Cecil Papers: January-June 1596

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1915.

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'Cecil Papers: January-June 1596', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda, ed. E Salisbury( London, 1915), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol13/pp561-577 [accessed 8 December 2024].

'Cecil Papers: January-June 1596', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Edited by E Salisbury( London, 1915), British History Online, accessed December 8, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol13/pp561-577.

"Cecil Papers: January-June 1596". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Ed. E Salisbury(London, 1915), , British History Online. Web. 8 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol13/pp561-577.

January-June 1596

James VI, King of Scotland.
1595–6, Jan. 1. Letters patent addressed to all Kings, Princes ecclesiastical and secular, &c., especially to Philip, King of Spain. In favour of Thomas Bogg, his ship and its lading of Scotch merchandise, trading into Spain: promising the like favourable treatment for their subjects in Scotland.— "Given under our greater seal from our palace of Holyrood," 1 January, 29 James VI.
Latin. Draft, much corrected and scribbled over. 1 p. (222. 28.)
— Ersfild to the Earl of Essex.
1595–6, Jan. 3. Since my last by Mr. Wotton, Monsieur le Gast, Governor of Amboise, took arms and began to "proye" for himself, staying many vessels freighted especially with salt upon the river Loyre; whereupon the King despatched Monsieur de la Tremouuille, with commandment to the other Governors of Poictou and Touraine to resist the beginnings of this new malcontent. The difference he stood upon with the King was for yielding the castle of Amboise, where the young Prince and his Governor should have made their abode, as the place heretofore appointed for the training up of the King's children, and a secure retreat for their apparent successor. But Le Gast pretends a just excuse, saying the last King gave it him in recompense of his sure service done upon the Duke of Guise and his brother: and it behoves him to prevent revenge of his enemies by the strength and security of such a place. The King sent in post to recall La Tremouuille, who is now this 3 of January come back as far as Paris, hasting towards the King. What the issue of this will be is uncertain; yet it is thought it will turn to Le Gast his great prejudice. He is retired, and rests somewhat satisfied. The conversion of one Cayer, a minister of the King's sister, has made many murmuring scandals here in Paris. The Sorbonists have received him into their society, where by writing a few French subtilties, he publishes the nullity of the minister's calling, and therefore to have no true Church: their discord in their pretended Church: with many other superficial reasons which in discontent are rather argued than with knowledge, for that this last summer for some enormities he was admonished, reprehended and deprived of his calling, according to their order of Consistory discipline. The heat of this French race in matter of religion will continually boil to the disquiet of Fr[ance]. I hear out of Italy the Cardinal of Austria is passed the Alps, with 9,000 foot, and certain companies of horse, which he had commission to take in Naples and Milan. We hear he is already arrived in the Low Countries. He essayed to break the neutrality of the county of Burgundy and Lorrain, but it effected nothing. The Prince of Orange has been at Rome to take absolution, and after his long captivity the Spaniard has given him liberty and charge of some forces, with restitution of his revenues. He is reported to be of mean capacity and of a heavy, dull Dutch metal. The Pope's army in Hungary is almost wasted by sickness. The Italian forces committed such insolencies in that country as the Boores made supplication for the removing of all strangers; but not satisfied, they rise to the number of 4,000. The King was daily expected at Paris, but now he has sent for the whole Council to meet him at Compeigne, a days journey from the army where now they are, which makes great novelties expected. Sir H. Umpton arrived at Roane the 29th of December, and took the way of Andely and Gisors to find the K., where I think he is now.— Paris, 3 of January [15]96.
Endorsed by Reynolds, Essex' secretary: 3 January, 1595. 2 pp. (199. 36.)
Battista Giustiniano to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595–6, Jan. 5. With the letters that came to-day news arrived from Antwerp that orders had been received by those merchants to pay the Count (al Conte) 600,000 crowns for two months' provision. The Count wished only to take the half, and left the other half to the same merchants for payments made in anticipation. No news from Italy: Spain is making naval preparations. Rumoured treaty of the Spaniards with the Swiss. Palavicino is again ill of the gout.—London, 5 January, 1595.
Holograph. Italian. Seal. ½ p. (29. 100.)
François d'Orleans, Count de St. Pol, to the Earl of Essex.
[1595–6,] Jan. 6. Assuring him of his service, and requesting that by his means he may obtain some large greyhounds, strong and hardy, which he is assured are to be found in the quarters where Essex now is.—Rouen, 6 January.
Holograph. French. 2 small seals. 1 p. (147. 120.)
John Wetenhall to the Lord Ambassador for Scotland [? Douglas].
[1595–6,] Jan. 10. Details his dealings with regard to land and woods belonging to Jarvax. Offers [Douglas] 200l. for the passing of a suit with regard to a concealment.— Heaning, 10 January.
Holograph. 2 pp. (205. 12.)
Bonds of Edmond Fortescue and Henry Hudlestone.
