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Thomas Dale to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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[1603], April 1. |
Understands that the King of France wrote
to the late Queen for the obtaining of his grace. Prays Cecil,
if the King be moved therein by the French Ambassador, to
give his assistance. The King of France sent him with his
letters to the States, that if they pleased to raise 200 foot he
would give order to the Governor of Dieppe to raise them for
him (Dale); but as far as he can learn, the States are not as
yet resolved to raise any new company. Finds Sir Francis
Vere willing to give him employment in the English troops,
if it stands with Cecil's liking. Prays letters in that behalf.
—April 1.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "Captain Dale. 1603."
1 p. (99. 78.) |
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Dr. Richard Bancroft, Bishop of London, to
Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 1. |
I cannot learn either the names or the
descriptions of the two Jesuits which accompany Mr. Ger[ard].
For Mr. Ger[ard], he is a tall, black man, very gallant in apparel,
and being attended with 2 men and a foot boy is exceedingly
well horsed. Their chief repair will be to Sir James Lindsay
and Mr. or Dr. Droman, who pretended themselves the last
year to be agents for his Majesty in Rome. I will use the best
means I can to learn some particulars of the other two, and in
the mean time this may be sufficient for a caveat. For you
cannot be too provident in such a case, as I think.—My house
in London, 1 April, 1603.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "L. Bishop of London. Two Jesuits gone with
Mr. Gerrard into Scotland."
½ p. (99. 79.) |
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Sir Richard Molyneux to the Same. |
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[1603], April 1. |
They have in full assemblies proclaimed
their King, to the great rejoicing of all men, although there are
many weeping for the loss of so gracious a Queen. Expresses
his devotion to Cecil.—1 April.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "1603."
1 p. (99. 80.) |
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King James to the Same. |
|
1603, April 1. |
Warrant appointing Sir Robert Cecil keeper
of the Privy Seal and Signet.—Holyrood House. April 1, in
the first year of our reign.
1 p. (134. 31.) |
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Sir John Peyton to Lord —. |
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1603, April 1. |
Informs him of the death of the Queen at
Richmond, between 2 and 3 in the morning, and of the proclamation of James by 4 o'clock. The corpse was brought to
the Palace at Whitehall, and by 10 o'clock the King was proclaimed at Whitehall upon the Green, right against the Tilt
Yard. So the Lords and Councillors to the late Queen were
with Garter King at Arms with the rest of the heralds, and
proclaimed the King again in Fleet Street; and so proceeded
till they came to Ludgate, where they found the gate shut and
the portcullis down: whereupon the late Lord Treasurer and
Keeper, with the rest, knocked at the gates. The Lord Mayor
being there, with the Aldermen and the City in arms, asked them
what they meant to do. The Lords desired the Lord Mayor
to open the gates, for that their Queen being dead, they would
proclaim the King. The Lord Mayor answered he would know
what King before they should come in; for, said he, if you will
proclaim any King but he that is right, indeed you shall not
come in. They then said they would proclaim James. Then
said the Lord Mayor, I am very well contented, for he is my
master, liege lord and King. But, said the Lord Mayor, I will
have a pledge to assure me of this, that you mean to do as you
say. Whereupon the late Lord Treasurer did put off his collar
of Esses, which he had about his neck, and put it under the
gate, and withal the proclamation. So then the Mayor, being
well guarded, let them come in, and with most exceeding joy
they went to the broad place before Poules, where they proclaimed our King. And so they went on till they came to the
Cross in Cheape, where likewise they again proclaimed the King,
and from thence to Cornwell [sic Cornhill] by the Exchange
up towards Tower Hill. The Lord Mayor, the Lords and
Aldermen sent to Peyton's brother, the Lieutenant of the Tower,
who had drawn up the drawbridge, and made fast the other
gate of the Tower, signifying to him they were coming to Tower
Hill to proclaim their King, and desired him to accompany
them; who sent answer that they should not come there, for
if they would proclaim any but the right indeed, he would set
them further. Whereupon they came to the Tower Gate, and
certified him they meant to proclaim James. He answered
that he was his King, lord and master, and would join his best
assistance thereunto; whereupon he came out and joined with
them in the proclamation upon Tower Hill. He also caused
the King to be proclaimed within the Tower. The like joy,
both in London and all parts of England, was never known.
There is divers Lords, many knights and so great store of
gentlemen gone to the King, as he has sent word by proclamation
to stay the going of others to him, lest, by the multitude of
followers and attendance, it might procure a dearth in those
parts, besides his own infinite trouble and disquiet. There is
such exceeding preparation, in London and elsewhere, of
noblemen, knights and gentlemen, for the honour of his
coronation, as the like has not been read of in any chronicle,
many noblemen, as it is thought, at 4 or 5 thousand pounds
charge. He advises his correspondent, the charge being so
infinitely great, that to put himself in equal charge with other
noblemen, would so endanger his estate, that he could hardly
recover it in many years.—Bradley Hall, 1 April, 1603. |
|
PS.—The funeral of the Queen is said to be solemnized the
Thursday in Easter Week, and it is thought about some ten
days after, the coronation shall be. No money to be borrowed
or gotten for anything.
Holograph. 2 pp. (187. 19.) |
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Sir James Elphinston to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 1. |
The King has commanded me to acquaint
you with a universal complaint of his whole suite, anent the
conditions of the money whereby their charges must be defrayed
in their journey, and the loss they will sustain if their money,
according to the weight and fineness, have no course in England.
To make the equity of your petitioners to be known, I have set
down herewith a note from the Mint Master, desiring that our
money in weight and finish corresponding to the English reall
may be received at the like price, and the warrant of the Council
there published to that effect to meet his Majesty at Berwick.
