Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Edward VI 1547-1553. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1861.
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'Edward VI: February 1553', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Edward VI 1547-1553, (London, 1861) pp. 241-253. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/edw-vi/pp241-253 [accessed 26 April 2024]
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February 1553
| Feb. 2. Castle of Moscow. |
613. Ivan Vasalovich, Emperor of Russia, to King Edward VI. In accordance with his Majesty's request conveyed by one Richard and his company, the Emperor permits the English merchants to have free market within his dominions. Orders have been given that if Hugh Willoughby shall land or touch in the said dominions he shall be well entertained. Will be glad to receive one of his Majesty's Council to treat with and settle commercial intercourse between the two countries. [Copy. Translation.] |
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| Feb. 4. | 614. King Edward VI. to Sir William Pickering. Sir Henry Sydney's report of their joint conference with the French, and Pickering's letter to the Council of the 17th January touching the affairs of the English merchants, have afforded his Majesty much satisfaction. Desires him to present his Majesty's letters to the French King, and to ascertain the terms referred by the latter as preliminaries of peace between him and the Emperor, in the mediation to be attempted by King Edward. [Draft. Five pages.] |
| Feb. 4. | 615. Letter of the Council to Sir William Pickering. Desire him to request of the French King that three notorious pirates named Strangwisshe and Thomas and Peter Killigrew, who have fled to France to avoid justice, may be apprehended and delivered to him for the purpose of being sent to England in sure custody. The Commissioners from the English merchants will shortly be in Rouen. [Draft (autograph of Petre). One page.] |
| Feb. 4. | 616. The Council to Sir Andrew Dudley and Sir Richard Morysine. Acknowledge receipt of their letter of the 25th ult., (fn. 1) and direct Dudley, in consideration of the Emperor's determination not to commune of peace until the French King's sentiments are known, and of his ill disposition of body, to return as soon as he may, if he has not already departed before this letter arrives. Before leaving he will desire to know by D'Arras whether the Emperor has any further answer to send, and take his leave of the Emperor if the state of his health permits. When opportunity serves Morysine is to remind the Emperor of the subject of Dudley's mission, and endeavour to ascertain his views, whether modified or as they now are. [One page and a half. Copy.] |
| Feb. 11. Venice. |
617. Girolamo Spagna to Francis Yaxley. Is informed by the last letter that he is in the country with his parents, and has no time to write to his friends. Entreats him, on his return to London, to steal a little time to do so. He is indebted in two or rather three letters which Spagna has written to him since he left Venice. The Imperialists do their best to take Sienna, and the Siennese in like manner defend it, so much so that women and the highest ladies carry fascines to a bastion which is in course of construction at the gate Camolia. The French are most active in assisting them, so that they show themselves little afraid of the enemy, who is now near Cortona, and will soon concentrate to commence the enterprise. The Turk's army will soon set forth to favour the attack of the kingdom; so that, unless God shall stretch forth his hand, Italy will be evilly treated both by the Christians and the Turks. Desires to be remembered to Messrs. Arnold, Throgmorton, Barnes and their other friends. [Italian. One page. Indorsed by Cecil.] |
| Feb. 11. Brussels. |
618. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. Had sent his Majesty's letters to Mount eight days since by post, but at his own charges, being forced to send his wife money in such wise, or else to suffer her to want wherewith to buy meat. As God help him, he left her so little that he thinks she hath boarded with shame, or sold with a good deal of loss; and yet he brought so small store with him that if some relief had not come by Weston, Dudley must have lent him money or he should have had none at all ere he could have come to Brussels. The Venetian Ambassador has received from Rome a letter, which says the Bishop of Rome meaneth very earnestly to be in hand with these two princes for their atonement. It goes thus, that he will first send mean men to feel both their inclinations, and will after send a very honourable Ambassador to both; for so he and his do esteem their Cardinals to be. Ferrante's retirement from St. Damiano may increase furies in Italy, seeing they that should stay them have so evil luck when they go about it. It is also thought the enterprise of Sienna will prove harder than it was taken for. He has been so desirous to finish this their business, that Cecil must content him with these few lines, and make their excuse that they write no more news than they have leisure to come by. Trusts shortly to meet with such occurrents, as his customers are wont to ply him withal, and yet could be right glad to be rid of these customers, and to help his successor to them. Is in great hope it will be so, and trusts the time will be upon his wife's coming hither from Spires. Sir Andrew Dudley will be a suitor, and so many others, as Cecil needs but to take the occasions that shall be offered to help him home. If occasions come not, prays Cecil to be one to himself and think he can do no greater pleasure to Morysine. Wishes Cecil health, and that he may be where he may see him whole and feel some of his mirth, for his own weareth in this country so fast away as he is afraid he shall bring no great store home with him. [Two pages.] |
