Cecil Papers: August 1596, 1-15

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

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'Cecil Papers: August 1596, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 6, 1596, (London, 1895) pp. 309-338. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol6/pp309-338 [accessed 19 April 2024]

August 1596, 1–15

Lady Elizabeth Russell to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596,] Aug. 1. Mr. Secretary, My son, God willing, is to be married on Monday being the 9th of August, here at my house in the Blackfriars. My meaning is not to make any solemnity but only a private meeting of good and honourable friends, a few whereof (if it please you and my Lady, your wife, to be the chief) as friends to my son and fairest flower of his garland for friendship when I am gone, is all my desire at this time. I mean to send my coach for my two daughters, and appoint them whom they shall bring with them, whereof Sir Robert Sidney and Sir William Brooke to be two against that time. So loth to trouble you longer from your affairs at this time I take my leave. From my house at the Blackfriars, this First of August, your unfortunate Aunt, Elizabeth Russell, Dowager.
Endorsed :—“1596.”
Holograph. ½ p. (43. 34.)
Officers of the Port of Gloucester to Lord Burghley.
1596, Aug. 1. In answer to his Lordship's letter received on 17 July, there was no ship set out of their port of Gloucester; but by his Lordship's letters there was to be levied upon the city of Gloucester and the town of Tewkesbury 200l., to be paid unto the city of Bristol towards the charge of the shipping set forth “therhens,” which, as they understand, was performed.—Gloucester, the first of August, 1596.
Signed :—“Edward Barston, customer; John Bower, deputy surveyor.”
Seal. 1 p. (43. 35.)
Arthur Gregory to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 1. I am sorry that among so many seals upon the out cover there is no choice of one perfect print. I wish it had been better, nevertheless I will proceed as I may and do my best. But if your Honour hath had any other letters that could help it, I humbly desire you to send the bare seal, for it importeth greatly. I see your hand grossly counterfeited, which maketh me hope for 'stuffe' accordingly. I will not fail to use care and expedition, and return them myself, being most ready to do your Honour all service in whatsoever.
Endorsed :—“1 Aug. 1596.”
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (43. 36.)
The Lord Generals to the Queen.
[1596, Aug. 1.] Most dear and most excellent Sovereign, Since our last despatch by Sir Arthur Savage we have been at the Groyne, and have sent in to see what was in Ferroll; and, finding no shipping there, we have called a council in which we have propounded the going alongst the coast for to visit the other ports betwixt this and France; but, it being by our best seaman thought too great a hazard to venture your Majesty's Fleet within the Bay of Guipusca, we are going directly for England, sorry that we are at an end of doing your Majesty service in this voyage, but glad to think we shall so soon come to see your fair and sweet eyes. And so, with our zealous prayers for your Majesty's infinite joy nnd happiness, we rest the most humble and devoted of all your Majesty's subjects, Essex : C. Howard.—From the opening of the Bay of the Groyne.
Addressed :—“To the Qs most Sacred Majesty.”
Endorsed :—“prmo Aug. 1596.”
In Essex's handwriting. Seal broken. 1 p. (43. 37.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596,] Aug. 1. Sir, I pray you receive in few words my best wishes, and be content to be referred to Sir Edward Conway for all news from hence, and hold me ever for your most affectionate and assured friend.—First of August, in the mouth of the harbour of the Groyne.
P.S.—I pray you commend me to Sir John Stanhope.
Endorsed :—“prmo Aug. 1596. E. of Essex to my Mr. by Sr Edw. Conway.”
Holograph. Seal. (43. 39.)
Seminaries and Jesuits.
1596, Aug 1. A note of the names of all such seminaries and Jesuits as are in the prisons in the City of London and suburbs thereof, the Gatehouse at Westminster and St. Katherine's, with the time, place, and persons, when, where and by whom, they were apprehended and committed.
Brydewell.
Thomas Sprott, seminary, aged 25 years, apprehended in May last at Brill in Holland by Captain Tumor, Lieutenant of Brill, committed by Mr. Waade the 8th of July, 1596.
George Hethersall, seminary, aged 33 years, apprehended upon Good Friday was two years at Vvlishing by one Sampson, Serjeant-major there; committed first to St. Katherine's by the Council's warrant, and from thence removed to the Gatehouse by Mr. Topcliff, and from thence removed to Bridewell by Mr. Doctor Stanhope and Mr. Topcliff the 5th of March, 1596.
[Note in margin.] Very dangerous, as I set down on the other side, for he conspired in the prison at Newgate with other.
John Persey, Jesuit, aged twenty-seven years, apprehended in April last at Vvlishing by Captain Browne, vice-governor there; committed by Mr. Waade the 23 of April, 1596.
Nicholas Lanch, seminary, aged fifty years and upwards, apprehended about St. James tide was twelve months near Bristowe, by one Mr. Norton, a justice of Peace there; committed by the last Lord Keeper to the Gatehouse and from thence removed to Bridewell by the Master of the Bolls, Mr. Waade and Mr. Skevington, 19 August, 1595.
The Clynk.
Robert Wallgrave alias Barrowes, Jesuit, aged thirty-one years, apprehended the 10th of March, 1593, in the Queen's highway by Newell and Worsley, two pursuivants, committed by Mr. Younge the 21 of March, 1593.
[Note in margin.] Very dangerous, as also shall appear on the other side.
John Gerrard, seminary, aged thirty-two years, apprehended in Holborn, at one Mr. Middleton's, on St. George's Day was two years by the said Newell and Worsley; committed by Mr. Younge the 6 July, 1596. [In margin.] Very dangerous, as shall appear on the other side.
King's Bench.
John Pyebush, seminary, aged thirty-four years, apprehended about three years past at Murton Henmarsh in Gloucestershire at the sign of the Harte by the constables there; committed first to the Gatehouse bv my Lord Treasurer, and thence removed to the King's Bench by my Lord Chief Justice, 20 June, 1595.
[In margin.] Desperate and dangerous and condemned, as shall appear on the other side.
The Gatehouse.
Francis Tillicen, seminary, aged forty years, apprehended in Bedford town by Mr.—men; committed by my Lord Treasurer the 11 March last, 1595. [In margin.] Dangerous and did break prison at Wisbeach, and is to be used for the Queen's service and benefit shortly.
Edward Hughes, seminary, aged fifty years, apprehended at Feinch, in North Wales by Mr. Robert Brureton, a justice of Peace there; committed by my Lord of London and the Commissioners, 8 March, 1595. [In margin.] Exceeding dangerous and a conspirator in prison.
Robert Hawksworth, seminary, aged thirty years, apprehended at Lairepoole in Lancashire by Sir Richard Mullineux, committed by Sir Robert Cecil, 8 March, 1595. [In margin.] Dangerous.
John Wilson alias Richard Railton, seminary, aged twenty-eight years, apprehended at Preston in Lancashire by Mr. Sorums, minister there, committed by my Lord Chief Justice, Mr. Solicitor, and Mr. Topcliff the 16 June, 1596.
St. Katherine's.
William Cornwallis, seminary, aged sixty-seven years, yielded himself about seven years past to Mr. Younge, and by him committed about seven years since.
Newgate.
Ludgate.
Marshalsey, where there is an English friar.
Both Counters, where one priest hath hanged himself in his own garter.
None.
A brief of the substance of such matter as Richard Topcliff can charge and prove divers of these priests to be guilty of, whom Mr. Solicitor hath certified as before is set down.
George Hathersall, seminary priest, of Valladolid in Spain. Although taken at Vlishing, and therefore not in danger of death by the statute 27 Eliz., yet hath he since he was committed to a favourable prison at St. Katherine's (where Bagnalle is keeper) shewed his traitorous humour, for he used to go into London or about London, unto most of the prisons unto other traitors, and to what other place and person he listed, and there conspired with them. As in Newgate with Edward Hewghes, seminary priest, and Mr. Thyrkhill, a seminary of Spain, of which two he had the Book of Succession and the Pedigree : and there they drew note out of the same, tending all to the advancement of the Infanta of Spain and against the Queen's Majesty. Which note (part of them) be extant in my hands. Besides he had a most traitorous written book of them dedicated to the Queen against her Government proceeding in justice against Papists by her laws, against the Scottish Queen, against Babington and Bullerd, &c., extant, and showed to their Lordships by me. He used to say mass and to reconcile, as if he had been in Rome. Worst of all, being removed from St. Katherine to Bridewell, he did his endeavour to murder himself and to cut his throat with a thin potshard most terribly, but with diligence I procured him to be cured of that hurt.
At Michaelmas term he is to be arraigned, both for that vile book against Queen and State published by him, and also for reconciling of a subject in St. Katherine's prison, where he said masses as if he had been in Rome : and he showeth mischief by his look.
Robert Walgrave alias Barroes, a going Seminary priest. Unto him the said Hathersall did enter in the prison of the Clink, and so have other dangerous practisers against Her Majesty and the State.
John Gerrard, seminary priest, son of Sir Thomas Grerrard that was in the Tower prisoner, very desperate and dangerous every way. Is so to be used, as his prison fellow Walgrave alias Barroes, to do service.
John Pybushe, seminary priest, a desperate traitor. Broke prison at Gloucester and thereby caused twenty prisoners to escape; was retaken and condemned for treason in the King's Bench before the Lord Chief Justice. He will dissemble deeply for his life.
