Cecil Papers: June 1597, 21-30

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 7, 1597. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.

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'Cecil Papers: June 1597, 21-30', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 7, 1597, ed. R A Roberts( London, 1899), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol7/pp261-284 [accessed 16 November 2024].

'Cecil Papers: June 1597, 21-30', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 7, 1597. Edited by R A Roberts( London, 1899), British History Online, accessed November 16, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol7/pp261-284.

"Cecil Papers: June 1597, 21-30". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 7, 1597. Ed. R A Roberts(London, 1899), , British History Online. Web. 16 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol7/pp261-284.

June 1597, 21–30

William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 21. This day arrived Captain Crofte in Her Majesty's pinnace Moon, six days from the coast of Galicia. He reports that at his coming thither he found the King's fleet in Ferrol, numbering about a hundred ships and fly-boats, with seven thousand men there and in the neighbourhood, but in great distress for want of victuals. About ten days past there came twenty sail more with victuals and other provision. Sixty more were expected from Lisbon. They are said to pretend to come for Ireland or some port in France, but are in great dread of the Queen's fleet making ready here, thinking it will go for Ferrol, Bayonne, or Lisbon. I enclose letters from Captain Croft. Sir Ferdinando Gorges came hither this morning, but as yet none of the fleet are in the harbour.—Plymouth, 21 June 1597.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (52. 38.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 21. Not to wait until I can write myself, I have had the letter to Rizza Casa written and send it herewith open. If you like it you can cause my man to seal it and send it on. I am much delighted at the news from “Bleuet,” but my joy will not be perfect till I know it to be certain.—London, 21 June 1597.
Italian. Holograph. 1 p. (175. 36.)
Sir Henry Knyvett to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 22. On a complaint that William Blomer of Hatherop, Gloucestershire, had turned a water course, to the overthrow of an ancient mill, for the erecting of a new one of his own, a commission according to the statute of Sewers was issued to certain justices of the peace, by virtue of which they set down certain amercements and pains under their hands and seals, and entrusted them to me, desiring to obtain the Queen's consent to them, to whom the profits would fall. The Attorney-General informs me that if the Queen will signify her pleasure to him by any of her privy council, as she did by Lord Buckhurst in the case of Sir Henry Cray, he will prepare the instrument of her consent. I am bold to ask you to move the Queen to do this that the profits may be confirmed to her, which either she may keep herself, or bestow upon any of her servants, whom I wish were myself, that, as the case now heavily standeth with me, can be content to play at small game rather than sit out; though the forfeiture be too mean for one that hath spent many a thousand pounds less in Her Majesty's service than I have done.—At my lodging in St. James Park, 22 June 1597.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (52. 39.)
Roger Houghton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 22. On Tuesday morning I waited on my Lord Compton, his Lordship being out of the town all Monday till very late at night. He answered me that he would send his man to me in the afternoon with the money, which caused me to stay within all the day. Towards night I sent one to his lodgings to know if he were there, and he brought me word that he was gone to the Court. Then I went to his man, Mr. Segwicke, to know if he had received order to pay the money, who sent me word that he had not, but that he would this morning see my Lord betimes at the Court, and bring me his answer. The bed chamber and withdrawing chamber at 'Chellseay' are matted, and this day they are about to hang them. There wanteth your direction what stone you will that the 'ffootpasses' be made of to the chimneys in these two rooms, as also to the gallery; also whether you will have the hangings in the great chamber to be hung at their full length or tucked up.—From your Honour's house in Strand, 22 June, 1597.
Holograph. Endorsed : “Mr. Steward to my Master” ½ p.
(52. 40.)
Lady Hungerford to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 22. I am not ignorant, in how many respects this my molesting your honour with my rude letters may be interpreted to presumption : as first that of my exiled estate; next my small acquaintance with your honour; then your great and continual occupation in public and serious affairs; notwithstanding, I say, these, with divers others worthy considerations (not question to produce to your further trouble) I meet with as many moe, that do encounter them and encourage me to go forward with my entreprise; as my want of support; your pity towards the distressed; my being environed with mighty adversaries : your inclination and zeal to justice; and lastly, besides divers others of no less moment, your being descended of such a father, amongst whose other notable good parts, that of his affability and plausible giving of care to all suitors, and such as had to do with him, at his exercising the office that now you do, shined not less in him than he was worthily praised for it, and not doubting, but that as you are heir to many other of his virtues, so you possess in high degree this : I am told to come unto you as an humble suitor requesting your favour, which in how many ways may be beneficial unto me, and I desire should be extended towards me, your great wisdom, upon consideration of my case, cannot be ignorant : yet for your more particular information it may vouchsafe you to give credit to this bearer Master Antony Hungerford, your honour's humble servant, my son-in-law's relation; which I assure myself will not move you less to pity my case, than give me cause to hope of your honour's embracing and favouring my request; which in humble sort I am not afraid, so much I presume of your bounty, to crave : though for recompense nothing can be expected but the readiness of me and all mine to put your honour's commandments in execution, and to do you the humble service that lieth in our power.—Louvain, 22 June 1597.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (52. 41.)
Thomas, Lord Scrope to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 22. I enclose copies of the letters which have passed between the Queen's embassadors and me concerning the providing of the pledges. But as the Commissioners had not enough confidence in me to acquaint me before leaving Carlisle with the effect of their agreements with their opposites, thought I understand it was made known to the Scotch officers, so now too I suddenly hear from Sir William Bowes that the Scotch Commissioners and they have agreed upon a place far distant from this, called the Westford near Norham, on the 25th of June at ten a.m., for the delivery of the pledges; an order and place contrary to the use of this Border, and that conveniently I cannot perform. I will do my best, although I understand the agreement was to deliver the pledges by the first of July, and expected this to be done. Our opposites have ever sought delay and to lay the blame on the English Wardens, yet I should be loth to let them have just cause to charge me with oversight of my duty, while I receive justice from them; and therefore I will do my best in the short time, and “where the want is or shall be of the principal demanded pledges, I shall see a sufficient man entered for to remain until the principal be had,” until the Queen's pleasure be known; and what course shall be had with the outlaws, if any be, either in demolishing their houses, or by some other means.—Carlisle, 22 June 1597.
Endorsed :—“Copies of letters from Mr Robert Bowes, and Sir William Bowes to his Lordship.”
Signed. 1 p. (52. 42.)
Enclosure :—
Mr. Robert and Sir William Bowes to Lord Scrope.
1597, June 13.—We have received your letter of the 11th instant describing the attempt made on the 8th instant at Turnelippyt Moor by the Armstrongs of Whitaugh, with other offences committed by the Scotch on the Westmarches. We had already some report of this and only attended your letter to negotiate with the King for due redress.
Your Lordship and the other Wardens are aware that the Queen desires that all the accords concluded by the Commissioners in the late treaty for Border causes shall be performed. To this end we must ask you to be sure to have the pledges in readiness on the 25th instant at the place mentioned for them to be delivered over in the note sent you, and to make all other arrangements for carrying out the treaty. No occasion of complaint should be given to the Wardens Officers in Scotland. In case you cannot take Anthon's Edward Armstrang, or any other of the denounced fugitives and felons appointed to be delivered, give us seasonable notice, with the name of the next best of the kin of such fugitive to be delivered in his stead, that we may be able to satisfy the King and this Estate. Such fugitives, for several weighty reasons, should be prosecuted and punished. For redress of the wrongs done against your office we are seeking audience of the King and will then write further.—Edinburgh, 13 June 1597.
