Cecil Papers: July 1601, 16-31 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1906.

'Cecil Papers: July 1601, 16-31', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601, (London, 1906) pp. 287-313. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol11/pp287-313 [accessed 26 April 2024]

July 1601, 16–31



	John Salesburye to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 16.	Prostrates his distressed estate before Cecil, being moved thereto by the very shame of his unadvised error. The love he bare to his dead Lord, bound by the many favours he did him, he confesses was such as made him resolve and willing to undergo with him and for him all fortunes : but his fortunes being fallen, he himself is free, and not so malicious as not to acknowledge in thankfulness the good he received from those who undeservedly freed him from the danger his Lord had drawn him into. He prays that by Cecil's means he may be measured with the rest of his consorts, and partake now with them the mercy of her Majesty.—From my comfortless prison, the Martialsaye, 16 July 1601.
1601, July 16.	Holograph. 1 p. (86. 162.)
	Sir John Dowdall to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 16.	Understands by the Lord Treasurer that it is thought strange that such a remain as 1,550l. and odd should grow due to him. It cannot be said that any of his companies, either in field or forts, have perished for want of victuals, apparel, or surgery, howsoever he has been answered. Prays that some man of skill may view his accounts. His losses in victuals and transportations amount to 500l., and he has spent 300l. in following this suit. By this and casual losses in the wars he is impoverished. Prays for payment of the remain, or he will accept a fee farm of 100 marks by the year in Ireland in recompense thereof and of his 40 years' service.—16 July 1601.
1601, July 16.	Signed. 1 p. (86. 163.)
	Captain John Ridgewaye to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 16.	Colonel Cecil hath this last night safely landed the 1,000 men in this town and is himself in health. I would have sent you the distresses of this town and the hopes of the enemy, but that he hath prevented me. I have delivered your letter unto Sir Francis Vere, whom I find most respectful and full of love to your Honour. Although he have not already given me a company, he doth assure me I shall be preferred with the first occasion. Of his own motion he hath thought it fit I should presently send my lieutenant into England to raise 200 voluntaries if he can, for which he hath directed order to Mr. Charon to deliver 100l. Myself shall receive here 50l. more. He shall not be bound precisely to any number of men, or to any day, but as many as he can raise, so many I shall receive pay for and present command, so they be not above 200. Wherefore, I beseech your Honour that this bearer, my lieutenant, might have your furtherance herein.—From Ostend, this 16th of July 1601.
1601, July 16.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (182. 105.)
	Captain J. Holcroft to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 16.	I have received your Honour's letters by Captain Cecil, whereby your Honour doth recompense my mean services far beyond their merit. I beseech you to continue me in your favour to make me worthy of your good opinion.—Thursday, the 16th of July 1601, Sti. ant.
1601, July 16.	Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (182. 106.)
	Ed. Cecyll to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, c. July 16].	I landed my 1,000 men the Wednesday at night, or at least the greatest part; and besides, I brought over some 50 voluntaries. We landed all well, but some two or three soldiers that were drowned, and myself was put to swimming. For the hope we have to keep the town is that we have so many works that are half a mile out of the town, which as my little time would give me leave, I learned was to get the “possestions” of such places as were too much advantageous to the enemy. Sir Fra. Vere and his brother hath taken exceeding pains, and especially that night which we landed, fearing the enemy would have gained them at their hands, being not so perfect as they are now this morning, wherein we mean now to dwell in. He had that day his quartermaster slain, many of his captains hurt, as also the lieutenant to Sir Horatio Vere, who is hurt in the foot. We account ourselves some 5,000 strong in the town. For the enemy's strength on the East side, it is not fully known, and there cannot a prisoner be got by no means. But at the West side he is known but weak, where Count Frederick commands. The town is also much battered, the enemy having 60 cannons.
	I must crave pardon for my advertisements if they prove somewhat uncertain. For my duty is the cause that makes them so “extemparye,” my time being so short. But I hope I shall have no need to excuse my diligence, for I have been as careful as it were for my life, remembering what you said that you were careful that your name might not be taxed with negligence, especially in her Majesty's service, wherein I have no ambition but to die in for her sake, following as well my name in loyalty as in name, which next I desire to deserve towards you; to which end I mean to follow this profession so long it will please you to favour his mind who has rather hope of honour than riches. For the times are so fitted.
	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“Captain Cecil from Ostend.” 2 pp. (82. 107.)
	[Printed. Dalton's Life and Times of Sir Edward Cecil, Viscount Wimbledon, Vol. I., p. 74.]
	Sir Thomas Gerrard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 17.	With an enclosure from Captain Salsbury.—17 July, 1601.
1601, July 17.	Holograph, ½ page. (87. 1.)
	Aurelianus Townsend to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 17/27.	I can never express my gratitude for your favours. I wrote to you as soon as I could, but I find that this letter which contains my excuses will reach you before that first letter which contains my fault. I would entreat you not to think that through ignorance I had mistaken the name of Bembo for that of Iseppo Donnati, but that I had carelessly made them partakers in punishment who were only partakers in crime. I knew since, that Bembo escaped and Donnati was “piccato” at San Marco, but I hope I shall not have misled you, and that you will long before this have heard the truth from other sources.
	The latest news is of the Basha of Algiers, who in returning to Turkey was betrayed to the Neapolitans by his christian wife and is now in Naples; also of the sacking of Baffa, the chief city in Cyprus, whence the Spaniards and Neapolitans took away five millions in gold. At present the King of Spain has certainly an armada of 100 ships and galleys at sea. The only people who know its purpose are the Pope, the Prince d'Aria, Governor of Naples, and the Duke of Parma. Some say the Governor of Milan, the Count Fuentes, knows also. There is a great plague at Constantinople. The last news is that I have seen the Arsenal of Venice on fire; it was lighted by an Italian on the 24th of this month, who discharged a pistol loaded with fire works into the store of sulphur. The fire was not put out until the next day and part of a galley was burnt and much mischief done. The offender is a prisoner.—Venice, 27 July 1601.
	Holograph. Italian. 1½ pp. (87. 23.)
	The Attorney General (Coke) to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601], July 17.	Although a matter of great importance, by reason of Sir Thomas Sadleir's sickness, urgeth me to go out of town for some few days, yet for that, by reason of your going to the Court, I attended not of you, as I thought to have done, this afternoon, I thought it my duty, before I went, to know what service your Honour would command me. And seeing I am none of these offenders, I humbly pray I may not be confined or restrained of liberty, and that it would please your Honour that Stoke may retain your jewel next week.—This 17 of July.
[1601], July 17.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. ½ p. (182. 107.)
	Cambridge University.
1601, July 17.	John Jegon, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, to Benjamin Pryme and others. Directing that Martin Robert Wallis, alderman of Cambridge, be summoned to appear and answer certain charges against him made by William Boyse, M.A., and Randolph Woodcocke, M.A., late Proctors of the University.
	Latin.
	Note.—“For buying of 16 barrels of butter in Stourbridge fair, a free fair for the whole kingdom. The Vice-Chancellor and Proctors took a recognizance in 40l. penalty to bring them sufficient warrant to avouch the buying thereof, which, for want of a special warrant to provide in privileged places, they prosecute the penalty of the recognisance upon the surety.” 1 p. (204. 121.)
	[Sir Robert Cecil] to Sir Robert Carey.
[1601, July 18.]	I am very glad to find by your own letter, that you are satisfied that by no default of mine your expectation was unsatisfied; for I would be sorry to be negligent in public things, or in your own particular to be careless of your desires, from whom I receive no cause but to perform the best offices I can. You shall, before this arrive, receive another letter from the Council, which I caused to be written, because I feared to be mistaken, whereof now, though there be no need, yet there can no harm ensue of it. For if you be of the mind which I am to my friends, it pleases me when I see they do respect my satisfaction. I pray you read this letter, and then set a seal upon it, some such as you use to your mistress when you fear my lady should see your own. The man is witty, but has drunk of too many waters for me to trust in, and therefore I mean to forbear any meddling with him, having never sought him, but by his own address : wherein, by his own carriage, he is foiled too much to be able to do her Majesty service. I pray you let him have this letter, for I mean to part with him upon good terms. As for your coming up, I protest I have moved it to her Majesty's misliking of me, you having a million of kin and blood here about her, who are all passionate for the desires of others that are no nearer to them than you are; to whom, I pray you, send to deal with the Queen, that I may not be thought unwilling to do for you, who shall find me ever your loving and assured friend.
