|
| April 1. |
58, 59. Device by William Courtenay for the setting forth of a
sufficient number of hoys to be attached to the fleet, of 120 tons and
upwards, to carry ordnance, and to be manned with 20 or 25
mariners and 50 or 60 soldiers in each, to annoy and hamper the
enemy's fleet in its progress. [In duplicate; one copy addressed
to Burghley the other to Walsyngham.] |
April 1.
Sudeley. |
60. Gyles Lord Chandos to Walsyngham. Has received a commission with instructions to provide powder and other things for the
soldiers of the county of Gloucester for the exercising of the trained
bands, which being now spent, he desires to know if the shire is to
be taxed for a new supply. |
April 2.
Greenwich. |
61. The Council to the Lord Lieutenant of Hertford. He having
omitted many important points in his certificate of musters, desire
him to send a certificate in accordance with an enclosed form.
Orders to be given to the officers of the bands to have their men
completely trained, especially the shot. |
April 2.
Greenwich. |
62. The Council to the Lords Lieutenants of the several shires
who have not returned satisfactory certificates of the musters and
trained bands: to return amended certificates according to an inclosed
form. |
April 2.
Greenwich. |
63. Sir F. Walsyngham to the Lord Admiral and Lord Buckhurst,
Lords Lieutenants of Sussex. Desiring them to return a certifi
cate of the names of all the martial men within their lieutenancy
who had served in the wars as captains, lieutenants, ensigns, or
corporals. |
April 2.
Portsmouth. |
64. Earl of Sussex to the Council. Assures them of his diligence,
and that the reports of his negligence in furnishing the county would
be found to be mere calumnies. Certifies the provision of arms and
munition furnished by the portion of the county under his charge.
Stokes Bay and Browns Down are very dangerous places for the
landing of the enemy, and ought to be immediately fortified. |
| April 3. |
65. Memorial of public business by Burghley. Orders for Scotland; money to be sent to the King. Peace on the Borders. Orders
for the army at Plymouth. |
April 3.
Stafford. |
66. Justices of Staffordshire to the Earl of Essex. Desiring him
to speak to the Earl of Leicester, Lord Steward of the Household,
to allow them to supply ten lean oxen, in place of then score wethers
appointed to be furnished by them. |
| April 4. |
67. Note of the number of men to be furnished by certain
boroughs near London. |
| April 5. |
68. John Lord St. John to Walsyngham. For Captain Olyver to
continue in his place of Muster Master of the county of Huntingdon. |
April 5.
Ostend. |
69. Earl of Derby and Lord Cobham to Lord Burghley. Desire
leave from Her Majesty to be absent on St. George's Day, the time
of their return being uncertain. |
April 5.
Poole. |
70. John Beryman, Mayor, and the Aldermen of Poole to the
Council. Desire to be excused from the charge of furnishing one
great ship and a pinnace, on account of their inability. They had
stayed the Primrose of Pool, bound for Newfoundland, and a pinnace called the Elephant, which when fitted up would be fit for
service. |
April 6.
Carisbrook
Castle. |
71. Sir George Carey to Walsyngham. The Isle of Wight is
utterly unable to furnish a ship and pinnace, as they had no ship
above 20 tons belonging to the island. The town of Newport is
but a poor market town. Desires to know if the whole island
should be taxed for the furnishing of the same, as he doubts his
authority to charge them with so weighty a matter. |
| April 6. |
72. Warrant to the Exchequer for the allowance of 40s. per diem
to Sir John Norreys and to Sir Thos. Leighton, and of 30s. per diem
to Sir Tho. Morgan, during their repair into several counties on Her
Majesty's special service; and also for an allowance for the captain
attending upon them. |
| April 6. |
73. The Queen to the Lords Lieutenants of the Maritime counties,
directing them to observe the instructions of Sir John Norreys, whom
she had sent to give orders for the opposing of the landing of the
enemy, and the choice of suitable places for retreat in Kent, Sussex,
Hampshire, and Dorset; and similar directions for Sir Tho. Leighton
in Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. |
April 7.
Margate. |
74. Lord Adm. Howard to Walsyngham. Is sorry Her Majesty
will not consent to have a guard of 4,000 foot and 1,000 horse for
the protection of her person. The galley should by this time have
been fitted out. Recommends the stay of the French and Scottish
ships. The Swedish ship, with great masts in her, that is stayed, he
intends to send to Chatham or Blackwall. |
April 7.
