|
|
George Bowes to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603–4, March 1. |
Reports his proccedings in the gold works
in Winlock Water, commanded by the King. The journey
there of his company of 50 workmen and 12 loaded horses was
delayed in the mountainous passages by the deep snow, frost
and wind; and he was enforced to leave behind 12 men and 8
horses. After 6 days travel he and the rest came to Winlock,
where the snow was so deep that it was with great difficulty
he could provide food for them. He cannot work till the snow
be gone, and fears that when meet weather comes they will be
disabled. One of Lord Cloasburne's officers has done what
he could to further them.—Winlock Water, 1 March, 1603.
Holograph. Endorsed: "From the mines in Scotland." 1 p.
(98. 17.) |
|
Sir Edward Coke, Attorney General, to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603–4, March 5. |
Carr, a prisoner in Norwich gaol, persuaded
the rest of the prisoners that now it was "interregnum, a lawless
time, and that it was no offence to break prison at this time."
They were like to have done so had it not been for the gaoler,
The offence is greater in Carr, as he professes law. He is not
informed whether Carr be "in execution" or not; if he is,
the matter should be examined by some gentlemen dwelling
near Norwich; if he is not, suggests that he should be sent for.—
Holborn, 5 March, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (98. 19.) |
|
Lord Burghley to the Same. |
|
1603–4, March 5. |
Has written again to the Lords of things
fit to be considered; and though he is contented to take the care,
yet he is loath to take upon him the whole charge; neither
can he hear out of Scotland what order they take. It is sufficient
for him to entertain the King both here and at Burghley.
Knows no man upon whose fortune so much charge is laid as
upon his; and yet at this time he can be content to be the entertainer of so noble a prince. Mr. Ashton has promised to send
him notice of all things.—York, 5 March, 1603.
Holograph. ½ p. (98. 20.) |
|
Sir Edward Watson to the Same. |
|
1603–4, Mar. 7. |
Details the arrangements he is making for
the prosecution of some disorderly persons who have committed
spoil in Cecil's Park of Brigstock. As to the rioters bound over
in May last, he will grant warrant against them to be further
committed to their good behaviour till Michaelmas Sessions.—
Rockingham, 7 March, 1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (98. 22.) |
|
Fray Thomas Geraldine to his cousin, John Geraldine, at
Valladolid. |
|
1603–4, March 8/18. |
Has been informed by a friend that his
cousin called him a fool and an idiot having seen his letters to
Mr. Morish. Did not expect this treatment at his hands and
prays him to think otherwise for he shall see that he is not so
foolish but that he is able to give a reason for what he has said
or done.—St. James the 18 of March 1604.
Addressed: "A Don Joan Gerraldino en trenido de su real
magt. en Vallodolid. El porte medio real."
Signed. ¾ p. (188. 94.) |
|
The Vice-Chancellor and Senate of Cambridge University
to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603–4, March 9. |
Pray his patronage of those laws which are
used by the Church of England and all Christian nations. They
have whole colleges and in almost every college students who
are dedicated to the study of the civil law. But if, when they
have completed their studies, there is no room in the state for
the exercise of their profession, of what avail all their labours?
The common law is too potent for them. All their hope is in
the justice of a most wise and impartial King. They have
been requested by their scholars who have gone down from
them to take up the cause and Cecil can have no juster or more
honourable an one.—"E Senatu nono die Martii 1603.
Dignitatis tuæ studiosissimi Procancellarius reliquusque
Senatus Academiæ Cantebrigiensis."
Latin. Endorsed: "On recommendation of the Civilians."
1 p. (136. 110.) |
|
John Semple. |
|
1603–4, March 11/21. |
Licence by the King of Spain to John
Semple, purveyor of the household of the King of England to
export 250 butts of wine, 50 pipes of oil, 200 quintals of raisins,
100 of figs, 50 of almonds and 10 "quaterolos" of olives for the
said household, paying only the ancient ordinary dues and not
being obliged to pay the thirty per cent new dues or to give
any pledge that he will go to the States of Flanders. Further
there are not to be levied from him the new dues on the lead,
calf-skins, wax, cloths, bays and kerseys which he has brought
from England.—"En Valladolid a veynteyuno de Marco de
1604 anos."
Signed at the head: "El Rey" and at the foot "Yo el Rey."
