|
| July 16. |
475. Sir Wm. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has had audience with the Regent, by whom his message
was better liked than that of De Croc. Has again spoken
with Morton respecting the Irish bishop. The Castilians
thankfully received the Queen's message, and he sends their
written answer; they have asked him to come again to them,
and say they will so satisfy him as their adversaries shall in
no reason be able to refuse or mislike therewith. Has had
secret conference with one of the King's party, who says that
they will not only so content Her Majesty, but wish that she
had the whole honour for so good a work. The King's party are
offended that De Croc's son-in-law has both at the Court and
elsewhere in France spoken as much in their contrary as in
favour of the Castilians. Is secretly let to know that De
Croc is authorised to offer pensions to some of both sides,
amounting to fifty thousand francs a year. Has assured De
Croc with respect to Home Castle that what the Queen has
promised she will certainly perform. Has warned Grange
not to keep the Frenchmen in the Castle, and he says that
they shall not stay, but that Lord Fleming who practised for
their coming, and who is still in great extremity from the hurt
he received at their arrival, will take them away with him to
Crooklington or Whithorne Abbey. Captain Montgomery is
dead or likely to die of a wound received at the overthrow
given by Arbroath to him and Crawford. The Hamiltons
besieged the Lord Semple and others in the palace and church
of Hamilton, thinking to have famished them; the Provost of
Glasgow raised between thirteen and fourteen hundred of
the King's men and rescued them.—Restalrig, 16 July 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¾. |
| July 16. |
476. Lethington and Grange to Sir W. Drury. |
|
He will remember that long ago when by command of his
Sovereign he made the like motion for an abstinence, they
willingly yielded thereto, so now there is no cause why
they should not willingly incline thereto, the same motion
being renewed by the Queen and the King of France. And
though they are not in such evil case, nor have their enemies
driven them to such straits as to force them thereto, yet they
are desirous of peace, that it may appear to the world that
they are reasonable in all their dealings, and have no delight
to nourish an ungodly flame of evil dissension. They are
willing that the disputes be settled by the whole nobility, and
in case the same be not sufficient they defer to the arbitration
of their two Majesties. So that for their part there shall be
no difficulty to bring their Majesties' intentions to pass.—
Edinburgh Castle, 13 July 1572. Signed, W. Maitland, W.
Kirkcaldy.
Add. Endd. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| July 16. |
477. Lord Maxwell to Lord Scrope. |
|
Defends his friend John Maxwell, tutor of Kirkonell, from
the charge of resetting Edward Dacre, and procuring a horse
for him.—Dumfries, 16 July 1572. Signed.
Copy. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| July 16. |
478. Occurrents of the Low Countries. |
|
Sir Humfrey Gilbert, with 1,200 English and all the
Frenchmen, and 100 Walloons, has taken Sluys without any
loss; only 60 Spaniards executed in Flushing. Bruges is
likewise taken by him, where M. De Ruse should have
entered. The towns greatly desire 3,000 Englishmen, whom
they would so employ as they shall not be forced to receive
the French. Sir Humfrey has also taken 25 pieces of brass.
The Prince of Orange was on Wednesday sevenight in
Guilderland with 7,000 horse and 13,000 footmen. The
Duke of Alva's force expected from Germany has been
diverted by means of the Admiral of France. It is reported
that Chapin Vitelli is taken at Mons, Noircairmes hurt, and
Barlaimont's son slain. There is great supply come to
Ludovick out of France, so as on the Prince's approach they
mean to take the field.
Endd. P. 1. |
| June 17. |
479. Advertisements from the Low Countries. |
|
Copy of a letter translated from the Flemish from
the governor and magistrates of Flushing to their agents
in London. Give accounts of the actions before Flushing.
Have executed some of their prisoners. Capture of the
Lisbon fleet with a rich cargo. As the Duke of Alva is
preparing to attack them they desire that munitions and
artillery may be sent to them. Arrival of vessels from
different places.—17 June 1572.
