|
March 1.
Boulogne. |
52. Anthony Smyth [Auditor of Boulogne] to same. Sends herewith statement of the wages due for the respective garrisons,
both those for which he has money in hand and those for which
provision requires to be made (missing). When the money in
hand is exhausted, will immediately declare to them the state of
the Treasurer's account here. [One page.] |
March 3.
Boulogne. |
53. Lord Grey to Sir William Paget. By Myles has learned his
pleasure for the re delivery of the jewels which he stayed here for
his money wrongfully withheld in Flanders, and has made restitution of the same. In seizing them, thought he had sufficient
authority for so doing by the Council's letter; inasmuch as he
found them in the hands of a man of Bruges, and as it seemed, to
avoid the danger of arrest, they had been mastered upon Guido
Calvacante, to whose servant Christian Safetyn he not only delivered
them but gave convoy with them to Calais. Trusts Paget will
ponder his case as if it were his own, and remember that his office
here under his Majesty ought to support a greater authority than
that he should by any strangers have to suffer a forced damage or
injury; and also to weigh how they of Bruges, now having knowledge of his intentions, will foresee and avoid the danger of it. This
considered, their Lordships should either grant him larger open
means for the recovery of his loss, or (remitting to him the device
of the same) wink at his secret doings therein. [Half a page.] |
March 4.
Calais. |
54. Sir Edward Wotton to the Lord Protector and Council.
Mons. Shantony [Chantonnay], son to Seigneur Grandvela, with a
brother of Count Van Horne, arrived here from the Emperor last
night at five o'clock. Being lodged without the gates, had requested
him to enter the town for better lodging and to sup with him, the
rather that the wind was not likely to serve for his passage that
night. This had been declined in hope the wind would turn, as he
was most anxious to cross. This morning Wotton and the Council
waited upon him, brought him into the town, lodged him at a fair
lodging, and will make him such cheer as they can. He will tarry
here no longer than the wind will enforce him. [Half a page.] |
March 5.
Guisnes. |
55. Sir John Wallop to the Lord Protector. Yesterday had replied to two letters of the 21st and 28th ult., whereof one was for
his Grace, the other for him and for the Council. This day while
Abingdon, the bearer, was with him, a person in whom he put trust
to hearken upon news arrived, and informed him that yesterday he
spake with a person from Amiens, whose master resided there, and
who told him that he heard the Dauphin had left the Court for Normandy and Brittany, there to prepare a very great army, and that
two galleys are ready to wait upon him. The rumour was that he
intends to make war upon the Emperor. Hopes to know more
accurately in three days, having sent one to Amiens for that purpose.
Du Biez going to Court makes him rather believe that some great
enterprise is in hand. [One page.] |
March 6.
Blackness. |
56. Sir H. Poulet, Sir J. Harington, and Sir R. Cavendish to the
Lord Protector and Council. Have conferred upon the contract for
timber houses of stowage at Blackness, entered into between Cavendish and James Revel and William Bowmere; this they very well
like, and think it should be proceeded with. Send inclosed a statement of the expenditure of victuals there during the month ending
26th February, of what remains, and of the venit of all kinds since
their last certificate to the present day. Cavendish desires to know
whether the further furniture of victuals shall proceed wholly from
the Lord Great Master or any part from Sir Anthony Aucher, and
in whose charge the custody and utterance part shall consist, as
Aucher, who is here at present, is unwilling to give any determined
resolution thereon until he receives reply to his letter to their Lordships. This is necessary, because the utterance of a portion of these
provisions has already passed the hands of Cavendish, and in the
meanwhile he takes charge of the reckonings of some part of the
victuals, chiefly beer and biscuit, required for this month. The
utterance of the other provisions rests to the charge of Aucher. As
the interlacing of these reckonings in sundry men's hands would
be very troublous both for the sorting of the stowage and the
delivery, Cavendish is content to take the whole charge upon him
if their Lordships desire it. [One page and a quarter.] Annexed, |
|
56. I. Victuals remaining at Blackness. These were of red
herrings, 15 cades; sprats, 29 cades; stockfish unbeaten,
2,380 fish; stockfish beaten, 480 fish; wheat flour, 33
barrels; peason, 9 barrels; raisins, 3 pieces; honey, 2
barrels; butter, 5 barrels; Essex cheese, 26½ cheeses;
