|
| May 1. |
1. Indenture of lease by Jno. Delabere, of the Middle Temple,
London, to Thos. Edmondes, his cousin, of Baynton manor, co. York,
together with all the messuages, lands, &c. appertaining thereto,
for 80 years, if he live so long; rent, 5s. [Parchment, signed.] |
May 2.
Ostend. |
2. Sir Edw. Norris to Thos. Lake. I wish still to hear from
you, the more from missing our old friend Sir Thos. Wilkes. I hear
nothing but of peace, and there is already a truce between France
and Spain; what will England do? [1½ pages.] |
| May 2. |
3. Account by Wm. Meredith of the imprest for four bands
sent from Picardy to Ostend, from 8 May to 4 June 1598; total,
421l. 4s., payable by privy seal of 24 Nov. 1597. [¾ page.] |
| May 4. |
4. Bond of John Nott, valet of the chamber, to Sotcham
Elliott, mercer of London, in 100l., to assign a lease to him granted
by Rich. Worde, of Beddington, co. Surrey, of a messuage at
St. Mary-at-Hill, Billingsgate ward, London, and permit him to
enjoy the residue of the term therein without molestation, on due
payment of rent. [Parchment.] |
May 4.
London. |
5. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, attending on the Lord
Governor of Ostend. Private affairs. I do not like your carrying
the title of a soldier, unless you have a better stomach to it; the
arms had better give place to the gown, or be kept as a last
resource. |
|
Mr. Secretary [Cecil] returned 1 May from his posting journey,
in haste because of his father's danger, but the old man may last
another year. Most of his followers shipped at Nantes were pursued,
and almost taken, by four or five Spanish ships of Bluett, but came
safe to Sandwich. Himself came overland to Caen, and so to Portsmouth. Dr. Herbert and his train are in England, but not yet
come to town. The success of this journey is not fully known, but
it has at least stayed the French King from going through with
Spain. The States will maintain him 4,000 men in Picardy, and
he will need little other help there, now he has nothing to do
elsewhere. They offer the Queen shipping at their charge, in case
of her invading Spain; some say 150 sail. It is not yet decided
whether to leave the Low Countries and join with France in a
peace, or stick to the Low Countries and hold out the war. |
|
Matters in Ireland are worse than ever. There is talk of forces
to be sent thither, but they cannot decide on a deputy; Sir Walter
Raleigh, Sir Robt. Sydney, and Sir Chris. Blount, have refused it.
Some have been apprehended for conspiracy against the Queen and
Lord Essex, one a Scotchman probably; but either the matter is
not ripe, or there is somewhat else in it, for it is kept very secret,
hushed up. Alabaster, imprisoned for popery, has escaped. Snelling,
who had the brabble with Chas. Chester, was hanged at Tyburn for
a robbery near Highgate. Justice Beaumont and Serjeant Drew,
who rode the northern circuit, are dead, most likely from gaol
infection. Dr. Lewin, that had the office of wills, is dead, and
[Dr. John] Gibson, Chancellor of York, has his place. The merchants
hear there is great confusion in Muscovy, the Emperor having died
last January, and his wife's brother, elected to succed him, being
murdered before the coronation. [1½ pages. Printed in Chamberlain's Letters, Camden Soc., pp. 6–8.] |
| May 4. |
6. Sir Edw. Dyer to the Earl of Essex. I thank you for your
advertisement. I see how T.'s business passes through a strait.
I beseech you to open all my letters that come that way, and not to
stay the time of sending to me. [½ page.] |
| May 7. |
7. Thos. Honyman to Sec. Cecil. I have drawn from Borrell
what he could not well utter, because of the mixture of his
language, and send it you. He was so importunate to have a copy
for the Earl of Essex that I have promised him one. He is a
knavish subtle fool, will attempt anything, and be stiff in denial.
He speaks of good to be done in Lyons in intercepting letters, and
offers to go there, or to Spain, for the letters he mentions in his
relations, and many more that he left buried there. He is in a
place where good service may be done, and wrote to offer it, but on
receiving an answer when in prison, he sent it to Don Juan
d'Idiaques, to clear himself, and refused in very bad terms to serve
you. He might have done good service, had he not got into
trouble by the intercepting of letters. I think I could get the
letters he speaks of having left behind, through a good Englishman in
Madrid, who was captain in a Barnstaple ship, taken on the Spanish
coast, and made prisoner, and who then became agent to Sir Fras.
Englefield. When I knew him, I durst have ventured my life
in his hands, we being prisoners together. I could have his letters
from Madrid to St. Jean de Luz, every ten days. [1 page.]
