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| Aug. 1. |
100. Alderman Anth. Radcliff and three others to Lord Burghley.
Sir John Hawkins will report the result of their conference with
him, touching the provision of shipping by Her Majesty's commissions fit for the river of Bordeaux, and the estimated charges. Are
advised by Sir John, for their own security, to make choice of a
captain suitable for honesty and discretion, and agreeable to the
mariners, since besides the martial actions, he must be trusted with
matters of importance from them. Ask therefore to have the
nominating of the captain, and the usual warrant to Sir John
Hawkins, with commissions for five or six ships, that they may
proceed with expedition, not meaning Her Majesty to be at any
charge on this account. |
| Aug. 3. |
101. Note that Sir Thos. Baskerville came out of the Low
Countries, July 1591, and that his entertainment at 42s. per week,
and the imprests of his six men at 2s. 8d. each weekly for 31 weeks,
from 7 July 1591 to 9 Feb. 1592, amount to 89l. 18s., and from
10 Feb. to 3 Aug. 1592, to 73l. 10s. |
| Aug. 5. |
102. Statement by Sir John Norris of certain points wherein
Her Majesty's resolution is to be known, viz.:— |
|
1. That the day when the men levied for supplying the companies should be at the sea-side be appointed, and the place of their
embarking, that shipping may be provided. |
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2. That the lieutenants be directed to have a special care for the
choice of the men, as in some places they take up very loose men
by privy searches, which may much prejudice the service. |
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3. Wants to be advised how they are to be armed. |
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4. Whether any horsemen are to be entertained, and how levied
and transported; upon this point will greatly depend the success
of the service, and the safety of the men. |
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5. What course is to be taken for artillery, powder, and match.
Two demi-culverins should be sent over, instead of one culverin
broken at Jersey, and be always carried with the companies, for
their better defence. |
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6. Whether any pioneers are to be entertained, which might
be done with little extra charge, save their levy and transportation,
and they paid out of the checks of the rest. |
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7. A commission will be required for pressing 20 cannoniers, and
order taken that the soldiers' pay be ready at their landing, so that
they may not be driven to stay for it. |
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8. Whether Her Majesty will set down any precise directions for
the service, or leave it to such directions as shall come from the
King or the Prince. |
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9. That some allowance may be made for extraordinary charges,
past and to come, which have been and are like to be very extreme
to him. [1¾ pages.] |
Aug. 6.
Middleburg. |
103. Thos. Ferrers to Thos. Phelippes, London. Understands his
mind concerning those matters, and will not deal further therein.
Is not to blame for what he formerly did, but is sorry for it. Will
furnish Staveley as directed. Is returning at Michaelmas; offers
service. |
Aug. 7.
Calais. |
104. Thos. Jeffrey to Lord Burghley. John Daniell, a gentleman of Ireland, has arrived there, and although affirming himself
to be a Catholic, says he wishes to give his Lordship intelligence
of great importance. Addressed Daniell's letters to Mr. Proby,
to be delivered to his Lordship and the Earl of Ormond ; the
contents of them he promised to perform, his conscience only
excepted, but will not commit them to paper, or to the report of
any other. As he was staying at Calais at some charge, and
feared, by the long stay of his boy, that his Lordship did not
esteem his letter, he thought of returning to Flanders. Has per-
suaded him to stay his boy's return; if his Lordship procures him a
passport, according to his request, he may acquit himself as he avows,
and then be considered as he deserves. He wishes that no Irish,
English, or Scotch soldiers, who have served under Sir Wm. Stanley,
and come to England since last May, be suffered to go to France
with any of Her Majesty's forces. |
Aug. 13.
The Court,
Bisham. |
105. The Council to the Earl of Huntingdon, Lord Lieutenant [of
Yorkshire] and Lord President of York. Her Majesty, understanding the defection in religion which has lately grown, after so long
experience of God's mercy, and after the free ministrations of the
sacrament, and the true preaching of the Gospel, attributes the
fault to over-much leniency shown to such as wilfully refuse to go
to church, especially since the last liberty granted to such principal
persons as were formerly committed to Ely and Broughton, to
remain at their own homes; these, by their evil example, have
seduced to their opinions great numbers of the weaker sort. Her
Majesty therefore, out of zeal for the propagation of the Gospel and
the safety of Her subjects, and to meet such dangerous practices,
thinks it expedient that the principal of the obstinate persons
within his Lordship's jurisdiction be secured in some place of
strength within the county, which he is to choose, using the advice
of the Council [of the North]; some discreet persons of ability, and
good disposition, in religion are to take charge of them, both for
their diet, to be defrayed by them at their own cost, and for their
safe custody, so that none resort to them but such as are meet
to reform them by teaching; they are to be in all things governed
according to the instructions formerly observed in like cases at
Ely and Broughton, where sundry persons of like condition are
presently to be committed. [Copy.] |
Aug. 14.
