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July 1. |
49. Examination of Laurence Brome, before Att. Gen. Coke and
Sol. Gen. Fleming. The Wednesday before the musters, Sir John
Smythe came from London to his house at Baddow; on the Friday,
met him and Seymour on their way to Colchester; joined them, and
after dining at the White Hart, they went to see the musters, where
Sir John Smythe found Sir Thos. Lucas, who invited them all to sup-
per, after which they returned to the White Hart. Next day dined
with Sir John on oysters and crabs, which Sir John had bought at
the market; they three, with Mr. Mannock, had but three pints of
wine; after that, they rode to the field, Sir John going before.
Was asked by Captain Raynes, muster master, if any one had
angered Sir John, as he would have given 1,000l. rather than have
been in the field that day, for Sir John had called the Lord Treasurer
a traitor. Asked Raynes to find Sir Thos. Lucas, and get Sir John
away, but Capt. Raynes asked examinate to do it. Went to
Sir John, and having told him that he had spoken such words
against the Treasurer, he clapped examinate on the shoulder and
said "there shall no party receive any wrong for any words that I
have spoken." Denies that he heard Sir John speak to the soldiers,
or that he misliked them for not holding up their hands, which 50
of them did. [2 pages.] |
July 2. Munition House, Cadiz. |
50. Proceedings of the Council of War. Sir Chris. Blunt was
made camp master in place of Sir John Wingfield, and Sir Horatio
Vere colonel of his regiment. Votes were then taken about the
keeping of Cadiz, and most of the officers, contrary to their former
opinion, were against it; for Marm. Darell, commissary-general
for victuals, said that there could not be two months' provisions
spared from the ships for the garrison, and that the ships left
behind might be attacked, in absence of the fleet. The Lord
General considering that the Queen was very jealous of her honour,
that he had no commission to hold any place, and that it would
prevent any exploit on the coasts or islands, or the interruption of
the Indian fleet, the former resolution was made void, and it was
decided to raze the town, bulwarks, and castle, sparing only the
monasteries and churches; also that the hostages, munition, and
sick and wounded should be embarked, and the fleet sail for Lagos,
only sending the Queen notice of their proceedings. [2¼ pages,
damaged.] |
July 3. |
51. Examination of Thos. Wendon, servant to Sir John Smythe,
before Att. General Coke and Sol. General Fleming. On 12 June,
met Clement Cowey, Hen. Lyes, Thos. Marche, and Robt. Lyes in
Aldham, and asked if any of them had been to Colchester that day,
and what news. Cowey said he had been, but did not hear of
any; replied that he had been told that Sir John rode about the
band of soldiers, and asked them if they would take him for their
captain, and when they said "yea" he bade them hold up their
hands, and then told them that Mr. Seymour, who was a better man
than himself, should be their captain, and he would be their guide
under him; also that he then made an oration to the people, and
said that the Lord Treasurer was a traitor, and that a great number
of men were slain; heard also that Mr. Seymour gave Sir John a letter
in the field, and then rode away. Was sent for by Hills to be told
all this news. |
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Went on the Saturday morning to Sir John's house at Coggeshall,
to demand some money of Rainbert, the keeper there. Had
never any mislike of Hills, Lyes, or Marche, and only a misunderstanding with clement Cowey about a matter six or seven
years since. Impounded Henry Lyes's cow a fortnight before the
musters, for coming into his meadow, but that caused no mislike.
Rainbert gave him some beer at Sir John's house, and told him
that Sir Johno was coming to Coggeshall, and had sent his tilt, which
he meant to set up there; but although examinate had served Sir
John for three years, he never knew him to set one up. [2 pages.] |
July 3. |
52. Copy of the above. Endorsed [by Coke]:— "Wittingham,
Baker. 1. Letter to Mr. Seymour and his wife. 2. Book of succession,
3. Concerning the tent. 4. Concerning the letter to Mannock,
and the parts thereof. 5. Letters to Mr. Seymour. 6. A libel sent
by Sir Thos. Mildmay. 7. Going beyond sea." [1¼ pages.] |
July 5. Doctors' Commons, London. |
53. Dr. W. Lewyn to Sir Robt. Cecil. The cause between
Jeremiah Swarts, plaintiff, a subject of the Duke of Saxony,
and Wm. Haliday, merchant of London, defendant, having been
committed to me, I appointed several times for a hearing of it,
but failed by reason of the defendant's being in prison, and the
absence o some merchants to whom the cause was formerly committed. Being about to go into the country, I send a brief of the
matters complained of, together with the plaintiff's proofs. I think
some very hard dealing has been offered by Haliday to Swarts,
and that there is cause to satisfy both the Duke of Saxony's request
and the damages sustained by his subject. Some public disloyalty
is also deposed to against Haliday by one witness, on report of the
Secretary of the Governor of Lisbon, which is also detailed in the
brief. I return the Duke of Saxony's letter. [2 pages.]
