Cecil Papers: Miscellaneous 1597 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 14, Addenda. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1923.

Citation:

'Cecil Papers: Miscellaneous 1597', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 14, Addenda, ed. E Salisbury( London, 1923), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol14/pp31-49 [accessed 17 November 2024].

Miscellaneous 1597



	Dorothy, Countess of Northumberland to [the Queen.]
[1597.]	On the death of Sir Thomas Perrott, her brother of Essex moved the Queen in her behalf, who answered that whatever was left or assigned her by him she should quietly enjoy. Details proceedings in which the lands left her by Perrott were claimed for the Crown, and complains of the mispleading of her lawyer, by which she lost her cause. Prays that the Queen will allow her to enjoy the lands as promised.— Undated. 1 p. (2389.)
	Captain Nicholas Dawtrey to the Queen.
[1597.]	For a lease in reversion.—Undated. ½p. (517.)
	George Stone to the Queen.
[1597.]	Ordinary footman to the Queen. For grant of the licence which the Queen gave to Captain Thomas Woodhouse for making glass in Ireland, after the expiry of the grant to Woodhouse, lately deceased.—Undated. ½ p. (702.)
	Peter Beauvoir and others to the Queen.
[1597 or 1598?]	Are sureties for William Michelot, a French merchant, against whom judgment was passed for transporting cast iron pieces, though it was done by the Queen's warrant at the request of the French King. Have obtained a writ of error reversing the judgment, but it is stayed by the Queen's order. Pray that it may have effect.—Undated. Enclosure: Notes by Cecil as to the case. 2 pp. (716.)
	Arthur O'Toole to the Queen.
[c. 1597?]	Details the harms and losses which have come to the Queen through his being kept out of his inheritance for 40 years. The first loss was through the rebellion of the Desmond, of Baltinglasse, and Feof McHughe: for had he had his inheritance he would not have suffered McHughe, and his father Hugh McShane, and the people of that country, to support the rebellion. That war has hindered the Queen, it is said, £1,000 a day, which is above £700,000 in two years, besides the impoverishment of the realm. If his request, made in the time of Sir William Drewerie's government, for letters to apprehend Baltinglasse and Feof McHughe, had been granted, it would have prevented these wars. McHughe safe conducted O'Donell to the North, who is now as strong a rebel as the Earl of Tyrone is. Had he had his land and rule, he would have compelled McHughe to give O'Donell back for pledge to the Queen, or else would have sent him in a handlock to Dublin Castle: as a kinsman of his, Barnabie O'Toole, sent O'Donell once to that Castle: but the perverse negligence of Sir William "Fewwilliams" and his keepers let him escape again. He has a certificate to show that he was the only man who caused the old lord of Osserie to kill that archrebel Roorie Ouge and his followers, which the Queen's forces could not do in many years. Details proceedings with Felem O'Toole, who holds Pooerscourt from him. Deals with charge of disloyalty. Prays for restoration to his inheritance, when he will do what he can to prevent rebellion.
	Quotes "Cipio Affricanus," Cornelius Agrippa, "Father Bacchus: when he had conquered the India," Alexander the Great, Augustus Caesar and Charles the Great, as to the rewards due to old soldiers.—Undated. 3 pp. 186. (118.)
	The Queen.
[1597?]	Letters patent granting to Frederic Genebelly, of Mantua the exclusive use of his invention for deepening havens and draining marshes.—Draft. Undated. 3 pp. (67. 43.)
	The Children of [Dr. Fletcher], late bishop of London.
[1597.]	The suit of the poor orphans of the late bishop of London. They pray that the debt due to the Queen may be paid by £150 the year, and the house at Chelsea to be mortgaged for the payment. ¼ p. (205. 111.)
	James Hopkinson to the Lord Treasurer.
[1597.]	Committed to the Marshalsea for seeking to recover £480 delivered in Picardy in January last to Mr. Moll, paymaster of the Queen's forces. Details the circumstances. Prays order for payment, and for release.—Undated. ½p. (1403.)
	Edward Maxey, Customer of Southampton, to Lord Burghley.
[1597.]	To require Mr. Fanshaw to stay the process against him and his sureties. Owes nothing to the Queen, as appears by his accounts. Prays Burghley rather to confer the whole receipt upon the other customer, than that he be further so encumbered with another joint account; and that he may only exercise the place inwards.—Undated. Note (unsigned)—"Mr. Fanshaw to cause such a letter to be written as herein is required." ½ p. (1511)
	William Leveson and others, merchants of London to Lord [Burghley.]
[1597?]	For the payment of 1,200l. disbursed by them for the pay of the Queen's soldiers in Picardy.—Undated. ½ p. (2069.)
	Christopher Newton to The Same.
[1597.]	Prays for the wardship of the heir of Roger Chapman (fn. 1) late of Gisborough, York. Undated. Endorsed. ½ p. (170.)
	Petitions, &c. to Sir Robert Cecil.
	Thomas Gwilliams.
