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The Earl of Rutland to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 17. |
I am a suitor to you in the behalf of this poor man,
an old servant of my deceased uncle, that you would so favour him as to
grant he may continue the keeping of Endfield House hereafter, as he
did in his master's days.—Belvoir, 17 Jan. 1607.
Signed. Seal. ⅓ p. (120 18). |
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Sir Charles Cornwallis to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 18. |
Were there none other proofs, this enclosed were
sufficient to manifest the correspondency between our Jesuits and the
Spanish Ambassador. I shall not need to open the parts of it, you will
collect the intentions and discover the ground. This other day I found
him in a judge's house whither I had occasion to repair about the business of Mr Tybalt. In regard of the presence of the judge and others
there could not pass much speech between us; only upon occasion given
of the message I received from him by Mr Persall (whereof in a former
letter I advertised you), I told him I hoped that gentleman had made a
true report of mine answer, and myself would say no more unto him
than what I then concluded with, viz; That in the Ambassador's packets
there usually comes matter not only unfitting the place of him that gives
them conveyance, or for a man of wisdom and learning, or that professes any religion, but for one endued with a reasonable soul, or that
desires to be held worthy to be received into human society. I said I
neither could nor would charge him in particular (although well I knew
that by every dispatch he receives a packet), for I had always reputed
him of good nature and loyally inclined to the King that now reigns,
and strange it were that a man of his understanding would put himself
in a black gown and commit himself to a cloister to perform the works
of the world, and especially those of the worst condition. |
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This, although well known it is to me what malicious matter has
proceeded out of his own mouth, I thought good to deliver with this
reservedness, partly not to give him cause to enter into suspicion of
my discoverer, and partly not to make him desperate in his wickedness,
but with soft means to draw him and his dependents as well to leave
their infectious whisperings as I have formerly their overt false writings,
for which I have drawn so much shame upon them. He made me for
the instant a most "seely" [silly, i.e. simple] answer: the words were so
imperfect and seemed to come out of so doubtful a spirit, as I only gave
to my memory the effect, which was a denial of receiving packets or of
being acquainted with any matter of detraction; and would have proceeded into his usual common places. But I told him neither the
place nor time was fit for further conference and so departed. It
appears that he intended by this letter, which I send unto you, to repair
what he thought defective in his speech. He sent it me yesternight by
his confidant, Fowlar, and, as you may perceive, had after the Spanish
fashion left me an ample margin wherein to answer. What the reason
thereof was he also gives account, viz, to satisfy the Ambassador.
Fowlar also importuned an answer in writing, which I absolutely
denied, saying that to him with whom I held it not fit to use conversation, I thought it less becoming me to write, but desired him to deliver
my answer by word, the substance whereof was this: That of Father
Creswell himself I had conceived a very good opinion, that at my being
at Valladolid I had by my letters to his Majesty's Council made large
relations of the good offices he did for his countrymen, and of the loyal
inclination he professed to our sovereign; that by many demonstrations
I had found a good affection in him towards myself in particular, and
therefore was most loth so far to disavow myself and disable mine
understanding as now to change my reports of him; but must crave
leave (had he been to me in the nearest degrees either of blood or
friendship) to shake off all, at what time soever I should find him of
evil affection either to the country that bred me or the Prince that with
his bread sustains me, and has so far beyond my merit honoured me:
that I much marvelled that Father Creswell (except he found himself
in some part touched) should have so quick a sense of what I should
write of the much money conveyed into England to the Ambassador,
or of the secret whispered detractions of his Majesty and his government
that come hither in his packets: that myself, according to my manner,
had used plainness, having to Creswell's great friend, the Secretary of
State, complained of the Ambassador's too much correspondency with
our Jesuits, not becoming his place or the amity that both his King and
himself profess: that Creswell himself I could not charge with more than
with receipt of packets from the Ambassador (and that presently after
these maledictions did usually come abroad), and therefore would not
condemn him, but hope he would always have in mind what became
him both in duty and nature to his prince and country. Hereunto
Fowlar, out of the abundance of his love to that man, could not forbear
to say somewhat, beseeching me not to have any such evil opinion of
Creswell or of any of their devotion, who would ever be found faithful
to their King and country, and, would his Majesty give them liberty of
their consciences, would instantly return home and be as forward as
any to serve him; that out of doubt the Ambassador in England had not
received there so much money as it is said I have advertised, although
his charge was such as he needed no small sums; that he kept in his
house above 60 persons, was furnished with 3 coaches, and was enforced
to relieve many of his countrymen that resorted thither in necessity. |
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I told him I was not ignorant what by those means he might spend,
having experience by mine own charge here; that well it was known
that I, every day, feed in my house above 30 persons which, the
difference of the dearness between this place and that considered, is
more than double so many there; that my expense with the two coaches
and other horse that I keep here I thought was more than that of his
three there, considering that I pay here more for a bushel of barley
than he does there for a combe of oats, and for a load of straw (accounting the weight and proportion) more than he does for two loads of
hay; that it is true I advertised the great sums of money that have
been made over unto him and I hold it my duty so to do, knowing
that in English soil there could grow no good fruit out of a seed of such
corruption, and desired not that any satisfaction should by him or any
other be given to the Ambassador or any other in this State in that
matter; which I would avow as he who, although giving place to none
in desire of the continuance of a good peace between these Kings,
would not for any respect upon earth ever be drawn to conceal anything
that might redound to the prejudice of the master I serve. And so
without any more [I] dismissed him, much contrary, as I perceived, to
his expectation, who thought to have gotten an answer in writing. |
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The messenger, who goes posting to St Sebastian, making haste, and
myself weary of writing and at the instant not very well, I take my
leave.—Madrid, 18 Jan. 1607, stilo veteri.
