Elizabeth: April 1566

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

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'Elizabeth: April 1566 ', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568, (London, 1871) pp. 41-58. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp41-58 [accessed 11 May 2024].

"Elizabeth: April 1566 ", in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568, (London, 1871) 41-58. British History Online, accessed May 11, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp41-58.

"Elizabeth: April 1566 ", Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568, (London, 1871). 41-58. British History Online. Web. 11 May 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp41-58.

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April 1566

April. 235. Requests of those of Flanders.
1. The four provinces of Flanders supplicate that the King will not establish the Inquisition in Flanders, it being directly contrary to their rights and privileges.
Speech made by the Lord of Brederode on presenting the Request.
2. Declare their innocences of any intention of promoting tumults or troubles, or of having practised any conspiration with the French, High Dutch, or others; and understanding that some of them are particularly accused, desire that they may be named as well as their accusers.
The Request presented by the Gentlemen to the Duchess of Parma.
3. They profess their loyalty to the King, but complain of the fresh ordinance touching the Inquisition and the straight observation of the statutes of the religion. If this is not remedied there will follow a commotion and general sedition tending to the miserable ruin of all these countries. The matter touches them the more, having for the most part their houses and goods situated in the country, exposed to the spoil of all the world. Considering also that following the straightness of the said statutes as the King expressly commands there is not one among them who would not find himself liable to confiscation of body and goods, and subject to the first enemy who should accuse him; they therefore beg that the King will establish other statutes by the advice of the General Estates, and in the meantime that there may be a delay of the Inquisition and of all rigorous execution of the said statutes.
Answer of the Duchess of Parma.
4. Will send the requests to the King and do what she can to incline him to condescend to the same.
5. Her authority does not extend so far as to delay and deface the Inquisition and the statutes as they demand; she will, however, give order to the officers to proceed discreetly and moderately in behalf of their offices and charges.— Brussels, 6 April.
Reply of the Noblemen.
6. Thank her for her answer, but wish that it had been more clear. Complain that certain of their calumniators have printed altered copies of their request to make it appear that their assembly was seditious.
7. Copies of verses on Flanders and on the departure of Cardinal Granville to Rome.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 12½.
April. 236. Requests of those of Flanders.
An English translation, with the additional answer of the Council of Brabant to the towns of Brabant.
Endd. Pp. 8.
April. 237. Requests of those of Flanders.
Requests of the nobility of the Low Countries to the Regent and her answer.
Ital. Pp. 3½
[April.] 238. Reply of the Deputies of [Brabant].
Are thankful for the Count of Egmont's offer for the defence and safety of the nobility here assembled. Intend to keep up an understanding with sundry persons of service without the country.
Fr. P. 1.
[April.] 239. Troubles in the Low Countries.
Where it is objected that they have incited the people to have public preachings and assemblies which is beyond the terms of their request, they deny that any of them have done anything of the sort.
Fr. P. ½.
April 1. 240. The Princess Cecilia to the Queen.
Announces her intention of soon departing to Germany. Is ready to pay all just debts, but does not think that she is called upon to do so as regards those which were contracted by her agent unnecessarily and beyond his commission, but will therein be guided by the Queen's decision.—London, 1 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2.
April 1. 241. Robert Melville to the Queen.
Gives the names of the chief committers of this odious fact. The other Lords have obtained favour. Has declared her message to the Queen of Scots. Doubts nothing of Murray's trusty service to his mistress. There were divers evil reports made of Randolph. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
April 2. 242. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
There has been a controversy between the Earls of Bothwell and Athol for Lethington, the one being his great friend, the other in all cases against him. The Queen seeks all the means she can to quiet her country. The Earl of Murray has sent to the Queen of England that these two noblemen (Morton and Ruthven) who have with the hazard of all sought his weal may have leave to remain in her country. The King has lately imprisoned at Edinburgh three gentlemen whom only he, and no man else, knew to be privy though not present at the doing. The Lords Murray, Argyll, Morton, and Ruthven do their uttermost endeavour for the quietness of their country and the establishment of amity between the two realms.—Berwick, 2 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
April 2. 243. Lords Morton and Ruthven to Cecil.