Endorsed :—“Copy of the Lord Ambassadors' letters for providing the pledges to be delivered on the 25th of this instant at the place limited in the note sent—which place the Lord Scrope was not made known unto before 21st June.”
(52. 9.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 22. Recommending the bearer, Mr. Dean Wood.
P.S.—I do particularly commend him to your favour for the Archdeaconry of Anglesey, for the which he is a suitor, to the effecting whereof I pray you let him have your best furtherance, for my sake.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (52. 43.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 22. I have no news to send you, but that Sir Francis Vere is come in one of the men-of-war of the Low Countries, and this night we look for the men and the rest of the ships that shall come from theuce. As soon as they come I shall despatch a post unto you. I enclose a letter to be conveyed to Sir John Wood, Sir Walter Ralegh's lieutenant.—Sandwich, 22 June.
Endorsed :—“For her Majesty's especial affairs, To the Right honorable, &c. Hast, Hast, Hast, Hast Post Hast, Hast for Life. June 22 at Sandwich at 7 of the clock in the afternoon. Canterbury past 9 at night. Sittingbourn at past 12 at night. Rochester the 23 at 1 in the morning. Dartford the 23, 4 in the morning.”
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (52. 44.)
W. Waad to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 22. I enclose the examination of one Atkinson, father of the priest, whereby you may see how these Seminaryors multiply in all parts of the realm. He has given us the names of the priests and those that harbour them, so that if the Council at York or the Ecclesiastical Commissioners take good order, these vipers may easily be taken, or at the least those who harbour them. This poor old man hath been all his life a recusant, but confesseth with tears that his eyes have now been opened to see the darkness he lived in, and offers his help to apprehend as many as he knows of. You will consider what course should be taken. For the poor old man I would be a suitor that something may be bestowed upon him. I would know your pleasure about Rodriguez.—My house in Wood Street, 22 June 1597.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (52. 45.)
Sir John Hollis to the Lord Keeper.
1597, June 22. I have received notice from a near friend that, over and besides the contempt for which I was committed, your Lordship hath conceived hardly of my actions, as having leased to poor men with too strict covenants little patches of ground to which I had no right (viz., the common sewer) upon great rents. If in some sort I shall answer these imputations, I beseech you suspend your grave censure for the rest. My contempt I excuse not, for that your Lordship better believing Mr. Attorney made it the matter and cause of my commitment. Touching the ground which 1 leased, I can prove it, both by my evidence and my ancestor's possession very near fourscore years, to be my own, always builded upon and enjoyed without contradiction, and that many times till the “lawe” which leadeth from Clement's Inn Well to the Inn field was builded, my great-grandfather and grandfather were many times indicted, amerced, and paid the same amercements, for not cleansing that ditch alongst the field, and divers times was indicted the tenant that occupied Clement's Inn Fields, for the not scouring and cleansing that said ditch alongst the field, so that it evidently appeareth, although the common sewer hath course that way, and in regard thereof the ditch so termed, yet the ditch to be my lawful inheritance, in using whereof, keeping the passage still open, I hope I have done no injury, but rather a benefit, which, I doubt not, will be acknowledged by ancient inhabitants of the parish, who well knew the ordinary nuisances before. Touching the proportions of ground, which seem to be so scant measure for so large rents, although the usual letting of grounds hereabouts London would satisfy that point, yet I would have leave to answer the same more largely. The tenants, Hall and Hammon, have gardens fast by Clement's Inn for the rent of 26s. 8d. apiece, wherein these inhibited houses are builded, which though they should be plucked down, if the ground were unleased I can have with good will of money more rent by 13s. 4d. a piece for the ground only. Adingbroke who payeth 26s. 8d. rent, and hath builded his little gunpowder house by the turnstile, though the house be plucked down, yet hath he for his rent a sufficient plot of ground for a garden containing 20 yards in length and 8 or 9 in breadth, and that this ground in that place meriteth such a rent, the garden plots at the west end of “Comming” garden will witness. Waters had builded his house without my knowledge, and before I admitted him tenant or made him lease, as by the same it appeareth, and yet for his house already built, which he demiseth to others for 7l. rent, he payeth me only 13s. 4d. rent. Lastly, Draper, who seemeth to be the hardliest rented, having least ground and paying 16s. per annum, I suppose I am not to be condemned therein. I bargained not with him any way, but received his voluntary offer for the ground, for which, without my knowledge, he had covenanted with my bailiff; neither did I bind him to build : and whether from such a measure of ground unbuilded, such a rent may hereabouts London be raised, I leave to every tradesman to answer. More by much for a less share of ground have I been offered for other uses. It followeth not, as in the Star Chamber was alleged, that I let it to be builded because that else the tenant could never raise his rent. Touching special covenants contained in their leases, though the law restraineth not to any certain, but leaveth it to the lord and tenant as they can agree, yet if every man that hath land would overview his own, I imagine these will not prove so miraculous. For who binds not (according to the successive custom from age to age) his tenant with arms convenient to attend him in the wars so often as he shall be called? Yet I, observing the particular natures of this place, citizens and tradesmen, not so fit as my country tenants in person to perform this service, have only required of them a year's rent, and whenever, not when I serve voluntary, as now I do, but when I shall be appointed by my sovereign to serve and that only twice in 21 years, whereas all other tenants are at all times chargeable. This I have written by way of apology to maintain my honest reputation with all men. For my poor tenants also I would gladly be an humble suitor to your Lordship that the fees of their imprisonment might be somewhat, according to their poverty, moderated, and the rigour of the decree the last Star Chamber day somewhat mitigated, by giving them a longer time to the performance thereof. Nothing I covet for myself but your honour's good favour, for, besides my disgrace (being the first and only punished, though, as I take it, the least offender against the proclamation of 20,000 in this town) my loss is not to be spoken, I foregoing but 40s per annum.—From my house in Holborn, this 22 of June 1597.
Copy. 1½ pp. (175. 87.)
Sir Anthony Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 23. Your honour has bound me so much by your favours that, if my fortune were as good as it is bad, I could as truly acquaint you with the one as I do with the other. I am weather beaten home and met with the bitterest discomfort of my father's troubles that could have befallen me. But I will endeavour to comfort his 'adge' and relieve my own wants; and though I be broken in pieces with all manner of mishaps, yet will I follow out this matter to see how God will bless me. I persuade myself you will never be led in your opinions of men by their fortunes.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (52. 46.)
H. Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 23. The proclamations lie in my Lord's window in the book chamber at the Court. They were not brought to the 'Strond' for you. I did not conceive there would have been any use for them.—23 June 1597.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (52. 47.)
Roger Manners to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 23. Give me leave to entreat you to send me by this bearer the articles I delivered to your honour, for that I mistrust the younger parties will make more haste than I expected or would be advised either by your honour or myself.
Signed. ½ p. (52. 48.)
Thomas Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597, Before June 23.] Mr. Font, being of late here to see me, told me that my papers are still in his custody, which he hath thoroughly perused, and that he is very willing to be rid of them, and I as willing to receive them, hoping of your honourable favour thereunto. I have by my Lord Henry received a letter from my Lords to my father, of which I am to be the bearer; only I could not omit by these few lines to recommend my thankful respective love unto you, to whom I wish all happiness.
Undated. Signed. ½ p. (52. 95.)
