Queen Elizabeth - Volume 282: October 1601

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1601-3 With Addenda 1547-65. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1870.

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'Queen Elizabeth - Volume 282: October 1601', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1601-3 With Addenda 1547-65, (London, 1870) pp. 106-119. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/addenda/1547-65/pp106-119 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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October 1601

Oct. 3. 1. John Suckling to "My good countryman." I have only received two letters of yours from Florence since you left. I have taken the books, &c., out of your trunk, and left the trunk with the remainder of the books with Sec. Cecil, to take his choice. Mr. Heydon and Mr. Harwood demand a round matter for the freight of the trunk, but I got it out of the custom house by my lord's warrant, without duty, and I shall not pay them until I hear what composition you make, and how reckonings stand between you. Private affairs. I send you Cornelius, Tacitus, and the Essays; if you send any discourses to me, I will find Jeisure to read them.
The Duke of Biron and the Count of Auvergne, with other French gentlemen of quality, have been here, but their business was only complimental; the French king being at Calais, and so near England, he could do no less than send over by way of congratulation. It is thought the Earl of Hertford will go over to France to answer, in the Queen's behoof, as godmother to the king's young son. Parliament is summoned for the 27th of this month. The Earls of Shrewsbury and Worcester, and Sir John Stanhope, vice chamberlain, have been made privy councillors, and there is a rumour of the creation of new earls and barons. I enclose you a letter from your wife, who is now in London. [1 page.]
Oct. 3. 2. Thos. Phelippes to Sec. Cecil. I send the enclosed, though somewhat old, being an answer to an ordinary discourse of the proceedings at Ostend, and the Duke of Lenox's negotiation in France. Let me know how to serve; I shall soon be able to attend your commands. You forget the order of Mr. Waad for Johnson's liberty, which is of much consequence to these services.
I expect some special matter by the secret way this week. [¾ page.]
Oct. 3. 3. Declaration of Peter Bales, in reference to his transactions with John Daniel, about the letters of the Earl of Essex. Of similar effect to that of 31 July, 1601, adding that he had intended to reveal the declaration to Council, but was persuaded by Feryman to give the Countess satisfaction. [¾ page.]
Oct. 5. 4. Inventory of the goods of John Daniel, in Hackney parsonage, in the parlours, milk house, kitchen, hall, buttery, and grounds, the study, and Mr. Daniel's chamber; also in sundry chests; total value, including 400l. for the term of years and next advowson of Hackney parsonage, 510l. 12s. 2d. [2 sheets.] Also,
Note that this inquisition was taken by an Exchequer commissioner, to seize the same to Her Majesty for a fine of 3,000l. [1½ sheet.] Prefixed is,
4. i. Note that the said goods, &c., were sold to Ferdinando Richardson, groom of the Privy Chamber, for 530l. 12s. 2d., of which he paid 232l. 12s. 2d. Michaelmas, 1601, and 98l. Michaelmas 1602, and 200l. is still due. [½ sheet.]
Oct. 6.
Richmond.
5. The Queen to [the officers of Exchequer]. As we must maintain for some time a bark at Falmouth, and one at Milford Haven, to pass between us and our Deputy of Ireland and President of Munster with letters, we require you to pay to persons named by six of our Privy Council (whereof our Admiral and principal secretary shall be two) sums for the charges òf the said two barks or of more for the like use elsewhere, if needful. Also, for an increase in the number of stages of posts for the west. [½ page copy.]
Oct. 7.
Westminster.
6. Order in the Court of Chancery reciting a report made by Francis Bacon to Lord Keeper Egerton. According to an order of 23 Jan., 1601, I have heard the matters in the suit of Robert Style and Edw. Marshall, plaintiff, and John Spilman, defendant, and I have drawn them to this agreement: that the plaintiff Style surrender his lease, and enter into bond not to buy or procure stuff for making paper, or keep or use any paper mill, and that the defendant deliver up the plaintiff's bond for performance of covenants to be cancelled, and that the arrears of 7l. 10s. due to defendant be left to be ordered by me. It was further agreed that the arrears of 15l. due by the plaintiff Marshall be paid to the defendant at 5l. a year, with the rent of 10l. reserved in the lease; that defendant deliver him the necessary stuff for his own mill, as covenanted in the lease, and that Marshall pay 4l. 11s. 7d. for stuff which he has had. I think the bond for performance of covenant by Marshall should remain as it now does, save that the defendant should take no advantage of the breach of covenant past, unless Marshall break the covenant made. Also,
Order in Chancery, 21 Aug., 1601, that as the Lord Keeper is informed by Spilman's counsel of the agreement into which the parties have been drawn by the said Fras. Bacon, if the plaintiff shall not show good cause to the contrary by the next general settle, he will then be peremptorily ordered to observe the above certificate of Master Bacon's; and further order, October 7, that as no sufficient cause has been shown to the contrary, the parties concerned be enjoined to fulfil the said agreement. [Parchment. Latin and English.]
