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Oct. 16.
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343. J. DE HESSELE to the COUNT OF REUX, GOVERNOR OF
FLANDERS and of NAMUR.
Kindly let M. de Hierges know that the negotiation of our
friends who make it their object to know what is doing in Flanders,
has already brought many notables and magistrates to the devotion
of his Highness, with so much vigilance and good management,
that we hope [on] the reception of the Duke of Aerschot to the
government it will be possible to arrange means for him to restore
the intention of the King pursuant to the places of his Highness,
and to put this pernicious heretic, with all his following, in his
proper place. For the better attaining of which, it will be necessary
for some person to be sent from his Highness, equipped with
eloquence and credit, to let his Majesty's good pleasure be known to
those who favour that cause, especially to M. d'Oignies, M. de
Moucqueron, 'Swenegen,' and the President of the Council, and
to the others you wot of, who are all of a good devotion to bring
the Duke of Aerschot to do whatever he may be advised, being of
such humour as you know. Wherefore it will be expedient to
spare nothing of the provisions required, which I am sure his Highness
will do very well without my advice ; relying on your prudence
to supplement, I will finish this.—Ghent, 16 Oct. 1577.
Copy. Endd. : Lettres de J. Hesselt, écrites à M. de Reu sur
la conspiration de Flandres, du xvie Octobre. Fr. 2/3 p. [Ibid. 40.]
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344. Another copy. Endd. by L. Tomson : Copy of a letter
from J. de Hassele to the Conte de Reux. Fr. ½ p. [Ibid. 41.]
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Oct. 16.
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345. FRANCISCO GIRALDI to WALSINGHAM.
The order which you gave touching the imprisonment of Simon
Fernandez has turned out as I always imagined ; and for this
reason I drew your attention to it on the 24th ult. He has been
released by these judges at the pleasure of absolute authority contrary
to all law divine and humane ; for whereas you ordered on
behalf of her Majesty that they should keep him in good custody, it
would seem as if that order ought to have been enough. How much
more when he was put there as a public robber, as shown by the
proofs in my possession, of which I gave you notice at that time,
and furthermore showed them to Judge Ridolfus [qy. Ayloff] who
at once owned they were enough to hang him. But as it has been
thought fit to employ this other stratagem, it seemed well to me to
let you know of it, with all respect. I am resolved to ask for
nothing but what is just and reasonable, in any event or controversy
whatsoever, in cases typical like this, and odious to
God and the world, being satisfied, in so far as touches my charge
as a minister of my Sovereign, with doing offices suitable to my
dignity. Above all I am content with the sums I caused to be laid
out in getting him into Newgate, even if they had run to 1,000
crowns.—London, 16 Oct. 1577.
Add. Endd. Ital. 1 p. [Portugal I. 6.]
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Oct. 17.
K. d. L. x. 20.
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346. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
They are determining to send the Seneschal of Hainault, M. de
Villerval and Dr. Leoninus to 'Newmeghem' to deal with the
Archduke on the part of the States.
The Duke is said to be at La Fère, to whom Baron d'Aubigny,
not yet sent, though appointed, is to be forthwith dispatched, to
the end before pretended, namely, if it may to divert the entry of
the Duke of Guise to the aid of his Highness.
The Prince is not yet departed from Brussels, where the States,
especially of Brabant, and the burgesses of Brussels, are loth to
forgo him.
On Monday last, the day appointed for his departure, the
Bruxellers, with their pensioner and those of Antwerp, Louvain and
Bois-le-Duc, exhibited a request to the States of Brabant, beseeching
him that in consideration of the danger of the time and the
need of their province to be provided with a discreet governor,
they would commend that charge to his Excellency. The States
desired two or three days to consider, and ask advice of the other
provinces, but the Commons answered that it was a matter that
they could determine of themselves without the advice of others,
and prayed their immediate resolution, which is yet undelivered,
but hourly awaited.
A gentleman arrived last Sunday from Italy reports that there
lie about Turin above 10,000 men, Spaniards, Italians, and
Piedmontese, preparing to come down to his Highness ; and there is
other advice that Don Martini, having had charge of footmen in
the town of Maestricht, is arrived at Marche with 200 light horse,
Spaniards, harquebusiers, and that the rest of the Italian and
Spanish horsemen are looked for at Luxembourg on the 20th.
