|
|
|
April 6.
|
658. JOHN NORRIS to WALSINGHAM.
Finding the Prince at my brother's arrival in worse terms 'than
Mr Greville at his parting left him,' having this night past bled
again very much, so that there is less hope of his recovery, I thought
it best to advertise you thereof, not knowing how much it might
import or 'passionate' her Majesty to have any sudden knowledge
of worse. I have therefore dispatched this gentleman, meaning
to stay my brother a day or two to see the final sequel of it,
and myself with him, that I may be readier to be commanded to
any service that her Majesty shall employ me.
The enterprise of Namur, not unknown to Mr Greville, failed,
not being so well executed as it might be. Also the Prince of
Parma lies before Lens, and has battered it, and taken a mill from
them, which imported them much ; and is drawing his whole troops
to the recovery of it. Yet great words are given out here that they
will hold it good.
In Guelderland the enemy is strong, with four regiments of
infantry and six cornets of horse, ready to put himself in the field ;
so that I am much pressed by son Alteze and the States to hasten
thither. So if you have occasion to write, please address your
letters to those quarters.
The physicians this forenoon by an 'anatomy' have found which
is the vein that bleeds, so that they are put in some hope that it is
possible to stop it.6 March [sic] 1582.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 101.]
|
|
April 6.
|
659. Copy of the above. Endd. p. [Ibid. XV. 101a.]
|
|
April 6.
|
660. EDWARD NORRIS to WALSINGHAM.
Notwithstanding Mr Greville's late departure, and that he was
able to certify the Prince's new accident of bleeding, which 'as then'
was thought without any great danger, yet my brother considering
how necessary it is that her Majesty should know in what state he
stands, being almost past hope of recovery, has dispatched the
bearer on purpose ; who is a gentleman of her Majesty's guard that
came hither with me, by whom I would not fail to write this much
to you, and request that her Majesty may understand that by
reason of the ill state the Prince is in, I have not been able to
deliver her letter to him, nor to say anything which I was
commanded. I hope within two days, which I am minded to stay,
I shall see what will become of him. I thought good to tell
Monsieur of my brother's sending, and he has written to her
Majesty, which I have also enclosed in this packet. The rest I will
'refer' till my coming.Antwerp, 6 April 1582.
Add. Endd. p. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 102.]
|
|
April 7.
|
661. "Extract from the letter written by the Deputies of
the Town of Bruges, being at the Court, to the Burgomasters,
aldermen, and Council of that town."
Respecting the condition of the Prince, he is, thank God, in a
better state, the bleeding having been checked yesterday after the
application thereto of extreme remedies, so that the surgeons and
doctors have firm trust and can assert that his Excellency is out of
most danger, but is through the past alteration greatly debilitated.
It is feared that he will not be able quickly to recover his former
state and constitution.
His Highness yesterday with the approval of the States, conferred
on the Count of Laval, son to M. d'Andelot, the post of
general of all the light horse in his intended camp, and is at
present busy in nominating the chiefs, and all the principal commanders.
We hear of great levies of men made in France, England, and
Germany for the service of his Highness and this country.
Antwerp, 7 April 1582.
Copy. Flemish. p. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 103.]
|
|
April 8.
|
662. GILPIN to WALSINGHAM.
I have this week dealt with the magistrates of this town, imparting
them my charge to press their present resolutions for her
Majesty's contentment, and that during the Assembly general they
were best to procure some way or means for their assurance and
indemnity, because she will be, at such times as the interest falls
due, satisfied at their hands ; and not to make more suit and procure
delays. 'Which' they promised all care, endeavour, and
conformity, acknowledging themselves most bound to her, and to you
no less beholden for many good offices ; for which they requested
me to make their infinite thanks, with humble desire of her favourable
continuance in that consideration it pleased her to have of
their present estate. For their parts of the interest past, they
would forthwith deal for the furnishing and payment thereof.
Those of Holland and Zealand promise in like sort presently to
prepare their portions ; and they of Flanders will write to their
'Mrs' [qy. Members] for provision to yield me satisfaction.
