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June 1/11.
Havre de Grace. |
1. Acknowledgment by Juan Semple of a debt of 50 golden
crowns to Manuel d'Andrada, lent at St. Malo, and promise to
repay the same within a month of his arrival in Flanders, the
money being lent in a time of necessity. [Spanish.] |
| June 1. |
2. J. S[nowden] to [Cecil]. The warrants sent are sufficient for
the satisfaction of Catholics who have heard of their apprehension,
but will be of no value for Her Majesty's officers, who will not
offer to stay any man in such a well-governed commonwealth,
except upon some certain knowledge, so they will be stayed for
having deceived his Lordship by a pretence of being soldiers, when
they are scholars and priests ; his own father, if shown this warrant
for a safe conduct, would be the first to lay him up fast,
till word came from the Court. If the whole about Portugal were
omitted, the other clause only would have sufficed ; it required no
man to molest them, as the examination of their cause was to be
determined before his Lordship. Expects his answer touching the
danger Catholics may incur in receiving them, and whether they
should reveal such Catholics or not, if they find them sound. |
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Has hitherto dealt plainly with my Lord [Burghley]; acknowledges
that he cannot in conscience accuse a Catholic as a Catholic, nor a
priest as a priest, unless he be an evil subject ; if this is expected,
will not go near any, but with the little money he has, will live
poorly to himself, until the time serves to put in practice the important
business. Asks the discharge for himself and companion ;
Mr. Marmaduke, having received them under an order, would not
dismiss them without one ; also a command to Marmaduke to
receive them with secrecy at any time, or their packages for
his worship. Begs pardon for being so scrupulous, for flesh, blood,
and nature reclaim that, instead of visiting after so many years
his old parents and other kindred, he should work their destruction. |
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If the Amsterdam papers are not recovered, but taken back
to Portugal, it may wonderfully disappoint them, as they contain
the weight and moment of the whole action. Asks how his
Lordship likes that pretended service for Spain or Italy. His companion
does not understand any limitation of time for himself, and
thinks the month's respite only intended for the writer. Asks
an explanation, as riding in and out requires great charges, which
may be spared ; would not swerve one jot from my Lord [Burghley's]
appointment. [2 pages.] |
| June 1. |
3. Sir R. C[ecil] to J. Snowden. Showed his writing to my Lord
[Burghley], who will either reform or sign the passports. As to his
scruples that in conversing with Catholics danger may grow to their
fortunes, he must understand that my Lord, being a subject, can
neither overrule nor dispense with the least law made, though the
Queen should command it, nor can he do it to him by any public
overture ; it would overthrow his designs if it should be seen ; he
ought, therefore, to content himself with what his Lordship promises,
that whenever he resorts amongst Catholics, and is received by them
for conscience only, and avoids needless frequenting of them, his
Lordship will ever be an intercessor to the Queen, of whose mercy
he need not doubt. |
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Wishes he could find any better way for the speedy recovery of
the Amsterdam papers. His Lordship allows well of his intended
services in Spain or Italy, but seeing he desires to go abroad to
collect matter, and provide intelligence to ground his service, and
to make it appear profitable, no further answer can be given to him
yet ; for his delivery and secrecy his keeper shall have order. As to
his companion's liberty, my Lord is content that it runs indefinitely,
so that he does not forget to show his loyalty by writing, &c.; as
Snowden's letters have miscarried, the greatest proof of his and his
fellow's loyalty depends upon their own assertions ; therefore this
great favour shown them should bring forth profitable correspondence,
for Her Majesty's service and the country's good, which is the true
end of his enlargement, and cause of this extraordinary favour which
many others thirst for. [2 pages.] |
| June 2 ? |
4. J. S[nowden] to Sir Robt. Cecil. The form of the warrants
ought to be, to let the bearer pass without trouble, as the examination of his cause is reserved to his Lordship. As to the services
expected at his and his fellow's hands, they will confirm those they
find well affected, and detect such as they find to the contrary,
but cannot do more, supposing they observe secrecy ; they crave
neither liberty nor abode in England, except for this service. As
his Lordship has only their words for their good intentions, hopes
he has now found them so sincere as to make no further scruple.
