Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1915.
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'Cecil Papers: January-June 1596', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda, (London, 1915) pp. 561-577. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol13/pp561-577 [accessed 30 April 2024]
January-June 1596
| James VI, King of Scotland. | |
| 1595–6, Jan. 1. |
Letters patent addressed to all Kings,
Princes ecclesiastical and secular, &c., especially to Philip,
King of Spain. In favour of Thomas Bogg, his ship and its
lading of Scotch merchandise, trading into Spain: promising
the like favourable treatment for their subjects in Scotland.—
"Given under our greater seal from our palace of Holyrood,"
1 January, 29 James VI. Latin. Draft, much corrected and scribbled over. 1 p. (222. 28.) |
| — Ersfild to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595–6, Jan. 3. |
Since my last by Mr. Wotton, Monsieur le
Gast, Governor of Amboise, took arms and began to "proye"
for himself, staying many vessels freighted especially with
salt upon the river Loyre; whereupon the King despatched
Monsieur de la Tremouuille, with commandment to the other
Governors of Poictou and Touraine to resist the beginnings
of this new malcontent. The difference he stood upon with the
King was for yielding the castle of Amboise, where the young
Prince and his Governor should have made their abode, as the
place heretofore appointed for the training up of the King's
children, and a secure retreat for their apparent successor.
But Le Gast pretends a just excuse, saying the last King gave
it him in recompense of his sure service done upon the Duke
of Guise and his brother: and it behoves him to prevent
revenge of his enemies by the strength and security of such
a place. The King sent in post to recall La Tremouuille, who
is now this 3 of January come back as far as Paris, hasting
towards the King. What the issue of this will be is uncertain;
yet it is thought it will turn to Le Gast his great prejudice.
He is retired, and rests somewhat satisfied. The conversion
of one Cayer, a minister of the King's sister, has made many
murmuring scandals here in Paris. The Sorbonists have
received him into their society, where by writing a few
French subtilties, he publishes the nullity of the minister's
calling, and therefore to have no true Church: their discord
in their pretended Church: with many other superficial
reasons which in discontent are rather argued than with
knowledge, for that this last summer for some enormities
he was admonished, reprehended and deprived of his calling,
according to their order of Consistory discipline. The heat
of this French race in matter of religion will continually boil
to the disquiet of Fr[ance]. I hear out of Italy the Cardinal
of Austria is passed the Alps, with 9,000 foot, and certain
companies of horse, which he had commission to take in
Naples and Milan. We hear he is already arrived in the Low
Countries. He essayed to break the neutrality of the county
of Burgundy and Lorrain, but it effected nothing. The
Prince of Orange has been at Rome to take absolution, and
after his long captivity the Spaniard has given him liberty
and charge of some forces, with restitution of his revenues.
He is reported to be of mean capacity and of a heavy, dull
Dutch metal. The Pope's army in Hungary is almost wasted
by sickness. The Italian forces committed such insolencies
in that country as the Boores made supplication for the
removing of all strangers; but not satisfied, they rise to the
number of 4,000. The King was daily expected at Paris, but
now he has sent for the whole Council to meet him at
Compeigne, a days journey from the army where now they
are, which makes great novelties expected. Sir H. Umpton
arrived at Roane the 29th of December, and took the way
of Andely and Gisors to find the K., where I think he is now.—
Paris, 3 of January [15]96. Endorsed by Reynolds, Essex' secretary: 3 January, 1595. 2 pp. (199. 36.) |
| Battista Giustiniano to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1595–6, Jan. 5. |
With the letters that came to-day news
arrived from Antwerp that orders had been received by those
merchants to pay the Count (al Conte) 600,000 crowns for
two months' provision. The Count wished only to take the
half, and left the other half to the same merchants for payments
made in anticipation. No news from Italy: Spain is making
naval preparations. Rumoured treaty of the Spaniards
with the Swiss. Palavicino is again ill of the gout.—London,
5 January, 1595. Holograph. Italian. Seal. ½ p. (29. 100.) |
| François d'Orleans, Count de St. Pol, to the Earl of Essex. | |
| [1595–6,] Jan. 6. |
Assuring him of his service, and requesting
that by his means he may obtain some large greyhounds,
strong and hardy, which he is assured are to be found in the
quarters where Essex now is.—Rouen, 6 January. Holograph. French. 2 small seals. 1 p. (147. 120.) |
| John Wetenhall to the Lord Ambassador for Scotland [? Douglas]. | |
| [1595–6,] Jan. 10. |
Details his dealings with regard to
land and woods belonging to Jarvax. Offers [Douglas]
200l. for the passing of a suit with regard to a concealment.—
Heaning, 10 January. Holograph. 2 pp. (205. 12.) |
| Bonds of Edmond Fortescue and Henry Hudlestone. | |
| [After 23 Jan., 1595–6.] |
Brief statement of a case at law
to the following effect:—William Carewe paid to Edmond
Fortescue 600l. for certain lands and Fortescue bound himself
in 1,200l. to warrant him in them. Shortly afterwards
Carewe was deprived of most of the lands, by a former
conveyance; whereby Fortescue's bond became forfeited; and
he, being poor, procured his brother in law. Henry Hudlestone,
to become bound to John Ouldham a friend of Carewe's (Carew
being absent in the country). Carewe, hearing thereof, came
to London and not only agreed to cancel Fortescue's bond
of 1,200l. but gave him jewels of his uncle's and money to the
amount of 240l.; and assigned Hudlestone's bond to John
Vere in payment of a debt. Before the day of payment
came Hudlestone's father desired Carewe to abate 40l. of the
amount of the bond, but he declined, saying he had made
it over to Vere. Thereupon Hudlestone pretending that he
was only a surety for Fortescue procured the Lord Keeper
to call the bond in question in Chancery, and, after other
proceedings, to make an order for Hudlestone to pay 60l.
