Cecil Papers: March 1605, 16-31

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 17, 1605. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1938.

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'Cecil Papers: March 1605, 16-31', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 17, 1605, (London, 1938) pp. 99-127. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol17/pp99-127 [accessed 19 March 2024]

March 1605, 16-31

Sir Thomas Lake to the Same.
1604–5, March 16. Upon perusal of the papers touching Thomas Douglas the King has willed me to signify that he would have it considered whether it be fitter to bring him into England, or to suffer him to be punished there where the King knows not how far his crime extends by their laws, being here undoubtedly capital. If it should be thought fit to punish him there, a collection should be made of all other his pranks here (as chiefly the counterfeiting his Majesty's hand, taking a chain from the Ambassador of Poland's son) in some authenticated form and sent thither. Lord Barwick may employ whom he thinks meet amongst the Scottishmen, and the collection may afterwards be digested into form and authorised. His Majesty's disposition seems to be to have him brought hither, but I told him it would ask some charge. For either one must be sent to fetch him who must have company to look to him for escaping, or else the Count Palatine be desired to send him, and the King must both bear the charge and reward also. Whereupon the King desired you would consider the best way for his honour.
I conjecture the King desires him to be fetched, for he has taken a great offence against the Count Palatine for the form of his letter; the Count calling him "brother" in the beginning and ending (which none but sovereign princes use to do) and never using the word "Majesty." The King said this was never offered him before by any of the Count Palatine's condition, and took occasion to speak ill words of him. I have sent you the letter that you may the better conceive his Highness's exception. Whether you think meet to have him sent for, or direction given to proceed with him there, the King would have you order the letter to be made ready. This I writ by his Majesty's commandment although I think, the time being so short of his being at Greenwich, you will speak with himself first.
This morning while I was with the King Lord Southampton came to invite him to the christening of his son, whereon his Majesty willed me to add to my letter that if my Lord had matched him with a Christian he could have [believed] my Lord had good meaning in it; but having coupled him with a hound he thinks my Lord did it only to flatter him because he knows his Majesty loves hunting and the 'begle' as well as any of the company at least.—Royston, 16 March 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 2½ pp. (104. 96.)
Captain W. Stafforde to Viscount Cranborne.
1604–5, March 17. I am imprisoned for a debt of my father's to one Stoone of Oxford of 140l. which was transferred to one Atkinson citizen of London. My father agreed to pay 20l. half yearly out of certain boileries of salt called Droitwich in Worcestershire. The next payment is due at Lady Day, but Atkinson has arrested me though I offer to give him the 20l. and such security as I can. I request that he may be "convented" before you, and if he will not accept of my offer, that I may have your letter to the Bailiffs of Westminster to admit me to bail.—17 March 1604. From the Gatehouse, Westminster.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (104. 98.)
Sir John Fortescue to the Same.
1604–5, March 18. I am sorry that my health gives me not ability to wait on you. I have directed Mr. Fanshaw the Auditor to wait on you with the particularities. The cause of the stay by me made was that it was strange that a grant of 346l. of land should pass from his Majesty to the Duchy and no officers of that court acquainted therewith nor any particular sued out. I detained hereupon the letters passed the great seal and have not yet sealed them with the Duchy seal. Nevertheless I hear they have got an exemplification of them, by what means an examination taken by the Lord Treasurer, which the Auditor will show you, will make known to you.—"At my poor lodging at Westminster," 18 March 1604.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (104. 99.)
The Bishop of Exeter to the Same.
1604–5, March 18. After the conviction of Paul Baker, the massing priest lately stayed by me from his banishment, I thought it my duty to render all possible thanks for your letters and for that honourable acceptation by the Lords of the Council for my poor service. I am further appointed after this conviction to certify their lordships of the time of his coming into England and of his practices since his coming. I find by his examination which I sent up that he came in about Michaelmas last and is a secular and plain massing priest and has intended that business especially. But the judges of this circuit, having authority of life and death, upon re-examination have drawn him along to a more large declaration of his proceeding. Therefore your lordships upon any fresh suit made for his enlargement may suspend your favours till the judges have certified, and then upon any notice from your lordships I will readily do that which shall be commanded.—From Excester, 18 March 1604.
Signed. ⅓ p. (188. 92.)
Sir William Waad to Viscount Cranborne.
1604–5, March 18. Udall being referred unto me by my Lord Chief Justice at his going forth of the town for some services wherewith your lordship was made acquainted did yesternight bring this pamphlet unto me, wherein under the name of a puritan, a seminary priest persuades toleration both for puritans and papists, though in all the tenor of the discourse he wrote for papists only. I have read it cursorily over and find the arguments to be fetched first from rule of Scripture and then from policy of no great depth but unfit to be current, both for the subject and something in the latter end concerning the noble prince Cecill. The Jesuit is the author of the treatise and they are printed here. I have wished Udall to stay as much he can the venting of them, until the printer may be taken, whose name he knows.—From the Ermitage at Charing Crosse, 18 March 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (188. 93.)
Sir Thomas Hamilton to the Same.
1604–5. March 18. My particular urges me to have recourse to your courtesy, whereby you are universally reported to take pleasure in gratifying all honest men who in their lawful adoes have need of your bountiful assistance. I will be bold in respect of your favourable answer to my last letter given to Master Alexander Hay to recommend to you the ending of that turn, whereof as the beginning and hope proceeded from you and my Lord of Berwick, so the good event chiefly depends upon your favours. You may assuredly expect of me all that faithful duty which a man of my poor estate can anyways be able to do. —Edinburgh, 18 March 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (110. 158.)
Lord Zouche to Viscount Cranborne.
[1604–5], March 19. I understand his Majesty is returned and I ought to prostrate myself before him, besides that he is to be made acquainted with this course in the Marches: but besides that my cold continues I have such a pain in my left knee as I cannot yet bend it. Wherefore I beseech you make my excuse.—Philip Lane, 19 March.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." ½ p. (104. 100.)
Sir William Cecil to his father Viscount Cranborne.
1604–5, March 19. Craves pardon for not writing by Dr. Neile, but thought it best not to write before he was settled to study. He would have sent this letter last, but was suddenly sent for to the King.—St. John's College, Cambridge, 19 March 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (228. 6.)
Lord Cobham to Viscount Cranborne.
1604–5, March 20. I know you wish me well and wish my liberty; but the means how to compass it from you I pray to be advised. I cannot think the King has given me life to be for ever a prisoner; yet I know that without mention I shall never be remembered. I know that the indisposition of my body will move you. I cannot say that I have the gout, but within these very few days I have had such a general weakness in my limbs that, as heretofore, I did impute it to the pain I had. Now, though I am free from pain, yet a debility I have that my legs are scarce able to carry my body. If I were at mine own disposing I know the Bath would do me good. Mistake me not, I look for no such favour but pray you, if you may, let his Majesty know in what state I am. I have had a determination to write to the King, but I know none that will deliver my letter for me. It is almost a year since I last wrote, wherein I was abused, for the King never saw my letter. I conceive a petition would be my best means, wherein I pray your advice.—The Tower, 20 March 1604.
Holograph, signed: "Your lordship's loving brother in law to command, H. Brooke." 1 p. (104. 101.)
Hugh Glaseour to the Same.