lings, 200 fish; haberdines, 500 couple; white herrings,
11 barrels; winesack, 17½ butts. [One page.] |
|
56. II. Expenditure from 29th January to 25th February.
Biscuit, 6,404 lbs.; bread, 2,925 loaves; beer, 28 tons, 4
barrels; fresh beef, 9,860½ lbs.; muttons, 16 sheep; Suffolk cheese, 6 weigh 186 lbs.; Essex cheese, 5 weigh;
red herrings, 20 cades, 100 herrings; stock fish, 173
fishes; butter, 82 lbs.; white herrings, 2 barrels; sprats,
4 cades; lings, 20 couple; haberdines, 8 couple. [One
page.] |
|
56. III. Receipt and expenditure of victuals supplied by the
Lord Great Master from 20th February to 6th March.
[One page.] |
March 6.
Newhaven. |
57. Account of the receipts (venits), expenditure, and remainder of
the different kinds of provisions at Newhaven from the beginning
of February to the present date. [Five pages.] |
March 6.
Boulogne. |
58. Thomas Lewyn, Paymaster of the works at Boulogne, to Sir
William Paget. Has at several times advanced to Sir Richard
Cavendish, for provisions and wages for the Fort of Blackness,
monies to the amount of more than 600l., as appears by the bills of
Cavendish, who will give him no particular book for the same.
Wherefore he has refused to advance him more without book;
partly because Mr. Rogers and others think the same to be evil
employed, and partly because on Lewyn's last repairing to the
Court, Cavendish would not make any estimate of his charges to the
Lords of the Council, whereby he might have sued for money for the
same. Requests that if Cavendish shall make any sinister complaint
against him, Paget will consider it behoves him to have a discharge,
as also an estimate to come by the money. [One page.] |
March 7.
Boulogne. |
59. Edward Dudley to the same. Stanley, the gentleman
porter at the Young Man, is now a suitor for the increase of his
entertainment. This is not suggested by Dudley, who considers
his rate to be so honest, and better than he previously had; besides
his wages is better rated than Dudley's, all things well weighed. If
any man has cause to complain it is himself, since the lieutenants of all
the forts have as good entertainment as he, and yet they live at the
charge of their captains; whereas, he is much charged for his own
provision of meat and drink within his office, therein also being
honestly bound to entertain his lieutenant and gentleman porter as
other captains do. At this present, a lieutenant's office is a wealthier
room than his, although he holds that of a captain, which, if it were
only for estimation's sake, would have required a farther entertainment; yet, as Paget advised, he has been contented, referring all the
hope of preferment to his hands. Stanley intends to sue for Mr.
Cotton's room of gentleman porter, in the base town, in case he
cannot obtain increase of wages at the Young Man. Should he
be successful, requests Paget will be good to the bearer, who is a
very honest gentleman, and by his demeanor and good service has
obtained the good will of all men here, and have him appointed to
the room vacated by Stanley. [One page.] |
March 8.
Boulogne. |
60. Lord Grey to the Lord Protector. Yesterday two Scottish ships
well armed and fraught with merchandise, passed before this haven,
bound for Dieppe, to which chase was given by the bark "Ager,"
and one of them with two tops, being closely pursued, ran ashore
against Port Hill, betwixt this and the French fort. The other escaped.
He immediately ordered a boat to go to the wreck, which, seeing
another vessel pass under sail, made towards it, under the impression
that it was also a Scotch vessel, and took the same. This proving to
be a French merchantman, shall be re-delivered without damage or
spoil. The crew of the vessel informed him that the ship which ran
ashore had 20 or 30 Scots, owners of the freight, aboard. These
facts he mentioned to Capt. Francville, the captain of the French
fort, claiming the vessel as lawful prize; but, to prevent disquiet,
agreeing that Francville should allow the seizure, take inventory of
the goods to be retained in his hands, and thereupon re-deliver
them. After this agreement Francville said he had made examination, and found that the ship and goods were French. Whereupon, considering what might ensue by attempting anything on
land upon that side, had waited till the sea rose and tide served at
night, when he armed forth boats to bring off the ship, but found the
goods gone and the vessel perished on the rocks without recovery.