Oct. 7. 7. Rich. Percival to Mr. Hare. My master [Cecil, Master of the Wards] wants a presentation under the great seal, directed to William Bishop of Norwich, for Vincent Wharton, to the rectory of Wykin-cum-Leshott, in his disposal by reason of the minority of Hen. Palavicino, the Queen's ward. [⅓ page.]
Oct. 7.
Richmond.
8. The Council to Lord Chief Justice Anderson, and the other judges of Common Pleas. Turner, a citizen of London, having commenced a suit in that court, wherein the validity of a patent to Edw. Darcy about playing cards is called in question, the Queen wishes you to understand that her prerogative royal may not so be called in question. You are therefore to stay the suit till informed of her further pleasure. [Copy. 2/3 page.]
Oct. 9.
Durham Castle.
9. Tobias Bishop of Durham to Sec. Cecil. I will deal with your servant, Fras. Brackenbury, as you recommended. It is the fault of others that the enclosed are not so important as I wished. Shall I still entertain the intelligence on so small an overture by John Gibson? let me know at this public meeting intended by Her Majesty. I am much indebted for the kindness of my Lord President, which I owe to you. [2/3 page.] Encloses,
9. i. J. D. to Jo. Og. alias John Gibson. I would have been glad to hear from you sooner by Gray touching John Gibson. You remembered me when I least thought of you. I hope you keep your former intelligence faithfully; I thought you had been this long time in Northumberland. God will not fail those that serve him. I wish we could make a later end of our former talk. Thanks for the two pamphlets sent with your letter. Noted as being trifles of no moment at all. [1 page.]
Oct. 10.
Chester.
10. Rich. Parkyns, agent for the Exchange at Chester, to Thomas Watson, agent for the Exchange at London. I must importune you to send money to the bank at Chester; bills for 400l to 600l. come from Lough Foyle and Dublin, and some poor men to whom they are due dwell in the Isle of Man or Cumberland. It is a lamentable case, and I am ashamed to talk with them. The ship with Sir Hen. Docwray's things was driven back, but has sailed again. [½ page.]
Oct. 11.
Plymouth.
11. Examination of Phil. Francis, of Plymouth, before Wm. Parker, mayor. Left Cork 5 Oct.; the lord deputy was there with 7,000 foot and 1,000 horse, which sally daily towards Kinsale, and have taken some Spanish stragglers. There are at Kinsale seven great galleons, and other small ships, full of men, but none are allowed to land. The enemy have landed some ordnance, and fortify day and night. Whilst standing off, saw seven ships turning up for Kinsale, which he thinks are the ships which the Spaniards reported wanting. The English there marvel much that the help daily hoped for from England does not come. Three English barks at Cork are ready to sail with fireworks to burn the enemy's fleet in Kinsale harbour. It is reported that two of their great ships have foundered or sunk. [2/3 page.]
Oct. 13. 12. Bond by Nicholas Porter, of Aston Subedge, and A very Jakeman, of Weston, both co. Gloucester, in 200l., for payment of 100l. by Porter to John Ardern, of Kirtlington, co. Oxford, on 20 Oct. 1602. [1 page. Latin and English.]
Oct. 14. Lease for 21 years, from Matthew Hutton, Archbishop of York, to Tho. Edmondes, clerk of the Council, of the rectory or parsonage of Stayneton, alias Stainton in Cleveland, co. York, together with certain tithes and offerings in Cleveland; rent, 38l. [Parch ment, unsigned and unsealed. Case G. Dom. Eliz. No. 16.]