Send a discourse of the slaughter of Davy, whereby he may clearly understand what was the King's, the Queen's, their own, and the others' part therein. If any thing is too hardily written they beg that he will qualify it. They mean after its return to send copies to divers needful places. Had no particular quarrel with Davy, but seeing such extreme dealing against their brethren by his counsel, the religion to be supprest, the amity of the two countries to be broken, and finding the King to have so "heith" a quarrel against him, made them content to take their part in the deed, wherewith neither prince nor good subject can be offended.—Berwick, 2 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Apr 2. 244. The Queen to the Earl of Bedford.
Sends license for him to come up to Court by St. George's day. Cannot allow the Earl of Morton and Lord Ruthven to remain in Berwick or any other frontier town.—Greenwich.
Draft corrected by Cecil. Endd. Pp. 2.
April 2. 245. William Phayre to Cecil.
1. Thanks him for 40l. which he has sent to him. There is news that the Turk separates his armada for the sea, and sets forth all his force against the Emperor.
2. The King intends to succour the Emperor both with men and money. Pedro Melendez has sent over 1,200,000 ducats. News has come that the Queen had promised to send an ambassador to this Court who was not de la calidad delos passados; it was added that he was a dean and married, which amongst the common sort is marvellously ill taken, and of the councillors not the best liked. The ambassadors have already been in conultation whether it be lawful to visit him being of a contrary religion. Asks Cecil to judge what service he will be able to do.
3. The King has lately taken an order that no secretary's man shall have the writing of any paper of importance, to the intent the secret should be the more kept. Erasso sleeps with his papers under his head.—Madrid, 2 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 4.
April 2. 246. William Phayre to Sir Thomas Gresham.
Acknowledges the receipt of his letters, and details the particulars of his proceedings in Gresham's suit.—Madrid, 2 April 1566. Signed.
Endd. Pp. 3½.
April 2. 247. Charles IX. to the Queen.
Recalls M. De Foix and appoints the bearer M. De la Forest as his ambassador at her Court.—Clermont, 2 April, 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Royal letter. Fr. Broadside.
April 2. 248. Catherine de Medici to the Queen.
Letter of credence for M. De la Forest sent as ambassador resident to her Court.—Clermont, 2 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Royal letter. Broadside. Fr.
April 2. 249. Alexander Citolini to Cecil.
The Turk will turn all his fury against these parts. The Duke of Muscovy, having taken certain places of the King of Poland, has sent all their inhabitants to Muscovy. There is great dearth throughout Germany. Yesterday the Emperor and the Princes went to meet the Count Palatine, who was accompanied with 1,600 cavalry.—Augsburg, 2 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 1¼.
April 3. 250. Robert Melville to Cecil.
The Queen has returned to this town. Murray and his companions are pardoned. Morton and his accomplices have fled. Bothwell and Huntley are agreed with the Earl of Murray. Has given the Earl of Murray Cecil's advice to serve the Queen faithfully.—Edinburgh, 3 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
April 3. 251. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
The Queen of Scots is yet in the Castle of Edinburgh. The Earls of Murray and Argyll are called to the Court. Lord Ruthven is very sick.—Berwick, 3 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1½.
April 4. 252. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
1. The Queen would have Lord Erskine deliver the Castle of Edinburgh wholly into her hands. Divers gentlemen and merchants are in prison in Edinburgh. A gentleman, an under-sheriff to Lord Ruthven, was hanged upon Tuesday; two others were brought to the place of execution and pardoned. He and another who was yesterday arraigned were accused by Darnley. The Queen has now seen all the covenants and bonds between the King and the Lords, and now finds that his declaration before her and the council of his innocence of the death of David was false, and is grievously offended that by their means he should seek the crown matrimonial.
2. Randolph's only hope to have all things well is to have Murray again in Court.—Berwick, 4 April 1566. Signed.
Endd. Pp. 3½.
April 4. 253. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil.
Sends letters from Clough. Desires to understand what order has been taken for the payment of his bills of exchange. —Osterley, 4 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
April 4. 254. Mary Queen of Scots to Queen Elizabeth.
Begs that she will not receive the traitors, and that she will deliver up the Earl of Morton. Asks her to be her gossip, and hopes that she will be able in July to go and thank her. Excuses her writing as she is in her seventh month.—Edinburgh, 4 April. Signed.