Requests they will apprize the Ambassador with the French King
of the circumstances, that he may be mean for the re-delivery
of these goods, which the captain of the French fort acknowledges
to have received, it being well known they were Scottish. [One
page.] |
March 9.
Blackness. |
61. Sir Richard Cavendish to the same. If properly supplied
with labourers, provisions, and payment, he has no doubt by the
end of May next, to make the fortifications here the best this side
of the sea, Boulogne only excepted. Requests that a whole pay
may now be made both to the garrison and the labourers (for
want of which during the whole winter, there has been much
misery), for whom he has so provided upon his credit, that without
entire pay he shall be unable to perform his promise. And whereas,
he understands that his diets here have been appointed at 20s.,
requests it may be considered that his charge here is very different
from that which he had at Boulogne, where he received the same
amount, and that he had been put in hope of a better allowance,
besides that other men of less service are being daily preferred to him.
Further, that notwithstanding his service here, he discharged the
office of Comptroller of Boulogne, till 11th October, and kept his
household and clerks there for the furnishing of said charge; and
now the Lord Deputy and Council have stayed not only his own
diets, but the wages of his clerks and servants there, since his entry
hereunto 11th October foresaid. Beseeches that all this, and his
double charges, may be considered. [Two pages.] |
March 9.
Blackness. |
62. Sir Richard Cavendish to Lord St. John. Thanks him for his
last letter. When the whole of the victuals are received, shall make
due certificate of them; requesting that he may be informed of the
prices, considering the excessive prices appointed hitherto in some
things by Aucher, as in herrings, ling, haberdines and stockfish.
Also, that he will consider the continual waste of biscuit and beer in
the conveyance and otherwise, and allow some surplus to fulfil the
same, least there be want as well in the furniture as finally in the
account. Farther, as hitherto, the poor men here, for the most part,
have lived in health; if they should now be scarced of victuals, and
specially of drink this time of Lent, when they eat but dry and salt
meats, seeing, contrary to all other forts in these parts, they have
none other market, haven, or relief to trust upon, but the King's
provision alone, they shall not only be worse able to serve by means
of infirmities that may proceed thereof, but also, being sick, his
Majesty shall be at double charges, as in lacking their work to pay
their wages notwithstanding. Moreover, having no money to discharge them when sick, they must needs remain idle in the works.
Sends schedule of wages due to the soldiers and artificers (missing),
and intreats immediate and full pay for them; as also that money
may be advanced for carrying out the contract of the two stowage
houses. [Two pages and a half.] |
March 10.
Cobham Hall. |
63. Lord Cobham to the Lord Protector. The mayor and aldermen,
as well as the garrison and staple of Calais, had about six years since
obtained a bill signed by the late King, to utter and sell their old
store of grain so soon as they should be furnished with a new store.
Of this they have lately required of him to have the commodity and
use in consideration of their new stores having arrived. Requests to
know the Council's pleasure, and that his Grace will signify the
same by the bringers hereof. [One page.] |
March 11.
Boulogne. |
64. Lord Grey, Sir Hugh Poulet, and Sir John Harington to
the same and Council. Transmitting schedules of the expenditure,
remainder, and venit of provisions for Boulogne, during the month
ending 25 February last. [One page. Inclosures three pages.] |
March 11.
Boulogne. |
65. Sir Hugh Poulet and Sir John Harington to the same.
Having thoroughly surveyed Boulogne, intend to devote the next
day and Sunday to Blackness and Newhaven, and thence to
Calais. As the Lord Deputy is absent in England, desire their
farther instructions for proceedings there. Do not marvel that
their Lordships should think their stay long, but the necessities
of the occasion have caused it, and they have been stayed by Sir
Anthony Aucher in reference to his accounts. Will return as soon
as they can. [One page and a quarter.] |
March 11.
Boulogne. |
66. Sir Hugh Poulet, Sir John Harington and Sir Anthony
Aucher to the Lord Protector and Council. On Saturday last, they
met at Blackness, where and at Newhaven the state of the former
reckoning shall appear on their return. By the schedules inclosed
(see No. 56, March 6, antea), will see the state of provisions and
stowage. [One page.] |
March 13.
