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| [Nov.] |
1587. Instructions for Dr. Wilson. |
|
At his access to the Governor after the delivery of the
Queen's letters he is to declare in her name how desirous she
is that the ancient traffic between her subjects and the King's
might be restored to its former perfection and integrity; and
he may say that if others had taken the course which he has
done since he has been placed in that government the late
unkindness had never happened, or at least not remained so
long. He is also to desire that the edict lately set forth
which debars merchants from passing up the Scheldt may be
removed, which is so prejudicial to her merchants that they
will be driven to withdraw their traffic from thence; as all
inconvenience that may be objected against so doing may be
avoided by the merchants giving bonds. He is to desire him
to give order that all her rebels, fugitives, and traitors in the
Low Countries may avoid his government in accordance with
treaty. He may also tell him that she thinks that the late
unkindness between her and her good brother had ere this
been removed, had not the impediment grown from these
pernicious and lewd instruments. Thirdly, he is to let him
understand how sorry she is to the great miseries the Low
Countries have sustained through civil war, and how glad she
would be to do all good offices for their pacification. Fourthly,
he is to ask that her subjects may be permitted in the English
house privately to use the common prayer, showing him the
inconveniencies that would grow to have so many without
any exercise of religion, the high way to make them atheists
and void of all religion, the only stay of upright and consciensionable dealing in their trade. Lastly, he is to recommend
to him such of the merchants' causes as seem reasonable and
most agreeable to justice, and especially he is to recommend
Pullison's case, from whom he shall receive information how
the matter stands.
Draft corrected by Burghley. Endd. Pp. 7. |
| Nov. 3. |
1588. Dr. Dale to Francis Walsingham. |
|
Never saw a thing better done in his life than his penning
of Lord North's instructions. If it would please the Queen to
work somewhat in deeds withal, it might work some good
effect. Prays him to be careful of him for his allowance,
begins to run deeply on the score already. Thanks him for
advertisement touching the good bishop here, will be as near
to him as possibly he may. He has presented a book to the
King, with pestilent persuasions to take upon himself the
protection of the Scottish Queen. Lord North brings a copy
with him, who has so charmed the bishop since he came hither,
that if he had any care of his mistress' well doing, he would
forbear to danger both her and her cause, but he cannot well
but be like himself.—Lyons, 3 Nov. 1574. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| Nov. 3. |
1589. John Stourton to Lord Burghley. |
|
Thinks he will very well like of the ambassador's entertainment. Hopes his lordship's return will be about the last of
the month. Craves continuance of his accustomed goodness
to him.—Lyons, 3 Nov. 1574. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Nov. 4. |
1590. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
The double dealing of the Scots is very warily to be foreseen. The Bishop of Ross has made a book to persuade the
King to put his hand to the delivery of the Scottish Queen.
Lord North brings a copy with him; he has willed the bishop
to be well aware of practices if he love his mistress' life or
welfare, sed simia semper erit simia. Lord North is taken
in this Court for a perfect courtisan and a wise man. The
readiness and perfectness of his Italian tongue stands him in
very good stead, and the King and Queen Mother both spake
with him in Italian. He has done his ambassade fully
according to his instructions, and has had as good entertainment and fair words as may be. The King says he is desirous
of peace, and he would gladly that the Marshals might clear
themselves. The Queen Mother is nothing behind, but adds
always somewhat of her own good disposition. Twenty-two
towns in Languedoc are said to have withdrawn themselves
from the government of M. Danville, and submitted to other
governors appointed by the King. It is known to be no
great matter, and it is reported that Danville is in the field
with good forces. The deputies of Rochelle have arrived in
Court, and have made a request to have a surcease of arms
during the time of treaty for a pacification, which thing the
King will none of. He says it is but a policy to prepare
themselves, and weary the King with the payment of the
soldiers he has in readiness. He prepares three camps, one
in Dauphiny under the Prince Dauphin, one in Provence
and Languedoc under M. de Retz, and the third in Poitou
with the Duke of Montpensier. Fregoso and Schomberg
are sent into Germany to practise the stay of the reiters
which are to come to the Prince of Condé. Liancourt is sent
to persuade the Prince himself with all the promises and
proffers that may be. Lord North is like to have his
despatch within these three days.—Lyons, 4 Nov. 1574.
Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Nov. 4. |
1591. Thomas Wilkes to Francis Walsingham. |
|
Assures him the Queen Mother has her authority as ample
as ever, using that art with this that she did with the late
King. It seems that his travel has little augmented his
knowledge, and his capacity is far inferior to the others. He
is more in shew and countenance than Charles was, but far
more simple. The greatest matters are carried away by the
Queen Mother and the Chancellor, and Chiverny serves for a
third person with a "yea" or a "nay" to confirm or deny what
they will do or undo. The other part of the Council is divided
from them, urging peace, but those three with all their power
persuade war, so that the King floats between the storm and
the rock. The Queen Mother's pestiferous counsel enchants
him. The present misery of him and his country appals him.
