|
|
The Archbishop of Canterbury elect to
the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 1. |
Alderman Moore, who lately died, married a
Spanish widow who had a daughter born likewise in Spain.
This young gentlewoman, being married to Mr. Lewis Tresham,
is brought abed in her mother's house, who is become since her
husband's death a recusant and dwells in her late husband's
house, a place where nothing can be done which is not observed.
Now Mrs. Moore has sent the parson of the parish where she
dwells, signifying that her daughter's child is to be christened
to-morrow at the Spanish Ambassador's house, he being
desirous to be godfather to the infant. This message is spread
abroad, and many inconveniences and clamours will ensue
if this course be suffered, and the rather because the said parson
was advised to advertise me of this intention. The Spanish
Ambassador, in my opinion, does not wisely to entertain such a
matter. And touching Mrs. Moore and her son-in-law Mr.
Tresham, seeing they are grown so insolent, as that they have
dared to publish in a sort to the whole city their obstinacy, I
am purposed, if you be not of another mind, to commit them
both to prison. Peradventure you will think it meet to advise
the Spanish Ambassador from entertaining this business.—At
my house in London, 1 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. Endorsed: "Bishop of London." 1 p. (108. 6.) |
|
Sir Roger Aston to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604], Dec. 1. |
His Majesty having given order to the Earl
of Worcester to make a dispatch to you upon the receipt of
your letters, was of purpose to have written himself, being this
forenoon in disputation with some Puritan ministers, and
thereafter went to refresh himself upon the fields, thinking to
write to you at his incoming; being not well disposed, commanded me to let you know that to-morrow without fail he
would write at length, by which you should know his mind in
his weighty affairs. All other things I leave to the Earl of
Worcester and Sir Thomas Lake. Your son is well and returns
to Cambridge on Monday accompanied with sundry good
fellows to make his convoy. His Majesty makes much of him
and [he ?] comes to his Majesty before he be ready. Let me
not be forgotten among the ladies. I pray heartily they may
be safe from the measles. I hear my Lady Suffolk calls me
"fole and bestly as," for so my Lord of Berwick writes me.
—1 Dec.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (108. 8.) |
|
The Earl of Dorset to Mr. Minterne, Keeper of the
Records of the late Court of Augmentations. |
|
1604, Dec. 1. |
Requires him to deliver to Thomas Rosewarne
all court rolls and other muniments in his custody concerning
the manor of St. Michael's Mount, purchased of the late Queen
by Viscount Cranborne.—1 Dec. 1604.
Contemporary copy. 1 p. (206. 11.) |
|
Sir Thomas Fairfax to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
[1604], Dec. 2. |
Acknowledges the Council's letters, commanding him to prepare to attend the Duke of Lennkes [Lennox]
into France. In regard of his lameness his Majesty has granted
leave for his stay, which he has signified to the Duke.—From
the Court at Hinchinbrooke, 2 Dec.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (108. 9.) |
|
Sir Arthur Savage to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 2. |
Begs leave to be admitted to Cranborne's
presence to present his petition. If his offences were such as
Cranborne conceives, so may his amends be such as may very
well recompense them; considering there was no such detestable
act committed, but may rather stand with Cranborne's honour
to dispense with than to aggravate; especially against him,
a contemned wretch who has no friends to countenance him,
and but hardly means to sustain him. He shall have penitence
for what is past, and a ready mind to serve him for time to
come.—London, 2 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 10.) |
|
Lord Cobham to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 2. |
Because I know it was your purpose I should
have my sable cloaks, I greatly thank you: though now by
Sir John Leuson I hear that they are disposed of by my Lord
Treasurer for his Majesty. I will never desire that which may
not be, yet I pray you help me unto them. My fortune craves
greater favours from you, so that in this I do it as much to
acquaint you what I hear, as in desiring you to deal for them;
so more than you shall think fit I respect not, for these as the
rest I can easily let go, for that God which takes can give when
please Him. I have received of Sir John Leuson 100l. God
will reward you, for but from you I neither find compassion nor
charity, but despair and ruin.—The Tower, 2 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 11.) |
|
Captain Barnaby Ryche and Christofar Levens to
the Same. |
|
[1604, Dec. 3]. |
The letter brought by Thomas Ore, a shoemaker of Brading in the Isle of Wight, and delivered to them
on the last of November, is not a forgery, but true. They are
dealt with, both here and there, more like persons that had
conspired a treason, than as faithful subjects endeavouring to
reveal a treason; and before Cranborne's face were slandered
and railed at. But where treachery may prevail to outbrave
loyalty, it is ill for the King, and worse for his true subjects.
For the quarrel between Gosnall and one of the women, it is
confessed that it was after the words spoken against the King.
Worsley, a known companion of Gosnall, might more fitly have
been apprehended as a confederate than received for a witness.
They are yet four to testify for the King. Mr. Dennys, who is
the fifth, denies it. They beg leave to appeal to the law; if
they cannot make proof of what they have informed, they offer
themselves to death. As Cranborne will inform the King what
Dennys and Worsley have confessed, they beg that the King
may be also informed of what they themselves have said.—
Undated.
