Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Edward VI 1547-1553. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1861.
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'Edward VI: November 1551', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Edward VI 1547-1553, (London, 1861) pp. 188-200. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/edw-vi/pp188-200 [accessed 26 April 2024]
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November 1551
| Nov. 1. Brussels. |
473. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to the Council. On Monday last
he was advised by the Governor of the English merchants at Antwerp, that the last published placard tended more to their prejudice
than the former, or any other similar one in time of war; and that
for fear of increasing the penalties of said placard, they could not
permit four ships to sail, the more so as no officer was appointed to
whom they might apply for despatch, according to the terms of said
placard. Whereupon in the evening of the same day he had access
to the Queen Regent, and laid before her Majesty the memorial of
the members, a copy of which is inclosed, seeking to impress upon
her that even were such prohibition considered necessary, it ought
not to be made applicable retrospectively to these vessels which had
been laden before the placard was issued. Her Majesty replied
that she would consult with her Council thereon. Having waited all
Tuesday without hearing anything, but knowing that the two Presidents were together, he waited upon them unexpectedly in the
evening, on pretence of inquiring for the one who had been confined
to his chamber 14 or 15 days by gout. They denied having had any
communication with the Regent, but this their subsequent conversation refuted. Details the conversation, and their quibbling on the
meaning of certain words in the existing commercial treaty; his application to the Regent for another audience on Thursday (his memorial
of the preceding day having been returned with an unsatisfactory
apostil), which was deferred by her absence at hunting all that day,
put off on Friday on plea of her being evil at ease, although she had
sat in Council that day, and then on same evening her referring of him
to the President of the Council for reply. Describes their interview,
and his presenting the case of another poor merchant molested in Zealand. This Saturday evening has received such "appointments" on
these matters as he wots not well what to make of them, but has,
under protestation, forwarded them to the merchants that they may
agree as well as they can with the proper officer. Hears that another
impost of one per cent. is to be proclaimed, and suggests that their
Lordships should suffer no more vessels to come until these have sailed
and reached England. In his communication with the President had
contrasted the present line of conduct with that pursued by the
same people during the wars of 1536. Recommends that the
English merchants should endeavour to direct their enterprises in
other quarters until the wars are at an end, "for truly these people
will never know what they have of us until they lack us; and by
the merchant's means things were most quickliest to be redrest,
whom no man could well forbid to go where they find best intreatment." Thanks their Lordships for the good consideration which
they have had towards him for his diets at this time, without which
he could not have served in this degree. [Eight pages.] Memorial of the merchants, and of Henry Mey, merchant of London. [Six pages.] |
|---|---|
| Nov. 2. Strasburg. |
474. Christopher Mount to the same. The report as to the deliverance of Magdeburg increases daily. Some of the Senate of that city are seen at Leipsic treating of peace with Maurice, and every one has facility of meeting and conversing with them. The conditions are not yet known here for certain, because they have been sent to the Emperor for confirmation and ratification. But progress has so far been made, that whether the Emperor approves or not, the siege will speedily be raised. The soldiers only remain there that the arrears of their wages may be paid, and many think that the clergy of Magdeburg, who are the authors of this war, will at length pay the outstanding wages. Maurice by his conduct shows that he will not be so subservient to the Emperor as was supposed with regard to the giving up of the county of Catzenellobogen to Nassau. His proceeding in this matter and the liberation of Magdeburg will highly incense the Emperor against Maurice. France is considered not to be ignorant of these matters. Germany is likely to be disturbed after the departure of the Emperor for Italy. In several places of the Grisons the Imperial Commissioners are appointing new magistrates and displacing the old ones; the most superstitious are deemed to be the most worthy. What answer will be given to the petitioners for John Frederick and the Landgrave is not known, but the petition is not likely to be very acceptable. It is supposed that a Diet will be held shortly, chiefly to induce the Germans to aid Ferdinand against the Turk. The Emperor and the Pope will carry on war against France. The French King's envoy prevailed so far with the Swiss that neither party will send to Trent, and now they deliberate whether they should assist the King against the Pope. The Emperor has sent to the Saxon cities, admonishing them to remain faithful: he seems to fear new counsels in that quarter. As yet nothing certain regarding the proceedings at Trent. This city has sent thither John Sleidan, who formerly was sent by the Protestants to England. He is ordered to do nothing till the arrival of the Saxons, and on their coming to make common cause with them in terms of the confession lately drawn up in Saxony. [Latin. One page and a half.] |
