|
|
Gervase Smith. |
|
1606, Oct. 1. |
Two Papers:— |
|
(1) Gervase Smith, minister of Polstead, Suffolk, saith that
Richard Humphrey of Dedham came to him on Thursday was
fortnight for a written book that Humphrey had left with him;
which book did consist of certain observations upon the book of
Job, in form of a dialogue. There passed not betwixt them any
speeches offensive towards the King, but if anything were spoken
by him indiscreetly he humbly desireth his folly therein may
be pardoned. |
|
He confesseth he said that the laws against Papists were not
hard enough, and till they were cut off they remained like serpents in the bosom of the land, and that he thought the faction
of the Papists was too strong, and words to that effect. |
|
Of his Majesty he confesseth he said that he is a wise and
learned Prince, but that he thought him too favourable unto
the Papists, and the rather because he did not cause those to
be executed which were banished. |
|
He denieth that ever he said that the King is not legitimate;
and confesseth that he said the King came from Tyder [Tudor]
not in recta linea. but collaterally. But being demanded more
particularly touching the descent of the King he acknowledgeth
his error in the former speech. He saith one told him it was
reported for news from the Court that there was some displeasure
conceived betwixt the King and the Queen, and some speech of
separation upon the King's suspicion, for some case of marriage;
and for some default of the Queen's which nevertheless this
examinate said he hoped was not true, and afterwards reported
again rather dolenter than inimice. He confesseth the report
of the news from the Court he heard from Mr. Hankin, vicar
of Stoke, who told him he heard it in the house of Lady
Windsor. |
|
He saith that an old man by name John Ryghton sojourned
a good while in his house, and there died about 6 years since,
and there left certain books and papers tending to matters of
prophecies, grounded upon arms, and signifying certain changes
of religion in the church; which examinate did specially observe,
as the putting down of the mass, the restoring of it again, and
then the utter putting down of it again; and that this signification of the changes did run upon names or letters betokening
names; but the latter setting up of the mass should be by
an M., which he taketh to be meant by that prophecy to be yet
to come, and should be by usurpation and of short continuance:
and that it should be utterly put down by E., which he thinketh
by that prophecy to be meant representative (though not
according to the letter) by the young Prince. |
|
Asked what became of the books and papers left by the old
man that sojourned in his house, he saith he burned them long
ago.—1 October, 1606.
Signed. Countersigned: T. Suffolk, E. Worcester, H. Northampton, Salisbury, Dunbar. 2 pp. (117. 148.) |
|
(2) Petition of Gervase Smith to the [Privy Council.] |
|
Throws himself on their mercy. Mr. Hankin most certainly
told him what he now denies, yet Hankin is believed, himself not.
Prays them to show him pity on the King's behalf, though he
deserves otherwise. No one but offends sometimes; it is
better to bestow life than to take it away. Appeals to King
James himself for mercy and gentle treatment.
Holograph. Latin. 2 pp. (117. 149.) |
|
Sir Nicholas Tufton to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 1. |
Presents his humble service "amongst the
multitude of them that truly honour you." His wife remembers
her duty to his lordship and has sent a small token as testimony
of her love.—Hothfield, 1 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. 2/3 p. (117. 150.) |
|
Dr. John Cowell to the Earl of Salisbury, Chancellor
of the University of Cambridge. |
|
1606, Oct. 2. |
We must add this your most kind advertisement
to the rest of your great favours; which by how much the
less we are able to requite, so much the more must they increase
the fervency of our thankfulness. Mr. Vice-Chancellor is from
home, so that this high personage is like to fail of that entertainment that otherwise he might have expected; yet that
which my discretion with the advice of wiser men may extend
unto shall not be wanting. By the messenger's haste being
driven to this rude brevity I crave pardon.—From Trinity Hall,
2 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. 2/3 p. (117. 151.) |
|
The Earl of Cumberland to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 2. |
I have received this other letter from the
Commissioners by a servant of mine, with their certificate what
the whole charge amounts unto for transportation of the Graymes,
with a motion that I would join with them in a request to you
to give order for issuing out the money with some expedition.
The money was borrowed of several persons and the Commissioners have engaged themselves that it shall be repaid
where they have appointed in the beginning of the term. It
imports me to move you therein, for the service had been stayed
and greatly hindered for want of money if I had not given order
to my servant there to borrow upon my credit such sums as the
Commissioners should require, for which the parties have double
security accordingly. The Graymes who remain outlaws still
are harboured on the Scottish side, and have of late so misbehaved themselves as gives great terror to the inhabitants
on the English side. I must be a suitor in my Lord of Carlisle's
behalf that he may be spared from the Parliament, for his abode
in the country is most needful for his Majesty's service and the
better quiet of those parts; and besides, his charge since his
Majesty's coming to this kingdom by reason of his employments
in the most or all the services on the Borders without any allowance from his Majesty, and his attendance on the Parliaments,
have been so great as his small living is not well able to support.—
From my house at Skipton, 2 Oct., 1606. |
|
PS.—I have entreated Mr. Corbett, who is well acquainted
with the whole process of this service there from the first, to
present these to you and to understand your pleasure.
Signed. 2/3 p. (117. 152.) |
|
Lord Sheffield to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 3. |
It did not a little affect me to hear of your
sickness and into how great weakness the vehemence of your
old disease had brought you until I received your late letters,
which freed me from the fear I had upon the reports I heard
which (knowing how sharply you had been formerly visited
with that disease) I was much afraid had been raised upon too
just grounds. Myself, with the falling of some humours into
one of my legs long since hurt, have for some weeks past lain
so lame as I could not without much pain set my foot to the
ground; but with applying some things to the part affected I
begin to find some little ease, so as I hope within a few days to
recover the perfect use thereof. My resolution was to have
seen you at Court before this, where I would have entreated
your favour towards this bearer that by your means his Majesty
may be brought to perfect his own work concerning Ripon
Church, which he has graciously begun. Vouchsafe him your
furtherance in the matter which tends to the great honour of
the King and the general good of those wild and uncivil parts,
where the painful labours of good ministers is very needful.—
Normanby, 3 Oct., 1606.
Signed. 1 p. (117. 157.) |
|
Sir Richard Hawkyns to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 3. |
It pleases the Lord Admiral through the instigation of his servant Jobson, unworthy of the favour his lordship
does him, to prosecute those violent courses against me; which
so wound my reputation and estate I am enforced to appeal
to you and the rest of the Privy Council for relief, and to crave
your experienced justice my protection against the wicked
proceedings of lewd unworthy men, which abusing his noble
disposition and the authority cunningly procured from him
scandalise his Honour and the due course of justice settled in
this kingdom and labour to root out of his memory my dead
father's services and mine to the commonwealth and his lordship.
Their insolencies will appear by that I write in general to the
Lords, of which is a copy enclosed. I beseech you in this my
greatest distress to avail me, and to command me and mine ever
to be sacrificed in your service.—Plymouth, 3 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. ½ p. (117. 158.) |
|
The Enclosure:—
Sir Richard Hawkyns to the Privy Council.—Plymouth,
3 Oct., 1606.
Copy of the following letter. 3¼ pp. (117. 155.) |
|
The Same to the Privy Council. |
|
1606, Oct. 3. |
Upon Monday the 29th of last month coming
from Osten passage towards Plymouth about noon I met a boat
and in her a chest of sugar, which upon examination of the
parties that pretend interest therein I found to be by them
bought out of a pirate ship riding then in Causon [Cawsand]
Bay; and thereupon made stay of it and caused it to be put
into a cellar in Osten, purposing to proceed with the parties
according to justice. I had scarce entered my house in Plymouth
when I was certified that James Bagg, late Mayor of Plymouth,
knowing hereof, had assembled a multitude to consult how they
might repossess themselves of the sugar; and in conclusion
had sent one Jasper Borage and Arthur Grimes a pursuivant
to break open the doors and bring it away with them. Whereupon I took boat and went towards Osten to see what they would
do; but before my coming they had boated the sugar, having
sent for the constable and required him in his Majesty's name
and the Lord Admiral's to assist them and break open the door,
and showed a commission as they said from your lordship and
the Lord Admiral to authorise him and them in that behalf.
Whereupon the door was broken. Then Borage and Grimes,
much people being assembled, in fashion of a proclamation
commanded silence and that they should hearken to that which
they had to say, and it was—"Know all men, and we require
you in the King's name and my Lord Admiral's that you take
notice, that Sir Richard Hawkins is not vice-admiral, but that
Mr. Christopher Harris and Mr. James Bagg of Plymouth be
vice-admirals." Meeting them accompanied with two boats
I required them in his Majesty's name to re-deliver the sugar or
to show me the authority by which they had broken the cellar
and taken away the sugar, which they refused to do, Borage
and Grimes swearing that I should not have it as long as they
lived; and their swords drawn in their hand, that they would
kill him whosoever that should enter their boat. Farther,
Borage standing aloft upon the chest of sugar above the rest,
his sword drawn, made "an Oy" [oyez] and required all present
to keep silence, and then said—"I command you all in his
Majesty's name" (many boats being then come together) "to
apprehend Sir Richard Hawkins and all his company; for he
had commission so to do from the Lord Admiral and the rest
of the Privy Council, and that he was a justice in that place
and Sir Richard Hawkins had nothing to do, and that he durst
not show himself since his coming down, and as soon as he came
to Plymouth he would take order to lay him fast enough. All
which considered, I thought fit to forbear violence, seeing they
purposed to go to Plymouth. Where coming to land somewhat
before them I found the Mayor and James Bagg with an assembly
of above two hundred persons which Bagg had gathered together
advertised by John Myller his son-in-law and the other buyers
of the sugars which accompanied Borage and Grimes in this
outrage, and having discovered me were sent in a small cockboat
to give Bagg intelligence and to raise the town. As soon as
Borage came within hearing he stept into the head of the boat
and with a loud voice cried "Oy! Mr. Mayor and you Mr.