Signed. Endorsed: "3 Dec. 1604." 1 p. (108. 12.) |
|
Levinus Munck to Sir Thomas Lake. |
|
1604, Dec. 4. |
I have acquainted my Lord [Cranborne] with
Mr. Francis Michel's desire to travel beyond the seas, who has
given him his own pass, whilst his Majesty's warrant may be
procured. Mr. Michel has now sent about it to you, and has
requested me to afford him this recommendation. He desires
to be absent for 3 years, with one servant, and 30l. in money.—
Whitehall, 4 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (108. 13.) |
|
Captain William Bowyer to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 4. |
This "deceasing" garrison continues conformable to the orders in the new establishment, every man praying
for his Majesty's and your happy life. For that the most
part of them are very old, there have died since my entry at
Christmas 30, whose pensions I have checked to his Majesty's
use, and cut off that yearly charge of very near 300l. The names
and rates I have certified to my Lord Treasurer, whose testimony of my faithfulness I trust will not be wanting. |
|
The poor inhabitants of this town pray for leave, at their
own charge, to plant those small pieces of ordnance now remaining at the castle of Wark, 12 miles distant from Barwick, within
their fortifications, having now no ordnance left for safeguard
of themselves and their haven. |
|
The Borders are much infested with stealing, and now and
then some disordered persons of the Scottish side stir up the
ancient and barbarous custom of deadly feuds, as of late divers
unruly persons, lying in wait upon the night, have outrageously
wounded divers Englishmen upon a former feud 18 years old:
the manner whereof enclosed depositions may testify. To
repress which insolencies, if you give me commission, I shall use
my best diligence, being the better fitted thereto in regard of
the soldiers always in a readiness, and myself not engaged by
partiality of clan or friendship with the inhabitants.—Barwick,
4 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (189. 46.) |
|
The Enclosure:— |
|
Examinations of William Pot and others, at Ford, Northumberland, taken before George Muschamp, Justice of Peace,
30 Nov. 2 Jac. (1604). |
|
They give particulars of assaults arising out of a quarrel
between Robert Vasey and Launce Carr, and their followers;
and of assaults by Alexander and George Ramsey upon George
Pot and his cousins.
3 pp. (189. 47.) |
|
Lord Lumley to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 5. |
His nephew Henry Fludd has served a great
many years in the King of Spain's pay in Flanders and those
provinces, which was counted in the Queen's time highly
offensive, and highly within the compass of the law. The King's
pardon at his coronation not reaching to so high offences done
out of the realm, makes him doubt in what sort he may esteem
his nephew, especially considering this latter peace between
the King and the King of Spain; and whether he is thereby
enabled to enjoy the freedom of other subjects. Begs to know
whether he may suffer his nephew to have access to him or not.
—Tower Hill, 5 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 14.) |
|
Lord Norreys to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 5. |
Receiving from you a refusal of the offers I
made to those that call themselves my late uncle's executors,
save in one point I find we are meet in consent, which before we
did so was the only colour of equity on their side. I mean the
distributing of 1,000l. to the servants of my uncle, which I am
contented to perform upon no other condition but this, that
from henceforth we may seek satisfaction each from other in
whatsoever differences happen between us, according to ordinary
courses of law, and in such Courts as are natural for a cause of
this quality. With thanks for your counsel desiring you to
conceive there be many secrets that keep me from being easy
in this matter.—Rycott, 5 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 16.) |
|
Sir Richard Lee to the Same. |
|
[1604], Dec. 7. |
I trouble you with this enclosed, and leave
his suit to your good pleasure. For Duke Charles, if I knew
not his affection to the State, I would have been more spare
in any office for him. His title I think is mistaken of those
that seek to blemish it, and I think, ill as I am studied in genealogies, to make it so appear. In his late wars with the Pole
the King of Denmark has assisted him if I be not misinformed
by divers, besides the relation of Gallo Belgicus that writes of
those wars. The multitude of businesses may draw your ears
and eyes from many matters not of less consequence. Somewhat
of those matters I have observed, both of profit and prejudice,
if too carelessly neglected. If my particular bond of affection
were not ties to you, howsoever I may be mistaken, or debased
by my want of means to give more grace to my endeavours, I
would not presume as I do, but be as silent as others that have
tasted as little as myself of the favours of the world.—The Savoy,
7 Dec.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604," 1 p. (108. 15.) |
|
Sir Robert Johnson to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 9. |
He hears that the King proposes to create
and settle an estate tail of a great part of his lands. If he does
so, he recommends that certain powers, which he specifies,
should be reserved to his Majesty and his heirs in granting of
fee farms, so as to permit of the improvement of the lands
entailed.—The Tower, 9 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 2 pp. (108. 18.) |
|
Jo. Lane to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 10. |
Five years since he exhibited to the late
Queen a discovery of lands passed from the Crown at undervalues, in consequence of which a statute was made, 43 Eliz.,
that the Queen should have 60 years' purchase of such lands.
He details various proceedings taken under the statute, resulting
in a writ, but her Majesty died before the writ was sent forth,
and since the King's coming it is a question whether the 60
years' purchase be due upon the statute or not. He has wasted
his whole estate, 400l., thereby, and begs to know whether he
is to proceed in the matter, or desist. Encloses a petition, and
begs that for his uncle Sir H. Maynard's sake he may not perish
in so honest a cause of the King's. He has already benefitted
the Crown above 10,000l.—10 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 19.) |
|
Emmanuel College, Cambridge. |
|
1604, Dec. 10 |
There came to me this present day three of
the Fellows of Emanuel College in Cambridge, Mr. Gough,
Mr. Cudworth, Mr. Warde, who testified unto me upon their
credits that the use of the ceremonies touching divine service
is already begun in that college, and that there is a full purpose
and agreement among them that the Holy Communion shall
from henceforth be administered, according to the course of
the Church of England. And this upon the credit of the persons
aforenamed I do think verily to be true: John Cowell, ViceChancellor: I testify the same, Roger Goade: I, Umphry
Tyndall do testify the same: Jo. Duport.—10 Dec. 1604.
