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686. Port of London. |
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1588, July 2. |
Warrant to the officers of the Port of London to permit Mons. Ortell to have the care of the transportation of twelve pieces of cast iron ordnance, made for the town of Middleburgh, having the arms of the said town engraved upon the same, free of custom.—The Court, 2 July 1588. |
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Fair copy, but not signed. 1 p.
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687. Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 3. |
Your divers letters, bearing date 19 and 22 of June, I received, being here awaiting at Court, the penult of the same month. Incontinent after their receipt, I found his Majesty longing to hear
from that country, the Chancellor being then absent at his house in Lauderdale. After I had letten his Majesty understand of the receipt of letters from you, incontinent his Highness desired that they might be read to him, which presently I performed, so that same night, after his supper, I rend him all your several letters, to the number of five or six, together with the rest of the occurrents from you. His Majesty marvels very much that, after so good deserving of his part, and so many great testimonies of his unfeigned affection towards the weal and quietness of that country, they, notwithstanding, should have so slender regard of him and take no better resolution for his satisfaction after so great injuries, especially having respect to this present time, when he thinks his friendship may be very profitable for them, as, on the other part, his evil will and concurrence with their enemies may bring upon them a world of inconvenients. He cannot think that by this kind of dealing, after so many fair promises and general offers with so small effect following, that any good is meant to him by them, but rallies that they seek to abuse him with fair words till they have him embarked in that same sea of troubles that they are in themselves, and therefore have no respect nor regard unto him. Therefore, his Majesty commanded you to assure them, since he sees no appearance of taking of any honourable resolution for his satisfaction, that he will no longer delay, but take the best course for his own surety and state of his country that he may, whereby he may put off and eschew those storms that threaten that country, and make his profit of them as he may, where, if his Highness had been well used, he thought to have borne a common part with them for holding away of strangers to the common benefit of this isle. But of this I think that, either by my brother or me, you shall receive further directions very shortly. |
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If they think there that we be so divided amongst ourselves that without the assistance and help of that Queen, his Majesty is not able to [pacify] his own country, they deceive themselves very far, and are very untruly informed of our state, for, praised be God! at this time our matters, by the wise dealing of his Majesty, are reduced to this state, that there is not in all this country one great man or other that opposes himself to his Highness or his laws, but all are contented in all humility to serve his Majesty, and to follow the course that he shall think most expedient, suppose a great part of them wished his Majesty should join himself with his foreign friends for the revenge of so many injuries offered to him by that country. And although his Majesty has taken a little time to pacify the West Border, it was no matter of importance, for you know that sort of people has always been disordered, and that was rather done to keep the Lord Maxwell from being received there, who had contravened his Majesty's command by returning into this country without license, than for fear of any revolt of their side. For, as you know, there was no man ever showed his face against his Majesty in that part, and those miserable bodies who kept Lochmaben, did it rather for their defence against their private enemies than in any intention to resist his Majesty, as he, who was their principal, declared at his death. And the cause that moved his Majesty to desire the cannon from Carlisle for dinging of that house, was not that he could not bring off his own safely thither, but being then in great expectation to be well used by the Queen, and being moved thereto by large promises made to him by Robert Cary in her Majesty's name, he thought he would give them the proof of his honest and friendly mind towards them, looking then to have full satisfaction of their hands, whereof now he sees no appearance. Thus far to certify you of the quietness of our
state, and that his Majesty needs not the assistance of any other Prince. Where you writ that, ever since the return of Robert Cary, there hath been some [assistance] expected to have been sent out of this country and daily looked for, whereof you marvel you hear nothing from me, believe me his Majesty assures me that he had never any such determination in head, and he neither purposed, nor purposes, to send any thither, till he see further occasion than is yet offered. |
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I have been very earnest with his Majesty to write to the Queen that you might return to this county, as not necessary in those parts for any his service at this time, but cannot move him to condescend thereunto, both because he is no ways willing to write to her as yet, neither can he think it meet that you should return. You may do him good service, as well by advertising him of the state of affairs, as also by your advice how matters that go awry may be best helped. Where you writ that it is given out there that some have informed his Majesty that the Queen was well minded to see all good matter performed for our sovereign's welfare, but that the Earl of Leicester and Sir Francis Walsingham were the only stayers thereof, his Majesty desired you to assure them he never believed any such report, neither would he be persuaded that any such personages as they would be the hinderers of so good a work; but whosoever went about in that course were his particular enemies, and time would discover them to be traitors to their mistress and the common peace. |
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I communicated the occurrents from France, whereof he marvels to see the King reduced to so miserable a state as to receive such hard conditions from his own subjects. His Highness is very desirous to know what end it has taken, for if, as is reported, Spaniards are landed in Bretagne, they will hasten [good] accord. Because you make mention of a despiteful book written against M. D'Espernon, his Majesty is very desirous to see it, and the more because you writ that you prayed God it might be rather read with discretion than thought to be sent upon any evil meaning. |
