Cecil Papers: August 1598, 16-31

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: August 1598, 16-31', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598, (London, 1899) pp. 312-325. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol8/pp312-325 [accessed 26 April 2024]

August 1598, 16–31

Philip Count Hohenloe to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Aug. 17/27. Offers his services, and asks Essex's favour for the bearers, who wish to see England.—Bremen, 27 August, 1598, Stilo novo.
Signed. Endorsed :—“Count Hollock.”
1 p. (63. 76.)
John Spurlyng to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 18. Refers to Lord Burghley's death, and offers his services to Cecil, who was his honourable patron when he went first sergeant.—18th August.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598, Sergeant Spurlyng to my master.”
1 p. (63. 59.)
Sir Matthew Morgan to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 20. Her Majesty, as it seems, has appointed the footbands in Vlisshinge and the Brill to be companies of hundreds, and I, having continued so long with commission of 200, think it fitter, under correction, for preserving of my reputation, and with least offence to all, to withdraw myself wholly into the States' pay than to accept a lesser number. To the end I might amongst them hold my wonted entertainment, I beseech your favour that I may obtain supply, or means to do it at her Majesty's charge, for those 50 of my company which are now presently disposed of into Ireland. My reasons why I should seek it are more than many others can allege. When my horse company was cashiered, the Queen appointed I should receive 200 foot armed from Sir John Norrys. The men I had, yet none of them armed, but at my own charge. Since, in two voyages, I have sent out from my company 110 men, well armed; in the first to Cales most of my arms were lost, but supplied again at my charge; in the second voyage all have been detained by the captain who had command over them. This considered, I hope you will think a supply of 50 men means little enough to balance my great charge in those two journeys.
Inasmuch as I have continued many years and in good command in her Majesty's service, I entreat you to favour me so much as that amongst the colonels now for the States' service, I might be appointed for one. I beseech you to consider of me as of a man who desires to live without blemish. Many crosses have already befallen me, and this could not be the least, that both antiquity and desert being my warrant, I should not before some other of less time be thought upon, which thing I hope her Majesty, upon favourable notice from you, will graciously consider of after so long an affliction.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598, 20 Aug., Sir Math. Morgan.”
(63. 60.)
The Earl of Southampton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 20. Though I have very little matter of business to write of, yet can I not see this bearer depart without a letter unto you, though it be but only to put you in mind of one whom you have given cause in the best kind ever to remember you, and to acknowledge the debt in which by your many favours I am bound unto you. For the return of him and his brother I cannot but rejoice with you, though, in respect of myself, I find more reason to mourn the loss of so pleasing companions, but such is my affection to them as I do prefer their good before the satisfaction of myself. If it had not been for their departure I should ere this time have written unto you out of Italy, but now by means of that my journey is stayed until I hear out (of) England, for if, after the despatch of his business there, I may not have the company of the younger, my voyage will be infinitely unpleasing unto me, being to pass into a country of which I am utterly ignorant, without any companion. I cannot here imagine what may hinder him, but if any let should happen, I beseech you if you can remove it, for I protest it will be an exceeding maim unto me if I miss him.—Paris, 20 August.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“20 August, 1598, Earl of Southampton.”
1 p. (63. 61.)
Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 20. Finds that there is likely to be an abatement of the bands in Vlysshing, and begs that his son may be one of them that shall be put into the States' pay. His son's band passed under Sir Thomas Vavasor, and was of the first that went into the Low Countries in 1585; both his son and Vavasor have been captains from the first going of the Earl of Leicester.—20 August, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (63. 62.)
