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June 1.
Greenwich. |
The Council to the Serjeant of the Admiralty. The Queen having
lessened her fleet, and nor requiring all the victuals provided, orders
that the sea victuals remaining in store be sold at prices mutually
agreed on, to such merchants and others as are to set forth their
ships upon any voyage, after the departure of the present fleet under
the charge of the Earl of Essex, and that no ships be permitted to
pass the river till they have performed this condition. [Dom. Eliz.,
Vol. CCXXXVII., fol. 169.] |
| June 1. |
1. Statement that at a session of sewers held at the Archibishop's
palace in Canterbury, 8 Jan. 1583, Before Sir Roger Manwood,
Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, Sir Jas. Hales, Edw. and John
Boys, Rich. Hardres, Wm. Partheriche, Thos. Hales, and Paul Johnson, mayor of Fordwich, Commissioners of sewers,—for the better
defence of certain houses and grounds lying in the level or valley of
Whitstable, and about Harwich and Doglands, between Seasalter
and Chislet valleys, from being further damaged by the sea, as also
for draining off the fresh water from such lands to the sea,–it
appeared by the evidence of certain owners and occupiers. that the
remedy would be the erection of a proper sea wall and sluice,
the cost whereof was estimated at above 100l. To raise this sum
it was then decreed by the said Commissioners that a tax of 3d.
should be levied on every acre of low ground, 18d. on every acre of
upland, 1s. on every acre of salts, and one year's rent on certain
houses noted, provided such rent did not amount to 100l., the said
tax to be paid to John Menvile and John Whither of Whitstable,
the appointed expenditors, at Whitstable Church, as follows:—One
third part on the first Sunday in February then following; another
third on the first Sunday in March, and the other on the first
Sunday in April, upon pain of double being levied and forfeited,
and that this decree should be openly read in the said parish church.
With other particulars as to how the siad tax was to be paid. |
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At another session held at the same place on 6 April 1583,
before the siad Sir Roger Manwood, John Notte, mayor of Canterbury, and the other Commissioners before mentioned, concerning
provision of timber and needles to the sea walls at Seasalter or
Whitstable vallies, the price of every ton of timber taken in the
woods thereabouts was limited to 6s. 8d., the felling, squaring,
carriage, and other charges to be paid by the expenditors. |
|
At another session held at the same place on 20 May 1583,
before the said Sir Roger Manwood, Stephen Rucke, mayor of Sandwich, and the Commissioners before named, it was stated that 108
rods of the sea wall had been finished at Whitstable, and that 106
rods half wall in charge surmounted the last tax or scot; that
the work thereabouts was thought meet for the commonwealth of
the county, but because the upland and salts were not to take so
much benefit as the houses and low grounds, the latter only were
now to pay another, tax, at the same rate as before. |
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At another session held on 12 Oct. 1588, before the said Sir
Roger Manwood, Rich. Rogers Lord Bishop of Dover, now Dean
of Christ Church, Thos. Palmer, Wm. Partheriche, Rich. Hardres,
Paul Johnson, Adrian Nicholas, mayor of Canterbury, and others,
it was stated that the making of the new sea wall and draining out
the fresh water having amounted to a great charge, for the continual
maintenance and repair of such wall, sluices, and gutters, certain
tolls mentioned, of from 1d. to 8d., should be levied on carriages
going over such walls, and in case of non-payment, the carriages and
goods should be distrained. |
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At another session held 1 June 1596, before Thos. Palmer, high
sheriff of Kent, Peter Manwood, John Smith, John Boys, Wm.
Partheriche, Edw. Fagge,Chas. Hales, and Thos. Hovenden, mayor
of Canterbury, it was decreed that John Saver, of Whitstable,
and Thos. Rucke, of Seasalter, should be expenditors in the place
of John Menvile, the late expenditor, deceased, and that John Newstreate, and another not names, should be bailiffs, to collect all
monies to be paid by former orders towards keeping and maintaining the sea walls, bridges, and also to collect and levy all arrears
due in Menvile's lifetime, and render an account yearly, upon pain
of 5l., to be levied on the offender or upon his goods, by distress
or sale. [4¾ pages.] |
| June 1. |
2. List of 17 of the Queen's ships and 12 merchant ships of
London, forming the squadrons of the Earl of Essex, Lord Admiral
Howard. Lord Thos. Howard, and Sir Walter Raleigh at Plymouth.
With notes of the officers, and of 17 coasters, 36 victuallers, and
seven other vessels not put into squadrons. [Endorsed by Lord
Burghley. 1¼ pages. Damaged.] |
| June 3. |
3. Memorial or heads of 20 matters for the Queen and Council to
consider; e.g., 130l., the charge for the pond in St. James's Park;
Sir Wm. Reade for fortifying Holy and Ferne Islands; the furnishing of St. Mawes' Castle with ordnance; state of the forts in
Kent, with order how the same shall be paid; charged for Sir Fras.
Drake's journey; state of the Earl of Huntingdon's debt; the like
for Sir Thos. Heneage; the Earl of Pembroke's and Sir Rich. Bingham's answers in their defence; complaints of Garter against Clarencieux king-at-arms; Mr. Leonard's suit for the barony of Dacres;
complaint of decays in the bishopric of Durham, &c. Also notes of
19 Exchequer causes, the settling of sundry accounts and controversies, &c. With several items cancelled. [Noted by Burghley.] |
| June 3. |
4. Geo. Beverley to Lord Burghley. I send an account of monies
received and disbursed for corn and other victuals received out of
Cheshire and those parts, and sent to Ireland, as also of what remains. I begs the surplusage due to me on my accounts as victualler in Ireland, from Aug. 1583 to Sept. 1588, which chiefly
grew from having received no part of my entertainment of 10s. per
diem allowed for that office. I shall be a great loser by the corn
and victuals transported, so must forbear dealing in any further
charge, until my accounts for Ireland are cleared. I attend your
Lordhsip's pleasure for my own wages and those of others daily employed in the provisions sent from Chester. I want an auditor
to examine my accounts; I am remaining at extraordinary charge,
and am prepared to return to despatch the remains at Chester, and
to procure my certificates from Ireland for delivery of the victuals,
which in part concern my accounts. |
| June 4. |
5. Wm. Milton to John Whithead, Milton. I beg to be remembered by you as also by the rest of my father's servants named. I
safely got to my journey's end, thank God. I took shipping at
Dover; but had such storms and ragign waves that I never expected
to land. Commend me to my cousin, Ann Coulthearst; I keep the
nutmeg she sent me, and hope she keeps the tokens I sent. |
June 4.
Winchester College. |
6. Geo. Ryves, sub-warden of Winchester College, to Lord Buckhurst. In consideration of favours received, I would have effected
Sir Robt. Cecil's lease, if opportunity had offered; but the gentleman who is in possession of it is highly favoured by our whole company, and has us tied to him by certain covenants. In regard
however of their present suit to your Lordship and Sir Robert, and
of my assurance that the present lessee will, if needs be, find favour
to deal with Sir Robert for his interest before any other, I find the
greater part are not unwilling to join with me therein, and therefore hope to effect it, if, by your Lordship's means, I may be in place
to move it unto them. |
June 4.
Winchester
College. |
7. Anth. Beeley, and five other fellows of Winchester College, to
Sir Robert Cecil. We were willing to regard Her Majesty's letters
in behalf of Mr. Hen. Cotton, so far as by our oaths and statutes
we might, had there been any place void, but there being none
without evident perjury in the resigner, we knew it was never Her
Majesty's meaning to have any man foresworn, or our statutes violated. We have been supported marvellously by her hitherto; we
trust you will be a means to her to uphold nurseries of learning. If
our foundations be searched, we have store of men able and meet to
govern the place, and our college is not so barren but it yields men
sufficient to undertake the charge as well as any strangers. Mr.