Hol. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 4.
April 4. 255. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
Thornton, who goes from the Queen of Scots to the Queen and so into France, is a very evil man, whom he prays him not to believe. The Queen has solemnly with all the old wonted toys invested a nun and placed her in the Abbey of Haddington. The Laird of Granges is now restored to favour and has written to him twice. The matter of Thomas Carew, a prisoner, has been committed to three gentlemen, borderers of either realm, but to their agreement Cessford will not stand.—Berwick, 4 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
April 5. 256. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
The Lords desire to know the Queen's pleasure touching their stay here. Warns him against the bearer, James Thornton.—Berwick, 5 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
April 6. 257. Robert Farnham to William Phayre.
Is sorry that he has not yet received the 40l. sent to him in January. On the 17th March in Scotland Signor Davye was murdered in the Queen's presence. They say that the Turk has given defiance to all Christian Princes. The Lady Cecily is now going hence. Sends news of different friends. —London, 6 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Pp. 4.
258. Another copy. Signed
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 4.
April 6. 259. Advices from Venice.
1. The Turk has summoned all his soldiers to be at Constantinople.
2. From Rome. The Emperor's ambassador has been a second time a suitor to the Pope for aid against the Turk in Hungary. The Pope promised to provide him with 100,000 crowns.
3. The Grand Master of Malta has written that if he have sufficient help the whole body of the religion minds to go into Sicily. Different envoys are sent into divers countries. The Pope seems to favour the Caraffas as much as may be. The Pope has published a bull against keeping concubines.
4. Augsburg. The Princes of the Empire use greet diligence to conclude for an aid against the Turk.—From Venice, 6 April.
Translation of news contained in Bizarri's letter. Pp. 4.
April 6. 260. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil.
Sends news from Rome, Naples, Augsburg, and other places.—Venice, 6 April. Signed.
Add., with seal. Ital. Pp. 4¼.
April 6. 261. N. Stopio to Anthony Mason.
Imprisonment of certain English by the Inquisition at Rome. Deaths of Michael Sophiano a learned Greek and of Benedict Varchi a Florentine.—Venice, 6 April 1566. Signed.
Add., with seal. Ital. P. 1.
[April.] 262. Elegies by Stopio.
Elegies in Latin verse by Stopio on Sophiano and Varchi.
Pp. 2.
[April.] 263. Advices.
News from Rome, 30 March 1566, and from Constantinople 27 Feb. In Stopio's handwriting.
Ital. Pp. 3½.
[April.] 264. Advices.
Copy of the above.
Ital. Pp. 4.
April 7. 265. Advices from Antwerp.
Petition of the nobility to the Regent against the Inquisition.
Ital. P. 1.
April 8. 266. Sir Wm. Drury to Cecil.
Understands by his of the 2nd instant that he meant to make a motion to have Scudamore, his servant, to attend upon Mr. Hoby into France; and upon his advertisement for his setting forward he will take order accordingly.— Berwick, 8 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
April 8. 267. Alexander Citolini to Cecil.
1. The Diet has been sitting early and late and proceeds cautiously lest their determination should be reported to the Turk. They have determined to give the Emperor half as much more help than what he asked for. All the Electors except the Duke of Bavaria and the Bishop of Salzburg are in favour of religious liberty, and also that bishops should not be appointed by the Pope, and that the bishoprics should be given to Christian men.
2. There are great levies throughout Germany. The Turk makes great preparations. He has 100 spies in Germany. The Emperor will have 100,000 foot and 30,000 horse.— Augsburg, 8 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. Pp. 2¼.
April 9. 268. Christopher Mundt to Cecil.
Arrived at Augsburg on the 2nd and had audience with the Emperor on the 4th, whose reply he encloses. Gave his letters to different Electors, who all thanked him. They are making all the preparation they can against the Turk.— Augsburg, 9 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. Pp. 2¼.
April 9. 269. Sir Thomas Hoby to Cecil and Leicester.
