Cecil Papers: February 1607, 1-15

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 19, 1607. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1965.

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'Cecil Papers: February 1607, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 19, 1607, (London, 1965) pp. 33-47. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol19/pp33-47 [accessed 11 April 2024]

February 1607, 1-15

The Earl of Essex to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606–7, Feb. 2. My poor condition being such as it must needs cry for help, I am made firm in my hope by your promise; but as I can never deserve your noble intendments to me, so I do not know in what first to desire your favour, but must refer myself to your lordship and my other friends, both for the good, and means to effect it. Whatever you shall think me worthy of, my thankfulness to you and your worthy son shall ever testify that you have rightly bestowed your favours.—Paris, 2 Feb.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (115. 87).
Mustapha, Vice King of Algiers, and Agha, Captain of Janissaries, to King James.
[1606–7, Feb. 2.] Of late years in the time that Soleman Bashaw reigned arrived in this port an English ship whereof was commander Captain Jeffourd, a man that we had many times well entreated in our city; notwithstanding he practised then treason against us, but by good fortune took no effect; and so he set sail and went to our port of Bugia, and displaying your Majesty's colours eighteen great Turkish janissaries went aboard in love and amity; them he betrayed and carried to Leghorn, where they were made slaves. Shortly after arrived in our port another English ship of war, and we detained of her company about twenty persons, whereof is living ten, and of ours are living at Leghorn only twelve, the others being dead through evil entreating; and of late we have advice that the Great Duke hath esteemed them at a price to be ransomed. For which cause we called your Majesty's consul before us and declared to him how cruelly our people were used at Leghorn, albeit the English here detained are well used; therefore we determined to sell them to make money to ransom our people home. But at the entreaty of the consuls we are contented to forbear to sell them for four months; and we beg your Majesty in consideration of the amity and league between the Great Turk and yourself so to favour us that these Turks may be set at liberty, and on their return your Majesty's subjects here sequestered shall also be set free.
Mustapha, Bashaw of Argere, and Moracca Rais, General at Sea, to the Same.
1606–7. Feb. 2. We being daily solicited by the owners of the five slaves stolen out of our port by George Irland to favour them with our letters to your Majesty to obtain satisfaction. we desire through the love your Highness bears to the Great Turk either that Irland may be sent hither to give reason of his fact or else that he deposit money into the hands of some merchants of London trading in our port for our better security. And although there have happened some dislikes between this city and your Highness's subjects occasioned by the ill demeanour of Captain Jeffoure and William Mellin, being protected by the Great Duke of Florence, yet worthily banished by your justice, notwithstanding George Irland remains still in the state without giving us satisfaction.
We have received your Highness's Ambassador and your letters with great content and confirmed unto him our accustomed privileges and capitulations; and we pray you to write unto the Great Duke to set at liberty our Turks betrayed under your colours from our castle of Bugia as your Ambassador has promised.
At present we have received letters of a fresh date from our Turks at Leghorn, complaining that none doth solicit their deliverance; the Great Duke having esteemed their ransom at 3,500 crowns, although they be poor soldiers that have no means; and because we know how much your friendship avails with the Great Duke, we are sure that your letters would easily obtain their liberty with that of ten of your subjects sequestered here.
Endorsed: "Copy of two letters which is written from the King of Argeire and Morata Rais brought hither by James Frizall the 8th of April, 1607." and "The translation of the enclosed Italian letter dated 2nd of February, 1606." 2 pp. (134. 109, 110).
Sir Ferdinando Gorges to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606–7, Feb. 4. Our great expectation for the discovery of our new-found country has unhappily been crossed by our good friends the Spaniards, who thinking much that we should inherit the liberty of land or seas, have seized upon our ship and men (as by the relation here enclosed it may more at large appear) which by storm and tempest were put in to Bordeaux in France in one of the Spanish ships; against whom we must entreat your favour to further our proceedings for recovery of satisfaction, not only for our ship and goods, but our hindrances and damages, that they may know we are not so slavish that we will endure their insolencies, nor so base that we will not seek a just revenge, if they right us not according to reason and equity.
