Elizabeth: May 1578, 16-20

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 12, 1577-78. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Elizabeth: May 1578, 16-20', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 12, 1577-78, (London, 1901) pp. 686-700. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol12/pp686-700 [accessed 27 April 2024]

This volume has gold page scans.
Access these scans with a gold subscription. Key icon

May 1578, 16-20

May 16. 869. Another copy of the same, dated Greenwich, 16 May. Endd. Fr. 1⅓ pp. [Ibid. I. 61.]
[May 16.] 870. MR. STAFFORD'S INSTRUCTIONS.
. . . . . . And during the time of your abode in this negotiation you shall inform yourself of the depth of their intentions, whether they tend directly to the aid of the Spaniard, or to the alienation of those countries to the Crown of France ; and for either of those purposes what forces they have in readiness and where they are, what other preparations are in hand, and generally how you find the country affected to the enterprise, whereby the greater part of their designs may be discovered. And as you come to the notice of any such details, advertise us with such expedition as the importance of the matter requires. Immediately upon your arrival at Paris you shall repair to our ambassador there, and having conferred with him take such course as he shall direct, who by the experience he has of the natures and humours of those with whom you have to deal and of the present state of things, will be a good means to show you the fittest way for the furtherance of our present service. Copy. 2/3 p. (Six preceding leaves have been cut out.) [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
May 16.
K. d. L. x. 473.
871. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
Your letter of the 11th with your full answer to such particular points as were contained in my last, I have received ; and rest satisfied with it until such time as by unsuspected testimony they shall be maintained as true. I have only to let you understand that with the party whom you suspect to be your accuser I never had speech touching any such matter. The gentleman has always borne the reputation of being honest and religious, and therefore [I] would be sorry he should be your accuser, whose testimony I dare assure you carries weight among the better sort at Court. I wish the 'pyke' between you were well compounded. I would be glad to employ myself therein, if I were made acquainted with your 'greaves.' I am sorry that Mr. Cavendish came over no better provided, or rather that he came over at all, considering there is no great account made of our nation ; which makes some to mistrust that the same proceeds of a disposition they have to embrace the French. The favour they receive from hence deserves a kinder requital. The Prince—though I hope it be not true—is charged by some not to be the best inclined to entertain any of our nation ; which confirms an opinion that he is inclined to France. It were well he were in some good way informed of this. As I wrote to you before, I wish, for the 'avoidance of this mislike,' that some way could be found by which our nation could serve under Duke Casimir, and supply the room of the Switzers, who, as I am informed, are not to be drawn to this service. Please confer with 'Mr. Argenlyewe' about this matter ; for I see great inconvenience likely to ensue by the rejecting of our nation, and therefore wish some good and seasonable remedy were devised. 'Marleraye,' sent lately into France by the Prince, did not visit our ambassador as heretofore he has done, yet he remained in Paris ten days ; at which he greatly marvels, especially upon the breaking out of Monsieur's intention to be a dealer in the Low Countries. It breeds some suspicion in our ambassador that the Prince inclines that way. In this time so full of suspicions all occasions that might nourish so dangerous an humour were well avoided, especially such as might draw us to suspect him of whom we would be glad to continue a sound and sincere opinion. I heard that hard things are said of Mr. Vice-Chamberlain by men of the best 'countenance' there, as overmuch inclined to Spain. I assure you he receives herein great wrong ; for I know of my own knowledge he has dealt most earnestly and effectually with her Majesty in furtherance of the States ; and that without her mediation things had not taken the effect they have done. It were well therefore that such speeches were suppressed, for being so interested as he is in her Majesty's favour it were better policy to make an enemy a friend than to make him of a friend an enemy. My desire that all things should do well makes me more 'large' than my leisure could well afford.—London, 16 May 1578., P.S.—Please make no mention in your general letter of the joining of the English bands to Casimir as an advice 'growing' from me. I wish this bearer [Roger Williams] should receive some good words from the Prince, as one that makes a good report of him and is greatly devoted towards him. Add. Holograph. Endd. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fl. VI. 65.]
