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Lord Chancellor Ellesmere to the Earl of Salisbury. |
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1605, August 1. |
Since I wrote to your lordship (upon my
conference with Sir Mic. Hicks) I have received your letters
directed to my L. Treasurer and me, together with his
Majesty's bill signed for prorogation of the Parliament. My
opinion therein you see by my former letter. My L. Treasurer
upon consideration of the great and important reasons, which
you have set down; concurs fully with us. |
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One thing I observe in the bill signed which of necessity is
to be reformed. The day appointed by this bill is 3 November,
which falls out to be on the Sunday, which is not Dies Juridicus
and so cannot serve for the beginning of the session. The
Monday next after being 4 November is the day of our sitting
in the Exchequer for naming of Sheriffs and so appointed by
an ancient statute. But the Tuesday being 5 November or
the Thursday being the 7th may serve fitly for this service.
Wednesday being the 6th I omit because it is a Star Chamber
day. For reforming of this I have sent again the bill to your
lordship.—At Yorke House, 1 August 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (111. 144.) |
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Anthony Bodely to the Earl of Salisbury. |
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1605, August 1. |
By commandment of the Lieutenant of
the Tower, my master, I am enjoined to certify you from time
to time of the success of the two young whelp lions now in the
Tower. By the report of Mr. Gill, the keeper, the she-lion is
so fond of her young ones that she can scarce spare any time
to be from them and when she departs for her young, she must
have the company of the male lion, otherwise she will not leave
the drawer. She daily gives them suck about three and four
of the clock in the afternoon and continues with them two
hours at the least, the male lion all that while lying before the
hovel door. |
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This day the lioness, after she had given suck to her whelps,
brought out one of them in her mouth, the he-lion lying before
the door, where she left it playing with the he-lion, who was
very fond of it, laying his paw upon it, licking it and turning
it over. For the present this is all that I can write, and as
other accidents shall fall out, I will not be slow in the
performance of my duty.—The Tower, 1 August 1605.
Holograph. ¾ p. (111. 145.) |
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Postal endorsements:—"The first of August att 7 of the
clock att the Tower. Hast, hast, post hast, for liffe. Ant.
Bodely for ye lewetenante of the Tower. Holborne past 7 at
night. Barnet past 8. Saint Albons at 11. Breckhill at 4." |
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Ralph Gill to the Same. |
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1605, August 2. |
According to your Honour's desire in your
letter to Mr. Lieutenant I have here set down so much as I
know or can conceive concerning the whelps. First upon
Saturday being 27 July between six and seven o'clock at night
the lion whelped in the new court in a hovel there made for the
same purpose which had fresh straw in it; and when she had
whelped one, which I and my man did plainly see through the
loop-holes, within one hour after she whelped another. Thus
much therefore can I certify you that they are both living and
are likely (for anything that I can perceive) to live, for they
daily grow in bigness and in strength, and the dam is very
natural unto them. As for her diet she wants no things as
by your direction should be given her, as hen, pig, lamb and
mutton. And further that I might be assured from day to
day of the prospering of the whelps I have at convenient time,
when I perceived her to have a willingness to come into her
old den, let her in, and in the meantime have gone to her hovel
and perceive by their growth that there can be no nourishment
so good for them as that which they receive from their dam.
I suffer no person once to look upon her. The male lion is
always with her, for without his company she will never be
in quiet. As for my opinion that she should have a free passage
out of the new court into her old den I think it not to be the
best course, for I have already made trial of it that it is a means
to keep her too long from her whelps.—From the Lyons Tower,
2 August 1605.
Signed. Endorsed by the Earl of Salisbury: "Mr. Gill at
3 after dynner." 1 p. (111. 146.) |
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Sir G. Hervy to the Earl of Salisbury at the Court. |
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1605, August 2. |
It pleased God the day of my last being
with you to touch me in such measure that I was without hope
of recovery, by means whereof my spirits were so numbed and
my weakness so increased that I could not as yet give your
lordship any feeling of my recovery, and yet I am not without
hope but that God will shortly enable me to perform my duties
unto his Majesty and others. |
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Touching his Majesty's exception taken to this word "yet"
in my letter it was not meant for any fear or doubt which
I had of the whelp but his Majesty's conceit grows out of his
love unto the whelp. The well doing whereof his Highness has
good cause to affect as the rarest and royalest thing which ever
happened to any King of this land. His Majesty seems to
doubt the sufficiency of the lioness for giving of milk, in which
case his pleasure seems to be that other provision should be
made for the whelps. By conference with the keeper I find
that no want of milk is to be doubted. Neither is there any
fear but that the whelps will prosper until they come to breeding
of teeth, in which case even in the very climate where they
are bred they often perish. Hitherto the whelps from day to
day grow in strength. Until the first of this month they had
no strength but only to crawl after the dam and the dam for
want of strength in the whelp was driven to carry it from
place to place in her mouth, sometimes an hour and a half at
a time. For naturally the whelps are strong in their fore
parts and feeble in their hinder parts. But yesterday being
the first of this month they marched out of their den into the
sun and followed their dam and so do yet increase in strength.
The dam has a custom departing from her young ones to leave
them in her den, laying them cross one over another, which
after the shutting up of the old lioness has been found by the
keeper.—The Tower, 2 August 1605.
Signed. Endorsed by Salisbury: "Mr. Lieutenant of ye Tower
at 3 of clock." 1 p. (111. 147.) |
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On the cover below the address: "Hast, hast, post hast, for
liffe" and in Hervey's handwriting: "2do Augustii 1605 hora
tertia post meridiem from ye Tower. G. Hervy locumt. Turr." |
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Postal endorsements:—"Holborn past 6 in the afternoon.
Barnit at 9. Saint Albons past 11. Breckhill at 4." |
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The Earl of Nottingham, Lord Admiral, to the
Earl of Salisbury. |
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[1605], August 2. |
I am very sorry to have such a subject
to write of, which is that my son Lewson is most dangerously
sick and to be much doubted of his recovery. For he is the
weakest man that ever I saw and is still in the extremity of the
burning fever and now in a very great looseness. There is
little hope of him. And as you know my poor daughter, his
wife, in what case of weakness she is; and I know how ready
men are to seek after such things at his Majesty's hands, and
because I know it chiefly concerns your offer, although I know
her state is not so weak as by law she can be found so imperfect,
yet I would be loth it should come in question being my
daughter. Therefore in your love to me prevent it and let me
have the custody of my own daughter, that her imperfection
which it has pleased God to lay on her may not be so known
to my great grief in the end of my years. It is well known what
she was till God called her only child away, which her nature
and weak spirit could not resist; and with all that, which you
know of, her bad father-in-law's dealing with her, whom God
forgive for it. If God call him, the King shall lose a worthy
servant and myself one that I accounted rather my natural son
than a son-in-law. Good my lord, you are a father and therefore
you best know my case in this.—Chelse, 2 August.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1605." 1 p. (111. 149.) |
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The Same to the Same. |
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[1605, August] 2. |
Presently after I had written my letter
to your lordship which I sent by Tho. Trevor my servant I
received word from Mr. Manaryng and others about my son
Lewson that there was no hope of life in him and that the
physicians say he cannot live. Sir, I am as much perplexed
for the loss of him as ever man was for a man. My nephew this
bearer came this instant from him who tells me that there is
no hope in this world of his life.—Chelse, this 2 at 2 of the clock.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "Aug. 2. 1605." ½ p.
(111. 148.) |
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The Earl of Salisbury to the Lord Treasurer. |
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[1605 ? August 2]. |
His Majesty's reference of suitors for
recusants to my report to you, how far he intends his favour,
and upon what reservations, draws upon me a great deal of
trouble, especially because many persons think they may have
them granted in forms agreeable to their own inventions,
though they differ from those absolute orders which were set
down by his Majesty and his Council, from which to vary I
hope nobody can charge me in any of my certificates for any
creature living. It is true that this noble lady and her husband
have need of help, and his Majesty has been contented to
license her to choose 10 recusants, being not heretofore convicted,
out of which he is pleased to promise that benefit which shall
be reasonable. You have already a certificate of some that
she has named, whereof it seems now she is informed to have
mistaken some, and therefore for supply sends these, desiring
me to certify you, as she has done already; wherein, because
I know not what is their state, nor whether any other of his
Majesty's servants be interested in them or no by any former
certificate of mine, I only send you the paper. I desire you will
cause your man to inform you how my letters concur; because
I may not wrong one suitor for another.—Undated.
Draft. Endorsed by Salisbury's secretary: Minute to the
Lord Treasurer from my L. about the Lady Stewart's business.