Copy in French. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| July 17. |
480. Lethington and Grange to Sir W. Drury. |
|
As Her Majesty has given him to declare to the adverse
party that the Castle of Edinburgh should remain in custody
of Grange, they hope, by their good behaviour, that they
may deserve a continuance of the Queen's favour, and that it
may please her to receive them both and their friends in her
protection. They promise to be always at Her Majesty's
devotion, as far as she can wish any subject of Scotland to be.
If Her Majesty like of this she shall be assured that it shall
not lie in the hands of any other prince, either by gifts,
persuasion, or other means, to induce them at any time to
swerve from their promise.
Endd. P. 1. |
| July [17]. |
481. Negotiations of the Castle with Tullibardine. |
|
1. The Castilians offer that either the nobility of Scotland,
or the sovereigns of France and England, should name the
government they will observe. Tullibardine wishes to have
the controversy appeased by themselves, and not to have to
do with either of the Princes. |
|
2. That upon the two Princes' promise of surcease, and
peace to follow, the town shall be presently patent to all
manner of men. They offer that if the adverse party put in
hostages as they will do themselves to keep the surcease; and
if in the time of abstinence they cannot agree amongst themselves, that the two Princes shall "strike stroke," they will
make the town patent the next day. The Regent's party
would have meeting between them and the Castle before they
will grant surcease.
Endd. P. 1. |
| July 18. |
482. Intelligence from Scotland. |
|
Lindsay, servant to Captain Cockburn, has returned from
France; he has kept letters from the Castilians to the
Bishop of Glasgow for a month, and then caused them to be
delivered by a woman, which is evil taken in the Castle, as
also his master's speech made to the King and Queen Mother
in favour of the Regent's party, and in disfavour of them. The
same is of both parties holden very subtle and crafty, notwithstanding his colour of simple and jesting manner. Tullibardine's dealing with Grange is by consent of the Regent
and Morton, who work by all secret means that this
peace may be made amongst themselves. He (Drury) is
working that the Queen may have the honour of the same,
yet not hindering the agreement. M. De Croc has burdened
Grange of speech he should use that he would break the
league between Her Majesty and the French King, and that
the King should offer him ten thousand crowns for the
Castle; this has come from M. De la Mothe the ambassador
there, who writes that complaint should be made thereof to
him. Grange denies the same, and has written to De la Mothe.
Nicholas Errington affirms as much to be true as he subscribed unto, wherein he says that the ten thousand crowns
should be offered by some of the Scottish King's party. Has
caused Grange to be dealt with quietly therein, who affirms that
he had ten thousand crowns offered him of the King's party,
and that he trusted the league would not last a year, and in
choler said that he would do the best he could to throw a
bone between them to the same; but now finding Her
Majesty favours more, he is of another mind, as may be seen
from his offer, which he conceives to be Lethington and
Robert Melvil's, who guide Grange. They are greatly comforted that the Queen is pleased that Grange shall hold the
Castle, and if the same has come before De Croc's arrival
they would have wholly depended upon her. Pinart has
brought some French crown for the diets of De Croc, his
father-in-law.
(In the handwriting of Sir W. Drury.) Endd. Pp. 2. |
|
483. "Conference between Tullibardine and the Lairds of
Lethington and Grange." |
|
1. The controller's errand is to draw on a meeting between
the noblemen of both sides, which is the best way to take up
matters among themselves rather than to trouble foreign
princes. The Castilians are content for meeting and for an
abstinence. |
|
2. "He says that there can be no abstinence while the
meeting proceed, and that the town of Edinburgh be put at
liberty." They reply that if they are assured peace will
follow they will put the town at liberty, but that it may happen
that either party will stick wilfully at their own passion, and
prescribe conditions unreasonable to the other which cannot
be acceded, and there will be no peace. If, therefore, they
were to put out of their hands their chief security, the town
of Edinburgh, they should highly "prejudge" themselves.
