Translation of Convention between the King of Sweden and the States General, Sept. and Oct. 1701. Copies of letters of William 3 to the Earl of Portland, and from the Earl to the King, in 1698. Copies of letters from and to Secretary Vernon, and to and from the Earl of Portland, 1698. Copies of letters from Lord Somers to the King concerning the dangers of France and Spain on expected death of the King of Spain, 1698. Report of the Trustees of Forfeited Estates in Ireland, in pursuance of Act of 11 & 12 William 3. Ten rolls of paper, each about one yard long, fastened together, being Table of the rates of the quarter pay for the goale, and trayned soldyers, and House of Correction, as the same ought to have been paid quarterly, within the Hundred of Oswaldslow and County of Worcester, as follows. 1647 to 1654. Many Orders of Sessions for Payment of Ship Money and Poll Money in the County of Worcester. There are also at Stanford Court some letters of the 18th century. A few letters from Charles James Fox. Some refer to the allowance to the Prince of Wales; to gifts of money to the Emperor without the consent of Parliament, &c. &c. Letters from Henry Fox (first Lord Holland), 1747, and later (dated from Holland House), relating to the Boroughs of Droitwich and Bewdley. He was one of the executors of the will of the Right Hon. F. Winnington. About a dozen letters from Uvedale Price from 1794 to 1803. Several letters from Charles Dunster (from Fountain House, Bath, and elsewhere) in 1790 on literary subjects. Letters from Roger Wilbraham and Dudley North. One from Mr. Seward (mentioning Burke's behaviour on the death of Sir Joshua Reynolds). About 18 letters from Payne Knight. Many letters from N. Curzon in 1785, from France. A letter (official) signed by Oliver Cromwell, and one by Sir Thomas Fairfax. My visit to Stanford Court was made very pleasant by the great cordiality of Sir Thomas Winnington, and the interest which he took in the objects of the Commission. Among other bits of literary information which he communicated, he told me that the letters by Cromwell and Fairfax were printed in “ 'Epistolary Curio"sities," edited by Rebecca Warner, 8vo., London, 1818, and that the contents of that volume were printed by the lady without permission, she having copied most of them from the originals (formerly preserved at Ribbesford House, in Worcestershire, the seat of Lord Herbert of Cherbury), which the late Mr. Ingram presented to the Earl of Powis. ALFRED J. HORWOOD. THE ALMACK COLLECTION. The papers in the possession of Richard Almack, Esq., of Melford, in Suffolk, contain many very valuable documents. Among them the following letters and documents may be mentioned: John Bradshawe (24th Feb. 1600), giving an account of the trial and condemnation of the Earls of Essex and Southampton. Also MSS. relating to the trial, effects, and affairs of the Earl of Essex. Letter from his mother, Lettice Countess of Leicester, and evidence apparently implicating her in her son's rebellion. General Thomas Dalzell to the Earl of Lauderdale (15th Jan. 1667), giving his opinion, and very characteristic. General Dalzell commanded the Scottish Army against the Covenanters. James 6, King of Scotland, afterwards James 1, King of England, (dated Halyruid hous, 14th April 1587,) addressed to the Commendator of Dunfermling, urging his attendance at a Convention to be holden at Halyruidhous." Mary, Queen of Scots. Copy (in the handwriting of Maitland, of Lethington, the Secretary of State for Scotland) of the letter sent by "yor Majestie's Nobilitie and subjects" to the Queen, on the report "that yo' Majestie suld be ravish'd be the Earl Bothwell," desiring to know what she wished them to do. 26 John, Earl and Duke of Lauderdale, draft (in his handwriting) and a letter in answer to some person who had presented his "humble desires." He mentions His Majesty's commands to the "Privie Coun "cell" respecting Church government in Scotland. "The resolution of settling episcopacy unalterable." William Maitland, of Lethington (6th April_1570). Obligation, under his hand and seal, to his son James, to enfeoff "Marie Fleming," his spouse, for all the. days of her life in the lands of Barkbie, &c., which he held of the Prioress and Convent of Hadington. Mary Fleming was one of the Four Maries" attendant on Mary, Queen of Scots. She was in the Castle of Edinbro' during the siege and surrender. Fred, Duke of Schomberg. Two letters from him, dated Paris, 2nd Sept. 1668 and 9th April 1671. In the first he mentions that "for some days" the Court of France had offered him a pension as a Marshal, which he had "politely excused." The other introduces to England M. Micaeli, "of the family of those Micaeli "who for religion have left Italy; he is well born and "allied to some persons of quality in this Kingdom." Marie de Seton (6th April 1615). Letter of thanks and gratitude, in