|
April 2.
Frankfort. |
48. Wm. Knyght, resident at Stade, to—. I have been in
company of Hugh Broughton, an Englishman, and heard him make
monstrous speeches of Her Majesty; as that he could not find
in his heart to pray for her, as she was an atheist, and a maintainer
of atheism, and therefore he would not come into the realm until
her death. He affirms that the King of Scots is the right successor
to the crown; that he has been with him, and had promise of the
best office in the Exchequer, even if worth 1,000l. a year. His
discontent with Her Majesty arises from not having been rewarded
by her for his travail. |
|
On 25 Dec. last, being in Frankfort, travelling towards Strasburg,
he came to me and declared monstrous untruths against her, and he
has sown such lies about her in these parts of Germany that I could
not suffer longer in silence, and have signified this, that his tongue
might be shortened. He said that Her Majesty had a daughter,
which should be or was affianced unto the Prince of Condé, to
succeed after her decease; also that Her Majesty had been, of long
time past, married to Lord Chancellor Hatton had not Mrs. Ratcliffe
hindered it. |
|
Also that it was true that one McDorell sent to a midwife in
London, who was taken in a coach by sundry ways to a palace at
Hampstead; and the midwife, being carried up to a secret chamber,
where a lady lay in travail, was commanded to do her best and
preserve the lady, whatsoever became of the child; and after being
delivered of a daughter, she was brought to another chamber, where
was a very great fire of coals, into which she was commanded to
cast the child, and so it was burnt. This midwife was rewarded
with a handful of gold, and at her departure, one came to her with
a cup of wine, and said, Thou whore, drink before thou goest from
hence, and she drank, and was sent back to her house, where within
six days after she died of poison, but revealed this before her death;
all which he insinuated to be done for Her Majesty. [2 pages.] |
April 2.
Westminster. |
49. The Queen to the Treasurer and Chamberlains of the Exchequer. It appearing by certificate of the Earl of Nottingham and
other navy officers, that there have been delivered into our storehouse
at Deptford and the Stillyard, by the Muscovy merchants and by
Thomas Honeyman, divers quantities of cordage, train oil, tar, and
rosin, for our use, the charges whereof amount to 14,921l. 6s. 11¾d.,
we require you to pay such sum to Fulk Greville, Navy Treasurer,
to the use of the said company; the payments to be at such times
as may be most convenient for us. Provided that out of the same
gross sum you apportion so much as is due to Honeyman, for the
rosin delivered by him. [Copy, ¾ page.] |
April 2.
The Court,
Whitehall. |
50. Sec. Cecil to Att. Gen. Coke. I send you herewith Mr. Walshe,
said to have followed the Earl of Essex into London at his rebellion.
Take his examination and bond for his appearance next term. |
|
P.S. (holograph).—I find he was with him at the sheriff's, in his
doublet and hose, with his sword point up, and came back with him
to Paul's so as I fear the gentleman doth not well understand his
danger, howsoever his inward purpose might be. You may take his
own bond. [2/3 page.] |
| April 2. |
51. Examination of Walter Walshe, before Att. Gen. Coke.
Having been at the sermon at Paul's, 8 Feb. last, he went to Charres,
a bookbinder in Paul's Church-yard, and was there when the Earl
of Essex and his company came by; followed them, and in Cheapside
cast off his cloak, and went in his doublet and hose, having a rapier,
which he held right up. Hearing some of the Earl's company cry
"For the Queen!" went with them until the Earl came to Sheriff
Smythe's house. Did not go in there. Coming back to fetch his
cloak, the Earl and his company overtook him, but perceiving it
was a tumult, left them at the end of Cheapside; went down towards
Newgate Market, and came up by Paternoster Row, and so to Paul's
Church-yard. |
|
Does not remember the hour, but it was after dinner-time. Went
to an ordinary afterwards, found Mr. Moore and little Mr. Cope,
and tarried there until almost night. Coming down Cheapside,
where he took his cloak, would have tarried there, but the owner of
the house, being a mercer, desired him to go forth, as he was afraid;
could not get into any other house, as they were guarded with
halberds. Did not know the Earl of Essex, nor any of his followers,
save Lord Monteagle, whom he had seen at Bath. [1 page.] |
| April 2. |
52. Grant to William Sugden of the office of clerk of the Armoury
in the Tower of London, and manor of Greenwich from last Michaelmas; fee, 2s. 6d. a day, and 26s. 8d. a year for livery. 17 April
1589. Endorsed with note of a grant of the reversion of the said
office to John Benion, 2 April 1601. [2 sheets, Latin.] |
April 2.
