Cecil Papers: December 1591

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1892.

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'Cecil Papers: December 1591', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594, (London, 1892) pp. 161-174. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol4/pp161-174 [accessed 26 April 2024]

December 1591

[The Earl of Essex to the Governor of Rouen.]
[1591, ? Dec.] Having received a message from you by the trumpet of Mons. Jerponville that Chevalier Picart was ready to fight with me according to a challenge I had sent unto him, I answer that I sent Chevalier Picart this message by my drum upon my first arrival in France, that, saving the cause, I was his friend, having known him heretofore with Mons. Marchemont in England; but in this cause I would be glad to find him in the head of his troop with a pyke in his hand. This J was ready the first day of our sitting down to have made good, not on foot, but on horseback, with my sword, where they that came up the hill saw me twice at the head of my troop : and as for your offer to make a match for me, I answer that I command an army wherein are many of Chevalier Picart's quality, and am lent to an absolute prince; but if yourself will fight on horseback, or on foot, armed or in doublet, I will maintain that the King's quarrel is juster than the League's, that I am a better man than yourself and that my mistress is fairer than yours : and if you will not come alone I will bring 20, the worst shall be a fit match for a Colonel, or 60, the meanest being a captain.
Undated. 1 p.
French copy of the same.
[The Earl of Essex to the Governor of Rouen.]
[1591 ? Dec] I have received your letter by my trumpet, wherein I find myself in no sort charged since the means to revenge the lie is not in myself; and, therefore, I return you this answer that it is a foolish lie that is given upon any such terms and rests upon the giver. If it be given upon equal terms, you shall receive a fit answer.
Undated. Draft. ½ p.
William Fowke to Edward Reynoldes.
1591, Dec. 2. My heart is with you and some other my good friends there, not that I desire honour by the winning of Rouen, or fear to enter the breach, but being made unable by a late sickness which I cannot yet recover, I am hindered from coming unto you. I have done what lieth in me for Lasbrook, but I have done no good for you nor myself. I have had all the tenants here, and have “coursed” them so well as I might, but all I can do will not bring them to above one hundred pounds, and so I leave them yet. Mr. Wood, Clerk of the Council, hath had some speech with me for it, and hath seen our lease, and will send to see the thing. What will be the issue I know not. I did offer the tenants they should have it for 200l., but they will not. I think it best, when you return, if we cannot make it worth 100l. apiece unto us, to yield it up to my lord and find out some better thing if we may.
I pray you commend me to my good Anthony, commend me to my good soldier Aston, not forgetting the knave Jones. I am sorry for honest Robyne Sparsford, and would be glad to hear the manner of his death, and who were slain or taken besides. I pray remember me to Mr. Lynbey and Will. Donhall.—From my lodging in “St. Jones” this 2 of December 1591.
Signed. Seal. 1 p.
Th. Smithe to [Sir Robert Cecil].
[1591,] Dec. 9. Instead of myself this letter maketh bold to be a remembrancer unto you for my Lord in the matter of the University. Being come hither I find my Lord to have so many more voices than any other as if it might come to an election it were out of controversy. But they which are otherwise addicted hope to work their purpose by an extraordinary way of nomination at Court; a strange course of men that will lose their own liberty to make others bound, and to deprive other men of their right will do themselves wrong. Howbeit I hope neither one way nor other, neither in Court nor University they shall obtain their purpose. It may please your Honour as occasion serves to think upon my Lord in this matter and to maintain both the liberty of the University and the love of University men towards his Lordship and yourself . . . From Oxford the 9 of December.
Endorsed :—“1591.”
1 p. [Murdin, p. 649.]
W. Russell to the Earl of Essex.
1591, Dec. 10. His affection and willingness to do Essex service must not be measured by the place he lives in or by his often writing, but he hopes he is not so overtaken with a country life as to omit to wait on his lordship in person, or else by way of letter to signify how willingly he rests to be commanded. Desires that his life of contemplation be not interpreted by some in Court as showing any unwillingness to serve, and that by his lordship's good means he may be kept in the Queen's grace and favour.—From Comberlegryn, 10 Dec. 1591.
Signed. Seal. 1 p.
Th. Smithe to Dr. White.
