|
| Dec. 1. |
36. Dr. W. James, Dean of Durham, to Sec. Cecil. I hear that in a
bill for increase of tillage and re-edifying of house, Northumberland,
Cumberland, and Westmoreland were excepted, and that you signified in a grave and wise speech, that of all places those most needed
to be looked to. In other places, increase of tillage finds food, but
here it maintain men, and is a strong defence. The decays are not,
as supposed, by the enemy, but private men have dispeopled whole
villages, who could repair them, and should be compelled to it. If these
countreis, formerly the walls of the land, lie waste, the Queen must
keep a garrison at Newcastle, as at Berwick; and if the inhabitants
are too busy to build or till, they should be strengthened. Your late
speech emboldens me to say thus much. |
| Dec. 2. |
37. Dr. Chris. Pakins to Lord Burghley. If Peterson has Her
Majesty's hand, it is best to bury it; for if by contenious answering
it be revived, it will yield more matter of imporiation to the
sycophant. Her Majesty shall do hereself wrong, if any power be
yielded to Spira to cite her or her agent, by the law of nations
exempted. Mr. Ferrers therefore is not to acknowledge subjection to
Spira as agent, but if he will take knowledge of their commanding
his appearance, he may better answer by letters, warning them they
have passed the bounds of their jurisdiction; for civil and moderate
magistrates, especially by delegation, cannot offer with modesty to
call before them such as are not of their jurisdiction. Peterson
also is an infamous person. Peter Garratt has an action against him,
so that if a letter of attorney were sent from Garratt to Ferrers, he
might pick out some emulous of Peterson at Lubec, and set them
awork against him, whereby he might be diverted,and so help to bury
Her Majesty's action. If by private authority he holds our mercahnts' goods for claims to Her Majesty, he is punishable. If by
virtue of reprisals,he is first to prove the injury, and return the
deniel of justice, and obtain public authority thereunto, wherein
the merchants might have an action against him. |
|
For sending letters to the Prince's friends, to warn their deputies
at Ratisbon, I like it well, and the matter will be more expedited if
divers be sent from Stade, to go every one from his Prince to
Ratisbon to the deputies. There are at Stade divers footmen that
live thereby, and go to and fro with small charges, men most sure
though poor; so that if she serjeant-at-arms shall despatch Her
Majesty's letters to the Princes, and they should go right to Ratissbon
from Stade, it would do well. I enclose the Emperor's letters and
Her Majesty's answer; supposing you will spend the morning in the
Parliament, I shall defer attending you until noon. [1¾ pages.] |
| Dec. 2. |
38. The true state of the cause between the Dean and Cannons
of Windsor and the heirs of Arthur Hatch." The Duke of Somerset
in recompense of other ladns given him, granted the King in fee
the parasonage of South Moulton, co. Devon, by indenture dated
1 Edw. VI., which was acknowledge by the Duke before Sir Thos.
North, Chancellor of the Court of Augmentations, the clerk of that
court, and a master of Chancery; there was also a record thereof
annexed, together with a label, without seal, subscribed by the
King's attorney, solicitor, and clerk of that court, which remained
in that court, and the Court of Exchequer. The King granted the
parasonage to the Dean and Cannons of Windsor for ever, for maintenance of the poor knights of Windsor; it was faithfully employed to the aforesaid uses until 16 Eliz., when it was purchased,
or was ready to be purchased, by Mr. Middlemore, as concealed,
upon pretence that the deed from the Duke to the King was not
enrolled nor of record, whereas the transcript of the deed remaining amongst the records is sufficient record, withotu any other
roll. The Dean and Canns being informed that the deed was not
sufficient unless it were enrolled, and that they could not obatin the
exectuion of the warrant from her Majesty then to enrol it, without
assent of Mr. Hatch, who purchased it from Mr. Middlemore, and
fearing to lose all,—in consideration that Hatch assented, and that
they might enjoy 55l. 3s. 4d. yearly rent to the relief of the poor
knights, which is but a third part of the value of the parsonage, and
receive 120l. in money,—convenanted to assent to an Act of Parliament, whereby for the yearly rent of 55l. 3s. 4d. the same parasonage
should be conveyed to the heir of Hatch for ever, cotnrary to the
good intent of the King. |
|
If the suggestion of the concealers be true, that the deed is not
good in law without the last enrolment, then the Dean and Canons
have no reason to seek relief, or to stay the proceeding in Parliament; but if the assurance were good to the King withotu the last
enrolment, as some of the judges have given their opinion, then the
Dean and Canons had not power to give that land away, being
restrained by divers statures, and their rash convenant cannot enforce
another to dot hat which had been wrong in them to have done;
and although their covenant might bind them by their own error to
make some recompense, yet it is no cause for a third person, who now
sees the error, to make good such erroneous proceedings to the wrong
of the poor. The opinion of the judges in this case, recoreded by my
Lord Dyer in his book, was upon another point, viz., whether the deed
might be enrolled at this day, omitting the transcript and record
which then remained in court, and was the truth of their case, by
means of such ad furthered the concealed title, which has been the occasion to make the Dean and Canons spend 500l., and is the good
which concealers being to many corporations. |
Dec. 5.