French. She was one of "The Four Maries" attendant on the Queen of Scots, and was many years with her in England. Margaret de Kirkaldy (18th Nov. 1629). A letter of civility and gratitude, but mysterious. She was the daughter of Grange, who was Governor of Edinbro' Castle, which he and William Maitland held out long for Queen Mary. Margaret de Kircaldy became Abbess of Rheims. Earl of Angus (11th Sept. 1598) to the Laird Innes, from Glenbervie. Had been summoned to attend the King at Dundee to meet his bride, Anne of Denmark, and requests the Laird to accompany him in his retinue. A register book of Ely from 1459 to 1550; a folio, on parchment, containing about 500 pages very closely written. Many deeds from 1298, and even earlier, relating chiefly to Norfolk, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Suffolk. Order respecting troops for the service of Ireland, dated 26th June 1649. Signed by Oliver Cromwell. Original documents relating to the siege of Liverpool, 1644. Henry Bennet, Earl of Arlington, K.G. (dated from Goring House, 1st June 1672), gives an interesting account of the battle of Southwold bay. Letters and documents (some of very early date) relating to the families of Clifford, Cecil, Devereux, Fitzwilliam. Fairfax, Fenwick, Howard, Molineux, Montague, Russell, Stanhope, Vere, &c. 66 66 Letter from Sir Christopher Whichcote (Governor of Windsor at the Burial of Charles 1) to the Earl of Lauderdale, 9th July 1660, supplicating "to gaine his Majs gracious hand to the paper. It would be of great use to preserve me from the malice of evil "men." 16th April 1661. A very lofty letter (having got his pardon), asserting his rights at Frogmore respecting crown lands he had purchased and built on ; intimating a breach "of the King's royal word," and that "Righteousness and common justice is the esta"blishment of the throne"! Letter from Sir Archibald Johnston, of Warriston, to the Earl of Elgin, 1645. Draft of long letter (8th May 1660) from Johnston in answer to a Latin letter of advice from Alex. Mowns, explaining and excusing his acts during the rebellion and usurpation, urging him to write to the King "of my heartie and thankful acceptance of his Ms. oblivion, grace, and favoure promised to me in your letter," professing great loyalty. 66 2nd July 1660. Long letter from Helen Hay, his wife, to the Earl of Lauderdale, further urging Johnston's excuses. "Three months we waited upon General "Monk's pleasure." Urging that her husband might see the King, or she would go to London, and repeating his appeal in his letter on behalf of "our 13 children.' With reference to his offices, but apparently without any fear as to his life. (He was executed. . . . 166.) 1667-68. Three long letters respecting the terms of proposed treaty for the union of England and Scotland, as to trade, navigation, &c., signed "By order of the "Commissioners for the Kingdom of England, John "Walker." To the Lords Commissioners for Scotland. Many documents and letters relating to great historical families of Scotland and Ireland. Penn's first Charter of Liberties founding Pennsylvania, 25th April 1682. MEMORANDUM RELATIVE TO THE PAPERS BELONGING TO T. E. P. LEFROY, ESQ. These papers are very valuable for biographical and historical purposes, being a collection of about 1,700 private letters from men of high station and repute, between the years 1672 and 1689. The following list gives the names of the writers and the dates in each parcel : Letters to Sir Richard Bulstrode, author of the Memoirs of the reigns of Charles 1 and Charles 2. He was agent and resident for Charles 2, at the Court of Brussels, and afterwards Envoy for James 2 at the same Court. Letters of Henry Savill, Envoy Extraordinary at Paris, from April 1679 to May 1682. Sir Bevil Skelton's letters from March 1676 to 1687. Edmund Poley's letters in 1680. Mr. Knight's letters from London during the year 1678. [N.B. A close pair of chopps makes a wise coxcomb.] Mr. Edward Carne's letters from Whitehall from 1st Sept. 1683 to March 1684. Mr. John Caryll's letters from March 1686 to Nov. 1687. Sir Robert Southwell's letters from June 1672 to Nov. 1680. Mr. H. Thynne's letters from Nov. 1674 to January 1684. Mr. O. Wynne's letters from July 1680 to April 1684. [Dr. Cousins, late Bishop of Durham, did, soon before his death, leave a box with Sir Gilbert Gerard, his son-in-law; it was said there was in it some writings importing that the king was married to the Duke of Monmouth's mother.] Sir Henry Coventry's letters from Nov. 1674 to May 1680. Earl of Sunderland's letters from Feb. 1679 to March 1688. Sir Lionel Jenkin's letters from March 1676 to May 1684. Mr. James Vernon's letters in 1677 and 1678. Mr. Edward Chute's letters from July 1683 to March 1684. Miscellaneous letters from Mr. J. Ellis, Sir Francis Compton, Whitelock Bulstrode, from 1677 to 1688. Mr. Chudleigh's letters from March 1676 to 