|
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Mr. Mullenux's Land. |
|
1603, Oct. 1. |
Procure a lease of Mr. Mullenux's lands of
Carleton, Notts, who is lately dead and his heir married of the
age of 19. The thirds of his lands will not come to the King in
regard there are divers statutes in execution upon them.—
Endorsed: "For Mr. Townshend, 1 Oct., 1603." ½ p.
(2393.) |
|
Elizabeth, Lady Hunsdon, to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 3. |
I am encouraged to entreat the continuance
of your favour, doubting lest any taking any advantage of my
Lord's death, should go about to molest or oppress me, that it
would please you to afford me your support in my just causes
against the injurious disturbance of my adversaries. Among
other things I beseech your favour in the present difference
betwixt Mr. Essex and myself, whose extent being returned
into the Court of Wards for discharge of the King's debt, yet
will not in any sort be brought to satisfy the King or me, the
particulars whereof I leave to this bearer's relation, of whom
your lordship may be informed in what weak estate I stand,
as well for paying his Majesty's debt, as the discharge of other
duties imposed upon me by my Lord.—Draiton, 3 Oct., 1603.
Signed. 1 p. (101. 152.) |
|
Mary, Countess of Atholl, to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 4. |
Albeit my name has never I think occurred to
you, neither have I of you farther acquaintance than by reputation, yet hearing the place you carry about his Majesty, and of
your own natural disposition, I have sent you these lines to
repeat unto you how wrongly I am both injured and oppressed
contrary to his Majesty's laws, the particular narrative whereof
I remit to this gentleman my servant, whom I have directed to
mind my cause to his Majesty. I doubt not you will advise
his Majesty that I may have the benefit of the common laws
of the kingdom.—Dunkeldin, 4 Oct., 1603.
Signed. ½ p. (101. 151.) |
|
Thomas Norton to the Clerk of the Peace of Hertfordshire. |
|
[1603], Oct. 4. |
Acquaint the justices that I would have
waited of them at the sessions but other occasion of service to
the King has prevented me. Let them know that the King
was very angry with the way between Pockredg and Boningford
which lies in Boningford, Abston and Thoraking. I entreat
they would call the surveyors in question that the towns may
be presented or indicted for there has been nothing done this
two or three years to my knowledge, not so much as the ditches
scoured or the hedges plashed. It is so bad of both sides of the
windmill that the King could hardly pass with his coach. The
ways are bad in Westmell and Standon parishes in many places
but they are amending them. Speak to Mr. Brogrove for the
scouring of the ditches in those parishes and in Bockland Lane:
and presenting of the town of Riston for the high street and the
street that leads from the Talbot to the Church. It was so bad
that they had much ado to keep the King's coach upright.
I have told Sir Robert Chester of it and other annoyances and
must acquaint the Lords of the Council if these things be not
reformed. Tell Sir Thomas Dacres there has been little done
in Cheston parish and Theobalds and Walton Cross either for
ways or ditches. |
|
Further the bearer who has caused certain ditches to be
presented by the surveyors, and speak to the justices for his
money that is behind for Bockland Lane.—Riston, 4 Oct.
Holograph. 2 pp. (206. 97.) |
|
Sir Horace Vere to [Lord Cecil]. |
|
1603, Oct. 5. |
The 3rd of this present by 5 in the morning
those of Balduke discharged 4 pieces of artillery, which gave a
suspicion to the chief of our army that the enemy would some
way attempt upon us, which drew us all into arms. In the
instant the enemy gave an alarm upon the quarter of Count
Arnest which is called Petler, and likewise upon those works
that are nearest the enemy's camp from our grand quarter.
The alarm being given, very hotly in show, and they did nothing
in effect, his Excellency found their intention to be other than
they made show of and held his troops in readiness to answer
all occasions. A work the enemy had made within musket shot
of a little fort we hold called Dentrum, midway betwixt the
quarter of the Mutineers and the town of Balduke, was discovered so soon as it was day. From that new work they beat
upon the fort of Dentrum with 7 pieces of artillery. His
Excellency thereupon went towards the place to be the better
informed of what the enemy intended, as also to take resolution
what he would do in opposition. He took with him his own
guard, the Count Harries and Count Hollokes, leaving all other
troops in arms in the quarter. After his coming hither, understanding by their continual beating upon the place, and certain
little boats being discovered to the number of 40, in which the
enemy had bestowed of those soldiers that should have assailed
the fort, his Excellency to make good the place, drew down 10
companies of English and 3 of Scots and after another deliberation 6 French companies, with some 5 companies of horse, and
a piece of artillery. After they had beaten upon the place 2
hours, and saw that many hands were brought to oppose against
them, besides the fort being so seated by a watery country, that
they had no other means to bring their men than by shipping,
withal their work which they had made for the guard of their
artillery was so slight, that his Excellency beating upon their
battery would have spoiled all their pieces. These difficulties
considered, the enemy found it reasonable to leave the prosecuting
what he had begun, and about 9 of the clock we might see them
retire their artillery, and their shipping that carried their men.
The place had been of great consequence to the enemy, separating
us from the mutineers, who lodge upon the way to Hewsden,
from whence our army is victualled, and we should have been
much impeached if it had succeeded. |
|
This is all that this place yields for this present. Our farther
proceedings depend much upon the actions of the adverse army.
As occasion is offered I will advertise you of them.—From the
Camp near Balduke, 5 Oct., 1603.
Holograph. Endorsed by Cecil's secretary: "Sir Horace Vere
to my Lord. From the camp before Bolduc." 4 pp. (187. 112.) |
|
T[obias Matthew], Bishop of Durham, to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 7. |
Upon the receipt of your late letters directed
to myself and the dean and chapter of Duresme, I have sealed
the lease that your lordship sent ready drawn and affixed my
letter of attorney for acknowledging it as my deed before a
Master of the Chancery; which they have promised to confirm
under their chapter seal, so soon as it may be brought unto them
in due form, and to give their letter of attorney for the semblable
acknowledgment of their confirmation. If there be any Master
of the Chancery at or about York, I have requested this bearer,
Mr. Sanderson, to dispatch it there, and send it me from thence,
that it may forthwith proceed to confirmation. But in case
there be none of that office about York, then he hath undertaken
to follow it at the Court, where your lordship may be pleased
to cause some of them to pass it, that it may be brought up at
my coming shortly to the Court (if needs I must thither) or
otherwise conveyed to you by some convenient messenger.
I say, if I must, for albeit I received a letter from you and other
Lords of the Privy Council in the beginning of September, to
attend at a conference to be held before his Highness for some
matters of importance concerning causes ecclesiastical, yet I
am in some hope that the danger of the contagion still continuing, and following the very Court itself, his Majesty may
perhaps forbear that diet until some better and safer opportunity at a standing house. I confess myself so deeply bound
to his Majesty, that no peril of time or place ought to affright
me, or make me sue to be spared from that convention, be my
years as they are, and the journey never so long. My entreaty
to you is indelayedly to advertise Mr. Sanderson, whether that
meeting be certainly to hold Nov. 1st, or when else or where,
for otherwise I should lose a great deal of labour, when I might
do his Majesty and the State much better service here than
elsewhere, as you may give more than a guess by this enclosed,
the writer whereof deserveth both great credit and great thanks
for his advertisements. The Lord better all in the South, for
in the North I assure you omnia in pejus.—At B[ishop] Awkland, 7 Oct., 1603.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (101. 153.) |
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The Earl of Shrewsbury to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 9. |
Hearing a report here that some are about to
obtain the Justice "of Oire" on this side Trent, I thought good
to let you know it is a place most necessary to be supplied by
such a one as will preserve and increase the deer and woods,
which have been most shamefully spoiled since my father died.