1604–5, March 21. I received letters about ten days past from your lordship and the Council for the apprehension of certain persons accused of coining; I apprehended one Downinge alias Tealiour and committed him to Chester Castle, of which I advised you instantly by one Stillingfleet who brought down your directions to me. On Tuesday last other letters came down from the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Treasurer directed to the L[ord] B[ishop] of Chester, Sir John Egerton, Sir Henry Bunbury, Mr. Richard Gravenour and myself willing us to apprehend one John Burman and the aforesaid Thomas Downinge (not knowing him to be taken) and to send them up thither under safe conduct. As inconvenience might ensue by sending both together we have committed Burman to close prison and send Downinge whom we perceive to be a principal. His surname is Warde and a tailor by occupation as appears by certain writings delivered, when he fled, to one Potter, whom I have also committed to prison. By these writings he conveyed land in Bennenden, co. Kent, in the latter end of 43 Elizabeth to Thomas Laithwaite, servant to Sir Hugh Beeston, no consideration being expressed. The deeds though delivered and enrolled being still in his own custody and the counterfeit money beginning in that year, I gather that the conveyance is fraudulent. This is confirmed by my finding in certain trunks of the said Tailor a letter from Laithwaite written in October last in these words: "Your absence here is much missed as the letter enclosed will mention, therefore take some course soon, otherwise it is like to grow to inconvenience." I say this because Laithwaite is there attending on Sir Hugh Beeston whom I know to be an honest man, and one to whom you are well affected.—From my house at Lea, 21 March 1604.
Signed. Seal. 1½ pp. (104. 102.)
Christopher Miller to [Viscount Cranborne].
1604–5, March 21. I do address myself to void this place, according to your pleasure signified by Sir John Leveson. I beg that I may not part from the stuff I was put in trust to keep here without sufficient warrant for my discharge.—The King's Palace near Canterbury, 21 March 1604.
Holograph. Seal. Directed to Sir John Leveson. (104. 103.)
Sir Edward Hoby to the Same.
1604–5, March 21. I was yesterday at the Court to have waited upon the King but he respited me from further attending for some few days. I would have waited upon you yesterday (but understood it was a busy day and my infirmity would not suffer my long tarrying) to ask for your letters to President Richardot on my behalf. I know he will expect them having left the like with me to your lordship at his departure. So soon as I have waited upon his Majesty I intend to go home and so lie in way to meet Lord Hertford and wait upon you before going.—Blackfriars, 21 March 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (104. 104.)
Sir Richard Hawkins to the Earl of Nottingham.
1604–5, March 22. Since my last I have endeavoured to make a composition with the Flemings with consent of all parties, for the good, as we thought, of the Portingales and French. The Portingal, being a little headstrong, overthrew our pretence, ever crying for justice as though it had been in our power to do what we would; being indeed in no way able to force anything the Flemings secretly agreed with the French, who presently yielded them all his interest in the ship and goods, by means whereof we stand more disabled to accomplish that which you command and they more enabled to justify their proceedings. After the French had made their agreement I laboured to help the Portingales all that I could, and brought the Flemings that they were content to give the Portingale 800l., which he would not hearken unto although Mr. Randall, Adrian Ribellii and Mr. Cypriany's son were, with myself, of opinion to accept it, being in danger to lose all, and so great danger as I see no way to remedy it.
Acquaint the Lords of the Privy Council with the carriage of this business that order may come from them, and if you should depart before it take end, I may be found to have dealt uprightly; for some have given out that I am partial and threaten to me that which my innocence will free me of. I fear the ship will be gone before order come, for they have gotten sails to their yards, and how to hinder their going forth I know not.
The Flemings exclaim much and let not to say that they have great wrong, and if this ship should be taken from them that they will be paid in Holland with the goods of Englishmen there. Your Honour and the Lords of the Council will in your wisdom direct that which is convenient in this business, which I will follow and execute to the utmost of my power.— Salcombe, 22 March 1604.
Addressed: "For His Majesties especiall Service. To the right honourable my singuler good Lord the Erle of Nottingham, Lord High Admirall of England geve these.
Haste, haste, haste, haste, post haste [etc.]"
Postal endorsement:
"Salcombe the 22 of Marche at 10 of the clocke at nighte."
Holograph. 1 p. (104. 105.)
The Earl of Dorset to Viscount Cranborne.
1604–5, March 22. I told my physicians that all physic set apart I would wait on his Majesty on that joyful day of running (?). But now renewing my desire unto them, they directly tell me that they having with physic and fomentations so much opened the pores of my body and especially of my head, if I go into the air without two days first abiding in the house, the pores again may close to their former fashion and I shall be in danger by new cold to become worse than ever I was. My physic and fomentations ending not till Saturday night, it will be Tuesday before I can come abroad, so that I see Bortin's saying is very true, the merchant with his ship and goods, that commits himself to the wind, goes not of times whither he would but whither the winds drive him. So is it with me that commit myself into the hands of the physicians. I am very little better as yet for the time and good order must work it. Howsoever it fall out, though I have but half an ear, yet I have a whole heart and body to serve his Majesty and as he sent me word, I will make use of that deaf ear by turning it to importunate suitors.—22 March 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (188. 96.)
Lord Scone to Viscount Cranborne.
1604–5, March 23. Being desired by you to befriend the Master of Gray in some accounts which he craves of the King I convened the Lord Chancellor and Lord Balmerino and heard the accounts. I will send you a copy of the particular disbursements, part of which is allowed by the Exchequer, and part made by his Majesty's commandment, whereupon he has his obligation, verified except as to the last 12,000 marks by the letter of Alexander Hay, then Clerk Register. It were not amiss that his Majesty saw the particulars. I shall give satisfaction to the Master as I receive direction albeit the burdens be very great that I "underly" in his Majesty's service as my Lord of Bervic can bear record. You will remember there was something promised to my Lord Advocate and me at our way coming, which you will have a care to see done when you think it time. Holyrood House, 23 March 1605.
Signed: D. Scone. Fragment of seal. ½ p. (104. 106.)
The Earl of Nottingham to the Same.
1604–5, March 23. Entreats Cranborne's furtherance of his business for the licences of the wines.—23 March 1604.
Holograph. ⅓ p. (188. 97.)
Lord Burghley to his brother Viscount Cranborne.
[1604–5, March 24.] Your letter came unto me when I was in a great pang of the gout so you must pardon me how short I write. Only this I must say, you deal with me in an extraordinary kindness both to be mean and to be the remembrancer yourself, which I ought to have been myself. If you should do so with all suitors, you should have a troublesome office; but the world knows and now I know that you are both an honourable, a kind, and a discreet friend where you profess or give allowance of your person, and I shall think myself in possessing your love far more happy than possessing your suit, if it were five times as much. I received yesterday the book from Mr. Attorney which I send with his letters which will instruct you of all the particularities. It is no small comfort to hear from a mouth that is so near by his gracious opinion of me.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604. L. Burghley to my Lord, full of thankfulness for a favour received." ½ p. (188. 116.)
The Enclosure:
Sir Edward Coke to Lord Burghley. I have in the perfecting of your lordship's grant observed these 5 things; first, to make it in consideration of your faithful and acceptable service; 2, to express in the docket underneath the grant that you have an estate for 3 lives and the longer liver of them (which for some respects I put into the docket and not in the grant because the docket cannot hinder the face of the grant); 3, it appears by the docket the yearly revenue of the crown is not diminished; 4, it is done as perfectly as I can do it; and lastly, it labours not of that tedious prolixity that many books ex consuetudine clericorum are sick of and yet are like to an unfruitful tree qui luxuriat in foliis et evanescit in fructubus.—23 Marcii 1604[–5].
