Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.
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'Cecil Papers: March 1589', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589, (London, 1889) pp. 394-402. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol3/pp394-402 [accessed 26 April 2024]
March 1589
| 821. P. Tournet to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 1. | Has been at sea since last writing. Narrates his encounter with three ships of Dunkirk having the spread eagle in their flags, and his capture of a small bark with cargo of oil and white soap, part of which he gave to Captain Winter of the “Antelope,” &c.—From the Isle of Wight, the 1st day of March 1588. |
| 1 p. | |
| 822. Robert Carvyle to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 1. | Announcing the committal of the Earl of Huntly to Edinburgh Castle, and great stir and hurley-burley thereupon.— Berwick, the 1st of March 1588. |
| ½ p. | |
| 823. M. Tremblecourt to Count Charles, Palatine of the Rhine. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 3. | Informing him of a rumour he has heard that he was forming an army to levy war, and asking what he has in his mind. If he declares himself the writer's enemy, it can only be to declare himself the enemy of the Catholic King, &c. |
| Copy. French. | |
| 1½ pp. | |
| 824. Salt Patent, &c. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 1 and 3. | Copies of letters from the Mayor and others of the town of King's Lynn [Mar. 1] and from Sir John Peyton [Mar. 3] against the patent for salt granted to John Smythe; and also against a commission restraining the shipping of beans and pease. In Peyton's letter the objections are thus set out :— |
| 1. That the price of salt is ordinarily doubled. | |
| 2. That the town of Lynn which, before the commission, was always furnished with a whole year's provision for 10 shires, has not since, at any time, been provided to serve them four months. | |
| 3. Touching beans, the husbandman cannot sell the fruit of his labours, but at such days and prices as those that have the use of the patent please to give them. | |
| 4. The merchants and traders, by whom shipping and mariners were maintained, are not able to continue their trades, for the wonted profit of their travail is now transferred to private persons. | |
| 2 pp. | |
| 825. E. Johnstone to A. Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 3/13. | Has used all possible means in Paris to get news of Mr. Barnes, who is not there, but in Brussells in the Prince of Parma's Court. His master has been stayed at Rouen by letters received, from whom the writer knows not, &c.—From Dieppe, the 13th day of March in this reckoning 1589. |
| 1¼ pp. | |
| 826. List of Barons, jure uxorum. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 6. | Burgavenxy. (Sir Edward Nevyle, in right of Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Richard Beauchampe, Earl of Worcester and Lord Burgavenny.) |
| Furnivall. (Sir Thomas Nevile, in right of Joan, daughter and heir of William Lord Furnivall.) | |
| Fawconbridge. (Sir William Nevile, in right of Joan, daughter and heir of Thomas Lord Fawconbridge.) | |
| Cobham. (Sir Thomas Brooke, in right of Joan, daughter and heir of Sir Reginald Braybrooke, [ ] of Joan de la Poole, daughter and heir of John, Lord Cobham.) | |
| Cobham. (Sir John Oldcastle, in right of the said Joan de la Poole.) | |
| Morley. (William Lovell, in right of Eleanor, daughter and heir of John, Lord Morley.) | |
| Welles and Willoughby. (Sir Richard Hastings, in right of Joan, sister and heir of Robert, Lord Welles and Willoughby.) | |
| Bonvyle and Harrington. (Thomas Gray, in right of Cicely, daughter and heir of William Lord Bonvyle and Harrington.) | |
| Scales. (Anthony Wodvile, in right of Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Thomas Lord Scales.) | |
| Dacres. (Richard Fynes, in right of Joan, daughter and heir of Sir Thomas Dacres, eldest son of Thomas Lord Dacres of Gyllesland.) | |
| Strange. (George Stanley, in right of Joan, daughter and heir of John Lord Strange of Knockinge.) | |
| Barnes. (Sir John Bourchier, in right of Margery, daughter and heir of Sir Richard Barnes, Lord Barnes.) | |
| Kydwelley. (Sir Patrick Chaworth, in right of Hawis, daughter and heir of Thomas de Londres, baron of Kidwelley.) | |
| Ferris. (Sir Walter Devereux, in right of Anne, daughter and heir of William Lord Ferris, of Chartley.) | |
| Beverston. (Sir John ap Adam, in right of Elizabeth, daughter and heir of John Gownsam, Baron Beverston.) | |
