Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 15, 1603. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1930.
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'Cecil Papers: December 1603, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 15, 1603, ed. M S Giuseppi (London, 1930), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol15/pp303-325 [accessed 3 April 2025].
'Cecil Papers: December 1603, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 15, 1603. Edited by M S Giuseppi (London, 1930), British History Online, accessed April 3, 2025, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol15/pp303-325.
"Cecil Papers: December 1603, 1-15". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 15, 1603. Ed. M S Giuseppi (London, 1930), British History Online. Web. 3 April 2025. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol15/pp303-325.
December 1603, 1-15
| Sir G. Harvy, Lieutenant of the Tower, to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 2. |
On Sunday last, 27 November, I wrote to your
lordship by the common post, and certified that on 20 Nov.
I delivered my son unto Sir William Godolphin, who had warrant
to bring him before you, the cause at that time being utterly
unknown to me. Since which time I hear that he is accused to
be a referendary betwixt my Lord Cobham and Sir Wa. Ralegh,
wherewith as I was never acquainted, so will I not nor can make
any apology for him. Only it is a grief (the greatest that ever
happened to me) that, within my charge, my own son should
so mightily wrong me or hurt himself. If he had made it
known to me I would assuredly have made use of it for his
Majesty's service to the credit of him and myself; which I think
was feared, and therefore the matter concealed from me. It
is no strange thing with gifts and other allurements to entrap
a wiser man than my son; and yet I have some hope that,
without any conceit of disloyalty to his Majesty, he only yielded
being importuned to satisfy his friend, neither discerning his
own danger nor the wrong done to me. Wherein, as his
simpleness is manifest, so do I trust your lordships will take
commiseration thereof and of his youth and ignorance which
are the cause of his fall.—From the Tower, 2 Dec., 1603. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (102. 44.) |
| Dr. John Harmer, Warden of Winchester, to the Same. | |
| 1603, Dec. 2. |
I could not but out of a Christian zeal inform
you what a comfortable change the God of all spirits hath
wrought by His own mighty power and my mean ministry
in the Lord Cobham; for after he had (at my first aboarding
of him for his last spiritual comfort, by warrant of the Council)
poured out into my bosom, not without a stream of salt tears,
his bitter moans how miserably he was ruined by the lewd
complotments of an unnatural brother and a treacherous
friend—they are his own terms—and rent his heart with mourning for harbouring therein, on discontentments held, he
confessed, weakly by himself but strongly revived by others—
a disloyal thought against his most kind and gracious sovereign
(for which he cried on bended knee God and him mercy), he
meekly acknowledged the justice of God, Who by the equity
of man's law had brought upon him the punishment of his former
sins. Since which time by my daily conference with him he
hath grown into a Christian resolution of enduring this affliction
unto the end. Notwithstanding, I may not dissemble but
that out of common frailty he desireth rather to prolong his
affliction by life than to end it by death; in which desire out
of Christian commiseration he hath, I must confess, myself
inwardly—though openly I arm him to the contrary—a companion, which maketh me beg your continual mediation towards
the King for his life. You shall win a brother in affinity to go
beyond a natural brother in affection when he findeth that as you
hate his fault (which with incredible vigilancy for the safety of
his Majesty's person you have painfully detected) so you love
his person and tender his life. I again entreat you to mediate
favour for his life by his Majesty.—Winton College, 2 Dec. Signed. Endorsed: "1603." 1 p. (102. 45.) |
| Sir Benjamin Tichborne to the Privy Council. | |
| 1603, Dec. 3. | I received your letter together with his Majesty's writ this last night between one and two o'clock in the morning, in which you have made no mention where the body of the said Mr. [George] Brooke or any part thereof shall be bestowed, whether it shall be buried or not, or by whom it shall be buried or otherwise bestowed, or whether there shall be any scaffold builded for his execution: all which I entreat you to direct me in, for that I am altogether ignorant in the execution of these or the like offices. Sir Walter Ralegh hath been very importunate with me twice or thrice since your departure from hence to put you in mind of his request that you would permit his wife and some others to have access unto him, who are to be accountant to the value of 50,000l. (as he saith) and to whom he hath passed certain leases in trust. Besides (as he saith) he is indebted to many, and that he supposeth many will challenge debts to whom nothing is due.—Winchester Castle, 3 Dec. 1603. |
|
PS.—I have of my own accord appointed a scaffold to be
made, for that I have learned by some who are better experienced
than myself that some such building hath been always used
in the like cases. Signed. Seal broken. 1 p. (102. 46.) |
|
| The Bishop of Chichester to the Earl of Suffolk, the Earl of Devonshire, Lord Henry Howard and Lord Cecil. | |
| [1603], Dec. 3. |
Conferring my private instructions with the
contents of Sir Benjamin's letter, and finding that I am now
directed to confer with George Brooke and the Lord Cobham,
and likewise that my Lord of Winchester is appointed to resort
to the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh (no mention being
made of the Lord Gray), I conceive that there may be an error
in the naming of my Lord Cobham the second time, which I am
bold to signify, and am now entering the duty that was enjoined.
—The Castle at Winchester, Dec. 3. Holograph. Signed: Antho. Cicestren. Endorsed "1603." ½ p. (187. 129.) |
| Sir Benjamin Ticheborne to the Earl of Suffolk, the Earl of Devonshire, Lord Henry Howard, Lord Cecil, Lord Wootton and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain. | |
| 1603, Dec. 4. |
I received the enclosed letter from the Bishop
of Winchester this day, after he had conferred with Lord
Cobham.—Winchester Castle, 4 Dec., 1603. Holograph.—½ p. (187. 130.) |
| The Bishop of Winchester to the Privy Council. | |
| [1603], Dec. 4. |
After my dispatch of my second letter to you
touching the contradictions betwixt Sir Walter Ralegh and Lord
Cobham; I questioning with the Lord Cobham more particularly
about the two points so earnestly denied by Sir Walter, found
that Lord Cobham's meaning was to continue the justification
of the later point touching foreign forces to be landed at
Milford Haven, and the rest of the things confessed by him at
his arraignment, which he deeply taketh God to witness to be
most true. And for the other point of bringing money to Jersey,
he prayed his former confession made before some of your
lordships to be taken for the very truth.—From the Castle of
Winton, 4 Dec. Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." Seal. 2/3 p. (102. 47.) |
| [The Privy Council] to Sir Benjamin Tichborne. | |
| [1603, Dec. 4.] |
We have showed the King your letters, and
he has read that of Sir W. Ralegh's without superscription
every word. He shall hear answer by Shelbury what shall be
done for Heriot's coming about his accounts. You may please
to bury Mr. G. Brooke privately in some church; and for a
scaffold, he must have one. There shall be no need of any new
questions to be asked at his death, for all is known and it will
be pity to trouble him at that time but with the best preparation
for his soul. Draft by Cecil. Endorsed: "Minute to Sir Benjamin Titchbourne, 4 Dec. 1603." 1 p. (102. 48.) [Printed in extenso in Edwards, Life of Ralegh, ii, 465.] |
| Sir Benjamin Tichborne to the Earl of Suffolk and the other Commissioners. | |
| 1603, Dec. 4. |
The letters which I send you here enclosed
are the letters of the lord bishop of Winchester and the lord
bishop of Chichester, having not as yet received advertisement
from your lordships what shall become of the body of Mr.