Spanish. 2 pp. (188. 95.) |
|
The Laird of Buccleugh to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603–4, March 12. |
Mr. Winwood upon the warrant and
direction he received has proposed and recommended unto the
Estates General touching my place of commandment over the
Scottish nation in this service, and this was done very circumspectly by him after that he had acquainted particularly his
Excellency and Barnifeld with the matter by whose answers
he could best judge of the resolution to be taken by others.
In effect it holds nothing but that they may know his Majesty's
earnest wish to have it so, which makes me have recourse to
your favourable means both towards his Majesty and by yourself. The particular which I do intreat yourself may be pleased
to do farther I remit to the information of Mr. James Hudsone.
"Dunhag," 12 March, 1604.
Holograph. Signed: Baclughe. Seal. Endorsed: "from
the Hague." ½ p. (104. 84.) |
|
Lord Fyvie to the Same. |
|
1603–4, March 14. |
Understanding Mr. Alexander Hay my
special friend is of mind to visit Court, I take occasion to salute
you with these few lines. Our estate here (praised be God!)
for the present is as calm, quiet and under as perfect obedience
as ever I remember to have seen, without any other appearance
for anything I can perceive. This Union is the most at this
time of all men's hearts and speeches. I find none of any
account here but glad in heart to embrace the same in general:
some suspect the particular conditions may engender greater
difficulties. I hope the wisdom of the Prince who is both the
ground and the cornerstone of this happy Union, with your and
other wise men's assistance shall set by all such difficulties:
as also I think there can be no particular condition desired for
the weal of one of the nations, but it must be profitable to the
other, nor nothing prejudicial to one, but must be hurtful to
the other, albeit only by the distracting of their due concord
which wise men will think of greater consequence nor any
particular may be subtly cozened in. This is all I can write
even of our thoughts hereaway: I doubt not there are divers
apprehensions there also. Whatever favour you may extend
upon this gentleman I shall be debtor for.—Dunfermline, 14
March 1604.
Holograph. Seals. 1½ pp. (104. 93.) |
|
Thomas White to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603–4, March 15. |
Prays for Cecil's favour in behalf of his
son-in-law, the bearer, in a suit which he has.—Fytleford, 15
March, 1603.
Signed. ½ p. (98. 26.) |
|
Lord Zouch to the Same. |
|
[1603–4], March 16. |
He came late to the Court, thinking to
wait upon the King to the chapel, but the King's pleasure was
not to be there. Had purposed to see Cecil, to understand how
he did after yesterday's travel. He met Sir Francis Goodwin,
of whom he heard complaint was made for miscarrying himself
in choosing knights of the shire. Goodwin tells him there is a
writ to go out for making a new choice; and that must be
grounded upon outlawries long since procured against him,
for small matters not followed against him, and pardoned by
divers pardons. Goodwin married the writer's near kinswoman.
Thinks it sharp that a man should in every place be discredited
for things so long laid asleep; and besides, if due course is to
be had, the Parliament is to consider whether it be a due choice
or not, and from thence should go a new writ, if the present one
be not duly executed. If Goodwin's cause be just, prays Cecil
to take the patronising of him, so that his punishment be not
greater than his fault.—"From my house in Philip Lane,
16 March.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." 1 p. (98. 27.) |
|
Ralph Winwood to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1603–4], March 21. |
In former letters he has given hope that
his Excellency would undertake some exploit for the relief of
Ostend, but when it was expected that the business should
have been in hand, they received news that the practice for the
surprise of Antwerp was discovered by those who were employed
to survey the place. How so populous a town, commanded by
a citadel esteemed impregnable, could be surprised by a handful
of men, passes his understanding. Thereupon the States General,
that all care should not seem to be abandoned for the preservation of that town, consulted with the Council of State as to a
project of some present service, whereto his Excellency should
be entreated to lend furtherance. As surprises were uncertain,
and no siege could be found of that importance that could
withdraw the enemy from before Ostend, the only means
remaining was by force to disassiege it, which was by casting
a sufficient power into Flanders, which might either draw the
enemy out of the trenches to fight, or assail him there. Details
the objections made to any attempt, such as the season of the
year, the want of money and of men, the uncertainty of passage
by sea, the difficulty of descent, the want of provision and of
retreat, and the unwisdom of besieging the enemy's trenches if
he will not fight. Details also the answers to the objections,
namely that Geruyenberg and St. André by Bomel were both
taken in March and April, and that so important a service
would be the means of hastening the consents of the Provinces,
and in the meantime the States of Holland might be moved to
advance their portion for this year, &c. |
|
These reasons overswaying, it was concluded that the
Mutineers should join with the cavalry of the country, enter
Little Brabant and, so ravaging and spoiling all in their way,
advance as far as they should find passage open. This irruption
will confuse the enemy, so that he will not have leisure to provide
against the descent of the foot, which is to land between
Blackenburg and Ostend, and from thence to march directly
towards the enemy's trenches. Deputies were appointed to pray
his Excellency's consent, to move him to forbear his presence
in the action, and to remain here in the country to ballast
the State. |
|
The deputies on their return related that his Excellency alleged
the difficulties above named and others; yet that he would
advise of it with C. [Count] William. The next day he answered
that he would conform himself to the desire of the States for
the preservation of Ostend, and to that purpose which was
purposed: but all particular circumstances for the carriage of
the business he prayed them not to be curious to understand.
