Cecil Papers: July 1598, 1-15

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.

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'Cecil Papers: July 1598, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598, (London, 1899) pp. 245-261. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol8/pp245-261 [accessed 25 April 2024]

July 1598, 1–15

Christopher Molyneux to Lord Burghley.
1598, June. With respect to the suit of Robert Purseglove, his sister's son, the Queen's ward, against Cuthbert and Susan Corney, in regard to the manor of Pickton, Yorks.
Endorsed : “June, 1598.”
Notes by Lord Burghley and T. Hesketh thereon. The matter is ended in Court.
2 pp. (1495.)
The Mayor and Aldermen of Kingston upon Hull to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 1. Thank him for his special favours to their town since he first took the patronage thereof. Send by the bearers 40 angels on behalf of the town as a poor gift, and pray for the continuance of his favour.—Kingston upon Hull, 1 July, 1598.
Signed by Edward Cooke, mayor, and eight others.
1 p. (62. 22.)
Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 1. I understand that you hear I am in the country at my uncle's house. I was ready to have gone, but finding myself ill, thought better to be near my physician. I am like to fall into a dangerous sickness, which I feel vehemently growing upon me. Before the journey of Calles I never took any kind of physic, or have let blood, my last being in France with you; which neglect, with continual drinking of wine, hath, as Mr. Doylye tells me, hastened my sickness. I feel more than I can well express. While I am able to stir or have sense I will not leave to be at your service.—Minorits, this first of July, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (177. 55.)
Impost of Southampton.
1598, July 1. Payments by Edward Reynolds (Essex's secretary), principally to servants of Sir Gelley Meyrick, on account of the impost of Southampton.—July 1, 1598.
1¼ pp. (214. 31.)
George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 3. The bearer of these, Sir Francis Vere, brings with him letters from the States General to her Majesty, whereby will appear their purpose to send over deputies.—The Hague, this 3 of July, 1598.
Signed. Seal.
¾ p. (177. 57.)
Richard Parker to the Lord Treasurer.
1598, July 3. Prays that Edward Gray and Francis Radcliffe may be taken for sureties for Rafe Gray, his master, for the fine of the wardship of Robert Collingwood, Rafe's nephew.—3 July, 1598.
1 p. (991.)
Juan Aguirre y Vergaro to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 3/13. I will not complain to you of the letter I took to the Duke of Bouillon, though it caused me to receive many insults. I do not know what moved him, since all France knows of my devotion to you; I have no purpose in this country except to serve the Queen, and your Excellency knows very well that my advice has always been correct, and that I have always affirmed in my papers drawn up for Sir Robert Cecil that peace with Spain would be the ruin of this country and of Flanders; seeing that, without the war with France, in a year or so Spain will recover her strength; nor do the Spaniards feel bound to keep faith with Protestants, whom they call the children of this world. All the Cardinal desires is to be king and to force the States to make war against this kingdom. What ought to be done is to attack Spain at once in the Indies, and to seize Havana, which would make this kingdom powerful and ruin Spain. With courteous treatment I shall always be willing to serve the Queen, and my knowledge of the Indies is unrivalled in or out of Spain. I have been told that the Queen refuses to detach a force to attack the Indies. But the fleet might be made up of two or three thousand English troops and contingents from Flanders and Scotland. I entreat you to put these propositions before the Queen and her Council, who should see the advantage of adopting them. I came from this kingdom to France to see if there was any prince who would carry on this war. The King of France had just made peace as I arrived; I am making up my mind to make my peace with the Cardinal, but wish first to see if the States of Flanders want any service from me, and therefore shall leave this place by the first ship of war, by the advice of a gentleman of the States, M. de Salis. Your Excellency may note that in the Indies there are no fortifications except at Havana, and San Juan de Lua in Vera Cruz, but only open country. As always, I would refer to my reports to Sir Robert Cecil.—Boulogne, July 13, 1598.
Holograph. Spanish.
1½ pp. (63. 13.)
Sir J. Holles to Mr. Secretary, at the Court.
1598, July 4. Sir Jeffrey Fenton has applied to the Council for the grant of the seigneury of Terbert. 13 or 14 years past the Queen allotted it to the writer's father, who, endeavouring to people the same with English, to his great charge, sent divers his tenants, servants, and friends over, but died ere he could settle his estate and pass his letters patent. Details his unsuccessful efforts to get the patent passed through Mr. James Gowld, then justice for the Province of Munster. In view of his father's and his long possession, and their having disbursed above £1,000 without the return of a penny, prays Cecil to preserve his inheritance from this intrusion, and to further his obtaining the patent.—Houghton, 4 July.
