Queen Elizabeth - Volume 285: November 1602

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1601-3 With Addenda 1547-65. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1870.

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'Queen Elizabeth - Volume 285: November 1602', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1601-3 With Addenda 1547-65, (London, 1870) pp. 253-267. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/addenda/1547-65/pp253-267 [accessed 27 March 2024]

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November 1602

Nov. 2.
Sarum.
45. E. Reynoldes to his brother Owen Reynoldes. Upon warning to further this your preferment, I will advance you 50l., I mean on your allowance of 10l. a year. I would wish you to join Richard with you, lest the world conceive that you have supplanted him, and judge you unnatural to displace him that has executed the place so long.
Other proposals for raising money. The 50l. you will receive from me is a free gift. My present state will afford no more, for my charge will be greater when I keep house and maintain a family. A principal cause of my private life is to be the better able by frugality to live hereafter with reputation. Besides, I now allow Austen 5l. a year towards the maintenance of his son, and have an ill bargain of Islington House. Private affairs. [1page.]
Nov. 3. 46. Thos. Phelippes to Sec. Cecil. Having been abroad this vacation, I have forborn troubling you. The enclosed controversy in print between us and the Dutch, about the sinking of the galleys, came by the last post. As they strove so, I will procure a relation from that side.
P.S.—I have had the enclosed touching the priests' proceedings some time, and send it because it is the continuance of some that you have had before. The brief is looked for daily. [2/3 page.] Encloses,
46. i. —— to ——. In my letters of 1 and 8 August, I told you briefly all that had passed in the appellant priests' affair. The Cardinals of the Inquisition having set down certain points to be communicated to His Holiness, the same points were to be imparted to both parties, viz., the priests and the procurators of the Archpriest. The principal articles were
That the Archpriest should remain as before, though in divers points admonished as to his proceeding, especially with the appellants that were come to this Court.
That the books printed in England and Rouen or France, containing injurious things against the Fathers of the Society and others, and much heresy be utterly condemned; and that these appellant priests in Rome be forced to declare that they condemn them.
That all communication with heretics, in prejudice of Catholics, should be forbidden, under pain of excommunication and loss of faculties.
That all appellants' causes and other business touching English ecclesiastical affairs shall devolve upon the Cardinal Protector in Rome.
That all writing of books by one Catholic against another be forbidden, under pain of excommunication, except with licence of the said Protector. And that His Holiness will have this to be a full end of the controversy, and silence to be put upon the same for the time to come, with due obedience to the superior appointed by him.
To these points the procurators of the Archpriest replied little; but represented difficulties in the execution, with their opinion how they might be remedied, which seemed to give content to the Cardinals. The other part made earnest replies, alleging both impossibilities, inequalities, and inconveniences.
The impossibilities were that they could not possibly be under this Archpriest, nor concur with his government; but they were easily seen to be voluntary impossibilities. The inequalities, that their books were condemned for heresy, injuries, &c., but on the other side, books were only forbidden to be written for the time to come; whereas they said that the apology was as injurious as any of theirs, and other books also had as bad propositions; in proof they exhibited a supplication made some years ago by Fras. Southwell to Her Majesty, calling the Queen "Most clement and soveraigne Ladye under God," which these men urged for a heinous matter.
The inconveniences were that they were forbidden to deal with heretics in prejudice of Catholics, which might be captiously understood; that the appeal to the Protector was a matter of great length and inconvenience, whereon they made divers new suits and petitions, and amongst the rest, that some of the company might be assistants in the present government if it could not be changed, and the Archpriest not be able to do anything without their consent.
They also urged the matter of alms, that accounts should be taken thereof at the Archpriest's hands, which the Cardinals themselves answered would be impossible, seeing he had no ordinary alms to take up, nor that any was bound to give him, and if any man gave, it is likely he would not have his name known, in respect of the peril.
They urged that other books might be condemned as well as theirs, using the help of those to whom they came commended from France, whereupon His Holiness was content that the apology and other books of Fras. Southwell should be viewed.
A procurator on the other side entreated that the matter might be despatched, seeing suspense had increased dissension, and that as the chief points were argued upon, they might be first published. If His Holiness would have all books viewed written on both parts concerning injurious speeches, &c. they besought him to commit them to some particular judges, to examine both books and witnesses on both sides, and punish those that had exceeded.