Kingston. |
75. Wm. Braye, Mayor, and the Burgesses of Kingston-on-Hull
to the Council. They were unable to furnish the two ships and a
pinnace, as directed by their lordships, to serve with Her Majesty's
fleet; all their best ships being at present abroad, and the mariners
remaining pressed into Her Majesty's service. Inclosing, |
|
75. i. The names of the ships and number of mariners belonging
to the town of Kingston-on-Hull, which are at present
on distant voyages; with the number of mariners pressed
into the Navy. |
| April 8. |
76. Certificate of ordnance and munition specially required for
increase of the stores, with the present remains in the office of
Ordanance. |
April 8.
Barnstaple. |
77. John Harrys, Mayor, and the Aldermen of Barnstaple and
Torrington to the Council. That their towns were not able to
furnish two ships and a handsome pinnace in warlike manner, to
join the fleet under Sir Fr. Drake: their trade having suffered
so much from the prohibitions of the King of Spain, and they have
not gained by the letters of reprisal granted to them. |
April 8.
Margate Road. |
78. Lord Adm. Howard to Lord Burghley. Presses on him the
necessity of having more than one month's provisions in store for
the victualling the fleet. Their present supply would last till the
18th of May, and it was reported the Spanish fleet would sail on
the 15th. "King Harry, Her Majesty's father, never made a lesser
"proportion of supply than 6 weeks." There never was a more
willing company than he had, and it were pity they should lack at
the moment of service. |
April 9.
Towstock. |
79. Earl of Bath to Walsyngham. Informs him of he order he
had taken for remedying the defects of the former certificates. Re-
quests time till the 16th to send a new roll, and a certificate of
martial men residing in the county of Devon. Incloses, |
|
79. i. A schedule of the answers to the defects in the former
certificate of able men of the county. |
| April 9. |
80. William Humbarston to Mr. Barry, Lieut. of Dover Castle.
Informs him that Capt. Sempell, a Scotchman, was the bearer of
letters from the Spanish ambassador at the Court of France, to be
sent into Scotland. Much truth might be learnt if those letters
were intercepted. |
April 9.
Lime Regis. |
81. John Jones, Mayor of Lyme Regis, to the Council. That they
had no ship of 60 tons burden in port, but they had armed and fitted
out a ship of 40 tons, to serve with Her Majesty's fleet under Drake
for two months. The towns of Lyme, Axminster, and Chard had
agreed only to charge the inhabitants who were subject to the
subsidy. Some people of Axminster refuse to subscribe. |
| April 10. |
82. Note of the charge of one month's wages and victuals for the
Queen's ships and other vessels serving under the charge of the
Lord High Admiral. |
| April 10. |
83. Lord Burghley to Walsyngham. Cannot describe the pain
he has in his left arm so that he cannot think of anything but to
groan with pain. Her Majesty was right in seeking peace; if it
cannot be had she is justified before God and the world. Sends him
two letters to read from Robert Cecill. |
| April 10. |
Lease from Nicholas Portar to John Mealling of a house or
cottage in Aston Subedge, lately occupied by Roger Tisoe. [Case D.
Eliz., No. 7.] |
April 11.
Exeter. |
84. Jo. Peryam, Mayor, and Aldermen of Exeter to the Council.
They have stayed and fitted out one fine ship and a pinnace according to their lordships' directions. Desire that the other ship may be
directed to be furnished by the creeks belonging to the port of
Exeter, although they refused, not having been specially mentioned
in the letters. |
| April 12. |
85. Note of the charge of setting to the seas the galley Bonavolia
for two months, in warlike manner; by John Hawkyns and
Wm. Holstock. |
April 16.
Greenwich. |
86. The Council to the Earl of Leicester, or his Deputy Lieutenants of Essex and Hertford. Directing the arms and armour,
taken from the Recusants, to be sold for the better furnishing of the
trained bands of those counties. |
April 12.
King's Lynn. |
87. Tho. Sandyll, Mayor, and the Aldermen of King's Lynn to
the Council. Pray them to direct letters to the town of Blakeney and
other members of the port which refused to contribute their share
towards the furnishing of the ships required. They are willing to
furnish the Mayflower of Lynn of 150 tons, and a fine pinnace, to
join Her Majesty's fleet. Some of their best ships are abroad. |
April 12.
Ipswich. |
88. The Balliffs of Ipswich to Walsyngham. That they, with
the town of Harwich, had been directed by the Lord Admiral to
furnish three hoys instead of two ships and a pinnace as required
by the Council, which they had done; but request that the heavy
ordnance may be supplied from Her Majesty's stores. |
April 13.