I am also commanded to signify to you that the French
Ambassador resident here has procured a pass for a servant
of his to go in France; and for that he understood that you
had upon good respects stayed any passage to these parts, if
your restraint yet continue, you may linger him upon any
pretext you please, otherwise that he be suffered to pass as
you shall think meet. Further, with your permission, I will
add of my own an excuse wherefore heretofore I have abstained,
notwithstanding the conjunctions of our charges, to importune
you by my letters, except upon such trifling occasions as the
public necessity of my office forced me thereunto. First, the
"tickleness" of the State in the last days of the late Queen:
the reverent respect I knew you carried to her, whose jealousy,
as it ought, so it was unto you a restraint from keeping correspondence with any person without her allowance: our dread
sovereign that now is, his dealing in matters of his right, before
I attended to this service, "concredited till others," and the
great dangers might have ensued if they had not been trained
forward by the first actors, my own timorous nature, suspecting
that by some persons his Majesty had not been well used,
whereof I feared to earn the blame, being but a new intruder
in matters of estate; conjoined with that excuse, desire I had
that the success of them should have been such as I thank God
they are now: these occasions, with many more particular,
which by God's grace you shall know at meeting, made me
always in these matters silent: and for that all men's eyes
were only bent upon that subject, I abstained, yea, in matters
properly belonging to my office, that I should not only be free of
meddling but even of all suspicions of intentions to meddle with
them. But now, since it has pleased the Almighty, in his good
mercy towards our sovereign, and his inestimable blessing to this
whole island, by the faithful ministry of them who had best
credit beside the late Queen of famous memory, to disappoint
the greedy affections of great foreigners, and the busy brains
of other competitors, wherein you take, as at his Majesty's hand,
your own due praise, and that by the happy conjunction of
these two realms, under our most gracious sovereign, all our
offices are united, jealousies removed, and nothing left unto us
but a careful affection that, under his Majesty, the weal of
both the States, now being one, may be procured, I have taken
the boldness to make offer to you of my steadfast disposition
at my uttermost power to concur with you in all things may
tend to the advancement of his Highness's service, and to the
discharge of a friendly duty in particular unto you; for since
his Majesty acknowledges you the principal who has been the
upholder of his just title, it is more than reason that all his
subjects and ministers, who by that only mean have found
the lives of themselves, their wives and bairns, redeemed from
the edge of the sword, their lands from perpetual servitude,
and instead thereof, likely to flourish in wealth and good order,
by participation of your prudent and happy government, should
by submissive vows yield themselves, their service, and what
they are able to do, unto these most happy authors of so wonderful a trophy, whereof the like hath never heretofore been read,
seen or heard of. And I, as one of the meanest, by these
presents congratulate to you, under God, your just praise.—
Edr' [Edinburgh], 1 April, 1603.
Holograph. 2 pp. (187. 20.) |
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Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
[1603, c. April 2.] |
At this present dispatch of my letters I
received a private letter from his Majesty, and a commission
under his royal hand for the exercising my place here. He is
purposed upon Monday next or Wednesday following to set
forward to Barwyck and there to remain 8 days, and so to set
forward hither, where I perceive by my son he looks for no
preparation for his lodging than such stuffs I have of mine
own. I shall pay dear for mine office by that time I have
entertained his Majesty here and at Burghley: the third place
must light of [on] your shoulders at Thebalds. He spake very
honourably of you, and of your service, and I am glad he has
joined us both together in his good opinion. I thought to tell
you by the report of my son that he means to give the title to
my cousin Nevyll of Westmorland, with all such lands as are in
his own hands, and to restore presently the Lord Dakers. I perceive his Majesty reckons to make no long tarrying by the way,
and yet I hear he means to hunt as he comes. He won the hearts
of all men that come to him with such familiarity and gracious
courtesy, as he possesses all men's hearts with hope of as gracious
a prince as ever England had. He has willed my son to return
back unto him to Barwyck. All the noblemen used him very
courteously, especially the Duke of Lennoxe, the Marquis of
Hamilton, and the Earl Marr and Sir Thomas Eskyn. I hear
young Sir Thomas Challenour is in great favour with him by
anticipation, and so Sir William Euurs. The King wants
present money, and therefore you shall do well to provide
money to be sent forthwith, which he will take very
thankfully.
Undated. |
|
PS. I pray you let this letter included be sent speedily
to my house at London for the dispatch of divers weighty
business. As I shall hear further I will advertise you by post.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "Lord President of York. 1603."
1 p. (99. 147.) |
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Dr. John Du Port to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 2. |
Prays that the Lord will establish this great
change to the glory of His name, and the benefit of His church
and the commonwealth. Assures Cecil of his devotion to him,
however in partiality his credit has been injured unto him.—
Jesus College in Cam[bridge], 2 April, 1603.
Holograph.
1 p. (99. 81.) |
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Sir Nicholas Parker to the Same. |
|
1603, April 2. |
On March 21 I advertised you that a Scotsman
here arriving said that there was a great armado in preparation
at Lisbon; but though he averred himself to be an eye witness
thereof, yet by several intelligence since I am assured of the
contrary. Amongst others here is at present Thomas Browne,
of Aver in the west of Scotland, merchant, who 15 days since
came from Lisbon, and assures me there was no preparation
of any fleet, but of 7 carricks in readiness bound for the East
Indies, and 4 tall ships of war to waft them to the Canaries:
further, he had certain knowledge that the King had no extraordinary preparation in any port in Spain: also, that there are
of French shipping and Danskers in Lisbon above 400 sail,
most of which are laden with corn: also, that about 5 weeks
since the Governor of Lisbon, suspecting him to be an Englishman, caused him to be cast in prison, and told him that her
Majesty was dead, and that the King of France should be King
of this Realm. |
|
Your letters of March 25, I received the 30th, with the proclamations, two of which I caused to be published in these
Western parts, which with a general joy and applause was
then received and so continues; and the residue according to
your directions I sent to the sheriff of this county dwelling in
the East parts.—Pendenas Castle, 2 April, 1603.
Signed. 1 p. (99. 83.) |
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Sir John Carey to the Same. |
|
1603, April 3. |
Having occasion to write to "my Lord his
brother," and being entreated to send a letter from Mr. Thomas
Somerset to his father, writes to express his love to Cecil, and
to desire the continuance of his friendship. Here is great
multitude of people, which repairs hither daily to present their
service to the King, who means very shortly to be here. It is
thought he will enter this town about Thursday next.—Berwick,
3 April, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (99. 84.) |
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Thomas Lake to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
[1603], April 4. |
What we have done here, and what answers
received touching the points of our charge, you shall perceive
by the things sent by Mr. Carew, and by his relation. All
which were done here without any great deliberation, but only
in a manner referred to such forms as we would present. Only,
in the great commission, the King, because he had by blanks,
as he said, sent by Mr. Fowles, authorised the old Council,
would have the same persons continue without alteration or
addition until his coming. His Majesty commands me to stay
here to make dispatch upon such other things as be not yet
done, and to give him satisfaction in divers titles of money
matters upon notes sent from my Lord Treasurer. The King
hastens to Berwick, and from thence to Newcastle, and begins
his journey, as his Council tell us, to-morrow. At Newcastle,
he will stay until he hear from his Council upon the dispatches
made by Mr. Fowles and the Lord of Kynlosse, which in effect
is as far as I can perceive by him till he be furnished from you
of means, whereof there is great scarcity here. I delivered
your letter to him this day very privately, and stood by the
perusing of it, and observed it well. His speech to me upon
it was that it was a wise letter, and that he must have another
time to understand by me many particularities of the points
therein contained. For the matter of the Low Countries, he
said he had already, upon divers motions made on the behalf
of the States that he would not abandon them, willed them to
send Commissioners to meet him at London. I have showed
him how much it imports him to hold them in good terms, to
make sure to himself the benefit of their contracts with the
Queen, and to keep them from the practices of Frances [sic].
He seems to be minded so to do, and yet withal gives, as I
perceive by his own speech, good words to one that is here from
the Archduke. And I find he will be loath to give the first
blow between Spain and him. Also, upon reading of your
letters, he spake of Tyrone, from whom he said he had not
heard, but willed me to think of a letter to the Lord Deputy
(to whom before our coming he had written to continue the
exercise of his commission) to entertain the treaty with Tyrone,
whom I perceive he will be willing to receive upon any terms.