Twickenham
Park. |
106. Fras. Bacon to Thos. Phelippes. Has excused himself from
this progress, and being at Twickenham, is desirous of his company;
he may stay as long as he pleases, the longer the better; would be
the wiser for him in many things, and desires to confer with a man
of his fulness. |
Aug. 17.
Middleburg. |
107. Thos. Ferrers to Thos. Phelippes, customer, London. Sent
his last letter by Edmund Bressy's servant, saying that he gave
Ezekiel Staveley, who was in the town, his two letters. Has paid
Staveley 3l.; he did not require more; paid Rob. Robinson on the
15th 10l. more, which he said Phelippes would repay in England;
asks repayment of the 13l. to Ferdinando Clotterbooke. Himself and wife beg to be remembered to Phelippes's mother, and his
brothers and sisters ; will disburse more money to Robinson if
he orders it. |
| Aug. 21. |
108. Estimate of the charge for coat and conduct money, victualling at sea, and transportation of 300 men from Southampton,
to embark the last of August, for Jersey; also of 300 from London,
to start 6 Sept., for Caen; total, 675l. [1¼ pages.] |
| Aug. 21. |
109. Memoranda [by Lord Burghley] of letters to Mr. Bodley,
Sir Roger Williams, and Otwell Smith, to send ordnance to Jersey;
also estimates respecting the transportation of troops to Brittany,
&c. Endorsed with notes, that the bands of the Low Countries
number 2,400, with the 600 lately levied; the troops in Brittany are
estimated at 1,200, and the six bands in Normandy at 4,000; with
other calculations. |
| Aug. 21. |
110. Account of the monthly charge for officers and men mentioned, for two months and four days, ending 28 Sept. 1592; total,
3,812l. |
| Aug. 21. |
111. Estimate of the numbers of 1,600 men that can be taken out
of the Low Countries; 300 from Normandy and 600 from England,
to make up 4,000 for Brittany, where now remain 1,200, and as
only 3,387 common soldiers are required, there will be a surplus
of 313. |
| Aug. 23. |
112. J. F. to Lord Burghley. Since he has been so bounteous as
to allow him his choice of service, submits the following considerations to him: As they were dismissed by him, when brought
from sea, and the proclamation ensued so shortly after, it bred such
suspicion among the Catholics that they all condemned his faultless
companion, and had a sore jealousy that the writer was inveigled
and seduced by him; has abstained from conversing with them,
and for more than a year, shrouded himself among secret friends;
craves the time till next spring to repair his credit, so that when
he comes abroad, he be not debarred that familiar intercourse he
was wont to have with their chief agents beyond the seas. If his
Lordship will let him and Mr. Cufand a little alone, it may be
easily wrought by means of the prisoners in Wisbeach. Will then
get over to Flanders, renew acquaintance with Father Holt and
others, insinuate himself again to the Cardinal in Italy, Father
Parsons in Spain, and the President of Rheims in France, who,
being all linked in one chain, will doubtless employ him as before.
If there be no free access to them, will try some other way, by
Bishop Lewes, the gentlemen and the Scottish faction, or by his
own foreign acquaintance, that his Lordship may have ample
intelligence of occurrences concerning the State, either to prevent pernicious practices within, or avert violent invasions from
without. |
|
In case of failure with the Cardinal, Parsons and the President,
who have the chief sway of transmarine matters, for reconciling the
realm to the Roman church, will still be able to give notice of their
proceedings from time to time. Mr. Cufand, whom only he would
have joined to him, may, either by being captain of a ship passing
to and fro under pretence of traffic, or else by having his little son
in those parts, settle such correspondence between them that their
letters and news may pass unsuspected. If his Lordship approve
of this course, asks an order that (in the universal committing
of Catholics now commanded) Mr. Cufand may stand bound
as a prisoner in his own house, or be so disposed of as to be at
liberty to deal for the writer, about clearing his case with those of
Wisbeach. Will not need to trouble him any more until after
Christmas, when they will attend him, and take further direction
for their departure in spring. Endorsed [by Burghley], "J. F., by
Cufand." [2 pages.] |
| Aug. 23. |
113. Memoranda [by Lord Burghley] for 1,000 men, to be
levied in counties named, and provided with coats and swords, but
armed by Sir John Norris in Brittany. |
| Aug. 24. |
114. List of 18 captains who, with their bands, are to be sent out
of the Low Countries; also of the captains of eight Low Country
bands, now in Normandy, and 19 bands now in Brittany. |
| Aug. |
115. Draft of the above, with later notes [by Burghley], dated
8 Aug. [2 pages.] |
[Aug. 24.]
Thursday,
Prison. |
116. Thomas Christopher alias Dingley to Lord Burghley. Begs
credit for his unfeigned confession. Has already signified his manner
of living beyond seas; returned to England; was, by the appointment of Dr. Allen, to fetch two priests, Warford and Almond, one
to abide at Antwerp and the other at Genoa, and give intelligence
to Parsons, the Jesuit, in Spain; he was sometimes without any for
three months together, which was a great hindrance to his dealing
with Idiaques, a councillor, who every post asked him for news.
