|
| Dec. 21. |
509. M. Fremin to Walsingham. |
|
1. Has received his letters by Wilkes, the 20th of the
month. Arrived here, within three leagues of Nancy, Thursday the 15th. The Prince is lodged at Sallome, near
Chateau Salins, a league from Vic, a town of the bishopric,
which has been summoned to surrender, it being convenient as a passage for the artillery. They of the town
have refused, saying that they were not subject to France but
to the Emperor, and have sent to Duke Casimir for his protection. They have offered 4,000 crowns to be left in peace.
Believes from what he hears the Prince will bring his artillery
there, and that the place is not tenable. The muster is made
the 22nd of the present month. The Prince of Condé leaves
to-morrow to attend the muster with Duke Casimir. It is
made at Annoy, three leagues from here. The Swiss that are
in the environs of Saverne have been expected these six days.
In the past wars the reiters have had a French officer to
transact their business, but now they refuse to permit any
Frenchman to have any charge among them except it be that
of general or his deputy. With regard to the truce the feeling in the camp is that the Prince should make terms at
Paris with a large and powerful force. The Imperial Diet is
fixed for the 15th February next at Ratisbon. Has not
heard if there be a King of Poland elected. From Constantinople there is news that 150 ships, great and small, were lost
in a tempest, 10,000 Christian slaves drowned, and 90,000
measures of wheat and many other things destroyed. Never
theless the Turk is making great preparation for the spring.
The marriage of Duke Henry of Brunswick with Madame
Dorothea, sister of the Duke of Lorraine, is fixed for to-morrow
at Nancy. The Reine Blanche has been here four days
on the way to her father.—Sallome, 21 December 1575.
Signed. |
|
2. P.S. 1.—It is said they will remain here 10 days. |
|
3. P.S. 2.—Has sent his letters to Doctor Lobbetius. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Dec. 21. |
510. Henry Furstemburg to Walsingham. |
|
Has received his letter of the 8th November on the 19th
instant, and expresses his gratitude for the benefits and privileges which the town of Cologne have always enjoyed in
England. Touching the person and cause about which he
has written, although he fears their trouble will not bring
great fruit, he will do all that lies in his power therein.—
Cologne, 21 Dec. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Dec. 22. |
511. Rowland Fox to Walsingham. |
|
Wrote to him from Antwerp touching the making over of
money from these parts into England. Arrived here in
Cologne on the 17th instant, and does not doubt to bring all
things into perfection, though there be some doubts come into
the heads of the leaders here that there is like to be great
discord between the house of Burgundy and the crown of
England. Doubts not but money enough can be got for five
upon the hundred. Dr. Furstemburg shows himself very
diligent to further the cause, who says that he must have
either a letter from the Queen or a special commission to
demand the bonds of the town of Cologne, without which
nothing will be done, as such a thing is not to be granted
without a special request to them. M. Bellerbros' horses were
both lame before they came here; he has provided a couple
of fair coach horses for Walsingham, brown bays, each of them
four white feet very well marked, the eldest under four years,
and he himself breaks them daily exceeding well. Desires to
know what order he will have taken for their conveying into
England. His earnest request is to have a young ambling
great horse, either dapple grey or brown bay. There is great
taking up of horsemen and footmen, and the Prince of Condé
is with his power near Metz. He is accompanied with
Casimir and divers other noblemen of Germany, and has 8,000
horse, 6,000 Switzers, and 7,000 harquebussiers. The King
of France has requested Casimir not to proceed any farther
and he will pay all the charges he has been at. If his wife
has any suit he desires that he will be good to her, for he has
left her in a place where he fears she will have small courtesy
shown her.—Cologne, 22 Dec. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2½ |
| Dec. 22. |
512. Rowland Fox to Edward Castelyn. |
|
Has put in execution the instructions Mr. Secretary gave
him, which are to small purpose, for except there be commission or letters of credit to the town of Cologne for the giving
out of their bonds it will not be. Dr. Furstemburg and
others press themselves to further the cause. The town will
not refuse to enter in bonds at her Majesty's request. Dr.
Furstemburg has given him counsel not to proceed further
until the commission comes, for that it will be very evil
thought on for him to come with such slender despatch out
of England. There is great doubt made because it is noised
abroad that the Queen will have Zealand and Holland, which
is thought will breed wars between the house of Burgundy
and the Crown of England. M. Bellerbros likes not his horses,
neither in very deed are they to be liked, for that they be both
old and lame.—Cologne, 22 Dec. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| Dec. 22. |
513. M. Mauvissiere to Walsingham. |
|
1. Writes on behalf of some poor Provencal merchants
and mariners from Marseilles who seek the recovery of their
goods and merchandise. They are of the country where the
English merchants usually traffic, and through where pass the
Candy and Muscadet wine which are used for taking away
the taste of beer and dispersing the humours it would engender if it were not corrected by a warmer liquor. Nothing
could be more pleasant for him than to render like service.
