Cecil Papers: September 1598, 16-30

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.

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'Cecil Papers: September 1598, 16-30', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598, (London, 1899) pp. 348-373. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol8/pp348-373 [accessed 24 April 2024]

September 1598, 16–30

Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 16. In reply to Cecil's letter of the 13th September, requiring an account of a letter written by the Council on August 22nd to the Mayor, himself and others; which letter Cecil has been informed should be received by him (Gorges), and by him concealed from the knowledge of the rest. They have denied the receipt of any such, and neither he, nor any to his knowledge, received that letter whereof a copy came under Cecil's hand. Acknowledges to have received a letter of the 23rd, directed only to him, in which were enclosed the Queen's letters and the Council's to Lord Bath, for the levying of men and arms for the supply of the companies; and in them no mention of any former letters to any such effect. This letter of the 23rd was delivered at the Fort on the 25th or 26th; but he was not then returned from Lord Bath's; he heard by Captain Blany that there should have been letters sent by him, and that he came away before he received them. Conjectures that those letters were carried to Blany's lodgings and, it may be, remain there still. Further vindicates himself from the charge of receiving and concealing the letter of the 22nd.—The Fort by Plymouth, 16th September 1598.
Signed.
2 pp. (64. 23.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 16. In reply to Cecil's letters of September 13th. Concerning the missing letters, he never saw any such but Cecil's second letter with the copy of them. The postmasters certify that a packet was delivered at the Fort on August 25th, directed to the Mayor of Plymouth, Sir F. Gorges and others. Gorges confesses he received a packet from Cecil at that time, being dated 23rd August, but directed to himself only. The postmasters of Aishbourton and this place affirm they passed no more letters at that time, but only those of the 22nd August directed to the Mayor and others. Being on his journey homewards from London on August 25th, Captain Blaney, coming post from the Court, told him of the hard success of her Majesty's forces in Ireland, and that the companies in those parts should now go for “Divling” saying further that after he had taken his leave at the Court, he understood there had been a message at his lodgings from Cecil; but he dare not lose time in returning to the Court, fearing lest the companies should have been embarked from here before his going. This indeed was the cause which moved him (Stallenge) to write to Cecil of the slackness here in despatching away those companies, supposing that such as then were here in commission had received some directions in that behalf.—Plymouth, 16 September 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 24.)
John Trelawny to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 16. Upon receipt of your letters of the 13th of this month touching Hore, I sought for him and have found him out. He is very willing to come to you, and would have taken his journey presently, but he is unprovided of clothes and money. So myself having an intention to take my journey towards London on Monday next, mind to bring him with me. In the meantime I will provide him necessaries. I hope you rest satisfied, as well by my answer of the 8th as by the general letters written from myself and the rest, touching the letter sent from their Lordships of August 22nd, which is found wanting, that I am free of any fault therein.—Plymouth, 16th September, 1598.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mayor of Plymouth.”
1 p. (64. 25.)
Captain Thomas Phillips to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 16. Begs for a company in the Low Countries, which employment he mentions as he hears Sir Samuel Bagnall's place is void. Encloses report of his employment.—London, 16th September, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 27.)
The Enclosure :—
Details of his eight years' services in France, under the Count de Overnia at the siege of Rion and the Fort St. Catherine : under the Governor of Anjou against those of Roxefort : was hurt at the siege of Cran : was under the Marshal D'Aumont in Brittany, where he had a company three years in Vittrye, under the charge of Monsieur de Montmartin : under Marshal Brissac till such time as, at the request of Monsieur de Tramblay (who then became of the Religion), he sent his company into Pimpoll to assure the place for that party; and though Monsieur de Tramblay was afterwards killed, he still assured the place for the Religion 7 months. Afterwards he was sent by certain gentlemen of Brittany to the assemblage in Poitou, where he levied a company to do a service of importance for those of the Religion, if things had fallen out as men then expected.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 26.)
Confession of William Wiles.
1598, Sept. 17. He was taken the 15th of January at Porta Nova and was carried prisoner to the Groyne.
He remained prisoner three months, and was afterwards put to serve as a pilot in the Saint Peter. A while after he was put into a gally zabra to come towards the coast of England to learn news, and was taken by a ship of Mr. Drake's. He reporteth that there are of the King's ships 14 at the Groyne and no other : that there were some few Hollanders discharged 8 or 10 days before his departure : that there are 12 new galleons built in Biscay at St. Andera and other places, and that they met two of them going to Seville.
There are 14 or 15 companies of soldiers at the Groyne.
In July there came a messenger in a ship of war from the Earl of Tyrone to demand aid of the King. He demanded three thousand soldiers and munition to arm them, which he heard was accorded, and preparation made before his departure to transport them. There were making ready 8 galleons to come with them. He saith that both mariners and soldiers would be ready within 14 days. The mariners were sent for by carvells out of Biscay, and 8 companies of the soldiers that were to come for Ireland were billeted about Farroll.
There was speech of the King of Spain's death, but it was not certainly confirmed.—17th September, 1598.
In the handwriting of Essex's Secretary.
1 p. (63. 109.)
French Advertisements.
1598, Sept. 17/27. Du Petit-village, 17 Sept. '98.—La Fne a dict par deca que le Comte gasteroit et se perdroit luy mesmes, car il estoit plus propre a peslemesle qu'a renger une Court; enfin c'est un vray Judas, il ny a homme en ce monde qu'a plus descouvert votre fonds par deca que luy. Helas! Monseigner, le Comte ne cognoit point le compaignon, il n'y a Jesuite au monde plus corrampu que luy.
Du Petit-village, ce 19 de Sept. '98.—J'ay parle aujourdhuy avec un des serviteurs de la chambre de Monsr. de Boyiessise, qui me dict que son Maitre n'attendit que de l'argent : La Fne non-obstant sa profession et charge de la religion sera un Judas pour de l'argent. Il ne quittera de sa vie son petit Mre d'aultant que luy tient la Bource.
Il y a un jeune homme qu'est cognu a Jaspar, le poste, venu de Brusselles. Il n'a point de barbe. Ce Jaspar m'a dict que le Cardinal avoit donne d'argent a massacrer la Reyne, et pour mettre le feu dans ses navires, tellement qu'il est bien de besoign que le Comte le scache, et qu'on l'examine bien, car c'est ce poste Jaspar que le meme [? mene].
Votre agant frequente fort un homme nomme Mre. Conestable, anglois, lequel est un double traitre, car c'est luy qui fait tenir toutes les lettres par un poste nomme Jean Symonds qui viennent des Jesuites et autres meschants en Angleterre.
Vous aures estez en fort bonne sancte, mais maugre le bien que Dieu vous declare, voulez faire les malades. L'on nous a dict ce mattin que le Duc de Guise est mort.