Was also willed to make means for Fixer, a priest, [who had had
dealings with the Lord Treasurer about Spain], to return, and to
promise him that he should be chaplain to the Cardinal ; the reason
was because Dr. Allen understood that Fixer had revealed many
things about Spain to the Lord Treasurer. Was used rather than
any other, because, the Lord Bishop being dead, had no mind
to serve longer in Italy, and being desirous to return to his own
country, after so long absence, was glad to accept this message. |
|
Knew nothing of the men he came over with, before coming to
Paris, and then knew them by means of Robert Tempest, at whose
hands they all received directions to repair to Thos. Wiseman, who
would help them; by his means, was to have met the beforenamed priests, and he was to have provided them a ship to convey
them over again. Was never in Morgan's company but once, in
Paris, at a supper, when waiting on his master. The talk was only
of discourtesies he had received from Dr. Allen and Parsons; has
heard many things of him, but only concerning the late Queen
of Scots, and of means to advance her to the Crown of England;
since her death, his master has gone busily about to draw young
gentlemen to favour the Scottish King's claim to the Crown; divers
informations have been given up by him to Cardinals and other
Scotch bishops, that the King of Scots would be a Catholic, and would
recall home the bishops in France. |
|
Only saw Sir Wm. Stanley twice, on his going and returning from
Rome, when he used the speeches already reported of the Lady
Arabella; he greatly magnified the strength of the Spanish preparations against England for this year, telling the Bishop of Monte
Fiascone that he was sent on commission to view the ships at Ferrol,
36 strong and warlike ships, able to deal with the whole English navy;
he spoke of other new ships preparing in Biscay and the Straits, over
which the General should be the Admiral of the galleys; knows
most of him by a letter of Jan. 1592, from Parsons, in Spain, wherein
he wrote that the King had at last yielded to follow his advice concerning the first attempt to be made against England, which nothing
could change except very ill success in Brittany; there they hoped
to get Brest before the time determined, whence he would have 16
great ships with 10,000 men ready in April next, and meant to invade England upon that part nearest to Ireland, and near Stanley's
own country, where a great personage would be ready to help and
take part with him, whose name was set down by the figure 19
[Earl of Derby], and [Lord Strange] a young one, who he hoped
would be ready to assist, by that of 14. Upon Stanley's success in
landing, the whole of the Spanish fleet was to be ready to assault on
the other side. |
|
Creighton, a Jesuit, was to be sent into Scotland, to deal with the
noblemen there, that some harbour might be granted, if their ships
came thither and some men be in readiness, as though for their own
defence, but in truth to come to Stanley's aid. Parsons is to be with
the fleet, for its better direction, and Allen to be secretly sent into the
Low Countries, but not to England until they see the event. This is
all he knows, and were he pulled asunder with wild horses, could say
no more. Craves pardon and favour for having had anything to do
with persons contrary to this State; promises as amends to give up
some of the parties, who have lately come from France, as also some
seminaries and Jesuits, of whom he knows a great many, and could
quickly learn their abodes; is ready to perform any service, though
with danger of life. Hopes pardon for the errors of young men
led amiss by the wrong counsel of others. Endorsed, "26 Aug.
1592. The confession of Thos. Christopher, prisoner, alias Dingley."
[2½ pages.] |
| Aug. 26. |
117. The Queen to Mr. Bodley. Since her last letters for sending
away 16 bands of foot to France, to make up 4,000 foot in Brittany, has thought it necessary to have at least one band of 100
horse also sent thither to succour the footmen, either Sir John
Pooley's or Sir Nich. Parker's. Knows not how their bands are
furnished, but thinks they can allege no reasonable cause of want;
Bodley is to send for them, and inform them of Her Majesty's
pleasure, and if it should happen that neither is able to furnish
the entire number, the captain that shall not go is to deliver to
the other as many of his band, furnished with horse and arms, as
will make up the 100; if either refuse or delay this service, the
party refusing will for ever be put out of her wages, and will
incur her further displeasure. In the election of one of these two
officers, he is to use the opinion and advice of Sir Francis Vere, if he
can do so without delay. [Draft, corrected by Burghley. 1¾ pages.] |
| Aug. 26. |
118. Copy of the above. [1¼ pages.] |
| Aug. 26. |
119. The Queen to the Ordnance Officers. With the munitions
and powder lately commanded for Jersey, they are to send 10 lasts
more of powder, for which Sir John Norris will be answerable, and
from thence it is to be sent to Brittany; also 12 barrels more of
powder, to be issued by Sir John Norris to the soldiers in Brittany.
The bill testifying the delivery thereof, either to the Captain of
Jersey, Sir John Norris, or whom he shall appoint before leaving
London, together with this warrant, shall be their discharge.