	Undated. Endorsed by Cecil's Secretary, Munck :—“18 July 1601. To Sir Robert Carey from my Master.” 1 p. (87. 2.)
	The Enclosure :—
	[1601, July 18.] [Sir Robert Cecil to Pury Oglebye.]—Although my acquaintance with you was upon no other ground than your offer to hold correspondency with me, for the better enabling me to do Her Majesty service : wherein your means have wholly failed you : yet, such is my respect to gentlemen of quality, as I know you to be, that I am sorry to find your case such as stands in need of that for which I cannot plead to her Majesty, nor of myself am able to do for you. For, Sir, first, the Queen, (that has so long had experience of government, when circumstances, preceding men's offers, give rather cause to suspect than credit,) is not easily induced to reward upon promise before merit : And next, Sir, I assure you, that since the Earl of Mar's being here, who dealt with the Queen, to do the King that right, as not to countenance those subjects of his, to whom he declares publicly his offence, promising to observe precisely the same with her, her Majesty has so perfect a resolution willingly to forbear any such discontentment to the King, as she will very unwillingly hearken thereunto; which without her, for my own part, I neither dare, nor of myself am able to perform worthy the offering, or your expectation. And thus desiring you to hold me excused.
	Draft Undated.
	Endorsed by Cecil's secretary Munck : “18 July 1601. From my Master to Pury Oglebye. Sent to Sir Robert Carey to be delivered.”
	1 p. (87. 3.)
	Captain Holcroft to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 18/28.	The day of Captain Cecil's arrival here, our General took in a piece of ground on the further side of the water which runs between the town and Grotendurst, and, by doing it in fair daylight, made the enemy for shame attempt to beat him from it : but the place was so well maintained on our part, that we fortified it, and lodged in it all that night and the next day : but about evening the enemy came on with show of assaulting the place, and, being to pass over a bridge, were entertained, and somewhat hindered, by a sergeant of ours with some few musketeers. But they being at last beaten off, and not retiring into the same fort, but into another behind that (which we now hold) did, as it may well be judged, so discourage those within the place, that they began to forsake their officers and quit the place. There were in it two lieutenants with about 120 men. The lieutenants were esteemed to be both honest and valiant; and the one of them, who had the command, is, for aught we know, killed upon the place with some few gentlemen : but the other lieutenant, with most of the rest, got off. The next day, being yesterday, we sallied about three of the clock in the afternoon with three hundred English and as many Dutch, and beat the enemy quite out of a trench which he had cast up between the sand-hills and the river aforesaid. They were led by Captain Morgan and Captain Woodhouse, who are both hurt, but Captain Woodhouse is in most danger. We have not lost many by the sally, but by a mischance, or, as it is suspected, treason, two ton of powder was blown up which killed not above two but burnt forty very much. Those that sallied say they killed many of the enemy, and now I hear the enemy hath sent a drum, but this gentleman's haste will not suffer me to know his errand, the rather because I am this day commanded by our General to be in the next work to that which the enemy hath taken from us, from whence I humbly recommend my service to your Honour.—The 28th of July 1601, sti. novo.
1601, July 18/28.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“From Ostend : by Lieutenant Butler.” Seal. 1 p. (182. 120.)
	Henry, Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 19.	Having heretofore moved you on behalf of this bearer, my servant Robert Heath, that you would make him your deputy for the keeping of the Queen's courts under you at Barking, you wished he should repair to you when the same were come to your hands. I understand Mr. Powle is now dead, by means whereof that stewardship is fallen unto you.—Blackfriars, 19 July 1601.
1601, July 19.	Holograph. ½ p. (87. 4.)
	Robert Bertie, Lord Willoughby to the Queen.
1601, July 19/29.	Si les bons sujets sont tenus de droit divin et humain de prier Dieu pour leurs souverains, étant né un des plus humbles de votre Majesté, je le dois dautant plus qu'elle me fait la grâce de m'honorer de l'effet de sa bonté, auparavant que de m'en étre rendu digne en façeon quelconque. Mais, Madame, puisque les dons si rares, qu'a élargis le ciel à votre Majesté sont tenus si excellents, entre un si grand nombre d'étrangers, que vous avez favourisés : je supplie très humblement votre Majesté d'avoir pitié de moi au misérable état ou je suis delaissé, alors que j'en avais plus de besoin de celui, qui lui avait voué tant de services : sous lequel j'espérais me guider pour cette même fin : et qui sous le bon plaisir d'icelle désirait me continuer quelque temps aux pays étranges, pour m'en rendre plus digne : dont j'ose encores supplier en toute humilité votre Majesté qui aura pour agréable (s'il lui plait) que je me jette à ses pieds, comme à la plus sur franchise du monde, et de recevoir en foi et hommage les prières que je fais à Dieu pour sa prosperité, jusques à ce que j'ai merité l'honneur d'étre, &c.—Orleans, 29 Juillet 1601.
1601, July 19/29.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Willughby.” 1 p. (87. 30.)
	The Same to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 19/29.	Je vous supplie très humblement de juger à l'intérieur du service que vous avait voué feu mon père, n'ayant pas eu le moyen pour son indisposition de le vous montrer par effet. Il m'a done laissé engagé à vous et à tout votre maison des faveurs que nous en avons reçeus, et qui pis est (insolvable que je suis) si ce n'est que vous montriez ici votre patience, comme ceux qui font cultiver leurs vergers, et arroser leurs jardins avec toute la diligence requise, pour en tirer quelque plaisir, vous me donniez quelque terme pendant lequel j'aie part aux grâces dont vous assistez ceux qui sont en misérable état que je suis. Je commencerai sous cette espérance à vous supplier très humblement de supplier la Reine de me donner encores quelque temps pour me mieux façeonner et instruire aux pays étranges, pour le service de sa Majesté : ce qui m'obligerai après tant d'autres bienfaits de prier Dieu pour l'accroissement de votre grandeur.—Orleans, 29 Juillet 1601.
1601, July 19/29.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“29 July 1601, new style, with a letter to the Queen.” 1 p. (87. 34.)
	Captain John Ridgeway to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 19.	Though your Honour shall receive many letters with most judicial intelligence by this bearer, yet in duty I am pressed to write by every convenient.
	First, for this town, I know not any one house free from the shot of the cannon, upon which they have spent, by true account, almost 15,000 cannon shot and the town scant 7,000 in exchange. Here is already not any victual nor drink to be had for money, nor any great store of water, and most of that ill. We did sally yesterday, beat the enemy out of his trenches and took a prisoner who delivered this enclosed particular. We have many officers and gentlemen slain and hurt and almost 400 private soldiers slain since my coming. Captain Ogle hath lost one of his eyes with a small shot. Sir Francis Vere principally expecteth 12 cannons, with their provisions, from his Excellency, and hopeth her Majesty will furnish him with men, according to his desire, out of England, and then he doubteth not but to make the Archduke weary of his lodging in Aberto Sconce where he now liveth. The 3,000 Italians, which the enemy have long expected, are this night come into their leaguer. I hope your Honour will further my lieutenant in what shall be fit. Captain Cecil is this last night gone towards Bergk, but he mindeth speedily to return, for he hath left all his things with me. Thus with my duty, being instantly to attend the General, I take my leave.—From Ostend, this 19th July 1601.
	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (182. 108.)
	Siege of Ostend.
1601, July 19/29.	Plan of Ostend and neighbourhood during the siege, with descriptive notes in French.—July 19/29, 1601.
1601, July 19/29.	1 sheet. (237. 45.)
	Thomas Douglas to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July 19].	I know not what moved the Duke of Lennox, our Ambassador, but this morning finding him forgain Dover left his ship and not going near the town called a small boat aboard, and contrair to his determination, went straight to Calais, whereas his first “dyet” was to go to Dieppe. He also this Saturday night while he lay at the Margate road, both himself and all the companies of the three ships, kept strong watch; and in the morning, so soon as it was day, he was gone. This to discharge my duty. I think our ship goes light to Cales in Spain.—From Dover Road, this Sunday morning.
