Cecil Papers: April 1596, 1-15 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 6, 1596. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1895.

'Cecil Papers: April 1596, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 6, 1596, (London, 1895) pp. 132-145. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol6/pp132-145 [accessed 26 April 2024]

April 1596, 1–15



	Newcastle.
1596, April 1.	A “note of the particular charges laid forth about the furnishing of the bark Rawe to the seas in warlike sort, appointed for the town of Newcastle,” according to the direction from the Council.—Newcastle, 1 April 1596.
	A bill of 45 items beginning :—Beef, 837 stone at 14lb. to the stone; pork 130 stone at 14lb. to the stone; butter 58 stone of 8lb.; cheese 53 stone of 7lb. The items include 50 tuns of beer, 414 salt ling, 3 bushels of mustard seed, “pressmonie” 5l., 1 hogshead of wine, four demiculverins, four sakers, eight minions, 3½ cwt. of powder, 24 muskets, 32 pikes, long and short, 6 doz. “arrows for muskets,” the surgeon's chest 13l. 6s. 8d., cloth for hanging the captain's cabin, 6l., salt hides, 3l., wages for five months. Total 1,652l. 11s. 5d.
	Endorsed :—July 1596.
	1 p. (39. 82.)
	Monsieur Busanval to Monsieur Vidosan, Governor of Calais.
1596, April 1/11.	Count Maurice has communicated to him the opinion of the Governor written to those of Zetland touching the siege of Calais, wherein they find so much foundation that the Count is minded (as Busanval has entreated him) to obtain full power to succour the place if the enemy attacks it.
	It is fortunate that the Count is going to Zetland whence he will be within reach to succour them if need be, and nothing shall be spared that is in his power for that purpose. But the Governor must take care to keep the “porte de derriere” open. This being so, no town or place in France is more secure. Order is already given for powder to be sent thither from the ships of war at Dunckerque. At the Hague, Busanval will see that the greatest diligence is used in all that concerns Calais. Begs that he will send on the enclosures to his Majesty and to advise him that this is done. Has received the last letter sent by Vidosan.—The Hague, 11 April 1596.
	French. Seal. 1 p. (173. 61.)
	Monsieur Busanval to Monsieur Villeroy.
1596, April 1/11.	There is great alarm here on account of the siege of Calais. If it continue, the plans of England may be diverted “a ce centre.” Hopes that if the place can be succoured by sea, succour will come more promptly, surely and freely from the Hague than from any place. Matters here proceed on a sound footing : his Excellency does all that could be desired in one of his quality and ardent affection to the King's service; they have means to redress many things if only they will be well advised. Desires to see Villeroy for his own needs and also possibly for the King's service. As he is finishing this letter, Vallon has arrived with Villeroy's of the 30th ult. His Excellency is starting, and the writer cannot decipher the King's letters before his departure, which hampers this despatch. He has seen only what Villeroy has written to him, for which he renders a thousand thanks.—The Hague, 11 April 1596.
1596, April 1/11.	Holograph. 1 p. (43. 77.)
	E., Lord “Sheffylde” to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 2.	Thanks for former courtesies. Begs his furtherance in a request he has made to the Council, and which he now again makes in writing, for he is unable for sickness to come to the Court.—Westminster, 2 April.
	Endorsed :—“1596.”
	Holograph. 1 p. (39. 84.)
	Bishopric of Sarum.
1596, April 2.	Five reasons, grounded upon the Statutes, whereupon the bishop of Sarum prays the allowance of his ancient liberties to have the custody of the rolls and records of all courts holden in Sarum. These records have hitherto been kept in the “bishop's clerk's office,” now held by Sir Robert Cecil; but of late suit has been made to have the lord of Pembroke appointed custos rotulorum for Sarum. The last reason is that the lord of the liberty is the meetest person to appoint the days of sessions, &c., when he has the correction of abuses, and “for that cause maintaineth a gaol, cage, pillory, &c., at his own proper costs & charges.”
	Endorsed :—2 April 1596.
	1 p. (39. 85.)
	Sir Henry Palmer to the Lord Admiral.