William Bowes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 22. Attending yesterday upon my Lord the Governor to a private meeting with Sir Robert Ker, within the bounds of this town, after the handling of sundry bills appertaining to their several charges, I observed Sir Robert Ker's earnest complaint of the late attempt laid upon Mr. Henry Woodrington and Mr. William Fennick for the slaughter of sundry true and peaceable gentlemen, as he termed them, committed, said he, to the great grief of the King, and to the raising of a general grudge over all Scotland. Sir Robert aggravated this cause with many circumstances, as, by the worth and harmlessness of the men, using no other than their accustomed times and places of hunting: that they were altogether without mistrust, unarmed, assailed at their dinner within the grounds of Scotland. That this violence was intended, he endeavoured to prove by the quality of the commanders on our side; by the number of armed men; by open directions given for slaughter, and by the cruelty of the execution. Sir Robert concluded that the King expected redress at her Majesty's hand: that he had signified so much to her by his letters. In the meantime, and until he might receive answer, his Highness had given strait charge to him that nothing should be attempted in revenge. Lastly, Sir Robert uttered plainly his own disposition, that seeing he persuaded himself this fact to be done contrary to her Majesty's liking, unto whom he acknowledged himself deeply bound, with earnest protestations of his owing to her Highness great duty and service, and imputing the attempt to private malice, he desired no other than that the recompense might be passed over to the gentlemen of Scotland chiefly interested in that wrong, to be redressed only upon those the fault-makers of our nation.
The answer made by the Lord Governor to the mentioned expostulation, his Lordship entreated me to signify unto your Honour, he being through some indisposition and weakness less fit to take that pains himself, the heads whereof in brief were thus. That he could speak or deal in that cause, not by way of charge or authority, but by way of neighbourly advertisement: that the English gave sundry reasons of their fact, namely, that those Scottish borderers had been ordinary trespassers to the Queen and her realm in entering the English ground without leave: in cutting down and carrying away the English woods: in that they were warned to abstain from so doing, and had nevertheless practised the same thing again at that time by way of contempt: that some of those surnames had murdered a gentleman of good account and service, near in blood to some of the chief executioners of that attempt: and that as there was great difference between the reports made on either side, so was it very meet that the truth thereof should be attended by resolution between the Princes. In the mean time we were glad to hear of the King's taking the matter into his own hand; of his orderly proceeding to inform the Queen; and of his commandment laid upon Sir Robert and his wardenry to attempt nothing without his direction, which all were honourable tokens of the King's good inclination to preserve the peace. Now therefore it behoved Sir Robert to be very wary either of his doing or suffering anything to the contrary of the King's commandment, whereby he should draw upon himself, not only the penalty of disobedience to his own King, but also the high indignation of her Majesty, for such contempt of her gracious favours as he had so largely and lately tasted of: besides the just note of dishonourable unthankfulness to be imputed to him and his house for all times hereafter: that besides the general mischief of breaking the amity, he should regard his own particular, and the near neighbourhood of Sesfurd to Berwick: and that if he should yet further provoke the Queen's greatness, he might be assured thereby to pull upon him the weight of her abused patience, not only for any new attempt, but also for those wrongs passed, the recompense whereof was hitherto only entered into, but not satisfied. Sir Robert's reply was well tempered with very dutiful speeches towards her Majesty, and the Lord Governor parted with him in good terms, with orderly proceeding of justice between themselves, and reference of the mentioned great attempt to the princes.
At the Lord Governor's departure Sesfurd desired to have some speech with me, whereof the material points were these. He complained of the strait imprisonment of his pledges, oppressed with the charge of their diet, and notably endangered by the sickness infesting that place. He desired therefore earnestly some mean for their ease, such as ours had found at their hands. I answered to this, that the effect of all the late Commission rested upon this only caution of performance; for execution and satisfaction whereof, until himself for his part entered substantially to pay the bills, I knew no man that could, with honest colour, or durst move her Majesty for their relief. He said they were not able to make payment, and must therefore be lost. I answered that their disability to satisfy all was no avoidance of their paying some part. And for conclusion of this point, I agreed with him that he should set down in writing what bills, when, and where he would satisfy to the two wardens, wherein, as I understood the Lord Governor's pleasure and direction, I would give him answer.
