Cecil Papers: March 1594

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1892.

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

Citation:

'Cecil Papers: March 1594', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594, ed. R A Roberts( London, 1892), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol4/pp485-499 [accessed 16 November 2024].

'Cecil Papers: March 1594', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594. Edited by R A Roberts( London, 1892), British History Online, accessed November 16, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol4/pp485-499.

"Cecil Papers: March 1594". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 4, 1590-1594. Ed. R A Roberts(London, 1892), , British History Online. Web. 16 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol4/pp485-499.

March 1594

1593/4, March 1. I trust your honour hath perceived by my letter that I sent somewhat past two of the clock last night by the post boy who brought me yours, the fault of slackness used for the speedy delivery of the same. And now having acquainted her Majesty with your said letter (which herself read, and took it cut of my hands) her Majesty hath willed me to write that in any case all means, be used for the apprehension of George Throkmorton, being half angry that I was not with her two hours sooner, which I could not be by reason her Majesty was not then stirring. Glad I was when her Highness pupped over the date of your letter, to the other contents whereof she said nothing, but told me that there was another known but yesterday who is of the number of the rest for the most wicked fact, besides 13 more; and so dismissed me with charge to send you this her answer and pleasure with all speed, having first gotten her hand to the warrant of the money for despatch of the Irish.—This 1st day of March, 1593.
[P.S.]—Considering this earnest charge I would not stay this letter till the warrant was ready, which shall be done by noon.
1 p.
Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 1. You may imagine that our long sitting at the hawk, a journey to the Court, and sitting up till midnight afterward may make a man both sleepy and weary. I have something to impart unto you from the Queen which concerns the dispatch into France, wherefore I pray you stay the post till I see you, which shall be at our hour appointed to-morrow.
Endorsed :—“1 March, 1593.”
Seal. ½ p.
M. Beauvoir la Nocle, French Ambassador, to the Earl of Essex.
1593/4, March 2/12. Commending the bearer, his great friend, and a faithful servant of the King.—12 March 1594.
Signed. Seal. French, ½ p.
Sir Edward Norreys to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 3. I have no matter worth troubling your Honour often, knowing that what I do write unto my lord, your father, comes quickly to your reading. The Irishman which your Honour did recommend to my Lieutenant Governor in my absence, was conveyed by certain of this garrison into the land, where after he had been some ten days, he returned back again to some village, where he was appointed to be fetched hither again, and there left a letter to signify he could not return again this way, but would return by Brabant, there borrowed certain money of the bailli of the village in my name, which I will repay. Since which time the bailli desired me not to put any great trust in the man, for that he liked not his manner, having in his company one that had long served the hangman of those parts, known to be a notable villain. This I thought fit to advertise your honour of, lest not being sufficiently instructed you might be deceived, not doubting but you will be well able to judge of his actions at his return, and not suffer any of those which he may bring over with him, to remain where they may do hurt.—Ostend, this 3rd of March, 1593.
Signed. 1 p.
Sir Walter Raleigh to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 4. This honourable gentleman, the lord Barry, one that Is well affected to Her Majesty and her estate, is an humble suitor to Her Majesty, and hath entreated my letter to your Honour that such fine or benefit as Florence McCarty hath by grant obtained from Her Majesty, by reason of his former offence in Ireland, which is well known to your Honour, may be again revoked and remitted. And if my opinion herein may be regarded, I think that his pardon, which Her Highness granted him, hath wrought his true affection and his entire disposition to honour and serve Her Majesty with such unfeigned obedience as can be required, and therefore not fit to be discountenanced by Florence McCarty, a man reconciled to the Pope, dangerous to the present state, beloved of such as seek the ruin of the realm, his native country, and not worthy to be relieved by Her Majesty's goodness. He may from time dissemble, and in revealing his poverty, by reason of his imprisonment in the Tower, protest that obedience which he ought to perform, but he is not to be trusted. His alliance and friends in Ireland are great and many, and he wanteth nothing but money to execute his practices, whereunto the Pope hath animated him. This noble gentleman hath to my knowledge a long time lived civilly and conformable to all Her Majesty's directions and commandments, and hath not deserved these troubles and discontentments. I pray you so much to favour him by yourself, or by the mean of my lord, your father, that he may be discharged of this demand.—From th'assizes at Dor chester, the 4th March, 1593.
Signed. Seal. 1 p.