Westminster. |
53. Commission to Lord Adm. Nottingham, Sir John Fortescue,
Chancellor of the Exchequer, and 12 other legal and other officers,
to hear and determine the complaints of subjects of the French King
and other strangers, of spoils committed upon their ships and goods
by the English, with power to examine witnesses, with assistance
of Wm. Hareward, registrar of the Admiralty Court, and of several
aldermen and merchants of London. [Copy, 6½ pages, Latin.] |
April 3/13.
Brussels. |
Advices sent to Thos. Phelippes. * * * * The Scots say that
the Earl of Marr's embassy into England is to demand from the
Queen, both by fair means and threats, a declaration of his master's
title; and if she refuse, "his master will do, yea marry will he."
It is a shrewd Scotch trick, in such a time of general discontent in
England, to send a solemn embassy, with a train of such craftyheaded fellows. If it were to congratulate the Queen on her escape
from the Earl of Essex's dangerous conspiracy, he would have used
but a private gentleman, as the Queen did to him after the Gowrie
matter. But he has some further reach, and means to take his
opportunity in the general aversion which he finds in all estates
to the present government. |
|
It is evident the late plot was laid by the Puritans. The principal
actors were zealous in that profession. The Earl showed it at his
arraignment, yet some in authority, whose throats those furious
spirits would have cut had they prevailed, seem to clear the guilty,
and impose the crime on the innocent Catholics. Thereupon they
have executed three or four poor priests (one condemned four or five
years ago), and Anne Lyne, a Catholic gentlewoman, only for harbouring priests. It is true Sir Chris. Blount, after living all his life
in seclusion, died a Catholic, but so might others who now stand at
the helm, if past hope of life, and in fear of further peril than the last
stroke of death; but these proceedings have not been the first against
us, nor are they the last we must suffer. * * * |
|
An Irishman recounts that masses are said openly in Waterford,
and the friars go a begging as openly as in times past, but this
present persecution of Catholics in England and extraordinary
liberty in Ireland hang not together. [Extract, Flanders Corresp.] |
| [April 3.] |
54. List of 15 deeds relating to Sir John Perrott's lands, from
1462 to 1568. [1¼ pages.] |
| April 3. |
55. Account, by Ric. Gwynne, deputy auditor of Thos. Hanbury, of
the rents of Sir J. Perrott's lands, specifying some as in lease to the
Earl of Essex, Lady Northumberland, and James Perrott; the rest
in the hands of Lady Perrott; total annual rental, 1,178l. 2s. 10d.
[2 pages.] |
| April 3. |
56. Copy of the above, with slight differences. [2½ pages.] |
| [April 3.] |
57. Another account of lands belonging to Sir Jno. Perrott, attainted of high treason, and now vested in Her Majesty by judgment of the Court of Exchequer; with particulars of the annual
value, and in whom the same were formerly vested. Also, note
that Thos. Perrott, the heir to the estate, has endured much injury
and wrong by Sir Gelly Merrick's means, because he denied the
making of an estate to him, as Jas. Perrott, the natural son, did, but
would rather stand upon Her Majesty's mercy, and because he
demanded writings that either belong to Her Majesty or himself,
as the only right heir of the Perrotts. Therefore he entreats a lease
of the lordship of Langharne, Carew, and the islands adjoining, with
the cattle thereon, upon his paying the rent and giving the full value
for the cattle. [2 pages.] |
| April 5. |
58. Confession of Thos. Smythe, before Lord Chief Justice Popham, Att. Gen. Coke, Sol. Gen. Fleming, and Fras. Bacon. On
Feb. 8, Sir Hen. Carew came to him, and said the Earl of Essex
desired he would send him Mr. Wootton, the preacher, according to
promise; replied that he had never made any such promise; heard
afterwards that the Earl had made the same request to Griffiths,
examinate's servant. |
|
When in Gracious Street, went from the Lord Mayor to the
Earl, and wished him to go to the Lord Mayor's, or his, examinate's,
house, and they would take order for his safety; but the Earl said
he would not go into any house, but stay in the streets; he
took examinate's horse by the bridle, and said "I will go to Ludgate, and you shall go with me, so send for your arms." Replied,
"Let me go and deliver your answer to the Lord Mayor, and I will
come to you again;" being then encompassed with the Earl's
company and in fear. |
|
Coming from the sermon in Paul's, a person came to him about
the conduit in Cheapside, and said, "You will do well to look to
yourself, for my Lord of Essex willed me to tell you that if you be
in any peril, he will come to assist you himself." |
|
Two or three days after, Sir Jno. Scott told examinate that
Capt. Bromley had moved Sir Hen. Bromley about examinate's
being warned beforehand by the Earl that he should not be sur
prised, but stand on his guard. Had no message from the Earl
before that, save one from Dr. Fletcher, which did not concern
these matters. [2 pages.] |
April 6.
