Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 4, 1561-1562. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1866.
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'Elizabeth: December 1561, 1-10', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 4, 1561-1562, (London, 1866) pp. 423-435. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol4/pp423-435 [accessed 25 April 2024]
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December 1561, 1-10
| [Dec.] | 695. The Queen to Mary, Queen of Scots. (fn. 1) |
|---|---|
| Understands that James MacOnell, sometime named Lord of the outer Isles, in the west parts of Scotland, has of late entered into the parts of Ireland next adjoining him, and committed there divers robberies and depredations, using most unlawful war in his doings, not only against the tenor of the treaties, but also against all good order and law of arms, especially in the usage of prisoners. She requires that, according to treaty, the said James MacOnell may be constrained to cease all incursions into Ireland, and be answerable to justice for his robberies, making delivery of such pledges as he holds for those taken by him at the Isle of Rathlim, and kept by pretence as prisoners until the same pledges were delivered, although in time of peace. | |
| Corrected draft. Endd. Pp. 4. | |
| Dec. 1. | 696. The Duke of Holstein to the Queen. |
| Directs her attention to the complaint of Peter Lutkens, Joachim Wirkes, and the guardians of the infant children of John Schwartin, citizen of Hamburg.—Gottorp, Cal. Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Lat. Broadside. | |
| Dec. 1. | 697. English Merchants in Spain. |
| Acknowledgment by the Licenciado Santander and others of having received certain papers respecting the complaints made by the English merchants in the Azores.—Madrid, 1 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Endd.: Copy of the writings left by Sir Thomas Chamberlain in power of the Justice Deputados. Span. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 4 | 698. The Merchant Adventurers. |
| The Queen commands the person addressed to pay to the Merchant Adventurers the sum of 30,000l. imprested for paying her charges in Flanders at Easter last by the hands of Gresham, which should have been in August last. | |
| Draft. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 5 | 699. Thomas Fitzwilliams to Throckmorton. |
| Since his return from the North, where he has been all this summer, he has been in Sussex, and of late has been so troubled in law that he has had no leisure. Advertises him of the good health of Mr. M . . . . ., who is studious to show himself grateful of Throckmorton's kindness used to him in France, and has a gelding a breaking for him. Touching the Queen's marriage, there is greater b[oasting] thereof by Lord Robert's men than there is likelihood thereof in his mind. [Lord Robert] is sick, and there is great sorrow made for the same. [The Duke of] Norfolk is at the Court, and in great account with the Queen. The King [of Sweden] is looked for in the spring.—5 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig. Much mutilated, and in a very fragile condition. Pp. 3. | |
| Dec. 6. | 700. Valentine Browne to [Cecil]. |
| 1. According to a commandment received from the Lords has sent his answer touching informations made against him for engrossing of grain in Northumberland, and for excessive prices of victuals that he burdened the soldiers with; wherein although he has been much sought, yet can it not appear that he has taken any grain in Northumberland, or that the prices of victuals have been enhanced than otherwise has been before in times of better plenty. Has required of Lord Grey and Sir Thomas Dacre to be charged upon some griefs and evil service that Sir Richard Lee conceived against him, wherein Mr. Dacre desired to know of the letter that he [Cecil] sent; and Lord Grey declared to him that Lee refused to do the same, openly saying that he had given over much credit to others. | |
| 2. The proclamation touching the Scottish money has here been made sixteen days, whereby the currency thereof is no more used, and yet the English money passes away rather more than before.—Berwick, 6 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig. P. 1. | |
| Dec. 6. | 701. N. Stopio to Sir John Mason. |
| Wrote last Saturday as usual, and should be glad to have a few lines in reply. Letters from Rivoli of 20th Nov. state that the Duke of Nemours has arrived in Savoy from France, having incurred the suspicion of the King of Navarre. The Queen of France has sent a present of thirty laden mules to the Duchess of Savoy, whose confinement is expected at Christmas. There are indications that the French will restore the lands which they hold in Piedmont. A knight of Rhodes, called Salviati, has come hither from France on his way to Constantinople.—6 Dec. 1561. Signed: N. St. | |
