|
| Oct. 1. |
70. "A copie of the points whereof the Earl of Essex desired to
be satisfied by Mr. Rcceiver, delivered to him by Mr. Comptroller."
1. What have been the annual profits of the Court [of Wards] in
fines for the body, leases, liveries, and rents ? 2. What was the
usual rate of fines for wardships ? 3. What the fines for lease of
wards' lands ? 4. What the fines for suing of livery ? 5. How may
the revenues of the Court increase without offence to the subject,
and the Master of the Wards have the same authority as the last
had ? 6. What else is it requisite for the Master of the Wards to
know ? [½page.] |
Oct. 3.
London. |
71. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, attendant on the Governor
of Ostend. The Earl of Essex is at Court and in favour, but no
offices as yet bestowed. All say he will sooner or later be Master of
the Wards. There is much talk of new councillors, the number that
stand for it, and the impossibility of pleasing both sides keeps all
back. Sir John Stanhope is expected to be vice-chamberlain. Sir
Francis Vere, with much heave and shove, has got the government
of the Brill. One Stanley, bringing letters from Spain, is sent to
the Tower. He asks a private audience of the Queen, pretending
matters of importance which he would tell no one else. He says
the King of Spain was not dead, but had retired and was drawing on. |
|
There has been a little success in Ireland, 140 rebels killed. The
Earl of Cumberland is come, with some of his ships; the rest are
supposed to be on the coast, for according to our custom, they
scattered, each shifting for himself. They missed the Spaniards who
awaited them with 30 men-of-war at the Terceras, and who left the
Island of Flores only the day before the Earl came there. All they
have done is to take the town and castle of Porto Rico; the Spaniards
knowing of their coming, the property had been removed. All the
Earl has brought (chiefly sugar and ginger) is worth but 15,000l. or
16,000l., not half the charge of the setting out, besides the waste of
shipping and loss of 600 men. Some find great fault with the Earl,
saying he neglected present profit in hopes of greater matters. The
Court is at Nonsuch, and coming to Richmond on Tuesday. [1¾
pages. Chamberlain's Letters, pp. 20–22.] |
| Oct. 4. |
Warrant to pay to Sir John Stanhope, Treasurer of the Chamber,
500l. above the yearly assignment of 12,000l., charging the same
in his account. [Docquet, Oct. 4 and 8.] |
| Oct. 4. |
Royal assent for Hen. Cotton, D.D., elected Bishop of Sarum.
[Docquet, Oct. 4 and 8.] |
Oct. 6.
London. |
72. Thos. Honyman to Sec. Cecil. I have had a letter from
Bayonne, which has been long in coming. The party wrote by
Monday, who is in prison, and has not delivered the letter; if he
give no reason of it, there might be a purpose to get his letter and
send it to Madrid. The year is almost over of the party's abode
in Bayonne. Considering the charge, do you wish him to come
home in a ship going next week, or to remain ? |
|
On Sunday, at Court, Burell spoke to me of Stanley, and Monday;
I speaking of the great honour the Spaniard had, in loyalty to his
prince and country, he told me of some speeches of Don Juan
d'Idiaques, which he promised to set down in writing, but did not,
so I send you what I can remember. Burell said he had told you
I had wished him to offer you his service to go into Spain, but this
is wrong, for I mistrusted him from the first. He says he was
banished the Spanish dominions, which is very unlikely, for they
hold no country clear of heresy but their own, and therefore banish
no man; for small faults they put him into a monastery for years
or for life, and for greater, take his life or send him to the galleys.
[1page.] Encloses, |
|
72. i. Abstract of a letter of 29 Aug. 1598. Letters from Thos.
James, an Englishman in Madrid, of the 12th, report the
extreme sickness of the King of Spain, and consequent
stay of the Duke of Medina Sidonia's journey, and later
letters report his death. Stanley, an Englishman, has
passed, having left Spain with a counterfeit pass. |
|
72. ii. Burell's report of 1 Oct. 1598. Was employed in conveying slaves from Galicia to Toledo; had letters to Don
Juan d'Idiaques, who commended him as fit for the
King's service, and offered him 6,000 crowns a year for
seven years, if any one would give their word for him.