August 2, 1605 (?). 1 p. (190. 148.) |
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The States General. |
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1605, August 2. |
"A copy of the States' answer to the
proposition made by Mr. Winwood."—"Faict en l'Assemblée
des dits Seigneurs Estats Generaux, à la Haye 2e d'Aoust 1605."
French. 3¾ pp. (227. p. 89.)
[Printed in Winwood's Memorials, II, 87.] |
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The Mayor of Dartmouth to the Earl of Salisbury. |
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1605, August 3. |
Upon 30 May last here arrived a ship of
Dunkerk called the Elizabeth, which came from the passage
in Biskey, whereof one William Johnson is captain, who at
the time of his arrival alleged that he was to go speedily from
hence unto Dunkerk. Notwithstanding he has here ever since
remained and for this time of his being here has victualled
himself and his company. Forasmuch as I have heard of his
Majesty's proclamation (not yet come to my hands) touching
the restraining of all ships of war to victual in those parts and
that the captain of the said ship, having had notice thereof,
makes no preparation for his departure hence; and for that
also it is conceived by most men of this place, that his long
stay here is a hindrance of common commerce and trade in this
place, I have thought it my duty to advertise your Honour
hereof, entreating you to give direction whether those ships
of war may be permitted here to remain so long as they themselves shall think fit or only for their relief, being put in by
contrary winds and renewing their victuals for the time wherein
they are homeward bound.—Dartmouth, 3 August 1605.
Signed: Tho. Gourney, Maior. ½ p. (111. 150.) |
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The Earl of D[orset] to the Officers of the Works for the
building of Ampthill House. |
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1605, August 3. |
I have received signification of his Majesty's
express pleasure for the building of a fit and convenient house
upon the ruins of Ampthill in which he may be lodged, though
not in state, yet sufficient to serve for the enjoying of his
pleasures of hunting and hawking by the attendance of all such
necessary officers and no more as are requisite for his royal
person to have. Therein also place must be provided for the
Queen and the noble Prince, if haply it shall please his Majesty
to desire their coming while he is there, not lodgings of state
but lodgings of necessity. And because it may be that some
occasion may require the attendance of some of his Council
upon his Majesty there, I wish also that some convenient
rooms for half a dozen Privy Councillors besides the Lord
Chamberlain, the Treasurer, the Controller, Master of the
Horse and Principal Secretary be likewise appointed, such as
are of necessity, not any of pleasure. Thus much as I conceive
it touching the King's pleasure in general. |
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But touching the particular; first, I require you the surveyor
and controller with all speed possible to make your repair to
the said house at Ampthill and there view and survey not only
the stately place where the old ruins of Ampthill remain but
also any other place (if any such be there) which may be found
fitter and more convenient in respect of water or any other
commodity for the seat of a house there for his Majesty in
your opinion; but nevertheless to proceed in making of your
present plot upon the ruins of the old house. And yet as I
said if you find any other far better, only to be ready to inform
his Majesty thereof and then his Highness to take his choice
of that which shall be most to his pleasure; but to make the
present plot upon your old and to make an estimate of the
charge of the said plot. Secondly, I require you the master
carpenter that you presently take information of all the King's
woods within thirty miles of the place from Mr. Taverner, his
Majesty's general woodward on this side Trent; and thereupon
that with all speed possible you repair to all the said woods
and view the quantity and the several sorts of timber trees fit
for this building at Ampthill, whereby when you shall see the
particular plot made thereof, you may be the better able to
declare whether his Majesty have sufficient timber in his own
woods for the finishing of the same. And for more assurance
I wish that you also inform yourself of all such other woods of
any private person in which any special timber fit for the
building may be had with the good consent of the owner.
Thirdly, I require you the sergeant-plumber likewise to repair
to the said house at Ampthill and taking view of the height to
inform yourself of any fit place from whence water may be
brought to serve the house within convenient distance and to
make an estimate what will be the charge to bring the same
in lead. These buildings being so greatly to the contentation
of his Majesty, the preservation of his health and the
continuation of his pleasures, of all which it is all our duties to
take care more than of our own life, I charge you with all
your pains and possible endeavours to further to your uttermost.
And whensoever you shall need either my advice or help in
anything, you shall find me so ready and willing as even with
my own person I will come to the place, if need be.—3 August
1605, Dorset House. |
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In the Earl of Dorset's handwriting: "A true copy of my
letter sent to the officers being all written with mine own hand.
T. D. |
|
I have written a like letter to a very excellent surveyor Mr.
Thorpe who shall not only survey it but make a very fair plots
thereof, I mean of the 7 parts at Ampthill. T. D."
Copy, signed and dated by the Earl of Dorset. 1½ pp. (111.
151.) |
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Dr. Cowell, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, to the
Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 3. |
We of the University think ourselves bound
unto you in so gentle acceptance of a poor degree amongst us,
far unworthy of so noble a personage, but as it is we have
conferred it with such due respects as our poor discretions
could afford.—Cambridge, 3 August 1605.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (136. 133.) |
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Sir W. Waad to the Same. |
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1605, August 3. |
The carrier of Warwick has brought up
two printing presses and a quantity of books, sent from Sir
Clement Fisher and Mr. Combes. I have advertised the Bishop
of London, that at his repair here they may be delivered to him,
according to the Council's order. The gentlemen certify that
they must use hereafter Brown the carrier, that brought up the
books, in the apprehension of persons known to him; and refer
him to your consideration. I have given him 4l. towards his
charges, and have promised him the rest at his return a fortnight
hence; and send you his bill. |
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I received a letter yesternight from Sir Edward Conway,
Lieutenant and Governor of the cautionary town of Brill, by
Captain Carleton, wherein he certifies the delivery of 50 persons
of the Graymes by the said Captain and his Lieutenant, and
that they have very carefully performed the service. The men
are placed in the garrison, and the like number put out of the
bands to give place to these. Carleton and his Lieutenant say
they received but 10 days' entertainment of the Commissioners
at Carlisle; and being short of money and recommended to
me by Conway, I am bold to move you for direction whether
they shall be paid here or by the Commissioners; and send
you a note of their demand. They stay here till they know
your pleasure. I have written Mr. Corbett to put you in mind
hereof, and to see the letters entered in the Council book.—
From my Hermitage at Charing Cross, 3 August 1605. |
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PS.—I understand by "Vd." [? Udall] that Thomas Harwood
is gone over into Ireland, where they now intend to set up new
printing presses. |
|
The same party has told me this morning that Mrs. Southwell
is received into the Order of St. Clare with exceeding great
solemnity, waited of by great ladies and the Bishop, who carried
her ornaments and nun's weeds in procession through the
town.
Holograph. 2 pp. (191. 1.) |
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Lord Zouche to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
[1605, before August 4]. |
This letter from my Lord Treasurer
to the Clerk of the Fines at the Council in the Marches is the
cause of troubling your lordship at this time. I am very
desirous to keep the place I serve in in as good credit as heretofore, and howsoever it fall out to be opposed more in my time
than in any preceding time my heart frees me of any occasion
given by me, though it free me not of former fear of future
events from the beginning which was the cause of my dry
acceptance, as you then termed it, for so honourable a place.
If then I could have proved that which my heart foretold me
and now is come to pass, God knows I would have held it more
honour to me to have lain by the heels all the days of my life
than to have sat in so high a seat to the dishonour thereof.
Had I not the comfort of a free heart from once desiring the
place in thought, and the like in desiring to be freed from it
being placed, I should break my heart rather than endure so
many disgraces. I know my Lord does not this to cross me,
neither would I appeal to any but himself had I not desired
only by your means, who I think brought me into this place.
to be defended in it or thrown out of it. You know that I,
so soon as I came up, acquainted you that I had been so good
a husband for the King as that there was 1,200l. beforehand
in the Clerk of the Fines' hands and that I would be glad that
1,000l. thereof should be paid where pleased the King. Only
my desire was that there might be a privy seal procured to me
or the Clerk of the Fines for the payment thereof where the
King should direct, and that the Clerk of the Fines should
receive such allowances as others did which serve in such places,
but that all might not be called for because sometimes there
do not arise by the fines such sums as will discharge ordinary
allowances. By this I showed my desire that everything might
be kept in good order. Before my time there was never auditor
but appointed by the President, and I was very willing that
her Highness should appoint the auditor. But I never took
it that whosoever was auditor there should be auditor as being
Auditor of the Exchequer but as Auditor to that Court, and
therefore we allowed him fee as we were wont to do when we
appointed the auditor. The man appointed to be auditor I
confess I liked well. I looked not therefore into the manner
of his appointment because I respected him for his integrity,
else should I have been a suitor for a particular auditor to have
served for that place. For if I deceive not myself much,
howsoever that Court now runs into disgrace, it was more
absolute under your favour than was the Court of Wards or
Duchy, which have their particular auditors, receivers, and
other officers, and in this particular pay nothing but by the
allowance of the Master of the Wards or Chancellor of the
Duchy, except his Highness's command go withal. Believe
it what dishonour comes to the place will one day fall upon
you, for the world apprehends that you brought me in. And
though I acknowledge the good to you and the evil to myself,
yet can it not be accounted mine that am kept in when all the
world knows I desire nothing so much as to be freed from thence.