and Fortescue the rest, "who is in prison and not worth anything." Then Vere and Carewe moved and obtained the
Lord Keeper's order that the parties should appoint arbitrators
in the shire where they lived, but this Hudlestone refused.
Vere then obtained the Queen's command to Lord Anderson
and Dr. Caesar to end the matter, but Hudlestone refuses
to appear before them, saying the Lord Keeper had heard it. Endorsed: "1596. Mr. Poyntz." 1 p. (48. 45.) |
| Edward Browne to the Lord Treasurer [Burghley]. | |
| 1595–6, Jan. 30. |
By occasion of my late being prisoner
at Dunkirk, I received certain intelligences by chance touching
the Spanish fleet and other matters of importance, for the
full report whereof I humbly crave to be admitted to your
presence. The 21st of this month I arrived from thence.—
Undated. Holograph. Endorsed: 30 January, 1595. Seal. ½ p. (60. 54.) |
| The Queen to the King of France. | |
| [1596, Jan.] |
J'ay esté si long temps environné de machines
diaboliques et assailly de ruzes d'iniques esprits, qui m'a
mené par la main au refuge de tel qui m'a conservé de leurs
ambuscades et par l'eau de sa grace m'a fait conjurer leur
malice et la faict tomber sur leurs testes les mauvais accidents
que leur malice m'a voué, tellement qu'à bonne raison vous
n'aurez jamais cause de croire que leur lacqs me prennent
tant par les pieds à me faire separer d'un si fidel amy à l'
occasion de leurs inventions vaines; à la foy desquels vous
me trouverez toute sourde, combien que à ne les ouyr m'est
quasi impossible. Si les humeurs des amis accordants font
me indice asseurè d'une amitié solide pour la ressemblance
de leur naturel, je vous puis asseurer que sommes tres estroictement liés, ayant eu non moins à cœur telz sinistres inventions
que vous mesmes à qui il doibt le plus toucher, desdaignant
que homme vivant me doibt ou pourroit tant abuser à qui je
me suis tout dedié. Et comme j'espere firmement de ne
reçevoir si mauvais guerdon pour tant d'affection, aussy hay
je d'estre estimé princesse de si peu d'esgard que quelque
prince m'osast faire un tel affront, de qui je serois plus preste
me venger que d'autre ennemy. Mais si Dieu me garde (comme
je n'en doute) aussy bien du dernier, comme vous me livrerez
de l'autre, je feray honte à leur desseins et en feray farce à
demy jour. Par ou vous voyes que je me satisfais tant de
vostre asseurée foy que jen fais aultant d'estat que de quelque
present que me pourriez mander. Et en tesmoignage de
mon aise et contentement en cest endroict je vous jure que de
ma part ne vous donnerez cause de vous pentir, ainsi vous
correspondray en toute sincerité, amitié et fidelle affection,
m'asseurant que si quelque demoniaque vous jetteroit quelque
zizaine de mauvaise persuasion aux champs de nos bien liés
voluntéz soubs ombre de vous profiter à nos despens, vous
monstreres la science vostre trop bonne d'agriculture pour
faire eslite de si mauvais bled, et en mesprisant leur malice
y planteres meilleur fruict que vous rendray à la fin de votre
vendange meilleur effect que oncques vous rendront si mauvais
impostures, comme Dieu vous fera en temps propre veoir.
