Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1906.
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'Cecil Papers: June 1601, 16-30', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601, (London, 1906) pp. 233-261. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol11/pp233-261 [accessed 26 April 2024]
June 1601, 16–30
| Richard Verney to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601], June 16. | Lord Burghley granted the custody of William Bourchier, during his lunacy, to Mr. Barrington, the lunatic's wife's brother, with certain limitations for the preservation of the estate. He is now informed that Barrington, in order to obtain more absolute power over the estate, intends to solicit Cecil to change those limitations. Prays Cecil to give leave to the heir's only uncle, Mr. John Bourchier (the writer's brother-in-law), to be acquainted with the reasons and proceedings therein, before he determines any such alteration. Bourchier has great cause to fear his nephew's well doing, if his mother's friends have too absolute power in disposing of the estate.—16 June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (86. 102.) | |
| John Hethersall to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 16. | You may remember that in the beginning of Lent last I brought to you a letter from the Bishop of Chester, concerning the prison at Lancaster. Wherein it pleased you to deal most honourably in my behalf, albeit the keeper, one Pitchfork, the late Earl of Essex's man, regarded not the motion you made to him for me. |
| Your Honour's wisdom which saved us from the conspiracy of the Earl of Essex, no less dangerous than that of Catiline against Rome, may now save the country from intolerable dearth. There is in England and Wales 50 shires; in one of which, remote from London, there is not less than two thousand tippling houses which spends in corn and meat one hundred and sixty thousand pounds in money a year, half whereof is wastefully and wickedly spent. The great store of these houses and the great wastes therein committed are the chief cause of our dearth. To reform these abuses Commissioners should be appointed to call before them the tippling house keepers and wholly put down one half of them throughout England. The other half should be strictly bound to obey the assise, especially to sell a full quart for a penny, and should be compelled to pay forty shillings unto her Majesty at the first for a fine and an annual rent of four shillings ever after. Half these sums should be granted to the Commissioners, the other half be paid into the Exchequer. So you shall clearly gain to yourself twenty or thirty thousand pounds at the least, and two or three thousand pounds yearly ever after, and as much in both kinds be paid into the Exchequer. The Justices of the Peace in each shire cannot be trusted to carry out the reform, for they are great cornmasters and graziers, and therefore favourable to the wasteful expenses of these tippling houses whereby corn and meat are made dear : whereas by this reform they would be made plentiful and cheap. Moreover, this great number of tippling houses fosters and breeds such companies of idle persons, whores and vagabonds, as makes our commonwealth to swarm with poor in every shire, whilst the great abuses in these houses fostered do call, I fear, for God's judgment upon us. Hereon my brother will attend your best leisure, and if you deal herein, I humbly beseech you to give us towards our better maintenance the benefit only of that shire in which we were born.—Lancashire, this 16th of June 1601. | |
| Holograph. 1 p. (182. 53.) | |
| A paper containing a draft of a commission and tabulated statement of reasons follows. 1¼ pp. | |
| Henry [Cotton,] Bishop of Salisbury, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 16. | Forasmuch as both by office and your honourable deserts there is granted you the custody of all my records within this city, I am emboldened to pray aid of you for the preservation of some of my rights which are like to be infringed. There inhabiteth within this city one Mr. Giles Tucker, a lawyer, who in the time of former controversies being of counsel with the city hhat ever opposed himself against the lawful rights of the Church in Sarum. This lawyer being the Mayor's fee'd man, and lightly esteeming, or rather depraving, the authority of my ancient charters, hath of late obtained a new commission of the peace for this city wherein his name is placed. How unfit the same is that he should, being a party against my rights, be a judge by such commission as ever heretofore hath usually been granted to such as I should nominate, I leave to your consideration. It is directly against my rights granted by charter of Annis primo et duodecimo Edwardi quarti that any such commission should be granted without my privity or allowance, the liberty being mine, and the justices of peace by me to be nominated. Wherefore that I may not seem so unprofitable to this See as to suffer its privileges to be violated, I entreat your Honour to move the Lord Keeper to revoke the new commission so procured out of course, rather in contempt of my privileges than for any want which we have of any more justices or lawyers within so small a liberty; for there are already in the commission of the peace eighteen residents, whereof three are lawyers.—From my house in Sarum, this 16th of June 1601. |
| Signed. 1 p. (182. 55.) | |
| The Ishams. | |
| 1601, June 16. | Money owing by the Ishams, and others of their kindred, this 16th of June, 1601. Total : 1.116l. 18s. 4d. |
| ½ p. (2145.) | |
| Thomas, Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 17. | I have stayed the two Carltons, that are here committed prisoners, from being arraigned at this gaol delivery, for that I hope in time to get from them who were their companions in all these murders and burning of towns and houses that they have committed; which are so many as a man would think their age was not able to perform, the eldest of them not being above 22 years. Truly, Sir, there must be presently some speedy order taken to remedy the deformity of the West Border, or else by reason of the many divisions that is amongst them, there will be no place for justice to punish nor force left to defend the good subject. The cause whereof is that every party findeth a strength and a maintainer. They which are the strongest party are the Grymes and Carltons, which by reason of their late marriage together, and alliance to Lowther, do what they list, and forget they are subjects to the Crown of England, or at least to the Queen of England. They must be brought in by a strait hand of justice, and justice must be planted by forces; which if it be not done speedily, her Majesty will see her true subjects driven away and all that Border become Scottish in her own time. The Grymes have been so long cockered as they think the State dare not offend them, and are become insolent and so merely Scottish, as if the Scot durst attempt anything, they would be the first to follow him. For so far they affect Scotland as most of their sons are put to serve divers noblemen there and wear their liveries. I am bold to write thus much unto you for that I know by reason of that place you hold, none is fitter to take more care hereof than yourself, and so it is expected, and it will be a very honourable endeavour to bring to pass whereby our bordering neighbours may see the fruits of a noble government, and a service most acceptable unto God, who will take account at princes' hands if neglect should be had of the defence of the innocent creatures that are her subjects. I am of opinion that if these matters be not first examined by indifferent judges before the remedy be attempted, it will be like the physician that applyeth the physic before he know from what defect the disease cometh. Pardon me I have been so plain, for the very outcries of poor people that know not who will defend them, moveth me hereto. |
| I beseech you to send down, as soon as you may conveniently, her Majesty's letter for the admittance of Mr. Clifford to be one of her Council here, which it pleased her to grant at my taking of my leave. It is of great countenance to the service of this place to have such joined in commission as are of noble birth, which this country esteemeth very much. Give her Majesty my most humble thanks for her performing her gracious promise for Mr. Stanhope, which I take as a grace done unto me. I think fit to let it be known to her by your mouth how I find this country by certificates returned since my coming down, daily inclining their obedience in coming to church : I mean only Yorkshire; for the remoter parts I cannot yet write so much. I write not this of vanity but of perfect knowledge.—From York, this 17 of June 1601. | |
| PS.—Since my coming down, I have received complaints from merchants of being daily spoiled not by Dunkirkers as they think but by pirates of divers nations. At this hour there lyeth at the entry of the haven before Hull a ship of 100 tons with three score musketeers on board. I have written to them of Hull presently to arm out a ship against her; and I mean to move the other towns of that coast to join with Hull in manning out a ship for two months. I have likewise written to my Lord Admiral for one of her Majesty's ships that keep the narrow seas to come to these waters for a month. | |
| Holograph. Seal. 3 pp (182. 57.) | |
| Foulke Grevyll to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, c. June 17]. | He hears the Dean of Westminster is dead, and encouraged by Cecil's noble usage of Captain Hansard, he recommends Dr. Andros for that place.—Horrolds Park. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601, in behalf of Dr. Andrewes.” 1 p. (90. 94.) | |
| Jno. Hopkenes, Mayor, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 18. | With a packet of letters received this day from Cork. John Saunders of Bristol, was caused to stay with his bark at Cork on purpose to receive the packet, and commanded to depart presently, leaving his merchant's goods behind him, to his damage : and craves reward.—Bristol, 18 June 1601. |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“With a packet from the Lord President of Munster.” On the back :—“Haste haste poste haste from the Mayor of bristoll the 18th of June at tenn of the clocke in the morninge. Marchffeld at halffe an ower paste aleven in the ffore nowne. At Calne halfe a houre past 1 of the Cloke in the afternone. At Malbrowghte at three of the clocke. At Newbere paste 6 of the cloke in the eninge. At Readinge at 9 of the cloke in the nighte. At Maydenhead halfe an hower past 11 in the nighte. Hownslo at . . . mor . . . [torn off].” ½ p. (86. 105.) | |