½ p. (136. 127.) |
|
The Earl of Dorset, Viscount Cranborne and Thomas
Bowes to Duke Brooke. |
|
1604, Dec. 11. |
We acquainted you with his Majesty's grant
to Sir Thomas Kilpatrick of certain woods upon the entailed
land which you were to buy; and on your entreaty we moved
him to forbear passing his grant under seal, the rather because
you feared they should be cut down before your bargain went
through, if he had made use of his grant for which he had his
bill signed, which we enclose. It remains that you perform that
of which we assured him: either compound with him according
to the value of his grant, or suffer him to cut down the woods.
We require your present answer, because his Majesty's satisfaction depends thereon.—Court at Whitehall, 11 Dec. 1604.
Signed. 1 p. (132. 42.) |
|
Lord de La Warre to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 12. |
Through the improvidence of his ancestors
he is left heir to a bare title, spoiled of all means to maintain
the honour of nobility, so that he can neither give attendance
at Court nor hold fashion with men of his own rank. Remembers
Cranborne's favour to his late father, in furthering him to his
place in Parliament; and begs him to acquaint the King with
his poverty, being the poorest Baron of this kingdom, and to
favour any suit he may make for relief.—Blackfriars, 12 Dec.
1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 21.) |
|
The Bishop of Lincoln to Dr. Mountague, Dean of his
Majesty's Chapel. |
|
1604, Dec. 12. |
This morning before I received your letters,
the unconformed ministers of my diocese, being about 30,
appeared before me at Huntingdon, who stand all stiff in their
former resolution, viz. that they could not yield either to conformity in apparel, or the Cross in baptism, or subscription;
for I examined them particularly, poll by poll, in these three
points; unless they might be satisfied in those reasons which
in a book they delivered to his Majesty at Hinchingbrooke.
I thought not good to deprive any of them, for I received letters
this day from Mr. Bullingham, my principal Register, signifying
that his Grace of Canterbury could not as yet send any certain
direction for my proceedings against them; but as soon as
they should be resolved upon, he would send them; neither
was there any other Bishop that had as yet censured any of
the obstinate ministers with sentence of deprivation, neither
yet with three admonitions, as I have done, according to our
agreement in Convocation, so far as he could learn. Furthermore Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Burges's fellow parson at Wadsden,
desired the benefit of the law, whereof he had taken counsel of
some of the best judges of the land that he ought not to be
urged to subscription, seeing he was not to be admitted to any
ecclesiastical preferment or function in the Church, nor yet to
be deprived for not conforming to the apparel and ceremonies.
My answer was that he both should and might have the benefit
of the law as occasion should require. Mr. Burges being charged
with his former subscriptions and promise to my Lord of Canterbury, and with those points which he delivered unto me in the
presence of all his fellows, viz., 1: that the ceremonies of the
Church were lawful; 2: that they ought to be used, seeing they
were established by the Church and commanded by the magistrate; 3: that he himself would used them after the day specified
in his Majesty's proclamations; 4: that he desired that time
to confer with his fellow ministers to persuade them, and that
he might also confer with his own people to induce them, lest
if he should change upon the sudden, they would fall away
from him; continues still his former refusal, alleging, first,
that he did never subscribe, but with a protestation and
an interpretation of his meaning (which I assure you is untrue,
for he did simply subscribe before me when he was admitted
to Waddesden); and secondly that the new canons or constitutions had altered the true meaning of his purpose. |
|
In the end I gave some four or five of them who had received
but two admonitions before, by reason of their bad dealing
with me (in which number Mr. Burges and Mr. Wilkinson were
2) their third, and to all the rest a fourth admonition in virtute
juramenti de praestanda Canonica obedientia in omnibus licitis
et honestis Domino Episcopo Lincolniensi et Successoribus suis;
assigning to 8 of the chief the 16th day of next January (for
till then judicial days are expired). And to the rest, who are
thought altogether to depend upon the other, the 30th day of
the same month, ad audiendam finalem sententiam, hoping that
before that time some sound course of proceeding against
them will be resolved upon by my Lord of Canterbury, or the
Lords of the Council, taking the opinion of the best lawyers in
that behalf, and notified to all the Bishops of our Church, that
we may all join in the execution thereof at one time, without
prejudice one of another, for it would be a great grief and
reproach to us all if we should attempt to do that which is not
warrantable by law, or which being done should be reversed
by law. |
|
The curates, about 8 in number (whereof Mr. Brightman of
Hawnes and Mr. Fisher of Tring, who have made divers bitter
invectives against the ecclesiastical government and governors,
be two) are suspended from their ministry in my diocese till
they shall subscribe and yield to conformity.—Buckden, 12 Dec.
