|
March 1.
Fulham. |
46. Richard Bishop of London to Secretary Cecil. I send the
enclosed letter, as it mentions Spanish preparations. [¼ pages.] |
|
Endorsed, "Bishop of London to my master, with a letter from
Bagshaw." |
March 1.
Barnstaple. |
47. John Delbridge to Cecil. A Barnstaple ship reports that
before leaving Terceras Island, letters had arrived there from the
King of Spain, saying that a fleet of 300 Flemings was bound for
that place, requiring them to defend themselves, and promising aid;
so they are busy mustering men, victualling castles, making trenches,
&c. There are only 300 or 400 Spanish soldiers at Terceras, and
none at St. Michael's. William Braylie of Exeter, who has been 10
years at St. Michael's, came home in this ship. [½ page.] |
1602 ?
March 1.
Cambridge. |
48. M. du Mesnil to M. Boutton, a gentleman of the Lord Admiral's London. I am in distressed condition, having lost my goods,
and being reduced to extreme poverty. I hope to justify myself
against calumny. I went from Oxford to London, then to Essex,
to Miss Morgan, who is interested in Jonas L'Atelain, servant of the
Earl of Sussex. I wish Mr. Secretary would suspend judgment on
me since my first error. I am told on good authority that I am the
younger brother of Jean Le Valois, sieur de Fontaines near Caen,
and ought to join him. I fear to be brought to death on some false
pretext. I send Mr. Secretary a letter from a dead queen, and copies
of some others which justify me. I am writing to Her Majesty.
Private affairs. [3 pages French.] Encloses, |
|
48. i. Pierre du Bouillon, alias Jacob Le Valois de Fontaines,
alias du Mesnil, to the Queen. I have been deceived
from the cradle, being the lawful issue of the best blood
in Christendom, and yet the plaything of fortune. I beg
for enough to live under your protection, as a private
gentleman. [French.] Cambridge University, 1 March. |
1602 ?
March 3.
Venice. |
49. Sir Ant. Sherley to Sec. Cecil. Thanks for your good opinion
amidst the defamations laid upon me with this change of fortune.
I am clear in my conscience I must either have left the Queen's
presence, though not her service, without leave, or endured the
rigour that follows great debts, and no ability to pay, having but
uncertain friends to lean on; I applied only to what was honest,
rejecting all other conditions. I have suffered great trials rather
than forsake my reputation. I am born of parents whose fortunes
are not answerable to their goodness; I was brought up in love and
respect to Her Majesty, and will not disaccord therewith. |
|
I refer to a worthy relator of my proceedings at Prague. From
Rome I sent my cousin Hen. Wotton, but he not being heard of
since, I fear the account of my proceedings has perished with
him; therefore I will not beg for myself the reputation of disclosing the counsels of men about things which are now acted.
My being much crossed by the King of Spain's ministers shows that
I did not apply myself to them, and I preferred returning through
Turkey, even at hazard of my life, to touching that Prince's country.
I stayed at Venice after my return from Prague, to avoid the
danger of being stayed for want of passage, and to conceal my
necessities, fearing the slander that would be raised thereon by the
merchants. I do not deserve it from them, having opened them so
great a way of profit as from Persia to China, without their pains
or expense. If I have deserved punishment, I will lay myself at
the feet of Her Majesty's ministers to receive it. I am reported to
be banished, and proclaimed traitor. |
|
I know not if my letters have been received, nor what my fortune
would be, but I hear from Mr. Tracy what I have always believed
of your worthiness and wisdom. I offer my life to Her Majesty's
disposal. No one can be more an enemy of the King of Spain than
myself. [3 pages.] |
1602 ?
March 5/15.
Venice. |
50. Ant. Tracy to Cecil. I have been too short a time here to
have much news, and what is current here is like their brass money,
only good where it is coined. I find here Sir Ant. Sherley; he
was first much perturbed to hear that his honest endeavours should
be so sinisterly judged, and his courses drowned by the malice of
others, but was thankful for your good opinion. His business has
been blacked by those whom he is falsely reported to serve, though
he is far from any such unworthy course. |
|
Spinola has armed 6,000 men in Milan for the Low Countries,
and prepared 12 galleys at Genoa, with assent of his brother
Frederick, who is now in Spain. The titular Prince of Moldavia
has arrived, and is going to Constantinople. [2pages.] |
1602.
March 6.
