Cecil Papers: April 1599

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 9, 1599. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1902.

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'Cecil Papers: April 1599', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 9, 1599, (London, 1902) pp. 126-150. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol9/pp126-150 [accessed 25 April 2024]

April 1599

Lord Buckhurst to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 1. Having taken physic Thursday and Friday, I was forced to go to Lambeth on Saturday about a cause of the University of Oxford, which her Majesty referred to Lord Grey, the Bishop of Winchester, and myself. There I took a little cold and doubt to see you before her Majesty comes to Lambeth. Meanwhile, this matter of salt requiring a present answer, and Sir John Fortescue being in the country, I have framed two letters for this dispatch to pass under your hand and mine. If you will alter them as you please and send them with your signature, I will add mine. The Mayor's letter reached me yesterday, and for the more haste they should go at least by the next packet to be sent to Chester. A copy of the Mayor's letter should go in our letter to Beverley and Newcome, and that should be enclosed in our letter to the Mayor.
The Bishop of Winchester desires the hands of as many lords as are at the Court to the enclosed writing for putting on of his services. He has the allowance of the Archbishop. I beseech you return it me with as many hands as may be on this Sunday night. The Bishop goes to the country on Monday.—1st April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (69. 42.)
Robert Brett to the Earl of Essex.
[1599,] April 1. Was resolved to have waited on him in this journey, but God has so laid His hand on him he is altogether disabled. Desires Essex not to conceive amiss of him herein, for as he never followed any man beside him, so would he leave all the world to do him service.—From Molsey Wrotten, this first of April.
Holograph. Seal, broken. ½ p. (176. 135.)
The Archbishop of Canterbury to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 2. Enclosing for the Queen's approval the form of prayer to be used for the good success of the forces in Ireland. The Church of the Strangers in London have already begun this godly exercise.—Lambeth, 2 April, 1599.
Holograph. ½ p. (69. 43.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino To Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 2. I was in some doubt as to the truth of the reason given by the Genoese for going to Yarmouth, and the story about his brother did not seem to me reasonable. But he only reached my house at supper-time on Saturday, and as the next day I was going into Norfolk, I joined him on the road and took him in my coach as far as Thetford. He did not seem to me to be either politician or soldier, so I left him alone; though I had a mind to detain him and send him to you. However, as you have now got him in another way, I send you a few questions it may be well to put to him and his men, with some notes about them.
The gentleman's real name is Ortensio Spinola, though he calls himself Cataneo, declaring that he has taken the name because of an inheritance that came to him through his mother. Of such a change of name I only know two instances in Genoa.
The Genovese with him is a sailor who lives at Havre, and was with the Admiral Villars during the siege of Rouen.
The servant comes from Parma, and was engaged in France. He has served in Flanders.
The guide is an English inn-keeper from Dieppe. He is paid 1s. 6d. a day.
The following questions are suggested :—
Why did Signor Ortensio change his name, a most unusual thing to be done by an Italian of good family?
Why did he choose to come to England by Havre and Southampton, instead of the usual route, by Dieppe and Bye? He actually did land at Bye, but that was due to bad weather?
Why did he come from Genoa to look for his brother without any letters of introduction to Genoese in London?
Why, on reaching London, did he send for Eliano Calvo, who left Genoa so long ago that Signor Ortensio can hardly have known him?
Why, after going to the West, he went to Yarmouth, although Francesco Busso and others in London told him it was useless?
I had some suspicion while talking to him that he might be a Jesuit; but he seemed too illiterate. I gave him no letters for Harwich or anywhere else.—Babraham, 2 April, 1599.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Concerning the Italian found sounding in the harbour.” Seal. 3 pp. (69. 44.)
Captain Thomas Dale to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 2. Asking for the release of a prisoner confined in Bridewell by Cecil's orders, in order that he may be taken to Ireland to serve there as a soldier.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (69. 45.)
Sir Robert Cecil to Francis Amyas.
1599, April 3. I have received your letters and am sorry that you have had any sickness, wishing you to have care of your health in this your journey and painstaking. I like yery well of all your proceedings, although I do not well understand whether you have made an end of selling of all those timber and woods which you mean to sell, wherein if you think my lord's sale will be any great hindrance, I could be content to stay till another year. Touching the meadows in his lordship's hands, I would have nothing altered. I like well of your purpose for the rent days, and of your bestowing the trees upon such as assist you. For matters concerning Mr. Osborne, order shall be taken.—From the Court, 3rd of April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (69. 47.)
Sir Henry Bronckard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 3. The bearer of this, my nephew, has received your letter concerning the tenants of Langstoke in Hampshire and submits himself to your censure. Still, as his father bought the lease very lately, left him a ward with legacies to pay and sisters to marry, I would ask you to respect him, as he regards the tenant, from whom he has exacted no unreasonable fine. He is young and depends most upon me, and I shall be the more bound to you if he depart satisfied, of which I cannot doubt.—From my poor house, 3rd April, 1599.
Holograph. 1 p. (69. 48.)
Thomas, Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 4. I hear that your wood at 'Escridge' is in sale, and that at a lower price than I am asking there for worse timber. I think you can not mean to keep the land after you have sold the timber; and therefore, if you will, I will give you your price for it, being loth a stranger should have it before me. But if the sale of the timber goes on I should be loth to buy the land; for the wood is the beauty of the thing, and I mean not to fell it but to leave it to Burghley House. So I look for your consent by this bearer and your warrant for staying the sale.—4 April, 1599.
Holograph. 1 p. (69. 98.)
Sir John Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 5. I enclose a packet from my brother of York which concerns the cause of the Scottish pledges' escape intended by them and practised, as they here conceive, in Scotland, with some examinations on the same matter. I send it to you to deal with as you please, because I am uncertain of my attendance at Court. Mr. Doctor James and Mr. Pady advise me to use this season to enable me to serve the Queen better and to avoid a journey to Bath, which would otherwise be my last refuge.—5th of April.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1599” Seal. 1 p. (69. 49.)
Roger Houghton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 6. I thought good to certify your Honour that your children are very well, come to Odium [? Odiham] and were not by the way anything sick at all. My lady their aunt and Mr. Moore received them very kindly, and made very much of them. Mr. William is desirous that the fool Francis should continue with him on his journey, the which I would not condescend unto until such time as I understood your Honour's pleasure; in the meantime he doth cause him to stay here.—“Odiume,” 6 April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (69. 50.)
Sir George Peckham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 6. About three weeks past I was arrested upon an execution for the same debt and by the same party at whose suit I was prisoner eighteen months, for that I made default of the second payment. During these twenty days I have tasted no flesh nor fowl, have never had more than one meal in a day, and mostly but one meal in two, whereof I am grown to such imbecility of body that I cannot stand. A friend of mine discharged the execution, and I was then kept prisoner for the charges of the house, for which, some six pounds, I was obliged to find security, and am now at liberty. But I lack health, garments to my back, and money to relieve myself, my poor wife and children. If it please you to send any of your servants to me it shall appear that I speak the truth; and I the rather presume to sue for your liberality that my good friend Mr. Tasborowe told me that you appeared to take compassion of me.—Good Friday, '99, at my lodgings at the Saracen's Head, in Fetter Lane.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (69. 51.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 6. Introducing the bearer, “Mr. Jenny.”—Baburham, 6 April, 1599.
