Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 9, 1599. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1902.
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'Cecil Papers: August 1599, 11-20', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 9, 1599, (London, 1902) pp. 286-315. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol9/pp286-315 [accessed 24 April 2024]
August 1599, 11–20
| Frances Lady Essex to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1599], Aug. 11. | Dear Lord, I did think this bearer would have gone sooner, which made me make ready this enclosed letter four days ago, and since that time I have had the good fortune to receive two letters from you. The first came when I was so sick that I could not speak with Mr. Darci which brought it, but the joy which I took in receiving news from you did deliver me out of a fever which held me 03 hours without any intermitting in great extremity, but now, I thank my God, am free from it, but so much weakened by it that I am not able to come off my bed. None that sees me now would believe I were with child, for I am less than I was two months ago. Your son Boben is better than ever he was. I fear I shall never receive so great comfort of my other little one unless I quickly mend. I will for this time take my leave, being not able to endure long writing, but by the next messenger I hope to write you word of my amendment.—From Bar, 11th August. |
| Holograph. | |
| Endorsed :—“1598 (sic). The Lady of Essex to the Lord in Ireland.” 1 p. (63. 84.) | |
| Stephen Soame, Lord Mayor of London, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | The bearer, Edward White, came this day to London from the Islands of St. Michell, who can declare some matters of certainty concerning the Spanish fleet.—London, 11 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (72. 42.) | |
| The Earl of Essex to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | I must require you to assist a gentleman sent over by Sir Chr. St. Lawrance to solicit his suit to her Majesty and to my Lords. You must press all my friends from me to yield their best furtherance, for Sir Chr. is a very gallant, able servant to her Majesty, and my dear and worthy friend.—Dublin, 11 August. |
| Holograph. Endorsed : “1599.” ½ p. (72. 50.) | |
| Henry, Lord Cobham to Sir Robert. Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | By the bearer, White of Sandwich, I sent unto you a couple of men stayed there, the one a Scot, the other English, both Capuchines, friars, taken both together, because such is the order of their house that they may not travel single. The Englishman is named William Fitch, called Father Bennet, who at the entrance of the Duke of Joyewse to be Capuchine did give him his order. The Scot is surnamed Cambell, of the house of the Earl of Arguile, and is called Father Chresostume, sent into Scotland, as the Englishman saith, to convert his father and friends. For my discharge of them, I thought it fit to send them to you, praying you to consider the charges and pains of the bringer, for the encouragement of others.—London, 11 August, '99. |
| Signed. | |
| [PS.—Holograph.]—This Father Benett, the Englishman, was sent by the French king unto his Mrs. that died, to give her comfort in her extremity. The letter to the Scot his Queen here-enclosed, I send you with other letters. The Scot his man hath a brother, who is minister at Westchester. My opinion is their journey is for some extraordinary purpose, they both being principal men in their religion, and not usual for men of their profession to go into any country, especially to such places where they are barred to wear their habit. | |
| 1 p. (72. 51.) | |
| Henry, Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | This morning was sent me from Rie a letter in Flemish directed to her Majesty, which I caused to be translated, the copy whereof I send you here-enclosed; and likewise I send you an examination taken by my lieutenant of a Frenchman of Bordeaux. Judge of them as you shall see cause, but in my opinion it were not amiss if there were any possibility that the Queen's ships might meet with the 6 galleys. Frederick Spinola commands them. All particulars I leave to the enclosed papers. Yesterday I went to my Lord Admiral, and advised him her Majesty's pleasure touching the forces of Kent, that by his Lordship and the council of war it might be considered. The Lord “Montyoe,” with the rest of the council of war, were directly of opinion that it was not requisite to have the forces of Kent removed from Canterbury, till it were known in what place the enemy made his descent. As for my Lord “Monyoe,” he protested he never heard of it till my coming thither. For myself, I have no other direction than that the forces come to Dartford, who by post I have written about.—Blackfriars, 11 August, 1599. |
| [P.S.]—I pray you “be not know” to the Queen that I sent you a copy of the Flemish letter. The advertisement from Dover you may show if it please you. | |
| 1 p. (72. 52.) | |
| Filippo Corsini to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | I have received your letter and will not fail to do your bidding this evening.—London, 11 August, 1599. |
| Italian. Holograph. ½ p. (72. 53.) | |
| Thomas Pope Blount, Sheriff, Sir Henry Cocke, and Sir Arthur Capell to Richard Spenser. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | Appointing him Provost Martial for Herts, and giving summary of his duties.—11 August, 1599. |
| Signed. 1 p. (72. 54.) | |
| Sir John Popham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | I have received letters from the Lords, subsigned also by yourself, for my sending of lances and light horsemen, furnished, to the Court, under the conduct of some man of quality, if I came not myself, by the 25 of this instant August. I should be very sorry I should not be in case to be there myself, which, God willing, I will be at that time, and shall think myself cannot be so well bestowed as in her Majesty's service, though in a matter of far less appearance of danger to her Majesty and this State than the enemy wishes this to be : and will have with me such men answerable to my Lords' directions as shall be possible for me at this time to furnish myself with.—Lytlecott, 11 August, 1599. |
| [P.S.]—If I had but suspected these occasions when I lately wrote to you, desiring for my own particular some time of stay in the country, nothing could have stayed me thence, nor would stay so long now, but that I might the better furnish myself thereby. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Chief Justice.” 1 p. (72. 55.) | |
| The Earl of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | I pray you to favour us here with the privy seal for our money, now this day whilst my Lord Treasurer is here, otherwise we shall be much hindered in the business in hand, for that many necessary persons do attend for imprests.—Somerset House, 11 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“L. Admiral.” ½ p. (72. 56.) | |
| The Earl of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | If it be true that the enemy's army came to Brest on Thursday, and that they stay there so long, having so fair a wind, either of these two must in my opinion be the cause; that they stay there, being the ñttest place, till the forces of the Low Countries come down to Dunkirk, and may be ready to embark at the army's arrival there; or else the fleet of ships came in there and stayeth for the galleys that came creeping by the coast of France. I do marvel there is nothing heard of it from the West parts. |
| The business is very great here, and many occasions to send to and fro. I pray you that two or three messengers may be sent hither. My Lord of Lester had six. | |
| I would our men were assembled, for they will be wonderful raw, for in all the shires there are very few of the trained men left. | |
| I do hear that my Lord Chamberlain doth stay the voluntary horses : if it should be so, we shall be weakly horsed, which is the thing we most rely on, for it is the horse must do the principal “did;” and the voluntaries be the best; they that come out of the shires are very weak, and nothing near that number that is expected. You know all the noblemen and the best sort of gentlemen will come to the Queen. I am sure there will be above 5,000 horse; if we have the “clarge,” the voluntaries, and these shires appointed to us, we shall never be 2,000 horse. The first brunt will make or mar. But as the voluntary come I will stay them, and muster them. I pray you, if you have any news, let me hear from you. God preserve and bless her Majesty, and I trust in God they shall be better beaten than ever they were. I pray you hasten them to the sea as fast as may be. I do marvel, the wind serving so well as it doth, that we do not hear of Sir F. Vere nor the soldiers of Flushing.—11 of A. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord General of the Land Forces, 1599.” 1 p. (72. 57.) | |
| Henry Cuffe to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | Good Ned, this despatch is sudden so as the cause of it was unexpected. These enclosed will discover unto you the whole more at large. In a word, Sir Conyers Clifford attempting to relieve a friend of his besieged at Odonnell, passing by the Carlowes (a place of difficulty in Connaught) hath lost himself, Sir Alexander Radcliffe, and sundry lieutenants and Serjeants, and of common soldiers to the number of well nigh two hundred. This disaster I know not how his Lordship presaged, and in private talk with me, when Sir Conyers was ready to set forward, more than once professed that he feared the event. And expressly, by an Irish knight named Sir Theobald Dillon. [“This the knight has lately deposed before the council here.”—margin.] He sent unto him, willing him in no case to be too confident; if he thought it necessary, that himself would shortly march that way with far greater forces; and in conclusion added that, for the love he bare him, he could not be too importunate in advising him, as well by messages as by word of mouth; protesting that he would rather wish both his arms broken than that Sir Conyers should break his neck in that service. But it is true that things fatal may well be foreseen and feared but cannot be avoided. He hath paid the greatest price he could; and now his Lordship breatheth nothing but revenge. God send us good success, so that this may prove the last and greatest loss. |