| Orig. Hol. Add.: Al S. Cavalliero Masson, London. Endd.: Advertisements. Ital. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 6. | 702. Intelligences. |
| 1. Spain, 17 Nov. 1561. Prince Charles has gone to Alcala, where he will spend the spring, accompanied by Don John of Austria. He has recovered of the quartan fever, which has troubled him for the last twenty-six months. Gio. Andrea Doria says he will not be able to provide all the galleys which are required; who will be commander in chief is uncertain; possibly either the Duke of Alva or the Duke of Sessa. The Duke of Alva has informed the Pope that the King of Spain is offended with the proceedings of the King of Navarre. The King of Spain will proceed next summer into Flanders to remedy the disorders in religion. | |
| 2. Rome, 6 Dec. The usual Congregation has not been held this week, but in its place there was yesterday a Consistory, in which the Pope proposed that the Cardinals should not become security for each other. After other matters a bull was expedited for conferring on Cardinal Salviati a church in France, the unhappy condition of which country was certified by the Bishop of Viterbo, Nuncio there. The Pope is deliberating upon the Reformation of the Church. At this Consistory certain churches were given, and it was decided to despatch Antonio Galese to the Council. M. Crivello is on the eve of his departure. The Pope has shown much affection towards the Venetian Ambassador. The Ambassador of France has requested the prorogation of the Council for six months. The cause of the Camarino advances apace. | |
| 3. It is reported from Genoa that two French galleys have arrived, which had attacked the Venetian vessels. Of the former one was commanded by the Admiral of France, and another by M. De Sciarla. Thirty men were killed. | |
| Orig. Ital. | |
| Dec. 7. | 703. Maitland to Cecil. (fn. 2) |
| 1. By the letters of the Lord of St. Colms Inch to the Queen of Scotland and himself has at large understood the gracious "proposses" that the Queen of England held with him touching the Queen of Scots, whereby the sincerity of her affection appears able to kindle like fire of love on this part. Has of long time perceived such a reciprocal goodwill in his mistress towards the Queen of England that he thinks she has no friend in whom she puts more confidence, and not many to whom she will more frankly impart any of her affairs of consequence. "God is my judge, I make the matter appear no better than it is in the self, and if I thought not myself assured that it should thus prove in the end, I would not hazard to write thus far." Her frankness in writing may serve for a sufficient argument of a singular trust. "I know Her Majesty doth look for friendly and good advice from your mistress, and upon hope thereof doth reveal so far of her mind unto her, and meaneth hereafter to follow the same trade." Prays him to advise his mistress to answer these letters with such speed as the matter requires. | |
| 2. The Queen of Scots has good cause to love her uncles; they are so nigh unto her that, besides their good discerning, nature must bind her thereto; she knows their honesty, and must maintain their innocence if they are charged. It will be no small consolation to her to understand that for her respect the Queen will forbear to conceive any evil opinion of them if their unfriends charge them with anything. They are so far at her devotion that for the love they perceive the Queen of England shows towards the Queen of Scots they will always esteem themselves bound to do her service. Prays that in the Queen of England's answer some mention may be made of them. The Scottish Queen in nothing delights more than to visit and be visited by letters of such as she loves. Prays him not to neglect this, until occasion may be given that an interview may be had between them, which he knows the Queen his mistress earnestly wishes may be soon. If Cecil sees the like disposition in Queen Elizabeth, he desires him to begin betimes to confer by letters on the time and place. Desires him to entertain the amity began; for his part his burden therein will be very portable, finding his mistress so conformable. Asks to be commended to the Earl of Pembroke and Lord Robert, and by his next letters to impart somewhat of his mind in these matters. | |
| 3. The Queen commands him to present her hearty commendations to Lord Robert, the Earl of Pembroke, the Lord Chamberlain, and Cecil, thanking them for their good usage of St. Colm.—Edinburgh, 7 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. | |
| Dec. 7. | 704. Lord Grey to the Privy Council. |
