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: December 1598, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598, (London, 1899) pp. 471-500. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol8/pp471-500 [accessed 26 April 2024]
December 1598, 1–15
| Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 1 | I have received your letters touching a bill, as it seems, long since signed by her Majesty. By the title of the matter I may suspect it but the more in that my lord your father had no liking of it, and for my own part, I remember no such matter, but if I might see it, I would inform you truly what I conceive of it.—Serjeants' Inn, 1 Dec, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 23.) | |
| John [Whitgift], Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 1. | Recommends the bearer, Edward Scott, one of the sons of Sir Thomas Scott, deceased, who desires to attend Essex into Ireland.—Lambeth, 1 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| ½ p. (66. 24.) | |
| Walter Leveson to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 1. | In extremity of law his property and all monies owing to him are in her Majesty, by reason of some secret outlawries upon malice taken out against him. Although her Majesty does not usually take advantage thereof of her subjects, yet some of his adversaries, because of his last marriage, are confederate to entitle her thereto. For preventing this, prays Essex to move the Queen to grant that property to him (Essex), into whose hands he is willing to put his whole estate, or else to his brother Vernon. Lies imprisoned for debt, but has more money owing to him than his debts amount to, and by suing his own debtors in the Queen's right he can recover the same to satisfy his creditors and pay the fines due for his outlawries.—1 Dec., 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (66. 25.) | |
| John Colville to the Earl of Essex. | |
| [1598,] Dec. 1/11. | Receiving this morning the enclosed from my directeur (in which by “parad” is meant the “peice”), I am bold to importune your Honour, wishing to know your pleasure, quia periculum est in mora.—11 Dec., stilo novo. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 54.) | |
| The enclosure :— | |
| — to [John] Colville. | |
| Monsieur, Depuis rotre partement je n'ai point de relache en mes pensees tant l'affaire de “Parad” me presse; pour ce que je ne “desererois” qu'elle sesvanouit, vous vous hasterez done de faire de dela vos affaires, afin que rien ne nous retarde quand cela sera fait. C'est chose que je desire que nous achevions ensemble. Faites moi au plutot entendre de vos nouvelles; cela me fera resoudre. Je vous prie avoir soin et de vous et de moi. J'entends que vous demeuries la pour me faire demeurer inutile et au plutot souvenez vous de m'envoyer a la premiere commodite ce qu'avez pris de moi par memoire ensemble ce dont l'on vous a ecrit pour la couche de ma femme qui sera comme je crois dans un mois, mais craignant le fausses propheties je previendrai, je me recommande a vous. Vous asseurerez toujours, Monseigneur, que je suis son serviteur.—A 77, ce 30 Nov., 1598. | |
| Addressed :—“A Monsieur de Collvil, gentilhomme escossois.” | |
| 1 p. (66. 11.) | |
| John Colville to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1598, Dec. 1/11. | Please you deliver the enclosed to the Right Honourable, whose pleasure I would gladly understand concerning my despatch, for I languish at meeting sub sigillo confessionis. You shall see my “vindities” which I have, since you spake of them, scribbled out, as I might in so short time. The rest to meeting I do commit.—This xi December, stilo novo. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—1598. | |
| 1 p. (67. 25.) | |
| Two enclosures :— | |
| I. John Colville. | |
| For so much as both the project written with Philip's own hand, as also the pleasure which he takes in such as be no friends to you, doth evidently prove the alienation of his mind : to the end that he be not able hereafter to practise anything with your enemies without your knowledge, this is shortly my weak opinion : | |
| That, as he doth set some of his most inward familiars loose here to spy the weather by dealing cunningly with you, so it seems not amiss to permit some faithful ones here do the like by him by feeding him with plausible matters, which in effect tend only to impeach bad courses, as, for example, as if it should please you presently advertise him of the intention to send d'Aumale unto him, praying him to abstain therefrom lest it offend great ones both here and in France, wishing him keep the advertisement and advertiser secret, and that the person employed in this errand pretend some other occasion to go towards him, who being one that knoweth well Philip's humour, and natural of them that be about him, will decover no doubt what they have in hand. For which purpose no stranger that I know is more apt nor Mr. Goodson, as being with Philip from his birth, and one unto whom none of that nation is unknown. | |
| In the mean time I shall insinuate myself in favour with Philip's instruments abroad, as both I shall furnish you with new matter whereupon to feed him, and make you in season informed with their designs, being in good hope either to draw some of their negociators to my opinion, or else to trap their packets by the way. | |
| Francis Dacres came to Scotland from Flanders either with, or a little before, Mr. George Ker, and was kept secret in Edinburgh in the lodging of one Dame Cook, dwelling on the North side of the great street, hard joined with the lodging of Mr. Thomas Craig, advocate. Mr. George Ker has gotten his peace notwithstanding the treasonable blanks which were found upon him a three years ago, for destruction of religion and the estate of the whole island. | |
| Since his coming home, the Scottish Irish inhabiting the isles foranent Ireland are prepared to the number of 3,000 to go over for the help of your rebellions. For remedy whereof, if it be your pleasure, I shall leave behind me a project whereby you may both presently and hereafter empeach the said Irish from any such attempt, and that with small cost. | |
| The chieftains of the Irish that goes over be Angus McKoneill, Lord of Kintyer, Alan Makkilldowe, the Earl Huntley's great captain, with his new reconciled comrade Makkondoochy Sudirra. These two be of no rent, yet very valiant and desperate fellows, and the only chieftains of the Scottish Isles. | |
| Endorsed in Colville's hand :—“My opinion how to deal with Philip,” and in another hand, “Colville. Qu : if 1598.” | |
| 2 pp. (67. 26.) | |
| II. Concerning the town of Boulogne, if it be lost, the enemy shall in few months make it more terrible nor any maritime town on that coast. For both the tour of Ordre and the Esperon may be fortified in such sort as may guard the haven and hold out better nor Calais or St. Omer. | |
| And for the Mayor, he is able to give you more frequent and better intelligence nor the great D. of Bouillon. The D. is known to be your friend, and, therefore, he will know nothing concerning you that they can hide from him. The K. is in some jealousy with the Duke and so are the greatest courtiers. The Mayor is not known to affect you as he does, and yet he shall know no less than de Commertin, Secretary of the Estates of Picardy, and in effect one trusted and credited next de Vitry. For, though the Constable, Conte de St. Paul, and Monsr. de Beaulieu have name of all in Picardy, yet is it Commartin which is their Typhys and Automedon, which I did see with my eyes. | |
| By him my meaning is (if I go for your service to see what the enemy doth or to Holland) that you shall be informed of French matters, he having both the opportunity of a place so voisin of a person so inward in the Estates. Yet I wish not that her Majesty should inutilely bestow a penny on him or on any other, till she should see good cause. Only for the first I crave that a kind letter of credit be returned to the Mayor by me, and my credit to consist in this, that his courteous offer is kindly received, yet you are loath to do anything may be jealous to their sovereign whom you so honour, but if he can so work that matters be not jealous to the K. upon the return of this his brother, you will deal further in the matter. Herewithal, if it were your pleasure, to send two great “hounds d' attasch” to the Governor, a barbelt dog and bloodhound to the Mayor, it shall suffice for the present, and some other small compliments to be used to this young man. | |
| In Colville's hand. | |
| 1½ pp. (67. 27.) | |
| Thomas Ferrers to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 1. | Two days past I certified you of the King of Polle his return out of Sweden into the East country; and that it was reported by the master of a Dutch flyboat, who some 12 days past came out of the Sound, and as he was laden with English merchants' goods and cleared in the King of Denmark's tolls, being laden at Elbing, that another flyboat, also from Elbing and laden with Englishmen's goods, coming to clear his ship in the Danish toll, could not be suffered to pass but must attend the King his further pleasure. |
| For the first, I have this morning seen letters of the 6th of this month, dated in Elbing, that the King of Polle was gotten out of Sweden and come nigher unto Danske, who seemeth to be much discontented with his uncle Duke Charles, and doth again begin to prepare shipping and take up men to go or send into Sweden; and at his return did cause certain English masters of ships to be imprisoned, who had been with the King in Sweden but returned into the East country without the King his order and before the King. In the same letter of the 6th is mentioned that Mr. Carry was come to Danske, with whom the King of Polle is much discontented. | |
