Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 10, 1600. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1904.
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'Cecil Papers: June 1600, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 10, 1600, (London, 1904) pp. 169-185. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol10/pp169-185 [accessed 20 April 2024]
June 1600, 1–15
| Jo. Frauncis, the Post of Chester, to Sir John Stanhope. | |
| 1600, June 1. | He received Stanhope's packet of May 28, enclosing two letters. The one for Sir Henry Dockrey, he has sent to Knockvergus, and the other to Dublin to Mr. Keymell, by one of the ships of Chester. Encloses a letter for Sir Robert Cecil received from the Mayor of Chester, from Ireland.—Chester, 1 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. On the back :— | |
| “At Chester the first June 1600 at xi foure noone. | |
| At Namptwich at one in the after noone sam day. | |
| At Stone at 4 of the clock in the after nowne th firste of June 1600. | |
| Tosester [Towcester] at 5 in the moring. | |
| At Brickhill at 8. | |
| Sanct Albones at 12. | |
| barnet at 2 at nowne.” | |
| 1 p. (80. 3.) | |
| Mission to Russia. | |
| [1600, June 1.] | Instruction for Sir Richard Lee, knight, sent to the Emperor of Russia. |
| Having delivered unto you a commission to negotiate with the Emperor of Moscovy, our brother, and given you credit by our letters besides, for anything we can say to him, we have thought good, for your further direction and carriage there, to deliver you this instruction. | |
| First, in all your carnage, to be careful of preservation of the honour and dignity of our person, whom you shall there represent, as well in your speeches, presentation of our letters, as in all other circumstances as far as it standeth with the customs of those countries, where you are no stranger. | |
| Next, to use all means you can, to advance the trade of our merchants, and to procure them all conditions for safety and profit which you can : wherein although we will deliver you some arguments, to justify ourselves against false imputations and slanders (which might be a cause to alienate the hearts of that Prince from us, and so make him less apt to favour our subjects) yet for such things as belong properly to the nature of that traffic which is established, we will refer you to such information and direction as you shall receive from that Company for whom you are employed. | |
| Among other imputations, which heretofore have been cast forth in those parts, the proceedings of our agent at Constantinople hath been much spoken of, wherein, as formerly directions was given to Cherry how he should answer, so may you, if occasion be offered, maintain the same to be true, as followeth; first, for his going along with the Turkish army into Hungary, he was forced thereto by the Grand Signor's commandment; and it was merely without our knowledge and liking; and that as soon as we heard of it, we reproved him sharply for the same. Neither did his going prove any ways to the detriment of Christendom, as appeared by the fruits of it, in procuring the liberty of so many poor captives. Besides that during his continuance at Constantinople, he did sundry good offices to the Empire, as in procuring the liberty and sending back freely some of the servants of the Emperor's Ambassador that had been long detained there as prisoners, for which he received great thanks from the Emperor's Court, and from time to time employed his endeavours, both there and in other parts of the Turk's territories, for the freeing of many distressed Christians, whereof yearly he procured the liberty of many. | |
| But besides this allegation, there was pretended for some particular colourable proof, that we assisted the Turk with sundry pieces of great ordnance, graven and marked with our arms of England : a matter so utterly false and untruly imagined, as that there never was ordnance, great nor small, sold or sent into Turkey for the Turk, or for any other that might serve the Turk; or that ever there entered into our breast the least intent to aid the Turk against Christendom, either directly or indirectly, being a professed Christian Prince, as we will answer unto Almighty God. But contrarywise, that we have oftentimes employed our ambassadors and servants (to our no small charge) to cease the wars betwixt the Turk and sundry Christian princes : whereof we have received public and large thanks, even from the Emperor himself, when our agent at Constantinople interposed himself for the finishing of the wars betwixt him and the Turk, by way of treaty, which though it took no effect at that time, yet did the Emperor acknowledge great obligation to us for it. But now according to the nature of those Princes, with whom bruits and reports do take great impressions, we perceive we have been taxed likewise for dealing against Duke Charles of Sweden, and for assisting the King of Poland, wherein as you may boldly say, that no Prince hath better cause to be well affected to that house than we have : so in this false report we would ask no other judge than Duke Charles himself, who knows full well, when we sent our Ambassador to the King of Poland, that we were in no such terms of strict friendship, but had given him commission to expostulate injuries offered by the Polonian, and to declare our meaning to dissolve the amity if we should be no better used : for an argument thereof, none could be better entreated (as the time then stood) by the Duke Charles than our Ambassador was at the time when it is suggested that we should be thus in practice against Sweden. Wherein you may boldly affirm unto him that we do exceedingly please ourselves to hear of the strait alliance between them two, and do thereof wish all good continuance. Of this matter you shall be further instructed by a relation under the hand of him whom we sent for that purpose. | |