| Nov. 4. Hamburg. |
475. John Brigantyne to the Council. Has received their letters of 29th September from Hampton Court. The Bishop of Rome has written to the clergy of Bremen and Hellisame [Hildesheim] forbidding them to receive Duke Frederick, brother to the King of Denmark, as Bishop, pronouncing him and all his assistants sacrilegious and usurpers of the benefices of the Church. Nevertheless, the Duke is received by the clergy of Hellisame, partly by procurement of the Emperor, although Duke Henry of Brunswick uses all means to prevent the Duke and place his son, to whom the Bishop of Rome has granted the see. The Emperor has recently written to the Duke of Lunenburg and other Princes whose territories border on the bishopric, that it shall be lawful for them to invade the same, and expel or subdue the Bishop, for that he has been condemned by the Chamber of the empire. The cause for this he had mentioned in his letter of November last year. The city of Magdeburg have been successful in their treaty, and have a joyful peace. Duke Maurice is their defender, and has taken into his service all the soldiers of the city and the camp. He levies more horse and foot. The Emperor has desired him to deliver Sarcerius, the Superintendent of Leipsic, to appear at Augsburg; this the Duke has refused. Ferdinand has sent artillery and great store of ammunition to the frontiers of Misnia, which belongs to the Duke, to recover, as it is thought, the Duke's mines. The Duke has taxed the clergy in all his provinces at 800,000 guilders. |
| P.S. For the better direction of their letters, he came hither from Brunswick; and these being despatched, he intends to repair towards Magdeburg, to understand whither that army intendeth. Of this they shall shortly have advertisements. [One page and a half.] | |
| Nov. 4. Hamburg. |
476. John Brigantyne to the Duke of Northumberland. The like information, and in almost precisely similar words, as transmitted in his previous letter to the Council, except that the cause of offence given to the Emperor by Sarcerius is stated to be "for that he hath newly inveighed against the Papists." [One page.] |
| Nov. 5. | 477. The Council to Sir William Pickering. On the 22d ult. the Queen Dowager of Scotland arrived at Portsmouth, being escorted thither by the Baron de la Garde, with 10 ships of war. As soon as her arrival was known, orders were given to Sir Richard Wingfield, the captain there, to wait upon her Majesty and ascertain whether she intended to continue her journey by sea or land. Presuming she would adopt the latter course, orders were given to Sir Richard Cotton, Mr. Paulett, brother to the Marquis of Winchester, with the county gentlemen, to wait upon her and her retinue. Thereafter she despatched a messenger to the King notifying her coming, to which his Majesty immediately responded by congratulations, and giving directions for her honourable entertainment. Her progress hither was from Portsmouth to Southwick, a house of one Mr. White, where she remained two days; next to Warblington, the residence of Sir Richard Cotton, where she lodged; next day to dinner at the Earl of Arundel's house, called Stanstead, and to her lodging at Cowdray, Sir Anthony Browne's house; and on the following day to Guildford; to all which places she was conducted by the noblemen and gentlemen of the respective counties in great state. At Guildford she was met by Lord William Howard, with the nobility and gentry of Surrey, who conducted her to Hampton Court, at a mile from which the Marquis of Northampton, with other nobles, came on part of his Majesty to congratulate her, and at the house she was received by the Marchioness of Northampton and other ladies. There she abode Allhallow-day, and on the following went by water, accompanied by numerous barges, to London, where she was lodged at the Bishop of London's palace. Next day the Duke of Suffolk, the Earl of Huntingdon, and others visited her from his Majesty, and on the following, which was yesterday, the 4th inst., her Grace, accompanied by Lady Margaret Douglas, the Duchesses of Northumberland and Suffolk, and others, came to the Court, where, being met by the Lord Chamberlain and other officers of the household, she was most honourably and princely received and welcomed by the King's Majesty in the hall, and led