Cecil Papers: December 1595, 26-31

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: December 1595, 26-31', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 5, 1594-1595, ed. R A Roberts( London, 1894), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol5/pp509-537 [accessed 13 October 2024].

'Cecil Papers: December 1595, 26-31', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 5, 1594-1595. Edited by R A Roberts( London, 1894), British History Online, accessed October 13, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol5/pp509-537.

"Cecil Papers: December 1595, 26-31". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 5, 1594-1595. Ed. R A Roberts(London, 1894), , British History Online. Web. 13 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol5/pp509-537.

December 1595, 26–31

John Wetenhall to the Lord Ambassador of Scotland.
[1595,] Dec. 26. Cannot write of the success of the letter you procured me for the mill, because of the Earl of Huntingdon's death; but it shall be executed before New Year's Day. Finish my suit for Hammer Wood; I hope you received the warrant my lord Treasurer gave me for it, which I sent to you from Ware. If there is delay until the term begin, Attkinson, my adversary, will cross your proceedings by a petition from the tenants. I have another suit for your Lordship. It is a concealment of lands, and I would give 200l. to obtain it; but if it were known that I discovered such suits I should purchase much displeasure of some who look for preferment out of those lands. Wishes success to his book.—Heaninge, St. Stephen's Day.
Holograph. Addressed, “in Ly[me] [St]reete.” Seal.
1 p. (172. 132.)
Sir Edward Dymoke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, Dec. 27. The Earl of Lincoln being yet not departed the city, but procrastinating his journey, makes me bold to follow your directions, and [I] have herewith written unto the Lords of the Council for liberty to go into the country; wherein I beseech your furtherance.—From Newington, this 27th December, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (36. 105.)
Sir Edward Dymoke to the Privy Council.
1595, Dec. 27. Prays liberty to go into the country for awhile to settle his business there, which to his great charge, by the Earl of Lincoln's delays, he has been forced to neglect. Having taken order for his poor family, which he is constrained to disperse, will attend their pleasure.—From Newington, 27 December, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (36. 106.)
Guicciardini to the Earl of Essex.
1595, Dec. 28./1596, Jan. 7. The 2 of this present I wrote to you in some haste, being upon the point of the post his departure, and how I shall perform my desire in this I am uncertain, being in expectation to be called upon for my letter. The advertisements out of Spain of the — of December, affirm that the Cardinal in the Low Countries is very hardly bested for want of money, having, by reason of the King's late refusal to pay the merchants, lost his credit wholly with those which were wont to furnish him in those parts. And howbeit here in Italy they use all diligence to send a million, it is thought it cannot come to them so soon but that he will be first in great extremity, and perhaps the soldiers in a mutiny. The King's ministers in these difficulties do deal with the Lisbon merchants to supply their wants, but do hope for little help. The Adelantado's fleet is yet in the port of Ferrol, and hath had commission to disembark their soldiers and lodge them about the confines of Galizia and Asturia; not intending, as it should seem, to try their fortune any more this winter after the late blow they have received, by which it is confirmed they have lost 16 ships, whereof 3 were great galleons with a great store of artillery. Besides, they want as many Fleming hulks, which they think are returned home without leave, not knowing what shall become of the soldiers which were in them. They make account that one way or other they have lost above 3,000 men; and this hitherto has been the end of these late rumours and preparations. They now report that the English and Flemings begin to arm anew, which makes them fear they shall have enough to do to defend themselves. The King is out in interest almost a million every year, and his yearly expenses otherwise importeth two millions, which is more than his revenues unpawned amount unto, so that his affairs seem to be in evil terms.—7 January, 1596.
Endorsed :—“Mr. Gruicciardini's letter of 7 of January in cypher deciphered.”
Cipher. 1½ pp. (37. 50.)
Explanation of the above.
Essex's holograph. 1 p. (37. 52.)
Guicciardini to the Earl of Essex.
1595, Dec. 28./1596, Jan. 7. I had no sooner ended my other letter but that upon some new occasion I am driven to trouble you again with this second, which (besides that I am commanded by the Duke) I am the rather moved unto for mine own discharge, being part of my negociation at my late being in England. The matter is concerning the corn which, by his Highness' appointment, was laden at Dansich, Lubeck and those places, to be brought into this State, for the which the Queen had granted her passport for their passage through her narrow seas; which passport, it seemeth now by her Majesty's letters to the Duke of 11 November, she hath called back, to the great loss and prejudice of such as are interested in it, and indignity (as he esteemeth it) to himself, affirming that if he had not most confidently relied upon her Majesty's promise, the ship should not have passed that way, or at least he would have taken some other course. And as for the reasons alleged by her Majesty, he saith they are the same which were objected before she had given her promise, and yet notwithstanding was content to grant her passport. As for the doubt conceived lest the corn should come into the enemy's hands, that he affirmeth to be utterly vain, for that in Spain they have corn to spare, and had he not already made provision of this, and relied upon her promise for their passage, he might have had to serve his turn from thence—as both the Pope and the Genoese have had, and as the King had likewise granted unto him. He saith that if her Majesty had need for her own country she might have had plenty, both where this was laden as also out of Holland and Zealand, without staying of this, and that whosoever hath given this counsel, doth neither love her honour nor affect her service. I assure you I never knew him more moved for anything than he is now for this, and I greatly fear, if her Majesty hold still this determination to stay the corn, it will not only be an occasion to break off all matters of correspondence between them, but also cause her subjects and their ships to be neither welcome nor yet secure within his State. He is fully persuaded that this hath been rather the advice of some of her Council that do not affect him than that it hath proceeded from her own will, and that therefore she may the more easily be drawn by your good means to command them to be released, wherein he very confidently expecteth your best furtherance, and to that end commanded me to write this letter, wherein I must again most humbly entreat your lordship to see what may be done for his satisfaction, both for her Majesty's reputation and honour, which seemeth to be greatly engaged herein, for the hope he conceiveth of your good endeavours, and, lastly, for my discharge.—The 7 of January, 1596.
Cipher. Seal. 1½ pp. (37. 51.)
Explanation of the above letter.
Essex's holograph. 1¼ pp. (37. 53.)
Henry Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, Dec. 29. My lord [Burghley] hath willed me to return this letter of Mr. Edmondes enclosed unto you, being himself at this present sick in his stomach that he cannot write to you, but would not have you to trouble yourself to come to him.—From the Strand, this 29th of December, 1595.
Holograph. Seal. ¼ p. (36. 107.)
Henry IV., King of France, to the Earl of Essex.
[1595, Dec. 29./1596, Jan. 8.]. Mon cousyn, Parmy les autres oblygasyons que je vous ay, desquelles je ne veus nullemant perdre le souvenyr, yl faut que je vous aye ancor cete cy, que vous me facyès recouvrer un levryer dyrlande et une levrete de mesme quy ne soyt poynt chastrée, afyn que j'an puysse tyrer race. Vous savez come j'ayme la chasse, et ce sera pour me fere passer le tams, et quelques foys prandre des sanglyers, et essayer sy la bonté de ces chyens la respond à la réputasyon quyls ont. Croyès que je les aymeray byen et les garderé pour l'amour de vous quy me revancheré de ce présant an ce que vous me voudrès amployer de la mesme volonte que vous le sauryès desyrer es ocasyons quy s'an ofryront pour votre contantement partyculyer : et sur ce Je prye &c.—Ce viiime de Janvyer, à Rouan.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1596. For Irish hounds.” ¼ p. (147. 119.)
George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex.
1595, Dec. 31. So little matter worth the writing doth the present time afford that I had once purposed to have stayed from troubling you till better subject were offered, had not Mr. Bodley requested me hereby to make his excuse, as being now entered and in the midst of his business with the States upon the receipt of the last packet from my Lord Treasurer, wherein the motion of the project by him heretofore made is revived, and have been handling about it somewhat with the Advocate Barneveldt; whereof and what else may concern the negotiation and his dealing within these three or four days, he will write your lordship particularly. As I wrote heretofore to you, I did according to your advice write then unto Sir Robert Cecil about my suit, taking knowledge of his kindness as from your lordship, but hitherto no answer is come, and [I] will expect in great devotion to hear somewhat further thereof from you when leisure shall best serve, being even ashamed to be so troublesome, but your most noble mind and kind nature emboldened me thereunto. Since my last the men that were gone out of the garrison towns of Brabant to seek and raise the mutinied Italians by Turnhout missed of their purpose, for they having had some intelligence aforehand by the boors were risen and retired towards Tylemont with their carriage, having with them good store of money raised from the boors. Now it seems the treague between them and our men is broken, and wheresoever they shall meet there will be blows, yet is their faction entertained, and their deputies are said to be sent into France to offer their service unto the King, meaning not to serve the Spaniards longer if they can choose, for the Cardinal's coming makes them doubt somewhat will be done against them by his forces, while he will leave these men in quiet, amusing them with the colour of peace. By advertisements from those parts it is affirmed the said Cardinal is thought to be come by this time unto Luxembourg, whither most of the nobility from Bruges is gone, with the bands of ordinance, to meet and conduct him thither, so as we live in quiet and fear no alarms so long as this open weather lasteth. Of late three companies of horse that lie in Nimeguen, commanded by Captain Edmonds, a Scot and tall soldier, went into the land of Juliers thinking to have charged a regiment of “Duytches,” but [they] were risen afore and possessed the land of Limbergh. While he was abroad he understood where a company of Neapolitan horse lay under the conduct of Jehan Maria, who in cold blood had slain Captain Robert Vere at the conflict by Wesel. To him Edmonds made, but being forewarned passed rearward and lodged that night in the faubourgs, where about midnight the others passing the Maese, he and his were taken napping and clean overthrown, few or none escaping. This done he proposed to pass through Brabant into Heusden, and in the way did light upon Coquel, who is now governor of Boldueq, and was going towards Brussels convoyed with a company of horse and one of foot. These Edmonds charged, brake them presently, slew and took most of the foot, and pursued the horse so fast as Coquel, to save himself, took a strong horse with a few that were with him, leaving their horse to the prey of the pursuers; who, seeing they could not come by him, were contented with that they had, and came home, most of them double-horsed, besides prisoners and other bowt [booty].