Sir Matthew Arundell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 23. I am now in my year of Annus climactericus magnus, who in the prime of my former age having neither wit nor learning, how I should answer a letter from so grave a counsel by the direction of so wise and gracious a Prince, I am not only to seek, but even at my wits ends, and must crave pardon for anything amiss. First, I must humbly thank Her Majesty for extending her favour to my son, and also yourself for the same cause. I trust that my son, in spite of past errors, carries a loyal heart towards the Queen; if he do not, I shall be the first to cry “Hands upon him,” and to be the accuser (though unnatural) of my own son. But I am disquieted that the Queen bids me receive my son and his family into my own house upon “good behaviour”; these words, without any ill act of his or ill thought of mine, may by construction of law make me forfeit a bond of one or two hundred pounds. Moreover, I must receive into my house my Lady, from whom, in spite of many services rendered, I have received too many indignities to write of; so much so that I have protested I will never live in one house with her during my life-time. Thirdly, though my son should naturally be dear to me, I wish the Queen and all the world to know that I intend to harbour none whom the state mislike; and I desire that he may be the first example of this. Again, my little house at Ansty is let for some years to come, and I am driven to lie at my house at “Shafton,” which is small and in other ways unfit. I would suggest that they be committed to the care of Mr. William Webbe at his house in Motcombe, two flight shots from my house in Shafton, where I will pay for their diet. If this may not be, let them be committed by themselves to some house near me, where I will keep as vigilant a watch over them as any spy can do, considering my age, my wit, and my occupations. But in any case I pray I be not made answerable for either of them, but only for my own acts.—Shafton, 23 June 1597.
Signed. 2 pp. (52. 49.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 23. I have even now received your packet and the books. The Hollanders are not yet come, as I had sent to you, but we have resolved to-morrow to ship the companies that are here, and the next day to go towards the Isle of Wight; wherefore, if you will see the fleet here, you must be here to-morrow night or early on Saturday morning. If you will send me certain word of your coming, I will stay here Saturday, but I am fain to get further westward and nearer to the troopa we have to embark. I hope “they” shall receive a blow where they least expect it. P.S.—Your lodging is provided and Sir John Stanhope in the same house.—Sandwich, 23 June.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (52. 50.)
John Danyell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 24. Hearing from Mr. Skynner that my very good lord your father commanded him to stop my midsummer pay to pay Mr. Baldwin, groom of the Queen's privy bakehouse, the 10l. I owe him, and knowing that Francis Smaleman the merchant of London, to whom I mortgaged my patent for 140l., will be upon me straight, I wrote to your father explaining that I was suing for your help to get a grant of the fine of 140l. set upon the said merchant in the Star chamber for a riot, and also of some part of the fines of his companions, whereby I might free my patent and pay my debts. I do beseech you to aid me in this that I may be no further trouble to you in like matters.—24 June 1597.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (52. 51.)
Elizabeth Lady Russell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 24. Mr. Secretary, because I never hearing from you since my answer of your own letter to me the morrow after I received yours, I now this way desire to know whether you received any from me delivered to your men at your own house, who promised presently to send it to yourself, wherein I took a great deal of pain to mitigate your melancholy. This is all I have to trouble you with, but desire you in this being of the Earl of Worcester's daily in Court, it will please you in your best opportunity to persuade the Earl so as my daughter Bess may be wife to Lord Harbart his eldest son. Her virtue, birth, and place, joined to the hundred pounds of inheritance presently enjoyed and the part in reversion of my Lady Gray, joined with two hundred pounds yearly after my death till two thousand pounds be come out in ten years to her own good whether she be sole or married, will be a sufficient portion for an Earl of so small revenue and so many children as the Earl of Worcester. It is the virtue and honour of the parents joined with the young lord's best affections that maketh me thus desirous. Else I seek it not. 24 June. Your loving Aunt, Elizabeth Russel, Dowager.
Holograph. 1 p. (52. 52.)
John Budden to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 24. Stating that Sir Matthew Arundell has sent a quilt and two cushions of the same work to his honourable and dear friend, and repeating Sir Matthew's wishes about his son (see p. 266). Mr. Webbe and his wife are people well affected in religion, and she a woman well bred under the Countess of Huntingdon. Sir Matthew Arundell has no house in Wiltshire at his disposition except Wardour Castle in the parish of Donhead St. Andrew.—Shaftesbury. 24 June.
Signed.
Endorsed. 1½ pp. (52. 53.)
Susan, Countess of Kent to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 24. I perceive by my Lady of Warwick and my Lady Stafford how much I am bound to you for my suit. I had rather have u hundred marks a year and have my poor child joined with me for our lives, than a hundred pounds a year and my child left out. If the hundred pounds might be for both lives, truly you would perform a great deed of charity, but if not, my son and I will be grateful for a hundred marks for our lives.—From my lodging, 24 June 1597.
Signed :—“Susan Kent.”
½ p. (52. 54.)
Sir William Bowes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 24. By our letter of the 22d June you were informed of the receipt of the articles for the delivery of pledges, signed by the Duke of Lennox, but brought by Sir George Young with a protestation laying the blame on us if we would not agree to meet at the date named. Suspecting the cause of this earnestness we laid before the King the Queen's last letter, with a complaint of Buccleuch's behaviour, whereupon the King within a few hours dealt with Buccleuch so roundly, and so sharply threatened to surrender him to the Queen if he failed to deliver his pledges at Westfarre near Norham on the 25th, that Buccleuch hurried back from Falkland to Edinburgh to obtain the help of the Council to procure a longer time for the delivery of the pledges The Council first endeavoured to procure some delay by sending to us articles, but this failing, Sir Robert Melvin and Sir John Carmichael of the Council and Mr. George Young, now Ambassador to the Queen, came to persuade and entreat us to consent to a prorogation. We however stood upon the ground that we had neither power or will to do this. And we concluded that I as the Queen's Commissioner would keep the appointment, and we expected that Lord Home would also be ready then and there to perform on the King's behalf.
We took this course as being most for the Queen's advantage. We had written to the Wardens to insist on the importance of having the pledges in readiness; and we hoped that the King finding the disobedience of his Wardens might deliver up one or both of them. For we had heard from a gentleman deep in the King's confidence that he had taken a message from the King to the Council that if Buecleuch had not his pledges at Edinburgh on the 20th ready to be delivered on the 25th he should be committed till the King's pleasure was known. I therefore returned from Edinburgh to Berwick on the 23rd to see things in readiness here. To day I received letters from Lord Ewer and Lord Scrope containing such apparent cause of doubt that they cannot perform the delivery to-morrow that I find myself in great danger of being disgraced by this default. I shall however keep the appointment and do my utmost to keep the Queen's cause upright, and will signify the event to you. Meantime, since I may no longer trouble your father with tedious letters, I will ask you to request him that the blame may not touch me further than my actions deserve.—Berwick, 24 June 1597.
Signed. 2½ pp. (52. 55.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 24. The bearer of this, by a misfortune heretofore fallen out between another gentleman and his brother, wherein his brother was unfortunately killed, is driven to leave the army. For if he were here, hardly would he be contained, and I must prevent those kind of inconveniences as much as I can. I hear with grief of the death of Sir John Aldrich. If he be dead, I would recommend Captain Tokarne for the company.—Sandwich, 24 June.
Endorsed : “In favour of Mr. Talkerne.”
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (52. 57.)