up to her chamber on the Queen's side, where his Majesty dined with her, and in the afternoon departed; she taking her leave of him with most hearty and earnest thanks for the kingly usage of her and hers. To-day she rests herself, and to-morrow departs northward. His Majesty has written to the Sheriffs of the various counties through which she will pass that due honours may be paid to her, and Mr. Edward Dudley and Mr. Shelley are appointed to attend on her through her whole journey, to see things conveniently and agreeably served. The French King having by medium of his Ambassador applied for the delivery of a murderer who had escaped to England, the malefactor has been apprehended, and is sent to Calais to be handed over to the proper authorities. The ratifications of the late treaty are to be mutually received during the Lord High Admiral's visit to France, whither he purposes to go shortly, and about the 20th or 22d inst. be in Paris. [Eight pages. Draft.] |
| Nov. 6. Brussels. |
478. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to Sir William Cecil. Thanks him for his continued attention in soliciting his private affairs, and requests him to command reciprocal good offices. [One page.] |
| Nov. 7. Venice. |
479. Peter Vannes to the Council. Parma, in the absence of Don Fernando, is well furnished with victuals. They in Mirandola show no manner of fear, and in consequence of the country being low and miry, the Papists' army are not able to do any hurt. As the weather serves they have occasional skirmishes. The Emperor, it is said, intends to take all manner of occasions to bring these towns to his purpose this winter, so that they shall not interfere with his plans next summer; but many suppose that he shall have much to do before he can bring that to pass. They of Mirandola have informed the French King that they want nothing but money. A number of the 4,000 landsknechts, intended for service in Italy, have arrived. Here men of all sorts, as well temporal as spiritual, charge the Bishop of Rome as author of all the mischief, and men judge this to be the time that he shall be scourged with his own rod. Letters to the Seigniory from Constantinople of 26th September mention the arrival there of Mons. de Raimond, Ambassador for the French King, with two galleys. The Turk was going to Adrianople, both for health's sake and to be nearer the occurrents of Hungary. Friar George of Transylvania, although he was confederate with the King of the Romans, has sent an Ambassador to the Turk with such a tribute as yearly he was wont to pay. The Turk has caused a large quantity of timber to be cut for the building of galleys this winter. He has ordered the General of his army to return to Constantinople and bring with him the pirate Dragut, and to have in the island of Prenice a captain of his, named Sala Reis, with 40 galleys. In consequence of this the Seigniory have revoked their General and army, leaving only 35 galleys in their gulf, under the command of their providetor there. The Prior of Capua, as a Knight of that order, was going from the French King's service with his two galleys to Malta, to serve there; but the Grand Master has not accepted his service, on the ground that he did not wish by receiving him to offend such mighty Princes as the Emperor and the French, with whom the Prior is in disfavour. Wherefore it is said that the Prior has set up the sails of his galleys, seeming to become a rover of the sea. The Emperor arrived at Isborroughe [Inspruck] on the 31st of October, and his navy, with the King of Bohemia, and other Spaniards, had already arrived at Villa Franca, not far from Genoa. |
| P.S. Since writing this news has arrived that the Emperor's navy, which was at Villa Franca, in number 18 or 19 ships, were assaulted by the French, and a great number of them taken, and the rest destroyed and put to flight. [Two pages.] | |
| Nov. 10. Trent. |
480. Copy letter from Dr. Wlman Bernaert to Michael Drivius, "Officiali Lerdiensi." (fn. 1) Thanks him for his letter, and for the care which he takes of his grandson. Gives him an account of the order of proceedings at the Council. He has not yet spoken. The work of reformation goes on coldly. Their Abbot of St. Bertin has a tenth voice in the Council, not without great honour to him. The Dean of Liege and a certain Dominican, sent hither by their Bishop of Liege, have not a tenth voice in the Council, but are only admitted that they may hear the opinions of the theologians. The number of Bishops increases daily, and there are now about 60 there. Other bishops are expected daily from Spain, but when they will arrive is uncertain. From all nations representatives are expected. It does not appear to him necessary that others skilled in the law should be sent, because their assistance is required in few if any points. He himself seems to be alone, with one Spanish doctor, who is here as promoter or fiscal of the Council. Last week about 4,000 German soldiers passed through Trent, and also 2,000 or 3,000 Spaniards, who have been garrisoned in the Duchy of Wirtemberg; it is reported that these soldiers are going to the siege of Parma. Here likewise is a troop of the Emperor's soldiers for the protection of the Council and the city. [Latin. Four pages.] |
