|
| Feb. 1. |
39. Cicely Lady Buckhurst to Dr. Herbert and Dr. Caesar,
Masters of Requests. I beg your favour for an old servant of
my Lord's, Evan Davies, and Alice his wife, in a suit against Evan
Lloyd, now pending in your court; also that you will continue and
decide the suit in that court. [½ page.] |
| Feb. 3. |
40. Note that Robt. Groom, of Chippenham, co. Cambridge,
agrees to deliver at the Iron Gate in St. Katherine's, for Her
Majesty's service, 1,000 quarters of wheat, at 50s. the quarter;
2,000 quarters of Cambridge and Suffolk malt, at 30s. per quarter,
and 200 quarters of peas, all between March and May. He desires
1,000l. imprest at once, and the rest as he delivers the corn, and
to be authorized to buy for ready money the aforesaid proportions,
and quietly to transport the same to London. He offers to put in
his bond for the 1,000l. required beforehand. |
| Feb. 3. |
Grant to John Parsons, on surrender of Fras. Brigham, of the
office of a falconer; fee, 16d. a day, and 22s. 6d. yearly livery,
payable from Christmas 1596. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 3. |
Grant to John Powell, from the death of Wm. Raynolds, of the
office of fletcher in the Tower, with the usual fees, and a livery
yearly from the Great wardrobe. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 3. |
Grant to John Powell, fletcher, of the fee of the crown, that is
6d. a day, from the death of Wm. Raynolds. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 3. |
Warrant to pay to Roger Langford 1,013l. 6s. 8d., for 10 ships
employed to transport victuals to serve the whole fleet under the
Earl of Essex, last summer, and continued in service four months.
[Docquet.] |
| Feb. 3. |
Warrant to pay to Roger Langford sums thought needful by the
Lord Admiral, not exceeding 600l., for building six long boats, to
serve the Queen's ships. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 3. |
Warrant for payment of the diets of Mr. Secretary, Dr. Herbert,
and Sir Thos. Wilkes. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 4.
Westminster. |
Warrant to pay to Roger Langford 600l. for six long boats
ordered to be made for the use of the ships. With note that the
amount was received of Sir Hen. Killigrew, 4 March. [Adm.
Warrant Book, Vol. CCLVIII., Eliz., f. 16 b.] |
Feb. 4.
Westminster. |
Warrant to pay to Roger Langford 1,013l. 6s. 5d. for the tonnage
of ten victuallers, employed to carry provisions to the fleet, under
command of the Earl of Essex. With note that the amount was received of Mr. Taylor, 20 Feb. [Adm. Warrant Book, Vol. CCLVIII.,
Eliz., f. 16b.] |
| Feb. 4. |
41. Estimate, by W. Meredith, of the Low Country pay, from
14 Feb. to 13 March 1598; total, 3,695l. or 3,195l., deducting the
imprests for Lord Essex's men; and note that 1,000 men receiving
in the West country 4s. a man weekly, instead of 2s. 6d. as they had
in the Low Countries, will require 75l. a week, or 3,900l. a year
additional. [4 pages. With notes by Burghley.] |
| Feb. 4. |
42. Note by W. Meredith of a month's imprest for four bands sent
from Picardy to Ostend for the same period; total, 421l. 4s. |
Feb. 4.
Westminster. |
43. The Queen to Lord Burghley. At this time we are possessed
of a sufficient quantity of cochineal and indigo, from the prizes lately
taken by the Earl of Essex, to serve this realm for many years, and
part also may be vented out by such as may bargain with us for it.
Albeit we may, of our prerogative Royal, restrain the bringing in
of the like commodities for so long as we think good, yet we are
pleased to have a restraint for bringing in thereof only for two
years. Therefore we require you to command the officers to whom
it appertains, that during the said two years, they forbear to receive
or take any entry of cochineal, at our port of London. |
|
If any be brought, and the merchant is not content to carry it into
some other foreign port, if it be unladen, it shall be laid up in the
Custom-house until the two years have expired, and then restored
to the owners. We require you to signify this restraint to the
officers of the port of London, and all other ports within our realm,
as also to all cochineal and indigo merchants, that they may not
pretend ignorance thereof; which if they should do, yet our
pleasure is that this our restraint be strictly observed. [Copy, ¾ page.] |
| Feb. [4.] |
44. Draft of the above. [1 page.] |
| Feb. |
Docquet of the above, dated Feb. 3. [Docquet, Feb. 3.] |
Feb. 4.
Westminster. |
45. The Queen to Sir Nich. Parker. By our patent we committed
to you the charge of our fortifications intended to be built upon the
haven of Falmouth, and made you colonel of certain foot companies
appointed for its guard; and although in the said patent there is
no warrant given you to exercise the charge of captain of the said
fort by deputy, yet if you find it necessary, for the safety of the
country from spoils, upon the landing of any enemy there, to leave
the fort and hold the field, with part of those companies under your
charge, and such other of our subjects as upon such occasion will be
gathered together, you may commit the guard of the fort to two of
the most ancient captains of companies there for the time, and
employ yourself for our service elsewhere, as occasion shall require.
[Copy, ¾ page.] |
| Feb. |
Docquet of the above, dated Feb. 3. [Docquet, Feb. 3.] |
| Feb. 5. |
Lease by the Commissioners to Rob. Davy, with reversion to his
sons John and Robert jointly, of the tithes of grain in St. Enedor's
parish, Cornwall; rent, 20l.; fine, 3l.; herriot, 5l. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 5. |
Pardon to Wm. Wall for killing Huntington Isons, alias Izaunce,
of London, who confessed that his death was of his own seeking,
and forgave Wall on receiving the sacrament; subscribed by SolicitorGeneral Fleming. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 5. |
Grant to Thos. Montague, yeoman of the chamber, of such goods
and chattels of Wm. Butler, convicted of treason, as have not been
paid into the Exchequer. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 5. |
Grant to Thomas Lawley, with reversion to his son Edward, of
the office of prothonotary and clerk of the Crown, in cos. Carmarthen, Pembroke, Cardigan, and the town of Haverford
West. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 6. |
Licence to the Earl of Southampton to travel beyond seas and
remain two years, with ten servants, six horses, and 200l. in money.
