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Arthur Hall to Lord Cecil. |
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1604, June 1. |
Your lordship is not ignorant of my many
years disgrace and some, not the least, since you became a
Councillor. I had equity and favour offered me in her Majesty's
time by eight of the Lords of the Council, which I have to show
under their bonds. Hoping thereof, I spent the travail of my
friends and my weak purse but nothing followed but smoke.
Then I fled to the Queen, who sent to the Lord Keeper in my
behalf. He, in lieu of her favour meant me, has undone me
and mine and I then certifying her Highness thereof was as
you know by her appointed to allege what I could against his
lordship (I found impar congressus Achilli) before certain of
the Lords. The fruits I reaped by the back reports to her
Majesty were that she, whom I had served upon the point of
forty years and never had sixpence by her directly or indirectly,
refused contemptuously my petition. God forgive her, the
fault was not hers. |
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If as a subject I have not deserved well of your house, respect
for justice sake my afflictions. Sir Jo. Zouche, knight, was
made known to your lordships in the Star Chamber a year and
more past to be in my debt and thereupon by the said Lords,
Sir Jo. Foscue and Mr. Secretary Harbert were desired to end
but nothing effected. He lies now by Charing Cross within
the liberties of Westminster which your lordship commands.
He is outlawed after judgment at my suit. Let me have what
law awards and the Bayly of Westminster be commanded to
attach Sir John, that I in prison for debt may be relieved with
what is my due.—Flete, 1 June 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (105. 89.) |
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Sir Geoffrey Fenton to Lord Cecil. |
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1604, June 1. |
The enclosed was delivered to the Lord Deputy
and Council the next day before my coming away by Sir Patrick
Bamwell, all written and subscribed by his own hand. This
was the ground of this writing. Sir Patrick at his return out
of England gave out to the people that the King either had
done or would give toleration in religion through the whole
realm, upon which speeches the Papists within the English pale
took occasion to insult the more, presuming to make more
open profession of their popery than before. One of them being
called to question before the state for countenancing certain
priests, who carried up and down the idol of the Holy Cross,
affirmed that nothing was done but upon assurance of the
King's promise of freedom of conscience as Sir Patrick Bamwell
told them. I send this writing to your lordship, for that your
name being mentioned therein, Sir Patrick would draw the
speeches then uttered at the table to be a ground to him to
seduce the people of Ireland, upon pretence of his Majesty's
promise for toleration, a matter which I hope will never fall
into his Majesty's heart. It has pleased God to visit me with
a very violent fever, so as I have not strength to pace my
chamber. In which respect I beseech you bear with my want
of attendance.—At my lodging in the Strond, 1 June 1604.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (188. 123.) |
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Justice Towneshend to the Same. |
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1604, June 2. |
Understands by common fame in the country
that Lord Darby intends speedily to place a new deputy in
his stead to serve in his office at Chester. Understanding that
he was at the first chosen by Lord Darby on Cecil's advice prays
him to prevent his incurring such an undeserved disgrace. If
his lordship should displace him in so short space without cause
given, he cannot but be sensible of some wrong and discredit
done him. Writes not to complain of the Earl, being persuaded
that if he has any such intention it proceeds from some ill disposed about him. Has served in that country in judicial place
for thirty years and for the most part in Lord Leyster's time
associated to Mr. Glasier who died in that court. His patent
from the Earl is during pleasure, which in such cases relates to
some special cause. Prays therefore that he may not be removed
before he can come to make answer.—Saloppe, 2 June 1604.
Signed: H. Tounsehend. 1 p. (111. 28.) |
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Henry Constable to the Same. |
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1604, June 3. |
Having made a supplication to be exhibited
to the Lords of the Council for my liberty I must beseech your
lordship to signify to my cousin whether you like that it should
be presented or no.—From the Tower, 3 June 1604.
Signed. 2/3 p. (188. 124.) |
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Lord Kinloss to Lord Cecil. |
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[1604], June 4. |
Had my indisposition of body suffered me I
would have been my own messenger. It pleased your lordship
out of your accustomed favour for my release to procure a
privy seal to Sir Edmond Carie for 1000 marks, which sum my
Lord repays at a little and sues as he says to me long time to
give them satisfaction. I have no recourse but your mediation
and I trust you will afford me the best furtherance you can.—
"From the Rolles," 4 June.
