|
|
Lord Zouche to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 21. |
Pardon me if I implore your help to understand my Lords' more particular meanings, and to make my
service acceptable to them and sort with the occasion of the
King's service. This I have done in this matter has been for
Shropshire with the advice of Sir Richard Lewkenor and Sir
Henry Townsend: for the rest of the shires with the advice of
the justices of those circuits. This vacation has taken all those
means from me, otherwise I would have conferred with them
again and have received it may be better counsel, and you
speedier expedition.—Feckenham Lodge, 21 August 1604. |
|
PS.—I think it not amiss also to let you know of an accident
which I have not heretofore heard of in my time, which is that
Justice Williams sitting of jail at Worcester there happened a
man to be both indicted and convicted for coining, and he made
the jury which had convicted him to acquit him. Whereof I
advertise you, that if you think good further inquiry may be
made.
Holograph. Seal, broken. 1 p. (106. 123.) |
|
Sir Edward Hoby to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 21. |
With a much more quieted spirit, by the
sensible love and care appearing to me by a letter of the Queen's
Vice-chamberlain, I yield you most humble thanks. I may say
that the prophecy is fulfilled in you to me Homo homini Deus,
and I pray God that they may receive spiritual plagues, and
all their families, that should prove towards you Homo homini
dœmon. By the end of Michaelmas term I hope to take an
order of less fear. My ambitions be not great; it is but to
keep what I had when my late Queen died, pay my debts and
make myself ready to go to that last home, whereof my years
now bring me to the vespers of the day. To satisfy you in the
value of the Lord Cheynie exchanged land, it goes now for no
less than 1000l. a year, a fitter proportion a great deal for the
Duke Charles's appanage.—Q. Castle, 21 [Aug.] 1604.
Holograph. Two seals over yellow silk. 2/3 p. (106. 124.) |
|
The Earl of Cumberland to Lord Cecil (sic). |
|
1604, Aug. 22. |
Though often I have longed to be with you
yet never more than now in my life, being far from well and
believing that the Bath would do me much good, especially
in such company. But that I must leave thinking of and now
commend to you some things which were too long to write,
wherefore I thought fittest to send up this bearer that he may
at large let you know them and bring me your full resolution,
which shall be observed. I am now returned "for" my
Border journey, where I hope my proceedings shall not be
complained of. Now am I beginning with my business here,
and trust to your mediation for my absence from Grafton, if
that hold which I hope doth not.—August 22, 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (106. 125.) |
|
Noel de Caron to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 22. |
He was very sorry when Cecil told him
that the King was not willing that the dispatch he had signed
in favour and honour of M. de Barnevelt should be delivered.
As M. Erskin (Captain of the King's Guards) had informed
him that the King wished to gratify Barnevelt with the "ordre
de Chevallerie," he had advertised the latter of it at once. The
honour was not sought by Barnevelt, but for him by Scottish
noblemen and gentlemen, who knew him to be a very faithful
servant of his Majesty when they were sent over to the Low
Countries by the King, then King of Scotland. If now withheld, it being known to him that the King has signed it, it
would utterly discourage a man devoted to the King's service.
Begs Cecil to speak to the King again about the matter, and
urges various reasons for the bestowal of the honour.—Suydt
Lambeth, 22 August, 1604.
Holograph. French. Endorsed: "Sir Noel Caron." 1 p.
(189. 17.) |
|
Sir William Browne to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 23. |
I have been bold in these dangerous times
to write unto the whole Council desiring to receive their commandment, or that my Lord Governor receiving it may send
me word how I shall behave myself in this neutrality; I have
laid before them some particular dangers that this his Majesty's
garrison is every day subject unto. I have sent you a copy of
what I have written, desiring you to further that my ill-fashioned
style may be countenanced by my true hearted devotion to the
service of my prince; assuring you that the very name of our
peace with their enemies is so unpleasing as that it seems in
short time all pleasures past that we have done with them will
be more than half forgotten: I would we had kept the old
pathway of our late Queen, for then our old enemy, and now
new reconciled friend, would have been at death's door, and
Christendom no more have feared his usurping ambitions. But
seeing upon grounds, which are not fit for private poor spirits
to ask after, the peace is proclaimed, I desire you to persuade
the care of this town, the commodity whereof I pray God
we may rather take notice of by enjoying it still, than find
it by the want when we are no more in possession of it. If
my rash pen have been too earnest before the time, for as yet
we rather prognosticate a shower than feel any drops, I crave
pardon; it is only because I would be glad to take occasion
by the forehead.—From Flushing, 23 August 1604.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "Sir William Browne to my
lord from Flushing, with a copy of his letter to the Lords,
wherein he desires to be resolved of some doubts." 1 p.
(106. 127.) |
|
The Enclosure:
|
|
1604, Aug. 23. |
Sir William Browne to the Privy Council.—
I have received the copy of a letter to my Lord Governor
signifying the concluded peace with Spain and the Archduke
jointly, his Majesty's pleasure agreeable to an article of the
treaty forbidding any part of this garrison hereafter to join with
the States in any actions against the said Princes or to give
them other cause of offence, but that we shall contain ourselves
within the necessary limits of a neutrality, only carefully
attending the guard and defence of the places; and if any were
employed in the States' service that they should be instantly
revoked. I boldly take occasion to desire to be informed
from your Honours how far the necessary limits shall bind me
in these few points following which, with your leave, I
propound. |
|
First, if by these men's enemies any boats should be set
upon under this town or between this and Ramekins within
command of the cannon of either of the places, whether shall
neutrality hold our hands chained from giving relief in such
accidents? |
|
If within cannon shot of Flushing or Ramekins the enemy
shall land, spoil, and take prisoners, shall this garrison permit
such landing, spoil, and carrying away prisoners without
endeavouring to rescue them? If the enemy shall land forces
with intention to possess himself of any part of this island,
shall not this garrison forget neutrality and strive to impeach
such designs, which by consequence may fall out prejudicial
to this town? |
|
If Spanish or Arch[duke's] ships, or belonging to the subjects
of either, shall by tempest or by fight be forced for succour
into this haven, or else shall come by way of traffic, shall
neutrality bind us to the protection of any such ship or passenger
so come into the town? (for though they may be taken in going
out, yet their shelter for the time under our shadow will be
incompatible.) If this neutrality bind us from assisting
these men's triumphs with artillery, &c., for glad tidings of
victories obtained or towns delivered (for without us they cannot
triumph, and unfit they should), if we shall be a let unto it other
towns will esteem Flushing as a distracted member oppressed
in liberty, and we shall be loathsome when their prospering
by usual signs is not joysome unto us, and yet will haply offend
the Princes. If this neutrality so tie us that no officers may be
suffered for their experience to go into the States' army, or that
leave may not be given to some young gentlemen who serve
under us, for their enabling to trail a pike in the States' army. |
|
These points being excepted from the neutrality may for a
while comfort the allowance of our peace in these townsmen,
and the rather if hereunto may be added a benefit for the seafaring man, that these townsmen's ships trading between this
and England may be freed from taking if otherwise they may
not be privileged to trade elsewhere as his Majesty's cautionary
subjects. Without one or both of these we shall be an eyesore
and a heartburning unto them and they will be continual
pictures of jealousy and mistrust unto us, whom we cannot
help but must rather offend in favouring of their opposites or
winking at their wrongs. I have been bold to write plainly
because I dare say that I write feelingly of their dispositions.
I will now, with your allowance, say somewhat of the general
state of this town. |
|
The peace already as some matters are handled begins to
breed grudgings. These men are so far from understanding
any such commerce that our maritime towns shall trade to
the enemy's havens in Flanders, as that they make themselves
believe that his Majesty will approve them for hindering any
such traffic, and produce the examples both of the French King
and of his predecessor though he loved them not, neither of which
have disavowed their proceedings against any in such nature. |
|
Of late not only divers ships have been taken but one also
burned by these men of war and some English drowned.
Our coasters do not well digest these usages and the matter is
come to bloodshed in revenge, as well by killing of a skipper of
this town at Sandwich, as now lately by setting on a sloop of a
Hollands man of war that came to Dover upon occasion, where
I understand two Hollanders were slain. Revenge hereof
may be sought and it is secretly threatened: I have with these
magistrates taken the convenientest order for preventing any
disorder may arise in this town if Hollanders and our coasters
should meet here. But these be matters of such consequence
as that I cannot warrant ensuing 'garboyles' upon such
occasions very perilous to this his Majesty's garrison. |
|
I know all inconveniences which may be incident to this
treaty have been sufficiently pondered by your Honours, yet
seeing it concerns so nearly the conservation of this his Majesty's
cautionary town and all our lives who be here, I could not forbear
thus much. I am not ignorant that many strong reasons (of
which I will touch some) may be yielded why these men should
not dare to discontent our King, so mighty both by land and
sea; which reasons if they have no underhand friends or other
refuges questionless cannot be convinced. Underhand friends
I name such as the Fr[ench] K[ing] may be called or any other
the like; refuges among other I will only name their ultimum
refugium in accepting peace with their old masters, if they dare
trust to the sequel. |
|
It is sure that their chief wealth depends on trade through
our narrow seas to our havens and port towns, and most especially on their fishing on our coasts: next upon their trade
eastward through the Sound, from both which in appearance
they will be barred if they shall run "brace" courses with our
King. To keep them from the first will be an infinite charge;
from the second which brings in so much wealth by the toll,
doubtful whether the King of Denmark will forbid them si non
pro forma et id ad tempus. It may be alleged, and it is a good
argument, that these States dare not attempt anything against
this town so long as our nation are so strong a party in the field.