Cannot undertake to answer for his fellow at all times ; might
not know where he was. Knows no better means of sending the
Amsterdam papers than that proposed by his Lordship, except to
go for them. |
| June 2. |
5. The Queen to the Lord Mayor of London. Finds it needful to
defend the Duchy of Brittany against the invasion of the Spaniards,
both for the sake of the French King, and to avoid such evil neighbours as the Spaniards ; and is therefore increasing the troops lately
sent into Brittany under Sir John Norris. Wishing to make the
charge easy, only requires 150 more soldiers from London ; these he
is to raise and arm as before, and follow directions of Council about
their charge. Also, |
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The Queen to the Lord Lieutenant of Devonshire. Requires him
to levy 150 men, 20 of them to be miners, to add to the forces in
Brittany ; with note of letters to Cornwall for 50 men, 20 to be
miners ; Somersetshire, 150 ; and Dorsetshire, 50. [Drafts by
Burghley.] |
| [June 2.] |
6. The Queen to Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Warden of the
Stannaries and Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall. The Earl of Essex
has requested some miners instead of common soldiers. Orders
him to raise 40 miners in Devonshire and Cornwall, and to send
them to Dieppe. [Draft by Burghley.] |
| June 2. |
7. Note of money demanded by Sir J. Hawkins, for transporting
1,500 men from England to the Low Countries, and 1,500 thence
to Brittany, as also for the transportation of artillery, horses, provisions,
&c., amounting to 696l. 16s. 4d.; together with an account
of sums expended by Sir Thos. Sherley and his officers in the same
service, amounting to 1,096l. 17s. 3d. [3 pages.] |
| June 2. |
8. Account of the charge for transporting soldiers into Brittany
and the Low Countries ; total, 1,096l. 5s. |
| June 2. |
9. Account of monies due to several owners of ships and other
persons named, for transporting Capt. Gorges and Capt. Cuny's
300 men and other soldiers to Dieppe ; total, 82l. 2s. 6d.; with note
that it appears by a former certificate that 649 soldiers have been
transported thither by the Poll, and that 109 voluntary men passed
amongst them. [1¼ pages.] |
| June 2. |
10. Memorandum of money to be advanced presently upon the
first warrant for the service in France, viz., to Mr. Bassey as due upon
two bills of exchange from Dieppe, 870l., and to the Lord Mayor
of London, for coat and conduct money for 450 men, 152l. 12s. 6d. |
| June 2. |
11. Estimate for the daily, weekly, and monthly wages, coat and
conduct money, and transportation of 600 soldiers, 40 miners, and
20 cannoniers levied for Brittany, &c., with corrections [by LordBurghley] |
| June 4. |
12. J. Snowden to [Sir R. Cecil]. Has communicated to his
companion Lord [Burghley's] bounteous offer of the warrants of
protection, and of reserving the knowledge of their cause to himself,
which they would be very graceless to refuse or abuse. |
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They are required to detect all such as they shall find approving
the Spanish practices, and to confirm the well affected in their
allegiance ; doubt not but that their patrons shall be fully satisfied
of their loyalty. Asks whether such Catholics as are good subjects
will incur the penalties of the laws by receiving them ; that difficulty
removed, will inform his Lordship of their full resolution ; has
thus far dealt with his companion, but no farther. As to his own
doing profitable service in Italy or Spain, must first know how far
the rumour of their apprehension is spread amongst the Catholics.
Will use his companion as an instrument therein, lying close himself
for some days ; his companion intends to retire to some corner and
live obscurely. His Lordship's warrant must not specify any name
but the bearer's; for if it passes under their supposed names, some
that know their true names may fall upon them and take them for
foreigners ; if under their true names, it will show they have been
discovered, in which case their Spanish passports will stand them. |
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The most effectual service he can do, in person, is that of Spain or
Italy ; for the settling of the Catholics and persuading them at home
requires much time, confidence, acquaintance, and authority. The
former may be performed without discovery. His companion is
persuaded that they are to be dismissed upon the former conditions,
without relation to future services, so that the other service passes
only between the writer and his worship, as he finds how far the
rumour of their apprehension has spread, and they must take counsel
accordingly. Thinks his companion may be employed abroad, and
yet without understanding to whom he gives his intelligence. |
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Among the papers his Lordship has of the writer's, there is a letter
to Don Juan de Villacreses, and as he is returning to Spain, if there
is no mystery nor anything prejudicial to the realm in it, asks that
it may be delivered to him, as the delivery may turn to the writer's
credit there. As it is known that some travellers have been
committed to Mr. Marmaduke, his going out and in with him is the
more noted, both in my Lord's house and elsewhere, so that the
sooner they remove from thence the better. [2 pages.] |
| June 4. |
13. John Snowden to Sir Robert Cecil. The persons whose descriptions he requires were all brought up in the seminary of Rome.
Blunt and Dudley are gentlemen of good houses, the former of
Westmoreland, and the other of Leicestershire ; knows nothing of
the parentage of the rest. Describes their persons. Warford is of
Bristol, and was chaplain to the Cardinal, and afterwards to the Archbishop of Ebora [Evora] in Portugal ; and Almond is of Oxford. They
are all between 28 and 30, and divines who have had their course
according to the method used beyond sea. They are of modest, mild,
and temperate dispositions, and have been much molested by the
Jesuits, especially in Rome, for endeavouring, in the year '85, to
alter the government of the college there, and exclude the Jesuits,
so as to bring things from the violent course used toward our
country[men] ; should they fall into his hands, he will find them
nothing Spanish, for they have left that miserable country in pure
vexation. |
June 4.
Copthall. |
14. Sir Tho. Heneage to Lord Burghley. Has received from his
Lordship, for whom he always entertained the highest respect, a
strange and causeless message, sent verbally by his own servant.