Holograph, signed: E. Bruis. Endorsed: "1604. L. of
Kynlosse." ⅓ p. (188. 125.) |
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Sir G. Hervy, Lieutenant of the Tower, to the Same. |
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1604, June 5. |
I hold it more safe to be curious than careless.
This morning a strange creature came to me to speak about a
strange message to have been delivered to my Lord Grey, the
party herself being unknown to him and he to her. She a very
poor ruined gentlewoman and the subject whereon she works
is my Lord's enlargement, which being matter of state I find no
coherence betwixt the party and the matter. I have taken her
examination, which I send herewith. The woman I have
stayed till I shall receive your further direction.—The Tower,
5 June 1604.
Holograph. ¾ p. (105. 92.) |
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The Enclosure:
5 June 1604. The Examination of Margarett Morris
of London widow. |
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Being asked what business she had to come into the
Tower says that she came purposely to Lord Gray
to inform him of a letter written on his behalf to the
Earl of Southampton, which letter was delivered to
one Mr. Downall late servant to the Earl of Essex, to
be conveyed to the said Earl, and was written to him
for the good of Lord Graye about his releasement.
She will not confess who wrote the letter but says it
was one who had done great service to the Queen
deceased and the King; says she herself delivered the
letter from the party to Downall and this morning
has been with Downall to understand whether he had
delivered the latter accordingly. Downall confessed
that he had not delivered the letter and refused
to deliver it to her again. Whereupon she replied
that he had done Lord Graye open wrong. She further
says that her desire is that it would please my Lord
of Deavonsheire (of whom she claims kindred) to send
for her and Downall that he may bring the letter with
him, that his lordship and others may examine the
cause.
Signed: Margerit Morris. ¾ p. (105. 91.) |
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F. Clifford to Thomas Bruze at Valledelid. |
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1604, June 5/15. |
I lately importuned you, upon no desert,
with my troublesome business for the safe addressing of my
letters. I promised to gratify your kindness in what service I
may. If it please you to signify to us here that live in a solitary
place by means of the far absence of the Court and farther
distance of the sea-ports, whereby we are bereft of that man
by nature most desires, what news is abroad in the world,
what success in our country, or what hope the long distressed
servants of God have, it shall be very welcome. I am bold to
request this of you, because I perceive your intelligence is more
than ordinary. At my departure from England I left my
friends in great expectation. I fear it is great still, and merely
expectation. I understand you have a copious dictionary for
the Spanish and other languages. If I could by any means
have the like, I would willingly and thankfully satisfy the price.
My good friend Mr. Williams salutes you in the heartiest and
friendliest manner and Mrs. Parsley remembers you with her
kindest commendations.—Madrid, 15 June 1604.
Holograph. ¾ p. (105. 103.) |
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Sir Edward Hoby to Lord Cecil. |
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1604, June 7. |
I make a relation unto you of what passed in
the conference between my Lord Cobham and me in presence
of the Lieutenant. Three things moved him to speak with me;
first, to satisfy me of some speeches which were given out that
my Lady his wife should deal unkindly with him in some
particularities which were spread abroad; secondly, to further
the bill for my Lady which he was most desirous might receive
good and speedy passage; thirdly, which indeed most troubled
him, that my cousin Duke Brooke might not any way be relieved
or strengthened by any bill this Parliament, fearing lest some
present right might be confirmed to him, for it seemed that he
pretended a present right, which might prove very prejudicial
to him in case the King should pardon him and restore him to
his land, of which he was not altogether in despair.—7 June 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (105. 95.) |
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Sir John Ogle to the Same. |
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1604, June 7. |
This day is come a ship-captain with letters
from Ostend to the Count Morice, who was in some longing to
hear from thence in regard of a great and long continued shooting
as well of muskets as cannon, which we heard yesterday.
The letters specify nothing for they were dated the day before
but brought out to him yesternight. The messenger certifieth
the Count that those of the town discovered and blew up a
mine of the enemy's in the west bulwark (the guard which the
English maintain) and that they there came to push of pike
and that the fight or at least the change of bullets endured an
hour and half. Those that came out (as he reports) did not
relate anything of any particular notice taken of any great loss
of either side. There are six companies now under way (sent
from hence) to put into the town, two English whereof one is
Sir Charles Fairfax's who is sent to command over the fifteen
companies there. If by their courage and industry they can
prolong that siege still, it will give a great advancement to our
proceedings here, especially considering the strength of this
place is such as that merely time must be our best assurance to
prevail against it. For though we prepare floats and batteries
(which will yet not be ready these six days) and by that means
hope to lodge men over the water, yet is the Count Morice's
opinion and chief trust (as the surest mean to a discerning
judgment) in taking it by famine. To this end he doth daily
ordain great store of works (especially about the drowned land as
otherwhere) and those of strength and to purpose in such sort
as there is little or no hope left for the enemy to put in any
more convoys. And for the present being of those in the town
it is of this condition, whereby your lordship may judge what
our hopes are. They have 10,000 souls that eat. Butter,
cheese or other sort there is none or very little; cheese at 12d.
sterling the pound but without great friendship not to be had.