| Wenne. (Ralph Butler, in right of Maud, daughter and heir of William Pantolphe, Baron of Wenne.) | |
| South Tindall. (Nicolas of Boltbye, in right of Philippa, daughter and heir of Adam of Tyndall, Baron of South Tyndall.) | |
| Folkestone. (Sir John Segrave, in right of his wife Juliana, daughter and heir of John of Sandwich, Baron of Folkestone.) | |
| Mulgrave. (Robert of Thurneham, in right of Joan, daughter and heir of William Fossard, Baron of Mulgrave.) | |
| Ewas-Harold. (Sir Robert Tregoze, in right of Sybyll, daughter and heir of Robert Ewas, Baron of Ewas-Harold.) | |
| Endorsed by Burghley :—“20 barons of Parliment that have atteyned ther barronyes by ther wyves.” | |
| 1½ pp. | |
| 827. P. Tournet to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 9. | Advises him of the despatch of some wares to London by Alexander Dangalstoun, to whom he has given 40l. for his Lordship, &c.—From Fawersen, the 9th of March 1588. |
| ½ p. | |
| 828. Henry, Lord Sinclair, to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, March 9. | My son coming to Lundy [London], I thought good to 'vissie' you with this letter. I find great fault when you come in this country that you advertise me not. I write this for no fair words to you nor for no commodity, but for your good-will shewed to me in my aunt's time. I was a great friend of my aunt, some time your wife. I refer the rest to my son, whom, I doubt not, you will assist.—Revinscraig, 9 March 1588. |
| Signed :“Henry Lord Synclar.” | |
| ½ p. | |
| 829. Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 12. | Commending the bearer, George Snelum, as an honest young man having occasion, for his lawful business in trade of merchandise, to repair to London.—Edinburgh, 12 March 1588. |
| ¾ p. | |
| 830. G. S. to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9. (fn. 1) Mar. 13. | The last letters that I directed to you from Blois, written the 21 of February, were taken—coming to you in my lord ambassador's packet of England—by them of the League, and had to Paris. Upon the 26 of February, the King sent Mons. de Larschant, one of the four captains of his guard, to Amboise, and upon the 27 of February delivered to Captais Gais 6,000 crowns of the sun to deliver out the Cardinal of Bourbon, Mons. de Guise, and Mons. d'Elbæuf, the which I was present at the delivery of the 6,000 crowns, and we received these three aforesaid persons, and brought them to Blois again. Upon the 3rd of March, the King came out of Blois to a town called “Monte Rychart.” That same day the King “delogit” out of Blois at six in the morning. Sagon, brother to Labourdesire, with 10 cornets of horsemen and 500 “hargolers,” came to a village called Maroilles, a league from Blois, and, when our company was “delogand” in the morning, took 32 horses of ours and 7 gentlemen prisoners there, ten of our company, William Grey, son to Lord Grey, Captain Thomas Bog, William Lauder, son to Captain Lauder, Andrew Tyry, John Archibald, Andrew Auchtmowty, John Hamilton. But John Hamilton escaped from his taker. Of ours there are five kept prisoners as yet by this “Sagon,” one of the League. “I tynt” a horse I was bid for 160 crowns of the sun for him. This we have got by the League. The 6th of March the King arrived here in Tours, and is to remain until his army be dressed. It is very hard with the King at this present. The most part of all his towns in France revolt against him; and them of the League take up his whole “deveiris,” so he has not a “sotoss” to do his turns withal; and he is owing to us of his guard a year's wages, and we cannot have moyen to scantly get our dinner, so I count the King's in a “petoir” estate presently. It is supposed that the King will be 40,000 men before Midsummer, if he had silver to pay his army, but he has none. The King is sending to siege Le Mans that Boisdauphin has taken for the League, within 10 leagues of this town. Marshal Daumont and Bellegarde, with the most part of the forces that the King has here beside him, is going to siege this [Le] Mans. Of late Bourges and Lyons are revolted against the King, and Mons de la “Schatler” [Châtelet] has taken the King's whole receipt of silver of Bourges. Mons. Dennis Morris is in Lyons, because he was Governor of it before Mons. de Guise was slain; and because Lyons is revolted, the King has put the deputies that were here for Lyons in prison. Mons. Dennevers [de Nevers], that was lieutenant for the King against the King of Navarre in Poitou, has taken his good night at the King, and it is supposed he