Of other matters he spake not to me after the reading of your
letters, but said they consisted of many things, and must
require time to be further considered of. In sum, I think he
will resolve of nothing till he be met with the Council there,
although he will write to all the ambassadors in general terms,
He told me the French Ambassador never looked merrily since
he heard of his Majesty's success in England. Further, for the
matters of the Low Countries, he enquired whom the Queen
had there, and I told him of the state of Mr. Wynwood's dispatch. He liked well it should go on still, and willed me to
make letters of credence, but I will forbear till I hear from you.
The Earl of Mar is not here, and the Lord of Kinlosse gone into
England, so as I have nobody to speak with but the King himself, to whom if you will have anything said or done, I shall be
ready to do you service during my being here. He is very
facile, using no great majesty nor solemnities in his accesses,
but witty to conceive, and very ready of speech. I have
nothing else to trouble you with, but that if I stay long my
allowance will not bear my charges, for it is incredible to tell
you the excess of prices here.—Edinburgh, 4 April at night.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "1603."
2½ pp. (99. 86.) |
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Thomas, Lord Burghley, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, [April] 4. |
This day Roger Ashton came by me. He
is an honest man to our house, and worthy to be made of. He
is not like some of our old Mistress's servants about her, that
would say much and do little. I pray God our corrupt Court
may not ["corrupt," crossed out] him, nor such about the King
hereafter as have credit with him. Talking since with my son
Edward more particularly of the King's phrases he used towards
us, it was very princely, and I thought to let you know a particular speech he used towards you. He said he heard you were
but a little man, but he would shortly load your shoulders with
business. I hear by Mr. Ashton that it is resolved that his
Majesty means to make some stay at Burghley, and that the
whole Council means to meet him there, and the whole household means to come down, and there to provide for his Majesty,
I hope they mean to bring some stuff down with them, for mine
is but mean, and not the tenth part to serve. This I hear by
Mr. Ashton, but I would very gladly hear from you in particular.
I understand some report has been made to the King that I
was slow in proclaiming of him. It is true I thought myself
very hardly dealt withal that I was so little respected in this
place, which had been most fit to be respected, that proclamations were sent down to the Bishopric a day before any came to
me; and truly in the directions of letters in her Majesty's life
time, five days before she departed, letters of direction were sent
from the Council, joining the sheriff and justices with me, which
was never seen before when decorum was kept, but in those
services letters were directed to the President, and so authority
to be sent from him to under officers. This I thought to complain unto you of, the rather at this time, because I heard lately
that this was told his Majesty, who notwithstanding I find very
gracious by his letters sent unto me by my son, and his extraordinary usage of him with great favour. Thus you see I have
some cause to unfold my unkind conceit, wherein if I should
not excuse myself towards his Majesty by alleging the truth, I
might grow jealous unto him, that I know have as well deserved
as any magistrate in these parts. I desire that this my letter
enclosed may be speedily sent to my house, where my steward
is, to take direction for sending down things hither to serve
for the King's coming, which I fear will be speedier than we
look for. I beseech you I may know what order is taken for
his preparation for Burghley, and whether the Council come down
thither, and what time is appointed he shall be there, and how
long is appointed he shall make stay there.—York, 4 March
[sic], 1603.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "April 4."
2 pp. (99. 88.) |
|
King Henry IV to King James. |
|
1603, April 4/14. |
Until he can send some person of quality
has commanded Monsieur de Beaumont to assure him of the
continuation of their perfect friendship. If anything has been
able to relieve the grief caused by the Queen's death, it
is the news of James's just and lawful succession. "A Montglat
la xiiij jour d'Avril, 1603."
Signed. Countersigned: De Neufville.
French. 1 p. (134. 36.)
[Printed in extenso from a copy or draft dated 13 April in
Lettres Missives de Henri IV, VI, 73.] |
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Lord Mountjoy to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 5. |
Protests his loyalty to the King and faithfulness to Cecil; and offers services to both. Commits the relation
of all things to the bearer. Prays him to direct Sir Henry
Davers in his proceedings, whom he has desired to acquaint
Cecil with what he has done or desires.—Dublin, 5 April, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (99. 89.) |
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Jo. Martyn, Mayor of Plymouth, and his brethren to the Same. |
|
1603, April 5. |
Express their thanks for the care Cecil has
had of their suit in stopping the presentation, which Morgans
sued to obtain from her Majesty, to the vicarage of Plymouth.—
Plymouth, 5 April, 1603.
Signed as above.
Endorsed: "Mayor of Plymouth."
½ p. (99. 90.) |
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Sir Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 5. |
Francis Shenell, servant to Mr. Tressam, of
Bollaine, coming from Calais, brought a packet directed to the
Lord Admiral. The packet had been unsealed and opened
before it came hither, and in the cover was a letter directed to
the Lord Admiral, and other private letters to other persons,
whereof some also had been opened and new sealed again, as the
bearer thereof confessed. By this, suspicion was given that
the direction of the packet might be only colourably done, for
the conveying of the private letters; and that the letter directed
to his Lordship was not meant to be delivered. He has therefore committed the packet to the bearer, Mr. Tounsende, to
take Cecil's directions thereon.—Dover Castle, 5 April, 1603.
Signed. 1 p. (99. 91.) |
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Thomas, Lord Burghley, to the Council. |
|
1603, April 5. |
I thought fit to know your directions whether
the King's officers from thence, which were officers to our late
Sovereign, or his Majesty's officers out of Scotland, shall take
the care, as he goes, to take up provisions for his household as
he passes by the way. I hear as yet no order taken therein
from you, neither from his Majesty's officers out of Scotland,
so as all things stand unprovided as yet. I mean, when I shall
understand of his Majesty's removing from Berwick (myself
with the Council here attendant), to meet his Majesty at the
entrance of this province; and from thence to have care to
lodge him until he come to York; and have made the manor
house here ready, and furnished it with stuff as I have of my
own, and mean to entertain him here at my own charge. I
have taken order besides with the whole city here to make such
preparations for receiving him as the shortness of the time will
serve. Likewise I have given order how the Clergy shall meet
him with all the pomp that may be, and shall be received into
the Cathedral Minster, under the state of a canopy, and with
all other ceremonies that this place can yield. From hence,
the fittest lodging at night were at Pomfret Castle, if there were
order set down for hanging of the rooms, and necessaries for the
officers. If that cannot be, then I mean to lodge him at a
little house of Mr. Talbott's hard by, and to send for some stuff
such as may be gotten for the time. From thence his Majesty
may lie at Doncaster in an inn, where I will send order that his
dining place and his bedchamber shall be dressed up; and so
from thence, being out of my jurisdiction, I shall refer all
to your directions from thence. Beseeching I may hear from
you with all speed.—York, 5 April, 1603.
Signed.
Endorsed: "Lord President of York."