[After 23 Jan., 1595–6.] Brief statement of a case at law to the following effect:—William Carewe paid to Edmond Fortescue 600l. for certain lands and Fortescue bound himself in 1,200l. to warrant him in them. Shortly afterwards Carewe was deprived of most of the lands, by a former conveyance; whereby Fortescue's bond became forfeited; and he, being poor, procured his brother in law. Henry Hudlestone, to become bound to John Ouldham a friend of Carewe's (Carew being absent in the country). Carewe, hearing thereof, came to London and not only agreed to cancel Fortescue's bond of 1,200l. but gave him jewels of his uncle's and money to the amount of 240l.; and assigned Hudlestone's bond to John Vere in payment of a debt. Before the day of payment came Hudlestone's father desired Carewe to abate 40l. of the amount of the bond, but he declined, saying he had made it over to Vere. Thereupon Hudlestone pretending that he was only a surety for Fortescue procured the Lord Keeper to call the bond in question in Chancery, and, after other proceedings, to make an order for Hudlestone to pay 60l. and Fortescue the rest, "who is in prison and not worth anything." Then Vere and Carewe moved and obtained the Lord Keeper's order that the parties should appoint arbitrators in the shire where they lived, but this Hudlestone refused. Vere then obtained the Queen's command to Lord Anderson and Dr. Caesar to end the matter, but Hudlestone refuses to appear before them, saying the Lord Keeper had heard it.
Endorsed: "1596. Mr. Poyntz." 1 p. (48. 45.)
Edward Browne to the Lord Treasurer [Burghley].
1595–6, Jan. 30. By occasion of my late being prisoner at Dunkirk, I received certain intelligences by chance touching the Spanish fleet and other matters of importance, for the full report whereof I humbly crave to be admitted to your presence. The 21st of this month I arrived from thence.— Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: 30 January, 1595. Seal. ½ p. (60. 54.)
The Queen to the King of France.
[1596, Jan.] J'ay esté si long temps environné de machines diaboliques et assailly de ruzes d'iniques esprits, qui m'a mené par la main au refuge de tel qui m'a conservé de leurs ambuscades et par l'eau de sa grace m'a fait conjurer leur malice et la faict tomber sur leurs testes les mauvais accidents que leur malice m'a voué, tellement qu'à bonne raison vous n'aurez jamais cause de croire que leur lacqs me prennent tant par les pieds à me faire separer d'un si fidel amy à l' occasion de leurs inventions vaines; à la foy desquels vous me trouverez toute sourde, combien que à ne les ouyr m'est quasi impossible. Si les humeurs des amis accordants font me indice asseurè d'une amitié solide pour la ressemblance de leur naturel, je vous puis asseurer que sommes tres estroictement liés, ayant eu non moins à cœur telz sinistres inventions que vous mesmes à qui il doibt le plus toucher, desdaignant que homme vivant me doibt ou pourroit tant abuser à qui je me suis tout dedié. Et comme j'espere firmement de ne reçevoir si mauvais guerdon pour tant d'affection, aussy hay je d'estre estimé princesse de si peu d'esgard que quelque prince m'osast faire un tel affront, de qui je serois plus preste me venger que d'autre ennemy. Mais si Dieu me garde (comme je n'en doute) aussy bien du dernier, comme vous me livrerez de l'autre, je feray honte à leur desseins et en feray farce à demy jour. Par ou vous voyes que je me satisfais tant de vostre asseurée foy que jen fais aultant d'estat que de quelque present que me pourriez mander. Et en tesmoignage de mon aise et contentement en cest endroict je vous jure que de ma part ne vous donnerez cause de vous pentir, ainsi vous correspondray en toute sincerité, amitié et fidelle affection, m'asseurant que si quelque demoniaque vous jetteroit quelque zizaine de mauvaise persuasion aux champs de nos bien liés voluntéz soubs ombre de vous profiter à nos despens, vous monstreres la science vostre trop bonne d'agriculture pour faire eslite de si mauvais bled, et en mesprisant leur malice y planteres meilleur fruict que vous rendray à la fin de votre vendange meilleur effect que oncques vous rendront si mauvais impostures, comme Dieu vous fera en temps propre veoir. A qui je prie vous mander la grace de vaincre l'ennemis et conserver les vostres, entre lesquels je mettray en premier rencq, votre tres affectionnée sœur à jamais. E.
Endorsed: Copy of her Majesty's letter to the French King by Mr. Naunton.
In hand of Reynolds, Essex' secretary. 1¼ p. (133. 94.)
For another copy see S.P. For., France, Vol. 37.
Recusants.
1595–6, Jan. List of recusants presented out of various districts, 1582 to January, 1595–6.
166 pp. (238. 1.)
Antonio Perez.
[1595–6, Jan.] Un nomme Don Rodrigo Meduro, Arragonnois, Sr. de Castella, que parle bon francois et a este detenu trois ans a l'inquisition d'Espagne, qui est homme de haulte stature, de poil noir, de grand esprit, et fort hardy, est party d'Espagne pour venir en France en intention d'attentir a la personne du Roy et a celle de Don Antonio Peres.—Undated.
