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The Earl of Stafford to the Lord Treasurer. |
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1597, Dec. 1. |
I send you a copy of the Queen's letters and Mr. Secretary's to show you what I can gather here. I wish to have the cypher I sent you, as soon as I can, to enable me to write to you. Today Signor Palavicino's brother took leave of me, and has promised to send me intelligence from Italy. The other poor gentleman is marvellously evil handled by the Pope's means, and I fear he can scarce stay here; which he would fain do, till he heard the extremity of the Pope's adjournment of him and his seeking to have the Senate of Genoa allow of his excommunication of him. The poor gentleman is very melancholy, but resolute to endure banishment rather than forsake God whom he has professed. The Queen might do well to show him some good countenance. My cousin Cecil is in good health and I am sure you will have joy of him, for he delights in any thing that is fit for a gentleman.—Paris, 1 Dec. 1597. |
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Holograph. 1½ pp. (57. 62.) |
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Ro. Rante to Ralph Bowes. |
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1597, Dec. 1. |
I have received his Lordship's letters to make payment to your hands of my allotment of the 2000l. for Berwick. This I will do in a day or two, when I can get from him a warrant of privy seal for my discharge; for so far in the privy seal there is no discharge for me as regards the Queen. This matter was argued last term by Mr. Attorney-General in Mr. Dodington's case (executor of Sir Walter
Myldmay), and my counsel advises me that I must have a discharge to protect myself and my sureties. |
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Signed. 1 p. (57. 65.) |
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Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 2. |
The privy seals have not been stirring in these parts of late, and, since the Parliament, there have been granted both subsidies and fifteenths, which will draw from the ability of poor men, such as him for whom I write. His name is Topping, and he lives, I think, in Aylesbury. He has no land and but a small stock, yet within the last few days a privy seal has been brought him. I first preferred him to a privy seal, but considering the charge that will follow, I think him fit to be foreborne. Though he was bred on my land his deserts to me have been bad, and truly 'tis but for conscience sake that I recommend his cause.—From Quarrington the 2nd of December. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (57. 67.) |
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Marriage of the Infanta of Spain. |
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1897, Nov. 25./Dec. 5.—Dec. 2/12. |
Two letters :— |
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1. The Archduke Albert to the Duke of Aerschott. |
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Mon Cousyn. Les deux lettres qui sont icy joinctes sont du Roy Monseigneur et du Prince son filz, mon Cousyn, auz Estatz du Pays et Comte de Haynault en creance sur moy pour leur declarer une Resolution que sa Majeste at prinse pour leur propre bien et consolation de l'adveu et consentement dudit Sr et Prince : A quoy ne pouvant satisfaire en personne pour ne permettre les affaires que je m'esloigne d'icy, il me semble ne pouvoir mieulx que par vous leur faire entendre ce que j'ay de charge, et à cest effect jay adjousté une lettre mienne aux mesmes Estats affin qu'ils vous oyent en leur prochaine assemblee, et croyent ce que vous leur declarerez. Qu'est en effect qu'il a semble à sa Majesté que pour le bien de la Chretienté en generale et en particulier de ces pays, il ne debuoit plus longuement differer le mariage de la Sme Infante, sa fille aisnee, et que tant pour la conservation de notre maison que pour autres divers respects, il at a c'est (sic) effect jetté les yeux sur ma personne par l'adveu et consentement de notre S. Pere le Pape, de l'Imperatrice ma treshonnorée dame et mere, et de l'Empereur monseigneur et frèe. Que oultre ce, pour donner tant plus de commodité à sa dte fille et a moy et monstrer la singulière affection qu'il porte a ces dits pays, elle les veut luy donner en dot et advancement de mariage, avec le Comte de Bourgoigne sans en distraire ou separer chose que ce soit, s'assurant qu'eulx du dt Pays et Conté de Haynault comme les autres Estats se rejouyront de ceste benigne resolution puisqu'elle tend à leur propre bien, et que ce sera le chemin pour parvenir à une bonne et solide paix, et une fois sortir de ceste miserable guerre, qu'est ce que sa Maté at si ardemment et tendrement desiré, que quand à moy encore que pour ce qui me touche je doibs grandement estimer la singulière grace et faveur que sa Maté me faict en ce regard, ayant entre tous voulu faire choix de ma personne et que pour ce seul respect, je doibs en recepvoir un incroyable contentement si m'en rejouis-je encores dadventage que par ceste occasion, je pourray monstrer les effects de ma bonne et cordiale volonté, et suivant les traces
des Princes de Bourgne et d'Austriche, mes devanciers, travailler pour le bien et repos de ces dyts pays, ausquels je porte et ay tousjours porté singuliere affection, estimant en avoir dèsjà donné quelque preuve, dès non arrivée de pardeca encore que non du tout telle que j'eusse bien desiré, pour ne l'avoir permys les necessités et malheurs qui m'ont traversé. Que je cognois fort bien le pesant et peneble fais que par ceste resolution me doibt tomber sur mes espaulles, mais que me confiant d'estre par eulx et les autres Estats conseillé, aydé et assisté, j'espère qu'avec la faveur de Dieu le succès en sera heureux, et que pourray revoir ces pays en la fleur, grandeur et prosperité qu'ils ont estés du temps de mes predecesseurs, et qu'euls voyans quel courage la Sme Infante et moy employerons et nos personnes et nos sens et nos moyens nous tendront le mesme amour, que leurs pères ont tenu aux nostres, qu'est le sommaire de ce que je desire vous leur representer de ma part, provocant de au plustot me faire avoir leur lettres de response tant à sa Majesté qu'au dit Sr Prince affin de leur envoyer, et qu'il y en ait duplicats et tryplicats pour le dangier qu'il y a qu'elles ne s'éguarrent par le chemin; et je prie Dieu vous avoir mon cousyn en sa saincte grace.—De Bruexelles ce 5e de Decembre 1597. Richardot vt soussigné Albert Card; et plus bas Verreyke. |
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2. The Council of State of Hainault to the King of Spain. |
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Le 26e du mois passé nous a esté donnée la lettre qu'il a pleu à votre Maté nous escrire du 10e de 7bre, en credence sur Monseigr le serme Archidue Albert qui en vertu d'icelle nous a declaré la volonté de votre Majesté endroiet la resolution qu'icelle a prinse de luy donner pour femme et espouse la Same Infante sa fille aisnée, avec ces Pays Bas et de Bourgne pour dot et en faveur et advancement de ce mariage, de l'adveu et consentement de Monseigr le Prince son fils, chose que à la verité de premiere abordée, nous a grandement estonné, pource qu'ayants vescu tant d'années soubs le juste et equitable gouvernement d'un sy bon Roy, nous souvenans de tant de signes et faveurs que les Pays Bas et nous avons receu de sa Royale main et de ces predecesseurs, nos gouverneurs seignrs et Princes, il seroit mal possible que ne sentissions de nous voir distraicts de son obeissance. Nous le sentirions avecq un perpetuel regret si le changement estoit autre que celuy qui nous est declaré, et que confessons nous estre de tres grande consolation, pource que nous donnant pour princesse sa treschere et tresaimée fille de la bonté et vertu de laquelle nous avons tant ouy parler et luy adjoynant pour mary l'un des plus vertueux princes de monde, et duquel nous avons ja cognu la valeur, prudence et singuliere bonté, ensemble la cordiale affection qu'il porte à ces pays, outre qu'il est du nom sang et famille que nous et nos devanciers avons toujours eu en si grande veneration, nous ne pouvons sinon nous consoler et resjouyr, et rendre graces à ce bon Dieu qu'il ast inspiré a votre Maté a prendre ceste resolution pour laquelle nous ne pensons changer de mre pour estre ce nouveau prince, le sang, la chair, le cœur et vraye ymage de votre Maté outre l'espoir que nous avons conceu que ce sera l'advancement de l'honneur de Dieu, la satisfaction de votre Majesté et le bien des ses pouvres subjects et de nous ses tres humbles serviteurs et vassaux, comme v. Maté touche par ces propres lettres, et ainsy nous conformans à sa volonté et obeissans à ses commandemens nous luy declarons et protestons par cestes, que de mesme zele qu'avons servy a votre Maté nous servirons à la Sme Infante sa fille, et a Monseigr l'Archiduc son futur mary quand votre Mate le nous commandera, leur
