|
| Dec. ? |
77. H. Saint Main [alias Wm. Sterrell] to Thos. Phelippes. Is
sorry for his news, but cannot think that Count Mansfeld is disgraced until he hears more. Wonders he does not hear from Owen,
but his letters may be intercepted, or he may be trying to see what
the writer will do. Will write by Middleburg and Antwerp, and in
another man's letter if he can. Will not put Pierre le Sage in cipher,
for fear he has not the cipher still. One from the Marshalsea dines
with him to-morrow, when they will hear more. |
Dec. 1/11.
Rouen. |
78. T. Fitzherbert to Pierre Sage, Dieppe. By order of his friend
Mr. Robinson of London, sends the enclosed for him, and requests
that the reply may be forwarded as soon as possible, addressed to
John Baxter, at Jehan Gaillo's, postmaster, or to himself, at the
Papal college, near St. Nicholas's church. [French.] |
| Dec. 1/11. |
79. John Baxter to Rob. Robinson alias Sterrell. Received his
letters of Oct. and Nov. by way of Dieppe, but not that sent
by Flanders; wishes him to send no more that way, but by Pierre
Sage, who has orders to forward them. They may thus clear up
old accounts, and procure such mutual traffic as the difficulties of the
times and country will yield. Doubts not to find the means to pass
him such merchandise as that place yields, and he shall require.
Wishes he could come to Dieppe to make up their accounts, and to
being a new ground; when a good bargain offers, will advertise
him; meantime they may despatch their business by letters. If his
business summon him to Dieppe, will send him a passport. Cannot understand what he writes concerning their old reckonings, in
the absence of his papers and notes, which are at Paris, and which
he cannot get by reason of the troubles; delivered his token of
Cupio to the party, who understood it, and will pay sums demanded,
though without any letter of exchange, and wishes him (Robinson)
to do the same, when he sends, though he thinks it will not be
amiss to use the other watchword, that he (Robinson) advertised him
to use from Lisle, for abundans cautela non nocet. Sent two
letters in August, by Middleburg and Bruges, and observed all
such points as he prescribed, but it appears he has only received
one, and does not understand that; marvels at it, and hopes better
luck with this. Wishes a weekly correspondence with him. [Copy.
Endorsed by Phelippes.] |
Dec. 2/12
Rome. |
80. Cardinal Wm. Allen to the Roman Catholics in England.
Compassionates the excessive troubles and perils which they suffer
daily in that extreme heat of persecution, and would, if it were
possible, deliver them and their afflicted children, with 100 deaths
and lives of his own. The daily intelligence of their patience, constancy, and fruitful labour in that harvest gives him equivalent
comfort, with hope that ere long they will see an end of all those
miseries, and Christ's and the Church's enemies be brought to confusion. Their brothers' blood cries from earth, and their souls from
heaven. Bids them not doubt that their adversaries' iniquities are
now near accomplished, and the number of their brethren that are
to suffer for His truth nearly made up, and shortly to receive [not
only] in the next, but in this world, the fruits of their labours.
God will not long suffer the rod of the wicked to lie so heavy upon
the lot of the just, nor let them be tempted with more than they
are able to bear, but will shorten those days of affliction, for the
elect's sake. They [in Rome] are ashamed to sit ad sarcinas, and
see them in so bloody a combat, but account their case a more happy
and more meritorious one than their own; God disposes of persons
according to His will, and they that stay yet at Rome may in good
time have their turn. |
|
Meantime will succour them and the cause with prayers, sacrifice,
tears, sighs, and groans, and continual instance to God and man for
some relief of their miseries. Writes thus to discharge his heart of
daily sorrow and solicitude over them, requiring those to whom his
letters may come to make all good Catholics partakers of them, and
of his desire to serve them, even with his life; continually expects
good occasion to accomplish what they most desire. |
|
Requires those that are priests to use great compassion towards
such of the laity as, from mere fear, or to save a wife and family from
ruin, are so far only fallen as to come sometimes to [Protestant]
churches, or be present at their services; for though it be not lawful
nor excusable to do so, yet necessity makes the offence less, and more
easy to be absolved. They are therefore not to be too hard in
receiving them again, and absolving them when they confess and
are sorry for their infirmity, and yield hope that hereafter they will
stand more strongly, or have means to escape, and not be led into
the like temptation. They must use this mercy, though they fall
more than once, and though there is fear that they will fall again,
and no more severity is to be used than in any other sins. Such
matters cannot be subject to certain rules, they must use wisdom
and charity; in cases of this kind "Tutior est via misericordiœ
quam justitiœ rigoris." Yet they must have great regard not to
