Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1915.
This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.
'Cecil Papers: 1591', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda, (London, 1915) pp. 445-464. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol13/pp445-464 [accessed 25 April 2024]
1591
| Sanchar [Lord Sanquhar] to Lord [Ambassador] Archibald Douglas. | |
| [1591 ?] Feb. 10. | Thanks for his advertisements. |
|
I was most glad to hear by some of your friends here that
there is some hope of your coming in this country. I learned
by your last letters that there had been such information
made to her Highness against me that my passport could not
be granted, whereof I marvel very much, seeing I never said
nor did that which in any way might be offence to her Majesty.
I pray you to show my innocence to her Highness, and see if you
can procure me a passport to come there, for I am minded
to make a new voyage; and at my coming there if I may
kiss her Majesty's hands, I hope to prevail that such as make
these false reports shall be found calumniators. Offers
services.—Halirudhouss, 10 February. Holograph. 2 pp. (205. 27.) |
|
| France. | |
| 1590–1, Feb. 28. | Plan of Chartres: "the manner how the King's army lay before Chartres, 28 February, 1590." Coloured. 1 sheet. (Maps 2. 44.) |
| Vincent Skynner to the Lord Treasurer. | |
| 1590–1, March 7. |
Since sending to you yesterday I have
run through the title "Prohibition" both in Fitzherbert's and
Brooke's abridgement and thereout have excerpted such cases
as seemed most proper to the cause, whereby these general
learnings may be taken: That the common law is a prohibition of himself for anything sought to be recovered in the spiritual court, against the common law. That it lieth in all cases where a man may have remedy in the King's Court. That it lieth upon a surmise and bare suggestion, thereby to delay the party plaintiff in the spiritual court. |
| And by the statute of 2 Henry V. cap. 5 it is granted generally till the copy of the libel be had that the King's justices may thereby consider whether the matter be such as they may continue plea of or dismiss to the ecclesiastical court: whereby appeareth what vexation hath grown to the King's subjects by the exorbitance of spiritual courts, in that there was such remedy given to the lay subjects in that time. | |
| It will also appear by certain of the book cases set down that persons may not be convented for demand of catalls or debts but in matters testamentary and matrimonial, which warrants the opinion and collection of Fitzherbert contrary to that I gave credit to before to Mone [Moon ?] in his faculty, who thought the contrary, as also the whole scope of the book tends to the same effect. | |
|
It seems also by some of the cases that the like pretences
were made in those days that now are, viz. to uphold the credit
of the Archbishop and the received practice in those courts,
which notwithstanding was not regarded but the common law
held on his course, and the justices sentenced according to
law.—7 March, 1590. 1 p. (203. 109.) |
|
| Soldiers levied in London. | |
| 1590–1, March 22. |
Warrant to the Lord Mayor for the levy
of 50 men for service as soldiers beyond the seas, in addition
to the 400 appointed by former letters.—Undated. Endorsed: 22 March, 1590. Draft, corrected by Burghley. 1 p. (203. 110.) |
| Thomas Swan to the Queen. | |
| [1591, March.] |
For a lease in reversion of a parsonage
impropriate, for his services. (fn. 1) —Undated. Note by Wm. Aubrey that the Queen grants the petition. Note by Lord Burghley to the Auditor to make a particular of the parcel. 1 p. (994.) |
| Privy Seals for Payments. | |
| [1590–1, March.] | Schedule of privy seals for payments made forth of the Receipt of the Exchequer, from Michs., 1588, to March, 1590–1. |
|
The payments are detailed under the following headings:—
The Treasurer of the Admiralty. Victualling in harbour and
at seas. The Office of the Ordnance. The Office of the
Works. The Treasurer of H.M. Chamber. The Master of
the Posts. The Armoury. Berwick. Portsmouth. Lieutenant
of the Tower for wages and prisoners' diets. The Lieger
Ambassador in France. Ambassadors and others "foreignly"
employed. Jewel House. The Captain of the Pensioners
for wages and board wages for the Band. The Justices'
diets and expenses, their companies and assistants in their
circuits. The Household. The block houses of Milton and
West Tilbury near Gravesend. Ireland. The Low Country
causes. Payments to divers persons for sundry respects. 2 books, 58 pp. and 44 pp. One note in Burghley's hand. (223. 4 and 5.) |
|
| Tottenham Court. | |
| 1591, April 6. |
Plot of Tottenham Court with the lands
and tenements to the same belonging. Particulars of acreage
given, and notes with regard to the various lands, and to the
house itself. By William Necton.—6 April, 1591. 1 sheet. (Maps 2. 19.) |
| Elizabeth to Henry of Navarre. | |
| [1591, April.] |
"L'experience, le meilleur maistre des
actions humaines, vous a bien instruit, mon trescher frere,
de ma promptitude a conceder et despecher les moyens les
plus necesaires pour vos affaires, voire de ce qui vous touche
en grandeur et seurté. Que je me fascherois trop a vous
raconter en quant des sortes je vous ay fait tesmoing de ma
syncerité, affection, et soing de vostre bien. Selon laquelle
reigle jay mis en ordre quatre mille hommes pour vous assister,
servir, et hazarder leurs vies en vostre querelle. Et comme
telle aide qui en tous endroits vous sert est sans example,
ainsi ne doubte je point que de vostre part, vous les employerez
a telle fin que je vous envoye pour Bretaigne, le Havre et
Rouen, et les vous nomme a ce qu'il vous souvienne que ces
lieux sont le seul moyen pour vous asseurer de vos amys,
et boucher les desseins de vos ennemys. Et pour ce que
nignorez les plusieurs alarmes qu'on vous donne et donnera
pour vous r'appeller de tels desseings, jay bien inventé, ce semble,
une bonne response a telles gens, c'est que la charge que je
donne a mon Lieutenant est de n'aller plus oultre ny de trois jours
pour aultre entreprinse. Vous scavez, mon trescher frere,
ou il ni va de la conqueste d'une partie du pays, ou de
l'asseurance de quelques villes ou hostages de grande importance
c'est chose dangereuse a nos Anglois, voir a quelque aultre
royaulme du monde pour consommer le tresor, amoindrir
les subjects, et affoiblir les armes, et pour rien que pour
esperance de ce qui est fort incertain. Pourtant, ne vous
desplaise, que oyant rien que demandes, voire trop de requestes
sans cesser, c'est asses de facher les epaules de plus forts que
d'une royne. Car apres que sans difficulte ou espace pris
de trois jours que nous avons consenty nos troupes, on vient
a me r'assaillir un aultre coup pour l'Alemaigne. Mon
Dieu, qu' ilz vous font de disservice qui tant m'assaillent.