Brooke after his execution which I desire his Majesty's pleasure
and yours therein.—From the Castle at Winchester, 4 Dec., 1603. Holograph. Two Seals. ⅓ p. (102. 50.) |
| The Bishop of Chichester to the Earls of Suffolk and Devonshire, Lord Henry Howard and Lord Cecil. | |
| [1603], Dec. 4. |
Upon Mr. Brook's preparation for the communion, I urged again that speech for the fox and his cubs,
which now he absolutely denies, saying that he would not
swear that my Lord Cobham ever uttered them. Somewhat was
spoken to like sense as he doubtfully alleges. If there remain
any doubt he professes his readiness fully to satisfy the King
or your lordships.—From the Castle at Winchester, Dec. 4. Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." ½ p. (102. 49.) [Printed in extenso in Edwards, Life of Ralegh, ii, 466.] |
| The Bishop of Winchester to the Privy Council. | |
| [1603], Dec. 4. |
Upon notice of his Majesty's pleasure intimated
by your letters I did with as much speed as I could, being not
well when I received your letters, repair to the place and prisoners
mentioned; and not finding any farther instructions sent by
my lord of Chichester than were expressed in my letters, I did the
same afternoon that the messenger was with me, being Saturday,
deal as well with Sir Walter Ralegh as the Lord Cobham, both
touching their readiness to die when and as soon as the King's
pleasure should be signified, as also for the reconciling of their
contrary confessions and denials. I found in either of them a
lingering expectation of life and busy inquisition what certainty
I had of their deaths. I answered as became me in duty, that
though I know nothing of that which it pleased his Majesty
to keep secret to himself, I thought it best for them to lay aside
looking for life and earnestly to attend that which most would,
and shortly might, concern them. I find Sir Walter this
present Sunday confessing that I say to be true, and wishing
he could as readily impress it in his heart as I express it with
my mouth; so that willing he would see me, but pretendeth
or findeth a dullness or coldness to receive that comfort which I
offer him. Touching their confessions, I have not omitted to
charge Sir Walter how constantly and sacredly the Lord Cobham
avoucheth his accusation to be true against Sir Walter, which he
will take his death to be sincere, and no way false or malicious;
and Sir Walter, with as great show of sincerity for any evil
meaning against the King, offereth to gage his life with the denial
of all save giving patient ear to the Lord Cobham's unwise
and lavish projects. Whereto they will by God's grace and
remembrance of their duties be brought in the end I cannot yet
conjecture, but there shall want no care in me to do my best
endeavour. And because neither my body is strong nor myself
at this time in state of health sufficient to follow these things
as I would, may it please you to like that when I am weary I
may leave some one of my chaplains of good parts, and specially
bound to the King for his private favour in bestowing the mastership of St. Cross on him, called Mr. Arthur Lakes, to ripen
those needful points of Christian repentance that I propose to
Sir Walter. For it is somewhat expedient that no man meddle
with him but such as will follow the course observed by me,
and make careful report unto me what is wanting or worthy
of more diligent pursuit to be persuaded.—From the Castle of
Winchester this present Sunday, 4 Dec. Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." Seal. 1½ pp. (102. 51.) |
| Sir Benjamin Ticheborne to the Earl of Suffolk, the Earl of Devonshire, Lord Henry Howard, Lord Cecil, Lord Wootton, and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain. | |
| 1603, Dec. 4. |
Whereas you gave allowance to the bearer
Mr. Shelburye to have access to Sir Walter Ralegh, and to
confer with him about certain accounts, Mr. Shelburye has
done so, and Sir Walter delivered these enclosed accounts to me,
justifying the same to be true.—Winchester Castle, 4 Dec., 1603. Holograph. 1 p. (187. 131.) |
| The Mayor and Jurats of Sandwich to Sir Thomas Fane, Lieutenant of Dover Castle. | |
| 1603, Dec. 5. |
Contrary to our late Lord Warden's orders
set down, approved and allowed by the late Queen's Privy
Council, which it pleased our then Lord Warden to entreat
you and Mr. John Boyes to be present at the publication of to
this disordered people; this day of the election of mayor the
popular commonalty have, volens nolens, chosen John Verrall
to be their mayor, commanding the common wardsman to give
him his oath, and we with many of the common council and
others have chosen according to the orders set down (which
by decree of a whole consent was made perpetual) Mr. Richardson
our mayor. The particulars of this disorderly proceeding, with
the motives and causers thereof, it were too tedious a discourse
to put in writing, referring the true report to the bringers hereof,
whom we have appointed to solicit for reformation of these
insolencies. We entreat your accustomed favour in your best
advice and help to suppress these bold attempts.—Sandwich,
5 Dec. 1603. Ten Signatures. ½ p. (102. 52.) |
| The Same to Lord Cecil, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. | |
| 1603, Dec. 6. |
About 8 years since William, Lord Cobham,
Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, foreseeing disorders in Sandwich about the election of the Treasurers and other officers there
by the insolent behaviours of the meaner sort of the commoners,
suspended them from their voices in the elections and other
public affairs of that town. After his decease Henry, Lord Cobham, his son, late Lord Warden, upon their submission, revoked
their suspension and set down other orders for the good government of the town, wherewith he acquainted her Majesty's then
Privy Council and had their approbation. Of late upon the day
whereon we have anciently accustomed to assemble for the
election of our mayor, we the mayor and jurats endeavouring
to continue the observation of the said orders which by a general
decree at a common were made perpetual, were disturbed by
the mutinous opposition of divers disordered persons, sailors
and others of the meaner sort, who in contempt of the former
orders and not without opprobious terms against the late
Lord Warden, have combined and de facto elected a man in our
common reputation disabled and in the said orders expressly
exempted by reason of bloodshed to be mayor. He, to the
disturbance of our common quiet, proceedeth very unduly
in the execution of the office, and endeavoureth to restrain the
authority of another whom we have according to those orders
elected and sworn. We beseech you to set an order for the
pacifying of these tumults. The bearers will deliver you a
thorough understanding of the whole course they held in that
action.—Sandwich, 6 Dec., 1603. Ten signatures. 1¼ pp. (102. 53.) |
| The Bishop of Winchester to the Privy Council. | |
| 1603, Dec. 6. | According to your Christian care and appointment I have left Mr. Harmar to attend the Lord Cobham, and two others of good gifts and gravity to perform the like office to Sir Walter Ralegh and Sir Griffin Markham. For Sir Griffin Markham I took the more care because I doubted his backwardness in religion; but upon conference with him (as the time would permit) I found him otherwise affected than I supposed. My access to them breedeth a farther suspicion in them than my words any way express; and though I have been content to show them my letters of direction from your lordships, to decrease that fear that my coming unto them is mortal, yet they cease not to suspect that my presence "abodeth" their death. I confess I have earnestly exhorted them so to prepare themselves as if they did look for their passage out of this life, since the whole now lay in the King's breast, whose heart is in God's hand. If life did come above their expectance, this yielding themselves into God's hands, with a serious meditation of the life to come and a resolute renouncing of this world, would make them the better Christians so long as they lived. I have as the time would permit entered into all their consciences, and directed them their duties to God and the King. |