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Our present state is very quiet and peaceable. His Majesty is six days ago returned from Dumfries, where he has left the Earl of Angus as Warden and Lieutenant to take order with that country. The Lord Maxwell's taking is like to produce very good effects in this country, for by the pacifying of the West Border all his favourest of that faction are become very quiet, and being suitors for the preservation of his life, will be very ready to give all humble obedience to his Majesty. The Earl of Huntly is recovered in credit, and is in great favour with his Highness, by reason of his alliance; the marriage is to be celebrated here at Court the 15th inst. There is also a convention of the nobility and barons appointed by his Majesty to be in this town the 20th inst., where the Lord Maxwell's life and other matters concerning the levying of money, his Majesty's marriage, &c, are to be advised. Robert Scott this other clay delivered your horses to the King, wherewith he remains very well satisfied, notwithstanding that the best of them by a misfortune before arrival was strained in the near forefoot. But Robert has * * * in hand that he shall shortly mend thereof, or else to put in his room the best horse that can be chosen in England for money. |
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There came hither not long ago a gentleman of Denmark, of whom I know you heard at his being in London since he came that way, directed from the Chancellor of Denmark to our Chancellor. This day he speaks with the King. His errand is to see if now, since the death of their King, it will please his Majesty to prosecute that matter that
was in hand before concerning the Isles of Orkney, but privily to know whether we will prosecute that marriage. I think he shall receive good words but no further, for since the death of that King the care both of the one and the other is lost. |
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The French Agent Préau, who was here after Lord Maxwell's taking, departed privily to France without taking leave of his Majesty; some think for fear lest he should be found guilty of some practices in this country against this State and religion.—From Edinburgh, this 3rd of July 1588. |
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3½ pp.
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688. Broadcloth. |
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1588, July 4. |
Warrant, under the Privy Signet, for the transportation of broadcloth.—Greenwich, 4 July 1588. |
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1 p.
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689. Sir James Croft to Lord Burghley. |
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1588, July 8. |
Details the manner and cause of Dr. Dale's going to the Duke of Parma, and encloses a note of the conference which took place between himself and the said Doctor on the day before his departure. |
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The same Friday at night, the Earl of Derby's Secretary came to him with a letter signed by his Lordship and Lord Cobham, and requested him to put his hand thereto, to which he replied that he durst not presume to set his hand to answer a letter particularly directed to their Lordships, unless he was commanded by them so to do, and unless they would acquaint him with the manner of Dr. Dale's directions. |
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On Saturday morning the Doctor came to his lodging, of whom he asked the manner of his despatch, and what instructions he had, wherewith he would acquaint him nothing at all. He thereupon expostulated with him for his unkind dealing, using some sharp speeches, and willed him to look well to that which he had in hand, saying that, if this charitable work they now had to deal with were to break, he should impute the fault to him. |
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Is also to advertise his lordship that on Tuesday last, before the receipt of the said letters, the Lords commanded him to repair to the Commissioners on the other side, to know whether they could give any better satisfaction than was expressed in their answer of the 30th June, with whom lie wrought so much that they all required they might come the next day to my Lord of Derby's lodging, which they did; and then declared their meaning of the whole of the Articles in the said answer. |
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Finds, in substance, that they would willingly treat upon those notes that he proceeded on at Bruges; but, being once answered by one of our side that they were not to be spoken of, the other side would now urge us to set down some Articles containing our full demand; but he, being heretofore sharply reprehended, doth keep silence. There resteth some jealousy of his former dealing, suspecting that he should win credit, if those notes by him proceeded on should be followed. |
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A very hard case if, for envy towards him, the Treaty should be overthrown, and so revenge towards him should light on her most Gracious Majesty, whom the case most concerneth.—8 July 1588. |
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[Postscript.]—Since writing the above, has received his lordship's letters of the fourth of July by which he perceives the effect of those which were lately directed to my Lords Commissioners (which were very secretly kept from him by them), and is induced by main probable
conjectures not to doubt but that the Duke will give good satisfaction in that point. For the manner of conference verbal, which his lordship most gravely speaketh of, the Commissioners on the other side make choice of that manner of proceeding, to cut off (as they say) all manner of alteration and misinterpretation, which may happen by over civil interpretation of words, they seeking, both by feasting and walking with them in the fields and divers other means of courtesy to draw them to familiarity; but, my Lord of Derby and himself excepted, the rest of their colleagues remain very unwilling to accept thereof; and they, on the other side, in respect of that strangeness suspect that they mean not to deal directly, laying themselves open notwithstanding to him, whom they know to be desirous to further this treaty of peace. |
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3 pp.