Oct. ? 13. Indictment of Wm. Masham, that on 8 Feb. 1601, in the parish of St. Gabriel, Fenchurch, he conspired with the late Earl of Essex against the Queen, to depose and put her to death, and excite sedition and civil war in the realm, and change the government; for which purpose he left Thos. Smythe's house, and went with the Earl to Gracechurch Street, and traitorously resisted the Queen's forces under Thomas Lord Burghley, sent to oppose him. [Latin, 3 sheets, imperfect.]
Oct. 15. 14. Examination of Thos. Woodhouse of London, before Lord Treasurer Buckhurst. On 8 Feb., the day the late Earl of Essex com mitted his treasonous action, Mr. Valentine Brown, Mr. Cope, and examinate were together at Croke's ordinary, when the Earl passed through Paul's towards Cheapside. Cope and Vaughan declared to those present how the Earl was come into the city with 200 or 300 gentlemen, and published that he should have been murdered that night by Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Raleigh. Asked in what sort they came; Cope replied in their doublets and hose, with their rapiers in one hand and a pistol in the other. Said he marvelled that in a civil government, they would come in that sort, being Sunday. Mr. Vaughan, of Herefordshire, and two gentlemen then coming in, reported that the Earl and gentlemen were coming through Ludgate; said that the Earl never feared any man, and had no cause now to fear, being so guarded, and his enemies behind him, and therefore it was apparent that it was rather against the State than against them; called for his cloak and rapier, and said he would go to the Court, for this was not intended against Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Raleigh, but against Her Majesty; they told him he would not get in, for one of them had sent his man to the Court, and he could not get nearer than Charing Cross. Replied that he was sure he should get in, as he was Her Majesty's sworn servant. Mr. Wm. Masham, being then present, said that he was my Lord of Essex's man, and having cast off his gown, his cloak and rapier were brought to him, whereupon examinate went towards Court, and Mr. Masham towards the Earl, his master.
With note by Dr. Julius Cæsar and Wm. Waad, that the examination was acknowledged by Woodhouse as true, 17 Feb. 1602. [3 pages.]
Oct. 16.
Plymouth Fort.
15. Sir John Gilbert to Cecil. Though my ship, for want of provisions and water, could not bring home the horses as expected, she has brought home silks, having taken a Brazil vessel, with porcelain and other wares. I wish you, being interested therein, to have your choice of all in the ship, but to write to Mr. Stallenge that I may be well used in the division. I want some of the silks myself. They took in the ship a whole college of Jesuits, and have brought some of them home. If you like to have a part in my ship, I am most willing. [¾ page.]
Oct. 20. 16. Sec. Cecil to Thos. Windebank, clerk of the Signet. I desire that this may be written to the Signet and Privy Seal, by one that shall both keep it private and use expedition, for which they shall be well considered. [½ page.]
Oct. 22. 17. Examination of William Gresham before Lord Treasurer Buckhurst. On 8 Feb. last, saw William Masham against the door of Sheriff Smythe's, among the troop of the Earl of Essex, with rapier in hand, and in his doublet and hose, Sir John Heydon and others of the Earl's troop being all in their doublets and hose, and rapiers drawn. The Earl of Essex came forth out of Sheriff Smythe's house, and said to the people, "Masters, this is the day wherein I must fight for my life, and for you of the city; therefore I pray you let me have the street given me." Saw Wm. Masham going on one side of the Earl, and either John Heydon or Sir Christopher Heydon on the other. The throng being great, passed no further, but came back by London Wall. Having lately moved Masham to submit to Her Majesty's mercy, he answered that as he left the Earl immediately after he heard that the Queen had proclaimed him a traitor, he thought he was clear, and was not willing to submit as though he had been an offender.
Signed by Sol. Gen. Fleming, 13 Feb. 1602. With note by Lord Chief Justice Popham, 15 Feb., that examinate confessed to the truth of the above before him, and further explained as to Masham having his rapier in his hand. [2 pages.]
Oct. 23. 18. Examination of Spero Pettingar, formerly servant to the Countess of Essex, and now retainer to the young Countess of Rutland, before Lord Treasurer Buckhurst. Only knows William Masham, son of the late Alderman Masham, by sight. Does not remember meeting him in Mark Lane on 8 Feb. last, and his then inquiring the cause of the Earl of Essex's coming with such a troop into London; did not answer that Cobbam and Raleigh would have murdered my Lord that night. Saw Masham three or four months since at the Marshalsea at bowls, but only the usual salutations passed between them; another time saw him at Newelm while the late Earl of Essex lay there, and played a game at bowls with him. [1¾ pages.]