John Crane to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 3. For better confirmation of my assertion that Boyer, who sued to be comptroller of the works in Berwick, could not enjoy that office and captainship also, I enclose the very words of her Majesty's establishment to that effect ordained. In truth the offices have been conjoined 40 years, and mere, and I have served them as deputy there 24 years, as is well known not to this garrison only but to others of the place, as they will testify if need require, and I should receive great disgrace to have them divided. Notwithstanding it is a thing I am very well contented withal which I now have, yet Boyer seeing the place to be of so small moment hath utterly given over his suit and to that effect hath written to the Lord Chamberlain, if he send the letter he shewed me, who doubt not therefore but the said offices may continue as they have done.—Berwick, 3 March, 1593.
1 p.
Encloses :—“An order set down in her Majesty's establishment for Barwick, prohibiting any man in pay to receive double wages.”
Earl of Essex to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 4. Sends the letter of the party Cecil spoke with the other day, received in a letter from Mr. Vand to himself. Would confer with Cecil to satisfy him in all his demands.
Endorsed :—4 March, 1593.
Seal, broken. ½ p.
William, Lord Cobham to Sir Robert Cecil, his son-in-law.
1593/4, March 4. According to your direction and as I wrote unto you I sent this bearer Christopher Mylles to Calais to receive such bags, papers and portmanteaux as Manuel Leuys had left with Geoffrey. My servant is now returned from thence and has brought all that was delivered him, as may appear by a bill indented between him and Geoffrey. What is in the portmanteaux Geoffrey knoweth not, for that Leuys brought the key with him.—From Cobham Hall, 4 March.
Endorsed :—“1593.”
½ p.
William Waad to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 7. A neighbour of mine yesterday falling suddenly in extremity, I having presently notice of it did presume to beg of my lord the wardship of a third daughter he hath of a second venter, to whom some land should descend, though I know he hath made away the land by fine and recovery. His name is Bartholomew Quyny. I humbly beseech your furtherance. The matter is not great and it is the first I ever attempted to beg of his lordship.—From my house in Wood Street, the 7th of March, 1593.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p.
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 7. Has been prevented from returning to Court by illness and does not expect to return till Easter, though he is somewhat better. Commends himself to Cecil's father, to whom he will write a few lines on a private matter.
Sends two letters from Brussels by which he will see that the soldiers have mutinied in France and the Low Countries, and that the diverse humours of the Spanish, Flemings, Germans and Italians always produce the same discords. Griustiniano writes that all the soldiery generally have mutinied, which is remarkable (che è molto) under so great a. Prince so newly come, but there was great provision of money and speedy payment. Has news of the surrender of the towns of Francia to the King, and that in Brussels they were much surprised Hopes the Pope will think of his folly and if the French are wise they have the most noble occasion a people could have. Hears “Il Caymo” writes to Parma; it would be worth while to know what designs can be pro pounded by the rebels of that state. The Bishop of Liege is treating for peace with Count Maurice, but he thinks it will be in vain.—From Badburham, 7 March, 1593.
Italian. 1½ pp.
Lord North to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 7. I pray you let this enclosed be delivered to the lords of Council; it is an answer of their letter sent touching the sons of recusants fled beyond seas.—At Kertlinge, the 7th of March, 1593.
Signed. Seal. ½ p.
William Waad to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 9. I thank you for your favour in furthering my suit to your father. 1 assure you there never was any cause of con troversy between him and me; and if the young maid have anything it must come by my travail and his good favour. I had waited on you, but I am busied still about those Portugal causes, and in truth I have not been well at ease.—From my house in Wood Street, the 9th of March, 1593.
Holograph. ½ p.
Lord Burghley to Archibald Douglas.
1593/4, March 14. I have received a petition from a gentleman of Staple Inn, whose name is Francis Chambers, wherein he doth inform me that you should owe unto him, by your bill, the sum of 169l. 10s. 2d., which hath been due these two years, and complains that by reason of the non-payment thereof, he is in danger to divers persons, to whom he is indebted and threatened to be arrested. Albeit he requires that he may have leave to recover the same against you by law, yet I thought good to inform you thereof, by this my letter, and to pray and require you that if his demand be good and just, as it should seem, having your bill for it, that you will see him paid, or otherwise satisfy him by some further assurance.—From Hampton Court, the 14th of March, 1593.
Signed. ½ p.
