Cecil Papers: Febuary 1599, 16-28 | British History Online

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

'Cecil Papers: Febuary 1599, 16-28', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 9, 1599, (London, 1902) pp. 72-88. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol9/pp72-88 [accessed 3 May 2024]

Febuary 1599, 16–28



	Sir Henry Cocke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 16.	On Monday next at Halifax we are to deliver to Sir John Shelton 100 men pressed for Ireland, whose furniture is to be carried by cart to West Chester. This will involve great charge, and much delay, in hiring carts, it being now seed-time, unless you will help us to a warrant for taking carts, as was twice done in your father's time.—From my house in Bishopsgate Street, the 16th February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 16.	Signed. ½ p. (59. 70.)
	Sir Henry Nevill to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 17.	Upon perusal of the contracts and bonds of the French King, and the schedules annexed unto them, I find it requisite not only to take copies of them all, but also to have the particular account from the Treasurers of the Wars, for the charges of all such troops as have been employed from hence for his service; thereby to be able to verify particularly, how every debt is accrued, for I make this account that they will be glad to take all advantages to put off the payment. If I come not thoroughly furnished of my proofs in every point, I shall but minister them some colourable pretext of delay, which they will lie in wait for. Touching the accounts, I beseech you to give order to Mr. Ameridith to give me full information for the copies. I have already begun to take some, but I find it so troublesome and of so slow despatch for me to go or send twice a day to your house about it, that I would be glad if you would trust them in my hands for 4 or 5 days, taking a note of my hand for such writings as I receive. Let me understand your pleasure herein and also when I shall wait upon you at Court, for, until commanded thither, I shall attend this business here.—From London, the 17th of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 17.	Signed, Seal. ¾ p. (59. 71.)
	Dr. J. Chippingdale to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 17.	Your absence from hence since the Court removed, maketh me to signify that by these which I meant to have done by word. The Act that was sped at Lambeth before the Archbishop in the presence of my Lord Burghley, yourself, and the executors of your father's testament, hath been shewed to his Grace and approved by him. It agrees with my draught which I showed you, save only that it is somewhat enlarged in decreeing that the executors be general, and so have the universal administration saving only those things of which you are designed executor. This addition, which I take to be agreeable to his Grace's determination at the time, I have thought it my duty to signify to you. It is in my opinion truly set down according to the then agreement. Before this Act is finally registered, it is purposed that my Lord Burghley and you should have the sight thereof, and, upon your approbation, to make it a matter of record. I trouble you with these that you should not have need of the service of another to advise you hereon.—This 17th of February, 1598.
	[P.S.]—If it please you to use my service for her Highness or yourself in Leicestershire, where I am in commission of the peace and make my most abode in the vacations, or Staffordshire where I have habitation, I am at your pleasure, and will give a faithful account of any employment by the grace of God.
	Signed. 1 p. (59. 72.)
	Sir John Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 17.	I have sent you this messenger to put you in mind of the warrants for the post, which it were high time should be now laid, by reason of the multitude of captains and others who daily ride post for the service in Ireland, and that the barks might be in a readiness to be laid against my Lord's coming to the waterside. I pray you that, if the warrants be signed, they may be delivered to this bearer to be put to the signet and privy seal, and that the money which Francis, the Post of Chester, should have, may be delivered to me, that I may take bond of him for the paying it over to such as it is due. This night I have been troubled with the cramp, which I impute only to this hard weather, which makes me unfit to come to the Court this day, as I had purposed doing.—This 17th of February.
1598/9, Feb. 17.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598.” Seal. 1 p. (59. 73.)
	Lord Chief Justice Popham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 17-	I thank you for the favour you are willing to shew my grandchild. I hope he may so employ himself upon his travels, as to be the better able to serve at home upon his return. I would only entreat that you would speak to Mr. Nevill to know him where he now is, at Paris.—At Serjeant's Inn, the 17th of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 17-	Signed. ½ p. (59. 74.)
	Sir Edward Coke, Attorney General, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 18.	I have taken pains to perfect these four commissions : one of lieutenancy general, the second for levying of her Highness's debts, the third concerning wards, and the fourth for the Earl's return. The effect of every of them is contained in a several inscription under the same. For that I knew her Majesty in her princely wisdom would not suffer such a repugnant exception of treasons against her Highness's person to stand in the commission of lieutenancy, but to restrain it by instruction, I caused two books in that case to be made ready, one with such a qualification as I was very sorry should pass my hand, and another in general terms, such as none upon the hearing shall be able to apprehend how far it extendeth.
	For the other two directions, the one for the exception of Tyrone's treasons and offences, and the other of traitors' lands to be granted to the heirs male of the bodies of the patentees, I have added the same in this book according to her Majesty's pleasure. If I were not persuaded, Quod bonum est benefacere in Sabbate, I should think that I have broken the whole Sabbath yesterday in speeding of this business, and now do mean in satisfaction of nature's due to shrove on my bed.