teach nor defend that it is lawful to communicate with the Protestants in their prayers, services, or conventicles; this is contrary to
the practice of the Church in all ages, and of the holy doctors, who
never communicated, nor allowed any Catholic to pray with Arians,
Donatists, or what other soever; neither is it a positive law of the
Church, for so it might be dispensed with upon some occasion; but
it is denied by God's eternal law, as has been proved in sundry
treatises, and practised from the beginning of their missions. |
|
Lest any might mistrust his judgment, or not be satisfied by the
proofs made therein, or lest he himself might be beguiled in his own
conceit, has taken the opinion of the best learned divines in Rome,
and to make all sure, has demanded the sentence of the Pope, who
expressly says that to participate with the Protestants, either by
praying with them or coming to their services, is by no means lawful
or dispensable; but he added that such as through fear, weakness,
or other necessity should do it, ought to be gently dealt with and
easily absolved. Desires all his loving fellows to agree in this
opinion; if there are any who cannot quiet their minds, will treat of
the matter at large, that they may see their error. Hopes this will
serve for some taste of his loving meaning and continual care that
they be unanimous. |
|
Asks to be remembered to their loving Father in Christ. It is
notified to all priests that his Holiness, being mindful of their
labours for God's church and the benefit of their country, has sent
them a jubilee, if, within three months after notice, they make a
general confession, either of their whole life, or of the time passed since
their last general confession. As no other condition is intended, it
belongs to every one's devotion to prepare himself for such a benefit.
Those who, by his Holiness's immediate grant, may admit into the
society of the Rosary, may do the same without limitation of a particular altar, and the plenary [indulgence] at the first admission may
be received anywhere; there needs no writing of names, but only
a bare admission without soleminty. Endorsed [by Puckering],
" Copy of a letter from Cardinal Allen, found in Mr. Wiseman's
house, the letter itself." [2½ pages.] |
| Dec. 2/12. |
81. Copy of the above. [Endorsed by Cecil. 2¼ pages.] |
| Dec. 2/12 |
82. Another copy of the above. [3½ pages.] |
| Dec. 3. |
83. Warrant to the captains of the ships wherein the 16 bands of
English soldiers are shipped, to be sent from Flushing to Jersey or
to Brittany, and to the captains of the said companies, for the said
ships to sail for the Downs, and there anchor until further orders,
which will be delivered to them without delay. [Draft by
Burghley.] |
Dec. 4/14.
Marseilles. |
84. Passport from the authorities of Marseilles to Jehan de la
Chiere to permit him to proceed without molestation, the place
being free from plague, or any contagious disease. [French, printed
form filled up.] Preceded by a request for the said passport.
[Spanish.] Endorsed, " Letters found about Antony de la Thesa." |
| Dec. 6. |
85. Account of the sums which Sir Thos. Sherley wishes delivered to him, for Her Majesty's service in the Low Countries,
Normandy, and Brittany; total, 11,129l. 9s. 10d. [1¾ pages.] |
| Dec. 7. |
86. Bar. Dewhurst to Lord [Burghley]. Sends the note he was
ordered to make of the leases. Has been at Westminster about
the audit of the college possessions. Mother Curlewes has died.
Mr. Steward sent Jennings for the keys of the Baas to Theobalds.
Many things decay and are stolen; she held the house where she
lived, which is worth 10l. a year. Mrs. White wants one of her
grandchildren to succeed her. Private business affairs. |
| Dec. 10. |
87. Memoranda [by Lord Burghley] of the dates and effect
of orders in Council, letters, and articles respecting the dispute
between Philip Corsini, Thos. Myddleton, Erasmus Harvy, and
others, with regard to certain goods seized as prize, Feb. to Aug.
1591. With note that the consorts are to deliver the rest of the
packs, so as to make up 61 received to 90; this done, Corsini is not
to prosecute Harvy in the Star Chamber, nor Middleton Corsini for
slander, and all parties are to put in bonds for two years. |
|
Also Corsini is to have restitution of the doubtful goods upon
bond, and all the parties are to enter into bonds to each other, to
stand by the judgment of the Lord Treasurer, Lord Admiral, and Lord
Buckhurst, upon hearing all the depositions; Corsini to have till
April to produce his witnesses, and all testimonies made in any
court to be produced before their Lordships. [2 pages.] |
| Dec. 11. |
88. Geo. Dingley to Lord Keeper Puckering. Since being with
him, has been given over for death through sickness, whereupon his
keeper and Justice Young surceased all the money the writer had
of him, which they will not restore without his order. Asks such
an order, and also some means for his delivery out of his wearisome
and painful imprisonment; will be constant to him to his life's
end. Might have effected some things which would have given
content, but being kept in restraint, it is impossible to do any good;
refuses no labour nor travail, and trusts so to deal in any affairs as
to show himself deserving of what is bestowed upon him. |
Dec. 13.