1½ pp. (99. 92.) |
|
Commissioners for restraint of passage to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 5. |
In the absence of Sir Thomas Fane, Lieutenant
to the Lord Warden, direct to Cecil. Here arrived this day,
from Dieppe, Peter Bagher and Andrew Clarke, French posts,
with merchants' letters: also from Calais, John Evered, with
the French King's packet, and John Holden, post of Antwerp,
with merchants' letters from Antwerp, which they send sealed
up in this bag.—Dover, 5 April, 1603.
Signed, R. S., Major, G. Fenner, William Leonard and Ema.
Alley.
1 p. (99. 93.) |
|
Sir John Popham to the Same. |
|
1603, April 5. |
Have received this enclosed in a letter to
myself. Sir Jonathan Trelany there, being uncertain how things
stood sent it to me.—At my house, 5 April, 1603.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "Lord Chief Justice, with the examination of
one Robert Averye lately escaped out of Spain."
1 p. (99. 94.) |
|
Lord Fyvie to the Same. |
|
1603, April 5. |
Seeing we are all now united under one
nation, wherein your wisdom is thought to have had no small
part, and as I have ever honoured your virtues, I desire at least
by letters to be acquainted with you, and to have certainly
by your letters that I may look for your good will. As you
have done your part in the union of the kingdoms, I pray you
also to be careful to have such order settled amongst us that
there be no occasion of any break hereafter. I doubt not that
your credit with the King will be no less, but rather greater,
than with her Majesty.—Edr' [Edinburgh], 5 April, 1603.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "Lord Fyves."
1 p. (187. 22.) |
|
Sir Edward Coke to the Same. |
|
1603, April 6. |
On receipt of your letters this morning I,
accompanied with Serjeant Heale, and Mr. Solicitor, went to the
Tower, and, with Mr. Lieutenant, first examined Valentine
Thoms, and then Robert Crawford. The sum of all is that
Thoms with many tears has acknowledged his former confessions,
especially that concerning her Majesty's person written by Mr.
Bacon, to be most false, and denies that any person moved or
incited him thereunto; and yet blames some in the course of his
examination. For Crawford, he utterly retracts his examination
written also by Mr. Bacon, and denies that he spake anything
but only of the report of Valentine Thoms. But Thoms
being confronted with him, denies that he ever reported any
such matter to Crawford. I think not fit to commit to writing
what I collected upon their examinations, nor to trust any
messenger with the examinations themselves, whereby his
is cleared of all colour or shadow of any thought of any ill
or dishonourable thing. And now his Majesty being ready
to remove, I thought it no fit time for myself to trouble him.
When I shall be commanded to attend I shall do it with
all dutiful readiness.—6 April, 1603.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "Mr. Attorney General. Concerning the
examinations of Valentine Thomas."
1 p. (99. 95.) |
|
Fran. Clerke to Sir Griffine Markhame. |
|
[1603], April 6. |
If my first letters come unto his Majesty's
sight, it much repents me not, in that I hope they will work
vigilancy and wariness, which I heartily wish, for assuredly
when I wrote those letters I had no small motives to induce me
thereto, neither were my fears vain, but grounded upon true
grounds: for such had been the tampering of the padri with
divers in these parts that they had drawn them unto very doubtful resolutions, yea, and some of the rash and indiscreeter sort
into furious conceits of headlong courses, such as in my first I
specified; and had not the wiser sort seen more deep into the
dangers of those projects, and the interposition of our friends
concurred, I know not what their fair promises of foreign aid,
and sugared persuasions, might have wrought with divers.
So that if his Majesty be acquainted with the intentions of these
working heads that are apt to turn and toss kingdoms, I see
not that any hurt but much good may come. To obtain
knowledge of such practisings, I caused a resolute friend of
mine to repair unto some of the gentlemen whom I feared, and
to frame a discontentment that he could not be acquainted with
what he saw was intended amongst them; affirming that in
any attempt for God's cause and the Catholic Church he would
be ready to adventure his life. By this means he understood
of the gentleman all the projects which in my former I related.
By this my Lady may judge what reasons I had to write what
I did of the practising of the padri, amongst whom Mr. Jo.
Ger[?ard] was by the gentleman precisely named to be one of
the parties that was a chief intercourser. To be farther assured
of particulars, I caused another gentleman to deal with one of
account, whom I assured my self not to be an alien to these
courses, to see what he could draw; and there I confess I
interposed your name, not any way prejudicially, but to your
honour, to draw out certainty in all intentions. By him, our
assured friend and an inward man, with the other unto whom I
sent him, I found out the last resolutions of their wills, which I
sent you in my last; and to this gentleman also was it confessed
that the padri and some of their agents had been earnestly
dealing with them, as I before related. But their projects were
discarded as "sinistrous" means to any good, of which I had
many confirmations from them, as also from Mr. Bosvile, who
was sent for unto a great person, and found the same practices
to have been in those parts set on foot; but dealt so effectually
as he much confirmed them in our courses against such desperate
designments, so that I nothing doubt now but that all will go
very well. Although by reason of some preparations and concourse of Catholics in Worcestershire, as also the interrupting
of some letters, there grew much hurley burly, and things were
in danger to have come to extremities; one Bigges, a justice
of the peace, and other puritans having intended to have rifled
all Catholics in the shire, had not Sir John Conway interposed
himself in behalf of Catholics and the King's peace with 140
men, and threats to the other if they should attempt any such
matter. I am this morning journeying towards Warwickshire
and Worcestershire. If I can provide myself of horse, I will
come over to you before I go to London; if not, you shall hear
of me from thence. The parties who are nominated to entertain
his Majesty in the name of the rest, I know but two of them,
whom I know to be very sufficient as any in these parts, and of
discretion. I would not have you to write to me until you hear
from me. Many happiness to yourself and my good Lady,
whom I will farther satisfy in her request when we meet next.—
6 April.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "1603."
2 pp. (99. 96.) |
|
Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 6. |
All things come to me so uncertain by reports
as I prepare for things I know not. This day I received a
letter from my daughter Hatton, who received a speech from
you that you thought the King would not come by Burghley but
by Northampton; and Mr. Ashton brought me word that the
King would come to Burghley, where divers of the Council
meant to meet the King. Those things proceeding contrary
from one place, I know not what to think, I beseech I may
know from thence what to trust unto: for one way I may be
disappointed of my charge, the other way of my honour.—York,
6 April, 1603. |
|
PS.—I beseech that the letter enclosed may be sent to my
house at London, where my steward is that provides all things,
that he may know a certain direction whether the King is coming
to Burghley or no.
Holograph. 1 p. (99. 97.) |
|
Tobie [Matthew], Bishop of Durham, to the Earl of
Cumberland and Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 7: |
I have had conference with the bearer, John
Tayler, sent by you to deal with me as to my house called
Duresme Place in the Strand. I cannot, on such a sudden as
Tayler's journey requires, give an absolute answer to his
demand, not knowing the state of the house, or what recompence
I should require for it. But as it is likely, there will shortly
be a Parliament, where I purpose to be, I will inform myself
of the matter, and return answer.—Berwick, 7 April 1603.