Italian. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (178. 142.)
Sir Edward Norris to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 7. I received this night at 7 of the clock a letter from Dr. Doylly and could not rest until I had written these. Therewith came certain articles which he had set down touching Ostend, one of which is of such a nature that I were a very villain and traitor if I had ever thought or imagined them. I pray you not to believe that any such villainous or absurd thought could proceed from me, but attribute it to his mistaking.—From Kycott, 7 April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (69. 52.)
Sir John Popham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 7. I received your letter of the 6th instant, and her Majesty commanding my attendance upon Thursday next, I will not fail; yet would have been very glad if I might have stayed until the term, being now busied with my own estate.—Littlecote, 7 April, 1599.
Holograph. 1 p. (69. 53.)
Edward, Lord Stourton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 7 You being in communication for the sale of certain of her Majesty's lands, I request your favour that I may purchase the manor of Norton Ferris in the county of Somerset, which was my predecessor's land. It doth adjoin my manor of Stowrton, which causeth me to stretch my present mean estate to obtain it.—From Stowrton this 7th of April.
Signed. Seal broken. Endorsed :—“6 (sic) April, 1599.” 1 p. (178. 143.)
Lady Bridget Vere to Sir Robert Cecil, her uncle.
1599, April 7. Thanks for his manifold kindness. “Now that he is gone which was so dear unto you and me, you are unto me as a father in his stead, and in having you I shall think the want of him to be the less.”—From Cheneyes, the 7 of April, 1599.
Holograph. ? p. (178. 144.)
Thomas Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 8. I received your letter on Friday and sent it the same day to Bath to Mr. Ameredith, and on Saturday he returned the inclosed letter to Dr. Doyley as the only answer. Two days since, Lord Stourton sent to me to entreat my entreaty of your favour for the enclosed matter. His request of buying some land that was his father's, paying for it what any other will, needeth, I think, no mediation, but he fears the opposition of the Lord Chief Justice.
I submit myself to your directions, not only in the course of my undertakings, but in their choice. My end is honour, which some base minds call ambition, towards which, on what course so-ever you direct me, I will willingly follow.—Shaftesbury, this Easter day.
[PS.]—Sir Walter Raughley told Sir Humphrey Drowell not long since that he thought you would leave the little Turk my father gave you for an easy ambling gelding for your own saddle. If it be so, I desire to have him; but if yourself be loth to leave him, I desire him not.
Holograph. 1 p. (69. 54.)
Rowland Lytton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 9. I hear from my cousin Cope how greatly I am bound to you for a favour others would most affectionately sue for. My habitation is scarce so far from St. Alban's as Sir Charles Morison's was. The neighbour towns adjoining me are of the liberty where I am already in the commission of the peace; and with all my inability I am ready to travail in the service of my country, especially to be graced with your favour.—Knebworth, 9th April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (69. 55.)
Richard Cecil to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 9. To solicit my former suit I had to your Honour which was in benefit of another, having neither security or merit to do it for myself, were great presumption. Yet your favour once shown me in the like ease makes me desire that with Mr. Nevill's despatch I may have my own licence to pass over with him, as befits a younger brother.—London, 9 of April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (69. 56.)
Mr. Skynner to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 9. There is no warrant come to the Receipt for my L. Henry Howard's fee, but I hear that a warrant has been directed to the Receiver of Norfolk, Mr. Honning, deputy to Sir Drew Drury.—Enfield, this 9 of April.
Signed. Seal Endorsed :—1599. ½ p. (60. 83.)
Florence McCarthy to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 13. I have caused two petitions to be drawn for the Lord Admiral and the Lord Buckhurst, wherein I explained my referment to the Lord Lieutenant and your Honour, and your resolution signed by the Master of the Rolls and the Solicitor for Ireland, which order was that the Queen should grant me 14 quarters of land mortgaged by my father-in-law to my wife and 32 quarters mortgaged by him to Brown, paying Brown £600 or £700 presently and to the Queen £120 a year, which is more than land in that unprofitable country is worth, the more that the rebels are in possession thereof. I should also have to pay the Queen all the rents, &c., due to the Earls of all the Countries, as Muskerry, Dowalla, Bearr, Clanaulifife, O'Keyfe's country, O'Keallaghan's country, Clan McDonell's and the rest, with certain parcels of the Earl's demesne lands, whereof one called Clandermody beartry is already granted to one Goldfinch, and another parcel called Clandonel Roe is also granted out. Now this hard course I never would have accepted but that I knew how much my presence there would avail the Queen's service. For if ever I can deserve her favour it is now. And if I am now to be kept back, I desire to be cut in pieces, for the like occasion shall never be offered. Yet now I hear that the Queen delays to sign this grant either because I am crossed by some back friend or that the Queen supposes she is granting to me all the Earl's lands; and I have therefore prayed the Council to endeavour to dispatch my business presently, as I was charged by the Lord Lieutenant at his departure to follow him presently for some special service.—13th April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (69. 60.)
A Note.
Excepting the parcels of Clandonell roe and Clan Diermody bearrtry, which contains 55 ploughlands and a half, together with all the said Earl's rents, chieferies, duties, and signories, and commands in the countries of Muskrey and Barethes country and Clan Mcdonell, with the country of Dowalla, O'Kerllaghan's country, O'Keyfe's country and Clanaulife, leaving out also his butter and meal, with such like provisions. (69. 59.)
Alexander Wayte to Thomas Barefoot.
1599, April 13. Uncle Barefoot, the 22nd of March I left the Groyne for Rochelle, and there found John Peters, of Lyme, ready to sail, and so came to Lynn, and thence to your house, and finding you away in London, write the following intelligence to you. There is a small barque coming from the Groyne with a cargo of oranges and lemons to spy out the Queen's ships where they be, and in what readiness. The barque is of Cherbourg, in Normandy, and the crew are French. There is news of great preparations of the galleys, and that the Adelantado is soon to come to the Groyne with them. The twelve new galleons in Biscay are almost finished; their artillery went from the Groyne to them while I left. There is to come to the Groyne in Scottish and French ships one hundred and fifty thousand “haneiges” of wheat, which is put to bake for the army; seventeen millions of treasure has come from the Indians. The King is in Valentia to receive the Queen, and his sister is to be married to the Cardinal in Valentia. The Adelantado is now the man that governeth Spain, and that all the poor Flemings feel. The greatest part of them are in the galleys, where they endure much misery. There are six galleys to come from Biscay, and the Adelantado is to bring from Andalusia and Italy 44 more. Corn is dear in Spain, and in Portugal not to be had. The plague is somewhat ceased in Lisbon.—Melcombe, 13 April, 1599.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Intelligence from Spain.” 2 pp. (69. 61.)
