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Edw. Suliarde to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 1. |
With a few partridges, killed with a hawk. Let these late troubles excuse him that he sent to Cecil no sooner.—Flemings, 1 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. ¼ p. (73. 72.) |
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Thomas, Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 1. |
Acknowledges the trust and honour conferred upon him by her Majesty by his appointment. |
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Since my coming into this charge, I have taken consideration of what I thought most necessary to inform myself of, that is of the state of this country for recusancy, and likewise of the forces and strength of the same touching armour and horses, whereof I mean to send up certificate to you as soon as the service is performed. Herein, for the better arming of the people, I am to entreat you to speak with Sir Edward Yorke, to have a special
regard for sending down such sufficient armour as he hath already contracted with the country, which will breed great contention to the country if they shall find they be well dealt withal. It is the greatest supply of armour that ever this country made, being almost 4,000l. We are now examining the great riots that were committed before my coming, and as yet can come by none of the principals, it has been so long forborne in cold blood; but I have called before me such gentlemen, to whom some of the chief offenders were tenants, and have charged them upon their allegiance to bring them forth, wherein they have given us great promises to do the best they can, and I think they dare not but do something to purpose. Truly, for the small time I have been here, dealing and feeling the dispositions of both sides, I dare promise her Majesty that she shall be obeyed either with their purses (I mean of them that be recusants) or with their full obedience and loyalty.—1 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“L. President of York.” 2 pp. (73. 73.) |
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James Sympill, of Beltreis, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 2. |
I have taken occasion to direct one of mine own toward Scotland, fearing lest my letters being come to Berwick might have slow dispatch thence in respect of the requisite diligence, and his Majesty yet being on his progress, and as I hope not returned to Edinburgh, your Honour will vouchsafe him your ordinary form of commission for his passage.—Undated. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. Sympile, 2 Sept., '99.” ½ p. (73. 76.) |
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Sir Henry Lee to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 2. |
Understands of an embassage shortly intended into Muscovy, and begs that his brother Richard Lee may be employed therein. Speaks of his brother's experience in that country and state, in which he has once attended, not the meanest of the company.—Quaryngton, 2 Sept. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir Henry Lee, 2 Sept., '99.” 1 p. (73. 79.) |
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Sir Anthony Poulett to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 2. |
This day my Lord and Lady Norreys received very heavy and grievous news of the deaths of both of their sons in Ireland. They are exceedingly perplexed with this accident, and show many tokens of unfeigned sorrow. Amidst their lamentations they have commanded me to be a humble suitor in their names for the extension of your favour to the poor gentlewoman, their daughter-in-law, the rather for that this last rebellion has much delayed my brother's estate, which lay wholly in that country. For myself, after the receipt of your letters, I prepared such horse and furniture as I had, thinking to have
gone towards the Court if the alarm had continued, and now I am not sorry it fell out that I was here, this honourable couple having perchance more use of me now than at many other times.—Rycot, 2 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (73. 80.) |
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Thomas, Lord BurghlIey to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 2. |
My packet of letters being sealed up to send away, this morning came the post before I was ready, with your letters unto me; whereby I perceive the kind care you have of my well doing, which shall every day tie the knot of our love harder and harder. I have followed your advice in writing a short letter unto her Majesty, though you may perceive by my letters both to you and Sir John Stanhope, that I wrote a remembrance thereof to be done by your relations. And so being glad all the jealousies of this year are past, and that the matter you know is set afoot again, which I wish may have the best success, as a matter most fit to be embraced considering these times, I wish in all your private and public designs a happy event, and your life long and happy to do her Majesty and your country service.—York, 2 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord President of York.” 1 p. (73. 81.) |
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W. Waad to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 3. |
The party that was sent to Dunkirk has made very good expedition. I send you that he hath delivered me, which I have made him set down in writing. Wherein else you desire to be satisfied of him, he is ready as he shall know your pleasure, or otherwise to be employed. |
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There is a Dutchman that has frequented Spain a long time who has a suit in law at Lisbon and offers to do service there, or as he may be thought fit to be used if you shall please to employ him. |
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Owen only made doubt in regard of Gyles whom I apprehended by his means, lest he should suspect he had been discovered by his means unto me. You may consider whether you shall have occasion to employ him.—From my house in Moor Lane, 3 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (73. 82.) |
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Filippo Corsini to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept.3/13. |
I have received your letter and seen your wish to have the picture, and on Saturday when the courier starts I will write as from myself and to a friend of mine, who will see that you have it as soon as possible, in the manner you ordered, and with all secrecy and speed.—London, 13 Sept., 1599. |
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Italian. Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (73. 94.) |
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Geordie Laslie to William Cravin. |
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1599, Sept. 4. |
According to promise you shall deliver enclosed to Mr. Broune. If you find him not in Cheapside, enquire in Wood Street of our friend there, and desire him to see them delivered, and fail not as you love to keep friendship and discharge your promise. James Cumminges is away, but tell Mr. Broune I will supply his place as I may.—Scotland, 4 Sept., 1599. |
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[P.S.]—Will your “mr.”, if you send answer to this, leave your letters with one Willie or Geordie Setonne, a tailor in the Cannongate, till some call for them in Geordie Laslie's name? |
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Contemporary copy. 1 p. (73. 75.) |
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Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 4. |