Sir Robert proceeding to further discourse touching the employment of Mr. David Foules, that day passing by towards her Majesty, he asked my opinion of her Majesty's acceptance of the person. I answered that I might not censure the actions or ministers of princes, but by way of friendly conference, I thought him too ordinary a man to carry matters, if they were of extraordinary weight. For his behaviour in his former employments, some speeches had deserved little good acceptance; neither for my own part did I take him for very studious of good offices between the Princes. Sir Robert soothed my mean conceit of him, with this addition, that I was little beholden to him for some reports made to the King of me, and hereby took occasion to let me know that the King had received hard information against me, persuading me to make mine apology by some good means, otherwise it would be great hindrance to such employments as I might have there. I answered, no fault could receive no excuse. The King at my last being with him had objected informations against me which I did then satisfy. Since that time I had meddled in nothing concerning him except my last negotiation from her Majesty unto him; wherein what question grew betwixt her Highness and the King's last Ambassador was satisfied for my part for true relation of the King's answer, by my own speech to her Highness in the hearing of the said ambassador; at what time both her Majesty remembered the same then delivered to be my former report, and I instantly turning my speech to the Ambassador that I thought the King would affirm the same, he answered he thought he would do so, and I dismissed from her Majesty's presence, without any controversy between the King's answer to me and my report thereof to the Queen, so as I knew no colour or ground to frame any conceit or knowledge of offence to be given on my part, and therefore could not with reason or good manner offer my purgation.
Sir Robert seemed to intimate a further purpose of some more honourable ambassade, to be addressed from his King to the Queen, demanding of me what I thought of Lord Hume to be employed therein. I answered that I knew her Majesty hath lately showed especial tokens of her grace and good opinion to that Lord, but his late partiality so apparent on his the said Sesfurd's behalf, what alteration it may have wrought I knew not. Besides I heard my Lord Hume stood an excommunicate person by the kirk, and thereby excluded from the King's presence. He answered, all that would be reformed, and that Lord most desirous of her Majesty's favour.
Lastly, Sesfurd entering into speech of Valentine Thomas, and regretting the dishonourable imputations thereby to the King, I answered that no other fruit could be expected at such entertainment of traitors to the Queen as McSorley was, who as himself is full of treason, so is he said to have presented this other traitor to the King's speech, a matter indeed, as it was beyond my knowledge, so it must be without my handling: and so brake up my conference with Sesfurd, whereof I thought it my part to give your Honour this advertisement. And so most effectually commending your Honour comfort, for that great loss to the Queen, to the realm and to all good men, in my prayers, as only reparable by the fountain of all goodness, with humble remembrance of my duty and service, I betake your Honour to the grace of God.—Barwick, 22 August, '98.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“W. Bow.”
3½ pp. (63. 64.)
Dr. Gabriel Goodman to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 22. Recommends the bearer his near kinsman, Mr. Hugh Done, for preferment in the Queen's service.—Westminster College, 22 Aug. 1598.
Signed.
Endorsed :—“Dean of Westminster.”
½ p. (63. 66.)
The enclosure :—
Hugh Done to Gabriel Goodman.
Of his service in Ireland, under Sir Henry Harrington and Captain Audelay. His captain being slain he repaired to England, and since followed Lord Essex in his last voyage at sea. Prays for his interest to procure him a company of foot for the next employment for Ireland or elsewhere.—Undated.
Holograph.
1 p. (63. 67.)
Ursula Lady Walsingham to Henry Maynard.
1598, Aug. 23. Thanks him for his help to the poor, distressed and disgraced gentlewoman, Mrs. Banninge. Is sorry that she wants power to join in her relief. Would gladly have written to the High Commissioners to have entreated favour for her, and to have testified to her former honest conversation; but what is a private letter of a woman in a woman's behalf without better means to countenance the same? Urges him to continue his good work on behalf of “that hapless (though I hope guiltless) woman.”—Barnelmes, 23 August, 1598.
Signed. Endorsed : “La. Walsingham.”
1 p. (63. 69.)
William Necton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 23. Understands that Cecil would speak with him. Is ready to wait upon him here, when he knows of his return hither.—London, 23 Aug., 1598.
Holograph.
½ p. (63. 71.)
Sir John Dowdall to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 25. Recommends Nicholas Dowdall, his kinsman, who has borne office under his command, for employment as a captain in the service of Ireland. He has the Irish tongue perfect, and good judgment in that country's service.—Greenwich, 25 August, 1598.
½ p. (63. 72.)