[Draft.] |
| Aug. 26. |
120. Copy of the above. |
| Aug. 27. |
121. James Young, alias Dingley, a priest, to Lord Burghley.
Has imparted to the Lords as much as his life is worth, and will
now set down his whole knowledge of the business. Was born at
Eylescliffe, Durham; his father, Thos. Young, died 25 years since,
having appointed that he should be brought up at school at Durham;
this was done until 1579, when, being a Queen's scholar and receiving five marks a year from the college, left under colour of going
to Cambridge University, but indeed to go beyond sea. Coming
to London, stayed with Rich. Barret, an old M.A. of Oxford, for
two months, when both went to Gravesend, and thence to Dover,
under pretence of going to the Duke d'Alençon's camp, who was
then going into Flanders. |
|
Arrived at Boulogne with Johnson, one of the Earl of Leicester's
men, who carried letters to Monsieur, and thence to Paris; stayed
six or seven days there, and Darbishire, a Jesuit, counselled him
to go to Rheims. Being brought thither, and seeing some of
the same school who gave themselves to priesthood, applied, though
with great repugnance, to the same trade, was compelled to study
logic, and shortly after sent to Rome; there studied logic and
metaphysics three years, and divinity four years; was then preferred to defend printed conclusions of Divinity, in the University of the Roman College, having preached a sermon in Latin,
before Pope Sixtus and the Cardinals, in St. Peter's Chapel, upon
St. Stephen's day, in the year that the Duke of Guise was put to
death. |
|
After this it was thought good that he should not come to
England, but should read a lecture of Divinity in Rheims; before
he could be sent, Father Parsons wrote from Spain to the rector
of the English college at Rheims, not to send any priests into
England that year, but if any would accept it as a benefit, to send
them to Spain, as he had obtained a new college at Valladolid. By
advice of the rector, went there with four other priests, in Michaelmas, 1589, by Genoa, Alicant, and Madrid. The King was absent
because of the plague. After a month, was sent with two other
priests to Valladolid. Found only four students, but they increased to 36. |
|
Spaniards returned from England speak much of persecution
there, pitying those who had to venture their lives by returning
there. On this Father Parsons wrote a little book, dedicated to
the King's daughter, in behalf of the college; for its better maintenance he sent a mission of six priests to England, and on their
journey to St. Lucar, caused them by the way to stir up noblemen
and collegiate and cathedral colleges to give alms for the foundation
of the new Valladolid college. Made a short speech to the Cardinal
of Toledo, signifying the great good that might come to the Catholic
church if his Grace would favour Englishmen, who began to show
the fruit of the alms, &c., by sending six priests in one year into
the vineyard of England. He promised to maintain two students
yearly, and to write to noblemen to do the same; many more made
like promises. At Seville their journey was stayed for six months,
upon the hope of a new college being erected there by the Cardinal
and citizens. |
|
Understanding that the fleet could not come from the Indies,
as it was besieged by the Earl of Cumberland in Havannah,
four of them were first sent out as galley slaves taken in the
Portugal action; was to have gone with the other in two Scotch
ships, and to have landed in Scotland, as being near to his own
country, but being unable to bear the seas, arrived in the Thames,
lay all night under a hedge, and next day came to London in his
Spanish attire, which he changed, and went from place to place to
get victuals, not knowing any one in London. Remembering to
have heard Father Parsons speak of a token, to one of those who
came like galley slaves, inquired there for Thos. Wiseman, near the
Inns of Court; met with him, and so got acquainted with Lady
Throgmorton; remained with her a month, when she was unwilling
to keep him any longer, on account of a proclamation and search
to be made for all who came out of Spain; she gave him 20 marks
and some linen, and engaged that he should table at one Monpesson's,
in Clerkenwell, on pretence of making suit to a young gentlewoman
at table there. Escaped by a back door, the officers coming suddenly
to search the house; another priest then in the house was taken
and shortly afterwards executed. Went to Wiseman's for two days,
and by his means was tabled with Cole, a schoolmaster, at the
upper end of Holborn, but as he got into trouble, was again forced
to repair to Wiseman; could not continue with him as he was to
ride out of the city. Lay at the White Swan, Holborn Bridge,
until his apprehension and bringing before Mr. Young, last Easter
term; since then has been a prisoner in the Poultry. Bought a
horse, and prepared to go down to his own country in the north,
to try if that place was more quiet than this, but never went out
of the city except for a walk. |
|
When at Rheims, understood nothing of any matter against England; being young, was not admitted into the company of the serious
of the college. At Rome, heard of the intent of Ballard and his
accomplices, and their execution in England. Heard Allen say that