Francis Tyllesson, seminary priest, broke prison at Wisbeach where he and the residue of the priests had intelligence from and unto any part of England or beyond seas. I know a man of 500 marks land that sent him the horse on which he fled, whereby her Majesty may have good gain and a good example made to aiders of traitors to escape.
Edward Hewghes, seminary priest, hath done much mischief in Wales. Hath conspired of treason in prison with Hathersall and Thirkill.
William Cornwallis; for the same conspiracies and books, and saying masses in prison.
Robert Hawkeswoorth, seminary priest, a gentleman's son of the North. Is dangerous and may be forced to utter much for Her Majesty's service.
Endorsed :—“August, 1596. The names of the priests that are in several prisons about and within the City of London.
Sent by me from the Queen Majesty's Solicitor, Mr Fleminge, to Mr Wade.
The knowledge of me R. Topclyffe, of the faults and evil properties of eight of those priests.”
3 pp. (43. 41.)
John Carey to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 2. Your letter of 26 July was most comfortable both to my brother Sir Robert Carey and myself, seeing thereby the Queen's gracious care in remembering of us in this time of our loss and grief; in whom only it consisteth to revive and make us joyful again, wherein your honourable father will assist us much. The Queen has commanded I shall stay here for a time, which I willingly obey; but if it be her pleasure I shall remain here any long time to do her service, then must Her Majesty needs give me some further authority whereby the town and country may publicly know that I am authorised by Her Majesty, otherwise they will contemn me. For so far as they dare they have already begun to skan of my authority, for that they neither see or know any I have, which the 'connyng' of this country and people will soon find and take advantage of. Without sufficient warrant I dare not meddle with anything save only to save the town from surprising, which I will do to the uttermost of my power, if men will be commanded by me.—Barwick, this second of August, 1596.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (43. 43.)
Sir Robert Carey to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 2. Having received Her Majesty's warrant for the government of the East March till her pleasure be further known, his humble request is to know Cecil's opinion whether he is like to continue in the place or no. If the Queen think him worthy to continue still in the office, he will seek no other fortune; otherwise he would gladly seek his liberty, for to stay there and at last lose the place, besides the discredit, may turn to his great hindrance. If his brother shall hear of his discharge from there, his Lordship will bestow on him his office of Marshalsea or some other thing; but by his stay there, his Lordship may imagine he will continue in his place, and dispose of those things otherwise, perhaps to his utter undoing—Barwick, the second of August 1596.
“Good Sir, either keep me in the place still or else soon dismiss me of it, your Honour's humbly to command, Rob. Carey.”
Conclusion in Carey's handwriting. ½ p. (43. 44.)
Edward Darcy to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596], Aug. 2. The messenger I sent your Honour's letters to the Bishop returned his to me this last night, which I have sent to you, and hope that he will (by your Honour's good means) perform what he promised to me heretofore.—From Waltam, the second of August.
Endorsed :—“1596.”
Holograph. Seal. (43. 45.)
Sir Edward Dymoke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 2. I have received by one of Her Majesty's Messengers this second of August, a letter from your Honour of 29 July last, willing me to be ready this week to attend the Earl of Shrewsbury into France. I should be very glad of so honourable an opportunity to see that place I have so long desired to see; but, besides that I am utterly unfurnished of all things, which in so short a time cannot be supplied, whereby I might do his Lordship honour according to his place, message and my desire, I have also been long troubled with an indisposition of body, which being now fallen into my legs, makes me unable to travel but only by coach. Wherefore, I beseech your Honour to take this my just excuse into your hands for me. For never shall there want will in me to do Her Majesty any service it shall please her to command me, as far as my ability shall extend, to my uttermost breath.—From Harrington, this 2 of August, 1596.
Signed. 1 p. (43. 46.)
Thomas Bellott to Lord Burghley.
1596, Aug. 2. In reply to his Lordship's letters to certify as well the particular charge of such shipping as hath been employed in this late action, as also what aid hath been afforded as well by the inland countries as from any creeks to this port of Poole belonging, encloses a true note thereof, underwritten by the Mayor of the town of Weymouth Melcombe Regis, from whence the whole charge hath merely been performed, without the aid of any inland countries, the port of Poole or any other creeks thereunto appertaining—From Way. Mel. Regis, the second of August, 1596.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (43. 47.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 2. As touching the success of Her Majesty's Navy, I doubt not but your Honour hath been sufficiently informed by Sir Anthony Ashley and others, of late returned from them. Since Sir Anthony's departure from hence, here are come from the Fleet divers ships, and lastly two flyboats, which about nine days past left the Lord Generals near about the Burlings, pretending to go for Bayonne in Gallicia and from thence to return for England, which I much marvel at, considering the West Indies fleet, looked for to be in Spain within these six weeks, being, as I am informed, to the number of twenty sail, namely, eight from Terra Firma and twelve from New Spain, wafted with thirteen of the fourteen ships that met with Sir Thomas Baskervile and come very rich. I doubt not the Lord Generals are very willing to attend their coming, but their companies having gotten so much pillage, as is reported, I fear will hardly be kept any longer at the seas, but will allege many wants without cause whereby to return home.
I have in my house, placed by Mr. Mearicke, a gentleman of Cales of good account, who has served the King as judge in his Indies causes and otherwise many years; with whom having had some conference, I find that there is order given by the King the aforesaid twenty ships, with their wafters, without any delay or excuse, to depart from the Havana the 21 of July last, and although (as he says) presently as Her Majesty's Fleet was discovered upon the coast of Spain, there was four carvells of aviso despatched, the said Indies Fleet could have no intelligence thereof before their departure from the Havana, and therefore, could receive no more benefit thereby than to alter their course, but of force were to come to Spain.
Touching the strength of shipping now remaining of the King's in several ports in Spain and Portugal, I understand in the river of Seville there is very little or none at all, or in those parts, besides the galleys. At Lixbon there may be six of the King's armados and ten other great ships which came out of the Straightes. There are in Biskey certain ships on building, but, as he saith, it is impossible they can be ready before the India Fleet come home.
Touching the state of the country, I perceive the King being very far indebted, required of the States and Commons of his country to disburse so much money as should set him free. Whereupon, about four years past, they gave him eight millions of ducats, and thereupon were petitioners that the Alcanal of ten per cent, might be taken away; which was not utterly denied, neither to this day is done. The said eight millions being spent, he now demandeth again the like sum, or otherwise one rialle of plate upon every hanéga of wheat that shall be ground within his realm, neither of which as yet is granted, but answer made the country is unable for it : so that it is verily supposed if the fleet now expected from the Indies might be intercepted it would hazard the whole country, or at least so weaken the King as that in many years he should not be able to make head against Her Majesty or maintain his trade for the Indies.
Of the ships returned from the fleet there was a flyboat which should have gone for London laden with oils, but by reason of a storm and some negligence of the company, was here driven ashore and cast away upon the rocks; the ship wholly lost and as I suppose very near three-fourths of her lading. The rest hath been saved by such as the Lord Generals have authorised for all matters concerning the fleet in their absence, to wit for this place, Sir Ferdinando Gorge, Sir Guilliam Mearicke, and the master of this town. I pray God that matters may be so ordered as not only Her Majesty, the Lord Generals, and others adventurers, but also the poor soldiers may be encouraged for service hereafter. For the rest, I doubt not but they will provide sufficiently for themselves. I do not understand of anything yet done by the Lord Generals since their departure from Cales but thes polling of Jaxao in Portugal.—Plymouth the second of August, 1596.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (43. 48.)
Sir R. Sydney to the Earl of Essex.
1596, Aug. 2. Here are news come to Middleborrow that the King of Spain in an assembly of his Estates, after the blow received at Cales, shewed unto them the great disgrace and danger Spain had been in, and did therefore give God thanks that He had yet given him life whereby to take order from any other the like accidents hereafter; but that, that being not to be performed with only defending himself, but with assailing also them from whom the harms do come, they were to assist him with the means for that, and demanded forty millions, of which it is written that thirty are granted unto him. This is said to be most certain, and that the King resolves npon a great invasion. If I hear more I will advertise your Lordship. These letters came to Middle-borrow two nights ago. The going over of these deputies of the States is to desire further succour of Her Majesty, their state being indeed but bad if either the Queen do not assist them or that the French King help to draw away the Cardinal and his forces from them. And to that purpose here is a speech that the King of France hath taken St. Pol in Arthois, and that the Mareshal of Biron is in it, but I hear it only from Buzenval, who is come hither to receive the Duke of Bouillon, and, therefore, I know not what credit to give unto it. These deputies, I think, will offer some twenty thousand pound a year to the Queen, to be paid upon her birthday, and eighty thousand pound a year for four years, so as they may be acquitted of all the Queen can challenge of them; but I hope the Queen will look well about her before she make any such agreement, for in mine opinion it may prove both dangerous and dishonourable. But before anything can be concluded in England I will write unto your Lordship at large what I think of this matter, and of all other things concerning the present state of this country.—At Flushing, the 2nd of Aug., 1596.
P.S.—If I hear anything concerning your journey, I will not fail to advertise you. One of your tokens I have delivered, for which you have infinite many humble thanks. The other two I must see soon to send into Holland, which I will do by a trusty messenger whom I know how to find them who must have the tokens.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (43. 49.)
William Cycyll to the Lord Treasurer and Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 2. Renews a former offer as to leaving them his inheritance. His son-in-law Delahay will confer with them thereon.—Alterinis, 2nd August 1596.