But if they will put their cause to the arbitrament of the most
Christian King and the Queen of England, and for security
deliver such of them hostages to them, then will they
presently without farther delay put the town to liberty. To
which Tullibardine answered that it was not necessary to
trouble their Majesties with the matter, but let Scotsmen
alone have to meddle therein. The Castilians in reply say
that they are willing that they shall meet among themselves.
but that if they cannot agree, as they fear they hardly shall,
they think their Majesties are persons most indifferent to
strike the stroke. |
|
3. Though they of Leith are unwilling, yet the Castilians
are determined that nothing shall be done to which their
Majesties are not parties.
Endd. Pp. 1½. Enclosure. |
| July 18. |
484. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
He and De Croc have had an interview with the Castilians,
who besought him to let them know what their adversaries
would do, so that they might either prepare for peace or war.
The Regent appointed to give him and De Croc audience the
next day, but in the meanwhile the Earl of Morton, the Justice
Clerk, and the Clerk of the Register came to his lodging and
said they had to speak with him before they came into
presence, for that they would be constrained to give other
answer to De Croc than to him, and such perchance as would
not well content him, unless they concurred in acknowledging
the title and authority of the King, and until that was done
they stood in doubt how they could jointly make them answer.
Drury answered that he had only commission to deal for
peace and for the maintenance of the King's authority, and
therefore referred De Croc's case to their own discretion.
When they went to audience some offence was uttered, for
that De Croc was not of mind as touching the King, De Croc
alleging that his master would not consent thereto, nor show
himself enemy to the Scottish Queen, as she was his brother's
wife and had been crowned Queen of France. These are the
articles to be resolved in from the castle:—"What form of
abstinence the adversaries would be at? Who desires? For
whom? For what space? Upon what conditions?" These
delays seem to imply that they intend to settle their differences
among themselves. The Chancery House in Ross is yielded
to Lord Ruthven, 24 having been slain on each side. The
Lairds of Bromston and Pennycuik have been apprehended for
sending a letter to the castle by a boy, advising them to be
doing when the Regent and Lord Morton were away. M. Pinart
has brought letters from the French King and Monsieur to the
King and the Regent, the superscription and subscription of
his letters being somewhat friendlier than others before were.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 22/3. |
| July 18. |
485. Notes by the Lords at Leith upon the Abstinence. |
|
Embodied in Sir William Drury's letter to Lord Burghley
of the same date. Endd. P. ¼. |
| July 18. |
486. News from Antwerp. |
|
That there were slain three leagues from Mons, of M.
Genlis' company, 1,800, besides 600 prisoners, and that M. de
Genlis and De Lagny were taken prisoners and M. de Rentz
slain, and that the Duke of Alva had sent to the French King
to know whether he will avow Genlis' enterprise. Other
rumours of the action. The citizens of Paris, understanding of
Genlis' overthrow, spare not to make declaration of their joy
by general processions, banquets, and the like.
Endd. P. 1. |
| July 18. |
487. Sir John Forster to Lord Burghley. |
|
There is at present great variance between the Laird of
Ferniehurst and the inhabitants of Jedburgh, and daily
slaughter amongst them, by reason whereof the Borders are
like to grow to great disorder. Has written to Lord Hunsdon
informing him that Ferniehurst had offered to redress any
attempts made by his people, and encloses the copy of his
answer (see 9 July). Desires to know the Council's pleasure
how he shall act, as the Laird of Cessford, who is the warden
for Scotland, will not answer for Ferniehurst and the other principal lairds on the Borders.—Alnwick, 18 July 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| July 18. |
488. Walsingham to Burghley. |
|
On the 8th the Prince of Orange passed the Rhine at
Asbourgh. His army consists of 7,000 horse and 50 ensigns
of foot, and it is thought that he will march towards Holland
to place garrisons in such towns as have revolted to him, and
to receive money towards the payment of his army. Upon
advertisements lately out of Italy that Don John of Austria
is not yet departed, they make fair weather here with the
Ambassador of Spain, who in outward show bears them in
hand that he believes all they say. There is great suspicion
that [4] is underhand enemy to these wars, but dare not show
it for fear of the King, who very much affects it, otherwise all
had quailed long since. [3] B is not yet free from suspicion.
