Cecil Papers: February 1594 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1892.

Citation:

'Cecil Papers: February 1594', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594, ed. R A Roberts( London, 1892), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol4/pp471-485 [accessed 16 November 2024].

February 1594



	The Justices of Norfolk to the Privy Council.
1593/4, Feb. 1.	Are earnestly required by the Bailiffs and inhabitants of Great Yarmouth to make known to them the estate of that town. Since the beginning of her Majesty's reign the town hath better prospered than in long time before, by their great care in making their haven “of a mighty substantial and sure foundation,” which is the very life of that town; whereupon they have bestowed many thousand pounds, besides her Majesty's liberality, and the works being not yet finished will require a far greater cost than they themselves are able to perform unless her Majesty once again relieve their necessity. If those works be not finished many thousands already bestowed will in short time be vainly consumed, and the haven, now a very good harbour, fall to utter decay and the town come to ruin; which town at this present is a very strong fortress upon the frontiers of the seas in these parts, the like whereof her Majesty hath very few upon the sea coasts, whose charges in fortifications and otherwise in these late troublesome times, with their losses by sea and enemies of late years, hath been very great, but nothing comparable to the great charge of their haven. The works seem more like a prince's charge than to be taken in band by such a poor corporation, whose inhabitants live only by their trades to the seas. The town in time passed have done good service to her Majesty's progenitors by sea and by land, as within remembrance in the late rebellion of Ket in Norfolk they withstood the rebels from taking that town and kept it for the King; and in the late intended Spanish invasion they made great fortifications and provisions. Pray them to be a means to her Majesty to have compassion on their distressed estate.—1 February, 1593.
1593/4, Feb. 1.	Signed by 9 Justices. 1 p.
	J. Guicciardin to the Earl of Essex.
1593/4, Feb, 1/11.	I wrote my last letters the 26 January, and sent them by way of France, and once before, the 7th of the same, sent by the way of Venice. In Spain the long stay of their Indian fleet which is thought now for certain cannot arrive before September, and the default of their monthly provision of 260 thousand crowns, for ever since October last, which should have been provided for the Low Countries by Ambrose Spirola till July next, hath driven the King to very great difficulties, being altogether unfurnished of money, without means to supply his present wants, his revenues almost all engaged, and the assignment of the priority of this fleet expected already in the hands of his creditors, his yearly expenses amounting to ten millions. In this extremity he is resolved to send presently to the fleet for one million and half with what secrecy he can, lest it should be met by our English ships, determining in the meantime to take the benefit of a million and a half of gold, left by the Archbishop of Toledo, though to other uses, at his death, pawning sufficient revenues for the repayment of the same. Am forced in regard to the post's almost present departure after my arrival here to omit some other particularities.—Pisa, 11 Feb. 1594.
	Endorsed :—“Part in cipher explained by E. Essex, from Guicciardin.”
	Substance in Birch's Memoirs, vol. 1., p. 157.
	Holograph. Seal. 1 p.
	Articles preferred against Edward Rogers by John Harington.
[1593/4,] Feb. 2.	1. Coming out of Westminster Hall together, in the Court of the Hall he offered to have stricken the said John Harington in the face with his hand, but he putting by his hand, and offering no other violence in regard of the place, the said Edward Rogers hath boasted since that he pulled out a handful of hair from the said John Harington's beard at the same time.
	2. At Midsummer last was twelvemonth, the said John being then sheriff of the said County, he used the most outrageous words of the said John Harington unto Mary Harington, his wife, and natural sister of Rogers, and when she, as was reason, defended her husband in his absence, he reviled her, not only unnaturally, but most unmannerly and unmanly, calling her names unfit to be spoken.
	3. On Easterday last in the morning, the said John Harington met him coming to church, and offered to forget all former wrongs, and in regard of Christian duty, as that time specially moved—the said Edward Rogers having received the Communion the day before—to be reconciled together. But the said Edward Rogers, showing to have no sense nor feeling, either of common humanity or of Christian charity, refusing it utterly, alleged a new quarrel, that the said John Harington had abused him in certain speeches to the Lord Anderson.
	4. He threatened at the same time the said John Harington with these words, “I will veyze you out of Cannington, and make you repent.”
	5. After the decease of his brother, William Rogers, about Whitsuntide last, the said John Harington, at the request of the lady Rogers, the said Edward's own natural' mother, went to him to his house, and in friendly manner talked with him of certain woods in which his mother claimed dower, late of the said William Rogers' land, but he fell suddenly into rage and choler, and would needs enforce the said John Harington, being a justice of the peace, to fight with him in his backside; and both he and his man Bassett drew their swords upon the said John Harington, having but his rapier, and would have set upon him, and put him in danger, if one Mr. Hugh Woorthe, with much ado, had not persuaded him to put up his sword again, and be quiet for that time.
	6. To shew that he and his men pick occasions for quarrel, his man Bassett did not only challenge the said John Harington to fight with him, but the next day after, meeting Francis Harington, brother to the said John, jostled him for the wall.
