Queen Elizabeth - Volume 270: April 1599

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1598-1601. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

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'Queen Elizabeth - Volume 270: April 1599', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1598-1601, (London, 1869) pp. 173-190. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/1598-1601/pp173-190 [accessed 28 March 2024]

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April 1599

April 1.
Court.
70. Sir John Stanhope to Mr. Hare. The Queen wishes you to stay any grant of the wardship of Mr. Mears of Northamptonshire, and to remind her, when she has disposed of the office of [Master of] the wards, that Fras. Heyborne of the privy chamber has requested it. [½ page.]
April 3.
Rycot.
71. Dud. Carleton to John Chamberlain, at Dr. Gilbert's, St. Peter's Hill, near St. Paul's, London. News from Holland and Flanders of the war. Count Bucquoy, governor of Emerich, and several others have been taken in a skirmish. It is thought the Germans only intend to defend their own borders. Cardinal Andræas is going to Cologne to satisfy them with fair promises. All goes ill at our poor forsaken garrison of Ostend; the contri butions not coming in, the works are foreslowed. A serjeant of my Lord's company was taken and killed, and a Flushinger guide has betrayed his whole party. After Easter my Lord goes a week to the Court.
I have been to Oxford, and find no change except that all the colleges, especially Christchurch, are full of very pretty wenches; therefore instead of choosing an Emperor last Shrovetide, they made a pretty boy an Empress, and wore suitable masks and mummings. Bodley is looked for daily at Oxford; his library costs him more money than he expected, because the timber works of the house were rotten, and had to be new made. The imperfect works of Christchurch are in hand to be made up at cost of the college, which is again beforehand with the world. Mr. Airie is head of Queen's college. Private affairs. [3 pages.]
April 6.
Moor Lane.
72. W. Waad to Sec. Cecil. Your letter of advice brought the key that has opened the secret cabinet of the intent of the repair hither of this disgraced Italian, whose lost brother is turned into vessels of war. I have persuaded him to set down the enclosed declaration; the name of Frederico Spinola was the only inducement. As your advertisements were very particular, and came in the very opportunity of time, I note God's gracious favour, to deliver into Her Majesty's hands such advertisements of the men and plots employed against her as yet he does; all those employed men do deliver by piecemeal their practices, and as Terence saith, si nequeas paululo at quanti queas minimo. They will escape as cheap as they can; but so good a hold being gotten, the rest will be wrested from him. In the mean season, I thought good to employ him while I found him yielding, and to send you this declaration; he desires this matter may be kept secret. [1page.] Encloses,
72. i. Declaration of Hortensio Spinola. I serve the Marquis Spinola, and have a son Frederic, who got leave from the King of Spain to set out 10 or 12 vessels. I went to Italy to speak with the Prince Cardinal, when my son proposed to me to come and view some port of England. Being a poor gentleman, desirous of services, I complied. He wished me to go from Havre to Southampton, Plymouth, Portland, and Torbay; thence to London, Harwich, and if possible Yarmouth; then to Dover, Calais, and Antwerp, where I should hear of him. He wanted to know if these ports are strong, fortified, and defended by artillery at the entrance; if vessels could remain in the ports at low water, and if there were soldiers there. I asked him the mode he was proposing, and he told me he should have flyboats, but knew nothing else certainly, as the Prince Cardinal would resolve all. He bade me make the voyage quickly, and then I should know every particular. [Italian, 1¾ pages.] 5 April 1599.
April 6. 73. Declaration of Don Juan de Gusman, translated from the Spanish in his own hand, by Rich. Tomson. I am of the house of Gusman in Castile, in Lugo in Galicia, where I had a competent portion. Capt. Hen. Duffield, a prisoner there and enduring many miseries, told me that he was a gentleman, and one whom Her Majesty and the Council held in some account, and that it was impossible to live, so great were his calamities, which if I should remedy, I should do God great service; he protested that when his ransom came, which was a contador taken a Cadiz, he would requite me with something of his country wherein I should take delight. Other English prisoners there told me also that he was a gentleman, so I promised to be his friend, and dealt with the Bishop of Lugo to deliver him to me, upon my bond; he did so, upon condition that he slept every night in the prison.
Growing weary some days after of carrying him to prison, I wrote to Don Diego Brochero, general of the galleys and army of Spain, requesting him to give me a prisoner, Capt. Hen. Duffield, and bound myself in a bond which I sent him, together with my goods, to keep him in custody until other commands should come. The general ordered him to be delivered to me, and I had him in my custody seven months, spending largely with him; he then entreated me to carry him to the city of St. James of Compostella, as he had a great desire to see it, and thence he would journey to Vivero, to see a captain of foot, his companion, a prisoner there, and heir of 4,000 ducats a year. After we came to Vivero, both of them dealt with me to consent to give them liberty, and they would carry me where there was no inquisition, and I might live according to my conscience freely, and assured me that I should be very welcome to Her Majesty and the Council for so good a service; so I put their request in practice; Capt. Thos. Bridges gave me his word that as I was a gentleman, if he received this favour at my hands, he would give me 500 ducats a year for my expenses; Capt. Duffield promised me too many things to repeat, and assured me of the friendship of the Lord Admiral, and the rest of the Council. Trusting in their words, I inconsiderately promised them hope, and some days after, I came back to Vivero about this business from Lugo, and became bound to Dona Issea,—the wife of Capt. Jno. Dutton, that was prisoner here, which woman had Thos. Bridges prisoner, instead of her husband,—that Capt. Bridges, at his arrival in England, should send home her husband within three months, or I should pay the money her husband was detained for. Upon this bond she delivered him to me, I paying the charges she had been at for him, and giving her two good horses.
