Cecil Papers: November 1604, 1-15

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 16, 1604. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1933.

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'Cecil Papers: November 1604, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 16, 1604, ed. M S Giuseppi( London, 1933), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol16/pp323-357 [accessed 12 November 2024].

'Cecil Papers: November 1604, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 16, 1604. Edited by M S Giuseppi( London, 1933), British History Online, accessed November 12, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol16/pp323-357.

"Cecil Papers: November 1604, 1-15". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 16, 1604. Ed. M S Giuseppi(London, 1933), , British History Online. Web. 12 November 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol16/pp323-357.

November 1604, 1-15

Bridget, Lady Norreys, to Viscount Cranborne.
[1604], Nov. 1. Expresses her thanks for Cranborne's great care in the suits which so nearly concern her husband, both in private state and public reputation. Would be sorry that so mean adversaries, who have served her husband's house, should prevail against him in matters of such right.—Rycote, 1 Nov.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (107. 92.)
John Ridgewaye to the Same.
1604, Nov. 1. At his coming out of Holland he repaired to the Court, then at Lord De La War's house, to express his thanks to Cranborne for the favours bestowed upon him. But seeing Cranborne absent, and Christmas near at hand, he went awhile into Devon. Offers his services, being confident Cranborne will continue his wonted favour, howsoever malice may report him.—Torr Abbey in Devon, 1 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (107. 93.)
Sir Robert Wingfeild to the Same.
1604, Nov. 1. Acknowledges Cranborne's letters: one commanding him as deputy steward of Spalding to deliver to Thomas Browne the court rolls in his custody, the other willing him to forbear the same: which latter he obeyed. This Browne approved, being not willing to proceed further in the survey without Cranborne's allowance. On conference with the former stewards and view of the court rolls, he finds many rents decayed, and, by reason of concealments, Mr. Bavy the Queen's bailiff is charged with more by the auditor than is to be collected: all which an exact survey would redress. Challenge is made by the King's officers that the manor of Holbeche, mentioned in the Queen's letters patent and others, is not intended to be any part of her jointure. He has however kept court there for her Majesty, and purposes to hold the same course until countermanded.—1 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (107. 94.)
Lord Norreys to the Lord Chancellor and Viscount Cranborne.
[1604, Nov. 1]. Respecting suits between him and the pretended executors of his uncle Sir Edward Norreys. He offers to put into the hands of the Lord Chancellor and Lord Cranborne 1,000l. to be bestowed at their discretion upon the servants of Sir Edward. He will put into the hands of Lord Darleton for the debts, 2,000l.: what profits the pretended executors have received since Sir Edward's death to be put into the same hands. In consideration whereof he demands that the pretended executors renounce their claim by the supposed will: that he be discharged of all claims which in law or honour are payable for Henry, Lord Norreys, his grandfather, Sir John Norreys, Sir Henry Norris, and Sir Thomas Norreys his uncles (to all which Sir Edward Norreys was executor or administrator) and likewise for Sir Edward himself: that his lands and tenants be discharged of certain seizures: that he have liberty to make sale of common woods: and that the manor of Sydnam, which was to be conveyed by Sir Edward Norreys to Sir Richard Wenman, which conveyance was never perfected, may be established to the writer upon repayment of such money as Wenman disbursed.— Undated.
Signed. Endorsed by Cranborne: "1604, 1 Nov." 1 p. (107. 95.)
Hugh Broughton to Lord Cecil (sic).
1604, Nov. 1. When my Lord your father was desirous that I should have been Bishop of London, John [Archbishop of] Cant[erbury] picked a quarrel for Hell, wherein I showed you how far Dr. Andrewes and his g[race] would be from reply. To Dr. Andrewes seven times I wrote to try whether he could resist one word. Still he is silent. And his g[race] in the end yielded after I recompensed his bitter persecution with as good. Winton yet is the same. That you may know faith herein, and no more be uncertain, two little works, seen by the King as I heard, I send you.—Middelb[urgh], 1 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (107. 96.)