Ilz ne scavent que c'est que de regner, et ilz oublient par le
chemin que j'ay aultre royaulme que la France a garder.
Considerez, je vous supplye, qu'il fault que je regne pour
regner, qui bonnement ne se peult faire a mon gré sans conserver
l'extreme amour de mon peuple; que jusques icy, par la
grace de Dieu, jay bien retenu: et ne vous demande aultre
chose que ce qui est le mieux pour vous mesme, comme jay
prye Monsieur de Reaux vous representer plus au long. Et
finiray avec mes doleances, qu'en tant des moys, nonobstant
vos trop grandes necessites, et mes plusieurs requestes, vous
souffrez trop a leur ayse, que les Espagnols habitent vos ports
de Bretaigne, a qui ilz pretendent, comme pour l'heritage
de leur maistre. Je m'estonne qu'apres tant de promesses
pour plus grands secours, La Noue est arrivé avec cent chevaulx
pour aller a la chasse, je croy, non trop pour nous fortifier.
J'ay bien donne ordre a nos gens qui y sont que si presentement
vos plus grandes troupes n'arrivent, qu'ilz me viennent trouver, ou je m'asseure qu'ilz recevront honte, ce que je crains
trop, si les grandes compagnies qui y sont si ilz ne soyent
desja pour y arriver, de qui je vous puis assurer sans
feintize. Et vous supplye me pardonner ceste trop grande
franchise, et avec vostre bon jugement pensez de la cause.
Et prye Dieu qu'ordonnez de vos affaires a vostre meilleur
but, avec plusieurs ans de bonne vie. Contemporary copy. 2½ pp. (147. 74.) |
| Charge of the town of Cheshunt. | |
| 1591, April. |
List of the "Ceasments according to composition." The charges are for hay, straw and oats to the
Queen's stable: wheat for the Queen's house: pork, veal
and lamb: the gaol of Hertford: soldiers and armour for
2 years: wheat for the Queen's navy: church charges: relief
of the poor: oversight of the armour: powder and shot:
constables charges: for the setting out of these last soldiers
after the valuation in the subsidy for lands 3½d. and for goods
3d.—Undated. Endorsed: 1591, Ap. 1 p. (203. 111.) |
| Sir John Poley to Lord Burghley. | |
| [1591, April.] |
Has lost fifty horses in the Low Countries
service, and prays that according to the Council's order (fn. 2) he
may have their entertainment for four months without cheque.
—Undated. ½ p. (187.) |
| Munitions for France. | |
| 1591, May 11. |
Warrant to Lord Burghley to allow the
bearer, Olyver Placet, on behalf of le Sieur de Tremblaye,
captain of Moncontour in Brittany, to transport 1,000 wt.
of munition powder, 500 wt. of fine grained powder, 200
harquebuses with their furnitures, 50 muskets with bandoliers,
30 armours complete, 120 pikes, 50 lances, 10 ells of scarlet
and 300 ells of silver lace, for the service of the French King.
—Theobalds, 11 May, 1591, 33 Elizabeth. Sign manual. Signet. 1 p. (40. 74.) |
| Theobalds. | |
| [1591, May?] |
"A draft for my round house at
Theobalds." This paper contains a large number of names &c. arranged over a double sheet of paper, includes a number of offices and officers of state, of methods of execution, of instruments of music, different kinds of hounds, of amusements &c. In Burghley's hand. 2 pp. (140. 16.) |
| [1591, May?] |
List of names, corrected by Lord Burghley,
apparently of servants at Theobalds. 1 p. (140. 37.) |
| Note: Thomas Bellet, Steward, of list 140. 25, is at the head of this list, which makes it probable it is something to do with Theobalds. | |
| [1591, May.] |
List of persons lodged at my house at
Theobalds. Endorsed by Lord Burghley. 1 p. (143. 69.) |
| Mayor and others of Ilfardcombe (Ilfracombe) to the Council. | |
| 1591, June 24. |
Pray to be excused from furnishing a
ship of 100 tons with those of Bridgwater, there being no
shipping in their harbour above 20 tons, and the inhabitants
are unable to bear so great a charge, being simple mariners
and fishermen.—Ilfardcombe, 24 June, 1591. Signatures decayed. 1 p., much damaged. (213. 67.) |
| Mayor and Burgesses of Lynne to the Lord Treasurer, Lord Admiral and Lord Chamberlain. | |
| 1591, June 28. |
Her Majesty's pleasure being to send some
further aid of ship . . . to her ships already at the Islands
of Assoris, for the perform[ance of] some exploit to be done
against the King of Spain his Indian fleet, you required them
of authority of this port and the members [thereof] to confer
together for the furnishing of one [ship] of the burden of 100
tons. Our . . . states are not any way fitting to perform . . .