At the time of their landing in Calais haven a soldier at the town gate shot through their flag in two places in the red cross and in the white about it. M. D'Argos the Lieutenant of M. De Gourdan would not allow him to view their new device of the haven. After a long conversation he promised to bolt out who had fired the shots. Sent several of his train to note their doings, who were not however allowed to view the fortifications. They say the works must be finished this summer. The garrison is 700 or 800 soldiers.—Calais, 9 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3.
April 9. 270. Advices.
News from Constantinople, 31 March, of the Turks preparations; from Rome, April 6, and from Ferarra, 9 April.
Ital. Pp. 3¼.
April 10. 271. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil.
The Lord Treasurer can by no means help him with money for his bills of exchange, which comes very evilly to pass considering the great scarcity of money.—London, 10 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
April 10. 272. The Queen of Scots to Queen Elizabeth.
Prays her to accept in good part the delay in the process of William Clerk of Yarmouth, against certain of her subjects for his ship and goods "intromitted" by the Basque.— Edinburgh, 10 April, 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Broadside.
April 11. 273. Sir Thos. Hoby to Cecil.
The same day he came from Calais the Lieutenant sent a man after them to Boulogne with a letter declaring that he had been that same morning to visit him, but he understood that he came not there. He declared further that he had set by the heels seven or eight suspect persons for shooting through their flag.—Montreuil, Thursday, 11 April 1565. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
April 12. 274. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
Thanks him for letting him know of M. Mauvissiere's coming; minds to be at the Court two days before St. George's day.—Boroughbridge, 12 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1,
April 12. 275. Sir Thos. Hoby to Cecil.
Here has been exhibited unto him the enclosed supplication by the mayor and burgesses of this town for a ship of theirs taken upon the coast of Bretaigne by John May of Cornwall. All the way of their coming hither he found the strong towns marvellous jealous of strangers, insomuch that not only by sound of a bell they discover the number of horsemen or footmen before they come, but also after they are entered they have an eye to them; and especially Calais, where no man must enter without licence, or go within without two or three soldiers with him, or draw nigh their new works. In some places there be certain houses, not churches, appointed for the assembly of Protestants.—Abbeville, Good Friday, 12 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 13. 276. William Aubrey to the Earl of Leicester.
Has not written to him before as he is unwilling to trouble him with empty letters. There are frequent rumours of civil dissensions in this State, partly on account of the strict observance of the edicts of Charles V., and partly on account of the fear of the Inquisition.—Bruges, Idibus Aprilis. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 1½.
April 13. 277. Pietro Bizzari to Cecil.
Sends intelligence from Constantinople.—Venice, 13 April. Signed.
Add., with seal. Ital. P. 1.
April 13. 278. Advertisements.
1. Venice, 13 April. The Turk is making very great preparations both by sea and land.
2. Rome, 6 April. On 14 March the Pope took order for 12,000 crowns to be paid monthly to the Emperor towards maintaining his wars against the Turk, and said that rather than he should want he would sell his pontifical apparel and the chalice.
Pp. 4.
April 13. 279. Advices.
News of the departure of the Turk's navy contained in a letter sent from Constantinople, 13 April.
Ital. P. 1.
April 14. 280. Albert Knopper to Cecil.
Assures him of his anxiety to preserve the friendship between England and Denmark, and that the wrongs of certain English merchants who have had their ships and goods detained and others shall be redressed.—London, 14 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3¼.
April 14. 281. Lord Montagu, Wotton, and Haddon to the Privy Council.
Arrived at Bruges on Maundy Thursday. M. De Montigny will be sent into Spain. Fear that they will find his substitute harder to deal with than him. Last year the magistrates and gentlemen of Dunkirk and Bruges came to welcome them, but at this time all ceremonies have been forgotten save at poor Newport.—Bruges, Easter Day, 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
April 15. 282. Lord Montagu to Cecil.
Expected to have had some word at least from the other Commissioners, but at the writing hereof the bruit increases of the journey of M. De Montigny into Spain, and of the coming of any hither no one word.—Bruges, 15 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
April 15. 283. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil.
1. The request from the nobles was presented to the Regent by M. De Brederode and 400 gentlemen.
2. Beseeches that upon the return of his bills from Antwerp they may be discharged.—Osterley, 15 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
April 15. 284. Dr. John Man to Cecil.