Signed. Endorsed: "Sir Ch. Cornwaleis to my lord. Re[ceived]
23 Feb." 3 pp. (120 19.) |
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James Fitzgerald to the Earl of Salisbury |
[? 1607–8] Jan. 19. |
I beseech you for the passion of Christ to have
compassion upon me in regard of my poverty and that I am after the
losses of all my goods, having not this hour in this world that I possess
one penny; neither do I know where in England I might send to either
friend or acquaintance to be relieved with a penny, and except you have
compassion upon me I am a man during my life overthrown and shall
never be able to help myself. I am not able to satisfy the Keeper for
my charges this time I am in prison, and [if] there were nothing but
my charges against me it is enough to keep me prisoner during my life,
except you have compassion on me. Have a merciful consideration of
my miserable estate and forgive my fault committed against you and
the State, and I do faithfully promise never to commit the like whiles
I live again.—From Gatehouse, 19 Jan. 1608.
Holograph. Endorsed: "1604. James Fitzgerald to my Lord." 1 p.
(120 21.) |
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Sir John Peyton to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 19. |
About three years since, I received from you and
the rest of the Privy Council three several letters touching the wardship
of Philip de Carteret, Seigneur of St Owen, and Daniel Dumaricke,
Seigneur of Samaris, and the mesne profits of their lands during their
minority for the time of Sir Walter Ralegh's government. Whereupon
his Majesty's "procuror" made his information in form of law and
pursued the cause to judgment; from the which (the same being contrary to the law and greatly to the prejudice of his Majesty's interest
in all causes concerning his wards) the said "procuror" appealed; which
appeal has been presented before the Commissioners lately addressed
hither, and by them left undetermined as a cause to be related unto the
Lords. The like reference they have also made in a cause greatly
concerning the state of his Majesty's revenues, touching the ministers'
late usurpation upon his Majesty's dismes or tithe corn, the greatest
part of his revenues within this island; in the which, if they should be
maintained, it would detract from his Majesty's revenues above a
thousand crowns per annum. My desire is that at such time as these
Island causes shall be directed to examination and conclusion, you
will require that such relations as have been here delivered to the Commissioners, and also such further allegations as his Majesty's advocate
shall allege, may be produced before such persons unto whom the same
shall be referred. |
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Touching his Majesty's prerogative and all other general causes
concerning the government of this Island, there is such misconstruction
of the Commissioners' orders, being (as I conceive) meant by them only
as references unto the further consideration and determination of your
Lordship and the rest of the Lords, and not intending to be binding
conclusions, as almost all things concerning his Majesty's prerogatives
and other services (in the which there has not been this hundred years
any repugnancy) now grow into question. Upon the understanding
whereof myself and other his Majesty's officers advising of the said
orders made in his Majesty's causes and delivered by the Commissioners
unto the bailiff, which came not to my hands until fourteen days after
their departure unto Guerncey, I thought it expedient during their
stay there to send them a proviso or saving in such causes as concern
his Majesty's prerogatives or other proprieties, the which by my letters
unto them I desired might be added in the end of their conclusions and
relations to be made unto your Lordships. In the which and in all
things my desire is to be governed by your directions.—Mountorguell,
19 Jan. 1607.
Signed. Seal. 1 p. (120 22.) |
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Robert Bell to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 20. |
I have of late received two several commandments,
the one countermanding the other. One was to surcease providing
any more Caen stone, the other to proceed in making provision of the
whole number contained in your warrant from the French King; also
that you purpose to send over a mason from hence to make choice of
the stone. Therefore I shall attend to know your resolution herein.
I shall be ever ready, thinking no time better spent than that wherein
I may hope to do you any service.—From Leaden Hall, London,
20 Jan. 1607.
Holograph. ½ p. (120 23.) |
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Advertisements from Rome |
1607–8, Jan. 20/30. |
The writing you sent me I have given up to the
greatest persons, but what they will think or say of it I shall not so
easily hear; yet it may be the advertisement you give me in your
letters will not be with them without force. Of the Count Tyrone and
his, the general opinion is here, his cause is most and chiefly for religion,
and therefore the compassion of him is the greater; and for this opinion
they have many reasons, both of his last withstanding the Queen and
his flying now, which is held for an argument of due respect to his
Majesty, in rather forsaking his own than in standing to offend him.
And that [which] is said against him would have found more credit
had not the bitter words against others been somewhat odious, for
what affinity have sacrilege and impurity (which is imposed upon
priests as though all were such) with this flight of his, in which none of
them is said to be? These terms which seem to proceed of only contempt
and hatred of Catholic religion, have a very bad sound in men's ears
here; which I plainly write to you because you require me so.—From
Rome, 20 Jan. 1608.
Endorsed: "30 of Jan. 1608." 2/3 p. (125 15.) |
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John Bishop to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 21. |
The true report of your virtues embracing the
good of the State emboldens my intelligence unto you of a matter
worthy your consideration for the good of his Majesty and my country.
I am imprisoned at the King's Bench, from whence if you command me
I shall think myself happy in revealing my intendments unto you.—
From the King's Bench, 21 Jan. 1607.
Holograph. ⅓ p. (120 24.) |
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Certificate |
1607–8, Jan. 21/31. |
Certificate by Rolland de Neufville, Bishop of
Leon, that at the prayer of William Dutton, an Englishman who had
left country and relations that he might freely exercise the Catholic
faith, he had reconciled, absolved and received the said Dutton into
the bosom of the church in the chapel of his manor of Porrlech in
Treffgarantec parish, and afterwards administered the sacrament of
confirmation.—31 Jan. 1608.