|
Your favourable respecting of my crazedness I most humbly
thank you for, and think that my absence will keep them in
some more quietness till his Majesty declare his will, since they
so much misdoubt my presence to be the presage of their imminent danger.—From the Castle of Winchester, 6 Dec., 1603. Holograph. 1⅓ pp. (102. 54.) |
|
| The Bishop of Chichester to the Earls of Suffolk and Devonshire, Lord Henry Howard and Lord Cecil. | |
| [1603], Dec. 6. |
On Sunday before evening prayer I made the
last motion to Mr. Brooke concerning words uttered against
Sir George Carew and Sir Henry Brunkard. His very answer
was this: It's a jest; I never spake of them but by supposition
that if anything were attempted for the Lady Arbella, Sir George
Carew and Sir Henry Brunkard were like to know it. And
further he could not say anything against them. The next
morning I came again to pray with him and followed him to the
scaffold, where he suffered at the time appointed; which I
presume has restored me to my former liberty and duties.—
At Winchester, Dec. 6. Holograph. Endorsed: "1603." Seal. ½ p. (102. 55.) [Printed in extenso in Edwards, Life of Ralegh, ii, 467.] |
| Lord Cobham to the Earl of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain, Earl of Devonshire, Lords Henry Howard and Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 6. |
Whatsoever is determined duty and conscience
doth bind me to obey; and whatsoever his Majesty shall
determine, be it to have the sentence of justice performed with
patience, I will embrace it, be it for mercy, with comfort I shall
receive it, and the life he shall give me shall no longer be mine
than it be preserved to do his Majesty service to make amends
for my fault; for to live and not to hope to repair the fault
I have committed I would refuse it if it were in my power to
accept it, so the success hereof I leave to God and his Majesty's
pleasure, hoping you will be mindful of me your poor friend to
solicit his Majesty for mercy. And now I may say with
advantage seeing conscience moved my brother to free me of
those unworthy speeches I should speak of the King and his
royal issue, which the Lord knoweth how innocent I was; and
though I die yet the more with peace I shall go to my grave,
being freed of so false and hateful an imputation. For my
fault no man is or can be more penitent than myself, though to
take it in a higher degree than by me was committed I should
do myself too great wrong; for my fault truly was but a conceit, and in myself corrected, the very thought clean gone from
me. This to your honours I confessed and by law this my
confession is treason. I humbly pray that I may be permitted
to write private letters to some of my friends, as namely to you
my Lord of Suffolk, my Lord Cecil, and to my poor wife, to Sir
John Leveson and some of my servants; which letters you shall
have sent unto you unsealed that you may see what I have
written. I would be glad to have that favour which hath been
yielded unto others, that I might speak with some of my private
friends. I shall die neither speaking with them nor seeing of
them; and to deal plainly with you, though I never opened my
heart so far, you my Lord of Suffolk and my Lord Cecil be the
only men I would speak withal upon my salvation, not to trouble
you nor to move you for my life, but as to my inward friends
to have discharged my conscience. I cannot but think if the
King did know my desire, out of his favour he would permit
you to yield me this comfort. From the first time of my
imprisonment unto this day I never had but my servants repair
unto me [or] anything yielded unto me that I was a suitor for.
The Bishop of Winchester hath been with me, by whom I understand that my days shall not be many; therefore my lords
myself I recommend unto you, praying you to pray unto God
for me. Patiently and in fear of God I will end my life. Excuse
my scribbled lines, good pen, ink, nor paper I cannot get.—From
Winchester Castle, 6 Dec. 1603, "not worthy to be a servant
unto your honours, much less a friend, Henry Brooke." Holograph. Seal. 3 pp. (102. 56.) |
| Gawen Harvy to the Privy Council. | |
| 1603, Dec. 6. |
This being my first imprisonment it takes
greater impression in me than your lordships imagine. What
weakness it has brought me unto my keeper can best witness.
I know you take no pleasure in the ruin of a young gentleman;
if I stay but one month in prison my heart will be withered
with grief. Could I have accused myself that I had deserved
this punishment, it is likely I would not have been found to be
now in Winchester. Such was my ignorance, or supposed
innocency, that I thought I had not offended. God bless the
next lord that shall be prisoner in the Tower, for cold walls
will be his comfort since this is the fruits of courtesy. I appeal
to your lordships whether any man living being in my case
could have done less for him which had given me his niece, a
handsome young gentlewoman, for a wife, that would be worth
to me 10,000l. in portion. He that had done me this favour
could never procure me to carry a letter or consent to anything
which I thought dishonest. I could allege many reasons that
I did not anything for affection to Sir Walter Ralegh, for he never
gave me cause to love him, and until he came into the Tower I
never ate with him or had any familiarity with him. He never
did me courtesy in all his life, unless I should love him for starving
me in his Guiana journey and sending me home afoot without
money in my purse when we landed in the west country; he
never gave me cause to affect him. Besides to show that since
his imprisonment I have been wary what I said to him, your
lordships know I have concealed many things from him, which
though they were not very material, yet such as he would have
made use of and been glad to have known. It may be you think
I can reveal matters of great consequence. I protest before
God I cannot, only this is the sum of all I can say, that the Lord
Cobham many times with tears would complain unto me that
the ladies in Court loved him not, who had they been his friends
he was sure to have found more comforts in his affliction. To
avoid tediousness I entreat you to grant me two requests; the
one, that my errors may not make you conceive an evil opinion
of my father, or give him any distaste who is both honest and
careful in his place. I know that by Sir Walter Ralegh's importunity wanting one to look to such necessaries as he carried
with him to Winchester, my father was persuaded to let Cottrell
go along, who thought him to be as trusty as any man he had,
neither had I reason to mistrust him (before my last going into
the country) but that I saw him make new clothes apace, and
that he was Sir John Peyton's man. My other suit, is that you
will send a warrant for my freedom: all the punishment that
can be inflicted on me can work no greater sorrowing for my
offence than the imprisonment I have suffered. If ever your
lordships find me to bear another part in a tragedy let no compassion be taken of me. Since it was the pleasure of God to
lay this affliction upon me, I hope to make such use thereof that
in the course of my life hereafter it shall prevent a greater
inconvenience that through my youth I might have run into.