| But now to come to that which we conceive to be the true cause of this false report, we think it grows from some new friendship towards, which grows by means of a match intended between the Muscovite's daughter and the Emperor's brother, whereof as we would have you inform yourself as well as you can, so if you shall find any underhand practice by their ministers to prejudice our merchants' quiet intercourse, you shall then plainly lay before him, that we cannot imagine that a Prince of his judgment, who so well assisted the former King when he was in quality of a subject with prudent advice and counsel, whereby his state daily flourished, will not now as well consider, that the amity with England, and the resort of our subjects, must needs be of greater profit to him, than aught he can receive from the Emperor's subjects : who bring him at second hand those things which they receive from us, so as thereby their sale must needs be the dearer. But if you do find that things be far gone between them, you may then fall into this argument, that wise Princes may have many friends; and therefore, you may say, that longer than the Emperor, or his, shall seek to supplant our subjects, we have not any desire to interrupt their friendship, but wish him as many more friends as may be good for his estate. | |
| Concerning the matter of peace with Spain, if they be inquisitive of it, you may say, that true it is that we have had a long and bitter war with him, begun by himself, by many unjust injuries offered; in all which wars, it hath pleased God so to bless us as to give us many victories over him, without ever receiving any loss by him, or dishonour; nevertheless, in respect that we have always avoided to be the authors of these wars, seeking nothing but the due preservation of our honour and estate, with defence of our allies and confederates from unjust oppressions, we have now been contented, upon the motion of the French King, first, in the life of the old King of Spain, and since, at the mediation of the Cardinal Andrea of Austria, to be willing, to come to any terms of reconciliation, so as the conditions might be honourable that should be propounded, for which purpose, we have accordingly sent our commissioners to meet theirs in the kingdom of France, as a neutral place whereof you may say, although you can make no judgment what shall be the success, yet you may rather incline in your opinion to the expectation of a good issue than the contrary. | |
| Draft with corrections by Cecil. Undated. Endorsed :—“1 June, 1600.” 5½ pp. (80. 4.) | |
| Peregrine, Lord Willoughby to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 1. | Mr. Ralfe Bowes has preferred a petition to the Council against Captain William Selby, gentleman porter of Berwick. Selby has been sick and in great pain ever since his being at Court, and prays that he be not censured before he be heard.—London, 1 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (80. 7.) | |
| Peace Negotiations. | |
| 1600, June 1. | The Spanish and Archduke's Commissioners to the English Commissioners.—Bolonniae, 1 June, 1600. |
| Latin. Copy in 17th cent. hand. 6 pp. | |
| Printed in Winwood's Memorials, Vol. 1, p. 191. (242. 67.) | |
| The Countess Dowager of Shrewsbury to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 2. | Begs his favour in her cause. The Earl of Shrewsbury, under pretence of a grant of concealed lands, goes about to overthrow the estate of some lands formerly conveyed to her children, and dearly obtained by her, and upon great considerations. She has caused the matter to be briefly set down, which her son William Cavendish will present to Cecil.—Hardwyck, 2 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. Signed :“E. Shrowesbury.” ½ p. (80. 9.) | |
| W. Waad to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 3. | I had the alarm of the speeches used by this fellow yesterday in the afternoon, and presently I sent for him to be brought manacled unto me. It is the same party I informed you on upon Sunday last, that sent me so passionate a letter unto her Majesty, and was committed for drawing his dagger in the presence chamber. The fellow is greatly distracted, and seems rather to be transported with a humour of love, than any purpose to attempt anything against her Majesty, protesting upon the salvation and damnation of his soul he never was moved to nor meant any such thing as the destruction of the royal person of her, whom God long preserve, and yet denies not but he spake such words. It is very apparent that he is distracted. He is very bare and in pitiful case, and will not tell any friends he has, but that he is Kentish man born, and has been a mariner, and yet he writes a good hand. His name is Abraham Edwardes. If you remember, I moved you on Sunday last that he might be removed to Bedlem, for the keeper told me he doth break such irons that are laid upon him, and boards in his chamber, as is incredible, and they are driven to watch him. I have caused him to be kept close prisoner, and to be well looked unto, lest he should destroy himself.—Belsyse, 3 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (80. 10.) | |
