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Sir Walter Ralegh to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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[1594/5,] Jan. 1. |
This gentleman, my especial friend and kinsman, hath some controversy with the town of Plymouth, and hath desired me to recommend unto your Honour his just and reasonable desire, and therein no farther to be favoured than it shall appear lawful. If it shall therefore please your Honour to be his honourable favourer herein, I shall acknowledge it as done to myself, and shall be very proud if it please you to make him know (that as I am yours in all love and service) so he may find that you please for my sake, in this his great right, to afford him some testimony thereof, and so, only gazing for a wind to carry me to my destiny, I humbly take my leave.—From Sherborne this first of January. |
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Holograph. No year. Endorsed :—“1594.” ½ p. (24. 76.) |
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Sir Henry Davers to the Earl of Essex. |
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[1594/5,] Jan. 1. |
Your royal proceeding in my favour doth confirm my own assurance that in this last action of mine I performed nothing unworthy so worthy a patron, for you may rest well assured that base and cowardly persons will make other judges of their reputation than you who only are their object. I am here secretly informed that you intend a journey this spring, when or whither I little regard to know (so it be without the confines of a constable), but my humble desire is, if it succeed, I may be commanded to remain in these parts to attend your farther directions, being otherwise resolved to follow the King this journey of Lyons, where I should be too far remote from your actions, which would much more discontent me than banishment. The end of my life is the limit of your commandment,
and without exceptions are the bounds against whom you will employ me. The continuance of your favour I doubt not, because I will ever remain if possible more than I have professed, and wish to give a blow wherein you may equalise your fortune to your worth.—Paris, this first of January. |
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No year. Seal. 1 p. (24. 77.) |
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James Grahame, M. Cardwell, and William McGy, in Loch Side, to Robert, Servitor to Mr. Archibald Douglas. |
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1594/5, Jan. 3. |
We your lovers and hearty friends in the parts about Glennageis are brought in admiration that we could never hear nor have knowledge what country ye were in and of your estate. We now lately, by the information of your good friend and gossip, Robert Ferlie, certifies us ye are in good estimation and honest service with Mr, Archibald Douglas. The poor lass Janet S . . . ane whom you left with a young baby at your departing, has sustained great trouble in bringing up of your young babies. [They urge him to contribute to her support.]—From the Loch Side in Wm. McGeis house, 3 Jan., 1594. |
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Almost illegible. 1 p. (24. 79.) |
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Francesco Florio to Mr. Vice-chamberlain. |
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[1594/5,] Jan. 3/13. |
I neglect no opportunity wherein either respect of his service or my duty have interest, bound thereto by so many bonds as are his Honour's benefits. And if it were possible that no respect of any benefit did bind me, yet an “affectuous” zeal and desire to deserve well of so eminent a goodness as his would compel me or any well-affected spirit which honoureth virtue in so high a degree as is seen in his Honour. Thus upon bended knee recommending my duty, I take leave.—“Col.,” 13 Jan. |
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Endorsed :—“1594, Feb.” |
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The body of the letter in English; the rest in Italian. |
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Signed. Seal. ½ p. (24. 101.) |
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The Confession of Thomas Hull. |
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1594/5, Jan. 4. |
Taken 4 Jan., 1594, Stilo Angliœ. Says that Jaques Francisco, lieut.-colonel of the Irish Regiment, made proffer to him to deliver a message to Capt. Waynman, he hearing that Capt. Waynman was in the Leaguer with Grave Maurice coming to Groening—in the words—That he should remember his promise to Jaques Francisco, and that he desired him to do what service he could upon the person of Grave Maurice, or otherwise to make means, if he could, with those of the munition house when opportunity offered, to set it on fire, or when both armies should lodge together that he would by any kind of means send them word, that when he hath the watch he would be the occasion and means to let them enter in where he had the command. Hull asked him what assurance he had of Waynman, fearing lest upon the delivery of that message he might be the occasion of his apprehension. Francisco answered there was no doubt of it, for Waynman was sworn to him to put in execution what thing soever lay in him to do long before. And moreover Waynman was consenting to that treason for which Babington and Salsbury were executed. Waynman
man being at that very instant in Cork in Ireland, hearing of their apprehension, was very fearful lest they would have disclosed him; whereupon he wrote to Francisco, being in Youghal in Ireland, certifying that they were apprehended, and that he feared they would “appeache” him. To which Francisco answered that if he did not fly away or use some other means of suspicion, or that he accused not himself, he needed not to fear, for they would never disclose. And, moreover, that though the service of Ostend failed yet Francisco thought never the worse of him, because, so far as he could hear, the fault was in the messenger, named John Baynam, sent to Ostend at that time to deliver the message. That he should have any reasonable sum of money required for the accomplishment of the service, and that for his better assurance it should be put into a Jesuit's hands of whom he should have it as soon as he had finished any the aforesaid practices. |
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All that Hull can say of Capt. Smith is that, being at Brussels, speaking with one of Count Solmes' men at an ordinary, and falling in talk of Ostend, he said that his master was very sorry for the apprehension of Capt. Smith; that his master loved him well and expected somewhat of him, but what Hull could not know of him. Hull told him that any one Captain could never hurt Ostend or give it over, whereupon he answered that if there were 3 or 400 men drawn from thence upon service up into the country, the enemy having intelligence of their coming, might use means to cut them off, and then attempt to win the town. |
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A copy. 1½ pp. (24. 82.) |
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Another copy of the same. |
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1½ pp. (24. 83.) |
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Lavernne to the Earl of Essex. |
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1594/5, Jan. 4/14. |
By the return of Nero has learnt the honour he has done him in being mindful of the evil deed done the late M. de Hallot, since he was willing to petition the Queen concerning it. Expresses his thanks and begs him to use his services when occasion offers.—From Caen, 14 January, 1595. |
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Endorsed :—“La Varene.” |
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Signed, French. Seal. ½ p. (29. 114.) |
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W. Daye, Dean of Windsor, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 5. |
Withdrawing his acceptance of Worcester, finding by a survey sent to him by a friend that he had been much deceived in his choice. The change is little greater and yet the charge far greater. Makes his humble suit therefore that the Queen will suffer him to continue where he is.—From Eton College, 5 Jan., 1594. |
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Signed. Seal. ½ p. (24. 84.) |
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Thomas Webbe to Roger Manners. |
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1594/5, Jan. 5. |
Begs him to get Sir Robert Cecil, by whose favour his general pardon was obtained, to move the Queen for the pardon of his banishment. Notwithstanding her Majesty granting him his liberty, will adventure his life in her service in this journey with Sir Francis Drake, hoping thereby to recover her Majesty's favour for his former offence, with reformation of his course ensuing.—6 Jan., 1594. |
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Signed. 1 p. (24. 85.) |
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Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 6. |
I send here included a letter from Sir William Spencer containing his apprehension of a vicar in Oxfordshire and a servant of Sir Henry Lee's, for publishing a pedigree touching sundry titles to the Crown, with an exposition endorsed upon the same pedigree, declaring the obstacles of all the titularies thereon saving my Lord of Huntingdon; which act by them committed is directly against a special Act of Parliament (13 Eliz.), by which, as I remember, the first offence is to be punished by one year's imprisonment and forfeiture of all their goods, and the second offence as in prœmunire. But the determination thereof I leave to Her Majesty's learned Counsel. The parties to be committed to the gaol and Sir William Spencer to be committed (sic) for his diligence. The prisoners be come up from York, but I know not where the Queen will have them bestowed, whereof I took to have answer from you this day.—From my house in the Strand, 6 Jan. 1594. |
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P.S. in Burghley's handwriting : “You may for my discharge make her Majesty privy to this.” |
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Signed. ½ p. (24. 86.) |
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— to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 7. |
