|
| May 1. |
1. Estimate by Sir John Hawkins, of the charge of setting out
the Swiftsure and the Crane for four months; total, 2,569l. 8s
|
| May 2. |
2. "My brother Peck's certificate of New draperies in the county
of York," being an account [by Thos. Cæsar] of the manufacture
and sale of woollen goods in Doncaster, Wakefield, Halifax,
Penniston, Bradford,Richmond, and york; total of yearly subsidies
thereon, 40l. 18s. 0½d. [3pages.] |
| May 3. |
3. Examination of Thos. Arderne, relative to a previous deposition before a master in Chancery, which he has not altered since
it was delivered to Mr. Ward; was at Green's house in Chancery
Lane, with Charnock, but did not see the deposition. Also, |
|
Examination of Edw. Beaumont of Arleston, co. Derby. At
Michaelmas 1552, saw a deed of gift from John Beaumont to himself
and three others, signed by Beaumont only, with a letter requesting
him to keep it till he heard further. Has never by force thereof
meddled with Beaumont's goods, nor have the other persons named
therein, to his knowledge. Has the deed now in his custody; believes
Beaumont died five years ago. Wm. Charnock has not persuaded him
to affirm anything untrue, in this matter between him and Wm. Rice.
Was never examined in Chancery on Charnock's behalf against Rice,
&c. [4pages, imperfect, damaged.] |
| May 3. |
4 Map of Europe, with parts of Asia and Africa, roughly
sketched. |
| May 4. |
5. Declaration of Sir Thos. Sherley's accounts as treasurer of the
forces in the Low Countries, for three years and 258 days, viz., from
2 Feb. 1587 to 16 Oct. 1590; receipts, 531, 922l. 2s 4½d.; payments
509, 229l. 18s. 10¼d., and 131l.0s. 6d. allowed for an overcharge upon
David Powell, leaving a balance of 22,561l. 3s. 0¼d.; of this sum
4,011l. 4s. 6d. is answerable by others, the balance by Sir Thomas,
adding 616l. 12s. 6¼d. for defalcations; total, 19, 166l. 11s. 0½d. [6½
pages.] |
| May 6. |
6. Remembrances touching the accounts of Sir Thos. Sherley,
Treasurer at War in the Low Countries. When Sir Thomas entered
into office, the Earl of Leicester was General of Her Majesty's forces,
by patent dated 27 Nov. 1585, and was authorized to command
the Queen's treasure. Extract from the patent to that effect.
Sir Thomas entered office by patent dated 27 Feb. 1587, and was
authorized to make payments, upon bills subscribed by the Earl of
Leicester, Lieutenant-General, or any other chief governor. By instructions from Council, Sir Thomas was appointed, on his arrival, to
make payments of all sums left unpaid by [Rich.] Huddleston, his
predecessor, for the year ending Oct. 1586, The Earl of Leicester
continued General until 30 Nov. 1587, and made warrants of full
pay to the officers, from Oct. 1586 to Oct. 1587, as also for his own
entertainment to 30 Nov. 1587, and then came to England; his
Lordship took an allowance of 4l. 14s. a day more than was allowed
him, for 415 days, beginning 12 Oct. 1586 and ending 30 Nov. 1587,
amounting to 1,950l. 10s. |
|
Lord Willoughby was the next General, appointed by letters patent
of 24 Sept. 1588; his entertainment began 4 Dec. 1588, and ended
30 July 1590; he for the first 166 days after his patent, made
warrants of full pay. |
|
The Queen, understanding that the Earl of Leicester had directed
his warrants to the treasurer for payment of divers sums otherwise
than as she intended, gave order for the making of an establishment,
to take effect 26 March 1588, whereby her charges were reduced to a
certainty, and that with no less pleasure to the General; and the
treasurer was restrained from paying any money but according to
the said establishment, notwithstanding any former warrants. By
this establishment, the Queen saved 9s. a day in every band of 100
lances, which for 1,000 lances amounts to 1,642l. 10s a year; and
5s. 4d. a day in every band of 150 foot, which for 6,400 men
makes 4,151l. 17s. 6d. a year; this grew by making the officers
parcel of the numbers. A band of 100 lances, which before consisted of six officers, 90 lances, and 10 dead pays; and a similar
reduction was made in the foot companies. Details of particulars
of the former and present mode of paying and clothing the
forces, particularly noting the regulations for defalcation by check.
[7¾pages.] |
May 6.
London |
7. Sir John Hawkins to Cecil. Lord Burleigh wished me to make
a draft of a commission for Richard Hawkins. I want knowledge
to be given of it into the west parts, or the Queen will have little
benefit. I have had the ague, or would have waited on you. |
May 7/17.
Brussels |
8. Dr. W. Gifford to Thos. Throgmorton, gentleman of the
Bishop of Cassano, Rome. 43 told paget and Gifford that discovering good will to the King of Scots, which was odious to C.
