Queen Elizabeth - Volume 273: November 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 273: November 1599', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1598-1601, (London, 1869) pp. 335-355. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/1598-1601/pp335-355 [accessed 27 March 2024]

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November 1599

Nov. 3. 21. Certificate by Dr. Thos. Singleton, principal of Brasenose college, Oxford, that during the eight years Thos. Elton, gent., was in that college, he took the degree of M.A., and showed himself diligent in study, and sound and well affected in religion, with the good approbation and liking of that society, of which he was a member. [½ page.]
Nov. 3. 22. Certificate by Roger Lord North, treasurer of the household, Sir Wm. Knollys, comptroller, and Sir Hen. Cock, cofferer, commissioners for taxing and levying the second entire subsidy granted 39 Eliz., to the barons, &c. of the Exchequer, that Thos. Windebank, clerk of the privy seal and signet, being mostly resident at Court in the time of the taxation the year before, has been valued before them at the rate of 16l. in goods. Endorsed by Windebank. [¾ page.]
Nov. 4. Commission to the Masters of Requests and others to hear and determine all complaints of strangers touching piracy and its dependencies, summarily and without appeal, during pleasure; with inhibition to all judges to intermeddle in those causes. [Docquet.]
Nov. 4. Warrant to pay to Sir Geo. Carey, treasurer at war in Ireland, sums appointed by six of the Privy Council, for pay of 2,000 footmen sent into Ireland last summer, above the 16,000 on the establishment there, on certificate from the said treasurer of their having entered on the service. Also to pay similarly to the mayor of Plymouth sums required for munition, &c., delivered by him to Sir Ferd. Gorges, captain of the fort there, at the time of the apprehension of the invasion of Spain, on a bill of particulars and certificate of receipt thereof. [Docquet.]
Nov. 4. Commission to Alex. Twyne and others to examine witnesses in the cause between Rose Page, widow, plaintiff, and Mark Page and others, defendants. [Docquet.]
Nov. 4. Commission to Sir Thos. Ley, Roger Clerk, mayor of Coventry, Wm. Henton, D.D., Clement Fisher, and Thos. Wite Aldray, of Coventry, to hear and determine between Ant. Berry and Ant. Block, plaintiffs, and Rich. Barker and others, defendants. [Docquet.]
Nov. 5.
Waltham.
23. Thomas, Bishop of Winchester, to Sec. Cecil. I presume Mr. Solicitor-General, by reason of his presence at the time and place, and examination, has acquainted you with the escape out of prison of Edw. Kenyon, the priest, who was sent up by me this summer, and returned hither with letters from the Lords and yourself, to have been proceeded against according to law, and thereupon persisting after conference, was by me committed to Winchester gaol, in as strict manner as I could devise. There be was rather daily feasted as a guest than safely kept as a traitor, and was suffered most wilfully to escape, upon the very day that he expected to be produced. I send you the examination—taken by Mr. Solicitor and others, while I was busied about the redressing of some slackness in the rating of the subsidy,—and other informations since come to my knowledge.
You will perceive the gaoler's dissolute carelessness in keeping such prisoners, and his wilful favouring and dismissing recusants in execution to the Queen; such presumption will do more harm, if not repressed, than all the justices and commissions here will do good. I hope the Lords and you will give the judges charge severely to punish this open and wilful neglect; the laws are strict enough, if they be executed. I likewise advertize you what I find touching the state of the gaol, how cunningly it is carried by close conveyances, and where the right of inheritance now lies, that you may dispose of it as you see cause. The manor of Woodcot in Hampshire, was given to the ancestors of one Anthony Uvedale, a recusant, lately dead, for the safe keeping of the gaol; he, fearing the danger of the law, and loth that the prisoners for recusancy should come into any man's keeping but at his own appointing, conveyed the inheritance of the gaol, with the aforesaid manor, to Anthony Brewning, his daughter's son, a child of seven years of age, the father and mother being both recusants; this is the reason why no man has the keeping of the gaol but such as will favour recusants. The child is a ward for this tenure, and so at your dispensation, together with the manor, lying within six miles of my house, and you may do your pleasure with it till he comes of age, if this and such other wilful escapes and releasing of prisoners do not endanger the inheritance, and reduce it back into the Queen's hands. The conveyance will easily be found, as the maker and executor were two of my officers, and will be ready to witness the same. [1¾ pages.] Encloses,
23. i. Examination of Thos. Canterton, alias Grove, alias Steven, alias Bale, before Dr. Ridley, Chancellor of the diocese of Winchester. Is a prisoner in Winchester gaol for religion, but has not been there since the last assizes. Is absent by leave of Mr. Uvedale, who had a licence from the justices of assize for enlargement of him and others who were to work for their living; returns every sessions and assizes, upon warning from the keeper. Says he gave nothing for his enlargement, but refuses to take his oath thereon. Romsey, 20 Sept. 1599. [½ page.] Also,
23. ii. Statement that Richard Brewning, Esq., appeared before the Bishop of Winchester and other Ecclesiastical Commissioners of that diocese, when they declared to him that the inheritance of the common gaol in Winchester had descended to him by the death of Anthony Uvedale, and that they understood that many recusants formerly committed to that prison were now at large; therefore they required him to enter into a bond to Her Majesty, that all the recusants who ought to be prisoners there be safely kept in that gaol, according to law. He alleged that William Uvedale had been deputy under Anthony Uvedale, and that he now purposes to oversee Mr. Uvedale, that he shall better look to the gaol, and to the safe custody of the recusants therein, and that he thinks that William Uvedale should be bound to that effect.
Wm. Uvedale also appeared, when the Commissioners caused the examination of Canterton to be read to him; he stated that Canterton was a wanderer, and that he had not seen him for 12 months, and asked leave to newly attach him into custody. He confessed that two of Gooter's children, one Gendge and one Fidler, also recusants, were committed to the said gaol, but have long absented themselves by leave of the justices of assize, upon his motion; and that for charity's sake, he suffered seven of the poorer recusants to go at liberty for a small time, to get their living by their labour; he prayed time to seek and get them back again. October 5, 1598. [¾ page.] Also,
23. iii. Examination of Robert Joy, of Estmeane, before the same. Has been a recusant 20 years, and a prisoner for recusancy in the common gaol of Winchester most of that time; for seven years, was not put in the calendar when the assizes were held at Southampton; seven years ago, obtained leave of Wm. Uvedale, deputy keeper of the gaol, to go to his house at Estmeane, and has not since returned; since obtaining his liberty, has been in London three weeks together during term time. [½ page.] Sept. 28, 1599.