Justice Bagg, vice-admiral, and you Mr. Constables and the rest,
I require you in the King's name and the Lord Admiral's that
you apprehend Sir Richard Hawkins and all his company!"
Whereupon the Mayor and the rest flocking about me, I told the
Mayor it were good he did advise himself what he did; if this
idle fellow had aught against me I would give Mr. Mayor meeting
where he pleased and at my house he should find me, and required
him that the sugar might be forthcoming, for I held not Borage
and Grimes both to be worth a chest of sugar. And that the
assembly might be dissolved I thought it fit to get me from
amongst them, the mayor undertaking the sugar should be forthcoming. Of all which disorders I thought it my duty to certify
you, and withal to show you that the Lord Admiral causeless
has taken many violent courses against me, wrought thereunto
by Humfrey Jobson his secretary, even contrary to his own
noble nature and the opinion of all which best love him, only
for that I will not surrender my office of vice-admiral; this
Jobson labouring to have it for some other which perhaps by
indirect courses might better benefit him than my justifiable
proceedings can afford, having ever laboured to perform duty
and to carry an unburdened conscience about with me which
lewd and wicked men maligning have endeavoured to blemish.
But my carriage and what my deserts are I desire may be censured by the justices and the better sort of the shire. The Lord
Admiral only by Jobson's instigation, no man complaining
against me, has caused me to be sifted upon my oath in the
Court of Admiralty and continues suit against me only to force
me to surrender my place, wherein that my innocency may better
appear to your lordships, of forty and two objections to which I
have answered upon oath let there be two chosen of moment
which they can best prove, and if in those I be found faulty I
will be culpable in the rest. Jobson procured his lordship's
authority to command a commission against me to sift my life
before I was cited or knew of any mislike his lordship had conceived of me, together with a sequestration of my office under
his hand and seal, holding it by patent during my life, all contrary to law and justice; and made himself a commissioner and
coming into the country accompanied with Borage and Grimes
joined with James Bagg the late Mayor and under colour of this
commission and sequestration committed such robberies and
misdemeanours as I protest the whole country is scandalised
and justice exceedingly perverted. For men have been assaulted
on the high way, their money taken from them under colour of
pirates, notorious known rovers have been apprehended which
even in our sight have robbed the King's friends, their money
taken and so let go, and are abroad again a pirating. And it
will be approved that Jobson has gathered into his hands of that
which belongs to me since the sequestration more than I have
received in all the time of my vice-admiralty, which he has
possessed his lord and himself of and should have remained
in deposito. And if any of my servants or deputies arrest any
man or seize goods suspected the parties are animated to molest
them with suits; and at this instant depend four or five several
actions commenced against them in Plymouth by the animating
of Bagg and Jobson. And whereas by my diligence the intercourse of trade with pirates was before barred and the offenders
punished, now they let not at noondays to make mart with them,
those which pretend authority being either parties in the dealing
or at the least winking at it. Yea, my good Lords, it is so
public as that they make entry in the custom house of the goods
and yet not stayed nor excepted against; till I coming home
and knowing of it seized some part, and sending for the principal
broker to be examined through the animating of Bagg [he]
bare himself so stoutly as he would neither be examined nor
give sureties to answer at the sessions, for which cause I was
enforced to send him to prison; but by warrant from his lordship
the prisoner is to be delivered and the goods also, the moiety
being confessed to be piratically taken. It will be also approved
that his lordship has granted out a warrant to apprehend and
send me a prisoner or any other which for me shall exercise my
office, being authorised under the great seal of England; and
also for apprehending my servant, and Grimes the pursuivant
threatens he will not leave me a man to wait on [me]. And by
virtue of his commission the Mayor of Dartmouth has apprehended Wm. Young, gent., a follower of mine and my deputy
in that port and refuses to take bail of him under pretence of
victualling as they say of a pirate, which upon my conscience
is most untrue and maliciously procured by Jobson, for that he
would not be of their partiality; and if any man do but speak
his opinion if it make not against me he is threatened to be
fetched up by warrant from his lordship by Grimes. I will not
trouble you with repetition of Jobson's misdemeanour in my
house giving the lie and calling me fool, ass and knave, nor with
many others by him and the rest committed, nor with the combination of those with them which thirst after my office and are
as firebrands to kindle his lordship's displeasure against me,
but beseech you by your wisdom and authority to appoint some
one or more commissioners either from above or here in the
country to examine these abuses, and in the interim to forbid
farther proceedings against me or intermeddling in my office of
vice-admiral till I be found worthy to be removed. For in
settling a judicial course in the office, in executing justice in maintenance of the jurisdiction and other accidental expenses merely
caused by the office I can give you a good account that I am
above a thousand marks out of purse more than I have received
besides my travel, and the 300l. I paid his lordship for the moiety
of the rights and profits of the office. And then, my good Lords,
(this being a great part of my poor estate) can it sound either
honourable to his lordship or equal to any indifferent judgment
that he should force the office from me giving me only the first
300l. I paid him? Yet for that I would willingly yield him all
content and retain his favour, I offered to refer myself to any
indifferent persons he should choose to set down what I had
disbursed and what he should allow me to surrender my patent;
but this reason also was rejected. My poverty and weak means
cannot bear the indignation of a peer in so great authority
except your lordships, which have had experience of my integrity
and service, stand by me, being under his Majesty's justice to
the wronged, comfort to the afflicted, and relief to the oppressed.
I therefore appeal to your censure, and beg that [which] all here
find which seek, justice and protection.—From Plymouth,
3 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Portion of seal. 2¼ pp. (117. 153.) |
|
The Earl of Salisbury to The Earl of Dorset, Lord Treasurer. |
|
1606, Oct. 3. |
His Majesty being pleased to grant Sir Thomas
Lake a lease in reversion of 40l. by year or thereabouts of lands
within the survey of his Highness's Exchequer for such time as
his Majesty shall set down, I have thought good to signify his
pleasure therein that you may give order for the making of his
book accordingly, leaving a blank for the years to be filled, and
likewise for the fine to be rated by his Highness.—From his
Majesty's house at Whitehall, 3 Oct., 1606.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (117. 159.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 4. |
I return these bills, which his Majesty signed
this night after his supper, being come in somewhat late. I
found them here before my coming, but seen [sic: not seen ?]
by his Majesty because he was abroad. I am to attend his
Highness to-morrow morning.—From the Court at Royston,
4 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. ⅓ p. (117. 160.) |
|
The Earl of Rutland to the Same. |
|
[1606], Oct. 4. |
This morning I received this letter from my
brother Oliver. I hope God will give him the grace to prove
himself an honest man and ever to his Majesty a grateful servant.
Both he and I crave that his Majesty may be satisfied in the
report of his being amongst the Jesuits in their college; and
I hope this bruit will make him careful to avoid the conversation of those kind of people. Screven has sent me word of
the care you still have of the dispatch of my suit.—Garredon,
4 Oct.
Holograph. Two seals broken. Endorsed: "1606." ½ p.
(117. 161.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 5. |
Sir James Semple returning to London for his
own private business I have returned by him the letters of
Ireland which his Majesty gave me this afternoon, and signified
his mind in some part. And withal for Sir James, who has
moved for some part of the benefit that is to be made of recusants
not convicted, wherein because he delivered not the names of
any persons certain, and himself when he shall have names
cannot judge of their value, his Majesty willed me to signify
that he is pleased to relieve him that way, but for the particulars
thinks that you can best judge of the persons that he shall
present whether they be fit for him, and likewise of their values
whether one may serve his turn or more, only he would have
the quantity to be proportioned to that which others of his
rank have had; and when you shall advertise of any persons
presented by him to be passed his Majesty will then give his
warrant. For the matters of Ireland I might perceive his
Majesty had been diligent in the reading of them, for he had
taken notes in his tables of several points whereupon he would
give direction: as first for the generality of plantation, which
he approves exceedingly, of reducing of the Irish to the English
tenures; but yet noted that there were many particular circumstances in all those things to be considered, wherein your
lordships, that were better acquainted with the affairs of that
country than he, could best give direction, and yet both he and
you must in a great part trust the discretion of the Deputy
and Council there. Of particulars he spake touching the castle
begun by Sir Edward Blaney, that if your lordships were of
opinion it was necessary to be finished, the sum demanded was
a small matter for him to allow if there were appearance of
commodity to follow, and he would resolve as you should be of
opinion. And touching Sir Roger Wilbraham his Majesty
would have him dealt with to that effect which they writ, and
would rather be content to give Sir Roger some other thing in
that country than the public service of the realm should be
prejudiced by his neglect. For the matter touching the two
great persons, his Majesty thinks it meet to be hearkened after
and an eye had to the progress, though to be passed over for
the present; wherein it seems he relies upon some judgment
of yours written to him. In sum he speaks tenderly of all those
businesses of that state as though he would hear from your
lordships after your consultation before he determine his own
judgment. |
|
The Count Vaudemont departs from hence on Thursday
morning as I perceive by Sir Lewis Lewkenor, and will be that
night at Hampton Court and the next day take his leave of
her Majesty. |
|
I have received his Majesty's order for letters for his dispatch,
whereof I will send you the drafts when they be finished.—From
Royston, 5 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (117. 162.) |
|
The Commissioners of the Middle Shires to
the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 5. |
Upon Friday, October 3, we held a gaol delivery
at Carlisle, where were condemned five prisoners, three Scotsmen
and two English. |
|
Yesterday we were informed that David Graham Bankhead
and sundry other Grahams are newly come from his Majesty's
Cautionary Towns, whether with passport or not we know not.