A qui je prie vous mander la grace de vaincre l'ennemis et
conserver les vostres, entre lesquels je mettray en premier
rencq, votre tres affectionnée sœur à jamais. E. Endorsed: Copy of her Majesty's letter to the French King by Mr. Naunton. In hand of Reynolds, Essex' secretary. 1¼ p. (133. 94.) For another copy see S.P. For., France, Vol. 37. |
| Recusants. | |
| 1595–6, Jan. |
List of recusants presented out of various
districts, 1582 to January, 1595–6. 166 pp. (238. 1.) |
| Antonio Perez. | |
| [1595–6, Jan.] |
Un nomme Don Rodrigo Meduro, Arragonnois, Sr. de Castella, que parle bon francois et a este detenu
trois ans a l'inquisition d'Espagne, qui est homme de haulte
stature, de poil noir, de grand esprit, et fort hardy, est party
d'Espagne pour venir en France en intention d'attentir a la
personne du Roy et a celle de Don Antonio Peres.—Undated. Endorsed: Para embiar a Mylord. Traydor contra el Rey y Ant. Perez. ¼ p. (174. 99.) |
| — Ersf[ild] to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1595–6, Feb. 8. |
I fear to incur importunity of letters,
as ignorant with what eye my others were regarded. Yet
the opportunity of this messenger commands a careful remembrance of my duties. The King's affairs at his siege of La Fere
prosper slowly. That the trench has not yet taken effect
is attributed to the lowness of it, whereupon the King agreed
with his Switzers to raise it six foot higher, which was
promised to be done within 15 days. But if the frosts continue
they will be hindered. I am certified from the camp the
enemy will shortly succour it; and that the King goes to
lodge at Ripemont, a castle upon the river of Oyse, there to
attend them. If they come it is doubted he shall receive
an affront, his soldiers being wearied and wasted, his nobles
retired, the season enemy to any hasty recovery of other forces,
the country not able to sustain the remnant with him. What
inconveniences proceed besides from this tedious siege, I
know you shall be certified of such as have a sensible feeling
of them. Here have been lately put to the wheel two Spaniards
which were said to have intended the King's death, but upon their
death they denied it, confessing no other purpose but against
Signor Perez. The reception of the Duke of Mayne was at
Monceaux the 17 of January, where it was thought Monsieur
Balagny should have married Madame de Monceux' sister,
who in the time of the League was the Duke of Maine his
mistress. Since his loss of Cambray he has lost his reputation,
and this blind humour he affects by marriage has given already
matter of libel.—Paris, 8 February. Holograph. Endorsed by Essex' secretary: 8 February, 1595. 1 p. (199. 37.) |
| The Treizieme in Guernsey. | |
| [1595–6, Feb.] | Note of Articles for a Commission from the Queen for Guernsey. |
|
That five or six Commissioners be appointed, whereof one
to be a doctor of the civil law, and one a common lawyer;
the others to be chosen out of Jersey and Guernsey, as the
Governor of Jersey, the Bailiff of Jersey, Mr. Amyas
Cartwright, and the Bailiff of Guernsey. These Commissioners
to be authorised to judge of the matter in controversy between
the Queen's officers and William Beavoire, concerning the
treizieme in question, with the campart and other royalties.
Summary of the points into which the Commissioners are to
enquire.—Undated. ½ p. (186. 58.) |
|
| Warden and Fellows of New College, Oxford, to the Queen. | |
| [1596, Feb.?] |
On receipt of the Queen's letter in behalf
of Mr. Noell, they granted him the benefit of an estate from
their College; but he, as Mr. Heiton pretends, has sold their
grant without their consent. The Queen has been informed
that they passed their grant to Mr. Noell and his assigns;
but they neither have made nor could make any such promise,
being bound by their private statute to know their tenant
lest some man should set foot into their livings who might
hurt the College. Thinking themselves free from Noell,
and receiving letters from the Earl of Essex on behalf of his
servant Mr. Wotton, who has by his education amongst them
and his kind disposition deserved well at their hands, they
were content to yield thereto. Pray for the Queen's ratification.—Undated. 1 p. (2030.) |
| — to M. de Mondreville, Comte de Dampierre, at Nancy. | |
| [1596,] March 5. |
The bearer who has just come from
England to A. will tell him the news; he is a courier de banque,
and seems to aim at gain more than anything else. He has
to return to the writer on mercantile business. Pierre
Roger has at last brought the writer his packet with the
commission, for which he is as obliged as if it were more full
and absolute, but will help himself in any way he can. Private
money affairs relating to "Madame," Billouet, etc. To-day
is the baptism of M. le Connêtable's son; to-morrow will
send all the news he can by Pierre Roger.—From A.,
5 March. Endorsed: "Cypher 1596." French, in cipher. 2¼ pp. (204. 44.) |
| Office of Lord High Admiral. | |
| 1595–6, March 19. |
Appointment by Charles, Lord Howard,
Baron of Effingham, K.G., Lord Admiral, of William, Lord
Burghley, as his deputy to execute the office of Lord Admiral
during his absence at sea with the Queen's fleet.—London,
19 March, 1595, 38 Eliz. Signed. Latin. Parchment. (222. 7.) |
| — to [Antonio Perez]. | |
| [1596,] March 20/30. | "Extract. ex epistola amici Genuensis data primo Martii stylo novo." |
| De Avana pervenisse navim ex regno Alycante (Hispanie regno inter Granatam et Valentiam) pervenisse, inquam, Liornam, referreque et confirmare possessam Avanam a Drako et fortificari jam. Idem ex Flandria et Colonia confirmari. Sed ride, te obsecro, quid addat amicus meus. Texedam Maestra de Campo qui cum Cardinali Alberto transivit in Italiam, et qui gubernator fuit illius portus, et munimentum illud struxit, affirmare non esse credibile, quia inexpugnabile erat munimentum, et ipse reliquerat intus duo millia Hispanorum. | |
|
Preterea medius tertius allata est epistola data Nantes, quae
haec refert. Oratorem vel agentem Regis Hispani qui illic
degit, dixisse cuidam Lusitano cum suum negocium privatum
solicitaret, quodque pendet a responso Domini Christoferi de
Mora, non mirandum si dictus Mora non responderet, quia totus
ille et reliqui erant occupati in remedium adhibendo Avanae
quam possidebat Drakus, et jam fortificabat.
