Cecil Papers: Feburary 1598, 1-15

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

Citation:

'Cecil Papers: Feburary 1598, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598, ed. R A Roberts( London, 1899), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol8/pp36-49 [accessed 16 November 2024].

'Cecil Papers: Feburary 1598, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598. Edited by R A Roberts( London, 1899), British History Online, accessed November 16, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol8/pp36-49.

"Cecil Papers: Feburary 1598, 1-15". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 8, 1598. Ed. R A Roberts(London, 1899), , British History Online. Web. 16 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol8/pp36-49.

Feburary 1598, 1–15

Sir Thomas Sherley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597/8, Feb. 1. I understand of a bill at this present in question in Parliament, touching accountants, to the passing whereof I wish very well, knowing it to be great reason that the Queen's Majesty should be truly and duly answered whatsoever any hath received of her Highness's treasury; being determined for myself, my accounts being once determined, to lay myself and my estate at the feet of her Majesty, intending also to make such offer then for her satisfaction as I hope shall seem both dutiful and reasonable. My humble suit touching this bill is only that the accountant may be considered so far forth, that such as have received money at the hands of an accountant for the service of the Queen's Majesty may be subject to the like conditions as the accountant himself shall be.—This first of February, 1597.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (30. 46.)
Sir Robert Crosse to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1597/8, Feb. 2.] Your horses are well, and nothing wanting but a fair wind. They are still aboard, and I think it better for them than to be taken ashore, for in hoisting in and out they shall take more harm than if they stayed still aboard till they come into France. I have sent my lord Admiral the examination of a Breton that I took this morning; he came from the Garonne, laden with oranges, and is gone for London, and so confer them together, the better to judge of the truth, or whether they be sent to discover or keep us secure with an opinion that their army is like to break, and so give us a blow in some part of England.—2 February. P.S. Your man, Wells, went from Dover upon Saturday, and arrived at Dieppe upon Sunday.
Holograph.
On back :—“Canterbury, past 8 o'clock at night; Sittingbourne, past 1 o'clock at night; Rochester, almost at 4 in the morning; Dartford, the 3rd, at half-hour past 6 in the morning; London, the 3rd day at 9 in the morning.”
Endorsed :—1597. Seal.
1 p. 30. 47.)
Cochineal and Indigo.
1597/8, Feb. 4. Warrant to Lord Burghley for the restraint of the importation of cochineal and indigo into the port of London for two years from the present date, owing to the quantity of those commodities found in the prizes lately taken on the Earl of Essex's voyage. If any is brought in, and the merchant bringing it is not content to carry it into some foreign ports without unlading, it is to be laid up in the Custom house and restored to the owners at the end of the said two years.—Westminster Palace, 4 February, 40 Eliz.
Sign Manual. Signet.
1 p. (49. 22.)
Sir Thomas Fane, Lieutenant of Dover Castle, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597/8, Feb. 4. I received your letter of the 3rd inst. by post requiring me to send your provisions directly to Rouen by water, saving your horses and coaches and some small quantity of beer. I received also, therewithal, a letter directed to one of your servants. But your servants and provisions were all embarked about five of the o'clock this evening, some three hours before I received your letters. Howbeit I thought it good to keep the letter for a time that if the wind might happily turn them back again I might deliver the same. Also in case they happen to return they shall not want for any money which they will require.—Dover Castle, this 4th of February, 1597. [P.S.] Here arrived this day certain Flemings which came from Flushing about three days past and are bound for Dieppe. They affirm that the States' [ships] are not yet passed by but are upon the seas, and have been thrice put back by contrary winds to the Brill.
Endorsed on back :—“Dover, this 4 of Febr. at half an hour past eleven in the night; London, the 5 day, almost 2 afternoon.”
Signed. Seal.
1 p. (49. 24.)
Sir John Peyton, Lieutenant of the Tower, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597/8, Feb. 6. I have received her Majesty's warrant for the delivery of Sir John Smith and Mr. Nevell out of the Tower, commanding that I should take security of Sir John Smith touching his confining at his house in Essex. I entreat your pleasure whether by this word 'security' he should be bound with sureties, or otherwise delivered upon his own bond. Mr. Nevell in the warrant is named Edward, his right name being Edmond.—From the Tower this 6th of February, 1597.
Holograph. Seal.
½ p. (49. 26.)
Homffry Basse to William Willaston.