Divers other Spaniards and Italians are said to arrive there daily,
unarmed and disguised.
His Highness makes great reckoning of the succour of the Pope
and divers princes of Italy, with the old garrisons of Naples, Sicily,
and other parts. Above all the towns in the country he threatens
to use Brussels with a cruelty never heard of, where, he vaunts, he
would be very sorry any man should scale the breach before himself.
Before his departure from Namur he wrote to Burgundy to
hasten the marching of the forces levied there, assuring himself
in the meanwhile that he would so enchant and entertain the States
that they would follow him to Luxembourg with hope of peace,
whereunto he would make semblance to incline till he were
thoroughly provided for a war.
Some good patriots have been of advice that the Estates should
often write to the King advertising his Majesty particularly of the
cause of their new troubles, thereby to remove that sinister impression
he has conceived of them upon the false and slanderous
reports of his Highness, who seeks to persuade his Majesty that they
have his name here in that horror and contempt that hearing the
same recited they commonly 'spett' in despite thereof, where on
the contrary the Prince of Orange is not spoken of but with honour
by every man.
I have now heard from Brussels that M. de Manshart is appointed
to accompany the Baron d'Aubigny to the Duke of
Alençon, and thence to the King, and that John Tyron, a man devoted
to the Duke and a special instrument for him in these parts,
is to go with him to La Fère, but act as a Commissioner.
This bearer found me in this town, upon what occasion he can
acquaint your Honour.—Brussels, 17 Oct. 1577.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fland. III. 42.]
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Oct. 17.
K. d. L. x. 18.
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347. The MARQUIS OF HAVRECH and ADOLF DE MEETKERCKE
to the ESTATES-GENERAL.
We were so distressed at not having had an answer before this
to our letter sent by M. de Famar that we were rejoiced to receive
yesterday your packet dated the 11th, thinking it contained your
definite instructions on everything. On reading it, however, we
found resolutions on two points only, namely, that you had sent some
persons with Nicholas Carenzoni to negotiate in Antwerp the
raising of the £100,000 which the Queen is willing to lend you,
and secondly, that owing to the season being so far advanced
you have no immediate need of the troops, but would rather get rid
of the Germans first. You bid us, however, ask her Majesty, when
the said force is wanted by you, to be pleased to send it. We shall
not fail to thank her for her good offer, and explain to her your
intention ; but we will not conceal from you that we clearly perceive
that the lords over here are beginning to cool, judging that
their nation is little esteemed, and that there is no desire to make
use of it. As to the first point, pray advertise us at once of the
negotiations of your deputies and Carenzoni at Antwerp, together
with the sum that can be found there, and within what time ; that
we may take steps accordingly and put more pressure on the Queen,
to be able to raise money promptly in London. In the event of
the Queen allowing us to take ready money away from here, it will
be necessary for you to request the Prince of Orange and those of
Scotland and Ireland to have two good ships of war in readiness
to transport the money safely in company with a ship which the
Queen will commission to escort us back to Flanders, to avoid the
danger of pirates, who are plentiful on that passage. Meanwhile,
we wait your fruitful resolution on the remaining points of our
letter, as. well as the means for the Queen's full security, which
you say you have substituted for the two millions, and that with
better haste than your late letter has come, in order that when these
affairs are finished we may return as soon as possible, and report
all our business to you ; for we see clearly that the Queen and the
lords of this realm do not take in good part this coldness and
slowness in resolving matters so important, where our opponent is
so diligent to supplant us, and omits nothing to deceive and delay
us. You have therefore done well to reinforce your camp ; and
(under correction) it would conduce to the better dispatch of affairs
if the establishment of the Council of State were hastened, and it
were strengthened by some good persons and trustworthy patriots,
who will do business more maturely that a large multitude, which
we see by experience engenders confusion ; and so the Queen and
the lords here think. We had received by another hand the dispatches
sent by your deputies to Don John, together with the
printed justification, thanking you none the less for sending these,
and begging to send 12 copies more of the others which you say
you have had copied.
The coming of the Archduke Mathias to Cologne has rejoiced us
much, and we hope that his arrival shortly at Brussels will form
a prompt remedy for all our ills ; albeit the Queen and lords here
talk diversely of it, as that it will be necessary before receiving him
to treat with him as to full assurance of the public state, lest we
fall into worse inconvenience than heretofore.—Windsor, 17 Oct.
1577.
