Harley MS 287

A collection of letters and papers from the reign of Elizabeth I (largely related to events in the Low Countries), James I and VI, and Charles I, mostly original with some authentic copies.

ff. 1r–2v: Original letter from Philip Sidney to Francis Walsingham, 24 March 1586, Utrecht, complaining of Elizabeth’s irresolution in assisting the states, and her not paying her soldiers in Holland regularly, and the unfortunate consequences.

f. 3r: The abbreviated muster roll taken 30 January in Bergen op Zoom.

ff. 4r–v: Notes on Emden (a city in Lower Saxony.)

ff. 5r–v: Copy of Captain Huntley’s letter to William Cecil, 13 November 1585, Flushing, complaining of Sir John Norris’s treatment of him, and how much the service and the soldiers suffer for lack of pay.

ff. 6r–7v: A brief note of the government in Friesland, after the old manor and custom, and the current government.

f. 8r: Original letter to Francis Walsingham, c. 1587, relating the intention of the Spanish preparations, according to the opinion of Rafe Carew, a Catholic of good judgement and capacity.

ff. 9r–10v: A direction for someone sent to the Prince of Parma, with other notes on Elizabeth's affairs in France, Spain and the United Provinces.

f. 11r: Part of a letter, possibly in Edward Stafford's hand, with the most important words in cipher, on the discovery of a plot to release Mary Queen of Scots from prison, by some Spaniards with English intelligence.

ff. 12r–17r: Part of a draft of Elizabeth's instructions to ?, who was going to reside on her behalf in the United Provinces; the end of f. 12v and f. 17r are in Cecil's hand.

ff. 18v–19v: Extract of a letter from A. B. to ?, 1 April 1587, on the state of the Low Countries, and how Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, should behave if Elizabeth sends him there again.

f. 20r: Copy of a letter from Elizabeth to Thomas Sackville, Lord Buckhurst (note on f. 21v), commanding him to recommend Don Antonio of Portugal to the United Provinces.

ff. 22r–23v: Original letter from Leicester to Walsingham, 11 April 1587, Bath, concerning Elizabeth's decision not to keep him in the Low Countries, and his being out of favour.

ff. 24r–25v: Original letter from Leicester to Walsingham, 18 April 1587, Wotton, on his wish to be discharged from his office in the Low Countries.

ff. 26r–27v: Original French letter from Everard van Reyd, William of Nassau's secretary, to [William Herle?] 28 April 1587, the Hague.

f. 28r, 29v: Estimates of the charges of 5000 footmen after nine months; charges of two cautionary towns, and 1000 horses for ten months.

ff. 30r–31v: News from the Low Countries, 17 May 1587, Antwerp.

ff. 32r–33v: Minutes of a letter from Walsingham to Leicester, with his corrections, 14 July 1587, concerning his ill treatment at the hands of Sackville, Sir John Morris and Mr Wilkes, and Elizabeth's proceedings.

f. 34r: Note in French on ammunitions recently arrived at Middelburg from Holland, 22 July 1587, Flushing.

ff. 35r–36v: Original letter from Henry Killegrew to Leicester, 22 July 1587, Flushing, concerning furnishing him with necessities.

ff. 37r–38v: Original letter from Francis Needham to Walsingham, 25 July 1587, partly in cipher, on Leicester's gratitude over Elizabeth vindicating his honour against Lord Buckhurst, Sir John Norris, and Mr Wilkes.

ff. 39r–40v: Original letter from Francis Needham to Walsingham, 28 July 1587, partly in cipher, concerning the disturbances in the Low Countries.

ff. 41r–42v: Original letter from Francis Needham to Walsingham, 29 July 1587, Flushing, partly in cipher, on the differences between Leicester, Count Maurice, Hohenlohe and the States, consequences which he thinks will be fatal to Dudley's government.

ff. 43r–44v: Original letter from William Russell to Walsingham, 30 July 1587, on the danger to Flushing after the loss of Sluis.

ff. 45r–46v: Extract from a letter from the States General to Elizabeth, 15 August 1587, excusing themselves for electing Leicester to be their governor.