Replies as follows: sent to Mr. Fortescue the interrogatories delivered to him by one Granger, to be ministered to Scott, that had
struck him with a dagger, being unable himself to attend to them
through sickness, and advised him by letter to take from or add to
them as seemed best, and his Lordship being otherwise occupied,
to call Mr. Lieutenant before him to examine Scott, and then to
acquaint Her Majesty. Protests that he never thought otherwise of
his Lordship than as a true, profitable, noble, and wise servant to
Her Majesty, as she can witness ; so that to charge him with unkindness or evil dealing is doing him a great wrong. Has never
been a searcher of other men's faults, nor bored into other's businesses, and has been no accuser nor promoter ; therefore marvels
at his Lordship's aptness to conceive it of him, as if he were the
worst person living; hopes shortly to satisfy him with the truth:
Melius est sperare in Deo quam in hominibus. [1¼ pages.] |
| June 4. |
15. Memorandum that Patrick Wilson, of Salt Preston, master of
the Patrick of London, is to take in as many coals as the ship can
carry, sail from London with the first fair wind, into the Somme,
Normandy, discharge them there, and return with such loading
as the merchant there shall appoint, to Rye, Dover, or London, for
which he is to have 18l. in hand, and 18l. on delivering the coals;
with a note of the loading and value thereof; total, 66l. 10s. |
June 5.
Whitefriars. |
16. Sir Thos. Sherley to Lord Burghley. Is exceedingly troubled
that Her Highness has for the third time taken hard conceit of
him for the greatness of his entertainment; hoped that the two
former examinations, with the declaration of his necessary charges,
had removed all such objections. She still gives ear to the information of such as are discontented with him for seeking to abate
the wasteful expense of her treasure; beseeches his Lordship to let
her compare his entertainment with his charges, when it will be
seen how much remains for himself; if deemed unworthy of the
Place, will yield it to such as she shall find more worthy, or more
willing to undertake it with less entertainment; only desires that
she be sufficiently served with the smallest expense. |
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Hopes she will appoint Commissioners for taking his accounts,
with power to allow or disallow at pleasure; if upon examination it
appear that he has served her to her profit, desires to be continued
in her favour, which he wishes next to the joys of heaven, and to be
so countenanced as to be enabled to stand boldy for her best service,
being now by other means utterly discouraged. Has desired the
best husbanding of her treasure; no money comes to his hands but
what is destined to proper uses, and on certain days. Would either
hold the office with countenance, or be dismissed from it with Her
Highness's good opinion and favour. Long since delivered the particulars of his entertainment and ordinary charges in the Low
Countries, and sends the number of those he maintains in France;
does not know their charges, as he does not limit them, in respect
of the dearth of that country. It is a woeful thing for a man that
hopes for advancement for his good service to be thrown back by
such sinister practices. [3 pages.] Encloses, |
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16. i. List, by Sir T. Sherley, of the names and number of
persons employed for payment of the forces, viz.: in
Brittany six men and four horses, and in Dieppe four
men. Ordered Molle, at his departure, to procure leave
of the General that10 men of his company might be
always attending upon the treasure, unto whom he
would allow 4d. a day each additional. In the Low
Countries, his own entertainment from Her Majesty, as
well as out of the checks and from the 100th soldier,
amounts to 2,735l. 1s. 4d.; Pays yearly to the officers under
him for their entertainment 1,536l. 11s. 8d., so that
1,198l. 9s. 8d. remains for his own diet, and other charges,
as convoys, sending of letters, &c. |
| June 6. |
17. Certificate by Lord Admiral Howard, Sir John Hawkins, W.
Borough, and B. Gonson, of the whole charge at Chatham, Deptford,
Woolwich, and Portsmouth, for May 1591; total, 744l. 12s. 6d.
[Copy.] |
June 6.
Greenwich. |
18. The Council to the Barons of the Exchequer. Direct them
to discharge the suit of John Leake against Charles Van Peane and
James Francis, merchant strangers of the Low Countries, living in
London, for importing pins into England. It was permitted by a
treaty made at Bristol between Commissioners of both countries, as
the stoppage of import of pins had been followed by restraint abroad
of import of English cloth, and such prohibitions were found prejudicial to both countries. [Copy.] |
June 10.
Charterhouse Lane. |
19. Peter Wilcox to Lord Burghley. Begs favour in his humble
suit, depending these two years, for the rating of the particulars
presented for Mr. Warcup's book; was led thereto by expectation of
some profit from Babington's lands, which it seems his Lordship
dislikes. There are seven heirs male alive; the lands were never
in the Crown but by the attainder of Anth. Babington, and if his
Lordship will stand his friend, and allow thereof, will give 200l.
Protests that he has only put into the book upon hope, not knowingany certain profit. |
| June 10. |
20. Estimate [by Lord Admiral Howard] of the expense of
sending to Lord Thos. Howard the Lion and Foresight, as convoys to the victualling vessels which are to be sent over; total,
574l.; and as they cannot carry their fly-boats, a fly-boat will have
to be engaged for 141l., so that the whole charge will be 715l.