Admit the States will not be seen in such a business, yet one of
them when the concluding of peace was doubted speaking freely
to me told me it was to be feared that the commonalty here
would grow discontented with the peace and examine whether
it were not better for them to agree in time with their old master
whilst they might have la carte blanche to set down their own
coudltions, seeing all their confederates made their own
peace, and if not forsake them yet laid the burden of a mighty
war upon them, while they lived at ease, grew rich, and looked
on. This fear of the commonalty pretended will be a good
cloak to malice when aught is attempted, whether the success
be good or bad. But though these States did sincerely desire
to hold friendship with us foreseeing a thousand harms which
a breach may bring unto them, yet so many mischiefs (of bellua
multorum capitum) will necessarily follow upon this peace and
neutrality even in this town when our King's subjects may trade
into Flanders and everywhere and these ships be unfree wheresoever, as that one time or other discontented sudden particular
rages of private men (either for loss received or little love to us)
which brook no considerateness, will stir up dangerous seditions,
quarrels, and contentions between us and the indwellers, which
will draw us into arms, and if evil befal his Majesty's garrison
excuses may be made but we in the meantime shall suffer.
And that they may do it with less danger a time shall be chosen
for practice, if any practice be, when the army shall be in garrison,
wherein that care is ordinarily taken that in frontier towns the
strength is least of our nation, and for the most part our nation
is garrisoned in the heart of the peaceable provinces, where
they can do no harm if they would. At such time all the
'maroniers' (a disorderly drunken multitude for the most part)
who were in the army in the field will be in this town, and then
the strength to offer us disgrace will be greater and the country
will be the securer from present revenge from our nation. |
|
I cannot omit among infinite many other reasons why these
men should contain themselves in officio to our King to mention
these 4 following: 1. Conformity of religion a band to many.
2. The agreement of dispositions, having proved thus long
how lovingly we have lived with them. 3. The reproach of
the world if they should treacherously unburden themselves of
us. 4. The numbers of these country people dwelling in
England, friends and allies to such as be here, who haply would
pay the forfeit of any their rash attempts. I do only aim at
the answer to these reasons, lest I should be a discourser. For
religion, zeal at this time is not so hot but that points of profit
and government will dispense with their falling from us though
of the same profession, seeing they can still maintain themselves
without us in the same religion they live. The band of former
correspondency will be forgotten when we shall not be so strictly
tied unto them by leagues. The reproach of ingratitude in
falling from us will be effaced if they prosper by a new union
with some other (for nowadays policy of preserving their own
estate howsoever is accounted chief wisdom) and so their
necessity of being driven to an extremity will excuse them to
the world and accuse ourselves for giving that scope. As for
those of this country which inhabit in England their particulars
will not hinder a general resolution, and they may think that
we will be merciful to the innocent, though themselves have
offended us. |
|
I may well add as suspicious dangers to this town the
States' prosperous successes and namely this last of Sluce,
being enabled every day more and more to second and be
seconded by underhand friends. Then his Excellency's late
victories, which may breed ambition in him to seek the recovering of his town from us, which he holds to be his patrimony.
I will conclude thus, that if by the safe keeping of this town
these men may be kept from making any peace with their
old masters, but at our master's pleasure, if his Excellency may
be held in devotion, we holding so good a pawn of his, and these
States assured from committing idolatry with any other foreign
prince, I submit it to your deepest judgments how necessary
it were to reinforce this garrison with reasonable numbers,
and furnish it with store of all munitions, which hitherto
lies open to all perils before spoken of, though we who be here
will upon any event sell our lives and forego the town at a
very dear rate, and will rather die with these few men than be
called to account for the loss of it without hazarding all our lives. |
|
I confess to love this nation more than any but our King's
natural subjects, yet fearing their inconstancies, and perfectly
knowing of how great moment the devotion and service of these
countries is and will be for all his Majesty's dominions, I do wish
from my heart that our King would be pleased by your inciting
thereunto, to hold them such friends whom he may always
command and give them no advantage at their best advantage
to stop the collar. I crave pardon for this my tedious letter,
written rather in discharge of myself than that I dare think I
can inform you of more than hath already been familiar unto
you.—Flushing, this 23 August 1604.
Holograph. 2¾ pp. (106. 128.) |
|
The Bishop of London to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Aug. 24. |
Captain Alphonso Lanier, the late Queen's
and now his Majesty's servant, mine old fellow and loving friend,
has obtained a suit of his Highness for the weighing of hay
and straw about London. I have seen a letter of Mr. Solicitor's,
whereby I perceive that both he and my Lord Chief Justice
do not think it inconvenient. Besides, he was put in good hope
of your favour by the Earl of Southampton when his bill should
come to your hands. I therefore very heartily entreat you on
his behalf. He did her Majesty good service in Ireland and in
some other employments, whereby he has decayed his estate;
and we served both together the Lord Chancellor, which makes
me the bolder to crave your acceptance of my desire of good
success to his said bill, remaining now and stayed by your
lordship. I the rather presume thus far upon your favour because,
if any inconvenience might in time ensue of his Majesty's grant
the same is referred in the grant to be reformed by any two of
his Majesty's Privy Council and the Lord Chief Justice for the
time being.—Fulham, 24 August 1604.
Signed. 2/3 p. (106. 130.) |
|
John Winter to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 24. |
According to your letters I have learned the
true state of the Bath concerning the sickness. It began there
6 May last and from that time until 18 August there have
died in all of that disease fifty persons. From 18 August until
this present 24th there have died only three persons out of two
houses one being an inn and the sign of the Swan in the parish
of Stalls, and the other likewise an inn in the parish of St.
Michael's without the Northgate of the city. Which inns with
two other houses only, one being the house of John Elmer very
near the Cross Bath, and the other the house late Thomas
Chapman's deceased in the parish of Stalls, are the houses now
infected in the city. I learn two other houses have likewise
been infected near to the place where you mean to lie, which
were the houses of one Richard Bayly and of Thomas Smith
which one month or more past died out of the same; but none
since that time have died. If hereupon you hold your determination for coming to the Bath I will do you all the service I
can, and could wish you to have there with you as few attendants
and followers as you may. And as for your gentlemen and the
provision for your horses my house at Dirham and such provision as I can make shall during your abode in Bath be ready
to stead or pleasure you.—Dirham, 24 August 1604. |
|
PS.—There lie 2 sick of the sickness at the Swan, and 6
already have been buried out of the house.
Signed. 1 p. (106. 131.) |
|
The Earl of Thomond to Lord Cecil (sic). |
|
1604, Aug. 24. |
I have thought good to acquaint you with
my hard fortunes touching the grant which by your means I
obtained from his Majesty, by reason of the infection spread
in Dublin and thereabouts, as with safety a man may not make
any inquiry or means to find out any land for his Majesty either
there or elsewhere. All the principal things of this kingdom
being already passed to others, I cannot find any parcel worth
the passing. Only I have passed the manor of Caterlogh in
23l. of the said grant, whereof Sir James Fullerton has passed
fourscore pounds of the best parcels. I have sent you a cast
of falcons.—Limerick, 24 August 1604.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (106. 132.) |
|
The Earl of Dorset to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604, Aug. 24.] |
I have kept this new establishment
with me these 8 days, thinking to have had some time with
my Lord Lieutenant and you, to have moved the abatement,
not only of divers idle officers set down in this new, but also in
respect of the victuallers, which herewith also I send you to
have abated a 1,000 men more: and so to have left but 3,000
in the list. But having sounded my Lord Lieutenant, and
finding some difficulty in him, I think best to let all alone, and
to take it as it has been last agreed upon, which is according to
this list herewith sent you: only that thereby you may have
information before you to cause all letters to be framed and sent
to the Deputy for the putting in present execution of the said
list. Which letters, when you have drawn and taken order
who shall present both them and the list to the King, and dispatch them into Ireland, for somebody, now you are gone,
must have the care thereof, I will as soon as you return this
list to me cause Mr. Auditor Gofton to engross it, and send it
to such one as you appoint to take care thereof. Return me
this list and my other two papers I send you.—Friday.
