Cecil Papers: November 1598, 26-30

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: November 1598, 26-30', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598, (London, 1899) pp. 455-471. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol8/pp455-471 [accessed 21 April 2024]

November 1598, 26–30

Jo. Panton to Mr. Reynolds, secretary to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov., 26. Begs him to prefer his suit to Essex that his brother, Captain Thomas Panton, may have a company for this action in Ireland.—York House, 26 Nov., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (65. 103.)
Sir George Trenchard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 26. He is about to set up a decayed park that sometime was the old Earl of Arundel's, and this country being altogether naked of woods, and being now wholly destroyed for parks and deer, especially this part above the rest, he therefore begs for 100 oaks out of the Holt Forest to further his work. He will bestow the value of the oaks on some attendant of Cecil's. Encloses the rolls of the soldiers' names delivered over to Captain Phillips and Captaine Maye, of which there are some six or eight altered by means of sickness and running away.—Wolveton, 26 Nov., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (65. 104.)
George Gilpin to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 26. The last letters of the 18th of this present contained the course of our proceedings and how far matters were brought, and what the difficulties, attending to hear from your Honour what shall be thereupon her Majesty's further pleasure to command us, until when all is like to rest in terms as it standeth. Sir Francis Vere doth the whilst make a step to the Briell, with two deputies of Holland appointed to see the oath on both sides taken according to the tenor of the treaty, and I will here urge them forward to resolve upon the repartition and payment of the companies, and withal to trouble you with such as the time and occasions may offer, whereof though I am now but slenderly stored, yet cannot I but lay open by the way of discourse, that I find the state of these countries for the present more troubled than show is made of, by reason of the enemy's nearness with so great a strength, favoured (as it should seem) by those of the Empire (who hitherto have tolerated whatsoever done against their towns and poor subjects), and that they here are provided no better of sufficient forces to withstand and oppose against him, unto which may be added the coldness of the Provinces, not only to grant unto their demand towards the charge of the wars and the making of new levies, but that they are found very slow in furnishing of that which they have already promised and are owing, whereby the humour of such as mean to part from as little as ever they can, suffering the rest to bear the greater burden, appeareth evidently, and during his Excellency's being in field hath been found, when Holland chiefly supplied the wants, and the others only now and then did second them, and that but slenderly. If now the enemy with a frost should come upon them, and they not yet resolved about the contributions (without the which no more men can be levied nor necessary provisions furnished), it is not void of fear to what issue things would grow, especially being besides assaulted by the practices of bad spirits, that underhand endeavour to make a dislike in the present government, and to doubt of their estate, as charged daily more and more with heavier taxes to furnish the extraordinary sums required by the proposition of the Council of State, which doth somewhat the more move the Provinces lest, if the enemy should prevail further now that her Majesty hath withdrawn the aid she had yielded them at her charge all this while, and was their chief support in authority and otherwise, they should not be able of themselves to continue so heavy a burden and go so effectually forward with their business as were fit and they wish. But as well to remove this conceit from the weaker sort in resolution and judgment, and to take all the subject from the ill-disposed that use thereof as special arguments whereupon they ground their censures, as to mediate the difficulties and differences amongst the Provinces about the points of contributions, the well affected spare no endeavour nor care to make it manifest that her Majesty, continuing still her accustomed favours, hath been contented to permit that all her subjects were left to the States' disposition, reposing thereon so special a confidence that it is by them resolved to keep all the English companies in those quarters “frontyring” against the enemy. And for their more strength, and to increase the number to make the better wars, they have written for the rest that were yet remaining at Ostend (the Governors and another, I think, excepted), purposing also to request Sir Francis to repair into those quarters for some time, so not only to nourish and make a certain doubt and fear in the enemy, when he shall understand of the numbers of the English in the States' service, and that his hopes (which he seemed to have that they should be withdrawn) are frustrated, but also to animate their own people in those provinces (the which being nearest and most subject to the enemy's invasions would very soon be inclined to waver) and to serve for a good means with more ease to draw them to contribute as the rest do, who consequently will think themselves the more bound to her Majesty in that she vouchsafeth so graciously to suffer her subjects to serve them in their wars, which cannot likewise but tend greatly to the honour and reputation of our nation, besides that it will ever serve for a good subject to move them at any time to be the