If you tell me that I might have had it in the Queen's time, and
did mannerly put it off, whereby it has been void ever since,
I must remember you that she valued every "mouldhill" that
she gave, if it bore any title or fair show, at a mountain; which
our Sovereign now does not. With the remembrance of my
wife's commendations,—Worksop, "where I do nothing else but
kill fat does, and hearken after a kennell of dogs that makes a
good cry," 9 Oct., 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (187. 114.) |
|
Lord Gerard to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 10. |
I hold this last kindness of your lordship's
in satisfying his Majesty for the hawks, which I protest if you
had not signified the King's pleasure unto me, the party that
stole them should have died for his offence, but I have written
over for the stay of him. Since my departure from you I have
had two offices found for young Erdeswycke. In Staffordshire
the office found in knight's service, where all the papists in the
shire were assembled against me, and by their countenance I
could not find in capite, but since I have had another office in
Warwickshire, where there is an office found for the King in
capite. The trouble and charge has been extraordinary, for
it has cost me 100l. more than Sir H. Beeston had of me. I
desire to pass it according to the tenures found, and that you
will be pleased to refer any of my adversaries if the[y] chance
to move your Honour to the law, for that is the thing will make
the best conclusion for the King. I had thought to have attended
your lordship at Court, but in regard of the great dispersing of
the sickness I am now going to my house in Cambridgeshire.—
Wakefyld Lodge, 10 Oct.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." Seal. 1 p. (101. 154.) |
|
The Earl of Cumberland to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 11. |
Yesterday I received a packet from you dated
the 3rd inst., with his Majesty's letter and directions for my proceeding at Barwick, which I will endeavour to accomplish to his
contentment, making it my first work in these parts, for the
promise that I made at the Council Board, not to proceed in
course of justice against those men, whose names were given me as
servants to my Lo. Will Howard, stayeth all my proceedings
here till I have further direction from your lordships, for which
very shortly I will send a messenger with true information of
the state concerning them. But for that I would in so weighty
a business take the uprightest course, I pray you move his
Majesty to command Justice Walmisley, who dwells not two
days' journey from hence, the judge of this country, and I
hope may, for so great a service as this is, be well spared from this
term, to come hither to me, for which I shall be much beholding
to you, for though I will be without all partial respect, yet would
it much content me to have so good a warrant as he would be
to all my proceedings. I pray you also be a mean for the
Bishop's stay here, for he has taken so great pains, and is so well
informed in these causes wherewith I am here to deal, as that
it would be a great maim to me at this time to want him, and
himself seeing so apparently the settled quiet which we shall
bring this country into, that he is very desirous to stay and be
an actor in it.—11 October, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (187. 115.) |
|
Charles Hales to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 15. |
As it hath pleased his Majesty out of his love
of these North parts, to make choice of the Earl of Comb[erland]
to be his Lieutenant of the same, so his Honour on the 12th of
this month, accompanied with all the chief gentlemen of the 3
shires of his lieutenancy, published his commission of oyer and
terminer, and therewithal by his own public speech gravely
and honourably signified to the country his Majesty's princely
care over them, and that the same was such that his Highness
more desired to reduce the same to civil obedience and
tranquillity than to conquer Spain. This speech hath wrought
a grave impression of his Majesty's love towards this country,
and was received with so great thankfulness as if he had
redeemed them from captivity. For such hath been the state
of this country that even the rich as the poor have enjoyed
their lives and goods without comfort, living always in
fear of insolent malefactors. Albeit for 4 or 5 months
past there hath been an extraordinary peace in the country,
the same hath arisen not from any change of the evil-disposed,
but from fear of justice, which ever since his Majesty
appointed this honourable Lord to the place he now holdeth
as an axe hath daily hanged over the shoulders of evil men.
It is now made known in the country that some of the chief
offenders in the late rebellious actions do endeavour to be at
this time exempted from his lordship's authority, and if they
shall obtain the same, it will hazard the success of the whole
service intended. I have now lived in this place almost 5 months
and heard the laments of the peaceable subjects, and have
observed the demeanours of evil men, and I am persuaded that
the malady of the country, if it be curable, it is by the means of
this honourable Lord, who is loved of the best and feared of
the worst. His lordship's disposition is not to use the offenders
with such severity as to make carnificionem by punishment of all,
but to punish decimando or centesimando, if the number will
bear it, to correct many by example of few. The parties
desiring exemption from his lordship's justice do challenge
to be toward the Lord William Howard and do make show to fear
his justice for and in respect of his honourable alliance with the
Lord Dacre. His lordship hath not only protested unto them
his honourable disposition in his proceeding not to respect that
occasion, but hath fully satisfied both the commissioners in
private, and the whole country in public, of his distribution of
justice without any respect whatsoever, so as all the commissioners who have heard their allegations and slender recriminations
of his lordship's deputy, Sir Richard Musgrave, do esteem their
dealing in this behalf to be only a delay to avoid justice. If his
Majesty's good pleasure be to respect any of the offenders, it is
thought it would be less offensive to the country, if his favour
were extended rather by pardon after conviction, than by
exemption before from justice.—Carleill, 15 Oct., 1603.
Holograph. 1½ pp. (101. 155.) |
|
[Lord Cecil] to Sir James Elphinstone. |
|
1603, Oct. 16. |
Being troubled at this time with some indisposition of a rheum in my eye, I am driven to use another
man's hand rather than by silence to leave you in doubtfulness
of my goodwill. In this letter I will therefore acquaint you
principally with that which every other man cannot so well
relate, which is in what terms his Majesty's treaty standeth
with Spain and the Archdukes, leaving the particulars of the
King's passing his time and the Court occurrences to those from
whom you may better have had it. For the matter of the
arrangements this is all I can now say that about the 7 or 8
November these persons shall come to their trial at Winchester,
the Lord Cobham, Lord Gray, Mr. George Brooke, Sir Walter
Ralegh, Sir Griffyn Markham, Watson the priest and Clerke the
priest, with some others. Lastly this I say to the particular
escheat of which you late made mention, there hath not been so
few as a dozen suitors for it, whereof some have their hopes and
some their fears, but without the wife of Sir Walter hath made
such means by some of good reckoning about the King as she shall
hope to obtain a gift of all his goods, besides that all his chattels
will hardly pay the debts he oweth bona fide to divers creditors,
who all know the way by one means or other to compass a greater
matter than that from which they have so fair pretext. Seeing
therefore this is so far already foiled and that for anything
belonging to lives of these men I am the least proper to be a
suitor, who excepting their faults cannot but even in humanity
seek to be rather compassionate to theirs than otherwise, I
hope you will not ill interpret my denial to deal in it myself. |
|
PS.—Though others can send it you, yet such is my comfort
to be able to advertise you that his Majesty and all his are well
as I think it very worthy of my Postscript.