M. Chasteaumartin to Lord Burghley.
1593/4, March 14/24. Je vous ai éegrcrit du 23e de ce mois et depuis avoir delivréegr mes depeches j'ai su par un cappitaine basque qui sert le roi d'Espagne, comme un evèecique Irlandois s'en va de la part du dit roi vers le roi d'Ecosse, avec charge de le pratiquer pour Pesmouvoir contre sa Majestéeac sus le sujet de se faire declarer heretier d'Augletene, qui est chose pratiquée de longue main entre eux, et dont je vous ai fait mention en mes precedentes. L'intention du dit evêecique est de passer par Irlande et essaier d'y esmouvoir ce qu'il pourra des habitans pour troubler 1'éeactat; et en cas qu'il soit pris ou decouvert il dira qu'il va par de la pour traiter d'une paix avec sa Majestée. Je vous en ai voulu advertir afin que puissiez y faire prendre garde. Il y a grande communication entre les dits rois d'Ecosse et d'Espagne à ce que le dit cappitaine basque m'a asseuré, qui est homme d'affaires et fort familier cheas don Joan y Diaques. Il y aura moyen de tirer service de lui s'il se presente occasion importante.
Certains navires Anglais qui courent la côté d'Espagne ont pris quelque peu de marchandise à un navire de Saint Jean de Lus, dont s'en est suivi que étant le dit navire arrivé, les gens du lieu se sont jettés sus les marchands Anglais là et en ont malement blessé trois ou quatre; et sans moi y eût eu un grand désordre, tantau dit St. Jean de Lus comme en cette ville, au grand dommage des Anglais. Sa Majesté en doit faire reproche au Roi et de sorte qu'il entende que ses sujets recognoissent tres mal ce que sa Majesté a fait pour cette couronne. J'ai envoié a Bordeaux former plainte de l'exces par devant messieurs de la court. Je verrai ce qu'ils y ferout et vous en donnerai aris, mais certes je crains que l'ingratitude soit general en ce royaume.—De Bayonne, ce 24 Mars, 1594.
Endorsed :—28 March, 1593 [sic].
Seal. 1 p.
Jersey.
1593/4, March 14. Deed executed by Phillip de Carteret and others, Deputies of the Isle of Jersey, promising to contribute 400l. towards a new fortification to be made in the island of St. Hilary.—14 March, 36 Eliz.
Note by Lord Burghley that the deed has been delivered to him.
1 p.
Lord Lumley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 15. Since Mr. Paddon was with him, he has caused his man to draw out some few parcels to the value of about 60l. a year, which are already under twenty years in lease. It was not till yesterday that Mr. Lewknor, whom he trusts in all his causes, and Mr. Paddon met, who [Paddon] hath received the note from Mr. Lewknor of the parcels to put them in course, as in a particular to be showed unto him. “My Bess is very well, she had three sore fits of the ague.—From my House at the Tower Hill, the 15 of March, 1593.”
Signed. Seal. 1 p.
Robert Paddon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 15. My Lord Lumley hath this day sent unto me a note in writing of such things as he desireth. His desire is these things to be first moved, which having good success, the greater may follow. I ride into Hampshire upon Monday next.—From London, the 15th of March, 1593.
Signed. Seal. ⅓ p.
Lord Burgh to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1593/4, March 16.] I acknowledge a debt ever to you for favour heretofore, but now in that you please to comfort my wretched nakedness with this signification of your love, I must confess a double bond.—March 16.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1593.”
⅓ p.
N. Hillyarde to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 16. On behalf of one Abel Feckeman, condemned for coining, who was drawn thereunto by Webb and one Morgan, Webb's man. He is an excellent workman, whom the writer has known both servant with masters and his own man almost five years, and never heard but very well of him.—Saturday, 16 March, 1593.
Signed. Seal. 1 p.
Henry Savile to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1593/4], March 17. Is bold to continue his old suit in favour of the son of that good old man, who is sufficient for a better place. He is a minister professed, a very good preacher, bachelor of divinity, and this seven or eight years sub-warden of “our” college.—17 March.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1593.”
1 p.
Sir Thomas Morgan to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 18. On behalf of a poor woman, wife of Thomas Morgan, lately condemned for coinage, in respect of the miserable estate of her and her two poor children, and being with child with the third, that Her Majesty might be moved for her husband's life.—Fulham, this 18th of March, 1593.
Signed. Seal. 2/3 p.
Conspiracy to Poison the Queen.
1593/4, March 19. “A further declaration of the proceedings against two Portingals, Emanuel Leuis Tinoco and Stephano Ferrera de Gamma, conspirators with D. Lopez in the treasons whereof D. Lopez was convicted and attainted, as in the former declaration is contained.”