readier upon all other occasions to acknowledge how much they are bound by effects to shew their gratefulness in yielding unto her Highness all possible contentment. But if any of the said men should be called from them while they are thus in a manner distressed, it is to be doubted that they would not only utterly despair to build longer on her Majesty's favour, but take an occasion to entertain and use of other nations, which would not only be some touch in reputation to ours (which in your Honour's wisdom can be considered of), but also move other inconveniences, especially if the enemy should once win so much upon them as to hinder or trouble their contributions, whereby to impair their estate and means which (when her Majesty might have cause to require any aid either of ships or men) would not only unable them to furnish the same, but any of the Provinces not paying their parts towards the wars, the rest should be forced to charge themselves so far as might occasion them to except and become suitors to have the payment, which by the last treaty must be answered to her Majesty, forborne. And how much, therefore, it imports that these countries remain in good estate to maintain and defend themselves and help to yield their aid abroad, none can be ignorant of that knoweth the power and commodity of them, and how much the enemy would be advantaged and glory at such an accident, while he feeds himself also with the hope by helping the Earl of Embden to prevail against that town that hath so commodious and fair a river, and to bring the Hanse Towns the sooner to resolve to join with him, which hath been so long and still is so hard laboured, thereby at length to come the easier unto that which all of them have aimed and shot at against England and these countries, and makes the said Hanses opiniastre the more in their courses against our trade into Germany, though it be the whilst to their greater hindrance and interest. Now, to prevent the worst and disappoint the enemy's purposes by seconding of the States, and to further her Majesty's service without the increase of any charge, I find still that it would not be inconvenient but do much good, if it might please her Majesty as proceeding from her own self and of her gracious inclination, to write unto them a kind and good letter to animate them to the withstanding of the Admirante his attempts by all possible means, without to be dismayed or any ways discouraged, but according to their union to remain firm and constant together, and laying aside all differences and disputes about accounts and payments, or any other like, to agree and resolve without delay or exceptions to bring in their grant or consents and contribute accordingly, so to be the readier to provide what is necessary, the sooner and better to oppose and withstand their enemies in every way, as the special means of their preservation and his ruin, which course if they shall take and follow roundly, the good thereof will not only redound to themselves, but like and be pleasing to other princes in friendship with them, when they shall see and understand of their good accord and resoluteness, and give her Majesty occasion to continue her favour both in the permitting of them to enjoy the aid she yields of her subjects in their service, as otherwise so far as her estate can and shall permit, requiring them also in consideration thereof to use and deal the friendlier and well with them, as her trust is they will, and she expecteth to understand by her Ministers to whom the urging of that matter is committed. Thus your Honour seeth how tedious I am, contrary unto that I purposed at the beginning of my letter, knowing your weightier business otherways, and therefore crave pardon.
What our news were from Arnham (where his Excellency now lieth) the enclosed copies will show, as also what is resolved in the meeting at Dortmondt. Those of Zeeland are not yet come, but looked for daily, although his Excellency be like to stay yet awhile above in Gelderland, as well to be at the meeting of the Province, as to take order and command in martial causes, until another be placed to his liking, which it seemeth none of the great Counts are, the particular jealousies and dislikes continuing still between him and them. And as for the younger (which are of the House of Nassawe), their experience is not sufficient to have such a charge, and for any of the colonels and captains, the choice is very small of able men to commit any such commandment unto them. There is order given to see the frontiers of Gelderland, Overysell and the Zutphen quarter provided of sufficient provisions of victuals and ammunition, both for the places lying on the rivers as on the South sea, because commonly in winter the frost hindereth the passages.—From the Haeghe, 26 Nov., 1598.
(P.S.)—After I had ended the above written, I received a packet from a friend of mine at the camp : wherein were certain intercepted letters directed from Bruxelles unto Colonel Stanley, and although there be contained no great matter in them, yet thought it fit to send the same unto your Honour, because thereby will appear that they have very good advertisements from our Court, whosoever it be that writes them, and have written now to Sir William Browne to have a careful eye unto all the passengers that shall come to or fro by Flushing, which I am sure shall not be neglected by him.
Holograph. 3 pp. (65. 105.)
Thomas Massy to Edward Reynolds.
[1598], Nov. 27. Hears there is present employment for Ireland, and prays Reynolds to remember him to [Essex], in whom his advancement rests. His extreme wants have hitherto made him thrust himself into every idle action, as in this last voyage with my Lord of Cumberland.—From my lodgings at the Powle Head, in Carter lane, 27 Nov.