23. iv. Examination of Valentine Noyse, under keeper of Winchester gaol, before Solicitor-General Fleming, John Seymour, and Rich. Miles. Wm. Uvedale having received Edw. Kenyon, a seminary priest, into his custody as a traitor, by warrant from the now Bishop of Winchester, committed the special keeping of him three weeks past to Thos. Garnett, under keeper, who since has not lain above five nights in the gaol. In the day time and some nights, the priest was usually in the parlour near the gaol door, but most nights he lay with Anthony Norton, the recusant. The priest's father came last Monday, and talked with his son, as also yeterday morning about 6 o'clock, an hour before the latter escaped, when Anthony Norton, Marks White, and one Bidlecombe were present. The father, on his first coming, enquired for Norton, and not for his son, and lay at the house of one Field, of Fulflood, a mile from Winchester; after the priest's son had escaped, met his father and Field coming from the house of the latter.
When Kenyon escaped, Garnett had taken two prisoners with him to the town to drink. Joye, another recusant prisoner, asked leave to go through the gaol garden to Rich. Cooke's house, to see his nag; went with him, and left him and the priest in the garden, having locked the door; upon his return the priest had fled, and a gown was found in Baylie's garden, which belonged to Thos. Abraham, another recusant prisoner, who escaped half an hour before out of the gaol door, as did Geoffry Miles, another recusant. Abraham has a house in Hyde Street, not for from the North Gate. Following after the priest, he was told that Abraham, with another man, was seen going very fast over the fields; traced him a little way, and found it was Abraham by his club feet. This priest never had any irons laid on while in gaol. Oct. 3, 1599. [1¾ pages.] Also,
23. v. Like examination of Wm. Myles, prisoner in Winchester gaol for recusancy. Came out of gaol yesterday morning; Thos. Garnett was standing by the door permitting him to pass; went out of North Gate, and stayed at the lane at the bridge's end, and not seeing his wife, whom he looked for, returned to prison; saw nobody following him. [½ page.] Oct. 3, 1599.
23. vi. Examination of Thos. Garnett, under keeper of Winchester gaol, before the Bishop of Winchester. Has been under keeper since last Christmas, and was placed there by Wm. Uvedale, whom he has long served. Had Edw. Kenyon, the priest in charge, and understood that he was to be safely kept as a traitor; never had any irons on, and dined twice with Uvedale at the request of Uvedale's wife. Thos Abraham, another prisoner, was suffered to go home to his house in Hyde Street alone; he escaped out of prison the same morning the priest did. Uvedale willed Noyse, then under keeper, if he thought he could keep the priest safe without irons, not to lay any on him. Oct. 25, 1599. [¾ page.] Also,
23. vii. Like examination of Valentine Noyse, under keeper of Winchester gaol. Heard the warrant read whereby Edw. Kenyon, the priest, was committed as a traitor, to be safely and closely kept at their uttermost peril; no irons were ever laid on him; never heard Wm. Uvedale speak of any. When his fellow keeper, Garnett, was away, the priest lay with Anthony Norton, a recusant in the gaol; he was twice at dinner at his master's house, being sometimes sent for by Mrs. Uvedale or her son. Uvedale, on going out of town, left order that if his wife ever sent for the priest, he was to be permitted to go to her.
Thos. Abraham was also a prisoner for recusancy 10 or 11 weeks, during which time he often lay at his house in Hyde Street, and had a door open out of the gaol, by which he went in and out when and where he would, until a week before his departure; he escaped the same morning that the priest did. Knew Kenyon, a recusant, father to the said priest, who was found the same morning his son escaped, at the house of Roger Corham, near Winchester, and was brought to prison by Wm. Uvedale, and there detained two days, when he was let go without further examination. Oct. 25, 1559. [1¼ pages.] Also,
23. viii. Like examination of Andrew Valence, of Rumsey, co. Hants, tanner. Being prisoner in Winchester gaol, upon an execution for debt, was present 13 Sept. last, when Edw. Kenyon, the priest, was brought there, and heard he was committed for high treason; Valentine Noyse said he intended to lay irons upon him, but after Mr. Uvedale came up and spoke to the priest nothing more was said about it. The priest was sent for to dine at Uvedale's house, where he remained most of the afternoon, and often venison ready baked and fresh fish were sent to him by recusants; Mrs. Uvedale came to him the Sunday after his commitment, and brought with her five or six recusants' wives, who walked with the priest in the garden. During all the time of the priest's abode in the gaol, the keys of the prison were kept by recusants, who went out at their pleasure, and let out whom they listed and when they listed; these all kept Kenyon's company, and dined and supped with him, and no man was denied speaking to him if he would. The morning before the priest escaped, one Joy, a recusant, came to speak with him, whereupon Noyse, the under keeper, brought him, and then went with them both into the garden, which was only fenced with an old hedge; after Joy had talked a while, he went over the hedge, and was going away, but was called back by Noyse to speak with the priest; after a little talk, Joy gave the priest money and departed, leaving the priest in the garden. As soon as Joy was gone, Noyse came forth of the garden, and left the priest there, and he escaped; Noyse's wife moaned that he was far in her husband's debt for his diet, whereupon Anthony Norton, another prisoner for recusancy, gave his word to pay 10s. of the debt to her. [1½ page.] Oct. 26, 1599.
Nov. 8.
Tottenham Lodge.
24. Earl of Hertford to Sec. Cecil. Having lately received an abstract of a scandalous Popish Spanish book from Mr. Chokes, justice of peace for Berkshire, I desired him to set down in writing how he came by it, and what has become of the whole book, finding it not fit to be concealed. I send you the abstract and his letter, and as soon as he has obtained the book, I will send that also. [1 page.] Encloses,
24. i. Alex. Chokes to the Earl of Hertford. You desire to know how I obtained copies of certain scandalous reports of a Spanish friar, published in Spanish. When with my cousin John Webb, at Publow, co. Somerset, Mr. John Biss, formerly a Spanish merchant, was there; and being an utter enemy to Popery, he inveighed against a filthy friar of Madrid, who a few years since published a very scandalous and lewd book against England, and divers men of great account therein,—some now dead;—and likewise against religion, and entitled it the Ecclesiastical History of England. Biss said the book had been brought to Bristol from Cadiz, by a mariner, who did not understand it, and sold it to a bookbinder in Bristol for little or nothing; the latter little esteeming it, used divers leaves as forrels for books; a scholar of Mr. John Pitts, a grave and learned preacher in Bristol, buying one thus bound up, and bringing the same to school, Pitts saw it, and went to the bookbinder, who showed him the remaining leaves, but 300 were wanting.
