Elizabeth: January 1572, 21-31

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1876.

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'Elizabeth: January 1572, 21-31', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574, (London, 1876) pp. 26-34. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol10/pp26-34 [accessed 19 April 2024]

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January 1572, 21-31

[Jan.] 75. Jerome Dachey to M. de Soubernon.
Is glad to hear of his arrival at Madrid, and forwards a packet of letters.
Undated. Add. Seal. Fr. P. ½.
Jan. 21. 76. H. Knollys to Lord Burghley.
The Spanish Ambassador has received answer from Zwegenhem, and is better disposed towards departure. Last night order was taken for embarking his horses, and for his own at 10 o'clock this day, but about midnight arose such a tempest that all ships in the road were in danger of being lost; divers were cast upon the shore, such as could with sea room for their succour fled to the Downs, but the rest being small vessels abide out the adventure of the storm, as their anchors and cables will serve them; thus they wait only upon the weather.—Dover, 21 Jan. 1571. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1.
Jan. 21. 77. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley.
1. Considerations of the respective liability to attack of England and France, and of the proportion that each ought to contribute towards a defensive league. In Latin.
2. The King is minded to send over Le Croc to help pacify Scotland. Desires to know what charge it is by the common course of England to find 1,000 soldiers with their captains by land, and also 1,000 by sea. His Lordship has need now to help them with particularities on every point.—Amboise, 21 Jan. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 12/3.
Jan. 21. 78. Copy of the articles concerning a treaty contained in Smith's letter of this date.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 1¼.
Jan. 21. 79. Henry Killegrew to Lord Burghley.
Thinks by all the reasons he can gather that they mean well touching the amity, and is put in comfort that "etiam religionis causa" shall be put in. The King has appointed the Duke of Montmorency to be at the conference, who has assured him there was good faith meant to confirm the League by sending the Duke of Alençon into England not as a husband but as a servant to honour the Queen. It is thought meet that Her Majesty should be resolute with 30, [Cavalcanti] touching the point of religion, by whose means some think here to obtain a better bargain than by Sir Thomas Smith. The Queen must needs remember the Duchess of Uzes with a letter or some token. There are sundry great personages here who have pensions of the Queen of Scots, which causes them to urge the King and the Queen Mother to do more than they be of themselves inclined. As things stand now they can do no less in policy, for without the colour of her they have no good means to insinuate any credit or authority in Scotland. Was never of mind that they would send any forces into Scotland. The levying of men and the making of ships is not without the Admiral's consent, and he is sure it is meant against King Philip either in Flanders or elsewhere. There is presently at the court a number of gentlemen of Picardy and Normandy, to be employed in some enterprise; they be all Protestants, and he hears that they will be able to put 3,000 men on land and keep their ships furnished. Desires much some more of Buchanan's books, for they be greatly desired here. Caused one to be sent to the Duke of Savoy's court, and to the Count Palatine the Scottish Queen's discourse to the Duke, the congé given the Ambassador of Spain with "salutem in Christo" translated, which he will impart to all the Princes in Germany. Where Burghley writes that they of the Castle of Edinburgh have committed their cause to the arbitrament of the Queen, M. de Limoges told Sir Thomas Smith that they have written hither a clean contrary tale. They say the Guises have sent to the King that they were at his devotion, either to come to court or to remain at their houses, and that they would refer the matter between the Admiral and them to him. The French King's expenses grew last year to 3,000,000 francs more than his revenue, so that he has cassed so many of all sorts, as he will save above 5,000,000 a year. All ways are put in practice to let the marriage between the Prince of Navarre and Madame Marguerite.—Amboise, 21 Jan. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 4.
Jan. 21. 80. J. Wood to Lord Burghley.
Met the young Count Rhinegrave two posts this side of Orleans. The Scots at Paris are very busy about Mr. Walsingham for passports, Mackison the Bishop of Ross's man has been in hand with Sir Thomas Smith and Mr. Killegrew for the same purpose. Lord Fleming at Paris had commission to levy 100 men under the conduct of Captain Gascogne; the King's seal was to it, and brought by Lansac. The matter stayed upon the ambassade of Sir Thomas Smith. Is counselled by Sir Thomas Smith's wellwillers to put him in remembrance for the Chancellorship of the Garter. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
Jan. 23. 81. Henry Killegrew to Lord Burghley.