There is lately arrived a gentleman from the French
Ambassador at Constantinople who gives out that the Turk
makes very great preparation for the seas, and that he offers
the French King very great sums to break with the King of
Spain, and that he remits into his hands the according of the
differences between him and the Venetians, who are weary
of the Spanish promises. Chapin Vitelli in viewing Mons
has received a harquebuss shot. The Ambassador of Florence
excuses the loan of 100,000 crowns to the Duke of Alva. It is
thought that to help the matter his master can be content to lend
as much to the opposite party.—Paris, 18 July 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2. |
| July 19. |
489. Answer of the Castilians. |
|
The answers of the Castilians to Sir Wm. Drury and
M. De Croc touching the four questions of the Regent's
party (see No. 484): |
|
Their own instructions answer the four points, as the abstinence is craved by their Majesties of England and France of
the two parties in arms in Scotland, and is to be for
two months as to conditions. The word "abstinence" imports all the conditions to be observed, to wit, that there
be an abstinence of war, cessation of arms between the two
parties that are in arms throughout the realm, as well for
themselves as for their adherents during the time thereof.
Copy. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| July 20. |
490. Intelligence from Scotland. |
|
The King's party labour to draw agreement amongst themselves without the knowledge of Drury or De Croc, but the
Castilians, who say that they are wholly at the devotion of the
Queen, will do nothing without her consent. Tullibardine has
written to the Castilians asking them to do nothing with the
ambassadors, but try to agree among themselves, so that all
shall be well, also that they agree by writing rather than by
a meeting, whereof the ambassadors will take inspection.
Many of the nobles expect pensions from France. The Earl
of Argyle has gone to France to obtain the order (of St.
Michael) and a pension; the Earl of Eglinton and others shall
have the disposition of his lands and rooms in his absence.
Lethington and Robert Melvil wish that Grange should put
in assurance to the Queen not to dispose of the Castle without
her consent. De Croc wishes them to make the agreement
among themselves, and then he will stop in Scotland and
endeavour to bring them to the direction of the French King.
The Castilians have tried to sound him as to his master's
meaning towards them, but can get nothing out of him. |
|
Copy of Tullibardine's Letter to the Castle. |
|
This afternoon spoke with Marr and the Council and
believes all will be well. Marr took very well that which
Robert Melville spoke in the Secretary's name. The King of
France and the Queen of England's ambassadors handle
matters well, but it might be far better amongst themselves.
If there be any communing he prays that they will see that
their "communers" be well instructed and modest. In
Drury's writing.
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| July 20. |
491. Arrival of English Forces in the Low Countries. |
|
On the 10th July they arrived before the town [Flushing]
with 4 tall ships and 600 soldiers. The General [Sir Humfrey
Gilbert] was saluted with the great ordnance and a lodging
provided for him, and the next day he opened the cause of his
coming, being simply to relieve their miseries, and to "make
them owners of themselves;" avowing also his zeal to the cause
of religion to the Governor and the magistrates, who by their
countenance and speech showed readiness to embrace his
society, only when he demanded entry for his men the
Governor took respite till the afternoon and so dismissed the
council for that time. In the afternoon the Governor and the
townsmen contended touching the entry of the English,
whereon the General charged him publicly with evil meaning
that he entertained 5 or 600 French in the town against the
will of the town, and denied his companies whom they were
ready to receive. The Governor delayed still, so Sir Humfrey
having sown some sparks of mutiny between the town and
him took his leave as though he would return home. After
his departure the townsmen in general exclaimed against the
Governor charging him with treason, and advising him with
violent speech at his peril to turn his delays into simple
dealing, and rising from the council came to the General's
lodgings and agreed that if the Governor would not receive the
English the next day that they would beat down the gates.
