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| March 1. |
641. Thomas Wilkes to Lord Burghley. |
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There is a truce taken till the 25th inst. The towns of
Decize on the Loire, and Moulins on the Allier, to be delivered
to Monsieur, he being bound to render them into the King's
hands at the expiring of the truce, so that the King cause to
be delivered to Monsieur the possession of Bourges and La
Charité, but not otherwise. It is lawful for their army to
march towards Paris, so that they approach it no nearer than
40 leagues. The King's forces shall be 40 leagues from them.
It shall be lawful for either party to join what force
they may. They find the selfsame difficulty that the late
Admiral did in the government of the mercenaries wanting
his patience, but most his wisdom. Intends to remain at
Moulins to observe what shall be done during the treaty.
—Boisset en la Limagne d'Auvergnc, near to Gannat, 1 March
1576. Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| March 1. |
642. Thomas Wilkes to Walsingham. |
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Contains the same news as his letter to Burghley of the
same day.—Boisset, 1 March 1576. Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. P. 1. |
| March. |
643. Articles Propounded by Duke Casimir's Deputies. |
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Duke John Casimir having been many times moved as well
by the Duke of Alençon as by the Prince of Condé to peruse
the books of the peace to give his advice therein, or add or
diminish thereunto as he shall think expedient, has thought
it meet to add or charge the points following:— |
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1. In the first article which touches the free and public
exercise of religion, where is spoken of Metz and Verdun, he
thinks gook to be added " In the towns and bishoprics of Metz,
Toul, Verdun, Marsau, and country of Gause, considering that
the same does not any ways prejudice the capitulation made
with the Prince of Condé and the Duke of Alençon and
others." |
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2. Considering the poverty of them of the religion, and
that the equality required for conservation of peace is not
therein observed, thinks that it be made as follows:—That in
places where there be many temples, they have the use of one
or more according to the number of the audience, and where
there is but one, both parties may use the same by turns without prejudice of liberty to build new. |
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3. In the 10th article it seems good to him to add the 12th
of the old books concerning the Duke of Savoy's subjects, and
the 41st article of the said books touching the county of
Doubs. |
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4. In the 39th article must be added the children and heirs
of the late Marquis of Revel, and the Lord of Chambre. |
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5. In the 45th article must be added the 52nd of the old
books in this wise: That if Madame L'Admirale be yet in
prison, or constrained to hear mass, that she be set in full
liberty of conscience and use of her goods. |
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6. To the 5th article, where is spoken of the releasing of
them of the religion of the promises made to reiters, there
must be added that the Swiss and lansknechts also discharge
and release Duke Casimir of all promises for borrowing of
money, furnishing of victual, &c., for entertaining his army in
France, Lorraine, or the bishopric of Metz. |
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7. To the 61st must be said thus: "before or since the death
of King Henry." |
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8. The 66th article should be changed thus: That the King
ratify all agreements and covenants made by the Prince of
Condé, MM. de Meru and de Thore, and the Vidame of Chartrés,
with the Count Palatine, Prince Elector of the Empire, and the
Duke John Casimir, his son, for their just defence and full
assurance of peace. |
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9. To the 74th article must be added, "All this without prejudice to the capitulation between the Prince of Condé and
Duke Casimir touching the bishoprics." |
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10. The 79th article is altogether superfluous. |
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11. He considers that no mention is made in this treaty of
peace of the strangers who have, to the knowledge of all
men, sought all in their power the weal of the realm.
Wherefore he requires that to keep them in this goodwill and
readiness all reiters and lansknechts be comprehended, and he
prays that this article be inserted touching the Swiss: That
because the expedition has been made for the King's service
and repose of his realm, that he be a mean for them to re-enter
into their dignities and goods as they enjoyed them before
their expedition; and further to procure by his ambassador in
Switzerland that the Edicts against them be made void and
of none effect. That they be assured of their payment and passage, as the reiters and lansknechts, for the ease of the people
as they pass, and to let foraging. |
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12. That the Elector Palatine may declare his intention by
his ambassadors. |
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13. Seeing never an article for the Duke of Alençon, sees it
both just and reasonable that the King give him the place of
Lieutenant-general through all his realm, with an agreeable
appanage, for he, the Duke Casimir, has resolved never
to lay down arms till the establishment of religion, and
the estate of the Duke of Alençon be accomplished. He
beseeches the King to have regard to the King of Navarre for
the losses he has suffered in his realm, &c.—Vansac, 1 March
1576. |
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Endd. by Dale. Fr. Pp. 4¼. |
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644. Another copy of the above.