Draft of the Declaration printed in S.P. Domestic, Elizabeth, Yol. 247, No. 103, under date 14 March, 1594; the only important differences being that the final note is omitted in this copy, and instead of the last paragraph asserting the confession of their guilt by the accused, read as follows :—“At the time of the proceeding against these two Portingals there was openly shewed to them the several examinations of Ferrera himself, the several examinations of Emanuel Louys Tynoco, and the several examinations of Dr. Lopez, and the examination of Gomes d'Avila; by which several examinations all the parts of these former matters against them were directly and fully proved. And by the same examinations was fully proved that the said Stephano Ferrera had written several letters to Christofero de Moro, to Count Fuentez, to Stephano D'Ibarra, to Emanuel Louys Tinco and others, and likewise that they had written several letters to the said Ferrera concerning the foresaid treasons, which letters to Ferrera were shewed forth and confessed by him, as all the other examinations and particular proofs alleged against him as aforesaid. And there was also then shewed the two letters of credit written in the name of Gonzalo Gomes for the taking up of money, which Emanuel Louys did bring from Count Fuentes to be shewed to Dr. Lopez, to encourage him to proceed with speed.”
Draft with corrections by Burghley and another. Endorsed by Burghley :—“19 March, 1593.” Injured.
6 pp.
Sir Edward Brooke to Sir Robert [Cecil].
1593/4, March 20. Upon my arriving here, I enquired of the Irish man, which you willed me I should, whom I hear for certain to be prisoner in Steken, and, as some say, reports himself to be sergeant unto Captain Floyd. His going hence, and by whom sent, is generally known.—Ostend, 20 March, 1593.
Holograph. ½ p.
Sir Nicholas Clifford to Sir Thomas Heneage and Sir Robert Cecil.
[1593/4, March 20.] Beseeching them to give him leave, now after these many days, to make both his grief of mind and noisome imprisonment known unto them, the one in that he has offended Her Majesty, being one of her servants, the other is that he has his health very ill here, and howsoever he makes the place commodious, yet the restraint is so loathsome, that he would do anything to have some more liberty out of the same, and, methinks withal, I ask it with some reason, considering that I have exceeded the time that he that gave example remained here.—From the Fleet the 25th (sic) of March.
Holograph Endorsed :—“20 March, 1593.” 2 Seals.
1 p.
Seth Cocks to Sir Robert Cecil.
1593/4, March 20. Would write oftener but fears to displease him. No great matter of importance out of Hungary, but here come daily intelligences that the Turk still prevaileth and is slenderly resisted by the Emperor's forces. The Bascha of [Bosna] hath built a bridge over the river Culpa, since which he hath made many incursions, burnt very many villages and taken great numbers captive. At the end of February he took a bourg called Martiniz not far from . . ., where were slain 1500 Turks and 700 Christians. They [have] built many fortresses and blockhouses, and strengthened themselves greatly in those places they have gotten. Advices from Vienna of March 6 import that the Bascha of Bosna hath given order in all that part of Hungary under the Turk [to pay] monthly the value of their yearly tribute in corn, honey and other 'proviant' for the relief of his army, which consists, as is reported, of 90,000 [men] and upwards. They pray here every morning devoutly against the Turk and do [live?] all the day after as securely as if they had the ocean sea betwixt them for their defence. The ambassadors from the Emperor and the states of Hungary are expected shortly, who come to implore the help of the princes here, who hitherto have been very slack in giving assistance. Hears out of Poland that King Sigismond would gladly leave them as the French King did, fearing lest in his absence his brother impatronize himself of his kingdom of Suede. The affairs of Strasbourg are yet 'in bransle.' The Prince of Hainault is retired from Dachstein. where he effected nothing, lost [many] of his soldiers, 2 colonels and divers captains, and one of the Earls of Mansfeld. The Marquis of Brande bourg and the Strasbourgers are so weary of their wars that they [offered] the Cardinal of Lorrain to depose arms and make equal division of the bishopric till matters may be drawn to some better conclusion by the princes deputed by the Emperor. It is thought the Cardinal will not accept their offer. By advertisements of February 13 the Duke of Savoy has gotten again Villa Magra and Carigniano, since M. la Diguiere's departure out of Piemont, and provides to return into Provence, and that 4000 Spaniards had already arrived here. D'Es pernon since the winning of Antibo hath compounded with Arls, drawn them to the King's devotion, and burnt the mills and greatly spoiled the country about Nice. La Diguiere has 8000 foot and 600 horse and is ready to return into Piemont, which may stay the Duke's progress into Provence. Has seen letters come often sooner into England by way of Germany than through France, therefore thought it not impertinent to write this much.—Leipsic, 20 March, 1593.
Injured. 1 p.
Jersey.
1593/4, March 24. An order set down by the Lords of the Privy Council, for the proceeding with the works accorded to be done in Jersey in St. Helier's islet.