Fuentes or Sec. Ibarra had undone them all. I think some such
thing has made Fuentes so mad that he will not hear Paget whatever the Duke of Feria can do. Yet Feria promises something shall
be done, when 94 and 95 return. Owen, Paget, and others have
dealt so long with Capt. White of Flushing that he is hanged for
treason, and a rich merchant in Flushing is banished for 50 years,
and all his goods confiscated for harbouring him. |
|
Mr. Tipping and his family are gone from St. Omer's to Malines.
The English regiment is appointed by the Count to lie in Jenillow,
and ravage the country, because they have no pay, for which the
Count threatens to hang the soldiers or cashier the regiment. It is
thought that Owen turns the Bp. of Cassano's favour with the K.
of Scots against him. In 102 the truth will be known if the
Navarrene is to be absolved. The K. of Scots's wife is reconciled;
this is a great secret, but father Creighton told paget. More
and Williamson were said to be sent over to do mischief; the
event will prove, but they may do hurt. It is said from Spain
that your being in Rome, and Gifford with the Nuncio, and
Morgan with the Pope's nephew, displeased Fitzherbert, Verstegan,
and others. Mr. Paget will write of Nich. Williamson's imprisonment in the Tower, of the likelihood of execution of F. Walpole,
F. Edmondes, and Mr. Pound, and the going out of the army, and
an oath to all subjects to be faithful against invasion. That man's
talking has troubled Lord Dacres' departure and getting his passport;
he will go forward in his enterprise for Scotland, because he
cannot remain with honour. |
|
The Duck of Aumale has been received here to-day with great
honour, Count Fuentes on his right, and on his left the Duke of
Feria, who is almost mad with what is written against him in Spain,
to disable him from this government. He pretends to be begging for
forage debts or a benevolence, but the Spaniards pretend he is on
some great enterprise, though he has no castle nor soldiers. |
|
May 15.—16 talks so much against the Bp. of Cassano that it is
evident he has been instructed in Stanley and Owen's school. He
spoke of Signor Hugo having enticed young Tempest and the scholars
of the English college at Rome against their rector. There are quarrels between paget and Browne, and between Holt and Moody. Holt
and Creighton give out that money was offered to the K. of Scots, but
he refused it, because men had not arrived; the Nuncio says this is
a flat lie; the money being taken out of his hands, he was sent to
Caithness, in the north. The Nuncio declares he will have nothing to
do with Parsons, even should the Pope command it. The Pope is
mad with the Nuncio, and will impute it to his letters to 131, if the
K. of france proceeds not in his demand for absolution. The K.
of France is like to prove a very knave. I expect great difficulty
about redeeming my pension, without a special licence from the
Pope. I am promised 60l. towards it, but am to have it by Parsons,,
who will make me stay their pleasure. Father Holt wishes me well
and in the residence or at least not to remain with the Nuncio.
Owen, Stanley &c. know the likelihood of Cassano's preferment,
Morgan's being with the Pope's nephew, &c. |
|
Fitzherbert has made Paget partaker of his book. Categuay was
taken metting George Somerset at Flushing, to go to England, sent
to the Council, and let go. Count de Fuentes is preparing for the
field, but the Spaniards say they lack money for necessaries. Wm.
Worthington, one of six boys taken with Father Baldwin, ran
away from the Bp. of London, and has got to Antwerp, with another
little brother. Holt is ordered by parsons and others from Spain
to call Moody in question on conjectures, being decried by all. |
|
The King of Navarre begins to show what he is, and has
turned the Grey friars out of 30 or 35 places; so several places
in Guienne and Languedoc are surrendered to Joyeux and the
League. There is a great quarrel between Bruce and Col. Patten.
Stanley pretends the faction of yetting names will not go on, though
they have five hundred already. Quarrel between Stanley, the Bp.
of Cassano, the superior of the Jesuits, and Cajetan. Troops are
levied in Lorraine, and the siege of Cambray is intended. There is
burning on all sides in Picardy, and scarce any corn to be found. |
|
April 24, Thos. Norris landed with 4,000, and John Norris with
6,000 men in Ireland; besides the Earl of Ormond's, Tyrone has
9,000 Irish and 6,000 Scots, and intends to fight it out resolutely.
It is said that the King of Spain has sent him three ships laden
with arms. Fitzherbert's book is in French, printed at Stephen de
Ibarra's cost, piquant against Cecil, and conformable in many points
to Didimus and Philopater. Parsons and his faction, Stanley, Holt,
&c., are instruments of mischief, and deal for the ruin of the nation.
"Parsons seeks the simple monarchy of England, per fas et nefas."
The Scottish man sent to conduct the Spanish serjeant-major cursed
the hour that he was employed, for he can get nothing for his pains.