he had dissuaded Ballard, as earnestly as he could, but Ballard was
rather addicted to Morgan and Chas. Paget. Also heard that the
King of Scotland had become a Catholic, which was the rather believed as [Creighton], a Scotch Jesuit, and Holt an English one, with
both of whom the King had privately spoken, reported his inclination
that way. Morgan wrote letters to the Cardinal in Rome, that all
the Scottish bishops would be shortly recalled home to their livings,
and made suit for help to reclaim England, by aiding the Scottish
King; the matter was much furthered by Dr. Lewes, Bishop of Cassano,
and agent for the Scottish nation. Yet after the death of the
Queen of Scots, both Allen and Parsons sought to stir up the Spanish
King, who never could be persuaded to attempt anything against
England in her lifetime, objecting that he should travail for others;
she being dead, the expectation was increased for the last invasion. |
|
News was brought of the great preparation in Spain and Flanders;
that Dr. Allen was made Cardinal, Holt and Creswell sent into
Flanders to come with the Prince [of Parma?], and the Cardinal hourly
expected to be sent as legate from Rome; it was thought the invasion
should have been at the Christmas before, as they understood the
English navy was altogether unprovided, but the Marquis de Sancta
Cruce hindered the attempt in the winter. |
|
When their coming before Calais, and the cutting of their cables
and going towards Scotland was reported, Parsons said that better
news would be had shortly, as they would land in Scotland, Where
the matter was already agreed upon by the King, whose guard was
maintained by a pension from the King of Spain, and the King had
already received 40,000 crowns of gold. Sir Wm. Stanley said that
a new attempt was to have been made the Christmas after, out of
Flanders, for which four months' victuals were prepared, and 16,000
men, but it was countermanded by letters from Spain, five or six
days before it should have been effected. Never heard of Sir John
Perrot's matter until he came to England. |
|
Twelve months after the Spanish attempt; was sent to Valladolid,
as one of the beginners of the new college; attended the school to
give example to the younger sort, although he had already ended
his course of divinity in Rome, and to make Englishmen known in
the university there, did many public exercises. A year after, Sir
Wm. Stanley came to Spain, with Owen, Anth. Standen, Thos.
Fitzherbert, Roulston, and three others, his servants, who all went
to the Court and stayed six weeks. Fitzberbert was sent to Paris,
and Standen to Bordeaux, where he was taken prisoner. Roulston
was sent to St. Jean de Luz, where he also was imprisoned, but
by paying the governor 80 crowns, he escaped; Owen returned to
Flanders. These men were to have given intelligences to Don Juan
Idiaques, a councillor and secretary to the King, but they were
described in each place, before their coming, by a Frenchman living
in Court, under colour of a priest, who was apprehended in Madrid,
by Roulston's information against him. Each had a pension of
20 crowns a month, and 150 in their purses at their departure. |
|
When Roulston returned, Stanley said he must do service with a
lady; being asked by D. Stillington who the lady was, he said it
was Arabella who kept with the Earl of Shrewsbury, and whom
they most certainly would proclaim Queen, if her mistress should
happen to die, the rather as they might still rule after their own
designments under a woman's government, and if they had her,
most of their fears would be passed, for any that would hinder
them in England ; also that Semple, and Roulston, cunning fellows,
had promised to convey her out of England by stealth ; judge them
men of their word, so she will shortly after visit Spain. After
Semple and Roulston were sent to Flanders; never heard of them
afterwards. |
|
Stanley then went to Court, and was sent with a commission to
see the army at Ferrol and St. Anderes, where Don Alonso de
Bazan, the General, entertained him with great honour, in hopes to
gain his good will, and be general of the army when it went for
England. Stanley, on his return, much magnified the strength and
furniture of 36 ships which he saw there, as likewise of some others
in Biscay, wherein he found no fault, save that the gun ports were
cut too high above water, which he laboured to have amended, but
it could not be granted. All the Englishmen were sent to Ferrol,
where they were entertained with 25 crowns a month. Capt. Cripps
had 40 crowns a month for his service in the Portugal action. He
is in great favour with the Adelantado of Castile, General of the
galleys about the Straits, for whom all Englishmen labour that he
may be general of the fleet. |
|
Capt. Morgan also came into Spain, having served for some time
under the Lord Admiral; heard that he had 15 crowns given,
and was to be sent to Ferrol. Farnham, Johnson, and Magthrop
were sent to Flanders, as pilgrims from St. James de Compostella, and
Smythe was sent by sea a month after, with some money, and letters
to Owen to provide them more, and despatch them into England,
to obtain mariners in the west, and about Plymouth, Norfolk,
Newcastle. Farnham was to promise large entertainments to
captains and other officers, if they would accept the King's service.
