The Oxford Authorship Site

[=03] BL Harley 6991[/5], ff. 9-10: Oxford to Lord Burghley, September 1572

My Lord, I have understood by your Lordship's letters that Robert Christmas, according to my appointment, hath repaired to your good Lordship about my causes, and as your Lordship thinks good therein, as touching a new survey, so do I determine shall be done; for both as your Lordship perceives, and also myself, I have been greatly abused in the former by such as I put in trust tofore; but for that is past, now I have no other remedy but to look better to amend the fault in the rest of my dealings hereafter, and as for my timber at Colne Park, therein I had no other meaning save only to make, as it were, a yearly rent, so as I may without disparking the ground. But now for the surveyor which your Lordship hath named, I must get him by your Lordship's means and for your Lordship's sake, for I am utterly unacquainted with him.

And as for those large leases which your Lordship hath been advertised of to be granted by me, I do assure your Lordship, without dissembling my faults to you to whom I perceive myself so much to be bound unto for your singular care over my well-doing, I must confess my negligence and too little care, with the too too [sic?] much trust I have put to some over mine own doings; it may be I am greatly abused, but as yet, till I search into those things now, upon your Lordship's most gracious admonitions, I do not know, but it is likelier to be as your Lordship doth guess than otherwise and, if it be not so, it is more by good hap than of my providence.

The device of making free my copyholders, my Lord, I never thought of otherwise than a motion made to me by Robert Christmas wherein, among the other things, I bade him tell it your Lordship, at whose liking or disliking I was to be ruled in anything, knowing if it were a thing fit or unfit for me I should, by your Lordship's good advice, quickly understand, and so I left it to be not done, or taken in hand. And thus, sir, for these matters, both in this as in all other things, I am to be governed and commanded at your Lordship's good devotion.

I would to God your Lordship would let me understand some of your news (which here doth ring doubtfully in the ears of every man) of the murder of the Admiral of France and a number of noblemen and worthy gentlemen, and such as greatly have in their lifetimes honoured the Queen's Majesty our mistress, on whose tragedies we have a number of French Aeneases in this city that tells of their own overthrows with tears falling from their eyes, a piteous thing to hear, but a cruel and far more grievous thing we must deem it then to see. All rumours here are but confused of those troops that are escaped from Paris and Rouen, where Monsieur hath also been and, like a vesper Sicilianus, as they say, that cruelty spreads over all France, whereof your Lordship is better advertised than we are here. And sith the world is so full of treasons and vile instruments daily to attempt new and unlooked for things, good my Lord, I shall affectiously and heartily desire your Lordship to be careful both of yourself and of her Majesty, that your friends may long enjoy you, and you them. I speak because I am not ignorant what practices have been made against your person lately by Mather and later, as I understand, by foreign practices, if it be true. And think, if the Admiral in France was an eyesore or beam in the eyes of the papists, that the Lord Treasurer of England is a block and a cross-bar in their way, whose remove they will never stick to attempt, seeing they have prevailed so well in others'.

This estate hath depended on you a great while, as all the world doth judge; and now all men's eyes, not being occupied any more on these lost lords are, as it were, on a sudden bent and fixed on you, as a singular hope and pillar whereto the religion hath to lean. And blame me not, though I am bolder with your Lordship at this present than my custom is, for I am one that count myself a follower of yours now in all fortunes, and what shall hap to you, I count it hap to myself or, at the least, I will make myself a voluntary partaker of it.

Thus, my Lord, I humbly desire your Lordship to pardon my youth, but to take in good part my zeal and affection towards your Lordship, as on whom I have builded my foundation either to stand or fall. And good my Lord, think I do not this presumptuously, as to advise you that am but to take advice of your Lordship, but to admonish you as one with whom I would spend my blood and life, so much you have made me yours. And I do protest, there is nothing more desired of me than so to be taken and accounted of you. Thus, with my hearty commendations and your daughter's, we leave you to the custody of Almighty God. Your Lordship's affectioned son-in-law.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable and his singular good Lord, the Lord Treasurer of England, give these.

[=04] BL Lansdowne 14/84, ff. 185-6: Oxford to Lord Burghley, 22 September 1572

[=05] BL Lansdowne 14/85, ff. 186-7: Oxford to Lord Burghley, 31 October 1572

Return to top.

Next document.

[=06] Cecil Papers, 8/24: Oxford to Lord Burghley, 17-18 March 1575.

My Lord, your letters have made me a glad man, for these last have put me in assurance of that good fortune which your former mentioned doubtfully. I thank God therefore, with your Lordship, that it hath pleased Him to make me a father where your Lordship is a grandfather and, if it be a boy, I shall likewise be the partaker with you in a greater contentation. But thereby to take an occasion to return, I am far off from that opinion, for now it hath pleased God to give me a son of my own (as I hope it is), methinks I have the better occasion to travel sith, whatsoever becometh of me, I leave behind me one to supply my duty and service either to my prince or else my country.

I thank your Lordship, I have received farther bills of credit and letters of great courtesy from Mr Benedict Spinola. I am also beholding here unto Mr Raymondo, that hath helped me greatly with a number of favours, whom I shall desire your Lordship, when you have leisure and occasion, to give him thanks, for I know the greatest part of his friendship towards me hath been in respect of your Lordship.

For fear of the Inquisition I dare not pass by Milan, the Bishop whereof exerciseth such tyranny; wherefore I take the way of Germany where I mean to acquaint myself with Sturmius, with whom, after I have passed my journey which now I have in hand, I mean to pass some time.

I have found here this courtesy, the King hath given me his letters of recommendation to his ambassador in the Turk's court; likewise, the Venetian ambassador that is here, knowing my desire to see those parties, hath given me his letters to the Duke and divers of his kinsmen in Venice, to procure me their furtherances to my journey, which I am not yet assured to hold, for if the Turks come, as they be looked for, upon the coast of Italy or elsewhere, if I may, I will see the service; if he cometh not, then perhaps I will bestow two or three months to see Constantinople and some part of Greece.

The English ambassador here greatly complaineth of the dearness of this country, and earnestly hath desired me to crave your Lordship's favour to consider the difference of his time from theirs which were before him. He saith the charges are greater, his ability less; the court removes long and oft; the causes of expense augmented, his allowance not being increased. But, as concerning these matters, now I have satisficed his desire, I refer them to your Lordship's discretion, that is better experienced than I perhaps informed him in [ ] negotiations of ambassadors.

My Lord, whereas I perceive by your Lordship's letters how hardly money is to be gotten, and that my man writeth that he would fain pay unto my creditors some part of that money which I have appointed to be made over unto me, good my Lord, let rather my creditors bear with me awhile and take their days assigned according to that order I left, than I to want in a strange country, unknowing yet what need I may have of money myself. My revenue I appointed with the profits of my lands to pay them as I may and, if I cannot yet pay them as I would, yet as I can I will, but preferring mine own necessity before theirs. And if at the end of my travel I shall have something left of my provision, they shall have it among them, but before, I will not disfurnish myself. Good my Lord, have an eye unto my men that I have put in trust. Thus making my commendations to your Lordship and my Lady, I commit you to God and, wheresoever I am, I rest at your Lordship's commandment. Written the 18th of March, from Paris.

Edward Oxenford

My Lord, this gentleman, Mr Corbek, hath given me great cause to like of him, both for his courtesies that he hath shown me in letting me understand the difficulties as well as the safeties of my travel, as also I find him affected both to me and your Lordship. I pray your Lordship that those who are my friends may seem yours, as yours I esteem mine, and given your Lordship's good countenance, and, in short, I rest yours.