On the 3rd of April he arrived within two leagues of Madrid, on which day the King departed to an abbey called Velez to stay there till eight or ten days after Easter.— Madrid, 15 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
April 15. 285. Lord Montagu, Wotton, and Haddon to the Privy Council.
The Commissioners are not arrived, neither hear they anything of their coming.—Bruges, 16 April 1565. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼.
April 16. 286. Lord Scrope to Cecil.
1. Can get no redress for an attemptat committed by the Elliotts of Liddisdale within his wardenry. Of late certain of the Thirlwood's brake the house of Anthony Wigham in Gillesland and took his horse, who with two others and a sleuth hound following the "trode" into Scotland, was by them apprehended and is still kept.
2. The Scots and Elliotts have broken their assurance.— Carlisle, 16 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
April 16. 287. Advices.
News from Madrid, 18 March 1566; Rome, 13 April; Naples, 7 April; Genoa, 5 April; Ferrara, 16 April.
Ital. Pp. 3½.
288. Copy of the above.
Ital. Pp. 3.
April 17. 289. Sir Wm. Drury to Cecil.
Sends him Randolph's packet. The Earl of Morton and Lord Ruthven with their company departed yesterday from hence towards Newcastle, and the Laird of Whitingham left here for their causes. It is reported that the K (King) is departed from the Court to Glasgow, with fourteen or fifteen horse. The Queen also (as is said) has caused the body of Davy to be taken up.—Berwick, 17 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 17. 290. Dr. Christopher Mundt to Cecil.
1. Since his last letter the Emperor has been every day to Mass. The Protestant Princes accompany him to the doors of the church, and meet him when he comes out. Mundt has audience in the inner chamber. Many in the Court desire an alliance between the houses of Austria and England.
2. There are great preparations against the Turk.
3. The Protestants seek that if any bishop or priest change his religion that he may keep his preferment.—Augsburg, 17 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. Pp. 2½.
April 18. 291. M. De Mauvissiere to Cecil.
Has found the Queen of Scots in health, and much obliged to Cecil's mistress.—Edinburgh, 18 April 1566. Signed: M. De Castelnau.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
April 18. 292. Advices.
News from Spain, Rome, Genoa, and Ferrara.—Venice, 13 May 1566.
Ital. Pp. 4.
April 20. 293. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil.
Advices from Rome, 13 April; also from Ferrara, Vienna, and Augsburg.—Venice, 20 April. Signed.
Add., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3¼.
April 20. 294. Advices.
Advices from Rome of the 20th April; and also from the island of Zante.
Ital. Pp. 3½.
295. Copy of the above.
Ital. Pp. 3.
April 20. 296. — to Cecil.
News from Venice, Naples, Rome, Vienna, and other places, chiefly about the preparations of the Turk, and the raising of subsidies to enable the Emperor to withstand him.
Add., with seal. Pp. 4.
April 20. 297. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
1. Of the taking up of the body of David, his being laid in the tomb where the Queen's father lies, and to avoid such speech as has passed of the same is placed in another part of the church; of Lord Darnley hearing Mass two days openly in the Abbey, and of his washing of the poor upon Holy Thursday. The hatred between him and Bothwell, of the increase of misliking between the Queen and him, of the disorder of the soldiers there that are of late drawn near to the castle, keeping watch and ward, these and other proceedings there he leaves to Randolph's advertisement.
2. Sends him enclosed a packet from M. Mauvisiere, whose charges are defrayed by the Queen. He arrived there upon Easter day, and had audience of the Queen; but with Lord Darnley he had not upon Thursday spoken with. The Laird of Drumlanrig is delivered out of the castle and restored to liberty. He was charged by the Queen with the slaughter of David and aiding the Earl of Murray in the first action, and the receiving of Earl Morton's money to keep since. There is great practice used to knit the Earls of Argyll and Murray, Bothwell and Huntley.—Berwick, 20 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2½.
April 20. 298. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
The displeasure abates not between the King and Queen, but rather increases, insomuch that last week he rode with thirteen or fourteen horse towards Stirling, minding to have joined himself and treated with the Earls of Argyll and Murray, but she prevented his purpose by sending Robert Melvyn to them that they should not deal with him, which they observed. She caused the body of Davy to be taken up, which she meant to have laid by the King's tomb, but by means of the much speech that was of it he was laid further off.—Berwick, 20 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 20. 299. Valentine Brown to Cecil.