| Feb. 12. Brussels. |
619. Sir Andrew Dudley and Sir Richard Morysine to the Council. Had received their Lordships' letter of the 4th inst. by Francis at 6 a.m. of the 7th, the Emperor having arrived on the preceding day. Informed D'Arras at 9 next morning of their desire to have access to His Majesty for further answer. On the 9th Morysine invited Mons. de Rie to dine with Dudley at his lodgings, where he should meet Don Diego di Mendoza, the Ambassador of Florence, and others. This invitation he accepted, and came a pretty while before dinner, as one as willing to talk as to eat, yet keeping the best of his talk till they were at table, when he said that he had found as good and as hearty friends of gentlemen in England as ever he found in all his life, and thought that whosoever would not the increase of the amity between those two houses, was neither good English nor good Imperial. These two had assayed each other so many years, as they both did well understand how necessary the one was to the other. Both had hitherto prospered, and could not but prosper as long as they hold together; and when the one should take any notable harm, the other cannot but feel his part thereof shortly after. Dudley, Chamberlain, and Morysine talked to the same purpose. De Rie further said that he had often seen France in many perils, but never so like to come to ruin,—not even when Francis its King was prisoner in Spain,—as when the King of England was before Boulogne and the Emperor before St. Dizier. And if his poor advice had been taken when others willed the Emperor to fall to agreement with France, the Emperor had gone on and not staid, till the King of England and he had parted together. His desire was that they should have determined a new war against the spring of the year; and he warranted, that had he been arbiter in the matter, the Emperor should have done well, and England never a whit worse than the Emperor. But he said he was too partial (sic) to be chosen arbiter of all sides; there had been evil ministers by whom much hurt had been done, yet things may amend when gentlemen, and not long gowns, shall be the doers between Princes. After dinner De Rie accepted an invitation from Dudley to dine with him on the following day, and to bring his guest with him as he had done to Morysine. The same evening Mons. de Courriers came to town, and he also gladly came to dine at Dudley's, and both at table and after dinner used much honourable talk of England, expressing his great desire to have the amity stronger between England and his master, saying that if he might have been believed, it had not been to do now. And farther, that such desire was not restricted to himself and a few of the Court, but was felt by all the Emperor's dominions in these parts. He also said, where things are to be done, it is no wise part to stand upon points of honour, but a good piece of wisdom to enter talk roundly and freely with our friends. Touching access to the Emperor, De Rie had shown himself as friendly to seek His Majesty's mind therein, as D'Arras of some purpose did forslow it; for on Friday the 10th inst. he sent a gentleman of his chamber to Dudley to tell him that the Emperor would speak with him on the morrow, as accordingly at three o'clock of the Saturday he did. The Court was very well furnished with noblemen, all of them very glad to embrace the Ambassadors, and glad to talk well of England. The Emperor came forth without staff or any to lead him, his chair being set on the farther end of the chamber that they might see he could go so far without any stay. In the conversation which ensued between his Majesty and Dudley, the former said that until particularities were known from his enemy how could he will the King of England to work in the matter of peace? What answer could he give? All the world knew he began not the wars; they knew France took his subjects' ships and goods, had invaded the empire, hired men to rebellion, taken from the empire things belonging to it, and from himself part of his inheritance. For himself, he always loved peace and wished the quietness of Christendom, and if he might have such a peace as reason was he had, his will was good, and he would be glad to have a peace, not desiring such as he ought not by all good reason to have offered to him. But he knew, if peace were made, the French King would no longer keep it with him than he thought it his best. What the Emperor accounts reasonable they cannot tell, but it seems if reason be offered he is like enough to consent to peace. He bent all his talk to make them understand that he would not refuse any reasonable accord; and it would appear he could be well content that others were judges what should be thought reasonable, and not he