He utterly refused to be absent from the action himself. The
cavalry which shall enter Brabant will be between 3 and 4
thousand horse; the infantry, with which some horse shall land
in Flanders, will be about 9000. To embark men and munitions
will require 800 bottoms, which must come out of North Holland.
The action will either "faicte or faillie" in five days upon
landing, so no great quantity of victual will be required. |
|
Now that Sir Francis Vere has resigned his charge into the
hands of the States, the writer does not find that they have
purpose to resolve in what manner the English troops shall be
disposed, until they see the issue of this business, and an end
of the siege of Ostend. Then they have a meaning to make
a new reglement of all their affairs. They resolve to make no
general. Sir Horace Vere, as colonel, for the present shall have
command of the troops, whose provision is to be doubled from
30l. to 60l. the month, and if in the service now in hand
there shall be use of another colonel or more, they shall be made
only provisional. As Sir Francis likewise resigned his company
of horse, the States purpose to tender him to retain it, though
he ever shall be absent. If he will not accept it, they will
confer it on Sir Horace. Though Sir Francis leaves them, they
would not willingly so leave him, in whom they desire to hold
an interest, the better upon all occasions to recall him to their
service. They confess to the writer how much they have
wanted Vere's judgment and experience in this deliberation,
and more want they will have of him in the execution. |
|
The Mutineers have been of late in the bishopric of Padenbru,
in the land of Munster, where they have put to the sword 700
souls, and ransomed the country for 40,000 rixdollars. They
are now returned to the Grave. Ghestelt the governor of Ostend
is slain, and Colonel Loane is confirmed Governor in his place. |
|
As to Embden, they of the town have levied certain new
companies of men for the guard of the town, and have published
a placard whereby they threaten by force to constrain the Plat
Pays to bring in the contribution covenanted in the last treaty
for the pay of the garrison. At the instance of the States, the
Count assembles the states of his country the 26th of this
month.—The Hague, 21 March.
Holograph. Endorsed: "21 March 1603. Received 30 March."
4 pp. (98. 31.) |
|
Sir Edmund Baynham to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603–4, March 21. |
Expresses his gratitude for Mr. Secretary's
favour, which he begs him to continue.—Marshalsea, March 21,
1603.
Holograph. 1 p. (187. 9.) |
|
Memorial of Public Business. |
|
1603–4, March 23. |
"All the Privy Council being members
of the House. |
|
Lord Clinton, Lord Buckhurst, Sir Robert Wroth, Sir Henry
Nevill, Sir Francis Bacon, Mr. Solicitor, Sir George More, Sir
Francis Moore, Sir Edward Hoby, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, Sir
Edward Stafford, Sir Herbert Croft, Sir John Hollis, Sir Hugh
Beston, Sir Francis Hastings, Mr. Wentworth, Sir Thomas
Crompton, Sir Edward Montague, Mr. Recorder of London, Sir
Thomas Holcroft, Sir Daniel Dunn, D. James, Sir Edward
Herbert, Sir Robert Wingfield, Serjeant Dodridge, Sir Henry
Billingsley, Sir Robert Mansfield, Sir Francis Knowles, Sir
Francis Popham, Sir Richard Verney, Sir William Wray, Sir
Richard Leveson, Mr. Fuller, Serjeant Tanfield, Mr. Lawrence
Hide, Sir Edward Lukenor, Sir Peter Manwood, Sir Nicholas
Saunders, Sir Roger Aston, Sir Edwin Sands, Mr. John Hare,
Sir Jerome Bowes, Sir Henry Bromley, Sir John Scott, Sir
Edward Herbert, Sir Edward Grevill, Sir John Leveson. |
|
These committees are appointed to consider of sundry important causes offered this day by way of motion to the House
by Sir Robert Wroth, the heads whereof appear in these particulars. |
|
1. Confirmation of the Book of Common Prayer. |
|
2. The wardship of men's children. |
|
3. The abuse of purveyors and cart takers. |
|
4. Monopolies. |
|
5. Dispensations of penal statutes. |
|
6. Transportation of ordnance. |
|
7. The writ De Quo Titulo, &c.: abuses in the Exchequer, &c. |
|
And the same committees are to make report of all or any
of these from time to time as they shall find fit, or as the House
shall direct them.