Mr. Cecil is gone again to Spain. [3½ pages. The italic passages
in cipher, deciphered by phelippes; a few passages are written in
Latin.] |
| May 7/17. |
9. Decipher of the above [by phelippes. 5 pages.] |
May 8/18.
Brussels |
10. John Bishop of Ross to Thos. Throgmorton, Rome. I do not
wish you to importune the Bishop of Cassano, for payment of
my pension, but desire your influence with the Bishop, to procure
for me Malines, Namur, Antwerp, or some other bishopric. I have
spoken to the late Archduke, Count de Fuentes, and council,
about it, and want to go to press it at Rome, but was urged to
wait the King's pleasure. I have no one in Spain to speak for me
but Col Semple and Mr. Morgan. I want the Bishop of Casano to
write to the Patriarch of Alexandria, his Holiness' nuncio in Spain,
to forward the matter. |
|
I get little pay, like others of the nation, and hope for little; I
rely chiefly on Cassano's pension, therefore any payment would be
seasonable. I send recommendations to Cassano, but not a letter,
having written him last week the news and state of Catholics in
Scotland. [1½ pages.] |
May 9.
Chester. |
11. Account of money disbursed by Foulke Aldersey, Mayor of
Chester. for the diet and transportation, from Chester and Liverpool
to Ireland, of 1,000 soldiers, Ievied in the neighbouring counties;
total, 511l. 2s., of which 400l. has been received from Hugh Beeston,
receiver-general. [6pages.] |
| May 9. |
12. John Hare to Lord Burghley. I recommend the suit of Rob.
Harvey, grocer of London, who has married my niece, for the comptrollership of the port of London which [Hen.] Isham is content to
yield to him. |
| May 9. |
13. Will of Hen. Watkins, yeoman, of Harescombe, co. Gloucester,
bequeathing Dockworth pasture, Harsfield parish, to his daughters
Jane and Margaret, with remainder to his son Henry, who is also
made heir of his lands and rents in co. Gloucester. Executors, his
brothers Phi.Watkins and Edw. Watkins. With memorandum,
May 10, of slight differences in the disposal of his property between
his daughters. [1¼ pages.] |
May 9/19.
Brussels. |
14 Chas. Paget to Thos. Throgmorton, Rome. I wish others
would concur with Cassano, as they do in Rome adn Spain, but
they try to disgrace Cassano, and have so peppered Fuentes that
he will not hear me in my own justification, but promises me redress
and an audience, when he will speak his mind fully. Discussions
as to who could have influenced Fuentes. L. and Thos. Fitzherbert
took exceptions to our writing to Cardinal Aldobrandino, and not
to Card. Cajetan, and said they must justify themselves, as not being
privy to that letter. I contended that this meddling showed only
a desire to cross Cassano, and set him at variance with the protector. I argued also that the Duke of Feria would not like it.
Dr.Worthington is a malicious fool. Cadinal Aldobrandino should
be told that factious people take it ill that he is written to, and not
Cajetan; this will make them less credited. I am weary of the
place with such treatment, after 12 years' service to the King, and
losing all I have for his sake, and the service of God. I must look
for some other course of life; these fellows are vexed at your being
with Cassano, and your cousin the doctor with the Nuncio. In
England, executions are out for Fathers Edmondes, Walpole, and
Gerard, and Mr.Pound. |
|
Williamson, More's companion, and sent probably by him and
Lord Dacres to Lord Hume in Scotland, is taken and sent to the
Tower. An oath is preparing for all Catholics and schismatics in
England to be true to the Queen, against any invasion of the Pope,
the King of Spain, or the other foreign princes; it seems they are afraid,
though without cause. |
|
The treaty of peace is not likely to succeed. Fuentes prepares
for the field, but having no commission, it is thought the King will
order a new governor. The coming away of the Scottish noblemen
and taking of williamson perplexes Lord Dacres. He dares not go
to Scotland, yet as he earnestly demanded his passport, he cannot
tarry with honour. The Earl of Westmoreland has his passport,
but is not hasty to go. Both might be brought to write for the
Bishop of Cassano, if not too late. Col. Patten and Bruce are
quarrelling; we hear no news of the paying of our liberence; I
suppose if we have anything, it will only be another third; our
solicitor is at Antwerp, with Stephano de Ibarra, who has much ado
in dividing 500,000 crowns. I wish your news of the fleet's arrival
with three millions were true, but it is only an uncertain bruit.