May 16. K. d. L. x. 470. 872. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
Her Majesty has been pleased at the request of the States and Duke Casimir to furnish them with the 20,000l. they desired, and order is given for the transport of the same to Mr. Saltonston 'with as convenient expedition as wind and weather will yield.' The money is to be delivered to you and by you to the States, according to the directions of the Council, which you will receive by Mr. Saltonston, a copy of which I enclose by this bearer, who goes to Casimir with a letter from her Majesy, of which I also send a copy. The Duke's request being that he may have the whole sum delivered to him, you will do well to deal with the States accordingly, that in case they make any difficulty, you may let them know it is her Majesty's pleasure it should be so. In case they reply that there will be an overplus amounting to more than his levies come to, if they think good they may add to his companies of footmen there such of our nation there as he may like, and may save their charges otherwise. In any case they should use all possible expedition for the conveyance of the said sum to him, to such place and against such time as he has appointed. Now for the security you are to take of them in her Majesty's behalf, I send you herewith a form of obligation general, which they are to make over to you for her use, and other particular obligations of particular towns at such time as you shall demand them, on signifying the names of the towns which she requires to have bound for the same. They are these : the city of Brussels in Brabant, Ghent, Bruges, Dunkirk, and Newport in Flanders, and Middelburg in Zealand. The words of the general obligation show the time when they must be delivered into your hands. See that you slack not to call on them for them. Lately, as I remember, I recommended to you the suit of one Cox. The Marquis is sufficiently acquainted with the equity of it. His demand is reasonable, requiring only sureties. I promised he should be satisfied within 18 days. If he and others are delayed in such sort in their reasonable demands there, justice cannot be denied them here. I pray you, therefore, be instant with the Marquis.—London, 16 May 1578. P.S. (autograph).—Her Majesty wishes you to have a principal care that no part of the money be detained by the States, but the whole or the just value sent to 'Cullen,' If any controversy arises between the Estates and the Duke about it, you shall move them to refer it to her Majesty's decision ; but in any case to send the money. The Marquis promised me that some order should be taken for the contentment of Cox. I wish the more care taken therein as Mr. Vice-Chamberlain is very earnest in the matter ; for Cox's brother serves him in place of secretary. Her Majesty continues disposed to have the Lord Warden and me to come over. For myself, I am moved upon very great causes to seek 'to rid my hands from the voyage.' Please tell the Prince that according to his advice her Majesty means to send some well-chosen persons to the assembly at 'Smalcaldye.' Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Ibid. VI. 66.]
873. Copy of the above, without the P.S. 1¼ pp. [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
May 15.
K. d. L. x. 468.
874. A direction for William Davison, Esq. to be observed by him in and about the delivery of the 20,000l. to the States. The 15th of May, 1578, at Wanstead.
That you make not delivery of the 20,000l. to the States till you have received from them bonds in such form as by the copy sent herewith you may see ; as also that repayment be made thereof, of the first money that shall be taken up by virtue of her Majesty's bonds. The money to be employed for the pay of Duke Casimir's soldiers at their place of muster ; and be forthwith sent either to Coloigne or some other place thereabouts, to be delivered by the 23rd inst., or sooner, if possible, to Isaac Lewenhart, commissioner to the said Duke, whom he has deputed for that purpose. And because the forces which he brings are in lieu of her Majesty's and at her request, that they enter into no treaty of peace or other capitulation without his advice and consent ; and that as her Majesty's lieutenant, he be accepted and received according to the tenor of the first article concluded between her and the Marquis of Havrech at his first being here, as if her forces were English and he himself of the nobility of England. That in the mean time they forbear to proceed in any further dealing with Monsieur d'Anjou or any other for the same causes until her Majesty's ministers come, whom she means to send thither with all expedition. That according to the said treaty between her Majesty and the Marquis touching mutual amity between her Majesty and the States, they observe the said articles as fully as they were intended and meant. That they defray the expenses of the bearer for the transport of the said sum of money, both coming and going and tarrying there, and all other costs expended according to the note he shall deliver you. If he find them unwilling to make ready payment, it may be added to the principal debt. (Signed) W. Burghley, R. Leicester, Hunsdon, Tho. Wilson. Copy. End. in the last. Heading and endt. in writing of L. Tomson. 1½ pp. [Holl. and Fl. VI. 67.]