and that we have no . . . remaining at home . . . the most
which are employed for the fetching of coals from . . . made
fit for that service; but most chiefly for that our . . . by
want of trade, and divers of our best merchants have sustained
[great] hindrance within these 4 years by those of Dunkirk,
by whom they have [lost] in shipping and commodity more
than 5,000l. We want also sufficient men for such a voyage
by reason of our losses in the Portingale voyage, and divers
presses that have been here of late. Our neighbours also
of the coast towns [with] whom we have travailed earnestly
for their aids . . . give denial therein. We crave your
pardon, and pray you to make favourable consideration of
out wants.—Lynne, 28 June, 1591. Signed. 1 p., much mutilated. (203. 112.) |
| John Lacy Fitz David to Thomas Lacy. | |
| 1591, June 28. |
Good Cousin Thomas, In respect of the
readiness of our long pretended journey for our country
whereof I may not write much, I pray you, whether the
Regemt. come or not, to come hither with all speed as you love
to see your country to your comfort. I commit you to
God.—[At] Madrile, ready with the rest to go to the Armados,
28 June, 1591. Endorsed: "From Mody." An intercepted letter. Holograph. ½ p. (52. 76.) |
| Mayor and Burgesses of Lyme Regis to [Burghley]. | |
| 1591, July 6. |
They disavow the doings of one Page of
Weymouth, for the furnishing of a ship.—6 July, 1591. 1 p., much damaged. (213. 25.) |
| Mayor and Burgesses of Melcombe Regis to the Lord High Treasurer. | |
| 1591, July 7. |
They detail their proceedings with the
town of Lyme with regard to their joint contribution to the
charge of furnishing a ship. As to the position in the matter
of one Page of Weymouth. They remain ready to pay the
moiety of the charge, according to their former letter.—
Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, 7 July, 1591. Signed by John Bond, mayor, and others. 1 p., much damaged by damp. (213. 68.) |
| The Low Countries. | |
| 1591, July 10. |
In favour of two English gentlemen, bearers
of his letter, who have left their country in order to serve
in these States under his Highness.—Doway, 10 July, 1591. Signed, but the signature, though quite perfect, is very unintelligible. Endorsed: "From Mody": and in another hand: "Entersepted." Spanish. Not addressed. 1 p. (53. 23.) |
| Lyme Regis. | |
| 1591, July 12. | "Losses sustained by them of Lyme Regis: therein showing their disability and weakened estate." |
|
That they have sustained great loss . . . of Mercoeur, who
stayed their goods . . . in Britayne. That divers merchants
. . . greatly damnified by Wisemans . . . upon Sir Francis
Walsingham . . . Islands of the Osories. Likewise by Sir
Richard Green. . . . Lastly their losses sustained by the
Spaniards . . . men prisoners.—Undated. Much damaged. Endorsed: 12 July, 1591. ½ p. (213. 26.) |
|
| The Earl of Essex to Sir Henry Unton. | |
| [1591, July ?] |
I am despatched away in haste and have
my hands full to give directions for this present service;
therefore I will only in a word salute you. Undated. Holograph. ½ p. (179. 150.) |
| Henry IV. to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1591, Sept. 4/14. |
Le faict de Pierrefons en mon opinion
nestoit poinct quon se deust arrester nous a faict perdre des
munitions et quelques jours que je regrette plus que autre
chose; toutesfois lon a pense faire pour le mieux et fauldra
essayer de regaigner ce temps perdu par autre moien. Hier les trouppes que je atte(nd)ois de mon armee arriverent pres dici anjourdhui. Je les ferai avancer quelques lieues sur mon chemind afin que demain que je partirai sans faulte. Dieu aida(n)t je puisse faire une bon(n)e traicte, et espere que dans huict jours "da" (? je) resivra a (p)oinct mon armee dallemagne. Les (g)ens et Suisses du [symbol] so(n)t passes et se doibuent joindre (a)u N le vinst deuxiesme de ce mois pres Vallenciennes, ou il veult faire lamas de son armee, et a prins le vint huictiesme de ce mois precisement pour entrer en ce roiaume. Si cela est, je suivrai la derniere resolution en laquelle nous demourasmes daller droic(t) a [symbol], et si je veoi que les choses (m)e disposent a la bataille je vous en advertirai, et mon cousin le Mareschal de Biron pour etre de la partie. (? Je) delibere sil se presente quelque occasion en mon voiage de ne le pas (?) perdre. Cependant je vous ai bien voulu donner advis de celui "sofire" mai(n)tenant, dont je nescri poinct, remettant a vous de [symbol] en mander ce que vous adviseres afin quelle ne se fasche sil [symbol] plaist si les choses ne se peuvent avancer selon son desir, et quelle croie quil ni aura retardement de ma part qu'autant qu'une occasion plus pressee et necessaire seroit celle de combattre ledict N jen pourroit apporter. |
|
Vous priant y faire les bonnes offices que vous jugerez estre
apropos sur ce je prie Dieu mon Cousin qu'il vous ait en sa
sainte garde. A Chaulny le 14 jour de Septembre 1591. P.S.—Du chiffre qui est entre les mains du Sr. de Saldaigne. Signed: "Henry." Countersigned: "Revol." The portion in italics is in cipher, but badly ciphered. 1 p. (147. 97.) |
|
| The King of France to the Earl of Essex. | |
| [1591,] Sept. 9/19. |
J'estyme que ou va le Sieur Wlemes [Williams], les miennes doyvent estre plus courtes: il vous dyra ce
quy ce passe an ces quartyers et l'ocasyon de son voyage vers
la Reyne d'Angleterre. Je vous prye, contynuant vos bons
ofyces pres d'elle voulloyr vyfuement ambrasser ce pour
quoy je le despesche vers elle. Il vous representera asses
bien et au vray la necessyte de mes aferes, c'est a ce coup
quyl faut que je m'opose a l'entree du Duc de Parme an mon
royaume, quy doyt estre dans sys cepmenes, si j'ay ce dont
je suplye à la royne, je m'asseure que mes aferes en auront
tel succes que la justice de ma cause me la fet esperer. . . .