—From Winchester's cold walls, 6 Dec., 1603. Holograph. Seal. 1¼ pp. (102. 58.) |
| Sir Griffin Markham to Lord Cecil. | |
| [1603, Dec. 6.] | I have by your means received many favours, which my misfortune and misery would never give me leave with thankfulness to acknowledge. I fear an intention of my death, by reason of my lord bishop's coming to summon me to a preparation. I began to hope of life, my conscience encouraged me, being all my life a hater of bloody actions, that I should not die a shameful death. My true hearty repentance, free confession, and zealous contrition fortified me something in that opinion; and if his Majesty did but know the inwardness of my heart and infinite sorrow for my fault he would be merciful. Good my lord, plead for mercy for me; I hold myself bound in conscience to sue for it, and as much bound in conscience to deserve it. I fear two causes may hasten my death, opinion of religion and a ruined estate. The first I will leave to my lord bishop's relation; for the second I make no doubt but by his Majesty's justice my father's estate will be so relieved as to leave me 800l. yearly, and in good faith my mortified spirit now could live well with the eighth part of it. |
|
If you be pleased to press your credit for a poor distressed
man that from the beginning still put himself to the King's
mercy I will content myself willingly with any course of life
till opportunity give me some happy means to redeem my fault.
If it please God and his Majesty to grant me life, I hope if ever
his Majesty have cause to command me I shall not prove his
most unprofitable or unworthy subject.—Winchester, this
Tuesday. Signed. Endorsed: "1603." 1½ pp. (102. 59.) |
|
| Sir Griffin Markham to "the Lords Commissioners for our unfortunate action." | |
| [1603, Dec. 6.] | This day my lord bishop of this place came to visit me assigned by you to wish me to prepare for the worst. His grave exhortations have been very comfortable, and by his assignment I have received one to second what he hath begun. This gracious humour of his Majesty's to give us time and spiritual counsel will as much eternise his fame as his mercy, if he should please to show it. I hope my prayers for his prosperous reign during my life, and my death by his justice will fully expiate my fault if it please him so to doom it. If it be held fit that we must die, it will be in vain for me to labour to divert it; only I desire to repeat something to extenuate and if it may be to expiate my fault. I first confess error of judgment led by a deceiving devil brought me into this fault, discontent wrought me to hearken to the first. The mist being taken from my eyes and my judgment recalled I then strive to right what I had wronged. It is fit for me to humbly beg life, and I beg it not to live so much for anything as to redeem my fault. If I might by your mediations receive his Majesty's pardon, my true obedience in all things, my faithful service in all hazards should show I desired to redeem my life.—Winchester, this Tuesday night. |
|
PS.—I beseech you give leave with some time to one of my
father's men to come to me, that I may dispose of his estate
which hath been managed by me these two years and is very
intricate and will something touch my conscience. Signed. Endorsed: "1603." 1½ pp. (102. 60.) |
|
| Lord Chancellor Ellesmere to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 6. | According to the three warrants he received from Cecil, he has caused three writs to be made, which he sends herewith. The sheriff's patents are now daily called for, but, upon the speech he had with Cecil, he means to stay the patent for the sheriff of Southampton, in respect of these present services, till he receives further direction, which he begs to have, so that the new sheriff may attend the general service of the county.—Harfelde, Tuesday 6 Dec., 1603. |
|
PS.—The writs are made according to the usual form, Quod
statim visis praesentibus, the sheriff is to do execution, and
therefore in some letter to him the time is more specially to be
assigned as he signified in G. Broke's case. The place assigned
in the writs is the Green in the Castle at Winchester, as it was
for G. Broke. Holograph. 1 p. (187. 132.) |
|
| Sir Benjamin Ticheborne to the Earl of Suffolk, the Earl of Devonshire, Lord Henry Howard, Lord Cecil, Lord Wootton, and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain. | |
| 1603, Dec. 7. | It appears from your letter that you have not received from me answer of your letter of the 5th inst. of receipt of which I advertised you on this 7th inst., and delivered the same to the post before 7 o'clock in the morning, with a letter of the Bishop of Winchester, and other letters. I have made all things ready according to your directions, viz., a scaffold of 12 foot square, railed about. I also received a letter from you this 7th at 7 at night, and three writs in a box fast sealed, all which shall be proceeded in according to command.—Winchester Castle, 7 Dec., 1603. |
|
PS.—The said writs concern the Lord Cobham, Lord Gray,
and Sir Griffin Markham. Holograph. 1 p. (187. 133.) |
|
| Sir G. Harvy to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 7. |
He has used his best endeavour to discharge
his duty in this place of Lieutenancy. There never was
lieutenant that entered in a more dangerous time, nor upon
more dangerous prisoners than he. In the first, God has most
miraculously preserved him and his family; and in the second,
God has so directed him that beyond all expectation he has
both safely kept and safely delivered the prisoners to the due
course of law. But all his endeavours are blotted out by an
undeserved imputation laid on him for intelligences given to the
prisoners; which as the wit of man could not prevent, so he
desires to give full satisfaction to the Council therein. Prays
them to hold him sincere till he be heard; and upon his clearing
they will find that he is most willing to leave this place, so it
be not with disgrace.—The Tower, 7 Dec., 1603. Holograph. 1 p. (187. 134.) |
| Frances, Countess of Kildare, to the Privy Council. | |
| [1603], Dec. 7. |
I humbly beseech your Lordships that you
will signify to the King that my dear Lord this day received
the sacrament, and vowed he never meant ill to the King or his
children; and the sheriff and the warden witness how he prays
for the King and his posterity, and with his heart repents that
ever he offended his Majesty, and humbly submits himself to his
mercy. For God's sake move the King to pity. For my Lord
was drawn to this by Sir Walter Ralegh, as his own confession
to the sheriff of some particulars shows. My Lord did at the
sacrament affirm all to be true that he had charged him withal,
and will die with the truth as he affirms afore these witnesses.