[1597.]	Thomas Gwilliams, one of the yeomen in ordinary of her Majesty's chamber. Prays him to further the suit of John Frithe of Dublin for payment of 200l. and odd due to him under agreement with the Council of Ireland.—Undated. 1 p. (84.)
	Jane Tounstall.
[1597?]	Her husband Richard Tounstall is prisoner in Bridewell on suspicion of an escape of Watson a priest out of the Gatehouse. Prays for his enlargement upon bail.—Undated. Endorsed. ½ p. (147.)
	Martyn Ganzer, merchant of Noremberg.
[1597?]	Of his long suit against Richard Shepham and Robert Barmby, merchants of London. Can recover nothing from them. Prays for Cecil's help to return home.—Undated. ½ p. (361.)
	Mary Frythe.
[1597.]	For payment of the claims of herself and her husband John Frythe. Their losses "by the unhappy firing of the powder in Dublin" and by many captains which were slain in the Queen's service at the Blackwater.—Undated. ½ p. (383.)
	Owners of the ship "Exchange" of Bristol.
[c. 1597.]	For compensation for the services of the ship in "the service of Cales (Cadiz)."—Undated. 1 p. (385.)
	Rice Lloyde.
[1597?]	Thomas Lewes, for the purpose of oppressing petitioner, has procured his kinsman John Birte to be thrust into the return of Sheriffs for Cardigan. Birte inhabits a foreign country, is no justice of peace, nor of credit.—Undated. ½ p. (675.)
	William Spicer.
[1597?]	Prays to be joined patentee with his aged father in his office of Surveyor of the Queen's works.—Undated. ½ p. (976.)
	Symon Biby, for his master the Bishop of Gloucester.
[1597?]	For licence for the bishop to be absent from this Parliament, on account of grievous sickness.—Undated. ½ p. (1114.)
	John de Reverae.
[1597?]	Signor Bassidona, pretending in right of Jacob Bathwer, has made stay of the delivery of certain goods to petitioner, laden in his ship the "Sancta Maria de Scopo," lately depending in suit in the Admiralty Court. Bassidona seeks to transfer the matter to the Masters of Requests. Prays that it be remitted to the Admiralty Court.—Undated. ½ p. (1537.)
	Ralph Curle.
[1597?]	Prays Cecil to give order for the repair of the water mills at Cheshunt, of which he is tenant.—Undated. ½ p. (1724.)
	The Same.
[1597?]	Prays that the Cheshunt mills, of which he is tenant, be repaired, and for letters to the justices of Herts to grant him licence as a common badger, to buy and sell corn and other necessaries.—Undated. ½ p. (1743.)
	Inhabitants of Dracott, Somerset.
[1597?]	Tenants of George Radney, who has enclosed some of their commons, and seeks to enclose the rest. Upon their petition to the Council, Justice Walmsley and Justice Fenner certified that the commons ought to be open, and Radney agreed thereto, but now denies the same. They pray Cecil to remember their suit this day in the Star Chamber, that it may be executed according to the certificate.—Undated. ½ p. (2032.)
	The Clothworkers of London.
[1597?]	Upon the complaints of the French merchants as to unlawful straining of cloths upon the tenters, the use of tenters has been forbidden, to the undoing of many thousands and the enriching of foreign countries. They pray that the matter be referred to some committees of judgment, and that in the mean time they may have liberty to use the tenters in a lawful manner.—Undated. 1 p. (186. 11.)
	Mayor and Citizens of Dublin.
[1597.]	They pray consideration of the sum of 3,000l. disbursed by them in maintaining armed companies in the field and otherwise: also of the 14,000l. loss sustained by the late accident of firing her Majesty's powder in the streets: also of their present decayed estate, certified by the Lord Deputy and Council's letters. They desire to obtain a freedom in Chester and Lerpole (Liverpool) for cloth, having a freedom there for all other wares by the late grant of 24 Eliz., also grant of articles appearing in the enclosed schedule: also payment of 890l., due for diet of soldiers placed in their city, which by reason of the great dearth of grain and other victuals, stood them in treble that sum.—Undated. ½ p. Enclosed: Notes of such things as the mayor and citizens of Dublin are suitors for. For a freedom for cloth (as above).
	The citizens are greatly hindered by being impannelled in juries for trial of transitory causes in her Majesty's Courts. They pray that such trials may be by nisi prius before her Majesty's judges in the Court of Dublin, as in London.
	For confirmation by the Queen of the fines and amerciaments granted them by Henry V. and Queen Mary: for want of which they cannot levy the same without great suit and charges.
	That linen yarn may be stayed in the land and converted into cloth; or otherwise that they may be licenced to transport from Dublin so much yarn as they shall provide, the statute notwithstanding. That they may be paid the 890l. mentioned above.— Undated. 1 p. (186. 32.)
	Thomas Fynglas to the Earl of Essex.