Signed. 1 p.
Edward Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug 3. I held it a great benefit to the State, and an exceeding great comfort and countenance to us and all our name that have always, depended on my Lord, your father, and yourself, when it was first notified here at York that Her Majesty had made so good choice as of your Honour to be her principal and only Secretary, wherein, as a poor well-wisher, I wish you as honourable success as your worthy father or the happiest of your predecessors.
We understand it hath pleased God to take my late Lord Chamberlain who was (by the choice of the Mayor and burgesses of Doncaster) their High Steward, being Recorder of the said town. They being desirous to have some man of honour to succeed to the place, I have by their own willing desire and my dutiful furtherance made an election and choice of your Honour to be High Steward and patron of their poor town, hoping as they have found your father their special good Lord, that his good favour towards their town will descend to your Honour. The patent thereof, with the simple fee of 5l. a year, they mean shortly to present unto your Honour, presuming upon my undertaking to them that you will vouchsafe to accept the same and to keep the place.—From York, 3 Aug., 1596.
1 p. (43. 50.)
The Countess of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 3. Understanding of late that you have been importuned to be a means to the Bishop of Winchester to keep this bearer, Mr. Hubbock, minister in the Tower, from his induction to a prebend in Winchester which my Lord had procured him from Her Majesty under the broad seal before his going to sea, I am to pray you, in my Lord's absence, to stand so favourable towards the poor minister, who hath both spent his money for the passing and his best friends for the procuring thereof, as to suffer him quietly to enjoy the benefit of Her Majesty's grant; the living which he possesseth being but small, himself charged with a wife and family, and the other party being (as I hear) a single man and one that by means of his honourable friends may be soon advanced to a better preferment. In allowing him this favour you shall perform a very charitable work and worthy of yourself, and give my Lord occasion to think beholding to you in his absence for protecting of one towards whom he had declared so special a liking.—Barnelemes, ye 3d of August, 1596.
Signed :—Fra. Essex.
Cecil's endorsement :—“readde.”
1 p. (43. 51.)
Lord G. Audelay to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 3. At the petition of divers of good account of the county of Somerset, commiserating the estate of one William Jeanes, a prisoner in Ilchester gaol, and having been present at his arraignment, where the evidence given seemed but small conjectures to deprive a man of his place and credit of life or living; being also credibly informed of hard practices against the said Jeanes by his enemies, and of the good credit, honest behaviour and godly disposition of the said Jeans (of which I do partly know myself); I am emboldened, for charity's sake, to write these few lines in his favour; with my earnest request that, as hitherto it has pleased you and the rest of Her Majesty's council to grant many charitable courses in defence of this cause against the attempts of his adversaries upon like information of Lord Morley, Sir Francis Hastinges and others, you will be pleased to vouchsafe your honourable and charitable recommendation unto Her Majesty in furtherance of Jeanes' his pardon in this behalf, and the rather for that I am credibly informed the principal is already pardoned.—Stalbridge, this third of August, 1596.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (43. 52.)
George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex.
1596, Aug. 3. Having on 21 July advertised his Lordship of such as the time afforded, has now not much more to participate than the proceeding of the wars here, which will be partly understood by the enclosed copy of letters lately sent out of the town of Hulst. Since the date thereof there is intelligence that such powder as the King had in his camp for store was by negligence set on fire, which spoiled many of his men, besides the hindrance it will be to his proceedings, having made a new battery to beat the bulwark on the south-east, to take away the flank and defence of the town.
The breach which the enemy had made in the rampart is repaired so strongly that, if he will make more assaults, he must make anew breach, and then is there yet the half moon to make resistance, so as he will find work a good while. The entrance by water is also free and open, though annoyed by a sconce on Absedale which Count Maurice purposeth to make an attempt upon; as he could have done before this if he had not wanted men, having on Friday night last sent into Hulst five companies more to refresh and encourage the others that hitherto have so well quitted themselves. It seems the Cardinal is very opiniate and cares not for the loss of men, which at length may breed a mutiny, besides the overstepping other opportunities.
The Earl of Lincoln came here 29 July, and was made very welcome by the States; his charges defrayed by them here, and letters sent to the towns of the other provinces through which he must pass, to provide carriage and like entertainment until he shall come to Embden.
The deputies appointed for England are come to receive their instructions, which they shall have as soon as Barnefield and the rest of the States return from Count Maurice, being looked for daily, so as in all likelihood they will be setting forward in eight or ten days at farthest.
The news of Essex's good success at Cales, &c., has been heard there, and is believed for certain to be true, though as yet there is no confirmation thereof out of England. This day the French ambassador received news from the King in confirmation of the service done at Cales, with a few particulars, whereof these men were glad to hear, but yet hold not themselves fully satisfied. If Gilpin might have some knowledge by his Lordship's Secretary touching the reported victory, (besides that it would cause these people to continue in the devote opinion they hold of Essex) it should be as a spur to him to persevete in the course which he has vowed to perform unto his Lordship.—From the Haeghe, this 3d of August 1596.
Signed. Seal. 2 pp. (43. 53.)
Enclosures :—
Hulst, 5 August 1596.
Our soldiers are very resolute in their resistance, as appears by the sallies and assaults endured from time to time. The 2 of this month, the enemy advanced, with fourteen pieces of battery, to make a breach in the water gate, and after firing more than 1700 rounds, attacked with his whole force which he had put under arms, thinking thus to carry the place by storm, but our soldiers repulsed them so rarely that they were forced to retire to their trenches.
The 3 of this month he has quietly advanced his troops in the trenches, in hope to have surprised the place at 3 o'clock in the morning. Having gained the ravelin at the said gate, he was forcibly driven thence by our soldiers; and an hour afterwards trying to retake the ravelin he was a third time repulsed. On the 4 of this month, he thrice attacked in full force, retiring with a loss of 700 men. Deserters from the enemy report that Monsieur de Rone, Marshal of their army, is dead, with seventeen or eighteen captains and most of the officers. He is however entrenched up to the counterscarp of the town. He is said to be preparing mines, as our soldiers are doing under the ravelin, in case of need. We also made a demi-lune in the town as a second line of defence in case we are compelled to abandon the said gate and ravelin. We have lost three captains, two Scots and one Fryson, in the defence of the ravelin. The enemy has reinforced his camp with 3000 Walloons and 2400 Germans, pending the arrival of the Swiss and Germans note being levied for him with all speed.
French. Copy. (43. 56.)
7 August.
Yesterday before dinner, the enemy attacked, after springing their mine against the ravelin with little harm to our people, and advanced to the breach where they met with such a reception that they retired hurriedly, and yet not all, for four of their captains remain. We took prisoners an Italian appointé, one Alferes, who has given us particulars of the great loss of their chiefs. To-night I have had our mine exploded and many of the enemy lie dead. This prisoner tells us that his regiment on arriving here had 500 appointés, to-day not one. I presume it is the same with the other nations.
French. Copy. (43. 56.)
Duplicates of the two foregoing. (43. 57.)
The Bailiffs of Yarmouth to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 4. Being greatly beholding to his Honour for the furtherance not long since of a suit that their town had unto her Majesty, for which they have not been so thankful as became them, they are now humble suitors for his favour in a matter defending before the Privy Council, wherein they are defendants for certain liberties which they have possessed by law and Royal charters many hundred years, and for which they pay a fee farm yearly to Her Majesty. Upon certain doubts thereof made, their Lordships have directed their letters of commission to divers knights and gentlemen of Norfolk and Suffolk for deciding thereof; who have met and could not end them, as by their certificate appeareth. This suit hath been very troublesome and chargeable to the town, and they beseech Cecil to be a mean that they be dismissed from further attendance and expense, and that order may be given by their Lordships that they may quietly possess their franchises, without which the town shall not be able to perform unto Her Majesty like service at sea as their forefathers did to her progenitors.—Yarmouth, 4 August, 1596.
Signed, Geoffray Punyett bailiffs.
William Yonges
Seal. 1 p. (43. 40.)
Ri. Drake to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596, Aug. 4.] For better performance of the service which you commanded me, I do stay in a view over against Mr. Assheley's house, where I sent for a shoemaker that dwelleth the very next house to him, of whom I bought, to the end to learn what I might touching this service; who told me that his men were come home very rich, for those that were not worth one halfpenny when they went have now 20l. in their purses : but he hath seen none of Mr. Ashleye's stuff brought home as yet, neither by ear nor otherwise. But I have been given to understand that he had seven or eight trunks this night brought to London about two of the clock in the morning. Wherefore I am to pray your pleasure whether that after this next tide if nothing be brought, that according to your warrant I shall go into his house and seal up such trunks and chests as I shall find there, and so to return, or tarry any longer time.
Endorsed : “4 Aug. 1596.”
Holograph. 1 p. (43. 34.)
M. Noel de Caron to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 4. Desires a warrant to hunt a buck as he expects good company shortly and would be grieved to be unable to give them venison, which otherwise cannot be got for money.—Stretham, 4 Aug., 1596.
French. Holograph. 1 p. (173. 113.)
Sir John Savage.
1596, Aug. 4. Bill of velvet &c. sold to Sir John Savage, 4 Aug. 1596.
(2163.)
The King of Spain to O'Rourke.