rendant l'obeissance et la fidelité que sommes obligés, et procurerons en tout et par tout le bien et advancement de leurs affaires. Ung seul poinct principal representerons a votre Maté encore que d'ailleurs elle en est et soit assez informée, qui est le miserable et deplorable estat de ces pauvres pays, qui par la longueur de ceste cruelle et desastruese guerre tant domesticque que estrangere est reduite à telle extremité qu'il ne faut pas penser en pouvoir s'acquer substance, ne qu' ils puissent se maintenir si vre Maté durans ces malheurs n'en a le mesme soing que du passé, et y employe les moyens avec la mesme liberalité qu'elle a faict cy devant, autrement au lieu d'accommoder et favoriser sa tres chiere fille et son bou nepveu elle les rendroit au nombre des plus pauvres et miserables princes de la Chrestienneté, ce que tres humblement nous supplions votre Mate ne vouloyr souffrir ni qu'iceux se perdent avecq nous, ny nous avecq eux, comme indubitablement nous ferions si elle ne continuoit sa liberalité et charitable main jusques à ce que les pays soient remis en meilleur estat. Elle la faict pour le seul zele de Dieu et de nostre sainte religion en pays et royaumes estrangers, et pour ceux qui ne luy veullent point de bien. Iey est le mesme Dieu, la mesme religion, v. Mte le mesme Roy avec le mesme zele et piete, et il se traicte non destrangers, non d'incognus, mais du bien ou mal de ruyne, ou conservation de la meilleure et plus obeissante fille qui nasquit, oncques d'ung nepveu qui par ses merites et louables comportemens est tenu et compté des fils et des bons et fidels subjects qui sont siens par legitime succession, et que votre Majesté a tousjours aymé, et chery comme son enfant. Qui nous fait croire qu'elle ne les abandonnera pas et qu'elle imprimera la mesme inclination et bonne volonté au cœur de mon dt Sr le Prince son fils, dont derechef la supplions très humblement, et s'il nous est permys la conjurons avec toutte la chaleur et affection qu'il nous est possible, comme ceulx qui a jamais luy veullent, et au dt Sr Prince, demeurer tres humbles et tres obeissans serviteurs, et qui tousjours leur rendront le mesme honneur respect et reverence que du passé. Ce que nous reste à desirer est, puisque V. M. l'a sincerement resolu et que la delation est de trop grand prejudice, qu'il lui plaise faire accalerer et advancer ce dict mariage et nous envoyer au plustot celle que Dieu et elle nous ont destiné pour princesse, afin qu'en elle et par elle nous voyons notre bon Roy, et que la puissions honorer, reverer et servir comme ses fideles et loyaux serviteurs, vassaulx et subjects que serons.—De Bruxelles ce xiie Decembre 1597. |
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Copy. 4 pp. (57. 83.) |
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Another copy of the preceding letter. |
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(57. 84 and 85.) |
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John Beverley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 3. |
I have attended on the Lord Treasurer for the declaration of a purveyor's account for grain, &c., shipped hence to Ireland in 1595 and 1596 until the beginning of November last, when I returned home. Something was said of bad victuals sent into Ireland, which I did not conceive to concern me, as I can bring witness to prove. I have lately sent to his Lordship the prices of grain and victuals here, and that the country can spare cheese, butter, and no grain.—Huntington, near Chester, 3 Dec. 1597. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (57. 68.) |
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Philip Cole. |
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1597, Dec. 5. |
Claims right to a lease of the lands of Oliver Carminoes in Cornwall, which is also claimed by William Salter and others.—14 June 1597. |
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Note by Lord Burghley referring the matter to Mr. Baron Ewens. |
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Mr. Baron (Matthew) Ewens to Lord Burghley. Has heard only one party, but it appears to him petitioner should have the lease under certain conditions.—Serjeants' Inn, 5 Dec. 1597. |
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3 pp. (559.) |
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Sir Anthony Ashley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 6. |
I have enquired more diligently concerning the diamond, and find that those who have it got it about three years since from a mariner (who had probably got it out of the Carrack), who meeting these goldsmiths by chance at a play in the theatre at Shoreditch, spoke to them. They then went with him into Finsbury Fields to see the diamond, the ruby, and a carbuncle of great beauty and value. The mariner (as Aesop's cock) set no great price of his jewels, so that they soon agreed, but the goldsmiths in show refused to buy such jewels in “huggar muggar,” and therefore it was concluded that the mariner should expose his merchandise in open market, and should bring it to their shop in Cheapside (their usual open market for such shifts), where they would pay him the price agreed on, viz. 500l. for all the jewels, by their own confession. But the goldsmiths were not so foolish as to let the mariner leave them till the market were ended. Had not haste been made about this unfortunate diamond I had hold enough to have got the other two jewels into my own possession. I beseech you to care for my restitution to her Majesty's good opinion, more dear to me than all the diamonds or precious jewels in the world. I doubt not but she will think it reasonable that I be repaid the 300l. disbursed long since to make the diamond hers. I am entered into bond for payment of the rest, whereby it is, by law, mine and not the Goldsmiths', by which means also, if her Majesty will not take the other course, or if the goldsmiths be importunate, it may very colourably serve to induce a parley (“parle”) of a low rate; considering also the imperfection of their bond grew by their own default and not by any covin used towards them.—This 6 of December 1597. |
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Signed. 1 p. Closely written. (57. 69.) |
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Francis Cherye to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 7. |
Myself and the 12 merchants that maintain the trade to Russia, are at a stay for want of the money which the Queen owes us for cordage and wax. The Emperor's brother of late hath given order for 4,000l. to be bestowed in Hongers ducats (“duckattes.”) The Earl of Nottingham and Mr. Boroughes have ordered 10,000l. worth of cordage against the next year, which we cannot do without our money, now 22 months owing. These three years I have disappointed the King of Spain's factors of cordage, and have brought it wholly for England to the Queen's use. For the need thereof I refer me to the consideration of the Earl of Nottingham and your Honour. Before I took upon me to manage the trade, there never came above 2,000l.