Geo. Ryves, our sub-warden, is well born, bred, and qualified, and
is also unmarried. We do not find his better, and therefore trust
that Her Majesty will be as gracious unto us as Queen Mary was
to our predecessors, who in the like preferment of Dr. White to the
Bishopric of Lincoln, gave the house the choice of one of their own
college, without infringing their foundation, or diminishing her royal
prerogative. [2 pages.] |
| June 7. |
8. The Queen to Lord Cobham. Although we have long had proof
of your faithful service, as Lieutenanat of Kent, and Warden of the
Cinque Ports, by your continual directions to your deputy lieutenants, and your lieutenant of Dover Castle, for mustering, furnishing, and training horse and foot thought convenient to be put in
order for service of the country, yet upon considering the present
state of affairs, and for the strengthening the maritime counties,
you are immediately to repair along the sea coast, view all the forts,
castles, and port towns, and see that theyare properly furnished
with officers, soldiers, ordnance, and ammunition. We have given
warrant to the officers of ordnance to supply the defects in the
latter. This being done, you are to cause an inventory to be made of
all the material supplied, and to charge the captains with it, taking
their receipts; you are also to view all the gunners and soldiers,
and admit none who are not efficient into any of the forts; also to
charge the captains and companies to be resident in their places,
and not to depart without leave, upon pain of punishment and deprivation of their rooms and entertainment. You are also to view
the state of the port towns, havens, creeks, and passages; to consider
as to their strength, and what number of able people they have to
serve for their defence, and to cause them to be armed and furnished,
at the common charge of the inhabitants; if in a conference with
the officers of the towns, you shall find any opportunity to make them
stronger against all attempts, either by building sconces, intrenching, or by reparations of the walls or otherwise, you are to procure
the inhabitants to yield some contribution towards the charges. |
|
Also there should be a number of men, under able conductors,
always in readienss to repair to the towns, forts, and castles, for
their defence, upon warning by beacons or otherwise. The numbers
that have been heretofore thought meet to repair to the defence of
our ships in Gillingham or Chatham Water are to be kept in readiness to repair thither at all convenient times. You will do well to
consider how two sconces can be erected at the two ends of Ness
Island, at the charge of the inhabitants of the Isle of Sheppey,
furnished with some small ordnance, and guarded against any sudden
landing. You are to let the inhabitants upon the sea coasts know
that if any of them, in this doubtful time, leave their habitations,
they shall not only be severely punished, bu their houses and lands
shall be seized, and the whole profits thereof applied for the defence
of the said houses. You are also to take order that all the soldiers
of the trained bands may be chosen from the men of the country
that have permanent habitation, and not taken up from loose men
that are not to continue, and the said bands shall be assured to be
only employed for the service of the country, for for our own person
when we shall have cause to require them. [2¼ pages. Copy.] |
| June 7. |
9. Lord Buckhurst ot Sir Robt. Cecil. The state of my health
compelling me to remain at home, I write things of which, as
Chancellor of Oxford, I am bounjd to inform Her Majesty. The
choice of Dr. Cotton, though worthy of a better place, for the wardenship of Winchester, has so troubled both Winchester and New
College, that they have sent, in the letters enclosed, their excuse
that they could not satisfy Her Majesty's desire for the choice of
Dr. Cotton, it being contrary to their foundation and express oath;
this excuse they have asked me to present on their behalf, with
the allegation that their statutes in this case have never been
broken since the first foundation. The warden and fellows of New
College petition Her Majesty that such person as she shall be pleased
to confer the place upon, being eligible, she would licence them to
choose into the place, so that her choice may be confirmed, and their
statutes no way infringed. This favour was granted to them by
Queen Mary, when Dr. Whit was preferred to the Bishopric of
Winchester. |
|
I have also received from both Winchester and New College, and
from the Dean of Winchester, an earnest recommendation of the
present sub-warden of Winchester, as one most fit for the good of
the college. Dr.Bilson, late warden there, commends both him and
Mr. Harmar; I do not make suit for these to Her Majesty, but
being desired by both colleges to name them as the fittest men for
the good of the college, I thought it my duty, as their Chancellor,
to do so. Encloses, |
|
9. i.Dr. Thos. Bilson to Lord Buckhurst. I did my best to make
Henry Cotton a fellow of Winchester College, according
to Her Majesty's letters; but no place could be made
void suddenly, without expressing perjury in the resigner.
I am still ready to effect what I can, in regard of my
duty, which binds me to Christian obedience, and of her
clemency, as she vouchsafes to respect foundations, and
maintian the statutes of each place, without prejudice to
her royal prerogative. |
|
I dont not seek to know how she will dispose of the place
which I am to leave, but lest your Lordship, who is patron
of the university whereof my college is a member, should
be ignorant of such of our foundatioin as are meet to
support the charge, if Her Majesty may happen to enquire
after them, I think it my duty to acquaint you with
such knowledge and experience as I have had of the men,
in governing the place 16 years. I doubt not but the
foundation at large yields many able men, since the
small college where I am, and which has only 10, has two
meet for the government, viz., Mr. Ryves, sub-warden, and
Mr. Harmar, schoolmaster, who in age, learning, and
sobriety are equal, but Ryves is the most likely to profit
the houses, being single (as was I for 12 years, till I grew
weary of solitary labour) and well versed in all the
affairs of the college, which would sustain great loss and
prejudice, if the place lit into the hands of a stanger.
As these things are so well known to all the fellows,
I cannot be suspected of being partial, but a faithful
expresser of the proof I have had in that place, as one who
is and ought ot be careful that he leaves it in good case
before he departs, theat it may be wisely guided, which is
Her Majesty's chief purpose and care. [1½ pages.] |
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Winchester, May 18, 1596. |
|
9. ii. Declaration by Thos. Jeffries, B.D., fellow of St. Mary's,
Winchester, that he desires Hen. Cotton, M.A., to elected
into his place, which he resigns of his own free will, but
if the said Hen. Cotton be not so elected, then his resignation is to be held null and void. Read and accepted by
the warden, in presence of Dr. Mich. Reniger, Archdeacon
of Winchester, and Edw. cole, public notary. [Latin.] |
|
May 14, 1596. |
|
9. iii. Statement that—at a conference held May 14 in the
chapel within St. Mary's College, Winchester, by Thos.
Bilson, D.D., warden, and nine fellows of the said college named thereto, who appointed Edw. Cole, notary
public, their actuary,—the warden signified that he
had received the conditional resignation of Thos.
Jeffries, one of the fellows, and that he called them
together to elect a new fellow, and receive their oath,
according to the statutes; they alleged that they could
not proceed to such election, unless there was a place
void, which there was not by the resignation of Jeffries,
until after four months' premonition, and thereupon
called in Jeffries, and read to him his oath taken on his
admission, binding him to give four months' notice of
resignation' Jeffries said he had forgotten the time of premonition required, and would therefore not recede from
the colledge on this day, from danger of manifest perjury. |
|
At another meeting held in the afernoon, in the chamber
of John Tilbrow, on of the fellows, the warden opened
letters from Her Majesty. Commending Hery Cotton, her
chaplain, as meet for the wardenship of the college, shortly
to be void by her preferring the present warden to the
Bishopric of Worcester, and directing that, to make him
eligible, he be first elected as fellow, if any fellowship
was or soon would be void. The warden earnestly exhorted the fellows to have respect to Her Majesty's letters,
the rather as she respected the founder's institiution and
the statutes of the place, so far as they did not prejudice
her authority. In reply they expressed willingness to
perform her pleasure, so far as their oaths and the law
would permit, but said that as their number of fellows
was complete, they coutld not proceed to elect another
until a place was void. |
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At another meeting in the chapel, May 15, the said
warden, minding to go forward to choice of a new
fellow in place of Jeffries, who yesterday offered his
resignation, protested that he took the place so resigned
to be void, until the fellows either dissented from electing
Cotton, or nominated some other, according to the conditions mentioned in Jeffires' resignation, and required
George Ryves, sub-warden, to administer to him, the
warden, the oath according to the statute. |
|
Ryves protested that there was no place void according
to statute, for no voluntary resignation of any fellowship could be made without four months' premonition,
unless the party resigning incurred wilful and manifest
perjury, and that the statute did not allow of the conditional resignation offered by Jeffries, but there must be a
final and absolute departure, before they proceeded to elect
a new fellow, as their election upon oath must be absolute
and without condition; this election neither the warden
nor the fellows could make without an absolute resignation. He therefore refused to give or take the oath of the
warden, but if Jeffries or any other fellow of the college
would then, or at any time therafter, make a simple and
absolute resignation, he would then take the warden's
oath, and give his own oath for the election of another
fellow. |
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The warden then required Ryves himself to take the
oath for the election of a new fellow, which he refused;
thereupon the warden requested Mr. Walton, the eldest
fellow, to administer the oath to him, and receive it
himself, but through extreme age and the palsy, he was
not able to express his mind. Then the warden demanded
Anthony Beeley, and five other fellows named to do so,
but they all refused. Thereupon the warden caused the
Queen's letters to be read to them a secound time,
exhorted them to show the obedient care they ought ot
have of her pleasure, and protested that he was ready
and willing to elect Cotton as a fellow, in place of
Jeffries, if his oath might be given to him, and asked
them to be of the same mind; but the sub-warden and
fellows answered that they hoped it was no part of Her
Majesty's meaning that any place should be made void
contrary to statute, and to the oath of the party that
offered this conditional resignation, and that they assured
themselves she would mislike their rashness, if they
should venture to elect one so highly favoured by her
to be a fellow, with open and inevitable perjury of a
poor simple old man, procured to do he knew not what,
as he now, with grief and terror of conscience, affrmed
in the presence of them all. [5¾pages.] |
|
9. iv. M—, warden, and 34 fellows of New college, oxford,
to Lord Buckhurst. We apply toyour Lordship in a
very urgent cause. Mr. Cotton is using great means to be
admitted to the wardenship of Winchester College, in place
of Dr. Bilston, about to be transferred to the Bishopric of
Worcester; having had a free election to the wardenship
for more than 200 years, it would now be no small grief
to us to see a man placed there altogether ineligible for it,
who was never of the foundatioin of either of our colleges,
and who, not having had the necessary education, is not
likely to love the place like former wardens, as though it
had been his mother and nurse. As he seeks to have it
by means never before heard of, we hope, having in all
other things found Her Majesty's inclination towards
learning, that we shall not find her wonted favour altered,
and the rather because we find by our records that
although Queen Mary preferred Dr. White from the
wardenship of Winchester to the Bishopric of Lincoln,
yet we had the choice of the warden placed in his room.