| Sir John Wogan to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 3. | From Munster, Dublin, and other parts of Ireland, comes many soldiers to Milford and other parts of this County of Pembroke, who are sufficient and very serviceable men. Which in my simple opinion is an abuse unto her Majesty and hurtful to this realm. If the Council think fit, the owners and masters of every barque might be bound in bond not to carry any such from Ireland. The second of this June, I spoke with one Thomas Butler who went into Ireland voluntary and now returned. He saith that some of the conductors abuseth themselves and the soldiers also; that they discharge such of the soldiers as shall please them, and changeth their arms, giving new for old. But I know not whether there may be any credit given to his speech or not.—Bulston, the 3rd of June, 1600. |
| Signed. 1 p. (180. 104.) | |
| Henry Leigh to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 5. | Necessity having obliged me to intreat your favour for allowance of my charges here, I do understand by my keeper that you have set down but 10s. a week, which (with your pardon) hath been mistaken in hasty writing a single x, which I most humbly beseech you to reform. The common ordinary is 12d. a meal. I have one of the best chambers in the house, and have been very well used in all things, otherwise I could not have kept health till now. Therefore let me be beholding for my keeper's discharge. I have addressed my daughter to her Majesty with a petition, the good success whereof I commend to your favour.—This 5 of June, 1600. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“From the Gatehouse.” Seal. ¾ p. (180. 105.) | |
| Sir John Tracy to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 6. | James Dankes, calling himself your groom, hath confessed to stealing a horse out of your stable at Theobalds. The man has been committed to Gloucester gaol; the horse shall be carefully looked after until your pleasure be known.—Toddington, 6 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. Remains of seal. ¾ p. (180. 106.) | |
| Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 7. | Hereinclosed I have sent you a petition from the officer of my tenements upon Tower Wharf, complaining of a wrong, now since my coming to the Court, offered me by the Lieutenant of the Tower, belonging to the office of the Armoury, never before offered to me, or to my predecessors; yet may be he is set on by the gentleman porter, who has before wronged me on the Tower Hill, the place viewed and judged by my Lord Chief Justice. I beseech you defend me and the office from wrong so long continued, and for this I hope I shall need no other means than yours. My desire is to have the keys of that East gate returned to the man he took them from.—From the Tylde Yarde, Saturday. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“7 June, 1600, Sir Ha. Lea.” 1 p. (80. 12.) | |
| Dr. Gabriell Goodman to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 7. | Robert Lloid, formerly Cecil's servant, was dismissed on information given by Goodman, he being a common enemy of his country, and a malicious persecutor of Goodman's nearest kinsman. Lloid has now got some booty by sinister practices, and notwithstanding the censure passed against him in the Star Chamber, which was the loss of his ears and a fine, which he is now able to pay if called on, having escaped the corporal punishment, he endeavours to hinder John Theloall, Goodman's kinsman, the bearer's brother, from the benefit of the proclamation for settling defective purchases. Prays Cecil's furtherance to Theloall, as one of Cecil's last favours to him in his old age.—Westminster College, 7 June, 1600. |
| Signed. Endorsed :—“D. of Westminster.” 1 p. (80. 13.) | |
| Nicholas Noncher. | |
| 1600, June 7. | Examination of Nicholas Noncher, alias Noncaro, French merchant dwelling at St. Lucas in Spain, before Mr. Dr. Cesar. |
| Examinate came from Spain on March 16, with “sheres wyne” belonging to himself, for his own profit. Nicholas Buggins recommended examinate in his letter from St. Lucar of February 4, because the latter had suffered seven months' imprisonment for the former at St. Lucar, to save his life and goods. As to cargoes sent to England by Buggins. The letter of Thomas James, dated St. Lucar, Feb. 18, subscribed Thomas Ecleshall, which name he uses in other letters, concerns the above cargoes : states that Francis Cardell, son of Mr. Cardell of King St., Westminster, is now abiding with the Duke of Medina and desires to hear from his friends; that the son of Mark James, of Portsmouth, dwells with the said Thomas, whom he got delivered out of prison; and that he means to range abroad with the galleys of Cicily this summer before old age catch him. Examinate has dwelt in St. Lucar eight years, married to a Flemish woman. He brought no other letters than those declared, has no other business but for trade, and having sold his wines, means to depart. There came with him two Englishmen that were prisoners in Spain, who broke prison and came to his house in St. Lucar, whom he hid and brought with him. Knows them only as Roger and Richard.—7 June, 1600. | |
| Signed by Niculas Noncharo and Julius.Cæsar. 4 pp. (80. 14.) | |
| Sir Richard Lee's Mission. | |
| 1600, June 7. | Draft of letter from the Queen. |
| Endorsed :—“7 Junii, 1600. Minute to Duke Charles of Sweden. By Sr Rich. Lee.” | |
| Latin. Undated. 2 pp. (80. 16.) | |
| Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 7. | Forbears from coming to Court this afternoon, on account of illness. To-morrow morning, if able, will not fail to give his attendance. Asks for some light what judgment is made of “our Thursday's service,” for, but by Cecil, he desires not to have so much as a glimmering.—7 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lo. Keeper.” ½ p. (80. 17.) | |
| Sir Robert Cecil to Dr. Cæsar and Roger Wilbraham. | |