Durham House. |
89. Sir Walter Raleigh to the Lord Treasurer, Lord Admiral,
and Lord Buckhurst. Understands by Mr. Myddleton their proceedings in the cause between them and Corsini, and although
prejudicial to Myddleton and himself, is content to submit thereto.
Asks that certain articles enclosed may be performed by the parties
nominated; thereby Corsini will have the benefit of making sale of
the goods, valued at 12,000l., and also the use of the money, which
will be worth 3,000l. to him. Thinks it were better for the goods to
remain as they are, in sequestration, until their Lordships' resolution
is known, as the dispersing of them will extenuate the price of the
carrack goods when sold, they being all of one nature; or they might
be delivered to Her Majesty's use, at the rate they were appraised
at, and on determination of the matter, all parties have their
due proportion allotted. If this course is deemed requisite, both
parties will travail for a speedy end, and Her Highness be benefited
above 3,000l.; otherwise they will seek, for their own private lucre,
to delay an absolute trial and composition. Encloses, |
|
89. i. Articles of agreement, proposed by Thos. Myddleton and
others, to be entered into by them, Corsini, and other
persons interested in the goods on board the Uggera
Salvagnia. [2½ pages.] Dec. 10, 1592. |
|
89. ii. Another copy of the said articles, with Corsini's answers
thereto. The Lord Treasurer, Lord Admiral, and Lord
Buckhurst, having heard the cause in controversy between
Corsini, procurator for the pretended proprietors of the
goods laden in the Uggera Salvagnia, and Harry Seckford, Thos. Myddleton, and Erasmus Harvy, for themselves and their consorts, motion was made to their
Lordships to determine the whole cause. |
|
Art. 1. For the better effecting thereof, it was agreed
that Myddleton and Harvy, for themselves and their
consort, Mr. Seckford, should enter bonds to Corsini, in
double the value of the goods delivered to them.—Ans. 1.
That Myddleton and Harvy must be bound for themselves
and their consorts, not for Mr. Seckford only, as they
have received their consorts' doubtful goods as well as
their own. |
|
Art. 2. That Sir Walter Raleigh, in behalf of Capt.
Davis, should enter into like bonds for double the value
of such goods as Capt. Davis took from the said ship.—Ans. 2. That nothing was ever agreed upon as to Sir
Walter Raleigh entering into bond for Capt. Davis, and
whatever goods the captain took away, Myddleton and
Harvy, as his consorts, ought to be answerable for. |
|
Art. 3. That Corsini enter into like bonds with Harvy
and Myddleton, for any goods that he had received or is
to receive, to stand to their Lordships' final judgment,
which shall be delivered to each of the parties at their
dwellings in the city of London.—Ans. 3. Submits
whether it is a proper clause that their Lordships should
seek out the dwellings of the parties, to send out the
awards. |
|
Art. 4. That upon the giving in of such bonds by Corsini, he should receive all goods as assigned by former
order, doubtful, or supposed to belong to Venetians.—Ans. 4. The goods that Corsini is to receive are set down
already, and were settled at Hampton Court. |
|
Art. 5. That all proofs and depositions taken between
Papagianopoly, Myddleton, and Harvy, in the Admiralty
Court, shall be allowed in this cause.—Ans. 5. That it
must be left to their Lordships what amount of credit
they will attach to the proofs and depositions. |
|
Art. 6. That if any of the parties think it needful to
produce other writings, they may do so upon having
them examined and sworn to in the Admiralty Court,
or by a commission therefrom, and publishing their witnesses before the 1st of April then next.—Ans. 6. That
there was no restraint in examining witnesses or
making proofs, but Corsini was to have what commission he thought good, and might take publication of
witnesses examined on behalf of Dimo Papagionopoly,
without prejudice to the latter's cause, in case their Lordships should not set down their order according to this
submission. |
|
Art. 7. It was agreed that all bills, suits, &c. commenced by Corsini against Harvy and others in the Star
Chamber should cease, and the bonds entered into thereon
be cancelled.—Ans. 7. On this point it was agreed as
specified in Corsini's four articles. |
|
Art. 8. That Myddleton should forbear prosecuting
Corsini for slander.—Ans. 8. Corsini never slandered
Myddleton, nor desired. him to stay any action, but as he
made a show of quarrelling with him, their Lordships