Privy Seals for the Loan.
1604, Nov. 1. "The complaint of those that are charged with privy seals," addressed to Lord Bruce, Master of the Rolls.
Endorsed by Cranborne: "A lewd lybell broght from ye Mr of ye Rolls to the L. of Dar[......]." 1 p. (140. 160.)
William Palmer to Lord Cecil (sic).
1604, Nov. 1/11. With a packet from Mr. Wilson.—San Sebastian, 11 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (206. 10.)
Lord Fyvie to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 3. I render you with most hearty thanks the treaty of marriage betwixt Prince Edward and Queen Mary of Scotland, with other treaties joined thereto. Because at our last meeting at Council anent the matters of custom, I thought you were of opinion that the customs continue betwixt the kingdoms of Castilia and Portugal, what be in the matter I know not certainly: but in the history of that union written by Conestaggio Genevois in Italian, concerning the offers made by the Duke of Osuna, these are the words in the Latin translation about the end of the fourth book: Ut ad utilitatem subditorum et totius Regni, et ad augenda commercia et familiaritatem cum Castellanis, Rex tollat vectigalia ab utraque parte, et merces libere transportentur, sicut fiebat ante quam ejusmodi portoria instituerentur. This was offered to the Portugals before the war, with other good conditions subscribed by the King of Spain and the said Duke of Osuna: was not then received: Bello confecto quid victis concessum? I have no certainty. I understand the same conditions were almost all granted in general, with some limitations added by the Council of Spain. When your leisure may serve, I will be glad of some conference with you anent the propositions to be conferred on at our next meeting in the treaty of Union.—Quhythall, 3 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (107. 97.)
— to the Earl of Dorset, Lord Treasurer.
1604, Nov. 3. By agreement of August 11 he is to pay to his Highness 5,000l. next May, and 6,500l. at two six months afterwards. Three months time has passed merely in the drawing of his book, and a long time will pass before it passes the great seal, to his great expense, besides the loss of the benefit of this whole term (being better than the other three terms, both for passing of recoveries and taking up moneys). Therefore prays that the payments may be reckoned from the date of the passing of his book.—3 Nov. 1604.
Draft, unsigned. 1 p. (214. 51.)
The Earl of Devonshire to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 5. Encloses for his perusal a draft concerning a suit he made to the King. It is grounded on a book of particulars signed by all the commissioners and auditor, which is already delivered into the "Checker." Begs Cranborne to get the bill signed.—5 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (107. 98.)
Agreement between Francis Nedham and Simon Basill.
[1604, Nov. 5]. With respect to the wardship of Philip Saltmarsh, granted to Basill and John de Critz.
Endorsed: "5 Nov. 1604." 1 p.
Dr. Richard Clayton to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 6. Cranborne wrote to him in September to make preparations for the return of his (Cranborne's) son to their College. Through negligence of the carrier, he only received the letter last week, so that he could not answer before. Has always acknowledged it an exceeding great favour to the College that Cranborne made choice of their house to place his son in, and counts it no less for him to continue there. Lodging and other things fit shall always be at his disposition.—St. John's College in Cambridge, 6 Nov. 1604.
Signed. 1 p. (107. 99.)
Sir William Monson to the Earl of Nottingham.
1604, Nov. 6. Being upon my way as far as Canterbury towards you, with such informations as I could upon the sudden gather of the Hollanders' usage of our Englishmen, I met here with the Duke's servant, who informed me that the Duke would be at Calais upon Thursday expecting my coming thither: whereupon I am returned, and have sent you the examination of some dwelling in Sandwich and Deal. Those of Dover I intend to bring with me upon the Duke's return.—6 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (107. 100.)
Postal endorsements: "In hast post hast hast post hast hast. Canterbury the 6 of November 3 a clok in the after none. Seattingborne past 5 a Clock in the after none. Rochester past 7 a clocke at night. Darford at past 10 at night."