| W. Temple to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601], June 18. | Expresses his thanks for the comfort allowed him of the ordinary liberty of the prison, and prays for release upon bail. Is moved to make this suit by the extremity of his condition for want of means to defray his charges, his fear of being exposed with his wife and children to beggary and misery, and the indisposition and weakness of his body.—The Gatehouse, June 18. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (86. 106.) | |
| The Barons of the Exchequer to Thomas Windebank. | |
| 1601, June 18. | By your letter of the 17th instant directed to me, the Chief Baron, it appears that her Highness hath had untrue information regarding our proceedings in the cases of Beecher and Quarles. The fact is that Beecher, being convicted in the Exchequer for transportation of corn contrary to the Statute, to delay execution, brought a writ of error in the Exchequer Chamber before the Lord Keeper, the Lord Treasurer, and the two chief Justices; and before whom it was shown that Beecher had been thrice outlawed, whereby he was disabled by law from prosecuting the writ. It is not true that the cause was referred by the Barons out of the Exchequer into the Chamber. |
| As to Quarles, although his matter seems to have been referred to the Lord Treasurer and some others of the Privy Council more than a year since, the suit in the same was only begun in the Exchequer last term, and the issue was to have been tried on Tuesday last, but was respited by the Court till next term on application by Quarles' counsel, two of his most important witnesses being beyond the seas, and not having had time to return home.—From Serjeant's Inn, this 18th of June 1601. | |
| Signed, W. Peryam, Robt. Clarke, Ja. Savile. 2 pp. (182. 58.) | |
| W. Udall to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601,] June 18. | I have been hourly expecting to be put to the proof; and whereas, as well for the performance of the main service upon Tyrone as for such other things as I have delivered, I do in Ireland entertain divers parties in hopes, please you to give me some direction what course to hold in these causes. |
| If you would put to me the managing of that service upon Tyrone, I would not desire liberty till I had performed it, or you had testified my intent to be zealous and my plot most convenient. I have offered to your Honour the apprehension of other parties also, wherein I beseech your speedy direction. | |
| There are two more things to be considered : | |
| The one is the sending into Spain of the Baron of Scrine (the Baron of Delvin's nephew) with one of friar Nangle's nephews to attend upon him. | |
| The other is the several apologies scattered abroad and sent into Ireland of Essex and of his intents, with great and strange exceptions against the printed book, which doth more mischief and breedeth more faction than any one thing whatsoever. | |
| Accept my offer for Tyrone : you shall never have the like opportunity; and consider my present estate for my charges with the keeper. I am without means, without money, without necessaries.—Gatehouse, this 18 of June. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. 1 p. (182. 59.) | |
| Matthew Greensmith to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 19. | In my last, the chiefest occasion was concerning the Company their sudden going from hence without any just cause, to their great discredit both with this Earl and town as also with many others, and with great charge and trouble to themselves, the practice whereof they have now found out. For whereas their appointed [agent] here, ever abusing the town and in all sorts holding with the Earl and ever putting his hand between the bark and the tree, so long that of both he was and is yet in dislike : which certain brothers seeing; which both contrary to her Majesty's commands and to their own orders, had dealings at Hamburg and would not be kept from thence, made upon a sudden a false alarm, writing home in all haste, some two or three, of them of great wonders, and had also practised that this news should come against the time that they of Stoad had their letters there : which matter is not kept so secret but it is spied and many with each other discontent; for they were here so well and had such good utterance for cloth as they would desire, and like to follow if they had stayed. So long as they were here, the Earl was always devising new matters against the town, which since hath been still. The 16 of this month, came hither the principal Secretary of the Emperor's, called Hany Waldte, whom the Earl received into his country with 60 horse, and so being carried from his first house of Freborck to Wittmund Essens and from thence to Auryck where he received him in person with what show both of footmen and horse that he could, and at every house store of great shot both by day and by night. And the third day came with him to Emden, where the burghers in all degrees well appointed received him, and after his coming upon the Castle made shows of skirmishes before him : and at night with fireworks and great ordnance store. The next day the Earl departed from him and he went to Gronynge, accompanied with the Baron of Knyephousen and others, for no cause, as we hear, but to see the town. His office hither is as to all the chief in Germany from the Emperor, declaring unto them the state of the Empire and the strength of the Turk, so that he must have more money levied of all States to maintain his wars. The States' forces lie before Burcke and have taken in the “werde” [ward] before the town and sconced themselves round about, and great hope to get it, and yet there are more than 2,000 soldiers in it. In Leffland the wars will now begin; for the King of Poll' [Poland] mindeth to be in field with his forces the next month, and Duke Charles, in respect of his warring the whole winter, his people and horses be faint so that as yet he hath little new supplies. His most forces lies before Cuckenhousen, having gotten the town but not the castle. Himself is yet at Revel, where his lady was brought to bed of a young son the 10 May. The principal points of contention between Count Enno and the Earl of Oldenburgh are at length decided by Commissioners sent hither at their both requests from Brussels, so that they are not to attempt anything more but what they shall get by law.—At Emden, the 19 June 1601. |
| Since the beginning of this letter here is certain news that the King of Denmark hath written to the town of Hamburg to hold him within the town as their protector, and that he will have a fast castle within the town in what place he will, and one of the gates open at all hours at his commandment, and also two of his appointment to sit in Council with him in their senate, and the half of their town's toll : to all these articles they are to answer within six weeks. Which matters trouble them not a little, and God knows how they will answer it, for some of them he will have : and then the Camp being upon the Elbe well to be considered whether the Dane be to be trusted with such a mass of goods as at one instant he may have in the Sound and upon the Elbe. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Matthew Greensmith to my Mr., from Emden. Blaming the English merchants for their sudden departure from thence. An Embassador from the Emperor. Some difference like to grow between the K. of Denmark and the Hamburgers.” Seal. 2 pp. (182. 60.) | |
| Stephen Le Sieur to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 19. | It pleased her Majesty upon Monday last by the means of Sir John Stanhope to receive in the Privy Chamber at my hands the two letters from the father and son, Counts Palatine in Neuburg, whereof I had formerly acquainted your Honour, and to give me a gracious assurance of her royal liberality towards me. It resteth for me to taste the fruits thereof which I expect not but by your favour.—This 19th June 1601. |
| This enclosed abstract is out of a letter which I have received this evening. | |
| Holograph. Imperfect. Seal broken. ½ p. (182. 61.) | |
| Sir Arthur Capell to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 19. | With a fat buck. Thanks Cecil for his favourable letters to Sir Francis Vere on behalf of his son Edward, and for the passport for his safety thither.—Haddham [Herts], 19 June 1601. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (86. 107.) | |
| The Earl of Pembroke to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601,] June 19. | The imposition you laid upon me for my wardship, though it be a very heavy burden on my weak means, having so many great payments to make besides; yet since it is her Majesty's pleasure, I will not dispute it, but wholly submit myself to her sacred will. I think myself much favoured by her Majesty, that it would please her to give me leave to go abroad to follow my own business : but I cannot forbear telling of you that yet I endure a very grievous imprisonment, and so (though not in the world's misjudging opinion) yet in myself I feel still the same or a worse punishment. For do you account him a freeman that is restrained from coming where he most desires to be, and debarred from enjoying that comfort in respect of which all other earthly joys seems miseries, though he have a whole world else to walk in? In this vile case am I, whose miserable fortune it is to be banished from the sight of her, in whose favour the balance consisted of my misery or happiness, and whose incomparable beauty was the only sun of my little world, that alone had power to give it life and heat. Now judge you whether this be a bondage or no. For mine own part, I protest I think my fortune as slavish as any man's that lives fettered in a galley. You have said you loved me and I have often found it, but a greater testimony you can never show of it than to use your best means to rid me out of this hell, and then shall I account you the restorer of that which was far dearer unto me than my life, and for such an infinite kindness ever remain your most assured friend to be commanded.—Baynard's Castle, 19 June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601. Earl of Pembroke.” 1 p. (86. 108.) | |
