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The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 16. |
The sudden extreme sickness of the Admiral of the Low Country squadron hath made me send him back with his own ship and two flyboats of “transportion,” for which I have no use. Tell the Queen the whole fleet is together. Sir Walter Ralegh came yesterday and the Dreadnought the day before. The St. Matthew we only miss, who ran for England ere we came to the North Cape. My uncle Robert Knollys and Osborne will have informed you of our journey to these islands and of the purpose of coming hither. We have missed of the Adelantado who will not leave Ferroll this year; and as yet the wind has been contrary for all Indian Fleets. But now it is fair, and I hope if they come they shall not scape us. Besides, we will relieve ourselves and sack all the islands but Tercera, which I judge to be too hard for our small land force, our provisions for any battery or great works being gone in the St. Matthew. Excuse my fellows for not writing; this despatch is sudden, and they know not of it. They are all well and have these last two days eaten me more good meat than their skins are worth. Sir Walter Ralegh with the Wastspight, Buonaventure, Dreadnought and Swiftsure, is now watering and taking in victuals under the island of Flores. With the rest I keep the sea like a constable to arrest all that pass within thirty leagues. Let my dear Sovereign know I do spiritually kiss her fair royal hands, but think of them as a man should of so fair flesh.—From aboard the Dewrepulse, 16 Sept. |
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Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (55. 38.) |
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A copy of the foregoing letter. (55. 39.) |
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John Livermore, Mayor of Exeter, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 17. |
Has received two letters from him; one dated 24 August last which came to hand the 25th about midnight, enclosing a letter to the Dean and Chapter of Exeter, which he caused to be delivered at the very instant to the Dean's own hands, whose answer was that himself could not give any direct answer until he had conferred with the Chapter, which being done he would return their answer. |
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The other, dated 14 of this present, was received on the 15th, likewise about midnight. Did forthwith signify to the said Dean that Cecil did marvel that in all this time he could not receive their answer, who said that this present day he should have answer. Which being (even now) received is herewith sent.—17 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (35. 15.) |
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Sir Anthony Mildmay to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 18. |
According to my promise to you at my departure, as soon as I came home, I drew a letter to Sir Thomas Cecil, but forbore to send it until I had first spoken to Lord Willoughby. I conferred with him and found him not unwilling in many respects to have friendship with Sir Thomas, from whom he had lately received a letter by Arthur Hall, that if he would retract the lie that had passed between them all unkindness should then cease. The ground of the lie stands upon some speeches uttered by Sir Thomas to my Lord, as he affirms, so as in retracting of it he shall give himself the lie, which he has reason to shun. It were much better for all our credits, if without recital of matters past this matter were friendly ended, which in my opinion is grounded on words ill heard and misunderstood. For my own part from my love to your father and family, I will submit myself to your directions, knowing you will care for my credit; and I will show Sir Thomas Cecil that I desire his friendship.—Apthorpe, 18 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (55. 40.) |
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Sir Thomas Egerton, Lord Keeper, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 18. |
I am glad to hear from Ireland any good news for the public; for concerning my private I can hear no worse than I have done. I wish these wars a speedy end; an end is best si possis recte, si non quocumque modo, as a wise man says in like case. |
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I have followed your advice for the bill for my son, and enclose a new bill, done and subscribed by Mr. Attorney. The speedy dispatch of this I must reckon among your many favours.—18th Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (55. 41.) |
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William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 19. |
Francisco Azevedo remains still in my house. He complains very much of Mr. Baines, saying that he practises only to deceive as well her Majesty as the Condey [? Conde] that sent him hither, and that his going for Portugal without Azevedo will do more harm than good, as hereafter you shall better understand. I know not what credit his words deserve. The last news from the fleet was from one who about twenty days past met five ships at the seas thwart of the Burlens, and understood they were to join the Lord General at the Islands of Maderas.—Plymouth. 19 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (55. 42.) |
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Sir Robert Wrothe to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 19. |
I have done the best, since the delivering of your warrant for a stag, to kill one for you, but without success; for that kind of deer only comes to my walks accidentally, and those who were wont to come guest wise, are at this season retired to other haunts. I doubt I shall not be able to perform your wish, for which I am sorry. If it
be any use, I will in the female kind either of red or fallow be ready to make you recompense at any time this winter.—“Lucton” [? Loughton] 19 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. ½ p. (55. 43.) |
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Archibald Douglas. |
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[1586–1597, about Sept. 20]. |
Drafts of letters of various dates in the handwriting of Archibald Douglas, viz. :— |
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(1.) After my most hearty commendations. I received never one letter from you since your departure saving one, and this is the fourth time that I have written to you. I pray you let me understand if you have received all my letters, specially two letters that were both directed to Ard. Douglass, Lord of the Sessionis, containing answer to his several letters which I have received from [him]. I am not in use to write news, and therefore I forbear to write any except the deyt [death] of my Lord Chancellor, whose deyt is lamented universally, and himself belied upon by the wrongful report of many who give it out that a book should be set out in Scotland against him, that hath not been least part of the occasion of his—. Truly, for my own part, I never did—such book, neither do I know any — matter ground whereupon any such book could have been founded, by reason that I am most assured that his Majesty my Sovereign had no better friend in England than he was of late become : which hath been objected to him. And that it hath been given out here that you were directed in Scotland to cause such books be suppressed, as the report is most untrue so are the reporters false knaves, as hereafter with time it will appear, which I think shall produce further knavery. In this mid time I pray you let me know of your welfare and let me understand if Ard be disposed to write any answer, or if he hath written any other letter to me of late than those two that I have received and answered. I shall send you shortly answer by Mr. John Lyndesaye his letters.—Undated. Draft. |
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Endorsed :—“The 3 Nisbet.” |
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1 p. (58. 15.) |
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(2.) [1597, after Sept. 18].—From France there comes daily news, but are kept secret, and such variety of reports made of them when they are divulged, that no man dare make assurance of any certainty except by conjecture. The latest news that come are that the Cardinal was come to Dorlance [Dourlens] to levy this [“imaginary” struck out] siege, that the most thinks rather imaginary than effectual. And that Monsr. Weilroye and Monsr. Byrone were received in the town of Aimence [Amiens] by consent of all to treat upon reddition of the town, and had reduced the matter to this end, that if the Cardinal were not able to relieve them betwixt [then] and the 26 of September stilo novo, in that case the Spaniards should depart the town, “bague saif : ensign disploye.” And that the king should safely see them conveyed to Dorlance and thereafter should enter the town, providing that no garrison should be received, neither left there. There is so great dealing for a peace abroad by the Pope's mediation, that some begin to think that this reddition, if it be true, is like to be some branch thereof. I forbear to write of news from Yrland by reason of the vicinity of your L. remaining where [you] may hear more frequently and certain news than I can be able to write. Always this far I may affirm that since the decease of General Norice and the slaughter of those Earls and others there, many begin to think that the Lord Borrois direction thither was more speedily than advisedly set down. Upon the 18 of September stilo
patriæ Sir Robert Knollis arrived at Plymouth in a pinnace from the Earl of Essex, his letters bear date the 23 of August, but no matter of weight contained except that the said Earl, accompanied with twenty ships of war Englishmen, “echt” [8] Hollanders, together with victuallers in proportion accordingly to both companies, are upon the coast of Spain. It appears that their intention hath been to burn the King's ships at the Croyne [Groyne] and Farrole, but no attempt is yet made therein, by reason that both the said towns are fortified strongly with ships and men. Sir Walter Ralegh is gone with the remanent of ships to the Ilis Zoares, to await upon the coming of the treasure from India. I think their return, if the greater mishaps shall not fall out, shall not be before the midst of October at soonest.—Undated. Draft. |
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1 p. (58. 16.) |
