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| Feb. |
1304. Affairs of the Low Countries. |
|
1. Captain David, a Flushinger who for four years has dwelt
in Dover by virtue of a commission from the Prince of Orange,
went to sea last month having advertisement that the Duke
of Alva had a ship laden with treasure of gold and arras
which should depart from Dunkirk towards Spain. On the
29th January he took a ship coming from Sluys wherein
was one Rogers of Sandwich, who for certain months past
had served the Duke of Alva, and now under Captain Philippe
serves the Duke del Nova-terra, on whom he found certain
letters and a commission to levy soldiers, and especially
mariners. On the same day David was taken by the bark of
Boulogne and Guerras was sent unto to travail by all means
that he might be sent over to the Duke, for being of Flushing
they think they would so handle him that he should open the
secrets of the town. |
|
2. Rogers has confessed that there were four English ships
which should have victualled Middleburg taken by the Prince,
also that the resolution of the Duke del Nova-terra was to
victual that town and to attempt Flushing, in which place
there was detected an Englishman who had been suborned to
work some treason against the Prince and to burn his ships.
Further that the Duke of Alva should be departed out of
the Low Countries, and that the King of Spain has written
that he would be there this spring. Also that there should
arrive at Dover on the 30th January two men with 1,000
angels for the pay of mariners, for that the ships at Dunkirk
were destitute of men, which two men have departed to
London to speak with Philippe, who on Monday last was
seen at the Royal Exchange all in black apparel after the
manner of a merchant. The names of those who have commission to levy soldiers and mariners for the Duke in England are Prior, who was spoiled last month by Mr. Horsey
Lawles, master of Paris Garden, Philippe, and Rogers. |
|
The six ships that were in the Downs on 25th January
are at Dunkirk; they were made in Brittany for the Duke del
Nova Terra, the least of them of 150 tons and made for war.
Endd. Pp. 2⅓. |
| Feb. 1. |
1305. Dr. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Sends Lord Morley's letter, knows not what he means by the
words "submission" and "other princes." Willed his brother
to advertise him to specify his meaning. If he meant France
he should be sure to have nothing but words; if Spain it was
too much offensive, and could not be without suspicion of evil
meaning. His brother said their money was almost gone, and
they had six persons in company and three horses. The Bishop
of Ross has been with him with commendations of the Queen,
and promise to be a new man. He confessed he had made
request to the King for De la Mothe to be an intercessor for
the Scottish Queen. The Protestants of Languedoc demand
release of their subsidies and the edict of January. The King
has sent answer to them of Le Puy, besieged by the Protestants, that he cannot help them as yet. He speaks to have
men in readiness in Switzerland, and is said to retain 4,000
reiters in Germany. The King would not have the Duke
over strong at the seaside, so has taken the sea coast that was
his appanage, and assigned him Meaux and Maine. They of the
religion mistrust the King prepares himself against them by
sea as well as by land; others think the ships are for the help
of the Prince of Orange. The Prince of Orange has given
commandment to his friends and vassals to forbear to annoy
their neighbours about Avignon, not only the French King's
subjects but also the Pope's. The French report that the
Prince has proffered to put the Low Country in their hands.
It is bruited Montgomery has been at Rochelle or has promised to come thither, therefore some think the King prepares himself. The Duke is newly made lieutenant-general
to the King, and goes shortly to Paris to take his oath.
Glad to hear of his recovery. Poissy, 1 Feb. 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| Jan. 21. |
1306. Lord Morley to [Dr. Dale]. |
|
Being bereaved of all succour out of England, he is driven
to use his means in presenting the Queen his humble submission and service. Is very loth to seek of any prince in Christendom relief and protection unless mere necessity should compel
him thereunto. He is not living that can charge him with
any fact or intention prejudicial to the Queen or his country.
Only his departing from the realm is taken so heinously,
which was in law neither treason or trespass. Can do no
more than be sorry for it and humbly crave her pardon,
seeing the stone which is cast cannot be called back again.
Would be ever bounden to him if he would have conference
with him and vouchsafe to deal for him. Paris, 21 Jan.
1574. Signed.
Copy. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| Feb 1. |
1307. Dr. Valentine Dale to Francis Walsingham and
Sir Thomas Smith. |
|
Sends the same news as that contained in Lord Burghley's
letter of the same date. Poissy, 1 Feb. 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| Feb. 2. |
1308. James Melvil to Lord Burghley. |
|
In respect his brother is charged by the Regent to write
forth of the realm, trusts he will accepts his excuses, and be
assured that he is willing to acquit himself of his duty to him
as far as his ability shall reach. He lives in good hope he
will continue his accustomed favour to him, by putting the
Queen in remembrance how that her benefit and clemency
shewed to him can never be acquitted by word or deed. All
his friends hope he will bestow of his humanity on him in his
suit, if such may be obtained without hurt of the country.