Captain N. Dawtrey to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 25. It pleases her Highness not to use his services in Ireland, but to give him charge in one of the garrison towns of the Low Countries, and a pension out of the Exchequer. Sir Samuel Bagnall told him that he has resigned his company there, and that it was meant he (Dawtrey) should have it. If such a thing is intended, prays that he may have warrants for the same company to enter into pay from Sir Samuel's discharge.—25 August, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (63. 73.)
The Earl of Essex to the Queen.
1598, Aug. 26. As I had not gone into exile of myself if your Majesty had not chased me from you as you did, so was I ever ready to have taken hold of any warrant that your Majesty could have given me for my return. But when your Majesty would neither endure that my friends should plead for me to you, nor by their visitations give comfort unto me, and that I heard your indignation did take hold of all things that might feed it, and that you did willinglyest hear those that did kindle it, then I said to myself
Mene evertere tantus
Diis superis labor est, parva quem puppe sedentem
Tam magno petiere mari?
Intrepidus quamcunque datis mihi numina mortem
Accipiam.
Yet when the unhappy news came from yonder cursed country of Ireland, and that I apprehended how much your Majesty would be grieved to have your armies beaten and your kingdom like to be conquered by the son of a smith, duty was strong enough to rouse me out of my deadest melancholy; I posted up and first offered my attendance and after my poor advice in writing to your Majesty. But your Majesty rejected both me and my letter. The cause, as I hear, was that I refused to give counsel when I was last called to my Lord Keeper's. But if your Majesty had not already judged this cause, or that I might appeal from your indignation to your justice, I then should think your Majesty, if you had once heard me, would clear me from all undutifulness. First, I did nothing but that which the greatest, gravest and most esteemed councillor that ever your Majesty had did when himself bare less discomfort and the cause was less dangerous. Secondly. I did not refuse utterly to give counsel, but desired to be first heard by your Majesty yourself; and lastly, as I am sworn to give counsel to your Majesty and not to your Council, so that which I was and, if it please you, am to deliver is fit to be heard only by yourself. Some general heads my last letter contained, and so might this, but your Majesty would not be satisfied with them if I do not expound them and lay open every one of their parts. If your Majesty will hear me I stay in this place for no other purpose but to attend your commandment. If this answer be agreeable to the last, then Quid nisi vota supersunt from your Majesty's servant, in whom you would fain discourage better endeavours than ever you shall find elsewhere.
Draft, in Essex's hand.
2 pp. (63. 75.)
A copy in the hand of his secretary.
Endorsed :—26 August, '98.
1 p. (63. 74.)
Dr. John Jegon, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, to Sir Robert Cecil.
Aug. 26, 1598. Is bold to present some verses made by their young students, in rememberance of our Chancellor, your father, departed, and prays continuance of his favours to the University.—Cambridge, 26 August, 1598.
Signed.
2/3 p. (136. 66.)
[The Mayor of Boulogne] to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Aug. 26./Sept. 5. Dom Joan de Aguiree advise son altesse que si le Roy d' Espaigne veult oster la force aux Anglois, il fault qu'il deffende que lors qu'il fera les preparatifs de son armee, nul estranger n'y aborde pour leur oster toutes les intelligences quilz peuvent avoir.
Que la plus grande asseurance de la majeste' d' Angleterre est aux artifices de feu, et sur l' attente des marees propres pour conduir les navires ou leurs artifices seront cachez.
Que l' on les peult aisement empescher de se joindre, usant d'artifices semblables aux lieux et portz la ou sont leurs navires et ou ilz s'apprestent.
Quil fault prendre Plemue [Plymouth], Dartemue [Dartmouth] et Faltmue [Falmouth] pour s' en servir de retraitte sy besoin en est.
Qu'il monstrera a son alteze l'Archiduc des particularitez qu'il reserve a dire lors qu'il aura quelqun envoye de la part du dit Archiduc avecq qui il puisse communiquer qui sont de grandissime importance touchant l' estat d' Angleterre.
Il parle de bailler le moyen en main a son altesse de prendre ou surprendre Douvre avecq fort petit nombre d' hommes en lespace de quatre jours.