Endorsed :—“Sir John Hollies, 1598.”
Holograph.
1 p. (62. 23.)
Mons. Noel de Caron to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 4. Although I have been informed by the Lord Chamberlain that the Queen has not leisure to see me, unless I bear an answer respecting the despatch of Sir Francis Vere, yet so many persons have spoken to me, and I have received so many letters from the States of Zeeland and the principal towns, concerning the three ships seized at Dartmouth, that I cannot refrain from urging the restoration of the goods in the said ships to the owners, who are all, as I am told, principal merchants of Holland and Zeeland. Now that the ships have been entirely discharged, and the facts of the case ascertained from examination of the crews, and from documents on board, I hope that her Majesty will prove herself as just to us now as she has been merciful in the past. Yesterday I was told by the Lord Admiral that the order must come from the Queen, since the matter had come to her knowledge. I beseech you to acquaint her Majesty with the request of the States, for they attach great importance to this matter.—Clapham, 4 July, 1598.
Holograph French.
2 pp. (177. 58.)
Sir Henry Docwra to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 4. The occasions are many whereby I am put in remembrance to acknowledge myself infinitely bound to your Lordship, and amongst the rest this last, whereby your Lordship hath procured me more favour by the attestation of your good opinion than otherwise mine own merits would have purchased with many years' service. I desire the continuance of the same affection whensoever occasion shall serve for the employing of more forces into these countries.—Hague, this 4th of July.
Holograph. Endorsed :—1598. Seal.
½ p. (177. 59.)
Sir Edward Norreys to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 4. The great hope of peace is now laid aside, and albeit that out of France they are still encouraged that it will be, yet the lingering makes them doubt of it, especially hearing that Holland and Zealand do use all means to persuade her Majesty from it.
It is said that the Archduke will presently into the field. His army marcheth towards Brabant. The Spaniards that came out of Calais were lodged hereabouts, but are now also marched thitherward. He makes account to be twenty four thousand foot and horse in the field, either to besiege Breda or Berck.
The States have had advertisement and his Excellency wrote to me that there was a practice in hand to betray this town to the enemy. I cannot perceive any such thing, and hope by the grace of God they shall not prevail.
The Infanta of Spain is looked for at Brussels about September. The Archduke makes great provision for triumphs to welcome her, and promiseth that she shall live here in peace. I most humbly thank you for your letter.—From Ostend, this 4 July, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
2 pp. (177. 60.)
Richard Carmarden to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 5. The Barssanes have petitioned for the renewing for more years of their former grant and for more number of calf skins, and for an alteration in the words of renovation as they stood in their former letters patent. Bristol and West Chester, with their members, ship more than all the other ports in the realm besides. In their former licence there were words of exception for a licence granted before unto one of Bristol until the expiration thereof. This former grant for shipping at Bristol is now long since expired, but Mr. Attorney's clerk would now except it again out of this her Majesty's grant to them now to pass to them. If they should not have that port with the rest, as they now have, they should be in worse case than before.—London, the 5th July, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (177. 61.)
E. Countess of Desmond to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 6. Although by the Queen's letters and Burghley's means she has obtained possession of some small quantity of land which her father bestowed on her at her marriage, the said land being put by her in trust to her brother the Lord Baron of Donboyne's hands, at the beginning of the Desmond's wars, before the Earl her husband was proclaimed, his Lordship has ever since detained the same from her. Upon her restoration into possession it has pleased the Lords Justices to reserve the trial of her right therein to the common law, to be tried by a jury of the citizens of Dublin, where her brother is more favoured than she, and she fears she will be oppressed. Prays for the Council's letters to the Justices and Council here to stand favourable to her, and to have her suit determined at the Council table or in the High Court of Chancery. Prays for his favour with the Queen on behalf of her many poor daughters.—Dublin, 6 July, 1598.
Signed.
Endorsed :—“Countess of Desmond.”
1½ pp. (62. 25.)
Jo. Harmar to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 6. Your letters dated the 30th June I received this 6th of July, whereby you signified her Majesty's pleasure of staying the renewing of the lease of the parsonage of Andevey until her Highness' will be made farther known unto me. Wherein though myself and my company are, as duty bindeth us, ready to obey her Majesty's commandment, yet we are most humbly to entreat your Honour's mediation herein for the stay of her Highness' letters already craved, so far as that our poor college, which these late dear years hath had hard ado to sustain itself by our revenues, may suffer no loss nor detriment thereby.—July 6, 1598. Endorsed :—“The Warden of Winchester College.”
Holograph.
(62. 26.)