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(3.) Sir, I received two letters of yours, together with one from your brother Jame, but not before the 17 of September, whereas I was informed that all such matters as did concern the Lard of Bucclew was ended, and to his contentment : to whom I would have been as glad to do all the service that could lie in me to be performed as for any man in that realm, wherewith I pray you make his Honour acquainted. As for your wish contained in your letter, that you would you had never been beholden to me, neither yet that you had embarked yourself in any my affairs, for the first part you may amend it when you please by giving again that which you have received, according to your many promises contained in your former letters which I have here. As to the second part, I believe your books [? show] that I have received no more commodity hitherto by your dealing but trouble augmented, neither have I at any time craved that you should take any pains for me. There is a proverb that says, the bargain is ill-made where neither of the parties doth gain. Therefore I will request you in all times hereafter not to trouble your spirit and body with anything that doth concern me whereby you may be endangered with such perilous sickness as your brother's letter did “bear” you were in, of which I am very glad that you are so well recovered. And so, leaving to trouble you any farther, I take my leave.—Undated. |
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Draft. ½ p. (58. 16.) |
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(4.) Please your Honour, albeit my repairing towards you hath of late not been so acceptable unto your Honour, and that without any my deserving, as knoweth God, as I expected, yet the necessity wherein I am reduced hath forced me to be so troublesome as most heartily to pray your Honour to move Her Majesty of clemency to come to some resolution for him that hath these ten years and more been staid here still awaiting to know what it would be Her Majesty's most gracious pleasure to command me, which to the obeying whereof I am and ever more shall be ready, as knoweth the Almighty, who be your Honour's preserver for ever.—Undated. |
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Draft. ½ p. (58. 16.) |
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(5.) I pray you heartily not to find it strange that I do request you in this my necessity to see this sum paid to the said Patrik; and that he may with all speed certify to Willm. Huntar that he hath received the same, for the doing whereof he may deliver his letter to George Nicholson, servant to Mr. Bowes, who will see it conveyed to him by post. I am bold also to pray you to cause this letter directed to my Lord of Cassillis to be conveyed to him with speed. Mr. Richard can tell you whom to it should be delivered in Edr. [Edinburgh] to be sent to his L. In his L. last letter to me he doth complain
of the negligence of Mr. Richard anent the carrying of such letters as I did send to him before. I pray you heartily to see the same error amended, if any hath been. I request you also to cause these other letters be delivered as they are directed. I have written a brawling answer to Mr. Richard for answer to his “untymous” chiding letter, wherewith I think he will make you acquainted. I pray you heartily pardon my boldness in charging you so heavily at this time, which I hope in God shortly to see requited. And so, after such commendations to you and your family as I wish to myself, I take my leave.—Undated. |
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Draft. ¾ p. (58. 17.) |
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Sir, Since the writing of this letter, William Huntar, to whom you had also written concerning your own matter, come to this town, who for the furtherance of your cause did lend me 23l. sterling, upon condition that Nichole Udwart shall deliver the same with expedition to Patrik Moscrap, which I have promised he shall perform according to such writings that he hath promised.—Undated. |
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Draft. ¼ p. (58. 17.) |
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(6.) Since the ending of this letter it is advertised by letters from the army by sea, bearing date the last of August, that Sir Walter Ralegh, being sent towards the islands Tersearas, did take a carraval of advice coming from the Indian fleet to Spain, whereby it was certified that the said Indian fleet and treasure was come to the said Islands, and therefore desired that the king of Spain's army by sea might be sent thither for their safe convoy to Spain. Which advertisement being come to the Earl of Essex, being then upon the coast of Spain, he hath taken resolution to bend all his forces that way, and hath taken course to follow the said Sir Walter, with whom he is thought to be joined. Some conflict is by uncertain speeches given forth, whereof no certainty can as yet be written. |
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The Danish Ambassador hath received his answer accordingly as was expected, and goes home by Holland to learn of what disposition those people may be of towards universal peace. |
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It is for certain given forth that the King of Polonia and the Emperor of Russia hath by action joined themselves to the Emperor and remanent Christian Princes against the Turk : and that the said King has defeated a great army of the Tartars coming through Wallachia, to the number of 50,000, to the support of the Turk, whereby the Turk's forces are greatly diminished.—Undated. |
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Draft. ¾ p. (58. 17.) |
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(7.) Sir, since the ending of this letter William Huntar come to this town, from whom I have borrowed in my necessity 23l. sterling, and hath promised that Nichole Wdwarte shall see that sum paid to Patrick Moscropp. The one half I have received, the other I will not get while [until] the said Patrik make advertisement that he hath received that sum, which amounts in Scot's money to 230l., accor[ding] to the letters which the said William hath written to the said Patrick and Nichole for that effect.—Undated. |
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Draft. ¼ p. (58. 17.) |
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(8.) [1586, Sept.]—Since it hath been your pleasure to let me understand that I cannot have access to her Majesty before Tuesday, I mind not to be at Windsor before Monday at night. In the mid time I cannot forbear to make your Honour acquainted that, amongst the advertisements received from Scotland, it is given out there by young Fyntry and some number of the “Josinslies” and their friends,
that the town of Yarmouth shall be taken within a short compass of time and fortified by unfriends. |
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Albeit this advertisement appears to be void of danger at this present, in respect of this discovery, yet I thought it convenient to certify the same, because that in this perilous age men cannot walk too warily. And so leaving to trouble your Honour with further letter I take my leave. Because my nephew was departed before the receiving of those letters I mind to make a second depeche of them to my Sovereign. I pray you if any books be come to your hands that have [ends].—Undated. |
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Draft. ½ p. (58. 18.) |
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(9.) Please your L. Having received some letters from your Honour and Sir Francis Walsingham wherein was contained a postscript of your own hand, I could not but marvel thereof, in respect I delivered the books mentioned, together with a letter of the date specified, to Mr. Thomas Randolph the said 12 day, who made me acquainted that your L. had given order that whatsoever matter I would send should be conveyed to your Honour by post, which he affirms did depart towards your L. upon the 13 day : so that I believe the books at Fullam in Mr. Secretary's hand, who doth not know, as I believe, so much as that they should be delivered to your L. |
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I was minded to have sent them by my nephew whom I have directed towards Scotland, according to her Majesty's command, and now must needs make a new despatch with these letters that have come yesternight. Such advertisements as I received in my last letters from Scotland I have sent to Mr. Secretary, who, I am assured, will make your Honour acquainted therewith, which makes me forbear in this time so full of business with your L. to make any more letters, but one letter to both your Honours.—Undated. |
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Draft. ½ p. (58. 18.) |
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Please your L., the bearer being so sufficient and so obedient unto your service, I need [not] to trouble your L. with any long letter, thus far only excepted, to discharge myself of my duty, that I have thought good to advertise your L. that I have made the commendations in most hearty manner to all such of your acquaintance as did ask for you, which were no small [number]; and to put you in remembrance that your friends that are here remain of that mind that it shall be well done that your L. that were banished should write “afficiose” letters to my Lord Chamberlain for entertaining of kindness betwixt you and him, whereof he is desirous, I think it shall serve for better purpose to yourself than to him, and so I commit you to, &c.—Undated. |
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Draft. ½ p. (58. 18.) |
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Th. Audeley to Edward Smythe, in Paris. |
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1597, Sept. 20. |
Pardon, loving Signor Daveson and Signor Eduardo, my slackness in neglecting to write weekly unto you; for so it is I went down into the country presently at my first coming and there got a hurt on my leg which stayed me there some longer time than I would. Returned to London I received your letter, and took pen in hand to have answered it, but my wit failed me, so as I felt not myself well, which proved so; for I increased in the yellow jaundice, till I had Doctor Foster and Mr. Butler march through my entrails; now recovered and once returned from keeping my “cris” at my brother Chard's in Essex, I will make amends. Of our present, the Queen is at Whitehall and no talk of her remove, but I think she will not keep her Christmas here.
