Elizabeth: April 1575

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 11, 1575-1577. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1880.

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'Elizabeth: April 1575', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 11, 1575-1577, (London, 1880) pp. 41-50. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol11/pp41-50 [accessed 18 March 2024]

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April 1575

April. 81. League between England and France.
Agreement between the commissioners of England and France for the renewal of the treaty of Blois.
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
April 1. 82. The Earl of Morton to Walsingham.
Thanks him for his letter of March 23 with the foreign occurrents. Desires to understand whether there is any likelihood of any personage to be sent hither, or of any answer and resolution at all to the matters hereto-before written by him, seeing so long time has past without any certainty thereanent. Finds good justice on all the frontiers saving in the Middle March, under Sir John Forster, where the King's rebels and outlaws are reset and entertained, to the great annoyance of his good subjects, which dealings he wishes may be remedied. Scotland is in good quiet. At the late convention there was a reconciliation of all their differences, chiefly with the Duke's sons, who are now as obedient as any others in the realm. The occasion of controversy with the Earl of Argyle and his lady is likewise removed. Certain persons nominated by the Estates are in hand to draw their ecclesiastical policy, as also a uniform and compendious order of the laws.—Dalkeith, 1 April 1575. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
April 2. 83. Suit of Charlotte de Bourbon.
To be a means to her Majesty to give order to her ambassador to solicit his business according to such remembrances as he shall send him.
In the handwriting of Walsingham. P. 1/8.
April 5. 84. Madame Charlotte de Maille to Walsingham.
Thanks him for his kindness to her daughter, the Comtesse de Montgomery. Prays him give her the 500 livres that she sends for her, and which she regrets is not more.—Paris, 5 April 1575. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
April 7. 85. Requests of M. Boischot.
For answer to the King of Spain's letter, and to his demand thereupon. For the execution of justice against Captain Malme in the behalf of John Calvetti.
In the handwriting of Walsingham. Endd. P. ¼.
April 8. 86. The Commendator of Castile to Count Swartzenburg.
Has received his letter containing his opinion about this proposed pacification, and is sure that it will be most pleasing to the King to know of his good affection towards him. A truce would not be convenient for the affairs of the King, though one of two months might be treated for if in the meanwhile they would cease the exercise of the religion in Holland and Zealand, and its ministers would depart elsewhere. Hopes that his journey to the Emperor may be prosperous, and thanks him in the King's name for the trouble that he has undergone for the state.—Antwerp, 8 April 1575.
Copy of the signature and address. Endd. by Burghley. Copy. Lat. P. 1.
April 9. 87. Requests of M. Boischot.
That the supplication sent to the Queen and the specification joined thereunto may be set forward, and such order be taken as by treaty and reason is meet. That whereas the Spanish merchants have sustained loss by arresting and sale of their goods under colour and pretence that the goods were belonging to the Portugals, they may have reason done them without delay. That the Queen may give him answer to those letters he brought and to his requests at his first audience.
Endd. by Walsingham. P. ⅓.
April 10. 88. Comte de Meru to Lord Burghley.
Begs to be advertised of his state of health. Understands that the affairs of them of the religion progress favourably —10th April. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. Fr. P. ⅓.
April 11. 89. Dr. Dale to [Lord Burghley.]