Holograph. Endorsed: "24 August." 1½ pp. (189. 18.) |
|
Lord Zouche to the Earl of Pembroke. |
|
1604, Aug. 25. |
I have received your letters and talked with
Mr. Lloyd, of whom I would have been glad to receive better
satisfaction; but it may well be that my humour to draw this
country to surcease those malices may blind me. Having therefore sent up already a breviate of the cause to Lord Cecil, and
now the speech which passed betwixt Mr. Lloyd and me, I
ought to leave it to his judgment whether pity or justice shall
more prevail. I could willingly leave this to your censure but
his Majesty's commandment was I should acquaint him with
all things concerning this government. What therefore you
shall conclude herein I shall think myself satisfied with, though
if it be in favour of life I shall I confess be sorry for the
country, because I hold that severity must work a change here
or much hurt will grow by the contrary.—Feckenham Lodge,
25 August 1604.
Copy. 2/3 p. (106. 133.) |
|
Marie, Countess of Atholl, to Lord Cecil (sic). |
|
1604, Aug. 25. |
According to his Majesty's will I gave in
my complaint before the Council of Scotland of all the wrongs
I have received, but can have no expedition of justice, specially
because this present Chancellor both is and "kaythis" himself
my "partie" from the beginning and not as a Judge and has
his own particular commodity and interest therein as this
gentleman will at length inform you, whom I have presently
directed to attend his Highness's gracious answer by advice of
his Council of England if it shall please his Majesty so to do, in
what sort it shall best please him to take order with such a
high contempt contrary to his laws. Being assured that you
will be careful to see justice duly ministered within the bounds
of his Majesty's dominions, I request you in this my just cause
to "kaith" my friend, that I have no longer delay in justice.—
From Dunkeldin, 25 August 1604.
Signed. ½ p. (106. 134.) |
|
John Sachfild to Captain Wood. |
|
1604, Aug. 26. |
Yours of 16 August I received by the carrier
of Devon with 3 hampers of ale, but no "gord of viales" which
you wrote, for he said he could not have the gord of my lord's
man. The hampers are laid in a close cellar at my cousin
Horton's. One of the locks is broken, the cooper says it was
done in the packing and my lord's man well knows it. Your
other I received by the carrier of Beckington with a black
hamper and 2 boxes corded, &c. Your wood and coal you
wrote for are all brought in and one ton of beer more at my
cousin Horton's by my Lord Cecil's harbinger's appointment.
Enclosed is a brief note of those that have died of the plague
weekly from June 29 to August 26. Morgan Walter's wife
that has been so long sick by the hot bath is now so sick it is
thought she shall not escape. More particulars about the
plague.—Bath, 26 August 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (106. 135.) |
|
The Enclosure:—
1604, August 26. Deaths from the plague, from 29 June
1604 to date. 1 p. (141. 280.) |
|
The Earl of Northumberland to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604], Aug. 27. |
The business I had with you the other day
when I sent to you was to offer you a manor in Dorsetshire for
your money; you have divers lands thereabouts, and that makes
me give you notice of it. It is but 10 miles from Cranborne;
the manor is an entire thing, 60l. old rent; excellent good land,
very finable, without all incumbrances, ancient land belonging
to our house, the lives in it much spent, some good farms to
come out within 7 years, and of yearly rent for the present 100l.
If this purchase shall like you either for money or land in Sussex
or Yorkshire it is at your commandment, and you shall have a
better bargain in it than any man.—Sion, 27 August.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604," 1 p. (106. 136.) |
|
Sir Robert Crosse to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 27. |
I have this morning received your letter
and a piece of plate and forty shillings, and thereby I understand
your pleasure is that I shall be your deputy in the "crissing"
[christening] of Sir Richard Warburton's child. I will be ever
ready to perform anything that is in my power to do, if you
command. I have been oftentimes at your chamber at the
Court to offer you my love and service.—From my house at
Marten Abbey, 27 August 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (106. 137.) |
|
The Earl of Devonshire to the Same. |
|
[1604], Aug. 27. |
But that I know how precious privacy is
unto you, especially now when you are ridding yourself from
hence, I would have strived to enjoy your company as long
as I might; but I will accompany you with true desire of your
contentment and only now (if you think it good) desire you
will give order that I may have a copy of the treaty, which I will
use with as great reservedness as you will give me caution.—
27 August.
Holograph. Seal, broken. Endorsed: "1604." 2/3 p. (106. 138.) |
|
[The Privy Council] to Attorney General [Coke]. |
|
1604, Aug. 27. |
The late Queen's grant to John Evelyn, Esq.,
and others for the making of saltpetre and gunpowder was
intimated to his Highness to be against the law and his subjects
thereby much burdened. Whereupon the patentees petitioned
his Majesty, insisting upon the validity of their grant, and
showing the necessity of the service and the great charges they
had been at. Thereupon his Majesty commanded us to take
such course as that his provisions of so needful a munition should
be supplied and his subjects well dealt with. We have considered all the parts thereof and have thought fit that the
patentees should surrender their patent, to which they have
agreed, and a new grant should be made by his Majesty to John
Evelin and Robert Evelin, Esqrs., for — years for the making
of saltpetre and gunpowder to his Majesty's use, with liberty to
dig and work for the same in places convenient, and for taking
of carriages as has been used (paying for the same 4d. the mile
laden and returning empty, which makes 8d. the mile) and that
none be compelled to carry above nine miles; that the patentees
deliver yearly into the Tower of London 120 last of sufficient
powder, for which his Majesty is to pay 8d. the pound and
for any overplus 10d. the pound. No gunpowder shall be
sold to any within the realm above that rate. In case the
patentees shall have greater store than his Majesty shall think
good to buy and can be vended within the realm, by licence
of the Lord Treasurer for the time being they may transport
the same, paying there for the customs due, with a proviso
that his Majesty may upon two years warning avoid the grant.
Of all which particular cautions of ours perceiving that you
yourself do well allow, we have thought good further to require
you in his Majesty's behalf to cause such books to be made for
his signature as in your wisdom shall be thought meet.—Whitehall, 27 August 1604.
Draft apparently intended for the Council's signature, and
signed by the Earl of Devonshire, but afterwards extensively
corrected by Cranborne. 1½ pp. (106. 139.) |
|
Viscount Cranborne to Sir George Harvy. |
|
1604, Aug. 27. |
The bearer Thomas Fane is to have access
to James Fitzgerrald, now prisoner in the Tower, to bring him
such necessaries as shall be for the preservation of his health.—
Whitehall, 27 August 1604.
Signed. ½ p. (189. 20.) |
|
The Same to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 27. |
As Thomas Fane, who is granted access
to James Fitzgerrald, now prisoner in the Tower, is unknown
to Cranborne, he cautions Harvy to prevent any danger that
may ensue by Fane's access.—Whitehall, 27 August 1604.
Signed. ½ p. (189. 21.) |
|
Thomas Jeffery to Lord Cecil (sic). |
|
1604, Aug. 28/Sept. 7. |
I am informed by some friends that here
is come an Englishman from Vallenchyne which hath been
showed unto me, of whom I had discourse. I did think good
to certify you, that his vile pretences might be hindered. He
hath made a pistol of some half yard long stock, being two
barrels laid in one stock and made by a singular good workman.
It hath 2 firelocks to shoot one after the other or both together,
and hath been tried with 2 balls upon three sundry times to see
if they would fail, which they did not. |
|
The party that made them said unto him that would have
them made they were not fit but to murther somebody. The
party answered he did mean to travel by the way for his
own defence, and moreover what then if it were to kill him
that did maintain heresies ? were it not well done ? for that
was a thing worthy of memory. This man is an Englishman
and a painter by trade and dwells at Vallenchyne and belongs
to the Jesuits: he is of middle stature, a long small yellow beard,
not red, betwixt those colours, high nosed, some little spots on
his face, clothed in English cloth "faisant" colour, black
stockings, with a little boy, his son as I suppose, which he doth
carry over into England to learn the language. This day I
think he will go into England. I have writ to the Lieutenant
of Dover to seize his person and to send him to you.—7
September 1604, stilo novo.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (106. 161.) |
|
Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Aug. 28. |
Recommends by the bearer Capt. Barley,
his lieutenant, a poor and simple token of his service, which he
wishes were as rich as it is fair.—Plymouth, 28 August 1604.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (106. 140.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 28. |
I send you the warrant signed for the loan
with such amendments as you ordered and the old with it,
having given it the date of the old because else it could not be
warrant for those which are already passed; and so your
lordship's style is made as it was then because it would else be
an incongruity. I have also sent your book for Greenwich,
which this morning I got signed, to be written there, because
none of the seals be here and I know not what speed you would
use in it. No messengers being here I have made bold with the
posts, being otherwise idle enough. The King goes to-morrow
to Grafton and has been exceedingly pleased with his entertainment and sports here.—28 August 1604.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "From the Court." ½ p.
