Addenda, Queen Elizabeth - Volume 20: October 1571

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda, 1566-79. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

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'Addenda, Queen Elizabeth - Volume 20: October 1571', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda, 1566-79, (London, 1871) pp. 361-371. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/addenda/1566-79/pp361-371 [accessed 28 March 2024]

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October 1571

Oct. 3.
Guernsey.
74. Thomas Leighton to Lord Burghley. Finding Her Majesty disposed to take order for fortifying the Castle of Guernsey, I trouble you to get her resolution. If anything is to be done in spring, order should be taken, that I may provide lime, stone, &c. for the workmen; building materials must be fetched from far. I do not wish the thing to be burdensome, but some money should be had now, and some the next two or three years, and a warrant granted for all together, that I may not have to send a messenger to sue for warrants. My charges rise greatly in sending to Court. Since leaving Court I have often written to Lord Leicester, but received no answer. Let me have a final answer from you. John De Vic will attend you, and is fit to bring the money. He has fair lands in this country. [1⅓pages.]
Oct. 8. 75. Examination of Henry Simpson of Darlington, bishopric of Durham, before Sir Thomas Gargrave, Matthew Hutton Dean of York, and Thomas Eynns. Seven years ago, went to Newhaven, and served as a soldier half a year, under Capt. Saunders, who had married his aunt. When the town was given up, had the plague, and remained until he was well, and was relieved by the Frenchmen. Thence went to Paris, and used his art as a stationer for a year; thence to Cambray, then to Antwerp, where he learned to paint, and remainded there 2½ years, then to Louvaine and Italy with certain Dutchmen. Went thence to Rome, but could get no living, so came back to Louvaine, and there met with Sir Fras. Englefield, who gave him four dollars.
Thence went to Valencia [Valenciennes], with Thomas Cross, an Englishman, and a hatter, of whom he learned to make felts; remained with him two years, and married Elizabeth Browne, a French woman, whose mother lived in Valencia. Set up in business there, and in going about to sell hats, sometimes fell in with the Earl of Westmoreland, and other rebels; heard the Earl say at Louvaine that if he and his associates came again to England, Simpson and Allan of York, should be spoiled, as they were the Bishop's own hands; and that if the Lord Keeper and Mr. Secretary were put away from the Queen, he would have friends enough in England, and they would all be merry.
Heard many say there that the Queen much favoured the Earl of Leicester, but they trusted to make him and his blood low, as they were never any good to the realm.
Ten weeks since, saw an Englishman at Louvaine deliver a letter to the Earl of Westmoreland, which when he had read, he said that where before they had one friend in England, they had now 100; for the poor commonalty were so pilled that he and his fellows had the hearts of all men, women, and children, who would take their parts, and wished them to come in, if but with 500 men.
Heard Stansfield, another Englishman, say that the Earl had sent letters to his wife, as also to the Earl of Derby; heard other Englishmen at Louvaine often wish that the Earl had taken Sir Geo. Bowes at the first, and kept him, as then they might have gone and taken York, and then all England would have taken their parts.
Eight days before last Lady Day, an Italian came in post to the Earl, who immediately went to the Duke of Alva, it was said to levy men-of-war.
Was told by Ralph Stansall, servant to the Earl, that he had two men in Paris to learn intelligence from England.
There is a talk amongst the rebels that when Her Majesty sent for the Duke of Norfolk, the countrymen persuaded him not to go, and they would live and die with him, and hung upon his horse's tail and legs, exclaiming upon the whole country to stay him, and that a Lord met him at midnight, and willed him to go back again.
Heard Richard —, the Earl of Derby's man, who came over a year since as cook to Lord Morley, say that the Earl cast great guns in the Isle of Man, to help for the religion, and had mass said, and 12 beadmen in his house.
Thos. Taylor, one of the rebels, and servant to the Earl of Northumberland, willed examinate to tell his wife at Tadcaster that all the rebels would be in England next spring. Ralph Stansall of York, who had fled over for debt, also willed him to tell his wife that he would be home next spring and pay every man his own, and to commend him to John Goodyer, Mr. Brogden, and Mr. Richardson of York, and tell them that he heard mass daily for them.
Sherwood, a priest, sometime of the bishopric of Durham, who sent home young Trollope to his mother, being sick, willed him to tell her that if she had not obtained her husband's pardon, she was not to sue for it, as he trusted that both he and the rebels would be in England ere long. On coming away, saw soldiers prepared by the Duke of Alva; some said they were going with him into Spain, and others to help the Earls into England, and would go to Scotland, and that when they invaded England, they would enter two parts of the realm at once.