Corrected draft. Endorsed: "16 Oct., 1603. To Sir James
Elphinstone." 3 pp. (101. 157.) |
|
The Enclosure:—In this conference we found the ambassador
willing to descend into many particulars for a treaty, but having
found before that he had no particular commission for his master
to treat with his Majesty, we showed unto him the inequality of
the conditions between him and us, that whatsoever we should
say would in a manner bind his Majesty, who had purposely
sent us, and whatsoever he should say was but by way of discourse, and might be avowed or disavowed by his master, and
therefore till sufficient authority came out of Spain, we held it
not fit to proceed any further, whereunto he descended, and
promised to hasten the coming of it, and so with many other
speeches tending to that which he formerly propounded to his
Majesty we brake off. Yesterday the Count of Arenbergh took
his leave to withdraw himself for a time to his Princes till
sufficient power to treat should come out of Spain. His Majesty
hath afforded him shipping for his transportation.
Undated. 1 p. (101. 156.) |
|
The Earl of Cumberland to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 16. |
It is the first time that ever I have been employed in matter of justice [and] my conscience and honour,
be assured, shall make me heedful in all my proceedings. I will
proceed with all men according to their deserts, without other
respect any way. Let not then, I pray you, these men, whose
faults have ever been so great as that they never durst yield
themselves to trial, be now the cause to hinder his Majesty's
determination towards these ruined countries, which being freed
from these notorious malefactors will be as beneficial to his
coffers and as serviceable to the realm for able bodies of men,
as most shires within his kingdom. I had as you wished sent
up Leonard Musgrave without examination here, if his age had
not been such as it is. He is above fourscore and could not
without danger to his life have ridden such a journey, but I
have him to do with what you direct, and all the rest that are
faulty in this matter. I am so bad a secretary as I will not
trouble you with my writing of particulars, but have referred
them to the report of this bearer, my servant, Thomas Tayler,
to whom I pray you give credit, and for my deputy, at my
coming up, I will bring him with me to receive punishment,
if he deserve it, which yet I cannot find he hath done.—16
Oct., 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (101. 159.) |
|
William Bowyer to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. [before 17.] |
According to your directions I have
attended this noble lord towards Berwick, from whose arrival
at Carlisle until this instant he hath daily most carefully conferred with the gentlemen of the country to inquire the defects
and advise with them, that best are acquainted and most now
grieved therewith, the redress and mean to proceed therein.
Holding a court for public justice, not only many of such as
were bound by recognizance failed to appear, but divers other
not yet apprehended stand out, whereupon he adjourned the
Court until a farther day that those which were wanting might
advise. At the discharge of the Court his lordship, urged by a
zeal to manifest to the country the King's princely love and
care, and his own desire to execute uprightly so weighty a service
as this, did by a most excellent protestation to all present
speak so effectually that the good took exceeding comfort, and
others as spies for their friends yet absent conceived great
hope of mercy with justice. For that myself was present and
observed the effect it wrought in all men, I could not omit my
knowledge of a discontented crew who notwithstanding this just
beginning have most dangerously combined to hinder the free
course of justice by advising ways to escape it; and, for that it
was my chance to hear thereof, I made known the parties to
my Lord who were the "grunes" and others their associates.
My Lord intends upon the 17th of this instant to set forward
for Barwick. Meantime he hath signified my innocency to
the garrison, at the conclusion of which business I shall make
my repair to you as you directed.—Carlisle the — of October,
1603.
Signed. 1 p. (102. 9.) |
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The King of Spain to the Archduke Albert. |
|
1603, Oct. 17/27. |
Commending Gillermo Sachnes, an Irishman,
who wishes to serve in the Spanish army under the Archduke
with the pay of five crowns (scudos) a month.—Valsayn, 27
Oct., 1603.
Signed. Yo el Rey and below Endres de Prada. Spanish.
Seal. 1 p. (134. 43.) |
|
Deal Castle. |
|
1603, Oct. 18. |
Muster taken before Sir Thomas Fane, knight,
Lieutenant of Dover Castle, 18 Oct., 1603, of soldiers which are
to receive pay from 29 Sept., 1603 to Sept. 28 next following:—
Captain, at 20d. per diem—Erasmus Fynche.
Lieutenant, at 8d. per diem—Peter Master.
Porters, Henry Pettman—8d. per diem.
Edward Aucher—6d. per diem.
Captain's men, at 6d. per diem—William Berles, Sawnder
Berles, Richard Forde, Christopher Wessenden.
Lieutenant's man, at 6d. per diem.—Timothy Wynter. |
|
Soldiers, at 6d. per diem—George Rande, Robert Lutson,
Nicholas Osborne, Richard Mayam, Edward Lewes, Thomas
Neale, Leonard Roberts, Nicholas Smyth, Robert Hull, John
Skott, Thomas Haryson, John Horwoode.
Signed: Tho. Fane; Erasmus Fynche. 1 p. (101. 162.) |
|
Sir John Wildegos and others to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 18. |
According to your letter of the 12th of this
present, we repaired unto the house of Bryan Annesley, of Lee,
in the county of Kent, and finding him fallen into such imperfection and distemperature of mind and memory, as we thought
him thereby become altogether unfit to govern himself or his
estate, we endeavoured to take a perfect inventory of such
goods and chattels as he possessed in and about his house.
But Mrs. Cordall, his daughter, who during the time of all his
infirmity hath taken upon her the government of him and his
affairs, refuseth to suffer any inventory to be taken, until such
time as she hath had conference with her friends, by reason
whereof we could proceed no farther in the execution of your
letter.—From Lee, 18 Oct, 1603.
Signed: John Wildegos, Tymothe Lawe, Samuel Lennard.
½ p. (101. 163.) |
|
Sussex Petitions. |
|
1603, [After Oct. 18.] |
A summary declaration of the matters
and persons discovered about the making and subscription of
three petitions framed in the names of the gentlemen, ministers
and commonalty in Sussex, collected out of the body of the
examinations taken before the Bishop of Chichester and Doctor
Drurie, with the assistance of Sir Thomas Bishop, knight, and
Mr. Henrie Shellie, esquire, by virtue of letters from the Privy
Council of 18 Oct., 1603. |
|
The original penners of the gentlemen's petition:—Mr. Henry
Appeslie, and Mr. Newton, of Lewes, John Peerson a lay parson,
and Mr. Frewen a minister. |
|
Makers of the ministers' petition:—Samuel Norden, parson
of Hamsey, made the first draft at Walter Doble's, there being
assembled Mr. Goldsmith, Mr. Healie, Mr. Knight, Mr. Porter
and Mr. Frewen, giving their approbation thereof. |
|
Principal carriers and procurers of subscription to the same:—
Mr. Norden, Mr. Goldesmith, Mr. Lister, Mr. Postlethwait,
Mr. Vinall, Mr. Goodacre.
