Cecil Papers: October 1589 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

'Cecil Papers: October 1589', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589, (London, 1889) pp. 433-441. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol3/pp433-441 [accessed 19 April 2024]

October 1589



	927. News from St. Malory's.
1589, Oct. 6.	There are at St. Malories, under the government of M. de Fontaine, 15 great ships of the burden of 200 tons, laden with victuals, bound for Spain, to depart within 2 months. If the King of France lack provision there, he may store himself of all sorts : as well with powder, shot, corn, fish, &c. The owners thereof are of the League, and at this time are in contention with their Governor.
	Headed : “The 6th of October 1589.”
	¼ p.
	928. The Queen to the Duke of Anjou.
[1589 (fn. 1) ], Oct. 7.	Monsieur, Je ne puis refrener ma volonté quelle ne nous dis-je que ma fantazie me deçoit bieu fort, si une des retardement de la paix ne dépend de la conclusion de nostre pacte. Car je me doute que trop, que quelques ungs qui ont dez le commencement porté quelque envie à nostre gloyre ne souhaittent à l'empescher par tel moyen. Et sachant qu'il y avvoyst quelque inconvénient à le faire sans que la paix l'acompaignast, ilz y mettront une pierre à l'obvier. Si fussiez en nostre petit prison de Grenaiche, je le vous ozeroys dire plus particulièrement. En cest endroyt je soupçonne autant quelqu'une de ma sexe que de quelque autre de n'y apporter trop de bonne volonté, leur pensant que trop constantes en faisant la fin accorder à leur commencement. Nonobstant toute iniquité diabolique, Dieu, je m'assure, me fera selon ma sincerityé à vostre particulier, et me fera la grace que telle nous soyt cognue sans leur masque. Et pour les Commissaires, j'ay mandé desja dire au Roy que, s'il luy plaist conclurre la paix, je leur attendrai en bonne dévotion; et à ceste mesme occasion ay détferé ung autre coup nostre parlement, voyant le temps trop avancé pour leur arriver en ce moys. Et, si le Roy continue à la guerre, nous aurons juste cause d'ouyre la trompette, qui nous dénonce son nichaillance de ce mariage, qui nous fera plus respecter nousmesmes. Voycy toutrondement escript ce que je panse de nostre cause. Aussi faut-il que je vous supplie d'avoir respect à telz qui cherchent le malheur de Simier; car peut estre ses ont de mauvais zazanie, qui se mesle parmy le bon blé, qui .luy veulent de mal pour la mesme cause que le devez plus aymer, c'est à dire, qu'ilz ne désirent nostre accord, empeschent (sic) son crédit. O Monsieur, vous este de si bonnaturel qu'à, grand peine pourriez croyre la finesse des iniques, qui resemblent à beaux sepulchres couvrant les oz pourris. Excusez moy, s'il vous plaist, si je me rends jaloux de telles gens, desquelz la court des princes en sont que trop fournis, come Dieu scayt, &c.
[1589 (fn. 1) ], Oct. 7.	Endorsed : “Le 7 d'Octobre.”
	929. Thomas Fowler to Lord Burghley.
1589, Oct. 7.	I wrote to your lordship from Whittingham, which I trust or now you have received. Monday last; I went to Court, where I found the King well content of my coming, and [he] used me exceeding well, recounting the evil informations and speeches of one Wigmore and some others in my absence even to himself, till they heard him answer and take my part, that they were ashamed of their false reports, of which one was, that I was stealing away into England from Whittingham, and had already conveyed my coffers to Berwick. At my coming to Court, I found the Master of Gray absent, and as I learned [he] had been, ever since the Lord Hume chased the Earl Both well, at which time he both found, as he thought, the Chancellor wax colder to him, and the King to shew he cared not for his company, as in truth he never did, since he came home. I found the Justice Clerk and the Chancellor great friends and very familiar, so made by the king with much ado. His Majesty is about to do the like between the Master of Glamis and the Chancellor, but it is hard to make a sound amity between them in the opinion of most men, for there hath been so many reconcilements made already that it; is thought this will be like the rest. The Justice Clerk is about to make a perfect agreement between the Chancellor and the Earl of Erroll, and will undertake for the Earl to perform [any] promise whatever. This is a changeable estate, and nothing certain to hold amongst the nobility six months together. The King would have the Chancellor stand very fair, therefore doth what he may to assure it. His Majesty takes in most good part her Highness's bountiful dealing with him, specially in that she means to bestow on his wife, which he takes to be great honour to him, and much content that her friends may behold the presents sent from her Majesty. He yet noted that his ambassador, Mr. Colville, had not any token given him at his coming away, which he marvelled at, which I could scant believe. I said the less, because it might be counselled for some respects, for he hath done very well and honestly at his coming home. The ambassador here, being advised by one Wigrnore in all his proceedings, gives out that I am an advertiser to the Council of England of the State here, and threatens to my friends to complain thereof to the King.—Edinburgh, 7 October, 1589.