Oct. 23.
York.
19. John Ferne to Sec. Cecil. I have received and delivered your packet of 14 Council letters to the gentlemen of Yorkshire, to furnish horses for the service in Ireland. Mr. Thos. Wentworth of Emsall has been to York and declared to my Lord President that he cannot bear the charge of setting forth a light horse as required Marmaduke Wyvell and Rich. Gargrave are in London; the rest have not as yet answered. [¾ page.]
Oct. 24.
Paris.
20. Dudley Carleton to John Chamberlain, at Wingfield House, London. Hoping that the term, the Parliament, or good company &c. has brought you to London, I thank you for your letters from Ascot and Knebworth. I have been confined by a pain in my head, caught the last cold winter in the Low Countries. I hoped this air would have mended it, but I find I leap from Caucasus to Ætna, and extremities are good in no kind.
I have been constant to Mr. Gent's host, and have been with him at board and bed in country and city. I was one of his vigneronsin his Vendange. There are good wines this year, though in no great plenty. I think to remove to a chamber where Mr. Winwood lodges. I have been much beholden to him; I guess I owe you some thanks for it.
Sir John Brooke, with Coppinger, a Kentish gentleman, lately came to learn the language, and are the logs in our French school. Sir Rob. Drury, who often travels between England, the Low Countries, and France, came hither last week, and returns the next; he pretends for his coming a further journey to the Duke of Florence, and for his return a spleen against Don Juan d'Aquila. We are still in doubt whether to expect Warcup or Parkins as ambassador from you; meantime the service goes on roundly, and you are likely before long to have money by Mr. Winwood's negociation, which will be a good act to conclude his play.
The King has made an estate of his finances, which comes to eleven millions, whereof seven go to necessary charges, and four to re-imbursement of debts. There is a rising in Auvergne, &c. to withstand the new and heavy imposts; some melancholy humours tend so near to rebellion, that it is thought no remedy will serve so desperate a disease but letting blood, so we are likely to see some dancing at a cord's end before long. The King intended to winter at Amiens, but has turned it to Blois, thinking that his presence will serve for a reprimand to these late fabrications. He is at present in Paris, attending the lying down of his mistress. Our triumph, upon the birth of a Dauphin, consisted chiefly in drumming, shooting, singing, crying, squibs, bonfires, and processions, and was but a meagre ceremony. The poets have played their parts, commending the Dauphin's beauty, wisdom, justice, fortitude, and his father's virtues, charity and liberality; one intituled his book, "Les Faicts et Gestes du Jeusne Dauphin." One I find in Du Bellay, upon the birth of this King, and some patching has made the father's old clothes fit for the son! The Queen is looked for here within four days, with her Dauphin, who is to be bred up at St. Germains. The Queen of Spain outwent this Queen with a daughter but three days. The Palatiness of the Rhine led the way with a young elector.
The Duke Mercœur has taken Alba Regale in Hungary. The Archduke means to continue his siege before Ostend all winter, and to make sconses near the town, to lodge 6,000 men; the rest of his army will garrison in the adjoining towns. This King said of his that English spirits could not manage two affairs of equal importance at once; God send his words prove not Gospel, and that the Irish war cause not a neglect of this place, which as nearly concerns our state. The Queen would fain transport the charge of it upon the King, but he will not apprehend that the town is in any danger.
I am very sorry for Capt Holcroft; one would have thought that escaping in the battle where he was stript and left for dead, it had not been his fortune to die in Flanders. Chatillon is much lamented here; France which vaunts so much the noblesse, has not many such gallant spirits. Mons. Vignolli is named to his command. Mr. Lucas is out of the reach of Ostend cannon, for he is well at Angiers. His greatest war was in rescue of Yelverton, an English Italianated gentleman, besieged in his lodging by Dutchmen, for stabbing one of that country in a brawl at dice. Mr. or Sir Charles, Alington, known for knightly prowess since his coming hither, was lately in durance for the like matter. Mons. de Rochpot is returned hither, having left his nephew and two other gentlemen prisoners in Spain for killing the naked Spaniard, and a secretary to solicit their delivery. All other differences between Spain and this State are accorded by the Pope's legate.