[1597?]	Of his family inheritance, his proceedings on the Continent, and service under the last king of France. Details his subsequent endeavours to withdraw Sir William Stanley's men from the Spanish service in the Low Countries; his conflict with certain of the duke of Mayne's soldiers; his being taken prisoner by the garrison of Cressy in Brie; his practices with viscount Tavanes, then Governor of Normandy, from whom he obtained an assurance of the governorship of the fort and castle of St. Katherine's by Rouen, intending to take possession thereof with the men withdrawn from Stanley, and to place it at the Queen's disposal. He imparted this plot to Captain Eustace, who imparted it to his cousin german Edmond Weste, whom they sent often from Brussels to the land of Wast (Pays de Waese) by Antwerp where Stanley's regiment was, to deal with the gentlemen of greatest credit with the soldiers: as Con mac Ros, John Garrett Basse son to the last Earl of Kildare, Doulin Birn and others; and all were bound by oath and resolved to follow them. Weste was however taken by Sir William Stanley, and being put on the rack, discovered the whole matter. Divers Englishmen were then imprisoned, and he was confronted with Weste, only escaping by the providence he had used in causing the matter to be revealed to Weste by Eustace. Weste was executed in Brussels. He has three times attempted the breaking of Stanley's regiment, so that of the 800 they were at the beginning, he has now brought them to less than 300. Now upon his return he has laid down and discovered to the Lord Treasurer such plots for her Majesty's service as the Lord Treasurer likes very well, and thanks him heartily for. Undated. Signed. 2 pp. (214. 43.)
	Thomas Browne to the Earl of Essex.
[1597?]	The time coming on that the Queen will elect bishops, whereof Dr. Bancroft is thought to be one, prays that his son-in-law Mr. Stephens, Essex's chaplain, may be given one of Dr. Bancroft's living.—Undated. Enclosure: Livings (8) of Dr. Bancroft which are in the Queen's disposing upon Dr. Bancroft's being preferred. ½ p. (629.)
	— to [the Earl of Essex.]
[1597.]	Since my coming hither to Westminster by your Lordship's appointment now are run over two years. I have confirmed greatly those received opinions, or rather grounded reasons, which I had learned before among Catholics concerning the doctrine and manners of heretics, and in particular our Protestants of England. Our Saviour left registered to all the children of the Catholic Church as a mark to know the wicked breed of heretics, A fructibus eorum cognoscetis eos; which fruits are doctrine and works. Living with them I know their lives, and, conferring, I know their learning. I will set down with what men I have conferred, that your Lordship may well judge my reasons to be grounded upon reiterated experiences. First of all I protest (the rest is blank). Endorsed: "Minute of a letter as it seemeth to the Earl of Essex." 1p. (54. 74.)
	[Thos.] Phelips Case.
[1597.]	Phelips presumed too much on her Majesty's favour, and the custom of the office, the benefit whereof consisted in the use of the moneys till the limited days of payment, but by his credit in London always kept his days. But Justice Yonge dying so unable to satisfy her Highness, his part gave occasion to take that course with Phelips by sequestering from the Receipt, which disabled him to perform his payments. For this disgrace being offered him, where he was able before to take up 5,000l, or 6,000l. within a month in London, everyone was now afraid of his estate. Besides that some of great place and authority maliciously discredited the things he had interest in. Being forced to crave respite for his debt, this could never be obtained, nor brought to her Highness' consideration, but he was himself first restrained and then cast into prison, and his sureties vexed. He craves that her Highness will be satisfied with her whole debt without destroying her servant, and making all the world witnesses of his hard fortune. His determination is to pay according to his offer, and sooner if it may be compassed. In the meantime he prays that the measure of his poor endeavours past may prevail so far as without necessity other men make not his distraction a bridge to serve their own turns. Undated. Unsigned. 2 pp. (103. 41(2).
	Disconnected Notes by Sir R. Cecil.
[1597?]	"The Provost Marshal being gone into France the sergeant major may have the pay of a volle (?) out of the cheques, and the colonels may appoint some other in their place which for the advantage of it will be content to discharge it." &c. Holograph. 1 p. (50. 108.)
	Note of Sir Geffrey Fenton's suits.
[1597?]	For reward for his attendance and charges in Sir John Perrott's causes. For a pension for his charges as counsel. For reward for his almost 18 years' services in Ireland.— Undated. 2½ pp. (903.)
	Poole.
1597.	Plan of Brunksey (Brownsea) Castle, island, Poole and harbour, and district. Endorsed: 1597. (Maps 2. 32.)
	Objections against the Bill of Depopulations with their Answers and Solutions.
[1597.]	Objection 1. That there are good laws provided for this case already, and non constat whether this law is better than these which it repeals. Answer. These laws are fallen into disuse; and it would be harsh to put them suddenly into execution, and would cause the seizure of much land into the Queen's hands, a penalty that would fall often on a lessee or farmer and not on the owner, who would still get his rent.
	Objection 2. That the former laws did no good, being never put in execution, and the same may be expected of this. Answer. The present law is more aptly framed for execution in the following points. The time too ancient, looking back what houses were erected in 4 Henry 7, and what lands used with them, which is past memory. The person upon whom the law should light uncertain, being the ambiguous word 'owner.' Moreover the penalty was too severe, and the inconvenience is now come ad statum.