	7. Mr. Rogers his cook said to one of the said John Harington his men,, that, his master sware, if his mother should die, he would die at the gates rather than the said John, whom he supposeth the said lady will make her executor, should carry one rag out of the house.
	8. He said to Mr. Warre, at Christmas, that sith he could by law have no remedy for certain trees that the said John Harington had out of his ground, his fists should walk for it.
	9. He told the said John Harington, on Twelfth Eve, he would have those trees out of his throat, to which he answered “there grew none there.”
	10. Lastly, to leave no way untried whereby he may damage the said John Harington, he hath most ungodly attempted, by false tales, to breed strife between the said John Harington and his wife.
	In tender regard whereof, and for avoiding bloodshed or murder, as is likely to ensue, as did in the same county a few years past between Morgan and Turbervyle, his malice being as great, and his discretion far less, it may please your lordships to send for the said Edward Rogers, and upon his answer to take such order with him, as to your honourable wisdoms shall seem best.
	1 p.
	W. Warmington to Mr. Smith.
[1593/4 ?] Feb. 4/14.	Sending a letter and a pair of gloves by him to his mother, Eve Warmington, at Wimborne Minster in Dorsetshire.—14 Feb.
[1593/4 ?] Feb. 4/14.	No year. Holograph. ¼ p.
	Sir Francis Drake and Piers Edgecumb to the Privy Council.
l598/4, Feb. 5.	Upon receipt of your letter we sent for all those persons brought into Stonehouse in the Brytaygne bark, and for that we had upon good occasion severed those two persons now sent for into our several houses, we have also thought meet to send th'one before th'other, for that the Scotchman hath so required and, as we think, upon very good consideration. It is not known unto this Englishman or any of the Test but that we take Mr. Sessell (Cecil) as a mere Scotsman, and that he is delivered freely from us by your lordships' means and that he hath a passport from us to depart into Scotland. Some day or two after Randoll is departed we mind to send Sessell, according to your directions. This Sessell doth much desire that Randoll may be well used in hope he may do some service.—From Stonehouse, 5th of February, 1593.
	Endorsed :—“Capt Bemish, Sir Rob. Cross, — Dudley, Sir H. Palmer, Sir Jeffery Fenton, Capt. Mayne.”
	1 p.
	Declaration of John Dan yell.
1593/4, Feb. 6.	John Danyell, Irishman, came to me, Richard Young, this 6th day February, 1593, and gave me to understand of a plot that is pretended for the firing of the Tower, viz., that there is a vault wherein brimstone doth lie and there is gunpowder over it, And he saith that there is a trap door which doth stand much open, it is purposed that two men like labourers shall come in as though they were workmen in the tower and shall cast certain balls into the vault where the brimstone lieth, and in short time it will take fire and consume all.
	Item he saith further that there is a device to set the ships at Billingsgate on fire and the houses also, and to set the inns and woodstacks in London on fire.
	Moody is the man that descried the place in the Tower where the powder is and where the brimstone lieth.
	Enyas Olive should do the feat.
	½ p.
	Captain Robert Peacock to the Queen.
1593/4, Feb. 7.	Details his military services. Prays for a lease in reversion, or warrant for the payment out of forfeitures of the money due to him.—Undated.
	Note by Wm. Aubrey that the Queen grants a lease of 20l. in full of all demands.
	Enclosure :—Letter from Lord Burghley to the Auditors to proceed in the matter.—7 Feby. 1593.
	2 pp.
	M. Chasteaumartin to Lord Burghley.
1593/4, Feb. 7/17.	I informed you by way of Rochelle of the return of the Spanish army from Blavet, and that in returning it lost four ships with the men in them, and a great ship loaded with coin for making biscuit for the provision of the army. The army is in its passage, and travails for its return to Brittany towards the end of March with 1000 arquebussiers and 300 horse which the King of Spain sends to Blavet. There will be need of twenty ships of war and as many merchantships to carry the 300 horses. The chiefs of the army will be Sibjour and Villevisgoze. Bertrandone, who was general the last voyage, will not return, the King having ordered him to Court, and to disarm his ship which is of 800 tons; he has dismissed the men thereof at the time that the King of Spain is endeavouring to arm the eight great galleons of Biscay to serve as a convoy for the Indian fleets. There is great scarcity of mariners, but those of St. Jean de Luz have sent a good company conducted by Captain Combes. I fear the King will find himself badly served by the men of that quarter if he do not take other order. The Sieur de Monpezat is arrived at Madrid to seek for money, but I believe he will get none as the King of Spain has not more than he has need of. He boasts that he will get a naval army to go to the river of Bordeaux, but it is impossible the King of Spain can send any there, if the army he sends to Brittany is not to return for lack of mariners. The envoy of the Pope is also arrived at Madrid to treat of the affairs of France, and on the negotiation of M. de Nevers, he treats for the assemble of a Council at Paris on the King's affairs, and to oblige him, in case he be received into the Church of Rome, to make war on those of the religion, and to withdraw himself from his friendship and alliances with the Princes who are separated from that Church, as that which the late King had agreed and promised at the time of the reconciliation with the late M. de Guise. It is a pretext that the King of Spain seeks to entertain that state always in war, and to embark the King in a business from which he cannot withdraw when he would, if he accept these conditions, and if he will not accept them the King of Spain plotting that it shall be a subject sufficient enough for the rebel French to continue the war, and sufficient occasion for the Pope to hinder the Catholic Princes who desire to favour the affairs of the Crown of France from so doing. It is an important matter. “Je crains fort qu'il y en ait du party du Roi que y tienne la main.”
