Cecil Papers: May 1599, 1-15 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 9, 1599. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1902.

Citation:

'Cecil Papers: May 1599, 1-15', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 9, 1599, ed. R A Roberts( London, 1902), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol9/pp150-167 [accessed 16 November 2024].

May 1599, 1–15



	Richard Hawkins to the Queen.
1599, May 1.	Although my demerits cannot compare with many, yet seeing my dead father and myself in endeavouring to serve your Majesty have spent our lives and substance, we may without arrogance repute ourselves among the most that have deserved well at your hands; wherefore, prostrate at the feet of your sovereign clemency, I humbly beg that relief which ordinarily it imparteth to infinite others, whose service, poised in the equal balance of your high discretion, may hang in the air when mine may weigh down to the ground.—In the common prison at Madrid, 1 May, 1599.
1599, May 1.	Holograph. ½ p. (69. 92.)
	Gilbert, Earl of Shrewsbury to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1599,] May 3.	Recommending Doctor Jessop, who is willing at the request of the Muscovy Company, by the advice of Dr. Smith, her Majesty's Physician, to go to Muscovy, to be sent over to the Emperor with the Queen's recommendation.—3 May.
[1599,] May 3.	Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (69. 94.)
	A. Hunter to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1599,] May 3.	Upon occasion of a provision to a benefice, I have been detained from my journey, but am with such haste as I can to accomplish it, and they which held me in hand have either cozened me or look for that which I have not.
	After sight of your letter I am looking out for an Irishman lately come. I would I had known of it three days ago.
	To-night are come to London Lord Hume (fn. 1) and three others, one of whom is Thomas Tyrie. You will remember some letters in Italian written by Father Crichton to some in Italy, praising this fellow as very valorous and worth some thousands of men. This year of Jubilee draws our nobility to “rowum” [Rome]. I shall visit them and think to let you know what I learn.—3 May.
	Holograph. Endorsed by Munck : “1599”; and by Herbert : “3 May.—Mr. Hunter to my Mr. L. Hume come to London. Thomas Tyre in his company.” Seal. 1 p. (69. 95.)
	Sir Henry Nevill to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 3.	Requesting that the Governor of Dieppe may have licence to transport out of England 5 or 6 geldings.—Dieppe, 3 May, 1599. Stilo Vet.
1599, May 3.	Holograph. ½ p. (69. 96.)
	Letter from the Mayor of Rochelle.
1599, May.	A young Englishman was brought before me the other day. He declared that he was of Dartmouth (“d'Arthemue”). I have given him in charge to this captain. The Englishman comes from Spain, and I found on him a letter in English and a German deposition. I have been advised by your countrymen in this town to send him to you for hearing and examination of the news which he brings from Spain. The captain who has charge of him is called William Rix, of London, and has asked me to furnish him with this warrant.—Rochelle, 13 May, 1599.
	Addressed :—“Aux premiers Magistrats du pays d'Angleterre ou arrivera le present porteur.”
	Endorsed :—“One of Dartmouth sent herewith.”
	Holograph. French. 1 p. (70. 26.)
	Federico Genebelli to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 4.	Notwithstanding my Lord Chamberlain's orders and Mr. Skinner's promise, I have not been paid my wages nor my last quarter's pension; and on Sunday Mr. Skinner put me off again; for the which payment I hope your Honour will give order, considering my great charges.—London, 4 May, 1599.
1599, May 4.	Signed. ½ p. (69. 97.)
	Jane Nevill to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 4.	I humbly submit myself to be judged by your censure and not by those base conceited parsons who measure not anise by occasion and quality but according to their dispositions and commodities, as appears by their wrong information, and to go about first to suppress the last and least offender, as I can show. But believe me that I would in no wise incur your displeasure, being much bound to you, as is my husband, whom I dare not acquaint with the course of these causes for drawing his dislike towards me.—Lambeth, 4 May.
1599, May 4.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“M^res Nevyll.” Seal. 1 p. (69. 99.)
	Sir William Bevill, Bar. Greynville, and Nicholas Prideaux to the Privy Council.
1599, May 4.	Enclosing an examination taken by William Treffry, justice of the peace, of Fowey.—Killigath, 4 May, 1599.
	Signed. Endorsed :—To be conveyed by the running post from Plymouth to the Lords of the Court. Haste, post haste for her Majesty's especial service. From the high Sheriff of Cornwall at Killigath, the 4th of May, by eight of the clock in the evening.
	“From Plymouth at 2 of the clocke in the fornone.
	Ashburton at 4 of the clocke in the afternone.
	Exeter the 5 of Maye at 9 a cloke in the night.
	Hunyton at 12 after mydenyght.
	Crewkern at 6 in morning.
	Shorborne 8 a cloke in the forenon.
	At Shasburie the 6 of May at 12 of the clocke in the fornoune.
	R. at Sarum at 4 of the cloke in the afternoone.
	Bassingstok at 8 of clok in the morning the 7 daie.
	Hartford bridge the 7 of May at halfe anour after 9.”