Calais. |
67. Sir Edward Wotton to the same. This day arrived here
from Rouen a young man, named Richard Patrick, haberdasher of
London, who brought the news inclosed. Although these do not
seem to be of great importance, thinks it right to communicate
them. Last week the Regent of Flanders inspected all the imperial
towns upon those frontiers, and set order for such fortifications as
she and the Count de Rieulx thought meet to be newly erected.
One page.] Inclosure, |
|
67. I. On Patrick's leaving Rouen on 9th March, there lay in
the river there 20 or more French galleys, of which the
captains reported that 12 of the largest are to go to
Scotland this spring, to fetch to France the Queen of
Scotland and the young princess. The galleys were
newly rigged, and furnished with forsadoes and new
boats. Patrick also says that some of the French King's
commissioners lately sent to Rouen, declared that for
avoiding the payment of interest on the money for the
redemption of Boulogne, if the same were not paid within
the eight years, the King was minded to pay the amount
very shortly; for which reason he required from the city of
Rouen, 100,000 crowns, like as he had from Paris,
200,000. The Council not consenting thereto, had been
imprisoned about 26 February last, but after eight days'
confinement were liberated on agreeing to do so; and
Normandy is to pay 300,000 francs increase of yearly
tribute. [One page.] |
March 13.
Calais. |
68. Hugh Smyth to Sir William Paget. On 12th February arrived
at Calais, with the men committed to him, and delivered the King's
letter to the Council, who then appointed him to lie with his men
at Gempe in the low country and its vicinity, where he still is. Has
appointed to serve in his band, one lieutenant, two ensign-bearers, two
serjeants, two drummers, and two fifers, thinking thereby, when occasion serves, to be much the better able to set forth and spare himself.
But he has promised them payment according to the rates of their
offices, which if not allowed again, his wages will not be able to content
them. These officers are essential to him. Desires to know whether
he is to account for the prest money which he received, here or in
England; for the Treasurer here calls upon him for the account, and
will only allow him a shilling a piece for the transportation of the
men, and for each man's cost only four shillings, where at the least,
they cost him five. [One page.] |
March 14.
Calais. |
69. Lord Grey to Sir William Paget. Recommends to his favour,
William Poole, Gentleman Porter of Newhaven, against whom some
accusation has been made, and who demands a strict examination
may be made of his demeanour, seeing he disavows the charge. |
March 14.
Boulogne. |
70. Sir Thomas Palmer to same. Thanks him for the loan of 100l.,
paid to Mr. Young for him, and which shall be repaid ere long; also
for his friendly handling of him touching his exchange. [Half a page.] |
March 14.
Newhaven. |
71. Lord Stourton, William Pyrton, and Sir Richard Cavendish
to the Council. Recommending the bearer, formerly leader of the
light horsemen at Blackness, to the parsonage of High Boulogne,
presently vacant. His policy and manhood thoroughly approved;
he is apt and ready to serve as any other man of like charge on this
side of the seas, as they may well understand by his service done
during the life of his late master, Sir Ralph Elderker. [One page.] |
March 17.
Boulogne. |
72. Lord Grey to the Lord Protector. At nine o'clock this evening
has just received the Council's letter desiring him to ascertain if
John Barton, with certain Scottish ships, is at Dieppe. At the
opening of the gates in the morning (which shall be earlier than usual
for that purpose) shall dispatch a meet personage to ascertain the
same, and will apprize his Grace of the result as speedily as possible.
[Half a page.] |
March 17.
Guisnes. |
73. Sir John Wallop to the same. The Regent has left at Renti
200 prisoners, some pieces of ordnance and munition, a good quantity
of corn, and has caused two new horse mills to be erected there.
She has returned to Bruges by Bourbourg and Gravelines, not
coming by Mount [Mons] reckoning it too late to fortify there if
the French, as she looks for, will make war this year. This, for his
part, he could wish. Hears no more of the Dauphin's going to
Brittany and Normandy, but that he has gone to see his children at
Amboise, adjoining to Anjou. Dr. Wotton, the Ambassador, can
apprize his Grace of these matters, as also whether Swiss or Germans
are coming down; there is a rumour that 400 of the latter come.