He has lately determined to be in person at the expugnation
of such towns as he means to besiege in Provence and Languedoc. Lord North's negotiation was looked to have been
hotter upon so round a letter as the Queen's was to the Queen
Mother. They laugh at it in their sleeve and seem to feel
the Queen's disposition as though they had practised her
20 years. Having had the opinion of her that her late letter
gave them, they do now indeed rather contemn than any
way doubt them.—Lyons, 4 Nov. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 8. |
1592. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Lord North has dealt earnestly for justice to the Queen's
subjects. Delivered the King remembrances of those matters,
which he said he would peruse himself. Can have no more
but promise of all things, it will appear in short time what
the deeds will be. Does not know what good may be done
or what honesty a man shall have to deal for Nutshawe,
Warcup, and the others, having nothing to shew but their own
complaints. Touching the Queen's matters, the Queen Mother
harps on her old string, but whether she be out of hope by
her former dealings, or doubts whether the King dare trust
so far, cannot well judge. Cannot tell what it may mean
that the King makes so great demonstration of desire of the
Queen's amity, and yet makes no mention of the renovation of
the league. Knows not whether he seeks no more than a ne
noceat. They of the religion have taken a strong isle upon the
Rhone two leagues above Avignon. Danville possesses the whole
passage from the sea to Avignon. By land the reiters have
wasted all. The company of M. Seure with a band of 300 or
400 footmen have been very lately defeated by them of the religion. The Prince Dauphin is come away from the camp very
much miscontented, and now they are without a head, and it
is very likely the soldiers do scatter. These things have
turned the King's voyage again from Avignon. Has desired
Lord North to put him in remembrance of his dispensation,
and confer with him for the discharge of his first fruits, and
to feel whether he might put the Queen in remembrance to
think of some to succeed in his place against the spring. Has
assured Lord Henry Seymour of his good will in his cause,
and is glad he is so good a husband.—Lyons, 8 Nov. 1574.
Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| [Nov. 8.] |
1593. Dr. Dale to the Queen. |
|
Lord North's negotiation serves to divers good purposes.
They of the religion understanding she takes care of them
cannot but conceive great comfort and courage, either to stand
to their defence, or else to make the more indifferent composition. The opinion of her to be a principal protector of
religion conveyed through all Christendom cannot but be
much increased when the world shall know the intent of her
ambassade. When the King shall thoroughly consider that
she joins in intercession with the rest of the Princes Protestant, he may have good cause to bethink himself what may
ensue if her mediation take no place, and may be unfeignedly
induced to seek peace and quietness. Lord North could go no
farther than he has done. He has much outward demonstration, and very large promises of great affection to her, and
grant in word of those things he required. The Queen
Mother has shewn herself very desirous of a more strait
alliance, so that if the King be a prince of his word this
labour must be well bestowed. When Lord North took his
leave, had occasion conveniently to do his duty to Monsieur.
Said nothing but that he was to do him service. He said
nothing but wrung him by the arm, the old token between
them, as one that would say, et cupio et timeo. Will deligently observe the action of the King and advertise her from
time to time. Lord North makes as much speed for his
return as he did hitherward. Prays God long to continue her
prosperous reign, which being conferred with other princes'
governments is a felicity for them that are under it.
