Cecil Papers: November 1601, 1-10

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1906.

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

Citation:

'Cecil Papers: November 1601, 1-10', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601, ed. R A Roberts( London, 1906), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol11/pp465-491 [accessed 17 November 2024].

'Cecil Papers: November 1601, 1-10', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601. Edited by R A Roberts( London, 1906), British History Online, accessed November 17, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol11/pp465-491.

"Cecil Papers: November 1601, 1-10". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 11, 1601. Ed. R A Roberts(London, 1906), , British History Online. Web. 17 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol11/pp465-491.

November 1601, 1–10

Sir John Gilbert to the Earl of Nottingham, Lord Buckhurst, and Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 1. I received your letters the first of this present, at 3 of the clock afternoon, bearing date 29 October, concerning the setting forth of my ship within six days and the putting into her a demi-cannon and a culverin of the fort's ordnance, all which I would very willingly perform if it were possible to do it in so short a time. But my ship is so beaten and torn in this her last voyage that by no means she can be so speedily fitted. And for ordnance, there is never a demi-cannon in the fort, and but one whole culverin, serviceable, which shall be made ready to be embarked with all speed if I receive order from you accordingly; and likewise I will use all expedition to make ready my ship if you do not provide some other in the meantime for the said service.—From the Fort by Plymouth, this first of November 1601.
PS.—Whereas my lord Admiral in a postscript wrote unto me concerning the sending up the skipper of the ship of Embden, it is strange to me that he is not brought unto his lordship before this, for that I sent him up by Grymes the messenger ten days since.
Here is a ship called the Roebuck, which was Sir Walter Ralegh's, now made ready to go forth, which I think very fit for the service.
Signed. Seal, broken. 1 p. (89. 43.)
Giles Brooke, Mayor of Liverpool, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 1. I am enforced of mere necessity to seek unto the Privy Council for the redress of divers abuses wherewith Liverpool hath for a few years, in the latter time of these last wars of Ireland, been pressed by our too near neighbours of Chester; who from time to time having direction from the Council for provision and shipping of soldiers at Chester, have by colour thereof made stay of all shipping not only in this port of Liverpool, but also in all creeks and members thereunto belonging. By reason whereof our ships and mariners have been stayed for seven weeks at one time, and in the end upon the return of their shipping of Chester, few or none of ours employed therein. And that worse is, the Mayor of Chester hath also, at his pleasure, released divers in the river of Chester, there stayed for her Majesty's service, for the use of the merchant, whereby many merchants have been drawn from us to them, to our great detriment in traffic : and also upon suit made to the mayor there for the time being, hath released unto the merchant shipping formerly made stay of, most fit for her Majesty's service, whereby the mayor of this town is not only brought into contempt of the said merchants, but the townsmen themselves, enforced by necessity, are driven to seek unto him for enlargement, to their great travail and charges—where heretofore it hath been used that when any service was to be performed by us, you have usually directed your letters immediately to the mayor of this town, authorising him to make “staiment” of all shipping within his liberty : which from time to time most dutifully hath been by us performed. And at the great provision for Lough Foyle, where it was thought the service for the most part was done by them of Chester, very true it is that from this river almost 20 barques did serve, and of Chester only two, and those such as were not able to keep company with the fleet. Wherefore, since our town is thereby greatly decayed, the owners of shipping not able to keep their ships and men as heretofore, being so often stayed and so seldom employed, without some redress be provided, I in the behalf of the whole do crave you to be a mean unto the rest of the Council, that when any service for transporting her Majesty's forces, either foot or horse, shall be appointed for these parts, it might please you to direct your letters as heretofore hath been accustomed, unto the mayor of this town who (God willing) shall undertake for a thousand foot and fifty horse at all times that shall be sent from time to time unto these parts, and to be as well and at as easy rates here passed as the citizens of Chester shall do for so many as shall be assessed upon them, so that you grant us commission that we may place some of them in the country towns near here adjoining, because we cannot well lodge within our town above 700 men at one time. Otherwise, if they of Chester may command us as for these four years past they have done (which we durst not withstand in respect of the present necessity of service), they will so insult over us as now they term us to be a member of Chester, and by that means challenge a superiority over us, where it is evident that this is the chiefest port between us and the Land's End of England (Milford only excepted), and also that our town and the river of Mersey do belong to her Majesty in the right of her Duchy of Lancaster, and Chester and the river of Dee in the right of the Earldom of Chester. And now at this present service, we have been by the mayor of Chester stayed, released, stayed again and in part now eftsones enlarged. And it may be in the end none of our barques must be employed, if either strangers or their own shipping be able to perform it; whereby we gather their practice is only to weaken us so much as in their power lieth, which if it have continuance, will be to this town and port an utter decay, that in time of traffic was wont to have far greater store of men of ability, shipping, and mariners, than now we have, being already so far impaired as hard it is at the time of our election to find a sufficient man to be our magistrate, some being dead, some departed into the country, and others of the best account ready to leave the town if redress be not had; and then the town is like to be very simply governed, or else the burden to lie upon a very few, some one having already been charged four or five times, to his great hindrance and exhausting of his wealth, having no fee belonging to the same. My most humble suit eftsones is that during this service for the wars of Ireland the command may come immediately unto us from your Honours for such numbers as we shall be charged withal, and we according to our most bounden duties shall pray daily for your good Honours.—Liverpool, the first of November, 1601.
Signed. Seal. 1⅓ pp. (89. 44.)
Sir George Trenchard to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 1. About eight years since it pleased her Majesty to join in patent with me for the keeping of Sandsfoot Castle in Dorset my brother-in-law William Bampfeild esq., who by the long indisposition of his health is now grown very weak and no way able to endure the cold nature of the place. My suit is that the place may be transferred to my son, who being grown to ripe age, I do desire to train up and make serviceable to her Majesty in that office.—From Wolveton, 1 November 1601.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (89. 45.)
Philippe Cotton to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 1. I humbly desire your remembrance of me, your poor, yet very near kinswoman who has been her Majesty's sworn servant these 20 years. If my abode were not so far off I would have come myself. I crave you to help me for my money to some ward, that may be beneficial to me and my children.—Stocke, the first November.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal 1 p. (183. 73.)
Dr. John Jegon to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 2. Acknowledges himself exceedingly bound to Cecil both for his late preferment and his just defence against malicious traducers. Prays continuance of his favour and protection.—November 2, 1601
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (89. 46.)
Sir John Gilbert to the Privy Council.
1601, Nov. 2. Two letters :—
1. Whereas I have received two packets from you for the setting out of my ship with expedition for Ireland, the one whereof I have answered by my former letters; notwithstanding I have since used such diligence therein as I doubt not my ship shall be ready within six days after the date hereof, the which I thought good forthwith to advertise you that no fault might be found in me of any delay or unwillingness to do the Queen service in purse or person. As concerning the ordnance, I have not any such in the Fort as you appoint, neither can I furnish them with all implements for the field; wherefore I forbear to send any. Notwithstanding, the powder shall be delivered, and I think it fit also that some shot should be sent therewith, for which I desire your farther warrant.—From the Fort at Plymouth, the second of November, 1601, at four of the clock in the morning.
PS.—If I shall send any shot I must be directed of what sorts to fit the ordnance already there. I have demi-cannon shot which I can spare because I have not any piece to use them.
Holograph Three seals, two broken. 1 p. (89. 47.)
(2.) My ship is a ship of great charge and is well fitted with brass ordnance, and therefore I pray you that, if she miscarry, I may have due satisfaction for her, as also that I may have warrant that my ship may not be unfurnished of her ordnance when dismissed. This I crave by the next packet. I have appointed a gentleman of good experience and discretion to go in her that will undertake any service as valiantly as any man in England whatsoever. His name is Hugh Tolkerne, for whom I humbly desire that he may not be displaced when he shall come thither. You may now perceive how inconvenient it is that her Majesty hath not a store here of all manner of munition and provisions for shipping. Thus in haste presently upon receipt of your letters I take my leave.—From the Fort, the 2 of November at 4 in the morning, 1601.