And yet my idleness is no cause, for if I leave labour or life to
do his Highness service in whatsoever I can apprehend to be
within my element, then let me receive the condign punishment
of a faithless man. I send you herewith my Lord Treasurer's
letter to the Clerk of the Fines, the copy of the Clerk of the
Fines' bond at the Council of the Marches; you have a copy
of my instructions. You have also power to command the
sight of many things, which may direct the trial of this and
other difficulties which I cannot obtain by love or favour. I
beseech you therefore to deal in it as shall please you. Agree
it to belong to the Exchequer, it shall be paid in without threats
from my Lord Treasurer or pursuivants. For if I walked
within that element I could direct myself in, I would as willingly
obey as others should command. I beseech you therefore
make an end hereof as for one who depends upon you. But
respect him so far as that he may either live in the place with
the honour due thereunto or be freed from it.—Undated.
At the foot: "This letter was received 4 August 1605."
Holograph. Seal broken. Endorsed: "1605." 2⅓ pp.
(111. 152.) |
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Thomas Straunge to the Earl of Salisbury. |
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[1605], August 5. |
Having of late enjoyed both his life and
liberty at Salisbury's hands, acknowledges the obligation of
presenting himself to him. Hears that Salisbury has been
informed of his dealing in state matters, and in particular of
some misdemeanour towards him. Dares not think of excusing
his last going into France without leave, yet his poor estate
bleeding by reason of his absence in those parts presumed so
just an occasion might in time plead his excuse. If he has
otherwise carried himself than becomes his Honour's most
obliged servant, let him make satisfaction with his dearest
blood. Attends Salisbury's commandment.—The fifth of
August.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." ½ p. (111. 154.) |
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Lord Zouche to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 5. |
Having received letters from the deputy
lieutenants of the county of Carmarthen that not only the
town of Carmarthen, which is the especial place of meeting
for most business of that county, is grievously infected with
the plague where most of the store armour lies, but also that
24 other parishes within that county are infected, requiring my
advice what were fit to be done in that case; and thinking it
not convenient that there should be any meetings within that
precinct, have advised to stay mustering until I had acquainted
my Lords of the Council withal. Hoping that I shall not be
condemned for that advice, I beseech you to acquaint my
Lords herewith that I may know their pleasures, whether
notwithstanding the said infection it be thought good to proceed
in the mustering of that county.—From the Bathe, 5 August
1605.
Holograph. Seal. ¾ p. (111. 155.) |
|
The Mayor and citizens of Gloucester to the Same. |
|
1605, August 5. |
His Majesty's letters require them to grant
to Robert Browne a lease of the demesnes of the Abbot's Barton,
parcel of the possessions of the city, being more than half their
revenues. To do so is contrary to their oaths, and would be
the overthrow of the whole state of their city. They have
framed a petition to the King, and crave Salisbury's aid in the
matter.—Gloucester, 5 August 1605. |
|
Signed: Henry Hassard, Mayor; Luke Garvons; Tho.
Machen; John Tayler; John Jones; Henre Darby; Robert
Petifer; Christopher Caxley; Thoms. Riche; Lawrence
Wilshere; John Brawstar; Nicolas Langforde. 1 p. (191. 2.) |
|
The Earl of Salisbury to Lord Zouche. |
|
1605, August 5. |
Though you still remember me of my being
a cause of your undergoing the great place you held in the
Queen's time, wherein I am neither sorry to remember as much
as I did, considering how great good it did, nor likewise any
act of mine since, wherein I might show either care of you as a
great and public magistrate, or as one so much esteemed as my
friend: yet your letters about these crosses can procure from
me no more than I find myself bound to do in discretion and
friendship, unless I would make myself President, to attend
the occasions incident to place and person, and, whenever my
betters or inferiors use any course that likes you not, intrude
myself into the business. If they be such as you should endure,
I have no power to divert them; if otherwise, and done by my
betters, then neither undervalue yourself nor overvalue me.
Because you delight in a private life, and yet hold a public
place, which I persuaded you not to keep or take for my private,
so whilst you hold it I know you will not transfer your own
properties to my prosecuting. Therefore, make your own
exceptions known to my Lord Treasurer, who loves your person,
and will less than any meaner officers intrude upon any man's
right; and he will satisfy you. So shall you neither show
distrust in him, nor make me do that which I would not interpret
well in another to me. I know his Majesty's necessities infinite,
that when you had the place the moneys, rising by casualties
and not any standing revenues, were provided for, to be better
paid than they had been; and for that purpose the King's
Auditor was authorised as he is. Now whether you should
be written to or no, I know not, neither have I your instructions
here; but if you return any answer to the Lord Treasurer how
it should be demanded, so the Receipt have the money paid,
which is his office to call for as High Treasurer, I am sure he
will yield you your due. Being sorry still to receive melancholy
apprehensions, and to be remembered of that I deserved well
for, when I cannot remedy others' actions, I end.—5 August
1605.
Contemporary copy. Endorsed by Salisbury: "My letter to
my Lord Zowch." 1½ pp. (192. 28.) |
|
Viscount Lisle to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 6. |
The wind these 8 or 10 days has stood so
at the north east, that the bark which carries my provisions
has not fallen down from the quay, neither if I had been at the
seaside could I have done any good. Notwithstanding as I
was beginning my journey, the unfortunate accident of the
ungracious boy, my son, was brought to me, which has made
me stay to see what would become as well of himself as of him
that is hurt; and having no service from the King committed
to me, I thought my stay upon so reasonable an occasion for a
few days would have no great exception. I understand that
upon the untrue relation of the manner of it to the King, whereby
I cannot complain if his Majesty did show himself to be greatly
offended, you promised your favour to the boy, for which I
acknowledge myself very much bound, and for the favour it
shall please you to show him I will answer that he shall sincerely
deserve it. When you understand the truth of the matter,
you will conceive that he may claim pity if not justice, which I,
who would have been the severest judge against him, am forced
to say; the boy being brought by the unjust relations of his
schoolmaster, and the hard and over hasty censure of the
world, into those terms that he was in question, not only of his
fortune with the Prince, but of his life also. But I am told
that it pleases the King to deal graciously by him. For my
own part, I should not have presumed to have made any suit
for him; the man (as I hope he will) recovering of the hurt;
neither will I offer him again till the truth of the matter leave
the King and the Prince also fully satisfied of his disposition,
not only in this accident, but in other of his actions heretofore,
which now falsely are cast upon him. You are a father, and
I trust will not forget what a father owes to a son. My Lord
of Pembroke and my Lord of Mountgomery I trust will acquaint
you with all particulars. To-morrow I purpose to go on with
my journey, and will take my son with me.—London, 6 August
1605.
Holograph. 2 pp. (191. 3.) |
|
Viscount Lisle to the Earl of Suffolk. |
|
1605, August 6. |
[Of the same tenor as the preceding letter.]
Thanks him for the favour he promises his boy. The report of
the matter was made by Goodiere to the King; who has filled
the Court with the like tales. Goodiere's relation was altogether
false, as he will make appear if he return. Such a course was
taken at Nonsuch by the malice of some, and the ignorance of
others, as if they would have brought him to the gallows if the
man had died. He means to carry him with him to Flushing;
for till he be commanded, he will not presume to offer him again
to the Prince's service.—London, 6 August 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (191. 4.) |
|
Chief Justice Popham to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 6. |
I acknowledge myself most bounden to his
Majesty for his gracious favour towards me, being an aged,
decaying body, unable to perform that service unto him as in
duty I ought, and in heart I most desire. Next I may not be
unthankful unto yourself, to whom I find I am so much beholden,
though absent; which I wish it lay in me in any measure to
acquit. What you write touching Butler, God willing I will
see effected.—Litlecott, 6 August 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (191. 5.) |
|
Sir Richard Gifford to the Same. |
|
1605, August 7. |
Being warned by last year's experience
that you desire to see your hawks flying with the "rathest,"
I have now so provided that some of mine are already upon
their wings. I only wait to know the time when you begin
to follow those sports that with the first I may be at hand to
attend. I am not so well furnished as I wish and had been if
my ill fortune had not lately crossed me, whereby I lost a very
choice falcon, of whom I often boasted to myself that I had a
hawk to serve your turn. Your tassel's case all this winter
was desperate but is now revived and will be presently ready
to show you an ambitious flight. Some others I have exceeding
towardly, yet not good enough to be entitled yours.—From
Somborne, 7 August 1605.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (111. 156.) |
|
Ralph Gill to [the Earl of Salisbury.] |
|
1605, August 7. |
I have observed since the last post was here
the increase and well-doing of the whelps and the natural love
that the male and female lions have towards them. She will
continue in the hovel with them at the least four hours, at
which time the male lion lies at the mouth of the hovel not
daring to rise until she come forth. Sometimes the male lion
will go into the hovel and there lies with the whelps when the
female is gone out. And I have at several times observed it
that the male lion will play with the whelps till she return again
into the hovel. If the male lion stay longer time away from her
than she thinks fit, she will go to him and bite him. Sir Walter
Cope was with me last night at 7 o'clock, where he did see under
the platform through the loopholes the male and female lions
and by chance one of the whelps came to the mouth of the
hovel. I have no further matter of accident at this present to
inform your lordship.—From the Lion Tower, 7 August 1605.
