ScotieancB, and other Puritan pamphlets which I have
newly recovered. . . .
From the Hague, this 12th/22nd of September 1619.
S. P. HoUand. Bundle 133.
THE SCHEPENS AND COUNCIL OF LEYDEN TO JACOB
VON BROUCKHOVEN.
LETDEN ; MONDAY 13/23 SEPTEMBER 1619.
We have, this day, in consequence of your letter,
summoned the Officer ; and strongly enjoined upon him,
to do his best to arrest William Brewster ; in whose
person he was mistaken : which he has promised to do.
But, at the same time, said. That the said William
Brewster had already left.
A meeting was held to-day, at the Rektor's, in regard
to the case of William Brewer.
Quoted by H. C. M. in Historical Magazine, Vol IV.,
p. 5, Boston and New York, 1860, 4.
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WABBANT OF THE UNITEBSnT OF LEYDEN TO EXAMINE
THOMAS BBEWER; AND TO BEMOVE HIS TYPE
TO THE UNIVEBSITY BOOMS.
LEYDEN; MONDAY, 13/23 SEPTEMBEB 1619.
On this 23rd September 1619, the Honourable Rektor
and Judges of the University in the City of Leyden,
have, upon the application of Loth Huyghenszoon
Gael, Bailiff of the University, appointed, and by these
presents do appoint. Doctor Cobnelius Swanenbubg,
Assessor; and Doctor Guilielmus Bontius, Schepen-
master ; to examine Thomas Bbeweb, in custody of the
said Bailiff, as to what books he has, within a year and a
half past [ie. %ince 13/23 March 1618], printed, or caused
to be printed in Latin, English, or other languages.
And the said Assessor and Jan Bout Jacobszoon,
Schepenmaster, shall cause the type of the said Bbeweb,
which have been seized, to be brought, for better
keeping, from his house, to the University Rooms.
Which is accordingly done, the day and year
aforesaid, in my presence.
(signed) Jacob V. Vebvey.
Qupted by H. C. M. in Historical Magazine, Vol.
IV., p. 6, Boston and New York, 1860, 4.
SIB BOBEBT NAUNTON TO SIB DUDLEY CABLETON.
WHITEHALL; SATUBDAY, 18/28 SEPTEMBEB 1619.
I am sorry that Bbewsteb's person hath so escaped
you : but I hope Bbeweb will help you to find him out.
Whitehall, 18« Septembris 1619.
S. P. Holland, Bundle 133.
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SIR DUBLET CARLETON TO SIR ROBERT NAUNTOK.
THE HAGUE; SATURDAY, 18/28 SEPTEMBER 1619.
Since my last of the 12th of this present [month],
whereby I advertised your Honour of Brewer's being
laid fast in the University's Prison at Leyden ; I have
sent an Advocate of this town \Thjt Hague\y who
understands our language, with a servant of mine,
expressly to visit his books and papers : and to present
certain Interrogatories* to those who examine him
whereof I send your Honour the translation ; with his
Answers,* which are so indirect that they give no man
satisfaction that sees them.
And therefore I have now used [Maurice] the
Prince of Orange's authority; who hath spoken
himself to [Reinerus Bontius] the Rector of the
University, not to give the prisoner any liberty until
His Majesty's pleasure be known concerning him:
which the Rector doth promise shall be fullfilled;
notwithstanding that the whole Company of Brownists
[the Leyden Chv/rch] doth oflfer caution [aecwrUy] for
Brewer. And he being a University man, the scholars
[students] are likewise stirred up by the Brownists to
plead Privilege in that kind, when caution [security]
is offered.
Wherefore I am requested by the Rector, and by the
Deputy of the town of Leyden, Monsieur Brouckhoven,
residing here [at the Hague] in the Council of [the
Province of] Holland, whose serious care in this business
I cannot but commend to His Majesty, to know His
Majesty's pleasure with the soonest : whereby to prevent
some disorder, which may happen upon this occasion.
* Theee Interrogatories and Answers are not now with the State
Papers; and are apparently lost. — ^E. A.
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Meantime I intend to have him further examined,
which Monsieur Brouckhoven will give order for on
Monday next [20/30 September], when he goeth to
Leyden for two or three days ; and if there be any things
more particular in his Confession, I will send the same
speedily to your Honour; as with these which go
herewith, I thought it my duty to despatch this
bearer expressly.