Holograph. Signed, Tobie Duresm.
1 p. (99. 98.) |
|
Sir Thomas Smythe to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 7. |
Offers services. 7 April, 1603.
Holograph. |
|
Endorsed with the following list of names: Sir Tho. Smith,
Ambassador; Sir Tho. Smith, Clerk of the Coun.; Sir Tho.
Wyndebank, Sir Tho. Edmonds; Mr. Levinus [Munck]; Mr.
Corbett; Mr. Gaule; Mr. Parker; Mr. Fra. Mylls.
1 p. (99. 99.) |
|
Ralph, Lord Eure, to the Same. |
|
Two letters:— |
|
1603, April 8. |
1. I thank you for your letter of credence to
Alderman Rooe. I am ashamed you should hear so much
thereof. No bonds proferred by me will by those merchants
be accepted, but only you. It grieves me I should be troublesome to you in so mean a cause. If I have offended in taking
up the moneys more hastily than by her Majesty's allowance out
of the Exchequer will be admitted, I submit to your favourable
censure. My excuse is that my credit will not borrow here
100l. I have written to Rooe to afford me credit for 300l. on
my own bond. As he shows me favour, I will acquaint you. |
|
The suddenness of the command laid upon me, my present
departure, and long stay here, withholds me from all provisions
of my own; the charges here so great as enforce me to take up
the moneys more speedily. The custom of the merchants will
not exceed double usance, so that I am enforced to take up the
last 300l. you afford me, which is to be paid the 4th of June next
to Mr. Henry Butler, merchant. I beseech you not to impute
either gross inhumanity or any other fault to me herein, but
construe all to the best.—Bremen, 8 April, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (99. 100.) |
|
2. Notwithstanding my letters of the 8th inst. the merchants
of Stoade rest not satisfied; being in fear of the miscarrying
of the "firster" letter of necessity, will have another to enforce
a testimony of my receipt of 300l. by the direction of Alderman
Rooe, of Mr. Joanes and others here at Stoade, which they
require me to make known to you, that the same may be paid
by your means to Mr. Henry Butler the 4th of June next;
which course I beseech you interpret with favour, and pardon
for my importunity, being as it were enthralled to their
fashion for yielding them content.—Bremen, 8 April, 1603.
Holograph.
Both endorsed: "Lord Eures."
½ p. (99. 101.) |
|
Frances, Lady Chandos, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
[1603], April 8. |
Expresses her thankfulness for his regard.
She has often written to her daughter to deliver as much to
Cecil; but never hearing any acceptance thereof, made her
something jealous that he was contented to forget her.—
Sudlye, 8 April.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "1603. My Lady Chandos."
1 p. (99. 102.) |
|
The Lords of the Council to King James. |
|
1603, April 8. |
We have received letters from Zealand that
the Archduke has taken three special works without Ostend,
which have much interrupted his attack on the town, which he
is now likely to capture soon. This place, in her late Majesty's
time, was held a town of importance to this State, and we have
therefore since her decease adventured to go on with that order
which was formerly put in practice. For the States having
resolved to carry an army into the enemy's country to relieve
Ostend, either by a diversion or by an attempt on their quarters,
they obtained of her Majesty leave to levy some voluntaries at
their own charges for reinforcement of the weak companies
of English in their pay, which with those of your realm of
Scotland they ever held to be the flower of your army; and for
that purpose they long since sent both captains, imprest, and
transportation; but in spite of help given by taking up by
authority of loose vagabonds to increase the numbers of the
volunteers, which come on slowly since this alteration, they
have not been able to return 500 of 3000 that were promised
in that kind. We dare not presume in any other sort to make
levies; because we know not upon what terms your Majesty
meaneth to stand with those princes, yet considering that the
States had grounded all their actions for this summer and for
the raising of the siege on the hope to be supplied hence, we
have used our authority for the furtherance thereof, having a
care to avoid any such levying of men as may not stand with
the rules of amity. This being the farthest we can go, and all
these little succours lending to no other purpose than helping
to defend the town for some short time until the siege could be
raised by an army, and that being now less likely to effect so
great a design, considering how near now the Archduke's forces
may find means to lodge themselves we can add little more to
that subject for the present than this, that as the hope is not
great so the adventure we make is very little. There is therefore left no other ground of new consultation but upon one of
these two points first whether their own army will be able to
go on as it purposed without any other help from England than
in this kind; next how your Majesty resolveth further to declare
yourself in that point, if their army be not sufficient; your
Majesty hath in right of your crown of Scotland amity with
Spain and the Archduke; but in the succession to the throne
of England a descent cast upon you of confederacy with these
provinces, and an interest of great sums of money due from
them. The choice or reconciliation of these two considerations
is a matter, whereinto we dare not wade any further in respect
of the great points of state which require longer consultation
and better digested than can be had until we may be helped with
the light of your wisdom. We are now to impart to your Majesty
what we have done concerning the great point, for lack whereof
our joys are uncompleted (because we have not yet the comfort
of your royal person amongst us) namely for provision and
preparation of all things necessary for your repair to this city.
Wherewith we are a little troubled when we consider how it will
stand together in one letter that we should both profess our
infinite longing for you and yet in the same propound some
courses to retard you coming hither. Only this satisfieth for
us that we may repose ourselves in your Majesty's gracious
interpretation, who can well look into the causes of both. For
it is most true that this body here assembled is so far from being
second to any persons that live in love and loyalty to your
Majesty as if duty must have been to be discerned only by fast
flying to your Majesty we could have been content as well to
have posted to the Orcades to prostrate ourselves and all we have
at your royal feet as to have stayed in this city. But when we
saw that the preservation of this estate from any sudden
perturbation upon this alteration consisteth not in those
demonstrations only, though allowable in others, we have and
do still apply our minds and bodies to discharge our duties in
another kind. Forasmuch as therefore we find by your
ministers that your Majesty hath care to avoid any unnecessary
grievance to your people (though in respect of their joy nothing
can be for the present but joyfully endured); and because we
also perceive that your Majesty doth not so much respect
outward magnificence at the first, as you do to have all things
carried in a mediocrity without unnecessary expense (all princely
decorum being observed) having understood from your Majesty's
President of the North, whose care and diligence hath been
great in the furtherance of all your Majesty's service belonging
to him, that he hath forethought of receiving and waiting upon
your Majesty from the furthest to the nearest precincts of his
charge, even so far hitherwards as Doncaster; we have
likewise been bold to set down the ways of your Majesty's
journeys to this place, and have bethought us where with
least distraction from the dispatches of all your important
causes here, we might present ourselves by the way in some
convenient place before your Majesty come to such resting
place as we could wish you could do, within ten or twelve miles
of the town, where you may also be informed by us of all
things subject to our poor understanding and knowledge.