Hopes God will take pity on the evil state of France.—London,
22 December 1575. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—Begs him to place before the Queen the requests
of the Queen of Scots, assuring him he will find them reasonable. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Dec. 22. |
514. Wars in France. |
|
1. A list of the noblemen and captains that command the
horsemen and footmen under Monsieur amounting in all to
46 names. |
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2. The Viscount of Turenne is to join with him in three
days with 300 gentlemen and 1,200 harquebussiers. |
|
3. The towns that Monsieur has taken since he left the
Court in which he has used no pillage nor put any garrison in
them are Dreux, Romorantin, Loudun, Thouars, Parthenay
Melle, and Ruffecq. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
|
515. Copy of the above. |
|
Endd. by Walsingham. Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 23. |
516. Henry Furstemburg to Walsingham. |
|
To the same effect as his letter of the 21st instant, that he
fears that the negotiations on which they are engaged will
fail, unless Roland Fox has a more ample commission and
authority to treat with the town of Cologne.—Cologne, 23
Dec. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. Pp. 1⅓. |
| Dec. |
517. Herman Rodemberg to Frederick Schwartz. |
|
Thanks him for his kindness shown to his friend Simon
Percival, who has conferred with him about the loan of a
certain weighty sum of money. Begs that he will use his
mediation that he may have a pension of 40 or 50 crowns
from the Queen of England, for which he will do her service,
and may be better able as her pensioner to aid the English
merchants in any difficulty, and to attend upon any ambassadors landing here. Cannot give him full assurance presently of this great loan with the Holstein gentlemen, but if
he were authorised with a letter of credit might do good
service.—Hamburg, Wednesday in the Christmas holidays,
1575. Signed. |
|
Endd.: "Translated out of the High Dutch." Pp. 2. |
| Dec. 25. |
518. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. All Christendom is in expectation of what may become of
this peace. If others did not hinder it the Queen Mother
would patch it up for a time. Knows not how the reiters
will be stayed, unless they will be fed with wind, for neither
is there any money for them, and that that is goes still the
other way. Would fain hear his successor were appointed.
—Paris, 25 December 1575. Signed. |
|
2. P.S. (in cipher, deciphered).—Has spoken to two that
go to stay the Almains, so that it may be done without
offence of the Queen and the Palatine. The Prince of Condé
has sent in the meantime to persuade the Duke of Alençon
to the contrary. Monsieur means good faith, and would
gladly hear there might be means to appease the troubles,
and has an opinion that good faith is meant towards him.
They that came from him have many conjectures that there
is some practice against him. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 25. |
519. Dr. Dale to [Sir Thomas Smith and Walsingham]. |
|
The King has visited a nunnery at Melun as part of his
"novaine." There was much speech that the King would
go to Orleans to meet his mother there, and some secret talk
that certain of Bourges should meet him at Fontainebleau
to take instructions from him, either to deliver or forbear the
delivery of Bourges to Monsieur. As far as he can learn the
King did neither. Monsieur la Mothe makes no haste since he
is assured La Porte may not go without him. Preparation is
made for the fortification of St. Denis, St. Cloud, Corbeil,
and Pont Charenton. A good part of the reiters are come to
Toul, hoping to have some intelligence there. They that
come from the Queen Mother give out that the peace is made,
but those that come from the Prince of Condé, and they that
understand the resolutions taken in Council and see the preparation for war, and know the disposition of them that are
in credit about the King, are of another opinion. Some say
Monsieur has Cognac, some St. Jean d'Angeli, some that they
of Bourges are ready to receive him. The last certain news is
that he went to rase a house of Ruffecq's in Poictou, because
he holds Angouleme. James Fitz Morris is come to this town
again, but has not past two with him, and is not so well
entertained as he was. There is a voyage appointed for 10
ships to go to the Portuguese Indies, but cannot learn whether
it is indeed. Three are to set forth under the name of
Strozzi, three under that of Sarlabois, the rest are merchant
shippers; an Italian is to be their captain. During the
King's absence the Duke of Guise has showed himself much
in the palace and about the town to have the favour of the
common people. He goes all muffled and bewrapt on one
side of his face. The Archbishop of Nazareth, that was
resident here, is looked for within a day or two from the Pope
to make great proffers to the King to break the peace. |
|
Copy. Enclosure. P. 1½. |
| Dec. 26. |
520. Robert Corbet to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has taken his leave of the Commendator and had great
talk with him, the relation of which he omits till his return. Encloses the advices for this week, and certain Italian
letters.—Antwerp, 26 Dec. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½. |
| Dec. 21. |
521. Henry Furstemburg to Edward Castelyn. |
|
Has received three letters from him. Was unable to come
to any conclusion with the widow Hylte, as she refused to do
anything during the absence of her daughter, on whose return
she made the same reply as formerly to Castelyn, on which
he cannot congratulate him, for though it was not a complete
refusal, he thinks they will be obliged to seek other means.