The coming of the Queen of Navarre and the Cardinal of Alexandrino is confirmed. Kirkcaldy's brother shall be sent into Scotland by way of Flanders to prepare for Le Croc's coming. Has been assured by the Duchess of Uzes that the Queen Mother is earnestly bent to a perfect amity with the Queen of England. This week certain couriers coming out of Spain were "devalized" beside Chatelherault, and stripped to their shirts by some that were masked, who did them no harm. The King made great enquiry for the offenders, but nothing was found. Count Wolfrade of Mansfield arrived yesterday to receive money, who shall have 100,000 crowns.— Amboise, 23 Jan. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
Jan. 25. 82. William Count de la Marck to the Privy Council.
The Lieutenant of the Castle and the mayor of Dover have shown him their letter in favour of certain of the Steelyard who have complained of the Prince of Orange's servants, and have commanded him to make restitution. Has done all he possibly could to prevent his captains from exceeding their commissions. Is surprised that they have so readily given ear to his accusers without hearing the other side. Complains that the merchants seek their advantage by fictitious sales and attestations. Desires that order may be taken to repair the injuries done by Captain Hawkins, five days past, to a captain of his fleet.—Dover, 25 Jan. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1½.
Jan. 26. 83. Mark [Swinborne] to John Swinborne.
Prays daily for his deliverance. They have had great triumphs in the Low Countries for this famous victory ob tained against the Turks by sea, and also for the birth of the young prince of Spain. The Venetians have taken one of the chief fortresses in Albania. The Muscovite's Ambassadors are in Rome, and their prince offers to subject himself to the Romish Church and to enter the League. The King Catholic prepares a mighty army by sea, as is said against Algiers.—26 Jan. Signed: "M."
Add. Endd., Mark to Swinborne. P. 1.
Jan. 26. 84. The Queen to Sir Thomas Smith.
Likes very well his plain and circumspect usage of himself, and also that he admits Killegrew to be with him in this dealing. He is to let the King and the Queen Mother know that she considers herself not well or plainly dealt with in this matter of the marriage with M. D'Anjou. Although she had no natural disposition to marriage, yet through the continual suits of her subjects she has been compelled to yield, that she would not refuse to give ear to such requests, so as the same honour and friendship for herself, and profit and quietness for her realm. The articles that were sent in April last were by her council answered, and plainly thereby it appeared that the greatest difficulty was upon religion; in July and August following, at the being here of M. De Foix, the differences then stood upon a few words, and if the usage of Monsieur's religion had been allowed in some secret oratory, there would have been no difficulty, but that the treaty might have taken conclusion. And being continually solicited by the report of the French King's great desire to have her send someone over to proceed to an end in this matter, she has sent him (Smith). He shall therefore say that she has great cause to think this very strange to be thus provoked to send him, and then to find the case reduced more than backwards to such kind of conditions for exercise of religion as from the very first beginning were never specified, neither in the end of the last conference with De Foix were such things motioned. Also that she is no ways miscontent in her own mind that the matter proceeds not, for now she may satisfy her subjects that she has dealt plainly therein; and will now determine with advice of her councillors to enjoy her own natural desire to live unmarried, and yet provide remedies for the quietness of her realm, both in her own time and for her posterity. He is to search out truly the ground of this contrarious proceeding. He is to thank the French King for his information of the malicious intents against her person.
Rough draft in Burghley's writing, with many alterations and interlineations. Endd. Pp. 10.
Jan. 26. 85. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
Sends the answers of both sides touching the abstinence. The two principal points they of the Castle stand upon, without which they will never yield, is the equality of government and the restitution of their lands and livings; touching all other matters he thinks they will be tractable. Burghley may perceive what hindrance the delay of the Queen's resolution and want of money is to the King's side. If the Queen detracts any longer they will be overthrown, for even at his man's being there all their soldiers refused utterly to watch or ward, so as the noblemen and gentlemen were fain to watch themselves; and it is feared, lest for want of pay the soldiers will deliver the Regent and the rest to their enemies. It behoves the Queen both in honour and surety to resolve one way or other; lest whereas now she may rule both sides, by lingering she may lose both.—Berwick, 26 Jan. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
Jan. 22. 86. Lethington and Grange to Lord Hunsdon.