| And for the second, concerning the bruit of the King of Denmark's staying of Englishmen's goods in the Sound, it is not so, for I have this morning seen a letter of the 22nd November that Doctor Parkins was with the King, and was in hope to despatch and to be ready to come from thence within four days. These letters that flyboat doth bring that [it] was said was stayed in the Sound.—London, this 1st December, 1598. | |
| Holograph. Seal. | |
| 2 pp. (178. 20.) | |
| Dr. Thomas Byng to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 2. | Asks for longer time, as well to peruse such parts of the will as chiefly pertain to the point in doubt, and to compare the same with “our books,” as also to have conference with some few of “our company” of good judgment.—Doctors' Commons, 2 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| ½ p. (66. 26). | |
| John Robinson, Searcher, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 3. | The licence which was granted to the late Lord Hunsdon is very near expired, so if you like to get another for yourself or any of your friends it were now a very good time, it being a thing profitable in respect it is her Majesty's gift out of the custom paid by strangers, and not hurtful to any manner of persons. These or the like licences have been always given to such noblemen as had deserved well in service, where there have been passed in former time, as appears hereunder written : Lord Huntingdon had one for 8,000 long cloths; Lord of Bedford the like; my lord your father one for 12,000 short cloths; Mr. Secretary for 8,000 short cloths; Lord Sussex for 20,000 long cloths; Sir Walter Rawley for 8,000 long cloths; Lord Hunsdon for 20,000 long cloths. All these are passed but a small remain of the last. If you like to get a new one, I will be glad to give you any instructions and do you any service I may.—3 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 27.) | |
| Thomas Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 3. | Not presuming to come to your lodging in Court to make offer of my service, I send these lines to protest that unto so honourable a friend I am and ever will be constant. I presume that her Majesty is ere this time made acquainted with my innocency, whose unspotted loyalty to her ward shall ever show itself luce clarius. If this messenger may bring me word that I may now against these holidays repair into the country, you shall increase those bonds of thankfulness which are now more than a great many.—This present Sunday. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—3 Dec., 1598. | |
| 1 p. (66. 28.) | |
| Lady H. Haryngton to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 3. | I beseech you that as you are honourable, so you will deal like yourself with a poor lady whose last suit it may be this is. I mean not to be a tedious suitor to you; grant me but this and one more, which whatsoever become of me, to my last breath I will beg of you, for my boy, whose service from his cradle I dedicated to your lordship, to receive him into your protection, and my begging ceaseth. If his father live, he will bring him up to follow you; if God have otherwise appointed, our hope is only in you. If it please you to give this gentleman leave he can better acquaint you with my desire.—Exeton, this 3 of December. |
| Holograph. Portion of seal. | |
| 1 p. (178. 21.) | |
| Thomas Worseley and others to George Lord Hunsdon. | |
| 1598, Dec. 3. | This bearer, John Ridgeway, of late deprived by the rebels in Ireland of all his possessions, hath requested us to signify unto you that he, knowing well that country and the names of the people, is desirous to serve her Majesty against the rebels; beseeching by your means to have some reasonable place or command as a gentleman in that service.—The third of December, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| ½ p. (178. 22.) | |
| Henry Fowkes to his brother, William Fowkes. | |
| 1598, Dec. 4. | Wishes to have a regiment, or 100 light horse [in Essex's expedition] if Mr. “Renols” will be spokesman for him.—Bellewe, 4 Dec., '98. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Captain Fowlkes.” | |
| 1 p. (66. 29.) | |
| Sir Charles Morysone to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 5. | He did not receive till to-day Cecil's letter of Nov. 12, whereby he shows the continuance of his favours. Has been by sickness long thrown out of the world, and so unable to perform any duty to Cecil. Thanks him for this his “honourable remembrance of a dead man to the world.”—Caisho, 5 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 32.) | |
| Margaret Lady Hawkins to the Earls of Essex and Nottingham. | |
| 1598, Dec. 5. | I am most desirous to do anything wherein I may yield satisfaction to her Majesty, shew my due regard of your lordships, and perform kindness towards Mr. Hawkins or any of his; only I fear the danger whereunto I am subject if I should disburse so great a sum without good warrant, or proceed in any respect contrary to the plain words of the will. For until the 20th present be past I know not my own state, neither can promise anything. Then if Mr. Richard Hawkins come not in the mean time, I am sole executrix, and will to the uttermost of my power perform the will in all respects; for I assure your lordships I never meant to break the least part of the trust reposed in me, nor to defeat Mr. Richard Hawkins, or any other, of anything intended him by my late husband, so that I may see it converted to his good and that he return to give me a sufficient discharge. If any make doubt hereof they do me wrong, and although I am no way by law compellable, yet I am content, for your better satisfaction, if my own credit be not sufficient, to give good security for the payment of 3,000l. or so much thereof as shall be due according to the true meaning of the will, at all times whensoever he shall be redeemed, which I hope is as much as you in your wisdom and justice will require.—5 December, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (178. 24.) | |
| Ed. Moore to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 6. | Offers his services for Essex's journey into Ireland, “for settling that troublesome state, where no doubt your noble presence shall work out great effect, both in suppressing the rebels who hitherto have in a manner had their own scope, and also in relieving the oppressed subject.”—Charte in Kent, 6 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 33.) | |
| Sir Thomas Leighton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 6. | As in my former letter I wrote to you that I trusted upon the return of the St. Maloe's fleet from Spain to be able to certify you of the estate of matters there : so it is that by reason of a stay made of the same fleet in Spain there are not as yet any ships returned. Only two are stolen away, the one of them being a bark of this island freighted by a St. Maloe's man, wherein there is escaped an Irishman, whom upon his arrival here I caused to be examined, whose declaration I enclose. Your father was pleased to allow the bearer of such matters of importance the charges of a packet, which it may please you likewise to grant to this bearer. Whereas by your means I obtained a staple of victuals to remain in the Castle here, and to be renewed in the Spring time, my suit is that, forasmuch as corn is hardly to be provided here, you will grant your letters with the rest of the Council to the Customers of Southampton or Chichester to license me to transport 100 quarters of wheat, only for the same use.—Guernsey, 6 Dec. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—1598. | |
| 1 p. (66. 34.) | |
| Sir Francis Godolphin to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 6 | Acknowledges Essex's favours to himself and his son. I understand from my son that a suit is intended to obtain her Majesty's grant to have the sole buying of all the tin of Cornwall at a price certain to be continued, a matter that may be not only prejudicial to myself but to a multitude whose chief stay of living depends on the free working and like sales of our tin, in whose discouragements and decays the decay of her Majesty's revenue for coinage and custom must necessarily follow. I have therefore sent my son a few notes of reasons that move me to esteem this suit like to be very unnecessary and unprofitable to her Majesty and country, which I desire he may offer to your view, if he may discover that the suit proceeds; resting assured that if so it appears in your judgment we shall neither want your defence nor they fail to find your just opposition.—Fort at St. Maries Ile in Sylley, 6 Dec., 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (66. 35.) | |
| Richard Broughton to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1598, Dec. 6. | As to a copy of her Majesty's letter to my lord's father touching allowance and satisfaction of his expenses in the affairs of her Majesty's service in Ireland, which letter was delivered by me to my lord, truly I have no copy, and if it cannot be found I think the minute thereof may be found in the Council book about April, 1576. The warrant of her Majesty directed to the Auditor of Ireland to take account and give allowance of all those charges, which is registered in the beginning of the book of the accounts, containeth the effect of her Majesty's letter to my lord's father.—This 6 of December, 1598. |
| Holograph. Seal. | |
| ½ p. (178. 25.) | |