1597/8, Feb. 6. He has agreed with Edward Gage and William Chambarlaine, servants to the Earl of Southampton, to furnish the latter with 1,000 crowns “soll” current money in France, either in gold or silver money, which makes £300 sterling, to be paid in Ronne at Southampton's pleasure. Instructions as to furnishing the money, and the bills to be taken.—London, 6 Feb., 1597.
Holograph.
Endorsed :—“To William Willaston, merchant, Ronne.”
½ p. (147. 123.)
Sir Thomas Wilkes.
1597/8, Feb. 6. Note by Richard Hill of the receipt from Sir Thomas Wilkes of a bond for £52 10s. 0d., made by Wilkes to the use of Francis Palmer; which bond Hill will deliver to Palmer, receiving from him £50, which sum he promises to pay to Baptista Hicks in part payment of money owing for silks taken by Sir Thomas at this his going for the Queen's service into France.—6 Feb., 1597.
1 p. (2137.)
George Brooke to Sir Robert Cecil, his brother-in-law.
1597/8, Feb. 7. If I could have chosen I had rather have waited upon you myself than written, as I have always desired to make myself known unto you rather by myself than by the reports of others when I see how ugly they have painted me unto you. For the matter in question between my Lord Thomas and me, believe this, that I did never derive my claim from my lord of Essex, yet this far I have submitted myself unto him, that if his Lordship had any will to have the prisoner himself, I would deliver him unto his hands were my right never so clear and confessed, which promise I will make good whensoever he shall require it. But that you may perceive that which others call obstinacy in me to deserve a better name I have delivered unto my brother More all the reasons of my claim, which you shall receive from him as from myself.—From the Blackfriars, this 7 of Febr.
Holograph. Endorsed :—1597.
1 p. (49. 28.)
W. Mount to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597/8, Feb. 8. I will daily pray for the happy success of your service to your country in this great and ever memorable embassage, and that your goings out and comings in may be, with good health also to your father, comfortably performed. So much in my power may be, with your good leave, by presenting 2 glasses of compound distilled water I do endeavour, the one of cinnamon, the other of saye, both comfortable if at any time in your travel you shall find yourself in health not well affected, one spoonful or two at one time, with half so much sugar.—From the Savoy, February 8, 1597.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Do. Mount.” Seal.
1 p. (49. 29.)
Waltham Park.
1597/8, Feb. 8. 1. Bishop Day granted a patent to his sons, notwithstanding a former promise to confirm a patent granted Mr. Darcey before by Bishop Wykeham; which patent of Mr. Day's this bishop allegeth to be of no effect, and prayeth good security from Mr. Darcey to be defended from the same, which Mr. Darcey is ready to perform.
2. Mr. Attorney General and others learned in the laws warrant that this bishop may lawfully grant the park with the herbage and other profits as all the former bishops have done for 60 years.
3. Touching the game [killed], the bishop may appoint what orders he pleaseth for the increase thereof.
4. Touching the breed of horses, Mr. Darcey yieldeth to any reasonable demand of the bishop's in that behalf, as also for herbage.
5. Touching the absurdity that his Lordship should pay for the grass of his geldings depasturing so nigh his doors, he shall have pasture for them without any payment.
6. All the former bishops have always contented themselves with the little park and the lawns.
7. Mr. Darcey desireth it in no other sort than heretofore hath been, and is willing to yield to any reasonable request of this bishop.
Endorsed :—“4 February, 1597.”
1 p. (49. 23.)
John Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597/8, Feb. 8. Understanding that you are shortly to take your journey, and not having opportunity myself to see you, I could not but visit you with these my letters, only to testify my true affection and unfeigned love towards you for your just deserts and continued kindness towards me. In which respect and for divers other causes, I do wish unto you good and happy success in all your affairs and a safe return, for the which (being the only thing I can do for you) my daily and heart prayers shall not be wanting.—Lambeth, 8 Feb., 1597.
Holograph.
½ p. (174. 124.)