London. |
51. Christopher Hoddesdon, Governor of the Merchant Adventures, to Sec. Cecil. Divers matters were not fully answered on
Wednesday on behalf of the Merchant Adventurers. As to the first
allegation, that before Her Majesty granted privileges to them in
Germany, all Englishmen might freely pass thither with their wares,
I deny there was any traffic in Germany by Englishmen before
the beginning of Her Majesty's reign; for in 1544 I came from Dantzic by land, through all the marine towns except Stade and Emden, and found no Englishmen trading, nor cloth to be sold, but by
the Stillyard men. The upland towns in Germany had their factors
at Antwerp to buy cloth of the company, and to vend their commodities, but before the company settled their trades at Emden
and Stade, there was no cloth shipped thither by Englishmen. The
company found out the trade when in danger in the Low Countries,
at their great cost, and therefore none should have the trade from
them. Before the company were privileged in Germany, they were
at liberty to adventure into all parts within the Straits, Mediterranean Sea, East Seas, and Occan Seas, which they may not do
now, by means of new corporations, as the companies of Eastland
and Tripoli merchants, &c., and therefore they should not be cut off
from the trade of Germany. |
|
It was said that the navy would be better maintained by trade
further off than Middleburg, which is true if the said trade be not
well managed; but the Merchant Adventurers for Middleburg maintain as good ships as the trade at Stade, all of 150 tons at least,
and well appointed. |
|
It was also said that cloths bore a better price at Stade than at
Middleburg; but during the last year, cloths have been sold as
well at Middleburg as at Stade; it is not the great price of cloth
that is good either for the Customs or to set people on work, for the
higher the price the less is sold; since our cloth has borne these
great prices, more cloth has been made in Germany than before. |
|
The Merchant Adventurers think that as far as the Council backs
them, no trade where they be privileged is to be used but to the
Mart Town where they sell, yet if the Earl of Cumberland's licence
continue, it may fall out otherwise. For if the merchant be discouraged by not knowing, when he has bought his cloth, at what
rate he shall pass it in the Custom House, it will make men not
hasty to buy cloth at all. |
|
The prices of coarse cloths being thus advanced, and thereby the
greater quantity of the same sort made in Germany, the less must
needs be shipped out of England. |
|
It may be imagined when merchants stand at the devotion of
their enemies whether their goods shall be turmoiled by opening
their packs, and themselves wrongfully put into the Exchequer,
which is, I imagine, not to be done without the practice of the
deputy of the Earl of Cumberland in the Custom House, who is
known to be a very enemy to honest men, and a great friend to
those who practise to deceive the company of their impositions. |
|
As the said deputy and his companions would even now willingly
ship their goods to Stade, notwithstanding the great danger there,
it may be imagined that they have some secret doings with some
of the Hanse Towns, and the rather that ever since the Stillyard
was put down, they have used great practices to hinder the settled
trade of the Merchant Adventurers; thereby the said Hanse Towns
have so obstinately contended, whereas otherwise they would have
sought Her Majesty for an end of these troubles. [2¼ pages.] |
March 8.
Plymouth. |
52. Sir Rich. Leveson to Secretary Cecil. Thanks for my commission and instructions received this day. In my last I discovered
to you the state of the fleet, and such impediments as hindered our
proceedings, since which I have brought it to this forwardness,
that the ships first appointed to go forth under the command of
Capt. Somers set sail four days since with an easterly wind, but
meeting with a sea turn, came round to anchor in Plymouth Sound.
The Repulse is likewise in the Sound, ready for sea. The Mary,
Rose, Dreadnought, and Defiance have taken in their victuals, &c.,
but sailors are wanting. The Garland, being the last ship that was
trimmed, is most backward. |
|
I could discourse of divers abuses used in the pressing of sailors.
If many things be not reformed, as well in the press masters as in the
man that is pressed and runs away, the service by sea will be utterly
overthrown, and the Queen must either hazard losing her ships by
sending them out with bad men, or have them at home for want
of good ones. I desire to understand your pleasure in many things.
You shall hear from me as occasion offers; think of me as of a
creature of your own making, that will spend his blood to do you
service. |
|
P.S.—I understand four carracks are going out of Lisbon, and I
hope the fleet from the West is not yet come home. I now sit upon
thorns, and if a wind come before the Garland and Defiance are ready,
I will be gone, unless I hear to the contrary from you. [1 page.] |
March 8/18.
Paris. |
53. Simon Digby to Sec. Cecil, at Court. Compliments. All that
I can tell you about the proceedings of those four secular priests, Dr.
Cecil, Mr. Bluet, Mr. Mush, and Mr. Champney, is that they went
to Rome a month since, with letters from the King of France to his
ambassador there, who has assured them of protection and assistance.