—19 Ceptambre à Sanlys. Holograph. Seals. 1 p. (147. 142.) |
| [Vanloo?] to [the Countess of Essex]. | |
| 1591, Sept. 16. |
Your Ladyship may by this brief collection
perceive the whole course of a tedious progress which I drew
for my better remembrance. I presume to send it to your
Ladyship thereby to testify the desire I have to perform all
dutiful and acceptable services and almost, as in presence,
see what our noble lord and general (Essex) hath done daily
since his departure; which if it please your Ladyship I will
continue both to note, and advertise in the same order all
his most worthy actions and enterprises until his return:
which I will not cease to pray may be as speedy as I assure
myself it will be with honour to him and joy to your Ladyship.
—From Neufchatel, 16 September, 1591. Draft, apparently in the hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. ½ p. (203. 120.) |
| [Vanloo ?] to —. | |
| [1591, Sept.] |
Some ten horse out of the Cornet were
appointed to go down to charge: and although my lord, of
his honorable care he had of the safety of the principal gentlemen, gave commandment that none of them should go, and
did himself ride down the hill thrice to withdraw such as
were gone, yet did the valiant disposition of divers of them
draw them forward; and Mr. Dowring being on the side
of the hill, and seeing the rest coming, rode on before and
hasted to charge, and passing by a hedge, where there was
an ambuscade, towards a church which before we had gotten
from the enemy, a shot came from thence and struck him in
the head.—Undated. Draft, in hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. ½ p. (203. 120b.) |
| — to —. | |
| [1591, Sept. ?] |
Monsieur, En mon retour de Noyon jay
prins le mesme chemin par ou je suis venu, jusques a Gizors
Et combien que l'ennemy s'est monstre entre Compyegne
et la dicte ville, si est ce quil ne nous a point attaqué. Arrivez
a Gizors jay eu advertissement de M. de Warde, et aultres tres
affectionnes serviteurs du Ro(i) que Monsr. de Villars avoyt
tire les garnisons de Rouen et aultres pars ou . . . cavallerie
qu'infanterie et s'estoit joynt avec Mons. Sescenal et la
garnison de Beauvois pour se mettre en chemin pour nous
attaquer. Ce que nous fist divertir, et tourner nostre course
vers Pont de Larch laissant notre infanterie aux fauxbourgs de Gizors, ne les voulant point hazarder estant peu
et fort harrasses et affoiblye. De Pont de Larch jay faict
une depesche pour faire marcher toutes mes troupes, lequels
sont en chemin. Notre rendevous est en lieu propre entre
Caudebeck et Gourny l'une desquelles selon l'advis que
j'aurai de lenemi et les moiens que je trouverai a Deepe je
suis delibere d'attaquer.—Undated. Draft. ½ p. (204. 48.) |
| Sir Walter Ralegh to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1591,] Oct. 13. |
This bearer will go presently into Spain
and view all the ports, by whom you shall be ascertained
of all the King's preparations, what is become of this late
fleet that was at the Island, where those, with the rest, be
held in readiness or discharged. I will undertake for the
honesty of the man. He hath the King's pass, whereby he
may safely look into all the ports; he only desires to carry
for the countenance of the matter a small buck of wheat or
rye. You cannot devise a fitter way to discover all his
pretences, therefore, I pray despatch it with haste.—"From
Derum Hows," this 13th of October. [P.S.]—If I had been well I would have waited on you myself. Holograph. ⅓ p. (56. 17.) |
| Export of Beer and Corn. | |
| 1591, Oct. 30. |
Warrant giving authority to Lord Burghley
and John Fortescue, Under Treasurer of the Exchequer,
to give licences to transport beer out of the realm; and to
buy and transport to various foreign countries mentioned
corn of various kinds, on the payment of certain customs
specified.—Richmond, 30 October 33 Eliz., 1591. Seal. 1 sheet parchment. (217. 7.) |
| Modye's Motions. | |
| [1591, Oct.] | To assure her Majesty that whereas some advertisements are delivered that men are sent over hither to take away her life by indirect means, I having sounded those whom I know do most desire the alteration of this estate, do find that they rest very indifferent, for that they carry great "imaginates" of the K. of Sc[otland]. Whose religion they hold more unsound than her Majesty's, and therefore they say they have no reason to seek to alter an estate, except they could by the alteration of it be sure to serve their own turns, which they fear they shall never do by the K. of Sc., although the Scots priests assure the contrary. |
| If it stand with her Majesty's pleasure that I shall deal with the Earl of West[moreland] for his return, I doubt not but to bring it to pass upon very reasonable conditions; for this I assure myself, they will seek to thrust him into some action that will put her Majesty to a great deal of charge upon Leonard Dakers' return out of Spain. | |
| For the books which are written against her Majesty and the estate, if it please you to be at the charge of the whole impression, they are now presently to be had. There was never any of them seen here but one. | |
| That her Majesty will be contented to give Hew Cragge (who is factor for the Scots nation) a pension, for that he has very good means to do her Majesty service. | |
|
And for my own particular, if it please her Majesty to give
me that means that I may have in my purse to give to those
that will deserve it, I assure your honour her Majesty shall
