Cecil Papers: April 1594

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

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'Cecil Papers: April 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/pp499-521 [accessed 16 November 2024].

'Cecil Papers: April 1594', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594. Edited by R A Roberts( London, 1892), British History Online, accessed November 16, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol4/pp499-521.

"Cecil Papers: April 1594". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594. Ed. R A Roberts(London, 1892), , British History Online. Web. 16 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol4/pp499-521.

April 1594

Captain Henry Duffield to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 1. Praying him to be a means for his enlargement.—From the Tower, 1 April, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p.
Anthony Ashley to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1594, April 1.] Intreating his favourable letters for a gentleman, a soldier these nine years, to Sir John Norris.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1 April, 1594.”
Seal. 1 p.
[Examination of Simon Knowles.]
1594, April 2. Simon Knowles saith that he knoweth one Daniel, an ancient Irishmen, with a great beard, who. was a pensioner of the King's, and hath a brother who serveth in Sir William Stanley's regiment, and is called “Old White.” There is one Laurence, a book binder in Antwerp, who is a little slender man, with a yellowish little beard, and lispeth in his speech and speaketh good French; he cometh over very often with intelligences, sometime from Mr. Versing ham, a printer, and sometimes from Sir Timothy Mockett, knight; he was born about Sheffield. There is one Captain Morgan, a tall man with one eye, who did serve at Ostend, and after was of Sir William Stanley's regiment, and did put himself out because he thought his maintenance not sufficient, and is now in Antwerp, the King's pensioner. He thinketh that the cause of La Motte his imprisonment is upon accounts, for the Duke calleth all men to accounts for the King, as weir soldiers as churchmen and others, whosoever that have had to do with the King's treasure. La Motte is accounted a man of very great riches and power, and hath a cousin who is the chief man under him in Gravelines. He thinketh that the trees felled thereabouts are for timber to make sconces, for they take example of Grave Maurice to set the end outward, and so the length of the tree to be the thickness of the fortification, and for the more strength they dig them up by the roots. He saith that Greene, mentioned in his former examination, who was Steward to the Lord Paget and after to Sir William Stanley, hath the Trench and Spanish tongues, and playeth excellently well upon many kinds of instruments; he is a tall black man, slender faced and very fine, and he hath a grace in casting his hands. Anthony Jones is page, to Sir William Stanley; he was born in the Low Countries, but speaketh very good English, Dutch, Spanish and French, and is Sir William's Chief Secretary, and this examinate thinketh that Sir William sendeth him abroad upon messages as well into England as elsewhere; he is a little, young man, fully faced, with auburn air and long locks at his ears, with no beard, is well set. Thomas Myntar, a tailor, is employed often upon messages from Antwerp and Brussels to Rheims. There is one Damporte of the Temple, who had a brother named William, that served Sir William Stanley, and was killed more than a year past, he receiveth letters from beyond seas and sendeth likewise thither. Father Holt was a priest in his father's house, and William told this examinate that his father and mother and all his friends are Catholics. He heard at Tournay, by an English Jesuit, that Father Wallpooleand his brother were apprehended in England.
Signed :—Rye : Young.
1¼ pp.
The Earl of Derby to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 2. Desiring him to “steed” the bearer, his servant, who has moved to intreat Cecil to commend his cause to his lordship, his father.—Lathom, 2 April, 1594.
Signed. ½ p.
Sir Horatio Palaviclno to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 2. “Illmo Sor mio, si tosto che V.S. Illme venga alla sua casa di Londra verrù ò a visitarla, che mi vi poriera il cocchio poi che le gambe sono tuttavia debboli. Hieri ricevei tre lettere da Colui di Erusselle. La sostanza è questa che l'arciduca Ernesto ha fato et fa grandi preparamenti di guerra, la maggior parte per la Francia, di dove venivano giornalmente corrieri a dimandare ajuto, et il conte Carla era partito. Fra le genti che vi vanno, vi è il Standele col suo regimento. Il marchese di Baden era andato in Alamagna a levare quattro milla Tedeschi. DTtalia erano venuti altri tre milla fanti. Dice che in Spagna si fanno parimente molti preparamenti di guerra, et tutti per Brettagna et Francia. L'Arciduca haveva comandato generalmente che ogni soldato intratenuto vada alle insegne, et alle paghe morte che piglino piazza di servitio senz' ccceptione. La sua persona non si muoverà da Brusselle, et la guerra si fara tutto per gli Mansfelt, parendo chi il conte di Fuentes non sia in grande gratia di sua Altezza. Il conte di Westmerlant haveva publicato che la nostra Sovrana era avelenata dal Lopez. Finalmente egli scrive di haver veduto una lista di nomi di signori di Scotia che s'offeriscono di servire al Re Filippo, et spera di poterne mandar la copia, per la quale Io li farò molt' instanza. Il marchese d'Hawrè andava imbasciatore in nome del Re alia Dieta del Imperio. Et questo è quanto Io habbi potuto raccorre non solo dalla predette lettere ma d'altri avisi. Cosi fo fine et le bascio le mani. Di casa, a 2 d'Aprile 1594.”—Signature torn off.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Ho. Pallavacino.”
Seal. 1 p.
Count Maurice of Nassau to the Queen.
1594, April 2. In November 1592, he obtained from her permission for the Sieur de Schoonevalle to send from England certain minions and falcons for use against their mutual enemies.
The provinces are in want of heavier ordnance than those already sent and he begs the Queen to allow the same de Schoonevalle to pro cure for them fifty culverins.—La Haye, 2 April, 1594.
French. Signed. Seal. 1¼ p.
J. Harmar to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 4. At my late being in London, I happened to meet with one Lopez, a merchant of Antwerp, who was not long before the apprehension of the Doctor with me here in Winchester, Unto whom, after speech had with me in Italian of great alteration of things since we saw last, meaning the attaching and arraigning of Doctor Lopez for his wicked treasons, when I objected that I took him to have been his brother, he answered me most peremptorily that he was so far from being so near allied unto him that they were only of one name, and otherwise nothing acquainted. It seemed to me very strange, having before, in this place, so talked with me in this place concerning the Doctor's son, a scholar here, as being his brother and uncle to the boy, by which nacns he also called him. Thereupon, I further enquired and understood in Court that he had been in hold and straitly examined and found to be not so near belonging unto him : notwithstanding, on my return home, searching out the letter which I received by this Antwerpian merchant, who is yet abiding in London, from the Doctor and finding that under his own handwriting he expressly termed him therein his brother. I could not but in duty acquaint your honour therewith.—4 April, 1594.
Holograph. 1 p.