We doubt the worst, because no one of them has come in the
sight of any of us since his return. We are put in hope that those
thus returned and sundry of the former outlaws purpose to
enter themselves and give security to follow their friends into
Ireland next spring, if they may be received. We request to
be advertised of your pleasure herein. The Grahams transported into Ireland had a prosperous voyage. They were
embarked at Workington on Saturday night and the next Tuesday
morning arrived safe, man, wife and child in Ireland. Two
knights of their own name and kindred came to them, who
comforted them with kind entertainment and promises of their
best help to so many as shall amend their former disordered
life.—Carlisle, 5 Oct., 1606.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (117. 163.) |
|
The Commissioners of the Middle Shires to
the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 5. |
Hearing by common report, and not otherwise,
that one Christopher Armstrong alias Barnegleesee a Scotsman
was slain the 22 of September last by John Musgrave, leader
of the horsemen in his Majesty's pay here; and we marvelling
we should not be made sooner by him acquainted therewith,
I Sir Wilfrid Lawson meeting yesterday with him at Carlisle,
where we all were at a gaol delivery, told him he had wronged
himself and us that he had not made us acquainted sooner therewith, seeing we understood the matter is evil taken by some of the
country there, and no doubt the Privy Council would expect
to be certified of the truth, being done in Scotland, from some of
us his Majesty's Commissioners; which we could not conveniently do in time, not knowing the certainty from him, and
willed him to set down the truth of that accident in writing under
his hand, which he has done and we herewithal send.—Carlisle,
5 Oct., 1606.
PS.—Barneglesse has been an evil doer long and of late thought
to be a great resetter of fugitives.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (117. 164.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 7. |
It was this morning before I could have his
Majesty afford commodities to sign the letters which now I send
you to be sealed. The one is his Highness's letter to the Duke
of Lorraine, the other a passport for the Count, which Sir Lewis
Lewknor desired because he says the townsmen of Dover molested
some of his train in landing as they have done others, demanding
a certain toll for every stranger that lands there. There is also
a copy of a letter for the Queen which you gave me commandment to draw, but I showed it not to the King before it had been
seen by you. The passport Sir L. Lewknor desires to receive
at Hampton Court, because the Count he says will not come at
London, and because it will be a long journey for him to go from
hence to Hampton Court in a day. He is minded if he may get
soon enough from his Majesty's hunting (who will needs have
him abroad to-morrow) to go to Ware to-morrow night to his bed. |
|
You shall also receive herewith a letter for M. de Vitry by his
son which is to be sealed and will be called for at your chamber,
and the warrant for Sir Tho. Tyrringham and that for the Agent
of Florence. I have also returned you all the letters I received
about the matter of Berke. This letter to Sir Rafe Weldon is
commended to me to be sent to Hampton Court from the officers
of the Household here and is about the provisions for Count
Vaudemont; it may please you to command it to be sent.—
7 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (117. 165.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 7. |
His Majesty at his sitting down to dinner
asked me if I heard any from you or the Lord Chamberlain
touching the chain appointed for M. de Marcoussan, because
with the jewel he received no news of it. My answer was I
thought it was intended to be delivered to him there, and for
that cause it was not sent hither. I was commanded to put
you in mind of it that whether it shall be given here or there
it be not forgotten.—From Royston, 7 Oct., 1606. |
|
PS.—I perceive that his Majesty is somewhat troubled with
doubt of the increase of the sickness, and if it should continue
where the term should be kept and the Parliament.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (117. 166.) |
|
The Same to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 8. |
I would not have made the post to run this
night but that his Majesty commanded as soon as he was come
in from his sport and parted with the Count Vaudemont that
I should advertise you thereof, which was about three in the
afternoon, and that this night he is at Ware and to-morrow
will attend the Queen according to the former purpose. He is
attended by the Duke of Lennox and Lord Hay, who has the
jewel committed to him by his Majesty to be delivered this
night. His Highness thinks not fit that Lord Hay should
deliver the chain to Marcoussan, but rather Sir Lewis Lewknor
who has attended them. He is well pleased with your advertisement about the minister and that he proves one of that
faction.—From Royston, 8 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (117. 169.) |
|
Gervase Smith. |
|
1606, Oct. 8. |
Five papers:— |
|
(1) Examination of John Hankin, minister at Stoke Nayland
in Suffolk, 8 Oct. 1606.
Is acquainted with Gervase Smith, minister of Polestead,
and spake with him a month ago. |
|
Saith he had no other speech with Mr. Smith to his remembrance but only about providing diet and lodging for a school
master. Being farther asked what speech they had of other
news that was stirring, protesteth before God that they had
none to his remembrance. |
|
Being asked whether he had any speeches with him about
prophecies, saith that it is so ordinary with him that every man
takes knowledge of it, and examinate hath forbidden many
from his company in respect of that; but himself hath had no
speech with him of late concerning prophecies, only two or three
years ago he showed him a book that Sebastian the King of
Portugal, reported to be dead, was alive as he thought and
should do great things. |
|
He confesseth also that upon the coming of the King of Denmark being asked by Smith what news? he told him some things
about the King of Denmark, that he was a very gallant Prince,
very honourably attended on, and carried himself well to the
applause of all men. To which Smith replied that he heard as
much; and further that he was a very gallant Prince, and was
a "Marshall" man, and did use all means to persuade the King
to give over his extraordinary hunting and to follow martial
or more serious affairs.
Copy. Underwritten.: "Taken before the Lord Chamberlain,
E. of Northampton, E. of Salisbury. E. of Dunbar." 1 p.
(117. 167.) |
|
(2) Contemporary copy of John Hankin's examination on
8 Oct., 1606.
Hankin protests he never used speeches to Smith concerning
a divorce between the King and Queen.
2 pp. (192. 137.) |
|
(3) Information of Richard Humphrey, M.A. Oxon, and
schoolmaster of his Majesty's free school in Dedham, Essex.
Gervase Smith, parson of Polestead did use these words unto
me then or before the 11th of September last past, 1606: |
|
1. That the King's Majesty could not move his eyelids and
that he had naughty looks, deadly, fatal, importing no good
unto the land. |
|
2. That my Lord Archbishop of Canterbury was foretold
of by the prophecies, for they foretell (saith he) of a great prelate
that should be the ruin of the King and State. |
|
3. That once since I was acquainted with him or twice he
set down the period of King James's life, affirming it should
be before Christmas. When he spake this unto me I am not
able precisely to define, but I take God to record he spake it
some time unto me. But I gave the less ear because I found
him to fail in this main point of the succession of the King's
Majesty, affirming that the L. Beauchamp should succeed,
for that I found him ignorant of the King's descent from the
Tudor both by father and mother. The Lord preserve long his
Majesty, our noble Queen, that hopeful branch the Prince of
Wales with the whole progeny, the Privy Council, and all that
wish well unto them.
Endorsed: "8 October, 1606. Information of Richard
Humphrey of speeches uttered by Gervase Smith." 1 p.
(117. 168.) |
|
(4) Contemporary copy of the first portion of the above.
2 pp. (192. 135.) |
|
(5) "Richard Humfrey's further accusation of Gervase
Smith, Minister of Polested, Suffolk." |
|
In disproof of Smith's denial that he spoke of the King's
illegitimacy: or said that the Lord would miraculously raise
up E. Refers to Smith's letter of Sept. 23. Gives his reasons
for bringing Smith's fault to light, and beseeches God to give
him repentance of this his great sin, especially in a man of his
place, who should have taught the people obedience to their King. |
|
Holograph. Endorsed by Salisbury: "8 Oct. Richard Humphry his further accusation of Gervais Smith after they were
confronted." 1 p. (192. 136.) |
|
Edmond Casse to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 9. |
Lord Cranborne is safely come to Cambridge,
where I have not doubted to make known to him that his best
friends are jealous of him to be something alienated from study,
which must necessarily beget non-proficiency. He promises
me by using diligence so to redeem the time past as I am fully
resolved he will as much honour the University in performing
his disputations as the University did grace him in bestowing
upon him his degree.—From Cambridge, 9 Oct., 1606.