(106. 141.) |
|
Sir William Browne to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 28. |
I received this day by one Captain Turner
the enclosed from Mr. Winwood to be sent unto you. I use
what diligence I can: I must confess that my messengers are
but too well rewarded by your means unless some of them had
more discretion to do that duty which is belonging unto you. |
|
The enemy is very diligent in advancing himself upon those
advantages he hath at Ostend, is already at the foot of our first
new works in the midst of the work, and we have no pieces that
flank that work of his but only two from a false bray of New
Helmont which cannot play but by night. On Saturday our
men in a ravelin without our New Helmont blew up a mine
which they had made in an old cellar and buried some 60 of
the enemy, and one of their miners was cast alive into the town.
They are gotten likewise over our old haven to the foot of the
false bray of our Sandhill, so that we are there driven to hard
exigents. Some opinion there is that the States will venture
if there be any possibility of prevailing to relieve it. I hear
that patents are gone to bring from above out of Holland and
those quarters 10 more companies of horse and 14 of foot, and
there is a fast appointed to be kept the next week about Wednesday which maketh me judge that they will be doing somewhat more this summer. Yesterday the States General went
to Ysendick and so to Sluce: they landed nowhere in Zeland.
I desire your good opinion for my pains though happily my
letters merit not your painstaking to read them over.—From
Flushing, 28 August 1604.
Holograph. Seal broken. 1 p. (106. 142.) |
|
Sir Edward Conway to Lord Cecil (sic). |
|
1604, Aug. 28. |
The Lord Governor, who is resigning,
offers him the post. He has offered the Governor for it more
than it can be worth to him [Conway], yet not the full of his
demands, which he cannot accomplish except, through Cecil's
favour, he may dispose of his company and place, as the
Governor does his. Speaks of his 10 years' service abroad, 6
of them being in that place. If another succeed to the Governorship, he begs Cecil's favour to hold his own company, and to
come when occasion presses into England, where he has no
very broken estate.—Breill, 28 August 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (189. 22.) |
|
Sir Richard Wigmore to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604], Aug. 29. |
Passing through this country I hear of a
woman which hath done and daily doth admirable things in
the cure of the ringworm, tetter worm and cankerworm. She
is called Goodwife Veazy, dwelling in a town called Wollerton,
not 2 miles from Ashby the now residency of his Majesty. She
is of honest fame and good account in the country, about 36
or 37 years of age; and the manner of her cure is only in these
words. When she cometh to the party ill affected she saith
"In the name of God I begin and in the name of God I do end:
thou tetter worm, or thou cankerworm begone from hence,
in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
Which words being pronounced three times the worm presently
dieth, and she only applieth to the place a little honey and beaten
pepper. This I have from the relation of one Dr. Pretheroe,
parson of Ashby, who amongst her other cures wherewith he
is well acquainted hath known her to have healed one was
eaten to the very brains with a cankerworm: and he hath
affirmed unto one he will engage his life (in case you shall be
so pleased) that she will cure you.—From the Court at Ashby,
this 29th of August.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604. From the Court at
Ashby, in Northamptonshire." 1 p. (106. 143.) |
|
Sir William Browne to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Aug. 30. |
Mr. Winwood arrived even now from Sluce,
who with this messenger hath undoubtedly resolved you of
the resolution taken beforehand for succouring Ostend. What
the report of those which came out this day will bring I cannot
imagine; I presume that they will hardly give the adventure
dangerous enough for their whole state.—Flushing, 30 August
1604.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (106. 144.) |
|
The Same to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 30. |
I hope my diligence to advertise you how
matters go here shall be accepted, though I have not always a
joyful subject to write of; as now I must deliver to you the
distressed state of Ostend, from whence came this morning
3 Captains and the Baylieu, who without stay here went
presently to his Excellency to crave either present succour or
the States' and his advice what they were to do. For the enemy
being already at the foot of Sandhill, yea in Sandhill mining,
and being likewise at the foot of all their first new entrenchment,
he will be master of it in 5 or 6 days, and it seems all their other
works of last refuge prove not of that strength as that thereupon
the longer subsisting can be hoped for. The dyke which they
cut through the midst of the town which they hoped would
make a great scouring is almost filled up again with sand, and
the breast on the tip of it of no force; and for the last cutting
off of the town the work is neither perfectly finished, and I hear
the water can not be brought about, so that it will only serve to
help them to composition, which the States must be content
they may listen unto, if they will not leave so many honest men
to misericordia. Yet the hope is here that his Excellency will
give an essay to relieve them and that to that end he send for
those horse and foot which I mentioned to you in my letters
of the 28th of this month. Reckoning is made that his Excellency will be able to march 12,000 foot and 3000 horse; if he
will or dare adventure so great a service I pray God prosper
him in it. He must now make haste lest his time forsake him.—
Flushing, this 30 August 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (106. 145.) |
|
Ralph Winwood to Lord Cecil (sic). |
|
[1604], Aug. 30. |
The importunity of the States did carry me
with them to their army, whither they came on Tuesday last.
Wednesday I stayed there to visit his Excellency and the
Princess of Orange, who is lodged at the Sluys. This day I
arrived in this town; where I understand that there are sent
from the Council of War within Ostend four principal men,
amongst whom is Captain Broge, lieutenant colonel to Sir
W. Edmonds, to make a peremptory instance to the States and
his Excellency either to send present succours or to permit
them to enter into capitulation. I know the States do hold
the resolution whereof I advertised in my last of the 24th I am
loth to forspeak them to whom I wish all happiness in an action
of so great advantage and so honourable to their state; but I
fear in this attempt they are too forward and transported too
far by the felicity of this year's success which perhaps may
receive some blemish if his Excellency doth not interpose
with effect. He with Count William doth oppose this enterprise, whose reasons are grounded upon the strength of the
enemy in force of men and fortifications; upon the weakness
of their army, which though it muster many heads yet is it
weakened with much sickness wherewith the third part of their
men is now infected; upon the straitness of the passage by
Damme or Blackenburgh, where the enemy must be sought
upon his advantages: lastly upon the necessity of employing
the end of this summer in raising up the fortifications for the
assurance of those places which now they have gotten, which
otherwise are subject to the enemy's discretion. What alteration this message, which will be unwelcome, will bring you shall
understand by my next from Middleborough, whither now I go.
I was yesterday with his Excellency when Mr. Barnevelt came
in with the States General, who then newly had received the
articles of the late treaty, which were read in public. The
judgment in general was Littera occidit, spiritus vero vivificat.
The town of Bridge [Bruges] hath received a garrison of 4
companies, which after the manner of the proceeding with
Bolduc [Bois le Duc] will draw after it a greater number to master
the town. And so in haste lest the passage be lost I take my
leave.—From Flushing, 30 August.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1½ pp. (106. 146.) |
|
Sir Stephen Procter to the Same. |
|
1604, Aug. 31. |
Lest you might be informed of some remissness in me in not meeting the commissioners for the Earl of
Derby's business the forenoon of the first day appointed, I
thought it my duty to acquaint you that by Mr. Ireby's instructions to me in writing the meeting was set down to be the
25th, and they came not till the 28th of July; and it was after
that ere I received your letters; but I came to them in the
afternoon and saw Sir William Ingleby's demands in a long
book which he had delivered Sir Thomas Hesketh with this
condition, that by no means I should have it; for thereby he
alleged I might take great advantage against him for confessing
maintenance of so many suits. But Sir Cuthbert Pepper
thought it meet I should have it, seeing the objections against
it for my Lord depended chiefly on me and I hope Sir Thomas
Hesketh will send it me, for I have sent for it again, and so
shall be able to answer everything particularly. It was as
much as could be done the first day to hear Sir William Ingleby's
allegations and demands; for I neither could nor would undertake the same day without further time of advisement to set
down particular answers to objections. Some agreed of
another day, the next sitting to meet at Durham for conclusion;
and in the meantime I doubt not if I may have the book of
demands to furnish myself with such sufficient matter on my
Lord's behalf out of the pleadings in law and otherwise as shall
rightly lessen his unreasonable demands for suits, to my Lord's
great profit. And now by Sir Edward Stanley's death my
Lord shall also have a great sum demanded for the estate had
of him as I shall set down, so as I hope upon view of his demands
and my answers you will be well satisfied to pay Sir William
with a far more moderate sum than his conscience would exact
of my Lord by many degrees, which is the mark we aim at.
I have ever since my coming down travelled in these things and
in surveying his lordship's manors and dealing with the tenants
to raise the money informed of, which I hope to do only by
adding 7 or 8 years unto their old leases to make them up 21
years, and to clear all the remainder to his lordship besides.
Great spoils of woods have been lately made by the officers and
farmers, insomuch as one man had a bargain for 1000l. of woods,
and a lease of the grounds for 21 years, whereby he hath cleared
already in 8 years for wood at least 2000l., besides woods yet
left near worth 1000l., and for the lands he pays but my Lord
40s. rent, and lets it for 70l. yearly. The "coppes" be also
destroyed of great value, and 6000 trees which should have been
left for wavers all sold, all the tenants quite barred of woods,
and many other strange courses held to wrong my Lord and
spoil his land to the decay of rents, by ill foresight or corrupt
officers all tending to destruction without restraint; but I hope
I shall save my Lord 500l., if not 1000l., I find much money
and profits taken by Sir William Ingleby to help to lessen his
demands, which he doth not charge himself with, as he should.