After this I secretly hired a bark with six mariners, and came to France, where we found passage in a ship of Plymouth, laden with merchandize for Bristol, and with certain pikes of Spain for the Earl of Essex; but the winds were so contrary, that after three weeks, we descried certain islands which the pilot at first thought to be Scilly, but coming nearer, said he knew not what country it was; but two wild men came aboard, by whom we understood that we were in Ireland, and among the Queen's friends; by reason whereof, as also that our victuals failed, we were compelled to go on land. There we met with the, servants of one Taltekew Mahona, who told us that their master was a loyal subject of Her Majesty, and never had borne arms against her; trusting to their speeches, we went into his castle without fear. It was true that this man had never rebelled, yet seeing the good occasion before him, he determined to spoil the ship and the people in her, and from me also to take the poor things I had; saying that because I came in company with Englishmen, I should be dealt with as they.
A month after, he told me that because I was a Spaniard, and they expected Spaniards to help them in the wars, if I would give him a writing, aftirming that in regard of me he had released the two English captains, and that from me he had taken nothing, neither spoiled me of anything, but rather assisted me with necessaries, he would set me free, and the captains and some of the soldiers of his command should safely conduct us whither we would go. I was content, and made him a writing very ample; and the knave, in lieu of accomplishing his word, sent us prisoners over the river to the Earl of Desmond, where we were in a new fear to lose our lives; the Earl and the Pope's Legate that was with him, together with other priests and friars, examined me how I came to be with those Englishmen. I pretended that I carried at my charge Capt. Bridges, to bring back for him a brother of mine, prisoner in London, and that Capt. Duffield was to pay me 500 ducats that I had lent him in Spain; the Legate asked for the passports; I feared discovery as they were counterfeit, yet I put them into his hands, and certified that they were Don Diego Brochero's; he showed them to the Earl and interpareted to him, and the next day restored them to me, and promised to cause the Earl to despatch us forthwith; but before I went, I must do him the favour to write to Don Diego Brochero, for a ship that he would send for powder, that she might be presently despatched. I told him that I did not well know Don Diego Brochero, but that I would write to a captain, a friend, that could do much with him, Which I did by writing to a person I never knew nor saw, and directing it to the first name that came in my head; thus they were satisfied, and I was freed. The Earl gave us a passport and a servant to guide us to Limerick, where were six or seven bakrs provided with soldiers, to march the next morning and take the ship out of the power of Tekew Mahona. We embarked and went with the soldiers; Tekew, being advertised, brought the ship close under the castle, and so fortified her that it was impossible to take her away. Three mariners of the ship came in a boat towards us, and are now in Limerick.
The inhabitants of Limerick took indignation against me, because I went to church, and because, when the enemy came to steal the cattle, I went forth with my horse and lance, with the Englishmen and people of the town, to fight, and because I was intimate with the English, so that if I had not been warned by several English gentlemen, they would have killed me; I refrained to come abroad by night, or to go alone into any of their houses.
Capt. Bridges went from Limerick to Cork, although I earnestly requested him to stay, but he said we should see one another again at Court, where Henry Duffield should give a reason of his business, and he of his own; so they parted in anger. We came with an Irish gentleman of Limerick to Waterford, and thence to Bristol. My affection to the English in Spain has not only been manifested in the troubles I have passed for these two captains, having so many times delivered them from death and their enemies, but towards many others, as Nathaniel Croker, now dwelling in London, Capt. Jno. Thomas and those men who have deceived me know well. I know not what trust may be reposed in those who use such deceits and treasons, and who, for doing them good, have caused me to live a banished man from my country all my life. [4 pages.]
April 7.
York.
74. Archbishop of York and Council of the North to the Privy Council. Yesterday morning, there was a report of a great fleet of Spanish ships arrived at Whitby, but we heard from Hen. Cholmley, dwelling on that coast, that they were Scottish gentlemen who have charges in Flanders, and have levied soldiers, and horses in Scotland to supply the Low Countries, unto whom came a fleet of Newcastle ships, and were becalmed near Whitby. Mr. Cholmley wrote to Lord Eure to the same effect, and we advertize you, lest you may hear the report. The York assizes are ended this day, and the country is in good peace. [¾ page.] Encloses,
74. i. Hen. Cholmley to the Archbishop of York. Last night five or six gentlemen with mariners landed at Whitby; the town was suspicious, as four ships were in the harbour, that the Earl of Bothwell was amongst them. I sent for the principal, and he told me that Col. Murray, who has a regiment in Flanders, left them seven weeks ago, and by warrant from the King of Scots, has levied 400 men for Flanders. I promised to help them the next morning with hay for their horses, but set a careful watch that night on their lodging and their ships. Next morning, 100 ships, passengers from Newcastle, joined them. I kept two gentlemen as pledges, and sent my cousin John Saltmarsh with the others to inspect the ships. We found in them more numbers than were mentioned, and 60 horses.