	The King of Spain seeks to hold the Archduke Ernest in the Low Countries with as much force as he can, to interfere (survenir) in the affairs of France as occasion shall serve, and to favour the advancement of that which shall be resolved in the Council to be held in Paris, seeking by means of the Archduke to accord with the estates of Holland and Zealand, being resolved to accord them all they demand, and to use all means that appear suitable to him to draw them to his friendship. He uses in this negotiation a Fleming named Ronius, homme d'affaires, who is at present in Spain and was taken in this country and sold to the Spaniards by certain of the King's servants. They are very pleased in Spain at the coming of this Datary from the Pope; they were greatly alarmed because of the reception of M. de Nevers. The King of Spain has been very ill, and without hope of convalescence, but at present he is well; his son and the Cardinal govern and dispose of state affairs.—Bayonne, 17 Feb. 1594.
	P.S.—Is greatly grieved at the loss her Majesty has sustained of a worthy servant, Mr. Heneage.
	French, 2 pp.
	Warham Jemmett to Lord Cobham, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.
1593/4, Feb. 8.	Encloses an estimate of the goods saved and delivered to the merchants' use from the ships that perished on the Goodwin last year, which amounts to 3,622l. 6s. 6d. The goods delivered in th' Annett amount to 2254l. 15s. 6d. Has estimated these goods at a low rate and yet they far exceed the account set down. John Cullmer and himself will give for the goods delivered in th' Annett as he has rated them, and 100l. more if delivered to them in as good condition as they (the merchants) received them. Believes they of Lydd and Romney will do the like.—Canterbury, 8 February, 1593.
	Endorsed :—“Leave this with the post of Rochester; Mr. Bowls, I pray cause this letter safely to be sent to his lordship, it concerneth his lordship's special affairs, Warham Jemmett.”
	½ p.
	J. Guicciardin to the Earl of Essex.
1593/4, Feb. 8/18.	Last week I wrote you from the court at Pisa. As then, at this present likewise, opportunity falleth out very scant with me by reason of many troubles and suits at law. I gave you to understand in my last the difficulties they were driven unto in Spain for want of money. [Repeats in cipher substance of letter, dated Pisa 1/11 Feb. 1594, q.v.] In Rome the Spaniards do seek with all diligence and industry to hinder the King of France's absolution, holding for an infallible consequence that if he be not absolved he cannot be established peaceably King of France. The Pope fearing to displease either part, resteth doubtful what to do. Howbeit it is thought that if he see the King prosper he 'will quietly incline that way, and already seemeth every day more and more desirous to receive him into the church. The best and speediest means to resolve this ambiguity, in the Pope and to prevent the designs of his enemies is thought here for the King to march speedily with his power to Lyons, to which resolution there are many necessary causes to move him, amongst the which, one most important is the establishing of his affairs in Provence which is the mark the Spaniards so diligently aim at, their only end being to get into their hands the city of Marseilles with their forces, which would yield them very great commodity of harbour for their ships and gallots, which was the prey so greedily sought after heretofore by the Emperor, Charles V., when he sought to bridle both France and Italy, To conclude, it is here thought by the King's friends most necessary and expedient for removing of all lets at Rome touching his absolution, for the utter over-throwing of the designs of his enemies, and the facilitating of his own proceedings, to march with all speed to Lyons, which they do expect with great devotion, and do already prognosticate unto him good success., being the rather confirmed in that hope by the good success of Dediguiers in the taking of Echelles, a place of great strength and importance upon the confines of France and Savoy, in which enterprise the Spaniards at Eschelles showed very little valour, to the great discouragement of the Savoyards. I fear I have been over tedious with the cipher in matters of small moment, which cipher I am forced to use for the more security of my letters, as also for the satisfaction of the party mentioned in my first and second letter, of whom I received those advertisements. Here [it] is reported that in Spain Don Alonzo de Bargas, which served the King in his late expedition against the Arragonese, is banished the country, the cause said to be his exclaiming against the present government of Spain, saying that the principal charges were given to Muchia, chios, as the charge of General of the Horse in the State of Milan to Don Alonzo de Idiaches, a youth of no experience. We hear that preparation was making by the Constable of Castille, Governor of Milan, to march towards Lyons, which preparation nevertheless went forward very slowly and weakly.—Florence, 18 Feb. 1594.
	[Substance in Birch's Memoirs, I. 215.]