Latin. Episcopal seal. Parchment. (222 19). |
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The Lord Treasurer to [Sir Thomas Edmondes] |
1607–8, Jan. 21. |
My Lord Treasurer, touching Rath the Irishman,
who is to use the name of Henry Richardson for conveyance of his
letters, and to direct them to Mr James Brookesby. |
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My Lord Treasurer to James Rath to send his letters to Thomas
Yong at Florence, who is to send them to Mr John Browne, for whom he
is factor. The style of his letters to be carried as from one Catholic to
another.
Abstract. (227 p. 343.) |
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The Privy Council to [Sir Thomas Edmondes] |
1607–8, Jan. 22. |
Touching Mary Capeot, a young child to be brought
over into England according to the father's will and the executor's
desire.
Abstract. (227 p. 343.) |
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Sir William Lane to the Earl of Salisbury |
[1607–8, Jan. 22.] |
It pleased you in the beginning of my Lord of
Northumberland's troubles to remember me, when I little thought of
myself, a favour not usual nor of my part ever to be forgotten. At
this time, hearing of an establishment of officers intended in the Prince's
house, I should acknowledge my old age to be much honoured if the
place of cofferer in his Highness's house might be bestowed upon me,
the charge whereof, consisting of no great bodily labour, I would hope
to discharge faithfully in the trust of money incident to the same. In
which kind it pleased your father to think me not unworthy of trust,
which at this day stands truly discharged even to a penny. If this shall
fail, I beseech your favour for my better credit some way, having long
served in a place as you know. I required Sir Robert Osborne to acquaint
you with my desire to be an undertaker in the forest of Sawsy (Salcey)
in his Majesty's woods, whereunto my poor house of Horton is near
adjacent. Lastly, touching Digby's case of wardship, I am advised by
my counsel to procure a bill into the Parliament House for the explanation of those two statutes of Hen. VIII, whereupon the ambiguity
of this case arises. Nevertheless, without your pleasure I intend not to
entertain, but rather sit down with loss, though I know it to be a great
service for the King.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "1607, 22 Jan." 1 p. (103 132.) |
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Sir Edmond Uvedale to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 22. |
Upon my receipt 21 December last by a foot boy
of Sir George Morton's [of] your letter dated 5 November before, I am
moved to address this unto you, the rather being charged to pretend
a title to a lodge standing in your walk in Chitterid by reason it stands
upon my ground of my manor of Tarrant Munckton, and thereby to
detain the same. Then also Sir George Morton, by his letter since,
informs me that you acquainted him of a lodge that was before of old
upon the ground and pulled down by my father deceased, which he
never had notice of before. I have a tenement upon parcel of my
manor of Munckton long since erected by my father, being then master
of the game in Chitterid under the Earl of Pembroke deceased, the
keeping of which game became so troublesome to my father that he
gave it over, and thereupon there were divers men of account and others
who took upon them successively the charge thereof; as first, old Mr
Lovill, then Sir Henry Ashley, after Mr Charles Arundell, and so others,
all which upon request compounded with my father and took leases of
the said tenement at a yearly rent, and so long as either of them had the
charge of the game, as by the counterpanes appears. But when the
young Lovill undertook the charge of the game under Sir Walter Ralegh
(as it was said), then my father took the tenement into his hands and
demised it for a yearly rent. After my father's decease about ten years
since, I granted the same to a servant of mine, partly in recompense
of my service and some fine, and twenty shillings rent for 21 years:
who being married, having a wife and many children, possesses the same
and has no other place of habitation. Nevertheless, in my due regard to
you I have so far prevailed with my servant and tenant that if he may
be provided of a reasonable habitation for him and his family, or
otherwise have a reasonable composition for his estate, he is content to
leave the same; and thereupon I will grant a lease of it to such as you
will appoint, under the rent now reserved for the same, yet is there more
ground added than before by myself.—Loverleigh, 22 Jan. 1607.
Signed. Seal. Endorsed: "Concerning Chittered Lodge." 1½ pp.
(120 25.) |
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Sir William Browne to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 22. |
I can add very little to that which this bearer
brings, although he has been here very near 14 days, shut up so with
ice that it was impossible to get him any passage, and yet he can inform
you I have done my uttermost endeavour. That which I have by
tradition from reports, having lately received no letters from the
Hague, is by an Englishman who arrived in this island this day, and
came yesterday from the Brill, who to myself reported that for certain
Spinola was to come on Thursday last to Dort and yesterday to
Rotterdam, and so to the Hague. He speaks particularly of his train,
that he has 60 persons of his own suite or followers, that the States had
destined 80 "sleades" (sleighs) to fetch their baggage, and that the
Marquis had sent for as many more. This he related particularly, so
that I have little reason to doubt but that they are certainly arrived,
albeit a good friend of mine has showed me since a letter from Dort,
dated the 29th new style, wherein his friend writes unto him that
Spinola being arrived at Gertrudenbergh, a post came for him in all
haste to come again speedily to Brussels. But yet I rather do believe
the Englishman's report.—Flushing, 22 Jan. 1607.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (120 26.) |
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Duke of Wurtemberg to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 23/Feb. 2. |
Letter of credence for the bearer, the
Lord of Francquemont, upon the occasion of the death of the writer's
father.—Stuttgart, 2 Feb. 1608.
Signed. French. ½ p. (147 161.) |
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John Dallwaye to the King |
[1607–8, Jan. 24] |
Was granted by the late Queen the office of
constable of the palace or storehouse of Knockfergus, with fee of 2/6
a day, and wages of 8d a day for 20 warders. The Lord Deputy now
makes stay of the warders' pay. Prays for warrant confirming his
own and the warders' pay.