*To the right honourable and his singular good Lord, my Lord Treasurer of England, give these.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=07] Cecil Papers 160/74: Oxford to Burghley, 24 September [1575].

My good Lord, having looked for your Lordship's letters a great while, at length, when I grew to despair of them, I received two from your Lordship. Three packets which at sundry times I had sent this summer towards England returned back again by reason, the plague being in the passages, none were suffered to pass, but as they came were returned back, which I came not to the knowledge of till my return now to Venice, where I have been grieved with a fever. Yet, with the help of God, now I have recovered the same and am past the danger thereof, though brought very weak thereby and hindered from a great deal of travel, which grieves me most, fearing my time not sufficient for my desire, for although I have seen so much as sufficeth me, yet would I have time to profit thereby. Your Lordship seems desirous to know how I like Italy, what is mine intention in travel, and when I mean to return. For my liking of Italy, my Lord, I am glad I have seen it, and I care not ever to see it any more unless it be to serve my prince or country. For mine intention to travel, I am desirous to see more of Germany, wherefore I shall desire your Lordship, with my Lord of Leicester, to procure me the next summer to continue my licence, at the end of which I mean undoubtedly to return. I thought to have seen Spain, but by Italy I guess the worse. I have sent one of my servants into England with some new disposition of my things there, wherefore I will not trouble your Lordship in these letters with the same. If this sickness had not happened unto me, which hath taken away this chiefest time of travel, at this present I would not have written for further leave, but to supply the which I doubt not her Majesty will not deny me so small a favour. By reason of my great charges of travel and sickness, I have taken up of Mr Baptisto Nigroni 500 crowns, which I shall desire your Lordship to see there repaid, hoping by this time my money which is made of the sale of my land is all come in. Likewise I shall desire your Lordship that, whereas I had one Luke Atslowe that served, who now is become a lewd subject to her Majesty and an evil member to his country, which had certain leases of me, I do think, according to law, he leeseth them all to the Queen sith he is become one of the Romish church, and there hath performed all such ceremonies as might reconcile himself to that church, having used lewd speeches against the Queen's Majesty's supremacy, legitimation, government and particular life, and is here, as it were, a practiser upon our nation. Then this is my desire, that your Lordship, if it be so as I do take it, would procure those leases into my hands again, whereas I have understood by my Lord of Bedford they have hardly dealt with my tenants. Thus thanking your Lordship for your good news of my wife's delivery, I recommend myself unto your favour and, although I write for a few months more, yet, though I have them, so it may fall out I will shorten them myself. Written this 24th of September by your Lordship's to command.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable his singular good Lord, the Lord Treasurer of England.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=08] Cecil Papers 8/76: Oxford to Burghley, 27 November [1575].

My Lord, having th'opportunity to write by this bearer who departeth from us here in Padua this night, although I cannot make so large a write as I would gladly desire, yet I thought it not fit to let so short a time slip, wherefore, remembering my commendations to your good Lordship, these shall be to desire you to pardon the shortness of my letters, and to impute it at this present to the haste of this messenger's departure. And, as concerning mine own matters, I shall desire your Lordship to make no stay of the sales of my land, but that all things (according to my determination before I came away, with those that I appointed last by my servant William Booth) might go forward according to mine order taken, without any other alteration. Thus recommending myself unto your Lordship again, and to my Lady your wife, with mine, I leave further to trouble your Lordship. From Padua, the 27th of November.

Your Lordship's to command.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable and his very good Lord, my Lord Burghley, Lord Treasurer of England, give these.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=09] Cecil Papers 8/12: Oxford to Burghley, 3 January [1576].

My Lord, I am sorry to hear how hard my fortune is in England, as I perceive by your Lordship's letters. But knowing how vain a thing it is to linger a necessary mischief, to know the worst of myself & to let your Lordship understand wherein I would use your honourable friendship, in short, I have thus determined that, whereas I understand the greatness of my debt and greediness of my creditors grows so dishonourable to me and troublesome unto your Lordship that that land of mine which in Cornwall I have appointed to be sold (according to that first order for mine expenses in this travel) be gone through withal, and to stop my creditors' exclamations (or rather defamations I may call them), I shall desire your Lordship, by the virtue of this letter (which doth not err, as I take it, from any former purpose, which was that always upon my letter to authorize your Lordship to sell any portion of my land), that you will sell one hundred pound a year more of my land where your Lordship shall think fittest, to disburden me of my debts to her Majesty, my sister, or elsewhere I am exclaimed upon. Likewise, most earnestly I shall desire your Lordship to look into the lands of my father's will which, my sister being paid and the time expired, I take is to come into my hands. And if your Lordship will, for not troubling of yourself too much with my causes, command Lewen, Kelton and mine auditor to make a view into the same, I think it will be the sooner dispatched. As for Hulbert, I pray your Lordship to displace him of his office, which I restored unto him before mine auditor on condition he should render it up at all times that I should command. My reason is why I do the same, for that he bargained with me in Colne and, trusting him, therein he hath taken more than I meant and, as his own letter which I have sent to my servant Kelton doth show, more than himself did mean (a fit excuse for so cozening a part). And yet though it was more than he meant, whereas it is conditioned that all times he should surrender the same when his money should be offered to him again in compass of certain years, yet, in mine absence, he hath refused the same, as I understand, whereupon methinketh he deserveth very evil at my hands. And he that in so small a matter doth misuse the trust I have reposed in him, I am to doubt his service in greater causes, wherefore I do again desire your Lordship to discharge him from all dealings of mine, upon his accounts to the rest of my forenamed servants.

In doing these things, your Lordship shall greatly pleasure me; in not doing them, you shall as much hinder me, for although to depart with land, your Lordship hath advised the contrary, and that your Lordship, for the good affection you bear unto me, could wish it otherwise, yet you see I have none other remedy. I have no help but of mine own, and mine is made (to serve me and myself) not mine. Whereupon till all such encumbrances be passed over, and till I can better settle myself at home, I have determined to continue my travel, the which thing in no wise I desire your Lordship to hinder unless you would have it thus, Ut nulla sit inter nos amicitia, for having made an end of all hope to help myself by her Majesty's service, considering that my youth is objected unto me, and for every step of mine a block is found to be laid in my way, I see it is but vain calcitrare contra li buoi and, the worst of things being known, they are the more easier to be provided for, to bear and support them with patiency. Wherefore, for things passed amiss, to repent them, it is too late to help them (which I cannot), but ease them, that I am determined; to hope for anything, I do not, but if anything do happen preter spem, I think before that time I must be so old as my sons, who shall enjoy them, must give the thanks, and I am to content myself according to this English proverb, that it is my hap to starve like the horse whilst the grass doth grow.

Thus, my good Lord, I do boldly write, that you should not be ignorant of anything that I do, for if I have reason, I make you the judge, and lay myself more open unto you than perhaps if I write fewer lines, or penned less store of words, otherwise I could do. But for that it is not so easy a matter at all times to convey letters from these parties into England, I am therefore the more desirous to use largely this opportunity, and to supply in writing the want of speaking, which the long distance between us hath taken away. Thus I leave your Lordship to the protection of Almighty God, whom I beseech to send you long and happy life, and better fortune to define your felicity in these your aged years than it hath pleased Him to grant in my youth, but of a hard beginning we may hope a good and easy ending. Your Lordship's to command during life. The 3rd of January, from Siena.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable and his singular good Lord, my Lord Burghley, Lord Treasurer of England, give this.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=10] Cecil Papers 9/1: Oxford to Burghley, 27 April [1576].

My Lord, although I have forborne, in some respect which I hold private to myself, either to write or come unto your Lordship, yet had I determined, as opportunity should have served me, to have accomplished the same in compass of a few days.