As we have heretofore elected and chosen all that have
been admitted, we hope, by your Lordship's help, still to
hold that which we have never yet lost. [2pages.] |
|
New College, oxford, May 24, 1596. |
|
9. v. M. Culpeper, warden of New College, to Lord Buckhurst,
Chancellor of Oxford University. As I, with all the
fellows of the college, have already supplicated yout to be
a means to Her Majesty that our statute concerning the
election and appointment of a warden of Winchester
College (which has existed since the foundation, being
upwards of 200 years) might be observed, according to the
will of the founder, who gave the land and maintenanace
for the warden, we hope that such statute may not be
violated in Her Majesty's time, and while your Lordship
is our Chancellor, to the discontent and grief of so many,
who will repine to have Mr. Cotton,—although a man
otherwise well liked,—as their head, when he was never a
member. It is against our statute, which we are all
bound by oath to maintain, and which we turst your
Lordship will regard. We hope you will further our
petition in favour of Mr. Ryves, sub-warden of Winchester College, he being a bachelor of arts, a man of
credit and esteem, and otherwise very eligible. |
|
New College, Oxford, May 25, 1596. |
|
9. vi. Anthony Beeley and five other fellows of Winchester
College, to Lord Buckhurst. Thanks for your accepting
our letters unfolding our perplexed estate concerning the
election of Hen. Cotton, Her Majesty's chaplain, into our
fellowship, at her instance, so as to make him capable for
the warden's place, according to our statutes. We trust
that for the reasons stated, Her Majesty will not further
press us. We desire you to recommend Geo. Ryves to
Her Majesty; he stands in the next step to that preferment, being our sub-warden, and is the best experienced
in the general estate of the houses, having from his childhood continually lived either with us or in the New
College at Oxford. He is besides a B.D., a gentleman
by birth, and every way qualified for the government of
the house, and although there is the choice of many, yet
this man to us is the chiefest. [2 pages.] |
|
Winchester College, June 4, 1596. |
| June 7. |
10. Memorandum of the weight and value of bullion in silver
and gold brought from the Indies, including crosiers's staves and
broken plate; total, 4, 182l. 18s. 8d. |
June 8.
The court. |
11. Lord Admiral Howard and Sir Robt. Cecil to Lord Burghley.
you have understood from us, that it was Her Majesty's Pleasure
for the Earl of Essex to have so much of the surplusage of victuals
in Mr. Quarles and Mr. Darell's hands, towards the victualling of
this journey, as came to 1,620l.; we send the bearer, that he may
have order to deliver it, and receive directiopns as to where the bonds
shall be taken which the Earl procures for it. The sureties are
Sir John Skidamore and Mr. Ed. Greville, of Warwickshire, heir to
Lodowick Greville. |
| June 13 |
12. Earl of Essex to the Council. Having taken order for all
things that belong to our land forces, and staying only till the ships
be ready to take in our soldiers, I am come aboard, as well to draw
other men by example to leave the shore, as to have time and
leisure to see what other duties I have to do, besides the governing
of these troops, and using them to good purpose. In this meditation I first study to please and serve my Sovereign; next,
to leave your Lordships well satisfied of my carriage since I was
nominated to this service, and apt to make favourable construction
of what I shall do hereafter. In my past carriage I will neither
plead merit, nor excuse my imperfections; besides my faults, my
very faith and zeal, which are the best things in me, make me
commit errors, but I would vindicate myself for undertaking this
service. |
|
You know it hath been the wisdom of all times rather to attempt
and do something in another country, than to attend an enemy,
and be in danger to suffer much in our own; and if this rule
amongst the ancients was generally held true, it might be better
allowed of us, where a State,—little in territory, not extraordinarily
rich, and defended only with itself,—shall have to do with another
State that hath many and ample dominions, the treasure of the
Indies, and all the necessaries of Christendom to serve it; for we
have, as the Athenians had, with that ancient usurping Philip,
Prœlium facile, bellum difficile. Therefore it is our disadvantage
to draw the war into length; and if any man in this kingdom
should be allowed to persuade to prevention, he might be one that
saw the Spaniard at home apprehend an invasion with greater
terror than he makes it abroad, and that was a witness how a
handful of men, neither armed, victualled, nor ordered as they
should be, landed, marched, and had done what they listed, if
either the ships had come up, or they had had any provision to make
a hole in a wall, or to break open a gate. |
|
But though the counsel be good, the opportunity must be
watched, and it must appear that this is it which is now taken.
I take it to be when either the enemy may receive the most hurt,
or when he is likeliest to attempt against us, if not impeached.
The hurt that our State should seek to do him is to intercept
his treasure, whereby we shall cut his sinews, and make war upon
him with his own money, and beat him, or at least discontinue him
by sea, whereby Her Majesty shall be both secured from his inva-
sions, and become mistress of the sea, which is the greatness that
the Queen of an island should most aspire to. In matter of profit,
we may this journey much hurt him, and benefit ourselves, since he
has more carracks to come home now than ever, and may give him
a blow by sea. Now is the time, when he has declared his ambition
to command the seas, and yet his fleet so divided, some not ready
to set out, others returning home and not fit to defend themselves,
that if at any time we might do good that way, now is the
time. |
|
As to whether he will make war upon us if we let him alone, let
his solicitations, offers, and gifts to the rebels of Ireland, his
besieging of Calais, and winning those parts of France that front
upon us, and his strengthening himself by so many means, tell us;
if we ever allow the counsel of prevention to be reasonable, we must
confess it now opportune. Whatsoever the Council does, I am not
to be charged with it. I was not the contriver nor offerer of the
project, but if I had refused to join with them that invited me to
it, I should have been thought both incompatible and backward in
Her Majesty's service. I say not this because I think the action
such as it were a disadvantage to be thought the proprietor of it;
but I say, and truly, that my Lord Admiral devised it, presented it
to Her Majesty, and had her approbation, and the assent of such of
your Lordships as were acquainted with it, and my promise to join
with him. |
|
One thing I confess I, above all men, am to be charged with;
that when Her Majesty's, the City of London's, the Coasts', and
the Low Countries' charges were past, and the men levied and
marching to the rendezvous, I could not see how, with Her Majesty's
honour and safety, the journey might be broken; wherein, though
I should have been carried only with passion, yet I pray you consider who that had ben named to such an action, had engaged
in it as much as I was worth, and been the insturment of drawing more voluntary men of their own charges than ever were
seen these many years,—who, I say, would not have been so
affected? But far be it from me, in an action of this importance, to
weigh myself, or my particular fortune, anything in the world.
Remember that I was warranted by all your opinions, delivered
both amongst yourselves and to Her Majesty, which ties you all to
allow the counsel; that being granted, you will call that zeal that
makes a man constant in a good counsel, that would be passion in
an evil or a doubtful. I confess Her Majesty affords us recompense
for all our charges or losses, but consider how may things I
should have sold at once for money. I will leave my own reputation, as too small a matter to be mentioned, but I should have sold
the honour of Her Majesty, the safety of the State, the contenment
of her confederates, the fortune and hope of many of my poor
friends and countrymen, and the possibility of giving a blow to
that enemy that ought ever to be hateful to all true English hearts.