Endorsed: Para embiar a Mylord. Traydor contra el Rey y Ant. Perez. ¼ p. (174. 99.)
— Ersf[ild] to the Earl of Essex.
1595–6, Feb. 8. I fear to incur importunity of letters, as ignorant with what eye my others were regarded. Yet the opportunity of this messenger commands a careful remembrance of my duties. The King's affairs at his siege of La Fere prosper slowly. That the trench has not yet taken effect is attributed to the lowness of it, whereupon the King agreed with his Switzers to raise it six foot higher, which was promised to be done within 15 days. But if the frosts continue they will be hindered. I am certified from the camp the enemy will shortly succour it; and that the King goes to lodge at Ripemont, a castle upon the river of Oyse, there to attend them. If they come it is doubted he shall receive an affront, his soldiers being wearied and wasted, his nobles retired, the season enemy to any hasty recovery of other forces, the country not able to sustain the remnant with him. What inconveniences proceed besides from this tedious siege, I know you shall be certified of such as have a sensible feeling of them. Here have been lately put to the wheel two Spaniards which were said to have intended the King's death, but upon their death they denied it, confessing no other purpose but against Signor Perez. The reception of the Duke of Mayne was at Monceaux the 17 of January, where it was thought Monsieur Balagny should have married Madame de Monceux' sister, who in the time of the League was the Duke of Maine his mistress. Since his loss of Cambray he has lost his reputation, and this blind humour he affects by marriage has given already matter of libel.—Paris, 8 February.
Holograph. Endorsed by Essex' secretary: 8 February, 1595. 1 p. (199. 37.)
The Treizieme in Guernsey.
[1595–6, Feb.] Note of Articles for a Commission from the Queen for Guernsey.
That five or six Commissioners be appointed, whereof one to be a doctor of the civil law, and one a common lawyer; the others to be chosen out of Jersey and Guernsey, as the Governor of Jersey, the Bailiff of Jersey, Mr. Amyas Cartwright, and the Bailiff of Guernsey. These Commissioners to be authorised to judge of the matter in controversy between the Queen's officers and William Beavoire, concerning the treizieme in question, with the campart and other royalties. Summary of the points into which the Commissioners are to enquire.—Undated.
½ p. (186. 58.)
Warden and Fellows of New College, Oxford, to the Queen.
[1596, Feb.?] On receipt of the Queen's letter in behalf of Mr. Noell, they granted him the benefit of an estate from their College; but he, as Mr. Heiton pretends, has sold their grant without their consent. The Queen has been informed that they passed their grant to Mr. Noell and his assigns; but they neither have made nor could make any such promise, being bound by their private statute to know their tenant lest some man should set foot into their livings who might hurt the College. Thinking themselves free from Noell, and receiving letters from the Earl of Essex on behalf of his servant Mr. Wotton, who has by his education amongst them and his kind disposition deserved well at their hands, they were content to yield thereto. Pray for the Queen's ratification.—Undated.
1 p. (2030.)
— to M. de Mondreville, Comte de Dampierre, at Nancy.
[1596,] March 5. The bearer who has just come from England to A. will tell him the news; he is a courier de banque, and seems to aim at gain more than anything else. He has to return to the writer on mercantile business. Pierre Roger has at last brought the writer his packet with the commission, for which he is as obliged as if it were more full and absolute, but will help himself in any way he can. Private money affairs relating to "Madame," Billouet, etc. To-day is the baptism of M. le Connêtable's son; to-morrow will send all the news he can by Pierre Roger.—From A., 5 March.
Endorsed: "Cypher 1596." French, in cipher. 2¼ pp. (204. 44.)
Office of Lord High Admiral.
1595–6, March 19. Appointment by Charles, Lord Howard, Baron of Effingham, K.G., Lord Admiral, of William, Lord Burghley, as his deputy to execute the office of Lord Admiral during his absence at sea with the Queen's fleet.—London, 19 March, 1595, 38 Eliz.
Signed. Latin. Parchment. (222. 7.)
— to [Antonio Perez].
[1596,] March 20/30. "Extract. ex epistola amici Genuensis data primo Martii stylo novo."
De Avana pervenisse navim ex regno Alycante (Hispanie regno inter Granatam et Valentiam) pervenisse, inquam, Liornam, referreque et confirmare possessam Avanam a Drako et fortificari jam. Idem ex Flandria et Colonia confirmari. Sed ride, te obsecro, quid addat amicus meus. Texedam Maestra de Campo qui cum Cardinali Alberto transivit in Italiam, et qui gubernator fuit illius portus, et munimentum illud struxit, affirmare non esse credibile, quia inexpugnabile erat munimentum, et ipse reliquerat intus duo millia Hispanorum.