Scotland, 2 Feb. 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 3. |
1309. The Queen to Dr. Valentine Dale. |
|
1. The French Ambassador has at sundry times required her
answer whether she would allow of the coming of the Duke of
Alençon, upon view of the portraiture brought by Randolph. He shall shew the King and Queen Mother that the
cause of her stay in answering proceeded from the fact that
she has had sundry conferences with her Council, being loth
there should fall out discontentment by this marriage, and that
upon the discovery of a late enterprise intended against them
of Rochelle, there is conceived in the hearts of her subjects a new
misliking of the match, therefore she knows not what to resolve.
Their ambassador has received this answer that she could in
no case yield to an open and public interview, for she cannot
be put in any comfort that there will grow any satisfaction
of their persons. He may say that were it not more to satisfy
them, she could in nowise be induced to allow of his coming,
either publicly or privately. For notwithstanding the great
protestations to the contrary, if satisfaction follow not upon
the interview, there is like to ensue thereby disdain and unkindness. If he see these doubts do not stay them, but that
the Duke will needs come over in some disguised sort, he shall
tell the King that the gentleman in whose company he shall
come as one of his followers, may not be of so great quality
as the Duke Montmorency, nor accompanied with any great
train, to avoid suspicion, for that if there follow no liking, the
less touch will it be to both their honors. |
|
2. He is to desire the Queen Mother to join with him in the
furtherance of the suit of a daughter of the Duke of Montpensier
to the King, who is presently in Germany, that by benefit of
the late edict she may enjoy her living in France during the
time of her absence. Hampton Court, 3 Feb. 1573.
Copy. Pp. 2⅓. |
|
1310. Draft of the above.
Endd. P. 6½. |
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1311. Copy of first paragraph of the above.
Endd., with seal. Pp. 1⅓. |
|
1312. Copy of first paragraph.
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Feb. 8. |
1313. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley. |
|
Was yesterday advertised from the Regent of Scotland that
the Queen was minded to send 100 soldiers of this garrison
through Scotland into Ireland. Begs that the captain to be
assigned for that service may be named, and not referred
hither by general words, for there are none who of themselves
will seek to serve there. Captains Pickman and Wood have
been trained in the service there. Thinks this way not so
ready as to take shipping at Workington, which is a shorter
march by land. Berwick, 8 Feb. 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Feb. 11. |
1314. Massacre of St. Bartholomew. |
|
Order by the King for recompense to Thierry Badonaire for
certain goods taken in his house at Paris on the day of Saint
Bartholomew, 1572. St. Germain's, 11 Feb. 1574.
Copy. Fr. P. ⅓. |
| Feb. 12. |
1315. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Lord Morley has been to him and said he is the lothest man
in the world to be out of the Queen's favour. He protested he
had but six crowns, and has not wherewithal to make a penny
but with two or three horses. Thinks he bears a very good
heart unto Her Majesty. He is persuaded he cannot lack
either here, in Spain, or with the Emperor, and means have
been made to retain him in the Low Country. Persuaded
him that for no extremity he seek to any but to the Queen.
Sends a copy of his request. The sickness of the King is
thought dangerous by his paleness, his testiness, and his
shortness of breath. By this occasion the faction grows
between the Guises and the friends of the Duke. The Guises
make themselves as left for the preservation of the right of the
King of Poland. There is some practice to keep the Duke from
the government, who grows in credit generally, and namely
with the Protestants. St. Supplice brings the King word
from Rochelle that they will not join with them of Languedoc,
nor receive strangers. Maugeron is gone to pacify them of
Languedoc, in the meantime they have sent for bands of menat-arms. The preparation of ships was for fear that they of
Rochelle or Normandy would receive Montgomery. The
Spanish Ambassador has moved the Queen Mother upon
occasion of certain men gone of late out of Champagne to the
service of the Prince of Orange, and the great joy the French
make upon the victory of that Prince. The Pope's secretary is
departed with grant of passage for men to Avignon. Beseeches
him to signify to the Queen the dutiful kindness he conceives
of her grant of the deanery of Wells. The King of Poland is
arrived in his dominions at a town called Miseris; some jest
at the allusion of the name. Poissy, 12 Feb. 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾. |
| Feb. 12. |
1316. Lord Morley's Request to Dale. |
|
Desires him to offer the Queen his submission and service,
beseeching her to pardon that which is past, and to restore
him and his to their former estate, and to remit the two
years rent she demands of the tenants, which his son has
spent in attending upon her. Beseeches her consideration
of his chattels she has bestowed on others, without which
he cannot give his children bread, seeing his estate is so tied
that he cannot sell any part thereof. As he cannot maintain
himself according to his estate, he would crave the Queen's
licence to remain in some place for two or three years to live
privately and spare his purse. Would not absent himself
from her service but for these considerations. Prays him
make the Lord Treasurer and the Earl of Leicester privy
hereof.