Sir John Nevill delivered him one angel to carry to his wife, and he had rings of hair of Thomas Taylor to carry to his wife, but they were all, with 8s. of his own money, bribed from him in the ship.
Often heard the rebels say that when they came again into England, they would spoil the new ministers and heretics of all they had, hang them, and not leave one alive to spread more evil seed, for they came of Luther. They had books which declared that the devil came to Luther at midnight, to tell him what he should say.
Henry Browne, a student at Louvaine, desired examinate to ask John Browne of Selby to help him with money, which he would repay if he could. Mrs. Lassells, the Countess of Northumberland's gentlewoman, sent commendations to her father and mother. Parkinson, the Earl of Westmoreland's servant, bade him get Mrs. Parkinson to speak to Sir Geo. Bowes, his late master, to get his pardon.
The French and Dutch doctors were disputing in the schools at Louvaine that the Queen of England was not a righteous Queen, and ought to be put out of her seat. It was also bruited she was sore sick, and had lain speech[less] three days, at which the rebels much rejoiced.
Also that a priest of Thirsk had openly in the pulpit asked his prisoners' forgiveness for preaching and teaching false doctrine, of which matter Dr. Saunders made a sermon at Louvaine.
Heard the rebels say that any man, for a little money, might pass into England and back, at Dover, and that they knew everything from Court within two days, if the weather served.
His chief cause in coming into England was to see his friends, brothers, and sisters, and to hear who were alive, as he had heard that the plague had been much about there, and that many had been executed for their offences. Has not delivered any letters since he came into England, nor intended to deliver those he brought, nor the messages, but to disclose all to Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Dean of York, to whom he declared part before he was apprehended and imprisoned.
With list of 37 Englishmen at Louvaine, including the Earl of Westmoreland and Lady Hungerford; also note that many Irish and Frenchmen are there, and that Sir Fras. Englefield finds a cloister of nuns, and one of Charterhouse monks with money, either from England or Spain. Also list of 14 at Mechlin, including the Countess of Northumberland and Lord Dacre, and of 30 others at Bruges, Tournay, Valenciennes, and other places in the Low Countries. [4pages.]
Oct. 10.
Guernsey.
76. Capt. Thomas Leighton to the Earl of Leicester and Lord Burghley. When at Court, I applied to you to be permitted to victual the castle for 500 men for three months, during summer, which is the dangerous time, the victuals to be sold against winter, and renewed in spring. This may be done without going to the Queen's coffers, if she will grant me a licence to export 4,000 or 5,000 quarters of corn; the money rising from the licence would buy the victuals, which would remain as Her Majesty's stores; 1,000 marks will be little to furnish it. The Bretons are greedy to buy corn; last Parliament, an Act was passed that corn might be exported when not above a certain price, so my suit will be easy, and I would gladly save Her Highness charge. Send an answer by the bearer, Packington. Corn will sell well this year, for it has failed in Spain and the Canaries. If the licence come to more profit than is needful for victualling, I will spend it on fortifying. [1 page.]
Oct. 10.
Tower.
77. Thomas Duke of Norfolk to the Queen. I dare not presume to hope for your favour, I confess myself so unworthy thereof; but when I look on your manifold mercies, which so many have tasted since your prosperous reign, I am emboldened to make my trembling hand offer you my most humble and lowly submission, having no other means to ease my oppressed mind. I am, for my offences and disobedience, to ask pardon, first of Almighty God, and then of Your Majesty; the first I have done to my God, and so by his grace will continue, with a new heart and mind of amendment, not doubting but to receive it, according to the Scripture, " He that knocketh at the door shall have it opened unto him."
I now prostrate at your feet myself, my children, and all that I have, hoping more of your clemency than is my desert. I seek to excuse myself no way, but wholly submit to what shall please your most merciful heart. I am as a man that has run astray, and finding favour for former good service has redoubled my follies. It is in your power to make of my wretched mould whatever pleaseth you; my faith and religion being reserved to my Saviour, my body being already your subject and prisoner, I dedicate my heart and mind to be as it shall please Your Majesty. I do not seek favour for former service, my undutifulness has blotted the same, nor dare I remember that which heretofore was my greatest comfort, because I deserved not that honour, which was that you accounted me your kinsman. Woe worth the day that I entered into that matter which has made such alteration of your favour, and heaped upon me these intolerable troubles ! Unworthy wretch that I am ! that in all the days of my life have coveted nothing but a quiet life, I take God to witness, whatsoever some have judged to the contrary.