	Seal. ½ p. (69. 100.)
	The Enclosures :
	(1.) William Treffry to Sir William Bevyll.
	Enclosing the examination of Ingleton. The printed paper Ingleton desires to deliver to the Earl of Bath. What he says should make us more circumspect.—Fowey, 4 May.
	Holograph. 1 p.
	(2.) The Examination of John Incledon.
	In June last he was taken at sea near the Northern Cape (in a man-of-war of Barnstaple) by two Spanish ships, and carried to the Groyne. At the Groyne there are now seven “Armathoes,” three “Levantiscoes,” and twelve other ships which have lately been built in Biscay, with certain fly-boats and four “patazes.”
	About Shrovetide last he saw 125 mules laden with treasure brought into the Groyne, which was embarked in a fly-boat and two patazes, good sailers; at Brest he heard that the treasure was landed at “Cales,” to be consigned thence for some evil traitors.
	There teas a general report in Spain that the Great Adelantado would be at the Groyne by the five of this instant, and that in July the galleys would start for England. There are 4,000 men now there, with some great lords and plenty of stores and artillery. He was a prisoner on the Great St. Paul, the admiral of the fleet, and there had the printed paper given him to read. It was printed at “Matheryll” and there were two chests full of them, encouraging the English Papists to be ready to rise. Three of these papers he brought with him when he escaped by means of a Frenchman who took pity on him, being almost starved, and landed him at Bluet, whence he got by land to Brest and thence to Fowey.
	Signed :—George Incledon, William Treffry. 1½ pp. (69. 101.)
	Jo. Ferne to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 4.	I received your letters of the last of April on the third instant, being at dinner with the Archbishop, and perceiving your letter to him mentioned a service imposed by you on me at London with charge to conceal it, I gave it to him; but shall not discover the secret to him. I humbly thank you for your countenance in this matter. But for this time the attempt is deferred by the act of God. For all things were ready, the guide was come disguised, with a certain knowledge that they were all at the house and would be there all the night of the third of May (celebrated by them as the Invention of the Cross); when there fell a very great rain all the night and up to nine the next morning, whereby the Esk, which runs at the foot of the cliff on which the house stands, was so swelled that the men who should take the house could not have passed over, but would have been drowned. And all agree that unless the river can be forded, none coming from York can take the orchard which adjoins the house and the river. And if the river and orchard be not taken, those within can escape by their conveyances in the orchard, or by a boat, out of a vault of the house into the river, it being in flood; and so escape into great woods. This was the impediment, as knoweth the Lord God, which prevented me setting men forward, lest their coming near the place and not being able to pass the river but by going six miles about by a bridge in the face of diverse towns—which could not have been done before broad daylight—should have driven these foxes to seek new kennels. But the plot shall be laid again on Trinity, Corpus Christi or St. John's Evening. He tells me the book will be found being of twenty quire of paper; bound in red leather; wherein his own name is written long since. He says it was made by Campion while he kenelled at this house, containing among other things the names of all those reconciled by him, and by other priests since. Many of the greatest that are papists will be touched by it. I should think that a mason dwelling near the great house, a maker of all conveyances, vaults and lurking holes for these foxes, ought to be taken and examined at the time of the search, to discover any new holes, with some small tortures or threatening thereof; but as this Council has no authority to minister tortures, I refer this to your consideration.
	If my intelligencer should delude, I will do my best to deliver him up to be proceeded against for being reconciled, as he confesses he wrote his name in the book; and in every way will try to accomplish this design.—York, 4 May, 1599.
	Holograph. Seal. 2 pp. (69. 103.)
	The Earl of Bath to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 5.	The bearer hereof, Robert Bellman, a merchant of Plymouth, is returned out of Ireland from his captivity, and hath explained to me all the troubles and his first acquaintance with Bridges (whom I lately sent up to you) and Duffel, by whose bad dealings, as is supposed, he has endured much misery, besides his losses.—Tavistock, 5th May, 1599.
1599, May 5.	Signed. Seal. 1 p. (69. 105.)
	Robert Beale to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 5.	I have been a long time a suitor unto her Majesty for the means to relieve my necessities, and to be better able to serve her. But hitherto I have little prevailed. I am not able to bear the burden any longer, for I am in debt and know not what shift to make to content my creditors. Therefore very necessity forces me to beseech you either to help me to somewhat or else to be a means that more be not laid upon me than my poor estate is able to bear. I receive not any benefits by my fee of Clerk of the Council, which is spent in subsidies and many other charges of my extraordinary employment. My office at York is so diminished that it yields not so much as may find my poor house. Many times have I been a suitor to your father for a competency or reversion of my office at York, but have received no answer or hope. In the meanwhile I hear that others have been dealers about it, who hope to have better success than I. It is bruited that I was named to have another place which I do acknowledge myself unworthy of. I am not so ambitious as once to think after it. I am far from those gifts that such a place requireth. My eyesight is decayed, my body unable to sustain the toil of so troublesome a place. I am very well contented to remain as I am without any farther preferment. And for that I am loth in these chargeable times to demand too much, I would humbly beseech your Lordship to be a means to her Majesty that I may surrender up my fee of £50 yearly for the clerkship of the Council, and have a lease of some 100 marks by the year for 40 or 50 years. But if not, then that I may have a speedy answer what to trust unto, to the intent I may take some other order for the satisfying of my creditors, and minishing of expenses. I am bold to crave this favour, for that I have always acknowledged to serve under you.—5 May, 1599.