E. Fitzgerald to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 13. I am forced once more to ask your favour that you would be a means that I may be admitted to make my cause known at the Council Table, and so the sooner return into Ireland.—13th April, 1599.
Signed. Endorsed by Herbert :—“Eliz. FitzGerald, one of the daughters of the Earl of Desmond, to your Hor.”
[This endorsement is probably an error. See letter of April 27, which is from the same person.] ½ p. (69. 62.)
Elizabeth Talbot to John Talbot.
1599, April 14. Copy of a letter from Elizabeth Talbot to her brother-in-law, John Talbot, stating the agreement come to between them as to her dower, in her husband's lands, and waiving her claim to jointure.—Beethom, 14 April, 1599.
Copy. 1 p. (69. 63.)
The Agreement referred to :
The said John agrees to pay the said Elizabeth, widow of his late brother Thomas, at Longridge Chapel, ninety pounds as jointure out of lands at Darwin and Bashall; or, if she will not relinquish her title to doiver, then to let her have dower.—12 April, 41 Eliz. (67. 84.)
Sir Robert Sydney to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 14. This bearer, Captain Throckmorton, having long since understood of some informations given against him unto her Majesty, and being now at the length recovered of a great sickness, presseth very earnestly to be brought unto his answer. He doth challenge of me to be his mean herein, considering that he serveth under me and was by me put into the place which he now holds. And I am as desirous as he to see an end of it, both that it might appear whether I made a good choice of him or not, and that the service of the garrison might be performed, which now is done by a deputy by reason of his stay here. I would wait upon you myself but that I am forced to keep my chamber for a day or two. On Monday or Tuesday I will not fail to attend your pleasure.—At London, the 14 of April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (178. 145.)
Thomas Reynel to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 15. Sir George Carye, before his departure, was to have sent up one Peter Tresham of this country to you. I have now taken security for him to appear before you by the 25th instant.—15 April. '99. West Ogwell.
Holograph. ½ p. (69. 64.)
Thomas Reynel to Sir Walter Ralegh.
1599, April 15. About sending up Tresham to London. Will always be ready to do Sir Walter any service.—West Ogwell. 15 April, 1599.
Holograph. ½ p. (69. 65.)
The Earl of Southampton.
1599, April 15. Warrant by the Earl of Essex, as Lieutenant and Governor General of Ireland, appointing the Earl of Southampton Lord General of the Horse in Ireland.
1 p. (141. 213.)
Thomas Thorpe to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 15. At the beginning of February I presented to you a letter from Sir George Carewe respecting my suit before the Privy Council for redress of the wrong done me by Sir Stephen Slanye, when Mayor, and by the now Lord Mayor, about the office for which I have been in reversion since 1583. Sickness prevented me from presenting my petition until last Tuesday. I humbly beseech your Honour to be good unto me.—15 April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (179. 1.)
W. Earl of Bath to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 16. I thank you heartily for furthering my suit to the Lords for those monies I had disbursed in supply of the wants of Sir Anthony Cooke. I have sent the bearer of this to the Lords with one Thomas Bridges, whose name I mentioned to them, on intelligence from St. Jean de Luz, as suspected. I have sent particulars to the Council for his examination and do much distrust him.—Exeter, 16 April, 1599.
Signed :—“W. Bathon.” Seal. 1 p. (69. 66.)
W. Temple to Edward Reynolds.
1599, April 17 I can only write of my love and remembrance of you unless I would impart our long attendance at Beaumaris for a wind, the tediousness and peril of our passage, the near miscarrying of some of us upon a rock at our arrival at about one of the clock after midnight on the thirteenth instant, near my Lord of Hough's house about eight miles from Dublin, whither my lord repaired the next day. God mercifully preserved our worthy Lord, who in hasting to reach unto such of us his helping hand who were like to have been overwhelmed by means of the rock, fell himself several times upon another rock, but it pleased God to clear the boat from the same, and to save us who were in the other boat, which turned featly upon its side before we were free from it. I must entreat you to deliver the enclosed at Tower Hill as you pass to the Court.—Dublin, April 17, '99.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Divers letters to Mr. Reynolds from Mr. Temple, Mr. Cuff, Sir Gilly Meyricke, Captain Corlase, and my Captain.” Seal. 1 p. (69. 67.)
Henry Wotton to Edward Reynolds.
1599, April 19. My honestest friend and fellow : Our Lord and Master took the sword and sway of this unsettled Kingdom into his hand on the fifteenth of this month in the Cathedral Church of Dublin, after a grave sermon preached by the Bishop of Meath. All things are in a good train. Only Sir H. Wallop died within an hour after my Lord's arrival here, and we yet miss my Lord of Kildare, who put from Holyhead with the same wind that brought us from Beaumaris. I will be bold to say that if these wars end by treaty, the Earl of Tyrone must be very humble.—Dublin, 19 April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (179. 2.)
Miguel de Vinare to Don [Ruy Sancho], Proveditore de la Ga. de Espana.
1599, April 19/29. I have written to you whenever I could, but have had no answer from you.
The Adelantado left Ferrol on the 25th of this month, with fifty vessels and galleons and more than 1,500 soldiers. If he meets the enemy he will be victorious; for though the ships are few they are the best that have gone out, and worth more than the 120 which sailed two years ago. We remain here at Corunna and do not yet know where we shall go. The Conde de Vuendra remains here as his father's lieutenant. Captain Urdonis starts to-morrow, to whom I am giving 600 V. ducats that are here for the King's service, which should be enough for six months. I will let you know what I shall bring. Here we are in want of all kinds of stores and have not a real. Everything is dear, especially wine, which costs more than 40 ducats the butt.—29 April, 1599.
Spanish. Endorsed [? by Cecil]:—“Herein appears that the treasure was so limited to be bestowed upon the first design as the galleys had not yet received any penny. The sum was £200,000.”
Holograph. 2 pp. (69. 88.)
Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas.
1599, April 20. Ever since the return of your servant Robert Lainge towards you, I have earnestly waited to hear from you. For upon your directions I still depend, and did not dare to prosecute matters with the King and some of the Council until I know your own mind. Of late, but I fear too late, the King perceives how this while past his service has been evil handled in the country by the employing of foolish persons, and he sees how he has been misserved by Mr. David Foules, whom he now begins to know in his own colours to be nothing but a vain fool, and therefore minds not to employ him again or any of his quality. In these circumstances some of the best Council thought you were best able to serve the King at this time with least cost, which his Majesty granted, but feared that considering the hard treatment you had had in and from this country you would not undertake the charge. It was concluded that a young gentleman, who begins to be a favourite with his Majesty, called Mr. James Sempill, should be sent with a letter to the Queen of England and with another letter to you, by whom he is to be directed in all his proceedings, and upon his report of your mind, his Majesty should direct a new commission to you as Ambassador resident. This gentleman was to be ready after this baptism, when if they alter not their counsel, I shall write to you more particularly. Matters in our Court goes very strangely and courses in hand very far contrary one to another, as this bearer will discourse to you. The King winks now at that dealing which he should have begun immediately after his mother's death, but I fear it be now too late, and though it be to affray that state, I fear it be so superficial that it make them rather jealous than give them any just occasion thereof. For particulars and for the miserable state of our Council I refer to the bearer. From my mother's house; 20 April, 1599. Your loving nephew.