ff. 47r–48v: Original letter from ? to Walsingham, 5 September 1588, Rouen: news on Lord Paget, his brother, Morgan, and other traitors in France, and of the Duke of Parma's speeches in Flanders, &c.

f. 48*: French note on the new Council of State formed by the States General, 8 October 1577.

ff. 49r–50v: Original letter from William Davison to Leicester, 8 October 1577, Antwerp, on current events in the Netherlands.

ff. 51r–52v: Letter from B to ?, 2 December 1587, concerning the opinion of some Catholics in Brussels on a method for preventing an invasion of England.

ff. 53r–54v: Copy of the act of the deputies of Holland and Zeeland delivered to [Leicester], 3 December 1587, Delft; in French, concerning his entertainment there.

ff. 55r–56v: Original letter from A. B. to Walsingham, 2 January 1588, the Hague, on the state of Holland and Zeeland.

ff. 57r–58v: A note of points of be resolved, including the dispatching of English representatives for a treaty to be made at Ostend, 28 January 1588.

ff. 59r–60v: Thomas Shirley's notes on a project for the better treatment of Elizabeth's soldiers, etc. in Holland, February 1588.

ff. 61r–v: Copy of a letter from Lord Cobham to Walsingham, 27 February 1587, Ostend, noting that the commissioners had ensured the Duke of Parma was aware of their arrival, and to thank him for the good order he took over it.

f. 62r: Edward Stafford to Walsingham, 14 March 1588, news from Ostend.

ff. 63r–64v: Original letter from Cobham to Walsingham, 14 March 1588, Ostend, written partly in cipher, on the slow proceedings made at the Treaty of Burborough; the confidence of the English fugitives over being restored to England, and the confusion in Ostend because of the soldiers' misbehaviour in the absence of their captains.

ff. 65r–69v: The questions put to John Flud, and his answers, from his examination over 11–15 March [1587?]. Flud was examined by Captain Pryce Sergeant-Major and James Spencer, Provost Marshall General, by the commandment of the Lord General. He was servant to William Stanley, who was under suspicion of treachery.

ff. 70r–74v: Two original letters from Cobham to Walsingham, 20 and 22 March 1588, Ostend, both written partly in cipher. These letters discuss his desire that Elizabeth's ships might attend on the coasts; the problems at Ostend, and his opinions on the enemies' designs; the Spanish navy and his concern that they were working against Ostend; his advice that two or three pinnaces (light boats) might be sent out to take up the buoys and marks that direct the Channel.

ff. 75r–76v: Original letter from Cobham to Walsingham, 9 April 1588, Ostend, written partly in cipher, relating news on the Spanish preparations, etc.

ff. 77r–79r: Original letter from Cobham to Walsingham, 16 April 1588, Ostend, written partly in cipher, informing him on the commissioners' proceedings with regard to the treaty, and of the Spaniards' slow and suspicious behaviour.

ff. 80r–81v: Original letter from Cobham to Walsingham, 5 May 1588, Ostend, partly written in cipher, advising that England should be strengthened by land and sea against Spain.

ff. 82r–83v: Original letter from Sir John Conway to Walsingham, May 1588, on the unlikeliness of peace between England and Spain, and Philip II and the Duke of Parma's plans.

ff. 84r–v: Part of a letter from Cobham, in cypher, on the little hope that there will be any success in the projected peace treaty between England and Spain, especially since the Spaniards have not consented to the three preliminary points.

ff. 85r–v: Secret news from Flanders, especially concerning Sir William Stanley.

ff. 86r–87v: Copy of Cobham's letter, deciphered, giving an account of Spanish naval preparations in the Low Countries.

ff. 88r–v: News from Cobham, 1588, on the Spanish preparations, written in a slightly different cipher.

ff. 89r–v: News from Cobham in cipher, 1588, that they are unable to proceed with the treaty to Elizabeth's advantage in Ostend as they would be in Antwerp, whither they desire permission to go.

ff. 90r–v: News from Cobham in cipher, 1588, on the insolence of Elizabeth's soldiers in Ostend, and their threats to leave as soon as the commissioners depart, and of his hope that Lord Willoughby and the absent captains will be sent there quickly.