London. |
59. Earl of Northumberland to Dudley Carleton, at the Hague.
I will answer you when I come over, which shall be shortly. As
to the opinion of the Low Countries of the Earl of Essex's martyrdom, they will know it better one day, or if not, we must let
them think as they list. There is no talk here of peace or war; we
are all in charity, and free from faction; and, according to the
old fashion at home, delays are in as high estimation as ever.
[¾ page.] |
| April 6. |
60. Sir W. Releigh to Lord Cobham. I have written to Mr. Secretary that I would be glad if Her Majesty were proved for Pawlett's
matter; I hope not after it or aught else, but if there be neither
honour nor profit, I must begin to keep sheep betimes. Speaking
with my cousin Brett, a very honest gentleman, he complained of
the abuses offered to your Lordship about your wood sales. The
land will not let for half its value hereafter, seeing there is not a
tree left upon it to build or mend a tenement, and it seems they
have sold the very hedgerows. I desired Brett to inquire more
particularly, and he sent me a letter, which I enclose. As these
hireling officers will undo us all, I hope you will come to the Bath.
If you hear that Bater's house is taken up, it is but for me, and you
may have one half, notwithstanding. I am where I can do you no
service, so will not pester you with idle words. |
|
P.S.—Remember me to Lord Thomas [Howard]. [¾ page.] |
April 10.
Kew. |
61. Serjeant John Hele to Lord Cobham. I am come to my
house at Kew, according to your letter, and remain at your service.
My Lord Keeper, by making himself rich, has made the office very poor,
contrary to my expectation and promises made. I assure myself
that my honourable friends will not think this reasonable, unless
Her Majesty will allow me to take the benefit that law will give
me to undergo so great a charge; neither I have convenient
allowance, considering my late losses by the just attainder of the
Earl of Essex and his accomplices, for whom I must pay 4,000l. or
5,000l. Pray let me have some present end of it; whatsoever shall
please Her Majesty must content me. [¾ page.] |
April 10.
Chimwell,
co. Devon. |
62. Dr. Lionel Sharpe to Sec. Cecil. I told Vincent Skinner,
before leaving London, my affection towards you; the proofs thereof,
before and since this late rebellion, I had rather you should hear by
others. I was placed in these western parts first by the letters of
my unfortunate master, after by yours to the Bishop of Exeter,
signifying Her Majesty's pleasure in my behalf; therefore I am
bound to be thankful to you, as unto him, for this benefit. |
|
I loved his person, hate his treason, and lament his ruin, though
deserved. I served him while he lived with truth rather than
with obsequiousness, so long as he was loyal. Now that he fell
from his loyalty, I am taught by religion that private affections
must give place to public duties; and I am persuaded,—seeing he
so grieved, at his death, for that dispersed leprosy by which he had
envenomed a peaceable estate with a rebellious humour, that his
spirit would now rejoice if it could understand that any of his did
labour to stay this infection; which makes me less esteem the
opinion of some who say that I have too bitterly censured his fault.
I would not blanch his offence, lest it might be drawn to imitation,
and disparage the justice of the State. |
|
The vulgar sort are carried more by rumours than by truth. If
I have spoken my knowledge to satisfy unresolved minds, I have
done but my duty, and desire protection rather than commendation.
I mean not so much of that public act of rebellion, which all men
condemn, as of those first roots and causes of discontentment which
I know arose from himself, though imputed to the malice of others
to drive him out. I have dealt herein to some effect with some of
the chief of our country who most favour him,—men well affected
to the State and to your Honour; yet there are secret corners in
the hearts of wise men which such a one as I of a sudden cannot
dive into. |
|
By my marriage in the house of Chichester (whereof Sir Arthur
Chichester is a special branch, whose love you have by descent, for
his father and brother were specially well affected to, and of your
honourable father), I am conversant with his nephew, the head of
his house, a gentleman of a generous spirit and excellent parts, and
willing to be embraced by you. All the gentry of these parts would
be glad to do you service, but whether you think it fit to embrace
them in these mutinous times I cannot tell. Your greatness draws
respect and goodness wins esteem. |
|
I offer my small endeavours as testimonies of my allegiance to
Her Highness, and affection to your Honour. [2½ pages.] |
April 16.