[2pages]. |
| May 10/20. |
15. Rich. Verstegan to Roger Baynes, Rome, I know not how to
assist the priests spoken of in their passage to England, through
middleburg (or Amsterdam or the Low Countries). They ought to
have a travelling allowance, as people refuse to endanger themselves
for them, and be at charge also, as they have been, for some priests
have borrowed money which has not been repaid. In this country
forts are making to restrain the enemy. Those of Toulouse, through
the preaching of a Grey Friar, have expelled the Huguenots. As
he came down from the pulpit, he held a crucifix in one hand, and
a sword in the other, and was followed by the people in great
fervour; 42 other places have done the like, all down the river to
Bourdeaux, and have sent to M. de Mayenne to confirm their
governors' patents. He is besieging a place in Burgundy, with the
Constable of Castile. Two of the Duke's sons may marry two of
the Duke of Epernon's daughters. |
|
Lord Semple, who was in Scotland within 20 days, reports that
Tyrone is so strong in Ireland, that the English fly to Galloway in
Scotland. |
|
Father Walpole has been sent from the Tower to York, and there
executed, and Topcliffe released, "so that Barabbas is freed, and
Christ delivered to be crucified." |
|
The Earl of Sussex, Sir Roger Williams, and others have obtained
the Queen's leave to serve the Emperor against the Turk. Drake's
voyage is stayed, and is doubtful. Later news says that Tyrone is
content to submit, and with the Earl of ormond to come to the
Queen. The Earl of Cumberland and his ships go about their ordinary purchasing. Holt wants you to deal with your Protector for
Parsons to come from Spain to Rome, to advise about commissions
and other things touching affairs in England, as you are the fittest
to do it. Moody tells of factions, and this in the English college,
which Parsons would remove if there. The report of the arrival of
the West Indian fleet in Spain is somewhat confirmed. [2½ pages.
The italics are ciphers, deciphered by phelippes, who has endorsed
the letter as "intercepted."] |
May 10/20.
Brussels. |
16. Dr. Wm. Gifford to Mr. Throgmorton, at the Bishop of
Cassano's, Rome. I want my faculties for England, Scotland, and
Ireland written out and sent when my bulls come. Also means to
keep residence, not having a stiver; I am promised something from
England, and the debts to Paget being so great, I cannot find
in my heart to become a suitor. The bands which Stanley has got
together are mostly soldiers and serving men; Throgmorton wants
to prevent it, but Stanley is so mad, that unless Jaques hinder them,
he and Percy will run headlong to anything; surely the device of
setting by the ears Cajetan, Cassano and the principal of the
Jesuits, comes from Verstegan and the old knight with Parsons in
Rome
|
|
The French have utterly spoiled a pleasure house of the Bishop
of St. Omer's, near Gravelines. Fuentes is going to St. Quentin's
or Cambray, which D' Aumale and the French think may be taken
in two months. Fuentes told the Nuncio that Mayenne was at
Fontainbleau. Count Soissons is ill, poison being suspected. Count
St. Paul is confirmed in the government of Picardy, in place of
Longueville. There is great dearth in paris. Details of French
news. It is said that the Duck of Guies, having an enterprise upon
the king's person, fled to Rheims. The King of Spain has levied
1,500 men to help the earl of Tyrone in Ireland. |
|
Mall has written to Parsons and Cresswell for help; if her mother
die, she has nothing. I have written every post to you and the
Bishop of Cassano. |
|
6 need not be so solicitous for his faculties, and the ruler of
the Jesuits and Parsons have prevented him. Cajetan and others
laugh 6 to scorn, to see him sue for what is already arrived two
posts since. Williams's regiment has environed the town of Hulst,
and the Count has sent for artillery and munition from Malines,
and will go there in person. |
|
Cassano should speedily present the Nuncio's letter for D. Parkinson to Cardinal Datorie, as the thing is worth 100 crowns, and others
will be writing for it. He is a great friend to Cassano, and none to
Verstegan. |
|
Our men in Luxemburg are in want; the payment of troops
cannot be without extra help of the Nuncio and Duke of Feria.
The arrival of the Indian navy is reported, but it may prove Spanish
brag. I desire the advancement of the wench's match, yet "timeo
Danaos, et dona ferentes:" the malice in other men's causes is
palpable. I consider Cassano's age, and the impossibility of their
living on Paget, in his broken estate; Fitzherbert likes it not. I
from love, the mother from fear of her daughter's orbietas, and
Throgmorton's daughter from the insanity of love, favour it.
[2¼ pages, partly in Latin, very obscure in many places. The
italics are in cipher, many of them deciphered by Phelippes.] |
May 10/20.
Louvaine. |
17. Anne, Lady Hungerford, to the Bishop of Cassano, Rome.
Details of correspondence; professions of affection. I am further
bound to you by your affection to the Duchess, my sister [Jane
Dormer, Duchess of Feria]. I marvel that any of the nation
should hinder the success of the matter in question; their error
hurts themselves, as they lose the good they might otherwise have.
The number of these is great, though at first instigated by a few
ambitious to retain in their own hands the handling of English
matters, and they will omit no device to hurt those in their way.
