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| Feb. 1. |
56. Nicholas Wilson to Sec. Walsingham. I am forced, although
having a sufficient maintenance, to crave my year's allowance before
hand, my expenses being so great at my first coming. I have already
certified my uncle, Sir William, of it. I trust to have your favour
therein. I will not spend more of it than the allowance you have
determined. Pray remind Her Majesty for her gracious favour
towards my poor sisters. [½ page.] |
Feb. 4.
Carlisle. |
57. Henry Lord Scrope to Sec. Walsingham. I received your
and the Council's letters. I cannot learn anything of Harkness,
the Scotchman, since his departure out of England, and do not
believe he has yet returned. He is 40 years old,—brown hair and
beard. |
|
I have now called Andrew Hilton, who was before in the sheriff's
charge, into close ward. His disposition is very lewd, and he is a
wicked pillar of papistry. If he were removed thither, he could
discover all the papists and their dealings in this country. |
|
I have caused a search to be made in all suspected places for the
persons named in the Council's letters, but have not found any of
them; also for writings that might touch the present state of religion. It appears by some writings of Richard Hutton's, of Gray's
Inn, that he is a notorious papist; he should be apprehended.
I hope to give you further intelligence of him, and his dealings in
this country. |
|
When you were at Newcastle, I told you of one Boast, a notable
papist, who, by some letters also found in this search, and written
by Andrew Hilton, is noted to have attended as a serving man
upon Lord Montague. |
|
P.S.—I have Boast in ward, in the Sheriff's custody, and Richard
Kirkbride, of Ellerton, under good bond, so that they are both
forthcoming. [1¼ pages.] |
Feb. 7.
Carlisle. |
58. Henry Lord Scrope and John Bishop of Carlisle to Sec.
Walsingham. In answer to the Council's letter to us, for the apprehension of Richard Cliburne, and Mouneford, a seminary Scots'
priest, supposed of late to have returned from the South into these
parts, we have caused diligent search to be made for them, by
Humphrey Musgrave, Thos. Hamond, chancellor of the diocese of
Carlisle, Richard Dudley, and Hen. Leigh, but as yet without effect.
The letters which their Lordships have were written by Andrew
Hilton to Wm. Robinson, his cousin, from Carlisle, last June and
July, concerning the forwardness of the Catholic religion in Scotland;
Hilton was before a prisoner in Carlisle, in the Sheriff's custody, for
not conforming in matters of religion, and we have now committed
him to close ward, and examined him touching his letters, but he
denies writing to Robinson, or anyone else, and affirms that he had
no cousin of that name, nor any intelligence from Scotland. |
|
We send the three letters found with him, which, with his examination, will declare his own evil disposition, and the qualities of
John Boast, a priest, who served Lord Montague, and of others
from whom he received the said letters. |
|
We have also apprehended Richard Kirkbride, of Ellerton,
brother-in-law to Cliburne, and examined him as to the letter to
Cliburne, but he said he had not written to him for a long time, nor
seen him for three years. We can find nothing against him, and
have bailed him, although he is brother to Percival Kirkbride,
whom their Lordships noted as a writer of another letter to
Cliburne from Newlaythes. Richard was one of the jury that indicted his brother, a notable papist, for not coming to church, and
has lately been lurking in these parts, but in this search could not
be found. In his chamber we found the writings enclosed; one
containing news from Scotland, the other fantastical and foolish
prophecies, and such like, but hereafter we shall have vigilant eyes,
and do what we can to come by him. |
|
We also apprehended Lancelot Boast, in his mother's house, and
by letters found there, and by his examination, it appears that his
brother, John Boast, had lately been there, as also by other letters
from Rich. Hutton, of Gray's Inn, who also appears to be a notorious
papist. There were also some exhortations to papists, whereof
one bears the name of Wm. Hart, who was executed at York for
high treason; and another letter from Andrew Hilton to his cousin.
We send you all these, as also the examinations of Boast and Hilton.
