Cecil Papers: April 1589 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

Citation:

'Cecil Papers: April 1589', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589( London, 1889), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol3/pp402-409 [accessed 28 September 2024].

April 1589



	845. — to Edward Isham, Captain of Walmer Castle.
1589, Apr. 3.	Being glad to hear of your good health, and not doubting of your well disposed mind towards our Catholic religion, whose predecessors have always been of that ancient church and faith, as you know, I hope you think not yourself wiser than they were, although you make show to the contrary for policy's sake, in respect of your living and safe security; the which if I might be fully resolved of, either by some trusty friend, or by writing, or some action, I with my friends would set down such a course for your better state of being, as during your life you and yours should have great cause to be thankful. I am given to understand you are sworn your Queen's man, and have taken your oath for the Supremacy, which I am sorry for; and I think it was for want of good counsel, or for not having conference with some good holy father, for which fault Heaven forgive you!
	I hear further you are a Captain of Walmer Castle in Kent, in the Downs, which castle if you will sell or depart from, I can and will procure you for it 2,000l. in ready money, to be delivered you when and where you will have it, so as you make good assurance for the delivery of the same when time shall serve, and you shall be required thereunto. Moreover, if you will persuade the other two captains, known to be needy and discontented, to sell their rooms, whatever course you take with them, either by price or promise, assure yourself upon my life and soul it shall be performed to the uttermost point, whatsoever can be demanded. I am not of myself to perform it of mine own credit, yet that which I do promise is from the mouth of him whose honour, wisdom, and liberality, both in word, deed and promise, far passeth all your nobility of England, and therefore I dare gage my life and soul upon his performance.
	I could impart unto you, if I were assured of your furtherance, the pretended courses, which is not to be escaped of others, if they continue the end, unless by means you prevent it, for you and yours, and that with speed, otherwise your State and Country will be so distressed as all Christians may lament your overthrow, and will say your too much liberty hath wrought your destruction. To conclude, the bearer is a man whom you may trust, &c.—The 3rd April 1589.
	Signed : “Your loving friend and cousin in blood, &c, for this time without name.”
	Endorsed : “Copy of the letter written to Edward Isham.”
	2½ pp.
	846. [symbol] to Sir F. Walsingham.
1589, Apr. 5.	His Majesty is in good health, and all his servants. Has returned from his progress, in which he has seen some towns and houses of the King's, and has had good hunting according to the fashion of the country. His stay now is at the request of the queen mother, till such time as the Duke of Mecklenburg and the Duke of Brunswick come hither. They are to be here this Passion week, when the marriage is to be solemnized between the said Duke of Brunswick and the Princess Elisabeth at this castle of Kroneburg, where there is great preparation made for that event.
	This day the Captain of the castle received a letter from Warsaw, making mention that the Emperor and his brother are both dead. This letter was dated the 24th March last, and stated that the Muscovites had laid siege to Narva with 130,000 men, whereof 15,000 were slain at six several assaults, and the town still kept.
	The Chancellor doeth what in him lieth to bring my Lord Marshal and Sir William Keith in his Majesty's disgrace, as partly it has taken effect; but assures his honour that at their returning there will be a great “walter” amongst them, for the Lord Marshal is of a sound religion and feareth God, and of great living and friends; and Sir William is wonderfully well beloved, both by such noblemen as in time of trouble have had a do at Court, and is also in great credit with the boroughs and commons of their country, and hath ever worn his sword on the right and true side. And on the other part both my Lord Marshal and he were the chiefest cause, together with their friends, that the Earls of Huntly, Both well, and Montrose, and the rest were subdued.
	The Laird of Carmichael is sent home, as he understands, to take up 200 horsemen as for a guard to His Majesty, although perhaps some of them will wait in the Chancellor's service.
	Begs him to recommend his humble service to her Majesty, for whom her [symbol] will be ever sounding.—Kroneberg, 5 April 1589.
	2 pp.
	847. [“? G. S.”] to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Apr. 6.	Understands that the leading of the Avant Garde is taken from Monsieur Aumale and given to Monsieur “de la Schater” [de la Chartres] as the most meet man for the employment.
	Monsieur “du Mareine” [du Marigny] has also promised the estate of lieutenant-general under him to Monsieur “de la Schater,” which Monsieur Aumale expected, as first promised unto him, so that all men are not able to be pleased.
	There are some assassins taken, who had conspired Monsieur du Marigny's slaughter, and are to be executed; but, as they hear, there is such a number employed to that effect, that he shall hardly escape all their hands, unless he play the part of Porsena.
	Mons. Mauvissière is to be sent Ambassador to her Majesty, and thereafter to pass as Ambassador to his Majesty of Scotland.—Paris, 6 April 1589.
	Signed : “876 h.”
	1 p.