As to the uncertain report touching his son, hopes the best and fears the worst, but has in a manner expected it a good while. His comfort in the Queen's favour. As for the office, he acknowledges his obligations to Cecil, and is prepared to bear whatever the event shall be. His wife's grief for the dangerous sickness of her father.—York House, 4 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Keeper.” 1 p. (73. 84.) |
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Fulke Greville to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599,] Sept. 4. |
The honour you have done me in the whole course of this journey, both to join me with your dearest friends, and besides so kindly to advertise me in common with them, I neither mean to oversee nor to forget.—From the Triumph in the Downs, 4 September. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (179. 85.) |
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Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 5. |
Bear with me, albeit grief made me unadvisedly to break open this packet, but I have seen no particular.—York House, 5 Sept. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“1599.” ½ p. (73. 85.) |
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Sir John Heigham to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 5. |
Thanks him for his order that the party who has been granted the wardship of the heir of James. Markes shall deal with him before any other, and prays Cecil to deal with the party for a reasonable composition.—Ely Palace, 5 Sept., 1599. |
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½ p. (1936.) |
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T., Lord Buckhurst to Mr. Secretary Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 6. |
I sent for Mr. Ridsdale and imparted to him her Majesty's great favour and goodness in preferring the choice
of him to the office of Comptroller of the Mint before any other, so as his skill and knowledge were sufficient to discharge the same; and therefore wished him to consider of his own ability, and if he thought himself sufficient for the place, I would the next day go with him to the Tower, and there by proof upon the test he might both appear and confirm his own sufficiency. He gave humble thanks, but utterly refused to accept the office; for the same having no other commodity belonging to it but the bare fee of 100 marks yearly, is of much less commodity than the place in the office of Ordnance which he now possesses; and to be bound to continual attendance for so small a recompense, and to give up a better office which he has, for both he could not hold, he besought her Majesty to pardon him therein. |
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Whereupon I sent for Mr. Rogers, upon whom her Majesty made her first resolution, and have sent him to you with his patent drawn by Mr. Attorney to be presently signed by her Majesty, for that the Mint standeth still, and all the moniers being poor men exclaiming without work, and a great deal of bullion, some brought already into the Tower to be coined, and a great quantity in the goldsmiths' hands, expecting her Majesty's settling of officers in the Mint, it behoveth much that her Majesty will presently despatch this bill, for to coin money without a Comptroller is to coin without warrant, and to coin without warrant is treason.—6 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lord Treasurer.” 1 p. (73. 86.) |
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The Earl of Nottingham to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 6. |
There came hither these letters enclosed from Plymouth. I opened Mr Stallenge's, and looked in it because it was to you. That to my Lords I did forbear to open. This Fleming must be called to account, and in this case the Vice-Admiral must be written unto. When you come we will consider what is to be done.—Nonsiche, 6th. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“6 Sept. '99. Lord Admiral.” ½ p. (73. 87.) |
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T., Lord Buckhurst to Mr. Secretary Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. [6] |
In respect of a looseness, which I cannot impute to any other cause than to the overeating of too many grapes, it is not possible for me to come to the Court as I intended. I have had great conference with Birchenshaw touching the state of things in Ireland, and I have thought upon divers remedies for the great mischiefs there, and one especially for reformation of falsehood of musters, which I have often moved : and now he himself confesses is the only mean to help the same. I will do my best to hearken him out, and send him to you.—Saturday, 1599. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“8 (sic) Sept. '99. Lord Treasurer.” 1 p. (73. 89.) |
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Ireland. |
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1599, Sept. 8. |
Articles agreed upon for a cessation of arms between the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and the Earl of Tyrone, on the 8th of September, 1599, in the old style. |
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1. That the Earl of Tyrone shall undertake for all those that are joined with him, that for the space of six weeks (beginning at the day of the date hereof) there shall be a cessation of arms, and that in the remote parts of this kingdom the cessation shall begin as soon as knowledge is given of this agreement. And if any that are now joined with the Earl of Tyrone shall refuse this agreement, they shall be by him left to be prosecuted by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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2. That it shall be in the power of either side to continue the cessation from six weeks to six weeks till May day, or to break it upon 14 days' warning. |
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3. That for all spoils that are committed during the cessation there shall be justice done and restitution made within 20 days after knowledge given. |
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4. That the Earl of Tyrone shall take his oath for the performance of all these articles. |
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Signed, Hughe Tirone. Endorsed by Essex s secretary. 1 p. (73. 90.) |
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T., Lord Buckhurst to Mr. Secretary Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 9. |
The form of all the grants of these kind of offices are done by precedent of the like grants in all such cases, which being so important to her Majesty and the Crown, have always been made during good behaviour of the patentee; the which Mr. Attorney and I durst not change; for during good behaviour and during pleasure is all one, saving with this difference, that during pleasure doth not make the patent void, though he be of ill behaviour, until her Majesty do notify her good pleasure therein, which perhaps may lie secret and in silence and not done in a good time; but his ill behaviour doth make the patent void ipso facto. The matter doth require great haste. The moniers who are many and poor exclaim for work, having no other mean to live; and the goldsmiths cry out for their bullion (for already we have at this present to coin a good quantity). I assure you with eating of grapes in more plenty than was fit, I am fallen into a looseness, so as I cannot come to the Court, as I intended, till this do stay.—9 September, '99. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lo. Treasurer.” 1 p. (73. 83.) |
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Sir Thomas Fane to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 9. |
With an enclosure from Callice.—Dover, 9 September, 1599. Holograph. ½ p.