We think Hilton were fitter either to be called before their Lordships, or to be elsewhere than in this place, where he is known, and
has done much hurt. Boast we have committed, and as we think
he can discover the places where his brother resorts to in this
country, he should be sent for as well as the other. [2 pages.]
Enclosing, |
|
58. i. Examination of Lancelot Boast, gentleman, before Lord
Scrope and the Bishop of Carlisle. Thinks the exhortation to papistry by Wm. Hart, and the book entitled "The
Discovery of the Translation," were left him by his brother,
John Boast. Hart was executed lately at York for high
treason; the other exhortation to papistry was written by
his brother, and left with the others. |
|
The letter from Richard Hutton, dated September, was
written in 1582; the man named as non inventus was his
brother; does not know who his companion, mentioned
as to be hanged at Tyburn, was. Knows not the bearer of
Hutton's letter of 27 Oct. |
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Sent the Rheims Testament asked for in Andrew
Hilton's letter of 1 Nov., but does not remember by whom.
[1 page.] Also, |
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Like examination of Andrew Hilton. Has no cousin
named Wm. Robinson, and never wrote to him. A letter
found was sent him from one Hopton, a priest, residing
with Nich. Pullen, vicar of Buckland, in Berkshire,
whom he knows. The good news referred to was the good
agreement existing between examinate and his uncle,
Nich. Pullen. The letter signed J. H. he received from
John Boast, a year ago, when he received the Rheims
Testament from Boast's mother. |
|
Acknowledges the letter of 18 Sept. 1582 to Thos. Hilton,
his cousin, to be his, but it was written and signed in
his name by Thos. Sewell, his servant, he being then in
Norfolk, upon bond to return to his ward at Carlisle.
Sewell is now in Norfolk, and lately served Mr. Yaxley,
of Yaxley Hall, Suffolk. |
|
While out on bond, met John Boast, between Maidenhead and Colbrook, with Jas. Warcop, clerk, and one
beneficed within a mile and a half of Norwich; they returned with him to Colbrook, where they lodged for the
night at the sign of the Cock. Boast rode with a cloak
bag behind him, apparelled in a cloak of a rat's colour,
white jerkin, laid with blue lace, and a pair of buff
leather hose. The next day, examinate rode to London,
and Boast into Gloucestershire; six days after, going on
foot from his own house, Busket Parsonage in Berkshire, to Leachlade, Gloucestershire, met Boast again, with
Arthur Cappes, at John Lee's house; then Boast went
with him to Busket, where they stayed three days.
Boast then told examinate, in presence of one Wilkinson,
servant to Mr. Robinson, now Provost of Queen's College,
Oxford, that he served Lord Montague as a serving man.
Asked Boast for one who he thought also served his Lordship, and who was formerly servant to examinate's cousin
Yaxley; Boast said he knew him well, and that he was the
said Lord's porter. Boast said he had been to Douay, and
for avoiding danger, returned into England two months
before the limitation by the proclamation. Also that
they were about having mass in Jas. Warcop's house,
examinate's cousin, being beneficed about Norwich, as
aforesaid; but Warcop coming suddenly upon them,
they were disappointed of their purpose. Thinks that
Boast was the priest that should have said the mass;
knows him to be a priest. The letter signed D. L., of
1 Oct., was sent him by Percival Kirkbride, who generally signed his letters thus. Never wrote to any person
of the state of Scotland, &c., nor received any Scottish news.