Scribit etiam amicus Genuensis servum Ducis d'Espernon
esse Genuae, et accepisse abs ministris Regis Hispanie pro
suo Domino 20,000 scutorum aureorum antequam nuncius
de possessa Marsellia a Guisano pervenisset. Postea vero
triginta alia millia eidem servo tradita fuisse. Praeter
haec habeo aliam epistolam ab Christofero Frontino (quem
Rex misit praeteritis diebus in Bernensem provinciam, ut
animos Aragonensium indagaret, quidque posset tentari
perlustraret) qua scribit adhuc esse commotos Aragonenses, et aliquid magnum machinari, commotosque fuisse
Mauros Valentiæ regni. Sed praeter haec addit hoc:
habere se nescio quid quod maxime pertineat et spectet
ad servicium Regine Anglie, et ut suis verbis utar, Una
interpressa galante y de importancia para su, sed non
audere committere cartae sine cyphra. Curabo scire quid
sit, et vos certiores faciam.—Datum Cussy, 30 Martii. Endorsed: Avisos de Genua y de Nantes de la Havana. De Bearne. Para embiar a Mylord. 1 p. (174. 98.) |
|
| Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas. | |
| [1596,] March 22. | I wrote to your lordship about the thirteenth of this month at length by a Scottish man going thither called Mr. George Mongomerie, which I trust shall come to your hands long ere this can come, therefore I leave to report what I have written there. Since that time I received a packet of letters from you by young Smetoune, containing some to myself, and one to my Lord Sanquhar, with another to Mr. Patrick Commi[ng]. My Lord Sanquhar even but a day before was gone to Dumfries. There be a com[mission ?] to hold a "judice" Court, so that his letter could not come so soon to his hands as I desired, but I have sent it unto him, the other to Mr. Comming I [will] deliver if I can find him out, for he is but at some times visible. But I return to my own. His Majesty before I received them was come east to Dunglas and "spott" to his pastime, so that before yesterday, that he come to Beill, the Laird of Bas's house, I could not have the commodity to speak with him. But yesterday I went thither, and finding him at leisure from his pastime because it was Sunday, I had very good opportunity to speak with him, and therefore conferred with his Highness at length upon every point of your letters, which he found written both with judgment and great affection, as it appeared, to the weal of his service, all but the first part touching Isabella, which he could hardly believe. Always I delivered it as it was there, requesting his Majesty to keep it secret until he "liped," which a little time would discover, whether that point were written for malice or rather for the gre[at] care you had of the honourable handling of his service; and that his Majesty promised unto me faithfully. As I wrote to you of before, Mr. David Foulles was employed at this time against the opinion of all men of judgment presently about his Majesty, neither could his Highness be diverted from that by no persuasion or argument could be used in the contrary; but I perceived yesterday a little doubt in his Highness' mind that he should not find that he looked for, therefore the sooner his follies, which I know he will commit innumerable, be known here, the sooner will he be, to his shame, recalled, and the error amended. I am to ride west this day to Edinburgh again with his Majesty, where I shall await and prosecute diligently my despatch towards you, which by the help of some friends I took assuredly to obtain; and albeit the delaying thereof I know, and so I honestly declared unto his Highness, be prejudicial to his Majesty's service, yet [it] lies not in my hand to help; but what my travail or means m[ay] do I shall not leave of. But the principal stay will be in that I wrote to you of before, which notwithstanding I shall do what lies in me to amend. The State continues as it was at my last in a good trim for our own government, if the malice of some do not stay the good course envying the well doing of our new Council that does better nor oth[ers] did before them. Our ambassadors to France and other foreign parts are making ready, and our poverty has been their only stay so long. Now that Captain Selbie has assured me of the safe conveying of my letters, I shall write unto your lordship more frequently. I am in seeking a falconer to send unto you for divers h[awks ?] I have obtained already, and that sort of people trusty is hardly found. |
|
I will request you to have a care of poor "Progne," and
by the address you have there, let her know if safely she may
remain in the inner parts of Capadocia, for upon yonder frontier
she is in daily danger.—22 of March. Holograph. Addressed: To the right honourable Mr. Archibald Douglas one of his Majesty's session and council. 1 p. Damaged. (15. 100.) |
|
| Battista Giustiniano to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| 1596, March 29. |
With the last letters from Genoa I have
order from Sir Fabritio Palavicino to give the magistracy of
this city the petition of which I send you a copy, and he has
decided to act thus promptly while arranging to procure a
doctor of laws, as quickly as the occasion may permit, to
solicit payment of his portion of the debt (fn. 1) of her Majesty,
suffering by the present suspense such inconvenience as he
can no longer endure. I wished first to advertise your
lordship, esteeming it my duty, and because I know that on
account of the devotion of Sir Horatio his brother towards
you, you were always favourable to all the members of his
house. The aforesaid petition shall be submitted one day
this week.—London, 29 March, 1596. Endorsed: "29 March, 1596. Sir H. Palavicino (sic) to my master: with the petition of Fabritio Palavicino." Italian. Seal. ½ p. (222. 26.) Enclosing:— |
| i. Petition of Fabritio Palavicino to [the Lord Mayor?]. | |
|
In the name and by order of Signor Fabritio Palavicino
of Genoa I beg to inform your Lordship that whereas
it pleased her Majesty to keep in hand from the year 1583
for a somewhat long time the sum of 33,374l. 4s. 4d.
