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| April 16 |
734. W. Davison to Lord Burghley. |
|
After so long delay, he is sorry that he cannot advertise
more of his negotiation, but he may easily guess where the
lack rests. The country and the States here in general were
never more inclined to a peace, but some particulars there be
who dare not much advance it. The Prince has lately attempted
to succour Zericksee, and not without great slaughter on both
sides repulsed. It is thought that the hope that the Spaniards
have shortly to possess the same holds this side from peace.
M. d'Hierges is this day gone to Holland with 50,000 florins,
and order for 50,000 more for the pay of his troops. The
High Dutch colonels are now suitors for money to pay their
soldiers. The States of Brabant have lately consented to
give 150,000 crowns to the King for renewing a placcart
that no stranger shall bear any office in Brabant. The Duke
of Arschot departs to Beaumont for Easter, and divers other
nobles to Mechlin for the jubilee. There were taken last
week 125 Englishmen at Browershaven. The bruit who
shall be Governor here runs between Madame de Parma, the
young French Queen Dowager, the Emperor's son, now in
Spain, and Don John of Austria.—Brussels, 16 April 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| April 16. |
735. Lord Burghley to Walsingham. |
|
1. Has perused all the letters and memorials for Mr.
Beale concerning his voyage into Zealand, and so well allows
of the whole course therein taken by the Lords, as both with
heart and hand he signs them. As he wrote yesterday he
found it hard to make a good distinction betwixt anger
and judgment, for Lord Oxford's misusage, so surely when he
looks into the universal barbarism of the Prince's forces of
the Flushingers, who are only a rabble of common pirates, or
worse, and who make no difference whom they outrage, he
mistrusts of any good issue to the cause, though of itself it
should be favoured. Humbly thanks their Lordships for the
regard of the Earl of Oxford, in whose person surely her
Majesty and the realm has taken disgrace, and if the Prince
shall not yield, to hang some of the principal for such a
robbery, he must say, howsoever her Majesty shall bind
herself for the cause, she ought in justice otherwise to see
it revenged, for if justice be denied in such a notorious case,
all laws betwixt near princes warrant a proceeding otherwise to make an example of avenge. If Mr. Beale speaks
with the Prince he may do well to advise him to think that
such an outrage as this cannot take end without more offence
to him and his than may be the hanging of five or six such
thieves, as if he were rid of 100 of them his cause would
prosper better, and his friends increase, which if he shall by
subterfuge in answer delay, he will feel shall neither prosper
nor yet his friends remain obliged to him as they have.
"You see my anger leadeth my judgment." |
|
2. Is not truly moved hereto more for particular causes than
for public. If his name be of any value, prays Mr. Beale
to use it to the Prince, as feeling himself in the person of the
Earl of Oxford interested in this outrage, and so rather expecting some honourable amends by justice in executing of
the pirates.—16 April 1576. Signed. |
|
3. P.S.—This hot weather begins to lift his evil foot from
his footstool. Prays him to thank the Earls of Sussex and
Leicester for permitting him to be partaker with their private
letter. |
|
Holograph. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 16. |
736. Burghley, Sussex, Leicester, and Walsingham to the
Prince of Orange. |
|
As they have always borne him honour and affection they
regret extremely that Queen should have such just cause of
offence on account of the daily piracies committed under his
authority, which have besides the effect of totally alienating
her subjects from him and his cause, and even causing them
to murmur against their own government for not avenging
these outrages. They desire him to consider of what consequence this matter is, and to provide for its remedy. The
disordered and barbarous people of Flushing continuing these
atrocities cannot but render him odious in the eyes of all
Christendom, and bring the cause of religion into scandal
and decay and tend to the utter overthrow of his enterprise.