To which courses these two considerations principally move
us, first because the funeral of our late Queen may be
consummated before your entry into the city or suburbs;
next because all those which must continually attend you
for all occasions of service may come to and from the city
every day; of all which particulars both of your coming to
a place of residence (no further from hence) and to a place
after where your Majesty may make some stay in the suburbs,
from whence you are to proceed to your coronation, we
committed the case to such officers as are fittest for such
services, hoping still that your Majesty will graciously pardon
all our errors.
Endorsed: 8th April, 1603. Minute to the King from the
Lords. 5¼ pp. (134. 32.) |
|
Earl of Montrose to the Secretary of England [Cecil.] |
|
1603, April 8. |
It has pleased God to bless the King with his
due crown of England, without shed of blood or trouble, to
the great comfort of his whole people; and chiefly by your
wisdom, which moves all subjects to have his services in
perpetual memory. In testimony of his goodwill to Cecil,
will here present his eldest son, to render hearty thanks, and to
attend on Cecil's commands, next his Majesty. Offers services.
He remits the rest to the bearer, his cousin, the Bishop of
Dunkeld.—Halyrudhouse, 8 April, 1603.
Signed: Montroiss. 1 p. (187. 23.) |
|
Examination of Anthony Woodhouse of Cromford in the
parish of Warseworth, in the county of Derby, husbandman. |
|
1603, April 9. |
Taken before Roger Puleston, of Emerall,
esquire, one of the late deputy lieutenants of the county of
Flint, the 9th day of April, 1603, in the first year of the reign
of our sovereign lord James &c. |
|
He saith that the letter which was found with him at his
apprehension and directed to Mr. Owen of Penmynith was
delivered to the examinate upon Wednesday the 6th of this
April at Hardwick, the house of the right honourable the countess
dowager of Shrewsbury, by Richard Owen, son of the said
Mr. Owen and page unto the right honourable the lady Arbella,
to be brought to his said father and willed this examinate
to return with answer unto him by the 14th of this month, or
sooner, if possibly he could. The said Richard charged him
to hasten away giving him two shillings towards his charges.
He utterly denieth that he had any other letters.
Signed by Puleston and with Woodhouse's mark.
½ p. (135. 176.) |
|
The Master of Gray to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 9. |
This gentleman, his brother, the Master of
Orkney, will serve Cecil in all he can. He is resident with his
Majesty, and lies in his chamber.—Huntly, 9 April, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (187. 24.) |
|
William Brewster to the Same. |
|
[1603], April 10. |
Finding this paper in the chamber of
Rogers, alias Flood, one of the banished priests, I send it to
you, where you shall find the disposition of all priests, how
hateful her sacred Majesty that dead is, and the State which
governed under her, was unto them. Let never statesmen
capitulate further with them, for there is no faith in priests,
nor truth in lay papists. He lives not can speak by experience
of their villainies more than myself, by them I am utterly
undone, and I hope by his Majesty I shall again be raised,
when he knows the truth of my downfall wrought by serving
in this miserable place. I beseech your furtherance to him
for me.—Framlingham Castle, where I am ready to starve
for want of money to buy me meat.—10 April.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "1603."
1 p. (99. 103.) |
|
Robert Wingfeilde to the Same. |
|
1603, April 10. |
It is reported that Cecil, with divers of the
nobility, are appointed to meet the King as far as Burghley.
His house lies within three miles of that place, and full in their
way and he offers to entertain Cecil, his son, or his friends.—
Upton, 10 April, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (99. 104.) |
|
Hu. Glaseour, Mayor of Chester, to the Same. |
|
1603, April 10. |
Cecil's letters of the 7th inst., enclosing a
dispatch to Sir Geoffrey Fenton in Ireland, he presently sent
by post to Holyhead. To-night he received letters from Mr.
Puleston to the Lords, which Puleston signifies discover matter
of great consequence, and sends them herewith. Expresses
his good wishes for Cecil, by whom the kingdom enjoys those
two precious jewels of religion and peace.—Chester, 10 April,
1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (99. 105.) |
|
Sir Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 10. |
Here arrived this morning, from Bollen,
Monsieur Dovall, who has brought two packets from the French
King, one directed to Monsieur Bewmount, the other to the
French Ambassador in Scotland.—Dover Castle, 10 April, 1603.
Holograph. |
|
Postal Endorsements.—"Dover, 10 April, past 8 in the forenone. At Canterberie past 12 in the hafter none. Seattingborn
past 3 a Cloke in the afternone. Rochester at 5 in the afternone. Darford at past 7 at night."
1 p. (99. 106.) |
|
Sir John Brokett to the Same. |
|
1603, April 10. |
Is in distress and friendless, having incurred
the displeasure of this estate, and begs Cecil to regard a gentleman whose imprisonment very much embarrasses his credit.
Finds his conscience clear, and takes God to witness he never
intended to work any metal in coin, or to be partaker thereof.
Prays Cecil's favour for his enlargement.—April 10, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (187. 25.) |
|
Sir Robert Mansell to the Same. |
|
[1603], April 11. |
Notwithstanding I know you have
received advertisements touching Flanders, I send you the
bearer my servant, who was employed by me for the release of
a kinsman of mine out of the galleys, who having resided there
the instant of our change, heard the proclamations read at
Dunkerk for not meddling with any ship of England, except
such as should be found to transport either victuals or munition
to the Hollanders. Whereupon 10 Dunkerks, that formerly
had had their sails taken from their yards, were permitted to
set sail, and addressed their course to the Northward, to encounter the Dutch merchants that trade to Dansk and Meluin.
As well at Dunkerk as Graveling he took this special note of
their well wishing to our King, that the Governors caroused
large cups of wine to his Majesty's health. When he came to
Callis he found no such alacrity of spirit among the French,
where he was not suffered to mount their ramparts, nor to view
their platforms, but he saw plainly that at such time as Sir
Richard Leveson came into the road they traversed some of
their ordnance for the better command of the harbour. |
|
For other matters, either touching the mutineers, the providing
of the galleys, the ends of drawing down land forces to Newporte,
Dunkerk or Graveling, or what else you please farther to be
satisfied in; it may please you to command it from himself. |
|
That I may yield further satisfaction herein I am now
standing off to sea, from whence when I shall be returned, I
account to be well warranted by the quietness of that side to
borrow some little time to wait upon you. |
|
Begs Cecil to remember him to the King for preferment to
some place of attendance. Harwich, preparing to set to sea.—
11 April.
Holograph.
Endorsed: "1603."