Fr. Pp. 3¼. |
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645. Translation of the above in English.
Endd. Pp. 3½. |
| March 2. |
646. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
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Has gotten out Captain Thomas with much importunity,
who thinks he has been hardly dealt with at being kept in
prison so long. By the letter of his delivery he is banished
the country under pain of death, which seems great rigour,
since he has done none offence but to discover the practice of
La Roche against the Queen, and the entertainment and doings
of James Fitz Morris in this country. He has done the Queen
good service, for since it is known their doings are discovered
they may be less willing to permit these practices to be put in
execution.—Paris, 2 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| March 3. |
647. M. de Harlay to Walsingham. |
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Commends to him M. de Slavata, a Baron of Bohemia,
who, having travelled over the greater part of Europe, is
desirous of visiting England and Scotland.—Paris, 3 March
1576. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| March 3. |
648. Customs of Berwick. |
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1. It is not amiss to let the free burgesses export the raw
hides, as there is no tanner between Berwick and Morpeth,
neither is bark to be got, on account of the great want of
timber. |
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2. The rate of the customs is to be considered, because they
buy four [daker] for the value they pay for one of southern
breed. |
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3. The like is to be considered for wool-fells, because they
are both small and very coarse. |
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4. For the merchant strangers, that there should not be
custom paid by them for all commodities brought in and transferred. |
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5. Also consideration should be had for the import of wines,
as they are a kind of provision and necessary for store. |
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6. That the burgesses of Berwick may be discharged from
paying tonnage and poundage. |
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Exhibited by Robert Ardern, customer of Berwick, to Lord
Burghley.—3 March 1576. |
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Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
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649. Another copy.
Endd. P. 1. |
| March 4. |
650. John Cobham to Lord Burghley. |
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1. On Thursday last, at 6 p.m., four ships of war of Flushing
and Armuyden met with him within six miles of Dover, and
shot four great shot at him, and one hit his boat within four
inches of the water, so that he was forced to yield. They
then entered his boat and spoiled them of all their goods and
money, and took away their swords and daggers, and also
robbed the poor ladies of all their chains and bracelets. Told
them before they came on board who they were, which they
might easily have discerned by their flag; and when they
spoke to them of their good Queen they, like varlets,
answered unreverently. The took old Watson of Dover, their
master, away, and would have cast the good old man into the
sea, but one honest man stood up and saved him. All this,
they say, was because he would not strike his topsails to the
Prince of Orange's ships. "If my ship had been equal to his
I would have sent him to God or to the devil." They have
by force brought him to Armuyden. Desires that his Lordship
will be a means to her Majesty for the delivery of the "poor
lady" and her company, whom these varlets mean to put to
ransom, and make them all Spaniards. As the Queen had
taken her and her company into her protection, he begs
Burghley to see to this. They say he was hired by the ambassador of Portugal. Desires that he may have somewhat to
show them from her Majesty that they may perceive that he
was appointed by her to this service.—Middleburg, 4 March
1576. |
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2. There be 12 persons come here from Zerickzee who would
have delivered the town to the Spaniards. The Prince has
taken an island over against Dort from the Spaniards. Is
commanded by Boissot, the Prince's admiral, to keep his
lodgings. If her Majesty will write in the "poor lady's"
behalf to the Prince he will endeavour his service in it.
Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2. |
| March 4. |
651. —to Francisco Giraldi. |
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Letter almost illegible from Giraldi's secretary.—Plemua
[Plymouth], 4 March 1576. |
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Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| March 4. |
652. Henry Mason to Lord Burghley. |
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1. Has not received any answer to his former letters to his
Lordship, and being forced within a few days to go to Utrecht
he craves his speedy answer as to whether he shall remain
about the Court or employ himself in such service of the
King's as daily presents. Has yet refused to accept any commission or charge. The Grand Commendator has departed to
Brussels, where he has adjourned the Estates of Brabant, but
being sick of an imposthume in his side there is nothing as
yet done. The Spaniards for 10 or 12 days past have begun
to mutter and rebel for payment in Brussels, but it has not
come to any effect, and two are executed. The cavalry continued in their rebellion and thought to surprise Courtrai in
Flanders, but were repulsed, and divers slain, and each town
keeps a vigilant watch, so they have elected out of each company twain to ask the Commendator for their pay. The
Prince has taken the forts of Crempen, near Dortrecht, by
hungering out the garrison. The States of the Low Countries
are fully deliberate not to yield to give one penny more, or to
consent to any imposts or tribute except on conditions of peace.
The news out of Spain is that Don John of Austria shall take
the government of the Low Countries, and the Grand Commendator shall return to Italy, and that the Cardinal Granville
shall come also with a train of 6,000 Spaniards. Those of
Genoa are not yet fully pacified. The Grand Master of Malta
has intelligence that the Turk privily prepares a mighty
armada, and has written to the Pope and King of Spain for help.
The want of money causes the Grand Commendator to give
safe conducts and licences to the merchants to traffic in Holland
and Zealand with the rebels, on paying a certain tax, but as
yet they will not yield thereto. On account of the scarceness
of money it had been moved in Council to enhance its
price, but after great disputations it is found requisite to try
some other remedy, for that the mint masters have found out
a way to coin a new kind of trash money, which will advantage the King above 1,000,000 of florins in the year. The King
has levied already in Spain 1,500,000 ducats.—Antwerp,
4 March 1576. Signed. |
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2. P.S.—Knows not into whose hands his letters may fall, so
minds to take from henceforth his mother's father's name of
Thomas Germaine. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 4. |
| March 4. |
653. Edward Castelyn to Walsingham. |
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1. Has again travelled to Cologne, where, after conference
with Dr. Furstemberg, he finds the matter concerning money
to be had there for her Majesty, still after the manner as he
wrote in September last, that is to say, money enough, and
not above six per cent., but still they sing one song, that they
will see good commission and letters of credit from her
Majesty to that purpose; and yet they have denied, and still
do deny, their Lord Emperor and many great princes. Sends
a letter from Dr. Furstemberg, who has travailed faithfully
and most diligently. They have found that her Majesty may
have far greater sums than by Walsingham's letters are expressed, upon the city of London and the Merchant Adventurers' bonds. If the Queen will take order to put in surety
on this side the seas, as either the city of Cologne or Hamburg,
she may have 200,000 or 300,000li and much more for five
per cent., where other princes cannot have it at any price.
Was very honourably entertained and presented with wine by
the lords of the town. Has presumed to present unto Dr.
Furstemberg, in the Queen's name and her gift, a fair gilt
cup of the value of 10li 6s, which with much work he got him
to receive. To get the surety the Steelyard may be practised
with, who may easily cause the cities of Cologne and Hamburg
and others to give out their bonds, having the city of London
and the Merchant Adventurers' counter bonds for their indemnity. Fox has sold one of his horses to Furstemberg for SO
dollars, which is 16li sterling. Commends the bearer. Thomas
Bursilde, who for his well-known honesty and secrecy he has
made privy to all his travails, whom he begs may be considered for his charges. He dwells at Westminster, in the
Little Sanctuary.—Antwerp, 4 March 1575. Signed. |
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2. P.S.—His charges to Cologne, remaining there 16 days
and returning, are 20li 3s, and the cup 10li 6s, which is 30li 9s,
which he desires may be delivered to the bearer, together with
17li 4s, which long since he delivered unto Fox; if it is not
already paid. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2. |
| March 5. |
654. M. de Languillier to Walsingham. |
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Announces his intention of marching in three or four days
to join with the Duke of Alençon and the King of Navarre,
who have written him several letters, the copies of two of
which he encloses.—Rochelle, 5 March 1576. Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Feb. 24. |
655. Duke of Alençon to M. Languillier. |
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1. Has understood of the good services he has done to the
Kings his ancestors. He is assured that he can help him by
his counsel and advice, and prays him join him with as great
a following as he may.—Montmorillon, January 1576. Signed. |
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2. P.S.—Has written to them of Rochelle to supply him
with money and other things that he may need. |
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The King of Navarre to M. Languillier. |
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Sending the Sieur de la Broissiniere to Rochelle to inform
them of his intentions, he has thought fit to order him to
call upon those who are of the same mind with himself.