—Westminster, 16 April 1576. Signed. |
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Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| April 16. |
737. Instructions for Robert Beale sent to the Prince of
Orange. |
|
On his arrival at Flushing he shall inform himself whether
the ships of the Merchant Adventurers are released or whether
they mean to detain them; and if he finds that they be
departed, and in no danger of arrest, he shall deliver her
message to the Prince or, in his absence, to the Governor of
Zealand. If he finds that they are not released, but that
there is hope of their being set at liberty, he shall let them
understand that her Majesty finds her honour greatly wounded
by the daily misusing of her subjects, and specially by the
outrage lately committed upon the Earl of Oxford, and that
in case the offenders be not severely punished, she will be
forced to put in execution such remedies as she would be
loth to do. In case he finds the Prince or Governors stand
upon conditional terms as to have the ships arrested in the
West first released, he shall let them understand that they
forget themselves in standing upon conditional terms with a
prince of her Majesty's quality; besides which the arrest of
their ships proceeded of sundry complaints of spoils and
outrages sustained by her subjects (the said Flushingers having
carried in within the space of one month 30 sail of her
subjects). They would then see that the cause of arrest
proceeded from themselves, so are they in reason first to make
satisfaction, and that by staying the ships of the Merchant
Adventurers, to whom by contract they have given free
passage, they have offered double injury. He is to be guided
by his discretion accordingly as he shall find the state of
affairs there, only it is necessary, until the ships are released,
that he forbears to use threatenings, but when they are
departed, he shall deliver her message to the Prince and
Governors.—15 April 1576. |
|
Copy. Pp. 1¼. |
| April 17. |
738. Letters from Middleburg. |
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1. Since his last writing there has happened a sedition in
Holland amongst the Englishmen lately come over to the
Prince's service. Captain Cromwell's ensign was sent by the
Prince's commandment towards Leyden with their month's
pay, and on being commanded to march towards Worden
demanded another month's pay, and three of them, called
George Hill, Thomas Philip, and Commines, flatly denied to go,
and so dealt with the rest that Cromwell was left with his
lieutenant and four corporals. Having taken the port of the
town towards Haarlem they openly vaunted that they had
never sworn to serve the Prince, but were for the King and
the Queen. In this case Cromwell departed towards the
Prince, who sent 40 horsemen and two ensigns of foot, to
whom they rendered themselves, and the three above mentioned were beheaded and six more kept in prison, who shall
pass the same way. This news with other advertisements
received makes the Governor think that no good is to be
looked for out of England, for they have been advertised by
a Spaniard that the Queen has promised the King of Spain
to reduce Holland to his obedience by sending certain of her
subjects to serve there. Wherefore the Governor said he
would take heed of Englishmen and not permit them to enter
the island though the Prince commanded him to do so a
hundred times. The writer told him he was to blame in
judging so of her Majesty, who had always aided the afflicted,
as in France and Scotland well appeared, and as for what
had happened in Holland, he might well perceive that it came
not from the captain and officers, but from some mutinous
soldiers.—[16 April.] |
|
2. The day after writing his former letter the Prince's fleet
approached the entry of Zericksee to break the palisade there,
where they fought very furiously for six hours. Admiral
Boissot took two principal galleys and burned other vessels
and cast their crews into the sea. No victuals as yet have
entered the town. The enterprise of Amsterdam is frustrated
and come to no effect. Afterwards the soldiers made a raid
into West Friesland and spoiled many villages. This day
came order from the Admiral for all fly boats to render themselves at Browershaven.—Middleburg, 17 April 1576. |
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In John Cobham's writing. Endd.: "Letters sent unto
Mr. Secretary Smithe from Middleburg, 17 April 1576." |
|
Pp. 1½. |
| April 17. |
739. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. They thought themselves in great likelihood of peace, for
the King had granted free exercise of religion through all
France, four leagues about Paris and two leagues about the
Court only excepted, and many other things. Forasmuch
as the King will not grant the assurances that are demanded,
neither will content Duke Casimir according to the agreement
made with him by the Princes, Doctor Beuttrich, who was
deputy here for him, would needs depart, and Beauvais and
some others are gone with him, during whose absence the
treaty is suspended. The Prince of Condé marches hitherwards as some say within 14 leagues of this town. They of
the religion require two towns in every government, which
are fourteen in number, besides those which they have, the
King will grant them but eight in the whole, whereby they
should forego a great number which they have already; this
point was the matter that broke off the treaty last year.
Duke Casimir remains yet about Nevers. Monsieur has lain
at Moulins, but was appointed to remove hitherwards the
16th of this month. The King of Navarre remains still in
Poitou. The King makes all preparation that he may possibly
to war. This town is commanded anew to provide themselves
with victuals for six months. Mr. Randolphe's negotiations
hitherto have been but cold. The Queen Mother seems to
be unfeignedly desirous to further the peace. Trusts the
Queen's resolution for sending Sir Amias Paulet may take
place.—Paris, 17 April 1576. |
|
2. P.S. 1.—Biron is returned from Monsieur. The Queen
Mother is minded to go towards him very shortly, for if the
matter be not taken up very speedily there is like to be
some rencontre, for the Prince of Condé and the reiters with
him are near to the reiters of the King, and the Swiss for
the King and the rest of the King's forces draw all towards
this town to march against the Prince. Scouts and watch
set about this town as though the enemy were in sight. |
|
3. P.S. 2.—Received this day his letter of the 6th of this
present. Did well foresee that the Queen might be offended
with the articles in the contract between the Princes and
Duke Casimir touching her. There was no remedy but to
show it, forasmuch as they demanded the King should perform that agreement. It is not against any league for a
prince to lend money to his neighbour and confederate, neither
is it a new thing in a treaty to require discharge of a debt
towards a third person, as the Emperor did require the French
King in the treaty of Madrid to discharge a great sum of
money due by him to Henry VIII. the Queen's progenitor. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 17. |
740. News of France. |
|
On the return of Biron the King has sent on to Monsieur
in all haste. The Prince of Condé has been at Valery; he
is far stronger than the reiters of the King. This town
(Paris) is full of news that last night there were two ensigns
of footmen and a company of light horsemen of the King
defeated by the reiters of the Prince of Condé, and therefore
the King sends for the rest of his forces both reiters and
Swiss in all haste. They of the faubourgs generally remove
their goods into this town with such diligence that a man
can scant enter the gates for press of people, carriage, and
cattle. |
|
P. 1. |
| April 17. |
741. Thomas Randolphe to Lord Burghley. |
|
Finds a goodwill on both sides to have a peace, the difficulty is to have good assurance for the continuance of it.