Du Grand-village, le 21 de Sept. 98. Je vous prie de vouloir, et sans empechement et cito, cito, Jaspar le present porteur, touchant ce qu'il vous pourra dire de K. et du traitre Jean Symonds Lyle, qu'avoit dict longtemps il y a, que Monsr. le Comte donna du vent et non pas d'argent. Il a parle fort villainement de Monseignr. le Comte; ce Symond a este a la messe.
Tant notre Conceil que celuy d'Espaigne vouldroit bien fort former une nouvelle ligue. Mais ils ne la peuvent faire a cause qu'ils manquent des moyens.
Du Grand-village, ce 27 de Sept '98. Ce mattin le bagage de Monsr. de Boyiessise est party de Paris vers Londres, tellement qu'il n'attend que la Fne. pour passed la mer. On verra astheure qui sera le plus fin, car au lieu d'un vous aures deus.
Ce double villain de Jean Symonds, rencontrant en Paris un autre poste nomme le vacandaire que vint de Londres, dict au dict Symonds que Monsr. le Comte d'Essex debvroit a son depart retourner en Court. Ledict Symonds entendant telles parolles, dict, qu'il ne fairoit pourtant sa paix avec sa Majestie comme l'on estime, mais ce dict ce marrauld il vouldroit avoir baise mon derier, qu'il eut fait sa paix, et telles parolles entendit l'autre poste nomme le vacandaire, tellement que le Comte le debvroit faire pendre comme un arche villain.
L'Esvesque de Glasco vous est ennemy, et pour certain le Roy d'Escosse l'entertient. Je l'ay veu parler quatre fois au Cardinal de Loraine, et le Roy luy donne quelques fois audience. Mais tous vos ennemys tant qu'ils sont ne vous peuvent faire mal, car du present ils sont tous mes compaignons quant a l'argent.
Endorsed by Essex's secretary : “French advertisements.”
2 pp. (64. 58.)
The Earl of Pembroke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 18. It pleased your father to promise me his furtherance to her Majesty in some causes concerning her Highness's service at the Council in the Marches of Wales. Although to the general loss of the whole realm, and to mine exceeding grief, God hath taken him from us, yet my comfort is that as you inherit his virtues, so towards myself you will continue his friendship. My businesses I refer to my servant Massinger his report, which I pray you credit, for neither can I without your too great trouble, nor without some inconvenience to myself, commit them to my letters.—Wilton, 18th September, 1598.
Signed.
1 p. (64. 28.)
W. Lord Chandos to Sir William Knollys, Controller of the Queen's Household, and Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 18. They wrote to him for the apprehension of one Richard Roules. Is informed by a gentleman of that part of the shire that eight weeks since he saw one Richard Roules in the Forest of Dean, who by all likelihood and description should be the same person. He has taken order for his apprehension, and doubts not, if he be in that country, to send him to them shortly.—Blunsden, 18th September.
Holograph. Endorsed : “1598, Lord Chandoys.”
1 p. (64. 29.)
Chr. Harris to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 18. If I have seen the letter of August 22nd which you by your letter of September 13th so earnestly have written of, directed to Sir F. Gorges and the rest, or that I have ever heard of the said letter before you sent us a copy of the same, let me answer it with the loss of my head.—Radford, 18th September, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 30.)
William Tooke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 18. Has searched the catalogue of Cecil's books, and in the bags, but can find neither book nor paper wherein are collected the names of the chiefest gentlemen in England, as Cecil's letters import. Mr. Hicks has not heard of any such thing, but thinks it may be amongst those bags that are not yet sorted. As soon as he can find it he will send it.—Your Honour's house in the Strand, September, 1598.
Holograph.
Endorsed : “18th September. Your Honour's servant, Tooke.”
1 p. (64. 31.)
H. Earl of Southampton to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Sept. 19. I have by your messenger sent a letter to Mr. Secretary, wherein I have discovered unto him my marriage with your Lordship's cousin, withal desiring him to find the means to acquaint her Majesty therewith, in such sort as may least offend; and (if I may be so happy) to procure of her a favourable toleration of that which is past, which obtained, I shall account myself sufficiently fortunate, for I assure you only the fear of having her Majesty's displeasure is more grievous unto me than any torment I can think of could be. I trust therefore that as my offence is but small, so her anger will not be much, and so consequently it [will] not be very difficult to get my pardon. To your Lordship's best direction I must leave all, assuring myself that you will be pleased to favour me as one who will be ever ready to do you service, and always remain your poor cousin to be commanded. I beseech you to impute not the stay here of your servant Mr. Cuff as his fault, for I have taken on me the boldness to hold him here until my departure.—Paris, 19th of September.
Holograph. Endorsed : '98.
1 p. (64. 32.)
Sir William Knollys to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 19. Begs him to move her Majesty to appoint his brother [Sir] Thomas to a regiment in the Low Countries. Thomas is the oldest captain that has served longest in those parts, and will be more acceptable to them than any other. By this means Thomas may the sooner recover such land and legacies which are due to him by his wife, and be enabled to do her Majesty's service.—Grayes, 19th September.
Holograph. Endorsed : “1598.”
1 p. (64. 33.)
Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 20. Expresses his thanks for favours, and offers services.—Portsmouth, 20th September, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 34.)
William Heemyngton, the elder, to the Privy Council.
1598, Sept. 20. In reply to their letters of the 10th instant, wherein they take displeasure that he denied the Mayor of Dover and John Haynes to survey her Majesty's houses. As soon as he received their letter, which was his warrant, he suffered them to enter with such workmen as they brought, and view all those houses and rooms, whereof they will certify. Complains of their conduct in openly showing the Council's letters to them, and of the unfitness of one of them [unnamed] for his position. There are divers of credit, as Sir Thomas Fane and others, who would have used the matter in better sort, Refers to his services to the Queen's father, and her brother.—Masondue [? Maisondieu], near Dover, 20th September, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 35.)
Cranborne Chace.
1598, Sept. 20. Presentment by Henry Tuffyne, keeper under Sir Hugh Portman, of trespasses, &c., committed in Chittered, parcel of the Queen's Chace of Cranborne, since the last Wood Court until this 20th of September, 1598.
1 p. (64. 36.)
Philippus à Motta, Minister, and others, the Elders of the Church of Strangers in Southampton, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 20. They enclose reasons against the renewed suit of Rachel Terrie, the wife of William Terrie, who dwells in Rochelle, for a privilege from the Queen for the only pressing of those clothes called sarges and made in this town of Southampton. They pray him to read and allow the same, and stop her course.—Southampton, 20th September, 1598.
1 p. (64. 38.)
The Enclosure :—
Reasons against the suit of Rachel, wife of William Terrie, dwelling in Rochelle, for the privilege of pressing all the clothes called sarges made by the strangers and others in the town and county of Southampton.—Undated.
Endorsed : “1598, September 20th.”
1½ pp. (64. 37.)
Henry Lord Cobham to the Earl of Southampton.