But now, urged thereunto by your letters to satisfy you the sooner, I must let your Lordship understand thus much.

That is, until I can better satisfy or advertise myself of some mislikes, I am not determined, as touching my wife, to accompany her. What they are, because some are not to be spoken of or written upon as imperfections, I will not deal withal. Some, that otherways discontent me, I will not blaze or publish until it please me. And, last of all, I mean not to weary my life any more with such troubles and molestations as I have endured; nor will I, to please your Lordship only, discontent myself. Wherefore, as your Lordship very well writeth unto me that you mean, if it standeth with my liking, to receive her into your house, these are likewise to let your Lordship understand that it doth very well content me; for there, as your daughter or her mother's, more than my wife, you may take comfort of her, and I, rid of the cumber thereby, shall remain well eased of many griefs. I do not doubt but she hath sufficient proportion for her being to live upon and to maintain herself. This might have been done through private conference before, and had not needed to have been the fable of the world if you would have had the patience to have understood me, but I do not know by what or whose advice it was to run that course, so contrary to my will or meaning, which made her disgraced to the world, raised suspicions openly, that with private conference might have been more silently handled, and hath given me more greater cause to mislike. Wherefore I desire your Lordship in these causes (now you shall understand me) not to urge me any farther; and so I write unto your Lordship, as you have done unto me, this Friday, the 27th of April.

Your Lordship's to be used in all things reasonable.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable and his very good lord, the Lord Burghley, Treasurer of England, give these.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=11] Cecil Papers 9/15: Oxford to Burghley, [13 July 1576].

My very good Lord. Yesterday, at your Lordship's earnest request, I had some conference with you about your daughter wherein, for that her Majesty had so often moved me, and for that you dealt so earnestly with me, to content as much as I could, I did agree that you might bring her to the court, with condition that she should not come when I was present nor at any time to have speech with me, and further that your Lordship should not urge farther in her cause. But now I understand that your Lordship means this day to bring her to the court, and that you mean afterward to prosecute the cause with further hope. Now if your Lordship shall do so, then shall you take more in hand than I have or can promise you. For always I have, and will still, prefer mine own content before others' and, observing that wherein I may temper or moderate for your sake, I will do most willingly. Wherefore I shall desire your Lordship not to take advantage of my promise till you have given me some honourable assurance, by letter or word, of your performance of the condition which, being observed, I could yield, as it is my duty, to her Majesty's request, and bear with your fatherly desire towards her; otherwise, all that is done can stand to none effect. From my lodging at Charing Cross, this morning. Your Lordship's to employ.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable and his very good Lord, the Lord Treasurer of England, give these.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=12] TNA SP12/149/42(15), f. 108v: Oxford to Commissioners for voyage to Meta Incognita, 21 May 1578

[=13] BL Lansdowne 33/6, ff. 12-13: Oxford to Burghley, [13? July 1581]

[=14] BL Lansdowne 38/62, ff. 158-9: Oxford to Burghley, [?20 June 1583]

[=15] BL Lansdowne 42/39, ff. 97-8: Oxford to Burghley, [30 October 1584]

[=16] BL Lansdowne 50/22, ff. 49-50: Oxford to Burghley, [25 June 1586]

[=17] BL Lansdowne 63/71, ff. 181-2: Oxford to Burghley, 5 August [1590]

[=18] BL Lansdowne 63/76, ff. 191-2: Oxford to Burghley, 8 September [1590]

[=19] BL Lansdowne 68/6, ff. 12-13: Oxford to Burghley, 18 May [1591]

[=20] BL Lansdowne 68/11, ff. 22-3, 28: Oxford to

Return to top.

Next document.

[=21] BL Harley 6996[/22], ff. 42-3: Oxford to Burghley, 25 October 1593.

My very good Lord, I hope it is not out of your remembrance how long sithence I have been a suitor to her Majesty that she would give me leave to try my title to the forest at the law, but I found that so displeasing unto her that, in place of receiving that ordinary favour which is of course granted to the meanest subject, I was browbeaten and had many bitter speeches given me; nevertheless, at length, by means of some of the Lords of the Council, among which your Lordship especially, her Majesty was persuaded to give me ear. At that time, which was at Somerset House (if your Lordship please to call to mind), her Majesty would needs have it committed unto arbitrers, pretending therein to do me especial favour in cutting off the long circumstances of the law and charges pertaining thereto. But after I had consented thereunto, for me could be no other arbiter permitted than the Lord Chancellor, whom she had chosen for herself; this I am assured your Lordship hath good cause to remember by her Majesty's exception against you, in that she thought you partial to your son-in-law. But these things I call only to mind for your Lordship's better remembrance which, through so many affairs, otherwise, in so long a time, it is no marvel if perhaps you have easily forgotten. Therefore I will to purpose only further call to remembrance the success of this arbitrament, which was thus. After much ado, and a good year spent by delays from her Majesty, my Lord Chancellor, then Sir Christopher Hatton, being earnestly called upon, appointed a time of hearing, both for her Majesty's learned counsel at the law and mine, whereupon what he conceived thereby of my title, he was ready to have made his report unto her Majesty. But such was my misfortune (I do not think her mind to do me any wrong), that she flatly refused therein to hear my Lord Chancellor, and for a final answer commanded me no more to follow the suit for, whether it was hers or mine, she was resolved to dispose thereof at her pleasure. A strange sentence, methought, which, being justly considered, I may say she had done me more favour if she had suffered me to try my title at law, than this arbitrament under pretence of expedition and grace; the extremity had been far more safe than the remedy which I was persuaded to accept. But after I had made some complaint of this hard determination, yet in so desperate a state, she promised this relief to my cause that, in some other matter, that should be as commodious as that unto me, she would recompense me in the meanwhile. Hence riseth the cause, my Lord, wherefore I have preferred many suits to her Majesty, but have found in them all the same delays and difficulties that I did in the other before. But now the ground whereon I lay my suit being so just and reasonable that either I should expect some satisfaction by way of recompense, or restoration of mine own (as I am yet persuaded till law hath convinced me), these are most earnestly to desire a continuance of your Lordship's favour and furtherance in my suit which I made at Greenwich to her Majesty, at her last being there, about three commodities, to wit, the oils, wools and fruits, in giving therefor as then my proffer was. I do the rather now renew the same for that I do not hear as yet they are disposed otherwise, and that the time is fittest, as well as for her Majesty's commodity as his that shall take it, and considering (if her Majesty will have a just consideration of the premises) I am to challenge and expect somewhat. Your Lordship knows the whole process of the matter, and can better judge than any other (as to whom my estate is best known, & how hardly I may forbear so great an interest without any recompense) and, therefore, as to the meetest (for that my state and cause, both in right and conscience, is best understood) to conceive of the just desire I make of this suit, I do address myself to your Lordship, most earnestly to crave both your opinion and counsel, your favour and furtherance, whether I were best to follow this suit which I have commenced or, it standing so that there is no good or hope to be done or conceived therein, to seek again her Majesty's favour that I might proceed in law to try my title to the forest. And thus desiring your Lordship to hold me excused for that I am so long in a matter that concerneth me so much, I will make an end, this 25 of October, 1593.

And always rest your Lordship's to command.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable and his very good Lord, the Lord Treasurer of England.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=22] BL Lansdowne 76/74, ff. 168-9: Oxford to Burghley, 7 July 1594

[=23] Cecil Papers 31/106: Oxford to Cecil, 24 April 1595.