| Ned Busshell arrived the 10th of this month. I have imparted your letters to his Lordship. In our next dispatch you shall receive some answer to them.—Dublin, 11 August, 1599. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (179. 70.) | |
| John Talkarne to William Downhall. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | I have, ever since my coming over out of Ireland, absented myself from doing my duty unto my Lady of Warwick, because I would not be seen at the Court, being loth to be commanded or employed by my Lord's adversaries. Wherefore, as I desired you at our last meeting, I would have you present my humble service unto my Lord Mountjoy, whom at his bidding I am ready to serve. There is now a “what alarum” in the country, and all the trained soldiers are as to-morrow afoot and commanded to be at Burndwood.—Hornden-of-the-Hill, August 11, 1599. |
| Holograph. Endorsed in another hand :—“The 26th of June and the 14th of August, and went out of London the Thursday after Twelfth Day, which was the 11th of January.” 1 p. (179. 71.) | |
| Army. | |
| 1599, Aug. 11. | Warrant to the Lord Treasurer for making payments to certain forces on foot.—Aug. 11, 1599. Greenwich. |
| Copy. 1½ pp. (179. 72.) | |
| William Cooke to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 12. | Understanding by the reports and preparations here in the country that there is a great likelihood of the enemy's disturbance, he offers himself and six men with horses for the Queen's service.—August 12, '99. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 58.) | |
| Gieffrey Luthar to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 12. | Encloses a letter received for Cecil from Milan, from Mr. John Standley. The writer continually abides in Venice, and offers his services for the conveyance of letters. |
| Concerning the party who is here detained, and reported to be Don Sebastian the King of Portugal, of late here hath been two persons, and, as is said, religious men, sent out of France by order of some of the chiefest of Portingall, as men to discover whether this be Don Sebastian their king or not, being parties that in former times have known the King very well. The said persons, as I am informed, having made instant request unto those of the Signoria who have the dealing in that cause, requesting that they may see the party, for the true discovery of him, who offered, if in case they might but have a sight of him, they would descry if he be the said party or not. But, in fine, they could not obtain to have the sight of him, and so some 25 days since they returned again for France in post, leaving intention with some of their friends here that ere long they will return hither again. So many here [are] of opinion that the party retained is Don Sebastian, which, if those parties return hither again, as is expected ere long, it will be discovered whether he be the party or not. You may send your letters directed unto me by conveyance of the worthy Mr. Stapes, by whose conveyance you shall receive this.—Venice, 12 August, 1599. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Geffrey Luther.” (72. 59.) | |
| Sir William Russell to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 12. | I have some conference with Sir Rafe Horsy and the gentlemen thereabouts, who have sent divers barks to sea, but as yet can learn nothing of these beggarly Spaniards; neither hath my Lord of Bathon or Sir Ferdinando Gorge received any great intelligence of their being on the Western coast. Whereupon I repaired to this town, for that there was a bruit that they should make for this place or Hurst Castle, but since my coming I find no such thing. If this whole alarm groweth colder and colder, I assure myself you will not wish me to break my neck in “redding” [riding] post to no purpose, for that it is doubted by some whether their numbers be half so many as it is reported, and yet, assuredly, some of them are in Breske.—Southampton, 12 August. |
| Endorsed :—“1599.” 1 p. (72. 60.) | |
| Sir Arthur Throckmorton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 12. | In the absence of his surest solicitor, Sir Walter Raleigh, prays that he may have charge of the 50 lances which are presently to come out of his country, so that the pains he has taken to see them well armed may not be bestowed upon a stranger. As he has been one of those who have angered these Spaniards in their own homes, so he would not be one of the last who should displease and displace them here. These horses and the 500 foot cannot march before Thursday. It is needful to have a special care, not only of restraining and disarming of the professed recusants, but also those whose wives refuse to go to church, which are more dangerous than the known, saving their livings and liberties by their feigned faiths. Such here have a common saying that the unbelieving husband shall be saved by the believing wife; of which sort there are many here, and of no mean estate, especially on the East side of the shire.—Paulerspury, 12 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir Arthur Throgmorton.” 1 p. (72. 61.) | |
| W., Earl of Bath to the Privy Council. | |
| 1599, Aug. 13. | It is now eight days since I informed you by my letters of the causes of my coming to Plymouth, and my being there with the forces of the county, as by the copy thereof enclosed may appear. Since which time both I and all the gentlemen of the country here assembled have expected your answer, (fn. 1) which because we have not in all this time received, and suspecting the same might miscarry, or be intercepted, I renew my former suit for your resolutions therein, which will be a great satisfaction to them, and the discharge of that which they so earnestly entreat and expect at my hands. The whole charge of the army amounts to £300 per day, besides the expenses of the colonels and other gentlemen. I find all men earnestly bent and desirous to encounter with the enemy, but truly they are very unable to continue here any longer without some direction from you to satisfy the charges.—Plymouth, 13 August, Monday. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 63.) | |
| The enclosure, 1½ p. (72. 62.) [See original under date 6 Aug. above.] | |
| Sir Francis Godolphin to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 13. | The 6th inst. I wrote from hence to you that I took knowledge of the continuance of the forwarding of the Spanish fleet from the Groyne, which I held unworthy to send by the running post by the way of Plymouth. Since, having heard from Cornwall that they have offered liberally unto Bryttons to pilot them for Milford, or some other part of this realm, I beseech you to forgive my presumption to trouble the running post herewith, and your Honour with the view of these my weak apprehensions. As for Milford Haven, being a place unknown to me other than by hearsay, that it is one of the fairest and capablest harbours of this realm, I have always since '88 held it to be the chief est place for the enemy to covet, where there is neither fortification that I hear of, or a country so populous as may resist the landing of that army. Besides, I am ignorant how that part stands affected in religion. If he covet that place, he will be like to land and to make it good by fortifying, which fort and fleet together may prove a very hard encounter for her Majesty's navy, being also a dangerous coast, void of any other harbour wherein they may be succoured. And the enemy being in Milford, you see their nigher neighbourhood to Ireland, both to give and receive aids according to their successes. This naked estate of Milford may justify my opinion against others that, with dangerous reasons, would seem so good husbands for sparing her Majesty's purse as to have no forts and garrisons entertained in these few principal ports of this realm. If Milford and other places were well fortified, they might be disappointed both of convenient stable room for their wooden horses, and good resting place for themselves. It is now unseasonable for this instant season to persuade their better fortifying. The Lord of Hosts only hath already overthrown them in four great sea attempts : whose power and mercy will, I hope, continue to glorify His great name. |
| If he should attempt either Milford or Ireland, I conceive these isles of Sylley, for their harbours and strengths, ought to be made defensible, lest the enemy obtain a resting place, to the continual unquiet of our coasts. If I be not deceived, the Groyne and those parts of Spain, and Dublin and those parts of Ireland, lie within one point of a North and South line, which, being extended from each to other, would cut these islands of Sylley in the midst : and although it be now out of season to inform our want, whereof I am able to make some particular relation, yet, for the good service of her Majesty, J do with an humble presumption advertise that these harbours are very convenient for succour and safety of her Majesty's ships having occasion to do service in these Western seas, or North channel : rather than, to the hindrance of the service, they should be driven to put back for Falmouth or Plymouth, this place being nothing inferior to either of them for capacity and safety, with much better outlets. I am persuaded that the masters of her Majesty's ships will dissuade against this place, that it is too dangerous to be adventured on, which I account to proceed from their ignorance, who in show will seem to know more than any, and yet of this place do know least of many. I am assured my Lord Nottingham has heard some captains of her Majesty's ships, that have been in these harbours, commend their goodness, for if they were not places to further and preserve adventures, they would not be so usually frequented by merchants, who no less esteem their adventures than their lives. If, upon this my discovery of the good use of these harbours, the Council shall direct her Majesty's ships to put in hither in cases of necessity, at the approaching of the ships, upon shooting of a piece of ordnance, or other like sign, I will always be ready to send forth pilots to bring and harbour them safely. Here hath been harboured at once above 120 sail, and some Venetian argosies of the greatest sort. The harbours of Milford and Sylley are two excellent “receytes,” very dangerous to be left open to the enemy, and therefore most needful in these times to be well defended.—From her Majesty's little fort in Sylley, 13 August, 1599. | |