—7 Dec. Holograph. Signed by Ben. Ticheborne and Jo. Harmer as witnesses. Endorsed: "La. Kildare. 1603." 1 p. (187. 135). |
| Lord Treasurer Buckhurst to Lord Cecil. | |
| [1603, Dec. 8.] |
I came to Horseley on Monday night late and
presently wrote to Mr. Auditor Gofton to repair to me the next
day, and bring with him the establishment of Berwick. But
his book being like mine at London, he could not come till the
next day, when upon conference we set down a form of an
establishment herein enclosed. If any error be committed
you may alter as you find cause. In this establishment I find
it most necessary that there be a paymaster, and he to pay
by the poll, whereby as they shall fortune to die the King may
be eased of such fees and pensions as are allowed to them. Because the sum payable rises to 3581l. 16s. 8d. yearly, which by
the receiver of Yorkshire is most fit to be paid, for which he is to
have by his patent portage which comes to 36l. yearly; and
Berwick being far from York and his journey thither with his men
at Christmas and Midsummer will be chargeable to him, I think
it reasonable he have a fee of 100 marks yearly or of somewhat
more if that will not content him. Therein upon conference
with him I will make a reasonable agreement. The authority
to make him such an allowance must be done by the King's
letter to me to take order with Thomas Skidmer, one of the
receivers of Yorkshire, for the payment of this new establishment by the poll, and as they fortune to die to restrain the
payments accordingly. Likewise at Christmas an exact muster
should be taken and the names of all these to whom pensions
and payments are allowed and this register delivered to the
receiver as his warrant to pay by, and in the letter to me there
must be a clause directing the receiver's payments by the poll
according to the said muster. There must be — parts of this
establishment, one for the Checquer, one for the receiver as
paymaster, and one for your lordship if you will. Holograph. Endorsed: "1603, 8 (written over 7) Dec." Seal. 2 pp. (102. 63.) |
| Sir Griffin Markham to the King. | |
| 1603, Dec. 9. | Most Sacred Sovereign, I know not how it shall be possible for so unworthy a creature to express thankfulness sufficient for so admirable grace. I have this day had a sensible feeling by your Sacred Majesty's justice and mercy of two several passions in one instant, the lesser of both able to distract a more able mind than it hath pleased God to indue me with. But if I shall sincerely speak what in my heart I find, I find the latter more great than the first. |
| To give life to despair is infinite mercy, though with suit, yea great and humble suit, but to raise from death to life, or at least from so great a mortification and preparedness to die, only out of true mercy and infinite virtue must needs argue a most divine instinct. This one act shows your Majesty to be fully complete with all virtues; it is a most true argument of divine and moral knowledge, a true demonstration of an admirable merciful disposition. These virtues in equality breed both admiration and love, but from so gracious and worthy a prince, sensibly to feel the benefit of these virtues to be relieved and revived by them, what spirit can be so ignoble as not ever in all humility and loyalty to be thankful. | |
| Dread Sovereign, from that comes my second distraction to know the means to merit this grace, and I see no means unless it shall please your Majesty, as by this merciful act you have prolonged my execution, to give me opportunity to redeem my fault, wherein if I had 1,000 lives I would hold them meritoriously sacrificed in your royal service. | |
| Charles the Fifth, at his first entrance into Spain, had the like accident among his subjects, and by his merciful proceeding so won their hearts as none served in his German wars with so great zeal. | |
| I most humbly beseech your Majesty to persist in your merciful disposition. If I be so fortunate as to be held worthy of any employment, I will hate my given life if any man show more zeal in the service of his sovereign than I. | |
|
Sacred Sovereign, as you have begun a merciful course, I
humbly beseech your Majesty to persist with true commiseration to confirm it. And I call that God to witness by whom
ere this I expected to have been judged, that I will with true
obedience and loyalty sacrifice my life to deserve it.—
Winchester, Dec. 9, 1603. Holograph. 2 pp. (96. 98.) |
|
| Lords Cobham and Grey. | |
| 1603, Dec. 9. |
"A true copy of his Majesty's warrant written
with his own hand, and directed to the high sheriff of Hampshire,
for stay of the execution of the late Lord Cobham, Lord Grey,
and Sir Griffin Markham, at Winchester the 9th of December,
1603." 1 p. (102. 62.) |
| Sir Walter Ralegh to Lady Ralegh. | |
| [1603, before Dec. 10.] |
A letter of farewell. Seeing it is not
the will of God that he shall see her any more let her bear his
destruction patiently. By her travail let her seek to help her
miserable fortune and the right of her poor child: her mourning
cannot avail him that is dead. His lands were conveyed,
bona fide, to his child; the writings were drawn at Midsummer
twelvemonth. Knows not to what friend to direct her for all
his have left him in the true time of trial. Is sorry that being
thus surprised by death he can leave her no better estate. He
meant her all his office of wines or what he could make by selling
it, half his stuff and half his jewels and some few for the boy.
God has prevented all his determinations but if she can live
free from want let her care for no more, for the rest is but vanity.
Baylie owes him 1,000l., Arian 600l. In Jernsy (sic) also he
has much owing him. The arrearages of the wines will pay her
debts. Does not speak to dissuade her from marriage. He
sued for his life, but God knows that it was for her and hers
he desired it. Her son is the child of a true man who in his
own respect despises death and all his misshapen and ugly
fortunes. Let her beg his dead body and either lay it in
Sherborne or Exeter church by his father and mother.—Undated. Copy. Endorsed: "1603." 1½ pp. (102. 19.) |
| [Printed in extenso in Edwards, Life of Ralegh, ii, 284. Another copy is in S.P.D., Jas. I, xevi, 71.] | |
| Sir William Waad to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 10. |
Being informed that a good quantity of the
butter cast away in the Cherubim of London by Captain Wood
for the forces in Munster, was taken on land on the coast of Kent,
I advertised my lord Treasurer thereof and made a warrant
for its recovery which he has signed and desires may be signed
by the rest of your lordships; the loss of which victuals will
light upon his Majesty. At the same time I advertised his lordship I understood the captains of the Brill took exceptions to
the apparel, and have refused the same at the delivery, and sent
one over to Sir Francis Vere, hoping thereby to alter that course;
a thing they have heretofore attempted, and as Mr. Thorisby
tells me two years since the captains caused half a score of
the tallest soldiers in the garrison to put on the clothes of
the shortest scantling to discredit them. At this time your
lordship knows how dangerous it was to view the apparel made
in so many places in London and the suburbs. Therefore I
only can say, that such of my folks as saw the packing of it up
(who see every parcel) affirm the same was suitable to the
patterns; and your lordship remembers that when you with
the other lords viewed the same, you took order no apparel at
all should be made of the least size. Nevertheless if there have
any defect happened the merchants must be answerable for it.