Plymouth. |
89. Sir Fr. Drake to the Queen. Answers to particular notes
sent to him by Her Majesty for his opinion of the best means to
distress the forces now in Lisbon. The point is hardly to be
answered. Much depends on the resolution of our own people.
Advises that the fleet under his charge should be augmented and
well supplied with provisions, and then to attack the enemy on his
own coasts. They had only been provisioned for two months from the
24th of April. He has never in all his life known better men or of
more gallant minds. Her fleet must be strengthened to encounter
this great force. Never was any force so strong as this; but the
Lord of Strength is stronger and will defend the truth of his word
for His own name's sake. |
| April 15. |
90. Richard Barrey to Lord Burghley. Commends the forwardness of the Cinque Ports in fitting out their ships according to the
instructions of the Council. [Nearly obliterated by damp.] |
April 15.
Weymouth. |
91. Richard Pitt. Mayor of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, to
Walsyngham. Requests that Robt. White and three other
mariners of that town may be excused from attending before the
Council, as they had been preesed by the Lord Admiral into Her
Majesty's service, and were known by him to be men of honest
conversation. |
April 16.
Sherborne. |
92. Justices of the Peace of Dorsetshire to the Earl of Leicester.
Complain of the hard dealings of the purveyors for the Royal
Household. They have sent two of their Justices to treat with him
for a composition, to be freed from their abuses. Would rather pay
in money than be charged with the delivery of provisions. |
April 16.
Colchester. |
93. The Bailiffs of Colchester to Sir Tho. Heneage, Vice-Chamberlain. Desire that the inhabitants of Coggeshall, Dedham, and
East Bergholt may not be excused their contribution towards the
furnishing of the ship charged upon them for the Queen's service. |
April 16.
Weymouth. |
94. The Mayor and Bailiffs of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis to
the Council. Many of their town had not taken much benefit by
their letters of reprisal. They had furnished one ship of 80 tons
with 50 men, and victualled for two months, for Sir Fr. Drake, and
a pinnace for the Lord Admiral, and had two other ships preparing.
Request that they may be assisted by the adjoining townships in
furnishing these ships. |
| April 17. |
95. Robert Wyngfield to same. Complains that the towns of
Aldborough and Orford had charged not only those engaged in
trade, but also the gentlemen who had contributed for the land
forces with the furnishing of the ship and pinnace. Requests that
they would not attend to the complaints against Ruben Collye and
Mr. Gilbert, as they were heavily charged in the land service. |
| April 17 ? |
96. Petition of the Chief Officers of the towns of Orford and
Dunwich to the Council. Cannot fit out the shipping required of
them and Aldborough, without the assistance of Woodbridge and
other neighbouring towns. Woodbridge is not a limb of the port of
Ipswich, as alleged. |
April 17.
Southampton |
97. Andrew Studley, Mayor, and the Aldermen of Southampton
to same. That they were unable to furnish the two ships and a
pinnace required, on account of the decay of their town and commerce, and the great charges they had been at for providing of
powder, repairs of the seabeach, and fortifications. Above 110
mariners had been pressed in their town for Her Majesty's ships, so
that there would not be sufficient to man the ships. |
April 17.
Chester. |
98. Sir John Savage and Sir Hugh Cholmondeley to Walsyngham. Request that they may be supplied with arms and armour
from London, or out of Her Majesty's stores, for the 500 men raised
in Cheshire, at the prices rated by the Lord Lieutenant. Inclosing, |
|
98. i. Proportion of armour for 500 men, as estimated by the
Lord Strange for service towards Scotland. |
April 17.
At his house at
Deptford. |
99. Lord Adm. Howard to Burghley. It is now determined
that he should go westward with the greater part of the fleet.
Refers to Sir Wm. Wynter and Mr. Hawkyns, and requests
payment of 2,000l. for extraordinary charges of the service. |
April 19.
Ipswich. |
100. The Bailiffs of Ipswich to Walsyngham. They had sent up
the bearer to attend on him for the great ordnance to furnish the
hoys. One Rauff Morrys obstinately refuses to contribute for the
furnishing of the ships. |
April 20.