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Encloses, |
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“A Note of that which passed in conference between Mr. Comptroller and Doctor Dale, the 5th of July 1588, being the day before his departure towards Bruges” [1 p.] |
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[Murdin, pp. 629–631. In extenso.] |
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690. The Earl of Derby to Lord Burghley. |
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1588, July 8. |
Sends him herewith a copy of what he has written to the Council, by which his lordship will perceive that a personage of some good account (as appears by his letters) doth proffer his service to her Majesty, and leaveth the Duke. Has not thought it fit to inquire further into the matter till he hears from their lordships.—Bourborough, 8 July 1588. |
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1 p.
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Encloses, |
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The Earl of Derby to the Privy Council. |
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Sends for their lordships' consideration certain letters received by him front a gentleman at Calais, but not subscribed, containing a proffer of service to her Majesty. His servant, the bearer of the present letter, has been to Calais to interview the writer, who declares himself to have been sent thither as tutor to Signor Don Amadeo, the Duke's brother, now serving under the Duke of Parma, who, conceiving a hatred towards him, has not only several times compassed his death, but also made interest with the Duke of Parma against him, for which reasons he is discontented.—Bourborough, 7 July 1588. |
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Copy. 2 pp.
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691. The Earl of Bothwell to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 9. |
The marriage of Lord D—'s sister coming off on a sudden, begs to be supplied with “ane chene of fair perle with ane pair of garnesingis set with perle,” as fair as can be had, equivalent to one of his rank. Whatever the cost may be will refund it by the bearer of the chain.—Holyrood House, 9 July 1588. |
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1 p.
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692. Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 10. |
Your letters bearing date 29 of June I received here at court the 7th of this month. Immediately thereafter I went and
communicated the contents to his Majesty, whom I found not looking for any such matter as to see any gentleman upon a sudden sent unto him from that country, except he had been a man of great calling, and one who should have come fully instructed to satisfy him in all points, as he expected and as was promised him. Always his Highness was contented that he should repair unto his presence, but, because he will be three or four days absent in Burley at a marriage, his Majesty has thought convenient that his coming hither shall be delayed unto the 16th of this month, at which day he has appointed him to be at this town. I told his Majesty the gentleman was your particular friend, and near kinsman to Mr. Fowler, his Highness's servant, &c. |
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I pray God Mr. Ashby at his coming may so satisfy his Majesty, that his good deservings towards the realm may be regarded as they ought, and that his Highness have no just occasion to repent him for not dealing with the enemies of the realm, who so often have sought him. And if it be not done by him, or some other, I fear me his Majesty shall be persuaded to think, as divers of his nobility have ever judged, that there is no honest dealing meant to him from that part, and that they seek only to delay matters and protract time as they ever have done heretofore. |
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I communicated to his Majesty the news you writ of the preparation in the country for resisting the Spaniards, if they should come hither, together with that you writ from France. I perceive his Highness would be nothing contented of such neighbourhood as theirs, but yet if it be no otherwise considered by the Queen and her state than he hears as yet, it will not be impossible to appoint him and them as I fear. His Majesty is very desirous to understand what is done in France, as also to see the book you promised of Monsr D'Espernon. The state of our country continues very peaceable and quiet, the nobility and whole country remaining in full obedience and good will to his Majesty. There is great preparation for the Earl of Huntly's marriage, who is reentered in great favour with his Highness, and all other matters referred to the Convention appointed against the 20th of this month. |
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The King has of late disponit to the Earl of Bothwell the isles of Skye and Lewis, and therefore he is making great preparation and levying of forces for going thither to possess the same. He is to have a thousand waged men, by the assistance of all the noblemen, his friends, who are every one to lend him some forces, till he have pacified them both. He promises to do for you whatsoever lies in his power. By the first occasion give him thanks for his friendly offer. I enclose letter from him, brought by his servant whilst I was writing this. His Lordship entered on other matters of greater consequence, but we came to no resolution. After the coming of Mr. Ashby I shall have occasion to write further.—From Edinburgh, this 10th of July 1588. |
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2 pp.
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693. J. Herbert to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 11. |
Pities the state of his lordship's poor countryman, George Joaddy, and the more so, for that the time hardly permitteth judicial proceedings against such as fight under Neptune's banner. |
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Will however do what he can, and on Sunday next will impart his hard fortunes to the Lords of the Council.—At Court, 11 July 1588. |
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1 p.