made a motion that he should cease from any such
quarrels. |
|
Art. 9. It would be more convenient for better proportioning the penalties of the bonds, that an account
should be made of the receipt of each party, whereby the
double value thereof might be set down.—Ans. 9. Their
Lordships may assign what sum shall seem good for
the better observing of their orders, wherein regard is not
only to be had to what goods each party has received, but
to the value of the thing submitted to arbitrament, which
is the whole estate of the cause concerning the doubtful
goods, whether they have received them or not. |
|
Art. 10. That as part of the agreement, Corsini should
be bound, to re-deliver to the sequestrators all the goods,
or the value thereof, which he was to have delivered
to him, if their Lordships do not finally end the cause
within the time limited, and that then Myddleton and
his consorts may proceed at law against such goods.—Ans. 10. That the goods are to be delivered to Corsini, by
virtue of former orders, and in such sort as Myddleton
and Harvy have received some, and neither party is to be
bound to any such reducing of the goods into sequestration again, since, by virtue of former orders, Corsini is to
receive such goods, in case the latter course takes no place. |
|
With note that divers other matters were agreed to by
Myddleton and Harvy before their Lordships, not set down
in these articles, especially one for Myddleton and Harvy
to restore to Corsini 40 bags of pepper, the marks and
figures upon which had been changed by sinister practices,
and on account of which he exhibited his bill of complaint in the Star Chamber, as their Lordships took a
note of at Hampton Court. [3½ pages.] Dec. 10, 1592. |
Dec. 14/24.
Rouen. |
90. Hum. Shelton to Mr. Tyrrell, Brussels. Hearing that he is
executor to the late Mr. Hasselwood, who received the pensions,
begs that his pension may be speedily paid to Mr. Hopkins, and also
55 French crowns, due to him from Hasselwood, the money being
much needed in this time of great want. |
Dec. 19.
Tuesday, Basing Hall.
London. |
91. Rich. Ailif, prisoner, to the Lord Keeper. Was directed
by Richard Topcliffe, if anything occurred during his absence
concerning the charge he left him, to have recourse to his Honour;
informs him that there is now in London Thos. Cloudesley, an
Englishman who served in the Low Countries, and then under
the Duke of Parma, and [Sir] Wm. Stanley his colonel, having
been one of the harbingers for that rebellious regiment. Is charged
upon penalty not to leave the city, so sends this by a trusty
bearer. Has taken the most notorious marks he bears, as also the
place where be lodges; he means to depart the realm next Thursday.
Will be ready at Wm. Domer's house in Basing Hall to assist to
effectuate his Honour's resolution. Encloses, |
|
91. i. Description by Rich. Ailif, of Skieres, of Thos. Cloudesley,
a layman, born at Wakefield, in Yorkshire, 40 years
old. He has lately come from Brussels, and has served
the King of Spain, contrary to his allegiance, and is
lodging at Mr. King's, who keeps the White Lion, in
Bishopsgate Street Without. |
| Dec. ? |
92. Interrogatories [by Thos. Phelippes] to be proposed to Bisley,
Webster, and Burke or Birkett, if they be taken. To Bisley as to his
acquaintance beyond seas with Sir Wm. Stanley and Owen; whether
he was not sent over by them secretly, to bring letters to Webster in
the Marshalsea, or Birkett or others. Whether he has or is promised a pension by the King of Spain, or Duke of Parma. Whether he
brought any one over with him, or was to take letters back with
him. To Webster, as to his acquaintance with Bisley and Birkett,
and receiving letters through them. Birkett is to be secretly
inquired after in the house mentioned in Bedlem. [1½ pages.] |
| Dec. 23. |
93. Richard Young, justice of peace, to the Lord Keeper. He and
Mr. Bowyer have examined Rich. Webster and Rob. Faux, and
tried all means at first to draw what they could from them without
torture. Webster confessed that he was married in the Marshalsea
three or four years ago, by George Bisley, the priest, (a notorious
executed traitor), and that he gave him 2s. 6d., and a year or two
after made him a caudle when he came to see him. Faux confessed that three or four years since, before he was committed to
prison, he gave a grey nag, with a saddle and bridle, to Forrest, a
priest, at an alehouse in Stoke, co. Northampton, and that he heard
six or seven years ago, that the said priest was about Harborough.