	Holograph. Part in italics in cipher. Seal. 3 pp.
	Nicholas Fitzhereert to Gilbert Smythe, Civita Vecchia.
1593/4, Feb. 9/19.	Sending a present of a pair of gloves by Mr. Tucker and a note of four or five books which he requests Smythe to send to him at Mr. Tucker's next voyage to Home.—Rome, 19 Feb., 1591.
1593/4, Feb. 9/19.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p.
	William Warmington to his Mother, Eve Warmington, Widow, at Wimborne Minster.
1593/4, Feb. 10/20.	Is alive and well, in perfect health, in honourable service, wanting nothing; in greater place and credit than he deserves. Heard of the blessed end his good father made the same year that he died, and was not a little comforted. Understands that his brother and sister Agnes are married, but nothing of his sister “Eame.” God make them his servants, that we may enjoy each other's company in Heaven. Hopes to see his mother again when it shall please Her Majesty to restore or call home her loving subjects, which are many in number, dispersed in divers countries, who wish her and the whole country as much good as to their own souls. In the meanwhile, good mother, remember your end, for it is of great importance. Assure yourself your years or days are not like to be many more. The time is uncertain when or how you shall end, but most certain that at last you must needs, and then straight to judgment according to your deserts, which will be over terrible to such as neglected to lead a godly life in this world. For a simple token, sends by the bearer, one of the West country that came lately to these parts with a ship of merchandise, a pair of white leather gloves sewed with silk.—Civita Vecchia, 20 Feb. 1594.
1593/4, Feb. 10/20.	Holograph. 1½ pp.
	Thomas Pratt to Lord Burghley.
1593/4, February 11.	Understands that one Mr. Browne has importunated him for his office of Customer of Ipswich, and that he is to compound with him for the same, paying the composition into the Receipt as parcel of his debt. By reason of his lordship's favour towards him, Browne will not give him so much as he is offered by sundry persons by 200l. Beseeches him, in regard to his poverty and service this twenty four years, that he may make the most benefit thereof, if he must needs depart from the office, which he is loth to do if he can satisfy Her Majesty with land, living or any thing else. To that purpose he has therefore been a suitor to his lordship for the sale of his lands, whereby there should be 500l. paid in by Mr. John Wentworth of Lincoln's Inn, as he has this term informed Mr. Fanshawe. Has likewise lessened some part of his debt since he came out of the Fleet, and will take order for the rest, whereby Her Majesty may be assured of her debt. Beseeches him to have pity on his old years.—London, 11 February, 1593.
1593/4, February 11.	Signed. 1 p.
	Sir Horatio Palavicino to [Sir Robert Cecil].
1594. Feb. 11/21.	The substance of your letter is what I wished, but if the form were altered it would please Mr. Bodley better, viz., after thanking him on my account, it should continue with the propositions by him to be made to the States, to show them that Her Majesty will no longer be charged with the principal debt contained in their obligations of the years 1578 and 1581. The rest is very well.
	I have seen Mr. Fortescue who offered to get Her Majesty to write to Mr. Bodley about this private affair of mine and assured me that the article of the instruction was his work. I thanked him, saying I must see Her Majesty before treating on my own account, and would return to him.—Di Casa alli 21 di Febraro, 1594.
	Italian. Holograph. 1 p.
	Anthony Atkinson to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, Feb. 13.	Before he came home the Lord President had made a search, and by that means David Englebye did absent himself from his usual places of resort : has laid a sure bail for him and has hounds abroad, which, he trusts, will lodge him as well as he lodged Boost. If he observes one proviso in Cecil's warrant, commanding him to take a public officer with him, shall not prevail of his purpose; has experience by Boost. Has two men and horses of his charges watching to effect this matter and daily expects some good news to advertise him. Will shew himself as forward as in Boost's apprehension but must use many policies; he is as crafty a fox as Boost was, and hath many places of refuge.
	The 8th inst. a Scotch merchant arrived at Hull and in secret manner did reveal unto Alderman Richardson that in the west part of Scotland was landed a certain small number of Spaniards, and the Earl of Huntly had placed them quietly, and many more were expected forth with there to land; and some Scotsmen hath told him that there is an intention by the 'Scots to enter into the west borders or east borders of England. Their meanings and intent is bad, as is reported secretly here.—Hull, 13 February, 1593.
	P.S.—Prays not to be forgotten to Her Majesty. Has been at great charges about augmenting Her Majesty's in this port, and these causes.
	Two seals. 1 p.
	Jo : Cecil to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, Feb. 14.	This bearer in my convoy hither hath demeaned himself so wisely and discreetly that hitherto the matter is carried in such terms that I am holden for a man dismissed; I pray you thank him if you think I may be necessary hereafter in pursuit of that service once promised but by evil government for a space hindered. I pray that I may have conference with you either by night or in such private order as may prevent inconveniences, which may hinder men's good intentions to do you service.