1685. Mr. Roger Meredith's letters, August 1674 to January 1680. Sir William Lockhart, Ambassador at Paris, three letters during 1678. Mr. Edmund Poley's letters from 1680. Sir John Lytcott's letters from Feb. 1688 to Nov. 1689. Sir Peter Wyche's letters from Feb. 1687-8 to Feb. 1688-9. Sir William Trumbull's letters from Nov. 1685 to Sept. 1686. Mr. Francis Gwyn's letters from July 1687 to Jan. 1687-8. Mr. Henry Sydney's letters from Jan. 1680 to Sept. 1681. Mr. J. Constable's letters from March 1684 to April 1685. Mr. G. Etherage's (the Dramatist) letters from Dec. 1685 to Feb. 1685-6. Mr. William Dutton Colt's letters from Boisledu in 1684. [He was in the retinue of the Duke of Northumberland.] Letters from Mr. William Shaw, Mr. David Egert (Secretary to Mr. Poley), from 1682 to 1687. Mr. Charles Bertie's letters in 1681. Lord John Berkeley's letters from April 1676 to Feb. 1677. The Cardinal of Norfolk's letters (Howard) in 1688. Letter of King Charles 2, dated Windsor, 14th April 1684. Letter of William, Prince of Orange, dated à la Hage, 6th April 1685. Two letters of the Duke of Monmouth. Six letters of the Duke of Berwick. Duke of Norfolk's letters from March 1679 to Nov. 1688. Lord Thomas Howard's letters in 1682. Sir William Temple, letters during 1675 and 1676. The Duke of Lauderdale's letters in 1676. The Duke of Manchester's letters from Nov. 1686 to 1687. Three letters of the Duke of Ormond in 1677 and 1686. Three letters of the Earl of Ossory in 1668 and 1678. Letters from the second Earl of Clarendon, Laurence Hyde, Earl of Rochester, Colonel John Churchill, subsequently the great Duke of Marlborough, from 1677 to 1679. The Earl of Arlington's letters from Nov. 1674 to 1679. Two letters of the Earl of Essex in 1676. Three letters of the Earl of Tyrconnell in 1686–7. Lord Preston's letters from May 1682 to August 1684. Letters from Lord Herbert, Lord Maynard, Lord Lansdown, Earl of Mulgrave, Marquis of Halifax, Earl of Radnor, Lord Dartmouth, Lord Conway, Bathe, Lord Grey de Ruthin, Savile, Lord Charles Gerard, R. Montague, from 1676 to 1686. There is also a series of news letters of Edward Coleman, from 1675 to 1678. He was at that time Secretary to the Duchess of York. He was hanged for the Popish Plot" on the evidence of Titus Oates. Also another series of news letters written by Robert Yard and James Vernon, from Whitehall, 1670 to 1689. The correspondence includes a number of letters from foreign officials. Amongst others, are several in Spanish from Don Pedro Ronquillo, Ambassador from Spain in London, 1684. 66 DUNSTER CASTLE, SOMERSETSHIRE. In the year 1650 the celebrated William Prynne was, as he tells us, "by order of Mr. Bradshaw and his companions at Whitehall," detained a captive at Dunster Castle for eight months. He was well treated by the Luttrell of that time, who was a Parliamentarian; and the enthusiastic legal antiquary hardly perhaps felt the weariness of a prisoner when given free access to the Muniment Room. His gratitude to his custodian is shown by a careful catalogue of the very large collection of early deeds and rolls then and still preserved there. A 17th century copy of this catalogue I have examined, and have looked through the drawers containing the documents to which the catalogue refers; but they furnish nothing worthy of special note for this Commission, save a Charter of Henry 2, confirming to Robert Fitz Urs the grant which his brother, Reginald Fitz Urs, had made to him of lands at Willerton (in Somersetshire, between six and seven miles from Dunster). This Reginald was one of the murderers of Becket. Seer de Quency, one of the witnesses to the charter, was created Earl of Winchester by King John. This charter is in fine condition, and a large portion of the Great Seal is still pendent thereto. The catalogue notices three "Computi hospitii." One of these I found. It consists of one short skin, and contains nothing of interest. The other two I could not find, the orderly arrangement of the documents effected by Prynne not having been kept up. An inquiry for old letters and other papers was liberally responded to by Mr. Luttrell, who laid open several large cupboards and presses filled with letters and papers neatly arranged in bundles and for the most part endorsed. It is to be regretted that a close scrutiny of these was not rewarded. All the letters and papers are of the last and present century, and, save the letters from Henry Shiffner, are bills, receipts, and accounts devoid of interest except to the family. There are a good many letters from Henry Shiffner, M.P. for Minehead, addressed from London to H. F. Luttrell, of Dunster Castle, and ranging from about 1762 to 1765. The greater number relate to the affairs of Minehead (to the interests of which borough he seems very properly to have had much regard); but a few are interesting to the historian of that period. A letter from him