Peter Proby to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 7. Quotes "short notes of records, proving the Treasury of all sorts of records in the Tower to be in the King, and a distinct place from the Master of the Rolls of Chancery." The descent of the office is traced by extracts from 14 Richard 2, and references to the patents of previous holders. The Puisne Judges incline to the Master of the Rolls for the Chancery records only. Leaves Cranborne to consider how inconvenient it is to have them out of the Tower to the Master's keeping. The Lord Chief Justice purposed to report this day at the Star Chamber what "they" have seen: yet all the patents for the office have not been seen, neither can Proby procure any counsel against the Master of the Rolls, on whom they depend. Mr. Solicitor also thinks Proby did him wrong, to have the letter to make him his counsel: which now he cannot be, for in the letter the difference is made to be between Lord Bruce and Proby; but is indeed between the King and Lord Bruce. The Lord Chief Justice has put off his report till next Friday, wishing Proby to move Lord Bruce in his own behalf in the meantime: for Bruce told the Lord Chief Justice that if Proby sought it of him by kindness, he would give it him. Has many times sought it, but could never get Bruce's favour. He is willing to satisfy Bruce, with whatever shall please the Council. Has offered Bruce whatsoever it pleases him to ask, if he will consider his great charge of children, and the value of the place above the charge spent. It wearies him of his life to be thus tossed, and spend time and money in following lawyers: and the Court lacks his service in these old records.—7 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. Endorsed: "To prove the records of the Tower to be in the King, and distinct from the Master of the Rolls." 2 pp. (107. 102.)
The Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 7. Our Senate, whether constrained by the small variety of choice through the absence of our worthiest government, or misled by the error of affection have again elected my poor self Vice-Chancellor: the heaviness of which burden I found so troublesome last year, that now not many things could have been cast upon me with greater dislike. I do promise so quietly to pass through this year also, as by my government to pull no open discredit upon our University, nor dishonour to your lordship in defence of mine actions.—7 Nov. 1604.
Unsigned, but written for Dr. Cowell. ½ p. (134. 126.)
Lord Norreys to the Same.
1604, Nov. 7. I have received fresh offers from my Lord Darleton, but will never accept any but shall appear from your direction. I have almost driven him from the pursuit of Englefield, which I cannot leave unless I betray myself to strange inconvenience.—Whytefryers, 7 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (107. 101.)
Captain William Power to the Same.
1604, Nov. 8. Prays for his dispatch. Although he most desired to have some land, in respect that he had a "feeling" from the Queen's Vice Chamberlain and Sir Roger Wilbraham of Cranborne's purpose therein, and that he thought it less chargeable to the King than a pension, yet he leaves the same to Cranborne's consideration. Speaks of the loss of blood, limb and goods he received in the war, and offers his continued services, "as my ancestors since the conquest of that country have done.—8 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. Endorsed: "Captain Power, for some portion of land in Ireland." 1 p. (107. 103.)
William Stallenge to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 8. By your letters of the 3rd I perceive having already accommodated all things at London, your pleasure is only to let to farm the customs of the ports of Plymouth, Bridgwater, Dartmouth, Exon, Poole and Weymouth, with their creeks and members; which as I understand are in Dorsetshire, Lyme; in Devonshire, Barnstaple and Elfordcombe; and in Cornwall, Foy, and the rest of the ports of that county belonging to Plymouth, although you do not particularly set them down.