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694. Trade with France. |
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1588, July 11. |
Warrant, under the Privy Signet, prohibiting merchants trading into France from repairing to any of the ports of Picardy, Normandy, or Brittany, during the present disturbed condition of that country, and requiring them in the meantime to make their traffic to the Islands of Jersey and Guernsey.—Richmond, 11 July, 30 Elizabeth. |
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1 p.
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Copy of the preceding. |
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1 p.
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695. N. Errington to A. Douglas. |
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1588, July 13. |
Sends the bearer, his near kinsman, to let him know he lives and longs to see him. No news but that the Prince of Parma is ready to put forth on some enterprise upon these parts, for that it is thought they have failed of their purpose either for England or Scotland.—From Ramykyns, this 13th of July 1588. |
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1 p.
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696. M. Hotman to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 15. |
Since his return from Salisbury has been unable through illness to pay him his respects. Is now at Wanstead, awaiting the return of Lord Leicester, gone into Hertfordshire.—Wanstead, 15 July 1588. |
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French. 1 p.
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697. Godshouse in Southampton. |
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1588, July 16. |
Warrant, under the Privy Signet, for the delivery of fifty trees from the New Forest for the repair of the hospital called “Godshouse” in the town of Southampton, belonging to Queen's College, Oxford.—Richmond, 16 July 1588. |
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Endorsed:—“L., trees may be spared, W. Burghley.” |
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1 p.
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698. Sir Thomas Smith to Henry Killigrew. |
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1588, July 18. |
My master, being very busy with my Lord Willoughby and the Deputies of this garrison, has no time to write you, and wills me to say that since the closing of his letter he has understood of Lord Willoughby, that by his honor's last letters out of England, he has most certain news, that howsoever the preparation of war be in England, yet her Majesty is greatly affected to a peace, and that, if the articles with the Duke of Parma shall minister by anything reasonable, her Highness is minded to accept thereof. And seeing that the time is past, and that the Duke of Parma cannot effect any great matter with his forces, his Lordship hath thought most convenient to request you in your letters to England to be a mean to persuade her Majesty from that purpose.—From Geertruydenbergh, 18 July 1588. |
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¾ p.
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699. Jane Douglas to her brother Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 18. |
Requests him to send her certain stuffs and wares according to promise.—Leith, 18 July 1588. |
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1 p.
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700. J. Herbert to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 18. |
Promises, “in respect of the honour he bears him, and the love he owes to all his nation,” to do the best he can for the relief of a certain poor suppliant.—Mortlake, 18 July 1588. |
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1 p.
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701. Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 19. |
Has seen Roger Ashton touching the jewel. He promised to satisfy Mr. Secretary, and “to keep you blameless at his hand.” Lord of Halyards' thanks for the care of his business; he will send his papers as desired. Can learn little of his man Morrison, but if he be in that country, he will take order for his apprehension. Hopes he will take heed the writer's brother James play not the knave, nor go idle, &c. If he would be furnished with hawks, it is time his falconer came thither. Brown will not believe anything has been done in his business, unless written to himself.—From Edinburgh, 19 July 1588. |
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1½ pp.
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702. John Brown to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 21. |
Begs that the sum of 40l., part of his deceased brother's property, may be delivered to his good friend John Luse.—Eyemouth, 21 July 1588. |
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1 p.
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703. Sir Francis Walsingham to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 22. |
Sends back his lordship's letters, and, concerning the matter whereof he wrote to his lordship, cannot see what to resolve, until they hear from Mr. Ashby what train the affairs of the country are likely to fall into, when he will appoint a time to confer with him at Barnelms.—Richmond, 22 July 1588. |
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1 p.
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704. Robert Carvyle to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 23. |
Informs him that by the King's command a controversy which has arisen between the merchants of Scotland trafficking to Spain is to be heard here in his Majesty's own Court, and desires, him to take measures accordingly.—Edinburgh, 23 July 1588. |
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1 p.
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705. Sir Francis Walsingham to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 27. |
Understanding that his lordship desires to be resolved what course he may advise the King his master to take upon the present accident, states that in his opinion nothing can do him so much good, neither with her Majesty nor with the whole realm, as by some gentleman of good sort to make offer to her Majesty in this common cause both of religion and the liberty of this whole island, and the honour of all that are interested in the welfare thereof, to be ready with his person and his forces to do what he may for the advancement of the general cause.—Richmond, 27 July 1588. |
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[Murdin, p. 631. In extenso.] |
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706. The Master of the Ordnance. |
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1588, July 28. |
Warrant, under the Privy Signet, for the payment to the Master of the Ordnance of certain sums necessary to be expended in the purchase of powder and other munitions of war.—Richmond, 28 July, 30 Elizabeth. |
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Copy. 1 p.