worth of cordage a year, and now for 14,000l. or 15,000l. yearly, and not the like cordage in Europe to be had. The noble man Borise Fedary desireth an answer from the Queen concerning certain speeches of the Turk delivered to our agent, the effect whereof my Lord Treasurer hath in writing from Mr. Robert Dove, with all other favours shewed to our Agent there. I refer to your Honour, how needful it is to give the noble man content. He permitteth all the Company's servants to trade in all places in his kingdom, while no stranger may. This favour hath been partly afforded us for that I was the Emperor's servant 13 years, in which time I used myself in that sort to his Majesty and the nobility that all our merchants fared the better.—This 7th of December 1597. |
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Signed. 1 p. Closely written. (57. 70.) |
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Sir William Clarke to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 7. |
If my suit to be paid out of money going hence for Ireland, seem so unreasonable, please you to write your special letters to Sir Henry Walloppe to see my pension discharged there out of the revenue. It was granted me by patent, and is all the entertainment I had for my so great charge and service.—Whitefriars, the 7th of Dec. |
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Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (57. 71.) |
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Sir Henry Killigrew and Mr. Robert Beale to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 7. |
By your commandment we have dealt between Mons. Courcelles, agent for the town of Rochelle, and divers merchants of the City. We find that in 1572, when Rochelle was besieged, 3,300l. were lent to the agent of that city. It was promised to be repaid in salt within the year, but nothing has been performed, they of Rochelle promising that they would deal with the Reformed Churches of that Realm to be contributory therein. However nothing has been paid either of the principal or consideration for the forbearance of the money so long a time. The merchants pretend that, besides the money lent, there was a benevolence given by the merchants of the City. Courcelles supposeth that the said benevolence was included in this debt, so as they ought not to demand the whole sum but to make some defalcation, at the least of so much as the benevolence came unto. However, the bond then made by the Agent of Rochelle doth acknowledge the said sum to be received and owing ratione mutui. We moved both parties to offer a compromise. Mons. Courcelles offers within six months to put them in good assurance for the payment of 3,000 crowns at Christmas twelvemonth, and other 3,000 crowns a year after. The merchants alledge that the principal debt cometh to 11,000 crowns, and it were a great loss to lose 5,000 crowns besides the forbearance and the other charges which they have been at. They would accept good assurance for the whole principal, and would stand to any reasonable order for the rest. The merchants have hope of the Court of Parlement at Paris, where the matter is depending. We have, of our own experience, told them how hard it will be for them to get any execution or payment in France. Nevertheless they could not be brought to make any other offer, and we therefore commit the parties unto you again.—The 7th of December 1597. |
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Signed. 1 p. (57. 72.) |
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The Council of the North to Lord Burghley. |
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1597, Dec. 7. |
This morning Mr. Payler, the Queen's Attorney in these parts, departed this life. There are three lawyers at the Bar here fit to succeed him; Mr. Waterhouse, Mr. Pepper, or Mr. Moore. We think Mr. Pepper, in respect of his years and strength of body, very able to perform the service. It is sometimes requisite for the attorney to accompany some of this Council to the furthest northern parts, which journeys require able and strong bodies.—At York this 7th of December 1597. |
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Signed, Matthew Ebor, Humphrey Purefey, William Cardinal, and John Ferne. |
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(57. 73.) |
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“Philoponus Tlimon” to Queen Elizabeth. |
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1597, Dec. 7. |
A letter stating that the Earl of Essex is now a prey to melancholy owing to the Queen's displeasure. The ignorance of monarchs, which Diocletian speaks of, moved him to write to the Queen on the matter.—7 December 1597, ex musaeo meo Oxoniae. |
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Latin; written partly in red ink. At the head of the letter is an elaborate device. |
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(175. 136.) 2 pp.