As this required time, and the books already condemned were of another quality,—being censured for heresy—than those now to be examined for injurious speeches, they prayed that the second might not hinder the despatch of the first. His Holiness, wearied with the interpellations of both sides, willed the Cardinals to hasten the despatch; they made another peculiar congregation on Friday the 6th instant, and the Thursday following, represented the same to His Holiness, when order was given for the despatch to be put in writing. It is presumed that the particulars are not much different from what was decreed before; all think that His Holiness will do what he possibly can to content these men, though it may not work the good effect he desires. Considering what has been gained by all this long journey to Rome, this last year's travail, and the contention of years before, it is a matter of grief that men dedicated to God's service, in so holy a work as the mission of England, should fall one upon the other, to the laughter of their enemies, and the intolerable grief of their friends, and not be induced to follow their former work again in peace. [1½ pages.] Rome 4/14 Sept. 1602.
46. ii. The same to the same. You have understood by my last what had passed up to the 14th of Sept. Abstract thereof.
I wrote you the chief articles of the agreement, and how the appellants replied. His Holiness is in difficulty to give them some reasonable content, being urged thereto by their friends here, and desirous to condescend as much as may be; whereunto the other party have invited him, by a memorial of the means to make peace in the Church of England, wherein they desire him to give these priests content, so far as may stand with the public good of the Catholic religion; suggesting that some of them might be made assistants, as places fall void, if they behave well. They suggested also that the sixth instruction of Cardinal Cajetan to the Archpriest,—to consult matters of great difficulty and moment with the superior of the Society—might be taken away, as subject to envy, &c.
Accordingly, I think His Holiness will make the conclusion shortly, but not after much in the principal points agreed upon before, except in the delay of the decree promised for censuring their books in the Inquisition; for in this point there has been potent solicitation on their behalf; on this the other party gave up a large memorial on the6th inst., showing important reasons why this censure should not be deferred, seeing the points of doctrine were public in England and other places, as well by the books of the appellants themselves as of others written against them; and seeing that the decree of the Cardinals was already passed against them, and made known, it would be expected that the publication should follow. It was also offered that the denunciations made against the said books, and the propositions translated out of English should be averred before any judge His Holiness should appoint.
Notwithstanding His Holiness and the congregation of the Inquisition deferred the matter of the books for their better examination, promising all diligence about it; meantime there is a brief made to end other controversies which we expect hourly; if it comes before this post departs, you shall have the sum of it.
P.S.—The brief has come forth containing the very points before touched. Abstract of the brief. [See No. 46. iv. below.]
These are the principal points, but there is also an exhortation of His Holiness to both parties to peace and union, which if it ensue, His Holiness will be glad of this great favor to the appellants; if not, they are worthy of great punishment who are the cause. Rome, 2/12 Oct. 1602. [1½ pages.] Also,
"Answer of T.C. to a letter of his friend in Perugia concerning the late brief of His Holiness, dated 5 Oct., about the determination of the English affairs," vindicating the Pope from the charge of too great leniency towards the appellant priests. The following good results are likely to ensue from the brief:—
1. Ecclesiastical subordination is instituted, the laity and ancient priests being exempted from the same rule as the seminary priests.
2. The Pope's testimony of the sincere zeal and piety of Jesuits will do them good among Catholics.
3. The appointment of three appellant priests as assistants to the Archpriest will promote peace.
4. The severe prohibition against dealing with hereties will do great good.
5. The prohibition of controversial books and exhortations to peace should influence the Catholics. [1¾ pages.] Rome,14/24 Oct. 1602.
46. iii. Copy of the two preceding papers. [3¼ pages.]
46. iv. Pope Clement VIII. to George Blackwell, notary of the Apostolic see, and Archpriest of England. Some English priests have lately come to us and complained grievously of you. We wish you therefore to use your authority carefully, and not to go beyond your powers, as you seem to have done. We wish your jurisdiction to be only in the cases named by Cardinal Cajetan, in your letters of deputation. You are to exercise no authority over priests who have not been pupils in the seminaries, nor over laymen; nor have you any power to censure, nor to proceed against the appellant priests who have lately come to Rome, without consulting the Protector of England, nor to remove them to other residences; for the appellant fathers have not lost by schism or disobedience those privileges formerly conferred on them.