[Docquet.] |
Feb. 6.
Lincoln's Inn. |
46. Wm. Dynley, Mayor of Boston, and Anth. Irby, to Lord
Burghley. We recommend Edw. Ashe, an inhabitant of Boston,
a man of honest conversation and good estate, to serve as customer
in Boston, in the room of Anth. Doughty, who would willingly
resign in his favour, if allowed by your Lordship. [¾ page.] |
| Feb. 8. |
47. Vin. Skinner to Lord Burghley. John Locton, comptroller
of the port of Boston, desires to resign, and has pressed me to be a
means to your Lordship therein. I advised him to it on account of
the late suits before your Lordship, between Doughty, the customer,
and him, and it is with his father's consent. [1 page.] |
| [Feb. 8.] |
48. Summary of the bill for the maintenance of husbandry and
tillage. [1 page. Passed 8 Feb. 1598. Printed in full in Statutes
of the Realm, Vol. IV., pp. 893-6.] |
| Feb. 8. |
Grant to Sir Wm. Harvey of the keeping of St. Andrew's
castle, co. Hants; fee, 19l. 3s. 4d. for himself, 8d. a day for a proter,
8d. for a master gunner, and 6d. a day for each of six soldiers, from
the death of Simon Bowyer. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 8. |
Warrant to imprest monies to persons bound on good assurance to
provide corn and victual for the use of the navy. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 8. |
Warrant to the Great Wardrobe for the liveries of the captain
of the guard, yeoman, grooms, and pages of the chamber.
[Docquet.] |
| Feb. 8. |
Grant to John Mansfield of the office of collector of the rents
and revenues of the dissolved monastery of St. Mary's, York, and of
the surveyorship of the Queen's lands in the North riding of Yorkshire, as held by the late Sir Wm. Fairfax. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 10. |
49. J. C. to his friend. I understood the good and Christian
offices which you did in Cadiz, and thank you heartily, that you, in
such an occasion, showed yourself mindful of the respects which an
honest Catholic gentleman in all places should show, and especially
with Catholics, and in a country where he had received benefits.
You honoured yourself and your nation not a little, for there is no
man so barbarous but commends honourable proceeding in another,
though himself does not use it. |
|
As your going to England was with a good intention, the
Almighty has protected you, and given you constancy in your faith,
and may use you as an instrument for the salvation of many. The
bearer has zeal for the reduction of our country, and thinks it may
be procured by a certain way which he will tell you, which were the
best of all, if those whom it concerns had light from Heaven to fully
understand their estate. Good desires of good men, when they are
vehement and endure much, are to be respected, though difficult in
execution; therefore I have facilitated your friend's journey, hoping
that he will so behave as to cause no scandal but edification to the
Catholics, when it is known he is gone to England. Who can tell if
the Almighty has intended some such effect, carrying you to where you
are, and moving this other gentleman to follow you? My affection
and goodwill to yourself and F. P. is the same which many years has
continued, and is encreased by this late obligation. I desire heartily
your present and everlasting good. Quickly we must all leave this
life, and go to another place, where all shall be discovered that now
is hidden, and then it will appear who are and have been true friends
one to another, and who not; for I call it not friendship where one
shows affection for interest, but where goodwill is only for God,
without other respect. Do the good you can for yourself and for all
others whilst you may, for the time passeth flying apace, and
carrieth us away to eternity. [1½ pages.] |
| Feb. 10. |
50. J. C. to —— "right worshipful, though unacquainted." We
should consider our obligation to our ancestors, who founded that
commonwealth with so great Christianity, and left such good customs
and manners as the errors and temptations of 50 years and more
have not corrupted the country, but that there remain footsteps of the
old honour and virtue of our forefathers, and an inclination in most of
the people to embrace the truth, when they come to know it, without the colours and craft wherewith our adversaries and theirs
obscure it. This is the greatest cause, next to God's grace, that of
so many men of judgment and capacity as we have known of our
nation, within or without England, how far soever they were
deceived, no one has been found that once with indifferency has come
to hear and confer with our priests, or read without passion our
Catholic books, but has rested satisfied of the truth of our religion. |
|
I have understood that you be studious and read good books, and
I know you understand that which you read; therefore I infer that
you are not far from the kingdom of God; so I send you this book,
by which and the bearer you may be informed how different our
cogitations be from what our adversaries would make the world
believe. We desire peace, and only wish that these two kingdoms
might flourish again in their old amity. [1½ pages.] |
Feb. 10.
Dieppe. |
51. Sir Hen. Power to Lord Burghley. I sail to-day, having
seen the companies apparelled, and the sick embarked for England.
Mr. Lille will give an account of the men discharged before the
apparel came, to whom notes were given. The allowance of victuals
will not last a month. The shipmasters say there is only, in either
ship, victuals for 135 men for five weeks, but I will do what I can
to satisfy the Lords' expectation. |
|
Mr. [Otwell] Smith and I have, as ordered, received all sums due
to the troops from 29 October, and 14 days' advance both for them
and myself on our embarking, of all which Mr. Smith will give
account. |
|
The merchants' small proportion of clothes has driven us to a
great extremity, and we have been forced to content our soldiers
with our money; neither have the merchants given their servant
procurations to deal with us, but only to deliver certain clothes,
which we have divided amongst us. We have been enforced to
this long tarrying here for want of tides. [2 pages.] |
| Feb. 11. |
52. Earl of Essex to Sec. Cecil, ambassador to the French King.
Her Majesty commands me to tell you that she is informed that
Gerard, the Jesuit, and others of his crew purpose to steal over in
your train, or if they cannot contrive that, they will come after
you, with a counterfeit passport or commission. She wishes you to
be careful what persons shroud themselves under any of the gentlemen that attend you. If Lord Cobham be with you, you must
warn him to watch for counterfeit passes in all the ports. Her
Majesty thinks my Lord has Gerard's marks. If I can speak with
the person who gave the Queen this intelligence, I will learn and
send him the marks of all the suspected persons. I write in haste.