Plymouth. |
39. Chr. Harris to Lord Admiral Nottingham. I delivered your
letter to the mayor of Dartmouth for the Spanish flymboat; he was
very sorry of any occasion to move your dislike towards him; he
was moved to do as he did by some of his brethren, who thought
it was due to the town. But unwilling further to offend you, he
has delivered me the ship and the things in her, and only desires
his charges in bringing her in, unloading, cellaring, and saving the
goods, which I find have been much better preserved by his
good care, as otherwise great waste and spoil would have been
made. I send herewith an inventory of the goods saved, but which
I think you have already seen, as the mayor and Mr. Carey of
Cockington sent one up. The ship and goods will be soon wasted
in the charge of the Spaniards, if they continue long here, there being
above 60 of them; but if the meanest be sent away, and 10 or 12
of the chief kept, the charge will be much eased, and those that
remain here be the better looked to. |
|
You wrote that they should be allowed 4d. a day each; the
mayor has allowed 5d., out of which the charge of those that watch
them day and night is likewise borne; I do not think it can well
be made less, but if you will have any other course taken, I will see
it performed; there is shipping at Dartmouth, in which I might
transport them with little charges. I desire your directions for the
sale of the ship and goods, that money may be had to defray the
charge, which daily increase. My man arrested a ship called the
Sea Mew of London, which lateley arrived, for privacy in robbing an
Irishman. I certify this with the more speed, as the captain has
ridden to you to work his discharge. The ship by law is supposed
to be yours. Encloses, |
39. i. Examination of Ralph Larkin and Hen. Hickmote, mariners of London, before Chris. Harris. Went out 10
weeks ago in the Mew of London, Mark Skolls of London
captain and owner. A month ago they plundered an
Irish ship, and then suffered it to go on to Cadiz; and
since their arrived at Hamoase the captain has sold the
goods to John Parlins of Stonehouse. They took also a
Spanish carvel, with 56l. in money on board and 400
marks, and the captain made a man-of -war of her. On
their landing the goods, Wm. Fry of Stonehouse, servant
to Chris. Harris, vice-admiral, came abroad the ship at
Hamoase, and arrested her in the Lord Admiral's name,
taking away the foresail. Since then Thos. Payne, viceadmiral of Cornwall, has arrested her likewise.
Redford, Dec. 3, 1597. |
|
39. ii. Inventory of powder, shot, &c. found on the Bear of Amsterdam. [The same as that of Nov, 18, ante, No. 13. I.] |
| Dec. 5. |
40. Account of the matter in question between Arthur Hatch, Her
Majesty's word, and the Dean and Cannons of Windsor. The Duke
of Somerset, by indenture of 26 July, 1 Edw. VI., sold the rectory
of South Moulton, co. Devon, to the King; the indenture was acknowledged before the Chancellor of the Court of Argmentaions.
and before a Master of Chancery, but was not enrolled. The King
the same year, granted the rectory to the Dean and Cannons of
Windsor. This grant was taken not to be good, because the
deed was not enrolled, and the rectory still continuing in the
Duke came, by Act of Parliament 3 Edw. VI., to the Crown, and
so continued until 16 Eliz. Then Her Majesty granted this rectory
to Hen. Middlemore, Groom of her Privy Chamber. In 21 Eliz.,
Middlemore sold it to Thos. Hatch, who died seized thereof, and the
same came to Arthur, his son and heir, now Her Majesty's word. |
|
In 31 Eliz., the Dean and Cannions made petition of Her
Majesty to have the indenture made by the Duke of Somerset
to King Edw. VI. enrolled, and procured her command to Sir
Christopher Hatton, then Lord Chancellor, for so doing; whereupon
the friends of the said ward, understanding that the same tended to
the overthrow of his state in the said rectory, procured a stay of the
enrolment, and the consideration thereof was referred to the present
Lord Keeper and Chief Justice; after many hearings, there was a
full agreement made that the said Arthur Hatch and his heirs should
enjoy the same rectory, paying 55l. 3s. 4d. rent to the Dean and
Canons, and should further pay them 120l., which has been satisfied
accordingly. This agreement is contained in an indenture sealed
with the chapter seal, in which they consent that the same shall be
confirmed by Act of Parliament. Upon this agreement, the indenture
made by the Duke to King Edward VI. was enrolled, whereby the
Dean and Canons are assured of lands to the value of 300l. a year.