The country was in great fear, and some wanted to fire the beacons, but having heard of the Scots' embarking, and knowing the wind to be contrary, I was not forward in furthering the common people's fears. I let them have hay, and requested also those of Scarborough to relieve one of their consorts gone thither. Some of the gentlemen who landed serve as volunteers; they remain in the town, behaving as gentlemen, waiting wind and tide.
[1¾ pages.] Whitby, April 5, 1599.
April 7.
York.
75. Matthew, Archbishop of York, to Sec. Cecil. I am willing to accomplish Her Majesty's direction for the well using of my Lord of Limerick, &c. not only because she has a gracious care of his well doing, but for the common cause of religion, which has received some disgrace by his unfortunate marriages, especially by the last, which is flat contrary to Her Majesty's ecclesiastical laws of this land, and much misliked by most of the clergy of this realm. Yet I think that pars innocens by the law of God may marry, and albeit the presumptions are pregnant that this woman was with child by him at the time of his divorce, yet hath he now protested to me that he was no offender with her or any other at the time of his divorce; which if it be true, then in my judgment this his marriage is lawful. [¾ page.]
April 8.
Plymouth.
76. William Stallenge to Sec. Cecil. Supposing that Mr. Bagg had received some of Her Majesty's money for the provision of corn in these parts, I gave my bills in for 150l. to be paid in London, upon account of 140 quarters of wheat brought here; but as he has not received it, I am forced to take order for payment thereof other ways, lest the party of whom the wheat is received should be further hindered, the money being due in London on a bond on the 10th instant. I have disbursed more money here for corn, but if there be no cause to use it, I hope I may be licenced to pass it to Mr. Darell's and Mr. Jolles's account, or to sell it here, that I may received my money without further charge; whereas if I should seek it at Court, I shall be much hindered. Several small barks have returned from Spain, but none can report of any preparations in those parts; the Rainbow has also come in. [¾ page.]
April 10. 77. Declaration by Hortensio Spinola, of the instructions given him by Frederico Spinola to sail from Have de Grace to Southampton, Poole, and Dartmouth, examine Portland, Torbay, Plymouth, London, Harwich, and Yarmouth, as to the nature of the ports, whether the people were traders or militia and mariners, whether there were rocks, &c. in the ports.
This was my reply; I came to Havre, stayed 16 days for weather, which being still bad, I went to Dieppe, and thence to Calais and London; thence on horseback to Plymouth, a large place not walled, the people, some traders, some mariners, but warlike and setting out yearly vessels of war against Spain; the port capable of holding very many vessels, and at low water, 3½ yards deep. At the entrance, on an island, is a strong castle, with 40 or 50 pieces of artillery, with 100 men; further in is another castle, with 100 men and 30 pieces; and further still, a tower with six or seven pieces on the top.
Thence I went to Dartmouth, a large port for 600 vessels, and at low tide, five yards of water; at the entrance, a bastion of earth with six or eight pieces of artillery; further in, a castle, with 24 pieces and 50 men; and then another earth bastion, with six pieces. The place is large, but not walled, the mountains serving for walls; the people are warlike, and constantly at sea with vessels, to attack the Spaniards and other enemies; in the port are generally 30 vessels of merchandise or war. Thence I went to Torbay, a shelter for ships in time of need, where it is easy to disembark, there being neither fortress nor people to hinder. Thence to Portland, a place of shelter in bad weather for many ships; a small place, with a castle to defend it, but no other defence, few people, and little artillery. Thence to Poole, a large place, but undefended, because only vessels of 50 or 60 tons could enter. Thence to Southampton, which is on a river, at the entrance to which is a strong castle of 60 pieces of artillery and 100 soldiers; large vessels cannot reach it, but have to stay at a place three miles off, well furnished with men and warlike apparatus.
Thence I went by London to Yarmouth, large and populous, the people all in the herring fishery, well walled towards the sea, and furnished with artillery; towards the land is a small river, which only vessels of 30 or 40 tons can enter, and large vessels are laden with herrings two miles from land. From Yarmouth, I passed to Harwich, not large nor populous, the side to the sea walled, and with guns; the port large and good, six yards of water at low tide, but the entrance dangerous, on account of certain banks. It needs a very experienced person to enter. From Harwich I went to Ipswich, there was taken, and brought before the Council of London. [Italian, 5 pages.]
April 11.
Plymouth.
78. John Blytheman, mayor of Plymouth, to the Council. Mr. Sparke of this place met John Martin of Plympton, who came lately from the Groyne, where he left his brother prisoner, to seek a Spaniard in these parts, who (if he can find him) will free his brother and his company. Martin informed him that it was commonly bruited amongst the Englishmen and Spaniards at the Groyne, that seven score ships were to be made ready to come northwards, all to meet at the Groyne, with 48 galleys now at Lisbon. That he saw eight gallions at the Groyne, of which six were ready; 20 of this fleet were to come out of Biscay, two of which were sent to Lisbon, to fetch ordnance to furnish the rest; the remainder to come from Andalusia and Lisbon. That the ships were to be furnished with men that would come by land, save 1,200 soldiers already at the Groyne, because they stood in fear of two of Her Majesty's ships on that coast. Martin's brother and company were taken in a small carvel belonging to Capt. Parker of this town, by a bark, attended upon by a pinnace, whereof Griffin, an Englishman, was master; the bark and pinnace are come again upon this coast, manned with English, French, and Irish. [1 page.]
April 12.
Lincoln College.