The parliament adjourned till the 22nd (sic) of January, no matters of importance concluded, but subsidies. My lord of Essex in no great grace, neither with Queen or Commons : with the Queen for that he lay with my Lady of Darbe before he went, as his enemies witness. Others imagine it is that he being malcontent and out of grace there is nothing to [? be] desired of the followers, and indeed the gallants I think be gotten into Crannies with the flies, for here hath not been any since their return. It maketh my acquaintance to droop and I hear the silk men and other creditors wish they might meet with our 'Inde men.' Be it in what consideration it will, it hath impaired him so much as it makes those that have been at charge with their friends to say, he hath made many undo themselves. My Lord of Cumberland is setting to the sea, and as some think will go himself. Sir Arthur Savage here but in no hope of employment. Sir H. Poure and the rest sent or to be sent into Zealand. The rest at Ostend that were sent thither, there still. No 'debbitie' as yet talked of for Ireland. Edward Cecil come into England as I hear. Sir James Clifton 'shreeve' of our shires. O. Cromwell and Mr. Hynde in the bill with him. Such Christmasses kept by him and Sir H. Cromwell with us as hath not been usual. Master Anger is now found in the Thames as low as Greenwich, his neck broken; one of his youngest sons and the porter of Gray's Inn in prison, and to go to the rack for; his house here being searched (for that he is married to no very honest woman in this town) his father's seal of arms that he wore was found in the oatmeal box; so as it is great suspicion. He went one night to bed, and he that lay over him in Gray's Inn heard a great groaning in his chamber, came down the stairs to his door; but when they heard him, they stopped his breath as it should seem, for he hearing it no further went up again to bed. I was at Stanton to have seen your brother, but he was not at home. I hear very well of him; although he overslipped himself so much to marry so poor a match; she is a Cambridge woman. For Mr. Nanton his money I have paid it to Mr. Bocxfeld of the Temple long since, though not so soon as I should; but it was not my fault but those I trusted; it resteth I remain the more bound to him, which I will be ever mindful of, and so I pray you persuade him from me, and if he go into Italy or there where he is or wheresoever, I will perform as much and more to him, for that I will never be found ungrateful to so kind friends. I pray you thank your brother and sister for their kindnesses to me, and I will always thank you; for indeed they use and have so good an opinion of me, as I wish to be worthy to deserve so kind acquaintance, and I think them as honest and kind a couple, as any man ever was acquainted with. I can with words not satisfy myself nor give them that is their due. I will wish your daily return amongst us that you may be an 'Iey' witness and be partaker of fruition. Commending myself unto you both for this time. I have not been with your father, Frank, though he entreated me very earnestly to be no stranger and gave me very great incitations of encouragement to visit him often; you know the cause before. I will amend now I am amended to him and to all my other good friends.—London, 20 Sept. [sic. but ? Dec.] 1597. |
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Holograph. Endorsed in error :—“Sir Tho. Bodley.” 2½ pp (55. 45.) |
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Anthony Andrewes to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 20. |
I understand from your letters, that Mr. Knowles, being indebted to the Queen, for his excuse in not satisfying, has alleged that I owe him much money, and that I do not sue out my livery because
I will pay no debts at all. Infact I only accomplished my full age at the end of last July, and made tender of my livery on the 2nd of August, as will appear by the entry in Mr. Turke's book; and next term I shall sue out my livery according to the order of the court. And for Mr. Knowles' supposed debt, it will appear (if he reveal the truth) that he has already been satisfied by my father and the feoffees-of-trust. Yet he still detains the bond, which will compel me to file a bill in the Court of Wards against your good father.—Mackery End, 20 September, 1597. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (55. 46.) |
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Jeffrey Story to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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[1597, Sept. 21.] |
I served her Majesty's sister in the wars in Scotland and her Highness, since her coming to the Crown, in Scotland and in Ireland, in which services I spent my goods, adventured my life and lost my blood, besides the loss of 14 horses. I continued here for six years past, a humble suitor for some recompense. It pleased the Queen about 3 years past, on the 4th of March, to grant me the pension of Lancelot Cleyton of 2 shillings a day after his death; yet my bill for the same, though written ready for the Queen's signature, has ever since been detained by Sir Geoffrey Fenton's often writing against me, as Dr. Herbert tells me. On my coming from Ireland 6 years ago, I reposed no small trust in him, and he then promised me to further my suit to the Queen for the reversion of some lands in Ireland, and in return I promised him 6l. or a gelding. But a little time after he told me that it was fitter for him than me, whereupon I repaired to Mr. Henry Maynarde and promised him 100l. for his help. Sir Geoffrey Fenton hearing of this dealt with Mr. Richard White of Limerick to have that sum for himself and promised to undertake that suit, whereupon I procured Mr. Storie of Greenwich to enter with me in a bond of 200l. to the said Richard White and his brother for the payment of 100l. to Sir Geoffrey, who immediately after meeting Mr. Story of Greenwich, told him that he undertook the obtaining of that suit, spent 300l. in following that cause against Sir John Perrott and that he had no other but that 100l. I was to pay to him. Yet nevertheless he went to Ireland and detains my bond without doing anything for me; but he took 100l. from one Mr. Francis Shaw, besides other rewards which I omit to write of, and procured the reversion for him who never served in the field. But in consideration of my service, Sir Geoffrey's indirect dealing, and my distress debts, I would ask that the bill for Cleyton's pension may be perfected and some portion of money given to me for my debts. |
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Holograph. 2 pp. (55. 47.) |
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Richard Skevyngton to the Lord High Admiral and Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 22. |
In regard to the complaint made by Taylor and Stock, late the deputies of Mr. Blount the late keeper of Wood street Compter, against me, who affirm that they served under Mr. Blount for fourteen years and had thereby many great debts owing to them, that they were dispossessed of their goods to the value of 300l. and of their place without warning, and that they had made a composition with Mr. Matthew for the compter, to whom they pretend Mr. Nicholas had
referred himself, I would reply that they were not the deputies of Mr. Blount of the charge of keeping or farming the Compter for even one year, that such debts as were owing to them by prisoners have been received and paid to them by Davison and Peseley who now keep the Compter under Mr. Nicholas; moreover, for that in their petition to the Privy Council mention is made of great debts owed to them by prisoners committed by that authority, to whom they allege that they gave credit for diet and lodging, both while such were close prisoners and after they had the liberty of the house, herein they have lewdly abused your honours, seeing that most of such prisoners lay in the hole and the two-penny ward at their own charge during the most part of their imprisonment, for whom they have nevertheless demanded allowance of 13s. 4d. a week. Also touching their goods, these were appraised by an appraisor of their own choosing, and as the appraisement was very high, Davison and Peseley offered them 20l. and their goods, which Taylor and Stock refused. They have said that they were suddenly within three hours displaced of the Compter and their goods, yet Stock's wife and children remained there for more than three weeks, until Taylor and he received compensation for their goods, viz., 160l. ready money, and 80l. to be paid at very short date; which goods Davison and Peseley were forced to take at a very high rate by the clamour of Taylor and Stock. As to their bargain with Mr. Matthew they never performed it or offered to perform it, as was shown before Lord Buckhurst. Moreover, Mr. Nicholas and myself many times offered to Stock the farming of the Compter at a less rate by 40l. than he and Taylor had paid to Mr. Blount, but, as we heard a very bad report of Taylor as a cruel man and a drunkard, and as Stock refused our offer, we did appoint Davison and Peseley to be our deputies, whom we find very fit for the place.—22 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. Endorsed with a list of names. 1½ pp. (55. 48.) |
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Richard Percival to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 22. |
Most of these loose papers I find to be controversies between him, Dr. Buckley and Dr. Reynolds. I send a letter which seems to be Alabaster's to Wright, though directed to Saunders in Chancery Lane, by which it appears that Alabaster has made a tragedy against the Church of England, the method whereof Wright has collected. One of his arguments is that the Church inclines to Papistry; he has also received by one Overall a report delivered by Dr. Cousins touching a marriage between the Queen and the King of Spain, with the pope's dispensation. There is a minute of letter to the Earl of Essex in which he girds at the State and religion. But against Dr. Parkis he discharges his stomach of much bitterness. I think you will send Alabaster's letter and Wright's to my Lord of Canterbury. Alabaster has perverted his father, mother, and sister.—From your house in the Strand. 22 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 49.) |
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William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 23. |
I have no fresh news of the fleet. Last Wednesday came the pinnace Signet on service in these parts with 20 men, whom I furnished with victuals for five weeks. I have sent the account to the Lord Admiral and hope it will be paid without further charge. I have also suggested that some person should be authorised and furnished with money for such occasions. For my part I shall meddle no more
until my account for the Antelope is settled. Azevedo is very desirous to know your pleasure concerning him.—Plymouth, 23 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (55. 53.) |
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The Archbishop of Canterbury to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 24. |