Bread and biscuit they have yet no present want of and they
give out they are furnished of that for two months, which the
Count Morice by his other intelligences not well believeth.
This did a soldier report to the Count this day, being taken and
brought in by a captain of the out-guard in the drowned land.
He had great store of letters about him but none from the
Governor nor aught concerning the public. This is their condition and estate within, being by all likelihood the best, for
they have fired with beacons two several times already, which
were wont to be tokens of some extremity presently requiring
succour. For their other hopes from without, that is as it
happens well or ill with the Duke at Ostend and in my poor
opinion I do not see but that though the Duke get the start,
yet shall not he win the prize. For Sluce is not disassieged,
though he come this way with his army. For if he will come
with his whole army upon any quarter of ours, he may watch
us more but not lightly wear us out, so strongly is our camp
and so conveniently fortified, and is yet every day increased
in such sort as there is no branch of the Army, how far soever
it lieth, but shall shortly receive succour and comfort upon
occasion from the main root or stock here before Sluce. Bridges
are made, and more in making, over the drowned land of some
200, some 100 paces, that by them we may always upon occasion
give succour to each other. If he divide his troops (having
no more than he now hath, and for his Mutineers though they
be upon terms of agreement, they are not to serve him in
Flanders) we can divide proportionably to attend him. If he
will attempt by way of diversion (as some will have it) to go
to the frontiers of Holland or up to Rheneberch, there is no
place of importance there but will resist him longer than such
an abandoned town as Sluce can do the Count Morice, especially
when all hope of succour shall be removed from them. The
likeliest issue (if Ostend be first lost) will be a battle, for I should
think (under correction of your wisdom be it spoken), if the
Duke come to take the fort at the entrance of the haven (to
which he hath an open way), so must the Count (it being so
near his quarter) either go and fight with him or let him take
it. Methinks it is strange that it is not ere this razed and
demolished. Touching the strength of our army I do not think
us to be above 8000 men [margin: foot] reckoning all as we
lie dispersed at Cassant, Coxie, Aerdenburch and the troops
in the drowned land with those of the camp. We expect
shortly a supply of 1000 Switsers and, to the same number, of
soldiers of all nations out of garrisons, in whose places are new
companies raised for the summer time. We expect likewise
our troops of horse that were with the squadron or Mutineers.—
From the Camp before Sluce, 7 June 1604, veteri.
At foot: By Capt. Mansfield.
Holograph. 2½ pp. (105. 96.) |
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Edward Banes to Lord Cecil. |
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1604, June 7/17. |
My good will was always bent to do all service
possible to your lordship since my departure out of England
and with great hope to return thither again according to my
promise. But it was not my fortune, all through the bad
priest's means. You gave a letter and warrant to William
Stallenge to stay him in Darkemothe, for you said you doubted
he would do me some harm at his coming to Spain. Which
fell out true for when he was set at liberty he went to the Court
of Spain and there informed the King that I was only for the
Queen's service and had promised many things, so that it was
not for his Majesty's service to credit me nor send me any more
to redeem prisoners. Insomuch that I being appointed to
go over again and obtain the liberty of the prisoners both in
the galleys as in the castle, and a ship provided to carry them,
upon his information there came order from the Court that in
no case I should go and that the Governor, the Conde de Portalegre, should send a Spaniard. Whereupon I went to the Court
to clear myself, which cost me a great deal of money. For all
the expenses I was at in England in joining together the
Spaniards and the great expenses and troubles I passed there
as you well know, I was not recompensed by her Majesty but
remitted to my return, so that I came through my good will
to great loss. Whereupon I requested you, in lieu of my service
and good will, to speak to his Majesty to give me the office
to be consul of our nation here in Portingall, for here is want of
one if God give us peace. I know well that there will not lack
divers that will pretend the same but if I might request your
good will, I know that no man should go before me. I have a
great burden of children which causes me to request this remedy
for them. I have been hindered greatly by "Skottes" men
which I have trusted with my goods and have been surety here
for them for freights they have got here through my means and
they have left me in danger for them and have paid a great deal
of money for them and yet I do not let to pleasure the nation
and am well beloved among them. If his Majesty understood
it, I doubt not he would grant me the office. I have a fit
messenger, one Mr. Huett Stapars son to Mr. Richard Stapars
of London, merchant, whom I request to do me the pleasure
to deliver this to your Honour.—17 June 1604 in Lisheborne.