Preterea medius tertius allata est epistola data Nantes, quae haec refert. Oratorem vel agentem Regis Hispani qui illic degit, dixisse cuidam Lusitano cum suum negocium privatum solicitaret, quodque pendet a responso Domini Christoferi de Mora, non mirandum si dictus Mora non responderet, quia totus ille et reliqui erant occupati in remedium adhibendo Avanae quam possidebat Drakus, et jam fortificabat. Scribit etiam amicus Genuensis servum Ducis d'Espernon esse Genuae, et accepisse abs ministris Regis Hispanie pro suo Domino 20,000 scutorum aureorum antequam nuncius de possessa Marsellia a Guisano pervenisset. Postea vero triginta alia millia eidem servo tradita fuisse. Praeter haec habeo aliam epistolam ab Christofero Frontino (quem Rex misit praeteritis diebus in Bernensem provinciam, ut animos Aragonensium indagaret, quidque posset tentari perlustraret) qua scribit adhuc esse commotos Aragonenses, et aliquid magnum machinari, commotosque fuisse Mauros Valentiæ regni. Sed praeter haec addit hoc: habere se nescio quid quod maxime pertineat et spectet ad servicium Regine Anglie, et ut suis verbis utar, Una interpressa galante y de importancia para su, sed non audere committere cartae sine cyphra. Curabo scire quid sit, et vos certiores faciam.—Datum Cussy, 30 Martii.
Endorsed: Avisos de Genua y de Nantes de la Havana. De Bearne. Para embiar a Mylord. 1 p. (174. 98.)
Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas.
[1596,] March 22. I wrote to your lordship about the thirteenth of this month at length by a Scottish man going thither called Mr. George Mongomerie, which I trust shall come to your hands long ere this can come, therefore I leave to report what I have written there. Since that time I received a packet of letters from you by young Smetoune, containing some to myself, and one to my Lord Sanquhar, with another to Mr. Patrick Commi[ng]. My Lord Sanquhar even but a day before was gone to Dumfries. There be a com[mission ?] to hold a "judice" Court, so that his letter could not come so soon to his hands as I desired, but I have sent it unto him, the other to Mr. Comming I [will] deliver if I can find him out, for he is but at some times visible. But I return to my own. His Majesty before I received them was come east to Dunglas and "spott" to his pastime, so that before yesterday, that he come to Beill, the Laird of Bas's house, I could not have the commodity to speak with him. But yesterday I went thither, and finding him at leisure from his pastime because it was Sunday, I had very good opportunity to speak with him, and therefore conferred with his Highness at length upon every point of your letters, which he found written both with judgment and great affection, as it appeared, to the weal of his service, all but the first part touching Isabella, which he could hardly believe. Always I delivered it as it was there, requesting his Majesty to keep it secret until he "liped," which a little time would discover, whether that point were written for malice or rather for the gre[at] care you had of the honourable handling of his service; and that his Majesty promised unto me faithfully. As I wrote to you of before, Mr. David Foulles was employed at this time against the opinion of all men of judgment presently about his Majesty, neither could his Highness be diverted from that by no persuasion or argument could be used in the contrary; but I perceived yesterday a little doubt in his Highness' mind that he should not find that he looked for, therefore the sooner his follies, which I know he will commit innumerable, be known here, the sooner will he be, to his shame, recalled, and the error amended. I am to ride west this day to Edinburgh again with his Majesty, where I shall await and prosecute diligently my despatch towards you, which by the help of some friends I took assuredly to obtain; and albeit the delaying thereof I know, and so I honestly declared unto his Highness, be prejudicial to his Majesty's service, yet [it] lies not in my hand to help; but what my travail or means m[ay] do I shall not leave of. But the principal stay will be in that I wrote to you of before, which notwithstanding I shall do what lies in me to amend. The State continues as it was at my last in a good trim for our own government, if the malice of some do not stay the good course envying the well doing of our new Council that does better nor oth[ers] did before them. Our ambassadors to France and other foreign parts are making ready, and our poverty has been their only stay so long. Now that Captain Selbie has assured me of the safe conveying of my letters, I shall write unto your lordship more frequently. I am in seeking a falconer to send unto you for divers h[awks ?] I have obtained already, and that sort of people trusty is hardly found.
I will request you to have a care of poor "Progne," and by the address you have there, let her know if safely she may remain in the inner parts of Capadocia, for upon yonder frontier she is in daily danger.—22 of March.
Holograph. Addressed: To the right honourable Mr. Archibald Douglas one of his Majesty's session and council. 1 p. Damaged. (15. 100.)
Battista Giustiniano to Sir Robert Cecil.
1596, March 29. With the last letters from Genoa I have order from Sir Fabritio Palavicino to give the magistracy of this city the petition of which I send you a copy, and he has decided to act thus promptly while arranging to procure a doctor of laws, as quickly as the occasion may permit, to solicit payment of his portion of the debt (fn. 1) of her Majesty, suffering by the present suspense such inconvenience as he can no longer endure. I wished first to advertise your lordship, esteeming it my duty, and because I know that on account of the devotion of Sir Horatio his brother towards you, you were always favourable to all the members of his house. The aforesaid petition shall be submitted one day this week.—London, 29 March, 1596.
Endorsed: "29 March, 1596. Sir H. Palavicino (sic) to my master: with the petition of Fabritio Palavicino." Italian. Seal. ½ p. (222. 26.)