	Objection 3. That it will subject the country to promoters and be made a gain and exaction, and therefore the penalty in the old laws was real, being the moiety of the issues and profits by way of seizure or distress and not by way of information. Answer. That applies to all penal laws. Besides it is made inquirable at assizes and sessions, so as if informers be slack or corrupt thereabout, yet love of justice or faction, or emulation or the like will make it called upon in the country. And for seizure it was more subject to abuse, for the Queen might lease it to a private person after office found.
	Objection 4. That it looks back and is a tie upon purchasers. Answer. It is no looking back because offenders are already subject to a sharper law both by prerogative in the Star Chamber and by seizure upon the former Statute.
	Objection 5. That the clause of decaying any house of husbandry for the time to come being now left out, no gentleman can purchase a farm and turn it into a gentleman's house or plant his younger son upon a farm and turn it into a dwelling house. Answer. If it be for the seat's sake, he may exchange by laying forth house and land elsewhere. Or he may build the new house where he will, so he decay not the old. He need not let it or till the land, but he must keep up the old house and not sever the land from it.
	Objection 6. That men cannot divide their land either for sale or to provide for younger children. Answer. If a man will alter land from farm to farm, from manor to farm, or divide a farm, he may, provided he leave a plough land good to every farm. If the farm be spacious it is but building a new house upon it, and then he may divide it.
	Objection 7. That those poor which are now harboured in some of these houses, not being such persons as can take to farm the ground by this law to be allotted to them, are like to be expelled. Answer. This differeth greatly from the law of 31 Eliz., whereby the penalty of £10 was inflicted upon any that erected a cottage, and £40 on any that maintained them unless 40 acres of ground were laid to them. He may shift his poor tenants or lay 20 acres of land to the house and stock it and so get more rent. Endorsed: — 1597. Objections concerning the Bill of Depopulations." (58. 69.)
	Parliamentary.
1597.	Bills passed in the lower house of Parliament. 1597. A bill empowering Sir John Spencer, Mary his wife, and Robert Spencer their son and heir to alienate certain lands in Somerset and Dorset. A bill against forestallers, regrators and engrossers. A bill to restrain brewers to keep no more coopers than two. Bills engrossed. A bill to enable the owners of gavelkind land to alter the said custom. (p.) A bill for the well ordering of such as practise the science of chirurgery. (d.) A bill for draining certain grounds in the county of Norfolk (p.) A bill for rating the wages of labourers, &c. (p.) A bill for Nevill's hospital in the county of York. Bills from the Lords not yet expedited. A bill for the better recording of fines to be levied in the court of Common Pleas; not yet read. (p.) More bills also passed and proceeded in since the afore recited bills, viz. Bills passed. A bill for recovering certain waste marsh and watery grounds in Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. A bill for granting three entire subsidies. A bill to preserve the property of stolen horses in the true owners. More bills engrossed. The bill for confirmation of statute merchants, knowledged in Lincoln and Nottingham. The bill against stealing corn and fruit. The bill touching the making of bays in Essex and Suffolk. The bill for the better staying of corn within the realm. The bill against exporting sheep skins or pelts. The bill against importing woolcards. The bill for confirmation of an award for Edmund Cotton. Endorsed:—"Bills read in the lower house of Parliament, 1597." [Only those given which do not appear among the Statutes of the Realm.]
	Simon Betaugh, plasterer, to Lord Dunsaney.
[1597?]	Prays him to write to his (Dunsaney's) father-in-law Sir Christopher Barnewell, and the rest of his friends in Ireland, to deliver to the writer's son Thomas money to discharge the credit he is bound in for Dunsaney, or he will have to forsake London wherein his living lies. Has undone himself for Dunsaney, unless he causes his friends to give better credit to his son than they do. Has had two letters of Dunsaney's here these ten days, and never a friend of Dunsaney's would send them, so that he was fain to hire one to bring them.—London. Addressed:—"to the Right Hon. my Lord of Downesayeney at Mrs. Taylores at Torneberrey." 1 p. (98. 41.)
	English Assistance to the French King.
[1597?]	The answer which has been given to the writer consists principally of these heads: 1. It would be reasonable that the forces of the Queen should be employed in matters profitable to the state; which however the recovery of Amiens, Orleans or other similar place does not offer. 2. That the Queen does not wish to be always in uncertainty, and disquieted by new demands. 3. Still less can the Queen submit to be braved by menaces of peace, in case of refusal. 4. That the Queen has fulfilled all the conditions of the last treaty, to which default has been made on the side of France.
	When propositions are made it is usual to represent to onesself what the parties with whom one has to treat can reply. It is not for the writer to give counsel, but to confer amicably. That which he wished to say to "you" was that the maxims held over there (pardela) are well enough known to him, and are very far from the conclusions taken here. If the present message, after the former ones, does not bring some contentment to the affairs of the King, it will be attributed to pretended delays; which perhaps will be taken for an entire refusal, or at least to be quite as damaging as a refusal.
	If one is well assured that the peace of which there is talk is not feasible, then the delays may serve the end proposed; but in matters of such consequence it is very dangerous to take the thought for the resolved maxim (maxime resolue). This opinion is combated by many reasons.