Biss had this book of Pitts because he understood the Spanish tongue, and he gave me the copies, upon my solicitation, to send to you, as I said the friar belied you in saying that you used such speeches to Her Majesty, while she was with you in her progress. I was desirous you should know how the treacherous papists reckon you a Prince of Puritans (which they mean a promoter of good things, and a countenancer of the Gospel, wherein the Lord guide you and encourage you to his glory), that you may take care to curb them in the country, where this friar brags the Priest Stawke has perverted 300 to Popery. Also, that by your means this Stawke and other such lurkers may be brought to light, and answer their treasonable practices. Also that the bishop of the diocese may be stirred up by you to call on his clergy to look to their charges; for if every minister did his duty, these locusts could not lurk without discovery, as seducers at home, and intelligencers to foreign countries. I am persuaded this villanous book is well known to the learned of the clergy, because it has been in print six years. [1½ pages.] Avington, Nov. 6, 1599.
Nov. 8.
Ramsbury.
25. Earl of Pembroke to the Council. In reference to your letter for appointing Mr. Townshend to supply the place of Sir Rich. Shuttleworth, two things I desire; one that a person of good opinion may sit in that place, and the other a warrant sufficient for his sitting there. No private respect moves me, but my care to have justice duly executed, and the proceedings of that Court lawful and warrantable. I entreat that if Her Majesty has not yet dispatched this matter, you will hasten it, for the want of one to be of the quorum is a great hindrance to the proceedings there. [¾ page.]
Nov. 10.
Westminster.
Confirmation of licence granted by Sir Walter Raleigh to Ann White, of Plymouth, and George White, her son, to keep a tavern and sell wines by retail in the town of Plymouth; the Queen having granted to the said Sir Walter, 9 Aug. 1588, for 30 years, the power of licensing taverns, over and above those assigned by Act of Parliament. [Case G., Eliz., No. 11.]
Nov. 10. Grant to Sir Thos. Walsingham, in reversion after Lord North, treasurer of the household, of the keepership of Eltham park. [Docquet, bis.]
Nov. 10. Two accustomed French warrants to the sheriff of Wiltshire, for payment of wages and other allowances to the keepers and foresters of Claringdon park, for the year ended Michaelmas lost. [Docquet.]
Nov. 10. Grant to Helen Johnson and 19 other poor prisoners, convicted of divers robberies and thefts, but long since reprieved, of pardon, not extending to bonds and goods; subscribed by Justice Gawdy, the Earl of Nottingham, and the Attorney General. [Docquet, bis.]
Nov. 10. Purchase by Rich. Knowsley of tithes and parcel of a tithe barn, in Burton Fleming, co. York, yearly value, 12l., for the sum of 468l. [Docquet.]
Nov. 10. Purchase from the Commissioners by Hercules Witham and Fras. Thekeston, of manors, lands, tenements, &c., yearly value, 41l. 6s. 1½d., for the sum of 1,958l. 3s. 4d. [Docquet, bis.]
Nov. 10. Purchase by Rich. Ryves and John Burges of Boscombe manor, co. Wilts, South Witham, co. Lincoln, and other rectories, and lands in several counties, yearly value, 46l. 7s. 10¾d., for the sum of 1,947l. 0s. 2½d. [Docquet, bis.]
Nov. 12. Grant to Wm. Atkinson of an alms-room in St. Stephen's, Westminster, in consideration of his hurts received in the wars. [Docquet.]
Nov. 12. Grant to Thos. Williams of an alms-room in Rochester, in consideration of service in the wars. [Docquet.]
Nov. 12. 26. Thomas Lord Burghley to Sec. Cecil. I send this Council's answer to the letters of Privy Council, requiring us to forbear to deal further in the cause before us of the outrages committed by Sir Thos. Reresby and Mr. Wentworth; but, as a brother, I must say how strange we find the sequestration from us of a matter usually dealt in by our authority, especially as our instructions charge us to consider matters of that nature, about which we shall not need to trouble yourselves if the Lords take them out of our hands. What can be thought but that we are unworthy, or smother up such causes for partiality or gain ?
I must think myself smally regarded, at my first coming, to receive so great a discouragement in the eye of the whole country; for if such causes are taken away, the authority of this Court will be quickly dissolved, and the president be little better than the steward of a court baron. Pray acquaint Her Majesty with this. I beg you to weigh this as your own cause, and to get the Council's answer to our letters. [1 page.]
Nov. 12.
York.
27. The Council of the North to the Privy Council. We find, by yours of the 3rd instant, that the Queen requires us to forbear proceeding by commission in reference to an outrage committed by Sir Thos. Reresby and Mr. Wentworth at the last sessions. We shall follow your directions, yet we suggest that the cause should be heard here, where the first complaint was made; the punishment here would be more exemplary, and this government better graced amongst the people, who are apt to sentence its authority; also it would be troublesome to many poor witnesses to be drawn to the court of Star Chamber.
On notice of the cause we called the parties before us, and bound them and their servants to the peace, and to appear before us in December. We therefore beg your leave to proceed, and should think it a discouragement if the cause were removed, being fit to be tried where the offence is committed. [Copy, 1 page.]
Nov. 13/23.
Brussels.
J.B. [alias John Petit to Peter Halins.] Mr. Tresham is still here, but his suits go slowly forward, as they do in all Courts in money matters. He is a vain fellow, full of wind. He has much private talk with Jehan le Roy, who has often been in England with Comyn, and goes up and down about the peace, which is more desired than hoped, since the time of the Commissioners' meeting is not yet appointed. Mr. Constable has returned from Scotland to Antwerp, and enquired for Tempest, a priest, and then for the Earl of Westmoreland, with whom walking, they met an English youth that is with a printer, and asked him what books are printing against the King of Scotland's title; he said he knew of none. Creighton, a forward man for his King, says the King has many friends in England, as the Lord Admiral, Sir Rob. Cecil, and others of the contrary faction to the Earl of Essex, for which cause, rather than from love to the King, they favour him, but when he is King of England, they will feel that he neither loves nor trusts them. Earl Bothwell is still in Antwerp; Sir Jas. Lindsay is going to Scotland.