79. Certificate by Rich. Kylby, rector, and ten Fellows of Lincoln College [Oxford], that Josaphat Webb, late a student of there, was studious, of honest behaviour, and conformable in religion. [1 page.]
April 12.
Blackfriars.
80. Henry Lord Cobham to Sec. Cecil. I send the enclosed received from Dover. You may perceive that Andrea Spinola, a Genoese, has lately landed there, and come up with letters to the French ambassador and Signor Corsini. [½ page.] Encloses,
80. i. Wm. Leonard, on behalf of the Commissioners for restraint of passage at Dover, to Lord Cobham. Here arrived this day from Dieppe, amongst certain French merchants, one Italian named Andrea Spinola, a Genoese, with his servant, Luchetto degl' Oddi, Genoese. He has letters to the French ambassador, and to Signr. Corsini and other Italians in England. He is also recommended to the French ambassador by a letter from Mons. Abely, the King's advocate of Languedoc. He is a person of good quality and of rare parts, and his coming over is but to observe the fashions of England. Although we could not impeach his passage, we have taken order that this letter shall be with you seven or eight hours before his coming to London, and have specially requested him to wait upon you, as soon as he comes to London. [¾ page.]
Dover, 11 April 1599.
April 13.
Blackfriars.
81. Hen. Lord Cobham to Sec. Cecil. Sir Andrea Spinola, of whom I wrote you yesterday, has been with me this morning, as he was enjoined by the Commissioners of Dover. He has brought some letters of recommendation to the French ambassador, and pretends he has only come to see Her Majesty and the country; he has likewise letters for Corsini. He tells me he has been in France this half year, and mostly at Paris, and that he is of the Marquis of Spinola's house. On telling him that Ferdinando Spinola, brother to the Marquis, had lately arrived at Brussels, he was out of countenance, pretending ignorance of his being there. It were requisite to have an eye to this man, and yet not too curious, till it be seen how the French ambassador will carry himself. The gentleman is of as good a discourse as I have ever heard, tall, handsome, and a soldier. [1 page.]
April ½ 4/4.
Lisbon.
Giles Van Harwick [alias Wm. Resould] to Peter Artson [alias Cecil]. I suspect that Capt. Fowel, a Catholic, who went over with Gaspar Van Sanden, has engaged to bring back intelligence of what passes. He has great freedom here, often access to the Condé of Portallegro, and private conferences with friar Foster. * * * * Don Diego Brochero, the governor, is constantly sending French ships, or those that pretend to be such, into English harbours, to learn the news; and doubtless they convey Jesuits, or intelligence from them. Parsons, an English traitor, kinsman of the arch traitor Parsons at Rome, who is in England, and has been there three years, does this. One Spencer lately brought the governor the platforms of Plymouth, the new castle, and the land between Portsmouth and Southampton. Griffin, late of Plymouth, has gone for England. In February, four vessels were sent to Tyrone, with eight pieces of ordnance and 60,000 ducats. Bolt, the Jesuit, has embarked for Ireland. Dr. Younger procured Capt. Donnington to be sent as captain over all the English prisoners, that he might convey over a young Jesuit, kinsman to Cresswell the great Jesuit at Madrid. If Donnington has not told about this youth, he should answer for it; if either Parsons or the youth were discovered, the whole machinery of the Jesuits might be known. Divers are sent over by way of Ireland, some as pretended prisoners from this castle; their danger they say is all in landing, for if they can be six hours ashore, they have plenty of harbourers. It is said there are 72 Jesuits and priests in London. Sir Wm. Courtney had great correspondence with Don Juan de Avora, when he was captain for the Spanish King in Brittany.* * * * I wonder that no course is taken to intercept ships of Lubec, Hamburg, &c., that come here with corn, and that those ambo-dexter traitors, the Irish, are not prevented trading here, where they are only suffered to serve Jesuit towns and Spanish garrisons. Unless some governors were corrupted, such open malefactors would not escape. They give continual news in favour of Tyrone and against England, and the correspondence through the Irish trade has caused Tyrone's insurrection. The petty customs, which make a show of enlarging the Queen's purse by the Irish trade, prove to empty her coffers. A pity that so good a Prince should nurse Ireland and the Low Countries, and they, like vipers, seek to scratch out her heart by succouring her only enemy.
This year will be plentiful in corn; if the King's forces come here, you should starve them by sending 10 good ships to keep the river's mouth. Otherwise the Adelantado will either help Tyrone or invade some place in England. Is it possible that, as God has given the Queen power, by ships and valiant subjects, to be the commander of the sea, yet that in 15 Years' wars, she has never provided to intercept the King of Spain's India fleet, which would be a great weakening of him?
In Madrid, the Jesuit Creswell has so good intelligence that not a straw wags in the English Court but he hears of it. He knows already Donnington's speeches on his arrival, and has weekly a porter's burden of letters of intelligence from all places, which is the cause of his estimation here. The bearer of this, Mr. Sark, of Milton in Kent, knows most of the English traitors that use the harbours in England. I know not whether such a man should be entertained in the west parts, to discover such persons. The Spanish ensign is a dangerous fellow, or he would not have been sent to supply such a place. I can get no licence to embark; if I could get home, I should like to return with this ensign. The prophecy of the Queen's death this year still continues, and that Don Sebastian is alive at Venice. Sagwell, servant to the Lord Admiral Hawkins, and Fowel's boy, are here, detained in the castle. [Extract, Spanish Corresp.]
