Addenda, Queen Elizabeth - Volume 24: January 1575

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda, 1566-79. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

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'Addenda, Queen Elizabeth - Volume 24: January 1575', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda, 1566-79, (London, 1871) pp. 475-477. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/addenda/1566-79/pp475-477 [accessed 27 March 2024]

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January 1575

1575.
Jan. 2.
1. Thos. Copley to Lord Burghley. As soft water may in time pierce marble, I hope my often suits will in time pierce my hardest enemies. I send you in writing what has passed between my Lord Ambassador and me. Want has been a spur to me to be an earnest suitor to enjoy my own, but now it is the least of many, for I am likely to enjoy abundance; but no change of estate can alter my duty to Prince and country, which I wish to serve rather than spend my life in foreign service. All the Queen's affairs lie not within the precinets of that island; all princes have to deal with princes adjoining, and if the Queen would employ me therein, she should soon find my faithful service. Pray procure me this, and bind me to you as your natural child. [1½ pages.]
Jan. 23.
Brussels.
2. Sir Fras. Englefield to Lord Burghley. I have long refrained from complaining at my long exile from my native country, and the withholding of my living; but I must lament that I have lately been falsely accused of violation of duty to my Sovereign, and the breach of the bands of conscience and honesty.
I am accused of conferring with the Countess of Westmoreland on State matters; furthering and setting forth the book of treasons; being privy to a conspiracy to poison you, and perhaps more, as nothing can be more vile and odious.
No way is left me but to appeal to your wisdom and equity, not to believe me culpable of such villainy without proof, which can never be had. I have declared myself so far to my Lord Ambassador here that his alleged informers have denied their information of me. I can do no more till my information is made more particular.
Inquiring about the author of the book, I find that a few years past Mr. Gifford, a lawyer, brought into these parts notes like the contents of the book, entitled "A detailing of certain secret practices, tending to the change of the State, &c." He proceeded with it whilst here, and carried it back to England. When he took leave of me on my going to Spain, from which he had tried to dissuade me, he said, "Well, then must I keep and retain in my breast something which I had thought to have imparted to you if you had tarried." I conjecture this alluded to the said book; but I never saw him since.
I regard my own soul and honesty too much to attempt to poison you; some have tried to put you in fear of your life, to bring their other purposes to pass.
As to the Countess of Westmoreland, I should not have been foolish enough to choose her had I been disposed to enter into error. Search into my dealings with the Duke of Alva and this governor, and you will find me unable to treat with strangers in matters of moment.
I will give you any further satisfaction in my power, and rely on your compassion towards all the afflicted, and beg you to obtain for me the enjoying of my own revenue, that I may not be forced to live on foreign entertainment. I could then change my abode for one less subject to suspicion. Thanks for your preserving my poor inheritance from spoil. [2¾ pages.]
Jan. 26. 3. Walter Wykes to Mr. Maddock, Westminster Palace. I gave Bawser and Cate, of Colbrook, 12 days' notice for the sitting on commission; but they and Bretteridge wrote to Sir John Danvers, reporting me to be lewd and troublesome, and refusing to sit in the commission. Pray renew it for me without my adversaries, for I have the secretary's letter to Sir John Danvers and Mr. Brouncker for attaining my leases and living, with arrears from 1572 of 700l., at 60l. a year, to be determined by the said persons, or else by Sec. Walsingham; but I went to the commission for the further discovering of traitorous persons. I know Sir John Danvers, Mr. Brouncker, and Mr. Reed will show me justice. [1 page.]