I refer it to your wisdom to conceive to what height their insolency will grow when [by] this peace (reported to be in handling between them and the Hollanders) they shall find themselves as it were master of the seas. Or is it to be believed that when they find all power in their own hands, they will be more just to us than now they are, when they know it is in our own strengths to right ourselves whenever his Majesty will give leave to the parties grieved to seek it? Herein I could speak something to you concerning their extended peace with the Hollanders, but I dare not be too troublesome: only I have some reason to persuade me that it is more probable the rumour is true, than that it should not be so. My reasons are principally these; first, the considerations of their estates, not able longer to continue the wars, seeing themselves, as it were, forsaken of all; secondly, finding their spirits to be vanquished by their enemies, inasmuch as he has dejected the courage of their army, being compounded of mercenaries, and therefore hopeless of more than their monthly pays, it being not in their means to renew their minds in giving of honour or rewards; and lastly, finding in their own hearts themselves at the highest pitch of their hopes for these aforesaid causes will. I fear, too suddenly enforce them to lay hold upon the present opportunity, while they find they may obtain what conditions they can reasonably demand: which if they be permitted to persevere therein, how easily is it to be proved that our miseries are not far off, seeing ourselves dismembered of so notable alliance. But in this I dare not wade farther before I receive pardon for my presumption for intermeddling in business so far above my capacity; although as you know I have had some experience of the affairs of times past. What I have else to say I will be ready when you command to give my attendance, to satisfy what may be objected, and to show my reasons for anything I shall propound.—4 Feb., 1606.
Signed. 2 pp. (115. 88.)
The Enclosure:
The Relation of Daniel Tucker, Merchant, being employed by divers Adventurers of Plymouth to go as factor of a ship bound for Florida; written by himself.—4 February, 1606.
The wind being fair we departed from Plymouth 12th August, which wind continued till we came within 80 leagues of the Westward Islands; and then the wind westered with a great storm, whereby we were put for the island of Maderes, where we watered with the Governor's licence on the 4th September, and there stayed till the 8th day.
From thence we stood our course for the coast of Florida; but after we had sailed some 100 leagues, we were becalmed 14 days together, and by reason of the extreme heat our fresh water scanted upon us, so as we were forced to the uttermost islands of the West Indies.
And about the last of October we arrived at an inland called Margettanta, where we watered and refreshed outselves with such fruits as the island did afford, and stayed there four days. From thence we went by an island called Domeneca, where a Spanish friar came aboard our ship, in a small canoe with five Indians, which brought fruits with them. The said friar desired us for "Gode's Caes" to give him passage for some part of Christendom, whose ship had been cast away some 13 months before, and all his company drowned and slain by the Indians, only he saved alive. Which friar we took into our ship, and some four days after we set him ashore at the eastward of Portarecca, and there delivered him unto two Spaniards which were herdsmen of cattle, where we stayed two days, and going from thence our ship came aground, but without any harm we got clear, and so stood our course to Florida.
And being at sea in the height of 26 degrees, and some 60 leagues from the shore, we met with a fleet of 11 ships, all Spaniards, merchantmen. On 10 November in the morning we were in the midst of the said fleet, we standing our course, one of the windward ships shot at us; whereupon we went to the Admiral, and coming under his lee the Admiral shot at us two shot, and came aboard of our ship in most violent manner, dispossessed us of our ship and goods, and sent us aboard of his own ship; and the next day parted us some four or five in a ship, and put Spaniards aboard of our ship, and stood for Sevell in Spain. But by reason the Admiral had a great leak, the rest of the ships left him only with our ship, and so parted from the Admiral; and six days after we lost all our fleet in a great storm, with more wind than we could well steer afore, and by reason of extreme foul weather, and having a bad pilot who could not take his just height, we continued at sea two months in great misery and extremity; and so not knowing where we were, we arrived at the river of Burdes [Bordeaux] the 2nd of January. And the Master and the rest of the Spaniards, knowing themselves to be in Burdes, they commanded myself with the three other of my company, to be put into the ship's hold, and there they kept us five days and five nights, in that manner, till the Judge of the Admiralty came aboard of the ship, riding against the town of Burdex, and examined myself: and the Judge understanding the truth of our cause, carried me and the three other ashore to Burdex.