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707a. William Douglas to Archibald Douglas. |
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1588, July 31. |
At the earnest request of Master Thomas Laig, intercedes with him on behalf of Patrick Moryson, who not only confesses his offence, but is ready and anxious to make amends.—Edinburgh, the last of July 1588. |
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1 p.
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707b. The Spanish Armada. |
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1588, [July]. |
“The names and number of the ships that served against the Spanish Fleet, and received pay from her Majesty, Anno 1588.”
1. The Beare.
2. Tryumphe.
3. Elizabeth Jonas.
4. Victorye.
5. Arke Raleigh.
6. Golden Lyon.
7. Dreadnought.
8. Bonaventura.
9. Mary Rose.
10. Swallowe.
11. Foresight.
12. Charles.
13. Moone.
14. Dysdayne.
15. Edith (?) of Maiden.
16. Marye Gold.
17. Raynebowe.
18. Vauntgard.
19. Antelope.
20. Bull.
21. Tyger.
22. Scoute.
23. Tramontana.
24. Achates.
25. Sonne.
26. Merlyn.
27. Spye.
28. George hoy.
29. Fancye.
30. Cygnet.
31. Gelly Bonavolia.
32. Brigandine.
33. Nightingale.
34. Revenge.
35. Nonperille.
36. Hope.
37. Swyftesure.
38. Ayde.
39. Advyse.
40. Merchant Royal.
41. Bonaventure.
42. Golden Noble.
43. Hope Wean.
44. Gryphyn.
45. Sparke.
46. Barque Talbot.
47. Mynion.
48. Thomson.
49. Barque Bond.
50. Barque Bonne.
51. Barque Hawkins.
52. Elizabeth Fones.
53. Unytye.
54. Elizabeth Drake.
55. Beare Yonge.
56. Hartsease.
57. Delight.
58. Chance.
59. Gaily on Leycester.
60. George Bonaventure.
61. Salaman.
62. Anne Francys.
63. Susan Anne Pernell.
64. Vynyard.
65. Samuell.
66. Jane Bonaventure.
67. Mary Rose of London.
68. Cather of Ipswich.
69. Hasard of Feversham.
70. Ruben of Sandwich.
71. Eliathan of Dover.
72. Grace of Yarmouth.
73. William of Colchester.
74. William of Rye.
75. Prymrose of Harwich.
76. William of Ipswich.
77. Mynion of Bristol.
78. Unicorn of Bristol.
79. Handmaid of Bristol.
80. Ayd of Bristol.
81. Anne Bonaventure of Hastings.
82. Mayflower of Lynne.
83. Grace of God of Hythe.
84. Barque Poltes.
85. Lytle John of Plymouth.
86. Barque Webbe.
87. John of Chychester.
88. Harte Anne.
89. Gallyon Dudley.
90. Barque St. Leger.
91. Barque Morning ton of Foye.
92. Barque Buggans.
93. Golden Hynde.
94. Makeshyft of Mylbrooke.
95. Dyamond of Dartmouth.
96. Barque Yonge.
97. Spedewell of Dartmouth.
98. Virgyn God Save Her.
99. Rose of Apsam.
100. Guyfte of Apsam.
101. Mychael St. Leger.
102. Jacob of Lynne.
103. Revenge of Lynne.
104. Jo. Trelayne of Ashe and Tavistock.
105. Susan Pernell.
106. Catheryne of Weymouth.
107. Harte of Dartmouthe.
108. Unycorne of Dartmouthe.
109. The Ralfe.
110. Merget of Wight.
111. Elizabeth of Wight.
112. Raphael of Wight.
113. Flyboate of Wight.
114. Sampson of the Earl Cumberland.
115. Francys of Foye.
116. Barque Sutton of Weymouth.
117. William of Plymouth.
118. Galliego of Plymouth.
119. Barque Halsey.
120. Golden Royall of Weymouth.
121. Greyhound.
122. Jonas of Alborough.
123. Fortune of Alborough. |
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Endorsed:—“The names and number of ships that served against the Spanish fleet and had pay from her Majesty, Anno 1588.” |
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1½ pp.
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708. Dr. Dale. |
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[1588, July.] |
Instructions for Dr. Dale, one of the Commissioners for negotiating a Treaty of Peace with the Low Countries. |
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Copy. 4 pp.
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