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: August 1601, 1-10', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601, (London, 1906) pp. 313-332. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol11/pp313-332 [accessed 25 April 2024]
August 1601, 1–10
| Sir Anthony Sentleger to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 1. | Acknowledges the favours he has received from Cecil and his father, and offers services. If her Majesty holds his suit in regard of his services in Ireland not fit to be granted, he will cease the same, and will then beseech her by Cecil's means to grant him some of her lands in Ireland in fee farm.—1 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. (87. 41.) | |||
| Thomas Lowe to Michael Hicks. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 1. | I understand that her Majesty purposes on Tuesday next (God willing) to be at Fullam, where some two days, if not longer, she minds to make her stay. And knowing that the receipt of my Lord of London's house will not conveniently be able to receive such her honourable followers as most commonly attend and are near her Majesty, whereof I observe Mr. Secretary to [be] one of the chief and principal, I offer my poor house here at Puttneye unto him.—1 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Alderman Low.” 1 p. (87. 44.) | |||
| William Hunt to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 1. | Divers evil persons have, most unnaturally, by colour of feigned voyages, some for the Straits, some for Leghorn, Venice and other places, conveyed to the King of Spain divers tall and serviceable ships of England with all their ordnance. One was called the Margaret, of London, which was sold at Lisbon by Lucas Felix; another called the Pretence alias the St. Andrew, carried away by James Upgrave; a ship called the Refuge, one Salesburie captain and John Links master; another ship called the Guift, of London; another called the John an baptist, which was one of the best merchants' ships in England—she bore three tier of ordnance on a side—which said ship and all her ordnance and furniture was sold to Philip Barnardo, an Italian merchant dwelling at Crutched Friars in London, who sent her on a voyage as it were for Italy, but she is now in Spain in the King's service. Another ship called the Fox, of Horne, the master Simple Sunderark, took in 31 pieces of English ordnance in the Port of London and the rest of her lading at Dartmouth, who went from thence to St. Lucas in Spain and there delivered all the said ordnance and other lading. Another ship of Hull, the owner Thomas Brian, laded in the Port of London great store of ordnance and other munition as it were for Melven, but it was all conveyed into Spain. A number of ships more as yet unknown are in the like predicament. No ships ought to depart out of this realm to any of the parts beyond the sea before they have put in sufficient bonds for the bringing back of their said ships and ordnance. If your suppliant Hunt may be furnished with so much of his own money out of Michellot's execution, he will at his own cost at or before this next term profit the Queen's Majesty above five thousand pounds.—London, the first of August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. (182. 127.) | |||
| Captain Holcroft to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 1. | Now the enemy hath brought his approaches very near us, for that, if he will advance them any further on the west side, he must do it with much pain and loss, for he hath now no more sand-hills left to hide him in, but must now approach upon a plain sand on each hand and in the midst a bank of sand which is not above a foot and a half higher than the rest, and this is flanked with six pieces of ordnance. The end of the dunes is from the foremost pallisadoes (which are before our half moon) not fully one hundred ordinary paces. Between the sand hills and the river which runs to Grotendurst, he doth nothing but strengthen his trenches and in some of them place pieces to flank our half moon, but doth not advance anything toward our first new work which lies between him and our polder. In the “port kupie” [Porc Epic] (a ravelin of our counterscarp which lies before the outer angle of the bulwark called, “Helmont,” and next behind the half moon I write of, being the nearest guard to their approaches), our general doth appoint three English companies always to have the guard, the other ravelins between it and the polder are furnished with Dutch companies. The polder and the works belonging to it are guarded by the English; the rest of the town, where indeed there is no danger, by the Dutch. About four days since we razed a little fort which we had cast up on the further side of the water that runs to Grotendurst, and it lay next that ground which we lost, and as we held it only to give safety to our workmen to cast up another upon the South side of the polder for the defence of it, so that being brought in defence, we laid it even with the ground and left not one palisado, or any other serviceable thing behind us. The enemy had provided two batteries to play upon us the next morning, the one of four cannon, the other of three, but being brought so far out of his way and then deceived of his purpose, he doth not yet advance any nearer on that side, but only plays into our polder and the town with those pieces. The last supply is not yet armed by reason of the foul weather, which will not suffer boats to come on shore. It seemeth there had been great abuses in the levying of them, for besides that there are divers simple men of more than sixty years old and many boys unfit for service, there are also some sent over who have her Majesty's grant of places in hospitals under her hand and signet, but our general is very careful to send them back again.—Ostend, the first of August 1601, Sti : ant. | ||
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (182. 128.) | |||
| Thomas Jeffereye to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601,] Aug. 2. | Speaks of his affliction in the loss of Calais, where he leased his goods to great value, and sustained torment upon the rack two hours the first day, and the next day one hour : which did proceed by the means of certain Englishmen, as one Father Hoult, one Typping, one Greene, Father Bray, and others of their consort : who since that time are all dead and gone. Has been prisoner 4 years 8 months and 10 days in Calais, Ghent, and Dunkirk, and has paid 150l. ransom. Sir Francis Walsingham, Sir Thomas Hennage and Lord Cobham are all dead in his absence, to his great grief. Prays Cecil to further his suit to the Queen for the transport of certain commodities. Intends to go to Calais for 3 or 4 years, and will there lay down a plot for the forwarding of information as to the Low Countries, &c.—2 August, at the house of Edward Sadlar in Mynsing Lane. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (87. 45.) | |||