	848. Thos. Fowler to [Archibald Douglas].
1589, Apr. 10.	His Majesty was here some live or six nights passing the time, which disappointed the enemies, for, as he has no doubt heard, Huntly and all his confederates, except Athol, being convened and gathered, Huntly, Crawford, Erroll, and Montrose came to Dunfermline suddenly with about 100 horse, appointing their forces to follow them, of which followers 600 horse were appointed to beset the Master of Glamis in his house, for all our side were gone home, every one but [the] good Earl of Mar. The Master got some knowledge thereof and got away, a man and himself, to Dundee, yet they followed hard. Bothwell on this side convened all his friends at Kelso, and presently made an “horow” to them in the king's name,—that his Majesty was kept prisoner, that he was evil content with the Chancellor, who was bought and sold by English gold, and would bring in English forces to oppress the ancient nobility,—and prayed their aid. Some refused him, as Seaford and Johnston, and, Buccleugh not being there, he went to his house to persuade him. He made a show of refusal, but seeing he could not go himself, he sent all his friends and household servants with him. Bothwell went to persuade the Lord Hume likewise, but he refused him. After this he came forward, and the plot was laid : that the King being at Holyrood House as they thought, Bothwell should have taken the house, slain the Chancellor, in the night conveyed the King to Dunfermline, and much ado; then, hearing the King kept at the said house in the country, they could not tell how to do, but would lay hold of him there, and convey him to the other Earls, and deal after as they could with the Chancellor and the rest.
	This Carmichael came post with, and his son after him, that the King was driven to leap out at one after midnight, and came by three to the Chancellor's house within the port, finding him abed, and proclaimed straight very good orders to stop the passages over the waters, to warn all men to leave the rebels, and to command all men to come in with their furniture to serve him, and the town was incontinent put in good order with watch and ward.
	When Bothwell heard that the King was escaped, he came to Dalkeith with 800 horse, and rode to Craigmillar and to Lesterick with 300, in a bravery.
	The King had no forces come in to encounter him till this day, when he meant to march against him in person, but a view being taken of the horsemen, their number was so few that a stay was made till to-morrow in order that the Lord Hume and Seaford's company be come in, with Carmichael's and others.—Edinburgh, 10 April 1589.
	1¼ pp.
	849. Robert Carvyle to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Apr. 11.	The Earl Bothwell went over the water at the Queen's ferry, the 9th of this month, and sent back Hercules Steward to Hawick with 150 horse, to remain there till he came back again.—Berwick, 11 April 1589.
1589, Apr. 11.	1 p.
	850. [? “G. S.”] to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Apr. 11.	The Duke of Maine marched from Paris with 400 horse the 8th inst. At 4 o'clock the same day, word came that two of his companies were defeated by the King's faction in the country of Brie, and that same day one of those that should have killed the said Duke, having been first “tinnailld” without any kind of confession, was hanged, and his body burnt. The Provost des Marchands is to be relieved for 20,000 crowns and the re-delivery of Captain du Gast, his brother, who was taken prisoner in this town. The castle and town of Angiers is rendered for this King. I am advertised from Tours this King and the King of Navarre are not agreed, so the latter has retired to the Rochelle. Mons. de Longueville, prisoner in Amiens, is relieved for 50,000 crowns, and having found caution under pain of paying 100,000 crowns to cause one of the captive Princes in the King's hands to be relieved in exchange. Battle is expected to be given before the end of this month, or the King's retirement, which is looked for with the people, but I am not of opinion either party will be hasty in proposition of the “peremtor.” The forces of the Wivor [Vaivode] meet about the 11th inst. in Bewiss. M. de la Chartres lies still about Sancerre, and purposes not to come from thence till he have the town, by force or composition. In it is one of the King's gentlemen, with 200 horsemen and 500 footmen, so that M. de la Chartres shall not hastily effectuate that enterprise, and the army is not able to hazard battle without him, he being commander of the avaunt garde. Chevalier D'Aumale is put in this town with some forces, to wait, on the artillery, which is not yet advanced, but is to march one of these four days. We are here very inquisitive of your English army, specially Don Bernardino, who is daily recovering his sight. If that matter be well handled, it is supposed to be the most pertinent mean to retire Hannibal from the walls of Rome to defend his own town of Carthage, nam latior est ira ad victoriam in hostico quam in proprio solo. I am sorry I have occasion to discourse thus, so far to their advantage, for such intervenients make them despise their enemies and forget their friends; but the time is coming when the “tode” [fox] shall have “mister” of his own tail.— Paris, the 11th of April 1589.
	Signed : “876 h.”
	1 p.