1. The Viscount of Touraine follows Count Martinengo, who has taken upon him to the King to seek out M. Danville wheresoever he be, in revenge that he named this Count in his protestation. This was one of the occasions that the Viscount did stir to the aid of his uncle M. Danville. During these Easter festivities, the King, the Guises and their followers went from the Queen Mother's house where they lay to St. Martin's. The Queen Mother remained almost deserted. The Duchess of Guise is in hand for her children to have some partage for Bretagne in the right of the Duchess' mother, the Duchess of Ferrara, which is a great attempt. The Duke of Ferrara her brother joins with her. His ambassador lately fell out foully with the Queen Mother for the controversy of precedence with the ambassador of Florence, and so that party gathers stomach daily. The matter of the Queen being with child is done, for she has been sick of a contrary disease; she has a grief in her breast, which some say is like to breed to cancer. Here is a miserable scarcity of money, the King sends three several ambassadors with gages to the Pope, the Venetians, and the Duke of Savoy for 200,000 crowns to send into Poland. Marshal Bellegarde is fair to stay his voyage into Poland till he can get money. The Queen Blanche cannot depart for lack of money to pay her servants. All the household is to pay for seven months, and many times tables unserved. The Duke D'Uzes sends word he cannot keep that country unless he have a pay very shortly. Pont St. Esprit upon the Rhone was of late like to be taken by them of the religion. The Duke D'Uzes has executed certain, but not quenched the matter. The Chancellor has procured the Parisians to make plain declaration that they are well contented to burden themselves for the relief of the King, but they do join this declaration withal that Montmorency be not delivered. "If he loved us not before," say they, "what will he do now if he come to liberty, seeing the evil will we have showed against him during his imprisonment."? The voyage of Marquis D'Elbœuf into Poland is broken, and none goes hither, but Bellegarde and Pibrac. Has nothing of Chiverny for their matters, but messages from day to day of excuse with fair words, by like they tarry to hear from La Chastre.— Paris, 11th April 1575. Signed.
2. P.S.—There is a young man here who says that two young scholars of late here, and now returned to England, whose names are John and Thomas Francis, born at Wickham, in Kent, did report that one Griffith, who is now here, son to Mr. Griffith, clerk of the Chancery, should speak lewd words against the Queen's title. Griffith understanding which, has repaired to him to purge himself. The young man affirmed he heard the two scholars make the said report, whereupon he charged this Griffith upon his duty he owes the Queen, and as he would avoid her displeasure to be forthcoming.
Pp. 1½.
[April.] 90. Deputies from them of the Religion.
The deputies are all come saving La Nocle. They have as yet not entered into any treaty, but tarried his coming. He has been sick and is looked for daily. They have officers of the Court to attend upon them as it were, but indeed to watch them. They are practised severally. They of Rochelle are promised what they will have for themselves, the Prince of Condé likewise for himself, they of the religion in like manner, so they will sever themselves from Danville. The deputies say they concluded upon their demands at Basle, from which they have promised not to depart by any persuasion. The effect whereof consists in, first, to have free exercise of religion; secondly, restitution of such as either are imprisoned or absent to their liberty, honours, goods, and estates, with a solemn revocation of the sentences and executions passed against the admiral and others at the time of the massacre; thirdly, to have sufficient assurance for the observation of the premises. They have appointed to give Dale advertisement from time to time of their doings, thanking the Queen for the care she has of them.
Enclosure P. 2/3.
91. Names of deputies.
Names of the deputies mentioned above sent from from Languedoc, Rochelle, the Prince of Condé and Danville.
Fr. P. 2/3. Enclosure.
April 11. 92. Dr. Dale to [Lord Burghley.]
1. The Queen, the Guises and their mother the Duchess of Nemours make themselves so strong against the Queen Mother and Monsieur, that the Queen Mother begins to be desirous to set her son in credit for her own sake, fearing she shall lack assistance. Monsieur had a letter conveyed to him by one unknown, to beware and to take heed to himself for there was present matter in hand against him. The Duchess of Guise fell down on her knees to the Queen Mother, exclaiming that men were about to despatch the King, and the Guises her sons. The Queen Mother perceived the fetch, and gives the more countenance to her son. She is offended with the king of Navarre, that he suffered himself to be abused by the Guises. Hitherto the Queen Mother does well amongst them, and takes upon her to bear the stroke openly, yet are there privy dealings daily between the King and the Guises that she likes not of. There was one found in the King's chamber with a dag charged, what to make of it no man can tell, nor by whom he was subornated. Hears they are sorry they slayed Nat Wilks now Meru's man is escaped so clean. It may be an encouraging to the King's officers to be the bolder with him if he come in their walk another time. Has had conference with him, that was with him at Lyons from the Prince of Condé, and with the rest of the deputies.—Paris, 11th April 1575. Signed.
2. P.S.—The deputies from Danville begin to distrust La Nocle; does all he can to persuade them to unity.
Pp. 1¾.
April 13. 93. Memorial for Sir William Melvil.