	Mr. Edgecombe's man giveth out that I am here expected. You might do well to put not only him but his master from that opinion, and to write unto him that I neither was the man nor had any knowledge of such matters as I to him pretended, nor bore that name which I delivered unto him. I write this for that I hear he is a man nothing secret, and in the carriage of this affair that appeareth so.
	If you had not sent for me Sir Francis Drake and this bearer know I was resolved privately to have come up for certain especial points which I would not commit to paper.
	Signed :—“J. C.”
	Endorsed :—“14 Febr. 1593. Jo. Cecil to my Master.”
	1 p.
	The Earl of Huntingdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, Feb. 15.	Has sent for the gentleman, but doubts he did go to London this term, and yet he told him as he passed this way to his house he would come hither again before going to London, but did not see him, nor hear of him, which is now more than these three months past. He has not a little deceived his good opinion of him, but the world is so full of atheists and dissembling hypocrites, as it is more easy to be deceived than to find a man that rightly feareth his God. If he is in London Cecil might stay him there; and about Holborn Bridge, in some inn there, he guesses he was wont to lodge.—From York this 15th of February, 1593.
1593/4, Feb. 15.	Signed, Seal. 1 p.
	H. Longe to — Chute.
1593/4. Feb. 17.	Acknowledging his letter received at the hands of Mr. Brown, this bearer, and the warrant enclosed, which, for various reasons he details, he considers should be reformed.—Dunowe [Dunmow ?], 17 Feb.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1593.”
	2 pp.
	Officers of the Customs at Dartmouth to Mr. John Dawse and the other Surveyors for Custom causes in the out ports.
1593/4, Feb. 18.	Have received copy of a restraint directed to the Vice-Admiral, and a letter from him prohibiting them to take any entries of goods or ships which may not return within the time limited in his letter. Being unwilling to attempt anything against authority, have sent to pray them to move the Lord Treasurer or Sir John Fortescue, or both, whether Sir John Gilbert's letter stands with their good liking or not, and to receive their directions thereupon. The Newfoundland men whom he toucheth have nil made their provision to their great charge, yet they mind to perform that part of his letter till they receive their answers; but in the mean time wish all their honours were remembered that in these hard times of trade it is the only voyage that maketh both owner and mariner to flourish; and that if this restraint be but for her Majesty to be served with men, there will no doubt be had, out of the ships of this harbour bound for Newfoundland, 100 men for her Highness' service, and yet the voyage of the Newfoundland (if they may have leave to depart by the 10th or 20th of March) to proceed with good contentment of the adventurers and owners.—Dartmouth, 18 February, 1593.
	Seal. 1 p.
	Enclosed :—
	Charles Lord Howard to Sir John Gilbert, Vice-Admiral of Devon, signifying Her Majesty's pleasure for the stay of all ships, as well merchants as men of war, throughout his viceadmiralty, bound for Barbary, the Straits, or any other voyage that may continue longer than the latter end of April next, to certify any which after warning shall notwithstanding offend, and in the meantime to take the sails from the yards, and to carry them on shore for more security.—From Hampton Courts 7 January, 1593.
	Underwritten :—“This is a true copy examined by me, John Gilbert.”
	[Sir Francis Drake] to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, Feb. [20].	Being required by this gentleman, Mr. Cessell, in all kind manner, that he might be conveyed unto you, by the most secret means I might conveniently, I thought it best to send him with this my servant, Jonas Bodnham, and withal have made him my passport, at his request, either to go to Scotland or Calais [at] his own choice, which passport my [ser]vant shall deliver to you. The like [I] mind to make unto some others, of the same company, for Calais or their own dwellings. From . . . . . . . of February, 1593.
	Mutilated. Holograph. Endorsed :—“20 February, 1593, Sir Francis Drake to my master.”
	1 p.
	A. Hode to — Whitefield.
1593/4, Feb. 2O.	Good Master Whitefield, Whitefield, Whitefield. I thank you, as you deserve, threefold threes, for your triple certifying me of your name and surname in one letter, because I prayed you to write plain your surname, together with your accustomed manner of subscribing, but the too often repeating of the one, caused you to forget the other in your last letter, to the intent I might understand and know-how to write the superscription and direction of my letters to you, for your surname I had forgotten, and your superscription, howbeit handsomely and well written, I could not well read. The 19th of this month, at 12 of the clock at noon, I received your letters, the one dated the 5th of January, the other the 20th of the same, month, by a Scottishman called William Macmant, and at 6 of the clock at afternoon, he brought me my lord's letter, which was written in April last. I did ask the man how it chanced I did receive it so late. He answered because he had been in Scotland, and there did receive the same. Now I promise you, upon my lord's letter and yours, I will do what I can to sell the apparel at the highest price that I may, and so soon as I can, and the money thereof shall be delivered according my lord's appointment and yours. But there was never a gown lined with fur, neither breeches of cloth of gold, which in your letters you make mention, delivered unto me.—From Bordeaux, the 20 February, 1593.
1593/4, Feb. 2O.	Holograph. 1½ pp.