| Has considered the complaint of the captains and soldiers of the garrison touching the prices of victuals, and finds, considering the charge for transporting them here, that the prices cannot well be abated, or the soldiers otherwise eased, unless the pays be made quarterly, to relieve them partly with such provisions as the market may best serve for ready money. With respect to the Treasurer buying grain in Northumberland, he finds that he has only bought a very small portion for his own household. Have conferred together of some help to ease the Queen's charges growing by the waste of victuals, and have fallen into the opinion that if a convenient number of soldiers might be appointed to the Treasurer to employ in such profitable exercises as he has thought necessary, both the prices of victuals might be mitigated and the Queen's charge abated. Commends the diligence of the Treasurer, and begs that he may have licence to repair to them for twelve or fourteen days to clear his accounts.—Berwick, 7 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. | |
| Dec. 7. | 705. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
| Having considered the articles touching Mr. Browne, he has signified the effect of his proceedings therein to the Council, which occasions him to write the fewer words in that behalf. Doubts not but that Browne will declare how indifferently and friendly he has used him, as well in assistance to his charge as in other reasonable causes. Has perceived such conformity in him that he cannot but give him commendation.—Berwick, 7 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 7. | 706. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
| Reminds him that the controversy between the Earl of Northumberland, Sir Ralph Grey, and John Selby, porter of Berwick, touching the Lord of "Kithe's" ransom, which is by letters from the Queen appointed to be examined before the President and Council at York. Desires that he may have licence to repair to York for twenty days for those suits and matters of his own.—Berwick, 7 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 7. | 707. Knights of the French Order. |
| The names of those made Knights of the French Order on the 7th and 8th December, at St. Germain. | |
| The Conté Dauphin d'Auvergne, son of the Duke de Montpensier, Conté de Charney, Conté Domonti, Conté Rocandolph (Almain), M. De Channey, Governor of St. Quentin, Baron De Grandmont, brother of the Vidame of Chartres, M. De Sault (of Provence), Ambassador in England when the Earl of Bedford came hither, M. De Carnevallet, governor of the Duke of Orleans, M. D'Annebault, M. De Subyse, M. De Malliere (of Normandy), son of M. De Muye, sometime hostage in England, M. Le Pienne, M. De Gordes, lieutenant of a company of the Constable's, M. De Leux, brother of M. De Monluc, M. De Carres, first gentleman of the chamber to the King of Navarre. | |
| Copy. Endd. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 7. | 708. Another copy of the above (enclosed by Throckmorton to Challoner, 20 Dec.). |
| Copy. Endd. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 7. | 709. Another copy of the above (ascribed to 9 Dec.). |
| Copy. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 8. | 710. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
| Received Cecil's included letters to Randolph, which he has forwarded by a trusty man. The Queen of Scots continues her ordinary watch, and establishes a guard of her person, the captainship whereof she will bestow upon James Steward. Understands from Randolph that the Laird of Barr is come into England by the West Border, and Gaston attends at Edinburgh for his despatch, for whom the Lord Warden of the Middle Marches will give vigilant circumspection. If Cecil thinks it necessary, the Warden of the West Marches may have warning. Thanks him for the increase of his favour and friendship towards him and his son Arthur.— Berwick, 8 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 8. | 711. Albrecht Janhen to the Queen. |
| Having furnished her factor, Sir T. Gresham, with the sum of 29,800 florins, on the condition that it should be repaid in dollars, according as they were rated in 1548, viz., twentyeight patarts Flemish per dollar, he has now been paid at the rate of thirty Flemish patarts per dollar. He therefore begs that the contract may be kept.—Antwerp, 8 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. | |
| Dec. 9. | 712. Mundt to Cecil. |
| 1. Since his last of 24th Nov. Germany has been tranquil, but in France they have been in great fear lest the Pope, the King of Spain, the Duke of Savoy, the Guises, and the Papist party in France should make war against France before the true religion has got greater strength, for they cannot endure that France should turn to the true religion, lest Spain, Italy, and the inner parts of Germany should follow her example. It is reported that the Pope has taken into pay certain captains of the Tyrol, through means of the Bishop of Trent, who is of the noble family of the Madrucci. The Queen Mother of France is anxious to know whether Philip has been transporting money into Germany, or seeking for some. there, for it is reported that he sent out of Spain 400,000 ducats. The Fuggers are taking up all the money they can get in Germany at twelve per cent., which there can scarcely be any doubt is for Philip, who already owes them large sums. They also wish to be repaid what they have lent to the Queen. | |