Encloses, |
|
7. I. Information of the intelligence above alluded to. Intercepted a letter to Jos. Cressold [Cresswell], Sept. 1595,
stating that the Pope removed his former injunction to
our countrymen not to deny their profession; but to
save their lives during persecution, and enable them to
prosecute their mission, gave them licence to deny it,
so that it were not in heart. Another in May 1596, on
a dispute between two Jesuits and Mr. Carey. One, in
Feb. 1597, from Lyons, asking when the fleet would be
ready, as they prayed for the day when the good Prince
of Spain might be placed in England, and married to
the gentlewoman there, that they might go and end their
lives in the country. One in Feb. 1696, stating that some
Catholics in England had offered to kill Her Majesty,
when they knew the King's forces were landed, even
though they knew they should suffer death for it, provided
his Holiness would give them absolution of all their
sins, from their birth till they suffered, which request the
Pope referred to the Cardinal. |
|
Also letters of Sir Wm. Stanley's, including a high commendation of him to the King by the Conde de Fuentes;
Sir William's fears lest his brother should leave him and
return to England, and his complaints against the
paymaster, when he applied for money on account of
his pension. |
|
Also letters April 1596, wherein Rolston tells Sir Thos.
Englefield that he has determined in the King's service
to do the matter; that Lord Cumberland sent two pieces
of brass ordnance from London to Portsmouth; but by
ill weather, the vessel that carried them was driven to
St. Jean de Luz, and a gentleman of those parts had
taken them for his own use; also, that Ant. Perez had
left England for the coast of France. |
|
Also letters from Don Juan d'Idiaques to Englefield,
sending the King of Spain's commendations to all the
Catholics in England, promising speedily to send his
power to them for their better comfort; and should he
take any church lands from Catholics, to restore it to the
Church, promising to give others of double the value;
adding that those who most favoured the Church should
have most preferment; that the King desires not the land,
having kingdoms enough, but what he does is for God
and religion, and to ease the Catholics' sorrowful hearts.
He says also that Cressold has private interviews with
the Adelantado and Idiaques, and he and Harborn, a
west countryman, who has Sir Fras. Englefield's place,
do all in Madrid. Notices of Bodman, a merchant,
Haselipp, and Alderman Skinner, as carrying on correspondence between Spain and England. Don Juan
de Porto Carrero, general of the galleys that were at
Cadiz when the English fleet was there, was sent to
prison for his bad service, and was my fellow prisoner.
He told me that his nephew, Conde Palnia, general
of the fleet, had written him word that they were to
possess certain port towns in England, strengthen themselves, and 50,000 men would land, for if hold were
taken in any place, all Spain would follow, and all
the Catholics in England join. There daily go from
England young scholars and gentlemen's sons, on pretence of learning the languages, to Denmark and Holland,
whence they privately pass to Spain, Lyons, or Rome,
enter the colleges, become priests or Jesuits, return to
England, and win others to send their sons. In Spain
are two colleges of 100 each, Lyons 1, Brabant 1, and
Rome 1, and like to be more. Intercepted letters from
the Earl of Tyrone, to an Irish bishop in Burgos, request
him to expedite the King of Spain's sending over 26
pieces of ordnance and the rest of the provisions expected.
The bishop had other letters for copes and necessaries to
say mass. He has let his beard grow as a disguise, and
is gone back to Ireland. |
|
The Jesuits go to England by way of Denmark or
Holland, and are landed privately by fishermen; or by
Nantes, whence Mr. Hills, an Englishman, conveys them.
I saw at Bilbao, a boat with money for Calais, and four
in building, eight more are to be ready in June. |
|
Postmasters in Spain weigh out the letters to their
servants, and are easily corrupted for 28 ducats a month;
the one at Madrid, Pedro Martinez, let me have all
Cressold's and Englefield's letters, returning such as
I did not care to keep. [2¾ pages.] |
May 8.
Liege. |
8. Robert Tissue [alias Chas. Paget] to Gerard Burghert [alias
Barnes]. The good news you send me concerning my affairs comforts
me very much, howbeit till the particulars be fully known and
agreed as to what will be yielded by [the Queen], I shall not be fully
at ease. That there be no mistaking, I would to God that you had
some good errand here to the Cardinal. I have divers things to say
which I will not write. |
|
My living lies in Derbyshire, and is called Weston-upon-Trent,
within four miles of Derby. Sir Thos. Manners got a lease of it of
the Lord Treasurer for 22 years, but he dying, Sir Thos. Stanhope
bought it of his wife; unless it be renewed, it is very nearly expired.