Signed. 2/3 p. (117. 170.) |
|
R. Langley to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 9. |
This enclosed letter, without endorsement, I
received from Mr. Hugh Lee, who was sent over to be consul for
the Spanish merchants in Lisborne, being the seventh letter
by him written to your lordship. He is very desirous that I
should advertise him how you accept of his letters.—From
Lew[i]sham where I am now keeping Courts under your lordship,
9 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. ⅓ p. (117. 171.) |
|
Samuel Whartonne to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 9. |
Being indebted to some persons at London,
who threatened to make your lordship therewith acquainted,
and fearing your displeasure I came from the Court unknown
to any to Calis in France, where I remain expecting your good
pleasure. If you command me any service to Rome or any
place here in France or Spain, Mr. Lovaynes [Levinns Monck]
may certify me thereof by this bearer who will cause the same
to be safely delivered to my hands. |
|
I was at Saint Thomas since my coming hither where I met
with Father Richard Cowlinge one of the penitentiary in Rome
and a great companion with Oswold Tessimond and as I perceive
by his talk he is determined to come into England to York.
He was earnest with me to go to Rome and he would write to
Fitzharbert, an especial friend of his there. I answered him I
would and told him I came to Calis about some small business
I had there and would return again with speed. Which I will
do if it be your pleasure, from whence I can certify you what
shall happen by the ships that come to Civitta Viecha to load
with alum. For maintenance there I will ask you none save
only for my charges thither and that your lordship would give
order for the payment of my debts, which amount to some 30l.
as this bearer can certify, whom you may trust with the conveying
to me of any such instructions as you shall please to send me
to Calis. I lie at a Scottishman's house called James Kenneday. |
|
I would be going as shortly as may be by reason that this
next month the snow will begin to fall and it will be hard passing
the Alps.—Calis, 9 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. 1 p. (118. 1.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 10. |
His Majesty this evening commanded me to
write to you in favour of the Lord of Lyndorse this bearer, and
to say that although there were heretofore a mistaking committed in a reference made concerning him, yet his Majesty
frees the gentleman of that error and would that he were otherwise recompensed, alleging for him these reasons; that he has
served his Majesty from both their infancies dutifully and faithfully; that he has received from his Highness little acknowledgment of his service; that himself has not been importunate
but that his Highness out of his own sense of his service has
desire to do him good, especially now at this time when he is
to return into Scotland to take upon him there the sheriffwick
of a county which cannot but be chargeable to him to sustain;
and that he is charged with many children. For all which
considerations his Highness wishes him to be relieved, and as
it has proceeded heretofore that such of that nation whom he had
special cause to reward he would note them to you with an
extraordinary mark, so he would have you to take this gentleman
to be one of that sort. And if there may be any relief for him
by some gift of recusants or other like casualty his Highness
earnestly wishes it him and says that his modesty in his demands
adds much to his desert.—From Royston, 10 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (118. 3.) |
|
Libel on the King and Council. |
|
[1606 ?. Oct. 10.] |
Abusive verses on the King and Council.
Endorsed by Salisbury: "Oct. 10. A filthy and fals lybell
cast in Powles and broght me by Mr. Recorder." 1½ pp. (140.
119.) |
|
Sir Thomas Edmondes to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 10. |
Upon confirmation of the news from Spinola
of the rendering of Berck, as it is the ceremony that all persons
of rank depending of this Court, whether strangers or others,
congratulate with the Archduke upon such occasions, so finding
upon consultation with the French Ambassador that he intended
to acquit himself of that formality, though he knew it would
not be interpreted as really meant, to the end not to be the only
defective, resolved to accommodate himself to the same course
by the practice of a ghostly lesson of the Jesuits of mental
reservation. His compliment was kindly taken, as all things
of such a nature are here very pleasing. |
|
His speech then with the Archduke gave him occasion to
inform him of the reason of the late conference with the two
Ambassadors in England for examining and redressing the just
grievances of both sides, the rather because the reports of the
Spanish Ambassador against his Majesty's State were so disfavourable as that his Majesty's subjects could obtain no justice
in Spain but received continual outrages in their trade. Those
of the Council of Spain with whom the English Ambassador
had occasion to negotiate stuck not to send him more railing
messages against his Majesty's proceedings and his principal
ministers of State, as instanced by the speeches of Andreas de
Prada. The Archduke acknowledged that he had been summarily informed by his Ambassador of what had passed in the
conference, which he commended to be a very honourable proceeding, and though Don Pedro de Zuniga had showed to be
something transported with passion, which he said was the
general imperfection of the Spaniard, he doubted not but he
would be a means to rectify matters again. For Andreas de
Prada he wondered that he should be so exorbitant in his speeches
considering he had the reputation to be one of the most temperate
spirits of that state. |
|
Concerning the new "noviship" which the English Jesuits
were by the Archduke's permission erecting at Lovoyne, the
inconveniences of which to his Majesty's state Edmondes represented, the Archduke said he would advise whether there might
be a stay thereof but Edmondes doubts the proceedings are so
far advanced that he will be dissuaded from staying them and
suggests that Salisbury should speak of the matter with Hoboque.
—10 Oct., 1606.
Copy. 2¼ pp. (227. p. 280.)
[Original in P.R.O. State Papers Foreign, Flanders, 8.] |
|
Gervase Smith. |
|
1606, Oct. 12. |
Two papers:— |
|
(1) Examination of Gervis Smith, 12 Oct., 1606. Denies
saying that Lord Beaucham should be heir to the Crown. By
the instruments mentioned in his letter to Humphries he meant
Merlin and others that spake of such matters. He found
fault that the laws were not made to take away the life of the
Papists, seeing all false prophets and blasphemers ought to
suffer. Denies saying the King was illegitimate. Confesses
saying he came from Tiddar not in recta linea, and acknowledges
his error. Denies saying the King should be ruined by Papists,
or that they should set up Mary a persecutor of Protestants, or
that Protestants should call for the help of Edward of the house
of Cadwallader. |
|
Q. Who told you that vile lie that the King had imperfection
in his eyelids, and a naughty look, fatal and importing no good
to the land, and what did you conclude thereupon? A. He
that took exceptions to the King's looks was a jester that came
from the Court; and he made no ill conclusion thereof. Denies
telling of a prophecy that a great Bishop should ruin the King,
or saying that the King should live no longer than Christmas,
and Lord Beaucham succeed in the kingdom. |
|
Signed: Gervis Smith. Taken before and signed by: T.
Suffolke, H. Northampton, E. Worcester, Salisbury, John
Corbett. 1 p. (192. 138.) |
|
(2) Articles wherewith Jasper [sic] Smith, Minister, is to
be charged; and his answers. 12 Oct. 1606. |
|
Names of those he commonly conversed with, Mr. Whittle,
parson of Milden, Mr. Lyster, curate at Shelley, Mr. William
Barwick, parson of Hitcham, and others. He spoke of the prophecies to Mr. Hankin, Mr. Harrison, vicar of Cornand Magna,
and Mr. Humphreys. The prophecies foretold the coming again
and putting down of the mass, of great invasions and battles
and bringing the world to a unity of Christian faith. He takes
it that by the E. was meant Edward VI, but never said he should
be raised up by miracle. By "instruments" in his letter to
Humphreys, he meant the prophecies: other instruments
besides he does not acknowledge. The causes of his dislike to
the government of the Church are: it is not agreeable with the
Apostolic Church of pastors and elders, but is divided into
dioceses and provinces with a new government: it maintains
ceremonies contrary to the Word, as holy days to creatures,
catechising of infants, form of ministration of the Sacraments,
the cross in baptism, the ring in marriage, private communions,
a reading ministry, a conclusion in baptism that all infants
shall be saved. The laws against recusants are wanting in severity;
corrupters of the truth ought to be cut off by the sword: and
punishing them by payments of money is as the Israelites putting
the Canaanites to tribute, and may have the same effect. Under
the law that now is they increase. Never spake maliciously
of his Majesty, but found some want of severity and courage in
him, because he did not execute God's enemies. Never said
the King was illegitimate, but was in the error that he was but
collateral. In the prophecies, J. succeeding E. is his Majesty,
as the event has proved: takes M. to be a woman that shall usurp
the land and set up Popery, and persecute and burn many, but
be burned in the end herself. E. means Edward VI, who the
prophecies say shall rise again to comfort the young knight,
whom he takes to be the true King in danger by the usurper.
The raised man after setting the land at peace, shall leave the
government to a cousin of his kin, and bring all men to the
unity of the Christian faith. He spoke of the ruin of the King
by Papists only upon his private conjecture. Denies saying the
Protestants should call for the help of Edward. A jester from
the Court told him the King never moved his eyelids, and had a
heavy look. Said it was prophesied that a bishop who was no
gentleman, nor born to such dignity, should rule the Crown for
a time; but of what bishop it is to be meant he knows not.
