Cecil Papers: September 1596, 16-30

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: September 1596, 16-30', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 6, 1596, (London, 1895) pp. 387-410. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol6/pp387-410 [accessed 20 April 2024]

September 1596, 16–30

Robert Beale to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 16. “It may please your honour, as I will not during my life refuse to do her Majesty all the service that I shall be able, so in this case I trust her Majesty will have some commiseration of my poor estate. Besides that I have nothing aforehand for so great a voyage and am scant able to bear the charge of a small family, I am so subject unto the stone that any extraordinary travail on foot, and especially on horseback, will so bring it down upon me, as that many times heretofore they have been violently taken and cut from me. Furthermore, under her Majesty's correction, I think myself no meet man to be employed in such Scottish services; for I have been in many books especially noted as a carrier down of the commission for the execution of the late Scottish Queen, and such persons cannot be grateful to that nation; nor without the danger of their lives, as partly may appear when the Lord Zouche was sent thither, being but a commissioner. Moreover, not long sithen my lord your father used some speeches unto me that I should be employed about some matters of the Low Countries when the commissioners should come over. Heretofore, with the help of Sir Henry Kellegrewe and Mr. Aty (?), I drew two books concerning those matters; whereof the papers and proofs remain in my hands, and can hardly be sorted out by another that is not so well acquainted with them as I am; so shall I not be altogether idle, but may, I trust, serve her Majesty to some purpose, and hope that upon your honour's favourable information of these my reasonable and true excuses, I shall be forborne from that painful journey and service which my body is not able to perform. For these causes it pleased her Majesty to dispense with my residence in the North parts and to allow of a gentleman my deputy, recommended by the judges and Mr. Attorney General not only for his learning in the laws, but also as man skilful in the Latin and French tongues, and who in my opinion can serve this turn as well as I can.”—My poor house at Barnes, 16 Sept.
Endorsed :—1596.
Holograph. 2 pp. (44. 99.)
—to Mr. Stallenge and Mr. Honnyman.
1596, Sept. 16. A letter has come from the commissioners at Plymouth which he presumes they are not acquainted with. The effect of it appears by “our answer,” copy enclosed. [The sentence is corrected from, “The effect of it was this, that whereas you moved my lord Admiral and me to write a letter for sequestration of more goods than was yet found by the notes delivered by the Italians that now—”]. Desires them to make a speedy end, to save expense. “And because I may dispose of my part, having great occasions to use great sums of money for sundry payments. I pray you, both of you, view those ships that are prizes because it may be that I would deal to buy some one of them for a little enterprise.” If Sir John Gilbart's would be easy to fit out for sea, would gladly buy it. They are not to publish that it is for him; for it is not. Will take their advice, how best to “vent” his portion, when Mr. Honnyman comes up.
Endorsed :—16 Sept. 1596.
Draft, 2 pp. (173. 130.)
Arthur Gregory to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 17. Is loth to seem importunate but fears to be “prevented” in his suit; and his necessity is such that he has had to mortgage his pension for 100l. to pay his debts. Asks for the surveyor's place which is now void.—Friday.
P.S. in his own hand.—“My metal being wholly wasted, I want means also to repair it, with many other things which, with my expense these three years, might deserve consideration also.” Signed.
Endorsed :—27 Sept. 1596.
Seal. 1 p. (44. 100.)
Edward, Earl of Oxford to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 17. Sends by bearer the copy which was in his hands, but it seems rather to be a counterpain of “her” jointure than of her pension. Only knows by hearsay his daughter's occasion to use it. Doubtless “my lord and you” took care that it was well made. Barnardeux was the man employed, and the intent was for a 1,000l. a year, to be assured to her as long as my lord of Derby lived; and to that end a lease was made over to you and me. “I pray you, good Sir Robert Cecil, peruse this, and if it be not as I take it, yet have that care of your niece, that if it be in the hands of Barnardeux it may be sought out. Also, I am most earnestly to desire you, as you are her uncle and nearest to her, next myself, that you will friendly assist her with your good advice. You know her youth and the place wherein she lives, and how much to both our houses it imports that she carry herself according to her honour. Enemies are apt to make the worst of everything, flatterers will do evil offices, and true and faithful advice will seem harsh to tender ears; but sith my fortune hath set me so far off as I cannot be at hand in this her troublesome occasions, I hope you will do the good office of an uncle, and I commit unto you the authority of a parent in mine absence.” Desires to know how her causes stand.—17 Sept. 1596.
Holograph. 1 p. (44. 101.)
Robert Beale to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, 17 Sept. Gathered from Cecil's speeches concerning Germany to him when last at Court, that he was to “set down how the princes in those parts might be dealt with about this late league between her Majesty and the French King.” Has therefore taken this as the subject of his discourse, and has done his best, but has always deferred to those who are better acquainted with the secret affairs of her Majesty.—My house at Barnes, 17 Sept. 1596.
Would gladly hear that the Queen was satisfied with his answer to Cecil's letter of yesterday.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (44. 102.)
Don Manoel to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 17. Being assured of his good will and afflicted by fortune (a thing to which all the great are subject), sends this gentleman to inform him of his state, and begs to be favoured with “l'effect de vostre bonne grâce.”
Endorsed :—17 Sept. 1596.
French. Holograph. 1 p. Seal. (44. 103.)
The Expedition to Cadiz.
1596, Sept. 17. Tabulated statement of “money, plate, jewels and goods taken at Cales in Spain,” and brought to light by the Commissioners between 2 Aug. last, the date of their commission, and 17 Sept. 1596. As follows :—
(1) In possession :—Seized and brought to the Queen's store house at London, 2,609l. 10s. 8d. Wines and ruske seized in the two Spanish prizes the St. Matthew and St. Andrew in Jellingham water, 5,000l. Oil sold at Plymouth, 750l.
(2) Out of possession :—Found aboard divers ships in the Thames and “denied to be delivered,” 1,299l. 18s. Sold in divers ports, 5,786l. 14s. 2d. “Confessed under the handwriting of such knights, captains and gentlemen to be given them by the lords Generals,” 12,838l.
Total, 28,284l. 2s. 10d.
Signed by Henry Billingsley, Rich. Carmarden and Thomas Myddelton.
1 p. (44. 104.)
Thomas [Bilson,] Bishop of Worcester, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 17. What he has done “in this matter” was to leave Cecil his choice either of “the things themselves” or the value of them. As for the fellows, doubtless they will better remember and better advise themselves, although at first “emulation or ignorance made them more averse than reason was.” If Cecil will wait till the writer has spoken with them, it will be seen that it was the “newness of the head and some private unkindness that bred this forwardness amongst them at the first.”—London, 17 Sept. 1596.
Signed :—Thos. Wigorn.
Good seal. 1 p. (173. 131.)
Levies in Herts.
1596, Sept. 18. Privy signet to the Lord Treasurer, lieutenant of the county of Hertford, (similar to that of 15 Sept. for Essex) for the levy of 100 men in Hertfordshire for service in France.—Greenwich, 18 Sept. 38 Eliz.
Sign manual. Seal. 1 p. (44. 96.)
Charles, Lord Mountjoye to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 18. The lords of the Council wrote to him to stay two brass pieces landed at Portsmouth out of the Swan of London. The officers of Portsmouth say the ship was never within the haven nor any such pieces landed. As those who informed the Council must have had some ground to do so, asks further instructions.—18 Sept. 1596.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (44. 105.)