Holograph. 1⅓ pp. (105. 110.) |
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Queen Anne of Denmark to Lord Cecil. |
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[1604], 7 June. |
The Lord Darcie of the North has exercised
divers oppressions upon one Edward Rye his wife and children
to his great impoverishing. I have found that he sustained
divers wrongs and losses even at such time as himself and his
family were attending me at his own house in Yorkshire which
I took in my journey towards London. As some of these matters
are to be heard before your lordship this term, my desire is
that you will respect the poor gentleman in expediting his
cause with that honourable favour and furtherance which in
justice you may grant him.—From the Court, 7 June.
Signed. Endorsed: "1604." ½ p. (147. 157.) |
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Sir John Haryngton to the Same. |
|
1604, June 7. |
I hope now I shall honestly discharge those
debts for which I have been so long troubled, being now ready
to perform as much as I offered to your lordship for sale of my
land in Nottinghamshire. I have found an honest gentleman
that will buy it, we are agreed of the price, his money lies by him
both to his hindrance and mine, and because his counsel advises
him to this kind of allowance, contained in this enclosed, Mr.
Attorney requires a warrant in that form, and has caused his
own man to draw it for your hand. I assure your lordship the
land is better by 1000l. that I pass to the King than that I pass
from him, but that it lies in the country where I have dwelt
all my life.—From the bailiff's house 1604, 7 June.
Signed. ½ p. (188. 126.) |
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The Mayor of Harwich to the Same. |
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1604, June 8. |
Your lordship's messenger came hither this
present day about six of the clock in the afternoon. But Sir
Frauncis was gone away the day before about two of the clock
in the morning. The winds have not been very good since his
departure and if he put back again for this place, I will certify
him of your letter.—Harwiche, 8 June 1604.
Signed: John Hankyn, maiore. ¼ p. (105. 94.) |
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Sir Nicholas Curwen to Lord Cecil. |
|
1604, June 8. |
Was appointed by the King a commissioner
at Carlile for repressing outrages committed in those parts and
gave diligent attendance during the continuance of that service
as appears by a certificate under the hands of three of the commissioners with whom he was joined. These three together
with all the rest in the commission except himself have received
their allowance of 20s. per diem from April 8 to July 30 as may
appear by a vote subscribed by Sir Vincent Skinner, knight,
and sent to the Lord Treasurer. His Majesty was pleased on
April 19 last to refer his suit to the Privy Council. Notwithstanding he has solicited the same for four months together at
least to his great charge by letters, petitions and other means,
so that the money he should receive will not amount to
the sum he has already disbursed in soliciting it.—Wyrkington,
8 June 1604.
Signed. Seal. 2/3 p. (105. 98.) |
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Monsieur de Harlay to the Same. |
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1604, June 8/18. |
Among the complaints of several merchants
who are suing at law here for their goods taken from them
upon the high seas by English pirates is one of a certain Captain
Morier de Montpellier in whose favour he writes. It is this poor
man's ill fortune that after two years search of his plunderers
he captured the captain . . . . only that the latter should
since by subtilty or corruption make away. An occasion now
offers to get this captain into his hands again but according to
secret advice given him he cannot avail himself of it without
Cecil's warrant to apprehend and bring him before the Judge
of the Admiralty to whom cognizance of the case belongs and
have him made prisoner by the said Judge's order. Prays Cecil
to grant the said warrant.—"Ce 18 Juing 1604."
Signed. French. Endorsed: "The French Ambassador."
1 p. (105. 111.) |
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William Palmer to the Same. |
|
1604, June 8/18. |
Laus deo in St. Jno. de Luz, 18 June 1604.
My last to you was of the 6th present by the way of Rochell,
enclosed in which I sent a letter received from Valadolid; since
which time I have now received another for your Honour which
goes here withal, the which likewise for want of other convenience
I am forced to send by the way of Rochell.