875. Another copy. 1¼ pp. [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
May [16?]
K. d. L. x. 472.
876. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
I have dispatched by this bearer, who has the transportation of the £20,000, a copy of a bond which the States are to give for her Majesty's security, and also a direction from my Lords how you are to deal for the delivery of the said sum to the States. I have discoursed more at large in my other letter, which I have sent by post, with a duplicate of these pieces.— the of May 1578. Add. Endd. ½ p. [Holl. and Fl. VI. 68.]
May 17.
K. d. L. x. 476.
877. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
I received yesterday yours of the 6th by Mr. York, and this morning others of the 11th by my man ; and though both came too late to thwart the French negotiation, which is to be concluded to-day or to-morrow, yet, as you directed, I addressed myself to the Prince (who returned but yesterday morning from Brussels) to effect what I could in that behalf. At the first entry he told me that this traffic with the Duke was so far forward that it could not now be called back ; which I seeming greatly to condemn, he excused the matter, partly by their necessity, comparing themselves to a body in extremity, which would not suffer a lingering remedy, partly by the length and event of their negotiation with her Majesty, and partly to the desperate condition of the time, having on one side to resist the forces of a King of Spain resolved to go through with this war to the last man, and on the other to content the French, who, in their treaty, put them to the choice whether they will make them friends or enemies. The matter standing thus, he asked me what they should do, being unable to subsist of themselves, and being in a manner abandoned by all their neighbours, for of the Empire they expect nothing, and of her Majesty they find themselves unassured. I told him that in this matter it behoved them to look well about thèem, and the more so because this 'traffic,' dangerous to themselves, would not a little 'alter and distaste' all their good friends, especially her Majesty, who would not take it well, if it were only that they concluded it without her assent, which their own promise bound them to await. He answered that he hoped the conclusion would be such as neither her Majesty nor any of their neighbours would dislike. Their haste was no greater than the necessity urged, being hourly pressed by the Duke's commissioners (of whom de Rochepot and Mondoucet associated with them, are in this town) in respect of the great charge their master is at in keeping up his forces. Besides, her Majesty had known of it so long, by the Marquis and by me, that she might have vouchsafed them some answer. I told him he might have perceived by what I had delivered him what taste her Majesty had of it. He said the commissioners pretended to have her Majesty's assent, in late letters to their master, which they offered to produce ; but I told him I would not believe it till I saw it. In fine, I asked him whether they would suspend their resolution till they hear further from her Majesty. He said they had promised to give their final answer to-day or to-morrow, and therefore could not wait so long. 'Then,' quoth I, 'God send it good speed, and better issue than I look for.' 'You may be sure,' said he, 'it shall be as little prejudicial as may be to our country, or to the service of her Majesty.' I asked him what assurance they had thereof? He answered, the word and faith of a prince ; a weak hold, as I told him, coming from that race. He confessed it to be true, but in this action they were forced to put it to a trial. I asked what safety they could have in possessing the French of some of their best frontier towns. He answered that of two evils they thought it wisdom to choose the less ; meaning that it was better to give him two towns than to allow him to seize on the whole province of Hainault, which seemed inclined to revolt to him. I told him I could not see how the danger was diverted, or rather how it was not increased, by the delivery of towns into his hands. He answered that without some conclusion, he would have entered into the heart of the country, but by agreeing with him they hoped to divert him into Burgundy or elsewhere. 