April 14. Mr. C— to [Sec. Cecil?]. You need not fear invasion this year, the King is not fit for it; he will try what the Queen can do this year in Ireland, where he thinks her army will waste with time; but if he cannot make peace with England or the Low Countries, his attempt will be in harvest; be will try to possess some port, though he leave but 3,000 men in it, and will try what discontent will do at home, and whether the Catholics dare show themselves when they see some beginning. If they keep the place but six months, they will put things to confusion, and prevent your troubling others. Stanley and Jaques will be principal commanders, but not chiefs. The King has vowed to do somewhat when he sees the issue of Ireland, the treaty, and this Flemish fury. [Extract, Spanish Corresp.]
April 16.
Chenies.
82. Lady Bridget Vere to Mr. Maynard, Westminster. Mr. Arnold, chaplain to the Countess of Bedford, has an opportunity offered him in London of doing well. Pray obtain a letter or mandate on his behalf. [½ page, damaged.]
April 17.
St. Botolph's
Parish,
London.
83. Certificate by Edmond Essex to the virtuous and honest carriage of Edw. Archer; since his lodging with him, he has been true and loyal, and frequented the church very religiously. [¼ page.]
April 18.
Blackfriars.
84. Henry Lord Cobham to Sec. Cecil. The mayor of Sandwich, and the Commissioners for restraint of passage there, have sent up Patrick Sedgrave, an Irishman, for having upon landing refused to take the oath of supremacy; the party that brought him is to have 30s. for his charges. I send them to you, that the one may be ordered as you shall think fit, and the other paid. [½ page.]
April 18.
Ostend.
85. Geo. Whitton to Dudley Carleton, at Lord Norris's, Puddlewharf. I have often heard of a mutiny begun by soldiers, but seldom by captains; now the world is turned upside down, for the soldiers seem to have more government than their officers. Capt. Peakle used all means possible to stir up their minds, by urging the wrongs done them by too much duty; besides the serjeant-major was resisted by four or five officers, his authority contemned, and the whole garrison assembled,—an opportunity fit enough if the soldiers had been ready to take it. The rest of the captains were at their daily exercise, and heard of this tumult, but came not to appease it, for there was good drink. The Lieutenant Governor himself came, and entreated hardly, and told them the danger, and by much persuasion got them to prison, cleared the streets, and the broil broke up.
Next morning the captains were sober, and when witnesses were brought and verified what had passed, they sighed and departed. Capt. Peakle came into the street with a new outery, and words of more force to move sedition, and showed reasons why the English were oppressed, comparing them to Spaniards, and another assembly is procured. Then Capt. Jaques steps out and cries "Holloa, Capt. Peakle, holloa!" and so that outrage ended. Four hours after, Capt. Peakle repented, came cap in hand and desired forgiveness; the burghers intreat a pardon, and offer satisfaction. An Englishman is a brave man.
We are very angry, and ask for justice; demand a court, which is granted. The serjeant-major is plaintiff. Witnesses are heard on his side, but judgment deferred, and nothing done but the suit of Capt. Peakle granted, that the prisoners might go to their lodgings. The bailiff is a knave; he hinders justice, and by this villainy the court is deferred. I am glad that it fell out no worse matter to write to my Lord Governor, and thus trouble him, and hinder his business. Some were jealous that it was a match of set purpose, but it is only an accident, happened by the insolence of Peakle's ensign; they are all afraid, and wish there was a good end made of it. You would wonder to see the base submission now of those that stood on such high terms before; they have offered to acknowledge their faults on their knees, if that might serve for satisfaction. Our only fear is that affection will carry the captains so far to partiality, that there will not be true justice executed, by which example a worse inconvenience may follow. [1½ pages.]
April 18.
Boulogne.
86. Jo. Colville to Jeremy Jarrett, Mayor of Dover. I cannot return to discharge a debt to you, so send a messenger to do it, and beg a passport for him. As some are come or coming over with intent to murder, I caution you against all that go that way, especially one with long moustaches, who pretends to come to seek a ship.
P.S—Another rascal is known to the bearer, who should have a letter to all constables by the way to apprehend him.
April 18. 87. Jo. Colville to John Nicholas. I request you to furnish the bearer with 20s. till he return. I will recompence you once for all.
April 20.
Topsham.
88. Examination of John Billott of Fowey. On 9 October last, I was shipped as master in a Biscayan of Gregory Holmead's, of Plymouth, bound for Bayonne with merchandise; 14 days after our arrival, the ship took in a freight of Newfoundland fish for Avero; where, after waiting six weeks for wind, we set sail and arrived in four days. Staying at Avero 15 days, certain Portuguese had suspicion that I was English, whereupon the ship was stayed, and I was committed to prison by the corregidor, to the custody of one of the Portuguese who had charged me, but by means of Juan Andra, another Portuguese, who was my host, and had former knowledge of me, I escaped to Mondego, where I went in a small Brittany vessel that wanted three men, to Lisbon, thence to the Groyne and Bluett. We stayed at Lisbon five weeks for wind; there I saw 22 galleys full of men and victuals, bound for England, and five carracks set sail from there for the East Indies, on New Year's day.