Addressed :—“A monseigneur le monsieur le Conte d' Essex.”
Seal.
½ p. (177. 89.)
The Mayor of Boulogne to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Aug. 26./Sept. 5. Lorsque je receuz celles dont vostre grandeur m' a honnoré, javais despeché ung pacquet dans lequel il y avoit ung particulier adviz de ce que j'avois peu apprendre de l'Espaignol. Depuis il m'a encores chargé dune lettre quy s'addresse au Sieur Sisil. Je la vous addresse pour en user come vostre jugement le trouverra bon. Je vous diray que cest homme ne tache que d'avoir response pour faire trouver ce qu'il offre meilleur a ceulx a quy il s'addresse, et pour mieulx faire ses affaires avecq eulx, et aussy affin quilz se hastent de luy bailler quelque bon appointement. Il a despeché ung homme vers son altesse. Il est Italien quy porte lettres de ce qu'il peult. Depuis quil est party, il a receu ung passeport de son altesse pour aller la avecq une lettres de Mansidor secretaire qui luy mande de se haster affin davoir de luy ce quil promet. Il en avoit receu avant ceste une du Sieur de Salmar dont je vous envoye coppye, que vous voiez. Il a fiance en moy pour ce qu'estant necessiteux d'argent, je luy en a baille affin que, lentretenant aimiablement, je puisse tirer de luy ce qu'il a dans son ame de caché. Il se refie fort sur vostre grandeur et en espere du bien comme il fait du Sieur Secretaire Sisil. Vous me commanderez sil vous plaist ce que desirerez de moy en cest affaire selon vostre bon jugement. Je le suiveray. J'ay aprins de quelque mien amy que le Cardinal a fait faire monstre a son armee. Il a du canon prest et doibt partir le 25e de ce moys, a nostre stil, l'on ne scayt ou c'est pour les Estatz si la revolte de la citadelle d' Anvers ne les destourne.—Ce 5me Septembre, 1598.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p.
(177. 90.)
Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 27. Part of my travel in Oxfordshire, I have sent you a doe of my killing, coming from the assizes in Oxford, in which shire, as you think fit, regard the credit of your friends and poor kinsmen, for my part weary of many and mighty wrongs. But avow, I beseech you, love and friendship to a man of more worth; now is the time for you to show and he to accept. Leave circumstances apart, with private doubts of both parts, the ball is made round and will run, yea, and be tossed from one to another. Since you are placed where you are, both your forces joined will be little enough, if not somewhat too short. I wish, as becometh me for her Majesty's service, the good of my country and as many as loveth you both, with no hurt to yourselves I am sure, so I take my leave from my lonely cottage.—27 August.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir Ha: Ley. 1598.”
1 p. (63. 70).
John [Whitgift], Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 27. Understanding that suit is now made to her Majesty for the archdeaconry of Worcester, I thought good to signify to you that when her Highness was pleased to make choice of Mr. Dr. Goldisburgh to be Bishop of Gloucester, she was likewise contented that he should retain the archdeaconry of Worcester in commendam withal, the rather because the said bishopric is but small, and the revenues thereof not sufficient to maintain a man of that sort, and also because both the dioceses of Gloucester and Worcester are next adjoining the one to the other. Therefore I heartily pray, if any such suit there be, that you would put her Majesty in mind of her resolution then made in that behalf.—Canterbury, 27 August, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (63. 77.)
Duc de Biron to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Aug. 28./Sept. 7. Celle-cy vous tesmoingnera le desyr que j'ay de la conservatyon de vos bonnes graces, et combien je suys vostre servyteur et desyreroys que par une digne occasyon je peusse vous tesmoingner l' honneur et respect que je porte a vostre amytyé et le desyr que j'ay de vous randre bien humble servyce, n'ayent vouleu laisser passer ce subject de vous escryre sans vous refreschyr la memoyre de moy qui estyme et honore vos merytes autant que quallalyer du monde. Vous me commanderes donc vous servyr et lors vous jugeres l'effait de mes paroles. Je vous bayes bien humblement les mains, estant, monsieur, vostre plus humble et tres affectione servyteur.
