Elizabeth: October 1563, 21-31

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

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'Elizabeth: October 1563, 21-31', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 6, 1563, (London, 1869) pp. 569-578. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol6/pp569-578 [accessed 25 April 2024]

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October 1563, 21-31

Oct. 22. 1332. Challoner to Sir John Mason.
1. Received his letter of 20 July twenty days ago. "I beshrew that Bishop that set in his foot so much to our loss and shame, which here hath been spread; ye may conject how. Will this bowl run still after this bias?" Here they talk of disagreement at home among the great upon this success so evil-favouredly failing out. Here they say that the French begin to fall out afresh. After this misfortune of Havre de Grace, so vituperably lost, wots not what is to be done. Complains of his sickness; since his coming hither he has felt some assuagement of his pains. Writes with pain. His secretary is dead, his steward ill of the gout. Charles (Mason's man and the writer's master) is fain to be entreated and born withal more than he would bear with his brother.— Balbastro, 22 Oct. 1563.
2. P. S.—Had some business for his lodgings with the Ambassador of Portugal, who struck out his name, which at last he had restored.
Copy. Endd. by Challoner: 23 Oct. [sic] 1563. Sent by Robert Popley, my servant. Pp. 3.
Oct. 23. 1333. The Earl of Murray to Cecil.
Received his letter, and thanks him for his friendly advice. It appears to him that he bears more solicitude in this matter "nor" he has just cause, for albeit the bruit thereof goes (as he hears) in sundry parts of the world, yet understands but very small handling to have been thereof here. Persuades himself it is not only unresolved, but also in no great towardness. The matter is great and weighty, and therefore is most assured the Queen will not be sudden thereunto, nor take resolution in it without deliberation, with the advice of her subjects and friends. And yet neither is it Her Majesty's honour to impede the suit of Princes, neither can he advise her so to do. Howbeit, his counsel shall never be other to her "nor" that which in his judgment shall most serve to her honour and the weal of her subjects, joining herein that felicity they look for of the amity of both their Sovereigns. Neither can he think any occasion to the hinderance thereof shall proceed from hence, like as he suppose he shall understand by Randolph and his credit, who presently repairs towards his Court, to whose sufficiency he refers the rest.—Stirling, 23 Sept. 1563. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Oct. 23. 1334. Smith to Throckmorton.
Is sorry for Throckmorton's troubles and debates. This trouble, prison, and promise so often broken, and possibly the rude handling of those rude Gascons and Basques who are of his guard, might justly have moved his choler. This at last is granted, that the writer may talk with Sir Nicholas. Tomorrow, the 24th, M. Mauvissiere and the writer will sup with him, when either Smith shall persuade Sir Nicholas to agree with him and take things patiently for a hope of peace, or else Sir Nicholas will persuade Smith to be as angry as men say he is.—Paris, 23 Oct. 1563.
Copy.
Oct. 23. 1335. Throckmorton to Smith.
Cannot mislike Smith coming, the rather because he judges it to be to the advancement of the Queen's service; but fears that since the French see that he is contended with this his coming hither to talk with him in prison, they will retain him still a prisoner; for they will say (when he presses them to have conference with him at liberty) that he has had liberty to repair hither and talk with him, and so they will make profit thereof. It were better to have procured free intercourse of sending betwixt them without visitation or interruption, or else his liberty either to tarry and to be treated as Ambassador, or else to be sent home. Assures him that he will never treat with them as long as he is prisoner. Is sorry he troubled himself and them to demand change of his chamber, for if he will be beholding unto them he will have enough. Means not to take the commodity of this pleasure, for every chamber here is a prison to him, and he will take pains with that wherein he is until God provides better for him, for he sees little help at other folks hands.— Castle of St. Germain, 23 Oct. 1563.
Copy.
Oct. 23. 1336. Throckmorton to the Cardinal of Guise.
Understands by his letter of the 15th inst. (received on 21st), that the Queen of Scots has written to the Queen Mother and to him for his enlargement; for which he is very grateful.—Castle of St. Germain, 23 Oct. 1563.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2.