	Annexed :—
	I learn that Mr. Richard Douglas (“Robert Dalle”) coming last from London, brought down one Ottoman (“Orlando”) who was a secretary to my lord and master, the Earl of Leicester. He found means to prefer the said Ottoman to the King's speech, and himself delivered a letter from the Earl (“Ernestus”) of Essex to his Majesty with credit. Both these were in commission from the Earl to deal largely with his Majesty to assure him of the Earl's service and fidelity, and Ottoman to carry back the answer, what was not meet to be committed to writing. He had a letter from this King back again to the Earl. Besides this, these then had to deal with the King for the like assurance of the Lord Riche (“Richardo”), and Lady, but no writing from the Lord, yet, though several letters from the Lady Riche (“Ryalta”) written to Mr. Richard Douglas, whereby she remembers him of his charge for his friends, and a nickname for every one that is partaker in the matter, whereof the said Mr. Richard hath a long scroll, as an alphabet of cipher to understand them by. I can tell few of their names, but the Queen's Majesty is Venus (“Pallas”), and the Earl the “wery” (? weary) knight, as I remember, but always he is exceeding weary, accounting it a thrall he lives now in, and wishes the change. She is very pleasant in her letters, and writes the most part thereof in her brother's behalf, so as they shall be showed to the King (“Victor”), which they were, and the dark parts thereof expounded to him. He commended much the fineness of her wit, the invention and well writing. For more assurance, Mr. Douglas took back from the King both the Earl's letter to him, and the Lady Riche's to himself. The said Ottoman had many secret conferences with the King, which pleased him exceedingly, and Mr. Douglas won credit, where beside he had none. But I know some of them went too far in persuading the poor King to hope for hap shortly, and that Her Majesty could not live above a year or two, by reason of some imperfection, I know not what. Lady Riche writes almost every week to Mr. Richard, so [? to] Ottoman at large, but all in their own devised terms; but Mr. Richard hath not so much credit with the King but he would fain have my help in these matters. Whereupon he told me that the Earl of Essex and all his friends would be mine in anything I had to do against his mother or whosoever. Lady Riche especially would be so, and had willed him to assure me of it; and needs he must have me write some few lines of thanks that she might know he had done her message, which I did, and he sent it, and received a letter from her to me in short time, which contained but courteous promise of her friendship and the Earl's, when I will in particular let them know how they may stand me in stead, and a postscript, how much Mr. Richard Douglas loves me. This is all I know of this matter yet, but this day Mr. Richard shewed the Ring two of his letters, and expounded them. I am not farther trusted in these matters, but in general terms by Mr. Richard, how much the Earl loves the King, and honours him, and would fain the king were so persuaded throughly. I have not shewed myself willing to deal in any of those matters, because I told Mr. Richard they were not secret in this country. Now have I written to your lordship of this that, though it be no matter of great importance, yet you shall not be ignorant of anything that is in handling here; and yet, if it should be discovered at least that I were the author, it would be my great trouble and danger of life, and sure, if it be taken knowledge of there at least a good whiles, it will be thought to come from me. To avoid this, I commit it only to you and write thereof to no living creature but yourself, nor will, and I shall long to know you have received it safely.
	The above names in parentheses are by Burghley, together with the following underwritten :—
	“L. Burghley—spectator : Mr. Fowler—fidelis.”
	[Murdm, pp. 636–640. In extenso.]
	2½ pp.
	930. Katherine West to the Queen.
l589, Oct. 8.	For a lease in reversion, for her services.—8 October 1589.
	[Note by Sir J. Herbert, that the Queen grants the petition.]
	1 p.