The petition of the ward is that he may enjoy the said rectory
according to the indenture. |
Dec. 5.
The Fort [Plumouth]. |
41. Sir Ferd. Gorges to Sec. Cecil. I have writtern their Lordships such news as have come to me, what truth there is in it I leave
to your wisdom; however it is not amiss to dpubt as much, neither
does it carry any great unlikehood, for there goes no report of either
provisions or settled course taken in most of these places for the
avoiding of confusions and discontents, which is a thing much
muttered at by some that grieve to think what resistance will be
made with a confused multitude, inexperienced, without either
captain or officer, or any other means belonging to an army that
should make head against an invading enemy, with an army
practised and disciplined, and royally provided for such an attempt. |
Dec. 5.
Plumouth Fort. |
42. Sir. Ferd. Georges to the Council. I have returned from Falmouth, but will not give particulars till Sir Nich. Parker's return.
It is reported that there is an embargo throughout Spain, and all
mariners are sent to Ferrol and the Groyne; the Adelantado is
impatient to repair his misfortune, and will soon be able to sail,
but leaving some of his great weather-beaten ships behind. It is
thought that the army from Spain will decend on some of these
western ports, and the Cardinal land in the east, and they are assured
of friends in the north, who will arm when these armies land. They
are sure of Ireland, for no supplies could be sent there in such
a hurly-burly, and the Earl [of Tyrone] can turn out those that
are there. Had not God prevented them this last time, they would
have performed their design on these parts without resistance. I have
given Sir Walter Raleigh a note of our wants. The captains here
entreat weekly pay, apparel, and arms for their poor soldiers.
I can hardly call them to duty till provision is made for firing and
lodging, as the captains think it hard that they should be called
before. [1¾ pages.] |
| ]Dec.] 6. |
43. Grant by rob. Milner, of London, to Sir John Byron, of
Newstead, in Sherwood Forest, co. Notts, of the lands of Bulwell
Hill, Bulwell parish, co. Notts, which Milner holds from the Queen
by grant of 27 Oct. 1597. [Latin, much damaged.] |
Dec. 7
Plymouth fort. |
44. Sir Ferd. Georges to Sec. Cecil. Capt. Legat thinks the
Spaniards must intend to sail this winter, or they would draw up
their ships, disembark their soldiers, and not make such haste for
provisions, boats, and men. He has taken great pains in this
journey, and to make his company amends, has given them better
pay, on promise of reimbursement. I beg that his honest service
may be encouraged. |
Dec. 8.
The Fort [Plymouth]. |
45. Sir Ferd. Georged to Sec. Cecil. I send a rude plan of Falmouth, and another of the fortification proposed. No other place
need be fortified, except St. Mawe's Castle, for if these two are made
strong and well furnished, the harbour, now very dangerous and ill
provided for, will be sufficiently defended. If the enemydescend
before this is done, I know not how they can be got out again. |
| Dec. 8. |
46. Thos. Honyman to Sec. Cecil. I was at Court to acquaint you
with the contents of another letter from the party that wrote last
in Spanish, but as you were absent, I now send you a copy in
English of the letter, dated Nov. 24 viz.: |
|
Within four or five days after my last, a French friend of mine
came from Ferrol, but not so soon that I could give you advice in
time. I have as good means of knowing what passes there as any
man of my coat, and will punctually advise you; it is most requisite
to have one continually there while the army is there. The King's
army arrived near the coast of England, and while being ordered
how to disembark, such a storm came on that they were forced back,
and as yet want 14 great ships and 28 small barks. One gallion
especially, named Santiago, was lost near this coast with 800 men
and 50,000ducats; the rest are arrived at Ferrol, but want 2,000
men, so that they have got as little in this voyage as in others heretofore. My former opinion was that forasmuch as they gave out
that the voyage was for Ireland, the greatest desire was for England.
They give out publicly that they had bought Plymouth for 50,000
crowns. As they are subtle, and have missed the stroke, they may give
it out to put the world in combustion. Advise me if any such thing
be suspected there. The contagion of sickness continues still in St.
Sebastian and other places of the province of Quipuscoa, and not
in Bilboa. Of the Indian fleet, amongst others four gallions have
arrived, with ten millions, they say they have lost four great ships
and one gallion. As yet they are at the Terceras; 30 sail are making
ready to go with them. Spain were poor without these ten millions;
they owe much, and this is little. |
|
From the parts of Perpignan and toulouse they have entered
about 12,000 or 13,000 men, and have done very great spoil.