Travellers to the Court about the business:—Mr. Frewen,
Mr. Erburie, Mr. Healie, Daniel Hanson.
Friends of the petition in Court:—Mr. Gallowaie, Mr.
Pickeringe.
Touching contribution of money:—Proved by the confession
of Mr. Cursus, Mr. Hilton, and others, ministers. |
|
Touching the commonalty's petition:—It is confessed by
John Peerson that he drew the petition at Thomas Collen's
house in Brightlinge, where were assembled Messrs. Norden,
Goldesmith, Healie, Bingham, Porter, Boys, Attershall, Frewen
and Goffe, ministers.
Number of hands to nine petitions of the commonalty:—2285.
Ditto to the ministers' petition:—40. |
|
Manner of procuring subscriptions:—Sometimes at meetings
at sermons, sometimes after evening prayers in church, where the
petition was read unto the people, much by private solicitation,
sometimes by a constable, and at one time by an officer or
sergeant. |
|
Places where conventicles were held:—
Hoo, Wartlinge, at Mr. Healie's.
Brightlinge, at Tho. Collen's.
Arlington, at Mr. Knighte's.
Hellingslie.
Hamson, at Mr. Norden's.
Thakeham, at Walter Doble's.
Yapton, at Mr. Carussie's.
Wullavington, at Mr. Stoughton's.
Hunstone, at Mr. Lister's. |
|
So it is plain that the petition, not only of the ministers but
also of the commonalty, was devised, made and dispersed by
the fore-named ministers, and the people under a blind zeal of
reformation, drawn only by them to this presumptuous practice. |
|
Note also that the most base agents of those ministers, viz.,
Norden, Frewen, Healie, Goldesmith, Goffe and Erbury, their
general, having intelligence that the Lords had sent commission
to examine their enterprises, fled from the messenger to the
Court. They also denied before the Privy Council to have any
hand in the commonalty's petition, by which denial they
obtained to the Bishop of Chichester the Council's letters for
favourable dismission, conditionally if they were not otherwise
culpable, which they brought broken up before the delivery
thereof. |
|
For these causes the Bishop, with consent of the assistants,
hath bound Norden, Frewen and Goldsmith to appear before
the Lords upon ten days' warning, and Peerson, Collen and
Mizen (three principal cursitors) to their good behaviour, until
their pleasure be known for the punishment of so great
contempt. |
|
Since the three petitions were examined, a fourth was brought
to my hands, contrived also by the ministers, which they call a
congratulation to the King. Sundry of these hot reformers and
learned ministry never saluted any university, some of them
departed thence with the lowest degrees and continue Bachelors
of Arts, and the best of them in Sussex is but Master of
Arts, yet they dare control degrees, orders and ordinances.
Unsigned. 3 pp. (101. 160–161.) |
|
Walmer Castle. |
|
1603, Oct. 19. |
The Muster Rolls of his Highness's Company
or Garrison of "Walme" Castle in the county of Kent, taken by
Sir Thomas Fane, knight, Lieutenant of Dover Castle, 19th
October, 1603: who desires pay for one whole year ended at
Michaelmas last. |
|
Sir George Parkins, knight, Captain, at 20d. the day. |
|
Soldiers for the Captain: John Sally, Lawrence Abbot,
Richard Haman and Thomas Gillow, at 6d. the day each. |
|
Robert Beechenden, gent., Lieutenant at 8d. the day. |
|
Thomas Burton his soldier at 6d. the day. |
|
Porters: Ellys Bingham, gent., chief porter at 8d. the day.
John Grannt, sub-porter at 6d. the day. |
|
Gunners: Thomas Mason, William Habgood, Thomas
Howyt, Thomas Pantry, Mathew Packman, Edward Haman,
Edward Smith, Thomas Payne, Thomas Humphry, Henry
Peartt, at 6d. the day each.
Signed: Tho. Fane; George Parkyns. 1 p. (141. 278.) |
|
Lord Burghley to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1603], Oct. 19. |
The father of one Browne, his servant, is
lately dead without will, leaving orphans, so that the younger
children are like to be undone, unless the wardship be given to
Browne, which he begs Cecil to grant. The plague spreads
here in divers places near, yet Stamford that is next him is yet
very clear. So likewise does the infection of Popery so spread
abroad, as many that he held clear heretofore begin to decline,
by reason of a nonchalance had of the laws, to the great discontentment of the Protestants and heartening of the Papists.
It must be looked to in time, or else it will breed atheism.—
Burghley, 19 Oct.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." 1 p. (187. 116.) |
|
Edmund Buriche, Feodary of Cornwall, to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 20. |
Your lordship by your letters of Sept. 28 last
made known his Majesty's gracious intention to favour his
tenants in capite or knight's service that they might, if desirous,
buy the wardship and marriages of their heirs now living in their
lifetime. To which end you authorised Sir Francis Godolphyn,
Sir John Parker, Mr. Hunyball Vyvyan, Mr. Thomas Treffry,
with the escheator and myself, to advise of some speedy course
for making his Majesty's purpose known to those who desire
to proceed in that matter. Upon receipt of that letter, my Lord,
being at the very time of our sessions in Cornwall, we caused
it to be publicly read both at Bodmin and Truro in open sessions,
and agreed on two several days for attending that service,
namely at Truro the 26th of this month, and at Bodmin the
29th, of which we have given particular notice to most whom
we think it may concern. And order is taken that the same
should be made known in every particular parish within that
county. But there are but few which hold in capite of his
Majesty, and not many by knight's service, for most of all our
county holden by knight's service are tenures holden of the Duke
of Cornwall, which are thought not to be comprehended within
your Honour's authority. I have been very lately made
acquainted with some debts which will be due to Sir Walter
Ralegh on the 2nd of next month for land sold by him within
the manor of Leighe Durrent in Cornwall, as namely from Walter
Bruse 180l., from Nicholas Hony 160l., from John Seargeant
180l., from John Bole 180l., from Geoffrey Clerk 140l., from
Edward James 160l. or 80l., all due by bond and payable at that
time. And there is said to be due for 8 other tenants' parcels of
the same manor, supposed to be sold to Mr. John James, esq., but
some of the fore-named persons dwelling near me, and thinking
to be in danger how or to whom to pay the same, seemed most
desirous to make their payments to his Majesty's use, which I
thought their surest course.—Sarum, 20 Oct., 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (101. 164.) |
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Tho. Treffry to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 20. |
With regard to business connected with
Cecil's property in Carneden Prior, [Cornwall]. Payments to Sir
Francis Godolphin mentioned. Thanks Cecil for a wardship.
—Lynkenhorn, 20 Oct., 1603.
Holograph. 2 pp. (187. 117.) |
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John Seman to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 21. |
On the request of Edmund Chamberlaine,
of Mangersbury, diocese of Gloucester, for a report of causes
now handled before me in the Consistory Court of the Bishop
of Gloucester, at his instance, concerning the title of the rectory
of Stow the Ould in that diocese: no cause of such nature is
depending before me; only I find that Chamberlaine has
impleaded 3 of the parish of Stow for tithes by them detained,
which Chamberlain claims by virtue of a lease or grant made by
Griffin Roberts, late parson there.—Gloucester, 21 Oct., 1603.