The particular good like to ensue to his lordship by these surveys
I will not discover till I attend him and you, but only deal here
for the demands for suits, to bring those as low as may be. I
never saw more hard measure offered to any than hath been
lately and yet is here offered to my Lord, and such cross courses
taken against these proceedings to hide deceits and withdraw
his tenants from assisting him, assuring them Sir William will
have so huge a sum of money as my Lord will never pay, or he
will never yield his lease; and another while, that I should have
the lease of my Lord and give 3000l. for it and rack it up amongst
the poor tenants; hoping thus to keep his tenants off, that my
Lord shall not be able to redeem it. It grieves Sir William that
my Lord made me a commission to survey and look into these
things, for he knows I will find all out, and reports what letters he
hath procured to you and my Lord to withdraw your opinions
from me.—At my house at Fountains Abbey, this last of
August 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (106. 149.) |
|
Edward Baynbrygg to Sir Richard Lee. |
|
1604, Aug. 31. |
The Duke thankfully received your letter
and kindly bid us welcome, making large promises to me for
my service past, and for the maim of my right hand which I
got in his service against the Pole, besides my imprisonment
with the Pole. His Grace has often afore now, before all the
gentlemen of his Court, made me most large promises, but to
say the truth, yet I have found little or no performance but I
hope he will consider how great the loss of a right hand is, and
remember what he has said to me, and the sooner he would do
it if you would write to him, and procure my Lord Cecil (whom
the Duke makes good account of) to write to the same purpose.
He continues his wars against the Pole, and is far stronger in
the field than his enemy. He is strong to sea also, and has
taken many ships which were bound to Rie and from Rie. At
this present I am to go forth to sea, captain of one of his ships;
for we have certain intelligence of a great fleet of Hollanders,
Embdeners, Lubeckers and others, that will go to Rie perforce,
so that we are like to have hot service in the Eastern seas.
The Duke has great want of sailors. If he could get some
English sailors, he would pay them truly, as he does Scots and
Dutch soldiers. He gives them great pay, and pays them well,
and so without doubt would he deal with Englishmen, if there
were any reasonable number together, as a 100, 2, or 3, as I
would to God there were, for so long as we be but 2 or 3 of our
nation in his service, we shall never be respected as others
are, although our deserts be far better than theirs. Colonel
Hill is as yet prisoner, but ere long I hope we shall see him in
Sweden, and then Englishmen shall have a good friend in the
Court.—Stockhollom, 31 August 1604.
Holograph. 2 pp. (108. 46.) |
|
The Peace with Spain. |
|
[1604, Aug.] |
Concerning the matter of peace with Spain
if they be inquísitive of it you may say that notwithstanding
it pleased Almighty God to finish the days of her Majesty the
late Queen before there was any accord between her and the
King of Spain, against whom God had so continually blessed
her as all his attempts turned to her great honour and his
prejudice; yet that his Majesty being her lineal, lawful and
natural successor of this kingdom, having lived in perfect peace
and amity with all Kings and Estates before and knowing of
what consequence it is to break into a war if it may be avoided,
hath now joined in a treaty with Spain and the Arch[duke] of
Austria who married his (sic) sister of the King of Spain, not
only for confirmation of amity precedent but for the reconciling
of all such differences as remained between the government of
England and those Princes at the death of the late Queen.
You may let him know that the King of Spain, the rather to
witness his inward desire to embrace all kindly amity with the
King, hath congratulated with him by an honourable personage
as soon as he heard news of his arrival to the imperial crown of
England, Scotland, France and Ireland, and also hath sent the
Constable of Castile purposely out of Spain with full power,
taking this ambassador here into the commission, to treat of
all things incident to the making of a sincere and durable peace:
and so have the Archdukes deputed like commissioners. Wherein you may assure him that howsoever his Majesty out of
christian charity is naturally inclined to live peaceably with all
princes, yet it shall never be concluded upon other conditions
than shall be for the honour and weal of his estates and people,
and without prejudice to any of his allies and confederates,
towards whom he intendeth to reserve all that liberty which
can be expected of any other King or Prince. For all things
else within his Majesty's estate you shall do well to represent
the happiness which his people do enjoy by the goodness of
God Who hath sent to this kingdom not only a king full of
wisdom to rule over it but hath also blessed him with a plentiful
posterity of the greatest hope and expectation. |
|
For all other things by which you may set forth the great
honours done his Majesty by all other princes in sending their
ambassadors from all parts of the world to congratulate with
him, together with the great success of his subjects in the new
trades, and all other things whereby you may represent his
greatness and the profit which that Estate may make by preservation of friendship with him, I must leave to your direction.
? Instructions given to the ambassador to the French King in
August 1604.
Draft, corrected by Cecil, from "For all other things" to the
end being holograph by him. 4 pp. (106. 58.) |
|
Lord Zouche, President of Wales, to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1604], Aug. |
Having received lately letters from the
Council of an old date I have notwithstanding done somewhat
in the execution of their commandments, whereof I have by
letters herewith sent certified them. And for that there is
some difference betwixt the accusation and the proof, the parties
accused not confessing, I have desired the further resolution
of their lordships how far I shall further proceed, and been bold
to remember them of the examinations I was commanded to
deliver to Sir Edward Coke to be considered of; and to pray
to know their further pleasures, because the offenders look to
know from me what they are to trust unto, and I cannot say
anything therein before I hear from their lordships. I beseech
you procure me some certain answer in all those businesses.
I know I have need of your assumptions and doubt nothing
but you furthered much any goodness [that] came from his
[Highness's] favour. I earnestly desire to be thought worthy
of your advices and infolded amongst those in your power to
command, and then I doubt nothing but his Majesty's service
shall have good advancement, I comfort in seeking to execute
the same, and you reap honour to yourself. It is comfort
unto me more than I will speak of that you like my course of
writing both to his Highness and to the Earl of Pembroke, but
it shall be as much comfort if not more when I find myself so
far settled in your favour as to receive chidings when I deserve
them, and advices that I may shun the occasions of chiding.—
Ticknell the — of August. |
|
PS.—Concerning the man my Lord of Pembroke writ for
I have already sent to Sir John Salusbury, who has sent a
breviate of the whole proceeding, which I conferred with Sir
Henry Townsend, and confesseth it to be true, only he saith
that the said Mr. Foulk Lloyd came in to them and offered
himself. But I pray God they were not felt first whether they
would commit him or no. For the present here is all I can
learn. If you think fit that his Highness's pardon shall proceed
I have in my former and in this showed my reasons of not
consenting, and leave the proceeding as shall please you to
inform the King upon these suggestions.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604 August. Concerning the
murder of John Lewys Gwynn." Seal. 1 p. (106. 148.) |
|
The Enclosure: Matters of evidence to charge Foulk Lloyd
to be culpable of the murder of John Lewis Gwyn, being near
the said Lloyd and he standing in view at the doing thereof.
In the examination of Thomas ap John, of Henllan, co. Denbigh,
taken before William, Bishop of St. Asaph, and Sir John
Salusbury, knt., it appears that Gwyn, before the murdering
of him, said that the said Foulk Lloyd bare malice towards him
and he durst not pass to his own house through Henllan for
fear of Lloyd; and further the examinate declares the words
Gwyn uttered at the instant before he was murdered and how
Lloyd stood in view and set forwards his friends and followers
to murder him, who were the principal murderers. In the
examination of Harry Myvott of Henllan appeareth what words
Gwyn, a little before he was murdered, spake of Lloyd (being
then not far from him in his view) viz. "It was Lloyd that set
fellows upon him." |
|
In the examination of David Moris of Karwedoynyth, co.