will to them of the League. There are here with the King very few of his nobility, of princes the Cardinal of Vendosme, the Prince of Conti, the Count of Soissons, the Duke of Montpensier, and Prince Dauphin's son and the Grand Prior, King Charles's son, Mons. de Keyons, Mons. de Bowoy [Beauvois], Admiral, Mons. de la Guise, Great Master of the Ordnance, Mons. Danpier, one of the marshals of the King's camp, and Schomberg, almain, Mons. de Ranboulzeit and his brother “Myntenew” and Mons. Dow, with the four captains of the King's guard. These are the whole that are in this Court at present. When the King came to Tours, the King of Navarre was in I'Isle Bouchart, but 6 leagues from this town, but the King of Navarre is turned back to “Schattellarow” [Chastelherault]. If I could get the commodity of bearers, you should have word every fourteen days of such news as comes to our knowledge.—From “towris In tewren” [Tours in Touraine], 13 March 1589. |
| [Postscript.]—The Cardinal of Bourbon, Mons. de Guise, Marquis d'Elbœuf, these three are in Labourdesire, within 3 leagues of this town. Alexander Borthik [Borthwick] and Thomas Wardlaw, James Ghreme [Graham] and Arthur Fullerton, keep the Cardinal of Bourbon. | |
| 3 pp. | |
| 831. The Laird of Halyards to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 14. | Begs his good advice & assistance to be given to the bearer, Thomas Hutcheson, merchant, burgess of Edinbugh.— Edinburgh, 13 March 1588. |
| 1 p. | |
| 832. John Mountgomery to John Mountgomery. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 15. | Describes his voyage from Lyons to Edinburgh, which he finds “so full of quarrels and fightings that he is best at ease that is furthest from there.” His master is in very great credit with the King and noblemen there. All things but meat terrible dear, and that, God knows, full sourly dressed.—This 15th of March 1588. |
| 2 pp. | |
| 833. James VI. to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 16. | Requesting him to further the bearer, James Rannold of Edinburgh, in his suit for redress of losses sustained by him, his brothers,[and one Baxter, from English pirates, and specially to deal with Walsingham in their behalf.—Holyrood House, 16 March 1588. |
| ½ p. | |
| 834. Sir James Melville to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 19. | Thanks him for his present of virginals for his daughter, which will be welcome when they arrive. Offers his service for the sake of old friendship.—From Edinburgh, the 19th of March 1588. |
| ½ p. | |
| 835. William Douglas to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 19. | Accredits the bearer, whom he will find as honest as himself, etc.—At Whittingham, the 19th of March 1588. |
| ½ p. | |
| 836. T. Fowler to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 19. | You have now so many friends and acquaintance come to you, that I need not write much, only I must salute you with some lines. I trust I be a widdower, for if I had a wife I should hear from her sometimes, but I hear of none. I expected great matters when my man came, but his mouth is stopt. I find in your last letter that you had not sent none of the women of the “spittell” 20 days before, which I marvel of. I doubt they be fallen out with you, too, or have used you unkindly. You shall hear from me at large in Mr. Richard's [Douglas] absence.—Edinburgh, 19 March 1588. |
| 837. John Luiffe to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 20. | Complaining that his servant John Thompson, clerk of his ship the Christopher, has not received performance of the promise made him by Archibald Douglas touching its victualling, and that he has been constrained to borrow money upon the bank. —Off Leith, the 20th of March 1588. |
| 2 pp. | |
| 838. Lord John Hamilton to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 20. | By your nephew, Mr. Richard, and by Master John Colville, I have “familiarly” burdened you with the furnishing of certain plate and stuff, wherein you shall be no loser, for your assignations and days of payment shall be faithfully kept, &c. See that all . . . . . . . . . . . of sufficient stuff and reasonable prices, and that he be not troubled nor molested by searchers and customers by the way, &c.—From Edinburgh, the 20th of March 1588. |
| 1 p. | |
| 839. John Atkinson and Robert Abercromby, burgesses of Edinburgh, to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 20. | Reminding him of his instructions to travail in the matter of the pirated goods, “spoilzeit” by English pirates from Scottish merchants. The laird of Wemyss is now directed by his Majesty with certain instructions to the Queen and Council of England, and therefore pray his co-operation with Wemyss in the matter of the piracies.— Edinburgh, 20 March 1588. |