| Edward Stanhope to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 6. | “It was very strange to me to receive your letters the first of December by Mr. Wardman, purporting that you had communicated with me by Mr. Ralph Mansfield a purpose of the lord of Sessforth to steal away the Scottish pledges, with charge that if himself could not be caught in the net, yet that by no error, mischance or ill carriage in any employed in that business they should find means to escape; for I had no way then heard from you in that cause, only this I called to remembrance that in the assize week in September last one who I conceived was Mr. Ralph Mansfield gave me privy intelligence that they had an intention to escape, and thought themselves so lodged as they could escape if they listed, wishing me to have good care of it, but so as they might not perceive their restraint to grow upon a sudden. Whereupon, at th'end of th'assizes, I, conferring with Mr. Redhead, the gaoler, how they were lodged, gave him special charge to place them so as they might not escape, being persons of such weight as I knew her Majesty respected very greatly; but told him that lest they should think this grew by some complaint, he should use it as a general monition given him at th'end of th'assizes to be very respective to all his prisoners, that no escapes might be. Whereupon they were within a week after lodged more safely. |
| But upon this your direction I was put to seek what course to take, either to find their intent or the likelihood of passage for S[essford] or any to be employed by him, which I rather judged than that he would put himself into the action. I therefore first laboured by one Mr. Wm. Gascoigne, a gentleman whom I hold honest, though in the Castle for some contempt, to know the quality of the pledges and how he found them to take their restraint. Who answered, very discontentedly, and that they thought it long that their King did not seek their enlargement. I questioned whether he found any disposition in them to escape if they might, or that they sought any means for it. He answered he heard of none, save only that two or three of the best of them had solicited the gaoler's deputy that they might send home two of their company, as well to make means to their King for their enlargement as to procure money to bear their charges, and they would give their hands and their words that those two should return : but were answered no such thing could be granted without first acquainting her Majesty's Council therewith. This, upon your letters, I conceived might be meant to compact with the l[ord] S[essford] the manner and time of escape, and in their return to lay horses or use other means for their speedy flight upon escape. But myself having no other intelligence nor likelihood how the l[ord] S[essford] should come otherwise than through the country, thought to have sent your servant the next day to Lord Eure, who lay in Bishopric, to lay some secret wait of those few passages that be over Tees and Tyne this winter day; but was prevented in that Lord Eure came that night to the town to accompany my lord Archbishop and us this sitting time. | |
| The next day Mr. Mansfield came with your first letters, whereby I perceived that those which came first to my hand were but to second the former. By him I understood a plot more likely to be intended, but, under correction, unlikely to be meant and hardly to be performed in these respects. First, that the l[ord] S[essford] would venture himself upon the seas, and to land or put in unto such a dangerous creek as Birlington [Bridlington] is in winter time. Secondly, how it could well concur that from him there should any come so directly to the Castle if he lay in that harbour as to procure their immediate escape, unless there were a looser hand had of them than is meet for prisoners of that weight. Thirdly, how we could, not knowing by any possibility the instant of his landing and of his sending his guide, both watch them that in escaping they should not escape, and take his spy or guide that should come to conduct them from the Castle to his harbour. Lastly, how to surprise him in his ship upon the like instant, which would be well manned at least with musket shot, without having some there in a readiness, which can hardly be secret. Yet have I some help that way by a man of Birlington who is trusty, and others may be in a readiness at my cousin Griffith's within three miles of Birlington, if the matter prove likely. All this I offer to your wise consideration, the rather for that if I should (whilst Mr. Mansfield is now gone to the borders in expectancy of this plot) suffer too loose a hand to be held of the pledges, how that might stand with my duty in respect of the charge your lordship saith her Highness layeth of me, that by no error or ill carriage they should meanwhile escape; and if otherwise I cause too strait a hand to be held over them, they may give intelligence to the l[ord] S[essford] that they are so narrowly guarded as although he venture the journey which he intended for their delivery he shall fail by their impossibility to break the prison.” | |
| Thought it his duty to propound thus much unto him, and requires further direction. Has further caused so reasonable an eye and hand to be had over them as they can neither easily escape nor well discern they are suspected. | |
| “I have admitted that Mr. Gascoigne may propound to me from Armstrong lord of Whitto, and Frissel lord of Everton, whether they may be permitted upon their security to send two of their company home, to return by a day, which two are Thomas Eynesley, of some living and action, and Richard Rotherford, a man of small living but of action, and cousin german to Earl Huntly. If you think that either safe or a furtherance to draw the l[ord] S[essford] on, your lordship giving warrant hither for it, it may be yielded. Otherwise there is no power in this place to grant it. In the meanwhile Mr. Mansfield is gone into the north, intending to be back again by the end of next week and then to make known unto me whether the l[ord] S[essford] continue his intended course; till which time he wished me to stay your servant with his friends in these parts, either to be employed some way in the action or returned unto you with perfect advertisement how things stand in those parts.” | |
| Requires speedy direction whether to cause the “maine” to be strictly looked unto, to avoid all danger of escapes, or walk betwixt both in hope to take this fox in so unlikely a snare. Sends enclosed the names of the prisoners, with the note which is held of them in the Castle, either for value or ability in livelihood.—York, 6 December, 1598. | |
| Signed. Seal. | |
| 2 pp. (178. 26.) | |
| Stephen Soame, Lord Mayor of London, and others to the Council. | |
| 1598, Dec. 7. | We are informed that divers ships of the East Countries laden with corn, and going for Spain to victual the enemy, are intercepted by her Majesty's ships in the Narrow Seas. Forasmuch as a present supply of corn is to be made for the city's use for the year following, which being made of foreign grain will be a great ease to those shires and places within the the realm where provision of corn is usually made for the same use, we humbly pray that some reasonable quantity of the said corn, being sweet and good, be allotted for the use of this city, at a reasonable price, and the same brought in by your direction to this port of London.—London, 7 Dec., 1598. |
| Signed :—Stephen Soame, Richard Martyn, John Hart, Ric. Saltonstall, William Ryder, John Garrard, Thomas Bennett, Thomas Love, Henry Rowe, John Moxey, and Roger Clarke. | |
| 1 p. (66. 36.) | |
| Captain He. Malbie to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 7. | After great labour of his friends, he has the benefit of the law and his liberty. Is warned to have a care of further hazard. Prays Cecil to accept the lawful motions of his poor wife on his behalf, except by Cecil's favour he may be protected for his safe attendance. Prays for relief and employment.—Undated. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—1598, 7 Dec. | |
| 1 p. (66. 40.) | |
| Jo. Colville to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 7/17. | Whether your pleasure be to embrace the matter proponed or not, let it not offend your Honour that your most humble servant solicit a speedy answer for the causes following. First, the life of my errand is to have the original party (the frere) in or about Boulogne at the coming of your servant, which should be sent after me for hearing and seeing that which I know your Honour has but by my report, and since my arrival there be already passed 15 days, which time had sufficed for that purpose. Next, your Honour's speedy expedition to Ireland doth urge to see this matter at some point before your going (if the same be agreeable), and again, he that did bring the last letter from my director will not stay longer and I know not what answer to return. On the other part, if your Honour see not such probability and clearness as you would, then (under correction) the sooner the gentleman be thanked for his friendly offer should be the more honourable. And for the conditions required, although I must for my credit present as I am directed, yet I am her Majesty's most humble servant before all living without exception, and will do my best endeavours to draw all to her Highness and your best liking, as at meeting your Honour shall know, with sundry other matters concerning Scotland which in these my idle hours did occur to my memory. Beseeching your Honour bear with my forced importunity, I pray the Lord send such happy issue to your honourable actions as they justly merit.—17 Dec., stilo novo, 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 2 pp. (66. 74.) | |
| Florence McCarthy to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 8. | I am shamed and very loath to importune your Honour, considering your desire to help and further me, whereof I stand most assured. I have, since my wife's departure, lived here at the charges of some of my best friends, who (with that which you procured me last) furnished me to send her away into her country, which I must presently see paid, being about some £60. I rest very sick, and mine attendance yesterday made me worse than I was, which moved me hereby (being not able to attend, and having not wherewith to buy me meat, or to help myself in this my sickness) humbly to beseech you to remember me.—8 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 39.) | |