| Sir Henry Bromley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 20. | Offers his faithful services, not doubting by the same to cancel in some part Cecil's displeasure, the rather for that his error proceeded not from malice, but of mistaking, and at a time when he had been deprived of natural rest for three days and nights, which greatly distempered him. Hopes his submission and offer to make amends will procure Cecil to remit all errors : also that he may rely on Cecil for satisfying her Majesty of his loyalty, and for his entire liberty in time convenient.—Tower of London, 20 June 1601. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (86. 109.) | |
| Sir Richard Greme to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 20. | It pleased you last night to signify that for the 100l. which I should receive here you would write to Sir George Carewe to make payment thereof to me in Ireland. These are to put you in remembrance of the same, and to beseech you to write a few lines either under the letter already sent hither, or otherwise as you shall deem most fit. Offers services.—June 20 1601. |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“Sir Rich. Greyme.” 1 p. (86. 110.) | |
| Edm. Bunny, Antho. Walkwood, Edward Maplet, and William Mey to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 20. | With humble thanks for that it pleased you so to moderate your request on behalf of Mr. Hilton, and in like sort desiring you not to take it in ill part that as yet we did not answer your former letters, which we had done but that Mr. Hilton did not again repair to us according to our agreement. Whereas there be divers arrearages yet behind in Mr. Aiglionbie's time for those lands which he hath of us, and which we looked that he should first take order for, he has not only refused so to do, but thereupon also has further abused some of us so far in contemptuous and grievous speeches, confirmed with many horrible oaths, in presence of divers of the best in Carlisle, notwithstanding that they reproved him for it, that we are in doubt that he would be both an ill tenant himself unto us, and an ill example to others also. Besides this, they have (as we take it) at Pentecost last six years to come of the old lease, wherein the widow has some interest : and Mr. Aiglionby having divers lands of ours besides by lease from us, certain of them he has so mingled with his that our church is like to have loss thereby, if that also be not cleared before. For the ward ourselves also are careful, and fear that Mr. Hilton has not that regard of him that he pretends, in seeking thus to prevent the time when as himself will be ready then to take it. Of these difficulties we thought it our duties to advertise you first : and nevertheless to signify withal, that if it be your pleasure that he, notwithstanding, should have it, those being first in some good manner provided for (as our trust is you will be careful thereof), for the fine we shall be so reasonable that we trust you will grant that we deal very well with him. This do we respect so much the rather for that we have experience often, that because we are weak by the usual absence of our Deans now these many years, divers do now seek to possess themselves of ours (so far as words, contempt and threats will bear it) by forcible means, about which, if it shall please you further to talk with Mr. Dean, our trust is that he also will be of the much like mind herein : at least ourselves have written to him also to this effect.—Carlile, 20 June 1601. |
| Signed as above. 1 p. (86. 111.) | |
| Richard Neile to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, June 20]. | In this occasion of the vacation of the Deanery of Westminster, I will not presume to move your Honour but only thus far. I presume that D. Andrews upon his good success in that suit, may be well willing to depart with a benefice which he has here in London, which by your good favour, for the nearness of it to your Honour, I would gladly affect, though it were by way of exchange for my benefice in Bedfordshire. |
| Undated. Endorsed :—“20 June 1601. Dr. Neale.” 1 p. (86. 112). | |
| Lord Sheffield to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, June 20]. | I am to entreat your favour in a cause that depends before you in the Court of Wards, wherein I am extraordinarily interested, for that one of my daughters is to marry the son of the defendant. The gentleman in whose behalf I write, having sound grounds whereupon to sue the other for certain lands, he, out of a cunning humour, holds himself as a ward in the Court for want of paying his livery, and thereby holds this gentleman his adversary with delays, so that he cannot have further trial of the laws of this realm for the recovery of his own. The case is extraordinary, for this ward is so young that he is grey headed with age, and yet under this pretext, debars him that sues him of all lawful proceedings. This which I have written considered, it being so true that I know none to my face can dare to deny it, I earnestly entreat you that, for justice' sake, knowing that I cannot move you with anything more forcible, your nature and virtue considered, you will be pleased to bestow the hearing of the cause yourself at the time appointed this term, which has this two years at the least there depended without hearing. The attorney of that Court, Heskitt [Hesketh] I mean, I know is very partial, a thing, God knows, too ordinary in this time. |
| Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“Recd. 20 June 1601. Lo. Sheffield.” 1½ pp. (86. 113.) | |
| Robert Wrothe, Jo. Croke, William Gylberd, and John More to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 20. | According to Cecil's letters of the 16th inst., they have examined Rowland Lee, of London, merchant, and find no lunacy or distraction in him. For the state of his body, distempered with sickness, and sufficiency of his understanding, Mr. Dr. Gilbert will more largely declare it.—20 June 1601. |
| Signed as above. 1 p. (86. 114.) | |
| Margaret Crump to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, June 20]. | For lease of the lands of her son Thomas during his minority. |
| Undated. Endorsed :—“20 June 1601.” 1 p. (797.) | |
| P., Lord Willoughby to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 21. | My old servant Richard Fulstowe is dead, and you granted me the wardship of the son when the father should die. Fulstowe and his ancestors have been dependers and wards of my house these 300 years : and the matter concerns me more than ever by reason of the extraordinary trust I committed to Fulstowe, the most part of my estate resting in Fulstowe's hands, because of the many receipts he has had of my rents, and my daughter's portion lately come to his hands, all as yet unaccounted for. “Thus is he and my cousin Wyllughby, my nearest kinsman, gone; I shall follow them ere long, being now very sick. I beseech you be a father to my eldest son when I am dead. I commend him to you, as to a friend in whom I chiefly repose myself. You shall find my estate far otherwise than the world thinks, but your love and wisdom will perfect what is wanting.”—21 June 1601. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (86. 115.) | |
| John Warkouse and Christopher Ricroft, Churchwardens, and Others to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 22. | It appears by your Honour's letters that Gabriel Birkhedd has petitioned you to direct your letters to the Churchwardens and Vestrymen to refer the election of the clerkship of our parish to the arbitrament of two lawyers. Time out of mind the election of the parish clerk has been by the Churchwardens and Vestrymen, and his wages always paid by the parish. We have elected a young man whose father passed all the offices in the town with credit, and he no means to live but only such help as he has from his brother, the schoolmaster of Westminster School. Birkhedd has far better means. Birkhedd's allegation that the place was given him by his late master and the Chapter is untrue. Mr. Dean in his lifetime directed his letter to them to prefer Birkhedd in their election, but had no authority to give the place to his man without their consent. Birkhedd is not capable of the place by reason of his defects in music.—Wesminster, 22 June 1601. |
| Signed as above. Endorsed :—“The Churchwardens and others of Westminster.” 1 p. (86. 117.) | |
| T., Lord Buckhurst to Mr. Secretary Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 21. | Excuses himself from attendance on her Majesty by reason of illness.—21 June 1601. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (86. 118.) | |
| Lord Sheffield to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601,] June 21. | It is held as certain here that my Lord Willoughby is dead, the truth whereof by this time I assure myself you know. If it be so, I pray you give me leave to put you in remembrance of your promise that when his place should fall, you would stand firmly to procure it for me. In this I settle the end of my public fortune, for if this may not be obtained, being so apt for me, I have no reason to hope for any preferment. The Queen is well affected to do me good, and you and my Lord Admiral well able to effect far greater matters with her Majesty. To come up to make suit for myself, I hold not fit till the matter have been first moved by you or my Lord Admiral, but I will be guided herein by your advice.—This 21 of June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. 1¼ pp. (182. 62.) | |
| Captain Garrett Flemmyng to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601,] June 22. | Having received so many favours from your Honour, I cannot as a soldier and a gentleman but acknowledge my thankfulness, and blow up the trumpet of your fame for your honourable dealing with all servitors. I shall ever think myself happy to be counted in the number of your followers.—The 22 of June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. 1 p. (182. 63.) | |