Father Parsons is so troubled at their coming that he will speak to
none of his friends. The Duke of Mercoeur died at Norimberg, on
his return from Hungary. [1 page.] |
| March 10. |
54. Note [by Sec. Cecil] that all ships having silks may be
appointed to discharge in quays assigned by him or his deputy.
With note by Rich. Carmarden, that they may discharge at Custom
House Quay and Old Wool Quay by turns, and at none others,
according to the book of orders, and by lighters only. [½ page.] |
| March 10 ? |
55. Petition of Edw. Hall, prisoner in the Gatehouse, to Att.
Gen. Coke, for discharge. On the 4th instant, I was examined before
the Lord Keeper touching my allegiance, which matters and all
others I utterly denied, and will deny unto death (the words objected
against me to the Lord Keeper and yourself by my accusers only
excepted). My Lord Keeper is ready to discharge me if you consent. In consideration of my great charge, as also that my master
is keeper of Wisbeach Castle, co. Cambridge, and has many recognizances to be engrossed and certified to the assizes to be held at
Ely within three weeks,—which are in books and loose papers in my
custody as his clerk—grant me a full discharge upon bond, and
licence to depart into the country, to certify the said recognizances,
and save my master harmless, when I will return and appear before
you, to answer all matters objected against me. [2/3 page.] |
1602 ?
March 13.
White parish. |
56. Edw. Reynoldes to Owen Reynoldes. Private affairs. I have
sent a letter to Lord Harry [Howard]. [¾ page.] |
1602.
March 13. |
57. Certificate by Thos. Bellott and Rich. Langley, that Her
Majesty, by patent dated 30 Jan. last, granted to them Bungay
manor, cos. Suffolk and Norfolk; the hundred of Blything, co.
Suffolk; the manors of Fytton and Barton Bendish, co. Norfolk;
of Ripton Regis, co. Hunts; of Elinglas and Gulrock, co. Cornwall, and of Little Hadham, co. Herts; and that the said
manors were purchased with the money of Sir Robt. Cecil, and
their names only used upon especial trust which Sir Robert reposed in them. In part accomplishment thereof, they have conveyed
to Sir Robert the manor of Little Hadham, and to Attorney
General Coke, by his appointment, the hundred of Blything, and the
residue they will convey as Sir Robert shall appoint, nothing
doubting but that he will discharge them of their bonds. [1 page.] |
| March 14. |
58. Notes by Sir Fras. Godolphin on the importance of keeping
the Isles of Scilly. Scilly lies 30 miles from the Land's End of
Cornwall, W.S.W., being the nearest port of Her Majesty's dominions
towards Spain. It is as an inn by which ships trading westerly or
southerly are to pass and return, whereby it both succours and
secures our traffic, and no other place can so aptly permit or restrain
the traffic of Ireland and the north of Scotland with France or
Spain. The enemy may soon make it impregnable, and use it as
a rendezvous of his navy, a citadel or scourge against the realm.
From thence he may interrupt the sending of munition, &c. from
London and the south of England into Ireland, and also interrupt
most of our traffic into foreign parts, proving a more hurtful
neighbour in the west than Dunkirk is in the east. Neither
Falmouth nor Plymouth, which have the country's strength always
ready to reinforce their garrisons, deserve so strong a guard as
Scilly, for those isles cannot be instantly reinforced, being so far
distant from the main. In the reign of Her Majesty's brother, they
were kept by my father against the French, with a guard of 150
men, when Falmouth Fort had but 10. |
|
I will offer 500l., towards the charges needful for the fortifications,
if Her Majesty would grant me such further term in those isles as
she did to my uncle, Sir Wm. Godolphin, deceased, in the first year
of her reign, of which term she has seen the expiration of near 44
of the 50 years. [¾ page.] |
March 16.
Boston. |
Statutes enacted by Sir Edw. Dymock, Sir John Bolle, and 18
other Commissioners of Sewers, directing the cleansing and repairing
drains in the fen ground lying along the river Witham, between
Lincoln and Boston, and from the river Gleyne to Boston; also the
making, cleansing, and repairing certain drains and banks at places
named, co. Lincoln, at the expense of the owners and inhabitants.