[1601, July 19].	Holograph. Endorsed :—“20 July 1601.” ½ p. Scotch. (182. 109.)
	Henry Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 20.	The post of Antwerp is newly arrived. He assures me that the Admiral of Dunkirk is not yet returned, but comes out of Spain with the galleys. Some 11, as he heard, do come, and Espinola along with them. Jasper the post he saw, being in the Duke's train betwixt Bridges and Owdenburgh, who willed him to tell me, that he should be presently despatched. Since this post came to Calleys, he heard it there reported that the Duke had removed his ordnance, which on the west side of Ostend he had planted. If it be true, it may well be presumed he is in despair of the town. This is but bruit, and so I leave it. The Infanta is now come to lie at Nieuporte. This is most certain, the plague was not so great these 20 years as it is now in Spain. On Saturday last the Count St. Paoll took shipping at Calleys to go to Ostend, not to land, as I am informed, but only to see for his pleasure.—Blackfriars, 20 July 1601.
1601, July 20.	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 6.)
	Leonell Sharpe to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July 20.]	My public duty overswaying my private affections did move me in such error and mistaking of many, to speak my conscience in the beginning of these stirs, and to crave your farther direction. But now these troubles, through her Majesty's justice and mercy, God be thanked, are laid asleep. And therefore it may seem that what was then fit, is now needless. What I offered proceeded of a religious mind and dutiful affection to your Honour. I crave pardon of my boldness, and if it were no presumption, I would be glad to come and vow my duty to you.
[1601, July 20.]	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“July 20, 1601. Dr. Sharpe.” 1 p. (87. 7.)
	John Salssburye to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July 20.]	Prays Cecil's regard of his distressed estate. Complains that the Lord Keeper, from whom he derives his chief maintenance, by reason of some trust his deceased brother disposed to him, takes occasion upon this his restraint, to restrain him from the benefit which otherwise he is to have of the patrimony late his brother's. If he be not soon enlarged, his friends, who were to secure his Lordship for the performance of the conditions, will be discouraged and fall away. If he finds not relief by Cecil, but falls through this his last folly, he must attribute his overthrow to his hard fortune and self : and if he stands, it is Cecil's favour which supports him.
[1601, July 20.]	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“July 20, 1601.” 1 p. (87. 8.)
	[George Hastings,] Earl of Huntingdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 21.	Recommends the bearer, Mr. Wadnoll, who has spent the most part of his time in following the wars, for employment.—Chelsey, 21 July 1601.
1601, July 21.	Signed. ½ p. (87. 5.)
	Richard Bavane, Mayor, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 21.	With a letter from one Stafford, which he thinks concerns her Majesty's affairs.—Chester, 21 July 1601.
1601, July 21.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mayor of Chester.” ½ p. (87. 9.)
	Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 21.	By your letters it pleaseth you to make known unto me how things stand at this present both in Ireland and the Low Countries, the principal places whereunto our State carryeth an eye. I have always understood you heretofore inclinable to peace in the times when you had a main opposite : now that your voice is freer, and that the world is informed you carry most sway in these matters of highest nature, you have the more cause to look to it. If now the world shall think of an endless war now to begin again when every man desired and gaped after peace, and had been possessed with the treaty thereof which is at it were vanished away—the cause they know not why—I assure you it breedeth a great discouragement in the people's minds, who think, whilst they have wars, still they shall have subsidies, besides continual charges laid upon them. What continuance of charges hath been, if you call to mind, these thirty years, must needs empty the people's purses, but I am sure hath emptied the Prince's coffers. Nor shall I ever hope after a peace in my time so long as we venture our perils in other men's bottoms.
	Your favours shown of late to my son Edward in procuring him this honourable employment, bindeth both our hearts unto you.
	From hence I can write unto you nothing of importance, but we do hear, greatly to her Majesty's glory and to your praise, of the mercy that hath been showed of late to the offenders in these late actions of rebellion : a thing the like was never read of in any chronicle, and it is the more remarkable that it falleth out in this great year of Jubilee. There is much talk hereof amongst the Papists as a persuasion to the government here to carry a sweeter hand over them. If her Majesty dealt so mercifully with them that were in the predicament of treason, why should there be so hard a course taken against her faithful subjects (as they term themselves) for their consciences only. Thus you see how the application is made, but vivimus legibus non exemplis.]
	I am still importuned by the Scottish prisoners here in the Castle to procure their enlargement. They allege they cannot find means to procure their money unless they may first be sent to some place nearer the borders where their friends may have recourse unto them. Which though in all likelihood they intend it for their escape, yet I thought to let you understand that their keeper, Redhead, is contented to venture two of them to be delivered over, which, according to the order, is meant they should be. In my opinion it were not much amiss, if he thus dare venture his debt they owe him, that likewise her Majesty may make trial by these two what the rest will do when they shall be delivered. Herein I pray you by your next letters I may know her Majesty's pleasure.
	I have since my last letters executed the two Carltons. I never heard of so high offenders so good and godly an end made; and it fell out so much to the comfort of the best sort that two brothers dying at one time for the same fault, and divided at the hour of their death in opinion of religion, the Protestant brother, before six thousand people at the least, made so rare a persuasion to his brother to die in the true faith and to forsake the Romish opinions, showing such humility and a religious confession of his sins, as it was rare in a person that was not learned and of so young years, and of so evil a profession in his life time. The other died nothing in that humble sort, but I write this for that it fell out so as a great example was made of it, as though God had made a demonstration by the manner of their two deaths of the allowance, as it were, of our profession before theirs.
	They offered, during their imprisonment, to have done very great services to have redeemed their lives, whereof one was the killing of Tyrone, and yet never saw Ireland, nor yet, I think, any Irish man, but all was to win time. They have, by the means of a preacher that took great pains to persuade their consciences, confessed of many of the chief receivers and bringers in of the Scots : which confession I mean to send to the Lord Scroope; whereby he may perhaps, if it be secretly handled, apprehend divers of those offenders. Craving pardon for my tedious letter.—From York, this 21st of July 1601.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord President of York to my Master.” Seal. 3 pp. (182. 111.)
	William Rider, Lord Mayor of London, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 21.	Enclosing a letter which he requests may be sent back for return to the merchant the owner thereof.
	For the other business, we have gathered already four hundred able-bodied men, and by to-morrow at night we shall have as many more fully complete. I doubt that the ships will not be ready to receive them, and then we shall have something to do to keep them in good order.—Walbrook, this 21 July 1601.
	Holograph. ½ p. (182. 112.)
	W., Lord Mounteagle to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601,] July 22.	Since my fortunes as yet give me not means to pay other tribute to you (for your honourable favours) than my duteous thanks, give me leave to trouble you with these lines, as well in the discharge of that office as to deliver an unfeigned protestation how deeper I hold myself tied to you for so many high obligations. For the oftener I compare the quality of the benefits with the small power I have to deserve, the more I honour your virtues, and the deeper I hold myself interested in your fortunes; of which, I protest, I will even have so tender a regard as hereafter I will account that my chiefest good shall depend on your happiness, and my greatest care shall be to do you some acceptable service, which may give you a true assurance that I hold myself tied in all rules of honesty to honour you most, from whom next under God and her Majesty I hold my life and patrimony.—The Tower, 22 July.
[1601,] July 22.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (87. 10.)
	Sir Edmond Morgan to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July 22.]	For employment in the Low Countries, if not with a regiment, yet with a company into Flushing. Speaks of his 16 years' service.—Kensington, “22.”
[1601, July 22.]	Holograph. Endorsed :—“22 July 1601.” 1 p. (87. 12.)
	T., Lord Buckhurst to Mr. Secretary Cecil.
1601, July 22.	This morning Mr. Harvey and Mr. Linwray, who have in hand the provision of arms, came to me and make great difficulties and doubts in this service; but such as may easily be reformed. And for that the alteration must grow from the well head, I have wished them to go to the Court. The matter is long and would require a large discourse. Their speech will best and briefly deliver it to you.—22 July 1601.
1601, July 22.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Treasurer.” ½ p. (87. 13.)