Pardon faults of hand and style. |
|
P.S.—There are letters from Scotland with which Mr. Windebank
waited a great while, but went home before the Queen waked. The
Lord Chamberlain says the news is good, and Sir Wm. Bowes
returned to Berwick. [1 page.] |
| Feb. 12. |
53. Thos. Berwick to [Lord Cobham?]. The following are the
royalties and benefits you have, and will lose if you give away the
royalties of Bricklesea, Essex, a member of the Cinque Ports, viz.—In
the admiralty there is the benefits of wrecks and finds at sea, wherein
you have a third part. The benefits of the goods of pirates and
rovers which come into the harbour, and of all others committing
murder or felony within high-water mark. The ferryage, whereof
Sir Thos. Heneage once made a lease, if the town cannot otherwise
claim it by custom, as also the election of the summer dredger. The
measurage and anchorage of all strangers coming into the harbour.
The searching and taking of all goods uncustomed, and the fines,
amerciaments, and other benefits of keeping the Admiralty Court. |
|
In the clerkship of the market for weights and measures, there is
the jurisdiction by Act of Parliament of assessing the quantity of
all weights and measures, and the fines for offences committed con
trary to your order. In the captainship which you have, there is
the commanding of all the inhabitants, as well seamen as landsmen,
for all military services you shall appoint, and the staying and command of all the ships of that place, or which lie in that harbour, for
the Queen's service. [¾ page.] |
| Feb. 13. |
54. Memorial [by Lord Burghley] for Her Majesty to consider,
viz., A report of the state of the receipt since Christmas to 13 Feb.
Money payable by warrants and not paid. Money demanded to be
paid, whereof there is no warrant. Money that will be due for the
loan beginning in March, and so monthly, above 90,000l. The
customers of the outports do not pay their debts, yet the surveyors
have money in hand. Extraordinary charge by the surveyors of
the victuals for the navy, and the like by the surveyors for Berwick.
The charge of Plymouth for Sir Ferd. Gorges and 50 soldiers, and for
Sir Nich. Parker at Falmouth. Money for 10 bands of the Low
Countries in the west country, as also for the treasurer and governor
of Berwick, and the warden of the middle marches. Victuals, money,
men, and munition for Ireland. Noblemen and ladies that have not
paid the subsidy, viz., five earls, 12 barons, and 12 ladies. The
subsidy of the clergy payable in July, 10,000l.; the 15ths payable
24 June, 26,000l.; the first subsidy of the laity 12 Feb. 1599,
and the sale of the lands mortgaged by Henry VIII., 1,487l. With
other notes referring to the customs, and to money matters in connexion with Sir Chris. Hatton, Marquis of Winchester, Sir Thos.
Sherley, Sir John Hawkins, Sir Edw. Dyer, Countess of Southampton,
Earl of Cumberland, Lord Dudley, &c. [1¾ pages.] |
Feb. 13.
Dover. |
55. Sec. Cecil to Lord Burghley. When leaving from the Savoy,
and thinking of nothing but a farewell, Lord Thos. Howard and my
brother-in-law, Lord Cobham, would needs honour me by coming to
this town. I have little to requite them but love and friendship,
but I beg you to favour their honest causes, for their love to me;
they will seek nothing but what is just and honourable. The
weather is likely to settle against us four or five days, but we must
bear a common fortune with patience. Next to my sovereign's safety,
I hold nothing so precious as your life and well doing. I crave your
blessing. |
|
P.S.—"Sir W. Raleigh, with whose kindness I have been long and
truly fastened, hath also desired me to recommend him to your
Lordship's favour in my absence." I send you a copy of a letter
from the Earl of Essex. [1 page.] |
Feb. 13.
Dover. |
56. Sec. Cecil to Lord Burghley. Sir Edw. Dyer earnestly begs
me to beseech you to stay his process for his debt to the Queen till
next term. I told him how sour Her Majesty had been with you
for past favours, and how fearful I was to offend you by importuning,
but he begged me to make the trial, with reservation of duty in
myself, and modesty in him, hoping that as the time is short, it
may prove less distasteful, and yet give him opportunity to exonerate
himself from this burden. [1 page.] |
Feb. 13.
12 P.M. Dover. |
57. Sec. Cecil to Lord Burghley. I understand you miss a letter
from the Earl of Bath about the White Knight. I have had the
letter, and have written to my man to seach for it. I have often
caused his principal accuser to be examined, but he was ever lewd,
and now his life is in danger for a robbery. My Lord of Bath knows
nothing of him (the knight) but from his own mouth, but I have
fathomed his accusations, and do not hold that they have much foundation; therefore, saving your good pleasure, I am loath to proceed
with the Irish, but upon good foundations, as they are all apt to be
universally discontented. |
|
I have received your two letters written on Sunday, and will proceed accordingly, but can take little course for my journey, till I
reach the other side. I expected to embark to-night, but the wind
has changed, and proves a perilous storm. |
|
P.S.—Sir Edward Dyer presses me to beseech you to forbear his
process for debt till next term. I told him how displeased the Queen
was with you, for him and others, yet in some respects I cannot
deny to recommend his suit. [1½ pages.] |
Feb. 13.