gives an account of the King opening Parliament in 1762. One, dated 11th December 1762, gives a notice of Pitt's speech in the House of Commons in opposition to peace, and of Wyndham's answer. On a division, he says 319 were for and 65 against the peace. He says that Pitt's speech occupied 3 hours and 26 minutes (Mr. Shiffner and his stop-watch were perhaps known to Sterne), and was the worst he ever heard; and that Wyndham answered him point by point in 25 minutes. The writer notices that Pitt was permitted to sit and stand alternately during his speech. A letter of the 21st December 1762 gives an account of the new Ministry. A letter of the 3rd of May 1763 mentions the appearance of John Wilkes before Pratt, C.J.; the huzzas of the mob as Wilkes went back to the Tower. He was remanded, having refused to give bail, and the Chief Justice took time to consider his judgment. Mr. Luttrell very kindly assisted me in my searches, and his regret was great that so many papers should have furnished so little on which to report. ALFRED J. HORWOOD. REPORT ON COL. NAPIER'S PAPERS. These Papers are of no historical value whatever, being only a portion of certain law proceedings instituted against Bartolome Rodriguez, Salvador Ximenez Navarro, and Francisco de Arellano (all inhabitants of the town of Castellar in South Andalusia), who, on the night of Saturday the 25th May 1641, were found in the streets playing instruments and singing indecent songs, against the ordinances and regulations of the place. They all appear to have been sentenced to some days' imprisonment, and to pay a fine equal to four pounds of wax candles, to be placed before the Holy Sacrament. The Alcalde's or Judge's name was Don Pedro Ordûna de Veslasco, and that of the actuating Public Notary, Alonso Gonzalez Olmedo. The Alcalde was at the same time Alcayde, that is, Governor of the Castle, which belonged then to the Duke of Medina Sidonia. The whole is written on official or stamped paper of the year 1641. MONTACUTE HOUSE, SOMERSETSHIRE. At this fine mansion, built in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, are many letters and papers of an interesting character. A few are of the end of the 16th century, and a few are of the latter end of the 17th century, but the greater number are of the first half and middle of the 17th century. Sir Edward Phelipps (the fourth son of the builder of the mansion) was Speaker of the House of Commons and Master of the Rolls in the time of James the 1st. His son, Sir Robert Phelipps, was Member of Parliament, and a man of great ability; his freedom of speech gave umbrage to the Court, and at Montacute is a warrant from the Council to seize him and bring him before the Council (Sept. 28, 1628). Of the 16th century there are several letters and papers of Low Country affairs; two signed by Walsingham. Out of its order, but because of the rarity of letters by the writer, I first notice a letter by Sir Walter Raleigh, addressed by him to Sir Edward Phelipps, Master of the Rolls, beseeching him "to give some end to the unchristian sute which Sanderson hath against me," &c. &c. 66 A receipt, signed by Inigo Jones, for money disbursed by the two Temples for masks at Court on the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth (the marriage of Elizabeth, daughter of James 1, to Frederick, Palsgrave of the Rhine, 1613). A Council letter of the 1617 directing inquiries about the decay of cloth manufacture in Somersetshire has the autograph of Fr. Bacon, who some time afterwards, as Fr. Verulam Canc., addresses a letter to Sir Robert Phelipps, and others, regarding a license given by the King to the Corporation of Bath to make Avon navigable between Bath and Bristol. In 1607 a letter from Salisbury to Sir Edward Phelipps, Speaker, announcing the King's intention to come to the House to-morrow afternoon; the House not to rise before he comes. The letter is dated March 30. Copies of two long letters (four and five and a half pages) from Madrid in October and December 1622, by the Earl of Bristol to the King regarding the Spanish match, and the affairs of the Palatinate; and one by the same signed John Digby (a short time before he was created Earl of Bristol) on the same subject. A list of the Prince's officers and servants who go and have gone to attend his Highness in Spain, March 21, 1622; and a diary (for a few days) kept by Sir Robert Philipps while in Spain on the business of the Match. A letter signed by King James 1 to Sir Edward Phelipps (dated Roystone, 27 November 1610) directing him to adjourn the House. Several letters from Maurice Berkeley to Sir Edward Phelipps; one of them alludes to the death of ye Prince [Henry]. A letter signed and sealed by James 1, dated 14 September 1612, and addressed to Sir Edward Phelipps, M.R., directing his attention to Acts of Parliament, with a view to proceed to a Scotch Parliament. Letter dated 