I should have sold all this for private profit, therefore though I as
pardon of Her Majesty, I pray yhou to mediate it for me, that I was
carried by this zeal so fast as to forget those reverend forms which
I should have used; yet I had rather have had my heart out of
my body thatn this zeal out of my heart. |
|
I have now laid before you my past carriage; give me leave
to prepare you to favourable construction of what I shall do hereafter. I will neither plead the hazarding of life, nor spending
my substance in a public service, that I might make you that
are public persons more favourable judges; but will confess I receive so much favour and honour by this employment, as when
I have done all I can, I shall still be behind-hand. I only make
this suit, that you will neither have too great an expectation of our
actions, nor too little, lest all we do seem either nothing or to be
done by chance. I know we must be tied to do no more than
shall be for Her Majesty's service, nor no less, in which straight way,
although it be hard for so weak a man as myself to walk upright,
yet the example of our raw soldiers may comfort an insuffficient
general; for until they grow perfect in their motions, they are so
afraid to be out, and with such a continual heedfulness observe both
themselves and those that are near them, that they keep almost
as good order at the first as ever after. I am as distrustful of
myself as they; and because I have more sense of my duty, I shall
be more industrious. For sea services, the judgment of my honourable companion shall be my compass; and for land, his assent and the advice of those that Her Majesty hath named as councillors at war. |
|
It will be honour to her, and a great assurance to her estate,
if we either bring home wealth or give the King of Spain a blow
by sea; but to have made a continual diversion, and to have left
as it were a thorn sticking in his foot had a work worthy of
such a Queen and of such a preparation; for then Her Majesty
should have heard no more of his intentions for Ireland, or attempts
upon the coast of France, nor of his drawing of ships or galleys into
these Narrow Seas but should have delivered all Christendom form
his fearful usurpation; wherein as she had been great in fame for
such a general preservation, so she ahd been as great in power, in
making all the enemies of Spain in Christendom to depend upon
her; she should be head of the party; she only might be said to
make the wars with Spain, because she made them to purpose, and
they all but as her assistants and dependents. Lastly, as the end of
war is peace, so she might have had peace when and with what conditions she would, and have left out whom she would; for she only should force him to wish for peace; and as easy it had been to have
done this as to have performed lesser services. |
|
The objections against this will be hazard, and charge; hazard
to hold anything of so mighty a King's and charge to send such
supplies as will be needful; but it is not the hazard of a State or the
whole,—as are the hazards of a defensive war,—but only a hazard
of some few, and such commanders as shall be set out for such
a service; those also that shall be so hazarded shall be in less
danger than if they were put into any frontier places of France or
of the Low Countires, for they should not be left in any part of the
continent of Spain or Portugal where the enemy might bring army
upon army to attempt them, (though I doubt not but after he had
once tried what it was to besiege 2,000 or 3,000 English in a place
will fortified, and where they had a port open, he would grow
quickly weary of those attempts), but they should be so lodged that
the state and strength of the place should warrant their safety; so
that to pull Her Majesty's men out of it should be a harder task
than to conquer any country that stands upon the firm land [Noted
by Cecil "Give the name"], and to let the English quietly possess
it should so much prejudice him as he were not able to endure it. |
|
For charge, it needs not so much but it might easily be borne,
and the place being well chosen, and the war well conducted, in a
short time there would not only arise enough to pay the charge, but
greater profit to Her Majesty, and wealth to our country would
grow from the place that should be held; for in a short time, a great
part of the golden Indian stream might be turned from Spain to
England, and Her Majesty be made able to give law to all the world
by sea, without her charge. Besides, this fearful enemy, now a
terror to all Christendom, should be so weakened in strength, reputation, and purse, as Her Majesty should have an easy enemy of him. |
|
You will desire to know the place that should be attempted,
the means to take and hold it, the advantages that may grow
to this State by it, &c.; but that shall be reserved till my
next. This is only to beseech you to think of this proposition, and
if you find it reasonable, move it to the Queen; if I be commanded
by her to set down the hypothesis, or to descend into particulars, I will offer my project, on condition that if I advise anything
that the council of war shall think dangerous, it may be rejected;
or if I be actor in anything belonging to this project wherein
Her Mjesty receives dishonour, that I may answer it with my life.
Your Lordships Know I am matched with those in whom I have
no particular interest, but must attribute their assenting to my
good hap in taking the better part. I find in the Lord with whom I
am joined so much zeal to do Her Majesty service, that I doubt not
but our unity in affection will make a unity in council. |
|
This tedious letter was begun in a day of leisure, but finished in
the midst of our troublesome business; I pray you to pardon its
errors, and keep so honourable an opinion of me that I be not condemned by you upon any complaints, till I have given an answer to
them; for as the nature of my place is subject to envy and detraction, so a little body full of sharp humours is the hardest kept
in temper, and all the discontented humours of an army make their
greatest quarrel with him that commands, not so much for his faults,
as because he bridles theris. |
|
P.S. (Autograph.)—I beseech you to pardon my using another
hand for this transcript, as I have been forced to go from ship to
ship to make our loiterers go out of harbour, and made my hand
unable to wirte so long a lettr. [Noted by Cecil; 4 pages. Printed in Devereux's Earls of Essex, Vol. I., pp. 349—356.] |
| June 13. |
13. Copy of the above. [5pages.] |
| June 13. |
14. Another copy [10pages.] |
June 15.
London. |
15. Hen. Billingsley, Rich. Carmarden, Rob. Dow, and Rob.
Harvey to Lord Burghley. We think, after conference with the
workmen, that the enlarging of the custom house with the new
building 35 feet towards the water side, raising the inner side upon
pillars, widening the secound story where we keep our office raising
the roof of the office for the wool staple, repairirng decays, &c., will
amount to 700l. more, so that the privy seal had need be for 700l.,
the same as before. We will give an account when the work is
finished, and Her Majesty shall find us as careful in thelaying out of
this money as we were in the former. There is another roof to be
raised, which should be done at Mr. Needham, the tenanth's, expense,
for he has the use of all the upper rooms as a dwelling, and has been
at no charge. |
June 16.
St. John's, Colchester. |
16. Sir Thos. Lucas to he Privy Coucil. According to your
command of 14 June, I send Thos. Wenden, a retainer of Sir John
Smythe's, in custody of Wm. Ayers, keeper of Colchester gaol, and
of Ralph Norden, my servant; also the examinations of Weden
and others, which I have taken, touching seditious words spoken
by Sir John. I will endeavour to apprehend all those who are suspected of any seditious purposes. |
|
P.S.—If you will speak with Norden, who is the senior ensign in
my band of 600 men, and lives in the same parish as Wenden, he
can inform you that Wenden is a desperate and lewd character, and
a thief and burglar, but that he is so borne out by Sir John Smythe
that the parties robbed would rather suffer their loss than complain,
and that the justices are unwilling to deal with him. He is a
companion of John Newton, also a very bad man, who by order
from the justice, has been whipped at the cart's tail. Wenden was
indicted at the assizes for slanderous words spoken of the Queen,
and ought by law th have lost his ears, and was kept in gaol for a
long time, but by means made to Serjeant Puckering, then justice of
assize, he was not brought to trial, but delivered, as the Serjeant
said it was too filthy a matter to be brought in open place. Wenden
and Newton formerly belonged to my band, but were expelled for
their lewdness. I have just received your letters direction me to
assist the other justices in examining the other men in the field
at the time. I beg to be excused if I do not do it with requisite
speed, those witnesses being now scattered. I doubt not to
prove all I have certified, and to clear myself of any objections.