Oct. 23. 1337. Challoner to the Queen.
1. Complains of his sickness caused by "calculus renium," whereof his father died. His long rest at Madrid with drinking these Spanish wines has increased it. Doctor Vessalius tells him that his reins are exulcerated with the fretting of the stone this journey. Rest and abstinence from all wine, and to drink only the decoction of liquorice and barley, must be a ground of his cure. The King had compassion on him, and to that which he declared on her behalf touching the late Bishop of Aquilla, made him answer with good words. Will confer with the greatest here to induce that some Netherlander be appointed his successor. Perchance if he varies from their rites "insepultus abjiciar." Prays her to revoke him.—Balbastro, 17 Oct. 1563.
2. The Prince of Spain is now free of his ague, but afore Christmas comes not hither. These Cortes are like to be long.
3. The children of the King of the Romans are looked for. The discord betwixt the bands in France kindles afresh, by means that the brethren of the house of Guise still prosecute their appeal against Condé and the Admiral, whereupon the Prince replies to the Admiral, who begins to assemble their confederates. As yet Lyons, Languedoc, Dauphiné and Provence stand stiff for them. M. D'Anville is sent to those parts with a power. If she thinks the King's offer of mediation meet to be embraced, it is time that he knew her pleasure.
4. The plague in France is very "breme." Sends a printed copy of the proposition made by the King to the Lords of Aragon. He is much offended with the slow repair of the lordly Lords to their Cortes, and with their delayed handling thereof. These realms of Aragon, etc. are much disordered by means of the Lords and gentlemen presuming too much upon their licentious liberties, banding all in factions, and bringing each against others, whereby the country is full of thieves, murderers, and "bandolers." Makes suit for some "ayudo de costa" to help him somewhat out of the briars here; some piece of a licence, if money be scant, were it but for a certain quantity of beer free of all imposts and customs.
4. P. S.—Two days past the King despatched a gentleman into France; his first journey is to Montpellier, and so along Dauphiné and Provence, perchance to peruse the manner of those quarters.—Balbastro, 23 Oct. 1563. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 4.
Oct. 23. 1338. Challoner to Cuerton.
Sends him upon account 100 pistoles in gold, and when his money comes he will pay him further. Prays him to write by every messenger, and to send his livery cloth. Trusts to see him within four months.—Balbastro, beside Monçon, 23 Oct. 1563.
Copy. Endd. by Challoner: Sent by Robert Popley. Pp. 3.
Oct. 23. 1339. Sebastiano Bruschetto to Antonio Bruschetto.
Wrote on the 16th. King Philip's Ambassador, Vargas, at his departure for Spain published a book which he had composed upon the authority of the Pope. Its object is to show that it appertains to the Pope to depose those Princes who hold a religion contrary to his own, and to appoint successors to the vacant realms.—Rome, 23 Oct. 1563.
Orig. Hol., with seal, stained by damp. Add.: To Antonio Bruschetto, at London. Endd.: Di Seb. Ital. Pp. 2.
Oct. 23. 1340. Another copy of the above.
Copy. Ital. P. 1.
Estevan de Sansust to Challoner.
Has received his letter, and one from Cuerton upon money matters, to which he will give attention.—24 Oct, 1563. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Challoner: 14 Oct. [sic.] Span. Pp. 2.
Oct. 24. 1342. Hugh Tipton to Challoner.
Alfred Trugillo has sent him a privilege, it is somewhat costly. Desires Challoner to pay him what he has laid out for him in Seville. There is good store of English ships here. —Seville, 24 Oct. 1563. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Challoner. Pp. 2.
Oct. 26. 1343. Memorial for French Matters.
1. That a new commission be sent to Throckmorton an Smith.
2. That Throckmorton be put at liberty before he treats with the French; or else that it be required that he may return home; and thereupon Mr. Mason or Mr. Wotton be joined with Smith. If they will neither set Throckmorton at liberty, nor remit him home and allow of another, then not to proceed.