Holograph. 1½ pp. (69. 46.)
Sir William Bevill to the Lords of the Council.
1599, April 20. Enclosing the examination of John Peake.—From my house at Killigath, 20 April, 1599.
Signed. Endorsed :—“Haste these by the ordinary post with all speed day and night. For her Majesty's service from the Sheriff of Cornwall.” Seal. ½ p. (69. 69.)
The Enclosure :
Examination of John Peake, of Talland.
1599, April 20. The Examinate was taken by a Spanish ship, and carried to the Groyne, where he meet one Pickford, who inquired about Sir William Bevil and other Cornish gentlemen and of the strength of their houses, saying that he marvelled they had not all been carried off prisoners to Spain.
He also says that there is a fleet preparing in Spain; and that he teas told there that the French and Spanish King were in league together.—Signed, “W. Bevyll.” (69. 68.)
Samuel Cockburn to Archibald Douglas.
1599, April 20. I am anxious to hear how your health and fortunes prosper. I have taken the part of retiring to my own poor house, but shall always hope to hear of your prosperity.—The West House of Whittingham, 20 April, 1599.
Holograph. 1 p. Damaged. (69. 70.)
Augustine Novye to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 20. For the last four or five years I have done what I could without help, with my own cares, labours and endeavours, in the matter of this patent. I would rather be dismissed than behold the business thus confused. I told your Honour at first that without good backing it could bring no profit, and now I repeat that if severity be not the course for one half year at least, there will be no profit in the future, the grocers and tradesmen of London being grown so skilfull and insolent. I have not dared to speak to yourself about this, but have done so to Lord Buckhurst and others who might tell you of it; and I have also spoken of the Lord Mayor's later proceedings and the danger thereof, and the fruit his Lordship's former favours to offenders would bring; whereof now is seen too manifest a monument, one of the atten . . . sore wounded almost to the death, which evils are likely to increase, and the business utterly ruinated, if speedy reformation be not applied.
Signed. 1 p. (69. 71.)
George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 20. I was yesterday sent for by those who are come hither from Duke Charles, unto whom I went and saluted them, but took my leave of them without any conference. They required me to come to them again to day to use my advice in some matters; so I send their letter by this bearer for your directions as to my course.—From my house, near Ivy Bridge, 20th April, 1599.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. George Carew.” Seal. ½ p. (69. 73.)
Henry Cuffe to Edward Reynolds.
[1599], April 20. In a multitude of business I cannot write much. Your packets, his Lordship hath received, I think, all; sure I am that very many have come to his hands. This morning, Sir Thomas Gerard being desirous to start, I asked his Lordship to answer the points wherein you desire to be satisfied. “At present,” quoth he, “neither I nor you can do it, because our hands are full. By Wiseman, whom I very shortly mean to dispatch, I will answer Reynolds at large.” Till then, therefore, I cannot content you.—Dublin, 20th April.
[P.S.]—Mr. Secretary, in his last despatch to my Lord touching one Poor, brother to Captain Poor, my Lord's servant, whereupon my Lord willed Captain Poor to return an answer which I send you. My Lord's pleasure is that you deliver it unsealed to Mr. Secretary.
[Inserted between the letter and postscripts, in a different hand, is “On Pettingarre comends him. Sp. Pettingarr.”]
Holograph. 1 p. (179. 3.)
Lord Willoughby to Sir William Knollys, Comptroller of the Household.
[1599,] April 21. The Lord Hume, disposing of himself to travel, hath earnestly entreated my recommendation to some of her Majesty's Council who, at his repair to the Court, might further him in such means for passport and transportance as are needful to a traveller. The Earl of Essex being absent, I know not to whom I may rather commend him than to your honourable self, having always been much bound to your whole house, and particularly to you. I desire that the favours he shall receive may, to th'advancement of her Majesty's service, confirm him in those honourable courses of justice which of late he hath held, and now at his departure hath left the Border in very good terms, with assurance of all good neighbourhood and friendly offices.—From Berwick, the 21 April.
[PS.]—Sir, the matters are not great he desireth, only to see her Majesty, the Court, and so with licences for his horses, to take his leave. Upon the despatch of these letters these occurrents came to my hands; that upon the 14th of this instant the King's daughter was baptized Margaret, the second daughter of Scotland, and earls and ladies of the country “gossops.” That day and Monday was nothing but pastime, dancing and running at the ring. On Tuesday the lords Hamilton and Huntley were made Marquesses, and nine knights made. The Master of Elphinston is now lord Treasurer, and Cassels like to pay for his intermeddling.
Endorsed :—“Lo Willoughby, 1595” [sic, but error for 1599].
Signed. ¾ p. (31. 101.)
William Beecher to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 21. The petition to the honourable Table against me and Lecester for want of an answer, is made by Mr. Skorye, who indeed has our bond for £300, but the debt is neither of ours, but Mrs. Hickes's, for so much at interest paid to Mr. Parvishe in his life-time and to her in her widowhood. On his deathbed, Mr. Parvishe made a conveyance of his lands to Mr. Alderman Lowe, myself and two others, to continue unto us until his executor should pay his debts to me and discharge me of such bonds as I was bound in with him. Yet because the accounts between Mrs. Hickes and me are not perfected, I get no benefit thereby, but stand out of above £5,000 disbursed and in bonds to Mr. Skorie and others over and above all receipts from her. The Court of Chancery has referred the account to four Aldermen above a year past, but without my books I cannot proceed therein. All this is the result of Mr. Smythe's malice (who hath said he will keep them this seven years), but it can profit neither the Queen nor any other. For even if I were in debt to the Queen or Sir Thomas Sherley the Queen's debtor, I can only satisfy the same by recovering the sums due to me. And so I pray for your favour to have my books released unto me, that I may endeavour for the contentment of my creditors, which is the chief thing that on earth I desire.—21st April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (69. 74.)
Carlo Lanfranchi to Horatio Scali.
1599, April 22/May 2. I sent you no news from Spain, because I had none. You must not think it strange if you hear nothing from the friend who has just left you; those to whom he must refer the matter are some way off this place, where it will not be easy for him to go. But he has left Brussels, and I hope will soon be back. Our other friend who was sent to get their final determination should also be back soon. I believe his delay to be due to their being away from their usual residences, and also because marriages delay despatch.—“D'anvrs, 2o die Maggio. '99.”
Holograph. Italian. Endorsed :—“Carlo Lanfranchi to my Master.” Seal. 1 p. (69. 93.)