| 1600, June 9. | Gregory Champanti, son of an Italian, was found at her Majesty's mercy for a lease of certain houses he held in London, it being supposed that his father was not a denizen when he purchased the lease : and he was relieved by a new grant, with intentment that he should reassure his undertenants such estate as they had in their houses, they “fining” reasonably towards his costs. But one of them, Conradus, a scrivener, insists upon his original bond, and Champanti is without remedy at common law against such bonds. Cecil thinks it very convenient that by such course of equity as the Court may afford, Champanti should be relieved of the dangers of the bonds, and the undertenants ordered to compound.—Greenwich, 9 June, 1600. |
| Contemporary copy. Endorsed :—“Concerning the difference between Cyampanty and Hare.” 1 p. (79. 35.) | |
| Elizabeth, Dowager Lady Russell, to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1600, c. June 9.] | I pray let me have your holy hand, your letter I mean, to the Fine Office for the most favour that possibly may be shown both for value and time of payment, in that it is but for the settling of a jointure, and no purchase to the loss of her Majesty. I hope in equity the poor widow that has never a penny in her purse shall find the best favour. I mean, God billing, on the 9th of June, being Monday next, to fetch home my bride. (fn. 1) I entreat none but such as be of the bride's and bridegroom's blood and alliance 'to supper that night. The Earl of Worcester with his Countess, the Earl of Cumberland with his Lady, the Lady of Warwick, the Earl of Bedford with his Lady will sup here. If it please you to do the like, and as my husband to command as the master of my house for that supper, and to bring my Lord Thomas and my Lord Cobham with you, being of our blood, and your servants [and] my Lord Thomas's men and my Lord Cobham's to be commanded to wait and bring up meat that supper, I will trouble you no longer than for a supper time that night till the same day sevennight, being the 16th of June, which, God willing, shall be the marriage day. If the poor widow can provide meat for a widow's marriage dinner, no feast comparable to the Earl of Shrewsbury's, or fit for a Prince, for then I would look that they should be beholding to me to be bidden; but now they shall take pains which come, and deserve my thanks. For 6 mess[es] of meat for the bride's table, and one in my withdrawing chamber for Mr. Secretary and myself, is all my proportion for that day's dinner. I and my Lord Barkley's wife, with other knights' ladies and gentlewomen, accompanied with the Earl of Cumberland, Sir Henry Lee, Sir Anthony Cope, and others, do mean to go on Monday morning to fetch away my virgins. You thought that I should never have bidden you to my marriage. But now you see it pleases God otherwise. Where I pray you dispose yourself to be very merry and to command as master of the house. For your welcome shall be in the superlative degree. “Your most loving Aunt.” |
| Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“Lady Russell.” 1 p. (186. 134.) | |
| T., Lord Buckhurst to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 10. | Your sudden advertisement of your coming being but now delivered, does not give time to appoint this day, other matters being also appointed which must be disappointed. But if you like to-morrow in the afternoon at 2 or 3, inasmuch as the lodging I now am in is so little and inconvenient, I will come to your Savoy. In the meanwhile I will give warning to the purveyors for victual, the merchants for apparel, Mr. Treasurer's servants of Ireland, and Mr. Skinner : and you will bring Mr. Mainard and Mr. Wade. Mr. Meredith is gone with your consent and mine, and in his place, if we shall need the help of any auditor, I have appointed Mr. Hutton, who is a very sufficient man.—10 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Treasurer.” ½ p. (80. 18.) | |
| J. Pyline. | |
| 1600, June 10. | “Coming from Venice I met with Mr. Robert Parry travelling towards Florence, very weak, and with him Mr. Lloyd, and on April 29 Mr. Parry died. Mr. Lloyd went towards Rome after the death of Mr. Robert Parry. Owen Wine has taken his oath and the sacrament on the third Sunday in Lent, and is at this instant at Lisburne in the realm of Spain, with Father Parsons, staying for John Midlton to come thither, that they both might come for England. J. Pyline. |
| “This note I received of James Piline the 4 of June at Rye. Hugh Feryman.”—Undated. | |
| Endorsed :—“Pylin's note for Mr. Secretary, received Monday, 10 (sic) June, 1600.” 1 p. (80. 19.) | |
| Iva Zamoiski, Chancellor of Poland, to Queen Elizabeth. | |
| 1600, June 10/20. | Requesting that Sigismund of Transylvania may be allowed to take refuge in England, and accrediting Dr. Bruce to the Queen.—Datum Zamoscii xx mensis Junii Anno Domini MDC. |
| Latin. Signed. Endorsed :—“Received by Dr. Bruse the 20 August.” Seal. 1½ pp. (180. 118.) | |
| The Same to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 10/20. | Asking Cecil's support to the request made to the Queen on behalf of Sigismund. Dr. Bruce has been sent to England to receive her Majesty's answer.—Datum Zamoscii die xx Junii anno domini MDC. |
| Latin. Signed. Seal. ½ p. (180. 119.) | |