Will further the matter with all his power, and thanks
him for the favour shown to himself.—Cologne, 21 Dec.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Enclosure. Ital Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 23. |
522. Henry Furstemburg to Edward Castelyn. |
|
Fears that his commission will be found insufficient, and
hopes that Roland Fox has advertised Walsingham thereof, as
it is necessary in order to complete well that they should
begin well.—Cologne, 23 Dec. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Enclosure. Ital. P. 2/3. |
| Dec. 26. |
523. Advertisements. |
|
The answer of the Estates of Brabant about the contribution of money is deferred. The islands of Zericksee, by the
last great storms, are overflooded and the soldiers forced to
withdraw to the forts. Certain Spaniards, removing by bark
to avoid the dangers of the water, ran aground on the sands
and were attacked by certain Gueux, who drove them under
hatches and set fire to the ship and burnt them. All the
Spaniards are removed from Zericksee and 16 companies of
Walloons put in their places. There are 50 ships of the
Gueux lying before the head of Zericksee tarrying for a
favourable wind to attempt some enterprise. In a certain
village of Duiveland there was gathered together great store
of corn, and the flood was so high that the Spaniards were
forced to forgo the place when the Gueux, in flat-bottomed
boats, came and fetched the said corn away. The Gueux
have taken or sunk certain ships, which has greatly disquieted the Commendator, for they were his last store of
ships and mariners. The Commendator has sent a kinsman,
Don Guilielmo de San Lorenzo, to the Duke of Brunswick
to congratulate his marriage, and present the Duchess with a
carcanet worth 4,000 crowns. They hear little of the reiters
but of their marching forward. Some bruit there is that the
peace in France is agreed. Some report there is that on
Saturday there entered Zericksee 50 small vessels with
victual, and that at the same time they of the town issued
forth, and by policy on the sudden took about 40 Spaniards
and brought them alive into the town. |
|
Endd.: Dec. 26. Enclosure. Pp. 12/3. |
| Dec. 26. |
524. John Hastings to the Earl of Leicester and Lord
Burghley. |
|
Has had difficulty in sending on account of the wind.
Their extremity here was no more reported than he found
true. This truce in France, here long talked of has somewhat
revived them, but now they hear that is broken off or by the
Prince of Condé's non-entry thereto somewhat slackened.
They are rather minded to make the Queen Lady and Countess
of Holland and Zealand than to have any other dealing, and
so he fears they are resolved, if it like not her Majesty
to accept thereof, otherwise to bestow it. Motion will be made
to her Majesty that the French King may be dealt with to
see what he will do touching his title to Artois and Flanders
to occupy the enemy that way. They have great hopes of
Amsterdam and the town and country of Utrecht and other
places wherewith they have always had great intelligence,
and the French entering by the side of Artois, their attempts
here are likelier to be gone through with without any further
league or condition with the French. The Prince of Orange
doubts not but to bring at least 40 nobleman of good account
in Germany to join with her Majesty; so any little amity
being made with the free towns and Denmark and Sweden,
with the English forces by sea they are like to put their
enemies with all their practises farther from them. Laments
that by this frowardness of weather there should be this delay
in understanding their offer and answering it, lest in the
meantime they be brought into greater extremity. If their
offer be accepted, they first of all desire 6,000 men and 300
cast-iron pieces out of hand. There should not be more than
150 to the ensign, armed according to the schedule enclosed.
Touching the captains and other officers for the recovery of
that fame the English nation was wont to have, which he is
sorry to hear they have so carelessly lost, there needs be had
better and more particular regard to the persons. This he
commends to their consideration, the rather that there was
order passed for the sending of 1,000 Scots, a thing to puff the
Scot to greater pride and make him a worse neighbour. If
they will deal plainly their credit shall more advance the
cause with 2,000li than 20,000li will do otherwise. For keeping the passages between the islands galleys and brigantines
would do great service. The Commendator has made some,
but they dare not yet look into the sea. The Spaniards are
gone from Zerickzee, and in their place have come Count
Overstein's company and certain other Almains. The town
has been already victualled, and shall be so again.—Brielle,
26 Dec. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp 3. |
| Dec. 29. |
525. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Since the writing of his letter of the 25th all the town
have been occupied about the fortification of their faubourgs,
and have not ceased one day, notwithstanding the solemnity
of the feast. They repair the old trenches on both sides of
the river, and make divers new platforms in the field about
the town. They also fortify Montmartre, a town upon a very
high hill within a mile of Paris with all diligence. The
townsmen of Paris and the villages were commanded some to
labour and some to furnish themselves with tools and baskets
for the work. The King himself has been about to the fortifications. The Duke of Guise prepares to put himself in
garrison at St. Denis. Understands the occasion of this haste
arises from the taking of a packet from the Prince of Condé
to Monsieur, wherein it is discovered that the reiters do not
mind to stay, notwithstanding any agreement with Monsieur.