	Henry Leigh to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1593/4], Feb. 21.	The Earl of Huntington hath shewed me a letter directed unto me from one Thomas Stephenson, a priest at Prague, sent unto him by you, the contents whereof at first sight may minister cause of her Majesty's doubtful opinion of me. I have answered the same according to the innocency of my heart, which T hope will satisfy her Majesty. If not, I beseech you that, as it was your pleasure at Mr. Diar's request to speak to her Majesty for me, so now that I may answer my faults with rank or rope according to my desert. I desire not to live if I have offended in the least, only I crave pardon for such ordinary company of evil men as every traveller is subject unto. In my travel beyond seas it fared with me as with young novices of the country when they come first to London, they are not satisfied till they have seen the lions and the monuments at Westminster and other places; so did I in every place see the differences of their governments, as also the rites used in their several churches, both Lutherans, Hussites, Picards, and Baptists, Greeks, Jews and Papists. But God ever so guided me as whatsoever I saw was more for delight than devotion, and my good friend Calvin, my chiefest consolator during my imprisonment for debt, was ever a preservative against the poison of Papists. If under the pretence of good service I have lodged disloyalty I will never desire less than I have deserved; wherefore pardon me if I do not desire your favour in this my doubtful estate, for until I be tried I do only rely on my own innocency. Meantime I beseech you to know that I have no plough but her Majesty's service with her most gracious favour, which being clouded I am more than undone; for though to all men invidia principis be mors, yet to me it is ultra, and I know princes be as they be informed. I await your pleasure touching her Majesty's resolution for my further trial, wherein I beseech you some strict course may be taken as well by examination of every Jesuit or seminary or any other suspected person in her Majesty's prison or any intelligencer abroad whatsoever; for where there is fire there will be some smoke, and howsoever I seem to excuse myself it will out by one means or other if I be not thoroughly honest. When I have throughly defended my allegiance I will then most humbly beseech the continuance of your favour in my furtherance with your father touching my suit for some better maintenance to my charge at Burghe, without which I am not able to do her Majesty such service as my duty and the necessity of that place requireth. I left my particular in your father's hand upon his falling sick in November, and repaired to my charge, wherein how I have demeaned myself if you will ask any which come out of these parts you shall better understand. But before I prosecute my suit with your father it behoveth me to know her Majesty's opinion of my loyalty, for it is most requisite that he be an honest man and faithful subject which shall hold that place; and I desire not to have it with the least suspicion, for under a jealous conceit can I never have comfort to serve, neither prevail in the government of the country as I ought. Therefore once more give me leave to entreat that I may receive my full trial either by course of law or by employment in some special service, be it never so dangerous; for whereas I am abused by this base fellow Stephenson in professing such exceeding love unto me upon so little cause, shall for her Majesty's better satisfaction of my affection to such fellows, present one of his ears or his head at her Majesty's feet.—From York, 21 February.
	P.S.—In the very last of Stephenson's letter mention is made of a letter he received from Mr. H. from his house in Lan[cashire], which I forgot to explain in my answer delivered to my lord of Huntingdon. It seemeth to me that the letter came from one Mr. Heskett, a Lancashire man, which was at Prague the same time that I was there, and was familiar with Stephenson; but I have not seen him these two years almost. The man, as I remember, was yellow haired, and he said he left Lancashire for the slaughter of Mr. Howghton.
	Endorsed :—“1593.”
	Seal. 3 pp.
	Lord Huntingdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, Feb. 22.	Since my last Mr. Henry Leigh hath been here to whom I imparted what I received from you, and, after some talk, did will him to advise himself well and set down in writing his answers which he was most willing to do, then I gave him ink and paper to write here fast by me and herewith to send it. After he ended this he desired leave to write a letter to yourself which I also send you. [See above.] Then with vehement protestations he said to me that if he had known that I had sent for him for any such cause he would rather have gone to the Court to make his own answer than now to return to Roccliffe which he was forced to do because he was not provided to go a further journey at this time; but upon notice from me he will come hither again and be ready to obey any directions whatsoever. I am now in good hope that he will prove himself an honest man and a true subject to her Majesty. If he do not, I wish as himself doth, and as I said to him, that he may have the reward of a traitor.—York, 22 Feb. 1593.
1593/4, Feb. 22.	Signed. 1 p.