Holograph. Endorsed :—Mr. Maysey.
1 p. (65. 107.)
Garrett Swyfte to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 27. I was accused about a year and a half since that I should counterfeit your hand on a petition to Mr. Fowler for the taking [? bail] of one We [st] . . . . . . in Newgate committed by the said Mr. Fowler . . . . . . as I understood, but he being released for that supposed [offence], was after condemned to die for “quyning” of money, and at the time of his going to execution before Mr. Jefferys, the mi[nister that] delivered him the sacrament, he did [ask] forgiveness for that he had wrongfully accused [me]. He confessed no less to a companion of his, William A[llen], that he was enforced to accuse me by torture of irons. I caused my Lord Keeper to be informed hereof and procured his Lordship to write to Mr. Fowler to examine the said Jeffreys and Allen, who so did, and certified as before expressed. Now the matter was of small importance, only the misdemeanour against you which concerns me highly to avoid your Honour's hard opinion upon so just cause, desiring your favour more than I dread the malice of him that for his goodly personage is put in authority. I therefore beseech your Honour to command Mr. Fowler to send you the true examination of Jeffreys and Allen touching the said West, and finding me innocent, I hope you will withdraw your heavy warrant laid upon me, by which I was detained 17 weeks close prisoner in the dungeon in Newgate, and at this present doth suppress me greatly, although the Parliament in this case would acquit me were I guilty.—Newgate, this 27 Nov., 1598.
Unsigned.
Endorsed, in the handwriting of Cecil's secretary :—“Garrett Swyfte, prisoner in Newgate, to my Mr.”
1 p. Much faded. (65. 108.)
[John Colville to the Earl of Essex.]
1598, Nov. 27/Dec. 7. How important the “peice” is every one doth know, being as it were the key to open all that country, and a rod to beat Calais when and as you list.
How feasible. First, by this my discourse, next by one of your own to be sent immediately after me to Boulogne, who shall both hear and see, first from my director, next from the author's self, all that I have said and more shall be manifested. The training and deducing of this purpose fell out in this sort.
A Cordelier, born Flemish, called Geferd, has a brother within the castle of the place, who has sufficient credit to put the same in the hands of who he will. This Cordelier, being in long and inward acquaintance with one Tho. Nicolson, Scottishman (one both religious and zealous for her Majesty's service), did “utter” himself to remain in his habit with a great grief of conscience, offering by means of his said brother to put the place aforesaid in the hands of any prince reformed, wishing the said Thomas to travail therein : who esteeming the purpose very material, he left a friend of his own in “pand” there at Brussels (where he was for the time) for the debt he did owe, and hasted himself to Boulogne of purpose to come over and to have presented this matter to some of the Council. But falling in trouble there at Boulogne he did enter again in new debt, and in his hardest extremity finding no “erdly” friendship but in my director, he did open the matter to him, who after very penible and costly labours taken in trying the best and worst hereof, at length he doth find such certainty therein that he dare both assure himself and others thereof. Hereupon I am directed to your Honour to understand your pleasure if you will be “interprenor” or not, because your bounty had rendered him more to her Majesty's service than he dare well avouch. And for that he may not be present himself as he would at the execution of this enterprise, he offers to send the two cadets of his own and his bedfellow's house, to show his assurance, like as Mr. Nicolson shall be himself one of the first that shall enter : leaving the consideration to your own prudence to devise how the two young men shall without suspicion come to your service.
Item, the Cordelier shall enter in your ships to be “reserved” till the Lord Almighty put the “peice” in your Honour's hands; and his entry to be a night or two before the execution.
Nota : the said Cordelier is consort to Pater Matheyus, confessor to his Alteze.
The persons required for the fact be but 400, because there be not 300 in the “peice,” and they be but citizens. “Syne” the castle is possessed, all is possessed.
The time of the execution to be, with divine help and assistance, once in the month of February next.
The pretext is easy, as if it should be your pleasure to cause [to] be given out that in respect the Dunkerkers daily go in and out in great numbers, that some two or three ships be sent out to lie behind the Hollanders which be before Calais and that coast for attending on such pirates.