Cannot say whether these men are in England, but knows them by
sight, Magthrop being his countryman, born at Chester-le-Street, six
miles from Durham. They stayed in Flanders until notice of 36
pieces of artillery, and armour for 16 or 20 men from England being
received from Amsterdam. |
|
Journeying from Valladolid, was brought to the Grand Prior
of Cashilia [Castile ?], an ancient man; talking of their, voyage
to England, he said he hoped to take the same himself before
many years made his head more grey; Father Parsons, when asked
what the Prior meant, replied that he would like to be a General,
and had promised to maintain four scholars, and to show all
courtesy to Englishmen, and had entreated him to prefer his cause
to the King. Stayed at Seville six months, expecting a college to
be erected, and had daily access to Father Parsons, who always said
that an army would shortly be sent to England, and that the King
had sworn to be revenged of England, although he spent all he
had, even to the socket of his candlestick. Father Parsons wrote
to Sir Wm. Stanley, then about to go to Italy to see Rome, and thence
to Flanders, that by the favour of Idiaques, the King had yielded
for the first attempt against England, but not till 1593, because of
hindrances in France; that he hoped by that time to have brought in
Brittany, and have thence 16 great ships and 10,000 men, and more
commodity to come to the Irish Kerns, his old acquaintances; thence
Stanley could go to his own country, where 19 [Earl of Derby]
would be ready to assist him, and that he hoped 14, the young one,
[Lord Strange] would also help, although now he disclosed everyone
that moved him in the matter. |
|
The King of Spain said he remembered the man [Earl of
Derby] very well as he was one of the last noblemen that was
married in his time, and that if 14 [Lord Strange] had been
unmarried, none would have been more fit to have been proclaimed
King at their first arrival, so as to gain the hearts of
the people. Could not then learn who the people alluded to by
Parsons were, but Capt. Cripps coming to the Jesuits' college at
Seville, spoke to Parsons of an embassy wherein Lord Derby was
sent, and of a minister that came there, from whom a soldier stole
a portmanteau; whereupon Parsons replied, he would rather he had
stolen my Lord's golden breeches, with which he had been known
there 30 years at the least, and that the King said he remembered
the Earl and his marriage, which was one of the last in his time;
by this recognized the No. 19 in Parsons' letter, but dared not seem
to know anything of it. |
|
The assault by Stanley was to be in April next, and as soon as
his arrival was reported, the whole Spanish fleet was to be ready,
Parsons present, and the Cardinal to come from Rome, but not
to England until the event of the Navy was seen. |
|
While at Seville, Creighton, the Scottish Jesuit, came from the
King on his way to Italy, and thence to his own country, with instructions
to deal with noblemen for some harbour, if their ships
came there, and for men to be in readiness as for their own defence,
if invaded, but in truth to send aid when notice should be sent out
of England. The two intelligencers for whom the writer feigned to
be sent, are one in Genoa and the other in Antwerp, to give notice
to Parsons, in Spain, who had been at times without news for three
months together. This is all he knows of intentions abroad or at
home against the realm. Begs help in his misery and long imprisonment;
will faithfully perform any service required, and continually
pray for Her Majesty's long and prosperous reign, and the overthrow
and confusion of all her enemies; repents of any swerving from
duty, and promises obedience hereafter. Endorsed, "Young, alias
Dingley's confession at large, copied out of Lord Buckhurst's copy."
[8½ pages. The passages in italics are the supposed deciphers of the
figures.] |
| Aug. 27. |
122. Examination of Jas. Young, alias Thos. Christopher, alias
George Dingley, before the Lord Keeper. Was made a priest in Rome,
five years since, on the motion of Holt, an Englishman, rector of
the English college at Rome. Was sent into Spain by Cresswell, an
English Jesuit, and to Valladolid, a college of Englishmen, founded
there by Parsons, the Jesuit, and maintained by alms of noblemen,
bishops, and others in Spain, of which John Lopez, a Spaniard, is
the rector. Was sent over to England in 1591, by Lopez, with
Dudley of Carlisle, John Fixer of Hampshire, John Cecil of Wales,
Oliver Almond, of Oxfordshire, and John Roberts, of Northampton
shire, to let those of Spain, who maintained the college by their
alms, see what fruits it had brought forth, in little more than a
year. They were to teach the faith and administer the sacraments.
Has not seen any of them since coming to England, save Dudley;
met him at the Black Swan in Holborn, after which he went
down to the North. |
|
On first coming to London, went to Thos. Wiseman's, Garnet's
Rents, Lincoln's Inn Fields, having heard Ireland, an Englishman
at Seville, give a token to Roberts for Wiseman, of the
breaking of a cake between them. After two or three nights
there, was entertained at Lady Throgmorton's; at Upton, near
Stepney; she was told that he was a priest; was kept very
secretly there for a month, his diet being brought to him by her
maid. Often said mass there, at which her Ladyship attended.
Went thence to Mr. Mompesson, at Clerkenwell, to be tabled,
under pretence to make way for a marriage with a young gentlewoman,
named Temperance Davis. Said mass every Sunday to
Mrs. Mompesson, as did Patenson, another priest, since executed,
to the rest of the household, Mr. Mompesson standing behind the
door, to hear and not be seen by the servants. While there, was
visited by Jas. Jackson, of the bishoprick of Durham, and Firbeck,
of Durham, who persuaded him to go down to the North, to exercise
his functions of a priest there, that being a dangerous place. A
search being made at the house, escaped, and went back to Wiseman's,
who sent him to Coles, a schoolmaster at St. Giles's, Holborn;
was visited there by Mr. Stamp, of Derbyshire, to whom and to
Mary Felton, of Highgate, and Mr. and Mrs. Coles, he often said mass. |
|
While at Wiseman's, often said mass, when Mary Best, of
Fetter Lane, and Smith, Wiseman's servant, attended. Wiseman
gave him keys of his lodging, to come in at his pleasure;
but they being found upon him when apprehended, sent Wiseman
word to alter his locks, that it might not be known to what locks
they belonged. Mushe, a priest, promised to dine with him at
Wiseman's house, the day the examinant was apprehended. Mushe
and Bell, another priest, went into Yorkshire, to remain about
York. Mushe told him that the gentlemen thereabouts had fallen
off from the priests, but the gentlewomen stood steadfastly to them.