	1. As to the profits which England may have from this expenditure. Besides that the King will attribute the favours he has received to the friendship of the Queen the common judgment over there is that war against Spain in France is very useful to England. Of the great losses of France through attacking Spain in expectation of receiving support from those who were interested in the matter; whilst the Spaniard thus occupied leaves England in peace she carries into France war, terror and loss.
	3. As to their asking certainty of not being importuned by menaces of peace; it is replied that it is not bravade to say simply that after so much misfortune the King finds himself too feeble; that he is only responsible to his council, nobility, and people; and that he cannot alone bear the burden of a war so manifestly ruinous.
	2. Besides they will say that the way not to receive any more of such importunate demands is to do that which is contained in express terms in the clause of the last alliance, where it is said that the confederates as far as possible shall compose a corps d'armée in common. A conference suggested on this matter.
	4. Finally they over there add the causes are manifest why the King cannot satisfy the pay of the troops as he had promised; that is, his last misfortunes; but that it is not less manifest that it has not been wished to compose this united corps d'armée to repulse the enemy at the place whence he makes his principal efforts; nor to solicit the princes who are interested, whom the King assuredly takes to have been pressed to join this alliance. (MS not finished)—Undated. French. 1 p. (98. 99.)
	England and Spain.
[After 1597]	Nous avons consideré que vous avez envoyé des demandes que doibt faire l'ambassadeur d'Angleterre. Nous en avons ouvert le propos a Messieurs Richardot et de Tassis. Quant au renouvellement de touts les traictez precedents, cest chose ou il ne se trouvera difficulté comme aussy de passer que qui a perdu, a perdu. Quant a la restitution des deniers que la diste Royne a preste aux Estats qui furent tenus a Bruxelles en l'an 1577, ils disent que ce n'a pas este pour le service du Roy d'Espaigne, et soubstiennent que ce n'est pas chose raisonnable; et qu'elle a des bagues au dit Roy en gaige qui vallent bien plus que son argent. Nous leur avons dict, que il ne fault pas que pour argent ceste paix se rompe. La grosse corde sera de la Flessingue, la dict Royne la veult restituer aux Provinces Unyes qui la luy ont deposités. En cela il y a apparence, mais il est malaise que le Cardinal sy accorde, car la Flessingue est la clef d' Anvers. Holograph by Ed. Reynolds. ½ p. (50. 94.)
	Thomas Churchyard to Archibald Douglas.
[1597 or earlier ?]	He is wearied and impoverished with the charge of Davye Neall, whose "fondness" he is too much troubled with. He has no thanks from the Council for laying out of his money, for Mr. Vice Chamberlain says that Douglas discharged him (Churchyard) of Neall. But Douglas refused to deal any way but to send him to Scotland. Trusts Douglas will not allow him to bear all the charges, and asks his letters in that behalf; for he would rather give all he has than fall in the way of the Queen's dislike, who is loath to bestow on a madman anything. From the Court this present Monday. Holograph. 1 p. (186. 59.)
	Archibald Harbertson "Glasguensis," to Lord Archibald Douglas.
[1597]	Danger of sergeants hinders him from coming abroad. Prays Douglas to lend him 8s. 0d.—Undated. ½ p. (205. 34.)
	Ireland.
1597.	Copy from the Close Rolls, 10 Edward, II m. 9d. of letters from Edward II. to Richard de Clare, dated Windsor 28 April, 10 Edward II, thanking him for his good service in Ireland against the attacks of the Scots, &c., with a list of 50 others to whom similar letters were directed. Endorsed:—"1597. A Record of the Tower." Latin. 1⅓ p. (176. 14.)
	[— Wright] to [Dr. Parkins.]
1597.	[I cannot] contain any longer the great affection I bear you for so many friendly courtesies you showed me [at Wes]tminster by presence and speech, but thought good to salute you with this few [lines]. And the more I was moved at this present because I understand such report of you as did not only greatly dislike me but also enforced me to signify the same unto you, to the intent you may prevent the infamy thereof. The case standeth thus. Some give forth how D. Parkins is given wholly to gluttony and lechery, to feasting and women. In good faith I heard it of two persons, yet I hope that this poison sprung from virulent tongues rather than any verity: for as you once told me in the Court there be many envious, malicious spirits pining at others' preferment, and of malice invent false crimes, or of some small suspicions fall into rash judgments. God forbid there should be any such matter a parte rei: for alas what will the Jesuits say of you but that vinum and (sic) mulieres apostare fecerunt sapientes! What will our English Catholics report of you but qui vescibatur in croceo amplexatus est stercora? What will all wise men think but that filius prodigus consumpsit patrimonium luxuriose vivendo? Will not Bellarmine confirm his opinion that no man ante circa fidem naufraget quam naufragare coeperit . . .? Will he not call you now locustam ventrosum animal jejuni [antibus?] hostem c . . . enentia inimicum. [Is it] possible that those hands once consecrated, that mouth which so often hath received that host angels and archangels tremble to behold, that body offered to God, should become the members of an harlo[t], that the temple of the holy Ghost should fall into the tyranny of Sathan? Perhaps I speak too boldly but yet friendly for you as my brother by nature, by Christianity, by order, those three indelible characters imprinted in your soul by creation, baptism and imposition of hands; give me leave to remember you, for gladly would I spend my life to help your soul. I told you that in foreign countries it was blazed abroad you were become an Atheist, and questionless your politic reasons seemed to me rather to persuade me to no religion than to embrace any; but if this be true (which I hope not) all ill opinions preconceived right or wrong will be confirmed: for what will all men say what other event was to be expected of him who being a religious man abandoned his religion, a priest left his profession, one that had forsaken the world followed the Court? God hath endued you with many good gifts, alas! do not abuse them and Him. You are wise enough to expound all this of yourself, but perhaps you cannot see your own faults so well as those which are not possessed of your passions, nam quivis in causa propria cœcus est. You would perhaps desire to know who related this matter to me, but in this I must crave pardon because I [will] not sow dissension . . . . . . . . unto you they were no Catholics, and therefore I . . . . . . . . such suspicions. I had purposed to have written this letter unto you so as you could not have perceived from whence it came, but I supposed you would . . . take it as a friendly advice. Corripiat me justus in misericordia oleum autem peccatoris non impinguat caput meum. And with this I leave you to his protection who can best defend you.—Undated. Draft. Endorsed:—1597 Minute of Wright's letter to D. Parkins. Damaged. 1¼ pp. (222. 29.)