	931. George French to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Oct. 13.	The magistrates of Newcastle-upon-Tyne have received Sir Francis Walsingham's letter, to them and every of them directed, to know of George French's punishment, and either that they set me at liberty, or else to certify him of the cause of my further trouble. Sir Francis Walsingham's letter doth me no pleasure, for the men of Berwick say they will not be ordered by him, and that he shall not order them. They seek upon me by an old statute made in King Edward's time, which statute if it be executed, there shall be no subject under the King of Scots able to travail in England. Wherefore I am to beseech you, as you are in our King's affairs, to have some consideration of his poor subjects travailing for their living, and to know whether the said statute shall be fully executed or no upon our King's subjects. Mr. Dudlowe, now Sheriff of Newcastle, hath been most heartily commended to you, and desireth you, so soon as possibly you can, to procure some discharge for me. He marvelleth that your honour is so forgetful of his bound. The magistrates of Newcastle are to send an answer of Sir Francis' letter to him, but I know nothing what shall be their answer. They of Berwick do follow the law very hardly upon me in Newcastle, wherefore I beseech your honour to procure what means you shall think good, so soon as may be, for my delivery : and, if I have a discharge, yet they will not suffer me to pass out of England, except I have a warrant from the Council, for they will arrest me anew again, as they make report. If I be released this night, they will arrest [me] in the morning, except I have the Council's warrant.—Newcastle, this 13th of October.
	Addressed :—“To the right honourable Archibald Douglas, Ambassador for the King of Scotland at London, give these.” “Fellow posts, see you have a care of this letter safely to pass according to the direction.”
	1 p.
	932. The Expedition to Portugal.
1589, Oct. 17.	Certain captains, having acquainted the Council with their great charges in raising their companies and maintaining their offices before the voyage and since coming home, without any consideration, pray their lordships they may be employed in Her Majesty's service. Twenty-five names appended.
	Endorsed :—“17th Oct. 1589.—To the Lords of the Council. Certain captains,” &c, “both before the voyage into Portingale and since.”
	1 p.
	933. Robert Lang to [Archibald Douglas].
[1589] Oct. 18.	I have had, since I came from your honour, a very troublesome journey, for my horse wearied with me before I came to Stamford, and I was compelled to sell him, and try another little nag. I have delivered your letters to Mr. Richard Douglas; as for my lord of Cassilis, he is in the country, nor will not leave before “noctmes.” My lord of Angus is to Dumfries, nor we look not for him before the Convention. Mr. Richard is riding this day off southward to him concerning your honour's service, for that a Convention is to be held in general the 26th day of this month; so that you shall understand that we have no news here that I can advertise you of, as Mr. Richard has written his opinion with Richard Henrison. Since I came to Edinburgh, I have spoken with the Laird of Wedderburn concerning your lordship, wherein I have found such favour and friendship and reason; then this same day, Mr. Richard coming to this town, the Laird of Wedderburn did send for him concerning your lordship's turns, and that, though your lordship thought he was your enemy, he is content to deal with the Earl of Angus and with the King [for] your lordship's good will; and I did shew him that it was reported to your lordship from Scotland that he was your enemy, and he swore unto me that he was never such a thing, which he has shewn to Mr. Richard this day the plat “contraire,” which I think the Laird will make the King acquainted with your lordship's goodwill and devotion towards him before it be too long, and therefore I will request your lordship, as you love your own weal, to write to the Laird your mind with all expedition, for you will find him the faithfullest friend ever that you have in Scotland, for he has made me acquainted with all them that burden evil to your lordship. For the Laird of Spot and Sir George Home your enemy is under commands, and I hope, that being done, all evil instruments shall cagg away, for your lordship has been ever leive of dealing with the laird of Wedderburn, not else but requests your lordship to have my service conveyed to your self and to Mr. Harvie. I have delivered Mr. Harvie's letter 1o Mr. Devedstone and James Douglas. I would request you that you would write to me any service that you would before I come a way, for I will come away after the Convention. It will be about Christmas day or I can win home.—From Edinburgh, 18th October.
	3 Seals.
	1½ pp.
