Cecil Papers: September 1597, 1-15

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: September 1597, 1-15', 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/pp376-386 [accessed 16 November 2024].

'Cecil Papers: September 1597, 1-15', 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/pp376-386.

"Cecil Papers: September 1597, 1-15". 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/pp376-386.

September 1597, 1–15

Gilbert Staplehill, Mayor, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 1. I received a letter from one Mr. Stallenge of Plymouth, of the 29th of August, enclosing a letter of yours of the 1st of that month, which I have obeyed as far as possible. The ship riding in the range, I sent a man on board to search the ship and the trunks, chests, mails and papers belonging to one Francis De Azevedo, which I caused to be brought ashore. I then apprehended him at his lodging in the town, and used all diligence to discover any letters he might write. My officer seized one such letter, which I enclose. The prisoner himself I have sent to Mr. Stallenge at Plymouth.—Dartmouth, September 1, 1597.
Endorsed :—“Haste for her Majesty's especial service. Resefed att Harford Bridge the 3 of August half an ower after towe of the clock in the afternonne.”
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 8.)
The Enclosure :—
[Azevedo] to —
Wrote to his Excellency last year but thinks the letters could not have reached him as the faults of Duarte Baines, which he wrote to complain of, are not corrected, who was charged to release the Spanish prisoners but has proceeded rather to take them captive by extravagant demands for their expenses in prison— [Breaks off abruptly.]
Spanish, in the handwriting of Azevedo.
Endorsed :—“The priest's letter against Banes.”
1 p. (55. 7.)
William Bocher.
1597, Sept. 2. Warrant committing William Bocher, merchant, to the Counter in Wood Street, until the Queen's pleasure be known.
Signed :—Thomas Egerton, William Burghley, Robert Cecil, John Fortescue.
Copy. (55. 9.)
The Bishop of London, John Stanhope, and Lancelot Andrewes to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 2. We have sent unto you herewith a seditious book, together with the examination of Mr. William Stafford and one Norton of Paules Church Yard. We have taken bond of each of them in 200l. to appear when called upon.—London, the second of September 1597. Signed. P.S. (Holograph signed “Ric. London.”) “Mr. Stafford brought over with him from beyond the seas the three books mentioned in his examination, which I still keep with me.”
Endorsed. ½ p. (55. 10.)
Lady Ma. Denny to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 4. It pleased the Queen after Mr. Denny had taken leave of her, to send Mr. Darcie with commandment he should go to Sir John Fortescue that he might take his bond for the “staullinge of her depte at 100 a year,” which Mr. Denny accomplished; notwithstanding Sir John this last term suffered process to go out against Mr. Denny's sureties, saying the Queen's commandment was not sufficient without her special warrant for his discharge. I would ask you to take some order with Sir John that Mr. Denny's sureties be not troubled, he being on the Queen's service, and the 'debt stalled' by her own appointment. I am bolder to ask this because you first ordered Mr. Denny from the Queen to prepare to go to Ireland. He was thus obliged to sell his stock and part of his poor revenue to furnish himself, which cost him more than 400l. Being ready, the men were turned over to another, yet the Queen told him she would send him with more, so as he lay in London at great expense from the Coronation day until the Earl of Essex went. Hearing of no purpose of employing him he was then obliged to throw himself upon the Earl of Essex's courtesy for some employment. This, with his sea service when he was sent by the Queen after Lord Thomas Howard seven years ago, has so hindered his estate that if he were to die he could not leave nine children with myself above 80l. a year to maintain us all and pay the Queen's debt. Therefore if you will be pleased to have so honourable consideration of our poor estate as to deal with her Majesty for the procuring Mrs. Denny's son a reversion of his father's office, or to be joined in patent with him, I will thankfully bestow on you a year's profit of the office, which will be 300l. at least, and be ever bound to you for the service. Mr. Chomlie, who served my Lady of Warwick, by her means got his son joined in patent with him in this office being but 13 years old, mine now almost 19.—Starford, 4 September.
(55. 11.)
H. Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 4. My Lord at his coming this afternoon from the Court found, contrary to the report of Duck the way-maker, the way unmade from the house that was the Widow Bracy's, where the Queen appointed to drive to-morrow into the meadows; but afterwards from the entering into the meadows the way is made; but the meadows are rough and rugged; and you will befriend the ladies if you advise them rather to ride than drive. You will perhaps bid the way-maker see to this; otherwise the Queen will find the way from the Dining house to the meads bad and deep with water. I hope to do my duty here to-morrow.—Theobaldes, 4 September 1597.