1599, May 5.	Holograph. 2½ pp. (70. 1.)
	Case of Henry Carey.
1599, May 5.	Examinations taken before Lord Thomas Viscount Howard of Byndon, George Morton and John Williams, esquires, and John Mokel, mayor of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, at Waterhouse, 5 May, 1599.
	Edmund Saunders, of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, sailor, saith that one William Larkinge, shewing to Henry Carye a Spanish sixpence, demanded him how he liked it. His answer was it was the king of Spain's coin, and he did honour it with his heart. After that the said Larkinge shewed him a piece of her Majesty's coin, affirming it was the best coin in the world, saying withal that the picture in it was her Majesty's picture, who answered the said Larkinge that if he had her there, he could find in his heart to be her hangman, and to hang her at the yardarm.
	Henry Carye uttered these speeches aboard their ship [called The Tobacco Pipe] at Bordeaux, and William Larkinge telling him he might no more use such speeches for they might be dangerous, he answered, when he came to England he would be better advised. These speeches were revealed to Richard Toms, master of the ship, within one hour after they were uttered.
	William Larkinge, Robert Rapson and Richard Mico also examined, to the same effect. William Mounsell, merchant, of Weymouth, deposed that the said Carye told him that after four years' abode at Eu in France he went to Dunkirk, and lodged with four English scholars who went together with him for Spain.
	Then follow the seven interrogatories administered to the deponents.
	Signed :—Thomas Howard, George Morton, John Williams, John Mokel. 5 pp. (70. 9.)
	Henry Cuffe to Edward Reynolds.
1599, May 5.	His Lordship wills me to excuse him by you to all his good friends for not saluting them by this messenger; but there is too much haste. In three days Mr. Darrell follows, by whom I doubt not but you shall hear at large de omni ente et non ente. In the meantime you are to repair to Mr. Controller (to whom only of all the Council his Lordship now writes) and communicate what he tells you to his Lordship's friends.—Dublin, 5th of May.
1599, May 5.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“May, 99.” 1 p. (179. 8.)
	Thomas Mulcloy to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 6.	The only cause of my departure out of Ireland was to obtain more knowledge, and having not sufficient ability to take shipping at Drogheda, I thought it not hurtful to anybody to travel through the North to beg gentlemen's devotion towards my studies, which is a common course that poor students use there. My own friends in Meath, where I was born, were not able to help me, because her Majesty's enemies had carried off all their substance. I came to the town of the Earl of Tyrone after the night fell, and could not get into his house because his doors were made fast and the watch set. That night I lay in a house in the town, where I bought my victuals, and the next day I came into the house, where I met a schoolfellow of mine, whom I told I came to beg the Earl's alms, being bound for France to go to my studies. “You come,” said he, “in bad time, for he hath given all the money he had to the soldiers that he sent to Leinster.” Then said I, “I hope he will give me his direction to James McSavarle to get my shipping for Scotland”; whereupon he took me to the Earl's chamber, who commanded his man to write such letters and put his hand to them. I never saw him before that day; and protest to God he never requested me to deal in any matter to him belonging, nor sent letter or message by me to any living creature, but thought me a spy because I came out of the English Pale. My father was slain in her Majesty's service and all my good friends are obedient to her laws. Wherefore I beseech you to suffer me to have my liberty. I am a poor ignorant man, and never dealt in any matters of state in my life.—“Breewell,” 6 May, 1599.
1599, May 6.	Holograph. 2 pp. (69. 106.)
	Examination of Thomas O'Mulckloy, Priest.
1599, May 6.	There was an Englishman (servant to Mr. Constable) that remained in Dundee with this Irishman till one Matthew Sempill (serviteur to the Lord Sempill, now in Spain, and going thither to the said lord) did come to Dundee. This Englishman, as soon as he had spoken with the said Matthew, did return back to Mr. Constable his master at the Court of Edinburgh. The Irishman may therefore be demanded, (1) what covenant he had with the said Englishman or with Mr. Constable, and to verify that he was with him you have here a witness that came out of Dundee with him in the same ship. (2) Also, if he spake with another Englishman, a pedagogue to the youg earl of Mar, at St. Andrews in Scotland, for this pedagogue is a most pernicious fellow. (3) Also, if he spake with the King. After Mr. Constable had been with the young lord of Boniton (who is excommunicate) at Brussels, he returned to Paris, and after many days' conference with the Bishop of Glasgow, he went home to Scotland with the said Bonitoun, for whom the King did earnestly write notwithstanding his excommunication.