His duties were to be:—1. When any fleet was setting
forth from England, to spend 200l. or 300l. to learn the intention and secrets of the voyage, that they might be
prevented. 2. To advise what shipping went hence into
the Straits, where they were to lade, and at what ports to
separate, that the Naples and Sicily galleys, which commonly lie idle, might be employed, and he should have
half of what was taken in the service. 3. To advise what
Scottish or Flemish or other ships were employed with
Englishmen's adventures, and what was seized by his
advice should be kept for him, and a large reward given
by a grateful prince; the 6,000 crowns were to be paid
him by certain Italians in London. [1¼ pages.] |
| Oct. 8. |
Grant to Sir Fras. Vere, during pleasure, of the office of governor
of the town of Brill, with the garrison and soldiers, he taking the
oaths of the captains and soldiers to remove such as are unfit to
serve, and punishing offenders by martial law or otherwise. [Docquet, bis.] |
| Oct. 8. |
Presentation of John Richardson, professor of divinity, to Fenneditton parsonage, diocese of Ely. [Docquet.] |
| Oct. 8. |
Grant to Thos. Marbury, of the office of writing presentations
and collations for the great seal of England. [Docquet, bis.] |
| Oct. 8. |
Warrant to the Exchequer, in consideration of present payment of
1,000l. by the sureties of Thos. Phelippes, 2,000l. more within six
months, and the rest of the whole debt within 18 months, to grant
his sureties the moiety of Virleys, alias Glanville, extended for his
debt, and to release him from prison, for better finding means of
paying his debt; on bonds for his appearance, should he prove
negligent in the payment. [Docquet, Oct. 8 and 10.] |
| Oct. 12. |
73. Certificate by Lewis Lord Mordaunt, and eight other justices
of peace for Northamptonshire, to the general good conduct of William
and Erasmus, sons of Toby Chauncey; although through the inducement of wild company, they have attempted one or two small
assaults by the highway, they have presently made restitution, and
the parties assaulted desire no further pursuit of them. [1 page.] |
Oct. 12.
Theobalds. |
74. Lady Bridget Vere to her uncle Sec. Cecil. Thanks for your
kind receiving of my letter, and more for your fatherlike counsel,
which I pray God give me grace to follow. As for the working of
slips, it is some part of our daily exercise, and the drawing of them. I
trust with exercise to frame in some sort to it. My aunt White has
her duty remembered to you, giving you great thanks for your
kind remembrance. [1 page.] |
| Oct. 12. |
75. Earl of Essex to Sec. Cecil. Her Majesty speaking of the
affairs of Ireland, and especially of the case of Patrick Cunden, has
commanded me to send to Sir Thos. Norris a letter,—which if he
thinks good, he may deliver to Cunden,—to let him know that I
have petitioned Her Majesty for him, have obtained a re-examination of his cause, and have engaged to be an intercessor for him,
and a security for his good carriage. Of this the Queen willed
me to give you knowledge; if you think it either inconvenient or
superfluous, the letters shall be stayed. [1 page.] |
| Oct. 13. |
76. Lord Admiral Nottingham to Sec. Cecil. I send you the
packet that came from Plymouth to you and me; there is nothing
in it worth the sending, but that Morgan is gone out, and the
Lord Deputy has besieged them with a good number; I pray God
there be as many as is advertised. |
|
P.S.—If you had stayed but one quarter of an hour, the Queen
had visited you in your chamber, for she was at the door. [½ page.] |
Oct. 14.
Court. |
77. Elizabeth Lady Guildford to John [Hare], clerk of the Wards
and Liveries. The Queen having granted me the wardship of
Ant. Hanthrope (?), co. Kent, I request you to make an entry thereof
accordingly, and will requite your courtesy therein. [½ page.
Much damaged.] |
| Oct. 14. |
78. List by Ri. Oseley of nine privy seals, one injunction, one
dedimus potestatem, two commissions, three attachments, and one
exemplification, all in legal causes. [Signed on the day. ¾ page.] |
Oct. 14/24.
Rouen. |
79. Wm. Holt to Hugh Owen and Rich. Bayley, Brussels. I am
surprised not to hear from you, as there are letters from 444. I am
well, yet you cannot imagine what foul devices have been broached
to do me harm, if possible. I am soon going to Spain, but shall
still want to know how the world goes with you. Commend me to
Sir Wm. Stanley, or send him this letter. Father Parsons is not so
well recovered as to be able to travel on horseback, but his infirmity does not hinder his travails here. Thos. Gortz holds out well,
and is a devout young man. Commend me to 1,000. [1 page. The
numbers are ciphers, undeciphered.] |
Oct. 15.
Blackfriars. |
80. Henry Lord Cobham to Sec. Cecil. By this morning's post,
I am advertised that M. de la Boisiers, the French ambassador,
arrived at Dover yesterday, with a train of 30 persons. I send the
names of the principal gentlemen. [½ page.] Encloses, |
|
80. i. Names of the principal persons of M. de la Boisiers'
train, including his two sons and his almoner. [½ page.] |
Oct. 15.