All that night the English stood upon their guard in their
armour, fearing the malice of the Governor, who also was in
arms with most part of the French. The next day the
English came in about 5 or 6 o'clock but were not provided
for either in lodging or victual, and in the evening the French
put themselves in arms under colour of a double watch, on
which they disposed all their men in order of a watch before
the lodging of the General, who on the Governor sending to
persuade him to retire them, alleged that being not bestowed
in lodgings their wandering up and down the streets would
breed more inconvenience. In the morning the men being
bestowed conveniently the General and the Governor grew to
reconcilement and banqueted one another. On Monday every
English captain mustered his men and delivered weapons to
them, and on the following day they were viewed by the
master of the field and their numbers recorded, and a voyage
into the field resolved in council. Sends copies of the
covenants agreed between the General, the Governor, and the
town. On Thursday [the 17th] the camp marched towards
Ordenburg 23 pieces of brass artillery with bullets and powder,
and 100 horses with the ensign of the conductors were taken
by certain companies ranging before the camp. The country
offers aid to the camp willingly. As the writer passed Sluys on
Sunday [the 20th] he saw violent fires in the town, the castle
shooting into the town, and the townsmen with their goods
fleeing in boats and other vessels of transport.—10 July 1572.
In the form of a journal.
Endd. Pp. 32/3. |
| July 15. |
492. Capitulations between Sir Humfrey Gilbert and the
Governor and Burgomasters of Flushing. |
|
200 French and 200 English to remain in the town for a
guard, and in case of attack equal numbers of both nations
to be received, but neither to be suffered to be masters. All
wounded and sick to be sheltered in the town without respect
to numbers. The gentlemen and soldiers of both nations to
have free access to the town if provided with proper passports.
Signed.
Copy. Endd. Enclosure. Fr. P. 1. |
|
493. Another copy.
Endd. Enclosure. Fr. P. ¾. |
| July 20. |
494. Instructions for Walsingham. |
|
Although the forbearing of Her Majesty's assent to the
motion of the Marshal Montmorency for a marriage with the
Duke of Alencon was grounded upon the inequality of their
ages, yet a greater cause of misliking proceeds from the report
made by all of his great blemish in his face by means of the
smallpox, which is such that none dare affirm to Her Majesty
the good liking of him in that respect. Though it is not Her
Majesty's meaning that he shall make any mention in her
name of this impediment, yet he may do well as of himself
to let the Queen Mother secretly understand that he thinks
that Her Majesty's ministers and servants who were lately in
France durst not but make report of the blemishing that has
happened to the Duke's face by the smallpox, and that that
will be as great a cause of the Queen's stay to assent as his
lack of age. If there shall be proposed to him any likelihood of the Duke's coming over either openly or secretly to
be seen by Her Majesty, he is not to reject it, nor yet consent
thereto, but say that he will advertise the matter to some of
her Council.
Draft in Burghley's writing. Endd., "not sent." P. 1½. |
|
495. Fair copy of the above.
P. 1. |
| July 20. |
496. The Queen to Walsingham. |
|
Directs him to express her great regret to the French King
and the Queen Mother that she cannot assent to their proposal brought by M. de Montmorency for her marriage with
the Duke of Alençon, and to assure them that the only impediments arise through the great disparity in their age, and from
the bad opinion that the world might conceive of her thereby.