	851. Sir John Wogan to Sir Francis Walsingham.
[1589], Apr. 11.	Being by your letter commanded, in November last, to appear before you and other Lords of the Council, to answer the complaint of the Lord Ambassador for Scotland, at my appearance you referred the hearing of the cause to the Lord Ambassador himself, the Judge of the Admiralty, and Mr. Beale. The cause being heard, they were contented I should depart, the Judge delivering me a letter under your hand and some others of the Council, with commission out of the Court of Admiralty for dealing with such as had bought or dealt with the ship and salt by his lordship then complained for, and [which] was brought into Milford Haven by John Kyfte and one Cook. I have done therein as much as possible, as by my certificate and return unto you may appear. The said Judge, by several letters since, hath willed me to appear next term, a thing at my being in London neither commanded by any nor yet mentioned, which if I should do would be at least 200l. charge to me. Prays to be excused coming, but will do so if he commands it. I had no dealing either with ship or goods more than that I received 66 barrels of salt, delivered me at Haverfordwest by John Vaughan and John Kyfte as a tenth due to my lord Admiral, neither did I put my hand to any indenture of prizement, or cause the same to be prized. At the receipt of the salt, it was not otherwise known but that it was Spaniard's goods; for which I paid 5s. for every barrel by Eichard Swanson, a messenger of her Majesty's Chamber.—Bulston, 11 April.
[1589], Apr. 11.	1½ pp.
	852. J. Maitland to [Archibald Douglas].
[1589] Apr. 13.	Desires him to send this little pacquet to Mr. Richart. But for his sickness was minded to visit him, but must refer it to another time.—Dieppe, 13 April.
[1589] Apr. 13.	1 p.
	853. John, Archbishop of Canterbury, to Lord Buckhurst.
1589, Apr. 13.	The extremity of the rheum, in respect of this foul weather, forceth me to keep from Court this day, which may be some hindrance to ending the matter betwixt the Bishop of Hereford and Mr. Scorie, unless you report our doings between them to their Lordships. The state thereof is ever as you left it; neither can I persuade the factor for the executors to consent to the order set down by the gentlemen concerning dilapidations; which order or certificate I have sent you enclosed. As Scoric's standing bound himself to save the executors harmless, was the only cause why the Lords did commit the same to arbitrament, I think it reasonable he should perform what the gentlemen have set down, or else that the matter be committed to new arbitrators. The Bishop is very desirous of an end, that he may be going home. Pray, do your endeavour this day, &c.—From Lambeth, 13th of April 1589.
1589, Apr. 13.	¾ p.
	854. Sir John Wogan to Archibald Douglas.
[1589] Apr. 13.	To the same effect as No. 851. I thought the salt to be, as then reported, Portingalle's goods : neither heard I that it appertained to Irish or Scottish men, before they came themselves to claim it. I have sent my return of my doings in the commission to the Council, whereof I have sent you a copy herewith. The townsmen of Haverfordwest would not suffer me to deal within their liberties, a thing I trust my lords of the Council will consider of, for I have done but what they commanded me. Whatsoever is left undone I will yet do, having longer time and further commission so to do, which you must procure from the Council, for I judge that the date of the last letters is ended, the return being once made. They that have long hidden themselves will now come into the country again; if therefore you send me any new letters from my lords, you must do it in secret, lest word come into the country thereof before I receive the same, and then I should as hardly come by them at this time as I did at the last. I have gotten with dealing in this commission many enemies in the country, gentlemen of good account and others; therefore it is as good for me now to deal until the cause be ended, as to leave. The officers of Haverfordwest and of Caermarthen dealt hardly with me, for they affirmed the commission was procured by me, which my lords of the Council, your honour and the judge doth know the contrary. Truly that salt hath cost me already, one way and other, as good as 200l. I cannot come to London under seven or eight score pounds, which I hope you will consider, and favour me so much as I may save the same. It cannot pleasure you any way to enforce me to such expenses; and withal I am to charge your honour and the judge with a promise to shew me all lawful favour for dealing effectually in that commission.—Bulston, 13 April.
[1589] Apr. 13.	2¼ pp.
	855. Sir John Wogan to Dr. Julius.Cæsar.
1589, Apr. 14.	To same effect as above [11 April 1589].—Bulston, 14 April.
1589, Apr. 14.	1½ pp.
	856. James Summer to [Archibald Douglas].
[1589], Apr. 21.	Is threatened to be displaced from his office. Desires her Majesty's letters to Mr. Dr. Bond, President of Magdalen College, Oxford, for his continuance therein. A letter from the Lord Chancellor or Lord Hunsdon would further his matter greatly.—From Oxford, 21 April.
[1589], Apr. 21.	1 p.
	857. James VI. to Archibald Douglas.
1589, Apr. 22.	Thanking him for his services in behalf of John Robertson, Archibald Johnston, son-in-law of the Provost of Edinburgh, and John Wilson, burgesses of Edinburgh, and requesting him to continue them.—Aberdeen, 22 April 1589.
1589, Apr. 22.	⅓ p.
	858. “G. S.” to [Archibald Douglas].