With note [by Lord Burghley] of the names of four other ships,
viz., the Vanguard, Bellyngham, Swallow, and Bostock. |
| June 10 ? |
21. Estimate of the charge of victualling 1,140 men, serving in
six of Her Majesty's ships, under the charge of Lord Thomas
Howard, for two months; total, 1,606l.4s. |
| June 10 ? |
22. Similar estimate ; total, 1,888l. 9s. 2d. |
| June 10 ? |
23. Estimate for two months' victuals to be provided in the
West country for the Lion, Foresight, and four other ships, with
825 men ; total, 1,311l. 7s. 4d. ; and for their victualling for two
months, 1,155l. |
| June 10 ? |
24. Estimate of the charge of three fly-boats, for carriage of
victuals for 10 weeks' service; total, 563l. 6s. 8d. |
| June 11. |
25. The Queen to the Lord Mayor of London. Approves the
making ready certain ships in warlike manner, to join the fleet
under Lord Tho. Howard, off the Azores, and consents to certain
articles required by the owners of the said ships, and approved by
the Lord Treasurer and Lord Admiral. [Draft by Lord Burghley,damaged.] |
| June 12. |
26. J. S[nowden] to Cecil. Finds that it is reported amongst
Catholics that he and his companions were apprehended and dismissed as soldiers, and are dispersed northward, so that all impediments that way are removed. The acquaintance with Catholics
requires so much time, and so many means, that he minded not
to engulf himself therein, had he not happened upon an old schoolfellow in the streets ; might else have stayed three or four months to
learn the certainty of these points, as the way in prisons, which
was wont to be the ordinary means, is cut off, and the only thing
left is to wait at St. Paul's or the Exchange, for some communication from an old acquaintance. The danger now is, lest it
should be espied that they have any correspondence with his
worship. Asks especial care to keep him out of suspicion with
Catholics; cannot see how this can be, if he should go into the
country, or linger longer in his present order, as he would shortly
be called in question, and if he showed his warrant, the Catholics would know thereof, and all that he might have performed
be frustrated. Wishes it may be kept in secret until resolution is made as to the place for which his services may be the
most available. His fellow has found out some kinsman, and has
gone into the country, but minds to keep himself loyal, and be
a sentinel against all Spanish or foreign practices. If there be a
secure order for conveyance, can get the chief agents of their adversaries abroad to act with Cecil as with a merchant, their favourer,
and give him an account of all their plots and practices. |
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Wishes Cecil could think of any one near London where the writer
could go; by staying where he is, the Catholics may spy his frequenting that place, or Her Majesty's officers may drive him to show his
warrant. Four of the mission out of Spain were apprehended three
months since at Portsmouth, and a gathering made to send them to
London; but two fell sick by the way, and the others were dismissed
when they arrived. Lord Vaux, Sir Thos. Tresham, Mr. Talbot, Mr.
Owen, and Mr. Townsley are accounted very good subjects, and great
adversaries of the Spanish practices; these are the most markable
Catholics, and it is said amongst them that, if an occasion be
offered, they will requite the relaxation now afforded them by his
Lordship's moderation, for it is noted that since the cause of
Catholics came to his arbitrament, things have gone on with
wonderful suavity. Beseeches an answer with speed. [3 pages.] |
| June 13. |
27. Memorandum [by Lord Burghley] of certain victualling and
other ships that are to be sent to Lord Thos. Howard and Sir
H. Palmer; also that Mr. Bodley is to solicit Count Maurice to
send 10 or 12 ships to the isles, &c., and to procure 300 mariners to
be mixed amongst the Queen's navy. |
| June 13. |
28. Note of 27 ships and 7 pinnaces, to be victualled for three
months, at places named. |
| June 14. |
29. Note of the charge of levying 600 soldiers to be sent into
Brittany, their transportation and wages for five months; total,
4,153l. 6s. Endorsed "For the French ambassador." |
| June 15. |
30. Similar estimate, making the total 4,121l. 6s. Endorsed to be
paid by Sir Thos. Sherley. |
| June 15. |
31. Estimate of the imprests for four companies sent to Brittany,
for 16 weeks, from 15 June to 4 October 1591, 1,947l. 4s.; with
other calculations [by Lord Burghley]. |
| June 15. |
32. Note of money to be advanced at once, upon the warrant of
7 June 1591, for the service in France; viz., for money impressed to
four captains sent to Brittany, 80l.; and for weekly imprests to
four companies for 16 weeks as above, 1,947l. 4s.; total, 2,027l. 4s. |
| June 15. |
33. List of 60 captains attending to be employed in Her Majesty's
service. With notes [by Lord Burghley and another], stating by
whom they were recommended. |
| June [15 ?]. |
34. Statement that if Lord [Burghley] divides the 4,000 men into
24 companies, four are already with Sir Roger Williams, and three
are for the writer, Sir Wm. Russell, and Lord Audley; Sir Thomas
Baskerville is serjeant major, and Sir John Wingfield munition
master; so that there remain but 14 companies, for which he names
21 captains and others who deserve, and nine gentlemen who desire
to have charge; with notes as to the officers and arrangements of
companies, &c. [by Lord Burghley. Many of these names coincide
with those in the preceding paper.] |
June 15.
Flushing. |
35. Wm. Burlas to Lord Burghley. His Lordship having sent a
note to Mr. Burnham, the water bailiff there, to search for a Mulatto
or Portugese coming from Bordeaux, has made inquiry, and finds
he came there in a ship of which Peter Lienson was master, went
thence to Middleburg and returned, and has since gone to London,
in the boat of Adrian Eckar, a Fleming, sometime of Ostend.