Je vous foys une bien humble priere qui est, qu'il vous playse me tant oblyger que de me donner des levryers et dogues de votre pays pour le sanglyer. Ceste honeste home les me fayra tenir a mon gouvernement ou je m'envoys.—A Paris ce septme Septembre, 1598.
Holograph. 1 p. (177. 93.)
A copy of the above by Murdin or Haynes.
1 p.
Henry Sekeforde to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Aug. 29. This poor man, the keeper of certain grounds near to her Majesty's house at St John's, being desirous to attend your Lordship when you are pleased to pass that way towards Wanstead, prays that he may there set up a little house or cottage wherein to harbour himself, and be at all occasions ready to open the gates.—St John's, 29 August, '98.
Signed.
½ p. (63. 78.)
Lord Buckhurst to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 31. The Queen has commanded me to signify to you that whereas at the suit of my Lord of Canterbury she was pleased that D. Goldesborow, in respect of the small value of the bishopric of Gloucester unto which he is to be preferred, should have in commendam the archdeaconry of Worcester, and likewise a prebend of Worcester, being both as yet in his possession: and her Majesty being informed that one Johnson, her chaplain, hath gotten from her a bill signed for the said archdeaconry, and that some other are also about the procuring of the said prebend in the like manner, her pleasure is that you cause the said bill signed for the archdeaconry to be stayed at the privy seal, as also any other bill for the said prebend passed unawares.—Last of August, 1598.
1 p. (63. 79.)
Joseph Mayne to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 31. He will not presume to press Cecil any further for his service, having received Cecil's answer of denial; yet wishes him to vouchsafe the hearing of his excuse in the matter for which Cecil has conceived offence against him.
Undated.
Endorsed : “Last August, 1598.” (63. 80.)
Sir Henry Cocke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. 31. Was a tenant of Lord Burghley's of lands near his house at Broxbourne (Herts.) and prays Cecil to continue him as tenant. Speaks of the kind favours he received from Burghley: hopes to find the same in Cecil. Knows that he has some “back friends” who will do their uttermost endeavour to hinder him therein; but hopes Cecil will hear his answer before he condemns him. Writes because he has to go into the country in haste about the levy of soldiers for Ireland.—Court at Greenwich, last of August, 1598.
Signed.
1 p. (63. 81).
[Archibald Douglas] to —
1598, [? Aug.] The delay in not giving “tymous” [timely] direction what course her Majesty would have used in Scotland hath bred many inconvenients and is like to produce mo[re] ill effects if remedy shall not be provided. The King hath given himself to be counselled by a number of the nobility joined with those counsellors that before he had, and hath created the chiefest of them to be lieutenants in several parts of his realm, the Earl of Angus lieutenant for the South, the Earl of Huntly for the North, and the Duke Lennox for the Islands. These councillors jointly hath directed the Lord of Spynye to France to the Bishop of Glasgow, and from thence to the Low Countries to this new Cardinal. Some care should be taken to know the effect of his private negotiation. Macclayne, with his two sons and the most of his friends, were slain by McConeill upon the third of August.
The King was to have holden court in Kyntyre upon the 22 of August, and to have called the possessors of the whole islands to have appeared before him the said day, and to have proceeded against them in such sort as they that did not appear might be dispossessed out of the said islands, and new colony of Fife men planted in their place. And if so he should do it, is thought that the inhabitants would all retire themselves and go to plant themselves in Ireland [which is thought to be done by the assistance of those of the isles that were combined against him and her Majesty's proceedings in Ireland:—margin], which if they do, a number of their friends and wellwillers would at all times resort unto them for their benefit and support. And in like manner will they do to those that are already gone thither if remedy shall not be provided herein [and] they may [be] caused to return home. The best remedy will be that these Lords and councillors may be dealt with in such sort as they may for their own welfare move the King to make offer to her Majesty of all such matter as is contained in the league concluded at Berwick in anno 1586. I heartily pray your Honour to make her Majesty acquainted with these contents, that no fault may be found in me that hath ever been ready to do according to such direction as her Majesty should deliver.—Undated.
Draft, in the handwriting of Archibald Douglas.