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The Council of the North to Lord Burghley. |
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1597, Dec. 7. |
We have of late received many informations of the malpractices of Robert Redhead, Keeper of York Castle, whereon we will not enter, lest, he having of late moved some complaint against us, it might be thought in us a desire to recriminate. But we desire directions, for we cannot commit prisoners to him. Recently one Richard Myllner, a common corrupter of youth, an accessory to the burglary at Mr. Aske's house, on his second pardon for that offence, being already pardoned for highway robbery, was allowed by Readhead to be out of the Castle whole nights playing at dice, and to have the company of a gentlewoman to be his harlot, whom we and others the Commissioners for ecclesiastical causes had forbidden him to visit.—York, 7 December 1597. |
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Signed, Matthaeus Ebor, Humfrey Purefey, William Cardinal, Jo. Ferne. |
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1 p. (175. 138.) |
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John Danyell to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 8. |
I hear that O'Connor's brother and one Richard Fullam alias Phelan, who served with the foreign enemy, are come over with Sir Arthur Savadge, and that others of their country and consort are come to the French king's camp, desiring to come hither or to go to their own country. Phelan is a tall soldier that served continually under Sir William Stanley since his going into the Low Countries. I doubt that some of them may be employed to execute their accustomed wicked practices against her Majesty and her dominions, and I would suggest that the Lords Justices and Governors of her Highness' forces there be instructed to take security for good behaviour from them and from all such as come from the foreign enemy.—From my Chamber in my continual poor estate this 8 of December 1597. |
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Holograph in a very shaky hand. ½ p. (57. 74.) |
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Roger Manners to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 8. |
I beseech you procure me the Earl's answer. Mr. Holdcroft hath occasion to go into the country, and without him I cannot well answer such things as will be required. I would have waited on your Honour myself but I have strained my foot.—At the Savoy, this 8 of December. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (57. 75.) |
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Sir Anthony Ashley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 9. |
I am now thoroughly informed of the truth concerning the diamond, for I have lighted on one of the original shareholders in it, who was the chief means of How and the rest of the now pretended proprietaries having an interest in it, and who, being much grieved with their hard usage for his share in gain, would be content to be revenged. The price they paid was much less than her Majesty hath already disbursed. I beseech you make my service known, seeing I could have clearly gotten well nigh 1,000l., but have preferred her Majesty's good opinion and service to any private respect.—This 9th of Decemb. 1597. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (57. 77.) |
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Roger Manners to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 9. |
I have acquainted Mr. Holdcraft with your Honour's letter, and have entreated him to tarry this next week.—At the Savoy, this 9 of December 1597. |
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P.S.—Now if it will please your Honour to agree with the Earl we shall be ready to attend. |
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Holograph. Endorsed with a list of names. ¼ p. (57. 78.) |
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Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil |
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1597, Dec. 9. |
The bearer of this is a German (Almanno), who was in my service in my last journey to that country, and is now with the Earl of Shrewsbury. He is a proper person for the duty he offers to perform, of taking the packet to the Emperor, which the Queen, it is said, means to send by an ordinary messenger, seeing that he will know the language.—London, 9 December 1597. |
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Holograph. Italian. Seal. 1 p. (204. 59.) |
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Agenda Paper. |
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1597, Dec. 9. |
“9 Deer. 1597. At the Savoy.” 275l. “upon Mr. Sydney, particular receiver of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge.” As to letters to various bailiffs and receivers, and various sums of money to be applied for. “The Lady of Southampton for a debt of 163l. To speak with my Lord Hunsdon for 20l. due upon Vaughan's lease. Sir Anthony Mildmay spoke with for his rent behind of his lease in Higham Ferrers. To be informed what castles in the north, what reparations allowed; and in whose hands they are.” |
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1 p. (2270.) |
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Federico Genibelli to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 10. |
I have long desired, by means of certain inventions of mine, to do service to her Majesty, and to make a reasonable profit for myself, in return for the great losses I have suffered. Parliament being now met, I have made bold to request your Lordship to obtain for me the privileges in the enclosed minute mentioned, modifying them as you shall think fit. I should be content that any benefits arising should be at your disposal, and that you should assign me any share you please. During the term of the privilege, I will not show my said inventions to anyone without first advertising your Lordship and showing you the drawings and models.—From London, this 10th Dec. 1597. |
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Signed. French. ¾ p. (57. 79.) |
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Sir Edward Fyton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 10. |
I have moved most of the Lords to write for me to the Treasurer of Ireland, and they have consented if you will allow of it. I beseech your Honour to do so.—This 10th of December. |
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P.S.—I am now with Sir Thomas your brother for your niece. God send us good success. |
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Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (57. 80.) |
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William Lane to the Lord High Treasurer. |
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1597, Dec. 10. |
Her Majesty being lately moved for me touching the Receivership, said that she would take order for the same at her next speech with your Lordship. As you are unfit to be troubled at this time, I beseech you that Mr. Secretary may remember her Majesty of the same. The time of receipt is drawing on, and I am now furnished with such sureties as I shall not hereafter so conveniently find together. Mr. Sackford has left the suit wholly to me, so as I shall find no opposition in the same. The names of the sureties, Roger Manners, Sir William Russell, Sir Richard Knighteleye, Sir John Spenser, Sir Moyle Fynche, Sir John Hicksford, Henry Chittwodde, Esq., William Turpin, Esq., William Feildyng, Esq., Edward Cope, Esq., Thomas Pigott, Esq., Robert Osberne, Esq., Robert Lane, Esq., Francis Tanfelde, Esq., Edward Watson, Esq., William Rigden, Esq., Robert Hartwell, Esq., Nicholas Wentworth, Esq., John Pleadhall, Esq., Thomas Andrewe, Esq., Basil Brooke, Esq., Valentine Knightley, Esq., Walter Sheldon, Esq., Ensebye Isham, Esq.—The receipt of the counties of Stafford, Salop, Worcester and Hereford amounteth to 5,000l. or thereabouts. |