himself to be judge. When about to take leave, and offering to kiss his hand, the Emperor cast his arm about Dudley's neck, with great show of accepting his coming, of liking his message, and of allowing his behaviour in the doing thereof. The Queen, meaning the Emperor's comforts, has caused his victories at Tunis and elsewhere to be set out in very fair arras, which hangs in that chamber where they had audience. De Rie and others accompanied them home, and he said to Dudley first and Morysine after, that if they did not use him where he might stand them in any stead, he would think that either they did not know his goodwill towards Englishmen, or that they would him not so much good as to give him oft occasions to make demonstration thereof. They had scarcely at home when Don Diego, who had called during their absence, returned to desire Dudley not to fail him to morrow at dinner. De Rie promised by the way, that he would not leave Dudley so long as he could enjoy him, and when he could no more, his trust was they should meet one day again. The Queen having appointed this morning at nine o'clock for Dudley taking his leave, they have been, and with Chamberlain have received very gentle entertainment at her hand, with as good words as can be devised. Dudley will follow this letter as soon as he can; Morysine being as sorry to tarry as the other is glad to be gone. Send two letters for their Lordships from Mr. Vannes. [Five pages. Part in cipher, deciphered.] |
| Feb. 15. Antwerp. |
620. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. Perceives by a letter out of Saxony, that Hans Frederick's second son, who is the goodlier gentleman, would if he durst, bear a great affection towards the Lady Elizabeth's Grace. The land in Germany is divided, and as much comes to the second as to the first, which first is thought to be of no long life. Were Dukes Maurice and Frederick to die, both their lands come to Hans Frederick's sons. Dares write but to Cecil of this matter, not meaning to take any knowledge thereof, but for Cecil, whose gré shall easily bid him hold his peace. The Emperor, as he may perceive, could content himself with any reasonable peace. The last letters from home, seem to will him not to press the reconciliation but in a few words. Warrants he will not exceed his commission; and thinks the time serves him better to look than to leap, the Emperor's affairs going on as they do. Dudley knows the talk is, that the Venetians will secretly aid those of Sienna and others, to the disadvantage of the Imperialists out of Italy. As Dudley travels in post, thought better to leave it to his talk, than to write it. [One page and a half. Partly in Greek characters.] |
| Feb. 15. Paris. |
621. Sir William Pickering to the Council. On Tuesday the 7th inst., had received by Mr. Masone's man, his Majesty's and their Lordships' letters of the 3d and 4th. On Wednesday, M. de Guise, accompanied by the Princes and gentlemen who had been at Metz, came to the Court, where there was such joy and feasting for the two days following, as for that time almost nothing else was minded. On Saturday morning, because the King was going out a hunting early, he had audience in the bed-chamber, before his Majesty was dressed, and delivered to him King Edward's letter. The King was willing to agree to a peace being mediated by the King of England, provided the Emperor made proposals first, but not otherwise. He will also cause the pirates to be apprehended. Next day he saw the Constable, and noted in him a much greater inclination to peace than in the King. On receipt of their letters of the 4th January, by certain Irishmen from Limerick, he preferred their complaints to the Council, who remitted them to the Commissioners at Rouen. Has recently procured for many English merchants in France, a renewal of their privileges under the Great Seal. Has been informed by one Goodall, a miner, that another miner of the name of Nycar, presently with M. de Vendôme, has promised to bring to France 40 or 50 miners from the West of England, for which purpose he has sent thither three of his men, named John Allen, William Powell, and one Penner. They have promised to M. de Vendôme to bring with them also a bowyer and a fletcher. The same Nycar had not long since been with him, promising that he would go straightway to England, and for the same purpose. Had given him in his purse sufficient to defray his journey thither. The French still continue their warlike preparations: their German troops are in Normandy, the Veterans and Swiss on the frontiers of Picardy, and they hasten to collect their naval forces. There is a report here that the King desires to take into his own hands all the conventual property and sell it for ready money, engaging to pay each year in perpetuity the valued rental of such property to the abbies to which it belongs, out of the Crown revenues. This is thought to indicate a great want of money in France, yet many think that by this measure, the King may make two millions of gold. It is again reported, that two Cardinal Legates, a latere, are coming from Rome, to settle the differences between these Princes. Sends long and minute details of the military affairs in Italy. It is reported that the kingdom of Naples is in great want of troops, except the fortresses, which are sufficiently manned: also great want of money, for remedy whereof a new inquisition of the faith is made, which as yet the people will not accept. Poulin with a great party of the Turk's army are preparing for spring. One Bartholomeo Pesaro is expected at this Court on matters of the Duke of Urbino, and to enter into the French service. For the last three days there has been great triumphing and feasting here at the marriage of Duke Horatio and Madame la bastarde of France, which was celebrated in royal apparel, with much solemnity and riches. Implores them to recall him, and for the love of our Lord to command Sir Henry Sydney to inform them of the truth of the case in which he stands. [Twelve pages. Indorsed by Cecil.] |