'But what if his forces join with the enemy, with whom,' quoth I, 'he may have intelligence?' He said he might put their state in hazard, but no further than he might do without a capitulation. I asked why his forces, once having a sure footing in the frontier provinces, might not enter by the way of Hainault, while his brother's forces levied under colour of pursuing him, entered by Gravelines, and the enemy came down from the other side of the country? He answered it might be so, but he had a better opinion of the Duke's negotiations. In sum, I desired to be satisfied as to the details of his offers and demands, which, as his Excellency told me, were principally these :-He would serve the States with 10,000 foot and 2,000 horse for two months at his own charge, where they would, and was contented to be commanded by them or by Count Bossu, or any other they might appoint ; reserving the Archduke, under whom he would in no degree be subject. He would not 'give over the action' till he had expelled the enemy. These offers performed, he looked to be aut Cœsar aut nihil, if they changed their masters (whereunto they seem resolutely inclined, or at least to change their form of government). However, he gives them three months after the execution of these offers to decide. Yet to be assured that he shall not lose all his labour he demands three or four towns, of which Landrecies and Quesnoy are likely to be assured him, though of Quesnoy he be already assured ; the Baron d'Aubigny having received a company or two of French into it, who with his own faction (no less French) are masters of the place. To-day or to-morrow the matter is likely to grow to a point ; whether happily or unluckily the result will show. They have advice here of the coming of 1,500 Italians and Spaniards from Italy, the diverting or defeat of whom it is thought the Duke will take upon him. They likewise hear of the dispatch of M. de Billy with a full resolution for the prosecuting of the war with the utmost vigour ; which makes them the more forward in the French negotiation. Philippeville still holds out, though in some distress. Count Bossu, with most of the garrison of Brussels and Mechlin, has made an exploit upon two 'houses of strength' kept by the enemy and of annoyance to the States, lying on certain passages between Brussels and Louvain ; razing one and putting the defenders to the sword. The other he 'took to composition' and put in a garrison of French. At Herentals was hanged last week one Hickmot, born at Sevenock in Kent, sent for a spy by Lord Westmoreland ; and one Shotton, with letters to practise with the company of Captain Bishop for the betraying of that place. Two of the soldiers are apprehended, and 'in danger to speed as the other.' La Motte expects 3,000 foot and 6,000 horse to be sent to him by Don John, wherewith to 'keep the States play' in the west of Flanders. Otherwise little has occurred since my last.—Antwerp, 17 May 1578. Add. Endd. Marg. annot. 2¼ pp. [Ibid. VI. 69.]
May 17. 878. Draft of the above.
Endd. 2½ pp. [Ibid. VI. 69a.]
May 17.
K. d. L. x. 467 (from a copy stated to be in 'Papers of Holland,' but no longer to be found there).
879. THE QUEEN to DUKE CASIMIR.
Whereas you have been good enough, at our request, and in the wish to show your sincere affection toward us, to embark upon the defence of the Low Countries, which will be ruined if you do not take steps in time, you can well think that you have increased the affection we bear to you in such a measure that we shall not fail at all times and in all places where our means will permit to acknowledge it. And that you may understand what care we bear for you, we have ordered that the £20,000 for which you ask shall be paid to you at the place of muster ; assuring you that we will always assist you with all our favours and resources in such sort that you shall receive from our conduct nothing but satisfaction. We beg, moreover, that in addition to the dispatch always necessary in actions of this sort, you will have a care of us and our affairs, and not allow us to be treated after the fashion in which they proceeded with you on your last expedition into France, but will not lay down your arms nor enter into any treaty whatever without previously obtaining our consent, and that we may be advertised of everything that takes place from day to day. As to the meeting at Schmalkald and the dispatch of certain persons on our part to be present there and to bring about in our name some better resolution than those of the Augsburg Confession seem to have projected, we have taken order for our deputies to go there, albeit the time is short, and we doubt if they can get there so soon. We hope that our care for the advancement of the Church will be acceptable, and our messengers well received and heard even if they arrive after the meeting has begun. Copy. Marginal heading : To Duke Casimir, 18 May, by Williams (but Williams went on the 17th). Fr. 1 p. [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
May 17.
K. d. L. x. 475.
880. LEICESTER to DAVISON.
I had forgotten to request your favour towards Roger Williams. I understand you have conceived some hard opinions of him, but if the matter be not the greater, pray let me intreat you that the valour of the man, who is indeed a very good soldier, may overweight with you to private offence, and that you will remit it, and deal in his favour with the Prince and others. I doubt not you will hereafter find the friendship you shew him well-bestowed.— 17 May, 1578. P.S. (autograph).—My leisure will not serve to have written myself more at large to you. Add. Endd. 1½ p. [Holl. and Fl. VI. 70.]