Endorsed: "24 January, 1607." Report by Mr Auditor Gofton
thereon Jan. 25, 1607. 1 p. (P. 1887.) |
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John Savage, Mayor, and the Aldermen of Chester to the Earl
of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 25. |
Having received letters from the Lord High
Treasurer of England of December 9 last touching the impost of wines
demanded of the merchants of this city, and for the taking of such of
them bounden to appear before his Lordship as should refuse payment
thereof, I, the Mayor, with the assistance of my brethren, did call
them before us, and upon their refusal, grounded upon divers instances
and reasons, did take them all bounden for their appearances according
to his commandment. But because the time thereunto prefixed was
with so small a limitation (being the first day of this term), the days
yet being very short, we presumed to take them bound for their appearance the first of February next. Of which our proceedings we pray
your allowance, and in respect some of the parties are so aged and
infirm as not able to travel one day's journey, the snow in these parts
very deep, the way bad, and the weather inclined to a very sharp and
dangerous frost for travel, and some of the parties having not past
6, 4 or 3 tons of wine upon their adventure, you would allow of the
coming up of these bearers, William Gamull, William Aldersey and
Robert Berrie, who will attend your pleasure in the premises. And for
that this city is seated in one of the remotest counties of this kingdom,
in effect destitute of trade and traffic both at home and abroad, where
in former times we had trade to Spain for iron (being then a profitable
commodity), the benefit whereof is utterly taken away by the abund
ance of iron made in the countries here adjoining, sold here at cheaper
rates than can be bought in Spain; and that shipping in this port is so
decayed that there are not belonging to it any barks but some few of
very small burden, which only traffic for Ireland, and the merchants
cannot freight any ship beyond the seas to arrive in this port but at
extraordinary rates by reason of the danger of the river; we embolden
ourselves upon your accustomed favour to this poor city and the trade
within the same, which (as in others) is one of the greatest ornaments of
this commonwealth, that you would be a means to his Highness for
renewing her late Majesty's grant to the merchants of this city for their
discharge of the impost of their French wines arriving in this port,
which her Majesty for divers weighty considerations approved by you
to bestow upon them.—Chester. 25 Jan. 1607.
Seven signatures including William Aldersey's. Seal. 1 p. (120
28.) |
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W. Maynard to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 25/Feb. 4. |
The honour I have in being known as a
servant of your house, and particularly of yourself, would render my
silence inexcusable if the quartan fever, which has long held me and
only left me a few days since, did not soften my fault. This indisposition
causes me soon to return into England, and I pray you to honour me
with your commands. I hear no news here except of marriages, of
which the first, the contract, which was made a few days since between
the Duke of Orleans and the only daughter of Mons. de Montpensier at
his house with great solemnity, was signed by the King and Queen, the
Duke and Duchess, and by all the princes of the blood as relations of the
parties, when the King granted M. de Montpensier a pension of 50,000
crowns to help disengage his estate (son bien); but there is little appearance that he will enjoy it long, being so advanced in a hectic fever that
he cannot stand it long. For some time too a secret marriage is spoken
of, of Mons. de Guise with the Marquise de Verneuil, and the King, they
say, has been troubled about it and has made her come to this town to be
assured of it; but she has denied it with such artifice, one can judge it is
so rather than otherwise. The friends of this prince say she wishes to
make her profit of him (elle s'en veult faire valoir), and that they know
him to be a prince of too great purpose and courage to have done that.
And in truth it is remarked that that house has been very careful to
make good alliances. Thus I have ventured to entertain you with such
news as can be learnt in a sick man's chamber.—Paris, 4 Feb. 1608.
Holograph. French. Two seals over silk. Endorsed: "1607." 1 p.
(125 23.) |
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Sir John Ogle to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 26/Feb. 5. |
The coming hither, the train and entertainment of the Marquis Spinola, I know your Lordship has in such particularities as it should be but a weak curiosity in me to speak of that
whereof you are already much better informed. This day the Ambassadors have had audience in the assembly of the Estates General, the
speech delivered by Richardot in French. The purpose, as I hear, after
the compliment had his course, was that they were ready to embark
into the business of treaty, when the Estates should find it fit. Upon
their return from the Estates Count Maurice brought them to his
lodgings, where they with some 8 or 9 of the Estates General were
entertained with a dinner. The time before their going to table, which
was somewhat more than half an hour, was spent in discourse, most
betwixt the two Generals, Richardot being interpreter. If I should
dare to judge of those that are so far above me, I should say that the
Marquis is the more pleasing, but the Count seems to have the stronger
powers. Your Lordship knows them both better than my character
can represent them unto you. The Friar's countenance is somewhat
dejected, and to their judgments that have formerly seen him, nothing
suitable to the jollity of spirit he was wont to show here before. Whether
it is that a greater light eclipses him or what other cause there may be,
is too much for me to guess at. Mancedor spake little, so did the
other two, yet might it be discerned in his face that he knew nothing of
his wife's death, being drowned in her return from Leer toward Brussels.