Encloses, |
|
16. i. Examination of John Lucas and Thos. Cockerell, gentlemen, and Mat. Damyon and seven other yeomen, before
Sir Thos. Lucas. Sir John Smythe came on horsebuck,
accommpanied with a nobleman belonging, as he said, to
the blood royal, and of Lord Beauchamp's house, into
Windmill Field, Colchester, where Sir Thomas Lucas was
training his band, and asked the soldiers if they would
follow him, and all that would do so were to hold up their
hand and march on. He said the nobleman should be
their captain, and that he himself was under him; that
there was a press out for 1,000 men, but those whjo followed him should go no further than he went; that there were traitors about the Court, and that the Lord Treasurer
was a traitor of traitors; that the common people had
been a long time oppressed, and should have redress if
they would go with him; Mr. Mannock being then also
on horsebace, he clapped him on the shoulder and said,
"You will go with me," to which Mannock replied, "I
will." Mannock is a recusant Papist, dwelling in his
own house at Copford parish, three miles from Colchester,
and although known to be obstinate and bold in speech,
he has not been indicted. Noted [by Lord Burghley],
"Sirs, many of you have been concerned, but as many of
you as will follow me I will keep you all at home," also
"In Holborn, at a house of one Ratchliff." June 12, 1596. |
|
16. ii. Like examination of Geo. Cole, of Dedham, and three other
yeomen, before the same. Sir John Smythe came riding
into Windmill Field with the Earl of Herford's second
son, Mr. Seymour, Mr.Brome, and Thos. Mannock, and
coming in front of the pikemen, as they stood in square,
with two wings of bowmen standing in flank, he said,
"My masters, if you will go with me you shall not go out
of the land, but I will spend my life with you." The
pikemen asked if they should go with him then, to which
Sir John replied, " You shall go with a better man than
myself or Sir Thos. Lucas; here is a nobleman of the blood
royal, brother to the Earl of Beauchamp, that shall be your
captain, under whom I am assistant." He also spoke of
traitors about the Court, adding, "They have confined
9,000 men foolishly to weaken the land, and to bring in
the King of France, and if you will go with me, I
will see a reformation; all that will go with me
hold up your hands and follow me;" thereupon he
commanded 12 of the best archers to follow him, but
they all answered that if their captain would bid them
go, they would, but not without. Thereupon Sir John,
clapping Mr. Brome on the back, said, " You will go with
me," but deponents heard no answer. [Noted by Lord
Burghley.]
June 12, 1596. |
|
16. iii. Like examination of Thos. Wenden, of Aldham parish, Colchester. Yesterday (Saturday), was with Clement Cowey,
Thos. March, and Robt. and Hen. Lyes, at Aldham, and
asked them if they had been to Colchester that day. Cowey
said he had; asked him what news he heard; he said none;
replied, " Have you not heard how my master proclaimed
the Lord Treasurer a traitor in the field, and that there
were 5,000 or 6,000 men slain about Greenwich, and lay
upon heaps that men may go over their shoes in blood;"
then said Cowey, " I pray God save the Queen;" replied
that he prayed it might not be too late, and said that they
would have further news that night, and hoped they would
not hear the bells rung. Told Lyes he should not now
take care for the payment of the 9l. which he owed Polly. |
|
June 13, 1596. |
|
16. iv. Like examination of Clement Cowey, Thos. Marche, and
Hen. Lyes, of Aldham, yeomen, to The like effect. [2 pages.] |
|
June 13, 1596. |
June 18.
The Ark. |
17. Proceedings in the Council of War. On intelligence to the
generals by an Irishman taken by the Lord Admiral, that the ships
supposed to be at Pointall are before Cadiz, with two argosies laden
with wheat, and 28 or 30 other ships of war, it was resolved that
General Essex should attempt Cadiz, with such ships as had companies of soldiers aboard; and the rest of the ships (except those
sent under Sir Alex. Clifford to stop the galleys at St. Maryport),
should attend the Lord General and Admiral, to stay the enemies
ships in the port, that they may not escape till the town be taken,
or to attempt the ships, if there because. Also that Sir Walter
Raleigh, with five vessels, ply between the shore and the fleet, to
intercept two vessels laden with corn for supply of the dearth at
Lisbon. With the names of 13 ships that are to attend the Lord
General, and 10 the Lord Admiral, with the squadron of the Low
Countries, and all such other ships as carry no soldiers. [Copy.] Also, |
June 19.
The Due Repulse. |
18. Proceedings in a Council of War. Yesterday's resolution
was altered, and it was resolved that the Lord Admiral should land
troops south of Cadiz isle, and anchor south of St. Sebastion, but
not land the regiments till Lord General Essex had landed his troops
at Sta. Catalina, for taking the town. Sir Walter Raleigh, with
the ships under his charge and the Dutch squadron, to anchor near
the entrance of the harbour, to take care that the ships riding near
Cadiz do not escape, but not to fight (expect in self defence or to
assist Capt. Clifford) without further direction. [Copy.] Annexing, |
|
18. i. The Council of War to Sir Walter Raleigh. Directions
to act according to the resolutions of the preceding
council, which are detailed. Noted that this letter was
not signed by the Generals, by reason of the Lord
Admiral's sudden departure. |
|
Due Repulse, 19 June 1596. |
June 19.
Tower. |
19. Sir John Smythe to the Council. Being ordered to notify
to you the names of such lawyers as I have heard debate together,
whether the Kings of England in times past might levy English
soldiers by commission, and send them for ultra-marine services, I
signify that Mr. Ridgeley, held to be a very sufficient lawyer, was clear
in the case. I was speaking of the great preparation being made
against us in Spain, and said it was a very hard matter for the King of
Spain to levy anyh great force to come agaist us, as neither King Philip
nor any other before him could, by the laws of Spain, levy any of
his subjects to carry them to serve in any of his foreign dominions,
unless upon the sound of the drum, they would voluntarily enrol
themselves. Mr. Ridgeley replied that, by the ancient laws of England, the Kings in former times could not levy by commission any
English soldiers, to send them into foreign service, unless they would
voluntarily enrol themselves. Mr. Wiseman entered into the argument, but neither opf them uttered anything to derogate from Her Majesty's princely and lawful authority, but only their opinions in law. |
|
When Her Majesty lay at Sir Rowland Haward's house, in Hackney, at the end of the year '87 or the beginning of '88, I came to the court, then at Hackney, to deliver to the Earl of Leicester,
Lieutenant of Essex, my muster roll of all the horse and foot of
the said shire; I went to Sir Roger Manwood, late Lord Chief Baron,
at St. Bartholomew's, on private business. We discoursed on the
great levies of soldiers that had been made in divers shires in the
year '87, to be sent into the Low Countries, when the Baron said
that it had not been usual in former ages to make levies of men by
commission ot send beyond seas, unless they voluntarily enrolled
themselves. I asked him how Edward III. and other Kings formed
their armies to invade France and other foreign dominions; he
answered that they were all voluntary men, and that the Kings
making choice of Dukes, Marquesses, Barons, Knights, and other captains, such persons entered into a covenant with the Kings to bring certain numbers of men-at-arms, demi-lances, and archers. This
will appear by a number of records, both in the Tower and at
the Exchequer. [1¼ pages.] |
| June 21. |
20.—to Lord [Burghley]. Pray move Her Majesty concerning the ruinous condition of heor manor housoe aot otford. It
will be seen by the certificate of Sir thos. Flood, made two years
since, in what state it then was, and it has since grown far worse.
I fear Her Majesty will not be at the charge of repairing it, as your
Lordship thinks that it is not worth it; if she were to bestow 1,000l.
upon it, it would be but money lost; that sum would not make it fit
for her to live in, and two or three years hence, it would require
mending again. If it is not wanted, it would be better to sell it to
her use, while the timber and other things will yield money, than
to let it fall into utter ruin; in that case, I and some friends would
buy it. |
|
Otford being so near to my house, I have long desired to have
some estate in it, and once moved you in this matter, and you
wished I had it. I will buy it of the Queen, and rather than not
satisfy Her Majesty, if I may have a good estate in the park, I will
build a pretty house at my own charge, and keep it in repair, so
that she may dine there as she passes by. She is at nearly 20l. a
year charge in fees for the housoe and park; I would discharge her
of that sum, and give her a rent of 30l. a year, so that otford
would be 50l. more yearly to her than before, and she would save
the money for the repairs, which cannot be less than 4,000 marks,
200l. at least for the repairs of the pales and rails of the park, and
100l. a year to keep it in order, the site being so wet and damp;
I would take the timber in the park at a valuation. I am in debt,
and must sell land if Her Majesty does not relieve me, although my
greatest debts are merely growing from her service; yet I will not
move anything unfit for her to give, for me to ask, or for your Lordship to favour. I need help, and desire some grace at Her Majesty's hands, as living in her service, yet will not crave of your Lordship
to prefer my name herein. I know it is not fit for you to move
such suits, and that if you begin with me, you must end with a great
many. I only beseech you to let Her Majesty know in what state
her house is, and to give her your opinion what ought to be
done; however little or much you do herein, I will ever greatefully
acknowledge. [1¾ pages.] |
June 23.