PS.—Here is not any gunners fit for the field, and therefore, if you be so pleased, some may be sent down from London.
Holograph. 1 p. (89. 49.)
Richard Staperr to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 2. Mr. Altham, the lawyer of Gray's Inn, did about three years past marry my daughter, and, as I understand, the judges and others of skill in the law have a good opinion of him. My suit is that if his name do come in question for preferment, you will vouchsafe him your good word; and if he may do you any service, being a man still resident in London, he will be most ready.—2 November 1601.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (89. 48.)
Thomas Brown and W. Wynson to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 2. On Saturday last, Oct. 31, Sir Anthony Coke arrived here with instructions of the 18th of the same from my Lord of Nottingham and your Honour to receive from us the 975 men, with their arms appointed for this service in Ireland; and the next day early he took the muster of some of them with great care and diligence; and this morning is ridden to Ilfracombe to view and ship 300 that lie billeted there 8 miles from Barnstaple, so as to-morrow we hope they and the rest (if the wind hold fair) shall put to the sea.—Barnstaple, this Monday 10 of the clock in the forenoon, 2 November 1601.
PS.—Here is yet no conductor come to take the horse from us.
Signed. ½ p. (89. 51.)
The Earl of Rutland to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 2. According to your direction I have sent order to my counsel to make answer to my Lady of Rutland's bill, hoping they will do that which will seem reasonable to you, howsoever pleasing to her ladyship, who never yet omitted any occasion that might trouble me and herself. I must still acknowledge the care you have of me and my poor estate.—Uffington. 2 November 1601.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (89. 52.)
Sir Richard Fenys to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 2. Since in all Parliaments these 16 years last past, and also in times of intermission, as by this true copy of a letter of your most noble father's it appeareth, there hath not only passed deliberate and exact hearings of the title continued in my grandfather in his minority and unadvisedly discontinued by him in the suit of his livery in the year 13 Henry VIII., but there hath been relation of her Majesty's approbation by recognisement of the precedent right and priority, for the allowance whereof this bill, by her Majesty's direction, was engrossed; yet myself ever esteeming her favour above all descended right, do submit myself to such proportion of her grace as may be most pleasing to her to vouchsafe me. But if her most excellent Majesty shall be withholden from affording me the lowest proportion of grace, or justice in that kind, yet that the right so descended may not utterly vanish, although my unworthiness disable me thereof, for the satisfaction of many the friends and allies of my poor son and myself, might it but please her inestimable goodness (the rather for that lord Norrys who is descended out of the house of Fenys, as also Mr. Comptroller, my countryman and kinsman, hath not only promised his greatest furtherance but also to move for me if there shall be opportunity) to vouchsafe me leave but to put in my claim into the Parliament House, that the right or unworthiness of the cause, so many years unfortunately followed, being by those Houses gravely censured, may in the end receive some final determination, either revivement or extinguishment, as shall best please her Highness; wishing it had pleased God to have made me so happy as my Lord of Kent, who after a discontinuance of two of his ancestors, and that of the uncle and his son, obtained her Majesty's recognisement of his descended right even with the priority. I beseech you to descend into the view of these approved rights which, notwithstanding, I disclaim in respect of the least of her favours.—This 2 of November 1601.
PS.—I seek most her Majesty's royal grace, which if it so offend others as in no measure her Highness may well grant, then the like gracious allowance, as my lord De la Warr had for the trial in Parliament, for which I and my posterity shall be most bounden.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Sir R. Fynes.” 1 p. (89. 53.)
Lord Lumley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 2. My nephew Splaudian Lloyd, to my great grief, hath these sundry years continued in lunacy; the means used for his cure, greatly by the care of my Lord Chief Justice, have little prevailed, till now of late by his restraint, by my Lord Chief Justice's commandment, in Bethlehem, he is come to much better understanding. He now hath written to my Lord Chief Justice beseeching liberty to travel beyond the sea for a year. His lordship doth esteem it the best course to try one year that way. If it may like you to grant the same Splaudian a passport so to travel, I shall think myself greatly beholden unto you.—2 November 1601.
Holograph. 1 p. (89. 54.)
Sir Robert Sydney to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 2. I continue my suit on behalf of Nicholas Blocque to succeed in the room of Martin Blannot who, in respect of service to be done to her Majesty in her cautionary town of Flushing, had a pension of 3s. a day out of the general cheques. The matter is very necessary, her Majesty's officers by the means of some of the country being able to come to sight of many things which with much difficulty otherwise would be known. The pension is not great and, which is more, comes not out of the Queen's coffers, but, as I have said, from the cheques. To have the place, I know none more fit than the said Nicholas.—From Bainard's Castle, the 2 of November 1601.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (183. 75.)
William Vawer, Mayor of Bristol, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 3. I have caused to be shipped the whole numbers of foot here, and also fourscore and eleven horse, all which are set to sea yesterday morning, together with the Earl of Thomont and his company; who I hope will be in Ireland this day, the wind having served good for their passage, and this day doth another ship depart with 20 horse more, and the residue shall be sent away as they come here and are ready.—At Bristol, this 3 day of November 1601.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (89. 55.)
Lady Elizabeth Kytson to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601], Nov. 3. Asking him to sit in the Star Chamber on the coming Friday, Sir Thomas Kitson having a matter there in the name of one Morse, his farmer, against Brett and others, complaining of great wrong committed by the said Brett and other lewd, riotous persons his tenants in Suffolk, wherewithal my Lord Chief Justice had been partly acquainted at the assizes. She desires no favour but only due punishment of the offenders, considering that though this touches Sir Thomas in particular, yet it might (passing unpunished) give a dangerous example in general, as small a matter heretofore having been the beginning of great rebellions, even in those Shires. Sends a brief of the cause.—From Clerkenwell, 3 November.
Signed. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. 1 p. (89. 56.)
[Donogh O'Brian,] Earl of Thomond to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 3. The wind coming up easterly the 30th of October, I spake to the mayor and chamberlain of Bristol to have shipping ready to put to sea, having ever since my coming given them express warning that all things might be in a readiness upon the first wind, so as there might be no opportunity of wind or weather lost; which they assured me of, but yet I could get no shipping ready, or so much victuals as would serve the mariners, until the second of November. I coming the night before to Hunger road, thinking to have found all things ready according to their promise, about six of the clock the 2 of November in the morning we set sail and made for the coast of Ireland all that day and the next night; and being ready to seize upon the said coast, the wind came so contrary with so great a storm at south and south southwest as the like the mariners have seldom seen. For my part I never saw a greater, and did never think to set foot on land again, so as with much ado we recovered the haven of Milford the third of this month. We hope that the first 18 hours of fair wind and weather will send us to Cork, or 12 hours to Waterford. We are so much scanted and so ill provided of victuals from Bristol as I am fain to send to the justices of the peace and towns hereabouts to supply our wants.—Milford, the third of November, at four of the clock in the afternoon, 1601.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (89. 57.)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 3. In my last I certified what silks were found in the carvel, for the 20th part whereof I have taken 5 yards of velvet and 5 yards of satin, being so much in value as is due for the whole at an indifferent rate.
On Saturday last were viewed 17 chests of the flyboat, and therein among other goods were found 29 pieces of tafty wrought and plain, 5 pieces of calikoo lawn, and some quantity of sewing and raw silk. I hope in the chests yet to open will be found more store of those commodities. In the meantime let me understand whether the 20th part thereof shall be sent up or sold here.
