Addenda, Queen Elizabeth - Volume 30: October 1588

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda 1580-1625. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1872.

'Addenda, Queen Elizabeth - Volume 30: October 1588', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda 1580-1625, (London, 1872) pp. 257. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/addenda/1580-1625/p257 [accessed 20 April 2024]

October 1588



Oct. 20. Elbing.	112. Christopher Coult to Lord Burghley. I am an Englishman, and a traveller for 22 years in divers countries, and have seen many things worth learning; but the grossness of my capacity is such that out of all, I have learned the smallest and least worthy of commendation, which is for a perfect way to find out saltpetre and the making of powder, both good and profitable; and as in this time of trouble there has been want of powder, or it has been at most unreasonable rates, I have wondered thereat, considering the climate of our country, the situation of our ancient buildings, and so many of these prowling fellows who have Her Majesty's commission, but rather take bribes than seek to serve their Prince and country, or else most of them are ignorant in that profession.
	As I know you to be a father to our country, a husband to Her Majesty's affairs, and a continual carer for the Commonwealth, I write you that for the service I owe to my Prince and country, I would have come over, but having married a gentleman's daughter of good calling in this country, and being in a powder mill, with freedom to seek and sell saltpetre, I have 300l. or 400l. a year, so that I cannot so lightly alter my being. Notwithstanding, to pleasure my country, upon good grounds of promised maintenance by Her Majesty or you, as my deserts shall merit, I will show the way to find out more saltpetre and powder than all England shall need, and at reasonable rates, or lose my life.
	Noted as a copy of a letter sent to Burghley by Jas. Sevell, master of the Elizabeth Bonadventure, from Elbing. [1½ pages.]
Oct. 24.	113. Note of the increase of the weekly imprests in the army in the Low Countries, showing that 282l. 10s. 10d. may be yearly saved in each company, which for 43 companies would amount to 12,149l. 6s. 2d. [1 page, noted by Burghley.]
Oct. 31. Northampton.	114. Ambrose Earl of Warwick to Dr. Dale, Master of Requests. There is a matter long in controversy between Christian Hickeman, plaintiff, and my servant, Thos. James, touching lands in North Minns, co. Herts. Pray do my servant all the favour which in justice you may. It seems a matter rather of vexation than of any right or title, as my servant's father purchased the land of those who had the inheritance and the right to sell it, and he and his father have been in quiet possession 50 years. [¾ page.]
Oct. ?	115. Note of munition received by Sir Nich. Parker, master of Ordnance for the forces in France, on 21 Sept. last, from Sir Robt. Constable and others, stating the proportions delivered to Lord General Willoughby, and the remainder to Otwell Smith at Dieppe. [2 pages.]