London. |
58. Jas. Hudson to Lord Burghley. George Nicolson, a Scot,
brother to Thos. Nicolson, now at St. Omer, has lately arrived, and
has sent this bearer with letters to your son, now ambassador to the
French King. The searcher of Gravesend took his letters, and has
sent them up by the master of the ship he came in, but his chief
affair is committed to his own credit. Owing to your son's absence,
I commend the party to you, to do as you think fit. [1 page.] |
Feb. 14.
Court at
Westminster. |
59. Lord Burghley to Sec. Cecil. I know of no alteration by
Her Majesty to change the course of your journey; she has this
afternoon yielded to send some treasure to Ireland, to serve in any
event, as the truce with Tyrone ends on the 23rd of this month.
Sir Wm. Bowes writes of his negotiations with the King of Scotland,
and most of all to hasten the mutual delivery of pledges, which
should be finished to-morrow, near Berwick. I doubt the success
thereof, on account of Lord Eure's absence. |
|
Mr. Gilpin writes that the States have replied to the Queen's
letters about the admittance of our Merchant Adventurers in the
Low Countries; he sent a letter to you, which having opened, I
forward, and one to me, with a story of which I also send you a
copy, as pertaining to your negotiation, about a merchant of Antwerp adhering to the States. |
|
The Queen continues in favour to you; I found it very abundant
to-day, in thanking her for her noble reward sent to you. Your
cousin, the master of the posts, will give you court occurrences. Remember me to Sir George Carew and Sir Rob. Wroth. [1 page.] |
| Feb. 14. |
60. Hen. Sanderson to Lord Burghley. I send you a letter
from the Bishop of Durham's receiver. I also send that part of our
grievances which were exhibited to the Council of York, and some
to the Lord Keeper, without any great denial by the defendants.
We have ready written, the misdemeanors of the defendants, some of
which Mr. Selby has, with tears, desired may be concealed. Jenison
might do the same, if his stomach would let him, for we have
pregnant presumptions that when he was sheriff, by his means, and
help of Thos. Carr, the hand of Lambton, the seminary priest, was
cut off from the quarter that was set up, and carried away. |
|
If commissioners he not indifferently appointed, the good cause
will be darkened over much. Chapman has excepted against our
diocesan and they purpose to get out Mr. Purefoy, because they two
are of great authority and experience in our town and country affairs.
[1 page.] Encloses, |
|
60. I. Sp. Comyn to Hen. Sanderson. I told Mr. Anderson that
I was glad he and his associates had excepted against my
Lord [the Bishop of Durham] as commissioner, in that he
should not be troubled, but I thought it a dishonour for
him to be discarded by their untrue suggestions. He said
Mr. Selby and Mr. Jenison had concluded to have my
Lord a commissioner, and he knows not how it was altered.
I think Mr. Chapman contrived the change. I write this
not that my Lord desires to be in the commission, but
to show Mr. Chapman's forwardness to alter the former
course taken in this cause. [¾ page.] 14 Feb. 1597. |
Feb. 15.
York. |
61. Matthew, Archbishop of York, and nine Justices of the Peace
of Yorkshire, to the Council. We met to-day, and took order for
the speedy levying of 400 men for service in Ireland, according to
your directions; and as we are of each riding, we have apportioned
them into the divisions of the riding anciently used; being an
eighth part for the East riding, a tenth for the North, and a twelfth
for the West. They say that the Ainsty now within the county of
the city of York, was a wapentake of the West riding, and has always
borne an eighth part with them, which is 20 for the number. Thereupon we sent to the Lord Mayor of York to furnish that number out
of the Ainsty; he and his brethren answered, that if we have commission to charge them to prepare so many men from thence for this
service, they will do it. Finding our commission warrants us to
levy men only within the county of York, at the request of the
gentlemen of the West riding, we inform your Lordships hereof,
and lest 20 men should be lacking of the 400, request a warrant
for levying of that number within the Ainsty of the county of the
city of York. [1 page.] |
Feb. 16.
Dover. |
62. Examination of Pedro Martinez, of Pobos, Portugal, who has
served 12 months in the Spanish army. On Feb. 4, 38 fly-boats
left the Groyne for Calais, under Capt. Bertondona, with 5,000
Spanish soldiers to be delivered to the Cardinal. In case of mischance, they were to put into Brittany. In the Groyne remained
18 large and well appointed ships. In the places near were 5,000
Italian soldiers, but many dying of bloody flux; great companies of
soldiers are being levied in Portugal, Castile, &c. The plague has
broken out at Batansos, near the Groyne, a place of great refreshment to the army. |
|
The 38 vessels are to return to the Groyne, and thence go with
others to Lisbon, where they will be victualled at a better rate,
because of the great resort of strange shipping thither. The general
is Don Diego Brochero, the Adelantado being at Madrid in disgrace, because the King had allowed him six pays for his men, and
he had paid only two. With a list of 10 vessels remaining in the
harbour of the Groyne. [1 page.] |
Feb. 17/27.