| Nov. 13. Venice. |
481. Peter Vannes to the Council. On the 11th had received their letters of the 15th and 16th ult., the former by medium of Mr. Morysine. Congratulates them on the prosperity of his Majesty and of the realm, and their discretion and dexterity used in putting to ward, without any noise or tumult, the Duke of Somerset, whose evil disposed mind and forgetfulness of the great clemency received heretofore at the King's hands he understood greatly to his heaviness. "And this is the end of an ambitious heart and unsatiable mind." Had on receipt of these letters obtained audience of the Seigniory, with the presence of Capuc de Decie, who is the supreme magistrate here, and communicated to them these events. They thank his Majesty for apprising them of his proceedings and state of his affairs, commending the same most highly. The affairs of Parma and Mirandola remain in the same state as before. The whole 4,000 Landsknechts have arrived in Italy, also 2,000 Spaniards, to be distributed about Lombardy and Mantua until the Emperor's further pleasure is known. It is said that the Bishop of Rome labours for peace with the French King; and a Secretary of the said Bishop, named Camoiano, who was sent to the Emperor to borrow 100,000 ducats, according to agreement, for the continuance of the war, received for reply that the Emperor would advance the amount, provided for the repayment thereof Ravenna or some other like town is given in security. The Venetians take care to keep all their subjects well supplied with victuals, and preserve peace with all princes. [Three pages.] |
| Nov. 14. Brussels. |
482. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to the Duke of Northumberland. The English merchants here are molested and slenderly regarded in all their suits, which he rather and chiefly imputes to their own insatiable greediness, wilfulness, and disorder than any other. Instances in support of this opinion, that whereas they promised him to stand earnestly in defence of the liberties secured by the treaty, and that no more ships should come till the six already there had sailed and reached home, six others richly laden have arrived, so that neither the one can be permitted to sail or the others to discharge except upon payment of 10s. upon every 100lbs., both of the one and the other. It is reported, that now the Emperor has a wonderful treasure arrived in Spain out of the Indies, and that in Spain they have granted the Prince 1,700,000 ducats a year towards the wars. [Two pages.] |
| Nov. 15. |
483. Memorandum of articles delivered to the Lord Clinton, Lord
High Admiral of England, to be presented by him as the gift of
King Edward VI. at the christening of the French King's son. These were: one pair of pots of gold, fair wrought and enamelled, weighing 165½ ounces. One pair of flagons of gold, wrought according to the said pots, weighing 165¼ ounces. And one bowl of gold, wrought with divers devices of astronomy, and "Phismanyes," weighing 108 ounces. In all 438¾ ounces, which at 60s. the ounce amount in money to 1,316l. 5s. (Sic in Orig.) [One page.] |
| Nov. 16. Brussels. |
484. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to the Council. Has secretly learnt that these folks have discovered somewhat of a confederacy between Duke Maurice, Duke Albert of Brandenburg and others, pretending to seek the Landgrave's liberty by force, wherewith the Emperor is said to be very perplexed, and endeavours to gain the Swiss to his side, although, it is supposed in vain. M. D'Aremberg and one Barlemont of this Council are dispatched in post towards Gueldres and Friesland. Has been informed of a battle fought in Hungary, but knows not the particulars. The French galleys at Marseilles are said to have taken eight rich ships coming from Spain to Genoa, with the King and Queen of Bohemia's treasure and stuff. It is reported that the French have made incursions into the land of Liege, which has caused the Bishop to call together the estates of the country who have granted to contribute to the wars and support the Emperor against the French King. Has no great belief in the report, which he thinks is raised either to terrify the enemy, or to force the Bishop for fear of his country to yield to the Emperor for a pension like the Bishop of Utrecht, which these people would gladly bring to pass. The States of the Low Countries are assembled, for the purpose, it is thought, of supplying the Emperor with money by way of some impost, notwithstanding all his treasure from the Indies. [Two pages. The greater portion printed by Tytler, Vol ii., p. 94.] |
| Nov. 16. | 485. Instructions given by King Edward VI. to Lord Clinton, the Lord High Admiral of England, and Sir William Pickering, to receive the formal ratification by the French King of the Treaty of marriage between his Majesty and the Princess Elizabeth. [Two pages and a half. Draft.] |