Amongst the books touching which I have caused
him to be examined, I have inserted some, as that
Amssii in Grevinchovium [see page 287], which as he
cannot deny {because William Brewster's name is in
the imprint] so he may, and doth, confess it without
difficulty : but by that character [ type ] , he is
condemned of the rest. And certain experienced printers,
which have viewed the letters [type], affirm that all
and every one of the books with which he is charged,
particularly those De regiTrdne Ecclesice Scoticance and
Perth AsseTnbly, were printed by [vnth] them.
And it appears that this Brewer, and Brewster
whom this man set on work, having kept no open
shop, nor printed [any altered into] many books
fit for public sale in these Provinces, their practice
was to print prohibited books, to be vented underhand
[sold secretly] in His Majesty's kingdoms.
And if, hereupon. His Majesty will be pleased that
I move the States General to take some strict order
therein, through all their Provinces ; either by further
explanation of their late Placaat [Edict] concerning
[the] Printing of Books and Libels, or [in] some other
way: as I believe they will do it very willingly, so
will it serve for [the] preventing of the like inconvenience
hereafter.
What this Brewer is, and what fantastical courses
The Pilgrim Fatiit^ri. O
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he hath run heretofore, your Honour will see by an
Information * which hath been given me concerning him.
Thus I humbly take leave. From the Hague, the
18th of September 1619.
Postscript Upon some just ground of suspicion
that Master Ames hath his hand in many of these
books, which your Honour will find specified in these
Interrogatories; I have desired the Curators of the
University of Leyden not to admit him to a place of
public Professor, to which he doth pretend [aspire]
and hath many strong recommendations, until he hath
given His Majesty full satisfaction : which they do
very willingly yield unto ; and I am very well assured,
his preferment will here stay unless His Majesty give
way unto it.
Thus I rest, your Honour's &c.,
Dudley Carleton.
S. P. HoUarvd, Bundle 133.
MATTHEW SLADE TO SIB DUDLEY CARLETON.
AMSTERDAM ; SATURDAY, 18/28 SEPTEMBER 1619.
Right Honourable. My duty remembered unto your
good Lordship.
May it please the same to understand that I have
made the best enquiry that I could, concerning William
Brewster, among them that know him well. But
cannot hear otherwise than that he is yet dwelling
and resident at Leyden.
* This Inform fttion is not now with the State Papen, and is probablj
losl->E. A.
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The hunt after William Brewster. 211
Neither is it likely that he will remove his dwelling
hither : there being another English printer named
William Thorp [or rather Giles Thorpe], also a
Brownist, settled here ; and for that there is also
variance about religion, between the Separatists [the
Rev. Henry Ainswort^s Church] at Amsterdam and
them of Leyden.
If he lurk here, for fear of apprehension; it will
be hard to find him. But I will speak with our
Burgomaster about that business, at his' return; who
is not yet, in two or three days, expected.
a P. Holland. Bundle 133.
SIR DUDLEY CARLETON TO SIR ROBERT NAUNTON.
THE HAGUE;
WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER /2 OCTOBER 1619.
Cionceming Brewer, now prisoner at Leyden, who
was the chief subject of my last despatch ; I have, as
yet, no more to advertise : but I shall expect, with much
devotion, His Majesty's pleasure about him. . . .
From the Hague, this 22nd of September 1619.
S. P. Holland. Bundle 138.
SIR ROBERT NAUNTON TO SIR DUDLEY CARLETON.
HAMPTON COURT;
TUESDAY, 28 SEPTEBfBER /8 OCTOBER 1619.
Sir. For answer to your last of the 18th of
September, it is His Majesty's pleasure that you present
his princely thanks to that noble Prince; also to
Monsieur Brouckhoven, and [Reinerus Bontius] the
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212 The hunt after William Brewster.
Rector [of the University of Leyden] : for their serious
care, and respect shewed, in the apprehension and
examination of Brewer. From whom, His Majesty
hopes well that you will draw more particularities in
his after Confessions than yet he sees in those you
have sent us over ; which meanwhile he takes in good
part as a fair beginning and introduction to the rest.
When you shall have discovered all you can there,
His Majesty would have you move the States [General]
earnestly, in his name, that he may be remanded \seni
over\ hither. Which he promiseth himself, that they
will not take it for an unreasonable request, since he is
his own native subject : they having formerly remanded
some of their own [subjects] hither, upon His Majesty's
like motion.
