Cecil Papers: March 1593

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

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Cecil Papers: March 1593', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594, (London, 1892) pp. 290-299. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol4/pp290-299 [accessed 21 April 2024]

March 1593

James Morice to Lord Burghley.
1592/3, March 1. That I am no more hardly handled, I impute (next unto God) to your honourable good will and favour; for, although I am assured that the cause I took in hand is good and honest, yet I believe that, beside your lordship and that honorable person your son I have never an honest friend. But no marvel, for the best causes seldom find the most friends, especially having many and those mighty enemies. I see no cause in my conscience to repent me of that I have done, nor to be dismayed, though grieved by this my restraint of liberty, for I stand for the maintenance of the honour of God and of my prince and for the preservation of public justice and the liberties of my country against wrong and oppression; being well content at her Majesty's good pleasure and commandment (whom I beseech God long to preserve in all princely felicity) to suffer and abide much more. But I had thought that the judges ecclesiastical, being charged in the great council of the realm to be dishonourers of God and of her Majesty, violators and perverters of law and public justice, and wrongdoers unto the liberties and freedoms of all her Majesty's subjects, by their extorted oaths, wrongful imprisonments, lawless subscription and unjust absolutions, would rather have sought means to be cleared of this weighty accusation than to shroud themselves under the suppressing of the complaint and shadow of mine imprisonment. There is a fault found with me that I as a private person preferred not my complaint to her Majesty. Surely, my lord, your wisdom can conceive what a proper piece of work I had then made of that! The worst prison had been, I think, too good for me, since how, sustaining the person of a public councillor of the realm, speaking for her Majesty's prerogatives, which by oath I am bound to assist and maintain, I cannot escape displeasure and restraint of liberty. Another fault or error is objected in that I preferred these causes before the matters delivered from her Majesty were determined. My good lord, to have stayed so long, I verily think had been to come too late. Bills of assize of bread, shipping of fish, pleadings and such like may be offered and received into the House and no offence to her Majesty's royal commandment (being but as the tithing of mint) but the great causes of the law and public justice may not be touched without offence! Well, my good lord, be it so! Yet I hope her Majesty and you of her honorable privy council will at length thoroughly consider of these things, lest as, where heretofore we prayed, “From the tyranny of the bishop of Rome, good Lord deliver us!” we be compelled to say, “From the tyranny of the clergy of England, good Lord deliver us !” Pardon my plain speech I humbly beseech your honour, for it proceedeth from an upright heart and sound conscience although in a weak and fickle body. And, by God's grace, while life doth last (which I hope now after so many cracks and crazes will not be long) I will not be ashamed in good and lawful sort to strive for the freedom of conscience, public justice and the liberties of my country. And you my good lord (to whose hand the stern of this commonwealth is chiefly committed) I humbly beseech (as I doubt not but you do) graciously respect both me and the causes I have preferred, and be a means to pacify and appease her Majesty's displeasure conceived against me her poor yet faithful subject.—1st March 1592.
Holograph. 1½ pp. [Lodge in extenso II., 443]
Committees of the Lords and Commons.
1592/3, March 1 and 2. Orders of the House of Commons appointing a Committee to confer with a Committee of the House of Lords, and to frame an answer to that house, on some subject not specified.
Names of the Committee.
All the privy councillors being present then at the house.
Serjeant Yelverton. Sir Edward Dymock.
Mr. Dier. Mr. John Hare.
Mr. Sandes. Sir George Carye.
Sir Henry Unton. Sir Thomas Cecill.
Mr. Wrothe. Sir Walter Raleigh.
Sir Henry Cock. Sir Francis Drake.
Sir Francis Hastinges. Sir William Knolles.
Mr. Fulk Grevill. Mr. Henry Finche.
Sir Henry Knyvett. Mr. Phillipps.
Sir William Moore. Mr. Tho. Flemyng.
Mr. Recorder of London. Mr. Nicholas Saunders.
Sir William Bruncker. Mr. Humfrey Coningsby.
Mr. D. Cesar. Mr. Edward Grevell.
Mr. Lewknor. Sir Christopher Blunt.
Mr. Atye. Mr. Cradock.