To meet this day in the afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber."
Endorsed by Cecil: "Memorial of P. causes." 3 pp.
(98. 33.) |
|
The Bishop of Lincoln to Lord Cecil. |
|
1603–4, March 24. |
Recommends for a small preferment the
bearer Mr. Russell, a grave, learned, discreet and painful
preacher, well accounted of in those parts near Lincoln where he
is resident.—From my house in Westminster, 24 March, 1603.
Signed. ½ p. (99. 46.) |
|
Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice, to the Same. |
|
1604, March 26. |
I have taken order already with the Judges
to meet together to-morrow in the morning very early. And,
God willing, will be with your Lordship before ten of the clock
in the morning.—At Serjeants' Inn, 26 March 1604.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1603" (sic). Seal of arms. ½ p.
(104. 109.) |
|
The Mayor and Aldermen of Kingston-upon-Hull to the
Same. |
|
1604, March 26. |
The daily pitiful complaints of their distressed
neighbours, both in regard of their grievous loss sustained by
the King of Denmark in their fishing voyage to Wardehouse,
and also the great want which these five years they have endured,
move the writers to be suitors to Cecil in their behalf, that he
would be a means to the King that some final end may be made
upon this their long suit; the town being unable to support
so heavy a charge any longer.—Kingston-upon-Hull, 26 March,
1604.
Signed. 1 p. (99. 50.) |
|
Christopher Peyton to Lord Cecil. |
|
1604, March 27. |
I beseech your letter to Mr. Thomas Watson
for payment of my exchange money of 171l., which I delivered
to Mr. Treasurer of Ireland two years since, not having received
my fee or entertainment these two years, either there or here,
so that Mr. Watson who is Mr. Treasurer's agent may make
payment of my due both of fees and exchange money and take
in his bill again. The Earl of Devonshire has not given me answer
for restitution of my office of the wars and entertainment for
the same (whereof his man James Ware is possessed since the
last of September last by letters patent during pleasure),
deferring answer until he hear from my Lord Deputy of Ireland.
—27 March, 1604. Signed. Seal of arms. 1 p. (104. 110.) |
|
The Earl of Sheffield to the Same. |
|
[1604], March 27. |
Since the sealing of my last letters I received
intelligence from the assizes what sources the business I had
there concerning my government has had, which I have thought
good to acquaint your lordship with, in some respects also
desiring the King may be certified thereof, because it concerns
blood and if your lordship remember I told you at my departure
that he commanded me, if there were any execution to be made
upon priests or others for religion, I should stay them till his
pleasure were known. One Welbourne and Browne were by
me and the Council committed to York Castle being servants
to Mr. Darse of Hornbie for seducing of the King's subjects
from their obedience and many other undutiful pranks. They
have been tried this assize and condemned of high treason but
I thought good to wish their reprise till the King's pleasure
might be known. If the King incline to mercy I shall not
mislike it, knowing that mercy joined with justice works the
best effects and especially in these priests whose nature can
endure nought of the one nor the other to great proportion.