I have caused Alablaster to be committed close prisoner in the University of Cambridge where he remained, and his study door to be sealed up by Dr. Neville, master of that college, until his books and writings be searched. Wright is a proud insolent priest.—Croydon, 24 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. ½ p. (55. 50.) |
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Ammunition out of the Matthew. |
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1597, Sept. 24. |
Powder, shot, lead, and match left at Portsmouth by Sir George Carew, Knight, out of H.M.S. the Matthew, into the charge of Hamden Pawlett, Esquier, deputy to Lord Mountjoy, by Order of the Privy Council 11 September 1597, by an indenture dated 24 September 1597. Viz. Corne powder; dryfatts of match; lead in musket and calyber shot; lead for shot in pigs; round shot for cannon of 7 and 8 inches. |
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Endorsed : “Munitions left by the lieutenent of thordnance at Portsmouth.” |
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(55. 29.) |
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A Traitor's Head. |
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1597, Sept. 24. |
Examination of John Dewrance of Enfield, Gentleman, touching a head found in Enfield Chase. |
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About a month past one John Lane brought the said head to my house in Enfield, saying it was the head of 'Fervgh Makehewe,' an arch traitor of Ireland, who was slain by Captain Thomas Lee and his company; and the head brought into England by John Lane to the Earl of Essex, who referred him to Mr. Secretary for his reward. But as the head money had already been paid in Ireland, John Lane was told he might bestow the said head where he would. And having it with him he came to my house, and wished to leave it there. This I would not permit, nor let it be buried in my garden. He then gave the head to his boy to bury in Enfield Chase, who instead put it on a tree, where it was found on Wednesday last by two boys, who went to fetch their cattle. |
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Taken before me Richard Candeler, 24 Sept. 1597. |
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½ p. (55. 52.) |
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Arthur Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 24. |
Enclosing, for Sir Robert Cecil's perusal, a letter to Sir Thomas Gorges containing a full account of the doings of the fleet.—Fayal, 24 Sept. 1597. |
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P.S.—“I beseech your honour to speak to my Lord Keeper that I may not be wronged in my absence by that clamouring bad fellow Stanffylde.” |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 54.) |
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Penelope, Lady Rich to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 24. |
I could not excuse my longer silence to one I so much honour, but that I was loath to importune you in your serious business; only I desired you to know that I was not changeable in the
constant opinion I have of your virtues, which I think a lady and friend of yours did make known to you; wherefore I will only now entreat you to do me the favour to let me hear from you when you have any news of my brother, since I infinitely long to hear that all the troubles of this voyage were past and some hope of his speedy return.—Belhous, 24 Sept. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 55.) |
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Rowland Lytton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 24. |
I write to prevent any wronging reports that may be delivered concerning the election of knights for our shire against this parliament, wherein the country hath appointed unto you the first place and to me the second. If it had pleased Sir Edward Denny the younger to have accepted it, he knows I and all my friends would have stood firm for him; but on his refusal I thought it best to leave it to a voluntary choice; and so I did not stir, until I heard of great labour for others, and that even my own neighbours not aware of my nomination were wrought from me. And so with thanks for your favours, especially that late intended favour, which my own disaster withstood to my own disgrace, I take my leave.—Knebworth, 24 Sept., 1597. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (55. 56.) |
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Nicholas Walmsley to James Gomond. |
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1597, Sept. 24. |
If you have a mind to continue in that place and for the disgrace of it, surely if it were once done it will be quickly forgotten, and it can be no more disgrace than your offer. Your credit by good carriage and deserts may be recovered in some sort in time. If you will not do so come hither and I doubt not to procure you good means to live, and without your presence I doubt I shall recover little you have assigned here in England. Therefore I pray you come home secretly. I forbear to put any in suit until my brother Justices' coming up. Walmsley suggests that Gomond should write, as a memorial left behind him bearing date before his going away, the causes of his fall, the enticements of Havard and Pieter Allen to draw him into secret partnership without privity of his master. Sets out the terms of such a memorial which “would induce the jury much,” and which being but truth “you may boldly write it.”—London, 24 Sept. 1597. |
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A copy. 1¼ pp. (139. 85.) |
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Henry Apsley to Lord Buckhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Sussex. |
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1597, Sept. 25. |
This last night being Saturday came one John Jonson to 'Batell,' born at Antwerp (as he says) and now serves Mr. Francis Dacres, who is at Paris, whom he left about the 25th of September (French style) with letters for Mistress Elinor Dacres his daughter, which were delivered to Mistress Elizabeth Dacres her sister, Mistress Elinor not being well; upon which Lady Montague caused him to be apprehended and sent to me with that letter and others addressed to the Earl of Essex or Lady Warwick. In examination he says he came from Paris and Rouen to Dieppe and thence by boat to Dover with a post carrying letters to the Queen. At Dover the Mayor caused
him to be searched, but as he had only these letters, he was let go. From Dover he came the direct post way to Canterbury and Rochester to London and lodged in St. Catherine's at an inn called the 'Holausen tenyne.' Thence he came direct to Battle. He says he has no acquaintance in England and denies any other cause or message that he has hero but the letters before mentioned. As Mr. Francis Dacres is a convicted offender, and you may have further information on this matter, at Lady Montague's wish, I trouble you with it, more especially as to open the letters, being truly directed, were offensive. I have examined Mistress Elizabeth, who says she received no other message or letters than those mentioned; if there be occasion Lady Montague will send her to you to be further examined.—25 September, 1597. |
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Holograph. (55. 57.) |
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The Enclosures :— |
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1. Francis Dacre to the Earl of Essex. |
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Mere necessity constrained me to live under the King of Spain's dominions, yet I never condescended to any disloyal action. For four years I have solicited my return; and being now in France can better show my loyalty. I am to beseech you to be a means with the Queen for my return, and that I may enjoy that which my ancestors had before me, or that at least I may have a place appointed for me to live in England and provision for myself and my son. Let your answer be speedy, for I cannot long maintain myself here.—Paris, 25 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (55. 51.) |
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2. The same to Elinor Dacre. |
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Elinor, I have written to my lord of Essex, to my Lady Warwick and to Sir Robert Sidney touching my arrival in France, as also to request them to further the matter for which you have solicited almost these two years. I hope not only you but all my other good friends may the boldlier pursue my petition for that I am retired quite from the service of the King of Spain, and also that her Majesty for the same cause will the willinglier condescend thereto; and either permit me to return into England and to enjoy that which my ancestors had before me, or else to receive of this side the sea in some place she shall appoint me to remain relief for me and my son. I pray you do not fail to follow the matter with diligence, and to solicit those for a speedy answer to whom I have recommended my suit, and so good Elinor, with God's blessing to you and the rest of your sisters, I bid you farewell; from Paris, 25 September, 1597. Your very loving father, Francis Dacre. |
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Addressed :—To my very loving daughter, Elinor Dacre, at Oxenforth or elsewhere. |
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Holograph. (55. 65.) |
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Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 25. |
The States have replied to her Majesty that they do not recognise the debt, but forget what their commissaries said here to the council. Two things move them, their wish to put off as long as may be any discussion of money matters, and their opinion that their having twice sent ships with the fleet dispenses them from doing
anything else. I send you a copy of their letter to the Queen in order that you may see it before having it read to her; but despite their assertions that they are not bound for the seceded states, their particular share remains so great that they ought to discharge the Queen of her obligations towards me; and they cannot deny it, for the treaty of 1581 clearly condemns them. In the case we are in I think we ought to get as much advantage as may be from their reply; and here Mr. Gilpin gives a most useful suggestion, that Sir Edward Norris at Ostend be ordered to retain the contribution of Flanders, which may be done without any fuss, and will affect them more than any letter. Moreover, after that they give their consent to the arrest of the “monies,” it is very advantageous to her Majesty to effect the arrest in the presence of Signor Carron, to strengthen tacitly their obligation; and he, who is charged to speak to her Majesty according to the tenor of the letter, should first be informed by you, to make this arrest more easy; which is so necessary to me, that I must beg you to favour me herein, remembering that if I have to pay your father 1,260 florins on the 15th of November under my bond, I cannot do it from other monies without clear irregularity; you only wished for some occasion to obtain the money from the Queen. Now you have a clear reason, and one very advantageous to her, and I entreat you to use it. If I am wanted, I will come at once. P.S.—The contribution from Flanders to the Queen was, under the treaty of 1581, 10,700 florins a year; this in 17 years amounts to 181,900 florins, and so much Sir Edward Norris might fairly keep back in Ostend.—Baburham, 25 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. Italian. 1½ pp. (55. 58.) |