Extract from a letter. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2¼. |
| July 21. |
497. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
The King has despatched M. de la Moela [Mole], servant to
M. le Duc D'Alencon, with letters to the Queen to thank her for
the rare entertainment and honour done to the Marshal, and to
give her notice of the marriage to be solemnised between the
King of Navarre and the Lady Margaret. He gave Walsingham but "Scarborough warning," and therefore Burghley must
bear with these scribbled lines. Wrote more at large yesterday
by Hollingshead, who went by way of Dieppe.—Paris, 21 July
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| July 22. |
498. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
Desires the arrest of George Torris, a Scotchman, who has
robbed one Emanuel de Arativijo, a Portugal in Paris, and
has fled into England.—Paris, 22 July 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ⅓. |
| July 22. |
499. The Admiral of France to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Is very glad to hear from M. Dupin, his secretary, that she
takes in good part that which he has communicated to her
from him. Expresses his desire for the continuance of this
good amity between her and the King of France, and also his
willingness to serve her on account of the honour and favour
which he and his have received from her.—Paris, 22 July
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1. |
| July 22. |
500. The Admiral of France to Lord Burghley. |
|
Thanks him humbly for the goodwill which he has manifested towards him, which he prays him to continue, and will
not omit anything on his part by which he can manifest the
same towards him. Thinks that the late treaty of amity
cannot be better strengthened than by a good marriage, which
he would be happy to assist in bringing about.—Paris, 22
July 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1. |
| July 23. |
501. The Duke of Montmorency to the Queen. |
|
Recommends to her favour M. de la Mole, gentleman of the
chamber, to the Duke of Alençon. Her Majesty cannot but
receive great advantages from the proposal which he made to
her on the part of the King of France.—Ile-Adam, 23 July
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| July 23. |
502. The Queen to Walsingham. |
|
1. At the being here of the Duke of Montmorency and M. de
Foix, she was moved to incline to an offer of marriage with
the Duke of Alencon, but found the matter somewhat strange
considering some things past not in good order, as in the like
offer of M. D'Anjou, but especially considering the youngness
of the years of the Duke of Alencon; so for those respects,
although she could give them no answer of comfort to content
them, such was their importunity that after many conferences
she told them that she found so many difficulties in the
matter, especially in his age, yet such was the importunity of
her own subjects to have her marry that she would forbear to
give any resolute answer, but would take time to be advertised
of the matter. Has conferred with the Lord Admiral and
others who were in France, and finds the conditions and
qualities of the said Duke nothing inferior to the Duke of
Anjou, but rather better to be liked; but as to his visage and
favour everybody declares the same to be far inferior, and
that especially for the blemishes which the smallpox has
wrought therein; so as the youngness of his years being considered she can in no ways bring herself to like this offer,
especially finding no other great commodity offered with him,
whereby the absurdity that in the general opinion of the
world might grow might be in some manner recompensed.
She has determined that Walsingham shall say in her name
to Montmorency, or if he shall desire it to the French King,
that she most earnestly thanks him and his mother for the
offer, and that she has great desire to have the amity betwixt
them continued, but that she is sorry to find so great
difficulties in this matter that she cannot digest the inconveniences of the same. He is to pray the King and the Queen
Mother to assure themselves that there is no lack of desire in
her to continue and increase the amity between them, but
that the difficulties proceed almost only of the difference of
the age of M. Alençon and her own, which is a matter that
cannot be remedied. Although she was of this mind from the
beginning, yet at the being of the Ambassadors in England
she was so laboured unto by her Council and by her estates
in Parliament for the necessity of her marriage, some alleging
that the difference of age might be recompensed with some
other matter of advantage to her or her realm, that she yielded
to take further consideration of the matter. But in all this
time she cannot find her mind altered, or hear of anything
which might countervail the inconvenience, and so she makes
them answer that she cannot find herself void of doubt and
misliking to accept this offer, allowing nevertheless for his
worthiness, for his virtuous and honourable conditions, as
much as she can require in any prince to be her husband.
(Printed by Digges, pp. 226.) |
|
2. In this sort he may see what manner of answer he shall
make, and although therein his age is made the matter and
ground of her misliking, as in very deed it is a great part
thereof, yet the report she has of the blemishing of his face
by the smallpox is no small part of her misliking, which every
person expresses to be so great as none dare give her any hope
how to bear with that inconvenience, howsoever otherwise
he be, both for his stature, shape of his body, and gifts of
mind very well commended. Her meaning is not that he shall
in her name use this as part of her misliking, although he
may as of himself in secret speech with the Queen Mother use
some speech thereof. If it be moved that it might be obtained
that the party might come over to be seen, he shall say that
he will advertise her.
Draft in Burghley's writing; the latter portion not sent.
Endd. Pp. 7. |
| July 27. |
503. The Queen to Walsingham. |
|
After she had finished her other letter the French Ambassador gave knowledge that he had received letters from
thence, and required audience before she should send to Walsingham, and thereby her former letter was stayed, He is
therefore to show them her answer, as she conceived it to be
given when those letters were written, but to say that in
respect to the desire which she sees in the King and the Queen
Mother she has thought convenient to enlarge her answer in
some part. After he has used this sort of speech to them, he
is to say that she finds no other principal impediment in this
matter but in the difference of the ages and the case of religion.