| Feb. 15. Paris. |
622. Sir William Pickering to Sir William Cecil. The Jacobin friar, of whom he lately wrote, hearing that the King's commission for his apprehension was issued, has fled from Angers and cannot yet be found. Earnestly renews his entreaties to be recalled. "By God! Mr. Cecil, I would you knew the terms I stand in, then I dare boldly say you would judge me to have reason in being thus importunate." Sends a letter from Claudio Ptolomeo to his Majesty. "The man can say well." [One page.] |
| Ash Wednesday. [February 15.] Lubeck. |
623. The Magistrates and Senators of Lubeck to King Edward VI. Credentials of Dr. Herman Appollonius, sent as Envoy on the subject of the privileges of the Hanse Towns. Speech of the said Envoy, at Westminster, 5th April ensuing. [Latin. Three pages. Copies.] |
| Feb. 18. Venice. |
624. Peter Vannes to the Council. The Imperialists, having concentrated their forces to the number of 14,000 on the confines, entered the territory of Sienna and marched to Lusignano, the castle of which was kept by French soldiers. These being too few for the defence, would have burned the provisions and abandoned the place, but the people rose in arms and prevented this waste, and the soldiers retiring to some other quarters, near Sienna, the Imperialists without any trouble took possession not only of that castle, but of Asinalunga, Torrita, and some other towns; exacting from the inhabitants nothing but such provision of victuals as they were able to make. The Imperialists have great hopes of success, being much superior in numbers to the French, who cannot without great difficulty increase their forces, as the roads are impeded by the Imperialists and their allies. They are favoured by the Duke of Florence and the country people. 4,000 Almains from Piedmont under Don Fernando, are on the way, and these with the Spaniards coming from Sicily and Genoa, will increase the Imperial force to 20,000 foot, and 1,500 light horse. The men of arms are to return to Naples, by reason that Tuscany is too narrow and mountainous for their doing any exploit there. The French are well prepared with two years supply of victuals, meaning to keep safe the head of the country, that is Sienna, Chiusi, Massa, Grosseto, Montalcino, Port Hercules and Porto Talamone, places on the sea coast well furnished and fortified. The Siennese murmur at the abandoning of Lusignano. The Imperialists were proceeding with their ordnance to Chiusi, a very strong place not easily to be taken without battery. Besides 40 pieces of ordnance belonging to the Emperor, the Duke of Florence has lent them 13 of his own, and aids them with munitions and victuals. In Orvieto, a country belonging to the Bishop of Rome, the French have taken a courier of the Viceroy, going to the Emperor: this has much aggrieved the Bishop, who has written earnestly to the Cardinal of Ferrara and Mons. de Thermes that he will not suffer his jurisdiction to be violated by them or others; and if the Bishop and the French fall out, it will be a great hindrance to the enterprise. After recovering from his sickness, the Viceroy was appointed to go to Montipulciano, not far from the army, which is commanded by his son Don Garcia, with the advice of Signors Alessandro Vitelli, Sforza, Santofiore, and Camillo Colonna, men of first experience in wars. The siege of Sienna is by some thought to be most difficult of achievement, by reason of its site and strong fortifications; others think that the ground about it is of a kind that may be mined easily. Count Sanseverino, nephew to the Prince of Salerno, has passed here on his way to Constantinople, to assure the Turk, as he says, in the French King's name, that at a time specified, he will have a large army in the realm of Naples; without which the Turk cannot persuade himself that this army may do any good there. It is said here, that the French King will send 10,000 Swiss and a large number of horse, and levy men in Italy for the enterprise of Naples, but the Imperialists question his ability to procure any considerable number of Italians. They also doubt whether the Swiss will willingly serve so far from home, and in company with the Turks; and as the way to Italy by Piedmont is stopped, they think the only passage for the Swiss is by the Frisons and these States. As the mountains of the Frisons are very evil and troublous for footmen, and much more for men at arms, the French King, it is supposed, will much use the service of the sea or the Turk's navy for transporting his horsemen from France, if he intends to send any number. The Seigniory steadily persist in neutrality, and it is believed that they be nothing pleased that the Turk should so often be brought to a knowledge of the ports and havens of Christendom, which for three years has compelled them to maintain a fleet of more than 40 gallies, at an extraordinary annual charge of 100,000 crowns. [Four pages and a half.] |
