|
Feb. 3.
Flushing. |
30. Sir Horatio Vere to Sec. Cecil. I have been appointed by
my brother to come to Flushing, and deliver to Sir Hen. Dockwray
1,200 men, drawn from the States' service for Ireland. I send you
the list, from which you will find how it is that so many are wanting.
The five companies were rated by the captains at 100 each, wherein
they fail much; for on their removal from the garrison, many ran
away, as they often do on such occasions; of the 13 companies
whence broken numbers were drawn, there is not much failure in the
numbers. If the wind continue unfavourable, the numbers may be
made full, as Sir Hen. Dockwray will use all possible diligence.
[1 page.] Encloses, |
|
30. i. List of men drawn from the forces employed under
Sir Fras. Vere, governor of Brill, being five whole companies,
and part of 13 others in the States' service;
delivered by Sir Horatio Vere to Sir Hen. Dockwray
for service in Ireland, showing a deficit from the 1,200
appointed of 158 in the five whole companies, and 69 in
the broken companies; total, 227. [2¾ pages.] |
| Feb. 5. |
Instructions for Capt. John Goyce, commissary for taking up
shipping to transport the army into Ireland, to view and take up
for the service suitable vessels at Bristol, and all the ports between
there and Land's End, especially Padstow and Barnstaple, ordering
all to Bristol; the proportion for 100 horse, under Sir Hen. Danvers,
to be ready by 25 February; then to carry to Milford Haven
vessels for 100 horse, 50 carriage horses, and 450 footmen by
28 Feb. If then he finds that his fellow commissary, Capt. Rob.
Davies, wants shipping, he is to send it; also to tell the Mayor of
Bristol that 1,000 footmen more will soon be sent. Also, |
|
Similar instructions to Capt. Rob. Davies, to gather at Chester,
by 28 Feb., vessels to transport 200 horse, 150 carriage horses, and
2,550 foot to Ireland, and more by and bye, acting in concert with
the mayor and officers of Chester. [Irish Corresp. 194, ff. 114 b.
115.] |
| Feb. [5.] |
Schedule of 27 counties in England and Wales, whence 3,000
men were levied for service in Ireland, under 27 captains named,
to sail from Milford and Chester. [Irish Corresp. 194, ff. 115 b.
116.] |
Feb. 5.
Plymouth. |
31. Jas. Bagg to Sec. Cecil. I send the advertisements of Patrick
Strange, those which he formerly wrote not having come to hand.
[½ page.] Encloses, |
|
31. i. Pat. Strange, of Waterford, to Sec. Cecil. Repetition of
the information of former letters. |
|
October 4.— The attorneys of Tyrone and O'Donell have
obtained their request, which was men, munition, and
money to conquer Ireland; 6,000 men were to land at
Limerick, and 6,000 in the Isle of Wight, carried over by
60 gallions and 60 fly-boats. The forces of England being
scattered in Porto Rico and Ireland, they feared no
encounter. The principal attorney is an old bishop of
Clonfert, and he sees all letters to King or Council. When
letters came from the arch-traitors, Tyrone and O'Donell,
six days after the old King's decease, they could not be
attended to till this old bishop came. A nother attorney for
Tyrone is Brimedgam. Twenty-five days after the overthrow of the Knight Marshal and his company, came news
that the Earl of Cumberland had arrived in Southampton
with three ships, and the rest of his fleet dispersed. |
|
This was on Oct. 10, and all the nobility being in
Madrid, at the old King's month mind, the King
and Council agreed to raise a many royal, allowing
other nations to join them, for the sake of the Catholic
faith; because they say they can never enjoy the
Indies till they have conquered England; so they have
sent four wise men to France, Germany, Rome, and
Italy, for help against England. Details of preparations
of ships and men for Ireland, where every gentleman
expects to be a Don, and every parson a Bishop. The
Adelantado is to be the general for England, and arrive
by August; he has a kind of oil to put in the pitch,
which will prevent wood from firing. The council of
war of 12 persons sits five times a week, and since
13 Sept., when the old King died, all the old martial
men are sent for, and soldiers are training. The English
pensioners are no longer paid; the late King by his will
wishes to be rid of them, though they offer service, give
intelligence, and resort to the King's confessor for redress;
some of them wish to be at home. The old King was a
martyr to the gout; his funeral was very sumptions. |
|
The King went a progress to the Escurial and thence to
Segovia. Long account of his coronation, Nov. 8; after
this he went, with the Infanta and six councillors, to
Barcelona, to meet his brother-in-law, the Cardinal Archduke of Austria. Many ladies went with her Highness,
and others would have gone at their own charges, but where
prevented. Some think that the marriages are made there
to save charges, as his father left him 80 millions in
debt; others that the Archduke and Infanta may return
to their country, to bring that province to conformity. |
|
I gained my knowledge because I was six months
suing for recovery of my ship and goods, the King's
officers having taken my fish. and though I got a
warrant for payment in the old King's time, there
was no audit for merchants after his death. I presented
several petitions to the council of war for money, licence
of traffic, redress of grievances, &c. I became acquainted
with Tyrone and O'Donell's attorney, and as a countryman, had free access, and got intelligence from them.