Lisbon. |
Giles Van Harwick [alias Wm. Resould] to Peter Artson
[alias Cecil]. The practices of Gaspar Van Sanden, about the
English prisoners, have been crossed by [Edw.] Baynes, in order
to produce a second spy's voyage. You should receive the better
sort of such Spaniards as you have, to see what will be the
effect. * * * * * The oversight in England
has been great; if ever they intend to do anything upon Lisbon,
it should have been done while the King of Spain's ships are
at Ferrol. The 400 Italian soldiers here are to be sent to Ferrol,
perhaps for fear of English forces coming thither. An English fugitive from Madrid reports that a new fleet is preparing in England
for Spain or Portugal; also that the Queen has issued an edict
against all munition and victuals being sent to Spain or Portugal,
and for all commodities of those places to be taken as lawful
prize. Also that the Earl of Cumberland is ready with 25 ships of
war for Brazil; that Lord Thomas Howard is dead of discontent,
and that there is great rejoicing for the conversion of Alabaster,
a priest. |
|
The Spanish fleet was intended for Falmouth; the Adelantado
ordered thither all who lost company at sea, saying the place was
friendly. Each ship had an English flag, to deceive any other they
should meet, especially any of the Earl of Essex's homeward bound
fleet. After arriving there, they were to go with most of their
soldiers along the coast, till they came to a place appointed by the
Cardinal, who was to be ready with his shallops and soldiers; I
think it was Dover. Flushing should be looked to; the captains
and soldiers are in poor estate, and the Cardinal may corrupt them
with gold. I gather this from the English doctor, a dangerous fellow
against England, who complains much of your father. [Extract,
Spanish Correspondence. The Italics are in cipher, deciphered.] |
| Feb. 17. |
63. Receipt by Edw. Conyers of 20l. from George Gilpin, going on
the Queen's service, according to Mr. Secretary's appointment.
[¼ page.] |
Feb. [17 ?]
Dover. |
64. Sec. Cecil to Lord Burghley. A French fisherman has brought
over this letter to you; I knew the hand to be Colville's, whom I
have lately neglected. He had another packet directed to Oliver,
which is an old cipher for Rob. Bowes, now dead. Wishing to see
what he wrote from Boulogne, I opened that packet, and find
mention of a new messenger to the Scottish Earls. There are some
ciphers which Lok can decipher, for he and Colville are sworn
brothers. I also opened his letter to Hudson; all these I send you. |
|
There are now few ships left at the Groyne; with the ships that
are gone by eastward, all London will be full. Lord Cobham writes
me how much I am bound to you, as he perceives by the Queen. It
is no news, but will be a heavy burden till I can by some means
discharge it. [1 page.] |
Feb. 17.
Friday. |
65. Earl of Essex to Lord Ambassador [Cecil]. I have read
your letter to the Queen, who has ordered my Lord of Cumberland
to put to sea and go to Calais road, or where else he finds the Spanish
fleet to be, joining with him such of his ships as are in the Narrow
Seas, to do what service he can upon the enemy. She sends my
Lord Chamberlain to the Isle of Wight, Lord Cobham to Dover,
Lord Montjoy to Portsmouth, Lord Thos. [Howard] to help the
Lord Admiral to set out more ships, Sir W. Raleigh to provide sea
provisions along the coast, and myself to the coast, to order that no
attempt be given for which we shall not be provided. For yourself,
her express command is that you do not put to sea, and that if you
be at sea, you return, for she will neither venture you on such a
service, nor can spare your present service on land. I think you
will be sent for hither, but have no commission to tell you that.
Your father will be here anon, and then you shall know more of
Her Majesty's mind. Her commands are very direct and peremptory, that you by no means go to sea. |
|
P.S.—I hope Sir W. Raleigh and I shall find you ere to-morrow
morning at Dover. Endorsed, "Received at Angiers, 21st of
March." [1 page.] |
| Feb. 17 ? |
66. Lord Admiral Nottingham to Lord Burghley. The enclosed
letter, directed to your Lordship, the Earl Marshal, and myself, was
brought me this night, and seeing the gallows upon it, I opened it
myself, and send it you. I am going in haste down to the ships, to
prevent any mischievous intent against them, as also to make ready
two or three ships to go to the Narrow Seas. You may perceive
they are dispersed, and this wind will not suffer those that be not
already gotten into Calais to join, so that they must either put into
the Downs, or go roam, or put into the Wight. The Earl of Cumberland should be written to, to put out with some of his ships, as
if this wind holds, he will light upon some of them about the Wight.
Pray cause Mr. Quarles and Mr. Darell to send down such vessels as
they can suddenly provide to Quinboro; it will be good keeping in
those ships in Calais, or else making them smart when they come
out. If victuals come down, I will out with the Rainbow within
three days, and some other ships may come after. If my Lord
Thomas and Sir W. Raleigh come down to me, we will despatch all
necessary things with speed. If we can keep this fleet from going
back to the Groyne, it may break all their designs for this year. |
|
P.S.—You see your noble son's humour. I would give half my
land to be with him. It were good to consider of your son's going
over to Dieppe, for if the Queen's ships be gone from the coast, I do
not see but these ships and men may come on our coast, and do
much mischief, to Her Majesty's great dishonour. I hope Her
Majesty will bear with me that I go without her order, but time is
precious, and I mean to give order to the blockhouses at Gravesend to stay such ships as come in, until they have looked into them.
[1 page.] |
Feb. 17.
Gravesend. |
67. Lord Admiral Nottingham to Lord Burghley and the Earl of
Essex. I made such haste to send Mr. Secretary's letters, that I
forbore to write that which I now do. He writes that the Vanguard
is too foul to make great way; no marvel, for she has been in the
Narrow Seas nine months; the ships fit to put in her place, as
being of force and drawing little water, were in the last service; but
the Rainbow is made ready to go in her place, and had been there
already, but the other stayed for the safe transporting of Mr. Secretary. He also writes that Her Majesty's forces in the Narrow Seas
are but small, yet she commanded me to lessen them, so that the
Antelope and two others were brought in; the Vanguard excepted,
the rest are small ships, fit to meet with Dunkirkers, but far unfit
for this that now happens unlooked for. |
|
In my opinion, these ships will watch a time to do something on
our coast, and if they hear our ships are gone to Dieppe, I think
them beasts if they do not burn and spoil Dover and Sandwich.