Endd. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| Feb. |
1317. Goods of English Merchants. |
|
Petition to the King of France praying for payment of corn
supplied by two English merchants called Warcup and Nutshawe for the army before Rochelle.
Fr. P. 2/3. Enclosure. |
| Feb. 12. |
1318. Dr. Dale to Francis Walsingham. |
|
Will try whether they mean to please in the suit of Mr.
Warcup and others. Has put the money delivered to the
advocate of Picardy in his extraordinaries, and will order
Dr. Forth to pay him (Walsingham) back upon the receipt
thereof.—Poissy, 12 Feb. 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Feb. 16. |
1319. John Dymock to Lord Burghley. |
|
His great need and misery constrains him not only to
crave his help, but to pray that he will be good to him and
all Her Majesty's subjects who are in the King of Sweden's
dominions, so that they may be otherwise used than hitherto.
They are no more esteemed but like the slaves who are
captives to the barbarians. Has been kept prisoner for three
years and eight months at the suit of the Lady Cecilia, the
King's sister, who has untruly and unjustly reported of him
and said the like talk of the Queen. Although the Queen
has sent three several letters and certified the perfect truth,
and he has the certificates of the Admiralty, the Lord Mayor
of London, and Benedict Spinola, for the matter of the Lady
Cecilia, the King and his council have given more credit to
her false report. They are repulsed out of the Court like
dogs. The King is indebted to one English merchant 70,000
dollars, and has seized ships and goods belonging to another
to the value of 45,000 dollars, for which they can get nothing
but promises. The King has promised him that he shall be
talked with and have an end, but it is but driving off, they
hoping that hearty sorrow will kill him as it has done others.
Has been informed that they are not minded that he shall
ever depart, for fear he shall procure some hurt to the King
and his realm for the great wrongs and evil usage that they
have done to him. Has made it known to the King what he
did for him when King Eric kept him prisoner and he was
condemned to die in getting the Queen of England's letters
in his favour. The young King of Scots has sent over and
not only procured that a number of his subjects in Sweden
should be set at liberty, but also had the King's bonds for
the payment of all their wages. If such a poor nation can
fear this King in such manner, what cannot the Queen of
England do for her subjects. Begs therefore that she will
send over some wise and learned gentleman, which will be
much to her honour.—Stockholm, 16 Feb. 1574. Signed.
Add., with seal. Pp. 3½. |
| Feb. 19. |
1320. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has advertised the Queen of his doings at his first audience
since the receipt of her letter. Knows not how long it will
be before there is any resolution taken on their great suit.
There are as many soldiers as may be found of the old bands
gathered to pass to Languedoc, where St. Supplice is to be sent
to continue the treaty for pacification. Men cannot tell what
to make of the King's sickness; he is now up, now down.—
Poissy, 19 Feb. 1573. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Feb. [19]. |
1321. Dr. Dale to the Queen. |
|
Upon receipt of her letter had access to the King, then
sick in bed and somewhat weak. Declared her great affection towards the continuance of the amity, and her doubts
lest the present request for the interview might breed the
contrary of that she desired, and also the way she judged
to be most agreeable with the conservation of her honour.
The King answered coldly, thanking her infiniment for her
good affection, and said he would declare his resolution in
three or four days. Then moved her desire for the daughter
of the Duke of Montpensier. The King said her father was
so offended with her that he would not be contented she
should have any relief, yet he would devise to help her
without his knowledge. Turned then to the Queen Mother,
who said she could not tell how her son might come
unknown, but would have conference and commune further
of the matter; she would be glad to help the daughter of the
Duke of Montpensier. In the meantime happened the
insolent fact of the Duke of Guise which he has expressed at
large, by means whereof when he was to have had audience
yesterday he was told they could not attend thereunto.
Doubting this brabble might breed some long delay thought
it his duty to advertise her.—Poissy, Feb. 1573.