Holograph. 2/3 p. (188. 115.)
Lord Cromwell to Viscount Cranborne.
1604–5, March 24. I received instructions from your lordship and others of the Council to prepare to accompany the Earl of Hertford to the Archduke and very willingly obeyed. But wanting present money to make defrayment of the charge for such a journey I gave over to those who had such dealings for me to make speedy provision thereof out of my means: myself in the meantime riding into the country to set some stay to my weak household affairs. In which journey God visiting me with sickness and money at my return not being provided according to my expectation, that unlooked for cross, by bringing with it grief of mind, made my bodily disease far more vehement. Yet having never been (nor now willing to be) backwards in any service to which my poor ability could extend, I strived as much as I could with my sickness; and to the uttermost possibility likewise endeavoured my desired furnishment. But my sickness still continuing and no means possibly to be made to bear the charge I am constrained to beseech you to be relieved from that journey, and to further my petition, which I should have sent sooner but that I still had some small hopes. This is no feigned excuse, as the view of my body and my estate, already impoverished and entangled with present endless hydra-like increasing chargeable suits in law, can testify. I hope you will favour my sickness and pity my want and find honourable means to succour me.—24 March 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (104. 107.)
Tilting.
[1605], March 24. Names of the runners at tilt (arranged upon a diagram):
The Duke of Holster.
The Earl of Arundell.
The Earl of Cumberland.
The Earl of Southampton.
The Earl of Pembroke.
The Lord Howard of Walden.
The Lord Mountegle.
The Lord Chandoys.
Sir Cary Reynolds.
Wolf Henry von Gantteratt.
The Duke of Lenox.
The Lord Compton.
Henry Alexanter.
Sir Robert Dudley.
Sir Robert Knowles.
Sir John Egerton.
Sir Thomas Somerset.
Sir Sigismond Zindsany.
Sir Edmond Colberne.
Mons. St. Anthony.
Hans Christofer von Tsedlyte.—Undated.
Endorsed: "1605." 1 p. (115. 41.)
[See Winwood's Memorials, II, p. 54.]
Sir Edward Coke, Attorney General, to Viscount Cranborne.
1605, March 25. We have this afternoon examined Erasmus Cooke whom we find weak and simple, and is a Franciscan and yet no friar. We have also been at the Tower where we have made Bywater to enter into the consideration of his own danger, and have taken his examination at large, out of which I have extracted his Anatomy and the cause why he turned Puritan. I send you two letters mentioned in the Anatomy which you never saw, one writ to our Lord and the other to a Puritan preacher. Of whom I must say that quicunque ab unitate ecclesiae decesserit, necesse est ut inter haereticos inveniatur; he is waywardly converted but utterly unlearned, and this is an account of this day's work. To-morrow I shall proceed with the rest according to my directions.—25 March 1604.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (104. 108.)
The Earl of Devonshire to the Same.
[1605], March 25. I committed the care of providing and husbanding the pieces that were sent to Sir John Linewray who assures me he has done it faithfully. I desire you to have order taken for his discharge and mine.—25 March.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "Earl of Devonshire to my Lord concerning certain pieces of Ordnance 1604." (sic).
(104. 108a.)
Sir John Fortescue to the Same.
1605, March 26. My cousin John Fortescue of Filley, Devon, my nearest kinsman of the name in those parts, being sick and in doubt of recovery, has desired me to use my best means for the custody and wardship of his son, if God of this sickness shall call him to His mercy. His living is not great, out of which two jointures go, one for his mother, the other for his wife, sister to Sir Arthur Chichester now Deputy in Ireland. He has 12 children and was left in debt which he has not recovered. The bearer can particularly inform you of his estate; what I know you may by the letter enclosed perceive. My suit is it may please you to confer the wardship upon the mother and such as by himself shall or has been put in trust.—At my poor house in Westminster, 26 March 1605.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (110. 44.)
Lord Sheffield to Viscount Cranborne.
1605, March 26. I well discern by your late letters you do not deceive the expectation of your friends who have confidence in you. How kindly I take your remembrance of me in my absence, I will make appear upon the least occasion. The matter you write to me of you say is of no great moment; yet holding the reputation of an honest man dear, I have thought good especially for the King's satisfaction, whose good opinion I more affect than life, to set down from the beginning how far I have had to deal with this man [Bywater], what kind of affection I have found in him, and what I have said to him touching that pamphlet which he says he showed me. About some 20 years past this Bywater was preferred to me from Cambridge to be schoolmaster to my children, being then a young master of arts. He continued in that place about 5 years, in which time he so well applied his own study by neglecting his charge of my children that within those years they proved ill scholars and he no good preacher. But being, as he seemed to me, religiously bent to follow the preaching of the Word I was willing to further him till at the last his zeal began to be so hot that before he had ever given me any private admonition of those faults he supposed to be in me he wrote a book and presented it to me, even as he did this to the King; wherein he very sharply reproved [me] for my great faults, of which I know and confess for some of them I was justly taxed, and yet they were but following hunting and hawking too much. But for most of them he reproved me as falsely as I make no doubt he has done the King and the State. Whereupon, though I would say little, he being a minister of the word of God, thinking it might proceed from his unadvised zeal, yet finding him to grow more precise every day insomuch that he would maintain to my face that both hawks and hounds, which I did then and do now moderately delight in, were not ordained by God for man's recreation but for adorning the world with creatures of such sorts, some for the earth and some for the heavens. As soon as with conveniency I could provide me of another I rid myself of him. After which time I never saw him till the last Parliament nor heard of him but that he was gone in a sea voyage with Sir Thomas Sherley, at which I did not a little marvel considering his preciseness professed. Now, my Lord, to the point. True it is he came to me the last Parliament and presented to me a certain paper book which he desired me to look over, and told me, if my remembrance fail me not very much, that he had presented the like of it to the King at his first coming into England, which speech of his made me the willinger to see it. But having received it I never read above one half leaf of it, but seeing it tend to such reformations in the church as I knew were distasteful to the State and nothing pleasing to myself, at his next coming I delivered it to him again, using very few words, for I was very weary of his company. I saw by that little I read he aimed at so unfitting things, yet finding in some part of that I read something touching a learned ministry as also some amendment to be wished touching the abuses in the spiritual courts; and remembering that the King in his religious care of the State had wished us in the Parliament to proceed for some reformation in those things; in either of which I think there is [not] any good Christian but would wish some amendment; the unfittingness of that it seemed to me he aimed at, as also the good intention of the King and the State well known to me touching those two points forenamed, drew this answer from me briefly—for I had no mind to have many words with him— that there would be something done in those things that were necessary to be reformed, of which the King to my knowledge had a great care, but now the Parliament was near an end and therefore the time served not. This was the briefest answer I could at that time think of, which if it be by his delivery otherwise taken than I meant it I am sorry, but this I protest was the truth. Thus I have performed the true delivery of my innocency herein according to the method I prescribed myself in the beginning of my letter. I thank God I take to heart the King's gracious favours so far above my deserts that if my affections should the least sway I should hate both them and myself.—Ma[rch] 26, 1650 (sic).
PS.—I pray you if the King have notice of Bywater's speeches concerning me let him see this letter, the apology of my innocency.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." 3 pp. (110. 45.)
[Sir John Stanhope ?] to [Viscount Cranborne].