| Lord Chief Justice Popham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 22. | You know how late I came home yesternight so as I could not meet with the party that makes the discovery until this morning; and this day at noon he promised to meet here at Lambeth, whereupon I gave warrant to a man of my own for the apprehension of him who calleth himself Bedoll; but his true name is Bedle, and I verily think it is Arthur Bedle who was censured in the Star Chamber and hath been for many his lewd actions drawn in question in other her Majesty's Courts; and was long since brought in question for some matter concerning her Majesty, having before served the enemy but delivered of it, and after entertained by the late earl. These speeches the woman said he used to her. “He wished God to convert her Majesty or God to confound her,” adding withal that he hoped “ere it were long we should have a merry world in England”; and, after, meeting her in the Strand, told her, asking whither he went, he said to dine with a company of gallants that were to pass over with him; for which purpose, he said, he had a ship of his own ready at Portsmouth to pass thence the latter end of this month. This man now calleth himself Bedoll where she findeth his name to be Bedle, and lieth not two nights in one place, which, with his speeches aforesaid, moved her to suspect he had some evil purpose in hand, and therefore discovered it. He is of a good stature, very well complexioned, black hair, well made, very bold and of between 40 and 50 years old, and a very comely and handsome man. This is his true description which my Lord Admiral desired to know. He came not this day, as he appointed, but hath been forth of town four or five days, but the woman doth use all means she may to discover where he may be had; which I will have all the care I may of, but in my opinion it will not be amiss to send some trusty and secret person to Portsmouth to discover whether his speech for the ship be true. I had written sooner but I heard you would be here this evening and so my letters might have missed you.—At Serjeants Inn, the 22th of June 1601. |
| Holograph. 2 pp. (182. 64.) | |
| George Harvy to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 22. | Urging the speedy appointment of a Surveyor in the Ordnance for the following reasons. |
| To survey and take the remains and accounts of her Majesty's ships, which ever since the attainder of the late surveyor hath been omitted. | |
| Whereas there is at present great want of iron ordnance, and there are about one hundred tons thereof ready cast, yet it cannot be brought into store without a surveyor to repair into the country where it lies and make proof thereof. | |
| The rates and prices of munitions, debentrs, quarter books and other accounts within the office cannot orderly proceed for want of a surveyor. | |
| The proof of great ordnance, muskets, calivers, powder, shot, match, pikes and other munitions has, during the vacancy of the surveyorship, been hitherto supplied by me, but it is almost impossible for any one man to perform the duties of both the offices of lieutenant and surveyor.—The Tower, 22o Junii 1601. | |
| Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (182. 65.) | |
| Philip Cecil to Sir R. Cecil. | |
| [1601, June 22.] | Servant in livery for 40 years to William Cecil of Alterenes. Prays for the wardship of Thomas Webb of Didley, Hereford. |
| Endorsed :—“22 June 1601.” 1 p. (799.) | |
| [The Lords of the Council to Lord Willoughby]. | |
| [c. June 22, 1601]. | Although we would have been right glad even at this time to have definitively set down our opinions and exposition of those questions which have wrought the government of that town to so great a disorder, yet we have been constrained to attend so many other great and weighty consultations as we doubt not but your own wisdom will sufficiently satisfy your mind concerning our deferring of the same. But to the intent you may be assured that her Majesty is as desirous to give you all the rights and authority that belong to your place as much as ever to any, we do promise you that after some few days are overpast we will send you our opinion in all the things which we do know to have been in question. And now for the present for your further satisfaction, that the world may take notice that her Majesty will allow of no person that shall contemptuously demean himself toward you, her Majesty hath committed (fn. 1) the Master of the Ordinance to the Fleet. And further, because there runneth so general a report that your weakness of body doth daily increase, even so far as it is here reported that you should be in danger, for the which her Majesty is not a little sorry; it hath pleased her with all expedition to send down Sir John Cary the better to assist your lordship in her Majesty's service; into which point seeing we are fallen we must now let you understand that her Majesty persuades herself so assuredly of your temper and judgment, conjoined with your affection to her service, as no particular unkindness shall make you anyway unwilling to concur for the public [good] with any man in her Majesty's service, yea, though there were the greatest mislike or quarrel; wherein although we do assure that we do find Sir John Cary so fully resolved to concur with you in all things whatsoever that may concern her Majesty's service or give you all your dues without prejudice to any thing of his place, as we have thought it superfluous to speak of that point at all, yet because you may know with what mind this gentleman comes down as well as we do, we thought it fit to touch it by the way, and to let you know how much her Majesty desireth to understand of your good health and recovery. Which being as much as is requisite to write unto you for the present, we commit you to God's protection. |
| Endorsed :—“Minute to the Lord Willoughby from the Lords.” Draft. 3¾ pp. (29. 91.) | |
| Foulke Grevyll to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, June 22.] | Some little things for my health, and other mechanical matters of debt and obligations, drew me for one day to the town, where the only comfortable business I had was my hope to have waited upon you, but your Honour was gone on Saturday before I came, and returned not the Sunday night according to custom. This day I dare not attend you, because I am loth to give the blessed lady, whom I devoutly serve, the least scruple of negligence, or imagination that I preferred anything before the admiration and joy of her presence, which at this time I only forbear, to cherish health, and yet that but to wear out the rest of a broken life at those princely feet of hers. In my absence, Sir, be pleased to become a good angel for me to her and yourself. I would gladly have said something more to you, but an ill hand would trouble good matter, and besides, I hope to return time enough to do your Honour that service and what else I shall be able. And so, wishing all things may prosper with you, as a man in whom I constantly believe there is a natural plenty of honour [and] kindness for them which deserve it, I most humbly take my leave.—Austyne Fryers, this Monday, going towards Cambridge. |
| (PS.)—Though I presume your Honour will chide these just excuses of my absence, yet do it gently, for if you were at leisure I am proud to think I should not be much unlike you in them. God prosper you for worthy Doctor Andros, in whose harvest I will labour myself lean if the malice of men keep it under till I return. I hear there is 1,000 marks offered for this barren place, so as the question will be between God's gifts and theirs. This bearer stays to bring me news of your health and what you command. | |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“23 June 1601.” 1 p. (86. 120.) | |
| Richard Musgrave to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 23. | Understanding her Majesty's unwillingness to give me despatch before Lord Willoughby's coming away from Berwick, I may not importune you with further proceeding therein. My suit is, to peaceably enjoy the benefit of her Highness' grant under her great seal, and never in like case by former Lord Governors impeached. Having also undergone such punishment as you have held meet for my fault, and given satisfaction under my hand for your further content, I did fully assure myself of great forwardness of my despatch : but now must repose myself in attendance of her Highness' further pleasure. I entreat that I may be paid my disbursements of my office, approved to you by testimony of all officers of Berwick, and for which his Lordship is no way interested. I crave your furtherance to her Majesty, without which I must return after 7 months' suit, unsatisfied for 2½ years' disbursements in defraying all her Majesty's charges in the office of the Ordnance.—23 June 1601. |
| Signed. 1 p. (86. 119.) | |
| H. Beeston to William Yowart. | |
| 1601, June 23. | Ambrose March is very sick. Prays Yowart to get his living for March's son.—June 23 1601. |
| ½ p. (2498.) | |
| The Earl of Rutland to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601], June 24. | I would I could as well leave you assured of my ever continuing love to you as I can easily make appear how plainly I discern the dangers I have passed and the means (next under God and her Majesty) of my present safety. I may not attribute that to any but to you alone, and therefore must acknowledge my bond so great for your loving care to me and my poor house in me, as I shall still think that what is in me or mine of right must belong to you and yours. My courses past might haply make you doubt of my love : yet some that profess to love you can witness I loved you ever. But if you will cast that behind you, and now believe the word of a plain honest man, you shall find, and the world shall see, that I will ever acknowledge your kind high favours to me, and thereafter to all my small power endeavour to deserve them with my most assured love to you and yours : wherein if I ever fail, let me receive the shame that of due belongeth to an ungrateful man.—Tower, 24 of June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (86. 121.) | |
| Edw. Fissher to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, June 25.] | Prays him, if her Majesty ask his opinion, to speak in his favour : intends to make other means to her Majesty for his small suit. |
| Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“25 June 1601. Captain Fisher.” 1 p. (86. 116.) | |
| Jane Jobsone, daughter to Mrs. Anne Whyte, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 25. | Speaks of her uncle Lord Burghley's goodness to her, and prays Cecil to remember her for a wardship, or lease of a ward's lands, or any other gift. Cecil receives yearly in Kingston-upon-Hull and Doncaster a “small thing” : prays him to bestow it upon her to buy her a summer gown, until a better thing happen. Michel Wharton, a ward, was committed to her custody by Cecil's direction six or seven years since, and in the end was carried away by Mr. Hansbie, his father-in-law, without any satisfaction : and although Lady Reade spoke to Hansbie on her behalf touching the same, yet nothing can be had of him, but lightly posted over with merry gestures.—Brantingam, 25 June 1601. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (86. 122.) | |
| Alice, Countess Dowager of Derby to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 25. | I beseech you for a letter to the Lord Deputy on behalf of the bearer, Geoffrey Osbaldeston, concerning whom I moved you yesterday. Your assured loving cousin (sic).—York House, 25 June. |
| PS.—But that the gentleman was in haste, I had myself with my own hand writ to you. | |
| Date, signature, and postscript holograph. Endorsed :—“Countess of Derby Dowager.” ½ p. (182. 66.) | |
| William Udall to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 25. | I have this instant received letters out of Ireland by which I am enforced to importune your Honour for direction concerning those whom I keep in expectation, as well for proof of what I have delivered as for performance of what service I have offered. My charges herein are and have been exceeding great. |
| The matters for which I most importune are the not losing of opportunity in having Tyrone's priest for further discoveries. | |
| Secondly, that promise of mine upon Tyrone to be performed, to whom I will join Tirrell. Both which, remaining as I do in England, I will have cut off before Michaelmas in Ireland. For now I shall better perform my promises in England than in Ireland. | |
| Let me only have access to you or to Sir John Stanhope to deliver the plot and the means of performance. | |
| If I had thought to have been so long before I had access to you, I would have written some particulars which I have not, and others more amply than I have as yet.—At the Gatehouse, this 25 of June 1601. | |
| Holograph. Seal. ¾ p. (182. 67.) | |
| Michael Hicks to [Israel] Amyas, [otherwise Amyce, Cecil's Agent at Theobalds]. | |
| 1601, June 26. | I read as much of your letter as concerned Mr. Secretary's business to him this morning. He thanks you for your care touching the field book. Touching Sir H[enry] C[ock,] he likes well that you have pressed him to dispatch the freeing the copyhold or to pay his arrears of rent and yield up the land. You are to require him again to do the one or the other, for he will have a tenant put into the Baas [Herts]. He marvels where 300 timber trees should be disposed in Theobald's Park, for he knows nothing of it, as he says. Therefore he would have Flynt to be here to-morrow morning. And he prays you also to come as timely as you can, because he having resolved to have Mr. Taylor his tenant of Gadsden [Herts], he cannot proceed without you. I thank you for my boy and for your pains in riding to Hertford Priory. I will think no more of it but hearken after Franklin's coming to town. I pray you let your son rid his hands of my gelding, that he may have a better in his place. I leave it wholly to his care for the price.—26 June 1601. |
| An the miller have ever a trout, if he be not very big, I think he may be put in my glass and brought here. | |
| Holograph. ½ p. (181. 96.) | |
| Captain John Ogle to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 26./July 6. | Since the 12 of June (stilo novo) his Excellency hath been busied before this town of Berke, his army valued near 12,000 foot and 2,000 horse. He lodgeth in three quarters; approacheth upon two parts of the town. In his own quarter are the English two regiments of twenty companies, as many of the Frises under Count William of Nassau, the French Regiment and five other companies that are for the guard of his Excellency's person and places near about the quarter. The English and the Frisians approach the hither side of the town. On the other side is the quarter of Count Solms. With him are the regiments of Count Ernest, the Scots and the Walloons. With them the French join in the works of approaching. The regiment of Gestell hath a quarter apart; they are Netherlanders and lie upon a passage in the midway twixt the quarter of his Excellency and that of Count Solms. Each quarter is strongly entrenched with a ditch of 12 foot broad, 6 foot deep, and a parapet 6 foot high. Without these trenches, such a distance off as on the plain betwixt may be ranged in battle both the horse and foot of the whole army, runs another trench of the same measure about the whole camp, excepting such places as fortify themselves by nature such as is water and morass ground. Upon the hills and places of advantage are made strong redoubts; so that the town can neither hope for relief nor his Excellency much fear the assault of a far greater army than his own. But for anything I can observe, neither of both is to be doubted. For this place being won, and not willing much increase the contribution more than the Estates receive already from the country, but only free the river and gain the toll of the wines, I do not see that the Archduke holds it of such importance that he should draw his forces hither to weaken his frontiers of greater consequence. That which doth the more induce to that opinion is the withdrawing of such troops of the enemy as were near these parts on the other side of the Meuse. For his Excellency had certain intelligence of two regiments that were drawn away for Flanders, the Regiment of Barlemont and one other. They did once begin to gather head on this side the Meuse, but suddenly dissolved again leaving only some troops of horse, as is said, seven hundred, and strengthened their garrisons besides with foot. |
| Concerning the occurrences of this siege, though I doubt not but that your Honour hath heard much already, yet since my duty is not discharged by the industry of others, I will presume to give you such particulars as I have observed. | |
| The enemy at our coming before the town was estimated to be strong within 2,500 men. | |
| On the 17th (after we were quartered, lodged and fortified) was taken a sconce standing in an island upon the river, that freed the passage for the shipping to go to Count Solms' quarter. | |
| On the 18th at night began the approaches. Count Henry of Nassau had a favourable shot the same day passing to Count Solms' quarter. | |
| Letters from the town have been twice intercepted. The Governor is dangerously hurt. | |
| The 19, the enemy sallied on that part of the trenches where the French were in guard. Mons. Chatillon fell out of his trench, it being indeed not defensible, but therefore his order was to have retired, entertained the enemy with skirmish, had many of his men hurt and slain, himself shot in the thigh. The enemy, as was known by one of the spies that was taken with letters, had at that time hurt and slain ninety men. | |
| The 24, being Sunday, they came out upon the same quarter, but with a great hazard of their own part and more danger to the troop that were in guard. They came a quarter of an English mile from the town along a highway under cover of a thick bushy hedge twixt them and the trenches, leaving the trenches on their right hand, and so fell on the rear of our men where they were least looked for. The French had the guard at that part, who were most of them unarmed and busy at play; and upon the alarum most of them trusted more to their legs than their arms. The Scottish companies that guarded near them were not Scot free, but lost and had hurt many of their men. If the enemy's attempt had been performed with such resolution as it was undertaken, they had beaten all the guards thereabout : but in their retreat they lost many of their men, which according to their fashion both of dead and hurt, they use to carry and draw in with them in the best order they can. | |
| The 4 of July (the same style) they came twice upon our English approaches : the first time, they beat off our workmen; killed and hurt about 14 of them : themselves bought it much dearer. The same day again, after noon, they issued in three troops to the number of 60 in a troop, offered to force a new trench where our workmen were, but finding a guard that gave them sharp resistance, they returned not slowly. In their going off, our musketeers sent to them from all parts, and they were seen to carry great store of disabled men in with them. Yet some few they were forced to leave in the field betwixt our guard and their counterscarp, which are about 40 paces one from the other. | |
| The 5th, they fell out on the other quarter again with some 300. They lost many of their men, but prevailed nothing on any part of the trenches, which are all double-ditched, broad and deep. | |
| The 6, they made upon our trenches (I mean the English) a light excursion and ran in again as all amazed, and, after a little stay and great noise among them, they came again upon a new line that was begun the night before, wherein were some few workmen at work; but those being drawn secretly off, the enemy stood at a gaze and received there such entertainment as two corps de garde on the flank and a curtain well breasted with musketeers would afford them. They ran in with loss, anger and shame. | |
| It is to be doubted by the manner of our proceeding that this place will yet entertain our army as long as we have been here. Great works are performed by the spade, both for strength and deepness of ground. | |
| Count John de Nassau is suddenly gone out of the army and very privately. | |
| These are the best which fall within the compass of my knowledge to advertise your Honour.—From the Camp before Rhyn-Berke, the 6 of July (novo), 1601. | |
| Holograph. 2¾ pp. (182. 88.) | |