Mr. Robert Sakevile. Mr. Grymston.
Sir Charles Candish. Sir Thomas Dennys.
Mr. Nathaniel Bacon. Sir Henry Poole.
Mr. D. Herberte. Sir Thomas West.
Mr. Serjeant Harries. Mr. Barker.
Mr. Serjeant Hannam. Mr. Trevor.
Sir George Savile. Mr. Tasboroughe.
Mr. Heile. Mr. Flowre.
Mr Lewes. Mr. William Howard.
Mr. George Moore. Sir John Harington.
Sir Francis Godolphin. Sir Moyle Finch.
Mr. Francis Bacon. Sir John Peiton.
Sir Thomas Sherley. Sir Edward Hoby.
Sir Edward Stafford. Sir Thomas Reade.
Sir Thomas Conyngsbye. Mr. D. Awbrey.
2 pp.
Sir Matthew Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1592/3, March 4. I told you not long since (complaining as I durst) of some straight course for the purchase of your house in Holborn, contrary to your own offer (as I hoped to prove) by your own hand; which how sure soever I stood in it yet was uncertain to find what I knew to be true; whereupon growing to this conclusion that, if I found your letter, written wholly with your own hand, 1,400l. I would pay you, if not 1500l. I was bound to pay. I hope by perusing your own letter you will think that, at my last coming to London, being stirred by Budden to proceed with the purchase, who knowing therein the secrets of my heart that 200 or 100 at the least would to me be debated of what a stranger might first have had if present payment would ensue, I hoped your own demand would have sufficed for so ruinous a purchase. My bond is given for 1500l., my intent but 1400l., and not that neither (vainly believing); if in your conscience you will require this odd 100l., no doubt I will pay it you, though I intend to send you but 1400l., and for the forfeiture of my bond I will surely venture the proof, to try of this bargain whether I esteem less of the loss of 2000l. or you of the gain of a 100l. I stood in some doubt with myself whether to send you your own letter or a copy of it, but, knowing your belief to be stronger in a 100l. than in me, I thought good to send the thing itself, and to refer all to your noble consideration and my lady's censure in this behalf who was present at our conversation; whose happy delivery of a second son I more regard than any hope I have ever to gain a groat at your hands by bargaining.
P.S.—I can write little as yet what good your little ward will bring unto you, for it. is thought the widow hath all for term of her life if not a disposition in her self to make her heir at her pleasure; after the office found, things will better appear, and sure you are what wit or friendship will prevail you can be no loser. The widow herself hath undertaken Sir Harry Barkley's house for her protection, where she hath already placed herself, and I think, the office once found, I shall myself see her, and will do my best rather to gain . . .l. by that bargain than contrary to my expectation a 100l. for rotten houses —Shaftesbury, 4 March 1592.
Holograph. 2½ p.
H.M. Forces in the Low Countries.
1592/3, March 8. A brief note of the weekly payments to her Majesty's forces in the Low “Countries for two months, beginning 21 March 1592 [-3] and ending 15 May 1593.
“Counsell of Estate” .—
Thomas Bodley, Esq. at 40s. per diem; George Guiipin, gent, at 20s. per diem.
Officers of the Field :—
Sir Thomas Sherley, Treasurer at Wars, at 20s. per diem; his under Treasurer at 6s. 8d. per diem; and 3 Paymasters at 5s. a piece. Sir Francis Vere, Serjeant-Major, at 20s. per diem, with an augmentation by special Privy Seal of another 20s. per diem.
Officers of Flushing :—
Sir Robert Sidney, Knt., Governor, at 68s. per diem; Sir Edmund Uvedall, Marshal, at 20s. per diem; Capt. John Sampson, gent, porter, at 8s. per diem; Edward Burnham, waterbailiff, at 8s. per diem; George Goldinge, Provost Marshal, at 8s. per diem; William Cholmley, Clerk of the Munition, at 2s. per diem; one master gunner at 2s. per diem, his mate at 16d. per diem, 4 quartermasters at 12d. a piece, and 2 inferior cannoniers at 10d. a piece.