	Endorsed :—“Some interrogatories to be ministered to the Irish priest, Thomas O'Mulckloy. 6 May, 1599.”
	Unsigned. 1 p. (70. 3.)
	W. Temple to Edward Reynolds.
1599, May 6.	I have answered your letter in one from Mr. Wotton to you. His Lordship wishes you should be careful of the delivery of a letter to the Lieutenant of the Ordnance, which this bearer, Mr. Tracy, has with him. There is no alteration here, except it be in O'Brien, my lord of Thomond's brother. What his Lordship's journey into Munster will effect, I know not. We hope the best, and you are like to hear the worst.—Dublin, May 6, 1599.
1599, May 6.	Holograph. ½ p. (69. 107.)
	William Lewkenore to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 6.	In the life of Sir Thomas Walsingham, when I was living at Lyons, I was employed to watch Dr. Parry and one Aldred and others, of whose proceedings I gave secret intelligence, not without my great charge, being glad to do her Majesty and my country that service. But now I most humbly crave her Majesty to write for me to the Margrave of “Norou-borowe,” whereby I may have justice of a merchant that has his safe conduct, the want whereof may be the loss of my debt of £200.—6 May, 1599.
1599, May 6.	Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (69. 108.)
	Jo. Ferne to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 6.	Although Mr. Richard Pollard, keeper of Sheriff Hutton Castle and park, in whose favour the Archbishop and the rest have written to you, had special occasion to be at London this term to answer Brough's suit against him, yet, in respect of his skill in the service of which I wrote to you, I detained him here; and desire still to do so as long as I can, hoping you will not let his absence be prejudicial to him.—York, 6 May, 1599.
1599, May 6.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (179. 9.)
	Sir Robert Sydney to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 7.	I am constrained to beseech your Honour both of favour and advice. For I understand that her Majesty did yesterday ask for me, and I having concern why it should be but to command me away, since business is such as till these two terms be past I may not leave England, and therefore, since there is no extraordinary cause, I hope, if her Majesty be made understand my reasons, she will not impose so much prejudice upon me. If it will please you to let me be in the number of those for whom it pleaseth you to take care, I will make it appear that I will esteem it as a great honour and good fortune unto me. I would myself wait upon you, but that I am loth to show myself at the Court. Will it please you to let me hear from you again?—At Baynard's Castle, this 7 May, 1599.
1599, May 7.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (70. 4.)
	Sir Gelly Meyrick to Edward Reynolds.
1599, May 7.	Honest Ned, I received your letters, for the which both myself and my master do thank you. The variety of Court dispositions, they never alter, but friends upon weak grounds do. For my part, I have ever loved, and will, Mr. Folkes.
	I ever esteemed him as I am assured he is, which is very honest. I never deserved his ill opinion in my own understanding, therefore he is not wronged by me. His brother shall not be more ready to pleasure him than I will. Yet he told me I did him wrong, but my conscience doth witness I did satisfy him once for Wansted, which upon my faith was true. I did now and have ever wished him as well as any, and will, let faults rest where they are, for I were very weak to think that he should combine to wrong me. And for Oldesworth, I know what he is and his end of offering that course he did. I pray you put him to this—whether before my Lord he could urge more than he did, and some things he was stirred unto upon his own wrongs, yet I doubt but my Lord, Mr. Crampton, Mr. Linley and Peter Vanlore were satisfied. For one account of 58,000l., or thereabouts, time did not serve me to satisfy his insinuating “umore” and his desire of an office, which was, by disgracing others, to grow himself. I will never, God willing, rest in his unworthy idle “umor,” and so for that, Mr. Reynolds, I thank you much for your care. I shewed Mr. Bacon's letter to Mr. Crampton, Mr. Linley, Sir Anthony Standene, Mr. Foulkes and some few others. I care not if it were in private. I am not a boy. I suffered by Mr. Anthony Bacon's censure; to whom I will, in regard of my Lord, wish well but for his taking of me of my enriching. What I have, I came by honestly. I will bear comparisons. The ground of it all is my not giving way. I will never do it. Yet I renew and know his interest and observe his end and his brother's. Learning advanced his father; so did it mine, although not in the like measure. He hunteth after my carriage. I will not plead for myself innocency of some things of this letter, but for some other things, I am freer from it than himself. Pardon this, Ned, for it is in haste and passion. We speed here highly and now go a journey into the West which, please God, will end the wars for that part. He is truly honourable and religious, God be thanked; and I doubt not but God will bless him. We will both to bid “addew” and to end, to wit, Folkes and the rest of our friends. Dated this 7th of May, 1599. My master doth the like to you and is yours in all love, for there is no cause of either jealousy or anything else but in his love to me, which I hope I shall never fail in towards him.—Your very honest and true friend, Gelly Meyrick.
	Holograph. 2 pp. (50. 86.)