Richmond. |
Letter to the provost and fellows of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge,
for Edm. Mason to be chosen fellow there; procured by Lady
Walsingham. [Docquet, Oct. 16.] |
| Oct. 16. |
Grant to Laurence Whitfield, of the keepership of the ponds in
Westminster park; fee, 6d. a day, and 22s. 6d. for a livery; procured
by Mr. Knyvett, groom of the privy chamber. [Docquet, Oct. 16
and 18.] |
| Oct. 16. |
Pardon to John Cooke, of Easton, for stealing a black gelding,
price 5l., from Rob. Appleyard, of Hacheston, both co. Suffolk.
[Docquet, Oct. 16 and 18.] |
| Oct. 16. |
Pardon to Wm. Wood, of Aylesbury, co. Bucks, for stealing a
horse, price 3l., from John Windmill. [Docquet, Oct. 16 and 18.] |
Oct. 16.
Sheffield Lodge. |
81. Gilbert, Earl of Shrewsbury, to [Sec. Cecil]. Before coming
from London, I asked your favour for Dr. Bennet, chancellor of
York, to be one of the Council, at York. A fit occasion now offers;
Mr. Purefoy, one of the Council, being lately deceased, another must
be placed in his room, and there has always been one civilian at
least; the fee is but 20 marks a year, and if he is absent for a
year, the fee is detained and bestowed on another fit to supply
the place. Dr. Gibson, who has that place, being judge of the Prerogative Court, is always resident in London, and therefore some
other should be placed in his room; this and the other place
void may both be aptly supplied together. Dr. Bennet's sufficiency
for Dr. Gibson's place is known to you; there is none so fit both for
learning and honesty, and having long served as chancellor there,
he understands the service. I love him as well as I do any of his
coat, and if he may know that for my sake he receives more favour
at your hands, I shall acknowledge it as a very great kindness.
I had need apologize for so often visiting you with suits, both on
my own and my friends' behalf, but being warranted from yourself
to do so, I am like those debtors who chose rather to owe all to
one than much to many. [1 page.] |
| Oct. 18. |
Warrant for discontinuance, from 7 Oct. last, of the payment
ordered 39 Eliz. to Wm. Meredith for wages of 1,000 soldiers, part of
the auxiliary forces in the Low Countries, drawn thence and employed under the Earl of Essex in the Islands, and since in divers
places of the western parts, which was to last till they were sent
back to the garrisons whence they were taken; an accord being
now made between the Queen and the States there for payment
of the garrisons. Also warrant to pay to Sir Nich. Parker,
46l. 13s. 4d., the monthly wages of 50 men in the new fort at
Falmouth, from 7 Oct., to continue during pleasure. [Docquet.] |
| Oct. 18. |
Warrant to pay to John Trelawney, mayor of Plymouth, 274l. 10s.
for diet and charges of Spanish prisoners, taken in the voyage to
the Islands; also 7l. for his charges in bringing up two English
prisoners by order of Council. [Docquet.] |
Oct. 18.
Tower, 12 o'clock at noon. |
82. Declaration of John Stanley before the Earl of Essex, Sec.
Cecil, and Attorney General Coke. On 5 August last, I was brought
to the King, sworn to secrecy, and employed to go to Wm. Monday and receive of him a perfume, which should be cast in the way
of Her Majesty, to cut off her life; and the King said the words
that I have already written in another paper, commanding me to
speak some what of peace, and write him what was said of it, especially by my Lord of Essex. I was also to help Monday to burn Her
Majesty's navy; to go to Sir Thos. Arundel, and tell him of one
Father Smith, a seminary; to confer with some Papists, and tell
them the Catholics' names and places, and if they trusted me with
letters, to acquaint them with my employments, or else not. Wil.