St. John's Colchester. |
21. Sir Thos. Lucas to the council. In obedience to your letter
of the 20th, I send the depositions of 25 witnesses, taken before
myself, Edw. Grymstone, and John Sains, justices of the peace, and
Thos. Waldegrave, of Bewers, which witnesses were in the field, and
heard and saw the seditious attempts, behaviour, and speeches used
by Sir John Smythe to the soldiers, on 12 June. At first, for haste
and to prevent danger, I only certified two examinations, one of four,
and the other of II persons, wherein some of them spoke the whole
and others only a part; but these are more certain, and where
divers deponents are named in one deposition, they all say the same. |
|
I have taken other depositions touching Thomas Wnden, a retainer to Sir John Smythe; first of thos. Hills, of Aldham, whom
Wenden makes the author of his speeches, but we find no such
cause; he is a plain honest man, and well thought of amongst
his neighbours, and the depositions of others charge Wendon with
being the author himself of his seditious speeches. Robert Frost
of Colchester, bowyer, charges Thos. Mannock, gent., with 42 bows,
and 40 sheaves of arrows, said to be Sir John Smythe's remaining
in Colchester. I wait directions about him. |
|
I think the nobleman, Mr. Brome, and Mr. Thos. Mannock. cannot be ignorant of Sir John's intentions, as they accompanied him
into the field when he addressed the soldiers, and never showed
any dislike to it, but held up their hands, saying they would all go
with him; some of the soldiers stepped out of their ranks and followed him, but through the persuasion of those standing by,—who
were gentlemen constables, and men of the wiser sort, who asked them
if they would be hanged,—they returned to their ranks, and made
a condition, the if their captains would go, they would; whereupon
Sir John and his company went away greatly discontented. Brome
uttered very angry words because the soldiers would not hold up
their hands, as appears by several depositions, and Thos. Mannock
told Sir John he would go with him. Mannock was so well mountoed
and apparelled that he was the admiration of all who knew him,
having never seen him in such good garments before; and it was
thought he looked to have charge they day, as captain of a company
of men. He was known to be great with Sir John, who went nowhere
without him. |
|
I found Lawrence Brome, after long search, at Little Baddow, the
parish where Sir John dwells, and caused him to be apprehended
and sent to your Lordships, in custody of Wm. Ayers, gaoler of
Colchester Castle, and of my servant, Ralph Norden. Mannock has
been from home since the day he was with Sir John, and is reported
to be attending on your Lordships at Court, as a suitor for his
discharge, so I cannot send him up. As to Sir John's saying they
I am not his friend, God forbid I should be a friend to him or to any
other, in this or any other cause of dislovalty; but it is well known
to all the country that there was never any show of dis-frinedship
between us; the charging me with not being his friend is as true as
his excuse for his words spoken of the Lord Treasurer, that he was
drinking that morning a great deal of white wine and sack. I have
credibly learned that that morning, and at dinner that day, for himself and his company of atleast a dozen persons, they had but three
pints of white wine and three pints of sack; a plain confession of
his fault might, in so foul a cause, have become him better than a
bad defence. Had I not timely taken hold of witneses while they
were in the field, I should hardly have got the truth testified to, for
the people will not be got to say what they know and have heard
spoken, and some have laboured others that they should not testify
what they know. I have committed one of good ability to the gaol
of Colchester Castle, where he still remains as an example. I send
a list of those who are retainers to Sir John, distinguishing those
belonging to the trained band. |
|
P.S.—Sir John Smythe has, at his house at Coggeshall, eight
miles from Colchester, divers things supposed to be for war, locked
up in chests and trunks of great weight. I cannot learn what they
are, as none are bold enough to open them without a warrant from
your Lordships. There is atilt and tent also. A few days before
his attempts, these things were brought from his house at Baddow,
where Lady smyothe now lies. Since his troubles, some things have
been conveyed away, and more will be, unless further care be had;
there are great boxes full of bullets, with fine devices to charge the
piece readily and surely, and not so few as 1,000 of them in readiness.
I send some by the bearer. |
|
22. i.Depositions of Geo. Cole and 24 others of Deham, Colchester,
and other places in Essex, before Sir thos. Lucas, Edw.
Grimston, and John Gaines, Justices of the Peace, and in
the hearing of Thos. Waldegrace, gent., of Bewers in the
same county, as to the words uttered by Sir John smythe to
the trained band, while at drill in Windmill field near
Colchester, before Sir Thos. Lucas, on 12 June 1596; as
also of the proceedings of Mr. Seymour, Mr. Brome, Thos.
Mannock, and others who accompanied him; being to
the same effect as those of John Lucas and others of
12th June. [6 sheets, copies.] June 21, 1596. |
|
22. ii.Like deposition of thos. Hills of Aldham, Essex. On 12 June,
Wendon, who had been at Coggeshall, came and asked
deponent the news from Colchester. Told him that Sir
John Smythe had like to haove raised great murmurs
among the soldiers, by speaking against the Lord Treasurer.
Wendon said his master must have had sure grounds for
what he had spoken. Also, |
|
Like depositions of Clement cowey, Thos. March, and
Hen. Lyes, all of Aldham, co. Essex. Thomas Wendon
asked them the news from Colchester, and when they said
they had none, informed them that Sir John Smythe, in
Windmill Field, before the trained band, had proclaimed
the Lord Treasurer a traitor, and said that there were so
many men slain and laying upon heaps about the Court
at Greenwich, that men might go over their shoes in bolld;
wupon Cowey's saying God save the Queen, Wendon replied
that he doubted if it was not too late; and that Lord Seymour lay at his master's (Sir John Smythe's) house the
night before, and had brought letters to tell him what to
do. Wendon also told Rob. Lyes to be of good cheer, that
he need not now pay the 9l. he owed Polly, and that they
all would hear further news to-morrow, if not to-night,
and all the bells in the country would ring. He advised
Robt. Lyes to cut Polly's throat. [1 sheet.] June 21, 1596. |
|
22. iii. Deposition of robt. Frost, of Colchester, bowyer, before
Sir Thos. Lucas. Is 21 years old. A quarter of a year
since, Thos. Mannock of compford, three miles from colchester, came to the house of his father, who is a bowyer,
to get 40 livery bows of yew mended and new horned,
and some arrows new geathered and headed, and said
that as they belonged to Sir John smythe, they must be
done outo of hand. A week after he sent the bows and
arrows, and deponent's father was to receive 8d. each for
repairing them, which is not yet paid, and the bows have
not been fetched away. The arrows were taken to rich.
French of Colchester, to be new feathered, headed with
bearded heads, and put up in good leather cases with
girdles, and they also have not been fetched away. |
|
June 22, 1596. |
|
22. iv. List by Sir Thos. Lucas, of the names and addresses of 22 retainers of Sir John Smythe in Essex, who wear his
livery, although they are not of his household nor take
wages, six of whom are of the trained band of 600 men,
of which Lucas is captain. |
|
June 24, 1596. |
June 23.
Southampton House. |
23. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Treasurer sir Wm. Cecil (sic). I
recommend William Lavington, for the controllership of customs at
Bristol, which his kinsman, Jackson, the present controller, wishes
to resign in his favour. |
| June. 26. |
24. Account by Hen. Harris, of money paid by him to Wm.
Manington, Wm. Sayer, and John Medler, for work mentioned done
by them at the court house at Milton, as also in the Marsh there;
total, 1l. 12s. With note that he has been paid the amount by
Ambrose Poppinger. |
| June 26. |
25. List of 20 Spanish galleys taken in Cadiz road, by Sir Robt.
Cross, June 26, 1596, giving their captains' names, and some account of their crewsa and ordnance. With note that the Adelantado
Don Martin de Pavilia was at Matherille. |
June 27.
Court, Greenwich. |
26. The Council to the attorney and Soplicitor General, Wm.
Waad and Fras. Bacon. We sent you the examinations of Sir John
Smythe, requiring you to draw interrogatories therefrom to be put
to him in the Tower, and with sir Drue Drury, to repair thither
to examine him; we thought good to join the two latter gentlemen
to the former, for the better performance of that service, and you
are to act with them accordingly. With note by Lord Treas.
Burghley, 'I require you not to charge with his slander of me." |
| June 28. |
27. Examination of Sir john Smythe before Att. Gen. Coke,
Sol. Gen. Fleming, Sir D. Drury, and F. Bacon. Ten years ago,
bought 40 livery bows and sheaves of arrows in London; last Lent,
sent the bows to a bowter at colchester, and the arrows to a
fletcher there, to be newly dressed and made fit for service, as had
been done three or four years before. Three weeks since, intending
to remove his wife and family from his house at Tofts to Coggeshall,
carried there his armour, and powder and shot, which he lays up in
chests and trunks; over and above what is necessary for his own
person, has armour enough for a dozen men. On Friday, 11
June, went to the musters at Colchester, and the day before, Thos.