| John Waring to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 10. | The Queen granted to the Dutch Congregation at London, and the Magistrates at Amsterdam, her letters in behalf of the nine Dutchmen long since taken captives by the Barbarians, who became slaves to Mully Harnett, King of Barbary. The Magistrates sent the letter they received hither by the hands of a Portingall, resident in Amsterdam, who sent it to Marchena, a Spaniard, to be delivered to the King : who would not effect the contents. But on his (the writer's) importuning the King, he presently released the captives, and delivered them to him to be sent to the Queen in the Eagle of London. They are departed from hence to embark. As the King purposes to send an Embassy to the Queen, namely his secretary, Sidy Abdala Wahett Anone, and one Allhage Messa, with another of that name, with their interpreters, it is thought meet that the released captives should accompany the Moors, to acknowledge the Queen's great bounty. There now remain no more captives of that nation, but only one of Flushing, in whose behalf he formerly wrote to Sir Robert Sidney and the Magistrates there, to be petitioners to the Queen for her letters. He has often solicited that captive's liberty, and is answered that if it please the Queen to write for him or a hundred more, they shall be sent to her. The King holds one Christian in better estimation than a hundred of his own nation. Thanks Cecil for procuring for him the Queen's letters to certain merchants of London, and to the King. He has not yet presented the latter, as the King is abroad in the fields with his tents. Renews his thanks to Cecil for all his favours, and offers services.—Morocus, 10 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. 1½ p. (251. 5.) | |
| Sir Gelly Meyricke to the Earl of Southampton. | |
| 1600, June 11. | I cannot set down directly the particulars of the proceeding against my Lord. There was present Sir Charles Davers, who, I doubt not, has particularly advertised your Lordship : but as near as I can, I will acquaint you with what I have had from them who were present. My Lord was charged by the Serjeant, the Attorney, the Solicitor and Mr. Bacon, who was very idle, and I hope will have the reward of that humour in the end. They did insist to prove my Lord's contempts in five points. The first was the making of your Lordship General of the Horse, being clouded with her Majesty's displeasure. It was bitterly urged by the Attorney and very worthily answered by my Lord. The next was the making of knights. His Lordship did answer that very nobly. The next was the “Monser” [Munster] journey, many invectives urged by the Attorney, with letters showed from Ormond, Bowcher and Warren Seintlyger. My Lord in the satisfying of that answered, God knew the truth of things, and has rewarded two of them for their perfidiousness. Then his Lordship was interrupted, and wished to continue as he had begun, which was to submit to her Majesty's gracious favour. In the end the Lords did deliver their opinions, and in that council did sentence that my Lord should forbear the execution of his Councillor's place, and the Marshal place and the Master of the Ordnance place, until it were her Majesty's further pleasure to restore him. The other three points his Lordship was charged with was the making of knights, the speaking with Tyròn, and his coming home without licence. To all my Lord spake with a reference to his ends. The Lords and the rest freed his Lordship from any disloyalty. All delivered their opinions touching the sequestration of the offices, saving my Lord of Worcester. My Lord of Cumberland dealt very nobly. The rest all had one counsel which was fitting to clear the Queen's honour, which, God be thanked, I hear she is well satisfied, and yet a part is to-morrow to be handled in the Star Chamber, and a Sunday liberty. Then will we all thank God.—11 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (80. 20.) | |
| Lord Grey to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1600,] June 11/21. | Though I am not ignorant that there are here better able to advertise you, yet must I cast in my mite. The 7 day of your June, his Excellency took ship at Delphs Haven and the 9 arrived at Arma, where his whole army from their several rendezvous overtook him by the 10th at night. That tide he hoped to have set sail for Ostend, but by contrary and too much wind he has been stayed and forced to counsel anew. This day it is resolved, without expectation of a wind for a speedy passage by sea, presently to weigh anchor and land his army at the Phillippines, a little sconce in Flanders almost over against the Ramikins : and then through the main country of Flanders by the walls of Briges to meet his shipping, munition and baggage at Ostend : and thence (as is most likely) to Dunkirk. Our fleet is almost a thousand sail : our army will be near 12,000 foot and 1,800 horse : all brave and well trained soldiers :38 pieces of artillery :30 for battery and 8 for the field. Besides the Counts which have charge in the army, there are two Princes voluntaries of Germany, the one brother unto the Duke of Hoist, the other to the Duke of Anhalt : and Monsieur Chatillon : Barnavill, with other of the best esteemed estates, do accompany His Excellency. With such importunity, care and cost hath this journey been plotted and continued by the States as clearly shows what annoy they receive by those ports of Flanders, and how dear their reduction will be esteemed. The enemy full of distress, of mutinies, of misery : our progress likely to be very great. To conclude, such is the preparation, such the nature of the service (being not only to besiege but to carry an army in despite of the enemy through the heart of his country), such the favour and care of the States and his Excellency to yield me all satisfaction, as I protest never did I with equal content enter any action, nor could I, since my Lord of Leicester's being here, have apprehended the like opportunity. So was I hasted in my last as I could not read it over, in this, as I doubt you cannot, but I rather desire to expose mine own imperfections than to omit any mean to do you service.—From before the Rammikins, 21 June, sti. nuo. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Gray, 1600.” 2 pp. (80. 46.) | |