Holograph. Endorsed: "D. Seman, Chancellor, Gloucester."
1p. (187. 118.) |
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Sir Thomas Walsingham and others to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 23. |
According to the authority given us by your
letters, we repaired to the house of Mr. Bryan Annesley, and
there in the presence of his two daughters, Lady Wildgosse and
Mrs. Cordell Annesley, have sealed up all such chests and trunks
of evidence, and other things of value, as they showed us to be
his. We were informed that he holdeth divers things by lease,
which for not payment of the rent might be in danger to be
forfeited. We have therefore requested Sir James Croftes,
whom your lordship hath associated to us in this business, to
take care of the payment of such rents as are reserved upon
any lease made to the said Mr. Annesley and also for the receipts
of rents due to him. As touching the government of his person
and family, though by nature his two daughters may seem fittest
to perform this duty, yet respecting the absence of Sir John
Wildgosse at this time, and the present emulation between the
two gentlewomen, we have referred the determination thereof
to your lordship.—From Scadbury, 23 Oct., 1603.
Signed: Tho. Walsingham: James Croftes: Samuel
Lennard. Seal. 1 p. (101. 166.) |
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The City Marshal. |
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1603, Oct. 23. |
In August and September last there was sent
precepts from the Lord Mayor, that they should not above the
number of 6 persons accompany the corpses of any dying of
the plague to their burials. Which precept myself seeing to
the execution committed divers persons to the cages within
the city for the same offence, by warrant from the Lord Mayor,
and many were bound over to the sessions for answering the said
misdemeanour, and the sickness being at the highest, the meaner
sort of people, for the most part women, continuing still in
accompanying the dead, and would not by any means be drawn
from it, in respect of one Mr. Clappam, who encouraged them
in the same. Whereupon order was given to the ministers of
the several parishes to admonish their parishioners, but most of
the ministers breach the same both in preaching at funeral
sermons and accompanying the corpses, alleging that the burial
was a spiritual jurisdiction belonging to the bishops. Further
many resistances have been made against me, when I took
order for the punishment for them, and divers were then
grievously punished by the Lord Mayor for the same, and about
12 Aug. last at Moorgate being the way in going to the new
churchyard there were a great multitude accompanying the
corpse of one dead of the plague, and being by me put
back many of them fell upon me and beat me and grievously
hurted both my men.—23 Oct., 1603.
Signed: Roger Walrond. 1 p. (101. 167.) |
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Cordell Annesley to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 23. |
Thanks Cecil for the letters he has directed
to sundry gentlemen of worship in those parts, requesting them
to take into their custody the person and estate of her poor aged
and daily dying father. But that honourable course will by
no means satisfy Sir John Willgosse, or any other course but to
have him begged for a lunatic, whose many years service to her
late Majesty deserved a better agnomination. She begs that,
if her father must be accounted a lunatic, he may be bestowed
upon Sir James Croft, who from love of him and his children
will take charge of him and his estate, without intention of
benefit to himself.—Lewsham, 23 October, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (187. 119.) |
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The Feodary and Escheator of Derbyshire to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 25. |
We have received your letters directed to
Sir Francis Leake, Sir John Stanhope, Sir Richard Harpur,
knights, and to us his Majesty's escheator and feodary
of the county of Derby, for the effecting of his gracious
intention and favour concerning the composition of certain
wardships in the county. Your Honour's letters were delivered
to us on Saturday the 15th of this present October by
your messenger, who before had delivered the same to Sir
John Stanhope, and since to Sir Francis Leake, who hath
appointed a day and place for our meeting. But there is Sir
John Harpur, knight, and Richard Harpur his brother, esquire,
and your letter is directed to Sir Richard Harpur, knight, and
therefore neither of them do assist us in this business. May it
therefore please you to signify your mind herein.—Derby, 25
Oct., 1603.
Signed: John Bullocke feodary; Nicho. Stowe escheator.
1 p. (101. 168.) |
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Dorothy, Lady Wharton, to Lord Cecil. |
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1603, Oct. 25. |
Give me leave to crave the continuance of
your good favour for my daughter, his Majesty's ward, by the
death of my late son Colby Tamworth, your Honour's late
ward.—25 Oct., 1603.
Holograph. ¼ p. (101. 169.) |
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Michael Hickes to Mr. Mellowes. |
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1603, Oct. 26. |
My Lord Cecil wrote to me about 4 days
past to come to him to a certain place near London, where I
took occasion to speak of you to your good (as, if you come over
to my house at Ruckholts, I will further tell you). I likewise
told him how my Lord Cobham had faithfully promised me a
year since to give me his coach, and now at his purposing to
go beyond the seas, he assured me to deliver it me. His lordship hereupon told me that you had the keeping of his lordship's
house and things in the Black Friars, and wished me to write
to you to see the coach safely kept. I pray you make a step
hither, it is but an hour's riding and within half a mile of
Hackney.—From Ruckholts, 26 Oct., 1603. |
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Addressed: "To my very lovinge frend Mr. Mellowes at
my L. Cobham's house in the blackfriars or at his lodginge by
the water's side there."
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (101. 171.) |
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Sir John Harrington to [Lord Cecil]. |
|
1603, [Before Oct. 26.] |
My wife sent me your letter written
to me from Kensington, which at first did trouble me, fearing
she had given you some just offence and finding some phrases
in it tasting of passion on behalf of your officer. But I beseech
you be void of all save compassion in reading my answer. |
|
My wife, who I dare swear is truer than Dobbinson, affirms
she said nothing but this that she thought your lordship, nor
no Lord of the Council, would condemn my escape considering
the danger, and much less offer her that indignity to break open
her doors as Dobbinson did. And, though your lordship's
warrant as a councillor and principal Secretary of the State is
above any privilege and undisputable, yet her neighbours tell
her that but for treason no officer can enter a house in Channon
Row, and I am sure it was wont to be far from your course to
lend your countenance of state to such a wrangle of debt. I
have heard it noted in your father as a great note of wisdom
that the second tale prevailed with him more than the first,
and I hope when you have heard my tale you will judge that
they are of kin to the old serpent that accuse mine Eve to have
spoken either so unadvisedly of you or so untruly of me. Though
I have reason to forgive her a greater fault that hath endured
21 weeks' plague and imprisonment almost for my sake besides
the pawning of her plate and 140l. of her jointure. |
|
But where you write I used an eloquent figure to engage you
to get me Sir Griffin Markham's forfeiture, you do but return
my son's verse,
Tu quoque maturo pollens facunde Cecili
Consilio, patriae fida columna tuae. |
|
If Sir Griffin Markham have been a traitor to me and so many
friends and lastly to his prince, if his mother and some of hers
have been both spiteful and scornful to you and all your kin,
if she now, with a murdering mind to me (for I can call it no
better) caused new actions to be laid on me to hold me in prison
for mere malice because I charged her with misgoverning of
her husband's estate these eight years and cosening him of
8,000 marks, if her own son told my Lord of London that the
Jesuits had taught her to pay no debts but unto recusants, if
all this mine adversity and cross and affliction have fallen on
me merely for their debt, I do not unconscionably to beg their
land, the King doth most graciously to grant it and you shall
do justly to further it, as you have promised in your former
letters. And there is rather more cause than less now in that
I do for your only sake relieve them that cared not for 10l.