Sir Robert Cecil. Whereas I have dealt with the Earl of Derby about my daughter's allowance, and that he hath promised me to assure her to that intent a thousand pound a year, forsomuch as I now understand, upon some discontentment that he hath not attained to that honour which it seemeth he did at this time expect, he determines tomorrow to depart into Lancashire, and that he hath neither in his house or for herself set down any stay whereby either in her own lodging or, if she shall follow her attendance upon her Majesty, she is provided as his wife. I do therefore most heartily desire you as her uncle and good friend to deal earnestly with my Lord Treasurer, unto whom I have also written, that he would send unto him or else speak with him, to the end that either he should fulfil his promise or, until such time as he shall, to take that order which is fit for her place wherein she serves her Majesty, and for his wife. I do understand by my daughter how good an uncle she finds you, and how ready to friend her, wherein I also take myself beholding unto you. Of what fancies his humours are compounded you know well enough, and therefore I pray you to be earnest with my Lord that he may deal effectually upon so good a ground as his word and honour which he hath given. Also I understand that my Lady Russell, for some offence conceived of my daughter, hath lately written to my Lord Treasurer to discourage and dissuade him to urge the Earl of Derby but, for that she was herself the first that moved this allowance, and hath sithence altered her mind upon some conceit, I hope my Lord will not be carried away upon such unconstant balance. Yet if you find any such hindrance, I pray you, nevertheless stick to your niece and further her in what you can, sith her desire is just in that it is his promise, & reasonable in that she is his wife. Thus what you shall do for her, esteeming it mine own bond, I refer her whole cause to your kindness. Your assured friend.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable & his very good friend Sir Robert Cecil, one of her Majesty's Privy Council, give these.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=24] Cecil Papers 35/84: Oxford to Cecil, 20 October 1595.

Good Sir Robert Cecil. I have often received from you many words of courtesies & favours when I should have occasion to use ye, all which I have believed, & do still, imagining those promises to proceed of a free & liberal disposition. Wherefore, having at this time an especial opportunity to try my friends in a cause which I do not doubt but just, I make thus far bold with you that, whereas a few years sithence I was a suitor to her Majesty for her favour thus far, that my right (which I did not doubt) to the forest of Waltham & park of Havering, concerning the keeping thereof, might have trial at law, which is a common course to every subject, & that then, under pretence to do me a favour, her Majesty, to avoid charge and delay of the law, greatly to mine ease and for better expedition, her pleasure was that the matter should be referred to arbitrament, which was so done as, her Majesty taking exception to my arbitrer, had her own, Sir Christopher Hatton, then Lord Chancellor, appointed as indifferent for us both, as she did measure it. He, having heard the matter, and her Majesty's counsel with mine, was resolved, and hereupon wished me to urge her Majesty to call for his report, which accordingly I did, and the Lord Chancellor present. In short, she refused to hear him. She flatly said whether it were mine or hers she would bestow it at her pleasure and so, under pretence of keeping the same from spoil till the matter were decided between her Majesty and myself, she put it into the hands of Sir Thomas Heneage and this, after a year's travail, I had for my short expedition. Now my Lord your father is a full witness of all these things, being present when the matter was committed, and the intentions and all are sufficiently known to him, with all the course observed. I have written also to him and also to her Majesty. I only desire my friends that may speak their minds to her Majesty, & have opportunity, that they will be means that either she will let me enjoy that which my right doth cast upon me (and the law) with her favour, or that she will protect me with her law as her subject and that, if it be none of mine, she will rather take it away by order than oppression.

This 20th of October 1595
Your assured friend,

Edward Oxenford

As I was folding up this letter I received a very honourable answer from my Lord Treasurer. My whole trust in this cause is in you two, my Lord for that he is privy to the whole cause and handling thereof from time to time, and in you, for that I assure myself in so just a matter you will not abandon me.

He seemeth to doubt yet of his death, & wisheth me to make means to the Earl of Essex that he would forbear to deal for it, a thing I cannot do in honour sith I have already received divers injuries and wrongs from him which bar me of all such base courses. If her Majesty's affections be forfeits of men's estates, we must endure it.

*To the right honourable & his very good friend & brother Sir Robert Cecil, one of her Majesty's Privy Council.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=25] Cecil Papers 172/81: Oxford to Cecil, 21 October 1595.

There are times wherein the use of friends are so necessary that, although we be loath to be cumbersome, yet are we compelled to thrust into their hands the trust of our troublesome causes. Such is my state at this present, who in mine own conceit have no mistrust of your good disposition towards me, yet am I forced (by what unlooked for occasion I cannot tell) at this time to turn my thought upon you as the only friend with whom, I think, I may be boldest.

Wherefore, for that I understood the great danger of life wherein Mr. Vice-Chamberlain lay, considering the veins and humours of this world I do not mistrust but many things hereby falling into her Majesty's hands to bestow, that there would be many suitors. And for that to the keeping of the forest of Waltham & the park of Havering mine evidences show me a certain right to the same (from which I cannot be persuaded till I know better to the contrary), I have most humbly written to her Majesty that, after so many bestowings of it upon others void of any pretence, she will now at length give ear to the justness of my cause &, as she hath often disposed it upon others upon favour, that now, not only upon justice but also upon grace she will deign it to the rightful keeper.

And this I do not notice to you as if I thought it in your power to do more than it shall please to come of her Majesty's own disposition, but for that you are the only person that I dare rely upon in the court and at this present to implore as an instrument to make my desire known unto her Majesty.

And thus having opened to you my cause, what I have written in effect to her Majesty and what I crave of your courtesy, I commit you to God. This 21 of October, 1595.

Your loving and assured friend and brother.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable & his very well beloved friend & brother-in-law Sir Robert Cecil, one of her Majesty's Privy Council.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=26] Cecil Papers 44/63: Oxford to Cecil, 6 September 1596.

The writing which I have is in the country, for I had such care thereof as I carried it with me in a little desk; tomorrow or the next day I am to go thither and, so soon as I come home, by the grace of God, I will send it you. The Earl of Derby should have set his hand and seal to this copy as he had done to yours but, his promises being but delays and shifts, in the mean season I caused his officer Ireland and another to set their hands unto it to witness that it was a true copy. I named to you in haste in my last letter, Mr Hicks, but I had forgot myself; it was Mr Bernardeau whom my Lord employed in that cause, and therefore I think him able to satisfice all such doubts as my Lord may cast. I do not doubt but if my Lord had then any care thereof, or Mr Bernardeau, but that this assurance is as firm as the law can make it; there was employed in it the Master of the Rolls, then and now Lord Keeper, and others of my Lord's learned counsel in law who, I hope, are sufficient to pass greater matters than it.

Thus taking my leave from Cannon Row, this 6 of September, 1596,

I remain your loving friend.

Edward Oxenford

*To his very well beloved and honourable friend, Sir Robert Cecil, Principal Secretary to her Majesty, and one of her Highness' Privy Council, give these.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=27] Cecil Papers 44/101: Oxford to Cecil, 17 September 1596.

I have sent you by this bearer the copy which was in my hands but, perusing the same, it seemeth to be not as I took it, but rather a counterpane of her jointure than of her pension. How my daughter's occasions are to use the same I am ignorant, being made rather acquainted therewith by common report than from herself or any of her friends. But I doubt not but that my Lord and you did so well look to the same when it was to be performed that what assurance was to be made was done with good advice. I know that Bernardeau was the man who was employed, and that the intent was for a pension of one thousand pounds by years to be assured her so long as my Lord of Derby lived, and to that end a lease to her use was to be made over unto you and myself. How it was followed, if this be not it, I know not. Wherefore I pray you, good Sir Robert Cecil, peruse this, and if it be not as I take it, yet have that care of your niece that if it be in the hands of Bernardeau it may be sought out. Also I am most earnestly to desire you that, as you are her uncle and nearest to her next myself, that you will friendly assist her with your good advice. You know her youth and the place wherein she lives, and how much to both our houses it imports that she carry herself according to her honour. Enemies are apt to make the worst of everything, flatterers will do evil offices, and true and faithful advice will seem harsh to tender ears. But sith my fortune hath set me so far off as I cannot be at hand in this her troublesome occasions, I hope you will do the good office of an uncle and I commit unto you the authority of a parent in mine absence. Thus confounded with the small understanding of her estate, and the care of her well-doing, I leave to trouble you any farther, most earnestly desiring you, as you can get leisure, to advertise me how her causes stand and upon what terms, whereof, I assure you, I cannot yet tell what to think. This 17 of September 1596.