Denbigh, gent., it is declared that Lloyd stood near the place
where Gwyn was murdered, at the time of the doing thereof,
and that the principal murderers came from wards Lloyd's
house and brought their weapons out of the said house to
commit the murder and fled again towards the house. |
|
In the examinations of Thomas ap Robert, of Henllan,
Robert ap John ap Rees, of Bettws, and Robt. ap Thomas of
the same, in the same county, it is showed that Bryan Salbry
(then household servant to Lloyd) and Foulk ap John ap William
a follower of his, two of the principal murderers, were seen to
come from Lloyd's house instantly before the murder, to the
place where Gwyn was murdered by them and others, and that
after the murder they fled towards his house. |
|
In the examination of Evan Thomas of Bodfary, co. Denbigh,
gent., likewise appeareth that about a se'nnight before the
murder the said Foulk ap John ap William confessed to examinate
(being his near cousin) that speedy order should be taken with
Gwyn whereby he should not trouble the said ap William nor
any other. Examinate demanded whether he intended to
kill Gwyn, and he said No, adding that others of better sort
would take that in hand; whereat examinate was more desirous
to know of ap William who should commit such a cruel deed,
and at last ap William confessed that Lloyd would kill Gwyn
or cause others of his friends to do it, bidding examinate to
mark and he should find his speeches prove true ere long; and
about a se'nnight after Gwyn was murdered. |
|
Upon the inquisition taken before the coroners of co. Denbigh
(upon view of Gwyn's body) by the verdict of divers substantial
gentlemen, some of them being near of kin to Lloyd and being
oculati testes of the murder, it was found and presented that
Lloyd maliciously procured the said principal murderers to
commit the murder, and knowing Bryan Salbury (sic) and
Thomas Lloyd, two of the principal murderers, to have committed it feloniously, the same day received and comforted
them; and further that Lloyd the same day with the rest
of the murderers after the murder committed fled for it, as
by the said inquisition may appear. |
|
Further the said Bryan Salbrey (sic) and Thomas Lloyd
stand outlawed by due course of law for the said murder and
so are three more of the principals (being all followers and
servants of Lloyd), and as it is vehemently suspected all the
said principals that are fled kept out by Foulk Lloyd from
answering law.
2 pp. (106. 147.) |
|
Lord Cecil [or Cranborne] to Lord Zouche. |
|
1604, Aug. |
Since the Earl of Pembroke received your letter
concerning the stay which I had made of the pardon by your
request, to whom the inconvenience of interruption of justice
is best known in that government, his lordship and I had speech,
all tending to recommend the matter to you back again, as to
one whom we both know to have no other end but most just
and honourable in this matter, as in all other your actions.
Wherein because I find the party so confident in his own
innocency, as he presses nothing at my hands but to join with
the Earl to this purpose, that you will grant him access to you,
to the intent he may give you that information of the malice
borne him, which he is able to qualify to be most true, or else
to forbear to ask your favour in any degree for this supposed
fact. In this consideration, being moved by his tears and
carriage of himself in his defence, I could not deny him so just
a request: for whensoever I hear of any such violent courses
in those countries where faction so abounds, though I doubt
not but extraordinary care must be had to find out offenders,
or else justice will fall to the ground, yet I confess in doubtful
cases my course ever is (for fear of like partiality in aggravating)
rather to be inclinable to believe the best than the worst, for
fear of touching innocent blood. If therefore you can have
leisure to hear him lay before you all things he knows, and that
he may give you satisfaction, I shall be right glad you may
find cause to change your opinion, which if you do not, then I
shall hold on the course I have done, to let the King know why
I stay it, and so remit all to his pleasure. This is the substance
of my letter, whereof I pray you make this interpretation, that
the man is to me a stranger, and that it shall never be found that
I will willingly propound anything to you which I would not
wish to be done to myself.—Court at Whitehall, —August 1604.
Draft with corrections by Cecil. 1 p. (189. 23.) |
|
Lady Katherine Cornwallis. |
|
1604, Aug. |
Warrant, ordering that as the late Queen was
pleased that Lady Katherine Cornwallis, in respect of her duty
and loyalty, and good carriage in all things except matter of
private conscience, should be forborne to be troubled for that
matter: his Majesty is likewise contented that she shall be
forborne to be called in question for her recusancy, nor molested
for the same: for which purpose this warrant is suffered to
remain with her as a testimony of his Majesty's favour.—Whitehall,—August 1604.
Draft in hand of Cecil's Secretary. ½ p. (189. 24.) |
|
C. de Harlay, French Ambassador, to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1604, ? Aug.] |
I send a letter which I have just received from
Calais written by the Lieutenant of Mr. de Viq who has returned
from the camp of Sluys, being assured that you will be pleased
to see the particulars he sends. If to-morrow at the great
banquet of the Spanish Ambassador he speaks to you of what
has passed at our last conference and begs you, as I think he
will, either to give me or to see fit that he shows me the articles
concerning the regulation of trade upon which the King of
England has come to an agreement with him, in order that I may
note the like conditions which he asks of me, I beseech you to
say nothing about my having already begged you to show them
to me. For I only did so upon an occasion that offered itself
and I claim that if he wishes me to answer him, it is his business
to give them to me or to get them given me. I should also
regret his knowing that his Majesty had refused them to me,
seeing that it is rumoured in London that they are common
property and that there are several copies of them. It was to
hide from him that I knew the very substance of them, that I
expressly asked them of him. It will please you then to remember this and continuing your good demeanour and will
in this affair to recognize the intention of the said Ambassador
so that when I confer with you thereon I may better be able to
resolve and advise myself of the way in which I may accommodate myself to the satisfaction of the King and my Master.
If I had the said Articles, I would pay my visit before he set
out to meet the Constable, but otherwise I cannot do so.—
Undated.
Holograph. French. Endorsed: "1604." 2 pp. (189. 123.) |
|
George Midleton to the Bishop of London. |
|
[? 1604, Aug.] |
I have espied a great matter since my being
with you. There is coming for England a bull from the Pope
by Mr. Wareford, a man not unknown to you by report. Withal
a book is coming called "a Review of our English Justice,"
containing the sum of all our English slanderous libels made at
any time by any priest, and railing against such of the Council
as were in her Majesty's time of any credit; a book very
pernicious to the State, yet dedicated to his Majesty. Withal
comes an English Jesuit called Flack, in Spanish attire. These
two good fellows bring their stuff amongst the High Constable's
baggage. I left them at Graveling, their books were shipped,
and the ships almost full freighted; they come to Gravesend
very shortly. If you send a warrant to Mr. Dean of Canterbury
I will at their coming apprehend the men, books and bull; and
as my desert shall be so I trust I shall be rewarded. But let
your warrant be with all secrecy.—Canterbury, this Friday. |
|
PS.—There come two ships, the one is after the manner of
a flyboat, the other a Flemish "scuyte." Delay breeds danger.
Holograph. 1 p. (130. 31.) |
|
The names of the Commissioners for Causes Ecclesiastical. |
|
[1604 after August.] |
The names in the Past Commission
(l) John, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury (l) Sir Thomas Egerton,
knight, lord keeper of the great seal, (l) Thomas, Lord Buckhurst,
lord treasurer, the Bishops of London, Winchester, Rochester,
Lincoln, Worcester, Chichester, Gloucester, Exeter, Sarum,
Ely, Peterborough, Hereford, and Norwich for the time being
[all marked "l"] (l) Sir Robert Cecil, knight, principal secretary
of estate, (l) Sir John Fortescu, knight, chancellor of the Exchequer, (l) Sir John Popham, knight, lord chief justice of the
King's Bench, (l) Sir John Herbert, knight, one of the secretaries
of estate, (l) Sir Edmund Anderson, knight, lord chief justice of
the Common Pleas, (l) Sir William Periam, knight, lord chief
baron of the Exchequer, (l) Robert Sackvile, esquire, (l) Francis
Gaudie, one of the justices of the King's Bench, (l) Thomas
Walmesley, one of the justices of the Common Pleas, Christopher
Yelverton, one of the justices of the King's Bench, (l) Julius
Caesar, LL.D., a master of the Requests to his Majesty, (l) Roger
Wilbraham, do., (l) Daniel Dunne, LL.D. do., Sir John Peyton,
knight, lieutenant of the Tower of London, (l) Thomas Nevile,
D.D. dean of Canterbury, (l) Edward Cooke, esquire, his Majesty's
attorney-general, (l) Thomas Flemyng, esquire, his Majesty's
solicitor general, John Bridges, dean of Sarum, Thomas Blague,
dean of Rochester, Matthew Sutcliffe, dean of Exeter, Launcelot
Andrews, dean of Westminster, (l) Edward Stanhop, LL.D., a
master of the Chancery, (l) Richard Swale, do. do., John Gibson,
LL.D., one of the Council in the North, (l) John Crooke, esquire,
recorder of London, (l) Charles Fotherbie, archdeacon of Canterbury, Francis Bacon, esquire, Thomas Montford, D.D., William
Hutchinson, D.D., John Dixe, D.D., (l) William Ferrand, LL.D.,
Stephen Lakes, LL.D., John Drurie, LL.D., Francis James,
LL.D., William Coombes, William Wade and John Boys,
esquires.