Mr. Bagg is repairing to London to you concerning this business for him and myself. By Sir Walter Cope's note of the mediums found by the auditors of the customs for 10 years, I find Plymouth and Foy to be a far higher rate than in time of peace it can yield, being advanced in those 10 years, as Poole, Weymouth and other parts were by reason of the reprisal goods that have been brought in, which could not be here spent but were transported again for other places. Plymouth with the ports of Cornwall yielded last year but 780l.; 200l. of that by goods brought in by extraordinary means, so no man will deal for this place but at a far lower rate than the auditors have found, unless it be to deceive other ports, which may easily be done if the customs be farmed to sundry persons. Haply there may be some improvement at Exon, Dartmouth and their members; but for the rest, unless there be some help in Lyme, there will be rather great loss according to the estimate. I am very sorry that such as advised you to enter into this business should think any great benefit could rise by these western ports, though I think there have been abuses there as well as in London and other places; but upon ports of so small importance no great benefit can rise: and if London be not better looked into than heretofore, I doubt you will gain little by this bargain; and it will be less if you set any ports to farm to particular companies, except you can dispose of all upon some certainty.
I desired your favour to my Lord Treasurer for a place in the customs, and you answered you had not to do with my Lord's office: but these things being now in your own hands, I hope you will have me in remembrance. The Lord Treasurer and the general surveyor at London can satisfy you of my sufficiency. If strangers be preferred, it will be thought I have given some great cause more than the world knoweth.
At the request of the Spanish Ambassador's servants I send their letters herewith to him, which with other sent by the last packet, as they inform me, are for credit to take up money here for their expenses.—Plymouth, 8 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 2 pp. (107. 104.)
Dr. Benjamin Charier to the Same.
1604, Nov. 8. Has received a privy seal to lend the King 20l. Hitherto the King has himself received the first fruits of the poor living he has. Has had small means to pass through great charges in my Lord of Canterbury's service this last 2 or 3 years. Since my Lord died, he has been driven to furnish a poor house in the country. Has upon his own charge attended the Parliament as a clerk of the Convocation: and, besides the charge of his entrance into the King's service, he has waited his month in September last: so that he has been driven to borrow, and is altogether unable to lend. Prays to be spared this time. Acknowledges Cranborne's favour in his unfortunate suit for Bennet College.—8 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (107. 105.)
The Lord Chief Justice and the rest of the Judges to the Council.
1604, Nov. 8. We have, as required by your letters of Oct. 21, considered (calling to us in his Majesty's counsel learned) the matters referred to us, and have with one consent resolved for law and conveniency as follows: First, that the prosecution and execution of any penal statute cannot be granted to any, for the Act being made by the policy and wisdom of the Parliament, for the general good of the whole realm, and of trust committed to the King, as to the head of justice, and of the weal public, the same cannot by law be transferred over to any subject. Neither can any penal statute be prosecuted or executed by his Majesty's grant in other manner or order of proceeding than by the Act itself is provided. Neither do we find any such grants to any in former ages: and of late years, upon doubts conceived that penal laws might be sought to be granted over, some Parliaments have foreborne to give forfeitures to the crown, and have disposed thereof to the relief of the poor, and other charitable uses, which cannot be granted or employed otherwise. We are also of opinion that it is inconvenient that the forfeitures upon penal laws, or others of like nature, should be granted to any, before the same be recovered or vested in his Majesty by due and lawful proceedings, for that in our experience it makes the more violent proceeding against the subject, to the scandal of justice and the offence of many. But if by the industry of any there accrues any benefit to his Majesty, after the recovery, such have been rewarded out of the same, at the King's pleasure. We have thought of such penal laws as are fittest to be proceeded for the good of the people, as we were required: but our want of time in respect of our judicial places this term, and the consideration to be used in selecting the same, moves us to pray you to bear with us, though we answer not that point so soon as haply you otherwise might expect. But we will "forslowe" no fitting times to accomplish the same. And where much abuse is found in such as heretofore have been prosecutors against offenders in penal laws, we have, as the time has served, thought of some fit courses to be holden in his Majesty's courts for the reformation thereof, which will also require some further time to be deliberated on. In like manner we have entered into consideration how the abuses committed to the prejudice of his Majesty upon recognisances, fines and amerciaments and such like may be reformed, which we hope, upon further conference with the Barons of the Exchequer, will be brought to good effect.—Serjeants' Inn in Fleet St., 8 Nov. 1604.