to ruin me; to omit that I have been always respective to my
Lord your brother, to your nephews and nieces more than
ordinary. My escape was an honest escape. I shunned the
plague and not the debt, and I was strangely used and your
name strongly abused as you may see by this note enclosed. |
|
They confess now I am not in execution nor was not these
ten weeks, they cannot deny the plague to be in the Gatehouse
and six dead and the seventh sick, and therefore I might think
him as much my friend would wish me to the gallows as to the
Gatehouse, and I am sorry for my two poor cousins, betrayed
by their brother, though I love not their mother, whose lives
your lordship hath saved from one danger yet they remain
still in another, and if some commiseration were extended to
all these that are capable of it, it were honourable to the world
and charitable before God. For as Dydo said Non ignara
mali miseris succurrere disco, so may I say. |
|
As for the poverty either of the creditors or the officers, the
creditors are Brabson, Hare and Scory; if they had one to make
four I would say they were the caterpillars of the commonwealth.
As for your officer Dobbinson, he hath bond of Okey of 2,000l.,
and Okey himself brags that in '88 he had 1,000l. in the bottom
of a close stool, which with the good fees he takes and the good
use he makes and some mysteries he practises, for I will be no
promoter, may well be by this time according to his own
computation 4,000l. and he hath no child to care for. |
|
True it is he makes very diligent search after me, whereby
you may see how much more diligent profit makes than duty.
For when the friar escaped last day whom Okey affirmed to
be a traitor and a most dangerous papist, they never searched
house for him. Only for a colour he threatted to send to Newgate his man Simon that let him out, and so I concluded that
the friar committed Simony. |
|
As for me, he never trusted me, locked me all night, new
barred his windows, had watch over me hourly and further
I told him, if the plague increased I would be gone. |
|
Wherefore I beseech you reprove them as they are worthy;
both, for their covetous cruelty, and one, for his indiscretion
and negligence. Believe me that I will do as becomes an honest
man in all things and in this as you will think good, and if you
will refer it to Sir William Wade and Sir Walter Cope, I will
send that and them that shall satisfy them. And after I am
sufficiently aired that I may without offence repair to the Court,
I will in every point so satisfy you as I doubt not but you will
restore me to your good opinion.—Undated. |
|
Unsigned. Endorsed: "1603. Sir John Harrington to my
Lord. With a report of his own case with Dobinson and Okey."
Seal. 1¾ pp. (97. 54, 55.) |
|
[Lord Cecil] to [Sir John Harrington]. |
|
[1603, Oct. 26.] |
Although I have not so good leisure as you
have to write, nor have so well studied other men's humours
as you, yet I conceive I have that knowledge which is most
necessary, which is to know God and myself: and therefore,
although I love counsel, and have been taught patience by undergoing the sharp censures of busy brains, yet your advice at this
time to me, to banish all passion, but compassion, was as superfluous as many other labours of yours, which I could never
con without book, and therefore cannot so particularly remember
you of them, as you can do me of the faults of my letter. I will
therefore only answer you now in truth and plainness, with what
mind I wrote my letter. First, I do assure you I had both compassion of your imprisonment and your escape; for in the first
I knew you had suffered misery, or rather affliction (for so you
prescribe me to call it) which I always pitied, when it falls upon
gentlemen that have any good parts in them. Secondly, I was
grieved in your behalf, because the reason said to be used by
you for your escape, especially concerning myself, proclaimed
you to the world to have neither honesty nor conscience. You
picked passion out of my letter. You were part of the occasion.
I confess I was not without grief (nay, passion, if you will have
it), to see my great infortunity to be exclaimed on in the world
for being privy or party to such shifts, whereof my soul was
innocent, and whereby other men should be undone, of whom
both in common justice, and by the accident of their places, I
had cause to take compassion. Thus have you the motive of
my letter and my passions, which if it has wrought any other
effects than it deserves in your mind, or shall become your pen,
to one of my place, (which men say is always so full of ink as
in many of your writings many blots drop upon the paper) I
shall be sensible of it, howsoever other men have swallowed
your censorious writings. And therefore look over my first
letter to your wife, and if you find, that being informed of
naughty reports raised of me by you, I wrote respectively to my
Lady and with suspense of belief, till I heard your answer,
which course could give you no cause to be so piquant with me,
then mend your error, or I will appeal to him that knows both
you and me and can best judge what appertains to us. |
|
For your offer to acquaint Sir William Waade and Sir Walter
Cope with the course you intend, I like it well, and have written
to them, to hear it. For the reports of Dobbinson & Okey's
speeches, they may be truly set down for aught I know. Only
this I say, where you inform that they report that Hare had lent
me money, in that they belie me, as I will make them both
confess, if you can make good that they have said it; till which
time, because it becomes not one of my place to be credulous,
I must say that I am apter to believe you in some other matter. |
|
Lastly for your information now that Sir Griffin Markham's
mother has used long spite and scorn to me and mine, it can
no way move me (if I did believe it) to pursue Sir Griffin the
rather for that matter, howsoever your hope of his land may
move you the rather to accusation and therefore, Sir John
Harrington, trust no more thereby to make me your solicitor
than to purchase grace of the time present the sooner by railing
(as you are accused to do) of the late Queen of famous memory
at your dinners; for if you knew my Sovereign's virtue as I do,
you would quickly find that such works are to him unacceptable
sacrifices. |
|
Thus have you from me the answer which your letter deserves,
and shall in all things else have just measure, expecting from
you satisfaction in the last point, and excuse for your peremptory
and captious letter, which if you do I will say this: Erranti sit
medicina confessio. I will remain as I have been, Your loving
friend.
Draft, largely corrected by Cecil. Endorsed: "26 Oct., 1603.
To Sir John Harrington." 3 pp. (187. 120.) |
|
Copy of the preceding with slight verbal alterations. 2 pp.
(101. 170.) |
|
John Doddridge to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1603], Oct. 27. |
William Gosnoll, a gentleman towards the
law, who now lies at Cheswyck in Middlesex, has written to me
to give advice in law upon a case which is enclosed, concerning
the treasons whereof Lord Cobham stands indicted. I do not
think him honest that shall seek counsel for any man in that
dangerous case without good warrant, and I am far from giving
counsel in such a case. I communicated the letter and case
to Sir Walter Cope, who wished me to signify the same to you;
and because my Lord Chancellor, as I hear, is not far off at his
house at Harvell, I have also made him acquainted therewith.—
Kensington, 27 Oct.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." 1 p. (187. 122.) |
|
Lord Ellesmere, Lord Chancellor, to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 27. |
Yesternight late Mr. Dodderidge brought me
a letter, written unto him by William Gosnolle (a lawyer of the
Middle Temple) and a case enclosed in the same letter, containing divers questions for advice to be given thereupon, to
the Lord Cobham, to instruct and prepare him how to answer
at his arraignment. The copy of the case Mr. Dodderidge hath
sent unto you (as he informeth me), and the copy of the letter
you shall now receive hereinclosed. Immediately after the
receipt of the letter and case from Mr. Dodderidge I gave order
for the apprehending of Gosnolle and seizing of his papers,
and appointed Mr. Attorney to come to me, and this day Gosnell
and his papers were brought unto me, and Mr. Attorney hath
perused them, and findeth 4 very material, 2 in parchment and
2 in paper, all tending to one end, to furnish the Lord Cobham
how to answer such points as he is to be charged with, and
mentioning divers statute laws, whereupon he is to stand. We
have examined Gosnolle and find that these matters have
passed between the Lord Cobham and him by the means of
Mellers, with whom he hath had divers times conference to this
purpose. Mr. Attorney hath taken Gosnolle into his charge.