I dealt this week with M. 'd'Allegonde,' charging him with his
promise to you ; and after long conference about the matter 'said'
he had and yet would do his utmost endeavours to procure what
her Majesty in all reason required.
Seeing I must proceed to the appointed journey to Augsburg,
I 'have begun and will' confer with Reynold Copcott, leaving him
the best advice I can for his better direction to prosecute the suit,
which I have brought to such towardness that I doubt not but good
and short end will ensue. Further he will have my man, whom I
leave here for the discharge of my business, to use at his pleasure
in any respect in or about his suit.
I understand from Mr Governor the favour you bear me in every
reasonable respect, to deserve which with increase I will show every
endeavour in my power.
By the next I expect your answer to my former ; which had, I
mean, if the Diet be not prorogued ('by reason of' the Archbishop
of Mentz is said to be dead), to depart hence with all expedition,
and will not fail to write you from time to time from the places
where I may be travelling or abiding.
For our present news, I cannot forbear to add hereto the
common report, but refer to others for the more 'certainer' and
particular.
The Prince has all this week been very ill, and not without
danger, because the bleeding cannot conveniently be stopped, and
by coughing and other like motion he has bled these few days often
and much ; so that if God's omnipotent hand work not the good
generally prayed for and desired, assuredly on man's help no great
account can be made, but doubted [sic] to be past hope of recovery.
He takes the pain and extremity very patiently, having made his
last will and by speech and writing committed himself wholly to
God's good pleasure, accounting no more of this transitory life. His
house, and most of this town, have been all this week, and yet are
(though today it is said he is somewhat better, and of more courage
[sic] among the doctors and surgeons) full of sorrow and heaviness.
It was not thought he had been so generally beloved as since his
hurt appears. Howbeit, if God calls him away, the grief 'nor' stir
will not be such as it would have been if he had died on a sudden.
Though this mischance has somewhat hindered the States'
dealing, and was [sic] delayed in hope of amendment, yet now
seeing the uncertainty thereof they are forwarding their business
by all endeavours, and the duke daily travails with them, in
Council or otherwise, so that the hope conceived of his good intent
begins to increase daily.
This week 600 horse and 800 foot were sent from these quarters
to Namur, in hope to have surprised it ; but being discovered by the
secret watch, failed of the enterprise and returned home in safety.
'Acon' was environed by certain soldiers, set on, as the speech
went, by the Duke of Cleves. They meant to have put in papistry,
but effected nothing and left the place after the loss of some men
whom the town's men, issuing out on the sudden, overthrew and
slew in a castle they had taken and kept within half a league and
less of the town.
On this side Mzires Monsieur has already certain men 'in
wages' that keep the passage of the river so strait that they suffer
nothing to come down out of France or Lorraine towards Namur or
those parts ; so that the Malcontents will be greatly pinched for
lack of victuals and other provision.
His Highness has a like intent and practice in hand about
Calais, which if he compass the Malcontent provinces will be driven
to terms of great extremity and breed discontent among themselves.
It is given out here that the King of France has discharged all
his ordinary bands, and are [sic] entertained by others for the
service of Monsieur. I hear that the king does not dislike his
brother's proceedings in these parts ; and yet will not declare himself
openly, but the Queen Mother is very forward, and applies all
her endeavours.
Of the enemy's proceedings in Flanders, all is still since they
took the last strong house ; to 'rencounter' which, the Scots and
French that lie at Meenen took a place from those that lie between
them and Lille.
The French are fortifying Lens and mean to keep it, though the
enemy 'travail the contrary,' being in respect of the passage of
some importance.
There are still speeches here of disagreement and contentions
growing among the Malcontents for authority and governments,
which at length 'are hoped will turn' to the good of this side.
About Doesborg the enemy has lately overthrown and slain
certain Englishmen who were environed in a fort and insufficiently
provided with munition and 'furniture.'Antwerp, 8 April 1582.