It is not yet known what Bellieure has wrought. Is advertised
he had 500,000 francs with him in ready money to bestow
either towards the performance of the agreement made by the
Queen Mother or else upon the particular captains. Can
hardly be persuaded he would carry so much with him, or that
they here would suffer so much to go that way. It is said
the "vantcourers" of the reiters have been as far as Vaucouleurs, not far from St. Dizier, and almost as far as Langres
in Burgundy. It is said they batter Toul upon hope of friendship of the town, who were Imperial of old and do not greatly
favour the French. The Duke of Maine gives them the
looking on. Leaves the advertisement of the Queen Mother's
coming hither, and of the doings in Monsieur's camp, to the
report of Sir Henry Cobham. It is time for the Queen
Mother to be here, for neither can she bring her matters to
pass in her absence by the means of them that work the other
way, neither yet do her own friends of her own making stick
to her according to her expectation, insomuch that the
Chancellor begins to shrink from her. Men put it in the
King's head daily that she leans over much to the part of
Monsieur. La Mothe departed hence the 27th, he has been
much employed and in great credit since his coming home,
and always used in Council. Has written to the Queen by
La Mothe a letter of officious compliments in the declaration
of his courtesy and good usage since he came over.—Paris,
29 December 1575. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—News is come of the death of Valette. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| Dec. 31. |
526. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Sir Henry Cobham was constrained to part without speaking with the King, for when he should have spoken to him
the King went to see another Abbey not far from Monceaux
as a part of his "novaine." As far as he could perceive they
were not discontented that he should have his passport and
depart at his pleasure. James Fitz Morris understanding
he was known to be here shifted his lodging and now prepares
to depart the town. Understands he has had some money,
hard as the world is here for money, and has an assignation for
a pension of 1,000 crowns yearly. He and Sir Henry Cobham,
made means to have spoken with him, but he would not speak
with them. Men look daily more and more for war, and they
about the King still persuade him to prepare himself for war.
Is cast back in Mr. Warcup's matter as far as ever he was;
for Nutshawe he goes forward and looks to do good for him.
Minds again to speak to the King for Warcup, because he had
so good words of him at the last time he moved him of
the matter.—Paris, last of Dec. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1. |
| [Dec.] |
527. Instructions sent by the King to Monsieur, "apostilled." |
|
1. The King desires that Monsieur shall not march with
this foreign army, but dismiss them as soon as possible. |
|
M. Bellieure can witness that the Monsieur had a most
cordial understanding with Duke Casimir. |
|
2. To be a means that the Prince of Condé will be content
with Dourlens, as the King cannot exact obedience from the
inhabitants of Peronne. |
|
The Queen Mother knows from what has been written to
her, that the Prince of Condé will be content with Dourlens. |
|
3. That he draw those of the religion to him, and, keeping
them in his obedience, the authority and commandment shall
be his. |
|
Monsieur does for each religion such things as he considers
will be for the service of the King and the repose of the
country. |
|
4. He must consider how little means the King has to contribute to enterprises in Flanders, for he must give his poor
people of France time to breathe and to come into a position
to pay the reiters and other urgent and necessary debts. It
is a considerable matter to throw an army into a strange
country to be under the leadership of strangers, from whom
neither the King or Monsieur have ever received any particular service. |
|
Monsieur has no wish to enterprise anything except by the
express commandment of the King. |
|
5. That he will give the King to understand of his willingness for an interview to settle matters that could not be
treated by third parties. |
|
Monsieur has amply satisfied the contents of the present
article. |
|
6. With regard to the papers of the late Sieur de la Mole,
which he has demanded, that he will be content with that
which the Sieurs Despaux and de Boinciau have communicated to him. |
|
He desires that the papers be burnt, and a copy made, that
he may know all have been destroyed. |
|
7. That he will take care of anything that touches the
estate of Languedoc, and that he will send a trusty person to
negotiate with them upon terms which he will understand
from the King and will communicate to Monsieur. |
|
Monsieur will do all that may contribute to the service of
the King, not only in this province, but in other places. |
|
8. He should make his commodity out of that which
attracts to [the King of Navarre] so many of even those who
call themselves his servants. [The King of Navarre] has
practised to accept the offices of the King of France as having
under his command forces of them of the religion. |
|
Monsieur will on his part do his best to keep every one in
the devotion of the King, and to cherish the King of Navarre
as his good brother. |
|
9. That he will not employ in these negotiations any persons but those who are equally trusted by both, and that the
Sieur de la Mole, his councillor and chamberlain, shall be
ordinarily employed. |
|
Monsieur will act in this particular according to the good
pleasure of the King. |
|
Fr. Pp. 2. |
|
528. Copy of the above. |
|
Fr. Pp. 2. |
|
529. Piracy. |
|
Contents of M. Falvert's Letter. |
|
1. The taking of the "Catherine" at Dover was judged by
the King's steward at Dinan to be a good prize, because it was
proved that it carried munition of gunpowder and other things
to Rochelle, and conducted thither and brought back from
thence Abraham Troune, secretary to the Prince of Condé, who
was taken in the same ship with a great packet of letters
about him and other remembrances of great importance.