Enclosing:
i. Petition of Fabritio Palavicino to [the Lord Mayor?].
In the name and by order of Signor Fabritio Palavicino of Genoa I beg to inform your Lordship that whereas it pleased her Majesty to keep in hand from the year 1583 for a somewhat long time the sum of 33,374l. 4s. 4d. for which she was then debtor to his brother Horatio Palavicino knt., new obligations were given to him under date of May 27 in that year and a new warrant from the Exchequer for an annuity of 3,337l. 8s. 5d. during the principal debt; and moreover the city of London gave similar obligations for the payment of the said principal sum and the yearly interest, which was paid at her Majesty's Exchequer at the due time each year till December 31, 1591, and then was reduced to 20,096l. 17s. because her Majesty diminished the principal debt by a sum of 4,425l. 13s.; at which rate the aforesaid Exchequer has paid up to July 1, 1593, inclusive, which was the last payment received by his aforesaid brother. Since which time nothing has been paid, wherefore by virtue of the said warrant of her Majesty and obligation of the city of London, there remain due at the present day five sums of 1,447l. 8s. 6d. each, which in the whole makes 7,237l. 2s. 6d. Your Lordship knows that Signor Fabritio is partaker in the aforesaid principal debt of her Majesty in 11,782l. 16s. 6d. in virtue of his share of the patrimony of Signor Thobia his father, and of the five payments aforesaid of the annuity not received in 2,945l. 14s. 1d., for want of payment whereof he finds himself grievously incommoded. Wherefore leaving out of account his brother, who as a servant and subject of her Majesty patiently awaits her favour and good graces, he requests of your lordship payment of his portion in the said five sums, it appearing to him reasonable to demand them of the magistracy of the city in general, rather than that I should receive it out of the private possessions of the citizens thereof, according to the strict force of the obligation: assuring myself your Lordship will take good order as the justice of the cause requires and the honour of the obligation of that city so famous and of so great credit in all Europe. And similarly, he prays you to obtain from her Majesty such order for the future that while she retains the principal he may be satisfied every six month by the consideration agreed upon, whereby he may enjoy the fruit of his patrimony for support of his house and family.
Italian. 1 p.
Joos de Moor [Vice-Admiral of Zeeland] to Sir Henry Palmer, Admiral in the Narrow Sea.
1596, April 18. As the enemy yesterday about ten o'clock ceased their battering, and nothing more has been heard since but absolute quiet on either side, it is not to be doubted, but that the town and Castle of Calais are in the enemy's hands; and the rather that yesterday evening there were great rejoicings at Gravelines signifying tokens of victory. I have had with me about 1,000 soldiers who this day sailed again for Zeeland. His Excellency Count Maurice met these garrisons to-day near Gravelines and has returned with them to Zeeland.—From the fleet before Calais, April 18, 1596.
Dutch. 1 p. (174. 89.)
The Duc de Bouillon to the Earl of Essex.
1596, April 19/29. Vous aves tant de soyng de vostre amy que c'est tousjours ocmantassion d'obligassion. Revenes vous an et sy vous vostre roine et vostre royaume lesses passer ce quy se presente vous n'y rescouvreres plus. Croyes de moy tout ce que pouves atandre de vous mesmes. Ce gentilhomme cest avec soing et peine aquite anvers moy de ce que vous luy avis ordonne.—A Londres ce 29me avril 1596 stil de France.
Holograph. ½ p. (135. 201.)
Naval Ordnance.
1596, April 24. Particulars of ordnance, powder, shot and other munitions delivered aboard the following ships, the Experience, Phenyx, Brownefishe, and Humfrey, under the charge of Sir George Carew, Master of her Majesty's Ordnance. —24 April, 1596.
Endorsed by Essex. 17 pp. (199. 42.)
Arthur Atye to William Downhall.
[1596 ?] April 24. My intellige[nce de]ceiveth me if your lord go this day [or] to-morrow, and it is thought he will be at Essex House ere he go. This day can not I possibly come, neither do I think it to purpose considering the remains of the feast yet continuing. To-morrow will be as busy as it. And so his departing day from Court also if it be the next. So that for me to come to Court to him if he depart any of those three days will be but lost labour. And indeed I like not as things yet stand to come at Court. But if he is coming to any place from Court advertise me by this bearer.
Four things I would gladly understand of his lordship.
1. Whether I shall remain as a cypher friend in his absence, or that he will command me any special service.
2. Whether he will write to my brother George Hungerford for his licence to return for a while; and to advertise the Count Palatine and Landgrave what he thinketh fit of his intended voyage.
3. Whether he will and can procure dispatch in my matter, ere he go, or else,—
4. Touching my 200l., whether he will command me any assurance for it.
I cannot possibly speak to him now about this thing and would rather write to you to do it for me.—24 April.
Holograph. 1 p. (179. 105.)
Antony Poulett to the Council.