Signed: Jo. Popham; Roberte Clarke; (?) Ed. Anderson; Fr. Gaudy; Tho. Flemyng; Tho. Walmysley; Edward Fenner; P. Warburton; Da. Williams; Ja. Savile; Chr. Yelverton; Geo. Snygge; G. Kingesmyll; William Danyell. 1½ pp.
(107. 106.)
Sir Henry Maynard to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 9. I have been desirous to advance his Majesty's service for the loan of this county and have employed all this last week abroad for the receipt of the money at places appointed by me. But I have found a very strange unwillingness in a great number, and those not of the meanest, to pay the sums required, although some fall out to be but poor men: and I doubt it will go hard with the clergy, for some exceeding poor ministers have privy seals, and divers rich persons have none. Amongst the temporalty that seek to be spared I find certain persons, heretofore citizens of London, who giving over their trades have settled here in the country, and here assessed and paying subsidy, pretending to be exempt from this loan, in that being freemen they have contributed to the loan of London, for which they offer certificates, though for small sums; which I have refused to allow or receive back their privy seals without your lordships' pleasures first known. And for that I would not detain any of his Majesty's money in my hands I have with good guard sent up 2,500l. into the Receipt, being all I have been able hitherto to procure.—From Eston Lodge this ninth of November, 1604.
Holograph. ¾ p. (106. 162.)
The Earl of Shrewsbury to the Same.
1604, Nov. 9. Now that this Welch Lord has so honestly performed his English promise, and is returning to your Court, I could not forbear to visit you with a few words. I am heartily glad to find by him the resolute good affection he bears to you, which is requited by the like in you towards him. I hope it will increase, to the honour of us all that are familiars and allies together. I have no other matter till I hear from Coke my man that waits upon you: but may not forget her best commendations to you who is now making herself ready here by me, and entreats me therein.—Worksop, 9 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (107. 107.)
Lord Grey to the King.
[1604, Nov. 9.] The glory of your rare mercy sounds over all, and no importunity or affection can sway the even balance of your upright heart. I have therefore held more agreeable to your royal will with silent penitency to lament my grievous forfeit, and with patience to attend your free consummating so glorious a begun work, than by show of least importunity either to disvalue my humble endurance or quicken so reviving a mercy. Yet since God, the only King of all Kings, who yet to you his Vice regents on earth appropriates a near resemblance civilly even of his own worship, commands not only thanks for his mercy, but earnest implorations of grace with an unsatisfiable thirst by the mere reflection of his own free goodness to be enabled to serve him, without which zealous affection neither can repentance be acceptable nor the sad heart taste any hope or comfort: I am confident not only to pour forth humble thanks for your mercy whereby I live, but even to weary your royal ears to accept my unfeigned sorrow, to reconcile your royal heart, and to cherish the tender and sincere affections of a spirit so miserably rent with all affliction. Let not then, Sir, so submissive a heart be rejected, but above all suffer not your glorious mercy to be eclipsed by a renewed correction, but with the same generous spirit which pitied, pardoned and revived me, restore my liberty, without which my life were a protracted death, deprived of all object for which I desire to live in entire devotion to your blessed government. Yet if your Majesty hold trial fit before you trust me, commit me to whomsoever you esteem most trusty: from whose house I desire not to stir till your Majesty be satisfied of my proof. If I give suspicion only of disaffected humours, multiply on me and mine your dreadful displeasure. But if I approve a heart faithful above life itself to your throne, let me taste the joy of your presence.— Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "9 Nov. 1604." 3 pp. (107. 109.)
Lucy, Marchioness of Winchester, to her uncle, Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 10. The bearer, John Tregenan, with others, intends a petition for the enlarging of their corporation of St. Ives, Cornwall, "my Lord" being of the same corporation. She begs Cranborne to hear their information and further their petition.—10 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (107. 111.)
Sir Julius Caesar to the Same.