Here is speech of a peace, but that the Spaniards will not accept o
England and Flanders therein, which will be the cause of nothing
being done. There are yet 50 sail of the Spanish fleet missing.
There is great scarcity of corn and other provisions here. |
|
P.S., Nov. 26.—They are again making preparations as great as
they can, for they have made open cry in all the sea coast towns
that all ships whatsoever, as they come in, be stayed. I have
found a man to send to Ferrol, who I hope will be serviceable. He
is an Irishman, has been in divers places in Spain by way of traffic.
and speaks the Spanish tongue sufficient for the purpose, but as yet
there is no conveyance for him. It were requisite to place one in
Ferrol to correspond with him in Bayonne. I would wish him to pass
thay way, to be acquainted with these messengers which shall be
sent him from time to time for his despatches. I have received
letters from my friends in Bayonne about the Rouen cloth, &c.
Private affairs. [2pages.] |
Dec. 5
Middleburg |
47. Chr. Keynell to Sec. Cecil. The tapestry is this day
landed; six pieces, containing 180 ells Flemish, at 17s. per ell; to
be returned if not liked. The owner stands upon a sale thereof to
a Spanish merchant, who has offered 1s. per ell less. For its speedy
and safe sending, I have chosen the English post, who has promised
care thereof. |
Dec. 10.
Plymouth. |
48. Wm. Stallenge to Cecil. A Dutch ship which left Cadiz
15/25 Nov. reports a general embargo; 48 ships were stayed in Cadiz
and St. Lucar, but there were no victuals nor extra men for them.
The embargo might be because they are expecting their gallions
from the islands with the King's treasure. Biscuit is 32s. the
cwt. at Cadiz, and other victuals very dear. He reports heavy
losses in the Spanish fleet; three of the greatest ships sunk at sea.
We want provision for better defence; though the enemy come not
so soon as expected, he will not give over what he has begun, and
it is a greater charge to provide things suddenly. |
| Dec. 12. |
49. Dr. Ch. Parkins to Lord Burghley. I enclose a clause to be
inserted in the letters of some Princes near Stade, as Holstein,
Bremen, Hamburgh, Luneburg, and Brunswick, concerning count
Schomberg's having taken four merchants prisoners. Mr. Beale has
taken great pains concerning the answer to be published for the
Hanse claims, and noted many things fir to be had in readiness;
the writing is not yet perfected. It should be remembered that
Germany is full of insolent wits for the Spanish faction, ready to
be malapert with anything that may seem to proceed in print from
Her Majesty or her estate. Wherefore seeing the edict is full of the
hanses' suggestions against the Merchant Adventurers, they may
with good reason take the matter in hand, reserving reverence
to the empire's action, as only dealing with the Hanses' false
suggestions against them. |
| Dec. 12. |
50. Account by Wm. Meredith, of a month's imprest for four
bands, under Sir Arthur Savage, Sir John Brooke, Sir Arthur chichester,
and Sir Jarret Harvey, sent from Picardy to ostend, form
19 Dec. 1597 to 15 Jan. 1598; total, 421l. 4s.With note that this
sum is payable by virtue of the privy seal for Picardy, of 8 July 1597. |
| Dec. 12. |
51. Account by Mr. Meredith, of one month's pay for officers and
men serving in the Low Countries, as also of extraordinary payments
from 20 Dec. 1597, to 16 Jan. 1598; total, 3,695l. With note that
500l. has to be abated for the weekly imprests of 1,000 men withdrawn last summer, and sent with the Earl of Essex, and now em
ployed in the western parts. Also that the first-mentioned sum is
payable by virtue of the privy seal of 27 May 1597. [3½ pages.] |
| Dec. 12. |
52. List of 19 peers and others forming the committee on the
bill concerning Mr. Hatch. With note that they are to meet at the
Little Council Chamber at the Court at Whitehall, on Wednesday,
the 14th inst., at 3 p.m. |
| Dec. 13. |
53. Account of rents due to lady sands by Robert Huggin and
seven other tenants named, for farms and other hereditaments;
total, 59l. 6s. 8d. |
| Dec. 14. |
54. John Josar to [Sec. Cecil?]. I have examined in the Admiralty
court a Portugal pilot who came from Fernambuco, in Brazil, last
September, with 40 other vessels, in the St. John Baptist, laden
with sugars and elephants' teeth, and was taken within 40 leagues
of Lisbon by two English ships, and brough to London. They
were ordered to sail within 42 to 43 degrees of latitude, and not
come near the isles of Terceras, but keep their course till they came
to Cape Finisterre, and then by the coast of Galicia to Lisbon, and
this for fear of the English. |
|
Next spring a fleet is to come home to Lisbon from Fernambuco,
with 14,000 chests of sugar and great store of Brazil wood, in
vessels of Hamburg and Lubec, which are daily expected at Brazil.
mascaremias, the old Viceroy of Brazil, will also returon, diego
Botelia, the new viceroy, having arrived with the last fleet. He has
already confiscated a Holland ship which went from Lisbon to
Brazil to lade sugars. [2 pages.] |
Dec. 15.