To avoid offence, you shall not commune on affairs relating to your office with the provincial or other Jesuits in England; and in that respect we abrogate the instruction given you by Cadinal Cajetan. Moreover, you are not to deal about the affairs of the English Church with Jesuits in Rome or elsewhere, but refer all to us or the Protector; not that we think ill of that Society, but for the peace of Catholics, and the Jesuits themselves think this the best. The rectors of Jesuit seminaries may, however, send to the Archpriest testimonials to pupils when they leave, and the Jesuits in England may receive such pupils. As soon as some of your recent assistants fail, you shall call three of the appellant fathers to fill their places.
You shall also faithfully distribute the alms of the faithful, abundantly given every year, especially to those who are in prison for their faith, about whom appeals have been made which are referred to the Protector.
To abolish the memory of this controversy, we order all books against Jesuits, and all controversies on both sides, to be prohibited; and we forbid all English Catholics, lay, secular, regular, appellant priests, or Jesuits, on pain of excommunication, to issue any such books, without leave of the Protector. The same penalty to extend to all who shall renew the former or raise new controversies, and publicly or privately write on one or the other part, or side with heretics against Catholics.
We exhort you to peace with all, even those who have appealed to us; and to charity, which bears all things, and teaches us to love even our enemies. Love all, give offence to none, that you may receive fruit of your labours. [Latin, 32/3 pages.]
Endorsed "Pope's bull concerning the priests and Jesuits." St. Mark's, Rome, 25 Sept. 5 Oct. 1602.
46. v. Copy of the above [by Thos. Phelippes; 2¼ pages.]
46. vi. Another copy. Endorsed, "The Pope's letter to the Archpriest" [by Dudley Carleton; 3 pages.]
46. vii. Copy made from the preceding copy. [2½ pages.]
Nov. 3. 47. R. Lytton to Dud. Carleton. At London I did not meet with your desired letter, but am satisfied in reckoning the multitude of business so well discharged by you. Concerning your motion about Mr. Secretary, your brother, Mr. Chamberlain, and myself concur for a suspension. Your course has hitherto been drawn by a strange star, which has not so crossed you that it may be counted malignant, nor yet given success, as though there was no more good intended towards you than first conceits could apprehend. I fear not to make you conceited, therefore I say, Go on, and see whither Providence will guide you; for you win ground, and they whose favour you seek incline to a good opinion of you. Meantime we will not be idle, but add our oars to your sails. Do you, in your next, resolve what you will have done, and we will do all that can be done. [1 page.]
Nov. 4.
London.
48. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton. However the French twaddle about Biron's dying as a soldier, I think he died timorously and childishly; his valour was rather a French fury than true fortitude. Three strange disasters have befallen three great men [Earl Gowrie, Earl Essex, and Biron], in three neighbour countries in three successive years, and all their cases so intricate that many are unsatisfied in their deaths, and will not be persuaded of their undeservings. I can find no reason for the extraordinary treatment of the Swiss, and can hardly believe the King would buy them so dear as 800,000 crowns a year, when they are not worth a third of it.
Private news. We hear from Spain that O'Donnell, riding towards the Court at Valladolid, died suddenly by the way, and being opened, a worm was found in him 8 feet long, and with two heads. In Munster, Cormack MacTeaghe (or Mac Dermond), apprehended by the Lord President on suspicion of intelligence with Spain, escaped, and is out in action with Lord Roche and others. He had a son at Oxford, who was sent for and committed to the keeper of the Court of Wards. There is an embargo in Spain on all Scottish and Irish traffic.