P.S.The Prince has for certain been indifferently well all
yesterday, and a tent which the surgeons had put to the wound,
and so lost that they could not devise what was become of it, by
God's only working as it seems, came out on Friday about midnight,
and voided it [sic] without pain or bleeding at the mouth, and ever
since has been better than before, having taken good rest and
sustenance with more ease and stomach. So it is hoped by God's
help the worst is past.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 104.]
|
|
April 8.
|
663. ROSSEL to LEICESTER.
I have received yours of the last of April [sic] and recognize from
it that mine was agreeable to you and that you desire me to go on,
wherein I desire to do your pleasure. It is true that I perceive a
great jealousy in the matter of correspondence since the coming of
his Highness, who intends to examine the packets both of
merchants and of others. This will make us write oftener. I
would not forbear to continue to make you acquainted with all that
takes place as befits the service of her Majesty and the repose
of the realm of England ; as you will have learnt verbally from Mr
Greville, to whom, on the credentials of 'M. de Walsinghien,' I
confided the things that I desired myself to represent to her Majesty
in person, both Scottish affairs and others concerning our State.
And as you desire to know particularly what dispositions are
making here for the war, alike by his Highness and in the intention
of the States-General, these last, with my 'assistance,' and
persuasion applied to several individuals, have granted him besides
the 200,000 florins a month promised in the treaty, 100,000
more for military purposes ; so that his resources for the war
are to this extent increased ; and this on the representation
made to them of the great levies that are being made in
his name. His Highness intends to have 8 regiments of
French infantry, without counting those that are in the Low
Countries, and 70 cornets of horse, including those already here.
These troops to be redistributed under two chiefs, of whom one is
M. de Laval, under whom will be all those of the Low Countries,
with others. Until the redistribution the other French troops will
be under the command of M. de Bellegarde ; 1,500 reiters and 3,000
Swiss will be ready, and will march before the end of this month.
The rest of the arrangements here remain in suspense till the
Councils and the Finances are set in order ; meanwhile his
Highness has asked for two months in advance, on which the States
are deliberating, and working to do it. Meanwhile our levies go on.
The enemy is occupied in retaking Lens in Artois. They have
laid siege to it with six guns ; and it is hoped they will not succeed.
That is the military position here. As for the political, you will
hear of it from the letter I am writing to Sir F. Walsingham, to
whom I am sending the discourse of the assassination done upon the
Prince of Orange.Antwerp, April 8, 1582.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 106.]
|
|
April 8
|
664. DUKE CASIMIR to WALSINGHAM.
Though there is nothing worth imparting to you, this bearer,
who has come to see me, gives me opportunity for these two words.
It is a great pleasure to me to hear of the Queen's good health ;
God grant her a long and happy life. Some people do not much
like this long negotiation of the Duke of Anjou in England. For
my part, I have so high an opinion of the wisdom of the Queen and
her Council, that I cannot be persuaded that the issue will not be
good and fortunate for England.
If my man Zolcher has not yet received his dispatch from the
Court I pray you to bear a hand that he may be sent off shortly and
fittingly, and I shall be grateful to you to the best of my power.
Lautern, 8 April 1582.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Germany II. 29.]
|
|
April 89.
|
665. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last to you was the 3rd inst., since when few speeches have
passed but these.
This week, by good advice from Lille, those of Lens came suddenly
out, and gave the enemy's camp a stout 'larame,' and skirmished
with them two long hours to the loss of many on the enemy's side,
and retired into the town again.
They also write from Lille that the enemy has now mounted the
cannon against Lens, making great vaunts that they will have it,
or it shall cost the lives of all their camp, and when they take it,
they will put them all to the sword, and so they have sent them
word. So it is thought the cannon is now playing on it.
Yesterday a French gentleman passed through this town to his
Highness, who came from Lens, and says there are in it about 800
good soldiers, horse and foot, and the town well victualled for four
or five months ; but they want powder, which is their greatest want.
Notwithstanding, he says they are determined to keep it as long as
they can, in hope they will be succoured before they are driven to
extremity. But it is feared they will not be able to keep it, because
it seems it will be yet five or six months before Monsieur's forces
come out of France, if any come then.