After 10 days' sail, we came to the Groyne, where I saw 29 great ships, of which eight were argosies, serving the King, and 60 small ships. Staying there 19 days to sell our salt, I saw their trained men, reported at 25,000, between Brittany and Ferrol, who were mustered every day, and ready to be embarked, but stayed for the Adelantado, who was gone for 60 galleys which were expected from southwards. They intended first to come for Brest, and thence for England. A Spaniard took me on board the Saint Paul, and charged me with being an Englishman, and kept me prisoner there eight days; meantime an Italian showed me a chest full of printed papers, of which I took one, and brought it away in my shoes, so that it was not found in a search at my departure. I was dismissed, as they could not disprove my pretending myself a Frenchman of Cherburg in Normandy.
There was great jollity among them on the 19th of this April, through the Indian fleet coming home. I passed to Bluett, where I left the bark, and travelled on foot to Henbone, and found a merchant of Bristol, Wm. Arford, who had employed me before as master with him to Rochelle; at my earnest request, he furnished me with a horse and other necessaries, so that within two days I came to Morlaix, where I found a bark of Topsham, staying only for the merchants of Exeter. I obtained favour to have passage, arrived in Topsham on the 20th, went to the mayor of Exeter, and delivered him the Spanish proclamation, printed in English, which I had on board the St. Paul. [1½ pages.] Annexing,
88.i. Proclamation by the great Adelantado of Castilla, Earl of Saint Gadea and Bundia, commendador of Salamanca, captain general of the galleys and army of the sea, and of the Catholic camp. Considering the obligation which his Catholic Majesty has received of God to defend his holy faith and the Roman Church, he has tried, to reduce to the true religion the kingdoms of England and Ireland, as much as has been in his power, and all has not been sufficient to take away the offences done against God, in damage of the same kingdoms, with scandal of whole Christianity.
Aye rather abusing the clemency of his Catholic Majesty, the heads of the heretics have extended their cruel doctrine, with the oppressing of Catholics, taking their lives and goods, and forcing them by violence to follow their damnable errors, with the loss of many souls.
This Considered, his Catholic Majesty is determined to favour those Catholics who courageously have defended the Catholic faith, and also those who, for pusillanimity, have condescended unto the said heretics, through their hard and cruel dealings. And for the execution of this his holy zeal, he has commanded me, with the forces of sea and land at my charge, to procure all means necessary for the reduction of the said kingdoms unto the obedience of the Catholic Church. In compliment of which, I declare that the said forces shall only be employed to execute this holy intent, directed to the common good of the true religion and Catholics of the said kingdoms, as well those already declared Catholics, as others who will declare themselves; for all shall be well received and admitted by me, in his royal name, who shall separate themselves from the hereties. Furthermore, they shall be restored unto the honors, dignities, and possessions which they have been deprived of. Everyone shall be rewarded according to the demonstrations and feats which he shall show in this godly enterprise, and he who shall proceed with most valour shall be amply remunerated with the goods of the obstinate heretics.
Wherefore seeing God presents to his elected so good an occasion in public to confess the true religion, let not escape so fit an opportunity, seeing they cannot excuse themselves, either before God or man, neither can they lament of anybody but of themselves. And for their more security, I command the captains general of horse and artillery, the master general of the field, and other officers of the army, to receive with all courtesy the Catholics of the said kingdoms who come to defend the Catholic cause, with or without arms; and I command the general of the artillery to provide those with weapons that bring none, and to have particular respect to the houses and families of the said Catholics, not touching anything of theirs, but only of those which will obstinately follow the part of the heretics,—they being unworthy of those favours here granted to the good who declare themselves true Catholics, and take arms, or at least separate themselves from the heretics, trusting in God's mercy that they shall recover the Catholic religion, so long lost, return to their ancient felicity, and to the due obedience of the holy Roman Church.
Moreover the said kingdoms shall enjoy their former immunities and privileges, with increase of many others, in great friendship, confederation, and traffic with the kingdoms of his Catholic Majesty. That this be put in execution, I exhort all the faithful to fulfil what is herein contained, warranting them upon the word of the Catholic King, my master, that all shall be observed which here is promised. And thus I discharge myself of the loss and damage which shall fall upon those who will follow the contrary way, with the ruin of their souls, of their country, and of the honour and glory of God. And he which cannot take presently arms, nor declare himself, by reason of the tyranny of the said heretics, shall be admitted if, being in the enemy's camp, he shall pass unto the Catholic part in some skirmish or battle; and if he cannot pass, shall fly before you come to the last encounter. In testimony of all which, I have confirmed this present with my own hand, and sealed with the seal of my arms, &c. [English translation from the Spanish, 1 sheet. Printed.]
April 20.
Plymouth.
89. Wm. Stallenge to Sec. Cecil. Gilbert Smith, merchant of Exeter, has arrived from Bayonne, and two English mariners that left the Groyne, where they were prisoners, a month ago. They report that there were there seven argosies and seven King's ships well manned; at St. Anderas, five galleys from France, and 24 looked for from Cadiz; at the Passage, six new ships, nearly readyto be laden with powder and shot; these, with a greater number from other places, are to meet at the Groyne, and the Adelantado is to go with them, but it is not known for what place. Many Spaniards have lately returned to Spain from the Low Countries, to be employed in the King's intended service, or seek recompence for what they have done. [¾ page.]
April 21. 90. Confession of Hen. Carey, before Mr. Solicitor and Thos. Lake, clerk of the signet. Was 10 years ago sent with Mr. Isham and his son to Eu in Normandy; in a college there, were 15 young English, under Man and Harrison, priests. Only heard once from his father. On dissolution of that college, was directed to Father Creswell at Madrid. Stayed six years with Don Juan de Borja, who is of the King of Spain's Council; was then ordered to return home. [1½ pages, damaged.]