[2¼ pages.] Also, |
|
Like examination of James Harington, gent. Married
Rich. Cliburne's wife's sister, but has not seen nor received any letter from Cliburne for two or three years,
nor knows where he now is. [¼ page.] 6 Feb. 1584. |
|
58. ii. Richard Hutton to his cousin Lancelot Boast. Thanks
for your letter, which pleased me so well that it has bound
me to requite it. I am sorry there has been such strangeness between us, since my coming, that I could never have
a letter from you, and trust hereafter we shall have more
familiarity by letters. Put in a good word for me where
you think it needful. Commend me to my aunt, to your
wife, and the rest. [½ page.] 27 Oct. |
58. iii. Andrew Hilton to Lancelot Boast. I have long marvelled that I never heard from you nor your friend,
being so long in the country, and needing advice
touching an offer which the Privy Council hath sent
us poor prisoners, which I enclose, and desire you, if
possible, to convey it to him for his opinion; we are
in doubt, and loath to do anything hurtful, either to
ourselves or any others. I also desire you, hearing by
my cousin Geo. Rumney that you have the New Testament, to send it me by Anth. Atkinson's wife, as I can
neither eat, drink, nor sleep until I see it. [2/3 page.]
Carlisle, 1 Nov. 1582. |
|
58. iv. Address of Wm. Hart, priest, to his congregation after
his condemnation at York, exhorting them to stand fast
to the Catholic faith, as it is the first, last, and only
request that he will ever make to them. [2 pages.] |
58. v. Book of Miscellanies, commencing as follows:—
But sorrow and plagues for their offences,
Battle and famine, and all pestilences,
As a desolate land, brought it shall be;
What shall be more, none know but He.
England, take this monition,—
Be wise, change thy condition.
Doubt not, but think it sure,
This storm thou shalt endure;
With heart contrite, confess thee,
And to Heavenward address thee. |
|
Latin lamentations over England, in rhymed verse,
and prophecies of its downfall: |
|
If thou be wise, O Germany, Frenchmen, English flee,
And suffer not the Venice land to join in league with thee.
Behold, for out of Philip's blood a worthy brood shall rise,
Who shall redeem the world's misdeeds with warlike
enterprise;
|
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And the proud Turk he shall constrain the true faith to
embrace, |
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And thee deprive of princely port, and put thee out of
place, |
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When five three hundred years are gone, since Christ, our
Lord, was born, |
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And six times ten with three by course to us are worn. |
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All this the ruler of the skies, who sitteth in Heaven so
high, |
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Bade me to tell unto the world, as stars had told to me. |
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Also Latin version, in verse, of the above. Also, |
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Copy of a letter from the Emperor Ferdinand to the
Queen of England. We were right glad to understand
that you accepted in good part our letter, in which we
required you not to execute any rigour upon the bishops
in prison, and the subjects of your realm who profess the
Catholic religion, if they would not, or with a safe conscience could not, profess the religion which you and the
estates of your realm had ordained by a new law. For
we understood not only your good will to pleasure us, but
your great modesty, clemency, &c., and could not but give
you thanks. |
|
As an Emperor and Catholic Prince we commend to you
the estate and health of those who profess our religion,
thinking it more for your honour to protect such as
follow a contrary religion, than to prosecute or put them
to death. Therefore we pray that you will rather win the
hearts of your subjects by clemency, than turn them from
you by persecution, and that you will grant them, in
every city, one church at least, where they may serve God,
according to the ordinance of the Catholic church, and
celebrate divine service and sacraments, by which means
you will obtain the hearts of your subjects, bind other
Catholic Kings and Princes, and get great praise of clemency and gentleness, and will do us such pleasure that
we will, with the like brotherly will, recompense you to the
uttermost. [1½ pages.] |
|
Posonoma [Presburgh], in Hungary, 24 Nov. 1563.