William Ellys, Mayor, and the Aldermen of Bristol to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 23. We have received your letter of the 9th instant, directing us to enquire into the complaint of one John Cycill against William Gibbes, of this city, whereby he declares that Gibbes has got into his hands the deeds and evidences of certain lands in Bristol and elsewhere, and has prevailed on him to convey to the said Gibbes a messuage in Bristol below its value, and has fraudulently included in the conveyance all the lands belonging to the same Cycill. We have called John Gibbs, who is a citizen of good repute, before us; and he shows us a deed of bargain and sale made by the said Cycill of a messuage in Bristol, and the title deeds thereof made about nine years ago, whereupon the said Cycill has also suffered a fine and recovery, for which Gibbs says he has paid above £20 in money; and also that before he purchased it, he spent much trouble and above £40 in helping the said Cycill to obtain a deed of entail necessary to enable him to prove his title to this messuage and another in Wootton; and that seeing no way to recover this money from Cycill, he bought the messuage in Bristol from him, but to the messuage in Wootten he lays no claim at all, as appears by the deed. Now as Cycill has no claim to the messuage, in respect of his poverty and your Honour's commendation, we recommended Gibbs to give him £4 towards his relief, but this he utterly refuses to take.—Bristol, 23 April, 1599.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (69. 75.)
Henry Lok to Archibald Douglas.
1599, April 23. I desire to serve your lordship in these parts or wheresoever I may be. I hear as yet nothing of your fugitive party, but if I may in Almayn I will certify your Lordship, to whom I also commend the consideration of the speeches passed between us touching this gentleman, and the continuation of your favour to us both.—Paris, 23 April, 1599.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (69. 76.)
The Mayor and Aldermen of Hull to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 23. Pray him to further the bearers, Mr. Cole and Mr. Burnesell, now sent up in their causes. First, for their spring water, which is brought hither three miles, and which is now sought in part to be taken away by John Aldred. Pray Cecil to move Sir William Peryam, Lord Chief Baron, and Sir John Fortescue in their behalf, in their suit in the Exchequer Chamber. Secondly, the Council commanded them to set forth two ships for the aid of the sea coasts of Yorkshire, and ordered the charges to be defrayed by the inhabitants of the said coast; but they refuse to pay. Crave Cecil's assistance to bring the matter before the Council. Thirdly, the Council directed their letters to the Mayor and Aldermen here for the better staying of all transportation of corn; but for want of due means to execute the same, there is still transporting, to the enhancing of the prices.—Kingston upon Hull, 23 April, 1599.
Signed by John Graves, Mayor, and others.
Damaged by damp. 2 pp. (213. 63.)
Edward Mountgarret to Sir Warham St. Leger.
1599, April 24. Your past kindnesses to me make me glad of your safe return to this country. For so it is that by the prosecution of my Lord of Ormond in doing me hurt, I am driven to run for my life among those whose company I least desire. I was assuredly advertised that he procured the Council's commandment for the apprehension of my children and myself only to rid us of our lives. I complained of this to the Council of Ireland, but took no good thereby; for my adversary, seeing my intention to submit myself to the Council, besieged one of my best manors, with the slaughter of many of my poor followers. But this and more I pass over, only desiring you to procure me and my family a protection from the Earl of Essex, and also one for the Lord o Cahir who is in the like case; and that you will deal to restore us of our blame.—“Bellaragged,” 24 April, 1599.
I pray you show this letter to Sir Anthony St. Leger, my cousin, my Lord Cork and the Earl of Sussex, that they may further our suit to go safe to the Lord Lieutenant to declare our grief. Praying also for a warrant for this bearer and my man Robert Walsh to return to me, that I and my brother may come to Dublin presently. [I] came to Kilkenny and desired my Lord of Ormond to bring me to the Earl of Essex, and here I am ready to go to his Lordship to receive the benefit of the Queen's proclamation.
Holograph. 1½ pp. (69. 77.)
Henry Duffild to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 24. It is not unknown to your Honour of my three years' imprisonment in Spain without hope of release, so great was the ransom set upon me. But by the help of God I procured my liberty, though it now pleases your Honour to be jealous of me. But this I say; if there ever came Englishman out of Spain with truer intent to his prince and country than myself, I ask no favour. If I went about to deceive the Spaniards and brought away a young man with me, it was done to procure my liberty. If your affairs leave you no time to think of my case, I would ask to have the liberty of the house, for I have been a close prisoner since I was before you, and am fallen sick.—From the prison of the Marshalsea, 24 April, 1599.
Signed. Seal 1 p. (69. 78.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 25. The other Spinola came to see me to-day, and there is no doubt that he is the Spinola he says he is. But he is utterly terrified by the misfortune that has befallen the other one, and only desires a passport to go away. He did not dare come beyond the suburbs. I hope you will let him have a pass from Dover to Calais, and that the officials will treat him well. He wishes to cross on a French ship so as to be understood. Lord Cobham might write in his favour.—London, 25 April, 1599.
Italian. Holograph. 1 p. (178. 146.)
Sir Christopher Hylyard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 26. The Mayor of Hull has obtained letters from the Privy Council that the East and North Ridings of Yorkshire should defray their charges of the two ships then sent forth. In this they offer us great wrong; for the enemy coming upon the coast of Holderness, where we of that Wapentake did view them four days together, and did so guard the shore that, though they put men into their boats to land, upon setting a beacon afire, they took in their men again, and so remained all the night of the 10th of December until, a storm rising, they were forced to put to sea. All this while the ships of Hull never left the haven until the Sunday after that all was quiet. I will write no more of their usage, for that will be laid plain before your Honours. Our own charges in Holderness were above 600l., and I hope your Honour will consider before putting this other contribution upon us. And we are still in danger. This last week there were some eight sail of Dunkirk known to be near our coast, so that they are very likely to make a further attempt to land.—From my house at Minestead, 26 April, 1599.
Holograph. 1 p. (69. 79.)
Mar[maduke] Darell to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1599,] April 26. At my coming hither this Tuesday morning, I received of the Mayor your letter, with a packet for the Lord Lieutenant General, which shall be delivered. The wind is so contrary here that I am going to Holy Head to pass thence with Sir Thomas Egerton and Sir Gilly Meyricke.—Chester, 26 April, 1598 (sic).
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Dorrell.” Seal. 1 p. (69. 80.)
Sir Robert Sydney to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 26. I know that if you had been willing you might before this have delivered me order from the Queen to return to my government. For your forbearance I am much bound to you. Yet I would have you know that it is neither carelessness nor any vainer humour that makes me importunate to continue in England for a while, but the necessity of my own business. For truly the whole state of my poor fortune is much out of order through my long absences from England, my children many, my debts great, and my land entailed, which is the only means left unto me to take care for anything. These things cannot be done suddenly or in my absence, and I should not like at my death to give the world cause to think that I lived without judgement or conscience.