| Rainold Farley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 26. | Is tenant of the Rectory of Fively, York, and desires to purchase the same, for which he is ready to give as much as any other. His services at the siege of Leith, in the rebellion in the North, and against the Spanish invasion.—Undated. |
| Note in the hand of Levinus Munck, that [Cecil] will not set his hand to any book concerning the purchase till Farley receive contentment.—Dated 26 June 1601. | |
| 2 pp. (1246.) | |
| Frances, Countess of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601], June 27. | The report that my servant Lile made me yesterday of your honourable both moving and urging the rest of the Commissioners about my petition, and of inducing them of assent to a far lower rate than (I hear) they would otherwise have imposed, had ere this time drawn from me this worthless tribute of verbal thanks, had I not been hindered by a violent headache, which till now has given me no breathing time to make me truly apprehensive of your favour, much less to render such acknowledgment as of right it merits. I forbear to mention how much I hold myself bound unto you for your noble late tendering of my honour and reputation in the Star Chamber against the most perfidious and treacherous wretch that I think did ever infect the air with breath, because I commanded my servant the last time he waited on you to present my thankful acknowledgment thereof by word of mouth. To return only paper and ink for such essential benefits, I confess holds no proportion : yet when I look into mine own fortune, I find little therein of better value : and when I call to my remembrance how oft you have been pleased to accept of such shadows instead of better substance, I resemble the desperate aged debtor that being once engaged beyond ability of satisfaction, seeks to run further into his creditor's books, in hope that either a short life will cancel a long debt, or that his honest creditor, knowing him to be void of all power of repayment, will never rest till he have put him into some course that in likelihood may repair the ruins of his long despaired estate.—Barnelmes, 27 June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601. Countess of Essex.” 1 p. (86. 123.) | |
| F., Lord Norreys to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, June 27.] | Reports the death of his grandfather, and prays to be employed in the place his grandfather held, as one of the lieutenants of the shires of Oxford and Berks, being joined only in commission with Mr. Controller. |
| Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“27 June 1601.” 1 p. (86. 124.) | |
| Anne, Lady Herbert to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, June 27.] | As she hears that the Bishop of Llandaff is removed, she renews her former suit for preferment for Dr. Williams. She is sure both my Lord of Canterbury and my Lord Treasurer will give their recommendations, in regard that “my Lord” has been beholden to him at Oxford. |
| Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“27 June 1601. The La : Harbert.” 1 p. (86. 125.) | |
| E. FitzGerald to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 27. | On the execution of Captain Thomas Le, I delivered in February last a note touching the castle of Rebane and the lands thereto belonging, but now understanding that Sir Richard Wyndfeeld hath the custodiam of that castle by the Lord Deputy's grant, I have resolved not to move the same any further. I beseech you to read the enclosed note, and to be a mean to her Majesty for the granting to me of the parcels of the same or of so many of them as shall seem to be meet. I lost my only son in the last northern journey, my castles have been rased and my lands wasted by the rebels; and my services were certified to your Honour at my coming hither about a year ago by the Council of that realm.—The 27th of June, 1601. |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“Captain FitzGarrett to my Master. His suit to the Queen.” 1 p. (182. 68.) | |
| Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601,] June 27. | The keeper hath been importunate with me for moneys for my charges, whom whilst I had any, I paid weekly My estate you know; and therefore my petition is that the poor man may receive such satisfaction as you shall think fit to yield him, and that you will afford me such comfort as shall refresh a miserable wretch, whom you may use as you please to your own good and honour; for though I cannot show myself servilely base, I will approve myself thankful.—From the Gatehouse the 27 of June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. 1 p. (182. 69.) | |
| Wardship. | |
| [1601, June 27.] | Petition of Henry Cooke, servant to Mr. Baron Savile, to Sir R. Cecil, for the concealed wardship of the heir of William Feild, husbandman, Yorks. |
| Note by Cecil : he is to have a commission, and if the suggestion be true, he will consider him in the composition. | |
| Endorsed :—“27 June 1601.” 1 p. (P. 239.) | |
| Sir John Conway to Herbert Croft. | |
| 1601, June 27. | As to the controversy between Timothy Smith and Margaret Crompe his sister, respecting the wardship of her son. Details fully the history of the parties. The woman is an unfit mother to have the education of her son, whose wardship he recommends should be continued in the hands of Smith.—Ragly, 27 June 1601. |
| 3 pp. (2177.) | |
| Sir F. Vere to [the Council]. | |
| 1601, June 28. | Since the writing of my letter of the 9th, I have forborne to trouble your Honours, attending the good pleasure of her Majesty touching the States' demand for the employment of the men, the rather for that till now of late there was no occasion of further advertisement. But the enemy's coming before Ostend, with numbers of men and artillery competent for a siege, though it is a thing not altogether unlooked for, by reason that from the first thought of going before Berck it was held that if the enemy went not directly to the relief of that place, he would undertake Ostend : which was cause also that the States reserved in these parts 1,200 men to be ready for the renforcement of that garrison; which are accordingly gone thither, so as in all the strength of that town is about some 2,400 men : and they have sent for all the English companies from Nieup[ort] to thrust into Ostend. These numbers may seem sufficient to your Honours for the defence of the place, and so no doubt with good conduct they might have been, if they had been all in the garrison when the enemy came before the town, to have taken and lodged themselves upon places of advantage without, which their small number would not give them leave to attempt, and now is too late, by which means there is nothing left to dispute but the wall, and in that case your Honours may remember what my opinion was, when before your Lordships I answered to questions upon that subject, that places in that estate were desperate. Which experience having made plain to these men, they are not a little troubled, the town being to them of such importance as in a manner their whole welfare depends upon the conservation thereof. So as I can assure your Honours, if it were not that they are yet in hope of her Majesty's succours, they would give over the siege of Berck rather than abide this loss, though it were no small disreputation to them, to have so ill forecast their business as to be driven thereunto, but they would excuse that, as they will do the loss of the town, upon the trust they reposed of having these men from England. For the which they write again very earnestly. And albeit I know your Honours in their wisdoms do weigh of what moment that town is in every respect, yet I cannot forbear to utter what is thought here the loss of that place would bring with it. First, all the hope of clearing that coast is taken away, the enemy's means to annoy us by sea trebled, he is eased of an infinite charge the blocking that place required, and his revenue by the quieting of that quarter much increased, and this conclusion is drawn out, that the enemy in short time will disjoint this state, without striking an offensive blow by land, if they be not more helped by their neighbours than yet there is any appearance of. On the other side, it may please your Honours to understand what is conceived if this succours of her Majesty's arrive in time : that it will be the utter ruin of the enemy if he be obstinate, and of Flanders, either by his own forces or ours, what course soever he take. If it shall please her Majesty to grant the men, then it may also please your Honours to consider whether it were not better to hasten those from the next ports, to Ostend, with all diligence, and the rest to follow as they may, for whose entry I hope there shall be a gap : as also whether it were not best arming of the men at the said ports, which under your Honours' correction, I should think were not amiss. The States have been exceeding earnest with me to take upon me the defence of the place, which I have accepted, knowing that therein I could not but do her Majesty service, and am therefore in good hope she will give it good allowance, the rather if it may be approved by your Honours : and this I humbly desire your Honours to believe, that my experience hath taught me that these employments of all other should be shunned, by reason that commonly much travail and hazard in them draweth no good success : but I set those respects aside where such a necessity as this presseth. The haste of the messenger is cause that I trouble your Honours with this blurred letter which I beseech your Honours to pardon, and to continue me in your wonted favour.—Riesneek, 28 June 1601. |
| (PS.)—It may please your Lordships to understand that the States have appointed two men of war to attend before Yarmouth and Lynn, which were as many as they could spare, most of their shipping being to waft the herring fishers to the northwards. | |
| Holograph. 4 pp. (86. 126.) | |
| Henry Heyward, Mayor, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 29. | According to your direction given the 25th inst. I speedily sent to Mr. Seymour your letter enclosed : and return his answer by post accordingly. The reason of the slow return of the answer is chiefly in the post masters, who in more than 20 hours did not convey the packet downward from Exon to Dartmouth.—Dartmouth, 29 June 1601. |