1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 22.) |
|
Lord Mordaunt to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 12. |
Acknowledges Cranborne's letter, by which
he understands he is much offended because his (Mordaunt's)
servant has put sheep into his park. It has been done without
his privity and he will see it redressed.—Brumham, 12 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (108. 23.) |
|
Merchants trading the Levant to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 12. |
We have found you always our good lord
and patron, as we found your father, in whose time this trade of
ours began, who rejoiced much thereat, for that her Majesty was
invited thereunto by the Turk's letter first written her Majesty,
and was then accounted very honourable. Whereupon we had
a patent granted us for 7 years, and after its expiration another
for 12 years, when his Honour examined this trade, and because
he found it commodious for the commonwealth, we had the same
with more favours, which we enjoyed quietly 8 years. Then
upon denial to accept the emption of tin, our patent was made
void, because we were called Merchants of the Levant, and
should have been called Merchants trading the Levant; and
notwithstanding that her Majesty, by means of Mr. Carmarthen,
would have given the said trade to other merchants, yet on
our humble submission she accepted us into favour again,
we paying 4,000l. per annum for the trade. But thereupon the
Venetians, to afflict us, decreed that no "corrance" (currants)
or wines should be laden at the islands where they grow, but
should all be brought up to Venice, where we should not lade
them except we came thither with our ships two third parts
laden with commodities to be sold in Venice. This decree
caused us more loss than the payment of the impost. On our
complaint, the Lord Chief Justice and other Commissioners
carefully examined the trade, and found it very beneficial for
the kingdom, and worthy to be maintained: and he made a
project upon which the Attorney drew a patent, which remains
in the Attorney's hands. We understand the King has set an
impost and granted it out to farm for the "corrance," without
any regard of us, who these two years have been charged
with above 6,000l. to supply the Ambassador and Consuls'
charges on the other side; and as the trade has cost us many
thousand pounds, besides many of our sons and servants who
have spent their lives in the same: we beseech you that we may
be thought on as poor men that have always employed ourselves
in traffic, both for increase of the customs, and for the good
commodities by us brought here, when the realm had need
thereof by the falling out with Spain, and we have above 300
apprentices whose living depends on the same. Except his
Majesty have commiseration of us we shall be forced to leave
the trade, and so strangers shall frequent these parts with their
shipping, to the overthrow of the navy of England. Let us
wait upon you to inform you further herein.—12 Dec. 1604.
Signed: John Eldred; William Garway; Richard Staperr;
Thomas Cordell; Robert Sandy; Thomas Symonds; Robert
Offley; Nic. Leatt. 1 p. (189. 49.) |
|
Laurence Chaderton to Dr. Neyle. |
|
1604, Dec. 12. |
According to the tenure of our last conference,
we have begun to reduce our College to the statutes of the
University, and to the order of other Colleges, as you may
perceive by the testimony enclosed. I pray you signify the
same to our Chancellor. As we are desirous in all things to
keep a good conscience towards God, so are we most unwilling
to show the least disobedience to our superiors.—Emmanuel
College, 12 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (189. 51.) |
|
The Enclosure:— |
|
These are to testify that in Emanuel College as well myself
as the fellows and scholars thereof use the communion book
daily, and administer the sacrament kneeling accordingly;
and also use the surplice according to the statute of the University, and so have done since we were required by authority.
Laur. Chaderton.
½ p. (189. 50.) |
|
Noel de Caron to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 13. |
Reports his arrival here at "Suydt Lambeth."
Describes his passage against contrary winds. Wishes to see
Cranborne on business, and sends the letters which Mr. Winwood gave him.—Suydt Lambeth, 13 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. French. Endorsed: "Sir Noel Caron." 1 p.
(189. 52.) |
|
The Earl of Shrewsbury to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 14. |
I have lately received a letter from you.
Many thanks for bestowing so many lines of me. For those
letters and relics which you have laid up, with such other like
stuff, let the fellow that took so much pains in writing and sending them be still fool or knave, or both, we mean to trouble
ourselves with no further thought of him, unless he give us new
occasion. For my cousin's suit, I hope he had no intent to
bring it within a toleration of his religion; only he sought to
be freed from all pecuniary penalties which the laws might lay
upon him for his recusancy. I know that both by Mr. Serjeant
Alham and some other lawyers no way inclining to that religion,
he was informed he could not be secured in that behalf unless his
Majesty's grant might pass to himself and no other. Thus much
I understood before my coming from London, which grew upon
a warrant that his Majesty had then signed of the 20l. a month
to Sir William Anstrother. But I am sorry it has fallen out
so unluckily on all sides; for you without any cause at all are
calumnied, Sir William is not like to have half so much for this
grant to him as I at first promised him on my cousin's behalf
(who is not like to be a man of long life), my cousin will think
himself by this grant in worse case than any of his profession,
and myself, who meant him well, have done him a shrewd
turn by first propounding it. |
|
I am very glad you have so well ended the Act for the Union
I hope the Parliament will pass it with great facility. God be
thanked that the measles have dealt so favourably with my
Lady Arbella, and the rest of the fair ladies who were touched
with them. We had a mistress who would not have been
so careless of them as the Queen that now is, who neither herself
nor any of her royal jewels removed out of the house, which
seems the more strange to us, considering the state of body the
Queen has. God prosper her and that she carries with her, and
all those that were framed in that happy mould. Now for
my wife's part let her answer for herself as well as she can, if
she find any guiltiness in her own heart, which towards you
I am persuaded she never did, but let her and her "dunse"
make their own apologies themselves, as they may for me,
only I will leave her the rest of this paper, and pen and ink
enough, and myself will go a hunting, for my hounds stay for
me at the gates, and pray for all that love that noble exercise
of hunting, and pity some others, who by continual pouring
over papers will shortly I fear blear out their eyes, and by perpetual overtoiling their minds in affairs of greatest importance,
will I doubt quite overthrow their bodies; wherein if you find
not yourself guilty, ask my Lord Treasurer if he know any such.
Despise not Justice Shrewsbury, that sits at home close by a
good fire in a foul day, and hunts or hawks in fair weather, when
others with toiling out or racking up their spirits by too much
employing them without intermission may shorten their days
many years that otherwise nature would afford them. And
out of this compassion of you I will pray that God will continue
your health still beyond expectation, and ever keep you in all
things, as I desire him to keep me.—Sheffield Lodge, 14 Dec.