1605, March 27. I am entreated by this bearer, the Lady Adeline Neville, for your favour in her behalf to the King for the bestowing of a deanery upon one Doctor Colmer, a prebendary of the church of Durham who is a very sufficient man for the same. As he stands her in stead by his friendship the poor lady is willing to pleasure him wherein she can, and uses all means for the better requital of his goodwill to her: so I in her behalf desire your lordship to further her.—London, this 27 March 1605.
Unsigned. ½ p. (110. 47.)
The Earl of Sheffield to Viscount Cranborne.
[? 1605], March 27. [See Vol. XVI, pp. 44, 45, and note on p. xxxii.] (188. 98.)
The Earl of Shrewsbury to the Same.
1605, March 27. Entreats his favour for a sickly lady, the Lady Ursula Etherington, and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Barbarye Langdale, who are to appear in the Court of Wards, but are unable to travel. Prays stay of the process of contempt which has gone out against them, and that they may answer by commission.—Rowghforde, 27 March 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (190. 52.)
Sir Thomas Leighton to the Same.
1605, March 28. I cannot sufficiently express my thankfulness for your lordships so nobly standing for the defence of the dignity of the Governors and government of the Isle of Guernsey, the which in violent manner these deputies have sought (in effect) utterly to overthrow. Neither can I but marvel to see with what impudent faces they before your Honours [the Privy Council] maintained that the provisions of muttons for his Majesty's Castle Cornett, with the retinue for the same, as likewise the carriages, were never had nor demanded before my time; which is a most manifest untruth, for all Governors before me since the memory of man have holden these as prerogatives due unto his Highness's said Castle, as more plainly may appear by a brief note extracted out of their precept of Assize, and the book of their customs and usages of that Isle, by one of their Jurats and delivered unto me, which I beseech you at convenient leisure to look over.—28 March 1605.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (110. 49.)
The Enclosure.—A note extracted out of the Precept of Assize. First that the granger of all the parishes that hold upon the King's fee are bound to gather all the wheats and oats due unto his Majesty and to be answerable for them unto his officers.
Next, the inhabitants are bound that at all times when the Governor, his lieutenant or any of his officers or servants shall have occasion to pass between England and the Isles (without wages as oftentimes as they shall be required) shall pass them over at their proper charges, except 5 "soults Tournoys" amounting to two groats English, or their dinners.
Item, it appears in the book of the customs and usages of the Island of Guernsey, in the first book, article 34, that besides the soldiers ordinarily within the Castle, the Governor is to take in a number of the choicest men in the Isle, at his discretion, for the better defence of the Castle, which are called the Retinue of the Castle, and are to come in at all times when they shall be commanded by the Governor. They are to watch for the safety of the place, in regard whereof they are exempted from all watch and ward within the Island.
By the 35th Article those that have boats or carts are bound two times every year upon commandment given by the Governor to the constables to bring in stone, clay and sand. Item by the 36th Article all such burgesses and other of the Isle as are of ability and have not carts or boats ought to hire and bring carriages as the rest do.
Item by the 37th Article those that have not boats nor carts, nor have means to have, are bound to do service with their bodies two days every year as before I have said.
Item by the 38th Article all strangers are bound to do service four times a year.
Item in the 39th Article that the Governor, his Lieutenant and other officers and soldiers are to be furnished by the constables of the country with horses sufficiently furnished for all services.
Item in the 40th Article is set down that the Governor is to be furnished with muttons for the provision of the Castle at 3s. sterling the mutton, and 40 gallons of butter at 8d. the pot. Look in the order set down in the time of King Philip and Queen Mary in the year 1554. [Marginal note against this: Herein they seem to cut off the Governor of 40 of his number, and likewise of the 40 gallons of butter.]
1 p. (110. 48.)
Thomas Phelippes to Viscount Cranborne.
1605, March 28. The poor men here in the gaol teach me what to do by sending petitions where there is any hope or likelihood of relief now against this good time. And although it be not of such necessity as it seems by the Gospel it was in those days to loose a prisoner before the feast, yet old custom has made it usual among us to do deeds of charity specially at this season of the year. Therefore I presume to become a suitor that if any opportunity be offered your lordship to deliver me out of this place you would think upon me as one that depends wholly on your favour; in such sort at least as albeit I be not held worthy to have any other grace, I may be confined to mine own house, which otherwise I have resolved to make a prison to myself until I shall have mean to satisfy the world there has not been so great cause to afflict me as has been conceived. But there shall I be better able in the meanwhile to take order for my private business concerning the King also in respect of his debt, being otherwise undone, which I hope is not anybody's desire.—A distressed prisoner in the Gatehouse, 28 March 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (110. 51.)
Anthony Thompson, Minister at Hexham, and John Maughen, Minister at St. John's near Hexham, to Henry Sanderson at Brancepeth.
1605, March 28. With hearty thanks for your courteous entertainment at our last being with you at Branspeth, having experience of your godly zeal and faithful service to his Majesty, as also the place which God has called you unto for His glory and the furtherance of His gospel, we have thought good to impart unto you the miseries of these our days in this barbarous and irreligious country. We see superstition and idolatory daily increase to the dishonour of God, violating of his Majesty's laws and discontentment of all his true subjects; which we have had too long experience of, ever looking for reformation. which we beseech God of His mercy to work in the hearts of the higher powers, to whom He has committed the sword. Otherwise we can expect nothing but the utter falling away of the people in our whole country from the Word of God and obedience of his Majesty's laws. The long sparing of the execution of justice and the great forbearing of our officers have so encouraged our adversaries the recusants that there is no article or statute in his Majesty's laws prohibited but they with boldness break the same. For what frequenting of seminaries, what secret seducing of his Majesty's subjects, what privy churching of women, what conventicles and concourse of people at the several burials of recusants and excommunicate persons, threatening of ministers and sometimes beating them on their mouths, with the drawing of swords and daggers and crying "Now we will have flesh, for now is as fit a time as any other," and what secret baptising of children by popish priests, partly you may understand by the presentment lately exhibited to you under our hands. We beseech you not only put your hand to the reformation of the premises but stir up others to the performance of the same.—From Hexham. 28 March 1605.
Endorsed: "Mr. Thompson's letter of the great hurt that groweth by suffering Roger Woodrington to bear rule, and of sundry outrageous and unlawful behaviour of the Recusants under his charge."
Signed. 1 p. (110. 52.)
Francis Gofton, Auditor, to Viscount Cranborne.
1605, March 29. I have made ready the books of the jewels for his Majesty to sign, and will attend you when you command me. I have been with Mr. Auditor Neale who made the last books, and he says he only made two thereof and delivered them to the Lord Treasurer, whereof I have but one. It were convenient the other book should be brought in; it may be his lordship will remember where it is bestowed if you speak with him therein. Also there is a rough book of the same jewels now remaining with Auditor Neale, for delivery whereof to me to be likewise brought in I have enclosed drawn a warrant, desiring you to sign and return the same to me with your pleasure when I shall attend you.—29 March 1605.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (110. 53.)
Sir Philip Butler to Viscount Cranborne.
1605, March 29. Whereas I received a privy seal for the loan of 100l., I came up to London meaning to be a suitor to you for some abatement upon good cause: at which time I was very suddenly taken with a very sharp sickness that I could not await upon you, and made bold with my cousin Sir Dru Drury to be a suitor in my behalf. It pleased you to abate it to 50l., for the which I am ready to show my thankfulness in all duties. I have sent you a fat red deer, having at this present no better thing to present unto you.—From Woodhall, 29 March 1605.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (110. 54.)
Arthur Gregory to the Same.
