Cecil Papers: March 1595, 16-31

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 5, 1594-1595. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

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'Cecil Papers: March 1595, 16-31', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 5, 1594-1595, (London, 1894) pp. 145-161. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol5/pp145-161 [accessed 30 April 2024]

March 1595, 16–31

Thomas Williamson to Edmund Williamson.
1594/5, March 16. I received a letter from you, wherein you signified unto me that your brother N. was at Milbecke, with my cousin Thomas Williamson, and that Mr. H. Ley had obtained his fine and imprisonment. Yesterday, Mr. Boulton sent one to me of purpose signifying to your mother and me that he was at his house, and that three of my lord of Huntingdon's gentlemen conveyed him to London as prisoner, alleging other matter than doth concern Sir Thomas Stanhope's matter. If his coming up be any means to stay your coming to Tusmore, send me word how the matter stands, and what moved him to come into the North, and how my brother Antony doth, and God send us better comfort. Your mother would have you bring her down some good radish seed.—16 March, 1594.
P.S.—I would understand what George hath want of, that I may supply the same as soon as I can.
Addressed : “To his son Edmond Williamson at his house in Phillippe Lane, or in his absence to George Williamson.”
Holograph. 1 p. (170. 123.)
Katherine Burges to Lord [Burghley ?]
1594/5, March 16. For the rating of particulars to a small value, granted to her late husband.
Endorsed :—“16 March, 1594.”
1 p. (1012.)
Sir Francis Vere to the Earl of Essex.
[1594/5,] March 17. Highly recommending Capt. Constable, repairing into England for the reinforcing of his company.—Hague, 17 March.
Endorsed :—“1594.”
Signed. 1 p. (25. 87.)
M. Beauvoir la Nocle to the Earl of Essex.
1594/5, March 17/27. Ceste cy ne sera, non plus que les deux precedentes, pour vous troubler d'un long discours, n'en ayant digne subject, sinonque vous veuillies que je vous entretienne des nouvelles de la grande Rue de Dieppe, que je mets au mesme ordre que celles de vostre bourse de Londres. Je croy que à Rouen, ou je trouveray M. le Commandeur et M. de Feugray, l'un des ministres de ceste eglise, revenans tous deux et estans partis depuis huict jours de nostre Court de France, j'apprendray quelque chose de meritte. En attendant je vous supplie de croire qu'il n'y a aulcun esloignement ny distance de lieux qui me puisse faire oublier l'infiny des obligations dont vous m'avez comblé et accablé et par maniere de dire rendit du tout insoluable.—De Dieppe, ce xxvije Mars, stille nouveau, 1595.
Signed. Two seals. 1 p. (171. 118.)
Elizabeth Aughton.
1594/5, March 17. Petition of Elizabeth Aughton, widow of Thomas Aughton, eldest yecman of the Scalding House, to the Queen. In consideration of her husband's long service, and the poor estate of herself and children, prays that John Lampen, the Queen's ancient tenant of tithes in Lankenhorne, Cornwall, may have a lease in reversion of the same. Lampen will then relieve her.
Endorsed :—“March 17, 1594.”
Note by J. Herbert, dated Richmond, Jan. 2, 1595, that the Queen grants the petition.
1 p. (P. 42.)
Elizabeth Aston.
[1594/5, March 17.] Petition of Elizabeth Aston (sic) to the Lord High Treasurer. The Queen having granted her petition for John Lampen, prays him to rate the lease for 31 years, for 10l. fine.
Undated. 1 p. (P. 42a.)
Mr. Bodley to the Earl of Essex.
1594/5, March 18. In regard to his proceedings at the Hague and the negotiations on behalf of the Scottish King, whose design he assured himself he had dashed. Encloses another letter of this date from himself.—Hague, 18 March 1594.
Holograph. 1 p. [Printed in extenso, Murdin, p. 684.] (25. 88.)
The Enclosure referred to, relative to the negotiations of Col. Stuart on behalf of the K. of Scots, the surrender of Huy by Harawgieres, etc.—18 March 1594.
[Also printed in extenso in Murdin, p. 683.]
Holograph. 2½ pp. (25. 89.)
George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex.
1594/5, March 18. I wrote unto you of late of the recovery of Huy by the Spaniards, and the resolution of Harroguieres to hold and defend the Castle to the uttermost, having reasonably provided it for the time since. Other news is come, contrary to expectation, that the Castle is [has] followed, he having found, by the event, that a tower, which he took to be exceeding strong and not to be battered, was so subject to the cannon and weak, that La Mote, having on Sunday was s'ennight planted the battery so as the Monday following it began to play, the breach by noon was such as a horseman might mount and enter at ease, so that the defendants, seeing the Spaniards ready to come to the assault, came to a composition and surrendered the place, departing with bag and baggage, arms and ensigns, with sound of drum. But some hundred of the townsmen, whereof divers were gentlemen, that had retired to the Castle, with intent to take part with the others in the defence, are exempted of the agreement, and feared that the Bishop will deal hardly with them. The enemy was between 6 and 7,000, and there were some 3,000 Liegeois joined with them. At the making of the accord were La Mote and another for the King of Spain, and two for the Bishop of Liege, but whose men shall keep the place is not yet understood. Thus that town which the States meant to have used as a passage into Luxembourg to join with the Duke of Bouillon, is now like to serve the Spaniards' turn; and will be a hindrance to the said Duke his wars, whom M. Buzenvall would have the States to assist further, but I do not perceive these men so forward as in times past, seeing the King keepeth not touch in the aid the Duke was promised.—Hague, 18 March, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (170. 124.)