Moreover, the Countess of Rutland, my niece, is now married, between whom and me nothing could be hitherto settled; and for this I must be provided in time. Again, my health requires that I should use physic for many days, which I cannot do well in Flushing, nor is the air fit for it. Another reason I have is that my Lord of Pembroke's weaknesses increase, for which he is now on his way towards a water at Bristow. My sister, his wife, hath now no friend to rely upon, her son being under years, but myself; she has asked me to take a step down to her, which I dare not do, lest the Queen should thereby take offence against me. But all this should not hold me from Flushing, did the Queen's service require my presence there. I have been governor there now ten years and have got neither reputation nor profit, but rather lost thereby, seeing that all of my own rank have been preferred, and some that were behind me set on a level with me or before me. And if now I go back without any sign of the Queen's acceptance of my service, the world may well say that the place I hold I got by chance, since after so long continuance of it, I am not thought worthy of any more. I know the Queen thinks she has done much for me in giving me the government, and I thank her for it; and yet, but for her service, I could wish I had never known the place. It is natural to all men that live in action to desire preferment and reputation, but this also I would subject to the weight of her Majesty's occasions, did I see any cause why I might not without danger be suffered to follow the care of my now poor fortunes.
Perhaps the Queen may think it right for me to be at Flushing because of the treaty of peace now on hand. Last year I was noted to have opposed it to my power; and if the Queen goes on with it, it may be thought right for the governors of the cautionary towns to be at their charges. But I know I can neither further nor hinder it. If I am bidden, I can say my opinion and follow what the Queen shall command. Neither have I such obligations to the States that I should do anything, for I do not think they use any man, who has deserved so much, so unrespectively as they do me. And for my own interest, I would rather be governor of Flushing for a month at peace with Brabant and Flanders and at war with Holland, than a year as things are now. If the peace go on, the governor must be at Flushing. But the governor alone will be too weak medicine. There must be a good garrison there, artillery, stores and victuals. I dare aver that if her Majesty go through with the treaty, since one of the chief difficulties will be the cautionary towns, I cannot do her better service than to be here to inform her of all the circumstances of my charge, which are known to none as well as to me. Herein I know I am able to do service, but it must be done in presence. Letters cannot answer objections, but. if the Queen trusts my action, she will, I hope, trust my words in this matter. But I grow long, and will return to my first request; to stay two terms and the assizes of Kent and Sussex following; and so shall you grace one who hath found himself very little happy in the world.—26 April, 1599.
Holograph. No address. 3 pp. (69. 81.)
Sir Thomas Egerton, Lord Keeper, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 26. I return herewith the letters and abstracts you sent me. I hoped to have had you this afternoon to help us sell the Queen's lands. I trust you will be at the Star Chamber to-morrow after dinner for Mr. Wylles' cause.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (69. 83.)
John Bridges, Dean of Salisbury, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 27. You were pleased to write to me about the letter sent by the Archbishop of Canterbury by the Queen's commands touching Sir Walter Ralegh's fee farm; and that his Grace is satisfied in the matter, and so is my Lord of Salisbury; and advising me (most kindly) not to interpose myself to draw on me the Queen's dislike. This is very grievous to me at the end of my long service, being now the ancientest of the Queen's ordinary chaplains, and being now at the accomplishment of the greatest work of all for the glory of God and honour and benefit of the Church of England, which by divers attempted was ever thought till now impossible, having made a new translation in Latin of the New Testament as near the Greek ad verbum in heroical verse as any before in prose. And now at the end I am discouraged with that which Solomon says, Indignatio Principis mors est. Yet I hope to make plain to her Majesty and yourself my sincerity and that of the Chapter, and the weight of our scruples in this matter. Sir Walter Ralegh knows, before I was acquainted with him, how ready I was to gratify him in the lease he has of Sherburn. Had I stayed him never so little, I might have prejudiced the lease, but of 200 angels put in my hand I took not one, but for the Queen's sake and your Honour's discharged the suit upon the bare promise of the points we then sued on, to which promise how little or no regard has been paid since is too apparent. I must confess Sir Walter Ralegh being grateful to me, and pretending, or be it intending, afterwards my advancement to the bishopric, and I in turn minded to show him true and uncorrupted regratuity; but though my long lying thereabout at his instance was very chargeable to me, yet herein he dealt so sincerely with me that he never dealt with me about this request; neither should I then have denied him, now knowing the importance of it. But subject to conscience, honour and loyalty, I shall always be ready to do all the good I can for my cousin, Sir Walter; nor do I seek any distinction to make evasion from anything I wrote at the request of Sir Walter privately of the position about Achan, and if the Queen saw it, I thank God that she took it in good part, and that you think thereof accordingly. And I will do anything to gratify Sir Walter, and shew myself an honest man, which how to do I refer myself to his Grace that wrote to us, to yourself, and to all others that may be appointed to deal in the matter.—Sarum, 27 April, 1599.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (69. 84.)
E. Fitzgerald to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 27. Complaining that by a letter from the Council of Ireland to the Privy Council, he is prohibited from making suit for the money due to him for his service in Ireland; and asking that he may at least have the odd pounds above the 600l. paid to him, without which he cannot get back to Ireland, whither he is appointed to go with his cousin Mr. Garrett, of Staunwell, and where he will answer all accusations against himself.—27 April, 1599.
Signed. 1 p. (69. 85.)
P. Osborne to Edward Reynolds.
1599, April 27. Let me entreat you to deliver this letter to Mrs. Hyde, and tell her that you will return her answer safely to me. Herein you shall make me beholding, and I am sure, if you have any occasion to use her Majesty for anything, the gentlewoman would be most willing to pleasure you to the utmost of her power. For news, I refer to your fellow clerks. All are well here and find no want of anything; the doubt is of continuance. I commend Pycheford and all other friends to you.—27 April.
Signed. Endorsed :—1599. Seal. ½ p. (69. 86.)
Sir Anthony Standen to Edward Reynolds.
[1599,] April 27. We arrived here the thirteenth hereof; only the Earl of Kildare and Captain Charles Mansfelt took ship in a bark of thirteen tons on the Thursday, the night whereof was so tempestuous, as Ned Wyseman will tell you, that the suspicion of the perishing of that wretched bark is so vehement that we hold him lost and fat Mr. Garret an Earl. These ceremonies are past with exceeding magnificence, and now my Lord bends to the field, as this bearer can tell you, as also he can relate unto you Mr. Cuffe's brain-pan to be wonderfully shaken by the importunity, or rather sauciness, of the undiscreet martial sort, and yet his purse never the heavier, because you know we never had any more than “theorick” that way. You have so many friends here that my love can but little serve you; yet you may stretch it at your pleasure like an Oxford glove. There is one Signor Alessandro Serigatti, a Florentine, that lives in Mr. Stone's house in Cheapside. If he bring you any letters or papers for me, pray send them under Mr. Cuffe's cover. The service on St. George's Day passed all the service that I ever saw done to any prince in Christendom. Though all was to her Majesty's honour, yet what malice may hew out of this, you know.—Dublin 27 April.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (179. 4.)