1605, March 29. Though I cannot present myself under a worse habit, title, or name than of an old officer of customs, the duty I owe to my sovereign and devotion to yourself may excuse me in this subject. There is an honest merchant of this place, lately arrived from Seville, who being familiar with an Englishman there told him in secret that one Sr. Davis, a seminary, comes once a month to a place called Hamme, and to Parley, some four miles from this town, to the house of one Owen Martin and goes in a long russet cloak, a broad brimmed hat, wears a sword, and rides a bay nag with a white star in the forehead. Also one of Owen Martin's brothers comes thither, who is a seminary, and is brother also to John Martin, that is surveyor at Weymouth and deputy collector to the farmers under one Mr. Man of this town; the consideration whereof is fittest for your lordship. And further the said merchant was certainly advised that there are twenty seminaries appointed to be sent into these parts to win souls, making account that a toleration is already established here. Agreeable to this there is a fellow that came lately to a gentleman that is building a house and demanded of him what he meant to build now; assuring him as his good friend that shortly he should see so strange and sudden alteration, ere this summer passed, as no man would believe till he had seen it, and that his Majesty must at least allow a toleration or else his person could not be safe. This I received yesterday from a person of good credit who promises to take pains to be better informed; and for myself I intend not to trouble the "hant" till you have determined such course as shall be thought most meet.—Poole, 29 March 1605.
PS.—That your lordship may not mistake my office I am in place and name of his Majesty's searcher, and give the poor profit thereof to my father, which being all he has to relieve him is turned now to nothing, and myself unable to relieve him otherwise.
Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (110. 55.)
Sir Edward Coke, Attorney General, to Viscount Cranborne.
[1605, March 29.] Knowing the weight by consequence of this cause and how much it concerns his Majesty dum seges in herba and in ipso limine to take some exemplary course with some of these intemperate spirits ut pœna ad paucos metus ad omnes perveniat; and knowing nothing to make men more odious and to be branded with a more infamous mark of uncharitableness and profaneness than libelling in so outrageous and unchristian manner, I thought good myself to have some conference with Mr. Pickeringe and suffered him to discourse at his own pleasure (a good entrance to a further examination). In whose discourse I observed these things. First, that he was much discontent, being crossed in a suit and not rewarded to his expectation; 2, that he would not reveal the author of the libel, for (said he) he may prove a good member in the Church and Commonwealth; 3, that he himself was never suspected for libelling; and lastly, that that profession (meaning the Puritans) was far enough in disgrace already, he wondered also why he and Bywater were so much troubled about this libel, when so many other be dispersed in other men's hands. But (with all the little cunning I have) I could not draw from him any one of them, albeit I told him that in the Star Chamber he might be enforced upon his oath to declare as well who made it as every particular person that has seen or had it, and that it is the duty of every subject to yield his sovereign a just and true account of such things; but I was auditus but not exauditus. I am now persuaded that some Puritan minister made this libel both by reason of that which casually fell from him and because I find the making of such a libel came never out of his quiver for he is no scholar. I learned of him accidentally who this Mres. Russell was and where she lies. She is a young widow and serves the Countess of Bedford but has kept her bed this month in Sir Philip Skidmor's house [in margin: in St. Barth. in Smithfeld] being his wife's sister. Mr. Pickering confesses he means to marry her, and so much (if not too much) of that matter. I have by such means as I have used not only got the copy of the slanderous commonplaces (the poison of that which was preferred to the King), which I send to you herewith, but presuming that his sweetheart had also the libel, she was sounded therein and I have got that also which she wrote from the mouth of her lover Mr. Pickering, which in some parts varies from the copy I left amongst other papers with Mr. Corbett (?) which I send also herewith. Mr. Pickering sent unto her this little book from Roiston at his Majesty's last being there, by an unknown person as she says. She knows not who made it nor knows who have any of them saving only Mrs. Boulstrode, that waits on the Countess of Bedford.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed by one of Cranborne's clerks: "29 Martii, 1604 [sic], Mr. Atturney." 1¼ pp. (188. 99.)
Richard Percival to Viscount Cranborne.
1605, March 30. Last week upon information by Sir Francis Verney that he was desirous to fell certain timber growing upon his own land, which he might fell when he came to full age, and that he desired leave now to fell it for the discharge of divers gentlemen that stood engaged as sureties for him, it pleased you to subscribe a note that you saw no reason but he might do it, and that as much as in you lay you gave him leave so to do. This (it seems by the petition this gentleman will deliver you) Sir Francis has taken as a sufficient warrant to enter upon the land, being my Lady Verney's jointure, to spoil her pasture with carrying of the wood and destroy the breed of coneys there, which she has let out at a good round rent: wherewith my Lady has been so much troubled as she is come out of the country of purpose to be a suitor to you for a stay thereof, knowing, as she says, that if you had been informed of the wrong it is to her, you would never have given way to his suit. Her desire appears by the petition, to which if you think fit to yield it may please you to sign this letter enclosed.—30 March 1605.
PS.—If you like not to sign this letter my Lady's suit is that you would stay the felling of the woods but until you may be informed by Mr. Attorney of the Wards of the estate of this cause, who is very well acquainted with it.
Holograph. 2/3 p. (110. 56.)
Francis Jones to the Same.
1605, March 30. Your letter in the behalf of Mr. Nesmith, his Majesty's chirurgeon, was brought unto me at the Custom House this afternoon, when divers other of the farmers were gone into the country to repose themselves these holidays. Albeit I found you had not been rightly informed, as mentioning 4 pieces of holland cloth, which were indeed 4 pieces and certain remnants of lawn, to the value of about 15l. or 16l., and entered in the name of one Daniel Hall a Scottishman, and were not known unto us to be the goods of his Majesty's chirurgeon, I presently called our deputy that had made stay thereof and caused them to be delivered to the bringer of your letter without payment of further custom or other duties whatsoever: assuring myself the rest will allow of my doings herein, or any other matter in our powers that you shall command.—From the Custom House, 30 March 1605.
Signed. Seal. 2/3 p. (110. 57.)
Sir Vincent Skynner to Viscount Cranborne.
1605, March 30. This letter coming to my hands this morning and the contents such as were more fit for your own view than my relation, intending to spend these few holidays with my poor family at Enfield, I make bold in discharge of that imposed upon me by an honest gentleman and mine ever well deserving friend in the time of his father, to impart the same unto you. Which I do the rather that I may intimate unto you the great disorders lately committed by spoiling of his Majesty's woods in Enfield far beyond any example that has been seen in any time and almost incredible if it were not so extant to be seen, and which in further perusing of the chace I doubt will be more seen: but this that is, is too much to be seen and to rest unpunished if the offenders may be deprehended, whereof I will at my small time of abode there take as good care as I can to have notice. And [it] is not the hacking and hewing of bushes or lopping or topping of trees, though those things are not tolerable without lawful warrant, but it is the felling of great oaks by the ground and hacking and hewing others at the root and to the height of the bulk of the tree in such sort as is shameful to behold, which requires some sharp execution upon the offenders that may be exemplar. Whereof in more [sic: my] poor place as a justice of the peace I will be careful to my best means to find out the offenders and to have them forthcoming.— 30 March 1605.
Holograph. Seal broken. Endorsed:—"Sir Vincent Skynner to my Lord with a letter from Mr. Sadlier." 1 p. (110. 58.)
Lord Cobham to the Same.