Your assured friend.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable and his very well beloved friend Sir Robert Cecil, Secretary to her Majesty, give these.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=28] Cecil Papers 37/66(b): Oxford to Cecil, 11 January 1597. Accompanies =49

Return to top.

Next document.

[=29] TNA SP12/264/111, f. 15: Oxford to Lord Burghley, 8 September 1597

Return to top.

Next document.

[=30] Cecil Papers 251/28: Oxford to Cecil, [July 1600].

Although my bad success in former suits to her Majesty have given me cause to bury my hopes in the deep abyss and bottom of despair, rather than now to attempt, after so many trials made in vain & so many opportunities escaped, the effects of fair words or fruits of golden promises, yet for that I cannot believe but that there hath been always a true correspondency of word and intention in her Majesty, I do conjecture that, with a little help, that which of itself hath brought forth so fair blossoms will also yield fruit. Wherefore, having moved her Majesty lately about the office of the Isle, which by the death of Sir Anthony Paulet stands now in her Majesty's disposition to bestow where it shall best please her, I do at this present most heartily desire your friendship and furtherance; first, for that I know her Majesty doth give you good ear; then, for that our houses are knit in alliance; last of all, the matter itself is such as nothing chargeth her Majesty, sith it is a thing she must bestow upon someone or other. I know her Majesty hath suitors already for it, yet such as, for many respects her Majesty may call to remembrance, ought in equal balance to weigh lighter than myself. And I know not by what better means, or when, her Majesty may have an easier opportunity to discharge the debt of so many hopes as her promises have given me cause to embrace than by this, which give she must, & so give as nothing extraordinarily doth part from her. If she shall not deign me this in an opportunity of time so fitting, what time shall I attend (which is uncertain to all men) unless in the graves of men there were a time to receive benefits and good turns from princes? Well, I will not use more words, for they may rather argue mistrust than confidence. I will assure myself and not doubt of your good office, both in this but in any honourable friendship I shall have cause to use you. Hackney.

Your loving and assured friend and brother.

Edward Oxenford

Return to top.

Next document.

[=31] Cecil Papers 76/34: Oxford to Cecil, 2 February [1601].

At this time I am to try my friends among which, considering our old acquaintance, familiarity heretofore, & alliance of houses (than which can be no straiter) as of my brother, I presume especially. Wherefore at this time, whereas some good fortune (if it be backed by friends) doth in a manner present itself, I most earnestly crave your furtherance so far as the place and favour you hold may admit. And that is, as I conceive, that if her Majesty be willing to confer the Presidency of Wales to me, that I may assure myself of your voice in Council, rather than a stranger. Not that I desire you should be a mover, but a furtherer; for, as the time is, it were not reason. But if it shall please her Majesty in regard of my youth, time & fortune spent in her court, adding thereto her Majesty's favours & promises which drew me on without any mistrust the more to presume in mine own expenses, to confer so good a turn to me, that then with your good word and brotherly friendship you will encourage her forward and further it as you may, for I know her Majesty is of that princely disposition that they shall not be deceived which put their trust in her. Which good office in you I will never forget, and always to my power acknowledge in love & kindness, hoping that, as we be knit near in alliance, so hereafter more nearer by good and friendly offices. Thus most earnestly desiring you to have me in friendly remembrance when time serveth, I take my leave this 2nd of February.

Your assured and loving brother.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable and my very good brother, Sir Robert Cecil, of her Majesty's Privy Council, Principal Secretary & Master of the Wards.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=32] Cecil Papers 181/80: Oxford to Cecil, [May 1601?].

My very good brother, I have received by Henry Lok your most kind message, which I so effectually embrace that, what for the old love I have borne you which, I assure you, was very great; what for the alliance which is between us, which is tied so fast by my children of your own sister; what for mine own disposition to yourself, which hath been rooted by long and many familiarities of a more youthful time, there could have been nothing so dearly welcome unto me. Wherefore not as a stranger, but in the old style, I do assure you that you shall have no faster friend & well-wisher unto you than myself, either in kindness, which I find beyond mine expectation in you, or in kindred, whereby none is nearer allied than myself sith, of your sisters, of my wife only you have received nieces, a sister, I say, not by any venter, but born of the same father and the same mother of yourself. I will say no more, for words in faithful minds are tedious, only this I protest: you shall do me wrong, and yourself greater if, either through fables, which are mischievous, or conceit, which is dangerous, you think otherwise of me than humanity and consanguinity requireth. I desired Henry Lok to speak unto you for that I cannot so well urge mine own business to her Majesty, that you would do me the favour, when these troublesome times give opportunity to her Majesty to think of the disposition of the President of Wales, that I may understand it by you lest, neglecting through ignorance the time, by mishap I may leese the suit; for, as I have understood, and by good reason conceived, I am not to use any friend to move it, so myself having moved it and received good hopes, I fear nothing but through ignorance when to prosecute it, lest I should leese the benefit of her good disposition on which I only depend.

Your most assured & loving brother, as ever in mine own affection, in all kindness and kindred.

Edward Oxenford

*To my very good brother & honourable Sir Robert Cecil, one of her Majesty's Privy Council & Principal Secretary.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=33] Cecil Papers 182/23: Oxford to Cecil, 11 May 1601.

I received this morning your message by H. Lok whereby I see you have not forgotten me to her Majesty, and so as it is much to my contentment (I protest to God not so much in that somewhat her Majesty doth satisfice my desire, but that I find that assuredness in your kindness to me with whom, as we are straightly allied, there is no reason but I should make especial account of before all others), so am I glad moreover to find an especial friend, constant and assured in your word, which thing I vow to God to acknowledge to you in all faith, kindness, and love and in whatsoever I may stand you in stead which according to mine estate now is little, but in goodwill very great, I will with all alacrity and well-wishing perform, and this I both speak and write unto you from my heart. Wherefore as you have begun, so I most earnestly desire you to stick to me in this cause, for it is a thing whereof I make great account, and it is a friendship which you have done me above thanks, which I will freely impart to you at my coming to the court, which I think shall be tomorrow by the grace of God, till which time, as a hater of ceremonies, I will refer all other thanks and observations, which in me are as far from ordinary accomplishments as my thankful acceptance of this your friendly and brotherly office is near my heart simple and unfeigned. I sent my man, as H. Lok informed me, unto you that he might open somewhat more plainer the cause; the more you shall countenance him, the more boldly and freely he will certify you. I will only now end, wholly recommending my cause to your friendship, assuring you that there is nothing in the world that I esteem more or accept more kindly that your brotherly and friendly office which you at this present undertake in my behalf. Tomorrow I hope to see you myself at the court where I will more frankly and freely declare myself. For today, although I thought to have come to you, yet considering your manifold causes, I think it best to forbear. In the mean season I rest your most thankful brother and assured friend.

Edward Oxenford

To my very well beloved friend and brother Sir Robert Cecil, Principal Secretary to her Majesty.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=34] Cecil Papers 88/101: Oxford to Cecil, 7 October 1601.