After my being with you yesterday I moved my lords of the Council for stay of the letter written for Proby, because it would prejudice my suit, who thereupon were pleased it should stay. But this day I understand there hath been nevertheless some course taken for the sending of it away, whereby I am both deprived of the best hope of relief that was left me, and besides disgraced in the sight and opinion of all men by a very mean person. I beseech you, therefore, to move her Majesty for her letters of earnest recommendation of her poor servants' suit to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen who, I have just cause to think, will readily yield thereunto in my behalf if I be not otherwise overmuch crossed, for the wiser and better sort of them do willingly confess that the right is mine and that they are bound in common honesty to maintain the credit of their grant, for though I be a stranger born they knew that difficulty before the passing of the grant, and therefore bestowed the freedom of the city upon me to make me capable of bearing office amongst them. That I am stranger born shall not, I hope, in court be objected against me now that I am to reap some little fruit of my long travail and attendance, because there was not there any such exception taken unto me when I was to be used in services both painful and not of least secrecy. Wherein, I hope, I have acquitted myself in such honest and dutiful sort as at least doth deserve that I should not be reputed among common strangers, having besides settled my poor fortune in England in every respect.—At London, 7 January 1594. |
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Signed. Seal. Endorsed, “Mr. Ciprian to my Mr.” |
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1 p. (24. 88.) |
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[The Queen] to [Sir William Russell,] Lord Deputy [of Ireland]. |
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[1594/5,] Jan. 7. |
When Tyrone shall come to you to receive his pardon you shall not suffer him to depart from thence, but shall cause a convenient secret watch to be kept upon his lodging; and for just cause of detaining him, let him know that according to his letter written to you the 2nd of November, you did advertise us of the contents
tents of that his dutiful letter (disposition), wherein, among other things, he did require that he might upon right of his pardon with safety have recourse to our person to shew some further matter unto us; which his request you may affirm that we did very gratiously accept, as being very willing to hear him and to yield him remedy of any just complaints as cause should require, and for that purpose we commanded you to let him understand of our good liking, and that you should take order for his safety in repairing hither—whereupon you may tell him that you cannot well discharge your duty to us if you should suffer him depart and not come over to us according to his own request. And though he may say that he will first return home and afterwards will come hither, yet you may say that, without first advertising us of his delay, you dare not assent to have him depart, but for your own discharge you must and will be assured that, he shall not depart from thence until you shall hear further from us; and this speech you shall use to him in good and friendly terms in presence of some of our Council of most reputation, who also, we doubt not, but will concur with you upon this so just ground; and notify this his stay not to be done by you upon any intention to have him harmed herein, or to prejudice him in any part of the conditions that shall pass betwixt us and him. You shall take order to put a guard upon him in his town lodging, or for more surety lodge him safely in your own house, using him for his diet and lodging in such sort as is agreeable for him; and immediately to advertise us : and we could wish, if it may be possible, that before you declare your purpose of restraining him, the rest, as O'Donnell, McGuyr and O'Rork, may be accorded withal, lest if they be not, upon this stay of Tyrone, they may break out and continue in rebellion; and therefore, for their satisfaction in the matter of his stay, let them understand the true cause of your so doing, that according to his own request he may come to us, which is requisite to be done for our honour, as by O'Neal it was, for further ratification of our favour and mercy. And yet rather than suffer him to depart, you shall not stay your proceeding herein upon the accord or not accord of O'Donnell and the rest. |
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Undated. A draft in Lord Burghley's handwriting. Endorsed :—“Private letter to the Deputy, the 7 of January.” |
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2 pp. (24. 89.) |
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Lord Huntingdon to Lord Burghley. |
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1594/5, Jan. 7. |
I send by the bearer, H.M. pursuivant, Thomas Gravenor, of whom, since my last letters, I have taken no examinations.—York, 7 January '94. |
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Signed. ½ p. (24. 90.) |
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Thomas Flemynge to [? Sir Robert Cecil]. |
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1594/5, Jan. 10. |
Immediately after the receipt of your Honour's letters of the 8th of this instant, I did examine Phillips and his wife, prisoners in Newgate, what they were able to say against the widow, called Mrs. Mascall. The husband could say nothing but by the report of his wife. And what she hath confessed may appear by the enclosed. The husband I take to be a poor labouring artificer; his wife is a notable cozener. The widow confesseth herself to be cozened by crediting her too much, but she denieth any speech or desire to know of her husband that should be, or when the world should turn, or that ever she used words tending to that effect. She said that after she had
the letter and put the same in her bosom, she had no power to deny Phillips' wife anything. She hath earnestly prosecuted these cozeners and still doth. There appeareth no conjuration or calculating, further than the examinant persuaded the widow she could do, only to deceive her of her money and plate.—10 January, 1594 |
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P.S.—Have sent enclosed the confession of George Burnell that brought me your letter, suspected to be a confederate with these cozeners, written with his own hand. |
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The enclosures, viz.:— |
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1. The Examination of John Phillips and Judith, his wife, otherwise called Doll Pope, taken the 9th of January 1594. |
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Judith, the wife, confessed that one Peters who had been a suitor to the widow for marriage, and one Vaughan, a companion of his, dealt with her to be a means to procure Peters' favour with the widow. Thereupon Vaughan devised a letter in the name of one Mr. Grace, a near friend of the widow's and one whom she specially trusted, to the effect that she should make much of Judith, for she was one that could do her great good. Peters and Vaughan told Judith what suitors the widow had and where they dwelt and who, as they thought, had best favour with her, and told her of many accidents which they knew to be true, to the intent that she might seem to be a wise woman. Whereupon she went to the widow and was well entertained, and had into her chamber. And after some speeches past, Judith looked into her hand, and then began to tell her what suitors she had, etc. Also, according to Peters instructions, she demanded of the widow whether she was not troubled in the night with sights and noises in her house. She said, yea. “Yea,” said Judith, “hath there not been lights seen in your house?” “How know you that?” said the widow. “I know it well,” quoth Judith, “and the cause too, for there is money hid in your house.” Then the widow, being more persuaded of Judith's great skill, prayed her to tell her who should be her husband; and told Judith that she had most fancy to marry an old gentleman that was very rich and a suitor unto her, but she would not marry with him until she first knew when the world should turn. Judith, not knowing what she meant, said she would answer her when she came again. And also that she would get the money hid in the house for her. All which the widow did earnestly desire. Judith then told her that first she must have such gold as she had, which she would not carry away, but leave with her, and within two days the gold hid in her house should come to that place where she appointed her gold should lie. The widow brought certain gold, a chain of gold, 7 rings and a whistle. All which the widow put in a purse and delivered to Judith with her right hand. Judith wrapped it up in yarn, and having before wound up two stones in like yarn, closely conveyed the yarn with the stones into the widow's hand, which the widow took and laid up in the appointed place, with charge from Judith not to look at it until three days were past. She also told the widow she must have a turkey and a capon to give to the queen of the fairi, which the widow provided. Also, she made the widow say certain prayers in sundry places of her house, and then departed. Judith then carried the gold chain, etc. to Peters and Vaughan, opened the yarn, secretly took out the rings and kept them to herself, and the rest was shared between them and her. The
next morning, intending to cozen the widow of her plate also, Judith brought the head and leg of the turkey in a basket to the widow and began to tell her that she must lay one leg under the bed and the rest in other places, but the widow, having discovered the stones in the yarn, knew herself to be cozened and caused Judith to be apprehended. |
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Judith had used this manner of trade of cozenage a long time and had wandered the country in the company of divers persons naming themselves Egyptians. For that kind of life she was condemned to die at Salisbury, but afterwards had her pardon. She had then married Phillips and, being forbidden by her husband, had not since used the trade of cozenage above two several times. |
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2. The “Confession” of George Burnell, giving Peters' version of his connexion with the plot, which Peters declared was suggested by Judith, and which he swore to Burnell upon his salvation was not meant to cozen the widow but to get her to wife. |
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3½ pp. (24. 93.) |
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The Earl of Cumberland to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 11. |
I entreat your pardon that I write not of my own hand, which now I well cannot do by reason my Lord of Derby is with me. I have spoke with the party I told you of, and find him of the same mind he was of, neither can I get him to send for any one man.—11 Jan., 1594. |