[1605, March 30]. Whatsoever I intend I never hold it well without your allowance. I have written this letter unto the King; advise me for the time, and whether you think it to purpose; so as you shall direct my man he shall either suppress it or deliver it. Good my Lord, think of me your poor friend who is now a cripple, and shall be without hope of recovery if in this place I remain. God give me to have patience and put mercy into the King's heart. Your kindness towards me is meritorious; God ever send you your heart's desire.—From the Tower, this Easter Eve.
Holograph, signed: H. Brooke. ½ p. (110. 61.)
Lord Cobham to The King.
1605, March 31. It is almost a whole year since I made any suit unto your Majesty for my liberty; such respect I have had to shun importunacy that I had rather undergo the neglect of mine own hopes than offend in that kind. Now the time and your own disposition ever prone to mercy doth move me to renew my suit. The time, because it is holy, when every man, striveth to give the greatest satisfaction to God for his sins, and no oblation is so acceptable to God as mercy. These be the very words of our Saviour Christ; Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful; Forgive and you shall be forgiven. So if it be duly considered the benefit is greatest to him that doth forgive, for his sins shall be forgiven. Kings are called gods because they have authority over others, but in nothing they are so like unto God as in showing mercy. St. Bernard saith quanto amplius per compassionem proximis nostris in necessitate succurrimus tanto amplius Creatori appropinquamus. This, gracious sovereign, is worthy of observation, that the Scriptures, the ancient fathers, the wisest philosophers do all in this concur, that mercy above all virtues hath the precedency; the benefit of it, as by Scripture we learn, is the saving of our own souls, which is the sum of all and man's only true happiness. So, what do I entreat of your Majesty? to do that which shall be for your soul's health, and gain you in the world for ever the fame of mercy and clemency, a greater title than to be Emperor of Emperors. Now, worthy Prince, upon whom shall your Majesty bestow this favour? upon him that from his heart is sorry that he hath offended you, desires to live no longer than that he may do you service, prays for you and your royal issue that you and they may for ever be kings of this kingdom. He that confesseth and is contrite for his sins shall be forgiven and receive the reward of it. This is God's promise, you his substitute and therefore bound only to follow His instructions; why then should I despair? So with St. Paul I will conclude: remember them that are in bonds as though you were bound with them, whom to release is charity, and charity the true step to heaven.—Tower, 31 March 1605.
Holograph, signed: H. Brooke. 1 p. (110. 59.)
John Johnston, Professor at St. Andrews, to Viscount Cranborne.
1605, March 31. Since you favourably accepted my first letter with some memorials written by me upon the late Queen I have presumed to offer you these memorials written long since upon your father of good memory; which I trust shall find acceptation, a witness always of my good will to your name and honour of your house; for the good deservings of your father and yourself towards letters and the learned cannot well escape us, although well distant in place. I must entreat your counten ance where or when my honest "adoes" may crave, which I have accredited to my dear cousin Edward Johnstone, who more particularly will inform you of my purpose.—St. Andrews, the last [of] March 1605.
Holograph, signed: "Jhone Jonston, Professor in his Majesties Universitie." Seal broken. 1 p. (110. 60.)
The Earl of Hertford to the King.
[1605, ? March.] Your most excellent Majesty has signified your pleasure by your letters under your privy signet, for employing me unto the Archduke, though I know my inability for a business of such importance, and that now my age might seem to challenge my quietus est; and that in all my time I never had the experience of such employment, besides the shortness of the time limited. Yet if such be your pleasure notwithstanding all these difficulties with other of my private estate, yea, though I knew I went to my grave, I would undertake it with cheerfulness, and would rather fail in my ability than in my duty.
Only this afflicts me, and I beseech your Majesty to ease my heart of such a grievous burthen, that before I go (lest I live not to return) I may have that gracious trial of justice, whereunto I was by you allowed, to have recourse for the legitimation of my issue.
It is all and the only suit whereunto I have importuned your Majesty ever since your most joyful coming to the Crown, and it is that which both nature and the conscience of a clear heart urge me to solicit, and will while I have a breathing upon earth. It is the usual custom of many who are honestly mindful of the frailness of our mortality and respective of their posterity to dispose of their estate and make their will, if from any remote place they travelled but to the term, though within the land, and in the best of their years. Therefore I beseech you pardon me, if I desire to see my house settled before my going, seeing how near I tread to my grave, and how far I am to go, beyond the journey of a term, over the seas into a strange air which I know not how it may agree with my aged body. If your Majesty, out of consideration of a cause that so nearly concerns me in nature and blood, will hearken to this desire, I shall with joy and comfort undergo this employment, and my posterity shall ever hold themselves the children of your justice.— Undated.
Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (103. 15.)
Lord Stafford to Viscount Cranborne.
[1604–5, March.] I have been a prisoner at my lodging and at the Fleet near hand a fortnight, which I am not sorry for, but for his Majesty's displeasure which does not a little grieve me: my humble suit is, that I may have your favourable good speed to his Highness, as also to the rest of your Honours at your next meeting.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal of Arms. Endorsed: "March, 1604." ½ p. (104. 114.)
Newnham Priory, Bedfordshire.
1605, [March.] Newnham Priory in lease to Peter Cartwright for 21 years, whereof 16 were unexpired at Lady day 1605, for the yearly rent of 66l. 13s. 4d.
A tithe now let per ann. for 90l.
The priory of Newnham is situate by a river and has many timber trees growing about the house which grace the estate, and it contains
It is within a mile of Bedford, and has many fair fish ponds in it.
It is worth so much beside tithe wood and tithe hay.
Two water grist mills now let per annum for 30l.
The fishing of the river now let per annum for 20s.
Sheep pasture in the fields now let for 5l.
The Priory house with the stables and barns the gardens and orchards containing 8 acres of meadow and 23 acres of pasture walled round about with a very fair and high brick wall let at 44l.
73 acres and 1 rood of meadow enclosed 250l. 2s. 8d.
22 acres and 2 roods of meadow not enclosed
Sum 95 acres and 3 roods
62 acres more of pasture enclosed
28 acres of pasture not enclosed
Sum of pasture 90 acres
328 acres of land arable 1 rood not enclosed
Sum total of all the acres 552, which do contain also the acres which are walled and all these with the housings, orchards and gardens are let for
Sum total 420l. 2s. 8d., out of which all charges and payments issuing out of the Priory are to be allowed.
The rent being 66l. 13s. 4d. is worth to be sold at 18 years purchase 1200l. 3700l.
The tenant has de claro 320l. per ann. which in reversion of 13 years is worth to be sold but 2500l.
The reversion is worth no more because 2500l. in 10 years without usury upon usury is 2500l. more, and the use of that 5000l. in three years is 1500l. which amounts to 6500l., which is 100l. more than 20 years purchase for 320l. per annum when it shall be in possession.
Endorsed: "Compare my note with th'older terrier. Received of Mr. Lucombe 40s. for Mr. Brooke. Left his writings to be sealed." 1 p. (110. 62.)
Sir Francis Hastings to Viscount Cranborne.
[1605, ? c. March.] He thanks him for his message, promising him help in recovering the King's favour. He craves his remembrance of it, from a desire not to dwell long in the dislike of his dear Sovereign, whose favour would be a singular comfort to the grey hairs of a poor old servant, and a cordial in his wretched life; and would enlarge his thoughts to the settling of his poor estate. There is a debt unpaid by him for his wife's son, the King's ward, and an allowance to accrue to him out of it. He dare not come up this term, being commanded down by that honourable Board; but he will perfect the account next term, if Cranborne will give leave. He begs to stand free from process and to have time for payment.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." (114. 37.)