I assure you of mine and the Duchess's devotion. Give my commendations to your nephew, Dr. Griffin, provost of Cambray. Doctor
Worthington has shown me a letter signed by some English, to be
sent to the Pope, in favour of Parsons heing made a cardinal. I
answered him so that he pressed my consent no further. 14 May. |
|
P.S., dated 20 May.—Thanks for your writing to the King [of
Spain] and Duke of Feria about the Duchess's matter; little can be
done with her son, such is his dislike to be thereof. I cannot affirm
the truth of the intelligence about your enemies' dealing with the
German princes, but when they have done their worst, they will
be quiet. [2½ pages.] |
May 10.
Plymouth. |
18 Martin White to Lady Raleigh. I will obey your orders
about my Lord's breast piece. I have a boy of 15 years, who has
been 1½ years in the Canaries with Nich. Jones, and who says that
my Lord came thither, and rode before Garycherby three days,
sending his boat and pinnace ashore for water. A Spaniard ran away
from them, and told that it was Sir Walter Raleigh, not Sir Fras.
Drake, and with four ships in his company. On March 6, my Lord
landed, but by reason of the great ordnance, he drew aboard again,
out of the reach of shot; in riding there, he took a Spanish ship
laden with fish, and sent the captain ashore to fetch wine, sugar, and
bread, promising to restore him his ship and company, which was
accordingly done. He also took 20 butts of wine from a Fleming,
and then left Garycherby. The Spaniard in the island accused Nich.
Jones and my boy as being of Plymouth, but the governor convicted
him and made all well again. |
May 12.
Ashbourn. |
19. Archibald Hubertson (?) to E. Cockayne, at Mr. Berry's,
Stand. Walking the circuit of these dainty counterfeit Catholics, I
find that John Baylie and his wife have received Nich. Wade, a
seminary priest. The prisoner North should be examined therein. I
am hated of that sect, and they procure me the ill-will of friends. I
have sustained great wrongs through my sincerity. |
May 12.
Newcastel. |
20 Hen. Sanderson to Sir R. Cecil. By direction of the Bishop of
Durham, I have apprehended Rob. Ogleby, the person described, and
warily searched his person, his man, portmanteau, &c. He and his
friends give out that he purposed to go to Constantinople, but this
seems not true, for at Darlington on his journey towards London,
he had sent his man to Scotland, and bade him meet him at the same
place, May 7, which he did, and brought letters and papers, which I
now send you. On an old letter is endorsed the Queen's nativity and
her coronation day, also names of men and places, as Wisbeach, to
some of which he has been. His eldest brother, John Ogleby [son] of
Pury Ogleby, is a great Catholic, an dhaunts Northumberland. He
only knows that I have written to the President of York, and is
inquisitive what shall be done with him. I keep him and his man
in my house in safety. |
May 13.
London. |
21. Henry Billingsley and Rich. Carmarden to Lord Burghley.
We have received your letter through your servant, Mr. Hickes. We
consider Rob. Harvey an honest man, of good estate and fit for the
office of comptroller of the port of London, which Hen. Isham now
enjoys. |
| May 15. |
22. Richard Carmarden to the Queen. As to the grant of the
farm of the impost on French and Rhenish wines to Mr. Swinnerton,
contrary to the former grant, he is to have bonds and money due
for imposts in the outports; but wine vessels coming to London might
call at the West ports, and pay their duties, and enter bonds there.
Thus your chief security (which was to be the receipt of bonds and
moneyfor the wines brought in the first half-uear) is lost, and you have
only his sureties, who are chiefly mean men. Being under no assurance
but his bare covenant for the 1,050 tuns reserved custom-free to
noblemen and gentlemen, he refuses their warrants, and is never
called to account as to whether he has allowed the 1,050 tons. The
frost having injured the wines, if the wines come in late during his
last year, you have weak assurance for your ent, which should
be paid in June and February, and he can easily contrive that the
wines do not come in until Lady-day. As he has the imposts after
Michaelmas next to Feb. 1597, and is only tied to one half-year's
rent, he may relieve himself and endanger your rents. |
May 15/25.
Antwerp. |
23. W. Smythe to the Bishop of Cassano, Rome, franked to
Venice. I regret the withdrawal of your wonted affection. I am
plunged in extreme misery, which causes many to do what they
would not. I am driven to extremity for want of pay, and should have
been famished but for the charity of a stranger. I have no hope but in
you. Details of pecuniary distress. I should be sure to be hanged
if I went to England to recover my debts. In five years, I have
received but four months' pay. My Lord Cardinal, had he lived,
would have procured me an annuity. Since his death, the common
sort of the English have wanted the election of Father Parsons, and
the Jesuits work for the same; the King may perhaps be a suitor
to his Holiness for some one. |
| May 16. |
24. Certificate signed by 57 graduates of ten of the colleges
at Cambridge, that Mr. Barrett's sermon to the clergy, delivered at
St. Mary's Church, was corrupt, savouring of popery, and bitter
against Calvin and other learned writers, and more offensive than
ever heard in Cambridge; and that his recantation, being read in a
very irreverent manner, rather added new offence than satisfied for
the former. Annexing, |
|
24. i. Confession and public recantation by Mr. Barrett, in St.