Prince Maurice de Nassau to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 6/16. La suffisance de Messieurs les deputez des Estatz Generaulx de pardeca, s'en venants cellepart, et celle du Chevalier Veer, que J'avoy rendu auparavant capable de mes considerations au regard du subject dont il est maintenant question es entreparlers et conferences entammees avec l'Archiducq Cardinal au nom du Roy d'Espaigne, me garderont de vous faire icy long discours, et (peult estre) redite, des choses que je scay ne pouvir s'esloigner de v[ost]re experience aux affaires, moins se desrober de v[ost]re prudence, quand il vous plaira d'y ficher l'oeil, comme elles le meritent Et dont le deservice et la consequence tres dangereuse ne se scauroit apprehender plus parfaictement, que par son contraire, apres que la faulte et l'erreur d'une resolution prejudiciable seroit faicte et commise, Ne pouvant de ma part y servir de meilleure pierrie de touche, pour mectre a evidence et preuve les doubtes par ou ceste deliberation semble se rendre difficile, qu'en recerchant les causes legitimes, par lesquelles sa Majeste (et cest estat de pardeca) s'est par le passe determinee, arrestee et confirmee jusques a ores, en une emprinse tant Souveraine pour borner la convoitise monarchicq de l'Espaignol, Que si lon pense que presentement ces raisons ne portent plus coup pour le dimembrement auquel l'on se plaict du Pays Baz d'avec la couronne d'Espaigne, Et que par la l'on face semblant de se dessaisir, et comme desarconner voluntairement du centre de ses desseins premiers, vrayement je vouldroy, au partir de la, quicter la partie a demi, ne fust que la personne du Cessionaire change et desguise seuelement le nom, non pas la cause mouvante que trop importe a la grandeur de la maison d'Austriche, et au zele pretendu du siege de Rome. La confiance que je me donne de v[ost]re amitie, et sain jugement, me feroit (quasi) entrer en quelque deduit de la matiere, mais pour ne faire ce tort aux dis Seigneurs deputez, ni a votre clairvoiance, Monsieur, Je vous prieray pour la fin de cestes, de vouloir prester a ladit deputation toute faveur et l'appuy que la raison droicturiere, et la verite, dont nous nous servons, meritent.—De la Haye, 16 Juillet, 1598. Signed.
2 pp. (62. 53.)
The States General of the United Provinces to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 6/16. Nous confessons que votre Excellence nous a souventes fois avec beaucoup de contentement faict cognoistre son affection envers le maintenement et conservation de notres estat, mais c'est a ce coup que nous avons le plus de besoing de votre ayde et assistence, au regard du subject pour lequels noz deputez vont trouver sa Majestie, pour traitter tres humblement avec icelle, sur ce quil luy a pleu nous faire declairer et proposer, tant par noz deputez retournez dernierement dangleterre que par les Seigneurs Chevalier Veer et Conseillier Gilpin, pour la consequence duquel affaire nous avons aussy apporte et faict tout debuoir et diligence possible affin de pouvoir rendre sadit Majeste satisfaicte et contente en tant que notre estat le poeult aucunement permettre. Ainsy que votre Excellence entendra plus amplement par les Sieurs de Duvenvoirde de Warmont, &c., Admiral d'Hollande, d'Oldenvarnevelt, Sieur de Tempel, advocat d'Estat et garde du seel d'Hollande et Westfrize, de van der Warck, Conseillier et Pensionaire de la ville de Middelbourg, de Hottinga, escuier de Hessels, premier Conseillier au Conseil de Brabant, noz deputez, avec le Sieur de Caron, notre Agent; par ou nous prions Monsieur votre Excellence bien affectueusement quil vous plaise nous moienner encore tellement la continuation de la tres benigne grace et faveur de sa Majeste envers cest estat, qu'elle soit servie davoir agreable et accepter nos offres et presentations que noz dit deputez ont en charge de luy faire, affin que par ce moyen nous puissions conserver cest estat de sa totale et inevitable ruyne, au service de sa Majeste et de son estat et de la cause commune.—La Haye, 16 Juillet, 1598.
Signed by C. Aerssens.
2 pp. (62. 55.)
Memoranda as to Various Cases.
1598, July 6. Mr. Rogers. Kingston Lacye and Winburn Minster : as to the redemption of a lease made to Lord Mountjoy, and the fixing of the tithes at 5d. or 3d. the acre. As to Yaxley's lands.—6 July, 1598.
1 p. (2218.)