1 p. (99. 107.) |
|
King James to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 11. |
Forasmuch as we have received somewhat
from foreign parts wherein we could be content to compare
your knowledge with such information as is given us, to the
intent that we might send to our Council some such heads as
they should handle of diverse matters, we do command you, if
your health serve you, to make your present repair unto us,
and to leave some such Clerks of our Signet or Council behind
you to attend our Privy Council for that short time we mean
to detain you, with whom our purpose is not to resolve alone
in matter of this weight, but only to know what you know upon
several matters which we will propone and so send you back
with divers things unknown to you, which are not fit for paper
neither fit for us to resolve of, until we hear from you of our
Privy Council, to whom we command you to show this letter
for your discharge of leaving that place, requiring them in any
case to hold council there together, for divers considerations
known unto us. The sooner you do the better, for as it is fit
you be quickly back again, so we look to hear by you also
how all things stand for the funeral and coronation and for
meeting of the Queen our wife, which by the uncertainty of
letters crossing one another in respect of the distance remains
yet uncertain, and there we would have it to be needfully
thought of. Because we will presently dispatch letters to
bring away the Queen our wife, which we intend shall be with
all expedition after we speak with you. We think to keep our
Easter with your brother at York.—Newcastle. 11 April
the first year of our reign of England, France and Ireland,
and of Scotland the 36.
Signed. 1 p. (134. 35.) |
|
[George Nicholson] to the Same. |
|
1603, April 11. |
Albeit I have not this long time written to
you, expecting to have been before this with you, yet impute
my silence to no want of duty to you on whom I depend;
hoping to see you before his Majesty come to London, and to
show you my faithfulness. On Saturday his Majesty will be
at York.—Newcastle, 11 April, 1603.
Unsigned.
Endorsed: "Mr. Nicholson to my Mr."
1 p. (187. 26.) |
|
Ralph Graye to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 12. |
Sends some packets. His Majesty is here
at Newcastle, with many English and Scots gentlemen, of lords
of England the Lord Henry Howard, Sheffield, Cobham and
Scrope; of Scots lords, the Duke of Lennox; of earls Marr and
Argyle; the Lord Home, the Lord of Paisley, Sir George Home,
the Treasurer, and others of his Council, who intend all with
his Highness southwards.—Newcastle, 12 April, 1603.
Holograph. ½ p. (99. 110.) |
|
[The King to Lord Henry Howard.] |
|
1603, April 12. |
We received at Barwick by Roger Aston
the money sent by you, wherein we allow of your discretion,
meaning now to hasten forward as much as we may conveniently
to our city of York, which place, because we account it the
second city of our kingdom, we mean to enter in a manner
more public; and therefore like it well that some of our servants
and officers have authority to meet us, not being any of those
principals, which may diminish part of that honour and dignity
which belong to our dearest sister as long as her body is above
ground, to whom we are not only successor in her kingdom, but
so near of blood as we will not stand so much upon the ceremony
of our own joy, but that we would have all things observed
which may testify the honour we bear to her memory. As
touching our guard, we like it well that they remain still entire
as they were at her death, to attend her body and her funeral,
our meaning being that none of the principal officers, either of
our house or of our guards, do part from the body of the defunct
without farther direction from us.—Undated.
Endorsed: "12 April, 1603. Copy of a minute sent to my
Lord Henry Howard."
2 pp. (187. 27.) |
|
Sir Anthony Ashley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 13. |
As to the appeal of Michael Wade from the
sentence given in the Arches in the behalf of Kiblewhite.
Cecil's letter thereon directed to Dr. Floydd, Dr. Creak, and
other judges delegates, in favour of Wade, though grounded
on false suggestions, has delayed the confirmation of the sentence
given after five years' controversy. He is prejudiced thereby,
and a suit is undertaken against him for Wade upon a pretended
title: a man who has been censured in the Star Chamber, and
pilloried for forgery. He prays Cecil to write to the above
judges requiring them, notwithstanding his former letter,
to proceed in the cause according to justice.—13 April, 1603.
Holograph. Signed, A. Ashley. 1 p. (99. 112.) |
|
Countess Dowager of Shrewsbury to the Same. |
|
1603, April 13. |
This 12th of April I received your letter in
behalf of my unnatural son Henry Cavendish. I wish he had
lived so that he were clear of all faults imputed to him (as in
this it seems you are informed, or at least some would make
show he should be). Had it been so, I wish I had known it
sooner, that then I might have taken less grief for his and others'
undutiful and unnatural dealings. I could sooner be persuaded he were innocent of those matters lately objected against
him, had I not been certainly informed, as I know you and
others of the Council were, of his former acting in the same
matter. No friend should sooner persuade me to do for him
than yourself, but I have been so hardly dealt with by him and
others who specially sought my overthrow, and having no
likelier means than to work some near me, little suspected by
me, to join in their bad actions, that I must crave pardon if I
refuse to do for those who, not only in this matter but in many
others, have sought to hurt me.—Hardwick, 13 April, 1603.
Signed, E. Shrowesbury.
1 p. (99. 114.) |
|
D. P. to Jeronimo Paluzzi. |
|
1603, April 13/23. |
I have written two letters in reply to yours.
I have not ventured to write you since as I did not know
whether I should find you any longer in Bayonne, being in
doubt as, although many letters have come here, I have received
none of yours. I am writing this at a venture on the occasion
of the return to Paris of the French gentleman who has been
staying here. The news here is that the Queen of England is
dead. Valladolid, 23 April, 1603.
Holograph. Italian. Addressed: "All Illrs. Sigr. Jeronimo
Paluzzi, Baiona."
Endorsed: "Dom Peroni." ½ p. (187. 33.) |
|
Privy Purse expenses of Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 13. |
Payments by Sir Robert Cecil's servant for
privy purse expenses, 2 April to 13 April 1603. Includes— |
|
Payments for boat hire: to the Lord Chamberlain's and
back again 4s.: with the instruments to Greenwich 12d.:
for my Lord and 3 men from Lambeth to Cecil House 2s. 6d.:
3 boats back to Lambeth 2s.: to my Lord Treasurer's 6d.
Lambeth to Whitehall 6d. &c. Snelling for carrying my Lord
in his barge from Lambeth to the Lord Treasurer's house and
back 10s. 6d. |
|
Payments to bringers of presents: rabbits from Sir Michael
Hicks 2s.: fat doe from my Lord of Harford 10s.: biscuits
from the French Ambassador 20s.; salmon from Mr. Barter
5s.: young kid from Mr. Cary 2s.: cypress trees from Sir
William Wade 10s.: stag from Sir Henry Butler, 5s.: live
herons from Mr. Duke Brooke 5s.; two "hobbies" from the
Lord Treasurer of Ireland 40s. |
|
Other payments—for "batel dores and shittlecokes," 13s.:
to Hudson for a guide in Enfield Chase, 12d.: by my Lord's
appointment unto Coperarey at his going into the Low
Countries 3l.
4 pp. (204. 137–8.) |
|
Edward, Lord Crumwell, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 14. |
His folly enforced him to assure to the Lord
Treasurer, Sir John Fortescue, Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor
all the land he has entailed from the Crown, for the assurance
of his fine. That estate still remains in them, and though it
was intended that, her Majesty satisfied, he should use the rest,
yet by reason of their interest therein, and this late sorrowful
time, which has shut up all rich men's purses, he cannot make
such sale thereof as he would. Asks whether the Lord
Treasurer may not, upon the assurance they have of that land,
being worth 14,000l., disburse a reasonable sum for his instant
need.—14 April 1603.