But if any fond \foolisK\ scruple or difliculty should
be made herein, in respect of the scholars [^tuienfo]
their pleading their Privilege in that tumultuous town,
especially in these troubled times ; or otherwise : His
Majesty will have you, rather than you should fail in
his design, to descend \%to(yp'\ thus much further, as to
promise them, That if they shall so require, he will
return him \T. Brewer\ back again, after he shall have
informed himself from him, of divers things merely
concerning his own special service : His Majesty having
no intention to touch him, either in body or goods ; or to
punish him further than with a free Confession of his
own misdemeanours, and those of his complices.
And for the time to come, you are required to move
the States [General], to take some strict order, through
all their Provinces, for the preventing of the like abuses
and licentiousness in publishing printing and venting
underhand [secretly] such scandalous and libellous
pamphlets.
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The hunt after William Brewster. 213
For Ames his preferment, His Majesty doth utterly
distaste it ; as if a new VoRsnus were reviving in him :
and would, in no sort, have any way given unto it
Hampton Court, this 28bh of September 1619.
S.T. Holland. Bundle 133.
THE REFUSAL OP THE UNIVEBSIXr OP LETDEN TO
SURRENDER THOMAS BREWER.
LEYDElff ; MONDAY, 11/21 OCTOBER 1619.
At an extraordinary Meeting of the Curators and
Burgomasters, held on the 21st October 1619.
It being represented to the Curators and Burgomasters,
that the Ambassador of His Royal Majesty, the Eong of
Great Britain requested that Thomas Brewer, English
Gentleman, who is now confined in the Prison of the
University, upon the complaint of the said Ambassador,
by order of the Bektor and Assessors, might be taken
from here to His Boyal Majesty in Ekigland, it is
resolved :
That the said Brewer shall be still offered, as before,
to the said Ambassador,
for further examination in the presence of any one
whom His Excellency may be pleased to appoint,
or he shall go before His Excellency himself,
or otherwise, a proper Obligation shall be demanded
from His Excellency, to the effect that the said
Brewer shall be restored here again within two
months.
Which he not consenting to; the matter must be
referred to the High and Mighty Lords the States of
[the Provinces of] Holland and West Friesland.
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214 ^^ ^^^ after William Brewster,
Register of the University, quoted by EL C. M. in
Hisftorical Magazine^ Vol IV., p. 6, Boston and New
York, 1860, «r
It will be noticed that Sir Dudley CarIiBTOk never
informed King Jambs of the above refusal ; of which he most
have known.
SIB DUDLEY CABLETON TO SIR ROBERT NAUNTON.
THE HAOXJE; WEDNESDAY, 13/23 OCTOBER 1619.
In [A.] the further Examination of Bbeweb, [B.] the
remanding [sending^ him into England, and [C] the
moving [of] the States [General] to take some strict
order against the like abuse [i.e. of secret priifUing] as
that of which he is accused ; touching which three points,
I understand His Majesty's pleasure by your Honour's
letters of the 28th of the last [month] :
[A.] In the first, I find it lost labour, he persisting
in his former Answers: only he hath written me a
long impertinent letter, * which I send your Honour
herewith.
[B.] In the second, because I know it will be a matter
of much difficulty to effect his Majesty's desire; in
regard of the scrupulosity of the town and University of
Leyden in point of Privilege: both [of] which are
interessed [interested] herein, as a mixed cause; he
being apprehended by the Fublic Escoutete [ = Schout»
Bailif]f and kept in the University Prison.
I have therefore thought best to begin the matter
there, by preparing the Curators and the Rector of the
University as likewise the Magistrates [of the town],
* This letter U not now with the State Papers, and is apparently lost.
—E. A,
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by means of their Deputy, Monsieur Brouckhovbn :
having spoken likewise with [Maurice] the Prince of
Oranqe, to the same effect.
The Curators are now at this present at Leyden,
upon the admission of some of their new Professors;
and have promised me their endeavours to give His
Majesty satisfaction. Wherein I shall know, within
these two days, what to trust to.
And then I may, upon better grounds, move the
States [General] both touching that point in particular,
and likewise concerning the last in genersj [C], of
preventing the like abuse, not only in that town
[Leyden] but in all the Provinces. Wherein I will
neither fail of my duty in doing, nor diligence in
advertising.
Meanwhile I humbly take my leave. From the
Hague, this 13th of October 1619.
S. P. Holland. Bundle 133.
SIR DUDLET GARLETON TO SIR ROBERT NAUNTON.
THE HAaUE; FRIDAT, 22 OCTOBBR/1 NOVEMBER 1619.
Right Honourable. The business of Brewer, now
prisoner at Leyden, whom His Majesty demands to be
remanded [sent over] into England, requires a letter
apart.