| Henry, Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 12. | Because the searcher of Gravesend can stay no longer, so that he must be delivered of this Scottishman, I thought good to have him sent down unto you by him, that such further order you might take with him as you shall see cause, but you shall find him, as I suppose, but a messenger, and ignorant of that which he carried. The letter he confesses was brought him by Hudson ['s] man when he was ready to go aboard of the ship. I have not troubled you much this year with any extraordinary charge out of the Queen's purse. I pray you let me entreat somewhat of you for the searcher, who is honest and careful in his office.—Blackfriars, 12 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. ½ p. (80. 22.) | |
| James Gerald to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 12. | As to the discharge of his debts. He received by Mr. Lieutenant that Cecil's pleasure was some sum should be set down in the Lieutenant's bill of quarterly demands, “wherein without the acquainting of her Highness, the rest of the Lords with you might pass it, the sum amounting to 200 and odd pounds, growing by those necessary occasions, as in your discretions will not be thought idle.” Prays that the body of this total may not be dismembered, but that this present quarter it may enjoy its full weight.—The Tower, 12 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Fytzgerald, prisoner in the Tower.” 1 p. (80. 23.) | |
| Anthony Sherley to his father, Sir Thomas Sherley. | |
| 1600, June, 12. | My unhappiness causeth me rather to write for the disculping of myself of my fault to you than to tell of the strange and divers fortunes which I have passed since fortune drove me from you. Receive discourse of this gentleman my friend who is a true witness of my whole pilgrimage, to whom I have committed the laying before you of this my humble suit for your forgiveness.—Archangel, this 12 of June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—1600. Seal. 2¼ pp. (180. 108.) | |
| Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1600,] June 13. | I have stayed here the longer in hope to have taken my leave of you. I would have remembered you of my unfortunate cousin Lee, whose case grows worse and worse : his poor estate you know how and by whom it grows. I should further have moved you in behalf of my brother Richard Lee, at whose going I yielded to him an office I have in North Wales, which is the Constableship of the Castle of Harlowe; the fee is 50l. by the year, and that all the commodity. He entreated me to inform you thus much, and beseech your furtherance therein for the procuring of it in his name. There is a younger man joined with me, but now all yielded to him. Her Majesty threatens a progress and her coming to my houses, of which I would be most proud, as oft beforetime, if my fortune answered my desire, or part of her Highness' many promises performed, my estate without my undoing cannot bear it, my continuance in her Court has been long, my charge great, my land sold and debts not small : how this will agree with the entertaining of such a Prince your wisdom can best judge, and I beseech you consider of. With all these troubles, I must remember you of the wrongs I receive at the Tower, as Mr. Alliesander will inform you, the custody of that gate, ever at the appointment of him that held my office, and this grows, by some informer, after 50 years' possessions.—13 June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir Henry Lea, 1600.” 1 p. (80. 24.) | |
| Ri. Spencer to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 13. | Expresses his thanks to Cecil for his having yesterday given unto the world his good opinion of him, in countenancing his poor credit with his favourable speeches. For the better satisfaction' of his doubtful mind, he prays Cecil to give him some taste of the occasions which moved Cecil to signify to him that he was, named to be an actor or instrument in this notorious conspiracy plotted against Mr. Fowler. Although he knows there is no better bulwark against slander than an honest conscience, yet he is not ignorant that his being sent for by a pursuivant gave occasion of much speech, not only in the country where he dwells, but amongst his best friends. Desires to know how so bitter a smoke should arise without a fire, or at least without any flame perceived. He has ever since rather chosen to suffer this great discontentment of mind than to deal in any sort in the matter, before he had received a final end by trial before “your Honours.” Now that the offendors are censured, and the party chiefly touched by order of law cleared, he craves this favour, the rather for that it is generally reported his name was not mentioned in the first devised letter.—13 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. 1½ pp. (80. 25.) | |
| Parish of St. Martin's in the Fields. | |
| 1600, June 13. | He. Bowes, Wllm. Lane, W. Cooke, Francis Berti, Chr. Wardoure, Arn. Oldisworth, and Willm. Spicer to Sir Robert Cecil. |
| They and others of the Parish of St. Martin's in the Fields desire to entertain at their own charges a sufficient preacher as a lecturer only, and endeavoured to have the consent of their vicar, Mr. Knight, Cecil's chaplain, whose bodily infirmity grows upon him. Knight opposes the appointment, thinking it would prejudice him, which they disclaim. They pray Cecil to refer the matter to the decision of Mr. Doctor Webster, their Archdeacon, Mr. Walter Cope and Mr. Bellott.—13 June, 1600. | |