1596, April 3.	“May it please your good lordship, according to your directions, I came over with Mr. Wyndebanke to Callis road, and came to an anchor there about 12 of the clock the last night, where I found at an anchor 12 of the ships of war of the Low Countries. The governor of Calais sent out this enclosed letter by one Robert Flye, a Dutchman, one whom the said governor doth make great account of, who hath assured me that Rysbanke is possessed by the enemy, and that they have mounted 8 pieces of artillery there. Upon the east side of the town (near unto the fortification that the governor hath made without the town) they have planted 5 pieces of battery; and upon the west end of the town they have planted certain pieces of ordnance, but how many he knoweth not, neither hath the enemy (as yet) played with them, but in the other two places they lay it on for life. Their number of men are 15,000.” They have more ordnance coming. Ships cannot enter the haven without great peril from the shot from Rysbanke; yet some have passed in and out, since the enemy took Rysbanke, by keeping to the eastward of the pier, which sheltered them. Last night, however, are come from Gravelines, 5 double shallops full of shot, each with a small piece in the prow, “who have prevented some shallops that offered to go in with soldiers this last night, with whom also Mr. Wyndebank was shipped to have gone in. They keep themselves safe within the bank to the eastward of the pier, where one quarter of the enemy lodgeth. Mr. Wyndybank doth make great haste and therefore I must leave the rest to his report. He can inform your lordship the cause of my stay here till the next full sea.”—Calais Road, 3 April 1596.
	Endorsed :—“Sir Ha. Palmer to the L. Admiral. Letter from the governor of Calais.”
	Signed. 1 p. (39. 87.)
	The letter of the Governor, M. de Vidauzan, to the Lord Admiral enclosed.
	The enemy is very near them. Asks for succour of men and powder.
	Holograph. French. 1 p. (39. 86.)
	Ralph Gray to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 3.	Sent his brother Arthur Gray to Cecil and his father, last term, to prosecute his suit for the office of treasurer of Berwick, which this bearer, his servant, is likewise to follow. Mr. Robert Bowes has written very effectually therein to the Lord Treasurer; and so has the writer himself, as Chr. Shippertsone, Bowes' servant, would show. Craves favour.—Chillingham, 3 April 1596.
1596, April 3.	Holograph. 1 p. (39. 88.)
	Earl Bothwell to the Earl of Essex.
[1596 ?] April 3.	“Having heard of the death of my lord ambassador here resident and being informed by this gentleman, bearer hereof, of the care it hath pleased him to take in remembering my 'adois,' I could do no less than by the said gentleman most humbly to intreat your Honour to prosecute what by the other was intended and already begun.” Wrote before so particularly by Essex's servitor that it is unnecessary to add more.—Paris, 3 April.
[1596 ?] April 3.	Holograph. 1 p. (39. 89.)
	Sir Edward Norreys to the Earl of Essex.
1596, April 3.	I have now set order for those that shall go out of this garrison, which I hope shall prove themselves such as your Lordship shall receive contentment and honour.
	The siege of Calleys also will now make my leave more easy, for I hope Calleys is able to hold him so long work that Ostend shall not need to fear him this summer.
	This, my longing to have leave to wait upon your Lordship makes me urge, for I have been greatly troubled with the stay of my man lest some difficulty were made, but I hope you will sway all those and that I shall very shortly understand that I may come.—Ostend, this 3rd April 1596.
	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (173. 60.)
	Richard [Fletcher, Bishop of] London, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 4.	The time of the Maundy drawing near, begs his intercession with the Queen. Of late she named him to lord Cobham and others, but has since mentioned the bishop of Rochester. “I have by all means, as well of painfullness and charges sustaining my place, as of seeking and submission to her Majesty, endeavoured to find again the taste of that which of all her virtues hath ever been the most admirable, to wit, her clemency. These 14 months past have not passed without more contrition to me for her Highness' displeasure than twice to many years. I much hoped that my error, such as it was, had received remission both a pœna et a culpa. The bill for money to be signed will come to your offering it. I heartily pray you (seeing bishops do displease, as I hear, and grieve at it, one hath lately done justly) that yourself instead of a ghostly mediator, especially against this time of general reconciliation and remitting of trespasses, would move her Majesty to receive my service.”—Fulham, 4 April.
	Endorsed :—“1596.”
	Holograph. 1 p. (39. 90.)
	Lord Thomas Howard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 4.	“Honourable Sir, I have got Plymouth where I find our generals not in such haste to go forth as I feared the speech of the Spanish ships at Conquet might have drawn them.” Could not suffer this messenger to pass without commending himself to Cecil and his noble lady, but will not hinder his “greater occasions with frivolous protestations.”
	Endorsed :—“4 April 1596.”
	Holograph. 1 p. (39. 91.)
	Richard [Fletcher, Bishop of] London, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 5.	Thanks him for his mediation with the Queen, and begs him, when occasion serves, to see him “restored wholly, having obtained this principle.”—Fulham, 5 April.