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On the back :— |
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“Dover this 9 Sept. at 10 in the forenone. Hast post hast post hast with spede Tho. Fane. |
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Canterbery at 2 in the afternone. |
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Sittingborn at 5 afternoon. |
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Rochester at 7 at night. |
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Dartford at almost 10 at night.” |
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(73. 91.) |
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Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 11. |
Of his late sorrow, and the comfort received from her Majesty. Hears that some are grounding a suit upon his poor son's dead head before he be buried, and therefore troubles Cecil with the enclosed paper. If Cecil thinks it fit to be moved for his son that lives, begs him to present it to the Queen. The thing is but a poor clerkship.—11 September, 1599. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (73. 93.) |
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The Mayor and Aldermen of Hull to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 11. |
Thanking him for his kindness to those of that town who suffered loss by the cruel dealing of the King of Denmark at “Ward ho” on the coast of “Lappia”; and requesting him to hear the bearer William Tayler, then master of one of the ships so taken, whom they have sent to put the Council in mind of their urgent suit.—Kingston-upon-Hull, 11 Sept., 1599. |
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Signed, John Graves, Mayor; and by the Aldermen. 1 p. (179.86.) |
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Ralph Weldon to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 12. |
Prays that his wife Elizabeth may have the wardship of her son.—Swanscombe, 12 Sept., 1599. |
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1 p. (1937.) |
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William Stallenge and Nicholas Oseley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 14. |
At this instant we have received your letters of the 11th, commanding us to despatch the Spanish prisoners from hence with all convenient speed, and to send the Alferes with some sufficient person unto you. But you not signifying what shall be done with Gasper Dias, concerning whom I (Oseley) did write unto my Lord, and therewith did send his letters, it causes us to doubt lest you have been misinformed, as we cannot here understand of anything done by the Alferes more than appears by the said Dias his letters. Further, if the prisoners should be sent away and the Alferes detained, it may give cause of some alteration in Portugal, whereby both the ships and their company may be endangered. Which we have thought meet to certify you, presuming in the mean time to let all things rest as they do, the Alferes being at Mr. Thomas Heall's house, eight miles from hence, where, considering this trouble, some time it
was thought meet by me (Oseley) to place him; and the said Gasper Dias remaining here prisoner till your pleasure be further known, which we pray with all expedition, for the ships being ready do only attend the same.—Plymouth, 14 Sept., 1599. |
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Signed. 1 p. (73. 93.) |
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E. Bowyer and Bartholomew Scott to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 15. |
They were required to examine witnesses with regard to speeches suggested to be spoken by the wife of Robert Whitwell of Newington against the Earl of Nottingham; and find by the information of Richard Denver, John Knight, and Richard Peirson that she has spoken against his Lordship at two several times most lewd and slanderous speeches, which are set down in the examinations enclosed. The woman is great with child, and utterly denies the speeches; yet they have committed her to the prison of the Marshalsea, there to receive such condign punishment as it shall please Cecil to inflict for her wicked offence.—Camberwell, 15 Sept., 1599. |
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Signed. Endorsed :—“Justices Boyer and Scott.” 1 p. (73. 96.) |
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Sir Thomas Egerton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 16. |
Expresses his thanks for the comfort he has received from her Majesty, for Cecil's favour, and for the clerkship the Queen has bestowed upon his son. Prays for its speedy despatch, as his son is now in that country to attend the untimely funeral of his brother, and he might be sworn and. take his place there before his return.—Yorke House, 16 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (73. 97.) |
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T., Lord Sheffield to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 18. |
Hears my Lord of Lincoln is dead, who held the stewardship of Kerton. Prays that it may be bestowed on him, as his house and living stand in it, and his ancestors have anciently held it; besides there lives not near any man of quality but himself; and “this Lord” cannot take it ill, for it is 30 miles from his dwelling, and none of his ancestors ever had it before.—18 Sept. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Lo. Sheifeild. 1599.” 1 p. (73. 99.) |
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W., Lord Herbert to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599?] Sept. 18. |
Finding by this bringer that my Lord had laid on you the trouble of delivering his letters to the Queen, I make it an occasion of acknowledging my thankfulness and desiring the continuance of your love.—Wilton, 18 Sept. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“1599. Lord Herbart.” 1 p. (73. 98.) |
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The Earl of Pembroke to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 19. |
Thanks her Majesty for licensing her servant Gotherous to come to him, by whose careful travail he is wrell recovered. If Gotherous may stay 14 days more, he hopes to be perfectly cured. Has written to her Majesty to this end, and will take it kindly if Cecil will deliver his letter, and let him know her Majesty's pleasure.—Wilton, 19 Sept., 1599. |