Also, |
|
Copy of a letter from the Great Master of Rhodes, of
the Order of Jerusalem, to all princes, lords, Christians,
&c., advertising the birth of Antichrist. We have of late
received letters of our ambassadors in Babylon, in which
are contained how, on 28 May 1564, in the borders of
Babylon, and in a province called Colossa, a child was
born of a woman of very base degree, called Sanns,
obscure and dark from any knowledge of the father;
which child has a fearful face, teeth after the manner of
a cat, and eyes glistening and terrible. His stature is
greater than of all children, and at the end of eight days,
he began to speak perfectly, and in such sort that he was
understood of all, and admonished the people that he
was the true son of God, and the very Messias, and that
they ought to believe in and serve him. Our ambassadors
say that they saw him, at the end of two months, go
as well as children of 10 years, and that at his birth, the
heavens showed great wonders; that is, the day being
far up, the sun darkened, and for a time the heavens
were very dark, and at night a great fire came down
from heaven upon the house of the child, and was suddenly quenched, besides other innumerable tokens. The
day after his birth, it rained manna and precious stones,
and the day after that, were seen to fly in the air
horrible serpents. The child being demanded the occasion of such signs, answered that the precious stones
signified the everlasting joy that his children should have
in the other life, and the serpents the torments and pains
of those who did not believe and follow him. |
|
The same night of his birth, there appeared and opened
a very great monument amongst the mountains of
Babylon, in which was found a pillar, half red and half
white, and in which was written in the Hebrew tongue,
"The hour of my birth is come." The ambassadors say
they have seen the child, and heard say that he has raised
the dead, healed the diseased, and given sight to the blind,
by virtue of his word; and that in Babylon he has commanded to be worshipped as the son of God, and that the
faithful, as well as infidels, do not refuse to believe in
and worship him; but some do it for devotion, and others
for fear. |
|
He opens many passages of Scripture never heard of
before, and, through his interpretations, makes them easy
to be understood. A friar of Viterbo, a doctor in
divinity, gave such credit to the child and his miracles
that he affirmed the child was the son of God, so that a
great number of people fully believe in him. They also
add that at his birth, there was a voice heard like thunder
for two hours, which gave great fear to all, saying,
"Prepare yourselves to know my well-beloved son, and
blessed be those that shall obey his word." They write that,
as stated in the old and new Testaments, they find this is
he that was to be born in the latter day, called Antichrist, the son of perdition. We sent two of our brethren
into Babylon, who found all this to be true and more;
therefore we exhort all Christians to stand firm against
this wicked Antichrist. [3 pages.] Also, |
|
Latin verses on the deplorable condition of the world.
[8 lines.] And, |
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English verses prognosticating the time when "the mass
shall last for ever and aye." [14 lines.] |
|
58. vi. Andrew Hilton to his cousin, Thos. Hilton. I return
your horse, with as many thanks as there have been hours
since our departure. Your old friend and cousin,
Mr. Boast, sends his commendations, and has become
a serving man to Lord Montague. Remember me to
your wife and children. [½ page.] 17 Sept. |
|
58. vii. Richard Hutton to ——. Nothing was more welcome
than your letter, because it was full of good will. There
are so many false coins that it is very hard to hit off the
right stamp, especially for him which never saw it; the
tongues of some are so venomous that they cannot abide
to stamp one good word, even of him whom they seem to
love. Let me not lack your help in speaking to my
father, not to give credit to those who either speak by
conjecture or persuade upon malice. I make more
account of my father than of any earthly joy, and trust
he will not be angry if I prefer God before the world,
seeing the mortality of man's estate to be such that he
cannot prescribe a time to repent, or a time to die, or do
good. You may put him in remembrance of his estate.
I write thus because I have not a malicious reader.
Pardon me for not writing before, as some men gather
so much from my letters, that I now take good heed to
whom I write; I am so troubled with answering every
rumour that I forget my duty, but I will do so no more. |
For the man, I return a non inventus, as I have not
seen him since last term, and the one that came in his
company I saw hanged at Tyburn. I fear that he
which should have brought this to bearer is with you.
Put this in the fire after reading it. Commend me to
your wife and all friends. If I had known what book
would have pleased you best, I would have got it; if the
new one comes, you shall have it. [1½ pages.]
Gray's Inn, 18 Sept. |
|
58. viii. Discourse by John Boast, priest, on charity, and the
antiquity of the Catholic religion. [2 pages.] |
Feb. 8.