1598, Sept. 20. In my love unto you I am bold to advise you that by any means you return, for I durst almost assure your Lordship the Queen's displeasure will not long continue. The exception that is now taken is only your contempt to marry one of her maids and to acquaint her withal; but for any dishonour committed by your Lordship, that conceit is clean taken away, so that your Lordship hath no manner of cause to doubt any disgrace, but for sometime absence from Court, which I hope will not be long before it be restored unto you. If you should forbear to come, I assure you it would aggravate the Queen, and put conceits into her which at this present she is free of. Thus, my Lord, with that love which I have ever professed to you, I hold this the meetest course for you to take, yet leave it to your better consideration, for I have my desire if you take that determination which shall fall out for the best.—Blackfriars, 20th September, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 39.)
Francis Bacon to Ed. Reynolds, Secretary to Lord Essex.
1598, Sept. 20. There is an honest young man, a mercer, one Mr. Thellwell, that hath arrested Captain Salsbury for a debt of 100 marks, and feareth my Lord of Essex by his complaint may be incensed towards him, or command his discharge, the debt not satisfied nor ordered. The man is but a beginner, the debt not only wares but money lent the most part, and owing ever since the voyage of Cales, and Captain Salsbury at this time, as he conceiveth, in no employment, and Thellwell willing to accept reasonable day yet, with any security. I pray inform my Lord, if need be, what I have written.—20th September, 1598.
Holograph. Endorsed : “Sir Francis Bacon.”
(64. 40.)
Captain Edward Bassett to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 20. Begs Cecil's interest for a company of 100 foot at the Brill. Was a follower and kinsman of Lord Burgh's.—The Brill in Holland, 20th September, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 41.)
King Henry IV. of France to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Sept. 20/30. Has commanded M. de Boyssyse, who leaves for England as Ambassador there, to see him on his the King's part and offer his good will. Begs him give credit to the Ambassador and favour him in his legation.—Monceaux, 30th September.
Holograph. French. Endorsed : “last Dec. 98.”
½ p. (147. 141.)
Captain William Constable to Edward Reynolds.
1598, Sept. 20/30. We expect our chiefest news from England, our news from hence you shall know. The Spanish army, which is commanded by Don Francisco d'Mendozz, Admyrante d'Arragon, doth yet remain at Orsow, where they are making two sconces. Five hundred Spaniards have departed their army of late and gone towards Germany. They are entrenched lest we should attempt anything of them, and we are lodged in an island lest they should offend us. Without our island we have half-a-dozen forts upon passages, where if any number come they must of force pass, so that if we lay [not] so warm as you do, and in so good beds, I am sure we lie as safe. Our service yet is in exercising our men with the remembrance of old Roman exercises, after which is finished, we should lie idle were it not that we have a cast of hawks in the English regiment which doth some time refresh our spirits. The winter comes so fast on that I think we shall go to garrison if Sir Francis Vere were come, on whom depends all our proceedings. The enemy is strong and we are but weak, yet one army fears another. Thus have I given you a touch of our news. I desire you will help to excuse my not writing to Sir Gelly Merrick. The messenger hath such haste that I cannot stay him lest he should lose his passage, and I forebore writing these two days because I would have had news from a party of horse which went out to have done something upon the enemy, and are returned without either news or value.—From the Camp in Gilder's Ward, this last September, '98, sti. novo. Your assured true friend and pupil.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (177. 107.)
George More to the Queen.
1598, Sept. 21. The foolish refusal he made 22 years ago, at his return from Milan, to serve one of her Majesty's Council who is now dead, has been the cause why he could never be admitted to offer his services to the Queen. About a year ago he wrote to the Lord Treasurer, and encloses copy of the letter : the Treasurer's answer was, he held him for an honest gentleman, but durst not move her Majesty in what he required. The fear he had of the Earl of Huntington, who was sore bent against him, and that the receipt of some seminary priest into his house by his wife should be proved against her, was the chief cause why he forsook England. Of his misery in Flanders, because he would not follow the Spanish faction. Craves the Queen's favour, and that he may send to his friends in England, and they to him, and enjoy means for the maintenance of his wife and children. “The Spaniards mean to be lords of this island, for though they failed thereof, contrary to their expectation, at your Majesty's entrance to the Crown, yet they hold themselves assured, upon your Majesty's death at the furthest : for when the King of Spain was moved to write to your Majesty and the noblemen of England about the changing of religion when your Majesty entered to the kingdom, 'No,' said the Duke of Alva, 'let them alone, and they will fall to division and war amongst themselves : then your Majesty may enter with your forces and take the kingdom for yourself.' So now upon your Majesty's death they assure themselves of great division, and they and all other nations do but expect that day, that they may enter and enrich themselves by the spoil of our country.”—Leith in Scotland, 21st September, 1598.
Holograph.
2 pp. (64. 42.)
M. de Vic to Lord Cobham.
1598, Sept. 21/Oct. 1. I cannot return to France without thanking you for the courtesies which you have shown me, and particularly for your hackney. She is as good as she is beautiful. I hope to send you some token of my remembrance.
Captain “Bredegued” has most kindly helped me to view her Majesty's ships. I am the more obliged to you for this new assistance rendered me by your order, and for all the beautiful and wonderful things which I have seen. My brother will assure you that he regards this kindness as done to himself.—Dover, this Thursday, 1st day October, 1598.
Holograph. French. Seal.
1 p. (177. 109.)
The Earl of Southampton to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Sept. 22. Since I last wrote unto your Lordship I have received a letter by this bearer from Mr. Secre[tary], which doth signify her Majesty's heavy displeasure conceived against me, and withal lays a charge upon me in her name to make my present repair to London, which news, as it came unexpected, so I assure your Lordship it was nothing welcome. Her anger is most grievous unto me, but my hope is that time (the nature of my offence being rightly considered) will restore me to her wonted good opinion; but my so sudden return is a kind of punishment which I imagine her Majesty's will is not to lay upon me; I mean, because when I am returned, I protest unto your Lordship I scarce know what course to take to live, having at my departure let to farm that poor estate I had left for the satisfying my creditors and payment of those debts which I came to owe by following her court, and have reserved only such a portion as will maintain myself and a very small train in the time of my travel. I assure you I speak not thus in hope by deferring to lessen any part of my punishment, for, to satisfy her Majesty's displeasure, I will willingly submit myself to endure whatsoever she shall be pleased to inflict; but I would only crave so much favour as to abide it in such a time when the satisfying for my offence should be all the hurt I should receive. I beseech you therefore make me bound unto you in letting me hear from you as soon as may be, whereby I may know how to direct my course, for according as you shall think fit I will not fail to do; and for the excuse I have already made, I assure myself it is such as no man can take exceptions unto.—Paris, 22nd September.
Holograph. Endorsed : “'98.”
1 p. (64. 43.)
