Elizabeth: September 1565, 11-20

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 7, 1564-1565. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1870.

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'Elizabeth: September 1565, 11-20', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 7, 1564-1565, (London, 1870) pp. 458-467. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol7/pp458-467 [accessed 23 April 2024]

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September 1565, 11-20

Sept. 11. 1490. Gio. Vallete, Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, to the Pope.
On the 7th inst. the Catholic armada arrived, bringing 8,000 or 9,000 men to raise the siege, upon which the enemy hastily embarked, but sustained a loss of 1,500 men.—Malta, 11 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Copy. Ital. Pp. 2.
Sept. 12. 1491. The Queen to Bedford.
1. Has determined with all speed to send him 3,000l. He shall let Murray have 1,000l. of it in the most secret sort that he can.
2. Perceives by his letters the request of the Earl of Murray and his associates that they might have at the least 300 of her soldiers to aid them. Bedford also writes that though she would not command him to give them aid, yet if she would but wink at his doing herein, and seem to blame him for attempting what he with the help of others should bring about, he doubt not but things would do well.
3. She has no intention to maintain other Prince's subjects against their Sovereign, neither would willingly do anything to make a war betwixt her and that Queen; but considering that the Lords are pursued notwithstanding their submission and offer to be tried by law, which being refused them they are retired to Dumfries, and adding thereunto the intention that presently the French King pretends by sending one of his to join with some of hers, and jointly to treat with the Queen to forbear this rigorous proceeding against her subjects,—to the intent in the meantime the said Lords should not be ruined for lack of help to defend themselves, she authorizes him to let them (without notifying that he has any direction therein from her) have 300 soldiers. And to cover the matter the better, he shall send them to Carlisle, as to be laid there in garrison to defend that March, and so from thence to direct them covertly to the said Lords, whom he shall expressly advertise that he sends them that aid only for their defence, and not to make war against the Queen.
Draft. Endd.: 12 Sept. 1565. Pp. 4.
Sept. 13. 1492. The Queen to Bedford.
He shall offer the Earl of Sutherland, for recovery of his health, any means he may desire, saving that he do not depart; and in repressing any outrage done upon her subjects by the Scots he shall take care not break the peace.
Draft. Endd.: 13 Sept. 1565. Pp. 2.
Sept. 13. 1493. Bedford to Cecil.
1. The bearer, Mr. Robert Melvyn, repairs to the Court, sent from the Lords with instructions, or rather overmuch knowledge of their distress; none can remedy it but Her Majesty, and without aid of money and men from her all will go to wreck. Their case and necessity he understands for lack of shot, and now most of their livings are given and disposed of by the Queen, and besides that having consumed all the treasure and money they could make, what rests for them since their liberty is gone but to lose their lives? Trusts he weighs the same, and every commodity, else that a little help now employed may help them unto. They seek God's honour, liberty of conscience, and the freedom of their country.
2. The Queen proclaimed this other day in Edinburgh that all men should be in readiness within three days' warning with twenty days' provision against her old enemies that have taken part with the rebels.
3. The Papists say that the Queen's Majesty will not help them, nor do aught for them. They spare not for all that to proceed, and assure themselves of her favour towards them. If other help fail they mean to come hither to him; and he purposes to meet them with that aid that shall bring them safe to Eyemouth, and there will not only place them but will also assist them with all things necessary, for so he knows the Queen's pleasure is he should. What provision he should make for them for money he does not know, they having none, this town always so evil furnished; thinks he must seek it at Newcastle. Thinks it strange that having many times written to the Court.he can have no resolution hereof. Prays that if no resolution be passed hitherward in the mean season, that something may be determined that he may either help them in time (if it so please Her Majesty), or else they in the best sort they can provide for themselves; for one of these two must come to pass shortly. This matter of aid is but agreed upon between this gentleman and him, if the worst should come.—Berwick, 13 Sept. 1565. Signed.
4. P.S.—If the Queen so countenance this matter with aid as it is hoped, many that stand to look how things should pass will wholly come to this side, and that in great number.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil: By Mr. Manvile [sic]. Pp. 4.
Sept. 13. 1494. Warrant for Mr. Tamworth.