Deny that the town of Edinburgh was taken and fortified in the time of abstinence. Their enemies have never abstained from doing injury and violence to their uttermost power. Offer redress for all things done by them during the abstinence, the offences on the other part being in repaired in semblable manner. Are content to yield to an abstinence, they doing the like If they will not accord to an abstinence, they will stand on their guard and not refuse to go forward with Her Majesty as they have written. Will never consent that their enemies shall enjoy their livings, and if in the mean season they be suffered to levy the rents, they shall render the same back again before they will come to an end with them. Edinburgh Castle, 22 Jan. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Enclosure. P. 1.
Jan. 23. 87. The Earl of Marr to Lord Hunsdon.
Thinks that the hearts of the adversaries cannot be more hardened, as they leave nothing they can unattempted. The sparing of them so long draws the obedience of the King into contempt. The delay of Her Highness' resolution works no small incommodity. As to the abstinence he trusts his Lordship allows his last answer, which he needs not repeat. Their adversaries having received intelligence that Lord Fleming is to arrive with 300 men and some Gascon captains, have engaged William Trotter to enlist quietly 100 horsemen to join them on their landing. Leith, 23 Jan. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Enclosure. P. 1.
Jan. 22. 88. Articles sent by Grange and Lethington.
Protest that they only condescend to agreement to please the Queen of England, and that they would not otherwise accord with their adversaries; also that they esteem that form of regiment of the realm of Scotland most assured for the Queen, which shall give her the greatest sway in the affairs of Scotland. The government should consist of noblemen of both parties, who should make full surety that the realm should continue in good neighbourhood and firm amity with England and neither receive or join foreign forces to the prejudice of the Queen of England. The religion is not to be changed. Order to be taken for the compounding of particular debates which have fallen out. The decision of doubtful points to be referred to the Queen of England. Forfeitures and penalties which either side have incurred shall be abolished and declared null. Those who have been dispossessed to be restored to their lands, benefices, and offices. Sufficient provision in money and victuals to be granted to Grange for the garrison of Edinburgh Castle, which shall remain in his custody during the Queen of Scots' absence and the minority of her son. These heads are not to come to the knowledge of their adversaries until they be entered in conference. Edinburgh, 22 Jan. 1571. Signed.
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 2.
Jan. 27. 89. Advertisements from Venice.
Don John has sent several messengers to Rome and Spain to announce his great victory. Intended levy of soldiers by the King of Spain. The Cardinal of Alexandria has been received with great splendour in Portugal by the King, and has refused a present worth 20,000 crowns. He has desired the King to join the League, and has departed for France on a similar mission. Contingent of troops of the Italian Princes. Movements of the Turks' armies and fleets.
Pp. 2¾.
Jan. 27. 90. William Count De la Marck to the Privy Council.
Complains that William Winter the younger, lieutenant to Captain Hawkins, has forcibly seized seven prisoners of war taken by the Prince of Orange's captains in Flanders, and lying in Dover roads, and also wounded and taken prisoner one of the captains. As Winter refuses to give them up he is obliged to seek redress from their Lordships.—Dover, 27 Jan. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1.
Jan. 30. 91. Anthonie De — to Jan [Canning], Pilot.
Desires him to render assistance to Lord Seton in his proposed voyage towards Scotland.—Middleburgh, 30 Jan. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Burghley. P. ½.
Jan. 30. 92. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley.
Does still a little "rough hew," but cannot perfect till they hear from him. Is glad for Her Majesty's surety that the Lords have done so uprightly justice. Is sorry for the Duke. The great lenity of Her Majesty so nourishes the perverse and devilish minds of the Papists and Atheists, that except she shows some example of severity one day the devil will have his purpose, and again trouble all England, and turn religion upside down. The first time that Smith saw Mather was when he came out of Italy to Marseilles, where walking his horse negligently his budget, wherein his shirts and all the money he had, was stolen from him as he said. When it was told him that an Englishman was come out of Italy, and so desolute and destitute of money and comfort, he sent for him and gave him his dinner and supper, and 50 or 60 French crowns in his purse to ride post into England and carry dispatches. This is all the acquaintance he has had of him. Hopes that justice may done, and so they may once do some good deed in being example to others to be afraid to attempt such devilish enterprises.—Amboise, 30 Jan. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
Jan. 31. 93. Walsingham to Lord Burghley.