Captain Jo. Stanley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 22. I beseech you to deal with me according as you shall find cause, and I deserve. I have given your Lordship means how to prove all I have said, and I looked for this at your hands, that you would call in question all such the members as I made mention of, and make trial thereof, and then if you disprove me let me pay for it with my life. The Lord knoweth that I have adventured my life to come to serve my Queen and country as I ought, as I shall be found able, if trial be made, I being in prison with one Francis Spary, a man of Sir Walter Rawley's, who was left in Orinoco to discover what mines he could. He found sufficient which the Spaniard knoweth not. He gave me reason how and a “mapt” where to find it. I delivered it to Sir Walter at my coming up. He willed me to acquaint your Lordship therewith, which I meant presently, if I had not been worse thought of than I deserve. My body is almost spent with imprisonments endured for her Majesty and my country. God move your heart to think of me.—Undated.
Holograph.
Endorsed : “1598, 22nd September. Captain Stanley to my master.” Also a list of names, beginning with Sir William Constable.
1 p. (64. 44.)
French Advertisements.
1598, Sept. 22/Oct. 2. Du grand village le 2 d'Octobre, '98. Le retour de Monsr. de la Fne dans Paris a du tout retarde le partement de L'Ambr. Monsrr. de Boyecisse.
La Fne attend quelque recompence, ce que sans doute il aura, et une bonne. Je suis de jour en autre chez luy et cognois par sa mine qu'il creint de n'estre poynt le bienvenu dans Londres. De par deca il n'est nullement ayme de gents de bien mais des autres que trop. Je prendray bonne garde, s'il plaist a Dieu, a toutes ses meinees sur son depart.
Je vous suplie, Monsieur, de faire scavoir ce mot a Monsieur le Conte, que votre Comte de Southampton, qui est du present dans Paris, s'en va de tout se ruenir, si on ne le retire de la France dans peu de jours, Car il fait de partyes de 2, 3, et 4000c a la paulone, mesmes le Marechall de Biron dans peu de jours luy gaigna 3000c, un chaqu'un se moque de luy, tellement que le Comte d'Essex faira un grand coup pour le dit Comte de la retirer de bonne heure, Car autrement il perdra tout son bien et reputation, tant en France qu'en Engleterre, dont j'en suis bien marry, scachant que Monseigneur le Comte l'ayme.
La Fne seroit fort mal recompence si ce n'estoit pour son villeny, car il n'y en a point d'argent en notre pais, que est une occasion que retarde Monsr. de Boyecise. Vous ne scauriez croire coment la France et sa court du present est vuide d'argent, et j'en suis de la mesme partye, quoy que je ne me plaigne a personne, mais fais bonne mine et mauvais jeu.
Je prie Dieu que les affaires de Monsieur le Comte puissent aller de mieux en mieux, quoy votre homme qui est par deca s'est vante de dire long temps y a que le Comte d'Essex avoit espluche sa plus grande fortune; le Comte d'Essex ne veult nullement cognoistre ses ennemys, mais il est plus que temps qu'il le face.
Touchant l'Espaigne, deus jours y a qu'un courrier arriva qui dict, que de present le vieuls Roy est pourry et desia du tout mis en oubly, et qu'a son despart l'Infante estoit fort mallade.
Le mariage de Madame se faira en Fontainebleau, et non dans Paris.
Nostre bon Roy fait une diette, et il n'y a personne prez de luy que sa mignone, l'on creint qu'a la fin il ne l'espouse lors le tout ira mal.
Endorsed : “Fr. advis.”
1 p. (64. 91.)
Alexander Radcliff to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 23. Understands the Queen has denied Sir Robert Drury and Sir Henry Danvers, who were the principal suitors for “those companies,” and prays Cecil's voice for a nomination. Has also written to the Earl of Essex. Is departed to Gravesend on his way, and has left the bearer, his kinsman Radcliff, to overtake him with the news of Cecil's despatch.—Undated.
Holograph.
Endorsed : “Alex. Radclyffe, 23rd September, 1598.”
1 p. (64. 45.)
Francis Bacon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 23. I humbly pray you to understand how badly I have been used by the enclosed, being a copy of a letter of complaint thereof which I have written to the Lord Keeper. How sensitive you are of wrongs offered to your blood in my particular I have had not long since experience. But herein I think your Honour will be doubly sensitive, in tenderness also of the indignity to her Majesty's service; for as for me, Mr. Simson might have had me every day in London, and therefore to belay me when he knew I came from the Tower about her Majesty's special service was to my understanding very bold; and two days before he brags he forebore me because I dined with Sheriff Moore; so as with Mr. Simson, examinations at the Tower are not so great a privilege eundo et redeundo as Sheriff Moore's dinner. But this complaint I make in duty, and to that end have also informed my Lord of Essex thereof, for otherwise his punishment will do me no good.—Colman Street, 23rd September.
Holograph.
Endorsed : “Mr. Francis Bacon, 1598. An execution served on him by one Simson.”
(64. 49.)
The Enclosure :—
Francis Bacon to [the Lord Keeper].
I am to make humble complaint to your Lordship of some hard dealing offered me by one Symson, a goldsmith, a man noted much, as I have heard, for extremities and stoutness upon his purse, but yet I could scarcely have imagined he would have dealt either so dishonestly towards myself, or so contemptuously towards her Majesty's service : for this Lombard (pardon me, I most humbly pray your Lordship, if, being admonished by the street he dwells in, I give him that name) having me in bond for £300 principal, and I having the last term confessed the action, and by his full and direct consent respited the satisfaction till the beginning of this term to come, without ever giving me warning, either by letter or message, served an execution upon me, having trained me at such time as I came from the Tòwer, where Mr. Waad can witness we attended a service of no mean importance. Neither would he so much as vouchsafe to come and speak with me to take any order in it, though I sent for him divers times, and his house was fast by, handling it as upon a despite, being the man I never provoked with a cross word, no, nor with many delays; he would have urged it to have had me in prison, which he had done had not Sheriff Moore, to whom I sent, gently commended me to a handsome house in Colman Street, where I am. Now because he will not treat with me I am enforced humbly to desire your Lordship to send for him according to your place to bring him to some reason, and this forthwith, because I continue here to my further discredit and inconvenience, and the trouble of the gentleman with whom I am. I have an hundred pounds lying by me which he may have, and the rest upon some reasonable time and security, or if need be the whole, but with my more trouble. As for the contempt he hath offered, in regard her Majesty's service, to my understanding, carrieth a privilege “eundo et redeundo” in meaner causes, much more in matters of this nature, specially in persons known to be qualified with that place and employment which, though unworthy, I am vouchsafed, I enforce nothing, thinking I have done my part when I have made it known, and so leave it to your Lordship's honourable consideration.
Endorsed by Cecil : “Mr. Bacon.”
1 p. (64. 48.)
Margaret Holmes to Edward Reynolds.
1598, Sept. 23. I am ready to continue the arrangement for your brother and his wife if it seems good to you.
Holograph. Seal.