My very good brother, if my health had been to my mind I would have been before this at the Court, as well to have given you thanks for your presence at the hearing of my cause debated, as to have moved her Majesty for her resolution. As for the matter, how much I am beholding to you I need not repeat, but in all thankfulness acknowledge, for you have been the mover & only follower thereof for me, & by your only means I have hitherto passed the pikes of so many adversaries. Now my desire is, sith themselves who have opposed to her Majesty's right seem satisficed, that you will make the end answerable to the rest of your most friendly proceeding, for I am advised that I may pass my book from her Majesty if a warrant may be procured to my cousin Bacon and Sergeant Harris to perfect it, which, being done, I know to whom formally to thank, but really they shall be, and are, from me and mine to be sealed up in an eternal remembrance to yourself. And thus wishing all happiness to you, and some fortunate means to me whereby I might recognize so deep merits, I take my leave this 7th of October from my house at Hackney, 1601.

Your most assured and loving brother.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable & my very good brother Sir Robert Cecil, one of her Majesty's Privy Council, and Principal Secretary, give these at the court.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=35] Cecil Papers 89/124: Oxford to Cecil, 22 November 1601.

My good brother, in that I have not sent an answer to your last letter as you might expect, I shall desire you to hold me for excused sith, ever sithence the receipt thereof, by reason of my sickness, I have not been able to write. And whereas you do conceive that I have been carried too much by the conceits of Cauley, I do assure you there is no such thing. I have used him, and so do still, as a follower of my business, wherein I do not find any cause to blame, but rather, recommend his diligence. For counsel, I have such lawyers, and the best that I can get as are to be had in London, who have advised me, for my best course, to desire that her Majesty would grant me her warrant signed for the drawing of a book mentioning what her pleasure is to grant me concerning the escheat of Sir Charles Danvers (de bene esse, quantum in regina est), whereby shall ensue no prejudice unto any of the pretenders which suggest to be interessed in any of the said lands in regard that, if the Queen have no title, there passeth nothing to me. It is a common course, notwithstanding any office found against the Queen, that her Majesty granteth concealed lands in this course, whereof there are many yearly precedents, so that her Majesty, granting this to me, granteth but her own interest which, in effect, had been nothing, considering how this cause hath been carried, and so likely to have been obscured forever if it had not been my hap to have stirred therein.

For the rest of your letter, whatsoever you have written, although it be some discouragement unto me, yet I cannot alter the opinion which I have conceived of your virtue and constancy, neither can I suffer it to enter my thought that a vain fable can brandle the clearness of your guiltless conscience, sith all the world doth know that the crimes of Sir Charles Danvers were so bifold that justice could not dispense any farther. Wherefore I cannot leave that hope and trust which I have had in your promises but, as I have done, still I do wholly rely myself on your only friendship, and thus desiring you to bear with the weakness of my lame hand I take my leave from Hackney, this 22th of November, 1601.

Your loving and assured brother, to his power.

Edward Oxenford

*To my very well beloved brother Sir Robert Cecil, Principal Secretary to her Majesty.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=36] Cecil Papers 89/148: Oxford to Cecil, 4 December 1601.

I cannot conceive, in so short a time & in so small an absence, how so great a change is happened in you, for in the beginning of my suit to her Majesty I was doubtful to enter thereinto, both for the want I had of friends and the doubt of the Careys, but I was encouraged by you, who did not only assure me to be an assured friend unto me, but further did undertake to move it to her, which you so well performed that, after some dispute, her Majesty was contented. In that good beginning, I was promised favour, that I should have assistance of her Majesty's counsel in law, that I should have expedition. But for favour, the other party hitherto hath found much more and, as for assistance of her Majesty's counsel (who hath been more, nay only, against me), the expedition hath been such that what might have been done in one month is now almost a year deferred. At my departure from Greenwich, what good words you gave me and what assurance of your constancy to me, if you have forgotten, it is in vain for me to remember. Now, besides the alteration which I find in the style of your letters, Cauley hath told me that you are exempted and that Carey complains, as it were, of your partiality. When I took my leave of her Majesty, she used me very graciously &, moreover, gave me these words, that she doubted not, for all that was said to the contrary, but that the escheat of Sir Charles Danvers would fall out well, and that with all her heart she wished it and meant it to me. I was glad to hear her, and thought myself greatly beholding to you, for I myself had never yet speech with her, wherefore I did, and do still, impute this, her good mind, to your friendly and honourable dealing towards me. Now the cause falling out to be good and, by course of law, her Majesty's, it is justice that her Majesty may bestow the same at her pleasure, and if she be willing to give it me I do not see, in reason, how partiality should, or can, be imputed to you &, the matter lying thus in the balance of justice, I do not see but, both for your promise's sake (even from the beginning) and for the alliance which is between you and me, without any just imputation of partiality you may as well, and with as great honour, end as begin it. And whereas you assure me the Lord Treasurer is now very willing to further me, I am very glad if it so prove, for I have need of as many good friends as I can get and, if I could, I would seek all the adversaries I have in this cause to make them my friends (whereof I stand in so much need) and yet, when I had done all, I would especially think myself beholding to yourself on whom, for all these discouragements past, I do only rely. I have written to her Majesty, and received a most gracious answer to do me good in all that she can, and that she will speak with you about it. Now, therefore, it is in your power alone, I know it, that if you will deal for me, as I have cause to believe, that it may have an end according to mine expectation, for which I will esteem and acknowledge only to proceed from you. The attorney hath had a device, indeed (as you know if you list), by referring it to judges to delay the cause whereby, wearying me with an unreasonable time, he might procure an agreement (whereto I will never agree) or else an extenuation or utter overthrow of her Majesty's liberality towards me. But my counsel doth fully advise me that, if it be her Majesty's pleasure to have a short end thereof, then to grant it me de bene esse quantum in nos est wherein, if at any time it shall please you to hear them, I do not doubt but they are able to satisfice you. In the mean season I recommend myself and the whole cause to you, as on him upon whom I rely, with this most earnest desire that, howsoever, there might be an end. For as it hath hitherto been handled, if it were to begin again, I would never enter into it and, if I cannot obtain it, yet an end, as it is fallen out, is somewhat. This 4th of December, 1601.

Your most loving and assured brother-in-law.

Edward Oxenford

*To my very well beloved brother Sir Robert Cecil, Principal Secretary to her Majesty.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=37] Cecil Papers 181/99: Oxford to Cecil, [January 1602].