| Sir Robert Cecil to the Vice-Chancellor and Proctors of the University of Cambridge. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 2. | Whereas I am informed by Mr. Joles, one of the merchants that do undertake the victualling of a great part of Her Majesty's army in Ireland, that at Stourbridge fair last he did provide for that service the number of sixteen barrels of butter, in which respect, by reason the place ought to be privileged, you have taken recognition of himself with a surety of the town of Cambridge, called Wallis, to the end to put him to avouch the authority they had to buy in place privileged, and for want of special warrant in that behalf you do sue the surety upon the penalty of the recognition; forasmuch as the parties, albeit they pretend not to know that place to be otherwise reputed than free for all the subjects of the realm to have recourse unto for supplying their wants, have promised notwithstanding to forbear to make any farther provision there hereafter in regard that you do except against it, though, as they allege, they intended thereby no private gain to themselves, but only to perform a public service; I have therefore thought fit to let you know that you should do well, if this information be true, to forbear to prosecute the penalty of the said recognition, but rather to discharge it, without giving them cause of any further complaint, considering that that which was done was only for Her Majesty's service, in which case they shall have many of my Lords to favour them.—From the Court at Greenwich, 2 August 1601. | ||
| Cont. copy. 1 p. (136. 90.) | |||
| Captain Wigmore to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601,] Aug. 2. | Immediately upon landing the soldiers in my charge, I returned to the ships for their arms. This was upon Tuesday in the night, being the 28 of July, since which time I have been detained aboard by a huge storm at the East-North-East. With much ado have I held here together those ships in which the soldiers arms are, the most part whereof have been twice under sail to leave the place, but by borrowing from the ships of war here some anchors and cables I have stayed them. The weather clearing up, I hope to land the arms this evening. The common cause can receive no indemnity by this small forbearance of arms, since within the town there is a provision of that nature that will serve for 5,000 men more than they have. | ||
| By that which is conceived among our seamen in this place, I am in good hope that the late advertisements you received of certain ships for Ireland from Spain will prove nothing but the Admiral of Duncker [Dunkirk] his peregrination, who, to avoid her Majesty's ships in the narrow seas, hath the rather chosen to circle Ireland and the North of Scotland, not without hope to do some strange exploit upon the poor fishermen of the North Seas. In which procession I wish unto him the success of '88. | |||
| The Archduke hath drawn his approaches within thirty paces of the outermost ravelin which is the half-moon before the Porckepy [Porc Epic]. These stormy days have yielded me but idle hours, with leisure to count the cannon-shot as they were sent into the town, which ordinarily are six or seven hundred in a day. | |||
| Upon Wednesday last, the Archduke's quarter in the East was roundly set on fire; I rather judge by casualty, for that quarter is still made good, and the mariners of this ship, mounting to the top do aver that they did see one of the enemy's cannons burning.—From aboard Cap. Knoper's ship, this second of August. | |||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” 2 pp. (182. 129.) | |||
| Henry [Robinson,] Bishop of Carlisle, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 2. | I send three prisoners, both the Hoults and Vauxe. I doubt not but that your Honour is persuaded of the innocency of the two brethren touching the great crime wherewith they were charged. As in the contriving of this suspicion, so in dividing the spoil which was looked for by their overthrow, they have felt all manner of practices. After they were first committed to ward, Erington, the recusant, left not his cousin Vauxe his wife until he had drawn her to make a division of all that the poor goldsmiths had left in their cloak-bags. That which was left to her she brought to my house at her first coming on Friday the 25th of July, and for the rest she gave good hope that it should be brought in, but it has not come yet. Indeed I hear that Erington hath made a sub-division of his part, having given a gilt cup with a cover to one Francis Ratliffe, and another piece of plate to Thomas Sandforthe. The rings and other jewels are, I fear, divided amongst women. Francis Ratcliffe is a recusant, so is his mother, the lady Ratcliffe, and their whole household. Thomas Sandforth was a recusant, until he had brought his wife to be one. Now he cometh sometimes to Church, but swears all manner of oaths that he is a Papist still. And if Vauxe say truly, one Francis Teasdale, who liveth in his house as a servant, is indeed a seminary priest. He was left in a good estate, but now is brought to live by his wit, having run through both his lands and goods. What his answer is, your Honour may see by his letter to Mrs. Vauxe, which I send here inclosed. If all of them were brought to account before your Honour, and compelled either to restore the goods which were left in trust with Vauxe his wife by the owner, or the full value of them, the example would terrify others from the like attempt, and the poor goldsmiths should have so much more for the satisfying of their creditors. Touching Vauxe himself, I doubt not he will quickly confess to you what he hath denied to me. For howsoever his is in shew desperate, I never met with any more fearful of death. He hath not yet left all his counterfeiting. This afternoon between three and four I went to him, and suspecting that he feigned his weakness to be greater than it was, I told him that, seeing he could neither go nor stand without help, he could not possibly endure the journey to London, therefore I must send him to the common gaol. At this he recovered strength so fast that he was able without even a staff to come up a pair of stairs at six of the clock to his supper. I have presumed to suffer his wife to accompany him. If God send me honestly rid of this business, and if all that had a hand in the treacherous letter, be known, my joy shall be greater than my grief hath been.—Rosecastell, Aug. 2 1601. | ||
| Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (182. 130.) | |||
| William Becher. | |||