	Sir William Bowes.
[1597.]	"Remembrances for Sir William Bowes, in arrest." Richard Barrell, grocer of London, detains him upon two bonds, notwithstanding that he has been paid his debt, and sued him thereon in Chancery. During the suit Sir William was sent by her Majesty ambassador into Scotland, and in his absence Barrell proceeded at the common law to his outlawry. Being arrested, he informed the sergeants that he had in hand the portage of treasure for the Queen, but nevertheless they carried him to one of their houses, where he remains. Proceedings he has taken to satisfy Barrell, without avail. Commends his suit for relief to the Lord Keeper, the Lord Treasurer and others. —Undated. 1½ pp. Damaged. (58. 9.)
	Robert Kynwellmarsh to Mr. Dewhurst.
[1597?]	Complains of the oppressions of Mr. Purvey and Dewhurst in taking away his land. Does not think the Lord Treasurer can know of it. As to an action for trespass which he is bringing.—Undated. 1 p. (2255.)
[1595–7?]	Proposals of Hans Fleming, stranger, for increasing her Majesty's treasure in the Low Countries.
	Proposes (a) the coining in the Low Countries of rose nobles with the Queen's name and arms of England. 32 can be coined from a mark's weight, 8 oz. of fine gold, which costs in the Low Countries 40l. Flemish; and the pieces are current for 27s. 6d, which will give a gain of 4l. Flemish for each mark's weight so coined. (b) The coining of "Rykes Dallers" in the same way. A mark's weight of silver, 8 oz., costs there 3l. 7s. 4d. Flemish, and will make 9 43/85 Rykes Dallers, which are current there for 7s. 2d. Flemish; giving a gain of 4d. for every mark's weight so coined. (c) The coining of Henricus Nobles in the same way. 36 Nobles can be coined for a mark's weight, 8 oz., of fine gold, and are current for 25s. Flemish, giving a gain of 5l. Flemish for each mark's weight. (d) the coining of "Cnapcookes" of like fineness to those current there; 160 can be coined from a mark of coarse gold, costing 13l. 1s. 8d. Flemish, and the cnap cooke is current for 2s. Flemish, giving a gain of 2l. 18s. 4d. Flemish per mark. This plan will bring a yearly profit to the Queen of 194,320l., and may be so used that the great quantity of gold which is coined in England shall be kept within the realm.—Undated. A few notes in Burghley's hand. Endorsed:—1607. 2 pp. (124. 171.)
	The Maria of Middleburgh.
[1597.]	Proceedings on the capture of the ship Maria of Middleburgh, Christopher Cornelison, master.
	1. The ship was freighted from Middleburgh to Lisbon in Oct. 1597, with goods belonging to the Burgomaster of Flushing, part for Lisbon and the rest for Angola or Farnambock (Pernambuco) in Brazil, thence to return direct.
	2. The master was bound to touch nowhere but at Lisbon.
	3. On reaching that place he found trade and favour so altered towards those of Holland and Zealand, that he was constrained to get leave from thence to take a new freight from Lisbon to Venice, intending to return home thence and so escape the danger of the cruelty of the enemy.
	4. Therefore the said master took on board at Lisbon for the merchants hereunder named the cargo described in the bill of lading for Venice; but in her course the ship was taken by Sir John Gilbert, knight, and others and brought to Dartmouth.
	5. The proceedings against the ship and lading must be noted. For it is suspected that the master, purser, and others of the crew are detained at sea, or murdered, or in prison; for none have yet come to light here or in their own country. And in the examination before the mayor of Dartmouth one of the simple mariners said that the goods belong to Spaniards and Dutchmen denizens to the King of Spain, and three others said the like. But how these poor simple men have been dealt with either by promises or threats is referred to the experience of the daily practice in like cases; nor can they now be found.