[2½ skins, with signatures of many of the commissioners, and
fragments of seals. Domestic, Eliz., Case G., No. 18.] |
| March 16. |
59. Note that of the four Portuguese ships chased by the Refusal,
her pinnace, the Diamond, and the Watte, on 16 March, the Sattea
yielded, and left the ship adrift without a man in her. The fight with
the other ships continued two or three hours, when they were taken
by the four ships, without aid from the Lion's Claw, Chance, or
the Trial. They would have escaped but for these four ships, and
came under command of the captains and company of the Refusal,
the Carvel, the Diamond, and the Watte. At the beginning of the
fight, the other ships were two leagues off, and at the taking, about
a league. [½ page.] |
|
Endorsed, "State of the case between Sir Robt. Bassett, Mr. Cole,
and other the ships of Sir John Gilbert." |
March 18.
Sackville House. |
60. [Lord Treas. Buckhurst] to Att. Gen. Coke. Her Majesty
granted to Those. Bellot and Roger Houghton the customs and
subsidies of divers sorts of silks, cambrics, and lawns, on which
the farmers, through improvement of her rent and other charges,
raised very small profit, as it proved troublesome both to the merchant and officers, because other silks, &c. are brought from beyond
sea with the former. Her Majesty therefore desires a new grant
to be drawn, inserting also the several kinds mentioned herein, as
well as the others formerly demised,—cloth of gold and silver only
excepted,—and adding thereto the customs and subsidy outwards
of the whole, at such further yearly rent as shall appear by the
enclosed computation by Mr. Fanshaw, for the last seven years. |
|
P.S.—Description of silks to be inserted. [Copy. ¾ page.]
Annexing, |
|
60. i. Estimate by Hen. Fanshaw of receipts in seven years,
from 37 to 43 Eliz., in England and Wales, Berwick
excepted, for the custom and subsidy of camlets and
silk stuffs named, brought into the realm by way of merchandise; collected out of the custom books in the Exchequer; total, 4,481, 9s. 5¼d.; averaging yearly, 640l. 4s. 2½d.
Also, |
|
60. ii. Similar estimate of the customs on the other silks, &c.
named in the preceding postscript for the same period;
total, 306l. 14s. 6¾d.; yearly average, 43l. 16s. 4¼d. [Copies.
2 pages.] 15 March 1602. |
|
60. iii. Original of the latter estimate. [1 page.] |
March 19.
Silver Street. |
61. Christopher Hoddesdon, Governor of the Merchant Adventurers' Company, to Sec. Cecil. If there be any offence committed
in shipping wrappers without licence, the Merchant Adventurers
are discharged by Her Majesty's general pardon, and my Lord of
Cumberland has no cause to trouble the merchants to ship their
cloths according to Her Majesty's grant, as well by virtue of the
free licence, as of the licence of Sir Edw. Stafford, both purchased
with the merchants' money; the rather that Her Majesty has excepted
both patents in the Earl's new grant. The Merchant Adventurers,
far from using deceit in the Customs, have an ancient Act which lays
great punishment on such as do not pay the uttermost penny; for he
that escapes payment of Customas may mar the market of another
that pays his duties. Besides where Her Majesty loses her Customs,
the company is deceived of their impositions; therefore if any false
brethren have deceived Her Majesty, the Merchant Adventurers
would be glad they were punished. |
|
The Earl makes a great show in the number of wrappers, but if
the free licence were calculated from the beginning, it would not
amount to the third part thereof, which third part no doubt were
cloths under value; for considering they were subject to tear and
rot, no man would put his best cloth to that use. |
|
The Earl imagines so many coarse cloths above the price; it
is unlikely, for who dares adventure his substance through the
hands of the searchers, who may take advantage and forfeit the
whole? It should be tried by law, that the false merchant might
be found out, or the searcher lose his office. |
|
The licence granted to Lord Cumberland must be against the
Commonwealth, except he suffers the same cloths so often provided
for by Parliament to pass without licence, notwithstanding the
alteration of the price. The Earl says that the Merchant Adventurers drive him off with delays, but they have always told him
that except he would sell his licence to them, as all other noblemen have done, they would not deal; for they had no warrant
from the other side, who expected more good thereby in restraining
interlopers from entering into their trade, and false brethren in
breaking their orders, than by the licence itself. I hereby submit
to be fined 1,000l. if this be found otherwise, but there is no
reason to think the contrary, considering the Corporation of Merchant Adventurers stretch to York, Hull, Newcastle, Lynn, Norwich,
Ipswich, Exeter, Southampton, and all other ports and towns trading
beyond the seas by virtue of the Corporation. |
|
The causers of these troubles are false brethren of the company,
who have long practised to trade to places where the Merchant
Adventurers are not privileged, to the disturbance of their trade
in Germany, and were like to have been brought in question
by the Governor of the company for breaking orders; therefore it
was policy in them to make the governor weary of his office, and
for quietness' sake to leave them to their accustomed manner,
whereby is like to ensue the overthrow of the most famous company of merchants in Christendom. This the said Governor, considering their friends, cannot help, although he should through
striving bring his grey hairs untimely to the ground. I would
have come myself, but am advised to go into the country and
seek quiet, in respect of my years, nearly 68. [2¼ pages.] |
| March 20. |
62. Observations by Mr. Thomson as to the nature of the
soundings for our Sleeve, that is the sea east, west, and south from
the Lizard. [1¼ pages.] |
| March 20. |
63. Copy of the above. [1¼ pages, damaged.] |
March 21.