Since his arrival here of the 6th instant, he has travailed in the pays of the captains and garrisons, which is finished until Michaelmas last, and towards the charges of the works until that, he has been forced to make imprests; this money would not stretch to perform the same by 6,000l. and odd. —Berwick, 20 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 21. 300. Privilege of Union of the Duchies of Cleves, &c.
Decree by the Emperor Maximilian for the perpetual union of the Duchies of Cleves, Juliers, Berg, La Marche, and Ravensperg.—Augsburg, 21 April 1566.
Copy. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2¼.
301. Privilege of Succession to the Duchies of Cleves, &c.
Decree by the Emperor Maximilian settling the succession to the duchies of Cleves, &c.—Augsburg, 21 April 1566.
Copy. Endd. Lat. Pp. 5½.
April 21. 302. Lord Montague, Wotton, and Haddon to the Privy Council.
On the 19th inst. M. D'Oigners and M. De Waldeghen came in the Regent's name and declared that she did not look for their coming before the 23rd or 24th inst., and if she had in time been certified she would have prepared otherwise for their meeting and entertainment.—Bruges, 21 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1¼.
April 23. 303. Captain Cockburn to Cecil.
Desires his advice as to the money the Pope sent, which tarries in Paris for the answer of what Mauvissiere bears into Scotland. There are men embarking at Bordeaux and Rochelle. It is given him and others that Cecil and the Court are fallen away from religion. There are two Scotch ships departed, and in one of them great despatches from the Papist and Cardinal of Lorraine and others. Sends notice of sundry dispatches received from Scotland. — Dieppe, 23 April. Signed: George Beaumont.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
April 24. 304. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
The bearer's long, tedious, and costly suit is now referred to commissioners, although a more manifest spoil was never done. Begs him to continue his favour towards him.—Edinburgh, 24 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
April 25. 305. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
The Queen of Scots wills that all controversies between the noblemen shall be taken up. Lethington has leave to live in Flanders, and shall enjoy his whole living. There is much speech of his discord between the Queen and her husband. It is commonly believed that Thornton has gone to Rome to sue for a divorce between them. He is neither accompanied or looked upon of any noblemen at liberty to do and go where and what he will. The Lords came but smally accompanied. David's brother Joseph is secretary.—Berwick, 25 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
April 25. 306. Munitions for Berwick.
List of the proportion of powder, tools, carriages for cannon, &c. demanded for Berwick, that may be provided out of the office of the ordnance and elsewhere, total value 247l. 2s. 2d. Signed by Edward Randolph.
Endd. Pp. 2½.
April 25. 307. The Queen to—.
Warrant commanding him to send certain stores to Berwick for the office of the ordnance.—Greenwich, 25 April 1566.
P. 1.
April 25. 308. Sir Thomas Hoby to Cecil.
About a mile from the town, upon Easter Day, they went to see five or six thousand Protestants, assembled at sermon and communion. The Vidame of Amiens, Lewis D'Allye, one of the reformed church, came from his castle of Pinkenye three leagues off to visit them, and upon Tuesday in Easter week made them a great feast served in silver. From thence they came to Paris the 20th, where at their arrival they understood of the French King's drawing into these parts with speed, because (as it is thought) the enterprise of Geneva was discovered. Upon Sunday here was a general procession commanded by the King for the news of the Queen of Spain being with child. On Monday Smith arrived here. This day Lord Paget visited Smith and him, who lives here solitary from company, saving Italians. It is not known whether Count Brissac and Strozzi be taken at the enterprise of Geneva but certain it is that Spifane is beheaded.—Paris, Thursday, 25 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
April 25. 309. Lord Montague to Cecil.
Writes in behalf of his servant Roger Michel touching a suit against his nephew. Yet remain without knowledge when the other Commissioners will be here.—Bruges, 25 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
April 26. 310. Sir W. Drury to Cecil.
After this pay there will no convenient quantity of treasure remain in the treasurer's hands. Sends advertisements from Scotland. Joseph, Davy's brother, came with M. Mauvissiere. —Berwick, 26 April 1565. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 26. 311. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
Is troubled that he should be thought ungrateful. No man "shall be readier and honour" him more than himself. The Lords are fully agreed.—Berwick, 26 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
April 26. 312. Convention at Bruges.