| Signed as above. Endorsed :—“The chief parishioners of St. Martin's in the Fields.” 1 p. (80. 26.) | |
| Sir Edward Denny to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 13. | Her Majesty has granted a commission to Cecil and others to confirm the titles of those who by inheritance are possessed, and yet some title for her Majesty may remain. He has some things that by curiosity may be questioned, others that right and conscience well may warrant, but (by) extremity of law may be doubted. All he seeks to confirm stands no otherwise than as Mr. Attorney, he hopes, will certify to Cecil. Prays therefore that he may be considered in his rates.—13 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. 1 p. (80. 27.) | |
| Sir H. Davers to the Earl of Southampton. | |
| [1600,] June 14. | I have imparted to my Lord Deputy your desire, which he seems most desirous to satisfy, as you shall find more at large by his own letters, so that thereof I need write no farther. I have sent you hereinclosed all such letters as here I find for you, with a particular English relation of their good fortune in the Low Countries, to increase our misfortunes here, that can never have the like occasion, but buried in obscurity die like dogs. The news that I know will best please you is the liberty of my Lord of Essex, yet at Walsingham House, and preparing to lie at Grafton, rather advised than commanded to retain few followers, and to let little company come unto him. My Lord hath not yet received the packet that brings the resolution concerning yourself, yet particular letters show that the 2,000 foot and 200 horse are granted. The famous Earls of Rutland and Northumberland, moved with the Low Country honour, are embarked thither, where the report goes my Lord Gray received a hurt in the face, and had lost his life if Sir Robert Drewrye had not rescued him. Honest Meg mourns, and Colonel Percye only knows the cause. My Lord will be within two days at the Navan, and Sir Oliver Lambert goes out of Leace into the county of Washfourd with those forces. I beseech you to recommend my service to my Lady of Delvin, referring the answer of her letter to the return of Mr. Fitsgarrett. Your horses are arrived.—14 June. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“1600, Ch. Daver.” 1 p. (80. 28.) | |
| Thomas, Lord Scrope to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 13. | I am glad to satisfy your request to make your servant and my kinsman, Mr. Thomas Metcalfe, my deputy steward of Richmondshire. I would desire you to advertise Sir William Bowes, whom I have hitherto employed as my deputy, that I have preferred your servant to the office out of reverence to you, by your request, without imputation of blame to Sir William, although I must confess that a man of inferior condition and lesser employments than Sir William might perhaps be better for this place.—June 13, 1600. |
| Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (180. 110.) | |
| The Court of Star Chamber. | |
| [1600, June 14.] | The Lord Keeper, as is usual, began to enter into exhortation to the judges and justices of peace tending to persuade them to the better performance of their duties, the judges in their circuits and the justices of peace in their places. |
| And first to the judges. That her Majesty was informed that many justices of peace were made who only came to the assizes to maintain and bear out causes, and did nothing all the year before nor after, and that he did see the book of justices of peace full, and every man must be of the quorum and so seek preesse but not prodesse. And therefore exhorted the judges to look into it, and that they knew what course he held in putting in of justices of peace, and that they áhould observe who did deserve well, that they might have countenance and reputation, and the others receive their deserts : and themselves were to give example and to inform rightly, and if fault were in that behalf it should lie upon them, and not upon himself, with divers other points to them. | |
| To the justices of peace : that they should repair into their countries and keep hospitality, showing that he was commanded there to publish that her Majesty did take as a great contempt to her, and at the heart, that many justices of peace have betaken themselves to cities and boroughs, and left their houses, where many of their ancestors did live worshipfully and keep hospitality, contrary to her Majesty's commandment delivered in that place many times, wherein these did not show themselves worthy of their places, but are worthy to be accounted burgomasters, and as base persons, and therefore wished the judges to observe such, that her Majesty's counsel at law might inform against them as for a contempt. | |
| He exhorted the laws against maintenance, against excess of apparel, against stirrers of suits and quarrels, whom he accounted common baraters, and to see the law for abstinence to be put in execution, and insisted much upon every of them in particular. And especially, that the justices of peace should look to the prices of corn and other things, remembering how upon a sudden corn was risen to a great price, which was not otherwise than by reason of some hoarders up of corn, and upon no necessity; and therefore, that the justices of peace should see reasonable prices put of that and other things, and to search out engrossers and hoarders up of corn and to punish them, &c. : shewing great riot in drinking and matches to drink by the dozens, by the ell, and by the yard, by bushels, &c. And herein he showed that he could not omit to remember that which had formerly been given in charge against libellers who by tongue and pen did not spare to censure states, &c. And such of late