Annexing, |
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53. i. Report by Dr. lewyn that Jermiah Swarts, of Leipsic, in
May 1594, beign then but 19 yeras of age, of good parentage, and having a desire to travel, came to England, and
lodged with John Rogers, merchant of London; that
Wm. Haliday, a person subtle and cunning, knowing
that the plaintiff had credit with divers merchants in
London and rich friends, insinuated himself into his
company for the purpose of deceiving him. For the better
effecting his purpose, he procured a small quantity of
cloth and beer, and got the plaintiff to appoint Clement
Swarts, his kinsman and attendant, to make sale thereof
at Lisbon; Swarts had small liking to it, knowing that
his kinsman was never brought up in trade, but was
overpersualded. Defendant thereupon induced him to enter
into a bond of 600l., that Clement Swarts make a
just account of all such goods of his as should come to his
hands. |
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The goods being transported to Lisbon by Clement
Swarts, the defendant followed him, and by giving him
strong drink, caused him to sign an instrument acknowledging receipt of goods of the defendant's to the
value of 800 ducats, though the beer had been all lost or
spoiled in the carriage, and the cloth which came safe was
of small value. Thereupon the defendant, knowing that
Justus Major, a merchant stranger, had monies or goods
of the said Clement and of the plaintiff, demanded 800
ducats and obtained 400, and got 40l. more of the
plaintiff's money into his hands, and still seeks to recover
the residue of the 800 ducats,by force of the writing 80
deceitfully obtained, whereas he has already received more
than is justly due. |
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Also depositions of Michael Hamlin, Jasper Van
Senden, Justus Major, and others named, in support
of the plaintiff's case, proving that Haliday had induced
Swarts to get money and wares from his friends, and
send them to him to sell at Lisbon, to the value of 300l.;
and had then persuaded him that Rob. Burley, from whom
he had received part of the goods and moey, wanted
to arrest him, whereon he induced him to be conveyed to Newcastle-on-Tyne. There Haliday had him
arrested in Burley's name, and imprisoned, and then got
him to enter into a bond under 600l. that he would allow
himself to be conveyed to London, and remain privately
in Haliday's house, till the latter returned from Lisbon.
That he was kept there prisoner a whole year, and by
hard means constraied to enter into other bonds, from
which he now seeks to be liberated. On examination
of accounts, the defendant is proved to be indebted to
Clement Swarts, 118l. 1s. 6d. [5 sheets] |
July 7. |
54. Examination of Sir John Smythe before sir Drue Drury,
Att. Gen. Coke, Sol. Gen. Fleming, F. Bacon, and W. Waad. Never
received any letters from Mr. Seymour, before, at, or since the
musters. In the letter he wroter Seymour before the musters, mention was made abouot Seymour's wife coming to his house; knowing that he had little money, directed Whittingham, his servant, to hire
horses for him. Never saw any book comcerning the succession
dedicated to the Earl of Essex, or to any one else, nor ever heard of
one. The letter produced, dated 13 June 1596, was written by his
brother, Clement Smythe, at his dictation, and was subscribed by
him. Wrote it to Mr. mannock through pity, thinking he would
be troubled for his, Sir John's faults. Said the greater part of the
realm was discontented, because he thinks it is so, as also in other
kingdoms. |
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After the musters, never had any inclination to fly beyond sea,
but in riding from the musters towards his house at tofts, told
Clarke, who had been his setvant from a boy, that if he could
procure a boat, he might go beyond sea, and Clarke went to
Justices Sammes and Paschall, and told them that examinate meant
to fly, which was untrue. Slept at an inn at Potter's row on his
way to his house at tofts. |
|
Heard of the libel against the Lord treasurer a fortnight after it
was published, but cannot say from whom; was not a party nor
privy to it. Clarke told the servants at Coggeshall thaot having a
horse and a purse full of money, he should shift for himself; and
then went and informed against Sir John. Requested Mr. Seymour
to return the letter he wrote him, having no copy, but does not
know what became of it. [3 pages.] |
July 7 ? |
55. Interrogatories [by Att. Gen. Coke] for the examination of
Sir John Smythe; viz., What moved him to provide bows, arrows,
powder, and shot, and remove them to Coggeshall, and who removed
them? Why he sent for Mr. Seymour and Mr. Mannock, and
persuaded his servants and the soldiers to consent to whaot he said
by holding up their hands? Why he commended the government of
Spain and abased his own, and said it was not lawful to send men
into Her Majesty's wars beyond sea? Why he said that if the
soldiers followed him and Seymour, the bells should be rung, and the
beacons fired, and that the common people had been a long time
oppressed and in bondage? What redress he would have taken if
they had followed him, and whither he would have have gone? What
he meant by saying there were traitors in and about the Court, and
that the Lord Treasurer was a traitor? Why he agreed with some
of the soldiers beforehand to hold up their hands? Why he named
Seymour, brother to the Lord Beauchamp? Why he said that the
King of France should be brought in; that there was a press for
1,000 men; that he feared a foreign enemy, and some in the land?
Whether he did not speak the words with which he is charged at
the musters in the hearing of Seymour and Mannock? Why they did
not openly find fault, but abetted him, and whether Mannock did
not openly assent to go wiht him? Why Brome was offended that
no more soldiers followed him? What letters and messages he sent
after the musters, and to whom? What moved him to give out
that a number of men had been slain at Greenwich? &c. Why he
has so many retainers, and how many of them have been soldiers?