Holograph. ½ p. (105. 112.) |
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Jo. Hare to Lord Cecil. |
|
1604, June 9. |
What grief I received from your lordship's
unlooked for speech my heart best knows. That I had any set
purpose in my former writing to offend, I hope you will acquit
me. For my error in proceeding of ignorance, I humbly crave
pardon.—9 June 1604.
Holograph. Endorsed: "Mr. Hare of the Court of Wards."
½ p. (105. 99.) |
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The Mayor and Aldermen of Dartmouth to the Same. |
|
1604, June 9. |
Petition for the confirmation of their charter
and former liberties. As Dartmouth is one of the chief port
towns in those parts of the kingdom both for the multitude
of inhabitants, of shipping, and intercourse of strangers, pray
that his Majesty will grant that the Mayor of the town for the
time being, the Mayor of the previous year, and the Recorder
may be Justices of the Peace within the town, the Mayor to
be of the quorum, to deal with the outrages there which have
much increased during the late troubles with Spain and since.
Pray further that it may be lawful for the Mayor and his brethren,
with the consent of twelve of the most sufficient burgesses, to
make constitutions and ordinances for the better government
of the town.—Dartmouth, 9 June 1604.
Signed: Jno. Newbye, Mayor, Nicholas Hayman, Tho.
Holland, Walter Frauncis, Tho. Gourney, William Niell. ½ p.
(105. 100.) |
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Philip Strelley to the Same. |
|
1604, June 9. |
Sir Nicholas Strelley, my late grandfather,
was indebted to certain merchants in divers sums amounting
to 2260l., which he took up upon interest to his great loss, being
only for the supporting of his great charges in the captainship
in the town of Barwick. By reason of the great resort of the
nobility to the said town, during the wars between England and
Scotland in the reign of Edward VI and the great dearth of
victuals then in those parts, he was forced (his allowance being
very small) for entertainment of the nobility and relief of the
soldiers to borrow the said money to the great impoverishing
of himself and posterity. The said merchants being indebted
to the said King passed over the debt for the King's satisfaction,
whereof my grandfather paid 1240l. or thereabouts and
for the residue, being 1027l. or thereabouts, mortgaged to
the said King his manor of Ecclesall, co. York, being of the
clear yearly value of a hundred marks. By reason of
many other great debts he was not able to redeem the same
at his day limited by the mortgage and the lordship was forfeited and so came to his Majesty, my grandfather having
made a lease thereof for ninety years to one of his sons, whereof
there is yet enduring thirty or forty years. As my grandfather
nor father never received any preferment for their services,
being continually employed in the wars both in France and
Scotland and as the said money was spent in maintenance thereof
and for that his Majesty shall receive no more for these thirty
years but a hundred marks yearly, I pray you further my humble
petition to his Majesty so far that, upon payment of the said
debt, it would please him to reassure to me and my heirs the
said manor and to grant me time for payment of the said money
by 100l. by year.—Strelley, 9 June 1604.
Signed. ½ p. (188. 128.) |
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Sir Edward Cecil to his uncle, Lord Cecil. |
|
[1604], June 10. |
I have perceived by your letter how ill my
footman hath deserved his charges and I so favourable a letter.
But it shall henceforth make me love a horseman the better.
I understand by a friend that there is a great man about the
King, that hath writ to Sir Horatio Vere to have the first advertisement of our business here. And with all that he is not
much your friend, which out of my duty I cannot but let your
lordship know of. |
|
As for the present I can say no more than this bearer can
tell your lordship, that is how we are making haste of our
bridge to pass into the town, which may better be called an
engine than a bridge. It is made upon masts of ships to suffer
the tide to go backward and forward as it doth there before the
town with a great force. Then is it boarded on either side
proof of musket, with a gallery upon it. It is anchored fast.