The mayor of this town and his brethren are informed that some gentlemen their neighbours have combined together, pretending with the assistance of Sir Walter Raleigh to overthrow the act made concerning the water that runneth to this town, or at the least command the same at their pleasures, so as we shall be little the better for it. Which their pretence, grounded only upon malice without any just cause, if it should take place, must needs be the overthrow of this town and harbour; which we hope her Majesty and your Honours will not permit, being a place of such importance as it is. As the estate of this town is now, with the help of the mills I can, if need require, provide within 2 months 1,000 tons of provisions for her Majesty's service. But if these mills be taken away, and I forced as I must be, or any other employed in that service, to send corn and malt three or four miles to be ground at those gentlemen's mills, the like quantity of provisions or much less will not be made in a far longer time. And surely if our water be taken from us, a great number will feel the want thereof beside ourselves. If those gentlemen did duly consider the common good or their own private benefits, they would not seek so much against this place as they do; for if the same be decayed they shall never make by their lands the two third parts yearly of that which now they do. Mr. Mayor and his brethren have written beseeching your favour herein, and have appointed Mr. Bagg to inform you more particularly of the cause, as I cannot well be absent from hence till the flyboat's goods be all viewed.—Plymouth, 3 November 1601.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (89. 58.)
William Parker, Mayor of Plymouth, and his Brethren, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 3. By our last letters we made known unto you some wrongs offered us by Mr. Crymes and other gentlemen and tinners of this country, which had combined together to have taken from us some part of a water granted us by Act of Parliament in the 27th year of her Majesty's reign, which we to our exceeding great charge have procured to be brought to our town. We having complained of the wrongs in the Star Chamber, and many outrages committed by him and his complices, Crymes, doubting the success and fearing to come to trial there, appealed unto you and the lords at the Council table, where he exhibited many untruths which we answered. And he doth purpose to exhibit a bill into the Parliament House to repeal the Act, or at least seeketh to take from us some part of our water; which would both turn to the overthrow of our town and hinder her Majesty of great profit. Wherein we pray you to stand our good friend, as you have ever hither unto done.—Plymouth, 3 November 1601.
Holograph by Parker. Seal 1 p. (89. 59.)
Octavius, Bishop of Icaria to [John Skynner].
1601, Nov. 3/13. Although a stranger, I venture to address you, believing you to be a man of great parts, noble birth, devoted to the faith of your ancestors, an Englishman and a dweller in Calais, and presuming on my being a bishop of God's church and Nuncio of His Holiness in lower Hesse and upper Germany. I am much concerned for the Catholic faith in England, and might further excuse myself by the fervent desire I have for the pacification of all Europe, and especially of these northern parts. I am aware of your close friendship with the leading councillors of the Queen of England, and I urge you to employ your influence at that court in behalf of peace and the Catholic faith. The bearer of these will explain more fully how much I loathe this war.—Dated at Newport in Flanders, 13 Novembris anno domini 1601.
Addressed :—“Jo : Sk :”
Latin. Endorsed :—“The copy of the Nuntio's letter to me.” 1 p. (183. 79.)
John Holland to the Lord Keeper and Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 4. I have received your letters commanding me to attend you about such matters as her [Majesty] hath commanded, and will, as it shall please you to appoint, give mine attendance.—4 November 1601.
Signed. ¼ p. (89. 62.)
The Earl of Thomond to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 4. Having written my former letters the 3rd inst., at night the storm continued so great as the like hath not been seen by the mariners and seamen; many of our cockboats lost, and some cables and anchors, not without great danger to our shipping, which I thank God are yet safe in the haven. The first wind serveth I will not omit one hour's opportunity for my present departure.—Milford, the fourth of November, at eight of the clock in the morning, 1601.
PS.—All the ships and victuals that came with me from Bristol, I thank God, are safely come to this harbour.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (89. 63.)
Captain Lancelot Alford to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601,] Nov. 4. It appeareth by your letters to the Mayor of Chester that you are fully assured of my departure towards Lough Foyle with the supplies of foot. I cannot deny but wind hath very well served for that purpose, but the Mayor of Chester was not provided for victualling the ships, neither is he, for anything I can perceive, furnished as yet, in regard there is four tons of victual yet unput a shipboard; as also all the arms of the soldiers which are unsent down. For my own particular, I hope you shall find no fault, for my only stay is upon the mayor.
Touching the sufficiency of these supplies, for Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Anglesea and some part of Denbighshire, I have found for the most part very able men; but for all the rest of Wales, so vile as in the mustering of them we could very hardly allow of any, the defects whereof are sent to you here enclosed.
For the horse, there is now at Chester and Liverpool 83 to be shipped; for the rest, they are not yet come, being for the most part very good horse and well furnished. There is great running away of soldiers, but very few brought back again by the watch of the constables. The mayor would have me to deliver the soldiers their apparel in Chester, but I think it very unfit, and do entreat that carts may be provided to carry the apparel with the soldier to the waterside where they are to embark, and they to deliver it as they shall go aboard; for by this means I shall be sure to draw them all out of the town for desire of clothes, and none shall run away with her Majesty's apparel. This I would have done, but the mayor will not consent as fearing of a mutiny. Wherefore I beseech you that in case the soldiers do run away with their apparel it may not be held a fault of mine. I have received your packet for Lough Foyle, and for my speedy departure; I will hasten all I may.—Chester, this 4th of November 1600.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“4 Nov. 1601 (sic).” Seal, broken. 1⅓ pp. (89. 60, 61.)
Enclosed :—
The defects for Wales.—Of Carnarvonshire, 22 : Denbighshire, 9 : Montgomeryshire, 15 : Flintshire, 3 : Anglesea, 2 : Merionethshire, 8 : being in all 59.
⅓ p. (89. 60.)
John Ratclyff, Mayor of Chester, and Others to the Privy Council.
1601, Nov. 4. We have viewed and mustered all the 1,000 foot to be embarked at this port for Ireland, the deficients and runaways of which soldiers appear in a list here enclosed. Also, we have viewed and mustered all the horses as yet repaired to the port of Chester and taken the rider's name of every horse, and the colour, height, age, marks and pace of them; the particulars whereof, as also of the deficient horses and of those gentlemen that have not as yet sent their horses to this city, appear in another list enclosed. Also, we have taken course with Captain Alford that there is not any particular selection of the best horse for Lough Foyle, but an indifferent distribution for Lough Foyle and Carrickfergus according to your directions. Moreover, we were informed by the provant men before the writing of our last letter, that the single suits for the 700 men for Lough Foyle were in readiness; since which time we do perceive that the mantles are not yet come hither, so as we cannot perform our promises made unto the soldiers for the delivery of the same on shipboard, according to your former directions. Also, the 50 soldiers levied within the county of Anglesea came to this city very well apparelled with caps, cassocks, doublets, breeches, netherstocks, shoes, and shirts; which gave great discontentment to the residue of the soldiers which had no apparel, and to us some trouble for their pacification. For which cause we have thought good to signify our opinions that either all may come so furnished hereafter out of their countries, or else all to be furnished here at the port of Chester by the provant men. The arms of all the soldiers are complete, good, and sufficient, and the arms of the insufficients and runaways are also sent with the residue to Lough Foyle and Carrickfergus.—Chester, 4 November 1601.
Holograph by Ratclyff. Signed also by W. Brereton, Richard Trevor, Launcelot Alford and Jo. Baxter. Endorsed :—“The Mayor of Chester and the Commissioners to the lords.” 1 p. (89. 64.)
Captain John Baxter to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 4. That day I departed London, your Honour was at Court, whither I thought to have come to take my leave of you, but that Captain Alford entreated me to come down before by reason that he was to stay about the direction for the horse, and promised to excuse me with you. But now, having occasion to write about our proceedings here, I desire you to pardon me for the abovesaid, and not to impute anything unto my negligence therein.