The oath that is to be taken to his Highness by the people of
this country came this week to the magistrates of this town. Many
have taken it and many have refused it. Those that have refused
it depart out of the town and country ; so a great many have left
the town, and more it seems will follow every day, who are all of
the Catholic religion.
This week the four companies of English soldiers that lay in this
town went from hence and are now at Eccloo. The cause of their
departing was about some words between the magistrates and the
captains of the companies for their pay, 'which' before they left
the town they were contented and paid. But their departure was
some great grief to all the commons here, for they had rather have
had them in the town than the Frenchmen, of whom there are
here five ensigns, whose company likes not the commons very well.
By report of those who are lately come from Cambray, it seems
that town is very slenderly provided with victuals and other needful
things, and the soldiers not paid for a long time, for which cause
soldiers depart from them every day ; so that it is greatly feared if
the enemy should come before it, they would put it in great danger.
And the enemy has daily victuals and all necessaries from France,
with as much favour as they can desire.
If it please God to work His will with the Prince of Orange,
some 'alteration' of these troubles is feared by the greatest number
in this town.Bruges, 8 April 1582.
P.S.This morning being April 9, a speech is come from Meenen
that Lens is yielded to the enemy by agreement, and that all the
soldiers have departed without armour or weapon, with white rods
in their hands.
It is also said that the enemy in Hainault has taken Cambrsis
by surprise.
Enclosed I send copies of two extracts which were sent to the
magistrates of this town. One is in French, from some good
patriot that lies in the enemy's government ; the other in Dutch,
from Antwerp.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 105.]
|
|
April 9.
|
666. FREMYN to WALSINGHAM.
I last wrote to you yesterday by way of Secretary Gilpin, since
which the only thing that has happened is that his Excellency
continues to improve, for which God be praised. He does not
bleed any more, and is getting stronger, and the flesh of the
wound is beginning to grow round the vein, which it is hoped it
will cover and entirely protect. Meantime a finger is always held
on the vein, pending a perfect cure and convalesence. His
Highness too is in good health and well-disposed. He has sent
a lot of commissions into France on the return of M. de la Neufville,
to levy soldiers with the permission of the king, who promised to
help him not as a brother only, but as a father ; to which the
Queen Mother at present is bearing a good hand. M. de Biron will
be sent to the frontier with forces. M. de Laval should start for
France to-morrow.
The enemy has now laid siege to the castle of Likerke two
leagues from Alost, with 1,200 infantry, 500 cavalry, and 3 or 4 guns
to batter it. His Highness is sending M. de la Rochepot to succour it
with a good force of infantry and cavalry. The enemy's troops who
are before the castle had brought commodities into Alost, which was
in great necessity. They tried to carry the castle with a rush. I
presume they will do nothing much, but will retire to Alost as soon
as our people approach. The bulk of their forces is before Lens,
where they are doing what they can, and our people defending
themselves well.
His Highness has been very happy and joyous at the portrait
which her Majesty has sent him. Mr 'Nort' is here, and has been
making great suit to have commission from his Highness to levy a
regiment of English troops. Mr Cotton is to be his lieutenant-colonel.
I think also that Mr Norris is asking a commission to
raise a regiment for his brother. You see how they are preparing
for the war ; provided money does not lack.
A rumour is current that the King of Spain will put himself on
the defensive in these parts for this year, in the event of his
Highness having a strong army which will make him quit the field,
and that he will make his effort next year in hope that the French for
want of pay will commit such disorders in these parts that most of
the people of these countries will hold them far worse than enemies.
If he draws his veteran garrisons from Italy, it is to be feared that
revolts will occur in his states there.
MM. de Guise and du Maine offer their services to his Highness,
to be employed either in Jatalye (?) or in Franche Comt ; but it
seems that he temporises in the matter, in order to give no occasion
to the King of Navarre or the Prince of Cond to take offence (se
formaliser) at not being employed in this war.
