Elizabeth: June 1573, 15-30

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1876.

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'Elizabeth: June 1573, 15-30', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574, (London, 1876) pp. 367-380. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol10/pp367-380 [accessed 20 April 2024]

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June 1573, 15-30

June 16. 1042. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley.
1. There have been such bruits in this city by the space of these two days, and so contrary and for the most part untrue, that he thought it his duty to give advertisement of as much as he could learn, lest some untrue report should be brought over for truth. On the one part it is reported that Rochelle is won, and on the other that the Dukes of Guise and Longueville, the King of Navarre, and others, are slain. Can learn nothing for truth but that they prepare another mine and have brought ordnance to Port St. Nicholas about the marshes, and that the Switzers work as day labourers to rid away the earth of the breach.
2. They make their reckoning that they shall have the town some time this month, whereunto they are put in comfort by some one who has come out of the town. If they miss their purpose they mind to break up their camp and make fortresses about the town. The capitulations of Poland are kept here for secret matters, and as soon as he could get them he sent them by way of Rouen on the 13th inst. Sends both the orations of M. de Valence by this bearer; had much ado to get them, for they were appointed to be translated into French and corrected in divers places that might not abide the light in these parts, and now they are kept to be suppressed. If there is anything worthy to be read of this country these many years it is these two orations, as by them the French designs may be perceived and understood. They have invented a new way for the King elect to pass into Poland by Marseilles, Pisa, and the Venetian and Turkish dominions. Is much moved by the death of Dr. Weston, and begs that the Queen will bestow upon him the deanery of Wells, it being a mere donative and not subject to the rules of other churches. Will endeavour to make his collection somewhat perfect, but as there daily increases matters to augment the number of them that are dead, so the whole argument touching them of the religion is cut off by the persecution until some better time. The Scottish party here do much dissemble their grief. Since Verac is come they will be full of matters of England, and therefore he has already sent to have audience, both to countenance him and feel their humours whilst they are green. Cannot yet have it because the Court is moving from Monceau to Madrid.—Paris, 16 June. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 22/3.
June 18. 1043. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley.
Yesterday there came advertisement from Rochelle that the mayor was come forth to Monsieur to "parlement," and very late there came a courier in all post haste with letters that the pacification was concluded, and that the King-elect [Anjou] was appointed to enter the town as upon yesterday. Upon receipt of these news the Queen Mother sent to him to come to Laigny this day to dinner for audience.—Paris, 18 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3.
June 18. 1044. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley.
1. On Monday last towards night delivered to the Regent in presence of the Ambassador the prisoners committed to him, viz., Lord Home, the Lairds of Grange and Coldinghame, and Robert Melvil, whom the Regent intends to keep in Holyrood House. In the meantime he sent the soldiers to march to Haddington, and the next day, the 17th, the soldiers being for the most part wearied, could but win to Coldinghame, but this day arrived here. Abides the good hour in which he would receive the Queen's letters for his repair up, without which he fears neither he nor his wife can long endure. Has been earnestly pressed by the Earl of Athol and others that Lethington's body might be buried, and not remain above earth as it does; thinks good to let him know thereof, to the end the Queen's resolution therein.
2. The hostages and Lord Livingstone are come hither. Berwick, 18 June 1573.
P. 1.
June 19. 1045. Patrick Adamson to Killegrew.
Sends copy of verses in praise of Queen Elizabeth, which he has sent to the printer Lekpreuik to be put into type. Desires him to commend him to the Regent.—St. Andrews, 13 Cal. Jul. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. P. 1.
June 29. 1046. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley.
Trusts the sequel will prove more comfortable to him, only desires him not to be won to sue for favor for the prisoners until he sees their state, which he will bring with him, also some articles rough cast touching the league, somewhat about Border matters, and a request to have the Bishop of Ross and Ferniehurst, with an offer to deliver the English rebels here. Hopes somewhat touching the "great matter," whereof he thinks good to warn him. Trusts to be homeward before the 26th.—Edinburgh, 20 June. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Burghley. P. 1.
June 20. 1047. Remembrance of some matters for the Lord Treasurer.