G. Car to Mr. Cunningham.
1597/8, Feb. 8/18. I derekit unto you frome Newport ane pakat of letteris to be delyverit to father Crystenne qlk I think ye haif send wt ye rest to Bressilles. I am certaine ye will uss the greatte delygence for sending the silver yt sould go wt us. This is to let yow to understand of ane happie jurney. We aryveit here on Tysday at evene at ye point, for this day we haif delt wt the skipper qlk is John Brunne of Bruntillund [Burnt Island] and hes agreit with him to land us at Heymouthe or Falscastell. We hope, God willing, ye morrow to saill. The man seimis to be honest, yit ye passage is not wtout danger, bot the caus is guid, and we hope God will defend it. I pray you quhat letteris ye get fra Mr. Johne Hamyltonne er ony uthair father yt ye bring thame wt yow, for yt ymportis mekell unto us. Let all that mellis in ye matter know before ye part yt they may writ wt yow of all matters, lyk as we sall not forget to haist thame informationne of our proceidingis, bot all standis in streitcrunes, for geif we can be in Skotland but ane moneth or our enymeis ken, all will succeed well. I man remember yow againe not to neglect that for me towardis Bressilles. De Spinosa feiring every bruit qlk cameis. The Ingillis and Hollandis shipis lying before yis place is lyk to stay us sum few dayis, bot geif he be opiniastre, we sall lief him behynd us. I can wryt na farder, bit neffer maist hartly commendationne to your self and my cussing James, to Mons. Hamiltonne, to James Sterling, and all our frendis.—Callais, the 18 of Februer, 1598.
Holograph.
1 p. (59. 77.)
G. Car to Captain Forret.
1597/8, Feb. 8/18. To the same effect as the preceding.—Calais, 18 Feb., 1598.
Signed. Seal.
Addressed :—“A Monsieur Capitaine Forret, superintendent de gens d' armes en Flandres pour sa Mate à Bruges.”
½ p. (59. 75.)
G. Car to Mr. Cunningham.
1597/8, Feb. 8/18. To the same effect as the two preceding letters.—Calais, this 18 Feb., 1598.
Addressed :—“A Monsieur Cunninghame gentil homme Ecossois à Bruges.”
Signed.
1 p. (59. 76.)
Richard Carmarden to Lord Burghley.
1597/8, Feb. 9. I acquainted the four collectors both with your letters and the enclosed bill from the Receipt. Sir Henry Billingsley presently delivered unto me a perfect account of his charge, which I found true, and which I sent you yesternight. Herewith I send you my Lord Mayor's like account, under his hand, and Mr. Cage's under his hand. But their humble desire is, if the debts must so speedily be called in, that you would direct your letters to them severally to that purpose, else shall they hardly get them in because the greatest part of the debts have been but lately made. Mr. Dolve and Mr. Tomlinson, the one collector of the subsidy outwards, the other collector of the petty custom inwards, have cleared their last year's accounts ending at Michaelmas, according to the order of the Exchequer. What hath been charged upon them since for the four months past by me, most of it is in debts owing by the merchants, and they were not wont to be called upon for it until the half year's accounts were to be cleared, which should be in midsummer term next, as Mr. Fanshaw knoweth all other collectors of customs and subsidies do, except Sir Henry Billingsley, Mr. Alderman Saltonstall and Mr. Cage. Therefore [they] do mean to deal with Mr. Fanshaw therein, who in truth is the officer fittest for your Lordship to use for the calling in of those moneys, and appertaineth to his office. The surveyors are to charge and he to call in.—London, 9 February, 1597. [P.S.] I beseech you be good to the surveyors for the fees to pay their substitutes in the ports, or else they shall not be able to serve.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (49. 30.)
J. Greirson to Captain Forret, at Bruges.
1597/8, Feb. 9/19. I delyverit youre letter to ye governour quha was varay glaid of youre gud healthe, and regraitit varay mekill ye deid of your wyfe, and was glad that ye retenit youre bairnes at haime wt youre self, for he was utherwais informeit, and said, give it had bein sa, wtout dowt ye had fallin in sickness or inconvenient throw the greit affectune ye had to youre bairnes. He grantit me licence to pass wtout pasport sa sone as he had red your letter. We have accordit with ane Scottis schipper heir to transporte us.—Caleis, the 19 of February, 1598.
Holograph. Seal broken.
¾ p. (59. 80.)
J. Greirson to Master Fraser, Lieutenant of Cavalry at Bruges.
1597/8, Feb. 9/19. We aryveit at Calais the 17 of February quhaire we fond ane Scottischip wt quhome we accordit albeit entreme deire [and so forth as above]. Recommende me to the gud prayeres of all our frendes, to Mr. Jhone Weines and to P. Verandunman. I sall adverteis yow out of Scotland of all our affaires.—Caleis, the 19 of February, 1598.
Holograph.
½ p. (59. 81.)