We hear the Count Hohenlo is on his return, and hath so handled matters with the Duke of 'Brunswick that he is possessed of all the places and land the said Duke held in this province, as Woerden, Lyesuelt, Bodegrame, and other places, the value of which gift is counted at least worth better than 20,000l. sterling. What may be cause of this liberality or contrechange is not yet known, but will appear within a while, and doth somewhat stomach other great men that would rather have his place than his company. The Count of Egmont is likewise come hither again to take possession of his living, and dwells in that house where his sisters kept, questions being very like to rise between him and her that married the Count of Solms, who is still in Germany seeking money to pay his debts made at the marriage.
Monsieur de la Troillerie is returned, but corn could he yet get none, having left it to the following of Mons. Buzenval, who is as unlikely to speed as the other if there come in no more, whereof the appearance is small : for it is credibly reported they of Danske are in want themselves. We have report that La Fere is surrendered by composition, which if it fall out true, then shall we have the States' men again very shortly, being weakened much. Upon suit of the deputies of Embden, showing the doubt they were in of the Count van de Lippe, his dealing in the matters between them and their Earl and lord, the States have granted that, if need require, Count William may and shall assist them with 8 companies of soldiers. Your lordship seeth how long I am, contrary to my meaning, and being unworthy of your reading, pardon the fault I make, and judge thereby how long I would be if I had such as might better like you and content his mind that desires nothing more than to manifest the desire he hath to continue your honourable favour.—Hague, this last day of December, 1595.
Signed. 2½ pp. (36. 108.)
Sir Horace Vere to the Earl of Essex.
1595, Dec. 31./1596, Jan. 10. I must and will acknowledge myself bound to your lordship in all the service I shall be able to perform. I have received those graces by your favour that do inforce me to aspire a better fortune than that which for this present I do enjoy, and I have no other hope but by your Lordship's favour, which I will endeavour to continue with my best and most affectionate service. If any employment that I may be capable of do fall out, I humbly entreat your Lordship to remember me. Howsoever I fail in my worth, in my desire to do you service I may compare with the most.—Hage, this 10 Janewrie, stylo novo, '96.
Holograph. ½ p. (173. 8.)
John Danyell to [Sir Robert Cecil.]
1595, [Dec.] If you think fit grant me your accustomed favour and furtherance touching the contents of these lines following, whereby I may not henceforth trouble her Majesty or your honour for any sum of fines or forfeitures. Here is Edward Gold who, as he telleth me, proved before the commissioners appointed by the Privy Council 153l. to be due unto him. If you be pleased to procure that he may receive the same wholly here he will give me 53l., and for the other 100l. he to be referred into Ireland.
It may be I shall hit upon some other of my countrymen that shall be contented upon the like consideration to give me so much or more, so as thereby I shall be able to quit my patent out of the merchant's hands. In case you be well pleased to yield this my request let me understand thereof, whereby I may deal firmly with the parties.
Endorsed by Cecil :—“The Queen doth not use to force poor men to give bribes to others for their debts, and therefore I intend to meddle in no such.”
Holograph. 1 p. (36. 93.)
Henry Noel to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595, Dec. 31. Cannot attend him because a burning ague has left him no strength to endure the air. “The success of those letters which your honour procured is that they of Canterbury are willing to observe her Majesty's good pleasure; for the Bishop's estate is none in law besides, for some ill part played, is not now gracious with them.” Asks him to write to Canterbury that it is the Queen's pleasure to have a speedy despatch.
Holograph. Endorsed : “Ult. Dec. 1595.” 1 p. (172. 117.)
Captain Thomas Hayes.
[1595.] “Certain articles laid down by Thomas Hayes, Captain, to persuade his accounts;” and, “Certain objections made by Sir John Norrys, Knight, from my casting, and answered by Captain Thomas Hayes.”
“Imprimis, my company is cast [cashiered], notwithstanding it is one of the first that was drawn out of the Low Countries to the services of Brittany,” &c. Endeavours to prove his company was not “cast” from 14 October, 1594, as Sir John Norris asserts, whose objections he answers, and demands pay from 7 October, 1594, to 18 February following. Concludes by craving “that I may have my accounts for myself, my officers, my soldiers and my dead pays, made up according to my several musters, and warrant to Sir Thomas Sherley to make present payment to me accordingly. But if there will be no muster books brought to light for me, my request is it may stand with your honours' [the Council's] good likings to determine what I shall have, and to command warrant to Sir Thomas Sherley to pay me the same.”
¾ p. (29. 77.)
Case of Henry Megges and Christopher and Henry Renolds.
1595. By an agreement between Henry Megges and Christopher Renolds, attorney for his brother Henry Renolds, it was ordered by Lord Buckhurst, July, 37 Eliz., that Megges should mortgage the moiety of Boskennon in Cornwall unto Henry Renolds for assurance of 139l. which Christopher did challenge as due to Henry, but if Megges could by Christmas following bring proof of payment of any part thereof, or shew matter either in law or conscience sufficient for discharge thereof, so much should be allowed out of the first payments.
Details of Henry Renolds' demands and of Megges' counter demands. (33. 66.)
List of Offices now Vacant.
[1595.] List of vacant offices in the gift of the Queen and others.
Note at foot.—“18 several men's places void.”
Undated. 1 p. (35. 86.)
George Herbert, prisoner in the Tower.
[1595.] Intelligence given by Mr. Danyell of George Harbert, now prisoner, having a reddish head inclined to baldness.
1. He served Chas. Arundell beyond sea at Bruxelles &c., and was with him at the time of his death.
2. He had 20 crowns pension of the King of Spain, a month.
3. He was bedfellow with John Chalener, also Chas. Arundell's man, and like pensioner to the King of Spain.
4. He was very great and inward with Sir Wm. Stanley, Hewghe Owyn, Father Holt, Father Warthington, Jacques, &c., and privy to every act of Owyn's; chiefly.
5. Privy to all their letters into Spain to Fr. Parsons, to Sir Fran. Inglefild, &c.
6. Privy to the journey of Hewghe Owyn, sent to Rome to Cardinal Allen three years past, when the said Challener, his old fellow, became his man for some great purpose.
7. Privy to Father Archer and Father Wallpoole their cause to travel from Stanley &c., to the king of Spain, and to the return of Wallpoole to Stanley.
8. And to the cause of Father Wallpoole's coming over into England with Henry Lingen and Thomas Wallpoole, brother to the “Jhezewit.”
9. He cannot but know the plots devised for Britain betwixt the King of Spain, Stanley and the English rebels, and so for the plots for Ireland.
10. He could not but know of the Earl of Tyrone sending of the brother of Hew Booy to the Spanish regiment into the Low Countries to bring over Hew Booy about Christmas last to the Earl of Tyrone, Hew Booy being as proper a soldier as is in Christendom of the Irish race, and many ways singular.
11. Of all the practices of Ostend by Stanley, Jacques and Owyn he could not but be privy.
12. So of all the practices with Patrick Cullen and with Polewhele. So of York and Williams their coming over and practices.
13. To know his knowledge of one James Whyte, an Irish student at Doway, born in Clevealle, and by Sir Wm. Stanley had 15 crowns a month pension of the King of Spain to maintain him at Doway (rare for a scholar to have) and is now returned to Cleaveale into Ireland, and is Sir Wm. Stanlay's for life.
Endorsed :—“Mr. Danyell's intelligence of George Harbert, prisoner in the Tower.”
1 p. (37. 2.)
Sir Edward Dymocke, knight.
Answer to the complaint of Henry, Earl of Lincoln.
[1595]. Whereas the Earl chargeth him with practices to take away his life, his reputation and credit with her Majesty and Cecil, answers that, as the taking away the Earl's life is heinous and to his great slander, he desires that the Earl may set down particulars how he hath sought it, and that it may be examined.
For the supposed conspiring to take away the Earl's credit, if it be meant, as he taketh, of the complaints of many poor men to her Majesty, the Earl hath his bill depending in the Star Chamber where he and others have denied it on oath.
Item. Whereas the Earl charges him with riot upon himself and his men in the highway, whereby some of them have been slain : answers that the Earl hath his bill for this also depending in the Star Chamber, where he doubts not to clear himself. For the killing of the Earl's men; taketh this to refer to one Mawer, whereof his men were most maliciously drawn in question by the Earl (knowing by whom the said Mawer was slain) and have been lawfully acquitted.
Item. Whereas the Earl charges that he made his servants and tenants cut the banks of great rivers leading to his mill : saith that he knoweth no great river, nor any which cometh to any of the Earl's mills, which is in most places above 10 feet within the banks; and if there be any diversion from the ancient course, as is pretended, the Earl hath his remedy by the Common Law.