Order is taken according to the contract for the hurt men and the wives of the dead, and although the Castle was rendered upon composition, besides the spoil that divers had the Regent is content to give the soldiers of Berwick one month's pay. Necessity not hope of favour at the Queen's hands made the Castilians yield, for had they stayed six hours longer the soldiers within had hanged Lethington over the walls. Has copies of some other letters found in the Castle which prove the French King's purpose to aid them, somewhat there is concerning the money that was taken, but no great matter touching the Duke of Norfolk's practice, which Lethington did burn the night before he came forth. Will gather what he can from Robert Melvil touching those matters. Arbroath is to be rendered out of doubt, and the Earl of Argyle is to besiege Paisley the 28th, if he deliver it not before that time. The Regent has cassed all his soldiers, having two hundred under Captain Home and given them one month's pay; they go all to the Prince of Orange, and those which served the Castilians go to Sweden under the Master of Ruthven's conduct. The Earl of Angus' marriage confirms the devotion of the house of Erskine. Buccleuch has slain "Hopshawes," a great chief of the Elliotts, and in Annandale there has been slaughter of late among the Armstrongs which will make true men fare the better. The Regent longs for a good governor to be sent to Berwick, whereof Killegrew will open more of his mind; if France shall seek to renew their league again he will never consent to any offensive as it stood heretofore. The Earl of Huntley's brother demands leave to go into France for lack of living in Scotland. The Papists yield to subscribe by the hundred, such as refuse have no favour but the law. Lords Semple and Rosse and many of their servants be excommunicated. The sheriff of Ayr has found surety to do penance three Sundays for adultery. Athol and Seton warned to subscribe, or feel the smart of the law. Anderson of Aberdeen, a great learned Papist, is brought to subscribe. The Countess of Marr and the Master be yet forborne because of the King, but the Regent is determined for avoiding of charges to bring the King's house, his own, and the Castle of Edinburgh under one charge. The Countess of Argyle and Lady Grange went over into Fife the day of the general departure. Ladies Home and Lethington remain in this town. Lord Home because of some of his friends resort to the town was conveyed to the Castle the 18th, the rest be still kept in the Regent's house and honestly used. Of such jewels as Grange had or were in his keeping, the Regent can come by none yet, saving some that lay at gage. Such hurt men as remain behind the General the Regent paid for their surgery, and gave them money to carry home them that were so desirous; only one labourer remains hurt, who shall want nothing.
In the handwriting of Killegrew. Endd. Pp. 3.
June 20. 1048. — to Giacomo Spinola.
1. Rome, 13 June 1573.—News from the Emperor's Court. Troubles at the election in Poland on account of religion. Siege of Rochelle. Great breach made by a mine, and repulse of an assault. Galleys equipped to sail against the corsairs. Question of precedence between the Knights of St. Maurice and those of Malta decided in favour of the former. Troops and artillery for the King of Spain. The dead body of Antonio Monte, a Bolognese, found in the Tiber. Capture of Turkish vessels.
2. Venice, 20 June.—On Sunday a Florentine gentleman named Francesco Ferri, whose father or grandfather killed the old Prince of Orange, was found in a well tied up in a sack. He was accustomed to wear a golden chain, which was the cause of his death, for certain ruffians meeting him took him into an empty house, where they murdered and robbed him. Great storm of wind and lightning. The Grand Duke has sent a present to the Archduke Charles and the Princess of Bavaria, consisting of a lion and a lioness, apes, parrots, and other animals.
3. In Padua one Tappa, a famous master of fence, has been slain by a Frenchman.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp, 4.
June 20. 1049. News from Italy.
Rome, 20 June 1573.—News of the sailing of the Turkish fleet to the number of 300 sail. Preparations to withstand them. Don John has 160 galleys and 40 other vessels, 24,000 Italians, 9,000 Spaniards, and 7,000 Germans. The Turk's design is against La Goletta. Preparations by land and sea in different parts of Italy.
2. Vienna, 11 June 1573.—News of the Emperor's court and the Diet. Spoils by the Turk in Hungary.
Ital. Pp. 3½.