¼ p. (177. 100.)
Sir William Cornwaleys to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 24. Mr. Anthony Bacon, who lies at Essex House, has sent a gentleman to me to entreat he might be my tenant at Bishopsgate, saying that since he can never hope to live but like a bird in a cage, he would very fain have a fair cage. I could be content he had it so I might get some other place in the other end of the town for the dead time of winter; which makes me presume to make the question if I might be your tenant, if you mean to leave your lodging next my Lord your brother's, as I have heard.—Highgate, 24th September, 1598.
Holograph. Endorsed : “Sir William Cornwallys.”
1 p. (64. 46.)
Vin. Skynner to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 24. Has received direction from Mr. Chancellor to cause payment of the money due upon Mr. Nicholson's reckoning : for which he would substitute an order on his return out of Buckinghamshire. Particulars of Nicholson's account. “When by occasion of the employment of Sir William Bowes, with the Bishop of Durham and other commissioners, to treat about the Border causes, with other commissioners of Scotland, the last year passed, her Majesty found cause of his employment into Scotland, and did by special privy seal give him a further increase of 20/- per diem over the 20/- allowed to him as a commissioner, in respect he was to repair to her Majesty, and report his negotiation with the King; which increase is by that privy seal to be continued until he shall be discharged by her Majesty of that service, and the same discharge signified by the Lord Treasurer; I know not whether he hath received any such signification or no, whereby that warrant should still stand current : whereof I thought fit to inform your Honour, that the same might be cleared by some further privy seal, if so her Majesty's pleasure be that the same should determine.”—Westminster, 24th September, 1598.
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1 p. (64. 47.)
Thomas Myddelton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 24. I understand that there be three Spaniards here bound for Spain, whereof one is, or seemeth to be, a very parlous fellow, and was sent over from the Groyn of purpose, as may be feared, for a spy. They all carry letters from hence for Spain; and truly the Spaniards that are prisoners here have great liberty, and are very bold, as this bringer, Mr. William Pytt, will inform your Honour more at large, for he hath heard some of their speeches. If it please you to send me a warrant for to apprehend them, I will take order to have them watched and stayed to be searched, or as it shall please you to appoint. I beseech you that I may have your letter for my brother's return into England.—24th September, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 50.)
Robert Brooke and Andrew Trew, aldermen of York, to the Earl of Essex, Earl Marshal.
1598, Sept. 24. They pray Essex, as Chancellor of Cambridge, for his letters to Dr. Andrews, the Master, and Fellows of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, on behalf of Samuel Brooke, a Master of Arts and student there, whom they strongly recommend.—24th September.
Signed. Endorsed : “1598.”
1 p. (64. 52.)
French Advertisements.
1598, Sept. 24/Oct. 4. Du grand village le 4me d'Octobre, 98. Pour nouvelles, vous entendrez que le Duc de Loraine et le Cardinal son fils sont retournes en Loraine et le mariage de Madame est conclu, mais ce que retarde le tout est un secret que peu de gents le scavent. C'est que le Marquis a conquis une fine marchandise, dont il n'en peult estre quite, et pour mieus le vous faire entendre, c'est la fine verrolle ou son proche parent; voila ce que secretement le retarde, et croyes qu'il n'y a creature dans Londres qui le scait, ny mesme bien peu dans Paris, mais nonobstant tout cela, cela se faira.
Monsr. de Boyessise part demain vers Calais, pour passer la mer, et la Fne, que ne fait qu'arriver tout acestheure icy, comme l'on m'a dict, ne partira de 12 ou 14 jours. Je regarderay de prez a ses meinees. Lon a opinion que le Baron de Lusant s'en ira en Espaigne Ambassadeur. Despuis le partement du Duc de Brabant, sont partis plus de 400 hommes de guerre hors du Pais Bas, tous espaignols, qu'ont quitte la guerre, passent par la France et retournent en Espaigne.
Endorsed by Essex's secretary. “Fr. advertisements Cox Combes.”
½ p. (64. 81.)
Sir William Browne to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 25. In acknowledgment of Cecil's letter of the 7th of September, thanking him for his “good approving” and for mentioning his name to the Queen.—Flushing, 25th September, 1598.
Endorsed : “Sir William Browne.”
1 p. (64. 53.)
William Turnor to John Treadwaye.
1598, Sept. 25. I cannot forget their base villainous dealing with me when I should have gone into Ireland with Sir Samuel Bagnall, who gave me a very good place under him, and your dealing so unhonestly with me in betraying me, inviting me to the King's Head Tavern to drink a pint of wine in pots, and from thence to get me to the “Boes” without Temple Bar, to eat “mareye bones,” and then to betray me as Judas betrayed Christ. You showed yourself no gentleman, but a base clown. I think you never had any such directions from your father, for I think he is a very honest gentleman, and of good credit in his country, more than your brother “Watllter.” As for the satin doublet and hose, and the rest of the odd things I took with me that were in my custody, and as for keeping the horse of twenty-five years of age, not worth above a mark, which was lent me by your mother, you cannot make it “yellenye” [? felony], do what you can. If you had come to me and demanded restitution for the horse, without comprehension of my blood : if you had let me alone, and not meddled with me, I might have had good preferment, and so have made you restitution. I gave your mother a book of “most veiellenye,” which I stole away from your sister, where was divers more of dispensation from the Pope, and in railing of her Majesty in some respects : and I had thought to present it to the Lord Bishop of Canterbury, with divers more ceremonies from the Pope, which as I know hath been harboured at your father's house long : and now I will reveal it to the uttermost of my power. I am sure that her Majesty will grant me my pardon for all the service I have done for the State. Therefore I will go to see my things delivered to this bearer, Mr. Jasper, the Queen's post into France. My “chlock and raper” [? cloak and rapier] I left in the constable's hands.—Parsse [Paris] in France, 25 September.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598. From Paris.”
2 pp. (64. 54.)
James Hyll to Lord Buckhurst.
1598, Sept. 25. My most courteous and friendly lord, whose prosperity and welfare I wish may long still endure, with great thanks for the kindness I found at your and your houourable lady's hands, which binds me to write, though not as I would willingly, for that I am now in camp environed amongst our enemies.