Upon a view of a plat of the island, and of the commodity for ships to ride, near thereto, shewed unto Her Majesty and the Council by Antony Paulet, the Captain of the Isle, and certain of the jurats, it hath been thought more meet to have that island fortified for the defence of the same and consequently for the more surety of the whole isle, than to be at any further charge in fortifying of the old castle called Mont Orgueil, now in the custody of the captain there, which is found to be unfitly situated for the defence of the isle, being subject to a high hill, to be beaten from thence with ordnance, which cannot possibly be remedied, or not without excessive charge. Also the said Castle is so environed with rocks in the sea, as no shipping can come hitherto to relieve it, neither any haven or road in the sea near unto it to be defended. Whereupon both a plat and a model hath been made, and presented unto Her Majesty, to show the form of the fortifying of the said island, and well allowed of by her and her council : towards the finishing whereof she has been contented to yield the sum of 500l., upon condition that the inhabitants of the isle shall yield on their part to the value of 400l. in workmen, labourers and carts, whereunto four of the jurats authorised by the three estates of the said island have agreed.
Now for the taking in hand and proceeding with the fortifications it is ordered that the foresaid sum of money be delivered by the Lord Treasurer to Antony Paulet, at sundry times as it shall appear the works do proceed and require the same, and as it shall be found the inhabitants do contribute according to their covenant. For her Majesty, the said Captain and Paul Ivy, the engineer and surveyor of the works, shall take in hand to proceed with the same work, and jointly with two to be named by the Bailiff and jurats, shall make all manner of provisions of lime, stone and other materials, and shall procure the same to be provided at the. least price that may be. For the form and perfection of the said fortification, Paul Ivy shall give direction to all manner of workmen and labourers to follow the form of the model presented to Her Majesty, he having good respect to the making of the walls of the fort, both for the bulwarks and flanks and curtains thereof, as may strengthen the island from all sudden surprises of any enemy.
Paul Ivy shall keep a journal book, as well of the wages to be paid by Her Majesty, as of the numbers of the workmen, labourers and carriages to be yielded by the inhabitants, for seeing that no allowance be made above the usual wages of the island, nor to any but to such as shall be able to do their works and to continue their labours the whole day, as the usage of workmen is there known, checking them and abating them of their wages if they shall make default to the contrary, and yet there shall be consideration had that there may be by wage of reward given to some principal workmen, as they shall seem to deserve, some portion at every week's end, above the wages usually paid to workmen in that isle.
The captain of the isle shall make a journal of all payments he shall make wtih the privity of Paul Ivy, and the two others substituted by the islanders, which book shall be good warrant to Paulet to have his discharge upon his account to be made for the money to him imprested.
Draft, corrected by Burghley. Endorsed :—“24 March, 1593.”
2¼ pp.
Stephen Ferrera de Gama.
1594, March 25. “A Brief of Ferrera's Will.”—He recommendeth his soul to God and our Lady and all the Saints and taketh S. Stephen for his advocate and guard to defend him from Devils in his voyage to Heaven.
He ordaineth Francisco, his son, universal heir of all his possessions and of the favours of K. Philip in recompence of his services, as he hath declared them to his son : the son to bestow his sister in marriage, if not married, and if she will not marry then to place her in a nunnery with a yearly pension of 20,000 reis; and so also 2 other kinswomen, with 10,000 reis apiece pension, if they will be nuns. The son to pay to the Misericordia of Lisbon in ready money 640,000 reis. Bequests to various persons. He requireth his son to receive pardon of Don Anto, and all the other Portugals. He retracteth his testimony in favour of Millington against Corsine. Appointeth certain masses, and requireth pardon for offences committed when he was Treasurer of the Storehouse, and pardon once more of Don Anto., and other Portuguese. Antonio de Oliveira, Manel Pais, Bernardo Nunes are not culpable of anything against Don Antho. although their names be found in a writiug delivered by him to Manel Luis Tinoco, directed to Don Chral. de Mora, for their names were used to other purposes and should not have been delivered until pardon obtained from K. Philip. The Bishop of Guoa oweth him nothing, notwithstanding his name may be found on his book. The other notes in his book are true; and here he prayeth God to keep his son from Princes' affairs and from the shame of the world. He forgiveth Don Antho. all his debts in satisfaction of such offences as he hath committed against him.—25 March, 1594.
1 p.
[Sir Robert Cecil] to Sir Thomas Egerton.