Signed: Gervis Smith, minister of Polsted. Countersigned:
Salisbury. 6½ p. (192. 140.) |
|
Sir Thomas Shirley to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 13. |
Give me leave herein to present my humble
petition. I seek it for no profit that I hope to reap thereby,
but only to keep covenant with some that have great bonds
upon me to procure such a grant to their use. And now it has
had so long a time that it is drawn even to the uttermost. If it
please you to favour me herein I shall hold myself most bound
to you for ever for thereby you shall keep me out of a great
mischief, even out of the lion's mouth. I assure your lordship
the condition of these impropriations is much altered now after
so long and divers gleanings. Nevertheless I shall hold myself
in as great an obligation to you as if they were of as rich quality
as ever they were when they were at best and greatest plenty.—
13 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (118. 4.) |
|
Sir Lewis Lewkenor to the Same. |
|
[1606], Oct. 13. |
The letter from Madame de Rohan to your
lordship was brought by Mons. de Disinye who is returned into
Normandy by the way of Hampton. Your answer I have delivered to Mons. de Giury, who has, as you wrote, a dependency
upon Madame de Rohan and will deliver it with all care into
her own hands. |
|
Mons. de Vaudemont embarked this afternoon, having a good
wind to carry him to St. Jhons Roade, where he intends to land.
He has been well accommodated all the way till we came to
Canterbury, where we found want of fresh horses and small
care both in the mayor and postmaster of this service. I send
enclosed a letter from Mons. de Vaudemont to the K: not
knowing what haste it requires, and will at my coming to London
wait upon your lordship.—Dover, 13 Oct.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606." ½ p. (118. 5.) |
|
Postal endorsements: "Canterbury the 13th of October past
eight o'clock at night. Settingborne half an hour past 10 o'clock
at night. Rochester at past 12 at night. Darford at past 3 at
night." |
|
Mattheo de' Renzi to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 15. |
Notwithstanding his Majesty's protection
I have been so persecuted by the SSi La Faille and my other
creditors, that I have been compelled to retire to Ireland, where
I hoped to restore my fortunes. My enemies, however, have
procured letters from the Council to my Lord Deputy, ordering my arrest and transportation to England. I had no other
design in coming here than the payment of my debts, and I
beg for a letter of protection to my Lord Deputy that I may
be free to attend to my affairs. My misfortunes are not my own
fault and are due to others, an accident which may happen to
any man of honour. I have been an honest merchant in England
for many years and his Majesty has profited to the sum of many
thousands of pounds by the customs duties on my imports and
exports. Moreover I am still young and can devote a good
part of my life to the recovery of my credit.—Naas in Ireland,
15 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Italian. 1½ pp. (118. 6.) |
|
Timothy Haies to Mr. Lavinus [Munck], Secretary to the
Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 15. |
Lies as yet a poor prisoner in the Gatehouse,
altogether destitute of friends and money. Has heard that in
reason of a petition delivered of late for him order was given by
Lord Salisbury for his discharge, but knows not whether it be
true or not. Prays Lavinus to stand his friend either in procuring or granting him his liberty. His estate is so poor that
in very deed he cannot pay for small and extraordinary trifles
necessary for him, the King notwithstanding most graciously
paying for his diet and chamber. Is in his great necessity constrained with a brazen face to request very presumptuously
great favours of unknown friends, whose hearts he hopes will
rather be moved of charity and for God's sake than for any
worldly gain to help him. If Lavinus has no order for his discharge, beseeches him to deliver this his humble petition to the
Earl of Salisbury,—Gatehouse at West', 15 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. 1 p. (118. 7.) |
|
Sir Griffin Markhame to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
[1606], Oct. 15/25. |
I beseech your lordship pardon this as my
congratulation for the recovery of your indisposition, which in
this place was spoken of not without opinion of danger. |
|
I daily hear from all my friends how much I am bound to you
for your compassion and desire of my return and still perceive
that my unfortunate companions' repining impatience causes
my delay. I beseech God send them to be more charitable for
their own goods or else I would with all my heart I had changed
fortune with them, for any prison, the Tower excepted, which
by the distance and terror of it, bars the enjoying of friends and
consequently the disposing of business. For being imprisoned
in my country I could much help myself and in distresses be
comforted. Here I live continually disgraced, envied, and with
base names slandered only for being honest. I write not this
with opinion to merit, for this and much more I acknowledge
but my duty, and according to my ability and opportunity I will
be ready ever by demonstration or action to assure it. |
|
I know your lordship is so fully informed and by so sufficient
a minister of all occurrences in this place that it should be too
much presumption for me to trouble you with my poor advertisements. |
|
I beseech you continue your good opinion of me for that in
all these distresses is one of my greatest comforts, and I protest
I will sincerely with all my powers strive to deserve it.—Bruxells,
this 25 of October.
Signed. Endorsed: "1606." 1 p. (118. 23.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 16. |
His Majesty going forth this morning to his
sports somewhat early yet before he went commanded me to
advertise your lordship of these three things. First, that he
thought he should before this have heard something from you
about the dispatch from Ireland which you sent him down to
Royston, and what had passed your consultations therein and
whether it were grown to any resolution. I was bold (remembering the information it had pleased you to give me of that
matter before my coming) to tell his Majesty that he might
please to call to his memory that although the contents of that
dispatch held some matters of importance yet of no hasty resolution, and that your lordship has so lately made dispatch of money
thither and given your answers to many of their propositions
as you had time enough to reply to these last, and that I conceived your purposes were to speak with his Highness of those
things before you would resolve. His reply was that all this
might be true but yet it could do no hurt to remember you of
it, and that he was sure you had been busy about it. |
|
The second was to renew that which from Royston I wrote
and Sir Roger Aston also about order to be taken for preserving
the game of pheasants and partridges, wherein your lordship is
so often a complainer of the abuse and too good a falconer, he
says, as you deserve to have that burden cast upon you. And
he is desirous to hear what remedy you have thought for maintenance of your own pleasure as well as his. |
|
The third matter is that his Majesty finds fault that here is
no Master of Requests to attend him, which he imputes to Sir
Roger Wilbraham for this time, excusing Sir Daniell Donne
because he waited the last journey into Hampshire. I answered
for them that the cause might be the nearness of the term where
they should be occupied about the causes of their court and one
of them always attended your lordships sittings. But his
Majesty said that nothing was more necessary than that there
should be one with him for that being officers of justice and
known so in the commonwealth, his Majesty might by them
give ease to many poor suitors that follow him continually
wheresoever he goes for reliefs by way of equity, in whose suits,
though he conceive most of them to be of that nature that if
he never came to the place where they are exhibited they would
never be offered to him, yet it is a contentment to his people
to receive an answer. And many as he conceives may be just
and fit by using his name to gentlemen of the country [to] be
taken up and not every poor creature forced to come to London.
For which he has no person here that is of any authority to write
in his name in cases of that nature, and it is proper to a Master
of Requests as his Majesty says. His pleasure after this long
discourse was that you should tell them of their fault and give
them charge to amend it. |
|
The letter to the Lord Chamberlain is about certain bustards
to be fetched out of Kent. |
|
I received your dispatch touching the change of the Queen's
mind for her remove yesterday, but the King had heard of it
by Robert Anstruther, who coming from London lighted on him
in the fields before, but his Majesty's answer to it was that he
would acquaint the Queen with the preamble of the letter and
leave you to justify yourself.—From Neumarkett, 16 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. 2½ pp. (118. 8.) |
|
The Earl and Countess of Shrewsbury to the Earl of
Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 16. |
You have done me a great favour to advertise
me of the decrease of those that died of the plague the last week,
but you mistake me in thinking I have no great appetite to make
a winter's journey to the Parliament; for I long greatly to see
the brave new building at my lodging at Whytehall, besides to
enjoy that most honourable company that will be conversant
in that grave assembly. And for better proof of my desire to
make one of that number I have Doctor Hunton here with me,
by whose advice a fit of the gout, which took hold of my foot
about 10 or 12 days since, is now almost quite gone and I am
entered into a course of diet, eating but of one dish at a meal
and drinking no other than that which is made with sarsaparilla,
which course I mean to hold precisely for these 20 days yet to
come, and about that time I intend to set from hence towards
you. In the mean time we shall be very glad to hear that you
may continue in perfect health.—At Sheffeld Lodge, 16 Oct., 1606.
In the handwriting of the Earl, signed: Gilb: Shrewsbury.
Ma: Shrowsbury. ¾ p. (118. 10.) |
|
Sir Roger Aston to the Same. |
|
[1606. Oct. 18.] |
This last night late my Lord of Dombar
came to this town. Being troubled with a pain in his head
was not able to come forth of his lodging till this morning. His
Majesty was very desirous to have spoken with him yesternight.
His lordship being so troubled with the pain in his head he could
not send me to his Majesty to make his excuses and withal to
let him know that you had been at Hampton Court where you
had carried all matters so well and wisely as his Majesty would
wish and that her Majesty was never more respecting and
more lovingly disposed towards him than at this time. This
being delivered to his Majesty he presently told me that was
the chief cause he would so fain have spoken with him. He
said he was very glad and went to his bed very merry, and sent
me to my Lord to be at him betimes in the morning, which he
did this morning and thereafter presently made his dispatch
towards your lordship; which I thought good to accompany
with these few lines, leaving all things to his lordship.—From
Newe Markett this Saturday fore-noon.