for which she was then debtor to his brother Horatio
Palavicino knt., new obligations were given to him
under date of May 27 in that year and a new warrant from
the Exchequer for an annuity of 3,337l. 8s. 5d. during
the principal debt; and moreover the city of London
gave similar obligations for the payment of the said
principal sum and the yearly interest, which was paid
at her Majesty's Exchequer at the due time each year till
December 31, 1591, and then was reduced to 20,096l. 17s.
because her Majesty diminished the principal debt by a
sum of 4,425l. 13s.; at which rate the aforesaid
Exchequer has paid up to July 1, 1593, inclusive, which
was the last payment received by his aforesaid brother.
Since which time nothing has been paid, wherefore
by virtue of the said warrant of her Majesty and
obligation of the city of London, there remain due at
the present day five sums of 1,447l. 8s. 6d. each, which
in the whole makes 7,237l. 2s. 6d. Your Lordship
knows that Signor Fabritio is partaker in the aforesaid
principal debt of her Majesty in 11,782l. 16s. 6d. in
virtue of his share of the patrimony of Signor Thobia
his father, and of the five payments aforesaid of the
annuity not received in 2,945l. 14s. 1d., for want of
payment whereof he finds himself grievously incommoded. Wherefore leaving out of account his brother,
who as a servant and subject of her Majesty patiently
awaits her favour and good graces, he requests of your
lordship payment of his portion in the said five sums,
it appearing to him reasonable to demand them of the
magistracy of the city in general, rather than that
I should receive it out of the private possessions
of the citizens thereof, according to the strict force of
the obligation: assuring myself your Lordship will
take good order as the justice of the cause requires
and the honour of the obligation of that city so famous
and of so great credit in all Europe. And similarly,
he prays you to obtain from her Majesty such order
for the future that while she retains the principal
he may be satisfied every six month by the consideration agreed upon, whereby he may enjoy the
fruit of his patrimony for support of his house and
family. Italian. 1 p. |
|
| Joos de Moor [Vice-Admiral of Zeeland] to Sir Henry Palmer, Admiral in the Narrow Sea. | |
| 1596, April 18. |
As the enemy yesterday about ten o'clock
ceased their battering, and nothing more has been heard
since but absolute quiet on either side, it is not to be doubted,
but that the town and Castle of Calais are in the enemy's
hands; and the rather that yesterday evening there were
great rejoicings at Gravelines signifying tokens of victory.
I have had with me about 1,000 soldiers who this day sailed
again for Zeeland. His Excellency Count Maurice met these
garrisons to-day near Gravelines and has returned with them
to Zeeland.—From the fleet before Calais, April 18, 1596. Dutch. 1 p. (174. 89.) |
| The Duc de Bouillon to the Earl of Essex. | |
| 1596, April 19/29. |
Vous aves tant de soyng de vostre amy
que c'est tousjours ocmantassion d'obligassion. Revenes
vous an et sy vous vostre roine et vostre royaume lesses passer
ce quy se presente vous n'y rescouvreres plus. Croyes de
moy tout ce que pouves atandre de vous mesmes. Ce gentilhomme cest avec soing et peine aquite anvers moy de ce que
vous luy avis ordonne.—A Londres ce 29me avril 1596 stil de
France. Holograph. ½ p. (135. 201.) |
| Naval Ordnance. | |
| 1596, April 24. |
Particulars of ordnance, powder, shot and
other munitions delivered aboard the following ships, the
Experience, Phenyx, Brownefishe, and Humfrey, under the
charge of Sir George Carew, Master of her Majesty's Ordnance.