Bostok and Edm. Edmonds, servants to Thos. Fitzherbert, are to be
employed shortly. Chas. Tankard, Father Cooper, and another priest
are to come over. Bostok has flaxen hair and a great rolling eye,
and dwells in West Chester, where he has a wife. |
|
After I had been sworn, the King said that my gain would not
only be much money, but that he and his son would be my friends
in case of need. Cresswell said to the King that they had often been
deceived by taking the bare oath of the sacrament, and therefore
they had sworn me—by the Lord, and as I hoped to be saved—never
to disclose the matter, but if I could not do it, to come again
and bring some Papists' letters with me. I often sought to be
employed into Flanders, and then Fitzherbert, Cresswell, Elliot,
and James said, if I would be constant in what they would command
me, I should have 10,000 ducats at my return. They caused
those two letters to be written, and my passport, and bid me say I
was sent for Flanders until I came to St. Jean de Luz, and then to
say I had escaped, which would be believed. Don Juan de Idiaques,
Don Christ de Moro, and others, were privy to my employment. |
|
Monday was dealt with secretly, so that he should not know of
my coming over, and they commanded me to tell him I would run
away, that thereby I should have the more credit at Court, if he
should not be honest; if he was honest I was to join with him,
and if he gave me the perfume, and told me where he had it, I was
to write over about it; the King knew of this perfume and his
Council also. |
|
Walpole told me that Rolls and Squier were employed about Her
Majesty's person, and had received money for the same. They gave
me the aforesaid letters to deliver to the Council, saying Rolls and
Squier had discovered their employments, and what they said of the
King of France would make all the rest believed; and as to the King
of Scots, it were well if they would fall together by the ears, meaning
Her Majesty and the said King of Scots. |
|
I know not any employed about Her Majesty's person, or in the
navy. As to Oliver Alman, the priest, I was to find him about
Einsome, or at Scotney, and he would bring me to some other
Papists who would help me in anything. The King commanded me,
if I did not find Monday honest, then to take any course for Her
Majesty's death. I never perceived that they meant any invasion
by force, but hoped first for Her Majesty's death, for treason, or for
assurances of help of subjects of England; neither have they power
to do it by force, but were promised ships by those of Hamburg to
help them to gain England by force. With note [by Coke], dated from
Essex House, that Stanley, having deliberately read over this declaration at 7 p.m., affirmed it to be true. [4¾ pages.] |
Oct. 19.
Tower. |
83. Examination of Edw. Squier before Sir John Peyton, Attorney
General Coke, Solicitor General Fleming, Fras. Bacon, and W. Waad.
When Walpole persuaded me to be employed against Her Majesty's
person, he asked whether I could compound poisons; I said no, but
that I had skill in perfumes, and had read in Tartalia of a ball, the
smoke whereof would make a man in a trance, and some die. Walpole said that would be difficult, but to apply poison to a certain
place was the most convenient way; I said I had no skill therein,
to which Walpole replied, "you shall have directions." I asked him
if there was no composition of poison to carry with me; he said
no, it would be dangerous, for being taken at sea on a sudden (the
Earl being then ready to go to sea), a man might have neither leisure
nor memory to cast it away, as joy or fear suppress a man's memory.
Walpole said he would write to Bagshaw at Wisbeach Castle, as he
knew all the courses of the Jesuits. I had directions from Walpole,
under his own hand, but I threw them into the water, and also the
letter to Bagshaw. Certain poisonous drugs, whereof opium was
one, were to be beaten together, steeped in white mercury water, put
into an earthen pot, and set a month in the sun; then to be put in
a double bladder, and the bladders pricked full of holes in the upper
part, and carried in the palm of my hand, upon a thick glove, for
safeguard of my hand; and then I was to turn the holes downward,
and to press it hard upon the pommel of Her Highness's saddle; it
would lie and tarry long where it was laid, and not be checked by
the air. He willed me to cause some other to buy one of the
ingredients at one place, and another at another, for fear of suspicion,
there being five in all. The letter and directions were delivered
last May twelvemonth, in the English College at Seville, in Walpole's
presence only, and I came away with his privity. |
|
I bought two drams of opium and five of mercury water, at an
apothecary's shop in Paternoster Row, towards the further end, near
Dr. Smith's house; one ingredient at the Plough, Bucklersbury, and
the other two in Newgate Market, last July twelvemonth, and carried
them about me six or seven days. I compounded and put them into
an earthen pot, and set it in a window of my house at Greenwich,
where it might take the sun, and applied part of it to a whelp of one
Edwardes of Greenwich, and never saw it afterwards, and therefore
I think it died thereof. [3¼ pages.] |
| Oct. 19. |
84. Copy of the above. [2 pages.] |
| Oct. 19. |
85. Copy of part of the above. [1¾ pages.] |
| Oct. 19. |
86. Declaration by Edw. Squier before Peyton, Coke, Fleming,
and Bacon. If they find a man fearful to attempt villany, they
choose him easy work, promising much merit and small danger, as
in my case Walpole did, viz., that I might safely attempt that
matter against Her Majesty, being a thing to be done not when she
was present, but before; and that I need not fear to be seen of any
great persons, nor of men of the greatest judgment, but was to converse with all, drinking a pot of beer or a quart of wine, and such
good-fellow-like parts,—for a man that would spend his money
frankly should be welcome,—and so by little and little grow into
familiarity, so that I might come in time to help on the Queen's
saddle for expedition, and perform the deed. I alleged lack of
knowledge how to do it; he answered he would send me where I
need not fear the want of instruction, so that I need study nothing
but time and place. He said it were a meritorious act to stab or
kill the Earl of Essex, "but this against the Queen is all in all, for
there shall need but little else than to do that well, which I charge
you to perform before all other things." Seeing me very sad, he
demanded if anything troubled me; I answered no, but my mind
was in England. "Be of good cheer," said he, "you may come
there, to the great joy and comfort of your wife and children." |
|
At my next confession, he charged me that I meant not to perform my promise; I protested to him that I verily meant to do it.