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Signed. Endorsed :—“Lord of Penbrooke.” ½ p. (73. 100.) |
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George Beverley to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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1599, Sept. 20. |
I do prepare to make up to send into England; but first to show to you the receipts, issues and remains of victuals provided and sent for the army in this kingdom for the six months last past, I have obtained certificates from commissaries in three provinces, and do stay to obtain the like from the commissary in Connaught, which I daily expect. The soldiers in this army being now ordered to receive half money and half victual, I do esteem the victual remaining in store within the realm will serve the army for six months to come, the which I humbly pray you to take notice of for the Lords of the Council to understand. The corn and other victual in this realm being now cheap, there is a general disposition in the soldiers to desire money, every man to provide his own victuals, rather than to receive any victual out of the magazines. Albeit the magazine in Munster at this time has least store of victual, yet Galway will spare some good store of victual to be sent.—From Limerick, 20 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (73. 101.) |
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R. Douglas to his brother, Thomas Douglas. |
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1599, Sept. 20. |
I received a packet of letters from you dated the 8 of August, which came not to my hands before the 8 of Sept., containing two letters to me and some others to your mother and brother, which were delivered at their receipt. As for mine, the one of them which you say you wrote at our uncle's command and by his direction, contained so many follies and absurd vanities that I assure myself he who is wise would never have desired you to have written a letter so far out of purpose; yet to follow you in the humour, albeit it grieves me to answer to so many impertinent matters, I shall omit never one of them. And first, to your own part, touching the letters you craved so soon as I should be resolved by others, for you know it lay not in my hand and [? to] have any occasion to have my letters carried, I wrote to you which was in the beginning of August, and caused them to be sent to London to gentleman porter, who, I trust, would see them delivered to my uncle. After that I wrote by Mr. James Sempill, so that I cared not to trouble me with farther answer to that point, only this excepted, that still like yourself you would mete me to the measure of your own foot; but I regard not what you think of me or what opinion you conceive,
or any other but Jesus Christ. My past life and whole course of my continuance hitherto will testify what I am, and when I am gone, what I have been, and I pray God that neither you nor any other of that race follow more dishonourable courses. But of this, too much. Whereas you wrote that my uncle blames me, as ever since my first coming from him in this country I looked to nothing but my particular gain but [without] any respect to him or his estate, if he so think, as I cannot think a man of his judgment can enter in so “barnelie” [? bairnly] a conceit, he does me great wrong and all his friends here, and they that know him and me both will condemn him, for it is sufficiently known here, the King himself knows it, if I would have followed others of greater credit and as near in blood to me as he is, and left him and his courses, my estate had been otherwise at this day nor it is now, and I had been abler to have pleasured both him and the rest of my friends than ever I will be. But God knows, because first I conducted myself that way I chose, rather to perish with him than to be preserved with the other, and followed rather his desperate fortune than the other's daily increasing greatness, whereof I never repented myself, because honesty and duty obliged me thereto, nor never shall except he be the cause thereof. As for any gain I made that way, God knows it was over a thousand pounds out of purse to me, and the yearly rent I have by him, I account so little of it that ever when he pleases I shall lay it down at his foot, dispose of it as pleases him, and would to God, to serve him in a good estate, I had cast it and all the securities I have of it in the sea, for it was never by it I lived; and as yet of Colfangie, which is the only thing I have of him of any account, I spent never hitherto a hundred pound by it. But I trust, if he said otherwise to you, when he is better advised, he shall change opinion. As for the other part, that you say he says I am readier to serve the Lord Willoughbie and other Englishmen nor him, and that the intelligences I get I give it up to the King as received from other hands than his, I dare take it upon me that foolish calumny came never in his head, for I swear on my conscience in God's presence, I never acquainted myself with any Englishman living but for his cause, and to this hour never wrote a letter of intelligence in England but to himself, and I defy all England to show a letter of mine but so many as were written to himself. As to my Lord Willoughbie, since he came to Berwick, I never seen him but once, and that was in the beginning of the last winter, and the cause moving me to go thither was only for safe coming of the letters to him that he sent me to Robert Laing, and neither before nor after did I see the Lord Willoughbie, neither yet did I ever write to him or receive a letter from him, for I have eschewed as the pest both writing or receiving letters from England except it be to him, that our enemies at home have no just ground to challenge me thereupon before the King, which they have very contumaciously and narrowly sought these years bye past, but could never find, because it was not. And as for intelligence making to the King by any other man, it is far out of purpose that I do