April 21.
Chenies.
91. Bridget Countess of Bedford to Sec. Cecil. I have considered your advice concerning the solemnizing your niece's marriage, and as you think it not decent to make a public matter thereof, so was it farthest from my mind, only desiring a course answerable to the expectation of some of their honourable friends, and pleasing to your niece, which I have this morning certified by letter to Fr. Norris, and have sent a messenger to return a perfect resolution thereof. Yet if the country be best pleasing to you, although the wants be great, besides having lost my dear son, who should have been my greatest comfort and assistance, I must crave to have Mr. Bellott and some people from you, which may be helpful in the managing thereof. [½ page.]
April 23.
Thetford.
92. Robt. Snelling, Mayor of Thetford, and Hen. Grene, coroner, to Council. We send you some charges made before us against Thos. Osborne, an inhabitant; as the matter is of so high a degree of offence, and worthy to be censured by you, we have committed him to prison until your pleasure is known. [¾ page.] Enclosing,
92. i. Objections against Thomas Osborne, attorney of Thetford, co. Norfolk, affirmed before John Snelling, mayor, and Hen. Greene, coroner, by Walter Salmon and five others. Osborne on 28 March said that the Queen could not make the town of Thetford a corporation; that the mayor and burgesses of Thetford use their recorder as the Queen uses her hangman; for when they have wrought knavery, villany, or malice to disgrace any man, then they send for him, and he must be the executioner of it. Osborne, on the 14th, was arrested by the serjeants of mace, upon an action of debt for 30l., and being brought before the mayor, he refused to obey the arrest or put in bail, whereupon the mayor told the serjeant to take him to gaol, to which Osborne said, "I tell thee, Snelling, if thou committest me to the gaol, thou had better take a bear by the tooth,"and drew his dagger half out of the sheath, when a serjeant took it from him. Then Osborne began to strike and beat the said serjeant, and said to the mayor, in presence of 40 persons in the market place, "I will make thee and thy serjeants not worth a groat within these two months." He also said he would blow up their corporation, and make the town too hot for them, and that the mayor was but a goose, &c. Endorsed by Sec. Cecil, "If the mayor and corporation certify me hereof, I will take such order as is convenient." [¾ page.]
April 24.
Paris.
93. Chas. Paget to Thos. Barnes, Watling Street, London. I have deferred yielding the Earl of Essex my humble thanks and service, for procuring me Her Majesty's pardon and my living, because of the danger that might happen me where I lived; but being now in a freer place, I have written him this letter, lest I seem ungrateful; should his Lordship be abroad, I doubt not but he has left directions about despatch of my affairs.
P.S.— I have written to Sec. Cecil, and send his letter, as well as this, through Mr. Edmondes, who is very courteous. Let me know when I must write to the Queen. If the ambassador would bear your charges, I wish you could come hither to make a final end. [¾ page.]
April 24.
Paris.
94. Chas. Paget to Sec. Cecil. Knowing the reverence and love the wisest feel for you, and your credit with the Queen, I must let you know my desire to be comprehended among your admirers and willing servants, the more so from your favours to my nephew Paget. I beseech your assistance in procuring Her Majesty's pardon and my living, which I understand are in good forwardness. I desire nothing so much as her service. Nobody shall find me ungrateful, or have cause to repent relieving me. [1 page.]
April 24.
Bristol.
95. Wm. Ellis, Mayor of Bristol, to Sec. Cecil. A ship of St. Malo has arrived, which returning from Majorca, put into Cadiz through the weather, and was there stayed to serve the King of Spain, but afterwards released, as she was laden with merchandise. Two merchants in her declared that during their abode there, the Adelantado came down with authority to prepare 30 ships of war, in order to take all English ships trading to Laracha and other places on the coast of Barbary, and within the Straits; and that four of the best ships of St. Malo, with two other French ships, were taken for that service; but that there are no men to furnish those ships, save 600 or 700 soldiers to keep the town of Cadiz. [¾ page.]
April 26.
Plymouth Fort.
96. Edw. Dodington to Sec. Cecil. This morning three fishermen of this place were chased without the harbour by two Spanish men-of-war, which took one, but the others escaped with much ado. It would seem, by their small force, that they lie here for intelligence. In the absence of my colonel, I advertise you thereof. [¾ page.]
April 26.
Plymouth.
97. John Blytheman, Mayor of Plymouth, and his brethren to the Council. This morning our fisher-boats in the mouth of our harbour were chased by two Spanish galleys, which took a boat belonging to Edw. Cock, of our town, sunk her, and took the men aboard. We have advertised Sir Rich. Lucen [Leveson] being at Dartmouth. These things cause us to look into our forces; the fort here is weakly manned, we pray you to cause it to be better provided forthwith; for of late, upon bruit of certain Spanish ships being upon our coast, Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the lieutenant, required 100 men in the fort out of the town, and may do as much again, which would leave us ourselves a prey to the enemy; we therefore beseech you to order the fort to be furnished with men, and us not to give continual attendance there, leaving our town weak, especially in the summer time, when our ships are at Newfoundland. [¾ page.]
April 27.
Cawsom Bay.