The conditions required by my director (who your Honour has only to know in this matter) I shall give in upon one other paper, and they shall be such as shall be in effect nothing, albeit they shall be much, for the hundredth penny shall not be asked which the munition, magazine, spoil and “droicts” of the “peice” will mount unto in one year alone. And he shall for his security only take your own bond to pay the sum immediately after the purpose take effect : presently importuning your Honour all “ameclie” [? amicably] with so much as he says he has upon his honour debursed already and must deburse for prosecution of the purpose according to a particular notice given me thereupon : and the one half of this to be delivered unto me, the other half to be brought with your Honour's own servant.
Endorsed :—“Memoirs of the matter preferred to your Honour the 7 of December, 1598, stilo novo.”
In John Colville's handwriting.
3½ pp. (66. 37.)
The Enclosure :—
Conditions required by my director.
That the sum of £500 being “deducit” according to the note given in thereupon, it may please your Honour “prevyid” to be rendered to my said director, or to any having his power, the sum of fifteen thousand pound str : immediately upon the obtaining of the “peice,” if so it please the Lord, which sum as it will not be the hundredth penny of that which will be found in the place, so unto every one that must have part thereof, it will mount but unto a small matter. Item to Goferd, some retired place and some prebend. To Goferd's brother, the estate of a captain of 150 footmen. To Mr. Nicolsone as much. The office of Receiver within the place to one that my director shall name. His own brother and his bedfellow's to be received presently in your Honour's service for avoiding suspicion if they shall at the instant come to your Lordship when they must go to execution. Your Honour to give your bond on the promises signed before me and to be sent with your servant, and only for the present to be importuned with advancement of the 500l. foresaid, the one half to be delivered to me for my director's affairs, the other half to come with your own servant, if so be your pleasure.
In the handwriting of John Colville.
Endorsed : “Conditions required by my director.”
1½ pp. (66. 55.)
John Colville to [the Earl of Essex].
[1598, Nov. 27.] Since by yourself this purpose cannot be done undiverting you from better affairs, yet being so feasible and so apt for this time, both to advance your present expedition and and to empesche the enemy, I am bold to add these few lines to my former.
First, the “peice” being the mouth which giveth nourishment to all the members of that civil body confining within 20 miles, the possessing thereof shall cause sundry of the said members either starve or serve.
Next, if it can be had “jump” about that time when your Honour sets forward, undoubtedly it must “brangill” the enemy's designs. Thirdly, if matters come to treaty betwixt you and them, the more be possessed of theirs the better shall be your composition. Therefore, yet as of [oft] before, I humbly would know your pleasure if you will appoint any other good subject to bargain with me, who though he be not of any great calling, yet having some one or two ships with some landing shallops and 400 men, it shall, God willing, serve the turn.
If present charges do make the overture inacceptable, I answer that presently little or nothing shall be debursed. Let only one go over with or immediately after me having such money as we agree upon, and if I can cause him [to] hear and see that which can give him assurance, let him have power to deburse, otherwise not, and so can be no cozenage.
And in so much as many far, difficile, and incertain voyages are undertaken against the enemy, wherein neither such honour nor profit can be reported, I hope your Honour will not be offended that I do importunately urge a matter so facile and fruitful, for as I would be partaker of the heavenly royaume, so would I on my salvation wish all earthly royaumes to be English, and therefore till your Honour say that it is not her Majesty's pleasure any of her subjects deal herein, I hope my loyal importunity shall be excused.—Undated.
Holograph.
2 pp. (66. 52.)
C. Lord Mountjoy to the Earl of Essex.
[1598], Nov. 28. Recommends Captain Morriscon, who desires Essex to procure him one of the companies that are to go for supplies into the Low Countries, under the commandment of one Stubbs. If Essex nominates more captains, begs him to remember Captain Morris, son of the attorney of the wards, who has already served in Ireland.—28 November.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“L. Mountecu” (sic).
1 p. (65. 109.)
Ro. Lord Sussex to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. 28. Desires to know if Essex will accept of him in his journey. “If you think the Queen will stay me, let not that point hinder your good meaning towards me, for I doubt not of her Majesty's good will.” Recommends for a company the bearer, his kinsman, who has borne office in the voyage at Cadis, and in Essex's last voyage to the Islands.—Whitefriars, 28 Nov., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (65. 110.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 28. I wished without troubling you to get from Mr. Billet a postponement of that item of £670 which was in arrears. But he refuses to do this without speaking to you, saying that you mentioned three months. If you wish me to pay it, let it be put off to the first of August, when I shall have got in the crops, and retrenched enough to do it without inconvenience.—Baburham, 28 Nov., 1598.