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Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 25. |
The taking of Amiens ought to put us in good spirits; and it will make the French eager to continue the war. If Count Maurice also take 'Grool,' the Spaniard will have lost more in this year than he can regain in a long time, and will begin to wish for peace, especially as the King is so old and weak that he cannot live more than a little while. |
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If you care to instruct Mr. Edmond[s] to avail himself of the services of Thomas Chanini in Rouen for money matters, I hope he will be of service to the Queen. If you intend to employ him, I will write to him to be zealous in the business. When H. Waring comes, you will be able to favour me, as you always do.—Babraham, 25 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. Italian. Seal. 1 p. (55. 59.) |
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Sir John Gilbert to Charles, Lord Howard, Lord High Admiral. |
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1597, Sept. 25. |
Having spent some time upon our English coast to little purpose, and understanding how busy our enemies were on the coast of Brittany, and that among them was one Robert Ellyott, a man well known to you for his disloyalty and many villanies, I decided to cross over to that coast. Coming thither I anchored near Conquett, and learned that Ellyott was then at Brest, with some other men of war that had abused their commissions. Whereon I wrote to M. Surdiac, who sent me a friendly answer, which I enclose, restored to me a small English bark, late taken by the enemy and left at Conquett, and proffered me other good turns. |
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I came to Conquett on the 17th of this present month and on the nineteenth certain fly-boats of Belle Isle, with two hundred of Fountenelle's foot, came up to surprise the town. However, I gave chase to them, drove their Admiral on the rocks, where he is thought to have perished, and, but for the darkness, should have taken the rest. I then returned to Conquett. |
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There I learned that an army was newly raised in Brittany for the King under the command of Monsieur Surdiac; that letters were sent out of Biscay unto a merchant and lawyer at Brest, how that my Lord General had taken Farrol, vanquished the Spanish fleet, burnt the town, and razed the forts; that the Spanish galleys lie not at Blauett, as M. Surdiac writes, but at the mount of Nantes river at Pellerin or St. Lazaras; that many of their soldiers have been defeated by them of Poitou; it is certain that their case is very miserable, their slaves are well near eaten up with sickness, so that they can now only man 3 of the 7 that came. Unto Blauet they may not come, as well in respect of the contagious sickness among them, as for the Italians' jealousy, who hold the Castle and Don Juan de l'Aguilar their prisoner therein. |
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Fountenelle still keeps Douarnenys, a new made isle in Poldavye bay; the siege which Surdiac laid to it, is fairly raised. The Bretons, who are much discontented, say that Surdiac is his cousin, and that his service is not worth the money it costs them. To this fort belong some men of war that pill all passengers; with those of Belle Isle they amount to nearly twenty sail. Lately they took a ship of Plymouth wherein Mellys, an excellent seaman, was taken prisoner, whom they detain among them. Another Englishman they drove on the rocks in the western parts of England. More lately they have taken off Belle Isle, an Irishman of Washford laden with salt, pitch, canvas, bedticks and spices, the Phænix of Dartmouth, the Confidence of Hampton laden with salt, a Guernsey man laden with Newland fish, and a fly-boat of Hourne; all these were taken in three hours the day we came to Conquett. These ships they purpose to new rig and man for men-of-war to reap their harvest as they call the vintage, and therefore they offered entertainment to English prisoners, who, however, came away to me. This Fountenell is a very gallant, and will grow great and dangerous, if not looked to in time. The King to win him has offered to let him hold Dornenys for him as his Lieutenant without control, to have 300 foot and 200 horse in pay without check, to be his Admiral in Brittany, to be lawfully married to his wife, which he did steal and now unlawfully enjoyeth, by whom he will have then 1,800l. of yearly revenue. As yet he refuses all offers; and is so terrible to his neighbours that all the seatowns round have garrisons against him. To Conquett came a company, as I left. |
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Here I left Captain Robert Cotton, who will shortly return to me with intelligence, how matters stand at the river of Nantes and Dournenis. Now if you will give me sufficient means for this service, I will engage to free my countrymen from the oppression that threatens them at this vintage. For if these men will keep the sea, they cannot escape me; and if they fly to Dournenis and ride near the fort, they will be dry at every half tide; nor can the fort protect them, for 'mynion' is their greatest ordnance, whereof they have but four in all; so as we may ride in store of water out of their danger, and beat them unto flitters. If they go to Belle Isle 'tis all as easy; and there is no part to which they can fly to escape us, save Blauett only, where the Italians are, as I wrote before. The galleys too might easily be defeated. All I desire, is two more pinnaces of good strength, the hoy of London, called the Daisy,
for one, and 200 soldiers which I might have from Sir Ferdinando Gorges, with himself or another such joined with me in the command. I trust to hear of your resolve in this matter, and to have order for my victualling, for which I now return with the Tramontane and Sir Ferdinando's pinnace. I would have written of the taking of Amiens by the King, the surprise of Ardes by the Count St. Paule, the King's going to besiege Dorlance, all which I learnt from the French men of war the Marquess, Angelb, and Lyon, bound from Normandy to Rochelle. |
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Of the Adventure, with the Tramontana's victuals, have I often heard, but never could see her hitherto. I pray that she may be sent me and all our wants supplied with speed.—Aboard the Antelope, 25 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. Seal. 2½ pp. (55. 61.) |
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Sir John Gilbert to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 25. |
To the same effect as the preceding letter, adding :“Some men there be that wish me and my friends but little good, that mutter out that my employment shall cease. I hope I shall justify myself that I have done with faith and care the best that possibly I could, to execute the trust reposed in me; and it would grieve me to lose the place, for one there must be to defend this coast and look to the actions of these yonder mates.”—Aboard the Antelope, 25 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. Seal. 1½ pp. (55. 60.) |
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Sir John Gilbert to Charles, Lord Howard, Lord High Admiral. |
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1597, Sept. 25. |
At my being on the coast of Brittany I met a Fleming richly laden to the value of 10,000l., as is imagined, bound into Spain for Bilbao and St. Sebastian, with a merchant of Antwerp in it, and letters witnessing their going to Spain, and others in Spanish from Bruges to Burgos, Bilbao and St. Sebastian, which I will send at once to you. My humble desire is that in this cause, wherein you have so great an interest, I may still find you my very good lord; I know how gracious the Flemings are in the Court of England and the subtlety of strange merchants who will say, swear and do anything to profit themselves or their companions. But besides the letters one of them confessed to me that part of the goods were Spanish, and all the chiefest of them have offered me no slender recompense to be discharged; but I thought it my duty to bring them safely into harbour, where they now await your pleasure.—Aboard the Antelope, 25 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. Seal. 1 p. (55. 63.) |
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Sir John Gilbert to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 25. |
Asking for Cecil's assistance in the matter of the Flemish prize [see above]. My present estate doth need your favour, for you know how burthensome my employment is to my small means. The ship is valued by the shipper to be well worth ten thousand pounds, and I should certainly acknowledge the good[ness] and favour that shall be showed me.—Aboard the Antelope, 25 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. Seal. 1 p. (55. 66.) |
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William Stallenge to Charles, Lord Howard, Lord High Admiral. |
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1597, Sept. 25. |
This morning arrived Captain Kinge with the 'Tremontan,' and requires to be victualled for 70 men for 13 days to carry him into the Downs, and shews a letter from your lordship. This I will see done and send the account. Sir John Gilbert also asks for victuals for the Antelope, but I have no order, and no money until I receive what I have disbursed. The Antelope is gone for Dartmouth, whence the purser is to send me a note of the marks of the stinking beer.—Plymouth, 25th of September, 1597. |
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Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (55. 64.) |
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Lady Montague to Lord Buckhurst. |
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1597, Sept. 25. |
There came on Saturday night late to Battle unto my niece Elinor Dacre a messenger from my unfortunate brother her father, and another packet besides directed to the Earl of Essex and other, as appears by the endorsement. In regard to my duty to her Majesty I presently sent my servant and a constable to take the messenger and his letters to Mr. Apsley, the next Justice to me; still I could not hold myself satisfied without writing to you, not doubting that if upon examination the matter fall out to be no way undutiful or against his allegiance, I shall have your favour for his suit. I have also sent up my niece to testify to the manner and matter, if necessary.—Battle, 25 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed, “M. M.” ½ p. (55. 67.) |
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Sir William Clerk to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 26. |