The truth of these things you may best learn in the Exchequer office
of the receiver or auditor of the said shire; pray you advertise me
thereof, with particulars as what rent is paid to the Queen, and what
term of years remains. Devise to come hither if you can, for all
parties will be better satisfied. |
|
We say for certain the peace between this country and France is
accorded, and the articles signed by the Commissioners, and that
eight days since, a post was despatched with all diligence through
France (whose return is looked for within three weeks), with
the articles of peace for the King of Spain to sign, as the King of
France much desires it. I told you long since that this would
happen about this time, though you then would not believe it; there
may fall out stranger things than this, at least there will be much
done to bring them to effect. Till the messenger returns out of
Spain, the peace of France will not be published. Notwithstanding
this, there are made here great recruits, but for what end is not
known, unless it be that if the Hollanders do not accord, there will
be a very hot war made against them. Still the Cardinal buys new
short rich garments, and it is said he will give his red hat to the
General of the Cordeliers, who has infinitely laboured in this treaty
of peace between France and this country, and has made 20 voyages
up and down, and showed himself wise; otherwise it is doubted
that the peace would not yet have been effected. |
|
Remember my things, and let me hear what is become of my
nephew; whether he is restored to his dignity and has all his lands;
and who deals in my affairs. There is a truce for two months,
signed and agreed to by the Cardinal for those of Holland; it will
be published as soon as word comes from the Hollanders that they
accord thereto, and this is done that they may the better treat a
peace. Let the Queen be very vigilant what is done, for I am
credibly informed the King of France is like to play her a sluttish
turn, if not prevented, and much will be done to separate Holland
from England. The French in this country have most reasonable
conditions, are to enjoy their own living, either at home or abroad
and all things in Parliament made against them to be revoked. |
|
P.S.—Surely the Queen would do well to make amity with the
Cardinal, for he is very wise and virtuous. Keep my letters safe and
burn them, for I find there be some amongst you that are not trusty.
I wish some course was set down that some agreeable matter might
pass between the Queen and the Cardinal, and especially about
peace, for that would be good for both parties, and prevent much
inconvenience, but my adversaries say now I am too affectionate to
the Queen; take heed how you send your letters; inform me what
has become of Mary Pits. [1 page.] |
| May 9. |
9. Dr. Chr. Parkins to Sec. Cecil. Concerning Denmark, there is
no exception [to me], and as for Poland, I refused that King's service
when required thereto, in order to return to my country. The clergy
and the Pope's legate, because I boldly resisted their insolent proceedings against Her Majesty's dignity, have taken some displeasure
against me, but I take it as good reputation, especially as the Pope
has offered 2,000l. for my life; yet to the politic state of Poland I
am acceptable. The exception against my audience in Poland was
only because I was employed from Her Majesty. The question was
if the King of Poland, the dear Benjamin of the Pope, should communicate with Her Majesty, by any messenger professing to need
nothing of his paternity. It is not for Her Majesty's dignity to deal
far in that country if the King be absent, for there is no council to
repair to but the Archbishop of Gnesna, or the Great Chancellor;
the one wholly depends on the Pope and Spanish faction, and the
other has signified to Her Majesty that, having incurred some envy
for English affairs, he is not willing to deal further in them. |
|
The important matter is dealing with Elbing and Dantzic, as in
the instruction; yet undecent to be sought unto without the King,
so that some one might go with profession to seek means to go to
the King, handling by the way what is necessary with Elbing and
Dantzic, and then, as it were by accident, divert the voyage to the
King. To these two cities, I am especially acceptable. Furthermore,
by sending two the charge will be greater, to no purpose, unless
one consent to have his victuals only, and to go for his learning,
if he be a man of no experience in such affairs. |
|
As the Stillyard [merchants] require a prorogation of their stay, if
there be any intent to sustain them, it should be granted, until Her
Majesty shall further understand the Hanses' actions, by her ambassador now going so Denmark, whereby they may be drawn from
Lubec into Denmark, for some parley with him. I will be ready
at Her Majesty's pleasure, either at home or abroad, but would be
encouraged further with some promise of St. Cross, the Deanery of
York, Durham, or Canterbury, now possessed of no better men, and
not too good or too great for me, and that to be effected at the next
vacancy. Now, before I go, I might be sworn Latin secretary, or
master of requests ordinary, in Dr. Aubrey's place. [1¾ pages.] |
| May 9. |
10. John Sparke, secretary to the Earl of Derby, to Lord
Burghley. Having married the daughter and heir of Alex. Cotes,
comptroller of customs for the port of Chester, he being dangerously
ill, is willing to surrender his office for my use. I beseech your
promise for the grant thereof. [½ page.] |
May 9.
Greenwich. |
11. Warrant for a grant to Sir Rob. Southwell, in fee simple, of
Aylesford manor, Kent, which he already holds in tail with a
reversion to the Crown, on condition of his assuring to the Crown a
like remainder in Tottington manor, Norfolk, being of the same
rent. [¾ page.] With abstract of the warrant attached, stating
that the Queen's counsel learned are well satisfied that the latter
estate is of better value than the former. [¾ page.] |
May 13.