J. Grierson to Mr. James Weytton.
1597/8, Feb. 9/19. To the same effect as the two preceding letters. Ends, “Swa not omitting my commendatunes of service to yourselfe, the leutenent, his wyfe, bairnes; to Monsr Cunynghame, Monsr Stylynge, Jhone Hamyltone, James Garland, his comarades; to Susanna Veill, Van Blankenberge and all other gud frendes, in particuliere comitting yow to the protecture of God, and enquyre for my Lytaneis.—From Calais, the 19 Februarii, 1598.”
Holograph.
¾ p. (59. 82.)
The Earl of Essex to “Mr. Secretary [Cecil], her Majesty's Ambassador to the French King.”
1597/8, Feb. 11. I send this bearer to see your safe passage and to bring me news of it. I am thus curious of all whom either I value in judgment or love with affection, and therefore I must be double careful of yourself. These glustering tempestuous days that are past do awaken and increase my care, which ever shall be constant though it be superfluous.—This 11th of February.
Endorsed :—“1597, 11 Febr., Earl of Essex to my master, by Mr. Tomkyns.”
Holograph. Seal.
½ p. (49. 31.)
Messieurs de Bellievre and de Sillery to the [King of France].
1597/8, Feb. 11/21. Nous arrivasmes Samedy dernier 7eme de ce mois en ceste ville de Vervins avec M. le Legat. Le lendemain les Srs President Richardot et Commannder de Taxis, avec le Pere General, le jour suyvant estans assemblez chez Monsr le Legat, le lieu plus honorable pour la seance apres Monsr le Nunce qui se trouva en ceste conference nous fut accordé, le Père General des Cordeliers s'y trouva aussy, nous communicasmes de part et d'aultre nous pouvoirs. Nous len baillasmes coppye du nostre signeé de nous, et eux semblablement, nous bailleront la coppie du leur signé a' eulx, et du secretaire d' Estat qui est aussi nommé en leur pouvoir, signé Albert Cardinal et plus bas Le Vasseur, scellé en placart. Nous avons retenu l'original de la dite copie et en envoyons un double a votre Majesté. Nous avons aussi veu l'original du pouvoir que le Roy d'Espaigne a donnè au dit Cardinal qui est en bonne forme, signé Yo el Rey, et plus bas Martin d' Idiaques, scellé en placart. Ayans leu ces deux pouvoirs qui semblent estre en bonne forme, nous leur avons dict que vostre Majesté s'est tousjours declarée de ne vouloir traicter que la Rayne d'Angleterre sa bonne soeur et ses confederés des Provinces Unyes des Pays Bas ne soyent comprins en la paix. Ils nous ont dict d' avoir aussi pouvoir suffisant pour traicter avec ladite Dame Reyne et Provinces. Ayans leu leur pouvoirs quils nous ont communiquez qui sont dudit Sr Cardinal seulement, nous avons demandé de voir le pouvoir quils ont eu dudit Sr Roy pour resouldre l'accord avec ladite Dame Reyne et Estats. Ils ont dict que la personne dudit Sr Cardinal est assez auctorizée, que oblige son honneur et ses biens pour l'observation de ce que pour ce regard aura esté par eux promis, et oultre ce promet par le pouvoir quil leur a donné de le faire ratifier, confirmer et approuver par sa Majesté Catholique. Nous avons dict qu'il est à craindre que la dité Reyne d'Angleterre et Estats ne vueillent entrer en ce traicté s'ils ne voyent l'original du pouvoir pour ce donné par le Roy Catholique au dit Sr Cardinal, et que au pouvoir qu'il a envoyé pour traicter avec. V.M. il pouvoit aussi adjouster le pouvoir de traicter avec ses Estats confederés. A quoy ils ont respondu que la Reyne d'Angleterre ne s'est point faict entendre de vouloir traicter avec Sa Mat Cath : que lors que le pouvoir de traicter avec V.M. fust signé par le dit seigneur Roy, Farmée de mer de la dite Reyne ravageoit les costes d'Espaigne et Isles de son obéissance; que au mois d'Aoust qu'il signa ladite patente aucun ne luy parloit de comprendre en ceste paix ladite Reyne et les Estats, et pour regard de traicter avec V.M. qu'il en fust lors instamment requis par le Nunce du Pape residant prez de luy. Remonstrans derechef que la personne du dit Sr Cardinal est tant autorizée qu'il ne fault pas craindre qu'il soit desadvoué de chose qu'il aye promis, et pour oster tout doubte le dit Sr Cardinal leur a donné