The assurance is so slender that it puts all indifferent men in
doubt what to do. Duke Casimir demands the confirmation
of the contract made with him for Metz, Verdun, and Toul;
the King will rather sustain any adventure than yield thereunto. De Beauvais and Doctor Beuttrich are departed, the
others remain, but treat no further till the return of these
that are gone or further resolution from those that sent them.
The Prince marches forward, and is at Valery, 18 leagues
from this town. The King makes all the force he can,
supposes they will be few enough to withstand his adversaries.
Received many good words in behalf of the Queen at his
audience from the King, his mother, and his wife. They
thank her for sending at this time. Finds no goodwill that
he should travail in these matters nor yet speak with
Monsieur. Is desired to confer with Marshal Retz, and is
promised to have access to themselves at any time he will.—
Paris, 17 April 1576. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 17. |
742. Dale and Randolphe to Smith and Walsingham. |
|
Since the 10th there has been very great hope of peace,
and it was constantly spread throughout the whole realm
that the peace was concluded. Monsieur had written to the
deputies not to enter into any further treaty of peace till
general exercise of religion was granted. The King was
content to grant the article with restraint only of four
leagues about Paris and two about the Court, which being
thought not unreasonable, the deputies were content to pass
further to the rest of the articles, and in the meantime to
send to Monsieur and the rest to know their pleasure. And
so they passed the article of justice and divers others as is
contained in the King's answer enclosed herewith; they
of Rochelle mislike very much, for that they say they have
always been exempt since the first troubles from the jurisdiction of Paris, and therefore require to have their Court
Presidial at Poitiers, which they cannot obtain. They take
great unkindness against the rest of the deputies who would
not stand with them in that point. Descending to the
articles of the assurances, there arose a greater difficulty,
which is like to break off the whole treaty of peace. The
deputies demand two towns in every province, which are 14
in number, for their safety, and they have 200 or 300 towns
in their possession. The King grants them eight only, and
that of them only that they have already, requiring restitution of all the rest, demanding that the rest of those towns
shall be put in the same estate they were in before these
troubles, which is the article whereon they brake off the
treaty last summer, for they will not depart with any of
those towns, but require further assurance of other towns.
The King will in no wise hearken unto the government of
Metz, Toul, and Verdun for Duke Casimir. So after much
altercation Doctor Beuttrich required safe conduct to depart,
thinking himself somewhat hardly dealt withal, that the rest
of the deputies did rather go about to persuade him to relent
rather than to stand in terms with the King for the obtaining
of it. Notwithstanding the deputies did so far stick to him
that they could not nor would not treat any further unless Duke
Casimir were satisfied. So Doctor Beuttrich departing, Beauvais
and some others are gone also to Monsieur, and the treaty of
peace is suspended during their absence. In the meantime
the Prince of Condé with the vanguard came very near
Montargis, 24 leagues from this town, which the King understanding, he sent Count Martinengo, an Italian, to keep the
town. Martinengo has lain in that country five or six months,
and has used such notable and exceeding cruelty that they
of Montargis would not receive him, but were rather contented to receive the Prince of Condé, for there are many
of the religion in that town by reason that there was continual exercise of preaching there during the time of Duchess
of Ferrara. The King is further newly advertised that the
Prince of Condé is gone on the sudden with 4,000 horse
towards Valery, a town of the Prince of Condé's own, not
far from Montereau-faut-Yonne; therefore the King, fearing
very much that town, has despatched the Dukes of Guise,
Maine, D'Aumale, and de Mereur, and divers others of that
faction, and has sent to all the captains about the Court in all
haste to assemble together their companies to withstand the
enterprise of the Prince. He makes all preparation that he
may possibly to war, and has despatched ambassadors presently
with his jewels to Rome, Venice, Florence, Ferrara, and to
the Duke of Savoy to borrow money. There has been nothing
done for the King of Navarre, but only his demands proposed
with the rest. Duke Casimir remains still about Nevers.