f. 91r: News on the Spanish preparations, 1588, perhaps transcribed from one of Cobham's letters.

ff. 92r–93v: Note from Cobham on the Spanish preparations, in his newer cipher, 27 May 1588.

ff. 94r–95v: Original letter from John de Barney, 1588, on news of the Spanish preparations for war by sea and land, and for victory, and describes some of their emissaries.

ff. 96r–97v: Original letter from Cobham to Walsingham, 5 June 1588, Binborow, partly in cipher, with news on the Spanish preparations and present events in France.

ff. 98r–v: Original letter from John Chalmer to David Chalmer, Lord of Session at Edinburgh, 22 June 1588, Antwerp, on current events.

ff. 99r–v: Original letter from Henry Killegrew to [Cecil?], 30 June 1588, Middleburgh, concerning a book he is sending him, recently printed at Antwerp, which reveals Spanish intrigues against England, and stating his belief that the Pope has given the crown of England to the duke of Parma.

ff. 100r–101v: Original letter from Henry Killegrew to Cecil, 6 July 1588, on the Spanish navy headed for England, and the removal of English soldiers from Holland, where there are differences among the commanders, etc.

ff. 102r–103v: Original letter from Conway to Walsingham, 8 September 1588, Ostend, on his imprisonment, and the use that might be made of Berney the spy, who is in favour with the Duke of Parma.

ff. 106r–107v: Original letter from Drury to Walsingham, 17 September 1588, Bergen op Zoom, complaining that he had induced Elizabeth to replace him as governor with Colonel Morgan.

ff. 106r–107v: Original letter from Russell to Walsingham, 20 September 1588, Flushing, asking him to get Elizabeth's permission for him to resign his governorship and return to England.

ff. 108r–109v: Original letter from Edward de Barney [Berney] to Walsingham, 29 October 1588, Calais, informing him of intelligence he received from Hugh Owen, concerning Philip II's intention to renew his invasion of England.

ff. 110r–111v: Original letter from Mr Ortell to Walsingham, 9 November 1588, concerning the unexpected answers he received from Ceil about the inhabitants of Flushing and Middleburgh, and some gunpowder he had brought over for Elizabeth.

ff. 112r–113v: Original letter from Russell to Walsingham, 8 November 1588, Flushing, requesting that he and his company might be paid, and recommending the case of Mr Deventer, as he is likely to be put to death by the States of Holland after one of his letters was intercepted, if Elizabeth does not intervene. He states that it was one of Leicester's faults to employ men in her name and service, when she and the Council were unaware. This was his behaviour with many in the country, with the result that they have either died or been banished; all those who were disposed towards England have fared the worse by him and the rest of the English.

ff. 114r–116v: 'Response de Messieurs les Estats generaulx sur la declaration du conseilier Bodley, touchante les instructions luy donees de par[t] sa Maiestie', original, 18 January 1589.

ff. 117r–119v: French draft of Bodley's reply to the aforementioned answer, February 1589, the Hague.

ff. 120r–123v: Another French draft to the same effect, though with several alterations, February 1589, the Hague.

ff. 124r–125v: Declaration of the Estates General, on the reply of Bodley, counsellor to the United Provinces, introduced at the Council by Elizabeth, made 7 February 1589.

ff. 126r–128v: Mr Caron's memo of 28 March 1589.

ff. 129r–130v: Copy of a letter from Bodley to Cecil, 22 April 1589, the Hague, concerning the jealously of the Dutch towards the English, and their sending commissioners to appease Elizabeth's displeasure towards them; about the movements of the Spanish, and the disorders at Bergen op Zoom, and his thanks for the favours he has received from Cecil.

ff. 131r–132v: Copy of a letter from Bodley to Walsingham, 11 May 1589, the Hague, on the ungrateful behaviour of the Dutch.

ff. 133r–v: [A Catholic writer?] to a Merchant of the Staple, 18 June 1589, reporting events in the Low Countries, including the miseries and mutinies of the unpaid English soldiers and pensioners.