Then he laid before me the danger that I was in if I did not endeavour to the utmost to perform it, and that I must not now fear
death, though it might seem very imminent, for what availeth it a
man to win the whole world and lose his own soul? and if I did
but once doubt of the lawfulness or the merit, it was sufficient to
cast me down headlong to hell; and then, taking me by the arm,
he lifted me up, and took me about the neck with his left arm, and
made a cross upon my head, saying, "God bless thee, and give thee
strength, my son, and be of good courage; I will pawn my soul for
thine, and thou shalt ever have my prayers, both dead and alive,
and full pardon of all thy sins." He also used a speech over my
head, which I could not understand, save the first word, Dominus. |
|
He told me at another time that I must insinuate myself into the
company of the better sort, but not reveal my intent to any but to
my confessor, who was bound to keep counsel, and that some had
been deceived in being over credulous of others. I said that it
agreed not with mine estate to keep company much; "tush," said
said he, "let Dr. Bagshaw but see your intent, and be assured of
your resolution, and your wants will be supplied." He charged me
not to practise any matter against the Catholics, especially the
Jesuits and priests, nor to come to church, hear sermons, receive the
sacrament, or take arms against the church, upon pain of eternal
damnation. I asked what service were best to undertake and keep
at Court, and he said that my apprehension was very simple if I
could not find out something that might fit the time; but one thing
was necessary, and if I performed it, I should be a glorious saint in
heaven. The letter he bade me carry into England and deliver,
and I should do well in all things, but not tell him when I went.
The reason of this is, as I take it, because they may not be directly
acquainted with any matter which concerns the King or the Inquisition, but they must reveal it to the superiors of the house or the
Inquisition within a short time, and he is of council to the Inquisition. The direction of the letter was A. Rd° P.D. Bagshaw. |
|
Walpole's persuasions to religion and service for the church began
at his first coming to me in the Carmen, but his beginning with me
about the matter that concerns Her Majesty was in April, before
my coming away, after Rolls had told me that he held me in suspense, and that Jackson suspected me about the supremacy. I
asked him if he would not write by me to some friends in Norfolk,
that I might know how to write to him, but he said no, he would
not trouble me so much, nor should I need that help, if I did as I
should do; and I verily persuade myself that if the Canons'
earnestness for the two priests had not prevailed more than his
persuasion of my constancy, I should never have come from thence. |
|
My relation to my Lord was: 1. Of the certainty of the Spanish
preparations, and their undoubted meaning to proceed, which I
gathered from the King's commandment to set all mills and ovens
at work for bread, and to proceed with all expedition. 2. Of the
number of their ships, which I understood by a Dutchman, a Scot,
and an Irishman, all coming from Ferrol. 3. Of the places of landing in England, which I saw pricked with red ink in Don Pedro
Tellos's plat for England, which he said he received from Sir Wm.
Stanley, and the same places were crossed in a general map of
England, in the English College, by the direction of Gray, master's
mate of the Help. 4. Of the plot against Her Majesty and the
State, out of the Jesuits' speech. 5. Of the number of men mustered
and put into companies in Spain. 6. Of the means to invade and
surprise Seville. 7. Of the means to surprise Porto Rico, the convenience of the harbour, and the fruits of the island, &c. [2 pages.] |
Oct. 20.
London. |
87. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, attending on the Governor
of Ostend. News was expected from Court, but has not arrived.
It was said that Sir John Fortescue was to be Lord Treasurer, but
now they say Lord Buckhurst. The next new councillors are to be
Lord Montjoy and the Lord Chief Justice [Popham]. The Court
of Wards is not sitting, for want of a master, the Earl of Essex
not getting the place, though he is alone in election. Some say this
court will be dissolved, and a yearly contribution raised instead,
out of all lands in capite or knight service, which would be more
profit to the Queen and less grievance to the subject. Others say
the Earl may have the place, but refuses it unless whole and unmaimed, there being a talk of curtailing it; and others that he
scruples at the strictness of the oath, and wonders the Lord Treasurer could dispense with it and his conscience. |
|
The state of Ireland grows worse; they begin to stir in Munster,
where the White Knight, Sir James [Fitzgerald] of Desmond, and
one Patrick Condon, are out. Sir Sam. Bagnall is dead, stabbed
by St. Lawrence (son of Lord Hoth) in a quarrel. Some think
Lord Montjoy will be sent Deputy there; others that Essex means
to take it, and hopes by his countenance to quiet the country; but
he wants leave to return when he will, after a year. A French
ambassador (a civilian) is come to be lieger. Some say he is sent at
the Spaniard's request to further a peace; others say about matters
of piracy. There is talk of sending thither Dr. Herbert, Sir Thos.