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Signed. ¼ p. (24. 96.) |
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Thomas Gravener. |
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1594/5, Jan. 13. |
Certificate, addressed to the Lords of the Council, from Edward Mercer, Mayor of Northampton, and John Cater, practitioner in physic there, that Thomas Gravener, a prisoner on his journey from York to London, in charge of Richard Outlawe, the Queen's pursuivant, was at the George Inn in Northampton sick in bed of a dropsy, his belly and his legs being so swollen that in their opinion he was not able to travel.—13 Jan., 37 Eliz. |
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Signed by both. 1 p. (24. 100.) |
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Anthony Atkinson to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 13. |
The bearer, Mr. Folkingham, can acquaint you what is done and what may be done about Da. Englebie, and of our last service about the late Seminary and his adherents, whom we have delivered to my Lord President, with all their popish trash, books and relics. The bearer's intelligences are great and his partakers and friends are many in these parts. My Lord President, has written to your father in our behalf for Boost's apprehension, and this priest and others. My humble suit unto your Honour is to be a means unto “our” Majesty for us, for you know her Highness promised that we should have recompense, and the bearer and myself and one Francis Eglisfield did take Boost of our own charge.—Hull, 13 January 1594. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (27. 6.) |
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William Daye, Dean of Windsor, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 14. |
Nothing can be more grievous to me than to hear that her Majesty should be displeased for my refusal of the Bishopric of Worcester. However, my comfort is in her Highness's goodness, hoping that upon the true knowledge of the cause she will retain her good opinion of me. How chargeable it is to enter into such a living you are not ignorant; and how small my ability is to perform it is best known to myself only. I protest before God that before I can be furnished for the place, I shall not only lay out all that little that I have, but enter far into debt, out of which if I should live many years (as I am neither like nor look for) I shall not rid myself, living in such sort as that calling requires. I find that the first year I enter I shall not receive 500l.; the second year, paying the subsidy, I shall not have above 302l. for all my maintenance. And when the living comes to the best, (the first fruits being paid) it will not be worth more than 800l. which is but a small increase of the living that I have now. I doubt not but that her Majesty's meaning is my preferment, but in truth, if I should take it, it would utterly beggar me. I have served her Highness here the greatest part of my life and never sought any further preferment, though her Majesty of her own goodness hath some inclination to call me to some better place. I pray you, therefore, to move her to be gracious to me, and in my old age not to put me to seek another country, a strange air, new acquaintance and another living without sufficient maintenance. The few years that remain to me, I do most humbly upon my knees beseech her Majesty I may with her favour end here where I have been bred and brought up (child and man) these forty years.—From the King's College of Eton, 14 Jan., 1594. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (24. 97.) |
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Nicholas Geffe to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 14. |
Points out an opportunity for surrendering, without moving her Majesty therein but only Lord Burghley, certain lands called Games lands and others in South Lynn and elsewhere in Norfolk, passed in the late commission of sale by Cecil's means, which purchase, however, did not fall out to be so beneficial to Cecil as some others might have been; and of obtaining others in lieu of them.—From my poor house over against Baynard's Castle, 14 Jan., 1594. |
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Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (24. 98.) |
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Sir Charles and Sir Henry Danvers. |
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1594/5, Jan. 14. |
“The names of all that have been examined, since the first of January last, and now sent unto the lords of the Privy Council.” |
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Endorsed by Cecil :—“Examinations concerning Sir Ch. and Sir H. Danvers.” (170. 91.) |
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The examinations of the persons named, viz.:— |
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(1.) Anthony Swaine, one of the soldiers of Calshot Castle : taken before Edward, Earl of Hertford, Sir Thomas West, Knt., and William St. John, Esquire, 4th January 1594. |
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Swaine, Kitche and Mandy, soldiers of the Castle, were at Calshot on Monday the 7th of October last, when John Dalamor, the water serjeant, came thither and gave warning to Kitche, the master gunner
that there were many suspected persons in the boat that rode between St. Andrews and Calshot, and willed them bend their ordnance against them. Mr. Humminges came on the same morning in a boat to the Castle to the Deputy to know if he had received any letters from the Captain, and presently after, the Deputy went to Hampton, and came not again until Wednesday night, after the coming of the company to the Castle. |
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On the 9th, about four of the clock in the afternoon, he heard a shot from St. Andrews Castle, even as a boat came on shore at Calshot Castle, which was of Itchen Ferry, out of the which came four or five persons, whereof the two knights, Sir Charles and Sir Henry Danvers, and Mr. Dymmocke were three. Presently came in another greater boat ten or eleven persons more ashore to the Castle, but he knew none of them. Mr. Dymmocke, presently after his coming, had some speech with Kitche, but what the speech was, he knoweth not; after the speech Kitche took all the said company into the Castle, disarmed them, arrested them and put them all up into the Deputy's chamber, and guarded the Castle with such weapons as there were, until the help came out of the company, which they sent for, viz : John Coles, John Gouldoke, John Hancocke, and Thomas Locke, who came into the Castle within an hour and a half after the said company. The Deputy came from Hampton into the Castle after 5 o'clock the same night, and finding all things as aforesaid, willed the said company to depart, and told them that they in the Castle were the Captain's friends, and were going into Brittany for service, and that he would keep the said help harmless, and keep them from trouble, and see the company in the Castle forthcoming. And the knights, Dymmocke, and the Deputy, with the rest of the company, did sup in the Deputy's Chamber, with such victuals as they brought with them, viz.: beef, mutton, and cold pasty of venison, and this examinate going and coming amongst them, did perceive the said knights to be very sad. He remembered that Roger Fynche, the porter, came from Hampton the 10th of October, and went back again that night. During their being in the Castle, the lesser knight, whose name was Sir Charles Danvers, as he thinketh, was hurt in one of his hands, and he saw one of their men, a surgeon, being a little man and young, on the said Thursday night dress the said knight's hurt. He saw not any of the company on Friday till towards night that they departed from the Castle, which was about 4 of the clock in the afternoon, and was presently on the coming of one Gilbert, a Scottishman, in a boat that came from Hamble. Their departure was very sudden; Mr. Dymmocke went with them also, but Gilbert went not with them because the boat was overloaden, who went overland from thence. They went into the boat in such haste that they were like to sink it. The said Gilbert told him that one Mr. Payne, a man of my lord of Southampton's, at such time as Gilbert took boat to come towards Calshot willed him to tell the knights that they should presently be gone and shift for themselves or else they would be apprehended that night, upon which message delivered they all departed suddenly, in a great hurly burly. |
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Signed : Hertford. Thomas West. William Seint John. |
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Endorsed with a précis of the contents. |
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2 pp. (170. 81.) |
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(2.) Anthony Johnson of Hamble; taken 4th January 1594. |
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On Friday the 11th October about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, one Gilbert who came from Hampton on horseback, leaving his horse to be carried over to Tichfield, with one other on horseback being well apparelled like a gentleman, hired Johnson to carry him from Hamble Quay
to Calshot Castle. When he had set Gilbert on shore, and he had been in the Castle about a quarter of an hour, there came into the boat, out of the Castle, about four of the clock of the same day, being presently after sunset, in very great haste, shouldering together as fast as they could, one by another, the number of thirteen or fourteen persons, whose names he knew not but one Mr. Dymmocke, which persons he did set on shore at a place called Bald Head, within a mile and a half of Tichfield. One of those whose names he knoweth not asked Mr. Dymmocke if he knew the way to Tichfield, who answered he knew the way very well, if it were at midnight, and this examinate had for his pains two shillings and sixpence. When the said persons came into his boat, the Deputy came unto the water side, and told them that what pleasure he could do for them he would do very gladly, who gave him thanks. |
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At such time as this examinate received the said Gilbert into his boat, he willed him to give good way unto his boat, and Gilbert did row the space of a mile towards the Castle, but this examinate had not any money till he had set all the said persons on shore. Gilbert was a tall man of middle age, and had a russet coat laced, and was booted and spurred. When he had received the said persons into his boat it was so deeply laden that there was not six inches left clear above water. One Marshal, then ferryman, carried Gilbert's horse and the other man and horse to Tichfield side. |