[1½ pages.] |
July 7 ? |
56. Like interrogatories, to similar effect. |
July 7 ? |
57. Abstract of the allegations of the several witnesses against
Sir John Smythe, adding to the particulars already given that Brome
and Mannock favoured his efforts with the soldiers; that he told
the people they had been used like bondmen 30 years, but he would
free them, and that he intended to have fled beyond seas, but was
dissuaded by his servant Clarke. With note that Sir John's offence
is treason at the common law, and may also be punished by the
Stat. of 13 Eliz. [by Att. Gen. Coke. 1¾ pages.] |
July 7 ? |
58. Account [by Coke] of Sir John Smythe's speeches at the muster
of the soldiers at Colchester. |
July 7 ? |
59.—to [Lord Burghley]. I return Sir John Smythe's letter
and his confession, as requested. I hope never to forget your Lordship's most honourable and christian dealing towards me, considering
all circumstances, being worthy of everlasting memory. [draft.] |
July 8. Theobalds. |
60. Lord Burghley to Sir Robt. Cecil. I came here rather to satisfy
my mind by a chage of place, and to be less pressed with suitors,
than with the hope of ease or relief. I have brought with me a new
pain in my knees and feet. You must remember that Sir H.
Palmer should be directed to send or go over to conduct the Duke
of Bouillon when he shall require it. The Earl of Northumberland
should be warned beforehand, to make himself ready to go to the
French King, and it should be ascertained whether he is not to
carry the Garter to His Majesty. Sir Anth. Mildmay should be in
readiness to go with the Earl, and to remain as lieger ambassador.
Remind the Queen that she christened a daughter of the Landgrave,
sister to the present Marquis, and if she be living, and in her brother's
house, she should have a jewel for a taken. You should speak to
the Lord Chamberlain, as warden of the East marches, to know
what he intends for redress of the notable spoils by the Scots
in his wardenry, and whether the Queen shall require redress by
her ambassador, according to justice, or whether he will seek
it otherwise. Lord Eure has requested to have a day of truce
with his opposite, the 20th of this month, when he desires to be
countenanced with a band or two of the Berwick foot, for that day,
and he will yield all the aid he can to the Lord Deputy for his march
at any time. I am much grieved with the evil accident of Musgrave's
taking, for lack of common wisdom. I have wearied my hand,
but the pain in my leg grieves me more. |
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I found the roads as bad as in mid-winter. I hope them better
in my returning. Teel Lady Derby that she is to blame for not
comint to see her daughter, who is truly worth seeing. [2 pages.] |
July 9. |
61. Account of the disbursements by Sir Fras. Drake and Sir
John Hawkings, in their last voyage to the West Indies; viz., by the
former, according to the account delivered by his brother, Thos.
Drake, at Plymouth, 8 July 1596, 12,842l. 9s. 10d.; by the latter,
according to particulars delivered by Roger Langford, in name of
marg. Hawkins, widow, 1 July 1596, 18,661l. 18s. 7d.; total,
31,504l. 8s. 5d. With note that by this it appears they have disbursed but 1,504l. 8s.
5d. more than their third part came to,
for setting forth of the voyage, if upon examining the accounts,
no cause of exception is found against them. Also that Her
Majesty, besides 20,000l. for setting out the voyage, disbursed
8,000l. for payment of the men now on their return, whereof Sir
Fras. Drake's and Sir John Hawkins's third part amounts to
2,666l. 13s. 4d.; there is also their third part of what has yet to
be paid to the men, and two third parts of the remainder of the
sea store to be answered by them to Her Majesty. |
July 9. |
62. Copy of the above. |
July 9. The Court. |
63. Sir Edw. Staford to Lord Burghley. I hear that your
Lordship thinks the messenger who carries the leases in the Pipe
Office, has greater need to have the office given to him than to pay
15l. or 16l. a year for it. If he is the man you have a mind to serve
therein, you can command me. I have kept the present messenger
in preference to my own men, because it has been my practice, in
all the places Her Majesty has given me, never willingly to put
out any, unless they deserved it. I have therefore kept this man,
though having those about me who are more fit, and have long
served me. He ofered, if allowed to remain in his place, to give
what was demanded to any of my men; and upon ascertaining that
he gave 20 marks a year before, and confessed to 20l. in hand in
ready money, I was content that if he gave 15l. a year to my men, he
might remain; but I would not allow him any of the impositions
that had formerly been put upon the subject, such as 6d. for himself
upon every quietus est, besides his 2s. 6d. upon every lease. He
was thankful for this, and rested quiet until lately, when he made
a motion to have his 6d. again upon the quietuses, and offered a
round sum to my men to procure it. I have not brought up my
men to bribery, so they, like honest men, acquainted me with it.