Italian. Holograph.
1 p. (66. 1.)
Sir Thomas Egerton, Lord Keeper, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 28. I am ready to attend when and where her Majesty shall command, but I fear to present myself where any of my lords that have access to her sacred presence shall be, my house being visited as it is. My wife's sickness was first thought to be a continual burning fever, then the measles, but now it falleth out to be the smallpox. This accident feareth me, and I refer it to your good consideration. The Star Chamber business to-morrow is nothing but to despatch ordinary rules, which my lords the judges and I may despatch without troubling my lords of the Council.—28 Nov., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (66. 2.)
Gabriel Goodman, Dean of Westminster, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 28. Prays Cecil to recommend his cousin Done to Essex for employment. Refers to Done's services in Ireland. Sir Richard Bingham has nominated him as fit to be employed.—Westminster, 28 Nov., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (66. 3.)
Christopher Hatton to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. 28. Thanks him for his many favours; first, in gracing his parents with his presence at their marriage, when Essex was a student at Cambridge; and since in helping him and his brothers touching a lease of a farm at Drayton, Middlesex. Is the Queen's ward, but has had no exhibition or maintenance since Midsummer last. The late Lord Treasurer's warrant was for £86 and 1 mark yearly; being very little to maintain him, being at man's estate; prays Essex's favour with the Queen to increase it, and that he may have money to pay the College what he owes, and supply his wants.—Jesus College, in Cambridge 28 Nov., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (66. 4.)
William Ballard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 29. Prays for the passing of his grant for the Office of Enrolment of her Majesty's Evidences. Details various circumstances connected with the grant. He was brought up in the Queen's house at Hatfield, his parents being her Highness's first servants, and his mother then employed about her person; and for their sakes the Queen granted him that place. Has held the office of the General Enrolments, created 15 Eliz., to which he was admitted by Sir Nicholas Bacon.—29 Nov., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (66. 5.)
Filippo Corsini to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 29. Desiring to have a passport for one Girolamo Cumans, a citizen of Antwerp, to come to London on mercantile business.—London, 29 Nov., 1598.
Holograph. Italian.
½ p. (66. 6.)
Alex. Boyde to M. A. D.
1598, Nov. 29. Le Conte de Cassilis a conferre fort instamment avec le Roy (et depuis qu'il vous a ecrit) touchant vos affaires. Vous pouvez etre entretenu citoyen par deca, si vous voulez, et ne doutez aucunement que la necessite n'advance votre merite, car plusieurs sont profitables ici, mais vous etes seul qui etes necessaire. Ce seront un grand contentement a vos amis de vous voir manier les affaires dont vous etes capable : et l'honneur vous demeurerait a jamais. Le Conte est du tout votre : si vous etiez ici vous le possederiez, et etant manie par votre avis, il vous servirait de bouclier.—Edmbr, penult Nov., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (66. 14.)
Thomas Lord Burghley to his brother, Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 29. This poor man that serveth me hath desired me to crave your hand to this warrant; it is one that oweth him 400l., and is like without your countenance to venture the losing of it.
I perceive by your letter yesternight her Majesty is very jealous for the having Hamden Pawlett for the sheriff. I understand since, my Lord Mountjoy spake with my Lord of Essex to nominate White, for that Hamden Pawlett had written unto him to keep him from being pricked; but understanding my Lord Marquis desired to have him he seemeth sorry, and meaneth this day to speak with my Lord of Essex if he can to alter it. Thus we are crossed both against their wills and with their wills, but I think if there be not a sheriff that will deal both wisely and uprightly, the Queen will be the longer if she have her money. For you know she can sell no land, and if she mean not to seize upon such goods as may pay her debt quickly, she will be a longer time in having her money than her Majesty thinketh for of us, unless my Lord Marquis have her favour to seize upon such goods and chattels as by the labour of his friends shall be found out, liable to pay her Majesty's present debt; which cannot be without the favour of a sufficient sheriff. Her Majesty can have very little where little is found. I thought in duty to her Majesty to write thus much, to wish her Majesty to take that way that shall be most to her honour and the speedy payment of her debt; which, if we may have all lawful favour, I will promise upon mine honour to perform.
Endorsed :—“1598, 29 November. L[ord] Burghley to my master.”
