|
Nov. 23.
London. |
57. Michael Lok to Sec. Walsyngham. Much labour has been bestowed upon trial of the ore brought home by Frobisher, yet it is not brought to perfection. The three workmasters are jealous of each other and loth to show their coining. The ore is very rich and will yield better than 40l. a ton clear of charges; “this is assuredly true, which may suffice to embrace the enterprise.” Walsyngham shall be better certified in a few days. [Three quarters of a page. Indorsed, “23 Nov. 1577. From Mr. Mich. Locke. That the goodness of the gold ore is declared.” DOMESTIC, Eliz., Vol. CXVIII., No. 36. Cal., p. 567.] |
Nov. 25.
Tower Hill. |
58. Sir Wm. Wynter to Sec. Walsyngham. Frobisher has been forced to delay going to Bristol until he might understand what certain account was to be made of the ore; he will write what has been done hitherto. Albeit the ore does not appear to be of the value looked for, if the workmen are to be believed, the commodity may content reasonable minds. Thinks it will fall out better than the workmen set it down. Will use all his travail that the Queen's good hope be not made frustrate, yet is worse able to bear a loss than Her Majesty. [One page and a half. Indorsed, “25 Nov. 1577. From Sir Wm. Wynter. Touching the gold ore, what it will yield.” DOMESTIC, Eliz., Vol. CXVIII., No. 39. Cal., p. 567.] |
Nov. 25.
Bristol. |
59. Capt. Edw. Fenton to Sec. Walsyngham. Delay in unloading the ore in the Ayde and Gabriel, caused by Sir Rich. Barkley being elsewhere employed in the Queen's service. About 124 tons of ore in the Ayde and 16 tons in the Gabriel, all safely bestowed in Bristol Castle. Beseeches the dispatch of all who have served in this action. The gentlemen employed have attended here these two months to small purpose, and are put to great charges. Their good government “for so great virtues showed in so honorable an action” deserves Her Majesty's favour and recompense. Specially recommends the bearer Mr. [Henry] Carew, whose readiness and wisdom deserve great commendation; supposes “my General” will say as much of his deserts. The ships should be unrigged and the superfluous mariners and others discharged; which if done seven weeks ago had saved great charges. Sends report upon the death of the man brought over with them by Dr. Doddinge, who often visited him in his sickness. [One page. Addressed to “My very good friend, &c."] Incloses, |
|
i. Dr. Edward Donninge's report of the sickness and death at Bristol of the man brought by Capt. Frobisher from the North–west, and of the nature of the woman of that country yet living. Latin. [Two pages. DOMESTIC, Eliz., Vol. CXVIII., Nos. 40, 40. i. Cal., p. 567.] |
Nov. 25.
From the house
of
John Mighelson
in
East Smithfield. |
60. Jonas Schutz to Sec. Walsyngham. Has been appointed by commission from the Queen and Council to try the ore brought by Captain Frobisher, but sickness has prevented him from accomplishing it. Having recovered, intends to finish the proof. Promises him half an ounce, “and if the next doth fall any better, which I am in good hope,” will bring a sample to Court on Saturday. [One page. Indorsed, “25th November, 1577. From Jonas Schutz. Touching the gold ore.” Domestic, Eliz., Vol. CXVIII., No. 41. Cal., p. 567.] |
| Nov.? |
61. Note of all the charges for melting down the gold ore, by Jonas Schutz. Every ton of ore to yield 30l.; building the work–house and furnaces, 400l.; twelve workmen, and coal, wood, lead, &c, to melt it down, weekly, 20l. Engages that two tons “shall yield in fine gold” twenty ounces. [One page. Indorsed, “A note of the charges of trying two tons of the gold ore.” DOMESTIC, Eliz., Vol. CXVIII., No. 42. Cal., p. 567.] |
| Nov. 26. |
62. Dr. Burchard Kraurych (?) to Sec. Walsyngham. The Queen having required him to make an assay of the ore brought by Captain Frobisher, he has “proved it to the uttermost, and finds not such great riches as is spoken and reported of.” In a hundred weight of the black ore he finds half an ounce of gold; in the same quantity of red ore two ounces of gold. Wishes the Queen would allow a yearly consideration to an expert and skilful man in minerals, to assay any foreign ore coming into this land, that Her Majesty's subjects “may not be deceived by such vain and untrue reports,” and to teach others. Would willingly bestow his diligence in that service, if age and sickness did not so oppress him. [Half a page. Indorsed, “26th Nov. 1577. From Doctor Burcott. What he thinketh the gold ore will yield by the ton.” Addressed to “My singular good friend,” &c. DOMESTIC, Eliz., Vol. CXIX., No. 43. Cal., p. 567.] |
Nov. 30.
London. |
63. Michael Lok to Sec. Walsyngham. Refers to his previous letter [of 23d Nov.] which he sent by Frobisher. The reason Lok and Jonas did not attend Walsyngham at Court, Jonas is making trial of another order of melting the ore at half the ordinary time and charge. Will repair on Wednesday to Hampton Court “with full and perfect resolution of all matters, to good liking, by God's grace,” and then certify what he finds in Sir L. Duckett and Sir R. Heyward in the matter declared by Mr. Waterhouse. His account, by Frobisher, of the richness of the ore is very true. Much time lost. Knows not where to impute the fault, “but to a schisma grown among us Commissioners through unbelief, or I cannot tell what worse in some of us, which the time must open.” [One page. Indorsed, "30th Nov. 1577. From Mr. Michael Locke. Of Jonas new maner of trialls of the gold ore. Alderman Duckett and he will come and confer with me of that Mr. Waterhouse.” DOMESTIC, Eliz., Vol. CXVIII., No. 54. Cal., p. 568.] |