1596, Aug. 4/14. Readily believes the assurance in his letter of his zeal for defence of the Catholic Religion, for what can happen better for a man than to pour out his life for God, and to fight for hi sancestral religion and his country. For the rest, will refer him to Alphonse Cobos, as one in whom he can repose entire confidence, if Cobos should be sent by the King to that country.—Toledo, 14 August, 1596.
Latin. Signed. Seal. ½ p. (133. 149.)
Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 6. Yesterday, towards evening, here arrived passage from Dieppe, by whom I am informed that the Duke of Bulloigne was not yesterday morning come to Dieppe, but much expected there.
The French gentleman that had Mr. Secretary's pass, and was bound to the Duke of Bulloigne, embarked here on Tuesday night for Dieppe, with the conduct of a man-of-war of Flushing. I suppose he arrived well at Dieppe on Wednesday night, for he had for the most part a side wind altogether from the west.
I doubt not but to advertise your Honour with the first, or rather first, of the Duke's arrival and of his retinue which I am informed is great.—Dover Castle, this Sixth of August, 1596.
Holograph. Seal. (43. 55)
Sir George Trenchard and Sir Raufe Horsey to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 6. We have, sent by the ordinary post the Indian card with two others not perfected, with a red book and two other paper books, all which we found in the house of one Samuel Macye and William Downe. One of which mariners we judge will not be long behind his card and books, hoping to obtain some favour at your Honour's hands, to be employed in the prosecution of the action, and for the obtaining of the same again.—From Wolveton, the 10th of August, 1596.
Signed. Seal broken. 1 p. (43. 72.)
Robert Moore to Lord Burghley.
1596, Aug. 7. Whereas we received your Lordship's letter of 10 July here in Exon the 22 of the same, concerning the charges about setting forth a ship out of this port, the mayor and citizens of this city, who were chief dealers therein, promised with all convenient speed to make out a just note of all, which should have been sent immediately to your Lordship, but the chief doers therein have been from home almost ever since, so that they could not meet to make up a perfect account until this day. Which having now received, I have thought good to send by the first, notwithstanding the rest of the officers be now from home.—Exon, this 7th August, 1596.
1 p. (43. 60.)
Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 7. So soon as I had despatched my last letters unto your Honour, my Lord Admiral arrived with the greatest part of the Navy, and this night my Lord of Essex, with all the rest of the Fleet, will be here. I do not see but that very much goods will be embezzled, for that the Commissioners are not yet come down from the Court, and the other commission upon my Lord's coming is now in surcease.—From the fort at Plymouth, this 7th of August.
Endorsed :—1596.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (43. 61.)
Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 7. Understands by Cecil's letter of the 3rd of this month that much trust is reposed in him for Her Majesty's services in the affairs of this Fleet, in which duty he will perform as much as is in his power.
Cecil writes of information given to the Queen of things having been brought in at Plymouth in the Lion's Whelp for Sir Anthony Ashlye, yet so it is that within very short time after his arrival that pinnace set sail for London, as they said, before anything was landed, for it was never brought within the harbour, but went out of the Sownd again the same night.
Encloses copy of the Lord Generals' commission and the names of such ships as have arrived there, and he has taken pains with the officers for the entering in the Customer's books such things as belong to Her Majesty.
There is daily put ashore (the which there appears to be no order for) great store of all sorts of victuals, so much by the opinion of those that are of judgment as would be sufficient to furnish a proportion of shipping for intercepting the carracks, which are expected the latter end of this month. If it would please Her Majesty to be persuaded hereunto upon the return of her victorious Navy, it would redound to the greatest benefit possible, which was the thing by all men looked for by their Lordships to have been put in practice, but Sir Ferdinando perceives by Mr. Dorrell, who has arrived this day, that through the plenty that is amongst the greatest number of them, and the present good success of their late enterprise, they cannot by any reasons or persuasions suffer themselves to condescend to the perfect finishing of the wars for a long season. But why should he meddle with these things which belong not to him.
There was a prize cast away there upon the rocks the last of July thought to be worth 4,000l. Some of the goods have been saved, but the bark and the greatest part of the goods were lost.
Will use what means he can to procure a ginnett for Cecil.—From the fort at Plymouth this 7th of August.
Signed. 1 p. (43. 62.)
The Mayor, &c. of Exeter to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 7. Such news as we have received from France, for lack of time to write, we made it known unto Mr. Kellegrewe, and by his advice to a gentleman then in saddle to ride away, by word to be advertised to your Honour with speed. Now by letters we do the like, giving you to understand that by advices from Rochell it is given us to weet that at Belliall there be five ships of war well appointed, and at Bluet twenty other like ships, which are said will go for England and land in some part to burn and spoil some town, &c. The like is advertised out of Morleux; which we thought good in duty to make known unto you.—Exeter, 7th of August, 1596.
Signed :—John Chapell, Mayor. Nicholas Marlyn. Richard Prouz.
Noted on cover :
“R. at Honyton at Vth of the clock after noon the 7th of [Aug]ust.
Receyved ye [let]tre from Hwnyngton . . Awgoust a. VIII. of ye [clock at] nyght.
R. at Sherbo[rne] at X. of the clock.
R. at Shaf[tesbury at] XII. of the clock.
R. at Salisbury half an hour after 4 of the clock.
R. at Andover at 8 o'clock in the morning.
R. at Basingstoke at quarter after XI. o'clock in the morn.
Hartford bridge at 1 of the clock.”
½ p. (43. 63.)
Lady Hunsdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 7. I am solicited by a sister of mine dwelling in Cornwall, to be a mean for the procuring of Her Majesty's proclamation for the explaining of Her Majesty's letters patent to one Warner for drying, salting, and packing of fish within that country. And though the same, besides the satisfying of my sister, will be of some small benefit unto me, being a poor widow, yet have I no means left to procure the same unless it please your Honour (upon whose favour I most rely) either to move Her Majesty, or to afford me your hand unto it. Wherein I shall rest (as already) bound unto your Honour during my life.—Somerset House, this 7th of August, 1596.
Signed, A.H. ½ p. (43. 59.)
R. Douglas to his Uncle, Archibald Douglas.
1596, Aug. 7. “My lord, since my last to you I have been extremely diseased at my mother's [corrected from “father's”] house, so that for the space of more than twenty days I was not able to stir, being troubled by my ordinary disease, with a quotidian fever; and that was the cause that this while past your lordship heard not from me. So soon, and before I was well able to travel, I went west for your affairs, where, by my expectation and by promise, even that same day that I came to Edinburgh, I was advertised of a letter written with the King's own hand to the Council, commanding them to call the summons against you and put you to the home; which did not a little trouble me, not being able upon that suddenly to understand or learn the cause of so sudden a change. Yet I dealt so earnestly with the secretary and the prior of Blantyre that, by their means, I got that matter stayed at that time, and continued until they should speak with his Majesty, which they purposed to have done upon the Monday after, but his going from Falkland to Dundee, and other matters touching Huntley's offers, intervening, which are to be handled [and] reasoned in Council at Falkland the eleventh [of this month], as I shall set down more particularly hereafter, [cau]sed them delay their journey thither until that day. So that your matter lies over until then; at which time I shall accompany them, and hope, by their mediation and information, albeit my credit, by irreconcileable malice of Sir George, be altogether fallen, to bring your matter to that point that it shall be continued until, by the King's letter to the Queen of England, ye may be brought home to reason your own cause, which is now the only grace and favour I crave, and by all indifferent men thought very reasonable. Always the occasion of this sudden change to have caused you to be put to the horne, so far as I can learn, proceeds from that foolish Foules, who, by his continual advertisements to his Majesty, ceases not to detract you and accuse you as a doer of evil offices against his Majesty's service; which accusation is holden up by Sir George his credit, with whom Mr, Bowes is now in great familiarity and privy dealing, who for malice against you, thinking, albeit upon wrong ground, you and me to be the informers of this slander betwixt him and some of our ministers, does all the evil offices against you he can. I trust his Majesty shall be moved to have better consideration what is meet for his own service when, by the information of them whom he credits, he shall understand how ye have been used, and that all their plotts devised and prosecuted against you has been but to hinder his service, that by your holding back from him he might still remain ignorant of these matters ye could inform him of, that concern him so near, and that he should never use your grave and wise advice in his proceedings. Of the ground of all these matters I have particularly and sufficiently informed my lord secretary and the prior, who has promised in them all to deal earnestly with his Majesty at their first conference, which is to be at the eleventh of this month, as I wrote of before; for to that day the King has sent for, by [Qu. sent for forbye] his ordinary council, certain of the nob[ility] and [ba]rons and some of the minist[ers] . . . . . . . . . to be proponit certain offers brought by my lady Huntley to Court, sent by the earl her husband, as she says, out of Flanders for satisfaction of the King and the Kirk, but it is of truth that the earl is at home, albeit quietly, and has been this month past, and by the King's advice has sent a blank which is to be filled by his Majesty with such offers and articles as he thinks may best be agreed unto, which if they be refused the said earl before he be decernit to be any longer banished will refuse no condition can be proponit unto him. It is as yet uncertain what shall follow hereupon, but if his Majesty get his will, questionless, he will be received. But of the success of this and your own matter likewise I shall advertise you immediately after it be concluded, for I have resolved in grace of God to be at Falkland all that time.
Other news there are few here except great unquietness, and appearance of greater, betwixt the borders of both the countries, which if they be not in time prevented may well draw to a greater trouble betwixt the countries.