My lord Treasurer wished me to acquaint you with thus much,
to the end that if any complaint be offered to his Majesty you
may answer the same as you shall think most convenient for
his Majesty's service. I send herewith the warrant for the
recovery of the butter cast on land in Kent.—From my house at
Hampstead, 10 Dec. 1603. Signed. Seal. 1 p. (102. 64.) |
| Lord Grey to the Same. | |
| [1603, c. Dec. 10.] |
This to the King I recommend humbly
to your favour. You see I am too low brought to beg even
what is dearer than life, no, not of my King. Yet if I receive
I will not lay it up in the napkin; nor if I receive not, complain,
for it is lawful to do with his own as he will. Of your lordships
now run I greatest trial; and wish you many, many friends
as faithful to you as I was, and may live to approve.—Undated. Holograph. 1 p. (102. 65.) |
| Lord Grey to the King. | |
| [1603, c. Dec. 10.] |
Earth can yield me no comfort in your
Majesty's disfavour. If my blood can only propitiate, mercy
were cruelty, but if life may recover me, what it can lies full of
zeal prostrate at your feet. For me now to beg were base, for
your Majesty to give freely most royal. Mine honour, my name
are dearer than life; if you please to preserve them clear I
owe you more than for my life: if tainted, I can only pray for
you which I will faithfully.—Undated. Holograph. 1 p. (102. 66.) |
| George Bowes to the Earl of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain. | |
| 1603, Dec. 10. | I have received your letter sent by Mr. Bulmer, hoping my letters dated 12 and 15 November at Carlisle are delivered to you. Mr. Bulmer hath now repaired two places where he formerly got gold by washing, in both which places Sir Alexander Neper, l[aird] of Markeston, and myself have seen about twenty trays washed, in one only whereof there was no gold, the rest containing six hundred pieces not weighing one quarter of an ounce; but he expecteth more plentiful getting of gold by washing when weather serveth. Within twenty days of our attendance here we have had but five meet for washing or that we could travel into the mountains, being hindered by frost and snow. There are four waters issuing out of one ridge of mountains, along every of which waters great works have been made in washing of gold, in one but for two miles, in the rest more than three miles; into which waters other less springs run from the clewghes and gills, where hath been likewise great working; so as if 40,000l. and much more should be husbandly bestowed the like works could not be now wrought, which as I am informed have been wrought in less than forty years' time at the adventure of poor inhabitants and such like as have bestowed their travails to wash for gold which they then sold for 10s. the ounce. But for these last forty years these works have been but little wrought. |
| In cleansing and preparing the earth for the gold washing I am assured a better course might be taken than hitherto in these parts. Notwithstanding in my conceiving little or no benefit can be made by washing, yet I hold it meet to be continued as a mean to discover the veins and to keep the workmen in labour, so as at all times a sufficient number may be in readiness to attend such works as are to be wrought in searching veins of gold. | |
| When not attending the gold washing, and the snows, frosts and tempestuous rain did permit, I bestowed my time in viewing the mountains, gills, clewghs, valleys between the gills, the tops and superficies of the gills, and by what means the waters and small streams might be brought to make dams to tear the hills for better discovery of the veins of gold, silver, copper and lead; observing also the situation of the country, the course, colour and nature of the rocks, and at what point of the compass they hold their chief ascent, and what substance and colour the 'mettelyne' funies or mothers as they call them here, are of, and how the mothers or leaders do pitch or descend between the rocks as leaders to veins in the depth. I find most certain shows of veins of copper and lead ores, and sundry leaders or mothers, namely red and white spar, keel and brimstone mixed together descending between the rocks into the depth, the like whereof I have not found in all my former travels in Cornwall, Devonshire, Wales, and other mineral parts of England and sundry parts of Scotland; red and white spar, keel and brimstone being found in most places wheresoever gold hath been gotten. I am the better persuaded there are veins of gold or 'marquisits' which hold gold in that I find gold in certain gills or straits between two hills threescore fathoms above the course of the 'Brocks' in sundry parts of this country, which gills or clewghes may be tried if any veins of gold therein with much less charges and in shorter time than in the solid mountains or flutes between two mountains, or in the channels of the great waters; sundry of the gills not being half a mile in circumference [near to (fn. 1) ] the tops and highest places where I have already found gold by washing, and therefore have given order to have washing in several gills from those places where I have found gold washed to the height and on both sides up the channels of the gills. If I can have those trials rightly made I shall much better discover whether [there are] veins of gold, and near those places, or that the gold is generally dispersed, which is contrary to the course of all mining I have seen yet. Unless I have weather fitly serving and thirty or forty days bestowéd therein I shall lose the benefit that otherwise might be had by such trials. | |
| To the end therefore I may be enabled to give your lordship better satisfaction, although my extraordinary travel on foot, which by the mosses and steepness of these mountains cannot be amended, and my smoky cold lodging have made me subject to an ague, I mean to adventure my health to perform this service to his Majesty, if the continuing frosts and snows do not hinder; the l[aird] of Markeston in regard of his age being this other day returned home, not able to endure the violence of the weather and coldness of this place. | |
| At my last attendance on you in your terrace walk at Charterhouse I did impart my opinion of gold in Scotland, and that by his Majesty's motion to my uncle then ambassador there, I had bestowed two journeys to view the aptness in those mountains for gold and other minerals, Mr. Fowles and I being then agreed to be partners, who then had an estate from the King for twenty-one years of the royal mines and lead ores in Crawford moor and other parts adjoining; wherein I was resolved to have adventured 2,000l. with Fowles but that her late Majesty gave mine uncle express commandment and threats if I did not discontinue the said works. After which time Mr. Bulmer began his partnership with Mr. Fowles. Fowles affirmeth to me he hath a resignment from Mr. Bulmer of their former partnership, and hath assured me since my coning hither for 800l. to be partner with him, having by letters moved me formerly with like offers, having eleven years of his lease unexpired; wherein is contained the principal parts where greatest appearance of gold is to be gotten. But since my dealing with him he affirmeth to have much greater offers made him by Mr. Bulmer for his estate of his gold works only. I resolving not to deal before I know your pleasure do forbear to proceed with Mr. Fowles. | |
|
I find myself much troubled whether plainly to deliver my
conceiving of the rich hopes I have of these gold mines, or by
concealing thereof not to adventure my credit with your lordship,
Lord Henry Hawood [Howard] and Lord Cecil; yet have I chosen
to deliver to you that I am persuaded here are sundry veins of
gold, which with the charges of 4,000l. and three years time
might be discovered. Or if no veins of gold be found I am out
of doubt the greatest part of the former charges will be defrayed
by lead, copper, and gold washing; and so may be that in much
shorter time and less charges I may be fully satisfied either to
continue or desist from these works. During which trials I am