The boat may yet be heard of about St. Katherine's, where he
commonly takes in beer. The Prince of Parma, with a force of
3,000 horse, and 10,000 foot, is going to seek our forces before
Groningen. Thanks for favour while in England, and begs its
continuance. |
| June 16. |
36. Note of the Mayflower and five other ships to be furnished
by the City of London, and names of 10 commissioners appointed
by the Lord Mayor and his brethren to equip them. |
June 16.
Star Chamber. |
37. The Council to the Lord Treasurer. The Queen having ordered
on 7 June payment for 600 additional men sent into Brittany, to
last for five months,—after which it is hoped that all the forces in
Brittany will be revoked to join those under Sir J. Norris, to be
continued in monthly pay during pleasure,—he is to pay their charges
to Sir Thos. Sherley, according to estimates subjoined, with two
months' pay always in advance, but with certain defalcations.
Annexing, |
|
37. i. Note of the charges for the said 600 soldiers sent into
Brittany, to join with Her Majesty's forces there under
the command of Sir John Norris, with the wages
of 40 miners and 20 cannoniers, at 1s. each per day;
total, 4,121l. 6s. With note that it is decided not to send
the 20 cannoniers, only the 40 miners, but they to have
1s. a day instead of the 8d. allowed to common soldiers.
[1½ pages.] |
| June 16. |
38. Copy of the preceding letter and note. [2 pages.] |
| June 16. |
39. The Council to the Lord Treasurer. The Queen having
ordered on 25 March the payment for the 3,000 soldiers sent into
France and Brittany to be made to Sir Thos. Sherley, Treasurer at
War, as half the number are from those in his pay in the Low
Countries, he is to pay to Sir T. Sherley at the rate of 30l. 8s. 6d.
weekly for each company of 150 men, paying two months in advance
during the time the army shall remain there; the said Treasurer is to
make due defalcations upon all charges, according to certificates from
the General of the army, and also to be allowed reasonable sums for
transport of treasure, and carriage of letters. With names of the
4 captains of 600 soldiers. [1¾ pages.] |
| June ? |
40. Petition of the merchants trading to Turkey and Venice to
the Lord Treasurer, to be incorporated into a body politic, according
to articles annexed from members of both companies. The time of
Her Majesty's agent's residence being long since expired, if he be
not confirmed or another sent, the intercourse cannot continue.
[The Levant Company's charter of incorporation is dated 7 Jan.1592.] |
| June 18. |
41. Reasons in favour of Oliver Stile, Nicholas Stile, and Simon
Lawrence being admitted into the freedom of traffic to the Levant
Seas. They have been in the trade 14 years, sometimes to their loss
and hindrance; are owners of good ships, fit for the trade, and if
put from it in this troublesome time, have no other way of employing them; they have sustained a great loss this year, by having a
ship freighted with their goods fired in the Straits. Their chief
trade has been to France, Spain, and Barbary, but the two first are
now gone, through the troubles, and the third is so bad that it is
not worth following. They can prove that those who first sought
this privilege are not the first discoverers of this traffic, and that it
was more amply traded by the English 50 years since than now;
and that those who seek to exclude all others from the freedom are
such as least need it, being also free of Dantzic and Muscovy, very
rich and few in number; for though there may be many names,
few are occupiers, as divers persons are put in not merchants, but
their children, servants, and others allied to them. Are willing to
contribute to any charge for procuring the said freedom. |
| June ? |
42. Reasons of John Combe, of the Drapers' Company, London,
in support of his claim to be admitted into the new company for
trading into the Levant; is willing to contribute to the charges;
though free of the Spain and Portugal Company, cannot trade there
nor to France, because of the troubles; has adventured to ship goods
for sundry places in the Straits, since 1584. Thinks the number of
the company too few, whereby the Queen will lose in her customs. [1¼ pages.]
|
| June ? |
43. Reasons for the claim of Wm. Harrison, merchant of London,
to be admitted into the company intended for the Levant Seas, [or
the Tripoli Company], viz., that he has traded already to Venice,
Zante, Tripoli, and Leghorn; paid customs and dues to the ambassador, and has no maintenance but this trade and that of Spain,
which is shut up. Offers 20 angels to "his Honour's" servant, to
gain him admission. |
| June ? |
44. Petition of Sir Edw. Osborne, Sir George Barne, Sir John
Harte, Sir John Spencer, Paul Bayning, Thos. Cordell, Rich. Staper,
and 12 other merchants trading to Turkey and Venice, to Lord
Burghley, for the sole use of that trade, so as to recover their
charges, otherwise it will not only discourage them, but others also
to go on with it. Have spent 40,000l. in maintaining ambassadors, consuls, agents, &c., and those trading to Venice have paid
10,000l. more in imposts than they have received; not one of
them has used any ample trade thither but it has cost him
10,000l., and they have all hazarded their estates in making trials
and perfecting unfrequented trades, whereby many of the best
merchant ships have been made, kersies, clothes, &c., vended, and
many needful things returned. If the petitioners, who are already
too many for those trades, should receive the discouragement offered
through the suits of persons who have no regard as to what a weighty
matter it is not to overcharge a trade, it must needs follow with the
petitioners as it has lately done with the trade of Barbary, wherein by
the forcing in of persons, they have brought English cloth there into
contempt, advanced their base sugars to a high price, overthrown
that trade, and undone themselves, and also many an honest merchant
and trader. Are at present sufficient to maintain the trade, and if
others are permitted to deal, confusion must follow, the damage
whereof would redound to the petitioners. [With 19 signatures
of London merchants.] |
June 18.