ff. 134r–v: Copy of a letter from Bodley to Walsingham, 24 July 1589, on the perplexity of the States upon the consideration of their own weakness, now that the enemy is approaching them, and they have dealt so unworthily with Elizabeth. He requests that Martin Schenk is thanked for supplying Berck with provisions so willingly, and that Sir Francis Vere, along with the other English, may serve nearer England and be paid their arrears.

ff. 135r–137v: French note on the order and manner of the payment of loans for Elizabeth's forces in the Netherlands, and other directions.

f. 138r: Note on the reduction of Geertruidenberg and other occurrences in the Low Countries.

ff. 139r–v: Bodley's report on the state of the Low Countries, May 1589.

ff. 140r–142v: Answer of the States General to the writing Bodley presented to them in their assembly on 24 January, dated 25 January 1590 (original, in French).

ff. 143r–146v: Answer of the States General to the writing Bodley presented to them by way of reply on 14 February, dated 17 February 1590 (original, in French).

ff. 147r–150v: Bodley's declaration on the instruction of the Lords of the States, etc., given at the Hague, 22 February 1589.

ff. 151r–152v: Original letter from Captain G. Aldrich to Walsingham, 12 March 1590, Ostend, that his lieutenant first informed the Governor about plans to deliver Ostend to the enemy, that the conspirators had fled, and if the Governor had proceeded wisely, they might have taken La Mothe, Jacus, and many of their forces.

ff. 153r–154v: Original letter from Robert Darkombe to Walsingham, 12 March 1590, Ostend, on the same subject, but showing that John Baynham, whom the Governor had trusted, if gone over to the enemy, was able to apprise them of the strengths and weaknesses of every aspect of the town and garrison.

ff. 155r–156v: The effect of a motion made to Bodley by a principal person of the States, for satisfying Elizabeth's present requirements, and continuing the amity between the two nations for posterity. See also ff. 229r–230v.

ff. 157r–159v: Mr James Digges, account of the miseries and grievances English soldiers have suffered in the Low Countries since Elizabeth entered into the action there (more than any other nation), through the hard usage of the States and the inhumanity of the inhabitants contrary to their own customs.

ff. 160r–163v: Draft of a letter from Bodley to Cecil, 27 April 1590, the Hague, laying before Cecil the scheme devised by himself and the States General for the recovery of Groningen and uniting it to the other provinces, if Elizabeth would agree to it, having refused previously.

ff. 164r–165v: Draft of a letter from Bodley to Cecil, [18 or 28: THERE ARE TWO DATES?] April 1590, the Hague, relating recent proceedings there with the States, etc.

ff. 166r–172r: Answer of the States General to a proposal made by Wilkes and Bodley, introduced by Elizabeth, 5 October 1590. The proposal is the text, and the answer is written in the margin; both are in French.

ff. 173r–175v: The aforementioned proposal, 20 July 1590, the Hague, written by itself in French.

ff. 176r–178v: French memorandum presented by Bodley at the assembly of the States General, 27 July 1590.

ff. 179r–182r: A French memorandum presented by Bodley and Sir [Thomas] Wilkes at the assembly of Messeigneurs of the States General, 20 July 1590, the Hague.

ff. 183r–186r: Another French memorandum presented by Bodley and Wilkes, 25 July 1590, the Hague, whch was answered by the States General on 15 October. Their answers are written in the margin.

f. 187r: The counter-cipher for Bodley when employed in the Low Countries; the ciphers used in the Scottish Queen's affairs, dated December 1590.

f. 187v: Notes on chancery and chancery writs that have been crossed out.

ff. 188r–189v: Original letter from Cecil to Bodley, February 1591, the Strand, on text he had drawn up, which Elizabeth would have delivered to the States, as their answer to the Emperor's commissioners, who were to negotiate a peace between themselves and Philip II.

ff. 190r–193v: A letter from Bodley to the Emperor's ambassadors who were about to arrive in the Low Countries, November 1591, which was never sent (the letter begins on f. 192r and ends on f. 191r.) It dissuades them from coming, with a mixture of reasons and threats.

ff. 194r–195v: Copy of a letter written to the Imperial Majesty by the States General, 1 January 1592, concerning some fortresses belonging to the Empire which they had taken from the Spaniards.