—24 April, 1596. Endorsed by Essex. 17 pp. (199. 42.) |
| Arthur Atye to William Downhall. | |
| [1596 ?] April 24. | My intellige[nce de]ceiveth me if your lord go this day [or] to-morrow, and it is thought he will be at Essex House ere he go. This day can not I possibly come, neither do I think it to purpose considering the remains of the feast yet continuing. To-morrow will be as busy as it. And so his departing day from Court also if it be the next. So that for me to come to Court to him if he depart any of those three days will be but lost labour. And indeed I like not as things yet stand to come at Court. But if he is coming to any place from Court advertise me by this bearer. |
| Four things I would gladly understand of his lordship. | |
| 1. Whether I shall remain as a cypher friend in his absence, or that he will command me any special service. | |
| 2. Whether he will write to my brother George Hungerford for his licence to return for a while; and to advertise the Count Palatine and Landgrave what he thinketh fit of his intended voyage. | |
| 3. Whether he will and can procure dispatch in my matter, ere he go, or else,— | |
|
4. Touching my 200l., whether he will command me any
assurance for it. I cannot possibly speak to him now about this thing and would rather write to you to do it for me.—24 April. Holograph. 1 p. (179. 105.) |
|
| Antony Poulett to the Council. | |
| [1596, April.] |
In February last he exhibited requests
for the Isle of Jersey, importing much her Majesty's service
and the safety of that poor isle; and has ever since attended
in Court their pleasure therein, to his great charge and prejudice. Prays them to give such order that he may dispose
himself towards his charge, whence he desires not to be absent
while there may be the least occasion of suspicion or danger.—
Undated. 1 p. (186. 129.) |
| Notes of Instructions [given by the Earl of Essex to his secretary]. | |
| [1596, April.] |
A journal to be kept for actions, for dispatches, made or received. Letters to her Majesty not tedious. To have correspondence with the Lords. No contrarieties in advertisements. Copies of special letters to be kept. In answering letters to answer all material points. Petitions to be considered by my Lord and the Council. To keep a note of the resolutions and the presence of councillors both in French and English. Notes to be kept of warrants for pay, day, to whom. Item for passports for discharge of soldiers, of the name, day, place and cause thereof. To discharge none but upon certificate of physician or surgeon. To have in remembrance the English Jesuits and Bishop of Ross, if &c. To look to writing of news. In Reynolds' handwriting? Endorsed with a number of experimental signatures, "R. Broughton, E. Raynolds, Essex," and other scribblings. (179. 167.) |
| England and Spain. | |
| [1596, April ?] | The King of Spain has neither ships nor means nor sufficient preparations to undertake any enterprise against England, but spreads reports of such enterprises being undertaken to keep the Queen in suspicion and divert her from sending her forces agaist Havanna and the Indies, where he fears a mortal blow may be struck at the heart of his power. But her Majesty and her Council being very wise will know well how to keep things in England in good readiness with but little expense, so that they cannot dread his machinations; and for the rest, the King cannot attempt such an enterprise without great and apparent preparation. |
| And in Ireland it is believed that by means of clemency it will be possible so to accommodate matters that her Majesty may rest perfectly secure, and things standing so her Majesty has not to employ her forces and her power elsewhere than to seize Havanna and hinder the cruising and the security of the King of Spain's fleet, the maiming of which would be the cutting off of Sampson's hair, as to support it all his force goes and without which he is totally defenceless; as without the Indies' fleet the King of Spain would rest stripped of all his power, and thus the mighty monarch would be without strength and without credit, and without means either to save himself, or to do harm to others. And to this it is necessary to attend and not to allow oneself to be frightened by the shadows and the cunning demonstrations and imaginary alarms of the Spaniards, succouring Cales [Calais] therefore before anything else, which will be most easy both to the Queen and also to the King of France and like to cause rejoicing that the Cardinal Archduke should so have employed himself in consuming his troops and money and time over that place which England and France can thus advantageously aid; and in Bluet it might be possible to leave the Spaniards to employ themselves, in order to keep them diverted in several places, it sufficing that they be not able to make any acquisitions in that place, as it does not appear that they can do anything at all. | |
| And if Havanna were England's not only would she take from Spain all its vigour but all the gold would go to the Queen, with which she would be able not only to compete with Spain [but] to humble her, and both the great men and the lesser ones of the Queen might have the money of the Indies, and might hopefully believe that they could give Spain something to do. | |
|
In undertaking the enterprise of Havanna, it is to be considered whether it would be well with the English infantry
to mix some French infantry; and such enterprise should be
undertaken before the Spaniards fortify that hill, and remedy
all the imperfections and dangers of which they may have
become aware by the going thither of Drake. Italian, but nearly all in cipher, deciphered and translated as above. Undated. 1¼ pp. (140. 66.) |
|
| Simon Bryan to Lord Burghley. | |
| [1596, Before May.] |
Complains of concealment by Cullen
and Roper of bonds due to the Queen's late Almoner, whose
assignee petitioner is: also of assault. Prays that Cullen
and his confederates be bound to their good behaviour, and
for settlement of the controversy.—Undated. Note by Burghley that the matter is to be moved in the Starchamber. (fn. 2) ½ p. (737.) |
| Jehan and Jacques Delabat to the Queen. | |
| [After April, 1596.] |
Bordeaux merchants, ruined by their
agents and by the taking of Calais by the Spaniards. Pray
for leave to dwell in the kingdom, with assurance that none
of their creditors may apprehend them or their goods for the
space of two years.—Undated. French. ½ p. (1609.) |
| The Duc de Bouillon to the Earl of Essex. | |
| [1596,] May 20/30. |
Nous avons finy nostre nesgossiassion
avec les articles d'une ligue ofansive et desfansive beaucoup
moindres a mon jugemant que la grandeur des personnes et
des roiaumes ne meritoient, moindres que nos afaires pour
an estre soulagees et infiniemant moins que mon esperanse.