Greenwich. |
Warrant to pay to Roger Langford 558l. 6s. 8d. and to James
Quarles and Marmaduke Darell, surveyors of the victuals,
775l. 17s. 6d. for fitting out and victualling the Popinjay, Spy,
and Merlin pinnaces, appointed to serve on the north coast of
Ireland for five months; as also for the cost of a fly-boat to transport
victuals and other necessaries to Ireland. With note, that 558l. 6s. 8d.
was received of Mr. Pitt, June 17. [Adm. Warrant Book,
Vol. CCLVIII., Eliz., f. 17b.] |
May 16.
Greenwich. |
The Queen to Sir. Ric. Saltonstall, Lord Mayor of London. We
command you, on pain of our displeasure, not to intermeddle with
any causes relating to maritime affairs, to the prejudice of the jurisdiction of the Admiralty Court, but to refer the same to Lord Admiral
Nottingham, who has complained to us that you take upon you to hear
such causes, feigning them to have been done within some ward or
parish of the city of London. Noted as delivered to the Lord
Mayor by Wm. Harewood, registrar of Admiralty, in the Council
Chamber of the City. [Domestic, Charles I., Vol. 208, p. 535, and
duplicate on p. 537.] |
| May 16. |
12. Estimate by Wm. Meredith of a month's pay for the forces
in the Low Countries, from 9 May to 5 June 1598; total, after the
customary deductions, 3,259l. 10s. 4d. [3½ pages.] |
| May 17. |
13. Account of the sums due to Sir Arthur Savage and his band
of 200, and to Sir John Brooke, Sir Arthur Chichester, and Sir
Gerard Harvey, and their bands of 150, who came from Picardy to
Ostend; also of the sums paid them in imprests, and of the balances
remaining; total, 1,280l. 13s. 9d., or, deducting 980l. for apparel to
be delivered them, 300l. 13s. 9d. [1¾ pages.] |
| May 17. |
14. Account by Wm. Meredith for the summer apparel of the
said bands; total, 980l. [1 page.] |
May 17.
London. |
15. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, attending on the Lord
Governor of Ostend. Private affairs. I send this by Mr. Clarke.
The peace goes forward. Lord Buckhurst is to go to Abbeville, or
thereabouts, to conclude it. Mr. Bodley is named as assistant, but
is very unwilling to go. There is talk of some greater man, for
countenance, the Marquis of Winchester, the Earl of Northumberland,
or the Earl of Shrewsbury. |
|
Matters in Ireland are worse and worse, needing speedy succour.
The Council have consulted three or four days, but only resolved
to send 4,000 men at leisure. It is reported that the Earl of
Cumberland has met with four carracks bound for the Indies,
sunk one and taken two. The Hollanders have taken a rich ship of
treasure coming from Spain, that passed by our loitering sentinels
about the Downs. The Countess of Hertford is dead, and Tom.
Powell. Sir Chas. Blount stayed behind the Secretary in France,
about a quarrel with a Dutchman, knighted at Cadiz, who
challenged him; it is said they have met, and the Dutchman is
slain. Mr. Evers has left Ireland and came to town last week. His
cousins, Lord Evers [Eure] and Sir William, his brother, walking the
streets with one page, were attacked by four or five Witheringtons,
about a country quarrel; both were hurt, Sir William seriously,
but he is likely to recover. Dr. Robinson, of Queen's, is Bishop of
Carlisle. Dr. Edes stuck in his sermon at Oxford last Sunday.
Mr. Edmondes is gone or going to France, with letters to prepare
for peace. Tobie Matthew stayed in France with young Throg
morton, who took the small-pox. Mr. Dormer is coming to town.
Lytton is gone, but will return in a week. Sir Anthony Mildmay
is gone into Northamptonshire. Private news. [1½ pages. Printed
in Chamberlain's Letters, pp. 8–11.] |
May 17.
Sir Hen. Bartley's house, Bruton. |
16. Tobie Matthew to Dudley Carleton. Though uncertain
where my letters shall find you, I would not suffer you to be unsaluted by this messenger, although I have no news worth your
regard, except to assure you of my being well;—a blessing that
God hath lent me all the journey, which I acknowledge with great
thankfulness, by how much the less able I had been to have
subsisted under a less cross than sickness in a strange country. By
what adventure I was severed from the company I went out in you
know, or shall when we next meet, which if you stay in London
will be the longer deferred, as I mean to make my course for
Oxford, where, except the despatch of some business in London
enforce the contrary, I purpose staying till the Act be passed. If
between that time and the end of May, I may hear that you are at
your brother's at Huntercomb, no occasion shall withhold me from
seeing you. Your letters, if they bear date after Ascension day, will
find me at Oxford. [¾ page.] |
| May 18. |
17. O. Oglethorpe to Dudley Carleton, Ostend. Thanks for your
acceptance of my poor friendship. I will neither forget you to my
Lady Norris, nor be unmindful of you to my Lord Governor. I cannot
assure myself to see Ostend this summer, although I would cross
many seas to do his Lordship service, and so I pray you tell him.