[1591,] Dec. 11. I have been here these four days to make proof how this University standeth affected to my Lord. And of fourteen score voices, which are all that are in the University, and the greatest number that is seen at any election here, I find two hundred, or very near that number, professed for my Lord. Nevertheless the trouble of collecting these voices by hands maketh me stay somewhat longer than I purposed, partly because the men being dispersed in divers places, and some of them out of town, are not readily to be spoken withal, and partly because some extraordinary means are used here by those which have otherwise disposed their affection, and especially by Dr. Bonde, to dissuade and deter men from professing their voices for my Lord. I certify you hereof, that you may, as I pray you to do, in this meanwhile of my absence find the means to speak with my Lord Treasurer or Sir Robert Cecil, and inform them how the matter standeth. All the life that the other part hath is in this, that they think and give out the nomination will be at Court, and not permitted to the University; in which course though I should not doubt but the matter would proceed well enough for my Lord, yet I hope their Honours will be a mean for the maintenance of the privilege and liberty of this University, and suffer the ordinary and orderly way of election to take place.—From Oxford in haste this 11 of December. Signed.
Addressed :—“To the worshipful my very good freend Mr. D. White at his house near St. Dunstan's church in Fleet Street.”
1 p. [Murdin, p. 650.]
Malin Goodman.
1591, Dec. 13. Warrant under the signet directing the Lord Treasurer to give order for the payment to Malin Groodman, gentlewoman, of an annuity of 20l. yearly, and arrears from the Feast of the Annunciation in the 31 st year of Elizabeth, which annuity was granted to the said Malin Goodman by Thomas sometime Duke of Norfolk in 1 & 2 Philip and Mary, payable out of the manor of Shelfanger, co. Norfolk, and had been discontinued by reason that the said manor is in the Queen's hands through the attainder of the Earl of Arundel.—Westminster, 13 December 1591.
Sign manual.
John Beresford and Lawrence Beresford to the Queen.
1591, Dec. 13. Petition for a lease for 21 years of the parsonage of Astonfield, in the county of Stafford, whereunto they have been tenants in descent for the space of fourscore years, in consideration of great sums of money lately expended by them in repair of the chancel of the parish church there; the said lease to commence on the determination of their present lease, wherein there do yet remain unexpired about 27 years, and to be of the yearly rent of 19l. lls. 4d. For this .they will be content to pay such line as to the lord Treasurer or the Treasurer of the Exchequer shall be thought meet.
Note at the foot.—At Court at Whitehall the 13 December 1591. At which time and place I duly reported the contents hereof to her Majesty; who most graciously did yield thereto, so as due consideration were had in assessing the fines, and so commanded her gracious pleasure therein to be signified to the lord Treasurer or under-treasurer of the Exchequer. J. Herbert.
Samuel Garshe.
1591, Dec. 13. Petition to the Queen for a lease in reversion of 30l., for his services as a musician.
Note by J. Herbert that the Queen grants the petition.—The Court at Whitehall, 13 Dec. 1591.
1 p.
Robert Mildmay and other Tenants.
1591, Dec. 13. Petition to the Queen. Pray for lease in reversion of certain manors and villages of which they are tenants in Suffolk and Carnarvon, as some move for the reversion over their heads.—Undated.
Note by J. Herbert that the Queen grants the petition.—Court at Whitehall, 13 Dec. 1591.
1 p.
Petition of the above to Lord Burghley, praying for the fine to be fixed and the suit despatched.—Undated.
½ p.
Flushing.
1591, Dec. 14. Warrant under the signet directing the Lord Treasurer to give order to the Lieutenant of the Office of the Ordnance to deliver five lasts of powder out of store and see the same safely shipped unto the cautionary town of Flushing, there to be delivered in charge to Sir Robert Sydney, and by him issued to the garrison from time to time, and to be “defaulted” out of their wages, according as it shall be expended, at such rates and prices, as by him shall be signified to the Governor.—Westminster. 14 December 1591.
Sign manual.
Endd. by Burghley :—“Powder for Flushing.”
William Fowke to Edward Reynolds.