With the same affection I did present you my horse, I return him again, wishing he may every way content you; if not, bestow him where you think him fittest. I am sorry I have had to travel him so much; so is he the leaner. If you hear I have any other fitter for your saddle, you may command it. This Monday night my son shall be at Sir Charles Morysyn's with the bay horse to deliver him according to your pleasure. |
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Signed. Endorsed with a list of names. Seal. 1 p. (55. 68.) |
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Dr. Ch. Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 26. |
I send enclosed the letters written for Denmark. The ambassadors are desirous of their despatch that in good time they might send their ships homeward. In spite of slanderous imputations on myself, I look to my friends to defend me. P.S.—The man that is commended by the King of Denmark, and mention is made that he be commended to Count Maurice, will depart to the Low Countries together with the Embassy.—London, 26 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (55. 69.) |
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Sir John Gilbert to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 26. |
I had no sooner sent away my packet, which I wrote at sea, but I received your honour's discharge from my late employment, which I embrace with a dutiful mind, and will send up the ships with speed. I have now sent unto the Lord Admiral the
Spanish letters, with my reasons for thinking the Fleming to be a prize. These are, first, that the skipper has no sufficient commission for his voyage, for in that which he has is erased the name of the ship and the date; that he brought over a factor for some of Antwerp and promised to carry him and his lading back to Spain, saying that he would go only to Bayonne and that to escape the English fleet; that he had letters from Spaniards for Spain with intelligence of the return of our fleet shattered and their intention to go for the Islands; that he flung his letters overboard; that he forsook his company and ran aboard the coast of France to shun our ships; that he carried into Spain brass, lead, and other contraband of war; that the company admits most of the goods are Spanish; this are some of my reasons. My charge in this voyage has been nearly 100l. and I shall think myself unhappy if so good a means to save myself be wrested from me.—Dartmouth, 26 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. Seal. 1 p. (55. 70.) |
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Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 26. |
Since my coming hither I received a letter from my Lord of Buckhurst with a packet enclosed, sent to him from my Lady Montague, that came from Francis Dacre, some of which letters being open I have read, the others sealed. I have thought good to send them to you as they were brought to me, wherewith my Lord of Buckhurst himself is unwilling to deal. And therefore I wish that you would acquaint her Majesty therewith.—From my house in the Strand, 26 September, 1597. |
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Signed. Seal. ½ p. (55. 71.) |
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Enclosure :— |
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Lord Buckhurst to Lord Burghley. |
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1597, Sept. 26. |
I send unto you a packet of letters sent to me by the old Lady Montague, wherein are letters from Francis Dacre to his daughter, to the Earl of Essex, to Sir Robert Sidney, and the Countess of Warwick. I have and do utterly refuse to deal in this cause, the Lord Montague having married my daughter, and have thought fittest to recommend the same to you; for what practise or other secret course may be hid by sending this messenger and letters by him from so dangerous a man as Francis Dacre is, I know not.—26 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. (55. 72.) |
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Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 27. |
I would ask your favour for my friend Mr. Alexander. Mr. Harcourt, whom I mentioned in my other letter, has some hundred pounds by the year during the life of his wife; she dying he has nothing, and he dying all he has returns to her. If the Queen would bestow it upon him, having a wife and many children, he would be better able to serve her Highness.—Quarryngton, 27 September. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (55. 73.) |
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Sir Thomas Leighton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 27. |
I have of late heard from St. Malo, 'Rosko,' Granville, and Nantes that the Queen's army hath entered the harbour of
Ferroll and burnt all the King of Spain's ships there. May the news be as true as it is good. We hear that the proud King of Spain begins to seek for peace, to give a good effect of the Queen's resolution in sending her army at this time.—Guernsey, 27 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (55. 74.) |
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Dr. Ch. Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 27. |
This morning in presenting her Majesty's gifts some occasion of discontent has been given to the Marshal of the Embassy, whereof Sir Edward Hobby can inform you. The Embassy would this morning have gone to their ships to expect their expedition, but as yet they remain in their lodging; and require a free pass, affirming that they have only the one two cloths for his family, the other one only. As for their retinue they know nothing and the matter cannot be great. As they are an Embassy, it may be taken unkindly if they be curiously searched. I have required a passport of your father, who shirks to give it, but insinuates that it be required from the Court. I leave the matter to your further consideration.—London, 27th Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 75.) |
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Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Lord Burghley. |
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1597, Sept. 27. |
In my last I signified unto you of the order taken by my Lord of Essex for the victualling of a small pinnace for her Majesty's service under Sir John Gilbert. The work was done upon my credit. Sir John has returned and the victuals are spent. I would know whether the pinnace should longer be continued on her Majesty's charges, and beseech you to order payment of her victuals, her men's wages and her tonnage. She has lost the opportunity of her voyage, having spent two months' victuals before she was taken for her Majesty's service, but the Fleming brought in by Sir John is taken to be of good value, whereof he has, I doubt not, acquainted you at large. I send also the number of the arms left by the Earl of Essex at his departure. Many of them are unserviceable. I would gladly see them put in reparation, did I know how to be repaid, but I find it so hard to recover what I lay out for the country as I am almost discouraged. Of news there is none since the arrival of Mr. Osburne.—Plymouth, the 27th September 1597. |
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Signed. Seal. 1 p. (175. 112.) |
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Lady Dorothy Chandos to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 28. |
I am to entreat a favour at your hands for a young gentleman in Ireland, Captain Thomas Wringham, whom I know very well, and besides, one of Mr. Knollys' brothers married a sister of his. I hear it has been his unhappy fortune to slay Sir Edward 'Standly' in the field. I would ask your favourable letters to the Lord Deputy in his behalf.—Grays, 28 Sept., 1597. |
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Signed. ½ p. (55. 76.) |
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Thomas Fane, Lieutenant of Dover Castle, to Lord Cobham. |
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1597, Sept. 28. |
According to your letter of the 27th I have made public your appointment to be Warden of the Cinque Ports, as well as
your desire to receive the charges or oath at Sheepway before the beginning of the next Parliament, viz., about the 18th of October, or, if that cannot be done, to defer the matter until next May, according to the precedent set by your father. |
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P.S.—The Mayor and Jurats of Dover desire that you should keep the Sheepway Court before Christmas.—Dover Castle, 28 Sept. 1597. |
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Endorsed :—Dover, 28 September, at 10 before noon; Canterbury, past 2 in the afternoon. Sittingbourne, half hour past 4 afternoon. Rochester, 6 in the afternoon. Dartford, the 28, half hour past 9 in the evening. |
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Signed. 1 p. (55. 77.) |
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Matthew [Hutton], Archbishop of York, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 28. |
I give you most hearty thanks for obtaining for me the Queen's dispensation to be away from Parliament. As to your wish to have the nomination of two burgesses, there is only one town in this bishopric having burgesses, namely Ripon, which on the 26th of this month made election of John Benet, my chancellor, and left a blank for me to appoint the other, which I am well content to leave to you. Dr. Benet, when he comes up, shall bring you the indenture that you may nominate Sir William Cornwallis, or my very good friend the Dean of Carlisle. Sir William Vavasour, who married Sir Thomas Manners' daughter, after much and long conference with me, hath yielded to hear divine service and sermons. His example, I trust, will do much good. Miles Dawson, late seminary priest, pardoned by the Queen at my request, this last week brought two women recusants to the Church, and preaches very well. Such good effects follow the Queen's clemency.—York, 28 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (55. 78.) |
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Robert Beale to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 28. |
Being at present disabled by the stone, and hearing from Mr. Dr. Caesar that he has, without prompting from me, spoken to you of the disagreement between Dr. Parkins and myself, I write to explain the truth. In the first letter sent to Mr. Dr. Caesar, Mr. Parkins, and myself for dealing with Mr. Lisman my name was set second. However at the first meeting Mr. Parkins intruded himself first, which I would have passed over had it been done courteously. Moreover it appears by your answer that he refused to sign the letter to you which we three agreed upon, and that because my hand was set in the second place. Afterwards he brought another letter unto us wherein his name was set before mine. I know no cause why I should—apart from Her Majesty's service—concede this to him. He pretendeth to be a Master of Requests; but this title gives no precedence, except while held. If it be true that he is a doctor of thirty years standing, so might I have been thirty years ago, if I had cared for such shows. For twenty-five years and more I have been a clerk of the Privy Council; I am a Master of the Chancery; have served as a Counsellor for the Queen with the Estates of the United Provinces, and am one of the Council established in the North Parts. When Mr. Secretary Walsingham was employed in embassies in France and Scotland, my services were used to supply his room. He standeth upon his embassies to the Emperor and King of Poland. The truth is he carried the Queen's letters for merchants before he was in her service at all. But even so I can reckon double his number of Princes. He has called me behind