I flatly refused him, and was much offended with him for seeking it. |
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This is one of the causes of his murmuring; the other is (although
he dare not open his mouth about it), that my predecessor made an
order that all things should be brought to him for signature; this
man was to be the bearer of them, and he, by delaying them for
two or three days, exacted a reward from the subject to procure more
speed; then the page at the Court and the waiters in the chamber must
have somewhat, to bring a man in, and besides that, the master of the
office never set his hand to anything gratis. I have cut this all off,
and having a deputy, allowed nothing to be brought to me except
leases that pass the Queen's hand only. I have only had four or
five of these, and never took a penny, and hope there has been no
gratification to my men. I oppose such exactions from the subject,
and hence these complaints. I know you will judge it a good
living for an honest man, and one more deserving than this messenger,
to have at least a certainty of 50l. a year without any exaction,
there being at least 400 or 500 leases that pass the Pipe every year,
and most times 600, upon each of which he receives 2s. 6d., besides
other secret fees, which I would bar more if I could. I should like
to put in an honester man, and if you wish to recommend this man,
my man shall give yours 10l. or 15l., and yet take a fifth less of
the subject. |
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I believe that neither in the First-fruits, nor in the Pipe office was
there ever so little taken by the master as by myself. In the former
office I never put out one officer nor took a penny, having found
them so poor; and in the latter office I have done the same, though
many things were in my gift, and my predecessors did so at pleasure;
when a place fell in for which 100 marks used to be given, I gave
it freely to one of the clerks who was brought up in it, as I would
not have them sell dear, because they bought dear and I wish to be
the bolder to put them out, it they do not do their duty. I would
only live as long as I give men leave to live by and under me.
[3¾ pages.] |
July 9. |
64. Copy of the above. [6½ pages.] |
July 16. London. |
65. Rich. Williams to Mr. Harecourt, at Cobham. My conceit
of Dr. John, the new physician, is that he has gone down with
Mr. Morice, more to do dimself good than ease the poor lady.
I wish your lady were capable of managing her own state, or that
some course were taken for letting her farms; the house at Croydon
and many other of her lands do not realizeo their value, for lack of
power to make grants for a longer time than from year to yeoar, and
they are not so well used by the farmers, on account of their
having no assurance of continuing the occupation. There are two
or three earnest suitors fo leases, promisedo them three or four
years since, and I do not know what answer to give them; it is
unhandsome for these poor men to stoand in their dwellings without
any certainty. If my lady be in case, and could be persuaded to put
her hand to these poor men's leases, they shall be sent. |
July 16. Cockington |
66. Geo. Carey to Sir Robt. Cecil. I send the deposition of
one of four mariners of Bristol, who were set on shore by some
Flemings at Salcomb. Being at the sessions at Exeter on their
arrival, the rest were examineod by others, and I suppose thair
examinations have been sent up, so that you will see whether the
reports agree. I asked the examinate which of ouro squadrons
first entered the Bay of Cadiz; he replied that of the Low
Countries came in first, as though they had been merchantmen, and
lay amongst the shipping there, and Her Majesty's fleet appearing
in sight at the point, they set outo the flag of the Low Countries,
and fired their ordnance, which being done on a sudden, bred great
confusion to the Spapniards, who did not dream of such a matter.
He also said the Flemings were most cruel, for they spared neither
man, woman, nor child, but put all to the sword. At the first landing
of Her Majesty's forces, they were entertained by 300 horse, which
were resited by the pikes, many slain by the musketeers, and the
rest taken. |
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Upon knowledge of the arrival of the Queen's fleet at Cadiz,
4,000 soldiers were sent down from Seville by water, in two tides,
but seeing the force of the navy, most of them returned. A little
before the arrival of the fleet, the Duke de Medina was at St. Lucar,
and there is a whole street of Flemings there who had intellingence
every hour from the fleet. [2 pages.] Encloses, |
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66. i. Examination of Matthew rice, of Bristol, before Geo.
Carey of Cockington. Arrived at Salcomb the 15th,
and came from St. Lucar last June. Her Majesty's navy
arrived at Cadiz 20 June, and next day took the town,
as also 70 sail of ships, galleys, and other vessels, some
of which were men-of-war, and others laden and bound
for the West Indies; 12 of these were great galleons,
lately come from Lisbon, for powder, victuals, and other
provisions, of which the Great Philip was admiral,
and the St. Paul, vice-admiral; both these fought long,
but at last, seeing no possibility of prevailing, they set
themselves on fire and ran on shore; the rest were taken.
There were 18 other ships without the bar of St. Lucar,
and some within, which having understanding of our
fleet at Cadiz, ran over the bar in the night, and two
were cast away through haste; 26 galleys lay at St.
Maryport, of which they were only able to man 15 with
rowers; they had soldiers enough, but wanted mariners.