The names of such as are thought fit to be appointed in the
Commission now to be renewed. |
|
The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Lord Treasurer, the Earl
of Northampton, the Lord Viscount Cranborne [the two last
names drawn through] the same Bishops as before [except Lincoln
and Worcester], Sir John Fortescue, Sir John Herbert, the two
chief justices and the chief baron, omitting the other judges but
adding Dr. Montague, dean of his Majesty's chapel, and retaining
the masters of the Requests (Caesar, Dunne and Sir Christopher
Perkins) Sir Edward Cooke, Attorney General and Sir —
Dodderidge, Solicitor General, Sir Edward Phillips, Sir John
Crooke and Sir Francis Bacon, knights, Sir Edward Stanhop,
Sir Richard Swale and Sir John Benet, doctors of the laws, Sir
William Waad, knight, Sir Henry Montague, recorder of
London, Sir Henry Savire, warden of Eton College, Sir John
Boys, knight, Thomas Nevile, D.D., dean of Canterbury, John
Overall, D.D., dean of Paul's, Launcelot Andrews, D.D., dean
of Westminster, Thomas Blague, D.D., dean of Rochester,
William Barlow, D.D., dean of Chester, Charles Fotherbie,
archdeacon of Canterbury, Theophilus Ailmer, D.D., archdeacon
of London, Thomas Montford, William Hutchinson and Richard
Neile, doctors of divinity, William Ferrand, John Drurie and
Francis James, doctors of the laws. 49.
Endorsed: "1602" (sic) and by the writer of the document
"The names of the commissioners for causes Ecclesiasticall."
2 pp. (97. 37, 38.) |
|
The Earl of Cumberland to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604, after August.] |
Since I came from you I was not out
of my chamber, this weather being such that I cannot get Mr.
Butler's leave after strong physic he gave me yesterday. My
patent of lieutenantcy and all my proceedings in those parts is
not yet come hither, being in my servant Jno. Tayleur's hands
who will not be here the Tuesday or Wednesday next; wherefore
I pray you put the dealing in it off till then.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1603" but addressed
"Viscount Craneburne." ½ p. (102. 166.) |
|
The Earl of Pembroke to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
I came to London this morning to have
spoken with you, but you dining at the Star Chamber, and riding
and hawking presently after dinner, I could not stay in the town
till your return; but if you will dine at your house to-morrow,
I will wait upon you there at dinner, or if your businesses suffer
you not to be at leisure at that time, I will wait upon you any
time in the afternoon you shall appoint.—Baynard Castle,
this Wednesday in the afternoon.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (109. 4.) |
|
Sir Walter Ralegh to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
Since his wife was last with Cranborne
has withered in body and mind. By her he perceived a sad
change in his lordship's favour towards him. Is daily in
danger of death by the palsy; nightly of suffocation by wasted
and obstructed lungs. Now the plague has come next door
to him, his poor child having lain this 14 days next to a woman
with a running plague sore and but a paper wall between,
and whose child is also this Thursday dead of the plague.
His most humble desire is to be removed elsewhere.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed "1604." 1 p. (109. 13.)
[Printed in extenso in Edwards, Life of Ralegh, Vol. II,
p. 314.] |
|
Oliver Randall to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
Thanking him for a pension of 40 marks
a year.—Undated.
Signed. Endorsed: "1604." ½ p. (109. 18.) |
|
Sir Carew Reynell to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
The weightiness of your dislike of me
when I attended you, and continued displeasure, which daily
I hear you bear me, so much surprises me, as I know not in what
course to raise myself. But your noble disposition emboldens
me to plead my innocency, and to beseech you not to condemn
me before I answer whatsoever has been amiss informed of
me. The which I would not every day thus importunately
desire, if I had not racked my thoughts to the highest consideration of ever deserving ill either towards you or your person, but
rather have effected the contrary, as by many demonstrations
I can make apparent. As for my brother's courses, I am no
way acquainted with them, and therefore I hope that I shall
not suffer for them, but rather, I shall persuade him to be
conformable unto your pleasure.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 20.) |
|
Lord Roxburgh to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
This Saturday before my away coming
from Wystoun I received from Sir Thomas Laik some letters
to be given you at his Majesty's directions; and being frustrate
of my expectations to have found you here, I have sent my
cousin for the more assured delivery of them. For myself is
forced to stay here at Londoun some days to have remedy of a
dolor that troubles my eyes a little, the which makes me to
hope the better to be excused that I did not bring them myself,
and I must entreat you to bear with me for that I have desired
him a little to trouble you in the term I spake to his Majesty,
submitting me always most willingly as it shall please you.—
Undated.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 26.) |
|
Elizabeth, Dowager Lady Russell, to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
On Wednesday last I understood that
the night before it had pleased you to receive to your service
Hercules Francis Cooke, son to my dearly beloved nephew, the
unfortunate Sir Anthony Cooke, killed by butchery for surgeon's
practice. I take this your favour exceeding kind by showing
yourself thereby willing to grace and comfort your mother's
father's house, myself willing to acquit your kindness as I may.
Hearing that your little daughter Frances is come to London,
not to return, as my Lady Cope telleth me, I being loth that
any of my father's blood should be infected with bad religion,
whereof her Aunt, my Lady Sturton, hath been suspected,
if it please you to have her with me, I will use her as I would
mine own. She shall see here no bad example of life. This
is all I have to say. I have not since the death of my most
excellent sovereign cared vjd. for the world more than loyalty
to my prince, deserve well of all, do injury to none. Written,
God knoweth, with such eyes as in truth seeth not what I write,
for which only I crave pardon.—Your lordship's old aunt.—
Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 27.) |
|
Thomas White Sanders to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
May it please you to send the certificate
of the officers of the Mint concerning my private unto Sir
Thomas Lake, myself to be the messenger, with your only own
opinion thereof, that his Majesty may be made acquainted
therewith, and his pleasure known, whether he will have such
small moneys made of silver and copper, as well for the better
and speedier relief of the poor, as bringing unto himself private
benefit. I shall be much bound if I may receive his Majesty's
resolute answer herein.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." ½ p. (109. 30.) |
|
Sir James Sempill to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
The Duke [of Lennox] hath carried Mr.
Hammilton with him towards Dover for divers his lordship's
affairs, therefore be pleased to excuse him bringing that letter
of exchange for 100l. land in Ireland till his return next week.
I had both my credit and commodity standing upon it. The
last was but little, some 300l. if the letter had stood in his first
force; which seeing it could not, and my small loss may easily by
your means be hereafter repaired, I entreat you that for safety
of my credit with the poor man (whose whole fortunes almost
stand upon it) to give your assistance by a line or two for the
expedition of that course which you shall take with Mr. Hamilton
by any new letters to the Deputy; and at least that letter may
show all other general clause of security (as it now doth) against
eviction, seeing it is a high sale, and no free gift.—Southwark,
this Friday. |
|
PS.—Sir Thomas Lake hath warned me of one Mr. Ord's
arrival, challenging some entries in my custos brevium. Sir
Thomas shall be instructed at length for me, to whom I pray
refer the particular in your answer to Ord.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." ½ p. (109. 37.) |
|
Capt. Stafford to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
Last night it was my sad fortune to be
arrested for a debt of 160l. which I stood in bond with my
father for, and now not being able to pay it yet, in respect I am
left so bare by my father, but will willingly pay according to
my ability. I beseech your warrant for my release, and I shall
be bound to pray for your lordship, both for your favourable
letter to the bailiffs last night, and now for my release.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." ½ p. (109. 42.) |
|
Sir Edward Stafford to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
The unspeakable kindness that your
lordship offereth my mother is such as, though I am not to-day
fit to stir out of the chamber, I did go to her to acquaint her
with your letter. She took it with that passion of kindness as
she was almost gone with it, but when she was come to herself,
weak as she was she held up her hands to pray to God to bless
you, crying twice or thrice she was ashamed to take your
kindness; but at length made me give her assurance, that if
she lived till that day, I should receive it, and pay it you, or if
she died I should myself be a suitor to the King to have it to
pay you; or else for her sake, though she did not leave me
wherewithal, that I would promise to pay it you. She hath
commanded me to send to you this her own servant William
Edge. If I fulfil not her commandment, let God forsake me.—
Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 44.) |
|
Sir John Stanhope to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
My Lord of Northampton's presence here,
who is best acquainted with the occurrences of this place, might
excuse me for writing, save that my love to you cannot but
witness my goodwill to wish you all good success in that place,
the course whereof being guided with your own good judgment,
and the direction of such as are led by good experience, will
further the good you seek and all we desire.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." ½ p. (109. 46.) |
|
The Same to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
The many favours my late good [father]
and myself have received of your good father, and of you,
embolden me to be a suitor for the sparing me at this time from
loan to his Majesty, whose privy seal I have received for 100l.,
from which loan I would not desire to be freed, but in regard of
my great debts I am not so able as willing to perform it. The
most part of my living is in jointure to my mother and devised
by my father to his executors for payment of his debts. I owe
2000l., which I have borrowed for my private maintenance,
and am as yet unable to repay any part thereof. I am charged
as deeply as any gentleman where I dwell, yet others of much
better ability are charged with less.—Undated.