Sir William Russell to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 25. By a letter with an enclosure from my sister of Warwick I understand how much I am bound to you. I enclose the letter and hope for your best furtherance, and have written to the Queen as your father advised, and sent my letter unsealed to my sister to show to you. Nevertheless I have more hope from the course advised by you, and therefore in this only have I mixed the torment which of late I have endured, being deprived of access unto her Highness.—Bedford House, 25 June.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (52. 58.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 25. Two of the least ships of war of the Low Country Fleet are come to me, and seventeen more are in sight with the Admiral, Vice-Admiral, and Rear-Admiral, and all our soldiers that should come from Flushing. Two or three transport ships and as many men-of-war had not reached Flushing when these left. The Dutch captain that brought me the news delivered me the enclosed letter from Sir Robert Sidney to my Lord your father amongst many other to myself. I have not unfolded it, though I did rashly break the label thinking it had been to me. I shall drop anchor in Dover road to-night, and to-morrow, if the wind hold, shall have got the soldiers and victuals on board, and push on to Portland, or at least to the Isle of Wight.—From the King's Honour, this 25 of June.
Endorsed :—“Dd. at Dele Castle the 25th of June att 8 in the evening. Essex. At Sandwich at 11 of the clock at night. Cantorbarie past two. Sittingbourn past 5 in the morning the 26 of June. Rochester at almost 8 in the morning the 26. Dartford the 26 June at half hour past 10 afore noon.”
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (52. 59.)
Sir John Hollis to the Lord Treasurer.
1597, June 25. As it becomes me not, nor any private person, to question so great a Councillor's speeches, so in common opinion sorteth it ill with the dignity and gravity of such personage to defile his judgement seat with passion, impertinent reproaches, misreports and injuries. For the last Star-chamber day your Lordship, not satisfied to commit me for being absent, to imprison and punish my tenants for erecting some few buildings (according to the general error) contrary to the proclamation, it pleased you also to lay me open as a most miserable wretch, a covetous cormorant, an unworthy and noisome member to the commonwealth. Your Lordship then digged into my ancestor's grave, and pulling him from his threescore and ten years' rest, pronounced him an abominable usurer, a merchant of broken paper, so hateful and contemptible a creature that the players acted him before the King with great applause. These hateful imputations and disgraceful histories I must needs answer. Touching myself, I humbly beseech your Lordship examine all the courses of my life, search forth my most secret villanies, bring forth my most miserable parts and exactions, and let me not only be termed but proved a cormorant, a wretch, and an unworthy commonwealth man; so shall the world be sensible that not malice but my deserts sharpened your anger against me. Touching my ancestors, I am not so unnatural as not to acknowledge them, nor so foolish proud as not to confess them as they were. I will hold myself to their name, and if I cannot prove them gentle, I will not take myself to another man's pedigree nor usurp other's arms. Nevertheless, I deny that any of them was merchant of broken paper, neither do I think any other but your Lordship's imagination ever saw or heard them played upon the stage. That they were usurers I suppose your Lordship will want testimony; my grandfather you named to be this hateful person; that he was far otherwise all men's knowledge, where he lived, will witness. He indeed lived a retired life, a poor housekeeper in Nottinghamshire 60 years within two, dying of years near four score much loved and honoured, and left me the same living his father left him without bettering it, which (though by your Lordship's speech I live covetously and miserably) I have not improved beyond the bare 100l. a year. My great-grandfather was a merchant of the staple in the reigns of Edward IV. and Henry VII., and died aged 80 in the reign of Henry VIII., as I can show by his books of account. But be it he was a merchant in the basest kind, shall that argue me to be contemned? I am certain in your Lordship's reading you find many from vile and base traders, as potters, colliers, shepherds, swineherds, &c., have risen to be great emperors and princes, and many others from innkeepers, butchers, and other mechanical occupations to be sole governors of great commonwealths. These many answer with Iphicrates, “Let them who are noble from the beginning reprove other's unnobleness.” For my own part I grieve at your Lordship's heavy displeasure against me, well knowing how feasible it is to overthrow the estate of a poor gentleman. Nevertheless, I have merited no displeasure, but rather your better opinion.—Sandwich, 25 June, 1597.
Endorsed :—“Copy of Sir J. Holch's lewd saucy letter to the Lord Treasurer.”
1½ pp. (52. 60.)
Sir William Russell to the Privy Council.
1597, June 25. Please to consider in what state I stand by this my separation from her Majesty's royal presence, whom I have ever held the comfort of my life and for whose service I have ever wished to sacrifice my best endeavours. Your Lordships have been the hearers of my cause. I beseech you therefore now to be mediators for me to her Majesty, and as I know no way so proper to impart unto her my vexation of heart for her displeasure than by you, I do hereby desire you to declare that I am so far from standing upon justification that I do confess my great grief for having done that which hath displeased her. My error was derived from a misunderstanding of her Royal speeches, and because the circumstances that arose between the time I left the presence and arrived in Ireland made me think it best to follow that which her whole Council with vehemency and the authority of their experience did lead me unto. But now I would entreat your lordships to take notice hereof from a pensive heart and for a mind that shall be restless till by beholding her Majesty it may be comforted.—From London, 25 June 1597.
Signed. Seal. 1½ pp. (52. 62.)
The Borders.
1597, June 25. Copy of the Indent signed by Sir George Home, knight, and Mr. George Young, late Commissioners for the King of Scots in Border Causes, and expressly sent by the King for perfecting of this indent, and which indent was both delivered to Sir William Bowes, knight, presently Ambassador to the King of Scots, and also expresseth the names of the pledges demanded by Scotland and to be delivered for England at the West Fourde near Norham, the 25th of June 1597, at x. hours before noon.
[For the names see p. 226; but to the names of the Scotch pledges of the West March add, Georde Urwen alias Kaughe. The list for Teviotdale here given is—
Tyvidale :— Ralph Aynesley, of Clythaugh.
Jock Burne, younger, of the Cote.
Rafe Burne.
The Lard Frizell, of Everton.
William Hall.
David Davison.
Ralph More, of Mowe.
William Tate, of Cheretrees.
Ralph Hall, of the Syckes.
David Pringle, younger, of Hownam.
Jock Robson, of Osnam.
James Young, of Feltershaw.
James Young, of the Core.
Copy. 2 pp. (52. 63.)
Negotiations.—Spain and Lubeck.
1597, June 1 and 25. Points propounded to the Senate of Lubeck by the Count of Barliamounte, George de Westendorff, and John Newkark, ambassadors of the King of Spain, and the Cardinal Albert.
First. That the King of Spain is willing the Hances shall, without breach or hindrance, enjoy their privileges, for which purposes his ambassador with the Emperor is very instant that the privileges taken from them by the Queen of England by his means may be restored.
And although for this cause it were need that the Hance towns also should use their whole endeavour that they who intervert and hinder the free exercise of the trade by sea should be restrained, yet the said towns have hitherto been wanting and come too short of that which they ought to do on this behalf : yea, with winking at the matter, have taken patiently all whatsoever the said King's rebels of Holland and Zealand most insolently have done or could devise against them. And not this alone, but the said Hance towns do trade to and fro with the said rebels, and to this day hold friendship and alliance with them. And albeit it were meet and agreeable with the dignity of a prince that the Queen of England should, with some present remedy, meet with this thing, yet she doth it not, but for unlawful gain's sake which she reapeth by these robberies at sea is become a fawtour, yea, an instigator, unto these spoils and piracies.
That the said King hath by many means endeavoured to reduce the said rebels to their duty; and albeit at sundry times there hath been treaties upon that point, yea, all hath been in pain and to no purpose.
Wherefore the said Cardinal hath given the aforesaid ambassadors in commission that they should require of the said Hance towns to cut off all trade and commerce between them and the said rebels, that, being destitute of corn and other the East country commodities, they may be brought to some exigent and necessity, which if perchance the said Hances shall find hard to be effected by reason of the league between the said rebels and the Queen of England and the King of Navarre, yet it is required that at least the right of neutrality be held with the subjects of the foresaid King : and that the Hances' wares and commodities be carried to Calais, Gravelines, Dunkirk, Newport, and Sluys and Antwerp, as well as into Holland. If not, the said King cannot take them for other than enemies.