Sir William Russell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 7. Being requested by Sir John Dowdall to make report to you how he was employed during the time of my government in the realm of Ireland, I could do no less in regard of his good desert than testify that he carried himself very well in her Majesty's service, to his good credit and reputation. Notwithstanding his company was employed for the most part in remote places, yet he continued them in good sort without receiving any of the supplies which came over. And for that I had commandment from her Majesty to have care of the Fort of Duncannon, I could not find a man more fit to be commanded, and therefore committed the charge thereof to his custody, with direction to levy 50 English soldiers, which were continued in pay for a time to defend the same, commanding himself to be resident there, and to make sufficient provision of victuals and other necessaries to maintain and defend any assault : all which he performed willingly and in dutiful manner. And for the defraying of that charge, I could not supply him with money in any plentiful sort, but willed him (considering he was better able than many others) to forbear till the coming over of the next treasure which arrived with the Lord Burgh, who then had special direction not to disburse the said treasure but for growing charges, by which means this gent was disappointed, and is now an humble suitor to you to be relieved.—Chisweek, 7 July, 1598.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir William Russell.”
1 p. (62. 27.)
Francois le Fort to “Monsieur de Cicill, Chevalier, premier secretaire,” &c.
1598, July 7. Sends a packet of letters by his servant. Thanks him for the Council's letters, to obtain for his brother, Jacques le Fort Bimbault, justice for the outrages which he has sustained in Jersey. The Lieutenant George Paulet has ordered his brother to quit the island, alleging that he troubles his government : which his brother has accepted, provided they deliver to him all the “actes des Roles” according to the Council's letters. Although Sir Anthony Paulet has promised to amend the fault that his lieutenant has committed against the privileges of the island, that all strangers may inhabit there, nevertheless he (the writer) wishes to have a letter addressed to George Paulet and the Justices, that they should restore his brother to his honour, and allow him to prosecute his suit, according to the Council's letters.—London, 7 July, 1598.
Holograph. French.
1 p. (62. 28.)
[Sir Robert Cecil] to the Earl of Pembroke.
1598, July 7. I have received a private letter from you which I perceive you mean should be communicated with the Council, wherein I beseech you to consider how much I should wrong you (knowing what I do) to suffer you to ground any such writing upon that foundation which (no man knows better than I) doth vary greatly from truth. And therefore, if I forbear to publish any such letter upon so just an occasion, I hope you will make thereof no ill interpretation, for I assure you, in anything fit for me I will be at all times right glad to do you any honour or service within my power. Whatsoever therefore you have heard that anybody at the Council Board should disallow with scoffing laughter your judgment in recommending any persons for lieutenancies, believe me, I pray you, upon my poor credit, that there was no such matter nor any such circumstance used tending to your disgrace; only this is true that the Earl of Essex said to the Lords that those gentlemen named by you were sufficient, but that he could wish that Sir Gillye Marricke might be remembered; whereupon, when I saw all the Board well affected to him, and doubted lest his coming in might have altered the gentleman's selection allied to Mr. Harbert Croftes (and so began to commend him), he merrily and familiarly, without expressing any manner of mislike of your choice, said to me that he knew I spake the more for him because he was Harbert Croftes' brother-in-law. This being true, my good lord, I doubt not but you will allow of my discretion in suppressing it, which if I had done, could not have proved other than injurious in us both.
Draft corrected by Cecil.
Endorsed :—“7 July, 1598.”
1 p. (62. 29.)
Sir Tho. Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 7. The Sheriff of Denbighshire is lately deceased, and it is requisite that her Majesty should, for her better service there, make speedy choice of another. The levying of soldiers for Ireland, and present service for the subsidy, and many other things of importance, cannot well suffer long delay. I have therefore sent you hereinclosed a bill of names for her Majesty's choice, such as heretofore have been certified from the judges of that country.
Mr. Baron Saville is holden by my Lords the Judges to be very fit for the Northern Circuit. I have therefore caused a bill of non obstante to be drawn for him, for the county of York, in which shire he was born. It is according to the usual form in like cases. This I have also sent you herewith. Sir Chr. Wraye and aft[er] him Baron Shutte had the like dispensation for the county of York, and many others in other counties.—York House, 7 July, 1598.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“L. Keeper.”
1 p. (62. 30.)
Sir Thomas Cecil to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 7. I am full of your opinion rather to overpass the proem of the Earl's letter than anywise to touch it, for in my opinion it is but captare benevolentiam. My Lord our father is wiser, and hath so little meddled with money matters acceptable to her Majesty, as for mine own part I fear nothing, neither if there were any such matter it might vex our father to have it brought in question, but too late now to remedy it. I judge rather it may be some part of his own invention, and yet like enough to proceed from the other party. So, Sir, you have propounded the best course to answer the rest of the Earl's letter, and to let fall the other part. So no kind of ways it shall serve his turn. I have returned the copy of your letter to the other Earl.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“7 July, 1598.”