C!onceming which, I have been spoken with twice
since my last to your Honour, by Sir Thomas Dutton,
of the 13th of this present [month].
First, by two of tie Curators of the University.
And after, by one of the Curators, [Beikerus
BoNTlus] the Rector, his two Assessors ; and a Deputy
from the town [of Leyden] : all which came imto me in
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one company ; and, after large profession of due respect
to His Majesty and desire to give His Majesty all possible
satisfaction, they alledged unto me these difficulties :
First. The Privilege of the University : which any
man that is matriculated, as this Brewer is, may plecul,
upon any accusation, for his trial upon the place;
without having his cause or person removed elsewhere,
contrary to his own mind.
Secondly. The nature of their University : consisting
chiefly of strangers [/oreigfnard] ; to whom if they should
not carefully preserve their privileges in a matter of this
consequence, they would all fly [from] their University.
Thirdly. The condition of the time: there being
now newly a general Reformation made; and if they
should neglect the preservation of their privileges, they
should expose themselves unto the scandal of such as are
deported [framsAec?].
Lastly. The example of one Cluverus [? Philip
Cluvier or Cluverius\ a German ; who, having printed
a book against the Emperor Rodolph, and thereupon
being required of the States [General], to be sent
to Prague, there to be punished ; the University made an
absolute refusal, as that which could not be granted
without breach of their privileges.
To all which points I answered :
First, concerning their Privileges in general. It was
an argument that I sought to maintain, not to infringe,
them ; in that I addressed myself first to them, who were
the Chief of the University : before I would move the
States [General] to use authority this businesa
And for Brewer in particular, though he were a
matriculate man, his printing house where he, for the
space of these three years [This fixes the beginning of the
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The hunt after William Brewster. 217
secret printing in October 1616], hath printed prohibited
books and pamphlets — not for the use of the University
of Leyden, or [of] these Provinces ; but for His Majesty's
disservice, and the trouble of his Kingdoms — was in the
town.
And, in the like case, I asked them, If some busy, or
factious, Arminian, a subject of these Provinces, should
matriculate himself in one of the Universities of Oxford
or Cambridge; and there print, and nend over hither,
books of that argument: of which their Ambassador
should complain, and desire to have him remanded [aervt
over] ; how they would take it, if they should be answered
by a Plea of Privilege ?
Touching the Nature of the University, which
consists of strangers ; I said. They must have, in that
regard, the greater consideration of giving contentment
to stranger [foreign] Princes : otherwise they would, and
might very well, forbid their subjects from frequenting
their University.
Concerning the time of their present Reformation ;
I desired them to remember to whom they might
chiefly ascribe this Reformation: which they have often
acknowledged unto me, to proceed from His Majesty;
and then to consider. Whether it was fit to allege this
Reformation against His Majesty's satisfaction.
As for Cluverus; I told them the case was
different, in that he was required to receive both trial
and punishment at Prague : but His Majesty demands
Bbewer without intention to touch him, either in body
or goods; or to punish him further than with a free
Confession of his own misdemeanours, and those of
his complices; with purpose to return him back again
(after he shall have informed himself from him, of
such things which concern his service), if they shall so
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require it. And for conclusion, I wished them to put
[a] difference between the satisfaction of that Emperor,
with whom they had little or no correspondence, and
the King my Master ; whom this State in general, and
that University in particular, could not but acknowledge
their best friend.
I found them well apprehensive of these reasons,
and to continue, in as much as depended on them,
for so they professed, in their desire of giving His
Majesty satisfaction. But because their University
acknowledgeth for Founders, the States [of the Province]
of Holland ; whose assembly is near at hand, within a
fortnight, or three weeks at the furthest, they desired
me to forbear pressing this matter any further till that
time.
Wherein I made no difficulty : knowing it would be
fruitless. Only I told them. That if they had readily
consented, I made no doubt but that Breweb might be
in England, and returned again, before the meeting of
the States of Holland.
The Curators asked me, when they alone were with
me. Whether I would give them an act \dMiX\ in writing,
in manner of a Safe Conduct, for Brewer's return ; in
case they should send him into England ?
Wherein, having no express order [ie. frtmi the
King] ; I prayed them to weigh. Whether that were any
way needful ; in regard, by what had passed in former
occasions, they might be well assured, that His Majesty's
word, given by any of his Ministers, will never be
infringed.