It was 11 or 12 days after that day prefixed by your Honours before all the supplies came to Chester, and yet many of them insufficient, but for that they do belong unto Captain Alford to certify, I leave it unto him, only touching those that I have the charge of unto Knockfergus, which are 300 men out of Yorkshire, which were absolutely the best men that came hither, and brought hither in very good sort, without any abuses, for ought I could perceive, or any of the commissioners. I am making what haste I can to have them hence, but the mayor of this town meaneth to have them go all together within this 2 days, which time, if it please God the wind be fair, all things will be finished and we to seaward.—Chester, 4 November 1601.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (89. 65.)
John Ratclyff, Mayor of Chester, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 4. I received a letter from you of the 2nd inst. with a packet enclosed to be sent to Sir Henry Dockwra, whereby it seems you think that Captain Alford with the foot companies are shipped away for Lough Foyle, and appointed me to certify their departure. In answer whereof, since the directions sent for the stay of shipping and provision for the foot, I received other directions to make the like stay of shipping and provision for the horse; whereupon the allotment of shipping that was made for the foot was altered, and those that were appointed for foot were then allotted for horse. Also, boats being stayed to carry the furniture and victuals ashipboard lay below in the river ten miles from this city, and the wind being turned southerly, they could not come up to this city to fetch the same to carry it to the ships. Neither did the wind stand fair at this port above two days, and the weather was foul, stormy, foggy and snowy, as that no man would put to sea. Neither is all the apparel for the 700 to go for Lough Foyle come to this city, so as yet the soldiers are not embarked; but as well the foot as the horse are in readiness to be shipped so soon as the wind shall serve.—Chester, 4 November 1601.
Signed. 1 p. (89. 66.)
Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 4. I received of late by your letter very honourable satisfaction to two of my former letters, and I pray you think nothing in me that I should be jealous that the world here should conceive any derogation of my credit here from above, being the only reward that I expect for all my services and cares sustained in this place I serve her Majesty. I fear I shall not so soon see you as I desired and hoped, being touched with more extremity of this disease than ever I was before; yet, God willing, a month shall be the longest day at which time I hope to see you.
There chanced to come by here of late a poor Frenchman that made shipwreck upon the coast of Cardington, near Dundalk, spoiled by the Irish, who related unto me that of his knowledge the Earl of Tyrone was daily supplied with match and powder and other provision out of Scotland. This though perhaps you know already by other means, yet being avowed by a stranger who standeth indifferent to both nations, it may appear unto you to be the more true. I would to God, Sir, it would please her Majesty to make an honourable peace with that kingdom, the end whereof I fear is not yet seen into. It is not the first time that princes have been contented upon extremities to treat with a rebel for the quiet of a whole kingdom, as two of the greatest monarchs of Christendom have been contented to do the like. If Ireland in time of most quietness never yielded unto her Majesty any profit but honour and allegiance, what more can her Majesty expect in her time, if that might be brought to pass, whereof I think there is no doubt but that her Majesty may assure herself thereof. Herein I am bold to make a short discourse unto you, not doubting but that you have a care in that weighty place you hold, to think of the events before they happen; assuring you this poor country under my government seems to complain much of the continual charge imposed upon them by occasion of these Irish wars, which if they should continue, I fear the end thereof; leaving all to your wise consideration, who, I know, as you carry the greatest cares of all others in the commonwealth, so any hard event would be most construed against you.—From York, 4 November 1601.
Signed. Seal. 1½ pp. (89. 67.)
Ship Seized.
1601, Nov. 4. Report of Henrick van Anker, of Hamburg, merchant, made to Sir Robert Mansell, 4 November, 1601, touching the pepper aboard the ships lately stayed by him upon the Narrow Seas.
He saith he continued in Portugal with a merchant, a kinsman of his, two years and a half.
He affirmeth that these 5—Ruy Lopes Hues (?), Antonio Gomes Hues, Anrique Semendes, Hector Mendes, Alfonso Rodriges Hues—and one Portugal, whose name he cannot call to memory, are the true and sole owners of all the pepper in these ships. For proof whereof, he saith Semendes did set some of the mariners of those ships to fill and carry the said bags of pepper aboard the ships, according with them to receive for the same 6d. a bag to be paid them in Emden; and not only his own knowledge but the report of the steersman of the ship wherein he came, named the Swaert Odler, and others in the ship, confirm the same; and the steersman and others requested him to speak to the Admiral that as they perceived this pepper was like to [be] confiscate to her Majesty, they might yet receive the 6d. a bag promised them by Semendes, the chief contractor.
The abovenamed contractors have refused all the summer past to sell any pepper to any Flemish merchant whatsoever. It was appointed that the money rising of this pepper should be paid in Dunkirk to the use of the King of Spain; he hath heard as much in Lisbon a thousand times.
He knoweth the ordinary use to be that when any merchant doth buy any goods in the Indies house, he forthwith takes the same out into some warehouse of his own; but the pepper in these ships was shipped directly out of the King's Indies house, and therefore undoubtedly doth belong to him and his contractors.
Further, whereas not one of all the bills of lading mentioneth less than 30 sacks of pepper to belong to one merchant, he knoweth that in his memory no one Flemish merchant hath dealt for so much as 10 bags at a time.
That this pepper belongeth to the King and his contractors, he cannot but know, it being publicly reported in all parts of Lisbon, as also by his daily conversation and commerce in the Indies house and with the East Indian merchants.
Being demanded how it comes to pass there are Dutch names used in the bills of lading, he saith he is very familiarly acquainted with a young man named Henrick, a Hollander, servant to Mendes, by whom he hath often understood that the bills of lading of the pepper were made by him alone, and that those Dutch names were put in to cover the pepper from the knowledge of the English in case they should meet any in their way homewards.
Whereas he is privy to all the writings delivered by Derick Henry to Sir Ro. Mansell, he saith he is privy to other writings, both letters and bills of lading, in the ship of the said Derick Henry which he hath not delivered to Sir R Mansell.
1 p. (89. 69.)
Court of Wards.
[1601, Nov. 4.] Petition of John Shaw to [Sir R. Cecil], for the wardship of the son and heir of Myles Fish, of Darwen, Lane.—Endorsed :—“4 Nov. 1601.”
1 p (P. 198.)
Sir Richard Leveson to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 5. Having taken aboard the soldiers at Queen-borough the 28 October, I was constrained to ride there still all the next day because the weather was extreme thick and foggy. October 30, I set sail from thence with the wind at N.N.E. and turned down below the Cante. I turned from thence to the Sue Beckon, where I was taken with a forcible gale of wind at E., and enforced thereby to ride it out the space of 3 days. The 4 of Nov., the wind coming to the W.S.W., I set sail, and arrived at this place this present day with all my fleet in safety, I thank God for it.
The soldiers are well accommodated to their content, and do yet continue their healths very strongly. Our daily prayer is now for a fair wind, which God grant.—Downs, 5 November 1601.
Holograph. On the back :—“hast hast post hast hast hast hast hast. at Sandwich the 6 of November past 7 of the clock in the morning. att Canterbury past 10 morninge. Sittingborn past on in the after non. Rochester at 4 in the afternon. Darford at 6 in the morning.” Seal. 2/3 p. (89. 68.)
William Tresame to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 5. With blushing cheeks I take pen in hand again to importune you that by your favour her Majesty may be moved so to extend her clemency towards me that I might be permitted indemnified to return into my native country and natural obedience, and there live under her favourable protection Of the effect hereof, I was put in good hope by the letters of Mr. Henry Lock, signifying that you would give way thereunto when Mr. Secretary Herbert had moved it. Moreover, being advertised for certain that the Spaniards are landed in Ireland, and I most desirous to manifest my allegiance unto her Majesty, as also to make appear that I have no intelligence with that enemy, do beseech that my life and all that I have may now be employed there in her royal service. This my bounden desire towards the service of her Majesty and my country, I do beseech may favourably be related unto her Majesty and the lords of her Council by you.—Paris, 5 November 1601.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“Mr. William Tresham to my master.” 1 p. (89. 70.)