| Feb. 20. Brussels. |
625. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. But that it pleased the Council in one matter to write sundry letters to Chamberlain and him by Mr. Parker, they thought still to have their letters jointly, and being in one town, one King's servant not to seem two. It shall be no great cumber to them to write as they do, though in very deed it were both their comfort to write together, and to join in these letters, seeing in the rest they are so willingly together, and so willing to come both home at once. The Lords must needs be weary to read both their letters, when they shall be both of the same things; and therefore requests Cecil will tell his mind to Yaxley, and they will follow it accordingly. If the Count Palatine comes hither, wishes he might have a letter from his Majesty; they may perhaps receive pleasure at his hand. It was Otto Henrich and not he, who sought relief at the King's hands; at least knows Otto Henrich did not of this man's craving. Heard not till Weston told him of it. If it is determined, desires but what Cecil shall think good. He is a very noble gentleman, and used Morysine so well that he must be sorry to know his desire so great, and himself so unable to speed him of any part thereof. Dudley said he would speak for his coming home; would now be glad to hear from Cecil, and that he may think there is cause, sends him letter from the Duke of Saxony's preacher to Mr. Hales. The writer is a goldsmith, and would fain mingle metals together. Cecil knows what he means, and till he tells Morysine, the latter wots not what answer to make to him. Knows nothing of the matter, nor will write him anything, if it be no more meant at home. Ascham, Cecil knows, has so set things out, that love must be born, though the party is not seen. [Two pages.] Incloses, |
| 625. I. Letter from John Aurifaber to John Hales.—Weimar, 26th December 1552. Some weeks ago had received his letter, with others from himself to Hales, which had been intercepted and opened. Has written to Sarcerius to whom they were intrusted, to ascertain by whose hands they were forwarded. When he hears, will communicate the reply, and henceforward will write more cautiously on the business. Surprised that the Ambassador has not written since he left him. Their's is not ready; has communicated the same matters to the son, to whom he has given great hopes, and who is very anxious that the affair may be hastened. Writes by the courier of their Court, a most trustworthy person, and awaits reply. Has lately also written to Count Albert, who waits for Hales' coming. Believes that Hales is made aware of the wars and commotions in Germany, by the letters which are daily sent to Philip [Melancthon]. The Emperor is in camp, and hitherto has sharply besieged Metz, and in many places destroyed walls and towers. But the citizens defend themselves gallantly, and make daily sorties on the camp, annoying the Imperialists. The French are said to have a camp not far from Metz, and bring troops from all quarters, and it is thought will relieve the city. The Marquis' army is grievously afflicted by pestilence and all kinds of disease, and more than 300 soldiers die daily; others, both horse and foot, seek safety by flight, and leave him. This wickedness will not pass unpunished. Some of the principal citizens leave Augsburg, for that unhappy city groans under heavy exactions, and the former guard there is increased by 1,200 men. On the banks of the Rhine pestilence rages extremely, and at Strasburg, Hedius, and the wife of John Sturm, and 13 preachers have died of it. The army in Saxony increases daily, and lately messengers from Strasburg have been with Count Volrad in the camp; believes they were sent by J. S. Understands that, the duchy of Brunswick being occupied, he will make for other places. From all these tumults and dangers can hope for no good to Germany, but on the contrary, the destruction of religion and liberty in that country is impending. Letters from the camp this day inform him that the army will be increased shortly by 1,000 cavalry. Wishes him the congratulations of the coming year. | |
| P.S.—From Strasburg, Francis Driander sends a letter for Philip Melancthon: requests him to hand it to him with his own compliments. "The Duke of Saxony is right heir to the Duke of Cleves, if he have no heirs male, as all we astronomers judge he is not like to have; and it is not to be doubted but the new corphurst [churfürst, i.e. electoral prince] will have some plague. I have very oft desired to go to the old Count Mansfeldt, but because I have nothing to do with him, I defer it." [Latin. This last paragraph quoted is English, in Greek characters. Three pages.] | |
| Feb. 24. Westminster. |
626. Resumption of the Privileges of the merchants of the Steelyard. On these grounds:— |
| 1. The pretended privileges are void, because the merchants have no sufficient corporation to receive the same. | |
