Elizabeth: March 1563, 11-15

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 6, 1563. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

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'Elizabeth: March 1563, 11-15', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 6, 1563, (London, 1869) pp. 198-205. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol6/pp198-205 [accessed 25 April 2024]

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March 1563, 11-15

March 11.
Forbes, ii. 354.
435. Condé to Smith.
As he has been well informed of all matters by D'Andelot, he can refute any false reports that may be sent to his mistress. Before the Duke of Guise was wounded, there was a proposal that the Prince and the Constable should have an interview to find means for staying these troubles, which was rather hoped for than expected, considering the suspicions that the former negociations had engendered on both sides. By the death of the Duke of Guise all these difficulties seem ended. The Queen Mother has proceeded so energetically that he and the Constable had an interview on the Ile aux Bouviers, close by this town, on last Sunday. After a long conversation they decided that it was necessary that he should consult with those in Orleans, and the Constable with the Queen Mother. This having been granted, they met at the same place on the next day, and disputed for two hours; the Prince insisting on the observance of the King's edicts, and the Constable that it was impossible to get the Papists to keep it. Finally, the Queen Mother sent them a memorial, a copy of which he encloses. By the advice of the noblemen here he drew up another, a copy of which he also sends. Begs him to inform the Queen that he can never endure ingratitude, which he holds one of the most odious of vices, and if ever he has the power to serve her she will not regret having obliged him. Begs him also to inform her that, as he only took arms for the glory of God and the observance of the King's edicts, so he will not lay them down until these ends are accomplished, and the King's subjects can live in liberty of conscience.—Orleans, 11 March 1562. Signed.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 4.
March 12. 436. The Queen to Charles IX.
Received his letter on the 28th ult. touching the matter of the Provost of Paris by M. De Vaulx. Has used all impartiality in his case, but cannot leave unnoticed so grave a crime. He refuses to reply to any charge, so that his case cannot go on, and thus his hurt is in a great measure owing to his own obstinacy.—Westminster, 12 March 1562.
Add. Fr. Broadside.
March 12.
Forbes, ii. 356.
437. Smith to the Queen.
1. After his former despatch was ready to be sent away, he saw them hie so fast to an accord within themselves that he stayed his man to see what it would come to. The Prince of Rochesuryon was sent to the Prince of Condé, who arrived here on the 4th inst. about 6 p.m., and lodged in an inn, conducted by M. D'Anville as a prisoner, but stout and merry. The next day, early in the morning, he was conducted from hence to the camp. On Sunday the 6th inst. the Prince and Constable met in a little isle above Orleans. There was a handsome boat ready for them, laid over with planks to make it broader and chamber like, and covered with tapestry for the sun, where they should have "parlamentid" together, but they liked better to walk, which they did for two hours, D'Anville, L'Aubespine, and D'Aussy standing by, but not within hearing. At their departure the Prince was conducted to his guard and the Constable to Orleans.
2. The next day the Queen Mother, the Prince, and Constable met in the same isle, where they talked together for three or four hours, the Prince having his sword by his side, not like a prisoner. They seemed familiar, and at departing the Queen came away talking with M. D'Aumale, and laughed very often. It is judged they have agreed amongst themselves. What the articles are is as yet unknown.
3. It is muttered here privily that the King of Spain's messenger was "detrussid" by the way into Italy, and his packet brought to the French Ambassador at Trent, who, opening the letters, discovered a practice between the King of Spain and the Emperor to invade France, whereof he has advertised the Queen here. They suspect here that the King of Spain and the Queen [Elizabeth] are agreed, and that he would be content she should make war with France to recover Calais. Cannot perceive much otherwise by the familiar conferences which he has had with the Spanish Ambassador.
4. Don Hernando De Toledo, the Duke of Alva's natural son, Grand Prior of St. Jacques in Spain, is expected to come here in post with twenty horses. To meet him the Spanish Ambassador came hither; if peace be made he will go home. Whether the death of the Duke of Guise has stopped Hernando's journey is uncertain.