	Sir John Popham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 23.	Having well observed the state of things as they stand in all these parts through which I have lately travelled, besides what I have heard from other parts, it makes me to fear what may follow if it be not foreseen in time. Through the great “dryeth” that has been and is yet like to continue, I doubt me that which is the chiefest food of the common sort of people (which is butter and cheese) will (if God give not a more fruitful latter end of the year than the former part hitherunto has been) grow to such a scarcity and dearth as the common sort of people shall not be able to endure it this next winter : and withal there is so great a want and dearth like to be of hay and other fodder, as though cattle at the present be the cheaper for it, in respect many would now rid them away for want of winter provision, yet hereafter it will also be an occasion of the greater dearth of all other victuals. In respect whereof, if it might please you to renew the motion you made to the Lords this last term in the Star Chamber, to stay the Newland fish which shall be brought in, and the herring, both at Yarmouth and in Severn, that they be not carried out, it will greatly relieve the common sort of people, and at reasonable rates, which heretofore have still been very dear in respect of the merchant's unreasonable transportation thereof; which stayed now may give great relief and contentment to the people, and make them well able to undergo the other wants.—Aylsbury, 23 July 1601.
1601, July 23.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Chief Justice.” 1 p. (87. 14.)
	N. Wise to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 23.	He arrived at Bristow from Waterford on the 22nd, and being unable to travel with such speed as the enclosed require, he sends his son-in-law Nicholas Dormer with the same, and will follow as fast as his health will permit. He never forgets Cecil's kind favour shown last year before the Council table at Greenwich.—Bristo, 23 July, 1601.
1601, July 23.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Nicholas Wise, agent for Waterford.” 1 p. (87. 15.)
	H. Touneshend to [Sir R. Cecil].
1601, July 23.	Forwards a petition concerning a ward, whereof Evan Lloyd is committee.—From her Majesty's House at Bridgenorth, 23 July 1601.
1601, July 23.	Holograph. 1 p. (2111.)
	Virginio Orsino, Duke of Bracciano, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601. July 23./Aug. 2.	The Count Carlo Cigala has a special interest in two ships which have been taken by Englishmen, one laden with corn and the other with salt. Although I know that the Bassa, his brother, General by sea, has written on this matter to the Queen, yet I would not lose the opportunity of writing to you on the same subject. Messina, 2 August 1601.
1601. July 23./Aug. 2.	Holograph. Italian. 1 p. (87. 47.)
	Edward Blounte to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601], July 24.	Since I was first, by the worthy Lord Mountjoy, made known to you, I have ever much reverenced your name, but in regard of that most christian and charitable commiseration which it pleased you to take of the miserable estate of my poor distressed brother (being never invited thereunto by any desert of his, but rather to the contrary) has caused me infinitely more and more to love you. I beseech you to conceive my intention herein to be none other than to express my duty and thanks for him and for myself, entreating the continuance of your favour, especially now whilst some persons, taking advantage of the woful fall of my poor brother, indirectly seek the impeachment of my reputation and weakening of my estate, the requital whereof, having small means of myself, I must refer to my noblest friend Lord Mountjoy, of whom, for all my service and love borne him, I will expect no other recompense than that he show himself thankful for your respect of me.—Wansteede, 24 July.
[1601], July 24.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (87. 16.)
	Sir H. Wallop to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 24.	For avoiding of prolixity, I have in my petition to her Highness abridged the reasons whereupon my petition is grounded. This bearer, Richard Hoppes, shall deliver you a larger note for your better information, together with my petition. I beseech you, out of that note, and your value of my father's service, to supply the brevity and defect of my petition, with such farther advertisement unto her Highness as in your wisdom shall be thought fit. My father has sustained great loss about Eniscorthy by the rebels, his charge in building and furnishing the same with ordnance has been much, and principally for her Highness' service, for it is most commodious for the same of any place in that county, and it has bridled the disordered rebels more than any other place thereabouts, and the advantage that grows thereby to me in private very mean, not able by the one half to defray the charge of maintenance thereof without her Majesty's relief. I acknowledge myself already wholly yours; it may please you hereby to make my obligation the stronger; and herein I assure you that I prefer the maintenance of a work zealously begun by my father for her Majesty's service, and the poor estate of that country, before any particular profit that may redound to myself.—London, 24 July 1601.
1601, July 24.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir Ha. Wallop.” 1 p. (87. 7.)
	Sir John Gilbert to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 24.	Wrote to-day by the running post, certifying Cecil of such news as he heard by Browne, the bearer hereof, whom he thought good to send up to verify the contents of his letter.—Fort at Plymouth, 24 July 1601.
	PS.—He received Cecil's letter of the 16th inst., to send forth a small bark to the coast of Spain upon discovery. Here was none so ready then whom he could send out upon a sudden, but there has one been ready these two days, which as soon as wind and weather will suffer shall go forth with all expedition.
	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 18.)
	King James VI. of Scotland to George Nicolson, the Queen's Agent in Edinburgh.
1601, July 24.	Praying him to write to the Lord Secretary to advise the Lord Admiral to procure the restitution of the Marie Galland, belonging to William Man of Dundee, which was captured by a Spanish man-of-war and afterwards recaptured by an English man-of-war and taken in as prize to Finmouth (sic).—Falkland, 24 July, 1601.
1601, July 24.	Signed. ½ p. (147. 147.)
	Henry, Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July 24.]	I send you such advertisements as I received now from Dover. I send you likewise this other note under the hand of the mayor's deputy of Sandwich, what is provided there for victuals and shipping for the transporting of these 300 men, but this I tell you, they greatly mislike to receive their money in the 'Chequer; for they say they are never referred thither but that their expense in attending their despatch there are very great; which, I hope, by your good means shall be otherwise now. This bearer, Thomas Stock, if it please you, I desire may be a conductor of 100 men for Ostend, and Michael Wimshurste for another hundred. I pray you that their names may be remembered to-morrow amongst the rest of the conductors. Our 300 men shall not fail to be at Sandwich at the day appointed; for shipping and victuals, you see that already it is provided. I pray you return me the Deputy's note of Sandwich. Your very assured loving brother-in-law.
	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“24 July 1601.” ½ p. (182. 113.)
	Jearves Kyrcke to [Sir R. Cecil].
1601, July 24./Aug. 3.	Here is one Thomas Dougles, one of your Honour's men, who has given me 2 letters to be conveyed to you. Dougles stays here because there is no ship ready for Spain; but two or three will be ready very shortly. Dougles says he has orders to direct his letters to me to be sent to your Honour, which shall be performed with speed. Dougles fears he shall lack money, and says he has written to you. I will furnish what he lacks on hearing from you. Deap, 3 August 1601, French style.
	Holograph. Endorsed by Cecil :—“Jarvais Kyrk from Diep.” ½ p. (87. 52.)
	George Claye to the Bishop of Carlisle.
[1601, before July 25].	Mrs. Vauxe confesses that the plate was delivered to her with the other things mentioned in Hoult's charge. Errington persuaded her that the fellows were thieves and would be hanged; therefore they might as well take those goods as leave them for others. Errington carried away one half; the other she will bring to the Bishop. In Vaux is nothing but villainy and falsehood; for whereas he told the Bishop that Gibson had one of the mares and had lamed her, his wife says it is untrue, for both the mares are as they left them in Grastocke. Vaux hoped to have those mares for his share. The Bishop will find her honestly minded, and ready to confess the truth in every point. She says that at her request her cousin Errington will send all the goods again. Recommends the Bishop to deal roughly with Errington, who will prove guilty of that letter. Mrs. Vaux confesses that some of the writings were found upon the bed where Errington and she had shared the goods in the cloak bags. Order should be taken that Errington speak not with his wife or servants before their examination.
[1601, before July 25].	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (90. 54.)
	Tho. Ireland to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 25.	Reports his proceedings as to the exchange by her Majesty of lands in Cheshire for the reversion of Cecil's manor of Haselbury [Somerset]. Prays for the office of escheator of Cheshire, now vacant.—25 July 1601.
1601, July 25.	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 19.)