	934. Thomas Fowler to Lord Burghlet.
1589, Oct. 20.	Your letter of the 13th I received the 20th, and not before. I received not any from any other many a day, however the matter is. Roger Dalton is exceeding great with young Coustable, and hath brought him to secret conference sundry times with Victor. He had commission from Ernestus and from Rialta and Richarddo, and brought with him Rialta's picture; but Constable had a special commission from the Lady Talbot to Victor, saying that it might be that in respect he was in the company and so near allied to the lady Arbella, he might be taken partial of her side; but he protested he knew the right, and ought his duty to him, as he should have good proof whenever time served, and so earnestly persuaded Victor to account of him. Constable brought only commendations to Victor in humble manner from the Countesses of Warwick and Cumberland. He would have had Victor write to Rialta, but he could not bring it to pass, for Victor was troubled otherwise; and the Earl of Derby, by Roger Aston and some other Cheshire men of his acquaintance, seeks a friendship this way, but I doubt all will be marred, for a 12 days past arrived here one Steven Beale, a Dane, travelled and some time in England. He brought letters from the young Queen, and from such councillors and great men about her, and they were all indeed tragical discourses, pitiful, for the said Queen was in extreme danger of drowning in her own ship. A cannon brake, and slew 8 men afore her, and shook the ship that hardly they could keep her above water but with extreme labour, and being a ten huge ships they were all “brosed” and weather beaten; that they having taken a sound in Norway 20 miles within the land, they abode there and dare not stir; because such is the preciseness of the Danish commissions, determined in Council, that they dare not bring the young Queen hither, what wind soever they have, with fewer ships than they brought out, and 11 of the great ships are gone home to repair, being lightened of their heavy ordnance, so there is but five small ships with the Queen, who lies in a miserable place for victual or any good thing; and they have been seven weeks at sea, and twice or thrice within 60 miles of this coast, and yet driven back again. When the King had with many sighs read these long pitiful letters, the next day he determined in show to send the Earl Bothwell, as Admiral, with six ships to fetch her home, and to claim her as his wife from the Danish councillors; but in the afternoon, the Council sitting, and the Earl Bothwell presenting bills for the charges of the voyage, it could not be any way furnished. The Chancellor, seeing the King in a great perplexity, he stands up and makes offer that, rather than the King's desire should be frustrate, he and his friends would fit out five or six ships well manned and furnished. He furnished himself a ship of 126 tons, and half another, Justice Clerk one, and the Provost of Lincluden, Carmichael, Barnbarrow, the Lord of Dingwall, Sir William Keith and divers others. These ships, specially the Chancellor's, is so furnished and freighted with good and delicate victual, as it was thought strange, of so many live cattle and “pulleyn,” so much banqueting stuff, so much wines of all sorts : then the principal officers of every office appointed to go under colour to serve the Queen, and the principal minions of his chamber and stable appointed to go. Many of these things being observed, the wiser sort grew suspicious that he meant to go himself. He was desirous to have had me go with the Chancellor, and I answered I was yet but weak, and durst not venture to sea in this cold time of year. After that, he told me nothing of his journey nor any creature else, but now I have discovered surely that, if God let him not try wind and weather as He did yesterday, being Sunday, when at six o'clock at night he thought to have stolen aboard, but a great storm rose at north-east, and made the ship drive, [he means to go himself]; and your honour may be sure of my credit that there is so extreme secrecy used in this voyage as not any nobleman in Scotland knows of his stealing away, more than by conjecture, but the Chancellor, Justice Clerk and Sir William Keith for his apparel; and he leaves no order for the government here but in writing, to be delivered when he is gone, and many blanks. But to bear the extreme rumour of the people, better and worse, that cries out openly, saying he shall know how he enters his country again, and threatens him sharply. But surely I never thought the Chancellor such a fool, to enterprise so great a danger to the King without making any of the ancient nobility acquainted therewith, but there is not one; yet Bothwell and the Duke hath laid sore to his charge that he meant to go, but he forsware it and gibed at it. What will follow of this I doubt much, but surely here will be shortly a confused state as ever was, and I yet at my wit's end where to stay myself. I am desired into the Castle of this town to Cowdenknowes who is “impatient” of the matter, or else I would be quickly with Sir John Selby or some of his friends. Or long your lordship shall be at liberty for the matter of Orlando, if so you think good, but so long as there is no discovery made others will be doing, if Victor prosper, as many doubt because of this voyage. There is a bruit raised here that eight of the Queen's Majesty's ships should be upon these northern seas towards Norway, which makes them somewhat afraid. There goeth now but five ships and barks, the best 120, the next 100, and so less. They are full of men, and the Admiral hath ten pieces of brass in his, that came out of the Castle, falcon and falconet, and one saker. There is many wagers laid of his going or not, but sure he means to go as yet, if no alteration come; for the Earls of Morton, Angus, Glamis and others had an intent to watch upon his going, and stay him by force. It is doubted he cannot return afore the spring, but means to carry his wife back into Denmark to winter there, unless the winds serve very well in time to come hither. Thus have I troubled your lordship with all the opinions and provisions touching this voyage, and yet had I almost forgotten that the Earl Bothwell swears, if the King be once gone, he will enter England with fire and sword.—20 October, at night, Edinburgh, 1589.