There are 16 English gentlewomen in this town who wish to set up a nunnery. The Archduke gave them 2,000l., and they bought a house. On the 4/14th instant a daughter of Sir John Berkeley, and sister of Sir Nich. Pointz, was solemnly created abbess by the Archbishop of Malines, and the next Sunday, the Lady Mary Percy, Mrs. Dorothy Arundel, and six other English ladies took the habit. The ceremony was very solemn, the Infanta, who was their godmother, Archduke, all the Court, and the Pope's nuncio being present. The ceremonies lasted till 2 p.m. The eight were most bravely apparelled (borrowed ware), and adorned with rich jewels like brides. The Infanta brought them into the church, leading the Lady Mary and Mrs. Dorothy, and one of her great ladies led each of the others. The ceremony over, they returned in pairs apparelled as nuns, the abbess following. The Infanta embraced them all, and assured them she would be a mother to them. The Archduke promised them all assistance. The Infanta made a banquet for 100 persons, the great ladies, abbess, and nuns dining at one of the tables. "It was one of the solemnest things that was seen this 100 years; many ladies and others could not forbear weeping."
Mr. Tresham has got his answer, that they cannot do what they would. Constable says the King of Scotland relies on no party in England but the Puritans, and will enter with that pretence, and before the tree falls, if he can find opportunity. [Extract, Flanders Corresp.]
Nov. 14/24.
Bayonne.
28. Alex. Marsh to Mr. Treffrey, justice of the peace at Fowey, Cornwall, or the first mayor or justice to whom this shall come. I send you these letters, though unknown to you; I am ordered to forward them speedily, being on Her Majesty's affairs, to the first justice or mayor on shore. I have delivered them to Wm. Allen, a merchant here in Bayonne; they are of importance and must be sent to Court at once. There is a secret rumour of wars, for the King has given command, on pain of death, that all his forces, ships, gallies, &c. be ready by 1st March, and has chosen the Adelantado general at sea, and Count Fuentes by land.
P.S.—Pray acknowledge the receipt of these. I will write you the news, but do not let my name be known, for fear of envy. [1page.]
Nov. 15. 29. Lord Lumley to Sec. Cecil. I had hoped my wife would have delivered you my hearty thanks for your friendship in my cause; but as it was her evil hap to miss you, I pray you to accept this and move my Lord Treasurer for order of forbearance of the rent for the time, as soon as you conveniently may. Hearing that you meet upon a commission to-day, I am the bolder to put you in mind thereof. [½ page.]
Nov. 15. Grant to John Turner of pardon for sheep stealing. [Docquet.]
Nov. 15. Grant to Philip Cecill, of Abingdon, co. Berks, of pardon for purse cutting. [Docquet.]
Nov. 15. Grant to Rich. Daniell and John Busfield of re-admission into the company of Merchant Adventurers of England. [Docquet.]
Nov. 16
Dover Castle.
30. Confession of Martin Audins. Being at Dover last May, I met Wm. Gelke, an Englishman, who sometime served Mr. Partridge in Kent, who told me he then dwelt at Calais, and asked me to go over with him, offering to show me how to gain 40l. a year. I promised I would visit him. I went to Sir Hen. Palmer, under whom I served in Her Majesty's ships in the Narrow Seas, and told him I would go over to France, and would give him some intelligence touching affairs on the other side of the seas if he liked; he gave me a letter for my passage over to Sir Thos. Fane, which was not delivered, as he was not at Dover on my going over.
When I got to Calais, I met Gelke, and talking of my getting 40l. a year, he told me he had certain books to be sent over, and if I would take them and disperse them, he would make me acquainted with the Jesuits and seminary priests, both at St. Omer and Douay; these books I brought over, and they were delivered to my Lord Warden, by command of Mr. Secretary.
On 22 July I went over again to Calais, met Gelke, and told him I had dispersed the books; he made me acquainted with Father Slack, a Jesuit, who was then going to Dunkirk, to have the consent of the Fiscal there for erecting of their new college at Burbroke, whither the old college from St. Omer is to remove. I went with him to Gravelines, and so to Dunkirk, where I bought a trumpet, so that I can sound, and chose that as a good means for me to be the better esteemed. I agreed to go to sea with the captain of one of the men-of-war at Dunkirk, as I could do nothing there, being an Englishman; meantime I went to Sluys to see the galleys, where I met two Englishmen, Capt. Elliot and Coubart, a gunner, who showed me the galleys. After this I went back to Dunkirk, with a letter to the Fiscal from Signor Fred. Spinola, admiral of the galleys, that he had taken me to serve the King; so he gave me leave to depart from my first captain. I told the Fiscal I had certain apparel at Calais that I was to fetch, and then I would return to the galleys. Having thus had a sight of all the shipping at Dunkirk, and also of the galleys, I came over for England, to report what I had seen to Sir Hen. Palmer; landing at Dover, I was had before Sir Thos. Fane and examined.
It has been blown abroad that I have served the King of Spain. I protest I was never at sea with Spaniards or Dunkirkers. If I had, I, dwelling at Canterbury, would never have landed at Dover, where I am as well known as at Canterbury; now and then when at Calais, I used to be amongst Dover men, but if I had served the Spaniards, I would never have used their company. Some at Calais might have thought it impossible for a man to go and come from Calais to Dunkirk except he had served the Spaniards, and may have said as much to Sir Thos. Fane, or else I had not been stayed here. I refer myself to Sir Hen. Palmer, who knows me best. [1½ pages.]
Nov. 16. Grant to Geo. Rogell, clothier, of Langham, co. Suffolk, of protection for one month; at suit of the Lord Chamberlain and Lord North. [Docquet.]
Nov. 17. Purchase by Wm. Lingard, John Style, and Rob. Smithson, of Hinton manor, co. Cambridge, yearly value, 14l. 18s. 1d., for the sum of 730l. 6s. 1d. [Docquet, bis.]
Nov. 17.
Westminster.
Warrant to Sir John Stanhope, treasurer of the chamber, to pay to Thomas, son of Pietro Lupo, one of Her Majesty's musicians for the violin, 20d. a day wages, and 16l. 2s. 6d. for his livery, from Midsummer, 1598. [Docquet.]
Nov. 17. Letter to the President and Council of Wales, declaring Her Majesty's appointment of Mr. Townshend to hear and determine causes there. [Docquet.]
Nov. 17. Letter to the said Mr. Townshend and others, to hear and determine causes in the Marches of Wales, in place of Sir Rich. Shuttleworth, lately deceased. [Docquet.]
Nov. 17. Grant to Nich. Cripling of pardon for felony. [Docquet.]
1559 ?