1591, Dec. 16. I do shortly hope to see you here; if not, I will come unto you, so soon as I may certainly know what my lord meaneth to do. It is he said he is sent for, which I wish may be true, and if he do come home, now is the time to do good here, and I hope that the good that you can do at Rouen at this time will be done shortly or not at this meeting. 1 know not in what state you stand or in what possibility you are of the town, but I would there were an end one way that we might see you all at home. It was reported here that the King had planted his artillery against St. Katherine's more than three weeks since, at least 16 or 18 pieces. I can yet write no good news of Lashbrook, but I am still tampering in the matter, but yet do little good. My Lord Chancellor is this day buried in Paul's; who shall succeed him is not known.—From my lodging at St. “Jones” where you shall be welcome when you come, this 16th of December 1591.
Holograph. 1 p.
The Earl of Northumberland to Lord Burghley.
1591, Dec. 20. Though there were no other reason but your favours before times, and that I were not willing to be noted with the mark of ingratitude, would cause me at least to acknowledge them with my best wishes for your health, besides manifesting that I would not willingly be thought other to yourself than as I desire to be that is one whom your lordship may dispose of in what so ever : but since there are further occasions grown that ties me to wish you long and healthful continuance, the one, I mean, your kind and honourable acceptance, as I understood by the lord Henry Howard, of that was once motioned by my self, by it I am assured of your good conceit towards me which willingly shall by all means be continued and not forgotten; the other, the hope I have matter I most desire especially in regard of yourself may be wrought to a good end, linking our houses together with double chains. But this second cause, what effect so ever it be brought to, either to my fancie's best liking or otherwise, yet still henceforward as of a father must I make estimation and with great care be careful of your well doing (since as it seems what crosses so ever it have by fortune it shall be contrary to both our wills); this is the most in my power to testify my good will and the least thing may do you any service. I had rather myself might have witnessed that which I would my letter should forcibly affirm for me in my absence but that some reasons will not suffer it, easily excused by your own knowledge. Therefore jealousy of crosses (may fortune the rather because I much affect your good opinion) makes me crave this favor (out of your accustomed honorable dealing to them you find persevere In most plain courses) that no suggestion may hinder either it or that you have determined. I am not free from the world's malice, neither have I cause to believe my secret enemies are removed from their grounded hatred. Wherefore I rest it wholly upon your judgment in which I hope neither partiality nor cunning can take place. So leaving farther to be tedious, I end with the same desire for your perfect recovery I began with.—Petworth, 20 December 1591.
Signed. 1 p.
Election of a Pope.
1591, Dec. 20. Notes by Lord Burghley respecting the college of Cardinals at the time of the death of Pope Innocent the 9th, on the 20th December 1591.
Endorsed :—Cardinales tempore mortis Innocentii 9.
Rough draft. 1 p.
Johan Gerds, servant to the Duke of Pomerania, to Lord Burghley.
1591, Dec. 23. Ernest Louis, Duke of Pomerania, his master, lately petitioned the Queen for permission to convey out of England, duty free, one hundred cannon of steel and 300 or 400 cloths, for the use of his court, not knowing that the export of such cannon from this realm was interdicted. The said duke lately granted free export of a large quantity of nitre (the export of which, as well as of munitions of war, from his dominions is similarly interdicted) because he was informed that it was purchased for the use of the Queen's Majesty; and further, sent into France, for the aid of the French king and support of the reformed religion, a large quantity of munitions of war with 2,500 soldier; wherein he expended a great sum of money and many cloths, notwithstanding an interdict of late expressly made in his dominions. In consideration of these circumstances he hopes his master will not be disappointed of his expectation, but that Burghley will deign to intercede with the Queen for permission for export from the realm, duty free, of some steel cannon (the number to be fixed by her Majesty) as patterns only, along with 300 or 400 cloths as aforesaid. If occasion offers, the Duke will requite the favor.—London, 23 Dec. 1591.
Latin. 2 pp.
Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1591, Dec. 23.] I have even now heard that the Queen, in favour of my Lord of Buckhurst, will take from me that which the University of Oxford would bestow, and ere I had read my letters the news of the Duke of Parma his passing of the river of Oise and coming with all speed hither did arrive. The first made me say I had lived too long to be so dealt with by her I held so dear; the last shewed me the fairest tomb that ever unfortunate man was buried in. If I die, pity me not, for I shall die with more pleasure than I live with. If I escape. comfort mo not, for the Queen's wrong and her unkindness is too great.—Rouen, 23 December.