Item. Whereas the Earl supposeth he hath thrown abroad many libels against him : denieth this and desireth particulars to be set down what they be.
Item. Whereas the Earl supposeth he hath formed a seditious libel in the name of the country against him and Cecil : denieth the same to be seditious, and will prove it to be true; saith also that there is nothing therein contained or meant against Cecil.
Item. Whereas the Earl chargeth him with setting up a challenge containing most horrible railing terms, by ruffians in several towns and at inconvenient times, to the raising of tumults and provoking his lordship to quarrel; saith that coming up in Michaelmas Term last, to answer such complaints as the Earl pretended he would exhibit against him, and others did by the Earl's procurement to Cecil, there was a motion of a concord made by the Earl of Essex, whereby he was well contented, and thereupon going into the country there was sent to him a most slanderous and railing libel, wherein he was termed “mungrill, a curre, a rebell, a pesant of the order of clownes, ale-knight,” with many other slanderous, as may appear in the libel itself, whereof he made the Earl of Essex acquainted, refusing to do anything therein or any other matter betwixt the Earl of Lincoln and him because of his word to his lordship; and still after did forbear until towards Whitsuntide last when, hearing nothing from the Earl of Essex, and the libel still spreading itself abroad, and not knowing against whom to seek redress (the author being unknown), he did cause to be set up a general challenge against the authors and protectors of so vile and base an indignity, which they durst not justify, which if the Earl of Lincoln doth take unto himself, he doth himself that wrong which Sir Edward never meant unto him. For as the challenge was not particular to any man, much less to the Earl, so likewise Sir Edward did not think his lordship could maintain that wherein he was termed a mungrill, or peasant, without some touch unto himself, being so near allied, and whose predecessors before the match in his house were never counted any such. And whereas the Earl supposeth the same to be done to the raising of tumult, the manner of the doing, and the circumstances both before and after, do shew the contrary; for the same was done only by one man, neither Sir Edward nor any of his men nor any other being by to aid encourage or assist them, neither at Tattershall, Folkingham or Slefford. What tumults could then arise? And for the doing thereof in the sermon time, he hopes to prove that it was not so; but if it were so, peradventure the doer being charged to do it in all quiet sort thought that the fittest time when fewest were abroad. And for the circumstances before and after, he did for half a year or thereabouts bear and suffer the same without doing anything, and since the doing thereof (the same being subscribed) he doth likewise satisfy himself with that which quietly and privately hath passed betwixt him that did subscribe the same and himself without moving either quarrel or tumult, and so still meaneth to do if he may be suffered, notwithstanding he hath been threatened to be suddenly stricken and beaten. They which did set up the same are not any ruffians, but known quiet honest men, the one Sir Walter Hungerford's nephew and the other having served Sir Edward from his childhood, and neither being that Hoskyns which the Earl supposeth serveth the said Sir Edward, and who, though he hath good cause, never did complain of the Earl, and therefore Sir Edward could not conspire with him to that end.
Item. Whereas the said Earl chargeth him with going armed to the assizes and sessions with greater troops than heretofore, denieth that he or any with him ever went otherwise armed than with such ordinary weapons as men usually carry, but he hath had a greater regard of himself because he hath been threatened by the Earl and Lord Clynton. For his company, it hath been fewer of late than heretofore.
Item. Whereas the Earl charges that he has lately put his brother and servants to lie in troops near his house with petronells and pistols, and hath retained men inured to murthers and manslaughters; saith that the same is utterly false; but true it is (which peradventure the Earl meaneth) that there being many questions between them touching liberties and franchises of hunting in certain land of his wherein he hath by most gracious grant of her Majesty and her progenitors free chace and warren, for the preservation of his liberties he hath appointed certain of his men to keep his woods and grounds, one in Thornton, one in Roughton, and one in Uffall, which be a mile in sunder from one another, with express charge only to take up such dogs as they find there hunting. These grounds adjoin upon the Earl's grounds, who grieveth that he may not usurp as he was wont. But to such miserable estates would the Earl bring the country unto as that no man dare by word or action defend his credit, reputation or inheritance for fear of his complaints. Saith also that his men and the Earl's have met and continued all this summer in friendly behaviour and usages with one another.
Item. Whereas the Earl chargeth him that no man can withstand his malicious conspiracy, for that few or none are in commission of the peace within ten miles where the Earl dwelleth but himself, his allies, brethren and kinsfolk, being many, and such as depend only upon him; saith that the Earl doth not only inform untruly but doth all these gentlemen wrong to give Cecil to understand that they combine to maintain him in the supposed misdemeanour. The Earl hath two houses—Tattershall in Lindsey and Sempringham in Kesteven : about Tattershall there be in commission, Lord Willoughby of Parrham, the Earl's brother and respondent's uncle, likewise a deputy lieutenant, Sir George Henneage, Mr. William Henneage, Mr. Marbury, Mr. Gedney, Mr. Philip Thirwhitt and Mr. Francis Copledike, no ways allied to him, and these are all within that compass which be in commission. Within ten miles of Sempringham, Mr. Savile of Humby, Mr. Lacye, Mr. Pell, Mr. Robert Gene, Mr. Ed. Carr, Mr. William Carr, Mr. Bartholomew Armyn, Mr. Edmund Thorold, Mr. John Meares, nothing allied unto Sir Edward, only Mr. Armyn's son, not being in commission, hath married his kinswoman, and there resteth only Mr. Charles Dymoke, his uncle, being eight miles off. So within the Earl's ten miles is my Lord Willoughby and Charles Dymoke, two of seventeen.
Item. Whereas the Earl chargeth that under colour of being deputy lieutenant he presumeth that other justices dare not look into his actions; saith that he taketh this to be the greatest grief and the greatest cause of the Earl's complaint that he is yet one of the deputy lieutenants; not that he presumeth anything by colour of that, for he is informed that the Earl boasteth that he hath already thrust him out of the commission of the peace, and will thrust him out of the rest or he have done.
Endorsed :—“1595.”
pp. (37. 3.)
Henry Gosnold to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595. Since, upon my repair unto you in Court, after some sufficient conceit moved concerning me, it pleased you out of a just and favourable respect had of me to cast that imputation upon the present nature of the time, which in some hard construction might have been wrested to the prejudice of the person; now that the cloudy disposition of those times is by distance and alteration overblown, I am humbly bold, not only to revive mine honest and dutiful justification, but also to add thereunto my most humble and earnest petition for some assurance that there remains no relic of any such impression as, in pursuit of employment in Court (whereunto I have always aimed mine endeavours) may prove an impediment, if not a peremptory bar, to my preferment; and the rather for that, by the loss of my late disastrous lord and master, that like a froward constellation hath blasted the hopes of his friends and servants, I am wholly left to the framing of a new fortune, wherein to be crossed would utterly dismaim and drive me to despair of all means of recovery. Herein if your honour vouchsafe to relieve me, I shall be willing to make dedication of my pure service and dependency to your absolute discretion and commandment.
Endorsed :—“1595.”
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (37. 5.)
The Heralds College.
1595. The Officers of Arms are these, in course and order.
Three Kings of Arms. Garter—William Dethick, principal king of Arms.
Clarencieux—*Richard Lee, king of Arms for the South, lately preferred.
Norroy—Yet void : king of arms for the North.
Heralds of Arms. Windsor—Dead.
Richmond—*Richard Lee.
Lancaster—Nicholas Paddy.
Somerset—William Seger.
Chester—James Thomas.
York—Ralph Brokesmouth, alias Brookes.
Pursuivants of Arms. Rouge Dragon—John Ravens.
Portcullis—Thomas Lant.
Blue Mantle—Robert Treswell.
Rouge Croix—Thomas Knight.
Lancaster was first bred up under old Mr. Garter, alias Sir Gilbert Dethick, fifteen years : hath besides now full twenty-one years served her Majesty in the office, first a pursuivant of Arms, and so preferred in course to his place which he now enjoyeth of Lancaster by your honour upon commendation of the Earl of Shrewsbury, then Earl Marshal. Was chosen into the office the same year with Richard Lee, now Clarencieux, many years before the rest.
Endorsed by Lord Burghley :—“1595. The state of the heralt and parcevant.”
1 p. (37. 6.)
John Killigrewe.
1595. Draft of charges laid against John Killigrewe.
Endorsed :—“1595. Note against John Killigrewe.”
2 pp. (37. 8.)
Letter from the said Killigrewe addressed (as it would seem) to Cecil, giving his answer to the various charges in the foregoing note, “being merely a slander to the dead and libel against the living.” Is not dismayed thereat, for the providence of God, in time past extended to his grandfather and father in the like malignant accusations, doth not a little encourage him, for they were charged with thirty points of treason, all founded on this that they, being contrary to that time protestants, did keep his uncle Harry in the French court, the King then at war with England, and did secretly succour and victual his uncles Peter and Thomas at sea; through which jealousy they were removed from the charge of the Castle, and came up to their answer, when their innocency appearing, they had in recompense 2,000 marks of their accuser by order from his Honour, and were restored to their credit and charges, as he trusts in God he may be.
Then follow the charges with answers thereto arranged in double column.
The accusations are to the following effect.
