Mary: December 1555

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Mary 1553-1558. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1861.

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'Mary: December 1555', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Mary 1553-1558, (London, 1861) pp. 198-200. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/mary/pp198-200 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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December 1555

Dec. 17.
Brussels.
441. Sir John Masone to the Council. Lately communicated what had passed between the King and himself touching the navigation to the Guineas. This day the King informed him that by reason of his having written not so resolutely as his Majesty had done, some doubt had arisen in the Council. He therefore signifies to them that the King thinks, and then thought, that the navigation in question ought not to be permitted, as it is the region plainly known to be in the occupation of the King of Portugal. This being so, and yet the King being desirous to help the English merchants as much as possible in reason, he would travail that the King of Portugal should take the merchandise by them provided at reasonable prices. Did not at the time understand this to be settled; has since perceived it to be otherwise. The King's gentle and courteous talk, and his declaration of his displeasure that the merchants should be hindered, caused Masone to mistake his meaning somewhat, and made him write less peremptorily than he now perceives the King wished him to have written then, and wishes him to write now; and that is that the said navigation cannot be continued without injury; wherefore the King takes the condition offered to the merchants to be the best way to save them from harm, which he thought the Council and the merchants would like accordingly, and touching which he wishes to hear. Excuses his misinterpretation of the King's meaning. The Cardinals of Lorraine and Tournon are at Rome, and lodged in the palace. The Pope has declared plainly since their arrival that their coming is not for continuance of the war; the truth being that they have offered him in their master's name all the assistance he shall require, even to the employing of his own person. He has said the chief cause of their coming is to pray him to put his helping hand to a peace; and if he had a third part of the power given him by the Imperialists for the maintaining of it that he has of the French, he does not doubt he would bring the matter to a good end shortly. When they see cause to believe his good meaning in this, they will be glad in the Court here. Yet while he does not reduce the forces which he assembled on the pretext of his fear of Don Bernardino di Mendoça, who has retired, but daily increases them, they cannot but think he means unhappily. The Cardinal of Lorraine has brought with him 15,000 crowns by the year of spiritual promotions, to be employed by the consent of the Cardinal of Ferrara among deserving persons. Cardinal Caraffa has accepted 5,000 crowns for his share. The Pope has given a resolute answer to Marc Antonio Colonna that others exist who have a better right to the estate he late enjoyed than he, and has declared that he shall enjoy it no longer. The Duke of Urbino has given up his place of Captain-General of the Church, and will retire, it is thought, to serve Venice, which he has served before. It is thought the Count of Montorio will have his place; and there is a voice, without any great ground, that the Count will be sent to the Emperor and the King to treat for peace, and that Cardinal Caraffa will go to France for the same purpose. The Cardinal of Burgos entered Sienna on the 30th Nov. with 60,000 crowns, taken in exchange in florins upon his own credit. The news of the loss of four gallies of Malta are confirmed; the bodies have been recovered, but the ordnance and the rest are lost. The Turks continue their burning and spoiling in Hungary, and have made roads within 16 miles of Vienna. The King hangs still for the return of Francisco, whose delay has made him break his appointment to Antwerp three or four days. [Four pages.]
Dec. 23.
Layton.
442. Thomas Gresham to Queen Mary. At his last interview with her Majesty she commanded him to confer with the Bishop of Ely, Lord Paget, and Sir Wm. Petre touching her debts beyond seas. As it was dark night when he left her, did not like to trouble them then, thinking he should be able to do her commission next day. Being visited with a hot burning ague, however, he was unable to fulfil his intention. Sent, nevertheless, his factor John Elliot to them to signify her pleasure; they were most ready to accomplish it so far as they had her commission for it. The Bishop of Ely said he should be absent four or five days and Lord Paget also; so that by reason of his continual sickness he waited until their arrival, or until he could come himself to have conferred with them. Has not done so as yet. Has given them to understand what money of the 10,000l. he had received of her Majesty's merchants. Has just received 3,000l., and has delivered by exchange at 21s. 6d. the sum of 2,000l. On the 21st inst. the Lord Treasurer sent to him to say that he had taken upon him to confer with Gresham to pay all her Majesty's debts. and that he had come to London to give order for the payment of 5,000l. towards the 10,453l. 6s. 8d. due to Alex. [sic] Bonvisi the 25th Jan. next. As her Majesty had commanded him to confer with other of the Council, thinks it his duty to inform her of the premises. Begs to know her further pleasure in the matter. [Two pages. Printed by Burgon, Vol. i., p. 182.]
Dec. 28.
Rome.
443. Pope Paul IV. to Francisco Bolognetto. Appointing him one of the Forty Reformators of Bologna in room of Louis Lambertini, deceased, at the request of Queen Mary. [Latin. Broadside on vellum.]
Dec. 29.
Augsburg.
444. Edward, Earl of Devonshire, to Mr. Harman Ryngk. Having now arrived in Augsburg, has followed his advice in choosing a new guide, and sends back the bearer, whom he has found very honest, painful, and diligent. Had received his stuff at Mentz, and found Smonde Isenheubt who did him much pleasure there by occasion of Ryngk's letter, for which, and for the gentleness and friendship found at his hands when at Cologne he most heartily thanks him. The plague is raging at Venice. [Half a page.]
Dec. 31.
Brussels.
445. Christiana, Duchess of Lorraine, to Queen Mary. Recommends for employment the bearer, William Liche, who was born a subject of her father the King [of Denmark], and had for many years been in the service of Henry VIII. and Edward VI. [French. Two pages.]