	P.S.—“I do yet want the name of my lady Cecill your wife's woman.”
	Endorsed :—“1596.”
	Holograph. 1 p. (39. 92.)
	H. Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 6.	“Sir, my Lord [Burghley] hath willed me to return unto you this letter enclosed of my lord of Essex, which comforteth him to perceive the hope he hath to succour Calais.” “Himself” is last night “freshly pinned” with the gout and cannot write.—6 April 1596.
1596, April 6.	Holograph. 1 p. (39. 93.)
	Enoch Machyn.
1596, April 6.	Examination of Enoch Machyn, taken 1 April, 1596.
	Went out of England first five years since with Mr. Damport, a Cheshire man, who has a brother in Grays Inn. They went to the Low Countries where he served the enemy three quarters of a year under Damport. Came then to Sir Francis Vere who examined and dismissed him, and he served George Willmote, clerk to Sir Thomas Knowles, half a year and then went to the siege of Roane. After that served a French gentleman in Caen, Mons. Turville, a year, and then returned to his father who dwells at Ashby de la Zouche, and has kept that house 22 years for the earl of Huntingdon lately deceased.
	Went over now last in December because Mr. Watker, the bishop of London's steward, dismissed him out of his service. Went to Flushing three weeks, and then to Hulst where he served Captain Colfe, and, there was apprehended by reason of a writing set down hereunder, “which he wrote (as he saith) only to pass the time.” To avoid torture he, about twenty days after his committal to prison, devised confessions which were untrue; among other things that one Dr. Johnson had “some practise” against the Queen, whereas he knew nothing of the man save that Mr. Watker, his master, was once at his house. Devised this because the magistrates were not satisfied with his true confession.
	Signed by deponent and also by Secretary Waad and Ric. Skevyngton, as examiners.
	ii. “Madame ma femme tresbel lequel je m'assure d'estre fort honest d'autant quil endure et a vcus aussi mon maître Catolicque Apostolicque et Romaine et bon serviteur du roy d'Espaigne lequel jay ne seray an jamais.”
	Signed :—“per me Enockum Machyn.”
	2 pp. (39. 94.)
	The Customers of Ipswrich to Lord Burghley.
1595, April 6.	In 1592 divers merchants of Ipswich in the night carted to Orford, a limb of the port of Yarmouth, about 100 cloths, and there shipped them. Wrote to Burghley about it and were directed to go to Orford and detain the cloths until the Custom were paid at the port of Ipswich. This 4th of April divers merchants of Ipswich have in the night laden eight carts with cloths, 13 score at the least, intending to deceive the Queen of her custom. At last vintage to Bordeaux “one Lymmer, a merchant of our town, practising the like fraud, sent his cloths to Orford and there shipped them, which by fold weather were put into Harwich, out of which ship our searcher took divers cloths of the said Lymmer's, the custom of them being stolen at Orford, and her Majesty was benefited by the seizure of them.” Pray him to write to the customer and controller of Alborowe and Orford to forbear to take entry of any cloths of any merchants of Ipswich, and that the custom of all cloths packed at Ipswich shall be paid there.—Ipswich, 6 April, 1596.
	Signed by Edmunde Jenney, collector, Edmunde Goltye, pro-comptroller, A. Warlich, surveyor, Benjamin Clere, searcher.
	Endorsed with a note, signed by Lord Burghley, referring the matter to the “surveyors of the Custom House;” also with a recommendation that the request contained in the letter should be acceded to. as there “can be no good meaning in the merchants of Ipswich who, to their great charge, leaving their own port, frequent such bye places as Orforde and the rest are,” signed by Thomas Myddelton, Lisle Cave, William Blande, and J. Darell.
	1 p. (39. 95.)
	Francesco Rizzo to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 6.	This morning is come Eliano Calvo from Brussels, by way of Zealand. He wishes to go to Badburham to speak with Sir Horatio Pallavicino, the writer's master; and perhaps Cecil would like to speak with him before he leaves.—London, 6 April, 1596.
1596, April 6.	Italian. Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (39. 96.)
	The Count de St. Pol to the Earl of Essex.
1596, April 6/16.	On his arrival at Boulogne, found there the Sieur de Fouquerolles, sent from the King, who told him that the latter was sending Monsiur de Sancy to the Queen to ask her to succour him with as many forces as possible on this occasion, and would himself repair thither in five or six days at the latest with six thousand footmen and two thousand horse; so that, if the succour from that side be as prompt, the enemy cannot fail to receive a great blow from the one or the other. It is the King's desire that the Queen's troops should disembark at Boulogne, and St. Pol begs that they may be there as soon as possible.—A Boulougne le xvj^e. Avril 1596.