1604.
Holograph. |
|
At foot: The Countess of Shrewsbury to the same.—For
answer to your accusation touching the form, I utterly disdain
from it, but for the rest I will by your favour justify that the
minds of the parties in matters of this nature makes them either
honourable or base, and so clear I hold it on our side that I dare
leave it to your judgment, not to the censure of your will or
power, but to your justice; and then will you find how far you
have wronged two of your honest friends, and will I doubt not
confess that there is nothing can give us satisfaction unless you
repent and amend, and sin no more, on which condition I will
forget your scourging humour, and all your other faults committed against me and my pretty sweet friend, whom God bless
with all His good blessings to your greatest comfort. This day
my daughter of Pembroke sets towards London, who God willing
will be at your great marriage, which we all wish happiness to,
and ourselves at it, and doubt not of your like well wishing to
all ours; may not our best beloved daughter be left out of your
good favour.
Holograph. 2 pp. (108. 24.) |
|
Westminster Bill of Mortality. |
|
1604, Dec. 15. |
Certificate of deaths in the liberties of Westminster and the Duchy of Lancaster at Strand, week ending
15 December 1604. The total is 35 of which 27 of the plague.
½ p. (206. 12.) |
|
— Anderson. |
|
[1604?], Dec. 16. |
Papers, almost entirely destroyed by damp,
endorsed: "16 Dec. 1604 [?]. The mayor of Newcastle upon
Tyne. With the Examination of one Anderson, who confesseth
himself the servant of Toby Mathew." (213. 96.) |
|
Thomas White Sanders to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 19. |
He hopes that Cranborne is now satisfied
with respect to his project for making small moneys, as well for
the benefit of the King, as the relief of the poor; and prays him
to make report to the King upon his petition, so that he may
have answer.—19 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 25.) |
|
The Enclosure:— |
|
Proposals for coinage.—The subject now pays 2s. 6d. for
every pound weight coining, of which the King has but 1s. 8d.
The writer offers the King 4s. for every pound coined. Also to
make farthings of the purest silver sterling on certain conditions
detailed. He gives "reasons to prove against any small money
to be made of copper." Among them are the danger of counterfeiting, the abstraction of the silver currency by the Flemish
merchants, and the opportunity given to Scotsmen to move
the King that their base money may go current here, as well as
copper farthings.—Undated.
In Sanders's hand. 1 p. (108. 26.) |
|
Lord Audeley to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 20. |
Cranborne's answer to his suit is that the
King will give no land. Prays for land to the value of 100l.
in Ireland. "I have fought for it: I have lost my blade and
limbs, and have been oftentimes like also to lose my life."—
Clarkenwell, 20 Dec. 1604.
Petition. 1 p. (2409). |
|
Arthur Hall to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 20. |
Last summer with his Majesty's allowance
he arrested Sir John Zouch in execution, at his great charges.
The King commanded Zouch to be set at liberty upon Sir Oliver
Cromwell's bond for payment of the money at a certain day now
passed, and appointed the Lord Chancellor and Lord Kinloss
to examine matters, and reduce them to an end. Notwithstanding, nothing is performed by "Mr." Zouch. Order was
taken for a warrant to be made for the payment of the money
out of the Exchequer, which Hall understands Cranborne says
cannot be done before Christmas. He beseeches Cranborne
for justice sake, the King's word, and his most extreme afflictions,
that he may have the warrant for his money; although his ill
fortune, or conceived offences by some, may deem him not
worthy.—Fleet, 20. Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 27.) |
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Sir Robert Wingfeilde to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 21. |
Sends him a haggard falcon taken out of the
Queen's liberties of Spalding, whereof he is steward under
Cranborne. The fowler who took her says that if he may have
warrant from Wingfeilde to fowl within those liberties before
any other, he (Wingfeilde) should have the offer of the hawks.
Asks Cranborne for liberty to grant the warrant, which he will
use to do him service. Sends also as a dainty a tegg of his own,
kept about his house at Upton; for at Morhay he dare not
stir one, by reason of his Majesty's desire to have the game
spared. Is told by good woodmen that she is better than any
doe.—21 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (108. 28.) |
|
Nicolas Darcy to the Same. |
|
[1604], Dec. 21. |
Speaks of his twenty years' service to her
Majesty, describes his present distressed estate, and begs
Cranborne's favour for the dispatch of his suit to the King, for
the grant of which he has offered the King 500l.—Strand, 21
Dec.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604." 1 p. (189. 53.) |
|
Sir H. Maynard to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 23. |
Has received of Sir Robert Wrouthe 50l.
by way of loan to the King, to which sum it was Cranborne's
pleasure he should be abated, his former privy seal having been
for the loan of 100l.—Eston Lodge, 23 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (108. 142.) |
|
The Bishop of Norwich to the Council. |
|
1604, Dec. 23. |
After receiving their direction about the
service of privy seals for the clergy of his diocese, there came
other direction to Sir Robert Gardner for Suffolk, and to Sir
Charles Cornwallis for Norfolk, together with privy seals endorsed
to several clergymen of both counties. As they levied the
loans accordingly, he forbore to send certificate, supposing
the employment had been diverted to them. Craves pardon for
his ignorance, and sends certificate of the most able clergy of
the diocese.—Norwich, 23 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (189. 54.) |
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Francis Gofton to the Earl of Suffolk and Viscount
Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 25. |
I enclose a note of such jewels of the Tower
as have been by the King delivered to the Queen. I was according to your commandment with Mr. Attorney, and delivered
him the abstract of the rich jewels, whose opinion is they shall
pass in a book alone, and not with the entail of lands; and
therefore he desires your certain resolution, with the perfect
description of the jewels and the numbers of stones, according
to the book at large. The brief note I have left with him. I
put you in remembrance of a crown of gold for the Queen remaining in Sir Edward Cary's charge, the weight thereof being
53 oz., with the gold plate in his charge likewise, which I have
in keeping under his hand.—25 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. Endorsed: "Auditor Gofton." 1 p. (108.