The said Ambassadors have full power given them by the said Cardinal, to grant unto the said Hances that they may freely carry their wares into the foresaid places, and there sell the same and from thence depart again, without payment of any toll or other charge or import, which, by the authority they have, they are ready by writing to confirm unto the said Hances.
And forasmuch as the Queen of England hath taken from the said Hance towns their privileges granted by fourteen Kings, and for that by troubling the sea she hath spoiled many merchants of all that they have, and lastly, inasmuch as justice hath been denied to the said towns in England notwithstanding all their complaints and request for remedy, the foresaid Ambassadors declare that they have full power that, if need be and it be required, they shall receive the said Hance towns into the protection of the said King, who, upon every occasion, shall provide them of ships, money and soldiers sufficient for their defence.
And to the end that they may have passage unto Spain and Portugal without molestation or suspicion, the said King doth give his consent to the appointing of a commissary in the said Hance towns, who shall keep a register of the quantity and quality of the ships and wares which shall go thither, and mark the same with some note or sign, or shall by some other means provide for that matter, (of which the said Hance towns shall consider) that the said rebels may be shut out from all trade, and the Hances be preserved in their privileges.
The said Ambassadors made this provision also, that the Cardinal did offer and was able to bring it to pass with the Emperor that the decree of the year 1582 made by the desire of all the Hances against the monopolies of the English, should be put in execution, and, if he be thereto required by the said Hances, he is ready to send his ambassadors to the Emperor. In the mean while the Cardinal will do his best that the neutrality shall be duly observed till the King have devised how to repress the troubles of the Low Countries, and that all things be restored to their former estate. And this the Cardinal doth vehemently wish and hope for, that the King, the Emperor and the Electors will conjoin their whole power and council for the bringing under of the said rebels and their confederates, the Queen of England and the king of Navarre, the troublers of all Christendom and the stirrers up of the bloody enemy, the Turk.
And notwithstanding that during all these troubles the King hath not received any singular benefit from the Hance towns, yet the Cardinal is in good hope that the Hances will be aiding unto the King of Denmark in his embassy which he purposeth to send to the Queen of England, the King of Navarre and the rebels. Unto all which they require a speedy answer.
Answer.
The senate of Lubeck made answer the 25 of June 1597, old style.
The Hance towns were not yet come together. The matter concerned them all. After consulting with their fellows they would advertise the Cardinal what should be agreed upon.
Touching themselves, they have always endeavoured that those things which were required by the ambassadors might be performed; whereof the Emperor, the Electors and other States of the Empire could testify. As also William Clement, agent for the King with the Emperor. It might also appear hereby that they have their legates with the Emperor who labour diligently about that matter and that which thereon dependeth.
Lastly, they set forth their ready good will to conserve the neutrality, professing that there is nothing done by their subjects to the contrary. The like they instantly desire of the King.
Extract of the second article upon the which the Hance towns were written for to deliberate against Trinity Sunday next. Secondly, it is known to every one of the Hance towns unto what extremity our whole Society in London in England is brought by the trade of the monopolish adventurers and the taking away of our privileges, and how that nothing can help the same. But now, seeing the penal mandate obtained at the Diet of Ausburghe in the year 1582 against the English without any clause is published, and that the merchants adventurers are charged upon a penalty to depart out of Germany, the events hereof may be divers according to the which we are to direct our councils : we must therefore deliberate; that is, if by both States of the Empire there be not so strict execution of the said mandate as may be desired, or that the English by seizing upon our ships and goods at sea, or by choosing some place for their trade out of the bounds of the Empire, should carry themselves in hostile sort towards us, what in such case we are to do against them.
Copy. 2½ pp. (51. 63.)
Joseph Matne to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597, June 26.] I delivered the schedule for Mr. Hamden's wardship, with two particulars and Lady Kildare's letter, to be offered to my Lord, who passed the schedule but stayed the particulars until he speak with you. The particulars of the greatest value was to have been passed to the mother, and the other of some 19l. a year to my father. It is all in lease up to the ward's full age, and no benefit to be had till then. I humbly beseech your favour that this 19l. may pass to my father, in consideration of my forbearing so great a sum of money as I have already laid out, of my bearing the charges of the office, and of my credit in the country. The mother consents that I shall be preferred unto any part of the land I shall desire.
Undated. Holograph. 1 p. (52. 65.)
Sir William Bowes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 26. According to appointment the Lord Eure, Sir Robert Carey, and myself met Lord Home, Sir George Home of Wedderburn, the Lords of Buccleuch and Sesforth at the West Ford near Norham yesterday, where it was thought the most peaceable course that I only, with six of the gentlemen attending, should pass over the river into the Scottish ground and entertain the conference. There meeting with Lord Home and Sir George Home of Wedderburn I showed that we were commissioners met together to receive and deliver pledges, and asked for the indent before given under my hand, which Wedderburn affirmed was with Mr. George Young, and excused the want of it by his default of not finding it and the suddenness of the King's directions. I therefore showed the other part, and we three entered into conference. Noticing some desire for delay on their part I required that the pledges on both sides might resort to the place of our conference, and that we might honourably seek out the best means, not to conceal the faults, but to tender such pledges as could be had, and to arrange for the delivery of such as were wanting. The Lord Home answered that he would travail with Sesforth and Buccleuch that they should send up the pledges. I replied that such an order lay within their powers as Commissioners, but they both said that they had no direction to deal with the pledges otherwise than through the Wardens. I drew the English pledges to the place, but the opposites brought not theirs within sight. Then because we the Commissioners knew not the persons by their faces, we decided to view them according to the roll, with some chosen men adjoined to us. In this way on the Scottish side all Johnston's pledges were found to be wanting, and sundry of those of Sesforth and Buccleuch, and others substituted in their places. On our side there wanted only four of the twenty-seven, which were all on the part of the Lord Scroop. Moreover, Anthon's Edward Armstrong being of long time a fugitive, with some such other, offered themselves voluntarily to be delivered instantly, notwithstanding that it was made known the King to have excused us of Armstrong upon our especial motion. I then offered to receive such as they had, and to deliver the same number to be taken at their choice, but, in spite of the Commissioners, Sesforth and Buccleuch refused the offer upon light reasons not worth the writing. The Commissioners were very willing to deal faithfully, and travailed earnestly with the Wardens, in whom they found no disposition to make delivery, as they promised to make known to the King.
Upon secret conference had by some discreet men of ours with them of Teviotdale and Liddelsdale I was advertised that they stood resolute to deliver no pledges, and grounded that assurance upon special warrant from the King. This I plainly delivered to the Commissioners, laying before them what exceeding dishonour was cast upon the King by this report, which could only be avoided by the indelayed delivery of these two disobedient officers into the Queen's hands; which they promised me to acquaint the King with accordingly. As the Lords Sesforth and Buccleuch had declared that if I would deliver all the pledges I had showed, they would likewise yield up those that they had, to the end that they might be laid open and their devices discovereed, I at last agreed to this delivery, having first seen their answers under their hands and heard from the Commissioners that upon this condition the Wardens would make delivery. But they with new devices flatly refused to make any delivery.