1594, March 27. I understand by my cousin Bacon what a friendly and kind offer you have made him, the better to arm him with your observations (for the exercise of the Solicitorship) which otherwise must be got with lime : for the greatest sufficience of wit and learning may yet be to seek of things falling into practice without some light given, which as he doth exceedingly please himself to receive from a person of your gravity and wisdom, so do I thank you for it as much as if it had been done to myself. And this I do assure you, that I have no kinsman living (my brother excepted) whom I hold so dear; neither do I think that you or any other can confer any good turn upon any gent (though I say it to you in private) likelier for his own worth to deserve it. The place by the suddenness of the remove was procrastinated, but your help in the meantime (in this course offered him) will serve to so good purpose as I am not sorry he hath this vacation of some few days to inform himself at better leisure of those things which at the very first he should have use of. Sir, 1 would write more if I spake not in manner for myself, for so I assure you (in measure of love and affection) he stands unto me. But seeing I speak to a wise man to whom a word is more than a sentence, I will leave all other circum stances, and will study to make you know how great an obligation any man's kindness to him doth throw upon me. And so I bid you farewell. —From the Strand, 27 March, 1594.
Endorsed :—“Copie of my Mr's Ire to Sir Thos. Egerton, knt., concerning Mr. Fras. Bacon.”
[Birch's Memoirs, vol. i. p. 165.]
1 p.
A. Osbolston to Mr. Bellot and Mr. Thompson, Servants to the Lord Treasurer.
1594, March 27. The money of my Lady's gift lent to 6 men of Romford is due to be paid on 2 April next. The Company do not hear of any in lieu of them. It would not be amiss to have my lord's pleasure known therein. The like care is to be had for the men of Cheshunt, the money there due about 26 March.—Haberdashers' Hall, 27 March, 1594.
Signed.
At the bottom of the page is a note to Mr. Maine on the subject from Thomas Bellot.
¾ p.
Lady Burghley's Benevolence.
1594, March 28. Names of persons who are suitors for the use and benefit of my Lady Burghley's Benevolence for the two years next ensuing, all dwelling within the liberty of Havering-atte-Bowre in the co. of Essex, with the names of their sureties.—28 March, 1594.
Signed, Francis Raine. 1 p.
Sir Horatio Palavicino to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, March 28. Has come to the City, although not yet convalescent, but he leaves the care of his health to attend to other matters. Before returning to the country, he desires to see him on his first return from the Court, or he will come to Greenwich.—London, 28 March, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. Italian. ½ p.
M. Chasteaumartin to Lord Burghley.
1594, March 28./April 7. The Spanish army that left Blavet has returned, having by bad weather lost a ship, with the men and 30 horses in her : it will continue its journey in the first fine weather. They have had news in Spain of the entry of the King into Paris, which has much astonished them and confused them in their affairs. They seek to accord with the King by means of the Pope, and despatch “le dactere,” who is at Madrid, to Rome to deal therein. There is in Spain a Frenchman called Capitaine Combes, who has good entrée at the house of Don Juan y Dyaques, and to whom matters are often made known; he says that, without mistake, the King of Spain and the King of Scot land have great communication. Capitaine Combes is a useful person and could be made to do service if a pension were bestowed upon him.—Bayonne, 7 April, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. French. 1 p.
Francis Raine to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, March 29. Relative to the candidates for Lady Burghley's benevolence.—29 March, 1594.
Holograph. ½ p.
The Examination of Simon Knowles, Cutler.