Clerken well
Green. |
64. Francis Thynn to the Earl of Nottingham. I make no
question but that many, after this new commission directed to the
Lord Treasurer, to you, and to the Earl of Worcester, have presented you rare antiquities concerning your honourable office, and I
might stay my pen, being inexpert in those things, if your noble
birth, &c. did not add wings to my desire to manifest my dutiful
affection. |
|
Wherefore I offer you these few ears of Knowledge, gleaned out of
the leavings of ancient histories and records, as a forerunner of a
long discourse on the lives and actions of the admirals of England.
Until the perfecting whereof, vouchsafe the receipt of this of the bare
names and arms of these honourable officers, and of these other collections concerning the office of the Earl Marshal, which is of credit
from the Conquest, if not before; for me seemeth that I read among
the Saxons somewhat which savours thereof, as few other offices,
either for place or dignity, are preferred before it. I set down at
the latter end of this book a catalogue of the Earls Marshal, and
shall after make a larger discourse on their lives. |
|
Dissertation on the dignity of the Earl Marshal's office. The etymology of the word marshal. The marshal an officer of the Emperor of
Constantinople. The office of marshal amongst foreign nations. The
verge of the prince's house, to which his authority extends. Where
the marshalsea went until the time of Edward III., &c. [16 pages,
copy. Preceded by the arms of the Earl of Nottingham, coloured.]
Annexing, |
|
64. i. Names and arms blazoned and coloured of all the Earls
Marshal of England, from William Fitz-Osborne, Earl
of Hereford, in the time of William the Conqueror, to
Robert Earl of Essex. [8 pages and 2 blank leaves. The
last three Earls Marshal, Thomas 4th Duke of Norfolk,
George, 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury, and the Earl of Essex
have the arms only, without the names.] |
| March 21. |
65. Certificate by Luke Smith, parson of Solihull, co. Warwick,
Reginald Vele, his curate, Rich. Bache and Hen. Ewes, churchwardens,
and Sir Fulk Greville and John Huggeford, justices of peace, that
Fulk, son and heir of Wm. Cartwright, deceased, of Ossington, co.
Notts, was baptised at Solihull, 24 March 1582, as appears by the
register book. [1 page.] |
March 26.
White parish. |
66. E. Reynoldes to his brother Owen Reynoldes, at his house
near St. Margaret's Church, Westminster. I received your letters.
My principal care was of those to my Lady, and to that most noble
Lord, as also to Mr. Jewkes and Mr. Rawlins. Private affairs. I
am glad you are upon a bargain for letting my house at Islington
to Mr. Bulmer for a year. I wish it had as good a tenant for
three or four years. I wish Mr. Nicholas would take it back; it
is a hard pennyworth I have at his hand. I would satisfy my
cousin Bagges if I had the means, but you know all my estate is
disposed, and my wife's is already dispersed in several men's hands
who are very sufficient, and most of the bonds renewed in my name.
I purpose to sell a pretty house which I have by her at Hampton,
which cost 120l.; it yields 12l. rent. I wish my rent were received of
my Lady before my coming up. Pray use diligence herein, but offend
not against good manners, and if it were not for the presence of one
man, or rather a monster, in Hampton, I would use my house there.
[1 page.] |
March 27.