Holograph. Seal.
½ p. (55. 14.)
E. Countess of Desmond to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 4. In sending you a harp, humbly praying you to accept the same, the rather that the sending comes from a thankful mind, I humbly crave your letters in my behalf to Sir Henry Walope, wherein you shall binde me yet more to you.—Westminster, 4 September 1597.
Signed “E. Desmond.” ½ p. (55. 15.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 4. Mr. Bagg has done good service in procuring the advertisements sent to you by Captain Legete. The bearer of this, his partner, comes to crave some allowance towards his charges therein.—Plymouth, 4 September 1597.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (55. 16.)
Anne, Lady Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 5. I enclose a letter of my son Callisthenes from Ireland, in whose behalf I beseech you, if you know a fit place for him, to bear him in mind among the rest of such poor gentlemen as devote themselves to your service. I dare answer for him you may command him in all duties and respects whatsoever; for myself, I can only wish I could find you in your own house to show you my gratitude and affection.—My lodging by Barnard's Inn, Holborn, 5 September 1597.
Signed, 1 p. (55. 17.)
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 5. I enclose a letter from Middleburg touching “il fattor del Becher,” which will show that I could easily be paid by means of the warrant which he will have. I think it would be very easy to speak of this to your father, who wrote to me once that he would much rather order the detention of a man than of money. This is a heaven sent chance for me, and under your favour I wish to avail myself of it.—Baburham, 5 September 1597.
Endorsed :—“Concerning Beecher's factor.”
Holograph. ½ p. (204. 56.)
Sir John Gilbert to Charles, Lord Howard, Lord High Admiral.
1597, Sept. 6. I have taken up of Mr. Stallings twenty tuns of beer to supply the want occasioned by the faultiness of seventeen tuns of stinking beer. I have a note of twelve tuns under the victualler's hand, the other five remains as yet on board and three tun leakage. I pray you to take order for the payment of Mr. Stallings.—From the Antelope, 6 September.
Holograph. ½ p. (55. 19.)
Sir Walter Ralegh to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 8. I thought myself bound to let you know the fortunes we have passed since our departing England, which was the 18 of August, at which time, having the wind very bare at north-west, afterwards more westerly, we were forced into the bay of Biscay and had great pains in turning out, in which forcible weather the St. Andrew spent her maintop-mast, and as I heard by a bark of the fleet that the Matthew had spent her maintopmast and was left in the Bay, I hope you have heard of her or else God comfort them. About the 26 we recovered the Cape Prior with a very pressed sail, and upon the very doubling I also lost my main yard, broken into even pieces in the middle, which I was forced to lay one above the other and so make it shorter, and have passed with it to the height of the Rock. My Lord General, after he had come unto me and seen my mishap, stood in within the North Cape, and the evening sent unto me to stand in also, but as I was forced to drive before the wind, and not able to lie by a wind without a mainsail, the sea being also much grown, I passed on towards the Rock, being the second rendez-vous agreed on, and sent word to my Lord that I would attend him there. There stayed with me the Dreadnought only, who never left me in that first and a greater mishap. For tarrying at the Rock 3 days for my Lord General, I received letters from him by a pinnace to follow him to the Islands, in which course my main-mast also failed. I had with me my cousin Sir W. Broke in the Dreadnought, 20 voluntary barks of the West Country that came out with me, and 3 flyboats of soldiers of the Low Countries, Brett, Conway and Sydney. Sydney's flyboat foundered, but I saved him and all the soldiers. I had also that met me since 3 of the vitlers of London, the George, the Gamaliel, and the Gift. I have, notwithstanding, followed my Lord's orders to come to the Islands, and I am now this 8 of September in sight of Tercera, having chosen rather to perish than to relinquish the enterprise, and the Lord doth know, in a torn ship. But her Majesty shall find that I value not my life, although I hope she would not that I should perish in vain. I hope after two days to find my Lord General and the fleet, with whom I think all the rest of the ships are, but the Matthew with poor George Carew. It is a careful and perilous time of the year for these weighty ships. The Lord of Heaven send us all well to return, and send us the good hap to do her Majesty acceptable service, to perform which we have already suffered much. For my particular, I have never dared to rest since my wracks, and God doth judge that I never for these 10 days came so much as into bed or cabin. In haste I kiss your hands, and will hover towards Tercera.—8 September.