Nov. 19. [Louvaine.]
31. John Helyar, rector of Warblington, Hampshire, to Sir Thos. Harrison, his curate. Pray be diligent in the parish. Directions for its management and for benefactions to the poor, &c. I have left France, and am improving in health. [¾ page.]
1599. Nov. 20. York. 32. Council of the North to the Privy Council. We have received your recommendation of Mr. Beale's deserts and services, and in answer have set down articles in answer to his allegations, to show you that there is no colour for his claim, and that the examinership to which he pretends a right should be annexed to the secretary's office. [¾ page.]
Nov. 20.
London.
33. Examination of Chris. Moreman, of Allhallows parish, Barking, waterman, before Thos. Crompton. Eight weeks since, one Jaques came and challenged acquaintance with him, as having served Sir Edw. Winter, whom examinate now serves, said he had a fare for him that would be beneficial, took him to some place to drink, and told him there were three poor Frenchmen, that were indebted to merchants in London, whom he would gladly have conveyed into their own country, whence they would be able to satisfy their creditors, which while here they could not. Consented to carry them to Tilbury Hope, and was to have 20 crowns, and to take them at 7 p.m. from Tower dock; but fearing lest they might be seminaries, or Jesuits, or such like, disappointed them. Was to have carried them to the Mermaid of Hamburg, bound for Hamburg, to which ship they sent their luggage. The three men, with Jaques and Hen. Handley, were to have paid 30l. for their passage, of which they paid 10l. beforehand.
Two days after, told their proceedings to Dr. Cæsar, who required him to continue his familiarity with them, and to undertake their passage; soon after Jaques altered his plan and determined to go to Middleburg; was required to carry them down to Tilbury Hope, where they meant to go on board the ship, but the wind did not serve. Jaques brought a packet of letters which he meant to carry with him. Seven or eight days after, was required to hire a ketch to go to Calais; did so at Barking, of one Hen. Parish, who for their passage was to have 10l.; promised Jaques to take him and the rest in his boat to Barking, where the ketch then lay. Jaques came to examinate's house at the time appointed, with a bag of books, and other things. After the ketch was hired, going into the street, chanced to see Hen. Handley, and being anxious to learn who they were that were thus desirous to be gone, followed him to a house in the Strand, and asked a neighbour who they were; he said they were Spanish prisoners, which my Lord of Essex brought from Cadiz; that one of them was the governor and the rest were men of good account, and that they lay there for great ransom; supposing these to be the men which Jaques was so desirous to have carried away, went forthwith to Sir Edw. Winter, and told him all these practices; he acquainted Sir Gelley Merrick, who procured Mr. Secretary's warrant, and caused Jaques and Handley to be apprehended, one of them at examinate's house, and the other in the Strand, and both committed to prison. [1½ pages.]
Nov. 23. Grant to John (or William) Gosson, the Queen's drum player, in place of Thos. King, lately deceased, of the fee of 12d. a day and 16l. 2s. 6d. for his livery. [Docquet, Nov. 23 and 24.]
Nov. 23. Grant to John Snosman of the place of musician for the sackbuts; fees, 16d. and 4d. a day, and 16l. 2s. 6d. for a livery. [Docquet.]
Nov. 23. Presentation of Fras. Mason, B.D., and preacher, to Sudborne parsonage, with the chapel of Orford, diocese of Norwich. [Docquet, Nov. 23 and 24.]
Nov. 24. Commission from the Court of Requests to the Bishop of Hereford and others, at suit of John Haynes, clerk. [Docquet.]
Nov. 25. Presentation of Thos. Colfe, M.A., and preacher, to the vicarage of Burford, diocese of Oxford, void by resignation. [Docquet.]
Nov. 26.
Serjeant's Inn.
34. Report by Lord Chief Justice Popham and Lord Chief Baron Periam,—on a cause between Sir John Egerton and Chris. Themilthorp, touching a lease of Bidstone house and park, made by Margaret, late Countess, and William now Earl of Derby,—that two leases are shown, one to Lusher, under whom Egerton claims, dated 10 Aug. 1596, the other to Sir John Egerton, 20 Oct. 1596; that the case should be tried by common law; and that Themilthorp shall declare an ejection against Egerton, who shall plead a nondemisit, and they shall come to an issue. If the former lease is found lawful, then execution of the recovery shall be stayed till they take further order therein. [¾ page.]
Nov. 27. Purchase by Nich. Tregodeck and Wm. Bere, of St. Neot's rectory, with the advowson, co. Cornwall, yearly value, 22l. 11s. 11¼d., on payment of 628l. 15s. 6d. [Docquet.]
Nov. 27. Purchase by Hen. Best and John Burges of lands, tenements, &c. in sundry counties, yearly value, 37l. 15s., for the sum of 1,617l. 1s. 11½d. [Docquet.]
Nov. 27. Purchase by Edw. Stone and Thos. Gainsford, of Alen manor, co. Warwick, and a cottage in Stutton, co. York, yearly value 31l., for the sum of 1,240l. [Docquet.]
Nov. 27. Purchase by Wm. Lygon of Pixham manor, co. Worcester, yearly value, 32l. 10s. 10d., for the sum of 1,301l. 13s. 4d. [Docquet.]
Nov. 27. Purchase by Rob. Morgan and George Ward of manors, &c., yearly value, 41l. 4s. 9½d., for the sum of 1,485l. 11s. [Docquet.]
Nov. 27. Grant to Rich. Massingberd, on surrender of Fras. Jobson, of a poor knight's room at Windsor. [Docquet.]
Nov. 28. Purchase by Jas. Clerke and Rich. Bartlett, of Huden and Edington manors, co. Berks, yearly value, 21l. 8s. 8d., for the sum of 964l. 10s. [Docquet.]
Nov. 28? 35. Speeches in the Star Chamber.
The Lord Keeper.— The Queen has observed inconveniences by gentlemen, justices of peace, &c., flocking to towns; all therefore who are here, are to repair to their country, relieve the poor, keep good order, &c., especially justices of peace, who are to see that the laws are kept. Any neglect of this order will be severely punished.
No prince has taken greater care to preserve religion, peace, and plenty, than the Queen. Many attempts have been made against her by foreign enemies and rebellious subects, but God has delivered her from all. Yet some traitorous monsters have railed against her by railing speeches and slanderous libels, as though after 41 years' experience in governing, she failed to provide for her people. This offence proceeds from the remissness of magistrates in rooting out such traitorous vipers. Some of these have played preacher, some, talk politics at ordinaries, where they have hardly money to pay for a meal; others scatter libels about London and the Court itself taxing the Queen with not providing for the troubled state of Ireland. Some may think the hearing such libels a small offence, but by law they may be punished as severely as the actors.