There was also in the same ship one Captain Moisonniere and
his son. |
|
2. Another ship of St. Malo, called "Le Sauveur," was taken
by the "Castle of Comfort," a ship of Mr. Hawkings, as they
were coming from the Levant. The goods of the said ship
were valued at 60,000 crowns. |
|
Supplication of the Inhabitants of St. Malo. |
|
1. In March last "Le Plaisir," of 150 tons, valued at 20,000
francs, laden with wool and other merchandise, besides 10,000
crowns in money, was taken by four ships of Rochelle, which
were for the most part manned by Englishmen, which ship
was judged good prize at Rochelle and divided amongst them. |
|
2. The "Catherine," of Dover, was found laden with the
merchandise of "Le Plaisir," and another called "La Pouche,"
which was before taken coming from Spain. |
|
3. "Le Sauveur" was taken about the coast of Ireland; the
men were set on land at Baltimore and the ship brought to
Chepstow. |
|
4. A ship of Rouen, called "Le Petit More du Port,"
belonging to Peter Lacheray, taken on the 11th January 1574
by Steven Beacon and Richard Peacock, who compounded
with Lord Clinton for her, and so she remained seized, and
the goods sold to his use and profit, as appears by the writings
passed between these three parties before the notary of Boston
11th March 1574. The valuation of the said ship and goods
amounts to 400l. sterling. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
|
530. Remonstrance of the inhabitants of St. Malo referred to in
the above extract. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 5½. |
|
531. The Queen to the King of France. |
|
Assures him that he may accept in his own person the
interpretation in her letter of the 25 May 1572 to his late
brother of the treaty for the mutual defence of their crowns
and kingdoms. |
|
Copy. Endd. by Walsingham. Fr. P. ½. |
|
532. Declaration of M. Danville. |
|
Printed copy, dated Montpellier, 1575, of No. 1618 in the
volume 1572–1574, it having been conjecturally dated 1574
and so calendared. |
|
Tract. Fr. Pp. 13½. |
|
533. Piracy. |
|
Supplication to the Privy Council of Alderman Thomas
Bond and other merchants for the Queen's letters to the King
of France demanding that one Captain Landreau may be made
to give some recompense for the great piracy of the "Pelican,"
of London, 200 tons, and the murder done upon Nicholas
Fishborne and all the company thereof at Belleisle, now three
years past. The suppliants have lost thereby 4,000l. sterling,
besides two years and more continual suit and expenses of
above 1,000l. sterling. Signed. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
|
534. Claims of Sturmius in France. |
|
Account of John Sturmius showing how he is owed and
demanding payment of 10,080 crowns, the said sum being
the balance owed to him from disbursements, to Lady Roye,
the wife of the Prince of Condé, M. Dandelot, the brother of
the admiral, and the Queen of Navarre. |
|
Endd. Lat. Pp. 12/3. |
|
535. Supplication of the People of Paris to the King of
France. |
|
The bourgeois and citizens of Paris, consisting of the clergy,
Court of Parliament, Chambre des Comptes, Court of Aids,
Provost of Paris, and the bourgeois of each quarter, understanding of his command that 200,000 livres should be raised
in Paris, humbly show him,— |
|
1. That the civil discord in France has lasted since the
year 1560, now 15 years ago, and that during that time he
and his predecessors have had from Paris and other towns
36,000,000 francs, 60,000,000 raised by the clergy, besides
other gifts and subsidies and now at the present time the
state of the country is no better than at the beginning of
the troubles and the lives of many of his subjects sacrificed.
What makes their condition harder to bear is the malicious
rejoicing of their neighbours at their misfortunes. |
|
2. The cause whereof is not hidden or secret, arising as it
does from the universal corruption of the realm. Simony is
openly permitted. Benefices are held by married gentlewomen,
who employ the revenues far differently to the intention of
the founders. The people are left without religious instruction and thus stray from the true religion. There is but
little justice to be obtained through the venality of the
tribunals, causing their neighbours to hold them in abomina
tion. The number of those holding office is very great and
part of them notoriously incapable, and the rest poor being
thereby prone to evil actions. Justice is further impeded by
the impunity with which murder is committed. Great cruelties
and barbarities are committed by the foot soldiers and by
the gendarmerie, which does not now consist of gentlemen
but of persons of vile condition. Not only by these but by
the soldiers of his guard is pillage made on the houses of his
people, ecclesiastical holdings, and hospitals even in Paris
itself, so that the poor cannot obtain common necessaries, there
is much murmuring thereat. They further show from the
various amounts demanded of them during the late years
how impossible it is for them to pay such great sums as are
demanded. |
|
3. They therefore pray him to conclude a peace by which
quiet may be restored to the realm, the abuses abolished, and
the necessity for so much great expenditure done away with. |
|
Fr. Pp. 7⅓. |
|
536. Fugitives from the Low Countries. |
|
Petition of Ebrardus, Heracleus, and nine other fugitives
from the Low Countries on account of religion, that they may
be allowed to practise their different trades for their sustenance.—Signed by the petitioners, specifying the calling of
each. |
|
Endd. by Burghley: Certain poor men to be made denizens.