Mellers is not yet taken, but I mean to give present order for
apprehending of him and seizing of his papers. If some strict
and severe course be not taken for the finding out and punishing
of these practices, and to restrain the prisoners from such
ordinary intelligences, as it seemeth they have had, and do
still continue, it is to be doubted that all your former great and
honourable travails in discovering these treasons will prove
illusory, and the proceeding in the trial not free from some
aspersion of dishonour.—At Harfelde, 27 Oct., 1603.
Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (101. 165.) |
|
Examination of William Gosnall, of Chiswick, Middlesex. |
|
1603, Oct. 27. |
A. Demanded of whose handwriting the
paper now showed him, beginning thus: "If the purpose and
of Markham (sic)" &c., and ending thus: "then his comfort is
great and God able to aid the just cause," was, examinate
answers, it is all of his own handwriting, saving the marginal
notes, which are Lord Cobham's handwriting. B. Says, That
about a fortnight past Mellers, Lord Cobham's servant, sent for
examinate to Blackfriars and requested him, being of my Lord's
counsel learned and having his fee, to write the same. |
|
C. Says that Mellers gave him instructions and carried the said
paper about a fortnight since to Lord Cobham to the Tower,
and his lordship made those postills in the margin, and about a
sevennight past sent them back again by Mellers to examinate.
Mellers delivered them to him and said—Here is your paper
again with my Lord's answer. But to what intent it was
delivered to him he knows not. D. Answers the two long rolls
of parchment now showed him are of his own handwriting,
and that he wrote them of himself without any solicitation to
have them ready about a sevennight past at his house at Chiswick. E. Asked what moved him to write in the end of one
of the rolls that his Honour (meaning Lord Cobham) had already
well gathered together, &c.—meaning certain Acts of Parliament, answers that Mellers told him my Lord had collected the
effect of the statutes of 1 Edw. VI, 1 & 2 Ph. & M., and 1 Eliz:
and that it appeared by Mellers's speeches my Lord was more
perfect therein than examinate; but what advice he had
therein examinate knows not. |
|
F. Asked what moved him to write to Mr. Dodderidge that
my Lord had this favour to advise with any one what to speak
in defence of his cause, answers Mellers told him so on Monday
or Tuesday last, and signified to him that Lord Cobham was
desirous to know Mr. Dodderidge's opinion of the case, and
thereupon examinate drew the case beginning "When Sir
Griffin Markham," &c., and ending "for the 3rd time"; which
he did partly out of the former paper with the postills of Lord
Cobham, and partly out of such new matter concerning the
letter Lord Cobham wrote to the King as Mellers from Lord
Cobham related to him; which letter he says he sent to Mr.
Dodderidge yesterday morning. G. Further asks of whom he
heard that by Deuteronomy xviii and by the opinion of St.
Augustine no man ought to be condemned without 2 witnesses
at the least, says Mellers told him Lord Cobham was instructed
therein and made relation to him of it. |
|
H. Asked of whom the Lord Cobham had learned that divinity,
answers that he knows not. J. Asked further what moved
him to set down in the case that George Brooke said that he
had the King's grant under his seal that he shall lose neither
life, lands, nor goods, but be recompensed for his troubles;
answers, that Mr. Edward Morris that serves Lord Cobham
being at dinner with Mr. Mellers, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Besant,
servants also to Lord Cobham, did (as Mr. Mellers reported to
examinate), and showed a paper note purporting that Mr.
Brooke should say that he had the King's hand and seal that he
should lose neither life, lands, nor goods but be recompensed
for his trouble; out of which note examinate inserted these
words into the case: which note remains with Mellers testified
by Rogers and Besant. |
|
K. Being also demanded what moved him to add to this
case to diminish the testimony of George Brooke, that he had
practised, wished, and desired his lordship's death, says that
Mellers showed him also that in a note in writing, and that it
would be testified by Sir John Brook of the Court.
Certified by Sir Edward Coke as a true copy. 12/3 pp. (102. 1.) |
|
John Crane to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 28. |
The Earl of Cumberland acquainted me with
an opinion delivered by your lordship in my favour. In disposing of the garrison here I pray take consideration of mine
estate, having attained this place by your father's means,
having lived in service here and in Ireland 36 years and upwards,
and enjoy[ing] this stipend of 3s. 6d. per diem as the reward
thereof from our late Sovereign, being otherwise destitute of
livelihood for the maintenance of myself and 18 more of my
family, and my age an impediment to provide elsewhere other
means of relief; being further charged for this half year by the
place of government imposed upon me with greater expense by
entertainment of strangers at my table according to the custom
of the place than my stipend is able to bear. I have addressed
this bearer William Ourde, my clerk, further to inform you
both of my estate and this garrison.—Berwick, 28 October,
1603.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (102. 2.) |
|
Sir James Elphinston to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 28. |
By your letter from Winchester the 16 of
October I have understood his Majesty's proceeding and your
lordship's with the Spanish ambassador. Your goodwill in
acquainting me so particularly, as it surpasses anything I can
merit, so the subject far exceeds what ever I have here to give
you in exchange. His Majesty's service in this country has
good success; the Highlands and borders which were the
principal matter of all our perturbations are nothing less quiet
nor the inland. The Isles have given proof of a beginning of
their obedience, and we hope by the dealing of the Earl of
Argyle who has enterprised the accomplishment of that work
that his Majesty shall receive his rents out of the most remote
isles of this kingdom as peaceably as any other part thereof.
His Majesty's subjects of best rank continue in all respects
obedient without any discontentment, howsoever some would
persuade the contrary. Be you assured there shall nothing
pass here that may in any sort derogate to his Majesty's absolute
obedience, whereof you shall not be foreseen in time. I would
not wish that his Majesty's good subjects, upon other men's
particularities, should be prejudged by sinistrous reports.
I am not ignorant how sparingly upon very just considerations
you meddle in our affairs; but it is not meet by over great
bearing with to suffer them come to that height which some
men's particulars are like to draw them to, but to advise his
Majesty to repose upon the trust of them he has "concredite"
his affairs to, who will be found no less painful and "fidelle"
in his Majesty's service nor others who have reaped greater
commodity. We are here in some little fear of the pestilence,
and the town of Edinburgh is something infected, whereupon
we have prorogued the sitting down of the Sessions to the first
of December, but the season of the year and care which is taken
for preventing of it, greater nor is ordinary with you, give us
some hope that it shall not be of any long continuance. As
to the escheat I pray you think that I shall be so far from ill
interpreting your denial to deal in it, as I think it contrary to
the just rule of entire amity to burden his approved friend
with that which if it were obtained might wrong the suitor more
than benefit him for whom it is suited.—Halyruidhouse, this
28 of October, 1603.