Copy [Qy. in hand of Fornari]. Endd. in French. Fr. 2 pp.
[Holl. and Fland. III. 43.]
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Oct. 17.
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348. CHRISTOPHER HODDESDON to WALSINGHAM.
Since closing this letter, I received this paper enclosed printed
from a friend of mine in Lubeck. It contains the spoil of
"Leffeland" and the Emperor of Russia's proceedings there. I
would have sent it sooner, but I had no time, for the company were
ready to start for England.
Add. Endd. (with date) by L. Tomson. Six lines. [Probably
a P.S. to a longer letter.] [Holl. and Fland. III. 44.]
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Oct. 18.
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349. M. DE MÉRU to BURGHLEY.
Letter of recommendation for M. de Ségur, sent by the King of
Navarre to report the course of events and to announce the peace.
Thanks the Queen for all her favour.—Agen, 18 Oct. 1577.
(Signed) Charles de Montmorency.
Add. Seal. Endd. ½ p. [France I. 45.]
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Oct. 18.
K. d. L. x. 27.
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350. WILSON to DAVISON.
Your doings here are very well liked. Howsoever their dealings
are there, you are always to lay the truth plainly open before her
Majesty. God grant that the coming of Archduke Mathias may
be for the advancement of God's glory and the welfare of the Low
Countries. You are to look upon him, to beware of Don John, and
to take always advice of the Prince. I wrote matter to you by
two letters, but you have not yet answered either of them. The
first contained a case for you to get some rebels into your power,
by the States' help ; and in the same letter I mentioned all such
rebels as were expressed in the Statute, and added the names of
divers fugitives. This I wrote by command from our Sovereign.
The other letter concerned yourself, wherein I required you to
declare to me your excessive charges, that I might know the same,
and so the rather get you some present reward to bear your charges,
or else to have your 'diet' advanced.
Pray write by the next post to Lord Warwick, who will thankfully
receive your advertisements, if they be largely set forth, and written
with your own hand. I for my part can forbear your letters, and
think never the worse of you, because I know the pain of writing
many letters. Write me at your best leisure ; I will not blarue
your silence, so that in the two above rehearsed points you satisfy
me as you may.—Windsor, 18 Oct. 1577.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fland. III. 45.]
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Oct. 18.
K. d. L. x. 26
(from a copy).
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351. LEICESTER to DAVISON.
This sudden coming of the Archduke Matthias makes great
doubt of the success of those causes we wish most prosperity to ;
for whether he is come with or without the consent of the King
of Spain, it can no way be good in my opinion. The first is manifest,
but the second as full of mistrust in all reason ; and seeing
no agreement as yet for his placing, and that questions or perhaps
divisions may grow thereby, Don John so near, with an army daily
increasing, the others lulling themselves with these fond new
devices that make them careless of their strength, I fear they will
be suddenly suppressed, and their cause shortly past help. To
judge more ripely of this accident, I suppose the Prince to be
the man that is best able to hit nearest. And the chief hope
that may be had of redress upon these [?] . . strifes is
if he may bear a chief stroke in these actions, otherwise our
Council here must change the late consent given to adventure more
for those good fellows than will be had or savoured again a good
while. And if they show themselves thus irresolute, for my own
part I rather attend with others to meet the worst at home, than
to hazard life and honour with such unstable men abroad. And
this will be a certain ground, that unless the Prince bear stroke
and be there, I would be loth that either men or money should
be cast away upon the rest. Her Majesty reposes most upon
the Prince, and will most be advised by him.—17 Oct.
P.S.—The Marquis thinks that no man likes the Archduke's
coming better than the Prince, and so he affirms since to the
Marquis.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. 46.]
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Oct. 18.
K. d. L. x. 22.
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352. SUMMARY OF REMARKS made by SECRETARY WALSINGHAM
to M. DE MEETKERKE about the coming down of ARCHDUKE
MATHIAS. 18 Oct. 1577.
My reason for asking you to call on me was to acquaint you with
a matter of great importance to the Estates and to our present
negotiations. Her Majesty has heard from her Ambassador in
the Low Countries that the Archduke Matthias has arrived at
Cologne on his way to assume the government of those countries.
His coming seems to open the way to disunion among the States,
at a moment when union is all important. I need say nothing
as to the source of this proceeding, but merely set before you the
inconveniences you are likely to incur if the matter be not wisely
handled.