Begs him join him at once, with as great number as he can,
as he desires to be well accompanied on his journey to
Monsieur.—Beaufort, 24 Feb. |
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Copies. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| March 7. |
656. Daniel Rogers to Francis Walsingham. |
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Being bound towards Flushing was driven by tempest to
Ostend, whence he came to Antwerp, where he found the
ways so looked to that he will be compelled to return to
Ostend in order to go to Flushing. Has talked with divers
of his old friends touching the state of the country, which is
much more miserable than it was at his last being here with
Mr. Wilson. The King's debts increase daily, and the soldiers
are not paid, and the Spaniards come into greater contempt
daily, wherefore they scant go about to do anything. Three
weeks ago the Commendator had an enterprise in hand against
Brielle, which because it took no effect his sickness increased.
He had been sick three weeks of divers imposthumes, which
at last broke out under his arm and in his back in such sort
that he is departed out of this world on the 5th inst., about
4 a.m. Many are afraid lest some sedition be made among
the soldiers for their pay. Divers Italians who were serving
here as horsemen are fled into France to the number of 800,
wherefore, to keep the rest in obedience, the Commendator
was compeiled to sell divers of the King's houses at Ghent
and other places. Many posts have been despatched into
Spain for the King to send a Governor. The Commendator
not long before his death sent to Ernest Count Mansfeld that
he should come and govern by way of provision until the
King sent another, and the Estates have sent desiring him to
hasten to Brussels. Not long past the King had resolved
to send Don John of Austria. The proudest of the Spaniards
here desire peace on any conditions, if the Prince would
make no mention of religion, and would acknowledge the
King's obedience. They would rather lose the country than
grant any exercise of the reformed religion. Some Spaniards,
and they great men here, affirm that the King loses by the
Low Countries even in time of peace, because he is thereby
hindered from establishing his authority and government in
India, and his treasure is consumed. They have stopped the
channel at Zerickzee, so that no victuals can come in, and
brought their ships to the head of Zerickzee by a canal which
they have cut. Mons. Hierges is looked for daily. Julian
Romero is governor of the soldiers about Brussels. The Duke
of Saxony sent last month for his niece, who was the Prince
of Orange's wife, to understand the cause of her divorce. She
gave fair words, but came not. In Saxony advoutery is
grievously punished, and therefore it may be that her conscience condemning her was the occasion she would not come.
The Duke sent 100 reiters into Hesse to a castle belonging to
John Count of Nassau, where she was in custody, and conveyed her into Saxony. He is greatly offended with the
Prince. Two of the Nortons are at Bruges; Lord Morley and
his wife are at Maestricht; some of the rebels are at Cambray,
but the most part are at Liege, where is Jenye, who has
caused to be printed a poesy of his in English. The Countess
of Northumberland is at an abbey two miles from Liege.
Understands that they still have pensions out of Flanders.
The Duke of Savoy is dead, and has appointed the Count of
Ayamonte [Egmont] tutor to his son. Those in Poland, who
have chosen the Vaivode for their King have appointed the 4th
instant for his coronation. The Duke of Saxony and the
Marquis of Brandenburg are appointed to conduct the Emperor with 6,000 lansquenets and 9,000 reiters into Poland,
which two have straitly commanded their subjects not to
serve any foreign prince this year, by which means the levies
of the King of France will be hindered.—Written in "posthaste" at Antwerp, 7 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 4. |
| March 7. |
657. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
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There was one with him to-day from Paul Buiz desirous
that his Lordship should understand the truth of the taking
of Giraldi's wife; whereby he will perceive that there was a
great fault with the ship of Dover that first passed by
them with certain stuff and passengers, by whom the said
Flushingers were well nigh provoked to do as they did, for
they sending their boat to see if they carried any Spanish
wares or had any enemies of their passengers with them,
being come on board suddenly there came up from under the
hatches at the master's call 30 or 40 strangers, passengers who
cast the Flushingers into the sea. This being seen by the
rest so kindled them that they boarded the other ships but
used no violence to any out of respect to her Majesty. Anything that her Majesty shall command for the order of their
restoring those who are taken shall be obeyed, hoping that it
shall be no worse interpreted than their meaning is to be
dutiful to her, being very sorry that this accident happened.