“Colonel Stewart is appointed lieutenant general for going to the Isles and is making his preparation for that journey. The news are uncertain and contrary here of the success of the army of that country gone in Spain, some affirming the great exploits it has done upon that coast and others that they are all defeated (deffiatt); and every man believes as he would have it. Your two last letters I received I did not communicate to his Majesty, for causes which ye will know, but only to his secretary, who promised to make him acquaint therewith. And thus until the next occasion, my humble service rendered, I commend you and your estate to God's holy protection.—Ed. [Edinburgh] this 7 of August, 1596. Your l. loving nephew always to serve you, R. Douglas.”
On a leaf enclosed in the preceding :—“It is no little grief to me to consider the state of Polybius who has to do with foolish and simple Penelope, so far abused and carried by her own weal and honour by Clitus who, in hope of some gain he received of Isabella and her brother, makes her to think she has not so worthy and wise a servant nor one so well versed in the state of Capadocia as she, and by the contrary that Polybius is false and deceitful, employed only by them of Capadocia, and principally Crassus, to undermine her. Poor Seneca is very hardly entreated, for all that ever he show Penelope of the knavery of Diomedes and his courses and plots against her with the Smiths and that faction she has, persuaded by Clitus, revealed to Diomedes, and further has given him up as author of that tale betwixt Diomedes and the Smiths. So that Seneca looks every day to be called to answer for it, but he would make small account thereof if it were not for Polybius and his being in Ca[pado]cia, but he shew . . . . . . . . . . All their powers to cause him [say] any thing that might [hurt] Polybius. Seneca has shown all this to Epistemon, for so do I call him who succeeded in Damelas nephew's place, who is far ashamed of this form of dealing and thinks with time to cause it be the first way to disgrace Clitus, the only doer of that matter. Epistemon show me a letter sent from Isabella to Penelope [substituted for “his Majesty” which is crossed out] and a letter written from another to herself, subscribed in cipher, which I take to be a letter written by Lucretia or else one Asbie in Capadocia to her, containing a l[ong] discourse of Polybius, and altogether to his disgrace; which letter was the first occasion procured this last hard dealing. Amongst other malicious calumnies it contained that Polybius had alleged to Crassus that the principal cause of his disgrace with Penelope was that he had an intention and had travailed to have procured the heads of the faction of men in Phrygia and Montanus to depend upon Adriane and to leave all Lycian courses. In like manner how hardly Crassus dealt with Polybius, and gave him but a little to keep him in breath, and a number of such matters to disgrace him. Epistemon has not been much (mickle) at Court since his promotion, but now he minds to follow it more diligently, so that I hope his credit shall increase and that Polybius and Seneca shall reap the fruits thereof. Isabella is to return, and Seneca intends to call her to account of some things she has written, principally if she can have Penelope not to be partial. If Epistemon and Plutarch, as they have promised, take not a better order with Penelope at this appointed day, for Polybius, Seneca is resolved not to meddle any further for a while, but to see what time will produce, and would wish Polybius either to take some other course in Capadocia, or else, if he could retire himself quietly, in Phrygia, where a number of the best sort has promised to assist him that he get no wrong, and I know his presence would work great matters. Epistemon is yet a novice in his office and therefore would be glad Polybius should set him down the form of dealing with Capadocia and principally all the wrongs [done by A?]drian . . . . both to Penelope . . . . . . . . so . . . . . . Capadocia [&] all as I (?) made in prom . . . . . . . ight to that realm and send it to Seneca and [he has trust?] with time to work some great matter for Polybius' benefit; but desires Polybius in his letters or otherwise not to seem to know him, for so he will be the more able without suspicion to him good. And so again to the next occasion I commend you to God.”
In Scottish dialect and orthography.
Address almost all illegible from fading, but the name “Archibald” can be read in it.
5 pp. (173. 114.)
Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 8. I have received your letters of the 6th of this month wherein is to be seen a purpose in Her Majesty to revictual certain shipping for meeting with the Indian fleet, as also for transporting certain companies for the Low Countries, and others for Ireland. The first will hardly be assented unto, but the two latter with small difficulty will be brought to pass. For the manner how they may be furnished with provision of victuals, your Honour shall understand by the letter from Mr. Stallenge and myself. If I may be bold to speak what I think, I would say, without offence to any man of better judgment than myself, that all this might very well be performed, for first, whereas it will be said their ships are many of them, some leaking, some no winter ships, many of their mariners sick and dead, and some of their soldiers also, whereby they are persuaded it is impossible they should be new furnished in any reasonable time, either with men or victuals, I answer that I doubt not but here are ships of Her Majesty that may in very short time be furnished, if speedy order be taken in it according to Her Majesty's expectation. For this they must do if they will do anything, presently bring all of them that they will use for that voyage into the harbour, and instantly disembark the greatest part of the men, saving such as are used as labourers. By that means the ships may be sweetened and trimmed whilst the victuals are providing, and fresh men may be put into them, whereof there will be a sufficient number found; and the like may be done to some of the best merchants ships. As for the soldiers for the Low Countries, they may be transported in those Flemish bottoms which are here, and very fitly conveyed with their own men-of-war. Those for Ireland may be transported in the hoys that are here, and some other ships such as may conveniently serve the turn; they that are to be left behind for the sick men, they are to be sent into their countries, as also others not to be employed in this service.—From Plymouth, 8th of August, 1596.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (43. 64.)
William Killigrew to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 8. The sudden departure of this bearer after my Lord's arrival, and the little we have done yet in our service, for Mr. Carmarthen and Mr. Milles going by the coast are not yet come hither, makes me loth to write, saving that I would have your Honour understand that as soon as may be we will endeavour to do all that lies in us, whereunto we find his Lordship most willing to assist that Her Majesty may be answered according to her expectations. The messenger's departure makes me end.—From Plymouth, the 8 of August, 1596.
P.S.—I think the Earl will be there very near as soon as this messenger.
Holograph. ½ p. (43. 65).
Sir George Carewe to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 9. Since my arrival at Plymouth I understand that Her Majesty is informed of great sums of treasure gotten by me at Cales. It wounds me greatly that a suspect should be had that I would conceal anything from her by whose grace and favour I live, which when such dealing shall be proved against me, let me be exempted out of God's mercies. I will not now trouble your Honour with tedious apologies, but leave them until it shall please God to bring me to London to wait upon you at better leisure, at which time my innocency shall plainly appear unto you. My first care is to satisfy Her Majesty and my friends, not esteeming of the rest what they say or think. I will never crave a dishonest request of your Honour or desire to be protected in an evil course, but in matters honest and just I pray your aid to defend me from injurious reports. Your Honour hath been conceited of me that I would deal truly in all things, and this small absence hath not corrupted me. Then, by the Majesty of God I do protest, and by the religion of faith that ought to be between man and man, I neither had nor have in gold or silver coin, or in jewels, the worth of three ducats, but that which I have delivered, and in plate not above the value of twenty marks. [In margin : Gold, silver, jewels, and plate which I carried out of England is not comprised in this protestation]. If to disprove my protestations good witnesses may be produced, I crave no favour; but because I know that no man can be found so audacious as to charge me upon his knowledge to give Her Majesty satisfaction, whose good opinion is more dearer to me than life. I am willingly ready to receive the Communion that they be true : which I would not do in a matter false to possess the King of Spain's treasure and crown. [Further protestations of the like purport and prayer that Cecil will answer for him.]—From Plymouth, this 9th of August, 1596.
Holograph. 2 pp. (43. 66)
Sir Ferdinando Gorges and William Stallenge to the Lords of the Council.
1596, Aug. 9. In the absence of Mr. Darell, we have thought meet to signify our opinion concerning the effecting of that Her Majesty's pleasure is should be undertaken for the intercepting of the Indian Fleet or the carriques.
We suppose in the ten ships of Her Majesty's and twelve others, being of the better sort, as is needful, there may be employed about 3,800 men, which, with the help of such rusk wines, oil, rice and tonny fish as it returned in these ships (having present money) may within three weeks very well be supplied with the rest for two months' victuals, and without any great charges to Her Majesty or grief to the country; so as the sick men and others returning from this service, not otherwise to be employed, may be forthwith dismissed from these parts, and withal present order may be given the officers make not spoil of that which is now remaining in the ships.
Mr. Darell departed this afternoon, unto whom by a messenger of purpose we have signified your pleasure, and expect him here this next morning, and having understood by him what remainers of victuals are in the Fleet, your Honours shall forthwith be more particularly advertised how all things may be accomplished.
We certify that the number of ships may very well be furnished of those now returned of this service, with some small cost bestowed on them.
For the furnishing of victuals for 1,000 soldiers to be sent into Ireland, the same may very well be done in these parts and shipping found fit for the same.—Plymouth, 9 August 1596.
Signed. Part of Seal. 1 p. (43. 67.)
William Killigrew to [Sir Robert Cecil].
1596, Aug. 9. Begging that he will add to many previous favours that, if there come a new commission to Prochemouth [Portsmouth], Killigrew may be spared therein, and may have leave to go from Porchemouth to the Bath for two or three weeks, for he has found by riding to Plymouth such exceeding great pain and anguish in his knee that he wrenched before coming, that he fears there is something out of his place, for he has been with the anguish put into a fever twice or thrice since he came. This has made him wish to go to Porchemouth by sea, for from thence he might well in a coach go to the Bath; where, when his leg is “suppelled,” if any bone be out of place, it will be easily put in again.—Plymouth, this 9th of August, 1596.
