Edward VI: January 1553 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Edward VI 1547-1553. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1861.

'Edward VI: January 1553', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Edward VI 1547-1553, (London, 1861) pp. 235-241. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/edw-vi/pp235-241 [accessed 28 April 2024]

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January 1553



1552–3. Jan. 5. Antwerp.	601. Bartolomeo Balbani to Francis Yaxley. A letter of mere courtesy, inclosing a memorandum from his brother Turco Balbani to Yaxley, to the effect that Celio Secundo Curione, an Italian refugee in Basle because of religion, had dedicated his Commentaries upon the Philippics of Cicero to the King of England, as had also his son Horatio Secundo Curione a small work De Amplitudine misericordice Dei, (fn. 1) that for these their labours they had received no reward; and that the father was in great poverty, burdened with a large family and poor fugitive brethren; and requesting Yaxley to submit their case to people of means and influence. When he wishes to write he may intrust his letters to M. Guido Gianotti, an Italian residing with M. Bartolomeo Compagni, which will reach their destination in safety. [Italian. Letter and inclosure, each one page. Indorsed by Cecil.]
	602. Notes of the Treaties between King Henry VIII. and Louis XII. for the marriage of the Princess Mary, sister of the former sovereign, in 1514, and between King Edward IV. and Louis XI. for the marriage of the Dauphin Charles with the Princess Elizabeth, daughter of King Edward IV. [Two pages. Autograph of Sir William Cecil.]
Jan. 8. Brussels.	603. Sir Andrew Dudley to the Council. Arrived here yesterday between one and two o'clock in the afternoon, and immediately, by Mr. Chamberlain the Ambassador, apprised the Regent thereof, but could not have audience until to-day at four o'clock, when she sent for him by Mons. de Barlemont, one of the chief of the Council of the Finances, and the captain of her guard to accompany him to Court. After receiving very thankfully his Majesty's commendations and expressing her hearty good-will and desire for continuance of amity between the countries, she much persuaded with him to remain here till the Emperor's coming, saying that she thought he was on his way, and feared that because his route is not known, and he is somewhat sickly and has great business to do, Dudley should hardly have audience of him until he reached Brussels. Had professed his willingness to follow her advice, but his orders to post towards the Emperor were peremptory, and requested that by some order of her Council he might be addressed the best and surest way to meet with him. She assured him she knew not by what ways the Emperor came; thought that horses should be hard to be gotten, and the country very evil and dangerous to pass. Knows not what her persuasion should mean to have him tarry, but that there is hereabouts a certain bruit that the Emperor should be dead or very sick, and that the camp doth break up. Intends to proceed forthwith as speedily as he can, his delay hitherto having been for lack of passage and of horses. On reaching Dover on Monday at two o'clock A.M., he could have no passage till eight in the morning of Tuesday, and lay on the sea all that day for lack of wind, not coming till night to Calais, whence he was driven to ride to Bruges without change of horses, and from Bruges to Antwerp in like case. By means of this, and of the extreme foul way, he was forced to make the less speed, being also very evil troubled on the way with the rheum and a great cough, of which, he thanks God, he now feels himself somewhat eased.
Jan. 8. Brussels.	P.S.—For that he can see or hear, the Court here is very slenderly furnished of noblemen, none but certain of the ordinary Councillors being in attendance. [Two pages.]
Jan. [Day left blank, but after the 6th.] Spires.	604. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. Hears that they shall come shortly towards Flanders, and would be glad it were not so that his wife and her daughters might also travel with them. Never since he was born has he felt such cold as has been here this Christmas. It looks still like enough to lay him up, in case he be driven to enjoy all its incommodities. Seeing Mr. Chamberlain is at Brussels, he might have good leave to come from Venice about the beginning of March. Not being licensed to tarry will follow his instructions, and give his wife and child leave to follow him as they shall be able. May be sure he would be glad to receive some comfort from Cecil, and that he will think there is small store thereof if none is sent to him. If he hears not of his diets, his wife is like to sojourn where she is till men think he deserves to be better holpen; for he sees deserts be they that are rewarded, and so good will may starve if it bring forth no better works for evidence than he is able. He would do more; let it suffice for his excuse, though it cannot serve to praise, that he cannot. The Emperor was never more chafed than now that the Marquis Albert has in his pays so deceived him. The Emperor knows by this he is come into him, but he brought neither love nor regard of duty with him. The Palsgrave has written letters and sent them to Morysine to be conveyed; would be glad they were such as might make him worthy to have them answered, else he will go no more to him, though sure he could not but be welcome. If Cecil bids Yaxley write anything to him, knows that it will be done with a good will. Sends Lady Cecil a few verses made by a woman born in Italy, and for the Gospel's sake glad to dwell in Germany. He can no skill, but would that Lady Cecil with some epistle in Greek would pick some quarrel of acquaintance to her. Hopes to come home when time will serve for his wife to cross the seas. Supposes the Emperor shall not much longer need any Ambassador; nor much longer tarry where Morysine or any of the least here may speak with him. There be few that can better defeat fortune's foul play than the Emperor, and yet good natures may be provoked too far. Will crave but one letter from Cecil, till either they or the Emperor do come to Brussels. [Two pages and a half.]