As for the difficulty about religion she thinks that it may be
removed to the satisfaction of both, but as to the other nothing
can make such a full satisfaction as that either of them might
by some convenient means with their own eyes satisfy their
own conceits. If they say that heretofore no like usage has
been in the marriage of the children of France, or shall doubt
that this is propounded by her to increase her reputation
without any intent to marry him, though his person may not
mislike her, he is to answer that, considering the advancement
that would grow by a marriage with her, this special case can
have no former example answerable to rule it. As to the
second part that may be objected, he may certainly affirm
that she has no meaning to gain any particular estimation to
herself, but simply seeks to procure the satisfaction of her own
mind in this difficulty touching his person, wherein no other
of her own dare deal with her. Finally, if he perceives that
they stick only upon the reputation of his honour that is to
come, and not be allowed for his person, he may as of himself
propound that the matter of religion be outwardly so left in
suspense, as the breaking off, if any should follow, may to the
world be thereto imputed.
Draft by Lord Burghley, 27 July 1572. Printed by Digges,
p. 228. Endd. Pp. 7. |
| July 27. |
504. John Lee to Burghley. |
|
Don Frederic having intelligence that there were coming
towards Mons 4,000 French soldiers, raised his camp and
intercepted them, and gave them a great overthrow. The
advice hereof being brought to Brussels on the 19th instant,
the Dukes of Alva and Medina Celi went to mass and caused
the Te Deum to be sung. This news greatly pleases the
Papists who are come all here with their wives for greater
security, who trust that the English soldiers shall shortly have
the like breakfast, against whom is sent M. De Renes with certain Walloons. The English have retired from before Bruges
into Zealand. There is great bruit that the King of Portugal
has 80 great ships in readiness, the charge whereof is supported
by the King of Spain, who shall come hither to annoy
the Queen of England. Mons is still besieged. Alva has
appointed 16 ships to go into Holland to M. Bonsheau [Bossu],
the general, to make some attempt against Brielle. Seven of
the ships are galleys, and bear two great pieces of artillery
before, and the rest five pieces of a side. Refers him to the
bearer for an account of his unhappy and sinister state,
and the original ground of his long and painful sickness; and
thanks him for the 20l. which he has sent to him.—Antwerp,
27 July 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Partly in cipher. With three seals.
Pp. 2. |
| July 30. |
505. Form of the Abstinence. |
|
"The Forme of the Abstinance, grantit be my Lord Regentis
Grace, and Lords subscrivand with him, to the Lordis
within the Castell and Toun of Edinburgh and thair adherentis." That following the instance and exhortation of the
ambassadors of England and France, there be a truce for two
months, during which time there shall be a meeting of the
noblemen of the kingdom to treat for peace, and should they
not agree they should refer the difference between them to
the arbitrament of the King of France and Queen of England,
promising upon their honours to accept all the conditions their
Majesties shall propose unto them. James sometime Earl of
Bothwell, James Ormiston sometime of that ilk, Patrick
Hepburn sometime of Beinston, Patrick Wilson, sometime
servant to the said Earl, James Hamilton sometime of Bothwellhaugh, John Hamilton sometime of Bothwell, his brother,
with all the thieves and broken men, inhabitants of the
Borders and Highlands, disturbers of the public peace, to be
subject to the judgment and execution of the law, the said
Abstinence notwithstanding, except that the last-named shall
not be answerable for things bypast done at the commandment of either party. During the truce all the subjects of the
realm may freely traffic, haunt, or converse together unmolested. The town of Edinburgh is to be set at liberty, the
same as it was when the late Regent quitted it on the 27th
January 1570, and the Castle to be kept with no greater
garrison than it was at that time. Those who have feasted
upon other men's lands, whereof the fruits are presently to be
gathered, shall leave the same, stacked in heaps or in grange,
till the end of the Abstinence.—At Leith, the penult day of
July 1572. Imprinted at Edinburgh by Thomas Bassandine,
cum privilegio Regis.