5. M. De Sevre came yesternight (10th inst.) to this town to take up his money and make his despatch. This night (11th inst.) or to-morrow he starts for Rome to have the Pope's consent to their agreement for religion, and by the way he goes to Ferrara, Florence, and Venice, to content the allies who lent money and show them their necessity of peace. Others say he is made Grand Prior. A stay in the matter rests with the Admiral, who does not like the conditions so well as the Prince. He holds stoutly out, and will first have the King avow that the army which the Prince made, and their doings, were done in defence of the King and his mother, against the violence of the Guise; and that he will have the Queen [of England] and their allies of Germany satisfied as promised. This he cannot avow for truth, but Throckmorton and those with him can better tell.
6. Yesterday (11th inst.) the Chancellor went to the camp, without whose advice they will not draw the articles of accord. This night, the 12th inst., he will be here. The Admiral is looked for here in post with five or six horses only; all is stayed till he comes. He cannot but mistrust so long as the Duke D'Aumale and the Guisians are so great about the Queen Mother, making such a bruit to run upon the Admiral as they have, lest they make him in that manner to be slain, as they say he caused the Duke of Guise to be killed.
7. Talking with the Ambassador of Spain (with whom he is very familiar), and understanding that the day before he had sat with the Council in the camp, he asked him what was the news. He said they were so troubled with the surrender of Caen that they know not what they say or do. He inquired of Smith whether the Englishmen had it wholly in their government, or at least were able to master the Frenchmen. Smith said as yet he had no certainty thereof. He said if the English are masters there he would give Calais and 300,000 of the 500,000 crowns which are asked for the forfeit rather than allow them to keep that castle, Dieppe, and Newhaven. If we keep those, peace is made if the Queen will, and all requests granted. He does not think the Admiral or any Frenchman is to be trusted.
8. Sends the Queen letters from Orleans, who will perceive from whence they come, and of what importance it is to understand affairs as they go there. They have won Condé, who has promised that, granting his demands, he will be one of the first that shall help to drive her power out of France. Sends the copy of a letter he received from Warwick from Newhaven, with his answer. Has also received letters from the Admiral and Throckmorton from Caen, with his man, whom he missed so long. Those of Orleans are the most important, and the greatest trouble to get. Has lost one of his men there. It is kept as strait now during this truce as ever it was. In those which came from Caen there is mention of the surrendering of Bayeux and Falaise. If the Admiral is not trustier than the Prince, all the war will be turned thither. By the Emperor's messenger, M. Achilles, he cannot perceive that the French King will surrender Metz, Toul, and Verdun. If he does not, the Emperor will denounce war. If the Admiral holds out and is trusty, all will be well.— Blois, 12 March 1562. Signed.
Orig., large portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. Pp. 5.
March 12. 438. Smith to Cecil.
1. All things have marvellously changed here since he wrote on the 7th. Perceives the occasion of their shrinking from him is not where he thought. Will he send Barlow and the bearer out of hand? If Cecil keeps his men there so long, and is so hard in furnishing him with money, he will not be able to do such service as he would. Does not send the original letters for fear of interception, and has put the ciphered letters into his cipher.—Blois, 2 a.m., 12 March 1562.
2. P. S.—It is constantly said here that three ensigns of Englishmen have fled from New haven and offered their services to the Rhinegrave, which be refused; but nevertheless they were accepted into the service of the French King, and have captains appointed them. M. D'Allegre goes this day to Spain by post to certify the King of their accord. It is said here that the Admiral is gone by post to Orleans.— Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
March 12. 439. Horsey to Poulet.
At his first coming delivered to Montgomery 140l., and has since delivered to the Countess 1,200l. Has also paid Captain Blount 150l. There have been divers attempts made on this town of late. It has been approached with about 2,000 foot and 600 horse, but they were driven to retire without anything done. There are divers captains and burgesses in prison for their treasons. The Count has sent for his wife, and minds not to return hither; M. Ganceville is appointed in his place. There are only six bands of Frenchmen, and the Admiral has sent for four, and Horsey was driven to use persuasion for the rest to stay. Marshal Vielleville has come to Neufchatel, and has in readiness a great number of ladders made with cords. The burgesses and mariners of this town desire to march under Horsey's ensign.—Dieppe, 12 March 1562. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd.: 12 March 1562.