W. Waad to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594/5, March 19. I can by no means get more of Edmund Williamson than at the first, but vehement protestations of his innocency. He delivered me a letter which he received lately from his father, which I send to you. Of James Williamson there is great occasion of suspicion, for he confesseth he meant to have gone into the North with speed to Rich. Williamson upon the letter sent to him from Calais.—Wood Street, 19 March, 1594.
Signed. ½ p. (25. 98.)
Edmund Williamson to William Waad.
1594/5, March 19. I humbly beseech you to stand my good friend in procuring of my liberty, for this imprisonment will utterly undo me, and prevail nothing in doing any body any good, for I protest before God and as I hope to be saved, I can declare no more of any matters than I have already done to you. If I could, I protest I would do it with all my heart without imprisoning. I never in my life had conference with any whatsoever, concerning any matters that should be hurtful to my prince or country, nor a thought of any such matter. Whereas you proffer me friendship if I will deal plainly and let you know what I know concerning my brother, as I hope by Jesus Christ to be saved, I know no more of his mind than a stranger that never knew him, for I never have had any dealing with or for him, but only for matters of debt, which will almost undo me, if he should do otherwise than well, I am so far in bond for him.
Good Sir, help me out of this misery, for you have heard all that I can say. Good Mr. Wade, speedily let me find some help and comfort by your good means. If you would but think of my miserable estate, it is most lamentable that I should lie thus in close prison without any offence committed. Without some speedy compassion be had of me, by my loss of time my estate decayeth. . . . Thus, not doubting of your kind, gentlemanly and Christianly remembrance, herein I humbly take my leave from the Compter in Wood Street, 19 March, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (170. 125.)
Beer for the King of Scots.
1594/5, March 20. Warrant, addressed to the Lord Treasurer, authorising the export for the use of the King of Scots of “12 tonnes of beare” free of custom.—Westminster, 20 March. 37 Eliz.
Sign Manual. Signet. 1 p. (25. 99.)
Sir Richard Martyn and W. Waad to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594/5, March 20. As to sureties for Edmund Williamson, viz., Philip Wentworth, a gent. of Suffolk of 200l. a year, and William Broughton, a gent. of Furnivall's Inn.—Cheapside, 20 March, 1594.
Signed. ½ p. (25. 100.)
“Mr. Dr.” Julius Cæsar to Lord Charles Howard, Lord High Admiral.
1594/5, March 20. Requesting the parsonage of Kinkham, near Oxford, for his brother, “the preacher,” in case the present incumbent, Mr. D. James, is made a bishop or else Dean of Durham.—Doctor's Commons, 20 March, 1594.
Signed. 1 p. (25. 101)
Richard Cary to the Queen.
1594/5, March 20. Particulars of various evasions of subsidies, with remedies.
Note thereon by Sir R. Cecil that it is the Queen's pleasure that the Earl of Essex, the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Buckhurst, and himself should speak with the writer.
Endorsed.—“20 March, 1594.”
1 p. (141. 151.)
The Earl of Oxford to Lord Burghley.
[1594/5,] March 20. Upon your message unto me by your servant Hykes, I received no small comfort that, God putting into your heart to favour and assist me in my suits to Her Majesty, after a long travail and doubtful labour, I might obtain some end to my contentment. Wherefore, I most earnestly and heartily desire your lordship to have a feeling of mine unfortunate estate, which, although it be far unfit to endure delays, yet have consumed four or five years in a flattering hope of idle words. But now, having received this comfortable hope of furtherance and favour from your lordship, although Her Majesty be forgetful of herself, yet by such a good mean I do not doubt, if you list, I may receive some fruit of all my travail.
This last year past, I have been a suitor to Her Majesty that I might farm her “tynes,” giving 3,000l. a year more than she had made. If I had not done this, there were which thought to have had it for 1,000 marks a year. I persevered, and if I would have given it over to such, I might have been recompensed to my content. But for that I did not, a show hath been made to Her Majesty of 10,000l. of (sic) year, only determining thereby to keep Her Majesty from hearkening to my suit, and so to wear me out thereof; which, being compassed to bring it to their first point, or at the least to an easier rent, they demanded 30 or 40,000l. to be lent them for one year, which they thought Her Majesty would absolutely refuse, and so having colour to break off all, and myself forgotten, it might be, and as they thought most likely, Her Majesty would yield, and be brought to be contented with a small sum, or at the most with so much as I had offered. Thus I was to have beaten the bush, whilst others, holding the net, had taken the “bwyrd.” But, as I perceive, a rude copy of mine, altogether undigested, came to Her Majesty's hand, whereby she is not so discouraged as they have made their account. This copy, as I perceive, your lordship hath seen, yet I am sure, although you may discern some lights of reasonable matter, it is of so ill appearing, as it will rather incumber you than comfort you of any possibility.
Yet, understanding so much by your servant Hykes, I passed one other plot, which, for that the other stood all upon likelihoods and probabilities, might upon a more assured ground be built, if Her Majesty any “kind a way” can be persuaded to disburse forth her money. For whereas that for which was demanded 40 or 30,000l. stood altogether upon conjectures, this did only rely upon that which was certain, and what was by Her Majesty's informations of the year past certified in her rates how it might be made with a far smaller sum of money laid out, and so what difference is between doubt and certainty, between a great cost and lesser charge, that difference is apparent between that imperfect note and this I last sent your lordship. But if it be so that Her Majesty likes a way whereby she shall lay forth no money, and can be contented to have those revenues which already are made to be lifted up and increased to 10,000l. by year, then I have discovered such a one as, if your lordship like thereof, I will be glad to do Her Majesty service therein, and so to proceed as I shall be encouraged by you.