charge de promettre et asseurer que, si la dite Dame Reyne et Estats le desireront, il envoyera courier expres eu Espaigne, et obtiendra du dit Sr Roy tel et si expres pouvoir qu'ils scauroyent desirer ce qu'ils ont dict se pouvoir faire en quinze jours, si V.M. leur permet le fee passer par votre Royaume le courier que pour ceste effect il depeschera en Espaigne. Nous les priasmes de nous voulloir bailler coppye des dits pouvoirs afin de leur envoyer à V.M. qui en vouldra tenir advertie la dite Dame Reyne et Estats. Ils nous ont prié de les vouloir excuser sils ne nous en bailloyent copye, non scachans si la dite Dame et Estats veullent entrer en ce traicté, à quoy ils offrent de les recevoir tres volontiers, mais ils ont trouvé bon que nous les leussions et feissions extraict des clauses principalles, cy dessus inserées. Ils nous ont aussi dict de Sçavoir pour chose bien certaine que le dit Sr Cardinal a receu lettres expresses dudit Roy Cath : qui lui mandent qu'il trouve bon que la dite Reyne et Estats soyent comprins en ce traicté de paix, et qu'il ne fault croyre qu'un prince si sage et advisê comme est le dit Sr Cardinal hazardasse son honneur d'entrer en telles promesses s'il n' avoit charge bien enpresse de le faire. Nous remismes à leur faire response le lendesmain. Nous trouvans ensemble le jour suyvant, Xme de ce mois, Monseigneur le Legat nous demanda si de part et a' aultre nous estions satisfaicts des pouvoirs que nous leusmes hier. Sur ce nous respondismes que pour regard du pouvoirs donné au dits Seigneurs Ambassadeurs d' Espaigne de traicter avec les deputez de V.M., que nous luy envoyerons la copye, voulans esperer qu'elle en demeureroit satisfaicte. Mais que nous craignions que la dite Reyne d'Angleterre et Estats feissent difficulté d'entrer en le traicté sans qu'il leur apparast du pouvoir que le Roy d'Espaigne eust donné au dit Sr Cardinal de resouldre ceste paix avec eux. ce qui a esté debatu de part et d'aultre par les raisons cy dessus contenues.
Headed, “Extract.”
½ pp. (59. 62.)
S. Ant. de Mello to Frdo (?) de Betancor.
1597/8, Feb. 11/21. Gives an account of his misfortunes and illness since he left the island and arrived in Lisbon. One of his sons at Coymbra is dead and the other now desires to go to Salamanca. There is news that the vice-roy has arrived, whose ship was thought to be lost. Great preparations are made in England and France and many wars and troubles are expected this year.—Alentejo, 21 Feb., 1598.
Portuguese. Holograph.
Addressed :—“A. Frdo (?) de Betancor na Rivra dos Acorridos da Ilha de Maderia.”
Endorsed :—“Spanish letter to Sir Ferd. Gorges.”
3 pp. (59. 89.)
The Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597/8, Feb. 12. I have had the reading of your letter to the Queen by the favour of my lord your father. I have brought back her Majesty's answer to my lord, upon which my lord hath made a despatch unto you. I find her Majesty wonderful kind to you and she is pleased that I take notice of it. You may believe I both am glad to know it, and will, with my best endeavours, continue her in that humour. Mr. Windebank hath shewed me this day a Scottish despatch, or rather an intelligence without name, but it is of no new date I think. Sir Wm. Bowes doth reserve all his news for his own relation. Only my Lord Chamberlain doth take upon him to divine what he will bring.—This 12 of February.
Holograph. Endorsed :—1597. Seal.
2/3 p. (49. 33.)
Cardinal Albert's Commissioners to the Cardinal.
1597/8, Feb. 12/22. 1. They doubt the French Commissioners do but seek delays until the king had accomodated his affairs in Brittany.
2. Their speech to the French Commissioners rehearsing what had passed the day before, touching the desire of the King of a general peace, the exception that the Queen's Majesty was not named, their readiness to send to the King of Spain for a larger commission in this point, their agreement upon the two principal points, viz. :—The confirmation of the former peace, and the restitution of the towns taken. And requesting to proceed on other points.