That having squandered 6,000l. of his wife's patrimony and being deeply in debt besides, he left the Court, after having by great friends there stopped the course of justice against his mother for a most infamous murder and robbery at Falmouth, promising in the country to make large satisfaction for his father's faults, but in lieu thereof he overwent his father's worst steps, for he kept not within the compass of any law, as his father now and then, from fear of punishment, did, but has lived as a professed outlaw many years, and hath bred many more like himself in lewdness and lawlessness.
Having thus brought himself into desperate case, that he lived chiefly by oppressing his tenants, being a landlord in name only, by robbery of strangers in harbour there, by cosening his friends and neighbours, by selling her Majesty's provision of the Castle, by receiving of stolen goods, by consorting with pirates, and abuse of his place and command.
Of late, that he had not only neglected all necessary preparations against the enemy, but had met with mates, and provided instruments, to deal with him in his behalf.
That thus there had been a straight league between him and the pirate Elliott by the space of half a year, almost in his house, at bed and board. That he relieved Elliott in his piracies with victuals and men, and received part of his pillages and spoils, Newland fish and one ship laden with salt, which he sent into Ireland. Also, that he supplanted or suborned the captain of the Crane who sought to apprehend Elliott in Melford, giving the latter warning so that he escaped in the night, for which there was sent a bribe of 200s., part whereof was paid in Holland.
That the pirate made known to his company that, if he would not beg his pardon, his purpose was to turn to the enemy, which he did, and came with them as chief pilot when they came to Falmouth and commanded a troop of horse. It is like he presumed much on the acquaintance of his host.
A Spaniard taken in the action of Calais was sent down into the country to pass into Spain. That Killegrewe feasted, lodged and entertained him at his house, using close and secret conference with him.
That his trusty servant, Stephen Wilky, put to sea last spring in a small carvel which he forsook off the coast of Spain, where he remained with the enemy.
That Dick Tristram, alias Rawlyn, a follower of Killegrewe's, went with Wilkey and, by the confession of the Spaniard lately taken and examined, became a sworn soldier of the enemy, and a likely instrument to further Killegrewe's treachery.
Lastly, that two several advertisements of his intended treasons had been lately received, one from Bayonne and the other from Bordeaux, by Monsieur Candalier. It was table talk at Bordeaux what composition he had made with the enemy, what price was paid, and who was the factor.
The answer.
Confesses sale of his wife's lands for 3,500l. as done by her consent.
To be in debt, living so many years at Court with small allowance from his father, he holds neither strange nor dishonest.
His mother's innocence appeared by the confession of her suborned accuser.
Denies generally the other charges.
Touching alleged dealing with pirates, answers that it is hard for a common entertainer of strangers in his house to know all men's deserts.
As to the treason charged of being privy to the traitor Elliott's actions, might refer to his former answers to his accuser's general charges, but for Cecil's satisfaction protests he was never more inward with Elliott than with a hundred others. Did indeed buy a ship of salt which, if not a lawful prize, he must restore, but touching the alleged shifting of Elliott away by any confederacy with the Captain of the Crane, this is the truth. Learning that men-of-war were at Melford (a place out of his command) he went there, and finding Elliott and one Bishopp, captains in two men-of-war, with a prize astern, asked Elliott what it was. He said of Deepe, bound for the Indies, of which he intended to make spoil, but Killigrewe procured a promise of its release, with the men on board, who presently were fetched from under hatches in his presence. Left two men, Salisbury, his lieutenant, and one James, now serving in Scilly, on board that night to see the promise kept, but Elliott, putting them ashore, escaped by night with the prize, as the said men can testify. At parting, Elliott saying he understood the Crane was at Falmouth, requested his man to carry a token to the captain, three bolts of Holland, and one to the master, giving him for his courtesy three bolts also (for which he has since compounded with the owner for a far greater sum than they were worth), which he took without mistrust, being assured that he had been graced by Sir John Norris and Sir Ferdinando Gorge, employed by Boocher and lately in the Calais action, neither was Elliott held as a pirate until long after.
Traverses the charges touching Wilkey, Tristram, and the rest of the accusation.
Endorsed :—“1595. The true answer of John Killegrewe to the wicked libelling against him.”
Unsigned. 2 folio pages closely written. (37. 9.)
— to [Sir Robert Cecil].
1595. Whereas Edward Owen with sundry others were on 5 June, 30 Elizabeth, for a certain crime committed hy him as principal and them as assistants, adjudged by the Lords in the Star Chamber to pay 2000 marks himself and the other six 200l. apiece; and the said Owen was further adjudged to be whipped, and entered further into a recognisance of 500l. for his appearance in the Star Chamber at the day of hearing, which he failing of, his lands are now extended for and rated at 35l. a year, which is all that he can be found seised of, or her Majesty can recover of him and them, they being fled and kept secret, the writer prays that he may have the benefit of the said extent until the recognisance be discharged. And touching the fine and punishment of whipping, if her Majesty like to remit the same in regard of the reasons moved by him (as the many wrongs and assaults offered him, the loss of a finger and eye by the plaintiff's means, the violent usages to his mother, used even to her destruction, with sundry such like, besides the utter undoing of his estate, wife and children) that the writer may have the benefit of procuration thereof, which may be worth 200l., but no way more, as his friends, the disbursers thereof, swore.
If her Highness be otherwise purposed to chastise Owen, or be persuaded of his further ability for satisfaction of his fine, prays he may have part of the fine allotted to him.
Endorsed :—“1595, by Mr. Lock.”
1 p. (37. 10.)
Captain William Walker to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595. Being wholly unknown unto his honour, notwithstanding the long time of his continued service, craves that his boldness may not be imputed to any presumption, but rather to the extreme dealing shewed against him. Has been a member of the town of Berwick thirty-nine years, thirty-five of which he has been lieutenant and captain of a band, serving therewith in Scotland, Ireland and other places, and how he behaved himself therein, the marks he carries gotten from the enemy will affirm. Yet for all this, the Lord Chamberlain, now Governor of Berwick, has discharged him from a cause which he has at large made known unto Lord Burghley, whose goodness he has so tasted of that he and his family are justly bound ever to pray to God for his preservation.
For his service generally, he refers to those in the garrison of Berwick who have knowledge; but for that in Ireland, where he served with other captains of the town (as Captain Case and Captain Pickman), he had the place of Sergeant Major committed to him by the Lord Justice and Council, and how he served therein refers the same to Sir George Caroe and Sir Edward Stanlye, knights, with others.
Prays that when his cause shall come before the Council he may have Cecil's favourable speech to the Lord Chamberlain for his former deserved place.
Endorsed :—“1595.”
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (37. 11.)
Russia, England, and the Turk.
1595. After the debating of these matters, B. Federoviche entered into other familiar talk, and withal asked me whether I was to go for England. I then not minding the contrary said, with his good favour, it was my purpose, but he replied again, “Stay with us; thou art well known to us all, and we think well of thee, and shalt find such favour as thou shalt not think the time long”; with many more gracious speeches, too long to rehearse, persuading me to stay. So I shewed him that, if there came any other over in my place, then I was to return home, otherwise to come back again. Upon which he was satisfied and said, if I did go, God be my good speed, and withal delivered unto me a message that I should certify her Majesty, if I were admitted unto her presence, or else to her honorable Council, if I did go home; otherwise to write thereof. The message followeth. First, he declared unto me that the Emperor's Majesty, for Christian love sake, had sent unto the Emperor of Germany 1000 timber sables, 600 timber martins, 6000 beavers, 1,500,000 squirrels, [worth by estimation 80,000l. sterling margin] to help him in his wars against the Turk, enemy to God and all Christendom, and therefore it behoved all Christian princes to join together against that infidel. The message was this; that I should certify how that it was given the Emperor's Majesty to understand by the Pope's Legate this last winter, how that her Majesty did not only favour the Turk, but also aided him against other Christian princes, whereat he did not a little marvel to hear that none but her Majesty should join thus with the Turk, to the great dislike of Christian princes, and therefore did wish that all Christian princes might join together as one, and, with God's sufferance, to the overthrow of the Turk. But again he replied and said, that neither the Emperor nor he himself did believe it to be true, and therefore would suspend their judgements till they heard further thereof; and willed me, if I did go for England, to certify, if I might, her Majesty or her Council thereof from himself in this sort as he delivered it unto me, or else, if I went not, to write hereof. My answer hereunto I thought good to make it so brief as I could, replying that those affairs did not belong to merchants, but so much I took knowledgement of, that her Majesty to join in force or send munition unto the Turk or to aid him against any prince in Christendom, were a thing not to be credited. But if there were a league between her and the Turk in consideration of trade that her merchants have thither, to seek the good of her own country, as also other princes would do the like, that may not be imputed that her Majesty did or would join with her forces to the Turk against the Emperor of Germany or other princes in Christendom. Further I said it were more fitter, if it pleased his Majesty to write unto her Highness hereof than for me to be any messenger therein. His Honour's answer hereunto was that insomuch as there was no such sufficient ground of the truth of this cause, although it was reported by the Emperor of Germany's ambassador and the Pope's Legate, his Majesty and himself would not write thereof, because they gave little credit thereto, and would not write unto so worthy a prince upon no other certainty; but hereafter, when they understood the truth, the Emperor would write. Meantime, he willed me to deliver this message from himself in such sort as is aforesaid. I thought good only to write your worship hereof. If you and others whom it pleases you to acquaint hereof, think fit to certify the Council, according to the noble man's desire, and procure her Majesty's letter for answer to this point to the Emperor, and another to the Lord Burris Fedoroviche, it will, I know, give wonderful great content; taking acknowledgement that this advertisement came by her merchants as speeches by the Lord Burris Fedoroviche unto their agent here. Of this matter he spoke last year after my coming from the ships, when I delivered her Majesty's letter, but he then gave me no order to report thereof. And now I leave it to your worship and others' consideration for the fittest course to be taken.