1 p. (169. 4.)
Mons. Noel de Caron to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. 29. In favour of his man the bearer, who fears that if Essex leaves without his obtaining another place he will be frustrated of his desire. He has served Caron faithfully six years.—London, penultimate day of November, 1598.
French. Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (178. 12.)
A letter to Lord Essex from John Osborne, the bearer referred to in the above letter, the place he desired to obtain being that of groom in her Majesty's stable.
1 p. (178. 13.)
Henry Ashley to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. 29. Hearing of your preparation for Ireland, love and duty commands me to present my service to you, which none shall with more zeal perform than myself : for although it hath pleased her Majesty (I know without my desert) to unworthy me, and to redeliver the fort I possessed by your means to a person how unworthy I leave to those that best know him, yet if it shall like you now to repair my credit with some other charge, I hope my deserts shall both regain her Majesty's favour and increase your good opinion of me. To repeat my long time spent in her Majesty's service, and my small gain therein, shall but vainly tire your ears, seeing the only recompence I seek is still to serve her.—29 November, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
½ p. (178. 14.)
Thomas Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 29. I understand that those base sons of my Lord Marquis meaneth this day to put up a petition of complaint against two of those Pawletts, that they have put out the uncle of the woman out of Basing House, which they have done warrantably by law; and because one of them, Mr. George Pawlett, is now in the town, and meaneth to be, please to take notice of him and to eall him to th'answering of it, because he would be loth to be sent for by a pursuivant, or if you shall not be there, to make thus much known to my Lord Admiral or any other councillor that you can trust,—and I wish I had not cause to trouble you thus often, though thereby I have th'oftener cause to think myself beholden unto you.—This present morning.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598, Nov. 29.” Seal.
1 p. (178. 15.)
W. Earl of Bath to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. 30. Having to send this my servant to my Lords to advertise them of the despatch of the 400 men levied in this county for Ireland, and with a letter that lately came directed in French to the Lords of the Privy Council of England, found at Ilfardcombe in a ship that came out of Brittaigne, and with some further advertisements that were brought unto me by merchants of Barnestable from St. John de Luz, touching the traitor Standley, I could not omit my salutations to your lordship. And for the matters of Standley, if they had not been intricated with other things in such sort as I could not easily part them, I would have sent them particularly to your lordship. This enclosed was delivered to me by a merchant of Barnestable after I had sealed my letters to their Lordships.—Towstocke, 30 Nov., 1598.
Signed. Endorsed :—“The E. of Bath.”
1 p. (66. 7.)
W. Earl of Bath to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 30. I have sent the bearer hereof, my servant, to my Lords with the tripartite indentures of the numbers of men lately levied in this county of Devon for service in Ireland : also with some other matters of advertisement lately coming unto me fit to be imparted unto them.—Towstocke, 30 Nov., 1598.
Signed.
1 p. (66. 9.)
Lady Anne Howard to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. 30. Her friends have assented to a match between her and the son and heir of a knight in Kent, whose father's estate requires £200, to be added to a greater sum contributed by her friends. For want of this sum this match is like to be broke off, to the grievance of all parties. Prays for Essex's mediation with the Queen for her bounty. Speaks of the improvidence of her father, and the “respectless regard” of the possessors of his estate.—Last of November, 1598.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lady An Howard.”
1 p. (66. 10.)
Sir Francis Vere to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. 30. I have forborne to trouble you hitherto with my letters, for that Mr. Gilpin and myself, by the occasion of the business committed unto us by her Majesty and your Lordship, have jointly imparted what concerned our charge, with such other occurrences as these parts afforded. And now there is so little new matter that my writing imports rather a remembrance of my duty than otherwise. The enemy is lodged in the neutral towns next adjoinging to our frontiers, into which he brought his men by force, being driven to plant his cannon before most of them. His Excellency has likewise put his army into the towns of the quarter opposite to the enemy and stays himself at Arnhem to oppose the “Ammyrante,” who, we do confidently believe, will use all possible means to break into the country by getting some passage over our frontier rivers. The States, the people, and we the soldiers are very sensible of the danger, so as we all pray that there may be no hard frost this winter, hoping by the next the Ammyrante will have spent a great deal of his heat : or at the least that we shall have gotten more to withstand him. At Brussels all means is used to supply the army and to keep it on this side the Rhine, and make a despatch of us before our neighbours can come to our succour. Wherein their hope is not so weakly grounded, if they have money to keep their men together and a chief that can set them well on work : it being not hard with their numbers to pass into the “Betre or Vetre,” and in short time so to disorder this state that without a large foreign assistance it shall not be able to subsist. These men, not to fail to themselves, gather money to settle their estate of war, but so as we think the uttermost will be rather to be able to maintain those soldiers they have well, than to make any new levies. Now they are giving her Majesty's subjects a certain repartition on the Provinces for their pay, which good dealing makes me judge they purpose to put us to service of trial. And for that ere long I do assure myself there will fall out some occasion of drawing the troops together and that I am ashamed of truanting, I most humbly beseech your Honour, if my absenting myself from the Briell be construed to her Majesty as a neglect of her service, to allege that which your Honour shall think good in favour of my being abroad, which in my poor judgment I hold of no manner prejudice to her Majesty, though there were no hope at all that my being in the army could give it any strength.—Haghe, this 30 Nov., 1598.