The 22 of August we landed in Finland, where the Finns met us the same day with 6,000 horse and 7,000 footmen. We held certain days' skirmish till Jacob Sheale, admiral, came to us with 3,000 horsemen and 9,000 footmen, for our army were divided in three parts, as their army were also divided in four parts, as to Oboo, Reavell, and Weborowe and Helsingfors, so that after we had brought two of our armies together we set on in earnest, and were forced to give the retreat till such time as I could come up with the footmen, who am, though unworthy, general over them, that our enemies gave the flight. The Duke's grace most valiantly charged them personally, that they gave the flight ten English miles before they saw once back, and there they made their battle in order, but before I could come with the footmen up to give charge, they retired, and the Duke charged them again, so fiercely upon the chase that he followed them 30 English miles or more, that first they lost 30 field ordnance, then after lost they all their baggagio, then all in general their footmen, which fled into the great woods and blocks, and in summa, all their horsemen were dispersed that night, that in their greatest troop they had not above 500 horsemen, for the D. grace gave charge at 6 of the clock in the morning till 12 in the night, and so followed them afterwards 100 and odd miles, till we came to a town called Helsingfors, where the captains and generals and commanders took shipping for Reavell, and we are now at this instant to embark our men to besiege Weborow, a strong town which doth border upon Rusland, and there are 500 horsemen newly there arrived, that the King hath sent out of Leefland and Curland. Obowe have we besieged by the admiral, both to land and water, with 10,000 footmen, and yet is Swethen manned, for fear of ill neighbours, with 6,000 horsemen and 1,500 footmen. We have taken here in Finland 10 great ships well set forth.
Now what belongeth to the embassage, his Highness had hoped of both better entertainment to his ambassadors, as also a better answer : yet somewhat the more contented of my persuasions that her Majesty would send her ambassadors with the first; but if there come none, so means his Excellency to seek other good friends, and I wish I had never been employed. I am sorry my own country will not afford me bread, that I might there end my days. I am offered great preferment in other places. My Lord, move her Majesty to call me home with her letters, for I find honour may be never so great, yet home is home. What is it for me to spend my youth in these parts, being loved of the Prince, I know no stranger better, none here preferred in the Court or field, and yet none more hated by cause I am beloved. I do determine to see the end of these wars, and then to take my lady and travel to the King of Denmark, under whom my wife is born : but if the Queen had but some little poor lease to bestow upon me, I would live the rest of my days in my native country. I am able to bring 1,000 brave soldiers to serve her Majesty if need required, so soon as the best pensioner her Majesty has in Germany. Here I am so disgraced of the courtiers, for that I was denied to be ambassador to her Majesty, that since my coming I have been forced often to draw my sword and defend my reputation, for I know D.C. my Lord will suffer none to wrong me, for I know none can do it but with their false tongues, but his Excellency promises not to believe none.
The King is by a Parliament in winter and now in summer proclaimed to stand off from this kingdom and no more here to rule, but if he sends his son within one half year, and that he may be brought up in this religion, the whole country will crown him King, but that doth the King of Pouland never. All the commonalty and burgesses of Finland and Leffland doth come to the Duke, and every day they come of the horsemen and footmen, and his Highness gives them favour.
To Sir Walter Ralegh great thanks from the Duke for our entertainment, and that the D. will send 12 ships for Guyanya, and join with him in any other order. If Sir Walter will send his meaning unto me, I will inform his Excellency, and write him his Grace's answer. For victual, men and ships will the Duke provide at Newlyes in the West seas. The Emperor of Rusland lies with a great army of men ready to serve the Duke upon the borders if need requires, which indeed I wish we had fewer, for we poverish the country where we come, and the very name of D. Charles takes the stomachs of our enemies. The Governor of Obowe sent the D. word this day, when he can see his person there then will he yield up the castle, who is the chief of Finland.—From my tent at Sand Haven in Fyndland, 25 Sept.
Holograph.
Endorsed : “1598, Captain ['General' written over] Hill of Swethland, his advertisements of a fight with the King of Poleland.”
3 pp. (64. 55.)
John Colvile to Edward Reynolds.
1598, Sept. 25. Since my last I have escaped a great danger, for Coelo (the Bishop of Glasco) did write in to Brussels that I was to come there as espion for 41 (her Majesty), which caused me make a speedy retreat from Cambria, being advertised thereof, and siclike 86 (Earl Bothwell), albeit he caused me write to 60 (my Lord of Essex), that he would, being in Brussels, do all the service he could for 41 (her Ma), yet he has also delated me, alleging I am sworn to 69 (England), and pensioner of 60 (the E. of Essex). But that shall not avail them, for what I cannot do personally I shall do by attorney. I fear nothing but that one whom I use among them be put to a strait. If he escape, I care for no more. Of the two points advertised in my last, the one of Balladyne holds good, for he is to come instructed with all things to Coelo (the Bishop of Glasco), and it will be yet a month ere he can come. For, amongst many others of our countrymen which is arrived here, Sibbett, who did take the letters from Brittany to 43 (the K. of Scots), is returned to Coelo, assuring of Balladyne's coming. But for this Sibbett, as you shall perceive by Mr. Hoodson's letter, I shall paint him so out that he shall ever hereafter be unwelcome to 43, and if he comes to 69 you have little cause to make him any good accueil.
The other point of going of Spaniards to 71 (Scotland), was in deliberation by suggestion of the Cardinal of Boniton, sent expressly from Coelo to 49 (the Cardinal) before 49 his departure. But it did take no effect. For 86 has taken all in hand if they will assist him, and he is much esteemed. But in three months, I am assured, he will discredit himself, albeit no other should seek to disgrace him. There is nothing here but everyone that has a mouthful of French, or Latin, setting out pamphlets of 43 his title, which has grieved one friend of yours so much that he has written (as is this same day reported unto me) a discourse of a sheet of paper, intitled, Vindicies in titulum adulterinum Jacobi Sexti, the copy whereof is promised me.
Your agent, because the merchant was not to be found, did send me of his own money a part of the sum mentioned in your letter, and is to send the rest this week.—This 25 of September, from St. Quintins, 1598. In one word, I see no other appearance here but the self same marinell for one, viz., Coelo, that brought 43 his mother to the port of naufrage, shall either perish or hazard him in the self same sort.
Holograph. Addressed to Amicus.
1½ pp. (177. 101.)
Thomas Eyton to the Earl of Essex, Master of the Horse.
1598, Sept. 25. Sickness has prevented me from travelling, but I have sent my son with the books of survey of both the races, wherein your Lordship may see all the mares and colts remaining in both the places. So please your Honour to place Mr. Brett in my place according your letter to myself, I thereto assent from the bottom of my heart.—Tutbury, this 25 of Sept., 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
¾ p. (177. 102.)
Raphe Bowes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 26. He petitioned the Queen that in regard for his late father's services she would forgive him his father's debts to her, or would grant him a lease in reversion. The Queen referred the petition to Lord Burghley and the Earl Marshal. Since Lord Burghley is now dead, he prays Cecil in his place to join with the Earl Marshal in determining his cause.—Barnes, 26 Sept., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 57.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 26. If second thoughts are no better than first ones, it befits me to take my stand on the declaration made by you, but as I have no wish to trouble you I will only say about my journey to France that I have two reasons for going. First, that my brothers have quarrelled over this debt, in which the elder has a larger interest than the younger, and have asked me to arbitrate, which I cannot do so far off. In the next place, I am anxious once more to serve the Queen, and I think I can be more useful there than here. I know Gondy and Zametti, and others who manage the King's finances, so that you may believe I can do more than an ordinary person to pave the way for the repayment of the Queen. At any rate you will be able to judge, when once I am in Paris, and if I find all as I hope, the Queen can authorize me then and not before. So that I ask that my passport may be made out in the form that I had when I went to Holland four years ago.—Baburham, 26 September, 1598.