In the first place, you know the business which the Marquis
has been treating with her Majesty in the name of the Estates.
It should have been considered whether she would approve the
coming of the Archduke or not ; and you should have been more
frank with her ; in order that your plans might have succeeded
more to your satisfaction than perhaps, looking to the present
footing of affairs, they will now do. She herself has no reason to
be dissatisfied at having near her as neighbour a prince descended
from the House of Burgundy, one of the most ancient allies of
the English Crown, and son of the late Emperor, who while he
lived was as good a friend of her Majesty as any prince in Europe.
The young prince himself, too, in conversation with her Ambassador
and to the Emperor his brother, has protested his good
affection towards her. All which could not fail to satisfy her, if,
as I said, the times and other circumstances were appropriate.
Copy (apparently in Davison's hand) of part of the report
referred to in Walsingham's letter of the 20th. No. 357. Endd.
Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fland. III. 47.]
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Oct. 19.
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353. LAURENCE TOMSON to DAVISON.
It was thought that Mr. Randolph would have been sent into
Scotland about the matter I wrote of in my last but one. He came
up to Court for the purpose, but the return of Mr. Bowes' answer
has broken off the deliberation. "It is supposed those matters
will go well enough, and that there is no such matter as was
deemed ; but beware of 'had I wist.' These devices require good
circumspection ; occasions are very often stolen away."
Our matter with France as to our ships "dependeth yet as a
meteore." The King rejects the matter from time to time, upon
pretence of want of information. Sixteen of the best of them are
detained, besides the evil usage of our men. But I think her
Majesty is almost even with him, for she has made a stay of as many
of his in the west, very well appointed in warlike manner ; what
their purpose may be I know not. The stay of them will cause
the release of her Majesty's ; otherwise they might have stayed
longer, and been dismissed with greater difficulty.
Your advertisement of the arrival of the Archduke is some stay
of proceedings here, and not without cause.
"The Lord bless you, and give you to see good days, that your
heart, I am sure, desireth." And so requesting you will remember
me to M. Sainte-Aldegonde, I leave you to the grace of God. Your
suit shall not be forgotten. Your warrant for allowance is already
made out.—Windsor, 19 Oct., 1577.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. 48.]
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Oct. 19.
K. d. L. x. 29.
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354. The MARQUIS of HAVRECH to the STATES-GENERAL.
I have procured the dispatch of M. de la Moullerye, who came with
greetings to the Queen from the Count of Lalaing, to inform you
in addition to my former letters, of the conversation which took
place to-day between Secretary Walsingham and Meetkerke, from
which you will understand the change of mood at this Court,
owing to information they have received of some misunderstanding
among you, and that the Prince has retired dissatisfied to Breda.
We cannot believe this, and think it must proceed from some
malevolent persons who scatter these rumours in order to divert
neighbouring princes and this Queen from helping us. We have,
in fact, since the dispatch of the 12th, found affections not only
cooled, but even spoilt, because more active preparations are not
made to meet the forces which are collecting on all sides to crush
us ; seeing the intelligences which Don John is opening everywhere,
and that the French favour him openly. Yesterday, after I had
delivered your letters, the Queen and some Lords of the Council
expressed to me their annoyance at the delays there, and how sorry
they would be at our total ruin ; as it seemed that we should be
crushed on a sudden, and fall back into worse error than in the
past. This I met by testifying the sincerity of our union, and how
we were bound to support each other, and that past examples were
enough to make us hold to our resolutions, not being suborned by
any means direct or indirect to allow any footing to that tyrannical
nation, which seeks only to avenge itself for being turned
out. To this I pray you pay careful regard, and maintain
mutual correspondence, seeing that our enemy, who is at present
inferior to our forces, will certainly try by all means to divide us,
until his force is sufficient to chastise us, and that all princes will
lose taste for helping us, knowing our want of resolution. Whereby
I fear that if I have not soon more decided news from you,
showing the confidence that you ought to have in this Queen, our
negotiation will end in smoke ; and I advise you to try to give
her all reasonable satisfaction by letting her understand that you
desire to be promptly assisted by her forces, understanding that
their principal dissatisfaction is that you despise their nation, and
will only avail yourselves of their money.