think it well bestowed, and you at her Majesty's hands receive
great thanks, and myself rest assured of her Majesty's gracious
favour towards me, so far forth as I have or may deserve.—
Undated. Endorsed: Modyes Motions. 1 p. (186. 105.) |
|
| Hugh Allington to Barnard Dewhurst. | |
| 1591, Nov. 10. |
Asks for the loan of certain books from
my lord (Burghley?) which had been Mr. Somerset the
Herald's, or any others of my lord's own store, to pass the
time, he not having a body fit to travel abroad. With regard
to papers of his own scribbling, which he sent to my lord,
he wishes them to be returned, so that he may write them
out in better form.—Tynwell, 10 November, 1591. 1 p. (203. 113.) |
| Henry IV. of France to the Earl of Essex. | |
| [1591,] Nov. 22. |
Mon cousyn, Jay tant esprouve vostre
afectyon quyl ny a ryen quy man puysse fere douter. Je le
vous ay escryt yl ny a pas longtans par la voye de mon
ambassadeur et le vous ay byen voulu repeter ancores par
celle cy vous pryant de le crere; aynsy et que lamytye que
vous portes a lun de mes ancyens servyteurs mest plustost
un tesmoygnage de la confyance que je doys avoyr an vous
que du contrere. Soyes an donques an repos je vous prye et
me contynues vos bons ofyces quand locasyon san presantera
et je demeureray toujours le meylleur et le plus assure
de vos amys. Je prye Dyeu mon cousyn quyl vous ayt an
sa saynte garde.—Ce 22 Novambre a Saynt Germayn an
laye. Holograph. 1 p. (147. 139.) |
| Sir F. Vere to [the Same]. | |
| [1591,] Nov. 24. | "Most Honourable, the companies her Majesty required of the States to be employed in France were very speedily obtained, every of us endeavouring to his uttermost to induce them thereunto. I fear me the strength of them will not answer your lordship's expectation. Those that be under my charge are somewhat to be excused by reason they have had no time since the breaking up of the camp to supply them. I hope their worthiness shall answer for their weakness. I wrote unto my Lord Treasurer signifying the state of them, and how necessary it was that some men might be sent out of England to Deep for to replenish them, which I hope will take effect. Myself would have reckoned it amongst the greatest fortunes might be[fall] me if I might have trailed a pike under your lordship's conduct, which, I most humbly beseech you to believe, no man would more willingly perform than I. |
|
"Here was for a good space news that the duke of Parma
was marched into France, and it is certain that he was as far
as Valentienes on his way, from whence he returned to
Bruxelles. The opinions are divers what might cause the
sudden alteration. Some say the doubt he hath that the
King would supplant him here and not give him so full
authority in France as he hopeth for; others that it was to
receive the Empe[ror's] ambassadors sent to treat of peace,
which are now arriv[ed] at Bruxelles, which indeed is most
likely. The Spaniards that have been so long mutinied
are now contented, having received 300 and 50 thousand
crowns. They stand now upon the choice of a new Mastre
de Campo, for they flatly refuse Emanuel de Vega who was
appointed unto them by the King. They are not at the
most 1,500. The duke Maurice of Saxe is joined with the
Duke's forces, his troops not being above 3,000, and those
very poor men. Of any other increase I do not hear. The
duke of Parma maketh account to carry out of these parts
2,000 good horse, what as they call them light horse, and
men at arms of foot I think not above 8,000, and those, setting
the Spaniards aside, no great biters. I hope they will be a
cause to crown the King with a noble victory, wherein I wish
to your lordship no less honour than I know will be due to
your rare virtues."—Hague, 24 November. Fly leaf with address gone. Holograph. 2 pp. (46. 69.) |
|
| Battersey Manor. | |
| 1591. |
Warrant granting to Elizabeth Rydon and Johan
Hollcroft, widow, her daughter-in-law, a lease in reversion of
the manor of Battersey. Signed by the Queen. Undated. Endorsed: 1591. 1 p. (203. 123.) |
| [John Heath] to Robert White. (fn. 3) | |
| 1591. | Sir, When I write unto you it shall be by the name of Robert White, and so subscribe your letters to me, always beware you set not your seal of arms but some other seal, which see that you change not, for by that I shall perceive whether your letters have been opened by the way. Make your superscription in this sort, A Monser Monser Fabritius maister delescole franches demerant en la reue de sante esprete an anvers pur done a Monser Craynstone; pay le post. |
| My letters I shall direct them to Mr. Marmaduke of the Court of Wards or to any other that you shall appoint in your next letters. Write sometimes to the Governor of Flushing who will send your letters or any thing else unto me with speed, and sometimes by the posts that come by Calais, and give order your letters be not opened, nor such as I send to you. | |
|
Use your father's cypher, or if it please you send me
another by the next. For my own name I will use John Heath
or this mark [symbol], and this seal I will always use to you,
so that assure yourself if the seal be altered the letters are
opened before they come unto you. Let the postmaster give
order that such letters as are for you, or such as you send, that
they deliver them with speed and with their own hands. I
assure you if I have so good means as others have and have
had in this place, and in this kind, you shall be as well served
as ever was any, and so I refer myself wholly to your directions.