Endorsed :—“1595. Russya. From John Mirrik, agent for the Company of English merchants trading there.”
Copy of part of a letter. 1 p. (37. 12.)
Muster Masters.
1595. Counties that have Lieutenants :—
County. Lord Lieutenants. Captains appointed to be Muster Masters.
Bedford. Earl of Kent. Captain Williams.
Berks. Lord Norreys and Sir Francis Knolles. Captain Peacock.
Cambridge. Lord North Captain Cheston.
Cornwall. Sir Walter Raleigh Captain Brackenbury.
Cumberland. Earl of Huntingdon.
Derby. Earl of Shrewsbury Captain Hales.
Devon. Earl of Bath. Two appointed, and Captain St. Leger mentioned for the third.
Dorset. Lord Marquis. Captain Brombridg.
Essex. Lord Treasurer. Captain Twitty or Captain Raynes.
Ebor. Earl of Huntingdon. Captain Simmes for one of the Ridings.
Gloucester. Lord Chandos. Captain Boucher.
Hertford. Lord Treasurer. Captain Henry Gill.
Hereford. Earl of Pembroke.
Huntingdon. Lord St. John of Bletsoe. Captain Lovell.
Kent. Lord Cobham. Captains Thomas Wyatt and Thomas Gaye.
Lincoln. Lord Treasurer. Captain Buck.
Leicester. Earl of Huntingdon. Captain Osborne.
Norfolk. Lord Chamberlain. Captains Jackson and Allen Lewes.
Oxford. Lord Norreys, Sir Francis Knolles. Captain Chatterton.
Rutland. Earl of Huntingdon. Captain Throwghton.
Surrey. Lord Admiral. Captain Dutton.
Salop. Earl of Pembroke.
Southampton. Lord Marquis, Lord Mountjoye. Captain Hampden Pawlet.
Suffolk. Lord Chamberlain. Captains Gilbert Havers and Edward Worlock.
Somerset. Earl of Pembroke. Captain Dawtrey.
Sussex. Lord Admiral, Lord Buckhurst. Captain Covert and Captain Holland.
Westmorland. Earl of Huntingdon.
Wilts. Earl of Pembroke. Captain Longe.
Worcester. Earl of Pembroke.
Isle of Wight. Captain Degory HInder.
Counties that have not lieutenants, with the names of the gentlemen to join with the sheriffs :—
Bucks. Sir Henry Lee. Captain Elmes.
Sir Jo. Goodwyn.
Sir Robert Dormer.
Thomas Tasborough.
Cheshire. Master of the Rolls. Captain Hawkyns.
Sir Hewgh Cholmeley the Younger.
Sir William Brereton.
Peter Warberton of Arley.
Thomas Wilbraham.
Lancashire. Sir John Byron. Captain Latham.
Sir Richard Mollineux.
Richard Holland.
Richard Aston of Middleton.
Ralph Ashton of Lever.
Middlesex. Sir Michael Blunt. Captain Levans.
Sir Owen Hopton.
Sir George Carew.
Thomas Knivett.
Robert Wrothe.
William Fleetwood.
Northampton. Sir Thomas Cecil. Captain Par.Lane.
Sir Richard Knightley.
Sir Edward Mountague.
Sir William Hatton.
Sir John Spencer.
Nottingham. Sir Francis Willoughby. Captain Bostock.
Sir John Byron.
Sir John Hollis.
William Cecil.
Stafford. Sir Christopher Blunt. Captain Wilson.
Sir Edward Littleton.
Sir Edward Aston.
Sir Humfrey Ferrers.
Richard Bagolt.
Warwick. Sir Thomas Lucie. Captain Stanton.
Sir Fulke Greville.
Sir John Harrington.
Sir Humfrey Ferrers.
Endorsed :—“1595. A List of ye Muster Masters in every county.”
pp. (37. 13.)
The Earl of Northumberland to the Earl of Essex.
1595. Noble brother, This [bearer] whom I must needs commend, desires much to do you any service in this Irish employment. He hath entreated my letters to you to bestow a company on him. I shall think that you will hereafter like so well of him as I wish. I will see you before you go, so my wishes and best love shall close up this letter, and I rest, your brother in whom you have all interest, Northumberland.
Endorsed :—“1595.”
Holograph. Undated. Part of seal. (37. 15.)
William Paddy, physician, to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1595.] Can send no more or less comfort than that his Lady niece [Elizabeth, countess of Derby] is as much better as so little time can effect. Her weakness (as he has ever foretold) is like to be much and long, for it is now at the highest which can be in a living creature, and for the conception, it must be hoped that out of her own storehouse she that can overcome such a sickness may supply nourishment. There shall be nothing omitted in care for her perfect recovery, whereupon a consultation will be held at 5 o'clock this evening when all the rest of his fellow physicians will be present.
Endorsed :—“Without date. Dr. Paddy to my master.”
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (37. 16.)
Peter Proby to Sir Robert Cecil.
1595. Agreeably to the Queen's pleasure, has appointed Arden to wait upon Cecil at his house, from whom the Queen has promised that the latter should receive what she would give him. She has bidden Proby let him know that she had no distrust in him yet, to satisfy that was informed against him, that he should keep the commandment given him by Cecil, and not presume to come to the Court wheresoever, and that if he persevered in well doing and could get any intelligence of worth from his brother or any other abroad or at home, he should find her Highness' bounty towards him hereafter. If the Queen has not told Cecil thus much concerning Arden, has thought good to let him know this her pleasure told to himself, whereof he has said nothing at all to Arden yet.
For himself, beseeches remembrances of his poor estate. His time in her Majesty's service has been seventeen years; his services not in words or fables but in deeds, with great charge, pains and danger. Desires not any great matter but a convenient pension. Had of his late master 20l. yearly, duly paid quarterly by his steward, his diet, lodgings, carriages and riding charges, and was always provided with horses at his honour's charge. Had besides 20l. yearly of his honour, sometimes paid by his commandment by the clerks in the Treasury, and sometimes by him out of such fees of towns that he was officer unto. Had further his honourable speech and letters for himself and friends very readily. Hopes the Queen will think all this was worth 100l. yearly, or he could not have maintained himself and family. It is God's will to take this his means from him, for which he thanks Him as if it had pleased Him to continue it, hoping that the Queen will have him to serve in such place as she told him he should shortly know. Prays Cecil to move her Majesty for a pension, for when he knows what to trust to, he will be able to put his creditors in hope of satisfaction.
Endorsed :—“1595.”
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (37. 17.)
Sir Thomas Sherley.
1595. Petition to be discharged of the sum of 5488l. 8s. 2d. wherewith he has charged himself in his first account, upon his own confession, as money defaulked by him from divers captains in her Majesty's pay, to the use of the States of the United Provinces; namely, 520l. 8s. 2d. for victuals to soldiers, and 4568l. for money delivered by the burgesses of Briell to bands lying there in garrison; which he hopes your lordship will think reasonable, because the States owe him a far greater sum, having served them with a regiment of 1800 men from the beginning of May 1586 unto the midst of December following. Sir Thos. Sherley needed not to have charged himself with this sum in his account in the name of the States, for he hath the captains' bills for the same, but that his purpose was and is to deal plainly.
Endorsed :—“1595. The humble suit of Sir Tho. Sherley.”
Unsigned. Undated. 1 p. (37. 19.)
Petition of John Smythe.
1595. Whereas he ought to pay for the coal mines and salt] pans at Offerton and Sunderland for certain years, yearly to her Majesty for the debt of Robert Bowes, 800l., and that one year is now fully complete and ended, prays that she will accept payment of 400l., to be delivered into the Exchequer at or before the 16 of this month, with three several bills of Robert Varnon, Surveyor of Victuals at Berwick, for 300l., due at days already past, for corn delivered there, and 100l., to be paid in the Exchequer at or before the last of this month, in full satisfaction of the 800l. due for the year past.
Prays also that he may henceforth pay the same in victuals for Berwick garrison by 400l. every six months, which he will afford to the Victualler at such reasonable rates and prices as other men do.
Further that the patent for salt may be so strengthened as he may enjoy the benefit thereof, otherwise he shall not be able to make performance of the yearly payments aforesaid.
Endorsed :—“1595.” Signed. ½ p. (37. 20.)
The Earl of Shrewsbury.
[1595.] Memorial of the Earl of Shrewsbury's Causes.
Objection.—There hath been long ago warning given to the Earl for retaining persons about him ill affected in religion, by whose countenance given to men of that condition, many dangerous persons lurked in that shire, and most of the gentlemen grew afraid to enquire after such offenders; insomuch as some commissioners of the peace, for fear to offend the Earl, did find means to keep notable recusants from appearing at sessions and from being indicted at the assizes, to her Majesty's no small prejudice.