	The two establishments should be perfected and dated, the dates put into the book of lieutenancy, and the blanks filled up before the book of lieutenancy be signed. The other three commissions should be dated after the great commission of lieutenancy.—This 18th of February, 1598.
	Signed. 1 p. (59. 78.)
	Sir Anthony Mildmay to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 18.	Fortune having cast me, after all my travels, upon a country life, I would fain spend the small time left me to her Majesty's profit, and in easing my poor neighbours from unnecessary journeys and unequal taxations. I presume therefore to entreat that, from henceforth, letters from the Lords of the Council touching musters and setting forth of soldiers out of this East division, where I dwell, may be directed to me as well as to Sir Edward Montague, whose dwelling is in the uttermost part of this division. People who dwell far off are much grieved in repairing to him. I am not moved to make this request either by ambition or the desire of gain.—From Apthorpe, the 18th of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 18.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (59. 79.)
	Sir John Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 19.	I have lately received letters, both from my Lord Scrope and from Mr. Ry. Lowther, of the taking of one Andrew Hylton, a notable bad person and practiser on these Borders, and of the great hope they have to apprehend Francis Dakers, who now lieth on the Borders, upon the trust that he reposeth on some of the Gremes. Mr. Lowther, who hath good credit with the Gremes, assureth himself to compass the apprehension of him within small time. I dare not meddle with this service as knowing my credit to be very slender; but think something may be better deferred than hastened that might any way hinder so good a service.—This 19 of February.
1598/9, Feb. 19.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1598.” Seal. 1 p. (59. 83.)
	G. Lord Hunsdon, Lord Chamberlain, to Sir R. Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 19.	Though I cannot what I would, let me beseech you to accept what in my soul I desire—to deserve the continuance of your good opinion. I must subscribe the bill of a great debt, but pray days of farther time for a more full satisfaction. Your news do exceedingly content me in good respects to yourself known, to my no little content now effected.
1598/9, Feb. 19.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“19 February, '98.” 1 p. (176. 103.)
	Lucy, Marchioness of Winchester to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 20.	My good Uncle, I am entreated by my good friend Mr. Philpot, the bearer, to write for leave for his own son to travel in company with my cousin Mr. Neyell, now going Leiger Ambassador into France.—Basing, this 20th of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 20.	Holograph. ½ p. (59. 84.)
	Sir Arthur Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 20.	According to your instructions, I did this morning acquaint my lord of Lincoln. The circumstances of his answer I will rather acquaint Mr. Cope withal than trouble you with writing the same. His lordship will carefully take order to accomplish his payments as you are already agreed. Had he had any reasonable time or foreknowledge, he would willingly have made provision for £5,000 at the times you desire, the rather to free his estate from so strict a bond as a statute. He will do his best this vacation to make money to satisfy you within a year. He is not well, but at any time will come to visit you.—20 Feb.
1598/9, Feb. 20.	Holograph. Endorsed :—1598. Seal. 1 p. (59. 86.)
	Lord Chief Justice Popham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 21.	I have informed myself of the state of Mr. Ballard's suit. The office was first erected about the 26 year of King Henry VIII., with a yearly fee of £20, for enrolling all assurances made to the King. About the 16th year of her Majesty's reign, the Six Clerks and those of the Petty Bag were incorporated, and power given them to enrol all assurances which were to be enrolled in the Chancery, with a provision to save Lutley's title, which had the office which Ballard now sueth for. Lutley died some 16 years past, and the Six Clerks ever since have, according to their now patent, enrolled all her Majesty's assurances, without charge to her Majesty, whereby she hath already saved £120. Your father desired not to renew this charge of £20 yearly, by repeating the office, as my Lord Keeper and the Six Clerks can inform you.—At Serjeant's Inn, this 21st of February, 1598.
	P.S.—I thank you for the good opinion I find you have conceived of me.
	Signed. 1 p. (59. 85.)
	Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 21.	I did even now receive a letter from Myddlebroughe, which I am bold to send you. In the end of it is some news worth your knowing.—London, 21 Februarii, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 21.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (59. 87.)
	Lady Bedford to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 21.	I have by this bearer received your kind letter, to my exceeding comfort. I am most sorry that my age and present indisposition of body will not give me leave to be partaker of that with my presence which my heart so much affects. May the Almighty give his blessing to the action undertaken in his fear. For my Lady's coming hither to my house, I do much desire to entertain so welcome a guest.—Whitefriars, this present Wednesday at night.
1598/9, Feb. 21.	Signed. Endorsed : “21 Feb. 1598.” ½ p. (59. 88.)