3. The French King's resolution is to treat with the King of Spain jointly with his allies if possible, but if they will not join, then the Commissioners dare not assure that he will proceed; yet have apparent conjectures that he will, intending first to stand upon this point, that he may sound his allies' intentions, and, if they will not join, that then he may have the better excuse if he break with them. And therefore the French Commissioners insist upon a particular commission from the K. of Spain wherein the Queen may be named, and yet promise to deal with their master that he stand not upon these curiosities, but leave the Queen, if she will not be satisfied with the commission already granted.
4. A special commission to treat with the States shewed by them to the French Commissioners.
5. They advise the Cardinal to write earnestly to the King for a special commission to treat with her Majesty and will in the meantime negociate a general truce if they can.
6. They think it not impossible that the French King will be so desirous of the restitution of his towns as he will wax cold in his affection to the allies.
7. They put the Cardinal in mind how great necessity they have of a general peace.
8. They are resolved of their doubt that the King should seek delays, for the Commissioners have resolved them of his desire of peace, yet advise the Cardinal to prepare for war.
9. The only difficulty they find is that the French desire the restitution should begin with Calais and Ardres, and that the rest shall be delivered in 3 months, yet they hope to get a longer time for Blavet.
10. The French King will receive all the leaguers into favour, the French Commissioners assure that D. Mercury either is already, or shall be very shortly, agreed with. He hath lost Dinant.
Endorsed :—“The effect of the first letter of the 12 February from the Commissioners to the Cardinal.”
1 p. (59. 65.)
John Colville to the Earl of Essex.
1597/8, Feb. 14/24. If your own natural humanity, joined with the direction of the party mentioned in my last to Mr. Hoodsone [Hudson] did not excuse my boldness, I were inexcusable, but I hope you will permit me make advertisement of a matter which has occurred since my last to Mr. Hudson. It is not unknown unto you that one Mr. George Ker, Scotchman, in the year 1593 was apprehended, having about him certain blank papers signed by the Catholic Lords there in Scotland, which he did intend to carry unto Spain to have been filled up with whatsoever conditions K. Philip pleased, so being he would assist them with men and money for invasion of religion and your estate. For which cause the said Mr. George was imprisoned a long time, till at length he found mean to escape, fleeing to Flanders. Where he did continue till now that he doth hear the said lords to be restored to their former ranks and credit. He, therefore, coming from Brussels, where he has remained all this while, accompanied with certain seminary priests and a Secretary of the Cardinal's, called Don Diego de Spinossa, did arrive at Calais the 18 hereof, and is, with all the rest foresaid, embarked there on Friday the 20 hereof and gone to Scotland, minding to land at Haymouth or Falscastell, which be not far from Berwick. Before their embarking, they writ all back to Bruges a packet of letters, which has fallen into the hands of the party mentioned heretofore. At my coming, if you think the same agreeable, he will, for eschantillon of his sincerity, make a present of the packet to you, by which time, by information of the person who addressed him to find the said packet, I shall inform you to whom, and to what end, this message is sent, and of another following to be negociate by a greater personage, if the same be not “empesched,” whereby undoubtedly they think to give you a Spanish faction at your own doors that you need not seek them further off. But their design being thus discovered in the infancy thereof, can come to no perfection except men will negligently suffer the same. What expectation is of this peace and of the surprising of Dinan by those of St. Malo, who, finding the character of the keep of Dinan and making the like, did enter by night, and cut in pieces the 500 Spaniards which lay there in garrison, I abstain to write, understanding you are sufficiently informed by your own ministers. I attend in humility your answer in the motion made by Mr. Hudson.—From Boulogne the 24 of February, 1598.
Holograph. Scotch. Seal.
Endorsed, in Essex's hand :—“1598, 14th February, from Bullon to myself.” And in another hand, “Mr. Collile, Util.”
2 pp. (59. 68.)
John Colville (“Quintus”) to “Oliver.”
1597/8, Feb. 14/24. Right Honourable. Yew have now moore ado nor to seik sma. For Mr. Georg Ker, accumpaneit wt sum two moer ejusdem, faring togidder wth a secretary of the Cardinall's called Don Diego de Spinossa, are embarqued at Calais and either to land, or landit, at, or besyd, Falscastell, as by thaire awn letters (wharof the originall I have send to Johne and copy of one of thame to yow) is evident. The party that is to mak the service to the w [symbol] k . . o k ∴ t w s k . . f hes done for a prentis sey of whom boyth the erand wharfor theis be cum home and of a legacien to follow of a greter person, I am first to schew unto Johne and tharefter the same shall be immediatly send to Olivier. In the mean tyme, if men will deny thair home cumming, yow may confidentlie affirm to prove it by thair awin handis; and, marower, yow have bot to see if one Is : Broun of Brunt Eland be cum home who shall make yew certaine, for in his schip the 20 heirof afd this compa at Calais then imbarqued. It doth seam that albeit the Catholique Lordis be converted, yit Mr. Georg Ker, who wes onis trubled for their blankes, appearis not to distrust in their kyndnes seng till now that they are restored he durst never come home. Dispos heirof as yow think good, and now, sence the instrument hasards boyth lyff and omittis his other effaris, lett him not be frustrat of comfort to be send with all speid from thaime with sum suir hand, and one that I dar spek to as is mentionat in my former.