Italian. Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (177. 103.)
Fulk Greville to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 27. Finding my father neither well nor willing to depart with me doth make me stay a little longer than I thought to do. Your favour makes me presume to entreat this much of you, that if my absence should come in question, you would be pleased to [under] take the protection of him that leaves himself and all concerning him securely in your trust. I can add nothing to your reward, for I love and honour you already with my heart.—From Beachamp's Court, this 27 of September.
P.S.—I am loath to stir envy while I am away, and, therefore, think good to let your Honour know, that how fair soever this name be, and exceeding in that either Chelsea or Theobalds, yet to qualify it withal, I do assure you, Sir, it doth at the most no more than equal them in building and furniture, witness Sir Thomas Stanhope.
Holograph. Endorsed : “1598.”
½ p. (177. 104.)
Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 28. Prays that Cecil's letters for the discharge of the hulks which his son brought into Portsmouth, may be revoked, and that the Admiralty commission of enquiry already appointed may be allowed to proceed. There is presumption that there will be found great store of money and riches hidden under the salt. Prays for authority to unload one of the hulks for a trial thereof.—28 Sept., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 60.)
Henry Rowlands, Bishop elect of Bangor, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 28. Thanking him for his favour.—London, the xxviijth of September, 1598.
Signed.
½ p. (177. 105.)
Sir Thomas Leighton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 29. He gained this place on the 18th inst. Has not for the present any intelligence other than that in Spain the scarcity of corn is very great, and likewise at Bordeaux and Rochelle. Here in the island the store is reasonable, but he must ask licence to transport 100 quarters of wheat to renew the staple of victuals for this her Majesty's castle, which by Cecil's means he obtained. Trusts that upon the return of the British fleet from Spain he will be able to advertise Cecil of the state of matters in those parts.—Guernsey, 29 Sept., 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (64. 62.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 29. Encloses a packet which he has just received by the way of Rochelle.—Plymouth, 29 Sept., 1598.
Signed.
1 p. (64. 63.)
Richard Carmarden to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. 29. About ten days past I moved the Queen about Phillippes for the speedier payment of his debt to her Majesty, as my Lord, your late father, willed me to do. She wished his bill to be sent to you for you to move her to sign it. It is now ready, and I have willed his wife to attend you with it. My Lord Buckhurst and Mr. Chancellor are aware of the matter so far as it has gone.—Chislehurst, the 29 of Sept., 1598.
Holograph.
½ p. (177. 106.)
Impost of Wines.
1598, Sept. 29. [The Earl of Essex's] account of impost of wines, in Southampton and Dorset, from Michaelmas, 1595, to 29 Sept. 1598. Notes thereon by Edward Reynolds (Essex's secretary), and Sir Gelly Merrick (his receiver general).
6 pp. (204. 101.)
Captain Jo. Chamberlaine to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Sept. 30. Although the beginning of the enemy's late attempts yield no great matter worthy to advertise your Lordship, and that I know these occurrences by our commander are made known unto you, yet that I may not omit the continuance of my dutiful affection to your Lordship's service, I rather choose to lose my labour than not perform that office belonging unto me.
It is not unknown unto your Honour the departing of the Cardinal and the command of the army by Don Francisco de Mendoza, Admiral D'Arragon, Count Frederick van Derberge being Marshal. Since their taking of Orso their army hath attempted nothing, but have endeavoured by the making of a bridge, and fortifying the place by two sconces they are in building, to make their passage assured. Their bridge is lately broken, 6000 of their army being on the other side, by the violence of the stream. How they will determine to repair that amiss, we cannot yet conjecture; but certainly supposed they will not undertake this year any great enterprise, for these reasons : first, that the bridge being broken they cannot easily amend it, the weather growing tempestuous and the stream violent, neither can their artillery be drawn with any conveniency if much rain once fall. They of Coloine have prohibited the passing of victuals to their army from their dominions, from whence the best part of his relief came. The benefit of the water being barred him, it follows that either his army must fall into great want, or be maintained at an extreme charge : and but that, to the general discontentment of the neutrals, he gives all liberty to his army of spoil, he were not able to maintain so great troops together, for even now 500 of his natural Spaniards, having mutinied, marched from their army, 3 troops of horse being sent after them to fetch them again, they have beaten, and are gone into Germany. Their army is by none counted less than 18,000 foot and 4,000 horse. Their besieging of Emden, Weesel, or Berke, have been doubted, but now resolved : their attempts end with the assurance of the passage against the next summer. In the meantime his Excellency's army lies in an island called Guelders Ward, some days' march from them, consisting of 6,000 foot and 1,600 horse, where though of itself, to my small judgment, we are not to be assaulted but with great disadvantage, yet the more to assure us we have erected at the least eight sconces, upon which we keep continual guards. We are ready, if the enemy march, to wait upon his army, but his Excellency is resolved not to fight in regard of his weakness; but to put in relief into every town distressed, or to annoy the enemy's convoys, he hath good hope.—From the camp at Guelders, last September, '98.
Holograph.
2 pp. (64. 64.)
Giovanni Basadonna to the Earl Marshal of England [Earl of Essex].
1598, Sept. I rejoice from my heart that your Excellency is in the seat of judgment. You seem to me to be in your proper place, &c. Many and humble thanks for the letters of Peretius sent to me. He adds that Count Agamontius writes from Bayonne that they had received recent letters from Madrid, which stated as a certainty that the King of Spain died on the 10th of August at the hour of 5 in the morning. He was fully conscious to the last, and particularly recommended the peace with France to his son, and commanded him to employ his, the dying King's, servants, and especially his councillors, with many other injunctions. There is no doubt about the King's death, because a man who left Madrid on the 8th of August told me that there was then no hope of his life : not only had he lost the power of motion and the sense feeling in his extremities, but when the physicians would have drawn blood, they could find none. God grant that from this death may follow comfort both to the kingdom and your Excellency.—Undated.
Latin. Holograph. Endorsed by Essex's secretary : “Sept. '98.”
1 p. (64. 65.)
Thomas, Lord Burghley and Sir Robert Cecil to Sir John Stanhope.
1598, Sept. Like the children of that undivided spirit which never knew more ways than one, we do presume to present the figure of his heart, with whom love and duty (beyond wit to utter) do lie entombed. On the backside are engraven his own words, which contain his last lessons to us. By the golden sheaf above the heart may her Majesty please to judge that his heart wished her a harvest of felicities, to accompany her infinite virtues : whereof as we beseech her Majesty to conceive assurance by this oblation to which we were by him enjoined, so do we beseech her (for our sakes) to vouchsafe it a place in Beauty's harbour, where both our loves and duties are only anchored.—Undated.