An apparition was seen in Wales, near Chester, of an army on a mountain in battle array, which suddenly vanished. Four Russian youths are come to learn English and Latin at Winchester, Eton, Cambridge, and Oxford. [Wm.] Perkins, a prime man of the precise faction at Cambridge, is dead, and Dr. Plafer, the Divinity reader, is crazed for love. Sir Walter Leveson is dead in the Fleet. Mrs. Bodley has lost her eldest son, Capt. Ball, by sickness, in the Low Countries. Young Lady North has a son. Lady Thos. Norris is turned Catholic, and tries to convert her sisters. Mr. Winwood is likely to have Mr. Gilpin's place, though there are 20 suitors, besides Wheeler and Black Mills. Sir Fras. Vere has been robbed in his chamber of 2,000l. in gold, and some say he is dead of his hurt. Many captains are dead in the Low Countries, as Lile, Clifford, Keyes, Richards, Vavasor, Deacons, Crofts, Drake, and above 4,000 of the 6,000 men that last went over. Harry Butler, that killed Russell, is taken at Carlisle, going to Spain with letters to the Duke of Feria. An apprentice, pursued by his master to be beaten, jumped out of a garret window in Holborn, and got away without harm. The Dutch set out a story of the fight with the galleys which we allow not, therefore I send a report of Sir Robt. Mansell, in answer to them. [22/3 pages. Printed in Chamberlain's Letters, pp. 158–161.]
Nov. 4.
London.
49. Sir Edward Norris to Dud. Carleton, secretary to the ambassador in France. I have got your letters and books. I have received, since Mr. Gilpin's death, a letter written in his sickness, that the last ordinance was not received, but should be presently, and he would make it over to you. I have written to Dankerd, to receive the ordinance, and make over 30l. to you. I hear much good of Mr. Winwood, and am glad of his going into the Low Countries. I will entreat him to begin where Mr. Gilpin left. Gilpin hoped this winter to have a good end of all my brother [Sir John Norris's] accounts.
I would be glad to have the gardiner, but at as little charge as I could. I fear those who have served the King [of France?] will not be fit for me. Although things fall not out as you looked for, you must not be the first to find fault. I will not see you want, if I hear that stay be made of what Dankerd is to make over. [3 pages.]
Nov. 4. 50. Sec. Cecil to Thos. Windebank. Although by that you have sent me under Her Majesty's hand, she gives me no more than she received, yet it proves with the parchment, as it doth with her gloves, that everything is the sweeter which her hand toucheth. In token whereof I send you a toy to represent to her my thanks in the figures, which agree with the life of her eyes and colour of her lips, one by the ruby, the other by the crystaline topaz, both of which are accusable, if not for the wars of Ireland, yet for the torments of some of that nation. Let this (for to-day) serve to excuse my absence, which nothing but Her Majesty's service could work, in a mind that may not endure a week's privation without more vexation than can be expressed by me.
P.S.—This day we deal with all the practisers upon the Exchange. [2/3 page.]
Endorsed, "Mr. Secretary to me; to be read to the Queen's Majesty, with a jewel, upon the signing of a bill for the parsonage of Martok for him."
Nov. 5. 51. Sec. Cecil to Thos. Windebank. My rewards for what you sent me are no other but my honest affections. When the Queen is well disposed, let her see my letter, and present the enclosed, and give this to my niece of Derby. [½ page.]
[Nov. 5.]
[Richmond.]
52. Proclamation by the Queen. Desiring to avoid bloodshed, we have lately refrained execution of the laws against disturbers of religion, especially from foreign parts. We hoped that the priests, sent to seduce people from their religion and obedience, would have been moved by clemency to forbear provocation, but they instead have sought to ruin us and our kingdom.
All know the malice with which Ireland has been invaded by the King of Spain, and how his commander, Don Juan, published a warrant from Rome to deprive us of our crown, and proclaim his master lord. The Spaniards complained that the secular priests and Jesuits invited the King to that enterprise, by reporting our forces contemptible, and their party so powerful that the conquest of Ireland was assured. It is manifest to Europe by their late books, that they have combined to advance our enemies, pervert our subjects, and subvert our estate. English priests, by obeying a new kind of subordination amongst them, wholly directed by Jesuits, are grown so impious that, in late treatises, they profess that our subjects are bound to join any enemy whom the Pope sends to subdue us, on pretence of restoring the Romish religion. They thrust themselves into affairs of State, and dispose of our kingdoms at pleasure, and revenge themselves on those who acknowledge our lenity; they transport the youth of the realm to foreign seminaries, and so corrupt the best families, and hatch a traitorous brood.