Holograph. 2/3 p. [Murdin, p, 650. In extenso.]
The Queen to the Earl of Essex.
1591, Dec. 24. Although we had resolved for causes best known to yourself to have forborne to revoke you from the charge whereof you are so desirous, yet having since your departure received from the King himself a particular declaration of the extremity of his estate, with the unlikelihood of any good success except we should increase our charge, which we neither mean to do, nor can take well to be desired to do, we have thought good no longer to suffer you to continue there to so small purpose, to the needless hazard of all such as are there in our service, whom we sent as auxiliaries to aid a French King, and not to be drawn to every dangerous desperate attempt, which the King shall and hath moved you to undertake, and that which you do continually run into, as by our Treasurer's letters you shall perceive by divers particularities; and therefore seeing we have so great cause to despair of any good hap to our small handfull there, which we do not meanly esteem, consisting of so many worthy gentlemen, and so well disciplined and experimented soldiers under your charge, and that we perceive by yourself that you would willingly retire without disgrace : we therefore, both in regard of our own honour and your particular reputation, do require you upon the sight hereof to make your speedy return, and to bring with you the best sort of the gentlemen there, leaving the Marshal and the Serjeant Major to have care of our forces, without troubling Leighton any further in this time of the winter, so great an enemy to his infirmity; for which this letter shall be your sufficient warrant under our hand.—Given under our Signet at our Palace of Westminster the 24th day of December 1591.
P.S.—Although we have understood of M. de Plessis' purpose to come hither, yet do not deceive yourself to think that any motion whatsoever shall from us procure any manner of further charge, being of full opinion that this we do is merely spent in vain.
Signed. 1½ pp. [Murdin, p. 651. In extenso.]
The Lords of the Council to Lord Burghley.
1591, Dec. 26. Directing him as Lord Lieutenant of Essex to give order to his deputy lieutenants that the watches of the beacons there be presently dismissed, and so discontinued till the 15th March next, and then to be renewed and kept as has been accustomed. In the meantime the beacons are to be left in good order, sufficiently provided of fuel and such other necessary provision as shall be needful to be used if cause shall require.—From the Court at Whitehall, the 26th December 1591.
Signed.—C. Howard. Hunsdon. W. Cobham. T. Buckehurst. T. Heneage. Ro. Cecyll. J. Wolley. J. Fortescue.
Endorsed :—“Ll. of the Council to my Lord. For discharge of the watch in Essex.”
Seal. ½ p.
The United Provinces.
1591, Dec. 28 Warrant directing the Lord Treasurer to give order to the Lieutenant of the Ordnance to deliver out of store to Albert Jansse of North Holland or to any other that shall be named by M. de Caron, Agent for the States of the Provinces United, these parcels of munitions following for the use of the States, paying such several prices, as the officers of the Ordnance shall esteem them to be worth, after such rates as the Queen usually pays for the like : Of round iron shot of the weight of four pounds the piece or thereabouts—7,000; of like shot of the weight of two pounds or one pound and a half—1,000; of cross barred iron shot—4,000. The said Albert Jausse or any other that shall have the transportation of them, paying such custom and other duties as shall be due.—Given under the signet, Westminster, 28 December 1591.
Sign Manual.
Edward Stone to the Queen.
1591, Dec. The Queen's footman. Petition for a lease in reversion.
Endorsed :—Dec. 1591.
Note by W. Aubrey thereon.
Enclosures : letters thereon from W. Aubrey to Mr. Hicks.—Sydenham, July 27, 1591.
Also a memorandum as to lands in Ford, Sussex, Marshland, Norfolk, and Balderby, Yorks.
2 pp.
Sir Thomas Baskervile to the Earl of Essex.
[1591, Dec.]. We are arrived at Boysy, where we look to have directions this night from your lordship what to do. If we hear not from you to-morrow, we will not fail to be at the rendezvous appointed. For those munitions and artillery you wait for, this bearer can tell you what is done. Sir Thomas Leyton is arrived and hath brought three pieces of cannon more with him. Your army increases daily for that many gentlemen are come to your troops. Sir Thomas Leyton, Mr. Killigrew, Captain Yorke and Captain Allen are here in your army.—The Camp at Boysy this present Thursday.