Sir Anthony Ashley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 18. “I most humbly entreat your good honour to procure my speedy delivery, or that I may be called and charged, hoping that it is not intended utterly to undo me, and to make me hateful and shameful by length of imprisonment to all the world. The governor of Cales sent to me yesterday to speak with me, which I refused, not knowing your good pleasure, nor do desire to have conference with any his like. I do hope you will at last out of your honour's good nature and dis position have some care of me. Touching the petitions exhibited against me, I do humbly entreat I may have the favour to have the matters examined and reported, and accordingly to be censured. Here is also one Phillips in the Fleet who doth hourly practice treasonable matter against me, supposing I combined with the lord Chancellor in dangerous matters concerning the Queen of Scots. I most humbly entreat your honour to give me leave to proceed by way of justice against him. And lastly, I beseech your good honour, notwithstanding whatsoever you have conceived against me touching mine offence to her Majesty in purloining her moneys, to suspend yet your absolute resolution till the matter be thoroughly examined and that time may give you testimony of mine integrity.” Hopes that his adversary, if found false, may have the same punishment that the writer shall have if found guilty. Refrains from reporting the lewd words which that adversary lately used at table to Cecil's dishonour.—The Fleet, 18 Sept. 1596.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (44. 106.)
Thomas Browne to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 18. Explaining a dispute with one Mrs. Haule about 11 acres of land which Cecil wrote to him to sell her. It appears that the writer did not know till then that Mrs. Haule was “allied” to Cecil, nor that certain land of which he took a lease was in Mr. Haule's tenure and not in that of Nicholas Williamson, being part of Sir Edward Yorcke's estate. Mentions his kinsman, John Browne, who has surrendered the surveyorship of Suffolk.—Pinchbeck, 18 Sept. 1596.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (44. 107.)
Sir Robert Sydney to the Earl of Essex.
1596, Sept. 18. Takes the opportunity of the bearer's going to England to write the news. “The Duke of Bouillon came hither upon Wednesday, which was the day afore yesterday, and was very well received everywhere by the way as he came. Here he lieth in my lady the Princess' house, but at the charge of the States. To-morrow I think he shall speak with them; for they desire to despatch him away as soon as they may. Notwithstanding, Mr. Gilpin hath not yet received any order from the Court, and how he, therefore, will carry himself in the matter I know not; but now he is speaking with the Duke, and I think they will take some resolution together.” The Cardinal's army is said to be come back from the French frontier, The deputies of the State are doubtless with you ere this. If they propose to have my company and Sir Nicholas Parker's made up again, I beg you to further it. It will cost little and be very agreeable to those here.—The Haghe, 18 Sept. '96.
“The admiral of Holland I cannot yet meet withal, but I will find him before I go into Zealand.”
Holograph. 2 pp. (44. 108.)
Robert Bennett, Dean of Windsor, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 19. “Pleaseth it your honour, I understand there will be great importunity used for lodgings; howbeit, God willing, I will reserve both those which in my last letters I mentioned to be at your honour's commandment. If her Majesty shall use any immediate and direct commandment to take them from me I hope your honour will assist me.”—Castle of Windsor, 19 Sept. '96.
Signed.—Ro. Bennett.
Endorsed :—“Dean of Windsor.” 1 p. (44. 109.)
Tho. Windebank to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 19. Thanks him for his continued good opinion, which some seek to alter by sinister charges, though he knows not as yet who they are nor what they charge him with. Has not dealt dishonestly with any person. Begs him to “desire my lady of Cumberland to forbear her earnestness or further dealing, and to refer such matter as is to the petitioner's own friends and kinsfolks, who are like to prove the straitest judges against me without troubling her ladyship or your honour any further with matter wholly unmeet and unworthy hers and your honourable ears. Myself am very shortly to repair to my service.”—Haynes Hill, 19 Sept. 1596.
Holograph. 1 p. (173. 132.)
M. de Reau to the Earl of Essex.
1596, Sept. 19/29. “Monsieur, je suis contraint de vous importuner puisque les affaires nous importunent encores davantage. Il est certain que les ennemis tournent la teste en Artois, et faudra necessairement que l'armée du Roy, mon maistre, repasse la riviere de Somme desnuée du secours promis. Jugez, je vous supplie, quel prejudice cette retraictte mal apropos apportera au bien de ses affaires; neantmoins il semble par la responce que Monsieur Cecile m'a faitte que la Royne n'apprehende nullement ce danger quoyqu'il soit a la porte. Ce qui m'a fait recourir a vous, qui jugez mieux la consequence du fait, afin d'employer, s'il vous plaist, votre faveur et autorite pour eschaufer cette, si j'ose dire, trop grande froideur de Sa Majeste, et que le Roy puisse ressentir quelque fruit de cette ligue a l'heure mesme qu'il en a plus de besoin pour conserver la reputacion de ses forces et l'advantage que par cette derniere deffaite il a acquis sur les ennemis. En quoy la diligence est tres necessaire, si ja il n'est quasi trop tard, et sera encores plus si la Royne attend les advis de son ambassadeur, que le Roy soit en Picardie, pour envoyer son secours. Car ce sera lors le secours Venitien, trois jours apres la bataille. Il ne faut doubter que le Roy ne soit en Picardie aussi tost qu'il aura receu Mons. le Conte de Scheresberey, et n'y a rien eu que le dilayement du passage de ces gens de guerre qui l'ayent retardé de s'acheminer en son armée. Et bien que ledit sieur Cecile m'escrive que ce sera temps perdu que d'en presser d'advantage la Royne, si est ce que je me veux persuader qu'estant mieux informée de la consequence que tirera apres soy cette retractte d'armée qu'elle changera de resolution. Et puis, Monsieur, que vous consentez avec nous notre requeste estre plus que raisonable, je vous supplie y vouloir apporter ce que jugerez necessaire, et rendre cet office singulier au Roy qui vous en aura une eternelle obligacion. Mons. le due de Bouillon me mande qu'il en escrit un mot a Mons. l'Admiral pour en parler a la Royne. Si vous joignez vos balottes ensemble j'espere qu'il en reussira le fruit que nous en attendons avec tant de raison et de necessite. Je lui en escris un mot, et pareillement aussi a Mons. le Grand Tresorier, duquel je me veux persuader que le Roy tirera toutte l'assistance et office que requiert un affaire si important.”—London, 29 Sept., 1596. Signed.
1 p. (173. 135.)
Margaret Lady Hawkins to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 20. Received yesterday a letter from the Privy Council, signed by Cecil, amongst others, “and procured, as it appeareth, by Sir Thomas Baskervill upon a demand of certain money pretended to be due from Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Quarles to him for victualling and transporting of divers soldiers into Bryttayne in the year 1594.” Roger Longford, who knows the account of that money, is gone down to make payment to Sir Henry Palmer and others serving in the Narrow Seas, and she desires a respite until his return. The money received from the Exchequer for that service was paid over to Mr. Bludder, deputy to Mr. Quarles, whose accounts are extant and will show that it is not reasonable to charge her therewith.—Deptford, 20 Sept. 1596. Signed.
Seal. 1 p. (44. 111.)
William, Earl of Bath to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 20. Has always found my lord, Cecil's father, his friend, and both his Lordship and the rest of the Council have accepted his services, in this county of Devon, for the Queen. Sends his servant, the bearer, to present the general certificate of the forces of the shire, according to the form required, and begs Cecil to further his requests contained in a letter now sent to the Council, and be a mean for the despatch of this messenger.—Towstocke, 20 Sept. 1596.
Signed :—W. Bathon.
Seal. 1 p. (44. 112.)
G., Lord Hunsdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 20. “Sir, as Court actions carry seldom through performance without recontre of some crossing thwarts, and no less, pursued with direct course, in the end prevail, so I doubt not if you shall please to present her Majesty with a new and resolute assault of my much desired poor bill but that she will be as well pleased to sign it as she was gratiously contented to grant it; her deferring thereof until she should speak with me not unlike to proceed either to try how earnest you would be for me or unpatient I should prove to have any recontre of delay; for the sight of me yet, I hold, will more offend than my presence work to effect the despatch of my bill.” Begs him to solicit urgently the despatch of a matter which is so important to the Queen's service, especially “the eyes of the world standing now at gaze what respect her Majesty will carry to our house, so near in blood to hers and so little advanced in her reign of so many years.”—Drayton, 20 Sept. 1596.