The Fort [Plymouth]. |
55. Sir Ferd. Georges to Cecil. There has arrived a servant of
Ant. Goddard, a merchant of Plymouth, who was taken when the
Earl of Essex first set forth, and racked in presence of the Adelantado, to force him to confess what the purpose of the fleet was. He
could not twll, and they then questioned him about Plymouth, the
number of men there &c. It was said they waitoed to know what
had become of out fleet, and would then sail for England. When
he was at Lisbon, 3,000 Italians left for Ferrol, and by this time the
whole fleet is expected to be ready for sea. The supply of the army
makes great scarcity of victuals. It was reported that the Adelantado had taken Plymouth, and found many friends in those parts.
He speaks of the war as only begun. Elliot is his chief counsellor
and the cause that those men were racked. Something should be
done for defence of the place; it would satisfy the people and make
them more forward in their duty. The enemy is encouraged by
thinking our nation neither understands nor provides for these
affairs. I have sent the Spaniards to Tremation Castle, Cornwall,.
and hope payment will be made for them, or they will be returned
again. They had better be hanged at once than run up and down
the country as they have done. I want the Council's pleasure
about Spanish and Portuguese prisoners brought in by poor men in
reprisal; the charge of keeping them being great, it will not be done
without some order from their Lordships. [1¾ pages.] |
| [Dec.16.] |
56. List of 87 peers and peeresses, with the amount levied upon
each as subsidy money, according to the Act of 39 Eliz. [Passed
Dec. 16, 1597. 2 pages.] |
| [Dec. 19.] |
57. Note of 21 Acts of Parliament passed: 6 that have been sent
to the Lower House; 4 committed; 2 read a second time; and
13 read for the first time. [3 pages.] |
| [Dec. 20.] |
58. List of 36 peers and others forming the committee upon the
Bill for increase of the people for the service and defence of the
realm; with note that they are to meet at the Great Council
Chamber at Whitehall on Wednesday 11 Jan., at 2 p.m. |
| Dec. 20. |
59. Breviat of the Bill the increase of people [alias "against
the decaying of towns and houses of husbandry"], giving the
principal clauses of the Bill, reasons and noted thereon, and answers
to objections. The chief difficulty is how to order the rebuilding of
houses when the land is scattered into several hands. There are
but four courses. to order them by virtue of a commission; to
lay a penalty upon all till they take order among themselves; to
suffer such cases to escape the law, or lay it only on the principal
person. The law does this last, bu imposing the restitution on those
that hold the inheritance. [2 sheets. The Bill is printed in Statutes
of the Realm, vol. IV., pp. 891-3.] |
Dec. 20.
Rochelle. |
60. Rowland Lee to Alderman Robt. Lee, London. A ship of Lisbon
has brough letters to Monsr. Cabeche, a Portuguese residing here,
certifying that there arrived there lately 15 carracks out of Italy, and
that 12 fly-boats, with great store of provision and munition of war,
left Lisbon for Ferrol Dec. 7. Also that the King of Spain is levying
a greater army than ever, and has pressed every fifth serviceable man
in all his country. Mons. Cabeche wishes well to out country, and
assures me that this is true, and wished me to give advice thereof
to the Council He was well known to Sir Fras. Walsingham. |
Dec. 21/31.
Lisbon. |
Giles Van Harwick [alias henry Resould] to peter Artzon,
merchant [alias Cecil]. * * * It is secretly reported that
Marcus de Pambo, general of the Spanish fleet, is carried for England, whither more had gone had not Whiteley, a servant of Cripps of
Limehouse, called out, on their being hailed by an English sail, that
they came out of the Straits, and were bound for London. The
plague has unfitted these ships for use. Six good ships should lie
always between Ferrol and Finisterre, to intercept all provisions for
renewing the fleet, so that it may not go to Terceras for the treasure.