1589, Apr. 23.	On Good Friday the town of Angiers was taken by the King, where his army was refreshed. On the 17th April the Cardinal of Bourbon was taken out of the castle of Azyle Brenlé, and taken to the town of Chinon, where he is given in keeping to M. de Charney; and the morn after, young M. de Greis and the Duke d'Elbeuf were brought to the town of Tours, and put into the castle there. The King, my master, and the King of Navarre are finally agreed, and the King of Navarre is coming to Saumur upon the Loire, accompanied with 6,000 footmen and 800 horse. The King is yet in this town, having 10,000 footmen and 1,000 horse with him; and M. d'Espernon is in the town of Blaise with 3,000 footmen and 400 horse. On the 12th April the town of Vendôme was sold by the Governor thereof, M. de Maly, to them of the League, where a great part of the King's great council were taken prisoner. The Duke de Maine is parted from Paris, and come to Chaterdin with his army, which consists, as we are advertised, of 10,000 footmen and 1,500 horse. The King leaves this town the last of this month with the few that he has, to go and find the said Duke de Maine, notwithstanding that we look daily for the arriving of 15,000 Swiss and 6,000 Reiters, together with the whole noblesse of France, that is preparing to come and find the King out of all provinces, specially they of the religion that were out of the country. Thanks to God there [is] no more speaking in this Court of Hugenots nor Catholics, for there is as many here of the one as of the other, and we suppose that there is an edict to be shortly set forth, where the King of Navarre is to be proclaimed Lieutenant-General for the King, and all they of the religion restored again to their houses, heritages, and estates. To shew you who are here presently with the King, there is the Prince de Condé, the Count de Soissons, and the Cardinal of Vendôme, the Grand Prior, the Marshal Daumont, and M. le Grand, M. le Comte de Mornbason, and the Marquis de Naill. I pray, if you see M,. de Moulins, shew him that I hope within a few days to see him retired again to his ambuscade, if he be diligent in his own causes. Hold me excused if I write not so oft as I would, for the commodity doth not serve of bearers.—From Tours in Touraiue, the 23 April, 1589.
1589, Apr. 23.	2 pp.
	859. Occurrents out of Scotland.
1589, Apr. 24/May 4.	Two ships of war, the one of Dunkirk, the other of Gravelines, ride before this haven. A report at Dunkirk that 20 or 30 ships of war shall presently be made ready there, and to join with them 50 sail more are to be made ready in Scotland, in the havens of Dunbar, Erington, Pettilieth, Horslieth, and other havens there not named (marginal note by Sir Robert Cecil : 'Some of these names seem to be mistaken”)—of which shipping from Scotland the chief captain, as is said, shall be Sir Jacques or James Ingleburd. Those of Bruges and other towns of Flanders have been earnest suitors to the Duke of Parma to be freed from those of Ostend, towards which they will be liberal contributors. Whereupon the Duke hath promised yet once more to besiege it, and for recovery thereof will do that is possible to be done with all expedition, to which end he employs one Northkerme to make a party in the town of Ostend. who, at the last attempt by La Motte and Stanley, was a principal man there, and ever since hath been at Bruges, St. Omer, and those frontier towns, where he useth all means to win some in Ostend. An Ambassador from those of the League in France, sent to the Duke of Parma, arrived in St. Omer the last of April, stilo novo, and there stayed by order from the Duke, to what end not there known. That 7 of the venturing men of war of Dunkirk are returned thither with their Vice-Admiral, and many other of their men slain.—4 May (stilo novo).
	Endorsed by Burghley :—27 April, 1589, from Mr. Secretary J.
	1 p.
	860. Richard Cotes, the elder.
1589, Apr. 26.	Warrant, under the signet, to the Lord Treasurer, to prepare a lease in reversion for 31 years of lands within the survey of the Exchequer, amounting to the clear yearly value cf 20l. Westminster, 26 April 1589.
	Annexed :—
	The Lord Talbot humbly beseecheth the Lord Treasurer that, whereas he has bought of Richard Cotes, the elder, a grant from her Majesty for passing to him 20l. a year in reversion for 31 years, to the intent to have passed Mansfield Woodhouse, Sutton in Ashfield, and Clipston, co. Notts.; and the Lord Treasurer having answered that, as they were manors, he might not pass them, he (Lord Talbot) has procured particular of other things, that are no manors, but usual lands to pass in such grants, and begs the Lord Treasurer will sign the same, to be granted to one Henry Tamworth of Barnard's Inn, gentleman, because he would not have his own name used to her Majesty in so small a thing as this.
	Sealed and signed.
	2 pp.
	861. Innocentio Commi, Musician, to the Queen.
1589. April 29.	Petition for reward for services.
	[Note by Sir J. Herbert that the Queen grants a lease in reversion on certain terms.]
	Endorsed :—29 April 1589.
	2 pp.