	6. Without any perusal of letters or the bills of lading the ship was adjudged a prize without either four ordinary days of default and without knowledge by process hanging upon the Exchange.
	7. Further though the Examinations declare that the ship with 170 quintals of Farnambocke wood belong to the master and owners, yet these also are adjudged to be prize. For all which reasons the merchants challengers of the said ship are suitors to the Privy Councill for reddress. Signed John Lambrechtson, Coole. Cornelis Muencx. Doricke Claeson. Leven de Mullenaer Claese Peterson and others. No date. 2 pp. (69. 40.)
	Edward Kemish.
[1597?]	"Edward Kemish is not on the commission of the peace akin and allied to Mr. Arnold. Rice Kemish his elder brother married to a cousin german of Arnold's first wife, mother to the supposed heirs of the land. Henry Billingsley hath an extent of 400l. against John Arnold upon the lands now in question, which if it be evicted from Arnold he is sure to lose his money. William Baker an inward friend of Arnold a man and steward to the Lo. of Bergavenny cousin german to John Arnold's wife that now is."—Undated. ½ p. (99. 41.)
	Warden of the Cinque Ports.
[1597?]	Speech of a Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, on his appointment to that office by the Queen. Speaks of himself as "the fourth of my name (or family) that have borne the wardenship of the Ports."—Undated. 2 pp. (130. 115.)
	Canterbury Park.
1597.	Accounts of receipts for grass, herbage, &c., in Canterbury Park, for the years 1593 to 1597. 1 p. (132. 19.)
	Paulo Citolini to the Queen.
[Before 1598.]	Prays for a lease in reversion of 5l. per annum. Note by J. Herbert that the Queen refers the petition to the Lord Treasurer for the same to be granted. Holograph. Italian. 1 p. (2353.)
	James Sanford to Lord Burghley.
[Before 1598.]	Clarissimo viro ac domino Baroni Burgleio summo Angliæ Thesaurario. Fecit honoratum te virtus scandere culmen Et proavos æquare tuos fœliciter omnes Citsilli, æquali qui libras singula lance, Omnia qui iuxta normani moderaris honesti, Sunt tibi fortunæ dotes, sunt munera mentis Maxima, quæ dubiis viguerunt fraudibus orbis; Ipse foves Musas, sapiens, Cultiorque Minervæ, Atque tuum celsa resplendet sede Minerval; Ergo tibi maneant foelici tempora cursu, Suaviloqui et faustos pertingas Nestoris annos. Tuœ celsitudinis, Studiosissimus et obsequentissimus, Jacobus Sanford. ΠαΘη´ματα ΜαΘη´ματα.
	Lord [Burghley] to —.
[Before 1598.]	The letter which you wrote to her Majesty contained such weighty matter, as hath been thought inconvenient to be committeed to so private a man as you are, though you show yourself in this action to be of a good natural disposition to her Majesty and the greatness of this realm; and though the overtures made in the speeches used to you, by so great personages have pretence to procure a good peace betwixt the Q. Majesty and the K of Spain, yet the conditions propounded to procure the same, are of more weight than may be easily judged, whether they shall be direct means to procure or to continue this realm in peace. But if the K. of Spain be disposed to a peace with her Majesty, there may be a very ready way to a general peace for all Christendom, whereof her Majesty as a Christian prince is as desirous, as to have a particular peace for herself, who never refused to yield to peace with only reasonable assurance, whereby she may be well assured to have herself and her subjects to live in peace, without stirring of rebellions in her realm or invading of any her dominions. The like felicity she could be contented that the K of Spain should enjoy, and this is all that can be answered to your letter.—Undated. Draft, in Burghley's hand. Endorsed by Burghley:—For J ardi only. 1 p. (204. 98.)
	Rouland Petite and Others, merchants of Flushing and Middleboro, to Lord Burghley.
[Before 1598.]	For payment of 2375l. 14s. 0d. owing to them by divers captains and servitors in the Queen's garrisons of Flushing, the Brill, Bergen op Zoom, Ostend, &c.—Undated. ½ p. (1992.)
	— to Mr. Secretary [Cecil.]
[Before 1598.]	Begs for favour, his lord and master being gone, who was his only stay and countenance. Knows he has some great enemies, and few friends. Is for the present entered into this country of Scotland, where he means to remain, till he sees what success his business will have. Is not come away for papistry, for he detests the opinion; nor will he meddle in any matter of state with King or Council here. His intent is to lie quietly with honest friends, where he may hear of his business, and send his directions therein.—Undated. Draft. 1 p. (98. 54.) On the same sheet:
	The Same to the Lord Treasurer.
	To the same effect as the above.—Undated. Draft. 1 p.
[Probably before 1598.]	Certificate to the Lord Treasurer from Mr. Serjeant Spurling and Mr. Auditor Tooke, respecting a tenure for Sawells Croft, Hoddesdonbury, Herts. The petitions of Mr. Bayle and Widow Bennytt are mentioned, and terms proposed.—Undated. 1½ pp. (2161.)
	London Merchants.