I dare not presume too long to trouble you with my lamentations, but shall not cease to pray to God to put it into your heart to extend your clemency. My service in time coming shall be such that you will have no cause to repent your mercy. [1 page. Copy.]
Oct. 11.
York.
78. Third examination of Hen. Simpson before Sir Thos. Gargrave and Thomas Eynns.
1. Had the letter to Gregory Wilkinson from a priest at Mechlin, who requested him to deliver it to Wilkinson, a maker of hats at York, for Gregory Wilkinson's father.
2. The letter to be delivered at the Swan, Tadcaster, was sent by Thos. Taylor to his wife; was to tell her that he, Taylor, with the rest of the rebels, would be in England next spring.
3. That directed to Edw. Vavasour and signed R.V. was from Ralph Vavasour, a scholar, to his kinsman in York: although dated from Cologne, it was delivered at Louvaine.
4. That to Thomas Metham was sent by Geo. Metham, his brother, and desired money, or would never send again, or call him brother.
5.Does not know John Soull, to whom a letter was directed from Ralph Vavasour.
6. The letter to John Thorneley at Thornytoft was from Philip Sherwood, to be delivered to Mrs. Trollope, whose son he brought home, as also Robert Booth, who was sick at Louvaine for two years, and has been beyond seas four years.
7. Supposes Ralph Stansall sent the letter to Christ. Marshall from Thos. Marshall, his son, butler to the Earl of Westmoreland.
8. That to Margaret Browne was from her son Henry, a scholar, and desired help of money if she was able.
9. That to John Bailie of Woodhall in Calverley was from his son Thos. Bailie a priest.
10. That to Hen. Brewar is from Hen. Browne, butler in an English house at Louvaine.
11. That to John Walton is from Gray a prisoner for murder.
Did not bring any books. Mr. Fowler, an Englishman, prints all the English books at Louvaine written by Mr. Harding or others, and the Duke of Alva's printer, who lives in Brussels, all the Latin that are against the doings in England. Wm. Smith, a Welshman, servant to Dr. Harding, commonly brings the books to the printing.
Was at Rome four years since when Sir Robt. Peckham died. Had money of Mr. Englefield, and saw in the English hospital Mr. Nevill, who said he had a living there; could not get one, so came away.
Parkinson, servant to the Earl of Westmoreland, required him to speak to Mrs. Beamond of Beamond Hill, to be a suitor for him to Sir Geo. Bowes, his late master, to procnre his pardon that he might come to England.
Cuthbert Nevill's servant asked him if he went to Durham to deliver a Spaw ring to Stephenson's wife, a poor woman, formerly his hostess; had a similar ring for Mark's wife but did not see her.
Had an angel from Sir John Nevill for Lady Nevill, to be delivered at Hunslow mill, and a pair of knives from Heighington for Wm. Atkinson, but they were stolen from him in the ship.
Was willed by Mrs. Lassell's, Lady Northumberland's gentlewoman, to commend her to her father at Brakenbarghe, and to her aunt Mrs. Kirkby.
Stephen Colyer, late cook to Thos. Metham and now servant to the Earl of Westmoreland, sent commendations to Sir Thos. Metham.
Landed at Whitby, and hired a horse for Robert Booth who was sick; he that they hired the horse of rode with them on another horse, and sometimes let his wife and others ride; the rest went on foot to Billingham, where they hired another horse for 4d. to Mrs. Trollope's house, and the bailiff of the town lent young Trollope another horse.
Had a letter from Philip Sherewood to Mrs. Trollope for money for her son, and for his pains and charge in bringing him, but it was not delivered.
Did none of his messages nor delivered any of his letters save the ring to the poor woman in Durham, nor spoke with any but Mrs. Trollope. [2¾ pages.]
Oct. 11. 79. Examination of Margaret, wife of Thomas Taylor, of Tadcaster, before Sir Thos. Gargrave and Thomas Eynns. Has received no letters or token from her husband since he left. but one brought last Easter by a Dutchman, who with two others lay at her house all night. One of them could speak English, and said he lived in Northumberland, had a suit in London, and was not returning to Flanders.
The other two spoke but ill English, and said they would return to Flanders. Two or three days after, they returned and lay at her house another night, and she sent her husband some small presents, as they said they dwelt in the same town, and that he was clerk of the kitchen to the Countess of Northumberland.