½ p. (62. 32.)
Prince Maurice of Nassau to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 7/17. Sends, in company with the deputies from the States General, D'Hesselz, one of his counsellors, for whom he begs a favourable audience.—From the Hague, 17 July, 1598.
Signed. French.
1 p. (147. 137.)
Sir Edward Conway to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 7. At the importunity of the burghers of this town I join with them in humbly beseeching you to countenance their town for the gaining of the English merchants hither. The merchants have made a visit of all the places, and having here debated all the arguments of good and ill consequence, they have parted with a show of a great deal of affection for settling here. How it may be, good or ill, both in the martial and the politic part, your Honour, I know, doth fully apprehend. Make me happy by some commandment wherein I may testify my faithfulness.—Brill, this 7th of July, 1598.
Signed. Seal.
1 p. (177. 62.)
Launcelot Carleton to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 7. Richard Grayme and myself are bound to make your Honour party of the end of that service wherein it pleased you to employ us.
At my return from your Honour, I found at Richard Grayme's house the persons ready to take journey to you with good intent to have discharged so far as was promised. Where, upon conference with them, Richard Grayme and myself made it known unto them that your Honour had sent them thanks for the offer of such a service to her Majesty, but at this present for divers causes it could not be entertained. It seemed both the gentlemen were willing to desist with promise of secrecy, which point I was straitly commanded by Sir Edward Dyer that both Richard Grayme and myself should deal effectually with them in. Since which time this letter which I do send hereinclosed came back from D. with the copies of an order and the king's letter. Whether it is substance or but shadowing, is to be censured by your wisdom, but, howsoever it be, it was Richard Grayme's duty, and mine, to send it unto you. Of his faithfulness, I dare assure you as of mine own. If I can, by his or my means, get intelligence worthy the sending to you, may I not only be licensed to send the same, but also directed how it may be safely conveyed.
The letters which you told me was sent by you to my Lord of Durham to be conveyed to Mr. Udell at my house were not sent, neither could I hear any word of them. If they be not sent back unto you there is a great fault in some persons.—Brampton, this 7 of July, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (177. 63.)
Sir George Gifford to the Lord Treasurer.
1598, July 7. The wardship of his nephew Edward Yate was granted to Dr. Doyly. Encloses a petition from Yate, complaining of the strict dealing of Dr. Doyly with him, and prays for favour to him.
Endorsed :—“7 July, 1598.”
1 p. (2416.)
H. Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 8. Sends an inquisition, taken in Munster about a year past, touching Florence McCartie's lands, and all other papers concerning him.—The Strand, 8 July, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (62. 34.)
William Kyllygrew to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 8. On behalf of Mr. Hickman, in a cause depending before the Council, prosecuted by the malice of Mr. Topliff and other gentlemen of Lincolnshire, who, to stop Hickman's proceedings in the prosecuting of justice against some persons that killed a servant of his, follow this cause among other hard measures. Hickman is both honest and very beneficial to the poor inhabitants of Gainsborough, where he lives.—Hanworth, 8 July, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (62. 35.)
H. Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 8. Sends a book on the state of the armies, wherein all the captains are named, with the state of their bands, how many English and how many Irish. Sends one letter more concerning Florence McCarty.—From the Strand, 8 July, 1598.
Holograph.
½ p. (62. 36.)
Sir Henry Docwra to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 8. I understand that the States intend, with her Majesty's favour, to levy some new troops of English for their service. I would not desire any place until Sir Francis Vere be satisfied, and such as nature biddeth him to hold in nearest estimation, but, that respect only excepted, I beseech you that I be not undervalued to others of my rank.—From the Hague, this 8th of July, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (177. 64.)
Wardship of Christopher Hatton.
1598, July 8. Three papers, viz. :—
(1.)—W. Fleetwood, receiver of the Wards, to Mr. Clapham, attendant on the Lord Treasurer, asking for allowance of his charges disbursed for Hatton.—26 June, 1598.
½ p.
(2.)—Account of Fleetwood's disbursements for Hatton, who came to Fleetwood by the Lord Treasurer's appointment on April 8th, 1597, and continued till 9 Dec., 1597.
3 pp.
(3.)—Ed. Latimer to Mr. Clapham, as to payment of his master's disbursements as above.—8 July, 1598.
½ p. (2374.)
Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 9. Recommends the bearer for one of the companies of the expedition into Ireland. Desires conference with Cecil before his departure into the country.—London, 9 July.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598.”