And when I was at liberty I went to one of the chiefest counsellors and certified him of our voyage, and how the Spaniards had used us and in what manner they had taken us. I desired his counsel what course was best to take against the Spaniards; who advised me to fee a proctor and make a petition to the Parliament and to the Admiral, to have the Master of the Spanish ship and the rest of my company examined; which I did, and showed the copy of all our examinations to my counsellor, who advised me to make a letter of attorney to my proctor and to some other whom I thought good, and they to follow the cause against the Spaniards in my absence, and myself to repair for England with all speed, and to return with certificate to confirm our examinations to be truth.
Whereupon I made a letter of attorney to my proctor and to another, my solicitor, which has order to arrest the said Spanish ship and goods till further proof comes out of England.
This being finished, I departed from Burdex, and at my departure my counsellor and my proctor said there was no doubt but the worth of the ship and goods, with all damages, would be recovered of them.—By me, Daniell Tucker.
Signed. 3½ pp. (115. 89).
The Earl of Salisbury to the Bishop of Ely.
1606–7, Feb. 4. On the death of Lord Gawdy, who was judge of the Bishop's Court at Ely, I recommended to your nomination Sir Robert Hitcham, her Majesty's Attorney General, whom you were very willing to accept, if you had not been engaged by a former promise for Mr. Baron Savill. The place being in your disposition again by the decease of Mr. Savill, I again move you to perform your former good intention to Mr. Attorney. His dwelling is not far from those parts and therefore the more fit for the execution of it. His learning and good carriage have deserved so well in the place he holds from her Majesty here (whereof I am partly an eye witness myself, being one of her Majesty's officers), as I believe you will have cause to give me thanks for him, when you shall find that place so well provided by my recommendation.—Undated.
Draft, in the hand of Salisbury's secretary. Endorsed: "4 Feb., 1606. To the Bishop of Ely." 1½ pp. (115. 90.)
Sir John Ogle to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606–7, Feb. 5. The General Estates are still very busy, and few things grown to a full ripeness of resolution. The French King, as is thought, has many that work for him to his ends, and seek with him by a force of necessity to cast the protection of these Provinces into his arms, that are open for them. Whether the King of Spain have any that are instruments for him or no I know not, but there are many that doubt it, by reason that the enterprise of the West Indian Company is much crossed, if not altogether dashed. It is, in appearance (if it may yet go forward) a design very hopeful, and tending to the great profit of these lands; for if they offend him there with 10,000 men, which should be sent at two several times, 5,000 to make the way and as many to second them, and keep here 15,000 or 16,000 to guard the rivers, and make a body to be bestowed as occasion shall invite, with the good troops of horse which they have, it is more probable of a good success to annoy him with their best strength, which is by sea, and in his best parts, yet where he is not so strong (besides they are far remote and from succours), than by employing all upon the defence alone in these parts, the charge whereof will lie too heavy upon this State: whereas by offending (if God give them leave but to set foot on land), the troops employed thither will for the time find themselves. Many good patriots affect this business much, but too many obstacles they meet with to hinder the due proceeding of it as yet. Great wagers will be laid by divers inhabitants of these parts that there will be a cessation of arms this year, if not a peace; howbeit here at the Hague we understand not of the least listening to it. 300,000 Crowns are expected hither out of France. I have seen a draft of the West Indian project, and the "Octroye" that should be given to the Company of Undertakers. I cannot yet get a copy of it, otherwise I would have translated it, and sent it to you; but I think Sir Francis Vere will acquaint you withal, for he has I understand a copy sent him into England. We hear that the Count Harry with 1,500 horse is marched into the land of Lymburghe; the enemy follows him with 2,000. Monsieur Markett, his lieutenant general, follows them again with as many. Great expectation there is what will be done. I believe they will all understand themselves so well as that country shall pay all their pains and bear their charges, unless they meet against their wills. For I cannot believe the enemy will willingly meet with the Count, considering he has so good a second. The young Count Vander Brooke has not long enjoyed the possession of Colonel Edmonds's troop, for he was slain by a party of foot of the enemy about five days since.—Haghe, 5 Feb., 1606, veteri.