May 18.
K. d. L. x. 479.
881. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
Since my last dispatch to you, written on the 16th, I received a packet from France, with some part of which I thought good to acquaint you for the furthering of your service, and therefore send it enclosed. I would have you use it, so that may not be known to others by what means you obtained such intelligence ; I mean in such detail point by point. As you find by it who are the persons that were to play upon this stage, so you will be more able to conjecture with ease what hope may be conceived of their action, and what event it will turn to, whether tragical or comical. I have besides this letter received another, whereby I am given to understand that 'd'Albene' gives out that Queen Mother will do what she can to dissuade her son from this journey, and to come to Court. Whether this be a mask to cover their counterfeit dealings, or be meant in sincerity, they have to consider whom it most concerns. It may be she means so ; then if she prevails, as is not unlikely, it will easily appear to how slender and weak an upholder they have leaned, which so quails and gives over. They have a goodly precedent fresh before their eyes, done at Mons, in which she herself was as forward, yea more earnest than her son is in this ; and when she had brought the birds to the brim of the pitfall, there she left them, making besides a false train to snare them, as well by the enemy as her own people, whereby they came to that overthrow and ill-success which we remember. The coming over of Lord Cobham and myself is now concluded ; it will not be many days before we are dispatched. Meanwhile you know how you have to deal, and I doubt not you will labour to keep matters as upright as you may till we more fully debate with them in her Majesty's name. Add. Endd. in error : 28 May. 1 p. [Ibid. VI. 71.]
882. Another copy. 1 p. [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
883. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
I wrote yesterday how far the French negotiation had proceeded ; which to-day at 11 o'clock was not determined. The difficulty on which they chiefly stick is in respect of the Archduke, by whom the Duke of Alençon will in no sort agree to be commanded ; the object being to supplant his authority that he may the sooner enter into his place. If it succeed as he hopes, I pray that they and we rue not the exchange. What is further done, I shall know in the evening ; meanwhile I would not let slip this messenger. The Jesuits here are this morning, expelled the town ; and to-morrow the friars mineurs are likely to follow them ; both for refusing to take the oath which the rest of the clergy have done by order from the States. A good beginning to the work, which I hope God will bring to perfection here.—Antwerp, 18 May, 1578. Add. Endd. ¾ p. [Holl. Fl. VI. 72.]
May 18. 884. Draft of the above : 'a good beginning and entrance to that change of religion which is growing here.' Endd. 1½ pp. [Ibid. VI. 72a.]
885. Rough draft of the above. "Hainault, Artois, Brabant, Lille, Douay, Orchies, and one or two provinces more did yesterday pass their assent, but the rest made a difficulty." Endd. 2/3 p. [Ibid. VI. 72b.]
May 18.
K. d. L. x. 480.
886. DUKE CASIMIR to DAVISON.
You will no doubt have heard the decision I have taken in compliance with the representations made by the Queen, and at the request of the Estates. I write only to beg that you will do your best to have what the Queen has promised, sent without fail to the place indicated, for every pregnant reason, which you will hear fully from my Councillor Petrus Dathenus, the bearer of this.—Lautern, 18 May, 1578. Add. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. VI. 73.]
May 19. 887. HODDESDON to WALSINGHAM.
According to her Majesty's letters received Aug. 28 last I have delivered the treasure in my charge as may appear from the quittance sent herewith, of which I keep the original, under the hand and seal of Duke Casimir. Please receive the true and authentic copy herewith enclosed, both of the Duke's own in Latin and of his factor's in Dutch, whereby you may perceive that I have done all according to commission. I am now to be a suitor to you for my charges for the time I have been employed, namely since Aug. 26 last to May 17. Though I have 40s. a day for that time with allowance for a convenient time to come home, I shall be no gainer thereby ; yet as there is hope of other service thereafter and you 'know what is better for me than I do myself,' I have thought it well to refer myself to your good consideration, holding myself fully satisfied with whatever may be your good will, and requesting that it may be paid to my servant, John Price, without any further suit ; for I have not written to him of it lest through importunity you might be offended, but have thought it better that he should await your pleasure.—Hamburg, 19 May, 1578. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Hanse Towns I. 40.]