The 15 galleys thus manned came and fought with our
navy twice, and were beaten back, with the loss of many
of their men; the third time they came they were all
taken, save two that escaped to the Straits. On 23 June
the fleet went to St. Maryport, and, as he thinks, spoilt
and burnt it, for he saw a mighty fire lasting from
the evening until the next morning, when he came
away. |
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On 2 March, being in a ship of Bristol, he was taken
by seven galleys in the Straits, and carried from port to
port until he came to St. Lucar, when order being given
from the King, that all English prisoners taken in any
man-of-war should be put into the galleys, and those
taken in any merchant ships released, he being one of the
latter, was with divers others set at liberty, and shipped
for England. |
|
When those at St. Lucar understood that the ships
of the Low Countries, which were with our fleet, had
showed their flag against the Spaniards, command was
given for a general stay of all the Flemings; notwithstanding eight sail weighed anchor and got away, he
being in one; the castle and a great galleon shot at
them, but without effect. All these galleons were getting
ready for England, eight being appointed to go to Calais,
and the rest to join with the fleet that should come to
England, and 50 more were expected out of the Straits,
whereof 20 were from Naples and 30 from Genoa, under
Prince Doria. |
|
Being at Carthagena last May, heard of the taking
of Calais, as also of the death of Sir Francis Drake, at
which there was great rejoicing. He guessed from their
speeches that they intended, when they came for England,
to land at Milford haven. When he came from
St. Lucar, the people were in great perplexity, and sent
away their women and goods to Seville, and were the
more astonished, as they never heard any news of our
fleet until they were before Cadiz and in sight. There
are 60 sail more of Spanish ships at Lisbon, which is
all the force the King has, besides his galleys. On 1 May
last, there were put into the galleys 50 Englishmen, good
mariners, who formerly belonged to Mr. Hawkins and
were taken in the Indies, and to Capt. Stookes, of
London. [2 pages.] July 16, 1596. |
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66. ii. Copy of the above examination. [2 pages.]
July 16, 1596. |
July 17. |
Grant to David Waterhouse and Ralph Hare, on surrender
by Miles Sandes and Chris. Kendall, of the clerkship of the crown
of the King's Bench. [Docquet.] |
July 18. |
67. Note of the cost for repairing St. Andrew's and Calshot
Castles, the former amounting to 16l. 13s. 4d. and three timber trees, and the latter to 36l. 13s.
4d. and four trees. |
July 18. Greenwich. |
68. Edm. Palmer to [Sec. Cecil]. I hear by a letter of 25 May,
that three fly-boats, with 100,000 crowns and 100 captain leaders,
have left Lisbon for one of the out islands of Scotland. I hope, in
the absence of the Lord Admiral, you will remember me to Her
Majesty. I am ready to serve in anything I can. |
July 18. Dover. |
69. Sir Hen. Palmer to Sec. Cecil. I will obey your order of the
11th, to send a pinnace to convoy a munition bark westward to
the Isle of Wight; and also that of the 16th, to inform you when the
Duke of Bouillon is coming to Dieppe. I spoke yesterday off
Blackness with nine Holland and Zealand ships, which report that
on 19 June, eight of the Queen's ships came into Cadiz bay, and
encountered 22 galleys; next day the whole fleet came in, sunk
four galleys and took 18, and ran ashore the St. Philip and other
provision ships bound for Lisbon; also took three munition ships
bound for the Indies; on the 22nd they took Cadiz, defeating 400
horse at the bridge, and taking and slaying many. The people
of St. Lucar left the town, carrying away their goods. These
Dutch ships had been stayed there, and their gunpowder and
shot taken, but in this sudden alarm they got away, though shot
at from the castle. An English prisoner whom they brought over
has verified their report before Lord Cobham. |
|
There are nine Dunkirkers abroad that have done much damage.
I am sending out vessels after them without direction, but hope
it will not be taken ill, the danger to trade considered. I shall go
in the Antelope to Beachy Head in search of them, but will always
have a pinnace to forward letters. [2 pages.] |
July 19. |
70, 71. Note that on 19 June, eight of Her Majesty's ships
entered the bay of Cadiz, and fought with 22 galleys and eight
armadoes, when they took 18 galleys, sunk four, and burnt the St.
Philip, a great ship of war that was appointed to go for Lisbon, with
four others. The next day our army arrived, and took 40 sail of the
fleet bound for the West Indies, and richly laden with silks, oils,
wine, and other merchandise; 18 others escaped and ran up the
river towards Seville. The 21st they took the town of Cadiz, and
at the bridge in the island, were encountered by 400 horse, whom
they defeated. The Duke of Medina came down to succour Cadiz,
but seeing Her Majesty's army so strong, retired to Port Real. It
is thought they have taken. St. Mary Port, as the reporters saw a
great fire at the time of their leaving St. Lucar, which burnt all
night. All the Flemish merchants at St. Lucar were commanded
to lay their ordnance on shore, but the town being in an uproar,
and the townsmen packing away toward Seville, the Flemings took
the opportunity to weigh anchor and get away, notwithstanding
they were shot at from the castle; they brought this news. It is
not yet known what the army will further do. [2 copies.] |
July 19. |
72. Draft of the above, addressed to Mr. Bowes. |
July 20. |
73. Ben. Grove to Arthur Mylls, Little St. Bartholomew's. My
Lord should kn ow that six or seven boats of Dunkirk have been