3. If they allow him to treat, then they shall work to have the treaty of Cambresis newly confirmed; in motioning whereof they may proceed in this manner, viz., that they have charge to proceed plainly, shortly and sincerely; for otherwise Calais is presently due to the Queen, and the sum of 500,000 crowns by the escape of the hostages. Because it is thought that to require a present restitution should occasion long debate, it is meetest to have the treaty of Cambresis confirmed on both sides.
4. If the French should be herein obstinate, then they shall forbear to proceed.
5. If the French press to have a truce, it may be granted for freedom of sending to and fro, but not general; for it will be so long ere it can be notified to all parties that it might be hoped to have a peace sooner made.
Corrected draft in Cecil's hol. Endd.: 26 October 1563. Pp. 3.
Oct. 26. 1344. Antonio Bruschetto to Cecil.
Thanks for his of the 18th. Has had no new letters from Rome, but forwards certain advices lately received.—Hackney, 26 Oct. 1563. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2.
Oct. 27. 1345. The Queen to Throckmorton and Smith.
1. Has sent them commission and instructions, and wills them at least to let both be used by consent one of the other.
2. Where she says that if the French King will not agree that he [Throckmorton] shall be at liberty, then he shall not treat, she has (since her resolution) thereof advertised the French Ambassador, who mislikes thereof, adding that he thinks the King will not otherwise agree thereto. Whereupon she afterwards caused it to be said to him that she will in no wise agree that he, whom the French pretend to be a prisoner, should by any word or promise constitute himself one. Upon his liberty recovered he is not to depart until he had made some end of that treaty, and then to depart without the French King's leave, as Ambassadors are accustomed. Though he does not fully allow this speech, yet he required that Smith should say so much in her name to the King, which (if otherwise he shall not accord) she wills him to do, and therewith she also charges Throckmorton to be content.
Corrected draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd.: 27 Oct. 1563. Pp. 3.
Oct. 27. 1346. The Privy Council to Throckmorton and Smith.
It may be that since their being in commission there, and both used by the French divers ways, some diversity of opinion has entered betwixt them in the manner of this service, but as they are now to proceed one way, the writers trust they will join together in their consultations, and that they will let no respect draw them from the prosecution of what they are commanded.
Corrected draft in Cecil's hol. Add. Endd.: 27 Oct. 1563. Pp. 2.
Oct. 27. 1347. The Privy Council to Smith.
1. He is not to come to any certainty until they shall allow Throckmorton to be the Queen's Ambassador and at full liberty. Now the Queen sends a perfect resolution of her intentions concluded by their advice, and with that he may proceed to execute this resolution. They are glad to hear what ground he has to trust, and what conditions he thinks to be meet to content them.
2. It would be well if he procured one or two more safeconducts for his men that are here.
Corrected draft in Cecil's hol. Endd.: 27 October 1563. Pp. 2.
Oct. 27. 1348. Instructions to Throckmorton and Smith.
1. Sends a new commission reciting and affirming the former. If they will set Sir Nicholas at liberty without exacting any promise to abide there otherwise than an Ambassador ought to do, he is to proceed; otherwise he shall refuse. And whereas the French have named three commissioners, they shall treat with any two of them, not rejecting any one specially; for though L'Aubespine should be none of the commission, she is sure that nothing will be treated without his knowledge.
2. They shall say that she has yielded to send her embassy thither for the love of peace, yet she will not forget her honour so much as to have her Ambassador remain there as a prisoner. And she means not that he, being at liberty, should depart thence but with the King's leave, in like sort as other Ambassadors. If the French will not be content, they may tell them that she has resolved that Sir Nicholas shall not treat but as a free man. Yet if they will have any other thing done to make a good end, she can be content that (if they put him at liberty, and send commission to their Ambassador here, or another to join with him,) she would appoint the like to treat with them here. And if that should not like them, Smith may open the means of meeting, according to her former letters, in some neutral place in the Low Countries, setting Sir Nicholas at liberty. And if that also cannot be good he may offer the last to be devised, viz.; to send Sir Nicholas home, and she will send another person more agreeable for the purpose.