Appointment by Philip II. of Philip De Montmorency to act in the place of Florence De Montmorency, to negotiate with the English Commissioners at Bruges.—Brussels, 26 April 1566.
Copy. Lat. P. 1¼.
April [27]. 313. Advices sent by Sir Thomas Smith to Leicester and Cecil.
1. It is known what was meant by sending Count Brissac and the Duke De Nemours, Captain Strozzi, and other noblemen under colour to go to Malta. The Duke of Savoy has levied men in all Savoy. The Marquis D'Elboeuf also went towards Provence. The treason is discovered, and M. De Spifane, who was Bishop of Nevers, and the Queen's Secretary and Master of Requests, and for religion had lost all and fled to Geneva, has been long there in good reputation, changed and corrupted by money was taken upon it and beheaded at Geneva, which has broken their enterprise. Strozzi's regiment was already in Roanne, beside Lyons.
2. It is reported Spifane's treason was discovered by this manner: He wrote a letter to the Cardinal of Lorraine, saying that he might send the power when he would, all was ready within. This to be more surely conveyed without suspicion was superscribed to the Queen of Navarre, and the messenger delivered it to her, and she sent it to Geneva, whereupon he was apprehended and confessed that and other things.
3. In the articles by him confessed, and in his sentence, there appear no such thing. The 18,000 francs was part or all, as it is said, paid by the Queen to him under pretence for resignation of his Mastership of Requests and an abbey which he had long ago.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3.
April 27. 314. Berthold Loftschuher to Cecil.
Reminds him of his services in 1561, in restoring the standard of the currency, and also of his plan proposed in 1565, whereby the Queen would be certainly benefitted to the extent of 2,000,000 crowns, which offer he now renews.— Nuremburgh, April 27, 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. Pp. 2.
315. Copy of the above.
Endd. by Cecil. Lat. Pp. 2¼.
April 27. 316. M. De Mauvissiere to Cecil.
Send a packet for M. De Foix. Murray and Argyll are returned.—Edinburgh, 27 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
April 27. 317. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil.
Sends intelligence from Rome, Spain, Genoa, and other places.—Venice, 27 April 1566. Signed.
Add., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3½.
April 28. 318. Advices.
News from Antwerp, 28 April.
Ital. P. 1.
April 28. 319. Memorial by Bedford for certain things to be remembered by him for Berwick, &c.
Endd. P. 1.
April 28. 320. Lord Montague, Wotton, and Haddon to the Privy Council.
Send a copy of M. De Assonville's answer to their letter. He said that the Commissioners reckoned to be at Bruges in the latter end of last week. Desire to know the Queen's pleasure.—Bruges, 28 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
April 28. 321. Sir Thomas Smith to Cecil.
1. Sir Tho. Hoby came hither the 20th, and the writer the 22nd instant.
2. Sends him pasquilles in writing (for none dare now print such matters) whereby the opinion of Geneva matters and the expedition of the French to Malta and Hungary may be known, and the consort of the Princes of the Low Country.— Paris, 28 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
April 28. 322. The Princess Cecilia of Sweden to the Queen.
At her departure she was presented with a gold cup in the Queen's name, which North has required her to return, and which she has refused to do, as she considered it a gift.— Rochester, 28 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. P. 1.
April 29. 323. The Princess Cecilia to the Queen.
Is sorry that she holds her in suspicion. Was unable to give more securities to George North than she has done. Sends her a copy of his acquittance, by which she may see that she is free from her debts.—Dover, 29 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 1.
April 29. 324. The Princess Cecilia to Cecil.
Earnestly recommends to him the cause of her servant, Philip Withe.—Dover, 29 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. ½.
April 29. 325. The Princess Cecilia to the Queen.
Intends to set sail to-day, and thanks her for all the benefits which she has bestowed upon her during her stay.— Dover, 29 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 1.
April 29. 326. Sir Thomas Hoby to Cecil.