Holograph. 1 p. (43. 68.)
William Killigrew to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 9. Yesterday we advertised my Lord of Essex and your Honour's father of our proceedings here, being but newly arrived even as the Generals with the whole Fleet came into Plymouth, where my Lord of Essex who came in last stayed not four hours, but it was resolved that the Fleet should away for Porchemouth with all the speed that might be; and his Lordship took his journey to the Court presently upon the order taken. It was thereupon thought fit that we that were sent hither about this service in commission should divide ourselves. Sir Ferdinando Gorge with the gentlemen of their country to stay here with the commission, for that in this town, for all the little stay the Fleet make here, there is much landed, but in huxters' handling. Mr. Carmarthen and Mr. Milles doth also stay for three or four days after the Fleet shall be departed to assist them, and then to follow to Porchemouth with that speed they can : myself to go alongst with the Fleet to see (as well as I can) that no ships or pinnaces do go from the Fleet until they come thither. Wherein my Lord Admiral very honourably will give the best directions he can, for he is, and so is the Earl also, very desirous that Her Majesty should have all the contentment that may be. Your Honour knows the number of ships are many and the service hard to be executed by me; if you would think fit there would be more assistance sent to Porchemouth, with good commission also (for the other of necessity is to be left at Plymouth), and if I may be so bold as to say what were fit in this case to further this service, the Lord Generals should be of the commission, but that I leave to your Honour's better consideration. This day, my Lord Admiral doth mean to embark and to be gone, and if the wind continue good the Fleet will be soon at Porchemouth, where I shall be to seek very much if your directions come not the sooner. But I will not fail to do the best I can in this service, as in all other that I am able to perform—From Plymouth, this 9 of August. 1596.
Addressed :—“To the Right Honourable Sir Robert Cecil, knight; Principal Secretary to Her Maty.
hast hast
hast hast
Postes, send this away with expedition.—Tho. Milles.”
Cover noted with hours of arrival at various points on the route.
Holograph. Seal. 1¼ pp. (43. 69).
Sir Anthony Ashley to Sir Gelly Merrick.
1596, Aug. 10. I have not durst to acquaint you with what hath passed to the prejudice of my poor self and my betters since my arrival at Court, albeit I doubt not but ere this you have tasted of the same sauce to my grief. I have received your letters touching the shipwreck of the oil prize, and of the Generals' proceeding at Farraon. I do hope, notwithstanding these storms, you will in all respects proceed gentlemanlike with me. I do long to have long conference with you, and do intend, after the Lord Generals be come to Court, to repair to those parts, and even so, omitting the rest, with mine unfeigned hearty commendations in exceeding great haste, I leave you to God.—From the Court this Tuesday, the 10th of August, 1596.
P.S.—I pray conceal all for fear of the worst, nor be not known I have writ to you.
Signed. Part of Seal. (43. 70.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 11. This last day Sir Ferdinando Gorges and myself certified our opinions concerning the effecting of Her Majesty's pleasure signified unto us by your Honour, respiting the particularities thereof until we might have conference with Mr. Dorrell; but finding my Lord Admiral otherwise determined (whose Lordship departed this last day towards Portsmouth with the Fleet), we thought it good to give Mr. Dorrell to understand thereof, to the end he might with all convenient speed repair unto Portsmouth, as before he did pretend to do, there to meet with the army and attend your further pleasure.
And now that the army is departed hence, I am out of hope the service can be performed that Her Majesty did expect, especially considering that such as are not willing thereunto will be contented to suffer any spoil to be made of the victuals, thereby the better to maintain their opinions certified in that behalf. To write much of that which now is past remedy were to small purpose, and I fear me that already done will be of some very ill taken against me, if it be urged against them, although in discharge of my duty I could do no less.
Her Majesty's Commissioners take here very great pains, although I doubt it will be to small purpose. All or the most part of the goods landed in this place was given by the Generals to men of desert, and is by them sold to others and the money received, which will hardly be gotten from them, so as the Commissioners have thought meet, for divers considerations, only to take their bills for such things as they do acknowledge to have, and leave the same to be recovered hereafter as Her Majesty shall think fit; which is as much as I find they can well perform. Mr. Killigrewe is gone with the ships towards Portsmouth, and I suppose within these three or four days Mr. Carmerthen and Mr. Milles will thither by land.
My employment therein and otherwise, I most humbly acknowledge to come through your honourable favour towards me, which, whilst I live, I will to the uttermost of my power endeavour myself in all honest and dutiful sort to deserve.—Plymouth, 11th August, 1596.
Noted on Cover.—“From Plymouth the eleventh day of August, at nine of the clock in the forenoon.
Wm. Stallenge.
At Asparton at iij of the cloke.
At Exeter at vij of the clocke.
R. at Honyton at ix of the clock at evening.
Received ye packet letter form [from] Hunyng to Crockerne three quarters of an hour after xij of ye clock in ye night.
Sherborne at 3 of the clock. R. at Sarum, half an hour after ix of the clock in the forenoon, the xij of August. . . at Basingstoke the . . of August at ix at night.
R. at Hartford Bridge at xi of the clock.”
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (43. 73.)
The Lords of the Privy Council to the Lord Admiral.
1596, Aug. 11. We have before this time by Her Majesty's direction written unto your Lordship and the Earl of Essex, now returned, how ill Her Majesty took it to hear of so much taken and so ill a reckoning like to be made her : wherein (as, by her own letter, you may perceive what course the Earl hath taken in his answer, so because Her Majesty's own writing hath sufficiently touched it, to which both the Earl and we all in general and particular made the best answer we could) we do forbear any further to meddle with the same, and now will briefly set down what it is which Her Majesty desireth to be done, and thinketh may be done, if it be well and providently considered and so used. First, Her Majesty would have your Lordship by all means possible to see good search made of all ships and all passengers whatsoever that are come or to return, according to Her Majesty's Commission, to the intent that both such things of price and value that are brought home may serve to bear the burden of the charge; and also that all such victuals as in the whole army may be recovered may be preserved to set forth such a proportion of ships as shall be fit to lie for the Carricks or West Indian Fleet, as you shall think good in your own discretion, according to Her Majesty's own letter. And where your Lordship calleth for money to pay the mariners without showing what quantity you mean, you must give us leave to remember you, as one of her Generals, like as Her Majesty hath objected it here to the Earl of Essex, that, when that great reckoning was suspected to prove burdensome, you both made so light of any such suspicion as you in a manner warranted the defraying of all such reckoning with other manner of advantage : and therefore, as Her Majesty hath objected this unto the Earl of Essex, so we are commanded to do to you, that if good search be made of the ships, it will be found that both the captains, masters and officers of all ships have pillage enough to bear each ship's charge, which, if it be, there is no reason the Queen should give them wages and suffer them to have such pillage too, beyond all good order. And, therefore, it is Her Majesty's pleasure that, upon good search and view thereof, it be considered which way will be most profitable for the Queen, either to pay them or take that which is so indirectly embezzled by them. Wherein Her Majesty meaneth not any such trash or petty matters as garments or other things fit for soldiers and mariners in like cases, but gross commodities, wares, and other merchandise, of which money may be made towards the common charge. For the dismissing now of mariners and bringing about of the ships, your Lordship's judgement can best tell what is to be done, only this we must remember to you that where the Fleet is compounded of mariners of divers countries, if you dismiss any, or shall use any now to go forth for the Carricks, it shall be fit you suffer them to be of those countries westwards, for seeing yourself well knows that the ships which shall be brought about will not require such complement as they have for service, it will be a needless charge for them to be kept in pay, or those mariners used to bring up these ships where they must have allowance for conduct money to return backward again. For the men which Her Majesty thought to use in Ireland, she now seeth it not convenient to use those at this time, but would have them all sent to their countries, according to such directions as she hath caused the Earl, in her name, to send unto you. For those which have served and came out of the Low Countries, she would also have them returned and paid there, and thinketh that the Admiral of Holland will help with his ships to carry some of them, seeing they shall be so acceptable to the States, who have so earnestly intreated for them. For money requisite for any of these things belonging to the land soldiers, the Earl saith he hath left order with the Marshal, whom your Lordship will call unto you, with all others, according to your commission, and direct them accordingly, and so we think it meet that you should call and command any person whom you shall think meet to assist you with any service. Now, to come to the setting out of ships for to go southwards to intercept the Carricks; Her Majesty would have all victuals used that is there in all ships more than to bring them about, and therein thinketh Darrell shall fail of his duty, if having victualled such an army and they being gone home before their time and having had at Cales and Faro such a refreshing, he shall not be able to draw out a proportion for those twelve ships to be sent out; and rather than fail to that shall be allowed a surplusage of victuals to make them tarry out two months, of new charge, so desirous we find Her Majesty to be to have some adventure for the fleets to return : which surely, if your lordship can order, Her Majesty will take it a good piece of service. And for the ships' numbers and commanders, not doubting but you will use good choice of valiant men, she doth refer it to your lordship, who may use the advice of those whom you think best acquainted with sea service.—From the Court at Greenwich, the 11th of August, 1596.
P.S.—Your Lordship shall also deal with the Marshal to persuade the Low Country ships, if any there be that are ready victualled for longer time, that they will with part of their fleet tarry out some of the time with Her Majesty's fleet, or at least help some of your fleet with some of their victuals for that purpose, wherein Her Majesty will undertake the States shall not disallow of them in their action. The Queen hath written to the Admiral hereinclosed a very affectionate letter, whereof this is the copy, which we also send you.
