
Berwick; bills, warrants, &c. due; letters to be written; charges of
the army in the Low Countries; lists of counsellors in the North;
expenses for the repair of eight of the Queen's houses, &c., total,
7,860l.; licences of monopoly to be granted; the sentence against
the Earl of Hertford; the receipts of the Court of Wards; money
required for transportation of troops, horses, victuals, and ammunition to Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, &c.; ships in service; preparations for defence of the realm; Scotch affairs; with names of
justices of the peace and various other officers, &c. &c. [23 pages,
damaged; partly in pencil.] |
1595 ?
Oct. ? |
50. A Jesuit to —. I have been trained in the seminaries
at Douay and Rome; but cannot conceal that I have been wished to
be seditious to my country, and that the danger is immediate, and
cunningly plotted. The King of Spain is incited by his English
attendants and the Pope to a second invasion of England; he objects
the strength of the English navy; they have long been plotting to
fire it, and now expect to succeed. It was plotted in the English
college at Rome, by Sir Wm. Stanley; they have artificial fire-balls,
the size of a first, that wil fire after a certain time, even though in
the water. The actors are Adrian, an Italian, who has been five years
a glass maker in England, and Giles Morew, an Irishman, who has
served in the navy; both ingenious, resolute, and sworn to their
purpose. They will arrive like poor English soldiers, and try to get
service on the ships, relying much on the neglisgence of the navy
officers. They intend to put the balls in gun-rooms or storehouses,
and escape in a French ship; the time is to be next Christma.
Endorsed, "Copy of a letter wrote by a Jesuit about a plot to burn
the navy, some few years after 1588, found amongst old Capt.
Phineas Pett's papers, (my near relation,) who died August 1647,
having been builder and and commissioner of the navy, and servant
to Prince Henry, at last 50 years, Thos. Manley." [2 pages.] |