Meanwhile her ships are being stayed in France solely because
she is joined with us ; which I cannot omit to point out to you,
begging that we may have absolute explanation of your intentions,
both on our preceding letter and on this and the report enclosed,
in order that I may the sooner return with success in my negotiation,
and employ myself there in doing you better service than
here, it not having depended on Meetkerke and me to conduct affairs
according to what seemed to us requisite for the good of our country.
Considering how profitable and convenient this alliance would
be to us, and having found all generally well-disposed
to employ their goods and their lives in defence of our
just quarrel, for which we ought not only to show gratitude by
writings and words, but by evident efforts to keep them in this
good will, and so unite them with us that they will not be able to
disentangle themselves hereafter, fearing lest if we lost the occasion
we shall not so easily recover it, but nevertheless committing
all to your prudence and discretion (the gentleman who bears this
will tell you the rest) we will take our leave.—Windsor, 19 October
1577.
Copy. Endd. Fr. 2 pp. [Ibid. 49.]
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Oct. 19.
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355. DIEGO MALDONADO to ANTONIO GUARAS.
Secretary Gabriel de Zayas has given me the enclosed note for
you, directing me to give it as quick dispatch as possible, and I did
not wish to lose so good an occasion of bringing myself
to your knowledge, offering myself to your service, and
giving you to know that I am in this Court in the
service of the King's embassy. You may command and
employ me in all things. The news from here is this peace,
which the most Christian King has made with his rebels ; the terms
of which go with this letter for your inspection. Although some
say harm will come to us from it, I hold the contrary view, because
the King has no other thought than to preserve the amity which his
father and brothers maintained toward his Majesty ; which being
so, besides that Christendom has great benefit, individuals likewise
enjoy their share.—Paris, 19 Oct. 1577.
Add. Sp. 1 p. A slip is appended in the hand of Secretary
Zayas, as follows : The bearers of this are the friends who I
hope will do their business well because they have been well
admonished for the matter of the iron and to get them as good and
not to enter into the admiral's court, let them go about and
solicit those at Court with all diligence and favour as they will
write to you on landing. [Spain I. 10.]
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Oct. 20.
K. d. L. x. 37.
Also x. 32
from another
and slightly
different copy
in British
Museum.
|
356. ADVICES from ANTWERP (Davison to Walsingham).
The Archduke Matthias called down by some noblemen and
States here to be governor, is looked for daily at Newmeghen.
He is said to be gone from Collen to visit the Duke of Cleves
till he hear from the States.
His sudden coming somewhat distracts them in opinion here ;
some insisting vehemently for his immediate reception, others
allowing it in no sort till the other be retired, and the present
state of things redressed.
Don John meanwhile lies at Luxembourg "as one that sleepeth
not." His meeting with the Duke of Guise is confirmed. What
will result from their understanding will appear before long,
neither of them being able to maintain their forces long without
employment.
Before his Highness left Marche he had received 200 Spanish
light horsemen harquebusiers under Don Martini, expecting some
2,000 more Spaniards, Italians, and Albanese by the 24th of this
present.
The rest of his succours from the Pope and other princes of
Italy are said to be preparing with great diligence, especially in
Piedmont. There are said to be 10,000 men ready to march
hitherward, paid in advance for two months.
Meantime troops of Spaniards arrive daily at Luxembourg à la
file, disguised and unarmed.
His Highness has written to Burgundy to hasten the force levied
there, esteemed at least 5 or 6,000 men ; but his forces from Germany
do not stir yet, though ready to march when he shall have
'gelt' for them, without which they will fight for no man.
The States have received several letters from the Emperor and
Empire requiring to be informed "in whom the fault and occasion
of the breach of the last pacification and the treaty of Gaunt
groweth," and what means can be found to re-establish a good
peace.
Baron d'Aubigny and M. de Manshart departed yesterday on
embassy to the French king. On the way they are addressed to
the Duke of Alençon at La Fère.
Letters are sent to Casimir and Count Schwarzburg for 5,000
reiters, of whom Casimir should furnish 3,000.
One Schenck, a gentleman whose father was governor of Guelderland,
is likewise entertained with 1,500 horse, and the Marquis
of Havrech at his return shall have charge of another 1,500 reiters.
The Bruxellers insist to have the Prince governor of Brabant,
but it is not yet concluded. His Excellency has been importunately
desired by them to stay there till Monday next, when he
is looked for in this town on his way to Breda. Don John is
not a little moved with his abode at Brussels, as appears by his
letter lately written to the States, in which he specially insists
upon two points, the one to lay down their arms, the other to
command the Prince of Orange [to retire] into his 'goverment'
[sic].