	Dr. Chr. Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 21.	I am bold to desire your furtherance in a small suit, which may be some help to pay my petty charges for daily boat-hire, and such like incidents for my attendance to her Majesty's services, which services, though not wholly to be urged of me, may be answered rather by some honourable course of favour than by offering or accepting mercenary bills of accounts. One Mr. Francis Parkins, a near kinsman of mine, with my great grief a recusant, yet otherwise a dutiful subject, hath prayed me to sue to her Majesty for such profits as may arise from his recusancy. There was a grant once made of him, and by that means, a piece of money being disbursed, a lease was made out of the Exchequer that, for the payment of about £20 a year to her Majesty, he should be free; but now he hath been called into question again, it being objected that his land is more worth than was at first reported. The land, though in itself more worth, was in lease before the statute, and he receiveth no more yearly rent than first was entered. I understand such small matters be easily granted to any of her Majesty's servants that upon any convenient motion become humble suitors for them. Sir John Fortescue has ordered stay of further process till her Majesty's pleasure be understood, and it only remaineth that by your Honour's furtherance her Majesty be moved herein, by Mr Dr. Caesar or by other means.
	Concerning the Danish despatch, I have done what lieth in me, and, at our next meeting if we do not agree of any course, I will send you, if you wish it, what I think of the matter.—Westminster, this 21st of February, 1598.
	Signed. Seal.1 p. (59. 91.)
	Thomas Harrison to Mr. Willis, Secretary to Sir Robert Cecil.
[? 1593–9, Feb. 21.]	I pray you read the letter enclosed. I stay in Canterbury till I shall hear from you. I am ready for Brussels. If I might stay three weeks, it were better for me; if not, I am to repair to Dover and thence to Calais and so to Brussels. Let Mr. Secretary use some friendly speech to Pewe, that if his service deserve, it shall be recompensed, which may be written to Mr. Manhood.
[? 1593–9, Feb. 21.]	Holograph. Undated : but see letter of 28 Feb. post. ½ p. (60. 1.)
	Robert Berty to the Earl of Essex.
1598/9, Feb 21/March 8.	There is no news. I am entirely devoted to you.—Orleans, 3 de Mars, 1599.
1598/9, Feb 21/March 8.	French. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (60. 17.)
	Sir Henry Brouncker to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 22.	I understand that there is a new Treasurer appointed for Ireland, whereof I am glad in regard of the good old man that long desired to be discharged. He hath served in that office very painfully and faithfully these twenty years, and endured many disgraces in mine own knowledge, very unworthily. It would much comfort him if, now at his departure thence, her Majesty would grace him with her favourable letters in allowance of his service, which service may otherwise stand condemned in the opinion of the world, which seldom or never judgeth things as indeed they are. I know he will prove worthy of your extraordinary regard herein, and for my part you may bind me as deeply as by any benefit I can receive.—From London, this 22 of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 22.	Holograph. 1 p. (59. 92.)
	Sir Edward Norris to the Earl of Essex.
1598/9, Feb. 21.	This bearer Lieutenant Elyott that hath served very long in these countries and is in truth a very tall soldier, and whom your lordship may assuredly employ in any good action, how dangerous soever, hath quitted his place of lieutenant only to follow you and to attend that which you shall think him worthy of, and, to make him the better marked and known of your lordship, hath desired my recommendation, which I do as well in regard of your service as his good.
	I hope by the grace of God to see your lordship before your departure and then show you the note of the ammunition. In the meantime I have advertised the States of your pleasure therein. This place is now so far from any sign of war that I can write no news, so that with the most humble remembrance of my duty I will pray to God to send you a most honourable and happy success of this your almost desperate action, and fit for nobody to undertake but yourself.—Ostend, this 21 Feb., 1598.
	Holograph. 2 pp. (176. 104.)
	Elizabeth, Dowager Lady Russell to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598/9,] Feb. 22.	It is said your favour and credit with her Majesty is more than any others, and I hear Mr. Moone is made a knight. I pray you for my credit's sake make my neighbour, Mr. Rogers, a knight, here by me dwelling this winter time. He .is husband to Lady Mary, the Duke of Somerset's daughter. He is a very honest gentleman, being heir to fair inheritance. His father is above 80 years of age, sick and bed-rid (“bethered”), not able to do her Majesty service, being an old knight. Either I would have it done by your own procurement, as token of your remembrance how much your father was beholden to her father, or else in truth I desire it not.—This 22^th of February, your loving aunt, poor and proud.
[1598/9,] Feb. 22.	Holograph. Seal. ¾ p. (59. 93.)
	Sir Thomas Gerhard to Ro. Osborne.
1598/9, Feb. 22.	This bearer hath a certificate for my Lord, which, if it please you to show unto his Lordship, I think it is a wood may be very well spared, for that the certificate comes from men of very good credit.—22 February.