1. They have heard here that the King is fallen from the Queen (of Scots), and favours the Lords and others that were called home. Friday here dined with the Lord Ambassador, Lord Paget, the bearer, Mr. Clinton, Mr. G. Carey, to whom he brought fifty pounds from his father, which, considering his port of four or five horses for himself and men, &c., is small. The Ambassador of Venice, of the house of Soverignani, came and welcomed him to the town. Desires to know how he shall act in the matter of precedency with the Ambassador of Spain.
2. Some given to favour the English marvel that, considering it is one of the articles in the treaty at the Diet at Augusta for the restitution of Metz, Thou (Toul), and Verdun to the Empire, that there has not been some out of England to join with the Princes for their demand of Calais, and to secretly practise with them that the enterprise for those cities may be taken in hand the instant when by that treaty they shall have title to Calais.—Paris, 29 April 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
April 29. 327. Sir Thomas Smith to Cecil.
Received this [letter] from John Sturmius by Peter Clare, a notable Almain captain, and also the enclosed cipher. His credit was that he intends shortly to send Albert De Rosemburg towards the Queen to treat of matters such as D. Citolinus has entertained to her. It touches a continuation with the Princes of Almain for the recovery of Metz and Calais.— Paris, 29 April 1566. Signed. Partly in cipher.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
[April 29.] 328. Cipher for Sturmius.
Endd. P. 1. Enclosure.
March 4. 329. John Sturmius to Sir Thomas Smith.
Letter of credence for the bearer [Peter Clare].—[Strasbourgh], 4 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. ½. Enclosure.
April 29. 330. Payments at Berwick.
Payments made out of money received for the year's pay ending at Michaelmas 1565 amount to 4,061l. Extraordinary charges due before Michaelmas, viz., 2,292l. The charges due there for the garrison and works for half-year ending Ladyday amount to 13,400l.
Endd. Pp. 3.
April. 30. 331. Advices.
News from Rome of the 27th April 1566; Mantua, 30 April; Constantinople, 2 April.
Ital. Pp. 3.
332. Copy of the above.
Ital. Pp. 4½.
April 30. 333. Instructions for Thomas Danett.
He is to go to the Emperor and deliver to him a letter from the Queen, written in her proper hand, briefly answering his and signifying his nomination to his father's place in the Order of the Garter. He is to direct his answers and speeches according to the following forms, being the inconveniences mentioned in the Emperor's letter, with the answers to the same:
1. It seems difficult for the Archduke Charles to undertake the journey, the matter being so uncertain.
Answer. The matter is not so uncertain if the three principal points contained in the writing given to the Emperor's ambassador may be performed.
2. That the Archduke nor his shall be troubled in their religion.
Answer. No cult in religion should be by him professed openly or privately in England contrary to the laws.
3. That the Archduke be not driven to live wholly upon his own.
Answer. It is reason that with his patrimony he should maintain the family that he should bring with him.
Replies for the three above-mentioned difficulties:
1. That no Prince has ever gone into another's country in way of suit for marriage before assurance by treaty.
Answer. It is hard to find any similar example to this. Also it is to be remembered that in his father's time it was agreed that the Archduke should have come to England. Lastly, if there shall be no notable cause of misliking him in respect of his person there shall be no light matter to move him to return uncontented.
2. It were inconvenient for the Archduke without certainty of marriage to show himself ready to change his religion.
Answer. The Queen promises to use great secrecy in this matter, so that no inconvenience shall follow, whether the marriage succeed or no.
3. On his marriage with the Queen the Archduke's charges may increase.
Answer. If he shall be put to any further charge than his own proper family may require, the same will be honourably satisfied.
If necessary, he is to go to the Archduke.
He shall notify commonly that his message is to signify to the Emperor his nomination to the Garter.
Endd. Pp. 7.
334. Rough draft in Cecil's writing of the answers to the objections.
Endd. Pp. 5.
April. 335. Dr. Mundt to the Emperor.
Mundt declared the goodwill of the Queen of England, who had sent him to be present at the Diet at Augsburg, to which the Emperor replied by telling him of the great esteem which he had for the Queen.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 2.
April. 336. The Queen to Mary Queen of Scots.
Desires redress for certain merchants of Bristol whose ship and goods have been seized and the crew murdered at Kyles in Scotland.
Draft. Endd. Pp. 2½.