Holograph. 1 p. (44. 113.)
Sir Henry Bagenall to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 20. The unseasonableness of the weather and contrariety of wind in these parts have so continued that I am here still detained to my great and excessive charge, which doth not a little trouble me in mind in regard of the stirs that by report of those that daily arrive from Ireland are likely to be continued there. I am bold to presume upon this occasion of my stay to make known to your Honour that I have only one lease of a manor, which I hold from Her Majesty, and her rent thereof is 60l. per annum; the largeness whereof will perhaps induce you to esteem it a thing of great benefit unto me, but I do assure you the benefit is so small that it is scarce worth the reckoning of, for the lands thereunto belonging are all copyhold, a little parcel of demesnes to the value of 8l. per annum, being part of the said 60l., only excepted, and that is yet in lease for a dozen years before the expiration, whereof I shall not receive one penny of profit by it. Notwithstanding, in regard it hath descended unto me by a former grant, and is this long time a thing in my possession, I would be very loth to be discountenanced in so small a matter by any others taking it over my head. And therefore I am most humbly to beseech your Honour to be a furtherance to Her Majesty on my behalf for a reversion in such sort as to your grave judgment shall seem meet.
I had divers things of my own in England, besides what my father left me by purchase, and what else he had acquired by his long and painful service in the time of her most noble father and brother; all which I protest I have been forced to sell and spent them merely and only in Her Majesty's service, whereby my state is worse at this present by 6000l. or 7000l. than my father left me at his death, over and besides the loss of my revenue in Ireland, a loss of no small moment for me and which needed to have been so with me, if I would but have used that slackness in the furtherance of Her Majesty's service that some others have. And now having no succour nor means left, but only to rely upon Her Majesty's most gracious bounty, I do yet comfort myself with this hope that your Honour of your wonted favour towards me will have me in remembrance to Her Majesty when time and occasion shall require.—From Hollyhead, the xxth of September 1596.
Endorsed :—“20 Octobre 1596.”
Signed. 1 p. (45. 92.)
Hurtado to Secretary Waad.
1596, Sept. 20/30. Has arrived at Ruan where a letter has come from Venice with news from Spain of the great dread there was in Madrid that the English armada would carry on the war in Spain and fortify themselves in Calis. In Lisbon there was great confusion, and the women left the town. King Philip sent word that the Portuguese should defend themselves, under the duke of Bargança as constable. From Madrid it is written hither that the king asked the estates of Spain for money for the war, and the church offered a million and a half yearly towards the war of England. The general of the English armada was much praised in Spain for his courtesy to the women in Calis. But for the English armada there would have been peace between France and Spain (por lo que ca anna platica afirmo a V. S. que si non saliera la armada de Inglatierra que autre Francia y Españda ubiera amistad). The armada is blamed here for returning so soon and for not fortifying Calis. In Ruan lodging is prepared for the Earl of Shrewsbury (Saralsbbery) in — street at the house of M. Sinami, an Italian. Writes the news to Mr. John Stanhope. Begs him to get the Earl of Essex and Stanhope (on behalf of the Queen) to write to Mr. Anthony Meylmey [Mildmay], the ambassador, in his favour. Will send the ribbon for the hat from Paris. It is reported that Don Juan Idiaquez is dismissed from the Council and out of favour because, to spare King Philip bad news, he kept back letters reporting that the English had entered Calis. The King has sent word that the Earl of Shrewsbury is to be here at his expense. To-day the Chancellor made a speech to the men of this town, reminding them that they should make the King a good reception as amends for their past offences, and that as they ought to lower the prices of food and wine for the King's coming, they should not previously advance them. The King asks 500,000 crs. of them, and it is thought he will get a great part of that sum.—Ruan, 30 Sept. 1596.
Spanish. Holograph. 2 pp. (133. 176.)
Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 21. “I have at this present received two letters from Sir Robert Cary and one from Mr. John Cary his brother, the contents whereof I do forbear to express, and do send the very letters unto you, having upon the reading thereof noted in the margins the principal points which you may do well to impart unto her Majesty, thereby to receive her answer for their satisfaction : wishing the state of those frontiers were of more strength, either to revenge these open outrages or to make defence; for, to that purpose, in former times of her Majesty's father and brother, but specially in her sister's time, there hath been a charge of extraordinary garrisons laid upon the frontiers, specially for the winter time in long nights.”
In his own hand :—Pray enquire for Mr. Edw. Gorg and Captain Chichester, “who are to have either of them 45 soldiers in Hertfordshire to make 90 in the name of 100,” and give them my letter, enclosed, directed to the deputy lieutenants of Herts. If they cannot be found, send a messenger with it to Sir Thos. Brockett or Mr. Butlar, because Sir H. Cock is in Hampshire.—Theobalds, 21 Sept. Signed.
Endorsed :—1596.
Seal. 1 p. (44. 114.)
Michael Hicks to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596, Sept. 22.] Your letter found me booted ready to take horse towards London upon some business. Notwithstanding, your letter is now (as a councillor, which your love was before) a commandment unto me, and therefore I have stayed my purpose and put off my business, and will, God willing, meet you at Blackwall at your appointed time. Only I must let you know that to-morrow I must christen Mr. Sheriff Lowe's child, and therefore am to entreat you to let me return when I have brought you within a kenning of Theobald's. And so with the remembrance of my humble duty, with my prayer to give you your heart's desire either in promotion or profit (being for your good) I humbly take my leave.—At Ruckholts, 2.
Endorsed :—“22 Sept. 1596.”
Holograph. 1 p. (45. 1.)
Wiilliam Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 22. On Saturday last Sir Ferdinando Gorges, received your letters of 14th hereof, and caused me to send copies to the rest of the gentlemen, who have appointed on Friday next to meet in this town and by their general letters to certify your Honour of our proceedings; and if, in the meantime, I receive no order to the contrary, I intend (God willing) within these six or seven days to depart from hence towards the Court, there to inform your honour of all things at large.
I have now received Sir Francis Drake's plate and some money of the gentlemen who had the same in trust, and I do send Mr. Drake bills for receiving of some money in London, and will do the like for the rest as it cometh to my hands. By letters from him, I understand your especial favour still continues towards him, which I pray God either he or myself may live to deserve.—Plymouth, 22 September, 1596.
Holograph. 1 p. (45. 2.)
George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex.
1596, Sept. 22. The opportunity of this bearer yieldeth occasion of my writing, and not any matter worthy the troubling your Lordship. All is yet very quiet since the wars at Hulst, neither is the Count of Solms yet cleared for the surrender thereof, but must be worn away by time, else will he never be freed with his credit. Marshal Biron's incursions, hath put all Arthoys into alarm and drawn the Cardinal's men unto those places for their defence, yet news is now come that part of his forces are returned into Brabant, but whether to be employed is uncertain. Of Captain Smithe's (one of them in the States' pay) running away to the enemy, I am sure your Lordship hath understood, neither can we as yet learn what his intent was. There is a purpose to try whether it can be practised to pay the soldiers by the pole and maintain the companies stronger. We do here make account that the deputies are got over, and those unto Denmark be there by this. The States of Holland are still met in ample number, stayed the longer together because of the Duke's arrival, who came hither on Wednesday last, and the Saturday following had audience, where he laid forth his message and cause of coming, what he had done with Her Majesty and desired to be performed of these men; requiring that certain might be committed to conference with him, with instance to have a good and speedy resolution. Their answer, for that time, consisted in thanks and compliments, concluding that it would please him to deliver the proposition in writing to be further considered, which he did on Monday afternoon, and I, that morning, had presented Her Majesty's gracious letters, which, I perceived, did not a little content them, and though it is unlikely anything will be resolved ere the provinces have returned their answers it is hoped some good will be wrought.