Plymouth. |
63. Wm. Stallenge to Sec. Cecil. A mariner of this town has
just arrived, who has been a prisoner in Portugal. He left Lisbon
13 March, and reports that the 3,000 Italians transported in the
galleys from Seville still remain in the garrison at Lisbon, and that
no provision has been made to carry them away; that all the shipping embargoed are set at liberty, and most of them gone; and that
six carracks and eight great ships of war would be ready to depart
towards the East Indies the end of the month. It was reported
in Lisbon that there were 3,000 more soldiers at the Groyne, which,
with the 3,000 Italians, should have passed through the Narrow
Seas for the Low Countries, but durst not venture, as they understood there was great preparation made to intercept them. |
|
A small French bark from St. Jean de Luz reports that the King
of Spain has sent furniture for 40,000 men from Biscay to Barcelona, consisting of 10,000 pikes, 20,000 muskets, and 10,000 calivers,
which were carried to Pampeluna by horse, and from thence in carts
to Barcelona; and that the Turk is feared in those parts. Her
Majesty's ship Tremontaine has taken in her victuals to end 5 Aug.,
and is ready to depart with the first wind. [1 page.] |
April 16.
Newcastle. |
64. George Selby, mayor of Newcastle, and W. Chapman to Sec.
Cecil. We send you a suspicious letter to a young man in this
town, and the examinations of all the persons connected with its
delivery, whom we keep in safe custody till your further pleasure.
The customers of this port have diligently observed your directions
to search into the like matters. It was through them the letter
came into our hands, but we employ divers officers in such services.
[½ page.] Encloses, |
|
64. i. —to his cousin, Wm. Claxton, servant to Mr. Jenison, jun., Newcastle, England. My partner and I have
by good fortune prepared our merchandise; acquaint
John, Joseph Lance, and Christopher; if they be well, and
think it convenient, and if you have not, as we mightily
fear, been troubled since our departure, certify thereof by
the bearer. You may soon expect us, if wind and opportunity serve. [Scrap.] |
|
64. ii. Examination of Wm. Claxton, servant to Wm. Jenison,
jun., of Newcastle-on-Tyne, merchant, before George
Selby, mayor, and Wm. Chapman, alderman and justice
of the peace. Was in France a year and a half since,
but conversed with no Englishmen, except some of Newcastle, who were there for merchandise, or to learn the
language, and all well affected. Has no kinsman beyond
seas, nor was privy to the departing of any. Has not
corresponded with any one in France. Cannot write a
general answer to the letter shown him, not knowing
from whom it comes. [2/3 page.] April 13, 1601. |
|
64. iii. Examination of Peter Potingey of Abbeville. Brought
over in his ship rice, but no Catholic books, except such as
he and his company use. Brought over no passengers, nor
any letter except that which he delivered to Wm. Michelson,
who said he would give it to the mayor. It was given
him by an Englishman at Abbeville, whom he has known
by sight a year, but knows not his name. [¾ page.] |
|
64. iv. Examination of Wm. Michelson, mariner of Newcastle.
Asked Potingey whether he had brought over any letters
or passengers; he said not, but afterwards confessed to
the aforesaid letter, and gave it him unsealed; took it to
Mr. Pitts, and then copied and took it to the mayor. [½
page.] |
|
64. v. Second examination of Wm. Claxton, of Newcastle, before
George Selby, mayor, and Hen. Chapman, alderman.
Has no kinsfolk in France, nor has ever received nor is
expecting books, letters or merchandise thence, and knows
no one gone there. Was never at Abbeville, nor acquainted with any English seminary there or elsewhere,
nor with the passing of suspected persons out of the realm.
Knows not the writer of the letter, nor why it was written
to him, but knows persons of the names mentioned
therein. [½ page.] April 15, 1601. |
|
64. vi. Like examination of Peter Potingey, of Abbeville. The
letter to Claxton was given him by an English friend 10
days before his leaving. Never brought letters or merchandise from France, though he has lived here 10 years.
Knows neither the party who gave him the letter, nor that
to whom it was directed. Gave it to Wm. Michelson to
deliver. [½ page.] April15, 1601. |
|
64. vii. Like examination of Wm. Michelson, of Newcastle, master
mariner. Received the letter open on Easter day, and
thought it better to deliver it to Mr. Mayor. Does not
remember that Mr. Pitts, when in company with him and
Peter Potingey, asked Potingey if he had brought any
letters for England, nor mentioned any direction he had
to inquire into such matters. [½ page.] April 15, 1601. |
April 19/29.
Paris. |
65. Dr. Chris Bagshaw to Sec. Cecil. The Spanish faction against
our country increases in deceit, and preparations of revenge advance; some deny, others maintain all former disgraceful attempts
against Queen and State. The former may be convinced by original letters, the latter rebutted by your accepting our employment
against disloyal practices. As delay hinders much, pray grant us a
speedy answer. [¾ page.] |
April 23.