Copy. Pp. 3¼. |
| Nov. 8. |
1594. Dr. Dale to Sir Thomas Smith and Francis Walsingham. |
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As he has no proofs for the suits of the merchants, he will
tell the King that as Warcup and Nutshawe can have no
satisfaction, the rest of the merchants are utterly in despair
to make any suit until they see something done with effect
in these matters. They of the religion have taken a place
upon the river called Caderouse, which is more annoyance for
the passage down the river than was Pouzin. It is thought
that they will have every day worse news of Lusignan. The
Prince Dauphin is come back from Dauphiny, neither has he
credit there nor is credited here. Strozzi is gone down in
that country with some countenance to persuade Danville,
but indeed as evil contented as the rest. De Carses who was
lieutenant in Provence is joined to Danville, who is master
of all the river from the sea to Avignon. The deputies of
Rochelle are departed.—Lyons, 8 Nov. 1574. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 8. |
1595. Thomas Wilkes to Francis Walsingham. |
|
It was his fortune to be in the King's chamber, about a
quarter of an hour before Lord North had his second audience,
where he heard the King devise with the Admiral and
Maugiron. His discourse tended to a kind of scorning, and
how the Queen of England was not so dangerous a creature
as she was deemed, and how this English Ambassador had
brought him many fair terms from his mistress, and with a
kind of flowting countenance that she was not to be feared,
and so forth. What confirms this kind of contempt is that
he made no mention of any renewing of the league in any of
their audiences. Lord North's entertainment has been but
ordinary. Perceives they wax every day colder, and all they
can do will kindle no fire. St. Auban assures him that the
Queen might follow the example of the Duke of Savoy and
obtain Calais, if she would seem to strive but a little. The
Duke of Nevers' remonstrance to have persuaded the King not
to have rendered the towns is a rare thing penned.—Lyons,
7 Sept. (sic) 1574. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 8. |
1596. Dr. Dale to Francis Walsingham. |
|
It passes his capacity to judge what it means that the King
is neither in hand with the old matter for his brother, nor
yet for the renewing of the league, using otherwise such
great words of affection. By the occurrents that happen
daily the King has good cause to be desirous of the Queen's
amity, for all things go backward with him. If any strangers
should come for them of the religion the King should not
know where to turn himself.—Lyons, 8 Nov. 1574. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| Nov. 16. |
1597. Roger Bodenham to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Wrote to him at his arrival at Lisbon. At his first
coming to the Court of Spain at Madrid was not a little afraid
because one Segar Blacknol and a young man of Bristol were
carried away at midnight out of their lodgings by justice,
and in their company a servant of the Duchess of Feria's,
being kept close prisoners, and Bodenham was warned not
to enquire for them; also there was taken one that named
himself to be Lord Audley. He had been here before and
went for England, and as is reported here he was rewarded
there with 50l. at the Queen's hands for a number of lies that
he told. He says that he came out of Ireland with letters
from all the lords of Ireland to the King to request him to
send and they would yield the country to him. They have
found his knavery here and will give him punishment according to his deserving. They have also taken Alderman Lee's son
of London. It was reported that they were spies and came
to kill the King, others said that they were Lutherans. Was
at first in doubt to go abroad, but afterwards did as much as
he durst for them. Stuckley and the counterfeit Don John
de Mendosa, who came out of Ireland, were their accusers.
Thinks that it was for matters of the Inquisition. There is
so much trouble and danger by the Inquisitors that if remedy
be not provided there will be no coming for the English
there. They would gladly be rid of Stuckley from the Court.
The loss of the Goletta on the 26 or 27 August is the greatest
that came to Spain these 100 years. The King is marvel
lously indebted and clean without money, and Bodenham
thinks that the realm is not able to redeem what he owes.
Had some talk with Secretary Cayas by reason of a suit he
had concerning his trade into the Indies, and found him as he
was a half priest by his order, so he was a whole priest in
will. The priests have the whole government of the realm
and the whole estate of the King in their hands, and procure
that all the noblemen of Spain shall take priests to be their
secretaries. They work to maintain their kingdom, and
mortally hate England whatsoever they do or say to the
contrary. It will never be otherwise until the controversy
for religion be taken away and these men's hearts open to
confess the truth; the which they will defend so long as they
may, notwithstanding that they manifestly see that by their
obstinacy and pride they have brought the King into marvellously great troubles. If the Goletta had not been lost the
army which was at Laredo would have done something in
the matter of Ireland. Thinks they may do with Spain even
as they will. |
|
2. The King of Portugal made a great brag to conquer the
whole of Barbary, and as the King of Spain refers all his
doings to his Council so the King of Portugal will do all as he
lists of himself, and so went to Tangiers, where he found the
Moors too strong and so was fain to return. Was requested
to take in hand an enterprise for the King, which he refused.