The news came but this day from the governor of Leer, Don Alonso de
Luna, whose daughter ran the same fortune with the other's wife, and
he writ it to the governor of Breda. The world talks diversely of this
Marquis, some praising, some dispraising him, both for his inward and
outward parts, but yet continually are multitudes pressing to see him
in such fashion that they are like a guard to his house the whole day
long. Great appearance of peace is brought from the other side; and
yet (whether colourably or no I know not) greater doubts are here made
of it by many than was before. Yet their reasons I cannot learn, for
that which the Marquis (who comes from the Archdukes with consent
of the King of Spain) brings with him is said to be sufficient for a peace,
unless these men will willingly seek evasion; for they bring what is
desired, and they have in charge from the Archdukes that they should
not return (speaking so to them at their leave taking) till they had made
a peace. This was delivered by Richardot the President to an old
acquaintance of his at Dordrecht, the Colonel Groenvelt, whom he
went to visit being sick. I writ to you in my last of an accord betwixt
the French King and this State newly ratified, but I forgot to tell you
of a particular, which precedent may some way tend to the better good
of us, his Majesty's poor servants in these parts, that carry arms for his
Majesty and the service of this State. The French King holds his troops
entire in these countries whether it be war or peace, being at a rate in
the one or other condition, how many thousand crowns yearly to disburse. Hereby the French are upon good terms, the King being their
patron, the Estates forbear to make so bold with them in many several
passages as they do with our nation, they distinguishing betwixt us,
as of them for auxiliaries and of us for mercenaries. We hope to receive
the like from his Majesty. If the occasion of State require otherwise,
we must have patience; but I doubt not but if that English money shall
at any time be sent hither either for maintaining a war or securing a
peace, but that you will remember though not to change the essence of
government yet to better the condition of his Majesty's subjects in
matter of esteem and countenance, wherein we come now (generally)
far short of the French nation. You will pardon me that I presume so
far, and you will judge Herculem ex pede. You will better discern by this
little I have said what I would say than I can tell how to say it myself;
for I write not as a discontent, but could be glad to see so brave a
nation upon equal terms of regard with others; which yet I fear will
not be until we may say our gold is as current here as the French.—
Hague, Feb. 5, 1608, novo stylo.
Holograph. 3 pp. (120 56.) |
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Thomas Talbot to Thomas Wilson |
1607–8, Jan. 26. |
As to the property of his wife, and of her son.—
26 Jan. 1607.
1 p. (P.2226). |
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Edward Reynolds to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 27. |
Since the recovery of my late sickness, I have
by reason of loss of much blood and the sharpness of the weather
gathered strength very slowly. I therefore beseech you to dispense
with my attendance in the Office of Privy Seal this next month,
and to grant that this bearer, my brother, may wait upon you for the
sealing of processes and all such bills and warrants as shall in the
dockets pass your allowance. For the rest I will myself, here at my
lodging, see that all shall be performed with diligence.—Westminster,
27 Jan. 1607.
Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (84 96.) |
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James Anderton, Alexander Standish and Richard Asheton to
the Privy Council |
1607–8, Jan. 27. |
By your letters dated the last of October last you
write to us in behalf of Mr Henry Bolde, upon his information to you
by petition that Sir Thomas Langton, late baron of Newton, did pass
over unto Sir Edward Stanley and us his lands in co. Lancaster, with
consideration that the money to be then paid for the same should be
employed in payment of the debts of the said baron and advancement
of his kindred. And where[as] also by the said petition you are informed
further (and very true, as we conceive it) that the said Mr Bolde stands
in nearest degree of kindred to the late baron, being co-heir to his
lands, in which respect (as you further signify) Sir Edward Stanley (a
feoffee with us in this case) has allotted to Mr Bolde the sum of 400l
to be paid at certain days by him named; for the answerable performance whereof you vouchsafe in Mr Bolde's behalf to move us, unless
we can show good reason to the contrary. The money we have in part
received and are yet to receive towards discharge of the baron's trust
in us reposed, extends in the whole but to the sum of 2,700l, over and
besides a little portion of chantry lands purchased with the baron's
money in another's name, whereof we are in hope to make 100l or
thereabouts; whereas the baron's due debts by speciality amount unto
above 3,000l, over and besides his other provable debts, which extend
to 1,000l more. By reason whereof we cannot deliver to your Honour's
probability of any remain to be left above discharge of the baron's
debts, whereby (not violating the trust reposed in us in payment of his
said debts) we may be able—as otherwise we are desirous—to pleasure
any of the baron's kindred. Concerning Sir Edward Stanley, in regard of
his absence out of this country and want thereby of opportunity to
inform himself of the daily occurring particulars of this business, he
has hitherto been desirous to spare himself and to refer the matter to
our careful proceedings; so as we persuade ourselves his aforesaid
allotment to Mr Bolde of 400l is but upon supposal of an answerable
remain after the baron's due debts are discharged; whereof as for our
own parts we hitherto conceive small hope, so upon late advice (by
reason of other like occasions) taken of our counsel learned, we are informed of our own being chargeable, not only by the baron's trust
reposed in us but also by ordinary course of law, to answer to the baron's
creditors all such sums of money as we shall otherwise pay, the baron's
due debts by speciality being left undischarged. All which notwithstanding, upon the late letters written to us for Mr Bolde by one of you,
viz. the Lord Chancellor of England, we did in testimony of our due
acknowledgment to his Honour's letters, deliver to Mr Bolde 20l of
our own money without all known hope to have the same allowed to
us back again out of any account or payment due for the baron or any
his lands.—Lostock, 27 Jan. 1607.
Signed. 1 p. (120 29.) |
|
The Earl of Bath to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 27. |
As I had finished a letter, and was ready to send
it away for your commendation to his Majesty of my readiness to do
him service here in the country, if it might be his gracious pleasure to
pardon my attendance at the Parliament, I received a proclamation
for the proroguing thereof; and therefore will only yield you thanks for
your former kindness towards me in that behalf. Touching the
accomplishment of the service for the late impress and levy of one hundred men in this county for his Majesty's service in Ireland, I made it
known to my Lords and your Lordship before Christmas last, promising
to present them with a schedule of the charge incident to the service
for coal, conduct and other defrayments the next term following;
which now I send them, praying your furtherance for dispatch of my
servant, whom I have appointed to receive the money.—Towstock,
27 Jan. 1607.
Signed. Seal. ½ p. (120 30.) |
|
Humphry Flint to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 28. |
I have received a hind from Sir George St Pol
by his men; the hind is very well brought, and that horn that she had
she has "mued" and she is "button" [i.e. budding or sprouting] again.