Cambridge. |
66. Dr. John Jegon, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge, to Sec. Cecil.
Being ready to come up to attend you with the enclosed, I received
your letters advertizing us of your forwardness to hear our
grievances. I acquainted the heads of colleges therewith, and we
are all ready to conform ourselves to your wishes, and will present
our particulars by some one able to inform you and attend you.
[½ page.] Encloses, |
|
66. i. Dr. John Jegon, vice-chancellor, and seven other heads of
colleges at Cambridge, to Sec. Cecil. Though unwilling to
interrupt your great affairs, the disposition of our town
adversaries, the hard issue of our forbearance, and your
loving direction given us when with you, embolden us
to acquaint you by the bearer, our vice-chancellor, of the
wrongs offered against our charters by a few principal
authors here, presuming that you will find how to deliver
us from their insolent vexations, and to provide that the
impunity of their violating our known privileges be no
occasion to continue the like boldness in their posterity;
and lastly, thereby show how great benefit we receive by
your means, in being delivered from so many violences
as have not in the memory of man been before offered
to this poor university. Cambridge, April 22, 1601. |
|
66. ii. Complaints of the town of Cambridge against the university, and answer of the university to their articles. They
deny that they exceed their charters, and say that most of
the material matters were heard and debated on by the
Attorney General and Mr. Brakyn, deputy recorder of
the town, by appointment of the present Lord Chief Justice of England, in the presence of both bodies, in the
vacation of 1598, and have since been answered in writing
to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Keeper, and
Mr. Attorney General, to which answer they partly refer,
and their further answer they give to the articles in
detail:— |
|
Town 1. There is one commission of the peace for the
town and university, yet the justices and magistrates
of the university affirm that no scholar or scholar's
servant ought to be attached by any warrants of peace,
good behaviour, or for bastard children, but by a justice
of the university, although the party privileged breaks
the peace in sight of a justice of the town; neither will
they allow a supersedeas granted by any justice of the
town, where the warrant for the peace is made by a
justice of the university, but they grant supersedeas to
warrants of the peace granted by a justice of the town
against persons privileged and not privileged, and they
do not certify at the quarter sessions recognizances
taken by them for the peace nor for alehouses, so that
it cannot be known whether any are bound or not. |
|
Univ. 1. They have done nothing but what they can
justify. |
|
Town 2. They also license above 100 to keep alehouses, and take money for granting licences to victual
therein, and for victualling booths in the fair there,
and claim the sole authority to do so, although they
have not any charter or commission other than the
general commission of the peace. |
|
Univ. 2. Challenge the sole authority of giving
licence to victual in ale-houses and victualling booths,
and only license a competent number, 30. The rest of
the article is untrue. |
|
Town 3. The Vice-Chancellor and Commissary hold
pleas both in the town and fairs, upon penal statutes,
and proceed according to civil law, and enforce the
defendants to answer upon oath to accuse themselves. |
|
Univ. 3. The Vice-Chancellor and Commissary
sometimes hold pleas upon penal statutes warranted by
charters, whereas the town usually holds plea upon
penal statutes wherein the Queen is party, without any
charter. |
|
Town 4. The university having no leet, but having a
special grant to inquire of forestallers and engrossers,
yearly keeps two courts which they call leets, and inquire
of and punish offences as well inquirable as not inquirable in a leet, viz., dressing of flesh on fish days,
shoemakers for buying hard tallow, chandlers for
kitchen stuff, butchers for killing calves under age, and
many other penal statutes. |
|
Univ. 4. Crave to have leet by prescription, and
at the time of their said leet (and for the case of the
townsmen who are compellable to serve in a quest
of inquiry touching forestalling, regrating, ingrossing, and victuals, as often as the officers of the university require), they do by oath then inquire of forestalling, regrating, ingrossing, &c. and of such penal
statutes and laws as concern offences of that kind, but
not otherwise. |
|
Town 5. Instead of actions of tresspass at common
law, actions of injury are brought in the university
courts against free burgesses, wherein the plaintiff records as much for damages as he on oath affirms himself
to be damnified, under a certain sum prefixed by the
judge, notwithstanding that free burgesses of Cambridge, by charter of Edward II., ought not to be so
convicted but by their fellow burgesses. They also hold
pleas against free burgesses in actions of injury for
which no action is given by common law, and pretend
that none of their judgements are reversible or to be
controlled by any superior court. |
|
Univ. 5. Have authority to hold plea of actions of
injuries by express words in their charters, viz., omnimodorum placitorum personalium et injuriarum, and
in all actions they proceed according to the civil laws,
neither has the town any charter that privileges them
in all cases to be tried by their fellow burgesses, because