As for the succour to Portugal, it gets to work very slowly for
want of means. Only the Queen Mother is sending some vessels
there at her own cost. As for the army from France which is to
come here, it is to be feared that it will be very late, inasmuch as
all things take a long time ; meanwhile it is very prejudicial to the
setting up of a new state. And where affairs are distributed among
many persons marked out by favour, it ends by causing a great disorder
in public matters. His Excellency's wound came at a most
inopportune time for the good of his Highness and the safety of the
country.Antwerp, 9 April 1582.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 107.]
|
|
April 9.
|
667. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
In a late conference I had with the ambassador of Venice, he
'uttered' to me, as of himself, in the way of private speech, how
the Signors of Venice were sorry that her Majesty permitted Acerbo
Vellutelli, through the grant she had made to him, to raise and
continue an imposition on small raisins of 10 per cent. Being
moved therewith, they had at first 'made means' by some merchants
that this grant might be revoked, persevering more than a
year in the suit of it to her Highness. But finding they could
obtain no grace, the Signori were constrained in their policy, as
they say, to put the like tax of 10 per cent upon such small raisins
as should be transported from their territories by any stranger ;
because now the State of Venice is certainly informed that her
Highness has no interest in the 'benefit' of this imposition, but
that it is commodious only to Vellutelli. The ambassador thinks,
if her Majesty would extinguish that grant she would give great
satisfaction to the Signori, so that they would also abolish their
imposition of 10 per cent, and become the more bounden to
gratify her some other way.
Again, yesterday, when I was with the ambassador to visit their
ligier, 'Clarmo. Johanne Moro,' after I had delivered the ordinary
compliments to the new-comer, with the declaration of her Majesty's
affection and wellmeaning towards the Signori, as also that I had
especially command to entertain by all good offices the mutual
amity which has long been between the Crown of England and the
Signori of Venice, both those ambassadors gave assurance of like
affection from the Signori towards her Majesty.
Afterwards they both 'entered' to speak of the matter of the
small raisins, to the same effect as before. So it seems to me they
would be glad the trade might be made more frank by the taking
away of those new impositions. I leave the 'information of this
to' her Majesty as you may find it convenient for her service. I
find through the discourse which Moro used towards me that he
comes more particularly 'instructed of the course of this cause' than
the old ambassador was.
Enquiring of him what he saw and understood as he passed
through the State of Milan and Lombardy of King Philip's levies of
soldiers and other preparations so much spoken of, he answered
that there were some motions and speeches of levies, but no further
matter as yet seen.
I understood from him that the galley Spinola was come from
Spain to Genoa with 800,000 'pistoletts' ; most part of which 'was
of' particular merchants, and part belonging to the Spanish king.
But through extremity of weather they were constrained for the
lightening of their galley, and saving of the rest, to cast overboard
almost to the value of 200,000.Paris, 9 April, 1581.
Add. Endd. by Walsingham. 2 pp. [France VII. 49.]
|
|
April 10.
|
668. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
It has been certified to me that the King and Queen of Navarre
went jointly together from Saint-Maixent to visit the Queen Mother
at La Motte, a house of M. Lansac's, not two leagues from Saint-Maixent.
The old queen received them with joyful countenance
and gracious manner, demanding of the king in cheerful sort how
far he would pass that way, and what would become of him after
their meeting and conference. The king said he was come to wait
on her as far as Paris, which the old queen told him she could not
believe, doubting he did not mean it. Whereon he showed her he
had in good faith no such earnest affection to that journey, but he
meant to be advised ; requesting her to let him know if she would
counsel him to pass on to Paris. She answered that she did not
intend now to persuade him thereto, but rather to the contrary, in
consideration of the present proceedings in this Court. So the
first day was spent in cheerful entertainments only. But then the
Queen Mother earnestly intreated the King of Navarre to stay that
night at La Motte ; whereof he craved pardon, resolving to depart.