After he has delivered letters of credence from the Elector Palatine and Duke John Casimir, he shall refer to Thomas Wilkes' negotiation, and say that they are informed that it will be necessary to ensure success to provide a second great army to follow the first. This army should consist of 6,000 cavalry, 4,000 Swiss, and 5 or 6,000 arquebussiers, together with artillery and munitions, which the Duke Casimir will undertake to levy and lead into France to the aid of the Prince of Conde. They will also engage not to make peace until the town of Calais shall be delivered into the hands of the Queen on the following conditions. Her Majesty to send to Cologne 150,000 crowns in ready money. The Elector Palatine to contribute 50,000 crowns. An agent from the Queen is to accompany the Duke through the campaign. The Elector promises to contribute his share of the money for which these instructions shall serve as an assurance.—Heidelberg, 13 April 1575.
Copy. Fr. Pp. 2.
April 13. 94. Another copy.—Heidelberg, 13 April 1575.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2.
April 13. 95. M. Henin to Walsingham.
Sends a letter from Mr. Stafford to his mother. There is little hope of peace as the demands of both parties are so opposed. They have made some "constitutions," and wish to innovate some ordinances in the Franche Comte on the part of his Excellency, but they will in no wise admit them or suffer their ancient liberties and privileges should in any way be meddled with or lessened, and say that they would rather die than accept any new laws. They expect at Strasburg M. de Pibrac, the Marquis D'Elbœuf, and the Marshal Bellegarde, whom the King of France sends into Poland, where the Diet commences on May 12. The deputies of Basle are gone to the King. There is little appearance of peace for France. M. Pinart passed through this town yesterday on his return from Sweden. Refers him to Mr. Rogers for further news. Report of the death or illness of the King of Spain. The Earl of Westmoreland and the others are at Cambray. Brussels, 13 April 1575. Signed.
Add. Endd. with seal. Fr. P. 1.
April 14. 96. Louis de Boissot to Walsingham.
Has seen two of his letters, in one of which mention is made that the Merchant Adventurers have received licence from the Commendator to come with their vessels to Antwerp. As they have to do with a crafty and artful enemy, they have desired for their surety to know the conditions of the licence, and in the meanwhile have allowed them twice to pass without interference, and have granted the merchants the space of one month in which to inform them. As for the second matter, about Mr. Southwick, he was allowed passports for certain Spanish merchandise, as fruit and oil, but being refused one for salt, he erased with a knife certain words and inserted "gros saut," for which if he had belonged to this country he would not have escaped exemplary punishment. Trusts that neither the Queen or her Council will allow any arrest to be made on these complaints or false reports. Middleburg, 14 April 1575. Signed.
Add. Endd. with seal. Fr. Pp. 12/3.
April 17. 97. The Prince of Orange to Walsingham.
Takes the opportunity of Mr. Roger's return to write and desire him to continue his good offices with the Queen, above all that she will not believe anything to their prejudice without having heard their defence. The negotiations for peace have not been successful, the principal difficulty being on the question of religion.—Dortrecht, 17 April 1575. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 2/3.
April 19. 98. The Regent of Scotland to the Queen.
Thanks her for her gracious favour shown to John Seyton his cousin who has lately repaired to her court where he is in attendance upon the Earl of Leicester.—Dalkeith, 19 April 1575. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼.
April 19. 99. Alexander Lynch to Lord Burghley.
Offers his services for collecting and forwarding such news and advices as may come from abroad, and desires that he may have a pension of 300 crowns annually for life.— Antwerp, 19 April 1575. Signed: Alexandro Linzeo Irlandez.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. P. 1.
April 20 100. Advices.
1. Venice. The new Turk has got out with an armada of 600 vessels and more than 100,000 men, as is said for the capture of Malta.
2. Milan. The Venetians doubting the intentions of the Turks have sent 4,000 infantry to Candia and will send 4,000 more. At Genoa there is a great contest about the authority of the magistracy.
3. Spain. Don John of Austria has had conferred on him the title of Vicar General of all the King's dominions, and certain noblemen have been appointed to assist him in his office. Soldiers are being levied for Italy to serve under more than 50 captains. The Estates have granted him an augmentation of more than 3,500,000 ducats per annum. It is reported that the Grandees and Estates of the West Indies and the adjacent islands will present the King with 50,000,000 crowns in the course of six years, in return for which certain privileges will be granted to them.