As to the estait of matters heir, the deputes (viz., for the King, President Sillrie and Secretary Bellevir; for the Cardinal, President Richardo and Admirall Taxis) do sitt at Wervin besyd St Quentins, bot I beleif nether of the parteis do lyik gretly of a peace, his Mate for cawses which I cannot writ and the Cardinall only pretending such a desyir to drive of tyme till new recreus cum wch he expektes this summer, in respect of his present inhabilite, his soldats being so poor, malcontent and mutineux.
Dinan in Britangue is surprised and brot to the King's obedience, for theis of St. Mallos practesing sum of the inhabitantes of Dinan gat the caracter of thair keyis, and making the lyik, did inter by nyt and cut the 500 Spanyards wch wes thair in garnison in peces.
I had not lasar to writ to any frend bot to Mr. Jeremy, tharfor pleis you excus me to all, cheiflie to Phenex and Quondam; and, as of befor, my distressed bedfallow and famelie, I recommend to your accustomet favour, tresting by my next, wch, God willing, shall be unto out [one] of thome to get yow lettres of thankes from better nor myself. For now, the Lord be blessed! the yce is brokin, and the Lerd kneweth quhat sorrow I have had since my cumming from Scotland, bot now (all prais to God) the storm is much appaised, to whose divin protection I recommend yow yor honorable bedfellow and all yours this 24 of Februar, 1598.
Quintus.
This copy wch I send, becaus it is of my hand wch sum thair will think partiall, pleis yew put it in sum Englis hand till the principalls cum, wch, Godwilling, shalbe schortlie.
Thair is one Cunyghame immediatly to follow Mr. Georg Ker wth sum directions. Monsr. Forret can and may help yew to find him or ells to persuad him to good offices, and, after Cunyghame the greter message is to follow, but in respect thair dessein is remarqued in the infancy tharof, it can not cum to perfection except men will willingly permit the same.
Endorsed in Essex's hand :—“From Bullen 24 Febr. new stile. To Oliver.” And in another hand :—“Mr. Colvile. Util?”
Holograph. Seal.
2¾ pp. (59. 98.)
John Colville to “his son,” Mr. Jeremy Lyndsay, in Leith.
1597/8, Feb. 14/24. I writ to yow at Leuth by Jo : Morton of St. Andros, bot fering that letters be not cum to your handes, I repeat the effect tharof wch is if ye and your brother Allexander Pringell, or felyeand of him, sum other one frendly man, may have the moyens to bring heir or the latter end of June fourty or fiftie, or threscore at most, last of Ry, rether nor quhyit or any other stuff, payand for the last at Dauskin, fraucht and all, fourty French crewnes, yew shall have be my meanis heir the dowbill, and as mekill as to be your expenses, for thae that have the commission to furnis this place wt victuall hes granted me for so meikill, sic profeit es thai get thair sels, wthout qlk favour who sall bring any victuall heir sall los; and, if ye find any otheres intending this same cours let the bruit pass that peace will be maid heir, and so the countrey being oppin round about this toun will be sufficiently sakit otherwayis, bot be ye assured, God-willing, whedder it be peace or warre your bargan sall be es I have said. Alway let me be advertesed wt them whom I luik for schortlie qt ye will do.
I have endured since I came fra yow sorrowis that I culd not writ, but now, blessed be God! all is weill, as ye sall schortlie know. Qrof assure Jenet and other frendes, and let this serve for hir and thame all, for I had no more lasar. Unto hir, I pray yew, be as yew have bene, that for displesur sche brek not hire hart as sche hes ower guid caus. I have beane unhappy in many things bot in nothing so mekill as be long biding thair, seiking hett water under cald yce, yit the service I can do for his Ma : shall ay be redy and if (as I writ befor) his highnes wold give me awin, wlk I have bot deir aneuch suppos it were not awand as dett, I sall, Godwilling, banis the man I spak of, this place as weill as he is, Skotland. Bot I was so used afor that now I maun trow quhen I get things in my hand, unto wlk tyme laking habilite I can do more bot bear guid will quia nemo tenetur ultra suum posse. Lett Jenet, Margret and your young anis, cheiflie Jenet (whom I pray God I may anis see or die) Allexander and his young famile wt thair mother, Annabell Forton, kind thair commendacions heir.