Webster and Faux being both examined concerning the speeches
and matters objected against them by Rich. Stone, both flatly
deny them. Put Faux to the torture for a while, but could not
draw any further matter from him. Thought good to acquaint the
Attorney with Webster's voluntary confession, before they put him
to it. The Attorney says he has confessed enough to touch his life,
and gathers, by presumptions, that he is guilty of the accusations
against him, and so the matter rests. Brownell is so sick that they
cannot deal with him until he waxes stronger. |
| Dec. ? |
94. Notes [by Thos. Phelippes]. Bisley was sent secretly with
letters by Stanley and Owen, and is to be found at an Italian's,
who married an Englishwoman, and keeps a bowling alley at a house
in Bishopsgate Street, going into Moorfields. Has heard that he was
directed to deliver his letters to Webster in the Marshalsea, who
would deliver them to Burke ; that he had brought letters before in
his buttons from Stanley and Owen, one of which was about killing the Queen, and was promised a pension on his return. The
priests sent were directed to Burke or Birkett, who is also a priest,
and has been living at the Italian's seven years; there is one Cook,
a merchant at Antwerp, by whose factor at Middleburg, these and
other priests have passed into England. |
| Dec. ? |
95. Ric. Young to the Lord Keeper. Gives particulars of armour, &c. found by Mr. Nicholls, justice of the peace, and the
pursuivants, in the house of Wm. Wiseman at Essex. They also
found, in a secret place between two walls, Thos. Jackson, an old
priest who had been beyond the sea; also all the furniture used at
mass, and 21 letters from Thomas Metham, Doleman, and Wharton,
priests at Wisbeach, to Mr. and Mrs. Wiseman and their daughters,
returning thanks for favours received ; also one from her son Thomas,
enclosing two bonds of 50l. apiece, made in his uncle Richard's
name, and received of Mr. Moore of the Temple; in case of his
decease, the amount is to be received by whom she might appoint. |
|
Edw. Harrington, servant to Wm. Wiseman, confessed that
he had lived with him seven years, and never been at church;
that on Friday, 9 Sept. 1592, Mr. Jackson said mass in Wiseman's
house, when old Mrs. Wiseman, her two daughters, Bridget and
Jane, her two maid servants, Elizabeth and Margaret, her butler,
and others were present, and that three weeks before, Jackson said
mass there, and Ruffote, one of Wiseman's men, helped the priest at
mass. The Commissioners appointed to inquire about recusants,
and to make a certificate quarterly, cannot be brought together, to
agree upon their certificate, and to signify their proceedings, unless
some severe letter is sent, requiring them to execute such commissions. A new commission has lately been granted for inquiring
into new buildings, and orders given that searches should be made
for vagrants; cannot get any Commissioners to join with him, so
that nothing is done. A young man, 27 years of age, has lately come
into Englands from Antwerp; if he may be found about Court,
there is a great matter to be alleged against him. [3¼ pages.] |
| [Dec.] |
96. Accounts by John Powell, Wm. Painter, and Thos. Bedwell,
for provisions and stores delivered into Her Majesty's ordnance
stores, up to 31 Dec. 1592; total of debts, 6,786l. 0s. 3½d.; of
payments during the last year, 3,960l. 17s. 6d.; balance due,
2,825l. 2s. 9½d. Also of debts due for provisions brought into the
stores, repairs, freight, &c. during the year; total, 4,055l. 9s.,
beside Sir Rob. Constable's debt. With note that as the books
of the office have been delivered to the two auditors appointed,
the writers cannot set down every particular debt, but have done
so as far as they could. [Copy, 21 pages.] |
| Dec. ? |
97. Mr. Windebank's memorial to Sir R. Cecil, concerning a
lease, made by Mr. Thornborough, dean of York, to the Queen, of
Pickering Leeth, for the benefit of Thos. Vavasour, who was to pay
the dean 700l. for it, increased afterwards to 1,500l. ; of Windebank's
endeavour to stay it till he secured from Vavasour payment
of a debt which he owed him, and which the Queen wished should
be paid as a condition of granting the lease, but as it was kept
back till after Michaelmas, the time agreed on between Thornborow
and Vavasour, the former is absolved from his promise to let
Vavasour have it. Details of the circumstances of this delay, and of
inquiries now to be made thereon. [1¼ pages.] |
| Dec. ? |
98. Interrogatories administered to Guido Maleparte and Roger
Van der Colyn, merchants of London, and to other persons of Middleburg,
as to the loss of the St. Peter of Amsterdam and her
lading on the Goodwin Sands, between 15 and 23 Nov. 1592, the
persons, and goods on board, and the mode of their being carried
away, &c. [1¼ pages.] |