3. If they should set Sir Nicholas Throckmorton at full liberty then, first, she would have present restitution of Calais, and of the 500,000 crowns forfeited to her by the stealing away of the hostages, and by other former breaches of the treaty. She would likewise have them consider the articles which were offered to Smith by Condé, and allowed by the King, his mother, and the Council at Gaillon in July last. It was then motioned to have an accord upon rendition of Newhaven by her to them; and upon new assurances to have Calais restored to her, according to the treaty of Cambresis. Her meaning herein is that they should be able to set forth the same, if they begin to deduce any arguments against her title to Calais. And if they should not be provoked to enter into dispute of Calais to show her meaning, they should use plain speech, showing what they might demand both for pension and arrearages. They shall leave remote matters, and tell them what they have to demand, and what the French have no reason to deny, the accord made at Câteau Cambresis, passing over all mean accidents on both sides. Herein they should use all the wisdom they can to procure the ratification of the whole treaty, or so much thereof as shall stand for continuance of peace and restitution of Calais. And they may seek to have the clause therein concerning the penalty of the money, to be made clear; that is, either to have good bonds of merchants, as was by the treaty meant, or else better hostages, and they to be straiter bound to abide here. And yet she does not mean them to contend long for that, or anything to prejudice the obtaining of the treaty. And although she does not think the French will use many arguments against the demand for the ratification of that treaty, yet she is moved to rest upon this resolution, that without having that treaty ratified, or the substance thereof for Calais, she means not to conclude anything with them, and so they may let it appear.
4. Her meaning is by this proceeding also that the hostages, (who are now stayed from going out of the realm because they were fleeing,) may be at like liberty as before they were, so as they give new oaths to observe the treaty; for she takes that their former oaths are broken.
5. If the French shall motion a truce or abstinence, and not allow the ratification of the treaty, they shall refuse any such accord; and yet if it should be meet whilst they are there treating that some abstinence be agreed upon for them to send to and fro, and also the French to their Ambassador, they may therein use their discretion. And if the French motion to have the abstinence extend to the sea (although it should continue but whilst they treat), they may answer that it would prove but vain, for before it could be notified on both parts they think peace might be concluded.
6. If no good end be had between them, then they shall say that the Queen may prohibit the French wines to be brought into her countries; and that she can impeach their great west and north fishing; and also stay from them her coal. They are not ignorant how she can keep the narrow seas with her navy, and damage their countries. They may say that she has little need of their commodities; or she can have what is needed willingly brought from other parts in exchange for the rich commodities of her own. And if they mention anything of Scotland, they may assure them that amity is now so rooted betwixt them and her people that they shall be deceived that shall intend to dissolve it.
7. If they shall find that the French will not come to reason, they shall advertise her with their opinions, either jointly or severally, or else send one of theirs well instructed therein.
8. She would have them consider how she might recover the money lent to Condé and his party, and cause both him and the Admiral to be privately spoken to, and know of them what way shall be taken to content her.
9. If they give but light answer thereunto, it may be said that she cannot bear with such unkind dealing, but must both require it of the King and notify to the world the whole dealing betwixt her and them, and upon what conditions the money was delivered.
Orig. Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd.: 27 Oct. 1563. Pp. 11, and slip.
[Oct. 28?] 1349. Throckmorton to Smith.
Albeit the writer's message by Barnaby might divert Smith from his intended journey hither, yet if he likes to come the writer shall be glad to confer with him. Asks to be advertised before his coming. Barnaby's business there will occupy him all to-morrow at least. This being holiday, wishes that Barnaby should return with Smith.—At 1 of the clock.
Copy.
Oct. 31. 1350. Charges at Berwick.