Officers of Briell : —
The Lord Burgh, Governor, at 68s. per diem; Capt. John Price, Marshal, at 20s. per diem; Capt. Thomas Richards, gent, porter, at 8s. per diem; Capt. Richard Turnor, waterbailiff, at 8s. per diem; Charles Topcliffe, Provost Marshal, at 8s. per diem; —, clerk of the munition, at 2s. per diem; one master gunner at 2s. per diem, his mate at 16d. per diem, 4 quartermasters at 12d. a piece per diem, and 2 inferior cannoniers at 10d. a piece per diem.
Captains of the Horsebands were :—
Sir Francis Vere, Sir Robert Sidney, Sir Nicholas Parker, Sir John Pooley.
The Captains of the footbands :—
The Lord Burgh, Sir Robert Sidney, Sir Thomas Morgan, Sir Coniers Clifford, Sir Matthew Morgan, Sir Thomas Sherley, Sir Edward Norreys, Sir Francis Vere, Sir Thomas Baskerville, Sir Edmund Uvedall, Sir Francis Allen, Oliver Lambert, John Price. George Aldriche, John Barker, John Bucke, Robert Dackombe, Henry Fowkes, Baidwyn Medkerke, Arthur Savage, William Smith, Edmund Waynman, William Browne, George Wrey, Sir Ferdinando Gorges, William Goodwyn, and Poynings Heron.
Examined, 4 March 1592.
Endorsed :—“8 Martii, 1592. Lowe Countries—Two months' pay for her Majesty's forces in the Low Countries, beginning the 21st of March 1592 and ending the 15th May 1593, the money to be received the 6th of March 1592.”
pp.
Defence of the Scilly Islands.
1592/3, March 8. Having yearly during these dangerous years past dutifully reminded the Council of the dangers to the Scilly islands, especially in summer, for lack of men, munition and fortification, the writer is now enforced, hearing of Spanish practices with Scotland, to recommend care for their defence to their consideration.
The King of Spain cometh by steps : first, into Belleisle, which is said to be at his devotion; second, into Blewett where he fortifieth; third, if it be not about Ushant or Conquett, is likeliest to be the Isles of Scilly as the fairest Inn in his directest way to Scotland, Ireland, Milford, or any part of St. George's Channel, wherein he may find commodious summer harbour for any royal navy, water and other commodities to refresh his men, a place of great strength with small garrison to defend it, beside the utter spoil of most of our trade. Whereas if those Isles are preserved, the mutual access between him and Scotland may be from thence best intercepted and traffic freed from his interruption.
From May to September, there should be a garrison of 80 men at least, one half to be strong labourers to further the fortifications, whereof there is great need. There will also need at least 6 or 8 demiculverins and sakers, with powder and shot, for if they can but play with their ordnance upon their ships but only two days, her Majesty's ammunition could not be employed to a greater annoy of her enemy.
To disburden the Queen of the whole or greatest part of the charge, one of her small ships or pinnaces, being a good sailor, should be sent during the summer to the Scilly islands and there a smaller one will be furnished by the memorialist to attend the same. These shall not move from their road until from the isles shipping be discovered, and then the greater half of the men of the garrison which shall be found able to brook the seas shall help to man those pinnaces. Then, if the ship or ships seen may be found prize, the charge with advantage may be soon recovered.
Addressed :—“To the right honourable lords of Her Majesty's privy council.”
Unsigned. 1 p.
Defence of the Scilly Islands.
1592/3, March 1/1. Account prepared by Francis Godolphin of ordnance and ammunition thought meet to be sent to St. Mary's Island in Scilly, for the better defence thereof, at his last being before the Lord Treasurer.
1 p.
W[illiam], Bishop of Chester, to Archibald Douglas.
1592/3, March 20. I have stayed a long time to make answer to your favorable letters, because I expected daily to hear from some to whom I had written; but as yet I have not heard from them and therefore as yet I cannot satisfy you to any purpose. Only thus much I think that, if the matter fall out to be wilful murder, her Majesty will not be brought to grant any pardon : otherwise it may be you may obtain a pardon. And, therefore, the best course were, in my opinion, to procure a stay in the mean time, and I will write once again to his friends, and confer with you further at some leisure, for the Assizes will not be till after Easter. And so I commend you to God.—From Cannon Bow, 20 March 1592.