| [1601, Aug. 2.] | Petition of William Becher, prisoner in the Fleet, to the Council. That upon untrue surmises made by Sir Thomas Sherley and Lawrance Smyth his advocate, his house was searched four years ago, and all his books of account taken from him. Though nothing has been found to detect him in deceitful dealing, his books and writings are still detained, to his utter impoverishment. Is purged by the Commissioners' certificate of any suspicion of being in the Queen's or Sir Thomas's debt. Prays for redress of his grievances and for the return of his cash books at the least. | ||
| Endorsed :—“2 August 1601.” 1 p. (P. 109.) | |||
| Robert Ardern to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 3. | Asks Cecil's answer touching his proposal with regard to the custom of velvets, silks, &c., which Cecil has in farm. It will increase the profit 1,000l. at the least.—3 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. (87. 48.) | |||
| Richard [Bancroft,] Bishop of London, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 3. | I heard yesterday at the Court some speeches of the Spaniards, &c. And although I doubt not but that in your grave wisdom you do think of our recusants, if the said news shall be confirmed, yet I have held it my duty to signify my opinion unto you. I do find by the priests themselves that the recusants amongst us are grown to be of another spirit than they were wont; and that they were never so like to join with the enemy as they are now, if opportunity serve. Parsons you know is as vile a traitor to her Majesty as any man living; and (as the case yet stands) he directs all the Catholics almost that are in England, by his wicked and treacherous instruments, Blackwell, the archpriest (whom the Catholics do wholly follow, some few excepted), and Garnet, the Provincial of the Jesuits, who leads and commands Blackwell as he list. So as the Jesuitical humour doth now reign amongst all that generation, which is a disposition to entertain all manner of traitorous designments against her Majesty and their country, for the promoting of the Spaniard, and consequently, as they are taught, of the Pope's religion. Of this matter sundry priests have given their judgments, and do think themselves, that as the lay Catholics are now instructed, the State is more carefully to prevent the worst, and in times of danger to look unto them. If any man shall inform you to the contrary of the premises, I do very humbly beseech you not to believe him, as I know you will not. For I write not at random. You know that by your means, and next to yourself, there are not many that are better acquainted with the current humour amongst recusants at this time than I am. Besides, in matters of such danger, the circumspection cannot be too great, and the sooner such persons be looked unto the better it is. You may think me over bold to write in this sort unto you, but I thought it my duty so to do, and withal to put you in mind (for the avoiding of afterclaps) to look well to this back door. The favour that any of my Lords or any other do bestow unto many of that generation is quite lost, as now they stand affected, let it be planed over never so smoothly.—Fulham, 3 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 2 pp. (87. 50.) | |||
| Theobald Butler to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, August 3. | Begs Cecil to take in hand his delivery from prison. Refers himself to be further spoken of by his kinsman Captain Gerralde, and especially the bearer, Lieutenant Cotes.—The Castle of Dublin, 3 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. (87. 51.) | |||
| Sir Thomas Fane to Lord Cobham. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 3. | Being advertised by Sir Amyas Presson, and by the direction of Sir Richard Leveson, that you have received order for the strengthening of them and her Majesty's navy here on the Narrow Seas, from the Council, and for that I have received neither notice or direction from you of any such matter : I desire your pleasure and commandment what course I shall take, for that it is required that not only all the best shipping and furniture of the ports, viz. with tar, faggots, oakum and billets, shall be with all possible speed provided, for the better strengthening of her Majesty's shipping in this important time of necessity of service.—Dover Castle, 3 August 1601. | ||
| Signed. 1 p. On the back :—“Hast hast post hast for life life life life. Dover the 3 of August at 2 in the afternone. Canterbury paste 5 in the afternone. Sittingborn at 8 at night. Rochester at 10 and past at night. Dartford the 4 day at past 2 in the morninge.” (87. 53.) | |||
| Sir William Bowes to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601], Aug. 3. | Recommends the bearer for employment in her Majesty's service, “too much of late neglected in the choice of artificers.” He was employed by the late Governor of Berwick, but is now displaced.—Bradley, 3 August. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (87. 54.) | |||
| John Throwar and Isaack Cowper, bailiffs, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 4. | This morning we received the Council's letters by Richard Wooddalle to make stay of those 600 soldiers which were sent hither out of the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, and their captains, with the shipping provided for their transport, until we shall receive further directions. All have been in readiness ever since the 28 of July last, and having only been stayed by reason of contrary wind and foul weather, have and do lie in this town at great charges, that is, the soldiers for their diet and lodging at 8d. the day, amounting to 20l. the day. The town therefore, being bare of money, and the victuallers for the most part being not able to trust, have willed us to be most humble suitors to you that some money may be appointed for the supply of the charges.—Yermouthe, 4 August 1601. | ||
| Signed as above. Endorsed :—“Bailiffs of Yarmouth.” 1 p. (87. 55.) | |||
| Sir Henry Winston to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 4. | Is charged by one Yates before the Council with having spoken certain words to him (Yates). Is greatly wronged therein, as he is able to prove by good testimony. As Cecil was also abused, he has forborne to take any course against Yates till he understands Cecil's pleasure therein. Desires Cecil's furtherance in his behalf in justice.—Standish, 4 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. (87. 58.) | |||
| Henry, Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, August 4. | The bearer Captain Rafe Hamon, gentleman porter of Munster, desires one of the companies that now go into Ireland,. and says he was recommended by the President to Cecil. If this be so, Cobham prays Cecil to have him in his favour.—Blackfriars, 4 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. ½ p. (87. 59.) | |||