Particulars of difficulties in getting warrants, failure at
length, and retreat to Bayonne for fear of being sent to the
galleys. |
|
Prince Doria, who landed the young Queen and
Archduke of Austria at Barcelona, was to send galleys
to Cadiz, and to return with the Infanta and her
Duke to Italy. There is great famine in Spain; all
their relief is from Sicily. Col. Semple, a Scottish
ambassador, is at Court, brother to him that surrendered the garrison in the Low Countries, and was made
promoter for his service. Licensiado Orando, long a
judge in the Indies, landed in Ireland, and gave out that
for his knowledge, he is to be judge in the first place they
conquer there. [6 pages.]
Plymouth, Feb. 3, 1599. |
| Feb. 6. |
32. The Queen to Sir John Fortescue. The town of Emden,
which has in times of dearth done good service to the realm by
sending in great quantities of corn, is now wanting grain and
artillery, and has asked for some. We therefore require you to
order the officers of ports to allow John Clant, their factor, to
buy and export 24 pieces of cast-iron ordnance, on payment of
customs; also 500 quarters of wheat from the north, and 1,000
quarters of barley where it can best be spared, paying for the wheat
2s. and for the harley 1s. 4d. a quarter customs, putting in bonds
that the said grain and ordnance shall be carried only to Emden. |
|
Also the countries whence the States General obtain corn being
much wasted by their enemies, you shall allow persons authorized
by their agent, Noel de Caron, to transport 2,000 quarters of barley,
paying like customs, and providing it only where it can be best
spared, and will not hinder the provisions for Her Majesty's service.
[¾ page.] |
Feb. 6.
Westminster. |
33. Draft of the above, omitting the clause in behalf of the States
General. [½ page.] |
| Feb. 7. |
34. Copy of the preceding warrant, authenticated by Windebank.
[¾ page.] |
Feb. 7.
Upon the water. |
35. Sir Horatio Vere to Sec. Cecil. I advertised my brother
that there were 227 men wanting in the numbers I should have
delivered to Sir Hen. Dockwray, and he has been earnest with the
States to fill up the numbers, but they would not; and without
their patents, no companies can be removed. Had they consented,
it was not likely any would have been drawn, for those companies
were in the frontier towns, and could not have been got together in
time, and the others were so weakened by the numbers drawn from
them, and by those that ran away for fear of the journey, that the
numbers wanting could hardly be furnished. My brother has therefore intreated Sir Thos. Knollys to make up the number with new
men. On my way to Holland, I met on the water two new companies going to Flushing, to supply the wanting numbers. When
these 200 come to Sir H. Dockwray, he will sail for Ireland. [2
pages.] |
| Feb. 8. |
36. Note of sums received by Sir John Stanhope, treasurer of the
Chamber, from Mr. Scudamore, receiver of Yorkshire, being money
owing by 25 recusants named, as their contribution for providing
and furnishing light horse in Ireland; total, 434l. The sum
charged upon Scudamore for recusants by the Council of York, in
cos. York, Westmoreland, and Cumberland, was 598l. 6s. 8d., of which
having paid 434l., he still holds 164l. 6s. 8d. Also names of nine
recusants in Yorkshire, eight in Durham, and eight in Northumberland
and Westmoreland, on whom 465l. was charged, but they refuse
payment, and the Council's pleasure is requested, as to what order
shall be taken with them. [2½ pages.] |
Feb. 8.