not know what to answer for it, for the King and all about him knows I never spake to him of foreign matters, but either upon the receipt of his letters which I show him immediately on coming from him, or yet since he left off writing to me, did I ever speak with the King, nor yet shall except it be in his causes, for except it be to move the King in some matter concerning him, I am none so little ambitious that I do not regard albeit I speak never with him. As for his desisting to write any further to me, as pleases him; for if he write, I shall be able, according to the small judgment and power I have, to do as he desires me. If he writes not, it contents me also not the less. I will never leave off to do in the mean time all I can to do him good, as I know he knows partly ere this by the relation of Mr. James Sempill. |
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If some of my letters which I directed to him have fallen in the Council of England's hands, what am I to blame therein, for he knows it was not my mind they should fall, and very few did I ever send by land but by such hands as he directed me? And if Robert Laing has played the knave to him in showing his letters to the Council, what may I mend it, or wherein can he blame me, for if he had not put him in trust and sent him home with letters and credit, I had never trusted him, nor given him either letter or money? And if the Council saw that letter bearing your homecoming and speaking with the Cardinal, it behoved either to be the letter that Robt. Laing affirmed to have fallen in the sea, or else it that I sent after by Richard Hendersone, which I believe the honest man delivered in his own hand. And if the Council saw any letter sent by land having relation, as you say, to another to be sent by Richard Hendersone, bearing to receive 20l. from him to make a part of his charges home by sea : if I remember right, I wrote no such particular by land, but only in general that one should come by sea who should furnish him so far as he could for his journey homeward by sea, and should transport him, and that letter my Lord of Kinloss delivered to Doctor Hereis to be given to him. The particular sum was only in the letter that Hendersone himself carried, and, think of it what he pleases, it was more than I was able at the time to furnish. And thus far to the letters. |
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Vindicates himself also from certain charges with regard to the lands of Cockburneshelf and Mochane, and says that certain writings and sureties connected therewith “shall never be found, for they fell into the Earl Bothwell's hands at the death of his mother, who destroyed them, as I hear.” As to an exchange of Dirlton with Lord Hume. The demission of the parsonage of Glasgow and the Pryor of Blantyre. As to an obligation made by the Lord Hunsdon, concerning certain tapestry, bedding and silver plate, alleged to be in the hands of George Douglas of Parthed : he saw a signed inventory of such things as the Lord of Angus, “Earl Archbald, I mean, of good memory,” sent to Berwick in the beginning of his trouble, to be kept to him by Lord Hunsdon, but never heard of any other obligation. Further details. |
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Can hardly believe his uncle commanded him (Thomas) to write such an impertinent letter, considering his good judgment in other things. If his uncle lives, he will perceive how far he has wronged him (the writer). If he (Thomas) goes to the Low Countries from England, urges him to honest and upright courses there. As to a tack [lease] sent for his uncle's signature. As to Robert Laing : he leaves him to his own conscience to torture him. Has received nothing from Laing since his departure.—20 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. 5 pp. (73. 102.) |
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Sir Francis Berkeley to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. |
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1599, Sept. 21. |
Some controversy has grown up between this city and the Earl of Thomond concerning the cessing his Lordship's two hundred footmen in the city, which the Mayor and citizens refuse, saying that they are Irish, given to quarrelling and other misdemeanours. Privately they tell me that the greatest cause is the safety of the city, which they have so long-kept from the Brians and other of the Irishry, and now think it unfit to commit so strong a place to any Irish man, and specially to any of the Brians, who sometime were Kings of Limerick, especially accompanied by so many Irishry and authorised to bring as many into the city as he pleased; they offer to accept of four hundred English soldiers in their place, so it please the Lord Lieutenant not to take their refusal amiss. My own opinion I can give impartially, for the Earl I hold an honourable nobleman and my friend, and the city has used me neither ill nor well. Now Limerick is the key of all that part of Ireland, giving access to Munster, Connaught, and much of Leinster. My Lord of Thomond will, I doubt not, continue a dutiful subject, but his two hundred soldiers may have intelligence with the rebels. And I think it not wise to put a place of such importance into doubtful hands. Her Majesty has almost lost all the Kingdom, the cities excepted. And my own opinion is that the place should be well garrisoned all this winter with English troops. The Mayor and citizens desire your intercession with the Lord Lieutenant if they have offended in refusing the Earl of Thomond in their care for the town. |
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I wrote you a month ago of the Lord President's death, and since then we are without a head here. My wants begin to be many, having received no lendings this half year. I beseech you to be a means that my lendings may be paid me; and I can then victual this castle for half a year at the least, as I have kept it at my great charges without any help. We all here long to hear from my Lord Lieutenant, for there is nothing done and our soldiers grow naked. If we hear not shortly, some of us must venture to Dublin through the rebels.—Limerick, 21 September, 1599. |
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Holograph. 2 pp. (179. 87.) |
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William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 22. |
Encloses a letter received by the Mayor of this town, which was brought to him by an English merchant arrived from Rochelle last night.—Plymouth, 22 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (73. 105.) |
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Ireland. |
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1599, Sept. 24. |