George Goringe to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 6. God called my father suddenly, and in the fields, so that he could make none acquainted with his estate, to my great harm I fear that some near him hath dono wickedly, I humbly sue for time to look unto his estate. I hear it is informed Her Majesty and the Lord Treasurer that my father bought land in other men's names, and that he secretly conveyed away his lands to defeat Her Majesty. I assure you he never bought in his own name or friends', not 40l. land, since he had the office, all he hath left is in fee simple, liable to the Queen's debt, and when Her Majesty and all the world is paid, I would make it appear my estate would have been 1000 marks land a year to have answered Her Majesty's revenue, if that would make me thought fit for the office; besides I have friends would have entered into great bonds to secure Her Majesty for my discharge in that place. I require to have never a penny forgiven me, but I desire to have my poor deceased father's credit and mine preserved, then shall I be well able to make money for her Majesty. If I might obtain the office, I beseech that I be not dealt with in extremity. When my father entered into the office he had only delivered to him in stock 7000l., whereof he paid the next day to the Cofferer 3600l., and since by the assistance of the Lord Treasurer, and his own honest service, the stock is become 20,000l.—Lewes, 6 April, 1594.
Signed.
P.S.—Since the writing of this letter, the Sheriff has entered, seized and appraked all my lands and goods. If no extent or sale go forward then I shall be glad that my lord Treasurer shall see there is enough liable to the Queen's debt, which I will have care to pay, if I may have the sale and dealing therein, wherein I crave your honourable favour.
1 p.
Thomas Jeffereys to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 6. Has read his letter two days past, and the enclosed shall be delivered to the party when he doth come, who went up into the country for Dunkirk and demanded the way to Brussels.—6 April 1594, English style, in Calais.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Signifying the receipt of your Honour's letters to James Comrayns.”
Seal. ½ p.
John Wood, Clerk of the Signet, to the Queen.
1594, April 6. For extension of his lease of a farm in Stapleforth Abbot, Esseex, in consideration of his 30 years' services.—Undated.
Note by A. Aubrey that the Queen grants the petition.—6 April 1594.
1 p.
The Mayor of Boston and others to Lord Burghley.
1594, April 7. One William Pitbladoche, born in Scotland, was brought as a passenger into, this port of Boston from Holland, whom we, according to the direction from your Lordship and others of the Privy Council, in that he had no certificate from any governor of any Her Majesty's forces there, have examined in the best form we could. Whom we find to have been employed in service in the wars, and so testified by certificates from the Estates of Holland and Zealand, and by Patrick Hogg of “Kyrkeawdye,” the merchant of the ship, of whom we conceive very well both for his religion and honest dealing in his traffic, who hath known his parentage, and affirmeth him no dangerous person in his opinion; notwithstanding, for that he had divers letters about him, whereof the direction of some are to persons of place and charge in Scotland, we thought it our duties to stay him at the charges of the town under safe keeping and send the letters to your Lordship.—Boston, 7 April 1594.
Signed :—Thomas Tharold, Mayor of Boston; Anthony Trbye, Anto. Dough tie, Coll., Thomas Bennett, Coll.
Endorsed :—“The Mayor and his brethren of Boston to my Lord.”
1 p.
Sir Edmund Uvedall to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 7. In my last of the fifth, I did let you understand that Jacques Jelley, the Burgomaster of this town, was acquainted with the matter of Adrian de Lange and Stephen White, so these are also to let your Honour know that the same day that Jacques Jelley went from hence for England, which was also the fifth, that by his means whom I did use for the viewing of such letters as the post brought from Bruges, we intercepted a letter directed to Adrian de Lange, and his sudden departure was such as he had no time to stay the breaking up of the letter. After his departure I brake it up, and found within that letter of Adrian de Lange another letter, the copy of which I have sent you herewith enclosed.
By reason that the post did presently acquaint Adrian de Lange that his letter was taken, there was no remedy but presently to search their lodgings, and therefore the magistrates did apprehend Adrian de Lange and searched his papers, but found only one letter of little purpose, but gave some light, and I apprehended Stephen White and one Lawrence Mynter, whom I have had some suspicion of, and in searching their papers I found three passports, one from the Governor of Sluys, John de Ryvers, of the 10th of September 1592, for Mynter to pass and repass, and another from the Count Mansfield of the 19th of December 1592 for Mynter to pass and repass, and the third from John de Ryvers for Stephen White and Mynter both, to pass and repass. In their other papers such other matters are as I know not yet what to make of, but out of them I will draw articles to examine them both on, which being done I will send all their examinations to my Lord Treasurer. Thus much in the mean time I have thought good to advertise your Honour of, doubting that there should be some bruit blown in England of their apprehension, which might make your Honour more doubtful of the matter than cause why.—7 April, 1594, Flushing.
Signed. Fine armorial seal. 1 p.
Encloses :—
Letters intercepted :
1. J. d. R. to Adrian de Lange.
Praying him forward the enclosed letter.—7 April 1594, Bruges.
Signed :—J. d. R. Addressed to Adrian de Lange at Flushing. Dutch.
2. J. de R. to Sir Jaques Behugle.
Has his letters of the 18th and 23rd, and hopes he has received letters in which he wrote to him of the four parcels of fustian, and desires to know the price of certain commodities, which he will send, if there be a chance of profit.—Bruges, 7 April 1594.
Signed :—J. d. R. Addressed to Sir Jaques Behugle, merchant in London. French.
Between the lines of the French letter was found written, with milk or such like, this in English, as followeth :
Sir, the 5th April, I received yours of the 2nd, as hope you have or shortly [will] receive mine of the 2. Kept till the 4, and for your allowance, doubt you not at the coming of M. Van In gen that shall be done, I doubt. Wherefore, in the mean time be diligent and change your seal. It is too great, that any man may suspect it, one little seal like mine is enough, and either send my letters in mine own name, or in a cover to Cornelius Cannele, and all things shall be (sic), but the great seal is the most suspicion. I do continually give letters to Lowise for Middel burg to avoid suspicion, and what letters come to me come in safety, I thank God. For that P. is dead, I have letters from the company about their affairs, and from divers his creditors that [I] will help them to make recovery etc. For Maestricht there was provision made, and your advice was well liked, and doubt not but, as aforesaid, shall find “condune” recompense. Here is news come that Nevers with many of his gentlemen should be slain in Paris some days after he entered, whereof, whether it be true or not, God knoweth. If there be there any talk of it, write me, if it be true it will cause great alteration. Your letter to your friend I sent away this morning. At any hand, see what you can do to learn what those tolls and imposts amount unto, and for “colericke” matters I cease, as you do.—Bruges, 7 April 1594.
P.S.—As you can learn the names of those who are executed, write me, and God confound the wicked and help and comfort the good; by “pots hoste “you shall receive the thirty guldens.
Copy. 2 pp.
Lord Hunsdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 7. I am very sorry that you are so ill lodged, but it is the more excusable because I perceive it was “long” of yourself : if the Usher had done it, I should have been very angry withal. But I have now written to the Usher that now my daughter Scroope comes away, you and your lady shall have that lodging; and for more surety let my lady your wife tell my daughter that I will her to deliver the key of her lodging to my lady your wife, which I am sure she will willingly do.