Though princes are not bound to give account of their actions, yet to stop such discourses, I will recount what the Queen has done for Ireland. She sent a royal army greater than formerly conquered France, well supplied, with a noble governor, who had an ample commission; remitted to him a debt of 8,000l., and gave him 20,000l. more. She also, at a Council honoured with her own sacred person, caused the persons most experienced in the affairs of that realm to lay down directions which were to be inviolably followed. Disasters have happened, but Her Majesty is clear of the blame. Her directions were not followed. Instead of the army being led against the arch rebel in Ulster, it was carried into Munster, and people and treasure wasted. Then a parley was had with Tyrone, and dishonourable conditions accepted, which left Her Majesty Queen only in name; and the governor presumed, on a bare promise of truce, to leave the realm, and come over, contrary to her express command.
Therefore as no seditious libellers have any cause to blame Her Majesty, they ought to be sought out and severely punished, and you all, especially magistrates, are to be careful therein.
The governor came to Court on Michaelmas eve, and a few days after, the rebel, puffed up with the pride of success, declared "that ere it were long, he meant to show his face in England, little "to the good of England, and that he hoped to have a good share "or a good part thereof." [6½ pages.]
The Lord Treasurer.—It is the duty of my place to add somewhat to the four heads of the "rare and excellent speech" of the Lord Keeper.
1. Concerning libellers. These viperous libellers of this sacred Prince and her faithful Councillors deserve death more than those who commit open rebellion, and are easily suppressed; and if there were a parliament, I would vote a law of death against them.
2. The Queen's resolution about the war in Ireland. She often called together her Council about it, and strengthened them with her unspeakable wisdom, in consulting how to suppress the rebellion, when my Lord of Essex himself propounded the striking at the root of it by attacking Tyrone.
3. Touching the execution of this resolution. It was overthrown by the army's wasting itself in Munster, instead of marching into Ulster, and ended in Tyrone's disclaiming the obedience of a subject.
4. The expenses of this attempt, of which I, in my place, know more than any other, have been in men, 16,000 foot and 1,300 horse, all the Earl desired, with promise of 2,000 foot more every three months, besides the Irish forces, all the cities and castles, and all the nobility, except one viscount and one baron, being wholly for the Queen; of these 500 horse were raised in England, costing 13,500l., and 9,000 foot, costing 17,000l. Of munition the Earl had all he wished, viz., 12 pieces of great ordnance, and 100 lasts of powder, more than was ever seen in Ireland, or transported from England before, the cost being 23,000l. As to apparel, all the troops, those sent from Flushing, the 5,000 levied in England, and the last 2,000 sent from England were all well provided, and in all 21,000 suits have been sent over, at the earnest entreaties of the Earl of Essex. As to victuals, there was always a three months' supply beforehand, all sound and good, and at the end of six months there was three months' victuals on hand. As to pay, the army has been royally treated. The Earl carried over three months' pay beforehand, from 1st March 1599, amounting to 51,000l., and the pay was monthly continued, beforehand, in full, though the Queen had to pay here some troops that arrived not till 13 March. The army has hardly cost her less, in the seven months, than 300,000l. The Earl of Essex is too honourable and just to deny that he has been royally furnished, and his letters acknowledge the same; wherefore these libels are villainous. [6¼ pages.]
The Lord Admiral.— None was stronger than the Earl of Essex in the opinion that the war could only be ended by abating the pride of Tyrone, and at first it was resolved to go to Ulster, but the forces were divided, and the Irish gave great blows to Sir Hen. Warrington and Sir Conyers Clifford, who lost his life. The Earl of Ormend, and whole council of Ireland disapproved the Earl going into Munster; and when he did advance, with his shaken army, against Tyrone, it was to parley not to fight, and he did a thing very unfit for Her Majesty's lieutenant, in speaking with the rebel alone. Tyrone said he knew the weakness of the forces, and feared them not; demanded alteration of religion through Ireland, and free pardon to all. Beside other charges, the Queen maintained five ships and pinnaces, with four fly-boats, on the coast of Ireland for six months, and then was going to recall them, but let them remain at the Earl's request. [2¼ pages.]
Mr. Secretary.—It is not unusual, at the end of term, for the Lord Keeper to call before this Council the principal country gentlemen, to give them directions, yet this course was not intended 24 hours since, but has been hastened by malicious calumniators. If in vindicating Her Majesty from these, I asperse others, you must interpret my speech charitably. I inform the honourable gentlemen present of these slanders, that they may confute them abroad. If any, on alarm of a pacification, think that those who wish peace persuade Her Majesty to make small account of martial men, they are malicious ignorants.
About Ireland, it is said that it is brought to this state for want of succour; that within seven years there was scarce a rebel there, and that her revenue is more than her father, brother, or sister had. Desmond's rebellion, supported by the King of Spain and the Pope, whose forces possessed a principal port, was utterly extinguished by the Queen; but the conquest of Ireland would have cost a million of lives, and the Queen despises a policy bought with blood, when she might hold obedience with a temperate government. It has been idly said that Ulster has yielded 30,000l. to the Crown, and that Ireland might yield in proportion; but the Queen found the realm in war and debt, and soon freed it of both. She has delivered Scotland from French usurpation; she has protected the cause of the Gospel in France and elsewhere; the French King's profession of thankfulness shows what she has wrought for him, when he was like to be devoured by the league; she has preserved the United Netherlands from Spanish tyranny, defeated Spanish attempts, and prospered in her own; and she has not spared her own coffers, as will be seen by comparing her charges since 1585, which have been more than 12 millions, with her subsidies. (fn. 1)
As to Ireland, when the Queen found that Tyrone, whom she had raised from a blacksmith's son to an earldom, was alienating her people from their obedience, being eased of her charge in France by a peace there, and disburdened of the auxiliaries in the Low Countries, she resolved to prosecute the rebellion. The Earl of Essex took over the flower of the army, but great disasters followed, though not where he was personally present; and after a parley with the rebels, the Lord Lieutenant, contrary to Her Majesty's absolute command under her own hand, came over. It is said that though the Earl's powers by commission were large, yet he was checked by private despatches, and that his journey into Munster was carried on by advice of the Council in Ireland; but his letters prove the contrary, being apologies for proceeding contrary to the original project; and the Council here declare they never advised such a course.