Signed, with countersignature of Sir G. Harvye. 2/3 p.
(111. 157). |
|
Lord Chancellor Ellesmere to the Same. |
|
1605, August 7. |
I have sent you by this bearer a new
commission of lieutenancy for Hertfordshire according to the
last privy seal. The proclamations for proroguing the Parliament are in hand and shall be speedily dispatched. The reasons
contained in your letter for Topclyffe's pardon give me full
satisfaction and therefore if it be called upon I will seal it and
send it to you as you require. I give you most hearty thanks
for your kind remembrance of me to his Majesty.—At Yorke
House, 7 August 1605.
Holograph. ½ p. (111. 158.) |
|
Noel de Caron to the Same. |
|
1605, August 7. |
I have now received the answer of the
Estates to the dispatch I had written them by my clerk
Brouxsaux. I am grieved with all my heart to see that their
affairs do not permit a better resolution upon his Majesty's
proposition. I hardly doubted that this time we should have
carried out his Majesty's desires but I cannot conceive in what
they have sent me the least hope of a free agreement upon this,
for, as my said clerk assures me even after the news that the
enemy had entered with very great forces into the lands of the
United Provinces they were trying to get the Spaniards at Dover
passed on to Flanders. So moved is the people that some have
ventured to cry insults against the Estates with threats that
they will deserve to be thrown into the water if they consent
to this. These are great extremities, to be expected always
from our enemies, for it can well be believed that they are
trying to put us upon this test (touche) to cause danger amongst
ourselves or at the least to disgrace us with his Majesty. But
I rely on his admirable wisdom to receive their answer kindly,
which if it had been such as I was expecting I should have
brought it myself to your lordship, as I had promised. But
this time I hope you will believe that I have communicated
sincerely and roundly to your secretary, Mr. Levinus [Munck],
everything that Brouxsaux has brought me, with my prayers
to him to make the most favourable report of it to your lordship
as you can wish; and I beg him for the love of God to relate
it so that it may be received by his sacred Majesty with his
accustomed graciousness and good nature. So, if he thinks
I ought to have done more in this respect than I have done,
I can assure him I have worked in this last dispatch with all
my five senses to anticipate (prévenir) the desired resolution;
and this I am certain (let me say it once again) has only not
been in accordance with the good will of several principals of
the estate because we had heard that the enemy was advancing
with a royal army into their own estate and with another which
he had left in Flanders was holding up seven or eight thousand
men of the Estates from joining their army which they had
sent against the enemy's. The thing in itself, to tell the truth,
is little, but a state like ours cannot be received with the same
healthy intention of this great and wise monarch, who, I am
assured, would have conducted it to its greatest good and
advantage. Sed hinc ille lacrime, which makes me often regret
that I cannot yet retire with honour into private life (à mon
particulier). In conclusion I will assure your lordship once
again that death even cannot make me recoil from the firm
resolution I have taken to obey this great King in everything
as he will command me.—Suyth Lambet, 7 August 1605.
Holograph. French. 2 pp. (191. 6.) |
|
Frances, Lady Harvey, to the Earl of Salisbury
at Court. |
|
1605, August 8. |
I am sure the weak estate my husband is in
is not unknown to you, the physicians having already given
him over. God may work a miracle but I greatly fear before
the receipt hereof he will be past recovery, which, when it shall
happen, I shall not only lose a kind husband but likely to be
undone, if you give me not comfort. I doubt not but much
suit is made for the Lieutenant's place. My humble request is
that my son-in-law, Sir Nicholas Coote, may execute that office
if it may be but until Michaelmas next, for that having goods
and much money laid out by Mr. (sic) Hervye for the prisoners,
a stranger succeeding I shall absolutely lose all. My son Coote's
sufficiency is well known unto my Lord Carewe.—The Tower,
8 August 1605.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (111. 159.) |
|
Ralph Sneyde to the Earl of Salisbury,
Master of the Court of Wards and Liveries. |
|
1605, August 9. |
According to the contents of your Honour's
letter to me directed I have acquainted the Mayor and
burgesses of the town of Newcastell with your desire. But their
answer was that presently upon the death of Sir John Bowyer
they had given their promise unto a gentleman, whose name
is Rowland Cotton, to elect him for their burgess. The gentleman's father dwells in London in Canninge Street at the sign
of the Logge. I cannot by any means prevail that you may
have the nomination of their burgess as most willingly I would,
except the gentleman would be persuaded to yield the place,
for the Mayor and burgesses stand very much upon their
promises past. They have denied my Lord Treasurer's letters
sent to them to the like effect, which I know to be true. Therefore I know no other means for you to prevail herein as it
now stands other than to procure the gentleman to surcease his
suit, when I presume I can satisfy your desire.—Keele,
9 August 1605.
Signed. ⅓ p. (111. 160.) |
|
Sir Benjamin Berrye to the Council. |
|
1605, August 9. |
Captain Dounton's ship riding at an anchor
in the Road without the command of the Artillery of this place,
I sent upon the receipt of your lordships' letter Capt. Ersfield,
Mr. Payn the patentee, and the searcher of this town with your
letters to have affected your pleasure therein. But the Captain
being not there, the mariners would not suffer them to come
aboard. At their return I also sent Capt. Ersfield and Mr.
Payn with the letter to his house, where they also missing of him,
I might not in duty but acquaint you of it with all expedition.
His dwelling is without the liberty of this government, and
therefore if he purpose to keep himself out of the way, I shall
not (as I would) be herein able to accomplish your commands.—
Portesmouthe, 9 August 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (111. 161.) |
|
Letters of Thomas Wilson. |
|
1605, August 9–23. |
(1). To the Earl of Salisbury. The
opportunity of this messenger with the occasion of sending
this enclosed from Sir Mi: Hicks makes me trouble you
with this paper. Yesterday I received letters from my
friend at the Spanish Court, having wondered long of his
long silence, but he tells me of a just reason, he having been
by extreme sickness deprived not only of the use of his
writing but almost of his speech and life, but now being upon
amendment he promises to continue his long continued course,
but for the present refers me to the [letters] which he delivered
to a kinsman of mine, who now serves our Ambassador there,
whose letters I have not yet received. My business here in
your service goes on apace, and if it grow tedious I take
recreation in beholding the going forward of your building,
where I may see labourers work as lazily as myself, whose art
in close loitering requires a surveyor with as many eyes as
Argus: they creep about their business so like snails, that I am
afraid the house will not be ready by the time appointed. The
state it stands at at this point is this. The foundations have
got the mastery of the earth where it is highest and is ready
to receive the first floor. The side next my Lord of Worcester's
is grown up as high as was the wall his predecessor. The
two ends which set their foot upon the garden walk are come to
the base of the first windows, and make the house already to
represent the lower part as I image it will do the other above
hereafter. The stone pillars from the arches on the garden
side already show half their beauty, confronting one another
at best man's height. In sum everything by the view represents
to the fantasy an idea of what it will be, a building apt to give
the eye contentment, wherein if there happen any inconformity
or fault it will be for the absence of your lordship's eye whilst
it is in framing, which I am assured would have been the best
architect.—From your house in Strand, 9 August 1605. |
|
(2). To Mr. Osborne. I have slept long since the acceptation of your virtuous courtesy. It was not carelessness
of so worthy a friend that make me do so, neither is it any
new use I mean to make of his friendship that awakens me
now. Your sudden departure and long stay have drawn this
bear, my pen, to the stake, and I may well say, si per labores
sola via morti immortalis ero.—23 August 1605. |
|
(3). To the Earl of Salisbury. I have of late received
order from you in two matters, the one by Mr. Levinus for
delivery of a book of my late Lord's life and death to Mr.