Nous la raportons cheus nous ou nous exagerons les raisons
quy ont retenu la roine de ne faire davantage, estant assure
que le manquemant des condissions donnera ung grand subject
a ceus quy ne desirent que nostre dessunion d'en disputer
la ratificassion, quoyque ces manquemants me soient asses
connus sy scay je que nous ne pouvons demeurer seuls pour
soustenir la guerre et ne nous joignant il faudra se porter
ailleurs a la ruine pour le moins de ceus quy font profession
de la vraie religion a nostre soing et diligense de prevenir ce
mal. Le temps que je demeure an ce royaume m'a asses
donne de connoissance que toutes les cours ont des humeurs
samblables prinsipallemant aus anvies antre les particuliers
et aus jalousies contre ceus desquels la vertu exelle. Ceste
raison m'a fet voir que vostre ruine est desiree et finimant
recerchee. Les moiens que l'on y tient dans vostre royaume
et pres de vostre mestresse vous sont plus connus qu'a
moy quy m'anpeschera de les vous dire; mes seulemant vous
an diray je ung ou je m'assure que leurs peines seront este
vaines par vostre sagesse et par la preuve que vous debves
avoir que je ne puis changer ce que je vous suis que ma nature
ne changeast, l'on dit que vostre voiage a frape le coup pour
randre le fruit du nostre, moyndre que les afaires de Franse
ont eu leur direction de vous, et lors qu'il les a faillu lier que
vous les aves habandonnees. Nulle aparanse qu'aucun aie
aprouve vostre dessyn mes seullemant vostre fantasie que
je dois faire autre amitie quy soit plus au cresdit et quy veulle
plus constammant ambrasser ce quy aura este projete ordonne
que je prandre mes adresses pour escrire avec Henry Brone
et diverses autres choses delicates pour alterer deus amities
quy ne m'ont este inconnuees mes sans nul esfect je sceu
que l'on a deslibere de nous imputer la rupture de vostre
voiage sy elle vous arive, et a-t-on avise les moiens pour le faire
mallisse tres grande et vers vous et vers nous de nous lesser
sans merite l'envie de ceus quy y seroyent interesses. Je
dit a Reginalde tous les propos que j'an ay tenus, mon cher
conte. Avises sy la desmonstrassion de nostre diminussion
d'amitie vous sera utille. Serves vous an an me le fesant
scavoyr et vous conjure de l'aucmanter par la preuve que
nous debuons avoyr que ce ne sont que ceus quy la veullent
diminuer quy ne nous aime pas, et croyes que vostre contantemant vostre grandeur et conservassion me sera tousjours
aussy chere et plus que la mienne propre. Je croy que le roy
passera la mer d'avant ung mois. Je feray tenir mes lettres
a Reginalde.—A Gravesendes ce 30e May. Holograph. 3¼ pp. (135. 210.) |
| England and France. | |
| [1596, May ?] | Draft of some articles or proposed articles of a treaty to be concluded between France and England. |
| . . . In case any arrest be made by any other Prince upon the goods of any of the subjects of these Princes for cause of denial of justice, the same having been lawfully required, then is the other of the confederates not bound to proceed as is aforesaid to procure restitution for the other; so it be lawfully proved within three months that the arrest does not proceed of any other cause. | |
| It is further concluded that for the confirming of all friendship between the two Princes, that her Majesty's subjects shall keep their staples of cloth, wool and other merchandises in any such towns and places as shall be agreed on between both Princes, in the same manner as they keep them at Antwerp, Bergen, and Bruges. | |
| And that the French King shall suffer the Englishmen to have a house of residence, where they may live under such governor and officers as they shall constitute among themselves. | |
| And that the said King or his successors shall not suffer any of her Majesty's subjects to be any ways molested or troubled for religion, so far as they keep themselves with moderation. | |
| And that the said English merchants may vent their merchandises at all times, so it be not on Sundays and ordinary holidays. | |
| It is further agreed that all impositions, tolls, customs, and all other duties whatsoever shall be rated and set down of all kinds of merchandises, and so delivered to the English merchants. And that it shall not be lawful for the French, at no time or under what colour soever, to increase the same rates or to impose new taxes upon the English. | |
| And if perchance there should happen any war or dissension betwixt these two Princes there shall be limited two months (of 60 days) after the publication of the war for the merchants to retire themselves with their goods. | |
| It is further agreed that the said Englishmen having constituted their staples and so continuing their trade, they may dispose of their goods, wares, debts, money which they have in France either by gift, last will or otherwise according to their own laws; notwithstanding the droit d'Albenes, whereunto they shall not be subject. | |
| It is further concluded that within four months after the date hereof it shall be agreed between both Princes of the place of residence or staples, and of the privileges and immunities which they shall enjoy in France. Item of the quantity and quality of tolls and customs, and further of the mitigating or abolishing of such tolls and duties as of late years have been raised in either of the kingdoms. | |
| By this present treaty there shall be nothing derogated from any bonds or obligations of debts made for lendings or other disbursements due by this King Henry IV., or by Henry III., or Charles IX. or their predecessors, but all such bonds to stand in full validity without any innovation at all. | |