| The Earl of Stafford to Sir Richard Lewknore, Justice of Chester, and unto those of the Council of the Marches of Wales nominated by Her Highness' last instructions. | |||
| 1601, [before Aug. 4]. | You will receive enclosed a letter from Mr. Secretary, the receiving whereof I trust that, in your letter to be written unto me by this bearer, you will confess. And seeing that her Majesty's pleasure is that I shall join with you in her services, I pray you to appoint me such a convenient chamber within the Council's house as may be near unto your usual dining chamber, for upon your advertising me thereof, I will with the more celerity come unto you.—August, 1601. | ||
| Contemporary copy. ½ p. (87. 61.) | |||
| John Crook and Henry Townshend to Lord Stafford. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 4. | They have received his and Mr. Secretary Cecil's letters and will be ready to perform her Majesty's commandment. They will be very glad of Stafford's presence to take his oath when it pleases him. They enclose copy of these articles of her Majesty's instructions, containing the names of her Counsel here, and in what manner they are to come hither, and how long to continue. As to Stafford's repair hither, the time, being the end of vacation, does not yield matters answerable to his presence : nor this poor house a beseeming lodging : the best of these mean ones having in it Sir Richard Lewknor's stuff, whose return is shortly expected, and the doors in his absence locked up. The term will be the time in which he may do her Majesty service, and the place will then yield more conveniency of lodging.—Bridgnorth, 4 August 1601. | ||
| Contemporary draft or copy. 1 p. (87. 60.) | |||
| Sir Henry Nevill to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601, Aug. 4]. | I understand by him that solicits my business that I am blamed that I have not in all this time made any offer for the satisfaction of the fine imposed - upon me. Whereupon, being not willing to give or continue any cause of offence in any kind, I have made bold to present another petition to the Council to this effect : that it would please them to consider of the particular which I lately delivered them of my land, and to estimate what my estate for life may be worth in it, according to the common rate used between subjects, and to present the same in my name to her Majesty, together with my supplication that she will be pleased either to take my lands into her hands, and satisfy herself out of the yearly profits thereof, allowing me only what it pleases her for the sustenance of my wife and my 8 poor children : or that she will accept of that sum which the Council shall judge my estate for life to be worth (my said necessary maintenance deducted), and to give me such time for the payment of it as they think reasonable. This is all that I can offer, and this I trust her Majesty, in the riches of that mercy which she has extended towards all other, will be pleased to accept; and so lay the punishment upon myself which have only deserved it, and not upon my poor children which are innocent I do so much condemn myself for the error and offence I have committed, and so truly grieve that I have incurred the indignation of so gracious a sovereign, as I would willingly undergo any misery whatsoever that might light but upon myself, even to the loss of my life, to satisfy her displeasure for my offence, and to purchase her grace and favour to my children. I protest that unless I be so happy as to obtain some mitigation of that indignation which is kindled in her against me, I shall account my life but a burden unto me, and hope to be eased of it ere it be long; yet while I enjoy it, I shall never cease to acknowledge her Majesty's former favour, and my unhappiness in losing it, and likewise your exceeding goodness towards me. | ||
| Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“4 August 1601. Sir Ha. Nevyll.” 1 p. (87. 61.) | |||
| Sir Robert Cecil to the parishioners of St. Martin's in the Fields. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 4. | I perceive by a petition from the inhabitants of Westminster, how fit you conceive it to be that some alteration be made in the Street for the ease of passengers and making the street fairer and sweeter on both sides the way. It is computed that the charge will be 250l. I have great love for that quarter where I had my birth and breeding, and I shall be ready to bear my share of this charge, and so will my Lord Keeper; also Sir Walter Raleigh, in respect of Durham House, will pay such a proportion as you shall think fit. I desire you, therefore, presently to appoint some committees to begin the work in time for it to be finished before the beginning of the Term, and to make choice of persons of sufficient honesty and skill to discharge their task in good sort. | ||
| Draft. Endorsed :—“August 4th 1601. Minute to the parishioners of St. Martyn's in the Fields.” 4 pp. (182. 132.) | |||
| William Rider, Lord Mayor of London, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601 Aug. 4. | The enclosed libel was brought to my hands this morning by the Constable in the Old Bailey where it was fixed on a door, with another of the same on a post near by.—This 4th of August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. Seal. ¼ p. (182. 134.) | |||
| Captain Holcroft to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 4/14. | We perceived this morning that the enemy hath begun to approach towards the place which we razed not long since, and we imagine that his intent is to bring a trench to the river and so with a bridge to join it to that trench which comes from the Sandhills on the west side, by reason whereof they shall have commodity of succouring one another. Our general being this morning upon Sandhill to give order for the bestowing of some pieces, was hurt with a fragment broken out of the mouth of one of our cannons by a cannon shot. The wound, which is in the back of the head on the right side, bled much, but the surgeon says the skull is not broken. The States have sent in yesterday and this night great store of powder and other necessaries. The ships come into the Gule [Geule] with no great danger, and we are making a place to receive them on the South East side of the town into the town-ditch. His Excellency hath taken Moers, and the States have offered our General two thousand men more, but I think he be not willing to accept them.—Ostend, this Tuesday the 14th of August 1601, sti. novo. | ||
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (183. 8.) | |||