PS.—On Monday his Majesty removes to Rostorne [Royston].
Holograph. Endorsed: "18 Oct., 1606." Seal. 1 p. (118. 11.) |
|
Lord Cobham to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 18. |
I have long forborne to trouble you with my
letters, for importunacy I desire to shun and assure myself that
when time serves you will be both mindful of me and my liberty.
A more charitable deed you can never do at this time. I entreat
you to speak to my Lord Treasurer that I may be paid my money
due to me out of the Exchequer, for truly I want it. How ill
and lame I am this bearer can report unto you.—From the Toure,
the 18 of 8ber, 1606.
Holograph, signed Henry Brooke. Endorsed: "L. Cobham
to my Lord." ½ p. (118. 12.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 18. |
It may please you to receive the bills you
sent me signed by his Majesty, and also that for St. Martyn's
[in the Fields]. That for Sir Thomas Ridgeway I take it was
done before a good while since.—From Newmarkett. 18 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. ¼ p. (118. 13.)
Postal endorsement: "Octob. 18. Witlesford Bridge on
Saturday at one in the afternoon." |
|
Sir Roger Wilbraham to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 18. |
I thank your lordship for your direction to
attend the King's Majesty. I hope to be at Newmarket tomorrow, being very much grieved that his Majesty is especially
offended at my absence, being not my month to wait and that
I have been in physic and surgery ever since I came down. If
I had received any advertisement from Sir Daniell Dun of any
impediment in him, I would have attended as is my duty.—
From my poor house at Plompton, 18 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. ¼ p. (118. 14.) |
|
Postal endorsements: "Received at Tocester the 18 day of
October 1606 at 10 in the morning. Breckhill at 3. Saint
Albons at 8. Barnit at 11." |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 19. |
By reason of the many business [sic] my Lord
of Dumbar has had to do with his Majesty in weighty affairs
of Scotland, I could not acquaint him with your last letters till
this morning. Having read them twice over, for the matter of
Ireland he spake obscurely but yet so as to my seeming he
apprehends it more than I guess by your letter you would have
him and wishes that an eye were had to look further into it.
Which I told his Majesty he might be assured that you who had
your eyes so near to the secrets of many foreign countries would
not neglect. Upon that point of disavowing the oath by the
Pope he used large discourse that it would be an occasion to
him to make an evident trial of the allegiance of his subjects of
that sort, whether they would adhere to him by persisting in
their oath or to the Pope in forbearing it hereafter. Of other
matters he said you would hear enough by my Lord of Dumbar.
I had forgotten in my last packet to send this warrant.—From
Newmarket, 19 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal broken. ¾ p. (118. 15.) |
|
El[izabeth], Countess of Derby, to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 19. |
This gentleman John Lea has earnestly desired
my recommendation of a suit that he intends to make to you
to accept of him to be a household servant unto your lordship.
Upon the experience I have long had of his service to myself,
I cannot but acknowledge it to have been good and faithful,
and do therefore recommend him to your favour.—At Yorkhouse,
19 Oct., 1606.
Signed. ¼ p. (118. 16.) |
|
Fra. Gofton to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 20. |
I had no sooner knowledge that the grant
of those things (for which I had in part satisfied) was passed
under the Great Seal, but I thought it my duty to return to
you this note enclosed to be used at your pleasure. Give me
leave to continue the remembrance of my poor suit to you.—
20 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "Auditor Gofton." ¼ p.
(118. 17.) |
|
Henry Anderson, Lionel Maddinson, Robert Dudley,
William Warmouth, James Clavering and Henry Sanderson
to Lord Sheffield. |
|
1606, Oct. 21. |
According to his lordship's letter they have
taken a view of Tinmouth Castle. Find that every part of it is
for the most part ruinated, the gates lying open both day and
night and no man lying within the castle, only one Richard
Thomlinson, who lies in the town, being appointed by Sir Henry
Woodrington, knight, in some sort to look that nothing be
carried from thence. Notwithstanding strangers enter at their
pleasures and some part of the leads have been cut, broken and
carried away. As for the ordnance or munition remaining there,
have sent the particulars in a note herein enclosed. As touching
the good that this town of Newcastell and the country near
adjoining might receive by the said castle, if it were fortified
and kept in such good sort as in former times it has been, it is
most certain that no ship or barque can approach very near the
haven of Tinmouth nor come into it but the castle and hold may
command them, which not being fortified the enemy may easily
enter and spoil both town and country at their pleasures without
any present resistance.—From Newcastell, 21 Oct., 1606.
Copy. 1 p. (118. 19.) |
|
The Enclosure:— |
|
An inventory of the armour within the Castle of Tinmouth
taken the 26 of September, 1606. |
|
Upon the mount towards the river all with carriages which
is 3 falcons and 2 sakers. Within the castle-gate one saker of
brass. In the storehouse one iron culverin and 2 carriages, one
bound and one unbound.
In the churchyard towards the sea 2 sakers of brass with
their carriages and one demi-culverin of iron without carriages.
In the Maddergarth one iron minion.
Within a room in the castle 14 muskets, 11 halberts, four
horsemen's pieces, one jack and two spears.
In the platform one saker of brass.
In the Armoury 16 pikes, 4 musket rests, one halbert, 11 old
bandeliers, and one lantern for the sea light.
In the house of Mr. Whiteheade in Tinmouth, five muskets
set with bone.
½ p. (118. 18.) |
|
The Earl of Rutland to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
[1606], Oct. 22. |
To recommend the bearer, who is passing
from him to the Prince's service, to Salisbury's favour.—Belvoir
this 22 Oct.
Holograph. Seal broken. Endorsed: "1606." ½ p. (118.
20.) |
|
The Earl of Shrewsbury to John Hercy. |
|
1606, Oct. 22. |
There is an herbage called Chymelyes in the
Peak in which there is one lease in being of 7 or 8 years and a
lease in reversion for 21 years after them. I am informed that
Peter Bradshawe (in whose name and some of the tenants the
said lease of 21 years was taken) goes about with the most of
the now occupiers and neighbours to obtain the thing in feefarm, if possibly they can, or if not, then to procure a third
lease in reversion. You may remember my endeavour therein
heretofore for myself and therefore I should think it strange
if any others should obtain it. Wherefore I pray you resort to
Mr. Chancellor of the Duchy and to Mr. Attorney of that Court
and entreat them in my name that they will harken to no such
motion until my coming to London, which shall be very shortly,
and then I will acquaint them with the state of the cause. You
may speak also with Sir Thomas Lake if any such thing may
come to his hands, and if you find cause then move my Lord of
Salisbury to make stay thereof at the privy seal, if it should
happen to pass so far. This Bradshaw is a perilous busy companion and seeketh to cross me in everything he can.—At Sheffeild
Lodge, 22 Oct., 1606. |
|
Addressed: "To my servant John Hercy at his lodging at
Salisburye Court. My Lord Treasurer's porter there will cause
this letter to be delivered."
Holograph. ¾ p. (118. 21.) |
|
The Earl of Salisbury to the King. |
|
1606. Oct. 22. |
Those gracious thanks which I have received
from you are so precious to me and so far beyond my merit as
I should be grieved rather than comforted (finding mine own
abilities so short for the service of such a prince) if I had not a
hope that you would accept voluntatem pro facto. Upon which
comfort seeing I must only rely, I will end that point with this
profession that I shall wish my life at an end when I shall deserve
or find a change. I have also understood by the Earl of Dunbar
that your Majesty hath been troubled with a word that fell
from my pen wherein I only glanced that I saw a fatality in the
State that it would never be rich. I beseech your Majesty to
give me leave to tell you (under pardon) that I am glad to have
outlived the day wherein a poor beagle (if he durst) might justly
say, he hath his Master at one advantage as he hath had him at
many, if it be true which I do hear that such a word can work
upon such a mind. For considering how great a difference
there is between such a condition of riches and want; if your
Majesty observe the time wherein it was written and the person
that wrote it; the time being when I was newly come from
attending four or five of your faithful labourers, who had been
looking upon the glass of your State for point of treasure and
revenue, which hath been and must be for 7 or 8 days yet the
best part of our meditation, the person being myself that love
rather to speak too little (like myself) than too much in such
cases, I will (let the law be as sharp as it will against words)
conclude that a sticking beagle may sometimes have a sticking
master, who, having such a piercing and a multiplying brain as
he can make what he list of everything, hath stuck so long
upon a word. |
|
This is all the answer I will make for this time for very cursed
heart, until I hear by my friends that my foolish phrases have
not troubled his pleasures and exercises, whose finger cannot
ache but all our hearts must feel it. Concerning the Priests
all shall be as ready against your coming as may be; so for
Nicholson and Sir Edward Greville my Lords resolve to take
time this week: and so for all other things incident to your
service all that we shall desire is that we may still use this liberty
to make greatest speed of things as they shall appear to be of
more necessity one than another. And thus craving pardon
of your Majesty for troubling you thus long, being now newly
risen from sitting four hours in Council where we have had the
Chief Justice and the Attorney about many of your causes, I
most humbly take my leave.—From your Majesty's house of
Whitehall, 22 Oct., 1606.