The day being now spent from 9 in the morning until 9 at night, with the assent of the Commissioners I called over the river the Lord Eure and Sir Robert Carey, with the gentlemen their attendants, and declared the purpose of the meeting and all the circumstances except that touched the King; whereunto Lord Home and the Laird of Wedderburn assented, and promised to send to me the answers of Sesforth and Buccleuch, together with my offer to surrender all our pledges and their final denial. A copy of this I will send to you, and reserve the rest for my attendance of the Queen, which shall be soon.—Chillingham, 26 June 1597.
Signed. 3½ pp. (52. 66.)
The Earl of Essex to The Lord High Admiral and Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597, June 26.] Yesterday in the evening with a fair wind we set sail from the Downs, but by that time we had doubled the South Foreland it had calmed, and the slack tide carried us into Dover road. This morning the wind to west and then to south-west. Meantime the Admiral of the Low Countries came up with sixteen sail. I agreed with him to stop tides and ply to the westward, but after doing this for an hour it blew so much that we were driven back to the Downs, where we now are, shipping the victuals into the fly-boats from the Low Countries. I hope to-morrow to have ended that work, though John Wood's absence hinders us. This is bare and hastily written from [one] that is over watched and over tossed, and yet one that wisheth you both as much happiness as you may desire.—From the Downs this Sunday at midnight.
Holograph. 1 p. (52. 68.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 26. This is my faithful servant, through whose hands all such of my businesses as have any relation to the public pass. He shall be accompanied by one of his fellows, H. Linley, who hath the care of my poor store. I pray you upon all occasions give them favourable hearing.—Dover Road, this 26 June.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (52. 69.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 26. In my last of the 21st hereof, I informed you of the arrival of Captain Croftes with H.M. pinnace; He sailed on Saturday night to join the Earl of Essex. I perceived the cause of his long stay was to dispatch such pillage as he hath gotten in the voyage; but I only hear of eleven chests of sugar, which he has disposed of at Saltash. He reports that he, with one other ship of London, met four fly-boats out of the Low Countries, of which they sunk one and were aboard the others. I cannot hear that he took any plunder from them; but I have thought it good to advertise you of this, in case the Flemings make any complaint, as they doubtless will. The soldiers of these two counties remain in this town and as yet no shipping come to take them in. There hath been of late two Spanish men of war on the western coast, where they took a small bark; some of the crew they carried with them, the rest they put into the boat, and sunk the bark.—Plymouth, 27 June 1597.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (52. 73.)
Ralph, Lord Eure to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 27. On the 25th of June, as instructed, I attended with all the pledges of this Middle March at the Westford near Norham. The result Sir William Bowes will relate, only with favour I recommend unto your honour the old term of falsehood continueth still with the Scots and their actions acknowledge the same.
This delay and semblance of breach to the Border causes me to renew my complaint of the weakness of this march, the want of gentlemen to be leaders or actors, and the necessity of defence, whereon I beseech you to consult Sir William Bowes. Furthermore, I would have leave to the royal seat of her Majesty and honourable table to present my answer and discharge to those false and malicious slanders, which some gentlemen as jurors of this march have already preferred against me, tending to the abusing of her Majesty in this small number of four score soldiers committed to my charge. I can then make known to your honour more largely the weakness and resources of this march. As to the eighty soldiers who have served nigh three months, and received no pay, I would know the Queen's pleasure as to their payment and their continuance in the service.—Hexham, 27th June 1597.
Endorsed :—“Received at Greenwich the 2nd of July.”
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (52. 71.)
Sir Robert Cecil to Sir Matthew Arundell.
1597, June 27. Having received from my Lord Henry a letter of yours and finding therein and by his relation how precisely you do desire to fulfil her Majesty's pleasure in all things, and that you conceive some scruple of these words “good abearing,” I have thought good both to explain that point and to satisfy your other doubts and desires. The Queen sendeth down your son to you his father, not to be his jailor nor used as a prisoner, but, out of the trust she reposeth in you, would have him either kept in your house or overlooked by you elsewhere for some convenient time. And for the words of “good abearing,” they are only intended that he should remain with you, till some observation be gathered of his purpose to leave the company and resort of bad persons. Where yon write that you would have him lie at Mr. Webb's in regard he is honest and of good religion, her Majesty doth very well like that course and that consideration, and leaves you liberty to place him there or where you think good, so as he may be near your eye, and that you please to be vigilant (if you know resort of any ill company) to restrain them. More than you can do is not expected, and less than that I know you will not do. And so I commit you to God.—From the Court at Greenwich, the 27th of June 1597. The Lords that are here are pleased with your care in this matter expressed by your letter, and the Queen shall also be told of it in the best manner.
Draft altered. Signed.
Endorsed :—“Copy of my Master's letters to Sir Matthew Arundell concerning the oversight of his son. Original.”
1 p. (52. 172.)
Joseph Maye to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 27. On the 2nd of May in mouth of Langust we took a Brazil man of 160 tons. Her sugars were white and others to the number of 250 chests; and as they were wet and ill-conditioned we carried them for Barbary, where we sold them to Mr. Sothering and Mr. Thomson for 7l. the chest, and, as we think, they would have yielded no more in England. The money is to be paid by Mr. Richard Thomson of London by bills of exchange. By the orders of the captain and master and by your articles I stayed in Barbary to look after the delivery of the sugar. Since then the Truelove has taken another of 120, being a flyboat loaded with Canary sugars and Canary wine, but is Spaniards' goods, which by God's help we will bring for England. In the first prize there were negroes which the captain sold for 60l., and four bags of cotton wool which yielded 30l. The ship I have freighted with things of small value, being Mr. Thomson's brother's goods, for your better profit. The master of the Soloman of London at our arrival at Saphea dissuaded us from taking a ship of which we wrote you; but T find that the goods belonged to the Duke of Florence's subjects and not to the Spaniards of Morocco. The report runs of the King of Spain's death and of the rising of the Portingales. The Spaniards report the fleet to be bound for Zealand.
Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (52. 74.)
The Earl of Essex to [Sir Robert Cecil].
1597, June 28. Sir, I have written to my Lord Admiral that we may have the Moone with us which is now in our fleet. If it please not the Queen to victual her, I will victual her myself; and shall be much beholding to you for the speedy dispatch of this bearer, who can tell you all the news of this army, and this shall deliver you the best wishes of your most affectionate and assured friend. P.S.—I pray you help this poor man to his pay.—The Downs, 28 June. Addressed :—“To my honourable friend Mr. Secretary.”
Endorsed :—28th June 1597.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (52. 28.)
Sir William Brereton to the Privy Council.
1597, June 28. To-day came unto my house a man, who affirmeth that he was born in the town of Pyroth in Cumberland, and has of late served under Sir Paul Backes, Governor of Berghen-op-Zoon in Brabant. He requested money of me by virtue of a passport and license he pretended to have from certain of the Privy Council. On viewing this I am persuaded that it is counterfeit. I therefore examined him, and he at the first said his name was William Fielding, allowed in the license to demand people's benevolence for the ransom of his brother. But afterwards he said his name was Thomas Swafield and showed a letter of deputation to beg in that name. Yet in the end he denied both those names and confessed for a truth that his name is William Wright, and that William Fielding, late a soldier with Sir Francis Vere, gave him the license and deputation a month ago at a tippling house, at the sign of The Holy Lamb in Shoreditch, and told him that with them he could beg all through England; and at the end he was to give Fielding 40s. for a recompense. As his story seems suspicious I enclose the license and letter of deputation to you, and have committed Wright to Chester Castle.—Brereton, 28 June 1597.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (52. 75.)
William Waad to Sir Robert Cecil.