Holograph. Signed, Ed. Crumwell.
1 p. (99. 115.) |
|
The Earl of Cumberland to the Same. |
|
1603, April 14. |
Has received the enclosed letter from his
Majesty, whose pleasure is that he should meet him at York.
Begs Cecil to explain his departure to the Lords.—Munnes,
14 April, 1603.
Holograph. Signed, George Cumbreland.
½ p. (99. 116.) |
|
Lord Scrope to the Same. |
|
[1603, April 14.] |
I met with his Majesty at Wooddrington,
where before I came, because of certain outrages committed
within my office by the procurement of the new Lord Dacre,
as Mr. Dalston alleges, and the Grames being principal actors
in these outrages, the King, by the advice of my brother Sir
Robert Carey, has sent 200 soldiers of Barwick with 50 horsemen,
by the government of 3 new made knights, that is Sir William
Selby, Sir Henry Wooddrington and Sir William Fenwick,
to demolish all the Grames' houses and burn them, which they
say they have done: and has given to Captain Selby the livings
of the Grames, as he says, with a garrison of 100 horses to lay
there for a twelve months. He will not suffer me so much as
to go home for a ten days, for fear I should hinder that service
against the Grames, whereof how clear I am there is a God that
knows all. The King uses me in good sort, but my errand has
been said unto him before my coming. For me, he that has
wronged me, if he has not, I wish him a broken head. The
King will not resolve of these matters till he come to the Council,
where I pray let me have your favours to be quitted of the place,
and I will desire no more.—Undated.
Holograph. Signed, Th. Scroope.
Endorsed: "1603." |
|
Postal endorsements.—"[D]uresme the . . . nth of April . . .
the forenoon. Salton the . . . past 8 in thevening. . . .
14 day at afternone. Nycholls. . . the 14 day at . .,
Wm. Thomson. . . at 9 in the morning. Grantam the 15
day at none. Witham the 15 day past two a cloke at afternoone.
Stenford the 15 at past 5 after none. Huntingdon the 16 . . .
in the morning."
1 p. (99. 152.) |
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The States General to King James. |
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1603, April 14. |
After our congratulatory letters of the 8th
inst. to your Majesty upon your succession to the kingdoms of
England, France and Ireland, for which we are much rejoiced
and return thanks to God, we pray you, inasmuch as it pleased
the Queen of England of exalted and laudable memory in her
last days to permit us to recruit in England the English companies in our service, that your Majesty may also be pleased
to grant us to the same effect and to draw and transport
them hitherward, as also from Scotland the recruits for our
Scottish companies, so that they may be employed in our service
and especially for the preservation of the town of Ostende.
And although we have a firm confidence in your Majesty's
benign favour to us, yet owing to the urgent necessity of our
affairs and the need of the preservation of Ostende, and seeing
how we have counted upon the said recruits, how the season is
well advanced and how the enemy is hurrying forward the foreign
reinforcements he expects and those he has raised in the Low
Countries with extraordinary diligence in order to anticipate us
in the campaign and assure the siege, we cannot cease to pray
you to give order for the prompt levying and transport without
delay or difficulty of the said English and Scottish recruits.
Signed: Aerssen 1603. French. Endorsed: 14 April 1603.
1½ pp. (134. 37.) |
|
The Bishop of St. Davids to Sir Robert Cecil. |
|
1603, April 14. |
Reports the proceedings taken upon Cecil's
letters of the 10th inst. to the escheator or feodary of Gloucester,
ordering him to seize Margaret Seamys, found ward to his
Majesty, and deliver her into the custody of George Masters of
Cicester. The feodary, Richard George, refused, saying he had
former commands from Cecil to receive her into his own tuition,
and redelivered her to Robert George of Cicester, who has her
in custody, or rather in prison, by Mr. Oldsworth's disposition.
The Bishop refers it to Cecil to say whether this is not a contempt of his command. The bad and cunning usage of her may
turn to the undoing of the child, who is being persuaded to
trust in them who seek only the spoil of her goods. He begs
Cecil to renew his former order. Offers to compound for the
wardship out of hand, to prevent many inconveniences, and
stay their dangerous practices.—Gloucester, 14 April, 1603.
Holograph. Signed, Anth. Meneven.
2 pp. (187. 28.) |
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John Skinner to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1603, April 15. |
Howsoever you have had no liking unto me,
which hath bred me much misfortune, yet if your Honour knew
how willing I was ever to serve you, I should have hoped to
have obtained better grace with you. Having obtained my
full settling in my places through his Majesty's gracious promise
and delivery of my staff to me, I beseech your Honour to receive
it favourably, and that once I may have the comfort to
be reckoned your servant.—From Barwyck, 15th April.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1603."
Seal. 1 p. (92. 128.) |
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Richard Percival to the Same. |
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1603, April 15. |
This morning I received a packet from
Bremen, with letters to the Lords, the copies whereof Mr.
Smith sends enclosed. There was one private to you from
Lord Eure, and another from Mr. Secretary Herbert, both
importing the substance of the general letter to the Lords,
with the like from Mr. Lesieur, with which I do not burden this
packet. Mr. Oldsworth is come up, and offers to prove all the
suggestions of the importunate bishops to be merely false, and
has brought a letter from Mr. Masters, who excuses to receive
the body of the ward: and another from the feodary, signifying
the ward's unwillingness to be removed from him, who had
taken her into possession by your former warrant.—The Court,
15 April, 1603.
Holograph. ½ p. (99. 117.) |
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Sir John Salisbury to the Same. |
|
1603, April 15. |
Since her Majesty's death, has made his
abode in the country, to do his best for the maintaining of good
order in these parts where he dwells. Offers services, and asks
if it is Cecil's pleasure that he should repair to attend him.—
Llewenye, 15 April, 1603.
Holograph. Signed, Jo: Salusbury.
1 p. (187. 29.) |
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Affairs of State. |
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[1603, c. April 15.] |
A memorial of some things to be
imparted to his Majesty from their Lordships by Mr. Secretary
Cecil.
The funeral may be performed on Friday in Easter week. |
|
The King alone may be crowned sooner, and if the Queen be
crowned with his Majesty, then more time is requisite, but both
may be crowned by the 24th or 25th of July. The first is
Sunday, the next St. James's Day; but his Majesty may please
to come to the Tower before, and from thence remove whither
he will until the coronation, and afterwards may return back
thither again before the time of the coronation. If both of
them be crowned together, it will save his Majesty a third
part of the charge, besides the charge of the realm. |
|
The naturalising of Scottishmen cannot be till a Parliament,
but the same may be otherwise in the meantime provided for
by charter under the great seal of England.—Undated. |
|
Signed: "Jo: Cant.; Tho: Egerton, C.S.; T. Buchurst;
Notingham; Northumberland; E. Worcester; W. Knollys;
Ed: Wotton; E. Stanhope; Ro: Cecyll."
Endorsed: "Memorial, 1603."
1 p. (187. 34.) |