May 17. 888. Copy of Duke Casimir's receipt, as enclosed in the last ; attested by George Rosa, notary. Endd. by D. Tomson. Latin. 2 pp. [Ibid. I. 40a.]
May 17. 889. Copy of receipt given by Isaac Wincker of Strasburg, attested as the last. Endd. by D. Tomson. German. 4½ pp. [Ibid. I. 40b.]
May 19. 890. HODDESDON to BURGHLEY.
Occurrents—Vienna, 7 March.
The Emperor is most observant of all the privileges granted by his father, he is wonderfully courteous to all men, and every day all men have free access to him ; he hears them attentively and answers them most kindly. He loves the commonwealth so much that his health is often tried by the mass of work he does. If he could acquire a fatherly mind towards our religion I do not see what would be left to wish for. All is quiet in the capital, and corn and wine are so cheap throughout Austria that they sell only at a low price, almost for the asking. Such, however, is the indolent pride and perversity of the poor that they will not work except for high wages ; which will doubtless breed a difficulty in all things, for the contempt of a blessing is followed by a curse. As regards the state of the Church in Vienna, it is moderate and tranquil. There is a large attendance, especially of counts, barons, and knights. Prayers are said daily and a chapter from the Bible read at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Thursday and Sunday there are sermons of an eloquent and moderate character by Opicius, whom they venerate as a second divinity. His services and those of his colleagues are refused to no one, so that the other side are much annoyed at the way they are losing their fees for baptisms and marriages, and make frequent complaints.
8 April.
We are shortly expecting our Emperor with his brothers back from the meeting of Hungarian nobles, which is being prorogued because the Hungarians also are demanding freedom of religion for the Augsburg Confession. After the third meeting— for he held the first at Vienna, the second at Presburg—which he will hold in Upper Austria, it is said he will go to Prague and hold a Diet of the Empire. Meanwhile our people will enjoy the paternal care of the Archduke Ernest, who has declined to command in 'Pannonia,' and acts as regent. I hear that the Turkish tyrant has raised war in Styria, contrary to the treaties, nor do I doubt but that he will invade Hungary, unless in God's wonderful counsel he be checked. For after the late king of Perstia had long kept his elder son Ismael in prison, and had put his younger brother Mathias over his head, and was intending to send an embassy to the Turk for confirmation in his government, and a perpetual treaty of peace, with orders to renounce in the name of himself and his succession the title-deeds to the kingdoms of Mesopotamia land Babylonia which Solyman took away 40 years before, the nobles of Persia being well-affected towards the elder brother, and objecting to enter into these terms with the common enemy, and as great an adversary to their religion as Papists are to Lutherans, took the elder brother out of prison, made him king, and put the other in custody. The Turk having heard of this by his corsairs orders the envoys, who knew nothing of what had happened, to be apprehended at Tarassa in Cilicia, and brought back to Constantinople. Wherefore a fierce war has grown again between the Turk and the Persians, in which the Turk lately had a bad beating with a loss of 80,000. It is constantly reported that David Unguth, imperial envoy to the Duke, is making ready to return, and many people are very glad. Joachim Sinzendorf, a noble Austrian, succeeds him. He is now at Constantinople, learning the business from him.
—Basle, 16 April.
There has been some discussion here in the neighbourhood of forbidding passage, more than 300 Spanish soldiers, whom I saw, having made their way hither. But as it was pretty clear that the fighting was more for regio than for religio, nobody thinks any great trouble need be taken to hinder them. Henry, Duke of Guise, has lately given the Genevese a great fright by advancing with a strong body of cavalry to within sight of their city ; but succour arriving quickly from Bern, he made off. Some of the citizens, however, suspected of being in Guise's counsels, are kept in private custody. The same has happened at Montbéliard, owing to certain letters having been discovered with an Evangelical pastor, in which are contained, it is said, great incitements to sedition. The Pope is furnishing at his own cost 10,000 foot and 1,000 horse. It is said that the Archduke Ferdinand will command a regiment and 1,000 horse. He is levying his men in Suabia. Cardinal Guise, Bishop of Metz, died about March 24. He is succeeded by Charles, eldest son of the Duke of Lorraine.
