|
| Dec. 1. |
654. The Regent Morton to Lord Burghley. |
|
The knowledge of the Queen's meaning has chiefly moved
him to accept the charge (the Regency), resting in assured
hope of her favourable protection and maintenance, especially
for the present payment of the bypast wages of his men, without which he will be driven into many great inconveniences.
He trusts he will be a good mean at the Queen's hands that
their estate may be seriously considered, and the present
necessity relieved with such expedition as possibly and conveniently may be. Will always be ready to please him in
anything that can be in his power.—Edinburgh, 1 December
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Dec 1. |
655. The Earl of Morton to the Earl of Huntingdon. |
|
Announces his election as Regent by the choice of the
nobility and estates of Scotland, and promises that there shall
be no lack in him in that which may continue the good
intelligence with England.—Edinburgh, 1 Dec. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ⅓. |
| Dec. 1. |
656. John Foster to Walsingham. |
|
The Venetian army is returned to Corfu. Don John's
galleys be at Messina. The Venetians and the Spaniards have
not well agreed at their last being together. It is judged
this next summer the Turk will be very strong. They at
Nismes be very strong, and fear their enemies about them;
they have made divers issues out of a town and have slain
companies of men-at-arms that lay thereabouts in garrison.
Twenty days past they took a town at noon named Sommieres, wherein was the company of Mon. de Joyeuse, and
slew them all. They were esteemed to be the best mounted
men-at-arms in this country, and all gentlemen. The Marshal
is within six leagues of Nismes, but has a very slender power.
Divers captains of Languedoc who were of the religion have
retired to him to the number of twenty. All their fear here
is of the Queen if she give aid. The country is in a very
miserable state at present. Means to depart for England.—
Lyons, 1 Dec. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Dec. 2. |
657. H. Killigrew to the Queen. |
|
By means of sickness he was unable to travel himself, so he
sent her letters to the assembly by Captain Errington, in
whose presence they were openly read, and though very well
liked of, more present comfort seemed to the bearer to be
looked for. The Earl of Morton finding some credit referred
to him in her letter failed not to come to him that night to
understand the same, how be it as he would keep him in hopes
until after he had accepted the Regency, he desired him to bear
with him on account of his sickness a day or two, assuring
him of her same great care of him and the King as heretofore,
with such like speeches tending all to encourage him to take
the Regency. He continued sick till the 20th, the day after
Morton accepted the Regency, and then discoursed his whole
charge with him, but he is unwilling to be overtedious with
"quoth I and quoth he." He has sent her letter to the
Countess of Marr reserving the credit until some occasion may
serve for the satisfaction of her desires. The abstinence
expires in five days; will not fail to travail for a prorogation until the last of the month, during which time he
will attempt all means to drive on an accord, which he
much doubts of as the Castilians will take no place for their
security but the Castle, without the which he sees small
surety for the King's own person, the present state of
the country considered.—Edinburgh, 2nd December 1572.
Signed.
Copy. Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Dec. 6. |
658. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
By Mr. Secretary's letters he will understand of the late
taking of the Isle of Re by them of Rochelle; that there is
hope in Germany of the election of the Elector of Brandenburg as King of Poland; and that the Ambassador of Spain
gives out that Zutphen was taken on the 15th ult. The
Legate's doings are kept very secret, in so much that his
secretary is not made acquainted with them; for avoiding
suspicion the Ambassador of Spain has no great conference
with him, but by a third person named L'Angioletto auditore
della ruota, who passes daily to and fro between them, on
whom the Pope lays the chiefest weight of this legation in
respect of his wisdom and experience. The Duke of Savoy's
repair hither makes men think that the amity between France
and Spain is like to grow great, for he is termed L'Ame du
roy D'Espagne, and that therefore the matters in treaty are
of great weight. The doubt of the Turk's great preparation
for next year is a great bridle to their intentions, and they
make great offers to draw to an accord. The Venetians have
been these two years past at the charge of 800,000 [crowns]
the month.—Paris, 6 Dec. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 6. |
659. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
What he won of the two unhappy "Castilians" his Lordship
received from time to time. Their continual delays will breed
trouble to others, though smart and shame to themselves.