Parry, Mr. Bodley, or Mr. Nevill of Berkshire. Sir Robt. Sydney
is likely to be sent extraordinary on the marriage of Madame the
King's sister. John Wroth is to go ambassador to Turkey. Sir
F. Vere is coming to the Brill; out of his entertainment, he pays
Lady Boroughs 400l. a year. There has been some snapping between him and young Lord Grey, who wanted a regiment, and to be
chief commander of the English in the Low Countries. Sir John
Gilbert, with six or seven sail, is going to Guiana, and Sir Walter
Raleigh is like to go too, he is so discontented, because he thrives
no better. Rolls, Pates, Dr. Bagshaw, and one or two more accomplices of Stanley, are sent to the Tower. |
|
The King of Poland is almost taken in Sweden, by his uncle,
Duke Charles. A man in Venice professes to be Sebastian, late King
of Portugal, not slain in the battle in Barbary, but taken prisoner and escaped. They say if he is so, he shall not want maintenance, nor their meditation, but if not, he must look for what he
deserves. The young King of Spain has augmented his council by
taking in eight of the nobility. The Infanta stays in a nunnery
till the Archduke fetch her. Some mad knaves took tobacco all
the way, as they went to be hanged at Tyburn. I enclose verses
said to be by Essex in his disgrace, but do not vouch for them.
Lytton is gone to the burial of Sir John Brocket. [2 pages. Printed
in Chamberlain's Letters, pp. 22–25.] |
| Oct. 23. |
88. The Queen to Sir John Fortescue, Under Treasurer, and the
Chamberlains of the Exchequer. A commission was awarded out
of the Exchequer, by warrant of our late Lord Treasurer, and of
you our under treasurer, for the surveying and bounding of certain lands in Sussex, being our inheritance in reversion of any
estate tail of Sir Hen. Guildford [and Lady Elizabeth his wife].
But though the said commission has been allowed by divers orders,
and published in our said Court, and there so recorded, yet it is now
encountered by Rich. Smith, to the prejudice of our said inheritance.
We therefore require you openly to maintain the said commission,
and call before you any who labour to impugn it, and to punish him
agreeably to justice. [Draft. ¾ page.] |
Oct. 23.
Tower. |
89. Second examination of Edw. Squier, before Sir John Peyton,
Attorney General Coke, Solicitor General Fleming, and W. Waad.
The other three drugs whereof I compounded the poison were all
such as might be broken to powder; one yellowish, and the other
brownish, and called by Latin or Greek names, and the three
cost 8d.; when compounded together, the confection was of a
duskish colour, and the whole about the bigness of a bean. I
have dwelt in Greenwich 16 years, and married there 11 years
since, and maintained myself as a scrivener. I was deputy purveyor to Keys, for provision of the stable, for two years immediately before his voyage with Sir Fras. Drake. I came home
from Spain in July twelvemonths, and within an hour after, I
and Rolls made means to an honourable person in the Council
Chamber, to go with the Earl in the last voyage, and obtained
leave; two or three days after, I bought the poisons, and, having
compounded them, went to sea in one of the victuallers. |
|
I received the sacrament at Walpole the Jesuit's hands, to put
the practice in execution, and to keep it secret. At his persuasion
I undertook to poison the Earl of Essex while I was with him at
sea, so as to defeat the voyage. I carried the poison to sea in the
Earl's ship, in a little earthen pot closely corked, and applied it to
the Earl's chair, where he used to sit and lay his hand, which chair
stood under the spar deck where the Earl used to dine and sup; I
did this of an evening, a little before supper time, when the Earl
was at sea between Fayal and St. Michael. The confection was so
clammy that it would stick to the pommel of the chair, and I rubbed
it on with parchment, and soon after the Earl sat in the chair all
supper time. |
|
On the Monday after my coming home from Spain, and after I
had obtained leave to go with the Earl to sea, understanding that
Her Majesty's horses were preparing for her to ride abroad, as the
horse stood ready saddled in the stable yard, I went to the horse,
and in the hearing of divers thereabouts, said "God save the Queen,"
and therewith laid my hand on the pommel of the saddle, and out
of a bladder, which I had made full of holes with a big pin, I
poisoned the pommel, it being covered with velvet, and soon after
Her Majesty rode abroad. |
|
I came out of Spain a resolved Papist; I was directed, after I had
done this fearful treason, to go to Mr. Woodhouse of Beccles,
Norfolk, where Upton, a priest, would further direct me, but I had
no direction to acquaint Mr. Woodhouse with it, and I never saw him. |
|
The token whereby Upton should know that I was assured
to them was, that after I had taken him by the hand, I was to
take him by the thumb with my little finger. Mrs. Woodhouse
was to direct me to Upton; I had no taken to her, but that I came
from a Norfolk man in Spain. I brought her a pair of beads from
Walpole, but I cast them away with some of my own. Walpole said
the poison would speedily work, and that after the act was done, the
Spanish fleet should come, being then in readiness for that purpose.