Holograph.
Sir Thomas Baskervile to the Earl of Essex.
[1591, Dec] I have received your lordship's letter, the contents of which I follow with as much speed as may be. The commander with the horse will not fail to attend your lordship near Fount de Larch. I will also with 1,800 foot wait for your lordship two leagues without our quarters. If the enemy come, I doubt not but your lordship shall get great glory : all your troops desire your presence, and you being here with us, the battle. We shall be forced to change the rendezvous appointed by your lordship for that there is not water; the wells arp. all spoilt by the League. Wherefore it is thought good we go to Eye, which is not above one English mile from Martainvile. Sir Thomas Layton commends his service to your lordship. This day a packet is arrived to you from her Majesty.—From the Drum head between Martainvile and Boysy this present Friday.
P.S.—About one o'clock we shall be at our quarters.
Holograph. 1 p.
[The Earl of Essex] to—.
[1591, Dec] Monsieur, J'attends icy a toutes heures la confirmation de l'accord fait entre vous et messieurs du conseil de sa Majeste, sans lequel vous scavez que je ne puisrien faire. J'espè;re la reçevoir a deux jours d'icy pour le plus, aultrement nous entreprendrons quelque chose. L'entreprise de Rouen n'est pas trop difficile, a ce que je puis entendre, par l'aide de quelques munitions de quoy j'ay sollicité sa Majesté et messieurs du conseil par des voies particulieres de meilleure affection que j'ay peu. Prestez y la main, je vous prie, a l'affection; ce que je ne doubte que vous faitz et ferez. Esperant et desirant de vous voir icy, comme celui qui est pres de vous faire le meilleur service que quelque ami que vous ayez.
Draft. Undated. ½ p.
At the foot of the foregoing is the following rough draft corrected :—
These are straitly to charge and command you and every of you that you do not in any sort meddle, either for forage, litter or any other of them, within a village called Auvermel and pays de Hainault appertaining to Monsieur de Gulley, nor in any sort to trouble such as belong to him. Whereof fail you not as you will answer.
St. Stephen's, Westminster.
1590/91. Extract from the Ministers' Accounts of 33 Eliz. relative to the occupation of St. Stephen's at Westminster by the Auditor, etc. of the Receipt of the Exchequer, without payment of rent.
Latin. ½ p.
Bishopric of Ely.
1590/1. View of account of William Medley, Esquire, receiver of the dues of the bishopric of Ely for the Queen, for the 33rd year of her Majest)'s reign.
Latin. 1 p.
Cranborne Chase.
1591. Petition of Sir Mathew Arundell, knight, Robert Freake, John Shellye, George Lovell, James Daccomhe, Robert Swayne, John Ry ves, John Coker and Robert Coker, Esquires, for themselves and divers others, borderers upon Cramborne Chace, to Lord Hunsdon, Chief Justice and Justice in Eyre of all Her Majesty's Forests, Chaces, and Parks by South Trent, praying him to grant a writ of commission to be directed to certain gentlemen of the County of Dorset to perambulate the said chace and to enquire by a jury touching the certain bounds of the same.—1591.
Signed :—Matt. Arundell. Robt. Freke.
List of Merchandize.
1591. Note of certain goods.
Portuguese. ½ p.
Francis Colbye.
1591. Petition to the Queen for lease in reversion of lands of the manor called Sir Edmund's House in Brundishe, Suffolk, of which he is tenant, as some others go about to procure it over his head.—Endorsed, 1591.
Note by J. Herbert that the Queen grants the petition.
1 p.
The Countess of Essex to the Earl of Essex.
[1591.] I thank you for your kind sending which does satisfy me for that unkindness which I took for your going away without taking leave of me. My mother told me it was her advice, but I did not give so great credit to her speech as I do to your letter. The charge you have laid upon me shall make me strive to overcome those extreme passions which my affection hath brought me to, and I will have the more care of my self for your little ones sake. T am so extreme lame and selie [with] intolerable pain of my head and face that I am almost blind and, therefore, must desire you to excuse my briefness and I hope to be better able to write by the next messenger. Farewell, dear life, and to make me be assured of your love have care of your self. In your absence, I will spend my time in praying for you.