Item, forget not my humle dewte to your parentis, whom I pray the Lord to blis, James Murray above all, with my awin faythfull gossep, and let this serve also for theme.—Bolougne this 24 of Februar, 1598.
Endorsed in Essex's hand :—“14th of Febr. from Bullen to Jeremy Lindesay”; and in another hand, “Inut.”
Holograph. Seal.
2 pp. (59. 100.)
John Colville to his loving friend Mr. James Hudson, Esquire.
1597/8, Feb. 14/24. Sum intercepted lettres fallin in the handis of the party mentionat in former lettres wch at my cumming he will give me to be delyvred to my Hoble. good lord of Essex, hes maid me bold to writ unto his Honer, praying yow insist as of before that my cumming be not delayit, for I [have] other necessarie service in hand wch I wold imploy my self into in cais this be not acceptabill, pretesting that, imployit or not imployit by theis thair, that nothing shall fall in my way wch may plesure thame but I shall be as carefull and faythfull thairin and any bairn Anglisman, utherwayis, I wis the Lord never to have mercy on me.—This 24 of February 1598.
P.S.—I go this day to Amiens and, God willing, the last heirof sall be heir againe to attend on your answer.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (59. 104.)
Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1597/8, Feb. 15. Since my last letters written two hours ago her Majesty minded to restrain you from going to Bloys, but I stayed that resolution by alleging that it was but your pains, and that you meant to leave your great train behind you; and so therewith her Majesty was satisfied. She did herself also doubt that you had not any public letters of credit as the manner is, but only her private, and thereupon she hath signed this which I send to you at this time with the copy of the same, which, as I perceive, was made ready before your going but not signed as now it is. And so at this present, beholding the wind favourable for you, I doubt greatly these letters may come too short.—From the Court, 15 February, 1597.
Signed. Seal.
½ p. (49. 39.)
The Chevalier de Chaste to Queen Elizabeth.
1597/8, Feb. 15/25. Il passa hier a la veue de ceste ville un navire charge de soldatz Espaignolz, lesquelz s'estans separez de l'armee qui est partie de Cologne (? Corunna), et nayans aucun pillotte dans leur navire, se voyans icy proche des terres, et que leur dict navire faisait beaucoup deau, ilz ont mis leur petit basteau a la mer pour dessendre en terre; et comme ilz ont pense sen retourner, ilz ont trouve leur dict basteau plain d'eau, tellement que ceulx qui sont dessenduz m'ont este amenez, qui sont quatre soldatz et quatre mattelotz, l'un desquelz j'envoye vers votre Magesté, afin qu'elle soit bien particulierement informee par luy de la dite armee. A quoy je n'ajousteray rien sinon que je vous diray, Madame, que m'estant informé des dictz matelotz quelle route ilz tenoyent lors qu'ilz sont partis de Cologne, ilz mont faict entendre qu'ilz avoient le Cap au norouest; et ayans perdu la dicte armée qu'ilz ont changé le Cap au nordest, qui me faict juger qu'ilz vouloyent entrer dans la Manche pour venir a Callais. Jestime que vostre Magesté en pourra avoir apris maintenant quelques nouvelles certaines. Toutes fois je n'ay voulu faillir comme son tres humble serviteur, et pour l'obligacion que j'ay a vostre dicte Magesté, et pour l'affection que je porte au bien de son service, de luy en donner cest advis, estimant que c'est chose qu'elle aura agreable. J'ay envoye le long de ceste coste pour voir si l'on aprendra des nouvelles du dict navire que je croy estre perdu hautant qu'il a pris sa route vers la riviere de Somme ou il y a beaucoup de bans. Sy jen apprens quelque particulliarite je ne faudray, Madame, de vous en donner advis, comme aussy de tout ce que je cognoistray concernant votre service.—A Dieppe ce xxv Febvrier, 1598.
Holograph. Seal.
1 p. (59. 110.)
PreviousTable of contentsNext