—Neuburg on the Danube, 20 April.
The King of Spain has purchased seven years' truce from the Turks on terms of an annual tribute. The Turkish emperor has sent his generals, Mustafa and Simon, with a strong force against Persia, and has lately summoned all his Spahis and men-at-arms out of the Peloponnese to accompany him. He is still staying at Constantinople, at his mother's entreaty, as they write ; but in order to inspire the enemy with a fear of his approach he has decided to go as far as Aleppo. No naval preparations are going on. A good deal has been written about the Portuguese expedition to Africa, but now we hear nothing certain. Some think a naval armament has been got ready on that pretext, by advice of the King of Spain or the Pope, either to conquer the Netherlands or repress the English or Scots. The Duke of Savoy is said to desire the title of royalty. Thus far in Latin. Hoddesdon adds a few lines of his own to say he has paid over the money and sent a copy of the receipt to Mr. Secretary. Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Hanse Towns, I. 41.]
May 20. 891. FORM OF RECEIPT FOR £20,000.
Received the 20th day of May, 1578, by me, William Davison, by the hands of Richard Martin, warden of her Majesty's Mint, and Richard Saltonstall of London, merchant, received out of her Majesty's receipt of Exchequer upon these several acquittances bearing date May 16, according to the order of the Lord High Treasurer, by virtue of her Majesty's Privy Seal, directed to the said Lord Treasurer, bearing date May 15, — £20,000 sterling. Copy. ½ p. [Holl. and Fl. VI. 74.]698
May [20?] 892. CHARGES in transporting the BULLION out of ENGLAND to ANTWERP for the LOW COUNTRIES.
Making 17 chests in which the bullion was packed 60s.
Labour in packing and for hay 2s. 6d.
Boat hire to and from Westminster 7s. 6d.
For watching the bullion five days and four nights, "standing abroad" in the Exchequer 13s. 4d.
To Mr. Holstock for hire of the two barges in which it was conveyed to Westminster from the ship 13s. 4d.
Freight from London to Antwerp at 3s. 4d. per chest 56s. 8d.
To carrying the chests from the waterside to the English house 10s.
Wage of Henry Church, appointed to conduct the ships in which the bullion was transported £10
For the charges of Richard Saltonstall, commissioned to see it delivered to her Majesty's ambassador, and of his servant, outwards and homewards [no entry]
For the charge of two servants of Richard Martin, warden of the mint, appointed to see the weighing, delivery, and reckoning of the bullion, as well for their labour in making the reckoning, as for their passage outwards and homewards [no entry]
Copy. Endd. ¾ p. [Ibid. VI. 75.]
May 20, 26, 29.
K. d. L. x. 481, 490, and 492.
893. SUMMARY of the ARTICLES proposed to the STATES-GENERAL on the part of the QUEEN OF ENGLAND, by Mr. DAVISON, her ambassador resident. Reply of the States-General to the articles proposed, May 20, 1578.
1. That the Estates will deliver to the ambassador their obligation in the suggested form for the 20,000l. now sent by her, and agree to repay that sum out of the first money that they raise upon her obligations now being negotiated by Gilpin in Germany. 1. The Estates will do so, nothing doubting that her Majesty will make no difficulty about furnishing the second £20,000, which is in her ambassador's hands, over and above the £100,000 granted in place of the 6,000 troops promised in Daniel Roger's negotiations.
2. That the said sum be employed to pay the forces of Duke Casimir and consigned into his hands for that purpose. 2. The Estates agree.