Ric[hard Bancroft,] Bishop of London, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 5. Thanks for the book he sent him. Has a confutation of it by a priest, but could not obtain a sight of it till now. Although the author of it subscribes S. N., yet Mr. Blackwell is thought to have made it.—At Mr. Speaker's, 5 November 1601.
Holograph. Seal, broken. ⅓ p. (89. 71.)
Lord Buckhurst, Lord Treasurer, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 5. By this enclosed from the commissioners to me and by the report of the messenger himself, of the Dutchman, and of Mr. Middleton's man, who all were actors in this matter, you shall perceive what an insolent contempt and misdemeanor is committed by one of the guard, one Willims. I pray you to impart it to my Lord Steward, and that there may be present remedy and punishment for this so great an abuse. Otherwise, her Majesty must look for no farther service to be done in this business, for the commissioners, if they shall not be aided and defended in the execution of her Majesty's service, must and will give over all farther dealing. The poor Dutchman hath shewed me his napkin all bloody, he being beaten by the said Willims. I will be with you by 2 of the clock or before.—This Thursday, 5 of November 1601.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“The Lord Treasurer to my master. With a letter from Mr. Ald. More, Mr Rich Carmarthen and the rest of the Commissioners concerning the abuse of Wyllyms.” Seal. 2/3 p. (89. 73.)
The Enclosure :—
Mr. Alderman John More and others to the Lord Treasurer.—Since the receipt of the commission from the Lords, we sent for the masters of the supposed prizes. From one of them we have received certain boxes, bags, and small bundles of pearls and stones, besides by examination of three of the masters confession of great spoils and abuses offered, and to whose hands most of the spoils of money, pearls and stones came : We, missing one of the masters, demanded where he was. Sir Robert Mansell's man answered that Sir Robert had taken him from the rest, but where he was he knew not. A Dutchman, one Peter Michelson, standing by, said he knew where he was, at Westminster in the keeping of one of the yeomen of the guard; whereupon we sent the bearer with the Dutchman and a man of Mr. Myddelton's, with our warrant to bring them before us to be examined. But they were not only denied to have him but kept prisoners all night by the yeoman of the guard, the Dutchman beaten and not suffered to send anybody to Mr. Secretary or to any other, our warrant made no account of, nor would look upon the warrant. If this be not remedied, but this disorder offered by her Majesty's servants against her commandments, in vain shall we be employed in this service. We therefore pray reformation hereof. Some of us are going on board the ships, the rest occupied in examining the rest of the masters, else had we waited on your Lordship.—London, 5 November 1601.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (89. 72.)
Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601,] Nov. 5. It is to no end for me to go about to lessen the heinousness of my offence unto her Majesty, seeing it is so apparent unto all; at whose gracious hands I have received so infinite favour in pardoning of my life and preserving of my blood from being tainted, as there is no service or endeavour of mine will be able to deserve the greatness thereof. Notwithstanding, I humbly desire that this consideration may be had (being, I protest to the heavenly God, but the truth) that it was love unto my friend, and no malice unto any earthly creature, that caused me to do as I did, whereinto I was fallen ere I was aware : but being in, I would willingly (I must confess) have wrought his freedom that was the cause thereof, together with my own safety, if it had been possible. As for my allegiance to my sovereign, or honest affection to my country, let my time and life past make answer for me; and for this action that hath caused my ruin (under correction), as I was not alone, who was he that was not merely opposed to the Earl [of Essex] that might not have been drawn to join with him as I did? And in truth I will desire to live no longer than I bear a loyal heart unto her Majesty and my country.
But in my too much love to my unfortunate friend, I know I gave just occasion for you to except against me and to draw from me your affection : but seeing by experience I am taught my error therein, and am both ashamed and heartily sorry that ever you had so just cause of dislike unto me, I humbly and earnestly entreat you to put all past out of your memory, and to look with an eye of love and pity upon me, whom you have both conquered and gained in all true and faithful service to you for ever. And seeing that your charity gives me assurance that you will not reject me because I am in affliction (for that it is a chief effect of Christian piety to minister succour to a man in necessity), it maketh me the bolder to remember you of the miserable estate wherein I live; beseeching you to work her Majesty's compassionate heart, as in mercy she hath been pleased to save my life, so now she will vouchsafe to put an end to my calamity by giving liberty, that I may by hazard of that life or loss of my dearest blood endeavour to ransom my misdeed. If I could as freely speak to you without jealousy of seeking to serve my own turn as I am earnestly desirous, you would haply find reason to say I have neither any dishonest nature nor am an unworthy man.—5 November, from the Gatehouse.
Holograph. Endorsed :—“1601.” Seal. 2 pp. (89. 74)
William Stallenge to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 6. In opening the goods brought in by Sir John Gilbert's ship, there are found a great number of printed and written books, some of them very scandalous and not fit to be suffered. There are also found divers pictures, bulls, Agnus Deis, crucifixes, relics, and such like popish trash, of which divers persons do take and, as it is suspected, some to make use of them, whereby they may peradventure reduce others to their own superstitious opinion. There were taken in these prizes many Jesuits, of which seven are brought to this town, having liberty to talk with any that will come to them, whereby it is doubted what hurt they may do with such as are without learning to answer them : for reformation of which I do wish there might be a commission granted either by your Lordships or my Lord of Canterbury and the rest of her Majesty's High Commissioners for ecclesiastical causes, directed to certain commissioners to take in their custody all such books, pictures, bulls, &c., or other popish trash as hath been brought into this place in the said prizes or any other; the books to be viewed, and such as shall be thought not contrary to our religion or the state or otherwise scandalous to be delivered again to the owners, the rest to be burned with the other popish trash. And if any person having any of the above said books or other things shall refuse to deliver them to the said commissioners, or that hath had of them and hath given or sold them to any other, and will not declare the party's name and where he dwelleth, the commissioners may have authority to take bonds of such persons to appear before your Honours, or otherwise, as you shall think meet. And as touching the Jesuits, order may be taken they be not suffered to confer with any but such as are learned and able to deal with them. The commissioners here to be named may be the Mayor of this town, Mr. Thomas Ophamon, preacher, Mr. William Halse, customer, and myself, or any three of us.—Plymouth, 6 November 1601.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (89. 75.)
Patrick Arthur to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 6. This night I am after taking view of the horsemen, and besides those that are not yet come and such as are dismissed for insufficiency, I have to go along with me 54, forty of which be as good, both men and horses, as ever went for Ireland, the rest indifferent good, but for the most part the men are ill armed with swords, armour and pistol. One half of the company I sent down to-day to be shipped as soon as I mustered them; the rest I will bring to-morrow, and, if it be possible, be ready against the next day, for the wind begins to bid fair, for if we do not go out over the bar by Sunday, we cannot go this twelve days though the wind serve never so fair. The foot are here still and purpose also to take the benefit of a passage. It is a great oversight that they are not now in Ireland, and when I made known to the mayor and commissioners how grievously you took it, they say plainly the fault is none of theirs, for the conductor was not here. But in whom the fault is, I think they will certify. The foot of Bristol no doubt is in Ireland long since, but for my lord of Thomond and his horse, who went after, it is thought he is yet at sea or driven to some place in Wales. Upon my coming to Bristol, I met divers horse, and upon speech with them in the way as they went home they told me they were discharged; but surely there were some of them good horses and men. But it was for something they were discharged, and if you examine of it you may understand more. The rest I saw at Bristol are all good horses and men. God send us a merry passage and we shall do well. I beseech you remember that notice may be sent you know where, with some expedition, otherwise it may be prejudicial.—Barnstaple, this Friday night, being the 6th of November 1601.
PS.—I beseech you to burn or break this letter.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (89. 76.)
Sir John Gilbert to the Privy Council.