Much controversy has lately arisen between the Jesuits and some secular priests and other priests who dissent from them; the former practising plots to invade the kingdom and murder us, the others protesting against such practices as wicked and damnable, and offering to discover and suppress them. We would gladly distinguish between the two in the execution of laws, but we cannot, as even the latter concur in disobedience and disloyalty, labouring to withdraw our subjects from us and knit them to the Pope, who, as a temporal Prince, still continues his warlike stratagems against us, and they also intimate falsely that we intend to grant a toleration of religion, which would only disturb the peace of the Church, and bring the State into confusion. Presuming on this, they publicly walk the streets, resort to prisons, and execute their functions in contempt of law, and thus waken slumbering justice. For this connivance leads some to factious invectives against the remissness of Government, on which pamphlets have been published which would cause the authors, if known, to feel the weight of our indignation, for presuming to censure Government.
We therefore give notice to the officers of the several counties, that we mislike their remissness in not searching for and apprehending secular priests. We require all combined Jesuits and secular priests, who by their very coming into the kingdom are in danger of the laws, to depart forthwith within 20 days, and the other secular priests before 1 Feb. next, except such as present themselves to Council, the presidents of Wales and York, or the Bishops, profess duty and allegiance, and submit to mercy, about whom further order will be taken. Those who are without the realm are not to return on any pretence; those who disobey to be proceeded against according to law. All magistrates to be vigilant in searching for them, and their receivers, relievers, and maintainers, who are equally subject to the penalties of the law, and to advise Council of their proceedings therein. [Copy, 6 pages, with one correction by Cecil.]
[Nov. 5.] 53. Fair copy of the above. [6¼ pages.]
Nov. 5. 54. Copy of the above. [Printed. 3 sheets.]
[Nov. 5.] 55. Draft of the above with considerable differences [much corrected by Cecil, 11 pages.]
Nov. 15.
Serjeants' Inn.
56. Lord Chief Justice Popham to Sec. Cecil. Yesterday a gentleman called and disclosed what is set down in the paper sent herewith. At the time appointed for the meeting, Mr. Attorney and myself, with such men as we could trust, invaded the place, and so had both the men that came to Mr. Sacheverel's the night before, and also the party who desired the meeting, and who called himself Gregory but now Bell Grey. He confesses that he served the Duke Mercœur in Brittany and Hungary for 13 years and until his death, and was afterwards for three months in the siege of Ostend, under Don Alphonso Davala; that he came to England by Calais five months since, and has become acquainted with Capt. Lindly, Capt. John Selby, Lieut. Jas. Worthington, John Beckett, and other soldiers of the worst sort. Being demanded why he would not serve Her Majesty, he said soldiers were badly dealt with, and did not receive half their pay, as he understood by such as had served. He seems a desperate and resolute fellow, and between him and Tympson there is much variety. Tympson denies most of the material points set down by Mr. Sacheverel, who it seems is a very honest gentleman. Nothing has been found about Grey, but I have given order for their lodgings to be searched, and have committed them to prison. [2¼ pages.] Encloses,
56. i. Declaration of Hen. Sacheverel, of Ratcliffe, co. Notts, before Lord Chief Justice Popham. On the 13th inst., at 8 p.m., Hen. Bealey, a stranger, came into his chamber, and asked if his Christian name was William; wanting to understand his purpose, said it was; whereupon Bealey replied that he marvelled he should have forgotten him, as he was with him in Italy and Rome. Being anxious to draw him on, said "Was it you?" "Yes," said Bealey, "and I have come from my master, Mr. Gregory, the gentleman that last spoke with you at Rome, who has come over, and being very desirous to see you, desires you to appoint a time and place of meeting." Appointed the next day, in Gray's Inn Fields. Being asked if he remembered John Hesketh, said he did.
At the place appointed, met Bealey, alias Tympson, and another man calling himself Bell Grey; pulling up his cloak lest they might find their error, beckoned to Tympson, who coming up, asked the sign, and when it could not be given, said that he feared examinate's name was not William, but John, and that they were betrayed. Made then a signal to those that lay in wait to take them; drawing their weapons they endeavoured to escape, but were apprehended. [3 pages in Popham's hand.] 14. Nov. 1602.