Monsieur has remained at Moulins, but it was appointed that
he should move hitherwards the 14th of this month. The
King of Navarre lies still in Poitou.—Paris, 16 April 1576.
Signed. |
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Add. Endd. by Walsingham. Pp. 3. |
| April 13. |
743. Answers of the King of France to the deputies; identical
with No. 732. |
|
Fr. Enclosure. Pp. 3. |
| [April.] |
744. [—] to [Dr. Dale?]. |
|
Relating the doings of the deputies in the same manner as
they are told in the letter of Dale and Randolphe to Smith
and Walsingham of the 17th April. |
|
Copy. Fr. Enclosure. Pp. 1¼. |
| April 19. |
745. Dr. Dale to Burghley. |
|
Sends the copy of his letter to the Lords of the Council
touching Nutshawe's matter, whereby he sees that all his
warrant and payment is to be received upon money which
they know not whether ever they shall receive, yea or no.
Therefore he can go no further here. If the French Ambassador mislike of the order of the Lords of the Council there,
he has time enough to remedy it by effectual payment of the
money, so that he cannot justly find himself grieved with
their order. Sends Warcup's man home also with letters to
the Lords of the Council and with copies of all such writings
as have passed in his matter, whereby it well appears what
promises have been made and what diligence used. Has
little hope to do good in his matter, seeing that the present
warrants of the King for Nutshawe cannot be paid.—Paris,
19 April 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| [April 19.] |
746. Dr. Dale to the Lords of the Council. |
|
After great suit and long and many delays has obtained
two several warrants under the King's broad seal, directed to
the Treasurer of the Espargne, for the present payment of
William Nutshawe for his corn taken for the King's use at
Rochelle. Which warrants being presented to the Treasurer
he made answer that the money was to be paid out of a
certain debt due to the King at Angers, and not otherwise,
putting him to choice whether he would go to Angers for
the money or else tarry till it were brought from thence.
Made complaint to the Council and required present payment
according to the words of the warrant, whereupon they gave
order that the Treasurer should send to Angers for the money
and in the meantime pay Nutshawe 100 crowns for his
charges, which were paid and a messenger sent to Angers for
the money, who being returned made report that he was
robbed by the way and one of his company slain, and that
they which should pay the money will not pay it, because
they cannot enjoy the bargain for the which they should pay
their money, by reason of a former bargain made by the
King unto another. He (Dale) caused an attestation to be
made thereof, and made suit again to the Council for present
payment, of whom he could get none other answer but that
there was no other means to have payment but by the said
debt. The poor man being wearied with these delays
thought it best not to attend any longer in this Court, his
cause has been so tedious, cumbersome, and chargeable that
he could not in equity advise him any longer to consume
himself with such intolerable delays. |
|
Copy. Enclosure. P. 1. |
| April 21. |
747. Note of things to be declared by [Mr. Beale] to the
Prince of Orange. |
|
To declare what report he made to the Queen and Council
touching the effect of his message, also the occasion wherefore
he was sent to Flushing and how he was cast on land at Ostend,
and of his long abode there. To deliver letters to him and
talk of particular matters, especially touching the merchants'
traffic. To demonstrate to him what violence is shown to
the Merchant Adventurers and how their ships are stayed,
and as the Estates of Zealand yet owe 4,000li, they need not
for the stay of their ships in England make such stay of the
Merchant Adventurers' ships. To desire him to alter Martin
Frobisher's passport. To make various other complaints
touching the stay of the Merchant Adventurers' ships.—Rough
notes in [Beale's] writing. |
|
Endd.: 21 April 1576. P. 1. |
| April 21. |
748. William Davison to Lord Burghley. |
|
The States generally bend to a peace, though perhaps
Barliamont, D'Assonville, Rodas and one or two others will
for their particulars not much hasten the same. Observes a
general disposition in the common Estates not to stretch
themselves in no further contribution of money, unless they
may have peace and the strangers removed. The general
want of money amongst the King's people will breed some
danger, his garrisons at Valenciennes, Bois-le-Duc, Deventer,
and Oudewater are already mutined for their pay, and they of
Maestricht upon little better points who threaten the townsmen daily of the like unless they take some order that they
may be answered. In the late conflict at Zericksee the King
had two galleys taken and one ship sunk and the Admiral
of the fleet of Dunkirk burnt by the Prince, who had two or
three flat boats sunk. The fight was on Friday night, the
13th inst. It is thought at the next spring the Prince will
do his uttermost for the succour thereof. The King's forces
there are about 4,000 Spaniards, Walloons and Almains. The
isle notably fortified with bulwarks, trenches and, ditches,
having within every flight shot scout watches. The head is
well fortified and kept with six ensigns of Walloons, the passage strongly chained and piled, and within the chains ten of
the greatest ships the King has with three great galleys, having
besides a bulwark whereon lie six great cannon. It is
thought impossible to pass that way, and in a manner impossible to succour them any way else. Sancho D'Avila, who
was driven to save himself by wading up to his neck in water,
is come sick to Antwerp to make the funeral of his wife.