the university has authority to hold plea in all actions
where a scholar or his servant is party. The university
takes it that no judge or justice ought to intermeddle
in such actions, as plainly appears by their charters
confirmed by Act of Parliament. |
|
Town 6. Under colour of the clerkship of the market,
they tolerate killing, eating, and dressing of flesh upon
fish days, killing flesh in Lent in great abundance,
and taking money for such toleration; and they
tolerate bakers and brewers abating their assize of
bread and beer in the fair time. |
|
Town 7. The university officers give licence to badgers
and kidders to carry corn and victuals out of the town,
but restrain the inhabitants, and they take fowls,
corn, &c. from many in the market, or composition for
their toleration. |
|
Town 8. The proctors and taxers, by the office of clerk
of the market, have usually taken exactions for victuals
sold there and in the fairs, as oysters, &c., whereby the
price is increased, and the bringers discouraged. |
|
Town 9. They yearly take 1s. for every bushel, viz., for
its use in the town 4d., and for the use in Midsummer
fair 4d., and in Stourbridge fair 4d.; and 1d. for
every weight used in the town, viz., from a stone weight
to a quarter of an ounce, and the like in the two fairs. |
|
Univ. 6, 7, 8, 9. The Vice-Chancellors license one
butcher in Lent to kill and sell flesh to such as, by
reason of sickness and infirmity, may lawfully eat it.
They cannot answer the articles which charge officers of
the university until the persons be named, and the
abuses charged upon particular parties; but are persuaded that the officers have taken no composition or
fees but such as usually have been taken and are warranted by charter, for the chief magistrate never heard
a complaint touching the exactions suggested. |
|
Town 10. They of the university, in open sessions
of peace, affirmed that scholars' servants, retainers, or
privileged persons ought not to appear or serve at the
sessions or gaol delivery, although indicted for keeping
dicing houses, bowling alleys, &c. |
|
Univ. 10. Think no privileged person of the university compellable to appear at the quarter sessions or
gaol delivery but by process from the Vice-Chancellor,
for any cause whatsoever, felony only excepted. |
|
Toun 11. The university claim allowance of using
trades in the town and fairs, and sue divers in their
courts concerning the same, which matter belongs to the
mayor of the town; and the university allow some
which have not served apprentices for seven years. |
|
Univ. 11. Do not allow the using of trades contrary
to law, and have as great authority to deal in such
matters, where a privileged person is party, as the
mayor has amongst the burgesses. |
|
Town 12. Many substantial freemen of the town,
and others of the richer sort, to be freed from musters,
subsidies, service of the Queen at sessions, post horses,
and other town charges, obtain some colour of the privilege of the university by bailiwick, receiving little or
no rent, as laundresses performing little or no service,
and as retainers giving little or no attendance, by
means whereof the persons privileged who are fit to be
the subsidy men exceed the number of the free burgesses,
and the subsidy is abated to near half the former sum,
albeit the wealth of the town is as great as it has been
within memory. |
|
Univ. 12. Do not take into privilege other persons
than such as they may lawfully by charter of 31 Eliz.;
and the rest of the article they affirm to be untrue, as
lately proved before the Barons of the Exchequer. |
|
Town 13. Their officers, on pretence of searching in
the night for suspected persons, break open the doors of
honest inhabitants giving no cause of suspicion. The
like they also do both by day and night, under pretence
to search for dressing of flesh on prohibited days.
They convert to their own use all the forfeitures for
dressing flesh on fish days, and do not give the third to
the poor as they ought by statute. |
|
Univ. 13. Their officers make no other search than
such as they may do by charter; and they convert no
forfeitures to their own use but such as are granted
them by charter, for which they pay Her Majesty 10l. a
year. |
|
Town 14. In the time of Edward VI. (there being
then but 14 colleges, and 12 of them not bound thereto
by law), they of mere charity contributed to the relief
of the poor 26s. every week; before the last statute of
39 Eliz. the colleges monthly contributed 5l. 6s. 8d. to
the poor; but since there being 16 colleges, all of greater
wealth than in times past, each college known in what
parish it is by their burials, &c., though bound by the
statute to contribute to the poor, yet for a year and
more they did not contribute at all, and then only
8s. 4d. weekly, being 6d. a college, though the number of
the poor by their means are much increased. |
|
Univ. 14. The colleges have always been forward to
relieve the poor of the town, although not bound by law,
and since the statute for the relief of the poor 39 Eliz.,
have had a special care of them, and joined with the
town for contribution to the poorer parishes. The townsmen have withdrawn their weekly contributions from
the poorest parishes for nearly a year, but the university have continued their benevolence. |
|
Town 15. The scholars when in taverns, alehouses,
&c. misuse all free burgesses, and in particular the
magistrates, and also in their plays and sermons. |
|
Univ. 15. Deny being disorderly or misusing the
free burgesses and magistrates in plays, sermons, &c.