1604, Nov. 10. The French Ambassador's daily calling on me makes my importunity the greater to you. I have therefore sent a draft of a proclamation, to which if you add your always sufficient hand of amendment and final dispatch, my Lord Ambassador cannot but exceedingly praise your love of justice in furthering the apprehension of so great offenders.—St. Catherine's, 10 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (107. 112.)
Serjeant John Hele to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 10. All the scire fac. and writs of extent are taken from the file and made void, according to the sentence of the Star Chamber. Is ready to restore and pass the goods and leases, according to the same sentence. Has been restrained in the Fleet 3 weeks so straitly that he could not go out of doors "by bail or baston," as other prisoners do. Has sent 4 petitions to the King for his liberty, to have his fine qualified, and to be satisfied his debt: but has received no answer. Begs his favour.—The Fleet, 10 Nov. 1604.
Signed. 1 p. (107. 113.)
Lord Cobham to the Same.
1604, Nov. 11. Some while after last term I heard that D. Brook was a suitor to the King to buy the present estate of the entailed land. I then wrote craving you to be a means to stay it and to keep me from ruin. Whether my servant mistook your answer I know not, but he brought me answer that you were not acquainted with any such matter and that there was no such thing. Now I hear that the matter is agreed upon, and his book now drawing or drawn ready for the King to sign. The ground of this course is best known to you. If it be meant that I should be utterly destroyed, then to God only I must leave it. If it be matter of profit, then if my friends may be hearkened unto, their offer shall far go beyond his. Let me put myself wholly unto you: remember my father, your wife: keep me from undoing: it will be held amongst one of the greatest deeds of charity that ever you did in your life. O, my Lord, why was I preserved, that myself for ever must be an undone man. I complain not, but upon my salvation I cannot move my wife to deal in it, out of this opinion, that there is no such thing. God knows there was never so undone a man as myself. What to do or to whom to write I know not. If you leave me, you leave him that ever loved you. If mistaking have so much possessed you that otherwise you conceive of me, let me conclude with this sentence of Seneca: non est magni animi dare et perdere: Hoc est magni animi perdere et dare. Vouchsafe me an answer I humbly pray you.—From the Tower, 11 Nov. 1604.
PS.—I hear that my Lord Compton has a book for the land in Gloucestershire. I write not to have it stayed: only this, you may be pleased to take notice that the fee farm was given by the Queen to my mother in entail to her eldest son and his issue: for fault of such issue to the second son and his issue, so to the third and his issue: then to the eldest daughter, your wife, and her issue, the second daughter and her issue, the third daughter and her issue, and so the remainder in the crown. Let not my misfortune be the overthrow of others' right.
Holograph. 2 pp. (107. 114.)
The Earl of Southampton to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 11. In favour of the bearer, Mr. Ferrour, who has a suit for the reward of his services. Ferrour was dispatched by Mr. Hudson, the King's then agent, to the King, with business of great trust, a day before the decease of the late Queen: and the King commanded him at Winchester to wait on for a place in ordinary, and in the meantime to take his oath as a servant extraordinary. Ferrour has as yet received no reward.— Southampton House in Holburne, 11 Nov. 1604.
Signed. 1 p. (107. 115.)
Lord Fyvie to the Same.
1604, Nov. 11. Before our public meeting I would communicate some particulars tending to the furtherance of the service, which I wish at my heart to be advanced to the King's pleasure and your credit: wherefore whenever you may have the leisure, either this day or the morn at morning, send me word and I shall immediately come to you.—Quhythall, Sunday, 11 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (107. 116.)
William Cecil to the Same.
1604, Nov. 11. Because Cranborne desired him to write of his own invention, without the help of any other, hopes he will pardon his rude lines, in which he only desires to signify his duty.—St. John's College, Cambridge, 11 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (228. 7.)
Thomas Browne to the Same.