London. |
45. Broccard Brocman to Lord Burghley. Prays him to obtain
a reply to his petition to the Queen. Will give a couple of horses
for a favourable reply, his losses being such that he cannot endure
a long law-suit. [French.] |
| June 20. |
46. J. Snowden to Cecil. Being excluded last night by time and
reverence for his Lordship, "esteeming all things that proceed from his
mouth as oracles," did not deliver himself amply. Is afflicted that
his Lordship should think he means, under colour of his warrant, to go
abroad and do as others do, without respect to future service. Refers
to his proceedings before and since his coming to London; has not
been less at liberty the last month than the rest who came out of
Spain, and being half way towards Wales, might have retired there,
but knew his innocence. |
|
Regrets that informations, either by memory or out of the
Amsterdam papers, are taken as trivial intelligences. After eight
years' absence from this realm, it seemed of moment to deliver to
his Lordship what were the foundations of our adversaries abroad,
and with what vain hopes they filled the King [of Spain], that the
multitude in England were well affected to him; what were their
preparations and wants, and who were the English that served them.
Imagined that therein he had discovered his inviolable mind to his
Prince, and wished to make the like discovery of their correspondents
and accomplices here; but finds his own principles so deceive him,
that he sees not how he may at home do efficient service; took it for
a principle, when on the other side, that the number of Catholics here
was infinite, their entertainment of priests bountiful, and their confidence in them great. Intended service by conversing with them,
animating the well affected in their obedience, and demonstrating to
them that all foreign invasions must tend to confusion, especially this
of the Spanish; and by discovering the evil affected that practise
against Her Majesty or the country. Finds, however, by experience,
that all Catholics of credit have sequestered themselves, and shut
their doors and purses from all young priests and practitioners, so
that were he to remain in England, he would have work enough for
two or three months to procure a hole to hide his head in; the last
liberty granted to gentlemen has wrought such strange effects in
them, that they will preserve it by all means possible. With secrecy
and security of conveyance, could do as effectual service in Spain as
any attempted for years; knows it to be perilous to life, yet offers
himself to all the dangers. Would come over monthly from the
army to St. Jean de Luz, to write what he discovers. |
|
Finds all things in England contrary to the relations made in
other countries; they publish, in their books and pulpits, that a most
rigorous persecution is practised here upon Catholics, and that the
number of them in durance is such, that the old prisons will not hold
them, and new ones have to be built; that the torments they suffer
are infinite, and the manner of their deaths intolerable; whereas he
finds here great peace, tolerance, tranquillity, and moderation, with
wonderful clemency, and almost a general liberty and dimission of
all. They publish the number of Catholics to be infinite, and the
receipt and entertainment of priests secure; finds all alla reversa;
the number less by many thousands, and the entertainments harder
by many hundreds than they make it. |
|
Can devise a means how they may be informed in Spain of those
false suggestions, and of the true state of things here; of Her
Majesty's clemency, and of the general aversion towards their unnatural practices. This must not proceed immediately from the
writer, as his name will make any relation that is not to their
humours suspicious, and disable him for other greater matters. Asks
for the rest of the books and papers; will collect therefrom the
Cardinals' names and dispositions, and such other things as Cecil
should know of. [3¾ pages.] |
| June 20. |
Certificate of the officers and companies of several hundreds in
[Hampshire] appointed for defence of the Isle of Wight; total
number of men, 3,640, of whom 2,866 are furnished with arms, and
774 unfurnished. [Case E., Eliz., No. 1.] |
| [June 20.] |
47. Estimate of the rate of pay to be inserted in the French list,
as allowed to the officers and soldiers of the companies serving in
Brittany and the Low Countries; total, 3,157l. 18s. 8d. a month. |
| [June 20.] |
48. Estimate of the monthly cost of 3,000 foot men at 8d. a day,
wages 2,800l., and at 6d. a day, 2,100l. wages; and also at 4d. a day
for victuals, 1,400l. |
| June 20. |
49. Memorandum of the number of soldiers to be levied in London
and 22 counties named, amounting to 3,400, reduced to 3,060 on
account of the dead pays; also of 21 ships engaged to transport them
into France. |
| June 20. |
50. Estimate for the wages and other charges of the abovementioned 3,400 soldiers, with their officers. |
June 21.
Greenwich. |
51. Warrant to pay to Sir Thos. Sherley sums needful for the coat
and conduct money, transportation, and monthly pay of 3,400 men,
to be levied and sent into Normandy and Brittany, for the succour
of the French King, to be issued by warrant from the Privy Council.