Carlisle. |
59. Henry Lord Scrope to Sec. Walsingham. Having by direction of Council dealt with Andrew Hilton, a great papist remaining here in ward, we found the enclosed letters with him, upon which
he has been examined before the Bishop and myself. By one of these
from Percival Kirkbride, another notorious papist, it appears that he
takes upon himself to be the means that Francis Dacre and Thomas
Denton, of Wernoll, a gentleman in this country, shall either write
to the Sheriff for Hilton's liberty, or themselves shall travel to him for
it; also that John Boast, another most notorious papist, a family
acquaintance of Kirkbride, and a serving man with Lord Montague,
has common access to, and is secretly lurking among those of their
own faction in this country. I therefore fear that Dacre and Denton
and their wives have of late been much drawn from religion; it
would be well to examine them as to where they have resorted for
communion the last half year, as also other gentlemen and their
wives within this diocese. |
|
Two gentlemen passed through this wardenry to Lady Fernihurst
in Scotland, 22 Jan., of whom I send you a description. They were
accompanied here by one Layton, son of Sir Cuthbert Layton, late
knight of Rhodes; if they return this way, I will do my best to
apprehend them. Layton is either in Richmondshire or Yorkshire.
[2¼ pages.] Enclosing, |
59. i. P. [alias Percival Kirkbride]to [And.] Hilton. I am
sorry to hear of your evil luck of late, by reason of evil
company. David's saying is verified in you, cum sancto
sanctus eris, et cum perverso, perverteris. Would to God
that you had been quiet in your chamber, using some
other godly kind of exercise; but for God's sake take heed
henceforth, and bridle your affections, though it be difficult for one of a choleric disposition, which I perceive
you to be. This makes your enemies rejoice, and your
friends and well-wishers sorrowful. I am sore afraid it
may be hurtful to your bedfellow, considering her case.
I marvel that you will have dealings with Mr. Laburne,
seeing he is distracted, has no government of himself, nor
knows how to fast or how to pray. If this chance had
not happened, you had received from me before this
the whole manner of his disease, written to warn you to
have no dealings with him, but rather to pray for him,
as his punishments are due for sins. Try to remove the
evil opinion of you, so that you may be restored again to
your old lodgings. Mr. Francis Dacre or Mr. Denton, of
Wernoll, may pleasure you in this, if you would send
any friend in your behalf. Let me know your mind,
and I will get their letters to the Sheriff for your liberty;
but if that will not serve, I trust to make friends that will
take the pains to go to the Sheriff, which I would have
done with all speed, lest the Sheriff take a journey to
London before these letters come to hand. [1 page.]
Featherstonehaugh, 1 Oct. 1584. |
|
59. ii. I. J., [alias Jo. Boast,] to Andrew Hilton. You and your
bedfellow must submit with patience, as becometh Christian
confessors, whom God hath chosen to bear witness of His
name, to the comfort of them that love Him, and His
spouse, the Catholic church, and to the condemnation of
so many that wittingly join in the synagogue of Satan.
I would, as I have often in vain done, attempt to see
you, for all I can speak with are unwilling to be amongst
you, but this good man I have entreated, and you may
entreat, to deal with those parts, when you and your
friend shall stand in need. I have not leisure to go
into such places, to provide such books as I know are
good for you. The Defence of the Tonsure, &c. with the
Resolution and Testament I long since brought amongst
you, but what you now have of them, save the Testament,
I know not; yet as they come, I would get a good store,
if I might find a safe and ready mart to make my
exchange, but I refer all to the bearer. I commend you
to Christ and the prayers of His Catholic church. Your
messenger, a good simple soul, but not one that can
see far into a millstone, can tell you of our cause at
home and abroad. Inform me what you can learn of
Scotland, for there is matter brewing upon both sides.