Was lately written to by the Earl of Westmorland, a copy of
whose letter he encloses. Refused to deal with him in any sort.
Is informed of credit that he is secretly come to this town,
and is a daily companion to the Hamiltons who slew the
Regent Murray. The English taken at Browershaven have
made supplication to him to labour for them, but unless
her Majesty gives some order for it there is no hope for their
delivery. This week a post from Spain brought a confirmation of the former letters touching the government. The
Spaniards who have devotion to return into Spain have
passports and good leave offered, but hears of none who make
any great haste away. There is a bruit that the Prince's ships
to the number of 100 be gotten to the sea. The Turk makes
great preparation to come this summer into Hungary. The
Genoese be accorded.—Brussels, 21 April 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½. |
| April 14. |
749. The Earl of Westmoreland to Davison. |
|
Expresses his desire to be reconciled to her Majesty's favour,
and would be glad to understand if he has any commission
to say anything by word of mouth or by letter.—14 April.
Signed: Charles Westmoreland. |
|
Copy. Enclosure. P. ¼. |
| April. |
750. Supplication of English Prisoners in Antwerp. |
|
1. Having been seized whilst travelling on the seas to seek
entertainment and service in foreign countries, by the Spanish
navy, being in number 120, some have been sent to the
galleys and 55 remain in captivity, they do not know why
they should be so used, as they never served against the King
or received any pay, but being destitute of service were as
ready to serve the King as any other. |
|
2. Note by Davison. "The names of these men I cannot yet
come by in particular. Some of them are said to be gentlemen
of good friends." |
|
Copy. Enclosure. P ⅓. |
| April 21. |
751. Davison to Walsingham. |
|
Containing the same information as that in his letter to
Burghley of this state.—Antwerp, 21 April, 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| April 21. |
752. Advices. |
|
1. From Vienna, 7 April.—Election to the Crown of Poland.
The Turkish envoy is waiting for the Emperor's resolution.
Recantation of heretics. |
|
2. From Rome, 18 April.—Appointment of Nuncios to
Naples and France. Death of the late treasurer of Pius V.,
leaving great wealth. The cause of the Archbishop of Toledo
is finished, and it is said that he will be acquitted. A fatal
contagious disease at Mantua. |
|
3. From Venice, 21 April 1576.—Presents for the Turkish
envoy. Rumours of the plague. |
|
Endd. Ital. Pp. 1½. |
| April 22. |
753. John Grey to Lord Burghley. |
|
Having learnt that Holland and Zealand have been offered
to the Queen, he wishes she would take them and keep them
for the defence of her own country, for then she will be able
to beat all princes out of her seas, and all Europe would fear
England. The country could be kept from rebellion by a
small garrison. The Island of Walcheren, wherein stand
several important towns, might be cleared of enemies by
cutting the dykes, and the water which ran in at high water
would run out at low tide. There is a thousand times more
danger in making this peace between the Prince of Orange
and the Spaniards than in maintaining wars. The Inquisition
of Spain has a long tail, and where they were wont to deal
with the Estates of the country they would have to deal with
the tail of the Inquisition. Putting this apart, the professors
of the gospel ought to seek to destroy idolatry and further
the gospel, and with such friendship ought to be kept, and
not with Turks and idolators who are blood suckers. If the
peace is made the Papists will seek to bring all things to
their desire. More, the Spaniards now understanding the great
wealth of the country and the nature of the people, how ready
they find them to cut one another's throats, and the unspeakable strength of the country, will seek but wars, and
afterwards levy such great sums of money with which they
would [weary] all the world. If the French once get into the
country it will trouble all England and Spain to get them out
again. Begs him as a true peer of the realm to weigh the
matter and do his best whilst there is time. The King of
Spain has restored the country to her privileges, but it will
fall out to small benefit if they grant money to cut their own
throats in maintaining war in the country. There be certain
Englishmen put in a great galley in chains of iron, and have
their heads and beards shaven, and will be starved if they so
long remain, they have cold cheer and stripes enough. They
were taken running towards Newhaven [Browershaven].