Endd. Blackletter broadside. |
| July 30. |
506. Manuscript copy of the same, in the handwriting of Sir
Wm. Drury's secretary. Signed, John Regent, Mortoun,
Ruthven, Boyed, Ja. Magill.
Endd. Broadside. |
|
507. Another copy, signed by the Lords of the Queen of Scots'
party.
Endd. Broadside. |
| July 30. |
508. Draft of the Abstinence by Sir Wm. Drury. |
|
Suggesting to the Lords of the King's party the conditions,
from which the Form of Abstinence signed by both parties
was afterwards compiled.
Endd. P. 22/3. |
| July. |
509. News from Germany. |
|
Enumeration of the troops and commanders under the Prince
of Orange and also those under the Duke of Alva. A month's
wages will be paid to the Prince of Orange's soldiery; the
reiters will be content with half a month's pay if they cannot
have that of a whole month. The Emperor has, in the last
few days, sent to the Princes, expostulating with them for
allowing the Prince of Orange, a rebel and disturber of the
peace, to levy troops in their dominions, and threatens them
with heavy penalties if they allow it in future. It is said the
young Duke of Bavaria, with the Archduke Charles, will send
support to Alva. The Elector Palatine everywhere hinders
the troops of Alva from passing through his dominions; he
has seized Count Otto of Eberstein sailing down the Rhine
in a ship laden with arms, and has captured several captains
and ancients near Oppenheim. The money to be employed
by Alva in levying reiters, which was conveyed in vessels
filled up with wine, has been taken by an unknown knight,
near the Moselle. The convention of the princes will be held
immediately at Mulhausen.
Corrected and Endd. by Mundt. Lat. Pp. 1½. |
| July. |
510. Advices from Italy. |
|
Venice, 19 July 1572.—News of the Turk. Great sickness.
Earthquake at Ferrara. Rome, 12 July 1572.—Mortality in
Rome. Preparations for the capture of Algiers. News of the
Papal Court. Speech of the Turkish Ambassador to the sons
of Ali Bassa.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 42/3. |
| July. |
511. Advertisements from Flanders. |
|
Of 1,600 Walloons in Antwerp there remain but 400, the
rest having run away. Mutiny of the commons in Bruges,
and entry of Sir Humfrey [Gilbert] into that town. The
number of men mustered within Bruges esteemed to be
14,000. The ships of war in number 22 or 23 have no brass
pieces, but all iron. The ships laden with spices sent to the
Prince.
Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| July. |
512. Advertisements from Flanders. |
|
Account of the defeat of the French Huguenots under
M. De Genlis, who were endeavouring to relieve Mons, which
was besieged by Don Ferdinando de Toledo.
Endd. Span. Pp. 3½. |
| July. |
513. Army of the Prince of Orange. |
|
Table of pay and allowances for diet of certain captains of
the Prince of Orange.
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| July. |
514. Army of the Prince of Orange. |
|
List of names of the principal officers of the Prince of
Orange, both of horse and foot, with the numbers of soldiers
under their command; total reiters 7,500, infantry 13,500.
Also a list of towns in the Low Countries at the devotion of
the Prince of Orange.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 1¾. |
| July. |
515. Merchant Adventurers' Answer to the French
King's Offer. |
|
It would be no commodity for them to have a privilege in
France, as those things in which they are principally occupied
viz., white cloths, are chiefly uttered in Upper and Lower
Germany. Besides, if they alter their old settled trade, they
would also have to seek for dressers and dyers in a place
unacquainted with the trade. It is dangerous to have the vent
of all the commodity of the realm in one country, especially
seeing the French have small trade to England. There is
besides such evil observance of treaties and so evil justice in
France. The drapers of France so much mislike the bringing
of cloth into France that they will not endure it, insomuch
as in January last, by proclamation, all foreign cloth was
banished. The converting the whole trade of England into
France would be hurtful to the navy, for that the ports there
are so small that no great ship may enter. Signed: John
Mershe, William Towson, George Bonde.
Endd. P. 1. |