Claphame, which I did according to my warrant; the other,
this morning by a note from Sir W. Cope to seek up all the
letters of Sir W. Lawson for two years past. I was confident
in my memory at the first hearing thereof that there was none
such, yet have I reviewed all the packets of late letters and suits
to your lordship, and those of elder date to my late Lord, but
I find not one. It may be that in the late avoidance of frivolous
papers they were all discarded. Sure I am that since my time
there has not one paper gone out of the room. Those that I
find useless in my judgment I reserve notwithstanding, especially
the acknowledgments of obligation, protestations of devotion,
proffer of service, or such like. If any there be, they are in
packets that I have not yet searched, nor cannot without making
confusion. I understand Sir W. W[aad] is preferred to the
lieutenancy of the Tower, whereby if you please one of those
reversions of the place from which he is advanced will come
into ordinary, an occasion which haply in my life will not
happen again. My ambition aims at no further bound than
your service, and in the granary where to my great content I
sever seeds from grain I desire to spend and end my days; yet
if your lordship shall haply conceive that in such a place
I may one day be fit to do you service after many years of better
desert than yet I can challenge, I desire that you will either
think of me now or reserve it for me till I have made further
trial of my sufficiency, provided that it can be no way a
hindrance to this service that I now do you.—14 August 1605.
Drafts. 3 pp. (112. 2.) |
|
The Bishop of Hereford to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 9. |
I have received your letters touching a
burgess in the Parliament. I have laboured in it with all my
might, and am sorry so hard an answer is returned to me, that
the Mayor and Aldermen of this city have, besides their public
oath, a special oath not to choose any man but an inhabitant
and member of their city. They affirm that the late Earl of
Essex, in his best fortunes and High Stewardship of the city,
could not prevail with them to nominate Sir Herbert Crofte,
whom they otherwise would gladly have chosen. Being thus,
it is a supersedeas to all endeavour to persuade them. If there
had been conscience or possibility to persuade them, I could
have dealt with Sir John Scudamore, who is now here, to have
used his authority over them.—Hereford, 9 August 1605.
Signed: Ro. Hereford. ½ p. (191. 7.) |
|
The Same to the Same. |
|
1605, August 9. |
I am doubtful whether to make an apology
for myself, or complaint against some other. I have done my
service in repressing the riots and furies of Popish recusants in
these parts with all fidelity, and spared neither pains nor charge.
The effect has been such as no good man can malign, for above
200 have submitted and conformed. Yet by practice of their
favourers, or other cross humour, their great offences are
extenuated, and my service hardly censured. Reports were
raised that the Earl of Worcester had given me and all the
justices a check for sending up such untrue suggestions.
Secondly, Rice Griffithes, a priest, gave out that my Lord of
Canterbury had persuaded the King that all those tumults were
nothing but a broken head or two. For our defence I have
sent herewith the brief of their names and detections, and the
proceedings at the Assizes, upon sight whereof you will not
think it meet to correct so great offenders with a plume of
feathers. It was high time to prevent a great mischief, and
they are not so innocent as is pretended. Such carriage of
matters is the next way to make men cold in future service.
I will never leave the service unpursued; yet the adversaries
of the Gospel glory that they are in sort justified, and I, poor
man, am had in scorn as defeated of my purposes. Judge me
not by the affectionate report of one, but by the judicious
testimony of many. I received letters from the Council and
the Lord Chief Justice, and have followed their direction to
apprehend and bind them over to the Assizes. If the conclusion
be not correspondent to the premises, I am free from blame. |
|
A second thing there is wherein a wrong imputation may be
laid unto me. The Archbishop of Canterbury recommended unto
me Rice Griffithes, whose name is George Williams, as a priest
who had submitted, taken the oath, abjured his priesthood and
promised special service, to give him access to my ear and his
liberty. You also wrote me letters to the same effect 2 years
since. He has made semblance of service, but of late I have
found him a perfidious man, a sycophant to me, and a mere
agent and spy for the Papists; as appears by depositions I
purpose to send, containing matter of his saying mass, seducing
the people, reconciling, confessing, marrying, assuring the
priests and recusants of a toleration, disclosing my purposes,
hindering service, bringing more priests into these parts, and
such like. For these matters I apprehended and committed
him. At the Assizes came letters from the Archbishop that
the judges should forbear him, and transmit him to him, and
he is dismissed upon bond to appear in the King's Bench next
term: to the great applause of Papists and great appalling of
well affected men. He never did service worth the least thanks,
nay all the increase of priests and recusants here has proceeded
from his treachery; and as often as I have admitted him to
my chamber, so often have I been exposed to danger of my
life; and he never spared words of railing against me among
his complices. Some may think his offences may be tolerated,
so it be to do service; but I hold it a bad policy to permit a
man to commit a blasphemous act (as the mass is), to the end
to do another service. He has neither wit nor will for worthy
employment; besides Smith accuses him of great lewdness of
of life. I may be maligned for committing him, but I have
done a necessary service, and I beseech you to let the truth be
known where it may concern me most, and take care that so
dangerous a miscreant and instrument for Rome be not
admitted to his Majesty's presence, as of late he did, exhibiting
a petition. He walks abroad triumphantly, and I and others
mourn to see so good beginnings have so evil conclusion. John
Smith has done his best for Griffithes, and promises to do for
other what he may, but they are jealous of him, and he is
perplexed, but hopes to recover his credit with them.—Hereford,
9 August 1605.
Signed: Ro. Hereford. 1½ pp. (191. 8.) |
|
The Mayor of Chester to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 10. |
I received your lordship's letter to me
addressed 26 July last, together with a letter to the Lord Deputy
of Ireland, and a commission enclosed in a box, the which I
forthwith delivered unto one Glegg, an owner of this port, to
be conveyed unto his lordship with all convenient expedition.
He put to sea 27 July, and arrived at Dublin in safety the 30th
of the same, at which time the Lord Deputy was departed thence
and gone towards Loughfoile. Notwithstanding (as I am
credibly informed) there was present course taken for the
sending away of your lordship's letter and the commission.—
Chester, 10 August 1605.
Postscript:—I have this 12 August since the writing of this
letter received your letter directed to the Earl of Derby, the
which I have dispatched away unto his lordship immediately.
Signed: Edward Dutton, mayor. 1 p. (101. 109.) |
|
Postal endorsements: "At Chester 12th August 1605 at
xjen of the clocke in the morning. At Namptwiche at iiij.
At Stone paste ix halfe a nower. At Litchfeild past j° in the
morninge. At Coleshull past iiij° in the morninge. At
Coventrye . . . . . 6 in . . . morning, the 13th of
August." |
|
Sir William Waad to the Same. |
|
1605, August 10. |
Not long after I received your favourable
letters, to which I made humble acknowledgment of your great
goodness on the present, Udall came to me and told me that
in my absence from London he had conference with Strange,
who left with him the enclosed letter to you whereby you will
perceive the offer he makes. Whether it be to procure your
consent to give ear unto him, or that Udall conceives it so, he
does constantly affirm that Strange will discover the whole plot
entertained amongst them when they were fellow-prisoners.
Strange further has told him that there is a book set forth in
French, and ready to go to the press by consent of these vipers
they call the Fathers, but done by a Frenchman and to be
printed at Rome. This libel is invective against your honourable father, whereof he will deliver the heads. They accuse
him to have supported or given counsel to the maintenance of
those of the religions in France against the King, and to be
author of the amity we have with the Turk, and, as he says,
insert into this pamphlet counterfeit letters fathered upon his
lordship. If the information be true order might safely be
taken to have stay made thereof, that no such scandalous thing
be printed in that King's dominions to the slander of this
state. He further told me that Richard Newgent, brother to
the last baron of Delvin, and one Boothe that married the widow
of Goghe of Dublin and dwells at Drom Conrathe, a mile from
Dublin and a half, have undertaken the printing of papistical
books, now that the presses have been taken here and the most
broken, whither Tho. Harwood is gone. If discreet means be
used to look into their doings, they may be discovered and
apprehended when opportunity shall best serve. My Lord of
London has received the books sent up hither, both out of
Warwickshire and from Staffordshire, and two printing-presses,
wherein he desires to know his Majesty's pleasure. The prints
may be sold and converted to good use, and the money made
of them to recompense such as have been used in these
discoveries. The books are fit only for the fire and the sooner
they are burnt the better.—From the Ermitage at Charing
Cross, 10 August 1605. |
|
PS. I find great scandal taken that Abington and Parrham,
and such other notorious recusants, having no express leave for
themselves carry men over to the Archduke. If the last statute
were executed against them by course of law, it would restrain
others, for otherwise unknown recusants by this means will
avoid the statute.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (112. 4.) |
|
Capt. Anthony Ersfield to the Council. |
|
[1605], August 10. |
According to your letter directed to Sir
Benjamin Berry and me, the officers of the customs and I went
to Capt. Downton's ship, where by his men we were denied to
go aboard, he being not there, as they said. As soon as we
returned to Portsmouth, we sought him at his house, where we
missed of him, his wife affirming she had not seen him in fortnight before. I find by the postscript of your Honours' letter,
that I am thought to have neglected my duty for refusing to
go aboard this ship before I received these letters, having seen
his Majesty's letters patent and your hands. I am much
wronged in the information, for the ship lies in the main sea
without all command of his Majesty's forts and castles, yet
I offered, if I had warrant and means to go into the open road,
I would do it, though with the hazard of my life. But to go
farther than the limits of his Majesty's ports and harbours,
under correction, I find it not warrantable in the patent or by
your former letters. I beseech you think me as far from being
an instrument of ill precedents in his Majesty's service, as he
or they that have injured me by this imputation.—Portsmouth,
10 August.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1605" 1 p. (112. 5.) |
|
Sir Gawen Hervy to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 10. |
His father died this morning. The King
has lost a loyal servant, Salisbury a faithful friend, and he all
his earthly comfort. He will look to the prisoners and the
safety of the place till he has directions to deliver them up to a
new Lieutenant. He does not know whether Sir William
Worlyngton will bring him up the keys, but will demand them.