Thinks no persuasions will cause them to lean to England, as
they expect French crowns and French men. Has by some
in Scotland been held a favourer of them, but if the Queen
uses any force against them will discover himself an enemy
to their cause. If the Queen sends money for the maintenance of the soldiers serving the King, they will secretly put
it into the mint and turn it into their own coin to avoid
suspicion. Sends of their last coin which they value at 15d.
the piece. Has caused one to be melted which is in value
less than 9d. There has been of late such a number brought
into the town that hardly any English silver is to be had.
Has caused by proclamation the value to be known, and
raised the shilling to 18 placks. A Scotch merchant declared
that 100l. English put into the mint would yield 1,000l.
Scotch.—Berwick, 6 Dec. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 8. |
660. The Prince of Orange to Lord Burghley. |
|
Desires his favour for the bearer Captain Piers in his
private affairs, and that he may be permitted on his return
to bring over some companies of soldiers.—Delft, 8 December
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. With seal. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Dec. 9. |
661. Lethington and Grange to Sir W. Drury. |
|
Are sorry that after so frank dealing between them, when
there was so great likelihood of a perfect end to his negotiations, so little fruit followed, as there is less appearance of a
good end than there was a year ago. The new Regent is the
man of all others they most mislike, as the most unfit to draw
on accord and the quietness of the realm. They always
craved and would have been content with an indifferent
Regiment, but now they are frustrate of the expectation they
had of a tolerable peace. Because of his upright, impartial,
and honourable dealing, they went farther to satisfy him than
they would otherwise have done, resting at that time upon
some points whereof they looked for a short and favourable
resolution. When they saw him shifted from his commission
and another minister appointed, who although friendly to
them was not instructed to answer any points of their particular demands, they perceived they were now to begin again,
and so have only rested upon the more general points, instead
of opening to him as they had done to himself. They lament
he has good cause to think ill-bestowed the great pains
he took to bring both sides to a conformity; they knew
he looked not for any reward for himself, but only to execute
faithfully and diligently the charge he had in trust, expecting
to be well thought of and well reported by both parties; as
for themselves, although they cannot do him any pleasure, his
credit shall lead them as far as any stranger of his calling in
Christendom, and somewhat farther. If their adversaries bear
him ill will it is their own fault, and they are the more unthankful, for if privately he did pleasure to any it was rather
to their adversaries than to them, his dealing with them was
honest and direct. They have heard it whispered that their
adversaries would have it believed that there has passed
between them some farther office of private friendship, which
is done to make them odious to him; they pray him therefore
not to let their craft prevail, and not to have a worse opinion
of them. They trust there is not one that dare speak it that
there has ever passed between them giving, taking, lending,
or borrowing, or any indirect dealing, the same being false
and untrue, and if it come to their ears that any one will
so far forget himself they will answer him as in conscience
they ought, knowing there is no man in Scotland who can
justly charge him with that kind of dealing. If any whispering
comes to his ears, it is because their adversaries would provoke
all men to be their enemies; he knows how many lies they
have forged to make them odious to the Queen and Council,
and all with whom they think they may have credit. They
are the same men as they were when he was among them, and
whenever they see direct and frank dealing they will show
the like conformity.—Edinburgh Castle, 9 November 1572.
Signed.
Copy. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| Dec. 10. |
662. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has been occupied upon an abstinence to last till the 1st
January, which serves for the Castilians but to drive time, as
he cannot perceive they mean to come to an accord, but look
for men and money shortly from France. Grange has received
2,000 crowns by De Croc's son-in-law (Pinart), and looks for
more daily. Two messengers, one from Huntley, called the
Laird of Asselmount, and one from the Bishop of Glasgow,
called Stephen Wilson, have been sent to France for aid.