We look every day to put it over. There is 50 cannon mounting
for the battery. Here are come many French gentlemen of
account as Mounser de Termes, to see our siege. As for our
nation, not one, which is much marvelled at. |
|
I have received this day a letter out of Ostend of the 5th,
whereby I understand that the enemy have made a strong
court of guard upon the Pouldron bulwark, wherein it is for
certain that they have minded this eight nights into it. The
enemy that morning were seen marching very strong from their
quarter into the trenches with flying colours, which made them
in the town think they would have blown up the bulwark and
give a general assault. They had two commanders, who came
up to the top of the west bulwark to discover what number of
men guarded within, the which our men have this two nights
quitted, the mines expected hourly to be blown up. At high
water they were seen [to] march back into their quarter. The
new town is always guarded with divers and 17 pieces of
ordnance planted therein. This week we blew up our mines
in the Pouldrone and west bulwark and this Sunday his
Excellency hath sent the Colonel of the Walloons, one Markett,
much surpassing many of the governors before him, for Governor
of Ostend, and an excellent miner with him, a German, which
are now most needful. We have some three days ago sent
1000 men more into Ostend of all nations, Sir Charles Farfaxe
commanding our nation. There is not one in the town that
speaks not for to fight to the last man. His Excellency told me
that he would fain "coute" the town twice more as he hath
done already, before they should parley. |
|
I have looked every day that the States should give me a
regiment, being the oldest captain of our nation that looks for
advancement. But some hindrance I find by a second letter
of the King's for Sir Thomas Knowles which is very "affectually"
written for him. And there is dealing that there should be
made only Lieutenant-Colonels and Sergeant-Majors to keep
down our nation. I desire to be with the foot to rise and I
have no other patron but your lordship, and others have many.
And I know you cannot assure yourself of a more true servant
than I am; wherefore if you think me worthy and desire to have
your name live in the wars, then you must now hold me up or
never. I would be loth and ever have been to trouble you
much, only that you would write your letter to Mr. Winwod
to know the States' answer for me, what I shall gain by the
King's letter, that I be not deferred by the policies of others to
be still kept back.—From the leaguer before the Sluce, this 10
of June.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." 2 pp. (105. 101.) |
|
Sir John Ogle to Lord Cecil. |
|
1604, June 11. |
The business here remains upon the same
foot it did when I wrote lately to your lordship. For our
proceedings they are to secure our quarters and shut up the
town from succours. In eight days we imagine to have all
works in such strength as shall be requisite for both those ends.
In the meantime we turn the burden of the war upon Ostend.
The enemy with all speed to gain it, we with provision of men
and materials to delay it and our best captains are here of opinion
(having good store of men and no want of other commodities)
it will be disputed till Sluce shall be driven to yield through
hunger. For the better maintenance of that the Count Morice
hath lately sent in troops and this day a Colonel of good reputation (called Merkett) to govern there. For our hopes of hungering them out of this place he hath his several advertisements
of such as are taken and such as yield themselves, of their wants
within the town, besides a strong presumption that this town
not looking for a siege and being continually exhausted by the
army at Ostend cannot be very long provided for, so many
mouths as are (and so many of them sent in since unexpected)
now in the town, considering that at a sharp allowance, yet can
they have no less for each day than 4000 pound of bread. Our
army is a little increased by certain companies of Switsers that
are now come to the number of 1000, which I think shall be
placed in the sconces and forts upon the passages, whereof
about the whole army we have no less than 67. But these men
shall quarter and guard in those only in the drowned land. The
enemy hath slipped a great opportunity to let him work so
quietly on that side, for when he will think to force it, he will
be deceived and he must have great luck if he ever succour
this town. If he had but 3000 men more, the Count (I believe)
would with help of a little dry weather make the drowned land,
that is now, by sea-dikes (which should hold out the water)
his readiest and best way to approach the town. But with
the men he hath it is almost impossible for him to undertake it,
considering he must furnish his approaches according to the
strength of those within, which are 4000 soldiers, and hold his
quarter and guards manned as expecting what an enemy may
do from without. Touching our floats, I think we shall make
trial of them for satisfaction sake but I see no great trust that
the Count reposeth in the effect that they can work. The
Estates and he do not yet thoroughly understand each other
well, which must needs slacken the public business the more.
They sent him lately word that they much wondered that he
had not yet taken the Sluce. It must be sure to gall him, for
their judgments cannot but tell them better, that neither is
the haven of Sluce so suddenly leapt over, neither so many
men so quickly beaten out of a hold by force of hands. And
this is all I can show your lordship of our present estate. |
|
I have written to my Lord of Southampton, knowing it
unfit (for many respects) to move your lordship therein, that
it would please him to move his Majesty for his favourable
letter in my behalf to the Estates for my advancement to that
place which descends to me by right. I understand the Estates
are very unwilling to do me wrong and desire much that I
should have my right, but they expect his Majesty's ill acceptation of their disposal if they should advance anyone of themselves
(how rightly howsoever) without giving full contentment to
as many as his Majesty hath written for. To this end partly
they keep the places open and, as I hear, would be glad that I
could procure any recommendation from the King, that that
might the better warrantise their proceedings. For Sir Ed.