Begs Salisbury to entreat the new Lieutenant to treat "us"
well till they can remove their stuff into the country; also that
what money his father has laid out for the prisoners may be
passed into his account for this quarter. His father did the
like to Sir John Payton. The troubles of this office have
hastened his father's end; and he has left the writer in poor
estate, the reputation of his place requiring that which the
allowances of the office would not countervail; he hopes
therefore that Salisbury will procure the King's favour to him
in some suit. The lion whelps daily prosper and increase in
strength.—The Tower, 10 August 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (191. 9.) |
|
David Murray to the Same. |
|
1605, August 10. |
The Prince is in very good health, though
he has had great riding these 4 days past; for he has been at
Sir Robert Wroth's, where he lay 3 nights, and hunted 2 whole
days together, till we were all weary. I do not care much how
few the Prince makes of these hunting journeys, now in his
tender and young years, for it may well do him great hurt, but
he shall never receive any good thereby. I could allege many
reasons in this argument, but refer them till meeting, when I
shall show you the special points of my meaning. I do not
make any question that the care you have of his health is not
second to any man's, and of that his Highness has been
sufficiently informed and rests fully resolved thereof, and I hope
shall continue so as long as I shall be in company with him. |
|
I crave your favour in this small suit enclosed. If you think
it fit, let it go through; if not, there shall be no more of it. It
will hurt his Majesty nothing, and I am assured some man will
have it. The Prince is to set forward the 19th of this instant,
and if I be not prevented by any other, I will crave this suit
of his Majesty myself, with your assistance, which I am assured
he will not deny.—Nonsuche, 10 August 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (191. 10.) |
|
Sir Fulke Grevyll to the Same. |
|
[1605], August 10. |
He inquires of Salisbury's health, and
reminds him that he has a poor friend living. Begs him to
honour this little cottage and cottager with his presence. He
holds it by Salisbury, and has no other means of tendering his
homage. It is 22 miles from Grafton, and but 12 from Sir
Anthony Cope's. He begs the company also of the Lord
Chamberlain, who was of Salisbury's own naming.—Wedgnocke
Park, 10 August.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." 2 pp. (191. 11.) |
|
Sir George Reynell to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 11. |
Understands Salisbury's displeasure
continues towards him by reason of his letter to the King.
In it he neither named nor intended Salisbury; but only desired
that the riots and outrages committed by Mr. Tirrell, under
colour of Salisbury's decree, might be considered, without that
charge which since, by prosecuting them, they have both been
put to. He did not intend to oppose the decree, as his
accompanying petition witnesses. Begs Salisbury to receive
him again into favour, and to satisfy the King and Queen, who,
by Salisbury's complaint only, are displeased with him.—
11 August 1605.
Holograph. Endorsed: "Sir George Reynell," and the
following list of names: Sir G. Reynell, Sir W. Read, Sir H.
Palmer, Sir Jho. West, Sir Jho. Foster, Sir R. Marten, Sir H.
Wyvile, Sir G. Trencher, Sir Bapt. Hickes, Sir R. Steward, Sir
R. Osburn, Sir G. Beeston and Sir Ja. Cromer. 1 p.
(191. 12.) |
|
The Earl of Salisbury to Sir Thomas Edmondes. |
|
1605, August 12. |
I understand by my servant Levinus that
he advertised you last week of the substance of the States'
answer to his Majesty's proposition concerning the transporting
of the Spaniards into Flanders; which being, as it is, negative
and grounded upon so many reasons importing the safety of
their State, his Majesty hath no further occasion to press them
in it, considering (as he always told the Ambassadors) that he
never meant for any denial of theirs to enter into further action
against them but to content himself with it, though it would
have pleased him better to have received satisfaction, especially
the matter being (as it is indeed) of so small consequence in
itself, howsoever the apprehensions amongst the States do
improve it to the uttermost, to apt it the better to their natural
jealousies and suspicious humours. I do send you here both
the proposition itself made by Mr. Winwood, and the States'
answer, as the sent [sic: ? same] is paragraphed unto us: there
remaining nothing more now but that some convenient means
be found to provide for the Spaniards' transportation into
Spain. Wherein if it be objected (as it is not unlikely but it
will be) that his Majesty might have further stretched his
authority upon the Hollanders, who will now interpret it as
a courtesy they receive at his Majesty's hands to be no further
pressed in it; first, it is to be remembered that since the
concluding of the peace his Majesty knoweth not of any
extraordinary courtesies he hath used towards the States
whereof the like hath not in a far greater proportion been
yielded to the Archdukes. For his Majesty hath not suffered
any person of blood or quality to go to the States' service as he
hath done on the other side in the person of the Earl Hume,
an ancient nobleman of Scotland, to take a public charge to
conduct a new regiment of soldiers to their service; and the
Lord Arundel of England to do the like, a person who by his
late advancement to his barony carrieth the marks of his
Majesty's extraordinary favour as may be thought to be so
graced of purpose for that employment. So as for the matter
of courtesy unless the Archdukes would merely be too partial
to themselves they have no reason to stick or repine at any
thing, how it may be construed abroad, seeing whatsoever his
Majesty doth in his particular proceeds out of the present
consideration of his estate, and be it courtesy or otherwise
needs not to except against it as long as therein he doth not
contrary directly or indirectly to the prescript rules and profession of the treaty. In which point I doubt not but you will
amplify his Majesty's sincerity and his external show of respect
every way. |
|
Concerning the point of trade to Antwerp whatsoever hath
been propounded by us hitherto is by way of overture on our
parts, without any resolution had before from the States, whom
we doubt not but to find as averse and misliking of it as the
Archdukes do: and therefore whatsoever hath been spoken
of our ships going to Antwerp or of their staying at Lillo is but
by discourse and proposition, as the Baron of Hoboq can best
witness. But for that which was alleged unto you of the
like liberty of trade upon the other parts of Flanders, there is
some apparent mistaking in it, for that it was never mentioned
by us to be now agreed, neither do we see any reason to be
able to induce the States to it, but rather it was used as a thing
which was not unlike to follow by consequence, after practice
of the former. |
|
As soon as we shall receive the States' further answer you shall
be acquainted with it; and how far we are like to stand upon
for all other matters, they are all at a good stand (thanks be to
God) without any apparency of change. Here is a bruit that
Mistress Southwell, sometime maid of honour to her late Majesty,
who lately withdrew herself from hence without her friends'
privity in the company of Sir Robert Dudley, should now
become a professed nun of the order of St. Clara at Brussels,
and there received with all the solemnity that may be, bringing
with her letters of recommendation out of England both from
the Spanish Ambassador and the Baron of Hoboque. I pray
you inform yourself somewhat particularly of it and let me
know the truth. I do suspect the bruit the rather because you
have not so much as touched any one word of it in your letters
to me.—12 August 1605. |
|
PS. Concerning the Duke of Aerschot and the Marquis of
Havré his Majesty hath received their letters and is pleased in
respect of his alliance with them to honour them with some
token from him after the solemnization of the marriage, whereof
you may assure them both.
Copy. 3 pp. (227. p. 81.)
[A draft of the above, except the postscript, is in the Public
Record Office, S.P. For., Flanders, 7.] |
|
The Earl of Northumberland to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
[1605], August 13. |
He that has observed your courses towards
friends or enemies in matter of commodity will free you of
being ruled by the penny. The world knows the good you have
done to both, and your breath was never noted to be saleable.