1604, Nov. 12. In favour of Lord Sidney's deputation to him for the survey of the Queen's possessions in Lincolnshire, Cranborne granted him letters to John Jackson of Spalding for the delivery of court rolls in Jackson's custody concerning that manor to Sir Robert Wingfelde, Cranborne's deputy of that county. He begs for the use of the rolls in order to perform his survey: also for the use of other evidences, being ancient "liggars" (ledgers), books of extent, and books of entry of all grants expressing the possessions, privileges, &c. pertaining to the late monastery of Spalding, which are in the hands of Sir Richard Ogle of Pinchbeck, whose father and uncle, being stewards of the possessions before and after the suppression of that monastery, got the same into their hands.—12 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (107. 117.)
Arthur Ingram to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 12. Begs Cranborne's consideration of his travail to further Cranborne's profits, in which he used his best persuasion to draw his friends to undertake the ports which were undemised: not that there was hope of great profit in undertaking them, but to draw those who had undertaken London and the four ports therewith annexed to give Cranborne the full price demanded, in respect of the hurt they conceived he (Ingram) might do them in the outports. These endeavours to do Cranborne service have drawn on him those who are maliciously bent against him: and he is likewise exempted from having any interest in the farm: whereas he was formerly offered a part, which he rejected in order to do Cranborne service: whereby he has procured the ill conceit of his friends, who relied upon him to be interested in a part. Begs him to remember that he was a great means to advance Cranborne's profits in the last demising of the silk farm. Whatever Cranborne does for him therein he will shortly deserve in a matter concerning Cranborne, wherewith he has already acquainted Sir Walter Cope.—London, 12 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (107. 118.)
The Earl of Devonshire to the Same.
1604, Nov. 12. Recommends Captain Basset and Captain William Saxy for favourable consideration for their services in the late troubles in Ireland.—My house in Holborne, 12 Nov. 1604.
Signed. ½ p. (107. 119.)
Sir John Haryngton to the Same.
1604, Nov. 13. After my escape out of the Gatehouse, Mr. Okey, by the name of your officer, came with your warrant to take me at Hampton Court. I was assured by counsel that by the law of the land I could not be taken out of another man's house after my escape; but having no purpose to contest with you, and less to make dishonest advantage of my escape, I gave Okey a bond of 2,000l. to discharge all the debt, and whatsoever covenants he would put in, not daring to refuse any, rather than in that contagious time to go to the Gatehouse again.
Since this time (as I hope Mr. Haughton your steward and Mr. Dobbinson have certified you) I have paid the debt, and discharged all the due fees of the execution; and yet now Mr. Okey most wrongfully sues this bond in the King's Bench, to my great charge; and presuming on some favour there, refuses all offers that are made on my behalf, and denies in his plea to be your officer; only with some persuasion (and doubting lest I would call him into the Star Chamber for some misdemeanours of his) he said he would refer the matter between him and me to any two you would name. I pray you signify to him your pleasure to refer the hearing of his complaint and mine to some two of these: Sir Walter Cope, Sir Michel Hix, Sir Hugh Beeston, Mr. Richard Haughton.—13 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (189. 38.)
Sir Henry Wallop to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 13. My brother Gifford began to recover even when I came unto him a Saturday night last, and since is reasonable well amended. Nevertheless both he and I acknowledge ourselves much bound to you for your late favourable disposition concerning him, if God had so disposed of him.
I have sent you two brace of pheasants; they were killed by a hawk, and if I have good luck I shall have more for you. And so I take my leave, hoping within two days to attend you myself.—At the Farleigh Wallop, 13 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (102. 18).
Dr. Robert Soame to Lord Cecil (sic).
1604, Nov. 14. Prays for his mediation with the King in the next conferring of clergy livings. For this favour he will perform any duty to Cecil he can. Since my Lord of Canterbury's decease he is a free man. Begs Cecil to send him some comfort by this bearer.—Cambridge, 14 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (107. 122.)