Lat. P. 1. |
|
537. The Commendator of Castile's Answer to the Queen
of England's Ambassador. |
|
Although for many evident reasons it is not convenient
to permit any course of merchandise by the river of Scheldt
during the rebellion, and Englishmen ought in all reason to
be content to be used as other subjects, nevertheless seeing
the Queen so much desires the passage, the Commendator is
content that the Merchant Adventurers and the Staplers may
enter and go out of the said river on their giving assurance
that they will not traffic with the rebels or pay them for
the passage or otherwise assist them. The merchants are
to give sureties for the observance of these conditions, and
not to come with more than four or five vessels at one time,
and shall be liable to search. The griefs of late done to the
King of Spain's subjects in England shall be redressed. He
will cause the Queen's rebels to be banished from the Low
Countries if the "reciproke" is done in England. Demands
that all intercourse with the revolted towns of Holland and
Zealand shall be forbidden to the Queen of England's subjects.
There is no cause why those who have retired out of England
for their conscience sake only living quietly in the ancient
religion in which they have been brought up, should be
expelled. |
|
Draft with notes in Burghley's writing. Endd. Pp. 32/3. |
|
538. Complaints of the Commendator Requescens to Dr.
Wilson. |
|
Notwithstanding the treaties for free intercourse between
the Queen of England and the King Catholic, the subjects of
the latter find themselves many ways stopped therein, especially in the bringing in and selling of wrought wares and
the buying of pelts, and by the various extortions of the
customers and other officers of the Queen for which the
Commendator requires redress. Desires that they may be
discharged of bringing in bowstaves, and that the officers of
the Cinque Ports may be forbidden to arrest their persons or
goods. Complains of other extortions and vexatious restrictions, the increase of the charge for anchorage, and the
payment of compulsory pilotage to the Trinity House, all of
which he desires may be remedied. |
|
Draft translation with notes in the margin in Burghley's
writing. Endd. Pp. 4. |
|
539. Discourse on Flanders. |
|
A consideration of the dangers that may accrue to England
through the ambition of the King of Spain if the Prince of
Orange and the Low Countries were subdued, which might
be obviated by sending a powerful army to Brabant, which
might seize on Louvain and other towns and might assist the
Duke of Alençon. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
|
540. Complaints of English Merchants. |
|
1. Answer to the complaints exhibited by Daniel Rogers
touching certain English merchants pretending themselves
to be endamaged by certain ships of war of his Excellency
set forth by the town of Flushing according to the contents
of a certain roll written in parchment under the seal of the
Admiralty of England, containing 23 leaves and dated 16 May
1575. |
|
2. Also an answer to another writing exhibited 12 July 1575. |
|
3. Third answer to further complaints, dated 26 June 1575. |
|
Endd. Pp. 11¼. |
|
541. Copy in Dutch of the last two answers. |
|
Endd. Pp. 5⅓. |
|
542. A Discourse on Flanders. |
|
A discourse whether it be requisite for the Queen to aid the
Prince of Orange against the Spaniards, notwithstanding the
league between her and the House of Burgundy. Although
generally it is most dangerous for Princes to enter into wars,
it is dangerous not to attempt them when they are for the
purpose of safety. Intelligence has been given of a confederacy
made at the last Council of Trent of all Catholic Princes for
the rooting out by violence of all those who profess the gospel.
The Duke's repair into the Low Countries tended not only to
the appeasing of the troubles there, but also to the invasion of
England, as the appointed executor of the said confederacy in
that part of Europe. This intention is shown by the practice
of the Spanish ambassador in England; the strange usage of
the Duke towards the Queen, his disdainful answers to the
English merchants in the Low Countries, and the great brags
and threats made in Spain and Flanders against England. So
the Queen can have no juster cause for war than the existence
of this confederacy. To the objection that it is unlawful to
aid the Prince of Orange, who is reputed a rebel, the King of
Spain, through the provocation of the Pope, having sought to
plant the Inquisition in the Low Countries, the nobility forseeing that this would lead to uproar and civil dissension
amongst the people, privately dealt with the Regent (Margaret
of Parma), and finding no redress, sent a supplication into
Spain by two noblemen, where it was slightly regarded.