[Before 1598.]	Draft of a grant to Peter Osborn and other London Merchants. Endorsed:—Mercatores Londonenses. Corrected by Burghley. Latin. 10 pp. (141. 80.)
[Before 1598.]	"De Clandestinis Nuptiis" (endorsement by Burghley). Latin. 3 pp. (140. 252.)
	Merchant Strangers.
[Eliz., before 1598.]	Monies paid by the merchant strangers to the city of London and others for scavage and licences.— Undated. ½ p. (247. 219.)
[Eliz., before 1598.]	Extracts from statutes touching the employments to be made by merchant strangers, with memorandum thereon.—Undated. Endorsed by Burghley. 2½ pp. (247. 220.)
	"Jones' Bill for the Q[ueen's] Gown."
[Before 1598.]	For makinge a hie bodyed gowne of peach collor uncutt velvett with a silver bindinge lace about and a for part and 2 paier of sleves faces collar and stomecher of lawne floryshed with gold and silver with a silver lace about them. For soinge silke and stichinge silke, 6s., for canvais and buckream to the bodyes 2s. 6d., for 16 ounces di. of silver lace with plait at 6s. 8d. oz., 5l. 10s., for bents and fustian to the sleeves 12d. for 12 yards of Towers riben 3s., for a payer of vardingall sleves of holland cloth bented with whalsbone and covered with riben, 13s. 4d., payed for perfuminge the gowne and the kertell, 40s. Somm ys. 8l. 15s. 10d.—Undated. Endorsed by Burghley as above. ½ p. (186. 71.)
	The Concealment of Wards.
[Before 1598 ?]	Contains criticisms and suggestions with regard to a book on the matter. The book is to be amended: the knowledge of some other officers is wanted to inform your L. [Burghley?] more, and then the Queen's learned counsel to peruse the book.—Undated. 1 p. (2405.)
	Order of the Garter.
[Before 1598.]	(1.) Names of the first founders of the Garter, and of those who have taken their places. French. Endorsed by Burghley: "Premiers fondeurs du Gartier a manu sinistra" 1¼ p. (142. 43.)
	(2.) Names of the first founders of the order of the Garter, and of their successors therein.—Undated. Endorsed by Burghley. (210. 18.) 3 sheets.
	(3.) A book of the ancient orders for the Knights of the Garter and all other things thereto belonging, together with all the names of the knights from the institution thereof to Lord Burghley's time. 48 pp. (295. 3.)
	Plans.
[Before 1598.]	(1.) Plan of Eltham House, Kent. Endorsed by Burghley. 1 sheet. Maps 1. 5.
	(2.) Plan of house in form of a cross. Plan endorsed by Lord Burghley "A plat how to make a house in form of a cross," with indications of various rooms, &c. in his hand.—Undated. Parchment. Maps, 1. 7.
	(3.) A similar plan to the above. Parchment. Maps 1. 8.
	(4.) "The ground plan of Creechurch." Contains the monastery, chapel, grounds, and adjacent buildings belonging to Christ Church, Aldgate. By J. Symans. —Undated. Endorsed: Description of the Duke's place near Aldgate. 1 sheet. Maps 1. 10.
	(5.) The second story of the same. By J. Symans.— Undated. Endorsed by Burghley: L. Tho. Haward. 1 sheet. Maps 1. 19.
	(6.) Birdseye view of the Escurial, shown in course of building. —Undated. Endorsed by Burghley: The K. of Spain's house. 1 sheet. Maps 1. 13.
	(7.) Two plans of fortifications.—Undated. Endorsed by Burghley: Barwyk. 2 sheets. Maps 1. 27, & 2. 29 & 30.
	(8.) Plan of Berwick by [Rowland Johnson]—Undated. Endorsed by Burghley. 1 sheet.
	(9.) Plan of Portsmouth, "with two new devices to lessen the town."—Undated. Endorsed by Burghley. Vellum. Maps 1. 31.
	(10.) Plan of Sandgate Castle, with sketch of Folkestone, Shorrencliff, Hethe &c., coloured.—Undated. Endorsed by Lord Burghley. 1 sheet. Maps 1. 38.
	Berkshire.
[Before 1598.]	The hundreds in Berk. with their divisions. Endorsed in a very modern hand:—"Before 1598." Mutilated. 2 pp. (139. 100.)
	Suffolk.
[Before 1598.]	Lists of names of persons with their habitations, distinguishing knights, esquires and gentlemen, in the hundreds of Risbridge, Baber, Cosford, Thingo, Lackford, Blackborne, and Thedwastre; town of Bury; and hundreds of Samford, Hartesmore, Stowe, Bosmare and Claydon, Hockson, Plumbesgate, Thredlinge, Wilford, Loods, Colneis, Blithinge, Wangford, Lothinglande cum Mutford, and Carleford. Short annotations in Lord Burghley's hand. Unsigned. Undated. 9 pp. (139. 214.)
	Lincolnshire.
[Before 1598.]	The names of all the lords and freeholders in every town within the wapentakes of Gartere, Bragge, Candless, Soke of Bullingbrowe (Lincolnshire).—Undated. 12 pp. much damaged. (218. 2.)