[Cp. Cal. S.P. Dom., 1603–1610, p. 194.]
Sir John Stanhope to the Same.
[1605, March.] Thanks Cranborne for acquainting his Majesty with his sickly estate, so that neglect of duty may not be imputed to him. Hopes to-morrow to be able to attend the Court, though he fears the March winds.
Sir Henry Goodyere of the Privy Chamber solicits him to impart to Cranborne his knowledge of his uncle's troubles. He was that Sir H. Goodyere whose daughter this man married, and is thereby his heir. Old Sir H. married Sir Richard Lowther's daughter of Westmorland; with whom he was in that country about the time his Majesty's mother came first out of Scotland to Carlisle, whither Lowther and Goodyere repaired to her, who at the first was not restrained from liberty, but afterwards committed to the guard of Treasurer Knolls in Bolton Castle. Sir H. devised a cypher for the Queen to use to such as she trusted; the which afterwards being discovered, Goodyere and Lowther were both committed to the Tower, where after some time he was delivered, but never recovered the good opinion of the late Queen. This is the sum of his knowledge of him.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." 1 p. (114. 154.)
King James to [the Same].
[? 1605, March.] A cartel or challenge to a trinity of knaves.
If I find not at my coming to Greenwich that the big chamberlain have ordered well all my lodging, that the little saucy constable have made the house sweet and built a coke pit and that the fast walking keeper of the park have the park in good order and the does all with fawn, although he have never been a good breeder himself, then shall I at my return finding those things out of order make the fat chamberlain to puff, the little cankered beagle to whine and the tall black and cat-faced keeper to glower, as Sir Roger Aston said. If my wife shall not produce a fair young lion at this time the constable shall bear the blame; if I have not good fortune at the beginning of my hunting then the keeper shall have the shame and never be thought a good huntsman after; and if I get not good rest all night the big chamberlain's fat back shall bear the burthen of all, and so fare well as ye deserve; and as for the bearer I have made choice of this worshipful knight of the bath to carry this cartel, who swears he will venture all the hairs of his beard in my quarrel. James R.
If the Master of Gray were here he would say it might be thought when councillors go to the Tower to visit the lion's whelp, that hath so fair a nurse, that the old Scottish proverb is true in them, that many a man courts the child for love of the nurse, especially some of them with whose chastity he was so well acquainted.
To conclude I end with a miracle, what a luck it is that notwithstanding that the ancient reverend father of York hath reprehended the King's hunting, yet hath the King lately received out of York house the allowance of his hunting by very many hands, and so it is like the miracle of Balaam's ass, that the house is wiser than the great prophet that is owner thereof.
Holograph. Endorsed in Cranborne's hand: "K. to me." 2 seals. 1 p. (134. 66.)
King James to [Viscount Cranborne].
[? 1605, c. March.] My little beagle although I have been out of privy intelligence with you since my last parting, for having been ever kept so busy with hunting of witches, prophets, puritans, dead cats, and hares, yet will I not suffer this bearer your fellow secretary to go unaccompanied with this present; who should have carried the witches with him as you desired, had it not been that he rides post and witches ride never post but to the devil. He hath conjured all the devils here with his Welsh tongue, for the devil himself I trow dare not speak Welsh. Haste him back I pray you for our match again Sunday at night, for he is secretary of our corporation that is of fools, horses and dogs, and I dare say he is more qualified for that office than either ye or old Secretary Harbert; if your niece be angry with me for his short abode at this time, tell her I shall make her satisfaction at my return with a tribute of kisses, but this must be kept counsel of both from the bearer and my wife. Commend me to honest big Suffolk and the greater an honest thing be, it is the better; commend me also to my envious enemy 3 [Northampton], and tell him that since it grieves him to see my two sons there prosper so well, I hope by God's grace within few years to multiply his griefs by some more such pricks in his eyes and thorns in his sides; but be he sure I will immediately upon my return have his head for this labour in as great haste as King Henry my noble predecessor got his father's, who could not go ad centrum terre without it. But in one point I am greedier than he was, for whereas the head alone served him, I will have body and all together, otherwise I disdain his head alone, so far as I protest I had rather have a kid or a lamb's head this time of the year; and so fare well. James R.
Holograph. Endorsed by Cranborne: "His Majesty." Two seals on gold thread. 1 p. (134. 71.)
Thomas Bywater to [Viscount Cranborne].
[? 1604–5, March.] The Earl of Worcester told me on Saturday that his Majesty was content to dismiss me, only he willed me to attend him the next morning, which I very willingly did. Then he told me he had received letters from you, wherein you had written you could not be satisfied in some points without my presence. Those letters, after sermon, he would signify to his Majesty, and so I should know an answer. The answer was that I must appear before you. Taking my leave of the Dean [Montague], I told him of this answer, who answered me that the King was in a good mind the last night, and was contented to dismiss me.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (189. 79.)
[The Council] to the King.
[? 1604–5, March.] To that high favour you do us by expressing in your own letter so gracious an acceptation of our endeavours, we cannot better answer than with those words used in a public and most excellent speech of your own; Quid retribuemus ? What kind of gratitude is it possible for us to represent unto your Majesty, who out of mere bounty value that diligence which is but the least part of our duty, so graciously to give us thanks for our service, which we should account abundantly rewarded if it be holden free from blame; so favourably to approve our proceedings in Council, which (when they be good) are but slender streams derived from the fountain of your own wise directions. And if your Majesty may repute it for the least point of happiness to be served by us, how much more may we account ourselves thrice happy to be guided and governed by such a King, from whom not only we receive a kind of influence to the enabling of our advice and counsels, but (if it were possible) all the kings of the earth might be glad as from the Oracle to take instructions from the King of Great Britanye. The case thus standing the best means we have to declare our gratefulness is to protest that we have no means of requital but the sacrifice of thanksgiving. To come therefore to the matter: as we acknowledge your Majesty's true apprehension of this project of the seditious sectary Bywater, your exact applications of them to your former observations in like men, your wise direction for our farther proceeding: so we, (having sifted it so far that we find it not only bred and hatched in his own breast, but so vented out as gives sufficient matter to expose him to punishment) are now in hand with further examination for the better discovery of the ground of this plot: not giving credit to his own speech, being grown now very reserved and cautelous: nor intending to take his fair words for truth, that hath so maliciously sophisticated or perverted the Scripture, the word of truth itself: wherein if we shall find him still so locked up in silence, as that he will dissemble, or so obstinate, as that he will directly refuse to reveal the truth and his complices: the best way that we for the present mean to proceed in is speedily to remove him to the Tower, as an argument to declare him guilty of a further offence, than for any private error or audacity. Next, we will so use it as the whole scope of his perilous projects may be made notorious (though not expressly divulged) to the end that those which would suppose that he is punished for his disobedience in matters of ceremony may well understand it to be for other pernicious courses, conceived by him to the disturbance of the State; and that the corrupt humour of many, who are always apter to scandalise the constant proceedings of state, than to discredit those who never can like the present government, may be so prevented that your Majesty's well affected subjects may be satisfied that such men's unconformity proceeds not for any scruple in matters indifferent or tenderness of conscience, as is suggested, but from some inward and malicious design as would by consequence bring it to question at last, whether it be indifferent for your Majesty to govern in a Monarchy, or to be subject to a Presbytery. As the characters of your own hand in your Majesty's letter are most evident testimonies of your grace to us, and of your justice and virtue they have left deep impressions of joy and admiration in our hearts. And when we consider how short time your Majesty hath of abode there for your necessary recreation, and how intentive your mind is to the course of affairs here, we cannot but be extremely sorry that you have cause to rob yourself of your own ease by diverting your thoughts to those troublesome occasions: and much more that you should lose one minute of your recreation, serving for your health, by taking the pains to write any line of acceptance or thanks unto us, who wish ourselves subject to all pains and travails of body and mind, even to pass per saxa, per ignes, if thereby our service may yield your Majesty the more opportunity of recreation abroad. And thus with our hearty prayers for your long life and eternal happiness we humbly kiss your hands.—Undated.