| Out of the Treaty Anno Domini 1515, art. 6, 14, and 16. | |
| It is agreed that no foreign ship prepared and furnished for war shall be received in any of the foresaid kingdoms of England and France, neither shall any kind of victual, munition, or other furniture be suffered to be given or sold to any strangers towards the furnishing of any such ships.— | |
|
It is moreover agreed that the said French King, during
the war between her Majesty and the King of Spain, shall
not suffer the merchants of the Hanse towns or any other
merchants of what nation soever, to make any staples in
France of corn and victual, thereby to transport either by
themselves or others any such victuals, munition and furniture
into Spain, but the same to be sold and distributed for the
use and service of the French King only. 2½ pp. (178. 99.) |
|
| Wardenship of Winchester. | |
| [1596, May ?] | A.B. hath of late received of her Majesty's gift a benefice and canonry residentiary in the church of Winton both of value 200 marks. He hath been in the ministry but one year, and is in degree of schools a master of arts. |
| He is a suitor at this time for the parsonage of Drokensford, which is of her Majesty's gift or my Lord Keeper's, to the value of eight score pounds per annum and is far better than the wardenship, which said benefice Dr. Bilson now holds. | |
|
The schoolmastership which he now enjoyeth is better
than the wardenship if the schoolmaster himself may be
believed. He is altogether undesired of the fellows of both
colleges.—Undated. ½ p. (197. 106.) |
|
| Commission of [Henri de la Tour, Visconte de Turenne]. | |
| [1596, May ?] |
. . . "Scavoir faisons, que nous considerans que . . . effect faire meilleure election que de la
personne . . . et bien aimé cousin Messire Henry de la Tour
Vi . . . conseillier en nostre conseil d'Estat et prive,
Capitaine de . . . Darmes de nos Ordonnances, et Premier
gentilhomme . . . . chambre, tant pour la quallité de sa
maison . . . temps des plus illustres de ce royaulme,
que pour . . . vertus qui sont en lui, lesquelles nous
ont . . . l'approcher de nous des qu'il a . . . service, et nous
confier en luy . . . pour . . . secrets affaires, tant au faict
de la guerre . . . choses importans le bien de nostre Estat . . .
preuve de sa capacité et suffisance et de . . . qu'il porte a
nostre personne, et a l'avance . . . affaires, qu'il s'est de
plus en plus fait . . . seulement du lieu que luy avons donne
. . . aussi de toute aultre charge que luy . . ."—Undated. Imperfect. Contemporary copy. ½ p. (204. 35.) |
| Thomas Adderley to Sir Robert Cecil. | |
| [1596, May.] |
Justifies the legal action he has taken against
William Hallidaye, who is protected by Cecil, but never
arrested his body. Cannot pay his debt to the Queen by
reason of Halliday's default to him. Prays leave to proceed
against Halliday as other creditors do.—Undated. ½ p. (581.) |
| Sir William Malory and others to Matthew [Hutton] Archbishop of York and the Council of the North. | |
| [1596, 4 June ?] |
For a certain contempt committed by
one Richard Atkinsone of Ripon, a warrant was directed
against him by William Staveley esq. and others, Justices of
the Peace within the liberty of Ripon. And for that
Atkinson used divers lewd speeches against the warrant,
he was called before us, whose names are subscribed, Justices
of Gaol Delivery, and at the sessions of peace holden before
us at Ripon, June 6th, in the 35th year of her Majesty's reign,
it was proved that Atkinson affirmed the said warrant was
fit to stop mustard-pots, for which and other things he
was committed to the gaol (whereof one Richard Render was
gaoler) till he should be lawfully delivered. Afterwards
he was delivered by commandment of Sir William Mallorie,
knight, for which imprisonment he bringeth an action of false
imprisonment against the said Render before the Justices
of Common Pleas at Westminster, where Render is likely
to be condemned by order of law, the warrant being lost.
Lastly at our being at Ripon at the gaol delivery there the
3rd of June inst. we called Atkinson before us to entreat
quietness in those causes, who answered us he would not stay
the suits, but would have the law. We therefore beseech
your Grace and Council to be a mean to the justices to stay
the suit at the Common Law. Signed:—Willm. Malorie, Willm. Hildyarde, Robert Waterhous, Willm. Staveley. Undated. 1 p. (185. 134.) |
| [N.B.—This appears to be the enclosure referred to in the letter of the Archbishop and Council of York to Lord Burghley, dated 7 June, 1596, Cecil Papers, vi. 211.] | |
| Anne Mannocke to Lord Burghley. | |
| [1596, June.] |
For the enlargement of her husband Thomas
on bail, or the granting of access to him.—Undated. Note by Burghley, to be answered by the Council. ½ p. (643.) |
| Mr. Hicks to [Sir R. Cecil ?]. | |
| [1596, June ?] |
This enclosed letter was written yesterday
but not sent because he was a stranger that came to you with
my l[ord's] letters. I find by your letter that the Q[ueen]
removes not these 6 or 7 days and therefore it is like my
l[ord] will tarry here till Saturday. I am sorry that our
fleet went not away before Sunday in the afternoon or upon
Monday, for that the wind came yesterday into the south. Endorsed:—Mr. Hicks to my Mr. Undated. Unsigned. Seal. 1 p. (197. 10.) |
| Spoils of [the Cadiz Expedition]. | |
|
[1596, June?] "Lo que parçe que pudo valer el Saco de la Ciudad de Cadiz." | |
|
Descriptive inventory of the goods taken at Cadiz. Total
value, 621,500 ducats.—Undated. Spanish. 4 pp. (174. 66.) |
|
|
ii. Similar inventory and valuation of the plate seized.—
Undated. Spanish. 1 p. (174. 68.) |
|