[1596, April.] In February last he exhibited requests for the Isle of Jersey, importing much her Majesty's service and the safety of that poor isle; and has ever since attended in Court their pleasure therein, to his great charge and prejudice. Prays them to give such order that he may dispose himself towards his charge, whence he desires not to be absent while there may be the least occasion of suspicion or danger.— Undated.
1 p. (186. 129.)
Notes of Instructions [given by the Earl of Essex to his secretary].
[1596, April.] A journal to be kept for actions, for dispatches, made or received.
Letters to her Majesty not tedious.
To have correspondence with the Lords.
No contrarieties in advertisements.
Copies of special letters to be kept.
In answering letters to answer all material points.
Petitions to be considered by my Lord and the Council.
To keep a note of the resolutions and the presence of councillors both in French and English.
Notes to be kept of warrants for pay, day, to whom.
Item for passports for discharge of soldiers, of the name, day, place and cause thereof.
To discharge none but upon certificate of physician or surgeon.
To have in remembrance the English Jesuits and Bishop of Ross, if &c.
To look to writing of news.
In Reynolds' handwriting? Endorsed with a number of experimental signatures, "R. Broughton, E. Raynolds, Essex," and other scribblings. (179. 167.)
England and Spain.
[1596, April ?] The King of Spain has neither ships nor means nor sufficient preparations to undertake any enterprise against England, but spreads reports of such enterprises being undertaken to keep the Queen in suspicion and divert her from sending her forces agaist Havanna and the Indies, where he fears a mortal blow may be struck at the heart of his power. But her Majesty and her Council being very wise will know well how to keep things in England in good readiness with but little expense, so that they cannot dread his machinations; and for the rest, the King cannot attempt such an enterprise without great and apparent preparation.
And in Ireland it is believed that by means of clemency it will be possible so to accommodate matters that her Majesty may rest perfectly secure, and things standing so her Majesty has not to employ her forces and her power elsewhere than to seize Havanna and hinder the cruising and the security of the King of Spain's fleet, the maiming of which would be the cutting off of Sampson's hair, as to support it all his force goes and without which he is totally defenceless; as without the Indies' fleet the King of Spain would rest stripped of all his power, and thus the mighty monarch would be without strength and without credit, and without means either to save himself, or to do harm to others. And to this it is necessary to attend and not to allow oneself to be frightened by the shadows and the cunning demonstrations and imaginary alarms of the Spaniards, succouring Cales [Calais] therefore before anything else, which will be most easy both to the Queen and also to the King of France and like to cause rejoicing that the Cardinal Archduke should so have employed himself in consuming his troops and money and time over that place which England and France can thus advantageously aid; and in Bluet it might be possible to leave the Spaniards to employ themselves, in order to keep them diverted in several places, it sufficing that they be not able to make any acquisitions in that place, as it does not appear that they can do anything at all.
And if Havanna were England's not only would she take from Spain all its vigour but all the gold would go to the Queen, with which she would be able not only to compete with Spain [but] to humble her, and both the great men and the lesser ones of the Queen might have the money of the Indies, and might hopefully believe that they could give Spain something to do.
In undertaking the enterprise of Havanna, it is to be considered whether it would be well with the English infantry to mix some French infantry; and such enterprise should be undertaken before the Spaniards fortify that hill, and remedy all the imperfections and dangers of which they may have become aware by the going thither of Drake.
Italian, but nearly all in cipher, deciphered and translated as above. Undated. 1¼ pp. (140. 66.)
Simon Bryan to Lord Burghley.
[1596, Before May.] Complains of concealment by Cullen and Roper of bonds due to the Queen's late Almoner, whose assignee petitioner is: also of assault. Prays that Cullen and his confederates be bound to their good behaviour, and for settlement of the controversy.—Undated.
Note by Burghley that the matter is to be moved in the Starchamber. (fn. 2)
½ p. (737.)
Jehan and Jacques Delabat to the Queen.
[After April, 1596.] Bordeaux merchants, ruined by their agents and by the taking of Calais by the Spaniards. Pray for leave to dwell in the kingdom, with assurance that none of their creditors may apprehend them or their goods for the space of two years.—Undated.
French. ½ p. (1609.)
The Duc de Bouillon to the Earl of Essex.