	The Council of the North to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 7.	The castle and park of Sheriff Hutton, in Yorkshire, were, in the time of the last Lord President, assigned to that office as a country residence, and Mr. Richard Pollard, a servant of the said Lord, was given the custody of them. But we hear that one John Brough of Sheriff Hutton (sometime the said Pollard's servant, a very lewd and base person, a mover of many suits against his poor neighbours, and one who last summer did utter lewd speeches against his Lordship your father, for which and other misdemeanours we committed him to prison), has now, upon pretence of informing of the cutting of some trees by Pollard, practised to obtain a lease of the said castle and park; which you have stayed : And we would ask you to move her Majesty that no such lease should be granted, and especially that no such base person as Brough have it. Further, we would ask for your favour to Mr. Pollard to continue keeping the castle and park during the vacancy in the Presidency. The man is honest and of special skill in arresting disloyal persons and priests.—York, 7 May, 1599.
1599, May 7.	Signed :—Matthaeus Eboracencis; Ra. Eure; Ch. Hales; Jo. Ferne. 1 p. (179. 10.)
	Carlo Lanfranchi to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 7/17.	Madame Aguilar, with two daughters and two servants, wishes to come to England to entreat her Majesty of her grace to compel Governor Noritz of Ostend to greater reason. He has imprisoned her husband 20 months, and as the latter is 80 years of age, with nine children dependent on him, she is very much afraid he will die of grief. She is unwilling to cross over without a passport, and so sends the bearer to obtain one. I beg you to enable this honest lady to get her passport on payment of all expenses.—Antwerp, 17 May, 1599.
	Signed. Endorsed :—“For the passport for Madam d'Aguilar, wiefe to the Governor of Dunkerke.”
	Seal French. 1 p. (70. 21.)
	Captain J. Davis to Edward Reynolds.
[1599, May 7.]	I thank you exceedingly for your kind resolve to execute my place in my absence. I could be well content to embrace Mr. Linewraye's love, if he could be constant. My nature is peaceable and loving and does most willingly accord to your motion; for one kindness that he or any one else shall do me, I will, if I can, requite him double.
	We are now within these two days going into the field towards Munster, where the enemy is exceeding strong, and, as is generally reported, much above the number that we carry against them. My Lord meaneth to leave us in the place or soundly to beat them.
	Undated. Holograph. 1 p. (179. 111.)
	Roger Aston to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 8.	I hear from Mr. Hudson that he has no answer to my letters which I wrote to your Honour by him. I must ask you to give order to Mr. Hudson that he may discharge my credit, as I ordered him to do; otherwise I must withdraw myself and take some other means to pay my debts.—8 May.
1599, May 8.	Holograph. Endorsed : “4 May 99.” Seal. 1 p. (69. 104.)
	The Earl of Rutland to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 8.	Sir, the honourable respect you have had of my letter giveth me sufficient testimony of your love and care of my well-doing, which I am not better able to requite but by assuring you of an honest man's love and thankfulness. I am very glad her Majesty takes no notice of my being here, and I desire she may continue yet in that mind till I have made by some actual testimony appear unto her and the world the true causes of my undertaking both this course and all the rest of my courses. I beseech you, if there be any alteration, I may be assisted still with your advice.—Dublin, 8 May.
1599, May 8.	Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (70. 5.)
	Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 8.	I send unto you by this bearer, my servant, two Italians, named Barnadino Antognossi di Luna, who, as he saith, is come over to learn the language, the other, Luizo Adimais di Venetia, a balowne-maker, who landed at Sandwich with divers popish relics about them, and therefore sent unto me by the bearer from the Commissioners for restraint of passage there. It seemeth they are well known to Franchotto, an Italian merchant in this town, and therefore, in my opinion, there is no great cause of further stay of them. I pray you to take order with them for the answering of the bearer's charges.—From my house in the Blackfriars, this 8 May, 1599.
	[P.S.]—The bearer's charges is 40s.
	Signed. ½ p. (70. 6.)
	Sir Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 8.	Your letters of the last of April sent from the Court by post, with yours enclosed to Sir Henry Nevill, I received not before 3 May about noon, since which time, by reason of contrary winds, I could not despatch them according to their direction until yester evening about eight o'clock. I thought good to send them to Calais by Edw. Bates of Dover, who hath undertaken to deliver them safely with as much expedition as may be.—Dover Castle, this 8 May, 1599.
	[P.S.]—I delivered to Bates but £4 when I supposed he should have gone directly to Dieppe, whereof failing, as well in respect of the wind as of passage for Dieppe, I promised him to pay all his reasonable charges. I am informed of the French king's departure from Paris on or about May day.
	Signed. ½ p. (70. 7.)
	Viscount Howard of Bindon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 8.	Your letters have received our best endeavours for the butting out of that truth which might be gathered by such witnesses as came before us. I have sent the articles and examinations thereof taken by this bearer, my servant, who stayed somewhat longer for the perfecting of some other examinations which myself took to approve the guiltiness of one Edward Francis, who otherwise was so favoured (in this county) as his accusers were utterly discredited, to Francis' clearing. By these means it will appear what he hath defamed, though his favourers allege that the matter hath been often examined and no proof made, and further, if the words were true, yet being spoken two or three years ago, they are not by law now to be examined. I refer the farther proceeding to your grave consideration.—From Walterston, the 8 May, 1599.