| Holograph. On the back :—“Hast hast hast post hast. Dartmouth the 29th of June 11 of the clock at noone. Exeter the last of June at 2 after nowne. Honiton apast 6 of the clock in the after none. Crewkern at 10 at night Tewsdaye the last June. At Shaftor the fyrst of Julye at a 11 in the Fornoune. Rd. at Andever at 10 Clocke at night being Wensdaye. R. at Bassingstoke the second day of July at hallff nower paste 6 in the morninge. Receved a pakat Harfart Breg. 8. Stans the second of Julie at 12 at onvne [noon]. Receved at London at past foure at night the second daie.” ½ p. (86. 128.) | |
| Berwick. | |
| 1601, June 29. | Warrant to Lord Willoughby, Governor of Berwick and Warden of the East Marches, to despatch fifty men of the garrison of Berwick, under Captain Yaxley or some other, for service on the west marches under Lord Scroope. They will be paid at Carlisle every month by Clapton, the Receiver. |
| Also licence to the Lord Willoughby to absent himself from his charge on the return of Sir John Carey, the marshal. “Given under our signet at our Manor of Greenwich, the 29th of June 1601, in the three and fortieth year of our reign.” | |
| Sign manual. Countersigned by Windebank. Seal. 1 p. (182. 70.) | |
| Sir Thomas Fane to Lord Cobham. | |
| 1601, June 30. | This morning I am credibly advertised that Ostend is besieged, and that it is verily thought, and great wagers laid in Calais, that the Cardinal will win it.—Dover Castle, 30o Junii 1601. |
| Signed. Seal. ¼ p. (182. 71.) | |
| On the back :—“Dover, the 30th of June at 9 in the forenoon. Canterbury at past one a'clock at afternoon. Sittingbourne at 5 at night. Rochester the 30 of June almost at 8 at night.” | |
| Richard Hawkyns to the Queen. | |
| 1601, June 30. | Your poor servant craveth your protection, which, powerful to dispose of crowns and to mate the Spanish monarchy, shall, extended on me miserable, merit to be renowned in this as in the rest proportionally, even as God is magnified in the creation and sustentation of a bee or lamb, and in that of the earth and heavens. I present before your Royal eyes the sufferings of my poor wife and child. More than eight years of separation and seven of my imprisonment pray for remedy.—In Madrid and in the Common prison, the last of June 1601. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (182. 72.) | |
| The Same to the Lords of the Council. | |
| 1601, June 30. | Although with Tully I confess that officii fructus est ipsum officium, and so my deceased father's services and mine but our duty, yet seeing that God who hath no need of our works, useth in his justice retribution to those that serve him, I may presume to present unto your Lordships those of my father in his life, and mine in my liberty and imprisonment. It is known unto you how that after three days and nights' continual fight sustained, myself being wounded in six several parts, and in a manner all my company hurt and slain, I yielded myself upon composition of life and liberty, as appeareth by the declaration presented to the King's council and sent unto your Honours above three years since. Let the sufferings of my poor wife and child, and mine during my seven years' imprisonment, beg for that favour at your hands which all that merit and seek for obtain.—From the common prison in Madrid, the last of June 1601. |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (182. 76.) | |
| Captain John Throckmorton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1601, June 30. | Two letters of this date :— |
| 1. This passage coming away suddenly perhaps may bring your Honour the news how it stands with Ostend as soon as from other place. The entrance thereof by the way of the old haven is still open; the town in no danger. Yesterday the States sent thither 4 English and 3 Dutch companies. They entered the town the same day without more danger than the enemy's cannon beating at random upon the said haven from the West downs. Here is even now arrived 9 companies more to be transported likewise thither. These 16 under the conduct of Colonel Utenburck, who is to join in commission with the governor at his there arrival, but I guess the States here of Zealand will a little pause to send these latter 9 companies, in regard they doubt, and not without some appearance, some purpose of the enemy to thrust over into some of their islands 3 or 4,000 men. The same would greatly trouble them, the horse of their army being so far off, and the rest of their ordinary guards of these said islands being in Ostend. The Count Maurice is no forwarder to get the town of Berck yet, than that his approaches be not come so near as to put the enemy from their counterscarp. That siege doubted to prove a long piece of work if he continue it. We have even now likewise the news that Count Maurice purposeth to send from him all the English companies to this service of Ostend. Surely if he do, and be able to continue the rest of his army with him at the other place, there may be great hope to endamage the enemy to his great loss in both places.—Flushing, this last of June 1601. | |
| Holograph. Signed :—“John Throckmarton.” Seal. 1 p. (182. 73.) | |
| 2. To write your Honour the ordinary occurrences of later date out of these parts, I persuade myself would be but idle in me. I will, therefore, only note what I have observed out of such proceedings as in these parts may be handled; haply they may serve to some use. | |
| I assure myself that your Honour hath had full knowledge of the practice that lately two burghers of this town entertained with the enemy for the delivery thereof to them. The one, an artificer, the other, an officer to the bailiff, who is a chief officer here of the magistracy. The one, after torture, confessed matter of treason and hanged himself in the prison. The other was publicly executed for no less. In which businesses the magistrates of this town moved the question whether they were to the examination of such causes to cause her Majesty's officer to be present; whereto Maldere, the president of the Council of State here in Zealand, not only answered, “No,” but, orator like, discoursed unto them in their general assembly that greatly in so doing they should show themselves weak and disparage their own authorities. Not only so, but he seemed to encourage them to arm their dispositions and counsels against any such like show of subjection, as he termed it. But advertisement being given to her Majesty's officer, the Lieutenant Governor somewhat before their entering into the business enforced her Highness' authority in his person to be present. By which course he discovered more plainly to himself many to dislike of his being there, but chiefly most unwelcome was he to the said President. Right honourable, we understand this matter to be of no small consequence. For if to her Highness, authority shall not belong the examination and approbation of all such cases as may concern the safe keeping of this her Caution, inasmuch as we, her officers here, are to answer for the safety thereof, yea, with our lives, surely we shall not only dwell amongst them with so small respects as at their disposition the case being as it is our weakness, her Majesty's authority shall be greatly eclipsed, and they have full scope to combine their treacherous conspirations and factious proceedings. Some would go about to excuse this Maldere and his fashion in this matter by laying it open as only his pride to be reputed solely the law giver to this little world in Zeeland as Barnavill is in Holland. The which truly were bad enough, for he is of Flanders. I would term the affair a sounding—or rather a seducing—of these people's affection in this her Majesty's Caution from their due regard of her authority among them : and the Council seeming rather to shuffle it over than to give any contentment, I note it a beginning of some other matter more general. For what could the presence of her Majesty's authority have disadvantaged him? Neither was there question of profit to doubt a sharer, nor none to contend with him in his office. Undoubtedly, a plot to try his strength in this wandering, many headed commonwealth. I fear I am tedious, but pardon me.—Flushing, this last of June 1601. | |
| Holograph. Signed :—“John Throckmarton.” Seal. 3 pp. (182. 75.) | |
| Sir Arthur Throkmorton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, June]. | As in all causes occurring to my pleasure or credit, I have ever found your firm favour and been bound by your benefits, I desire and rest resolved I shall still remain graced whilst no parts of mine do give cause to the contrary, especially at this time, in standing firm to me and to your own censure, by continuing me so honoured a man meet in your mind and the rest in the charge of the horses for this county, as you have been pleased to signify by your late letters, wherein some clauses are cavilled with and stomached as grounded upon my complaints for their negligence heretofore used in accomplishing this service, which with just cause I desired Mr. Wade somewhat to touch. And the strict course I have told them (as a way to amend them) I am enjoined to hold. As to certify in a roll under my hand to the Lords and yourself the names of the owners, the names and qualities of the riders, the goodness and description of the horses, and the sorts and sufficiency of their arms and furnitures. These things they find strange, and therefore, methinks, somewhat strangely do too far presume to take hold of a leave your late letters they think have left them, where you write, “We think you cannot make choice of any gentleman of that county more meet than the said, &c. And therefore we think him meet to be &c.” : grounding your choice upon their conceits, the which I hear they will take hold of, and recommend unto you and the rest Sir William Lane, who at Tilbury had the charge of the horses, and since that time never took care of them : whose place so near about the Prince deserves all his attendance, and might be sufficient to content, without any country ambition, un abil home. But whatsoever you and the rest shall be pleased herein to determine, to that will I most contentedly submit myself. |
| Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“1601, June.” 1 p. (86. 130.) | |
| Enclosure :— | |