1 p. (62. 37.)
R. de la Fontaine to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 9. Yesterday evening two foreigners were condemned to death, master and servant. Will say nothing as to the master : but the servant, a child of 18 years, is condemned for having put his hand to his dagger and using threats, without striking, on behalf of his master, whom he saw in a quarrel, without knowing the cause. Prays Cecil's commiseration, and for a letter of reprieve for him.
Prays him to remember the letter to Mr. Leighton or his deputy in Guernsey, to do justice to Pierre des Moulins upon the pirates who have robbed him.—London, 9 July, 1598.
Holograph. French.
1 p. (62. 38.)
Lieutenant Ogle to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 9. About 5 years since Cecil commended him to Sir Francis Vere, and acknowledged him for his kinsman. He has since constantly followed Vere, both as a gentleman of his own company, and also preferred by him ensign to Captain Constable, under whom, from the time of their going for Cales, he has commanded lieutenant, and been present at most of his Excellency's actions. There is a present hope of some companies to be raised for these parts, wherein he beseeches Cecil to stead him.—Gornichen in Holland, 9 July, 1598.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lieutenant Ogle.”
(62. 39.)
Sir William Cornwaleys to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 9. Many occasions met together to call me from attending to speak with you this other day; but none shall, might I know from you in two words what night it pleaseth you to lie at London, when, if you have otium anywhere, I judge then you have it.—Highgate, Sunday morning.
Holograph.
Endorsed :—“1598, July 9. Sir William Cornewallis.”
½ p. (62. 40.)
Sir Francis Vere to the Earl of Essex.
1598, before July 10. Hearing at Court of your lordship's departure towards Oxford, I was purposed to have sent on expressly with the report of such matter as I have brought over, myself not being at full liberty. But Mr. Wiseman, as it seems, being left to that end takes upon him the conveyance of these few lines. I have by three despatches acquainted you in what state matters stand on the other side, and in the latter made mention of my return, which if it be come to your hands, it hath taken away much of the expectation which perchance you might otherwise conceive by my coming. I have brought nothing of certain to her Majesty but that the States' Deputies will be here by the 10th of this present : for at my departure I am assured that neither the persons for the deputation were resolved of, nor the offers they are to make to her Majesty : but all so near driven that they were on the point of concluding. I make no doubt but it will appear at their arrival that they have strained to the very utmost of their abilities, that they will offer round sums, and assure the performance, so that her Majesty press them not to one main payment, but will accept of a yearly and continued. This they do merely for her Majesty's countenance, without conditioning to put her to any charge. But if her Majesty reject their offers to embrace a peace, and yet retain the cautionary towns, they despair of subsisting. In delivering them to their possession upon such remboursement as their State is able to bear, and favouring them under hand, they will hope and endeavour to maintain themselves. These be the ways of those who in a manner would enforce their companions to a war, divers in the Assembly and many in the provinces holding them unsafe and inclining rather to a peace. This difference of humour, if her Majesty be not pleased by her gracious protection of them to atone, will be the ruin of their estate, for the army and forces of the Low Countries not being able to command every place, it is likely some will fall from their obedience, whereof there needeth but few to overthrow the whole revenue and means wherewith the war is maintained. Of all these I had speech at large with her Majesty, was well heard, and could not gather by any countenance or word of hers but that she was sensible enough of the danger their State was in, and satisfied with the expectation of their coming. So that I can assure your Honour I do not doubt but a good resolution would ensue if you were in place to give strength to a good cause, which I will live in hope of, for that I cannot conceive how your Honour's absence from the Court may be profitable to the public, or to your own private. I send your Lordship herewith a letter from the Prince Maurice.
Holograph. Undated.
Endorsed :—“Sir Fra : Vere, July, '98.”
3 pp. (63. 11.)
Prince Maurice of Nassau to the Earl of Essex.
1598, before July 10. Je me metterois en debuoir de vous informer au meme de l'estat present de ce pays, si M. Vere, lequel en est si bien informé, ne vous allast retrouver, duquel vous pourres apprendre toutes les particularites. Je lui ai priè de vous declarer quelques affaires sur lesquels les deputes que Messieurs les Estats veullent envoyer a S.M. auront charge de traicter, ausquels si je ne donne satisfaction sur l'un ou l'autre poinct, je vous puis dire que ce pays tombera en des grands malheurs qui ne se pourront remedier par ceux qui en ont le gouvernement quel debuoir ils fassent et que resolus ils soient à maintenir la guerre contre le roi d'Espagne. Je vous supplierai donc, Monsieur, pour prevenir un si grand changement, de vouloir apporter devotre coté tout le remede qu'il vous sera possible, si travaillerai du mien autant que je pourrai pour maintenir les affaires en l'estat qu'ils sont presentement. Mais je scay que toutes mes paines seront infructueuses si ces provinces ne sont assistées des faveurs de S.M., de laquelle ils ont plus affaire qu'ils n'eurent jamais. A quoi je vous prie autrefois de vouloir tenir la main favorable, et cest estat vous aura-t-une obligation extreme si par votre moyen ils peuvent redresser leurs affaires a ce coup; et moi, qui vous suis desja tant tenu, je demeurerai à tousjours, votre tres humble à vous faire service, Maurice de Nassau.