What 4,000 men may do on the sudden, in some other places, I
leave to your Lordships' judgments; it were good to have care in
time for Her Majesty's ships in Chatham; I hope it shall cost them
dear if they attempt it. There is nothing here at Gravesend to impeach anything but the two silly forts, which can do little. I have
ordered two barges of Gravesend to go as far as Tilbury Hope, and
so give warning if there be cause, and to command all ships to stay
and anchor till the searcher of Gravesend sees what they be, and
what is in them. I pray I may know Her Majesty's pleasure, either
for ships to go out, or in any other service, and it shall be done. |
|
P.S.—As this wind is, they that are out cannot seize Calais, so
that if my Lord of Cumberland makes haste out, he will meet with
some of them, if it be but with part of his fleet. I doubt not but
most of these ships that are come to Calais will tarry there all this
summer, and if they do, the seas must be kept strong, for they will
be ill neighbours. I pray that a store of munition may be sent to
Rochester with speed, and some officer with it. [1¼ pages.] |
Feb. 18.
London. |
68. Sir Rich. Saltonstall, Rich. Carmarden, and Thos. Myddleton,
to Lord Burghley. You bestowed the searchership of Plymouth
and Fowey upon Wm. Lewis; an agreement has passed between
him and William Colston for the searchership of Bristol. As Lewis
has demeaned himself very honestly, and is desirous to come near
his own and his wife's friends, we beseech your favour that he
may resign his office to Thos. Glason, a very fit man, and that you
will grant a patent of the searchership of Bristol in hisname,
according to the surrender of the said Colston. [¾ page.] |
| Feb. 18. |
69. Spanish advertisements by Robert Savage. On 4/14 March
1597, the whole army of the King of Spain, consisting of 74 ships,
was in Ferrol, whereof there were seven great gallions of 1,200
tons, and six small ones of 800 tons; the rest were mostly Easterlings and Hollanders; 16 great ships were Lubeckers, provided
with their own ordnance. It was reported there were 18,000
men thereabouts, who could be ready within two days' warning,
but the sickness was great and consumed the greatest part of them. |
|
On 24 May/4 June Capt. Elliot came into Ferrol, with a fly-boat of
130 tons, laden with Canary wines, Newfoundland fish, and other
commodities which he had stolen from Her Majesty's subjects; he
was sent by the Adelantado to the King at Madrid, who allowed him
40 ducats a month, and all the rest of his company who would
serve had such wages as other ordinary men had, some four and
some six ducats a month. |
|
On 27 May, six new gallions of 400 tons came out of Biscay, and
about June, 10 galleys from Lisbon, whereof two were cast away
and one put back again, so that only seven came to Ferrol, bringing
2,000 men and a great store of money. The ships stayed there
20 days, and then were sent for Brittany, with the soldiers they
brought, and others whom they took in at Ferrol. Peter Sebeo
always kept the coast, with seven sail, and took 15 ships of Easterlings and Hollanders,—11 of which were made lawful prize,—and
four Lubeckers with corn, but the gallion which he went in was
cast away near Bayonne. |
|
On 31 July/10 Aug. the Adelantado was in great fear of my Lord of Essex's
forces, and caused a bulwark to be made at the entry of Ferrol, and
furnished it with ordnance from the ships, as also a raft, with
masts, timber, and chains to stop the mouth of the harbour; but it
was to no great purpose. The ships were commanded to one place
of the haven, and the great gallions were to be before the rest,
which if my Lord should overcome, the captains were appointed to
set fire to all the rest. All the summer there were two pinnaces
that came to and from Calais to Ferrol, which took divers Englishmen, using them very cruelly, racking some; many died in the
streets for lack of food, and were forced to serve from want. |
|
The 17/27 Oct. the Adelantado sailed from the Groyne for England, with seven great gallions, one of which was cast away,
10 small ones, two whereof were also cast away on the coast,
and 68 Easterling ships and Hollanders, with seven carvels and
upwards of 7,500 land soldiers; their orders were that at their
coming to Falmouth, they should use the people well, but put
all the rest in other places to the sword, both man, woman, and
child. On 19/29 October they were forced back by extremity of
weather into the Groyne, except 15 which were wanting, whereof
two Dutchmen were sunk at sea, men and all; one of the greatest
gallions was also cast away, having 400 men and 90,000 ducats in
money in her; and most of the ships came back with their masts
broken, and so leaky that some of their horses were drowned
in the ships; some ran their ships ashore to save themselves.
Divers Englishmen were appointed to come with the Adelantado
for Falmouth, viz., Father Charles his confessor, and Capts. Elliot,
Burley, and Eaton, &c.; Elliot and Eaton were to have been
captains of the horse, and Burley of the foot; many of their men
died after their return, through the increase of the sickness. |
|
On 30 Nov./10 Dec. Peter Sebeo was ready with 28 sail of small ships,
except one Scotch ship of 150 tons, which was the Admiral's;
it was reported he had 3,000 men in them, for the most part very
weak, and ill apparelled, their weapons being pikes, muskets, and
calivers, with a little armour. About this time six small gallions
and three pinnaces, with 2,000 soldiers, were sent from the Groyne,
to convoy home the treasure. |
|
On 6/16 Dec. the Marquis de Ramboll, an Italian, came from
Lisbon to the Groyne, with ten sail, whereof a gallion was admiral,
and the Scotch ship, which is now at Calais, was vice-admiral. The
rest were small Holland ships, and had 2,000 Italians in them, all
very weak. On 17/27 Dec. the Adelantado departed from the Groyne
to Madrid, and Don Diego Brochero was appointed in his place. |
|
It was reported that the castle of Falmouth was sold to the
King of Spain, by one Killigrew. Some Dutchmen showed me the
man that came about the matter, with whom I talked, but he
would not be known but as an Irish merchant. About 22 Dec./1 Jan.