Huntley has written to him as if he were willing to come to
an accord, but he takes it that the letter was engrossed by
Lethington upon a blank of the Earl's. The Castle will not
come to an accord till they hear from France, and the French
King will surely send aid; in the meantime they will use
dissimulation with the Queen of England, whose estate the
French would overthrow. Gathers great presumption by
the Lord Home refusing his castle, which he offered him if he
would put in his son as hostage, to be obedient to the King,
and, beside that, demanded twenty thousand pounds damage,
which he hoped to recover one day upon England. Knows
not how to deal with those men who curse him for bringing
them to the King's authority, in case they might have their
own and the keeping of the Castle, saying it is the thing that
will most hinder their support out of France; they will not
give ear when he used what reasons he could to persuade them
to refer their controversy to the Queen, assuring them of a good
peace and surety for life. Finds, on the other side, the
Regent so poor that, though to make war were the surest
way to prevent the Castilians' devices, he cannot support his
soldiers without some round sums, and he thinks they begin
to doubt of the Queen's aid and support. Does all he can
to assure them of the Queen's affection to maintain the King
and his party. "This Regent is a shrewd fellow." Fears
"little Douglas" brought him offers out of France, howbeit
he can see nothing, the Regent assuring him still to run the
course of England, and that if peace is made it may be with
those who have served the King. lest it turn their hearts
another way. Such as mislike the peace, with the condition
that the Castle should remain out of the King's hands, are
followers of the Regent and neighbours of England, men not
to be cast away or lost, for they can pleasure or offend England
more than Athol's or Huntley's forces. The Regent confesses
he thinks peace the better, and asked Argyle to win
the Duke and Huntley to the King, wherein he promised
to travail earnestly and help this work forward. Argyle
undertook with a small matter to make all Ulster obedient to
the Queen in a few days. Desires to know if he think fit
to entertain him further in this point. The Regent said
if he could have aid from England he would put an end to
the war and controversy. The Castilians at all times would
give him occasion by breach of the abstinence, but he cannot
well make war till Parliament be ended; firstly, because Parliament could not well be held during war because of the Castle,
and the Parliament must be holden for many weighty causes;
secondly, is the Regent's indispositon, because he is unable to
travel for a month or two, but rather [is obliged] to keep
his chamber under the surgeon's care of a disease in the
genitories that has troubled him five or six years. The noblemen grow in liking of the Regent. Argyle and Oliphant are
his, with the Earls of Glencairn and Montrose. Lords Ruthven
and Glammis are coming shortly, and will continue with the
Regent to the end of the Parliament. The marriage between
the Earl of Angus and the late Regent's daughter is thus far
over, and the marriage money and jointure are agreed upon.
Both the Regent and the Castilians have heard that an
ambassador is come out of France into England, and is presently to pass into Scotland, of whom he has heard nothing.
Has heard of one Peter Slingsby, of Richmondshire, who
is a great conveyer of English geldings into Scotland.
Earnestly desires his revocation. Has heard nothing since
of the "great matter," and means not to pass further than he
has had commission. Sends a copy of a sermon made by
the Bishop of Galloway during the troubles.—Edinburgh,
10 December 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 5⅓. |
| Dec. 10. |
663. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Legate stays here until there comes resolution touching that they have lately treated here. The number of those
of the religion in Languedoc is much increased, and they have
taken Savenne, where the gunpowder is made. Of late
there is arrived one from the Duke of Bavaria, which is
thought to proceed from the Cardinal of Lorraine's persuasions, with commission to make great offers to the King to
encourage him to embrace the League, and to prosecute the
rooting out of those of the religion here. M. De la Mothe has
earnestly recommended to their Majesties certain requests
commended to him by the Lords of the Council, whereupon
Pinart has been sent to assure him that there shall be justice
done.—Paris, 10 Dec. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Dec. 14. |
664. The Town of Rochelle to Charles IX. |
|
1. Declare that notwithstanding the presence of a large force
in their neighbourhood under Strozzi and the Baron De la
Garde, they had all confidence in the observance of the terms
and conditions which he had granted to them until this last
massacre at Paris and other towns in the realm opened their
eyes and compelled them to stand on their defence. As they
have never given His Majesty any cause of displeasure they
find it very strange that M. De Biron should enter into this
government with artillery and batter certain castles and
houses, contrary to all justice, and in violation of their rights
and privileges. They humbly beg that he will not be
offended that they do not suffer him to enter the town, and
that it will please him to cause such evil treatment to cease.