Warrant by the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland for drawing a commission directed to the Lord Chancellor and Mr. Treasurer, to be Lords Justices of Ireland “in our absence in England”; the commission to be with such limitations as are mentioned by Her Majesty's warrant dated 27 March last.—Dublin, 24 Sept., 1599. |
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Contemporary copy. 1 p. (73. 106.) |
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William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 25. |
This last day I received your letter of the 22nd, wherewith I acquainted Captain Oseleie, concerning the despatching away the Alferes and the Spanish prisoners, which only attend a fair wind. Gaspar Dias was here committed by the Mayor, at the request of Captain Oseleie, by reason of some letters here found in his lodging, importing that he had practised to set at liberty one Captain Godoy, for which cause he had been before you and was commanded to depart this realm within three days, as himself writes, and that he had been the means to send away divers others Spanish prisoners, for which the Alferes had promised him favour with the King of Spain. His last letters, with their translation in English, as Captain Oseleie informs me, are sent to the Lord Admiral. For my own part I have not been any cause of his committing, neither do I know any other matter to be alleged against him; and being a stranger and of such condition as I am informed he is, in my opinion it were better to send him away with the rest than suffer him to remain in this country. Notwithstanding, I shall rest doubtful therein until I understand further your pleasure.—Plymouth, 25 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (73. 107.) |
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James Gosnell to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 25. |
Prays that the wardship of the son of John Halgh be granted to the widow Gertrude, sister of Sir William Browne. Endorsed :—“25 Sep., 1599.” |
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Note by Cecil that she is to have a commission. 1 p. (1612.) |
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George Gilpin to the Earl of Essex. |
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1599, Sept. 26. |
By my last I advertised that the Germans had begun to environ Rhees, which they did with such a bravery and outward show of resolution as if they had needed no other force to expulse the enemy than lofty speeches and the naked
name of the Empire. The Spaniards, turning this their folly to his advantage, made a sally on them, and falling on the quarter of Hesse, slew about 200 (amongst whom were two captains and other officers), got three colours and one falconet, and nailed eight pieces of their ordnance; which blow did so astonish them that they sent forthwith unto the Prince Maurice, requiring to be assisted with some footmen and his advice about these matters, who presently despatched towards them the Count William of Nassau; but the soldiers not having the patience to attend his arrival, left the siege and severed themselves, most of them drawing towards Munsterland, the cause of this shameful departure being diversely interpreted; some assigning it to mere cowardice (which their actions seem to confirm), some to want of pay, which has indeed fallen out very scant to many of them; but others that censure with most likelihood, think it to be wrought by the Emperor's practices, who has of late sent his own brother Archduke Maximilian to deal severally with the Princes of Germany for the withdrawing of that army. Meanwhile the shame is theirs, and the danger of a civil war within the Empire shrewdly to be doubted. I am sure you have heard of the six Spanish galleys' arrival at Scluce, which somewhat troubles these men, as well in that all their men-of-war at sea had not lighted on them (so swift were they found to be of sail), as that it is feared they will prove but bad neighbours to those Islands, so as to prevent the harms and provide against all attempts and practices, the States General and Council of State went to Gorcum, being met there by his Excellence and the Count William, and after order taken in the matter of the Dutches, finding their charges excessive and to overpass the incomes, it was resolved that all the companies of foot should be reduced to 113 (the colonels only excepted, which shall be .150) and the horse troops to 80, and that the works being finished that are in hand for the defence of the passages in those parts (which would else be subject to the enemies' invasions by reason of his fort in the Bommelreweerdt), as many as may be spared shall be drawn thence and placed in garrison, as the horsemen are already. While they were in consultation about these matters and such like, that might any way tend to the diminishing of whatsoever else doth put the country to extraordinary charges (as waggons, carriage horses, ships, officers not used but in the camp, &c), the two Counts of Solmes and Hohenloo arrived there, of whom the former is now here and lives very private, not stirring abroad, the other was presently despatched back again assisted by one of the States, to try what may yet be done for the rejoining of the German forces, which if it could be compassed, these men would strain themselves so far as might be; yet is their burden already exceeding great (what means soever they use to lessen it), and money doth daily grow scanter, but much more with the enemy, who have of late made roads into the country of Juliers and Luycke, where besides other disorders, they surprised and spoiled a town or two, the Admirante not being able to remedy it; since when they have had a general muster, and instead of two months pay,