The States' camp is about a little league from Namur ; by the
good advice and handling of the Prince, well paid and furnished
hitherto. They have over the Maes above 40 ensigns of foot and
what little horse they have already, minding to occupy the passages
and to spoil and waste the country of Luxembourg.
The Almaines that are in Ruremonde are thought unable to
hold out long, for want of victuals.
Two days since, Mr. — Blunt, Lord Mountjoy's brother, was
brought prisoner to Brussels, and with him is taken one Captain
Jamy Shaw, a Scot, a great companion of the Hamiltons, an
instrument no less lewd and dangerous.
The bruit is that the King of Spain has seized on the commonwealth
of 'Gennes.' The truth will be known next post.
The fortification of Brussels is ordered, and certain woods are
to be sold, whereby they may gain about 1200[0] Carolas to begin
with. It will be a long and expensive work at this time of year.
—Antwerp, 20 Oct. 1577.
P.S.—Let me understand her Majesty's pleasure for Mr. Blunt,
whose detaining I have laboured for till it be known. For the
other, if you think you may make any profit of him, I doubt not
but he will be delivered. The man is taken for a pestilent and
dangerous instrument.
Add. Endd. (The body of the letter is a news letter, of which
copies appear to have been sent to various persons. P.S. is in
Davison's hand, and it is signed by him. Marginal notes by L.
Tomson.) 2 pp. [Holl. and Fland. III. 50.]
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Oct. 20.
K. d. L. x. 41.
|
357. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
The division among the States upon the Archduke's coming has
bred here, upon just ground, alteration of our resolutions touching
the requests propounded by the Marquis. Her Majesty means to
do nothing till she hear what opinion the Prince has, and is likely
to follow, of this young gentleman's coming ; and her pleasure is
you shall repair with all speed to the Prince and inform yourself
of the points following : [Here follow the questions given, with the
answers, in No. 386. There is another, here numbered 5 : If he
mean to withdraw himself, what he thinketh will become of the
States. Short marginal notes by Davison are written to some of
them, giving summaries of the Prince's answers.].
To each of these her pleasure is you should move him to give
his resolution, that she may draw to some determination both what
to answer the Marquis and how to settle her own estate. Herein
she requires you to use all expedition, for the Marquis, who is
somewhat dismayed to see her allow no better of Matthias' coming,
and hereupon somewhat to hesitate in giving the credit promised
for the money the States desire to borrow, awaits an answer. We
seek to make it apparent to him that no favour is to be had here without
the mediation and furtherance of the Prince of Orange, to the
end that if through envy they cannot be drawn to honour him for
his virtues, they may at least be moved to make much of him for
necessity's sake.
The Marquis at his last access to her Majesty thanked her in the
name of the States for her gracious answers to their demands for
men and money. And as touching the men, he showed her that
as this winter they do not look to be assailed with any great forces,
they mean not to have any.
He proceeded to inform her that Matthias was come to Collen,
whom they meant to accept as governor under the King of Spain,
being a prince of the blood, and one that had not been brought up
in Spain as the rest of the Emperor's brothers, and therefore not
affected to that nation.
He received answer from her Majesty, for the first point, that
she was glad they did so well accept her answer to their reports ;
that touching Matthias' coming, she could not tell what to say to
it ; and so fell to a large discourse in laying down the inconveniences
that might ensue thereby, at which the Marquis was
so much amazed that she asking him what he thought of the
matter, he protested that he could not tell what to judge of it,
and found the perils no less than she.
The next day I was appointed to confer with Medekyrke, the
copy of which conference I send you. I found the man greatly
amazed, but had no answer from him worth reciting. He asked
my advice how matters might be helped. I said in my opinion
there were but two ways : one to make the Prince the Archduke's
lieutenant, whence three commodities would come :
First, the lack of experience in the young Prince would be
supplied by the sufficiency of such a lieutenant ;
Secondly, that the jealousy of the good patriots and burgesses
who are devoted to the Prince would be removed ;
Lastly, that we here should be the better inclined to assist them,
when we saw their affairs committed to so sufficient a director.
The second was to remove the evil and suspected patriots from
Council, whereby their good determinations might not be crossed
as they are, which breeds dangerous irresolution.