| Holograph. 2 pp. (72. 64.) | |
| E., Lord Sheffield to Mr. Secretary [Cecil]. | |
| 1599, Aug. 13. | Thanks Cecil for his kind remembrance of him, and for his care not to have him removed from the quiet course he is in, which indeed he much affects. The world is mistaken in him if they think, in so honest and just a quarrel as this, that any man living would be more forward to venture his life than he. Though it has pleased God to draw him from the vain and ambitious course of the world, yet He has not deprived him of any good gift before placed in him, but rather strengthened them in him against any such time as this, when it is an offence to Him for a man that fears Him not to be an actor. As soon as he heard any certainty of these stirs, he resolved to be employed publicly or privately, as should please the Queen, and so he stands still determined.—13 August. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1599.” 1 p. (72. 65.) | |
| Stephen Soame, Lord Mayor of London, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 13. | Understands by this bearer, John Lynne, of Cecil's pleasure, that upon his (Lynne's) discharge he shall give security “not to intermeddle in any such thing in Cornwall whereof he shall be by your Honour prohibited.” As Lynne's estate depends upon his speedy return, the writer begs Cecil to accept Lynne's own bond for the performance of the premises; and he will undertake that Lynne shall observe the same.—13 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (72. 66.) | |
| Thomas, Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, August 13. | Recommending the bearer who desires Cecil's signature to a letter intended to frighten a man whom fear alone will move.—13 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (179. 73.) | |
| Robert Osborne to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1599,] August 13. | Cousen, being hurt with a horse, have kept bed and not able to write to you, or any other for me, wherefore I pray you excuse me, and let me entreat that you will write as to nothing that I write to you of according as you think best. The sooner you do it the better it will be. Ten days hence we go towards Sligo and so for the North. We are weak in horse and foot. God be of our ride, we shall do well with these strong rebels. In England they say they be but naked rogues, but we find them as good men as those which are sent us, and better. You shall hear of greater killing than you have.—Dublin, 13 August. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (179. 74.) | |
| Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 13. | I pray you keep the place you formerly did appoint and I will attend at the hour you direct. My house is for councils of peace and not of war, and is now unprovided for either.—13 Aug., '99. |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (179. 75.) | |
| Sir John Haryngton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 13. | Promising to let Mr. Amice have a buck or a brace, if he so desire.—Coventry, 13 Aug., 1599. |
| Signed. ½ p. (179. 76.) | |
| Mons. J. De Thumery to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 13/23. | Informing him that Spanish vessels had been seen in the Bay of Brest. There was no reason to think they carried any troops, as a vessel that reached Calais on the 21st had left the Adelantado at Lisbon. |
| A letter sent to the King from M. de Chastes gives this intelligence, which the King, as always, has made haste to communicate to the Queen.—London, 23 Aug., 1599. | |
| French. Holograph. Endorsed :—“From the French Ambassador.” 1 p. (179. 80.) | |
| Thomas [Bilson], Bishop of Winchester, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 14. | This priest, born in Lancashire, and naming himself Edward Kennion, landed at Hampton on 11th inst., and was the same night apprehended at Rumsey, and brought first before Sir Thomas West, one of the Deputy Lieutenants, and from him to me; whose arrival here in the midst of these stirs, and acquaintance with Wright in the Clinke, has caused me to think him fit to be sent to you, that what may not be had from him by gentle course of examination may by your appointment be drawn from him for fear of punishment. I have likewise sent Sir Thomas West's examination, and mine own, of the said priest, as also the body of the prisoner, by Thomas Stoner, messenger to her Majesty's commission here in Hampshire; which if it please you to commit to some other to be further examined, they happily shall have from him more than we could.—Waltham, 14 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 68.) | |
| The Enclosure :— | |
| 1599, Aug. 14.—Note of the charges for bringing up a seminary from Rumsey, near Southampton. | |
| Endorsed :—“Charges of the Searcher of Hampton.” ½ p. | |
| (72. 67.) | |
| Thomas Windebank to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 14. | Yester evening, at her Majesty's going to horse, she called me to her and willed me to write unto you these few words : that there should not be too much taken out of an emptied purse, for therein was no charity. A short text, and which in my own conceit I meant not to have written, but that Sir John Stanhope told me yesternight that you would not be here till this night, and so did her Majesty tell me she thought likewise; neither do I think it greatly needful to have written it unto you but for satisfying her Majesty's commandment, knowing myself how careful your Honour is for not emptying her purse. I beseech you bear with me herein, or rather with my simplicity.—14 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“From Court.” 1 p. (72. 69.) | |
| Dr. Julius Caesar, Robert Beale, and Dr. Ch. Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 14. | We have met this day together about the cause between the Marsilians and Captain Duffeld; and being ready to have given sentence therein, there came unto us the secretary of the French Ambassador signifying from his master that he was advertised out of France that the King had been made acquainted by Sir Henry Nevill with the said cause, and doth persuade himself that the King's or his Council's answer thereunto is by her Majesty's said ambassador sent unto your Honour. Wherefore we have thought it requisite, before we would proceed further therein, to be first advertised from you thereof, that thereupon we may do as shall appertain to justice.—From the DD. Commons, 14 August, 1599. |
| Signed. 1 p. (72. 70.) | |
| Henry Lok to “Rt. Hon.” [Sir Robert Cecil]. | |
| 1599, Aug. 14. | By letters of the 28th of May and sundry since, I have signified to your Honour of 40 sail of ships preparing in Andalosia and about Civill, and of the hasty preparation of the now assembled gallions and fleet at the Groin. I did the 9th and 10th of this present likewise advertise you, all which I hope have in time come to your hands, having been for the most part sent with diligence by way of my Lord Ambassador at Paris, or shipping going directly for England by way of Mr. Honiman. So also I wrote of Sebewres following of the Flemings, and wafting of the fleet for the Indies. Of their purposes I could but conjecturally write, and therefore referred that to your consideration; yet being by new occurrences moved to have those matters in greater jealousy, I thought good to signify to you such grounds as I have therefor : which is, that by some Flemings passing this way from Civil, and by English sailors taken prisoner (in a small caravel of Bristo by four Spanish men of war) off the North Cape, I am informed that the preparation with speed at the Groin of those 19 or 20 gallions which are there is certain, and a daily expectation of 40 sail from Andalosia to join with them; which is the more likely for that above 20 caravels laden with biscuit, wine and other provision came not long since from the Southwards to the Groin for victualling of them; and above 70 butts of water were filled by the Admiral at the Groin above 20 days since. And that also the country thereabouts is full of soldiers, which to what purpose it may tend, you (knowing their secrecy in all their affairs) will not expect any resolution of from me. Howbeit, as they gave out that it is for England or Ireland (to like purpose whereof their court whisperings concur), so the presently intended departure of Spinola's six galleys from St. Andera for Dunkirk, with Thomas North, Captain Eliot and other traitors of our nation (pensioners to the Spanish King) embarked in them, makes the matter more suspicious. Howbeit it were a strange resolution to remove all their forces so far from home; the Hollanders' army not yet returned or defeated; of whose success (whether prosperous or no) you best know, for it cometh hither sooner from Holland than Spain, if it be good. There is so small intercourse by sea here, because of the jealousies of the sickness, and by land less, the Court being 10 days journey hence in Valencia, and all the way dispersedly contagious; which makes all the courses I yet could lay frustrate in effect : from hence no bark daring or willing to go, partly by reason of the sickness, partly fearing to meet the Hollanders or some of our men of war, there is great slackness and uncertainty of intelligence. By land it is more difficult to pass, for from every town men must now have passports and testimonial of health of the places whereby they travel; which to have is impossible, so many places of necessary pass are infected. Those poor sailors which are enfranchised are forced to wander byways and lie abroad with long circuits, in which kind of going nothing of worth can be seen or learned; so as I am daily put to new shifts to hunt after shadows. If it were in my power to undertake the cost, I had sent or rather caused a fit and free person of my inward acquaintance to have gone directly to Court (where he hath great friendship) and so overland, as seeking of shipping, to have gone to the Groin and all along the coast, and so to have embarked himself for England, if matter had so required, or else to have made return by Pampalona, and so sending me word, to have returned and attended the Court. But neither is my commission so large or credit of my own good here. But if this storm do overblow with our safety (howbeit I have no hope now of Mr. le Grand's going in, or mine with him, if his peril of life be as we hear), yet I will render all my best means but I will lay some better ground for future times. There hath been from Cape Britton these two months a bark for this service from me, of whom I nor his friends hear no news as yet, to my cost and great disappointment. I beseech you resolve me once and in time what I am to do, and how my desire to serve you is accepted; who desire not to live longer than I shall discharge with faith all endeavours which I may hope shall tend to her Majesty's service or your liking.—14 August, 1599. |