| Robert Twist, Robert Poole and George Bett to [the English Soldiers In Ostend]. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 4/14. | Gentlemen and loving countrymen—The love we bear you binds us not to suffer you to be deceived by your commanders, who persuade you that such as render themselves are either hanged or extremely dealt withal. Which is as false as God is true, as by experience we can assure you. For we coming naked are clothed, and for our maintenance, his Highness allows us xijd. sterling every day, which is good where things are plenty. Again, if we list to serve, we may under an English captain and with our own countrymen, our pay being equal with the Spaniards and as often paid. If we crave to be gone, we have our passport and money to travel withal. Every hundred of our countrymen shall have their captain of their own nation, and, if there be any that will adventure any extraordinary service, his Highness will largely reward them. If you think it wrongful that the King of Spain doth aid the Irish, how can you assist those rebellious Hollanders against their lawful king.—From his Highness' camp before Ostend the 14th of August. Your fellow soldiers and loving friends. | ||
| Endorsed :—“The copy of the soldiers' letter. 1601, 14 Augt.” 1 p. (183. 9.) | |||
| Hameden Poulet to the Council. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 5. | According to your letters of the 2nd inst., I have ordered the captains and leaders of the foot forces appointed for defence of this town of Portsmouth, to be in readiness to repair hither, when occasion shall be to call them, with sufficient provision of victuals for their said companies for 15 days, the which I doubt not but they will accordingly perform, and I do assure you that, for my part, I will do my best endeavour for the safe keeping of this place, praying you to order a speedy supply of those needful provisions for the great artillery and other defects as formerly I have moved you for : without which I assure you the town will be in great hazard, if an enemy should attempt the same. I have made bold to send the Master Gunner of this town to attend you for the despatch thereof.—Portsmouth, 5 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. (87. 62.) | |||
| Sir William Constable to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 5. | As sickness has prevented him from presenting his duty to Cecil, he has desired my Lord Henry to assist him for the continuance of Cecil's favours. Prays Cecil to pardon his departure to the country, to which he is urged by the danger he is in for arrest in the town here, and the weakness of his estate in the country. Prays for Cecil's indifferency between Ambrose Dudley and himself, and that their case may be heard by him at their next being here.—5 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. (87. 63.) | |||
| Captain William Parker to the Earl Of Nottingham, Lord Admiral, and to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 5. | Your letters, dated the second of this August, I have received on the 4th of this instant at 12 noon, whereby I am commanded to depart to sea and lie in the Sleeve with my ship and pinnace. Although my ship, upon the receipt of your letter, was unrigged, yet she is at this instant ready to depart, and victualled for five weeks for seventy men. There is a pinnace of Alderman Watts' of fifteen tons ready to go with me. Mr. Stallenge has laid down the proportion of the victuals; the particulars of the charge I leave to him to send you.—Plymouth, this 5th of August 1601, ready to set sail. | ||
| Signed. Seal. ½ p. | |||
| On the back :—“Ashburton at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Exeter past 8 in the night, Thursday. Honiton at past 10 in the night. Crewkerne at 4 in morning. Shirburn half an hour after 8 in the morning. Salisbury about 10 of the clock in the night.” (182. 135.) | |||
| George Freman to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. [6]. | The enclosed was delivered to him by Jasper Cane [or Care]. He would have delivered it himself, but not being well at taking shipping, his sickness has so increased that he could not. He has paid the post of Gravesend for the carriage hereof, being told her Majesty allows nothing.—Gravesend, August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“6 August.” ½ p. (87. 64.) | |||
| Sir Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 6. | Having received your letters of the 2nd inst. for the stay of the soldiers billeted at Sandwich, I acquainted the Mayor thereof but the next day you directed other letters for the speedy sending and embarking of the said soldiers for Ostend with all possible speed, the which yesterday in the afternoon was performed; but the soldiers after their making to sea, and finding none of the Queen's ships to conduct them, nor Sir Henry Palmer having no commission for the conducting them to Ostend, the captain conductors presently acquainted me thereof. I desire your answer with all possible speed, for that their victuals grow very short with them.—Dover Castle, 6 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“The 300 soldiers yet in the road for want of convoy.” ½ p. (87. 66.) | |||
| Sir Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 6. | Having received your letters this day in the morning for the provision of some materials for fireworks and other things necessary for the strengthening of her Majesty's navy, I presently despatched letters to all the ports to have such things in a readiness, and have also given direction that there be certain crayers taken up for the carriages of the said materials aboard of the Queen's ships.—Dover Castle, 6 August 1601. | ||
| Signed. ½ p. (87. 67.) | |||
| Norreys' Property. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 6. | Agreement between Fr. Lord Norries of Ricott, and Sir Edward Norries, of Englefield, with respect to the manor of Hamsteed Norries, the manor or monastery of Nottley, and the rectory of Crendon Withall.—Aug. 6, 1601. | ||
| Cont. Copy. 1 p. (2494.) | |||
| T., Lord Buckhurst to Mr. Secretary Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 7. | You know that in Easter term last, you and I conferred touching these monopolies, whereof I caused a collection to be made, and do find the number to be very great, and most of them so unfit and so odious, neither profitable to her Majesty nor good for the commonwealth, as it shall be a very good service to her Majesty that the nature and quality of them may be considered : and so accordingly such of them as shall be thought fit, to be revoked and called in by her Majesty. | ||
| I did then likewise require Mr. Attorney to make a collection of them, which he promised to do. | |||
