Queen Elizabeth - Volume 259: July 1596

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1595-97. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

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'Queen Elizabeth - Volume 259: July 1596', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1595-97, (London, 1869) pp. 249-264. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/1595-7/pp249-264 [accessed 27 March 2024]

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July 1596

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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.