The Earl of Essex's fame is abated here, because knowing where
it was, he did not attempt the island. * * * * * * |
|
The poor Englishmen taken by the Spaniards have been hardly
dealt with this three or four month; 120 have died in the galleys,
and the rest, after imprisonment of two years or less, sent home
by Ireland, Denmark, &c., without apparel or victuals. It would
be fit revenge to send theirs home by way of Barbary, and if
they will not redeem other poor men in their galleys, to sell some
of the Spaniards, and give the proceeds to maintain their poor
wives and children in England. This would make them use the
English more Christianlike; their late treatment has been murdering.
The Adelandado sent 120 from Ferrol hither, with only three ryals
of plate; half died by the way, and the others suffered so that they
will never be serviceable again. There are still 15 in the castle.
The English merchants that came over with Baynes are hardly dealt
with. I think the ill treatment of the poor men sent lately from
home was partly his doing, for they protest they could never get
allowance since his coming. |
|
If these wars continue, every one or two shires in England should
build a serviceable ship, and maintain her at sea at their own
charge, which would discourage the enemy from proceeding with
any further fleet. Lisbon is dependant on abroad from provision,
and is sending for corn from Sicily, so if there is any interest in
England to attempt it, the sooner the better. |
|
The Doctor I wrote you of is Younger, born about Pomfret
Castle, where doubtless are more of his sect; they should be
inquired after, for aall the English friars here are from about that
place. I wish Ireland were fordidden to trade with Spain and
Portugal; they are generally enemies to the Queen, and continually
sent to Portugal some of their sons to a college of Jesuits, to be
there instructed; they are maintained at he cost of Spain. |
|
It is secretly said that the last Armada should have gone for
Dover, having one of the castles in the Downs to friend, and that
they had 150 small pinnaces to go over to Calais to fetch soldiers,
&c. thence.* * * * * * |
|
[The passages in italics are in cypher, deciphered. Extract,
Spanish Corresp.] |
| Dec. 22 |
61. Jh. Lylie to Sec. Cecil. I have been importunate these 12
years, and entertained with patience the proroguing of Her
Majesty's promises; if in the 13th they may conclude with the
Parliament, I will think the griefs of time past but pastimes. I
would have waited on you were I not troubled with the courtcough-thought, that is to gape so long for a suit, and cough wihtout it.
Offices in reversion are forestalled, in possession engrossed, and that of
the revels countenanaced upon Buck, wherein the justice of an oyre
(sic) shows his affection to the keeper, and partiality to the shepherd.
I hope I shall not be used worse than an old horse, who after service
done, hath his shoes pulled off, and is turned to grass, not suffered
to starve in the stable. I will cast my wits in a new mould, and
turn the watercourse by a contrary sluice, for I find it folly that,
one foot being in the grave, I should have the other on the stage.
If Her Majesty, in commiseration of my estate, in remembrance of
her gracious promise, will vouchsafe by any hope of favour in my
declining years, I shall then, with the snake, cast off my skin, and
my bill with the eagle, renewing my time, running it over,and
reviving my withs by spending them. I entreat your Honour's
favour, being destitute of friends, a miserable example of misfortune;
I and the only one to whom Her Majesty hath promised much
and done nothing. |
| Dec. 24. |
62. Rob. Smith, of Yarmouth, to the Lord Treasurer. I have
just arrived from Amsterdam, with intelligence of a most dangerous
plot between the Cardinal and Lord Huntley of Scotland, to be
executed by four English Jesuits, Jas. Swinborne, Rob. Jackson,
Thos. Hubbard, and John Hacon; and four Scots, Davy Maxwell,
Wm. Dixon, And. Thompson, and Rich. Hall. These are coming in
next month to feel their friends' inclinations to the Scottish succession, and greater things are vehemently suspected. They are to
come as Scottish merchants, and go in couples, it is doubtful
whether to England or Scotland first. I have means to apprehend
them and their instructions, and will do so if opportunity offers.
I wish to confirm your Honour's favourable opinion of me. |
Dec 26.