1507, June 28. I am moved to put you in mind of the Portingale Pedro Rodriguez. Jeronimo Lopas offers to receive him into his house and to be bound for his forthcoming, and Horatio Franciotti will also be bound. The poor man is fallen into an ague and is at the house of one Blow, a merchant. It may please your honour to give direction.—28 June, 1597.
Holograph. 1 p. (52. 77.)
Elizabeth Hampden to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 28. I am given to understand that the fine of the body (which is only as yet rated) amounteth to 153l. and that the fine of the lands is not yet known. I beseech your honour (in regard of my weak estate) to be a means for the abatement of the great fine already rated and for the easy rating of that which is not yet finished. And I would know to whom the five hundred pounds shall be paid.—London, 28 June 1597.
Holograph. ⅓ p. (52. 78.)
The Archbishop of Canterbury to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 28. Good Mr. Secretary, I heartily pray you to procure from her Majesty the copy of her prayer and to send the same unto me. I am very desirous to have it, as well for the worthiness of the thing itself, as for some other good respects. And so I commit you to the tuition of Almighty God.—From Croydon, 28 June, 1597. Your Honour's most assured, Jo. Cantuar.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (52. 79.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597], June 28. I send herewith the Lord Deputy of Ireland's letter, which through my indisposition was not read till now. I am glad of Captain Turner's good service, and send you also his own report of his action. I have by my Lord of Worcester received a gracious acknowledgement of my care and industry, which, she saith, by a fugitive she is informed of. I do assure you my actions shall witness my thankfulness. I have sent by this bearer a token, which I have commanded him to show to you. I have also sent order to Perer to provide such things as are fit to be sent. I pray you direct his gross dark wit. For your offer to supply what he shall fail in, I thank you, but hope he will not fail. If this fair weather continue, I hope in 4 tides of ebb to be at Portland.—The Downs. 28th June.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (52. 80.)
Andrew Bussy to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597], June 29. My care to preserve your good opinion makes me unwilling to undertake anything without your good consent. My Lord of Rutland hath desired that I should wait upon him in this honourable action undertaken by the Earl of Essex, who I answered, that being your Honour's bondman I could not dispose of myself without your leave, which, if you grant, I am here ready to do his lordship service.—Dieppe, 29 June.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (52. 81.)
Thomas Vavasseur to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 29. Let this present employment and your own worthy disposition excuse me and for me who have no greater merit let the justness of my suit prevail. A great part of my estate, by the slack regards of a careless counsellor, is now in some hazard, unless Mr. Attorney will allow of the amendment of some formal errors in plea. The bearer can acquaint you with particulars.—The Downs, June 29th, 1597.
Holograph. ½ p. (52. 82.)
Thomas, Lord Scrope to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 29. The Carletons now are come to receive the just and long delayed reward of their contemptuous misdemeanours. And I therefore rely upon you for the full clearing of my honour and the establishing of my government here. For the particulars I refer you to the bearer and to my former letters.—York, 29th June '97. “The Carletons sent up to Court.”
Signed. Endorsed. Seal. ½ p. (52. 83.)
The Dean and Chapter of Westminster to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 29. In accordance with her Majesty's gracious request we have granted a lease in reversion of the parsonage of Godmanchester to Mrs. Hyde, which we send to you to deliver to her Majesty and to obtain her signature to the counterpart.—From Westminster College, 29th June 1597.
Signed, Gabriel Goodman, Edward Grante, Thomas Monforde, Percival Wybarn, Lancel. Andrewes.
Endorsed : “Letters from the Dean of Westminster, Windsor Chapel, Wells, Winchester, .Durham, Salisbury, Exeter, Gloucester, Paul's, York, Rochester, Chester.” 1 p. (52. 84.)
Proclamation.
1597, June 29. Draft of the Proclamation for apparel, with corrections in Cecil's hand.
1¼ pp. (141. 84.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 29. Last winter you were good enough to write to Sir Robert Sidney or Mr. Wedal [Uvedal], his lieutenant, to detain at Flushing John Waring, Mr. Beecher's factor. But Mr. Wedal replied that out of respect to the magistrates at Middleburgh, who had given Waring a safe conduct, he dared not do it. As things are now. he says he will detain him, if he has an order from you. I hope therefore you will write to him to this effect. I have no other hope of getting paid my due.—London, 29 June 1597.
Italian. Holograph. 1 p. (175. 89.)
Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 30. This morning about five of the clock the Earl of Essex with the whole fleet came from the Downs with the tide (albeit the wind was contrary) to Dover road, where they anchored. The next tide, about six of the clock in the evening, they set sail for the southwest, purposing to tide it up as far as they may, as the wind remains adverse.—Dover Castle, 30 June 1597.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (52. 86.)
Sir Thomas Wilkes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 30. I hoped to have seen you on Tuesday at the Court and thanked you for your endeavours on behalf of my suit, and to let you know the dislike my lord your father hath of it, holding the same to be an absolute monopoly; and in spite of much speech and writing I am void of hope to win him to anything of the same. Nevertheless, he has willed me to find out some other thing that may be better to his liking, which I will try my uttermost to do. In the meantime I entreat a continuance of your favour. P.S. I am on the sudden fallen lame, and not able to go out of ray lodging.—London, the last of June 1597.
Signed. 1 p. (52. 87.)
Dudley Norton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June 30. I hope Mr. Waad will witness how earnest I have been to bring to pass a hearing between Jonas Bodenham and me, and that he will satisfy your Honour of my endured wrongs. I long since despaired of redress through favour, and when after my chargeable trial of help by law I found therein no remedy or other relief than the hope of Michaelmas term, I chose rather to pay the extremity than in prison to attend for justice at such leisure. The principal debt was 136l. 10s. and 153l. paid to Bodenham in discharge thereof, but I have not paid again and taken order for payment of 215l. more beside my expense and charges. A hard portion for one that was a surety only, and a course so strange and in Bodenham so unconscionable, as had he shame in any degree to equal the vileness of his dealing, he would blush to use the fellowship of honest men. But it is my bad fortune, yet nothing has half so much troubled me as the understanding that Bodenham's untrue suggestions had wrought in your Honour a hard conceiving of me. I beg therefore that you peruse the enclosed certificate from men of ability and honesty, being fully contented if you may become satisfied that not I but he hath been the wronger. This gentleman, my cousin Malbey's father-in-law, knows all these matters, and therefore I chose him to deliver this letter. I haste to the place I presently owe my service to Her Majesty in under Sir Conyers Clifford.—London, the last of June 1597.
Signed. 1½ pp. (52. 88.)
The certificates anclosed :—
(1.) From Mr. Robert Cuff, of London, Ironmonger.
Two years and a half ago Mr. Norton delivered at Dublin to Mr. Bishop, my factor, 140l. to be paid by me here in discharge of a certain bond wherein Mr. Henry Malbie, Mr. Norton, and Jonas Bodenham stood bound for 136l. 10s. to John Greene, being the debt of Mr. Malbie. This money was attached by Bodenham and received by him for the discharge of the debt to Greene, and the counterbond, whereby Mr. Norton and Malbie were bound to save him harmless, was delivered up to me, with an acquittance for the 140l. But Mr. Bodenhan went to sea with Sir Francis Drake and never paid the money to Greene, and has now sued Mr. Norton on the record of the cancelled bond and compelled him to pay 215l. more.
Signed.
(2.) From Mr. William Fyning, of the Exchange.
Confirming the previous certificate, and adding that 13l. more was paid by Mr. Malbie to a man of Bodenham's. Fyning was appointed by Norton to deal in the matter.