June 22. 1050. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley.
There has been lately an escalade given at Rochelle, in which were very many gentlemen of name and divers others slain and hurt, the manner whereof is very evil spoken of by all men, for it is reported that during the time of the treata of peace there came down secretly towards the evening a good number of gentlemen of the best sort, by twos and threes, into the fosse, as it were but only to walk for pleasure, to the number of 80 or more, who on the sudden gave the escalade and got the rampart, but found a mighty trench before them, and so were constrained to turn on one side to find passage. The King-elect and the whole camp cried "ville gaignée." The Rochellois suffering them to come so far, when they were entered set upon them both before and behind with such fury that they were all either slain or hurt, and the rest who were coming to succour the foremost repulsed with great loss. It is thought there are about 60 gentlemen slain and hurt. It is reported that they have lost so many that those remaining are not [willing] to give any further assault, and are so out of credit with them of the town that there is no more hope of pacification.—Paris, 22 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½.
June 24. 1051. Pietro Bizarri to Lord Burghley.
Ambassadors have been sent by the Pope and other Italian potentates to the new King of Poland and to the Senate, to congratulate them on the election. On the other hand the Czar has taken up arms, and many of the principal people in Poland and Lithuania do not approve of the choice. The Emperor has offered the new King a safe passage through his dominions. Intelligence from Genoa of the movements of the Christian and Turkish fleets, and also of the sending of reinforcements to Malta. Intended passage of troops from Italy to Flanders by way of Luxemburg.—Augsburg, 24 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 1¼.
June 25. 1052. News from Rochelle.
Readiness of the Protestant gentlemen about Bordeaux and Rochelle to rise, and movements of the party in Languedoc and elsewhere. Famine in Saintogne. Plague in the King's camp before Rochelle. Loss of several of his captains. Rochelle well provisioned.
Endd: "24 June 1573. Reports of one come from about Rochelle." Pp. 1⅓.
June 25. 1053. William Littleton to Lord Burghley.
Encloses a packet of letters for Henry Cobham, and craves pardon for his boldness in writing, and hopes that he will think him a true and trusty servant to Her Majesty.—S.S. [St. Sebastian] in Biscay. 25 June 1573.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
June 26. 1054. Sir W. Drury to Sir Thomas Smith.
Finds by his letters that the Queen pleases within three or four days to resolve for Lord Hunsdon's coming, and for his repair up, for which he gives her most humble thanks. He thinks it a very hard case if Lord Hunsdon's stay there should at all hinder his (Drury's) repairing, having indeed no just cause to provide for his wife's present state which somewhat concerns him, but in like for his own, which is so grievous that unless he have the sooner help, he shall not need to entreat for licence or anything else. In respect to his late being in Scotland, he awaits nothing except the Queen's resolution touching the prisoners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The present state of Scottish causes he leaves to Mr. Killegrew the ambassador.—Berwick, 26 June 1573. Signed.
Endd. Very much injured by damp. P. 1.
June 26. 1055. The Regent of Scotland to Lord Burghley.
Thanks him for the good quietness they that day enjoy, to the furtherance whereof he has at all times shewn himself a good instrument. Wishes if the Queen have to do with any like enterprise hereafter, that good regard be taken in choosing him that shall direct the forces, for at that time means were taken to make the war long and terror given to the young gentlemen of England of the difficulty to assault the house without much bloodshed, wherein appeared the slender goodwill and forwardness of the commander. May justly give the first praise of the expedition and success to the Queen's ambassador, his lordship's brother-in-law, if the Queen may be moved to send any ministers in time coming is a suitor that he be employed. Touching the persons apprehended in the Castle and reserved to justice, prays him to be a mean to further the Queen's resolution according to justice, and as their deserts have craved. It will be some satisfaction to the King's good subjects for the loss of their friends, goods, and houses, when they see the chief authors of the calamity receive the reward of their just deserving. There is appearance to bring things to better order on the frontiers as elsewhere, for which purpose he is drawn still to entertain some men of war, and to bear greater charges than the rent of this State may well sustain, therefore requires his favour and goodwill that he may be supported by the Queen at her good discretion. "The ground of the trouble herewithal remains in her Majesty's hands and power, whereunto I doubt not her Highness will put order when she thinks time." They have to acknowledge with thankful hearts the Queen's great goodwill towards their King and country, which to their power they are willing to acquit with assurance of fidelity and friendly neighbourhood.— Holyrood House, 26 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
June [26]. 1056. Memorial of the Regent of Scotland to Killegrew.