	M. Chasteaumartin to Burghley.
1593/4, Feb. 22/March 4.	Repeats letter of 17 February (see p. 474). Continues :—
	Le roy d'Espagne faict estat d'entretenir l'archeduc Ernest au Pais Bas avec le plus de forces qu'il porra, pour survenir aux affaires de France, selon que les occasions y serviont, aussi pour favoriser l'avanccment de ce qui sera resolu au dit Concile. Il pretend faire quelque accord avec les estate d'Hollande et Zelande par le moyen du dit archeduc, et a resolu de n'y rien espargner l'accorder aux dits estats tout ce qu'ils demanderont; et pour mieux les attirer il permet à ceux des dits estats le trafic libre en Espagne, et a commande à ses sujets de les traiter favourablement. II se servira dans cette negotiation d'un Flaman nommé Ronius qui est à present à Madril pour ces dits affaires; mais il est si liomme de bien et tant serviteur de Sa Majesté que je ui'asseure il m'avizera toujours de tout ce que le roi d'Espagne lui recommendera, et de ce qu'il pourra recognoistre de ces affaires. Le dit Ronius est homme d'affaires qui faisoit sa demeure à la Haye en Hollande et vint en ces quartiers pour boire des eaux d'une fontaine qu'il y a, pensant qu'elle lui seroit profitable à une maladie qu'il a; mais le roi d'Espagne ayant este adverti de sa capacité, feit pratiquer aucuns des serviteurs du Roi qui l'ont vendu et delivré pour douze mil escus, et à present le roi d'Espagne espere en tirer grand service en ces negotiations. Je vous en fais ce discours afin que vous sachiez qu'il est; car pourra estre qu'il capitera en Angleterre, mais il se fera cognoistre. Le Sieur de Monpezat, frere du Marquis de Vilars, est a Madrid, qui poursuit fort pour faire aller des forces navales en la riviere de Bordeaux; mais il n'en aura point pour le present, parceque il n'y en a de prestes sinon celles qui doivent aller en Brettagne. Toutesfois il les pourroit avoir au retour du dit voiage qui sera vers la fin de Mai.
	Il est arrivé depuis quatre jours une patache de Blaye au Passage avec un homme qui a porté des despeches du Marquis de Villars et de celui qui commande dans Blaye, pour avoir des forces pour la riviere de Bordeaux contre la flotte anglaise qui est là. Mais je crois qu'il n'avancera rien par ce que le roi d'Espagne n'a des forces prestes sinon celles qu'il envoie en Brettaigne; et it voudra (comme il a resolu) preferer toujours les affaires de cette province là à tous autres. Le dit homme a porté aussi tous les papiers et despeches qui f urent trouves à Fernabet lorsqu'il fut pris prisonnier de ceux de Blaye. II portoit quelques despeches contenans quelques advertisements, mais je n'ai encore peu savoir que e'est. Je le saurai et vous en donnerai avis. II est arrive ici un Portuguais qui vient de Lisbonne, et m'a dit qu'il avait vu vingt navires Anglais à la coste de Gralice, qui allaient attaquer un navire qui est à Bygo, arrive là pour le temps qu'il y a forcé en venant des Indes, et m'a asseure qu'ils le prendraient et que le dit navire vaut plus q'un million, II est venu des Indes de Portugal et n'apu attaindre Lisbonne à cause du mauvais temps. Je ne vous ai point ecrit plus souvent par faute de passage; je n'ai eu aucune lettre vostre depuis que je suia ici, ny aulcune responce sur ce qui avoit esté propose de la paix par le gouverneur de Fonterabya. Je l'entretiens toujours neantmoins en humeur et en esperance qu'ii se fera quelque chose. II s'en va à la Court ct doit partir dans trois jours.—De Bayonne, ce 4^e Mars, 1594.
	Endorsed :—4 Martii, l593.
	Slightly damaged. 2 pp.
	Marc Antonio Franciotti to his brother Horatio.
1593/4, Feb. 23/March 5.	Announcing an intention to visit him after the text Frankfort fair.—Cologne, 5 March 1594.
1593/4, Feb. 23/March 5.	Holograph. Italian. 1½ pp.
	Sir Walter Raleigh to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1593/4,] Feb. 25.	This gentleman, Harry Thynne, without sending for, is come up to answer the complaint of the Frenchman, for [which] my brother was lately called before you. He was an adventurer in that journey and lost all, for the “fishe” prize, he did nothing but by commission, and hath accompted for the same. I beseech you to favour him this much, that he be not charged with more than he received, and he may have time till the nest term to brng in the account, which now resteth in other men's hands, and in the meantime no hard dealing be offered him.—From Sherbourne Castle, this 25 of February.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“1593.”
	Seal. ½ p.
	Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
	As I despatched my man to Court I receive a letter from Mr. Mich. Stanhope, and in that one from yourself that had sought me al the Court. I shall be glad to know the humor of the Doctor's sudden sending but I think you do guess right. I purpose to be tomorrow forenoon at the Court, where I will know the Queen's pleasure for the other Portingalls as yet not dealt withal. I would be glad to fine you there that we may have a full conclusion of all things, for it will be necessary that before the arraignment we confer together; for which purpose if you be come away before I be at the Court, I will seek you at your father's or at your own house at my return.—“From my house this Tuesday.”
	Endorsed :—“26 February, 1593.”
	½ p.
	John FitzEdmund, of Clone.
1593/4, Feb. 28.	Depositions taken about the last of February in the 36th year of Her Majesty's reign, before Sir Thomas Norreys, Knt. Vice-president of Munster, and James Goold, Esq., Second Justice of the said province.