1594, March 30. He saith he was son of Oliver Knowles, who dwelt at Come [Combe] near Greenwich, and was apprentice with one Evans, a cutler in Southwark. He went out of England about eight years since with Lieutenant John Shelton to Holland, and stayed in those countries five jears, serving under Captain Huntley, Sir John Wing field, and Captain Willson, and since that time hath wrought at his occupation in Flanders until about six weeks before Christmas. Then he came to St. Omer and wrought there until about Shrovetide. At which time at the request of Father Braye, the Jesuit, he went to Brussels as a guide with William Warford, priest, Father Jackson, a Jesuit, Richard Griffin, gentleman, and Joseph Pulleyn, priest, who came then all out of England. They spent ten days in travel between St. Omer and Brussels by reason that, at every town they went to visit, the Jesuits and priests prayed for the good success of the Catholic King and Catholic cause, and that God would bless the ship that brought them over from London to Calais. He had nothing but his meat and drink for his pains, not daring to gainsay the Jesuit. When he had stayed at Brussels three days he said he would go fetch his things from St. Omer and come and work there, because it was a more frequented place, and he carried letters from Father Holt to Father Braye and Nicholas Smith, Jesuits, which letters he opened by the way, and read there as Holt had written that he was very sorry those men had not prospered better in their affairs in England, willing them as soon as possible to send to Calais to see if the ship were there that brought their friends over, and to cause him to be stayed there, for he had occasion to use him very shortly. He sealed the letter again and delivered it to Father Braye, saying that he would return to Brussels, thinking that they would write some news which he would gladly know, because he would bring it over for England. And they desired him to stay a day or two for their letters, which he did from Saturday till Tuesday, being Tuesday was sevennight. Having received their letters, the better to blind them he hired a post horse and rode with Joos, the post of Antwerp, to Lille, and there finding waggons that went for Calais, he gave the waggoner two crowns to let him go thither with him as his man, and he lent him coat, breeches, and a great pouch, as though he had been his servant. This examinate served his horses and came to Calais on Tuesday last, making as much haste as possibly he might, because he thought to have found there one Taylor, a gentleman dwell ing at Douay, who is a student at law, whom he saw in busy talk before at St. Omer with the Jesuits. At Calais he enquired for English passengers, and there was one Philip, a shipper of Margate, in whose ship the said Taylor came over, and one Tidyman of Dover, who told him that he thought Taylor to be a false knave, for that he said he would go for Brittany and not for England, and he saw him ship into Philip's boat when she launched away, but Philip stayed at Calais, and came since over in another ship, and told this examinate he would ride post to London. This examinate came over in Tidyman's boat, and on Wednesday last landed at Kamsgate, in company of one Clarke, a merchant dwelling in Whitechapel, and there shewed his letters, with such other matters as he did know, to the searcher voluntarily.
He saith there is one Richard Greene at Brussels, who was sometime steward to the Lord Pagett and afterwards to Sir William Stanley, whose boy told this examinate that his master purposed to come for England shortly, and Mr. Rainsford with him. He knoweth John Aves, an Irishman, whom he saw at Tournay about six weeks before Christmas, and heard it there spoken how hardly the said Aves dealt with the “Bowres” and how covetous he was. The said Aves bought pepper for 1100 gilders at Antwerp and carried it for France, and got a piece of unicorn's horn from one Jasper Smith, a poor man that laid at the “Pied Ox” in Antwerp, for which he paid 6l. and it weighed two ounces, lacking four grains.
He saith that Hugh Owen asked Warford and the Jesuits at their coming to Brussels whether they heard of one Aves in England, who went over, as he said, for that he had killed a Spaniard. They said they knew uot his name, but there was one lately hanged, drawn and quartered, and had almost dashed out his brains against a post, and they thought it was Aves. He saith he saw Lieutenant Jaques at Brussels, and saw Fanning, his sergeant, hanged before the Court gate there, and Father Holt, the Jesuit, was with him at his end. He saith the said Owen persuaded him to speak Avith M. la Motte at Brussels, who asked him if he knew Ostend, and he said “No.” Then La Motte said that if he would get into England and so come over to Ostend, and see what ordnance was on the walls, and take the depth of the ditches, and appointed him to come to an old church half a mile from Nieuport, in the midst of which church he said he would set up a new post and lay four stones about it, under one of which he should leave the news that he wrote, and find there his reward. La Motte willed him that if they of Ostend went to beleaguer any town that then he should come away, and it he happened to Nieuport, then he should grip the governor by the left thumb, and by that he would know him.
He saith that there is a great float making at Nieuport, which is meant to be laid in the mouth of the haven of Ostend, and they have also prepared a great number of light faggots and pulled up many trees by the roots between “Bethune and Rissells,” and have taken up many waggons to bring loads of clay to Nieuport, so that he maketh account that Ostend will be beleaguered shortly. Since, this examinate heard that La Motte is taken prisoner by the Duke. He saith that Duke Ernestus was purposed to call all the pensioners, both Scottish and English, before him to know how they had deserved their pensions, because they lay idle at Brussels : and that he sent apparel for 6000 Spaniards to Namur. He saith the Duke came into Brussels with 220 Hungary horses, and his guard went with his steward on Wednesday was three weeks to fetch sixteen tons of Hungary ducats, and this examinate told forty-seven firkins of money that came from Antwerp to Brussels, which he thinks was contribution money, and now the contribution is doubled. He saith that Lieutenant Amery told him that Warford had converted a great number in England, especially about Worcestershire, and the aforesaid Taylor is an often comer into England and carrieth over youths.
Taken before Richard Young.
Signed :—Rye. Young.
3½ pp.
Edward More to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, March 30. Hearing that Mr. Goringe, the Receiver of the Court of Wards, is dead, he is a suitor for the office, and will willingly give 1000l. to the Lord Treasurer and himself, if by their means, without farther charge, he may obtain it. If he thought young Mr. Goringe could get it, he would forbear to seek it, but thinks that unlikely.—At Cannon Row, 30 March, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p.