Endorsed :—“For her Majesty's especial affairs delivered at Tercera the 8 of September.—W. Ralegh.” “Received by the Mayor of Lyme Regis from the sea the 2 of October at 12 of the clock the day at noon.” “At Crockerne 3 of the clock afternoon the cekone [second] October.”
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 21.)
Richard Butler to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 8. Having by your kindness obtained despatch into my country, I would ask you to move your father, that I may have by way of loan from the Treasury the sum of fifty pounds to furnish me homeward, to be repaid within one month of my arrival there.—8 Sept. 1597.
Holograph. ½ p. (55. 22.)
The States General to the Queen.
1597, Sept. 8. Nous avons veu la lettre laquelle il a pleu a votre Mate nous escrivre sur la debte de Sieur Palavicini et ouy ce que nous a este propose sur ce subiect par le sieur Gilpyn, conseiller d'estat de ces Provinces, introduict de la part de votre Mate, et combien que nous ayons tousjours eu, comme l'avons encores presentement l'affection et volonte tres prompte de donner en toutes choses satisfaction à votre Majeste, si est ce toutesfois que sommes contraintes de declarer a icelle que ayant bien meurment consideré et pesé l'importance et consequence de la dite debte, nous ne nous trouvons pas authoriser de y entrer. Car comme scait votre Mate, la dite debte as este originellement faicte et cree en l'an septante huict, lors que toutes les provinces du Pays Bas estaient unies et assemblées en la ville d'Anvers, et pour les charges de la guerre qui se fasoit lors es Provinces Wallonnes et celles de Brabant et Flandres, les Pais presentement confederes, portans les despens de la guerre à part tellement que nous nous asseurons que votre Majeste jugera que ce n'est aucunement raisonable que ces Provinces, demeurées constamment associées pour s'opposer aux tyrraniques desseings de l'Espaignol, seroient contraintes de furnire ce q'est deu par les provinces adherentes a l'ennemy. Et quant a la resolution prise en la Haye en l'an quatre vingt et un, le xviijme de Juillet, furent alors aussi assembles les Estats de Brabant, Flandres, Tournay, Tournesis, et Malins, qui la dite debte principalement, qui depuis aussi sont reduicts en la puissance de l'Espaignol. Supplians pourtant tres humblement votre Majeste quil plait à icelle avoir convenable regard aux raisons susdites, et mesmes à la conjuncture du temps present, estant impossible à ces Provinces de penser a debtes semblables et quelles on ne pourroit sans l'extreme ruine du Pays, estants contraincts à employer tout q'icelles peuvent rescouvrir à tresgrande charge du peuple aux frais de la guerre, en quoy nous n'esparguons rien tant pour la'deffence et securite de ces Provinces, et pour executer avec la faveur et ayde divine les entreprises les quelles scavons que sont a votre Majeste tresagreables comme elle en est et sera successivement de toutes occurrences advertre, avecq entiere confiance, qu'elle sera servi de continuer ses bonnes graces et benevolences vers ces Provinces, et ne permettra qu'icelles soient interessees ou inquietees pour cause de la dite debte du Sieur Pallavicini et ce adjouster a toutes ses aultres Royales beneficences. Et ce neantmoins, sommes tres contents d'aultant qu'en est, que votre Majeste mette es mains du dit Sieur Pallavicini les gaiges les quels votre Majeste a en main pour son asseurance, pour estre employés en tant moins et en la plus grande diminution de la debte que faire se pourra et que la raison et equite requiert que se doite faire, nous trouvants aussi despourvus des inventoires et aultres enseignemens concernans les dits gaiges, lesquels sont es mains, avecq les aultres muniments de la dite debte, des Provinces desunies et adherentes a l'Ennemy commun.
Endorsed in Italian :—“Copy of the letter from the States to her Majesty. 8 Sept. 1597.” [See Palavicino's letter, 25 Sept., p. 397.]
1½ pp. (55. 23.)
Thomas Fane, Lieutenant of Dover Castle, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 8. There arrived yesternight at Hythe a poor French man sent from St. Valery with a bag of letters, among which I found two directed to you. These I have thought right to send you by post.—Dover Castle, 8 September.