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Signed. 1 p. (57. 81.) |
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Philip, Count of Nassau to the King of Spain. |
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1597, Dec. 10/20. |
J'ai reçeu de la propre main de Monseigneur l'Archiducq Albert celle qu'il a pleu à V. M. m'escrire, estant de credence et entendu de sa propre bouche tout ce que V. M. a-t-ordonné nous donner a cognoistre comme si zelateur du bien universel et si benigne Seigneur et Protecteur de ces pays d'en bas. Et combien que ceste benigne resolution de V. M. nous a-t-estonne et aulcunement attristy en son commencement comme quasi presumant qu'icelle nous vouldroit
totalement delaisser et abandonner. Mais regardant sa bonne consideration et la nécessité pitoyable en laquelle maintenant ces provinces sont reduictes, je pense qu'il n'y aura personne qu'il ne recognoisse et advoue une resolution tant à propos aux nécessités presentes et tant nécessaire pour la tranquillité et repos de ces pauvres pays, que peux asseurer à V. M. comme bon tesmoing qu'ils sont reduicts à telle extremité que je les vois tout proche d'une ruine et desolation, principalement si la guerre se continue. Ce qu'avecq ceste benigne et chrestienne résolution esperons tous prendera le vray chemin pour obvier et remedier a icelle, se reconciliant avecq tous ennemys voisins, et causant la reduction des Provinces rebelles avecq ung accort correspondant à leur obligation. Et ainsi V. M. peult estre asseuree que de ma part je donne entiere foy a tout ce que V. M. m'a commandé declarer par son Altesse, esperant estre de service pour l'execution des bons desseins de V. M. et de son Altesse. Ayant pieça dedie personne et vie au service d'iceulx et pour le bien et repos de ce desolé pays à tant prieray au Tout Puissant octroyer à V. M. en parfaicte santé tres heureuse vie et longue avecq l'accomplissement de ses sainetes et royaulx desirs.—Brussels, 20th December 1597. |
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Signed. 1 p. (133. 175.) |
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Antonio Perez to the [Earl of Essex]. |
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[1597], Dec. 10. |
Si diutius tardasses, surgere hee cadavera non potuissent, etiamsi Elysei experimentum in puero in nobis tu fecisses. Advenisti, et animasti nos. Hoc tibi, et nobis congratulor, qui istam personam, non fortunam amamus; victoriam, et gloriam Regine et regni. Nescio an tibi, et tuis hoc congratuler, si invidia timenda sit. Quæ si in aliquibus rebus, sicut parum veneni, omni ex parte non nocet, in aliis nocet plurimum. Si vera est propositio cujusdam peritissimi aulici amici mei, temperandam magis esse gloriam ex virtute quam ex fortuna provenientem; odiosam illam principibus, gratissimam sicut hanc offensissimam populo. Sed quid ego me immergo in tam profundam abyssum, cum tot toties expertus tu fueris molestias, non aliunde ortas, quam ab invidia tuae virtutis. Quæ quando nimis ultra progreditur ipsam potius opprimendam quam virtutem comprimendam ille ipse judicabat. Patientia enim nimia alit audaciam, eaque crescit experimento maxume. Quid aliud profuit illa reconciliatio præterita, si præterita, quæ nunquam præsens fuit, nisi ut fierent domestici inimici tui, et familiares impunes inimici ex commercio cum illis a te permisso. Et ut gratiæ Principis, quasi in gratiam tuam, collatæ fuerint, [margin : saltem non credentis in offensam]. Addam aliud? Addam, hercle. Ut gratia populi, expectatio tuorum, estimatio tui offendatur, minuaturque. Numquid aliud? Illud ultimum. Ne condemnetur tua patientia, prudentiaque; veniatque dies in qua patientiae pœnitentia non prosit. Ignoras amori ardenti, si ulterius progreditur. An miles prudens cautusque permisit unquam nec inimicis, etiam post indutias, sua præsidia fossaque perlustrare? (Numquid aliud amici et familiares?) nec suis cum iisdem nimiam familiaritatem? Ne te fallat ista tui animi nobilis generosaque natura, omnium inimicorum tibi nocentissima. Abi hinc, calame. Ad alia transito; ne odiosus fias domino domini tui. |
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Dum abfuisti, quæ in nobis fuere, præstitimus et altari tuo obtulimus. Nescio an grata sacerdotibus isti deae astantibus. Imo constat noti grata fuisse. Invidia namque illorum exarsit in me, venenumque suum expuit. Quod a capite emanasse non credam. Habent enim principes aures sitientes, fidemque servant, ne fontium exciccentur venæ. Et quod summæ falsum fuit id contra me meumque calamum isthinc
scriptum fuit. Quid hæc sibi velint, intelliges a Domino Nantono, quibusque in controversis verser modo eâ ipsa de causa. Quidque hic contendam; Quidque a te desiderem. Non ero carus. Parvo contentus ero. Servus ad aliquem tuum amicum vel cognatum longe ab aula recedam, meque illic abdam inutilis omnibus, ideoque nemini odiosus. Hoc solum peto, tabulamque fidam qua transuatem. In hanc gratiam converte totam istam tuam erga me. Responde; sin nolueris, ut liberior tu maneas, annue domino Nantono. Sat mihi erit. Vale. 10 xb ris. A. Pz. |
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Holograph. 2 pp. (175. 140.) |
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Antonio Perez to the Earl of Essex. |
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1597, Dec. 10. |
Lege attente has cartas te obsecro. Percipe historiam, capita illius, illa presertim. Primum factum rei et in eo desiderium Amasiæ. 2o. Quo pervenerit illa tractatio cum oratore vestro ante illius discessum [Margin : Compara cum hoc illud quod rettuli Nantono transactum a Sancio mecum de filio Amasiæ. Et considerato an eo tendant hæ retes ex voluntate sui amati.] 3o. Quomodo arrepta fuerit ab illius manibus hæc negociatio. 4o. An Re conveniat ulterius progredi quod procul dubio non convenire non potest. Sunt ii mei internuncii per quos ab hæsterno vesperi cepimus aliquid negociari de novo. Quam noster sit internuncius constabit tibi ex relatione amici J. M. et ex parte ista originalis epistolæ ad oratorem jam scriptæ et obsignatæ: revoca te ex nostro consilio, ut ad te remittatur posthac. Addam illud, nullam talpam, nec urinatorem peritiorem inveniri posse isto Francesco Grosso ad penetrandum sub terra subque aquis his. Sed ut omnino me perdatis, ne servetis secretum. Vale. 10 xbris. Hanc cartam combustam a te fuisse mihi scribito si me amas. A. Pz. |
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Endorsed :—“Sir Antonio Parez.” |
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Seal. 1 p. (175. 141.) |
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Sir Robert Crosse to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 12. |
According to your letters, I have accepted of your old servant Hugh Moore. He demeaneth himself with good discretion, and his penitence for his negligence in your service argueth to my judgment his amendments. This day some of her Majesty's ships, which were with my Lord of Essex, came into Margett Road, and with them most of the Bordeaux fleet, who, notwithstanding their wines are ill, do, as I hear, rate them at a very great price.—From aboard H.M.S. Vangarde, the 12 of December. |
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Holograph. |
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Addressed :—“At the Court.” Seal. ¾ p. (57. 86.) |
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Statutes—Tellers and Receivers. |