Knows all the priests that have come from Rome these seven years,
Oldcorn, Cowper, Garnet, Southwell, Holby, and others. Cowper
was with him at Mompesson's, and resorts much about Tower Hill.
Smith, Wiseman's man, helped the examinant to his apparel, and
Jones was content to take 20 marks to procure bail for him; only
knew them by means of another prisoner in the Counter. |
|
There was great preparation in all parts of Spain, against England;
36 ships were ready, and the 12 Apostles, ships of Biscay,
making ready. Sir Wm. Stanley was the overseer and director for
cutting the portholes. The governors of towns through which he
travelled murmured that the King had levied a subsidy of eight
millions, and yet lingered so, that he was robbed and spoiled at home
by the English; when a French bishop came to Spain to crave aid
for the Duke of Mercoeur, he had pay for 400 granted, and if that
did not serve, the Duke of Parma was to help him; it was then
supposed that the latter's coming thither was a pretence to come
into Brittany, and if he might have had Brest, to have been more
ready for England. [6 pages.] |
| Aug. 27. |
123. Copy of the above. [3 pages.] |
| Aug. 28. |
124. Warrant by Sir Walter Raleigh, captain of the guard, and
Lord Warden of the Stannaries of cos Devon and Cornwall, authorizing
John Meere, his man, to take, cut down, and carry away
all such trees growing in his manor of Sherborne, or his other
manors in the hundred of Sherborne, co. Dorset, as he shall think
convenient to be employed about Sherborne Castle, he being appointed
keeper of the castle, overseer of all the woods and timber
within the hundred, and receiver of rents, &c. |
Aug. 31.
Counter Prison. |
125. George Dingley to Lord Keeper Puckering. Has faithfully
set down all he remembers in any matter pertaining to the State, except
that Sir Wm. Stanley had his regiment increased to 2,000
when in Spain, and that the Earl of Westmoreland wrote to offer
to honour him by being one of his company, whereof he was to
give notice to Don Juan Idiaques, the King's secretary. Stanley
thought he did it to find favour with the King, for a little before,
he had slain an Italian of good calling in Flanders. This year,
16 ships and 12 galleys were appointed to keep the Straits of
Gibraltar, for Morgan certified the King that English merchants had
continual traffic into the Mediterranean, both with English and
Scotch ships; as Morgan knew most English ships of any burden, he
was sent to Porto de Santa Maria, not far from Cadiz, to abide with
the Adelantado, who was charged to keep the Straits. As to
priests in England, many of the writer's acquaintances are executed,
and many remain in prison at Wisbeach; those that are yet free
are Robert Gray, John Shafto, and Thos. Stephenson, of Durham;
Jas. Bolland, Peter Fletcher, Wm. Johnson, Peter Busby, Thos.
Bell, Rich. Cowlin, Burden, Wm. Hart, of Yorkshire; Thos. Hawksworth,
Garnet, Garlich, a banished man who has returned, Fras.
Clayton, Wm. Chaddock, of Lancashire; Rob. Charnock, Antony
Major, Wm. Hatton, and Benjamin Norton, of London; and Samuel
Kennett, of Kent and Hampshire. Does not know their abodes,
but could easily learn in his own country; promises all diligence.
The imprisonment of one of those he has recited would disclose the
person through whom they are committed; would then be unable to
do further good; other means will be offered by which hereafter
they may be committed. If employed, the event shall give testimony
that he is not unworthy. [1¾ pages.] |
| Aug. 31. |
126. Copy of the above. [3½ pages.] |
| [Aug. 31.] |
127. List of priests and others in England, ill affected towards the
Government, named by Dingley. With an abstract of a portion of
Dingley's confession of Aug. 27, as to the preparations in Spain
against England, their hopes of the King of Scotland, &c. |
| [Aug.] |
128. Warrant for a grant to Robert, Earl of Essex, and his heirs,
of so many parks royal—being not less than 40 miles distant from
London, remote from any of the Queen's houses of access, and ordered
to be disparked, as amount to the clear yearly value of [300l.]