Holograph.
3 pp. (66. 12.)
Thomas Wilcocks to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. 30. These lines enclosed were lately written by a well willer to your lordship. Many such you have abroad, yea, greater store than are known to you. The party hath a weak hand, that is true, but yet his heart sound and good. Because I know him that penned it as I know myself, I am so much the more bold and confident in my advouching; humbly intreating no further acceptance of it, because I am a man and my things savour of man's spirit, that is imperfection, than as you shall find it in your holy and experienced judgment to agree with godliness and Christian wisdom.—Lothbury in London, 30th of this November, 1598.
Holograph. Seal broken.
Endorsed :—“Nicholson (sic) to the Earl of Essex.”
½ p. (178. 16.)
The Attorney General [Coke] to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 30. I will attend to-morrow according to your commandment, and in the mean time will inform myself the best I can.
Holograph.
¼ p. (178. 17.)
Thomas Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. 30. I found at my coming home a man of mine that brought me this present I send unto you. He is my falconer and took her himself after he had seen her prey upon fowl in a very high place, and, as he told me, struck a goose stark dead. I hope she will prove content, and I wish you will always command any thing of delight of mine that shall give you contentment.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“30 November, 1598.” Seal.
⅓ p. (178. 18.)
Mic. Bruske to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. Acknowledges Lord Burghley's goodness towards him, when in his service, and offers services to Cecil.—Undated.
Endorsed :—Nov., 1598.
1 p. (66. 15.)
The Earl of Essex to the Sheriff of Somerset.
1598, Nov. Recommends the bearer, John Carter, for the appointment of Under Sheriff.—Court at Whitehall, Nov., 1598.
Unsigned.
Endorsed :—“E. of Essex to the Sheriff of Somerset.”
1 p. (66. 16.)
H. Earl of Lincoln to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. Has sent his answer both to this and a former petition exhibited by Hoskyns, who lies in execution at Lincoln's suit for refusing to pay his debts, and is maintained in the Fleet by the living which, by his means, Sir Edward Dymock withholds from Lincoln. Prays that the Lords will think well of the lawful courses he takes to defend his inheritance. A great number are maintained by Dymock to exhibit complaints in any matter wherein he (Lincoln) is a party, and though they never proved any matter against him, he is much aggrieved, and begs Cecil for redress.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed :—Nov., 1598.
1 p. (66. 17.)
Henry Malbie to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Nov. Going to his lodgings in Westminster for letters concerning his suit, it has mischanced him what he was forewarned of, and he has become endangered most injuriously, as the bearer will relate. Craves what justice and favour Cecil shall think meet.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed :—Nov., 1598.
1 p. (66. 18.)
H. Earl of Southampton to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. Respecting the bearer, who desires the office of Muster Master of Norfolk.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed :—Nov., '98.
½ p. (66. 19.)
[The Earl of Essex] to John Croke, Recorder for the City of London.
1598, Nov. As to the date for hearing the cause between the City and Proby, for which the Recorder, Alderman Garratt, and Alderman Godard were appointed by the last Lord Mayor for the Court of Aldermen to join with three to be nominated for Proby, of whom the writer is one.—Court at Whitehall, Nov., 1598.
Unsigned.
Endorsed in the handwriting of Essex's secretary.
½ p. (66. 20.)
Sheriffs of Wales.