| Nov. 18. Brussels. |
486. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to the Council. Although until he should hear from their Lordships, he had not intended to make any suit to the Regent in the merchants' affairs, yet because contestation was here pretended against certain old French wines that two of them had brought out of England to Dunkirk and Middleburg, he had submitted the cases to the President. The Regent allowed the one who had arrived and sold his wines prior to the publication of the placard to have his money therefor, as reason would; but would not permit the other who had arrived subsequent to the proclamation, either to discharge or sell his wines, but ordered that he should return with them to England. Wherefore, regarding this latter, he had an audience of her Majesty last Friday evening, when she at length consented, not on the ground of the treaty but of personal regard to the King of England, to allow the merchant to sell his wines, though at a price exceeding not 6l. per ton. [Two pages.] |
| Nov. 18. Paris. |
487. Sir William Pickering to the same. Had received their Lordships' letters of the 5th by Mons. Le Touche on the 13th, at which time also arrived Sir Jacques Granado with those of the 25th October. That same afternoon had audience of the French King, who expressed his thanks for the delivery of the accused murderer, and the entertainment of the Scottish Queen, as also his high appreciation of his Majesty's kindness in sending him the horses. Informed the King that the Lord Admiral's fever had hitherto somewhat deferred his journey, nevertheless that he determined to be here on the 22d of this month at the farthest. The following Tuesday, being yesterday the 17th inst., he had again audience of the King in the morning, for the purpose of introducing Sir Jacques Granado, who was most graciously received; but as the King was then ready to leap on horseback to go d l'assemblée he deferred inspecting the presents until his return from hunting. This he did about 6 p.m., accompanied by the Constable and M. De Guise, and as soon as they were descended out of a coach wherein they returned, he ordered the animals to be brought to him. These were all in very good plight and liking, and so fair, that he said in his lifetime he never saw fairer. The like affirmed the whole company. His Majesty on their taking leave intimated his intention of reciprocating the gift,—understood to be six curtals, six great horses, and two mules. The present has been taken most thankfully, and Granado without fail has done his part right well to them, both upon the way and in their delivery likewise. "The next day after they were presented being St. Genevieve's day, the King mounted upon one of the fairest among them, and with his presence honoured the general procession, accompanied with such a sort of shrines and idols as I never saw the like number before that time. The procession was, they say, to have good luck and prosperous success in the entry of these wars, and to show themselves obedient therein to Holy Mother Church, though they cannot yet agree with God's great Vicar." Not long ago the French with fourteen gallies entered into the haven of Villa Franca, and brought away with them fourteen ships, most Spaniards, laden with much treasure of the King of Bohemia, in which ships were 120 very fine Spanish horses. The Romans still invest Mirandola, the inhabitants of which are reported to be in great necessity. Uncertain rumour here that Parma is more closely beset than ever, and has at liberty only the gate towards Ferrara. The Emperor has brought to Milan 4,000 landsknechts and 3,000 Spaniards. The French King has at Turin 3,000 Gascons, and 3,000 Swiss. It is said that the Emperor is as far as Trent on his way towards Italy; wherefore immediately after the christening the French will go to Lyons and thence to Piedmont. News be here that the Burgundians have been defeated in Lower Burgundy; and that the Hungarians have discomfited the Turks to the number of 14,000. The long expected Cardinal will be at Fontainebleau on the 28th inst. without fail, "whereof the French King is well appayed, for he was in doubt by his long abode lest his continued expectation for his coming might have returned to a mockery. And yet after the conjectures of these Italians he cometh rather to seem to make some accord than to bring the same to effect in deed." The King left here last Friday for Fontainebleau. The Lord Admiral is long looked for here, and his lodging already prepared. [Eight pages.] |
| Nov. 18. Inspruck. |
488. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. Is sorry that the Duke of Somerset has bred new troubles to the country, and as glad that Cecil is as far from shentings as void of fault; for it were a way to make an end of amity, if when men fail their friends should forthwith therefor be troubled. Perceives by his letter that the mark which he now a good while shot at, is the service of their master. The Duke hath years but too many, as it appeareth; a God's blessing, let him bear his own burden, or cast it where he can! If there be that have enticed to these foul practices and meant to be lewd with him, let them hardly learn what it is to offer lewd council and to help mischief forward. When the Duke was last in prison, had said better of him than he meant to perform. "Nunc mihi incutiunt aliena peccata pudorem. Sponde, noxa presto est." Will do his best to warrant his own doings, and suffer others to speak for themselves. His diet is not yet here, though it, and that that follows it, are already spent. Will send a man of his who knows his wants, to exhibit his things, but he must have money ere he can send him. |
| P.S.—Thanks him for sending Lucas hither, and shall be pleased to have him again when occasion shall serve. Lucas was with him in Denmark; and is a man that finds more pain in being idle than grief in doing that he is commanded. Strongly recommends him to the favour of Cecil, to whose lady he sends his commendations. [One page.] | |
| Nov. 18. Inspruck. |
489. Same to Sir Nicholas Throckmorton. Because Throckmorton can do him no good in his dickers, is that any reason why he is to be barred in the rest of his liking by want of letters? Before he writes any long letters to Throckmorton he must be written to; but he will not rob him of this occasion. Must confess that he was mistaken in the Duke of Somerset's nature, into which Throckmorton saw deeper and guessed more rightly of his doings. Had thought imprisonment and such a throng of faults forgiven, would have made him a new heart if his old had been anything set upon revenging, and that he could not forget good turns so lately done to him. If he meant once again to clamber higher than the present state of the realm could give him leave; if ambition had so hudded him that he neither could see benefits wrongly bestowed upon him, nor forsee the dangers that men seduced fall into, ætatem habet, let him make his own answer. As for himself, he will spend his cares to serve as honestly as he can where he is appointed, having more to do abroad than that he has leisure to spend any of his work in matters out of his charge at home. Will look for letters from Throckmorton, though hitherto looking has stood him in very small stead, since he went into France; and till new cause is given, will think that Throckmorton means he should not trouble him with any more letters. [Two pages. Conway papers.] |
| Nov. 18. Inspruck. |
490. Sir Richard Morysine to the Council. Yesterday at three o'clock had audience of the Emperor, whom he informed of the matter of the Duke of Somerset. Thereupon the Emperor referred to the case of the Princess Mary. On the 12th of this month Maximilian and his wife arrived at Savona. This country of Tyrol has made an image of silver after the form of a coninge [königinn] weighing 6,400 florins, to be given to Maximilian's wife. Has seen a letter from Rome, which states that there is great likelihood of peace between the Bishop and France. Lucas the bearer will inform them of his financial difficulties; if their Lordships will not help him, trusts they will recall him, as he will with less grief beg at home, than still want abroad. [Four pages and a half. Almost entirely illegible by damp and the abuse of galls.] |
| Nov. 18. Inspruck. |
491. Same to the Marquis of Northampton, Great Chamberlain. None better than his Lordship knows how earnestly he had intreated him to travail with others that the Duke of Somerset's late case might rather be made a case of mercy, than he be utterly undone by justice. Acknowledges he had been mistaken in the Duke. Trusts his Lordship has not forgotten the grounds upon which he made his suits. "I am sure ye will bear me witness, I was afraid of a tempest all the while that Wriothesley was able to raise any. I knew he was an earnest follower of whatsoever he took in hand, and did very seldom miss where either wit or travail were able to bring his purposes to pass. Most true it is, I never was able to persuade myself that Wriothesley could be great, but the King's Majesty must be in greatest danger. For Somerset's falling or standing, what had I to do more than others, but that I perhaps more than others thought, if he then had fallen, there were that might have followed? What had he done for me before his imprisonment? Let the account be made, and ye shall find it nothing. And since his coming out of prison, if I be the better by him by the value of a rush I confess felony, and so a just forfeiture of as much as I can lose. But of him and his matters I will say no more, saving this, as he hath brewed, so let him bake for me. I have wherein to spend my cares and will no more bestow so many on so ungrateful a man." Lucas Phringer, his old friend and, as he perceives, his Lordship's man to the uttermost of his power, censures him for not sooner speaking of the message brought from his Lordship. This was to him more than the receipt of 25 letters, that his Lordship willed Phringer to make excuse for not writing. He has great comfort in his commendations; he can but owe all, and