101.) |
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Lord Chief Justice Popham to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 25. |
Yesternight I lighted upon this enclosed,
whereof there are many hundreds lately brought over. If ever
any such supplication was made to his Majesty I think you cannot
be ignorant thereof. In the end is printed also a letter pretended
to be sent by the priests banished to the Lords in September
last. If any such were sent I assure myself it could not but come
to your hands. If not, you may thereby discern of their humour,
and how thankless they were of that favour; and how far
forth it shall fit to look to the dispersing of these abroad in the
realm you can well discern.—Charterhouse, 25 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (189. 55.) |
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The Bishop of Durham to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 28. |
According to the Council's directions of the
17th inst. he encloses a schedule of knights, esquires and gentlemen who are of ability to make loan for his Majesty's service
of the sums of money specified.—Duresme House, 28 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (108. 141.) |
|
Sir James Mervin to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 28. |
Expresses his acknowledgments for Cranborne's favours, and wishes him many good New Years and
happy days. Sends by bearer an unworthy token for his
acceptance.—Avebury, 28 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (108. 143.) |
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The Earl of Shrewsbury to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 28. |
You had not been troubled with this packet,
had it not been for the speedier conveyance of these enclosed,
and I have never yet in my life sent a post packet under any
other cover than yours, seeing you give me that freedom,
although it is somewhat beyond good manner to move you at
any time to convey my letters to other folks. I take my leave
with this only New Year's gift of prayers by my wife and me, that
God will grant this next year as prosperous to you and yours as
your own heart can desire.—At Sheffield Lodge (where we have
no other music this Christmas than the waits of the next town
besides a taber and a whistle), this Friday, 28 December 1604.
Holograph. 1 p. (109. 34.) |
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Westminster Bill of Mortality. |
|
1604, Dec. 28. |
The certificate of such as died and are buried
within the liberties of Westminster and the Duchy in the
Strand in one week last ending 28 Dec. 1604. |
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In St. Margaret's parish buried of the plague out
of Long Ditch |
ij. |
|
Of other diseases there |
v. |
|
In St. Martin's the Fields |
ij. |
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In the Savoy |
j. |
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In St. Clement's parish |
iiij. |
|
Total |
xiiij. |
|
Whereof the plague |
ij.
Signed:—Ra. Dobbinsonn. 1 p. (109. 73.) |
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The Earl of Dorset to Viscount Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 29. |
I am informed that his Majesty has been long
importuned at the suit of a Scottish gentleman, for whom Sir
Thomas Lake is mediator, to grant the office of my Remembrancer in the Chequer; and that this is done underhand for the
behoof of Mr. Osborn, who has found out a trick in law to entitle
the King thereto. I desire, if it come to the signet, you will
stay it till I may show the King my title to give it, and then
to leave it to him.—29 Dec. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (189. 56.) |
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Sir Francis Stonor to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 30. |
I have presumed to present you with this
little country provision, not so much in token of this New Year
(which I wish may prove most happy and prosperous), as in
testimony of my devoted affection.—Stonor, 30 Dec. 1604. |
|
PS.—A leash of pheasants. Ten partridges. A dozen of
other fowl.
Holograph. 1 p. (109. 53.) |
|
Lord Grey of Groby to the Same. |
|
1604, Dec. 30. |
Is informed of the death of the Earl of Huntingdon, who was Lieutenant of this county of Leicester, Custos
Rotulorum of the same, Lieutenant of the Forest of Leicester,
and General Receiver of the Duchy of Lancaster within this
shire. Begs his favour to obtain the above offices. Since the
King gave him some advancement in honour, he has been no
craver, nor received any benefit, but has been put from his office
on Court to his hindrance of 200l. by the year.—30 Dec. 1604.
Signed. 1 p. (189. 57.) |
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Sir Edward Coke, Attorney General, to Viscount
Cranborne. |
|
1604, Dec. 31. |
I know the resolution of the judges to be so
well grounded as I will do my uttermost endeavour to observe
every jot of it. This suit of Sir William Anstruther is, as I
take it, against that reverend resolution, for he sues to have the
benefit of Mr. Talbot's recusancy; and it is much better to
grant the petitioner a pension to as great a value as the forfeiture than to grant this forfeiture; for break a circle in the
least and it loses its essence.—Ultimo Dec. 1604.
Holograph. ½ p. (189. 58.) |
|
[The Council] to the King. |
|
[1604 Dec.] |
We have received your Majesty's letter of yesterday this morning at 9 o'clock, whereof the beginning worketh so
great grief to our minds (because it expresseth the trouble of
yours), as we shall find a thorn at our hearts until this letter be
in your hands. In the rest of your letter concerning the masque,
we observe what was your own intention; secondly what now
you wish could be done; lastly the true judgment you make of
your own estate and unwillingness to sign the warrant. In the
first we perceive your Majesty had no purpose to give cause of
any such charges at this time, but only wished some masque
might be thought on (at such a festival time) to prevent any
conceit of ominous presage. Wherein though we concur so
far, yet because we find, how justly you judge of those that wish
your estate to be more safe by stay of expense, than it is in respect
of your great necessities, we are bold to let your Majesty know
how many Christmases pass without any such note; dancing,
comedies, plays, and other sports having been thought sufficient
marks of mirth, except some great strange prince or extraordinary marriages fell in that time. Secondly, where your
Majesty conceiveth the Queen might have been in a masque,
that should have had some fine ballets or dances, we are bold
to say it were the ready way to change the mirth of Christmas,
to offer any conditions where her Majesty's person is an
actor; whereby we need say little because you know more than
we of her Majesty's princely disposition, though we discern that
we should make but an ill conclusion of such distinctions.