Endorsed :—“Prince Maurice. July, '98.” Also, “Don Emanuell Count Lodowick, Count Hohenlo, M. Caron, Count J. de Navarre.”
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (133. 179.)
Elizabeth, Dowager Lady Russell to her nephew, Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 10. My neighbour Ascanius the bookseller, whom your father loves exceedingly well, has earnestly sued to me to speak a good word for him, that whereas the whole Hall of Printers made a petition to the Council table that he might be a printer, whereupon the full Board wrote their letter to the Lord Mayor and his brethren, which they have so smally accounted of as that they never so much as called Ascanius before them to satisfy him why they they did not grant his desire. His suit is that you write to the Mayor to show that it is her Majesty's pleasure that they should admit him : this being no more than Sir Francis Walsingham [was] accustomed to do and the Lord of of Leicester in the like, as he says. I refer the sequel to your wisdom.—From my house at the Black Friars, 10 July.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598.”
1 p. (63. 7.)
Sir Nicholas Parker to the Privy Council.
1598, July 11. Have this day received the examination of one Cole, a captain of a carvell, and others, sent to me by one Mr. Nanses, commander at St. Ives, who informs of 40 sail of ships upon these coasts, which are suspected to be Spaniards, as it appeareth more at large by this certificate hereinclosed, which I hold it my duty to advertise you of. Also to commend to your considerations the means to prevent these sudden alarms, by appointing a pinnace or two to ride here at the Land's End, or between Falmouth and Scilly, where it might do very great service, both for intelligence wherein I might perform my service in far better sort that now I can, and the safety of poor fishermen that now dare not seek their livings. May it please you to consider my last letters touching this fort, that I may understand your pleasures therein, the country's contribution being now ended, and now in more danger than ever it was, if it be not finished.—Pendennis Castle, 11 July, 1598.
Signed. Endorsed :—“Sir Nich. Parker.”
1 p. (62. 42.)
The Enclosure, July 10 :—
Information of Thomas Cole, captain of a carvell arrived at St. Ives, 10 July, 1598.
Details of their meeting, between Land's End and Scilly, with two sails, on board one of which Spanish was spoken. Afterwards, not far from the same place, they fell in amongst 40 sails, and St. Ives being the next place of arrival, he thought it best to give intelligence, for he verily suspects them to be the enemy.
Signed by Cole, and William Holderbye, master of the carvell. The carvell was lately taken upon the coast of Spain by two ships, viz., “The Castell,” of Poole, and “The Diamond,” of London.
1 p. (62. 41.)
Don Emanuel to the Earl of Essex.
1598, July 11/21. I have not written before because my troubles have been so sudden, and so little expected, that I have been able to think of nothing before my departure from these provinces, in order to obey the commandment of the States, to have all the sooner the happiness of being able to join the Princess, my wife. I have been hoarding your favour for the occasion when a word from you may do me good with the ambassadors of the States General. I ask you now to generously utter that word, if you love me. It is commonly noised abroad here that her Majesty will make peace. I pray you honour me with a word to her for the permission, which I have desired in a letter to her, to come and kiss her hand, and communicate certain matters regarding my affairs.—From Arnhem, 21 of July, '98.
French. Signed. Seal.
1 p. (177. 68.)
G. Coppin to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 12. His Lordship hath this day in the afternoon been somewhat heavily disposed, which I impute to the ill weather, yet he dined reasonable well, and is not in any worse case than he hath been these three or four days, if a man may judge by his colours in his face, which is very good and his eye quick : but your Honour knows a man of his years and weakness will have daily such qualms in their stomachs and yet not dangerous nor long painful. I told his Lordship at dinner your Honour sent to know how he did, and had sent him larks, for which he thanked your Honour. At supper I will tell him of the rest you now send.—From the Strand, 12 July, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (62. 43.)