I know not what you have heard out of Scotland, but I received letters this morning, wherein it should seem that the 4th of this month, the Earl Bothwell having been at Dalkeith, and so went to Leith, where he lodged himself and his company. But hearing the King was coming towards him, with a greater force than he was of, went to a hill called Niddrie, two miles from Edinburgh, and there attended to give them the looking on. My lord Hume was sent with his forces, which were 5 or 600 horse and some foot, to charge him. There was a bog at the foot of the hill, between Bothwell and him, but when Bothwell saw him coming, he charged Hume so hard as put him to flight, and slew divers of his folks and took divers prisoners, and did chase them even to Edinburgh gates; when he had done, retired himself again to Dalkeith. The King gave the looking on all this while, in a place called the park at the end of the hill. How true this is, I know not, but it is written to me very certainly from Berwick, but I can hear nothing neither of the Earl of Athol, nor any other of his confederates, but only the Lord of Ochiltree, who came to Bothwell with 100 shot on horseback. If this be true we shall hear more within two or three days.
Touching the French news, the French Ambassador sent a gentleman to me this afternoon to visit me, who did assure me from his master, that, thanks be to God, there is no such matter as was reported, and therefore, surely, the Courier that did bruit it and brought it to the Court, deserves great punishment.—Somerset House, the 7th of April, 1594.
Endorsed :—“The Lord Chamberlain to my master.”
Signed. Seal. 2 pp.
The Lord Chamberlain (Lord Hunsdon) to a Gentleman Usher.
1594, April 7. Whereas I understand that Sir Robert Cecil and my lady be very badly lodged, forasmuch as my daughter Scrope doth now come from the Court, these are to require you not to fail but that my lady Cecil have her lodging, and nobody else, and that lodging which they now have may be reserved till you hear further from me, or that Mr. Vice-chamberlain do otherwise dispose of it.—At Somerset House, this 7 of April, 1594.
Signed.
Endorsed :—“To my loving friend the Gentleman Usher that made the lodgings ready at Greenwich”.
½ p.
Sir George Carewe to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 7. Ever since I saw yon I have been wrestling with a quartan ague, but now I have given him his passport to be packing. I pray you send me word by this bearer when you purpose to be in London that I may come unto you.—From the “Mynorits,” 7 April, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p.
Sir George Carewe to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 8. This bearer, your father's old servant, and now a follower in good will to him and his to his uttermost service, hath prayed me to write unto you to favour him with your aid that he may be employed as a captain into Ireland if men shall be sent thither. The office and place that he hath borne formerly in that Kingdom doth enable him for a greater place than a private captain's room, for in the Earl of Desmond's rebellion he was Serjeant Major of the Army. By your father he was preferred to the Queen, and by his honourable good ness he hopes to be bettered in his fortune. If it be his good hap to obtain what he desires, the Queen for the present shall be eased of a pension of 4s. per diem, which he now holdeth. Sir, what good you will do for Mr. Sheffild, I know it will be done for a thankful man, and for one that loves and honours your house, or else the Devil take him! for so he protests.—From the Mynorits, 8 April, 1594.
Signed. Holograph. 1 p.
Thomas Jefferies to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 8. Here is a bad member in my opinion, an Englishman who came to this town about five weeks past from Arques in Brittany, and told me at his arrival he was a soldier, and was born at Carlisle in England, since the which time he hath been up the country at St. Omer, Since my coming back out of England, I find him here, but shewed himself not often abroad, and one time lies within town, and some time out of town, He hath sought all means possible to get passage into the north country, and had been in hand with divers Englishmen, but I did give them the watchword, wheresoever he desired to land they should deliver him to the Justices or Commissioners for Her Majesty, but as he did work with the English mariners, he dealt with a Frenchman who was to go to Yarmouth. The ship did depart yesterday and he was left behind, for that he could not be found in the end. He came running to the quay side and sought a boat for to go aboard. Having spied me, he ran up and down, so J went away and appointed my man to have an eye over him, that if he did see he went aboard that then my man should go aboard the Hollander, who did lie in the road. The agent for the States was aboard, who lieth here; I had written unto him to have taken him out, and sent him to Dover. But the Frenchman was so far in the sea, that he went not aboard, so he is here stilly and more is in hand with an Irish ship, which goeth for Middleburg. There is one pilot of Dover called Robert Fleming, to whom I have given order to have an eye over him. If he go in that ship, he will play the fool some time, and cast his head aloft and shake it “And flyering countenance.” He hath a little red beard, of a reasonable stature, white nether stocks, high nosed. Seeing me among the mariners four days past, he did grow in suspicion that I had made some “quer” after him. The same day I did pass by him, and said “Countryman, are you not yet gone ?” He would not answer me anything. The next day he came squaring unto me, and told me that I had said he was a priest. I said unto him, “Friend, if you be a priest, methink you to be a mad priest as ever I did see in my life.” It must needs be that he hath been in St. Omer, and hath had warning of me, for he hath told the Irishmen that I do lie here for the Council, and have 40l. a year. The Irishmen do greatly stare upon me. It were very necessary in my opinion that Her Majesty did appoint one for this place, to examine such like fellows, and by authority ship them to such places as they may be forthcoming, and likewise for young men that come out of England by way of Flushing and Dieppe; they get out of England under the name of soldiers, or in Fleming ships, unto these parts, and when they come, hence to St. Omer, and study under the Jesuits. There are already fifty scholars there, their parents are to blame to send them over. And their pro vision doth come to St. Omer by Antwerp, for which [a] certain shop keeper of St. Omer, who doth come now and then to Calais to buy commodities, doth tell me how weekly they pay money unto the college, which is drawn upon them by the merchant of Antwerp; I doubt me in time they will be noisome unto our land. For my own duty unto her Majesty I will do my true endeavour from time to time; it doth many times hinder my business. So that it would please you to send one to lie here to have a care over such as pass and repass, there would be many trap that I cannot come to light. It might be done by a man of countenance to examine any English passing and repassing, and by his authority to send them back, if he did so think it good.—8 April, 1594, Calais.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p.
The Earl of Essex to Sir H. Unton.
[1594, April 8.] I do refer you to this bearer's report, or to my next opportunity to write more largely, I am now infinitely busy and therefore must be short.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed :—“8 April, 1594.”
¼ p.
Ireland.
1594, April 8. Her Majesty's letters for the levy of 1550 men for Ireland were sent to the Earl of Derby for Cheshire and Lancashire by the ordinary post of Chester; to the Earl of Shewsbury for Derbyshire by Thomas Standishe; to the Earl of Pembroke by George Browne; to to the Sheriffs of Warwick and Stafford by Thomas Standishe, and to the Sheriff of Gloucester by the said G. Browne.