March 12. 440. Cuerton to Challoner.
Guise is gone without doubt. They say all the Spaniards are slain at Orleans, and also forty Englishmen coming from Newhaven to Orleans. By these bearers sends four barrels of herrings and two firkins of butter.—Bilboa, 12 March 1563. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Challoner: 12 March 1562. Pp. 2.
March 13. 441. The Countess Montgomery to the Queen.
Her husband has gone to join the Admiral and has left this town in the charge of M.M. Horsey and De Gansville. As the French troops here may be withdrawn to join him also, it is advisable that she should send some forces as soon as possible to take their place.—Dieppe, 13 March. Signed: Ysabeau De Montgomery.
Orig. Add. Endd.: 13 March 1562. Fr. Pp. 2.
March 13. 442. Smith to Warwick.
Sent him an answer on the 3rd inst. by the Frenchman who delivered Warwick's letters of 23rd ult. on the 1st inst. They say the peace is concluded. Has sent copies of certain letters to Middlemore by the bearer, which he thinks he will send to his Lordship with such advices as the writer has written to him. Found the means (not without some peril) to get them. They who think to keep things most close from him are deceived. His Lordship should call his wits unto him out of hand, but yet not over hasty. He begs him to send a copy of this to the Queen.—Blois, 13 March 1562. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
March 13. 443. Smith to D'Andelot.
1. Cannot tell what necessity has induced him to condescend to these dangerous articles of accord. Objects that in them they rely on the King's mercy, and not on the justice of their cause.
2. What surety they have of the accord being kept, Paris, Bourges, Rouen, Tours, Troyes, Sens, Blois, etc., which after having received the Gospel fell into the hands of the Papists, can bear witness.
3. As more than half their strength consists of their foreign friends, their enemies cannot more easily deprive them of it than by making them show themselves ungrateful.
4. They should consider that these fine articles come from the Queen Mother, the Cardinals of Bourbon, Ferrara, and Guise, the Dukes D'Aumale and D'Etamps, and Marshal Brisac, L'Aubespine and Fresnay, who desire to catch them like fish in a net.
5. Moreover they have spread the report that Melley, who shot the Duke of Guise, has confessed that he did it by the command of the Admiral and D'Andelot and at the exhortation of Theodore Beza, and that he had been further charged to kill the Queen Mother, the King, the Cardinal of Ferrra, and others. This is only a preparation that in case any one of them is assassinated, it may be said to be done in just revenge by the Guises, who will not hesitate to sacrifice them either by force or by treason.
6. They should not make any accord without their allies. He would have him and the Admiral be careful and see whither the peace tends, after having struck such a blow against the principal of their faction; as the Papists know that their power would be ruined if their enterprise had succeeded, and have no scruple in putting any one to death.
Copy. Endd.: 13 March 1562. Smith to D'Andelot; and again (in cipher, deciphered): Copy of my letter to M. D'Andelot. Fr. Pp. 4.
March 13. 444. Guido Gianetti to the Queen.
1. The French Ambassador's request to the President Legates, that his master's demands for reformation should be communicated to the entire congregation of the prelates, was not granted, for the Pope willed that the demand should be made to his Legates, and not to the Council; and that the Legates should propose the matter to the other prelates only according to the Pope's deliberation. The Italian prelates have agreed that everything should be referred to the pleasure of the Pope, as head of the universal Church. The Emperor and the King of France are agreed as to the demands for the reformation of the Church and the liberty of the Council; and the Spanish Bishops are partly, but not entirely of the same mind. The Pope, conscious of the danger, has attempted to induce the Princes who have Ambassadors at Trent to consent to the suspension of the Council for a time, but without success. The Legates at the request of the Emperor have answered the Bishop of Quinque Ecclesiæ, the Ambassador of Ferdinand for Hungary. The Cardinal of Lorraine goes to the Emperor at Inspruck to treat of two marriages; one of the Queen of Scotland with one of Ferdinand's sons; the other, of a daughter of the King of the Romans with the King of France. He has returned with the decision that the Ambassadors shall make their demand from the entire body and not to the Legates separately. He is exceedingly distressed by the death of his brother the Duke, he has doubled the guards round his person and is in fear of his life. The writer rejoices that the league formed against the Queen has thus been interrupted, and hopes that she will avail herself of her present opportunity.