would be as glad of occasion whereby part might be paid, as he is still forced to seek to run farther in his Lordship's debt. From the Duke of Northumberland he had both commendations and money; but as it was too little to hold any tack in the time of his mayoralty, so was it a sufficient earnest of some better sum behind. If his Lordship does put to his helping words, is assured his hope cannot deceive him. Dares speak no more of dickers, and yet he knows, if two would, he might have twice as many as his suit was. Some relief his Lordship and the Duke must help him to, or he must pitch to live no longer like a king's Ambassador. If Lucas might be enabled to come hither and tarry with him, he might serve his Majesty much better than he can now. Lucas was with him in Denmark, and took many more pains there than he is like at any time to recompense. Earnestly recommends Lucas to his Lordship, who can in many ways do him good, as Lucas is persuaded he will. |
| P.S.—Besides other pleasures, Lucas is in all places so well acquainted that he might easily borrow money for him; if, when it was borrowed, either of them wist how it should be repaid. [Three pages. Conway papers.] | |
| Nov. 19. [Westminster.] |
492. Reply by King Edward VI. to the Envoy from the Elector Maurice, the Marquis of Brandenburg, and the Duke of Mecklenburg, sent to invite his Majesty to join the confederacy of Protestant Princes. [Latin. Two pages. Draft, autograph of Cecil. Printed by Tytler. Vol. ii., p. 95, and in the Literary Remains of King Edward VI., Vol. ii., p. 366.] |
| Nov. 19. Westminster. |
493. Letter from King Edward VI. to the Elector Maurice and the other Princes. [Latin. Draft, autograph of Cecil. One page.] |
| Nov. 24. Westminster. |
494. Letter from King Edward VI. to the same Princes. Recredentials of the Envoy. [Latin. One page. Copy.] |
| Nov. 24. Venice. |
495. Peter Vannes to the Council. A Venetian merchant-vessel having safely arrived at the mouth of the Thames, and in their own friends' lap, had, by no tempest of weather, but only by the negligence and fault of a certain pilot and guide, who had undertaken safely to bring it into the haven of Feversham, been cast upon a bank, and so broken and destroyed with a great loss and dispersion of the most part of the goods therein contained. Writes at request of the Seigniory to beg their Lordships will aid Evangelista Fonte and James Ragazoni, to whom the said ship was addressed, for the recovery of such goods by any means recoverable. The two brothers Ragazoni are resident in England, and their parents and friends here have always shown a great and prompt desire to do anything that might advance the King's honour or stand to his satisfaction. [Two pages.] |
| Nov. 24. Venice. |
496. Peter Vannes to the Duke of Northumberland. Had replied to the letters from the Council of the 15th and 16th ult. Congratulates him on the end of the Duke of Somerset's evil attempts. A few days agone Duke Horatio made an issue out of Parma to a place 10 miles off, named Torchæra, where the Master of the Bishop of Rome's camp, named il Principe de Macedonia, was lodged with a great band, and in skirmishing he and 400 of his men were slain. The French Ambassador informs him, that Mirandola is well supplied with victuals and munitions; and although that amongst the commons something wants, nevertheless, the rich men be so furnished of wine and other necessaries that other meaner people may have it for their money, of the which they have no want there. They within be no common soldiers, but willing men to die and live for the defence of that town. Thinks that King Maximilian is arrived at Milan towards the Emperor. "The Bishop of Rome, to the intent that part of his friends, being contained in a bill here inclosed, should keep themselves from the rain this winter, hath sold them 13 red hats, for the price of 280,000 ducats, for to help the continuance of his war against the French King." A captain of a town in Montferrat, in the confines of Piedmont, under the Duke of Mantua, made an errand to Don Fernando for certain sums of money to be received for soldiers' wages, &c.; meanwhile the French took the town, and this captain was hanged by order of Don Fernando. This winter is like to be bestowed in watch and ward, and to keep men from sleep. [One page and a half.] Incloses, |
| 496. I. "Promotione di Cardinali." The names of the persons raised to the Cardinalate. (vide Moreri, Dict.) Italian. [One page.] | |
| Nov. 24. Westminster. |
497. King Edward VI. to Sigismund-Augustus, King of Poland. Acknowledges his Majesty's urgent recommendation of Albert Bischoff, a nobleman of Dantzic, who had faithfully in arms served the King's father, and now seeks to be employed by himself. Although, after the long absence of Albert, the King has no recollection of his services and claims, yet on his coming to England in spring, attention will be paid to such statement of his losses as he shall set forth. [Latin. Broadside. Countersigned by Sir Thomas Chaloner. Copy.] |
| Nov. 26. Gratz. |