Sir John Gilbert to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 10. There is of late on the 27th of March a letter from your Honour come to my hands opened, bearing date the 9th February, wherein I perceive there was an intendment to have a complaint ex hibited to my lords of the Council against me in the behalf of your servant, Arthur Radford, concerning the clerkship of the peace, but stayed by your Honour's favour towards me. You desire to be adver tised of the truth of the matter, that if Arthur Radford have any interest in it, the matter may be by your good favour to me, compounded. This it is. My brother Radford, Arthur's father, procured the office of the clerkship of the peace for a servant of his, one Comming, a very suffi cient man for the place, and in commission with the justices of the assize in this circuit, and for my courtesy should have given me 110l. as appears by his bill; he dying, I could never get the money of Hull that married my sister. Comming died shortly after my brother Radford. Then Sir Walter Raleigh wrote very earnestly to me to bestow the office of the clerkship of the peace upon Hancock, his servant, which by no means I could not deny to so honourable and dear a brother, and a little before his last departure to the seas, he sent Hancock to me, who had the office by my grant. But that Arthur Radford had ever any grant or promise from me, I wholly deny, for the Statute says the clerk of the peace must be an able person instructed in the laws of the realm, and Arthur Radford, when Comming had my grant, was a very little boy, not capable of such an office. Surely, Sir, this is the whole truth of the matter, and if it prove otherwise, let me lose your favour for ever.—Exeter, this 10th of April, 1594.
Signed. Seal. 1 p.
The Bishop of Salisbury to Henry Brooke.
[1594,] April 10. I received your letters written in the behalf of Sir Walter Raleigh, concerning Burton, Holmes and Upcerne, wherein as I would be very ready to satisfy your desire, without open wrong to the See for ever, so hath Sir Walter, of all men living, least deserved the same, in regard to his unkindness and wrong done to me, which I cannot redress by any good means. First, he hath abated the rent 6l. by the year, less than ever was paid before; he layeth upon me the payments of all fees for doing his business within these manors. I never could yet receive my rent reserved in any due time to pay the Queen, and even now he oweth me a good part of the rent due at Michaelmas last. Whereas I am to have some twenty marks for knowledge money, due to every Bishop immediately after his consecration, he hath taken it up from me, and I cannot get a penny thereof. Besides all this, I reserved by an Indenture between him and me, all such profits as my predecessor enjoyed at his departure thence, timber trees and fines only excepted; he detaineth them still in his own hands, and will yield neither the profits, nor money for them. And now to heap more hindrance on the See, he seeketh to have Burton, Holmes and Upcerne, which yieldeth to the See about 88l. by year, and to pay nothing for it, notwithstanding that tenths, subsidies and fruits must be continued to Her Majesty for it.
If it might satisfy him to have it at the rent it goeth for, paying his rent as well for that as the rest he hath in such due time as his lease doth require, I would be content for your sake to make a lease to the Queen of it, for the like years as he hath the other, or otherwise to take some other course, such as by law may be thought most fit, hoping : he will have consideration of me according to reason in so great a thing. It is much that he hath already, and the addition of those three manors will very near countervail the rest. I lately sent for my farm, with other profits due unto me, but the messenger returned frustrate of all. Since that time, I sent again, as well for the rent behind, as also the rent due this Lady day last; what answer I shall have I know not yet, but fear it will be dilatory as the others have been. If I can be no better paid, I must make suit that the Queen would receive that rent to herself, and discharge mc of the payment of so much for tenths and subsidies. The evil reports that I bear for him, and his evil usage of me, do make me, in good faith, weary of all.—From my house in Sarum this 10 of April.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“10 April 1594.” [Murdin, p. 675.]
1 p.
The Countess of Derby to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 11. Bear with me to use a secretary, for my senses are overcome with sorrow. It hath pleased God to visit my lord with sickness, that there is little hope of recovery except in His mercy, and therefore must entreat your favour and assistance, both of yourself and to my lord your father, in the behalf of me and my poor children, and that as you were dear unto my lord in love and friendship, so you would be pleased to continue it for the furtherance of me and mine in the justice of our causes.—Lathom, 11 April, 1594.
Signed :—A. Derby. ½ p.
Katherine Burgess to Lord [Burghley?].
1594, April 11. The Queen granted her late husband Thomas Morris, yoeman of the Scullery, a lease in reversion, the warrant of which remains with his Lordship. Prays that the particulars be rated to pass in the name of Fra. Morris.
Endorsed :—“11 Apr. 1594.” 1 p.
George Goringe to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 13. All my father's goods here are seized to Her Ma jesty's use, and his lands are now by a jury to be enquired of; his debt is great, and somewhat is gone awry, else could it not be so. My humble suit is, that it may please you to be a means unto my lord Treasurer that I may be the seller of my father's lands and goods to say Her Majesty, If I be not, I shall be undone, for I think when there is a commission to sell, they will sell for half the value.—Written the 13th of April 1594.
Signed. Seal. 1 p.
The King of Spain to Don Juan del Aguila, Master of the Camp of Infantry.
1594, April 13/23. In commendation of Robert “Bruno,” an Irishman, who has been engaged some years in his service and is now desirous to return to his own country.—Aranjuez, 23 April, 1594.
Copy. Spanish. ⅓ p.
The King of Scotland to the Queen.
1594, April 13. So many unexpected wonders, madame and dearest sister, have of late overshadowed my eyes and mind, and dazzled so all my senses, as in truth I neither know what I should say or where at first to begin; but, thinking it best to take a pattern of yourself since I deal with you, I must (repeating the first words of your last letter only the sex changed) say, I rue my sight that views the evident spectacle of a seduced queen. For when I enter betwixt two ex tremities in judging of you, I had far rather interpret it to the least dishonour on your own part, which is, ignorant error. Pardon me, madame, for long approved friendship requires a round plainness; for when, first, J consider what strange effects have of late appeared in your country, how my avowed traitor hath not only been openly received in your realm but plainly made his residence in your proper houses, ever plainliest kithing himself where greatest confluence of people was, and (which is most of all) how he hath received English money in a reasonable quantity, waged both English and Scotch men therewith, proclaimed his pay at divers parish churches in England, convened his forces within England in the sight of all that border, and therefrom contemptuously came and camped within a mile of my principal city and present abode, all his trumpeters and divert waged men being English; and, being by myself in person repulsed from that place, returned back in England with displayed banners, and since that time with sound of trumpet making his troops to muster within English ground; when first (I say) I consider these strange effects, and then again I call to mind, upon the one part, what number of solemn promises, not only by your ambassadours but by many letters of your own hand, you have both made and reiterated unto me that he should have no harbour within your country, yea, rather stirriug me further up against him than seeming to pity him yourself; and upon the other part weighing my deserts towards you, how for being a friend to you I have ever been an enemy to all your enemies, and the only point I can be challenged in that I take not such form of order and at such time with some particular men of my subjects as, per adventure, you would do if ye were in my room; when thus I enter in consideration with myself, 1 cannot surely satisfy myself with wonder ing enough upon these above-mentioned effects. For to affirm that these tilings are by your direction or privity, it is so far against all princely honour as I protest I abhor the least thought thereof; and again that so wise and provident a prince, having so long and happily governed, should be so soiled and contemned by a great number of her own subjects, it is hardly to be believed if I knew it not to be a maxim, in the state of princes that we see and hear all with the eyes and ears of others; and, if these be deceivers, we cannot shun deceit. Now, madame, I have refuge to you at this time as my only pilot to guide me safely betwixt this Charybdis and Sylla; solve these doubts and let it be seen you will not be abused by your own subjects who prefer the satisfying of their baseminded affections to your princely honour.