1617 from John Blacfan (to Sir Edward or Sir Robert) recommending (in reply) Spanish books for reading. A letter from Sir Dudley Carleton, dated Venice, 28 September 1612, thanking the person addressed, doubtless Sir Edward) for his recommendation to the King, &c. &c. Several letters from Madrid 1618, written by James Wadesworth, to Sir Robert Phelipps. Interesting. Two of them contain notices of Sir W. Raleigh. There is one wholly in Spanish by Wadesworth, but not very interesting. A letter by Francis Cottington (dated Madrid, April 4, 1620) to Sir Robert Phelipps. A letter by Fulke Greville, 18 July 1613, containing instructions to Commissioners regarding certain moneys late of Prince Henry. Council Order (signed Northampton, Suffolk, E. Wotton and Julius Cæsar,) dated 12 May 1613, directing Sir Edward Phelipps to get payment of 4,000l. owing for leases of lands of the late Prince Henry. Four long letters in 1634 from a writer who signs himself" el hombre fiel." One must have been written from Dublin as it gives a very sarcastic notice of "your "noble quondam parliamentarie friend, now His 66 Majestie's active Minister in Ireland," and his pompous appearance in black armour on "a green near "Dublin." The reference must be to Wentworth, afterwards Earl of Strafford. Two of the others seem to have been written in Somersetshire; and the other is dated from Westminster. In these letters he alludes to "el hombre de bien," by which phrase I think he indicates Sir Robert Phelipps. These letters are full of news and very interesting. A letter from Salisbury to Sir Edward Phelipps lauding him, and on the temper of the House. A letter from Sir Julius Cæsar to Sir Edward Phelipps, dated 1609, alluding to private matters, and praising him as the best Speaker since 23rd Elizabeth. Several papers illustrating the high handed exercise of authority, viz. : Office copy of Petition of Edmund Kenne, prisoner in the Fleet, to the Privy Council: of order for his release dated in 1635, and of his bond. His offence was unadvised behaviour at election of Knights of the Shire, and scandalising Sir Robert Phelipps; and Two papers regarding the oppressions of the Court of High Commission; and An Order by Lord Keeper Coventry to turn out several persons from the Office of Justice of the Peace, A.D. 1626. Copy of Petition for Reformation of the Court of Chancery (directed against Bacon, against whom Sir Robert Phelipps took a prominent part). Council letter in 1629, signed by Coventry and 10 others, noticing tumultuous assemblies to prevent transportation of Corn; Corn not to be transported abroad. Attorney General to prepare proclamation. Copy of Council letter (11 November 1630) about Corn. Council letter (19 October 1631) touching the high price of Corn occasioned by a sentence in the Star Chamber. Order at Assizes for suppressing Ales and Revels. [1633.] Letter signed Fr. Windebank, dated Whitehall, November 12, 1633, stating that the King pleases that the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Keeper, the Lord Privy Seal, and the Earl Marshal call before them the Lord Chief Justice and Sir Robert Phelipps, and any others, to give information concerning the feast days held in this country likely to be put down by my Lord Richardsonne. Letters from Lords of the Council regarding musters (1634). Letters by Ralph Hopton; one to Edward Wyndham and others, including Edward Phelipps, about the weekly contribution, looking after arms and ammunition, keeping up communication with Sir Francis Hawley, my Lieutenant General of the City, &c. &c. October 30, 1643. Several Council letters, and many other letters and papers, regarding squabbles between Sir Robert Phelipps and Sir John Stowell. In one note of proceedings, dated October 31, 1618, Sir Robert Phelipps is cleared, and the evidence against him is to be suppressed. This is signed by T. Meautys (the faithful Secretary of Bacon). A Certificate, dated 13 March 1648, signed T. Fairfax, that Edward Phelipps, Esq., was in the City of Exeter at the Surrender thereof, and had made his composition. Letters from (?) Southampton and Ashley in 1661 and 1662 to the Justices of the Peace for Somersetshire regarding the King's Revenue and the Excise. Letter dated 13 July 1666, signed by Arlington and under Sign Manual of Charles 2, addressed to the Duke of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant of Somersetshire. An invasion expected; diligent search to be made if any should land; no quarter to be given. An Account of the Proceedings of the Lords Commissioners against the Bishop of London in 1686 in the Council Chamber at Whitehall. Conversation between the Lord Chancellor and the Bishop. _ (63 leaves.) Early copies of three of Bacon's Essays, viz., those on Revenge, Adversitie, and Innovations." The Bishop of Exeter's (Joseph Hall) apology upon a Report that went of him to be a favourer of