But as you have maintained your principle not to deny your
friend to be good, and have given yourself contentment to do
according [to] your spirit; so is not my principle for all this
overthrown, to be mannerly, not to be grating of a friend. And
since we have tossed principles as kind tokens, one more I must
send you; never believe much of his worth that is not tender
in racking your power or credit; for either is he base to prefer
lucre before satisfaction of his own mind, or he is dishonourably
politic, to make his harvest of you whilst the season is proper.
For it is a pain for a noble mind to be beholding, when he has
no means to requite; and yet again to be so nice as not to be
beholding to a friend, has a mixture of indiscretion with honour.
I know thanks and a grateful mind is (sic) often a sufficient
return for him that gives, but not enough for him that receives,
if his heart be framed of the true mould. Therefore for the
present I cannot tell how to give up a more feeling thanks for
your noble favour than a bare thanks. Other protestations are
as easily expressed under the pen of him that means it not, as
of him that means it. Therefore I will say no more. For my
brother thus much I will add; this may be the foundation of
raising another house of the Percys, a desire I have long
nourished, a thing begun by this act of yours, and a thing I will
second to my power; so as if ever hereafter he shall not acknowledge with the best service he may do you, I will brand him
with the mark of ingratitude. For the dealing charitably with
the ward this satisfaction I must return you. I know very
well how careful you have ever been to make this burden light
upon whose shoulders this disaster falls: you only shall have
the blame and curse, if extremity be showed, and if your friends
will not be as careful for your honour as you are frank to them,
I know my censure. If by this means I can procure my brother
this marriage, that was the thing I aimed at; if not, then is it
not for him, neither the ward in his mercy, but for you to
dispose of as it pleases you, for gain was not my end.—Syon,
13 August.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." 2 pp. (191. 13.) |
|
Sir William Waad to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 14. |
I protest to your lordship I receive not that
pride of the place his Majesty has bestowed upon me, as I take
unspeakable comfort of his royal favour in vouchsafing to
remember one now grown old in service of the State. I have
some cause to know the place of Lieutenant of the Tower,
having had recourse thither this 22 years; and as it is of trust
and credence, so it is not void altogether of those accidents,
that are incident to the like charge. Prisoners under restraint
will attempt anything, therefore he that is in my place shall
never have his most watchful care without a good portion of
fear. And being preferred by you, in whose house I had long
since my bringing up and challenge hereditary observance, I
have so many strong bonds to tie me, as I hope my painful
endeavour shall show the true intent of my heart and thoughts.
I have many years served the state under your good father
and yourself, so give me leave to rely from time to time upon
your advice and direction, whereof I shall stand in more need
now than heretofore. My poor name have served almost
three score and ten years as Clerks of the Council and Secretary
to the Council at Callis, and by his Majesty's favour now first
is removed to a higher form.—From my Hermitage at Charing
Cross, 14 August 1605. |
|
PS. My Lord Treasurer has appointed to be here to-morrow
at noon. My Lord of Devonshire is looked for to-morrow. The
rest of the Lords, to whom his Majesty's letters are directed,
are gone into the country.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (112. 6.) |
|
Duplicate of the foregoing letter with some variations and the
omission of the postscript.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (191. 15.) |
|
Sir Thomas Smith to the Same. |
|
[1605], August 14. |
It pleased your lordship not only to
grant my suit lately at Court, but also presently to dismiss me
from attendance for such direction as you would give to the
party whom you would choose to be the instrument of your
favour in christening my poor little child. I doubt I have
committed an error in not desiring some good friend of mine
among your servants to intimate the remembrance thereof unto
you, considering your many and great businesses. And
therefore I must pray your direction to some such person as
you shall be pleased to appoint. Sir Walter Cope is going
immediately into Oxfordshire; few others are here; the surest
man to be found is Sir William Waad, howbeit I do not presume
to mention any unto you, otherways than to refer it to your good
pleasure. If I have played the kind husband in hastening my
return from the Court too soon at this time, I will make amends
another time by diligent attendance, when this business,
wherewith I have not by any former experience been acquainted,
shall be past.—From my house in Westminster, 14 August. |
|
PS. I have been bold to join with your lordship my Lord
Knollys and my Lady Francys Chandois, my wife's aunt, and
if your direction may come time enough, I would be glad to
hold the appointment of Sunday next.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1605." 1 p. (112. 7.) |
|
Sir Fulke Grevyll to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
[1605], August 14. |
Expresses his thanks for Salisbury's
resolution to honour him with his presence. Assures him of
his health, all those unmannerly pains being passed. He has
written earnestly to invite my Lord Chamberlain, and hopes
that Salisbury's company will work that he shall not refuse.
He has also written to my Lord of Northampton. His care
is only to have Salisbury see with what mind he receives him,
and he is confident all other unworthinesses shall be pardoned.
Sends a footman by whom he begs Salisbury will give him
notice what day he means to be here.—Wedgnocke, 14 August.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." 1 p. (191. 14.) |
|
Sir Thomas Edmondes to the Same. |
|
1605, August 14. |
As soon as Spinola had finished his fortifications upon the Rhine, where he had settled his bridge, he
left Buquoy there with 3,000 foot and some companies of horse,
and himself marched with diligence towards Freezland. In
his way he took Oldenzeld, called a town but for its strength
reputed no better than a village, and thence went to besiege
Linghen. By their next letters they expect to hear of the
rendering of this town. Afterwards it is said they desire before
they pierce further into Freezland to turn down into the country
of the Vellow [Yssel] and to seek to reduce the towns in those
parts, hoping of the greater facility therein for they understand
the principal towns thereabouts, namely Deventer, Swoll,
Campen, etc., would not be brought to receive garrison, and
if they can procure a good footing there they hope not only to
interrupt the passage between Holland and Freezland but also
to make way with time to the port towns on that coast, whereby
to draw some of their shipping from Dunkerk thither to trouble
the States' trade in those seas. |
|
It is believed here that Count Maurice is now at Arnham
much troubled in dealing with the said towns for the receiving
of garrisons to prevent the foresaid inconveniences. The
Marquis aims at nothing more than to seek while his army is
now in its principal strength to engage Count Maurice to fight,
because he apprehends that if he be forced to undergo the
difficulties of long and painful sieges in those hard countries
the sharpness of the winter will soon decay his army. |
|
The Archduke is now persuaded that the news in a letter
from Cullen received three days since of the defeat and capture
of Count Henry with 4,000 men and eight cannon in an
ambuscado by some forces of Spinola is not true for it is not
better verified. |
|
The French captain, Le Terraile, on Sunday morning last
with the assistance of some of Count Frederick's troops,
attempted the surprising of Bergen op Zoon by "pettars"
[petards], but the enterprise failed. At the same time the like
enterprise was to have been performed by the governor of
Boileduc upon Breda, which received like success. |
|
There have been lately apprehended on the frontiers of
Luxembourg some eight or ten Frenchmen who went up and
down the country and by "pettars" attempted the spoiling
of divers gentlemen's houses there. Some of them also confess
they had sought likewise to discover how to surprise the Castle
of Charlemont. This discovery serves them in Brussels for a
good subject to recriminate for the late practices alleged to have
been entertained in Spain upon the towns of Languedock. |
|
The Marquis of Havré is gone to solicit the towns of these
parts to yield some extraordinary contributions for the war,
now that they are settled, as they persuade themselves, in a
course likely to have good success. Indeed Spinola pays the
army duly every twenty days a third part of their month's
pay, which in the year's calculation makes eight months and
it is reckoned that the soldier's daily allowance of bread makes
a month and half more in the year; and the use being also to
allow the soldier a suit of apparel at the year's end and also
commonly to make them a whole month's pay at their going
into the field and as much at their withdrawing thence into
garrison, it is reckoned Spinola will remain nothing at the
year's end in the King's debt. It is said the King of Spain
has designed a large proportion to run particularly for the
entertainment of English voluntaries. |
|
The Emperor's Ambassador at his return out of England
prevented Edmondes's visit by coming first to him. He
acknowledged great thanks for his honourable entertainment
from his Majesty. Edmondes told him the contrary had been
bruited in Brussels, which himself said did in no sort proceed
from him. He has been feasted by the Archduke and others
of the nobility and reckons to stay here as yet these four or
five days. |
|
The death of Peter Sebure at Dover was no unwelcome news
for they say he was a very "brouillon." |
|
Brussels has been exercised this week in great devotion upon
the receipt of the Jubilee sent from Rome for the contributing
of prayers for the better success of the wars of Hungary. The
enclosed advertisement contains a good relation of the present
state of matters there. |
|
Sends a packet of letters from Sir Charles Cornwallis brought
to his hands after it had wandered some time up and down this
town.—From Bruxells, 14 August 1605.
Copy. 4½ pp. (227. p. 75.)