| Paper, apparently a copy of the Council's letter referred to.—Greenwich, May 1601. | |
| ½ p. (86. 129.) | |
| “The Provost and Fellows of Trinity College by Dublin” to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, June.] | Your noble father of honourable memory, in the charter which her Majesty, of her princely goodness and bounty, did vouchsafe to grant to the College lately erected by Dublin in Ireland, was nominated the first Chancellor of that College, which society, now destitute of like patronage, in most humble manner beseeches you to accept (as her Majesty's royal charter calls it,) the dignity of the said Chancellorship, and to receive the said University College to your honourable protection. One reason of this our suit we have touched already, which is that your most noble father was in her Majesty's charter nominated the first Chancellor of it : which gives us hope that you may be content to succeed him in such a dignity as may be comfortable, not only to a society of students of good learning, but also to so great a people as is in that whole kingdom, for the good education of whose children that College has been erected. Further, we acknowledge our society to be already most bound to you as for benefits vouchsafed us in former time, about the passing of certain lands concealed, so especially of late in procuring by your mediation her Majesty's most gracious letter for confirming to the College such allowances as the Council in Ireland had thought needful to relieve it with for a time, and also for bestowing further a most gracious bounty of 200l. by year till the grant of concealments may take effect, whereby our Society and all the posterity that may receive comfort of it are most deeply bound by all dutiful means to declare our thankfulness unto you : for declaring of which our thankfulness, having no other so convenient means, we have advised to make this suit for your protection. Moreover, our University College being as a graft of the famous University of Cambridge, we have good hope that as that whole orchard and paradise of learning receives this favour and comfort from you, so the same would not be denied to our little branch, yet indeed small, young, and tender, but by the blessing of God, if this comfort of your favour be vouchsaved, it may in time bring forth some store of good fruit that may cause the hearts of many in that land to rejoice. |
| Undated. Unsigned. Endorsed :—“June 1601.” 1 p. (86. 131.) | |
| The Lords of the Council to the Bishop of Winchester. | |
| 1601, June. | This letter which we do now write unto your Lordship, though it be signed by the hands of us of her Majesty's Council, yet cometh unto you by her Majesty's own direction, the occasion and argument whereof, if perhaps it be somewhat extraordinary, will nevertheless, as we suppose, be very welcome to you, because it bringeth with it a manifest token of her Majesty's good opinion of you, and will give you advantage and opportunity to increase the same. The matter concerneth the education of a young Lord, the son of the late Lord Burgh that died Deputy of Ireland; whereof her Majesty being pleased to enter into a careful cogitation, both for the worth and good service of his late noble father, and for the special hope and towardness of the child; and considering that the best education of such children hath always been in the houses of the most reverend and grave persons of your Lordship's quality, where they may be seasoned with a true sense of religion and virtue and inured to a fashion of living fit for the nobility of their birth, she hath resolved to recommend him unto you; because of understanding of your well governed family and plentiful housekeeping and of some more fitness in yourself than in others of your calling; and because of the weak estate and small means that his late father left him, the condition of the child, which were great pity to be tainted with any unworthy education, and his quick and extraordinary spirit, apt either to be raised and improved to a rare goodness, or to decline to the contrary, according to the discipline and usage it shall receive, wherein that he may not be over burdensome to you, it is only meant that he shall be attended with a careful servant to look to him and a schoolmaster to teach him. The servant shall be provided by my Lady his mother, but for the schoolmaster, her Majesty expects that you should select some such honest and learned person, either chaplain of your own or some other out of the University or elsewhere, as to you shall seem meetest, that being one of the principal cares wherewith her Majesty means to charge you. There shall be order taken for the apparel of the child and all other necessaries so as that shall be no burden. And thus having imparted her Majesty's purpose we do bid your Lordship very heartily well to fare. From the Court at Greenwich the—of June 1601. |
| Draft corrected by Cecil. Endorsed :—“B. of Winchester.” 2 pp. (182. 77.) | |
| Lord Burgh. | |
| [1601, June.] | Draft order of the Court of Wards. Thomas Lord Burgh, late Lord Deputy of Ireland, mortgaged certain manors, &c. The repayments not being made at the time appointed, Robert the present Lord Burgh, the Queen's ward, is like to be disinherited unless the Queen relieve him; wherefore the Queen has signified her pleasure to the Master of the Court that the mortgages be paid out of the Court. The terms and conditions of repayment follow. |
| Endorsed :—“June 1601. Lord Burgh's exhibition.” Undated. 3 pp. (2364.) | |
| Anthonie Dent to Sir R. Cecil. | |
| [1601, June.] | For the wardship of the heir of one Beamond, of Norfolk.—Endorsed :—“June 1601.” |
| Note by Cecil that a commission is to be granted for finding an office. 1 p. (803.) | |
| Anne, Lady Nevill to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, c. June]. | Seeing I am sick, and my father, by reason of his age and weakness, is unable to do any good for Mr. Nevill, I beseech you to accept of my suit in these few lines. It hath pleased her Majesty, I hear, to take a gracious course towards the offenders of all degrees and sorts, even in open action. If Mr. Nevill may but taste of the same favour, and be restored to me and his poor children, though we live poorly together, I shall think myself happy and have cause to pray for you. |
| Holograph. Undated. Seal. Endorsed :—1601. 1 p. (183. 117.) | |
| Life of John Danyell. | |
| [1601, c. June]. | Giving his account of his transactions with the Countess of Essex. (264.) |
| [See S. P. Dom. Eliz. Vol. 279, No. 126; p. 57 of Calendar.] | |
| James Ware to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1601, before July]. | Your Honour is about to make known unto the Queen my lord and master's great expenses in Ireland, far exceeding his predecessor's; I, his lordship's officer in household, am, however, directed to be in Ireland in the beginning of July, with tents and other field furniture, to set my lord's tithes there, and make provision for the winter. I would therefore ask that the question of the allowance granted for the 24 carriage geldings should be settled; and that in the motion to the Queen, Mr. John Langford may take my place. |
| Signed. Undated. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (91. 9.) | |
| Two Letters to Lady Palavicini. | |
| [1601, before July]. | 1. From Sir Robert Cecil. Although it is far from my purpose to persuade you to change your present condition, because marriages are made in heaven and never prosper better than when they proceed from free and mutual election, yet having understood that this gentleman, Mr. Oliver Cromwell, hath disposed his heart to seek you and deserve you, not only by true affection, but by offer and performance of all such conditions as may be consonant to the will of the dead and the desire of those that live, whose chiefest care must appear in the hindering all courses which may prove to the prejudice of his children whose memory and trust we cannot forget; I can do no less, being one of those that duty owed him, and one that have been trusted by him, but clearly and truly declare unto you thus much of my knowledge : that if you shall resolve to marry and make your choice of him for the companion of your life, you cannot bestow yourself upon a gentleman in every way fitter for you, for his living is such, as I presume you know, doth exceed most men in his country; his sufficiency, his carriage and the reputation had of him likewise is such as, if it were known to you as well as to me, I assure myself he needed no other spokesman unto the same, being an office into which I confess I do not intrude myself as one that would draw you from the state you are in, but only because I would assure you that if he be the person who, by the providence of God, shall obtain your liking, there is no clause in the will which gives me any power or trust which I shall not be much the gladder for his sake, being a gentleman whom I much esteem, to apply to your comfort, not doubting but that my good Lord of Shrewsbury or myself shall be before your conclusion acquainted in what particular sort assurance is given for the good execution of his will that is gone, to whom, as when he lived, I confess I was extraordinarily affected, so will I be always friend to his and to you. |
| Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endorsed :—“1601. To my Lady Palavicini.” 3 pp. (183. 99.) | |
| 2. From the Earl of Shrewsbury.—The bearer Mr. Oliver Cromwell, son and heir to Sir Henry Cromwell, desires to be a suitor to you in the way of marriage. But, understanding somewhat of the state of things passed by Sir H. Palavicino, and of the trust the latter committed to Mr. Secretary and myself, he has first entreated our allowance of his desire. We are most unfit to make any motion of marriage to you; but as you are now free to dispose of yourself, I cannot deny to let you understand what I know of Cromwell. His living is like to be very shortly (by reason of his father's great years and infirmities) very great, and he has the reputation of all men to be as sufficient and honest a gentleman as any lives. Particulars of Cromwell's offer. | |
| Note by H. Maynard :—“This is the true copy of the Earl of Shrewsbury's letter.” | |
| Undated. Endorsed :—“Copy of a letter written by the Earl of Shrewsbury to the Lady Palavicino. 1601.” 1¼ pp. (90. 159.) | |