scourig the coast from Harwich to the northward, one of which
has lately boarded between 20 and 30 hoys, and after rifling
them, has taken the masters from each, and has not, as usual,
given the mariners a ticket, stating where they might redeem them;
they do not take them unless they are fit for service. There was
a Harwich hoy taken by this Dunkirker, from whom they took
the master, but he falling sick, they afterwards boarded a northernman, and took her master, putting in his place the sick one, who
has just returned, and reports this news. He also states that when
he was prisoner, they had above 20 prisoners, all of whom were
masters of small barks, &c. |
July 21. |
74. List of the counties where certain horse and foot are to be
raised for Ireland and Flushig, giving the number in each county
and the cost for transportation, &c. [Noted by Burghley.] |
July 21. 6 A.M. Exeter. |
75. Thos. Reynell to Sec. Cecil. I received your letter, sent
to Nicholas Gudderidge, one of the chief merchants at Totness, by
whom I sent the fellow you write about to a deputy lieutenant,
after examining him. As the tales of the four agreed, and the
merchants who know the places believed all to be true, the
Mayor of Exeter and others thought there was no occasion to stay
them, and so let them pass; but Mr. Gudderidge, upon my wish to
have them stayed, having taken notes of their addresses, has gone
with my servant to Bristol, whence he hopes to send one or
two of the discreetest of them. I have written to the Mayor
of Bristol for all possible furtherance therein. I send the examination of a merchant of Exeter, lately come from Morlaix, where what
he reports was believed to be true; also a confirmation of the
other report, by a Frenchman at Plymouth. Encloses, |
|
75. i. Examination of Edw. Clement, merchant of Exeter, before
Thos. Reynell. Came last Friday, out of the river of
Morlaix, where it was reported that our fleet had taken
cadiz, St. Mary Port, and Sheres [Xeres?], as also 11 galleys, which fought with them very much, and 14 great
armadoes, one of which, called the St. Philip, never
yielded until about to founder, and then ran on shore;
that in taking these places, and the galleys and ships,
our army lost 1,200 men; that after this, having 20
pieces of field ordnance, and all things ready to
march, they summoned St. Lucar to yield, otherwise they
would use extremity, and it was thought to be taken
two days after. A large army was reported to have gone
for Seville, and a lot of merchantmen laden with linen
cloth for Spain returned to Morlaix to unlade again, as
believing this news, they would not venture. There are
divers merchants at Morlaix that have great adventures
in St. Lucar, and have offered to take half their adventure to be assured of the other. They would not believe in
Brittany that this fleet went for any other place than
Lisbon, nor gave credit to the first news, but now all
believe it, and our English to the first news, but now all
believe it, and our English merchants were put in great
fear of a general stay. It is reported in Brittany
that Don John is sent for home from Bluett by the King
of Spain, on pain of losing his head. July 20, 1596 |
|
75. ii. Mr. Barons of Plymouth to Thos. Reynell. The report of
the proceedings of the fleet, given by the seamen that
landed at Salcomb, has been confirmed by a Frenchman
who has just arrived at Plymouth from Bayonne, where
he says it was commonly reported that the fleet had
taken Cadiz, and marched into the country. |
|
75. iii. John Chapell, Mayor of Exeter, to Thos. Reynell or
Reynoldes. As you desire to learn whether the three
mariners' report of the news from Her Majesty's fleet
agrees with the fourth, I have had conference with Mr.
Walker, who had long conference with them, and their
speeches were all to one effect, and agreeable with the first
examined, as is also the late news which came out of
Brittany, delivered to your servant. |
July 21. |
76. Indenture from Nich. Porter, of Aston-sub-edge, co. Glouceste,
to Edw. Greville, of Milcote, co. Warwick, of the manor of
Mickleton, co. Gloucester, as let by the Abbot and Convent of
St. Mary of Eynesham, co. Oxford, to Walter Barton, 20 Hen. VIII.,
from 1554, for 60 years, no rent of 93l. 6s.
8d.; this manor has
since come to Nich. Porter, who, by deed of 20 may 1595, conveyed the same to the said Greville, except Mickleton parsonage
and tithes, and certain meadows; these exceptions he now, according
to promise, includes in the lease, which he grants for the remainder
of his term. |
1596. July 22. Manor of Greenwich. |
Warrant to pay 2,841l. to Roger Langford, Marine Paymaster for the time being, for the charges of fitting out and
furnishing for service the Garland, Defiance, Hope, Bonadventure,
Foresight, and Adventure, which served in the voyage lately undertaken by Sir Fras. Drake and Sir John Hawkins, deceased, and are
since ordered to be put into serviceable state. [Adam. Warrant
Book, Vol. CCLVIII., Eliz., f. 3 b.] |
July 22. Greenwich. |
77. Warrant to pay sums not to exceed
4,000l. a year, required
by the officers of the works for the repair of the houses in the
Tower, the palaces of Westminster, Hampton Court, Greenwich,
Oatlands, Somerset House, Eltham, Richmond, and others of the
Queen's residences. [Draft.] |
July 25. Cockington. |
78. Geo. Carey to Sir Robt. Cecil. I sent the examination of a
Scotchman who landed at Dartmouth yesterday, and came lately
out of Portugal. There are on the coast two Spanish ships of 120 and
200 tons, as also a small pinnace, which within these two or three
days, have taken two or three fishing boats, and chased divers others
to the shore; they sink the boats and take away the men, it is
thought for the purpose of understanding the state of our country.