Mary's Church, Cambrdige, of certain speeches used by
him in the University, concerning certainty of acceptance
with God, the final perseverance of Saints, the nature of
faith, the remission of sin, predestination, the doctrines of
Calvin, &c. [2 pages, Latin.] May 10, 1595. |
|
24. ii. Extracts from the Statutes of the University of Cambridge,
prohibiting teaching or lecturing in the University, against
the doctrines of the Established Church of England; any
transgressor to revoke his error, or be bansished the
University. |
| May 17. |
25. Table of goods which are liable to payment of customs, showing the prices at which they are at present rates, the requests of
the merchants about the rates, the opinions of the Customs' officers,
and the difference as to rates, the opinions of the Customs' officers,
and the difference as to rates between the opinions of the merchants
and officers: with some remarks upon particular articles. Endorsed
[by Burghley]," The conference betwixt the rates allowed by the
merchants, and the rates assessed for the Queen's Majesty for
Customs." [2½ pages.] |
| May 20. |
26. Thos. Cuntry, mayor, and seven jurates of Fordwich, to the
Suffragan of Dover, and Dean of Canterbury. We recommend John
Fynnett, of Fordwich, for a licence to travel into other countries,
to better his knowledge in languages, he being a man of good
religion, and well affected to prince and country. |
| May 21. |
27. Certificate by Sir Thos. Sherley of the strength of the forces
in the Low Countries, and of how far they exceeded or fell short of
the 1,000 lances and 6,400 footmen agreed upon with the States
of the Low Countries, at different periods from 1588 to 1594. They
were chiefly in excess until January 1593, when 15 bands were sent
to Britanny. [2¼ pages, unsigned.] |
| May 22. |
28. Commission to Sir Thos. Baskerville to be Colonel-General of
all soliders and men of war employed in the fleet of eight of the
Queen's ships, and divers privateers, set out under Sir Fras. Drake
and Sir John Hawkins against the enemy, with power to enforce
military discipline under direction of the said generals. [Draft, 3½
pages.] |
| May 23. |
29. Complaints against Sir Thos. Sherley and his answers,
1. His match with the Earl of Essex, and his hope upon him.—The marriage was concluded by my son without my privity, and
the Earl was the first that broke it to me, when my son was in
France; I had no reason to refuse my consent, having no just cause
of exception against the gentlewoman, but wished my son some
match of wealth, though it had been of much meaner blood; she is
not so near to his Lordship as might give hope of any extraordinary
regard, being but a cousin. I behave to the Earl in no other sort
than before the marriage; neither use him in any cause, nor commit
my fortune into the hands of a man that seems to have small
regard of his own. I am glad to hold the good favour of a man of
his place and quality, but do not depend upon him nor any other,
but only upon the Queen; I think it base for her servant and officer
to depend upon any man living. |
|
2. That he concealed from Her Majesty the benefit the merchants
made by the exchange, now worth to her nearly 11,000l. a year.—I never concealed the benefit they made; I supposed they gained
by their travail, which is the condition of all merchants, but I knew
not what gain they made, and the Queen has not now 11,000l.
a year by it, but 2,000l. The money made over by exchange for the
Low Countrie3s' service is now advanced two months beforehand,
which was not done to the old mercahnts, so that the interest of
the money alters the case of the exchange; it never appeared, nor
could it be proved, that I have ever been corrupted by the merchants to deceive or abuse the Queen. |
|
3. That his office is worth 3,000l. a year.—The Queen allows me
for myself 20s. a day, 6s. 8d. for my vice-treasurer, and 5s. a piece
for mythree paymasters, which in the whole amounts to 760l. 8s. 4d. |
|
4. His having purchased much land since he has had the office.—I have ever been both a purchaser and seller of land, and continued
this course since I was treasurer at war; in that time, I have purchased lands of the yearly value of 450l., and sold other lands value
400 marks; but have done nothing covertly, and all is enrolled in the
Chancery, in my own name. I hoped rather for commendation than
any manner of imputation, having ever noted an old saying that
"he that is not provident and thrifty for himself is not like to do
well for them whom he serveth." |
|
5. His being continually in England.—It is most meet place
for me to make my residence, where I am ready to satisfy the
Council in all difficulties, and to receive directions; if I resided in
the Low Countries, I could not find a servant of capacity and judgment to be my respondent here; my being here is of great consequence for taking care of the safe delivery of the treasure, and
saving Her Majesty harmless from all losses. There is mothing to
do on the other side of the sea but to pay weekly imprests, which
my officers are able to do as well as myself. The Queen's troops
are dispersed in sundry places, and if I were in the Low Countries,
I could be but in one place, and consequenctly but do the service of
an ordinary paymaster. Also, |
|
Account of the yearly entertainment allowed to Sir T. Sherley
and his officers before alluded to, amounting to 768l. 4s., also of the
entertainment given by him to his officers; total, 893l, 6s. 8d.,
leaving him topay 132l. 18s. 4d. more than he receives. |
|
With note that Sir Thomas yearly receives of the captains and
officers in the garrisons of Flushing, Brill, and Ostend, the 100th
penny of so much money as is paid to them, which amounts to
380l. a year or thereabouts; it is allowed to him by the solider,
in respect of his charges in convoying the treasure from Middleburg
to the several garrisons; also account of money disallowed to him in
Aug. 1594, which was parcel of his entertainment; total, 1,073l. 15s.