	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Examinations concerning the lewd speeches uttered by Henry Carue.”
	Seal. ½ p. (70. 12.)
	Robert Beale to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 9.	I have received your letter, for the which I most humbly thank you. I am not a little comforted thereby to understand both her Majesty's gracious favour and your good mind towards me. It is not my part to prescribe times : the only meaning of my former letter was to make my necessity known unto you. It becomes me humbly and patiently to attend your best opportunity, and so I rest satisfied.—From my poor house in London, 9 May.
1599, May 9.	Holograph. Endorsed :—'99. Seal. 1 p. (70. 14.)
	W. Temple to Edward Reynolds.
1599, May 9.	I send you this enclosed by his lordship's commandment. You are to impart it with some his faithful friends, and further to use it as in your discretion shall be thought meet. My lord doth hold it as a special prejudice offered to his authority in the office of the ordinance. Howsoever this particular may be carried in his absence, he doth purpose to righten himself at his return. Had not the greatest martial services and his care to order them wisely possessed him, he would himself by letter have acquainted Mr. Comptroller herewith.
	This day the noblest and worthiest lieutenant that ever Ireland saw hath taken his progress towards sundry parts of Leinster and Munster. He lodgeth this night at the Naas, 12 miles from Dublin. By this progress, in which he purposeth to visit some rebellious quarters of the said provinces, he shall discover the humour and intent of the rebel; the affection of the subject; the country's ability to furnish provision and carriages; and gather withal some intelligence the better to direct his greater and subsequent expedition. In the mean time you follow your contentments in Court and City, whereas we poor scribes have been tired out with infinity of several services.
	[P.S.]—Let me be remembered to Mr. Pitchford and other our fellows. I trust ere this you have seen my wife, from whom I have not heard since Easter.—Dublin Castle, out of my scribbling cabin, 9 May, 1599, which day in the morning Mr. Taseborough received from my Lord's sword an addition of Sir or Knightship to his name.
	Marginal note :—“Tegh O'Brian, brother to my Lord of Thomond, hath absolutely, without capitulation or standing upon terms, yielded himself to her Majesty's mercy.”
	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (70. 15.)
	Henry Cuffe to Edward Reynolds.
[1599,] May 9.	His Lordship's business (being now ready to set foot in stirrup for our journey into Leinster) hath forced him to leave most of his friends in England unsaluted, whereof he wills me to make his excuses. Saving one private letter to Mr. Grevill, he hath written none, except one to the Council from the Council here, copies of which I enclose. Unless you in England have better news than we here in Ireland, his Lordship accounts the Earl of Kildare a dead man, and therefore wills you to commend him to Mr. Garrett, and (in case it falls out to be true) to tell him that as my Lord is sorry for the death of the former Earl, so is he glad that so worthy a gentleman and so good a friend of his shall succeed in the honour of the house. If the matter were sure, he would have written to move her Majesty to send him over here, where one of his worth may do much. Pray tell Mr. Smyth I have satisfied my Lord concerning his brother. My Lord is much offended with the Low Country Commander and doth no less wonder at the humours of our Council at home. I will write to him at large, to whom, as to Mr. Savile and Mr. Bacon, I pray you commend me.—Raphin, 9th May.
[1599,] May 9.	Holograph. 1 p. (179. 11.)
	Sir William Cornwallis to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 11.	I thank you for sending to know how I do. Upon Sunday last I was let blood, since which time my fever left me and the extreme pain in my head, but I have so weak a stomach as I can taste no manner of meat to restore the ruin that my long abstinence hath made. I live by broths, barley, cream and sometimes a little jelly. But that which makes me weary of my life, I cannot sleep all night. I have ridden in a furred night-gown round my poor garden this morning and mean to do again to-night, finding the air comfortable, and hope that will bring me to sleep. I thank you that it hath pleased you to remember that poor lady. She will be a true “bedslady” of yours as long as she lives. So do I take my leave of you, not able to write more, and I am jealous of the return of the pain in my head.—From Highgate, 11th May, 1599.
	Marginal note :—One shall attend upon you from the lady, according to your direction.
	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (70. 16.)
	Thomas, Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 11.	Asking that the bearer may have letters from the Council to the Commissioners of Array in Northamptonshire to be muster master there. “Your Brother not in half but in whole love, Tho. Burghley,” this present Friday, 1599.
1599, May 11.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“11 May, 1599.” 1 p. (179. 12.)
	Sir Robert Sydney to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 11.	As my physic did give me leave, I was divers times at the Savoy to wait upon you; but your Honour was either gone to the Court or not come thence. At the Court I have not attended, understanding by Mr. Whyte that it was your direction unto me, though I know very well it behoves me to wait upon you to acknowledge my thankfulness for your answering for me unto the Queen, when she seemed so earnest to command me away. It is not to avoid a storm that I shroud myself under your defence; but were I in need of nothing, I would still seek to be beholden unto you. I would gladly wait upon you to say somewhat, seeing that the communication of peace goes forward concerning my own charge at Flushing, of which the Queen and you ought to know, nor can any declarei so well as I.—Baynard's Castle, 11 May, 1599.