| [P.S.]—It is now bruited that Sebewr is returned with his fleet to the Groin, but I dare not affirm it, unless the Hollanders were returned. His fleet came from Andalosia and may be part of the 40 sail expected thence. Here is from Court a proclamation published that all the inhabitants should furnish themselves presently with victual : what it importeth you can best collect. | |
| Holograph. 3 pp. (72. 71.) | |
| Thomas Sadleir and Jo. Broograve to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 14. | We have, according to the directions given to others and to us, charged watches in the towns within our limits to be straitly kept both by day and night, and in a watch at Puckeridge, a hamlet of Stondon and Braughing (Herts), there was a man attached and brought before us, having many letters directed as by the superscriptions thereof may appear to you, with a box covered with crimson velvet wherein is contained the passion of Christ engraved. Whether there be just cause why we should trouble you we certainly know not, because we thought not good to open the letters, some being directed to honourable personages; but lest any imputation of negligence in this dangerous time might be taxed upon us, we thought it not amiss, for the better discharges of our duty, to trouble you with the person, his letters and tokens.—Stondon, 14 August, 1599. |
| Signed. 1 p. (72. 73.) | |
| Henry Cuffe to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1599,] Aug. 14. | Honest friend Ned, I send you here enclosed a copy of his Lordship's letter to the Lords of the Council; one of the whole Council here to the Lords there, besides two letters, one to Lord Henry Howard, the other to Sir William Russell. The Lady Warwick sent me hither not long since a letter, wherein were some points concerning his Lordship, which caused him to return her a kind answer. This answer I send you likewise. It is the small package with a letter of mine own. Sir Thomas Egerton was once appointed to be the bearer of it; but by his importunity he hath obtained leave to stay; and my Lord Cromwell is now willing to be the messenger. If you think it not inconvenient, I would wish that our good friend Mr. Saville (if he be in Court) did deliver the letter to her ladyship, because I know he hath a good interest in her favour, and to say the truth, I would for my own excuse it were delivered with some compliment. But this I refer wholly to yourself. The letter to Sir William Russell I think you were best to leave with her, for so I take it it may be soonest conveyed. We have had no letters from you since those by Ned Bushell, yet had a dispatch from the Council dated the 4th of this present. I pray you remember me to Mr. Smythe and Mr. Bacon.—Dublin, 14th of August. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (179. 77.) | |
| Vincent Skynner to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 15. | All the articles in the included being despatched, and the letters made ready for your signature and the rest of the Privy Council, the fourth only excepted, which your Honour is to reform, I thought fit that my lord Treasurer's remembrance made thereof should be sent unto you, for the better instruction of them to whom you should commit the reformation thereof. And for the first article, there is no cause of moving her Majesty, as I have satisfied my lord Treasurer, by reason of a clause in the main Privy Seal giving authority to six of the Privy Council to give warrant for the discharge of the surplusage over and above the two establishments, according to certificates thereof from thence. For which purpose the privy seal requires that monthly certificates should be sent to the Privy Council of all such sums as shall be issued by concordatum; which if it be not observed, the default thereof is evident where it resteth, if there be such express order given by the instructions as the privy seal purporteth, which is best known to your Honour.—15th of August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (63. 57.) | |
| H., Earl of Lincoln to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 15. | Has received letters from the Council for his repair to the Court by the 20th of August. On account of his sickness, prays to be excused for taking four or five days longer.—15 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 74.) | |
| Sir Edward Dymoke to the Council. | |
| 1599, Aug. 15. | Has sent up a lance and two light horses furnished, according to their direction. Begs for employment, seeing that he is both “her Majesty's sworn servant, and born champion.” Asks for the charge of the lances sent out of “our county,” or the vacant charge of Sir John Bollis, now in Ireland.—Kyme, 15 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 75.) | |
| — to “Right Hon.” | |
| 1599, Aug. 15. | Continuing still in Venice, I would not fail of my duty for advertising of such occurrents as here offer themselves; which being none of late but such as the weekly advices send over, I have passed this fortnight in silence. At this time nothing specially deserves also to be signified unto your Honour, but a certain private rumour amongst some particular men concerning the peace of the Hollanders with the Archduke, many imagining undoubtedly that upon the Archduke's arrival in the Low Countries, there will grow some agreement betwixt them; indeed, the advices of the last weeks seemed to mention some strict terms they should have been come to, but being contrary to certain grounds indeed to be looked unto in this point, I never took any heed of the advices concerning such a peace. But whether these Venetians have fetched it out of the Spanish Ambassador here (for they are cunning enough in such a piece of secrecy), or whether their ambassador being at Milan learned any such particular note, here is a great presumption indeed of the States' intent to become Frenchmen, your Honour understands how. The King of France made a peace when the world thought there was no peace in esse, so think many the Hollanders may work miracles and make a year of wonder. I know not how sometimes when miraculous conjunctions cause great strange things, and the awe of a destiny forces a matter, it falls out so that against all expectation and likelihood the events of matters do, if for no other reason, prove so different, yet for this, to show that the heavens will not be measured by men's geometry, nor commented on by human glosses, so as there is indeed some reason why sometimes things should happen against all reason. This makes me at least check myself when I think this fear of the States Frenchifying is rather to be laughed at as a scarecrow than to be thought upon with intent to give it the credit of a true passion. I thought, howsoever, that it was my duty to certify as much unto your Honour, whose judgment will soon discern the force of it. I remember that being at Milan I heard almost all such as had occasion to talk of the Low Countries upon the news of the Spanish losses about Bommel in their first enterprises, put great hope in the “attoning” of matters with the Infant's arrival, and indeed the Archduke's followers (as I chanced to be where there resorted many of them), and one of his secretaries by name Felix, would often be mentioning their hopes in the peace with the States; which made me guess their means small, rather than imagine that the States intended any such matter. But it seems that those reports here grow neither from the advices nor from the speeches of the vulgar, or either of any others of the better sort, but of some certain particular relations gotten by the industry of some Venetians and yet held as it seems in secret. I have thought it might be some policy set on foot by the favourers of the Spanish faction to cause jealousy in us of our neighbours. But I will give it over, leaving it wholly to your Honour's censure. There are great reports of the Adelantado's going forth with a great army towards Ireland, some say for England and others to tackle with the Hollanders. But here they hold he is at sea very gallant. Saluce will make a war : but it is held here the King of Spain and the Duke of Savoy will, so they can be assured to have the King of France bound to the peace from picking of after quarrels and further meddling with them, give over Saluce into his hands rather than they will draw so heavy a sword upon so cruel a plague as they now suffer. Diguieras' son-in-law, Crequy, hath been piddling about the citadel of Turin, which with other places should have been delivered to the French by certain buriers of the dead and such as had care of those that died of the plague; but the matter was discovered and nothing performed.—Venice, 15 August, 1599. |
| Endorsed :—“Advices from Venice.” 2 pp. (72. 76.) | |
| Sir William Constable to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1599, Aug. 15. | From others you may have heard the disaster of Connaught, the death of Sir Connier Clifford and Sir Alex. Ratcliffe, the base running of our soldiers, and the loss of 202 killed in the place, and 206 hurt, which is the just number certified from the Commissary of the Musters, who before and after took a review of the troops. Some of our captains did excellently well, many in the same degree did ill, the trial of all will be known at my Lord his coming among them, when they shall be brought to a court. Here we expect another journey, which if it be my Lord intends for the North, assure yourself these troops which must of necessity join with us will cause (through their possessed scare) a many throats to be cut; besides, all our troops are weakened through sickness, our gallants are returned home, and when we fight, the whole brunt of the danger is like to lie of [on] the hands of few of us, so much are our ordinary spirits failed, for the supplies which were sent are such, many lame and so base fellows, that they are not worth their clothing.—Dublin. 15 August. |