98. P. Edgcomb, R. Carew, J. Antony, and Hum. Parkes to the Council. Yesterday four ships and a pinnace came before Plymouth harbour, and took five fishing boats and most of their men; as they continue before the harbour, we thought it our duty to certify the same. [¾ page.]
April 27.
York.
99. John Ferne to Sec. Cecil. For two years I have kept a spy to lay a plot for taking Groman Abbey, Hodgson's house, near Whitby, five miles from the sea, whither dangerous priests and fugitives, among whom is David Ingleby, resort. Having been long deluded by this spy, I threatened to send him up to you, whereupon he has sent me word that the service shall be presently effected. The house being strong, large, and many conveyances underground to a brook running near, I must employ as many people from York as I can. Sir Thos. Hoby being now in London, I know of no assistance in the country, as 20 miles along the coast the people are wholly defected from religion, and resist all warrants and officers that come amongst them. I resolve, though it is unusual, to be within four miles of the house, to prevent any rescue from those following Hen. Cholmley, whose tenant Hodgson is. Last January Aslaby, a tenant of Cholmley, rescued a recusant from a pursuivant of the High Commission, and 40 persons armed prevented two men who had warrants from the Council of the North and High Commission to apprehend recusants; affirming that whatever was their number and authority, they should be slain before any of Mr. Cholmley's people should be carried away, (and yet Cholmley is a justice of peace), and they threatened revenge against Sir Thos. Hoby. This was near Groman Abbey; so you see resistance and no assistance is to be expected.
If it take effect, I may not discover place, persons, nor service to any here, except in general terms, and if any here take offence, I must rely on you. I hear David Ingleby, two priests, and the two Hodgsons, brothers, will be taken; also a register book or journal of all their treacherous practices. I beg you direction, if it can come by the time, which is 3 May, 10 a.m. The place is 32 miles from York, whence I must send at night strength to guard the house.
These other letters are to advertise you of those gentlemen of Yorkshire summoned to appear before this Council, to show cause why they have not levied the charges of the two ships set out by Hull last December. [2 pages.]
April 28. 100. Book of the monthly rates of all officers in Her Majesty's 43 ships named, cight ketches, and five galleys, as agreed upon by the principal officers of the navy; with a table, reducing such rates to the proportions for weeks and days. [8¼ pages, vellum.]
April 28./May 8.
Antwerp.
J.B. alias [John Petit] to Peter Halins, merchant of London.* * * Some scholars lately come from Scotland to Louvaine say that Father Gordon is at liberty, with his nephew, the Earl of Huntley, who has the keeping of Edinburgh Castle; that the Prince is now in the custody of the Earl of Errol; that the King intends to gather grapes before they are ripe, and his brother of Denmark will assist him with 10,000 men; that the King will deliver his son to the Duke of Lorraine, or any Catholic prince, to be brought up and serve as a pledge for any succours the Pope may send or procure him. This crooked faction make no doubt but that, for a kingdom, he will become a counterfeit Catholic, like the King of France, and declare himself when he finds himself able to stand. The Scots here are in great hopes, but all they say need not be believed.
Sir Jas. Lindsay and others solicit the Earl of Westmoreland to go into Scotland, offering him a good marriage. He is in doubt whether to go or to press his suit for President Richardot's daughter. If he had money, I believe he would leap into Scotland, for he loves the heel of a Scot better than the whole body of an Englishman, and is much accompanied with base drunken Scottish fellows. Fras. Dacre presses him much to go into Scotland.
Means should be taken to prevent that King cutting the grass under Her Majesty's feet, and none is so fit for it as Earl Bothwell, who is irreconcileable with the King and a man to undertake any matter, however desperate. [Extract, Flanders Correspondence.]
April 28.
Chenies.
101. Bridget, Countess of Bedford, to Sec. Cecil. I have resolved to take such course for effecting this marriage as you have appointed, and to have it kept in this place, only desiring that as you wish it private, if any offence be taken by friends of either part, you will take upon you the excuse. I will not look for any guests but such as you invite and bring with you. I find my Lady Bridget so pliant to your will that she seems best pleased with whatsoever you prescribe, and so honourably and virtuously inclined that I receive exceeding comfort in her company. [½ page.]
April 30. 102. Affidavit of Mary Berham. The beginning of Lent, Wm. Denis, servant to the Countess of Warwick, came to the Gatehouse at Westminster, and said that not long before he was sent with a message from his lady to Lady Hatton; she being sick, he went to the chamber door and knocked, when a gentlewoman came and told him he could not speak with Lady Hatton, as she was newly brought to bed with a son. Denis said she had been married but 10 weeks, but that he suspected such as matter when he came, because her chamber door was kept so close with hangings, and he had heard that she was forward with child before she was married; and that it was no marvel Mr. Attorney wept sitting with the Judges, for he has gone up and down ever since his marriage like a dead man discomforted. Also that Mr. Attorney had been sick lately, and no marvel, and that the child was by one of her servants, who was sent away with a piece of money; that Lady Hatton had never lived in good name, and that it would kill Mr. Attorney to be so cozened as to assure 1,000l. a year to a bastard. These speeches Mr. Parler and his wife can tell of, for Denis made it his common talk, and Mr. Parler said he thought the reports untrue, and charged his wife not to speak of it, as he would not do so for 1,000l. Last Easter, Mrs. Parler told me it was a shame for Denis to raise such a slander, as she had heard that Lady Hatton was then with child, and looked not until Midsummer. [1½ pages.]