150 shipwrights came from Lisbon to the Groyne, to repair the
ships, which want masts, cables, sails, &c.; 28 ships having gone
for Calais and nine for the treasure, there remained 45 in the Groyne,
which had orders to sail for Ferrol by the first fair wind. It was
rumoured that the Easterlings were promised leave to go home, but
I think they will not. These ships might easily be burned and
spoiled. On 14/24 Jan. I went on board a ship of Lubec, from the
Groyne to Lisbon, where I found a ship laden with salt for my
master, by which I made haste to come home, thinking to have
been here before the fleet arrived at Calais. There were divers great
Italian ships at Lisbon, which went back again, and four carracks,
which will be ready for the East Indies the beginning of April, and
will be richly laden. On 25 March/4 Feb. I left Lisbon, with further letters
of advice. |
|
It is thought when the treasure comes home, they will make
new preparations, and send to the East countries for provisions.
Many Irishmen come to Lisbon to trade, and carry news to and fro.
Last year I disappointed the King of Spain's factors of 24 great
masts that were in Dantzic, 18 of which I brought hither, for Her
Majesty, but the rest are lying at Dantzic, to my loss and hindrance.
I will undertake to cause all the great masts there and at Norway
to be bought from the King of Spain, or else give such advice that
they may be intercepted, as also any other provisions that shall
come from thence. [2¼ pages.] |
| Feb. 18. |
70. Copy of the above. [3¾ pages.] |
Feb. 19.
Dieppe. |
71. Sec. Cecil to Earl Marshal Essex. I should in good manners
have returned this gentleman from Dover, but I am not only
inwardly contented with the knowledge of your care and affection, but am apt to let it appear to my company how much I am
valued by you. As the Queen's affairs must have a good portion of
our minds, I hope now God has disposed us to love and kindness, we shall overcome all petty doubts about what the world
may judge of our correspondency; our souls are witnesses that
nothing is so dear to us as Her Majesty's service, which prospered
the worse through our pleasing our followers by contrariety in ourselves. I am rich in mind by this purchase of your noble favour
and protection, and next to God and my sovereign, shall labour most
to preserve and requite your friendship, from which nothing but
the separation of body and soul shall divide me. |
|
P.S.—I passed very well, but the Vanguard will roll. I could
come no nearer in her than four leagues, which gave us a great row.
Young Norris was very sick, as were Ch. Blount, Vane, Tufton, Cope,
Wotton, and others in the Crane and Quittance. I only fear lest
Sir Thos. Wilkes prove worse; but he shall ride in my coach, and
have all ease to Paris; he is better, though still ill. I send copies
of my letter to the King, &c. in this despatch. Be good to London,
and if some idle errand can send over Sir Walter [Raleigh], let us
have him. In my joint letter I touched that your man came over
voluntarily, for otherwise haply the Queen would understand it.
[1 page.] |
| Feb. 20. |
72. Note of the state of the numbers of troops and charges in
the Low Countries:—Flushing, 3,050; Brill, 1,250; Ostend,
1,050; total, 5,350. Far above the number hitherto allowed, but
1,000 are now in the West of England; to these 4s. each a week is
allowed, coming to 75l. extra weekly; Sir Fras. Vere also has 3l. 19s.
a day extra for himself and his bands. |
Feb. 23.
Court. |
73. Lord Burghley to Ambassador Cecil. By the time of your
departure from Dieppe, I think you would be in Paris in three
days, so I do not expect to hear from you till you have an
answer from the King to your letter from Dieppe, which the
Queen allowed well of; when we hear, you shall have further
direction. We are troubled to hear nothing from Ireland. Sir Wm.
Bowes has made an end of the indent for pledges at Berwick, and
has got possession of Cessford, who is to remain with the Archbishop
of York at some place without the city. Buccleugh was ready to
be freed on delivery of his son. |
|
Nicolson writes of a person who has offered you service, to
whom you have accorded reward and a cipher. Your folks cannot
find the cipher, but I have promised such reward as the service
deserves. |
|
By intelligence with which Mr. Waad is best acquainted, there
appears small ability in Spain to arm a new fleet for a long time. |
|
By your letters you should thank Lord Essex for the pains he
takes in your absence, about matters that you should supply. I
wish you speedy success in your negotiation. [1 page.] |
| Feb. 24. |
Note that 740l. 8s. was received of Mr. Taylor for Mr. Savage,
for masts, deals, rafters for boats, &c. on the warrant of 29 Jan.
1598. [Adm. Warrant Book, Vol. CCLVIII., Eliz., f. 16b.] |
Feb. 27.
Pendennis Castle. |
74. Sir Nich. Parker to Lord Burghley. Since the beginning of
our works here, I have followed Paul Ivey's directions, to compass
the ground to see how it will prove, and we find it somewhat rocky,
which is like to be chargeable. You will perceive, by the engineer's
draft enclosed, that he has clean altered his plot, as he was mistaken
in the ground, and for easing of the charge, has made it less than
Sir Fras. Godolphin and myself thought necessary. There are 400
workmen employed here, and our weekly charge is 80l., besides
emptions, so that I have very little money left, having received
but 200l. to employ these, or more which might be had if money
were beforehand. My duty binds me to acquaint you of the weakness and insufficiency of all things necessary for the defence of the
castle. Upon my coming hither I had but one piece of serviceable
ordnance; this above all is to be supplied, and many other matters
fit for present service strengthened and amended, for which I hope
to have allowance made. [1 page.] |
Feb. 28.
Pendennis Castle. |
75. Paul Ivey to Lord Burghley. At the works at Pendennis Hill,
as much is weekly performed as is possible with 400 men. The
circuit of the fort will be 200 perches, which may cost 6l. per perch,
besides the emptions of wood to be employed in raising the work,
and the repairing of tools. Pray let a supply of money be continually made, that the works do not discontinue for want of
weekly payments, which the people have need of; urge Sir Walter
Raleigh about the last of March, to perform his promise, which done,
you may be assured that before Easter, as great a work shall be
here effected as is possible to be done. You shall hear from me and
Sir Nich. Parker respecting the monthly accounts. |
Feb.