The King did "mit" [?meet] his men when they brought her as his
Majesty was going a hawking, and sent me away with her. His Majesty,
I do think, had never better sport nor greater store of fowl; and all the
deer within the parks be well, except there be some few "morlous" fawns
that will die.—From his Majesty's house at Theobalds, 28 Jan. 1607.
Holograph. ½ p. (120 33.) |
|
Sir Thomas Edmondes to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 28. |
Treaty with the Archduke touching Didham, an
English merchant robbed at Dunkirk; and touching Calley's imprisonment at Antwerp for debt, who had furnished the Archduke's army with
50,000l sterling in apparel and could get no money. Sir Thomas
Edmondes made trial by discourse whether the Archduke had heard
anything of the former conference. The Archduke took notice at the
first only that the King had denied his Ambassador audience till his
return from hunting, at which he seemed discontented. He afterwards
spake of the conference, where he said some choleric speeches had
passed wherewith he seemed little moved, because ministers of princes
would expostulate matters warmly one with another, which was not to
be taken offensively. The good usage of Tyrone performed by others,
not by himself. This retorted again by Sir Thomas Edmondes by reason
of many public demonstrations of favour, amongst others the erecting
of a new company of Irish out of those which came with Tyrone, and
bestowing the command upon him who came pilot in the ship that
brought them. The Archduke seemed only sensible of his Majesty's
refusing to give his Ambassador audience, the which point of supposed
neglect of honour they are subject above all others to take most
tenderly. The Archduke's Ambassador complains of want of respect
in England, and his wife chiefly, who would needs come away from her
husband in this respect.
Abstract. (227 p. 342.) |
|
[Sir Thomas Edmondes] to the [Earl of Salisbury] |
1607–8, Jan. 28. |
Thanks to my Lord Treasurer for procuring the
King to take knowledge of the good offices done at Brussels by the
Spanish Ambassador, which he took so kindly that he came to acknowledge it to Sir Thomas Edmondes, and dealt freely in other matters
touching the treaty. (I do find that in this "noviship" of his charge,
having never been before employed in the like affairs, he often delivers
things more naturally and less disguised than others would do). The
nobility of the country discontented that they were not employed in
the treaty, who had the greatest interest in it. The accident of the
drowning [of] Madame de Manciscidor and Mademoiselle de Luna
interpreted as an ill presage to the peace.
Abstract. (227 p. 342.) |
|
Certificate of Mons. de la Boderie, French Ambassador |
1607–8, Jan. 28. |
We certify his Majesty of Great Britain and his
Council that on arriving in this country we found Jean de Haraveder,
of St Jean de Lux, prosecuting payment of the sum of 15,000l which
Mr Robert Basset had been condemned to pay him as caution for Captain John Thomasin, who had robbed him at sea, 22 Nov. 1601, of a
ship laden with merchandise, among which was some quantity of ready
money. And as Basset was a fugitive from this country for some
reason of state, according to the law of the land all his goods movable
and immovable were forfeited to the King of Great Britain, and he
(Haraveder) could not proceed against them; he prayed therefore M. de
Beaumont, heretofore Ambassador here, to intercede for him to his
Majesty, that he would order that out of Basset's goods he might be
satisfied of the said sum of 15,000l which had been adjudged him;
seeing, moreover, that that was only the fourth part or less of what was
stolen from him by Thomasin, the cost of the said merchandise with the
ready money amounting to 55,000l, which the King promised, as is
reported to us. And thereupon a commission was delivered to
Haraveder under the Great Seal to summon Basset to return within a
certain time, and that in default of doing so he should be declared
guilty of high treason, and all his goods confiscated and sold to his
Majesty's profit. Having done this at great cost, when he thought the
said goods would be sold, a supersedeas supervened which Basset's wife
had obtained on a false information. Whereupon he was constrained to
let everything go; and although on many occasions we have spoken
thereof to the King and his Council since our arrival here, nevertheless
we have had no right herein. Which Haraveder seeing, and that he was
here at great expense and losing time, he has required this present
certificate of us, to serve and be of use to him when need shall arise;
which we have not felt able to refuse him, and have signed it, sealed it
with our seal of arms, and had it countersigned by our Secretary.—
London, 28 Jan. 1607.
French. Copy. 2 pp. (120 34.) |
|
Sir John Tyndall to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 29. |
Being put in trust by you for the preservation of
the rights of the three ladies, the daughters of the late Earl of Oxford,
deceased, concerning the lordship of Castle Heningham and other their
lands in Essex, having been informed by the means of one Mr Paul
Powle there was an office found in the time of the late Queen that one
Thomas Purcas, late of Much Yeldham in Essex, died seised of certain
petit parcels of land there, holden of her Highness as of her honor of
Richmond, I perused such evidences as remained in my custody concerning the said Castle, and thereby found it very manifest that the
land pretended to be immediately holden of the honor of Richmond was
mediately holden of the Castle of Heningham, and that the Earls of
Oxford held the same ever of the honor of Richmond; so as the wardship of the son of this Purcas in my understanding plainly belongs to
you on the behalf of the said ladies, and they be the immediate tenants
unto the King of the same lands. This has been showed to the said
Powle and such other as have dealt in this cause, and I hoped they had
been satisfied; but it is followed still (as I am informed) to the great
charge of the poor young man, and in effect to the undoing of some other
poor orphans, his brothers and sister, and to the prejudice of the rightful inheritance of the said three ladies. Which I beseech you in your
wisdom to consider of, without putting the poor young man and his
friends to greater charge than they be well able to afford.—Lincoln's
Inn, 29 Jan. 1607.