I understand they have privately appointed [John]
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PoLTANBER ftnd [Anthony] Walsus to deal with
Bbewer, of his own accord to desire to go into England
whereby to satisfy His Majesty, and preserve their
privileges: which I do not mislike. For if he yield
thereunto. His Majesty hath what he requires. If he
make difficulty, I have the more just subject to press his
remanding; which, at the time of the assembly of the
States of [the Province of] Holland, I will not fail to
do. And before [that], in regard the University belongs
only to this Province, it will be to no purpose to move
anything to the States General
Of this, I beseech your Honour to advertise His
Majesty. So I humbly take leave. From the Hague,
this 22nd of October 1619.
S. P. BoUcmd, Bundle 133.
SIB BOBEBT NAUNTON TO SIB DUDLET CABLETON.
WHITEHALL; SATUBDAT, 23 OCTTOBEB /2 NOVBBCBEB 1619.
His Majesty hath charged me, onco more, to
require you, as from himself, that you press, with
all earnestness, the matter of Bbeweb, in all the three
points I recommended to you, from Hampton Court,
28'' Septembri&
Whitehall, 23^ Octobris 1619.
S. P. HoUand. Bundle 133.
SIB DUDLEY OABLETON TO SIB BOBEBT NAUNTON.
THE HAGUE ; MONDAY, 25 OCTOBEB /4 NOVEMBEB 1619.
What is done about Bbeweb at Leyden; your
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Honour will see by a letter * I have, even now, received
from POLYANDER.
Thus I humbly take my leave. From the Hague,
this 25th of October 1619.
S. P. HoUand. Bundle 133.
ant DUBLET CARLETON TO SIB BOBEBT NAUNTON.
THE HAGUE ; WEDNESDAY, 3/13 NOVEMBEB 1619.
Right Honourable. One of the Curators, and
[Reinerus Bontius] the Rector of the University of
Leyden ; with John Polyander and [Daniel] Heinsius,
came to mo on Monday last, being the 1st of this present
[month], expressly from Leyden, to let me know their
resolution to send Bbeweb into England : which, for the
preservation of the privileges of their University, they
made appear unto me, by a Writing under Bbeweb's
hand, to proceed of his own desire, as a dutiful subject
to His Majesty; and willing to give His Majesty all
satisfaction.
But, first, he requires of them, in the said Writing, to
to be assured
[1] It is His Majesty's own pleasure to have him sent
[2] Next, That he may go as a free man under
caution [security] of his lands and goods ; not as a
prisoner.
[3] Then, That he may not be punished during his
abode in England, either in body or good&
[4] And, That he may be suffered to return hither,
in a competent time.
[5] -AJid lastly. That his journey be without his own
charge.
* ThiB Letter ia not now with the State Papers. Sir Dudley statea, at
p. 231, that he had not taken a copy of it.— E. A.
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These things were requested of me by the Curator,
the Rector, and the rest, in his behalf. Wherein I made
them this verbal promise, without being further moved
by any of them, as I was formerly, to give them my act
\deed\ in writing :
[1] That, for the first. It was His Majesty's express
will and pleasure : which I might the better assure them,
having the same, now a second time, reiterated unto me
by your Honour's letter of the 23rd of October ; which,
at that instant, I received.
[2] Next, That if they would take caution \pecwniy\
of him of his lands and goods, for his rendering
himself to His Majesty in England ; I left it* to their
discretions. But to send him as a free man could not
well be, as long as he remained in reatu [in the state
of a person arraigned].
[3] Then, That for his body and goods during his
abode in England, I undertook he should not be touched :
being so warranted by your Honour's former letter of
the 2l8t of September.
[4] And for his return, That it should be within the
space of three months at the furthest ; and sooner, if he
dealt ingenuously and freely in his Confessions.
[5] Touching the charge of his journey, I made
no difficulty to free both him and them thereof : not
doubting but His Majesty will be pleased to allow it.
So as there remaining this only point of difference
between us. Whether he should go as a prisoner, or as a free
man ? In the end we .concluded of [agreed to] a middle
way betwixt both, That he should go svi> libera custodia.
*The Bond, dated 2/12 November 1619, which Bbxwib gave the
UnWenity of Leyden, to return to that city, is printed by H. C. M. in
Hitiorieol Magazine, VoL IV., p. 6, Boeton and New York, 1860, 4.— E. A.
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Being attended from Leyden to Rotterdam, by one
of the Beadles, with another OfBcer, of the University ;
and [to] be there delivered to some such person as I
should appoint for his safe convoy into England : where I
have undertaken for him, he shall not be cast into any
common prison, nor be ill used. Though for his liberty,