The usual weekly imprests and monthly pay to be continued till
they safely return to their counties. |
June 21.
Admiralty Court, London. |
Confirmation by Lord Adm. Howard, of a grant of 6 May 1573,
to the Bishop of Chichester, of the profit of all wrecks happening
within his diocese. [Latin. Case E., Eliz., No. 2.] |
| June 21. |
52. The Lord Treasurer and Lord Admiral to Lord Thos. Howard.
Hope he has long since heard from Her Majesty by Capt. Fleming,
who was sent to let him know her great care that he should not want
victuals; she therefore provided two months' victuals more for the
Elizabeth, Defiance, Revenge, Bonadventure, Nonpareil, Crane, and
Moon under his charge; since then, Capt. Gore and his Lordship's
steward have arrived, with the order he had taken for providing
victuals, upon the intelligence he received by the India prize which
he took. Her Majesty, understanding that the fleet that is to come
from Havannah is to be wafted thence with 22 or 23 armadas and
other ships that the King of Spain is sending to meet them, has
thought good to strengthen his Lordship's forces with two more
of her own ships, the Lion and Foresight, which are also to waft the
two months' victuals in the other vessels that are to go to him,
and the victuals prepared by his appointment. As the Lion and
Foresight were only victualled for two months, enough of those provisions
were put into them to serve two months more. The ships
will be ready to sail by 2 July. |
|
At Her Majesty's request, the City of London have also granted
six of their principal ships and a pinnace, all well appointed and
victualled for five months; these will be ready to depart by 20 July.
Doubt not but his Lordship's forces will be such as to be able, with
God's goodness, to do good service. As it is likely that some intelligence
will be given to the fleet at Havannah that he is lying with
his fleet at the Islands, expecting their coming, and that they will
therefore seek some other course, advise him to send the Wasp
and another ship, together with some special men, to lie as near
Havannah as they can, so as to discover the coming of the fleet,
and to keep on with them, and see what course they take, with
orders to bring his Lordship the intelligence. Sends this by the
Diana of Lyme. [3½ pages. Draft, corrected by Burghley.] |
| June 22. |
53. Indenture whereby Henry Killigrew, Ambrose Coppinger, and
Edmond Downing, of London, release Sir Robt. Jermyn from a
recognizance for 2,000l., on condition of payment of 1,100l. on or
before 28 June 1592. |
June 24.
Greenwich. |
54. The Queen to the Officers of Exchequer. The merchants of the
Northern and Western clothing counties complaining of the custom
of 6s. 8d. on every cloth exported, most of them being coarse cloths;
referred the case to the Lord Treasurer and others, and they recommended
a reduction of 2s. in the pound on the said rates, from
A° 33° for the Northern parts; and that the Western merchants be
allowed every fifth instead of every tenth cloth, custom free, as a
wrapper, upon certain kinds of cloth. Confirms and requires the
fulfilment of the said recommendations, and warrants all officers of
customs to comply therewith; releases also the said sum upon the
customs of cloth already entered. With note, dated 25 May 1606,
from Lord Treasurer Dorset to the Lord Chief Baron, to cause a
draft of a privy seal similar to the above, mutatis mutandis, to
be made to the Northern clothiers alone, omitting things now
needless and impertinent. [2 sheets.] |
June 24.
Greenwich. |
Warrant for a writ of protection and assistance to Thomas
Candishe [Cavendish] to take in hand a voyage by sea, for the
service of the realm, and to the increase of his own knowledge,
whereby he shall be the better able hereafter to do service; also
granting him and his fellow adventurers the benefit of all prizes
that may be taken by them. [Dom. Eliz., vol. 237, ff. 53–4.] |
| June 24 ? |
Writ of protection, &c., to John Chudleigh, Esq., to the same effect
as the preceding. [Dom. Eliz., vol. 237, f. 54–5.] |
| June 24. |
55. Estimate of the shot of the great ordnance; a bastard cannon
shoots 20 lbs. at a shot, and for 5,000 shots will require 40 lasts
and 200 lbs. of powder; a demi-cannon, 18 lbs., and will require
for 5,000 shots 37 lasts and 160 lbs. of powder; and a whole
cannon, 27 lbs., which for a last of powder will be only 85 shots;
and for 5,000 shots, about 55 lasts. |
| June 26. |
56. Estimate of the charge of the forces in France under the Earl
of Essex, including 4,000 foot men, including 250 foot for 100 lancers,
officers, &c.; ordinary charges, 3,843l. 15s. 4d. a month; extraordinary, 2,315l. 3s. 4d. [French. 3 pages.] |
June 27.
The Court. |
57. The Council to the Lord Treasurer. He was directed to pay
Sir Tho. Sherley the charges for the army of 3,400 men to serve in
Normandy, but 250 of the men having been changed into a band
of 100 lances, they are to be paid after the following rates.
Annexing, |
|
57. i. Schedule of the rate of pay for the Earl of Essex, general
officers, and 3,400 soldiers serving in Normandy, of
whom 250 are to be deducted for 100 lancers, and 600
added, who are already at Dieppe with Sir Roger Williams.