1601, Nov. 6. According to your command I have laboured to make my ship ready with as much expedition as was possible, and as I hope, she shall be ready to put to the sea by Saturday next if the wind will permit. But had I not been crossed by the mayor in a most peremptory and disgraceful manner, she had been at sea this present day. I protest upon my salvation that I am so insufferably abused by the mayor that I cannot longer endure, in the Queen's service, to be thus disgraced. My private wrongs I have not nor would complain unless I were urged by these occasions; but if he dare to cross me in these her Majesty's especial affairs, I leave it to your impartial judgments to consider how he hath and will wrong me in matters touching my private. The causes I have to allege against him are these. First, that he pressed 500 mariners out of his liberty, in Devon and Cornwall, without warrant from you, whereby he smoked the country in such sort as few men were to be found, by reason of the disorderly execution thereof. Secondly, upon your command to set out my ship for Ireland, I repaired to the mayor, shewing him your letter, and required his assistance to get men for the service, but could not nor cannot as yet get any, save only he lent me the scum of the imprested companies to help in my ship, to be trimmed, by whose ill-favoured working I had like to have lost her. Hereupon I sent him the warrant here enclosed, which was dated 2 November, but could not as yet get a man, the town being at that time full of mariners, to the number of 1,400 by the mayor's own report. Upon this warrant, he commanded all the pressed companies to repair to the How, where they played a match at hurling, and so made an end without pressing of a man for me that day. Whereupon, on the 4th of the same, I gave warrant unto Hugh Tolkerne, the captain of my ship, to impress such mariners, being not already in pay, as he could find fit for the service in the town; whereat he was much displeased and sware he would release as many as I did press there, and persuaded those which I had pressed to avoid the service and he would bear them out in it, saying it was a corporation and therefore I had nothing to do in it, and to my own man entered into comparisons with me. He giveth insolently out that if any man have cause of action against the captain of my ship, he will arrest him. He hath set 100 mariners in a mutiny against me that were of my company the last voyage, saying that I went about to cozen them of their shares, but that they were in a place of justice and should find him their friend, not only to defend them, but he would buy their shares and break up the sellers [sic. cellars] to fetch it away in despite of me. He practised with me long before to give him the names of my company that he might press them, to do me a pleasure, saying by that means I might be rid of them without giving them their shares. This was done to betray me and to set us by the ears that he might make profit of their shares.
Many disorders have been committed in the town against my company, for they scarcely dare walk the streets after the town watch is set. They have been often assaulted very dangerously, to avoid which mischief, I set down an order that they should in time of peace use no word; but I could not be obeyed, neither would they send me their word, nor let me give it, whereby what occasion soever I had, I could not have sent into the town.
At my first coming for a salutation in their day of muster, they shot three gentlemen of my company with hail shot and did hurt them.
He hath given it out that he hath “wrasteled” with as good a man as I am and given him the foil, and I fear his cross dealing and the little care of her Majesty's service hath been such that my ship, wanting nothing but men, will not be ready for the performance of her Majesty's service according to your directions.
I forbear to relate divers of his and their disorders until I may be present to avouch it, assuring that I have not set down anything herein that I will not plainly prove if you will give order that these matters may be here examined by any that you will appoint; which I most humbly pray, and am contented, if all these things lie not upon him, to endure the disgrace he himself is worthy of.—From the fort by Plymouth this 6 of November 1601. I beseech you the cause may not be measured according to the multitude of their denials, for they are many and will outswear me, then no man is able to complain against them. By this and the common purse do they carry all things, and the poorer sort of the town are those that disburse, and forbear all things that your Honours command for the service of the Queen.
Signed. Seal. 2 pp. (89. 77.)
The Enclosure :—
Sir John Gylbert to Capt. William Parker, Mayor of Plymouth.—I have received a second order from my Lords of the Council to set forth my ship for Ireland with all possible expedition; by virtue whereof these are to pray and, in her Majesty's name, to require you to impress for the Refusal 100 of the best and lustiest sailors that may be found in your town, and to deliver them over by poll unto Hugh Tolkerne, captain of the said ship, with all possible expedition. Hereof I pray you fail not as you will answer to the contrary.—From the Fort by Plymouth, this 2 of November 1601
Copy. ½ p. (89. 50.)
Particulars of Sir John Gilbert's complaints against the Mayor of Plymouth [as above].
Undated. Endorsed :—“1601.” 2 pp. (90. 89.)
Francis Tresame to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 6. Being bound with sureties in great sums to make my appearance now for the pleading of my pardon, I sent unto Mr. Windebank her Majesty's warrant. He saith your pleasure is that stay should be made of it until you are advertised who procured it to be signed. As I am informed, by your furtherance her Majesty signed it, together with the lords' pardons and some others, and they all were delivered unto my Lord Treasurer to be kept until we had given security for our fines, which when I had done I received at my Lord Treasurer's hands. Please you therefore to give order I may have my pardon. I would have attended you myself but that I am forbidden the Court; if you appoint any other place for my attendance, I will wait your pleasure.—6 November 1601.
Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (89. 78.)
Court of Wards.
[1601, Nov. 6.] Petition of Laurence Michell to [Cecil] for the wardship of heir of Myles Fish, of Darwen, Lanc.—Undated.
Note signed by Cecil : to have a commission, and if the suggestion prove true, he will consider him in the composition.
Endorsed :—“6 No. 1601.” (P. 270.)
William Vawer, Mayor of Bristol, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 7. I have examined Edward Jenkinson, who protesteth that he never spake any such words as are alleged against him by Thomas Noel, neither any matter tending to that effect; neither can Noel produce any witness to prove the same but only himself, unto whom, as he saith, the said words were uttered on Saturday last in the morning as he and Jenkinson were going forth of their chamber. Nevertheless, I have made stay of both parties as I did before until I may receive further directions from you. This day, the wind serving for passage, I do cause the rest of the horses here to be embarked for Ireland.—At Bristol, this 7th of November 1601.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (89. 80.)
Sir Edmund Uvedale to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 7. At my last being with you—if the grief I took at your sudden discontented turning from me made me not mistake you—you said you would maintain what you had said, with some other speeches which I well heard not; whereby I imagine you conceived that I came rather rudely to be satisfied from you than to satisfy you. I protest my coming was merely to know on what terms I stood with you, and to yield you all satisfaction befitting an honest man. And because I will not trouble you with many words, I only end this, I never in my life to my knowledge gave you cause of offence. I have ever faithfully loved and honoured you, and do and will do ever if it please you to accept of it.—London, 7 November 1601.
Holograph. 1 p. (89. 81.)
House of Commons.
1601, Nov. 7. At the Committee in the Lower House of the Parliament, upon the bill of levying of treasure for defence of the realm. Saturday, 7 November 1601.
Mr. Wiseman.—A contribution, viz. 3l. lands and under to pay 2s. 8d. in the pound, and 5l. goods and under 20d. in the pound. All above to pay an entire subsidy, viz. 4s. for land and 2s. 8d. for goods. A double tenth and fifteenth. To be speedily paid.
Sir G. Moore.—The like opinion for the tax to Mr. Wiseman. To be speedily paid.
Sir Ro. Wroathe.—4l. lands and 6l. goods and upwards to pay an entire subsidy. All under these rates to be freed. To be paid in January next.
Mr. Johnson.—To have 3l. lands and above to pay an entire subsidy. To be paid before Easter.
Sir Fr. Hastinges.—That 3l. goods and 20s. land shall pay a single subsidy, viz. 2s. 8d. the pound for land and 20s. [sic. ? 20d.] the pound for goods. That all above 3l. goods and 20s. land shall pay a whole subsidy at one payment, viz. 4s. for land and 2s. 8d. for goods. To be paid in January next. He altered his opinion, and would have none to be charged but such as are charged at 4l. lands and upward, and those to pay a whole subsidy.
Mr. Philips.—He would have 3l. and all under, and 5l. goods and under to be freed; and all above those rates to be charged at an entire subsidy and a half, viz. for lands 6s. and 4s. the pound for goods.