Endorsed :—For her Majesty's affairs. Dover, 8 September at 10 before noon. At Canterbury past one. At Sittingborne past four in the afternoon 'half a owar.' At Rochester past five in the afternoon 'half a owar.' At Dartford the 8 of September at 8 at night.
Holograph. ½ p. (55. 24.)
Sir William Cornwallis to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 9. I have no allowance of room to spend much, and do so with better will if those I honour and love best be present. There is a convenient lodging, and when you please, a place to keep your board. No lodger in that house, but Sir John Stanhope. Let me know your pleasure, that I may else please some other, whom I desire not to please so much. Friday night.
Holograph. Fragment of Seal. ½ p. (55. 25.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 9. On receiving your letter of the 4th instant, the 7th instant, I wrote to the Mayor of Dartmouth concerning the Portingall, whose answer I enclose. Mr. Baynes left orders that the prisoner should be well used, and I gave the Mayor forty shillings on account for his charges. To save the expense I mean to have him brought hither, as he himself desired; and if I hear further matter from him, as seemeth by his letters, I will let you know. Of the return of the St. Matthew from the fleet, I doubt not but you will know before this reaches you, as she hath already past to the Eastward. To the Antelope wanting beer I have delivered 20 tuns. I have paid the brewers 50l., including the casks, besides thirty shillings for the cranage and carriage. This is delivered for stinking beer received at London, but without any warrant more than Sir John Gilbert. But considering the need I hope order will be taken for payment.—Plymouth, 9 September 1597.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 26.)
The Enclosure :—
. . . . . Francisco d'Azevado to William Stalinge.
Sept. 9/19.—I have been cheered in prison with the hope that within six days you would come to see me or send your nephew with the answer of the Court, but have been disappointed. I am astonished that the Council of a realm like this should revoke the liberty they had given in order to liberate a man whose very name is unknown. My business is by this time known in Portugal and will, I think, prove of greater consequence than appears here. If you had me nearer you I could serve you, (having regard to the honour of my country and my own credit), so that the princes should know some of the abuses used in their service. I would ask, therefore, to be removed to Plemut [Plymouth]; for here my imprisonment serves for nothing, and I am confident of hearing shortly from Portugal.—Dartamut, 19 Sept. 1597.
Spanish. 2 pp. Addressed : “At Plemut.” (55. 44.)
Foulke Grevyll to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 9. Expresses his duty and thankfulness. The privy seal is in Cecil's hands for the 16 ships that transported munition into Ireland. Two of those which remained are now returned, and the charge increases as well by wages as tonnage, until they have order to discharge them : which he refers to Cecil's wisdom.—Deptford, this Sunday, going to Chatham.
Endorsed : “9 Sept. 1597.”
Holograph. 1 p. (204. 57.)
The Dean and Chapter of Exeter to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 10. On receipt of your letters we did consider how far we might gratify Mr. Henry Locke with safety, but seing our security was only bonds, and that we cannot understand that Mr. Locke is of sufficiency to answer her Majesty and the church, or of skill to exercise the office, we would ask to have the collection ourselves, as the statute ordains, and so shall her Majesty and our church be best served.—The Chapter house, Exeter, 10 September 1597.
½ p. (55. 27.)
Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 10. You will have heard of my being at Rochelle and of what necessity drove me thither, and how I could not be furnished there to follow the fleet. I sent you a full account by Mr. William Slingsby who went overland, but as I think him not yet arrived in England, I have sent this gentleman Captain Francis Slingsby, who can relate my misfortunes as well as myself. The ship with much peril has been safely brought home and is now at St. Helen's point by Portsmouth, where I shall await the Lord Admiral's instructions. To carry her to Chatham I hold to be very dangerous, both for the great depth of water she draws, and because in the fairest weather she cannot with the sails she hath come within nine points of the wind. I send the opinions of the ship's officers to show that I was obliged to go for Rochelle and thence for England, and pray you to keep them until I see you. Since I was a man I have not been so much grieved with any misfortune as with this unhappy accident. For I was resolved to display with what zeal I serve her Majesty, or to crown my days with glory by determining them in her service. One hope I have; that it may please her to send some message to the Lord General, and to make me the messenger. There is in this ship victuals enough to victual out one of the ships in the Downs, and she might depart to find the Lord General. Myself would have been my messenger but I have many munitions on board to account for, and in harbour sailors' fingers are limed twigs—Aboard the St. Matthew, St. Helen's Point, 10 Sept. 1597. P.S.—I beseech you to acquaint your father with the opinions of the officers of the ship. I wrote to him by Mr. William Slingsby.