| 2. These privileges extend to no certain persons or towns, but they admit to be free with them whom they list, to the annual loss to the customs of nearly 20,000l. | |
| 3. Even were such privileges good according to the law of the land, which they are not, they had only been granted on the condition that they should not avow or colour any foreign goods or merchandise; a condition which the merchants have not observed. | |
| 4. For more than one hundred years after these alleged privileges were granted, the Hanse merchants exported no goods, except to their own countries, or imported any but the produce of the same; whereas now they do so to the Low Countries, Flanders, and elsewhere, and import from them, contrary to the terms of a recognizance made temp. Hen. VII. | |
| 5. These privileges, which were at first beneficial to the merchants, without any notable injury to the realm, have now by their exceeding of the same grown so prejudicial to the State that they may no longer without the great hurt thereof be endured. | |
| 6. The treaty of reciprocity, made after a forfeiture of the alleged privileges by war, temp. Ed. IV., whereby the English should have similar liberties in Prussia and other places of the Hanse, has been daily broken, especially in Dantzic, by the prohibition of Englishmen to buy and sell there: and though divers requests for redress of such wrongs have been made, no reformation has ensued. | |
| Wherefore until the merchants can prove better and more sufficient matter for their claim, all their liberties and franchises are seized and returned into the King's hands; reserving to the merchants the ordinary privilege of trading common to those of other nations. [Copy. Two pages. Entitled by Cecil, "The Decree ageynst the Styllyard." See Macpherson's Annals of Commerce, Vol. ii., pp. 109, 110.] | |
| Feb. 25. Paris. |
627. Sir William Pickering to Sir William Cecil. There repair unto him almost every day men of good learning and reputation, great and earnest favourers of God's Word. Knows at least fifteen, both of good service and estimation in this Court, that will in a few days be in England for fear of the faggot. Among these are four Spaniards (rarœ Aves), so virtuous and well instructed in God's Book, that their likes may hardly be found in any place. Certain ladies of the Court have of late kept a communion amongst themselves, but not so secretly that the thing was not discovered, wherewith the King is much offended. The Marshal St. André's wife the chief, with at least ten others, at that banquet. These matters are marvellously sown abroad throughout all this country. [One page. Indorsed by Cecil.] |
| Feb. 28. Brussels. |
628. Sir Richard Morysine to the Council. Whether or not it be true that since Christmas the city of Paris has given their King in ready money 100,000 crowns, with promise of 6,000 foot at their charges, so long as the war lasts between him and the Emperor, he cannot tell, but he is sure that the rumour has served the Emperor to good purpose in straining his people farther than perhaps they would have gone. These countries have paid so much, and so often, that they would gladly show themselves to be weary of paying; but the present necessity is such that nay can in no wise serve it. It is told them that what the Emperor asks is a trifle, compared with what the Parisians give. His clergy have so good a title to their whole, that they stick not to give him the one half, quietly to enjoy the other. The great estimation in which Maximilian is held, both in the High and Low Countries, may be the reason why the Emperor will not use him in these wars. The rumour that he is to be General continues: but there are at the Court who say that he is sickly and weak, and unwilling to be far from the Queen his wife. Some consider these are tales devised to blemish some part of his fame. The Germans would be glad he were their Emperor, and those of Flanders as glad he were their lord. Some dare to say that if the Emperor had shut in his shop windows, the oaths made to the Prince of Spain when in Flanders would stand him in small stead. It is thought there can be no better mean to induce the Emperor to hearken to peace, than that Maximilian in being General, should so by his doings win the hearts of his troops, as that they should ever after be devoted to his standard. It had been said the Emperor should go to Ghent about Mid-Lent, but now that the Queen goes thither; some difficulty in the gathering of these new benevolences being anticipated. The Emperor is not likely to stir hence a good while: he is said these three or four days to have been shrewdly handled with his gout. The Nuncio has earnestly sought an audience, and by reason of the Emperor's evil case been desired to treat with D'Arras: this he refuses, being required by the Bishop to confer with the Emperor alone. The Bishop is much misliked in this Court, he seeming rather to mock, than willing to make, a peace that would spare the travel of two Legates now, since to breed these stirs in Christendom, he did not stick to send three or four to each of the princes. The King of England highly commended for sending two such persons as he did: the Emperor's honorable entertainment of Dudley showing that he found a better taste in the amity of England than in times past he has made open show of. So much is the amity relished, that when it was reported the Emperor was