Ceecyll we make no doubt of his prevailing. They (sic) are
only Knoles his second letters that stagger my preferment.
If it please you but to favour me so much as only to let fall
some speech to my L. of Southampton of your good liking of
his favour to me, I doubt not but his lordship will be well
inclined, and by him his Majesty, to do me good in this kind.—
Camp before Sluce, 11 June 1604.
Holograph. 2 pp. (105. 102(1).) |
|
Sir John Haryngton to Lord Cecil. |
|
1604, June 12. |
Mr. Attorney has given me dispatch upon
your lordship's last warrant not only with expedition but even
with bounty. If it please you to recommend these to Sir Thomas
Lake to hasten his Majesty's signature I should soon be a free
man, but ever acknowledge myself highly bound to you. Yet
one just request I make now to you that you will be at the Star
Chamber to-morrow to hear a cause that has been indeed chief
cause of all this my trouble, in which I am defendant against
my wife's only and natural (yet too unnatural) brother. A good
fine may rise to the King out of it, for if I be guilty I deserve
it (though never worse able to pay it) but if I be innocent, as
my conscience tells me and I hope the evidence will tell your
lordships, then a fine is due from a false and malicious and
very rich accuser.—12 June 1604.
Signed. ½ p. (188. 129.) |
|
Sir Francis Hastings to Sir George Humes, Lord Treasurer
of Scotland. |
|
1604, June 12. |
Having attended Sunday and Monday, the
one by commandment from his Majesty's own mouth, the other
by direction from Sir Roger Ashton and failing of opportunity
to deliver what he stood bound to discover and finding his
Majesty is to pass from Greenwich this day for his recreation,
has thought good to impart some things not unfit to be made
known to the King. Since his last attending on the King has
bestowed his thoughts to sound out the disposition of the House
to a subsidy or some other grateful contribution not unlikely
to be moved. Cannot apprehend but that a motion of this
nature at this time will be "fastings" to the House not out of
any unwilling disposition to contribute largely out of their
purses to so gracious a King but the remainder of a whole
subsidy lying still on his people to be paid, the continuing of
them long in payments of late years without small intermission
and the poverty the country is generally grown into thereby,
cause the Commons to be loth to hear of a subsidy yet and
fearful to grant any at this time, lest the people generally should
distaste. Their feelings are not least in matters of this nature,
having promised themselves great freedom from such payments
at this time, by the words of the King's proclamation, sent
abroad amongst them before the Parliament. If a motion
should be made for a subsidy or a charge of any kind and a
refusal follow, the result would be the disgust of the King towards
the Commons, to the joy of foreign enemies and hollow hearts
at home who envy the greatness of his Majesty in the sound
affection of his subjects. Hears that his Majesty's treasure is
far spent and to let him want the best supplies were a fault
not to be excused but begs leave to ask whether this first session
be fit for such a trial. Yet to satisfy the King's desire to have
it so, he will employ the best of his wit and judgment to sound
the minds of men yet further and will truly relate what he finds.
Prays that his faithfulness may answer for him against all false
reports and that his plainness in delivering this or any service
committed to his charge may not prejudice him in the King's
judgment.—"From my lodging," 12 June 1604.
Holograph. 2 pp. (105. 102(2).) |
|
Sir John Ogle to Lord Cecil. |
|
1604, June 15. |
On Wednesday the 13 of this present (which
was a day solemnized by a general fast throughout the land and
here in the army) certain of our horse cut off a corps du garde
and some other few troops with a convoy passing betwixt
Bridges and Gent. They brought home 27 prisoners (as I
hear) and 60 horse. Such petty bickerings are for a while like
to be the greatest tokens of our stirring in action, till our floats
and batteries be ready, which (one of the engineers told me)
will be finished within six days. Then will something be
attempted (as I wrote to your lordship before) but no great
hope is had that we shall have any great avail by them. The
Estates General and Council of Estate, after their businesses
ended of levying the common subsidy, are of determination
to return hither again to the Camp. It is said they will give
the spurs to the slow action of the Count. But no doubt they
in their wisdoms will provide him then of a better way, if they
will have him amend his pace (unless they will have the best
of their troops leap where it is scarce fit for themselves to look)
or else we cannot yet see what speed their presence can bring
for the more ready advancement of the business. The true
course of gaining this place is in all probability to hunger them
out and upon that ground the Count Morice proceeds and for
anything that can be discerned is not likely (unless upon new
accidents) to be diverted. Nevertheless I have heard that there
are some of good credit with the principals of the Estates that
persuade them otherwise by their letters and that he may leave
Sluce blocked up and advance with his army to Ostend and unset
it; that the true way is to give blow upon blow and never
cease till we have left none to stand afore us. He is a great
master in our art that is of that opinion and few here able to
weigh with him in argument. Those that are of the Count
Morice's faction make this interpretation of it. They say he
writes with a spirit of opposition and that he propounds these
courses full of casualty and danger that his own credit might
the more be raised, his person wanted, and so again desired,
if the Count Morice should receive (as they say it is more than
likely) any great blow whereby the whole design might be
staggered and so the hopes of this whole summer service
frustrated. I cannot say as they say that his ends are such.