My little jewel begins to mend 50 that I trust within these two or three days he will be well.
Holograph. Undated. Seal. 1 p.
Richard Lee to the Earl of Essex, Lord General of Her Majesty's Forces in France.
[1591.] Takes occasion by this bearer, Mr. Cleyton, to assure him of his wish to serve him. His friends in these parts remain in expectation of all happy success of honour for the cause, not doubting that what soever his virtue and fortune carry him unto will have success answerable to his own worthiness and the most earnest prayers of the best disposed.—Dongione, near Canterbury.
Holograph. Undated. Part of seal. 1 p.
The Army in France.
[1591.] The officers and captains of her Majesty's army in France under the conduct of the Earl of Essex, general.
The lord Audley, Colonel of one Regiment of Foot. Sir Robert Carey succeeded.
These have Companies Sir Roger Williams, marshal.
Sir Thomas Baskervile, serjeant-major of the army.
Sir John Wingfield, master of the ordnance.
Sir Nicholas Clifford, the lord General's lieutenant.
Sir Robert Carey, Captain.
Sir Thomas Gerard, Captain.
Capt. Ferd. Gorge.
C : Currye.
C : Skelton.
C : Cromwell.
C : Acton.
C : Nich. Baskervile.
C : Robertes.
C : Goriuge.
C : Grimston.
C : H. Poore.
C : Edward Poore.
C : Dockwray.
C : Morgan.
C : Barton.
C : Mastian.
C : Swan.
C : Hambridge.
C : Denton.
Sir Thomas Gerrard, lieut.-colonel to the lord general.
C : North, lieut.-colonei of the lord Audley's regiment.
Sir Thomas Conningsby, muster master.
C : Arthur Bourgher, provost marshal.
C : Beeten, serjeantmajor of the lord General's regiment.
C : Covert, serjeantmajor of the lord Audlev's regiment.
1 p.
Sir Roger Williams to Lord Burghley.
[1591.] Statement of account shewing that he has expended 270l. in transporting himself, company and baggage to and from the French King, and in delivering nine sailors whom he found imprisoned at Mountrell, beyond the 100l. which he received from the Queen for the voyage. “In respect of my poverty, I do humbly desire your lordship to move her Majesty that I may be no loser by this voyage. If her highness thinks I spent too much, I do humbly desire your lordship to request her highness to deal with me as pleaseth her Majesty.”
Undated. Without signature. Notes by Burghley. 1 p.
Soldiers for Brittany.
[1591.] Rough notes in Lord Burghley's handwriting of the cost of raising 600 men for service in Brittany.
Undated. 1 p.
A Passport.
[1591.] Form of passport to be used in the parts of France occupied by the allied forces of the Queen of England and the King of France.
French. 1 p.
Treason of Brian O'Rourke.
[1591.] The substance of the several treasons found by the inquest against O'Roirke, whereof he standeth attainted by judgment.
1. That he sought to depose the Queen from her regal power in Ireland in July, 28 Eliz.
2. That, for this purpose, he procured Alexander McConell and Donell McConell to raise forces and enter into actual rebellion against her Majesty in August of the same year.
3. That he caused her Majesty's name to be set on an image of a woman which he caused to be tied to a horse's tail and to be drawn through the mire; and afterwards caused his galliglasses with their axes to hew, cut and mangle the same, uttering traitorous, rebellious and most wicked speeches against her majesty in January, 29 Eliz.
4. Whereas Pope Sixtus V. and Philip king of Spain had bent their forces against her Majesty's realm, the said O'Roirke did succour divers of the Spaniards and afterwards caused them to be conveyed to Spain without the knowledge of the lord deputy, and received from the King of Spain letters gratulatory for the same succour to his people. Ao 30 & 31.
5. That he caused one Tade O'Harte and others to rebel against the Queen so that they burned and spoiled Ballimote and other places in November, 30 Eliz.
6. That he burnt Ballinglass and other towns and villages in the county of Roscommon, and murdered O'Kenan at the Curlewes, and Christopher Cadwell and other loyal subjects, and carried away the spoil of those places in July, 31 Eliz.