They further supplicate that instead of sending armies, ships,
and artillery against them he will cause a firm peace to be
made, giving them liberty of worship according to his former
edicts of pacification, and not constrain them to make such
an abjuration as they understand has been published throughout the realm. |
|
2. Remind him what impunity the wicked will enjoy if his
most faithful subjects are massacred and destroyed, and how
little glory will accrue to so powerful a king by the destruction of one of his own "bonne petite" towns.—Rochelle,
14 Dec. 1572.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Dec. 14. |
665. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley. |
|
Captain Read has arrived with 2,000l., for which he has
given him a receipt. Sends a reckoning of the former sums,
a like whereof he sent last Michaelmas.—Berwick, 14 Dec.
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| Dec. |
666. Secret Service Money. |
|
A copy of the account sent to Lord Burghley on 25 Sept.
1572 (which see).
Enclosure. Pp. 1⅓. |
| Dec. 17. |
667. Occurrents from France. |
|
Strozzi has taken Marans, not far from Rochelle, and put
the garrison to the sword. La Noue has entered Rochelle,
and they are now inclined to yield upon capitulations. The
Baron De la Garde has taken three ships laden with corn.
The Court hopes to reduce all to inward quietness. Movements of the Guises, the Duke of Alva, and the Prince of
Orange. News from Germany. The Turk is preparing 400
galleys towards the spring.
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 17. |
668. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Has been in this town these five or six days conferring
upon Scottish matters with Sir W. Drury. Lord Gray has
written to the Regent offering obedience to him and the
King, so that there are none now that mislike his election
but those of the Queen's faction. |
|
2. The Earl of Rothes has offered to be a mean to deal
with Grange for composition, which the Regent liked so well
that he sent Lord Boyd to confer with him. The Regent
is in some danger of his life, and not whole in his mind,
which must be cured by the Queen, otherwise they will do
but small good this Parliament in Scotland. On the morrow
he returns to Scotland. Lord Home wished to take hold of
the offer made him touching restoring of his house, but
was answered that as he had not taken such reasonable and
favourable conditions at the first, his answer had been sent
up, and further commandment was to be sent before he
[Killigrew] could resolve him; this he took so much to heart,
that it is like to breed some division between him and
Lethington. It will make him advise himself better should
like occasion happen again. Desires to know how far he
may promise the Queen's liberality to Argyle; he would
gladly have a pension, but Burghley knows how he may
deserve the same, and what stead he may stand them in
Ireland. The abstinence is like to expire before he receives
his answer, and he knows not how to behave himself
therein; the Regent cannot make war without money, except
to the great danger of his cause and his life. Suspects that
the Castilians will not prorogue the abstinence for fear
of the Parliament, which cannot be holden in Edinburgh
without their consent. |
|
3. Encloses a letter from the Regent on behalf of a
Scottishman that had money taken from him as he passed
without Berwick, has informed him there was no remedy,
unless the Queen pardoned her moiety of the sum. Has
spoken nothing in the hearing of De Croc, or otherwise, that
should give just cause that he should receive other than
good entreatment from the French Court. Begs him to have
his return in remembrance, if the same may be without
prejudice to the Queen's service, as he begins to despair of
of being profitable.—Berwick, 17 December 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¾. |
| Dec. 18. |
669. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
Understands that the following are the principal articles of
composition propounded by them of Rochelle. First, that
they may have free exercise of their religion; secondly, that