Sir Robert Sydney was here with the Duke, and brought the chains sent by your Lordship for Monsieur Duynenvoert and Gerbrants, who not being nor appearing here before his departure, he left both with me to deliver and present, using such speeches as the occasions may require : which I will forthwith perform and then certify your lordship further, till which or that better subject be offered I humbly take my leave.—From the Haeghe this 22nd of 7bre. 1596.
P.S.—If, while the Duke of Buillion shall be here, your Lordship shall have any cause to command or employ me, I should be right glad to show my readiness and employ my best endeavours.
Seal. 2 pp. (45. 3.)
Francis Rumball.
1596, Sept. 22./Oct. 2. Passport given by Don Juan de Silva, Count of Portalegre, Governor General of Portugal, to Francisco Banrembom, a Fleming, aged 28, to proceed to Ayamonte on private business.—Lisbon, 2 Oct. 1596.
Signed.
Countersigned with two other Spanish names. Endorsed :—“Passport for Francisco Rumball.”
1 p. Spanish. (45. 32 *.)
Thomas Mun to Eleazor Hickman.
1596, Sept. 22. You will have understood of our taking by 22 Spanish galleys, where we remain in most miserable case. I perceive they mean nothing less than to give us our liberty, alleging that we have been traders into Turkey and therefore to be condemned to the galleys. In which woeful places we still remain, our men being all in chains, abiding extremity of cold for want of apparel, being despoiled to their shirts, some lamed with their chains, their legs swelled and fear the loss thereof, all pinched with hunger, sometimes two days together without bread or water. As yet we are not put to the oar, neither do I think we shall be till we come to Naples or Genoa, where our sentence shall be given, and there we shall not want extreme labour and infinite blows to add to our hunger and cold. In the galleys we daily see poor men without occasion tormented with stripes by day, yea and night, even to the death. Such is the cruelty of the bloody-minded people, such is the misery of these galleys which is hell itself, having here no other consolation but the jingling of chains, the pitiful complaints of poor men lamenting with blows and cryings, which some or other continually are tormenting. I have sailed in Turkish galleys, and better I do affect to be the slave of a Turk seven years than one year in these galleys. I beseech you to procure with some in Venice, who have correspondents of account in Naples and Genoa, that they may procure my liberty. I know you will make them money to deal in this, for without that nothing will be done. We shall be example to the English shipping hereafter for yielding into the hands of Spaniards in hope of liberty, as we did.—In the galleys at Messina, 20 Sept., 1596.
Nota.—We were taken near Corfu in the Venetian's seas, contrary to their law, so you may use your industry in law. The same order you take for my deliverance at Naples or Genoa, Mr. Nelsonne requireth you for God's sake to do the like for him; and his goods in the hands of Aldriche and my father shall be for your repayment.
Contemporary copy.
On the same sheet :—
The Same to the Same.
[1596, Sept. 22.] The enclosed should have been sent by the Marsellian Morisan, but the master kept not his promise. We know no more than before, for our liberty or captivity. Some say we shall be burned for religion, some that we shall remain slaves. The best we hear is that our men, upon answer from the King, shall have their liberties. But the master, Mr. Stone, and myself must pay our ransoms, saying we are rich, wherein they are much deceived. I would write much, but Naples speaks English. I pray you to follow the contents of the enclosed. Our misery is more than my discourse, which I have written likewise to Thomas Norden in Zant, to advise you from thence lest this might miscarry. Twelve of our galleys go presently for Spain, so write to our friends in England to procure some Spaniards of account to be detained, for by such exchange there is hope to be released, when money shall not prevail. Thirteen of our men are gone in the galleys to Genoa, the rest of us remain, and know not whether we shall go for Spain or be sent to Genoa, and our matter be ended by the Prince Dorea, for he commands, and not Don Pedro which took us. Pray use means to Genoa likewise. Seven of our men are sick to the death, and three likely to lose their legs, being overladen with chains. I cannot write so much as I would, the walls have ears. We are dead of hunger and cold, no money nor friends to help us, nor one to speak in our behalves.—Naples, 22 Sept. [1596].
Contemporary copy. 2 ¼ pp. (174. 90.)
Richard Kyngsmyll to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 23. Begging Cecil's furtherance and favour in his suit to be employed in Her Majesty's service of the Mastership of the Rolls, which he verily thinks may be accomplished by him and his father, to whom he has made his humble suit also.—xxiiith of September, 1596.
Endorsed :—“Mr. Surveyor of the Court of Wards to my Master.”
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (45. 4.)
Virginio Onsino to Antonio Perez.
1596, Sept. 23/Oct. 3. Is sending his secretary, Mannelli, to the Court to solicit his affairs. Asks Perez to assist him.—Trinel, 3 Oct. 1596.
Italian. 1 p. (174. 14.)
Sir R. Sydney to the Earl of Essex.
1596, Sept. 24. Forwarding a letter from Count Ludwick of Nassau, the favour and love shewn unto whom by Essex has been very well bestowed, for he sheweth himself very thankful to all England, but especially to his Lordship. News there is none but that the D. of Bouillon has been very well received in Holland : he hath as yet no answer to his propositions and demands, but hopes to receive means to pay some good troops, both horse and foot, for the King, his master. It will probably be twenty-two or twenty-four days before he is again at Flushing, Sydney came from Holland but this day and found this bearer, Mr. Hall, ready to start, which makes his letter so short.—Flushing, the 24th of Sept. 1596.
Holograph. 1 p. (45. 5.)
John Danyell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, Sept. 24. Beseeching him to be a means for a warrant of security for him during twelve months, within which time he will by God's grace satisfy his whole creditors. He has taken order with the most part of them, and the rest do threaten and go about earnestly to arrest him. Since last he came into the realm, he has tasted so often of imprisonment that he had rather lose his life than be committed. Not being able to satisfy his creditors nor to defray his charges in prison, so as he must perish if committed, and his last security which he had by Lord Burghley's means having expired the last day of July last, he is forced to fly from place to place.—24 of September 1596.
P.S.—Among other creditors, he has owed Mr. Smyth, clerk of the Council, 40s. these two years; for this friendly tolerance he is greatly bound, and promises to pay the debt by the first day of November.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (45. 6.)
George, Earl of Cumberland to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596, Sept. 25.] I pray you excuse my often sending to you, forced by necessity, the ships that should go with me being much sought by merchants that would freight them for the Straits; so as if I do not, upon assurance that I shall proceed with Her Majesty's licence, conclude with the owners of them to-morrow, they will be had from me, and my voyage is overthrown, not able any other where to furnish myself of ships fit for my pretence. I would myself have come to you [but] that I cannot get from my sister; though she hath as perfect understanding as ever had any in her weakness, yet hath she not spoken anything since Thursday, and we look every hour for her departure, which God send may be happy, as I doubt not it shall, for she showeth the most and greatest tokens of God's blessing and mercy that I think ever did living creature. So loth further to trouble you I end.
Endorsed :—“25 Sept., 1596, Earl of Cumberland to my Master. Desires your Honour to move Her Majesty for his leave to go to sea.”
Holograph. ½ p. (45. 8.)