Endorsed: Copy of your lordship's letter to the King, 22
Oct., 1606." 2 pp. (134. 95.) |
|
Draft of the above, corrected by Salisbury.
Endorsed: "22 October, 1606. Minute to the K. concerning
a word let fall that this State shall never be rich." 3½ pp.
(134. 96.) |
|
Sir Roger Aston to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
[1606], Oct. 23. |
This bearer David Moyesse is the man his
Majesty recommended to you before. He is the man I moved
you for at my last being with you. His suit is for one recusant.
His Majesty is very willing he shall have the benefit of him and
has commanded me to signify so far to you that you may give
order according.—From Roston the 23 of October.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606. For Mr. David Moyse."
½ p. (118. 22.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 23. |
I send herewith the Bishop of Carlisle's licence,
which his Majesty signed this morning; and the warrant for
M. d'Obigny [D'Aubigny]. He is not yet satisfied about the
matter of the game, what order was taken; the greatest abuse
being in the consumption thereof in London, the best remedy
is to prevent that; and you had not let him know what was
intended therein. Not that he means this to be one of your
serious affairs, not to tie you to hours or times which as you
write (he says) is neither possible nor his intent. But yet you
may as well afford some time to think on your pleasure, as he
does a great deal on his; but for when or with whom, he recommends to your discretion. He delivered me letters out of
Denmark, brought by Anstruther, to be sent to you.—Royston,
23 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. 1 p. (192. 144.) |
|
The Same to the Same. |
|
[1606, Oct. 25]. |
These other letters were written yesternight
after the receipt of your lordship's directed to his Majesty,
whereby you may see you are in danger. But the best is I have
the evidence with me which will show the truth. This morning
about seven of the clock came your last letters, at which time
his Majesty was not awaked. But as soon as he was I delivered
it to him, who is well satisfied of your lordships' resolutions to
remove the Queen. Only he gave me great charge and often
repeated that he desired to be informed what course was taken
in the buttery with the rest of the servants there and how they
should be restrained from his Majesty or the Queen's service;
how long he was sick before he discovered himself and if he had
conversed any long time among them. To this he would have
answer this night, which is the cause I have set so many "gallowes" on the packet, but have taken my leave myself to go
toward my house.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal broken. Endorsed: "1606, Oct. 25." ¾ p.
(118. 24.) |
|
Sir Thomas Lake to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
[1606, Oct. 25]. |
Both your letters the one written by Sir Ol.
Cromwel's man, the other by the post, came hither, the first
about noon, the other after his Majesty's return from his sports
and being safe at his supper. Which being ended I acquainted
him with that directed to me and delivered the other. After
perusal of both which and some speech with John Achmowty,
then newly arrived, his Highness said it needed no answer but
that he was pleased with the Queen's resolution and would
frame his journey to it. For the former he thinks your lordship
has reason to write that you do in Sir Olyver Cromwel's matter,
and himself upon the first motion did apprehend it to be inconvenient. But for the other parts, howsoever your power do
bind all my duties, yet I have received from a superior power a
commandment to collect certain words out of your letter touching
not being King if plots might have taken place, and to direct to
my Lord Chief Justice to resolve his Majesty how far they amount
in law if they may be proved under the party's hand that has
said them. Your lordship will excuse my performing of my
duty, who must in gathering the words to make them serve the
turn use the art of most of our divines, writers in controversies,
leave out what goes before or comes behind and take only the
words that may make show of favouring their side though with
equivocation, which is an older art than our Garnet's, and
practised by higher persons as appears by this example. |
|
I have been so long from home and his Majesty will now so
soon be with your lordship, as I have taken my leave of his
Highness to go to my house and so will wait on you about
Tuesday.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal broken. Endorsed: "1606, Oct. 25." 1¼ pp.
(118. 25.) |
|
The Same to Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice. |
|
1606, Oct. 25. |
His Majesty directs these words here under
written to be considered of by your lordship and to resolve him
what they amount unto in law, if they may be proved under
the particular hand from whom they proceeded. It seems to
me they concern some great person. All other circumstances
are obscure to me. His Majesty will be at Whitehall on Friday
at night, at which time or on Saturday he will expect your
resolution.—From the Court at Royston, 25 Oct., 1606.
The words referred to are the following: "Then for being my
sovereign, which he should never have been if all my plots could
have hindered him."
Holograph. Seal broken. ½ p. (118. 26.) |
|
Sir Roger Wilbraham to the Commissioners for the Northern
Borders. |
|
1606, Oct. 26. |
The King has been much importuned in this
petition enclosed of Ann Greame for liberty to inhabit upon
the house and land, where her husband before his banishment
dwelt. His Majesty being not inclined to condescend to her
request, for that it may be an occasion for others to trouble him
in like suits, yet his gracious pleasure is that you understand
the truth of her petition and certify your opinions whether it
be meet that extraordinary favour be shown to this petitioner
before others, or what his Majesty may do for her satisfaction
and yet not give encouragement to others in the same nature,
that hereupon his further pleasure may be known.—From the
Court at Royston, 26 Oct., 1606.
Addressed: To the reverend father in God the Lord Bishop of
Carleile, Sir William Selbye, Sir Wolford Lawson and the rest
of the Commissioners for the Northern Borders.
Signed. Endorsed: "1607" [sic]. ⅓ p. (118. 27.) |
|
Sir Robert Wingfeilde to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 27. |
Others that live in the country desire that
summer may always last, but for his part is glad it is ended,
choosing rather to spend seven years at the Court than seven
days in the country. In the one he enjoys nothing but trouble
and pains for other men, spending all that he has in housekeeping, never seeing any of his best friends nor scant hearing
of them but of their want of health and deaths; whereas in the
other place he would hope by his service in some measure to
deserve the King's favour, often to see Salisbury, and to live
at more ease and less charge. Has been for this seven or eight
weeks very ill or else had surely come up to see his Honour.
Craves leave hereafter, if God spare his life, to spend in summer
some time in waiting upon Salisbury at Theobalds. The world
tells him he has many friends and he acknowledges it, yet would
be glad sometimes to live near them or with them. Has no
news but that being at Cambridge upon Friday last, about the
business for the draining of the fens, saw there Lord Cranborne,
Salisbury's son, in good and perfect health.—27 Oct., 1606.
Signed. Seal broken. 1 p. (118. 28.) |
|
Lord Sheffield to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
[1606], Oct. 30. |
The duty of my place requires of me a care
answerable to the trust reposed in me. Therefore, though in
matters of this nature, whereof now I especially write, I have
no particular instruction, yet I have thought good thus far to
adventure, seeing so much carelessness in those to whom it
appertains and the matter being of that importance, to certify
you to whose graver censure I leave it how far to be imported,
that having heard of the great neglect in those to whom the
keeping of Tinmothe Castle is referred, I took upon [myself],
out of the general care I cannot but have of places within my
government of that nature, to command the mayor with other
aldermen of Nucastell to make view of the state of the place
and to certify me thereof. Which they having done and I
thereby finding the truth of the intelligence, have thought good
to impart it to your lordship, having herewithal sent you the
mayor's letter whereby you may the better discern how much
that town and country esteem themselves secured by the castle
and forts of Tinmothe. In my opinion this place is more than
ordinary to be regarded both by reason of the situation, those
parts being as it were overrun with papists and so affected, as
also there being in the castle and town such materials for ill
affected persons to work withal as is I think in few such places.
For there is both munition and arms good store, the King having
a storehouse there well furnished besides what the town and
castle of Tinmothe have for their defence, as may appear by the
notes herewith sent. Which, as the chief ones there stand
affected, is likely rather to turn when occasion serves to their
offence than other ways: and that which draws me to the more
suspicion is the flocking thither of most of the papists in those
parts, showing a great desire to seat themselves either in or
near the town. Furthermore I think good your lordship take
notice that the care of Tinmothe is appointed to Sir Henry
Witherington, who since the late reconciliation with his brother
Roger, who is the shrewdest papist the North has, is grown very
cold in his proceeding and is much suspected to be greatly drawn
of late to that side; and indeed I have some more cause than
ordinary to mistrust something, I knowing by an accident that
he is altogether advised by his brother Roger. The which to
make more plain to you I have sent you this letter enclosed
written from Roger Witherington to his brother, in my conceit
something of a strange nature therein stirring him to great discontentment, the effects whereof you know well. I leave it to
your wisdom what to gather of it or what use to make of it.
It came to my hands strangely. It was cast away at sea in a
trunk of apparel of Sir Henry Widderington's sent up by his
brother Roger and falling into a gentleman's hands of Lincolnshire, a friend of mine, it was opened by him. Then by this
letter he, perceiving to whom it belonged and in the reading of it
observing thereof the matter and that it might be fitting for me
to know, sent me a copy of it, which I have forborne some time
to certify, because I would not show myself too suspicious.