Copy. Endd. Pp. 3. Enclosure. |
| Feb. 16. |
1322. Fray between the Duke of Guise and Vantabran. |
|
1. The 16th February the Queen Mother went to the
chamber of M. de la Mole to search for St. John, brother of
the Count Montgomery. When she found nothing she went
to the cabinet of the Duke and tarried with him examining
the matter. |
|
2. The same day the Duke of Guise meeting Vantabran,
sometimes his servant and great executioner of his fury at the
time of the massacre, drew his sword upon him in the court
and was like to slay him had not Vantabran thrust a lacquey
between. Suddenly Guise ran to the King and complained that
Vantabran had discovered to him how he was moved by Montmorency to slay him [Guise], and because he did not believe
him, being assured of Montmorency's good friendship, and
being offended with him for his slanderous report, did strike
him as a lewd fellow. De la Mole, being kinsman to Vantabran, came to the King's chamber and told Guise he might
have forborne to have stricken him in the King's castle. "Yea,"
quoth M. de Guise, "and if thou hadst been there I would have
done ten times as much to thee as I did to him." Whereupon
when De la Mole began to multiply words with Guise, M. the
Duke being present bade him hold his peace and let him alone
with that quarrel, he should not take any wrong at any of
their hands. Upon this Vantabran was committed to prison
and examined straitly as a criminal. Such parties taken in
the Court, such banding, some with the Duke, some with the
Guises, and some with Montmorency, that men doubt what
might be the end, namely what might come of Montmorency.
The jealousy is much increased against the Duke to keep him
from government. The Guises are much countenanced by
the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine, who are about the Queen
Mother. The poor man is like to suffer to appease the quarrel
between the Guises and Montmorency. He shall be charged
that he did attempt to draw his sword in the Court, when
Guise did hurt him, which in Guise is thought a small
fault.
Endd. Pp. 1½. Enclosure. |
| Feb. 19. |
1323. Dr. Dale to Sir Thomas Smith and Francis Walsingham. |
|
Has sent this despatch that the Queen may know why
there is no resolution taken in the great matter, and to
give advertisement of this new accident that troubles the
Court, and not unlikely to trouble all the realm. Has, as
particularly as he could, expressed the circumstances of this
late quarrel, that it may be considered what is like to
follow of it. Men cannot tell what to make of the sickness
of the King—Poissy, 19 Feb. 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 20. |
1324. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley and Sir
Walter Mildmay. |
|
1. Has by Rowland Johnson received their letters, by which
he perceives that they would be particularly advertised of
every ruinous place in the walls of the town, with an estimate of the charges thereof. Sends a survey of the decays of
the old wall, with an estimate of the charges to repair the same.
Thanks his Lordship for the order taken touching the officers'
allowances in the works. It may be that some at the Court
may require to have prests to be there delivered upon their
fees payable here; the truth is, there are none there but by
anticipation will be and always are beforehand with their
pays, and therefore he requests that no money may be
delivered to them before certificate from him of the sums due
to them. Their opposite neighbours are in good and quiet
conservance. The Regent has put to the horn the Earl of
Argyle, with the countess, late the wife of the Regent James,
for certain jewels belonging to their late Queen, and the
Earl gives his diligent attendance at Edinburgh, but as yet
can obtain no respite therein.—Berwick, 20 Feb. 1573. |
|
2. P.S.—Desires licence for the shipping of certain grain
from Lynn. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¼. |
| Feb. |
1325. Fortifications of Berwick. |
|
A brief declaration of the special decayed places upon the
walls at Berwick, towards the sea and the river Tweed, with
an estimate of the necessary charges for their repair, amounting altogether to 1,643l.; also a further estimate for scaffolding and smiths' wages, amounting to 80l. 5s. 8d. Signed
by Browne and Johnson.
Endd. Pp. 2. Enclosure. |
| Feb. 22. |
1326. Commission by the Queen. |
|
Authorises Sir Thomas Smith, Sir Walter Mildmay, and
Drs. Wilson, Lewis, and [Ardra], to treat for the compounding of all difficulties that have arisen from the detention of
ships and goods in England and the Low Countries, and
making arrangements for mutual restitution or compensation.
—Hampton Court, 22 Feb. 1574.
Draft. Endd. Lat. Pp. 1½. |
| Feb. 23. |
1327. Lord Burghley to Sir Valentine Browne and others. |
|
Having lately granted to George Beverley a patent of the
customership of Berwick, he is now informed by Robert
Mainwaring and Robert Ardern that the same George is
descended of Scottish parentage and born within Scotland,
and so not admittable by the statutes and orders of the town
of Berwick to exercise any public office there, and also that
he has usurped the name of Beverley. Requires them to
cause a just trial to be made in this matter, and thereof to
send him knowledge under their hands.—From the Court,
23 Feb. 1573. Signed.
P. 1. |
| Feb. |
1328. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Prays him to send for Doctor Forth, to the end he may
perceive his lordship's last speech to him was in the way of
admonition and not of displeasure. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. P. ½. |
| Feb. |
1329. Occurrents in France. |
|
The treatment is such that those who have returned to the
mass can only expect entire ruin. The deed of M. de la
Noüe is so offensive to the King that he has sworn that when
he has taken Rochelle to kill all those who have carried arms.
The King has not more than 6,000 cavalry and seven regiments of foot, 2,000 to the regiment, badly accoutred. The
want of money is so great that the King is forced to make
unreasonable taxes, which have exasperated the Papists
against the government.
Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
