Annotation on verso of blank p. 1: "Lib. Edw. Mangin. This volume was inspected by the Revd. and learned Joseph Hunter, who said it did not contain anything of moment to make amends for the trouble of reading it."

Annotation following, in another hand, concerning the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury.

Binding: 17th century? full calf, rebacked; modern spine title label.

In English.

Manuscript on paper in several secretary hands of a Recusant attack on the English government written during the repression of Roman Catholics that followed the Spanish Armada. Verstegen specifically responds to the 18 October 1591 Proclamation by Elizabeth ("A declaration of great troubles pretended against the realme by seminarie priests and jesuists") which intensified the persecution of Jesuits and of Catholic seminarians. He also attacks members of the court, in particular Cecil, Walsingham, Leceister and Drake; objects to leagues with "Infidells, heretiques and rebells;" regrets that the Queen did not demonstrate "her gifts of nature and education" by remaining faithful to "the religion of her ancestours;" and suggests a partial exoneration for Philip II's actions and motives in 1588.

No title or author given. The text opens with "To the Indifferent Reader," a prefatory statement that concludes with "from Colen [Cologne] 26th of March 1592."

Armada, 1588 > Influence.

Catholics > England.

Catholics > England > Controversial literature.

Catholics > England > Political activity.

Jesuits > England.

Persecution > England.

Great Britain > Foreign relations > 1558-1603.

Great Britain > Politics and government > 1558-1603.