Puritans, written to a friend of his living at the King's Court. Several foreign News Letters and Copies of Despatches from abroad and Letters of Advice, 1622, 1633, 1630, and several other years. Copy of Letter from Frederick (the Palatine) to James 1 (1623); "has signed the treaty presented by "Carleton." True relation of my Lord of Warwicke's passage through the Spanish Armada single in his own shipp neare the Rock, 2 July 1627. Form of Capitulation and Surrender of Heidelberg. Brief relation of the affairs of New England, and short demonstration how it may be brought to a royal perfection. (7) leaves.) The taking of Prague, 7 November 1620 (in four folios). Papers about Oates's Plot. A very curious Letter, dated 1687, giving an account of the taking and confession of France, one of the murderers of Sir E. Godfrey. A Letter from Christopher Greenwood (father Greenwood) dated 1617, on religious subjects. There are many other letters and papers of the 17th century of much interest. And there are numerous letters from Sir Robert Phelipps to his sons Robert and Edward, of about the middle of the 17th century; he addresses them as "Robin" and "Ned." An examination of these would probably educe facts of more than family interest. The above notes on the Montacute Collection made on a cursory examination will, I hope, justify the expression of my opinion that it well deserves a closer and longer investigation. I will only now add that the Commissioner's envoy was received and entertained at Montacute House in a way of which he is most gratefully sensible. ALFRED J. HORWOOD. MONTACUTE HOUSE, SOMERSETSHIRE.-SUPPLEMENT TO REPORT. On bringing to London the Manuscripts, which have been entrusted to me for the purposes of the Commission, I found a large packet of papers which did not appear when I visited Montacute for the first time. Amongst others was a bundle labelled with the unpromising words, Law Papers. On opening the bundle I was rewarded by the discovery of original Council Letters and Depositions of Witnesses and other documents relating to the Gunpowder Plot. These papers must have been at Montacute ever since the year 1612, and I think that they cannot have been used in any printed account of the Plot; unless, indeed, Casau bon and Abbot, who had access to the original documents before 1612, used them in the works which they compiled at the King's request. The papers now discovered consist of: 1. An original Council Letter, dated 19th Nov. 1605, signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor Ellesmere, and eight others, stating that since the apprehension of the principal traitors many other persons had been likewise apprehended and found chargeable with suspicion of the Conspiracy, and enclosing a list of the persons who were to be examined, and directions for the examination. This letter is addressed to Sir Julius Cæsar, Sir Roger Wilbraham, Sir Edward Phillipps, and others. 2. The list of the prisoners lately committed to sundry prisons about London upon suspicion, &c. 3. General interrogatories to be ministered to those that shall be examined. 4. An original Council Letter, dated 25th Nov. 1605, directing the Commissioners to search for and examine such other persons as the examinations of the other prisoners may implicate. This letter is addressed to the same persons as the other letter addresses. 5. Twenty-seven original depositions of the prisoners referred to by the first Council Letter, nearly all have the mark or sign of the prisoners; and each is signed by several of the Commissioners, of whom Sir Francis Bacon was one. 6. An original Council Letter, dated 30th Jan. 1612, addressed to Sir Edward Phillips and others, mentioning that a Bill had been preferred in the Star Chamber of the Attorney General against Sir John Yorke and others, and that the Archbishop (Abbot) had informed the Board that divers examinations, taken soon after the discovery of the Plot, had lately come to his hands, of too high a nature to be dealt with in the Star Chamber, and directing the persons addressed to consider the examinations, and report on them. 7. Contemporary copy of the Earl of Huntingdon's letter of Sir Thos. Cave, giving a copy of Lord Harrington's letter to the Earl on the occasion of the Plot. 8. Brief of 11 sheets of the pith of the examinations of witnesses on the Powder Plot, with notes of contradictions or confirmations. (The object was to implicate Sir John Yorke.) 