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Signed and endorsed as before. 2 pp. (170. 82.) |
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(3.) Richard Marshall of Wares Ashe, in the parish of Tichfield; taken 5th January 1594. |
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On Friday the 11th October, Mr. Payne, a gentleman of the Earl of Southampton's, came unto Hamble Quay, accompanied with two others on horseback, about 2 or 3 of the clock, and requested this examinate to carry one that was in his company unto Fawley, but he could not by reason his boat was too big and very unfit for that purpose, but shewed him another smaller boat of one Anthony Johnson, who presently came and carried him from thence towards Fawley, but this examinate heard Johnson say he did set the same man ashore at Calshot. |
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Then John Dalamor, the passenger of Hamble, took unto his boat Mr. Payne's horse, and the other whom he kneweth not, and the horse of him that went in Johnson's boat. This examinate carried over the said Payne and the other, and the man that went in Johnson's boat, requested him to carry his horse to Tichfield House, and gave unto him for his pains sixpence, which horse he did send by his boy. |
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He further saith that he, with one Robert Mossell, the Wednesday the 9th of October last, as he thinketh, in the boat of the said Mossell did receive at Tichfield side into their boat two persons, whereof one was the man that went in Johnson's boat to Fawley, the other is called Thomas Dredge, with one basket of victuals, but Dredge went back again to Tichfield, and [he] did set the man unknown, with the basket of victuals, aboard the boat of one Reedes, then riding in the mouth of the Hamble River, at which time he did see aboard the boat six or seven persons. He had for his pains twelve pence, and was promised to have had more the next day, but had it not. |
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Signed and endorsed as before. |
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1½ pp. (170. 83.) |
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(4.) Roger Fynch, Porter of Calshot Castle : taken 5th January 1594. |
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He was not at the Castle of Calshot, but at Hampton with his master Captain Perkinson, when the knights and their unlawful company came to Calshot; which was upon the 9th October. On the Thursday
following he carried a letter from the knights from Calshot Castle, delivered unto him by the Deputy, in the Deputy's Chamber, the knights being present, to be carried to Captain Perkinson, who upon delivery thereof, did not use any speech concerning the same. William Kytche, the master gunner, came from Calshot with him when he carried the said letter and carried back an answer the same Thursday. He never heard of the murder committed in Wiltshire, until Bowyer Worsley came unto his master the Friday that the knights escaped, who came with Sir Thomas West's letters to his master. |
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His master, Captain Perkinson, sent him on the Friday, about 12 of the clock, and willed him to make haste to warn the knights and their followers to hasten away forthwith from the Castle, because he intended to send his servant, William Heyward, then shortly after with his own letter, and a letter which he received from Sir Thomas West for the apprehending of them, but he, this examinate, was very unwilling so to do, for that he did know that the delivery of the said letter might turn to the undoing of his master and himself, and therefore did of purpose delay the time at Hamble, whither he came about 2 of the clock in the afternoon, and where he drunk two pots of beer at one Chadd's house, and all the way he went his heart was heavy and tormented, and he wept most part of the way to think he should be a messenger to so evil a purpose as he was commanded, and he was very desirous that the said letters from Sir Thomas West might be at the Castle to apprehend them before he should come thither. He thought the knights were in this country two or three days after their departure from Calshot, because the weather was foul, and the wind altogether against them. |
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Upon his coming from London on the 1st of January last, his master willed him to confess a truth, for that there is nothing to be objected against this examinate, but that which the said Perkinson had already confessed. |
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Signed and endorsed as before. 2 pp. (170. 84.) |
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(5.) William Heyward, servant unto James Perkinson, the Captain of Calshot : taken 6th January 1594. |
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On Friday the 11th October last, about eleven of the clock, Bowyer Worsley came unto his master with letters from Sir Thomas West for the apprehending of Sir Charles and Sir Henry Danvers, knights, and their company, upon receipt of which the said Perkinson sent Roger Fynche in all haste unto the Castle, but in what message he knoweth not. Presently after the said Roger Fynche was gone, his master sent him to call Fynche back again and to send the Deputy's man, Richard Cooper, to Calshot in his stead, and then the said Fynche told this examinate that the Deputy's man was already gone, and that he, the said Fynche, could not get a boat at the Quay, but must go on foot to Hamble, and there take boat. The said Fynche seemed to be very unwilling, and told this examinate that he that would undertake such a matter for another man's cause was worthy to abide the smart of it. Then the said Perkinson called him, this examinate, unto him in his chamber and willed him to go unto one Day's house in Hampton, where there is an ordinary usually kept, and to tell one Mr. Payne, a man of the Earl of Southampton's, being there at dinner, that if he did wish well unto the said Danvers and his company and did regard their safety, he should in all haste use some speedy means, that the said Danvers and their company should have warning presently to depart from the Castle, which message he did presently deliver unto the said Payne, who demanded whence Perkinson had received the said letters, then this examinate told him that the Council had written to Sir Thomas West, who had written to
his master. Then Payne willed him to go back unto his master to know what means he might use to give the knights warning thereof, who willed him to tell Payne that he thought it best he should presently ride towards Tichfield to see if he could find any means to send them word. Then this examinate returning back again, his master willed him to go forth into the street of Southampton to see if he could perceive the Mayor or the said Bowyer Worsley to stir in the streets, where staying about two hours, and not finding either, he went to drink a pot of beer or two with certain of his acquaintance, when his master sent for him and seemed very angry for his long absence, and willed him to make himself ready to go unto Calshot, and delivered him a letter to be delivered unto the Deputy, and willed him to shew it to the Mayor, which he did. |
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About two of the clock in the afternoon he did take boat at Hampton Quay with the said letters for the apprehending of the said knights and company, and landed not at Hyve till about the setting of the sun, and came to Calshot about seven or eight the same night by land, but the said knights and company were gone. Being demanded why he came not sooner, he saith the wind and tide were against him, and when he came ashore he knew not the way, the weather being dark and foul. As he went to the Castle with the letters, he commanded one Hardy, the tithingman of Fawley, in Her Majesty's name, to send 20 or 30 men for the apprehending of the said company, but there came not any to the Castle all the night following. At his coming to the Castle he delivered the letters to the Deputy, who told him they were gone two hours before he came, and they bent their course towards Tichfield and, as he thought, to Mr. Paynton's house there. He came home about one of the clock the next day unto his master, where he found three or four of the Earl of Southampton's gentlemen talking with his master, amongst whom was one Mr. Brewen, and amongst other speeches he heard his master say he thought he should lose his office for the knights being in the Castle. Immediately after his coming, his master demanded what had become of them, and he said he was very glad they had gone, whatsoever it cost him, and willed him to tell the Mayor what was become of them, who told this examinate that he thought they might have been easily taken, and willed him to commend him unto his master. |
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Signed and endorsed as before. 3½ pp. (170. 85.) |
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(6.) Thomas Dredge of Tichfield, always attendant in the Earl of Southampton's stable there : taken the 6th January 1594. |
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On the 9th or 10th of October last, after he heard of the murder in Wiltshire by common hue and cry, he received at the hands of one Austin, the cook of Mr. Thomas Arundell, who then with his lady were with the Earl of Southampton in Tichfield House, one basket of victuals, wherein was a pasty of venison and other meat roasted, which basket Mr. Francis Robinson, gentleman of the Earl of Southampton's horses, willed him to fetch from the kitchen, and with one Humphrey, a Welsh loitering boy, then being about the house, to carry it to the passage of Ware's Ash, and there deliver it to Mr. Dymmocke, and if any man examined him whither it should go, he should say it was to be sent to Bewley to Mr. Chamberlayne. Within half an hour after he was come to Ware's Ash Mr. Dymmocke and Gilbert came thither, and willed him to bring the victuals into Marshall's boat, the passenger of Ware's Ash, and then they and this examinate went aboard and rowed till they came over against the boat of one John Dalamor, of Hamble, which lay on St. Andrew's shore, selling such fish as they had taken,
which boat Dymmocke intended to have carried him, but when they came near, Marshall espied the boat of one Robert Mossell, and Dymmocke willed him to turn back to a place of landing, called Mossell's Hard, and then this examinate was set on shore, and left Dymmocke and Gilbert looking for the coming of Mossell's boat, and went back again to Tichfield. |