whereof there was spread a bruit, they received two-thirds of one month, with fair promises to feed on for the rest. The Archduke and Infanta arriving at Brussels were received with great triumph and general show of joy, it being thought they will shortly be at Antwerp. Meanwhile there is busily forging a placart, whereby shall be offered liberty of conscience and restitution of goods to those of this side that, having been inhabitants of the other provinces now possessed by the enemy, will return thither; but here are few birds for such baits. The matters at Embden, after many difficulties, are come to such good pass that we daily expect the news of a full agreement between the Earl and his subjects. The aid of men that were going over is since countermanded, and the ships which the States had prepared, stayed, so as that charge was to no purpose, which they dislike, though they dare say nothing. Sir Francis Vere they have written for, having found this summer his forwardness to be doing with the enemy, if the greater had been ready when he often urged it, and so were there fair occasions lost to have met and beaten the enemy. The hearkening to a treaty of peace at home doth much trouble them here, for the doubt there is conceived that the Archduke will offer much, howsoever it be kept, and so may the people here apprehend some doubt of this Estate, when they should see themselves left alone.—The Haegh, 26 Sept., 1599. |
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Holograph. 1 pp. (73. 109.) |
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James Hyll to the Earl of Essex. |
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1599, Sept. 26. |
Your favours towards me must be unfortunate for I had most willingly “a spacke” with your Honour being now last by her Majesty, and of all the letters I have written you, I never received any answer. If it may please you to account of me as one that loves you, make bold to command me any service by my Prince, for he loves you [“for my sake,” crossed out]. |
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We are in field with 25 thousand footmen and 8 thousand horsemen, and have given the “Fynes” a chase of 40 English miles in one day, and a great overthrow of their footmen, of all their field ordnance and all other baggagio, and are now to embark our footmen to besiege a city called Weboro, very strong, the Muscovite knows it. I am unworthy General over the footmen. The Duke's Grace thinks himself not contented with Sir Robert Cecil's answer, and with that poor entertainment his ambassadors found at London. I have excused it in the best manner in regard of your absence. His Excellency commanded me to write to the Queen and the Council his resolute answer again, but time will not now give me leave, being now in field. Your Honour write freely to me as your surest friend and poorest. I wished I had been so fortunate as I might “a spacke” with you. I have wrote with great pain to my Lord Treasurer somewhat more at large.—From my tent at Sam Haven in Findland, 26 Sept., '99. |
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[P.S.]—I commend me to that most noble persons my Lord Keeper and Sir William Knowles, whom I know love you.
If my services were needful in my country, her Majesty shall command me home. If not accepted, I must seek my preferment, for here, through the disgrace I received in England, the Court is too “whote” for me; only I reserve the Prince's favour. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (73. 110.) |
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Robert Beale to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. 30. |
Thanks for the favour shown by Cecil to his son. His son desires to return into France : begs that he may have a packet to bear his charges.—London, last of September, 1599. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (73. 111.) |
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The Earl of Essex. |
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1599, Sept. 30. |
Paper endorsed : “The order which was taken by the E. at his departure out of Ireland.” |
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1½ pp. (73. 113.) |
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[Printed at length in the Calendar of State Papers, Ireland, Eliz., under date, p. 160.] |
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Lord W. Herbert to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. |
Thanks Cecil for his late kindness to him in furthering his suit to the Queen for the procuring of “my Lord's offices.” Speaks of my Lord's danger as being at present past.—Undated. |
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Holograph. |
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Endorsed :—“1599, Sept. L. Harbert.” 1 p. (73. 114.) |
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Dowager Lady Bussell to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. |
Since your present turn cannot be served by reason of my Lady of Derby's lease good in law, and because you did require answer of my full resolution within three days, therefore, this Sunday morning, striking 9 of the clock, this I write. My Lady of Derby challenges my promise to her to be preferred, which is true, but with a meaning that none should have my consent to buy it while I breathe, whereby my dead husband's name should be rooted out of Bussell House while any perpetuity may prevail, but meant, when my Lady of Derby's lease expired, to buy it, and come and lie in it myself if my maidens' necessity so required as that they must be forced to sell it. But I that had ever told Bess and her sister long since and often, whensoever they weeded out their father's name out of Bussell House they should root out my heart from them, did not think that they durst at any time have presumed to have consented to have sold it to any without my pleasure first known, before I should have heard motion from any that would buy it. But since they have done their worst in bringing the sale thereof in talk, so as that I must either consent or bring the burden of a mighty counsellor my
nephew upon me, God reward Mrs. Elizabeth. Much good shall she get by her presumptuous disobedience herein. For her sister with tears avowed that she never was willing any way to deal in this matter but as it pleased me to sell or not to any creature. |
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Mr. Secretary, I pray you pardon me I cannot with my life frame my heart to be content to part with Russell House out of the name, whereby my dead husband's name shall be wronged and weeded up by the roots, but mean to sell all I am worth to give them what of you they should have. I know, perfeeto odio odieris me; but I must bear the bitterest brunt thereof, as all the comfortable fruits that ever I received from my children. Yet as long as I offer no wrong nor do you no hurt therein, being so well provided of your father's house, and thinking this not worth more than you offer to me, not to be offended to go without, I must put my trust only in God to protect me and bear what your coming malice may work me, since I cannot bring my heart to be content to dishonour the dead, or not to give all due to my dead darling while I breathe; and therefore, desire you not to go about to take the remainder of the House out of the Crown. Your honest, plain dealing Aunt. |