Antwerp, 22 April 1576. Signed. |
|
Endd. Pp. 4. |
| April 23. |
754. Walsingham to Davison. |
|
The Queen has willed him to signify that she well allows
of his manner of proceeding, and that her pleasure is that he
shall return at once. She finds by the answer and letter
given to him that it is determined to prosecute the matter by
the sword, and that they are assured that France will not enter
into this action with the Prince, who having no foreign
assistance cannot hold out. Finds by his letters that there is
neither courage nor judgment in the nobility there, in that
they overslip so apt a time to purchase their liberty, who
contrary to all reason prosecute the wars against the Prince
with more extremity than the Commendator. It is evident
that the country will shortly fall under the Spanish yoke, to
their utter undoing and the great peril of England.—At the
Court, 23 April. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 24. |
755. The Countess of Lennox to Lord Ruthven. |
|
Has received his most natural and friendly letter, and takes
no small comfort at his friendly remembrance of her at this
time, and "specially to hear of my sweet jewel, the King's
Majesty, who the Almighty preserve." This is the first she
has written to any since her sons death, having small care of
worldly matters. Desires his Lordship's advertisement as to
whether her son's daughter is heritable to the land belonging
to the earldom of Lennox. Whatever he advises she will do,
and till she receives the same will not write to the Regent or
other there. Her husband made her good assurance in dower
for the most part of the lands of Lennox and Darnley. Prays
him to send her a perfect pedigree of the descent of the Earls
of Lennox from the first of the House, with arms and matches
in marriage, as she is about a monument which requires the
help thereof.—Hackney, 24 April 1576. |
|
Copy. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 24. |
756. Extract of the Articles of the Peace in France. |
|
1. The King grants public exercise of religion through all
his dominions, saving within two leagues of the Court and at
Paris. |
|
2. They of the religion shall be declared capable to hold all
offices and dignities as indifferently as any of the Catholics. |
|
3. There shall be a Chamber erected in the Court of Parliament at Paris of two presidents and 16 councillors, half
Catholic and half of the religion. The like order shall be taken
at Poitiers, Grenoble, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Aix, Dijon, Rouen,
Rheims. |
|
4. The King of Navarre, the Prince of Condé, Marshal
Danville, and all others shall re-enter and be maintained in
their governments, estates, and offices in as large and ample
manner as they were possessed of before the 24th August 1572. |
|
5. There shall be a general oblivion of all disorders and
dissensions on both sides, all decrees, judgments, or proclamations made in reproach or slander shall be revoked and defaced
and razed forth of the register, whereby the Admiral and his
children shall be restored to their livings and honours, so
shall likewise Montgomery, Montbrun, Bricquemault, and
Cavagnies. |
|
6. The King shall declare Monsieur, the King of Navarre,
and the Prince of Condé to be his good kinsmen, subjects, and
servants; and Marshal Danville and all other their associates
for his good and true subjects, holding himself sufficiently
satisfied of their proceedings. |
|
7. He shall repute and esteem the Count Palatine and
Duke Casimir, his son, his good kinsmen and neighbours. |
|
8. The Prince of Condé shall continue in his government of
Picardy with all privileges of the same, with the town of
Peronne to retire into particularly for his safety. |
|
9. They of the religion shall have eight towns of those they
already hold, beside that granted to the Prince of Condé, to be
taken at the choice of Monsieur, which towns Monsieur, the
King of Navarre, the Prince of Condé, and Marshal Danville
shall promise upon their faith and honour to be faithfully kept. |
|
10. It is accorded to them to have 1,200 men of the King's
provision to be placed in the said eight towns. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
| April 25. |
757. Thomas Randolphe to Lord Burghley. |
|
Takes the peace here to be fully concluded; the most part
of the articles agreed upon that were in consultation and
subscribed by the King and the Deputies, with which the
Queen Mother is gone this day to Monsieur for performance
of what is required. No difficulty will be made therein, the
necessity being so great on either part. The help of two
months' pay might have made it more advantageous to the
Duke and his party, and somewhat more to their (English)
commodity than presently it is. Has written more at large
to the Secretaries. Finds no goodwill in the King that he
shall see his brother. Has oft craved audience, but has
been divers times put off, specially yesterday, being at the
Court, by reason of the King's disease in his eyes, looks to see
him this day, to-morrow, or the next.—Paris, 25 April 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. P. ½. |
| April 25. |
758. News from France. |
|
The Duke of Maine lies at Estampes, the Duke of Guise at
Melun, Duke Casimir not far from Milly, twelve leagues
from Paris, the Prince of Condé is between that and Estampes