And this it is. Those merchants which first set me on work will give Her Majesty 4,000l. a year advancement of rent in her custom, if she will grant me the farm thereof, and to me a fifth part. They are to lay out in “stroke” 20,000l.; I, only bearing but the name of the suit, lay out never a penny, but have, as is said, a fifth part. This fifth part is assured me to be 2,000l. which, indeed, although I seem to receive at their hands, yet it shall run into Her Majesty's coffers. So that here is 6,000l. for Her Majesty without laying forth one penny, and I dare undertake presently to be performed. So that this 6,000l. added to the 3,283l. runneth but little of 10,000l., to make up which, if it shall please Her Majesty to grant my suit for the licence of transportation, I am to give her 500l. more, and will what I can strain myself to make it up full 10,000l., which is some 200l. or 300l. more.
Also for your lordship's furtherance of my suit concerning the licence for the transportation of tin and lead, according to the statute, which defendeth none to be carried out of the realm without licence, unless it be to Calais, &c., I will assure your lordship towards the help of my daughter's marriage, or otherwise, as it shall please your lordship to assign, to pay yearly where and to whom you shall appoint 500l., and if Her Majesty sees that the other ways are all intricate and troublesome, she might be assured of this last way to be presently performed, and that is without trouble to Her Majesty or laying out any money, to take this course last set down. And although the merchant is to be thought thereby to gain, yet it is to be considered the same, if money which he must lay out, the hazard of the times of war and peace whereto he must stand, the doubt whether the mines will contain their proportion or no, and what he doth gain Her Majesty shall always be able to look into by my fifth, whereof, though I bear the name, it is hers.—20th March.
Signed :—Edward Oxford. Endorsed :—“1594.” Seal. 2 pp. (170. 126.)
Ottywell Smyth to the Earl of Essex.
1594/5, March 21. At my being at Paris I did desire the King some good assignation for the money due unto me and to other merchants of London, for apparelling sundry times of the Swisses, and furnishing the King with powder this six years, to the sum of 9,715l. The King's Council shewed me how the most part of the provinces in France were engaged to pay them that the King had bought sundry towns of, nor that neither the tallies nor the customs would not come to the King's coffers not yet these two years. So the King doth want money greatly, the which is the case he doth stay so long in going to Lyons, and is forced to raise an impost of the salt, and to make offices in every province of the party “cassewelles” to find money to go to Lyons. The Swisses, that be the King's guard, come no more to guard the King, because there is not money to pay them. I, seeing the state of the King in such necessity, was glad to take what I could get, so the King gave me permission to bring lead into Normandy and Picardy for the space of seven years, and defence made to all others not to bring any lead in pain of confiscation of the same, so by that means I might sell the lead “dorr” to the Frenchmen, whereby we might be paid the money the King doth owe us. I must hereby desire your favour in the same to Her Majesty, that she would take no offence at the same, for, God willing, her customs shall be well paid, and will transport forth of England into Normandy and Picardy as much lead as hath been transported heretofore.
When I was at Paris, I did lend Mr. Edmunds above 2,000l. to supply his need withal, for the allowance he hath from Her Majesty is not sufficient to pay for his charges there, all things are so dear. If he have not better allowance, he is not able to continue. Since I received your Honour's letter to let him have so much money as he wanted, he shall not want so long as I stay in France, but my ability is not able to stay so long for my money. Therefore I desire your Honour that you would cause to be paid of the money lent to Mr. Edmunds, three score pounds to Humphrey Basse in London. The rest I will stay till it be paid forth of the Exchequer. Since the sending over the letters of Mr. Edmunds by the King's trumpet, here is no news worth the writing, but only of the Spaniards [who] have come into Picardy and have burned a great number of villages, with some people in them. The Due de Longueville seeing that, went into Burgundy, and hath burned many villages, so the Spaniards be returned to the frontier of Flanders, and the Due de Longueville came back to Amiens, and hath sent all his troops into their garrisons.—Dieppe, 21st March, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (170. 127.)
Nicholas Williamson to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594/5, March 21. I most humbly beseech your Honour to pardon my importunate suit still to be relieved by such goods as Mr. Henry Lee hath taken from me, or otherwise to grant me liberty to send to my friends for such necessaries as I stand in need of, whereof my want is greater than perhaps your Lordship conceiveth. Therefore I humbly desire your honourable consideration thereof, as also to grant me the liberty to have the casement of my window opened some part of the day, to receive fresh air into my chamber, and also to have such books allowed me to read as are to be permitted, and whereby I may with more contentment pass over the time until it shall please your Honour to rest fully satisfied of my truth and loyalty towards Her Majesty and my country.
Holograph.
Endorsed :—“21 Mar., 1594 : Nich. Williamson to my master, from the Gatehouse.”
1 p. (170. 128.)
Flor. McCarthy to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594/5, March 23. Stating his case with regard to property in Ireland, specified only as “that country.”—23 March, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (25. 102.)
W. Fletewoode to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594/5, March 23. Asking for a licence for Martin Ravener, a man of his, a butcher in New Brainford, in the co. of Middlesex, to kill and sell flesh for the coming Lent, “both for that myself, my wife, and divers others of good respect in the county, are through infirmity of sickness driven to eat flesh.”—23 March, 1594.