| Holograph. Endorsed;—“'99.” 1 p. (72. 77.) | |
| Richard Tomson to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 15. | Being ready to take my journey for Calais, I have left order with this bearer Matthew Jenkinson to seek after some hemp and tar to be sent hither; for I am sure to find a person fit to accomplish what your Honour has determined. I have left four score pounds to pay for these merchandises, and if he can lay out more, I told him to repair to your Honour with my letter for forty or fifty pounds, for which I will be accountable to you. Because he has been my servant, I use him in the providing and shipping hereof. On embarking the same, he must trouble your Honour for a pass for the boat to come over, which will not be till I write. |
| I would also ask your letter to the Sheriffs of London to forbear any molestation of me for a debt of thirty pounds due to her Majesty in the Court of Wards from myself as surety for a poor man. This sum he has promised to pay at Michaelmas term, and if he do not, I will see it discharged then. I am to have a greater value from the Board of Green Cloth for sugar and almonds taken of me for her Majesty's provision. But the Officials say they have no money. So I must ask it may be tolerated till next term. | |
| To-day I conferred with a Netherlander, who came from Teneriffe, who affirms that the Grand Canary was taken by the Hollanders on the second of July, new style; that they had spared none of the Inquisition or the clergy there, and taken great booty. | |
| One of good credit from Middleburgh writes that the fleet from Andalusia to New Spain left Cadiz the twentieth of June, their style, forty-five sail laden with merchandise, and were to touch at the Canary, so that it is supposed they cannot escape the Hollanders; for the galleons that went to accompany them fifty miles from the coast were come back again.—15 August, 1599. | |
| Holograph. Seal 1½ pp. (179. 78.) | |
| William Heneage to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 15. | Being now sheriff of the county of Lincoln, I have received charge to send to London a lance and two light horse; I am informed that no sheriff in any other county has any charge now imposed upon them, in addition to the charges of their office; but I have sent up my son, the bearer of this letter, with three lances furnished, whom I beseech you to employ in your service, or if not in that, where you may think fit.—Hynton, 15 August, 1599. |
| Signed. 1 p. (179. 79.) | |
| Edward, Lord Zouche to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 16. | Is by the favour of Sir Thomas Leighton withdrawn into this island. Has received a letter from Henry Locke, which he sends, as it encloses one for Cecil. Begs Cecil, if any occasion should be offered, to “answer for me in such sort as that I may with good leave enjoy so much time here as I may find myself welcome without his trouble, because I would be glad, as I sometimes spend, so to spare sometimes.”—Garnesey, 16 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (72. 84.) | |
| G., Lord Hunsdon to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 16. | I have acquainted her. Majesty with the unfortunate news of the accursed kingdom of Ireland. It seemeth that she expected no good success could accompany him there that would follow no good direction here, yet, like a prince, will show no sorrow where it shall be too late and remediless. Her Majesty hath commanded me to write to you that if you have made no appointment with the Ambassador of France to come to-morrow, that you put his coming off until Saturday, but if he be appointed to come to-morrow, then that you direct him to be here by 2 in the afternoon, in respect hither is a shorter journey than to Nonsuch, and that he shall find her retired for her disport a hunting, she wishes he may be accompanied with some that may conduct him hither.—16 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“L. Chamberlain.” 1 p. (72. 85.) | |
| Henry Wake to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 16. | According to the Council's command, we have with all possible speed mustered our men for the county of Northampton, and purpose to send them forward this day towards their rendezvous appointed. Whereas it likewise pleased the Council to give us in charge to prevent and punish all originals and spreaders of such rumours as might discourage her Majesty's subjects, I am enforced to advertise you of a report secretly spread and whispered that her Majesty should be either dead or very dangerously sick, which report, as it would be grievous and dangerous to the whole state, I have by all means suppressed the same, so the very thought and fear thereof is so troublesome to myself as I cannot but reveal the same to you, hoping to receive comfort from you at return of this bearer with assurance of the contrary. I did presently upon my hearing of these speeches acquaint Sir Arthur Throgmorton, my fellow commissioner, with the same, to the intent that he might also use all diligence for suppressing thereof. The first beginners of these speeches are some dwelling within the county of Bucks, which are out of the precinct of our command, for which cause I have not in this letter set down their particular names; but if it please you to be informed of them, I am ready to do it.—Sawcy Lodge, 16 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 86.) | |
| Sir William Mallory to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 16. | It is reported in these parts that foreign forces are to be employed against the Queen : and although his years are many, he offers his services to her Majesty.—Huton Park, 16 August. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1599.” 1 p. (72. 87.) | |
| Roger Manners to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | Was at Buckstones when he heard of these great preparations, and therefore hastened hither to come to the Court : but being not lightly carried away with bruits, he prays Cecil to let him know if he thinks it expedient for him to come. If the Spanish forces be returned, as such report is made, then he will solace himself here. Offers services.—Uffington, 17 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 88.) | |
| Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | Has killed a stag and a doe for her Majesty, with a fat doe for Cecil, which he begs him to accept. His many appointments with his friends will stay him longer from the Court than he would.—Dychelee, 17 August. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“99.” ½ p. (72. 89.) | |
| Edward Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | Asks for letters of recommendation to Sir Francis Vere and Captain Vavisour, for employment in the Low Countries.—London, August 17, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 90.) | |
| William Stallenge to the Earl of Nottingham and Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | I have here delivered aboard her Majesty's ships victuals for 440 men for 6 weeks, amounting to 518l. 12s. 3d., as by the account, with the purser's receipts which I send to Mr. Dorrell, at whose hands, as I understand, I must have satisfaction as it shall please my Lord Treasurer to furnish him with money for the same, wherein I pray your furtherance : for if this money be not presently paid over to my servant, who lieth there only for recovering the same and the rest due to me for the last victualling, it will be greatly to my discredit. I have been myself twice at the Court, in consideration whereof I pray some allowance. Her Majesty's two ships and pinnace are ready to take the first wind. I pray God send them good success.—Plymouth, 17 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 91.) | |
| T., Lord Buckhurst to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | This morning came unto me Mr. Alderman Moore and Mr. Swinerton to know if their offers should be accepted, this being the last day unto which their offer doth extend. Hereupon I took occasion to urge them to increase their offer, so as in fine I brought them both to these offers, viz : Mr. Alderman Moore having heretofore extended his payment of 14,000l. yearly rent to be paid at 9 months and 9 months, now he is contented to shorten his days of payment to 6 months and 6 months, but will not increase his offer above 14,000l. yearly. Mr. Swinerton is now contented to give the yearly rent of 15,000l. and will pay the same half yearly, that is to say upon the 20 of April 7,500l., and upon the 20 of October other 7,500l. yearly, which is by 6 months and 6 months every year : but with this condition, that he will only give his own bond for payment thereof, and not to be forced to trouble his friends to be his sureties, for they would then look to have such favours from him as might hinder him above a 1,000l. yearly. He allegeth that in this he desireth no other favour than her Majesty doth grant to Alderman Billingsley and Alderman Saltingstoe, whose yearly sums are almost treble to his. And he saith that he holds his state as good as either of theirs, and doth assure that his state is such and so good as whether he live or die the Queen shall be paid a penny. Now therefore that you know both these offers, I pray you know her Majesty's pleasure and resolution this day, which of them she will accept; for this is their uttermost day, and the shipping for Bordeaux is within two days to depart, so as they have reason to hasten a resolution.—17 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Treasurer.” 1½ pp. (72. 92.) | |
| Sir John Popham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | I thank you very heartily for your letters and advice, and though her Majesty were heretofore well pleased that I should make stay in the country until I should receive other directions from you, yet seeing upon what terms things do stand, although I can give but very little assistance unto them, yet I held it my duty to make my repair to the Court with such conveniency as I may unless I be otherwise directed from yourself. But for that we sit here on the subsidy upon Friday next (where haply I may do her Majesty some service), I purpose (unless I be otherwise commanded) to stay that day here, and though I come up after myself, yet will I stay my companies here to be ready upon any (however speedy soever a) commandment.—Lytlecott, 17 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Chief Justice.” 1 p. (72. 93.) | |