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Since the report of the murder in Wiltshire, he hath seen two strange men, walking with coverts men (sic) in the great park at Tichfield, which men he hath seen at the stables at Tichfield. After the murder, and on the Monday sevennight following, this examinate and his fellows were commanded by Mr. Robinson, the gentleman of the Earl of Southampton's horses, about eight of the clock the same night, to saddle seven horses, of which one was the Earl's barber's horse, and another of Antony, the Earl's falconer, and two of one Gilbert, Sir Henry Davers' man, and the next morning was told by one Robert, a groom of the Earl's own riding horses, that the same were carried away about twelve of the clock the same night by Mr. Brumfield, but whither he could not learn, neither who did ride them. The Wednesday night following, he was commanded by Robinson to watch all that night for the receiving of the said horses, and about break of day on Thursday Brumfield knocked at the stable door, who brought four horses back, one of my lord's, which Brumfield rode, one of Gilbert's, a mare of Mr. Humminges', and the barber's horse, and he was presently commanded by Robinson to give the said horses as many oats as they would eat, for that they were presently to go to London with my lord. |
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Within two hours of the coming of the horses, the Earl's barber demanded of this examinate who told him that Sir Henry Davers was at Whitley Lodge. He answered that Mr. Dymmocke's man, that brought Mr. Drewell's horse from Whitley Lodge to Tichfield, the Saturday after the murder committed, told him that Sir Henry Davers was at Whitley, and that there was some quarrel or falling out amongst them, for that one of them was bloody with some hurt. Whereunto the barber said Sir Henry had been a hunting with Mr. Humminges, and had killed a doe, and that was the cause of the blood, and sware deeply by God's wounds unto this examinate, and charged him upon pain of his life not to speak any more of it, for it was his lord's will and pleasure that Sir Henry Davers should be there. On Saturday, the 5th October, about three or four of the clock in the afternoon, it was generally spoken in Tichfield, and specially by one Richard Nash, the Earl of Southampton's bailiff, that there were ten or eleven strange horses put into a certain enclosed ground in the great park of Tichfield, called “Fattinge Leaze,” but whose they were he knoweth not, and the said horses remained till Monday night following, being that night that the Earl of Southampton was absent from his house of Tichfield. John, the Earl's cook, was absent from Tichfield House from Saturday night, the 5th October, till the Tuesday following. |
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He doth very well remember Sir Henry Davers being at Tichfield about four or five days before the murder. He rode in a maidenhair coloured velvet saddle, and that at that time the strange horses were at Tichfield. After the murder committed he saw the same saddle at Tichfield, all bloody, and there was a controversy between Mr. Dymmocke and Mr. Robinson, who should have the same saddle. On Monday the 7th October, about two of the clock in the afternoon, the Earl rode from Tichfield with six attendants, but whither he knoweth not, and came not home till next day, about seven or eight of the clock. |
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During the time Gilbert remained at Tichfield, which was some eight or nine days, he rode twice to London. At the second time of his going, he doth well remember that Gilbert came to the stables and said unto Robinson and Humminges, that he rode in haste, and feared to be examined before officers, as he had been aforetime, and therefore would put his letters between the linings of his hat, for that he had so deceived divers that had searched him for letters. During the time Gilbert abode at Tichfield the Earl was there also. Mr. Humminges and Robinson kept Gilbert company very much, yet Gilbert was never at dinner or supper with them. He thinketh he did sup and dine some other where secretly in the house. |
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Signed and endorsed as before. 4 pp. (170. 87.) |
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(7.) John Mandy, one of the soldiers of Calshot; taken the 7th of January 1594. |
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He was at Calshot the 9th October when John Dalamor, the water serjeant of Hamble, came and willed them bend their ordnance against the persons in the boat that did ride in the mouth of Hamble river, as St. Andrew's Castle had done, which was done accordingly. Before Dalamor had recovered the shore, this examinate saw the said boat to weigh anchor, and bend their course to the Castle. Presently the boat came under the Castle and there came ashore three or four persons, and presently after that came in another bigger boat, out of which came nine or ten persons more; all which persons came presently towards the gate of the Castle. This examinate, with the rest of the soldiers, with some fishermen that were commanded in for the better strength of the Castle, were ready attending and guarding the gate. One of the men that came ashore, whose name was Dymmocke, as he thinketh, called Kitche unto him and used some speeches, and presently after, all the persons came unto the gate, where he and the rest took from them all such weapons as they could find about them, and the company were put into the Deputy's chamber as prisoners. And then this examinate and the rest sent for some company to keep guard the Castle, after which Nicholas Caplyn, the Deputy, came from Hampton, upon whose coming Kitche told him all things, who willed the help to depart home, and told them there was no need of them, for that the men in the Castle were the Captain's friends, and came out of the North, and were going into Brittany for service. |
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Thursday all day the knights and company kept themselves close in the Deputy's chamber and walked little abroad. On Friday, 11th October, Antony Swayne came to him, being at work in his chamber, being a tailor by occupation, and willed him deliver the weapons that were in his custody, for that the company was then going. Four days after their departure Mr. Dymmocke came to the Castle again and delivered unto the Deputy four pieces of gold, being 40s., to be divided amongst the soldiers for their pains, and this examinate had thereof half a crown. When the knights and company were gone into the boat out of the Castle, he heard the taller knight, whose name was Sir Henry Davers, as he thinketh, say unto the Deputy that Mr. Dymmocke should come again and reward him bountifully to his contentment for his courtesies. |
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Signed and endorsed. 2½ pp. (170. 89.) |
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Dr. Ch. Parkins to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 17. |
I beseech you think not my departure without taking leave hath happened from want of any duty in me, but rather by
a kind of necessity that happeneth unto those that address themselves with speed to long voyages. The day appointed to this effect I was at your lodging in the Court to do my duty, where it was signified to me that you were at your house at London, whither I presently went to that purpose, but there I understood you were returned to the Court again. The time following I looked to the preparing of my stuff to the voyage, the which could not be without my presence, for that I want an ordinary family. And now the tides fall out so that it is necessary for me to depart for Gravesend at two of the clock this morning.—From Mr. Al. Ratcliff's house, this morning, 17 Jan. 1594. |
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Signed. 1 p. (24. 91.) |
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Thomas Lyly to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 17. |
Among all the overthwarts of my poor fortunes, this the greatest, that where I most expected to show my dutiful affection, I am cut off from the means. My wits were not so low bitten by eating and never filled misery but that some invention might have “grased,” if not for content yet for service. I have presumed to write this much for that I would not let go that hold in your opinion that I have ever endeavoured to keep fit. But I find occasion bald, both before and behind, for wheresoever I snatch, I meet with a bare scalp. My prayers for happy success of your house shall not cease.—Jan. 17, 1594. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (24. 99.) |
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Richard Topcliffe to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 17. |
Signifies the death of Gravener the very same Monday after the pursuivant went from Northampton, and therefore before Topcliffe's arrival on Friday to view his state of body, etc. He died like a dumb dog, never showing by utter show one to name God or to think upon God. As well when there was no likelihood of death as when there appeared danger, he would turn his face from the sound of God, and being wished to pray to himself in his own prayers, shunned both the advice and the act himself, so as no appearance of anything but treason to God and to the Queen was discerned to lurk in him. He was buried immediately by the Mayor, and a Coroner's quest did sit upon him, but I being somewhat acquainted with the malice of his church, presume to wish that his body may be taken up again and opened and his stomach examined, thinking some proof will fall out in that act to show that he took poison at Berwick, when he did perceive that he did lie in the net there. It is a resolution taught in the Church to such as to whom they commit these desperate acts and practices, I have found often. Now, if I may be bold to say it, there remaineth only to know this Gravener's whole heart to enforce his familiar to utter all the secrets that Gravener or the Earl of Tyrone did impart to him (Hailes, the elder, I mean)—a man less savouring of loyalty, obedience, honest religion and humanity than ever I did see, even very red fire itself, and worth seeing and also worth hearing to discern the fury of the Catholic opinion. And it will prove no lost labour, for assuredly by hearsay you cannot believe that disloyalty we simple commissioners do see by their fury expressed, being put to trial. And that is our grief, and mine especially, that we are often taken to be cruel. But God is the witness of all.—Northampton, 17 Jan. 1594. |