Signed :—W. Burghley, W. Cobham, T. Buckehurst, Ro. Cecyll.
Seal. 3 pp. (43. 74.)
William Purevey to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 11. This bearer, your servant, hath had stolen from him your Irish falcon, out of his father's house, being there mewed, and he thinketh he hath good cause to suspect a gentleman's servant of the country. Which if it be true, is too great boldness to offer your Honour in your own country, the hawk being known by the party to be your Honour's. But I leave the prosecuting of it to your Honour, and the private information of the matter to your own servant.—From Wormleyburye, 11 of August.
Endorsed :—1596.
Holograph. 1 p. (43. 76.)
Sir Thomas Hoby to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 11. These are humbly to beseech your Honour to favour a poor man named James Ormstone, an old servant to the late Earl of Huntingdon, and in my late Northern travail one that stood not a little devoted unto me. The keeping of the manor house at York is fallen void by the death of one Yonge, that had the office by patent from Her Majesty, and thereupon this party, being Very desirous to become suitor for the same (being a room that was promised unto him by his said late lord, if he had lived until the next avoidance) hath earnestly entreated me to beseech you to further his said suit unto Her Majesty : which I have the rather presumed to do because he hath been many ways very servicable unto my wife before and to myself since I made my first suit unto her. And so with remembrance of my wife's most humble duty, with humble thanks for your late most honourable favours, I will cease. This xith of August, 1596.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (43. 78.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 12. At this instant Mr. Carmerthen and Mr. Milles are departed from hence towards Portsmouth, and were very desirous I should have gone with them, but, considering Mr. Dorrell is gone from hence, and not knowing what further cause there may be for my employment here, I have thought good not to depart until I know further your Honour's pleasure.
They have left the account for the oils sold, and some things here to be done by Sir Ferdinando Gorges, Mr. Strowde, Mr. Harris, and myself, which, as they shall be affected, your Honour shall be further advertised thereof. The cause why the oils are sold is for that the cask is very ill, and not fit to be transported from hence for London, as willingly the Commissioners would have done.
The letters received from your Honour for the Lord Thomas Howard and others I do return herewith, for that the parties are all gone for Portsmouth.—Plymouth, 12 August, 1596.
Note on cover :—“From Plymouth the 12th of August, at ten of the clock in the fore noon.”
Seal. ½ p. (43. 79.)
Captain Robert Crosse to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596,] Aug. 12. Hitherto my successes have obtained no matter of worth whereof to write unto your Honour. Since my departure from Plymouth, I have met divers Flemings, and taken a flyboat and Byskyn laden with hoops and pipeboards. Of them I am advertised that one carrick arrived four or five days before we fell with the coast, that two came into Lisbon the 2 of August, whom I saw not, being unhappily in chase of other ships, that the Cardinal is gone into the Low Countries to conclude a peace, and that the King prepareth great store of new ships besides his old, which he hath cut lower and made more convenient for fight, and that he intendeth an invasion for England. These are the fruits I have reaped by my time already spent, yet am comforted in that which is to come, since such as I have met at sea do assure me that two carricks are daily expected, against whom (if it please God I may meet with them) I will employ my uttermost service. As conveniency serveth, I will not fail (God willing) to signify my succeeding days, which I pray may be happy that I may do Her Majesty's service and your Honour all dutiful respects as I desire. From aboard Her Majesty's Ship the Swiftsuer the 12 of August.
Endorsed :—“12 Aug. 1596. Captain Crosse to my Master. A Biskayner taken by him laden with hoops and pipestaves.” “Rec : at Nonesuch ye xxvijth of ye same.”
(43. 80.)
Sir Anthony Ashley to Sir Gelly Meyrick.
1596, Aug. 12. I now understand you are come to Portsmouth and, therefore, have sent this bearer purposely thither to be advertised from you what order you have taken for disposing of the oil that was saved from wreck, and of all other particularities of your proceedings, not doubting but you will deal as friendly and faithfully with me as well absent as present.—From the Court, this 12th of August, 1596.
Signed. ¼ p. (43. 81.)
Sir Thomas Hoby to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 12. I most humbly thank you for your favourable letters; and, although I presume very far in moving so mean a suit unto your Honour, yet let me beseech you not to imagine that I would desire you to be the first mover thereof. For my meaning was only to beseech your Honour to favour him with your honourable countenance in his suit before any other that shall seek the place.—This xijth of August, 1596.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (43. 82.)
The Bailiffs of Ipswich to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 12. Immediately on receipt of his letters in behalf of Mr. Stanhopp in the granting to him the office of High Stewardship of their town of Ipswich, the Common Council assembled for that purpose. At which assembly, the name of the Earl of Essex being likewise propounded, did then work such favour and liking in the opinion of most part of that assembly as they ended the same with full consent to be humble suitors to Cecil to pardon them in that election; and since the residue of the commonalty of the town, who by charter and custom have like voice among them in those causes, having been acquainted with the choice intended, do shew themselves so affected thereunto as it seems a matter not easily to be changed, they pray him to be satisfied, and to conceive of them as that his letters being to the furtherance of Mr. Stanhopp (to whom they and their town are specially bound) might and ever shall prevail to command what their poor endeavours can in all duty perform unto Cecil, as likewise towards Mr. Stanhopp, what their abilities can witness to be thankful for the favour it has pleased him of late to shew unto them—Ipswich, the xijth of August, 1596.
Signed, William Mydnall—Robert Snellinge—bailiffs.
1 p. (43. 83.)
J. Harding, Customer of Berwick, to Lord Burghley.
1596, August 12. He is obliged to keep horses for the proper levying of the duties, and prays for an allowance for their maintenance.—Berwick, August 12, 1596.
Much damaged.
½ p. (213. 30.)
Sir Robert Cecil to William Killigrew.
1596, Aug. 13. Her Majesty being daily informed and finding that divers ships come from you and the rest of the Commissioners unsearched, wherein appeareth in gross kind of merchandise matter of good value being laid all together, hath commanded me expressly in her name to let you know that because the Marshal, Sir Francis Veare, is presently to go away with the troops of the Low Countries, whereby himself cannot be spoken with here, nor the goods in those ships unladen, that both the ships wherein Sir Francis Veare came may be duly searched, and all the rest that are to go into the Low Countries with the soldiers, saving the squadron of the Flemings, to whom Her Majesty beareth such respect as she doth only desire you to move them upon their honour to deliver unto you what goods they have of any Englishman's, which they are put in trust to carry, without any manner of inquisition or searching of them or their ships; of which Her Majesty's respect you must according to your discretion make them fully partakers.
Because I am not sure whether you may be come eastward before my letter find you, and that Sir Francis Veare may be gone with the soldiers in the meantime, I have also directed my letters to Mr. Vane to do this with the help of the customer of Dover, if you be not there. This matter thus done, I pray you satisfy Sir Francis Veare that I am not a little grieved to do this to him, lest he might think it an unfriendly office, in whose love, I confess, I do take great contentment, as I would demonstratively make it appear in any thing wherein I might do him pleasure. But I that know him too wise to seek to conceal anything that he hath, and how well he deserves all he hath, do look that it shall nothing trouble him, being that which the Queen desires to have done to themselves, in regard that their men and followers may haply be found faulty without their master's privity.
This being all I have at this time to write and I being all the Council that is up at this hour, I pray you take this letter of mine for a warrant of Her Majesty's pleasure and see it performed. As soon as I hear from you next, that I may be informed where you are, or what is to be done or more or less in these businesses, I will deal with the Council to dispose you accordingly. And so I commit you to God.—From the Court, the 13th of August, at xij in the night.
P.S.—In Cecil's own hand :—Her Majesty meaneth not herein to include any such things as may with any reason be judged pillage, and acquaint my Lord Admiral with all this, if his Lordship be there, for so is it Her Majesty's pleasure, your loving friend, Ro. Cecyll.
Addressed :—“To my loving friend Mr Wm Killagrewe Esquire, of Her Majesty's Privy Chamber. Ro. Cecyll.”
Endorsed :—“13 Aug. 1596. My Master's letter to Mr Wm Killagrewe. This letter never came to his hands.”
Seals. 2 pp. (43. 85.)
Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 13. Your letters came two days too short by reason of the sudden departure of my Lord Admiral, with the whole Fleet, both English and Dutch; whereby it is to be feared those honourable designments thought upon by your Lordships will be frustrated : though for my own part, I do not doubt of the necessity of either, and as a poor wellwisher of my country's good, I do heartily wish that that of the Indian Fleet had gone forward, for, without all contradiction, it was the most reasonablest and most necessarest that could have been thought of, unless peradventure there are some secrets which to us poor commoners are unknown. I doubt not but your Honour have received particulars of our proceedings here from the rest of the commissioners, who, I must confess, are very able because better acquainted with those courses than I am, besides I have been troubled these two days with an extreme burning fever, the which doth enforce me to use this brevity, and always to pray for you who have been so exceeding noble unto me and unfeignedly to give myself to be disposed at your honour's command.—Plymouth, 13 August, 1596.
Postal stages noted on cover. Signed. Seal. 1 p. (43. 86.)