It is now almost a year sithence, by the promises of your help and assistance, when the escheat of Danvers was found nothing for her Majesty (26 shillings excepted), that I did undertake to recover it. Now, brother, I do not by these letters make challenge of your words for, if you list to forget them, my putting in remembrance will be bitter, and to small purpose. Only this now is mine intention, not to tell any new thing, but that which is already known unto you. The matter, after it had received many crosses, many inventions of delay, yet at length hath been heard before all the judges (judges, I say, both unlawful and lawful, for so may I affirm sith Walmsley, who had matched in the house of Danvers, besides some other, were admitted to the deciding of the cause, notwithstanding long sithence I did except against him, and it was then thought reasonable), but now time and truth have unmasked all difficulties and I do understand the judges are, if they will be indifferent, to make a good report to her Majesty. Yet (I know not by what unfortunate star), there are so many disposed to withstand it as the truth, much oppressed by the friends of the contrary part, is likely, if not wholly to be defaced, yet so extenuated as the virtue thereof will be of little effect. Now forsomuch as I understand it is meant to delay the report, to the end to get a composition of her Majesty and so to bring all my hope in her Majesty's gracious words to smoke, I am earnestly to solicit her to call for the report, which I should not have needed to do if gospel had been in the mouths of the Lord Chief Justice and the Attorney, who did assure me that, at the next hearing, which then was appointed the second day of this term, it should have a full end. Now the matter depending in this sort, I find my state weak and destitute of friends for, having only relied always on her Majesty, I have neglected to seek others, and this trust of mine, many things considered, I fear may deceive me. Another confidence I had in yourself, in whom (without offence let me speak it) I am to cast some doubt by reason as, in your last letters I found a wavering style much differing from your former assurances, I fear now to be left in medio rerum omnium certamine et discrimine which, if it so fall out, I shall bear it, by the grace of God, with an equal mind sith time and experience have given me sufficient understanding of worldly frailty. But I hope better (though I cast the worst), howsoever, for finis coronat opus, and then everything will be laid open, every doubt resolved into a plain sense. In the mean season, I now, at the last (for now is the time), crave this brotherly friendship that, as you began it for me with all kindness, so that you will continue in the same affection to end it. And so I will end, these things only desiring you to remember, that you may know I do not forget how honourably you dealt with her Majesty at what time you first moved her, showing how, out of nothing to her (for so in manner it was found), if by mine industry I could of this nothing make something, she should yet give a prop and stay to my house. Again I know and well perceive how that this escheat of Danvers shall be made a great matter, to cross my good hap and to obscure the rest of the lands which descend from the mother on [the] Latimer side to her Majesty, which is as clear her Majesty's as this. Last of all, I shall desire you to remember that I craved of this escheat only what I could recover in Wiltshire and Gloucester shires, leaving to her Majesty the lands of Oxford, Leicester, Northampton and Yorkshire, which is of much more value. In the beginning the whole was thought desperate, and yet you shall see now the law to be clear of the Queen's side, notwithstanding it hath endured all the crosses that can be possible; yea, moreover, I will say to you that I must inform, this case hath opened her right to a far greater matter than this of Danvers, if her Majesty's right and interest be not cunningly suppressed, and therefore I hope her Majesty, after so many gracious words which she gave me at Greenwich upon her departure, exceeding this which I expect, will not now draw in the beams of her princely grace to my discouragement and her own detriment. Neither will I conceive otherwise of your virtue and affection towards me now, at the end, than I apprehended all good hope and kindness from you in the beginning. Thus with a lame hand to write I take my leave, but with a mind well disposed to hope the best of my friends till otherwise I find them, which I fear nothing at all, assuring myself your words and deeds dwell not asunder.

Your loving brother-in-law.

Edward Oxenford

*To my very well beloved brother-in-law Sir Robert Cecil, of her Majesty's Privy Council, and Principal Secretary.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=38] Cecil Papers 85/103: Oxford to Cecil, 22 March [1602].

It is now a year sithence, by your only means, her Majesty granted her interest in Danvers' escheat. I had only then her word from your mouth. I find by this waste of time that lands will not be carried without deeds. I have twice therefore moved her Majesty that it would please her to grant me that ordinary course de bene esse quantum in nobis est whereof there are more than an hundred examples; mine answer is that I should receive her pleasure from you, but I understand by Cauley that she hath never spoken thereof. The matter hath been heard, according to the order, with much ado twice before the judges, and many also standers-by did hear the same; there, in open apparence, her Majesty's title was questionless. The Lord Chief Justice, upon this (as in form I was made believe), was to have taken the opinion of the rest of the judges and, conferring it with his own, to have made up a report to her Majesty. As for the judges' report, they were never called unto it, and the principal points to confirm her Majesty's title never opened or moved but, contrary, kept back, so that under their hands the Lord Chief Justice hath made no report. Yet something he hath done out of his own breast that is secret and I cannot learn; if he have reported nothing to escheat to her Majesty, then is my suit as it was the first day, that is, where her Majesty thought she had nothing, that she would grant me her interest. This suit I obtained by your especial means, and this she promised me, wherefore [ ]. Hereupon I challenge that something might be done whereby I may upon ground seek and try her Majesty's right, which cannot be done without this deed afore spoken of. The course (which seldom or never hath been used before) in this cause, to refer it to the judges, how prejudicial a precedent I know not to her Majesty hath been observed, and the effect hath showed that, whereas it was pretended to be shortest, it hath been the furthest way about and, as the beginning was but some opinion, the end is but confusion. Now therefore, the matter having been directed by this course for a whole year's space and come to no better terms, my desire is to know her Majesty's pleasure touching her patent de bene esse, whether she will perform it or no. If not, then have I been mocked; if yea, that I might have answer, whereby I may upon reason quiet myself, and not upon weariness. Howsoever, an answer shall be most welcome unto me, now being the best expectation of my tedious suit, thinking therein my time lost more precious than the suit itself. Thus taking my leave from Hackney this 22nd of March, I remain,

Your assured friend and brother-in-law.

Edward Oxenford

*To the right honourable my very good brother Sir Robert Cecil, her Majesty's Principal Secretary.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=39] Cecil Papers 99/150: Oxford to Cecil, 25, 27 April 1603.

Sir Robert Cecil: I have always found myself beholding to you for many kindnesses and courtesies, wherefore I am bold at this present, which giveth occasion of many considerations, to desire you as my very good friend and kind brother-in-law to impart to me what course is devised by you of the Council & the rest of the Lords concerning our duties to the King's Majesty, whether you do expect any messenger before his coming to let us understand his pleasure, or else his personal arrival to be presently or very shortly. And, if it be so, what order is resolved on amongst you, either for the attending or meeting of his Majesty for, by reason of mine infirmity, I cannot come among you so often as I wish, and by reason my house is not so near that at every occasion I can be present, as were fit, either I do not hear at all from you or, at least, with the latest, as this other day it happened to me, receiving a letter at nine of the clock not to fail at eight of the same morning to be at Whitehall, which, being impossible, yet I hasted so much as I came to follow you into Ludgate, though through press of people and horses I could not reach your company as I desired, but followed as I might.

I cannot but find a great grief in myself to remember the mistress which we have lost, under whom both you and myself from our greenest years have been in a manner brought up and, although it hath pleased God after an earthly kingdom to take her up into a more permanent and heavenly state wherein I do not doubt but she is crowned with glory, and to give us a prince wise, learned and enriched with all virtues, yet the long time which we spent in her service we cannot look for so much left of our days as to bestow upon another, neither the long acquaintance and kind familiarities wherewith she did use us we are not ever to expect from another prince, as denied by the infirmity of age and common course of reason. In this common shipwreck, mine is above all the rest who, least regarded though often comforted of all her followers, she hath left to try my fortune among the alterations of time and chance, either without sail whereby to take the advantage of any prosperous gale or with anchor to ride till the storm be overpast. There is nothing therefore left to my comfort but the excellent virtues and deep wisdom wherewith God hath endued our new master and sovereign Lord, who doth not come amongst us as a stranger but as a natural prince, succeeding by right of blood and inheritance, not as a conqueror but as the true shepherd of Christ's flock to cherish and comfort them.

Wherefore I most earnestly desire you of this favour, as I have written before, that I may be informed from you concerning these points and thus, recommending myself unto you, I take my leave.

Your assured friend and unfortunate brother-in-law,

E. Oxenford

*To the right honourable my very good brother-in-law Sir Robert Cecil, Principal Secretary.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=40] Cecil Papers 99/161: Oxford to Cecil, 7 May [1603].