But a week since, a servant either of Sir Rich. Sherborne or Sir John Atherton arrived from York, and slept at her house, and said that a man had been taken in York, with a letter from her husband to her. The persons named in cipher in her husband's letter, are the daughters of Mr. Nelson, Hen. Nevill and his wife, and one of the Fosters, some of whom owe him money. [1¼ pages. In Gargrave's hand.]
Oct. 16. 80. Receipt by Bryan Penny for 9l. from Dr. Wm. Latimer, dean of Peterborough, for the first payment of his subsidy due to the Queen on the 1st inst. [Scrap.]
Oct. 17. 81. Characters of a cipher between the Earl of Leicester and Sir Hen. Nevill, relating to the Queen of Scots and the Duke of Norfolk. [1page.]
Endorsed by Burghley, "xvii. Octob. 1571. The ciphires in ye D. of Norfolke's booke of Graftos chronicle."
Oct. 18.
Carlisle
82. Henry Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley. I examined, as ordered, Thomas Carleton land serjeant of Gillesland, as to receiving Anth. Armstrong, but he denied that he has had anything to do with him since he was a rebel with Leonard Dacre, who has fled the realm, otherwise than that he sometimes came by stealth to his house without his knowledge, and he has of late killed Geo. Wigham, a notable thief and special friend of his. As to his office in Gillesland he says that, considering the time and the disorders in Liddesdale, he cannot keep it in good order without assistance, and cannot find any man fit to supply it who would take it for the fee, which is but 5l. a year; so I have continued him, charging him to look well to his office, and avoid receiving Armstrong or any other rebels, and to have a special regard to the quiet of the country. Pray order me how to proceed with him and his office. I shall do my best in apprehending Armstrong, who once only very narrowly escaped me. [1page.]
Oct. 19.
Carlisle.
83. Henry Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley. The poor inhabitants within the lordship of Dalston, pertaining to the Bishop of Carlisle, were anciently accustomed to free common of pasture within the forest of Westward, of late pertaining to the Earl of Northumberland, which forest, by information of Thos. Hussey, has been inclosed, whereby the poor men are greatly impoverished, and Her Majesty's service much impaired, for they had their horses grassed, and their cattle brought up and increased in the forest, which by the enclosure is greatly diminished.
As the poor men are bound to keep horse and armour for service on these Borders, at their earnest request I make suit to you and the Council in their cause, for a commission to some discreet persons in the county to enquire of their rights. [¾ page.]
Oct. 20.
The Rose, Cumberland.
84. Richard Bishop of Carlisle to Lord Burghley. For Christ's sake favour these poor men of the barony of Dalston, in Cumberland, in their suit to the Queen and Council for their common of pasture in Westward forest, injuriously taken from them by Thos. Hussey, then steward to the Earl of Northumberland, and now supposed to be an attendant at Court. There are in the barony 300 poor householders, whose living depends upon this, and who in all men's remembrance had their kine and nags therein, until the summer before the late rebellion; since then they have been debarred, and if contained, will be forced to leave the country, and seek home in Scotland, or God knows where. There are 200 men able to serve the Queen in that frontier so impoverished that since the taking from them the said common, they have wanted both horse and armour, which they were wont to have always ready; for skill and courage they were as serviceable men as any on this Border.
Let Her Majesty grant a commission to my Lord Warden, Mr. Lamplough, her officer in the Westward, though he is somewhat partial on the side against them, and any other indifferent gentleman in this country. In behalf of these miserable wretches, I beseech you to stand their friend. If I did not understand their miscrable causes I would not have written so boldly in their behalf to you, who are known to be a parton to the poor and oppressed.
Praised be the Lord who, even in this utmost corner, amongst these savage people, has mightily prospered his gospel and my simple ministry. I dare assure you that there is not one within this little diocese that openly repines against religion, and refuses to communicate or come to church, or that shuns sermons, or openly speaks against the established religion, those of the Lowland excepted, amongst whom is neither fear, faith, virtue, knowledge of God, nor regard of any religion, which are but four parishes, viz., Arthureth, Kirklington, Bewcastle, and Stapleton. Some indeed are not reclaimed in all things, but are in a good way. The officers of Gillesland and Greystock should be considered of by you, not being trust worthy. [1½ pages.]
Oct. 21. 85. Examination of Henry Simpson before Sir Thos. Gargrave. Although his wife is a Frenchwoman, and cannot speak English, brought her to England, wanting to get a place in York or Newcastle, and there exercise his art of making hats, and place his wife there, and then go to Valenciennes and fetch her mother, who is an inn keeper, and has promised to sell what she has there, and dwell with her daughter.