Signed. ½ p. (25. 103.)
A licence drawn out in Sir Robert Cecil's name for Martin Ravener of New Brainford, in the co. of Middlesex, Butcher, to kill and sell flesh during Lent for such as are lawfully licensed or, through infirmity of sickness, driven to eat flesh.—5 March, 1594.
Unsigned. Probably a draft. ¼ p. (25. 68.)
Earl of Oxford to the Lord Treasurer.
1594/5, March 23. Where it is said the tinners shall have their money lent them at 8l. in the 100l., whereas they have it at 10l.; this is but a mask, for they have it already at 5l. and 6l. the 100. And the whole sum so commonly lent them from divers ingrossers is not, among them all, above 3,000l. To leave the country to an uncertain price as heretofore, is to return to the former discontentment, before at their own asking it was yielded to them that they should have (communibus annis) 24l. the 1,000 lb. weight. In mine accounts there is no profit raised but on that which is transported. As to the 30,000l. which Her Majesty is to lay out and the 10,000l. my lord is to disburse, this so great sum points to that whereof I have all this while motioned, that the rates of tin are undervalued to her Majesty, and the quantity taken from the mines is far more than is thought, for if the tin were no more than is rated, then 17,000l. and some odd pounds buyeth the whole year's tin, of which money one half is to be employed for the first coinage. Where is tin for so much money as he sets down? Thus 8,000l. or thereabouts buys up the first coinage, which being turned over, yields itself back again with the increase, and so doth satisfy the whole year. Then all the rest of the money the merchants and my lord have this whole year in their own hands, except 3,000l. more which they lend the country, as it is said, for 8l. in the 100. Now let these offers be considered. My lord asketh 30,000l. to be lent him, and I only wish her Majesty by her own officers to lay out 8,000l. My lord, if she will lay out nothing, desires that her Majesty should receive no further profit than her ordinary revenue for the first year, whereby she ceaseth 7,000l. I offer her the first year's gain as well as ever after, and her Majesty to lay out never a penny. My lord leaves the tinners to their former uncertainty. I satisfy them with 24l. for every 1,000 lb. weight, their own demand and agreement.
Endorsed :—“23 March, 1594. E.O.”
Holograph. 1 p. (25. 106.)
Lord Cobham.
1594/5, March 23. Note of Lord Cobham's gelding and nags.
1 p. (145. 207.)
Sir J. Wolley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594/5, March 24. The enclosed letter I have written anew, very near according to your direction; but to say in the same letter, shew it to the Queen, methinks it standeth not with good decency. It may please you to show it to the Queen as it is; for she may well think, though I write not so in that letter, my meaning was her Highness should see it. I think myself deeply indebted to you. I remain yet here for two or three days, and then shall be ready, I hope, to wait on her Majesty, etc.—Pirford, 24 March 1594.
Holograph. 1 p. (25. 107.)
The enclosure :—A letter from Sir J. Wolley to Sir R. Cecil, asking him to move her Majesty to join Sir John's son in patent with him in the office he had of the Pipe, Sir John wanting other means to provide for his son, either of lands or living, and having served her Majesty now almost 30 years.—Pirford, 24 March, 1594.
Holograph. 1½ pp. (25. 108.)
Sir John Gilbert to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594/5, March 24. In reply to letter of 17th Feb. relative to the dispute between Gilbert and Arthur Radford. Willing to comply, has had the matter in question before a friend of his and a gentleman that happened to be present. Offered Radford all dues that anyway appertained to him and to refer the indifferent hearing of the cause to Mr. Carey's judgment. Hull, his father-in-law, and he published the cause at the Sheriff's, contrary to Cecil's order to Radford, not making Gilbert any way privy, as much to Gilbert's disgrace as might be. Offers to refer the cause to Cecil and “Sir Walter,” if Cecil will have it stay Sir Walter's return, or if not, to Mr. Carey.—Greenway, 24 March, 1594.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (25. 109.)
The King of Scotland to Sir Robert Bowes.
1594/5, March 24. Desiring him to deal with the Queen for the restitution of the goods and gear taken violently from Mr. William Lumsdane by some of her subjects.—Holyrood House, 24 March, 1594.
Addressed :—“To our trusty and wellbeloved Robert Bowes, Esquire, Treasurer of Berwick.”
Endorsed :— “The king of Scots.
Holyrood, 24 March, 1595.”
Westminster, 8 April,
Seal. ½ p. (133. 121.)
Nicholas Williamson to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1594/5, March 24.] Whereas Mr. Henry Lee, at the time of my apprehension, took from me my chain of the value of three score pounds, and 3l. 10s. in money, and three rings and my sword and pistol and two purses, my humble suit to your Honour is that he may now redeliver them unto me, whereby I may relieve my sundry wants, and discharge those charges, which I am forced to be at here in prison.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“24 March, 1594.” ½ p. (170. 122.)
William Holliday to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, Mar. 25. The friar and the rest of the Portingals which came with me as yet have not their apparel and things from the owner, Tobie Baker, neither will he deliver them without warrant from my Lord Admiral, by which means the poor men think there is great fault in me; which I cannot remedy but by your means, hoping your pleasure is to tender me credit with them, that I may continue in their good liking, and that at my suit they shall be the better used; whereby they may think themselves beholden to me, and I shall have better means to do such service to her Majesty as you expect. Otherwise there is no cause I should be charged with them, being five of them, which cost me 35s. the week, besides such recourse of all the Spaniards and Portingals in the city to my house that I would not have the disgrace I receive amongst my neighbours to get 500l., but that I do it in respect aforesaid, and that you commanded me to use them well. Be my honourable good master that I may be considered by her Majesty in respect of my charge and travail.—London, 25 March, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (31. 44.)