resolved to bestow my personal attendance therein, and at your
pleasure to bear a third or fourth portion of the charges, not
doubting of honourable conditions from your lordship. Having
bestowed 24 years in this painful course of mineral adventure
I have now lately made my estate by lead, coal and salt works
400l. yearly, which by my absence will be much impaired, as I
lately found by two thousand miles travel in Keswick business,
whereby I was enforced during three years to be many months
absent from mine own businesses. I crave you to impart the
contents hereof to the Lord Henry Howard and Lord Cecil.—
Leadhill in Crawford Moor, 10 Dec., 1603. Holograph. 2 pp. (102. 68.) |
|
| Sir Benjamin Tichborne to the Earls of Suffolk and Devon and other Lords. | |
| 1603, Dec. 10. | Yesterday, the ninth instant, I received his Majesty's most merciful warrant to me directed (when there was no other expectance than present death) for the stay of the execution of the Lord Cobham, Lord Grey, and Sir Griffin Markham; whose mercy was received with such joy and applause as was wonderful, to the contentment of his loyal subjects. Where they openly acknowledged their offence towards God and their undutiful allegiance towards his Majesty, I pray God make them good and loyal subjects, for in my opinion by his Majesty's most sacred wisdom the carriage hath been such as the memory of the like hath not been seen or heard, of so great mercy in manner and form. And now my good lords, for that I may not in any sort be mistaken in matters of so great moment in time to come, in discharge first of my soul and conscience, next of my duty to my dear sovereign lord, I set my hand yesterday in some haste to a letter written by Mr. Warden at the mediation of the Countess of Kildare, as also to her own letter which is a very truth in all points. Upon his Majesty's warrant to attend him or your lordships I shall satisfy his Majesty or you of every particular point concerning the same. Having here enclosed sent you one letter of the Lord Cobham's, one of Lord Grey's, and one other of Sir Griffin Markham's directed to his Majesty, Lord Cobham and Lord Grey having sealed up their letters, [I] have sent the copies of the same for you to peruse, which I have also sent here enclosed, together with one letter of Sir Walter Ralegh's. |
|
And now if it may stand with his Majesty's good liking I
would willingly say Nunc dimitte servum tuum, domine; and
the rather for that I know by your means his Majesty will have
care of an old man.—Winchester Castle, 10 December in the
morning, 1603. Signed. Two seals. 1½ pp. (102. 69.) |
|
| Sir Benjamin Tichborne to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 10. | Even as I had finished and was sending my man with divers letters to you, I received your letter this present morning wherein you require me to send you the King's warrant to me directed, which I have accordingly sent here enclosed by this bearer my servant, praying you to send the same back again for my discharge. Which warrant I executed according unto such directions as Mr. John Gebe, one of his Majesty's bedchamber, delivered me from his Majesty.— Winchester Castle, 10 Dec., 1603. |
|
PS.—I beseech you that I may understand his Majesty's
pleasure and your lordship's what I shall do with the Castle after
the prisoners are sent from thence. If his Majesty will spend
some five or six hundred pounds in repairing the same and
make me Constable giving me the ancient fee, which was in
Edward III's time 50l. a year as I understand, which if you
think convenient may be by your means the better obtained,
for which both I and mine shall be bound unto you for ever.
If the same be not presently repaired it will very shortly be
utterly ruinated. Signed. Three seals. ¾ p. (102. 70.) |
|
| Lord Grey to the King. | |
| [1603, Dec. 10 ?] |
What am I, most glorious King, to acknowledge only such a mercy? The world will admire it, England
must adore it, we, our houses and posterities for ever be your
vassals. When we least hoped, when all mediation failed, mercy,
princely wisdom mere without means of Court saved the lost,
revived the slain. Where sin abounded there doth grace abound
much more. The greater my offence the more glorious your
mercy, the more I a bondman for ever to your command. My
life your Majesty hath saved, dispose it for ever; if to restraint,
a gracious penance; if at all to service, to adventure, an
addition to glorious. My heart must ever sincerely honour and
love you, daily multiplying true sorrow for my past, obedience
for future, with purest zeal to your royal felicity. Not altogether
desperate now yet once ere I die to expose the life your merciful
hand hath given in your service.—Undated. Holograph. Seal. 1⅓ pp. (102. 106.) Copy of the above. ½ p. (102. 27b.) |
| Sir Walter Ralegh to the Commissioners for the Trial of the late Treasons. | |
| [1603, Dec. 10.] |
They have this day beheld a work of so great
mercy and for so great offences as the like has been seldom if
ever known. Although he himself has not yet been brought so
near the brink of the grave, yet trusts that so great a compassion
will extend itself towards him also. Only the memory of his
own unworthiness made him despair of so great grace. Fears
it would be said that being now poor he would live but a discontented life; but if it please the King to give him that poor
life he will as faithfully and thankfully serve him, eating but
bread and drinking water, as whosoever that has received even
the greatest honour or profit; for a greater gift none can give,
none receive, than life. What Lord Cobham has confessed and
how much it differs from the received opinion he leaves to
their reports who know it. Will not in charity condemn his
faith because he was nearer death, though not nearer the
expectation, than Ralegh, but will only for this time accuse
his memory or mistaking. Begs that the King may know that
the loss of his estate (which he has deservedly lost) cannot make
him less faithful.—Undated. Holograph. Seal broken. ½ p. (102. 110.) [Printed in extenso in Edwards, Life of Ralegh, ii, 282.] |
| The Same to the King. | |
| [1603, Dec. 10–15.] |
Seeing it has pleased his Majesty to
breathe into dead earth a new life, he among others presumes
to offer his humblest thanks. As the King has pleased to spare
the blow which both example has taught and law has warranted,
wherewith can so unworthy a creature make payment of so
unaccountable a debt? Knows not what to promise or what
to pay. It is true that he has already suffered diversely, but
deservedly. Only his sovereign lord, who might justly have
beaten and destroyed him, has vouchsafed to spare him and give
him every drop of blood in his body. For these works of mercy,
what deeds to be performed by him can hope itself flatter him
withal? No other retribution than acknowledgment and love
can his Majesty have of him.—Undated. Holograph. 1 p. (102. 109.) [Printed in extenso in Edwards, Life of Ralegh, ii, 289.] |
| Sir G. Harvy to the King. | |
| [1603, c. Dec. 10.] |
Understands the King has taken offence at
him for the errors committed by his son. Abhors any crime in
him and leaves him to the King's commiseration. Is not culpable of his son's offences, but has discharged his office to the
utmost of his endeavour. In proof refers to his former services
to the late Queen, having supplied in those days at one time the
places of both of Lieutenant of the Tower and of the Ordnance:
also to the pains he has taken at the hazard of his life in this
late great infection, having safely kept and delivered the
prisoners committed to his charge, and begs therefore that the
fault may rest where it is. Prays that his grey hairs and many
years may not be disgraced by any sudden removing from his
place.—Undated. Endorsed: "1603." 1½ pp. (187. 139.) |
| Lord Treasurer Buckhurst to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 11. |
Understanding the King is determined to
remove Sir George Caroe [sic; rectius Harvey] from the
lieutenancy of the Tower, has thought upon a gentleman whom
though very near and dear to him yet in his conscience he holds
most fit to be employed for his Majesty, namely Sir Harry