Blackfriars. |
37. Henry Lord Cobham to Sec. Cecil. The Commissioners for
restraint of passengers at Sandwich have sent to me Jno. Hickson,
born in the bishopric of Durham, who four months since went from
Newcastle, in a French hoy that carried coals, to Calais, and whom
I send to you. Two others that landed with him, whom they also
sent up to me, ran away at Tower Hill. |
|
P.S. (cancelled).—I have written a sharp letter to those of Sandwich for sending the men up so suddenly, and by such a silly person.
[½ page.] Encloses, |
|
37. i. Examination of Nich. Glode, before Robt. Griffin, mayor
of Sandwich, Edw. Peke, and Thos. Robinson. Last
Michaelmas left his family in Southwark, and taking a
pack of cloth, went to Thomas—at Ratcliff, who
introduced him to Sam. Frith, a shoemaker, in Pepper
Alley, Southwark, whence Thomas carried examinate to sea,
into the road at Boulogne, where he was set on shore with
his pack, and 3l. for his freight. Stayed at Boulogne a week,
thence went to his uncle, Thomas Glode, at Paris, thence
to Calais and Sandwich. His father was a Frenchman,
and minister at Tufton in Hampshire, where he
was born. Also, |
|
Like examination of John Camin, of Shoe Lane,
London, tailor. Went from Billingsgate in a wherry
to Gravesend, and thence on board a Fleming to Calais.
The searcher at Gravesend came on board to see what they
carried; there were three other English passengers in the
boat, one named Clarke. Went to Paris to an aunt married to John Abrishewe, a Frenchman, and thence back to
Calais, and thence for England. Noted that he was one
that escaped. Also, |
|
Like examination of John, son of Roger Henkson, of
Newton, Bishopric of Durham. Four months since, went
from Newcastle for Calais, having a passport from the
mayor of Newcastle. Was brought up at school, but
disliking it, purposed to travel to get the French tongue,
and carried 20 marks with him. Went to church when
at home; Mr. Hodgson was the minister of Newton. After
landing at Calais, fell sick, and might have lain there,
but for some Englishmen and others who resorted to him.
Intended to have seen Paris, Rouen, and other places,
and learn the French tongue. [1½ pages.] Feb. 4, 1598. |
| Feb. 13. |
The Council to the mayor of Bristol. We ordered you before not
to provide victuals for the 100 horse to be sent to Ireland under Sir
Hen. Danvers; but finding that some are there already, and the rest
absent, so that orders cannot be taken for paying them, we request
you to pay each man 1s. 6d. a day during their stay, which shall be
speedily repaid. [Irish Corresp., 194, f. 116.] |
| Feb. [13.] |
Schedule of 2,000 men, levied from 26 counties named in England
and Wales, to go under 15 captains named to Ireland, sailing from
Bristol or Chester. [Irish Corresp., 194, f. 116 b.] |
Feb. 15.
Plymouth. |
38. Wm. Stallenge to Sec. Cecil. Advices from Spain are contrary.It was reported that 100 ships, having twice sailed and been
put back by the winds, are waiting a better time at the Groyne. A
Spanish sailor, from a prize bark of Pontavedra in Galicia, says that
when he left there, three weeks ago, he heard of only 30 unfurnished
ships being at the Groyne; that there is no rumour of raising forces,
but that companies of soldiers are appointed to defend the places
when required; that the King takes up most of the wines in
Galicia, and has them sent to Ferrol, to be ready for an army that
he intends to make, but it is not said for what place. There is
great want of corn, but there are ships coming in from Pontavedra
and Lisbon, laden with corn. [¾ page.] |
Feb. 15.