W. Cooke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 12. Begs him to write to Walter Poiskin and David Jenkin, coroner, and William Owen, feodary of Monmouthshire, to return a sufficient and indifferent jury, without cousins and familiar friends, to Mr. Arnold : he (the writer) being a stranger in those parts. Craves Cecil's favour in this, which so nearly concerns him and his reputation. Begs Cecil to favour “this poor man's” petition, whose release would much avail him.—July 12, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (62. 44.)
Lieutenant Isaak Woodrington to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 13. Prays for redress of the wrongs suffered by his captain, Captain Robert Constable, at the hands of the Lords Justices and the Lord General of Ireland. First, the long detaining of the pledge appointed to be delivered to the enemy in exchange for Constable, whereby the Earl of Tyrone has altered the conditions for his redemption. Secondly, the Lords have reduced both of Constable's companies. Thirdly, by the report of Mr. Egerton, the governor of the garrison, the Lord General has lately given Constable's companies to others. Constable paid Sir Edward Yorke £200 for his two companies, and reinforced them at his own charge. Within six days of the unfortunate overthrow of Sir John Chichester, Constable was hurt in the field and taken prisoner. Endorsed :—13 July, 1598.
Holograph Undated.
1 p. (62. 45.)
Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 13. On behalf of the bearer Captain Byngeley, who desires a company under Sir Samuel Bagenall into Ireland.— York House, 13 July, 1598.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Keeper.”
½ p. (62. 46.)
Gilbert, Earl of Shrewsbury to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 13. He is most “palterily” dealt with in his Shropshire business by Edward Talbot and his advisers : but by the L. Keeper most honourably. This day will give a great push to the business, either to conclude or break. Begs Cecil to procure for him, from Sir Robert Wroth or otherwise, some venison for the marriage of his wife's maid, Mrs. Clypsby, to Mr. Randolph Crew, the lawyer of Lincoln's Inn. “If you had been as good as your word to have carried us to Envile Lodge (which hitherto proved as Sir Walter Rawlea conceived, and so is like to do), I would not then have used this boldness.”—13 July, '98.
Holograph.
1 p. (62. 47.)
Thomas Cansfield to [Lord Burghley].
1598, July 14. For the concealed wardship of Francesse Guy, daughter of Francis Guy of Fenwick, Yorks.
Endorsed :—14 July, 1598.
1 p. (1321.)
John Lloyd, of the Arches, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 15. Having lately received your most favourable letter in behalf of Mighell Arte, a stranger and denizen, concerning the office of a churchwarden, which he is unwilling to bear, and having imparted your pleasure to those of the parish to whom it specially appertains, I find them most willing to accomplish your will in any matter they may conveniently yield unto. The election is according to an order set down by the Archbishop of Canterbury and other High Commissioners, from which they may not swerve : and he not the first, but a great many more strangers, both of his own nation and others dwelling in the said parish, have taken the office willingly. He being before elected, was excused for that time in consideration of 10l. given to the poor. Whereas the other then elected could not be remitted the place for £4. And for other hard dealing towards him, whereof they are accused by him, they say he hath done them wrong, as they can make it known if speech may be afforded them before you. They beseech you to forbear them in this election, and that they may proceed in the prescribed order, and as they have heretofore accustomed, for the avoiding of inconvenience to ensue, by over passing of this, and the grief and overburdening of our own nation of that parish, the same consisting of many strangers, who will attempt to follow the like example if they may prevail.—15 July, 1598.
Signed. Endorsed :—“Dr. Lloyd.”
1 p. (62. 48.)
H. Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, July 15. I send herewith a packet of letters which my Lord [Burghley] received with others yesternight, which my Lord willed me to send to you, as likewise that to Sir William Bowes, who was not come to Berwick when this packet came to Lord Willoughby's hands. My Lord prays you, when you shall have occasion to write Northward, to send back the letter to Sir William Bowes, by which time, it may be, he will be come to Berwick.
Of late Sir Robert Carew wrote hither for an allowance to be made for 40 horsemen that serve under him in his wardenry, which were to have been mustered by some of the Council at Berwick. If you have received any certificate of the said muster it may please you to certify my Lord thereof, for until he shall receive such certificate he cannot give order for their pay.
My Lord hath had a reasonable quiet night though he slept not well : he keepeth his bed, but is now dressed and sitteth up in his bed : his stomach was reasonable good at supper yesternight.—From the Strand, 15 July, 1598.
Holograph.
(62. 49.) 1 p.
The Earl of Essex to Mr. Humfrey Mildemay.
1598, July 15. Begs him to bestow a buck on his servant Thomas Rawlins.—London, 15 July, 1598.
Signed.
(62. 50.) ½ p.
Mich. Hickes to Sir Robert Cecil.
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