The people, however, grew to arms, and the Prince of Orange
and others of the nobility joined with them. |
|
Draft unfinished. Endd. Pp. 3. |
|
543. Exhortation to those of Antwerp. |
|
A warning to them not to be induced to take part with
the Spaniards against the rest of the Low Countries, maintaining by examples from history and by nature the lawfulness
of the deposition of princes on account of misgovernment,
tyranny, or cruelty. "Above 200,000 persons pitifully so
with fire as with the rope, and with the sword have been
destroyed without an innumerable sight of poor folks who
have been banished out of their native country." Probably
later, 1580. |
|
Translated out of Dutch. Pp. 19¼. |
|
544. The Queen's Answer to the Hollanders. |
|
In case the King of Spain and his ministers shall not agree
to give them liberty of exercising their religion her Majesty
can be content to receive them into her protection. |
|
Endd., 1575. P. 1. |
|
545. Embassy of Sir Henry Cobham in Spain. |
|
First he declared to the King the zealous desire the Queen
had to continue the good amity and ancient league, giving him
to understand how his evil advised ministers have been the
disturbers of their mutual intelligence. The King's answer
was how he received contentation in that her Majesty had
sent him, whereby he was informed so much of her good mind,
assuring him how he in like sort was determined to continue
all good friendship and confederacy, and to maintain the
league made by his predecessors, and for the rest of Cobham's
particularities he would consider them, and cause the Duke of
Alva to deliver his answer, with whom his pleasure was that
he should communicate all his negotiations. |
|
Conference with the Duke of Alva in the presence of
Secretary Cayas. |
|
First, he declared that Boischot was answered by the Queen
how she would perform so much, touching the seven articles
which he had propounded as she was bound by former
treaties; the Queen had further inclination to grant the
King's requests for his better satisfaction if presently the complaints of the English merchants of the cruel and severe
dealings of the Inquisition had not been a stay thereunto. |
|
The Duke declared that the Queen's answer to Boischot
was not according to the meaning of the capitulations, and,
therefore, the King required that she would perform as much
as Boischot demanded, which was that arms should be levied
against the rebels in Flanders, with perfect order that her
subjects might not traffic with them; but if the meaning
would not be so understood, that Commissioners of both parts
might be appointed to the intent all doubts and difficulties
might be for ever taken away. |
|
Freedom of the Ambassador for the use of his Religion. |
|
He declared to the Duke that the Queen could be content
that there should be ambassadors leger on both parts, so as
her ambassador might have the exercise of his religion for
himself and his family, they being her natural subjects. To
this the Duke answered, that all ambassadors in the King of
Spain's Court lived catholicly, and if the Queen's ambassador
would so do he should be welcome, otherwise the King could
no more licence him than the Duke himself, for the estate
authority and government of religion was in the hands of
another power, which power the King was bound to maintain
and assist. The Duke herewith asked him how it was that
by this extraordinary privilege was demanded now more than
heretofore, unto which he replied that since the reformation of
religion in England the Queen's ambassadors had lived in
Spain with that liberty which appertained to them so far as
her Majesty might understand, but because Mr. Man had
been troubled disorderly by the Inquisition, she had abstained
from sending any other, and now would be assured that no
such injury should be hereafter offered to any of her ministers. |
|
The King's Answer delivered by the Duke of Alva. |
|
When the Duke delivered the writings of the King's
answer, finding nothing touching the demand for the ambassador and his family, the Duke said that more than was
therein contained could not be granted, but that the King
required the Queen to send a Catholic or such a one as would
not be a dealer in matters of religion, but attend to preserve
the mutual amity, and above all things, that he should come
well admonished how he and his family were to observe the
order given by the Inquisition, for none other could be
allowed for any cause or respect. There is not to be any
new negotiation concerning the King's ambassador, for that
the Queen knows how he is to have full liberty for the
use of his sacraments as all Spanish ambassadors have had
heretofore. |
|
Conference touching the King's subjects in the Low
Countries. |
|
To his signifying the great dangers which might arise if
he did not prevent the French practices in the Low Countries,
and offering the Queen's mediation between the King and his
revolted subjects, the King only answered with words of
thanks for the Queen's care, and that he had done the like
office by her and would ever be mindful of her causes. |
|
Conference with the Duke concerning this article. |
|
That the King had offered to his rebels in the Low
Countries pardon at two several times, and that none of their
privileges were taken away from them. The King means to
adventure all his States rather than license the exercise of
any other religion than the Roman Catholic. Notwithstanding the excesses of those of the Low Countries, yet as
it has pleased the Queen to entreat for them, the King is
content to receive them at her hands, they submitting themselves. |
|
Cobham also demanded the release of the goods and men
seized by the Inquisition. |
|
Endd. Pp. 4. |
| [Dec]. |
546. English Subjects in Spain. |
|
The King's ratification of his promise made to Sir Henry
Cobham, touching the liberty of the Queen of England's
subjects trafficking into Spain. They are not to be molested
in their persons or goods provided that they behave decently
and do nothing openly to offend the Inquisition. In case of
transgression the goods of the offender only are to be liable. |
|
Endd. Span. P. 1. |
|
547. Another copy. |
|
Endd. Span. P. 1. |
|
548. English Subjects in Spain. |
|
The Duke of Alva has informed Sir Henry Cobham that
the orders given by the Inquisition must be observed by all
foreigners in Spain. The Queen of England's, subjects are
not to be molested for anything contrary to them done abroad.