And where your Majesty speaks that the Queen may bear her
own charges if not the ladies', or else that commandment should
be given to noblemen and gentlemen to make some jousts or
barriers, we will be bold to say that the expenses of the Queen's
person is the least part of the matter; and for particular expenses to be imposed upon others, your Majesty shall find two
things—one that seeing there are not many able to undergo
those charges, which are incident to the very halcyon days of
March, you may not expect to find many willing to undergo
extraordinary charge often, which in former times hath been
but seldom imposed upon them; the rather that many of those
that did perform them then have made that a reason of that
poverty wherein you found them, so it is much better when you
will have the Queen in these exercises, to resolve beforehand
that the expense must be your own; for as she will think it a
scorn to draw such as are fit to attend her Majesty and suffer
them to be at charges, so you must be assured in barriers there
be few disposed for such exercises, that will not think every 100l.
of theirs should deserve for a just ground for a suit of so many
thousands. All which considered, we beseech your Majesty,
that things may be so carried, that you fall not upon one rock
when you would shun another. For although we must confess
that some expenses, even in the government of richest princes,
receive not at all times the same interpretation, yet the change
of this matter now for the saving of 4000l. would be more
pernicious than the expense of ten times the value; for when
ambassadors of foreign princes shall understand that either
king or queen would have a masque (if they had 4000l.), the
judgment that will follow will be neither safe nor honourable.
And therefore, seeing we may gather such continual comfort
(by the too severe discipline which you are apt to use upon
your personal desire), that you will well distinguish who they
are, and what is their intention that shall go about by information to possess your ears, that kings cannot be served with love
or counted grateful because your Majesty seeks to redeem your
own estate from lack and your credit from discredit. We
beseech your Majesty not to take it in ill part that we have
presumed to suspend the knowledge of your mind for alteration
by showing your letter written to ourselves, or by delivering this
which we return to you again, whereby we may cross our own
counsels, if the contents be like to the letter we have received;
who intend to make provision of all things necessary, and think
it standeth with our duties to offer this our humble advice.—
Undated.
Draft corrected by Cranborne. 4 pp. (109. 89.) |
|
Viscount Cranborne to the University of Cambridge. |
|
1604, Dec. |
How necessary it is that a good conformity be
observed in all the members of the University with the avoiding
of distraction in opinion and diversity in practice especially in
matters of religion, no man of upright judgment but will acknowledge; neither can you be ignorant how carefully his Majesty
hath himself endeavoured in a most learned and religious
conference to clear the liturgy of our church from the unjust
imputation of popish superstition, and to yield satisfaction to
the lawful use, conveniency, nature, antiquity and good construction of such things in the Book of Common Prayer as by
some unquiet spirits have been peevishly carped at, to the great
scandal of the religion professed; and hath published his
justification thereof with resolution to maintain the former
constitutions (so long continued in this church), not permitting
innovation but requiring all men's conformity to things established. Nevertheless, having well considered how small benefit
will accrue to the church of England by all his princely endeavour
if either the dregs of popery or intemperate humours of men
that cannot submit to any order (with which their own inventions concur not) shall still remain to corrupt that famous
nursery of learning, whence (as from a clear fountain) should
daily spring the sweet streams of peace and godliness, and having
always conceived that there can be no greater enemy to all good
order than the liberty in the education of young gentlemen and
scholars without a due observation of the statutes of the
University or of the public constitution of the church for conformity; I have resolved (not only out of my particular care
to prevent all sinister interpretation that our noble society
should give any other than the best example to all good orders
but also in discharge of the duty of that place which I hold
among you), most earnestly to require you upon the receipt
of my letters presently to assemble yourselves and take a
diligent survey of ordering of every the colleges and halls in the
University in Divinis Officiis according to the Statutes of the
University, the constitutions of the Church and the orders
prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer; and withal to take
present order for the repressing of all liberty heretofore permitted in publishing or doing anything to the contrary, certifying
me of the delinquents except they assure you of present reformation. Wherein, as I have a great regard on the one side to have
the University truly cleared of all abuses and justifiable in all
her courses; so on the other side my care is so tender over all
the privileges of the University as I do desire you advisedly
(and yet with expedition) to inform me how the state of the
University standeth for ecclesiastical jurisdiction, how far forth
the same resteth in me, and by what charters or other good
proofs the same may be avowed, that I may both know what
power is in ourselves to reform the abuses or to remove the
unconformable, especially in case (which I hope shall not) there
should any of your own rank be found refractory; and also
may be furnished with good reasons to maintain the power in
ourselves to perform this good work, if any go about to interpose
any jurisdiction derogatory from the ancient charters we
have; for defence whereof (so it be not to protect disorder)
I will be as ready to join with you in all honest courses
as you shall be to have me. I may not also omit to remember
you to be very vigilant against private conventicles upon any
pretence had in the University, neither that any sermons be
suffered to be preached by unconformable men or at unseasonable times, contrary to the ancient orders of the University,
either on Sundays or Holy Days in the time of ordinary prayers
in colleges; or in the week days in the time of lectures or other
exercises. And for the better reducing of men to conformity
and avoiding of further inconveniences in the University, I hold
it necessary that the Statutes of every college be put in execution;
that every one (holding his place in his college as a minister)
do exhibit his letters of Orders to the Master of the said College
and in his absence to the President, Vice Master, or Vice Provost;
and everyone obtaining a preachership in his college shall exhibit
his faculty for preaching either from the University or some
bishop. And in my opinion it should be a testimony of good
conformity in the University to put that in practice with you
which his Majesty (under his hand) hath commanded for his
Court, that no man shall preach in St. Mary's Church except
he first subscribe to the three articles in presence of some public
officer of the University. These things I commit to your care
expecting that execution which is the life of all good constitutions. Wherein I also require the diligence of every Vice-Master,
President or Vice-provost in the absence of the Master or
Provost.—From the Court at Whitehall this — of December,
1604.