To present his letters with humble thanks for her comfortable aid. To deliver the notes of the offences wherewith the chief persons apprehended in Edinburgh Castle are chargeable, that he may have the Queen's advice returned how soon conveniently it may be, for their long keeping cannot but do harm. To declare his intention to bestow his travail for quieting the Borders, and to request that commandment may be sent to the Wardens that they join with him to have out fugitives and thieves, nor let their goods have rest, and to stop any victual that is transported for their sustentation. That Home and Fast Castles may be delivered into his hands, without which no man will take the charge of Wardenry of the East Marches, whereby also the living of Home may be levied to his use, and for the discharging of such promise as he made touching those hurt and slain in the siege. He may report that never was injury offered to the Countess of Argyle, nor had she cause to pass to that unlawful company now divorcement is passed betwixt her and her husband. The Queen's advice shall be followed touching the two points of the pacification at St. Johnstone's referred to her. They are willing to declare the Queen's goodwill and favour with thankful hearts, and to enter into contract with her for the maintenance and defence of the true religion, and to make all convenient security that may tend to the weal and surety of both the realms. As no invasion can be made against one realm that is not to the hurt and prejudice of both, if any force of strangers arrive from any foreign country the Queen shall send forces to resist them. The Queen shall not enter into any contract with any foreign princes wherein this realm shall not be comprehended, and the King of Scotland shall be enemy to the enemies of England. If she and her realm be invaded, or troubled by inward commotion, he shall furnish such number of men as his realm may. Must beseech the Queen that he be discharged of the contract for recompense of the ordnance broken, in the siege and for the powder and shot, for none of the ordnance were broken by service, and the value of the powder and shot spent is greater than he is able to satisfy, but also that the King be granted some serpentine powder for the better furnishing of the Castle. Has written to the Queen touching the delivery of the Bishop of Ross and Ferniehurst. Has written to the Lord Treasurer touching the great charges of the men of war. The ground of the troubles yet remains in the Queen's hand and power, and thereunto he doubts not she will put order when she finds time.—Holyrood House, June 1573. Signed. The last paragraph noted in the margin, "The removing of the bosom serpent."
Copy. Endd. Pp. 4.
1057. Another copy of the same.
Pp. 5.
June 26. 1058. The Regent of Scotland to Thomas Randolph.
No goodwill shall lack on his part to bring the matter wished for by him to the desired "fyne." Killegrew has so governed himself amongst them that they have almost forgotten Randolph, and they are sorry to want his (Killegrew's) company. If his hap shall be again at any time to visit them he shall be welcome, and in the meantime desires him to let him know the common occurrents of the world, from which charge Killegrew's being there has relieved him.— Holyrood House, 25 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
June 26. 1059. Affairs in Scotland.
A collection of matters in Scotland during Killegrew's embassy from the 26th January 1573 till the month of June in the same year. Appointment of the Earl of Morton as Regent by the Parliament, and capture of the Blackness. Negotiations at Perth. Stay of Scottish ships at Scarborough, wherein was M. Verac sent by the French King. Abstracts of letters from the Queen of England to the Earl of Morton, chiefly containing advice for the pacification of Scotland, and directions how he should proceed in his government, together with the Regent's answers. Proceedings in the Scottish Parliament, &c.
Noted in the margin, and endd. by Burghley. Pp. 6½.
June 27. 1060. News from Italy.
1. Venice, 27 June 1573.—They have received sketches of a diabolical monster lately discovered in Verona, which they think has been born of some woman and abandoned. The ambassador has departed towards Constantinople with great presents, for the purpose of negotiating a peace. On May 28th there sailed from Constantinople 125 galleys, and others are being prepared which will raise the number to 300. The Muscovites have entered Lithuania with 200,000 men.