Jan. [9.]	605. The Council to Sir William Pickering. Send him herewith copies of certain papers received from the French Ambassador six days ago, relative to the claims of the English merchants, and desire him to lay before the French King and Council other documents connected therewith, to ascertain fully the nature of the evidence required by the French Commissioners, and to expostulate against the imposts imposed upon the English merchandise by the authorities of Rouen. [Two pages. Draft. Autograph of Petre.]
Jan. 9. Brussels.	606. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to Sir William Cecil. Acknowledges receipt of their letters by Mr. Dudley, who departed this morning early, and could no sooner by reason it was long ere he had access to the Queen. By common report, the Emperor will be here at the end of this week, and is thought to be on the way. If this be true, thinks Mr. Dudley shall with much difficulty have audience until he be arrived, for that his Majesty is not wont to give any audience by the way. Has been in hand with the Queen to desire of her that the English merchants might have herrings and battery from hence, paying the ancient tolls only. Her answer was that the prohibition was directed not against England only, but Germany and all places, because the country had lack thereof. When it was rejoined that no such scarcity, but great plenty was alleged, her Majesty said "she ought to know best." Being informed that the merchants asserted that great quantities of herring were daily laden for France by safe-conduct, and that not only the articles of the intercourse bore, but common reason did require the same, seeing her people by sufferance of the English did fish the same on the British coasts and streams, her Majesty desired to have his mind thereon in writing. This he had done, and now awaited her reply thereto. [Two pages. Indorsed by Cecil.]
Jan. 14. Venice.	607. Girolamo Spagna to Francis Yaxley. Is informed by his letter to the Ambassador of his safe arrival in England and inability from want of time to write to his friends before the courier left. His friend M. Bartolomeo Balbani, at Antwerp, is a courteous person, whose services Yaxley may freely command in anything. The recovery of Edym [Hesdin] by the French, and the withdrawal of the Imperial Army from Metz, are the principal news at present. The enterprise against Sienna appears to be fully determined. The Viceroy of Naples sailed upon the 2d inst. with part of his army; the rest comes by land. The Pope is arming, not trusting much in the Imperialists. The Siennese having had time to prepare are in good spirits. Sends him the speech made by Tholomei, the Venetian Ambassador, to the French (missing), as he may like to glance at it, by reason of his fondness for the language and this city. Desires to be remembered to Mr. Scelton, from whom he anxiously expects a letter, according to promise. Also to Messrs. Throgmorton and Arnold, and their other friends. [Italian. Two pages. Indorsed by Cecil.]
Jan. 17. Paris.	608. Sir William Pickering to the Council. Their Lordships will be informed by the bearer, Sir Henry Sydney, of the result of his mission. Commends Sydney's dexterity and his discreet and wise handling of the matter confided to him. Yesterday, M. D'Aubry introduced to him two of the four French Commissioners lately appointed to adjust the commercial differences. Sends herewith a letter which he has received from Mr. Thomas Middlemore, dated Angers, 17th December last, stating that the Provincial of the Jacobin Friars there, named Dyvole, had publicly in his sermons denounced the King of England as a heretic, and as likely to prove false to the French King as he had to his God, and that by his heresy and infidelity he had lost the power of working such miracles as the cure of the falling sickness, which his predecessors, the Kings of England, possessed. This letter he has shown to the Constable, who has promised that ere three days elapse such punishment shall follow on him, as shall well cause all friars to beware through his example what they speak or preach hereafter of princes. [Two pages. Middlemore's Letter in French. One page.]
Jan. 17. Paris.	609. Same to Sir William Cecil. Sir Henry Sydney has accomplished his commission with so great wisdom and circumspection in all the contents thereof as in his mind more could not have been expected of any man. He has been very courteously used by the King and Constable, and has in reward a chain of 600 crowns and a fair courser of Naples. Sends him some French works on genealogy, and incloses a list of the English vessels and merchants' names, concerning which he has laboured to the King and the Council. Trusts that he will remember his suit to return home next February. [One page.]