He seemed to allow of these two ways, and to acknowledge them
the principal remedies ; but I fear the Marquis is of another
opinion.
I have written to St. Alagonde to set down his opinion to the
propositions I send you, which pray deliver to him.
I must not forget to tell you how much the States' refusal of our
men is misliked here by honest and well-affected gentlemen ; and
surely they show themselves to lack judgement, for besides the
strength they would have received thereby, the countenance of the
matter would have more appalled the enemy than 20,000 of any
other nation. You see, when I am entered into this cause, I know
not how to get out.
I have got a privy seal for five months' advance, which shall
be delivered, when you depute one to receive it. The Queen hath
also promised to sign your bill. And so God keep you. In haste,
with a weary hand.—20 Oct. 1577.
Holograph. Add. Endd. 4½ pp. [Holl. and Fland. III.
51.]
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Oct. 20.
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358. Copy of the questions referred to in above letter (see No.
388). Endd. in Walsingham's hand : 19 Oct. 1577. Certain
points sent to Mr. Davison to be resolved by the P. of Orange.
½ p. [Holl. and Fland. III. 52.]
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Oct. 20.
K. d. L. x. 36.
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359. DAVISON to BURGHLEY.
By the enclosed particulars you may see the course of things
here, inclining every day more and more to a desperate war.
Forces both of horse and foot are marching from Italy with all
speed to his Highness ; and out of France it is not doubted they will
fall with all their fury upon these counties as soon as he shall be
ready for them. There is advice from Venice that the Senate, in
league with the Spanish King and the rest of the conjured princes,
has offered large assistance ; so that this poor country and her
neighbours seem to be threatened on all sides.
From the Empire there arrived last night at Brussels (as I hear
thence) two commissioners sent to the States to understand the
cause and circumstance of their 'alterations,' and to mediate if
it may for peace ; but as they are thought to come too late to do
any good, so is it doubted that their intent is nothing less. No
better opinion is yet had among the wisest sort of the Archduke's
journey, to whom they send commissioners with the articles herewith
enclosed. How they will be digested we shall hear shortly.
I send you herewith the names of such among the States as
are esteemed good patriots, of which number I have pricked those
that are thought to incline to religion. I send also a copy of Don
John's last letter to the States, a letter very arrogant, agreeable
to his nature.—Antwerp, Oct. 20, 1577.
P.S.—Here is even now come news of an enterprise discovered
for the betrayal of Graveling, handled by the lieutenant of the
Count de Reux.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fland. III. 53.] Enclosing
list of names :
Les bons Patriotes qui sont en l'assemblée des Etats à Bruxelles.
De l'ecclésiastiques [sic] bons Patriotes ; viz., the Abbots of St. Gertrude and
Marolles. [To them Davison notes : gens sans malice pour le fait de la religion.]
Des Bourgeois et habitans de Bruxelles.
Tous patriotes on Anvers.
De Grand [sic].
Endd. 1½ pp. [Ibid. 53A.]
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360. ADVICE from ANTWERP of the 19th Oct., 1577.
Enclosed in above. Identical with No. 356. Endd. 1½ pp.
[Ibid. 54.]
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Oct. 20.
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361. DAVISON to BURGHLEY.
Draft of No. 359. ½ p. [Ibid. 55.]
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Oct. 20.
K. d. L. x. 40.
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362. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
It is above 10 or 12 days since the States resolved to send Carrington
with two other commissioners to sound this "burse," but
they are not yet come hither. Their delays seem somewhat
strange, the matter being so important as they pretend.
For the other point propounded by the Marquis, you may have
understood their resolution by him, to whom by Whitechurch they
wrote their opinions at length. I find many of them desirous to
relieve themselves with our money, but unwilling to use our men,
though I think they will soon have cause to make much both of
one and the other.
I have just received a copy of the articles to be presented to the
Archduke by the States' Commissioners. With them I send a
copy of Don John's letter, as you may see, arrogant enough after
his nature. [Other news as in letter to Burghley.]—Antwerp,
20 Oct. 1577.
P.S—I am loth to importune you in my own private affairs, but
my state here drives me to it. You can judge of yourself the
greatness of my charge, and the weakness of my shoulders to
sustain it without other help ; and therefore I most humbly beseech
you to continue your care of me.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. 56.]
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363. Draft of the above. [Ibid. 57.]
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