If I could attend thither a fair lady to be his fair wife, I would
swim thither. Your friends in this country are as you left them.
My good aunt, your mother, came to see us the day I had your
letter, and is well. We expect peace, and there is some speech of
sending new Commissioners to France; Lord Buckhurst and Sir
John Fortescue are spoken of. Justice Beaumont, one of the judges
of the Common Pleas, and Serjeant Drew, the Queen's serjeant-atlaw, are dead. [¾ page.] |
May 18.
Plymouth. |
18. Wm. Stallenge to Sec. Cecil. I request conveyance to Sir
George Carey of the enclosed accounts of our last joint employment,
wherein I have satisfied the auditor. Some fly-boats have arrived,
dismissed by the King of France, because he has made a peace with
the King of Spain, whereby he is to receive all his towns again.
The townsmen hope some good course established between Sir
Ferd. Gorges and them. [¾ page.] |
| May 18. |
19. Warrant to the Lord Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer
to discharge the inhabitants of Wisbeach, Leverington, Newton,
Tydd St. Giles, Elme and Well, from payment of the sums of
154l. 16s., 126l., 61l., 60l., 54l., and 13l. 4s., due from them respectively for the six-fifteenths and tenths, assessed by Act of the Par
liament begun 24 Oct. 1597, on account of their late losses by
extreme inundations, both of sea and fresh waters. Interlined on a
similar grant, dated 21 March 1574, for discharge of the two
fifteenths and tenths assessed at the Parliament of 8 Feb. 1574.
[5 sheets.] |
| May 19. |
20. Warrant to pay for victuals of 50 additional soldiers appointed for four months to the garrison of Guernsey, to be delivered
by Marmaduke Darell, victualler, to Sir Thomas Leighton, captain
of the island; keeping the store supply for 300 men for three
months untouched, unless they are in danger of spoiling, and then
they are to be used, but replaced by like quantities. Likewise to
pay the wages of the said soldiers at 8d. a day. [Draft, 1¾ pages.]
Also |
|
Warrant for allowances to Lord Zouch, sent ambassador to the
King of Denmark and to Dr. Parkins sent to assist him. [Draft,
1 page.] |
May 19.
Hackney. |
21. Edward Lord Zouch to Sec. Cecil. I am sorry to trouble
you, but as to preparation, until I hear Her Majesty's express command, with her favourable admittance of my wants,—that I may see
that both for the matter I am to treat of, and the means I shall
have, I may not receive dishonour, or be burdened to my hurt,—I
can have no heart. I stand not on my health, though I could well
plead that, as do others; nor debts, though some men's debts breed
excuses; but to show obedience, I only desire to be satisfied in the
acceptance of my suits. I shall adventure my life and credit, with
all my estate, the bareness whereof is no means to mend my estimation, and my honour, dearer to me than my living and life. |
|
You know, even when I desired to punish myself to prove my
obedience, I petitioned Her Majesty, and received your honourable
promise to be satisfied in the same; wherein though I doubt not,
yet till I have found satisfaction, bear with me that I make no
provision; but I see myself denied of Mr. Beale, and he finds means
so easy to escape. I will to-morrow wait upon you to know your
further pleasure herein. If I shall find you careful of me in deed, I
will as faithfully honour and love you. [1 page.] |
| May 19. |
22. Dr. Ch. Parkins to Sec. Rob. Cecil. I have been twice with
the King of Denmark in his nonage, and since I have not seen him,
nor had action whereby he might have any thought of me. The
opinion of them of Denmark towards me, at my last employments
there, the enclosed may well testify. The general good offices of
humanity due from man to man being observed, I know not how
any man may report the contrary; but if by the spirit of detraction
any man injure me, I must sustain it as the law of charity prescribes, wish them better affected, and think myself never the worse.
I would be sorry to deserve evil of any man, and where I err I
will do what I can to amend, and yet not to faint for every little
contrariety, especially keeping Her Majesty's, my Lord your father's,
and your own favour. I am now going to Lord Zouch, to be with
your Honour with the merchants, at the time and place appointed.
[1 page.] |
May 20.
London. |
23. John Chamberlain to Dudley Carleton, attendant on the
Governor of Ostend. Private affairs. I have met with one of the
books you wanted, but not the other. I send you a treatise on the
siege of Paris, written in Spanish by a Spaniard. Barnevelt, agent
of the States, has had two audiences, but is not likely to succeed
against the peace. One reason is envy of our neighbours' welldoing;
we enter into war for their sakes, are barred from commerce, and they meanwhile thrust us out of traffic. Though the
fear of the Spaniard's greatness, and recovering those countries
troubles us, it is thought weak policy to endure present loss for fear
of future danger; but if France and England hold together, they
can make their party good with Spain. Also the troubles in Ireland, and threatened trouble in Scotland incline the Queen to
peace, and Spain is said to have offered that she shall hold the
cautionary towns four years, and then if the States have not repaid
her the sums disbursed for them, Spain will see her satisfied.