Jan. 19. Paris.	610. Same to the Council. Had received their letters of the 9th on the 17th, and details his subsequent interview with the French King relative to the evidence required in support of the merchants' complaints. All had been amicably arranged, and the French Commissioners are to go to Rouen in a few days. The merchants who reside in Ireland or distant parts of England are to make their declarations before the local judges, and have them certified hither. The Parisians have presented the King with 80,000 crowns, which are this day to be sent to Italy for defence of Sienna; but it is thought that another grant will be required, as his Majesty's treasure is already spent. It is reported that the Duke of Alva is to go shortly into the Low Countries, whither his troops have already proceeded. Dragut, with the Prince of Salerno, is now at Constantinople, where the Prince has received great presents and entertainment, and has discovered that he and the Turk are nigh kinsmen, by means of a marriage made between one of the Turk's predecessors and a woman of Naples that long since was taken thence, being of the Prince's house. The last letters from Italy mention that the Sophy and the Turk have concluded a peace, and that the Bassa, who was on his way to Persia, has returned to Constantinople. Men say the Turk has offered to aid the French King with his whole army, if he so pleases, for the enterprise of Naples. [Three pages.]
Jan. 25. Luxemburg.	611. Sir Andrew Dudley and Sir Richard Morysine to the Council. On the 5th instant, Morysine received at Spires his Majesty's and the Council's letters by Francis the post. Minute and lengthened details of the meeting of Morysine and Dudley at Treves, and their proceeding together to Luxemburg, where audience of the Emperor was appointed for them. While at Treves, certain of Dudley's suite had gone to Thionville, where they found a chamber hanged with arras, and the Prince of Piedmont's bed set up in it for Dudley, and had great cheer, partridges and pheasants and the Emperor's flagons, it being upon a Saturday. The Ambassadors made such shift, though the waters were so risen that their guide was almost drowned, that they reached Luxemburg a day before the Emperor, who arrived on Wednesday at nightfall. They are quartered in the residence of the Bishop of Treves, and have another house nearly as good for part of their servants. On Thursday, at 3 P.M., Mons. du Rie, chief gentleman of the Emperor's privy chamber, with four other gentlemen of the Court, came to welcome Dudley on part of the Emperor, bringing with him the serjeant of the cellar, it being the Emperor's pleasure that they should have of his own wine, and praying them to send and not to spare it. That same afternoon the Emperor had intended to have given them audience, but besides that the gout was come again into his hand and shoulder, he had also a grudging of a fever. For after his Majesty had dined, he began to tremble and quiver for a season, and within a little while after fell into a burning; howbeit he would take pills that night, and meant, if he should be in case for it, to send for Dudley on the morrow. On Friday, the Italian secretary of D'Arras came to inform them that the Emperor was obliged still to defer the audience, for his Majesty's taking of pills had made him somewhat weak. On Saturday, the same Italian returned, and mentioned that though his Majesty was a good deal amended, yet Dr. Cornelius, his physician, would in no case consent that he should, upon his amendment, cumber his head with many matters. On Sunday, the Secretary came again, and said that the Emperor was so appaired that night that he could now not appoint any day, but would give notice when his health should give him leave. On this day, Wednesday, before dinner they received notice of audience about two o'clock, and at that hour M. du Rie, with eight gentlemen on horseback, came to their lodging to fetch them to the Court. The Emperor came not with half so many noblemen into the town as they found in his chamber at their repair thither, where were the Prince of Piedmont, the Duke of Alva, the Bishop of Arras, Don Diego, Mons. de Vaux, the Count of Egmont, with all those of his chamber, it being better furnished with hangings than ever before found by Morysine, who had at no time either seen or heard of such honourable receiving of any Ambassador since his time in this Court. The interview and conversation very minutely set forth,—the Emperor addressing Morysine in Italian, as his Majesty was not able to speak loud, and Dudley, by reason of an extreme cold and murre, not being able to hear him; but yet, though very hoarse at the beginning, when he came to name his enemy, he spake so loud that Dudley might easily hear what he said. The Emperor stood stiff upon his honour; though not indisposed to peace, would give no answer till he knew his enemy's mind. The Emperor in many ways appearing to wax faint, the audience terminated; it being his intention to leave for Brussels to-morrow, at which place he would see Dudley again, having no leisure by the way for that purpose. In all the time of Morysine's being in Germany he has never seen the Emperor so nigh gone, never so dead in the face, his hand never so lean, pale, and