| Henry Constable to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1598, Dec. 8. | On the subject of negotiations for a lease of a tenement desired by Mr. Ralph Lawson of Grays Inn, who had been tenant of it, from one Mr. Calverley, to whom the Earl of Essex had written on Mr. Lawson's behalf.—8 December, 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| ½ p. (178. 27.) | |
| Sir Robert Ker to Thomas Percy, Constable of Alnwick. | |
| 1598, [Dec.] 8. | I thought to have seen you or now, but I am holden here with the King's Majesty against my will; always shortly, God willing, I shall meet with you, which ye shall hear by my next advertisement. In the mean time upon no occasion, as ye will do for me, be any way absent from your own house, for, I thank God for it, things work wonderfully well and that which I doubted most of is fallen out as I would wish it. Therefore be not away, for, God willing, our match hunting (fn. 1) shall hold soon. Have yours prepared and hold them in “wond” for mine. I have [made] trial of them and ye shall fend both fair and cunning running. Write to me again that I may have certainty that ye be at home.—From Edinburgh this Friday, the 8 of this instant [December], 1598. |
| [P.S.]—Say to all men that this bearer's errand is for hounds, but that you will not send them till you come yourself. | |
| Holograph. | |
| ½ p. (178. 28.) | |
| Sa. Marow, Thomas Lucy, Thomas Leigh and Richard Verney to the Council. | |
| 1598, Dec. 9. | They have received letters for the levying of 100 men in the county of Warwick for service in Ireland. They find the city of Coventry unwilling to yield any reasonable proportion, refusing to arm 7 out of the 100, which is a much less proportion than has heretofore been yielded. They pray the Council, by commission directed to Coventry, to appoint them to arm such a number as they (the Council) consider meet : so the country may be eased of the burden they have long borne for the said city. They have taken order to levy and arm the men now appointed according to the Council's direction.—Warwick, 9 Dec. 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| Endorsed :—“The Justices of Peace of Warwickshire.” | |
| 1 p. (66. 41.) | |
| Sir Thomas Denys to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 9. | Upon the death of the Lord Marquis some great occasions have hastened his repair to London, and his present return to Basinge, so that he has no means to present his service to Essex. Will return when it shall please Essex to command him. Entreats his remembrance of his brother Sir Thomas Acton, for employment.—Fleet Street, 9 Dec. 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 42.) | |
| Federico Genibelli to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 9. | For my services in fortifying the Isle of Wight I find myself in receipt of a large liberality of blame. I have consumed the little I took as an advance on my wages, and am answerable for the wages of two principal workmen in the work. But now that I hoped with my own wages due to me since June last to pay my debts and get quit of the two men and the house I took at Newport for the Queen's service, the Lord Chamberlain refuses to sign the enclosed certificate given me by Mr. Adle. So I must ask for your help to be paid my wages, just as Mr. Speicer and any one else employed on this work have been.—London, 9 December, 1598. |
| Italian. Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 43.) | |
| R. Douglas to his uncle, Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1598, Dec. 9. | This bearer, your servant, has stayed longer than either he or I thought, but these ten days past he has stayed upon my Lord Oliphant, whose mother, understanding him to be with me and ready to take his journey towards you to London, requested that he might be stayed some short space to accompany her son to London, who is now going the way to France, whose reasonable request I could not refuse. Therefore your lordship will bear with him, I know, in that respect. For as concerning your own particular matters, I was at a point with them any time these twenty days past, for the letter from his Majesty to the Queen of England for your return in this country, which both I looked for and was put in hope to have obtained, cannot be had at this time, and yet the refuse thereof proceeds not of any malice or miscontentment his Majesty carries now against you, but partly that he thinks it can serve you for no purpose except it were to make you be more narrowly looked into, partly also for that he is loath to request the Queen in that matter at this time, but yet if you think it can serve you of any good purpose, upon your next advertisement setting me down the form how you would have it, I think it may be gotten, for sundry men in good credit about the King have promised to help me thereinto, and my brother James I have put him in service with our secretary here, who has promised both to deal in the matter, and upon the least word of the King's to form the letter as I will prescribe; therefore I was the less earnest at this time until I had heard from you, which I pray you to haste. Likewise if it could be, I would Mr. David Foules were at home before the letter should be sent, for the King, so long as he is there, cannot well but send the letter to him, and you know he is a fool and your direst enemy, for either he or else James Hudsone has of late written to the King very slanderously of you, and in particular, that hired by that State you had sent home a despatch by your servant to my Lord of Angus and my Lord of Kinloss and others, but I am glad their vanity and malice has appeared, for long before their letter my Lord of Angus and my Lord of Kinloss had made the King acquainted with your letters, and I also had shown as much of yours as concerned the King's service, so that they of judgment condemned their malicious folly. But you will not believe how the King is carried away with that fool, who knowing the King's humour delighting to find all things plausible and easy there, feeds him in that humour, and puts him by all his letters in a security, making fair weather, and assuring him of the good will both of the Queen and all the nobility to him, and that after her he will find all men so ready to advance his title there as he would wish, so that whosoever would persuade the King otherwise is misliked, and thought either an ignorant or else a disturber of the present peace; and for this particular of Valentine Thomlines, he has so assured the King that his lies are not credited by the Queen that the King is almost careless thereof, albeit they of judgment about him think it has a farther consequence, and thought your opinion thereupon very upright and faithful for his Majesty to embrace. Always yet once again I would you should send me some good matter to be imparted to the King, and I hope it shall produce the effects that you would wish, at the least in your own particular, which is the thing that I most crave, for I know now his Majesty would be glad to have you at home, that he might confer with you upon the state of the country and his service there, and if you could once come to the point, there would be no question but your credit would still increase. I rest therefore to be directed by you in what form you would have [it] done. The King here, by his own sloth and the evil handling of his particular “rentts” by them who have been his counsellors and officers, has seduced himself to a very hard state, that with great difficulty can he get whereupon to maintain his house and other ordinary charges, and to find out some way for remedying of that are all these conventions appointed, albeit with small success, for both the last that was in October and this which now is to begin on the eleventh of this month, suppose they carry the name of other causes, are only for that purpose, and the wise sort cannot see a remedy thereunto, so many being “interessit” with that way which his Majesty would be at to relieve himself by, which is the kirk rents, so that there is nothing to be looked for here but confusion and misery, and for taxations, there are so many granted and so fruitlessly spent that the word of one further were enough to stir up a commotion. All other little particulars here I refer to the bearer, who will tell you them as well and with less pain than I can write. Our ambassadors that were in Germany are returned with many chains and great promises of friendship from the Princes there, albeit all they can do will not serve us of so good a purpose as the money our ambassadors has spent in the journey, but the message served for a pretext to lift up a great part of the taxation, destined only to public uses, to the particular of courtiers, and so is some of the King's poor estate presently. My Lord of Angus is busy upon the West Borders at his charge there, whom you may command in anything you please. I wrote to you by my last his mind towards you and what I would you should do for him, whereof I would be glad to have your answer. There is here of late apprehended Mr. James Gordonne, the Jesuit, who presented himself to have spoken with the King, but was refused, and put in the castle of Ed[inburgh]. Divers discourse upon his so sudden arrival and coming to the Court before he was heard of. The ministers are earnest to crave his death, but I think they shall not prevail. There was apprehended a two or three days after two Englishmen thought to have come with him, and are in the Tolbooth of Ed[inburgh]; what order shall be taken with them, I cannot yet resolve you, but I wish we dishonour not ourselves for the pleasure of others. I shall advertise you hereafter what I hear to be done with them.—From my mother's house, 9 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 3 pp. (66. 44.) | |