in Beaulieu to receive the King of Navarre, who is past the
Loire at Saumur to join with the rest. Monsieur is within
sixteen leagues of Paris. Those things which cannot be
agreed upon between the King and the Deputies are referred
to be concluded in the camp. The Queen Mother, Montpensier,
and the Deputies are departed towards the camp, to make the
peace there. All the towns as the Prince of Condé and Duke
Casimir have come by since their coming from Moulins have
opened their gates to them or else compounded with them, one
town only excepted, called St. Severin, which Duke Casimir
took by assault. Not any of these towns would receive the
King's army, for they are worse used by them than by the
strangers. The Prince of Condé was like to have taken
Estampes had it not been rescued by the Duke of Maine, and
yet, notwithstanding, much of the baggage of the King's army
was taken, divers slain, and the rest fled till they came to
Paris gates, where they made such a flight in the suburbs
of St. Marcel on Easter day in the morning that all the
town was in alarm as though the enemy had been at the
gates. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
| April 27. |
759. Randolphe to Walsingham. |
|
How all matters passed since their last letters by John the
Furrier [Willes] he knows by their general letter. Since
their last writing such travail such labour has been made on
the King's part to all other of the contrary side, that what for
necessity not being able to continue on the field, what for
pity to see the country so sore spoiled as it is, such murders,
such slaughters daily committed, such exclamations and
speeches against Casimir as though he should be cause of stay
of peace for his own particular commodity of the three towns,
Metz, Toul, and Verdun, finds that they in whom the
greatest hope was of a steady mind and determined purpose
either to have had a most advantageous peace for themselves, that is chiefly for the advancement of religion without
exception of place, with utter extirpation of these that were
the principal cause of the massacre, are now so far fallen
away that they are content with far meaner conditions than
before they intended to receive. He may assure himself that
the place is taken, the articles concluded and signed this day.
For such promises as have been made to the Queen, and
specially for money lent to them, doubt not but that she shall
have it in time but not in that sort as the words of the contract bind them, and sooner she should have come by that, if
according to their expectation and hope that they were put
in by letters and words of the Queen that she would not see
the Duke quail or lack in his action, she had lent them as
much more, whereby they should have been able to continue
two months longer in the field, and so to have driven the King
to yield to whatsoever she demanded, whereas now they are
forced to take what they can get. The Prince of Condé desired
and earnestly stood with the King to have had Boulogne, he
must now content himself with other place to the like value
and not so much to their [English] commodity, and Monsieur
also is forced to the like though equal to his demand. To be
short, the return of Monsieur Plessis with so meagre an answer
from the Queen, and his own slender commission caused on the
sudden such aberration of mind and determination that he
shall know that what profit soever they can make of this
peace is to look well to themselves, and to deal hereafter
substantially in time with those whom they think to have
any profit by, as at this time was as much to be had to their
advantage as ever it was if they had not been so spare in
time when it had been most for their profit, either not to have
gone so far as they have, or not to have left the cause for
a little when there was most need of them. Finds no good
will in the King or Queen Mother that he should go to
Monsieur; it is not plainly refused, but audience from day to
day deferred, and supposing that is his chief errand. The
doubt he has the King is minded to send some force into
Zealand is more to be feared hereafter than presently. Money
he has not, nor his country yet like so to be established, that
he will not first thoroughly quiet them that made quarrels
abroad. What he most builds upon is that it is nothing of
Monsieur's intent, nor is Casimir willing to deal or join with
them in any more such bargains, but seeks to have his money
and to retire his forces. He deals always like a worthy
Prince both in word and deed. For his own return, is uncertain what to do until he has had audience again, which shall
be he knows not when, being put off by so many slights as
he has been. Loth he is to depart and not see Monsieur, and
to know of himself who he takes all matters.—Paris, 25
April 1576. Signed. |
|
P.S.—He sees what lack of money in time has wrought,
but yet the case is not so desperate, but if it might be had in
time there is life enough both to have Casimir enjoy his
three towns, and also the Prince Condé Boulogne, for neither
of these two articles are agreed upon but referred to the Duke
and for them give their consent. This he learns both of
Beauvais and Beuttrich since he wrote his other letters. If
there be nothing more for him to do, prays him let him
have a word for his return.—25th "after my other letter."