They mean to entertain good amity with the King of Portugal
and all his subjects, and not give occasion of offence to the
least of them. In this matter they beg that his Lordship
will be a maintenance and qualifier of this hard occasion.
Desires some answer in writing, as his sickness will not
suffer him to wait on him.—Redcross Street, 7 March 1575.
Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal Pp. 1½. |
| March 8. |
658. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
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Reminds him of his letter of yesterday in behalf of the
poor men of Holland, for whom he earnestly craves his
Lordship's favour.—Redcross Street, 8 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| March 8. |
659. Marble for the Queen. |
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Deposition made before the Captain of the Port of Leghorn
concerning the refusal of certain masters and captains of
English vessels to convey certain marble belonging to the
Queen of England to London.—8 March 1576. Signed and
sealed. |
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Endd. Ital. Pp. 4¼. |
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660. Copy of portion of the above.
Ital. Pp. 2. |
| March 8. |
661. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
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1. Sends a letter of the good masters of Paris to them of
Bourges to encourage them to withstand Monsieur. The King
of Navarre plays his part apart. He would not come to
Gallion to the King, but lies about Saumur to gather forces
to march towards his country in Guienne and Bearn. Men
cannot assure themselves of any reconciliation between
Monsieur and him. If the Queen's pleasure be to send
hither, it is time, for all the deputies are coming saving Beauvais la Nocle, who is looked for hourly. He remembers how
Mr. Horsey was answered when he came hither for them of
Rochelle, that the peace was made and articles delivered, yet
was it not done in ten days after his departure, and many
things otherwise concluded than was contained in the articles
delivered to him.—Paris, 8 March 1575. Signed. |
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2. P.S.—If any thing may come in the way that might
seem not unmeet for a poor civilian, it may please him to have
him in remembrance. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 8. |
662. Dr. Dale to Smith and Walsingham. |
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It is said the King of Navarre prepares to march towards
Poitou. Monsieur is near Moulins either to receive that town
or to meet the Prince of Condé and the reiters. It is
reported that Vanteny is already in Moulins for Monsieur.
The Duke of Maine has withdrawn the King's army from
there towards Burgundy. His soldiers daily shrink away
from him, and they that remain behave themselves so outrageously, that they are much more grievous to the King's
subjects than to the reiters. The Duke has written very
earnestly to the King to have leave, declaring that he can
do nothing but discredit himself and his friends in losing the
goodwill of all men where he goes. For the space of 10 days
he was constrained to keep himself in the Castle of Moulins,
for doubt of them of the town and his own soldiers. They
of the Bourbonnais and Auvergne have assembled themselves
to withstand the King's army, and do name themselves "trop
endure." The matter begins to be hot between M. la
Chastre and these of Bourges, many of the town have been
slain and divers sallies made. The deputies are arrived with
great hope of peace, it is thought the King will make as much
haste as may be to conclude it. La Nocle's charge is principally to deal for the Prince of Condé. It is thought there
will be most to do to content Navarre, for the rest are in
great readiness. Navarre demands many new things both for
himself and them of the religion. There has been done
nothing this Shrovetide but making an unruly riding about
the town to cast eggs and such other disorders, the King
himself as busy therein as the best. The young Count
Egmont is come to Court, and is made much of under colour
of his nearness to the Queen; but recently it is said he sues
to have the reiters that are in this realm for the King and
the Prince of Condé to be sent to the Low Countries, if the
peace be made. The ships that pretend to go to the Portuguese Indies are in much readiness in Normandy. The King
sends one presently to Florence and another to Venice to
borrow money, and makes all the shifts possible all other
ways.—Paris, 8 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. Pp. 2. |