my back, insolent and arrogant. Those, who know us, will know of which this is truer. But he dealeth ungratefully with me. For one, he was committed a prisoner to my house on no small charges. Although he had been before a morrow mass priest in Italy and Poland, and the matter wherewith he was charged came from two persons, and was avowed by two others, yet I showed to Mr. Secretary Walsingham and Sir Thomas Heneage the contrarieties and unlikelihoods of the story, and so was some means that he got the more favour. If it is to be that my name shall follow his, I must have patience, yet I shall grieve for the disgrace. And now, whereas the Chancellor of Denmark with whom I was acquainted 31 years ago asked after me, and spoke to me in the street of old acquaintance, yet for this I was ashamed to be known or seen of any of them. And in this action with Mr. Lisman, I find he has several times written to Mr. Dr. Caesar and Dr. Parkins without taking any account of me. When at a meeting he insisted on a letter of the Council's written ten or twelve years ago abrogating decrees against the Hanses, I would have showed him how he mistook the matter, wherein I had been employed; but Mr. Lisman brake off the conference, and now seeks others who are not acquainted with the matter. I trust that in this matter with the Steeles of the Hanses I am not inferior to Mr. Doctor. As you are the chief person under whom I serve the Queen, I would ask that neither I nor my place may be disgraced without desert.—Barnes, 28 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. Seal. 2½ pp. (55. 79.) |
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M. Countess of Pembroke to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 29. |
I understand that report hath been made unto you of some speech that should pass my lord (not in the best part to be taken) touching Cranborne. My desire is you should be truly satisfied therein, and that in regard of truth and the respect I bear you, for otherwise I would be silent. I protest unto you the report was most untrue; and upon mine own knowledge, word and honour do assure you there was not any word spoken at any time, to which, had yourself been present, you could have taken any exception. If this may suffice, you shall right both my lord and yourself in conceiving rightly; if not, if you please to make known the “aughter” (which exceedingly I desire) it will more manifestly appear the wrong you have both received, for he must give himself the lie that so reported. |
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I do acknowledge what is of my part due for your kindness to this part of me. I hope he will deserve it, and I know myself will be ever thankful. |
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Signed. Seal. ½ p. (55. 81.) |
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[Tobias Matthew,] Bishop of Durham, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 29. |
I received yesterday your letter for the nomination of two burgesses of the Parliament for this county palatine. I cannot learn that ever any such were allowed of in the parliament house; though writs sent out in error have been received for election of such. Sir William Bowes is still on the border receiving and delivering messages. What we have done in that matter shall be reported on his return hither.—Bishop Auckland, 29 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (55. 82.) |
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[Richard Bancroft,] Bishop of London, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 29. |
I send herewith a history in Latin lately come over. The author of it favours the gospel and is no papist; he writes more honourably of the Queen and her actions than any foreigner I have yet seen, and continues down to the present journey of the Earl of Essex. Still there are some things in the book which were better omitted; for example on p. 473 are the contents of Sextus V.'s bull against the Queen; where, though all the Pope's railing and slanderous imputations are omitted, yet the other calumnies against the Queen's government, which Cardinal Allen has taught the Pope, may hurt those that are popishly inclined. I have therefore ordered the stationers to suspend the sale until I know your pleasure. On page 83 the author mentions briefly Pius V's excommunication; of the Queen's promise (as he says) to marry Monsieur, page 322; of her policy in refusing to appoint an heir apparent, page 424. Otherwise the book is commendable.—Westminster, 29 Sept. 1597. |
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Signed. 1 p. (55. 83.) |
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Dr. J. Jegon to Lady Katharine Howard. |
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1597, Sept. 30. |
Whereas you say Thornborrough, Dean of York, bishop of 'Lymerique' in Ireland, is like to be bishop of Salisbury, I would ask your letters to the Earl of Essex and Mr. Secretary on my behalf for the vacant deanery. The mills at Cambridge the town holds from Caius College for 5 or 6 years, and has sublet to Mistress Scott and Mr. Hodson. Dr. Legge, the master, and the fellows of the College might grant the reversion to the Queen, and she bestow it. If you can obtain letters to Dr. Legge, I can do something with him in the matter.—Sept. 30, 1597. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 84.) |
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Henry Lok to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 29. |
I have delivered your letters to the Dean here, and am to expect an answer at the next chapter. I suppose it will be as slight as the Dean may procure, for I understand by my friends of the church that the former answer was of his framing and misliked by the chapter. If there be a bishop before Candlemas, I will only beseech you to give him notice of my proceeding and of her Majesty's present motion in my behalf, before his congé d'elire be passed. As for the persons I will assign, they shall be either the former deputies or Walter Hikman, one of far better ability and well known in these parts. I beseech you, therefore, prevent all others in this motion to the bishop.—Exeter, 29 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. Seal damaged. 1 p. (175. 113.) |
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George Eden to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. 30. |
Being your pleasure that I should put in bail, which I am ready to fulfil, I beseech you to appoint who shall 'except' thereof, and trusting you will in your warrant give order for my ordinary charges here. So shall I pray to God for your health.—The Gate House, 30 Sept. 1597. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (55. 85.) |
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Mons. Villeroy to Mons. de la Fontaine. |
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1597, Sept. 30/Oct. 10. |
J'ay receu le 3me de ce mois vostre lettre du 20me Septembre comme jay fait aujourdhuy celles du 28 et 26 du dit mois. J'ay leu au Roy les unes et les autres. Il vous scait bou gré des bons advis et conseils que vous aves donnez a ce Sieur de Chaligny envoye devers la Royne par ses subjects assemblez a Chastellerault; mais il n'est pas content de ceux qui ont fait ceste despeche sans sa permission, et eut bien voulu que la Royne en eust fait moins de compte qu'elle n'a fait. Les Princes sont naturellement et avec raison jaloux de leur autorité; cest ce qui a meu sa Majesté d'en escrire a la dite Dame la lettre de sa main dont je vous envoye le double, laquelle sa dite Majesté ma commandé vous faire tenir et vous prier luy presenter. Je suis tres marry que la Royne a si mauvaise oppinion de ceux qui servent le Roy, quelle adjouste foy a toutes les plaintes que l'on luy fait deux; non pour la consideration de nous autres, car nous ne meritons d'estre mis en compte ou il est question du service de noz Princes, mais parceque l'on ne pent accuser les serviteurs et conseillers d'un Prince que l'on ne blasme le maistre de connivence ou de fetardise. Et je vous assure que sa Majeste ny peche ny de l'un ny de l'autre vice; elle a le cœur plustost trop franc que dissimule et n'ignore rien des actions de ses serviteurs. Sa Majesté est le plus advisé et clairvoyant de son conseil; elle escoute ses serviteurs, prend conseil deux, mais elle resoult et ordonne ce qu'il luy plaist. Et faut que chacun y obtempere et serve, les uns en murmurent quand ses commandemens ne les agreent, mais sa dite Majesté ne laisse pas de dormir a ce bruit la. En fin la conduitte et direction du gros des affaires depend de sa Majesté et de sa volonté; partant il faut que noz allies ayent les yeux sur le Roy, s'arrestent a ce qu'il fait et dict et mesprisent le demeurant. Messieurs de Chon, President au Parlement de Paris, et de Vic sont icy venus de la dite assemblee de Chastellerault, accompagnes des Sieurs de Clerville et de la Mothe. Les deux premiers nous ont dict qu'ils n'ont ouy parler du voyage du dit Chaligny, ont rapporté les articles accordes en la dite assemblee et les demandes qui leur ont este faittes sur dautres, les quelles ils n'avoint charge d'accorder afin de les resouldre et terminer avec sa Majeste, comme il sera fait facillement, de sorte quil faut tenir les choses pour conclues et arrestees sil ne survient autre empeschement. Et faut que je vous die que si ceux qui ont publie leurs griefs eussent aussi bien representé les faveurs et graces qu'ils ont receux de sa Majesté et dont ils jouyssent partout en grand repos depuis son avenement a la couronne, et de quelle façon ils se conduisent envers les Catholiques ou ils sont les maistres, la Royne ne plaindroit leur fortune et condition comme elle fait, ny vous aussi, Monsieur. Ils vivent en telle liberté que je croy qu'il y a peu de villes en ce Royaume ou ils ne preschent quasi au veu et sceu d'un chacun. Je ne veux pas pour cela excuser les rigueurs dont usent quelques parlemens et officiers envers eux, mais a la premiere plainte qu'ils en font sa Majesté y fait pourvoir le mieux quelle peult. Et ce que les uns cerchent de remedes a leurs plainctes sans elle, rend les autres plus licentieux, au grand regret de sa Majesté, laquelle j'atteste devant Dieu faire ce qu'elle peult pour la conservation des uns et des autres, comme un bon Prince doit faire. Mais s'il est loisible aux uns d'avoir recours aux Princes Estrangers, que feront les autres? Et si nos voysins et amys les receuillent et favorisent, que deviendra la Monarchie? de fiebvre nous tomberons en chaud mal, la tolerance d'un mal en engendre un autre, et rentrerons en plus grande confusion que jamais. Je ne puis croire que ce soit le bien de l'Angleterre que la France en vienne la. Le Roy est prince courageux et de