	Sir Henry Nevill to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 25.	As a man plunged in misery, and destitute of all comfort and counsel, I am bold again to have recourse to your favour, whence all my hope arises, and most humbly to pray you to vouchsafe to let me know by this bearer whether it will stand with your good liking that I do present another supplication unto the Lords before the progress begin, or what course I shall hold to give their Lordships best satisfaction of my submission, and of my desire to conform myself to her Majesty's pleasure in all things. I have represented my estate to you particularly. I am ready to make good what I have therein delivered. I beseech you to take compassion upon my poor wife and children, and let not my folly be their utter overthrow. I wish the whole punishment might light upon myself, for I only have deserved it, and they are innocent. The fine, as it is now imposed, is double more than my estate in my whole land (which is only for life) is worth : and if the rigour of law had been prosecuted, I could have forfeited no greater an estate than I had in it. My offices are all taken away, my moveables are of very small value, and those I had, as my plate and other things, of best value, I have been forced to sell since my trouble, to pay my debts and to disengage my friends that stood bound for me, as became an honest man. I confess her Majesty has dealt very graciously and mercifully with me. But I am persuaded that if the meanness of my estate were made known to her, she would extend her mercy further, and hold the like measure and proportion of grace and clemency towards me that she has done towards all other offenders, whom she has been pleased to chastise, but not to ruin. And by that means she shall make some use of her favour; whereas otherwise she loses the benefit that is bestowed upon a man that is undone and made unable to do any duty or service that may deserve it. I dare not plead anything in regard of my late service and the charge I sustained in it; howbeit that is a peculiar consideration in my case; and I trust her Majesty, in her gracious and princely mind, will sometime think of it as a motive to her mercy.—From the Tower, 25 July 1601.
1601, July 25.	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 20.)
	Sir Griffin Markhame to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601,] July 25.	Your promise to do me any good you could, hath made me propose myself to a place, in which I now begin to fear the success. If I have been too importunate, I crave pardon, but my standing in the wars being now above 10 years and not slackly followed, and my service having been in that province more than in any other part of Ireland, caused me something to presume. My Lord Deputy's letter to your Honour, as I remember, recommended me to any place you should think fit here, and promised his best second to establish me there. Connaught, I think, is held by all the Irish Council and soldiers that know Ireland, most necessary to be planted. There I have commanded good troops both of horse and foot, there I was maimed, and there I could be contented to hazard all in her Majesty's service. It grieveth me much to see all men employed and myself wholly neglected.—London, this 25 of July.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—1601. Seal. 1 p. (182. 114.)
	Captain Holcroft to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 25/Aug. 4.	Since my last letter, there hath nothing happened but continuing of approaches on the enemy's side to our new works which are beyond the water towards the sconce called St. Care, under which sconce they have made a quarter, having placed there, as we imagine, the new Italians. We strengthen those works we have, and shall hold them, as I think, till they go about to beat us from them with their cannon; for we do not much doubt that they will be overhasty to force them, considering they are well manned, ditched and palisadoed. Yesternight, we triumphed for the winning of Berck, discharging all our ordnance and small shot both at sea and land thrice over, but the enemy seems not to believe that we have cause, for to those that cried “Berck” unto them, they answered in plain English, they lied. The town is very well furnished at this present with victuals, neither is the haven any whit hindered more than as at first with some cannon shot at random : our new men begin to shrink apace, some pleading impotency, others sudden sicknesses, others reckoning up old hurts which now begin to grieve them, as they say.—Ostend, this Saturday the 4th of August, 1601, Sti : novo.
	Holograph. Seal. ¾ p. (182. 133.)
	George Harrison to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July 26].	Last Friday, attending at my Lord Keeper's your and other of the Council's pleasures, as concerning the action of transporting in foreign vessels, I heard you affirm that of the duty of custom pertaining to your farm, you had received as yet not full 5,000l. After entering into an account, and making comparison of the greatness of the duty with the small gain thereby accruing, I presumed you were unfaithfully dealt with. I thought it therefore my duty, for the great favours and benefits wherewith your father has obliged my affection to your house, to offer to make you acquainted with such things as I presume will be available for your profit and expedient for the commonwealth good.
[1601, July 26].	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“July 26, 1601.” ½ p. (87. 21.)
	R. Milner to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 27.	It seems that by my late employment in your Honour's business about the parsonage of Martock (Somerset), I have incurred your high displeasure : and by neglect of other business have brought myself into utter dislike with good friends by whose employment my poor estate was upholden. I must therefore bend my course another way, and shroud myself under some of reputation and honour for more safety, till I am able to make known my wrongs. I beg for my charges, 30l. I am indebted to your Honour more than that, but being without help, I pray you to pay it, and if ever able, I will return it. Forget my “misse,” done unwillingly and by constraint, and wrested wickedly and carried maliciously by others, and weigh my distresses. Also as to the tenure of Martock.—Aldersgate St., 27 July 1601.
1601, July 27.	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 22.)
	Henry, Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 27.	I send you herewith a letter written by Pooley (fn. 1) to Bredgate of Dover for the passing over of Mistress More, and for his well usage of her upon her return, and of young Cotton under the name of George Pooley. Bredgate being one of the commissioners at Dover for restraint of passage, I have put out of the commission. Now for the other, I leave him to your censure, that shall presume so to write in this kind. He seems to me to be very sorry for it, and for that you haply may know how to make use of his service, I think your private reprehension will be a sufficient warning for him. I pray you send me word whether the day hold to-morrow of the Queen's going abroad.—Blackfriars, 27 July 1601.
1601, July 27.	Holograph. ½ p. (87. 24.)
	Captain Richard Wigmore to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 27.	Finding yesterday that the wind did extraordinarily favour her Majesty's service, I resolved rather to follow that advantage than by staying at Gravesend in expectation of more victuals to spend that which already I had, and withal to lose so fair an opportunity of advancing. I do assure you that if I had been seconded by other means which ought not to have failed me, I had this day by 12 of the clock, with this wind which still continueth, anchored before Ostend; for I was here yesterday with the Lyon before 5 of the clock in the afternoon. But first it should appear that my fellow-conductors and I were not of one mind, for they liked better the air of Gravesend where all of them (except Captain Crumpton and Captain Wigmore, who only followed me) came to an anchor even in the sight of me, who went before them and by sundry messengers sent to them to weigh and haste after me.
	When I came aboard the Lyon, I found by the relation of the master (for Sir Henry Palmer was at his house) that the ship wanted both men and victuals, with which she expected her supply this day. Hereat I must confess I was so much perplexed that I could have been contented not to have used so much diligence. Notwithstanding, to right all things according to the best of my power, I instantly despatched a man overland to Gravesend, with charge to cause those victuals, which by your Honour's commandment Mr. Dorrell was to supply, to be immediately sent unto this place, and my worthy companions to haste hither with all possible speed. The not coming of victuals shall not stay me, for here I have already taken order for so much beer and bread as shall serve these 800 for two days. I have likewise written to the Mayor of Sandwich this day to send the 300 raised in Kent, if they be there to be embarked, unto this place.—From Margate, this 27th of July 1601.
	Holograph. On the back :—“At Magot past 9 of the clock.
	Canterbury past 12 at noon. Sittingbourne 4 afternoon. Rochester at 8 at night. Dartford the 28 day at 8 in the morning.” Seal. 1 p. (182. 115.)
	Thomas Floyde to Mr. Secretary Herbert.
1601, July 27.	Being prevented of my expectation with my Lord Norreys, as by his letters doth appear, I entreat your Honour's acceptance of my service as a retainer.—Lyme street, this 27th of July 1601.
1601, July 27.	Holograph. ½ p. (182. 116.)
	Sir Robert Mansell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 27.	I held it my duty to hasten what lay in me the delivery of the enclosed, which I received yesternight late before Calais, and therewith to take occasion for the presenting your Honour with such advertisements as I received not two hours before, touching the preparation at Lisbon, where, as in all other parts of Portugal and Galicia. they continue imbarment of all shipping to transport the army, consisting, as this intelligence mentioneth, (bearing date at Lisbon the first of this month according to our account) between 10 and 15,000 land soldiers. They use all possible diligence for their speedy setting sail, as all men there say, for Ireland. But the necessity of the Low Countries through the Archduke's ill-success, who for aught I can hear hath small hope to recover Ostend in lieu of Reynbarq won by his Excellency, makes me imagine that they will not hazard a force of such consequence in so hopeless a country, considering the ill-success thereof, seconding these mischiefs, may well be the ruining of all together.—From aboard the Hope, July 27th, between Dover and Calais.
	Holograph. Seal. ½ p.