Sir Roger Wilbraham to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 14. The King having a bill presented to him containing a gift of all the concealed goods and chattels of Sir John Parrott to Mr. Lepton of the Privy Chamber, it was his pleasure that Cranborne should give order for passing a book of two parts thereof to Lepton, reserving a third part to his Majesty.—14 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. ¼ p. (107. 123.)
Sir Henry Lee to the Same.
[1604], Nov. 14. He understands by Sir Davye Fowles Cranborne's willingness to further his business with the King. He has two causes: the one the fee farm of Quarryngton: the other of his office here, which it seemed the King desired to have from him in a short time, to gratify the "two young gentill" with: of which he has written at length to my Lord of Northampton, Cranborne, and my Lord of Berwick. The King promised him the discharge of his debts, considering the great rents he has paid these 33 years, her Majesty being 5 times with him, and his Majesty twice. Begs that order may be taken in the matter. Finding his Majesty's disposition, he quenched the overmuch affection he carried to this place, so as to draw himself to a more private life. Time, the trier of truth, will discover his innocency was clouded to colour the imperfections of others. Begs Cranborne's favour.—Woodstock Lodge, 14 Nov.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (107. 124.)
Richard Weste to Samuel Grosse.
1604, Nov. 14/24. Encloses a "memory" touching the prices of commodities, whereby Grosse will see what will be vendible, and like to be far better dispatched than heretofore, now that 30 per 100 is taken away between Spain and England, and by report also with France. A rumour runs here that there is hope there will be concert with Holland and Zeeland. He desires Grosse to write by way of London, whence comes shipping daily for this place or St. Sebastians. He understood by Mr. Cockes that Grosse was returned from Andalusia, and came to good sales with his "pyche." If Grosse comes with commodities for these parts, he must do so before Lent, for they take some time to be carried and dispersed in Castile, where they are spent: and the full herring is better esteemed than the shotten. There will be good sales of worsted stockings, calf skins, hides and Flemish commodities. Gives prices of iron, Newland fish, "hacke" and dry conger. Sends commendations to his brother John Grosse.—Bilbao, 24 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 1½ pp. (107. 144.)
Mary, Lady Cheek, to Viscount Cranborne.
1604, Nov. 15. Prays for favour to John Le Hunte, justice of peace of Suffolk, who has received a privy seal for 40l. Le Hunte lives at the full rate of his living, and offers to depose that he is 300l. in debt, and unfit to lend the above sum. Begs that Le Hunte may be discharged.—15 Nov. 1604.
Signed. 1 p. (107. 125.)
S. Fox to the Same.
1604, Nov. 15/25. Your letters preventing the suit I should of myself have made to be removed from hence, for causes by you touched, have besides cleared my irresolution touching the time and manner of doing it. Whereof if I was not of myself able to determine, I am glad rather to have committed that error which may make you matter for clemency than that which might bring my own willingness to stay in suspect. The liberty that you have set me in of my own course I acknowledge as from your great goodness, which notwithstanding my own servitude thereto would have made frustrate, if there were any course to take but one: for I should have thought myself bound to take that wherein you were most served. But for Florence, except you had precisely commanded it, neither for my own respects nor for many other respects may I resolve to go thither. First, that your charge should be increased thereby. Secondly, that I take all Italy, as well as Venice or Padua, to be another man's jurisdiction. The course that is left, of coming thither, I accept as less disserviceable to you, only asking respite till the spring, that the time be more convenient for travel. The offer of your own service I accept with humblest thanks. Upon your offer I recommend to your particular protection those poor means wherewith I shall be able only to serve you, namely my profession, which is of physic, with my inclination to you particularly and your house: the one had by nature, the other entered into by election, but brought to that it is by your liberality and maintenance here. Whereto although I know that your disposition to bounty was the immediate mover, I also consider therein the secret working of a higher mover: from whose father of so excellent memory my father in that little care he had of worldly thrift was constrained to take that little stay he had: of his son myself have had and have the best part of my means to continue my study, the fruit whereof is due to you.—Padua, 25 Nov. 1604.
Holograph. 2 pp. (107. 145.)