But now I have thought good for many respects to advertise
you of it, leaving it to your graver consideration what use to
make of it. Only this methinks, Sir Henry Widdrington is
not so fit, these circumstances weighed, to have the keeping of
a place of so great importance as Tinmouthe is. I say this
further to you that, if my judgment fail me not, these wicked
papists (who will never cease till they overthrow this State if
the better care be not taken of it) have some plot in hand, for
their carriage is more high and insolent than ordinary, and as
before the late devilish device have many meetings under colour
of huntings and strive to horse themselves extraordinarily well,
refusing even any price for them if one go about to buy them.
This has been their foreign courses ever when they have had any
plot in hand but I know these things are better known to your
lordship than to me. Therefore I will but leave it to your
wisdom. Yet one thing more of suspicion I cannot omit, of
which your lordship should have had a more certain intelligence
if the party had not so suddenly returned into his own country
that I could not apprehend him. For then would I have informed myself more sufficiently of his intent. But thus much
I know by one, who meeting him feigned himself to be popish,
that he is servant to Mr. Martine and came out of the South
through Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Bishopric and
Northumberland, at which place notwithstanding he had been
so long a journey out of the way from whence he came, which
was out of Suffolk or Norfolk I know not whether, he confessed
to him that gave me intelligence he had 300l. in gold about him
and uttered many speeches, which I send you herewith, discovering a lewd disposition especially towards yourself, with
which I protest I am very much moved, for your Honour bound
me so to you by your many favours, especially now in my absence,
that I have resolved to be as sensible of any wrong done to you
as to myself. This sending of such sums of money one to another
makes me suspect that. I have no moneys now out of this
occasion to find out the party, being not within my government.
Therefore you may do well to examine it further. It may be
it will bolt out something worth knowing and because I have
forgotten the certain place of his abode, if you send for Mr.
Sandorson of Nucastell, who is now at London, he can inform
you thereof. Who, though he did not discover this matter,
I assure your lordship he does the King as good service in those
parts where he dwells as any man can do, and without such
there can be nothing here, the most are so ill affected in religion.
I pray you encourage him when he attends you, for both he
and all others of his cause are almost out of heart.—Normanbie,
30 Oct.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1606." 3 pp. (118. 30.) |
|
The Enclosure:—
See the letter above of Oct. 21, to Lord Sheffield (p. 327). |
|
Sir Arthur Capell to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 30. |
Sends a brace of does and thanks Salisbury
for continued favour and for his bounty to his son Arthur Capell.—
From my poor house at Haddham, 30 Oct., 1606.
Holograph. ½ p. (118. 33.) |
|
Sir Robert Johnson to the Same. |
|
1606, Oct. 31. |
Pardon my presumption in writing my private
opinion of those points which were propounded, argued, and
partly resolved on Saturday last touching the matter of saltpetre
and the commission yet in force for that business, wherein it
was very judiciously handled and considered what was feasible
and what impossible in that service. I must confess when I
had well advised of the indentures of contract thereupon made,
giving too much way to the disarming of the realm in that kind
of munition, that as an officer and servant to his Majesty, and
as a Parliament man, I was not the second that excepted against
the use made of that commission, being wholly directed to
private ends against his Majesty's purpose therein. And now I
pray pardon to acquaint you that though not all, yet the chiefest
grief and ground of our complaint for the Commons of England,
was not so much for the digging of saltpetre, as because it was
then said that his Majesty's stores were almost empty and no
part of saltpetre or powder received for supply thereof from
the time of that commission made until the time of the complaint
in Parliament, but all the whole provision transported. By
reason whereof, no better way to reformation appearing, it
became amongst others a just complaint of the Commons in
Parliament. All which being very true I humbly pray you to
endeavour reformation of things that be out of square, that so
you will advise well of the manner how this may conveniently
be holpen, lest by a mistaking of the reason of the complaint of
the Commons, such overture be given as may prove very dangerous and prejudicial to his Majesty and the kingdom. For
your Honour may be sufficiently satisfied by those who have the
skill to extract petre and make powder, that it is impossible by
any way yet assuredly known to furnish the kingdom thereof
by home store, and foreign provision may not in reason or policy
be trusted upon for many dangers, if the digging of houses,
barns and stables be left out, as it seems by my Lord Chief
Justice's opinion they must be. And I pray pardon to be very
sorry that his Majesty's prerogative in this point should be
disputed, being the support of many things of much less importance to the kingdom than this is. I have often heard in strictness
of law what might be said, but know withal that of evils the least
is to be chosen. And, therefore, whereas it was propounded
that a proclamation should be divulged to intercept that commission, I pray your lordship that some judicious delay therein
may be used, lest unawares it be the undoing of many poor men
having made their provisions of wood and fuel, lying upon
their hands, nay rather chiefly till it be fully advised of how
the kingdom may be served by any other certain course. If it
were so happy that any other certain and better way might
appear, then with good reason such a proclamation might be
divulged. But as the case yet stands it is a nice point to endeavour a popular applause that carries with it a dangerous
inconvenience, for my own private judgment, if no other better
way appear, yet [it] were much better now in Parliament that
it were propounded to the Commons to enact some convenient
course for that provision as in their wisdoms should be fit by
indifferent courses to be holden, both for his Majesty's profit
and the service of the realm without their "annoys," so near
as can be. And withal that they may be made to understand
how graciously his Majesty respects their complaint and how
willingly he will give life to any law that may be fit for the safety
of the kingdom in this provision of gunpowder, this course
were much safer and pleasing enough no doubt it would be.
And I beseech your lordship well to advise how unfit it were to
cross a proclamation with any subsequent commission, which
of mere necessity must be done if no other course happen for
an assured provision. And if it be not thought fit to stay this
proclamation for three weeks, the commission having been in
use this two years, yet could I wish that it were carried in these
terms; that his Majesty is graciously minded to remove the
cause of complaint and willing to give life to any law that his
Parliament shall think meet, indifferent for his Majesty, and
which may assure the provision. But yet in no wise to divulge
these judgments in point of law, which were more fit for the
secrecy of a Council of State. This gracious and middle course
would fully satisfy the people and be much more freed of inconveniences than otherwise it may be. By all which I beseech
you to conceive that as I do not take all that I heard, nor think
the former evil fit to be cured by such a danger, so must I
truly confess that I did ever utterly mislike, and to my power
impugn, the former contract and the diversion thereof from his
Majesty's meaning.—This last of October, 1606.
Signed: Robert Jhonsonn. Seal. 2 pp. (118. 34.) |
|
Sir William Waad to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
1606, Oct. 31. |
Order being given by my Lords for the enlargement of one Jhonson a servant to Mistress Vaukes, with
the privity of the Lord Chief Justice I caused this Jhonson
after he was at liberty to be observed, wherewith I think I
acquainted your lordship. Amongst other places to the which
this Jhonson repaired, he often visited a house lately erected in
the fields beyond the Artillery garden, which stands next to no
house and as after I learnt the Lady Gray dwells in that house.
Since, some of the inhabitants nearest to those parts having
observed extraordinary and suspicious resort to that house,
some of them resolved to watch the access; and finding that
on Saturday always in the evening divers persons in habit of
gentlemen resort thither and lodging there come not forth until
Sunday in the evening and scatteringly, they advertised me
thereof. Amongst those there is one that has by secret means
understood that this lady has in her hands three houses; this
in which she keeps ordinarily, another at Bednall [Bethnal]
Green, which Catesby held, which stands in an out-place, and
the third in Longue Alley, which third was searched this last
summer by Sir William Romney by direction from my Lord
Chief Justice, but he was disappointed by reason the party
sought for was hid in a secret conveyance, which shall be discovered when occasion shall serve. I thought it meet herewithal to acquaint your lordship, because if search at this time
may be made in those houses, especially in that where the lady
lodges in the Fields, it is likely some of these traitorous persons,
if they be within the realm may be found, or other of their crew.
Which course if you give order therein to my Lord Chief Justice,
I will send all the parties to his lordship, and the discreet handling
of the business may give some success.—"From the Towar the
last of October, 1606."
Holograph. 1½ pp. (118. 35.) |
|
Lord Stanhope to the Earl of Salisbury. |
|
[? 1606, Oct.] |
It being uncertain when the Council will sit, he
begs to know by bearer whether Salisbury holds his appointed
time on Saturday morning, when he will attend. Moyse, his
clerk in the Treasury Chamber, writes him that divers of the
King's servants and others who usually receive their wages on
quarter day, which is now past at Michaelmas, used him with
very hard words because they could not receive their money,
complaining of their necessity and poverty. If the warrant
may be had from his Majesty, he would attend the Lord Treasurer
to get some small portion thereof to satisfy the claims of such
as be in most want.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1600" [sic, ? rectius 1606]. 1 p.
(193. 51.) |
|
John Ball to [the Same ?] |
|
[1606, ? Oct.] |
Of his 14 weeks' imprisonment, so closely
kept that his health is sore decayed. Begs leave to take the
air abroad with his keeper, till his Honour shall determinate his
most innocent cause.—Undated.
Holograph. 1 p. (196. 95.) |