Signed. ½ p. (120 35.) |
|
Sir Walter Ralegh to the Earl of Salisbury |
[1607–8, Jan. 29]. |
The grant of Sherborne required of him and
others is fearful to them, because they thereby pass to the King things
out of their power to perform, and those that join with him not only
enthral their own estates, but his wife and son thereby forfeit their
annuity. |
|
Protests that he deals clearly in the business, and, as he has already
delivered many things for the good of the lord that shall be, so will he
make it appear that he will reserve nothing in his knowledge that may
assure those lands to the proprietor. He only desires that as he would be
glad never to hear the place named henceforth, so in parting from it he
might also part from all future trouble concerning it, and that for those
bonds and covenants entered into for the enjoying of estates and
annuities by him and his, as appear just, he may be with them which
have dealt for him clearly discharged. |
|
Thinks it far better that such a grant be devised as shall not hold any
dispute in Parliament than that the parties, which join with him
therein, shall seek to be relieved in that Court, and so their desires retarded which would be glad of a free passage and expedition. |
|
If Mr Thelwal has told Salisbury that he found Ralegh unwilling to
be at any charge for the patents, it is true that he prayed that all
might come free to them, but his meaning was for the future. For
this charge is not great, and in lieu he is content to yield so much longer
time to the farmers of Custom as the interest would amount to 40l.
For as above 10l is demanded for the tallies, so the officers tell them that
the fees going out of the 400l will be at the least 20l yearly, which if
they had had a lease of land would have been saved, and to which he
would have held himself had he not feared their Lordships' construction
that he sought a prolongation of the business.—Undated.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed by Salisbury: "29 Jan. 1607." 2/3 p.
(120 36.) [Printed in extenso in Edwards, Life of Ralegh, 11, 323–325.] |
|
George Pye to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 30. |
This third time makes his request to him, out of a
troubled spirit oppressed by the rage of griping creditors, for release
from his imprisonment. Protests to pray as heartily to God for continuance of his Honour, as he does to Salisbury for release from his
imprisonment. Extravagant compliments.—Counter, Wood Street,
30 Jan. 1607.
Holograph. 1 p. (120 37.) |
|
Th[omas] Hamilton to the Earl of Dunbar
Lord High Treasurer of Scotland |
[1607–8] Jan. 30. |
I caused make the proclamation discharging our
merchants either to transport English goods forth of this realm under
the pain of escheat thereof and of the transporter's "remanent gudes",
punishment of his person and confiscation of the ship, or to sell them
to strangers to be transported under the like pains. Whereof our
merchants have made a grievous complaint to the Council, saying that
they are every way in worse case nor they were before, seeing here
they are "dischargit" to transport to foreign parts the English goods
which lawfully they might have carried where they had pleased for
their best advantage, paying only an easy custom, which they would
rather be still content to pay nor to be "debarrit" from their accustomed
trade. And upon the other part they say that they are "debarrit" in
England from shipping of English cloth to be transported to foreign
parts, which they affirm not to have been forbidden to them before
the Union, albeit now some of their number had their goods almost
"confiscat" for meaning to make such transport of late. Whereunto,
albeit we answered that the Estates of this country would not consent
that English goods coming to this country should pay any custom, seeing by the treaty such goods were made free of custom for the benefit
of this nation, albeit the merchants thought they would rather pay
custom for such goods nor want their former liberty to transport them
to foreign parts; and that we "supponit" that the cloth which they
were hindered to transport forth of England was only free to be transported by the Merchant Adventurers, yet they are not satisfied but
still insist to have the Council to advertise his Majesty of their harm
by their letter. I have thought it my duty to signify that which has
passed to your Lordship to be considered of as you think the matter
merits. I hope you will have remembrance of my father when you
write to Court. And now seeing my laird of Stone's "comptes" are
passed, whereby the occasion of any allowance of my precept by his
Lordship is postponed, that you will have some care to recommend my
turn to his Majesty at such time and in such manner as shall seem good
to you.—Edinburgh, this penult. January.
Holograph. Seal. Endorsed: "30 Jan. 1607." 1 p. (120 38.) |
|
The University of Oxford to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 30. |
Those who cultivate letters or favour those who
study them are very few; but he has shown himself so benevolent a
patron that the streams of his goodness have flowed beyond the Muses
of the Granta, and sometimes reached even those on the Isis. Pray his
help in their present straits in a matter which the bearer, Dr. King,
Pro-Chancellor of the University, will inform him of, which is of great
moment to the University and city of Oxford.—From the Congregation
House, 30 Jan. 1607.