| Henry Lok to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | By letters of the 9 and 10, the 13, 14, 15 and 16, which was yesterday, I have with all possible speed and particularly signified a hasty preparation at the Groin for the Northern parts, undoubtedly for landing and keeping of shipping there. The time of their putting to sea daily expected; so as I fear they will prevent these letters, which I send as I can by ordinary travellers, not being able to procure the post to despatch them directly without letters from Mr. Villeroy to the Governor here to subscribe them. I got one the 15th sent in great post, which I trust arrived in speed. The other since, and this, serve chiefly to confirm the former, but to particularise somewhat more assuredly the state of their army and probability of their purpose, which I have, delivered by one yesternight late to me, from the party of Captain Britton employed by me there long since of purpose, who being as yet himself and his bark stayed there (as all shipping is), sent but 12 days since by this party overland to assure me to the like effect as the former letters import; but in the proportion of their shipping differing but as 17 gallions to come (the two old ones there not being fit for a voyage) 30 gallies (counting Spinola's 6 which go in company with them, with the Adelantado's 24 gallies lately come from Calais thither) 60 sail of shipping in all beside (counting the 33 pinnaces to land men), so that the whole will be about 107, with 18,000 men, under conduct of Don Diego Pachiche, son-in-law of the Adelantado, and Pe. Sebewr to convoy him. Their place of repair and purposes seeming to be divers, some to pass by the Sieve, some by the North West coast of England and nearest Ireland, which is still most confidently informed me : but withal that they have some great purpose for cutting of some bank in Holland or Zeeland (through which letting in the sea, and making their way open for their gallies) they may pass to the river of Handwerp and all the country over, unannoi[ed] by Flushing or any : to which end they have with them divers Flemings (taken in the last imbargo) who have undertaken the same. Francisco Spinola being not long since at St. John de Luis (to fetch masts, brought purposely for him from Amsterdam, but delivered here for fear of being entrapped in Spain) he gave forth that in his way to Dunkirk he would sound every creek and road in France. But to resolve of their purposed place of landing I see no assurance, but along the coast they will bear till they be ready to enter the Sleve : through which whether they will all pass, or there bend themselves some of them another way, God knoweth. No doubt they have a great purpose to aid the rebels in Ireland, and here do daily pass very suspicious, and this day no doubt a very dangerous villain of that nation, out of Spain, homeward by land. There are many of this town (for traffic sake) much do favour the Spanish proceedings, so as no means will be found to have them looked into as were meet, unless your Honour would procure me a letter to Mr. Egremont, Governor here, to that effect, which for stay and search of her Majesty's evil affected subjects, I hold the league between her Majesty and the King may challenge, as well as in the case of the like in Scotland.—Bayon, 17 Aug., 1599. |
| [P.S.]—I am again sending by land and sea both to the Groin. God grant they be there or ere they depart, there is so many infections and difficulties by land I fear much. By sea if they meet they [their] fleet, I will direct them to attend on till they see their power and course, and so to come for England directly. If they find the fleet ungone (and be stayed there, as it is to be feared) then to send overland. The Adelantado sent for Berton Dona to employ for his preferment in this action, which witnesseth his likelihood to go for some great action. | |
| Holograph. 3 pp. (72. 94.) | |
| Sir John Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | The Queen finds many faults with this letter of the gentlemen's writing to you : first with Mr. Wake, that he did not apprehend the party who reported this unto him; next, that the sheriff and the other gentlemen do bruit any such thing without having assurance of the author; and therefore thinks it fit that Mr. Wake be sent for, and if he produce not his author, she thinks him very worthy of severe punishment. Instantly after the reading of this letter of theirs, she called Mr. Comptroller and gives him a message to my Lord General, imparting to him what she had read in their letter, and, to tell you truly, was never quiet since. You know best, Sir, I trust, how to handle this matter. And as I was coming from the Queen to write this letter, I met my Lord Chamberlain with this uncomfortable news of Ireland, but methought he staggered at the telling of it, knowing how unpleasant it will be. Here hath nothing happened worth the writing. But the Queen had thought you had not gone till this morning. Who told you were home, I know not.—17 August. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1599.” 1 p. (72. 96.) | |
| S. Elphinstoun, of Blythwod, to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | Refers to the old friendship between his father and Douglas, and offers his services. Recommends the bearer, his good brother, whom he begs Douglas to further with his advice and friendship, as his errands principally concern the King's Majesty, our native princes service.—Edinburgh, 17 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 97.) | |
| William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 17. | By his letter herewith to the Lord Admiral and Cecil, he has certified the accomplishment of their commandment for victualling her Majesty's ships, the sum whereof, 518l. 12s. 3d., he hopes will be satisfied by Cecil's means to the Lord Treasurer. Gives particulars of corn bought for her Majesty by Mr. Bagg and himself, and arrangements for payment. |
| This morning here arrived from Morles one Limberie which by your commandment was sent by the Mayor of Lyme in a small bark to the coast of Britaine. He reports that on Saturday last one Sanpford, a merchant of Exon, came from Brest to Morles, at which time there were not any of the Spanish army at Brest, or any other place on that coast, so far as he could understand. And further, he saith, that the said Sanpford left order with other English merchants at Brest that presently as the Spanish army should be there discovered, they should advertise him at Morles, and he would forthwith dispatch from thence for these parts, so that I hope either by that means, or the barks which are dispatched for that purpose, there will be sufficient warning given if the Spaniards come this way. Of the bark which I despatched from Fowy, as yet I hear no further news, neither of three other barks which the Mayor of this town hath sent abroad for spialls. | |
| It may please you to procure Sir John Stanhope's letter to the postmaster of Ashburton, that if I send any letters to him by my own servants directed to you, he hasten them away, although the postmaster of this town carrieth them not, for otherways I shall not be able to send any advertisements before any other so long as my Lord of Bath remains here.—Plymouth, 17 August, 1599. | |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 98.) | |
| Thomas Wenman to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1599, Aug. 18. | I may justly be condemned either of too much presumption or too little experience, that have adventured in this so restless a time, when so many and weighty occurrences do daily offer themselves to your careful consideration, to trouble you with my advertisements; yet the true and sincere affection which in my soul I have ever borne to you, and the great grief which I had to see so matchless a peer so injuriously or rather villainously slandered, has made me, like Cressus his dumb son, break silence, and being destitute of all means to come myself to relate them, have chosen this last refuge to acquaint you more perfectly with those complots combined against you in Scotland, whereof my Lord Willoughby gave you lately some notice from Berwick. It was my unhappy hap to be the discoverer of Ashfilde, the agent for the English Catholics, sent by the priests to undertake that embassage, which already you know. In despatching of those employments he proposed your Lordship (fn. 2)as the only likely obstacle to withstand and resist the intended Scottish title : which suggestion has taken so deep root in the King's heart that he is resolutely determined to work by all possible means your utter ruin and final overthrow, the which I think he will endeavour to effect rather by the fox's craft than the lion's strength. I fear (fn. 3)to tell you all my fear; only I earnestly beseech you to be well assured who in yon trust near aboutyou, for he beareth his mind that sometime said : Flectcre cum superis nequeo, Acheronta movebo. He desires nothing more than the ill success of the Irish wars in general or of your own person in particular (God prevent both!). What your honourable designments are, my low thoughts, that never soared higher than college causes, cannot aim at : however, this prevaricator doth seem to profect them, the which although it may be they be nothing but idle surmises, yet what effects they have already produced in Scotland you see; what they may do in England you may imagine. Howsoever thus much I dare avouch : you wish the welfare of this your country, and would grieve to see it subjected to so slavish a nation as these Scots, who have, like that foolish hunter, promised the bear's skin before he be dead, cast lots upon offices, rooms, lands and earldoms to whom they shall be given, when the kingdom shall be theirs : for a more lively instance whereof, when Ashefild had informed the King-that I was drawn into this action and would join with him, the King sent for me to have me promise so much before him, and willed me to set down what office or place I would have, and it should be reserved for me : and until such time as need required, I should travel into other countries thereby to enworthy myself the better to do him service. He wrote his letters to his brother of Denmark to receive me into his Court with all grace and favour, which letter I delivered to Mr. Secretary. It may seem strange so