Seymour came to his house at Tofts, by his invitation sent to him
and his wife to come and make merry, but he came without her.
Also asked Mr. Mannock to meet them at Colchester. |
|
Knows that neither the Emperor, the King of Spain, nor the
French King can press soldiers to serve out of their dominions, and
so was it in England, in the time of Edward I. to Richard II., and
since, and none have been pressed against their will to serve out of
the realm, unless it were by the consent of the realm, and so hath
the Emperor done by consent of diets. Has heard Lord Chief baron
Manwood and mr. Ridgeley, the lawyer, say that soldiers could
not by the law of this realm, be pressed against their will for
service beyond the seas, without the general consoent of the realm,
and a war proclaimed. |
|
Does not remember using seditious words to the soldiers at Colchester, on the 12th instant, but was then much distempered by
superfluity of diet, having taken a liberal supper overnight at
Sir Thos. Lucas's house, contrary to his custom, and haoving next
morning drunk white wine and claret at the White Hart, in Colchester; he, Seymour, and Mannock dined there together, and going
afterwards at 1 o'clock to the muster, and speaking much, does not
remember what he said, but knows he misgoverned himself, being
overcome with drink and passion against the Lord Treasurer. |
|
Knows there have been 2,900 pressed out of Essex, besides a
great number of volunteers, who are employed in foreign service,
and that not 200 have returned; and understanding by the report
of a foot soldier at the musters, that there were 11,000 or 12,000
more to be pressed for service beyond seas, whereof 1,000 should go
out of Essex, pitying the destruction of his countrymen, knowing
those men to be pressed principally by the Lord Treasurer, who
manages the State under Her Majesty, and being much aggrieved
with divers matters offered him by the Lord treasurer in former
times, broke out into a rage, and spoke unadvisedly he knows not
what. If he had meant to have made any insurrection, would
have attempted it the Friday before, on which day also he and
Seymour were at the musters, and when there were 600 soldiers;
not on Saturday, when there were but 80. |
|
Seymour and Mannock much blamed him for the words he spoke
in his distemper, and both rode out of the field before him; has not
seen either of them since. Wrote to beg mannock to take no care
for any words that he had spoken that day, as Mannock was
in no sort privy or consenting thereto. [2¾pages.] Annexing, |
|
27. i. Sir John Smythe to Thos. Mannock. I would wish that
as you were before utterly ignorant of the motion and
words that I used to a part of Sir Thos. Lucas's band
yeaterday, you would not amaze yourself because you were
present and in my company. The vehement words I
spoke were against the Lord Treasurer, and no ways
against the Queen, whom I did not so much as name; all
which considered, I know that by no law or justice can
you receive any blame. Baddow, June 13, 1596. |
| June 28. |
28. Copy of the above examination, with marginal notes [by
Coke. 2¼ pages.] |
June 28.
Westminster. |
29. Grant to Cornelius Cure, of the office of master mason in
the Tower, and the Queen's other castles, manors, and residences, void
by death of Edw. Young; fee, 12d. a day, and a yearly livery from
the great wardrobe. Interlined with a reversionary grant to Edw.
Johnson. [Latin, 3 sheets.] |
| June 28. |
30. Intelligence from St. lucar. On 19 June, eight of the
Queen's ships entered the Bay of Cadiz, fought 30 vessels, took 18,
sunk four, and burnt the St. Philip, a great man-of-war. Next
day the army arrived, and took 40 sail, richly laden for the West
Indies; 18 more escaped and came up the river of Seville. On the
21st they entered Cadiz, and defeated 400 horse. The Duke of
Medina had fled to Port Real. St. Mary Port is on fire, or it is
thought they have taken it. At St. Lucar, all the Flemish were
ordered to lay their ordnance on shore, but the town being in an
uproar, the people leaving for Seville, one vessel slipped anchor and
sailed, though shot at from the castle. |
| [June 28.] |
31. Advertisement of an English merchant who has come from
St. Lucar, 24 June 1596, confirmed by others from other parts of
Spain, as Lagos, &c. |
|
On June 22, the English fleet arrived at Cadiz road, where at
Puntall, 24 galleons were appointed to waft the fleet preparing for
the West Indies. At the mouth of the road were 12 large ships,
laden with powder and munition from the royal magazine at Cadiz,
going to Lisbon to escort the carracks; also at Cadiz, were two
argosies, and 40 merchant vessels, laden with wine, oil, linen, silk, &c.
The 12 large ships fought ours as long as they could; three being
separated from the rest were burned, and the rest taken or sunk; 15
others at Porto Santa Maria attacked our rearguard, but 11 were
taken and the rest fled. On this our army landed, and the next morn-
ing took the town. Porto Sta. Maria was seen on fire, and is therefore
believed to be taken also. The people of St. Lucar, despairing of
defending themselves, prepare to fly; the Duke of Medina was there,
but has fled home. |
|
The reason of not hearing from our army has been contrary winds,
which have made it difficult to get over. There is no doubt of our
army's fighting the King of Spain by sea, nor of the taking of the
isle, but there is no certain news as yet. [French, corrected draft,
1¼ pages.] |
| [June 28.] |
32. English translation of the above. [1½ pages.] |
| June 29. |
33. Examination of Thos. Seymour, before Attorney General
Coke and Solicitor General Fleming. Was invited by Sir John
Smythe, through his servant Wittingham, the Wednesday before the
musters at Colchester, to come over with his friends, to his house to
make merry, but does not remember that he was requested to bring
his wife; Sir John provided horses for him. Next day, Thursday,
went to Sir John's house at Baddow. on Friday they rode to colchester, when Sir John went to the musters, and then to Sir
Thomas Lucas's house to supper. After this they returned to their
inn in colchester, and next morning at 11 o'clock, went to dinner
at the inn, with Mr. Mannock and Capt. Brome, and had not
above a quart of claret anf very little white wine. sir John said
at table that he was sorry his nation was consumed in foreign wars. |
|
After dinner he left them for a short and went to his chamber,
and then they rode with him to the musters; all this time he
was not distempered with diet or drink. Upon their arriving
there, Sir John rode to the pikemen, and said that as our
country and nation were daily consumed in foreign wars, and there
was a new press for more men, he would seek to stay them at
home if they would be led by him, and those thaot would be so
were to hold up their hands, whihc divers did. Rode up to him,
and found great fault with his speech, and from thence rode to the
Lord Treasurer at Court and revealed this matter to him.Mr.
Mannock would haove accompanied him if his horse had held out.
Returned to Sir John his letter containing the invitation; it stated
that he had divers friends at his house who sould be glad to see
examinant, but on coming thither, only fould sir John and his
lady and his brother, who usually lives with him. Does not
remember that any person spoke to Sir john on his coming into
the field, but those of his own company. Noted [by Coke], that
Whittingham dwells at the White Nag's Head, Aldgate, and keeps
an inn. [3 pages.] |
| June 29. |
34. Copy of the above. [1½ pages.] |
| June 30 |
35 Examination of Thos. Mannock, gentleman, before Attorney
General Coke and Solicitor General Fleming. Went by invitation
on Friday the 11th instant, to dine with Sir john Smythe at the
Whit Hart, Colchester, with Mr. Seymour and Mr. Brome
Found them coming from their oysters to wash. At dinner Sir
John ate little or nothing; did not mark whether he drank little
or much; he was unusually silent, rose from the table in the middle
of dinner, and went out and never sat down again. After dinner he called for his horses, and they rode with him into the
field; did not hear him sppeak to the soldiers the words he has
heard of since, or would have staid him, though loving him well.
Riding from the soldiers, met mr. Seymour, who said he thought
Sir John had sent for him to make merry, and that he would not
have dealt thus with him, to bring his name in question, and
thereby undo him. On the Monday after the mustersm, received a
letter from Sir John, stating that there was no cause why examinate should be so grieved, as he was clear enough. Thinks Sir
John wanted him in the field, on account of there being a great
mislike between Sir Thomas Lucas and examinate. [1¾ pages.] |
| June 30. |
36. Copy of the above. |
| June 30 ? |
37. Earl of Essex to Cecil. I have written your father all the
news here, and an account of Monday's fight. Pray keep the paper
to yourself, but impart the contents to whom you please. |
June 30.