Vale.—Undated. Endorsed: 1591. 2 seals. 1 p. (203. 124.) |
|
| Council of the Marches of Wales. | |
| [1591.] | Recommendations of the Earl of Pembroke as to the Council for the Marches of Wales. |
|
It is very necessary to increase the number of the Council,
for the want of gentlemen of reputation and of learned lawyers
has since his Presidency occasioned great hindrance to the
Queen's service. Recommends that four lawyers be appointed,
neither born nor dwelling within the jurisdiction of the Council,
to receive 50l. per annum for 3 months' service, and having
9 months' liberty to follow their own practice. Gives following list of gentlemen and lawyers not unworthy appointment. |
|
| Gentlemen. Foulke Grevill esquire, now secretary of the Council. Salop: Thomas Cornewall, Richard Corbett and Francis Newport, esquires. Hereford: Sir Thomas Coningesbie, and Sir Jhon Scudamore. Gloucester: Sir Henry Poole and Sir Jhon Points. Worcester: Sir Jhon Packington and Henry Bromley esquire. Monmouth: Sir William Herbert of St. Julianes. Glamorgan: Thomas Lewes of the Van, esquire. Anglesea: Sir Richard Bulkley. | |
|
Lawyers. Mr. Mathew Ewins, Mr. Atkins of Lincoln's
Inn, now Chief Justice of Assize for Pembroke, Cardigan and
Carmarthen, Mr. John Lancaster, Mr. Coventree, Mr. Croke the
elder brother, Mr. David Williams, Mr. Broughton, Mr. Courte. List follows of the lawyers and gentlemen who now are of that Council, with notes to each as to his attendance &c. |
|
| Lawyers. Sir Richard Shuttleworth, Chief Justice of Chester, Serjeant Owen, Edmund Walter esquire, Chief Justice of Assize for Glamorgan, Radnor and Brecknock, William Leighton of the Plash, esquire, Chief Justice of Assize for Merioneth, Carnarvon and Anglesea, Fabian Phillips esquire, Associate Justice of Assize to Mr. Leighton, Henry Tounshend, esquire, Associate Justice to Sir Richard Shuttleworth, Hierom Corbett esquire. | |
|
Gentlemen. Sir Edward Leighton of Wattlesborough,
Sir Richard Barkley, Sir William Herbert of Swansey, Sir
Thomas Lucy and Sir Thomas Throckmorton.—Undated. 2 pp. (186. 125.) |
|
| Lord Cobham. | |
| 1591. |
Estreats of certain fines of the courts of various
manors in Kent, belonging to William Brooke, Lord Cobham.—
1589 and 1591. 5 pp. (213. 50.) |
| Trained Bands in Devon. | |
| 1591. |
(i.) "Note of the chief parishes taken and culled out
by Mr. Carye within the hundreds of Hayetor and Colerudge
for his own private band of 250 men, notwithstanding the
first order agreed on and with the free consents of the Lord
Lieutenant and his deputies appointed to Sir John Gilbert,
and in his absence at the Bathes Sir John being not acquainted
withal was taken from him."—Undated. Endorsed: 1591. 1¼ pp. (203. 122.) |
| [1591.] |
(ii.) Mr. Carye's answer to Sir John Gilbert's allegations concerning the trained bands in the hundreds of Haytor
and Colridge, Devon.—Undated. 2 pp. (203. 114.) |
| English troops in France. | |
| [1591 ?] |
(i.) Her Majesty's forces being presently in want
of divers provisions especially of beer, which may be with
most expedition supplied from thence by reason of the nearness (?) of that port: I require you to transport from thence
50 tuns of beer for the use of her Highness's army, to be
taken and provided within that town of Rye, or elsewhere
thereabouts, at a reasonable price without any imposition.—
Undated. Draft. ½ p. (203. 116.) |
| [Earl of Essex ?] to —. | |
| [1591.] |
(ii.) These are to will and require you out of Her
Majesty's treasure remaining in your charge that you make
payment to Sir Roger Williams, Captain Gorge, Captain Currye
and Captain Ranesford of such money as rests due and is yet
behind unpaid for themselves and their several companies until
the date hereof.—Undated. Draft. Two other drafts to a similar effect. All apparently in the hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. 1 p. (203. 117.) |
| [1591.] |
(iii.) Whereas the bearer, Lieutenant Floyd,
repairing hither upon some occasion of business, as also to be
employed in the service, is since become sickly and not able
to follow the same, he is licensed for his better health to return
into England.—Undated. Draft, apparently in the hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. ¼ p. (203. 118a.) |
| [The Same ?] to —. | |
| 1591. |
(iv.) Prays him to give order as soon as possible
that the bearer M. Chamberlain may have 5 or 6 horses and
carts to carry provisions necessary for our army. He will
answer according to reason for everything supplied.—Undated. French. Draft, apparently in the hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. (203. 118c.) Draft to the same effect as above, and in the same hand. Endorsed: 1591. (203. 119.) |
| [1591.] |
(v.) Order for the supply of shipping to and fro
for the bearer Mr. Cary, sent to the Court in England for her
Majesty's special service.—Undated. French. Draft, apparently in the hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. ¼ p. (203. 121d.) |
| [1591.] |
(vi.) Order bestowing the company of 150 men,
of which Captain Rainsford, lately deceased, was captain
upon Thomas Gerard.—Undated. Cf. Calendar of Cecil
Papers, iv. 169. Draft, apparently in the hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. (203. 120c.) |
| [The Same] to —. | |
| [1591.] |
(vii.) These are to require you to make payment
of monies due to the companies of Sir Roger Williams, Captain
Gorges, Captain Curry (?) and the company which was Captain
Rainsford's now bestowed upon Mr. Thomas Gerrard, from
the time of my landing in France, since which time they
were under my commandment, until the end of two whole
months—Undated. Draft, apparently in the hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. ½ p. (203. 121a & b.) |
| [The Same] to Lord —. | |
| [1591.] |
(viii.) As your lordship has heretofore at my
request dealt favourably with Captain Arthur Bourgcher and
accepted of his bail, I pray you to take order that his absence
may not be prejudicial to his sureties there, but that both