Gresham has been ordered to deliver to him 3,000l., which he shall convert (with the advice of Cecil) into gold and send to Bedford.—Windsor, 13 Sept. 1565.
Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 13. 1495. Valentine Browne to the Marquis of Winchester.
If the requests of the captains of Berwick are granted, the gain from the sale of the provisions being taken away, it will yearly cost the Queen in wages, transportation, &c., 3,000l. There should be a special officer appointed for the victualling. Any fault in the victuals or price should be reformed by the magistrates.—Cambridge, 13 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 13. 1496. The Commendador çapata to Ruy Gomez.
Account of the disembarkation of Don Garcia on the 7th inst., and his subsequent proceedings against the Turks in Malta.—Sept. 13.
Copy. Ital. P. 1.
Sept. 14. 1497. The King and Queen of Scots to —.
Order him to be at Stirling by the last day of September, with all his force and twenty days' provisions.—Dundee, 14 Sept. 1565. Signed: Marie, R., Henry, R.
Orig., with seal. Address carefully obliterated. Endd. by Cecil: The Queen of Scotts to * *. Pp. 2.
Sept. 14. 1498. The Marquis of Winchester to Cecil.
Sends Valentine Browne's answer to the articles of the captains of Berwick and the inhabitants of the town touching the victualling of Berwick. It seems he stands lacking for his discharge, 600l.—14 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Sept. 14. 1499. Valentine Browne to the Privy Council.
Has travailed about provisions for Berwick. Grain is so risen within these ten days that he cannot buy now for 30s. what he could for 20s. The price has risen by transporting over the seas, which he recommends to be stopped.—Stilton, 14 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
Sept. 15. 1500. The Lords of Scotland to Robert Melville.
They complain that Bedford has no commission to send them aid or money, at which they marvel, having had other advertisement from the Queen's servants here. He is to "insist with utter diligence" of the Queen that support of 300 men be sent to them by the 4th Oct. or sooner.—Dumfries, 15 Sept. Signed: James Hamilton, James Stewart, Glencairn, and Rothes.
Orig. Add.: To Melville, "at present resident in the Court." Endd. partly by Cecil. Pp. 3.
Sept. 15. 1501. The Lord Treasurer, Cecil, and Sackeville to Bedford.
Require him to will Mr. Lee and others to make perfect books of the money due for the works. Also a certificate of the number who shall remain on the works this winter.— Westminster, 15 Sept. 1565.
Draft. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 15. 1502. Intelligence from Scotland.
1. [Francis Yaxley] came hither on Tuesday last in a ship of Flanders, of whose coming their young King so much rejoiced as immediately he imparted all his matters to him; and he, as one that would be reputed meet to be a counsellor, immediately began to make discourses of England, France, Spain, Rome, and of Italy, and therein used such talk that to the wise he was soon discovered, and to the King and his young company he appeared to be a meet man to send abroad for their affairs. Hereunto he enabled himself, declaring how he knew the King of Spain's Court, as well as the Court of England; that he had such acquaintance in Flanders and at Brussels, as whatsoever should be committed to him to be done he doubted not but to bring it to a good end. Whereupon it was devised he should secretly pass into Flanders by sea, and there be directed for all things to be done there to the Duchess of Arscott, and by her means should procure audience of the Regent, to whom he should declare that the Queen of Scots, having cause to doubt of the credit of her uncles in the Court of France, was advised to address her causes to the King of Spain, and would commit herself, her husband, and her country into his protection. And where she perceived that the Queen of England had a disposition to marry with the French King, the rather to maintain that estate she, the Scottish Queen, and her husband, will remit all her titles to the realm of England, to the direction of the King of Spain. And if she thought these offers meet to be reported to the King of Spain he was to pass into Spain.
2. At his departure from Scotland he had a roll of names of all such Englishmen as live now out of England. He declared to his secret friends the names of sundry noblemen and gentlemen in England that were of good power that would be ready to follow such direction as the King of Spain should appoint them for the alteration of religion.
3. He pretends great acquaintance with the Conte De Feria by reason of his wife, and that he had heard in Flanders that the said Conte should come into Flanders next spring, and if he so did then should the Queen of Scots have a special friend of him.