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Holograph. 2½ pp. (24. 102.) |
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[Sir Robert Cecil and Sir John Wolley] to the Bishop of Durham. |
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1594/5, Jan. [17]. |
In answer to letter of 29 Dec., wherein though we find a course much contrary to our expectation, yet are we of opinion that upon better advice you will not be unwilling to change your former opinion, especially if we, as your friends, do both open to you wherein you are mistaken and give you caution what may ensue. In such a case as this where the Queen is interposed, you ground your proceedings upon a false foundation. First, where you allege that the late Archbishop's days were shortened by his being pressed in the lease for Martyn Priory, we cannot but let you know that if any such information have been given you, it hath been derived from some lewd spirit, and that we have reason to believe the rather, because we know there was one belonging to the late archbishop who practised for his particular the impeaching of this grant, if he, like a man of gravity and judgment, had not considered what was fit for a man so bound to do in a case by his Sovereign so earnestly recommended; and where it seemeth by your man's report, that you think it 'moughte' be simonious in these cases to pass any such promise to the Queen, as though you bargained for the bishopric, we think it very absurd to make the person of a prince and a subject anything like, for he that can least distinguish cannot but see that the case is wholly changed when a bishop is a suitor for a bishopric by any subject's mediation, or takes a living upon condition, and a prince that gives all requires for some consideration but somewhat of him on whom out of her own free grace she is contented the whole shall be conferred. To conclude, you shall do well to advise yourself of some better reason if you determine to make denial; if you do follow advice it will be best. For us, neither her Majesty will require of you anything unjust, neither we will be wanting to you in anything wherein we may safely excuse you. So we cannot but admonish you that these niceties will hardly be admitted where such a Prince vouchsafes to entreat; and what therefore soever you are purposed, it will be very good for you to take great heed of delivering such report upon any single or partial information, as though her Majesty's requests had hastened the end of such a reverend father, of whom in his life her Majesty made such great estimation. If you find any cause to change your former answer, even for our own good, then send us up your mind as you mean we shall declare it, our love and care being such of you as we have not thought it amiss to give you this counsel which proceeds from your friends and ought accordingly to be “excepted.” We have said somewhat to your man also, wherein you shall perceive that we have as great care of avoiding any imputation upon you as you can desire. We pray your answer with speed.—From the Court, Jan., 1594. |
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[P.S.] It will not be amiss for you to look upon this note whereby you may call somewhat to remembrance done by yourself. |
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Unsigned. A draft corrected. 1½ pp. (25. 7.) |
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Officers of the Port of Newcastle to Lord Burghley. |
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1594/5, Jan. 18. |
In answer to a complaint made against them with respect to the transport of certain wool.—18 Jan., 1594. |
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Signatures decayed. Much damaged by damp. 1 p. (A. 73.) |
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Humfrey Plessington to Lord Burghley. |
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1594/5, Jan. 19. |
Prays for the wardship of the heir of one Semones, a baker of London.—Jan. 19, 1594. |
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1 p. (1923.) |
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Viscount Howard of Bindon to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 20. |
On the subject of the “reproachful words” uttered against him by “A. Gorge.” His slanderous tongue is well known to all those that have friended him most. Is confident neither Lord Burghley nor Cecil will pronounce condemnation against the most unjustest person without indifferent examination of the truth, much less backbite himself whose credit was never yet stained with any untruth, although all wicked inventions have been most cunningly practised to that purpose. Asks his aid in “stawling” his 300l. debt unto such days as he is not forced to sell his stock, much decayed by his great troubles and long absence from the country.—Walterston, 20 Jan., 1594. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (24. 104.) |
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Sir Henry Unton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 20. |
Your Honour knoweth what power you have over me, which you may ever exercise at your good pleasure, and I will hold my travails for your service best spent. My clownish life doth deprive me of all intelligence and comfort, but doth best become my fortune which is very unworthy of the world's eyes, yet am I inquisitive of my honourable friend's good, and am often gladded with untrue (sic.) bruits thereof. I think it is long since I attended or heard from your Honour, therefore I beseech you pardon this my inquisitiveness and desire to salute you by this bearer.—Wadley, 20 January, 1594. |
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P.S.—As I was closing up this letter, Sir Thomas Wroughton, my father-in-law, recommended a suit to me, wherein I crave your Honour's best furtherance. |
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Holograph. 1 p. (30. 4.) |
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Mrs. Jane Ridley. |
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1594/5, Jan. 21. |
The cause of Jane Ridley, wife of Robert Ridley late of Morpeth, Northumberland, against Edward Gray; with respect to certain fishings, lands, and offices in Morpeth. Three papers.—Jan. 21, 1594. |
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3 pp. (2486.) |
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Foulke Greville to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan 22. |
I do humbly thank your Honour for the comfortable message you sent me, by my uncle Edward, that Torrington was not passed, because it argues your favour to me and care of your word, but I have, since my coming to this town, enquired with all the credit, and wit I have, and am very confidently informed that it did pass the Great Seal upon Saturday last, and, it seems, by immediate warrant and grace, for else your Honour must needs have had notice at the Privy Seal of it. Our hopes and fears are like dead together in it, and though my brother
have been at very great charge, both with the suit, wife and pretty children, yet this resolution hath cut off one, which is the law; for other help or comfort he must seek in heaven.—This Wednesday. |
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Holograph. Endorsed :—“22 Jan., 1594.” Seal. 1 p. (170. 92.) |
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“The Contractors” to Alderman Billingsley. |
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1594/5, Jan. 23. |
We understand that the Treasurer is willing we should show Alderman Bannyng and Mr. Hamden favour touching a parcel of pepper by them lately brought into the port of London, and although the whole quantity be flatly forfeited by virtue of our letters patent, yet we are contented to release the forfeiture, so as they will transport it into foreign parts and we be made acquainted with the transportation thereof. For the noise and bruit of the coming in of this parcel hath so much hindered our market that for these fourteen days past there hath not one bag of pepper been sold. If this or the like should be suffered, we that have already disbursed to her Majesty 30,000l. of our own money, should not shortly be able to answer her Highness at the days appointed.—23 January, 1594. |
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Signed :—John Hawkyns, John Watts, John Harte, Henry Cletherow, John Harbie, Oliver Style. |
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1 p. (25. 2.) |
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Bartholomew Gilbert, a prisoner in the Counter, to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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[1594/5,] Jan. 24. |
Praying to be set free on bail, his proposed sureties being William Herecke and John Terreye of Cheapside, Goldsmiths, and John Howe, a Barbary merchant, who would be bound in 100l. severally, more than ever he gained by “the diamond.”—Jan. 24. |
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Endorsed :—“1594.” Holograph. ½ p. (24. 106.) |
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Francesco Florio to Mr. Vice-chamberlain. |
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[1594/5,]Jan. 24/Feb. 3. |
Asking to be employed. Out of England there is none but Italy, and in Italy (for our State) none but Genoa, from whence may be drawn as effectual service touching Spain as if one were in Spain itself. The Inquisition is there; title of protector holds the King of Spain; consequently danger enough, Signor Paulavicina (in England) hath there his brother a principal person. If not there, I beseech his Goodness to prefer me in some place at home. Here I can no longer abide, so great have been my expenses, so many my losses.—3 Feb. |
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Information Enclosed. The 26 January, Bunna (3 miles from Cullin) was likely to have been rendered to the Hollanders who were 300 horse about the city. The cause of that tumult was the not paying of the soldiers : the captains had received their pays of the Chapter of Cullin and satisfied not their soldiers who imprisoned their captains upon this, and kept shut the gates of the city many days. If the city had been rendered Cullin had been in great danger. The Pope's nuncio, to avoid greater evils, took up in his Holiness's name so much as hath paid them and acquitted all. At Dusseldorf (the Duke of Julia and Clevia's chiefest city) hath of late been great stir; the Duchess took the castle and redeemed all the captains, imprisoned the Duke. The rest of the councillors with the citizens presently thereon shut the gates of the city and now have