So the old queen told him he was too mistrustful ; to which
'purpose' he was constrained to answer that he went away not for
any 'defiance' he had of her, but because he could not find himself
safe in M. Lansac's house, knowing the evil offices he and his son
had done towards him. These words were spoken in the hearing
of M. Lansac, who swallowed them without making answer. Thus
the king of Navarre, having supped with the Queens, returned to
Saint-Maixent ; which order he used nightly for three or four days
during their interview, and every afternoon they were together very
privately, conferring their affairs. I hear further that the Queen
Mother has bitterly lamented to the King of Navarre of the evil
treatment and overthwart dealing she finds in this Court, and has
earnestly requested him there may be an entire intelligence and
amity between Monsieur and him, wherein she would do the best
offices she can. Likewise she promised to advertise him of all
things that pass in this Court, hoping he would serve her turn so
far as it should lie in his power. The king was accompanied during
this interview by M. de Rohan, and 200 noblemen and gentlemen.
The Prince of Cond remained without repairing to the old queen,
at Saint-Jean-d'Angeli and thereabouts.
The old queen and her daughter are now at Chenonceaux, where
they pass these Easter holidays, intending to be in this Court about
the end of this month.
M. de Clervant is to be sent from the King of Navarre to the
king very shortly, about divers affairs concerning the King of
Navarre's private estate and for the causes of the reformed Churches.
The Prince of Cond has dispatched a gentleman, who is in this
town, ready to depart towards Monsieur to 'congratulate' his
prosperous success in Flanders, and make large offer of the prince's
services to him.
It has been signified from Saint-Maixent that Mme de Duras, a
lady highly in favour with the Queen of Navarre, has received a
foul injury 'by' an unknown party, who finding her in the company
of two or three other ladies, and plucking off her muffler, broke a
glass of ink on her face. The 'fact' is attributed to Clermont
d'Amboise. The Queen of Navarre, since coming to the Queen
Mother, has received Mme de Sauve into her high grace, entertaining
her with great show of affection.
I have been informed by a principal nobleman of this Court that
the Duke of Guise used lately to him these speeches : That though
the king made more apparent show to him and his house than to
the other nobility, yet they found all his revenues were little enough
to be employed on two of his favourites, who pretended to overmatch
and govern all the nobility of the realm. He asked the
said nobleman what he thought best to be done ; who knowing the
Duke of Guise was contrary to him and all his house, answered
this 'purpose' very warily. He has, I hear, used the like tempting
speeches to others.
The Dukes of Guise and Mayne, and the cardinal their brother,
with the Bishop of Langres, went the other day from this town
towards the Duke of Guise's house, where it is said they will keep
their Easter.
The Louvre is put in order for the king's and young queen's
coming. The king's two favourites, 'Monsieur Duke Joyeux'
and d'pernon returned yesterday.
The king has obtained from the clergy 1,300,000 francs extraordinary,
to be paid in six years, having promised them that during
that time he will impose no tenths nor other extraordinary
payments. I hear he has offered to certain of his French
financiers to sell this grant of the clergy for 350,000 crowns ready
money.
I send the king's edict of the new impositions 'of the clothes.'
Some of these French courtiers pretend to have had of late
advertisements that Monsieur would repair hither, accompanied by
sundry noblemen and gentlemen of the Low Countries to persuade
the king to let him have some better aid and advancement for his
just and honourable affairs, 'in respect' he shall 'return' Flanders
to remain in that state, subject to this Court of Parliament, as they
were in his grandfather's time.
The Queen Mother's letters, written since her conference with
the King of Navarre, gave his Majesty some content, as appeared
by his countenance.
Monsieur has written to the king, and so to the Court of
Parlement here in Paris, disavowing the levies of those soldiers
which lately were made in sundry places in the realm ; assuring
the king that he wrote only to his servants and friends to hold
themselves in readiness to come to him when there should be
further occasion, which he meant was to be done when his Majesty
should show him the favour and do him the honour to permit him
to be followed and assisted by those subjects who were minded to
adventure their lives for the maintenance of the glory of the French
nation and of the estates which God had sent him. Which he
meant not to undertake without his Majesty's means and assistance.