7. That, in March, 32 Eliz., he burnt the town of Knockmullin and other towns and villages in the barony of Tirerrell, in the county of Sligo, murdered one Cheneam Wood and other loyal subjects in the said barony and continued his outrages until compelled to fly into Scotland.
8. That being fled into Scotland, in March, 33 Eliz., he laboured to stir up certain of the bordering Scots to rebellion.
Endd. :—“Brief of O'Rourke's indictment.”
2 pp.
Ministers and others of the Reformed Church at Dieppe to the Earl of Essex.
[1591.] Memorial setting forth that they are informed that, in his camp at Arques, there are a large number of poor sick men who will come to Dieppe as soon as the army moves thence to enter upon the campaign. Owing to the poverty of their church they will not be able to succour these poor men as they would wish to do, and they beg Essex, before his departure, to take measures for supplying their wants until they can be sent back to England.
French. Undated. Unsigned. 2 pp.
Trained Bands in the Hundreds of Coleridge and Haytor.
[1591.] Complaint by Sir John Gilbert that, after the lord lieutenant of Devonshire had delivered to him at Exeter the charge of the trained bands in the hundreds of Haytor and Coleridge, Mr. Carye altered this order while Sir John was away at Bath.
Endorsed by Burghley :—“Allegations of Sir John Gilbert contra Mr Caree of Cockynton.”
Undated. 1½ pp.
Musters in Devon.
1591. The division of the forces of the county of Devon into three parts.
Endorsed by Lord Burghley.
1 p.
Musters in Devon.
1591. The assignment of the forces of three hundreds to Sir John Gilbert and Mr. Cary in Devon.
Endorsed by Lord Burghley.
1 p.
Philip de Mornay, Seigneur du Plesst, to the Earl of Essex.
[1591.] Thanking him for his honorable reception, which has favoured him all his journey; he having been well received in Essex's name everywhere, but especially so by the governor, captains and all the garrison at Berwick. Hopes that France is not so far distant from England but that he may some day have opportunity to requite his courtesy.
French. Undated. Holograph. 1 p.
Money disbursed for the French King.
[1591.] Account of money lent to the French King in 1589, 1590–1591, as well as in the year 1587 before he was king; and of money paid for German soldiers; and for the English army in France under Lord Willoughby in 1589, for the army in Normandy under the Earl of Essex in 1591, the first army in Brittany in 1591, the later army there for Brest, and the charge of the navy for Brest.
The total amount shewn in the account is 1,147,119 crowns.
Rogier de Bellegarde to the Earl of Essex.
[1591 ?] Je confesse avoir faict unne grande faute de mestre laisse prevenir de diligence, mais je n'avouray pas de Pavoir commise par manque de souvenance ny de desir de vous tesmoigner que Pabsence n'aura jamais le pouvoir de diminuer TafFection que j'ay a vostre service. Sy nulle de mes actions en cela en doict estre blamable, e'est la paresse qui me tient souvent fidelle compaignye. Referes done, Monsieur, mon silence a elle el non a mon souvenir, car pen ay un continuel de vos merites et de vos courtaysyes et du veu que je vous ay faict de mon service qui ne sera jaimais borné que de mon tombeau. J'espere avoir Phonneur de vous voir bien tost.
Signed :—Rogier de Bellegarde.
Holograph. 1 p.
Señor Antonio Perez.