Holograph. 2 pp. (115. 91.)
The Council of Scotland to the King.
1606–7, Feb. 5. Your Majesty's subject Alexander McMath, burgess of Edinburgh, having in the 90 year of God [sic: 1590] laden his ship the Angel of Leith, with wax, copper, salmon, hides, goat skins and cloth at the port of Leith where he paid his custom and received his cocket, arriving therewith at Bilbao in Spain his ship and goods were con[demned] as English and confiscated by the testimony of five sub[orned witnesses, Spaniards and] Portuguese, and the said sentence was thereafter confirmed, notwithstanding that your Majesty by your royal letters, and the magistrates of your burgh of Edinburgh by their letters of certificate, as also certain witnesses given in memorial by the Council of War in Spain to be examined in this kingdom, all approved the goods to be Scottish and not English; which testimonies were rejected as of no force nor credit upon pretence that your sacred Majesty and all your subjects were heretics, and that no faith was to be given to your reports. The matter has been oftimes recommended unto the King of Spain and his Council, as well by your Majesty's Ambassador as by certain of your worthy councillors of that estate, and after many promises of redress by way of composition for eschewing of a practice to others, in [the] end a plain refusal was given, pretending that they would not open the way to others in a matter of so great consequence; and so your subject after long attendance with great charges was forced to leave his suit. And seeing this action with others of the like nature concerning your subjects are presently in examination before your Majesty and Lords of your Privy Council in that your kingdom, whose grave wisdom in all your proceedings will produce we doubt not some contentment to your said subject in this his complaint, we must be bold in all submission to request your Majesty to recommend this cause to your said Council, to the effect a special remembrance may be had thereof by them, and that justice and redress may be accordingly craved; and in case of refusal of redress that such ordinary remedy allowable in the like case may be granted to your Majesty's said subject.—Edinburgh the fifth of February, 1607.
Signed: Montroiss; Al. Cancellarius; J. Balmerino; Blantyre. Seal broken. 1 p. (120. 61.)
The Council of Scotland to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606–7, Feb. 5. To the same effect as the above.—Dated as above.
Signed: Montroiss; Al. Cancellarius; J. Balmerino; Blantyre. Seal, broken. ½ p. (120. 60.)
Sir Fulke Grevyll to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606–7], Feb. 5. He expresses the love and honour he owes to Salisbury, inquires of his health, and offers services. He lies at Greenwich in a hired lodging only for health and open air.— Greenwich, 5 Feb.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (192. 77.)
Sir John Ogle to the Same.
1606–7, Feb. 7. Yesterday tidings came that Count Henry of Nassau has taken a town in the land of Juliers called Erkeland, and in it his cousin german, Count Henry van den Berk, prisoner. For the circumstances so soon as I can better inform myself, I will inform you. I am, with many others, glad of this smile of fortune showed to this worthy young Count. Count Ernest is now setting forward upon his journey towards Brunswick, and means this summer to bring his lady to Arnhem, where he will remain.—Haghe, 7 Feb., 1606, veteri.
Holograph. 1 p. (115. 93.)
William Typper to the Same.