foy, il honnore et cherit ses alliez, la Royne sur tous autres, et supportera d'elle ce qu'il ne fera de tous les autres ensemble. Mais cherions et mesnageons ce bon naturel et sa bonne intention comme elle merite, il a la barbe blanche, il doit estre las de patir et vivre dedans les canonades, a la pluye, au chaud et au froid, entre mille et mille dangers et incommodites, reproches, riottes et plusieurs sortes de traverses que l'on luy fait. Messieurs du Conseil de la Royne ont creu qu'il ne pouvoit avoir la paix et qu'il estoit force de vivre ainsi. Je vous jure qu'ils s'abusent, come fait la dite Dame si elle croit que sa Majesté veuille s'accommoder sans elle, quand nous vous avons escript que nous avions respondu au General des Cordeliers que le Roy ne vouloit faire la paix ny traitter sans ses allies, sans vous mander sa replicque. Nous l'avons fait parce qu'elle n'avoit esté que d'un haulsement despaules pour nous faire entendre que le Pape son Maistre ne vouloit point s'entremettre des afferes des allies de sa Majeste a cause de la religion estant alle trouver le legat, pour luy faire entendre nostre responce et prendre son advis. Mais je voy bien qu'ils sont pardela en telle deffiance de nous qu'ils interpretent nos meilleures, plus cordiales et sinceres actions en mauvais sens. Pour cela je seray tousjours d'advis que nous ne laissions pas de bien faire, car peult estre que le temps changera le dit jugement, et au pis aller nous nous satisferons nous mesmes, qui n'est pas un petit advantage. Souvenes vous de toutes les despeches que nous vous avons faites depuis deux ans. A quoy avons nous aspiré que a si bien unir ces deux couronnes et leurs forces et leurs desseins que nous peussions tant plustost affoiblir nostre commun ennemy? Et scaves a qui il a tenu que cela na eu lieu en effect comme en apparence. Nous avons pris la ville dAmiens par la grace de Dieu; qui doubte que la Royne n'eust aussi pris Callais en mesme temps sy elle eut voulu si resouldre comme elle en a esté price? Ce faisant que fut devenu nostre ennemy? A quoy en fut il reduit maintenant! Or nous sommes plus recerches et poursuivis de nous accorder avec luy que jamais. Jay veu par deux fois par occasion avec le dit generall le President Richardot; jay apris de luy ce que nous en devons esperer. Je ne parle plus par ouir dire ny par conjecture et discours, j'ay charge du Roy de le vous escrire afin que vous le facies entendre a la Royne. Il ne tiendra qu'a sa Majesté qu'elle ne face une paix honnorable et utille a son estat et a ses allies et amis. Bientost sa Majesté despeschera par dela un personnage expres pour luy faire entendre par le menu les particularites de ce fait. Nous ne luy voulons rien celer ny desguiser; nous ne voulons traitter sans elle et voulons avoir soing d'elle comme de nous mesmes. Cest chose que nous luy debvons et qui nous importe aussi grandement de sorte que nous ne manquerons de bonne volonté en son endroit ny de cognoissance et prevoyance du bien et du mal qui nous peut arriver de cest recherche. Mais croyez qu'il fasche fort a la France de voir son Roy (en la personne duquel gist son repos et son salut) exposé perpetuellement aux canonades et hurquebusades, et que nostre patrie soit tousjours le theatre de toutes les passions, folies et miseres du monde sans que nos voysins et allies y veuillent remedier comme il est en leur puissance de faire par une voye ou par lautre, ny peult estre qu'ils nous sachent gre du mal que nous endurons. La guerre que l'Angleterre fait est bien doulce au regard de la nostre. Je ne dis pas qu'elle ne nous serve comme la nostre leur sert; mais si on eust voulu se servir du temps et des occasions nostre condition seroit bien meilleure qu'elle n'est. Combien de fois vous ay je escript que cela ne pouvoit durer ainsi de quoy on n'a faict compte? Je vous diray encores une fois quej e ne seray jamais dadvis que nous laissions a faire pour cela ce que
nous debvons envers nos amis, et je vous jure que l'intention du Roy est telle comme on cognoistra par effect, mais aussi il est raisonnable qu'il y ait de la correspondance. Ce nest pas assister son amy que de l'assister a demy. Je ne periray pas aujourdhuy mais je periray demain; quelle obligation auray je a celluy qui m'aura sauvé le premier jour s'il m'aura abandonné le lendemain, s'il ne m'ayde que pour faire durer mon mall, non pour le guerir? Au lieu d'obligation je luy debvray reproche, et dautant plus que m'estant attendu a luy jauray mesprisé les autres remedes. Monsieur, les francois en sont la reduits, ils n'en peuvent plus, ils ont surmonte la nature pour reprendre Amiens, ils en sont quasi horse d'aleine. Il ne leur reste plus de forces qu'au courage et en la magnanimite de leur Roy lequel est invincible et infatigable. Depuis la reduction d'Amiens il a tenu la campagne 8 jours durant dedans l'Arthois. Il a este jusques aux canonades d'Arras ou est le Cardinal avec son armee et y a demeuré six heures en bataille, leur ayant fait tirer vingt quatre coup de canon sans avoir peu les esmouvoir et attirer au combat. Il est revenu icy depuis deux jours en deliberation d'assieger Dourlens, mais si les pluyes continuent comme elles ont commence depuis deux jours il ne pourra passer oultre et fauldra. prendre autre party. Vous aves si sagement respondu parlant a Mons. Cecyl a la plainte faite par la Royne de nostre capitulation d'Amiens que je ny puis rien adjouster; tant y a que nous n'avons peu faire mieux que nous avons fait. Si la tresve de Bretaigne eust este faicte il y a quattre mois nous neussions perdu Aucenix, Poance et Chevillé. Elle n'est encores resolue et navons aucunes nouvelles de Mons. de Lesdiguieres depuis les derniers advis que je vous ay donnes. Je ne vous escriray rien pour le present des xxm que vous scaves ny de vostre descharge, sinon que si j'en suis creu on pourvoira a lun et a lautre a vostre contentement. Mais cest chose de laquelle nous ne pouvons prendre resolution que nous ne soyons de retour a Paris, ou si ce siegene nous arreste nons retournerons en bref.—Du camp de Beauval pres Dourlens le x jour d'8bre 1597. |
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[P.S.] Monsieur, je suis tres marry que vous n'ayez eu a temps le memoire contenant l'effort fait par nos ennemis pour secourir Amiens : cest la faute de ceulx qui ont ferme le paquet. Je vous en envoye un autre mais il n'aura plus de goust. |
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Endorsed by Essex's Secretary :—“Copy of Mr. Villeroy's letters to Mr. de la Fontaine.” |
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6 pp. (56. 1.) |
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Frances, Countess of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. |
I return you my best thanks for your advertisements and the more because they are the first I have yet received, my uncle Knowles having not yet been with me. I am indebted unto you for your former honourable remembrances by your letter to my lady Russell and yesterday to Dr. Doyly. I had returned my thankful acknowledgement ere this, had not my extreme toothache, wherewith I have been infinitely and still am much tormented, made me forget myself. |
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Signed. 1 p. (55. 86.) |
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Sir Richard Weston to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. |
I know you will do your best for me and have no claim to expect any kindness from you. All I ask is that you will remember me as far as my uncle Knevet shall put you in mind of me. But if he
will not do this, I wish I had never entered upon the business at all. I have had many losses by suretyships and costs, but none ever troubled me like this.—Clandon. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 87.) |
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Lady Ralegh to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Sept. |
I know not what to think; these gentlemen that are come from the fleet can tell me no news of Sir Walter, but that he is gone before the Lord General : his ship the Gueano is cast away; this little pinnace, the Darling, which these gentlemen came in, was the only ship he had left him, and is come away unknown to him, appointed to by the Lord General. For God's sake let me hear from you the truth, for I am much troubled. Pardon my haste and “shribbling.” |
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Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (55. 88.) |
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The Lords of the Council to [Boroughs.] |
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[1597, Sept.] |
Whereas the Queen has issued her writs of summons for a parliament, and desires to be served with men of understanding and knowledge for the place whereto they ought to be chosen, and of discretion also requisite in consultation for causes concerning the public weal, she has commanded us of her Privy Council to admonish you to whom her writs of summons are now directed to have regarded to this matter. And though we doubt not that the principal persons in the counties will see to the choice of men meet to serve as knights for the shire, yet in the choice of burgesses for borough towns we doubt that there will be many unmeet men and unacquainted with the state of the boroughs named thereto; and therefore require you by your letter or otherwise to inform them of the contents of this the Queen's good meaning for the choice meet for the service of the boroughs, which if it shall otherwise appear, we shall have occasion to enquire by whose default it so happened. |
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Draft. Undated. |
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Endorsed by Lord Burghley. “I marvel you wrote not to me, when the hospital house will be ready to receive in the poor men. Let my son order the matter for G.” |
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1½ pp. (58. 24.) |
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The Lords of the Council to Certain Justices of the Peace. |
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[1597, about Sept.] |
We understand that, though the late dearth of all kinds of grain, butter and cheese, is now by the mercy of God abated, yet there are found a number of persons liker to wolves or cormorants than to natural men, that do most covetously seek to uphold the prices of grain &c. by bargaining aforehand for corn and in some parts for grain growing before it be reaped, and for butter and cheese before it be ready to be brought to the ordinary market. Against which corrupt fraud and malicious greediness there are many good laws and orders given to all Justices. And therefore we cannot but in the name of the merciful God that hath thus given us his blessing to receive abundance, charge you to seek out such persons as buy or bargain for corn, other than in the market and that for their private use, and that you apprehend such engrossers, and use all means to restrain their devices, and sending the most notable offenders to be by us corrected. And of your proceedings herein you are to certify us that we may know of whom we may have good opinion for their zeal towards the relief of the poor. |
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Draft by Lord Burghley. Undated. Unsigned. (58. 25.) |