Sir Anthony Ashley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 25. I understand divers ways how much I am bound to you, insomuch as Her Majesty did marvel what reason you had to move so earnestly for me, considering the heinousness of the information exhibited by Philips against me; but hoping that ere this the commissioners have thoroughly satisfied Her Majesty in my behalf, especially being seconded by the report of the matter concerning Mrs. Rice referred to the examination and report of the Lord Keeper, I doubt not but the passage will be more easy, and am assured that the Lord Keeper will (by your good advice) either deliver you his conceit to be reported by you to the Queen, or, if you shall think it more behoofful, will report it himself to my best advantage, according to the truth of matters apparently found upon two several deliberate hearings of the cause. No longer gone than yesterday I had very probable information of very great wealth in pearls and jewels concealed and gotten in the late action. The informers some of them are threatened with loss of place and otherwise, and will not long be biding in England, as I take it. I do think it very expedient in the furtherance of Her Majesty's service that immediately upon my liberty you appoint me some fit place to attend you : and if you take not good heed of the disclosing this matter, it may haply (coming to some men's ears) make them set up the rest of their uttermost credit to keep me still by the heels. For mine own part, I will not so much as mutter it to anybody till the time you shall appoint, nor do ought else whatsoever without your special direction. I send enclosed a petition to be exhibited to Her Majesty in furtherance of my liberty, if you shall think it needful and allow it. If any matter of complaint be further objected, I will presently before my deliverance put in two of the best aldermen in London as my sureties to make treble satisfaction for any fault that upon examination shall be found in me.—This xxvth of Sept. 1596.
P.S.—I humbly pray you, if you like not the petition, to tear it or return it.
Seal. 1 p. (45. 10.)
Cobham Hall.
1596, Sept. 25. Corn remaining at Cobham Hall.
1 p. (145. 186.)
Mrs. Windebank to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596, Sept. 26.] Good Mr. Secratyary. If eaver you took piti or compacyon of woman, let me be han humble suter too your Honer to be a mens to Mr Windebank, eather that he will be pleased to send his maryed daughter home, and releve her with his pors and gooe to her at his pleasur, and not bring her to make strif between him and me, or els to give me such goodes and chatells as I brought him and so to depart. I would not live so unquietly for all the goods in the world. He saith he will refer the matter to my friends : he croweth no law can compel him, and so long he cares not for any friend I have; but your Honer may, if you please to command him to send hom his soon and daughter, or else to give me the porshen I brought him, I shall be bound to pray for your Honour. He is now weary of me, and he thinks to weary me out. He hath left me without men or money but 10l. to pay my doctor and poticary and keep hous this month, and no clothes to put on me and will send me none. He sendeth your onor word his servaunts are sick. He is well and hath enow too wayt on him if he will. Hoping your honour will pitie my case and be a mens under Good to work my speedy delivery, I humbly tak my leave, your honr's most humblie at command, Mary Windebank.
Endorsed :—“26 Sept. 1596. Mrs. Wyndebancke to my master.”
Holograph. 1 p. (45. 11.)
Lady Hawkins to the Lords of the Council.
1596, Sept. 26. By their letters of the 18 of this present their Lordships certify her of a petition to them by Sir Thomas Basquervile, knight, wherein he craved 312l. for a victualling into Bryttayne in 1594, and willed her and Mr Quarles either to satisfy this or to return her answer.
By reason that Roger Langford, who is best acquainted in that matter, and did then [serve] Mr Hawkins as his clerk, is in the Narrow Seas, making of a pay to Sir Henry Palmer and the rest of those companies in Her Majesty's service, she deferred her answers till this present, hoping he should have waited on their honours and answered it himself. She finds that Mr Hawkins received such a sum out of the Exchequer, and as he hath done in like case divers other times paid the money, being for Her Highness' service, over to Thomas Bludder, deputy to Mr Jeames Quarles, with Mr Quarles' consent, who confesseth the receipt, and is ready to yield a reason of the employment of it when it shall please your Lordships to call it in question. It may therefore please their Lordships to take order with him to satisfy Sir Thomas Basquervill for the money he received and whatsoever was returned in victuals is in his hands. Doubts not but he is able to yield an honest reckoning.—Detford, the xxvith September 1596.
(Signed):—Margaret Hawkyns.
Endorsed :—“La : Hawkins to ye Lls.” 1 p. (45. 12.)
Charles Lord Willoughby, Sir Edward Dymok and Sir George St. Poll to Lord Burghley.
1596, Sept. 26. According to your letters dated the 11 of this instant, importing Her Majesty's pleasure that we should provide and furnish ninety-four footmen in the county of Lincoln, to be had into Ireland under the conduct of Sir John Booles, knight, we have levied the said men, and have divided them according to your directions, viz., forty-seven corslets with pykes, twenty-four calyvers, and twenty-three muskets, and have delivered them this day unto him, and have made an indenture containing the names of the soldiers and the places of their dwellings, which herewithal we send unto your Lordship. And for the restitution of the armour upon their return we have taken bonds of the said Sir John Booles as you have prescribed.—Lincoln, this xxvith of September, 1596.
P.S.—If it might please your Lordship, since the nights grow long and cold, to discharge the country of the watch of the beacons, it would be very acceptable to them.
Addressed :—“Lord Lieutenant of the county of Lincoln.”
1 p. (45. 13.)
Sir Anthony Mildmay to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 26 Since the writing of my last letter there is news come that the estates shall be assembled at Roen forthwith. The King is already on his way thitherwards at a town called Meilon, and stayeth my Lord of Shrewsbury's coming, which cannot conveniently be before Tuesday next by reason of his long being at sea, which asketh some time of refreshing, especially our horses much weakened thereby. The King cometh shortly thither, with intent to lay his burthen there. It putteth me in some hope that he will pass the most part of this winter there : a thing which many besides myself wish, which are already tired of his often removes. It is reported that the King had a purpose lately to send one Monsieur de la Bourdiere, chief of his Majesty's family, Ambassador to the Pope; whereof he being advertised, and understanding that he was one of the League, sent to the King to have him stayed, assuring him that he would never have any communication nor speech with any of that faction.
The commander of Diepe is very thankful to Her Majesty for her gracious favour shewed so lately. He protesteth to do her all faithful service whilst he liveth, and wisheth that by the means of some good occasion he may more effectually shew the good affection he beareth to Her Majesty's service. It would both encourage and assure him in the course he hath undertaken if it would please your Honour to take notice of his good affection to do Her Majesty service by two or three words under your hand to him. His credit and acquaintance in Court, as I am informed, are very great, whereby he may very greatly advance her affairs by such intelligence as he may give, and therefore not to be neglected. I leave it to your honourable consideration humbly taking my leave.—From Diepe, the 26th of September, 1596.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (45. 14.)
Ro. Whyte to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596, Sept. 26.] Understanding that Sir Thomas Baskervile and Sir Arthur Sauvage, by Her Majesty's pleasure, must forego their company in Flushing, because of their employment into France, and these being two of the cautionary companies of Flushing at the disposal of the Lord Governor, asks that, in the absence of his master, Cecil will defend the authority and reputation of one that truly loves and honours him, that these companies be not bestowed without his consent and liking.
Endorsed :—“26 Sept. 1596.
His desire is that the companies of Sir Tho. Baskervyle and Sir Arthur Savage may not be disposed out of Flushing without consent of Sir R. Sydney.”
Holograph. 1 p. (45. 15.)
Sir A. Ashley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 26. I wrote to you yesternight, but by reason of my brother's absence they were not delivered but left there till this morning, and, because I would be loth henceforth to give your Honour in any of my actions the least cause of jealousy, I have sent you by my brother an open letter to the Lord Keeper, not to be delivered without your perusal and good allowance. I am now very sorry that my last petition (through despair of your recovery) was so untimely delivered by the countess of Warwick, after so long delay. Multiloquio non deest peecatum; how beit (I take it) that this letter to his Lordship may solve what is amiss.