But certain it is such a course were fittest for such a spirit as
his and would promise much hope of success. But for the
Count it is altogether unfit and though he go another way it is
not said that he may not come to the same wood. And for the
blocking of Sluce and rising with his army to do anything else
of that consequence can no way appear to the best judgments
here to be possible. If he had 2000 men more, much more might
be done. The fort of Isendike is wrought daily upon and is well
advanced. The Governor tells me it is little less than Berghen
op Zome within the walls.—From the Camp before Sluce,
15 June 1604.
PS.—On the 13th I received your lordship's letters.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (105. 104.) |
|
Ralph Winwood to the Privy Council. |
|
1604, June 15. |
Upon your commandment to solicit the States
in Sir Robert Chester's cause, which it pleased his Majesty to
recommend to them by his gracious letters, which were communicated by order from them to the States of Holland, to
whom that matter properly appertains (for upon their province
his pension is charged), I moved for their answer which I prayed
might be to the gentleman's contentment, since his Majesty
had vouchsafed to accompany his request with so earnest an
instance. I was entreated to have patience until this week,
when the States of their province should assemble, from whom
by their advocate, Monsieur Barnevelt, I received this answer,
that the pension of 240l. sterling was granted at the mother's
supplication in the year '82, during the life of her son, rather
by way of gratification for her comfort upon the unfortunate
end of her husband than for any pretence of due debt which
their State acknowledged to Colonel Chester. This pension
for many years was paid entirely without defalcation, until the
necessity of their affairs forced them for the maintenance of
their wars to put a general tax through all their provinces,
when it was thought necessary to defalcate the fourth part of
all pensions, wages and entertainments, which is still observed.
The residue of the pension has ever been paid until this last
year, by reason of an arrest, which one James of London laid
upon it. Now, after the receipt of 240l. for the space of twenty
years, to require the sum of 1300l. at one entire payment, which
sum was set down in their letters patent for their relief to be
discharged of this pension, when it should be paid, they think
it will not be judged a reasonable demand, no more than that a
pension which is given of grace and favour, should be acquitted
of that charge, to which everyone that receives the least revenue
issuing out of their provinces is necessarily subject. For those
arrests which are or shall be made upon this pension, if they be
made by their own subjects upon just pretensions they cannot
refuse all lawful means to them, if by strangers, they hold
themselves not bound to take notice of their causes and therefore promise to clear this pension from any interest which any
stranger may claim therein and namely from the arrest made
by James of London the last year. This is the effect of their
answer, which they beseech your lordships favourably to accept
and to make thereof to his Majesty that favourable relation
which your wisdoms best know the present necessity of their
estate to require.—From the Hagh, 15 June 1604.
Signed. 1 p. (188. 130.) |
|
Monsieur de la Fontaine to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1604], June 15. |
Your favourable reply with respect to my
son-in-law Harderet, which you have since been pleased to
confirm, induces me to beg you to take in good part the bearing
of his request. We have well judged that by reason of the
estate which you have been pleased to obtain for him, his
condition should be no better than that of others provided
with the same. But as there are three of these for the pay,
one succeeding another on death, they will be able to make
opposition and delay. If one [? request] could not be obtained,
application had been made for this allowance and entertainment;
and this not only in consideration of the services done to his
Majesty and of the estate assigned to him with the expenses of
those employed by him, but also on account of the notable loss
which he sustained by the voyage to the Ascorez on the service
of her deceased Majesty. For that loss she had been able in
my favour to promise him recompense and to this end commanded the Earl of Nottingham and the Vice-Chamberlain to
make inquiry and report thereon. Their report under their
signatures your Honour can see. This is the true history of these
two requests.—"De vostre maisonnette à Blakfriers, 15 Juin."
Holograph. French. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p.
(188. 131.) |