9. A foolscap sheet containing a precis of divers examinations of witnesses in the Powder Plot affair. I would suggest that the permission of the owner of these papers should be asked to copy them; so that the copies may be added to the Powder Plot Collection in the Record Office. In the Appendix below are copies of one of the depositions above mentioned, and of an interesting diary by Sir Robert Phelips, who went to Spain on the business of the Spanish Match. The latter is somewhat damaged by damp. APPENDIX. ALFRED J. HORWOOD. COPY OF ONE OF THE DEPOSITIONS ABOVE REFERRED TO. 6 December 1605. Thexaminacion of Michaell Gawdy, of St. Martin's in the fielde, Cobler, aged 69 yeres, or thereaboutt. Sayeth that the Sonday before Alhallowday he reported that he had hard that there should be a blowe given this Parliament which should breed contraversie, but where, when, or of whome he hard the same he cannot tell. Sayeth he is noe Recusant, nor ever was, but lyveth by almes of well-disposed persons, as by his cobling. Sayeth that he made the saide reporte unto a butcher and his wyfe in Norton Falgate, neere Shordich, occasioned by theire demaund when the Parliament shoulde begin; and sayeth that he hard those words spoken not long before that tyme. M. (Gawdy's mark.) Jul. Cæsar. Roger Wilbraham. Jo. Croke. Fr. Bacon. Walter Cope. George More. John Doddridge. Endorsed, 6° December 1605. Thexaminacion of Michaell Gawdy, a Cobbler. COPY OF THE DIARY OF SIR ROBERT PHELIPS WHILE IN SPAIN. The Kings Majesty of England having resolved to treat with the King of Spayn, touching a maryadge betweene his highness the prince of Wales and the Infanta Donna Maria, second daughter of the King, did for many good respects make choyce of St John Digby, his vicechamberlain, to imploye in this negosiasion; uppon whom I had the honour to attend; and for that itt was my first journy in this kind, and the business itt self of so extraordinarye expectation, I have held ytt not unnecessarye for my better remembraunce, to sett downe breefly some few perticular observacions which I have made in the progress of this imployement, and for the more order and perspecuitye shall devyde them into three consideracions; the first a view of our entertaynment and reception here; the second a search suche reasons as may serve to have indu king and lastly the state of successe in which probably I conceave the busyness at this present to stand. His lordship arryved at Snt Ander the 30th of August, and the xv of September sett forward towards Burgos, having ten dayes before dispatched unto the Court of Spayn his Secretarye, Mr Simon Digbye, with signification of his Arryvall, and order to procure his audience to be at Lerma in case he found the kings purpos of comming thether (as was noysed) dyd hould. Uppon the xviij we came to Burgos, where we found retourned from Court Mr Digbie, with letters advertizing my lord that his Majesty within few dais would be at Lerma, and that he had appoynted to receave him there, though this appeared to have bin obtayned with some dificulty. Fower dayes after came unto us Mr Cotington, nowe his Majestys Agent in this Court for the better expediting his lordships the wensday following king was then come understoode Audience some day the weeke following, for the ascertaining of which and uppon some other occasions the secretary of Mr Cottington was the next day dispatched back to the Court, by whome on Sonday we understood that his lordships reception should be on thursday following, and that coches should be sent on Monday to bring us to Villamanzo, a myle from Lerma, where a house and all other necessaryes for my lords entertaynment should expect him by tewsday three a clock; on Monday came the coches and a letter from the Secretary of the Duke confirming the former directions. Uppon tewsday morning his lordship sett out towards Vetri, where we arryved in the afternoone, and instead of finding ready meanes to accomodate us as we expected, wee could not learne that the least order to that purpose had lookt that way: at this wee mervaled, and his lordship having so just reason did much ressent so apparant a neglect, and fearin this hapning Mr Grif presently went to Lerma to demaund a reason [for] this usadge, and to acquaynt him with my thereof: from the Dukes secretarye he received answere that order had bin given, and that he held not the fault: with this satisfaction and an officer of that court he retourned: my lord had seemed to declare his resolution of retourning back towards Burgos, and accordingly had putt himself agayn in his coach; when the corygidor came, who indeavoured to excuse this fault, and to laye itt uppon some inferior officers; but my lord, not willing to take suche payment for currant, assured him that he was so sensible of this affront, that he had rather retourn many tymes back as farr as England then to advaunce one stepp nearer towards Lerma; untill suche tyme as right might be done, by inflicting punishment on such through whose defaut this neglect was occasioned; and so willed him to assure the Duke. After the departure of this fellow, night growing uppon us, search was made to accomodate my lord; and with some difficulti a house was found, and as the spanyards say, itt was Casa sin estoca, not having in itt so much as a stick; my lord viewing this well furnished place, was suddaynly