2. The Cardinal of Mantua has died at Trent much respected. Cardinal Seripandi, who succeeds him in the Council, has written to the Pope for instructions how to act. The Duke of Sessa and Don Loys D'Avyla, commendator of Alcantara, have arrived from Spain to the great joy of the Pope, who thinks they will counteract the poison of the Council. The writer, however, understands that the King of Spain wishes that the Council should be free, and not only that the Ambassadors but the Bishops should be allowed to disclose their opinions and requests to the entire congregation. The Pope told the Ambassadors that he would be at Bologna at the beginning of Lent, but has not. The death of the Duke of Guise has produced a deep sensation in this Court, for they are aware that these wars are dangerous to the Roman See, they dread the alliance between England and Germany, and they see that there is no one capable of filling Guise's place. They know that the inclination of the French people is in favour of the Protestants. Intelligence about the state of affairs at Grenoble and Lyons. Dauphiné, Provence, and Languedoc are with the Admiral. The Count of Beauvais (formerly Cardinal Châtillon) is Governor of Nismes. Nothing is being done in Italy for the Guises. The King of Spain has ordered Nicolas Grimaldi at Madrid to provide in Flanders 150,000 crowns for the King of France, which Grimaldi is now sending to Antwerp. News about the Turk.—Venice, 13 March 1563. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 4.
March 14. 445. Madame De Roye to the Queen.
Is informed by her Secretary, Millet, whom she despatched to the Queen, of her good will towards the Prince of Condé and his Party. They more than ever need her speedy assis tance, as the bearer can inform her.—Strasburg, 14 March 1562. Signed: Madelene De Mailly.
Orig. Add. Endd.: 14 March 1563. Fr. Pp. 2.
March 14. 446. Tipton to Challoner.
Has appointed one Truxillo as procurador in any trifling matters which they of this country may do unto the English, and desires that he may have Challoner's counsel. The bearer, Diego De Solchaga, goes to the Court with certain rich pearls and jewels. Amongst other things he has committed to the said procurador their privilege of St. George, to have it confirmed.—Seville, 14 March 1563. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Challoner: Received 29 of the same. Pp. 2.
March 15. 447. The Landgrave of Hesse to the Queen.
Requests that two Germans in the service of Frederic Von Kollshausen may be permitted to pass to the Marshal of France.—Marpurg, 15 March 1563. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. German. Pp. 2.
March 15. 448. Middlemore to Cecil.
1. Wishes he had understood the Queen's pleasure and his before departing hence. Throckmorton has declared his opinions at large, as appears by the copy of his instructions which he left. Do they accord with the Queen's liking? As it is likely that the matter of accord will grow hastily, begs him to send his mind with speed.
2. The Admiral departs hence towards Orleans on the 16th inst., where he would be much sooner than he meant, if he believed the Queen Mother, who hastily sent him a safe-conduct to come thither by post with twenty horse only. But he does not mean to use the haste she requires, nor the safe-conduct, saying that he will bring a better one than she can give him; meaning his force of reiters, with whom he can pass every way without danger. His old master can well declare the great stead the Queen has stood the Admiral and this army in at this time, by the late payment made to the reiters, and also by the aid she has given him in these parts, where England is marvellously dreaded.—Caen, 15 March 1562. Signed.
3. He will receive herewith the Admiral's answer and purgation to what has been deposed against him for the death of the Duke.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd.: By Mr. Throckmorton. Pp. 2.