Ethy. |
38. Fras. Countenay to Mr. Salaway, at Mr. Fanshaw's office,
I only send 16l. this term, it is all i can gather, as that part of
the country [of Cornwall] which is in my collection is so poor, and
so much burnt by the Spaniards, that at least 40l. of the 200l. will be
wanting; but I hope to do better next term. I pray you to advise
the bearer what to do for my discharge, that no process be issued
against me. I paid 54l. last term, and only 16l. this. I will send
some fresh fish for your master, my very good friend. |
|
The fleet left Plymouth 3 June, with the Earl of Essex, the
Lord Admiral, Earl of Sussex, Sir W. Raleigh, Sir Geo. Carew,
Lieutenant of Ordnance, Sir Fras. Vere, Sir Edw. Blount, and many
othes of great account, and 8,000 land soldiers; the ships were
doubly manned, half the men being to serve as land soldiers. The
fleet is above 80 English sail, 22 Hollanders and Flushingers, and
15 others. The company of a bark come into Mounts' Bay report
that this fleet arrived at Cascales, with the young King of Portugal,
and took it and Lisbon also, and that the garrison of Spaniards
fled out of the town, the Portuguese in the town having assembled
against them. They also met some 30 sail, with munition and
other things for Calais or thereabouts. [1½ pages.] |
| June ? |
39. Declaration of the account of james Quarles and Marmaduke
Darell, surveyors of navy victuals, for the victualling for five
months, ended 30 June 1596, of 390 men, who were employed in
the late expedition against Cadiz, under the Earl of Essex and Lord
Admiral. Receipts, 49,500l. 8s. 11¼d.; payments, 55,386l. 11s. 6¾d. |
| June. |
40. Account by W. Lambarde, Thos. Foirtescue, and John Wigges,
of fees received for writs of entry on [Crown] lands, licences, pardons,
&c., during the last Trinity term and preceding vacation; total,
703l. 18s. 7¾d. With notes of other receipts and payments, leaving
a balance in the Receiver's hands of 524l. 5s. 3¾d. [1 Sheet, damaged.] |
| Jun ? |
41.Earl of Essex and Lord Admiral Howard to the Council.
We have sent Capt. Conway to impart such things as are necessary
to be signified and ordered. We request credence, and a speedy
despatch for him. |
June.
London. |
42. Earl of Southampton to Sir John Stahnope. I hear that the
Queen's answer to my suit about bestowing worthy parsonage,—in
my gift, but in the Queen's disposition, by promotion of the Bishop
of Winchester,—is that she stays a grant to the person recommended by me, on pretence of an advowson granted to Mrs. Carew by the late Earl, my father's executors; this advowson, being in
minority, is void unless I were still a ward. Had the advowson
fallen in otherwise than by promotion, I should have bestowed it
without regarding the advowson, and now it cannot afect the
Queen's prerogative. It would have been in the master of the Wards'
gift, had it fallen in during my minority. For all these reasons, I
hope the Queen will admit the person recommended by me. [Draft.] |
1596.
June ? Greenwish. |
The Council to the Lord Mayor of London. You are to take
order that the butchers do not sell any beef to merchants for victualling their ships, until Her Majesty's surplus store of salt beef
prepared for victualling the navy be first expended, as norwithstanding orders for no ships to pass the river without their full proportion of the said beef, some merchants are buying from butchers.
[Dom. Eliz., Vol. 237, fol. 169] |
| June? |
43. Petition of Capts. William Tatton, George Leiceste, John
Daniell, George Spurston, and John Hocknell, to council. In October last [1595], their Honours granted letters to the Commissioners of cheshire, to collect fitting allowance for the captains of the
trained soldiers, for keeping the armour and training the men for eight
years past; but they have not taken any orfer thereon. Request
their Honours to set down a fitting allowance, and give orders for its
collection. They have the charge of 500 soldiers, each 100 consisting of 70 calivers and 30 corslets. With note of the armour and
equipage required. Endorsed is an abstract of the contents. |
| June ? |
44. Similar petition, begging some mode of satisfaction. |
| June ? |
45. Petition of the Levant company to Lord Burghley, that the
Queen would send her letters of congratulation to the Grand Seignor
[Mahomet III.], who has been settled in his government at least
12 months, and received presents from other princes. Also that she
would mention her intention to send him a present in November,
and make some excuse for not soending it earlier; otherwise he may
take the matter in such ill part as will endanger the loss of their
goods in that country, and the captivity of the residents. |
| June ? |
46. Notes of the nomination or promotion of certain Bishops, &c.
[made or proposed], viz.— |
|
The Bishop to Durham to be Archbishop of York. |
|
The Dean of Windsor to be Bishop of Durham. |
|
The Bishop of Worcester to be Bishop of London. |
|
The Dean of Durham to be Bishop of Worcester. |
|
The Bishop of Lincoln to be Bishop of Winchester. |
|
The Bishop of Chester to be Bishop of Lincoln. |
|
Mr. Redman to be Bishop of Norwich. |
|
The Bishop of bangor to be Bishop of Chester. |
|
Dr. Vaughan to be Bishop of Bangor. |
|
The Bishop of St. Asaph to be Bishop of Exeter. |
|
The Bishop of Llandaff to be Bishop of St. Asaph. |
|
The Dean of Christchurch to be Dean of Durham. |
| June ? |
47. Statement of the reason why Her Majesty is to be moved for
compassion towards the poor orphans of the Bishop of London.
He served her as chaplain and almoner for 18 years; his one
offence may be satisfied with the service and duties of so many
years, and with his untimely death, which followed as an effect of
his unhappy marriage. If the rest of the debt be exacted, it must
be raised by extent of his house at Chelsea, which is the only means
left to relieve his eight children, some of whom are infants. It
would be a great discredit to the Church of England for a bishop's
children to go begging, which must needs follow if Her majesty
does not remit that which remains of her debt, their uncle, who
may not forsake them though it be to his undoing, having nine
children, and his estate hardly sufficient to maintain his own charge.
The Bishop got into debt solely by Her Majesty's favours in his
preferments, whereby he was kept in continual payment of first
fruits and tenths, haoving paid 3,000l. within three years. He
also made gratifications out of the London bishopric to divers of the
Court, by her appointment, to the extent of 2,000l. Annexing, |
|
47. i. Note of the said gratification, viz., to Lady Stafford out
of Paddington, 800l.; to Mr. Darcy out of witham, 200l.;
to sir Edw. Denny out of Starford, 500l.; and for the
office of registrarship, 600l.; total, 2,100l. |
June ?
St. Lawrence Poultney's Lane, London, near the Old Swan. |
48. Paper book, entitled John Young's notes for sea service, containing— |
|
i. Capt. John Young to the Earl of Essex. I send rules or
observations to be observed by Her Majesty's naval force when
engaged in any warlike operations at sea. |
|
ii. The 46 rules alluded to for the internal regulation of ships,
discipline, diet, religion, &c. [8 pages.] |
St. Lawrence
Poultney Lane, London, near the Swan. |
iii. Capt. John Young to the Earl of Essex. I send rules
which ought to be observed by Her Majesty's ships upon meeting the enemy at sea. |
|
iv. The 20 rules alluded to for regulation of naval warfare.
With marginal notes, being abstracts of each observation.
[14pages.] |
|
v. Petition of Capt. John Young to the Earl of Essex for his
interest with Her Majesty to bestow some office or employment
upon him, as also her royal protection for three years, so that
he may travel without molestation, to collect his debts, and
satisfy his creditors. Has been sundry times employed in her
affairs at sea, in which he has sustained lamentable losses, and
has 1,406l. 5s. 10d. due to him therefor, and being indebted
700l., is greatly impoverished, and constrained to absent himself through fear of arrest. |
|
vi. Abstract of the charges and losses in sea service of Capt.
Young; total, 956l. 5s. 4d. With note that he has only received 40l. of this on account, and is in daily danger of arrest
and imprisonment, or of being troubled with suits; also that he
has sustained a further loss of 1,018l. 17s. 8d. by his ship being
fired upon the Spanish fleet when they were anchored before
Calais, of which sum he has been abated or undervalued 450l.,
so that he ought in conscience to be paid 1,406l. 5s. 10d. |
|
vii. Inventory of the guns, cables, furniture, and other effects
on board the petitioner's ship when she was fired upon the
Spanish fleet before Calais; total value, 1,018l. 17s. 8d. |
|
viii. Note asking his Lordship on his return to stand his
friend, and be a means to Her Majesty for recovery of this
money, and to procure her protection for his safety for three
years. |