Holograph. ½ p.
Francis Fuller to the Queen.
1592/3, March 20. For lease in reversion of certain lands in Essex and Middlesex of which he is tenant.— Endorsed :—20 March 1592.
Note by J. Herbert that the Queen grants the petition. — Court at St.
James', 4 April 1593.
Enclosure :—Mr. Auditor Hill's certificate that Mr. Fuller is tenant of the above lands.
2 pp.
Francis Barnard and others to the Queen.
1952/3, March 23. For lease in reversion of lands in Surrey of which they are tenants, as the maintenance of the grounds and the banks thereof against the Thames has been exceedingly chargeable.— Endorsed :— 23 March 1592.
Note by J. Herbert that the Queen grants the petition.
1 p.
Committee for relief of maimed Soldiers and Mariners.
1592/3, March 8–24. Lists of the committee for conference touching the relief of poor maimed soldiers and mariners.
All privy councillors members of the house.
Sir George Carye. Sir Edward Hobbye.
All the serjeants-at-law. Mr. Charles Dymocke.
Mr. Francis Bacon. Sir Robert Sidney.
Mr. Nathaniel Bacon. Mr. Arthur Gorge.
Mr. Edward Dyer. Sir Anthony Cope.
Sir Thomas Morgan. Sir John Wingfeld.
Sir Thomas Baskervile. Sir William Reade.
Mr. Becorder of London. Sir Edward Stafford.
Mr. Skynner. Mr. John Thynne.
Mr. Andrew Palmer. Mr. Lawrence Stowghton.
Mr. Wrothe. Mr. Warren.
Sir William Moore. Mr. Amersham.
Mr, George Moore. Mr. George Wraye.
Sir William Bruncker. Sir Harry Knyvet.
Sir Thomas Sherley. Sir Conyers Clifford.
Sir Moyle Fynch. Mr. Robert Sakvile.
Mr. Harry Fynch. Sir Thomas Denys.
Sir Edward Dymoke. Mr. Edward Lewkenor.
Sir Francis Drake. Sir Francis Hastinges.
Mr. Edgecombe. Mr. Peryam.
Mr. Thomas Fane. Sir Thomas Reade.
Sir Walter Covert. Sir Ferdinando Gorge.
Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Humphrey Foster.
Mr. Anton. Sir Harry Poole.
Mr. Nicholas Saunders. Sir William Bevell.
Sir Francis Urre, Sir John Harrington
Mr. Sandes. Mr. Boyse.
Mr. Chute. Sir Thomas Weste.
Mr. Hickford. Mr. Richard Lewkenor.
Sir John Poyntes. Mr. Jerome Horsey.
Sir Harry Cocke.
Added to the above on Saturday, 24 March 1592.
Mr. Vice Chamberlain. Sir Moyle Fynche.
Sir Walter Raleigh. Mr. Harry Brooke.
Mr. Seynt John. Sir Robert Cecill.
Sir William Knolles. Mr. Tasboroughe.
Mr. Anthony Cooke. Sir Thomas Conyngesby.
Sir John Wolley. Mr. Vincent Skynner.
Mr. Richard Browne. Mr. Riddlesden.
Mr. Hubberd.
Endorsed :—“Committees names in the bill for relief of poor maimed : soldiers and mariners.”
1 p.
The King of Scotland to the Queen.
[1593, March 25.] Is very glad the Queen has sent her ambassador, Lord Burgh, to be informed of things fallen out in Scotland and to be a witness of the procedure for remedy thereof; if she has detected any further herein, doubts not she will make him acquainted therewith.
2. What he hath done for exact trial and due punishment of so high and vile a practice Burgh is fully acquainted with, and he is resolved zealously to prosecute the same unto the end, according to the deserts of so sacred a cause, not doubting of the Queen's assistance.
3. Thanks her heartily for her friendly advice and is certainly resolved to follow forth the same how far by a Parliament he may have lawful opportunity.
4. Is always occupied in making choice of a Council fit for the time, zealous in religion, well devoted to himself and sincerely affected to the amity between the two crowns, and will fortify and comfort them in good and sound advice, not altering or disgracing any without proven offence against his person or state.