I sent their examinations to the Judges, who I think mean to
send them up to the King. Your lordship may then see more at
large the nature of their offence. The coolest thing is that being
asked whether if the Pope should invade any of his Majesty's
kingdoms, they would fight against him, they refused, both when
examined and when tried, to answer. Likewise one Robinson,
another that I and the Council sent to the Castle for beating
a minister in the church and uttering very seditious speeches
against the King, being a notable recusant, was condemned to
stand on the pillory, lose his ears, and be other ways punished
by law for his recusancy. This judgment is executed to the
great terrors of these priests and no doubt will give great stay
to the irregular courses which many in these northern parts
do run. Likewise there have been 900 recusants new and old
indicted at these assizes and yet no doubt many not yet met
with for the Archbishop's courses are so slack, being now more
fit to sleep than govern a province, that there is little done by
his authority, so that all lies upon myself and the Council,
who will not fail to do our duties. For the better performing
my charge at this time till things be a little better settled, I
desire, if so it please the King, I may have leave to stay. Else
you know by my oath I must attend the King at St. George's
day, wherein I desire to hear from you with what speed you may
choose. I have run over some of the "necessariest" accounts
this place affords at this time.—Normanbie this 27 Mar.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 2 pp. (188. 98.) |
|
Sir George Home to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1604], March 29. |
The Secretary of Scotland wrote to me
upon some particular offers of his Majesty, and among his other
purposes he showed me by his letter that you was gone to bed
and was somewhat sick. I showed his Majesty the same, and
he was so evil contented that he says he will not be well pleased
till he hear of your estate. He gave me express direction to
cause a post to run night and day to bring the certainty of your
health, which I pray you may be returned with speed. There
is a humour fallen in his Majesty's knee, with a great pain and
some swelling, that has kept him from rest all this last night,
and he keeps his bed all this day, but God willing I hope he
shall be well to-morrow. His Majesty has resolved to take
journey upon Sunday in the afternoon to Sir Olepher Cromwell's,
there to hunt for some two or three days, and then to return
here to Roystowne.—Roystowne, 29 March.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." 1 p. (187. 17.) |
|
Sir Edward Cecil to the Same. |
|
1604, March 30. |
I desire to witness your happiness with my
best blood, not for any end of my profit, for then would I not
have followed the wars with that desire I do, which I ever found
rather to "gratte" of my own fortune, than make me better
to live by them. But now that my love to them is encouraged
by your favour, I will embrace them as a true means to deserve
your good opinion. I cannot say that I am a colonel, nor have
I received any denial of the States in claiming my due as being
one of their oldest captains; yet I find they will make some delay
to show their love to our General Sir Francis Vere, which if
it would please you to write to Mr. Winwood to know their
answer, would make me most bound to you, and make my good
hope turn to happiness. I hope you will have care of me that
my desire to make me more able to serve the King shall not
make me lose my place in the Privy Chamber, which I hold
rather for my grace here and my reputation there, than for any
other cause. |
|
You may know already of the extremity wherein Ostend is
at this present reducted, being out of hope to be defended any
longer, the enemy being ready to pass the ditch; yet the States
do send in some 40 companies more than there is, rather to make
good composition for those that are within. The last work the
enemy took in of ours they did put them all to the sword
that was in it, to make the rest be the sooner quitted. We have
lost two governors of that town. The dangers of Ostend make
many of the Zeelanders fly both from Flushing and Middleborough apace. We make many proffers of rising, as though
we would do some great enterprise; but I rather think they are
policies to cause the enemy to divide his forces, and to draw
in length the loss of Ostend.—From the Hage, 30 March 1604
old style.
Holograph, signed: "Ed. Cecyll." 2 pp. (99. 69.) |
|
Sir Edward Coke to Lord Cecil. |
|
1604, March 30. |
I have drawn a bill according to a warrant
under your hand for the denization of Sir James Areskyne Kt.
his wife and children: and the bill contains a confirmation of
letters patent to Sir James of certain marsh grounds in Kent,
saving to others their rights. It is the usual form that his
Majesty signify his pleasure for the passing of the bill, otherwise
the Lord Chancellor or the Speaker will not read it.—30 March,
1604.
Signed.
PS. in autograph: "If your lordship will be pleased to
peruse the crosses in the margent you shall perceave some
thinges need amendment."