had slandered her Majesty's officers by libels, yea, the Lord Treasurer himself, for giving licences to transport corn, where he did nothing but by certificate of justices of peace of the countries to admit some transportation of corn, or else the husbandmen could not live : nay, those libellers taxed some for licences for transportation of leathers, which never was done. He said there were a company that lived in London, gentlemen, nay, they were not gentlemen, men of living, they had no living, but they went brave, and lived some by the sword, some by their wits (as they said) : those were discoursers of states and princes, and such were they that were movers of sedition, which before the statute of E. 3 was treason, and little other yet : and in other countries were strangled or lost their lives otherwise, and were not worthy to live; and inveighed against those much. And then said that their malice of late did more appear. And prayed their Lordships to give him leave to digress, and then began to this effect. To reclaim and reduce the torn realm of Ireland, her Majesty sent forth an army out of this realm the last year, the like whereof never went out of this realm : and to lead this army she made choice of a person such as none the like of him for that purpose was to be found in her kingdom, and extolled his virtues and his worthiness greatly. This army was furnished with all things, so as nothing was wanting. The directions to this person were set down by counsel, and according to his own projects for the proceedings to the recovery of this country. The Earl of Essex (he shewed he meant). But her Majesty, finding the directions contemned and neglected, restrained him of his liberty. These gallants libelled against these proceedings. Whereupon it was thought good narratively to declare and show some errors and contempts in Michaelmas term last, which was meant and done accordingly; but what followed? New libels were thrown forth, of strange proceedings, a nobleman committed and no cause, and condemned and not heard; and there inveighed against those libellers sharply. And then shewed that her Majesty, understanding hereof, notwithstanding ran a mild and sweet course of mercy and clemency, &c. The former was but narrative. Afterwards her Majesty resolved a course of justice, that the Earl should have been brought to this place where his particular offences should have been objected, and he answered. The day and counsel were appointed, and the Earl was warned. But he, finding the weight of his offences, submitted himself, and did write to her Majesty humbly and wisely, praying that that bitter cup of justice might pass from him. Her Majesty herewith on the sudden was contented to stay, and entered into further consideration; she was moved to mercy, the God moved her, and turned the edge of the sword of justice. And then her Majesty appoints a private hearing, appointed not only the Lords of her Majesty's Council, but also selected divers of her ancient noblemen and barons and divers judges, and so compounded a council before whom he should be particularly charged, to the purpose mercy might be shewed. Warning was given to the Earl on Saturday, and the sitting was on Thursday. In this council none had any overruling nor negative voice. Thither the Earl was brought. Her Majesty's counsel at law charged him, not generally but particularly. The Earl hears it, and stands not upon innocency (other than for any evil affection), but submits himself humbly, wisely and dutifully. As the matters were delivered learnedly and gravely by her Majesty's counsel at law, so every point being charged, every point was proved; no matter of action was charged that was not by the Earl confessed. He pleads not innocency, but shows the errors that misled him. He justifies himself in nothing but that he did it with no evil affected heart, saying that the tears of his heart had quenched all the pride of his thoughts, and excusing himself of disloyalty which was not laid to his charge. And what was the judgment? Not as this court do use to judge, but applying only to her Majesty's mercy. Then the Lord Keeper touched withall that his Lordship's carriage was so humble and submissive to her Majesty, that it it was a great satisfaction to them all. And shewed that he had digressed which the libellers did bring him unto, and with a sharp invective exhortary to see them punished, he concluded. | |
| Undated. Endorsed :—“L. Keeper in the Star Chamber, 14 June, 1600.” 5½ pp. (80. 29–31.) | |
| Examination of Thomas Thursby, 14 June, 1600. | |
| 1600, June 14. | He confesses himself to be a Catholic, and that he has dwelt at Cotting, in Yorks, and says he is driven to fly out of his country to avoid persecution, because they take stricter courses in the North country at this time than has been heretofore accustomed. He has been but three days in this town. He will not answer whether he has been beyond the seas, and will not confess to being a priest, neither will he greatly deny it. |
| Signed by W. Waad and John Browne. 1 p. (80. 32.) | |
| Liveries. | |
| 1600, June 14. | Docquet of liveries passed in Trinity Term, 42 Eliz. |
| Delivered in, 14 June, 42 Eliz. [1600]. | |
| 1 sheet. (204. 113.) | |
| Sir John Popham to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1600, June 15. | This gentleman, Mr. Hayes, has a project to acquaint Cecil with : which, if it might be effected, may fall out to be a service of moment in the defending of the Pale, and in severing the forces of the rebellious people, so as the one may not easily give aid to the other.—Serjeant's Inn, 15 June, 1600. |
| Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Chief Justice.” 1 p. (80. 33.) | |