There is very great labour to stop some folk's mouths touching the pearl and the jewels I wrote to you of yesternight; and, if heed be not taken, the parties will be gone out of the way. There be three of them. One is called “Black Dick,” belonging to the Quivry; another Lieutenant Whitacres, and the third is one John Davies; two of these are presently in Court, but if they have any notice hereof they dare not abide it before I have dealt with a fellow, their pot companion, that must charm them in their kind. I understand also that the States be come and haply her Majesty may either lose or be charged wrongfully with repayment of a great mass of money if your Honour foresee it not, and have some speech with me before resolution; for I am most assured there will be foul play offered. And therefore my liberty would be hastened, I most humbly take leave from the Fleet, this xxvjth of September, 1596.
Seal. 1 p. (45. 16.)
Sir Thomas Egerton, Lord Keeper, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 27. According to the Queen's pleasure signified by Cecil, he has twice heard the complaint of Mrs. Barbara Burgoyn (alias Rice) against Sir Anthony Ashley, first hearing the parties themselves, then (doubting lest the poor gentlewoman either did not understand or could not fully inform him of the state of her own cause) assigning Mr. Fuller, who is of kin or allied unto her and was nominated by herself, to be of her counsel; and, in regard of her poverty, appointing him to take pains for her in forma pauperis without fee. In the end, finds she has so little cause or colour of complaint that if the matter had been depending in the Chancery by ordinary course of suit the defendant must have been dismissed with costs; but, lest this summary report may not satisfy Cecil, and in case Her Majesty will be pleased to be informed of the particularity, he thinks good to acquaint Cecil briefly with the same.
Mrs. Rice had an estate for life in the manor of Medmenham, co. Bucks, the inheritance being in one — Rice, a young gent. She leased the whole manor to others, part of it for ten years, part for seven years or thereabouts, without reserving any rent at all. She being well stricken in years married one Ed. Burgoyn, a young gent. now her husband. Sir Anthony Ashley bought the inheritance of young Rice; then compounded with Burgoyn for his interest, and (to clear the manor of Mrs. Rice's estate, if she should overlive her husband) compounded also with her; whereupon she and Burgoyn joined together in a fine for Sir Anthony's better assurance. Burgoyn is living still and the leases for years not yet ended. The state of the cause in law standing thus, Mrs. Rice contendeth that in equity she is to be further considered, and in that behalf chargeth Sir Anthony that in consideration of the levying of the fine he promised unto her some things which he hath not performed. This promise she affirms to have been made before one Beard, and one Hyde, a servant of Sir Anthony's, and other witness of it she hath not. Beard is dead and, if living, she saith she would not trust him as he was not a man of credit. Hyde when examined upon oath in her presence, utterly denied that ever he heard or was privy to any such promise. Sir Anthony also offered to depose that he never made any such promise; and so she fails of proof of this promise, which is the only ground of her complaint.
Sir Anthony being further pressed by him, admitting such a promise had been made, how he could then answer it, answered that he stood upon the first agreement which was performed by the fine and shewed divers letters from Mrs. Rice herself and from Beard, whereby it seemed she was fully satisfied and did not stand upon any such promise. Secondly, he shewed her own deed under her hand and seal by which she did acknowledge herself fully satisfied. Thirdly, he shewed a deed containing an arbitrament made by Mr. Dr. Cesar and Mr. Lovell, the cofferer, as also a final agreement of the parties themselves, and this under the hands and seals of the arbitrators, and of Sir Anthony and Mrs. Rice. All this notwithstanding, Sir Anthony did afterwards give her ten angels at the request of Sir John Fortescue.
Although satisfied that Mrs. Rice complained without cause, that he might leave no part of her suggestion unexamined, Egerton required Sir Anthony to set down what he had disbursed for obtaining this estate from Mrs. Rice, meaning thereupon to take some hold to have drawn him to yield her some further recompence; but in this he gave such satisfaction as Egerton could not in reason press him further for he hath disbursed much more than Mrs. Rice's estate can reasonably be esteemed at, considering there are leases yet continuing and no rent reserved, and that which she could pretend was nothing certain but rather a casual possibility of an estate for her own life, after the leases ended, if she, being aged and then in prison and sickly, should overlive her husband being but a young man.
Leaves this to Cecil's wisdom to be imparted to Her Majesty as he shall think meet.—At the Rolls, this xxvijth of September 1596.
Signed :—Tho. Egerton, C.S.
Seal. 2 pp. (45. 17.)
Sir Henry Knyvett to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 27. The weakness of my authority, Right Honourable, would have forbidden me to open your letter or that other of my Lord, if the force of your command over me had not encouraged me thereto. For although my name rest in the commission of Lieutenant, yet by the death of Sir John Danvers my power is extinguished. Here at my brother, Sir George Sidenhame's, yesterday night in my way to Wiltshire, I received the said letters : according to the contents whereof, I have taken the readiest order I could devise for the expediting of the service, meaning shortly (God willing) to attend your Honour and to crave your favourable assistance in my troublesome causes with Poole, who lately hath vexed me with new process, which as heretofore so now doth detain me from the accomplishment of my willing service to her Majesty; being enforced to hasten towards London sooner than otherwise I needed.—At Coombsidenham, this xxvijth of September, 1596.
Seal. 1 p. (45. 18.)
News from Spain.
1596, Sept. 27. David Coleman, of Lubeke, mariner, reporteth that he was at Port Real in a ship of Lubeke whilst our army came to Cales, and remained there till 27 August last, at which time the Carricks and Indian Fleet was not come home, but there was news they should come shortly and leave the principal treasure at the islands. The Indian Fleet which was in the bay of Cales was wholly burnt, being 49 ships, by commandment of the Vice-Admiral of Andelusia, whereat the merchants and owners of the ships are greatly discontented. Since the departure of our Fleet there hath been recovered at low tides divers pieces of artillery, and more than 1,000 tons of wine and oil.
The town of Cales, since the departure of our Fleet, was presently entered by the Duke of Medina with four hundred soldiers, and the houses and fortifications are now diligently repairing, the King of Spain having granted them liberty of all subsidies and contributions for the space of ten years.
After the departure of our Navy, the Spaniards have seized upon all such ships of the Easterlings and Hollanders as were in the havens of St. Lucar, Port Real, and St. Marye Port, and taken the masters prisoners, unmanned their ships and placed Spaniards in them.
There is speech at Port Real that some forces shall go to Ireland, but how many he knoweth not.
There were at Lisbon more than 30 ships of the Easterlings at the time of our army coming to Cales, and are yet there in the river.
The occasion of his stealing away from Spain is this. The Master of the ship wherein he served being taken prisoner at Port Real, and the ship disfurnished of the sails and necessaries, but having another sail privately in the ship, they came away in the night, and have brought the ship to Bristow, being loaded with salt, to their Master's benefit.
Endorsed :—“27 of Septembre, 1596. The report of David Coleman, mariner of Lubeke, being come from Port Real the 27 of August.”
(45. 19.)
The Queen's Coachmen.
1596, Sept. 27. Petition of Guillaume Boone and 5 others, the Queen's coachmen, for a lease in reversion of 60l., for their services.
Endorsed :—March 27, 1594.
Note by the Earl of Essex as to their good service.
Note by Sir Julius Caesar that the Queen grants the petition.—27 Sept. 1596.
1 p. (152.)
—to—
[1596], Sept. 28. “Js. et Mria ” :—Since the last (by whom you assured me), I hear from very good part the old man of Spain is angry and hath sworn, in furore suo and in his own language, he will be revenged. For indeed he is angry with your last attempt, and other circumstances prove strongly that they will arm for all things necessary to invade you so speedily as they can; whereunto the subjects of Spain have offered great assistance in money and payments, and I do credibly believe it now more than ever.