ff. 196r–197v: Copy of a letter from the Messieurs of the States General and the council of States of the United Provinces to the Archbishops, Prince Electors, etc., 1 January 1592, the Hague, on the same subject.

ff. 198r–199v: Copy of a letter in French from Elizabeth to the States General, 6 January 1592, Richmond, delivered to them by Sir John Norris. It is a letter of credence (i.e. giving them powers to act), concerning what Norris and Bodley should propose to them on her behalf, with regard to their common enemy, and in favour of the French king.

ff. 200r–202v: Notes between the Merchant Adventurers and the Drapers living in the United Provinces, on the tarring of clothes, Mary 1592.

ff. 203r–206v: Copy of a letter from Bodley to Cecil, 1 June 1592, the Hague, on his dealings with Count Maurice, the Council of State, and the States General, for the English and other soldiers to be sent to the aid of the French king immediately; with their answers, and also an account of the progress made at the siege of Steenwijk.

ff. 207r–v: Letter from Bodley to [Sir Robert Cecil?], 6 June 1594, the Hague, on the embarcation of the English companies, and other events.

f. 208r: Bodley to [William Cecil?] 11 June 1594, the Hague, on the progress of the siege of Groningen, and the advantages which will accrue by taking it.

ff. 209r–210v: Original letter from Thomas Ferrers, Deputy, in the name of the Deputy, Associates, and Society of Merchant Adventurers to Bodley, 20 July 1592, Middleburgh, on current events within the States.

ff. 211r–v: Original passport of Sir Thomas Morgan Governor of Bergen op Zoom, for two of his soldiers whose brethren being taken prisoner by the enemy were appointed to be put to death, unless ransomed with 100 guilders, 3 February 1593, Bergen op Zoom.

ff. 212r–v: Letter from Bodley to Cecil, 24 June 1594, the Hague, asking for Elizabeth's views on several subjects, and relating further particulars of the siege of Groningen.

ff. 213r–v: Copy of a letter from Bodley to Cecil, 10 July 1594, the Hague (the original is ff. 215r–v), on the same subject as the former, along with other events.

ff. 214r–v: Copy of a letter from Bodley to Cecil, 21 July 1594, the Hague, on the willingness of the States to assist Elizabeth in rescuring Brest; the promise they made to the French king to lend 3000 footmen and 500 horses for three months to be employed against the Spaniards, and the present they planned to give to the young Prince of Scotland, their godson (the original is ff. 218r–v.)

ff. 215r–v: Letter from Bodley to Cecil, 10 July 1594, the Hague (original of ff. 213r–v.)

f. 216v: Copy of a letter from Cecil to Bodley, 7 July 1594, Greenwich, rehearsing Elizabeth's reasons inducing her to attempt to take the fort Philip II had built near Brest, and to hinder that harbour from falling into his hands. Also the large promises formerly made by the States to assist her in that enterprise, with orders to demand that assistance.

ff. 217r–v: Copy of a letter from Bodley to Cecil, 21 July 1594, the Hague, relating his conference with some of the deputies of the States on Elizabeth's demand for aid from them towards the enterprise at Brittany.

ff. 218r–v: Letter from Bodley to Cecil, 21 July 1594, the Hague: original of the letter on ff. 214r–v.

ff. 219r–v: Letter from Bodley to Cecil, 21 July 1594, the Hague: original of the letter on ff. 217r–v.

f. 220r: Copy of a letter from [Bodley to Cecil?], 28 July 1594, the Hague, concerning the willingness of the States to assist Elizabeth in the rescue of Brest, Brittany.

ff. 221r–v: Copy of a letter from Cecil to Bodley, 3 August 1594, from the court, on aid from the States for the action at Brest.

ff. 222r–223v: Copy of a letter from Bodley to Cecil, 14 August 1594, the Hague, on the States' preparations to aid Elizabeth on the journey to Brest.

ff. 224r–225v: Copy of a letter from Cecil to Bodley, 27 August 1594, Greenwich, on Elizabeth's enterprise at Brest.

ff. 226r–227v: Copy of a peace treaty between the King of Scotland and the United Provinces, in French, September 1594, Edinburgh.