Signed.
(3.) From Mr. Humphrey Orme, Mercer of Cheapside.
I procured the money to be lent by Mr. Greene, part of it being my own, and certify that the above statements are true. Further, I say that Mr. Bodenham came and entreated us to stay our suit, but in the meantime he overthrew it on a writ of error, and attached the money in Mr. Cutts hands and went to sea without paying us. 153l. would have fully satisfied us.
Signed. 1½ pp. (52. 91.)
William Cooke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June. I must ever yield myself infinitely bound unto you. Mr. Surveyor, upon your letter, moved his son, who seeing your Honour's letter, was the more forward to hearken unto it. The occasion and the assurance of your much prevailing in this cause imboldens me to importune you to move Sir Thomas, till which time I forbear to show myself unto him. This morning he will be at Court at my Lord Treasurer's.
Undated. Holograph. Seal. 1 p.
Endorsed :—“Without date. June, 1597.” (52. 89.)
Robert Hayes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June. Please your Honour to grant me your favour to Sir Henry Cocke, now Cofferer, that he would grant me the office of paymaster of the Chamber and Stable under him, which one Greene had under the late Cofferer. I have made suit unto him ever since it was thought that he should have the office, and I had great hope, because he ever told me, when he had the office, he would do all the good he could for me.
Undated. Holograph. 1 p. (52. 90.)
Elizabeth, Dowager Lady Russell, to her nephew, Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June. If you be so without comfort of worldly delight as you seem, it is most ill to the health of your both body and soul; I speak by experience, and know too well that to be true which I say; and, therefore, both am sorry to hear it and beseech the God of all consolation and comfort to remedy it, with giving you a contrary mind. Else will you find this Daemonius meridianus to creep so far into your heart, with his variety of virtues seeming good to be yielded to, (melancholy I mean,) as in end will shorten life by cumbrous conceits and sickness : and when it is rooted so as with peevish persuasions of good thereby and solitary ejaculations, it will bring forth the fruit of stupidity, forgetfulness of your natural disposition of sweet and apt speeches, fit for your place : and, instead thereof, breed and make you a surly, sharp, sour plum, and no better than in truth a very melancholy mole and a misanthropos hateful to God and man : and only with persuasions seeming holy, wise and good. But assure yourself you will find it such a dissembling devil as will no way out but by fasting from sin, and prayer most devout and earnest to God, that, according to Solomon, you may study nothing more than laetari et bene facere; and to think nothing better than to walk in your vocation in your place a wise eloquent orator, though parum vehemens, dulcis tamen ut patris discipulum possis agnosci, though now by infirmity honey is grown to gall. Whereof, tu, Romane, caveto. But of this too much frivolous and needless to a wise councillor and coming courtier, but occasioned by yourself in your own letter. Det dam meliora Deus from your own wisdom, take this in good part, as a taste of what other your friends have been acquainted with and felt. If the old verse be verified in yourself, Solatium est miseris socios habere poenarum, it may do good; if not, burn it for telling you so foolish a tale as ex abundantia cordis os loquitur, from as proud a heart as yours at first, for your life to carry temperately such crosses as flesh and blood can in no way digest, neither their force to be known but by those that feel them, not cured by other care than Humiliamini vos sub potente manu Dei. Let patience have her perfect work, which is antidotum vitae.
P.S.—I in no wise like of the enterprise toward. It may have good beginning, but I fear ill success in end, by lives and loss of more than the King of Spain and all his is worth.
Holograph. 1 p. (175. 92.)
Sir Edward Fitzgerald to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597, June.] Let me beseech your Honour to take this much impression of my cause, that these parcels, according the effect of my petition, I do crave of her Majesty in the same nature that the Earl of Kildare had them first granted to him, the said estate holding still during the Lady Mabel's life, which is, in capite without rent, being nothing to her Highness (in recompense of my father's service and of my own) to vest in me the reversion of so good an estate for these my small parcels, as the Earl had first in possession of three or four greater manors, so much the rather that they were sufficiently paid for by my father before, and being bordering upon “Offalye,” little profitable, as this time holdeth, till God setteth a quieter state in our country, which if your Honour will vouchsafe these considerations to make known to her Highness, no doubt with your furtherance will prevail effectually to my good. My poor estate depends much on my success herein, having endured loss and spoil by these wars in Ireland, and where I should expect her Majesty's gracious benevolence to enable the disabilities of my said estate, with some recompense for my father's life, am now driven by this disaster happened to use this consideration to crave relief but to settle the poor means I had before with surety.
Undated. Signed. 1 p. (52. 93)
Joseph Mayne to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597, June.] I am told to thank you for passing the wardships for which I was a suitor to my late good lord and master your father. Although it be not my fortune to attend you in such sort as I desired, I hope to retain your good opinion.
Undated. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (52. 94.)
Lord Thomas Howard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, June. My many businesses and this foul weather bath kept me at home this day, or I should have come unto you by my Lord of Essex his desire; the cause you should know to-morrow, when I attend you. I pray you let me hear from you when you think my lord will take his last leave of the Court. I presume of your favour, which Master Taylour's straight dealing forceth me to use. I left unpaid by his consent six hundred pounds, which I desire may be continued until Michaelmas. He refuseth to do it and I dare not forfeit unto him because he is an accountant and he hath much lieth for a little. I beseech your letter unto him to grant me a day until Michaelmas upon the assurance renewed. Let my desire to do you service excuse my being thus bold.
Signed, “Howard.” 1 p. (52. 96.)
Henry Lindley and E. Reynolds to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597, June.] Enclosing a list of sums due from the Earl of Essex, and asking Cecil to acquaint the Queen therewith, that she may be thus moved to renew the lease of sweet wines to prevent this danger.
Due to Michael Corseillis, a merchant stranger, on mortgage of Dimmock and Tainton in Gloucestershire, to be redeemed by the 2nd of August, with a bond from the Earl and all his officers then to be forfeited £3600
To Thomas Cottell, merchant stranger, on Peter Vanlowe's bond and three others, due on the 12th of August, secured on a mortgage of Merwall Manor in Warwickshire £1365
To Peter Vanlowe on mortgage of the manor and park of Lion Hales in Herefordshire, forfeited the 26th of June last, but he is content to release the forfeiture if he may be paid before Michaelmas £1640
To William Stow, mercer, on mortgage of 4 parks of Middleham, which the Queen gave to the Earl, being £23 2s. 8d. per annum of his value. He has also our bonds with others to be forfeited with the parks, all payable the 28th July next £3972 10s.
If the Queen will renew the lease, three of these, who are merchants dealing in wines, can be brought to terms. And money can then be borrowed from others on mortgage on the lands so released to satisfy the fourth. Otherwise the forfeitures cannot be avoided.
Undated. Holograph by Lindley.
Signed. Endorsed by Cecil :—“This I showed to the Q. also.”
1 p. (58. 22.)
A copy of the above, (58. 31.)
Sir Walter Ralegh.
[1597, June.] Acknowledgement that he is indebted to Mr. Secretary in the sum of [unspecified], and an order to pay the same to Mr. Stallenge out of the tenths due to him from the first prizes that shall arrive in any port of Devonshire.
Undated. Holograph. (58. 51.)
Foulke Grevyll to Mr. Secretary (Cecil).
1597, June. Prays Cecil to deliver these few lines from him to the Queen, concerning a park fallen by the death of Sir Thomas Baskervyle.
Undated.
Endorsed :—“June 1597.” Holograph. 1 p. (204. 54.)
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