1606–7, Feb. 7. This morning Mr. Empringham and another Lincolnshire gentleman brought me word that some of the tenants of the manor of North Somercotes were come to London of purpose to procure some estate in the "inned" lands of that manor; and showed me a note wherein the tenants would join with a scrivener by Powles [Paul's?], who has promised to help them by a Scottish gentleman, one of the Privy Chamber. I advised them to bring the tenants to me, which they have promised to do to-morrow. It is confessed to me that Lincolnshire will yield 20,000 acres, which one with another will give 3s. 4d. yearly, which amounts to 3,333l. 3s. 4d. This only for Lincolnshire, and upon the King's own manors. Against Monday Mr. Empringham will be ready for Mr. Attorney, wherefore I entreat you to deal with my Lord Treasurer and Sir John Fortescue to grant no leases nor any estates in the same lands till the matter be digested.—London, 7 Feb., 1606.
Holograph. 1 p. (115. 94.)
Capt. Thomas Mewtys to the Same.
[1606–7], Feb. 7/17. Count Henry, General of the States' horse, has made a journey up into the land of Lewck, with 2,000 horse and 1,500 musqueteers a horseback, and by an onslaught has taken in one of the enemy's towns called Erklen, and there took the Count Henry Vander Barke prisoner and all his troops, and has brought them to Nyminggam to remain there during the States' pleasure. There is a report that the garrison of the Buse had an enterprise upon Bredawe, but the truth is not yet confirmed.—From my garrison at Wercom, 17 Feb. the new style.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (115. 111.)
Sir Edward Phelipps to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606–7], Feb. 8. I find Mr. Barnewell to be taxed in the subsidy at 3l. land, which is as much as all the land he has is yearly worth, the house wherein he dwells excepted. His "haviour" in goods is but little.—8 Feb.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606, Serjeant Philips" and the following names: Sr. [Serjeants] Montacut, Hele, Yelverton, Hervey, Hubberd, Tanfeild, Doddrige. ½ p. (115. 95.)
Ralph Winwood to the Same.
1606–7, Feb. 9. The conclave of the Estates of these Provinces yet continues, augmented by the assembly of the States of Holland, who three several times within these three months have met together. These often meetings and frequent consultations of the physicians argue the dangerous disease of the patient; which makes us expect with greater devotion some good resolution of these extraordinary assemblies, for the present relief of these countries, whose extremities cannot endure any longer attendance. Yet it is said that never good came of a general council; and Turba medicorum perdidit Imperatorem. But whatsoever the resolutions will be, the deliberations are long, nothing yet being concluded but for the "recrews," which may be doubted, having been so long deferred, will not so soon be re-enforced as the necessity of the service would require. There are now in the service of the land 365 companies of foot, whereof there are destined for the field 175, which are to be strengthened to 150 heads, unless their commissions be of a higher number, as all colonels are, and some captains of 200: the rest which remain in garrison to 113. The number of the horse does not pass 4,000. So long as these companies were "repartited" upon the Provinces, the generalty, which is the State, was not surcharged. But now the Provinces, subject to contribution to both sides, are unable longer to bear that burden, the generalty is so much overborne that every month, accounting thereunto but 30 days, there are 20,000l. sterling more to [be] paid than the comings in of the State can discharge. The States now travail to find a remedy to prevent the mischiefs which will necessarily follow, which cannot be less than the breaking of their troops in the time of the greatest service. But abroad they have small hope to find relief, and at home all things are stretched to the highest; and Holland only excepted, whose "cantoyre" is charged with many millions of debt (the interest of which sum consumes them), the other Provinces have nothing but beggary and misery.
Arthens yet attends for his answer into France; and what answer to give him they are in pain. The overture proceeding from that personage is not to be contemned; yet being of that nature, and so slightly founded, it cannot easily be judged in what fashion it should be entertained.
There now is gone forth, or only attends the wind, a fleet of 32 sail, whereof 26 are men-of-war, for the coast of Spain, victualled for five months. Their rendezvous is at the Isle of Wight.
The late tempests which here have been great have greatly "endommaged" these countries, whose digues are pierced in several places: and at Texel at one time there perished 17 ships all laden with corn for Italy. We have no opinion of that war, which we know would be advantageous for us. But in a nation so wise, there is more to be expected than a word and a blow.