[½ page.] |
|
59. iii. [— Hopton, priest,] to Andrew Hilton, captive in
Carlisle. We should be glad to hear of your and your
friend's liberty, and to see you here again, and pray for
it; but calamity has come amongst us; your old friend,
Mr. Fourd, of Lye, was executed the week before Pentecost
with six more; extremity is in practice here, and they
say much more is intended; but the best is they can but
occidere corpus, and not harm the soul, so let us with
patience offer ourselves to God's disposition, and say
fiat voluntas sua. Your writings to your uncle smell
of some stomach; debate not what he deserves, but what
becomes you; remember the cause why you are restrained
of liberty, and the patience and mildness requisite, for if
cruelty should be requited with sharpness, we lose the
reward of our corporal affliction. |
|
I deal with you as my friend; take my advice in
good part; commendations to your wife, whom God
assist with a continuance of the good business she has
begun; I rejoice to hear what a good soldier she is. You
had better let little Jack stay where he learns somewhat, and not go to ch[urch], as in Oxford, where for
his years and skill he is altogether unfit, yet he must go
to church for construing logic, which should be understood by him. It grows to great charge, but your uncle
will give what you may require for your boy. He will
however come to no reason with your man, and as he
will not speak with me, I can scarcely trust him. What
is done between you hereafter, I would wish done upon
good advice. As oft as you send thither, let me hear from
you. [1 page.] Bock[leton], 18 June 1584. |
| [Feb. 10.] |
60. John Bailey's accusation of Andrew Harris, similar to that of
6 June 1583 [Dom. Addenda, Vol. XXVIII., No. 16.], adding that
the statute merchant was not made to Bailey, because he was then
mayor of Sarum, and it was better not to make it to him before
whom it was acknowledged, and that it was to be for performance
of all covenants in the deed of sale. That Bailey was evicted on
behalf of Harris' sisters, from some of the lands. That the Guernsey
magistrates, by deed, 21 Nov. 1581, promised, unless Harris satisfied
them in three months, to grant execution on his lands, but failed,
and therefore the Council is requested to write to the magistrates, to
allow execution on the lands of Harris in Guernsey, without delay.
[12/3 pages.] |
Feb. 22.
London. |
61. William Pa[rry] to Thomas Morgan, Paris. Thanks for your
letters. I am glad that by your and my dear friend Charles Paget's
example, I may so safely send to you. I have not been careless of
the debt undertaken, but being meanly satisfied before my departure
from Paris, I laboured, by conference with a singular man on this
side, to be fully informed what might be done with conscience in
that case, for the common good. I was learnedly over-ruled, and
assured that it ought not to fall into the thought of a good Christian.
The difficulties are many, and in this vigilant time, full of despair.
The service you know never passed your hand and mine, and
may therefore, with more ease and less offence, be concealed and
suppressed. I know that the divine with whom I had conference
there, by your appointment, is secret and honest. If you will travail
to satisfy the greatest, and to retain my better sort of friends in
good opinion of me, I shall hold it for a singular pleasure; and if
you can use me on this side for you or yours, be assured of me. |
|
I have not been careless of my Lord Pa[get] and his brother, nor
do I yet, notwithstanding the proclamation, see why they should be
hasty in embracing foreign entertainment. |
|
I find the Queen very calm, and hear that she termed some
cormorants, for their greediness in seeking men's livings. Charles
Arundel is condemned of having dealt unthankfully with the Queen,
unkindly with his friends, and unadvisedly with himself. I write
thus much that you may make them privy to it, for I know you
honour and love them all. I marvel that you suffer so many trifling
letters to come by so honourable a mean as yours and Mr. Pa[get's]
came to me. The discovery of this passage may happen by the delivery of some such. I and the gentleman to whom the last packet
was delivered burnt all the letters, save Mr. Arundel's to James
Sharrock, which, after he had read it, was also burnt, and there is
now not one of them in being. I have willed Jas. Sharrock to get
ready for Mr. Arundel a true account of the state of his office, which
I have promised to send him as soon as the Exchequer is satisfied. |
|
P.S.—Read and burn. [3 pages.] |