| The Vice Chancellor and others of Cambridge University to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 9. | Sending Dr. Sharpe to him to give him knowledge of matters that most import them, by reason of undue vexations of their unkind neighbours of the town, that ever did and do envy the immunities 'indulted' this University.—Cambridge, 9 December, 1598. |
| Signed, John Jegon, Vice-Canc.; Robert Some, Edmund Barwell, John Cowell, James Mountagu, Laur. Chaderton, Umphry Tyndall, Thomas Nevile, John Overall. | |
| 1 p. (136. 67.) | |
| S. Earle[?] to Mr. Barsam, a clerk in Mr. Drewe's office, for Mr. Thomas Wilson. | |
| 1598, Dec. 10. | Relative to a debt owing by the writer, who speaks of a sharp letter he received from his correspondent at Mr. Lambert's at Endvill [? Enfield]—10 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 46.) | |
| Roger Clarke, Mayor, and others to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 10. | In reference to the complaint of the justices of Warwick [see letter of Dec. 9] that they refuse to contribute their just proportion towards the 100 men to be levied for the service of Ireland. They pray that they may be rated at a reasonable proportion by commission of the Council, and not be surcharged by the commissioners of the county at large. “In the county of Warwick there is 200 parishes, besides chapels of ease and [torn off] market towns, and in the county of the city of Coventry are but two parishes with certain chapels of ease within the same parishes, the city being much decayed, and greatly pestered with poor, and daily charged with carts, carriages and post horses, being the thoroughfare towards Ireland, so as by this computation we are not the fortieth part of the county at large.” They have written to the Council, and beg Essex's favour in the matter.—Coventry, 10 Dec., 1598. |
| Signed :—Roger Clarke, Henry Breres, Henre Kyrvyn, Rychard Barkar, Thomas Saunders, Henrie Sewall, John Rogerson. | |
| 1 p. (66. 47.) | |
| Sir Matthew Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 10. | The lieutenancy of Dorset is now void by the death of the Marquis of Winchester, to whom Sir G. Trenchard, Sir Raf Horsey, Sir R. Rodgers and he were deputy lieutenants. If aught were well done, the Marquis had the praise and thanks, though all the charge and travail was borne by them; but if any business had ill success, the blame was laid upon them. He desires now to be discharged of all charge of this nature, as he is growing old, and suffers from the gout and stone. Recommends Trenchard and Horsey as fit for principal lieutenants. Precedents not wanting for conferring this authority upon knights : as Sir H. Nevill in Berks, and at this instant Sir W. Rawleigh in Cornwall. |
| They often receive letters from the Council as to the pressing of men, as who should say, they did not their best endeavours. “Truly there is in this dry country no choice, the substance whereof stands upon seely hunbandmen, very unfit for service : and those that are apt and fit are patronised by our Vizcownt, much to the hindrance of her Majesty's service and our disgrace.”—Anstey, 10 Dec. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—'98. | |
| 2½ pp. (66. 48.) | |
| Sir William Browne to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 10. | This afternoon passage being ready to depart, I received from the Spaniard in prison at Middleberg this enclosed, which I imagine to contain some shew of such matters as he is able to disclose and do service in, the judgment of the substance must be referred to your judgment, for he has said nothing to me but in general. Of late, since the taking or rather restoring of Emerick to the neutrality, we have no news, they still stand at stay with their resolutions in Holland till her Majesty's answer may be sent them out of England. In the mean time if, under correction, a poor servant of her Majesty's as myself may be heard deliver his conjecture of the ensuing that may follow all these businesses, they are truly in my simple judgment so uncertain as that neither I can see how her Majesty can be faithfully without cavilling kept promise withal, nor new forces raised for their sufficient defence, but their willingness to perform both I no ways doubt of. In the mean time I would it might please her Majesty to think that a little money more or less employed for the augmenting of her Majesty's garrisons in her Cautionary towns, which may always assure their faithful dealings towards her Grace, were better bestowed than spared : and that I may be a little more presuming upon your Honour's favourable construction, I beseech you that I may have leave to say thus much, that her Majesty's officers in these Cautionary towns, I mean especially the lieutenants and ensigns, are much abased in courage to do service, being reduced in pay, the ensign to 7s. a week and the lieutenants to 14s., as that we shall get few men of worth to do the duty required for good vigilance and care, the States' officers being worthilier recompensed.—Flushing, 10 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| Endorsed :—“Sir Wm. Browne to my Mr. Letters from Don Jermo Arias.” | |
| 1 p. (66. 50.) | |
| Expedition to Ireland. | |
| [1598, Dec. 10.] | Instructions for Sir Arthur Savage, knight. Whereas there are a thousand soldiers levied at this present in sundry counties of the realm, and appointed to several captains having charge of 100 men, and yourself one company of 200, to be at the port of Bristol by the 23rd of this present month of December; because choice is made of you to be colonel of that regiment, you shall follow these instructions. |
| You are to be at the foresaid port by the time the companies levied are appointed to be there, where you shall have care to see how the captains, officers and soldiers are complete and furnished, and use especial care that none of the soldiers do run away. | |
| Also, that the soldiers during their abode there do contain themselves in good order, and so soon as wind and weather will serve, to see them, their captains, armour, &c. embarked aboard the ships there already provided, then you are to direct your course to Dublin, where you shall repair unto the Lords Justices and Council for their advice and directions for the speediest and safest conveying of your soldiers into the province of Connaught. We have written to Sir Coniers Clifford of your repair unto him (which letter you shall have with you), whose directions you are to follow. | |
| 1¼ pp. (178. 88.) | |
| Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 11. | I send the receipt you asked for, and perceive that you have preferred my convenience to your own. |
| I did not come to town, because I miss there everything that makes life pleasant to men; but if by coming I could be near you and of use, I would very soon leave this solitary and uncivilised country life. | |
| There is much talk here of the army that the Earl of Essex is to take to Ireland. Care should be taken that, while the best captains and soldiers are sent thither, we are not left unprotected here, in case the Council of Spain should despatch an armada to make a diversion here. The young King appears to be acquiring with his kingdom all the vindictiveness and obstinacy of his father. I should wish to know if in this expedition a poor private person like myself can be of any service.—Baburham, 11 Dec., 1598. | |
| Holograph. Italian. | |
| 1 p. (66. 53.) | |
| Count Maurice of Nassau to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 11/21. | In favour of John Brust who has done good service in his guard, and is now desirous of serving the Earl in Ireland or elsewhere.—From the Hague, 21 Dec., 1598. |
| Signed. French. | |
| 1 p. (147. 140.) | |
| Thomas Edmondes to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 12. | For that my present despatch doth contain some more particularities that have lately occurred here, I do presume to trouble you with the view of the same. You will see thereby how fain the K. would proceed in his marriage, but the difficulty is great to effect it as he desireth. He doth in the mean time by way of provision authorise her all that possibly he may. The weakness of some of his nobility and poverty of them all, and misery of the people, giveth licence unto his courses. The Duke of Savoy declareth to have no meaning to render the Marquisate of Salluces, and it is said is encouraged thereunto by the young K. of Spain. It will be therefore no small proof to see which party will best value their honour in the point of resolution for the carrying of the same. The Marshal of Byron and Monsieur Dediguieres, who be the said Duke's neighbours, do all good endeavour to new kindle that war, but others here do as much travail in contrary office. Here is a strong opinion conceived that this young King of Spain will crown his beginning with some great enterprise, but we are yet uncertain what are his preparations and design. I am continually solicited from the Marshal of Byron to remember your Lordship for some dogs for him, wherein I beseech you to be pleased to gratify him.—Paris, 12 Dec., 1598. |
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| 1 p. (66. 57.) | |
| [Thomas Edmondes to Sir Robert Cecil.] | |