going to Bruges, Morysine was asked whether the King of England was to meet him there, a rumour to the effect of such interview, with great assembly of nobles on both sides, having arisen. The departure of the Duke of Alva is judged most certain, and it is said Louis D'Avila and the Archald are also going: indeed, except John Manrique and Don Hernando della Corda, no other Spaniards of name tarry here Some suppose they will take England in their way, and the Duke and D'Avila have commission in such case to practise great things with his Majesty. As yet cannot learn the time of their departure or their route; but believes both will be kept as secret as possible, because else they may be laid for. Speculates on the propriety of his visiting the Duke, and the effect of the latter's going to England upon the French King. Will abide the Council's instructions. The Palsgrave is said to be coming here, and those that are aware of his errand suppose the Emperor determines the sending away of the Spaniards before his coming, that it may not be said the Palsgrave was the occasion thereof, or that the Emperor does it to the intent that the Germans should not press him in the other. By this sending off of the Spaniards the Emperor will win marvellous love both in the High and Low Countries. It is supposed that the Emperor will give the charge of these wars to Marquis Albert, either because of the great grudge which the latter bears to France, or because the Germans will gladlier follow him; and by this way he may be able at all times to revenge the Emperor's quarrel and his own to Duke Maurice. The Emperor reported to have said to some of the nobles of this country, that his regard for it was such, that he could not show to them what dangers he willingly entered into when he heard the enemy wished to annoy them. And in connexion with this the Queen had privately mentioned to some of them, that at Inspruck the Emperor caused his beard to be dyed, and, attended only by D'Andelot, Rosenberg, and Vaudrey, came as far as Constance with the intention of proceeding hither unknown; but hearing there that all the Rhine was laid, and the way full of soldiers, he was driven to go back again. Considers this but a made tale, and therefore had not previously written it: now only does so because it is thus handled, although he cannot think that in such times of stir the Emperor would so have exposed to risk his person, for the ransom of which two Flanders had scarcely sufficed. In Piedmont the French daily increase their troops. Pietro Strozzi is going thither with 6,000 Gascons. Octavio still provides more soldiers, which makes people suppose that if the French King be able to set upon Milan, while the Prince of Salerno is busy at Naples, it may be Octavio will seek to revenge his father's death and attempt to recover Piacenza. This he may hope to come to again rather by favour of the inhabitants than by his own force, it being one of the strongest cities in Italy. The Emperor has such ministers in Italy as provide him enemies of his own subjects, and so many as they need but occasion to turn tenants to any body rather than to remain under such spoil as they now suffer. Rumours that the French King intends to send Ambassadors for peace, supposed to be set abroad by the French faction, with a view to embarrass the payment of the grant by the people here. Orders are given here for horse and foot to be ready in March. Horsemen are sent for out of Frisia. Martin Van Rosse is looked for before that time. The King of Poland has made his stubborn clergy stoop at last, and acknowledge themselves his subjects: nay, they have written to Rome renouncing their obedience to the Bishop, and showing that oaths made against God's doctrine and against their duty to their sovereign lord, need none of his dispensation. The Ambassador of Savoy has this day sent him word that a man has come from the Constable of France to treat of peace: if so, people suppose it done to deceive the Emperor rather than for any other purpose. But as the person who sent him the information, many times breeds things that be nothing so in deed, he cannot write with any certainty as to this. Perhaps it is that, hearing of this man's coming, the Bishop's Nuncio is now content to talk with D'Arras, having small hope of speedy access to the Emperor. Of this conference has heard no particulars. Has just been informed that the Duke of Alva's household departs hence to-morrow. [Five pages. Part in cipher, deciphered.] |
| [1552–3.] [End of Feb. or beginning of March?] [Venice.] |
629. Letter in cipher, with decipher in Latin attached, evidently from Peter Vannes to the Council. Mons. de Raimond, Ambassador from the French King to the Turk, arrived here from Constantinople by forced journies on the 23d of February, and left for France the same evening with 10 horses in great haste, to inform his master, in the Turk's name, that he intended to attack the Emperor both by land and sea, and recommended and requested the French King to send an army of 50,000 men into Italy to besiege the Emperor's strongholds. Although M. de Raimond had scarcely recovered from a wound, he deemed this of such moment that he hesitated not to take the journey. Thinks it his duty immediately to communicate these things to their Lordships. [Four pages. Torn at the corners.] |