We have it written from Vienna that Boschay should be poisoned; which he in his sickness well perceiving, and mistrusting his Chancellor, commanded him to be brought to his chamber door, and there caused his head, two days before his death, to be cut off.
C. Henry of Nassau is now abroad with part of our horse. He has surprised a town in Juliers, which notwithstanding belongs to the Duchy of Gueldres, which he has spoiled and burned. It is called Erkeland. It was C. Henry Vanden Berg's ill fortune to be found there, who is taken prisoner.
Yesterday here was with me a gentleman of the D. of Holstayne, who had letters from his master to their Majesties, and certain horses for the Prince, which as he passed through Rhinberg the Governor there stayed, pretending they are horses of service, which without commission of the Archdukes he could not permit to pass: notwithstanding by the passports signed by D. Ulrich it appeared to whom they were to be addressed. I directed the gentleman from his purpose for England, and advised him to take his course to Brussels, and to that end I procured him from hence a passport, and with a letter to Sir Thomas Edmonds did furnish him with 100 C. [crowns] which he required of me.—The Haghe, 9 Feb.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606." 2 pp. (115. 96.)
Dr. Thomas Blague to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606–7, Feb. 9. An accident fell out in Lambeth on Wednesday sennight. The particulars I refer to this paper enclosed. His Grace is herein so violent that I am abashed to utter. Dr. Brooke, my wife's brother, and my eldest son John Blague, with another, were attached herein, as though they had been present; but by many witnesses before the Coroner they are justified: whom I have taken into bail to answer what can be objected. Notwithstanding, this day is procured the Lord Chief Justice's warrant for their apprehension again. My suit is that these violent courses may be mitigated, innocency remain as it does under bail, and law take his due course to punish the malefactor. This unkindness of the Archbishop has cast me into a fever, grieving that my observing of him should be thus rewarded.—Lambeth, 9 Feb., 1606.
Holograph. 1 p. (115. 99.)
The Enclosure:
Dr. Brook was arrested in my Lord of Canterbury's house for 5l. The money for which he was arrested was disclaimed by the creditor, grieving at the arrest. Brook signified to his lordship his arrest. No remedy was yielded. Brook and the Bishop's bailiff concluded a peace to pawn or pay. Brook and the bailiff came in [as] friends to Legge's house, and departed friendly. It was the bailiff's wish that Brook should go the back way. Brook went accordingly. The bailiff followed some while after. Brook and his company, namely Mr. John Blague and Mr. Garter were out of all sight. The bailiff was slain by one who neither knew of the arrest, nor went out with them. He was slain, God knows, without the least imagination, much less action, of Brook and his company. It pleases his Grace to be much grieved. Brook's truth and conscience, together with his company, is so good as that the world cannot tax them in the least suspicion. God knows these things to be in all truth. His Grace, as Brook thinks, will not understand. "Horreo dicere etc."—Undated.
(115. 98).
The Bishop of Ely to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606–7, Feb. 9. I have received your letters in behalf of Sir Ro. Hecham, and desire to give you better satisfaction. I think very well of him of myself, and by your commendation am induced to esteem him the better as a man of very good parts, not inferior to the best of his equals in time and standing. But this people with whom I have to do is a bold and a hardy people as any is in this kingdom; who by reason of the late long vacation, and a weak judge in time of that vacation, grew to such a head that many of them will not easily be governed; which made me think I could not do his Majesty better service than by choosing some man of as great gravity and wisdom and of as great authority, as possibly I could: that they might the more stand in awe of him. Therefore first I entreated Mr. Justice Gawdie, and after him Mr. Baron Savill, determining if any occasion happened to entreat one or other of that rank; whereof I and those joined with me in the government of this country have seen no small fruit in this short time. If I could make it as well appear to you, I would be out of fear that you would accept an excuse at his hand for this time, who at all times will be commanded by you.—Downham, 9 Feb., 1606.
Holograph. 1 p. (192. 78.)
Customs Officers for the Port of Orford and Aldborough to the Lord Admiral.