56. i. Examination of Bell Grey, son of Chris. Grey, of Skipton, co. York, deceased, before Lord Chief Justice Popham and Att. Gen. Coke. Five years since went to France, and served Duke Mercœur seven years; thence went with him into Hungary for five years, and during that service, was in Italy, with Don Virgine Corsini; and also in Rome, Naples, and Florence. Three or four years since came again into Italy, with Don Thomaso Spina, a Venetian; after the death of Duke Mercœur, came into France, and then to the siege of [Ostend] and to Flanders, and served under Don Alphonso Davala three months; thence went to Paris, and from there with Mons. Chateauneuf to Champagne, and thence to Calais and Dover, with, 120 crowns. Saw Hen. Tympson in France five or six years since, and has seen him in London. Lodged in Smithfield beyond the Bars, at an old woman's house called the Tankard Bearer, and paid 12d. a week for his chamber. Has been accompanied in London with Capt. Lindly and Capt. John Selby, John Beckett, a soldier, James Worthington, Corporal John, and others. Sent Tympson to Mr. Sacheverel, thinking him to have been John, formerly a student at Rome, and now a minister, and a Hampshire man. Never spoke of Hesketh to Tympson, nor bade him tell Sacheverel that he had good news to tell him. Saw Tympson three weeks ago, and several times since, and has given him ordinary salutations. [2 pages, in Coke's hand. Damaged.]
14 Nov. 1602.
Nov. 15. 57. Examination of Hen. Tympson alias Bealey, before Sec. Cecil and Lord Chief Justice Popham. Gregory sent him last Saturday to Mr. John Sacheverel, to request to speak with him, and to ask if he knew Mr. Hesketh, which was the mean to know him to be the right man. On Sacheverel saying his name was William, and that he knew Hesketh, appointed a conference between Gregory and him in Gray's Inn Fields. Delivered no message to Sacheverel that Gregory had news to tell him. Gregory and Sacheverel met at the time and place; doubting when he saw Sacheverel that he was not the right man, asked if his name was not John; he affirmed it was, and after some further disputing, they were apprehended and brought before my Lord. [1 page, damaged. In Coke's hand.]
Nov. 16.
St. John's College, Cambridge.
58. Wm. Cecil to his father Sec. Cecil, the Strand. The report of your being ill so troubled me that I could not be quiet or take delight in anything, and was very glad to hear from Mr. Brooke that you had recovered and been to Court. [1 page.]
Nov. 19.
London.
59. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, in Paris. There is a new order to shut the upper doors of [St.] Paul's in service time, so that the old intercourse is changed, and the traffic of news much deranged. Mr. Secretary has been ill with quinsy, but was not long in danger, for upon letting blood and other applications, he soon mended. The Lord President of York is come hither to his old winter garrison, finding his government too far from the sun. A proclamation has been made that Jesuits, priests, and their adberents shall avoid the realm within 30 days upon their peril, and secular priests before the beginning of February, unless they submit to the Queen's mercy, and make profession of their loyalty, in which case further order shall be taken; also that Her Majesty never meant a toleration, nor durst any of her Council propose it. It comes late, yet better late than never. The King of Scotland has taken an oath, and all his nobility, gentry, and men of quality, not to harbour nor receive any of them hereafter.
The Queen came to Whitehall on Monday by water, though the Lord Mayor, with his troop of 500 velvet coats and chains of gold was already mounted and marching to receive her at Charing Cross. This alteration was on suspicion of some attempt. Her [accession] day passed as usual, with preaching, singing, shooting, ringing, and running. The Bishop of Limerick, Dr. Thornborough, made a dull sermon at Paul's Cross. At the tilt were many young runners, and Garret, the fool, made as fair a show as the proudest, and was well disguised, but his horse was no bigger than a ban-dog; he delivered his escutcheon himself, had audience of the Queen, and made her very merry. One Vernon, of Lincoln's Inn, gave out bills of a play on the Bankside, to be acted by persons of account; price of entry, 2s. 6d. or 1s. 6d. Having got most of the money, he fled, but was taken and brought before the Lord Chief Justice, who made a jest of it, and bound him over in 5l. to appear at the sessions. The people, seeing themselves deluded, revenged themselves on the hangings, chairs, walls, &c. and made great spoil. There was much good company and many noblemen.