We have a grand jubilee here, which began with the beginning of this month, and holds on till New Year's tide. The King's sister is hardly laid to for her conversion. I send you a proposition made her by Bishop Benoist, who was in trouble for preaching Huguenotry at Orleans, against the Pope's supremacy, which he did because the Pope would not make him Bishop of Troyes. The Duke of Lorraine and the Duke of Lenox make no haste away; the latter went from his mother's to Lyons and Marseilles, but is now returned and negotiates hard at tennis. Mashal Biron and the rest from England give good report of their entertainment at Court, but in Kent they liked neither welcome nor farewell. At Boulogne he was overtaken with a jewel from the Queen, valued at 3,000 crowns. The governor of Bourbonnois and M. Sardigny are rivals in love of Mrs. Bridges, of whom the whole train were enamoured. Mons. Cricky [Crequi] makes loud and lewd brags of my Lady 'am(s) favour. The Count d'Auvergne got somewhat he will not brag of. They all say that London is as hot as Rouen or Paris. Mr. Edmondes and Mr. Gilpin wish your nearer acquaintance. I know how hard it is to you to fasten on a new friend, yet you may say, Amicus amici mei is amicus meus. [2¾ pages.]
Oct. 25.
London.
21. Sir Edw. Norris to Dudley Carleton, Paris. Here is great alteration since you went; I am very glad to hear of your well doing, and now that I am at London, I shall be very glad to hear from you. Thanks for your letters, and your thinking of my garden; if you can help me either to flowers or fowls, you will do me a pleasure, and whatever it shall cost shall be paid. [1 page.]
Oct. 25.
Puddle Wharf.
22. Abm. Boulton to Dudley Carleton, Paris. My master [Sir E. Norris] has had many businesses; first preparations of the funeral, then entertaining the Queen, and now settling his estate with Lord Norris, in all which my share was not the least; the charge will be felt these seven years. The funeral was very honourably performed, and the Queen was well pleased with her entertainment, and gave many gracious speeches to my master and lady, and bestowed knighthood on Mr. John Norris and Mr. Rede Stafford.
The Queen came to Whitehall this evening, and Parliament begins on Tuesday, 4,000 Spaniards have landed at Kinsale; the keys of the town were presented to the chief commander, who refused them, saying he was come to maintain them and their privileges, and not to govern them otherwise than by their own ancient custom. My Lord Deputy has already blocked them up, so that the rebel cannot come to join them, neither can relief come to them from the sea. At my Lord Deputy's first coming to muster with his army, one Capt. Fleme with 500 men, was sent to see how they were intrenched, &c., forced the intrenchment, put those that held the place to retreat, slew 20, and took divers prisoners, who have discovered the strength to be 4,300. The rebel is 180 miles off from them, so that they already begin to say they are betrayed, condemning Florence Macarty, who was the chief instrument of their coming, especially seeing he is now prisoner in the town. Ostend holds out very well, and is like to put the Cardinal to a winter siege. [2 pages.]
Oct. 27. 23. Examination of Robert Brooke before Lord Treas. Buckhurst. Ten days after the Earl of Essex's rising, William Masham delivered examinate 1,000l. on loan, to be repaid in six months, and gave his obligation for 1,500l. or 2,000l. for repayment in August last, when the bond was renewed for six months longer. Since then heard nothing from Masham till three weeks past, when Masham's wife and Mr. Carlton came to examinate's house, and in behalf of her husband, begged that the said obligation might be cancelled, and a new one made for payment of the said 1,000l. to the eldest son of Mr. Rich. Hale, merchant of London; refused then and at sundry times since, though they threatened to force him by law; has received command from the Lord Treasurer not so to do until Masham is cleared or condemned of the offence of treason. [1½ pages.]
Oct. 28. 24. Deposition of Rich. Wells, servant to Ant. Bustard, plaintiff. In Lent last, Rich. Cater, now undersheriff of Gloucestershire, with eight others named, came to Bustard's house in Rewarden, co. Gloucester, and threatened to break open a chamber door, saying they had a Privy Council warrant. Bustard wished them to stay till his brother had seen the warrant, which he promised to obey, but the undersheriff, suspecting him to be of the late conspiracy, would come in to see what company was there, and they broke the door, thrust in their weapons, and would not desist though told that Bustard's wife was ill; they continued at this work two hours. Does not remember whether the undersheriff called the plaintiff a rebel. [2½ pages.]