1599, May 11.	Holograph. Seal. 1½ pp. (179. 13.)
	The Bailiffs of Colchester to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 12.	The whole estate of this corporation finding themselves much bounden unto your Honour, as the patron or rather parent of this society, do entreat your furtherance for the relief of some part of the trained band imposed upon this town, a charge far exceeding the common rate of other corporations and places in this shire. There be but 16 small parish churches only, with the 4 hamlets, within the whole town, and yet we stand charged with 200 and 3 score trained soldiers and armour for them—an unequal and very burdensome proportion to the inhabitants, both in respect of the multitude of strangers inhabiting amongst us, as also of the death and departure of very many of the chiefest men of account with us and of sundry able persons prest into foreign services. By means whereof neither the defects of armour nor yet of men can possibly be supplied within this town. We therefore humbly beseech you, either by motion to the rest of the privy council or by letters to the commissioners of this county, to take regard of our first cause of complaint, and to free us from so long endured a burden.—From Colchester, this 12 May, 1599.
1599, May 12.	Signed :—Richard Simnel, Robert Wode, bailiffs. Seal. 1 p. 70. 17.)
	Filippo Corsini to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 12.	Enclosed I send a packet of letters from Antwerp, which came to Yarmouth, and which I could only get to-day from Raffaello, master of the post, who has kept them back, he or Abram Laws, the courier, until to-day, as I have told Sir John Stanhope, complaining of the delays to my letters here and on the way. And as to-morrow Gilbert Lido Gordini is going to you at the Court, I now mention the matter to you.—London, 12 May, 1599.
1599, May 12.	Holograph. 1 p. (70. 18.)
	Matthew [Hutton], Archbishop of York, and the Council to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 12.	The 8th day of this month we received advertisement from the bailiffs of Scarborough that ships of Dunkirk did great hurt upon the sea coasts of Yorkshire, which we certified the same day to her Majesty's Privy Council, and did likewise give notice to Sir Christopher Hillyard and others inhabiting near the coast. Now, the said Sir Christopher hath returned answer that Dunkirk ships do likewise rob her Majesty's subjects on the coast of Holderness, as by his letters hereinclosed appeareth.—At York, 12 May, 1599.
	Signed :—Matth. Ebor. Ch. Hales. Jo. Ferne. 1 p. (70. 19.)
	The Enclosure :
	Sir Christopher Hillyard to the Archbishop and Council of York.
1599, May 9.	I received your letter this day and set order for watching the coast, which never stood more in need, for every day ships are taken. Yesterday there was 7 ships taken by the Dunkyrkes betwixt Tunstall and Hompton. Some of the men did forsake their ships and come on land. This 9 May the enemy took two ships, one of which was a very fair ship, and within one hour after, we heard the ordnances go off, whereby we perceived they were in hand with some other. At the same time one of the Dunkirkes took a fisher boat of Sea Thorne, with 10 head of great fish and all their provision. If some means be not found, there will be no trade by sea, and it putteth us in the country to great charge, there being none nigh the coast but myself, for the Sheriff was at his house, but is now gone. We are in more danger now than when at war with France and Scotland. Therefore write for some order to be sent down if the enemy should land, and that some may have authority to govern the country people, who is most willing to serve and doth bestow great charges to furnish themselves.—Winstead, this 9 May, 1599.
1599, May 9.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (70. 13.)
	Sir Thomas Fane, Lieutenant of Dover Castle, to Lord Cobham.
1599, May 12.	There arrived this last night from Calais, in the Tremontane, her Majesty's ship, an ambassador from Hamburgh, whose name is Elperte Esiche, with his son, a gentleman of 15 or 16 years of age, and one other gentleman of great sort, as it is informed, and nine or ten servants. I thought it my duty to advertise you hereof with expedition.—Dover Castle, this 12 May, at 4 in the morning, 1599.
1599, May 12.	Holograph. Endorsed :—“Dover at 4 morning. Canterbury at 6 morning.” Seal. ½ p. (70. 20.)
	Kingston-Upon-Hull.
1599, May 12.	A. Reasons by them alleged for the charges of the two ships set forth for this last year :—
	(1) The same was directed for the defence of the coast. (2) The careful endeavour of the mayor and the rest to set forth those ships upon their own present charge, who disbursed ready money for all provisions. (3) In spite of great expedition used, threatening letters were sent by Sir Christopher Hilyeard and the Council of York. (4) The town was not in danger, being 20 miles within the Humber. (5) The ships were thought necessary to defend the country. (6) Though the defence did concern the State, it was in particular more for the country. (7) There are only 150 persons chargeable in Hull for public matters, and 500 to the town, whereas in the East or North Hidings there are 12 score parishes and 300 towns. (8) Lastly, though 28 ships only were prepared, yet all the shipping in the port was stayed thereby, to the hindrance of her Majesty's customs.