1598/9, Feb. 22.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“For a warrant for Sir Arthur Throckmorten, Feb. 98. Chefe Copice.” ¼ p. (59. 94.)
	William FitzWilliam to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 22.	Pardon my presumption in beseeching you for the office of Fotheringhay after my father's decease. He now lieth languishing, and I dare not go from his bedside. By an extraordinary course taken, I shall be left, against his will as I know, the poorest heir of them in England. Mr. Killigrew not long since moved you on my behalf in the matter of my request.
1598/9, Feb. 22.	Holograph. Seal. ¾ p. (59. 95.)
	Sir Robert Napper to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 23.	On the 23rd of this month I receive your letter of the 18th, by Mason, the poursuivant, whereby I am required to repair to the Court concerning H.M. Service in Ireland, before the going over of the Earl of Essex. I have been sickly and forced to keep my house these two months past, yet I will by little and little take the air, and be at the Court on Thursday next at the furthest. — From my poor house at the Grange in Dorset, this 23rd of Feb., 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 23.	Signed. ½ p. (59. 97.)
	Thomas Bellott to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 23.	My brother, who was ancient under Sir William Woodhouse, was, at his coming to the Low Countries, cashiered with Sir William's other officers. Sir Francis Vere placed him as a gentleman of a company. I beseech you to write to Sir Francis on my brother's behalf.—Feb. 23, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 23.	Signed. Seal. (60. 63.) ½ p.
	Nicholas Darcy to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 23.	Entreats leave for continuance of his suit for Cecil's favour in his behalf to her Majesty, who has granted his request and is most willing, as his brother can inform him, to finish it if Cecil will in any sort further it. Bests now under his censure; Cecil's favourable speeches and gracious countenances at his last being at Court did greatly comfort him. His poor distressed estate requires expedition, and since a word may do it, and he may command both time and place to utter it, beseeches Cecil to be mindful of him.—Drayton, this 23rd of February.
1598/9, Feb. 23.	Endorsed :—“23 Feb., 1598.” Seal.1 p. (176. 105.)
	Walter Cope to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 24.	My Lord of Lincoln is ridden this afternoon, meaning to return on Monday from Endvill. His money is ready for you, and the security is in your counsel's hands.
	I pray you remember me two lines for the house I wrote of.
	Holograph. Endorsed with date. ½ p. (59. 102.)
	Sir Anthony Cooke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 24.	I was bold last week to move you to be a means to the Council for prest money for two months for myself and ray officers. I have since taken so extreme a cold that I can hardly yet speak, and could not wait on you as I desired. I am commanded presently to depart, but without help cannot bear my charges to Bristol. Relieve your poor kinsman's hard estate. Your favour in this small matter, with your secrecy herein, shall ever bind me to the uttermost. Ready to begone from hence if I had but wherewith to carry me away.—Charing Cross, in haste, this 24 of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 24.	Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (59. 103.)
	Filippo Corsini to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 24.	I have been ill for some weeks and so not able to pay my respects to you. But being better to-day, I thought it proper to write to you, to thank you in the matter of the passport I desired to have for a Florentine gentleman a few days ago. You should consider, as regards the English ships arrested at Leghorn by the Grand Duke of Tuscany through fear that they might cause some disorders there, as has happened at other times to ships entering or leaving the port, that the fault is not mine, for I am not so ignorant a man as not to remember that the greater part of my property is in England, to say nothing of my person. Accordingly, I have always done my best to preserve friendly relations between the Queen and the Grand Duke. At Florence in the same way my brother Bartolomeo Corsini, as soon as he heard of this arrest, did not fail to procure from the Grand Duke and the Archbishop of Pisa, who now governs that state, the withdrawal of the seizure, as one part of the English merchants know and could testify at need. You may the more trust me because you have merchandise on certain ships gone to Leghorn, and, if these were chased away, it would put my own goods in peril. At present things are getting into order at Leghorn. One of the ships that were seized is on her way back, and I hope the rest will follow when the Grand Duke will have got the letter and the proclamation just issued by the Queen; and you will see that he has already done justice, especially for the ships which pass the Strait. As to the proclamation, I hear you have taken so much trouble over it that one could not ask for more. I have sent a literal translation of it, so as to preserve the good intention and strict order of the Queen. I only ask you to retain the good opinion of me which your father the Lord Treasurer had. He showed me much favour and always found me an honest man, as I hope you will do. I have no better support here than you, and hope you will not without cause abandon me in my just causes; for you will always find me ready to do you any service in my power.—London, 24 Feb., 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 24.	Italian. Holograph. 2½ pp. (59. 105.)