As to his returning, the Queen, before he left, at his own request, gave him a warrant signed for leave to return when he thought it fit for the service; but when the desperate state of the kingdom seemed to make a change of government necessary, she wrote to him to this effect:—
That not having resolved whom to constitute governor in his absence, she wished to know what final conclusion he had made in the north; after this he should have a warrant to come over, but without it, she charged him, on his allegiance, not to presume to return.
Yet at the writing that letter, she was so graciously disposed not to continue him in that moist and unseasonable climate, that had he but written to request leave to deliver things not fit to be trusted to paper, he would have received a warrant for his return. It is said that had Tyrone's offer been accepted, or the Earl of Essex not been disgraced, there might have been a happy conclusion. But Tyrone at the parley boasted of his strength, declaring that he had five to one of the Queen's forces. His conditions were pardon for all the rebels in Ireland, restoration of all lands held from any by the English, and entire freedom of conscience,—needless because the laws against harbouring priests are not used with severity there, and masses and popish trumpery are common, and the Queen has ever been disposed to recommened the reformation rather by prayer to God, than by violent compulsion to those poor ignorant people.
The Earl arrived in Court on 28 Sept., and Capt. Warren was gone to Tyrone by his directions, to receive his answer to certain articles Their meeting was on the 29th, when the arch-traitor used these insolent words, "That he did not doubt but he should hear, within less than two months, of a greater alteration in England than ever was, and that himself did not doubt but to show his face here, and possess a good share in this kingdom." Therefore this speech on Michaelmas day could not, as reported, be occasioned by Lord Essex's disgrace in Court on Michaelmas eve. [8 pages.]
Lord Chief Justice.—As my other offices prevent my being much in Council, I was not present when the affairs of Ireland were in question, therefore I will say nothing thereon. But as to the punishing of libel, this is properest to me; the fashion of it has been to scandalize the Queen, censure Councillors, and write against all authority; and the purpose is to disgrace those in authority, and cause disobedience and sedition, and bring all to confusion; for if a slander fall ever so carelessly on a man, he cannot clear himself of it. Therefore every well-wisher to his country should be diligent to find out these vipers. If men be not careful to honour their prince and discharge their duties, worse will fall out. [1 page.]
With note that the Lord Chamberlain, Lord North, Mr. Comptroller, and Sir John Fortescue also spoke, but either too softly to be heard, or briefly concurring with those that went before them.
Nov. 28 ? 36. "A brief relation of the several speeches delivered by the Lords of the Council in the Star Chamber, the last sitting in the end of Michaelmas, 1599."
After long consultation, at 10 a.m., the whole Council except the Archbishop of Canterbury, came into court, and the Queen's serjeant made a motion about a judicial cause depending, but was interrupted by the Lord Keeper, who said he had to deliver something of public importance. Then follow abstracts, less full than the preceding, of the speeches of the Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, and Lord Admiral. The Lord Chamberlain said that with such a spirit as my Lord of Essex, the army sent to Ireland might have passed through Spain and endangered the Kingdom. Mr. Comptroller spoke to the same effect. Then follows the abstract of Mr. Secretary's speech, similar to the above, but adding that from April, when the army landed, till August, Tyrone sat still in his castle, and only sent out the offal of his army, vassals and villains, to attack Harrington, when 600 overthrew 2,000, but that the Queen's army was wasted in going up and down. Also that one of Tyrone's conditions of peace was that he should keep his title of O'Neill, though it was contrary to Act of Parliament. [8 pages.]
Nov. 28 ? 37. Another report of Secretary Cecil's speech, differing from the preceding. The Lord Keeper, the mouth of Her Majesty, has delivered her pleasure in this matter, and I had held my peace, but my Lords that have followed have according to their places delivered what belonged to them. Two things there are inseparable from me. One that I possess a place whereby I am certified of matters of advertisement, and am to give dispatch where answer is required,—though in this business nothing ever passed but what was first acquainted to the rest of my Lords;—so that my place urges me to speak what I know has passed. The other that though unworthy, I have been used and made acquainted with secret counsels and purposes in this action; how shall I declare my zeal and affection since my sovereign's honour is in question ? I must tell what has called it in question, libellous railers, sons of devils, who have not spared to tax Her Majesty's self, a wicked and most devilish trick, and who care not what they write or speak.
It is my Lord's custom, in the end of this term, to call this company of gentlemen and justices to a charge from Her Majesty, but I dare say when they were called, my Lord [Keeper] knew not of this occasion. These instruments of the devil have caused evil reports of Her Majesty and her Councillors, and servants, to fill the ruder sort with lies, stir up careless men to a contempt of state, and move the common sort to sedition. Therefore to give a satisfaction against these rumours, and stop the mouths of railers, you who are men of better sort in your country have heard enough to quench the running of these tales, and satisfy all men. I have no fear of men of worth; when has England felt any harm by soldiers or gentlemen, or men of worth? The State has ever found them truest. Some Jack Cade or Jack Straw and such rascals are those that have endangered the kingdom. These libels cast out that we must have peace with Spain, and then the soldiers may go seek their fortunes. No; whatsoever is concluded, we shall think of them; they will always be regarded, and Her Majesty has a special care of such as be soldiers in deed; but those that live in drunkenness and looseness I hold are no more worthy of the name than a hedge priest that can scarce read a homily to be made a bishop.
In the late designs for Ireland, if the direction had been followed, and an execution answerable to the counsels taken, Ireland had not been in this state. Before this action was undertaken, it was said Ireland was lost by dropping and sparing supplies; Her Majesty's treasure went but by handfuls, all was lost in that things were not royally performed. Till within these five years, Her Majesty held Ireland in as good terms as any of her predecessors. When Sir John Perrott left Ireland, the Queen had not a word out against her. What would you have her do? should she make a conquest of all Ireland again? then must she root out all the race of that people, and plant it anew; for so long as any of them were left living, they would never live in any other fashion. Would it have been easy for the Queen to set the King of France in his kingdom, to protect all the Low Countries, to encounter the King of Spain and all his forces, and to spend men and treasure in conquering Ireland ?
The revenue of that kingdom was never above 13,000l. yearly, and the charge has been much more. Some men tell of great revenues had out of Ireland, and how Ulster has yielded 30,000l. yearly, but these are fables. As to the loss of Ulster, I would Tyrone had it, so that Her Majesty had the rest with as little charge as heretofore. Since 1588, these wars of Ireland, France, and the Low Countries have cost 3,400,000l. It is true three subsidies were granted the last Parliament, but two of them were spent within eight months, and what this last action in Ireland has consumed you have heard by my Lord Treasurer.