1591. “I do not think but many will be desirous to read this book for the newness, the strangeness, the greatness of the matters it containeth, and in respect of the honorable personages, actors in the tragical dealing it recounteth. A very tragedy it may seem indeed, full of imprisonments, confiscations, executions, subtle practices, cunning dissimulations, foul treacheries; and the actors are no less than the King of Spain that now is, Philip II. of Castile; Don John of Austria, brother to him and son of an emperor; a princess of Ebolye, widow of Ruy Gomez de Sylva, Prince of Ebolye, Duke of Franca Villa, the most inward favourite that ever was with that king; Diego de Chaves, the King's confessor, a notable hypocritical friar; a cardinal and archbishop of Toledo; a papal nuncio; a president of the council royal of Castile, which is as much as to say a lord chancellor; a viceroy; dukes, marquesses, earls, many other great officers and others; a whole army and a whole realm. And above all these, if you respect the principal subject of this tragical story, John de Escovedo, principal secretary to Don John of Austria, murdered by command of that king; and above him and all others in that respect that special favourite, secretary of state to that king, Señor Antonio Perez, imprisoned, tortured, tossed and turmoiled up and down in prisons and arraignments in courts of justice twelve years together, till he fled Spain in the year 1591. These are the acts, and some of the matter is as followeth :—
“This king Philip of Spain upon strong presumptions grew into certain conceit that his brother Don John of Austria meant ambitiously some perilous matter of novelty against his person and estate. The special councillor and feeder of him in this humour he knew to be his said principal secretary, John de Escovedo. The matter of their doings went covertly on by degrees, till in 1577 it was grown ripe and ready almost for execution. At that time Don John, being governor of the Low Countries, sent Escovedo into Spain about affairs. The King having him there thought not fit to let him return to Don John, nor durst charge him with those matters lest Don John, being himself ready in arms and confederated with the Duke of Guise, being of great command at war then also, finding his practices discovered, should break forth into some dangerous action. The matter on the King's part by suspicions and underhand knowledge from time to time was hitherto carried between himself and Señor Antonio Perez and the Marquess de los Veles, Don Pedro Fajardo, another of his council, a man of much nobility and wisdom. By whom all three it was now resolved that Escovedo should secretly be made away, and so that it might be thought it was done by some enemy of his for private revenge, for fear of Don John of Austria for the former causes. The order for this execution was committed by the King to Señor Antonio Perez. He procured him to be slain by one Garzia de Arze and others. After Escovedo's death, his wife and children and friends suspected the Princess of Ebolye to be author thereof, as enemy to Escovedo, and Señor Antonio Perez to have been the instrument as procured by her, for the great friendship between the said Princess and him. And having but light suspicions whereon to ground, yet they proceeded so far as to demand justice of the King against them both. The King's irresolutions in handling the matter are passing strange; but at length, though he knew the Princess to be utterly ignorant of the case and Señor Antonio to have procured it to be done by his commandment and for his special service, yet suffered he them both to be imprisoned, her to die in prison, him to be removed from prison to prison in Castile, to be condemned in great sums of money, to be deprived of his office, all he had to be confiscated, to be tortured upon the rack, with the greatest shows of favours at some times, with the most rigorous extremities at others, in most strange, inconstant, hard manner till in 1590 he escaped out of prison from Castile into Arragon. Thither the king's authority followed him also, plucked him out of sanctuary, imprisoned him that he was driven to live of alms, arraigned him in a court called the “Manifestation;” when he was to be acquitted there called him to another court called Enquesta; when that could hold no plea against him, sought by subornation to bring him into the Inquisition; which injustice the people seeing and in his person the manifest breach of their chiefest liberties, he being native of Arragon and they having large liberties greater than the Low countries had, they arose in arms and delivered him. The King sent an army against them; the whole realm of Arragon armed against his army. But their chief men shrinking, the King's army prevailed and did many executions. Señor Antonio Perez escaped into France, whither (and hither into England) do practices against his life continually pursue him. This is sum of the matter, but the circumstances are many, very notable and amply declared by the author in the three treatises of this book.
“The first is a general summary report of all the troubles of Señor Antonio Perez about this cause. The second, a special and particular larger narration of things happened in a great commotion of the people at Snragossa to deliver him from the Inquisition. The third, as it were a aefensive pleading of his cause against the king's attorneys before the Justice of Arragon. So that the two last treatises being but parts of the first and both summarily touched in the first, let it not offend or be thought a fault in the author if there be repetition of some points, especially these treatises having been also written and published at sundry times.”
Then follow general observations on the characteristics of the work and the lessons to be derived from its perusal, “especially by such Englishmen, at home or abroad, as discontenting themselves with their own prince and country may rely their hopes upon the King of Spain. If such there be, let them consider well the whole story and judge whether they be not exceedingly abused.”
HeadedL—“The translator to the reader.”
Endorsed. :—“Mr. Atye on Señor Perez' book. 1591. Concerning the miseries of D. Perez.”
5½ pp.
Prices in Holland and England.
1591. “A reducement of the Flemish money brought into English money, touching the prices of certain species of victuals, as the same are rated to be worth in Holland the first penny, and what the same kinds are worth in England.”
1 p.
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