The Earl of Oxford to Lord Burghley.
1595, Mar. 25. I would gladly deliver my knowledge of the quantity of tin by mouth, for I think it not convenient by letter. Therefore, I will attend your lordship when you have best leisure. Those articles of my l[ord] of B[uckhurst's] offer I have already answered in my last letter, yet for more assurance I have sent mine answer again unto every point. As to his being the first that moved this suit, I confess he was the first that dealt in it to cosine her Majesty, but not to profit her, as at my coming I will fully satisfy you. For the 40,000,000 weight of tin, if he had put in 60,000,000 and 70,000,000, yet I was the first, as I can prove by good testimony, that gave her Majesty warning to look well thereto before she made any grant, and gave inkling of those sums; and at what times he made his offer of 10,000l. custom and now the 40,000,000 lbs. weight, when I shall have speech with your lordship, you will judge thereof a great deal better. I most heartily thank you for your most honourable dealing towards me, and earnestly crave you will not suffer this matter so hastily to pass, till I have fully advertised you.
Endorsed :—“25 March, 1595.”
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (31. 45.)
Sir Thomas Shirley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, March 25. I have perused my books and do find that to the officers of Flushing there is a greater remain than I thought; I have sent herein a note of the same. I suppose that it may be rather a clog to Lord Burgh his suit than a furtherance, the sum being so great, but I refer the handling thereof to your better judgment.—At London, this 25 March, 1595.
Holograph. ½ p. (31. 47.)
Count Maurice of Nassau to the Earl of Essex.
1595, March 25/April 4. Praying him, for the honour of art and the love of virtuous knowledge, to be a mean to obtain the Queen's privilege and licence for the inventions of Nicholas Romero, who has despatched the bearer, Hugues Blatt, to England for that purpose. His inventions are a new kind of pump and chaudiere de bois, and he has also discovered a new species of fuel which he thinks will be useful. He already has privilege from the Estates General.—Hague, 4 April, 1595.
French. Signed. 1 p. (147. 108.)
Lord Cobham.
1595, March 25. Notes of Lord Cobham's mares and colts at Canterbury.
1 p. (145. 209.)
Richard Champernoun to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, March 26. I am given to weet by Sir Francis Drake's letter, of an ill and untrue report of me to her Highness as a gelder of boys for preserving their voices. This false : this is as much as I may deliver against this adversary, having regard of your place and my duty, else might I forget myself towards this informer. I crave either that my accuser may be known or this wrong excused by you.—At Modbury, this 26 March, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (31. 48.)
Nicholas Romer to the Earl of Essex.
1595, March 27/April 6. J'ay voulu remettre en souvenance à monseigneur comment au voyage de Portugal, ayant couru la fortune avec plusieurs autres en danger de ma vie, apres avoir echape une tres cruelle prison en laquelle j'estois tiranniquement detenu l'espace de 10 mois, avec la perte de la pluspart de mes biens, et apres ayant pourchassé par plusieurs années pour estre guerdonné en mes travaux et peines passees, mais n'ayant sceu obtenir chose quelconque, laissant escouler plusieurs belles occasions de parvenir en estat et service de Princes d'Allemagne, finalement me trouvant contrains par une necessité inevitable, je me suis resolu de me retirer en ce pays, estant en service de son Excellence et de MM.les Estats. Desquels, outre autres benefices, ayant obtenu leur ottroy sur certaines inventions miennes, à scavoir sur une pompe et une chaudiere de bois, et d'un feu fort profitable a la commune, ainsi que j'avois monstré la preuve à MM. les Aldermans de Londres; pour l'advancement desquelles choses j'ay obtenu lettres de faveur de son Excellence, lesquelles me confiant seront de telle efficace que moyenant la favour accoustumée que monseigneur m'a monstré tousjours, je n'auray à craindre d'estre esconduit en une si juste demande. Requerant, monseigneur, tres humblement me faire obtenir par son intercession les privileges et licences de sa Majesté sur les mesmes choses ainsi que je les ay obtenu par deça, j'ay communique de cest affaire comme de plusieurs autres avec M. Hugues Platte, exhibiteur de cestes, auquel j'espere que monseigneur donnera benigne audience.—De la Haye, 6 d'Avril, 1595.
Signed. 2 pp. (31. 76.)
Sir Francis Vere to the Earl of Essex.
1595, March 28. Your letters of the 8, 11 and 20 I received in one evening; and now lastly by Lieutenant Garrett have to the full understood your lordship's pleasure.