Holograph. 2 pp. (55. 28.)
Matthew [Hutton,] Archbishop of York, to Lord Burghley.
1597, Sept. 11. I have received a writ to repair to the Parliament against the 24th of next month, which to do I am very willing though an evil traveller, especially in winter, yet I think that I can do her Majesty better service here than there. Albeit the country be in reasonable quietness, yet they must be looked to daily. There is neither President nor Vice-President here, and there is appointed a sitting in November next, and also a gaol-delivery. I pray, therefore, that I may be further advertised of her Majesty's pleasure.—York, the 11th of September, 1597.
Signed. ½ p. (175. 111.)
Richard Fenye to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 12. As there is summons for a parliament, before which it is likely that the Queen will grant some honours to persons approved for their service or long descent, these are to ask you to consult with you father (who knows my title and descent better than myself) and to intercede with the Queen “to extend such proportion of her most gracious favour towards me as to her sacred person shall be most pleasing.” So in acknowledgement of all loyal duty to the Queen at my attendance, which, God willing, shall be immediately after the choice of the knights (which being the Tuesday before Michaelmas, I should be glad to do Mr. Comptroller some service in) I will prepare some such present for her as you shall direct. But for any further expense which might disable me hereafter to bear the countenance of my advancement, I resolve rather to bear the bitterness of fortune than to impair my estate, which I have now set in such order that I can free it from debt nor lose a foot of land; although I have had some trouble this year to avoid being chargeable with the arrears of what I received of my daughter-in-law, amounting to [200l.]; and in paying 1,200l. for her wardship. And so, requesting you to remember your nephew Mr. Edward Cecil, who by his letter seems to endure some wants, and enclosing a letter that came with his from the Master of the Horse to the Duke, a man of as much importance as the Earl of Essex is here, which I would ask you to return, as I trust by him to procure a good horse for you, I take my leave.—From Newnton, where Mr. Comptroller lately endured many wants. 12 Sept. 1597. P.S.—I am bold on the other side to make a brief note of my pedigree.
Signed. Pedigree torn off. 1 p. (55. 30.)
The pedigree in question. 1 p. (141. 60.)
William Clerke to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597,] Sept. 12. Knowing your late busyness at Court, I have deferred my sending, but the horse is now come to town, and I leave him to his trial and wish you best content. I have also brought an entermued fresh goshawk, untainted and greatly commended. There is no further respect in my poor present than my devotion to your wise and honourable actions. My further service shall rest at your pleasure.—The Whitefriars in Fleet Street, 12 Sept.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (55. 31.)
Sir George Carew to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 13. I thank you for your mediation for my return to the sea. It has bred new life in a wounded spirit. For I was much perplexed with my enforced return, and so should have remained had not the Queen relieved me with this latter ship which shall be quickly and without new cost hastened to sea. Of her gracious favour towards me I never doubted; for her admirable virtues (wherewith she is so far beyond all other princes both externally and internally beautified) did ever more assure me of no less than I now find, that it is fortunate to serve a prince that can distinguish between negligence and necessity. In Rochelle the Queen is much admired, and as her servant I was much respected by the Mayor and the gentlemen of that city, and was offered all that could be supplied to furnish the St. Matthew to the sea on my own credit only. While I was in St. Martin's Road, twelve miles from Rochelle, I had at sundry times not so little as 4,000 persons aboard to see the ship, and among them Madame Chastillon, the widow of M. Chastillon, with thirty gentlewomen, who for three long hours talked of the Queen's beauty, wisdom, and government, calling her the only woman of ladies, and the assured pillar for distressed Christians. Young M. Chastillon, as his mother tells me, a lad of excellent fine spirit, will soon come into England to kiss her sacred hands; and in case of troubles in France, which the Protestants expect, Madame Chastillon means to make England her refuge. Rochelle is now being fortified and when finished will be one of the strongest towns in the world. It is thought that the whole cost (besides the aid of 500 men's work which the householders give each day) will be 200,000 crowns. The bulwarks, of which there are 11, and the counterscarp is faced with free-stone as at Antwerp. In the magazine they have 200,000 weight of powder and 300,000 weight of salt-peter, of iron bullets of all weight above 60,000, and so for other necessities. Victuals they are also providing; for they do not trust the King, saying that if they have not better answer at the breaking up of the assembly, which is now at 'Chastellraullt,' they will follow the example of the Low Countries and 'cantonize' themselves.