Is to-day informed that there are none on this side Compeigne or
Roy, or any other than the ordinary men of war; but one from
Rouen saw 300 warriors and a great number of pioneers brought by
sea, said to be only for the fortifying of Estaple. Also that the King
levies 300,000 francs on Rouen, and makes the greatest gathering of
money throughout France that ever he did. Has received his letters
of the 6th and 8th, by the latter of which, perceiving his desire to
have his portal wrought at Calais, is glad thereof, and has settled
the mason there accordingly. Besides the lack of men, had he gone
over he should have lacked the choice of stones, with which now
upon all chances, he may refurnish himself from the quarry. Thanks
him for considering the authority of his office, and the assurance of
his goodness towards him. [Two pages.] |
[1546–7.] March 18.
Boulogne. |
74. Lord Grey to the Council. Urgently sues for payment to the
common soldiers and others, the want of such having caused great
discommodity and misery as well as loss of credit. Sends the
bearer, Smyth, the Auditor of the town, with his books, as certificate
of what is due for the last four months. [Quarter of a page.] Inclosed, |
|
74. I. "The book of debt for March, Anno Regis Edwardi Sexti
primo." [Fourteen pages.] |
March 18.
Blackness. |
75. Sir Richard Cavendish to the Lord Protector. Had received
the Council's letter of the 11th, and requests permission to repair to
England, to confer as to the mole and other things necessary to be
done on the fortifications of Blackness. [Half a page.] |
March 20.
Calais. |
76. Sir Edward Wotton to Sir William Paget. Thanks him for the
attention which he has paid to his various requests, as communicated
to him by his friend Armigill Wade. [One page.] |
March 21.
Guisnes. |
77. Sir John Wallop to the Lord Protector. Yesterday, after dinner,
had been informed by a messenger from Fiennes, that the Abbot of
Anderne [Ardres] had taken possession of a house there, which had
been farmed by John Arderne from the King by both of the
Commissioners. Being somewhat disquieted with this intelligence,
had thought of sending a dozen or twenty horses to dispossess him,
but on consideration, wrote to him a gentle letter to learn wherefore
he had done so; to which he received the inclosed reply, as though
he came but to solace himself there, and for lack of fitting place
lodged in that house, and had given John Arderne, who chanced to
find him there, such words that he took his being in the house in
good part. This afternoon the Abbot came to him with a letter from
Blerencourt, in reply also to the letter which he had written to the
Abbot, which Blerencourt seemed to consider as addressed to himself.