they may keep the old and ancient liberties of their town;
thirdly, that instead of M. Biron they may have La Noue
as their governor. It is thought that the King will consent
to these articles, with intention to observe them, as he has
done others before; also that this composition will serve for
an introduction to others who hold out to do the like, which
makes them here very merry.—Paris, 18 Dec. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½. |
| Dec. 21. |
670. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Thinks that the money may be best and secretly received
by the Regent as if lent by Sir Valentine Browne, and but
four persons to be witness of the delivery thereof, Mr. Killigrew and one with him to deliver, and the Regent and one
with him to receive, with protestation and vow for silence and
secrecy. Sends a letter received from George Pringle, and
desires to know whether he shall be employed, or what he
shall do. Sends also what has happened in the Bass.—
Berwick, 21 Dec. 1572, Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
|
671. Murder on the Bass Rock. |
|
William Lauder, a bastard son of the Laird of Bass, having
by sleight dispossessed his lawful brother of that place, whom
he also kept prisoner, the same secretly took two pistols under
his cloak, and finding this bastard his brother at play, or such
like, drew near him and slew him with a pistol, which done
he took him to an upper room for safety, but was by the said
bastard's servants taken and kept as prisoner. The bastard
kept here a woman by whom he had two children, and after
he received his hurt his servants would have revenged the
same, but he would not suffer it.
Enclosure. P. ½. |
| Dec. 22. |
672. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
Sends a copy of the letter he wrote to Mr. Secretary.
M. D'Aix has stolen away from Constantinople, and is presently at Brousa. The King is very much offended, and has
sent expressly willing him upon his allegiance to return and
continue his charge. Some guess that the cause of his departure was that he feared the King would give order for the
murdering of him there as suspected for religion. The
Cardinal of Lorraine, before his departure from Rome, promised the Pope that the King should enter into the League,
which is not thought fit until he has appeased his troubles at
home. It is thought that the cause of the Duke of Savoy's
coming tends to make some complot against Geneva, and also
a straiter amity between this crown and Spain by means of
the marriage of Monsieur and the King of Spain's daughter.
They seem no less sorry here for the death of the Earl of
Derby than for that of the Duke of Chatelherault. Thanks
him for his care in finding out some other to supply his room
here.—Paris, 22 Dec. 1572. Signed.
Endd. P. 1. |
| Dec. 20. |
673. Walsingham to [Sir Thomas Smith]. |
|
Has not yet communicated Her Majesty's answers on
account of the sickness of the Queen Mother, seeing that the
government rests wholly in her hands. On the 18th the
King, by mischance of another man's sword, received a slight
hurt in his left arm. M. De la Noue can do no good at
Rochelle, where they imprison as many as persuade them to
yield; therefore it is said that Monsieur and M. le Duc [Alençon]
shall march thither about the end of January. Yesterday
there was news from Switzerland that at the last Diet they
have concluded not to let the King have any more succours.
Soldiers of judgment here conclude that without either Swiss
or Almains the King cannot besiege Rochelle, for the Frenchmen are not fit for the keeping of artillery, or to make the
body of the battle of footmen. The King daily sends into
Germany to appease them and procure succours, but has
received at their hands many a churlish answer. On the 19th
there arrived the Bishop of Valence's secretary out of Poland,
who gave them great hopes of the election of Monsieur, but
by reason of the plague the nobility have not yet assembled.
The Venetians have taken four French ships and put some to
the torture, and the King has given them of Marseilles leave
to use all means of revenge.—Paris, 20 Dec. 1572.