	Thomas Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598/9,] Feb. 24.	I have here sent your Honour part of the legacy which my father bequeathed her Majesty, that, by the view thereof, the remembrance of him might be ennobled in so excellent a mind, and his name, perhaps, sweetened by the breath of so gracious a princess. His most humble, most earnest and last desire was, that the whole legacy might be offered up at the feet of her whom living he did solely serve, and dying did only honour. The other part, being my most unworthy self, I do as yet detain, not presuming to carry such a fortune-stricken wight not so much as to view those walls where so great a Majesty is shrined, yet, knowing that my innocency must now, though not be more, yet appear more than heretofore, having been refined by so strait a trial, of which yourself are a sufficient witness, I am bold to crave your help to present my never faulty faith to my never enough admired princess, and, in all humility, to importune her favour to the accepting of the whole legacy and last humble petition of her late loyally dutiful and now dead servant. So shall I, whose spirit is dead with disgraces and whose life is even buried in the solitary thought of my darkened estate, be again restored to life and light : so shall I be made blessed by her countenance (grace of the graces, and only memorable work of nature) whose I am by birth, by intention, by oath and by testament, by the right of principality and by the arch-right of her excellencies : so shall I again have liberty to admire those high heroical virtues, which no pen nor tongue can fully blaze, only a silent admiration may in part express : so shall I be freed from the practice of the malicious, whereunto the disgraced are ever subject : and so shall those gracious eyes, which have been often glorious by comforting the living, become now miraculous by reviving the dead. This is the highest mark of my ambition; this is that greatest all whereto my wishes tend : this is that type of happiness, whereunto if by your means I may obtain, I shall respectively acknowledge you for my mediator, though ever adore my sovereign as my worldly saviour. —London, this 24th of February, Your faithful kinsman.
[1598/9,] Feb. 24.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (59. 107.)
	George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex.
1598/9, Feb. 24.	My son hath made such report of your special favour as I cannot but think myself more and more bound to make such requital as might shew by effects how much I ever have been and still am devoted unto you, as my desire hath been unto some in my behalf to manifest, and trust they have so done, or else fail me much in that which they have promised and I held for assured; although now and then some cause of doubt was offered otherwise, which in regard of my small ability might make me think not to be so much accounted of as the sincerity of the good-will whence it proceeded did deserve. And if you vouchsafe to think so well of me as to employ or command my endeavours, I shall be most glad, upon the least commandment and during your abode in Ireland, to write so often and diligently as any matter worthy the knowledge shall fall out, not doubting but that Mr. Reynolds will have care in the entertaining of the correspondency, whereby I shall be able from time to time greatly to please the States and his Excellency, and so to do your lordship better service as opportunity shall be presented or you please to command me. The State here continueth much after one stay, but the time of the year approaching will likewise bring new matter and alteration daily; these men showing daily more and more their resolution to persevere in making and maintaining a good war. To which end the new levies are not only continued and hastened, but the chief Provinces (and namely this) were never more forward in contributing towards the charge than at this instant, whenas there is not only granted a great capital imposition to be levied proportionally according to men's means, which they are ready to collect by deputies thereto appointed, but also a new tax upon all ships according to their burden. And besides, it seemeth already resolved that the trade for Spain is forbidden, and to hinder all others, do mean out of hand to arm certain number of ships in very good order to lie on the Spanish coast and in those seas, to the annoyance of the traffic to and fro unto them; by which ships, or rather ventures, your lordship in the Irish service shall find no small furderance, for they will be well appointed and able to scour the seas. While these matters are thus a handling, th'Admirante hath been doing with Emmerick, and put them to such fear with the show of 2 or 3 pieces of battery that he hath gotten and is possessed of the place, having put therein some 15 companies of horse and foot, meaning there to make his seat for the wars; letting the imperial Princes or towns complain or threaten so much as they will, unto the which he giveth still good words and doth what he list besides, and yet is it not thought that he will do us here any great harm, being in want of money and provisions. Once this last act hath given us the alarm and made his Excellency depart presently towards Gelderland, drawing forth sundry companies which are marching to the Tolehouse upon the doubt conceived that th'enemy would attempt somewhat in Sgravenweerdt or Nimeguen, which his presence with the troops so near at hand will prevent and divert. My present indisposition forceth me to be short.—From the Hague, this 24 February, 1598.
	[P.S.]—I have desired Sir Gelly Merrick to move you in a matter that toucheth my particular.
	Signed. Seal. 2 pp. (176. 106.)
	George, Lord Hunsdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 25.	I am sorry your Irish despatches should find such needless stays. Somewhat, I am sure, is much amiss. Sir, that the French king sheweth contentment of her Majesty's offered means to treat of a peace without him, howsoever he shadoweth it, no doubt it grieveth him, considering our difference with Spain shall breed his greater quiet in France, but I am glad the edict for those of the religion is past, though otherwise I could be content that all the princes of the blood opposed themselves against the legitimation of the king's bastards, and that some intestine troubles might keep them busied for their neighbours' quiet.—From Drayton, 25 of Fe., 1598.