| And at the same time, if you remember, yourself and I did move her Majesty in this matter, and her Highness was pleased to appoint my Lord Keeper, myself, my Lord Admiral, yourself, and my Lord Chief Justice to meet and take order therein, and to cause Mr. Attorney to attend us with his collection. I spake once or twice with Mr. Attorney in it : but I must confess that her Majesty's many services otherways has deferred it. But now, before this Parliament, it is a thing most fit and necessary that we meet and make a public notification thereof, and upon due consideration to examine the state of them, and to call in as many of them as shall be thought fit before the Parliament : and the same to be done by our public meeting and notification thereof so solemnly and publicly as that all men may take knowledge thereof. I beseech you especially to move her Majesty therein, and that she will please once more by her own royal commandment to remember us for the accomplishing thereof : for I assure you it will prove a service most profitable and honourable for her Majesty. There be divers of them that are both profitable to her Majesty and good for the public, and many just considerations may move the continuance of many of them : for to revoke too many were as dangerous and hurtful to her Majesty's prerogatives on the other side : so as we must walk in a medium and moderation, and then shall we do her Majesty a notable good service : and the sooner we begin the better. I would be glad that Mr. Vice-Chamberlain were also appointed one, for he is wise and temperate. Methinks we might make one business of this sitting before the Queen go from Windsor : only to publish and notify it to all the world. And if her Majesty shall please to give direction unto you herein, you shall do well to cause Mr. Attorney to be ready with his collections, and to attend us when we sit.—7 August 1601. | |||
| PS.—I had thought myself to have moved her Majesty at my last waiting upon her, but that we had troubled her with so many matters before. | |||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Treasurer.” 2 pp (87. 70.) | |||
| Mathew Bee, Mayor, and Giles Hutchins, to the Earl Of Nottingham and Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, August 7. | To-day Cuthbert Croke, innholder, of the Three Lyons of this city, brought to us these persons, viz. James Cruse, John Carpenter and Ezekiel Swift, being all three of one livery, and servants, as they affirmed, to Sir Stephen Thornhust, dwelling near Hertley Rew, Hants. They all affirmed that Swift, after their coming into their lodging chamber at Croke's, found the letters here-enclosed, together with the packet herewith also sent, lying upon a bed in the chamber. We cannot find by examination how the said letters were left in that place.—New Sarum, 7 August 1601. | ||
| Signed as above. On the back :—“Post post hast. Sarum 10 of the clocke at night 7 August. At Basingstok at 12 of cloke at none the 7th of August. Harfart Brug at 3 in the afternon.” Endorsed :—“Mayor of Salisbury.” 1 p. (87. 71.) | |||
| Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601,] Aug. 7. | My misery is very great. I have not the means to bear the charge of attending at Court : I can only hope that by your favourable means I may be made as happy as others that are as faulty as I am.—From the Gatehouse this 7th of August. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. ¾ p. (182. 136.) | |||
| Bartholemew Allein, Mayor, and Thomas Barffoot, Bailiff, of Weymouth, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 7. | This present day here came on shore out of a Scottish ship a certain Scottish gentleman naming himself Thomas Duglas, whom we did examine, and he informed us that he was employed by your, Honour in her Majesty's service, and that he had matters of intelligence to deliver to you. Whereunto we gave no perfect confidence for that he, coming from Dieppe, would arrive here, and for that he lay on ship board a whole day and night before coming on shore. Wherefore we sent him with a letter to the Lord Lieutenant of this county, who returned him to us safely to be kept till your pleasure be known. He hath written the enclosed letter to your Honour. We have searched him and his portmanteau but, besides apparel, have found nothing but a mass-book and a paper with ciphers, wherein, as he saith, are contained his directions from your Honour.—From Weymouth and Melcombe Regis this 7th of August 1601. | ||
| Signed. On the back :—“Received at Shastone at xi of the clock in the forenoon, Sarum past 4 in the afternoon being Saturday. Received at Andover at 7 in the morning being Sunday. At Basingstoke at 11 of clock forenoon the 9 of August. At Hartford Bridge at 3 in the afternoon.” 1 p. (182. 137.) | |||
| Export Of Woollen Cloths. | |||
| [1601, Aug. 7.] | A brief of the licence to be granted by Her Majesty to the Earl of Cumberland. Draft. 1¼ pp. (183. 102.) | ||
| [See S. P. Dom. Eliz. Vol. 281, No. 44; p. 80 of Calendar.] | |||
| The Earl Of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601, Aug. 8.] | The bearer Captain Geare is the man who was sent out of Weymouth to discover the coming of the Spanish fleet. He can deliver some particular news thereof. You may credit his report.—Hampton Court Lodge. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Admiral.” August 8, 1601. ½ p. (87. 72.) | |||
| William Udall to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 8. | Prays for Cecil's compassion after his long imprisonment. His wife and 6 children have been forced to leave Ireland, all men being threatened from relieving them, and now that they are in England he has no means to relieve them. He remains in prison, without taking of air, in the worst and most infectious chamber, no man so strangely used. They are in better case that have dealt against her Majesty, than they who are supposed to have been opposed against Essex. Every man may go abroad with a keeper, and may walk in the garden, but himself.—Gatehouse, 8 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. (87. 73.) | |||
| Richard [Bancroft,] Bishop of London, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 8. | Many thanks rendered for your late very honourable kindness. I have sent here-enclosed a letter from Embden, which contains a point of some importance; and though it might be deemed to be written of policy to bring our merchants again to Embden, yet I assure myself that the party is so honest that he writes simply the truth as he hears in regard of his duty. But I leave the due consideration of it to your wisdom.—London, 8 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. ½ p. (87. 75.) | |||
| Jo. Croke and H. Touneshend to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 8. | They lately received Cecil's letters, enclosed in letters of Lord Stafford's : and send herewith copy (fn. 1) of their answer to Stafford.—Bridgenorth, 8 August 1601. | ||
| Signed as above. 1 p. (87. 77.) | |||
| Sir Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 8. | The 300 soldiers embarked at Sandwich and, for want of convoy, stayed in the Downs, have now, by a man of war of Holland, been guarded and so conducted for Ostend, where it is thought that they will be landed this night.—Dover Castle, 8 August 1601. | ||