Sir William Harvey has married the Countess of Southampton.
Mr. Dormer is come to town. [1 page. Printed in Chamberlain's
Letters, pp. 11–13.] |
May 20.
Mr. Herbert's
house, Mortlake. |
24. Wm. Prichard to Dudley Carleton. I am glad to hear of
your contentment. Thanks for your kind remembrance of me.
Your friend Tobie Matthew is returned to England, some fortnight
after Mr. Herbert's return. He stayed behind the company, at
Rennes in Brittany, upon this occasion: young Mr. Throgmorton,
a scholar of Oxford in your time, fell sick there, and Sir Maurice
Berkeley, his near kinsman, was desirous to accompany him in that
calamity. Both of them intreated Mr. Matthew's company; but
since they both are returned, and have left the young gentleman
alone, sick of the small-pox, in the same place. I have heard nothing
from Matthew since his departure out of England; he might have
remembered his poor friends, being plentiful with his letters to
others, but you know he rather strives to get friends than to keep
them. I am sorry his journey pleased others no better; by this
time he is at Oxford. I wrote him of your being at Ostend, and
desiring still to enjoy his friendship. |
|
Since their return from France, rumours are dispersed that the
King of France is inclinable to peace with the Spaniard. Some
report the peace already made and proclaimed. It is affirmed here
that he holds off that he may bring Her Majesty into the league, and
we all hope for peace here, and expect a treaty upon conditions of
peace. The States openly refuse the treaty of peace, or any conditions from the Spaniard; Metuo Danaos et dona ferentes. The
doubt is not whether a new peace is best, but whether there can be
a true one. [1 page.] |
| May 22. |
25. W. Cooke to Sec. Cecil. The gentleman for whom I write
has so much indebted me, that whilst I have life I must hold myself
his debtor. My uncle Greville has moved the Queen for Mr. Bowes'
office, as he cannot possibly live, and she has given him hopes. Pray
vouchsafe him your furtherance to procure his suit. [1 page.] |
| May 25. |
26. Account by Wm. Meredith of the number of men to be
maintained in the Low Countries, according to contract, viz., 1,000
horsemen and 6,400 footmen; also of the number now in pay, viz.,
225 horsemen and 4,350 footmen, being 2,825 men less than the
contract. [1 page.] |
May. 26.
Hackney. |
27. Edward Lord Zouch to Sec. Cecil. Dr. Parkins was with me
yesterday night from you, with a draft of those things we should have
in command from Her Majesty, and which, after we had considered, he
was to return; we read and over-read the same, and I found that the
burden is too heavy for me. If it may not in some measure be
altered, I cannot undergo it; for although it is the charge which we
both are to undergo, there is a command for me to deliver many things
which, without an interpreter, is impossible; and although in one
place Dr. Parkins is placed as an assistant, yet I would be glad, at
the least, that he may be appointed to speak for me, as occasion
offers. |
|
It is left to our discretion to conjecture whether the King has used
these arrests upon the evil entries of the merchants, or upon other
causes, a thing unfit for my judgment; but if Her Majesty will
make our negotiations certain, if there then appears any course you
should think otherwise, we shall be careful of her service, so far as
we shall receive orders. Mention is also made of an accident which
happened after our despatch, and which I pray may be otherwise
carried, and that we may not have occasion to blush in the delivery
thereof. I want to be acquainted with the treaties and other proofs
fit for confirmation of our instructions. Thanks for your favour
to me. I do not delight to be burdensome to any, but would more
willingly testify my love to those I am bound to. [1 page.] |
| May 27. |
28. Dr. Ch. Parkins to See. Cecil. I see nothing that Lord
Zouch is like to except against, unless it be that we should be
informed by the merchants, and perhaps he will think it a more
sure way to send on purpose, yet in a covert manner. The King
and State of Poland are little likely to respect any information of
Hanseatic proceedings, and can impeach no purpose of Lubec, for
there is no shipping of account in Poland but what is proper to
Dantzic, who doubtless will be of counsel with Lubec; neither does
Poland challenge interest in the Baltic, where Lubec is seated, but
only the King of Denmark; neither are there any royal ships in
that sea but of Denmark. I fear also the seeking Poland in this
case will be insulting, for his motion for the Hanses has been
neglected here. [¾ page.] |
May 27.