1 p. (62. 24.)
Sir Maurice Barkeley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. Begs for employment in this most glorious quarrel. If there be no place left where he might do her Majesty service at sea, begs Cecil to appoint him either some charge of horse, or whatsoever else he thinks good. Hitherto he has been a truant to the wars, and cannot brag of much more knowledge of it than books have afforded him, but protests that when occasion shall serve he will supply all wants with industry and resolution.—Undated.
Holograph.
Endorsed :—“1598, August, Sir Maurice Bartley.”
1 p. (63. 82.)
Sir Henry Davers to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. I have hitherto kept this letter of my Lord of Southampton's, hoping an opportunity to deliver it myself; but your Honour's going to the Court and uncertain return hither hath made me rather choose to present by this means both it and my most humble duty and thanks for your Honour's so high a favour, the value whereof is sufficiently shown by what we have endured and the many fruitless intercessions we have made; which benefit having solely received from your Honour, I may freely profess that what I am, or by the continuance of your favour may be, must of due only remain at your Honour's devotion. So, craving your Honour's resolution in my Lord of Southampton's request, whereupon I would be glad to govern my sooner or later return to this town, I most humbly take my leave.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“August, 1598.”
1 p. (63. 83.)
Joseph Mayne to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. Offers his services to Cecil, not purposing to be burdensome to him by being his ordinary servant in household, but only desirous to have his cloth and countenance in such honest causes wherein he may have occasion to use Cecil's honourable favour.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“August, 1598.”
1 p. (63. 85.)
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Secretary.
1598, Aug. I perceive both by your letter and Sir Edward Stafford how carefully and kindly you have dealt for me, which I can no way requite but with unfeigned affection, and will ever be ready to be commanded by you. The particularities concerning my intention I leave them to Sir Edward Stafford to deliver, who may say with Cæsar, Veni, vidi,—not vici, for I continue by the grace of God irremovable; therefore I beseech you, as ever you will satisfy me in anything, be earnest with the Queen that she will not enforce my coming to the Court, for if she do, I shall either refuse to come, which will not be fit for me, or else come and burst my heart to come abroad, where I shall see myself but scorned for my course, the which I can bear with patience as long as I see it not, but other ways not tolerable for me, and so the conclusion will be that the discontentment of my mind will overthrow my body, which is not strong, and so I shall neither be to the world nor myself. I render you great thanks for your honourable favours towards my poor servant Baxter, who is ever bound to pray for you, and in his behalf do entreat the continuance thereof.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“August, 1598.”
1 p. (63. 86.)
William Style to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Aug. As to the wardship of the heir of Mr. Thornhill given him by “My Lord” [? Burghley], but now obtained of the Queen by the Countess of Kildare, as she saith. Prays that the gift of it to him may be confirmed, or, if Cecil thinks it bootless for him to seek further after it, he will so yield it to Lady Kildare as he might have her favour.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“August, 1598.”
1 p. (63. 87.)
Lord Burghley.
1598, Aug. Latin Epitaph on the death of Lord Burghley, by Andrew Hunter.
½ p. (140. 83.)
Johan De Duvenvoirde To The Earl Of Essex.
1598, Aug. I have received your Excellency's letter, and have accordingly commanded the captain of one of my men-of-war to take the English gentleman whom you mention, and to land him at Calais, or at Boulogne, as the wind shall serve.
Holograph.
Endorsed :—“Dutch Admiral to my master, Aug. 1598.”
1 p. French. (177. 83.)
Thomas Browne to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, [? Aug]. Might my poor service be accepted of your Honour, I would humbly crave your cloth to shadow me now, as naked and destitute of my late most honourable Lord. He always affected my poor name and family. I can, I confess, commend little of myself, but only my name unspotted. If the burden of my poor parts shall seem offensive, I will take up my adventure whatsoever shall be ordained me of God.
Holograph. Endorsed :—1598. ½ p. (67. 21.)
Sir Thomas Heneage to the Queen.
1598 [? Aug.] A letter of condolence on a recent sorrow. [? Lord Burghley's death].
Holograph.
Endorsed :—1598. 1½ pp. (67. 54.)
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