	Signed :—Francois D'Orleans.
	Endorsed :—Le Comte de St. Pol.
	French. Holograph. 1 p. (173. 62.)
	Deputy Lieutenants of Dorsetshire to the Earl of Essex, the Lord Admiral and Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 7.	Are sorry that their late letter touching the 700l., required of them in aid of the port towns, was not more pleasing, and that they are again required to set forward the said contribution. Have again consulted with the justices, and find that it would be impossible to collect the money without causing great discontent, and sending up multitudes of the Queen's subjects; also to complete the equipment of the horse and foot lately required of them will be an exceeding great charge. For these reasons, beg that the contribution may be remitted. Shaston, 7 April, 1596.
	Signed :—Rychard Rogers : Georg Trenchard (?): Raufe Horsey.
	Endorsed :—Deputy Lieutenants of Dorset.
	1 p. (39. 98.)
	Henry Lock to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 7.	Protests his duty and hearty devotion to him, his benefactor and protector. Having lost the expected employ to prove his poor ability before Michaelmas last, craves the next occasion that arises may be his faith's assay, or that he may be settled in some service or employ. Has entered by his furtherance into some suits, the charges of which are too heavy for him, having cost about 100 marks already, and for want of 20l. or 30l. to pay fines and fees in the Chequer, they are not only unprofitable to him, but he remains in shameful want. Hopes for no “apuie” cr comfort except from his accustomed bounty.—7 April, 1596.
1596, April 7.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (171. 122.)
	The Fellows of Eton College to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 8.	Upon his prohibition, in the Queen's name, of their proceeding to the election of a new provost until her Majesty's further pleasure known, have stayed the election now three months and are ready further to attend; but, considering the disadvantage to the affairs of the college, they, the fellows, and all the college beg him to find some way of despatch. Are the bolder to write “because heretofore it hath pleased your honour to deal with us by letters for stay in this course of election.”—College of Eton, 8 April, 1596.
	Signed;—Baldwin Collin : John Reve : John Chamber : Adam Robyns : William Harisson : Thomas Key.
	1 p. (39. 100.)
	Levies.
1596, April 8.	Privy signet directing Lord Burghley, as lieutenant of the county of Essex, to raise 1,000 men out of the trained bands of that county to be sent into Picardy in France to assist the French King. The men to be armed as the Council shall direct and sent with all speed to the port of Lee, or any other place of embarkment at the appointment of the Earl of Essex, “whom we do specially use in this service,” or of the Council, who will also appoint captains, coats, and conduct money.—Greenwich, 8 April, 38 Eliz.
	Endorsed :—“8 Ap. 1596. Her Majesty's letters for levy of 1000 soldiers in Essex for Callis.”
	Sign Manual. Seal. 1 p. (39. 101.)
	Sir Henry Palmer to the Lord Admiral and the Earl of Essex.
1596, April 9.	Came yesterday to this road, where he hoped to have received their resolution touching the twelve Dutch ships stayed by him, of which Captain Turner informed them. Has the shippers aboard the Advantage but fears the ships may steal away without them, as two did last night. The wind hangs so far northerly that he cannot send them into the Thames, and this harbour is so full of shipping and the said ships of such burthen that they cannot well be put in here. Sent the pinnace Advice over to Calais road last night and she has returned with a letter (enclosed) from the Dutch admiral. “Here is a very great rumour of 140 sail of Spaniards that are coming for the narrow seas, and that they have been seen by divers as high as Scilly. The news came yesternight from the river of Somme, but I cannot learn any certainty thereof.” Next flood, will stand over to Calais road with the Aid and Advice and leave the rest here to keep the corn laden flyboats together.—Aboard her Majesty's ship the Aid, Dover road, 9 April 1596. Addressed :—at Court : the address being also signed.
	Endorsed with the following postal notes :—Dover, 9th, at 12 o'clock. Canterbury 3 p.m. Sittingbourne 6 p.m. Seal.
	Signed. 1 p. (39. 102.)