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I. Objections to the Bill concerning Tellers and Receivers. |
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1597, Dec. 12. |
The Accountant's lands shall be sold from such time as he became officer, &c. |
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1. It were fit that the Accountant, or his executor or heir, having sufficient, that the purchaser's land should be spared from sale. In this no such provision. |
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2. If the purchaser's land must be sold upon any occasion, it were reasonable there be a contribution amongst the purchasers. |
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3. Before sale be made against the heir or purchaser, it is fit the debt were known by the account determined, all reasonable petitions being allowed, as in 13, which words be omitted. |
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4. There would be sufficient (garnishment) warning to the heir, especially to the purchaser, as by 27, by two Scire fac. or privy seal to the Sheriff of the county where the land is. |
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5. Also the land to be sold against the heir or purchaser to be valued by commission by reasonable extent of 12 men of that country where the land lies, the purchaser to have 3 years. For the Accountant had six months by 13o and his heir had by 27o ten months after 2 Scire fac. returned or privy seals served; which in this is omitted. |
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6. By this Bill the surplusage is to be delivered to the Accountant, his heir, executor or administrator, by the officer that receives it, which is not equal, the land being taken from a purchaser or heir bonâ fide, that he should have the surplusage. |
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7. Item, to have it declared who shall be the officers that shall pay the surplusage. |
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8. The words be. The Sale to be made by the Queen's Majesty shall be as good and effectual in law, as if the same had been by fine and recovery with single and double voucher, or by any other conveyance or assurance, and shall also bind and bar only such officer and person accountant, their heirs and assigns, and all claiming by, from, or under them. To avoid doubt there would be such provisions as in 4 Hen. VII. |
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9. If a debt be stalled and broken in the least, the purchaser's land shall be sold, which is inconvenient. |
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10. If a person accountant, owing nothing, sell his land bonâ fide which is conveyed by many hands and many descents, it is not reasonable that this land be sold for an after debt which the accountant falls into by fraud, negligence or casualty. |
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11. Item, in the same case is the wife and son's wife, for their jointures and dowers, which takes from the person accountant all society. |
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12. If the purchaser's land be sold, there would be provision for the purchaser to have remedy against the accountant. |
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13. Item. Who shall be taken to be a person accountant. |
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14. In this there is a proviso that it shall not extend to the sale of any of the heir's land, where the accountant had a Quietus est. This should also be for the purchaser or where the heir had a Quietus est or other usual discharge. |
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15. In this there is a proviso that it shall not extend to the Sheriffs, Escheators, or Bailiffs of Franchises, and 13o hath further these words, “to their lands,” &c. |
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16. That the provisoes to be in every place amended touching sales, and to be referred to both statutes. |
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Copy. 1½ pp. (57. 87.) |
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II. Rough draft of the above, with slight alterations in Cecil's hand, but in Clause 5 the provision for the extent to be made by a jury is an insertion, and the last clause originally stood :— |
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Provided and be it enacted that this Act of explanation, so it is called an Act of explanation, and therefore the proviso, provided that this Act shall not extend, would be larger, reaching to the Act of 13o. And if this be no act of explanation, then this proviso doth not serve to set
down who shall be persons accountable within this Act as the Statute of 27o did. |
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(57. 88.) |
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III. Amendments proposed to the Bill concerning Tellers and Receivers, and Objections to the Same. |
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27 and 14 repealed. |
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1. 13 is to be expounded for sale after the death as well as in the life of the accountant. And where the debt is known within 8 years after his death. |
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2. Within one year after the account made or debt known hereafter. And for debt already known, within one year after the end of this session of Parliament. Her Majesty to sell the land the Accountant, &c. had at the accepting of the office or any time after. The overplus to be delivered to the Accountant, his heirs, executors or administrators. |
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3. The Sale to be as good as if the Accountant had made the Sale by fine, recovery, or other conveyance for money. |
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4. The Sale to bind only the Accountant and his heirs and such as claim under him after he became Officer. |
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5. 13 and this Act both to extend to under-collectors of the clergy, as if they were immediate accountants to the crown. |
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6. Proviso for Sales made bonâ fide by the Accountant or his heirs before the beginning of this Parliament. |
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7. Proviso for leases for 21 years or 3 lives at the old rent, &c. |
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8. To extend only to tellers, &c. |
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9. Proviso not to extend to sell the heirs, land, whereas his ancestor had a Quietus est or other discharge. |
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10. Proviso not to make church land liable to sale. |
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11. Not to extend to sell land for any debt stalled, and for which her Majesty hath accepted any satisfaction, so long as the same is paid. |
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12. Not to extend to Sheriffs, Escheators, Bailiffs of Liberties, for matters touching their Offices. |
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13. The Accountant to be discharged of so much as the Queen shall raise by sale of land. |
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14. Not to extend to Treasurer of the Chamber, Cofferer of the Household, Treasurers of the Wars, Garrisons or Navies, Treasurers of Money, Victual or Fortifications or Buildings, or Master of the Wardrobe, unless the Queen command present payment after the Account determined, and yet the debt not paid within a year after. |
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15. Not to extend to sale, but where the debt exceeds 300l.