Kennell hath shewed me the warrant for the month's lendings and is most willing to use his credit to advance this business. Shipping for transport will prove more chargeable than your lordship made account of, for the mariners know we must use them and therefore stand more obstinately on their demands. Sir Thomas Sherley hath written unto Kennell that the imprest he is to make shall be for the whole month of April, which falleth out very cross, for it being my purpose not to have the men shipped till the 12 or 14, half the provision will be spent before the time it was ordained for. It may please you therefore to give speedy order that the imprest may then begin to be defalked from the captains when the men are shipped. I have used all the means I could think of to draw these men to furnish some shipping for transport of horses. I found them willing for your sake and liking they have to this journey, yet for that it cannot be brought to pass without the consent of the General Assembly, and that I have no commission to move them publicly, and being against their manner to broach matters themselves, I dare give you no hope of any that way; and to hire them for the whole journey will be exceeding difficult, which notwithstanding I shall use my uttermost endeavour in. But if her Majesty, with some lines of thanks for this they have already yielded unto, would enlarge the hope of this enterprise with words of comfort, and withal make mention of the want of vessels for transport of hers, or that with a letter I may be authorized to signify so much unto them, I do not doubt but it shall take effect. And thus much from her Majesty would come exceeding fitly for the satisfying of these men, who are greatly shaken with the late step which they hear her Majesty made in this action. Another way my Lord Ambassador and I have thought of, which is that your lordship should by letter require Mons. Caron to be earnest with the States for such vessels as may serve your turn, which he may send hither. For the better effecting of all that which I may be fit for here, I am determined to stay it out and go along with the companies to the rendezvous, where I hope to be by the day. Your lordship hath not set down how the companies shall be disposed, which shall be very necessary for the careful looking to the men, neither hath the treasurer order to make any allowance to the officers, which if you do not provide at the least for this first month they will hardly furnish themselves as is requisite. We have had an alarm that your lordship should have but 1,000 men : I would not for three of my fingers you should set forth with less than twice so many, for without a good number you shall not be able to do that which is fit for you. The Count Ludovic holdeth his resolution; he is young and smally accompanied, so that with little trouble your lordship may bestow him in your ship. I sent you the copy of a letter from Sancy to Mons. de Busenval. His purpose I signified then; if you would be pleased to take notice of it to him it would do no hurt, for I see him very desirous to be well thought of by her Majesty and your lordship, and a little may draw him to do those good offices to be looked for from one in his place. Here is no news at all, but everybody in expectation that some great matter will be done shortly betwixt the King and the Cardinal, which I desire may not happen before you be gone.—Hague, this 28th of March, 1595.
[P.S.]—When you nominated those of your own followers which you meant to prefer, you made no mention of Mr. Ellis Jones, in whose behalf I have ever since waited a time to yield testimony of what I know to be in the man. He was with me at the siege of Groningen, where he shewed himself exceeding painful and forward; of which men for that I know you shall have most need, I presume the rather to give your lordship this knowledge of him. I shall deliver the company which Captain Aldryche should have to Captain Carey, which was not that of Captain Bell as your lordship is informed, having from the first bestowed the same on a kinsman of my own.
Holograph. 3 pp. (31. 49.)
Sir Francis Vere to the Earl of Essex.
1595, March 28. This bearer, Capt. Aldryche, I have sent over according to your appointment. I know not to what use your lordship will put him, but for the kind of service he hath hitherto exercised he is as fit both for his judgment and valour as any man of his quality that I know here or elsewhere. The choosing out of men in this manner will be a wonderful encouragement to make others follow the wars and deserve extraordinarily, for this is against the ancient custom, which was to make choice of the nearest.—28 March, 1595.
Holograph. ½ p. (31. 51.)
The Earl of Oxford to Lord Burghley.
1595, March 28. As to the matter of the tins. It is true I have found Lord Buckhurst to have dealt with me very strangely and otherwise than till this experience of his disposition I would have believed or suspected. But I have not ignorantly or rashly entered into this suit for a licence of transportation, but upon the solicitation of Mr. Carmarden and the conference of such as have had long experience in tin matters. He, I say, is the only man that set me in hand with this suit and by whom I had the first light of the great quantity of tins whereof her Majesty is yearly deceived in her custom. Wherefore accordingly I have of long time made all the means I could to her Majesty, both to do her service and myself pleasure; which thing Carmarden would have done himself, if the fear of some councillors, whereof one I have named, did not discourage him. Wherefore what he durst not enter into himself that hath he from time to time encouraged me, shewing me the small matter which is yearly answered to her Majesty. If her Majesty will but give me leisure to agree with them that have set me on, I do not doubt to bring very shortly good assurance to perform so much as I have promised. I have already agreed with some and stay but to finish with the rest what they shall pay to me, to turn their bonds to you for her Majesty's assurance, granting me the suit. It is true my gains shall be very little or nothing, yet sithe my Lord Buckhurst hath so hardly dealt with me as I will inform you whensoever I have opportunity, I rather will content myself with nothing, and make up the sum I have promised, than he should effect his cross and overthwart towards me. But I did always take that he would have given 7,000l. more than her Majesty yet had, and that made me offer the more, which by God's grace I mean to perform; but considering he is fallen 3,000l. of that account, if I may be therefore spared, my gain will be something; and whereas he brings it to 7,000l., if I may have it for 8,000l., which is 1,000l. more, then I shall not be so much afraid of the decay of the mines, nor of the selfwill of the people, and such fears as are not forecast in vain. Yet if her Majesty will have the uttermost, rather than be thus put out, I do not doubt to answer in all respects my promise, so I may be assured none shall have it from me, and that I have some small time to make an end of those agreements.
Endorsed :—“28 March, 1595.”
Holograph. 1⅓ pp. (31. 52.)