1598, Nov. Names returned to the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England to be preferred to the Queen's Majesty for the appointment of Sheriffs in the 12 shires of Wales for the year to come.
Flint : John Conway, Pierce Mostyn, Thomas Evans.
Denbigh : Richard Trevor, knight, John Loyde de Yale, Thomas Price.
Montgomery : Thomas Jukes, William Penryn, Richard Leighton.
Carnarvon : Hughe Hookes, Moris Lewis, George Salusbury.
Merioneth : William Moris, Mathewe Herbert, Ednevett Griffith.
Anglesea : Owen Holland, Richard Merick, Hughe Wood.
Glamorgan : Edward Lewis, Thomas Lewis of Rupery, Edward Prichard.
Brecon : Roger Williams, Charles Wallcott, Richard Herbert.
Radnor : Eustace Whitney, Lewis Loyde, John Bradshawe.
Carmarthen : Anthony Maunsell, Frauncis Loide de Glin, James ap Rudderch.
Pembroke : Deveroux Barrett, John Scurfild, Hughe Buttler.
Cardigan : Sir Thomas Jones, knight, John Loyde de Lanvaire, David Loyd Gwyun.
November, 1598.
1 p. (66. 22.)
Dr. Harding to Mr. Temple, the Earl of Essex's Secretary.
[1598,] Nov. Asking for a benefice for his brother. Also that a letter may be sent from the Earl to a Mr. Calfield of the Temple, who has obtained possession of the evidence of a lease of £20 a year in Oxford, belonging to Robert Davis, commanding the return of the document to Davis.
I sent an over hasty copy of my sermon which I desire to know whether my Lord received it, because you were gone lately before I came to the lodge.—Haseley. Novemb.
Holograph.
1 p. (67. 51.)
Petition of Henry [Rowland], Bishop of Bangor.
[1598, Nov.] The bishopric of Bangor is in first fruits 151l., and in value to the bishops not so much, because of some desperate rents lost and detained; and improvement there is none at all, being all in fee farm and not so much as four acres of ground demesnes. The tenths and subsidies come to 40l. by the year, so that the remainder is but some bare 100l. for the bishop to live upon. But during the time of first fruits there remaineth but 30l. to the bishop by the year for the space of two years. My lord of Chester was translated 9 July, 1597, and my suit is, considering the tenuity of the said bishopric, and for that the rents are yet in the tenants' hands, that I may obtain my writ of restitution from the said July 9.
Signed.
⅓ p. (171. 76.)
Anthony Bacon to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Nov. As your noble kindness maketh me confident that, amongst infinite recommendations your lordship daily receiveth for martial preferments, such few as address themselves to my poor self and rely upon my mediation shall obtain some little angle in your remembrance, so doth mine own inviolable devotion warrant me to protest unto you that if all others' recommendations be weighed with the same balances, move upon the same wheels, and aim entirely at the same marks, that, God be thanked, mine ever have and with His grace shall, I dare affirm and maintain, so there be a princely proportion allowed for the number of the army and a timely settled provision of treasure, munition and victuals answerable thereunto, that only the countermotions and clouds of the heavens, but of no earthly power or malice, can stop or darken, much less eclipse the imminent brightness of your matchless merit and renown. Under which protestation I will be bold to refresh your lordship's memory with my former motions in the behalf of the honourable knight Sir William Eures, who protesteth a fervent desire rather to die in following you than to live otherwise. Next, my cousin Robert Bacon who hath followed you in Portugal, France, to Caliz [Cadiz] and the Islands, and who in Norfolk and Suffolk, I doubt not, will have credit to levy a choice company. For Mr. Hansard, [of] whose valour the imperial commander the Baron of Swartzenburg and his sergeant major have given so honourable testimony that I have need only to answer for his devotion : the gentleman is very well known, not only in Lincolnshire his own country, but in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire. Fourthly, for Mr. Guevara, my Lord Willoughby's kinsman, recommended to me by his lordship meliori nota, who hath served five years as a lieutenant in Ireland. Lastly, Capt. Bosome, verus veteranus as well in age as in experience et Martis et Neptuni, whose name and house, his elder brother being of 500l. land, together with his known valour and gentlemanly carriage, is so much respected in Norfolk as that I make no doubt he shall be better followed than many of much greater living, without excepting his fellow Cotterell.
Endorsed :—“Nov. '98. Recommends men for employment.”
Holograph.
1½ pp. (178. 19.)
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