It is understood that the King of Spain has obtained of the Fuggers
1,200,000 crowns, of which 300,000 are to be paid at Milan next
May, and 900,000 in Cologne ; which sums the Fuggers are to
receive again with interest within six months next following, upon
the rents and profits of the 'Crosiada' and tenths in Castile. They
certify otherwise that all the Spanish king's rents in Naples, Milan,
and Spain are engaged upon interest, so that there remains nothing
clear to King Philip by the profits of these 'Crosyadas' and tenths
granted by the Pope, with the commodities of the Indies, which
must serve him for the maintenance of his greatness.
I have been informed that the Abate del Bene is upon his
departure hence to return to Monsieur in Flanders. He declared
of late in conference to the Pope's nuncio that the Queen 'could
like well' there should be one Head of the Church, so that it were
agreed by a general Council ; whereon the nuncio answered that the
general Council had been made, so there was no further question of
that matter.
I am given to understand that one Smith, a priest of Rheims, is
gone into England. His father dwells in New Fish Street, in
London. He crossed by way of Calais. By way of 'Newhaven' is
gone a Lancashire man, named Hardwick, priest of Rheims. He
intends to be landed in the North country.
Lord Vaux sent a man hither with letters to Morgan, Copley, and
Dr Allen ; he returns with letters from the Papists. I am informed
that one Tankard, of Boroughbridge in Yorkshire, is a liberal
giver of 'exhibition' to the seminary at Rheims and other persons.
Many masses have been said in his house by five priests, who are
still in England, and not understood here to be taken. One is
named Boste, sometime fellow of Queen's College, Oxford, and one
Parsons, sometime fellow of Balliol College. There is gone by way
of Rouen one Aldren, a priest, sometime of Oxford.
I am informed that Parsons [sic] the Jesuit is to be found in the
house of one Bacon, a victualler in Pannier Alley, near St. Nicholas
Chambells in London ; or else at Norrishe' house, a cook in Ex
Lane. He resorts much to Randall and Morrish of Hart Hall in
Oxford. Among these he may be found out.
I hear that Mr Yakesle of Norfolk is a great benefactor to those
of Rheims. In his house some priests may be found.
They inform me that Mr Selby and Helle in Northamptonshire
are receivers and harbourers of priests.Paris, 10 April 1582.
Add. Endd. 6 pp. [Ibid. VII. 50.]
|
|
April 10.
|
669. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
By what I have understood, it seems the Pope's nuncio diligently
'procures' to have the decrees of the Council of Trent published
and put into execution. But the king has as yet refused to command
the execution, while consenting that they may be published,
to see how the French will digest such strait orders, notwithstanding
the king condescends to thus much but only conditionally, so
that the Pope will permit him to alienate and impropriate 300,000
francs of ecclesiastical revenues.
The king has ordered a chapel over his cabinet in the Louvre,
wherein daily certain monks do their ceremonies and sing mass ;
so in this sort he 'shows' to be a more conformable devout son to
the Pope than heretofore. Wherein if he wax so obstinate as he is
known to be naturally inclined in all his other purposes, the example
of his superstitions with his authority may prove 'extreme'
dangerous to those of the Religion.
It appears that in all places the Pope's authority is more
vehemently spread daily by the erecting of seminaries and
colleges of Jesuits, which have 'gotten places' in the heart of
Germany, nestling themselves in Austria and Bohemia. It is
therefore to be desired that God may keep the other parts of
Christendon from this corruption ; wherein those Popish ministers
have intelligence, and are in great expectation. The worst is to be
feared, because few princes' minds are zealously bent against the
tyranny of Rome.
Our papists are encouraged with a hope that the Scottish queen
may be enlarged, as the letters of Anthony Standen partly testify,
copies of which I enclose. The letters themselves are delivered to
those to whom they are directed, because I trust to get the answers
or at least more of these news.
I hear also that the Duke of Guise has lately said to a 'confident'
friend that he had the means to deliver the Scottish Queen before
a year passed.
They inform me that the Earl of Westmorland has repaired
towards England, to be taken in by the ships wherein the Lady
Fernhurst is at present passing by Dieppe to Scotland. I have
given her, at her request, a few words in writing, signed with my
hand, to request officers and others that she may be well treated
if through contrary winds she is driven on her Majesty's coasts.
I think it convenient to signify this much to you, that you may
take such order therein as her Majesty's service requires.