The Abbot having come as an accredited messenger, had replied to
him that the King takes it for Boulognois and has sworn by
Commissioners appointed as many as have taken lands there (of
whom John Arderne is one), and that those therefore shall keep
possession until both princes have determined the contrary, and
given commission for their dispossession. "And Mons. Abbot,
quoth I, if you had said you came to take possession there, you
should have supped with me that night at Guisnes. He answered,
that in deed he doubted, hearing say that John Baker and John
Arderne were coming thither with certain horsemen; and therefore
he excused himself that he came not thither to take any possession,
but to take the air of his natural country, and rather coveted to
lodge in that house that aforetimes had been his, than in a tavern
or alehouse. I asked him why he then found fault in breaking of
the hedges and in cutting down three or four trees to be carried,
to Guisnes? 'Marry,' quoth he, it grieves me to see that spoil
seeing the land is mine, and I trust to enjoy it shortly; and yet
not afore it is agreed betwixt both princes. But you would have
kept it, quoth I, if I would have suffered you. He said to me again
merrily, 'I heard that he had given it over to a knave Spaniard
that dwelleth at Beaulieu, and yet had I rather to have kept
possession myself.' Herein your Grace may see how variable the
Frenchmen be in their communication." Remembering that this
Abbot had been a spy for Lord Lisle, when here, began familiarly to
ask him what news there were of the Imperialists? Received for reply
that the Regent, when on these borders, had cassed a number of foot
at Gravelines and the other garrisons, which the Abbot thought
indicated peace with the French, who reckoned themselves more sure
of peace with England. The Abbot also said that eight days ago it
was rumoured at Ardres, St. Omer, Montrieul, and elsewhere, that
his Majesty was dead, and that this rumour was still current,
which if true, it was supposed there would be great depression in
England. To this had earnestly resisted, stating that there was daily
communication with England, and no such thing was true. The
Abbot farther informed him that there were general musters of the
men at arms all over France, and none of foot, only because the French
King would see the bands of horse furnished again, which were
understood to be decayed, and that M. du Biez's band lay at Crotoy
and St. Valery. Has received a letter from a Spaniard, whose name
he does not remember to have heard before; as the matter is long
and he is not perfect in the contents thereof, sends it (missing) with
those of the Abbot and Blerencourt. [Three pages.] Inclosing, |
|
77. I. Letter from Jacques de la Motte, formerly Abbot of Anderne.
Fiennes, March 20. [French. Half a page.] |
|
77. II. Letter from M. de Blerencourt. Ardres, March 21. [French.
Quarter of a page.] |
March 21.
Calais. |
78. Sir Hugh Poulet and Sir John Harington to the Lord
Protector and Council. The bearer, Sir Anthony Aucher, can
declare the state of the former reckonings for victuals at Newhaven
and Blackness; and of the remainder of such in the same forts and
Boulogne when they left, their Lordships have already been apprised.
Hear that an increase of Aucher's store of provision has arrived since
then for which he can account. Inclose a schedule of what remains
here for the better furniture of Newhaven and Blackness. [Half a
page.] [Schedule inclosed, half a page.] |
March 22.
Calais. |
79. Sir Hugh Poulet and Sir John Harington to the Lord
Protector. This day and to-morrow trust to complete their instructions with the Treasurer and Council here, so as to be able to make
a full report to the Council when it shall please his Grace to recall
them. As the Lord Deputy is at present in England, hasty advertisements hence appear to be unnecessary. [One page.] |
March 23.
Gaisues. |
80. Sir John Wallop to the same. The person whom he sent to
Amiens and Compeigne has returned, and says assuredly that the
French King is sore sick or dead; and that the Dauphin has an
army of 30,000 men, Swiss, Grisons and others, about Dauphiné and
Lyons, but to what purpose he cannot learn. But he had heard that
the French King has again practised for Milan, and that the
Duke of Urbino, who is Captain-General under the Venetians, has a
great power assembled. Should this be true, it sounds somewhat like
the Spanish letter which he sent upon Monday, the 21st, along with
those from the Abbot of Anderne and Blerencourt, as that letter
stated that the French King had joined with the Venetians and the
Bishop of Rome. His messenger says that the peace between his
Majesty and the French King is openly known to be assured all over
France; and that there is no more assembly of men-of-war than the
ordinary musters of horsemen. |
|
P.S. If these news are true, this shall serve more for the assurance
of the French peace than Chantonnay's coming over, and shall do
no hurt for the Imperial peace. [One page.] |
1547. March 25.
Newhaven. |
81. Lord Stourton to the Lord Protector. The Council and he
have committed to Sir Hugh Poulet and Sir John Harington
certain remembrances relative to the requirements of the forts, and
they request that they may have a commission to hear and determind
causes, and also a commission for the Bailli of the Marches, sent
with all convenient speed. Desires his humble commendations to
the Duchess. [One page.] |
March 25.
Newhaven. |
82. Same to same. Requests that the bearers, Francis Colby,
William Parmenter, and David Herle, who have discharged the
duties of Customer, Water Bailiff, and Searcher since first coming
hither, without fee or present, may be paid for such services.
Desires his humble commendations to his Grace's bedfellow. [Half
a page.] |
March 26.
Newhaven. |
83. The same to Sir William Paget. To the same purport as the
preceding. |
March 26.
Boulogne. |
84. Lord Grey to the Lord Protector. Requests that patents may
be passed for sundry officers in Boulogne, or, if not yet consistent
with the pleasure of the Council to grant such patents, that a
prescription may be made of every office whereby each man may be
satisfied in his charge. [One page.] |
March 27.
Calais. |
85. Richard Blount to the same. Having on 25th August last,
received the Council's orders to deliver to Sir Richard Cavendish,
for the fort of Blackness, one last of powder and such other munition as he should require, he had delivered to him the parcels
contained in the bill here inclosed; as also the accomplishment
for him by warrant of 27th September, excepting one sacre and
two falcons, which are ready when he pleases to send for them.