3. That the Estates will bind themselves not to enter into any treaty with regard to peace or armistice without the consent of the Duke, and will in all respects treat him as her Majesty's lieutenant, and his forces as her subjects ; especially in respect of the point concluded between her and the Marquis, beginning 'Praefectus et generalis militum transmittendorum,' the more as the Duke has embarked on this war principally at the instance of her Majesty. 3. Duke Casimir was first requested by the Estates to accept the charge of 3,000 horse and 3,000 foot, at their cost, to which, at her Majesty's request, in lieu of her aid, were afterwards added 3,000 horse and 2,000 foot without any mention of the treaty made by the Marquis ; which was never avowed or signed by her Majesty, nor was it so full as her ambassador sets forth, but only says that the general of the troops shall be admitted to the Council of the Estates. Considering Duke Casimir's rank, however, they would make no difficulty about admitting him even if he did not come on the part of the Queen.
4. That the Estates will abstain [se déporteront] from proceeding further in the negotiations with the Duke of Anjou, until the arrival of certain gentlemen of quality whom her Majesty proposes to send shortly. 4. The Estates are sure that the Queen would not wish them not to provide for their own safety, so long as it is without prejudice to herself, especially since they cannot as yet rely on any firm assurance from England until her Majesty declares herself openly as in vain requested by the Marquis at his last mission. They desire nothing more than to understand her wishes by the ambassadors whom she purposes to send, and beg that they may have authority to declare her intentions freely and openly, if she will make an offensive and defensive alliance with them.
5. That the Estates will maintain all the articles touching amity between the Queen and themselves, concluded between her Majesty and the Marquis. 5. The articles being binding ultro citroque the Estates will not fail to do so as soon as the Queen has avowed and signed them, provided she will declare openly her intention of aiding them.
6. That they will deliver to her ambassador when called upon the obligations of such towns as he shall name. 6. When he names the towns, the Estates will see that the obligations are delivered.
7. That they will defray and reimburse all expenses incurred in the conveyance of the said sum ; or if they prefer to do, they may repay them with the general debt. 7. The Estates will make no difficulty. ['Relations Politiques' gives : This seems repugnant to the Queen's greatness ; but if it is insisted on, the Estates will make no difficulty about such a trifle. These words do not occur in either of the copies in the Holland papers, but they are in the Entry-book copy.]
26 May 1578.—The English ambassador has pointed out various difficulties to delay any conclusion with the Duke of Anjou. On the difficulties touching the treaty with the Duke of Anjou.
The principal difficulties are : The dealings of the ambassadors sent to her Majesty show that nothing is more dear to the Estates than the English alliance. The Marquis at his last visit gave her Majesty notice of the negotiations with the Duke of Anjou, and pointed out the obvious inconveniences if she would not make up her mind to declare herself openly by a stated day. The Estates also informed her ambassador in this town of Antwerp of the treaty, in certain articles of which the Queen of England is expressly included, as appears by the capitulations of which they are ready to send a copy. Whence it may be seen that they have proceeded in all sincerity and that her Majesty has no reason for distaste. They are distressed to see any appearance of her taking any other side than theirs, but it is not reasonable for her to delay the negotiations with the Duke if she will not declare herself openly an ally of the Estates. They assure her, however, that nothing is concluded with the Duke, but his answer is expected in five or six days, during which let us hope the ambassadors will arrive.—Antwerp, 29 May 1578. (Signed) Houfflin.
Her Majesty, hearing that we are about to come to terms with the Duke of Anjou, finds this very strange, in respect both of the evident danger to ourselves and of our promise to her, the infraction of which she would find it so hard to digest that were it not for the love she bears us she would be inclined to take our contrary part. She requires us, if we have any regard for her, to conclude nothing with the Duke till we have heard the ambassadors.
If we make no account of our promise she is minded to send to Casimir not to go forward till he hears again ; and also that the 20,000l. which are in her ambassador's hands be not paid to us.
To be better assured of what passes between us and the French she desires a copy of her capitulations with them.
Endd. Fr. 3½ pp. (Walsingham's copy.) [Ibid. VI. 76.]
May 20-29. 894. Another identical copy (Burghley's). [Ibid. VI. 77.]
895. Another copy, without the last section. 3 pp. [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
May 20. 896. Copy of the articles only. Endd. On the back : Walsingham's mark and NM° 15. ½ p. [Holl. and Fl. VI. 78.]