Kingston-on-
Hull. |
101. Wm. Braye, Mayor, and the Burgesses of Kingston-on-Hull
to same. Are sorry that he disapproves of their certificate that
there were no ships or mariners in the port, but that many ships
having now returned from London and Newcastle, they would
furnish with all speed the two ships and a pinnace required. |
| April 20. |
102. Justices of the township of Estbergholt in Suffolk to the
Council. Request that their township may not be charged for the
furnishing of the ship and pinnace to be supplied by Colchester, on
account of the great falling off in their trade, by reason of the
prohibition of the exportation of Suffolk cloths. |
| April 20. |
103. Account of the money paid into the receipt of the Exchequer
by Alderman Martyn, Warden of the Mint, and coined of her
Highness' own bullion, amounting to 32,000l. |
April 22.
Kingston-on-
Hull. |
104. The Mayor and Burgesses of Kingston-on-Hull to the
Council. Some of the ships and mariners in the port having
returned from London and Newcastle they had made choice of two
ships and a pinnace, which they would furnish and set forth for
service with as much expedition as possible. |
April 22.
Worcester. |
105. The Deputy Lieutenants of Worcester to same. Sending
a certificate of the trained bands of horse and foot furnished ready
for service. Desire to know if they should proceed to the mustering
of the unarmed persons of this county. Inclosing, |
|
105. i. A certificate of the trained bands in the county of
Worcester, under the lieutenancy of the Earl of Pembroke, with the names of the captains commanding them,
and their lieutenants. |
April 22.
Canterbury. |
106. Sir Tho. Scott and Sir James Hales to Walsyngham. They
had sent the certificate of musters of their portion of the shire to
Lord Cobham and Sir Tho. Fane, to be incorporated in the general
certificate for the whole shire. The names of the martial men and
of their present employments. Inclosing, |
|
106. i. Certificate from the Deputy Lieutenants of the East part
of Kent, of the number of men in the trained bands, the
martial men that have borne office in the wars, and the
landing places within the Lathes of Scray, St. Augustin's,
and Shipway: Not including the city of Canterbury nor
the Cinque Ports. |
April 22.
London. |
107. Nicholas Berden to same. Returns thanks for his favor in
procuring him the place he now enjoys. Sends him letters received
from the traitors beyond the seas, and requests permission to answer
them in another vein than ever he yet wrote. Requests that
Richard Garnett, a recusant, may be released from. Horsham
gaol. |
April 24.
Dorchester. |
108. Sir John Norreys to same. That he had nearly finished
the view of the sea coasts of Dorset and Southampton. Urgently
desires that some other person may be appointed to survey the
coasts of Sussex and Kent, as he is obliged to spend more time in
the service than he calculated on. Has been honorably received and
assisted by the gentlemen of the shire, especially by Mr. Trenchard
and Mr. FitzJames. |
April 25.
Shrewsbury
(Salop). |
109. Thomas Everall to Wm. Baldwyn, at Clements Inn. Is in
trouble and his cattle have been distrained by the sheriff for 4l. 10s.
besides the charges for the castle pound. Begs him to intercede
with his landlord and to follow his advice. Indorsed by Danl.
Rogers, "Redditoe mi 1° Maij 1588." |
| April 26. |
110. Tho. Fitz[herbert] to Gerrard Gifford in London. Is glad
to hear of his safe arrival. Will take all care he can of his brother,
who remains in the state he left him, not having yet performed
what he had promised. |
April 27.
Harroldstone. |
111. The Deputy Lieutenants of Pembrokeshire to the Council.
Have prepared the certificate of the able men and trained bands
according to their instructions. The county is greatly discouraged
in providing of armour and munition on account of its poverty.
Request that their shire may have some discharge for sending men
and armour into Ireland. Inclosing, |
|
111. i. A certificate of the able men, armour, and weapons, in
the county of Pembroke, and the names of the captains
and lieutenants commanding them. |
April 28.
York. |
Earl of Huntingdon to Walsyngham. Has himself viewed the
horsemen of the north. Desires authority to call upon gentlemen
to serve personally upon any emergency which had been the custom
in former times, and which they would obey more willingly than
taking by musters. The petronels, or carbines as some do call
them, are not of the sort contemplated by the Council. The gentlemen of the north object to raise lances, as it was a novel charge
they feared might become permanent. If to serve only against
Scotland they would not object to it. [See Borders, 28 April
1588.] |
April 28.
Plymouth. |
112. Sir Francis Drake to the Queen. Has received advertisements that the enemy continueth his preparations mightily. Offers
his opinion that Her Majesty's fleet should attack the Spaniards off
their own coasts. The promise of peace from the Prince of Parma and
these mighty preparations in Spain agree not well together. Thanks
Her Majesty for her gracious speeches of him. |
| April 29. |
113. List, in Howard's hand, of the ships appointed to proceed to
the West coast under the Lord Admiral; together with the 20 ships
of London. |
| April 29. |
114. Similar list of the ships appointed to remain in the Narrow
Seas under the charge of Lord Henry Seymour; with those of the
Cinque Ports, Newcastle, &c., and all such as shall come out of the
Thames. |
April 29.