Sir John Smith to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 28. If notwithstanding all past matters you can look on my adversities' as kindly as I faithfully honour you, then, since certain of my creditors to whom I stand bound have taken advantage of my imprisonment which prevents my going to term, I would pray that you would obtain from me her Majesty's leave to resort to the term twelve days in each term for my urgent affairs, of which I would spend ten in London not going except to Westminster, and the other two in going from my house and to it again; otherwise to continue my present restraint of not above one mile from my house for the remainder of my life, unless the Queen should require my services.—Badowe, 28 April, 1599.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (69. 87.)
Captain J. Davis to Edward Reynolds.
1599, April 28. I am very sorry that any idle speeches of paltry companions should alter your friendly resolution for the executing of my place. No one refused it but only Mr. Auditor, but many, that perhaps gave out the speeches that you write of, laboured to be my deputy. I am loth to importune you further; yet let me entreat you to execute it until Midsummer, by which time I will provide one to ease you of that pain, if you then wish. Your sudden leaving would so much prejudice me, that I cannot doubt you will do me this service.—Dublin, 28 April, 1599.
Holograph. 1 p. (179. 5.)
Army in Ireland.
[1599, April 28. (fn. 1) ] The list of the army according to her Majesty's establishment, with the several captains and the places where they are disposed.
Foot appointed to go into the field with the Lord Lieutenant :
The Guards, Sir H. Dockwra, C. Chamberlain, Master of the Ordnance, C. Yaxley, C. Charles Mannors, C. Alford, C. Bassett, Sir Wm. Warren, Sir Charles Percy, Sir Olyver Lambert, Sir Ric. Morrison, Sir Ed. Michelborn, C. Ellis Jones, Sir Math. Morgan, C. J. Poolye, C. Sydney, C. Roe, C. Harrison, L. Burghe, C. J. Masterson, C. Tho. Loftus, Sir Chr. St. Lawrence, C. Esmond, Sir H. Power, C. Folliatt, C. Ellis Floid, C. Wyn, L. Awdley, C. Foulk Conway, C. Heath, Sir Bic. Lovelace, C. Fitton, C. Trever, C. Charles Egerton, C. Leighe, Captain Pynner, Sir Robert Drury. (100 to 200 troops to each.) Total, 4,950.
Horse appointed to go into the field with the Lord Lieutenant :
His Lordship's own company, E. of Sowthampton, Sir H. Davers, L. Monteigle, Sir J. Leighe, C. Flemminge, Sir Wm. Warren, C. Garret Moore. (25 to 100 to each.) Total, 450.
Companies of foot left in Munster :
L. President, the Treasurer's, Sir Ch. Wilmott, C. George Kingsmell, C. Tho. Waynman, C. Kemishe, C. Boys, C. Bostock, C. North, C. Brooke, C. Phillips, C. Rand, C. PRogers, C. Maye, C. Ferd. Kingsmell, C. Flower, C. Waynman, C. Digge, Sir J. Dowdall, C. Saxey, C. Fr. Kingsmell, Sir Fr. Barkley, E. of Toomond, Sir Ed. Denney, Sir Tho. Gates, Sir J. Booles, C. H. Clare, C. Brown, Sir Cha. Blunt, Sir Fr. Darcy. (100 to 200 to each.) Total, 3,450.
Companies of horse left in Munster :
L. President, C. Taaffe, Sir Ant.. Cooke, Sir J. Brooke. (50 each.) Total, 200.
Companies of foot left in Connaught :
The late Governor's, Sir Ar. Savage, Sir Robt. Lovell, C. Cosby, C. Symmes, C. Alley, C. Ghest, C. Wyndsor, C. Coche, C. Lister, C. Roper, C. Hughe Mostian, C. Tibolt Nelonge, Sir Tho. Bourk, L. of Dunkellin, E. of Clanrikard, Sir Ed. Wingfield, Sir Tho. Jermyn, Sir Jerratt Harvey, C. Walter Fludd, Sir H. Warren, C. Garrett Dillon, C. Rotherham, Sir H. Davies. (100 to 200 to each.) Total (caret).
At Trym : Sir H. Carey, 150.
Companies of horse left in Connaught :
E. of Clanrickard, Sir Griffin Markham, late Governor, Sir Dillon. (25 to 50 to each.) Total, 175.
Companies of foot in Leinster :
With the Earl of Ormond :
His own company, Sir Carewe Beynell, C. Sheffeld, C. Atkinson, C. Sackford, C. Kenrick, C. Jo. Salisbury, Ric. Crofts, C. Nic. Tracy. (100 to 200 to each.)
Other companies of foot in Leinster :
The late Marshal, E. of Kildare, C. Bowstred, C. Tho. Williams, C. Fortescu, C. Wolverston, C. Tho. Lea. (100 to 200 in each.)
Foot in Ophaly at Phillips Town : C. Owen Salisbury, 100.
Foot in Westmeath : L. of Delvin, 150.
At Monastereven : Sir Warham St. Leger, 150.
In Maryborough : Sir Fra. Russhe, 150.
In Eniskorthy and Fernes : Sir Ric. Masterson, 150.
Companies of horse in Leinster :
With the Earl of Ormond :—
His own company, 50; Sir Walter Butler, 50. Total, 100.
In other parts of Leinster :
The late Marshal, E. of Kildare, L. of Dunsany, Sir Warham St. Leger, Sir Ed. Herbert, Sir Garret Elmer. (12 to 100 in each.) Total, 225.
In the county of Wexford : C. Ric. Greame, 50.
Foot in Karickfergus :
Sir Arth. Chichester, Sir Ric. Percy, C. Erington, C. Norton. (100 to 150 to each.)
Foot in Newrye :
Sir Samuel Bagnall, C. Blaney, C. Fra. Stafford, C. Frekleton, C. Calfeld, C. Bodley. (100 to 150.)
Horse at Newry : Sir Saml. Bagnall, 50.
Foot in Dundalk :
L. Cromwell, C. Bromley, C. Markham. (100 to 200.)
Horse at Dundalk : L. Cromwell, 25.
Foot in Arder : C. Bingley, 100.
Foot in Kelley :
Sir Ed. Fitzgarret, 100; Sir Robt. Needham, 150; C. Jackson, 150.
The list of her Majesty's officers and commanders of the army, according to the establishment signed by her Majesty :—
Lieutenant of the Army : E. of Ormond.
General of the Horse : void.
Marshal of the Camp : void.
Lieutenant of the Horse : Sir H. Davers.
Sergeant-Major-General : Sir Olyver Lambert.
Quarter-Master-General : Sir Art. Champernon.
Judge Marshal : Adam Loftus.
Lieutenant of the Ordnance : Captain Hansard.
Auditor for the Wars :—James Ware.
Comptroller of the Victuals : George Beverley.
Surveyor of Ordnance : Ant. Ersfeld.
Four corporals of the Field : C. Jo. Latham, C. Pierce Edmonds, C. Hales, C. Art. Powel.
Carriage Master : C. James Bromwich.