498. Copy reply by the Emperor Charles V. to the Envoys of the King of Denmark and other Princes, sent to demand that the Landgrave of Hesse should be set at liberty. His Majesty eludes the application, declaring that he will communicate his resolution thereof to Duke Maurice, on his arrival at Inspruck, where he is shortly expected. Letters from the camp in Transylvania of the 11th inst. state that Castaldo has resolved to dismantle the castle of Lippa. Calderon, the Spanish captain, who brought the news of the capture of that fortress to the King, was presented with a chain of 300 ducats, and then was sent into Italy to bring Spaniards hither, but he will first go to the Emperor to determine the number to be brought. The members of the Diet have resolved to give his Majesty a fourth of their income for a year, and to maintain 600 horse armed for three years; they have not agreed to the tax on wine, for the same reasons as the Austrians, but should his Majesty not be satisfied with a fourth, it is believed that he will obtain the same concession from them as he has from the Austrians. The result of the diet, it is said, will be for three years much more than half a million of florins, and with this subsidy his Majesty will set out for Vienna within two days, after despatching the Commissioners to Carinthia and Carniola. [Latin and Italian. Two pages.] |
| Nov. 26. Brussels. |
499. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to Sir William Cecil. Returns thanks for Cecil's attention to his private affairs, and requests Cecil to be mean for him to Lord Pembroke, that he may enjoy the money of his warrant stayed by his Lordship for the thing of which he is as ignorant as the child to-night born; as he has written to his Lordship long since. [One page.] |
| Nov. 25. Paris. |
500. Sir William Pickering to the Duke of Northumberland. Had intended to have despatched Mr. Elrington with these letters, but considering that he would meet Francisco on the way, travelling with the Lord Admiral, and that they are of great importance, has written to the Admiral requesting that he will allow Francisco to carry them with the utmost expedition to the Council. [One page.] |
| Nov. 28. Paris. |
501. Same to Sir William Cecil. Requesting that a passport may be sent by the next courier for John Lord Erskine, who stayeth only for the coming thereof, and crieth out upon him. [One page.] |
| Nov. 28. Strasburg. |
502. Christopher Mount to the Council. The conditions of the delivery of Magdeburg are not precisely known, but it owes its delivery rather to the soldiers leaving for want of pay and the procrastination of Maurice than to the favour of the Emperor. They have been required to set free without ransom the Duke of Mecklenburg and all other prisoners, and to deliver up three of their citizens, the Count Mansfeldt, Flaccius Illyricus, and the Burgomaster, neither of which they would do. Their courage and constancy has at last brought them peace. Maurice had written to the Emperor that safe-conduct should be assured by the Council to all Protestants going and returning to it, otherwise none of those who are considered to be Lutherans would attend. The Emperor had replied at considerable length. He has given such public assurance, and so had the Council on the 12th October, appointing the 25th of January as the day of appearance, which being the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, may signify an expectation that the heretics in memory thereof may be more inclined to repentance and recantation. Whether Maurice has sent his theologians to Trent does not appear yet; and many think that he will not send them, for the report of the Emperor's difference with Maurice increases daily. Maurice likewise has been cited to the Imperial Chamber on account of disturbing the possession of Count William of Nassau in the county of Catzenellobogen, by exacting an oath of obedience and fidelity from those who were adjudged to Nassau by the Emperor's sentence, as mentioned in his last letter to their Lordships. The most convincing proof of an understanding between the King of France and Maurice will be his refusal to send his divines to Trent. The Duke of Wirtemberg, on the 20th of this month, sent two of his clergy to the Council to join those whom he had previously sent in October; the matter not being in the first instance communicated to this Senate has made them somewhat distrustful of the Duke, seeing, for the general interest, it had been better they had been sent by consent of all. But there is so much fear in Germany at present that people dare not confer together lest they be suspected of renewing conspiracies. The French King's persecution of pious men strongly alienates the Germans from him, and the Imperialists everywhere publish the French edict against the Evangelicals, and put the worst construction upon it. Everything is quiet in Switzerland; about the end of this month they will hold a Diet, in which they will treat of a Helvetic league among all the cantons, which renewal is especially necessary at this time. [Latin. Two pages.] |