	On the back :—“From aboard the Hope July 27 about 6 of the clock in the morning. Dover 11 in forenoon 27 of July. Canterbury past 2 in the afternoon. Sittingbourne 6 night. At 10 a'clock of the night by the Post of Gravesend. Dartford at 8 in the morning.” (182. 117.)
	Henry [Robinson,] Bishop of Carlisle, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 27.	I trust your Honour will, before this come to you. by conference of Vauxe his exemplification, see whether the letter to Henry Leighe be written with his hand and how they agree in matter and form of inditing. Yesterday in the morning, I, being to ride to Graystock to preach, left a surgeon to dress his wound. At my return in the evening, I found his wife here. To her I gave leave to go to him, with whom she yet stayeth, being left now by the surgeon to heal the sore. This morning the surgeon assureth me, that there is no danger of his hurt, neither doth he think that it was his intendment to kill himself; for, he saith, the blow went not inward into his belly, but slanting upwards towards his ribs in the outside of his belly only. As for the fainting after the blow, the surgeon thinketh that to be no more but such a sudden qualm as many have when a vein in their arm is opened. Now I am greatly confirmed in my first opinion that either the letter is not of his own hand-writing, or, if it be, yet there was another original first penned by some other person whom he is loth to discover. And I think he thus wounded himself either to wholly escape his sending to the Court, or at least to get it deferred until means might be made for his pardon. And further, I am persuaded that of a devilish policy he took all opportunities to free himself from suspicion of dissimulation. First, when he had stroken himself, he spake to his keeper these or the like words, “I am but a dead man—and now, by the death that I am to die, I have declared the whole truth to my Lord. I desire him to be good to my poor wife and children.” When his qualm was past, he lay speechless. I charged him that as he desired to die with comfort, he would let me know from whom he had first received the letter. He pointed with his finger three or four times to his own heart. When he dissembled that he could but weakly speak, the first words that he did utter were those that I sent to your Honour witnessed by my brother and my servant, Thomas Langborne, all tending to the freeing of all others from any privity to the letter, and himself from all ill mind to her Majesty or your Honour. Yesterday, while I was riding, I was informed that he hath much conversed with persons of ill sort both in England and Scotland, and that he is vehemently suspected to be a common agent between such. I purpose to send him up and the other two prisoners about the end of this week, being most desirous to have my house well rid of a pestilent guest.—Rosecastell, the 27th of July 1601.
1601, July 27.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (182. 118.)
	Sir John Gilbert to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 27.	Captain Bragg, who arrived this day in a ship of alderman Watts', reports that on the 29th day of May he met with 8 flyboats which had been at the islands of the Azores, having in them all the garrisons of Spaniards brought from thence, whereby there is not, as a Portingall told him, one natural Spaniard in all these islands. The reason is, as the Portingall supposed, that the King of Spain feareth the return of Don Sebastian into Portugal by the assistance of England or France : whereby he seeketh with natural Spaniards to fortify that kingdom. One of the same flyboats singled himself out and fought with the Affection off of the Rock in 39. He further reporteth that he met with a man of war of Minehead [Minyeat], a place near Bridgwater, wherein one Estcott was captain, who told him as followeth. He met with a Fleming that came six days before from Cales in company with 50 sails of French and Scottish ships full of soldiers bound for Lisbon, and he said that there passed in them 10,000 soldiers, who were there to join with other forces of shipping to go for the Groyne. Which whole fleet being joined to those at Lisbon would amount to 150 sails.—From the fort at Plymouth, this 27th of July 1601.
1601, July 27.	Holograph. Seal. ¾ p. (182. 119.)
	Captain Ed. Cecil to Sir R. Cecil.
1601, [? c. 27 July].	I am at this time going into Holland, being employed from Sir Francis Vere about the wants that should be brought into the town; and from thence I am going to Berke to my company of horse where my greatest employment is. Yet if I can get leave to return to this town [Ostend] I am fully resolved to see what will become of this town in respect it is left to the trust of our nation. Our late sally I will not write of, presuming that so ancient a soldier as this bearer will relate [it] substantially to you. But for certifying you of the state of the enemy's camp, I presume I can do it better, though short of satisfying you. I have examined a prisoner taken in this last sally, who hath delivered to us that the chief commander of their army is Don Augustin de Mislia, the governor of the castle at Antwerp, which doth command upon the side of Nieuport, which are to the number of 8,000; and on the other side, Count Frederic doth command the forces towards Briges, which are 4,000. Those that command the three regiments of Spaniards are Don Luis Resiliard, Mons. Riwas, and Don Simon Antonio; and there is arrived some seven hundred (?) Spaniards some two days ago, and to morrow they look for 3,000 Italians that are come from Italy. The enemy are in guard every night 3,000; they have 30 pieces of artillery planted and look for 100. The general of the artillery is in Spain, but his lieutenant is here, Sig. Mathea Serrant. The three sergeant majors are called Don Luis d'Avilla, Baltazar Lopes and Don Gionn (sic) Pantoche. The fort of St. Clara is yet mutinied and doth not shoot a piece at us, and the Cardinal is in the fort of St. Albertas. Also the prisoner saith that there is gone with Count Hevan to the relief of Berke 12,000, whereof there are 1900 Spaniards. There is a company of English on th' ene[my's si]de which one Capt. Flode commandeth. We have many of our English soldiers run to the enemy, and we have taken two of our new men running, which shall be hanged shortly. If we could have some of the enemy's camp that might advertise us of their intention, it would give us much advantage, which if you have any that come to you, it will do us a great deal of good to know some such thing. The cannon shot that hath been made upon the town hath been counted to be 13,000 now at this present. Pardon the confusedness of my setting down these circumstances; it may be compared to the raggedness of this town that standeth little together.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Captain Cecyll to my Master from Ostend.” 4 seals. 2 pp. (83. 66.)
	[Printed in Dalton's Life and Times of Sir Edward Cecil, Vol. I., p. 76.]
	Nicholas Hillyarde to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601 July 28.	Being so many ways bounden, I cannot but truly and plainly in most humble manner inform you what I shall be suddenly enforced to do, so it is that although I have long been one of her Majesty's goldsmiths and drawer of her Majesty's pictures (to my credit and great comfort), and have (upon suits made) obtained some rewards, yet if the common works for other persons had not been more profitable unto me, I had not been able to have continued it thus long : and now it may please you to understand that (of a dutiful and loving mind) hoping to bring up others also for her Majesty's better service, I have taught divers, both strangers and English, which now and of a long time have pleased the common sort exceeding well, so that I am myself become unable by my art any longer to keep house in London without some farther help of her Majesty, which I cannot hope (though a very small matter would help me) considering how lately her Majesty of her most gracious goodness, the rather for your sake, granted me an annuity of 40l. per annum, which will be a good stay and comfort unto me, sojourning with my friends in the country, at house rent and table free. But fearing and assuring myself that I shall not long be safe among them, by reason of some debts which I do owe, if you will be so good to move her Majesty for me, that I may with her gracious favour depart the realm for a year of two at the most, I trust in God, and doubt it not, but within that time to take order with all my creditors very easily; for the most part of my debt is risen but by forfeitures of bonds for interest. So I may afterwards return again with credit to her Highness' better service, quieted and furnished with divers things for my needful use, which are not here for any money to be had. In the meantime, I hope you (in remembrance of your loving kindness promised) will take my son into your service, to place him with one of your secretaries, or otherwise. He has the Spanish tongue, and an entrance into well writing and drawing. The loss of whose time under me (by reason I cannot keep him continually to it, as I have done others when I was better able) more grieves me than all my other wants besides.—July 28, 1601.
1601 July 28.	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 25.)
	William Becher to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 28.	Encloses copy of his petition to the Council, and prays Cecil's furtherance. Sustains great damage by the detainment of his books, in which he begs Cecil's commiseration.—28 July 1601.
1601, July 28.	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 26.)
	Sir Richard Lee to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, [July] 28.	I understand her Majesty's pinnace is at Harwich in which is all my stuff and apparel, and of the gentlemen with me. I am come to Gravesend this night, and all by this to entreat your opinion whether I shall come with such clothes as we have to her Majesty, or stay until haply we may meet with the rest of our company, and some cleanlier apparel. If it shall please you to let me have your advice herein with some speed, I shall be bound in this as in all other your most honorable favours towards me.—Gravesend, 28, 1601 (sic).