Proof.—Mr. Harper, a gent. of good living, a justice of the peace, the Earl's follower, one thought to be forward in the Earl's service, and therefore, being hollow, the more dangerous, did by his letters now to be shewed write to a notable recusant, an inward favourite of the Earl's, that he and his wife should keep themselves out of the way for a time, for he and others had received private directions to proceed against all wilful papists from the Lords; assuring him that he would do his best with the justice of assize, and that if now he and his wife escaped, he would contrive all matters according to his desire and his friends hereafter; wishing him not to forget the bringing of the Earl's letter with him to the justice of assize.
Objection.—George Moore, a notorious papist, and Williamson, reconciled to the church of Rome fourteen years past, employed in the Earl's causes, since his lordship knew them to be so affected, and especially used by the Earl in contriving the riot. This Moore is now in Antwerp, a malicious rebel, whither he fled not long before Williamson's departure.
Proof.—When Williamson was convicted for the riot which was committed upon Easter Day morning, and came after to the Earl for relief in his fine, he told him that he durst not then speak for him, being noted for recusancy; but if he would make for a while some external show by coming once to Church, the Earl would then assure the Queen of his conformity. Which is well known he did accordingly very confidently, when, knowing the contrary, he affirmed him to be a very good Protestant.
Objection.—The Earl was known to be an apparent encourager of the riotous pulling down of the Wear, though not suffered to be touched in the Star Chamber, such was her Majesty's favour towards him.
Proof.—First : He always laboured to the Council by his letters and servants that the Wear might be pulled down.
Secondly : He sent up a book of the names of 500 men that spake against the Wear, where it was after directly proved that a great number of names were set to it which where never made acquainted with it.
Thirdly : Of all those persons which were convicted the greatest part were the Earl's own servants, tenants and followers.
Lastly : For more evident proof these are letters extant of the Earl's own hand, and from others, whereby are directly manifested their directions both before and after, and yet are there good witnesses to be produced that, for divers letters sent about that matter and other dishonourable practices for lying in wait for certain persons whom they hated, an order was given by the Earl and others that the carriers of letters should always see the parties in their own presence burn them; but as it happened that was not duly observed at all times.
All these misdemeanors have been passed over, and her Majesty never withdrew her favour from the Earl until this last act as followeth;
Objection.—Nicholas Williamson, born a gent. and condemned for a riot, employed long before by the Earl in all his causes and purchases and protected after, fled into Holland, where he might have tarried at his pleasure, but being otherwise disposed, he went to Antwerp and lay in one George Mace's house, a practiser in the Earl's father's time for the Queen of Scots. There did Westmoreland and Fra. Dacres board, and thither daily resorted unto him Stanley, Jaques, Holte, and other traitors, as Williamson confesseth. From thence he went towards Scotland, and was taken on the Borders, and in his company one David Lawe, a Scottish priest made by the B. of Ross. He was then brought to London, examined by the Earl of Essex and Sir Robert Cecil, and committed to the Gatehouse, close prisoner. Within few days after it fell out plainly that Williamson was sent by Creicton, the Scottish Jesuit, who writ to Rome that he had employed to persuade the King of Scotland to be a Catholic, without which he could not get the Crown of England, saying further that if he would hear him he should have multos nobiles et multos plebes in Anglia, for this Williamson knew many men's minds in England, and that he had sent David Lawe to conduct him.
Proof.—Creicton's own letters intercepted, and sent by the Count Maurice to the Queen, wherein all these things were written, and since shewed Nicholas Williamson.
Objection.—Francis Dacres wrote to the King by him, that if he would break with England, he would help him to a party on the Borders.
Proof.—Confessed by Lawe, who was taken in his company, that Dacres told him his letters were to that effect, and confessed by Williamson himself that he brought letters to the King from Dacres; and since, by letters intercepted going to Rome, it is written that Williamson's taking makes Fra. Dacres change all his former purposes as despairing of success in those parts.
After this dangerous person had been apprehended, committed close prisoner in March last to the Gatehouse, often examined by the Master of the Rolls and Mr. Attorney, publicly known to be in for capital treasons, about two months after by the Earl of Shrewsbury's commandment, without either warrant or privity of her Majesty's Council, suddenly the house where his wife lay and a steeple hard by was searched by the Earl's servants, and divers bags of writings sifted and seized, a thing which upon petition would have been granted to the meanest subject upon good cause shewed, but being done without leave can no way be excused; for, seeing this Williamson hath been long before beyond the sea, and in all that while the Earl never made seizure of any of his papers until he was called thus in public question, the offence is much the greater, for it is most likely that there was some great cause why such a person should venture on such an act, whereby he hath not only thrown himself into vehement suspicion in the world, how little matter soever may be found since his men's first ransacking, but also came in danger for a notorious contempt against her Majesty's Crown and dignity, to be further punished by the rule of justice and honour, according to former precedents in cases of far inferior nature.
2 pp. (37. 21.)
Nicholas Williamson.
[1595]. “Interrogatories ministered to Nych. Wylliamson,” nine in number, relating to certain writings left by him in his house or elsewhere, and as to his relations with “one Jordan, one Pygott, one Persall of Staffordshire, one Hacker and one Langley.”
In Cecil's handwriting. 1 p. (37. 24.)
Principal Persons of various Counties.
1595. Lists in Lord Burghley's handwriting of the chief persons in certain counties in England.
Endorsed by him :—“Principal men in sundry shires.”
Rough draft. 2 pp. (37. 25.)
Another list of persons, drawn up in tabular form and endorsed by Lord Burghley,“Selected persons,” with the words,“in divers shires, 1595,” added in another handwriting.
5 pp. (37. 26.)
Captain Robert Hitchcocke to the Council.
1595. In consideration of his services in the wars, prays for letters requiring every innholder, tavernor, common table keeper, common cook and ever other common victualler, to have openly affixed in their houses a copy of a printed table or breviat (enclosed) setting forth the benefits to the realm of the due obervance of fish days : the table to be obtained only from him, for which he is to charge 6d.
Endorsed :—1595. Note.—“This passed not.” 2 pp.
Enclosure (printed) :—“A brief note of the benefits that grow to this realme by the observation of fish days.”
1 p. (1700.)
[Court of Wards.]
1595. Comparison of receipts of three of the best former Michaelmas terms with this last, 1595.
1 p. (2309.)
1595.—Account, containing :—“Disbursements during your Lordship's minority,” “Payments, 1591, during your Lordship's being in France,” receipts, and debts, and notes touching the manor of Hodgeston. The payments are to Lord Rich, Sir Thomas Parot, Henry Bo[urchie]r and his sister, Mrs. Mayho, 1591, upon condemnation and outlawry, and others.
Endorsed :—“1595.”
2 pp. (2458.)
Manor of Mycleton.
1595. Particular of the manor of Mycleton, Gloucester.
Endorsed :—“Lord Lumley. 1595.”
½ p. (2457.)
Wardship.
1595. “Charges laid out by Mr. Thomas Buskell and myself for Mr. William Cholmelie's wardship. 1595.”
1 p. (2460.)
Memorials.
[1595]. Card. Salviate into France, a Florentine, Governor of Ancona, shall be nuntio.
Toledo is of the house of Toledo, a Spaniard, and was a jesuit, and the first jesuit made a cardinal. He hath lived in Rome thirty-six years.
Card. Deza opposite to France
From Barcelona to Nyza, a town of Savoy. From thence to Savona. From thence into Lombardy.
The Infante met him at Niza. From thence over the Alps to Savoy. From Niza to Savona, so over the Apennines to Turin, so over the Alps to Savoy, after into Burgundy, so to Lorraine, and thence to Luxemburg, and so into the Low Countries.
This man is called Johannes Adolphus filius Adolphi of the order of the Garter. Governor of Staden.
Archbishop of Bremen and Lubeck marrieth the P. of Denmark's sister and he hath married his sister to the Archduke Charles, Governor of Sweden, and the second to the Duke of Mechlebeck.
400 men. English custom a noble.
200 after. Stranger custom a noble.
200 after.
Rough notes in Cecil's handwriting.
1 p. (37. 29.)
Capt. Richard Turnor to the Earl of Essex.
[1595]. Your Lordship having been to my knowledge sufficiently advertised, hath caused me thus long to abstain.
Our rising from Groull was no less shameful than sudden, the equality of the armies (or advantage, if any were, being ours). We left some store of munition behind for want of carriage or for haste, now, thirty days spent in taking new breath, we are marched towards the enemy again, hardly resolved to fight. The enemy is in camp about Berke, on the other side of the Lype, over which there is a passage to come over at their pleasure. We are strongly entrenched a league short of Wesel, close by the river, between both the armies three great leagues. Notwithstanding, somewhat the presumption of their parts or shame of ours will cause to be done, whereof I will advertise your lordship as shall happen, if please God. In the mean season, I wish your lordship had the like opportunity : the army appears well resolved and wants but leading.—From the camp.
Holograph. Undated. 1 p. (37. 23.)
French Advertisements.