| Signed. On the back :—“Dover the 8th of August at past 6 in the afternoone. Canterbury at 10 at nyght. Sittingborn at one on the 9 day August. Darford at — in the morninge. At London a paste 11.” ½ p. (87. 78.) | |||
| Newsletter. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 8/18. | This week no extraordinary post has arrived from any quarter and there is no news of the Spanish fleet. Some say that it has taken four Turkish galleys sent in advance of the fleet of Cicala to discover the Spanish ships; but others think this untrue. It is confirmed that Don Pietro di Tolledo is recovered and has followed the fleet with the galleys of his squadron. It would appear that they are to attack Algiers as soon as they have taken the port called Bugia. | ||
| Signor Doria has left orders for the king's officers in Naples and here to direct letters for him to Genoa, which confirms the idea of an intended attack upon Algiers. It is thought that one of the motives for this is the piracy committed upon ships sailing from the ports in Catalonia. | |||
| [Intelligence as to affairs in Poland follows; and some unimportant events in Italy.] | |||
| From Paris we here that the King and Queen are there with Madame the King's sister, and that there is talk of her conversion from calvinism by 'Perona' and a Capucin. The King wished to go to St. Germains, and thence to Fontainbleau, where the Queen would be confined.—Rome, 18 August 1601. | |||
| Italian. The letter is mutilated and stained. 2½ pp. (87. 113.) | |||
| The Earl Of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, 1 Aug. 8. | Upon this advertisement of Captain Gere, who is, I know, a very honest man, I do wish that letter were sent to Bristol, and some to the principal gentlemen about Milford, that they may have some warning of this. But in short I will tell you my conceit, that they have divided their forces, sent the smaller sort of ships with the soldiers into Ireland, and have sent their men of war to Milford to keep the passage, that there may no aid go over till they have fully settled themselves. Wheresoever they mean, it will be seen, but not so soon as it would if the storm had not happened, which, I think, hath dispersed them. And so from “the Boush” at Staines (“Stanse”), I bid you farewell.—This 8 of A. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. | |||
| Endorsed :—“1601. Court at Staines the 8 of August past 2 in the afternoon. At London at 6 in the afternoon 8 of August. Long in coming.” | |||
| Addressed :—“To my honourable good friend Sir Robert Cecil, knight, at the Savoy.” (182. 138.) | |||
| Captains Hugh Kenricke, Thomas Mynne, Thomas Hawkines, and John Brett to the Lords Of The Council. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 8. | Having embarked our men at Yarmouth the 7th of August in the morning, and put nigh out of the harbour the same evening, we are constrained by contrary winds to return this night into the port of Harwich. We are distressed for victuals, not receiving at our embarking more than for three days.—Harwich, the 8 of August 1601. | ||
| Signed. Endorsed by Cecil :—“The Captains from Harwich which do command the 600 soldiers for Ostend.” Seal. 1 p. (182. 139.) | |||
| Ralph, Lord Eure to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601,] Aug. 8. | I am very grateful both for the procuring for me of her Majesty's favour and for the releasing of my unfortunate brother, whom I find highly honoured by your noble opinion of him.—Malton, the 8th of August. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. 1 p. (182. 140.) | |||
| Bartholomew Allein, Mayor, and Thomas Barffoot, Bailiff, of Weymouth, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 8. | By our letters of yesterday we certified your Honour concerning one Thomas Duglas. After the sending away of which letters, our Lord Lieutenant returned hither between twelve and one of the clock at night on purpose to re-examine him, but found him very much distempered and overtaken with drink, so that his Honour was enforced to stay seven or eight hours before he was able to yield a sensible word : but upon his re-examination, his Honour could gather nothing from him but that he had matter of great intelligence, and that, if he should be stayed, his designments might be frustrated and the whole State within three days be overthrown. Being demanded if he had any knowledge of the fugitives Allen and Parsons, he answered that he had conversed with them in Spain two or three years together, and that they were worthy men, and he doubted not but that Allen, being dead, was with God. Which things his Honour did desire us to certify to you, as also to send up by this bearer the person himself.—From Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, this 8th of August 1601. | ||
| Signed. Seal. 1 p. (182. 141.) | |||
| F., Lord Norreys to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601,] Aug. 9. | Were there not a necessity for me to condole at my grandfather's funerals to-morrow, I would not have been in place where we must be marshalled in degree before I had waited on her Majesty, for her favourable approbation of that poor title which I must derive and acknowledge only from her gracious hands, which I thought fit to acquaint you with, who has been partly privy to my attendance at Court for this purpose, and is only able to protect me against any that are apt to suggest sinisterly against me to her Majesty.—9 August. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601. The Lord Norreyes.” ½ p. (87. 56.) | |||
| The Earl Of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601, Aug.] 9. | Even now these letters which I send enclosed was brought me. I was bold to open that to my Lords. I do marvel that there was but 3 days' victuals allowed them. My Lord Treasurer must take present order with all expedition. I am in great doubt how these men will land well at Ostend, for I see no likelihood of fair weather, and if the Low Country ships be no care-fuller than they have been, they may lie a good while in the road before they be landed, and the path is dangerous. The poor man that brought these letters would be considered, and he will be best to be returned with the directions, for he dwells there.—Windsor, this 9. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“9 August 1601. The Lord Admiral to me from Court.” ½ p. (87. 79.) | |||
| William Alabaster to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 9. | The honourable audience he received at Cecil's hands in the Tower makes him presume to write to Cecil for himself and his fellows in prison. They complain of the high rate of their commons and chambers, and pray that they may provide their own commons, and use the benefit of their walks.—Fremingam Castle, 9 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Framingham Castle.” 1 p. (87. 80.) | |||