Deptford. |
76. Lord Admiral Nottingham to Earl Marshal Essex. I return
you Mr. Secretary's letter with thanks. I know your Lordship's
vigilant care on Spinola will be such as any mischief to Her
Majesty's sweet sacred person shall be prevented. I can see no
greater hold to be taken of the French King than every man for
himself, and God for us all. Her Majesty is to hold sure her
approved friends, who stand on those terms that Her Majesty does.
The States are of opinion that no peace can be sure to them, and if
it cannot be to them, what will the afterclap be to us? Mr. Secretary's judgment will discover much, and I pray we be not too slack.
I labour honestly to see the ships under my charge ready as soon as
possible, but if victuals be not ready or begun, the rest is in vain.
Victuals to be found for 11,000 men will require nearly three
months. Mr. Secretary should have instructions that, if this treaty
takes no effect, Barnevelt should deal with the General States to
assist Her Majesty with 20 ships. I am thus bold to remember
your Lordship, for time will not be stayed, and the remembrance of
1588 makes me fear that the conjunction of the planets of deceit
and treachery then and now differs little. I have been all afternoon
at Woolwich; you must not-blame your footman that he returns no
sooner, for it was night before I came back, and he missed me on
the way. [1 page.] |
Feb.
Gravesend. |
77. Lord Admiral Nottingham to Lord Burghley and the Earl of
Essex. As I arrived at Gravesend, the enclosed packet was brought
back to me by the post, he being on his way to your Lordship, as
far as Deptford, and after looking into it, I send it with all speed.
[½ page.] |
| Feb. |
78. Lord Admiral Nottingham to Lord Burghley and the Earl of
Essex. Mr. Secretary's packet passing by me, and finding my name
on the endorsement, I opened it. As to the ships under my care,
I have no doubt but if they should offer so foul an attempt, they
would pay dearly for it. I have sent out two ketches, one to be
out as far as the Shoe Beacon, and the other on the back side of the
Red Sand; for over the Land's End, there is no fear in the neaps;
these shall give warning. The Aid also rides at Quinboro, and the
Sun at Ocamness, who give warning one to another, and the alarm
to Chatham; and upon two pieces shot off in the Castle, there are
2,000 men to repair to the ships within one hour; besides the
ships are now, by reason of the works, well manned; I hope Her
Majesty may sleep quietly for any care or doubt of them. |
|
I will this day and to-morrow see all things set in good order
here, and then repair to Court, if I have no other command to stay.
Our only want, if there be any attempt offered, will be powder and
other munition for the ships in harbour. The Earl Marshal wrote
that we might use the powder in the storehouse, which is 40 barrels;
it is not very good, yet we will make it serve the turn; but the
muskets are not serviceable. Let the proportion for the Rainbow
and Adventure be speedily sent down, for the Rainbow shall go
in place of the Vanguard, which is so foul she cannot stir, and
the Advantage in place of some other. They shall be ready to
depart on Wednesday, if the munition and victuals be ready by
that time. The gunners are all ready at London, if you will send
one of your officers for them; they are but ill waiters here; you
must chide them, for if they wait no better, I must thrust them
out of the ships; only Hammon, Tyndall, and Butler wait well. |
| Feb.? |
79. Robt. Lord Burgh, Baron of Gainsburgh, Her Majesty's ward,
to Lord Cobham. The unexpected (I will not say the over hastened)
death of my father has brough me to such a straight that, for
want of help to redeem his land in reversion, mortgaged for his
better furnishment into Ireland, I am deprived of all means to be
brought up, and made fit for Her Majesty's service. Pray join with
Mr. Secretary, my protector, in a suit to Her Highness for me, that
she would redeem my land, which lies but for 2,500l., and take it
into her own hands, until she may be repaid out of the profits.
This favour she has formerly extended to other her wards, very
mean both in respect of birth and ancestors' defects; thus she may
raise me, her poor baron, out of the dust, to serve her, whom other
wise, though a peer and councillor born, the want of means may
suppress and disable. With a note of the lands referred to; viz.— |
|
Chiddingstone, Cobham,
and Tihurst. |
Mortgaged to Rob.
Stratfeild for 1,040l. |
To be paid 3 April, and my
Lord died, viz., 14 Oct. |
|
Shornden Lucas Wood, or
Lucas Farm. |
Mortgaged to John Lacy,
citizen of London, for
491l. |
To be paid 26 June, before
my Lord died. |
|
Goodhurst Farm |
Mortgaged to Mr. Gains-
ford for 300l. |
To be paid at a day long after
my Lord's death. |
|
The Manor of Westcliff and
Coppines Lease, Cheric-
beans Beargate, and
other parcels. |
Mortgaged to Wm. Mills
for 660l. |
To be paid 1 July, and my
Lord died 14 October following. |
| [Feb.] |
80. List, by Richard Bishop of Chester and four others, of 28
recusants residing at places mentioned in Lancashire, who were
assessed at from 5l. to 20l. towards the expense of raising troops for
service in Ireland; total, 280l.; eight of these were fined for their
wives' recusancy. [1 page.] |
| Feb. ? |
81. "Act to reform deceits and breaches of trust touching lands
given to charitable uses." [4 sheets. Printed in Statutes of the
Realm, Vol. IV., pp. 903-4.] |
| Feb. ? |
82. Account of the taxation levied upon the two archbishoprics,
22 bishoprics, and 4 deaneries; total, 8,300l., of which 7,460l. 9s. 8d.
has been paid; stating the amount, surplus, or deficit of each payment, with sundry notes thereon. [2 pages.] |