½ p. (104. 111.) |
|
Ralph Winwood to the Same. |
|
[1604], March 31. |
Monday last the States General sent
for me into the Assembly: where M. Barnevelt, who was then
President, after declaration how sorry they were for the departing of Sir Francis Vere from their service, delivered that the
States had communicated the proposition, which lately I had
presented by his Majesty's commandment, in the Laird of
Boucloughe's cause unto his Excellency and the Council of State,
who had taken resolution to intreat his Majesty to excuse their
not assenting to this demand, which was a novelty in their
State, and could not be granted without making way to the like
petitions of other nations which would cause an anarchy in
their government. Though the English had heretofore enjoyed
over them a particular general, that was brought in first by a
special treaty and continued since in acknowledgment of Sir
Francis Vere's long and worthy services. The States would
therefore wish (said he) that the Laird of Buccleugh should
be content to accept, for a while at least, a commission according
to the act sent to him for the levying of his regiment. If he
further pressed them, they must have recourse to the Provinces
apart, which as he thought would not vary much from the judgment of their Deputies and Council of State. I answered that I
was addressed by my charge to the States General upon whom
his Majesty presumes all power to be transported from the
several Provinces: and therefore from them I expected my
answer for discharge of my duty, howsoever the Laird of
Buccleugh could be content to forbear to solicit it, which I
desired might be in writing, for that Commonwealths did not
speak but by their pens. I received it yesterday and
send it herewith. I think if the matter be followed the
Provinces will ask time before they return their resolution,
which in all likelihood will be conformable to the instance of
that affection wherewith they shall understand his Majesty
is pleased to embrace the cause. In the mean time the States
do take it ill that he [Buccleugh] forbears to take a commission
for the government of his regiment. |
|
The design for the relief of Ostend holds. All preparations
are in a manner in readiness and by the middle of the next week
the whole forces will be assembled in Zeeland. All diligence
must be used or else they will come ut imbres post tempora
frugum, for the enemy gathers daily and has got the Polder
ravelin where 30 of our men were put to the sword. Since
Ghestelt, his successor Col. Loane is slain, and Captain Drake
who commanded the English. |
|
The States this week have given order for the levying of 1400
Suissers, 600 are to come out of the canton of Basil and 800 of
Zurich. |
|
This letter this week was delivered to me from Lord Grey
which in discretion I held myself bound to send you.—The
Hague, the last of March.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." Seal of arms. 2 pp.
(104. 112.) |
|
Captain Francis Burnell to Lord Cecil. |
|
1604, March 31. |
I am grieved to find that notwithstanding
my late attempt to satisfy you, I am both censured by you,
and calumniated or rather scandalized to you. I am therefore
drawn to clear myself further as follows. |
|
Upon the banishment of Francis Tilleston and other priests,
about a year since (whom in respect of my place of service I
accompanied to their ship) I informed my master the Earl of
Nottingham, as soon as I could return, with the speeches which
the said Tilleston uttered to me on the seas: and my Lord then
told the same to you at Whitehall. |
|
On Maundy Thursday last being with my old uncle Thomas
Blundevile at his house at Newton Flotman in Norfolk, my uncle
prayed that the King might safely come and be crowned, since
the greatest danger to princes was at their coronations. I
then imparted to my uncle, but to no other some of the speeches
which the priests had used at sea. |
|
In June or July last my uncle wrote to the King altogether
without my consent. I hope you will not count this to my
prejudice. As to other calumnies—my housekeeping has been
well known for 25 years together, and I beg you to deem of
me as I am, not as others falsely pretend.—Last of March, 1604.
Holograph. 1½ pp. (104. 113.) |
|
Dr. Richard Neile to Levinus [Monck.] |
|
1604, March 31. |
I have not stirred from my lodgings since my
Lord's and my last coming from Court together on Monday night,
so take leave to trouble you to move his lordship Mr. Thomas
Chitesley, of Wimpole in Cambridgeshire, aged 26, was in France
at the Queen's death with a licence to travel for three years. He
came home last summer for the marriage of one of his sisters, by
which I take it, his licence is determined. He desires to complete
the period, and the times being less scrupulous, thinks his lordship's licence may enable him. He desires to return to France,
go into Italy, and return home. Sic Te Deo.—From the Savoy,
31 March, 1604.
Holograph. Seal of arms. 1 p. (104. 115.) |
|
Lord Grey to Lord Cecil. |
|
[1604, March ?] |
I will ever acknowledge the care I have
found from you touching my estate, which how small soever
shall satisfy my desires; for I have learnt to frame my content
by what I have, and never forget my offence nor the miraculous
mercy which has preserved my being. Therefore might it
please your lordship by the speediest gradations possible to
bring me to the free enjoying of that little, my obligation shall
be as much as were my estate equal to the greatest subject in
England. My Lord Harry in all my troubles has showed himself
a very noble friend and I doubt not will join with you for my
good. My Lord of Suffolk I know will further it, and I hope my
Lord of Devonshire will not hinder it. For the King, I hope
his displeasure begins to clear; and knew he all my unfeigned
penitency, to redeem my transgression, the same royal mercy
which saved my life would now begin to ease this extreme
misery: especially upon so good an occasion as this enforced
remove and general joy of this first celebration of his glorious
government, altogether disproportionate to the last and doubtful
proceedings of the late Queen. Your power I know, your favour
I have tasted, only now I shall chiefliest prove it and will ever
deserve it.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal broken. 2 pp. (106. 109.) |