The Earl of Huntingdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, March 28. Though he has written to him this morning by his man, sent with the prisoner to see him safely delivered, yet desires him to render her Majesty most humble thanks for the comfortable advertisement of her gracious allowance of his service. Prays him, when any defect is conceived in anything that he does, to make it known to him, and he will amend it. If the prisoner come not to London so soon as Cecil expects, yet after receipt of his letter he used all speed he could, and despatched by post to Carlisle and sent his man now gone to London into Westmoreland; by the first wrote to the sheriff of Cumberland to convey him to Pearith (Penrith), by the other to the sheriff of Westmoreland to convey him into Yorkshire; and so from county to county to be conveyed by sheriff or other officers to London, and his man by the way in the night specially to look unto him.—At York, 28 March, 1595.
Holograph. 1 p. (31. 53.)
The Earl of Oxford to Mr. Hickes.
1595, March 28. Whereas I was determined to have visited my lord [Burghley] at his house, I now understand he is removed to the Court. And for that I am not able nor fit to look into that place, being no better recovered, if it please him at his best leisure to look into my daughter Derby's house or mine, I hope so to satisfy him touching this matter of the tins that he shall think it for her Majesty's contentment. For whereas I perceive my lord doubteth that I shall not be able to find out the 16,000,000, I am very well assured there is every year brought from the mines 4050 blocks, according to the last paper I sent him, and those contain 18,000,000 lbs. weight. As for the 40,000,000 thereof, what to think I will refer to his lordship's conceit when I have shewed him such intelligences as I here have sent you to shew him; and I do not doubt to perform this 18,000,000 lbs. weight fully to her Majesty in the meanwhile : and to make up her custom, now about 300l., to the full sum of 10,000l. without that she shall have cause to lay out one farthing.—From Bishopsgate this present morning.
Endorsed by Lord Burghley :—“28 March 1595.”
Holograph. 1 p. (31. 54.)
Sir John Forster to the Council.
1595, March 28. In accordance with the Council's directions he has heard the case of Widow Ridley, late wife of Robert Ridley, who alleges that she has been dispossessed of lands, &c. by Edward Graye. Encloses copies of the objections and allegations on both sides. Reports also as to certain corn seized.—Alnwick, 28 March, 1595.
1 p. (2155.)
Francis Zouche to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, March 31. Whereas Philip Zouche my wife hath exhibited a complaint to her Majesty against Sir Matthew Arundell, knight, tending much to the slander of him and discredit of myself, so it is that she hath no cause at all to complain. For Sir John Zouche my father had the manor of Anstey from King Henry VIII., and myself by great charge of children and some misfortunes became indebted in 1,800l. or more, the use whereof yearly cost me near 150l., for which my livings being extended by some persons in whom I had put great confidence, and Many outlawries and suits pronounced against me (wherein Sir Mathew Arundell to my knowledge was neither privy nor party), so that by no means I could keep goods or living to relieve myself and children, and for that my wife by no entreaty would consent to the sale of a lesser thing wherein she hath her jointure, I was enforced to sell Anstey manor to my best advantage. Finding none to come near unto Sir Matthew Arundell's offer, I concluded with him for 3250l., with part whereof he should discharge such statutes and judgments as myself and land were subject unto, the rest to be paid to mine assigns. I made assurance to Sir Matthew of the manor and gave quiet possession thereof to his use with mine own hands, and have received with money he by my consent hath paid to my creditors 2350l.: 400l. residue remaineth in his hands by mine own agreement until my wife shall give over her pretended dower, and 500l. more, or the lease of Mere park (at my choice), remaining likewise in his hands. So my desire is that no credit be given to my wife's vain, false, and slanderous complaints; but that for my good, her own credit, and the better comfort of our children, she may be commanded to cease any further to prosecute, and return home.—From Shafton, this last of March, 1595.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (31. 55.)
The Countess of Cumberland to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1594/5, March.] Finding by unlooked for accident a great change, and hearing that yourself is a principal actor to effect this at her Majesty's hand, a licence to work with peat and sea coal all “ierne,” and so to prohibit all others, myself and my partners have adventured much to find out some certainty and so might claim some privilege; but I make “resinacion” rather to your favour, so that I and they be a party in the adventure with yourself.
Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“March, 1594.” Seal with silk.
1 p. (25. 91.)
Nicholas Williamson to the Earl of Essex and Sir Robert Cecil.
[1594/5, March.] I hope Lord Scroop hath advertised your honour of my professed devotion towards you, and earnest desire to have been delivered into your hands, which must needs proceed through the hope which I conceived in those most honourable and rare virtues which the world admireth in your lordship; and the more for that I was never (to my knowledge) hardly censured by you; whereas you (noble Knight) at my judgment in the Star Chamber, delivered a most sharp and bitter censure of me, and (as common opinion hath been) always inclined more towards my enemies, Mr. Stanhopes : therefore I plainly confess to have been less devoted and affected unto you, though always and in all places acknowledging you for a just and wise councillor to her Majesty and a true and careful friend for the peace and benefit of this happy realm. About Bartholomewtide last, for almost a month continuance, I could not put upon me either shirt, band or handkerchief, but I should presently find in the one corner or the other a yellow cross inclining somewhat to the colour of blood, so artificially made as if it had been drawn with a pencil, which much “amating” me, I feared it presaged some misfortune towards me, being then daily laid in wait for by the Warden of the Fleet's men, and Sir Thomas Stanhope's. Talking with my lady I desired her to move my Lord to take some course for my delivery from those troubles. Her answer was that he was resolved never to make any suit for it to Her Majesty; and to pay her fines was altogether unable. [Explains how thereupon he resolved to go into the King of Spain's dominions, and to earn Her Majesty's pardon and further favour by sending advertisements from time to time of the plots and practices of evil-affected persons to Her Majesty and the State, and how he carried out this resolution and went to Amsterdam to meet Sir Thomas Wilkes, thus showing that his going amongst the enemy was not to give further offence but to purchase his pardon.] Being forced to leave Brussels, I made my journey towards Scotland, not without hope to do Her Majesty and the realm some service there. My intent and purpose was, if it had pleased God that I had gone thither, and that my cousin James Williamson had come unto me in the North accordingly as writ to him from Calais, to have at large by him advertised you, my lo. of Essex, of everything in particular, with offer there to have continued my abode for Her Majesty's service, and to have given continual advertisements from Brussels, only craving pardon and competent preferment. My former fortunes have been so hard, howsoever it may seen that so great a sum as I took, my lords, might have enriched me. Craves pardon, etc.—From the Gatehouse.
Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“March, 1594.” 3¼ closely written pages. (25. 96.)
Tin in Cornwall.
[1595, March.] “Reasons against an innovation for engrossing all the tin in Cornwall.”
“First, the same hath been before this attempted, but, God be praised! not hitherto affected.”
To the allegation that Sir George Carey procured the consent of all the tinners to have their tin at 25l. the thousand, it is replied that if performed, it was a beneficial offer to the country's good liking; for where at that time they had 21l. or 22l. at most, his offer was much to the increase of their profit; but now the price was 29l. or 30l., and the tinners hoped the price would rather increase, for by common report the tin of Germany was decreasing, and the tin of Cornwall was also more like to decrease than increase, while France, by ceasing civil wars, began to utter a great part of the tin, whereby Turkey and other parts could not be furnished with the accustomed quantity. If any for private gain should abate this hope, especially in this time of great dearth of corn and other provisions, the tin mines also growing daily more chargeable to be wrought, by the greater depth, the greater quantity of timber required, the greater charge for drawing up water-springs, and the scarcity of wood, to beat down the price would either greatly discourage the tinners or cause them to fall into general discontent.
Whereas 40,000l. was devised to be taken up and laid in stock for maintenance of the tinners and buying of their stock, less than 4000l. for every quarter of the year might suffice, and so much being beforehand advanced there would need little more than 4000l. to clear for all the tin of the summer deliverance; and for the winter deliverance, because there would be less advanced beforehand, there might need about 8000l. which the merchants and pewterers, trading, would provide. Where it was alleged that the merchants took intolerable use for loan of money unto tinners, the contrary would be duly proved, that for three parts of the tin at least, money was lent, unto some after ten, unto some after six in the hundred, and unto some gratis, to be repaid in tin after the common price. As for the offer of 10,000l. by the year unto her Majesty for the loan of 30,000l., her coinage paid her thereof about 2400l. and her customs about half that sum. The rest might be countervailed by the want of so much treasure and the hazard of desperate debtors, but chiefly when the same might work such great grief and decay of so many of her Majesty's poor, dutiful, and serviceable subjects. Also the loan of this money by this device would enhance the price of tin and pewter at least a third, to the great burden and grievance of the whole realm who in every family had use thereof. The tin of Devon was not subject to this prerogative of presumption, and being sold at the high raised price, the tinners of Cornwall who paid her Majesty for coinage near three times as much as Devon, when compelled to sell at a much lower rate, must needs sustain great loss with their great grief and impatience.
Endorsed :—“Sir Fr. Godolphin, Cornish Mynt, against the preemption.”
Undated. 1½ pp. (25. 104.)
Nicholas Williamson to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1595, about March]. My keeper knoweth that I had written to your honour this afternoon, though these interrogatories had not come, which as they have not prevented me, yet they make me more brief and write otherwise than I purposed, because I have so short a time set me to return your Lo. answer. By which (especially if I be forced to set down in particular) your Lo. then bindeth your honour most firmly to redeem me from these dangers (which otherwise I fear imminent). I had no other friend, by desert bound, and in credit and favour with her Highness, likely to procure me mercy, but the Earl of Shrewsbury, whose honourable good will and favour I shall not only hereby lose, but procure him my mortal enemy, which if I would have done before my departure (not being then provoked thereunto by his honour), I assure myself Mr. Stanhopes would have performed my wishes, though it had cost them dear and earnest suit to her Majesty. Consider therefore well hereof (noble knight) and if your Lo. command me to it, resolve not only to redeem me that I may live to maintain my credit and friends from all obloquy, which I am assured I shall at the first incur, but also to remain . . . . . . me in all justice for my proceedings in the proofs . . . . . . It seemeth by the 8 of your Lo. interrogatories that I have uttered some untruths, which perhaps may be that my Lady motioned me not to be an intelligencer; if it be that, I will make it more probable to your Lo. I cannot imagine of any other that your honour should doubt of, but if I might have liberty granted me thereunto, I would prove all sufficiently to be true, or if I might have that credit reposed in me, I would by action perform and manifest. It draweth now near unto twelve of the clock (the hour which is set me); I will therefore conclude, and commend me to your Lo. compassionate pity (which is neither the last nor least habit which your title of honour bindeth your Lo. unto), but affirm until the last breath in my body, that my true and sincere affection and intent towards her Majesty and the realm hath deserved it, and my contrite repentance, sorrows, afflictions, losses, dangers, and good wishes have merited my pardon for what offences soever I have committed, whereunto I beseech the eternal God to persuade your honourable mind, and ever to bless your Lo. to your own heart's desires. . . . . . Gatehouse this Saturday.
1 p. (99. 33.)
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