[3½ pages.] |
May 23.
Wood Street. |
30. W. Waad to the Earl of Essex and Sir R. Cecil. I send a
letter, committed to me by an Italian, containing some advertisements. |
| May 24. |
31. Earl of Essex to Sir R. Cecil. I return the two letters; I have
shown the Ireland letter to the Queen, but had no order to encourage me to do service, and see no cause to pray Her Majesty to
give me anything. |
| May 26. |
32. Arguments in proof of the advantages to be derived by the
City of London from stopping up the town ditch; that it will save
the city 2,000 marks once in 10 years, when it must be scoured; that
it is the origin of infection, and the only noisome place in the city. In
the last great plague, more died about there than in three parishes
besides; those fields are the chiefest walks for recreation of the
citizens, and though the ditch were cast every second year, yet the
water coming from the kennel and slaughter-houses will be very
contagious. It is no material defence for the city, and half the
ditch has been stopped these many years. The ground turned into
gardens would be pleasant to that part of the city. If a lease
were granted to some one that would fill it up and convey the
water into some common sewer, the city might reap a benefit,
when the lease expired. The citizens think it would be commodious, if Queen and Council assented. With note that the ditch
may be dried up without filling, and then filled with water on
occasion. |
| [May 26.] |
33. Copy of the above. [2pages.] |
| May 26. |
34. Certificate by Hen. Anderson, mayor, Hen. Sanderson, and
sundry artificers, of the decays of the storehouse at Newcastle,
and of the cost of repairs thereof; total 800l. |
May 27.
Westminster. |
35. Grant to John Dee, M.A., of the wardenship of Christ's
College, Manchester, in the Queen's gift by promotion of Wm.
Chaderton, Bishop of Chester, to the bishopric of Lincoln. [Latin,
4 sheets. Interlined as a draft of a similar grant in reversion to
Wm. Burne, B.D., 21 July 1603.] |
| [May 28.] |
36. David Lawe to Lord Burghley. I will neither lie nor conceal
anything; being at Douay, and wishing to see my friends in Scotland, Mr. Wm. Creighton, from Brussels, offered me to accompany
Williamson thither; I declined, as thinking it dangerous to return
with an Englishman, but was told that he had lately come from
England, and was desired by Lord Dacres to return to the King and
Lord Hume, and make the King an offer of men. I was still
fearful, but was told to pretend to be Williamson's servant. I only
went to Scotland to visit my friends, and know nothing more of
williamson's affairs, nor even knew his name till I heard it at
Carlisle, after we were apprehended; therefore I entreat compassion. [1½ pages.] |
| May 28. |
37. Examination of Nich. Williamson, before Sir Thos. Egerton
and Att.-Gen. Coke. Five days before he left Douay for Scotland,
Creighton, the Jesuit, acquainted him with David Lawe, a young
poor scholar, that knows Lord Urguhart, and the Lord President of
the Senate, Lord Seaton's brother, who was to accompany him to
Scotland. |
| May 29. |
38. Examination of John Hacker, of East Bridgeford, co. Notts,
before Sir John Egerton and Att.-Gen. Coke. The Earl of Shrewsbury sent him to Pearsall's house, Horsley, Staffordshire, to fetch
evidences, because some enemies wanted to get them away, and
he missed divers evidences. Went with Hen. Widowson, and
requested him to send all the writings in his custody. Nich.
Williamson told Pearsall that he would leave certain writings
of the Earl with Thos. Williamson, his brother, for Pearsall;
Jurdan of Wilford, co. Notts, had them, but Pearsall got them
from him, and was perusing them lying abroad in a chamber.
Asked for all that concerned his Lord; pearsall delivered them,
but confessed that he had read their titles; put them into
a bag which was sealed with his and Pearsall's seals; the was
being soft, and fearing defacements, got Mr. Harpur, of co. Notts,
to seal the bag, but he never perused the writings. Before
going to pearsall went to Nich. Williamson's wife at Wildon,
Derbyshire, and demanded my Lord's household stuff and writings.