Desires to know his Grace's pleasure how he shall use himself
hereafter concerning the demands of Cavendish, for he is always in
hand with him for some wants. Also begs that the requirements
for this town and the marches may be had in remembrance; these
have been presented to the Commissioners, every place severally in a
book, rather with the least than with the most. [One page.]
Incloses, |
|
85. I. Parcels delivered to Cavendish by order of Council of
26 August 1546. Among them are turpentine, powder,
northern staves, cressets and their lights, lead, moulds for
harquebuses, pots for wildfire, lint or match-cord, "petre
in rocke," sulpher, tar, train-oil, demi-cannon wheels, &c.
[One page.] |
March 27.
Boulogne. |
86. John Rogers, Surveyor of Boulogne, to the same. Since
being with his Grace at the Court, has frequently been to the
Blackness and consulted with Sir Richard Cavendish, touching the
making of a temporary haven there. But unless the great work can
be put in hand (which this year cannot for lack of provision), it is
almost impossible to make suddenly any such harbour there, that
any man will be willing to bring either ship, hoy, or plate [raft]
thither. There is, however, a bight beyond the fort against the
valley where his Grace lay in camp, that with the making of a
stone and lime wall of 400 feet, would serve at spring to land all
necessaries for the construction of a larger harbour or for the fortress.
Till this is made everything must be brought by land from Newhaven; the greatest matter of carriage being coals to burn lime.
Desires to know whether he shall set in hand such little harbour or
else the walling of the fort, as it is impossible, for want of time, to do
both at once. Trusts the fort shall be able to tarry until this little
mole be made. With the last, and the newly arrived, fleet has come
1,800 chaldrons of Newcastle coals, for which 11s. per chaldron is demanded, and less will not be taken; but when last in London he met
Mr. Bramlyn in Paul's, and desired him to haste the coals hither;
and when asked by Bramlyn what the price should be, said he thought
9s. were a great price. Bramlyn said that for 10s. they would serve
and deliver here as many as the King should require, when he told
him to send the coals as appointed, and referred him to the Council,
as he would not meddle with the price. The French would fain buy
coals here, and at the first word offered 16s. sterling for a chaldron;
so that his Majesty might be a great gainer if there were a staple of
coals here. The reparations of houses for victuals are still adoing
and never at an end. Aucher has now required him to make two
osts to dry malt on, for he has brought to Boulogne much barley,
whereunto belongeth floors to make it on. If the one be made
they will call for the other, so that the charges of the works will
thereby appear greater than they have been since Boulogne belonged
to the English. Requests to know whether he shall do it or not.
All the King's works here and at Newhaven go on reasonably well.
[Two pages.] |
March 27.
Blackness. |
87. John Brigantyne to Sir William Paget. The office which he
holds was given to him by the late King: now Sir Richard
Cavendish makes him rank as petit-captain, neither to assist or communicate with him in any of his Majesty's affairs in the fort,
although when Sir Hugh Poulet and Sir John Harington were here
he was partly obliged to do so. Desires to know what position he is
really to hold; the King's service shall be as well performed by him
in an inferior, as it would be in a superior name. His entertainment
is 10s. per diem, that of all other lieutenants a mark, and provisions
here are dearer than elsewhere. He is driven to furnish a mess of
meat daily, which he shall scarcely be able to do. Requests the
Protector may be moved whether he shall be placed as lieutenantmarshal, petit-captain, or other; and if he might be marshal or
vice-marshal, then to have such officers under him as necessary for
the office, like as a clerk of the watch, a tipstaff and a gaoler,
and to inform Cavendish thereof. Suggests, for the better service
of his Majesty, that the horse and foot of the garrison should be
mustered once a month. Having obtained his appointment by
Paget's influence, who had commended him for his levying the
German troops, he is the more bold now to apply to him as his last
refuge. [One page and a half.] Incloses, |
|
87. I. "Remembrances for Mr. Brickenden." 1. He is to move the
Protector and Council for the Captainship of Blackness,
should Cavendish depart, and to do so as opportunity serves,
for Mr. Norton of Kent sues for the said room. 2. If
Cavendish is not dispossessed of his office, then to procure
letters from the Protector to the said Cavendish, declaring
the name of his office. 3. To move the Lord Admiral for
answer of the letter sent to his Lordship concerning the
Admiralty of Newhaven. [One page.] |
March 28.