My very good Lord, I understand by Mr Attorney that he hath reported the state of my title to the keepership of Waltham Forest and of the house and park of Havering, whereby it appears to his Majesty what right and equity is therein. Till the 12th of Henry the 8th mine ancestors have possessed the same, almost sithence the time of William Conqueror, and at that time (which was the 12th year of Henry the 8th) the King took it for term of his life from my grandfather, sithence which time, what by the alterations of princes and wardships, I have been kept from my rightful possession. Yet from time to time (both my father and myself) we have, as opportunities fell out, not neglected our claim; twice in my time it had passage by law, and judgment was to have passed on my side, whereof her Majesty the late Queen being advertised, with assured promises and words of a prince to restore it herself unto me, caused me to let fall the suit. But so it was she was not so ready to perform her word as I was too ready to believe it. Whereupon, pressing my title farther, it was by her Majesty's pleasure put to arbitrament and, although it was an unequal course yet, not to contradict her will, the Lord Chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton, was sole arbitrer who, after all the delays devised by Sir Thomas Heneage and the Queen's counsel in law then being, having heard the cause, was ready to make his report for me, but her Majesty refused the same and by no means would hear it, so that by this and the former means I have been thus long dispossessed. But I hope truth is subject to no prescription, for truth is truth though never so old, and time cannot make that false which was once true, and though this threescore years both my father and myself have been dispossessed thereof, yet hath there been claims made thereto many times within those threescore years, which I take sufficient by law to avoid prescription in this case. Now therefore, his Majesty having heard the report, I hope he will in his justice and favour do me that right which is to be expected from so gracious and virtuous a sovereign. But for that I know, among so many matters of importance, unless his Majesty be put in remembrance, he may forget a private cause, therefore I shall most earnestly desire your friendship in this, that you will join with my Lord Admiral, my very good Lord and friend, to help me to his Majesty's resolution. My Lord Admiral is Lord Chief Justice of Oyer and Determiner and to whose office, indeed, as I understand, it appertains to have heard my cause, but I know not why or with what advice it was referred to Mr Attorney and his Majesty's counsel in law. But now, howsoever, his Majesty hath the report made unto him, which, if it be forgotten, shall little prevail me, but I hope in his justice and in your two Lordships' friendships which, the cause being so just and honourable, I do fully rely upon. His Majesty departeth with nothing but a keepership, and a keeper he must have, wherefore it is much more princely for him to restore it to me, his lawful keeper, than, contrary, to bestow it upon an intruder. Nothing adorns a King more than justice, nor in anything doth a King more resemble God than in justice, which is the head of all virtue, and he that is endued therewith hath all the rest. So long as it was in the custody of mine ancestors, the woods were preserved, the game cherished, and the forest maintained in her full state but, sithence it was otherwise disposed, all these things have impaired, as experience doth manifest. Thus therefore most earnestly craving your Lordships' friendly and honourable furtherances, I most heartily recommend myself unto your good Lordships from Hackney this 7th of May.

Your Lordship's most assured friend and brother-in-law to command.

E. Oxenforde

*To the right honourable my very good Lord, the Lord of Essendene, one of his Majesty's Privy Council.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=41] Cecil Papers 100/93: Oxford to Cecil, 12 June 1603.

My very good Lord, I know that you are so charged with public affairs that you can have little leisure, or none at all, to undertake a private cause, especially concerning another. This therefore which you do for me, I do conceive it in your particular favour, and so I take it, and you shall find me therefor ever thankful. These shall be therefore to desire your Lordship that with my very good Lord and friend my Lord Admiral, that you will procure me a full end of this suit wherein I have spent so long a time, and passed the greatest part of mine age. The cause is right, the king just, and I do not doubt but your Lordships both mine honourable friends, according to your words I shall find you in deeds. Therefore in a full confidence of your Lordship's most friendly favours, I will leave to hinder your more serious businesses. This 12 of June.

Your Lordship's most assured friend and brother-in-law.

Edward Oxenford

Return to top.

Next document.

[=42] Cecil Papers 100/99: Oxford to Cecil, 16 June 1603.

My very good Lord, his Majesty hath heard his Attorney-General's report as touching mine interest to the keeping of the Forest and the park of Havering, and I receiving from your Lordship and mine Lord Admiral his resolution, according to my Lord Admiral's direction I have sent to Mr Attorney to set his hand to my particular. But as I am answered by his letter that he cannot do the same unless he be warranted by six of the Council's hands, according to a late decree of his Majesty which he doth require, I most earnestly therefore desire your Lordship, as to the like purpose I have written to my Lord Admiral, that you will procure me such a warrant, sith it is agreeable to his Majesty's mind, as from yourselves I have been ascertained. And this in effect is my request which, not to be troublesome to your Lordship, I end with my hearty commendations. This 16 of June. Your Lordship's assured friend and brother-in-law,

Edward Oxenford

Return to top.

Next document.

[=43] Cecil Papers 100/108: Oxford to Cecil, 19 June 1603.

My Lord, I understand how honourably you do persever in your promised favour to me which I, taking in most kind manner, can at this time acknowledge it but by simple yet hearty thanks, hoping in God to offer me at some time or other the opportunity whereby I may in more effectual manner express my grateful mind. I further also understand that this day Mr Attorney is like to be at the Court, wherefore I most earnestly desire your Lordship to procure an end of this my suit, in seeking whereof I am grown old and spent the chiefest time of mine age. The case, as I understand by your Lordship, Sir E. Coke, his Majesty's Attorney, hath reported; the justice thereof I do not doubt, but doth appear there remaineth only a warrant according to the King's late order to be signed by the six Lords in Commission, whereby Mr Attorney-General may proceed according to the course usual.

The King, I hear, doth remove tomorrow towards Windsor whereby, if by your Lordship's especial favour, you do not procure me a full end this day, or tomorrow, I cannot look for anything more than a long delay. I do well perceive how your Lordship doth travail for me in this cause of an especial grace and favour, notwithstanding the burden of more importunate and general affairs than this of my particular, wherefore how much the expedition of this matter concerns me I leave to your wisdom, that in your own apprehension can read more than I have written. To conclude, I wholly rely upon your Lordship's honourable friendship, for which I do vow a most thankful and grateful mind. This 19 of June.

Your most loving assured friend and brother-in-law,

E. Oxenforde

*To the right honourable, my very good Lord, the Lord Cecil of Essendene.

Return to top.

Next document.

[=44] Essex Record Office MS D/DMh C1: Oxford to King James, 30 January 1604.

Seeing that it hath pleased your Majesty of your most gracious inclination to justice & right to restore me to be keeper of your game as well in your forest of Waltham, as also in Havering Park, I can do no less in duty and love to your Majesty but employ myself in the execution thereof. And to the end you might the better know in what sort both the forest & the park have been abused, and yet continued, as well in destroying of the deer as in spoiling of your demesne wood by such as have patents & had licences heretofore for felling of timber in the Queen's time lately deceased, presuming thereby that they may do what they list, I was bold to send unto your Majesty a man skilful, learned & experienced in forest causes, who being a dweller and eye-witness thereof might inform you of the truth. And because your Majesty upon a bare information could not be so well satisfied of every particular as by lawful testimony & examination of credible witness upon oath, according to your Majesty's appointment by commission a course hath been taken in which your Majesty shall be fully satisficed of truth. This commission, together with the depositions of the witness, I do send to your Majesty by this bearer, who briefly can inform you of the whole contence. So that now, having lawfully proved unto your Majesty that Sir John Gray hath killed and destroyed your deer in Havering Park without any warrant for the same, his patent is void in law, & therefore I most humbly beseech your Majesty to make him an example for all others that shall in like sort abuse their places, & to restore me to the possession thereof, in both which your Majesty shall do but justice and right to the one & other. This 30 of January 1603. Your Majesty's most humble subject and servant, E. Oxenforde.

*For his most excellent Majesty.

Return to top.