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16. Not to sell the heir's lands within age, until a year after full age. |
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Objections. |
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An Accountant pays his arrearages xx years together yearly, and so cleareth with the Queen. And in this space maketh jointures, sells lands, granteth capies, entituleth dower, owing then nothing. If afterwards he become in arrearage, her Majesty may sell the lands of the jointures and dowers and purchasers, and put out the copy-holders. And this also where the arrearage is known within 8 years after his decease, when himself is dead that should account. |
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The Queen may choose what land she will sell, and so lay the whole burden upon some, and nothing upon others, of the purchasers, jointures, dowers, &c. |
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The overplus of the money is to be delivered to the Accountant, his heirs, executors, &c., although the land sold be the purchaser's, the jointure or the dower. |
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Her Majesty doth bestow Offices of Account upon her servants of trust and great desert, which shall now be brought to this extremity by accepting these offices as no man will ever after purchase of them, or marry with them or their sons, and so they so odious as men of ability and well-meaning will not take upon those offices, and so her Majesty shall be enforced to bestow them of such as will neither have land nor money to satisfy her. |
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If an Accountant be subtle, he may with the Queen's money purchase and the same sell dividedly by parcels to countrymen in remote places that know not the danger. So her Majesty shall sell the land again for her money and the Accountant put this money in his purse, and the poor purchaser be undone by it. |
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How able soever the Accountant be, or what goods or money soever he leaveth when he dies, yet her Majesty may sell the purchaser's land, jointures and dowers, and the heir and executors never touched. |
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If an Accountant sell land to pay the Queen, and in truth the Queen receiveth the money towards her arrearages, yet she may sell this land again and destroy the purchaser. |
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If Accountant be seised in the right of his wife : It is thought her Majesty may sell this land from the wife and her heirs. |
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The Commissioners may sell for any small sum, and prefer their own friends or themselves in secret trust. |
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All statutes, recognizances, dowers, jointures, rent-charges and annuities, acknowledged or made by a former accountant, are by this Statute, if her Majesty sell the heir's land, made void, which was not so by the former law. |
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If lands be conveyed in trust, and after he become an accountant and indebted, her Majesty may sell those lands. |
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2 pp. (57. 90.) |
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IV. Objections to the Bill concerning Tellers and Receivers. |
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Almost verbally identical with (57. 87.), but clause 9 has this addition— |
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for that no debt above 300l. can be stalled but by her Majesty's own gracious favour and grant, and because that upon every such stallment her Majesty doth take other assurance for the debt so stalled. And clause 15 is omitted. |
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1¼ pp. (57. 91.) |
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Objections to the Bill concerning Tellers and Receivers. |
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Deals with the points raised in clauses 4, 6, 14, and 15 of (57. 90.) Suggests that the words that it (the date) shall also be good against the Q. her heirs and successors, notwithstanding any other charge to her, her heirs, or successors, by the person or persons for whose debt or duty the same shall happen to be sold, as in Stat. 13 it is, be added to clause 4; that clause 6 should include leases, grants, charges and extents; that clause 14 should include the Lieutenant of the Ordnance, the Master of the Horse, the Master of the Jewel House, the Master of the Armoury and the General Receivers of the Duchy and of the Wards and Liveries. Clause 15 should run, If the debt be under 300l. no land
of the Accountant or any claiming by, through or under him should be sold. |
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Endorsed. Copy. 1 p. (57. 92.) |
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See Stat. 39 Eliz. c. 7. |
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Roger Harlakinden to Lord [Burghley]. |
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1597, Dec. 13. |
Prays for the farm of Burghley's house and land in Cheshunt called Perriers, in succession to Barnard Dewhurst; and for determination of the controversy between Mr Purevay and petitioner's wife as to a parcel thereof. |
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Endorsed :—13 December, 1597. |
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1 p. (1919.) |
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Edward Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 14. |
Referring to the facts established in the examinations from York, and recommending that the gaoler be indicted at the next assizes. |
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The letters and examinations are returned herewith.—From Gray's Inn. 14 December, 1597. |
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Signature. 1 p. (57. 94.) |
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Enclosing :— |
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(1.) Examination of Christopher Simpson, taken before William Hildyard and others, Justices of the Peace. |
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Jo : Wilson, being a man in the Castle of York condemned for felony, hath since Michaelmas last past gone divers times to Newton upon Darwen to see that such corn as Mr. Redhead, gaoler of the said Castle of York, [had] was then in safety (sic), he having a keeper with him. |
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John Preston condemned of high treason at Lammas Assizes 1596, soon after he was so condemned, escaped forth of prison or was delivered from thence. Examinant saith that he knoweth that he was condemned of high treason, and was, after that, at liberty, but by what means, he knoweth not. |
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Ralph Nelson, committed upon suspect of horse-stealing, was suffered to go into the country with one Thomas Harper his keeper, but returned not again. Who authorised Harper to be his keeper, examinant knoweth not. |
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John Trunningham was committed to prison upon a capias utlagatum at the suit of Thomas Langdale, and was afterwards discharged. Mrs. Redhead did will the examinant to set him at liberty, which he did accordingly. |
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Edward Hyndley, being in the Castle of York and convicted for burglary, and Edward Sanderson being also in the Castle for speaking of words against the Queen's Majesty were both suffered to go into the City of York without a keeper and so escaped. |
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Two of the Egyptians, being condemned persons, were suffered to go with their keeper to the Castle “miliner.”
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William Appleby, condemned for felony, being sent for Mr. Redhead's service to St. George's House from the Castle to fetch water for certain uses, escaped away.—Ebor. 24 Novem. 1597
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Copy certified by Jo. Ferne. 2 pp. (57. 46.) |
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2. Examinations of Thomas Hogley and John Grene. |