The pretence is that one Cotterel and another should have
gone from England or otherwise have got on English ships
with a good number of Englishmen well appointed, and so go
to Cabo de Gerra [Cape Agner] to Santa Cruz with merchandise and sell some goods there, and by the way as they should
go to take some Portugal carricks and sell the men to the
Moors to get the more credit, and so being there always in
readiness when the King's army came there should fly aland
and aid him to take the fort at Cabo de Gerra. The cause of
the King's going was that having that fort the whole trade of
Barbary would be in his hand and licence. |
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3. P.S.—There is a great trade of Bretons in this town of
St. Lucar. They make great haste to despatch certain ships
from hence laden with wines and other things for Ireland,
where they provide the Queen's enemies and rebels with
such things as they have need of, therefore it will not be
amiss to keep the coasts and cause them to go to some Dutch
port.—St. Lucar. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3¼. |
| Nov. 20. |
1598. John Lesley, Bishop of Ross, to Lord Burghley. |
|
Repaired last month to Lyons to present such letters as
the Queen his mistress had written to the King, and is
returned now to attend to his accustomed study and contemplation. The Queen his mistress assigned him to have payment of certain debts he had contracted in England for her
service, of those deniers she should have of the King's pension,
which he has suited for, yet could recover nothing. To
obtain the King's benevolence, made a little oration to congratulate him, wherein is contained some little discourse of
the Queen his mistress and of her country, only to the intent
to move him to entreat the Queen of England for her good
entertainment and liberty, not by force of arms but by
amiable request. Sends a copy of the same by Lord North,
which he prays him read and consider, and inform the Queen
of his sincere meaning. His only meaning was to procure
favour and quietness for the Queen his mistress and his
native country, and relief for themselves that are in exile
and necessity. Prays him to have his old suit in recommendation, to be restored by help of the Queen to his old
living in Scotland.—Paris, 20 Nov. 1574. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| Nov. 23. |
1599. Henry the Third, King of France, to Francis
Walsingham. |
|
Prays him to do always all those good offices he has been
accustomed to perform, to preserve the ancient peace and
friendship between France and England.—Avignon, 23
Nov. 1574. Signed: Henri. Pinart.
Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. Fr. P. ½. |
| Nov. 23. |
1600. Catherine de Medicis to Francis Walsingham. |
|
Has always found him so well disposed to the continuance
and confirmation of the ancient good peace and friendship
between the two kingdoms, that she is sure he will be ever
ready to employ himself in that behalf with good zeal
and devotion.—Avignon, 23 Nov. 1574. Signed: Caterine.
Pinart.
Add. Endd. by Walsingham. Fr. P. ½. |
| Nov. 26. |
1601. Thomas Copley to Dr. Wilson. |
|
Though he cannot in all things conform himself to the
religion now liked in England, if he will command his
services he will find the same ready to the uttermost of his
power. Thinks.himself the rather bound to do so by the
singular favour the Queen has shown him in licensing his
wife to come over to him.—Brussels, 26 Nov. 1574. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Wilson: "12 Dec. 74. This man Copley
privately has declared to me of a book made against our
sovereign's right and title to the crown, which I have desired
to see by his means." P. 1. |
| Nov. 27. |
1602. The Regent of Scotland to the Earl of Huntingdon. |
|
Lord Scrope, warden of the West March, has kept meetings
with their officers, and has proceeded in justice in redress of
attempts, as in the delivery of the receivers of the fugitives.
The like affection has not appeared in Sir John Forster for
the Middle March, wherein thieves are not only maintained,
but the late meeting appointed with him failed in his default,
to the great encouraging of wicked and disordered people.
Wishes that Sir John have admonition from him to proceed
in justice with greater forwardness.—Dalkeith, 27 Nov. 1574.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| Nov. 27. |
1603. The Regent of Scotland to Sir (sic) Francis Walsingham. |
|
Prays to know so far as he have intelligence the name of
that Scottish man who spoke the French Ambassador in the
matters written by him, and whether he passed through to
France or returned to Scotland. The minds of the noblemen
are difficult to know, they do not as yet alter from their
promised obedience to the King. Takes the gentleman who
has the King's custody to be sure and honest. Wishes the
messenger of the French Ambassador that is to be sent here
were terrified of the danger of the plague, with which their
chief towns are now troubled. The infection is not great,
but likely in short space to take end. Cannot see how the
messenger can be stayed, but his advantage in practice shall
not be great.—Dalkeith, 27 Nov. 1574. Signed.
Partly in cipher. Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
|
1604. Decipher of the ciphered part of the preceding letter.
P. 1. |
| Nov. 28. |
1605. Geoffry Preston to Lord Burghley. |
|
Since his arrival in Germany certain great and liberal
offers of entertainment have been made to him in the name
of the Lord Charles, born inheritor of the crown of Sweden,
of which he, considering his duty to his native country, could
not pretermit once again before anything were concluded to
make a declaration. Desires his lordship to let him understand whether it pleases the Queen and the Lords of the
Council to treat with his Highness, as in his former letters is
specified, or not. Has been advertised of the great dissension
between the two brothers, the Earls of East Friesland, and
finds that the younger, who is a retainer of England, will not
be able to do the realm any service unless he agree first with
his elder brother, who has the chief government, and therefore
is the pension given in vain unless the elder be in like case
entertained. Having occasion to remain in Germany this
whole winter about his master's affairs, if he can in any case
be serviceable to his gracious Princess he will be found in
effect faithful and willing.—Emden, 28 Nov. 1574. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 12/3. |