Lord Lumley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 13. My Bess and myself do right heartily thank both you and my Lady for your so friendly care to hear of her amendment. I cannot advertise any amendment to much purpose, save that the accustomed pain about her heart doth and hath these two days shifted sundry times to her left side, which maketh her in some more comfort that in time, and by good advice of her physicians, the whole cause of her long grief will expel and wear away. Which God grant! For a pitiful time hath she endured more than this month. And so with both our good wishes, I bid you most heartily farewell.—From Nonsuch, this 13th of August, 1596.
Holograph. (43. 87.)
Thomas Myddelton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 13. According to commandment has been with the Lord of Hunsdon for his letter to have all goods brought into the Isle of Wight stayed until Her Majesty's further pleasure were known. For the sugars which came in the Galego boat, his Lords had stayed it before his coming, and hath now written to stay all other goods coming in, and send an inventory and notice of their proceedings.
Appends an inventory of goods landed out of the John Frances, all laid up at the Custom House until further order.
Encloses a letter of the Lord of Hunsdon to be sent by the first post because his Lordship hath no present means to send it. “So humbly craving pardon for my boldness, I end this xiijth August, 1596.”
Holograph. 1 p. (43. 88.)
Sir H. Kyllygrew to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 14. It pleased your Honour to favour my cousin William Treffry, this bearer's brother, as to procure him to be a commissioner of the Peace in Cornwall, for which myself, as the rest of his good friends, repute ourselves much beholden unto you. Since, as I understand from this assizes, he is left out of the commission by direction of the Lord Keeper, to his no small disgrace and our discredits. Because I know the gentleman to be of very sufficient living, of sound religion, and of learning and judgement fit to execute such authority, that there is no justice to the west of his house within thirty miles, nor to the north within twelve, nor to the east within six, the town where he dwelleth being a place subject to many disorders through the common recourse of men-of-war to that harbour, and therefore necessary to have some man of authority among them, I am bold to desire your Honour, as well in regard of Her Majesty's better service in that shire as to salve the credit of the gentleman, to be a mean to my Lord Keeper for his re-establishment, wherein (as for the rest of your Honour's favours) I shall remain most bounden to your Honour.
Added in Kyllygrew's hand, “As knoweth the Almighty, who ever preserve you. From my brother's house in Lothbury, this 14 of August, 1596, by your Honour's to command, H. Kyllygrew.”
Seal. (43. 89.)
John Stileman to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 14. Advertising him of Lord Bedford's late being in the chace and of the manner of his coming thither. First, he came with a brace of greyhounds into Norris' Walk, where he coursed but killed not. Norris being abroad in his walk, by chance met with one of his greyhounds and killed him, not knowing whose he was. Presently he, suspecting some stealers to be not far off, drew with his hound to the place where his Lordship was standing under a bush. After some words passed between them his Lordship asked whether he did see a dog of his which he had lost. Norris told him that he had killed one, not knowing him to be his. Lord Bedford seemed to be much offended at the matter, using these words unto him, that it should cost him one of his bucks for killing his dog. Which, within a day or two, he meant to have performed, for his Lordship came to the lodge, where, not finding the keeper nor his man at home, being both abroad in the walk, his Lordship took upon him to be his own carver, caused one of his men to cut boughs to call up the deer to the lodge : which being done one of his men went into the lodge and took out the keeper's bow. His Lordship shot at a buck and missed him. Presently came Norris home who understanding what his Lordship had done, being somewhat grieved that his bucks were scared from the lodge, told him of it in very good sort. One of his Lordship's men standing by, being offended at the matter, said they were the Queen's deer and Sir Robert Cecil was but the keeper of them. So his Lordship, not liking his entertainment, went away without his buck discontented. Cecil would do well to tell his Lordship of it, were it but in respect of the sauciness of his man.
From my Lord's house at Theobald's, the 14th August, 1566.
P.S.—“Your Honour's children are well.”
Holograph. 1 p. (43. 90.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Aug. 15. In my last, I certified you of the departing of Her Majesty's Commissioners from hence towards Portsmouth. Since which time, having considered of their proceedings here, I cannot find thereby how Her Majesty or the Adventurers can be much relieved towards their charges, unless there be some other speedy course taken therein; for, although the Captains have given their bills for so much as they confess hath come to their hands, they will hardly be brought to return the same or the value thereof, wherefore my poor opinion is that such as against all good order have been so forward to buy the goods should in some sort feel the smart thereof, although not so deeply as they deserve.
There are some that followed the army with ships at their own charges, not with an intent to do service but to bring away the spoil from others, and so that which they have brought is either given them, a great part thereof for carriage of the rest for England, or by them bought at Cales for their money. Other some have bought the goods here of such as are returned from the voyage. For the first, the goods given them for carriage of the rest may be taken to the benefit of the Adventurers, and those that brought it to be allowed freight for the same, as in reason is meet.
Those that have bought, either at Cales or here, of any belonging to the Service, to pay in money unto such as Her Majesty shall appoint, half so much more as already they have or are to pay to those of whom they bought the same, over and above Her Majesty's custom.
If there be any matter of moment found in the hands of any person that cannot or will not give a reason how or in what sort he came by it, the same be seized and taken also towards the benefit of the action. But for the doing thereof there must be a commission in very ample manner, as well to make search in all places as to examine any persons concerning the premises. If there be not some such course taken, I do not see which way there may come anything towards Her Majesty's charges and the general account of the voyage, more than the ships and the ordnance.
There was in two galleons and one other ship when they were taken at Cales, near about 2,000 quintals of rusk and good store of wines. Although the intended service should take none effect, yet it were very convenient the rusk, or so much thereof as is dry, should be put into sweet casks and preserved for any further service that may be hereafter, as also the wines, oils, vinegar, rice and tonny fish, or any other provisions which are returned from the service and may be kept; and, especially, that there be order given for saving of the iron hoops and good casks, for otherwise there will be great want thereof when any occasion shall be offered.
And although this service have been very great, yet if Her Majesty rest so and go no further, the wars will not so soon be ended. Wherefore if there be any intent of further service, some provision might be made beforehand so as the same may be done with more benefit to Her Majesty, less trouble to the country, and greater credit for such as the charge thereof shall be committed unto. Now were a fit time for butter and cheese to be provided in Somersetshire, as well for the price, the ordering of the butter in cask, and carriage of both where it shall be used. The harvest being past, some wheat might be gathered together in storehouses as the cheapness thereof in the country shall offer occasion; and some store to be made of good cask.
At the coming home of the ships from Newfoundland were a fit time to take dry fish before the choice be carried away by the Flemings and such as are accustomed to transport the same from hence. And if there should not be cause to use any of the above provisions for Her Majesty's service, there will be no loss in them to be sold again. As for beef or any other provisions, if there be no present occasion, the same will be better provided hereafter.
Long time before Sir Francis Drake undertook his last journey, it pleased the Lords of the Council to appoint me a commission with him and other gentlemen in these parts concerning the fortification here in hand; and by the said Sir Francis and gentlemen. I was appointed to keep account thereof, and to receive the impost granted by Her Majesty on pilchards transported out of the realm; but since (according to their Lordship's order) I delivered an account unto Sir Ferdinando Gorges how far I had proceeded, and so have not dealt any farther therein, supposing the whole charge had been left to him, which now I perceive is but only for the fortification wherein he hath taken very great care and travail.
For the impost of pilchards there are divers sums due for the years past, and now cometh in the time again for the making of them. Wherefore, if it be Her Majesty's pleasure the same shall be recovered, there must be present order given therein, and a more severe course taken with those that do refuse to pay the same than hitherto there has been; for mine own part, I find myself very unable to perform that duty therein which is meet, and to remit the recovering thereof again to Her Majesty's customers will serve but to enrich them as before it did, so that I would wish the charge thereof might also be left to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, unto whom I will be ready to give my best assistance—Plymouth, the xvth of August, 1596.
Signed. 1½ pp. (43. 93.)
P. Tourner to —
1596, August 15. Since being at London, I have been with sundry captains at sea, and last with one Thomas Strobryge, who did promise to do me some pleasure, and now I am troubled for his cause. He did take a ship laden with wine and has distributed as he thought good : which ship was one of Apavyle [Abbeville] in France, and the same man is master of her that did “awcht” the ship of wine and prunes that was sold in the Isle of Wight. I would have had Strobryge to have gone to the Isle of Wight and there to have seen if the “myche” have been made good prize, in respect it pertained to the town of Abbeville, which town is in the commission that your Lordship had pertaining once to Francis Tennent and George Scot. And as for myself, I had no more of Strobryge; betwix me and another man, the ship and four tuns of wines which we sold and had but 6l.; and that because they were seized on as they came ashore. Then I did buy a small pinnace thinking to have furnished myself and to have followed my Lord Admiral, and with foul weather was put into Selsey, and for some misdemeanours I and six men were sent to the gaol of Horson [Horsham]. And now since, as we should have been discharged, the Frenchman has arrived, and has charged me and the rest, and has sworn they will hang us, and are passed to London to purchase a commission and to hold a sessions against us. Unless your good Lordship seek some redress they both will have our lives and also the goods. Your Lordship may help me in respect of the commission your Lordship had as you did let the King of France's Ambassador see it. Beseeching your Lordship to have pity upon me, and to do for me as you has done many time afore. The poor men whom I have sent to you can shew the miserable estate I stand into. Taking my leave with a heavy heart, I commit your Lordship to the protection of the Almighty.—From Horson, the 15 of August 1596.
Holograph. 1¼ pp. (43. 94.)
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