Our Commissioners and the Danes are met at Bremen. The Queen's ship that carried them, on her return, met more than 200 whales on the coast of Holland, which endured many shot and played many gambols. I wonder what they portend, more than the tempest that followed. The Lord Deputy of Ireland remains at Connaught, as fittest for intelligence and opportunity to annoy the enemý. Tyrrell made a head of 800 foot and 100 horse, but was almost surprised in the midst of his forces, and fled away naked with his wife, having lost 200 men and his baggage. Mowbray the Scot, and Daniel the Italian have performed the combat in Scotland, or on the borders, and are both slain. On the Queen's day, 10 were taken at mass in Newgate. Junius, the divine, is dead of the plague at Leyden. Robt. Knollys has had a fall in riding a horse of Mr. Controller's in the tilt yard, has broken two ribs, and is in great danger. Private affairs. I send the Queen's entertainment at the Lord Keeper's.
P.S.—There has been a false report of the French King's assessina tion by a friar; it was all over the town in less than three hours. [3 pages. Printed in Chamberlain's Letters, pp. 161–165.] Encloses,
59. i. "The Lottery, being a device to entertayne Her Majesty at Harfielde, the house of Sir Thomas Egerton, Lord Keeper, and his wife the Countess of Darbye." [By F. Davison. Printed with omissions and differences in Nichols' Progresses of Queen Elizabeth, Vol. III., pp. 570–575, as in 1601. 6 pages. Modern copy from the original in the Conway Papers, containing several additional stanzas, and also the names of the ladies who drew in the lottery.]
59. ii. Speech delivered by an impersonation of Place to Her Majesty, at her departure from the Lord Keeper's house. "Sweet Majesty, be pleased to look upon a poor widow mourning before you go. I am this Place, which at your coming, was full of joy; but now at your departure, am as full of sorrow, as I was then for my comfort, accompanied with the present cheerful Time; but now he must depart with you, and blessed as he is, must ever fly before you. But alas I have no wings, as Time hath; my heaviness is such as I must stand still amazed, to see so great happiness so soon bereft me. O that I could remove with you, as other circumstances can! Time can go with you; persons can go with you; they can move like heaven, but I, like dull earth (as I am indeed), must stay unmoveable. I could wish myself like the enchanted Castle of Love, to hold you here for ever; but your virtues would dissolve all my enchantments. Then what remedy? As it is against the nature of an angel to be circumscribed in place, so is it against the nature of Place to have the motion of an angel. I must stay forsaken and desolate. You may go with majesty, joy, and glory. My only suit before you go is that you will pardon the close imprisonment which you have suffered ever since your coming, imputing it not to me, but to St. Swithin, who of late hath raised so many storms, as I was fain to provide the anchor for you, when I understood you would put into this creek. But now since I perceive the harbour is too little for you, and that you will hoist sail to be gone, I beseech you to take this anchor with you. [Presenting the Queen with an anchor jewel.] And I pray to Him that made both Time and Place, that in all places wherever you shall arrive, you may anchor as safely, as you do and ever shall do, on the hearts of my owners." [2/3 page. Printed in Nichols' Progresses, Vol. III., pp. 593–4.]
Nov. 23.
Paris.
60. Dud. Carleton to his brother Geo. Carleton, London. I send you particulars of the first and only disgrace that ever lighted on me, and what you advise I will follow. Sir Edw. Norris gives me great encouragement, and had any man else in England been employed in this place, I should not have doubted to have answered the good conceit he has of me. He has written to the Low Countries for his money, which will be welcome when it comes, as I am in great need. My horse yet dwells with me, and to make up my misfortune, had like to have died, but is well again, and waits for a chapman. I will not send him to England, hoping amongst the courtiers of Fountainbleau, whither we go in two days, to make away with him.
I have remembered John Dickinson to Mr. Winwood, and he shall have the same place with him as with his former master, and his condition enlarged. The matter you recommend shall be done effectually. Touching my Christchurch suit, I meant to have obtained my Lord Ambassador's letters to the dean and canons, but this accident crossed me. I am now upon good terms with him again, and upon fit occasion will move him to that effect, but I fear they will come too late for the audit. You may tell Dr. Howson such letters are coming, and if wind and weather stay, he may yet perhaps do somewhat. I am sorry for Mr. Marsh's death. Thanks for my sister's good counsel. [1¾ pages.]