4. At his departure, for lack of money to be given him, he had some plate and two jewels.
Orig. Add. by Cecil: 15 Sept. 1565. Franc. Yax. sent into Flanders. Pp. 3.
Sept. 16. 1503. The French King to the Queen.
Desires the restitution of a ship, laden with woad, belonging to one of his subjects.—La Rochelle, 16 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside.
Sept. 16. 1504. The Queen Mother to the Queen.
To the same effect as the King's letter of the same date.— La Rochelle, 16 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside.
Sept. 16. 1505. Smith to Cecil.
1. Commends the bearer, who has been a continual haunter of the Court in this progress.—Rochelle, 16 Sept. 1565. Signed.
2. P. S.—Since this was written he received in the Queen's packet two letters. Was glad to have so good comfort of his returning home. Mr. Hobby shall never come in better time, nor when there appears more amity betwixt the two Princes.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Sept. 18. 1506. Tho. Jenyson to Cecil.
Has perused the books for the fortifications of Berwick, and estimates this year's charges will amount to above 11,000l., towards which there is defrayed 4,000l.—Berwick, 18 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Sept. 18. 1507. Tho. Jenyson to the Marquis of Winchester.
To the same effect as his of this date to Cecil.—Berwick, 18 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Sept. 18. 1508. Smith to Leicester and Cecil.
1. Sept. 11. Three of his best horses and almost all his saddles and bridles are burnt.
2. Sept. 15. The King entered Rochelle.
3. Sept. 17. News came to the Court that the Prince of Roche-sur-Yon is dead without issue, and that he left 3,000 francs to the Prince of Condé. In all places where the Court comes all is done to establish the authority of the Papists, and to abase them of the religion. As yet the Prince of Condé is not come to the Court.
4. Sept. 18. The King took his journey from Rochelle to Nantes.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil: By Mr. Hamilton. Pp. 3.
Sept. 19. 1509. Bedford to the Queen.
1. In answer to her letter of the 7th, touching Wilson, says that he knew of the letter of marque, but could not stay him, having no means thereunto, so thought it better to employ him here than lose the commodity of his service.
2. To hers of the 12th, answers that when the money comes, Murray shall have some part, but not the whole, and the Duke and the Lords shall have a good portion thereof to help their common necessity. In so doing she has done an act that shall redound to God's glory and her own high honour. Dares take upon himself the blame. This aid will not be curiously sought for whence it comes, so it be found there, with the supply of 200 shot and 100 pikes for Captain Reade, whom the Lords desired to have; who making a show as if they went to lie in garrison at Carlisle, shall after a time of tarrying there press forward. Has sent the Lords word thereof, and has dealt therein for their safety according to her meaning. Of the rigour of the Queen of Scots has written to Mr. Secretary.
3. To her last letter, answers that the Earl of Sutherland is so weak of an ague that he cannot stir out of his bed. Forwards a letter from the Queen of Scots for him. Complains of the disorders of the Tividale men, and of the theives and rievers of the borders. Fears the English must use all the revenge they can, if Bothwell (who is now two days since landed at Eyemouth) comes among the thieves of Liddesdale. Asks for reinforcements.—Berwick, 19 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. partly by Cecil. Pp. 5.
Sept. 19. 1510. Bedford to Cecil.