Endorsed by Cranborne: "Copy of my letter to the University." 2½ pp. (136. 199.) |
|
Subjects within the Diocese of St. Asaph to the King. |
|
[1604, ? Dec.] |
Pray that Richard Parry, Dean of Bangor,
may succeed the late Bishop.
Signed by T. Mostyn and 20 others. 1 p. (141. 359.) |
|
Viscount Cranborne to Sir Roger Aston. |
|
1604, Dec. |
This afternoon my Lord Chamberlain, Earl of
Northampton, some other Lords, and myself were with the Duke
of Holst in his chamber, only to present our service, who used us
very courteously. From whom we were no sooner returned
to our lodgings but we understood that as he went up to the
Queen, attended by divers gentlemen as the fashion is, (Sir
Thomas Somerset and the Master of Orkney being in the company), as they entered in at the door of the privy chamber,
being thrust one upon another by the press, conceived each of
them that the other had thrust, and strived to go in before.
Whereupon one looking big upon the other, after they were
in the privy chamber, they fell to multiplying of words so far
as the lie passed from Mr. (sic) Somerset to the Master of Orkney;
who made a patient but scornful reply, as he had cause, went
out of doors one way, and Sir Thomas Somerset another.
Whereupon three or four of the Council together in my Lord
Chamberlain's chamber, the Lord Sidney brought us word and we
sent two yeomen of the guard to bring them before us, intending
to know all the circumstances and so to proceed, being such a
contempt in the Queen's privy chamber which became not
us to endure. In the meanwhile Sir Thomas Somerset and Sir
John Ramsey were gone into the Ballowne Court to play,
whither the Master of Orkney following with Mungay Murray
and two or three others, all going to play, as they were wont,
the Master of Orkney came to Mr. Somerset and gave him a
blow with his fist, to which he returned another. Whereupon
each drawing their swords, the gentlemen parted them without
suffering them to fight. By this time, a day after the fair, those
of the Guard whom we sent for them had found them, brought
them before my Lord Chamberlain, Earl of Devonshire, Lord
Knollys, Lord Wootton, and myself. Whereupon ripping up
the cause, we found it merely to rise ex re nata and by this
mistaking, that Mr. Somerset conceived the Master of Orkney
had thrust him, and when he asked him what he meant by it
he should reply, Yes, I know you, and myself to be a better
man than you. Whereupon that foul word was given. Where[as] the Master of Orkney affirms that he said only that he was
as good a man as himself. Being desirous first to prevent
these offences by such punishment as was convenient, especially
for this time; and next to compound the matter as far as we
could, we made each of them sensible of the weight of their
offence, the one for presuming to give so foul a word to a gentleman of his blood and quality, to the other his great danger by
the laws of the realm to give a blow within the compass of the
King's house. The first confessed his fault, but protested upon
his salvation that he was thrust as if it had been of purpose,
which moved him to passion. The other affirmed his disgrace
to be such as he could not put it up without a revenge, which he
thought to take at his first opportunity, though therein he was
sorry to have incurred so great a peril in respect of the place,
which he did not conceive to be within the limits of the Court,
though indeed it is directly so, and blows there grievously
punished by solemn decrees against as great subjects as any
in England in the Queen's time. Nevertheless because his
Majesty may ever be sure that we will never be found other than
very precise, as well to preserve the ancient privileges of the
Court, as to distribute things with all equality, or if in any
inequality the rather to favour the gentleman of that country;
we have sent Mr. Somerset to the Fleet, and have only commanded the other to tarry in his house till we give further
order. All which our proceedings being truly advertised, by
my Lords' direction to me to do it, I pray you let his Majesty
be acquainted, and certify us what he approves, and in what
manner we shall carry it; the rather because her Majesty takes
it a fault punishable only by her own pleasure now, wherein she
interprets our proceedings to be unequal, because one is a
prisoner public and the other but at his lodging: whom notwithstanding her Majesty sending this evening to have him
delivered, being the Master of her Horse, we are bold to detain
with humble answers, with which she will remain satisfied I
assure myself. Always Sir Roger, this is our second end, both
of them being of noble blood and well friended, so to use it
as to make the first author still appear the more faulty by our
punishment; and next to make each think themselves to
stand upon so equal ground, especially now that he which
gave the lie secretly received the blow publicly, as we may make
them friends, it being pity that it should be otherwise where
there is such noble blood and courage in both. Beseech his
Majesty to take no notice of her Majesty's interposition, except
herself should send unto him, for we will carry all things so
with her Majesty as she shall still find no cause to be offended.—
Court at Whitehall, Dec. 1604.
Draft in hand of Cranborne's secretary. 2¼ pp. (189. 97.) |