Calais. |
88. The Council at Calais to the Lord Protector and Council.
Having given to Poulet and Harington perfect books of all things
connected with their recent commission here, in which they had
mentioned such decays and ruins as urgently and of great necessity
require present repair, they have sent the Surveyor of works to
England, to confer with their Lordships on these operations. [One
page.] |
March 29.
Boulogne. |
89. Lord Grey to the Lord Protector. Yesterday had certain
intelligence that the following Scottish ships are in France. The
Mary Willoughby is at Newhaven, and a small bark, of 60 tons,
goes out at every tide, being aided and victualled from time to time.
They have 360 men, of whom some are French; and of the whole
number, as in any enterprise some happen to be lost, they are there
furnished. The Great Spaniard, estimated of 200 tons, is at
Dieppe, having aid and succour there from time to time. The crew
rob and spoil the English vessels, and, as reported by the Scots
themselves, their number is 240. The residue of the Scots, five in
number, are gone into the trade. Understanding the hurt and
damage hereof, his Grace may seek such redress or revenge as
by his prudence shall be thought needful of speedy reformation.
[One page.] |
Eod. die.
Boulogne. |
90. Same to same. Is requested by the light horsemen here,
to solicit that portions of land may be appointed to them for the
keeping of their horses, without payment of any rent to the men-atarms, after such rate as may be determined to Sir John Bridges.
[Quarter of a page.] |
March 29.
Boulogne. |
91. Same to same. Yesterday nine ships arrived from Newcastle, part of the bargain made by the Council last winter.
There being no treasure of his Majesty here, requests that 200l.
may be immediately sent for payment of the same. The tides
being neap, and the water valed well near a foot, the greatest ship
bearing two tops and drawing 11 feet of water, came in without
touch of ground; and the last bearing one top, drawing 9 or 10
feet, came in at a yard valed. His Grace will thereby perceive how
much the haven is amended. [One page.] |
March 29.
Boulogne. |
92. Same to Sir William Paget. As it is reported that Sir
John Bridges, now gone to England, is not like to return, begs
that his friend, Sir John Norton, may be appointed to the vacant
office. He is a young man of honesty and good service, with other
agreeable qualities. |
|
P.S.—Doubts not but that Paget has in remembrance the motion
made in his behalf by his servant Myles, touching the patents, and
that he will use policy in compassing the same so that it may take
effect without breach of amity. [One page.] |
March 31.
Boulogne. |
93. Lord Grey to the Lord Protector. Yesterday morning St.
Germain had an interview with Sir Henry Palmer at the haven side,
requesting that along with Blerencourt he might be permitted to
land victuals at Ambleteuse for easier conveyance to Ardres. Palmer
had suggested Calais as a preferable place for the victuals being
discharged, as they could be conveyed to Ardres by water, but St.
Germain still urged Ambleteuse. The quantity he said amounted to
only 200 horse load, and begged that in three or four days Palmer
would send answer to him thereon at Montreuil. St. Germain had
inquired what meant all the stones that lay on the farther side of
the water, and was informed by Palmer, that they were intended
for the making of a jetty for the succour of ships and mending of
the haven, which being a work equally beneficial for the French, he
thought they would do well to put their hands thereto. Howsoever it
contented him, St. Germain seemed to like it well. Desires to know
what answer shall be given to St. Germain, whose request being so
slender, he thinks is rather a finesse than matter meant indeed.
This morning M. de Rieulx sent a gentleman with a letter to him
("of a sleeveless errand, as they call it"), at the end of which he
stated that he understood they were building a wall and a tower on
the farther side of the water, and inquired whether this was done by
agreement of the French King or otherwise, as he had no knowledge
thereof. Had replied that they did indeed mean to build a wall for
the amendment of the haven, but no tower, and the work should be
equally commodious to them. One of his espials from France,
informs him that it is rumoured there, that the money is ready to
be paid for this town, and if delivery of it is refused, they are
prepared to assail the English, and will first attempt at Ambleteuse.
[One page and a half.] |
March
Boulogne. |
94. General orders for keeping the accounts in the various departments of the garrison at Boulogne; also for the conduct of the officers
and men, the practice of the harquebusiers, &c. [Six pages and a
half.] |