saluted by a most .. Alguazil, who assured his lordship all things were provyded, and should presently be in redynes; but my lords thanks to him was reiterating his sence of this entertaynment, that he lookdt not to be visited by such a condicion (?) as his was, but rather he expected the comming of some noble man from the court to excuse this usadge; and therefore, for his part, willed him presently to depart his house, or els he would doe him the courtesye to echarle fuerà de la ventana; and so was despedided the Alguazil. Some hower after Mr Cotington took his horse, and went to the Court: spake with the Duke, who having by this time wel considered the injurye done, blamed his Secretary very much, and was contented to lett the fault rest betweene some three or fower of them, and withall tould the agent that he was sorye the Embassador should so use the king of Spayns servaunts as to threaten to throw them out of window; they were not to be handled in such scrt, and that his lordship was too colerick and high of disposition, otherwyse his wisdom would [have] passed over such slypps as these with more patience and moderasion. His Excellency pressed this so farre as seemed to over recompence the injury done in the remedy that was taken uppon the Alguazil. On Wensday morning from Lerma in charity they sent us some provision, which refreshed us well, and inhabled us to indure that daye patiently, expecting the comming of some qualifyed person who by a complyment might have made us lesse sensible of our former usadge; but in vayn wee attended; itt seemed they thought us worthy of no better then that wee had receaved. In the evening came a letter from his Excellens, written with his own hand (a rare favour as was sayed), by which my lord was advertized that the nexte morning the King would give him audyence. According to the appoyntment, about eleven a clock they came for us, the Conde of Salazar with some fower or five of qualitye; by them wee were brought to court; received there in a comlye fashion, wee found the king in a long roome attended by some Grandes and other titulados; when my lord had performed his part, wee his followers were by him presented to his Majesty: this finished, we went to the prince Don Phelipe his quarter, who received my lord very hansomelye, to whom in lyke manner wee were presented. After this wee were conducted by the Conde of Salazar to a place where wee should dyne, and in which wee were to be spectators of the sports of that daye. Owr dinner was no feast, nor our hands long inough for those gentlemen which attended at that tyme on my lord; nor had wee varrietye of companye; the old Conde was our only conversation: welcommed in thys state wee remayned tyll the sports were over, which bycause wee had no other interest [than as] beholders and that by chance to, I doe forbeare to insist uppon theyr perticular description. As they concluded, or not much before, my lord was visited by Don Pedro de Quiniya, who had bin formerly Embassador in England; and awhyle after the Duke of Lerma did my lord the honour to see him; his carryadge was full of gravitye and courtesye; having remayned nere haulf an hower with us he took his leave of my lord, and itt was not long before he sent my lord word that he might visitt the frenche Ladye and the Infanta; thereuppon wee were agayne conducted into the house through that place in which the sports had bin acted; wee found the ladyes bothe togither, attended with many personages of great place and gravitye, and for our greater honour the Duke was there present, which wee had not observed him to be eyther with the king or prince. His Majesty] having passed ouer this ceremonye, wee were, as before accompanyed, brought to our carosses; but wee found that no Spanyard had the will to bring us from whence theyt fetched us, nor yet the courtesye of letting us have as many coches as were necessarye for our troope; so that for theyre excersize and better experience, divers of them dyd measure how many paces itt was betweene Lerma and our lodging; a close of an entertaynment which I have not observed to be praxtised in our Court towards the ministers of the meanest States or princes. The next daye my lord resolved to retourn to Burgos; before wee departed the Florentyn Embassador came to visitt his lordship, and one from the Conde of Saldania, the Dukes yonger son, to thank him for the honour he dyd him in beholding the sports . . should see we were his part of that entertaynment provyded for the king; and if I mistake not, the Conde of Lenos, a son in law of the same dukes (who had at that tyme sett forth a Comedye in which there was presented an English prince comming awoing to a Spanish princes, which in spight of all competition he obtayned), did lykewyse send his lordship a compliment that he should be glad to have him and his company present, when itt was presented before the King. |