1. The ordinary yearly charge of the garrison being 22,887l. 10s. 10d., it is thought that it may be brought to 8,641l. 10s. 5d. For the maintenance of divine preaching and service daily in the church there, every officer to give four days' wage and every other person in solde two days, and the Queen 50l. per annum to one preacher and certain other ministers of the church. The Governor and members of the Council, with their retinues, amounting to 105, to have 1,226l. 6s. 8d. The garrison to consist of 100 light horsemen, 400 harquebussiers, and fifty gunners, with officers, amounting to 589 men; the private men to have 7d. per diem, the harquebussiers to have twenty officers called vinteners at 1s. per diem; total, 6,533l. 13s. 10d. Twenty watchmen to be provided aright by the Queen, and twenty by the officers and corportion. Other officers and ministers, amounting to twenty-three, to have 172l. 13.4d. per annum. The Warden of the Marches, his deputy and servants. 303l. 6s. 8d. Three pensioners, 44l. 6s. 8d. Holy Isle and Farne Island, 219l. 18s. 4d. Total, 732 men. Charge, 8,641l. 10s. 5d.
2. The grounds are to be surveyed and stint limited to every man for meadow and common, and any person infringing on the same to be punished. Every constable or vintener is to train once in the month at least the numbers assigned to him. To induce them to be better content with this lesser wage, none of them are to be displaced without great offence or disability, so adjudged by the Governor and at least two of the Council. Every one who shall come to the said rooms in time of peace to contribute every chief officer six bolls of wheat, every constable or vintener three, and every soldier two, towards a stock to be employed in times of dearth for the help of the neediest. Eighty men to watch and search every night. As the numbers serving here have forsaken all other means to live, it will be convenient to grant them pensions, viz., certain captains from 100l. to 32l. per annum; total, 474l. 13s. 4d. Twenty lieutenants and officers to have the places of vinteners, and others those of constables; fourteen old men and long servitors to have, some 6l. and others 5l. 6s. 8d. per annum.
3. List of twenty-seven gentlemen serving in bands who have been officers, who, if the Queen should have more arquebussiers, might be made vinteners.
4. There being no need of a Controller, Thomas Jenyson desires to be restored to the Auditorship of Ireland. John Bennet, having charge of the ordnance, may be made Master of the Ordnance. Wark castle being weak, the yearly charge thereof being 57l. 15s. 10d., may well be spared, and the gunners of Carlisle may be reduced to two.
5. Enclosed is a list of those sent from Berwick to Newhaven.
Orig., in V. Browne's hol. Endd. by Cecil: 1 Nov. 1563. The device to diminish the extraordinary garrison of Berwick. Pp. 15.
Oct. 31. 1351. Smith to Throckmorton.
Has heard no great news. The Court is at Villecosterets, and there the Queen makes her Pasques. M. De Verberie is gone thither, Cardinal Châtillon and D'Andelot are there. The Admiral comes not to the Court till it comes to Fontainebleau. The journey to Lorraine holds still, but not this month, for the Court comes hither to Fontainebleau first. The Prince of Spain has been very sick of a tertian, but is now well, as the Spanish Ambassador told him. He says also the Cardinal of Lorraine is in Rome, lodged in the Pope's palace, and of him feasted and banqueted. The Council holds still. Has heard that Orleans, Mountaubon, and St. Lo in Normandy shall be dismantled. Risley and George with 300 pioneers are already gone to cast down the walls of Orleans. The decree is sealed in Chancery, and D'Aumale has by name apprehended the Admiral as chief author of his brother's death.—Paris, 31 Oct. 1563.
Copy.
Oct. 31. 1352. Smith to Cecil.
Cecil's of the 11th ult. sent by the post of Flanders (in answer to Smith's of 30th August, from Melun Castle, where he was then prisoner,) he received the 30th inst. Fears he shall be put to treat with him with whom he is loth to treat.— Paris, 31 Oct. 1563. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
[Oct.] 1353. French Articles.
1. That the French merchants trading to England should not be subject to more restrictions than the English.
2. For the deliverance of De Barre, a servant of one of the hostages, arrested on suspicion of their intended flight.
3. Respecting the wrong done to the French Ambassador at the feast of the Lord Mayor of London, under colour of the presence of the Ambassador of Spain.
Copy. Endd.: Articles which M. De L'Aubespine delivered to me. Fr. Pp. 2.