| 2. The Guises have sent to several Princes excusing themselves for not assenting to the doctrines of Calvin, and pretending that they do not so much object to the Augsburg Confession. They have not sent to the Elector Palatine, because he professes to hold a purer doctrine about the Lord's Supper. Vielleville, Governor of Metz, has been commanded not to admit any of the faction of Guise within that city, as they are suspected of wishing to hand it over to Philip, although this would be much objected to by the Emperor. Mundt was informed by a person of credit that an embassy was sent from the Emperor to the King of Spain, asking him to appoint either Ferdinand or Charles as his successor, no mention being made of Maximilian, to which Philip replied that he could appoint no one but him who by the laws and constitution of the realm was his successor.—Strasburg, 9 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 3. | |
| Dec. 10. | 713. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
| 1. He has received Cecil's letter of the 27th ult. by Stephen Davis, who was detained there two or three days for the Queen's letter sent to him, for some negociations with the Cardinal of Ferrara in answer to his letter sent to her by M. De Morett concerning the General Council. Morett never mentioned the matter to him, but commended the Cardinal's affection, which he and his house had for the crown of England. He asked if the Queen was at liberty to marry, and let fall such words that the writer guessed he wished her to marry some one who has not yet been named. Since Morette left here, the writer perceives he meant the Duke of Ferrara, and that he is commissioned to touch the matter if he found her at liberty. Perceives Cecil was perplexed with his [Morett's] proceedings. Advises him [Cecil] to give ear to such overtures as other Princes offer to make their profit by, and which may turn to the Queen's advantage. Cannot see that it would be inconvenient for the Queen to write to the Cardinal of her acceptation of his visitation. He is of the family of a sovereign Prince of the French faction, and is reputed here more for his house than the Pope's Legate. He is lodged in the Court as one of the ordinary of the French King's Privy Council, and not as Legate. Cecil may discreetly answer him concerning the General Council, as others have done, that the Queen never meant to refuse a lawful Council, but would accept it with reasonable conditions. No man can tell (as Europe stands at present) who shall make the best end in these troubles. The matter may be so handled as these men will give good words, and yet hold off to send to the Council, as they do. The Spaniard would assure himself by his furious zeal, and thereby put the same in execution against the French, the end of which war cannot turn to our disadvantage. Cecil must remember that the Queen has written heretofore to the Cardinals of Lorraine and Tournon, of whose affections he could not then boast of. It will not be amiss for Cecil to carry the Protestants abroad in his right hand with a sincere meaning, and the Papists in his left, with such meaning as they deserve. In this cautious time he [Cecil] shall advance covertly the true religion, and bring no danger to England. | |
| 2. If the Queen shall resolve to write to the Cardinal, and the negociation be committed to him [Throckmorton], thinks it will be expedient for her to send him [the writer] some order to communicate his charge in that behalf to the Queen Mother, the King of Navarre, and the Admiral, to avoid suspicion, and that some letter of credence for that purpose be sent. | |
| 3. The Earl of St. Combe, on his arrival on this side, made his way to Joinville, where the Guises are. Two of them were lately sent for to return to the Court, which they have not done. In consequence of the Spanish and Savoy affairs, will they were again desired to repair to the King; what they do is doubted. The King has lately made him [Throckmorton] Knight of his Order; the certain number is not yet known to him; he can only assure Cecil of those whose names are enclosed. | |