	Sir Thomas Leighton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 9.	“Upon intelligence brought unto me of the drawing down of the Spaniards near unto Pempoll in number 2000, I wrote presently to advertise my lord Treasurer thereof; but before that I could send away that letter I received other intelligence of their return towards Blavet, having failed of their enterprise which was to have surprised Morlas, where they had intelligence both within the town and castle. But the practise being discovered and the traitors executed the Spaniards departed, and Mons. de Monlue followeth them at the heels with 4000 soldiers. These things I had written unto my lord your father, meaning to have sent my letters with speed, but the wind hath been ever since contrary so as they will be of somewhat an old date. But in consideration that there is in them intelligence that concerns the King of Spain's determination to send 2000 Spaniards into Ireland the next month, I thought good to send these letter[s] unto your honour without altering of them.”—Guernsey, 9 April, 1596.
1596, April 9.	Signed. 1 p. (39. 103.)
	Sir Francis Carew to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 9.	Promised at Nonsuch to deal with no one in his suit to the Queen without Cecil's privity. “Since which time I never heard from the bishop until Maundy Thursday, who sent his son in law Doctor Rydleye to offer me a thousand pound.” Would think that reasonable if it came clear to his purse; but 100l. must go to his nephew Darcye and 300l. to Sachefelde, and he has spent at least 100l. in hope of it since the Queen was at Nonsuch, the Queen will think “that she hath bestowed a great suit upon me in passing the lease, and will therefore expect greater entertainment and gifts at my hands than by this means I shall be able to bestow.” Begs therefore, since the bishop is “so strait laced herein,” that Cecil will cease his suit for it. Would have waited upon him but has been shrewdly vexed with a cold.—Beddington, 9 April, 1596.
1596, April 9.	Signed. 1 p. (39. 104.)
	Walter Tooke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 9.	Sending his son whom Cecil has promised to take into his service, “upon this last remove of the Court.”—9 April, 1596.
	Endorsed :—“Mr. Auditor Tucke.”
	Signed. 1 p. (39. 105.)
	Anthony [Rudd], Bishop of St. Davids, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 9.	Begs him to speak a good word to the Queen this day for his enlargement. “Assuredly I confuted the fancy of the climactericall year, both by the doctrine of the prophet Jeremy and also by the example of 88, in the which was a strange constellation, and yet all things fell out prosperously to her Highness. And that which I spake of old age in general is made personal. Somewhat also which in sense ought to receive a future construction, hath found a present understanding. Finally, divers things were mistaken.” The enclosed writings contain the words concerning her Majesty.—From the place of my commitment, 9 April 1596.
	Endorsed—“The words he used in his sermon at Richmond.”
	Holograph. 1 p. (39. 108.)
	Two extracts as follows :—
	I. “O Lord, I am now entered a good way into the clymacterycall year of mine age, which mine enemies wish and hope to be fatal unto me. But Thou, Lord, which by Thy prophet Jeremye commanded the House of Israel not to learn the way of the heathen, nor to be afraid of the signs of heaven, and who, by Thy almighty hand and outstretched arm, madest the year of the greatest expectation, even 88, marvellous by the overthrow of thine and mine enemies, now, for thy Gospel's sake, which hath long had a sanctuary in this island, make likewise 96 as prosperous unto me and my loyal subjects. That by the happy bringing about of this year, I may still set up the banner in Thy name, which art my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, the lifter up of mine head, my shield, the horn also of my salvation, and my refuge. Thou art mine hope, O Lord God, even my trust from my youth; upon thee have I been stayed upon the womb. Thou art He that took me out of my mother's bowels; cast me not off in the time of age, forsake me not when my strength faileth. O! forsake not me the work of Thine hands, until I have declared thine arm unto this generation, and Thy power unto all them that shall come.”
	II. “Lord, I have now put foot within the doors of that age in the which the almond tree flourisheth, wherein men begin to carry a calendar in their bones; the senses begin to fail, the strength to diminish, yea, all the powers of the body daily to decay. Now therefore grant grace that though mine outward man thus perish, yet my inner man may be renewed daily. So direct me with thy Holy Spirit, that I may daily wax elder in godliness, wisdom, being my grey hairs and an undefiled life mine old age; let thy statutes be my songs in the house of my pilgrimage, sweeter unto me than honey and the honey comb unto my mouth, and more desired by me than thousands of silver or the gold of Ophir, yea, than the pearl or precious stones, &c.”
	1 p. (39. 106.)
	Petition of Anthony, Bishop of St. David's to the Council, that he may be set at large, and that they will mediate for the pacifying of her Majesty's wrath conceived against him for his late words; for his hope was “to encourage her in well doing, even by those speeches which proved so offensive.”
	1 p. (39. 107.)
	Sir Francis Vere to the Earl of Essex.