1601, [July] 28.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir Richard Lee, July.” 1 p. (87. 27.)
	John Salssburye to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 28.	Having tasted heretofore in most abundant measure your commiseration, not only in that generality of offence wherein I was an unfortunate partaker, but also in this my second offending (unto both foolish indiscretion guided me) I presume to importune you to restore me to my former liberty, most submissively beseeching that neither my first nor last miscarriage be so forcible in my utter ruining as to make me only exempt from that happiness which the rest of my unhappy partners shall obtain. The quality of my unsettled estate urges my boldness, which through my present deserved restraint is like to be much impaired. I beseech you to respect both it and me, that hereafter I may be the better able to perform that service which I vow and devote unto you while I breathe.—From my comfortless prison the Marshalseas, 28 July 1601.
1601, July 28.	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 28.)
	Eadithe Beale to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 29.	The Queen somewhat distasted her former petition, which was for a fee farm of 30l. a year. Now petitions therefore for 2,000l. of the fines of some of the late offenders against her Majesty, and prays Cecil to favour her suit. Has 6 children, destitute of father or portions.—Barns, 29 July 1601.
1601, July 29.	Signed. 1 p. (87. 29.)
	Sir Henry Bromley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 29.	Thanks Cecil for his favourable acceptance of his last. Cecil knows how necessary his liberty is, as well for the satisfying of himself (Cecil) as others : which he finds impossible to perform without his discharge, for no man will bargain with him in the place he is. Without Cecil's charitable consideration, he, his wife and children will be ruined.—29 July 1601.
1601, July 29.	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 31.)
	The Earl of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601,] July 29.	Her Majesty has bestowed the office of the under steward of Waltham Forest and the keeper[ship] of the courts under me, which Mr. Pole had, upon this bearer Mr. Manhod, who is the “sofysents” [sufficientest] man in this land for this office, and the only way for to bring up the forest again by his knowledge and painfulness. Understanding that it should pass by the Chequer seal, and by your means, I thought good to let you understand this much of her Majesty's pleasure; and in truth my Lord Treasurer does me great wrong to pass any of those things that concern the forest so : for his principal service is under me, as the warning the justices for all the swanmote courts : and I can plainly show that it merely belongs to me.—29 July.
[1601,] July 29.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601. Lord Admiral.” 1 p. (87. 32.)
	Captain R. Wigmore to the Lord Admiral and to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601,] July 29.	Upon Tuesday in the afternoon, I came to an anchor before Ostend, and that night I landed the 800 soldiers committed to my charge without hurt to any one of them, albeit that two cannon bullets, amongst others, passed, after a sort miraculously through the midst of us. To yield the descent more easy unto the soldiers, and to avoid confusion which ordinarily happeneth to men landing in the night, as likewise for the readier embarking of greater numbers at once (for through want of boats, having with me but one of her Majesty's barges, I was enforced to land the soldiers at two several times)—for these regards I was enforced to leave all the arms aboard except, some muskets; but I hope to deliver the arms this night to better purpose and in fairer condition than if they had been otherwise disposed of. None shall be lost except by some accident from the enemy.
	Her Majesty's care of this place and worthy person hath redoubled his spirit of valour. His projects upon the enemy are rare. If the Count Maurice, haply wearied with the late siege of Berck, or unable to terrace himself in the earth like a mole, which I take to be his best “flayle” in regard to those seven thousand which the Archduke hath now in head of him, shall not set down before another town, the States will be able to send Sir Francis Vere 3,000 men more, which he hath, in case as aforesaid, already required; and, I am confident, Ostend will be no longer as a town besieged but as a frontier place making sharp war upon the enemy, whose supplies out of Italy I do find to be far greater than was in England reported, amounting to no fewer than nine thousand five hundred men. This is all I was able to glean in a two hours' abode in Ostend. I thank you for the attestation in your letters to Sir Francis Vere, of my honest carriage towards him.—From aboard the Lyon, this 29th of July.
	PS.—Her Majesty's small pinnance appointed by your Honours to attend upon Sir Francis Vere hath not yet been here.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. 2 pp. (182. 121.)
	Mr. Auditor Jo. Hill to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 29.	As to Thomas Powle's late offices of stewardship within the Forest [of Waltham]. Terms of the patent, and his opinion on the matter.—London, 29 July 1601.
1601, July 29.	1 p. (2224.)
	Lady Elizabeth Guldeford to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 30.	Prays that the manor of Taplow may be reserved for her.
1601, July 30.	Endorsed :—“July 30, 1601.” 1 p. (2421.)
	Sir Edward Rede to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 31.	Explaining the facts concerning a report to Cecil and the rest of the Lords that he refused to take to his charge the 300 men which were brought to the port of Lee, because Captain Crofts was neither present nor the arms come. Since this late order directed from the Council, we have determined to embark them this present day, and there to attend the first opportunity of the wind and their arms.—Lee, last of July, 1601.
1601, July 31.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir Edward Read.” 1 p. (87. 35.)
	William, Lord Sandys to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 31.	I beseech you, as you have been the means of saving my life, to clear me from the imputation of backwardness towards the payment of my fine. I have disclosed my whole estate to her Majesty's counsel, to whose report and the note here inclosed I refer myself. The place I now lie in doth require a charge far beyond my ability which maketh me less able to pay her. My goods are of small value, the land I hold for life, much encumbered.—This 31 of July 1601. Your poor distressed prisoner in the Tower.
1601, July 31.	Holograph. Remains of seal. 1¼ pp. (182. 122.)
	Henry [Robinson,] Bishop of Carlisle, to .Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 31.	Calling to remembrance how Vauxe, at the same time that he delivered to me the letter which I sent to your Honour, had said that one Mushe, a seminary priest, had lately been conveyed out of these Borders into Scotland, I began to think that Mushe was the man which was specified to come to Henry Leighe. As I conjectured, so by Vauxe his confession, I do find it to be true. For now, when I ask him how he knew of Mushe his going into Scotland and by whom he was conveyed, his answer is that his cousin Robert Erington told him that Arthur Grame, alias Hutchins Arthur, had conveyed the said Mushe into Scotland; and further he saith that he meant, “Mushe,” when he wrote, “M. is come unto you, else all is not well.” Robert Erington dwelleth in Northumberland within a mile and a half of Hexham, within Sir Robert Carew his wardenry. Hutchins Arthur dwelleth on this Border under my Lord Scroope his office. Here by the way he hath discovered some part of his dissimulation : for, while he was in writing the exemplification of his letter, he told my brother that he could not tell whether he had at the first written. “M. is come unto you,” or, “N. is come unto you.” Now he saith plainly, “M.” meaning Mushe, that the letter might have the greater appearance of truth. Though he protest that he doth not know Hutchins Arthur, if your Honour may have the examination of Arthur and Vauxe, I do believe it will be found that Vauxe his finger was in the conveyance of Mushe. And as Mushe is really gone into Scotland, so I do verily think that the letter full of the gall of asps and treacherous poison was really intended to be sent after him. Neither do I think that his persisting in denial of the truth doth so much proceed of his love to his friends, as it doth of despair of his own pardon, if he should acknowledge himself to be privy to the letter. He hath reckoned up unto me all the principal recusants' houses within my diocese, and doth promise that, if his crime may be pardoned, he will before Michaelmas day give certain notice of the hour and room where the priest and some of his own nearest friends may be taken at a Mass. Thus may your Honour find by him the whole pack of the most dangerous persons in these parts, and, if he find any hope of grace, he can, and will, certainly tell when, and where, those with whom he is most inward were at Mass. On Monday next, if he be able to ride, I purpose to send him towards the Court, but if by that time I find no recovery, I hope I may ease myself and my house by committing him to the common gaol. God knows what heart's grief hath come unto me since my first coming into this woeful and broken country.—Rosecastell, this 31th of July 1601.
1601, July 31.	Holograph. Seal 1 p. (182. 123.)
	M. Noel de Caron to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, July 31.	This gentleman, William Croft, one of the captains mentioned by Monsieur Vere for the voluntary companies, desires a warrant from the Council to beat the drum to assemble his company. I am prepared to furnish him with some money.—“A Londres, le dernier jour de Juellet, 1601.”