taken the Duchess. She is accused of many things, of attempting the Duke's death, to have changed the Government, to have been naught with one of her pages and two others. The parties were straight apprehended and confess no less. This tragedy began seven days since and is not yet ended, the gates kept still shut. |
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Norrenburg, Ausburg, Strausburg, and all places about, provide all they can against the Turk; the King of Polonia, Transylvania, the Dukes Moldovius and Vallae join their forces with the Empire. With their forces, the Duke of Ferrara's and those of the Empire, the Christians' army will be a hundred and fourscore thousand (as they write thence hither). |
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Holograph. Seal. Endorsed :—1594. 2 pp. (25. 12, 13.) |
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Matthew Hutton, Bishop of Durham, to Sir Robert Cecil and Sir John Wolley. |
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1594/5, Jan. 25. |
Yesterday I received your letters of the 17th, whereby I understand you have no liking of my answer concerning Marton Priory, and therefore you counsel me to be better advised, for the which I do humbly thank you both. But the truth is, I did never make suit to go to York, nor any for me to my knowledge, albeit I think my Lord Treasurer's hand was in it as in all other my preferments; nay, my desire is rather (if it so please her Majesty) to stay still where I am. And I assure you rather than I would yield to hurt that living or any other against my conscience, I desire to live a private life where I should have little to do but to pray for the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty. I never hurt any ecclesiastical living in my life, and I am loth to begin now when one of my feet is almost in the grave. I am sorry that you conceive so evil of my answer; that it is grounded upon a false foundation; that it is absurd not to distinguish between the Prince and a subject; that I take that for simony which is none; that I do stay upon niceties, etc. But truly (under correction) they that know me well are persuaded of me that I do not use to stay my doings upon false foundations; that I commit as few absurdities as other do; that I both can and do in most dutiful manner distinguish between the Prince (especially so gracious a prince) and the subject; that I can tell what simony is, and do detest it as the canker of the church and religion; that I was never given to niceties in my life. And whereas it pleaseth you to charge me that I did write, that this motion or request did shorten the days of the late good Archbishop, I never wrote or spake any such thing, but that it was thought it did no good to his health. And yet not Her Majesty's letter (which was most mild) but another letter, sharp and somewhat pricking, sent unto him in that cause, belike somewhat like unto this letter which it pleaseth you to write to me. And whereas you will me to peruse a note inclosed of the manor and castle of Crake in the co. of York near Marton, and so to call to mind something done by myself, in good truth you are much abused, for I had nothing to do in that matter. I did hear much evil of him that did it. Thus beseeching God long to continue you both faithful counsellers to so gracious a Sovereign; that you may always advise her Highness to that thing whereunto she is by her princely disposition most inclined, that is, to advance the gospel, maintain the ministers of the word, and to continue a most loving nurse to the church, I humbly take my leave.—Auckland, 25 Jan. 1594. |
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Signed. 1 p. (24. 107.) |
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Alderman Henry Billingsley to Lord Burghley. |
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1594/5, Jan. 25. |
Asks that the pepper brought in by Mr. Alderman Bayning and Mr. Hamden in the Great Susan, which he cannot by any means entreat the contractors to suffer to be landed here, much less sold, may be transported without paying custom.—London, 25 Jan. 1594. |
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Holograph. ½ p. (25. 3.) |
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The King of Scotland to the Queen of England. |
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1594/5, Jan. 25. |
Having consideration that it is proper to a prince loving justice, reason and equity to defend and conserve the right of all those who are wrongfully damnified, and specially their own subjects; one of whom, our right trusty cousin the earl of Orkney, has divers ways heavily complained unto us, that he, being called to our service from his dwelling place, the year of God 1590, bringing by sea his whole furnishing in money, jewels, and moveables, to the value of 3,000l. sterling, was in the way in warlike manner most violently reft and spoiled by Capt. Goyne, your subject, and as yet no redress and satisfaction made thereof to the complaints, notwithstanding our former request herein, which we esteem to be always contrary your intention, and that you have, on your part, a constant desire to give a like equality of justice to all persons indifferently, and especially to our subjects, as our desire is likewise towards yours, for the mutual amity and intelligence presently betwixt us and our crowns. For the entertainment whereof, and to the end our said cousin have no further occasion hereafter of complaint in this matter, we desire you most affectionately to give command and order expressly that the said complainer may have sufficient redress of his goods and gear. Your loving and affectionate brother and cousin, James.—Holyrood House, 25 Jan. 1594. |
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Subscribed in the King's own handwriting. |
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2 pp. (133. 118.) |
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Robert Wingfeilde to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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1594/5, Jan. 28. |
I hear by report that your Honour's hand was to the warrant sent from the Council Board for the imprisoning of certain of my Lord W. men. I hope you will be a means to have my cause heard before the Council, for as their imprisonment is but as a spark, having the liberty they have, so I shall be in more danger than before, for the song they sing is revenge, which they doubt not of but a day will come. I beseech you, being a poor member of the house you come of, not to suffer me so to be abused in words as I have been, and for no cause but for performing my duty to my lord, your father, to be in danger to be murdered, and still my life to be in hazard, for the persons that did me this injury are of so lewd a conversation as I know they respect no more the killing of a man than I do of a mouse; for some of them are already well acquainted with murder, and they are exercised daily with drunkenness and all manner of lewdness whatsoever. I account my fortune the harder that, being so beggarly and base, my recompense must neither be the smaller; but my hope resteth in your father, yourself and Sir Thomas Cecil.—Upton, 28 Jan., 1594. |
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Signed. 1 p. (24. 108.) |
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W. Nicols to Sir Peter Hollins. |
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[? 1594/5.] Jan. 28/Feb. 7. |
[After touching on mercantile matters, writes :]— |
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I pray you use all diligent means to get so many as ye can of those Spanish books that Anthony Perez hath made. They shall be well paid for and distributed here in good sort to the disgrace of whom it toucheth. If you can send them by hundreds they shall be well spread abroad and paid for. Mr. Gynger's man doth desire it; I mean his secretary. Therefore I am the more earnest to trouble you in this matter. (Further trading information.) As for news, you must understand that 12 Frenchmen have surprised the castle of Huy, a town between Namur and Liege; so the Papists are like to go to the pot. The Bishop of Liege is entered in person into the town with 500 men and more he seeketh for. How the matter will end we shall see ere long. The said Bishop is looked [for] by the Archduke at Brussels to treat of the peace, for which cause are come to Collan some commissaries from the Empire. The mutinied soldiers are compounded with, and come to lie at a place called Tilmont until they be paid. It seemeth to me that they were ill lost that they were not entertained in her Majesty's service. I am forced to use another man's hand. Please to signify unto my good Lord of Essex how ready I am to serve him.—7 Feb. stilo novo. |
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Addressed :—Aenden eersamen Sr Peeter Hollins, coopman, tot Londen, betaelt den bode. |
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No year. In two different hands. Seal. 2 pp. (25. 20.) |
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Anthony Bacon to the Earl of Essex. |
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1594/5, Jan. 29. |
The points which her Majesty touched in her conference with Lord Wemyss (Wymes) were these :—First, that she found it strange, and could not but take it unkindly at his hands above all others, that he had not made her acquainted with his commission to treat the reconciliation of the Duke of Guise to the King. His answer was that her Majesty's cold countenance and entertainment in seeming to believe nothing in the behalf of the King, his master, as also your then indisposition and refusing to speak with him, occasioned him to conceal the same, maintaining withal that her Majesty could not think amiss of the King, his master's, desire and endeavour to reduce his near kinsman from the faction of Spain to his own Sovereign, her Majesty's good friend and his master's. Secondly, she charged him with his intelligence and familiarity with the Bishop of Glasgow, whom he alleged to be his kinsman and to have done him many good offices heretofore, by means whereof he had done her Majesty special services, as Sir Edward Stafford can witness; that he had won him to the King, his master, and that he was the only man that was privy to the rights and debts which appertained to the late Scottish Queen, and are due to the King, his master. Which notwithstanding, he would assure her Majesty that the King, his master, should not employ the said Bishop as his Ambassador, so that her Majesty would make real demonstration of deserved kindness unto him. “Why,” says the Queen, “I have sent him 6,000l. since you saw me.” “A small matter, Madame,” quoth he, “for so good a kinsman, considering the actions he hath undertaken and charges he hath been at for your Majesty's pleasure and satisfaction.” Thirdly, her Majesty objected unto him a new league betwixt the French King and his master. “Ye mistake it, Madame,” saith he, “it