Latin. Seal. 2/3 p. (120 39.) |
|
James Fitzgerald to the Earl of Salisbury |
1607–8, Jan. 30. |
Where[as] I am holden in suspicion by your
Honour for Tyrone and Tirconnell, I must confess that foolishly I
have given cause to be suspected; but consider my case and the cause
that moved me to enter into that which has brought me unto this
suspicion with you. I declare before God from the bottom of my heart,
utterly renouncing any favour but that any torment may be given me, if
ever I had to do with Tyrone or Tirconnell or any other in my life in
any matter against the crown of England, or any councillor in any of
his Majesty's dominions, other than that I being in Lovan after I had
lost all the goods I had by the fortune of the seas, having not a penny
in my purse, one of my acquaintance which depended upon Tyrconnell
brought me unto him; to whom I made my moan, and he pitying my
estate wished his man to give me some money to help bear my charge
towards my country. Being in this talk he demanded if I would do one
thing for him, which should not be anything hurtful unto me. I told
him I would do any thing for him that should not prove murder or
treason to the King or State; and then he desired me to find the means
to bring him his wife, which I promised him to do my endeavour if she
were willing of herself. He caused a few lines to be written in a small
piece of paper that she should be directed by me, which I brought her,
and at my departure his man gave me seven pounds. For anything else
but this I renounce favour; and as for wishing Tyrone or Tyrconnell
better than the King of England I would then I were hanged, for they
are both strangers unto me and by Tyrone I have had great losses, so
that if it had pleased God I would he had never been born. This is the
truth of any cause of suspicion against me, and before I should prove a
traitor unto the crown of England under whom all my ancestors have
been born subjects, my father having lost his blood in her Majesty's
service, I myself being with body and purse as forward as any young
man in Dublin in service also, and now to prove a traitor—I would I
might be torn in pieces before it should prove true by me! Accept this
as a faithful vow of loyalty all my life unto my gracious King and State
of England, which if his Highness would but employ me in any service
whatsoever, you shall find me faithful and trusty.—From Gatehouse,
30 Jan. 1608.
Holograph. Endorsed: "Jan. 30, 1607." 1¼ pp. (120 40.) |
|
Sir John Ogle to [the Earl of Salisbury] |
1607–8, Jan. 30/Feb. 9. |
I send your Lordship by this bearer, Henry
Seager, 2 such monkeys as you desired. I doubt not but they will be to
your liking, for they are the only ones and the best at this time to be
gotten. I thought it best to send them by him because he helped me
to them, and knows best to bring them safely thither. He tells me he
is the man that brought over the last into England. At the spring I
am given to understand there will be more choice. I will then see if
I can fit you with some other to your liking, to dispose to some such
friends as shall be desirous of them. It may please you that one of
your men may give me notice of the receipt of them, for his discharge
and my content.—Hague, 9 Feb. 1608, novo [stilo].
Holograph. 1 p. (120 74.) |
|
Sir Robert Yaxley to the Earl of Salisbury |
[1607–8, Jan.] |
It pleased the King to give me a promise of the first
company should fall at Flushing or the Brille, and to ratify it both
he and the Prince spoke to the Governors. There is lately a company
fallen by the death of Sir Richard Warburton, which upon his death or
something after he had liberty to sell. I know it was done for the good
of his wife and children, whereof I am no way sorry, but would have
been glad (notwithstanding the King's promise) to have given as much
for it as is to be given, or that which should have given her better
contentment, which is 100l a year out of it. If you should but ask
Sir Edward Cecil or any other of the Low Countries how unworthily it
is bestowed, I think you would do your best to revoke it; there was as
great a kindness done to Sir Richard Warburton for the same company.
The man is in the town, and the money unpaid; what you shall do herein
you shall do for a thankful man, and I know both the King and the
Prince will take it well and give you thanks.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "Jan. 1607." ½ p. (120 41.) |
|
Jacques, Comte de Clermont Talart, to the
Earl of Salisbury |
[1607–8, ?Jan.] |
Begs for his favour in a matter which the bearer
will relate. His relations, among them the Comtes de Soissons and de
Saint Pol, will endeavour to repay the obligation.—Undated.
Signed. French. Endorsed: "1607. Count of Clermont." 1 p.
(124 6.) |
|
The Comte de Clermont |
[1607–8, ?Jan.] |
Account of his debts; bonds, notes of legal proceedings; charges of suit; and names of his bail before Sir Thomas
Wamsley. The account is noted "Your Lordship has paid of this bill
94l 5s 4d, which is all you have undertaken; the rest are not of the
first debts."—The latest paper is dated Jan. 24, 1607/8.
3 pp. (124 7–10.) |
|
The Earl of Exeter to the Earl of Salisbury |
[1607–8, Jan.] |
There is of late descended to my Lord Rosse, by
the death of Mr Roger Mannours, the manor of Lynton in Yorkshire, for
which I moved you at my last seeing you at Court that I might become
tenant to the King during Lord Rosse's minority, as I am to the rest
of his possessions that remain in the King's hands, which you seemed
then willing I should have. I therefore renew my suit to grant me your
warrant for a particular. I hope you will have some consideration for
imposing the fine, the lease being only for three years, when Lord Rosse
shall be of full age.—Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: "Jan. 1607." 1 p. (193 67.) |
|
Inhabitants of the Counties of Gloucester, Hereford, Worcester,
Salop, and the County of the City of Gloucester to the King |
[1607–8, ?Jan. or Feb.] |
They pray to be disburdened from the
pretended jurisdiction of the President and Council of Wales, it being,
as they understand, against the ancient laws that they (being merely
English) should be subject to such authority. Some, under colour of
maintaining the King's prerogative, endeavour to advance their own
particular by urging how necessary it is that the said jurisdiction should
remain, insinuating that it is desired by the inhabitants, whereas none
desires it but a company of relators and unquiet seditious spirits, who
live by spoil of their neighbours. They beg that "we", who for the four
counties attend his pleasure, may be heard by him or by such as he shall
appoint. |
|
A detailed list of grievances follows under the following heads;
"Proceedings contrary to law", "Oppressing of the people", "Increase
of suits and causes", "Burden of double laws", "Decay of the towns and
people", "Loss to his Majesty", and "Grievance to the people."—
Undated.
Petition. 1½ sheets. (196 117).
Cf. Cal. S.P.Dom., 1603–1619, pp. 398, 400, 405 |