Hamburg. |
67. John Blount to Sec. Cecil. Being here on trade, I think it
right to inform you of abuses against you, both by townsmen and
English. I send the title of a most slanderous book against the
Queen, and those about her, and the late Lord Burghley. I have
bought up the copies at my own cost, rather than have them viewed
by the world, but will send them the next opportunity. The magistrates should not suffer such a book to be sold, but those of the town
hold you as their mightiest enemy. Three other copies have been
bought; one by Thos. Wright, Alderman Hampsom's man, at the
persuasion of one Adam Kint or King, who reads Latin, and expounded it in most shameful manner to 10 or 12 English and Dutch,
especially the parts relating to you and your father. The second
was bought by Henry Wotton, then on his way to Italy; the third
by a high Dutchman, who is gone up into the high country. |
|
One Chrish. Harwood, who has been lately there, reports that you
appointed Paul Pindar, late factor to Hen. Parvish, merchant, to
keep a bank for you in Italy, fearing to have so much money in
England, lest matters should not go well, on which the hearers cursed
you and all your goods. If this be true, Pindar should not have
revealed it. |
|
John Cook, an Englishman who trades in Lubec and Sweden,
having an old ship, determined to have it rebuilt at Lubec, and
agreed with a carpenter, paying him beforehand; but after it
was pulled down, the lords of the town would not suffer it to be
rebuilt; he threatened, if he might neither have his money nor
build his ship, to complain to the Queen, but they only laughed.
Thanks for your affection to my father-in-law, Dean Alex. Nowell.
[2 pages.] |
March 31.
Sackville House. |
68. Lord Treas. Buckhurst to Mr. Lake, clerk of the Signet. The
Queen is pleased, in reward of 20 years' service, to grant Mr Skipwith a lease of Graunsden manor, co. Cambridge, late parcel of the
bishopric of Ely. I request a bill to that effect, according to a
particular in parchment, under Auditor Hill's hand. [½ page.] |
|
Endorsed, "8 April 1602. My Lord Treasurer's letters for a
warrant for a lease in possession of the manor of Graunsden, in co.
Cambridge, to be made for Rich. Skipwith, Esq., for— years
and 20 years' fine; rent, 35l. 12s. 10¾d." |
| March 31. |
69. Lord Treas. Buckhurst to [Sir John Stanhope]. I know not
what course to take for upholding this bussiness against the Papists,
for Mr. Felton, not having means to maintain the charges, is neither
able nor willing to proceed further. If he once gives it over, or it
gets bruited abroad, all that service will fall to the ground, and it
will be impossible to recover it. I have assured Her Majesty that
I will keep the Privy Seal myself, and that no man shall know it
but myself and Mr. Chancellor, Mr. Skinner, and Mr. Wardour, as
all these of necessity must; but to pay Her Majesty's money without
warrant of Privy Seal never was nor can be done, without an Act
of Parliament. I beseech you move Her Majesty to sing his bill,
or I must protest that if all this service falls to the ground, I am
guiltless of it. [Copy, ½ page.] |
| March. |
70. Declaration of Thos. Bluet, English priest, shown to Cardinals
Borghese and Aragon, about the causes of his coming to London
from Framingham, and of his journey to Rome. |
|
The keeper of Wisbeach Castle maliciously obtained leave from
Council to transfer 36 priests to Framingham, four days' journey.
The plea was that some of the nobles of that province so favoured
the priests that he could not keep them as strictly as ordered, without
speaking to any. They were fastened like rogues, in couples with
manacles, and led by 30 soldiers. Even Protestants called this barbarous, but the keeper refusing to pay the soldiers as he was required,—the change being for his benefit,—dismissed them, on the word of
two of the two principal priests that they would all be at the new
prison on the day fixed. In England a priest, even in danger of
his life, is often released on his word. |
|
Accordingly we all arrived on the 5th day, but found the castle,
which had not been inhabited for 80 years, ruinous, and therefore the
keeper was obliged for two months to place us out in different
villages. The Archpriest refusing us any help, we were obliged to
appeal to His Holiness, and I got leave of absence for 10 days, to
visit some Catholics, and consult on these dangers. |
|
I came to London, which I had not seen for 24 years, and knowing no Catholic, went to a prison where were seven priests, to consult
how to act. One of these seeing me, joyfully exclaimed, "It is
Father Bluet." The keeper asked if it was Bluet of Wisbeach, and
finding it was, went to consult the Queen's Commissioners. |
|
Fearing lest I should be waylaid, I thought it best to signify to
the Commissioners that I was in town on business for the prisoners,
and could give a reason for my coming. On this the bishop sent
a servant for me. I informed him that being the alms-distributor
to the imprisoned, I had come for ten days, with the keeper's leave,
for necessary matters. He went and told the Queen, and ordered
me to be kept in London, in free custody, from the beginning of
Lent to the end of July. |
|
The Archpriest would not admit me to his presence, forbade me
to celebrate mass, and all Catholics to aid me, so that I received
all this time not a farthing, though I knew that during the past three