Holograph. 1½ pp. (102. 3.) |
|
Sir Walter Cope and Sir Henry Montague to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 28. |
According to letters received this day from the
Lord Chancellor they have repaired to the house of the Lord
Cobham in Black Friars and there found Richard Melersley,
his servant, in his chamber, where they searched, and amongst
his papers such as they found in any particular to have direction
to Cecil they thought fit to sever from the rest, which are to
be sent to the Lord Chancellor at Harfeld, and have sent them
enclosed.—London, this 28 of October.
Signed. Two seals. 2/3 p. (102. 5.) |
|
The Garrison of Berwick-upon-Tweed to the Same. |
|
1603, Oct. 30. |
Having received by bearer, one of our former
solicitors with you, assurance of your favourable inclination
to us, we crave continuance still and entreat a tender respect
of our estates; of the truth whereof, because we know it faithfully laid open by his Highness's commissioners we surcease to
make further remonstrance.—Berwick, 30 October, 1603.
Signed: John Crane, Leonard Morton, John Shafton,
Thomas Chatfield, James Lany, William Morton, John Twyford,
Quenten Streng, Henry Sysson, Jerom Mason, Robert Atwood,
Tho. Hodgsonn, Robert Carvill, Thomas Orde, William Boyer,
Henry Guenara, Peter Mewtys, James Burrell. 1 p. (102. 6.) |
|
Lord Morley to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603, Oct. 30. |
Whereas it pleased you in your letter to me,
dated in September last, to give me promise of a favourable
hearing touching my claim unto the lands late Charles Brandon's,
Duke of Suffolk, I beseech you the cause may receive your
censure this term.—Morley, 30 October, 1603.
Signed. ¼ p. (102. 7.) |
|
Lord Chancellor Ellesmere to the Same. |
|
1603. [Oct.] |
Immediately upon dispatch of my last letters
to you, I wrote to Sir Walter Cope and Sir Henry Montague,
the Recorder of London, to apprehend Richard Mellersh, and to
seize his papers, which they performed very carefully and
effectually, and yesternight Sir Walter Cope brought Mellersh
and the papers to me, about 7 o'clock at night, the papers being
sealed up as I directed. Hereupon I sent for Mr. Attorney,
who came to me this morning by 8 o'clock, and we have spent
this forenoon in perusing the papers. Mr. Attorney has taken
into his custody so many as he found material. There be divers
of the Lord Cobham's own handwriting, divers of Mellersh's
and some of Gosnell's. Many of them seem to be very important
and material. But it appears to them all, and by Mellersh's
confession, that there has been ordinary access to the Lord
Cobham by himself and divers others, and that there have passed
many letters and intelligences between them concerning his
case, and questions and cases propounded, what he was to be
charged with, and how he should answer every point at his
arraignment. It seems there is neither accusation, examination,
or proof that may touch him, but he is made acquainted with
it, and provided what to answer, what to confess, what to deny,
how to excuse and extenuate his offence, and how to weaken
and deface the proofs which are to be used against him. The
papers be many and long and of divers sorts. Mr. Attorney
has taken time to peruse them more advisedly, and thereupon
to abstract the material points of them, and then to send the
same to your lordship. This liberty of access and intelligence
cannot but be very prejudicial to his Majesty's service, and
dishonourable to the proceeding, if it be not gravely looked
into and met with by all good means that time and occasion
may now afford, for which Mr. Attorney and I expect speedy
direction. In the meantime I have left Mellersh in Sir Walter
Cope's custody. |
|
PS.—Sir Walter Cope desires to be speedily dispatched of
this charge, his house being now otherwise disposed as you know.
Mellersh carried himself very audaciously and justifies all he
has done, and desires to be committed to prison. Which he
has justly deserved, although we have thought good to forbear
that until you were acquainted with what we have done.—
Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." Seal. 2 pp. (103. 5.) |
|
Sir Arthur Gorges to the Privy Council. |
|
[1603, Oct.] |
Gorges had a daughter Ambrosia, born by her
mother to great possessions, for whose match in marriage he
was offered 10,000l., but at that time, by command of the Queen,
an injunction was laid on him to deliver his daughter's body
to the Master of the Wards: or else to enter into 6,000l. bonds
not to contract her but by leave. He entered into the bonds,
and followed his suit for the wardship 2½ years, in conclusion
presenting her late Majesty with a bracelet of great pearls,
fastened with a locker of diamond and rubies, which cost 500l.,
for her favour therein; but yet was afterwards fined to pay
1000l. more for the wardship of the body, he having before taken
the wardship of the lands. The child died before he could make
any benefit of the wardship. By this he has been utterly
ruined, and cast into a long and grievous sickness. Prays the
King will free him of the sum of 400l., in which he is still bound
in respect of the wardship.—Undated.
Petition. Endorsed: "Oct. 1603." 1 p. (187. 123.) |
|
Feodaries of Counties. |
|
1603, Oct. |
Acknowledgments of receipt, by feodaries of
counties and others, of letters, dated September 30, 1603, sent
by Lord Cecil, Master of the Court of Wards, touching an
intended composition for wards.—Various dates in October,
1603.
1½ pp. (P. 2202.) |
|
Lord Cobham to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1603, ? before Nov.] |
My repentance is so great that God
I know will forgive me, who is witness that from my heart I am
sorry for my offence. I pray that I may have my physician
Dr. Lamton permitted to come to me to give me physic. These
3 days I have neither ate nor drank, sleep I cannot; pain in my
legs in such extremity as I never had in my life, these be small
comforts for any in affliction as I am. For my cause I leave to
God and look for extremity, which I do now precisely ground
my assurance because you were none of these lords that were
here last. I was promised that I should be permitted to write
to my Lord Admiral and my wife; I pray you to move the lords
for that favour, and that my steward may be suffered to come
to [me] though the Lieutenant be not present. He is old and
thinks it a great deal of pains to come to me but at his own times.
God knows there is no practice in me and therefore I hope no
difficulty to have it granted. It is the comfort I have, for by
him I hear from my wife, who is the fittest to be my solicitor
to the King.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." 1 p. (102. 100.) |
|
Lord Grey to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1603, ? before Nov.] |
I send a declaration, a letter, and
a suit; the one true, the other humble, the third not unjust.
Remember neither that I loved you nor that you love not me,
but as a man of honour and counsel judge of mine offence, of
my petition. If capital, if no return to the King's grace, I ask,
I call for judgment. The letter may be severe, mine innocency
to King and country will be clear. Besides the sword not the
'plang' must end me, who ever was and will be loyal to the
King.—Undated.
PS.—Distinguish I beseech you of our offences, that yet
the world may see what [was] mine error.
Holograph. 2/3 p. (102. 108.) |