| 1598, Dec. 12. | I most humbly thank you for having been pleased so particularly to instruct me in the knowledge and passage of things there, especially touching the execrable treasons conspired against her Majesty, which having related here unto the K. and others in this Court, it hath moved all men to wonder at so foul and detestable practices, and consequently to confess that these be most apparent evidences how it pleaseth God to have her Majesty's conservation in His special and continual protection. And many are desirous it should be published to the world. After so long “marchanding” as hath been used by the young King of Spain to have provoked this K. to have first sent unto him, having thought that causing his father's death to be notified to Monsieur de la Boderie in the Low Countries, it should have discharged him from further sending, and engaged the K. to perform the ceremony of condoling, but seeing the K. would not so understand it, in the end he hath resolved, as the K. is advertised, to send hither the brother of the Constable of Castille to declare the death of the K. his father, and with him Jean Baptista Taxis to remain here Ambassador Lieger, whose coming it is meant to attend before M. le Grand shall be despatched. But in the mean time, upon the complaint which hath been made by those of St. Malos and other places in Brittany of the staying of certain ships of theirs upon pretext that they transported the money of that realm, the K. hath thought fit to send one thither to require the release of the said ships, and thereby to be informed of the proceedings there, being as yet utterly ignorant both of the humour and disposition of the K., which had never liberty to declare itself freely until since the death of his father, and also what designs they hatch, judging that this late arrest which they have made of the ships of those of Holland and Zeeland, doth, besides the using it to intimidate and distress them, import an intent of a sea preparation, for having chosen into his council many of the nobility and men of war, it is thought that his actions will correspond to the war, desiring, as it is said, to honour his first beginning with some great action, and the rather to take away the opinion which hath been always conceived of his disability and weakness. And that he accuseth his father to have by his own and a few others' counsel ill governed things, to the dishonour of himself and of his nation, and that he meaneth to proceed in other manner to recover that honour which hath been so lost. I told the K. that the bruit ran that the said K.'s designs are against her Majesty; he answered me that he is advertised that the said K. maketh demonstration to be very ill affected unto her Majesty, but that the said K. doth ill consider to think that in reason of state he may suffer him to invade England though he did not owe that obligation to her Majesty which he doth. I gave him humbly thanks, and told him that that distemper of mind (if he have any such) proceedeth only from the heat of his youth, whereof time would make him as well know the errors as the father to his smart had done. It is said that the Marquis of Denia, who is the master of his horse, is exceedingly favoured by him, and that in a late marriage which was solemnised between the son of the said Marquis and a daughter of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, the K. in favour of the Marquis did himself lead the lady to the church, and gave them to their marriage a hundred thousand crowns. It is moreover reported that Christophero de Moro is little used in affairs, and that for the like cause also it is appointed to send Don Juan de Idiaques to remain Ambassador at Rome. There were 40 sail of ships once appointed to have gone to St. Jean de Porterico, but they are since stayed, upon some other design, as it is thought. There is no news come as yet of the embarking of the Archduke and young Queen of Spain at Genoa, but only of their honourable reception in Italy, both whose train, together with the Constable of Castile that went to meet them, it is said consisted of 3,000 persons, and were all defrayed by the Venetians within their territories. They complain greatly in the Low Countries that the Archduke hath lately taken 600,000 crowns more for the expense of his journey, of the money which was assigned for the payment of the army, whereby they are there in very great necessity. The K. is in a great alarm that the Duke of Savoy will dispute the Marquisate of Salluces against him by force, and not by treaty, the said Duke having made open demonstration that he hath no meaning to render it, and also not caring to exercise all kind of violence and wrong against those of Geneva, notwithstanding that the K. hath enforced for them that they are comprehended in his treaty. He doth therefore give it out that in the Spring he will draw down to Lyons to attend that business, and they are now specially careful and endeavouring to give the Swiss contentment in their complaints, for the which purpose M. de Sillery's departure is respited for some days to be employed therein, because he hath ever negociated with them : to the end to procure the Swiss, if the war be renewed against the said Duke, to assail him also from their parts, which if they will undertake they will ruin the said Duke, and there is great appearance that the war will there begin anew again, if the desire to satisfy private affections do not oversway public interests, as it is much doubted it will do, if the Pope, unwilling to see the war kindled so near him, shall think fit to give the K. contentment in the matter of his marriage, in the which consideration he may be also moved to take composition for the Marquisate of Salluces. And for preparation thereunto the Duke doth practise the Duchess with great gifts to do him good office therein. The gentleman is returned that was sent by the K. to the Queen of Navarra, and as I learn from very good part, his charge was to deal with the said Queen to be content to satisfy the King's desire to legitimate his children, to confess a nullity of marriage, of having been forced to consent to the said marriage by her mother and brother against her will, and that she never had company with the K. And having therein prevailed with her, there should have been easier suggestions found to have declared also null the marriage of the Duchess with her husband. But the Queen is only willing to ground her divorce upon the pretext of her sterility, refusing to acknowledge to have lived with the K. otherwise than as is wife, for that it may be divers ways very prejudicial unto her, if she lose the respect of that title and dignity, howbeit offering that if the Pope shall judge that the dispensations which were granted for their marriage in respect of their nearness of “kinced” were not sufficient, or else that because of the K.'s relapse into heresy upon his returning after the massacre to make profession of the reformed religion, that there may be grounded thereupon cause to dissolve their marriage, to submit herself therein to that which the Pope shall think fit. But the Pope having no inclination to consent to the legitimating of the children, in respect of the scandal and dangerous consequence thereof, rather desireth to entertain all difficulties against the same. The Pope doth also proceed obstinately in the refusal to allow of the Prince of Lorrayne's marriage with Madame, and said directly to the Duke of Luxembourg at his departure from him, as the said Duke hath declared, that if the same be accomplished he will hold it an incest in respect of their proximity of kindred, and their children to be in the state of bastards, yet the Prince of Lorraine is looked for shortly here, making demonstration that he will notwithstanding proceed in the marriage, which would be to neglect much the Pope's authority. The K.'s son that was born at Nantes hath been lately christened at St. Germain with much selemnity, the Count Soissons being his godfather, and Madame d'Angoulesme his godmother. He is named Alexander, and the K. doth give him the Earldom of Foix. |
| The edict for those of the Religion is not yet verified by the Parliament, the Parliament contesting that the six Councillors of the Religion may not be admitted into the Chamber of the Edict, but offering to disperse them in the other five chambers, and they would further restrain the execution of the edict until those of the Religion have first established the Mass in all the places which they hold, and those of the clergy except against other things, which they think touch their interest, so as it is like to receive some qualification to give them contentment therein. But the clergy, in the mean time to discourage the K. from being too forward in the authorising of it, have caused the preachers to preach most seditiously against the receiving of the said Edict, and one among the rest, as it is said, used these words, that this body is very sick, and hath great need to be let blood, not having been let blood these 25 years, alluding to the massacre. Monsieur d'Espernon being in hand to have made a match between his eldest son and the daughter of the Marquis of Menale, which is now the only heir of that house, and is a very great succession, the K. hath traversed him therein, which doth very much discontent him. The copy of a letter coming to my hands that hath been written to Rome by the priests in England concerning their controversy with the Jesuits, and of certain requests which they make to the Pope touching their government in England, I thought it my duty to send your Honour an extract thereof, the letter itself being very long and tedious, and therefore unfit to trouble your Honour therewith. The K. receiveth very good contentment that her Majesty is pleased to honour him with an Ambassador. I do continually solicit the payment of the 20,000 crowns, and am still assured that it shall be paid out of this new year's receipt.—Paris, 12 Dec., 1598. | |
| Unsigned. (66. 58.) | |
| [This is probably the copy of the despatch communicated to the Earl of Essex—see above, letter to Essex. The original is in the Public Record Office, in S.P. Foreign, France.] | |