| 1 p. | |
| 840. — to [Sir Francis Walsingham]. | |
| 1588/9, (fn. 2) March 20. | Ho recevuto vostra del 13 di Genaio insieme col duplicato di quella per laquale veggo l'affettione che V. S. porta a sua Mata, e' l bene di questa corona esser' molto ferma e cost ante. Ma' truovo che la mutatione avvenuta in Francia per la morte.dell' ultimo Ré ha partorito una grandissima alteratione nelle difference fra il Re di Spagna e sua Mata, percioche non si puo far alcuna riconciliatione tra loro, se il Re di Francia non vi sia compreso, overo che sia, piu tosto coneilate generale pace fra tutte loro per la mediatione di alcuno Prencipe di autorita e giuditio, sicome vi scrissi nell' ultima mia dell 8o di Decembre laquale spero che le sia stata fedelmente consegnata. In quella lettera ho dichiarato a V. S. ch' al mio parere il gran Duca sarebbe il piu proprio mezzo per maneggiare questo recordo : mà poi truovando per lettere intercette (la copia dellequali le mando con la presente) che 'l Papa e 'l Ré di Spagna hanno conceputo qualche diffidenza di lui, e che son in tutto risolati di privar il Re di Francia di suo regno, con proposito di metter in un altro che sia loro piu a grado; non ocdo peradesso come questo tempo possa esser commodo per prosequire questa mediatioue. Puo' ben' essere che la vittoria che Dio ha concesso al detto Re di Francia et contro il Duca di Maina disporra gli animi del Re di Spagna et del Papa a prendere partito piu moderato, accioche cercando di stabiliro l'autorita della Chiesa Romana non ne segna la totale ruina di quella. Perche gli altri Prencipi Prutestanti de Europa accorgendosi che la Monarchia di Francia essendo spenta si cerea parimente la loro ruina, essendo il pretesto per causa della Rcligione, pensano di viursi col Re di Francia por la difesa e conservationé di suo Regno, e por opponersi a la grandezza del Re di Spagna, e a questo fine se sono gia impiegati in diverse parti d'Europa alcuni Ministri del Re di Francia e della Regina mia Signora. Ottre cio si 'stimer ch'il Papa essendo dal suo Legato veramente informato come la piu gran parte de i nobile Francesi sono risoluti di mantenere questo presente Re loro, e che derpiace loro infinitamente ch'il Re di Spagna, antico nemico di quella corona, s' intrometti in questo affare, e di piu verra che tutti gli altri Prencipi Protestanti di Europa si sono imbarcati per la difesa del Re di Francia, ch' egli e 'l Ré di Spagna possino esser indotti a riconoscere l'errore loro del bavere seguito questo violente corso nel quale sono intrati, e che saranna meglio disposti ad intendere a 'l consiglij piu moderati : il che avvenendo sara agenilmente aperta la strada al gran Duca di procedere in questa mediatione, laquale e desiderata da tutti buomini sanii cbi cercano la tranquillita e riposo generale di tutta l'Europa. Essendo avvertito da V. S. che gli humori siano disposti a questa via non mancbero (secondo suo consiglio) di procurare che V. S. sia mandata a queste parti per trattare con sua Mata e 'l Re di Francia dell accordo di tutte le controversie accadute fra loro e 'l Re di Spagna, percioche inguri ch' il Papa e detto Re di Spagna siano indotti a ramedersi dell errore nel quale fin a qui sono stati, sara affato inutile il cercare alcun mezzo d'accordo, ben che in questo non voglio essere troppo ostinato, auri saro presto sempre a seguire i vostri migliori consigli, e truovara V. S. che non sono tanti trasportato da passione, ch'io non voglia sempre sottomittere la mia opinione a la ragione.—Adj, 20 di Marco 1589. |
| Endorsed :“M. to F. 20 March 1589.” | |
| 2½ pp. | |
| Duplicate of the foregoing. | |
| 841. Richard Douglas to his Brother. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 22. | Brother, I received this other day a letter from you when I looked for yourself. I wrote to you at my coming from Edinburgh, but very shortly, fearing lest the bearer should have met you on the way. I am resolved from that doubt, and this, because I am in haste following His Majesty west. You must excuse if it be not written at length. All this last week his Majesty has been in the fields at his pastime, and continues this day. I was with him in Beill yesterday until night, and must follow to Edinburgh this day. I received very fair words and large promises towards my uncle, and am following only to await upon the performing thereof; and, if money could be found, I think I should be shortly upon my journey, but lack of that causes excuses, and principally, that first he would see some success either one way or other of Mr. David Foulis' negotiation. Whereof at the beginning he expected monts and marvels, but now scarcely mole-hills, which I would be glad should appear ere it were long. I trust about Easter to take journey to that country. My mother, by your stay in that country, cannot be resolved what course to take with herself. Your babes are in good health. For haste I cannot write to my brother James, but desire him to behave himself more discreetly to his uncle, that when he leaves him they may part on good terms.—Whittingham, March. |
| 1 p. | |
| 842. Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588/9, Mar. 24. | . . . . I understand our people in Denmark to have agreed even as of before, that is, the Earl Marshal and the Chancellor to have still been in variance; they are agreed in appearance, but nothing in effect. I am also certainly informed that the Justice Clerk and Chancellor are not in good terms, principally since this going to Denmark. You will understand that at his coming, and I think, considering that gentleman's credit with his Majesty, and his own declared [meaning] of things here, that he may very well cause it serve your turn. I will me haste the sooner to you for his cause, that I may help you in all I can, and shall bring with me all such matter as I think may any ways serve your turn. I [think] the people of Denmark are weary of us because of the charges they are at. The King's “toucher” [treasure] is not touched, but the Queen has lent him ten thousand dollars for doing of his necessary turns. It is thought it will be the latter end of May before the King can be at home. All other matter concerning my lord Bothwell I leave to my own coming, which I shall baste so soon as conveniently I may. |
| Imperfect; only the last sheet. | |
| ¾ p. | |
| 843. Gerard Comerford to the Lord Deputy of Ireland. | |
| 1589, Mar. 29. | The Burkes of Mayo, Sir Morrogh O'Flaherty, and the Joyes, having combined together, contended for the leading of their forces to annoy the Queen's good subjects, and have resolved that he that would commit the greatest offence against Her Highness should be the ringleader of the rest. To bring to pass that wicked enterprize, Sir Morrogh, with five or six hundred men, entered to the Com~ of Mayo to Keltyprichane, where himself with a very few stayed, and sent to the Com~ of Galway his eldest son, Teig O'Flaherty, and the rest of his forces, and gave him in charge to burn and prey as many of her Majesty's faithful subjects as they could light upon; whose commandment was duly accomplished. And after having burned 6 towns and taken 3,000 head of cattle, they came to Edward Bermingham's town, and burned the same. Captain Bingham and Captain Weekes, being then drawn towards that part of the country where I was, was thereof told by the said Mr. Bermingham. And after having marched 16 miles, they by good fortune lighted upon the rebels, and courageously set upon them, and gave them the overthrow, and had the killing of about seven score; amongst the rest Teig O'Flaherty, the ringleader of all, was slain. |
| After this happy victory, such as escaped the sword to the number of nine score joined together; and I, being in a castle two miles off, issued out, and having but six shot, seven footmen and four horsemen, had the killing of 24 of them. This happy success and good fortune of the soldiers discouraged many bad members proceeding in their unlawful attempt against so gracious a prince. Yet the Burkes are resolved to be as good as their word, and to attempt what they may to have the leading of Sir Morrogh and his forces, and presently to assemble all their forces, and work some bad action, &c. These people will never be obedient subjects until they be cut off. For daily they are making of galloglass axes and other weapons, and yet have they great store of shot and powder and munition of the Spaniards, and are rich by their means.—From Tirrowne [Tyrone], the 29th of March 1589. | |
| 1 p. | |
| 844. Salt Patent. | |
| 1589, Mar. | Details of an agreement between the knights and burgesses of Yorkshire and Norfolk of the one part, and Thomas Wilkes, one of the clerks of the Queen's Privy Council, of the other part, concerning a patent for the making or bringing in of white salt into the ports of Hull, Boston and Lynn. |
| Endorsed :“Martii., 1588.” | |
| 3¼ pp. | |