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 24. |
674. The Count of Montgomery to Lord Burghley. |
|
Reminds him of his former request for the relief of Rochelle
with provisions and munitions of war, and begs that the
deputies of the said town, who are in England, may have
permission to purchase such things as they have need of, and,
further, that Captain Sores may not be molested for anything
that may have happened during the late troubles.—London,
24 Dec. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Dec. 25. |
675. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
The King has received great contentation by Mauvissiere's
report touching Her Majesty's intention for the continuance of
amity, as also for that she accepts the King's request touching
the spiritual alliance, whereof the Parisians hope she shall
receive as great comfort as the Huguenots did of the Navarre
marriage. Touching Stewarde, it seems that all things go
well. They are here given to understand that the new
Regent is in some peril through sickness, whereupon they
have dispatched one into Scotland with commission to promise the Scots of their party that after the taking of Rochelle
such ships as are employed there shall repair into Scotland
with succours. Hopes his successor will accompany the Earl
of Worcester thither.—Paris, 25 December 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Dec. 26. |
676. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has received Her Majesty's warrant for the defray of
2,500l. in extraordinary causes. Sir William Drury and he
travail to see what may be done by bullion. But there is no
hope of any quantity to be had in these parts or in Scotland,
and therefore will be forced to pay in gold; they have devised
for the secrecy thereof that the same may come as upon credit
from Browne for corn and provisions. There comes small
good from the late proclamation for the valuation of the last
Scotch coin by reason of the concourse between the realms,
which is much greater than in times past. If there were a
permission in this town for some "dodkyn" money as was at0,00,00,45| 565 565 0 0
Calais of lead or copper to serve for small money it would do
much good, and save much money every year going now out
for viands.—Berwick, 26 December 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Dec. 28. |
677. Maisonfleur to [Burghley]. |
|
Waited four days at Dover for news from "the lord whom
he knows," and has returned to this town where he heard a
report that two young men couriers had been drowned near
Amiens. Thinks that this report has been spread in order to
conceal the rifling of Walter Huilleurs and his own servant.
His suspicions are increased because he gave express orders
that his man should return immediately, and a fortnight has
already passed since he set out. If this has happened, in
addition to his alarm for the extreme danger in which his
master may be placed, he would be sorry that the least mischief should happen to England. Supposing these people
have been searched the packets will have been found and
Lucidor and Clevis arrested, and the other party can make
use of the countersign which [Burghley] gave him, and which
is enclosed in the letter of Lucidor. They may perchance
send to the port where [Burghley's] armed ship is waiting
some officers and soldiers, who by showing the countersign
may easily get possession, by causing them to believe that
they are those whom they expected. They might further join
with other armed ships filled with French soldiers, and sail
at once for England, where they would find free entry by
virtue of the said countersign, and thus would arise danger
of surprise to some port or town of the kingdom. Therefore
he advises him to send to all the havens, and direct that no
ship be allowed to enter without it being first known who
are in her. Would be much grieved if any hurt should
happen to this realm, which has been prepared from all time
as a sure retreat for the elect. London, 28 Dec. 1572.
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 2⅓. |
| Dec. 30. |
678. The Count of Montgomery to the Governor of
Guernsey. |
|
Desires that he will impart any news that may arrive. Can
only inform him of the cruelties which continue to be
exercised in France against those of the Reformed religion by
the massacre of old and young women and children throughout
the kingdom. Sends him a list of those who have escaped.
Cognac and St. Jean d'Angeli still are held by the religion.
It is reported that the Queen of France has been brought
to bed of a son, and has begged the King to pardon all the
Huguenots with the exception of their ministers; also that
the Princes of Germany and the Prince of Orange have
declared war against the French King for his cruelty, anddeclared war against the French King for his cruelty, and
in respect of his far distance and mis-knowledge of the
Scottish controversies, and the person who should be judge in
the cause should avow the true religion. Thus they have
declared their obstinate presumption above the bounds of
reason and measure, as unwilling of good and tolerable peace,
but rather desirous that the realm shall continue in civil war,
which by their occasion only is renewed, and to continue the
war by themselves and the strangers that they have procured,
although they be destitute of other faction or fellowship in
those of Navarre threaten the same unless the King is set at
liberty. Those of Rochelle have slain more than 1,500 of
Strozzi's men.—Jersey, 30 Dec. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