They must, however, salute the sacrament of the Host in
churches and when they happen to meet it in the street. If
offenders happen to be masters or officers of ships their own
personal property alone is to be held liable. |
|
Span. P. 2/3. |
|
549. The King of Spain's intention touching Flanders. |
|
The King intends to incorporate all the provinces of the
Low Countries into a kingdom to be called Lower Germany,
with Brussels as its capital. He will make laws for the preservation of the Catholic religion, but they shall not go by the
odious term of Inquisition. Certain number of Bishops to
be appointed to reside in the country. The ordinary forms of
councils to be abolished in the different towns, and an officer
to be appointed by the King with right of access to the
senates and assemblies of the cities. Citadels to be built in
all the towns, and the inhabitants to be disarmed. An arsenal
to be established at Mechlin, where munitions and arms shall
be kept sufficient for an army of 40,000 or 50,000. A fleet
of 20 or 30 vessels to be equipped to keep the seas free from
pirates, especially English. The fortresses to be furnished
with garrisons of Spaniards, Italians, and strangers, as the
people of the country are more given to industry than war.
The King will confirm the provinces and towns in all
privileges of commerce and traffic. A general pardon to be
granted to all the commons for past tumults, but their leaders
to be subject to justice, which the King promises shall be
administered rather with mercy than rigour. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 5¾. |
|
550. War with Spain. |
|
A discourse by the Chancellor of England on the prudence
of openly breaking with Spain, which he objects to on the
grounds of infirmity in finance, military, and naval resources
and useful allies, recommending that the Prince of Orange
and the Low Countries should be secretly succoured. |
|
Fr. Pp. 12. |
|
551. Piracies. |
|
List of names, chiefly Dutch, endorsed "the names of such
persons as are confessed to have been in the ship that spoiled
me." |
|
P. 1. |
|
552. Affairs of Flanders. |
|
The informant believes that the French offers of assistance
are merely for the purpose of preventing them from preparing against the enemy, and that when they shall be overcome that the King of Spain will give the greater part of the
country to the Duke of Alençon, together with his daughter,
on condition that he punishes his enemies. That the Duke of
Alençon has given or will give Holland and Zealand to the
Prince of Orange; that then the Kings of France and Spain
will together attack England and Scotland, as well as all
Protestants. Thinks that a large army in Brabant would
suffice to guard against all treachery, and if necessary to drive
the Spaniards and French out of the Low Countries, when
they, together with England and Scotland, would be so strong
that they need not fear any future wars. This army should
be formed whilst Antwerp is still powerful, and it will be
necessary that the Queen should lend them six "tonnes d'or" at
interest, for which they would give Sluys as a security. If this
money is lent by England they should also have 3,000 English
infantry and 500 cavalry, and those of Brabant and Antwerp
should bring 2,000 cavalry, which would bring their force up
to 3,000 horsemen. Duke Casimir should also bring 2,000
cavalry, and they would place their army in Louvain. The
Duke of Alençon might also assist the malcontents in Artois
and Hainault. The Princes of Germany would defend Duke
Casimir's dominions if they were invaded. The town of
Antwerp will be able to supply large sums of money, and
they may expect assistance from Ghent and the country of
"Wast." Colonel Norris should be placed in command of the
English, as he knows the country well, and has always been
friendly with the French. |
|
Endd.: "The discourse of the man of Antwerp." Fr.
Pp. 32/3. |
|
553. Affairs of Flanders. |
|
A discourse consisting of 37 articles to prove by historical
precedents the right of the Estates of Flanders to defend their
privileges by force against the tyranny of the King of
Spain. |
|
Endd. Pp. 8½. |
|
554. Affairs of the Borders. |
|
The means to repair the decay of horsemen and other disorders upon the Borders:— |
|
First. Commissioners should be appointed to decide on the
debateable ground. |
|
Secondly. Her Majesty's tenants to have their tenements
at reasonable rates, and not have them taken over their
heads, but to have leases, and some order to be taken with
the gentlemen of the country for the better using of their
tenants, and to force such as have livings there to dwell
there. |
|
Thirdly. To avoid all Scots out of Northumberland, saving
fishers, colliers, and such others, and these to be denizens,
and to put in sureties for their good behaviour. |
|
Endd. P. ½. |
|
555. The Dutch Church. |
|
Copy of a letter sent into Flanders demanding the release
of three members of the Dutch church, who had been imprisoned whilst travelling about their own affairs, and
threatening reprisals in case of refusal.—No date, address, or
signature. |
|
Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|
556. Daniel Silvester to —. |
|
Is so much beholden to the company that he is bound to
do and wish the best he may for them, and as he shuns ungrateful encroaching, so he desires such reasonable consideration as his place of service and upright dealing deserves. No
one is better acquainted with the Prince and affairs of Russia
than he is. Wherefore he requests that when the time of
his service shall be expired, whereof one half year is to come,
they will firmly ratify to him during life, or continuance of
their trade, such stipend as shall be reasonable for his attendance here, and not otherwise be driven to seek for his further
and assured stay, and when they shall have occasion to employ him beyond the seas that they shall not only have
further consideration for his pains taken, but also of his
charges and expenses. Signed. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
|
557. Silvester's Mission to Russia. |
|
The points wherein the Emperor was not fully satisfied. |
|
In Silvester's writing. P. ½. |
|
558. Complaint of Piracy. |
|
Complaint of piracies by the English. |
|
Endd. in Spanish: Copy of capitulations by the Duke de
Feria. Fr. P. ¼. |