Has received his of the 12th and 13th instant, and thanks him for his help in the resolution of aid for the Lords. Wishes that this uncertain dealing between them and their neighbours might fall out either to a firm peace, that disorders might be amended; or else open war, that the same might be revenged by force. The oldest borderer has not seen these Marches here so quiet. If the Queen grants this aid, the Earl of Morton, Lord Ruthven, and Lethington will come to the Lords, and also many other great personages. The Protestants are sore persecuted, and the Papists highly advanced. The old Laird of Lundy, a man sixty years old, (who was sent to her by the Lords at the first, and he and his sons serving her contrary to their conscience,) was this night taken out of his bed by arquebusiers, and put into a dungeon. The old Lord Dun, who never stirred against her, the Provost of St. Andrew's, and twenty or thirty gentlemen more, are put in prison. The Countess of Murray, who is now with child, had she not fled had been taken and kept in such sort as the Lady Lennox is with them. What countenance that Queen shows to David, an Italian, he will not write for the honour due to the person of a Queen. This David, Fowler, and one Balfour rule all. Beton affirmed this at his passing by here, and it is since confirmed by further intelligence. The escape of Bothwell happened in this sort: he had two small boats with oars, and getting under sail with the help of their oars went his way, albeit Wilson shot at him, but did no harm. He landed at Eyemouth, and brought with him six or eight men, certain pistolets, and some armour. He tarried not there a quarter of an hour, but went to the Court. He reports that Charleboyes has in readiness 2,000 or 1,500 men to aid this Queen if need be. He is a mischievous and an evil disposed man, and will practise with the Liddesdales much unquietness. Has written to the Lord Warden of this Middle March, who will keep them sure and stedfast. Lord Seton comes home with armour, and his ship is very well furnished. Wilson shall not be able to encounter with him. Touching Wilson and his letter of marque, albeit "we" had gone about to have stayed him, yet could "we" not so have done, having not a boat of six ton about this haven for that or any other service; and since Bothwell is gone (for which cause they chiefly used him) he may now go where he will, "and if we could take him we would." Mr. Willock (whom that Queen seemed most to favour of that sect) she would have put in the castle of Dumbarton had he not escaped. She thought to have sacked Dundee, but now has compounded with the same, and they have bought their quietness with 2,000l. Scottish. The cause was she lacked money to pay her soldiers, having already laid many of her jewels to pledge.
2. Asks him to provide more men for these Borders, for of able men within this East March there are not 600, and of horses serviceable not 160. There are not 3,000 armed and able men within this lieutenancy. The Lord Lieutenant of Yorkshire has taken order for levying of this new supply of 600. Lord Wharton writes to him that the country is not willing. Upon these Borders are none that favour religion but Lord Scrope, the Lord Warden, and Sir Henry Percy.—Berwick, 19 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 6.
Sept. 19. 1511. The Griefs of the Lords of Scotland.
The nobility and congregation professing the right religion of Jesus Christ within Scotland complain that they are burdened with the odious title of sedition and rebellion. They rehearse the proceedings of the Reformation in Scotland, and also the Queen's severity towards certain Protestants; her inhibiting Knox and others from preaching and giving away the thirds of the benefices. They complain that she is guided by certain mean strangers, by whose advice the most weighty matters are handled, and Darnley proclaimed King; also of the delapidations of the royal patrimony. Through this same fountain of sinister council proceed the divisions that are raised betwixt the nobility, and the lives of divers sought. They complain also of their taking bribes. Protest that they do not crave the reformation of these enormities through ambition.—Dumfries, 19 Sept. 1565.
Copy. Endd. by Randolph: The griefs of the nobility of Scotland touching the governance [of] my Lord of Levenax, and dated by Cecil. Pp. 10.
Sept. 19. 1512. Smith to Cecil.
1. Sept. 19. De Mauvissier's errand is to bear the Queen of Scots the ratification of her marriage, or else she cannot enjoy her dowry after she is re-married.
2. Sept. 21. Condé came to the Court at Niort, accompanied with the Conte Rochfoucault.
3. Sept. 29. At the Duke de Monpensier's house, called Champigny. The Cardinal of Guise came again, and the Marquis D'Elbœuf with him, to the Court; both of them were embraced and made much of, as is told him of the Prince of Condé at the first entry without the gates. But the Prince would not enter the Duke de Montpensier's house, although the Duchess entreated him.
4. The King in this journey lay at Chavigny, M. De Chavigny's house, lieutenant to the Duke de Montpensier, the greatest prosecutor of the Fideles. Condé would not come there.
5. M. D'Aubigny, the Earl of Lennox's brother, bore the King's train at the ceremonies of St. Michael's Order. He looked to be made there knight of the order, and also his brother, and to have his writing to be captain of the Scottish band of 100 men-at-arms; both were deferred till the King came to Blois, or rather till they understand how matters go betwixt the Scots within themselves, and betwixt Scotland and England.
6. Condé shall marry Mdlle. De Longueville, the Duke's sister, who already wears his colours.
7. Oct. 8. The last news of Malta came, that the Viceroy of Naples had landed 9,000 soldiers at Malta, and the same returned for 9,000 more, which done they will give battle to the Turks.