[3 pages.] |
| Oct. 23. |
90. Copy of part of the above. [2 pages.] |
| Oct. 23. |
91. Copy of the above second examination. Also, |
| Oct. 24. |
Third examination of Edw. Squier, before Attorney General
Coke. I confess I received the poison at the hands of Walpole, of
the quantity of a garden bean, but I do not know whether there was
any opium or mercury in it, nor what was in it; I received it in a
double bladder, wrapped about with many parchment wrappers.
[2½ pages.] |
Oct. 24.
Richmond. |
Passport for Sir Fras. Vere, appointed governor of Her Majesty's
cautionary town of Brill in the Low Countries, to pass thither with
all his train, carriages, and accessories. [Docquet, Oct. 25.] |
| Oct. 25. |
Warrant to pay to Rob. Vernon, surveyor of victuals for Berwick,
1,000l. imprest for victuals for the garrison. [Docquet.] |
| Oct. 25. |
Warrant to pay to Sir Hen. Wallop 2,163l., to be paid to merchants
who have carried grain into Ireland, to the great relief of the
garrisons. [Docquet.] |
| Oct. 26. |
92. The Queen to the Archbishop of York and Council of the
North. Understanding that by the decay in the numbers of the
Council, hindrance will ensue to our service, and to the expedition of
our subjects' causes to be heard before you, unless the places are
supplied by men of learning and judgment, we have chosen Thos.
Hesketh, attorney of our Court of Wards, to be of that Council, in
place of Mr. Purefoy, lately deceased, in regard of his wisdom and
ability; and we require you to admit and swear him in, and give
him all the privileges of his place. [¾ page. Draft, much corrected,
and the name of Hesketh crossed out.] |
Oct. 26.
Richmond. |
Docquet of the above. [Docquet, Oct. 25.] |
| Oct. 26. |
93. Sir Walter Raleigh to Sec. Cecil. It can be no disgrace if it
were known that the killing of a rebel were practised, for we see
that the lives of anointed Princes are daily sought, and we have
always given head money for the killing of rebels, who are evermore
proclaimed at a price. So was the Earl of Desmond, and so have
all rebels been practised against; notwithstanding I have written
the enclosed to Stafford, who only recommended that knave to me
upon his credit. You are not to be touched in the matter; I am
more sorry for being deceived than for being declared in the practice. |
|
P.S.—He has nothing under my hand but a passport. [¾ pages.] |
| Oct. 27. |
Warrant to pay to Sir Hen. Wallop 24,000l., with allowance for
transportation, for discharge of debts to the forces in Ireland; also
sums certified by six of the Council to be due for coat, conduct, and
transport of 2,000 men to be sent thither. [Docquet, Oct. 27 and 28.] |
| Oct. 27. |
Pardon to Mary, wife of Rob. Bateson, co. Herts, condemned
for stealing a purse value 6l. 12s. from Thos. Payne; subscribed by
Justices Gawdy and Owen, and the Attorney General. [Docquet,
Oct. 27 and 28.] |
| Oct. 27. |
Grant to John Rowland, a lame and deaf man, of an alms-room
in Warwick. [Docquet.] |
| Oct. 27. |
Seven letters of one tenure for levying men for Ireland, according
to an entry in the Signet Book. [Docquet.] |
| Oct. 27. |
94. List by Ri. Oseley of 10 privy seals, one compulsory, one
dedimus potestatem, one commission, and four attachments, in legal
causes. [Signed on that day. 1 page.] |
Oct. 27.