was nothing but the renewing of the old, upon the request and remonstrance of the Scottish merchants for the enjoying of their ancient liberties and privileges. But, good Madame,” saith he, “let your faithful, approved servants but see your Majesty to countenance indifferently the King, my master, and to keep promise with him, and then you may rest assured that in any of the points abovementioned nothing shall be proceeded without your Majesty's privity and liking. Otherwise, if your Majesty continue your late course and counsel to his discontent and prejudice, he must stand upon his guard and make the best friends and shift he can.” Wherewith he drew to an end and presented his humble suit in paper to her Majesty; who said she would give him to understand her pleasure by Sir Robert Cecil, willing him at the parting blow to assure the King, his master, that when he hath tried all his pew friends, he should find that her kindness overweighed all theirs. “As you have, Madame, proved his love and fidelity to have been above that which you can ever expect at the rest of your kind folk's hands.” And so took his leave of her Majesty, who vouchsafed to let seven or eight Scottish lords and gentlemen which accompanied him, to kiss her hand. I may not forget to advertise your lordship that at his coming out of the Privy Chamber, he asked my Lord Chamberlain for Sir Robert Cecil—“Why, sir,” said he, “he was within.” “By my soul,” saith the Lord Wemyss, “I could not see him.” “No marvel,” said Sir George Carey, “being so little.” Whereat the Lord Wemyss confessed he burst out of laughing. To-morrow he purposeth to go to Sir Robert Cecil, which having done, he hopeth he may without any jealously receive the honour and contentment to see your lordship, and maketh account to depart on Tuesday or Wednesday.—This midnight, 24 Jan. 1594. |
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Signed. 2 pp. (24. 105.) |
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Henry Billingsley and Richard Carmarden to Lord Burghley. |
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1594/5, Jan. 29. |
Touching the answer of Mr. Alderman Radcliffe and some other of the merchants trading to Bordeaux to Mr. Swinerton's demand of wastage.—Custom House, 29 Jan., 1594. |
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Signed. ½ p. (25. 4.) |
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Hilary Dakins. |
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[1594/5, Jan.]. |
“Practices of lewd and dangerous devices contrived by Hilary Dakins.” |
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Percy Gibbam confessed a white horse to be given to Edw. Dakins, a seminary priest, by Hilary Dakins. |
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Thomas Dakins confessed that this seminary talked with the said Hilary under a hedge and there shrived him. |
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One Langley, a notorious entertainer of seminaries, was in the end executed, and ought to have forfeited all his lands and tenements to Her Majesty and other mean lords. Hilary, by false pretended estate, supposed to have been formerly made, defrauded the Queen and others of 100 marks per ann., and investeth the same unto Langley's son, who married Hilary's sister. |
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His whole endeavour is to conceal thieves, murderers and traitors, and he sendeth them into Lancashire amongst Papists till he hath procured their pardons. |
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He hath received since the last of March in the 32nd Eliz., of Edward Dakins, divers seditious and libelling books, and daily doth receive
from beyond the seas such like dangerous books, causing them to be directed to one Dr. Remington, a preacher, without his privity or knowledge, that they may pass without suspicion. [John Constable, the vicar of Brandsburton, did see some of these books—margin.] |
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He hath been seen four several times with an Agnus Dei about his neck, and one time taking occasion to verify a matter in question, took his Agnus Dei and swore by it, saying, “By the living God, whose image this doth represent, it is true.” [In the sight and hearing of Fra. Greene, one Askew, an attorney, and Jo. Constable—margin.] |
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He doth persuade to papistry ignorant people, alleging by erroneous doctrine that there are four places for the souls of men after this life, as heaven, hell, purgatory, and a fourth place which he will not name. [Witness the vicar of Grimsby and others—margin.] |
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He saith he was a fool before he read “Machevell,” for there he learned to save himself if he were on the gallows, and how to live if he had never a penny in his purse. [Witness John Covel—margin.] |
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He is a common mocker and scoffer of preachers and favourers of the gospel, and lamenteth to hear of the death of any traitor or enemy of the Queen, and calleth them martyrs. |
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He useth, when he hath done any notable villany, to whip himself and to fast and punish his body, affirming that they are a reconciliation for his sins. |
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Endorsed :—“Jan., 1594.” 1¼ pp. (25. 5.) |
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Arthur Throgmorton to Sir Robert Cecil. |
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[1594/5, Jan.] |
Matter of mirth from a good mind can minister no matter of malice, both being, as I believe, far from such sourness (and for myself I will answer for soundness). I am bold to write my determination, grounded upon grief and true duty to the Queen, thankfulness to my lord of Derby, (whose honourable brother honoured my marriage) and to assure you I bear no spleen to yourself. If I may I mind to come in a masque, brought in by the nine muses, whose music, I hope, shall so modify the easy softened mind of her Majesty as both I and mine may find mercy. The song, the substance I have herewith sent you, myself, whilst the singing, to lie prostrate at her Majesty's feet till she says she will save me. Upon my resurrection the song shall be delivered by one of the muses, with a ring made for a wedding ring set round with diamonds, and with a ruby like a heart placed in a coronet, with this inscription, Elizabetha potest. I durst not do this before I had acquainted you herewith, understanding her Majesty had appointed the masquers, which resolution hath made me the unreadier : yet, if this night I may know her Majesty's leave and your liking, I hope not to come too late, though the time be short for such a show and my preparations posted for such a presence. I desire to come in before the other masque, for I am sorrowful and solemn, and my stay shall not be long. I rest upon your resolution, which must be for this business to-night or not at all. |
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Signed. Undated. Endorsed :—“Jan. 1594.” 1 p. (25. 6.) |
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Lord Burghley upon the Demands to be made on the States General. |
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1594/5, Jan. |
If my hand and my arm did not pain me, as it doth in distempering of my spirits, I would have sent you a longer argument to have justified the Queen's demands now to be made of her debt, and
cessation of her charges, for the which I have noted a few sentences that be rules of the Civil Law, which I am sure good civilians will maintain with many more texts and examples of decrees; to be shewed to her Majesty when she is disposed to be merry, to see how I am occupied in logic and neglect physic. |
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Tituli Juris. Quod omnes contractus cum principe intelliguntur admittere interpretationem bonœ fidei, neque princeps tenetur ex suo contractu quando ex justa causa contractus cadit in publicum detrimentum. |
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Pax non rumpitur si princeps recedat a pacto suo quando ex novi casus contingentia id fiat, vel quando res devenit ad novum casum de quo fuisset aliter provisum si fuisset cogitatum foedera et pactiones principum cavillari non debent, neque pacta violanti pacta debent observari. |
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Princeps contractui celebrato in causa respiciente statum suum non tenetur si in prejudicium et detrimentum subditorum vergat. |
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These maxims may be the majores propositiones of a perfect syllogism, whereof a perfect minor may be gathered out of the pretended treaty for succour of the States; by the excess of the charges whereof, and the uncertainty of the limitation of the payment, and the general detriment of this realm by wasting of the treasure and the people thereof, and the manifest violations of the covenants of the States, to their private benefit and the enriching of themselves,—all which being enlarged in the minor proposition, as the same may be particularly deduced, the conclusion will necessarily follow. |
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That her Majesty may lawfully by rules of law and reason, and specially by royal pre-eminence, presently demand restitution of her expenses, and moderate also all other inconveniences, and yet not neglect the safety of the State's countries against future mischiefs, whereof there is no fear to be had, considering the increase of the States' powers and decrease of their enemy, by God's goodness, and her Majesty's only great aids. |
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Endorsed :—“Note of the Lord Treasurer's. Note of the Civil Law to maintain the Queen's demands notwithstanding the contract sent to Mr. Bodeley. Jan. 1594.” |
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Not signed. 1¼ pp. (25. 912.) |
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Griffith Lloyd to the Queen. |
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1594/5, Jan. |
Prays for leases in reversion of lands in Tregoyd, Carnarvon, and Munden Parva, Hertford, to be granted to the tenants, in consideration of his services as yeoman of the chamber. |
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Endorsed :—“Jany. 1594.” |
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Note by Wm. Aubrey that the Queen grants the petition. |
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½ p. (1085.) |