Neither do they know of any abuse offered them in
taverns, &c., except only that on 23 April last, certain
scholars in a tavern spoke ill of the mayor and his
brethern when passing by, for which they were all
punished and censured by the Vice-Chancellor and
Dr. Nevill, Dean of Canterbury. |
|
Town 16. The Vice-Chancellor and his deputy and
other officers send many to prison in the Tolbooth in
Cambridge, upon executions, &c. without mittimus or
warrant in writing, so that at the gaol delivery the
cause of their imprisonment does not appear, and the
gaoler is oftentimes threatened and sometimes sued for
false imprisonment. |
|
Univ. 16. The Vice-Chancellor or his deputy do, according to ancient custom and charters, send prisoners
to the Tolbooth or Castle without warrant in writing,
declaring by word to the gaoler the cause of the imprisonment, upon which word the gaoler is bound to
take and keep such prisoners. [7 pages.] |
April 27.
University College. |
67. Dr. G. Abbott, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, and Dr. Thos.
Ravis, Dean of Christchurch, to Lord Treasurer [Buckhurst, Chancellor of Oxford University], Sackville House. As it was no small
comfort to us that in the business of the late Earl of Essex, none
resident in our university interested themselves, so it is a great grief
that now any, although but of mean place, should be deemed to
have been over busy thereabout; but where many are, some will
bear themselves unadvisedly. |
|
On Thursday night last, Abraham Colfe, B.A., of Christchurch,
publicly in the hall, made a very offensive declaration, and hearing
that it was disliked, went to his chamber, tore his written copy,
and burnt the pieces, but being required by me, the Vice-Chancellor,
to deliver me his oration the next morning, he sat up almost all
night, and transcribed a declamation far different from the former,
so that we were forced to take the sum of his speech by the testimony of many that heard him, of which we send you an abstract.
We desire directions; we committed the offender to safe custody.
[1 page.] Enclose, |
|
67. i. Note signed by Dr. Abbott of matters witnessed to be spoken
by Abraham Colfe. His theme was Pejor morte est
modus mortis. His beginning was very passionate,
"Parcite, auditores, amori meo, quia amens est," and
"occidit una domus, sed non domus ista perire digna fuit."
He commended a great general of the wars lately dead,
whom he called Veri Dux, extolling most highly his infancy, young years, and man's age, his embracing of
learned men and warriors, who all followed him without
pay, he calling his soldiers not milites, but commilitones
mei. He was Pater Patrise. |
|
He named the journey to Cadiz, his own forwardness
there and felicity, and how men looked on him returning
tanquam in solem orientem; for he beggared himself to
maintaim his soldiers. |
|
He spoke also of another journey, whence returning
men looked on him tanquam in solem occidentem. After
his coming home, he was pessime tractatus, quia cum esset
imperator, imperata non fecerit. His virtue, which drew
upon him the envy of great personages, was the cause of
his overthrow. He inveighed against the enemies who
brought him to his end, naming three, some of whom
were a publicis consillis. One he called pestem reipublicae, hominem ex faece oriundum, crrore populi dignitatem consecutum. Another Charybdim, si modo ulla
sit Charybdis, hoc animal est. The third semen omnium
malorum. These accused him of aspiring to a kingdom. |
|
He showed his breaking out into a city, his marshalling
of men in the streets there; how one was slain at his
foot; his retiring to his house; his being besieged there;
his speech from the house; his yielding of himself, and
carrying to prison; how the executioner had three strokes
at his head, that his very enemies could not choose but
weep when they saw his head cut off; yet that it was not
lawful for his wife and sister to bewail him. These
things he lamented with O lachrymæ, lachrymæ, ubi estis?