London. |
39. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, attendant on the Governor
of Ostend. I understand that your congé has not arrived, so you will
not return for a month. There is much delay about Ireland; Essex's
commission is not signed and the jars continue or increase. I cannot
write all that passes, but there are faults on both sides. A benevolence is demanded of the lawyers, not only of the Inns of Court,
but officers and clerks of the Exchequer, Chancery, Star chamber,
King's Bench, Common Pleas, Court of Wards, Duchy of Lancaster,
auditors, receivers, and seven poor Doctors of the Arches. There
was courtesy used at first, but they must give, and whether it will
proceed all over England is doubtful. It is proclaimed that no
Englishmen going to sea may, on pain of death, take any in amity
with the Queen, either Italians, French, Low Countrymen, Danes,
or of the Hanse Towns, but only Spaniards or subjects of the King
of Spain. Essex is offended with Sir Francis Vere, for refusing
the captains lately sent over to the Low Countries. The Queen is
gone to Richmond. Young Terringam has married a daughter of
Sir Thos. Gorges and the Marchioness [of Northampton]. Young
Duns is to marry a daughter of Sir Henry Cromwell, and young
Vane, who claims to be Lord of Abergavenny, the daughter of Sir
Ant. Mildmay. [1 page. Printed in Chamberlain's Letters, pp.
44, 45.] |
Feb. 17.
London. |
40. Hen. Nevill to Thos. Windebank, at Court. I moved Mr.
Secretary to procure a special licence for Sir Jonathan Trelawney
and four other gentlemen, who want to go over with me or to
insert their names into my passport. He willingly consented, and
therefore I beg you to remind him of them. [¾ page.] |
| Feb. 18. |
41. List of seven recusants residing in Lancashire, who have paid
money to Sir John Stanhope, treasurer of the Chamber, towards
providing light horse for service in Ireland, with particulars of the
amount paid by each; total, 60l. |
Feb. 19.
Lothbury. |
42. Henry Nevill to Thos. Windebank. I thank you for your
friendly care of me, and of those gentlemen whose company I desire.
I am satisfied, and so I suppose they will be, with their names being
inserted in my licence, for none of them intend long travel, but to
return within six months. I pray you enlarge the warrant for my
diet; not in the daily allowance, for that Mr. Secretary has flatly
refused, but in the advancing of three or four months' allowances
beforehand, as Dr. Dale had, to which Mr. Secretary has yielded. |
|
I am yet detained with the perusing and copying the French
King's bond and contracts, whereon his debts to Her Majesty grew,
and conferring with the Treasurer at War about them, that I may be
able to verify the particulars of every debt I shall be directed to
charge him with, which will be a chief part of my business there.
I hope that will be finished by Wednesday, and I mean to come to
Court, for I would see both my letters of credence and my instructions,before they be signed. If you have to get them signed, make
not too much haste. I send you back the copy of the passport, and
the note of the plate. [1 page.] |
Feb. 24.
Tavistock. |
43. William, Earl of Bath, to Sec. Cecil. I send a letter, written
to the Mayor of Barnstaple, by Thos. Bradshaw, an English lieger at
St. Jean de Luz, saying that the King of Spain is preparing a great
fleet against April. The writer seems to have a regard to his duty
in discovering things concerning the Queen and State. [½ page.] |
| Feb. 24. |
Schedule signed by Lord Buckhurst, and Sir John Fortescue of
the new posts laid for the service of Ireland, by London, Towcester,
Lichfield, West Chester, &c., and Holyhead; yearly cost 634l. 18s. 4d.
and 130l. for hire of a packet. Also by Reading, Marlborough, &c.,
and Bristol, yearly cost 273l. 15s. [Irish Corresp. 194 f. 117.] |
Feb. 28.
Boulogne. |
44. Thos. Nicolson to Sec. Cecil. Be not dismayed that after my
long and forced stay, I return to you, to whom the fruits of my
travel belong. I cannot write what I would say, so beg you to credit
my brother, not marking his unpolished utternance; our lives shall be
pledges for the effects of our services. [¾ page.] |
| Feb. |
45. List of 16 priests confined in the Tower, Gatehouse, Newgate,
and other prisons mentioned, in London. [¾ page.] |
| Feb. ? |
46. The Queen to the Officers of Exchequer. Walter, late Earl of
Essex, by virtue of an agreement with us about the charges of reducing certain barbarous parts in Ulster, Ireland, remained in
arrears to us in several large sums, with which his heirs stand
charged. Robert, Earl of Essex, begs a remission thereof on
account of the sums spent by his father in Ireland, whither we are
presently employing him. We command you, therefore, to make
out the said discharge, and to require his acquittance to us of all
claims for his father's services in Ulster. [Draft. 2¾ pages,
damaged.] |