1595 April 9.	Has written divers times that he hoped to sail by the 14th. “We are all amazed with this siege of Calais, those of the country for the harm they shall receive by the loss thereof, and the small hope they conceive of saving it, and those who are to attend your Honour this voyage with the doubt that the same shall not go forward. I have seen a plott of the place, which Suilly, the States' agent, brought thence, by which, as every other circumstance of his discourse, there appeared nothing but danger to the place. Now of late it is given out that certain small vessels from the ports adjoining are entered with some number of men, which hath given his Excellency encouragement, with such soldiers as he had gathered for the purpose, to give an attempt to enter the haven, which himself is gone to see effected. If the enemy have done their parts it will prove a very hard thing to succour the place that way. And to raise the siege with an army, unless the King be at hand with his forces, there is no likelihood; for it will be too much for her Majesty to levy on a sudden strength sufficient for so great an exploit. If the place fall into their hands, in leaving 3 or 4000 men in t they shall be able in few days both to make the Rysebanck defensible and to use to their best advantage the strong situation of the place, so that it will not be recovered but with a long and troublesome siege. This maketh directly against the use of your troops herein, unless it be meant your other design shall not be followed, which for many reasons should in this time be more royally set forward, as well in regard of upholding her Majesty's reputation with the world as for the main proceeding of this war, which cannot prosper with us if in time we bring it not nearer to them. Her Majesty with 4 or 5000 men may make the French King so strong that he shall be master of the field and able to undertake what shall be most requisite, either by force or length of time, for the saving or reducing of Calais.”
	“At the Downs I do make account to know your Lordship's determination; whither I will not fail to repair, and in case I find no countermand I pass forward to Plymouth, from which place I hope to follow your Honour to the execution of a project that shall make you famous for ever.”—Middleburgh, 9 April, 1596.
	Holograph. 2 pp. (39. 109.)
	George Graunt to the Bishop of Durham.
1596, April 10.	As the Bishop's officer in Allertonshire, informs him that on Thursday last, 8th inst., the Queen's Commission sat at North allerton, for finding the value of the lands and goods of Chr. Conyers of Huton Bonvill, and Thomas Mennell of Kilvington, recusants. By virtue of a precept from Stephen Hill, under-sheriff, impanelled a sufficient jury of 24 persons and returned it, in the Commissioners' presence, to one Wytham, the sheriff's deputy there, and servant to Mr. Thackeston, “about Sir John Foskewe, chancellor of the Exchequer” and “a dealer for the said Thaxton in such causes for “recusants' ease and profit.” When the Commissioners, Mr. William Mauleverer, Mr. Talbot Bowes and Mr. John Conyers of Dromonby, were set, the said Chr. Conyers brought to “the said Mr. John Constable, who married the sister of the said Chr. Conyers,” a schedule of names for a jury, and the Commissioners forthwith called this jury. Amongst them were Lancelot uncle of Chr. Conyers, and George Holtby who married Mennell's sister and is a near kinsman of Holtby the seminary priest. Sir William Mallorie, uncle to the said Chr., is a commissioner but did not sit; and the jury thus packed was gathered from Richmondshire and distant places. They found that Conyers and Mennell had no goods, but had lands worth respectively 6l. 13s. 4d. and 5l. a year; whereas Hewton Bonvill and Kilvington are each worth 200 mks. a year. Thus the Queen is deceived. All who heard it “speak very broadly of the matter.”—Allerton, 10 April 1596. Signed.
	Note added by the Bishop of Durham.—“This Christopher Conyers married one of Cardinal Allen's sisters and hath issue by her, as I hear. T. Duresm.”
	Enclosed in the Bishop's letter of May 3rd. See p. 167. 2 pp. (39. 110.)
	Sir Thomas Sherley to [Lord Burghley].
1596, April 10.	The bands and parcels of bands landing at St. Valery the 18th October, 1596 (sic), were by the commissary's certificate and the colonel-general's warrant paid one week's imprest as specified, beginning the same day, and their six months will end April 3, viz., band of Sir Thomas Baskervile, Sir Arthur Savage, Captains Arthur Chichester, H. Power, and John Barkelay. The rest of the bands landed at Dieppe 25th October and received their first imprests that day, and their six months will end April 10.
1596, April 10.	Signed. 1 p. (40. 1.)
	Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 10.	“I am heartily sorry to perceive her Majesty's resolution to stay this voyage, being so far forward as it is; and surely I am of opinion that the citadel being relieved the town will be regained, and if for want of her Majesty's succours it shall be lost, by judgment of the world the blame will be imputed to her; and seeing Sancy is to be here so shortly, her Majesty might defer the matter until his message might be heard. Nevertheless, to obey her Majesty, I will make stay of the Essex men. How London, Middlesex and Surrey I know not, for my Lord of Essex determined that they should be embarked here this morning at the Tower Wharf.”
	“These so many changes breed hard opinions of counsell.” “your lov. father W. Burghley.”
	Holograph. Endorsed :—10 April 1596.” (39. 111.)
	M. Noel de Caron to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 10.	Sending letters of a very confidential nature which he desires may be returned to him when read. Feeling confident that Cecil will not betray his trust he would not keep anything hidden from him.—Stretham, La veille de Pasques, 1596.
1596, April 10.	French. ½ p. (173. 59.)
	The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 11.	Two doctors of physic, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Priest, were committed to two citizens' houses by her Majesty's commandment, upon advertisement from Mons. Caron and out of the Low Countries upon information that they were accused by one Machin, an Englishman apprehended at Hulst, of some matter concerning disloyalty to Her Majesty. Machin was sent over hither of late by order from the Estates, and doth confess that the accusation was merely forged, and that he knoweth not at all the parties; and yet the parties being committed by Her Majesty's commandment cannot be delivered without order from her Highness. In regard they have been close prisoners these seven weeks, I pray you acquaint her Majesty with the confession of Machin and move her for delivery of the poor men.—11 April, 1596.
1596, April 11.	Signed. ½ p. (40. 2.)
	Robert Godfrey to “my loving brother Thomas Bel in Banff.”
1596, April 12/22.	Hearing nothing from you since January [I] cannot esteem that all my letters be come to your hands. I wrote from here the last of the date March 30, wherein I preached with the friars, for myself as you might construe, albeit God is my witness, I had no meaning so servile or unhonest, as the end of my travels shall clear to you. It is true that with my own surfeit charges, my brother's (by his two months' imprisonment) and some private extraordinary, my means were retrenched so that I was not able without your helping hand to effectuate my honest purpose; whereby moved and by the assurance I had and have of your brotherly love in the furtherance of all my honest enterprises, did take that hardiment to shew you by my letter what of your present help might bring my matter to pass; which being done, you and your friend David [Queen of England] will find more fruit of my poor travels than particularly I will exprime, or that easily you will judge may be compassed by my little spirit. If it had been possible I might [have] repaired to the 6 [Sir Ro. Cecil] without prejudice of my better meaning, I would, and communicated the ground of my mind to the same in this errand; but I wish that you be satisfied that I be only secretary to myself in this to the time of the effects. So shall I have none to blame for hindering the same, and if you will furnish that seasonably which may take the proof of my labour and offers, let my ault in not performing the same, without any excuse, excepting death intervene, be capital; and let my poor yet honest name be blazoned as the name of a sold slave. Good brother, let not my often repetition and great assurance giving of that which you see not, give either you or any other matter to think this any false “fynnes,” for my honest and passionate mind forces me rather to say more than less, in respect I see so open doors to a worthy room and hindered only by that which I crave to be with seasonable haste supplied by you. Briefly, the merchandise will be found of an easy price if the money come in need; a little less than 1000 crowns will do the turn to your content. I received a letter from Orkney [Brussels] which I would not send to you lest the same should offend any other that happened to see it so penned, for it concerned David [her Majesty], albeit by parables, in saying that God liveth yet to send an he Judith to a she Holofernes.—At Coupar [Middleburgh] this 22 of April 1596, new style. [P.S.] There is one here presently come from Turkie [Scotland] to R. [Huntley], but he is but an ass, seeking his fortune without letter or credit. He hath a safe conduct from Thomas [King of Scots]. I have sent herewith this other letter which I have lately received from my friend. Let me hear with the first what your will is and if you have received the letters I have sent, with one letter which I received from P. [Erroll]: the letter which I will not send to you cometh from one of Samsone [Mr. Jas. Gordon] his sort. The Lord care for your friend David [her Majesty] and you, for I hear not a few news that are not good.
	The words in italics are deciphered by Cecil's secretary.
	Holograph. 1½ pp. (40. 22.)
	Thomas Ferrers to the Queen.