2. Verona, 20 June 1573.—Strange sketch of a creature with claws and tail, which was found in the ditch of the old castle at Verona and taken to the Bishop. The populace scoffingly say that it was the soul of a Turk who died in prison.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2.
June 28. 1061. M. de la Mothe Fenelon to Lord Burghley.
Informs him of the arrival of M. de Vergier, President of Tours, for the purpose of rendering the Queen of Scots an account of the state of her dower. Desires that he will furnish him with a passport to the Earl of Shrewsbury in order that he may obtain access to her, and also that the bearer, M. de Vassal, may be allowed to accompany him, to whom he has entrusted 2,000 crowns and certain cordial waters for the said Queen.—London, 28 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1.
June 28. 1062. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley.
Hopes that he will procure his licence for him, for which he will be most bounden. Beseeches that the late arrival of Lady Hunsdon at court, whereby it is thought her lord's absence will be longer from Berwick, may not hinder his request, his lordship knowing the unfeigned and great occasions moving him thereto.—Berwick, 28 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 30. 1063. H. Killegrew to Sir Thomas Smith.
Being at Berwick he thought good to make as good speed homeward as the packet, and therefore did not write, but when he came to this town he was troubled with the stone, so as for his life he shall not be able to make such haste. Beseeches him to declare this much to the Lord Treasurer, and to cause the enclosed to be sent to his wife. Left all well in Scotland.—Alnwick, last of June. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1.
June 30. 1064. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley.
They spread things so directly contrary to the truth that he has difficulty in sending news. They make countenance as though they were not miscontented with the message of Mr. Horsey, but mistrust that he has some privy meaning to help them of the religion. Has set the matter of Thierry Badoniere on foot again.—Paris, 30 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
1065. Occurrents.
Articles are accorded to them of Rochelle that they should have life, goods, and conscience at liberty, and that Montauban, Sancerre, and Nismes should also have free exercise of religion; also that those of Rochelle may find a garrison of themselves. M. Montmorency has been sent to the Emperor to crave passage for the King of Poland through Germany. The numbers up in arms in Languedoc, Dauphiny, &c. are increased to 25,000 as is judged. Monsieur was proclaimed King of Poland on the 18th inst. in the camp before Rochelle. The Pope's legate, who is come with the rose of gold for congratulation, has been desired to stay till the King of Poland's coming.
Enclosure. Pp. 1½.
June 30. 1066. Horsey and Dale to Lord Burghley.
It has been secretly spoken since yesternight that peace should be concluded at Rochelle, of which the Ambassador of Florence has sent them word, and immediately after Cavalcanti also brought them word that he heard the same of the Queen Mother at her dinner.—Paris, 30 June. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
June 30. 1067. Edward Horsey to Lord Burghley.
Has been very well received and heard both of the King and the Queen Mother, and having delivered to them the whole of his message, it has not appeared that they have taken any grief at anything that he has said in Her Majesty's behalf. Has not yet received answer concerning the dealing for pacification for the Protestants, or his going to Rochelle. When he first moved this matter to the King he answered that divers offers had been made to those of Rochelle, who would accept none. Horsey "in humble manner" requested that he might see them, whereunto the King answered somewhat hotly that he was not to render account of his doings to any. Horsey desired him not to conceive of his speech in that sort, but rather that they might be published in England to His Majesty's honour and the reproach of those who obstinately refused his offers. The King then consented either to send them to his Ambassador in England or to let them see them. The Queen Mother found the deferring the interview very strange, seeing no other princes had offered so far as her son had done to come without conditions. Horsey told her that his earnest dealings against the Protestants at Rochelle was no small hindrance to his cause. She seemed to say that he could do no less for his brother's service, considering that it appears by their refusing the King's offers that their obstinacy proceeds rather of rebellion than religion. (They have had large offers without any assurance, and been so often deceived that now they remember the old proverb, "the burnt child dreads the fire.") The conclusion of the pacification at Rochelle has been sundry ways reported, and yet it appears, both by the King's speech and by the sending of 25 waggons with powder, that the town is not rendered yet, nor like to be without more loss and greater charge to the King. His brother is very earnestly pressed into his new kingdom, but thinks he will be loth to depart leaving the town in that sort to his great dishonour. Means to-morrow to urge his dispatch home or else to Rochelle.— Paris, 30 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1⅓.