[1595.] In Rome the Spaniards seek with all diligence to hinder the King of France his absolution, holding for an infallible consequence that if he be not absolved, he cannot be established peaceable King in France. The Pope, fearing to displease either part, resteth doubtful what to do. Howbeit it is thought that if he see the King prosper he will quickly incline that way, and already seemeth every day more and more desirous to receive him into the Church. The best and speediest means to resolve this ambiguity in the Pope, and to prevent the designs of his enemies, it is thought here, is for the King to march speedily with his power to Lyons, to which resolution there are many necessary causes to move him, amongst the which one most important is the establishing his affairs in Provence, which is the mark the Spaniards so diligently aim at, their only end being to get into their hands the city of Marsilia with those ports, which would yield them very great commodity of harbour for their ships and galleys, which was the prey so speedily sought after heretofore by the Emperor Charles V. when he sought to bridle both France and Italy. To conclude, it is here thought by the King's friends most necessary for the removing of all lets at Rome touching his absolution, for the utter overthrowing of the designs of his enemies and the facilitating of his own proceedings, to march with all speed to Lyons, which they expect with great devotion, and do already prognosticate unto him good success, being the rather confirmed in that hope by the good success of Dediguieres in the taking of Eseilles, a place of great strength and importance upon the confines of France and Savoy, in which enterprise the Spaniards at Eseilles shewed very little valour, to the great discouragement of the Savoyards.
1 p. (171. 91.)
M. De Lomenie to the Earl of Essex.
1595. Is still detained for want of wind as he wrote before. Is under a great obligation to this captain, the bearer, who, late last night, received a letter from the Admiral summoning him to come up with speed. Begs favour with the Admiral for him. The weather is so bad that there is no news from France.—Rye, Saturday morning.
French. Holograph. 1 p. (172. 86.)
Wood Sales.
1595. Tabulated statement of five sales of wood, Shorne Wood, Okenden Wood, and three hedgerows, showing the parcel, the price, the amount paid, and the amount still due.
Endorsed :—“Woods sold in Ao 1595,” with names of five farmers who owe their Lady Day's rent.
1 p. (172. 140.)
“Ships now home in the port of Plymouth.”
1595. “Of the Earl of Essex his squadron : the bigger ship of Flushing; the Dydan, a hoy.
Of the Lord Admiral's squadron : The Lyons Whelpe; the Stricker Hospital; the lesser ship of Flushing.
Of Sir Walter Rawleigh his squadron : the Swyftesure; the Peeter of London; the Popynjay of Memblyck; the Centuryon.
A Spanish ship, the St. Mathew, out of the which I take it there hath been very many things purloined and embezzled, as sack and other things of good value.
Since the writing of this there hath come in the Lord Thomas Howard his ship and Sir Walter Rawlye's ship, and the Vangarde.”
Endorsed :—1595.
1 p. (204. 29.)
The Queen to the King of Scotland.
[1595?]. My dear brother, May it agree with my deserts that what hath been should either be so forgotten as it be not acknowledged, or so neglected as if ought were forslowen that meet were for the season? Was it my guilt or your error that your rebels, when I knew they were such, had so strong hold in your favour, as many a month passed ere you were pleased to count them but yours in stanchest sort? Yea! when they were full near you they must not be seen, but so dandled as best merit could scarce crave more! What needed an army to pursue such as might soon be had? Why put you your person to such a laborious voyage, when many a day afore you might with less pains and more honour have had them? But who was then in deep lethargy that gave so long a breath to so evil a cause, and bred a caused doubt no suspected lack but too plain an oversight. And must I, for all my warnings, for all my presents, for all my watchful, hourly, care, be so well rewarded as one that either brake vow or overslipt matter? For the first, I never knew you at other need than that your will made you. and so that turn might easily be borne with less than that I sent you. I neglect your causes! Would God you cured as well your diseased state as I have narrowly watched to see it preserved! That many months hath passed since my letters visited you not, lay not the burden on the shoulders that deserved it not, but remember what courage was given to proceed further, when yet the thanks are to be given for that was last bestowed. And well it were if that were all. I irk that my pen should write the rest. Suppose you that so long a reign as mine hath so few friends or wants so narrow intelligence as that complaints and moans, made to foreign estates, of straight dealings made by such as ought most have helped you, could be kept secret from my knowledge? But if you should be asked what you would have done more than pursue them to your confines, I think you would have answered them at leisure to make them suppose more than could be said. Now, dear brother, think with yourself what means this is to get a new or keep the old. I am more sorry that by my example they may have cause to doubt your true measure to them when better and firmer have had so evil requital. There is no king or potentate to whom, I thank God, I need yield account of my actions, and yet so sincere they shall ever be as they shall ever pass current with honour amid all their censures, and will disdain that any have the precedence of both my words and actions; of which even themselves have given me so good testimony that I believe your persuasions came too late to make them believe the contrary.
Judge now, with me, whether my silence have had just ground, and whether any of my rank, if I had used them so, would have forgotten so unseeming a part. If I may perceive you to regret such a treatment and to assure to bind such one to me as you affirm, you shall be sure that if any your traitors with their combined faction shall any way assail you, shall find me awake, as having no drowsy humour when your affairs need speedy assistance, and would not have you doubt that I trust more at your enemies' hands but the worst they can and most they may. If you had believed it as well, your lords had not been in place for aid, nor out of your hands to treat as you list. With my assured affection to your person and for your good I end, committing yon to God's safest tuition.
Endorsed.—“Sa majeste an Roi d'Ecosse.”
Copy, undated. 1½ pp. (133. 131.) [Printed. Camden Society. Ed. Bruce. p. 168.]
Sir Henry Davers to the Earl Of Essex.
[1595?] It were a very hard accident to this condemnation (I dare not say unjustly) laid upon us that our misfortune should be accompanied with the diminution of your good opinion, wherein, as I dare boldly refer myself and my cause to your own honourable consideration, so will I also depend upon the continuance of your favour, wherewith I expect only to be protected. And now I am with utter extremity driven to that refuge, for my estate, forfeited unto her Majesty's hands, must by you be preserved or without you perish. Before God and your lordship I neither feign nor enforce this pitiful motion which in this time neglected will drive me to an uttermost extremity.
Nothwithstanding, if ever I deserved, let that merit prevail to assure you that my duty towards God, my allegiance to my sacred sovereign, and the respect which your favours justly exact of me, or the least of these three, are sufficient to retain me within the bounds of an honest man, but my own country shall never see my beggarly estate a reproach to my family, a disgrace to my former life, or a desertless dependant upon the general extended bounty of my Lord of Essex. The deliverer hereof will inform you of a ground to proceed upon, and then I doubt not a noble consideration of my unlucky suit, expecting my doom of banishment or hope of return from your solicitation.
Undated. 1½ pp. (24. 78.)
Patent for Starch.
[1595?]. Her Majesty granted the patent of starch to Sir John Packington, with intention that the profit thereof (except 345l. yearly to Sir John himself and 120l. to Madam Medkerck and Mrs. Bowne) should be to Mr. Young; and Mr. Young, doubting hard measure at Sir John's hands, entreated Sir Robert Cecil to enter into the cause, and to take some assurance from Sir John, in his own name, that Mr. Young might stand the better secured of good dealing. Mr. Anton, having notice of all this matter by Sir John Packington, made means to Sir Robert Cecil for his furtherance to Mr. Young, that he might be interested in the whole cause. But before full composition could be had between them, Sir John making haste to despatch, it was required that the interest should be passed from Sir John Packington to Sir Robert Cecil upon trust that Mr. Young should be satisfied, which was done. It was then concluded, because Mr. Anton's friends were not in the city that should be bound with him to Mr. Young, that Sir R. Cecil should give security to Mr. Ellis by the nomination of Mr. Young, either for the payment of 500l. yearly, or to make over an absolute deputation of the patent before a day certain. Afterwards Mr. Young was contented to take security of Mr. Anton for his money, and nominated Mr. Ellis to take the assurance in his own name, upon consideration between them two that this 500l. by the year should be employed, first to the discharge of a debt of 400l. due to Mr. Ellis by Mr. Young; next for saving harmless Mr. Young's sureties of 3,000l. debt to the Queen; then for the payment of 1,200l. other debts and some other duties; and that the residue should be to the use of Mr. Young's children. Mr. Anton according to the former agreement entered into bond to Mr. Ellis with a sufficient surety for the payment of the money, whereupon Mr. Ellis determined to employ the money according to the foresaid consideration, but is brought by process into the Exchequer and required to allow the whole yearly payments to the Queen in part payment of a debt of 9,000l. due by Mr. Young. He therefore prayeth that in respect this assurance was passed to him by Mr. Young's nomination, upon so just and charitable consideration, and for that the interest, neither of the patent nor of any assurance for any money was ever settled in Mr. Young, he may be at liberty to employ the money according to the considerations aforesaid.
1 p. (32. 27.)
(i.) Abbreviated copy of the above.
½ p. (32. 28.)
Lord Cobham.
[? 1595] (1.) List of [? Lord Cobham's] horses and geldings.
1 p. (145. 211.)
(2.) List of horse furniture [? Lord Cobham's].
1 p. (145. 213.)
Richard and Mary Cullen.
[1595.] The case of the Queen's Almoner against Richard and Mary Cullen and others, in the Star Chamber.
The plaintiff prays for execution for a sum of 180l. ordered to be paid on 21 May 1595.
1 p. (2296.)
The Principal and Fellows of Brasenose College to [Sir Robert Cecil]
[? 1595 or later.] The old school of Myddelton, co. Lancaster, where Alexander Nowell, Dean of St. Paul's, and his brethren were taught in their childhood, for the smallness of the stipend of the schoolmaster being almost forsaken, the Queen's Majesty, at the humble suit of the said Dean, founded there her free school, by the name of Queen Elizabeth's Free School in Myddelton, co. Lancaster, and gave unto the same 20l. yearly, out of the cathedral church of St. Paul in London, for the stipends of the schoolmaster and usher; and her Highness appointed thirteen her scholars to be chosen out of the same school unto the King's Hall and College of Brasenose, Oxford, where the said Dean and his brethren were also brought up in their youth, unto which college her Majesty annexed the school, and made the principal ana fellows of the said college governors of her said free school in Myddleton.