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., by Walsingham. Pp. 32/3. |
| April 27. |
760. Thomas Randolphe to Walsingham. |
|
Hopes as matters fall out to be advertised from time to time
what is to be done, either more or little, as shall be thought
good to the Queen. Cannot but piteously complain that so
good occasion to do good both to Christ's religion and
themselves is now utterly lost for sparing of a little that
with great honour might have been spent. Finds the Queen
never had greater friends than presently she has, never so
great account made of her doings nor such expectation thereof,
nor men more willing at any time to acknowledge it than
they are, and now forced for want of a small portion, considering the greatness of the cause, both to leave that undone
that most concerned the Queen's profit, and also to yield so
far unto their enemies as almost to accept at their hands what
they list to impart unto them, or at least far from advancement of the cause which they took in hand and for their own
safety. He sees his passion, prays him not take it of choler
or of any perverse humour, but of duty towards his dear
sovereign and mistress. Sees daily so many ways tending
to her greatness, and either unpolitically overthrown or
negligently omitted even for nought or little when it was put
in her hands. Can say no more than the mad knave in
Terence did and so perchance be counted a madder knave himself if his letter come into any other hand, "Doleo bolum tantum oreptum nobis e faucibus," knows not by what means he
may "retrahere fugitivum illud argentum," which is he had
here in his hands the King should full dear buy his peace,
or his good masters of Paris should find their houses very hot
that by no means will be content that Christ shall be preached
in their town or suburbs. Now that he has disgorged himself
with a little toy of mirth he will make an end.—Paris, 27
April 1576. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. P. 1½. |
| April 28. |
761. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Treaty of peace goes forward and a truce is made for eight
days, to end the 29th. The Duke of Guise is returned to the
Court lest he should procure some rencontre to disturb the
peace. The King seeks money to content the strangers; he is
put in hope to have 500,000 crowns of the Genoese upon the
assurance of the Duke of Savoy, who shall have the King's
jewels in gage. The King is constrained to make fair weather
with the Cardinals and the faction of the Guises to entreat
them to be contented with this peace. He has desired them
to subscribe to the articles of the peace, but they utterly
refuse. The difficulty will be how they can agree upon the
sum and assurance, for the strangers do look for a great sum;
and they demand some towns in pledge, from the which it will
be hard to bring them if they be not constrained by necessity
for want. The King has deferred his answer for the going of
Mr. Randolphe to Monsieur on Monday next that he may
hear from the Queen Mother. Have burdened him with the
ships that are gone, and that the Queen must be constrained to
set forth ships on her part to keep her subjects from spoiling.—
Paris, 28 April 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 29. |
762. William Davison to Walsingham. |
|
There is news of the levying of 36 ensigns of footmen and
1,000 horsemen under the Count Vandenburgh, who are
already marching by Wesell towards Bommel, and so into
Holland. The King's men-at-arms are sent towards Nimeguen
to hinder their passage, and after them are gone two ensigns
of Spaniards from Tergoes. They were not suffered to stay
in Antwerp, but were received at one gate, and conducted
directly out at the other. The Prince has come with all the
force he can make towards Zericksee, and has already landed
certain pioneers and soldiers in Ameland and Duiveland, who
have begun to cut dikes, to the great annoy of the King's
folk. He has also brought part of his fleet up to Barrowhead, and stopped the passages, so that no victual can come to
the camp. Mondragon on Monday night last sent for the
Spaniards and others lying in garrison in different towns to
come to the camp. Sancho D'Avila is likewise gone thither
with 60 Spaniards, and with him Fugger with 100 High
Dutch, whose men already begin to trust to their heels as men
not very well disposed to fight. There came a herald and a
trumpet yesterday sent from the Lords of the Council to
Zericksee. Yesterday was sent from this town to Barrow
18,000 crowns for the soldiers' pay, and 60,000 more are to
be sent to Utrecht. It is given out that the King has
delivered out in Spain 300,000li to be sent here, but this is
not commonly believed. The Estates of Brabant are to meet
again soon about money matters. A messenger has arrived
out of France to the Prince of Orange, of whose negotiation
there is, some jealousy. The Emperor is on his way to
Inspruck to hold a Diet, and afterwards shall depart into
Poland to take possession of his new Kingdom.—Antwerp,
29 April 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
|
763. Copy of the above. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| April. |
764. Demands of Don John of Austria. |
|
First that he may have certain companies appointed as his
guard under officers of his own selection. That there shall be
a cessation from arms. That the nobles and prelates should
come to Namur to receive him and present him with the keys.
That the council of State should come there also to handle
the matters concerning the pacification and redress of affairs.
He has openly declared that he has authority and will to
retire the Spaniards and other strangers, and that he will
maintain the ancient privileges and grant all the states,
demand saving innovations in religion and the Kings
authority. |
|
Rough draft. Endd.: Demands of Don John of Austria.—
April 1576. Fr. P. 1. |