Brussels. |
63. Chas. Paget to [Sec. Cecil]. I am incited to boldness with
you by your favour to my nephew Paget, and the good report
I hear of your sweet nature, modesty, and wisdom. I desire
ardently to do a service agreeable both to the Queen and King
of Spain. I am under obligation to the one as an English subject,
and to the other as a Catholic prince who has relieved me in my
banishment. This service would yield comfort to both princes, and
honour to yourself. |
|
You will have heard how desirous I have been, both in Count
Mansfelt and Duke Ernest's governorship, for some composition
between their Majesties, and how I laboured therein, but it was
broken off; my motives were the poverty and misery that befals
their subjects, the discontent and blood-shedding on both sides, and
the danger to their persons by continued war; also the wealth and
abundance that would arise from open trade, the ease to their consciences by deeds of amity between them, and the safety of their
persons if all past injuries were forgotten and forgiven. I have
taken every oocasion to advance a pacification, but God has been
pleased, for some hidden causes, to allow these wars to continue, till
now that he has inspired to Pope (who only looks after the
common good) t obe a means to draw the Kings of Spain and
France to an accord, with comprehension of allies, especially the
Queen of England. |
|
Though Mr. Barnes, when sent to see by my means whether his
Highness were inclined to peace, did not take back a favourable
answer, it was because the Queen having forces at sea aganist the
King of Spain, it was suspected that his coming was a colour to
know what was doing here. Also, as his Highness was just going
into the field and was occupied with war, he could not so well
hearken to that proposition. Now arms being laid aside, his
Highness is much inclined to amity with all, and by means of his
Holiness, is now inclined to talk of peace with France, as is France
with him. He is willing to treat with allies, and particularly with
the Queen, that the crowns of England and Spain may return ot
their old amity. |
|
His Highness wishes me to signify this good will to some one in
credit with the Queen, and that he will be glad if she will treat by
Commissioners sent to the treaty in France; or, if she prefer it, else
where. It would turn greatley to your renown to have this overture
accepted, and the old amity continued on equal terms. |
|
I am glad that this affari has fallen into my hands, that I may
address it to you, and I hope the Queen will send some one with her
resolution to his Highness. I hope my presumption in presention this
will be pardoned from my desire to serve Her Majesty, and that you
will be a means that my good intentions may be well interpreted.
[3¾ pages.] |
Dec 28.
Upton. |
64. Robt. Wingfield to Sec. Cecil. I make bold to present you
with a doe out of Northamptonshire, and crave pardon that she
comes without a fellow, as at this time I send them to Her
Majesty, the Lord Treasurer, and Sir Thos, Cecil. Your favour
showed towards me this Parliament comforts me as much as if you
gave me a great benefit. I desire to acquaint you with some
matters respecting your place about Her Majesty, but will not be
so bold without leave. |
| Dec 29. |
65. Hen. Wotton to Cecil. I hope in this employment not to be
disgraced by great inequalities between my self and Mr. Wroth;
I doubt my efficeincy, but must be pardoned a little emulation.
I beg your mediation. I enclose a not of the princes to whom I
desire to be sent, leaving to Wroth the hightst person and those
next him in that part of Germany. Encloses, |
|
65. i. List of German jprinces for Mr. Wroth: the Emperor,
Dukes of Saxony, Pomerania, Brunswick, and the rest
in those Eastern parts. For Mr. Wotton: the Palsgrave,
Landgrave, Catholic Electors, Duke of Wirtemberg. amd
the rest of the Western princes. |
Dec 31.
Godolphin. |
66. Sir Fras. Godolphin to Sec. Cecil. I suppressed a former examination of John Couch, supposing that, as he had not been with the
fleet at Ferrol these three months, you would have later advertisements. I have however re-examined him, and one from Bristol.
There are two places in tese western parts where, if not fortified,
the enemy may easily prevail; the harbours of Falmouth and
Scilly, the one commanded by Pendennis, the other by Hue hill. If
these can be kept, others places will be more difficult to attempt.
If forced to front the enemy in these parts, there will be great
want of powder and shot. Encloses, |
66. i. Examination of John Couch, of Penrhyn, before Sir Fras.
Godolphin. Left Falmouth in May last with Capt.
Elliot; they were taken by eight ships coming from
Ferrol. Elliot was brought before the Adelantado and
sent to Madrid, and returning two months after, said the
King had given him 30 ducats amont for himself, and
400 for his ship, wherein a Spaniard commanded, and
Elliot was placed in an argosy. He wanted examinate
to join him as one of a company of 100 horse, which he
was to lead when he came to England; refused, and
was sent to Lisbon, where was great scarcity, but 30
Flemish vessels, laden with grain, cheese, &c., came in,
and four more sent to Ferrol. Left 18 Nov., and then
there were at Lisbon 12 argosies and great ships called
the Seville fleet; 2,000 Italians had died at Lisbon.
300 Flemings and all the sailors from three or four
Scottish ships were taken out to be sent to Ferrol; it was
said that these ships had English prisoners form the
castles to bring them home. Elliot persuaded Fee[Fitz ]
James and Prator, both of Somersetshire, to join the
King; he spoke of the weakness of Falmouth, and boasted
that with 10,000 men he could march from Falmouth to
London.
Dec. 30, 1597. |
66. ii. Confession of Tobias Parry, of Bristol. Went pilot
in a small Middleburg fly-boat to St. Lucar, where
landed, last All Saints Day, from a Dunkirk ship, 12
English scholars between 18 and 25 years old; they were
received by English Jesuits, and said their coming was
to do good service in their country; they were sent next
day to Seville; they may be known by havin left their
places in the University about that time.