	B. Objections by the country :—
	(1) The ships were not at sea, and therefore the country not comforted by the service. We received the Council's letters Dec. 2 and the ships were ready Dec. 10, and put to sea as far as Flamborough Head. (2) The town of Hull bears no charge for land service. In the Eebellion, the town set forth fourscore men, and furnished a great quantity of ordnance, shot and powder; did also lend her Majesty £500, which was delivered to the Earl of Essex : at the service of Lyeth, set out 50 men under Capt. Drurye. In 1588 the town provided 2 ships, 1 pinnace and 200 mariners. Capts. Cridwell and Morgan shipped with their companies to Normandy, and Sir Martyn Farbisher for the service of Brest. The service of Calais was attended by one ship, amounting to a charge of £1,300. The port has suffered at least £6,000 loss from the Dunkirkers, besides the charge of widows and orphans, and continual watching by the aldermen and others.
	Unsigned. Endorsed :—“Hull, 12 May, 1599.” 2 pp. (70. 21.)
	George Moore to [Matthew Hutton,] Archbishop of York.
1599, May 12.	May it please your Grace to respect the estate of a poor gentleman, who neither for treason nor any practice against her Majesty refused the realm, but especially for the freedom of religion, and the avoiding of the Earl of Huntingdon's displeasure, which I had cause to fear. Being in Flanders, where I found small favour, refusing to follow a factious company, enemies to her Majesty, I retired myself from there, and by letters sent by my man advertised my lord Treasurer thereof, and of the cause of my departure from England, most humbly craving her Majesty's grace and favour. Whereupon he returned me by my servant a most gracious answer. I desire to come in and absolutely submit myself to her Majesty's mercy, to suffer what punishment soever for the appeasing of her indignation. I would rather die at home a true Englishman than live in any foreign country. I have made Mr. Secretary acquainted with my wife's return home, first to present herself to your Grace, and so to continue her journey to his Honour, whereby she may be humble suitor for us both. I beseech your good favour for her passage, lest she be interrupted or stayed by others.—Liethe, 12 May, 1599.
1599, May 12.	Holograph. Seal broken. 1½ pp. (70. 23.)
	George Moore to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 12.	Having at last delivered my poor wife and children forth of this devilish desert, more dangerous to us than the deserts of Arabia to poor travellers, and this day shipped them for England, according to my last letter, I hope they will safely arrive at the port of peace, grace and mercy remaining in her Majesty's most royal and princely heart. Therefore I make no doubt to come in and submit myself to her goodwill and pleasure, if it may please her to give me leave. I beseech you to be a means for me and receive my poor wife to your protection.—Liethe, 12 May, 1599.
1599, May 12.	Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (70. 24.)
	Sir Robert Sydney to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 12.	I send you an abstract of such news as I received this morning out of the Low Countries, by which it may appear how the enemies' forces are disposed of. I hope to wait upon your Honour when you return to London, as Mr. Whyte did tell me.—London, 12 May, 1599.
1599, May 12.	Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (70. 25.)
	Frances, Countess of Essex to the Earl of Southampton.
[1599,] May 13.	I will not be in your debt for a letter lest you take that occasion to grow slothful and so deprive me of the contentment which your letters bring me. I do infinitely long to hear of my lord's happy proceedings against the proud rebels, which to acquaint me with, you shall do me a great favour. This place yields no matter worth the writing. I will only desire you to esteem of my affection, which you shall ever have interest in.—From Bar, the 13 of May.
	[P.S.]—Pray commend me to Sir Harry Davers, and bid him take heed of the “safforne” smokes. I think he means not to write to any of his friends till he may write in “Iryes” [Irish], which is more eloquent than the English.
	Holograph. Two seals. 1 p. (178. 72.)
	Sir Horatio Palavicino.
1599, May 13.	Statement of the circumstances under which her Majesty became indebted to the Palavicino family in the sum of £33,337 borrowed for the States on the joint security of the Queen and the City of London in the year 1578 and later; in 1583 Sir Horatio pressed to have payment in lands or else in instalments, but the Exchequer preferred to renew the bond and pay an annuity, which after eleven years was stayed, to the great loss of the Palavicino family.
1599, May 13.	Endorsed :—“13 May, 1599.” 1 p. (179. 14.)
	Thomas, Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 14.	Letter in favour of the bearer, Peter Peele, who is interested in a cause before the Council, between the Merchant Adventurers and the Clothiers, Clothworkers, and other makers and dressers of Cloth.—Burghley House, 14 May, 1599.
1599, May 14.	Signed. ½ p. (179. 15.)
	Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1599, May 15.	This country has so long lamented the cruelty of the “Mag^lo Basciadona,” in detaining in prison the poor man he has persecuted, that now or never it is time to put an end to it and have pity on an old man of seventy who is dying of misery, and so I write to recommend to you a petition which Calvo is going to present to you.—London, 15 May, 1599.
1599, May 15.	Italian. Holograph. ½ p. (179. 16.)