The said Dean purchased of the Lord Cheyney, in reversion, the manor of Upburie, and rectory of Gillingham impropried in the county of Kent; and, in token of his gratitude towards her Highness, gave the same after unto her Majesty, which should have still continued in silence (as it did many years before) had not great injuries enforced the contrary.
The Queen gave the said manor and parsonage unto the said College for the exhibition of her thirteen scholars, and to the further amendment of the stipend of the schoolmaster and usher of the said school, and to the increase of the commons of the said principal and fellows, who had before by their first foundation but 14d. apiece weekly.
And, for that the said Lord Cheyney survived sixteen years after the said purchase in reversion, the said Dean maintained six of her Majesty's said scholars at the University during all the said time, which, besides the former purchase, did stand him in 300l., and more.
And further, for that the old school house was very little and uncomely, being covered with straw, the said Dean hath caused a fair large school house, with lodgings for the schoolmaster and usher, of stone to be builded in her Majesty's name, wherein he bestowed the sum of 180l. which, with the purchase and finding of her Majesty's scholars during my Lord Cheyney's life, cost above 2000 marks.
The Lord Cheyney, before the said purchase in reversion, had made a lease of the said manor and rectory unto one Peter Rowle, which lease is by mean conveyance come unto the hands of Sir Edward Hobie, knight, and the lease is charged with the yearly rent of 5 marks in money, and eight score and eight quarters of sweet strawdried malt, to be paid at Christmas and Midsummer.
But for that by the said lease warning is to be given under the hand and seal of the said Lord Cheyney, his heirs or assigns, unto the said Peter Rowle, his heirs or assigns, for the payment of the said rent in malt at a certain place, Sir Edward Hobie denyeth to pay any such rent, for that the College, being a body incorporate, hath no hands, as he saith. He doth also allege that the said Dean is to have some benefit of the said rent malt as a cause why he ought to pay no such rent.
And for that the said Dean hath been enforced by these charges to lay out 200l. of Edward Blount his child's portion being in his hand; which sum, for that the college hath agreed that the said Edward Blount shall receive of the rents due to be paid out of the said manor of Uppburie and parsonage of Gillingham, Sir Edward Hobie allegeth that also as a cause why he ought not to pay the said rent malt reserved in his lease, but to pay so much or little and at such times as shall please him.
And although the Dean and College were humble suitors at divers times for the space of two years and more, first unto the lord Treasurer, the lord Admiral, the lord Chamberlain, Sir Edward Hobie's nearest and dearest friends, that some reasonable order might be taken between Sir Edward and the said College, yet Sir Edward would not stand unto their order but would have the matter tried by law, that he might by long delay still enjoy the fruits of the said manor of Uppburie and parsonage of Gillingham, given by her gracious Majesty unto the College, without payment of any rent.
The said Dean and College, for that suit in law would be so long and chargeable, were enforced to make like humble suit unto the Lords of the Privy Council that it would please them to take some order therein.
Their lordships referred the cause unto the judgment of the Lord Chief Justice and of the Master of the Rolls that now be (then attorney and solicitor to her Majesty); who, after a year's delay made by the said Sir Edward, returned their opinion unto the said lordships that notwithstanding the said condition of hand and seal, or any other matter that they had heard, the said rent malt with the arrearages were to be paid upon the land holden by the said lease, though no warning at all were given. Which rent with the arrearages came at that time to the sum of 700 marks.
Whereupon the said Dean and College renewed their humble suit unto the said most honorable lords in the time of the last Parliament for some good order to be taken.
Their lordships would have the matter deferred unto the end of the Parliament and then my Lord Treasurer and my Lord Admiral promised to do their endeavour to make a good end.
The Parliament being ended, Sir Edward would neither commit the matter to the order of my Lord Treasurer and my Lord Admiral, though being his best friends, nor to any other, but would still have the cause tried by law only.
But the said Dean and College, being wearied by the said long suits, and all in vain for that Sir Edward would stand to the order of none of them, and fearing the tediousness and charges of suit in law, and doubting how the College should recover anything of Sir Edward, though adjudged unto them by law, the College and the said Dean thought it the best jointly to make their most humble complaint unto her Majesty, that it might please her Highness to command some good and speedy order to be taken in the said cause, without suit in law. Whereupon her Majesty committed the hearing of the cause to the lord Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Essex, and the Lord Buckhurst.
On their certificate of judgment, she commanded these lords to signify to the said Sir Edward her express will and pleasure that all arrearages due by the lease should be forthwith fully paid to the College, but also that the said rent according to the covenants of that lease should be hereafter justly paid unto the said College without further charge or molestation, which they accordingly did, first by their letters written unto Sir Edward, 9 August 1593, declaring that in their opinion 13s. 4d. was a reasonable sum for every quarter of malt.
And when Sir Edward made delays and excuses their lordships directed letters again unto him on 1 November 1593, and, thirdly, on 18 December 1593, requiring, in her Majesty's name, his full answer; yet did he as before make continual excuses and delays after the delivery of those letters before he would appear, and kept those of the College who did follow the suit in attendance in London and in the time of progress above a year.
During which long time, though the lords did take great pains to bring Sir Edward to some reason, making him offer both of great abatement of the arrearages with long days of payment, and of the price of malt to be due in the continuance of his lease hereafter, which they set far under the markets usually, so that the price of malt happening, as twice it had been of late, Sir Edward should in some one year pay less by 100 marks than should be due by his lease, yet he would not agree. Wherefore they set the College at liberty to seek their best remedy by law or otherwise. But, when the College had brought their action in the Court of Common Pleas at Westminster for recovery of part of the said arrearages to the value of 500l., he who continually for four years would nothing but law refused to appear. And, when for lack of appearance, he was at the point of outlawry, one Webb appeared as attorney for him, and saved him from being outlawed. And after that judgment passed against Sir Edward, the said Webbe denied in open court upon his oath that he had any warrant so to appear, and so has quite overthrown their long and chargeable suit in law. By means of all which long and chargeable suits the College is now greatly impoverished and the scholars of the said school and College had been driven long ago to forsake both the school and universities, and her Majesty's foundation quite overthrown, had not the said Dean lent them, as long as he was able, wherewith to supply their wants.
Whereupon the said Dean and College shall be once again enforced to make their most humble supplication to her Majesty that the arrearages, now 800l., may be satisfied according to her former commandment, without further suit in law, and if this reasonable request may not be had, then that it might please her Majesty to command the said Sir Edward to appear to an action for the arrearages, to answer without unnecessary delays as tenants to the premises and to put in good sureties for answering of that which shall be recovered against him, the rather by reason his body is protected by her Majesty's service. The which humble suit might it please you, right honourable, favourably to further, you shall not only bind her Majesty's said thirteen poor scholars but also the principal and fellows of the said college, and the schoolmaster and usher of her Majesty's free school (in the which college and school are above three hundred poor students and scholars) continually to pray for your good honour.
Endorsed :—“The case between Sir Edward Hobie and the College of Brasenose.”
Copy. Undated. 4½ pp. (138. 257.)
John Hewes to Sir Robert Cecil.
[Before 1596.] Praying for allowance for bringing letters from Middleborough from the Duke Danvers, directed to the Queen, Cecil, Lord Cobham, the Lord Admiral, and others, which letters were taken away from petitioner by Lord Cobham.
Undated. ¾p. (1692.)
The Earl of Huntingdon.
[1595,] A paper headed, by Sir Robert Cecil, “Remembrances for the honourable Earl of Essex in the behalf of the poor Earl of Huntingdon, &c.,” requesting Essex to move the Queen to make a composition between my lord and my lady for her jointure, to provide for recovery of the Queen's debt, to grant patents to the new Earl of the offices the late Earl enjoyed. and to let him have the lease of Lubscop.
1p. (172. 131.)
M. De La Fontaine to the Queen.
[1595.] How much credit he is thought to have with the Queen is shown by what the Duke of Bouillon desires of him. There are many things which should not escape your Majesty. I will add only two touches about the Count of Fuentes, which I have learnt elsewhere. One, that after the surrender of the citadel of Cambray he treated the French noblemen there to a distinguished banquet (festin); the other, that he wrote to Brussels, upon the surrender of the said town, that he gained it by means of the inhabitants who betrayed the French. Your Majesty can form your own judgement of these Spanish caresses. As to the Duke's request his letter will speak better than I. As to the place, it has always, after your Majesty's example, very kindly received and lodged the poor people of the churches on this side the Loire in all the troubles of the last 35 years. This has brought it many losses and the hatred of the enemies of the true religion. You would confer a benefit upon many poor churches in thus fortifying their retreat in case any new storm should arise.
French. Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (172. 124.)
Clerkship of the Bishop of Sarum.
[1595 ?] “Case of the Bishop of Sarum touching the office of the Bishop's clerkship, now in question.”
Traces the various grants of the office during Elizabeth's time, as bearing on the claim of Edward Escort, who claims a grant in reversion after the death of Sir Thomas Heneage in Oct. anno 37 (1595.)
Undated. ½ p. (A. 51.)