[1596,] May 20/30. Nous avons finy nostre nesgossiassion avec les articles d'une ligue ofansive et desfansive beaucoup moindres a mon jugemant que la grandeur des personnes et des roiaumes ne meritoient, moindres que nos afaires pour an estre soulagees et infiniemant moins que mon esperanse. Nous la raportons cheus nous ou nous exagerons les raisons quy ont retenu la roine de ne faire davantage, estant assure que le manquemant des condissions donnera ung grand subject a ceus quy ne desirent que nostre dessunion d'en disputer la ratificassion, quoyque ces manquemants me soient asses connus sy scay je que nous ne pouvons demeurer seuls pour soustenir la guerre et ne nous joignant il faudra se porter ailleurs a la ruine pour le moins de ceus quy font profession de la vraie religion a nostre soing et diligense de prevenir ce mal. Le temps que je demeure an ce royaume m'a asses donne de connoissance que toutes les cours ont des humeurs samblables prinsipallemant aus anvies antre les particuliers et aus jalousies contre ceus desquels la vertu exelle. Ceste raison m'a fet voir que vostre ruine est desiree et finimant recerchee. Les moiens que l'on y tient dans vostre royaume et pres de vostre mestresse vous sont plus connus qu'a moy quy m'anpeschera de les vous dire; mes seulemant vous an diray je ung ou je m'assure que leurs peines seront este vaines par vostre sagesse et par la preuve que vous debves avoir que je ne puis changer ce que je vous suis que ma nature ne changeast, l'on dit que vostre voiage a frape le coup pour randre le fruit du nostre, moyndre que les afaires de Franse ont eu leur direction de vous, et lors qu'il les a faillu lier que vous les aves habandonnees. Nulle aparanse qu'aucun aie aprouve vostre dessyn mes seullemant vostre fantasie que je dois faire autre amitie quy soit plus au cresdit et quy veulle plus constammant ambrasser ce quy aura este projete ordonne que je prandre mes adresses pour escrire avec Henry Brone et diverses autres choses delicates pour alterer deus amities quy ne m'ont este inconnuees mes sans nul esfect je sceu que l'on a deslibere de nous imputer la rupture de vostre voiage sy elle vous arive, et a-t-on avise les moiens pour le faire mallisse tres grande et vers vous et vers nous de nous lesser sans merite l'envie de ceus quy y seroyent interesses. Je dit a Reginalde tous les propos que j'an ay tenus, mon cher conte. Avises sy la desmonstrassion de nostre diminussion d'amitie vous sera utille. Serves vous an an me le fesant scavoyr et vous conjure de l'aucmanter par la preuve que nous debuons avoyr que ce ne sont que ceus quy la veullent diminuer quy ne nous aime pas, et croyes que vostre contantemant vostre grandeur et conservassion me sera tousjours aussy chere et plus que la mienne propre. Je croy que le roy passera la mer d'avant ung mois. Je feray tenir mes lettres a Reginalde.—A Gravesendes ce 30e May.
Holograph. 3¼ pp. (135. 210.)
England and France.
[1596, May ?] Draft of some articles or proposed articles of a treaty to be concluded between France and England.
. . . In case any arrest be made by any other Prince upon the goods of any of the subjects of these Princes for cause of denial of justice, the same having been lawfully required, then is the other of the confederates not bound to proceed as is aforesaid to procure restitution for the other; so it be lawfully proved within three months that the arrest does not proceed of any other cause.
It is further concluded that for the confirming of all friendship between the two Princes, that her Majesty's subjects shall keep their staples of cloth, wool and other merchandises in any such towns and places as shall be agreed on between both Princes, in the same manner as they keep them at Antwerp, Bergen, and Bruges.
And that the French King shall suffer the Englishmen to have a house of residence, where they may live under such governor and officers as they shall constitute among themselves.
And that the said King or his successors shall not suffer any of her Majesty's subjects to be any ways molested or troubled for religion, so far as they keep themselves with moderation.
And that the said English merchants may vent their merchandises at all times, so it be not on Sundays and ordinary holidays.
It is further agreed that all impositions, tolls, customs, and all other duties whatsoever shall be rated and set down of all kinds of merchandises, and so delivered to the English merchants. And that it shall not be lawful for the French, at no time or under what colour soever, to increase the same rates or to impose new taxes upon the English.
And if perchance there should happen any war or dissension betwixt these two Princes there shall be limited two months (of 60 days) after the publication of the war for the merchants to retire themselves with their goods.
It is further agreed that the said Englishmen having constituted their staples and so continuing their trade, they may dispose of their goods, wares, debts, money which they have in France either by gift, last will or otherwise according to their own laws; notwithstanding the droit d'Albenes, whereunto they shall not be subject.
It is further concluded that within four months after the date hereof it shall be agreed between both Princes of the place of residence or staples, and of the privileges and immunities which they shall enjoy in France. Item of the quantity and quality of tolls and customs, and further of the mitigating or abolishing of such tolls and duties as of late years have been raised in either of the kingdoms.
By this present treaty there shall be nothing derogated from any bonds or obligations of debts made for lendings or other disbursements due by this King Henry IV., or by Henry III., or Charles IX. or their predecessors, but all such bonds to stand in full validity without any innovation at all.
Out of the Treaty Anno Domini 1515, art. 6, 14, and 16.
It is agreed that no foreign ship prepared and furnished for war shall be received in any of the foresaid kingdoms of England and France, neither shall any kind of victual, munition, or other furniture be suffered to be given or sold to any strangers towards the furnishing of any such ships.—
It is moreover agreed that the said French King, during the war between her Majesty and the King of Spain, shall not suffer the merchants of the Hanse towns or any other merchants of what nation soever, to make any staples in France of corn and victual, thereby to transport either by themselves or others any such victuals, munition and furniture into Spain, but the same to be sold and distributed for the use and service of the French King only.
pp. (178. 99.)