St. John's. |
29. Edward Earl of Worcester to Lord Burghley. The bearer
Edw. Jurden, is a petitioner for the comptrollership of Cardiff, co,
Glamorgan, on the late deprivation of John Million by sentence of
the Star Chamber, for great and notable misdemeanors. He is a
man of very good carriage, and for his quality and education,
deserves a place of good employment. [½ page.] |
May 27./
June 6. Lisbon. |
Giles Van Harwick [alias Wm. Resould] to Peter Artzon [alias
Cecil]. The Earl of Cumberland, on knowledge that the carracks
had given over their voyage, went from this coast to the island of
Lancerote, which he took; it was of small force and little benefit,
whilst had he continued here, he had taken 30 corn vessels from
Hamburg, the Low Countries, and Straits, which had furnished his
country and famished this. These carracks, with some other vessels,
seven of which have served the King two years without a penny's
pay, are going to the Azores to seek out the Earl of Cumberland,
or waft the carracks from the Indies. If the Queen would send out
a fleet to intercept these forces, the last estate of the Spanish
would be overthrown, and there would be a possibility of taking
the carracks. * * * |
|
It is said that the King of Scots being greatly discontent with
England, an ambassador from him to the Queen is expected, and
that the King of Poland will help him against England. If the
Queen would raise a custom at Flushing, as the King of Denmark
does at Elsinore, it would be almost as beneficial as all the customs
of England. To effect this and strike dead the hearts of her enemies,
every shire in England should build a ship; and then she could
defend herself against all her enemies. The poor English in Spain
are now at work to help to build Cadiz, and the 80 in Lisbon are
still kept in the castle, with little hope of release. [Extract,
Spanish Corresp. The passages in italics are in cipher, deciphered.] |
| May 27. |
30. Warrant for an order to the receiver-general of Yorkshire,
to pay to Sir Rob. Carey, warden of the Middle Marches, the wages
of 40 light horse, to be entertained for the greater safety of the
borders, until orders to the contrary. If there be not sufficient
money in his hands, they are to be paid from the Exchequer. [Draft,
¾ page.] |
| May 29. |
31. Order for a warrant to the officers of works to take down a
square stone building at the King's house at Dartford, Kent, and
use the stones, for some alterations and improvements at Whitehall;
also warrant for payment of the charges of the said removal. [Draft,
1¼ pages.] |
| May. |
32. Rough draft of the above, dated May 26. [1½ pages.] |
| May 29. |
33. Warrant to the Lord Treasurer to order the officers of
customs to allow the export, on payment of the usual customs, of
four brass cannon, and ten demi-culverins of cast iron, made at
request of M. de Sourdeac, governor of Brest. [Draft, ½ page.]
Also |
|
Warrant to the Earl of Essex to order the officers of ordnance
to permit the export of the said four brass cannon, weight 5,000 lbs.,
and the said ten demi-culverins, weight 24 cwt., any restraint to
the contrary notwithstanding. [Draft, ½ page.] |
| May 30. |
34. Hen. Billingsley, Robt. Dow, Robt. Harvey, and Rich. Carmarden, customs' officers of the port of London, to Lord Burghley.
We certify, at desire of Geo. Freeman,—a petitioner for the customship of the port of Southampton, in place of Wm. Evans, who is
willing to resign in his favour,—that he is an honest, able, and
sufficient man, and every way fit for the place. [¾ page.] |
| May 30. |
35. Petition of Edw. Jurden, of Cardiff, co. Glamorgan, to Lord
Burghley, for the office of comptroller there, vacant by the dismissal,
for foul and notorious misdemeanors, of John Millon, who was
also fined 200l. by the Star Chamber, and sentenced to the pillory
and other imprisonments. Is trained in learning, whereas the
other could neither write nor read. [½ page.] |
|
With order by Lord Burghley endorsed, that the judgment in the
Star Chamber against Millon is to be certified by Mr. Mill, clerk of
the Court. Report by Wm. Mill, that in a cause wherein Hawkins
and others were plaintiffs, and Sir Wm. Herbert, John Millon the
elder, comptroller of the port of Cardiff, and others, defendants,
Millon appeared to have been the chief offender in the riots and
outrages complained of, for which he was adjudged to be imprisoned
in the Fleet, to pay 200l. fine, and to be set twice upon the pillory,
once' at the open sessions or assizes, and another time upon a market
day, at the town of Cardiff; and before his enlargement, to be bound
to good behaviour. Also note by the petitioner to Lord Burghley.
In my petition I informed you that the judgment in the Star
Chamber against John Millon was, that he should lose his office of
comptrollership of the port of Cardiff, but I find, by Mill's certificate, that there are no such special words in the judgment; but if
it seem to his Lordship that Millon, by his misdemeanors, is not
worthy to hold his office, I beseech you, on the recommendation of
the Earl of Worcester, to admit me thereto. |
May 31.
London. |
36. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, attendant on the
Governor of Ostend. I am going to-morrow to Ascot. Edmondes is
come from France, and says the peace is concluded, and all the
towns on the point of delivery. He will be tossed about like a
tennis ball, for we have two months to deliberate whether we will
treat, and three months for the treaty. There are daily consultations
about the treaty, in which new difficulties continually appear.