4. Vienna. The Emperor wishes to abdicate. From Paris they write that the King of Spain and the Emperor want to make a marriage between the King of Portugal and the Dowager of France.
5. France. It is said that the French King wishes much that the Duke of Ferrara shall be elected King of Poland. The Muscovite has made a great inroad on the Duchy of Lithuania and led away a multitude of captives.
6. The Spaniards will not willingly leave this country, and the Protestants will not lay down their arms until they do so, so that there is fear of great calamities and want to follow. —In Antwerp, 20 April 1575.
Endd. Ital. Enclosure. Pp. 2⅓.
April 19. 101. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
Has received a letter from the Prince of Condé by one Lisle his secretary, who brought to him one Rhone a trusty man of Monsieurs. This Rhone said he was commanded to excuse his master to the Queen in that he had done nothing for the liberty of himself or of other. He declared Monsieur would have gone to Danville at Avignon but that he understood Danville was not able to hold the field at that time and feared to be beseiged in Beaucaire, a place of insufficient strength; or else he would have gone to Genoa but he feared he should linger there without help as the Prince of Condé had done; notwithstanding he would not fail to seek some opportunity when he might. He said Monsieur and the King of Navarre had reconciled themselves together, and after the Duke of Guise had broken it off again, and that the Queen Mother travailed to reconcile them again. He thought the King of Navarre had revealed nothing of weight, because his handwriting was to all things that had passed. The Duchess of Nemours holds in with the Queen Mother, and is always at hand with her to know all her secrets; many think the Queen Mother trusts her, but he takes it that she is at her wits end among them, for she cannot be ignorant to what end these things are done. The Prince of Condé would fain have the Queen buy the unicorn horn of the Prince of Orange, because there is an Almain who has it in gage who is content to sell it to the furtherance of the Prince of Condé's cause. Rhone is sent out of the way to Nancy to the general, but he has appointed one to give intelligence from time to time. Has received the Queen's letter and commission for taking the King's oath. There is great expectation of the treaty of this peace.—Paris, 19 April. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 2⅓.
April 20. 102. Occurrents in France.
The Viscount of Touraine is up in arms against the King and sore vexes Auvergne. Danville and Montbrun hold on in Languedoc, Provence, and Dauphiny and give the Papists their handful. The Rochellois are still in Court about a peace. Legates from the Prince of Condé and Danville have to meet, and then all shall be content and a general peace granted by the King, who by reason of his want of money to maintain his knighthood and himself will be brought into very hard conditions. A match, they say, is making between the King of Portugal and the Queen Dowager. Montpensier, the Prince Dauphin, and the Cardinal of Bourbon are known to be of the Malcontents for divers injuries offered them by the King and the Duke of Guise.
Endd. P. 2/3.
April 23. 103. Boischot's Request for delivery of Two Ships.
Whereas two ships of the Low Countries, laden with merchandise belonging to the King his master's subjects, coming from Lisbon, are arrested by one Pope, a serjeant of the Admiralty, and remain stayed to their great charge and expenses, prays him write to Lord Cobham to take order that the ships be without further stay despatched, and let go on their journey.
Endd. P. 1/6.
April 24. 104. Advices from John Dymock.
1. On the 9th February there arrived a gentleman from the Prince of Orange, who had audience on the 13th. It is reported that he is come to give the King [of Sweden] knowledge of the offers made by the Prince to the King of Spain and his viceroy.
2. On the 16th inst. there arrived M. Pinart, ambassador from the French King. It is thought that he comes for matters of Poland, and for the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth, this King's sister. There is also an ambassador of Russland looked for to conclude peace between this King and the Russ.
Endd.: 24 April. P. 1.
April 25. 105. Deputies of the Low Countries to the Queen.
Desire that the restrictions as to the export of pelts imposed upon the inhabitants of the Low Countries may be removed.
Endd.: 25 April 1575. Copy. Fr. P. 1.
April 25. 106. League in Languedoc.