Encloses, |
|
78 i. Examination of Wm. Sibbett, master, and Wm. Maryquis,
owner, of the William of Leith, Scotland, before
Geo. Carey. Were at St. Tavallo alias St. Towlos [Setuval]
in Portugal, nine leagues from Lisbon, with salt, and
while there, the posts overland brought news that Her
Majesty's navy had landed at Cadiz and taken it, as also
eight carracks, 12 gulleys, and other ships in the bay, all
laden for the Indies, and numbering 40 sail. Upon this
news, there was a general stay of all the ships and
mariners the Flemish had no shore, and the masters were
put in prison; but examinates' ship, and three other
Flemish ships escaped, although the latter had their sails
taken away, but were helped with others by examinates,
for which they in return provided them with victuals.
They were 22 days coming from St. Towlos, by reason of
contrary winds, and came into Dartmouth the 24th to
victual. |
|
Maryquis had been overland to Lisbon, where there
were 11 companies of Spaniards, and four, other companies in Cadiz; before the taking of Cadiz, those at
Lisbon had intelligence that Her Majesty's fleet was at
sea, and stood in such fear lest they should come thither
that they carried all their goods and merchandise up the
river; there were upwards of 40 laden barks at a time
passing. There were 18 or 19 great ships in Lisbon river,
and others to the number of 40, and they daily looked for
15 new ones from Biscay, of which Siriago was chief
commander. The ships at Lisbon wanted mariners, but
the soldiers and all other things were in readiness; he
heard that the galleys of Naples, Genoa, and other places
were sent for. There were three ships at Lisbon, laden
with ordnance to be conveyed into Biscay, to furnish the
15 sail of new ships, but the wind proving contrary, and
they daily expecting the coming of the 15 ships, the
ordnance was put on shore again. The other three
Flemings from Portugal affirmed that our fleet had also
taken St. Mary Port, and had broken the bridge from
Mayne to Cadiz, and that as soon as it was known that
the English fleet had put to sea, there was an intention for
those of Lisbon, Bicay, Cadiz, St. Lucar, and others to
have made a fleet and met our navy. Don Diego Brochero,
the chief commander of the ships in Lisbon, is 40 years
of age, and reqested examinate to serve, as he wanted
pilots for the coast of France and England. [1¾pages.] |
July 26. |
79. R. Westropp and three others to [the Archbishop of York].
We have viewed the Round Tower of free stone, called Clifford's
Tower, and examined some of the aldermen of York, as also Robt.
Readhead, gaoler of the Castle, as to their reasons for wishing it to
stand. We found the aldermen, on behalf of the citizens, very desirous to have it continued,
and not defaced, as standing a great height,
and upon a very rare mount, it is an exceeding ornament to the
city. Mr. Readhead did not disagree, if it might be repaired and
employed for a gaol, being a place of great strength, and to this the
citizens agreed. We think, for the reasons stated, and it being Her
Majesty's house, that the pulling of it down will cause great discontent
to all the city. |
July 27. |
80. Bond by Nicholas Porter, and Robt. Bloxham alias Ingles,
both of Acton-Sub-edge, co. Gloucester, in 40l. for payment of 20l.
to Lewis Hobdale of Ditchford, co. Worcester, at the house of
John Jewkes at Chipping Campden, co. Gloucester, on 20 Jan. next. |
July 30. |
Note by Roger Langford of money paid to him by Edward
Stevens, for timber received out of Deptford and Woolwich yards,
for building the Earl of Cumberland's ship called the Mal Scourge;
total, 22l. 9s. 6d. [Adm. Warrant Book, Vol. CCLVIII., Eliz., f. 68.] |
July ? |
81. Dr. Edw. Grant to Sir Robt. Cecil. I have hitherto dealt
with you by solicitors, but am now forced, as a discouraged suitor,
to send this petition, which cannot blush, into your hands, as a
woful messenger of my distressed heart. The present months makes
just one whole year since, by the advice of friends, I rested upon
the small dignity of Bristol. God knows by whose oppositions it
has been hindered; I have been assured thereof, my friends
presuming upon your mediation to Her Majesty. I know they
have not been lacking in care, but I have neglected my duty in not
soliciting my own cause. The dignity has been long void, and
being informed by Mr. Hen. Brooke of your great favour, and of
Her Majesty's resolution to speak thereon with the Archbishop of
Canterbury, who has ever promised me his best assistance, I have
broken the limits of modesty to plead my own cause. |
|
Before I served Her Majesty in Court, which is now above
10 years, I had many honourable friends and was in good state, but
her service, which I thought would have been the only means of
my future preferment, has impaired my maintenance. Lacking
honourable means to move Her Majesty, I have despaired of preferment; and unless you will effect my suit, I shall continue in
discouragement and discredit, as it has long been in all men's
mouths that I should have the dignity. I desire to hold it through
you alone. [Concluding sentence in Latin.] |
July ? |
82. "Note of remembrance for Mr. Secretary, to inform Her
Majesty on my behalf." I am grieved that Her Majesty has told the
Masters of Requests that there was no reason for granting my suit,
as she had already done much for me, and that I nover came to attend her
but for my own purposes. Not long since, upon mentioning
my suit, she commanded me to silence, and upon the Lord Chamberlain
offering her my name amongst others for the band of pensioners,