And flumina nulla neque amnem libavit quadrupes, nec
graminis attigit herbam. Since his death, quæ domus
fuit virtutum, domicilium fit libidinum vorago. And pro
molli violâ carduus, et pro hordeis infelix lolium et avenæ
oriuntur. His conclusion was, "You have heard of the
life and death of a worthy general, but etiam doleo quod
hæc pauca pennigero, non armigero, in corpore tela exerceantur." [1¼ pages.] April 23, 1601. |
| April 27. |
68. Inventory of brass and other ordnance, muskets, munition,
&c. in the fort of St. Nicholas's island, Plymouth, delivered over to
Sir John Gilbert, governor, by Christopher Harris, by order from
the Privy Council. Signed by them and by Ed. Dodington. [2
sheets.] |
| April 29. |
69. Memorandum by John Bridges, of Estington, co. Worcester,
that he has received from John Taverner a copy of the patent of
the manor of Hanley, in the same county, on promise of re-delivery
on demand, as also a letter from Mr. Hornihold to the Lord Treasurer and Chancellor of the Exchequer. [½ page.] |
| April ? |
70. Note of patents and other records from 1 John to 9 Edward IV.,
seen by Mr. Denton, by warrant of the Attorney General, dated
30 Jan. 1601. [3½ pages.] |
| April ? |
71. Instructions prescribed by the Queen to the Commissioners
for Fines and Ransoms, to be assessed upon the offenders in the late
insurrection of 8 Feb. |
|
First. That you assemble in the beginning of next term, and
take order for committing offenders not already in ward to prison,
as also for the time and place of sitting for the speedy execution
of the commission. |
|
Item. In assessing fines and ransoms, you are to regard the
quality of the offender and of his offence, and his estate in lands,
livings, goods, debts, &c., that reasonable and proportionable
fines may be taken. |
|
Item. Such fine and ransom is not to be expressed in the pardon,
but in a paper to be affixed to the bill to be signed by us, giving
the state of the offender and the quality of his offence. |
|
Item. We charge you to do your utmost for the speedy execution of the commission, not yielding to the entreaty of any
person. |
|
Item. Order is to be taken that so much of the said fines and
ransoms as possibly can be obtained be paid before the pardon
passes the Great Seal, and that good assurances be taken for the
rest. [1 page. Draft in Coke's hand.] |
| April ? |
72. [George Kendall to Sec. Cecil.] I went to Brussels with
Capt. Smith, but the Duke refused our services, being advised by
Moran Swart, Richardot, Jaques, Typing, and others, not to accept
them, but to entertain us a month with hopes of pensions, to learn
our true meaning, and then to expel us the country, as he treated
Weeks. I have tried various ways to win their confidence, as by
offering to deliver Sir Fras. Vere, with thousands of men, into their
hands, &c. I feigned an intended journey to Hungary, to serve the
Emperor; then went to Father Lewknor, an English priest, regent
of the Shene, to say I was weary of soldier life, and wished to go
to England to settle my affairs, and return to enter the Jesuit
College. I went in disguise to Ruremond; was first taken for a spy,
and put in irons, but obtained release and succeded in surveying
the place. After perils from freebooters, I reached the Hague. I
told the plot to Sir Fras. Vere, and also to his Excellency, who
approved, and six others will be brought into the town to forward
the execution. I have leave to stay 15 days, to provide a dozen
weapons for execution, which Mr. Honeyman has promised. Weeks
was persuaded by Baldwin to write letters about Count Fuentes as
coming from Savoy to besiege Ostend, how Count Maurice was
to have seconded the Earl of Essex's proceeding, as was also the
Duke of Bouillon, with great munition, &c., the King of Spain's
making peace in Savoy with France, &c. |
|
I was told by Father Lewknor that the ruin of England was sure;
the government all in the hands of one man, a professed enemy to
the Catholics; the State apt to rebel, as all policies condemn a government which does not participate with other foreign kingdoms; that
Sir R. Cecil intends to be king, by marrying Arabella, and now lacks
only the name; for he has the quarter mastership with the Admiral,
and therefore strong at sea; has the Cinque Ports in the hands of his
dearest friend; his brother has the kingdom of the north; Wales,
now void, will be put into assured hands; his kindred and wealth
are great; he has made Lord Thos. Howard governor of the Tower,
and will force the city to make him king. Lord Shrewsbury,
who can remove the blocks from the way of the marriage, is for
him, thinking he cannot better establish his house; however Cecil
will find that a third faction, which must be Catholic, will join the
others; this should be the Infanta, as she has great spirit, and
would reward any who should remove Cecil. As to the King of
Scots, it would be no mastery to wrest the sceptre out of his hands.
I professed to wish to be the man to effect the Infanta's wishes. |
|
John Tipping, late lieutenant to Capt. Stanley, a dangerous fellow,
is coming over for your patronage. I caution you not to speak
with any from abroad except in the company of good men; the
proudest there can do no service for England if debauched in
coming over; meanwhile there is not much fear, they are so ensconsed that no man can come to them. Endorsed [by Cecil]
"Kendall employed." [3¾ pages.] |