Signed. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 47.) |
|
Sir Oliver St. John to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
I have been so much displeased with myself
for being so over earnest a suitor concerning Mr. Worsley, that
I cannot give any rest to my thoughts, till I may confess to my
error. I was not drawn to what I did out of mislike of what
was done concerning him, or out of any private end of mine
own, but only to satisfy the importunity of an uncle whom I
could not anyways content without becoming a solicitor to
you in that business. As soon as I perceived your determination in the proceeding, I not only myself carried the youth to
the committees, but cleansed my hands of further meddling in
that matter. I beseech you that the error may not stop the
course of your former favours unto me.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 50.) |
|
William Style to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
My father has received a privy seal to
lend his Majesty 50l., whose mind is most ready, but his estate
altogether unfit. Unexpectedly he was ordered by decree in
Chancery not long since to pay at one payment 2000l., which
has brought him far in debt, and so continues at this time.
I beseech your favour for the discharge of my father's privy
seal.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 51.) |
|
Capt. John Talbot to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
Having no time yesterday when you took
your coach at your house in Strond (? Strand) to acquaint you
with any more of my business, but that I meant to prefer a petition to your lordship and the rest at the Council table touching a
referment from the King to my Lord of Devonshire, which my
Lord of Shrewsbury laboured and meant to have had the referment both to my Lord of Devonshire and your Honour; but
you were bound then to Bath, and my Lord Lieutenant saith
he will not deal in it alone. The King hath taken no reward
that the late Queen gave any man but he gave other satisfaction.
You have seen good letters in my commendation from the State
of Ireland when the Queen granted me these warders to continue,
being formerly appointed me by the Lord Deputy and Council;
and if I would have had them but whilst the wars continued
I needed not to come to the Court to sue for that matter, for
the place they were appointed for exacted that favour, lying fit
for the service on the Northern borders. Therefore the Queen
granted them as it were in the nature of a pension, in such sort
as neither the Lord Deputy nor any other officer could discharge
them without express direction from her Highness. You
procured me a speedy dispatch of this suit at the instance of
my noble lady your wife. My Lord of Shrewsbury hath taken
pains to get this referment now for their sakes. Let me not
be answered among captains that got many crowns by having
command in the wars, where I spend many of mine own, and
had neither charge nor command, though the late Queen wished
I should have both.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." 2 pp. (109. 58.) |
|
Capt. John Vaughan to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
I was discharged of my company at Lough
Foyle a year since, and now understand that all those captains
that were since discharged shall have the allowance of their
own entertainment in Ireland, and that his Majesty's letter
shall shortly be addressed to the Lord Deputy here to that
purpose. My suit is that my name may be put into the list
for the continuance of my pay amongst the rest.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 60.) |
|
Mary, Lady Wingfield, to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
Your former bounty in granting me the
wardship and marriage of my eldest son makes me the bolder
to write these lines. My only care was that by the benefit of
my son's marriage and the custody of the lands some small
portions might be raised for my younger children, being 4
sons and 2 daughters, and not one foot of land, or penny in
money left them by their father. I have been ill dealt with
by Mr. Francis Brackyn and William Walden, two that were
towards Mr. Wingfield in his life time, one of counsel with him
and steward of his courts, the other his attorney. By their
advice my son lately procured himself to be made a knight, to
set himself free of his wardship and marriage. Since, they have
very lately procured my son, being yet within age, to marry
one of the daughters of the said Brackyn, with whom no portion
is to be had, her father being of mean ability and as little in
reputation. I suppose also their further purpose is to strip
me and my poor children of all we have, wherefore I beseech
you to command these parties to be brought before you, and
punishment imposed upon them.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 67.) |
|
Lord Zouche to the Same. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
I thank you for remembering me and the
cause, which I take to touch the state more than me. In respect
his Highness is perhaps to take his sports shortly, I think you
will hold it fit to be ended with speed. If the King will end it
with displacing me as not having carried myself well, I knowing
that the same may be laid to my charge through my ignorance,
shall most willingly undergo that censure. Or if it shall be
thought fit that the place be subject to the King's Bench, and
they tied by oath to judge according to law, his Majesty will
give me leave to give over the place, all things may have a more
easy accord. And I hope calling to mind how loth I was to
take the place you will easily believe how I shall tremble to
keep it, if my poor discretion must come to the censuring of
judges sworn to observe the law, whereof I am most wholly
ignorant.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (109. 72.) |
|
The Hanse. |
|
[1604, ? Aug. or Sept.] |
Certain necessary considerations to
be had in the present colloquy with the deputies from the
Hanse. |
|
Heretofore kings and princes have made contract with the
society of the Hanse, but time has taken away most of the
reasons that might move the successors to those princes thereunto, and has made them know their own strength and the weak
estate of the Hanse. |
|
That society consisted in ancient time of many rich cities,
the certain number they themselves know not, who by their
conjunction were of great power, which gave occasion to princes
who had need of their friendship to embrace the same. |
|
Most of those cities, having since found by dear experience,
that their being of the Society served only to enrich and maintain the greatness of Lubeck, Hamburg and Dantzig, have and
do refuse to appear at the assemblies for the Society, or to
contribute to the same. |
|
The assembly of the said Hanse at Lubeck in March last
testifies this much. For but twelve towns, though more were
summoned would appear, namely Lubeck, Colein, Bremen,
Hamburg, Rostock, Stralsund, Wissmar, Dantzig, Luneburg,
Magdeburg, Hildesheim and Brunswick. |
|
It was then by these twelve concluded that six of them,
namely Lubeck, Colein, Bremen, Hamburg, Stralsund and
Dantzig, should depute two principal persons out of each town
to be sent to the King.
Stralsund, notwithstanding this resolution, refused for the
reasons before specified and many other, to send or to contribute. |
|
All the aforesaid twelve towns, Dantzig excepted, must obey
the ordinances and constitutions of the Empire, also the
mandates or edicts of the Emperor, in default whereof they are
subject to the imperial ban. |
|
It is not unknown what means and practices Lubeck and
Hamburg have used to persuade some few men in authority
in each of the other towns to join and contribute with them;
and that most of the commons of those towns are unwilling
seeing little profit redounds to them by being of that Society. |
|
Dantzig being under the Empire was some few years past
subdued by Stephen Bathori then King of Poland. That
King dispossessed the Hanse of their pretended privileges
within his dominions. |
|
The Hanse towns as subjects to the Emperor have from time
to time not only implored his aid for the restitution of their
pretended privileges here in England but also have referred their
cause to him: witness the late colloquy at Bremen. Since which
time these Hanse have again humbly solicited the Emperor,
being their chief lord and sovereign, to take their said cause in
hand, and by his ambassador to the King to assist them in their
demands, or else to grant the execution of the mandate against
our merchants. |
|
The Emperor receiving letter and message about that time
from the King by me, resolved to send an ambassador to the
King and made the same known to the Hanse who then held
an assembly in Lubeck. In the mean time the Emperor is
pleased to suspend the execution of the mandate much against
the will of the Hanse. |
|
But they, as though they needed not the Emperor's intercession, have now sent certain from among themselves by the
title of ambassadors to the King, challenging to themselves the
rights and prerogatives due to kings, princes and sovereign
states only; whereas it is not in the power of the Hanse to
perform in the towns of their habitation any one article which
they shall happen to promise, if the Emperor dislike it. |
|
Besides that it is most credible that before long an ambassador
from the Emperor will be here, who without doubt shall have
in charge to treat in the behalf of the Hanse, and for the safe
residence and traffic of our merchants in the Empire. |
|
The state of the Hanse then being such I leave to your lordships' grave wisdom whether it be not most convenient and for
the reputation of the King and this State only so to entertain
these deputed from the Hanse with good terms and hopes to
defer the conclusion of the treaty, till the Emperor's ambassador
be arrived. |
|
The Emperor will esteem this done with respect towards him,
and it is agreeable to all the letters that have passed between
him, the late Queen, and the now King, yea, her Majesty's
instructions to her commissioners sent to Bremen. |
|
Neither will it be prejudicial but rather greatly beneficial
to our merchants that trade in the Empire, for the longer the
Hanse be kept from trading in and out of England upon English
custom, the better it is for the King and his subjects. |
|
As for the Emperor, he has so manifestly declared his pleasure
for the suspension of the execution of the mandate against
our merchants, that they traffic now in the Empire as freely
and with as much safety as if the mandate were not (only that
they may not keep courts) notwithstanding the daily practices
of the Hanse against them, till the Emperor have taken further
order in it, which is not to be till he have sent his ambassador
to the King and this matter determined by both their Majesties.
Endorsed [in Le Sieur's hand]: "1600, 1602, 5" (sic).
2¾ pp. (97. 53.) |
|
William Grumball to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604, after Aug.] |
Details outrages committed against him
at the incitement of Symon Mountague on account of his taking
part with Mr. Stevens, Cranborne's servant. Cranborne
appointed his servant Mr. Nicholas to give him 20s.: but he
never received it. Being cast out of doors, at the age of 94,
and blind, he is ready to perish, and begs present relief. Richard
Barton and Matthew Lawe can testify to his truth. He was a
workman to Cranborne's grandfather at Burleigh House.
—Undated.
Petition. 1 p. (190. 21.) |