	P.S.—I am exceeding sorry you hear not from Antwerp. I am afraid some misfortune is happened to your messenger.
	Holograph. 1 p. (59. 108.)
	William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 25.	Concerning the providing of corn in these parts for H.M. service. Lading is going on daily and from divers parts of Cornwall for France and other places. Some of Sir Francis Godolphin's servants (in his absence and no doubt contrary to his will) have sold corn to be delivered at Scilly. In every port some other should be joined with the customer in taking of bonds from such as shall be licensed to pass, otherwise the customer will make a benefit thereof and her Majesty will be deceived.—Plymouth, the 25 of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 25.	Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (59. 109.)
	George Beverley to Captain Robert Constable, “at the Whithart in the Stronde.”
1598/9, Feb. 26.	I have a small account for provisions sent into Ireland remaining with Mr. Auditor Conyers. The bearer will give the particulars. I wish you to move Sir Robert Cecil to speak, or write, to Lord Buckhurst and Sir John Fortescue that this account of mine may be ended. The Mayor of Chester doth receive his dispatch, having been employed as I was. It is hurtful to the Queen that these accounts do not pass, to the end that the victuallers in Ireland might be called to account. The late Lord Treasurer has allowed all my accounts, as Mr. Auditor Conyers Mr. Auditor Gofton and Mr. Henry Maynard can testify. Good captain, if you help me to have this lawful request finished, I will with all my heart bestow on you the gelding which your soldier, John Wilkins, doth bring up with him.—This 26 of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 26.	Holograph. ½ p. (59. 111.)
	Carlo Lanfranchi to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 26/March 8.	I am much pleased to find by your letter that you remember me. Next time you come I must show you a fine estate I have, half a league from this town. I am much obliged for your attentions to my friend whom I directed to you. As he was returning, I sent the four pair of gloves you asked for by him. They are Spanish gloves, the best I could get. I wish you would take them as a present from me, but as you won't, you may pay the bearer for them—8 crowns a pair. This I hope will be some return for your kindness in his business. I need not write on that matter, except to say that I will do what I can, and hope for a good result. I hear that Colonel Norris is not treating the Governor of Dunkirk, who is a prisoner at Dunkirk, at all well. Though he is a man of 78 years of age, they are letting him die of cold and almost of hunger. His wife, too, has offered 1,200 florins for his ransom; and considering there are 8 children and the husband so old, this is a good deal; for he might die and the Colonel get nothing at all. If you could do anything to get him better treatment, I should be glad.—8 March, 1599.
1598/9, Feb. 26/March 8.	Italian. Signed. Endorsed :—8 March, 1598. 1 p. (60. 30.)
	Sir Ferdinando Gorges, James Bagg, William Stallenge, and John Blytheman, Mayor, Commissioners at Plymouth, to the Lords of the Council.
1598/9, Feb. 27.	We have received your letter of the 22nd commanding us to buy corn so as to make up, with that received from the Dutch ships, 4,000 quarters; payment to be made in London. Corn is only to be had here for ready money. This we cannot disburse of ourselves, nor know we how to take up so great a sum here to be paid in London. Moreover, unless present order be given that no more corn be transported by merchants from these Western parts, the cheapness thereof will soon be turned into dearth, and the common people not a little grieved therewith. Divers are licensed to transport corn to Ireland, or Guernsey, under cover whereof great hurt will be done.—Plymouth, the 27th of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 27.	Signed. Seal. ½ p. (59. 112.)
	Thomas Harrison to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 27.	I hope to prove my honest dealing to your Honour as it was assured to Mr. Secretary Walsingham. You shall understand that [of] (I) the master of Grays (“Graes”), of whom you spoke unto me, I have enquired so sufficiently that not only knowing the party myself but am in hope to be sufficiently recommended between the L. B. and him. Coming from Sandwich this morning, the party that I signified to be departed to Douay some three months past, his name is Collier. Some are of opinion that my L. Cobham sent him over, other some report that my Lord Cobham hath intercepted letters written to him from Douay. If he be sent for a spy, I doubt the plot to work any good by him; if he pass at Margate for a merchant and went of purpose to his old vomit, then I may do some good of him. (Collier, son to Mr. Tench of Sandwich. Recommended by L. Cobham to the Bishop of Canterbury, and by the latter to Oxford.) I have conferred with a Walloon messenger who hath his pass for Brussels, and some 14 days hence I intend to pass from Dover to Calais apparelled like a Walloon, which way I have passed three or four times to Antwerp. At St. Omers and Douay I doubt not but find helps.