Mr. Barington.—Agreeth with Sir Francis Hastings' first opinion, that such as were charged at 3l. goods and 20s. lands should be charged as in the first payment of the single subsidy. All above to pay an entire subsidy.
Mr. Secretary.—His opinion that her Majesty should have an entire subsidy of all for the contribution; with the double tenth and fifteenth; and the same to be paid with all speed.
Mr. Chancellor.—He agreed in opinion with Mr. Secretary for every subsidy man to be charged as he is rated with an entire subsidy.
Mr. H. Montague.—To have a whole subsidy of all, such as are rated at 3l. lands and 5l. goods and under to have some reasonable time of payment; all above to make payment in January next.
Mr. Barker.—A loan of such as are rated above 3l. goods, to lend to the Queen so much as he is set at in subsidy, for three years.
Serjeant Harris.—A payment of an entire subsidy with as much speed as may be, but not to pass by any other name or title : and so as many subsidies as shall be thought fit to the Parliament.
Sir Edward Montague.—No man to be exempted, but all subsidy men to be charged with the whole subsidy; and to be severed from the other 3 subsidies that shall follow; to be paid before Candlemas, and to be granted by a special Act.
Mr. Dannett.—In behalf of Yarmouth, that in respect it is a haven town it may be spared from the contribution.
Sir W. Raleigh.—For the sparing of the 3l. men.
Mr. Comptroller.—That all without exception of their taxing may be charged according to the whole subsidy.
Mr. Sec. Herbert.—That it be general, without severing the meaner from the better, who if they should be spared two of three parts of the contribution would be lost.
Mr. Attorney of the Wards.—Four subsidies to be granted. The first to be presently paid in February next, and to be taxed according to the last rate and rolls. Consideration to be had for the payment of the other 3 subsidies.
It is agreed by the Committees and the whole Assembly that there shall be granted to her Majesty a whole entire subsidy of all persons taxed in subsidy without exception of any; with double tenths and fifteenths; to be so collected as that the same may be answered into the Receipt by the first of February next.
It was also agreed that other 3 subsidies should likewise be granted, with like tenths and fifteenths.
2½ pp. (89. 82, 83.)
Lord Morley to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 7. I am put in assured hope to find a tenure in capite of certain lands and tenements in Lincolnshire, whereof one Gilbert Bury, gent., about four or five years since, died seised, after whose death an office was found against her Majesty, whereby one James Bury, gent., the son and heir, being then of full age, entered into the lands without suing forth livery, and thereby hath intruded upon her Majesty's possession, and received the profits ever since to the disherison of her Majesty. If therefore it please you to grant me the composition and benefit of his said intrusion, I will be at charges to find an office with a tenure in capite for her Majesty, whereby her Highness hereafter shall be intitled to the wardship of his heir, and now to have primer seisin and livery for the said lands.—Holborne, 7 November 1601.
Signed. 1 p. (89. 84.)
John Garrard, Lord Mayor of London, to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 7. I beseech you that Mr. John Sams, although on the list, may not be chosen as Sheriff for Essex for the coming year, otherwise he will be unable to assist his son, my daughter's husband, who having spent some time in the wars of Ireland, hath brought himself somewhat behind hand in his desire to carry himself in the best manner, both in respect to his own reputation and her Majesty's service.—London, the 7th of November 1601.
Signed. Seal. ¾ p. (183. 77.)
Sir John Stafford to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, Nov. 7.] I most humbly crave pardon to advertise your Honour whereas Sir Henry Winston was yesterday disgraced in the Star Chamber by some malicious and devilish practice of some hard proof against him, which was merely false, some part of it in my own knowledge; all which was countenanced by a caterpillar, his mortal adversary, although his name was not used in the bill; so that, if it may please your Honour but to send unto him some kind favour at this time, I know it will revive him, if he were half dead, to a lively spirit. And thus far I protest my own knowledge of him, that he doth truly honour and affect your service, having often heard him say with solemn oath, that, for his life and living, should be ever without question ready for your service; and making but a little doubt whether to sacrifice two of his children if they might help you in any great distress. Beseeching your Honour that he may never know of these my letters.
Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“7 Nov. 1601.” Seal. 1¼ pp. (183. 78.)
Court of Wards.
[1601, Nov. 7.] Petition of Henry Newport, yeoman of the Queen's Boiling house, to Sir R. Cecil. As to his commission for the wardship of Richard Williamson, an idiot. The jury have given verdict against the Queen. Prays that Williamson be brought to the Court of Wards.
Note by Cecil, referring the matter to the Commissioners. Note signed by Walter Cope, feodary, and Edmund Ferrand, deputy escheator, the commissioners, as to the examination of the supposed idiot by the jury. They leave the matter to the Court.
Undated Endorsed :—“7 No. 1601.” 2 pp. (P. 278.)
Sir Anthony Cooke to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 8. Since my first arrival here on Saturday, 31 October, I received an honourable kind letter from you, which was such a spur to mine own (never to be slacked) duty as hath made me omit not the least part of an hour in my due discharge thereof, which I doubt not will be truly made known to you by the commissioners here, and the causes of my stay here this long; which I would do myself but that, as the proverb is, the tide tarrieth no man. Yesterday morning, the wind standing fair, I embarked the 300 soldiers at Barnstaple, who went away with that tide, and I hope by this time are near Waterford. The other 690 and odd I embarked yesterday in the afternoon, and are this morning with myself, by God's grace, to depart to the place by you assigned me. I will in my arrival in Ireland more largely particularise.—Barnstaple, this 8th of November 1601, at 7 of the clock in the morning.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (89. 87.)
John Delbridge to the Privy Council.
1601, Nov. 8. Yesterday, 7th November, 300 soldiers, part of the 975 which have lain here bound for Waterford, went away in their voyage from Ilfardecombe, which by most men's judgments are now by this time arrived in Ireland; and Sir Anthony Cooke and Capt. Patrick Arthur, with the rest of the foot and the horse, departed this present day from this port of Barnstaple, with so fair a wind as there is no doubt but they will be at Waterford within this 24 hours.—From Barnstaple, the 8th of November 1601.
Signed. On the back :—“Post hast hast post hast. Exeter at past 12 of the clock. Hunyton a past five at after nown the 9 of November. Sherborn at 12 in the night. Sarum paste 9 before none. Andever at 6 at night Tuesday. Harfart Breg at 7 in the moring. Stans after on . . .” Seal, broken. ½ p. (89. 85.)
William Wynson to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 8. The Mayor of Barnstaple and the other commissioner, Mr. Thomas Brown, being ridden this morning to the waterside to hasten away the shipping with this fair wind; myself remaining behind for the finishing of other business appertaining to this service here, I received a letter from you, directed to us, importing your desire to be advertised of the departure of the men. This day, being Sunday, about eleven of the clock forenoon, they all, both horse and foot, with their conductors, past over the bar of Barnstaple under sail with a full wind and very fair weather : so as by all conjecture they may be at Waterford, if the wind hold fair, in thirty hours after.—Barnstaple, 8 November 1601, at one of the clock afternoon.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (89. 86.)
The Earl of Rutland to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 8. There is no man living more desirous to deserve those favours I have received from you than myself, who must still crave the assistance of your noble love in directing my course to redeem her Majesty's gracious opinion, for the gaining whereof no man can have a greater desire. I pray afford me your honourable advice in this, and if I shall be still so unfortunate as to have untrue reports made of my carriage since my being a prisoner, you will please to honour me with answering the truth in my behalf For those tales which already have been told, I doubt not this bearer will thoroughly resolve you; and for anything that hereafter shall be done by me or mine, I will take that care that no offence shall voluntarily proceed, though it be in the wagging of a feather.—Uffington, 8 November 1601.
Holograph. Seal, broken. 2/3 p. (89. 88.)
The Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 8. Announcing his election to the office of Vice-Chancellor, thinking it his part to give intimation to him, upon whom depends the good and happy estate of their weak body, almost trodden under foot through the unstayed headiness of divers of their evil affected neighbours.—Cambridge, 8 Nov. 1601.
Signed, Jo. Duport, Procan. (136. 94.)
Sir John Gilbert to the Lord Admiral and Sir R. Cecil.
1601, Nov. 9. According to your command, I have made ready my ship with as much expedition as possible, and have sent her away this Monday night at ten of the clock, being some eight hours after the arrival of her Majesty's ships; but had I not been much crossed, she had gone away the 7th of this present. She is victualled for two months, with orders to go to the port of Cork, there to attend the Lord Deputy's farther directions. I have already complained and therefore will cease to trouble you any further, but the abuses which I have and do daily receive urge me again to mind you thereof, hoping that there shall be no comparison (in your judgment) betwixt the mayor of Plymouth and me, although he challengeth a duty from this place, which is far unfit if I shall in any of these actions be employed for her Majesty's service, for so by one fool of four and twenty, my actions shall be controlled.—From the Fort by Plymouth, this 9th of November at 12 at night.
[PS.].—The carelessness of mariners is such as although they be extraordinarily well used, yet they will avoid her Majesty's service.
Signed. Seal, broken. 1 p. (89. 89.)
John Ratclyff, Mayor of Chester, to the Privy Council.
1601, Nov. 10. Upon Saturday last past the foot and horse appointed by you to be embarked at this port marched into Wirrall to the barks there, and were yesterday embarked and under sail; and having since a fair wind, I hope they are in a good forwardness of their passage. The number of soldiers so embarked, or of the horse, I cannot yet certify you.—Chester, 10 November 1601.
Signed. ⅓ p. (89. 92.)
Richard Cary to Sir Robert Cecil.
[1601, Nov. 10]. I have understood to my great grief that you are informed that I should be a person undutiful, factious, and disloyal; also that certain letters of mine should intimate such evil disposition to be in me. These accusations are most untrue; and I desire nothing more than that I might be admitted to your presence, there to purge myself of such suspicions as are conceived of me. If I shall not be able to quit myself like an honest and true man, then I ask no favour, but that further affliction be added to that which I already endure. The letters wherewith I have been charged so much, when produced, were found to be no letters of mine, whose soever they are; and what matters they contain is to me utterly unknown, whereby it is manifest that the informers, whosoever they be, have done me open injury. In like sort some other conjectures, which I hear are suggested against me, I am utterly innocent of. Therefore I beseech you not to cast me out of your good opinion unless by proof I be found faulty.—“Your humble and obedient poor prisoner.”
Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“1601; received the 10 of November.” 1 p. (89. 93.)
Sir John Salusbury to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 10. Sir Richard Trevor, before the late outrageous misdemeanour committed by himself and others to prevent the lawful proceeding in election of a knight and burgess out of this county of Denbigh to attend the Parliament, was placed by her Majesty's Justices of Assize first man in the return for the sheriffwick of the said county : which place if he may obtain, will as well clear him from the note of so heinous an offence as encourage him to use the said authority for a sword of revenge against all those that did not condescend to his desire; as lately, to manifest his malicious mind, in the last musters for the county, he purposely pressed such gentlemen's household servants and freeholders, being subsidy men, as had before denied him their voices, although they were unmeet and others enough to be had fitter for her Majesty's service. Whereupon the country is grown to a faction, whereof I thought it my duty to acquaint you, hoping you will not suffer a man so minded to be admitted to such an authority before he answer grievous offences formerly committed, and lest the country should thereby be oppressed.—“Llewenie,” 10 November 1601.
Signed. Seal, broken. 1 p. (89. 94.)
William Parker, Mayor of Plymouth, to Lord Admiral Nottingham.
1601, Nov. 10. This present day, Sir Richard Lusen is departed with his fleet. Only the Nonpareil is left here, having her foremast and one topmast lost, but I will do my best endeavour to hasten her away and to furnish her again with masts, beseeching your favour that if I lay out any money, I may by your order receive the same again; for that I have, touching this and the first service, disbursed well near 600l. Farther, I have been much abused by Sir John Gilbert touching this her Highness's service, as by good proof shall appear; for when Sir Richard Lusen came in sight, I called all the mariners together in our castle, to deliver them aboard by poll. But Sir John Gilbert, taking about 140 mariners into the fort forcibly, did there in a night (having a guard with him) make choice of a hundred of them; the rest he caused to be sent aboard a ship wherein one Towlking [written over Tolkerne, which is erased] goeth captain, bound for Brazil. The said Sir John Gilbert, demanding of one Capt. Thorrelton, who is bound for the Cape, whether he would have any of the prest men, who answered he would not, knowing not to what end it was, to hinder the service of so great importance wherein so worthy a man went chief commander. For, if it please you, the said Sir John is a furious and young governor, having in his fury his rapier out on the sudden; and besides, his people commit so many outrages that they say they will bring a barrel of powder to blow up men's houses. He keepeth very few soldiers, in regard our townsmen must knock as at a country house to come into the fort upon any occasion of service, being there but four soldiers to watch, the which we will prove by oath; beseeching your lordship that he may know from you and the rest of their lordships how to behave himself better, for I doubt he will commit some great outrage, we of our parts desiring to execute her Majesty's service and to live in her peaceable law. Farther, the said Sir John Gilbert much molests your followers, for he would have a “surgentt” one Frederick, which serves your lordship, he having in his ship 2 or 3 “surjents” before. The people here do much grieve at his fierce courses, wherein I crave your redress, with your assistance touching this monies disbursed by me.—Plymouth, 10 November 1601.
Signed. 1 p. (89. 95.)
Abstract of the contents of the above letter.
Endorsed :—“Mayor of Plymouth's complaint against Sir John Gilbart.” ½ p. (89. 112.)
George Stanbery, Mayor of Barnstaple, and W. Wynson to Sir Robert Cecil.
1601, Nov. 10. We have not from time to time omitted to present our proceedings therein, as well to the Lords of the Privy Council as to you, touching the foot and horse companies that were to be transported from this town to Waterford in Ireland : as may appear by a letter we wrote to the Lords and two others to you since the 31 October last, which, as it seemeth by your observation of negligence in us, were never delivered, or not before the writing of your last unto us of the 5th of this instant November. And therefore, we beseech your favour to clear our credits with the Lords that no further imputation be made than we justly deserve. You shall receive enclosed two several letters, one from Sir Anthony [Cooke], and the other from Capt. Patherick [Arthur], delivered as they went to shipboard. As we wrote before this to you, we have yet no news of the boat that went from hence with the pacquet the 30 of October. And also, the letters that came from you the 4 November directed to the Lord Deputy and Lord President of Munster came to my hands, the mayor, the 8 of the same, and a little before the time that these companies did put to sea, and Capt. Patherick Arthur received them of me, and promised to deliver them according to their several directions, and presently went his way to the sea.—From Barnstaple, the 10 November at night 1601.
Signed. 1 p. (89. 96.)
George Stanbery, Mayor of Barnstaple, and Others, to the Privy Council.
1601, Nov. 10. Have been long about the despatch of the men levied in those western parts for Ireland, but have now sent away 975 foot under the conduct of Sir Anthony Cooke, and 53 horse under Capt. Patherick Arthur. It was very long before these conductors came, whereby the benefit of the first wind for their passage was lost. Entreat the Lords, for some few days after the receipt hereof, to bear with their not certifying the particular indentures appertaining to this service, being desirous to make manifest their full proceedings, which without some further deliberation they cannot well accomplish.—Barnstaple, 10 November at night, 1601.
Signed, George Stanbery, Tho. Browne, W. Wynson. 2/3 p. (89. 97.)
PreviousTable of contentsNext