wise a prince as he is reputed should thus demean himself. The Earl of Cazzills, a man more wary and temperate in speeches than many other of his country, sitting at dinner with many other noblemen in the presence of Ashfilde, said, “Truly the Englishmen are good husbands and have so well manured their grounds that we shall find a goodly and pleasant dwelling there when we come”; and verily, I am persuaded that neither the Danes, Saxons, or Normans never endamaged this land so much as these Scots will do when the Palladium of our peace shall be taken from us. Their desire is to gain it only by conquest, by which means all shall be at their dispose. The reasons that make them thus confident are these :—First, his own title and propinquity of blood; his great forces and powers; the hope of divisions which we shall have at home among the competitors; and then the whole Catholic faction for his part, whereof he remains assured. For his title I need not speak : his forces I know them to be great : a true note whereof this Ashfilde had given him, both how many earls, lords, barons, and gentlemen the realm of Scotland contained : as also how many men and horse every one was able to make : the number comes to many hundreds of thousands : of Sir William Bowes to whom I gave the catalogue you may know : all which are bound by their ancient laws and customs to serve the King three months in his wars, at their own charges. Here may it be objected, although their number be great, yet are they a rude people, wanting both armour and skill. True it is that with the losses of Flodden and Musselborough fields they lost all their armour and munition, and I think all Scotland is not able to arm 1,000 men with “costlets” and other furniture fit for battle; yet is he able to furnish all these with spears and jacks and swords and muskets : besides, he expects if not money at least armour from France, for which purpose he is now sending the Duke thither as his ambassador, to solicit his mother's allies of the house of Guise, as also the King there, of whose best furtherance he has good hope : neither having nor likely to have any use for them there. The help that Denmark is able to aid him with he is sure of, which will be great, for under the name of Danes will come many Swisses and Frenchmen. In regard of these helps from thence, he took but 4,000l. with his wife, with a promise of a certain number of men, munition and money to assist him in the getting of this kingdom when time should serve, so that now you may see his power to be great. 2. For the rudeness and want of military discipline in his soldiers, he has for these late years past twice a year caused a general muster of all his men; he entertains divers captains and martial men, who being well experienced in managing and ordering a battle, do in good comely sort train his men, whereof myself have been an eye witness. To these he gives large pensions. Among the rest there is one English captain, a base minded knight not worthy that name, to whom he allows 20s. a week : his name is Chewte : as himself says, knighted by the King of France. |
| The next thing he relies on is the Catholic faction, to whom he promises great favours, and the Lord Francis Dacres is the means to intimate the King's good affection toward them, by his private letters, which he does daily, and now especially since Ashefild's employments there; besides certain books now in printing tending to that end, wherein shall be declared the King's right to the Crown, as also what he mindeth to do touching the repealing of certain cruel statutes (so he terms them) now in force. Not long-since, you wrote a letter as from her Majesty to the said Dacres, wherein you offered him 200l. by the year so he lived anywhere but in that suspected place, &c; which words the King took in very ill part, that either her Majesty or you should so term his country; whereupon he gave Dacres a protection under the great seal, making it felony for whosoever should assault or by any mean molest the said Lord Dacres. I assure you this Dacres is a most spiteful and dangerous man, and one will do much hurt when he shall have ability to put his mischievous resolutions in practice. It were a good piece of service to bring him into England. | |
| I could descend further into particulars touching these businesses, but I fear I have already abused your patience. Ashfild is in the Tower; he has been many times examined by the Council; what shall be determined of him, I know not. | |
| Offers services. Might have lived on good sort either with the Scottish or Danish King, but would rather be one of Essex's grooms than one of his (the King's) Council. Sir Oliver Lambert will inform Essex of his (Wenman's) estate and condition. Desires to come into Ireland. Expects Essex's mind from Mr. Smith, the Clerk of the Council.—From Court, at Nonsuch, 18 August, 1599. | |
| Holograph, 4 pp. (72. 99.) | |
| E., Lord Sheffield to Mr. Secretary [Cecil]. | |
| 1599, Aug. 18. | I perceive by your second letters that you have not received my answer to your first and am sorry for it, for thereby you should before this have fully known my mind; and I take so kindly as is possible the care you have had of me in this action. I was now on my journey as far as Gran tun [? Grantham], where I met your last letter, and my horses and furniture for arms is by this at London : but finding the alteration, and myself having had two or three fits of an ague which I had meant to have “frayde” away with the wars, I thought good to return, desiring you so far to acquaint the Queen therewith as yourself shall think most fit.—Granton, 18 Aug. |
| [P.S.]—'Tis not my ambition's sake, but in regard some of my friends and followers are injured by some of the Commissioners for the Musters in this country, let me intreat you that I may be nominated amongst them, that thereby I may be able to right my friends, not injuring them. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1599.” 1 p. (72. 101.) | |
| R. Douglas to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1599, Aug. 18. | As I wrote to you last that Mr. James Sempill was commanded to be in readiness for his journey in the country, and that he looked for nothing but from day to day to be despatched, so now having obtained it at the last, as I promised, I should not suffer him to go without my letter, which is to no other purpose but to request you to have a special care of him and his service that he has presently in hand, that at his returning he may testify your readiness and good mind with ability to serve the King. He was so earnest as possibly he could to have been directed unto you by the King, and to have had his Majesty's letter with his own hand to you for the effect; but for no request or intreaty that either the Secretary, or he, or Sir George Elphistone could make, would the King be moved to it, and the only cause that stayed him was this one, contracted familiarity and friendship twixt you and Mr. John Colvill, which you cannot believe how far the King mistrusts, and in how high a degree your enemies has aggravated it to his ears, and take advantage thereupon to stay your undoubted employing if that had not been; so that after long and great contestation, the greatest point that this gentleman could obtain of the King was this, that he gave him leave to deal with you, and to lay that friendship to your charge, promising that if “either it were not found to be so as he was informed, or that if you might qualify it not to be his prejudice, and then that this gentleman should either be writ, if he stayed any space there, or else at his returning testify to his Majesty to effect your good will and affection for the advancement of his service, that then he would both write to you and employ you himself in his other greater affairs. Before God again I must request you to employ your whole judgment and credit for his benefit, and instruct him, as you can best of any man living, in such things as you know to concern the King's service and weal thereof, that he may write back to your commendation, whereupon no question the King will be moved to yield to whatsoever reasonably you can desire that may serve for your credit and advancement either there or here. The gentleman, I dare assure you, is honest and well inclined and affectionate to you, and would with all his heart be an instrument of your preferment, both for the benefit of his master's service, and the good will he bears to yourself in particular, as also for evil will of them who are your unfriends here. The state of matters here, with all other particulars longsome to be written, I will refer to himself, who can well assure you in all, and therefore, wishing him good success in his business, and you to be an instrument and procurer thereof, to the next occasion of writing which I shall by all means seek out. My loving duty always remembered, I commend your Lordship and your estate to God's holy protection.—Edr., 18 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1½ pp. (72. 102.) | |
| The Earl of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 18. | I send unto you such instructions as the shortness of the time would give me leave to conceive, in the end whereof I have set down a remembrance for the City of London, which would be speedily remembered. Thus much I write to you for that I doubt I shall not be soon this afternoon at the Court as I purposed, although, God willing, I will not fail to be there this evening.—Somerset House, 18 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (72. 103.) | |
| Hannibal Vyvyan to Mr. Willys, Secretary to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 18. | Ere the receipt of this, he trusts the great alarm given forth of the enemy's intention will be overblown and that he may receive Willys' directions in the cause of Nicols. Negociations with Nicols. Sends an enclosure for Mr. Secretary, the delivery of which he leaves to Willys' discretion : also one for Mr. Conoke, who attends the Lord Treasurer, or in his absence from Court, for his (the writer's) son at his chambers in the Middle Temple.—St. Mawes Castle, 18 August, '99. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Hanball Vivian, 24 Aug” 1 p. (73. 17.) | |
| Miguel di Vivarri to Franceslo de Morilla Alguazil, Mayor De La Proveduria De Las Galeras De Espana. | |