June. 1068. Siege of Rochelle.
List of gentlemen and officers slain and hurt at the siege.
Enclosure. Fr. Pp. 2.
June. 1069. Instructions for Edward Horsey.
After delivering the Queen's letters to the French King, the Queen Mother, and the Duke of Alencon, he is to say that the Queen of England having been informed by the French Ambassador that his master was content that the Duke should come over without assurance of marriage, and being required to give her answer, she has deliberated with her Council, who at the time, with the circumstances of sundry things happened in France, required some stay in answering, especially from coming over as soon as Rochelle was won, which would be very ungrateful to the greater part of the realm. He is to say also that since the death of the Admiral and the great multitude with him at Paris last summer, and afterwards infinite numbers of others, manifestly slain only for their religion, there has grown generally no small doubt of the good success of this marriage, and that it has been thought meet by her Council that she should deal plainly with the King, his mother, and M. le Duc, to require to understand how their continual proceeding so earnestly in this manner of persecution daily of their subjects to death and destruction, with the hazard of many of their own dear servants of great value, may be otherwise interpreted than as the world judges, a determination generally as far as they may to root up all persons who profess and exercise the reformed religion. Her meaning to utter these conceits to the King is not to offend him, but to discover the causes which move her council to advise her not to be hasty in granting to the Duke's coming, until he gives some better hope of his moderation in religion than he does by continuing at the siege of Rochelle, which will be interpreted by her subjects that he will come to sue for marriage with a sword imbrued with the blood of those who profess the same religion that here he shall find generally received and favoured. To show that she means nothing but well to the King she offers to mediate between him and his subjects. If the King shall agree herein Horsey may consider whether it will be to good purpose for the help of those of the religion, and so use his discretion to go to the camp and desire to speak with some of the principal of Rochelle, and understand how they like the King's offers; he shall also use some good speech with the Duke to move him to be a furtherer of peace and for the sparing of any further bloodshed, by which doing he will gain great praise and the goodwill of this nation. As for the coming of the Duke he shall determinately conclude that he can give no hope of assurance that it can be grateful to this realm until some other proceedings be seen there in France. He is not to make the Duke's coming utterly desperate until she may see some success of this other matter for their safety that be of the religion. And for that cause as he shall find the state thereof either likely to decline or otherwise to increase, so shall he accommodate himself either to further them with some composition to save them with liberty of their religion, or on the other part he may use more remissness in his dealing for the said composition. As for matters of Scotland, he may say that seeing that they did but dally the time, she came to an agreement with the whole nobility of Scotland. except two or three "petty companions" in the Castle, who for no persuasion would come to any reasonable accord, and at the general request of the three estates in their Parliament sent aid whereby the Castle was reduced and the whole realm restored to a firm and general peace. In all this action she has entered into no new league with Scotland, or gone about to abolish or diminish any league between France and Scotland.
Endd. Pp. 6.
1070. Draft of the first part of the above in the writing of Lord Burghley.
Endd. Pp. 7½.
June. 1071. Siege of Rochelle.
M. Villeroy is expected to return to-day or to-morrow. Preparations for a general assault are made in case the negotiations for peace do not succeed. As for the escalade whilst the townspeople were amused by a feigned attack on the Bastion de L'Evangile, Captain Guasq [Giazzo] and some others with 11 ladders scaled the ramparts on the side of the salt marshes with more than 60 men, but not being followed by any more were driven out by the townspeople with great loss, many gentlemen being killed and wounded.
Fr. P. 1.
June. 1072. [Valentine Dale] to the Queen.