My departure will be speedy, for besides the desire I have to be with my general, my purse is fallen into a desperate consumption, whereunto I must have an especial regard.—Portsmouth, 13 Sept. 1597.
Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (55. 32.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 13. On receipt of your letter I sent to Dartmouth for Francis Azevedo, and now have him in my house. His charges at Dartmouth appear by the Mayor's letter to be 22s. 6d. Touching his letter I have spoken with him, but can learn nothing but much idle talk. Here is arrived in a small boat Mr. Robert Knoles, who left the fleet about 13 days past near the Isles of Bayon. Mr. Knoles, who is departing for the Court, can inform you further. The Fishermen begin now to come from Newfoundland, and here are several Dutch, Irish, and Frenchmen ready to buy their fish as soon as it comes; so if any fish be wanted for these parts, there must be order given in time.—Plymouth, 13 Sept. 1597.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (55. 33.)
Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 14. I understand by Sir Richard Weston that there is complaint of great spoils done in the forest of Holt by my son Thomas or his substitutes. I am sorry to hear of this, but am innocent and ignorant of the whole matter. My son obtained the lease without me and I trust I may be held blameless. For my son I must needs ask your consideration. He has entered bond for the payment of the sum, whereof I make no doubt but he will have care. I am glad that that office is conferred upon you.—14 Sept. 1597.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 34.)
The Bailiff and Burgesses of East Grinstead to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 14. We have received your letter saying that a parliament will shortly be held, and that you desire to have the election of both or at least one of our burgesses; in respect of the place you hold, and for that we may be assured of your sufficient nomination of persons fit for the service and carefull for our good, we acknowledge ourselves to be bounden with all duty thereby to pleasure you. However, we received the writ for electing burgesses dated the 10th instant and did thereon make our election, and have returned the writ to the sheriff with the names. But whether they are certified or no, we know not. Otherwise we had readily submitted to you the choice of both our burgesses, and are sorry that we knew not your wish in time.—East Grinsted, 14 Sept. 1597.
Signed, Thomas Lullingden, bailie there. Benjamin Duffyeld. John Goodde. John Langrydge. Edward Payne. Thomas Venner. Edw. Baldwyn. Edward Drew.
1 p. (55. 35.)
George, Lord Hunsdon, Lord Chamberlain, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 15. Her Majesty, though more than half disposed to take her rest, was willing to raise her spirits to hear the good news of your advertisements, and commanded me to abbreviate what was at large written, wherein though I fell short of all the words in particular, yet generally for the matter I surely think not to have omitted any part. First, her Majesty thanked God for blessing the King with so good success in what so greatly imported his whole estate; secondly, yourself for your care to send what you knew should so greatly content her. But let me tell you, it did nothing content me to find her hands so burning hot, her complaint of distemperature in all parts, with the feeling of a soreness in her body, back, and legs; which I pray God be no beginning to the fit of an ague, yet after this night's rest I hope in God we shall see the worst part. You may accuse me of unequal requital as returning bad for received good news, yet that you may to-morrow bring amendment, and to know that her Majesty removeth not till Monday, I would not fail with these scribbled lines to trouble you.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 36.)
Thomas Doyley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597, Sept. 15. The Countess of Essex was willing to have written herself to you to ask if there be any later news than Sir George Carew's of my Lord of Essex, but that I thought it was not convenient for her rheum to hang down her head so long. I supposed you said there was news, when you took your coach, but I spake it not confidently; yet my lady hearing from some of the servants that have been at London that there was news, commanded me to write to you.
If anything shall be concluded in these Irish causes, pray send a messenger to me, if you have not a surer address, and I will write testifying the favour you have used both to the Queen and my lord your father for Sir Thomas Norreys' continuance of his brother's place. I have warned Mr. Kingsmill of the error that was committed.—15 Sept. 1597.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (55. 37.)
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