Endorsed :—“1598, Sept. Copy of a letter from the Lord Burghley and my Master to Sir John Stanhope.”
½ p. (64. 66.)
Thomas Cartwright to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Sept. Congratulates Essex on his appointment as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. Reflections thereon. “Let the chronicles of our land be perused, and I think it will hardly be found that there hath been any subject, especially of those years your Lordship has yet come into, clothed with so much honour, and girded with so much authority as you are.” Exhorts him to a Godly use of his position. Thanks him for his assistance of the poor hospital of Warwick in the last Parliament, and prays him to extend further favour to it, as it is in danger to be utterly spoiled. Gives account of his own connection with the hospital. In his absence he has deputed Mr. Lord, the governor thereof, to whom he prays Essex to give counsel and assistance if required.—Castle Cornet in Guernsey, Sept. '98.
Holograph.
2 pp. (64. 69.)
Andro Hunter to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, Sept. For his continuance with the Scottish regiment, and doing good offices there and in Zeeland, he begs Cecil to write to M. Barnevelt, Advocate of Holland, recommending him, so that in case any should disturb his ministry of that regiment, Barnevelt would have regard thereof. Also begs for a letter to Mr. Gilpin to a similar purport.—Undated.
Holograph.
Endorsed : “Sept. 1598. Mr. Hunter to my Mr. Letters to be written by him to Monsieur Barnevelt and Mr. Gilpin to the effect within written. This is promised to be done.”
1 p. (64. 70.)
Jno. Jolles to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598, [Early in Sept.] By letters received from Plymouth of the 25th of last month I have notice that the soldiers remaining there are not yet departed, and that the ships with the victuals lie there still, attending them. My servants signify to me that if they stay long there some part of their victuals will decay, especially the cheese. My suit is that I may have present order to direct them to certain places of discharge, without any longer attendance, if the companies shall not be ready before my letters come : and that you will give order to the victualler that he may see the cheese in those ships which were intended to Logh Loughfoyle to be first spent, being but only 140 weight.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed : Sept. 1598.
1 p. (64. 71.)
Lord Cobham.
1598, Sept.–Rents and farms due to Henry Lord Cobham, from Westclive, Coolinge, Cobham Hall, Cobham College, &c. Kent.
20 pp. (145. 73.)
Lord H. Howard to the Earl of Essex, Earl Marshal.
[1598, ? about Sept.] According to your direction, my most dear and worthy lord, I have pressed my honourahle friend [dowager Countess of Southampton] to enlarge her meaning touching the mystery you were desirous to understand; and found her no less favourably attentive to my motion than warily discreet in her answer. Upon acquainting her with your demand of me (not out of curiosity but love and honour), whether she were married, as many thought, or at the very point of marriage, as some gave out, she did assure me on her honour that the knot of marriage was yet to tie, although she would be stinted at no certain time, but ever reserve her own liberty to dispose of herself where and when it pleased her. She told me that you in your discourse with her had so wisely tempered your affection to her son with care of herself as she would ever value your advice and love your virtue. I replied that out of the same kind regard of her honour and her good success, you required me to advise her not to give any scandal to the world by matching during her son's disgrace; for the greater pause and leisure she took in the last match, the greater hazard she should run in this by marrying unseasonably. I told her you thought the world would wonder what offence your [sic. her] son could make to purchase such a strange contempt at a mother's hand, and either make the ground thereof his matching in your blood, which you must take unkindly, or tax her own judgment, which you should be sorry for. I told her that you spake not this out of partiality to my lord her son in this particular (though you made his fortune yours, and wished to him every way as to yourself) but out of friendly care and tender sense of her reputation, which might receive hard measure upon accomplishment, because it raised some strange bruits only upon likelihood. She answered again that she found your doubt to stand upon such likely grounds as she would warily provide for her own honour howsoever she had heretofore been dealt withal. I proceeded further, giving her ladyship to understand that your Lordship, fearing also lest unkindness might hereafter grow between her husband and her son upon the marriage accomplished before order were discreetly taken by her wisdom to prevent the motives of debate, could wish that she would tie their loves together by such strong and certain ligaments of confidence and kind affection as no cause might arise hereafter of dissension, for so she might be free to take her choice at all times without the world's exception, her son's unkindness, or the wound of her posterity. My lady told me that her son could take no just exception to the party who had been more plain with her in his defence during this time of separation and unkindness than any man alive. To your lordship she would ever give all honourable satisfaction in this or any matter, so far as she might with regard of her own estate and liberty, that she could possibly devise, but hoped that her son would look for no account of her proceedings in the course of marriage that made her so great a stranger to his own; and therefore, as she would give no cause of unkindness by her fault, so she would not imagine that unkindness could arise without a just occasion. She said that children by the laws of God ought duty to their parents, not parents to those that sprang of them. Nature bound her to love, but nature and the law of God bound him both to love and reverence. I replied that your lordship spake according to the judgment of a man that felt the passions of men, fearing that if order were not taken by her providence in time, somewhat might fall out to her great grief, which would be tried out by other means than the ten commandments. The draught of a pen and the settling of all proportions might do that in time which hereafter could not be provided for so easily. In the end she said that Sir W. Harvy would speak with her son before the marriage (if she forbade it not), but whether that fell out or not, yet he should speak with you whom he honoured. She would not only take hold of sundry words cast out by me about the rating of proportions and conditions of agreement, &c., but ever stood upon the quality of the person, her son's strange dealing to herself and her own liberty. She takes in so good part all that I can affirm, both of your wise foresight of future harms and of your care to cut off causes that may breed them for want of safe provision in due time, together with your noble dealing with herself, as I do constantly believe that either you or no subject in this land shall do good with her and bring matters to the pass that may satisfy. Your lordship hath so absolute a state in all my vows and services, and doth so fully comprehend all faculties and forces of my mind and body within the precinct of that love I owe to you alone more than to all the world tanquam in genere generalissimo, as I cannot show my own particular desire to do service to this honourable lord in individuo, as the case now stands, because your single word in giving me this charge to deal doth swallow all other obligations. But whensoever it shall please him to make proof of my service when it is not shadowed with your prerogative, both he and the world shall judge in what degree I honour him; and a great deal more, since to his own good parts he hath added your affinity.—In haste at xi.
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2 pp. (83. 71.)
The Earl of Southampton to the Earl of Essex.
1598, Sept. The chief cause of my coming to this town is to speak with your Lordship. If you will be therefore pleased to give me assignation of some time and place where I may attend you to find you alone, so that I may come unknown, I will not fail to perform your appointment.
I beseech you to let me know your will by this bearer, either by letter or word of mouth, and bind me so much unto you as not to take notice of my being here to any creature till I have seen you.
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Endorsed : “Sep. '98, to the E. of Essex on his coming over.'
½ p. (177. 108.)
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