1606–7, Feb. 10. In answer to his letters of the last of January to Sir Michael Stanhope, Vice-Admiral of Suffolk, and the Customs Officers of Suffolk; they, the officers of the Custom for the port of Orford and Aldeburghe, certify that they know of no ship of any burden whatsoever sold to any foreigner or stranger within the term of seven years.—Aldeburghe, 10 Feb., 1606.
Signed: John Beamond, Customer; Richard Pootye, Controller; Richard Cutlar, Searcher. 1 p. (115. 100.)
Sir William Selby to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606–7], Feb. 10. According to his Majesty's commandment I have received the Castle of Tynmouth, with the artillery. The house is not habitable, the pieces unmounted, and no powder, shot, or other munition more than is contained in the note enclosed. The place is of importance, one of the keys and principal towns and of greatest traffic in this part of the kingdom, and commanded by the Castle. My suit is that some commissioners may be appointed to survey, as well the Castle as the ordnance, and order taken for necessary store, and repair of the house, that I may reside there, and give good account of the place and of my service, which otherwise I know not how to perform.
At my coming here about the end of January, I found a letter from the Council, commanding me to send the 10 horsemen under my charge to Carlisle, wherewith I acquainted the Earl of Dunbar; then having daily cause to use the said soldiers here for apprehension and transportation of prisoners, and having the superintendence of these services, and direction of the soldiers, his lordship considering the necessity of apprehension, by reason of the many felonies lately committed in this shire, 6 for 1 with Cumberland, and that the outlaws are not many fewer and more harmful, has willed me to stay the sending away the horsemen till he may inform the state of this place to his Majesty and you: which I have certified to the Commissioners at Carlisle. In the meantime I serve here with the horsemen till your pleasure be known, there being more cause that horsemen should be sent from thence hither than from hence to them.
Northumberland has for months past been much infested with theft, but is now well quieted by the pains of the Earl of Dunbar, who has caused a great number of the principal Ridesdale and Tindall thieves, and of other parts, to be apprehended and committed; for whom gaol deliveries and justice courts are to be held. He has likewise apprehended the chief ringleaders of Liddesdale, and of other parts of the middle shires in Scotland. These apprehensions, being of such men as have not been taken in my memory, have brought a general abstinence from theft, and some increase of outlaws, who with time will be overtaken. You have been advertised from Carlisle of the execution of divers fugitives apprehended by Lord William Howard.—Twisell, 10 Feb.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (115. 101.)
Lord Harington to the Earl of Salisbury.
[1606–7], Feb. 10. If my attendance on the Lady Elizabeth's grace might have permitted my absence. I had much rather have waited on you than by writing seek to give you satisfaction touching my son. To the doubts you make for his young years. I can promise nothing but hope, which he has given me no cause to doubt, he will prove an honest man. I write not to urge you to a more present conclusion than shall seem good to you, for my son may stay, and daily you may see his proof and judge of his affection as he shall deserve. Yet my years considered, I should have thought myself happy if, whilst I live, I had left him in your hands, on whom he might have depended, and been bettered many ways by your favour and advice. This has been one of the greatest causes that I and my daughter of B. have desired the speedier conclusion with you; wherein if we have proceeded further than has been pleasing to you, I hope you will bear therewith, considering it proceeded of hers and my care of her brother's good, without meaning to offend you. Not that we have any thought to treat of any other match, but wholly rely on you. So I will rest for this motion, so long as you shall be pleased therewith and your daughter shall not dislike thereof, either by dislike of my son himself, his meanness, or my want of a greater fortune. I understand by my daughter and Sir William Bulstrod how willing you are to further my suit, for which I thank you, acknowledging you the noblest friend I have ever found. Where also you would not have me believe in this matter but what I may understand from my daughter, I know I deal with you, from whom I can receive nothing but honourably. My wife's thanks that in your letter to me you remembered her.—Coumbe, 10 Feb.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606" and by the second Earl of Salisbury: "The Lo. Harrington to my father, to show his desire that his son should marry my sister." 1 p. (115. 102.)