	For the whole and true discovery of Douay, Rheims and Borne, I have plotted as thus :
	Thomas Pewe, a bachelor of art, a young man and schoolmaster of Wingham, and there resident by Canterbury in my brother Waram's house, whose wife's sister is my wife, is contented at my persuasion to be recommended to Douay for a student. I advise you to write to Mr. Manhood of Canterbury, to whom Pewe is known, and to send a pass for Pewe to pass from Dover to Calais. The charge shall be mine until it shall please the Lord to work some good by my device.—Canterbury, the 27th of February, from the Fleur de Luce.
	Signed. Endorsed :—“28 Feb., 1598.” 1 p. (60. 3.)
	Sir Thomas Egerton, the Lord Keeper, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 28.	Her Majesty has licensed me to depart, and I hasten away the sooner, because of the foul evening. What she will resolve for a judge in Wales, I know nothing, nor had no fit time to move her. Wherefore I send you hereinclosed a bill ready engrossed with a blank for the name, with the four names already presented to her Majesty, and some others.—28 Februarii, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 28.	Holograph. ¼ p. (59. 113.)
	Thomas Harrison to Mr. Willis.
1598/9, Feb. 28.	I was constrained to send my letters upon Wednesday last by a post that brought a packet to Mr. Secretary from the King of France. I doubted him to be a Scotsman, but the postmaster of Canterbury persuaded me he would deliver them. I stay at Canterbury teaching some three or four young gentlemen, but yet ready to depart. The plot which I have taken for Douay, I dare pawn my credit will stand assured for certain and true discovery of all them by Pewe's continuance in the University amongst them.
	For Brussels and those parts, I doubt not my entertainment. My wife nor kin shall be privy of my departure.
	I expect your answer for Pewe's pass to Mr. Manhood or some of Canterbury. Pewe, notwithstanding my poverty, shall be relieved by me and at my charge placed at Douay in the midst of those runagates, who most bloodily once sought my death by their whole consent to the Prince of Parma in Tournai. I beseech you accept the uprightness of my heart, which shall not be blemished in the least point with Mr. Secretary for all Mr. Top[cliffe's] exclamations.—From the Flair de Luce in Cant., this 28 of February.
	P.S.—If 14 days may be had for my stay in Canterbury, I wish it may be, because the Walloon Post, whose company I intend to have to Brussels, will not be ready before. In my passing I shall place Pewe in Douay by such device as it shall not be suspected to be done by me. Unless you take means to stay the time my pass will not serve. It is dated the 21st of February and is but for 20 days. Signed.
	Marginal note by Harrison :—“Thomas Pewe of Wingham, Schoolmaster.” 1 p. (60. 2.)
	Lord Dunsany to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 28.	I am oppressed with extremity of sickness, and want wherewith to pay for physic stuff or physician's fees. I am also indebted for needful sustenance for myself and my people. There is due unto me a good sum for my pay, which I cannot claim for want of a sufficient reckoning with the Treasurer of Ireland. Obtain for me from her Majesty some present relief. —Lambeth, this last of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 28.	Holograph. ½ p. (60. 8.)
	Francis Mylles to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb. 28.	My late master, your father, more than two years past desired Mr. Hugh Allington, in case by Oseley's death the clerkship of the Court of Requests fell to him, that I might execute the same as his deputy. The only impediment then was a promise unto Mr. Kerry to be his deputy, because he was a clerk of the Privy Seal, under which all the processes of that Court are passed. Now my suit is, that Oseley being lately dead and his office come to Mr. Allington, and Mr. Kerry being very aged and wholly employed about the despatch of the privy seals for the loans, you. would be pleased to send for him and move him to free Mr. Allington of his promise, and this being obtained, I will afterwards travail with Mr. Allington for this deputation.—From God's house in Southampton, the last of February, 1598.
1598/9, Feb. 28.	Signed. Seal. 1 p. (176. 108.)
	John Beeston to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1598/9, Feb.]	The enclosed letter was delivered to me yesternight by one Povey, one very dear to my Lord Chief Justice of England. Any answer should be sent to my house to be forwarded unto him. Mr. Ireland and I have fully treated of those businesses, and can proceed no further without conference with you. When will you return to London? Or shall we attend you at the Court? Ireland maketh haste to go down into the country and I would wish the business to be effected before his going.
[1598/9, Feb.]	Holograph. Undated. Seal. ½ p. (60. 4.)
	Captain E. Davies to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb.	A note of the shipping at Chester, &c. In the river of Liverpool, 9 vessels carrying 300 men and 122 horses; in the river of Wyer, 9 vessels, 500 men, 48 horses; in the river of Formbie, 3 vessels, 200 men, 16 horses; in Chester Water, 23 vessels, 1,500 men, 356 horses. The vessels named are :—
	In the river of Leipoole :
	The Michaell, Stephen, Quist [? Quest], Vallantine, Phenix, Elizabeth, Em, a fliboate, The Marie.