This is what the Queen has done, and why she did it my Lords know. Private directions have not crossed public councils; nothing has been spoken or done but what my Lords have been acquainted with. I have heard that my Lord of Essex said that if he had had men and money, Ireland had not been lost, but I do not think he would say so. Her Majesty is accused of want of wisdom, now that 40 years have approved it, to the wonder of all princes of the world. What has been done in Ireland, you have heard. The end of the journey being to set upon the chief rebel Tyrone, he was never attempted till the end of August, the landing in Ireland being in April; meanwhile he sits in his chariot and seems not to stir. The armies have not been let upon him, but the disasters that happened you see. A base kearn, with a few Irish, put our army to flight; and at one time 600 Irish overthrew 2,000 English. It may be said the Queen's army was never overthrown, but they had as good been overthrown as fall by their own weight, spent in Munster, and scattered in Connaught.
The Lords all disclaim publicly counselling this, but it may be some private despatch might forbid, and command contrary to the general directions; but the Earl's own letters are to the contrary. For excuse of my Lord's returning, it may be said he had warrant by the great seal; it is true his commission was of great authority and liberty, and besides he had warrant under Her Majesty's hand to come over as he should find cause, for some urgent and private matter; but this letter was nine weeks before his coming, after which she directed special letters to him, signifying what a hazard it was to a kingdom to be without a governor, and notwithstanding the privilege she had given him to return at pleasure, she com manded him upon his allegiance not to come until one should be appointed to take the place of government. I protest had not he returned as he did, I think within 20 days after he had had Her Majesty's full leave to come over. Since his return, the matter has become more desperate than before, this will perhaps be imputed to the intelligence carried to Ireland of his entertainment here, and the acceptance of the conditions of peace; but this is unlikely, for it was 28 Sept. when my Lord came to Court, and on the 29 Sept. the Earl of Tyrone told Warrein, a man whom he trusts, that he hoped are long to be in England, and that his confederates disliked the peace. He wants the name of O'Neill,—the generation of a blacksmith, and a name forbidden by Act of Parliament,—set up again, and none in that kingdom to suffer for their con science; whereas in that kingdom it is well known the laws for religion are not as they are in England, for to receive a priest or hear a mass in Ireland is no felony. I have held you the longer that you of judgment and men of worth might know how to rebuke these libellers, and so in the duties of true affected subjects, preserve the heart of your sovereign, whose care of you exceedeth all that we can say for her, and who, I hope, will be canonized for the mirror of her virtue. [3¼ pages.]
Nov. 29.
Star Chamber.
Articles of accusation against the Earl of Essex:—
1. Wrong use of treasure committed to him.
2. Staying in England two months after ordered to Ireland.
3. Not following up the Earl of Tyrone on his arrival.
4. Committing the army entrusted to him to the Earl of Wormwood (Ormond ?) without licence.
5. Giving the sword to the deputy's hands without licence.
6. Leaving his charge and coming to England when forbidden. [Dom. Corresp., Aug. 1598, Vol. COLXVIII., No. 45.]
Nov. 29 ? 38. E. Reynoldes to Hen. Cuffe. I fear a repetition of what passed in the Star Chamber. "My Lord" [the Earl of Essex] wants a search among the papers, to see if there is anything that will clear any points about the Irish action; he wishes to be prepared for the worst, but Sir Gelly Merrick can tell how clearly he can answer. His answers will be pleasing or displeasing, according to whether he uses protestations or contestations; if the former, and he uses humble respect to the Queen, and answers all objections, there will be an end of his troubles; but if he speaks in a high style, he will plunge himself farther, and overthrow his fortune for ever. We aim only at the safety of his person. If he gets out of this bog, he may speak home hereafter, and yet lose nothing now by a humble and temperate proceeding. [¾ page.]
Nov. 29. Purchase from the Commissioners by George and Rob. Wingate of lands and tithes, yearly value 68l., for the sum of 2,720l. [Docquet.]
Nov. 30. Lease by the Commissioners to Sir Rich. Martin, master of the Mint, of the manor of Barton, in Rydall, co. York, and of lands and tenements, parcel of the possessions of Thos. Gray, for 21 years, if it shall happen that they are so long in Her Majesty's hands for payment of debts of 400l. and 800l.; rent, 56l.; no fine. [Docquets, Nov. 30 and Dec. 3.]
Nov. ? 39. Note of payments made to Sir Edw. Norris's company, from the time they left Ostend, 7 Nov. 1598, until their arrival in Ireland, and several months later, to Nov. 1599; with particulars of their strength at various musters, the additions made, &c., calculated in Dutch money. [1¼ pages.]
Nov. 40. The Queen to the Treasurer and Chamberlains of the Exchequer. By privy seal of 19 Dec. 1588, we authorized you to pay to Jas. Quarles, surveyor of navy victuals, 13s. a month for victuals for each man serving on our ships, and in March 1589, to pay 5½d. a day for men employed in harbour, on rigging, &c.; but the prices of victuals rising on 4 Oct. 1595, we willed to join some others with Quarles, to devise fresh modes of providing cheaply. Quarles being dead, and Marmaduke Darell, who had joined him, being now surveyor, we warrant you to pay to him moneys for victualling, at 6d. a day for men at sea, and 5½d. for those in harbour, and other needful charges, and also to agree with Darell for the victualling, after 1 Jan. next, for six months, and pay to him sums considered due by the Lord Admiral and navy officers. [Copy, 5 sheets, corrected by Lord Buckhurst.]
Nov. 41. List of 36 gentlemen, three in each county, sent to the Lord Keeper, to be presented to the Queen for the appointment of sheriffs for the 12 shires of Wales. [1 page.]
Nov. ? 42. Instructions to muster-masters and corporals for exercising and mustering the trained bands. To avoid waste of powder, each man to have 3 lbs. only allowed; the musters to be on afternoons of holidays, twice in summer only; muster books to be kept; those of the wealthier sort who withdraw from public service to be taken note of, that they may be employed in foreign service. The corporals to train for shooting, by erecting butts 20 feet by 16, with roundels 1½ yards broad, and the men to be placed 150 paces distance, &c., &c. [3 pages.]

Footnotes

  • 1. The report of the speech in the subsequent paper gives 3,400,000l. spent since 1588, and says two of the three subsidies granted last Parliament were spent in eight months in defence of the kingdom.—Ed.