1. Perceives that he has escaped the danger of a most devilish Italian practise. "So long as that devilish woman lives neither Her Majesty must make account to continue in quiet possession of her crown, nor her faithful servants assure themselves of safety of their lives." Hopes that the Queen's eyes may be opened to see that which may be for her best safety. The state of Flanders is such as will very much encourage them to proceed in their enterprise. Desires him to move the Queen to write unto the Queen of Navarre some friendly lines, and also to recommend the marriage of her son with the Lady Margaret.
2. The Duke of Alva begins very much to droop, and nothing more discontents him than the condemnation of the Duke of Norfolk. Kirkcaldy of Grange's brother departs shortly hence towards Scotland. The Cardinal of Lorraine begins now to hang down his head.—Paris, 31 Jan. 1571.
3. P.S.—The writer of the last story of these latter wars is an advocate of this town, named Boissy, being of years not above 26. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
Jan. 31. 94. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley.
Yesterday in the afternoon they were sent for by the Queen Mother, the sum of whose talk was that Smith was very obstinate to have religion mentioned in express words. For the merchants in Rouen they should have a house to use the exercise of religion in English, but only to Englishmen, and the door shut. Smith said that their meaning was to make there a staple, which would bring there 2 or 3,000,000 of gold in wares at once. The Queen Mother said that as the King was called Trés Christian, he must somewhat consider the opinion of others as well as the desire he had to please the English. On Killegrew's complaining of M. de Croc's being sent into Scotland on account of his being a Guisian, the Queen Mother declared that he would do no more than he had been commanded, and that was to do all good offices for the perfection of amity.
That afternoon there was with her the Pope's Nuncio, and the Ambassadors of Venice, Florence, and of the Queen of Scots, as is thought to let the alliance between France and England. Some of their reasons were that the Queen did but make fair weather with the King here, whilst she got her pleasure of the Queen of Scots and the Duke, and established herself in her place, and then would agree with the King of Spain, and that Smith was only sent to delay time.
Was told that he would be asked for his commission, which it is high time were sent. Sir William Petre was Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, of which he hopes to see Burghley a knight.—Amboise, 31 Jan. 1571.
Jan. 28. 95. Articles for a Treaty between England and France.
Negociations between Smith and the deputies of the King of France, relating to a proposed treaty between him and the Queen of England, principally concerning the measures and regulations to be adopted for the purpose of establishing a staple of English merchants in some town of France.
Enclosure. Latin. Pp. 8.
96. Copy of the latter portion of the above.
Endd. Latin. Pp. 4½.
97. Another copy.
Endd. Latin. Pp. 2½.
Jan. 31. 98. Articles for the Pacification of Scotland.
Providing for the obedience to the King's authority, the continuance of the Regent in office, the reversal of attainders and forfeitures, the composition of the Privy Council, the restitution of offices, lands, and goods, and the composition of all particular controversies. The Castle of Edinburgh to be delivered into the King's possession, and the Laird of Grange to be recompensed by the gift of some abbey. The Queen of England may be required to interpose for the security of lives, goods, and honours on either side. No foreign nation to be permitted to enter Scotland with men of war.—31 Jan. 1571.
Draft, corrected by Burghley. Endd. Pp. 3¼.
Jan. 31. 99. Addition to the Articles of Pacification.
1. The adverse party to the King must directly understand that the Queen of Scots having attempted so many enterprises against Her Majesty, any expectation of her restitution to rule, either alone or jointly with her son, is in vain, and that to imagine any other government but by the King is a mere fantastical device, and not to be heard of, which must be clearly answered, or else all the rest is in vain to be treated.
2. There is no reason why the murders of Murray and Lennox, being against the law of arms, should be remitted. Arrangements for the admission of some of the Queen of Scots party into the Council, and for according the controversy between Lethington and Dunfermline for the secretaryship, and also for the keeping of Edinburgh Castle in case Grange refuses to give it up. Measures to be taken for the delivery of the Earl of Northumberland and other rebels, and also that the Earldom of Lennox may be granted to Charles Stewart. the son of the late Regent.—31 Jan. 1571.
Apparently instructions, and headed "of more secrecy."
Draft in Burghley's writing. Pp. 6.
Jan. 100. Battle of Lepanto.
Discourse of Franchiotto on the results of the battle against the Turk's navy.
Endd. by Burghley. Italian. Pp. 42/3.
Jan. 101. Treaty with Portugal.
A note of various treaties between England and Portugal during the reigns of Henry V., VI., and VII., and Edward IV.
Endd. P. ½.