	In the river of Wyer :
	The Margret, James, Henrie, Lyon, Barthellmew, George, Mathew, Alice, Marie.
	The River of Formbie :
	The Marie and John, Michaell, Gregorie.
	In Chester water :
	The Henry, Hopewell, Elizabeth, Speedewell, Michaell, Grace, Henrie, Goulden Gree, Goodlooke, William, Henry, John Abell, Angell, Grace of God, Charitie, George, Goodlooke, one hoy able to transport, Henrie, Egell, Marie, the hoy able to transport, Speedewell.
	Endorsed with name of sender and date. 2 pp. (60. 5.)
	Wines.
1598/9, Feb.	A particular account of the wines stayed at Chester and brought in thither by Captain Constable.
1598/9, Feb.	2 pp. (60. 7.)
	Thomas Harrison to the Earl of Essex.
1598/9, Feb.	Myself being long time and to the very death of Mr. Secretary Walsingham employed in divers matters of service, both in Don John's camp where if I had not cunningly escaped I had died with Egrammond Ratclif and his man, from whom I was to receive notice for Mr. Secretary; after his death I lay in Tournay in the Prince of Parma's court, and by the traitors of Douay taken prisoner in Arras, where I continued almost two years with the King's famishing allowance of brown bread and water, once racked, condemned to die, and upon my appeal to the Chamber of Artois, saved by policy of Mr. Secretary where no hope of life was expected. And since Mr. Secretary's death I have been driven to some want and crossed by one enemy; albeit I can truly allege that for good of the land and preservation of her Majesty's person, I have sundry times very dangerously adventured to have my throat cut, as may appear. In the house of the Lord Seaton I lay in policy to discover Holt the Jesuit fourteen days, and caused him, together with myself, to be apprehended in Leith, with all his packets for France and Spain. In Colchester, by Mr. Secretary's device, I was consorted with one Shelley and Deane a seminary, and lodged 14 days in the outward prison to intercept all their letters, which was also done to the discovery of a number of traitors. I could allege many other good services which with danger of life I willingly undertook for the safety of her Majesty. My request is only that I might now (being as one dead in all these actions) undertake some special service for you. My dwelling is in Thissleworth, known to Simcock and Morcroft of the Guard. My profession to write is well known to Lord Rich; my desire to do you true service in my own country, in France, or Italy, or now with the enemy, is known to God, wherein I will venture my life and hazard the good of my wife and children.
1598/9, Feb.	Endorsed : “Feb., '98.” Holograph. 1 p. (176. 109.)
	Thomas Harrison to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb.	For the discovery of these Spanish and “B.” enterprizes, I propose to go for Middleburgh, procure a pass as a merchant there, and so travel to Brussels. To deal with ordinary priests in prison, who commonly know least of these enterprizes, I hold it dangerous, lest I should be discovered. Therefore I have thought good to undertake the same in this manner. To repair to Sandwich and there to procure letters to one Bushopp from his mother and kinsfolk. He is said to be in Antwerp, but I shall be assured to know where he is. He departed out of England about three months ago, having long before been at Rheims and Douay. He is a young man but a dangerous Papist. It were good the Post were examined how he passed from Margate. By him I doubt not to be sufficiently recommended to divers, or I hope to get letters to one Mrs. Bridges in Antwerp. Otherwise I know by experience of the old Lord Seaton, that unless I come recommended from beyond sea, and so become conversant with them in their own house, I shall never do good in the discovery of their practices.
1598/9, Feb.	Signed. Endorsed with date. ½ p. (60. 9.)
	Thomas Harrison to Sir Robert Cecil.
1598/9, Feb.	All my request is that I may but speak with your Honour.
1598/9, Feb.	Signed. ¼ p. (60. 10.)
	Sir Thomas Egerton to the Earl of Essex.
1598/9, Feb.	I return to your lordship these inclosed with my most humble thanks. Mr. Smith hath summoned me, and after a short default I will not fail to appear. I will spend an hour in conscience, and before ten of the clock will wait at the Court, and be a diligent hearer, to learn, &c.
1598/9, Feb.	Endorsed : “Feb. '98.” Holograph. Seal. ⅓ p. (176 . 107.)
	[John Colville to the Earl of Essex.]
[1598/9?], Feb.	Besides that mentioned in your Honour's letter, I had some Scottish advertisements to have informed, as the late going home from Madrill of the young laird Strethord (cousin to Pater Chrichtoun, Jesuit) with letters to the King from the Lord and Colonel Sempill his agents there : and that Sir Walter Lindsay's coffer is changed to another house, and is to go home in the latter end of this month, February.
[1598/9?], Feb.	A slip of paper. (66. 73.)