That I wrote not the answer of your last letters with your late ambassador, and that I returned not a letter with him, blame only, I pray you, his own behaviour; who, although it pleased you to term him wise, religious and honest, had been fitter, in my opinion, to carry the message of a herald than any friendly commission betwixt two neighbour princes, for as no reason could satisfy him, so scarcely could he have patience ever to hear it offered. But if you gave him a large commission, I dare answer for it he took it as well upon him, and therefore have I rather chosen to send you my answer by my own messenger. Suffer me not I pray you to be abused with your abusers, nor grant no oversight to oversee your own honour; remember what you promised by your letter of thanks for the delivery of O'Rourke. I trust you will not put me in balance with such a traitorous counter poise, nor wilfully reject me, constraining me to say with Virgil, Flectere si nequeo super os Acheronta movebo, and to give you a proof of the continuance of my honest affection I have directed these two gentlemen unto you, whom I will heartily pray you to credit as myself in all that they have in charge to deliver unto you; and, because the principal of them goes to France, to return the other back with a good answer with all convenient speed. And thus assuring you that friendship shall never fail upon my part I commit you, madame and dearest sister, to the holy protection of the Almighty.—Edinburgh, 13 April, 1594.
Holograph. [Bruce in extenso, p. 99.]
2¼ pp.
— to Don Mendo Rodriguez.
1594, April 14/24. Desiring him to aid Robert Bruno, an Irishman, who having spent some years in Salamanca and other Universities of the Kingdom, and shewn much virtue and good example, is returning to his own country.—Aranjuez, 24 April 1594.
Signed [signature undecipherable]. Seal. Spanish. 1 p.
Dr. William Aubrey to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 14. I did as earnestly move Mr. Baker's bill at my last audience as I could, and, amongst other things, did tell Her Majesty that the charge of her service did altogether rest in the younger man, whose sufficiency was known to the officers of the place, and greatly commended by the Lord Admiral. But, nothing misliking the notion, Her Highness said that she would talk herself with his lordship, and would have done so presently if the Admiral had been in the way.—Prom Sydenham, this 14th of April, 1594.
Holograph. ¾ p.
Sir Walter Raleigh to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1594,] April 14. This night, the 13th of April, we have taken a notable Jesuit in the Lady Storton's house, wife to old Sir John Arrundell, with his copes and chalice. There hath been kept in this house, as I have formerly informed you, above thirty recusants. Sir George Trencher, Sir Ralph Horsey and myself are now riding to take his examination, which by the next you shall receive at large. Sir George and Sir Ralph have used great diligence in the finding of this notable knave.—Sherburne, this 14th of April.
P.S.—He calls himself John Moone, but he is an Irishman, and a notable stout villain, and I think can say much.
Endorsed :—“1594.”
Holograph, Seal. ½ p.
Lord Hunsdon, Lord Chamberlain, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 14. In behalf of Mr. Richard Musgrave, for the having of his father's office of the Ordnance in the North.—Somerset House, 14 April, 1594.
Signed, ½ p.
The Same to Lord Burghley.
To the same effect, and “for that I perceive your lordship is so troubled with your ancient enemy that you stir not abroad, I pray you be pleased to require your son, Sir Robert Cecil, to move Her Majesty therein.”—Somerset House, 14 April 1594.
Signed. ½ p.
John Crane to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 15. For that oblivion of the great benefit he lately received should not seem to take hold of him, he troubles him with these few lines to render bounden thanks for his goodness extended.—Berwick, 15 April, 1594.
Signed. Seal. ½ p.
The Attorney General, Edward Coke, to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1594,] April 17. How much I have been bounden to my lord, your father, and your Honour also, my thankfulness, besides my dutiful acknowledgment thereof, shall to my ability express it. And I most humbly desire protection and assistance in my honest and just causes at that fountain, whereout have flowed all my good hap.
I received a message from Her Majesty, at the suit of Mr. Darcye, that I would place, at Her Majesty's nomination, one Wiseman to be Clerk of the Outlawries under me, which place is so incident to my office, and so dangerous both to Her Majesty's forfeitures and to the subjects' lawful actions and proceedings, as both Her Majesty may be infinitely prejudiced, the subjects divers ways injured and awronged, and myself, for all must be done in my name, utterly discredited and undone. I perceive there is gain, and extreme gain, sought by it, which would turn both to Her Majesty's and her subjects' losses, for the giver must get it up again by oppression to the subject, or deceit to Her Majesty in her lawful forfeitures, or by both. And besides, I shall be subject to no small danger. I assure your Honour I can neither, with my duty to Her Majesty, rent this place, nor take any fine, but to see everything duly done, and to recompence my clerk his travail according to his desert. Wiseman is now known to be utterly unmeet and insufficient for the place. I beseech your Honour be a mean to Her Majesty that Mr. Darcye, having informed Her Majesty that he should get 100l. by it, and having gotten already 200l., that he may no further proceed herein, for now it is set to sale almost in every tavern, which never was sold before nor cannot nor ought not to be, if he that is attorney hath a care of his oath and duty. But it is given out, and some men believe it, that this chaffering and merchandising of this place of trust and confidence proceeded from me, which I protest I am free of, and never intend to take any rent or fine, but to have my clerk accountable to me, as Sir Thomas Egerton did before me.—This 16th of April.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1594.”
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 17. “Colui” of Brussels, by his letter of the 7th April, reports the arrival of two Scottish gentlemen from Scotland, and an Irishman from Ireland, who have been entertained by the Count di Fuentes; “Colui” hopes to learn something of their business and who has sent them. Has urged him to do so.—Badburham, 17 April, 1594.
Seal, Italian. ½ p.
Sir Edmund Uvedall to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 18. Has sent the examinations and papers of Stephen White and Adrian de Langhe to the Governor, Sir Robert Sydney, being at Court. In the confession of Minter, he should find that White hath both received and sent letters to Charles Pagett, but White will by no means confess it; also he will find a letter, intercepted, written from one Moody to White. By that letter there should be some great practice in hand between them, “but White will confess but as you shall find.”—Flushing, the 18 of April, '94.
Signed. Fine armorial seal, 1 p.
Lord Buckhurst and Sir John Fortescue to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 18. Upon the receipt of your letters we were much perplexed, both for the general discontent of the people, who much expected this execution, as for the scandal hereby likely to ensue in the whole course of the cause. The day appointed was tomorrow at 9 of the clock. It seemeth Her Majesty misconceiveth the course requisite herein, for the execution awarded at a day certain cannot otherwise be done than is appointed, nor can any execution be by the Commissioners' warrant but during such time as the commission standeth in force. We have herein taken the opinion of the Lord Chief Justice of England and Mr. Attorney, who have this resolved, so that unless the execution proceed to-morrow or Saturday, the Commission, unless on Monday it be continued, is to dissolve, and so without Her Majesty's warrant no execution is to be done. If on Monday further continuance be made, then the delivery of the gaols, being full of seminaries and other traitors of that kind, with other great malefactors, must rest in London unproceeded upon. Therefore we pray you make Her Majesty herewith acquainted, and that we may understand her resolution before 6 of the clock this afternoon, for unless we recall the warrant, the execution must of necessity be done in the morning, nor upon this warrant can any stay be further made without recalling of the same.—At Buckhurst House, this 18th of April, 1594.