Draft with corrections by Cranborne. Endorsed: "Minute to the K. from the Lords." 5 pp. (190. 3.)
[Lord Cranborne] to [Lord Sheffield].
[1605, March or later.] He has placed Sheffield's letters before the King, whose answer concerning Bywater's aspersion upon Sheffield is, if it had been a more material accusation, the King's good opinion of Sheffield was sufficient defence, of which opinion he desires Sheffield to remain assured.
Sheffield's letters have wrought a real confirmation of the King's favour. The King says that "Seeing Bywater was no more saucy with you, his master, than he has been with him that is your master, in which kind if he had only offended, and not been discovered to be the author contriver of much sedition, he should have gone away free from other punishment than to be left to the ways of his own perdition."
"I doubt not but you have seen by this time his Majesty's letters to my Lord Archbishop and you, and thereby discerned how barbarous an untruth it is in any man to suspect any change of his Majesty's religious profession and purpose to banish superstition; for a better confirmation whereof in respect of that inconvenience which grows by pluralities and nonresidencies, his Majesty, meaning to prevent it as much as may be, has commanded a catalogue to be brought him of every man's living in the Church, to the intent that he may know upon all occasions, when dignities in the Church are sued for, who they are that love the plural number better than the singular, and so be able to make his own distribution. As for proceeding against those two priests, for so I esteem them, although his Majesty notes that you entitle them servants of Mr. Darcy, which made him at the first somewhat doubtful of their quality, [he] likes it very well that their execution is suspended, because he determines upon the return of all his judges to have an account of their proceedings in their circuits. In the meantime he conceives great contentment that the person that abused the minister has had so exemplary a punishment. Lastly, his Majesty is well pleased with your stay in those parts, and by the enclosed dispenses with your repair."
Desires him to notify by letter his great comfort in that the King's strong judgment cannot be altered upon sinister information, also to express his mislike of such offenders, and his desire to serve the King; also to give some little touch whereby the King may perceive that he has imparted to Sheffield the above matters with regard to the Church.—Undated.
Draft, in hand of Cranborne's secretary. Endorsed: "1605. My Lord to my Lord Sheffeild." 9 pp. (192. 36.)
Lord Sheffield to [the King].
[1605, March or later.] Expresses his thanks for his favours, and for his favourable interpretation of his late letters to Lord Cranborne, by whose answer he has received satisfaction both touching himself, and the general estate of religion. Protests his joy at the King's words that he had known him too long to condemn him upon a single information, and that his letters had rather wrought a confirmation of the King's favour. Concerning religion, it is no small comfort to him, and to all that are religious, to see the great care the King has taken to advance it, both by appointing the laws against Papists to be executed, (which has bred no small terror in them, though comfort to them of the religion); so that he doubts not but that in a small time there will be a very great amendment in these parts: but also, as Lord Cranborne informs him, by taking order to be advertised of all the Church livings, and who possess them, so that he may redress that lamentable mischief of the unlearnedness of the ministry in many places. It is a thing pitiful to see, especially in these remote places, how weak in understanding the means of their salvation the most of the people are for want of teaching, but especially upon the Borders within his government. Now the kingdoms are united, it were fit the Borders, as the heart of the island, should be lightened by the preaching of the Word, being the only way to bring them to civility who are now so barbarous.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." 3 pp. (192. 44.)
Contemporary copy of the preceding letter. 2 pp. (114. 141.)
Lewis Pykeringe to Viscount Cranborne.
[1605, ? March.] He thanks Cranborne for signing a warrant that his servant might attend him in his sickness as a close prisoner; but he desires, rather, the less inconvenience of his servant's absence than by pestering this small room to make himself so much the more a prisoner by his presence. He has enjoyed more content this 10 days than before in 10 months, in that he has not seen the sorrowful countenances of the servants of God, nor heard their mournful complaints. As he has done nothing that has deserved to have his blood drawn, he petitions that he may not have it dried up by close imprisonment. The first cause of his deserving Cranborne's displeasure, by his letters to the King, was his suspicion of Cranborne's too much favouring the Papists. His heart has often smitten him for Cranborne's course. How much more honourable for Cranborne to show himself Ovid's lion than his bear; he being cast into Cranborne's hands through his error. There has been a long and tedious controversy in the church, and no means omitted to win Cranborne to be a favourer of the truth, and a means for the liberty of the gospel. He hopes the King per ceives that his advice for abolishing the ceremonies was the only means to have settled the peace of the church; not the pressing of them; wherein the State has so far engaged itself that policy will not suffer the same to proceed, nor honour to retire. The controversy is between brothers of the same nation, professing the same faith, and partakers of the same hope. The Jesuits in the meantime have just cause to rejoice in beholding their dangerous maxim practised, divide et impera.
Next to the fear of his Majesty's displeasure, it has most troubled him to be thought to have published anything tending to the disgrace of Queen Elizabeth of famous memory, of whom he never conceived an irreverent thought, His mother being a Devenishe, was cousin german to her Majesty once removed, their grandmothers being two of the four daughters of the Lord Hoo and Hastings. If his person cannot move compassion, let his alliance with the Lady Suffolk's grandmother, being the daughter of Sir Christopher Pykering from whom he is lineally descended, do so. As for projects and petitions, he rests free as any man living, having never seen it or the like project whereof he was examined.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." 3 pp. (114. 108.)
[Cf. Cal. S.P. Dom., 1603–1610, p. 206.]
Lewis Pykeringe to Viscount Cranborne.
[1605, March or later.] I have with patience expected a declaration of your disposition for my enlargement; at least for the liberty of the prison. My close imprisonment has been very tedious, and, if my comforts had been outward, intolerable. I have made no means to any of the Lords. This day I have sent a petition by my brother.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." ½ p. (192. 13.)
Sir William Constable to the King.
[1605, ? March.] The King granted to Sir Thomas Somerset the measuring of the Newcastle sea coals for London. To augment the custom received therefrom, and to amend his own poor estate, he begs the gift of measuring the coals brought to the ships upon the rivers of Tyne and Weare. By this means the King will not be, as now, defrauded of custom by the shipmasters, who, by corrupting the keelmen who bring the coals aboard, ship more chaldrons than they pay custom for, and than the coalsellers receive money for.—Undated.
Petition. 1 p. (196. 112.)
[See Cal. S.P. Dom., 1603–1610, p. 207].
Minute to [Sir Edward Coke], Attorney General.
[1605, March.] To prepare a pardon in due form for a Mr. Acton and his brother who are guilty of the practice of coinage, at the instance of the Lord Roxburgh, who was to receive such benefit as might arise from their attainder, but has since come to a composition with the friends of the guilty parties.—Undated.
Draft. 2 pp. (197. 81.)
[See S.P. Dom. Addenda Jas. I, Vol. 37, No. 28; Calendar of S.P. Dom., 1603–10, p. 206.]