ff. 228r–v: Another copy of the above.

ff. 229r–230v: The overture of a principal person in the States [Barneveld?] to Bodley, 1595; the same as ff. 155r–156v.

ff. 231r–232v: A note of some exceptions that, by conjecture, will be made to the accounts of Elizabeth, with the States, 1595, corrected by Bodley.

ff. 233r–234v: Extract of a report from the Lords Deputy of the States General, 1595.

ff. 235r–238v: Copy of Bodley's proposition exhibited to the States General, in French, 4 February 1596.

ff. 239r–242v: Copy of the States' offer, made by Bodley to Elizabeth, in French, 31 March 1596.

f. 243r: The beginning of an abandoned start to the next item.

ff. 244r–255r: Account of the Battle of Newport, by Sir Francis Vere.

ff. 256r–257v: Imperfect list of affairs relating to the Low Countries, for the years 1609 and 1610.

f. 258r: Copy of a letter written from Holland, 28 August 1618, on the Arminian sect.

ff. 259r–260v: Account of the siege of Bergen op Zoom, and of the state of the garrison there, dated 13 July 1622.

ff. 261r–262v: Original letter from D'Ewes to Sir Martin Stuteville, 2 February 1626, relating some of the particulars of a conversation between himself and the Dutch ambassador [Sir Albertus Joachimi?].

ff. 263r–264r: English translation of the French speech given by Albertus Joachimi in front of Charles I at Havering, 11 September 1627.

f. 265r: Original letter from Sir Ed[mund?] Moundeford to D'Ewes, no date, concerning the new plantation on Providence Island, which the Dutch would have bought, but the king was unwilling.

f. 266r: The case of Abraham van de Cauter and Adrian Henrix, Merchants of the Intercourse.

ff. 267r–268v: Original warrant of Charles Howard, Earl of Nottingham and Lord High Admiral, for bringing six Dutch men suspected of piracy to answer before Sir Daniel Dun, Judge of the Admiralty.

ff. 269r–269*r: Reasons to show that the banishing of English cloth out of the Archduke's dominions will be much more prejudicial to the Archduke and his people, than it will be to the King of England and his subjects, and therefore by all likelihood will not continue.

ff. 270r–271v: Reasons why Dutch brewers should not serve strangers with foreign beer.

ff. 272r–276r: The Politia of the United Provinces.

ff. 277r–v: Original letter of Tho... to Mr Crane, 28 August 1589, Kennyhall, asking for four or five piebald deer, with Crane's answer.

ff. 278r–279v: Copy of a letter from the Lords of the Privy Council, 8 November 1594, Richmond, requiring the Sheriff of ? to enact what they commanded in their previous letter for remedying the dearth of grain and relieving the poor, by furnishing the markets with corn.

ff. 280r–281v: Original letter from Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord-Keeper, to Robert Ashfield, 27 July 1568, Gorhambury, about providing a match for his second son, whom he thinks to be of the best hope and learning of all his children, and whom he intends to marry in Suffolk.

ff. 282r–v: Part of an original letter from Althea Countess of Arundel and Surrey to D'Ewes, 16 April 1649, Amsterdam, complaining of her sons' behaviour towards her and her willingness that the suits between them are ended.

ff. 283r–284v: Duke of Richmond and Lenox to D'Ewes, received 2 October 1648.

ff. 285r–286v: Original letter from Lord Viscount Wimbledon to D'Ewes, 2 January.

ff. 287r–288v: Original letter of the Lord Viscount Savage to D'Ewes, 23 June, London, about his ill-usage regarding the copy-hold lands (Lavenham in Suffolk?) which he held from him.

ff. 289r–290v: Original letter of the Lord Viscount Savage to D'Ewes, no date, certifying that if he would remove to his own house at Michaelmas [Mr Attorney-General?] would prosecute him no farther.

ff. 291r–292v: John Bradshaw to D'Ewes, April, Southolt, requesting him to deliver the book of abbreviations of Edward I to his servant, as a warrant had come from the council to search for it.

f. 293r: Original letter from Lady Mandevill to D'Ewes, no date, apologising for not seeing him and his lady because of her illness.