Oct. 31.
London.
25. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, at Paris. I find nothing in town but subsidies and payments to Ostend, &c. Parliament began on Tuesday, the Queen going with ordinary solemnity. The Recorder of London [John Croke] is speaker; Dr. Sutcliffe, prolocutor of convocation; and Dr. Barlow the concio ad clerum.
There are 3,000 or 4,000 Spaniards under Don Juan D'Aquila (that was in Brittany), landed in Ireland, fortifying at Kinsale, a haven 10 or 12 miles from Cork. The Lord Deputy is not far from them, with 6,000 men, and 4,000 foot, and 300 horse are going in all haste to reinforce him, besides six of the Queen's ships and as many merchants, to keep them in at sea. Meanwhile Tyrone, with 4,000 foot and 700 horse gallops the place, and burns and spoils where he lists. Many think the Spaniards are lost and will easily be defeated, by sickness, famine, or sword; I think they would be prudent enough to provide against such ordinary chances. Sir Robt. Mansfield and Sir Amias Preston have brought into the river six Easterlings from Spain, laden with spices and some bullion, which we pretend belong to certain Portuguese; many doubt that they will hardly prove good prizes. The Queen still sells land; the house of St. John's is at sale. Dr. [Edw.] Grant is dead, also Dr. [Nich.] Balgay [Master] of the Temple, old Powle, Lambert of the Chancery, Cromp ton of the Fine Office, Lady Ramsey, Sir John Davies' lady, and some rich merchants in the city.
Hugh Beeston has had some mishap in Cheshire, first in burying his father, and then in quarrelling with one Lutton, a desperate cutter of that county, who was killed; but Beeston only acted in self-defence. There is much suing for places in the Privy Chamber, many resigning on account of age, and trying to bring in successors, as Mr. Killigrew his son, Sir Thos. Gorges his cousin Ned, Sir Edw. Carey his son Philip; most voices run with Mountpesson and Wat Cope. Sir Edw. Norris is in town, but not of the Parliament. I meet Capt. Whiddon sometimes in Paul's. I think your brother [George] is a burgess. Tobie Mathew is come to town with his father and mother. [2 pages. Printed in Chamberlain's letters, pp. 119–121.]
Oct.? 26. [Speech in Parliament, addressed to the Queen.] You have vouchsafed us your presence, and invited us to these weighty causes, to advance God's glory and your own honour by rectifying enormities. Argument form precedents that this cannot be dangerous; eight of your predecessors since the conquest have endeavoured like reformation. God has made you a phœnix and wonder of the world, since no maiden Queen ever ruled so long and happily. He has reserved to you the task of completing reformation. Faults of preceding kings in their attempts at reformation. We entreat you to choose a competent number of learned and experienced persons, untouched by avarice or ambition, as commissioners for reform of abuses, and thus complete the excellent work, and augment your treasure more with the ancient revenues of the Crown than the Court of Augmentation erected by your father has done. The present is the fittest time, and you will not lack divine assistance. Particular examples of abuses rectified by Kings of England. [Copy, 2¼ pages.]
Oct ? 27. Copy of the above. [2¾ pages.]
Oct. ? 28. Note of 23 monopolies, 9 licences and dispensations, 6 impositions, 4 new inventions, and 1 patent, granted to persons named, between 18 and 41 Eliz. [3 pages.]
Oct. ? 29. Complaints of 38 persons named, residing in London, who have been wronged and impoverished through the rigorous dealing of the patentee's assignees for starch, giving particulars of each case. [3 sheets, damaged.]
Oct. ? 30. "Proviso for the Act of Confirmations," that it shall not impeach a lease made by Her Majesty to Thos. Fanshaw and Peter Osborne, of manors, tenements, &c. sometime belonging to the late Priory of the Holy Trinity of Norwich, dated 21 Nov. 1590. [½ page.]
Oct. ? 31. Preamble to a bill in Parliament, to prohibit the writing and publishing of books about the title to the Crown of this realm, and the authority of the Government thereof, subjects being thus led into false errors and traitorous attempts against the Queen, into private factions, unlawful bonds, &c. [12/3 pages.]