he and they may be forborne till Hilary term next, at which
time he shall be better able to satisfy his creditors. Which
favour I trust you will grant me in respect of his present
employment in her Majesty's service, and the rather for my
sake under whom he is employed.—Undated. Draft, apparently in the hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. ½ p. (203. 121c.) |
| George Nettyrvill to [Lord Burghley ?]. | |
| [1591 ?] |
Your honour shall understand that I was there
once, and that in company with Mr. Ailmer the Earl of Sussex
his man, and none other but we two. Where you wrote
unto me whether I ever knew him before, or did see him, in
good faith I never did see neither know him before his last
coming into England. And further what speeches passed
betwixt us, truly I never talked with him, neither had any
speech with him, save that he desired me whose son I was
and I told him; and moreover what I did give or send him,
in very deed I never gave him anything at all neither sent
by any other.—Undated. Holograph. Endorsed by Burghley: Georg Nettervile. ½ p. (90. 123.) |
| Thomas Gerard to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1591 ?] | Complimentary. Acknowledges his obligations to Cecil, and apologises for not writing before; one reason for which has been his desire to salute him in French, and the little acquaintance he has with it.—Undated. |
| Endorsed: Mr. Th. Gerrard to my Master Mr. Th. Gerrard, Sir Fr. Stoner, Mr. Arthur Guyon, Mr. Ed. Seimor, Sir Ed. Wingfeild. Sir W. Russell, Sir Fr. Hastings, Sir R. Lane, Mr. Heriott, Sir W. Gudolphin, Sir Ed. Talbott. French. 1 p. (98. 104.) | |
| [Earl of Essex ?] to —. | |
| [1591 ?] |
Renews his former applications on behalf of the
bearer Mr. Hopkins his chaplain, to be restored to his liberty
of preaching. Undertakes that Hopkins shall not do anything
to the disturbance of the quiet of the Church, but carry himself
in such sort as shall not be an offence.—Undated. Draft, apparently in hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. ½ p. (203. 121f.) |
| [The Same ?] to —. | |
| [1591.] |
The bearer, one of my pages, is unable by reason
of the decease of his father, to meet a mortgage of the greater
part of his lands due unto you upon a treaty of marriage
between your daughter and him. I entreat you in consideration he is now an orphan destitute of funds, to grant
a year's respite upon security, and not to take the extremity
of the law against him, or else if you can so agree, that the
match may proceed, and the matter be ordered to the contentment of each party. Once again I pray you to deal with
him so that I may have cause to be thankful on his behalf.—
Undated. Draft, apparently in the hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. 1 p. (203. 118b.) |
| [The Same ?] to Lord —. | |
| [1591.] |
Complimentary: offering services etc.—Undated. Draft, apparently in hand of Vanloo, Essex' secretary. ¼ p. (203. 121e.) |
| Order by [the Earl of Essex]. | |
| [1591 ?] |
These are straightly to charge and command you
and every of you that you forbear to trouble or molest, or
in any sort to touch or meddle with Monsieur de Coymerrant
or any of his within the village of Coymerrant either for forage,
cattle, lodging or otherwise, being a gentleman who I understand to be a faithful servant to the King and to have
followed him in his wars.—Undated. Draft. ½ p. (204. 48.) |
| Parsonage of Symonborne. | |
| [1578–1591.] |
Presentation of — Crackenthorp to the
parsonage of Symonborne, diocese of Durham.—Undated. Note by Burghley: "At the request of the L. Evers. Found well commended." 1 p. (2317.) |
| Water supply of Plymouth. | |
| [1591 ?] |
Plan of the water supply to Plymouth from
Shepstow, executed by Sir Francis Drake.—Undated. 1 sheet. (Maps 1. 60.) |
| The Earls of England. | |
| [1591.] |
The succession of the Earls of England, from their
creation to 1585. Ex rubro Libro nobilis Comitis Leicester, extract: de aliis antiquis libris apud Kenilworth. Ex Registro Burton. Genealogia Dominorum de Lacy. (267.) |
| A number of Letters and Petitions addressed to Sir Robert Cecil, all probably after 1591. | |
|
Fard. Gorges.—If it please you to command me to come
to you when Sir Walter Ralley and you will appoint to be
together, it may be I shall say that I cannot write, which
will be more available than anything I have or can justly
subscribe unto. It will be best this night, for if I be not
deceived, it will be too late to-morrow.—Undated. Holograph. ½ p. (186. 56.) |
|
|
Thomas Honeyman.—Setting forth a scheme of finance for
Ireland based upon the seizure of all victuals exported from
thence.—Undated. 2 pp. (179. 123.) |
|
|
Gilbert Earl of Shrewsbury.—His wife thanks him for the
venison, and will wish him here at the eating thereof. Presents
the like to Cecil on his own behalf. Till Sunday at dinner,
takes his leave. Is very glad Cecil is so well prepared to
deal for the gentleman, who only relies on his favour.—Undated. Holograph. ½ p. (99. 5.) |
|
|
Preachers and Ministers of the City of Norwich.—We the
poor and painful ministers of the city of Norwich, living
everyone of us upon the uncertain benevolence of our
people, humbly entreat you to be a means for our certain
maintenance, by some Act in this present Parliament:
that as the ministers of London know what belongs to
them, so we may what belongs to us. We have almost
40 parishes, and not any one of them any certain allowance. By this means we that serve at the altar live on
the basket, and our people that should maintain us, cannot
agree about our maintenance: the rich will give little, the
meaner sort less, and the rest nothing at all. We beseech
you to further our Bill, to open your mouth in the cause of
poor preachers. We are all of us of your University of
Cambridge.—Undated. 1 p. (186. 116.) |
|
|
Lady M[ildred] Read.—Expresses Mr. Trafford's and her own
thanks for Cecil's kindness towards their child. They send him
half a hind baked, and half a dozen cheeses, a small present,
yet such as this country affords.—Trafford, 12 December.