years, 12,000l. had been given by noble Catholics in aid of the imprisoned. This was done that I and my brethren might renounce
our appeal, lest these affairs should come to His Holiness' ears. |
|
Meanwhile the Bishop of London, in whose power I was by the
Queen's command, showed me many letters and books of Parsons,
Holt, and other English Jesuits, inviting the King of Spain to invade
England, as due of right to him, and urging private men to kill the
Queen, by poison or sword. He asked me if the seculars were of
the same mind, and said that Queen and Council had grave reasons
for promulgating such severe laws against Jesuits, Seminaries, and
Catholics, because they thought all guilty of these devices, and all
disciples of the Jesuits, being educated under them in seminaries. |
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I declared the innocence of the Secular priests, proving it by our
intended appeal to the Pope, and showed that we had been troubled
for years, not for our religion, but for treasons of this sort. This being
told the Queen, she bade the judges, who before they go into their
circuits, ask what is to be done about Catholics, not to take the
life of any priests, unless found guilty in these matters. |
|
Thereupon a petition was offered to the Queen for some liberty of
conscience, protesting the fidelity of the priests and laity in all
temporal things, requesting also the suppression of the Book of
Succession, and all similar writings. This supplication being
read and re-read, she exclaimed, "These men, perceiving my lenity
and clemency towards them, are not content, but want everything,
and at once. The King of France truly may, without peril of
honour, life, or kingdom, grant liberty of religion to the Hugenots,
but it is not so with me, for if I grant this liberty to Catholics, by
that deed I lay at their feet myself, my honour, my crown, and my
life. For their chief pastor pronounced sentence against me whilst
yet I was in my mother's womb (she alluded to the sentence of
Clement VII about the marriage of Henry with her mother). Moreover, Pius V. has excommunicated me, and absolved my subjects
from their oath of fidelity, and Gregory XIII. and Sixtus V. have
renewed the same, at the instance of the King of Spain, that he
may enlarge his own borders; and so to my peril it remains. As to
him who now holds the helm, I have nothing to complain, but that
he is Clement in act as well as name. He found France disturbed
with tumult, civil war, slaughter, and homicide, all which, as far as
in him lay, he reduced to peace embracing King and kingdom, so
that they now enjoy a wealthy peace, in which he showed himself
worthy of his place, and worthy to be called Vicar of Christ, doctor
and master of the nations." Thus the petition came to no effect, as
no one dared to reply. |
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I offered another petition for leave for myself and four or five
other priests, to go to Rome to prosecute our appeal, and explain to
His Holiness the state of affairs in England. This the Queen referred
to Council. They made a difference between the old priests, who
became such in the times of Henry and Mary, and the more recent
ones, or Seminaries. The former not being guilty of lèse Majesté,
those who receive them are not in peril of loss of goods, unless taken
celebrating mass, when they are either fined or imprisoned. But the
recent ones, whom they call Seminaries or Jesuits, being guilty of
lèse Majesté for being priests and in the kingdom, all who harbour
them are liable to loss of goods. |
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This difference, they say, is because the old priests have always
lived quietly, acknowledged the Queen on Queen Mary's death, and
although she removed them from their livings, and introduced
others, whether in prison or out, they have always lived peacefully
towards the Crown, whilst Jesuits or Seminaries, entering the
kingdom on pretext of religion, have conspired the death of the
Prince, and ruin of the country. |
|
One argued that as the secular priests hold the same faith as the
old priests, they should have the same privilege, and be permitted
to go to Rome and prosecute their appeal. Thus leave was granted
him to go, with four other priests, and first to have liberty for
seven weeks to visit our Catholic friends, and collect money, &c. for
the journey. But by the counsel of some who declared it unfit for so
many to leave the kingdom dismissed like friends, lest they should
join the Jesuit party against the Queen, sentence of exile was
pronounced against them. |
|
The Queen also, at my request, either freed or mitigated the
captivity of many other priests. |
|
If I have done wrong in this, I submit to your judgment, but if
I, a mere worm and a captive, have obtained so much of the Queen,
what might the Pope and most Christian King do towards relieving
the affictions of Catholics? What have wars, invasions, and books
done these 20 years? You have heard; we, to our sorrow, have
seen and endured; but we have followed the footsteps of Rochester
and More, who submitted to prison and death for their faith, but
maintained peace. |
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Complaints of Father Parsons' proceedings, for which the English
Catholics are punished. |
|
As a supplement to the Armada of 1588, an English work was