1601, July 31.	Holograph. French. Seal. 1 p. (182. 124.)
	Avis, Lady Cooke to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July.]	Renews her former suit for her husband, Sir Anthonv Cooke, to have a foot company to his horse, the time now serving that men are sent over into Ireland, and he making longer stay there on purpose for this service than otherwise he was minded. She has written Mr. Vice Chamberlain, and will make means to others of the Council, if Cecil thinks it fit.
	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“July 1601. Lady Cooke.”
	1 p. (87. 36.)
	Sir Arthur Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July.]	Two letters :—
	1. I most humbly beseech you to procure my despatch with her Majesty in such measure as may rather enable me to continue my attendance and service about her sacred person, than through penury and want enforce me to hide my head, and withdraw myself to my own poor home. For both to follow the expense of the Court, with myself, my men and horses, and the while to maintain my family, I am not able, without some such princely and gracious reward as may reasonably sort with the faithful service of 24 years, especially having sustained so mighty a loss as lately I have done; and by what means you well know; and from thence I will hope to be again comforted. It pleased you to tell me that her Majesty has remembered me unto you, and that she used your service and authority in staying me from taking the opportunity and great benefit of my child's marriage, I myself can too truly witness : and therefore you may take just occasion in charity to solicit her goodness towards her faithful creature, on whom you laid the heavy burden of her royal commandment. The progress draws near, and opportunities will not fall out fitly (I fear me) for Sir John Fortescue, according to his willingness. To follow the Court, I protest to God, I am no longer able, so miserable and. desperate is my estate. If her Majesty will either bestow on me Mr. Catesbye's fine, or 2,000l. out of any of those fines, I will husband and draw it out to the uttermost, both to serve her Majesty, and to give bread to my wife and children; for lamentable it were that they should perish in want, and most grievous to me through poverty to discontinue my service.
	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“July 1601.” 1 p. (87. 37.)
	2. Give me leave humbly to answer unto your proposition as touching 1,500l. for my relief and the reward of my long service, wherein the poverty of my estate enforces me to throw myself at the feet of my gracious Sovereign and to implore some such princely commiseration as may take from me the griefs and despairs of a miserable life. The addition of 1,500l. to my property, that have not in the world one groat in land or lease, nor so much as a house of my own to put my head in, will hardly serve but in great penury to give bread to me and mine, so that to follow my attendance, as I have done, on her sacred person, which I hold most dear, I shall have no means. Besides the loss which I sustained in that great fortune of my daughter's marriage, by the long restraint which was laid upon me, it did cost me to her Majesty, and in two years' suit, above 1,000l. and yet I never obtained her Majesty's bill assigned for the same. And in her princely heart, and in your honourable wisdom, I trust, so grievous a loss, multiplied with so great an expense, shall be thought worthy of more gracious consideration : otherwise if I be, by the doom of my Sovereign, destined to a life of continual poverty and despair, and only to serve as a mark to show how much other men are blest, I will patiently bear the cross that her royal hand lays upon me, and ever praying for her endless felicity, will go die in my own poor home that am not able to live in her service.
	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“July 1601.” 1 p. (87. 38.)
	Richard [Bancroft,] Bishop of London, to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July].	The priests will be here to-day or to-morrow, as I suppose, from Framingham. Of necessity they must have three weeks or a month to go amongst their kindred and friends to get some money for their charges. For the world is not with them as it has been. If Dr. Bagshaw and Mr. Bluett give their words for themselves and the other two, to appear here by a certain day again, it will be sufficient. For they are men who out of doubt will keep their promises : challenging that as a certain note to discern them by from the Jesuits. If this course please you, then peradventure it were not good to commit them upon their coming (which will give occasion of speech in London) to any prison : but that either they were brought before yourself or Mr. Wade, or me or any other by your direction, to have the time limited for their return. If it may please you to command one of your servants to write a word or two unto me of your mind herein, I will frame myself accordingly to take order in the premises.—Fulham, July 1601.
[1601, July].	Holograph. 1 p. (87. 39.)
	E., Lady St. John to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July].	Acknowledges his favours, and sends her son's bounden duty. Craves the continuance of his friendship in giving an end to those troubles which have very grievously though causelessly this long time crossed her quiet, and which are made known to Cecil by his niece Lady Derby. Prays him to accept a small token, a poor widow's mite, sent herewith.
[1601, July].	Signed. Undated. Endorsed :—“July 1601.” 1 p. (87. 40.)
	Lord and Lady Lumley to Mr. Secretary [Cecil].
[1601, July].	I have received your letter with many thanks from my Lord and myself for your great care of him. He fell very sick on Monday last and so continued till Wednesday night, but had good rest that night and a reasonable good day after, and this night and day much better. We are both very sorry such an unfortunate occasion did stay your son, who should have been as welcome to us as any friends you have. Hoping shortly you will send him hither, we remain.
[1601, July].	Holograph by Lady Lumley, signed by both. Undated. Endorsed :—“July 1601.” Seal. 1 p. (182. 126.)
	Lord Hunsdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, July].	I have received some late news, whence or from whom, I know not, yet fear the fearful event in them specified. I pray, be content, so soon as you can, to come and speak with me, that we may confer to acquaint her Majesty withal, and to prevent what danger may follow. Whether you come to town to-day or not, I pray bestow some time that I may speak with you. In the meantime inform yourself by my Lord Admiral what he hath heard from Plymouth, or who is lately arrived there of strangers or Englishmen, for that my letters come, as it seemeth, by a post from thence.
[1601, July].	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“July 1601. Lord Chamberlain to my Master.” ½ p. (182. 125.)
	Form of Oath for the Bishop of St. Asaph.
[1601, c. July].	Oath of supremacy to be taken by William Morgan, translated from Llandaff.
[1601, c. July].	Parchment. 1 memb. (97. 79.)
	Thomas Sandford to Mrs. Vaux.
[1601, c. July].	For the thing you wot on, it was sent into Northumberland, which I knew not till this night. I will to-morrow send for it, and of Tuesday you shall have it where you will appoint.
	I will, God willing, meet your husband of Monday on his way. I think it not convenient you should go if he could so be contented, which if it be possible I will persuade him that you shall stay.
	Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“1601.” 1 p. (214. 37.)
	T. Butlar and Thomas Stocke to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, ? July].	According to the last directions sent by your Honours to the Mayor of Sandwich, who acquainted us withal, which was we should embark our charge of 300 men for Ostend : though the wind came good we had not above an hour's warning to ship our men, and so we set forwards. Coming to the road of Margett, we did anchor, staying there towards the evening looking for them that should convoy us over, and not coming, we bore up to Sir Henry Pallmer, one of the Admirals of the Narrow Seas, who certified us that his direction was to the Westward, and wished us not to go over without convoy. That night we rode by the Admiral, and in the morning he wished us to follow him to the Downs, and there we stay until such time as we have further direction from your Honours, and there we remain. The masters of our barks can testify that as this day in the morning at 6 of the clock we had been at Ostend, if that we had convoy.
[1601, ? July].	Undated. Signed as above. Endorsed :—“1601. Captain Butler. Captain Stoke.” 1 p. (90. 44.)
	Lord Cromwell to [? Sir Robert Cecil].
[1601, July or Aug.]	In most humble manner shows unto you my weak estate to be such as unless it please her Majesty to accept me to her royal grace and favour, and to enlarge me of my confined imprisonment, whereby I may go into my country for the setting of my affairs there, which have by seizures made for my late offences committed been so disordered as that I take little profit of my own, myself, my poor wife and children and family have not been thereof relieved, and therefore are like very much to be distressed. May it therefore please you to be my mediator for this her Highness' most gracious favour, or if this speedily may not be obtained, yet that it would please her to grant me liberty to go into Leicestershire, and to take order for my business there, and then to go into Norfolk to my wife's father with her for a month, making my return to my confined place at Michaelmas next, to remain until such time as upon my good behaviour her Highness may be pleased to accept me again into her further grace, without which my miseries will be doubled, and I utterly unable to breathe under so heavy a burden.
[1601, July or Aug.]	Undated. Unsigned. Endorsed :—“1601. Lo. Cromwell.” 1 p. (90. 61.)