reserving double the former rents for the herbage and pannage,
and for parks where the herbage and pannage is not rented, as
much rent as it shall be valued at. The Earl is to discharge her
Majesty and her successors of all fees and payments out of the same,
and to pay for the timber growing. The tenure of all the lands to be
passed is not to exceed 20l. by the year, to be holden in capite, and
all the residue in soccage. [Draft, corrected by Lord Burghley.] |
| Aug.? |
129. Petition of Fil. Corsini to Lord Treasurer Burghley, for the
delivery of certain goods, according to certain orders, certificates,
and agreements made. His Lordship and the Lord Admiral heard
the cause between the petitioner and Thos. Myddleton and his consorts,
twice last May, Drs. Aubrey and Cæsar also present; an
order was then made for the delivery of the goods to the petitioner;
whereupon the Council wrote to Sir John Hart and Mr. Saltonstall,
alderman of London, in whose custody the goods were, to deliver
them, on security for 12,000l.; but before delivery, Lord Buckhurst
wrote to the sequestrators, desiring them in Her Majesty's name,
to stay the delivery, and so it still rests. |
|
The order made by their Lordships had been signified to Venice,
and the Lord Admiral also wrote to Lord Darcy that the Venetians
should presently have their goods; but subsequently, hearing that
the order and delivery took no effect, the Signory of Venice wrote
very effectually to the Queen, respecting this cause, as well as the spoil
committed by Capt. Glenham, which letter and a petition being presented,
Her Majesty asked if the matter was not ended; the petitioner
replied, No; thereupon she said that when he might have had the
goods he would not have them; that being very strange to the petitioner,
he prayed her to read the letter and petition, and consider the
Venetians cause. Has never refused the goods, and has had many
orders in his favour, which have not taken effect through his adversaries'
practices. Hopes they will tell Her Majesty what they
know, more especially as she has now committed the matter to Sir
Rob. Cecil; begs despatch of his petition, and delivery of the goods.
Myddleton will not accomplish any order that is taken, and utterly
refuses to observe any part of the last; he has gone into the country
without leaving any one to deal for him, and takes care to perform
no part but such as is to his purpose. |
| Aug.? |
130. Petition of Fil. Corsini to the Queen, to similar effect.
Wishes her to know how the cause of the Venetians and Florentines
rests. Lord Buckhurst having in her name forbidden execution of
the order given three months ago, for delivery of the goods to the
petitioner, it was then proposed that the goods should be delivered
to an indifferent person, and orders were given thereon to both
parties, but the adversaries refused compliance. Knows such treatment
of the Venetians and Florentines is contrary to her will, and
therefore begs fulfilment of the order consigning the goods to him,
the goods being spoiled and wasted by delay. The Venetians also
complain of spoil committed lately by Capt. Glenham, on their subjects.
Begs redress of both at once. [Italian. 2¼ pages.] |
| Aug. ? |
131. Sir W. Raleigh to the Lord Admiral. Sir John Hawkins
agrees with him that to remove the provisions on board the Great
Susan would spoil them. Can only leave the ship and sell the remains.
Knows nobody that would undertake to set her out but himself,
if he were at liberty, but it is thought more profitable to punish
his great treasons than allow him to strengthen the fleet, or do many
things that lie in the ditches. The mariners are there who came
in the prize, and the soldiers run up and down, exclaiming for pay.
Order should be taken for their discharge, as the good and ill are
mixed, the one unpunished, the other unpaid. Wants orders from Sir
George for them to come to the writer, to stay further exclamation. |
|
A man from Brittany reports that 20 ships of war lie between
Scilly and Ushant, to intercept the Newfoundland men, and
watch for prizes. Some ships from the Narrow Seas should be
sent, or some other course taken, or we shall lose all and be a scorn
to all nations; but we are so busy with affairs of other nations that
we forget our own. This peace should be turned over to our best
advantage. Thanks for his kindness in this unfortunate accident;
begs him not to offend the Queen further by suing for him. Wishes
not to be stayed from the extremities that law or precedent can
avow. "Would God it were withal concluded, that I might feed
the lions as I go by, to save labour, for the torment of my mind
cannot be greater; and for the body, would others did respect
themselves as much as I value it at little." |
| Aug. |
132. The Queen to [the Lord Lieutenant of Kent]. It being necessary
to reinforce the army in Brittany, he is to cause 150 able men to
be levied in Kent, but without any other charge to the county than
their swords, and coats at 4s. each; there is armour in store in
Brittany, in charge of Sir John Norris, general of the forces there,
who will appoint a conduct for this number, to take them by
bill indented to Southampton, and so into Brittany. If any of
them, after their delivery to the conductor, depart away, they are
to be severely punished, and honester men procured to supply their
room. He is to pay the 4s. each for the coats, and 8d. a day each
for their conduct to the sea-side. These, and the like number to
be raised out of other counties, must be by 10 September next
without fail at Southampton, where order is taken for their shipment. [Draft, corrected by Burghley.] |
| Aug. ? |
133. List of eight officers, with the number of their men, and of
those present; total, 515. |
| Aug. ? |
134. List of eleven counties whence men are to be levied; also
account of the number of pikes and shot required. |
| Aug. |
135. Docquets of warrants for 3,272l. 12s. 6d., for coat and conduct
money, shipping and transportation of troops to Brittany, and
1,747l. 19s. for Normandy, which Sir Thos. Sherley desires to have
signed. |