Oct.? 32. [Proposed] Act of Parliament for the better settling and distribution of the personal and testamentary estate of persons dying intestate, showing that the power of the authorities to grant administrations of goods to whom they please has caused much inconvenience, by their being directed to pious uses or otherwise, where there are wives, children, and near relatives to be provided for; ordering that the administration shall be to the wife or child; and then, after payment of debts, the wife to have one-third and the children two-thirds, or if there be no children, the wife one half and the other half to the next of kin; the same rule to apply to residuary estates, not disposed of by will. [3 pages.]
Oct. ? Project for the Government of the University of Cambridge. The University is a society of students in all the liberal arts and sciences, incorporated by the name of the chancellor, masters, and scholars. The frame of this little common wealth does not stand upon the union of families, &c. but upon that of a few societies devoted to the study of learning, for better service of the church and commonwealth. Of this sort there are 16, called colleges or halls, all founded since the beginning of the reign of Edward I. These colleges are maintained by the endowments of their several founders and benefactors, and by the royal bounty of Her Majesty, by statute 18 Eliz., concerning the provision of corn, without which help many of the colleges would have been forsaken by their students long since. The said body was incorporated 13 Eliz. but had the name and continuance of a University long before the erection of any of the present colleges; in which time and soon after the Conquest, the students remained in hostels or houses hired in the town, as may be seen by charters of Henry III. having reference to former charters, and by a composition between the university and the town, ratified by the university seal, 55 Henry III.
The present chief magistrates of the university are the Chancellor, Sir Robt. Cecil, knight; High Steward, Lord Thos. Howard; ViceChancellor, John Jegon, D.D., Dean of Norwich; counsellors, Serj. Yelverton, Edw. Coke, attorney general, John Brograve, attorney general for the Duchy of Lancaster, and Thos. Hesketh, attorney for the Court of Wards and Liveries; orator, Robt. Nanton; proctors, John Gosling and Geo. Mountaine; taxers, Thomas Turner and Edw. Toynton; senators, Cuthbert Bainbridge and Rich. Thompson; registrar, Thos. Smith, M.A.; esquire beadles, Thomas Brooke, Wm. Ingram, and Richard Reading, Masters of Arts. With particulars of the respective duties of the officers. Queen's professors—Divinity, John Overall, D.D.; law, John Cowell, D.C.L.; physic, Wm. Ward, M.D.; Hebrew, John Lively, M.A.; Greek, And. Downes, B.D.; Lady Margaret's divinity reader, Thos. Plaifer, D.D.; and University preacher, Cuthbert Bainbridge, B.D. [Dom. Eliz. case G. No. 17, parchment.]
Oct. ? 33. The Queen to [the Lord Lieutenants of Counties]. The advertisements of the preparations of the King of Spain to send forces into Ireland, not only to aid our rebels, but to make himself owner of that kingdom, give us cause to increase our forces there with all expedition, whereby to prevent all such malicious designs.
It falls out, contrary to our expectation, to have to trouble our people by sending further forces, where, but by the landing of a foreign power, we were near the conclusion of that rebellion; yet having hitherto found our subjects willing to bear necessary expenses, we little doubt but that now, when there is a purpose to conquer one of our hereditary crowns, we shall have cause to commend their affection. Their burdens are no less grievous to us than to themselves, although we are not sparing to expend in greater proportion than any of our ancestors, for the preservation of those who are so dear to us.
Therefore we require you with all speed to levy and muster within that county able and sufficient men, and send them to the sea side, to be embarked by directions of our Privy Council. You must use extraordinary expedition and care in the choice of the persons, and collect for the charge of apparelling and arming after the rate of 3l. 10s. a man. [1 page.]
Oct. ? 34. The Queen to [the Deputy Lieutenants of Counties]. We know that every man of judgment can well consider that, in cases of invasion, there is nothing of greater consequence than so to encounter all foreign forces in their beginnings, as that neither the illaffected, by an appearance of the enemy's success, may be animated to adhere unto them, nor the good subjects be drawn, by fear of their prevailing, from their natural obedience. This case is so notorious of the landing of a Spanish army in Ireland, as all that carry either love or duty to their Prince and country will conclude that this so extraordinary a cause doth challenge all sorts of people, to be most ready to bear their parts, in all things necessary for the speedy suppressing of so perilous and unjust an action, wherein there appears so malicious a purpose to deprive us of one of our hereditary kingdoms, and to make the subjects thereof become servile to the tyranny of Spain.