Nov. 25. Sir Rob. Cotton to Lord [Henry] Howard [afterwards] Earl of Northampton. In compliance with your request, I give you precedents from history to prove the antiquity of the office of Earl Marshal, and its power in the limitation of arrests, and disposal of felons' goods. Instances from records from Edward I. to Henry VIII. [Dom Corresp., James I., Vol. CXXXII., No. 83, ff. 38–9.]
Nov. 29. 61. Examination of John Sacheverel, clerk, before Lord Chief Justice Popham and Att. Gen. Coke. On Thursday last, met with one Shepherd, who is also called by other names, when he said, "Is it not a piteous case that Friar Gregory, for good will to you, should come to this case"? Went with him to drink, to know further of him, and took Robinson that serves Mr. Curson of Derbyshire, to hear what should be said; being together at a house in Fetter Lane, Shepherd said that the friar had a message to execute to examinate from a great man in Italy, a cardinal, or one of his order. Shepherd said he had this of Watson the priest, and persuaded examinate to do what he could to help Gregory out of this danger. [1 page, in Coke's hand.]
Nov. 30. 62. Note of the price of pepper, cloves, mace, &c. in the Low Countries, viz., pepper 2s. 4d. per lb. sterling, the dust taken out and 10 months' credit. When brought over to England in bags of 2 cwt., it is sold garbled to the grocers at 2s. 6d. per lb., one-third in money, and the rest at three months.
It is bruited that Her Majesty's pepper has much dust in it, and the buyers will not bid for it unsifted, unless at a quarter less than the worth. To avoid the damage of this opinion of the pepper, it were better to sell it sifted, as the dust usually rises to a twelfth or fifteenth part of the weight, and the buyers bid less by almost 6d. in the lb.
It would much advance the sale of pepper if it were sold with some reasonable time of payment, part in hand and the residue monthly. The late contractors with Her Majesty for pepper lost by their oversight in standing upon ready money; they might have sold all for one-third in money and the rest at three months, at a very good price, but presuming upon Her Majesty's prohibition for bringing in pepper, they refused, and lost 2,000l. or 3,000l., which they might have cleared.
Mace is sold at Middleburgh at 7s. 4d. per lb., and might be sold here for 7s. 8d., but Her Majesty's mace being kept, it will rise to a better price, the quantity being so small.
Cloves are sold there for 3s. 9d. or 3s. 10d. the lb., which commodity being kept here, will also grow in price, being a staple commodify, and no great quantity. With a list of the prices of calicoes, silks, rices, indigo, &c. [1¾ pages.]
Nov. 30. 63. Assignment by Thos. Edmondes, of London, clerk of the Privy Council, to Samuel Sandys, of Ombersley, co. Worcester, of a lease for 21 years granted to him 26 March 1602, by Matthew Archbishop of York, of the site of the Manor of Askham, co. Notts, as also a water and corn mill, called Jacket Mills; rent 12l. 6s. 8d., viz., 10l. for the site and grounds, and 2l. 6s. 8d., for the mills. [Counterpart signed by Sandys. Parchment.]
[Nov.] 64. Account, by the clerk of Dover Castle, of droits and fines due from persons named to Lord Cobham, as constable of Dover Castle and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, by virtue of the Admiralty sessions held in the Cinque Ports in 44 Eliz.; specifying the nature and amount of the fines paid by persons named in the several towns, and giving details of cases presented, but postponed for further trial. [15 pages.]
Nov. 65. Estimate of the customs during the last 10 years viz., 934,009l. 19s. 3¼d., of which 58,715l. 12s. 10d. was abated for silks and Venice gold, leaving the average of the 10 years 87,529l. 8s. 7½d., of which London received 69,803l. 3s. 10¼d., and the outports 17,726l. 4s. 9¼d.; showing also that the first three years of the ten exceeded the last seven by an average medium of 2,257l. 6s. 9½d. yearly. [Endorsed by Cecil]