The enterprise of Ostend was averted by the coming of the French at the same instant into the borders of Arthoys, with strong troops of horse, where they took prisoner the Marquise de Waranbon, a nobleman of Borgondye who commanded in those parts, and did overthrow near a hundred of his horse, did much spoil on the open villages, and took a little town called St. Pawle. Besides, it was advertised from where you are that the English should join with the French, Holland and Zealand, for the siege of Calays, which some days was observed reinforced the garrison of town and forts and drew all the camp thitherwards. Wherein so much time is spent as I think winter's approach will permit nothing to be done of long work. Sure I am here is a greedy desire to get Ostend, and every occasion is waited on to surprise it or otherwise as they find commodity; which excepted, with defence for the French incursions this winter, I think nothing will be done till they set on you, and that will appear more evidently shortly. In the mean time you may now make that reckoning (if I be not much deceived) and provide accordingly; all parley of truce and peace is broken with France (as this last act sheweth), and the ambassador of the Cardinal returned, and it is said that French, Holland, and Zealand are yours offensive and defensive, a strong alliance for one enemy. The letter I mentioned I have not here to send presently,—by the next I will not fail; it is Latin and imports more the Scottish King than you, and yet you will pick out some profit. From Leege I send you these, where I am presently, and to return again to Andwarp forthwith. If you write, use the way of Clederow for the next, for I fear I shall not be there myself; neither do write but for necessity, for there is much diligence to find letters. The cause why I desire to be sometime permitted is, at this present I am in some hope to have some part of that which is owing me for the arrearages of my pay, whereof within two or three months I shall see the effect, and it would bring me away well. Beside, in both yours it is said where and when I will, wherefore I thank you. What I say of the L. D. is most true; and therefore particularly procure that to be seen I send you herewith and you shall do me a great favour, and, if things fall out well, be much thanked for your good will and service of a good friend. Of my perpetual sincerity with you never doubt; and the like I reckon from you in all. Keep secret what passeth for it is most convenient; but of that it is superfluous to write.”
In a different ink :—“Thus much I writ being at Leedge, from whence I meant to have sent to you, but the means failed, and, returning to my ordinary, I hazard to send this way and so have that letter I mentioned in my last. Don Pedro de Baldeze who was once prisoner with you, is to come to the Low Countries shortly, and the Count de Fwentes is likely to be general of that enterprise, if it go forward, as presumedly it is not doubted; howbeit there is now a secret bruit that the King should be dead. It is but with few but these of good intelligence. It may be true but I do not assure it, and though it were it is thought that resolution would not be altered, for divers of his desire his end, thinking his age and coldness a let to many enterprises. 28. 7b. [28 Sept.]
“I pray you acknowledge the receipt of these and the last by the way of Cledo, for I shall be absent at least two months. I fear my father or uncle Richard Brock of Prestowld, or both, be dead, that I hear not answer of my letters. Inform yourself and let me hear of you.”
2 pp. Seal. (48. 24.)
Enclosed in the preceding :—
—to—
“Sir, some months past I advertised you [of my lord Dacres his inclination towards her Majesty's and country's service, so again I say, his loyalty and sincerity is not to be distrusted; wherefore I think it strange that her Majesty doth not more graciously respect him and call him home, which I think for his part he hath freely offered long since; and as from the beginning he hath been diversly practised to return to the Spanish King's service, from which he hath retired himself now xvj or xvij months, so now is he vehemently entreated at this instant with great offers to increase his pension almost double and to pay it him hereafter duly, and to give him presently in his purse all the arrearages of so many months as he hath been retired, which is a sum of xvij or xviij hundred crowns, besides the continuance of his son's pension. I know all this is offered him of good part, and will be performed if he will accept it presently; but he, regarding her Majesty's favour, hath to this day and doth yet defer to yield to it, temporizing with them in hope presently to receive some good comfort from your Court to his contentment, without which I know his extreme wants to be such as for lack of means to eat, beside his debts, I fear he shall be compelled to accept their offer, being unable to continue twenty days longer. Of this I thought good to advise you, beseeching you to make my lord of Essex acquainted withal, whom he esteemeth his good gracious friend and honourable patron, and loveth before all other of his rank at this day. Thus much to you alone, acknowledging you shall do me a singular pleasure to communicate so much as I have required. Christ keep us. 23–7br.”
In a different ink :—“Again since the writing of this first there be that offer to procure him 180 crowns pension the month and 2500 crowns in his purse, besides his son xl or l crowns the month. I pray you be very circumspect in communicating this. I know he is much affected to the person forenamed, and that he hath power to work much in his cause; and that must be hastily or else the poor nobleman cannot endure it.”
In another hand :—“Under your Honor's correction, I presume this lord Dakers may by Smyth's means be wrought to receive and accept the King's pension, &c., and, under that continuance and course to her Majesty, some service of the best consequence. Which under leave and direction I dare engage my life to bring to pass, &c.”
1 p. (48. 25.)
Sir Edw[ard] Hoby to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 28. To begin with compliments were almost never to make an end, so much doth the infiniteness of your love and favour draw on one after another, but to conclude all in one, I am yours, I will be yours, and then shall think myself happiest when I may have means to do your Honour service. This bearer found me like a good Justice of Peace ready to ride to the Quarter Sessions, a little to take air, being newly come hither from Q. Castle, in which air I was loth to continue my wife any longer, with whose melancholy humour, as if the wound were yet green, I am a little too much troubled. But when I may learn (as I will set spies) that my best Lady (your Lady) hath freed herself for a time from the Court (as I hear she shortly will), I straight will see for one short day how the city of London looketh, having not yet been nearer to it than yesterday at Cobham to visit my cousin G. Brooke. The Guiana Kn. is infinitely bound to your Honour, and I doubt not but time and the continuance of your love will wear out all distastes. But I hear you had more need to take the protection of Peter Gunner, whose jailor I hope one day to be in earnest by virtue of your warrant, as sometime he took upon him to be mine with a counterfeit. And so loth to be tedious but with the very strings of my heart rendering all serviceable thanks, humbly beseeching my duty to your Lady may not be forgotten, I rest, ready to do your Honour service, Edw. Hoby.—From my house near Rochester, 28 Sept., 1596.
Holograph. 1 p. (45. 20.)
Treasury of Her Majesty's Chamber.
1596, Sept. 29. Estimate of money required for the usual payments in the Treasury Office of Her Majesty's Chamber for six months until Michaelmas, 1596.
Draft. 1 p. (45. 7.)
Customs : Port of London.
1596, Sept. 29. Note by Richard Carmarden, showing that from Michaelmas 1595 to Michaelmas 1596 the customs and subsidy paid in the port of London for velvets, satins, taffetas, cambrics, lawns and sewing silk amounted to 6,840l. 3s. ¾d., exclusive of what was paid in the out ports which for cambrics and lawns is more than at London.
1 p. (45. 9.)
Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 29. Having written Cecil many letters since the return of the Fleet, without receiving any acknowledgement, doubts that by some means they have miscarried, and begs that such letters as he shall send from time to time may be acknowledged by one of his secretaries.
The answer of his last letters to the Commissioners is referred to the coming up of Mr. Stallenge who will be at Court about the beginning of next month.—From the port at Plymouth, the 29 of Septem., 1596.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (45. 21.)