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William Read, prisoner in York Castle, convicted for horsestealing, went into the country as keeper for one Powle, convicted for beast-stealing, by appointment, examinant believes, of Mr. Redhead and his wife or one of them, into Lancashire, Craven, Northumberland, or that way. After three weeks, or thereabouts, both returned, and Read is now at the castle, but Powle has gone. Read, after his conviction, did keep the castle gate as a porter at the same, or a later, gaol delivery, other prisoners being then at the bar. Examinant was told by other prisoners that Read was left out of the calendar. Examinant afterwards heard Mrs. Redhead threaten Read, that if he did not shortly provide money for her husband, as promised, he should be hanged. Read told the examinant that he had promised Mr. Redhead 5l. or 6l. for his reprieve or pardon. About harvest last, Read and one William Wilson, a prisoner convicted of housebreaking, were sent to Harlington to take up corn which Mr. Redhead had gotten out of one James Box imprisoned for clipping silver. Box was set at liberty after the last gaol-delivery, examinant knows not by what warrant. Read and Wilson are suffered to go abroad day and night at their pleasure, and of late have kept the key as porters of the gate. Mr. Redhead is reported to have taken money for the release of John Preston. William Ogle, convicted for felony, was sent out of the castle on Mr. Redhead's business. He went away, but being gotten again was afterwards executed. John Trynningham is reported to have paid Mr. Redhead or his wife 40s. or 3l. 6s. 8d. for his release. Jane Johnson and Anne Richardson, both convicted of felony, were sent into the city under the keeping of one Atkinson, a felon who had his clergy. They escaped, but Richardson is apprehended again and is now at the castle. Two other felons, names unknown, escaped before the last gaol delivery and are not yet returned. |
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By Grene. |
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Hugh Fletcher, condemned of felony, is a very disordered person. He hath struck divers other prisoners, whereof, it is thought, some of them have died. He is suffered to go at large into drink-houses (“dring howses”) without a keeper. The rest adds nothing to Hogley's examination. |
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Attested copy. 2 pp. (57. 48.) |
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3. The examination of Michael Pearson, prisoner in York Castle on an execution for debt, before William Heldyard and other justices, taken the 1st of December 1597. |
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He saith that William Reade, a prisoner for felony, has been since his conviction suffered to go out of the castle by a week together, and thinks that at these times he went with other prisoners to receive fees for Mr. Redhead in the West Country : Also that Mr. John Wilson, a prisoner convicted of felony, was sent out in like manner by Mr. Redhead on his business : Also, that a committed prisoner Henry Stark was set at liberty and that he or his brother entered bonds to Mr. Redhead to pay 50s. at Michaelmas last : Also that William Oggle and William Appleby convicted of felony escaped, and the former was caught again and executed. That Ralph Nelson, a committed prisoner,
was also allowed forth, and never returned. That Mr. Redhead had corn growing on the ground of James Boxe, (blank) Robinson, prisoners committed for felony, but for what consideration he knows not. That Hugh Fletcher, a prisoner convicted of felony, was sent into York City without any irons on many occasions. That Edward Lindley, a prisoner convicted of felony, was allowed in the city of York, and escaped. |
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4. The examination of James Willan, servant to Mr. Redhead, confirms the above statements as to Reade and Lindley. |
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5. The examination of James Reade, a prisoner, who states that he being a prisoner convicted of felony was sent by Mr. Redhead with an other prisoner, John Wilson, to Newtown-upon-Derwent to work for Mr. Redhead last harvest; and that he was also sent into Cumberland with one Richard Powle to get money from Powle's father. |
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The examination of John Wilson, a prisoner, confirms some of the above statements. |
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Copy. 3 pp. (57. 63.) |
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6. The examination of John Stark of Halsame. |
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The examination of John Stark of Halsame taken the 2nd of December before Sir Christopher Hildyard. He says that his brother Henry Starke, being in trouble for the stealing of a mare of one Mr. Lees, was committed to gaol, and that his brother told him that if he would give the gaoler Mr. Redhead the sum of five pounds, he would procure the means to set him at liberty. Accordingly the examinant spoke to the gaoler, who demanded 10l. About three weeks later he saw the gaoler again, who then asked for 12l., saying that there were others to be paid. On payment his brother was set free, the gaoler warning him not to return by Beverley, lest Sir Christopher Hildyard should know of it. |
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Copy. 1½ pp. (57. 66.) |
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Dr. Ch. Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 14. |
I send you here enclosed the common letter for the Princes (according to the note in the Pfalsgrav's letter) to be written to Mayencia, Wirtemburg, Bipont, Hess, Anhalt, Magdeburg, and Mechelburg. Trevery also, one of the Spiritual Electors, seemeth as fit to be written unto as Mayencia, both likewise Papists Electors though not utterly given over to the contrary faction. Brandenburg also and Saxony might especially be written unto as Temporal Electors, and, though some suspicion be of Saxony that he is become Spanish, yet for that he will not plainly be known so to be, it is not needful to take any knowledge thereof, and I think him likest to send his letters to the Emperor as most nearest him. I doubt for the finishing of these letters you will deem it needful there were a Latin Secretary. I have now long supplied the labour, and it is no small disgrace that I seem rejected. Some even, insulting, exprobate it unto me. Some endeavour to insense that I am no great matter by birth, other that I am moved by the dregs of superstitious Papistical impressions. Were I not well armed with patience in my dutiful purposes, I might well be discomforted. How may he claim the opinion of a good Christian, that noteth St. Paul for leaving the Judaism he was brought up in? Or he, of a good Protestant,
that would have a man noted for renouncing papistry as soon as he could judge thereof? If it please her Majesty to grace me, I shall be the better able to serve, yet in disgrace dutifully ready to do my best.—This 14 of December 1597. |
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Holograph. Seal broken. 1½ pp. (57. 95.) |
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Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 14. |
In my idle fits in this barren place, where seldom is anything good, my chance hath been to light upon a reasonable doe, such a one as hard Cotswold may yield. I beseech you accept it, and what ease this place and your poor friend may afford you.—From Ditchley, the 14 of December. |
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Holograph. Seal broken. ¼ p. (57. 96.) |
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Roger Marshall to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 14. |
I have been employed by the States of the United Provinces to the King of France, concerning the safety of Abbeville and Picardy, as your Honour learnt when you vouchsafed your warrant to Sir Richard Martyne for my delivery out of the Counter. By my means were three conspirators taken and executed at Abbeville, and the King employed me back again to the States about the apprehending of one Martyne, as notorious a traitor as England hath bred, whom I have undertaken to deliver into the States' hands. Within three days of my landing in England on the way to the Low Countries, it was my unfortunate chance to be at a fray, where Sir George Gifford was hurt and a boy killed. The party that offended is fled, and myself and another gentleman have been detained in prison the space of sixteen weeks by Sir George Gifford's means, whereby our pretended good service is hindered and the above-mentioned Martyne yet continueth in his practices, to what further hurt God knoweth! I have made my troubles known to my L. Chief Justice, who hath commanded me to make my case known unto your Honour, being matter of State. I beseech you that I may come speedily to my trial or releasement. The truth hereof I refer to the report of Sir Francis Vere who is now in London. He can witness my faithfulness, and how I brought a German traitor to Graf Maurice at my first employment, whereby the States had intelligence of many mischievous practices which since have been prevented. |
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Endorsed :—“From the Marshalsea.” |
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Signed. 1 p. (57. 97.) |
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Sir Thos. Posthumus Hoby to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1597, Dec. 14. |
Although I did forbear to attend your pleasure before my departure, with a mind to steal down without the knowledge of any of so great power to have hindered my going, yet was it not my meaning to depart ungratefully, having received so many favours from you; and because I have no other means to shew my thankfulness I trouble you with these lines.—14 December, 1597. |
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Holograph. Seal broken. 1 p. (176. 1.) |