| William Medeley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1598], Dec. 12. | Desires to have one of the employments about Bristow and the West parts concerning the victualling of the forces for Ireland.—Westminster, 12 Dec. |
| Holograph, Endorsed :—'98. | |
| ½ p. (66. 60.) | |
| William Waad to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 12. | I was commanded to send these letters unto your good lordship that you may by them perceive what attempt the ships of Dunkirk have with no success made on the North parts, and so consider what is meet to be done to prevent their further purposes. |
| Holograph. | |
| ⅓ p. (178. 30.) | |
| J. Guicciardin to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 12/22. | I have had no occasion of long time to write unto your lordship, and this which I have taken at this present is rather to satisfy others than of any desire I had myself to give your lordship this trouble, especially in a matter heretofore often propounded and debated, and having no other arguments to persuade than those which have been already rejected. His Highness here still continues his demand in the behalf of these Portingals who he avoweth for his subjects, saying that the continual molestation they receive by our ships, and particularly by those which come yearly to Livorne, who lie there to watch their going out or coming into the port, will force them to leave off their traffic, to the great hindrance of his said Highness's custom, whereby he shall be in the end constrained to expel either the one or the other. His request is that your lordship will so far further favour their cause that some remedy be found for their safety. I think you will receive some other letters with this, to this purpose; and therefore it shall be needless for me to use more words herein. I have some writing to send you which shall be sent by another despatch.—Flor[ence], 22 Dec., 1598. |
| Holograph. | |
| 1 p. (66. 96.) | |
| The States General to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 12/22. | Comme somes advertis que sa Majesté est d'intention de mander d'ici deux mille soldats Anglais pour les mener en son armée vers Irlande, et de envoir en la place autant d'autres soldats nouveaux, nous n'avone pu laisser, pour la confiance qu'avons de la continuation de la bonne affection de votre Ex. envers la conservation et maintenement de notre etat contre l'ennemi commun, sans remontrer à icelle que nous nous retrouvons présentement tellement pressés de toutes les forces des ennemis, lesquels nous avons seuls sur les bras au quartier le plus faible de tout le pays, et qui n'attendent qu'une forte gelée, ou sans icelle le printemps, pour nous envahir et passer les rivières, à quelle fin ils ont mis leur armée en bonne garnison es villes prochaines des pays de Cleves, Couloigne, et Munster, contre lesquels il faut que nous nous aidions de tout ce que nous avons des hommes faits, et des moyens, qu'il est impossible (sans mettre tout notre état en évident voires certain danger et peril) que nous pouvons, ou saurions en la présent constitution de nos affaires accorder la sortie desdits soldats, étant la plus saine partie de l'appui de notre état, sur lequel Son Ex. et nous faisons état de pouvoir résister aux invasions desdits ennemis, pour être les mieux faits, et connus au quartier de Gueldres, auquel ils s'adressent, et ou que lesdits soldats Anglais ont été pour la plus part en garnison, et menés par plusieurs années à la guerre. Par quoi, Monsieur, nous prions votre Ex. bien affectueusement, et pour autant que notre état lui est cher et recommandé, qu'il vous plaise interceder et moienner envers sa Majesté qu'elle soit servie, prenant regard aux considérations susdites, de changer d'avis, et nous laisser lesdits deux mille soldats Anglais pour nous en servir en cette notre tant urgente necessité à la tuition de notre état, pour la conservation duquel sa Majesté a toujours porté tant de soin et nous à si benignement et royalement assisté jusques à present, et votre Ex. nous y a en toutes occasions et occurrences aussi aidé de sa faveur : et votre Ex. fera un notable service au pays, pour lequel nous vous serons tant plus obligés.—La Haye, 22 Dec., 1598. |
| Signed :—Aerssens. | |
| 2 pp. (66. 98.) | |
| A short summary of the above by Haynes. | |
| (66. 97.) | |
| Jo. Ferne to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 13. | I have forborne hitherto to advertise you of the sea accidents upon this coast, otherwise than by the public letters to their Lordships, by reason of the uncertain and variable reports. In the letter herewith enclosed and directed to their lordships, is sent a copy of Sir Christopher Hylyard his last letter, certifying the ships suspected to be enemies to have taken course into the seas. The true narration of their coming and abiding upon this coast, as I have received by those of best judgment and credit, is this. Upon Wednesday the 6th of this present, in the afternoon, 5 ships about the burden of 80 tons apiece, with a small bark or pinnace, did ride up and down between Grimston and Tunstall (the pinnace having sounded there the day before) and upon some mistaking that they went about to land (where they did not) one beacon was set on fire. There they anchored all that night. The next morning being Thursday they weighed anchor and put to the sea, and lay some 3 or 4 leagues from land until the afternoon, during which time two fisher boats went close to them and hailed or bespoke them (as they term it) asking what they were : answer was made out at a porthole, “Scots,” and not one word more, nor any one man of them to be seen. What they were is not known, but by vehement suspicion they are enemies, for they are furnished as men of war, and whilst they lay upon the coast, being 3 days, they had wind to sail either South or North. Upon Thursday in the evening at twilight they anchored 3 of the ships with the pinnace about 2 miles North from Kylnesey, the other 2 bearing towards Tunstall 7 miles further to the North. At their coming near Kylnesey a second error was committed by those which watched the beacons there, who fearing they would presently land, being near the shore, they fired one beacon, and after that a second and then the third, each beacon being a sign to Sir Ch. Hylyard of the landing of so many boats (for so had he given order). Upon sight of those fires a great stack of furzes at Sir Ch. his house at Winstead was by his people fired, to give sight to the inland to come down, upon which multitudes rose and came to the coast that night, most of them unarmed, and the bruit was raised that Kylnesey, a poor fisher town, was burned, so that the fearful women left their houses, and ran up to Beverley and other towns within land with their children in their arms in the mid of the night. Mr. Lancelott Alford and Raiph Ellerker made choice of some 400 men, which they trained upon the coast the next day, being Friday, in the sight of the ships, which lay within two miles of the shore. That afternoon they put to the sea, and on Saturday morning three of them were come about the point of the Spurne, and lay on Humber side. Before sunrise there appeared upon the hatches of one of them as many men as could stand for one hour together, and then went under hatches, and so both these three ships and the other at Tunstall, about ten of the clock the next day, put directly North-East into the seas and have not been seen since that time. I fear, if there had been any attempt upon the land, the resistance would have been feeble, for there is no good armours nor shot in the country, the use of training and mustering being discontinued for want of the Lieutenant.—York, 13 Dec., 1598. |
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| Endorsed :—“Mr. Ferne, secretary of the Council at York.” | |
| 1 p. (66. 61.) | |
| The Archbishop of York and Council of the North to the Council. | |
| 1598, Dec. 13. | We have received letters yesternight from Sir Christopher Hildyard (the copies whereof we send herein closed) whereby appears that the ships which lay upon the coast of Holderness, making show to land there, are put forth into the sea, and that the country is very willing and ready to defend the coast, and as they think they are very able to encounter with any forces which those ships can put on land. Hereof we thought meet to advertise your Lordships to prevent the apprehension of any other reports untruly spread abroad that Kilnesey (a poor fisher town upon that coast) should be burned, which is nothing so, the same being raised by firing of a great stack of furzes or gorse at Sir Christopher Hildyard's house, which was set on fire by the watch there, upon sight of fire from the sea beacons.—York, 13 Dec., 1598. |
| Signed :—Matt. Ebor, Ra. Eure, Tho. Fairfax, E. Savage, Ch. Hales, and Jo. Ferne. | |
| Endorsed :—“Letters from Sir Chr. Hilliard of the departure of the ships of Dunkerke.” | |
| 1 p. (66. 62.) | |
| An Enclosure :— | |
| Sir Christopher Hildyard to [the Council at York]. | |
| Since Friday at twelve we have lived without any great fear or scare, for that the ships was departed, but yesterday at morning there came three of them back again, and two of them anchored within the Spurne, and the third without in the sea, and there rested all that day, until ten or eleven at night, and then the wind growing great in the East they weighed anchor, for there was no staying for them, and this morning being Sunday they took their course directly North East into the sea, but we do look within four or five days to hear of them again, but we do stand still upon our guard and defence, with strong watch and ward, and we doubt not but with God's good help to be able to resist them. We are sore overhailed and troubled with watch and warding, and surely it is a great charge to us in the country. | |