Total for the principal officers, 231l. 9s. 4d. a month.
[2 pages.] |
| June 27. |
58. Estimate of the charge of four ships named, with 108 men,
to be sent with provisions to Lord Thos. Howard at the Azores
Isles; total, 825l. 5s. |
| June 28. |
59. Note of the monies paid to 20 captains named, for imprest to
the forces levied in the several shires; total, 550l. |
June 28.
Greenwich. |
60. The Council to the Lord Treasurer. Having divided into
companies the whole numbers appointed to be levied in the several
counties for the intended service in Normandy, 150 of the 300
ready in Lincolnshire have been assigned to Capt. Edmund Morgan,
and the other 150 to Capt. Edw. Cromwell; the 150 out of Essex
to Lord Audley, and the 100 levied in Hertfordshire to Capt. Hen.
Dockwray. He is therefore to order the said numbers to be delivered,
together with their arms and furniture, to the said captains; and
if the latter, upon repairing into the counties to view the men, shall
find any voluntary persons not of their number desirous to serve,
and prefer to take them in lieu of some of the impressed but
less able, they may do so if the counties allow thereof, and assent
that every such voluntary soldier may have the arms, furniture, and
provisions of the soldier impressed, who shall be willing to stay at
home; but such arms, &c. are to be indented for with the captain,
as the rest are, according to former directions. He is also to have a
care that the persons dismissed do not pay anything for their dismission,
but that the indentures for the names of the soldiers
delivered to the captains be sent to the Lord Treasurer, to be of
record in the Exchequer, and the captains are not afterwards to
change any men without special warrant from the Lord General. |
| June ? |
61. The Queen to [the Governor of the Isle of Wight]. Understanding that Sir John Norris has found great good to the service
in Brittany from having a few pieces of ordnance, and that two
or three greater pieces for battery might greatly advance the
service, requests him to send from that island, where there is store,
two or three cannon, or at least one cannon and two demi-cannons,
to be returned after the summer service is ended; if no shipping
can be conveniently had for their transportation, Sir Hen. Palmer,
who is serving in those seas, will send some vessels to fetch them.
[Signed.] |
| June. |
62. List of 25 ships belonging to London and 2 to other places,
that sailed outwards for the Straits, and of 24 London and 6 other
ships that have returned thence inwards, between Michaelmas 1588
and June 1591; with the names of 98 merchants and laders who
have shipped merchandise outwards for the Straits, and of 171 who
have brought any in therefrom, also of 28 shipowners. [5 pages.] |
| [June.] |
63. Estimate [by the Lord Admiral] of the charge of transporting
2,000 men, amounting to 707l. 4s. 8d. |
| June ? |
64. Certificate by Sir John Hawkins and William Borough, that
1,064l. remains on the privy seal of 2 Feb. 1591 for 3,264l., the
estimated charge of setting forth Her Majesty's ships Defiance,
Bonadventure, Crane, Charles, and Moon, for four months, under
Lord Thomas Howard, of which 2,200l. has been paid. Endorsed,
" A copy for Mr. Maynard" [Lord Burghley's clerk]. |
| [June.] |
65. List of 15 captains in England whose companies are in France
or the Low Countries; also of 5 captains who are with their
companies in France. |
| June. |
66. Memoranda [by Lord Burghley] relating to troops in Essex,
the number of officers, &c. in a company, and their salaries; also
the names of the colonels, Lord Audley, Sir Thos. Leighton, Sir
Edward Wingfield, Sir Edw. Stanley, and Sir Charles Blunt;
Sir Rob. Sidney, captain-general of light horse. |
| June ? |
67. " Breviate of the total of Thomas Smith's several books of
accompts of his four farms of the customs and subsidy, as he
maketh them to fall out yearly for 18 years;" viz., from A. 13°
to A. 30°, the sums ranging between 20,000l. and 42,000l. a year;
also demonstration that during the first 12 years of Her Majesty's
reign, when Smith was collector, the London subsidies inwards only
averaged 11,599l. 16s. 10d., whereas from A. 27° to A. 30°, when he
was farmer, it was 30,263l. 15s. 2½d., and that by the last farm he
gained 16,119l. 5s. 5d.; also that from A. 19° to A. 25° of his farm,
the customs and subsidies inwards on London and the four ports
averaged 25,486l. 8s. 6d., but the last two years, when in the
Queen's hands under Alderman Billingsley, 35,823l. 16s. 5¾d., showing
the losses she has sustained through the practices of Smith.
[5 pages.] |
| June. |
68. Account of monies due to Sir Wm. Russell and his company,
as Governor of Flushing, from 1 Feb. 1587 to 6 March 1590; total,
besides former imprests, 4,046l. 14s. 4d. Also note that the check
to be assessed on the horse band must be defalcated out of this.
With marginal notes [by Lord Burghley]. |
| June ? |
69. Memorandum concerning 3,000 men to be levied in counties
named, between 12 and 17 July, and to embark 20 July, at seven
ports mentioned, for Dieppe, to serve with the Earl of Essex. Also
names of 20 captains amongst whom the soldiers are to be distributed,
in bands of 150. [1¾ pages.] |