Doctor Thomas Ridley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 29. As my Lord of Winchester, late deceased, hath left behind him a very good remembrance here for his great house keeping, painfullness in preaching, and diligence in executing his duty in all sorts under Her Majesty, so also he had a careful meaning for the repairing of the houses of his see, which in some places are greatly ruinated, as namely at Walsey, being the chiefest seat of the Bishop. But even as he had entered into the work it pleased God to call him away, to the great grief of the country, hindrance of those that did appertain unto him, and prejudice to these and other good designments, wherein he had an intent to have satisfied all his friends fully to their expectation and his good meaning; which now being taken away before the rent day, his state is not able any way to perform. May it please, therefore, your Honour, since by the Bishop's untimely death the houses are like much to be decayed, the winter now approaching, and they lying open to the injury of the weather, your Honour among the rest would have a care for it, and appoint some man in the vacancy for the repairing of them. I think your Honour shall hardly find a man more fit for this business than this bearer, Mr. Henry Ricks, a gentleman whom my Lord Bishop used for his steward and dealer in all these matters of buildings and all his other occasions; in all which he hath so well approved his discretion and faith unto the world that he may be thought well worthy the managing of these or greater matters. Wherein if it shall please you favourably to consider of him the whole see and houses of the bishopric shall have just cause to render most humble thanks. Besides, the gentleman, over that he is like to do Her Majesty good and profitable service in the vacancy in saving to her many things which would be peradventure concealed by others, is able to inform yourself in the whole state of the bishopric so far as you shall desire to be satisfied therein, to which end he will attend you at your pleasure.—From Winchester, the 29 of Septemb., 1596.
Holograph. 1 p. (45. 22.)
The Commissioners at Plymouth to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 29. We have at length finished our despatch which for some time was deferred unto Mr. Stallenge his coming up himself unto your Honour, who can best make relation of what hath been done from the beginning.—Plymouth, this xxixth of September, 1596.
Signed :—Ferd. Gorges, George Cary, William Strode, Chr. Harris, Wm. Stallenge.
Endorsed :—By Mr. Stallenge.
Seal. ½ p. (45. 23.)
Army.
1596, Sept. 29. “There hath been paid to Sir Thomas Sherley upon the warrant of the 20 of Sept., 1596, for the full pay of the 2 colonels, captains, and officers of bands, and the leadings of 2,000 soldiers, and iijs. iiijd. apiece by the week for vj months,” 10,038l. 8s. Also by a second warrant, 29 Sept., whereby an increase is given to Sir Thomas Baskerville of 30s. per diem, and to Sir Arthur Savage of 10s. for the like time, 336l.
“One whole month's entertainment cometh to the sum” of 2,265l. 3s. 4d.; six months to 13,599l. 12s.
1 p. (44. 110.)
Lord Cobham.
1596, Sept. 29. Account of Henry Granville, steward of the household to William Lord Cobham, Lord Chamberlain, Sept. 29, 1596.
1 p. (204. 39.)
Sir Anthony Ashley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. 30. Yesterday towards evening there was some overture made me, by a couple that came in company under colour to visit me, to reconcile Gilly Merrick with me, and that thereupon my liberty should be undertaken, and my Lord's good favour procured in best sort. I answered with no show of mislike, saying that I bear him no malice, but left the wrongs done me to the touch of his own conscience, as things not proceeding from himself originally, but from finer heads to serve other purposes as well as his own private. Howbeit that it could not stand with my safety nor reputation to take place with him before my coming forth : at which time I would be contented to refer matters to the consideration of two indifferent gent. Whereupon they fell from me, saying that the motion proceeded only from themselves without the privity of Sir Gilly, concluding that it was very doubtful and disputable whether I should ever prevail for my absolute liberty before my peace with my Lord, which could not with any congruity or possibility be effected without good Sir Gillie's special mediation. So falling into other formal talk, we parted coldly. I conceive hereby how they plot my ruin, which were it only for the punishment of my body I would bear with more patience, but it draweth with it my utter overthrow, for I perceive I have an enemy more than I thought on or at any time deserved, I mean the Lord Buckhurst, who, as Phillips hath in great secret confessed to some my fellow prisoners, hath bought a pretended interest to a manor I have in Wilts of a couple of rogues and counterfeitors in my late absence in Her Majesty's services, and doth mean the beginning of this term to bring the matter to trial at the King's Bench in the name of Phillips, who hitherto hath but borne the bare name of this bad action to avoid clamor; and doth likewise lend his name in like sort to my L. B. for other lands of great value, bought of late by Phillips of one Fisher here prisoner, and the last term, as I understand, censured in the Star Chamber, having already agreed by my L. earnest letters with some of the tenants in possession. My Lord Treasurer no doubt may well remember the matters. This Phillips hath served my Lord's turn in like matters heretofore, and hath advised some here in Fleet to advise me (for now he seemeth to be charitably disposed towards me) to write unto my L. B. to entreat his mediation to Her Majesty for my liberty, and thereupon to make him offer of my interest in the manor in some reasonable sort. Sir, I assure you this matter toucheth me to the quick, and savoureth so much of dishonour and ingratitude that had my absolute liberty, (I cannot refrain to bewray my weakness) I should either make bitter complaint to the Queen, or bring my action of champerty, come of it whatsoever, and am hereby most certain that his L. will labour and join with others to continue my restraint till his trial be past; wherein I should be as hardly used as ever any of Her Majesty's poor servants. And therefore I most humbly entreat and expostulate your extraordinary good favour, relying wholly thereon, protesting by the faith of a Christian that what soever you shall assume unto Her Majesty in my behalf, I will not fail immediately to perform if it be possibly within mine habilitie. And if my restraint could any ways have availed or benefited so honourable a patron as yourself by any manner of service, as it hath done others, I know you would ere this have engaged yourself for me.—This last of Sept, 1596.
P.S.—If your Honour would but entreat my Lord your father to be good unto me, no doubt it would give great furtherance.
Seal. 2 pp. (45. 24.)
Arthur Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. Beseeching him to have his poor suit in remembrance to Her Majesty, and the rather that, upon the denial of Mr. Beale's reversion (whereof Gorges was not reputed worthy), she willed him to solicit her by Cecil's means in any other reasonable matter. A more reasonable suit cannot be, being but to secure his daughter from the hands of strangers, if God should call him in the next four or five years. The commodity, as he hopes, shall not be much, as he trusts in God to live so long and to dispose of her himself. Notwithstanding, it will be a gracious testimony of Her Majesty's mind toward him and a favour from Cecil to deal therein. The like hath been granted to many of less time and service than he has spent in the dutiful attendance of her sacred person.
Endorsed :—“Sept. 1596.”
Undated. Seal. 1 p. (45. 25.)
Monsieur de la Chaste to the Earl of Essex.
1596, Sept. Regretting that he cannot find any occasion to testify his devotion while Essex continues to lay obligations upon him.
Endorsed :—“Mons. de la Chaste. Sept. 96.”
French. Undated. ½ p. (45. 26.)
Arthur Gregory to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, Sept. If Cecil will send his little book of “plattes,” while Gregory is purposely absent to avoid suspicion of importunity, he will return it within two days. His other idle absence he spends in modelling of a coach of greater ease than hath been ever tried, besides necessary commodities for carriage of papers or other provision; he will not so soon be worth it as Cecil shall be presented therewith. If he could but relieve his poor family in very sparing manner, and continue so to do Her Majesty's service, he would not repine to see other preferred and himself always denied. Is at present departing with the best means of relief which he has to supply present necessity, so as if he should long depend on Her Majesty's consideration without effect he would fall into extreme misery. If, therefore, receiving Her Majesty's denial, he depart silent and seek a new course of life, she cannot be displeased therewith. Depends only on Cecil, not having so much as shewed himself to any other councillor since nor long before his Honour's coming to his place, and therefore he is more bold to ask continuance of his favour in his suit, as well as in the Surveyor's place if it may be with his Lordship's good liking.—From my poor house in Whitechapel, this present of Sept. 1596.
Signed. Part of Seal. 1 p. (45. 27.)
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