| The ships of Hull is as yet uncomed down from Hull, whereof I do marvel, and I have called divers times of them to make haste, but I hope we shall shortly hear of them. | |
| I am sure you hear divers and sundry bruits of untruth of this journey, but I beseech your Grace and the rest not to believe any thing until you be fully instructed of the truth, for I must confirm my former writings that all men within the south and middle bailiwicks of Holderness hath done their duties in this service, and therefore let nothing dismay you, for I do not doubt but we are able to encounter all the forces they can bring in these six ships, with God's favourable goodness towards us, and as things shall fall further out I will advertise your Grace.—10 Dec., 1598. | |
| Endorsed :—“The copy of Sir Christopher Hildyardes letter to the Council at Yark.” | |
| 1 p. (66. 51.) | |
| John [Whitgift], Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 13. | Prays him to remember Mr. Manwood's licence to travel, also the papers and books for which the writer moved him.—Lambeth, 13 Dec., 1598. |
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| ¼ p. (66. 63.) | |
| Sir Thomas Leighton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 13. | He received the Council's letters of April 2, commanding him to take order that John Devick, the Queen's procureur of the Isle, should be paid his charges of £35, to be levied on the jurats, which had undutifully carried themselves in the cause of Nicholas Carey. He has accordingly done so, taxing them rateably. Some dutifully submitted, but others contemptuously refused to pay, the chief being Andrew Harrys, a very turbulent spirited man, who since is busied in framing some matter to trouble the whole country with, as is manifest by a late tumultuous sedition committed within this town of St. Peter's Port by some of the basest sort, but set on thereunto by some of these jurats, as appears. Has imprisoned some of the chiefest actors. Does not think that there is a more seditious or vile and disloyal hearted people within her Majesty's dominions than those of the said town, except some small number that are good subjects. This considered, with the dangerousness of the time, how fit it were that the Queen should bridle them by putting some garrison upon them, he leaves to Cecil's consideration.—Guernsey, 13 Dec., 1598. |
| Signed. | |
| 1 p. (66. 64.) | |
| The Earl of Essex to Edward Stanhope. | |
| 1598, Dec. 13. | Your letter dated at York the 6th of December was delivered to me yesternight in the evening, the 12th, which shows the slowness of the posts. I have, since the receipt of it, been driven through some indisposition to keep my bed, else you had had a present answer. I must assure you it was as strange to me that my letters by Wardman should be with you before those which I sent by Mansfeld [see Nov. 25] as it was to you to be referred to a direction which you had not received. For considering what haste Ralph Mansfeld pretended to make, I did promise myself that you should have had my letters by him ere the other was written or sent from hence. But you have hitherto carried the matter so well as there is no inconvenience grown by this error. And for your further direction, if after Ralph Mansfeld returns from the Borders he shall assure you of Cessford's purpose to go on with his enterprise, it will be both pleasing and of advantage to her Majesty to have him taken in his own snare, which you shall best direct and prevent the escape of the prisoners after you have heard by Ralph Mansfeld all the project of Cessford and the circumstances thereof. For if by Mansfeld you may know the means intended for the escape of the prisoners, and the time and place assigned for their meeting with Cessford, it will be easy to give order that the prisoners do not escape, but that the practice be laid open to the world, though Cessford the chief practiser could not be caught. Your conjecture is very probable that he will be very wary how he endangers himself; and yet if those with whom he practiseth and who have offered to ensnare him do carry themselves well, I should not think the catching of him impossible. These opinions of mine do agree with that mind which I found in her Majesty the last time I spake with her of this business : but since the receipt of your letter I have not been able to attend her. I will upon the first opportunity acquaint her Majesty with your care and diligence in this.—13 December, 1598. |
| Endorsed, by Reynolds :—“Copy of my lord's letter to Mr. Ed. Stanhope of York. Cessford, &c.” | |
| 1 p. (178. 13.) | |
| Sir Percyvall Harte to Mr. Secretary [Cecil]. | |
| 1598, Dec. 14. | Last night there came to my house from Gravesend, and, as I learn by him, out of the Low Countries, one Henry Phillipps, who hearing what disposition I bear to music, tendered his service to me, which I was willing to entertain, as well in regard of his skill as for the satisfying of my own desire unto music. But afterwards, learning that he lately appertained to your Honour, I have respited the receiving of him to my service till I may understand how it stands with your good liking.—Lullingstone in Kent, 14 Dec., '98. |
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| 1 p. (66. 65.) | |
| The Earl of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1598, Dec. 14. | I came yesternight to see my wife, and I mean this evening to be again at the Court, but if you find cause for me to be sooner there, I will. If the Earl be still ill then I think little will be done this day. I am persuaded that yesterday, when you three were with her Majesty, she concluded better than with us.—Undated. |
| Endorsed :—“14 Dec., '98, Lo. Admiral.” | |
| 1 p. (66. 67.) | |
| Thomas Percy to Sir Robert Ker, Lord Warden of the Middle Marches of Scotland, at Cessforth. | |
| 1598, Dec. 14. | At your man's being in England I was keeping my lord's courts upon Tyne water, which I chose to do at this time for that I would not have any occasion when you should send for me about your hunting match. I am glad to hear the running of your dogs please you so well, and that there is no doubt, if mine prove as well, but you will win the wager; whereof I would wish you to rest most firmly assured, for if my own judgment deceive me not, they are excellent and as like to kill their game as any I ever followed in my life. There is one only fault amongst them, which you may easily mend with good huntsmanship, and that will I make known to you at our next meeting; which I desire may be soon, that this fault may be mended before the match day. I will not be any day from home till I hear from you, which the sooner it is the better it suits with my occasions, which, as I have told you, are very earnest to London.—Alnwick, this 14 of December. |
| [P.S.] This is the true copy of my letter sent presently in answer of his, and this may you also convey to his lordship, if you like. | |
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| 1 p. (178. 23.) | |
| [See Edward Stanhope's letter of 28 Dec. infra.] | |
| Thomas Percy to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 15. | I should have thought my duty to her Majesty sufficiently discharged by discovering the practice, which might prevent it, without further engaging my life and credit in this cause, had not your letters both warranted and commanded my proceeding. What hath happened since, I have here sent you, that her Majesty may be assured by his own letter that his desires are exceeding to have his designs effected. That which he most doubted (and thanks God to have so happily found out) was an experienced pilot in whom he might trust. No man's resolution can be more firm in anything than his to attempt this presently, and nothing can give stay to his attempt but either extreme cross winds, or hope to relieve his by the delivery into Scotland of these gentlemen of Northumberland late committed. What shall happen at our next meeting you shall receive present advertisement. If secrecy be used by all those to whom it hath pleased her Majesty or you to commit it, assuredly the enemy will be entrapped and inthralled for ever.—Alnwick, December 15. |
| Endorsed by Reynolds :—“Mr. Tho. Percy to my lord, 15 Dec. '98.” | |
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| ½ p. (178. 32.) | |
| [See Edward Stanhope's letter, 28 Dec. infra.] | |
| Sir Henry Docwra to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1598, Dec. 15. | I could not be deaf to the report of your lordship's employment, neither so forgetful of my duty as not to present my service upon so worthy an occasion, where both the cause whose dignity it toucheth and the person by whom it is managed so equally lay claim to all that I have, either by nature or fortune. You shall confirm me in the same perpetual affection of mind if you think me as fit to be employed in any sort under your command as I am desirous to make offer of myself. I reserve and prepare myself to such time and service as you shall dispose me in, in the mean time attending the knowledge of your pleasure.—From the Hague, this 15 December, 1598. |
| [P.S.] I thought it not unfit to give you notice of the want of apparel the companies are in, as well those which came out of the Queen's pay as the regiment which was here before; the one being put off for theirs when it was due, and the other deferred in their payments upon the suspicion of this which the States have long feared. If it please you to provide that they may be furnished at such place as shall be appointed for their rendezvous, it will much grace the troops and relieve the men, which otherwise you shall find exceeding bare. | |
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| 1 p. (178. 33.) | |