| 1599, August 18/28. | I have written to you when I could and hope for news of yourself and your wife. I am come to the end of my wandering. We are to winter at Corunna. I hear this without doubt. There are now in the galleys so few of the men who started in them that I suspect that this winter will leave few alive.—Corunna, 28 August, 1599. |
| Endorsed :—“He feareth the misery if they tarry there.” Holograph. Spanish. 1½ p. (73. 49.) | |
| M., Countess of Southampton to Mr. Secretary [Cecil]. | |
| 1599, Aug. 19. | I pray you take knowledge that Sir William Harvy hath spoken with her Majesty and given her full satisfaction in the business concerns us. It resteth now in your favour soon to despatch us, whereof we make little doubt. He sought you there and here yesterday, but durst no longer stay, my Lord Thomas appointing this day to depart; now myself is left to follow the despatch, which I pray you further with your favour. If it pleases ycu to deliver it to Mr. Luke, he will make it ready for the seal. |
| Undated. Holograph. Endorsed :—“Countess of Southampton, 19th August, 1599.” ½ p. (72. 104.) | |
| H. Cuffe to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1599, Aug. 19. | Honest Ned, His Lordship [Essex] received yesternight very late letters out of Connaught which caused him by the post to despatch a letter to the Lords of the Council; a copy whereof I send you hereinclosed, though I know it will be stale. When I had written thus far, Sir Ed. Fitzgarrette and Daniell arrived, much besides our expectation, because the wind has been of late almost over contrary. Their letters are not yet opened, therefore I can give you no further account.—Dublin, 19 August, in the forenoon. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1599.” ½ p. (72. 105.) | |
| Juan Ruys de Arze to Luis de Velasco. | |
| 1599, Aug. 19/29. | The galleys, although we hope for orders, will I think remain here until the fleet returns. It sailed 51 ships, twelve little ones, and the rest of strength, galleons and large vessels. There were 12,000 men on board, including 9,000 soldiers. Their destination is the Azores to secure the fleets. |
| The day before the Adelantado left there was a quarrel between Captain Vasillo and Don Pedro de Salacar. They were just finishing dressing and took to their fists, having no swords by them. The Adelantado put both under arrest : they have been reconciled and are at liberty again.—Corunna, 29 Aug., 1599. | |
| Spanish. Endorsed by Cecil :—“This letter was written the 29th of Aug., '99. This speaketh of going to the Terceras.” Holograph. 1 p. (73. 47.) | |
| Don Ruys de Arze to —. | |
| 1599, Aug. 19/29. | Repeating the information in the foregoing-letter.—29 Aug!, 1599. . |
| Spanish. Endorsed by Cecil :—“From an officer in the galleys to a 'proveditor' in South Spain.” Holograph. 1 p. (73. 48.) | |
| Juan de Anguiocar to Martin de Durango. | |
| 1599, Aug.19/29. | I have written you a full account of my journeys, and could wish to hear of you and my other friends. I have felt a little unwell, but hope to shake it off. |
| The galleys are here awaiting the King's orders. They have nothing to eat, and now with a very little money that they have borrowed, they are issuing some meat to the men; this is cheaper than any kind of salt meat. Beer, however, we are in want of. I have written about this to Madrid for the galleys for six months from the first of September to the end of February; I sent a copy of my letter to Don Alonzo. | |
| The Auditor Hernando de Haro came here in discharge of his office. He appeared to me to be much broken. There is .much to look after and no officials. I do not think we have come to land in at all a good port.—Corunna, 29 August, 1599. | |
| Endorsed :—“This showeth the misery in particular of the gallies.” Holograph. Spanish. 1½ pp. (73. 51.) | |
| Robert Osborne to Edward Reynolds. | |
| 1599,] Aug. 20. | Cousin, I am much beholden to you for your kindness. I have written to Mrs. Hyde to send you a buck, for my Lord has put restraint on the forests and parks in Northamptonshire that I cannot possibly do it. As soon as I can find a messenger, I will send you some “Uskebathes.” We are all discontent, and from England it comes. I wish it otherwise.—20 August. |
| Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (69. 72.) | |
| J. Watson and Geo. Owen to the Privy Council. | |
| 1599, Aug. 20. | We received letters from the Earl of Pembroke, Lord Lieutenant of Wales, to us and other the deputy lieutenants of Pembroke, with copies of your letters to him, requiring the speedy preparation and setting in a readiness of the forces of this county, with particular charge that one of us should continually remain in person at Milford Haven during this summer. Accordingly, we cause the trained forces to be held in continual exercise and readmess in those parts of the county wherein they dwell, and our personal residence at Milford Haven we do and will duly observe. But for that it is not expressly commanded by your letters that the said forces of the county, or any part of them, should be drawn thither with us, we have hitherto forborne it, being moved also by the necessity of the time for the corn harvest, which in regard of the unseasonableness of the weather would hardly admit the continual absence of the people, without hazard of the fruits. Wherefore we crave your express direction therein.—Boulston, 20 August, 1599. |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“Deputy Lieutenants of Pembrokeshire.” 1 p. (72. 106.) | |
| Sir John Fortescue to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 20. | I am not a little grieved with this slanderous report fathered upon some, that I should send to warn my servants and tenants for their repair to the Court with horse in this late suspicion of invasion, and especially that it should be this far proceeded in before I were spoken unto, the matter itself carrying so little probability. But for your better satisfaction, I will hereby set you down all that has with my knowledge proceeded. Upon the rumour of the invasion, and agreement of my Lords that every man to his uttermost ability should furnish horse for her Majesty's service, I sent Woodforde my man down into my country to my son, with a letter requiring him to send to my servants and tenants to repair to London with horse the 20 of August; whereupon warning was given to them accordingly. In the mean space the alarm came, whereupon 40 of my servants repaired up, but the occasion falling out otherwise, I discharged them home until the first of September next, and this was all that ever I did or heard in the matter. Woodford my man, whom only I sent and no other, is gone with my son William Fortescue to the sea, and I presume he would not make any such slanderous report, having seen her Majesty walk in the garden and hunt in the park the day before his departure. But, under correction, Mr. Wake, who seems to me to be author, for that he layeth it in generality that some that came from me should give out such speech, would be sent for to make particular expression of the party's name whom he accuses, and so the matter might be tried out and severely punished in the author and spreader of the rumour. I have sent for my son to answer anything that may be to him objected, who if he cannot clear himself, I will utterly reject him. The gentlemen you write, and to me no one of any familiarity but rather known by sight or utterly unknown, might have further examined some certainty than so loosely to have advertised a slander against one of my place without ground, and rather caused Mr. Wake to come up to him to verify his accusation, than so slightly advertised, I trust, an untruth, for I cannot conjecture of any man of mine upon whom I might by “supposell” suspect any such undutiful mind as to report a matter which tends to the overthrow of all this realm, both particular and general. But (I) perceive the world is grown to that that si accusasse satis erit, nemo erit immunis. I will refrain coming to the Court and Council till I hear farther from you. I will send for Woodford from the sea as soon as I can possibly, for I sent him only and no other into the country. And thus resting upon mine innocency which will defend me undoubtedly.—20 August, 1599, at the Wardrobe. |
| Holograph. 1½ pp. (72. 107.) | |
| Stephen Soame, Lord Mayor, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1599, Aug. 20. | Upon intelligence given to me by the bearer hereof of a letter sent .unto them, 1 have thought good to send both the party and the letter to you, to the intent you may take such course therein as you shall think fit.—20 August, 1599. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (72. 108.) | |
| Disbandment of the Forces. | |
| 1599, Aug. 20. | Letter from the Queen to the Lord General (Earl of Nottingham) authorising him to “dismiss our loving subjects assembled together by virtue of our former commandment,” &c. |
| Draft, in Robert Cecil's hand. Undated. Endorsed :—“1599, August 20. From her Majesty to the Lord General.” 3 pp. (72. 109.) | |
| [Printed in full in the Report on the MSS. of the Rt. Hon. F. J. Savile Foljambe, pp. 98, 99.] | |
| Spain. | |
| 1599, Aug. 20/30. | Letter to Leonis Ruys Velloslada, paymaster of the Spanish galleys and of his Majesty's fleet at Santa Maria, probably intercepted. |
| The writer says—The galleys arrived ten days ago at this port of Corunna and the Adelantado went out with his fleet, but on account of the bad weather was obliged to put into Ferrol, but having found fair weather five days ago, he set out. He said he was going to make the round of the Canaries in search of an enemy. Gives also other information as to the galleys, etc. with a memorandum of certain provisions sent.—Corunna, 30 August, 1599. | |
| Spanish. Seal. 1 p. and parts of 3 other pages. (27. 98.) | |
| Andres Bueno to Monso de Castillo. | |
| 1599, Aug.20/30. | Here we are with the galleys, with our biscuit rotten, and anyone that wants better food than that must buy it for himself. We await the King's orders either to winter here or come back to the land. For a wonder, on the 25th instant the Adelantado left Ferrol with forty-six galleons and some smaller ships. Some say he is going to Canary, others to La Plata.—30 Aug., 1599. |
| Endorsed by Cecil :—“This shows they have rotten biscuit, and they stay for resolutions whether to go back or to winter at the Groyne, so as they never came thither to winter.” | |
| Holograph. Spanish. 1½ pp. (73. 55.) | |