she told him that I had been in hand with her for a suit since my
coming to the Court, and was never without something. |
|
My answer is, Her Majesty has never done anything of me,
save as follows: My grandfather was a suitor to surrender certain
office which he held, as steward, constable, &c. of castles, and
keeper of very small parks, and to renew his patent in my name,
which Her Majesty promised, but he dying, she would not grant
me the whole, so I was driven to content myself with two stewardships
and the keeping of the park; for this she signed a bill, but it
was stayed by means of the Earl of Essex before it passed the Seal,
and I was constrained to attend 30 months suing for it, to my no
small hinderance, and at an expense of 1,000 marks, until I
was forced to relinquish my interest int he park to his Lordship,
and so in the end enjoyed the two stewardships, being matters
of no benefit at all, but only of some credit to me amongst my
neighhours in the country. |
|
My next and last suit to Her Majesty was, that I stood deeply
indebted for my grandfather, and had no means of discharge but
by sale of some lands of my wife's (all my grandfather's lands
standing so charged for debts due to Her Majesty and others
that no man dared to deal with it), but I could not sell it without Her Majesty's licence, as it was given by Queen Mary to
Sir John Bourne and his heirs, which implied a remainder in the
Crown. Although I gave in the names of 28 then living, and now
might many more, the issue of which were all to inherit, as well
males as females, yet I gave Her Majesty 100l. for her interest,
although the thing was but 44l. a year, and Her Majesty's interest
not worth asking, but necessity constrained me to have it. [With
marginal note desiring Her Majesty's debt may not be mentioned,
unless she speaks of it hereself.] Thus I have received no benefit
from her that might debar me from suing. I have deserved something,
having been her servant 10 years, and attended Court like a
gentleman. I served, at some expense, for a year in the Low
Countries; I serve her in my county, and can refer to the report
of the justices, and the general testimony of my county. I maintained my
younger brother in Her Majesty's service in France, all
the last year. My purse has set forward others of my name and
kin, whereof two are now with the Earl of Essex, and are men of
good deserts. |
|
My whole name and family have ever served princes of this
realm, and not one of them of the long robe, but of the sword,
and followers of the wars, in which many have lost their lives, and
in which my grandfather ruined himself and his posterity. I had
never been out of action since I came to man's estate, had I not
been continually annoyed with the turmoil of settling my poor estate,
and I have many times sued, as I do now, to attend Her Majesty at
Court. |
|
The effect of my suit now in hand is this,—my grandfather
exchanged with Her Majesty 50l. in land, parcel of which, being
under the yearly rent of 28l., I have hitherto enjoyed, by virtue
of a lease granted before the exchange. I became a suitor
three years since, for a renewal of this estate, and she gave order
accordingly to the Lord Treasurer, who imposed a 40l. fine, whereas
the thing is already rented very highly, as all land is that men
exchange with Her Majesty, so that I am ignorant of the cause of
Her Majesty's refusal. It has been the ancient inheritance of my
house, and lies within three miles, and so I am loth to see it in
possession of another, otherwise it is not worth half this stir.
[Damaged.] |
[July.] |
83. List of 63 Knights made at Cadiz by the two generals, 36 by
the Earl of Essex, and 27 by the Lord Admiral, on June 21, 22, 27,
28, and 30, and July 4. With note in another hand that the writer
hears Sir Gerard Harvey, son of the natural son of old Sir Geo.
Harvey, of Thirle, Bedfordshire, is made since. Also Sir John
Gray's name added in the margin [by Lord Burghley]. |
[July.] |
84. List of 66 knights made by the Earl of Essex and Lord
Admiral at Cadiz. |
July. |
85. "The checks of 15 companies taken off from the books of
musters and warrants in the time of the service of Thos. Digges,
Esq., by Ra. Birchenshaw;" showing that in Digges' time, the
checks amounted to 967l. 4s. 4d., whereas Birchenshaw has made
them 4,087l. 1s. 11d. |
July ? |
86. Information concerning Thos. Darques, of Rouen. He came
from Marseilles, 3 July, and was taken by Don Martin de Padilla,
general of the galleys. Went from Rouen eight years ago to
Paris. Says Cripps is a poor, miserable, simple man amongst them;
also that the Duke of Florence vexes the Duke of Savoy, governor of
Marseilles. Lives at Stanley's house, near Billingsgate, and is to
understand what English or Flemish ships are to go to Spanish
ports, or pass the Straits; whether any supply be intended for
Britanny, and what new ships are building, as they heard that the
English had taken Porto Rico. [In Cecil's hand; 1½pages]. |
July? |
87. "A plat for provisions of beef by one Piers." As beef is
growing dear, proposes delivering from Ireland to Plymouth or
London 2,000 barrels of well-preserved beef, at 50s. a barrel, saving
10s. a barrel on the present price; also, 200,000 lbs. of biscuit at
20s., saving half the price paid this year. Asks ready money and
authority to buy. Is a justice of peace in Cork and Waterford; has
lands enough to fatten 2,000 beeves, and sent this year 480 barrels
of beef to Plymouth for the navy; will give recognizances to
perform what he undertakes. |