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Feb. 16. Bruges. |
4. Egremont Ratcliffe to Lord Burghley. My extreme misery
must excuse my boldness in writing to you. Pray let me know
Her Majesty's resolution about my pardon. It is a year since I left
the entertainment I had of the King of Spain, because I would
openly sue for Her Majesty's favour, and make satisfaction for my
offence. My very enemies will bear witness what injuries I have
suffered in Spain, for defending the Queen against Stuckley and
others, and what a number malice me because I seek my pardon.
pardon my frequent letters sent by Dr. Wilson and Avery Phillipps,
but I have been so long without entertainment that I have spent all
I had, and got so indebted that I must take where I have refused,
and am loath to do, if I might choose. I trust in you, and beg your
answer. [1¾ pages.] |
Feb. 17. Antwerp. |
5. Edw. Woodshaw to the Earl of Westmoreland. I have been
lately moved by a devilish man [Moffatt] to be an instrument to
your utter undoing, and conjured to keep it secret. I warn you
not to trust evil men. If you will write me by the bearer, I will
come to you, and give you such knowledge that, if you will be
secret, you may entrap the layer of the traps, get 1,000l., and rejoice
your friends and shame your enemies. I will tell you more when
we meet. I defy all the gold and silver in the world, and would lose
all rather than I would seek your death, and be such an enemy to
the King and the Catholic cause. I have ever helped my poor
countrymen. |
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With note that he said that my Lord Ambassador wished him to
repair to Moffatt, to whom he had delivered a letter from the Earl
of Leicester, whereby he should understand more of the matter,
which his Lordship said he neither knew nor would know. [1 page,
copy.] |
Feb. 19. Guildhall, London. |
6. Inquisition post mortem, before Jas. Hawes, mayor, and the
escheator of London, on Thos. Shottesham, proving that he was
seized of a messuage or tenement in St. Mary's Hill, London, now
occupied by Rudolph Hutchinson; that beyond this, he was not
worth more than 5l. a year; and that Joanna, wife of Thos. Elliott,
pewterer of London, now 34 years of age, is his daughter and nearest
heir. [4 sheets, much damaged, Latin.] |
Feb. 27. |
7. Edw. Woodshaw to Lord Burghley. I trust you have received
my letters from Sir Thos. Gresham, with one from the Earl of Westmoreland to me. I went to Louvaine to the Earl, who was very
friendly; after much talk, it was concluded that when I heard
from you or my Lord of Leicester, or had news by Moffatt, who
has gone to dwell at Bruges, I should repair again to him, and he
would act as I counselled him; but he feared you and Lord
Leicester would send no money. I told him Moffatt said you
would, but I had had no reply from you, and it was rare for
noblemen and councillors to write to a simple gentleman, unless
known before. He said Moffatt reported that I had heard from
you; I said it was a lie, and he believed me rather than Moffatt,
against whom he spoke ill, though recommended by his dearest
friends out of England. He showed me a letter in which Copley
praised Moffatt, and dispraised me for consenting to such a treason;
so I perceive Copley is still the same man. I shall meddle no further
till I hear from you. I wish you knew my faithful heart. |
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As to my journey to Spain, if you do not like me to carry letters
from the Queen to the King for the voyage against the Turks, I
beg money for my voyage. I doubt not, by the letters I shall carry
hence, to get the money owing me, a pension, and a charge of
Walloons, or entertainment for 300 English, on pretence to entertain all Catholics that come hither for conscience; we shall remain
in garrison at St. Omer, thus preventing every man that comes
hither from running to Spain for a pension. Young Hen. Carew
has returned hither, having got 20 crowns a month pension, through
a letter I got him from Count de Reulx. I know the Queen will
well recompense my services. I much desire to live in my country.
[3 pages.] |
[Feb.] |
8. "An Act concerning good hospitality among the clergy," and
for reformation of enormities on their behalf to be redressed. |
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Ample revenues were granted the clergy that they might show
hospitality, but many, being now married, neglect it, keep fewer
servants, and reserve their incomes for their children. For redress
whereof, all bishops, deans, masters of colleges, &c., are to retain as
many servants, &c., as were held 30 Hen. VIII. As the wives of
ministers should give themselves to prayer, alms deeds, and ministering to the poor, they are to be allowed no government of their
households, except of children and maid-servants. Officers are to be
kept to see to needful repairs. No land or mansion house is to be
let on lease, but only by the year; and all leases since the last of
Queen Mary shall be made void. |
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Religion is now restored, idolatry banished, and a form of common
prayer appointed, which, as well as a catechism, and the correction
of ecclesiastical laws was prepared, during 16 years, by bishops, with
aid of secretaries and writers, whom they rewarded with keeperships
of chaces, registrarships, &c., which offices are little regarded; their
offices are therefore to be restored to their wanted privileges. If
the owners have lost their patents, copies thereof made from the
register books are to be of force. [11½ pages, 2 blank leaves. Draft.] |