Saw in her house two bags of writings marked Kingston and
Sawley; has been there thrice since Christmas, the last time
two days before going to pearsall's; when demanding the
Earl's writings, she delivered them to Harpur. Requested Hen.
Widowson, and the contable's deputy of Wildon to see that
none of my Lord's evidences were carried away. They were
then put into a chest and sealed, sent to a mill in wildon, and
thence put into a sack and sent to Sawley, where this examinate,
Mr. Borbue, and Mr. Charleton perused them, and then sealed them
in a chest with their several seals. Found some of my Lord's old
mass and papistical books under some hemp in Wildon church
steeple. Told Pearsall that he missed some writings about
Kingston; Pearsall said that Thos. Williamson, in absence of Nich.
Williamson's wife, had been to her house, and carried thence two or
three chests to his houses at Crich, Derbyshire. [22/3 pages, in Coke's
hand.] |
May 30.
London. |
39. List by Thos. Fanshaw of 11 residents in London who are
securities, in 1,000l. each, for John Swinnerton, jun., for the farming
of the impost on French wines, and he himself in bonds of 1,200l. and
1,000l., showing their respective assemements in the subsidy, varying
from 10l. to 70l., his own being 50l. [1½ pages, partly in Latin.] |
| May 31. |
40. Valuation of the bishopric of winchester; total, 2,793l. 3s. 7¼d.,
of which, after deductions for fees, subsidies, tenths, and first-fruits,
&c., will remain only 518l. 11s. 02/3d. The Bishop has been at great
charges in repairs of the ruinous houses, and in buying stock,
finding neither cattle nor pasture; therefore he entreats five or six
years to pay his first-fruits, that he may have sufficient maintenance
to support his charge and calling. Noted that Bishop Horne had
three years granted, Bishop Watson five years, and Bishop Cowper
four years. |
| May ? |
41. Considerations moving the Bishop of Winchester to be a
suitor to the Queen, for remission of two of the payments due for
his first-fruits. I have to pay tenths, subsidies, and first-fruits upon
annuities of 600l. a year, with which I am charged. I find the
revenue less by 180l. than the valuation which I accepted. I shall
have little more for 2½ years than 600l. a year, over and above
tenths, first-fruits, annuities, &c., and shall have to spend 300l. a
year in repairs, the country having complained to the justices of
sessions of the decay of farm houses, mills, bridges, &c. I have little
left for hospitality, finding of servants, furniture, the solemnities of
St. George's day, Parliament, &c. The two payments for which I
request release do not amount to the sum of my overcharge. I had
to pay 2,242l. 6d. in six payments, of which one of 373l. 14s. 5d.
is paid, and the next is due on Lady-day, and so on half-yearly.
[1¾ pages.] |
| May. |
42. Memorial of public business [by Lord Burghley.]. To see the
markets supplied with corn at reasonable prices. To certify what
country gentlemen, not belonging to the Queen's house or some
court of justice, have lodgings in London and the suburbs, and if
they keep hospitality. To view all stables, and account how the
horses are employed. to have a search made in London and Middlesex for suspected persons. To allow none to be justices of peace or
tenants of the Queen, who are retained in any person's service. |
May.
Greenwich. |
43. Suggested warrant for instalment to Tobias Matthew, late Dean,
now Bishop of Durham, of his first-fruits, rated at 1,638l. 19s. 3½d.,
after deduction of tithes, to be paid in four years, beginning Easter,
1596, and on his own surety only; and for the valuation of his
revenues for subsidies to be made at 1,821l. 1s. 5¼d., as was done for
Matthew, late Bishop; in case of his death or removal meanwhile,
no further payments to be made. Endorsed "Petition of Tobias,
Bishop of Durham, for composition of his first-fruits." [1¾ pages.] |
| May. |
44. Certificate from Sir John harte and 13 other aldermen of
London, in favour of Rob. Harvey, a citizen of good account, just,
and upright, as fit for the place of comptroller of the port of London,
to be surrendered to him by Hen. Isham. |
| May ? |
45. Warrant to Lord Keeper Puckering. Sir Wm. Cecil, Lord
Burghley, and others, to mitigate the fines imposed by the Star
Chamber on 13 rioters, now in the Fleet, for pulling down the wear
belonging to Sir Thos. Stanhope, at shelford, co. Notts, and to
liberate them on payment of part of the fines, and giving security
for their good behaviour. |
| May ? |
46. Certificate of the fines, varying from 1,000 marks to 40l.,
imposed by the Star Chamber, May 10, upon each of 13 persons
named, for pulling down the wear of Sir Thos. Standhope, and order
that they be not liberated till they have paid Sir Thomas's costs,
With notes [by Burghley] of the mitigations. |