	David McDermond O'Hownan of Tullelesh in the co. of Cork, yeoman, age 25 years, deposeth that about 6 years since John FitzEdmund of Clone, Esq. sent for the hawk that was bred in the woods of Tullelesh, which being sent unto him, this Examinate with others of his kinsmen went to him for money for the hawk, when he drew out a book and swore upon it in this manner. By this book I have no mind to your hawks or lands but for your good. Consider what indirect and malicious means the Queen seeketh to take away men's lands in this country, how the Queen takes all wrongfully to herself, and so she would do yours unless you had some man of account and ability to defend you, which for my part I will do, and will defend you against those Allouraghes (which by interpretation sounds “hateful, malicious and unknown nation”). And then when the Geraldlnes shall come up again and the Catholic faith, which by God's grace shall be shortly, you shall have your own in as good sort as ever you had it. This was at Clone. Also he used the like words again about 2 years since, coming from Castellushin, but he did not then swear upon a book. Also to the same effect at Tulleleish upon the green above the church after the last general sessions at Limerick in August last, he then offering to divide the land between—and his other kinsmen if they would take it by lease of him.
	Donough O'Hownan, son to the Corbe of Tulleleshy, age about 30 years, deposes to like speeches.
	Phe. O'Hownan of Tullyleshy, age 24 years, saith that about August lasr, John FitzEdmund being at Tulleleshy and dividing the town into 4 parts, asked this deponent and divers others of his kinsmen, to the number of 12 persons, if they would take the land by lease of him; to whom they answered they would never take a lease of their own lands, wherewith he called them apart from the rest of the Assembly and drew out a book that he had and swore that it was not for love of their “ayrie” or their land or of any profit, that he would have the possession of their land, but for their good and to defend them against the Allouraghes, adding that he knew what wicked and indirect ways the Queen and her Ministers sought to wring men out of their lands; and bade them look upon Ardpatrick Knock, Patrick Kilfeely and all other Corbe lands in the province, how all was by wrongful titles taken by the Queen, and therefore they must look that their lands should also be taken from them unless a man of countenance and ability did take upon him that the lands were hid, as he would do, and would defend the land against the Queen and the Allouraghes' unjust demands until the Catholic faith and the force of the Geraldines would come up again, which he doubted not would be shortly, and then they should have their own, and he would in the meantime be but as a shadow to defend them.
	Statements to the like effect made by Donough, David and William O'Hownan, Morris O'Hownan, aged four-score years, David Carhye, age threescore and ten years, Phe. Macarty and Donough Collon.
	5 pp.
	Cipher Letter.
1594, Feb. 18/28.	Letter in cipher, with the following sentence only in ordinary characters :—Le Roi fût sacré hier, dont le discours et le récit sera plus facile a ceux qui y ont assisté, c'est pourquoi je n'en importunerai point; et aujourdhui il a pris l'ordre du Saint Esprit. Dated, 28 February, 1594.
	Undeciphered.—1 p.
	Addressed [symbol]
	Lady Raleigh to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1593/4, Feb.]	I received your tables of no less rare device than the sentence within was comfortable, if faith were broken with me, I was yet far away, but I fear that my mistress, if all hearts were open and all desires known, might, without so great curiosity of deciphering, read her own destiny in a plain alphabet, but we are both great believers and therein we flatter ourselves, and nourish our minds with what we would. Now, sir, for the rest, I hope you will rather draw Sir Walter towards the East, than help him forward toward the sunset, if any respect to me, or love to him, be not forgotten. But every month hath his flower, and every season his contentment, and you great counsellors are so full of new counsels, as you are steady in nothing, but we poor souls that hath bought sorrow at a high price desire and can be pleased with the same misfortune we hold, fearing alterations will but multiply misery, of which we have already felt sufficient. I know only your pursuasions are of effect with him, and held as “orrekeles,” tied to them by love, therefore I humbly beseech you, stay him rather than further him, by the which you shall bind me for ever, as yet you have ever given me cause.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“February, 1593.”
	1 p.
	Robert Freake, John Townsend and Barnard Holbach to the Queen.
1593/4, Feb.	Tenants of the Rectory of Shapwiek, Dorset, and of lands of the Manor of Warwick. Petition for a lease in reversion.
	Endorsed :—“Feb. 1593.”
	Note by J. Herbert, that the Queen grants the petition.
	1 p.
	Dr. Roger Lopez.
[1593/4, shortly after Feb. 28.]	Account of the plot to assassinate the Queen. In the introductory part (fn. 2) the writer says : “Yet because by fame and heare saie, thinges take not all waies true and lyke reporte, and I know y^e quallity of those treasons are of that sorte so hangous and odyous as all sortes of men desire to be trulie informed of the same, I have therefore sett downe a plaine and shorte declaration of these treasons of this perjured murtheringe tray tor (as he was ther proved) without alledginge the proofes and evydences w^ch hereafter may be don at large.”
	[Murdin, pp. 669–675.]
	[See Calendar of State Papers, Dom., 1591–94. Vol. CCXLVIII. 7.]
	22 pp.