I know not whether to prefer an insidious peace or the weak war we
make. Meanwhile Ireland stands ill; Sir Rich. Bingham, Sir Sam.
Bagnall, and Sir Henry Docwray were to have gone there with a
regiment of 2,000 each, but now they say Sir Walter Raleigh and
Sir Geo. Carew will go. Lord Zouch, with Dr. Parkins, is going
ambassador to Denmark about some ships detained there. One
Carey [George Carew], secretary to the Lord Keeper, is going into
Poland on some like errand. Bluett in Britanny is said to be rased.
The story of Sir Charles Blount's duel is a mistake; the combat was
between a Frenchman and a Dutch baron. Ewens and the Bishop
of Gloucester are dead. Sir Francis Vere is to go shortly with
secret instructions to the States. [1 page. Printed in Chamberlain's Letters, pp. 13, 14.] |
| May 31. |
37. Account by Wm. Meredith of a month's pay for the forces in
the Low Countries, from 6 June to 4 July, 1598; total, after the
usual deductions, 3,259l. 10s. 4d. [3½ pages.] |
| May 31. |
38. Account by Wm. Meredith of a month's imprest for four
bands sent from Picardy to Ostend from 5 June to 2 July 1598;
total, 421l. 4s., payable on a privy seal of 24 Nov. 1597. [¾ page.] |
| May ? |
39. Book containing an account addressed to Council by Thos.
Watkins, more than half a year prisoner through the cruellest customer the Queen has, for revealing his sinister dealings in the
customership of Bristol. I was clerk to John Dowles, customer inwards
of the port of Bristol, 3½ years, and as I received any money,
handed it over, and passed my accounts half-yearly, but never
received any acquittance; thereupon I began to mistrust Dowles,
and Lord Buckhurst sending for a prisage account, which could only
be made out from my books, I got possession of them, and would
have kept them for my discharge, but be threatened to turn me out
of my house unless I restored them. He subsequently charged me
with owing him 30l., and by threats and intimidation, forced me
to give bonds for the same, upon which he arrested me. Particulars of Dowles' unjust proceedings in refusing repayment of
bills paid on his account, and his other cruel and harsh dealing, lest
I should reveal his malpractices; viz., taking extortionate fees from
merchants; deceiving the revenue, by the customer, comptrollers,
and waiters sharing from the customs 20l., 25l., or 30l. on each
ship from the Straits; cheating in the prisage and butlerage of
wines, by only accounting for half the wine received; not making
half-yearly returns of strangers' bonds; exercising merchant's trade
himself, and allowing it to his clerk, contrary to statute. [Pages 1-6.]
Annexing, |
|
39. I. Collections of those statutes relating to the duties of a
customer inwards, which John Dowles has transgressed.
[Pages 7, 8.] |
|
39. II. Extracts from the Exchequer orders to the customers
inwards, which he was sworn to perform, but has not done.
[Pages 9, 10.] |
|
39. III. Extracts from other orders to collectors of ports, which he
has not performed. [Pages 11, 12.] |
|
39. IV. Copies of bills which Thos. Watkins paid for John
Dowles, and for which he is refused allowance; total,
77l. 10s. 3d. [Pages 13, 14.] |
|
39. V. Note of moneys which Dowles should have entered in the
Easter half-year's book, but kept till the Michaelmas, that
he might have the use of the money. [Pages 14, 15.] |
|
39. VI. John Dowles to Thos. Watkins, Corn Street, Bristol,
scrivener. I pray you to be very earnest with all
save Mr. Barker, as regards the imprest money, and to
call upon John Slocombe for the 6l. 2s. he should have
long since paid me for John Love; also tell my man
William to go to Giles Gough for my 9l., and to send word
whether the Earl of Essex is in Bristol, and when he goes
away; or if not there, when he is expected. The custom
for the salt of the Fleming is to be put in the book for the
next half-year. [Page 15.] Timsborough, March 11, 1597. |
|
With note that this Fleming being free of the Stillyard,
had the Lord Treasurer's letter to be free of customs,
but Dowles made him pay, and put the money into his
own purse. [Pages 15, 16.] |
| May. |
Note of sums received of Sir Hen. Killigrew, Mr. Sugden,
Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Carey, between 9 Feb. and May 1598, upon
an ordinary dormant warrant for the charge of the Queen's ships in
harbour; total, 6,486l. 16s. [Adm. Warrant Book, Vol. CCLVIII.,
Eliz., f. 15.] |
| May. |
Account of sums received from Sir Edw. Carey. and Messrs.
Taylor, Pitt, and Sugden, upon a warrant of 16 Jan. 1589, for
the ships in the Narrow Seas, between 9 Feb. and 29 May 1598;
total, 10,197l. 17s. [Adm. Warrant Book, Vol. CCLVIII., Eliz.,
p. 15b.] |