Vernam. |
95. Frs. Burly to Sec. Cecil. I propose that the Darling pinnace,
in which you have a part, shall go to sea upon reprisal. I have
been at great charge in new building and keeping her, and now I
beseech your help for setting her forth. She should have gone with
Sir John Gilbert, and I proposed going in her, but my hap was so
hard that I lost 70l., which I sent by one of our men for the trimming of her, and as yet can neither hear of man nor money, and
shall not now be able to furnish her for such a journey. I propose
that the bearer shall go as captain, and refer my suit to your most
due consideration. [½ page. Damaged.] |
| Oct. 27. |
96. Sir Hen. Lee to Sec. Cecil. If my hawks answered my
desire, you should be well provided from me. I have a few, but
none fit for you. Amongst them there is a case of good falcons, that
a fair lady bestowed upon me, which would be better if they were
in such hands as could and would give them their rights; I have
also a haggard falcon, who is like to be a good flinger, and another
that I had trained and lost, but recovered again. I am promised
others, which I will send you as they come in. Send one of judgment,
and he shall know as much of them as myself, and take as many as
he pleases; the more the better. If I were young again, I should
be a fit man to attend you. |
| Oct. 30. |
97. Thomas Lord Burghley to Sec. Cecil. Your letter for the
passports for my sons is lost; send the bearer for another, as they are
to depart to-morrow, if the wind serves. Let me know what day
you will appoint to be here, for receiving the opinion for the jewels.
I hear the Earl of Rutland labours for the lieutenancy of Lincolnshire; pray stand for me; if Her Majesty shall grant it to any but
myself, I should take it very disgracefully, being deputy in my
father's lifetime. I trouble you in my often suits, but you shall not
find me unthankful. I send Windebank my father's patent for the
wardenship of the Forest of Rockingham, as also the patent licence
for Mortlake park. Pray move Her Majesty therein as from your
own remembrance. |
| Oct. 30. |
98. List by Ri. Oseley of five privy seals, three attachments, one
certiorari, and two dedimus potestatems, all in legal causes. [Signed
on that day. ¾ pages.] |
| Oct. 30. |
Presentation of Alex. Revell, M.A., to Rendlesham parsonage,
diocese of Norwich. [Docquet, bis.] |
| Oct. 30. |
Grant to Ant. Duck of the office of groom of the buckhounds,
void by death of John Duck, his father; fee, 6l. 13s. 4d. and 8l. 4s.
for summer and winter liveries, to be paid by the Treasurer of
the Chamber, instead of by the Master of the Great Wardrobe, as
before. [Docquet.] |
| Oct. 31. |
Grant to Edward Parvis, merchant of London, of protection, till
the Queen is satisfied for debts due to her by him. [Docquet.] |
| Oct. |
99. The Queen to the Justices of the Exchequer, Common Pleas, &c.
Understanding that the controversy which has long been depending
between Lord Cromwell and All Souls' College, Oxford, remains
yet undecided, and that the pursuit thereof has greatly weakened
his estate, and would be more and more burdensome to him if not
speedily ended, we have been pleased, as he has well deserved our
good opinion, earnestly to recommend a speedy determination of the
same, reminding you that nothing be done prejudicial to our interest
in these lands, being in reversion by reason of an estate tail to the
heirs male of the said Lord Cromwell. We also require a like speedy
end to a long suit between Lord Cromwell and Edw. Andrews, to
be determined in our Exchequer Chamber. We doubt no whit of
your integrity and sincere proceedings, yet that the said Lord Cromwell may not be further weakened in his estate by continuance of
charge in these suits, we require your care for expediting an end,
and with all honourable favour to him. [Draft, ¾ page.] |
| [Oct.] |
100. Declaration of receipts and payments in the Treasury of
the Chamber, from Michaelmas 1597 to Michaelmas 1598, Sir
John Stanhope being treasurer; total receipts, 12,500l.; payments,
13,080l. 3s. 9d., which as compared with the average payments
for three years, viz., from 1586 to 1589, in the time of Sir
Thomas Heneage, late treasurer, being 15,077l. 16s. 5½d., show
a reduction of 1,997l. 12s. 8½d. With note that 580l. 3s. 9d., this
year's surplus expenditure, was chiefly for messengers sent to the
clergy and recusants about their payments for furnishing light horse
for Ireland, and has been paid out of this year's account, which
will therefore run short, unless a privy seal may be procured for the
sum. [3 pages.] |
| [Oct.] |
101. Note of cloth of all sorts, transported from the port of
London by English and strangers, for one year, from Michaelmas
1597 to Michaelmas 1598. [1½pages.] |
| Oct. |
Schedule of seven counties whence 2,000 men were levied for
Munster, with the names of their captains and the ports for embarking and landing in Ireland; and note of three lasts of powder,
&c. sent with them. [Irish Corresp. 194, f. 90 b.] |