In which considerations, having resolved to increase our army there to 4,000 foot, you shall understand that as the expenses incident to levies will appear more heavy to our people, when they shall meet so near together with the raising of those other charges which have lately been consented to in Parliament, we have resolved for this time only, and for the reasons aforesaid, and also that it may appear unto them how desirous we are to take any burden from them,—though it be to throw it upon ourselves, notwithstanding so much private treasure already consumed of our own,—to be content to bear all the charges both of apparelling and arming all those numbers which shall be levied by virtue of this letter, for this service; although when it shall be considered how much it is to us who bear it alone, in comparison of that which it can be to others that do but bear some small particular sum, we persuade ourselves it would not be unwillingly defrayed, especially when all the world perceives that it is for the defence of one of our kingdoms.
Nevertheless such is our abundant desire that our people may perceive that they do live under a Prince that is always willing to participate with them, when the safety and honour of her people is in question, that we are resolved to undergo this present charge, and only desire to find their care and zeal to advance this great and necessary service, which will chiefly consist in making good election of able and serviceable persons,—there being many defects in the last levies for Ireland,—and in using all possible expedition for their repair to the place of embarking, for which purpose we give you full authority to make choice with all speed of — able persons to be sent into Ireland.
And because the trained bands are both more sufficiently provided and more able than the other, we command you to levy the said number out of those trained bands, except you can find means to make up the number with others of like sufficiency. And forasmuch as we now consider that by the non-collecting of any money from the country for this service, some impediment may grow in the laying out such sums as shall be requisite for apparel and arms, we have even resolved to take order that all such apparel, &c. as heretofore were needed to be paid for in the former levies shall be now provided at our own charge, and carefully sent to the ports at which the men are appointed to embark. All which proceedings of yours being certified hither, we will give order that you shall be duly answered after the rate of 3l. 10s. a man, which you can receive at any time after the last day of February; whereunto we think it not amiss to make this further addition;—That whatever sort are levied, they need not take any discouragement or misconception of serving in Ireland, seeing that the province of Munster, where the war is now principally seated, is in so good a part of the kingdom that the Spaniards themselves,—a people more improper and unable to live in that climate,—are willing, if they might, to make their residence there; and also that our people are so well provided from hence with all things necessary, that we doubt not but we may therein compare with any prince in Europe. We desire you to make this publicly and particularly known to our subjects, that they may feel this extraordinary favour of ours at this time, as we do their dutiful affections. We refer you in all other things incident to this service to such directions as shall be sent you from our Privy Council, or six of them. [Draft, corrected by Cecil. 7 pages.]
Oct. ? 35. Order by the Earl of Nottingham to —. You are to receive from the Mayor of Plymouth a packet to Sir Rich. Leveson, admiral of the fleet now serving on the Spanish coast, to repair to the height of the Rook, and by running into shore, and bearing off again 20 leagues seawards, try to speak to him or any of his fleet. If you do not find them there, you are to go to Cape St. Vincent, deliver the packet into his own hands, and wait his directions, certifying the delivery to the Mayor of Plymouth. If boarded by any Spanish man-of-war, you are attach a weight to the packet, and throw it overboard. [1 page.]
Oct. ? 36. Request by Capt. Lee, sent to the coast of Spain, for directions on the following points. What is to be done if in fight we chance to sink any ship of the Easterlings carrying corn, gun powder, or naval provisions to the King of Spain? What with the master of the Marigold, who being part owner of the ship, desires to go in her this voyage, but as his estate lies in the ship, I fear he will be too timorous to bring her to a dangerous fight, and such things might prevent what we are going for? Whether we may lie this winter near the shore of Lisbon, where we may fall in both with coasters, Brazil men, and East countrymen, bound there with corn or munition, unless we be otherwise advised on the coast of Spain?
Mr. Honeyman thinks after we have spent two months on the coast of Spain, we should go into the Straits, to expect a rich ship of Barcelona, which usually goes out yearly and returns richly laden. He should set down instructions for the voyage. [1 page.]
Oct. ? 37. W. Monnox to Sec. Cecil. I have stated the means whereby I can do service, and tender the same, rather studying to obey than presuming to advise. The sooner I begin the better, for in spring, Gen. Spinola will be stirring, and five months is little enough for my entering, which I shall hardly have, unless I have orders soon to be doing. [2/3 page.]