Henry de Montmorency, Sieur de Danville, Governor and Lieutenant-General of the King in Languedoc, understanding the ruin of the King, his country, and his subjects, that must eventuate by the tyranny and violence introduced by the evil advice of counsellors about the King, and desiring to fulfil his duty to the Crown, declares his intention to devote his life and substance, and those of those faithful subjects of the King who may join with him to the restoration of the King's estate, and the maintenance of his crown. And to this he is induced also by the supplications addressed to him, not only by those of the reformed, but also of the Catholic religion. He promises and swears that, having been elected by the assembly of Milhan to be their general, he accepts the office, and will do his best for the service of the King, and the quiet of his subjects; and will render humble obedience to the Prince of Condé as head, saving, however, his right to transfer that obedience if it should please God to incite for the same end a sure near prince of the blood. He will preserve the subjects of both religions in the enjoyment of their goods, honours, and estates, promising to both freedom of religion. He will seek especially the liberty of the Duke of Alençon, the King of Navarre, and others detained prisoners unjustly, and will not depart from his pursuit without the advice and common consent of the Catholics and Protestants of the kingdom. He will accept a certain number of notable persons of both religions for his Council, and to aid him in administration, and by whom in all things he will be guided.—Nismes. Signed: H. Montmorency.
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Copy. Pp. 2⅓.
April 30. 107. League between Henry of France and Elizabeth.
Dr. Valentine Dale, Master of Requests, and ambassador for the Queen of England, resident in France, having exhibited to Henry III. his commission under the great seal, the King in his presence, and in the presence of a number of dignitaries of France, laying his hand on the Holy Gospel, solemnly renewed the treaty made between the late King Charles IX. and Elizabeth at Blois on the 19th of April 1572, and commanded that letters in testimony of this ratification be given to Dr. Dale.
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 2¼.
April 30. 108. League with France.
A form of words, slightly different from that given as used in the last document, which Henry III. employed, or intended to employ, in the ceremony of the renewal of the treaty with Elizabeth.
Fr. P. 1.
April 30. 109. Another copy of the two preceding documents.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 6.
April 30. 110. Copy of a portion of the first document. No. 108.
Fr. P. 1.
April 30. 111. Notes of Events in France.
1572. Oct. 27.—The Queen of France delivered of a daughter. Bricquemault and Cavagnies executed.
" " 30.—M. D'Anjou appointed general to siege Rochell.
1572–3. Mar. .—Duke D'Aumale and Chavigny slain at Rochelle.
" " 4.—La Mothe Fenelon treats for the Duke of Alençon.
" " 8.—Answer made to him by Lord Burghley.
1573. April 12.—Dr. Dale on his way towards Paris.
" " 23.—Dr. Dale and Mr. Walsingham went to Charles IX.
" " —.—Mr. Walsingham returned from his embassy in France. M. le Duc [D'Alençon] sent from the camp at Rochelle to the King for leave to come to England.
" " May —.—M. Tavannes died.
" " 20.—Besme, the Almain that killed the admiral, had his leg cut off with a cannon, and so died.
1573. June —.—Verac returned from Scotland into France.
" " 7.—Monsieur published in Paris King of Poland.
" " 28.—Vergier, President of Tours, the Queen of Scots' Treasurer, came into England with letters from Dr. Dale. Mr. Edward Horsey at Paris to excuse the Queen for bearing of the interview, and to offer means for pacification at Rochelle.
" July 2.—Peace concluded for Rochelle, and for all of the religion.
" " —.—Mr. Horsey returned.
" " 25.—Monsieur writes to the Queen for passage by sea to Poland.
" Aug. 1.—The King and Queen Mother offer that the Duke of Alençon shall come to the Queen upon his own adventure.
" " 6.—Ambassade from Poland to procure Monsieur's departure thither.
" " 8.—M. d'Alençon sick of the purples.
" " 15.—Duke of Longueville is certified to be dead.
" Sept. —.—M. de Retz came to Canterbury to promote the marriage with Alençon, and to excuse him for not coming by reason of his late sickness.
" " —.—Composition for the town of Sancerre.
1574. Nov. 8.—Lord North returns homeward from Lyons.
1575. April 30.—Henry III. confirms and ratifies the treaty of peace made April 29, 1572, between the Queen and Charles IX.
In Burghley's handwriting. Endd. Pp. 4.