5. Will not be deficient in any sort, but always do what he is able for withstanding the common enemy, and all princes professing the true religion may be certified that in this cause of God's he will, without respect of favour or hatred, hazard his crown, life and all. The greater clemency he hath used to those guilty of this practice the further they have foully abused the same. Therefore he voweth they shall never have dwelling under him that are guilty of so foul a treason, but the Queen's helpful hand must be had thereunto, as more fully set down in the penultimate article of this answer.
6. Will give charge to such on his marches as affect justice and the amity between the two crowns.
7. Thanks her most heartily for her friendly signification of affection towards him in this case, and wishes her to consider if she have not also as great need to help to stay the Spaniard from putting foot in this country as either in France or the Low Countries, and therefore to help to enable himself to entertain sufficient guards; partly to guard his person having so many great men now rebels, and partly in such parts of the country where these rebels have greatest friendship in, and the rest to be occupied in hunting out the conspirators : the whole force to be used to resist the landing of any foreign force. The Queen shall be certified of his special wish herein by one of his with all speed.
8. Prays the Queen to follow forth the due punishment of such as have plainly received Bothwell, as she tenders her own honour, his contentment and the ingratitude towards him of these base-minded fellows deserve. Touching that vile man himself, as his offences are unpardonable, prays the Queen to deliver him in case hereafter he have refuge within any part of her dominions.
Headed : “The King's Majesty's answers to the abridgement of the propositions given to his majesty by the Lord Burgh, ambassador from his dearest sister and cousin the Queen of England.”
Endorsed :—“The king of Scots' answers with his own hand.”
Copy. 2 pp.
Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1593] Mar. 26. At his coming from Cobham he meant presently to have gone to the Court, but finding himself not well disposed, he-submits himself to the physician's hands.—“From my house in London,” the 26 March.
Endorsed :—“26 March 1593.”
Holograph. Seal. ⅓ p.
Richard Carmarden to Lord Burghley.
1593, Mar. 29. On Friday last it pleased Her Majesty to hear my opinion touching the disposal of the pepper, which was either to sell the same in gross to certain persons, to beg some 20,000l. in hand, and the rest at several days, so that sleeping or waking the money may grow due to her coffers, or else to sell the same by ten, twenty or hundred bags, or more or less, to the general market, as best may be uttered, that the ware may not be dead and thereby Her Majesty unfurnished with money, and we discredited so far, as the common proverb is among merchants, to hold the candle while others serve the markets. And yet, whether it shall like Her Majesty to sell in great or by retail by bags, she must of necessity prohibit by proclamation any pepper to be brought to this realm for the space of two years; and that such as shall be brought in by reprisal or already is in merchants' hands, shall not be put to sale during that time. For whereas, in some favour to the merchants and to avoid the present exclamation, I advised your lordship to write to the Garbler of London to prohibit the garbling of any until Her Majesty's pepper was vented, thinking then the same would be sufficient admonition for them [not] to bring in any more, yet I certainly know they daily bring in good quantities of that commodity, and by device sell it ungarbled so dear, as I pray we may sell Her Majesty's at such rate garbled, and all is because they see Her Majesty not resolved upon to sell. I presume, as one likest to receive most blame, to certify your Lordship in my name in all our opinions. —Chiselhurst, 29 March 1593.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p.
Jo. Budden to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1593,] March 30. Immediately upon receipt of your letter I sent to Sir Matthew Arundell, being gone towards Sir Henry Brackley's in Somersetshire, where Mrs. Chafyn lieth since the death of her husband, importing in some sort your will about strengthening the Commission, which he seemeth to like. It was published abroad that the child was exceeding weak and not likely to live, by some that it was dead; and now being seen, proveth a goodly child. The benefit it is likely to yield is not as I hoped for, yet I hope the best of Her Majesty's service and the ward's good shall be duly regarded. For that some matter in law, about the validity of the several conveyances, will grow and is in question, I have against the 10th April, the next sitting day appointed, provided good counsel for Her Majesty, Mr. Matthew Ewins, a reader of the Middle Temple and of good judgment, with Mr. Swayne. Mr. Ewins in no sort favours the widow's advisers. If your Honour may have 1,000l., and determined to sell it, I do wish it, as things stand. Sir Henry Barckley and Mr. Willoughby are the only men she relieth on. I have heard of certain great sums of money given by old Mr. Chafyn's will to the ward, the truth whereof cannot appear till the will be seen, which could be seen at the Register in the Arches, if it be proved, and if such matter be, I would we had a copy.—Shafton, this 30th of March.