I am informed Thomas Morgan is to take his journey, which he
gives out is to be towards Milan.
It is supposed the Queen of Navarre does not intend to return to
Guyenne, 'caring not overmuch for him she ought chiefliest to
esteem.' Yet they think her abode cannot be long in this Court,
without some sharp 'overthwart.'
It is reported that the Scottish Queen is fallen sick of the dropsy ;
and the cure of the Prince of Orange's hurt is thought doubtful,
which is lamentable.
The Prince Dauphin is come hither. He has visited the king at
Saint Germain and is now gone to his own house.
As I was making up this letter, Mr Antony Cooke and Mr Edward
Gorge are come from Flanders, as they tell me. I send herewith
a packet for Dr Lopetius, and a packet from Colonel Combelles
directed to you.Paris, 10 April 1582.
P.S.I beg that my nephew, Duke Brooke, may next be
dispatched hither.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Ibid. VII. 5.]
|
|
April 10.
|
670. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
After writing my former letter, I was advertised that the Duke of
Tuscany's only legitimate son was deceased, so Cardinal Medici
remains the next heir.
The Duke of Guise is gone to his 'haven' at Eu on the coast of
Normandy, and his brother who accompanied him out of this town
are returned. They assure me it is meant that the Duke of Maine
shall pass into Italy with the Duke of Ferrara ; and that in
Dauphin and Piedmont sundry companies are 'in levying' by
Anselme.
I enclose herewith a malicious bad printed pamphlet, which our
papists have devised.
I should be glad to be commanded what compliments I am to
deliver to the Queen of Navarre from the Queen or otherwise. I
beg to be informed of her Majesty's pleasure herein.Paris,
10 April 1582.
Add. gone. Seal. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. VII. 52.]
|
|
April 10.
|
671. FREMYN to WALSINGHAM.
I last wrote to you yesterday, and nothing has happened since,
except that the enemy who had laid siege to the castle which is
between Termonde and Alost has retired, as it is reported, fearing to
be caught by our people, who would not have been ready [or near]
before tomorrow or later. Thus it was carried on, often as much by
rumours as by actions. The castle is not called Likerque, though
it is not far from there. There were some smart troops on the way
there. Some members of his Highness's Court were of the party,
and harquebusiers of the guard in great part. Thus they were
vying with each other ; besides other gentlemen and volunteers.
M. de Laval has been chosen colonel or general of all the light
horse of this country, I mean those at present serving, to whatever
nation they belong ; which is a fine post. He is to start tomorrow
and take his journey into France to levy troops. There are some
English who are urgent to have commission to levy infantry in
England. I do not know if they will get it ; some difficulties are
made, though Mr North is in hopes of having charge. But I
know that they would prefer a certain number of cavalry, led by
some honourable gentleman recommended by her Majesty, and it
seems to me that Mr Philip Sidney would be well suited for this ;
inasmuch as the time draws near for those who wish to be
employed to appear betimes. There is some jealousy between the
English commanders and those who wish to be employed, which
spoils everything.
Today the establishment of the Chamber of Finance was decided
on, and they have all taken the oath ; and tomorrow in like manner
it will be done by the Chancery. The Privy Council will not be
touched till his Excellency is convalescent. He gets better every
day, thank God ; which is an ocular miracle, contrary to the
expectation of numberless persons. God has been the great
physician, who has shown His work before our eyes.
Mr Norris starts on his return this evening, from whom you will
hear many particulars, as also about the imprisonment of a certain
Frenchman who was said to have used certain expressions, whom
Col. Norris handed over to the provost, notwithstanding that the
prisoner denied using the language of which they accused him
that was another in the English service, so that both served one
master.
They have imprisoned some who have been to mass, without
taking the oath required by the edict, for breach and contempt of
the magistrates' ordinances. There are few burghers of quality
who go (voisent) to mass, on account of this oath, but many women,
who are not bound to take the oath.Antwerp, 10 April 1582.
Add. in English. Endd. : 10 April 1581. Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and
Fl. XV. 108.]
|