[Original in P.R.O. State Papers Foreign, Flanders, 7.] |
|
Sir Thomas Edmondes to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 14. |
Since his last sent away this morning
news is come to the Archduke from Spinola of the rendering
of Linghen which held out only seven days and yielded upon
composition, there issuing out of the town to the number of
1,000 men. It is said Count Maurice was not above seven
leagues thence at the time of the rendering. |
|
By the same messenger the Archduke was advertised of news
of contrary effect touching an encounter which the Count of
Sores received in his journey; who going to treat with some
of the neutral princes in those parts and being accompanied
only with the band of horse of the Baron de la Chaulx, son-in-law
to President Ricardott, fell into an ambuscado, which defeated
the troop of horse and hurt both Sores and the Baron, the latter
so grievously as it is not thought he can live. Notwithstanding,
being well horsed they saved themselves from being taken.
This latter news is wisely dissembled and a loud Te deum sung
for the other.—From Bruxelles, 14 August 1605.
Copy. 1 p. (227. p. 80.)
[Original in P.R.O. State Papers Foreign, Flanders, 7.] |
|
The Earl of Salisbury to Sir Thomas Smith. |
|
1605, August 15. |
I am not ignorant what occasion you have
to withhold you, and yet am loth unnecessarily to allege it to
the King. I send you by this messenger, therefore, some
instructions for the draft of a letter to the King of Denmark,
the occasion whereof is derived from a proposition made to the
King by the Archduke's Ambassador, the substance whereof
is to entreat his Majesty in the name of the Archduke to employ
his best friends in the Empire in favour of the house of Austria,
that one of them may now be chosen King of the Romans at the
next diet, which is shortly to be called in the Empire for their
cause, considering in how ill terms affairs stand for lack of some
better and more able and more martial head than they have.
To this proposition his Majesty has made a temporising answer,
not only in regard of the matter itself, which has so many
considerable circumstances, but in respect of the correspondence
which he is to hold with other princes, that would make ill constructions of his so particular participation of his best means for
the greatness of that house. For mine own opinion I conceive
it will with very good reason take his lighting place upon some
of that house, both in respect that they are possessed of the
territories which front upon the Turk, and of the fitness to
engage a prince of great potency and already in more open
terms of hostility than any other monarch of his quality. But
to come to the point which causes this letter, you shall understand that the King intends to acquaint the King of Denmark
with the proposition by a private letter of this effect, whereof
I pray you send me a minute according to the instructions
following, not tieing yourself to the phrase, but to the matter.
First that "such is the inward and dear obligation of friendship
between them, as whensoever any third person shall come in
question for a proof of this affection, it shall not only appear
to the King of Denmark, but be made notorious to all the world,
how great a difference he ever means to make between them.
Out of which affection he could not forbear to advertise him of
an overture made him, because he knew not how it might
relate to any counsels or actions of his, though he acknowledges
him to be one of the kings nearest his own condition for
standing in even and indifferent terms toward all the princes
and states of Europe." In which consideration you may write,
that the King being lately dealt withal as aforesaid in the
name of the Archduke did only hear his overture and make
reply, that as the matter in itself was great, as that whereon
depended the good of all Christendom, for defence whereof
neither king nor private man should be more ready upon just
ground to employ both life and fortune; so was it newly
propounded, and thereby himself the more ignorant what
reasons to lay unto himself either one way or other, having in
very truth never greatly intruded into particular contemplation
of that state, the rather because his Majesty is in effect
at the highest of his ambition, by being possessed of all those
estates and countries, whereof he knew himself by the law of
God to be the lineal and lawful successor. And therefore [he]
was desirous to attend, until he might hear further of the
disposition and conjunction of all the princes and electors of
the Empire, to what resolution they found cause to decline,
before he should engage himself for any particular house, more
one than another; lest thereby he might show a kind of
suddenness in a matter subject to great deliberation, and wherein,
whensoever he should engage himself, he would be sorry to lack
success. Hereunto you may add this conclusion, that now that
he has put off the remonstrance upon good terms, he cannot
but resort to him as his dearest brother and friend, and thereby
not only observe those strait rules of correspondence which
tie princes of such dearness to a mutual participation of all
things of weight which may concern either the public or their
own private, but also to draw from him the advice of a wise
prince, how he should proceed in this, in respect of the public,
or whether the King will show himself to have any purpose
for himself or any of his. In which case he desires by some
speedy answer to be thoroughly satisfied of his disposition, to
the intent his Majesty may hereafter carry himself accordingly.
—From the court at Ashby this 15 Aug. 1605 [erased]. |
|
PS. You may to this add some ordinary conclusion to
advertise him of the well-doing of his sister and his nephews
and nieces, and of his desire to hear well of him etc.
Corrected draft, with note by Salisbury: "I send God's blessing
to my godson." 2¼ pp. (112. 8.) |
|
Sir Thomas Smith to Sir Michael Hicks. |
|
[1605], August 15. |
I humbly thank his lordship for his
remembrance of me, and am glad that he has chosen so kind a
friend as yourself to be the instrument of his favour. For the
which I can but vow him mine own service, and my little one
to be his, when I am gone. Because I did not hear of my Lord's
direction all this week, I made bold to send yesterday unto the
Court, and the rather because I thought that my Lord would
make choice either of you or Sir Walter Cope; and I understand that Sir W. Cope was presently to go out of town, and it
was made doubtful upon enquiry whether you were so near
as at your house. Howbeit I have understood since from
himself that he would rather stay his journey than I should
be disappointed, so much am I beholding to him for his kindness.
I crave your presence here on Sunday in the afternoon, of which
time I have given notice unto the others that are to do me the
like favour, but I shall be glad to see you here at dinner, not for
any good cheer I will make you, but I suppose it will not be
inconvenient for your own case.—From my poor house at
Fulham, 15 Aug.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1605." Seal. 1 p. (112. 10.) |
|
David Butler, a Recusant. |
|
1605, August 15. |
Declaration of George Escot, taken before
Sir John Popham, knight, 15 Aug. 1605:—He dwelt at
Bridgwater and was master and part owner of a ship called the
Speedwell of Bridgwater, which being freighted at Cardiff ready
for Portingale, examinate set forth upon Tuesday last was ten
weeks or thereabouts; one of the merchants in the same ship
named David Butler being requested to come to prayer, which
they commonly used twice a day, refused to come, whereupon
examinate, suspecting him not to be well affected, after they
arrived at Mongey in Galitia (being set there by a contrary
wind), made search in his chest, and there amongst other
things found a letter now delivered to Sir John Popham. He
returned with the said ship and landed at Minehead and came
to Bridgwater, and not knowing Sir John Popham to be in the
country made the letter known to the portreeve of Minehead,
who being made privy with Butler's then being in the town,
thought it fit to forbear to apprehend him or to do anything till
Sir John Popham might be informed thereof. Further, Butler
had said in the presence of Davye Kech and Robert Quirck of
Minehead, that there were 200 persons within 3 or 4 miles of
a place in Wales that refused to come to the church, but met
at an old chapel near.
Examined (signed): J Popham. 1½ pp. (112. 36.) |
|
The Bishop of St. Asaph to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1605, August 15. |
According to your letters, I enclose an
advowson to Mr. Whiteakers to the use of Mr. Rainsford.
Because I would show my readiness to do you service for
your undeserved favour showed to me, poor wretch, I have
likewise sealed and delivered a patent of the Registership to
Mr. Bellot your servant. If you command me in anything
you shall find me truly devoted. |
|
I durst not presume to trouble you with my simple letters,
else I had been bold ere this to acquaint you with the unfortunate
and ungodly increase of Papists in my diocese, who within the
last 3 years are become near thrice as many. In my
predecessor's visitation in 1602 there were presented about
seven score recusants; and in my visitation about 400. With
their number their courage is increased. They little fear the
words, until they feel the smart of the laws.—St. Asaph, 15
August 1605.
Holograph. 1 p. (191. 16.) |
|
Sir Walter Cope and Sir Henry Mountagu to the
Same. |
|
1605, August 15. |
Since receiving his letters, signifying the
King's pleasure to have a lottery promoted, and the benefit
thereof to be charitably employed, they have informed themselves of the reasons and objections for and against it; as also
of the course offered for the well managing of it. They perceive
it to be his care, though profit be pretended, yet that such a
course be settled as may bring least offence to the public. |
|
They detail at length the reasons and objections, and the
course proposed to obviate the latter. The undertakers are
confident, both to free the device from the common scandal of
lotteries, and by the rent employed according to his Majesty's
charitable purpose, that more shall be relieved than any way
damnified.—15 August 1605.
Signed. Endorsed: "Sir Walter Cope and the Recorder
of London." 2 pp. (191. 17.) |