1589, Oct. 20.	4 pp. [Murdin, p. 640. In extenso.]
	935. Thomas Fowler to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Oct. 20.	I thank you for the good entertainment I have had long time, even a whole month, with the Lord of Whittingham, at whose hands I received that good treatment, as if he had been my own father, and the good Lady his wife was not behind for her part. Mr. Richard was a diligent man to see I lacked nothing. So that I, going out of this town in a horse-litter, not able to sit on a horse, nor to go nor long stand, by my good friends at Whittingham I came home both able to ride and go, and able to eat any meat, where before I never eat fish nor flesh in forty days, nor could abide the air of any. But the many favours I received from the King in time of my sickness was no small comfort to me. And, for one, the young Laird of Whittingham can tell, who was a messenger from the King to me, and young Ledington also. And there is, I know, who can witness what care he took of me, and how sorry he was when most persuaded him I could not 'scape. And, at my coming again to Court, how glad he was, how openly he showed it, and, in my absence, what speech he used for my good. Experience to any that come here will prove whether I have credit with him or not. But I had enemies in my absence of my own nation, and, at my coming to Court, his Majesty told me all that had been said, what every man's part was, even to himself, how he answered them, and what he thought of them for it. I thank your lordship for your advertisement, and am sorry your case yet stands as it doth here, which, for the present, it is not possible for any or all the friends you have to redress. Your greatest enemies do so flourish in credit, and more at this instant than ever, as Mr. Richard can shew you at more length, for he hath stood the King, indeed, in a notable stead in time of a great necessity. And, in truth, I find that what conspiracy or practice soever is made in his contrary, he overcomes them all, and the end is, the best nobility, the wisest, the wildest, the oldest, the youngest, all are glad to seek him, and enter in assurance of his friendship, or else they are holden out as objects without credit or countenance in Court. This is truth, and you shall so find it, that he rules King and country as please [sic] him. Would God you and he were agreed too, for, to deal with the King touching your lordship, or any that the Chancellor loves not, it were a scorn; for, so soon as he meets the Chancellor, he tells him, and makes merry at the motion. Thus I deal plainly and truly with your lordship; whatever you hear otherwise, believe it not, yet, hereafter, may be a better time, the Chancellor is now going into Denmark, as, more at large, your lordship shall hear. And some have been of opinion that in absence the King grows forgetful of his beloved, and will hear matters in their contrary willingly enough. But I am of a contrary opinion, for I have good proof, both by myself and two or three others, that he is a most constant prince, where he once takes his liking; and not to be removed by any device. I have, too, good experience that my wife and her friends have sought my discredit many ways, even to their uttermost power, and have done me some displeasure, though no more than I trust to pass over without great scathe. I refer all other matters to Mr. Richard's letters, who I know will write at large.—Edinburgh, 20 October 1589.
	Addressed :—“To my Lord Archibald Douglas, living in Lime Street, London. With speed.”
	Signed.
	2¼ pp.
	936. Frydeswed, widow of William Walker, to the Queen.
1589, Oct. 24.	For a lease in reversion, for her husband's services as collector of the chantry rents of the collegiate church of St. John of Beverley, and as forage master. His apprehension of William Sherwood, a convicted traitor.—Undated.
	Notes by Lord Burghley and others thereon. Granted 24 October 1589.
	3 pp.
	937. John Colville to [Lord Burghley].
1589, Oct. 24.	In acknowledgment of the Queen's present to the King of Scots on his marriage, sent by Colville. Thanks for his lordship's favour to himself.—From Edinburgh, 24 October 1589.
	Endorsed by Burghley :—“Mr. Jo. Colvile. The King of Scotts' acceptacion of the Queen's present of plate.”
	1 p. [Murdin, p. 638. In extenso.]
	938. Thomas Douglas to [Archibald Douglas].
[1589], Oct. 27.	Is compelled to importune his lordship, because he has written certain letters moving his case to him, but, seeing he has received no answer, either his lordship has not received the letters, or has him not in such remembrance as he looks for. Desires to understand what he shall look for at his lordship's hands.—At Whittingham, 27 October.
[1589], Oct. 27.	1 p.