Westminster. |
115. Grant by the Queen to William Weldon of the right of fishing in the Millpond in the manor of Cookeham, Berkshire, with the
profits of osiers and willows in the same; parcel of the Honor of
Windsor. Latin. |
April 30.
Mildnall
[Mildenhall ?] |
116. Roger Lord North to Walsyngham. Has hastened home to
perform the service entrusted to him. Has appointed Captain
Cheston to be Muster Master for the county of Cambridge, for whom
he requests instructions and a sufficient allowance. Has given
directions for the apprehension of one Pallant. |
April 30.
London. |
117. Tho. Barnes to same. Offers his services as some satisfaction
for his past offences. |
| April 30. |
118. Directions left by Sir Tho. Leighton with Sir Edward Clere
and Sir Wm. Heydon, Deputy Lieutenants of the county of Norfolk,
for the regulation of all martial causes in that county, and with
Ralph Lane, Capt. Havers, Capt. Helme, and Capt. Pyper to assist
in the same. Defence of the coasts, fortified towns, and landing
places, watching the beacons, &c. |
| April 30. |
119. A true report, by James Terrell, of the army prepared in
Lisbon within the realm of Portugal, and what he had observed at
Seville, Cadiz, and other ports till his departure on the last day of
April 1588. The number of ships in Lisbon; saw there the Lord
Morton, a nobleman of Scotland, who offered a landing place in
Scotland. Death of the Marquis of Santa Cruce in great disgrace.
The Duke of Medina appointed general of all the army. Two Irish
bishops and many Irish priests and Irishmen in Lisbon. Great fear
of the preparations in England. The master of Terrell's ship, the
pilot, and one other of the crew taken and racked to give information. |
| April 30. |
120. Certificate of the quantity of powder remaining in several
counties. |
| April. |
121, 122. Decree for suspension of Her Majesty's warrant to the
Lord Treasurer in favor of the merchants of the Stillyard. [Two
papers.] |
| April ? |
123. General certificate of all the able men furnished and unfurnished in the county of Devon, the names of their captains and
lieutenants, the names of places where the powder is kept, and the
quantities in store. |
| April. |
124. Certificate of the forces of trained and untrained men in
the county of Lincoln. Names of captains commanding them,
armour, weapons, &c. |
| April. |
125. List of the counties which have not certified the state of the
forces of the shire, according to the forms sent in April, and of such
counties as have not certified the names of their martial men. |
| April. |
126. Estimate of the charge for a supply to be made of such
cordage, sail, canvas, and other provisions as hath been supplied
from Her Majesty's stores for extraordinary service in 1587. The
provision of great masts is almost spent. |
| April. |
127. Advertisements from Rouen of the preparations in Spain.
At Cadiz all French and Flemish ships were stayed till the departure
of the Spanish fleet. Two hundred sail of ships were at Lisbon
and more than 30,000 men ready to embark; fourteen of the greatest galleons at St. Lucars. The Duke of Medina had received sealed
orders, to be opened at sea. |
| April ? |
128. Opinion of Sir Fr. Drake, upon the notes delivered to him
by Captain Coxe, relative to the Spanish preparations: fitting out
of flyboats from Dunkirk for supplying the Spanish fleet with provisions. Stay of all shipping in Spain. The granting of letters of
reprisal can do little good as no shipping are to be seen on the coasts
of Spain but victuallers well protected. |
| April ? |
129. Form of the ceremony to be observed in appointing an
admiral to take charge of a fleet upon special service. |
| April ? |
130. Petition of Margaret Johnson, late wife of Lawrence Johnson, to the Council. For their letters to the Judge of the Admiralty
and Dr. Awbury for the hearing of her suit for recovery of a flyboat
which had been taken by English pirates, and her husband murdered. |
| April ? |
131. Answer or advice of Sir John Norreys upon the instructions
given him by the Lords of the Council, for the defence of the landing places in Hampshire from Southampton to Bournemouth. Disposition of the forces of the county for the defence of Portsmouth.
Places of retreat if pressed by an invading enemy. Organization
of companies of pioneers; driving cattle inland, &c. [A copy of
this paper was given to each of the captains in Dorset. See orders
taken at Blandford, May 8, 1588.] |