8. Oct. 12. The King entered Nantes.
9. Oct. 13. Since the news sent to the Pope's Nuncio of Malta, there have been two books, one at Poictiers, at the report of letters sent to Madame of Parma, Regent in Flanders, the other printed at Paris. Sevre told that the Cardinal of Lorraine is nothing contented with the marriage of the Queen his niece. Howsoever the Cardinal and Selzede be agreed, the Guisians do not remain in the Court.
10. The marriage betwixt Condé and Mdlle. De Longueville is concluded. She is very earnest of religion, and has prayers and sometimes preaching in her chamber, even in the Court.
11. Oct. 15. Yesternight there supped with him an Almain who came from the camp of Lazarus Swendye, who at his departing had an army of 50,000 and the Turk an army of 100,000 about Sakmar, a town in Transylvania.
12. Has taken order that the bearer, Mr. Hampden, takes up for him at Paris for either of them one of these books, discourses of the wars this year in Hungary, and the history of the wars in Malta, both printed in Paris. Item, another called La Guerre Cardinale of the war in Metzin by the Cardinal of Lorraine.
13. There are two other books containing all that has been done in France for religion in the reigns of King Henry, Francis the Second, and this King till he came last from Bordeaux, well worthy the reading, if they can be got for them.
Orig., with seal. Pp. 7.
Sept. 19. 1513. Pietro Bizzari to Cecil.
To-day has arrived an extraordinary courier with news that Don Garcia has disembarked 9,600 men in Malta, with provisions.—Venice, 19 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Ital. Pp. 2.
Sept. 19 and 20. 1514. Randolph to Cecil.
1. Sees little hope of any accord. This Queen has been sought divers ways, but rejects all means that may do good, and with a full resolute mind is determined to deal with them in all execution; so that if God provide not for them and send them speedy support they are like to abide marvellous adventures, for of themselves they are not able to withstand her force. Many that are willing to take their parts doubt so much of the issue, that before they know what succour they shall receive of the Queen they join not with the others. It is therefore craved by as many as favour God's Word and love their country and that would have this great plague taken away that hangs over their heads, that God would move the Queen to have consideration of them.
2. Yesterday it was proclaimed that all men should be in readiness the last day of this instant at Stirling, with twenty days' provision. She has been in St. Andrew's, Dundee, and St. Johnston's, and of every town she has taken a benevolence, with as evil a will of the givers as ever money was paid. Shortly she will be looked for in this town. She has commanded divers gentlemen of Fife to ward. Lady Murray has been sought and cannot be found. Some say she has been imprisoned for the relief of Lady Lennox, whose husband, now lieutenant of the West country, leaves no man unspoiled of whom he likes to take. The Earl of Argyll spares as few of his he can meet with. Such order is in this country that no honest man is sure either of his life or goods. To amend these matters it is told that Earl Bothwell is arrived, whose power is to do more mischief than ever he was minded to do good in his life; a fit man to be a minister to any shameful act, be it either against God or man.
3. Certain men of Chester and Wales and other places in England being spoiled by pirates and the goods sold in Scotland, they can get no redress.
4. Those that drew their swords upon Mr. Tamworth and him the day after Tamworth's departure were set at liberty. —Edinburgh, 19 Sept. 1565. Signed.
5. P. S.—Francis Yaxley is sent ambassador into Spain, and embarked three days past. He passes by Flanders, and in the name of such poor scholars and others that are at Louvain he has promised their services to this Queen. He also assures her that one Pole is coming to her with a ship and 100 gentlemen in her to serve her either by sea or land upon their own charges for a year. This Pole was or is a pirate.
6. Cecil shall shortly have with him Mr. David Chamber, of whom to speak good should be a great slander.—Edinburgh, 20 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. partly by Cecil and partly by his secretary. Pp. 5.
Sept. 20. 1515. The English Commissioners at Bruges to the Privy Council.
The magistrates of Bruges fearing scarcity, desire licence to import 2,000 quarters of wheat from England; and as they have used themselves very courteously the writers desire that this may be done.—Bruges, 20 Sept. 1565. Signed by Montague, Wotton, and Haddon.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.