P.S.—The jury first returned were for the most part nearly allied to Mrs. Chafyn, good friends of Sir Henry Barkley or Mr. Willoughby, but were left out by challenge, and yet there are some in the jury do bear good will, I am afraid, to Sir Henry Barkley and Mr. Willoughby, which will all be remedied by renewing the commission, for then I take it there must be a supersedeas of the first, and a new jury must be returned and impanelled, and all which has been yet done made void.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“30 March.”
p.
Subsidies.
1592/3, Feb.—March. Notes of proceedings at a Parliamentary Committee relative to the collection of subsidies.—Feb. 27.
pp.
Similar notes in Sir E. Cecil's handwriting.—March. Endorsed :—“Agreement of the Committee concerning subsidies.”
2 pp.
Committees for relief of Soldiers and Sailors.
[1593, March.] Articles considered of by the Committees for relief of soldiers and mariners which are or shall be wounded, maimed or grown impotent in her Majesty's service in the wars, or fallen sick there or in their returning homewards; and by the said Committees thought fit to be offered to the House to be enacted by a bill to be drawn according to the intent of the same articles, if it shall also like the House.
They recommend raising funds by a yearly payment of 4s. by all innkeepers and sellers of wine by small measure, and of 2s. by alehouse keepers, victualling cooks, laders and carriers of corn, grain, butter and cheese, and cattle drovers, and prescribe the mode of collecting and disbursing the same.
2 pp.
Maimed Soldiers and Mariners.
1592/3, March. An Act touching relief of soldiers and mariners wounded, maimed or grown impotent or sick in Her Majesty's service.
Draft, with corrections.
Endorsed :—“First reading, March 24, 1592. The second reading, and committed.”
14 pp.
The First Bill against Recusants.
[1593, about March.] Draft of a bill, with 12 sections. (1.) Pain and penalties against recusants for not repairing to church. (2.) If a wife do not conform she shall not have dower, jointure or legacy by her husband, and if a man marry a recusant the Queen, during the lifetime of the wife, shall have two parts of the possessions she brings her husband. (3.) Recusants to be incapable of holding land by gift, purchase or limitation of any use, and incapable of legacies or devises. (4.) Persons relieving or maintaining recusants for a month to forfeit 10l., and the same penalty for any person keeping a recusant servant for a month. (5.) Recusants shall forfeit to their lords their copyhold lands, the Queen taking two parts of the profits. (6.) Recusants disabled to have any office or practice as councillor, doctor, proctor, attorney, solicitor or clerk in any court ecclesiastical. (7.) Children of recusants over seven years to be brought up at the charge of their parents, under the government of discreet persons thereunto assigned by six of the Privy Council, by the Bishop of the diocese or the justices of assize. (8.) Persons suffering their children to be baptized by any Jesuit, seminary or other massing priest, shall forfeit 100l. for every offence. (9.) Bargains or assurances of land by recusants to be void against the Queen, during the life of the offender, and trusts heretofore created for the benefit of them and their families to be in like manner void. (10.) All duties and forfeitures under this Act, of 23 Eliz., c. 1, and 28 Eliz. c. 6, may be levied in the Courts of Common law like other debts. (11.) The form of indictment of recusants, and proclamation on the same [not set out]. (12.) If recusants complain they are unjustly convicted, the Lord Treasurer, Chancellor and Barons of the Exchequer to have power to examine into the truth, and to decree the conviction to be void : a recusant may, by repairing to Church and hearing divine service and making submission, avoid the penalties of the Act, or he may submit before the Judge before whom he was convicted or before the Barons of the Exchequer in open Court in terra time : but a recusant who has once submitted may never take any advantage from submission for the like offence again : the act shall not avoid any grant or estate that any person, other than the offenders, have bona fide purchased or gotten.
Endorsed by Lord Burghley : “The first bill against recusants.”
2 pp.