The rebels did not promise him anything on coming away; had no special talk with them, but heard some say they would be in England next spring.
Became acquainted with them from trafficking from town to town where they were, to buy wool and sell hats, and being an Englishman, they would talk with him. The Earl of Westmoreland bought 12 or 14 bats of him for his servants, at 2s. a piece.
Was not made privy to their doings. Of all the letters he received from them, only delivered one to Stansall's wife, of commendation, and saying that he trusted to be home next spring, and to pay all his debts.
The Earl of Westmoreland keeps a good house, and has 40 or 50 come to meat with him, but only 12 or 14 household servants.
Does not know the name of the Englishman who brought over the letter which the Earl read, and who afterwards said they had 100 friends in England for one man they had before, but thinks he had been Fras. Norton's servant; he had been at Court, and told them of the Queen's sickness, and that men for a little money might pass and repass at Dover.
Stansall said it was Hen. Ridley who carried the letters from the Earl of Westmoreland to the Countess of Westmoreland and Earl of Derby.
Does not know whether the Earl had horses, but when he rode post to the Duke of Alva, for levying soldiers, he sent to the Duke of Ascott, near Louvaine, to borrow one.
Stansall said that those who lay at Paris to learn news from England were Mr. Stafford and Francis, who was cook to Mr. Markenfeld, and spoke French.
The Earl of Westmoreland and his company were the chief Englishmen who conferred together; those who were at Louvaine for religion, before the rebels came, used not to come in their company. Has seen Sir Fras. Englefield refuse to meet or speak with the Earl in the street, whereat the Earl was much offended; but every Thursday all the English in Louvaine went to Church to hear mass and pray for England. Many persons are continually coming from England into Flanders. Coming towards England, he met a waggon with 14 men, women, and children from Oxfordshire, their servants walking on foot with sky-coloured cloaks laid on with green lace. Also,
Like examination of Edward Vavasour of York, capper. Remembers Ralph Vavasour, brother to Sir Wm. Vavasour, and his under sheriff. Knows no one of that name beyond sea, and has never sent any money to any, nor received any letter; dose not understand Latin, and never promised to go abroad.
Simpson, being re-examined, said he was appointed to deliver the letter directed to Edw. Vavasour at a house by the common school house in York.
With note that the said house is that of Dr. Vavasour the physician; that the letter was almost all in Latin, which Edward did not understand; that it moved him to whom it was written to come over sea, and mentioned 20l. sent over; Edw. Vavasour has not sent money, but is a poor capper, dwelling in York. [2½ pages.]
Oct. 25.
Seaton
Delaval.
86. Sir John Forster to the Council. On your letter for apprehending Sir Hen. Percy, I sent letters to all suspicious places through the Middle Marches, not making any privy for whom it was, laying watches of horse and foot in all places, with command to apprehend all persons that should travel, that he might have no recourse into Scotland. I then went myself to all places where I thought he would be likely to repair, as Tynemouth, Beamish, and Purdow [Prudhoe ?], but did not find him, and being sure he was not in these parts, sent my son Nicholas to Ripon, to search for him; there he learned that he had ridden upon his own horse to Doncaster, and there took post horses, intending to come towards you. Having made all these parts quiet, I thought it good to continue the watches a little longer, and doubting Tynemouth castle most, lest he should come thither and keep himself secretly, and there take ship, and so pass over the seas, I went thither, but only found John Metcalf, a rebel,—late servant to the Earl of Northumberland, who went with him into Scotland,—standing at the gates with his keys in his hand, who declared he was the porter, and Thomas Dicam, another servant of Sir Henry Percy. As I misliked Metcalf, I appointed certain men to remain there with them. I inclose the muster-book of all the soldiers assigned by Thos. Barton, the muster master, and now lying in garrison at Harbottle.
Endorsed with the names of nine persons, some of whom were sent to keep the castle. [¾ page.] Enclosing,
86. I. List by Thomas Barton, deputy muster master, of 59 men, under Lieut. Nicholas Forster, who have entered into pay, and been mustered by him. [1 page.] 10 Oct. 1571.
