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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. |
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Was told by Ralph Stansall, servant to the Earl, that he had two
men in Paris to learn intelligence from England. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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5.Does not know John Soull, to whom a letter was directed
from Ralph Vavasour. |
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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. |
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8. That to Margaret Browne was from her son Henry, a scholar,
and desired help of money if she was able. |
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9. That to John Bailie of Woodhall in Calverley was from
his son Thos. Bailie a priest. |
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10. That to Hen. Brewar is from Hen. Browne, butler in an
English house at Louvaine. |
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11. That to John Walton is from Gray a prisoner for murder. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Was willed by Mrs. Lassell's, Lady Northumberland's gentlewoman, to commend her to her father at Brakenbarghe, and to
her aunt Mrs. Kirkby. |
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Stephen Colyer, late cook to Thos. Metham and now servant to
the Earl of Westmoreland, sent commendations to Sir Thos. Metham. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.] |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Stansall said it was Hen. Ridley who carried the letters from the
Earl of Westmoreland to the Countess of Westmoreland and Earl
of Derby. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.] |