Matters disclosed by Robert Barwts, priest.
1594, March 31. Mr. Richard Vestegan showed me the copy of a book that was now in the press, presently to be printed [“There are about 4000 printed already.”—marginal note] and about Easter to be sent for England, and part of them to be conveyed hither by Andrew Buzeline, merchant of Lille, dwelling in la rue de St. Nicholas à Lille, and part of them to be sent by Ireland. The sum of the book is this :
The title is “News from Spain and Holland”; then in the preface the collector declares how, being at Amsterdam, were consorted thither certain travellers, some from Spain and Italy lately arrived, and upon occasion of talk, question being asked “What news in Spain ?” the Spanish traveller openeth his bosom and draweth certain papers of all that he had collected at his being in Spain, and there he disccurseth of the state of the country, of the forces of the king, his mind and affection etc. and of the occasions of the number and increasing of the colleges and seminaries in Spain, and of the young Prince his affection by erecting a college for youths at St. Omer; then through intercourse of talk what will be the end of these colleges and who they be that for the present most hinder the proceedings of them. Then he giveth his verdict that it is the Lord Treasurer his opposing himself against them and there he demands what should be the drift and purpose of my lord therein, and he discourseth of the government of the state for this twenty years, and how things are wrested, and, as it were by violence, forced one thing to serve for another, time to time. Then he bringeth a saying of Sir Christopher Hatton a little before his death, that he would have said that the Lord Treasurer had wrought such a clew that it would not be undone but by breaking, and therefore my lord meant to proceed as he had begun. Then he discourseth at large how unwise that designment of my lord's is, both for himself and his posterity. Then he concludeth that my lord respected no more than for his present life, and that he saith he will demonstrate in one only thing, which is in the succession of the Crown, which, he saith, is by my lord's means that no heir apparent be declared. Here he setteth down an arbor of the succession of the Crown of England, which differeth very much from that of Lislens; after he hath discoursed of the rights and titles of sixteen competitors, then he speaketh of the forces and means everyone hath or is likely to make, either by pretence of religion or friends or otherwise, and then he endeavoureth to shew what helps he that shall stand for the Catholics is like to have.
Signed :—Rye. Young.
2 pp.
The Earl of Huntingdon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1594, March 31. Upon the receipt of your letter, I sent for Henry Lee to come hither, but he was gone from his house. It is expected he will return home this Easter week. Yet, lest haply in the meanwhile he make a journey to London, I thought good to advertise you hereof; his lodging was wont to be about Holborn Bridge, as I think I did once write unto you.—York, 31 March, 1594.
Signed. ½ p.
Sir Nicholas Clifford to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1594, March.] Expressing himself infinitely beholden to him, but latterly at this time most of all, as Sir John Wingfield has made him know.
Endorsed :—March, 1594.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p.
Licence for Starch.
[1594, March.] A letter in which the writer describing himself as a dealer in the patent of starch under Mr. Yonge, offers the Queen 1000l. per annum, and to the procurer 500 marks, in return for a public commandment from Her Majesty and the Council that no merchant or owner shall bring over into this realm any starch; that no one shall make it for their own uses nor for sale, of wheat or roots, but by special licence; no seller to buy of any person not licensed; no person to sell any other starch but such as shall be bought of Her Majesty or her officers in London; no seller of corn or baker to bake or sell any musty wheat, but bring it in to the garners for the use of starch, and receive their money; no pedlar or aqua vitæ bearer to longer use the trade of going from house to house, but by licence of the officer of starch, being the greatest cause of general makers of starch in all the land; it to be given in charge that the quarter sessions find out all offenders; the Queen to have power to appoint one or more in every city or town to sell starch, notwithstanding any charter or other privilege; all persons having starch to sell to give in a true account thereof upon their oaths.
Draft. Endorsed :—“March, 1594.”
1 p.
The Earl of Essex to Sir H. Unton.
[1504, March or April.] How worthy I think you of the place you write of, how glad I would be if that or any other honor or good fortune could come unto you, and how industrious I would be to compass it, you should quickly know if I were free. Sir William Russel I have com mended, to him I have given my word to stand only for him, and to him the Queen seems to me to be most disposed. If he give over or be refused I am free, and being free will do as much for you as yourself can ask or wish for; which is as much as my wit and credit both set on the tenter hooks can stretch to.
Holograph. Seal, broken. 2/3 p.

Footnotes

  • 1. This introduction bas been bound in after the narrative part.
PreviousTable of contentsNext