Oct. 26. 87. Answer of John Brooke of London, draper, Augustine Graffigna of London, merchant stranger, Robert Billott, gent., servant to Lord Burghley, Wm. Massy of the Inner Temple, gent., and Dionis Sandways of London, gent., to interrogatories filed in the suit of Fras. Alford, plaintiff, and Ludovic Greville, defendant. Brooke remembers that in September 1568, Calthorpe, a broker, told him that Augustine Porter and Fras. Alford, the plaintiff, had entered into a bond for 240l. to Geo. Stoddart, a grocer, for payment of 120l., and the latter not feeling satisfied, he, Brooke, in con sideration of five marks, became responsible for the amount, and subsequently had an action brought against him by Stoddart, when the sum was paid by Alford, with his own money and not with Porter's.
Graffigna remembers that in June 1568, he had in his hands certain plate which he wished to sell; Hawes, a broker, offered to purchase 180l. worth, upon 12 months' credit, and said it was for Porter, who was a gentleman and would give ample security, but deponent declined unless some good citizen would be bound for him. Two or three days after, deponent met Hawes and Alford in Lombard Street, when he took the latter's bond for the amount, and delivered the plate to Hawes and a young man. The money was not paid by Alford until long after it was due, and then less by 20l. The bond given to him by Alford he left with Benedict Spinola's nephew, to receive the amount of a man in Wood Street, who told deponent that he received it within one day after it was due.
Billot remembers that in July 1568, while servant to Alford, he paid away various sums, amounting to 43l., to the use of Wm. Porter, as to one Massy, to lawyers, servants, &c. Also that Porter sent [Rob.] Massy, his servant, to the plaintiff, then living in Salisbury Court near Fleet Street, for money, and received 67l., for which Massy gave the receipt now shown.
Wm. Massy deposes that he has compared the receipt produced with some letters of his brother Robert's, and believes it to be his handwriting. He asked him why he remained with Mr. Porter, his master, seeing he had sold and mortgaged all his lands and living; Robert replied that he doubted not but he should do well enough for all that, and that he had even then sold or mortgaged a piece of land to Alford; a day or two after, he brought a counterpart of the conveyance to deponent's chambers, where it lay 12 months, when he fetched it away, as also a pardon which Porter had obtained, either for murder or felony.
Sandways remembers that in July 1568, Alford solicited him to go with him to Dr. Mouse, a Master in Chancery residing at Shoreditch, to see an acknowledgment of a deed of bargain and sale by Porter of the manor of Aston-under-Edge, co. Gloucester, which he did, and upon subsequently attending at Porter's lodgings, he saw him with a note of sums which he owed to the plaintiff. There was also a debt owing to the plaintiff by Greville, for which he had him in suit upon an assumpsit, and subsequently recovered the amount. With further interrogatories for the examination of Brooke and Sandways on behalf of the plaintiff. [20 sheets damaged and imperfect.]
Oct. 28.
Wolverhampton.
88. John Leveson to the Earl of Warwick. You told me to ask if I ever required your aid; as I have never before asked, I trust you will not now consider me too bold. There is a matter depending in the Court of Requests between me and Wm. Grene, formerly my servant, whom I brought up and helped to live as an honest man, and put him in trust for myself; amongst other things I entrusted him to take the knowledge of a fine, in his own name, of 40l. a year, growing out of my land, which I should have purchased of a kinswoman, and now he would detain the rent to himself, having paid nothing, and being simply an instrument of trust; this would be to the undoing of my poor kinswoman and my great hurt, having laid out great sums for the same; pray write or speak to the Master of Requests that I may have equity and favour for your Lordship's sake.
Thanks for your good will with regard to the wood that I purchased of you; I made a bad bargain through ignorance, yet neither your Lordship nor your servants were to blame.
P.S.—Sir George Blount has long borne me ill-will through some transactions between us, and he is a great bearer with Grene against me. [1¼ pages much defaced.]
Oct.
Place de
Greve, Paris.
89. Nich. Houel to Lord Burghley. Hearing of the Queen's perfections, her favour for science, and her love for painting and portraiture, and that she wishes to make a large collection of portraits, and knowing that your merit has made you first in her Council, I beg you to inform her that for 25 years I have been collecting the portraits of the most excellent workmen in the world,—Italian, French, and German. I have enough to make 20 volumes, which would enrich her library, and give her honour and pleasure; four volumes on the Holy Scriptures; others of Greek and Roman history, histories, drolleries, nobles with their towns, architecture, Albert Durer's works, &c.
Also I have a cabinet of pictures of the best masters; also busts, medals, vases, &c. all at reasonable prices; if the Queen would send over a gentleman or her ambassador here to view them, I would receive him with the utmost courtesy. [French, 2 pages.]