Signed. Armorial Seal. 1 p.
Sir Michael Blount to Sir Robert Cecil.
1591, April 18. Yesterday, about 3 of the clock in the afternoon, I received from Mr. Attorney General a warrant for to deliver Doctor Lopez, Stephen Ferrara, and Lewis the Portuguese to the Sheriffs of London to be executed to-morrow, but since your Honour doth signify that Her Majesty will have the executions stayed till I hear further of Her Highness' pleasure therein, I will stay the orisoners accordingly.—From the Tower, this 18th day of April, 1594
P.S. I have heard that your Honour and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain had a determination to come to the Tower shortly, wherefore I think it my duty to let you know that yesterday being Wednesday, there died one within the Mint of the plague.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“The Lieutenant of the Tower to my master.”
1 p.
Earl Bothwell.
[1594, Before April 20.] To be answered by Took [sic, ? Lock] to the Earl Bothwell in sundry sorts. The Earl is to be informed what offers the King of Scots hath made, by a writing delivered to the Lord Zouch by the King's commandment, in which amongst other articles the King promiseth to proceed personally against the papistical traitors by the 20 of this month [April], to the furtherance whereof he requireth not only money from her Majesty, but that also her Majesty would detain and restrain the Earl Bothwell from any attempt against the King and his subjects during the time of the King's prosecution, and after the end of the King's journey against the Earls, that her Majesty would either deliver the Earl to the King or forbear to give him any comfort directly or indirectly : and in the end is concluded that without her Majesty's performance of this his request against the Earl, and supply of money also, the King requireth that the retarding of his prosecution be not imputed as a fault to him.
Upon this the King's offers and requests, in as much as concerneth the Earl Bothwell, it is good it be considered what is to be done by the Earl; for that, since his last encpunter with the Lord Hume, the King hath published by proclamation a large recital of the Earl's several attempts against his person, and yet, notwithstanding the same, how he did at Stirling in September last yield to the said Earl that upon his humble submission he should have a remission of all his former offences, with restitution of his “lyveloods” with sundry conditions; which great favours of the King he hath refused, and in the end enterprised a new attempt at Edinburgh against the King, so as the King doth notify that the pretence of the Earl's quarrel for defence of religion is untrue, and that the King by these the Earl's actions is impeached and stayed from the prosecution against the papistical traitors, and so requireth all princes and potentates abroad, and all his subjects, specially the simple people that have been abused by the said [Earl], to understand the truth of the Earl's treasons against the King, and so to conceive of the King's sincere disposition in maintenance of the true religion. In which proclamation many other things are contained to the reproach of the Earl and his actions; whereupon the Earl may conceive that hereby the King meaneth to make a separation of the cause for religion from the Earl, and only to impute to him a special traitorous purpose to renew his former actions against the King's person, colouring the same with religion, the defence whereof the King doth most constantly profess to maintain, and so giveth his subjects to understand.
Now upon this the King's publication of his mind and of his promise to proceed against the Earls, it is uncertain what shall follow; and therefore the Earl may be advised to prolong his intended action from the beginning of May until the midst thereof, before which time if the King will not effectually proceed against the Earls, then it may [be] held for a truth that the King meaneth to dally therein; which if he shall do, then may the Earl with more probability follow his course against the said Earls, and so clear himself of the contrary purposes imputed against him, and directly bend his whole actions against them us papistical traitors, enemies of the true religion.
Underwritten :—“An other offer of the Earl Bothwell. A third device, for another to be head and not Bothwell.”
Endorsed :—“By Lock.” Draft holograph by Burghley.
3 pp.
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 20. Sends a letter received to day sent from Giustiniano in his passage through Nancy to Lorraine. Has come to the city hoping to come to the Court, and only waits until he is somewhat stronger. Hears from the Low Countries that the Archduke Ernest was intending that the States of Brabant and of the other provinces should swear fealty to the Prince of Spain. This not being generally accepted, because their privileges require the presence of the Prince, the Archduke put a garrison in the chief cities, i.e., Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp, to the great displeasure of the citizens This will divert more Spaniards from France.—London, 20 April, 1594.
Italian. Hol. Seal.
The Countess of Warwick to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 21. In the behalf of Mr. Fleetwood, of Ealing in Middlesex, the eldest brother of that name, and her kinsman, earnestly desiring Cecil to favour and further him in all that he may, for his better obtaining of a matter between Sir Christopher Edmonds and him.—From Cheeswicke, the 21st of April, 1594.
Signed :—Anne Warwyek.
P.S. (Holograph.) “He hathe aquanted Ser Chorestofor Edmondes Lowe dyssiares this, and I, in this, and many gretter matteres, I dowe ackncwleage my selffe exsedeingly beholding.”
1 p.
The Lords of the Council to Lord Burghley.
1594, April 21. Requiring him in Her Majesty's name to cause to be published in the usual places in the City of Westminster and the liberties of the same, and set up upon the posts at the corners of the streets, a proclamation she has caused to be drawn,—it being doubted that divers persons will repair hither at the feast of St. George out of the City of London and Westminster and suburbs,—by the which all are straitly inhibited to repair to the Court who either have had the sickness, or whose houses have been infected any time within these twelve months.—From the Court at Greenwich, the 21 of April, 1594.
Signed :—Puckering; Essex; C. Howard; Ro. Ceeyll; J. Fortescue.
1 p.
George Goringe to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 21. I have, according to my lord Treasurer's direction, had conference with some of my best friends. I find them well disposed to do for me, so as the straining of themselves may be for my good. I have set down three offers; to work the first I will deliver your Honour 1000l.; but if I might have the office, then I will give you 500 marks to work any the other two to effect. If neither of all these be accepted, then if my friends give the slip, Her Majesty must have her debts by selling my land; and that will not be so readily done, but either to Her Majesty's longer forbearance, or by selling so good cheap as it will be my undoing.—21 April, 1594.
Holograph. 1 p.
Sir Thomas Egerton, Master of the Rolls, to Sir Thomas Heneage, Vice-Chamberlain.
1594, April 22 Yesternight Sir George Careye came to me and brought with him Mr. Goulbourne and Mr. Liegh, late servants of the Earl of Derby deceased. I conferred with them at large, and find that those five names in the paper enclosed [wanting] I have specially marked, are fittest to be employed in the present service intended, as well in regard of their love and affection for the Earl, when he lived, as for their sufficiency every way to perform that which shall be given them in charge. For the examining and finding out of a matter of this quality, there cannot, without great prejudice to the cause, any certain and particular articles be devised, but the wisdom and discretion of those that shall be authorised to deal in it must from time to time, as they shall see cause, devise new questions, and against all persons whom they shall see in any way touched by proof or probability.—Lincoln's Inn, 22 April, 1594.
Holograph. Seal cut out. 1 p.
John Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 24. Touching a proceeding [not indicated] betwixt the Viscount Barry and Mr. Mackartye.
Endorsed :—“24 April, 1594.”
Holograph. 1 p.
Sir Michael Blount, Lieutenant of the Tower, to Sir Thomas Heneage and Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 25. I have received your Honour's letters of this 24th of April, wherein you declare Her Majesty's pleasure, that although I do receive any warrant to deliver Doctor Lopez to be executed, notwithstanding I shall not deliver him. The which things I will do, but your Honour doth not command me to make stay of the other two Portuguese, Ferrara and Emanuel Louis. If it please your Honour that I may also understand Her Highness' pleasure for those other Portuguese, otherwise I know not what to do, if the warrant be for them all three, as it was once before.—From the Tower this 25th of April, 1594.
Signed. Holograph. 1 p.
Thomas Elmes and Cicely Gorge to the Queen.
1594, April 25. For leases in reversion of the parsonage of Warmington, and the manor of Aldrington, Northampton, of which they are tenants.—Undated.
Note by J. Herbert that the Queen grants the petition.—At the Court at Greenwich, 25 April, 1594.
1 p.
William Wortley to the Queen.
1594, April 25. For a lease in reversion for his services as yeoman of the Queen's counting house.
Endorsed :—April 1594.
Note by Burghley :—“So as it be not to expel any ancient tenants.”
Note by J. Herbert that the Queen grants the petition.—Court at Greenwich, 25 April, 1594.
1 p.
The Lord Keeper Puckering and Lord Buckhurst to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 26. According to the contents of the letter we received from you late yesternight, of Her Majesty's pleasure for Mr. Sherley's signing to the letter sent enclosed, we have had him before us this morning, and declared to him Her Majesty's pleasure and commandment, pressing him therein as much as we could, but we could get no other answer but such as in this writing here-enclosed is, [wanting] to which we caused him, that we might mistake no part thereof, to set down with his own hand.—This Friday morning.
Signed :—Jo : Puckering. T. Buckehurst.
Endorsed :—“26 April, 1594. Concerning Mr. Anthony Sherley.”
1 p.
George Goringe to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 26. I have conferred with my friends, and they, having considered of my estate, have offered to join with me to pay 10,000l. before the end of Michaelmas term, and that I should pay the rest of the debt by 1000l. a year. This is the most my estate will bear, and to preserve any remain. But if this offer shall not be accepted, then I do submit myself to have all the goods and lands sold, as it shall seem best to them in authority. I have sent my offer by my lady Scudamore, by her to be shewed unto Her Majesty.—26 April, 1594.
Signed. ½ p.
George Hull to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1594], April 27 I have been made acquainted of a letter, that it pleased you to write for the stay of a controversy that was like to grow between Sir John Gilbert and Arthur Radford, your servant. Wherein he would insinuate that the letter had been opened by us, which we can prove was delivered to his mother, fast sealed, and if she or any other opened it afterwards, it was not our fault. But I marvel he can be so shameless in himself, and careless of his reputation and good opinion with your Honour, as to engage the same upon so manifest an untruth. For the office was bought by Mr. Radford to his son, and only executed in trust by this Comyns, his man, mentioned in the letter. The price was 300l., whereof he received in hand, and in discharge of an old debt, about nine score pounds, a bill for 110l.; the rest he forgave his sister in respect of a journey she undertook for him. This is the very truth, and shall easily be proved by the young gentleman, if it may be followed. And where he says he gave it at the request of Sir Walter Raleigh, upon Comyns's death, true it is, Sir Walter wrote him such a letter as he mentions, not remembering our interest as he since protested. But untrue it is that he gave it, for the office was sold for about 200l., whereof some say he had the greatest part, but certain it is, he had 100l. and odd. And whereas in his letter he offers me some disgrace, I would return it unto him, but for reverence to your Honour; yet this much I will say, I may have given me the title of a gentleman, as well as he of a knight, both by descent and estate, I will not say better. So being desirous to acknowledge that duty and thanks, which I owe in respect of my wife's son, I humbly take my leave.—From London, the 27th of April.
Signed.
Endorsed :—“1594, concerning the Clerkship of the Peace of Devon in controversy between Sir John Gilbert and your servant, Arthur Radford.”
Port of Exeter.
1594, April 27. Petition of John Chapell, the younger, to the Lord Treasurer for the Gaugership of the ports of Exeter and Dartmouth, now void.
Endorsed :—27 April 1594.
Note by Lord Burghley requiring certificate of petitioner's fitness.
Enclosure : Certificate of Thomas Spicer, Mayor of Exeter, of his fitness, and need of the place being filled.
2 pp.
Sir George Carey to Sir Thomas Heneage and Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, April 28. Since my coming hither, I find by Sir Thomas Leighe, lately arrived out of Lancashire, greater presumptions that the late Earl of Derby was “beweeched” than poisoned. A vehement suspicion also may be gathered by a letter found by chance, that the younger brother of Dowtie, this lord's secretary, named either Richard or Robert Dowtie, can discover much of this matter, if he be well examined, therefore I beseech you to direct your warrant to me or any of my officers for the apprehending of the said Dowtie, now in London; that upon his apprehension he may be brought before you two, or before the Master of the Rolls and me.—This 28th of April, 1594.
Signed. ½ p.
John Colville to Henry Lok.
1594, April 28. I wrote by Mr. Dacre, being at Hexham, of the 27th, signifying that we would “type” all friends if we attempted any thing, so long as the King meant to pursue the Papists. The letters sent from Athol and other friends to that effect, I also sent. And now thus 28th, late, one is come from your Ambassador, signifying that if we shall do any thing, except it be in defence of our own lives, to impeach His Majesty in prosecution of his promise, that Her Highness will be grieved therewith. So, all these letters concurring, but especially the last from Her Majesty, whose commandments these nobles are only resolved to follow, we renounce and give over our own judgment, being content to see the event of His Majesty's doing, which we think shall be no better nor of before; for he makes but slowly to work. The 24th was appointed for a convention, but none “composed” of the nobility, and I do think they were not earnestly desired, so this 29th was of before by His Majesty appointed to be in Dundee, but now is instant for a new convention. What these delays portend is easy to judge. In your next writ specially to my lord, that not one being in company with the King be harmed by him, so long as the King is at his journey, and that if any know or see your letters except himself, the lords and I, you are forbidden to write any more, specially that all be kept from Cranston, because his uncle Mr. And can tell as much of our doings as you yourself, be earnest and quick I pray you in this matter, for, in good faith, England has not such an enemy in heart of all our nation, and when we fall in reasoning, contemning this favour we have that our lives are safe in this realm, of Her Majesty's gracious benignity, he speaks and accouuts of that so disdainfully, as if Her Highness were bound to do it, to my lord's displeasure and all honest men's in our company. I think Mr. Forrett be on his journey, and therefore I cannot write to him, so beseeching you during the time of this interim, that if it may not offend Her Highness, some gracious consideration may be of these desolate noblemen how they may live, for since they have dedicated the rest of their lifetime to Her Highness' service, they expect her princely liberality, but are ashamed to say much, by themselves, and has for that cause willed me remember you.—This 28 April, late, 1594.