Dec. 30, 1597. |
| Dec ?. |
67. Petition of the merchants trading to Dantzic to the House of
commons, against a patent recently granted to John Farnham and
bryan Ansley, gentlemen pensioners, but not citizens of London,
nor free of any trading, of the sole licence to export coney skins,
with reservation only of the rights of King Philip's subjects of the
Low Countries, where the trade shall be open, to the ruin of the
potitioners, who have traded therein, and to the detriment of
shipping and customs. [3 sheets.] |
| Dec |
68. Account [by Lord Burghley ] of the cost of the Cadiz expedition by the Earl of Essex and Lord Admiral Howard, in June
1596, in victuals; total, 9,090l.; also of the chare of victualling
the navy under the Earl of Essex, Dec. 1597, 43, 543l. 6s. 6½d., of
which 37, 670l. is paid. |
|
69. Account of the number of land soldiers, the vessel with
their commanders and mariners, and the charge imprest and conduct
money, victuals, &c. of the Cadiz voyage; total, 38, 269l. [2 pages.] |
| Dec. ? |
70. Account of moneys to be paid to Mr. Langford, on warrants
dated between Jan. 1589 and 1597, for the services of the navy;
total, 29,487l. |
| Dec. ? |
71. Reasons to prove that a toleration of shipping for the river of
Elbe during this mandate of the Emperor is very profitable, both
for Her Majesty and the realm." Should the mandate continue in
force, and the Queen, thinking the maintenanace of the merchant Adventureres profitable, appoint Middleburg for their residence, and for
the mart of woollen cloth in the Netherlands and Germany, confining
it to that town, the restraint would be very injurious, enhance the
prices of wool and cloth, cause loss in the customs, decay of
navigation. The restraint to one town would cause double customs
to be paid on cloth sent first to Middleburg and thence to other
towns, and would encourage interlopers to convey over cloth
secretly; also the returns for those goods, instead of coming in the
company's vessels, will be sent from sundry places in small vessels,
which will put into creeks on the coast, and save the customs, and
then the goods be sent to London by land, causing 6,000l. a year loss
in customs. Inconveniences of Middleburg as the staple town: it will
cost the comapany 15,000l. a year to transport their cloths thence ot
other parts. Arguments to prove the decayof shipping that will
ensue. Recognizes the good services of the Merchat Adventurers'
Company, and does not wish their dissolution if it can be avoided,
but since the Emperor has banished them the empire, upholding
them would restrain the trade of Germany, and sacrifice the whole
Commonwealth to private individuals. Hamburg desires a reconciliation between the Hanse Towns and the Company, when this
mandate might be revoked, but there is little hope of it. Endorsed,
"Reasons to prove the staple of our cloth by the Merchat Adventurers to be kept most conveniently in some place within the river
of Elbe."[3½ pages.] |
| Dec. ? |
72. Note by Mr. Drake. Sir Fras. Drake, byhis will, gave to
my son Francis the manor of Yorcombe, in Devonshire, and to
Thomas Drake, his brother, 2,000l. within two years of the testator's
death. For this 2,000l. Thomas agreed with me befor witnesses for
1,500l., to be paid in ready money, which accordingly I provided
within three days; but when I came to have such assurance as his
own counsel set down, he refused to make any, and yet wished
to receive the money; whereupon we broke and performed nothing.
Since this, the day of paying this 2,000l. drawing near, I asked when
I should have assurance of this land, but he refuses to make me any,
and means to disprove his said brother's will, and to defeat me of
this land, and also divers others to whom Sir Fras. Drake bestwed
legacies. I therefore pray your honour to call him before you, and
to withdraw your protection from him, whereby poor men to whom
these legacies appertain may have their remedy by law, and otherwise to deal with him in behalf of my right as it shall seem best
to you. |
| Dec. ? |
73. Advice of Mr. Snigg and Mr.Phelipps to a person not named,
upon the composition had, to use counsel's advice, and to
have a full general release touching the appeal from Sir Walter
Long, or some other lawful conveyance; also advice of Justice
Walmsley, that if anything more is to be done by attorney, Mr.
Kent, of Barnard's Inn, or Mr.Fells, of the Crown Office, may be
required. A plain pardon for the death of Harry Lingen is a good
way, without any words of murder in it, as the Queen will lose no
benefit of what she has already got in possession. Also adivce
to inform Justice Walmsley before he leaves London with the state
of the cause, and ask him what is to be done in the vacation and
against next term. A restitiution ofblood in the two knights may
be wished at this Parliament, else to rest upon former courses. |