| John Vaughan to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| [1601,] Aug. 9. | Acknowledges Cecil's favours. Commends the bearer his brother to Cecil's service.—Goulden Grove, 9 August. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” ½ p. (87. 82.) | |||
| Jo. Meade, Mayor of Cork, to Sir Robert Cecil | |||
| 1601, Aug. 9. | He has no other advertisements than what he lately wrote to the Lords; that the citizens are daily fortifying about the walls of this city to prevent the now threatened Spanish invasion.—Cork, 9 August 1601. | ||
| Signed. On the back :—“Your Honour's servant, Edward Flint is safe arrived in Bristol this 16th of August 1601, and all his hawks with him. He will repair unto you with as great speed as may be.” ½ p. (199. 63.) | |||
| George Brooke to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 9. | This gentleman is a natural kinsman very near unto your wife, an excellent scholar and a perfect honest man. His reasons to hold the place that he lately hath been presented unto, I doubt not but if he may have the favour to open privately unto you, they will leave the same impression they have done on me.—Blackfriars, this 9th of August 1601. Your brother-in-law. | ||
| Holograph. ¾ p. (182. 142.) | |||
| Jame Elphinstoune to Archibald Douglas. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 10. | The inhibition of all woollen wares to come into Scotland, either from England, France or elsewhere, is so strictly put into execution that the merchant not only loses the wares he brings home, but also all his “munabill” goods. He therefore prays Douglas to speak to his friend Sir John Foskie [? Fortescue] to license him certain parcels of wares named : broadcloths, Devonshire kersies, hats, fustians, &c.—From the Abbaye of Holye Rude Hous, 10 August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. ½ p. (87. 83.) | |||
| The Queen's Ships. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 10. | Ships to be now employed. | ||
| MEN | |||
| The Wastspite | 300 | To be victualled for three months. | |
| The Garlande | 250 | ||
| The Defyaunce | 250 | ||
| The Hope | 250 | ||
| The Raynbowe | 250 | ||
| The Dreadnought | 140 | ||
| The Lyons Whelpe | 50 | ||
| 1490 | |||
| Ships to be continued at the Narrow Seas. | |||
| MEN | |||
| The Golden Lyon | 250 | ||
| The Antloppe | 120 | ||
| The Charles | 45 | ||
| 415 | |||
| To be continued for guarding of the River. | |||
| The Lyon Drumler | 50 | ||
| Ships to be discharged. | |||
| MEN | |||
| The Vanngarde | 250 | [In Cecil's hand :] The remain of the victual of these ships to be employed for the revictualling of the 3 ships of the Narrow Seas. | |
| The Quittaunce | 100 | ||
| The Adventure | 120 | ||
| The Crane | 100 | ||
| The Awnswere | 100 | ||
| The Advauntage | 100 | ||
| The Advice pinnace | 25 | ||
| 795 | |||
| —10 August 1601. | |||
| Endorsed by Cecil :—“A note set down by Mr. Dorrell. 1 p. (87. 84.) | |||
| Elizabeth, Dowager Lady Russell to Mr. Secretary [Cecil]. | |||
| [1601,] Aug. 10. | I have a footman who this morning I hear has been enticed from my service by some secretary of yours and promised 7l. by year and 4 suits of apparel. I have great need of a footman, or else being so poor a widow as not able to keep house in the country as heretofore, I would not have been at so great charge with him as I have already bestowed on him, having not been with me scarce a quarter of a year, to the value of above 7l. in respect of my “journeyment” into Wales. And because I hear your footman was here with him this morning, saying that if I would prefer him to you you would take him, I have done thus much, hoping that you that may command so many will show your self so religious to a poor lady as to remember who said, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house nor his wife nor his servant nor his maiden nor anything that is your neighbour's.”—10 August. | ||
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lady Russell. 1601.” 1 p. (87. 85.) | |||
| William Rider, Lord Mayor of London, to the Lords Of The Council. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 10. | It pleased your Lordship to give me directions to offer to idle and vagrant persons in and about the city means to avoid the danger of the law by propounding to them the entertainment of the States and the service at Ostend. Besides such idle vagrants intended by your letters, there is about the city a great number of all sorts of ill-disposed people, which conveyed themselves away upon the first notice of the former imprests, and are now returned, to the great annoyance of this city; but might well be employed in those services if your Lordship would grant me a warrant for the taking up of such loose persons. Care shall be used that no man of honest sort be troubled.—From London, the 10 of August 1601. | ||
| Signed. Seal. ¾ p. (182. 143.) | |||
| Henry Lok to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 10. | I am bold to recommend the reading of this enclosed letter to your Honour before it be sealed, which, if it have your allowance, I crave may be sealed and sent. If the man be in other things as clear as in his dealings discovered here, it were mere impiety to let him be oppressed by so lewd a practice, which would also encourage the forger thereof to proceed from him and this to other persons and matters.—Acton, 10 Aug. 1601. | ||
| Holograph. ¾ p. (182. 144.) | |||
| The Attorney-General (Coke) to Sir Robert Cecil. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 10. | This morning my wife attended on her Majesty and she will vouchsafe to take dinner at Stoke on Thursday next, when I expect your presence. For the gown and jewel, whatsoever you shall think fit I will assent unto, and rather to be above the sum your Honour mentioned than under, for I would give that which shall be acceptable, whatsoever it cost. I have written to my cousin Stanhope to take pains for me herein, and to do what you shall command him.—This 10th of August 1601. | ||
| Holograph. 1 p. (182. 145.) | |||
| John Bydgood, Mayor of Lyme Regis, to the Council. | |||
| 1601, Aug. 10. | Ever since the writing . . . 7th of this August the bark of . . . place, is this day arrived here, the . . . that he has been by contrary winds . . . the Channel, and could not descry . . . any sail, saving one small bark . . . of Plymouth, who told him that . . . there arrived at Plymouth a bark . . . Rochelle, and came through the trade, and . . . nor heard of any, but says that there . . . Flamens (Flemings) of some 60 sail from Rochelle.—Lyme Regis, 10 August 1601. | ||
| ½ p. Much damaged. (213. 27.) | |||