P.S.—From the 1st or 2nd of May to the 10th or 12th, my lord and Ochiltree will be presently in Scotland, to comfort friends, but assure you no power nor none shall be harmed, except Athol be pursued.
Holograph. Addressed : —“To Mr. Henry Lok, Esquyer, to be opinned by my honorabill Mecenas.”
2 pp.
Sir Nicholas Clifford to Sir Thomas Heneage and Sir Robert Cecil.
[1594, April.] Beseeching them to let Her Majesty understand how deeply he is grieved that he should offend her by any action of his. The order of St. Michael he never sought for, he saw others receive it, and thought it immodesty to refuse it. If he had foreseen Her Majesty's displeasure, he would have refused any honour the King could “a given,” rather than wittingly to have fallen into her indignation. His humble desire, therefore, is that they would be a means to her that he may retain it, for to deliver it up with the loss of his reputation, and be made a scorn of that nation, which is so jealous of their honour, were to bury himself alive, but if it be her purpose that he should yield it up, he has not learned to disobey. He protests he never wore it, nor did esteem it, since he heard it displeased Her Majesty.—“From the Tower, where I look rather to die than live.”
Signed.
Endorsed :—“April, 1594.”
Seal. 1 p.
Sir Nicholas Clifford to Mr. Edmunds.
[1594, April.] Earnestly requesting him to make declaration of his estate to the King of France, that the bestowing upon him of the Order of St. Michael is like to turn to the extremest prejudice of his poor fortunes, for he finds that her Majesty's greatest subjects durst not take it without her licence and favour first obtained. Finding now the danger of the contempt he is in, for he knows Her Majesty will in no sort suffer such an example to be left unpunished, he can think of no better course to be freed, except His Majesty be pleased to take back those tokens of it, which here he sends, for he neither may nor can retain them, except he shall fully project his own ruin.
Copy. Endorsed :—“April 1594. Sir Nicholas Clifford to Mr. Edmunds.”
½ p.
Copper Mines.
[1594, April.] Mr. Smyth is to deliver of the best western made copper, so many hundred of copper at 55s. the hundred, as comes to 800l., and to allow to the Company all such moneys as are due, by Edgcombe or any other, for the time of his or their leases.
In the handwriting of Cecil. On the page are also two or three calculations and his autograph, “R. Cecyll.”
Endorsed :—“April, 1594.”
1 p.
Scotland.
[1594, April.] Instruction to Robert Bows, esquire, her Majesty's ambassador in Scotland, how to proceed upon the delivery of a writing sent to the King of Scots' secretary from the Lord Zouch.
The ambassador shall deliver this writing in the name of the Lord Zouch to the secretary, signifying to him that because it was only subscribed by the secretary, the Lord Zouch thought it convenient to let him know what he found to be her Majesty's opinion therein, and shall require him to let him understand how the same shall be accepted.
[After this message done, according to that which may by likelihood be by the secretary alleged or otherwise on the King's part to move doubt, or to mislike any part of the writing, it is most likely that it will be objected that by the writing in some part her Majesty's opinion may be taken to justify the Earl Bothwell by recital of the general favourable opinion had of him both in England and Scotland; whereto the ambassador, observing advisedly the manner of the writing, may truly say, that her Majesty doth not in any words show her own opinion in favour of Bothwell, but contrarily doth show herself to content the King, to bar him of all favours in her realm; but to make it appear with what difficulty her commandments against him are obeyed, her Majesty doth let the King understand what an extraordinary favour by way of compassion is borne him both in England and Scotland as, for example, in Scotland itself experience hath showed how, notwithstanding the King's so many “streight” commandments, upon the greatest pains, to have the Earl apprehended, his person findeth favour wheresoever he cometh; and so the ambassador may conclude that such reports of the general favour borne him by the people doth make his passages more free, both against the King's commandments in Scotland, and her Majesty's upon the frontiers of England. And thus much shall suffice for information of the ambassador if any objection be made to this recital.]
And if it be objected the mislike of the demand of a supply of money required from her Maiesty the reasons of which mislike are plainly set down; as if it please the King to use his princely lawful authority to subdue his rebels, he needeth no money to wage his people, who are bound of their own charges to serve him in far greater measure than to chastise three or four rebels. And the ambassador may also say, that such a general journey promised to be taken in hand by the King in his own person by the 20 of April, which was near at hand before the Lord Zouch could make report of that purpose, would have been expressed with more circumstances in words, to have stayed that power intended to be carried by the King against the rebels, and the manner of his proceeding against them, to have more appearance and likelihood of success than the King's former actions proved to be the last year, which the ambassador may say that by all experience the events thereof proved more to the traitors' advantage than to their hurt; for though the King himself carried greater forces towards them than they had to withstand, yet the King's forces continued not to prosecute them, but returned without any action against them, but upon the seizure of some of their houses, the same were no wise demolished or damnified, but committed presently to the custody of the traitors' next friends, and in short time freely delivered to the owners. Besides that the ambassador may say, that it hath been noted as a most strange proceeding against the Earl of Huntly, in that when he was proclaimed a traitor, he was at the same time without seeking of pardon made by the King's commission the Lieutenant General in the north. These manner of proceedings the last year against them, whereby they gained advantage, moveth her Majesty to doubt to what further end this years' prosecution may tend than was the last year, and without more certainty to be hoped her Majesty cannot think it necessary to employ her money, which she hath cause to expend in her defence against her mighty professed enemy; but if this year's action against the said rebels shall be seen indeed effectual for their apprehension and suppression, and for the freeing of that realm of the papistical foreign faction, her Majesty shall then have good cause to shew her accustomed liberal favour towards the King, as his affairs shall require.
The last doubt that may be moved to the ambassador may be, the declaration of the King's mind to be unwilling to proceed against the traitors without two points performed contained in the last article, that is, to have the Earl Bothwell delivered or detained, and some money to be supplied. For this last of the money, the ambassador is afore instructed what to say; and as to the delivery or retaining of the Earl Bothwell from the attempts against the King and his good subjects, the ambassador shall say that for his delivery her Majesty can hardly perform it to be done, by the means of the secret favours borne by him by her people and the Scottish borderers; but as to restrain him from attempts against the King, her Majesty may thus far assure the King, that order shall be given to have him restrained to have any aid or assistance by any of her subjects, to join with him in any action against the King or any his good subjects; and in any other sort to restrain him, being out of her realm, is no tin her Majesty's power, but it is to be left to the King's own ordinary power in his own country.
It shall be most necessary that the King's action intended may be speedily understood whether he will seriously take it in hand without delay, and thereof to certify her Majesty so as she may be no further held in doubt what to expect, but to resolve upon some other course needful for her own state. And so the ambassador may declare to the secretary or to the Chancellor that he is commanded for that respect to be thereof truly certified.
Draft holograph by Burghley, the portion in brackets being struck out. Cf. S. P. Scotland, Elizabeth, Vol. 53, Nos. 45, I. and II.
5½ pp.
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