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[P.S.]—Wherein I may else pleasure you, I shall be most willing to do what I may, but I think that I go upon my last year. Some will kill me, and therefore my kingdom is not of this world. Elizabeth Russell, Douager.—Undated. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“1599, September.” 1 p. (74. 1.) |
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The Earl of Rutland to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. |
As regards his suit, her Majesty has directed him to deliver the bill to Cecil to despatch it; saying she ever meant it for him (the writer), only she was loth to discourage Mr. Marckham by taking away from him those walks in his lifetime. He answered her Majesty that, upon information given to Lord Burghley how prejudicial it was to the Queen's service that those walks should be separated from the general office, which ever went with it until Marckham's patent gotten upon the death of the writer's uncle, Lord Burghley directed Mr. Attorney to draw the bill as it is, and both set their hands to it in allowance. Prays Cecil to finish the matter.—Undated. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sept., 1599, Lord of Rutland.” 1 p. (74. 2.) |
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Dowager Lady Russell to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1599, Sept. |
I had just cause to be offended with dealing to sell that which so many years before so bitterly forbidden was by me in respect of wrong to their dead father, by weeding out his name out of the house wherein only his honour liveth by whom they enjoy the inheritance; and whereby I shall have your inward malice to me for not agreeing to it (whatsoever in your wisdom you will outwardly pretend, as I find by your letter). I
confess I was willing to say that, after my Lady of Derby's lease, I would be content with a lease of her rent as she enjoyeth it now for many years, but neither a hundred, nor to be altered out of the name of Russell House, which my heart will not afford to any living out of their inheritance. For the other house, Sir, I am. as willing to part with the fee farm from this time forward from my daughters for £2,000 in money to be paid to their use, and 20 nobles in money yearly rent to them for ever, as yourself can desire. But for arrearages of £800 for time past to be paid by myself to my daughters since their minority, after the rate of £100 yearly rent for 8 years past, I require from them that hath done them that wrong as with danger of champerty have entered into the penalty of the statute for meddling with titles in controversy. Your brother's purse it is that I covet to pay poenam of stulticiam by trial, or else to keep possession of Dacre's house, whereof I have a lease of this price as I tell you. If I may be discharged of £800 to be paid presently into my La. of Warwick's hands for the rent of the time past, I will be bound to repay it again if the lease be not by law and trial found on my daughters' side frustrate, for that no act of Parliament can warrant that good which was not good from the beginning. I know nor acknowledge any house to be of my daughters' inheritance the Lord Treasurer's, whom I have not to deal withal more than to affirm that he dealt most unkindly with me to deal any way in that house against me and my daughters. I have deserved better of him, as his own conscience can witness and himself did acknowledge to the full in your father's days. But touching it for yourself, which is called Dacre's house, yourself, Sir, made first motion thereof, saying that the mansion old house was too great for you, and that you chose this rather, as you have reason, as more comfortable and less charge in respect of building; the other old and not to serve your present necessity in respect of the Countess' lease. This Dacre's house new built, and fair to the street, well watered with conduit' water, no small commodity, a garden the length of the house, a private water gate, of small cost for maintenance, of more receipt by the lodgings in the garden than the other is of, a stable which the other wanteth. It appeared that I made choice of Dacre's house more than of the other, that bound myself to give £100 yearly rent for it and to try the title. And in a letter to my Lord Cobham, about this time twelvemonth, appeareth that I account not of Dacre's house for a petty lodging, but will give unto my daughters £2,000 and 20 nobles a year rent from this time forward for their interest of inheritance, by sale of as good land as any is in Gloucestershire, and therefore, Mr. Secretary, no petty lodging, nor to be departed with for £1,300 or less than £2,000. But this is all the comfort that ever I yet received of Bess since her breath, to be detriment to me by all means lie in her. Neither can she ever acquit in her life the wrong done to her dead father and hurt to myself for the hazard of your displeasure for denying your desire in this; for which I know you will hate me, and will not believe the contrary,
as I feared at the first; the grief whereof, by sobbing, was the only cause of my sickness, which hath been more sorrow to me than ever in all her life she was comfort. But I must bear your wrath rather than suffer my dead husband to be wronged by suffering his name to be weeded out of Russell House while I breathe. For Dacre's house, I am willing to yield my interest with all my heart from this day forward for £2,000 in money and 20 nobles yearly rent for ever, which myself will give them if I recover their right by trial of law in Dacre's lease. Thus neither thinking their house “disperged” by your dealing in it, nor unwilling to yield to your good in anything that I may without wronging other, I end this toil, Your loving aunt that pitieth not your poverty but wish you most well.—Undated. |
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Holograph. Signed :—“E. R., Dow.” Endorsed :—“Sept., 1599.” 2 pp. (73. 115.) |