Two Colonels of Horse : L. Montegle, Sir Griffin Markham.
18 Colonels of Foot : E. of Thomond, L. of Dunkellin, L. Awdley, L. Cromwell, L. Bourghe, Sir Ed. Wingfield, Sir Art. Savage, Sir Ed. Dennye, Sir Math. Morgan, Sir H. Dockwra, Sir H. Power, Sir Cha. Percye, Sir Fra. Darcye, Sir Tho. Jermyn, Sir Robt. Drurye, Sir Cha. Blunt, Sir Christofer St. Laureance, Sir Jo. Bolles.
The list of the officers according to the establishment signed by the Lords of the Council.
1. Treasurer at Wars—Sir George Carey.
Marshal—void.
Master of the Ordnance—Sir George Bourgcher.
Muster Master—Sir Rafe Lane.
President of Munster—Sir Tho. Norreys.
Chief Justice there—Mr. Saxey.
Provost Marshal—Sir G. Thornton.
2. Governor of Connaught—void.
Provost Marshal—C. Wayneman.
3. Lieutenant of the Q. County—Sir Warram St. Leger.
4. Commander of the forces for Loughfoyle—Sir Samuel Bagnall.
5. Governor of Ophaly—E. of Kildare.
6. Commander of the forces at Castlekennan and the Birnes Country—void.
7. Governor of Karickfargus—Sir Arthur Chichester.
8. The Commander of the forees that should have been at the Cavan and are now removed to Ardee—Sir Chr. St. Lawrence.
Provost Marshal—Owen ap Hughe.
4 Commissaries of the Musters—C. Hays; Wm. Jones; Ro. Constable : Walter Lisle.
Undated. Endorsed :—“List of the army, horse and foot, in Ireland, 1599.”
In the hand of Essex's Secretary.
6 pp. (75. 76.)
Carlo Lanfranchi to Horatio Scali.
1599, April 28/May 8. I wrote to you on May the second, and cannot yet give you any detailed information about your friend, who must have gone straight to the persons who despatched him. But I think Counsellor “Cumans” will soon be passing from this place, and will bring with him the main facts and some details. No one thinks it strange here that there should be delay, seeing that the friends are where one cannot go and return as one would; let it suffice that shortly after this the Counsellor “Comans” will come, who will finish off the matter energetically.—Antwerp, 8 May, 1599.
Italian. Holograph. 1 p. (70. 8.)
William Power to Peter Power, a prisoner in the Gatehouse.
1599, April 29. Brother, I have moved my Lord so often for you that he has written over for your liberty. I have undertaken upon my credit that you will be an honest man, and that upon your enlargement you would come straight to the army here to approve the same by your service to the Queen; and this I charge you to do by the honour of our family, your own duty, and my credit pledged for you. So may you atone for your fault which deserves death, or at least perpetual imprisonment, rather than so great a favour as this enlargement. I wish that you make suit to Mr. Secretary for his passport, and in your travel and always to shun evil or suspected places and company. I cannot send you any money to bear your charges hither, because having lost all I had by this war, I have no means as yet to relieve myself. So wishing you may break your neck before you come hither if you be not an honest man, I rest your brother.—Dublin, 29 April, 1599.
Holograph. 1 p. (69. 89.)
Archibald Douglas to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 29. In favour of one James Wallace, born in the West parts of Scotland, who desires a passport for France, in order to obtain some documents from an uncle of his in that country.—29 April.
Holograph. ½ p. (179. 6.)
Sir Thomas Posthumus Hoby to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, April 30. I hear that certain gentlemen are to be joined in commission with the Council of the North for taking musters, &c., in the three Ridings of Yorkshire. I was employed in the North Riding for levying men to be sent into Ireland, and hope I may be continued in that place; and that none inferior to me in place may be made my superior in employment. The fact that I am a stranger here, and that my wife's father and mother were strangers, makes me impartial in my duty. And so I will leave to allege more for myself.—30th April, 1599.
Holograph. 1 p. (69. 90.)
H. Cuffe to Ed. Reynolds.
1599, April 30. Though all occurrences of these parts be at large delivered unto you in these enclosed from our noblest lord and master, yet I could not make up this packet without adding some few lines from your truest friends. The points mentioned in sundry your former letters, I have more than once signified to his lordship; and had he not been overtired with this tedious despatch, I know you had in every of them received full satisfaction. Now you must be content with that which is presently sent, and for the rest expect a further day. To my noble Lord Montjoy, I pray you remember me in the humblest manner, and tell his lordship that his honorable favours towards me, so many and so undeserved, do force me to acknowledge that I must needs live and die an unthankful man. Remember me likewise to Mr. Bacon, Mr. Smythe, and (if he be a courtier) to R. Pitchforde; not forgetting my lord's true and faithful follower, Mr. Crompton.—Dublin, 30 April.
Holograph. Endorsed.—April, '99. 1 p. (204. 110.)
The Earl of Rutland to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1599, April.] I have adventured upon this journey hither with the same mind I began my late travail, which was to enable myself to do the Queen the better service. The hope my Lord of Essex gave me of obtaining the Queen's leave to see this service in Ireland against the rebels, made me disburse much money. And being not expressly forbidden to hope for allowance of my present purpose, should any other construction be put upon it, I would ask you to continue your wonted love to me and help to excuse me.
Holograph. Undated. ½ p. (69. 91.)
Extracts.
1599, April. Extracts from records relating to property in Augustine Friars, Broad Street, in the City of London; and manors, &c., in the counties of Southampton and Wilts.—Jan. and April, 41 Eliz.
Contemporary copy. 1½ pp. (74. 102.)
Robert Constable to Lord [Essex?].
[e. 1599, April.] As yesterday I did conceive your answer, you held it not fit that one man should have charge of foot and horse; but in one or the other you would think of my suit. My desire is rather to be employed with horse, because I have some few remaining, such men as have long served in the company, and would be loth to go from me to any other. Sir Edward York covenanted with me that I should enter to 37 able men and horses. When I came to Carrickfergus I found but 27, and 7 of them unserviceable. I possessed them on the Friday; the Monday following I mustered 40; the Friday after I lost my liberty. In that overthrow I lost 23 horses, and 16 men dead in the place, the rest most of them hurt. After that at my own charge I reinforced them to 40, and so they stood for the time, till 25 were taken from me. So far as I can learn, her Majesty is not willing to be at the charge of raising any great number of horse; in regard whereof, if you will grant me permission to make up my number 100, I will endeavour to do it of myself, your favour assisting, which I desire in this wise, that I may have your letters to the L. President and Council at York declaring my Losses sustained, and that they would be pleased, as well themselves as to move the justices of peace and gentlemen of that county, to favour me in their voluntary benevolence. Which if done, I make no great doubt but to raise 100 of as serviceable light horsemen as any shall go into Ireland at this time.
Holograph. Undated. 1 p. (75. 65.)

Footnotes

  • 1. See Cal. of S.P. Ireland. Eliz. 1509., p. 18.