"Your honor's nyce (niece)." Holograph. Endorsed: Lady Read. 1 p. (186. 133.) |
|
|
Captain Edward Sibthorpe.—Details his dealings with Daniel
Norcombe, Cecil's servant, to whom he has paid certain monies
to further his suits with Cecil, but who has deluded him in
the matter. The agreed amounts for procuring the suits,
apparently appointments to ships, were 30l. and 50l.—
Undated. 1 p. (186. 141.) |
|
|
Margaret, Lady Hoby.—Is sorry that this business proceeds
so backwards: fears there is fault in more than Mrs. Butler.
What directions she shall receive from Cecil she will perform,
and desires that she may be freed from imputation.—Undated. Holograph. ½ p. (205. 103.) |
|
|
Lady Eliza. Hatton.—Though I take it unkindly your sending
for your son so soon away, yet I will not be so curst hearted
as to leave desiring that I wish so much nor so unmannerly
as to forget thanks for letting him come to me; which favour
I account very great, yet not so great as I will render my
best thanks but reserve them for your favour in giving him
leave to return. And now if you please to give him leave I
am in town and do go to-morrow in the morning to Stoke,
and would be very glad to be so well accompanied thither.
Your loving niece.—Undated. Holograph. 1 p. (205. 109.) |
|
|
Robert Kyrkham.—Latin, verses at end. 1 p. (140. 91.) |
|
|
Bartholomew Lunckyecx, of Leipsic.—Has brought over to
England "a most rare and strange piece of work of sundry
kinds of metals," and has kept himself secret eight weeks in
Durham House hoping Cecil would have leisure to view it.
Prays him to do so, or obtain him a warrant to the Lord
Mayor to make public show of it.—Undated. 1 p. (388.) |
|
|
John Peirson.—Of wrongful molestations done to him by
Thomas Murfett, butcher. Prays for enquiry and redress.—
Undated. Endorsed: Note by Cecil that Mr. Harrison is to examine the cause and order it if he can. 1 p. (394.) |
|
|
Thomas Hewett.—For order for the production of certain
writings detained by the means of his brother John Hewett
who has entered on petitioner's lands and committed riots.—
Undated. ½ p. (613.) |
|
|
Nicholas Byrde.—He took a house of Owen Holland, with
promise of a lease, and repaired it at great charge, but Holland
has now sold it. Prays that Holland be made to recompense
him.—Undated. (673.) |
|
|
Richard Marchante.—For reward for bringing letters from
Mr. Gilpin in the Low Countries.—Undated. ½ p. (715.) |
|
|
William Roberts.—Brought letters from Lord Burghley, and
petitioned Cecil to know if he would command him any service,
and Cecil ordered him to stay his leisure. Has stayed and
spent all his means. Prays favour.—Undated. ½ p. |
|
|
James Haggas.—Prays him to move Lady Dacres to grant
him one of the tenements she has built in Tothill Fields for
poor aged people.—Undated. 1 p. (773.) |
|
|
— Harvye.—"Your honour's poor bedeswoman and nurse."
For relief.—Undated. 1 p. (786.) |
|
|
Mary Colbarne.—Complains that her husband's father Richard
Colbarne has defrauded her of her jointure, and prays that
commissioners be appointed to enquire into the matter.—
Undated. 1 p. (852.) |
|
|
John Carew.—Of a cause between him and Edward Seamer,
as to lands of the manor of Westodley, Devonshire. Prays
for letters to the Judges of that circuit to hear the cause with
indifference, and that Mr. Serjeant Heale, who was before
his counsel but is now Seamer's, be not permitted to plead.—
Undated. 1 p. (860.) |
|
|
Thomas Heydon.—Is threatened with ejectment from his
tenement in Waltham Cross. Prays grant of the cottage and
consideration of his distressed state.—Undated. ½ p. (863.) |
|
|
William Elsworth.—For relief in his cause with Charles
Topliffe.—Undated. ½ p. (916.) |
|
|
Anne Bland.—For his letter to Walter Agard, requiring
him to repay her a loan.—Undated. ¾ p. (1285.) |
|
|
Luke Bedford.—For secret conference, to declare a matter
of some importance to Cecil and his posterity.—Undated. 1 p. (1109.) |
|
|
John Bayly.—His answer to the slanderous petition of
Nehemiah Bennet, which Cecil has sent him, charging him
with plotting, with offering injuries to Elizabeth Bennet
and with offering indirect abuse to Cecil respecting a close
called Willifitz alias Sewels, Broxborne, Herts. The matter
has been already heard by the officers of the Court of Wards,
and the land found to belong to Elsing Spittle, and not to
the manor of Broxborne. Prays that Bennet be called to
appear and give satisfaction.—Undated. 1 p. (1717.) |
|
|
Hercules Wytham.—For further allowance towards the repair
of the "Black Lion," Hoddesdon, of which he is tenant.
Through the decay of the inn, Ellis Williams of the
"Chequers" has obtained all the wine licences. Prays Cecil
to be a mean to Sir Walter Ralegh therein, or to give him his
own warrant to draw wine.—Undated. Note that Cecil has granted half a year's rent. 1 p. (1721.) |
|
|
Henry Stapleford and Richard Shakerley.—For timber for
the repair of Cheshunt Mills, of which they are tenants. Complain that barges passing on the Lea are very often placed
across the mouth of the river that serves the mills, to their
great hindrance. Mr. Dr. Neale demands a tithe for the mills:
asks Cecil's pleasure therein.—Undated. Note by Cecil thereon. 1 p. (1750.) |
|