At the coming of Villeroy from Rochelle it was taken for a thing desperate that Rochelle would either be taken by force without a long time, or that peace would be concluded by reason of the escalade which was given during the time of treaty for peace. Since that time on the 23rd inst. M. de Ferragues came from Rochelle in post with certain capitulations, which were very long and much debated in the council, and on the 24th M. de la Mole came with other articles more to the contentment of the King, and this was the present state here at the coming of Mr. Horsey on the 25th instant. Their audience being deferred till the 28th, in the meantime they had conference with the wisest of such as do travail faithfully for the Queen, and namely with Bienvenu, a gentleman for the Duke of Savoy, and with Captain Thomaso, and by much discourse found out that Rochelle is so well fortified, and the soldiers without so much discouraged and weakened by their losses and hurts in their former assaults, and those within so constant and courageous, that the town cannot be taken by force in any short time, and the departure of the King of Poland comes on so fast that the King must be constrained to take such capitulations as are demanded by the town. For the better furtherance whereof, to the intent that the poor men should not think themselves utterly without friends, they devised that it might be notified in the camp, and consequently in the town by means of Thomaso (as of himself), that Mr. Horsey was arrived from Her Majesty in the favour of the cause of religion. On the 26th inst. the Abbot of Guadagno arrived at the court with other letters from Rochelle, and was despatched in all haste the 27th with full resolution to make some end or other. They learn that the difficulty stands only upon the manner of the assurance for the performance of what shall be agreed on, for the King is content to suffer them of Rochelle, Sancerre, and other Protestant towns to have free exercise of religion, and also to remit his garrison, and that M. de la Noue shall be governor of the town for the King, with certain bands appointed and paid by the Rochellois. Gives an account of Mr. Horsey's audience with the King (see June 30) and Queen Mother. They had some other talk touching the attempt of the Count de Retz on Guernsey, and the relief of the Count of Montgomery's wife and children.
Draft. Pp. 10½.
June. 1073. Communication for the French Ambassador.
The Queen having imparted to her council the contents of the last letters sent to her from the Queen Mother, and also the Ambassador's late negotiation with her concerning the coming over of the Duke of Alençon to sue to her for marriage when Rochelle shall be recovered to the King's obedience, she has commanded three or four of her council to make report to him of what has been thought convenient to be considered in this cause. This motion of marriage by the Duke is well allowed and liked both for the greatness of his birth and the friendship of the King and crown of France, and also for the good qualities and virtues of the Duke himself; yet there are many things which carry some show of impediment which it is their office as her counsellors to consider. Her Majesty has already weighed and passed over the lack of his age, but as for the liking of his person that can only be determined by interview, and they as her counsellors do not think this time convenient for the Duke to come, without some things are changed for the better in France. It is well known that when the first motion of marriage was made for M. D'Anjou there was no let so great as the difference of his religion, and since that time how things have been altered in France by the massacres at Paris and other parts of the realm, to increase the difficulty for religion, is over apparent and lamentable to be spoken of, for what else has been done but killing and persecuting all estates of people who favour the religion used in England. Though the King's doings are not to be disputed by them, yet seeing the Duke his brother is offered as their Queen's husband, and that he accompanies his brother the Duke of Anjou by arms to persecute those that favour the Queen's religion, what can they think would ensue of his coming into England from the victory and bloodshed at Rochelle? Though there may be some persuasion that the Duke will not attempt anything prejudicial here, yet the people will not but repine against his coming until there is some moderation of the King's persecution in France. Nothing will more further the Duke's marriage than his forbearing to be an actor in this war, or that the King may recover the obedience of his subjects without bloodshed, by permitting them according to his former edicts to have free exercise of their religion, to bring which thing to pass no prince may do more good than her Majesty.
Draft in Burghley's writing. Pp. 4.
June. 1074. Advices from Italy.
1. Venice, 4 June.—Rumours of the death of the Grand Seignior, and consequent proceedings in Turkey. Capture of corsairs and release of Christian galley slaves.
2. Rome, 27 June 1573.—Oath of fidelity taken by the grandees of Spain to the Prince Ferdinand. At Naples, Don John of Austria has caused a Spaniard who was discovered to be a spy of Occiali's to be drawn in quarters by four galleys.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2½.