written to declare the sentence of Sixtus V. against the Queen,
which says— |
|
1. That though Pius V. and other popes, on account of the
cowardice of Catholics, had permitted them to obey the Queen, yet
Sixtus revokes that leave, and orders them to rush against her, and
cast her like Jezebel through the window, or deliver her to the
Catholic army, calling her the worst names. Irritated by this, she
raged against priests and Catholics of both sexes, and unless God
had interfered by the death of the Earl of Leicester, she had
destroyed all in the kingdom; many have been the martyrs, and
great the slaughter and loss of goods since. |
|
2. Parsons wrote a book against the Earl of Leicester, which
provoked him to slaughter of Catholies; he wrote two others in
Latin, Pernius and Philopater, full of ill words against the
Queen, and three in English, urging the King of Spain to
another attempt. |
|
3. He wrote a book on the succession, declaring that no king
in England had been lawful since the death of Henry VI., and
attacking specially the King of Scots, whom, in his book against
Leicester, he had considered the nearest heir. All this is, that he
may transfer the kingdom to the Infanta; and to transfer the
consequence of his deeds to another, he publishes it under the
name of Dolman, a venerable priest in England, and dedicated to
the Earl of Essex, leader of the Puritans. Thus he provokes
against Catholics the Queen, King of Scots, and all of royal blood. |
|
4. Holt, Worthington, and others in Belgium sent Heskin, a
messenger, to the Earl of Derby, to offer him from the Catholic
King, forces, a fleet, horse, and money, if he would vindicate
his title to the kingdom; but he sent Heskin bound to London,
where he was condemned and quartered, nor did Derby long
survive. |
|
5. In the Spanish seminaries, he [Parsons] forced English students to subscribe to the Infanta as their lawful Queen, that on
their return, they might persuade their relatives to accept no other.
Can it be wondered at that the Queen should rage against priests
so educated? and when they slay and torment us they declare
it is not for religion, but for treason. Parsons himself acknowledges that the Queen is forced to these proceedings. |
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6. An English priest in Spain obtained the liberty of a countryman, Squiers, a Puritan, who was in prison as a pirate, on his
becoming a Catholic. Squiers wished to return to his country,
and being one of the Queen's equerries, was persuaded to attempt
her destruction. He returned and enjoyed his former place, but
lived a year without doing anything. Then his advisers, in
revenge, sent over two others, who warned the Queen and Earl
of Essex of their danger, and thus got into favour and accused
Squiers; he was taken, confessed, was condemned and quartered;
the other two are still in prison. |
|
7. King Philip, provoked by Parsons, prepared another expedition against England, and Parsons promised to send with it
12 priests, who, on approaching the shore, should land with a few
soldiers, and induce the people to defection. The fleet being
ready, four had entered, but the fifth, a prudent and learned man,
said, "Father, if you will send me into England with the Holy
Bible in one hand and the sacred missal in the other, as becomes
a priest, I will go willingly and shed my blood for defence of the
Gospel and Catholic faith, but I will not ascend an enemy's fleet,
armed against my beloved country; for the arms of our warfare
are not carnal, but powerful in God to the destruction of strongholds," &c. Parsons was so irritated at this that he expelled him
the college without viaticum. The fleet set sail, but between
Lisbon and Ferrol 34 ships perished in one night. That priest
reached England not without peril. After a few years, labouring
in God's work, he fell into the hands of the Puritans last
September, in the town "Legionum," not far from Ireland, the
Spaniards invading the island. The ruler of the town wrote
to the Council that he had in bonds a Seminary from Ireland;
the Council ordered him to death. He wrote to me, expressing his
willingness to die unless he were thought necessary to the church
of God. I wrote to the bishop, who sent my letters to the
Queen's secretary, and a messenger was instantly sent to bring the
priest to London, to remain in free custody, his friends being
allowed access to him. |
|
8. The King of Spain was preparing a third fleet against
England when the Earl of Essex was at the Azores, waiting the
Indian fleet, but that also perished. What shall I say of the
Earl of Northumberland, who died when in the Tower, on suspicion
of treason? What of this last expedition to Ireland? The Queen
well knows that parsons and the English Jesuits were its promoters. To accomplish their ends better, they have erected an
archpriest, who is ordered to do nothing without the counsel of
the Provincial of the Jesuits in England. This power he uses to
bring the priests to the will of the Jesuits, and vexes his opposers
by want, infamy, ejection from their residences, deprivation of
alms, &c. Thus distractions flourish in the whole kingdom, and
quarrels arise in families, some being for the archpriest and
Jesuits, some for the seculars. The Jesuits, however, write that
Parsons does nothing without the knowledge and command of
Clement VIII. [Latin, 14 pages.] |