wan; his eyes that were wont to be full of life when all the rest had yielded to sickness, were then heavy and dull, and as nigh death in their look as ever he saw any. If, according to appointment, his Majesty goes away to-morrow, hardly believes he will come alive to Brussels; has often seen him very evil, but never half so nigh the pit as now. D'Arras was very sad, the Duke of Alva out of countenance, and the Prince of Piedmont would have forced a mirth to them, but he talked to them like a man utterly amazed. Suppose their Lordships will perceive by this that the Emperor will easily be brought either to like peace if the fault be not in the French King, or not to make wars any time. D'Arras, hearing that they meant to send a post, willed Capata to stay him, to the intent he might carry his letters to the Regent, and letters, and as they suppose, instructions to the Emperor's Ambassador in England. If the Emperor leaves to-morrow they will towards Flanders; if not, will remain here till he departs. Three days ago he sent 20,000 crowns to Marquis Albert, for recruiting fresh troops in the Bishop of Treves' land. Heard that at his going he besought the Emperor if with his favour he might challenge a debt of 50,000 crowns which he alleges due to him by the Bishop, and that the Emperor said, "If he owe it you, make as good means as you can that he pays it you." This likely to be true, as the Bishop has sent a Count as Ambassador to the Emperor, with divers learned men waiting upon him. These may talk with D'Arras, but with small hope of audience from the Emperor. The Marquis will probably seek his debt by such ways as it became first his due, when the Bishop may think the Emperor, in suffering him to use violence, has set him on. The Bishop was not greatly Imperial before, and this handling may make him a good deal more French. On leaving Metz the Emperor left behind him a number of Italians, Spaniards, and Germans sick and needy. These M. de Guise has taken into Metz, and sends such as recover through France with money and passports to their own countries; and those that remain in hospital are provided, so that they lack nothing. This shall win honour to De Guise and reproach to the Emperor, when the soldiers in France and in their own countries shall declare the entertainment of both sides. [Six pages and a half, partly in cipher, deciphered.]
Jan. 28. Venice.	612. Peter Vannes to the Council. On the 21st inst. Signor Don Gratia, son of the Viceroy of Naples, arrived at Rome accompanied with only 200 horses, not having leave to bring a larger number as he had required. He had visited the Bishop of Rome, and departed not well satisfied, because the Bishop had refused to make his brother, Don Luigi, a Cardinal. All that evening Don Garcia was occupied with divers Spanish and Imperial Cardinals, but well watched by the Bishop's agents, fearing some other stratagem. Next morning he left for Monterosa, 20 miles from Rome, where were the Imperialists whom he had guided by land. These consisted of 2,500 Almains well appointed, 2,500 Italians, 2,000 Spaniards, lately come out of Spain and as yet not well experted in wars, 400 men at arms, 600 light horse from Naples, and 200 horse well appointed for the safety of the Viceroy's own person. He himself has taken his journey by sea towards Florence, accompanied with 1,500 Spaniards, old and expert soldiers. Signor Ascanio della Cornia has in readiness 2,500 Italian footmen, and will join the Emperor's army, which as yet, touching the chivalry, is reckoned stronger than the French at Sienna. These Imperialists from Naples carried with them no ordnance, but 100 carriage mulets leaden with lead, powder, and matches for use of the hagbutters. In infantry the French at Sienna are reckoned more numerous, better armed, and better willing. The Duke of Florence it is thought will in the end declare himself Imperial. The country of Tuscany will be much wasted and damnified for the entertainment of both these armies, which are like every day to increase more and more, and yet the rainish and miry season seems very unmeet for soldiers to do any great exploit in open field. Don Fernando Gonzaga having made a breach in the wall of San Damiano, in the marquisate of Montferrat, had prepared to give the assault, when a great mist arose which lasted three days and was succeeded by a very great rain, whereby all that enterprise was of force laid apart, and Don Fernando with his army and artillery retired out of the mire into Asti and Alessandria. A great part of the Imperial army in Piedmont, it is said, will go to join the Viceroy of Naples against Sienna, and the rest will be garrisoned in various parts of the country, the French on their side having done the same. So the matters of Piedmont seem to have some rest, God knows how long! Letters from Constantinople of the 22d ult. confirm the news of the great victory of the Persians over the Turk, who is like for this year to revolt his strength from Christendom to his own defence. The Prince of Salerno was still at Constantinople. Letters from Antwerp of the 7th inst. mention the King of England's offer of mediation between the Emperor and the French King, which is here generally praised and lauded of every good man. [Five pages.]