Wardenship of Winchester.
[1596, May ?] A.B. hath of late received of her Majesty's gift a benefice and canonry residentiary in the church of Winton both of value 200 marks. He hath been in the ministry but one year, and is in degree of schools a master of arts.
He is a suitor at this time for the parsonage of Drokensford, which is of her Majesty's gift or my Lord Keeper's, to the value of eight score pounds per annum and is far better than the wardenship, which said benefice Dr. Bilson now holds.
The schoolmastership which he now enjoyeth is better than the wardenship if the schoolmaster himself may be believed. He is altogether undesired of the fellows of both colleges.—Undated.
½ p. (197. 106.)
Commission of [Henri de la Tour, Visconte de Turenne].
[1596, May ?] . . . "Scavoir faisons, que nous considerans que . . . effect faire meilleure election que de la personne . . . et bien aimé cousin Messire Henry de la Tour Vi . . . conseillier en nostre conseil d'Estat et prive, Capitaine de . . . Darmes de nos Ordonnances, et Premier gentilhomme . . . . chambre, tant pour la quallité de sa maison . . . temps des plus illustres de ce royaulme, que pour . . . vertus qui sont en lui, lesquelles nous ont . . . l'approcher de nous des qu'il a . . . service, et nous confier en luy . . . pour . . . secrets affaires, tant au faict de la guerre . . . choses importans le bien de nostre Estat . . . preuve de sa capacité et suffisance et de . . . qu'il porte a nostre personne, et a l'avance . . . affaires, qu'il s'est de plus en plus fait . . . seulement du lieu que luy avons donne . . . aussi de toute aultre charge que luy . . ."—Undated.
Imperfect. Contemporary copy. ½ p. (204. 35.)
Thomas Adderley to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1596, May.] Justifies the legal action he has taken against William Hallidaye, who is protected by Cecil, but never arrested his body. Cannot pay his debt to the Queen by reason of Halliday's default to him. Prays leave to proceed against Halliday as other creditors do.—Undated.
½ p. (581.)
Sir William Malory and others to Matthew [Hutton] Archbishop of York and the Council of the North.
[1596, 4 June ?] For a certain contempt committed by one Richard Atkinsone of Ripon, a warrant was directed against him by William Staveley esq. and others, Justices of the Peace within the liberty of Ripon. And for that Atkinson used divers lewd speeches against the warrant, he was called before us, whose names are subscribed, Justices of Gaol Delivery, and at the sessions of peace holden before us at Ripon, June 6th, in the 35th year of her Majesty's reign, it was proved that Atkinson affirmed the said warrant was fit to stop mustard-pots, for which and other things he was committed to the gaol (whereof one Richard Render was gaoler) till he should be lawfully delivered. Afterwards he was delivered by commandment of Sir William Mallorie, knight, for which imprisonment he bringeth an action of false imprisonment against the said Render before the Justices of Common Pleas at Westminster, where Render is likely to be condemned by order of law, the warrant being lost. Lastly at our being at Ripon at the gaol delivery there the 3rd of June inst. we called Atkinson before us to entreat quietness in those causes, who answered us he would not stay the suits, but would have the law. We therefore beseech your Grace and Council to be a mean to the justices to stay the suit at the Common Law.
Signed:—Willm. Malorie, Willm. Hildyarde, Robert Waterhous, Willm. Staveley. Undated. 1 p. (185. 134.)
[N.B.—This appears to be the enclosure referred to in the letter of the Archbishop and Council of York to Lord Burghley, dated 7 June, 1596, Cecil Papers, vi. 211.]
Anne Mannocke to Lord Burghley.
[1596, June.] For the enlargement of her husband Thomas on bail, or the granting of access to him.—Undated.
Note by Burghley, to be answered by the Council. ½ p. (643.)
Mr. Hicks to [Sir R. Cecil ?].
[1596, June ?] This enclosed letter was written yesterday but not sent because he was a stranger that came to you with my l[ord's] letters. I find by your letter that the Q[ueen] removes not these 6 or 7 days and therefore it is like my l[ord] will tarry here till Saturday. I am sorry that our fleet went not away before Sunday in the afternoon or upon Monday, for that the wind came yesterday into the south.
Endorsed:—Mr. Hicks to my Mr. Undated. Unsigned. Seal. 1 p. (197. 10.)
Spoils of [the Cadiz Expedition].
[1596, June?]
"Lo que parçe que pudo valer el Saco de la Ciudad de Cadiz."
Descriptive inventory of the goods taken at Cadiz. Total value, 621,500 ducats.—Undated.
Spanish. 4 pp. (174. 66.)
ii. Similar inventory and valuation of the plate seized.— Undated.
Spanish. 1 p. (174. 68.)

Footnotes

  • 1. See Calendar of S.P. Dom. Eliz.: 1596, p. 186 (vol. 256 no. 92).
  • 2. This suit was apparently brought in May 1596: see Star Chamber Pro. Eliz., B. 26 no. 19, Bryan v. Cullyn et al.