1596, April 13.	I having had lately occasion to write unto Mr. Thomas Southwell, an English gentleman who is with the Duke of Brandenburg and in very great favour; upon my moving [he] hath imparted by his letter word for word, which next under I will set down, viz.—“Upon the view of your letters I addressed this express messenger to answer my duty to my most gracious Sovereign and your request. The administrator of Tresdone [sic : Saxony], called Duke Wymer, is become pensioner to the King of Spain; he, with divers others of his friends whose names I know not, have secretly gathered many soldiers for his aid. Many other soldiers set out by other princes to resist the Turk are also employed by you may guess whom to that other purpose. The King of Denmark hath agreed for double tolls to let the Spaniard pass the Sound. The King of Scots made a secret league. All these I assure you have been most certainly affirmed unto me by my lord.” So much for Mr. Southwell's letter. The King of Spain hath written letters to the most princes and noblemen in Germany; and as to others so one to the Duke of Harburg, your Majesty's pensioner, which his Grace gave unto me, which I have translated out of Dutch into English and have sent it to my Lord Treasurer. The King having sent one to the Duke of Holst, his Grace's chancellor days past imparted the effect thereof unto me, which is as the other; and so I account the rest are.
	The King of Spain is much indebted unto many of the princes and noblemen in Germany, and as the Duke of Holst his Grace's chancellor telleth me, the King doth owe unto his lord a great sum disbursed by his Grace's father; but neither the Duke nor any other can get payment, although by all good means sought.—Stode, this 13th April, '96.
	Holograph. Four Seals. 1 p. (40. 4.)
	Thomas Ferrers to Lord Burghley.
1596, April 13.	To the same effect as the above; explains that where Mr. Southwell says “by you may guess whom to that other purpose,” it is no doubt the Emperor. Where it is set down in the King of Spain's letter, “lords Otto and Henry, brethren,” they are not brethren, but come all out of the house of Brunswick and Liningborch [Luneburg]. The King's secretary may have mistaken by setting down one duke for another. In Mr. Southwell's letter is set down Tresdone for Saxon; Tresdone is the name of the house.—Stode, 13 April, 1596.
1596, April 13.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (40. 3.)
	Anne, Countess of Warwick to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 13.	Thanks him for writing to her with his own hand notwithstanding his so many businesses; had only desired to hear by his man such news as were fit for her to hear.—From Northaw, 13 April, 1596.
1596, April 13.	Signed. Seal. ½ p. (40. 5.)
	Lord Admiral Howard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 13.	I am come to Dover, where I have received such a letter from you by her Majesty's commandment as I little looked for, and I did think I had deserved more than this disgrace, wherein I wish I had drowned by the way before I arrived at this place; and my humble suit to her Majesty is that I may by her be discharged of all, for I vow it by the Lord that made me I will never serve but as a private man whilst I live, and if her Majesty lay me in the Tower it shall be welcome unto me. I think he liveth not that in any age that ever any man was seen in this realm where any landing of men was but it did ever belong to the admiral of England, as in Scotland sundry times, in France, Treporte, Brest, St. Valerie, yea, and by admirals of my name. But this is my fortune and therefore I humbly beseech her Majesty that by her order some may take my place; for I hold myself accursed to be here, and it cannot but torment me to find her conceit of me. My commission in being joined with the Earl [of Essex] is an idle thing, for I am used but as the drudge. But since I see it is the account of me, I will take care of myself and estate in time. This is far from that which her Majesty made shew of to me at my departure; and for the voyage, since my disgrace which cannot now be salved, except by my importunate suit, which I will never do having this offered me, and therefore I pray you for the other journey let me not be pressed, for I vow it to God I will not stir in it. And therefore I mean to return with my two own ships, and would be glad that order were sent for some to take the charge I have. I mean to go presently aboard and not lie in Dover to my shame, and thus I leave for ever farther to deal in martial causes.—13 April.
	Endorsed :—“13 Apr. 1596. Lord Admiral to my master. A passionate letter.”
	Holograph. 1 p. (40. 6.)
	William, Lord Compton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 15.	I must desire your favourable excuse unto her Majesty for my going, being a thing done with a desire to make myself more fit to do her Majesty service; imagining myself not worthy of her favour if I had been slack in venturing my life in an action so royal and defensive for my country.—Dover, 15 of April.
1596, April 15.	Holograph. ½ p. (40. 7.)
	George, Earl of Cumberland to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, April 15.	My purpose of going out of town by want of health was hindered, which now I am glad of since you desire to speak with me. Any commandment from her Majesty's mouth to myself shall be most welcome. It will give me mean to utter some of my heart's griefs, which done I much care not what becomes of me. At 8 o'clock I will wait upon you at your chamber.
	Endorsed :—“15 April 1596.”
	Holograph. Seal. ⅓ p. (40. 8.)