Glemham, his son-in-law. He is nobly descended, and of great
living, and for his wisdom, valour, carefulness, diligence and
fidelity as fit for the place as any that he can think of. Prays
Cecil to present his name among others to his Majesty.—11 Dec.,
1603. Holograph. 1 p. (102. 71.) |
| The Same to the Same. | |
| 1603, Dec. 11. | If you think I do not see how mindful you are of all my desires, by that long letter which according to my request you sent me, you may hold me senseless and ingrateful. I return you not your letter as yet because Sir Harry Glemham is gone to his house in Suffolk whither I send him the letter to see, with as earnest conjuration as I can that he presently return it to me without taking any copy. Touching the matter itself, as at the first he seemed as though none but persons behind hand had possessed the same and so showed no great desire thereof, so upon better consideration he is now so infinitely desirous thereof as he hath "assaulted" me to do my uttermost for him in that behalf. And in truth he should be very happy to have it because thereby for 2 or 3 years he might live in that place in the form of a private life with the benefit of the office and a small addition beside, and so put up all his living which is better than 2,000l. yearly; which would make him rich and able to marry his 3 daughters with a good stock beside, and then to go live and keep house in the country as he means to do very bountifully. I do not know a fitter man for the place in England. He is of years 35, and for wisdom and ability of living comparable to any, so as besides my private love unto him having married my daughter I can name him to the place even in the duty of a faithful councillor; and I know not a place of more importance to the King and the State. I have here enclosed sent you a letter which as occasion serveth I leave to yourself to show to the King or to any of the lords and have also written 3 letters to my Lord Chamberlain, Lord of Devonshire, and Lord Harry Howard for their good wills therein, taking no knowledge of any particular desire in any of them to wish any to the same. I have enclosed these 3 letters in a packet to yourself, because if you like not of this cause you may retain them undelivered; and if you like it then you may deliver them to this messenger to deliver to these persons as from me. |
| I send you in this packet 4 several letters directed to yourself: 1, this concerning my son Glemham; 2, the second concerning causes of state; 3, concerning yourself; 4, concerning myself. All which I thought best to write in several letters because there may be occasion that you are to show some of them.—My house in London, 11 Dec. 1603. | |
|
PS.—I have upon better consideration thought fit to forbear
to write to these 3 lords, meaning rather by speech to effect it.
My letter to you to show to the King I send here enclosed.
Do therewith as you shall think expedient. Holograph. 3 pp. (102. 72.) |
|
| Lord Treasurer Buckhurst to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 11. | Coming to London only about payment of moneys out of the Receipt, and to hasten all moneys into the Receipt as much as possibly might be, I took care for the satisfaction of the 2,000l. to Sir Thomas Vavasor, according to your desire; and examining by what warrant we were to pay it, it falls out that the original warrant being a privy seal from our late Queen, which with her is extinguished, and I leaving all private privy seals to be renewed by the private parties themselves; and Sir Thomas Vavasor himself never coming about it, nor making any demand of it, because as I have heard he meant to have got back from the King his first grant of the butlerage, which would overthrow the benefit of the impost in London, and therefore may not be granted upon this ground, we having no new warrant from the King, cannot pay it. So as now, the matter concerning yourself, I will cause a privy seal to be drawn, and I will write to Sir Thomas Lake to get it signed, for it is for the King's profit to keep the butlerage in London, to advance his impost thereby. I have also taken order with the Commissioners for sale of all the carrick goods, except the pepper, which, without infinite loss, cannot but by agreement with the merchants be sold; and I have specially given order that, because before the goods be sorted there can be no sale, that therefore they first sort the lawns and raw silk, for that out of the same your deputies are to have their due in specie, which I have yielded unto, since it is for your particular benefit, but otherwise not usual, but only to have the rates as they are in the book of rates. These things concerning yourself I have thought good to advertise you of.—London, 11 Dec., 1603. |
|
PS.—And because in this matter of Sir Thomas Vavasor you
fail of 500l. now and the rest in the next term, I have taken order
for your own 300l., which I confess unto you, unless you had
spoken or sent to me, had not been paid till next term, at which
time I hope undoubtedly you shall have the whole 1,000l. for
Sir Thomas Vavasor. Holograph. 2 pp. (187. 136.) |
|
| Lord Treasurer Buckhurst to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 11. | Although I assure myself you will not willingly forget me, yet having such infinite business as is heaped upon you, I think it not amiss to remember you for the stay of any grant that may pass the King's hand of the lease of all alnagerships, in regard of the clause of si quis dare voluerit; whereby all former grants, as well by your father and his predecessors, which are many, as by myself, which are few, shall be overthrown; a matter most injurious and scandalous to the King's government; being never since the Conquest enured; and by which ensample all custodies being grants of all crown lands, and all grants of gaugerships being in the same nature, may likewise be called in and new granted. |
|
I have also, according to the power given to me by the Statute,
granted of late upon the death of one Tomlinson, customer
of the petty custom inward in the port of London, the same office
to one Gibson a very honest and sufficient man. He has it by
the Great Seal, as all other officers of the Custom House hold
theirs, which is but during pleasure. This office also I am
informed that Ashot has in hand to beg of the King, by reciting
of his grant, and so with a non obstante to grant it anew: and is
done by the advice of one Woodward, a cashiered lawyer as
I am informed. If this example should pass, all other offices
of the Custom House, as well granted by your father as myself,
may all be undone and new granted. These two grants, or any
such like, my request being so just, I hope you will stay, if any
such should come to pass the signet or privy seal.—London,
11 Dec., 1603. Holograph. 2 pp. (187. 137.) |
|
| Lord Treasurer Buckhurst to Lord Cecil. | |
| 1603, Dec. 12. |
Immediately upon the receipt of the establishment for Berwick I made my dispatch and sent it away; the
one to Thomas Skidmor the receiver to perform all things concerning payment, with the roll of the establishment enclosed;
the other to the captain of the new garrison with a copy of the
same establishment, requiring him as well to make a present
muster after Christmas, as also every half-year as the pay is
made, to renew the like book under his hand to the receiver
for the time being. In your letter to me you wished me to send
my dispatch to the commissioners; but perusing the effect
of the King's letter to me I saw neither warrant nor cause for
me so to do, but only to the receiver and captain. Nevertheless
if his Majesty have not already given power to the said commissioners for the publication of the new establishment and the
dissolution of the old, it is a matter fit to be considered. For
if that be not done before my letter come to the captain to muster,
or at least before the muster, the captain will think it strange
that I should command him to make a muster according to a
new establishment, no publication of the dissolution of the old
being first made.—London, 12 Dec., 1603. Holograph. 1 p. (102. 74.) |