The Earl of Salisbury to Lord Harington.
[1606–7, after Feb. 10.] This is the draft of the letter of which a copy was fully described in Vol. XVII of this Calendar (pp. 629, 630) where it was tentatively, but incorrectly, ascribed to the year 1605. It is evidently Salisbury's reply to the proposal in the foregoing letter for the marriage of his daughter to Harington's son. (See p. xxxviii of the Introduction to Vol. XVII.)
Draft with corrections by Salisbury. Endorsed: "1606. Copy to my Lord Harington." 3¼ pp. (193. 42.)
Sir Robert Crosse to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606–7, Feb. 11. I have sometimes waited at your chamber to show my love and duty, and have found you so overburdened with matters of the State and abundance of suitors, that I thought fitter to forbear: though once I had a good desire to have been a suitor for a poor ward, and waited your coming forth, and seeing you accompanied with great lords, did forbear to trouble you then.
I entreat your favour in this my poor distressed cause. After the decease of our late Sovereign I found in myself a mean estate, and seeing there would be no employment for me, I thought it my best course to betake me to a wife, which then I did, thinking to have lived in peace with myself and the world. But now I hear say that the poor fortune I had with her, the two parts thereof will be taken from me, because she is a recusant. I have done my endeavour to alter her from it, and have found that grace with the Lord of Canterbury to come to my house, and Sir Christopher Perkins twice, with Sir Edward Hobbie once, and since Christmas a divine of the Lord of Canterbury's: but all these, neither I, can alter her inward thoughts in that point; which has been some hindrance to me in the country I live in. I have forborne to be a suitor or come to the Court, although there were reason to move me thereto, for I have lost blood and been wounded twice in his Majesty's service at the taking in of the Castle of Edinburgh, which Kirkadye then Lord of Grandge had the keeping of; and hearing of his Majesty's bounty to many that could challenge little of desert might encourage me to become a suitor: and had drawn a petition to his Majesty, with a desire of your furtherance: but first I would have been glad to see if I could bring her from her Popish opinion. And seeing I cannot do it, I may by your means enjoy my poor estate that I am in possession of, whereby I may have meat to eat the remainder of my years, and not to be given to another over my head that shall not be so ready to do the King service as myself.—Marten [Merton] Abbey, 11 Feb., 1606.
Holograph. 1 p. (115. 107.)
Officers of the port of Dunwich, Southwold and Walberswick to the Lord Admiral.
1606–7, Feb. 12. In reply to the inquiry what ships of 100 tons and upwards, with their ordnance, have been sold to strangers within seven years; their answer is none.—Walbeswick, 12 Feb., 1606.
Signed: Thomas Greene, Customer: Daniell Jeggell, Controller; and Thomas Walton, Searcher.
Certificate at foot by the Officers of the port of Woodbridge called Gosford Haven: that there has been no shipping of the above burden belonging to their port, the last seven years.
Signed: Jonas Beriman. Customer: George Button, Controller. 1 p. (115. 103.)
S. Hamilton to the Earl of Salisbury.
1606–7, Feb. 13. Expresses his thanks for Salisbury's exceeding favours and bountiful dealing with him. Understands by letters from Master Hay, and my Lord of Glasgow, and my Lord of Dunbar and others his friends, how his obligation to Salisbury is increased by the favourable reports he has made of him to the King, who is thereby moved to think his service worthy of acceptance.—Edinburgh, 13 Feb., 1606.
Holograph. Endorsed: "Lord Advocate of Scotland." 1 p. (115. 105.)
Officers of the port of Ipswich to the Lord Admiral.
1606–7, Feb. 14. In reply to his inquiry what ships of 100 tons and upwards, with their munitions, have been sold to strangers within seven years, they certify that they know of no such ships.—Ipswich, 14 Feb., 1606.
Signed: Edm. Jenney, Customer; Aug. Parker, Controller; Tho. Clere, Searcher. 1 p. (115. 106.)