| 4. Thinks the matter intended for his revocation waxes cold again, and understands that Mr. Dannett has no orders to put himself in readiness. The order lately given by the Lord Treasurer and Cecil that he should receive but two months' diets (whereof one has expired) does not give him so great cause to hope that his revocation is meant as the abridging of his diet money does make a show. Dannett's (fn. 3) preparation, after the receipt of his money, will take a month (although the writer had but six days' warning), for such time all other ministers have spent in their preparations; then the time coming hither, the presentation, the time before he leaves hence, and to return to the Queen, will take two months, though he makes as much speed as he can, considering his wife and family are here. There need not have been such straitness used as to restrain the three months' diets, unless it is meant he is to come home at his own cost, which is contrary to his warrant. His three months expire on the 3rd February next, and whether it is likely he will come into the Queen's presence by that time Cecil may consider by Dannett's towardness in coming hither. Hopes Cecil will give order to Mr. Somers or to William Killigrew to receive the other month's diet which is behind, for he has thriven so well here "that he is not able to become the Queen's creditor." | |
| 5. The Commissioners of the French King and the Duke of Savoy have, after long conference at Lyons, so agreed that the French think and say that the Duke has no right to hold that which he possesses. On the other side, the Duke thinks the French have no right to hold that which they retain. Hereupon the King has sent a gentleman to the Duke, who has commission to speak with him, and to try and compound the matter. The same man has commission to M. De Bourdillon, lieutenant for the King in Piedmont, to put the places in defence. This secret commission is given in consequence of information lately come hither from Italy that the King of Spain has sent 3,000 Spaniards to Genoa and 4,000 to Naples, and begins to make men in Milan. | |
| 6. Here is some talk that the Count of Egmont in his government "doth begin to stir coals." The French lately sent M. De Rambouillet into Almain to sound the Protestant Princes in the aid of this Prince, and he has special commission to practise with the King of Denmark, that the King of Sweden's coming to England may be impeached. He is sure the Rhinegrave had a similar commission before. | |
| 7. The King has lately sent M. Dosense again into Spain, upon whose return it will be known what the Princes mean one to another. | |
| 8. In this suspicious time little is done for promoting religion, for the Papists begin to hold up their crests again, and the Protestants are not so well countenanced as they were. They are allowed to preach and assemble in out places as they did, but cannot obtain churches for their service. | |
| 9. The French are in good hope to win again the Earl of Arran to their devotion, for they begin to despair of the Queen of Scots, yet he is sure they have made her great offers, if she will hang her keys at their girdle. | |
| 10. The Duke of Florence has sent his son into Spain; he passed by Rome, where the Pope showed him the greatest favour that has ever been seen to a man of his quality, and defrayed his charges whilst he was there. | |
| 11. Men judge this Court-making will compound the difference foreseen betwixt the King of Spain and the Duke of Florence. Some think the Prince of Florence shall be married in Spain before he returns to Italy, but it is said that the King had rather bestow his sister, the Queen of Portugal, in marriage with the Duke of Ferrara than with the Prince of Florence. There is some talk that Don John d'Austria, the Bastard of Spain, shall marry Madame Lucretia, sister of the Duke of Ferrara, which he thinks unmeet, for she is matura viro and a beautiful lady, and the Bastard is but a child. If this alliance goes forward, the King of Spain is the greatest Prince in Italy, for all will be at his devotion except the Venetians. | |
| 12. Here is some secret whispering that there is a league concluded betwixt the Emperor, the King of Spain, the Pope, the Duke of Florence, and other states in Italy and Germany to repress the Protestant religion. Hopes this letter may suffice for the Queen also. (fn. 4) —Paris, 10 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig., partly in Throckmorton's hand, partly in that of a scribe. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 8. | |
| Dec. 10. | 714. Randolph to Cecil. |
| 1. M. De Fois has made honourable report of the Queen not only to the Queen of Scots but also to all other where he had opportunity; he will now be suitor to have oftener access to her. He desires that his acquaintance with Cecil may be such that he may use his friendship familiarly. Has ofttimes repaired to him, and finds him ready to do anything that may be to the furtherance of amity and peace between Princes, which well agrees unto all those who profess Christ, for whose cause he has endured much. | |
| 2. The Queen of Scots is in health and merry. On Saturday last she solemnly celebrated the exequies of her husband, at which M. Moret assisted; of the nobles of Scotland none wore the dueil. The Earl of Huntly came the morrow after the feast. Yesterday there arrived the Earl of Argyll. The punishment upon the thieves has been great, which puts them in good hope that hereafter the Queen's subjects shall live in better assurance.—Edinburgh, 10 Dec. 1561. Signed. | |
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. | |