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June 11.
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322. COBHAM to [WALSINGHAM].
Though since Mr Wade's departure nothing of importance has
fallen out, I would not 'leave but to deliver' these few words to you,
to signify how the king is fallen somewhat sick of this 'murre' or
rheum, whereof sundry ladies of the Court and other principal
persons are also diseased. But since no one dies of it, it is not
found to be dangerous. The tempestuous weather, however, and
extreme thunder of last week have so altered the air that many are
become sick. The thunder passed through sundry houses, and
'kept some stir in St. Mary's Church about their images,' and slew
a canon. They say the like weather has rarely been seen, of great
winds and diversity of temperature in this month.
I enclose herewith occurrents from sundry places.
The preparations for the siege of la Fre slacken, and a new bruit
is given out of peace ; it is supposed to gain time.Paris, 11 June
1580.
P.S.I beseech that young Adams may be sent to me, for he is
to render me certain accounts.
Advertisement is come to the Court that Monsieur is presently
departing from Tours, to have an interview with the King of
Navarre at Cognac ; but I have cause to doubt of the event, for
divers principal persons of the Religion mislike it.
1 p. [France IV. 89.]
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June.
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323. OCCURRENTS (presumably those enclosed in the last).
From Prague it is advertised that the Diet of Austria was begun
in Vienna, and it is thought but small profit will arise of it, as
there did from the Hungarians', so that his Majesty will be constrained
to return.
The Emperor purposes to return to Vienna this month of June,
for the suppression of the preachings, which are beginning again.
The Elector of Saxony has departed towards Denmark with the
whole Court, taking 100 halberdiers more than ordinary ; but his
intention is not known. The Duke of Prussia and Marquis of
Brandenburg are likewise departed.
The Moravians are in controversy with those of Austria ; and
'Sr de Stotsenghen,' steward to the Archduke Maximilian is sent
to 'accord' them.
The Emperor has let the ambassadors know that on Aug. 1 he
means to take his journey into Silesia and Moravia, and thence to
Vienna ; since the Hungarians desire his presence to decide certain
causes of importance. He will remain there 5 or 6 months and his
brother be resident at Prague.
From Constantinople is news that Mustapha was drawing near,
and that the Grand Signior had sent one of his chiaus to meet him,
with order to behead him on his arrival at 'that porte' ; also that
his secretary and the master of his house were already imprisoned.
Which chiaus being come to Mustapha and making towards him,
Mustapha willed him to stand back, and if he had to speak with
him, to stand further, and by no means to come near him. Others
report that as soon as Mustapha is come to Constantinople, he was
to marry Sultana, late wife to Mahumet deceased, and that he
would be made first vizier ; with advice also how there was great
provision prepared for the affairs of Persia.
The Duke of Ferrara has sent a gentleman to all the Electors of
the Empire, it is supposed, to be a 'let' that the Grand Duke shall
not be 'sacred' King of Tuscany.
1 p. [Ibid. IV. 89A.]
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June 13.
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324. The KING OF DENMARK to the QUEEN.
We received a few days ago your letter dated Westminster,
April 19. It gratified us both by its kindness towards ourselves, and
by its care for the Christian commonwealth ; whereof the one
concerns the ancient friendship between our realms, the other the
advantage of the Church of God, and above all, your honourable
office as Defender of the Faith. We thank you therefore on both
grounds.
If we could by action or advice do anything towards promoting
concord among the Reformed Churches, we would not fail to do it.
Therefore upon the request made to us last year by the King of
Navarre we conferred with our relative Augustus Duke of Saxony,
to whose affection for us must be ascribed any result we may have
obtained thereby. We certainly made our proposals in perfect
sincerity, and we should rejoice if our communication were to do
anything towards moderating religious dissensions.
But as in what you have said we recognise your anxiety to forestall
greater disturbance to the Church, so we make no doubt that
all the steps our relative has hitherto taken have sprung from
his zeal for the Churches of the Augustan Confession. If, as we
hoped, he had come here, we would not have failed to bring forward
the subject as you request. But as he unexpectedly changed his
plans when he had accomplished half his journey, and owing
to certain serious impediments connected with both public and
private affairs, went back to his country, and we were therefore
prevented from speaking to him, as you wished, we will take an
opportunity of explaining to him either by letter, or through your
envoys, who will, we hope, be here shortly, and let him know our
wish in regard to promoting a synod of the Reformed Churches of
Germany. Nor do I doubt that this will, if it is addressed in friendly
wise by you, so declare itself that you will have nothing to desire.
Nor need we cease to hope that if Andreas, whom you mention,
should abuse the goodness of his excellent Prince, and in place of
the common tranquillity, which his Highness contemplates, should,
as you seem to hint, fling a firebrand of fraud and strife into the
Church of God, the Duke will at length take good care of his own
and the common expediency.
We for our part have nothing to do with these new formularies
and jointly-signed books. The churches and schools of our realms,
in the reign of our late father, were piously reformed by the rejection
of Papist idolomania, and put on a good footing. We rest in
that sincerity of Christian doctrine handed down to us by an excellent
parent, and true Christian prince ; nor do we allow any
theologian to make any innovation, or to dispute about the received
and approved order of our Church. By these means we have up
to now, by the grace of God, preserved at once the truth and peace
in the Churches of our wide realms.Colding, 13 June 1580.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. Latin. 4 pp. [Denmark I. 8.]
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June 15.
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325. COBHAM to the QUEEN.
Having been advertised, as your Majesty may perceive by the
enclosed, of the assured disposition in this realm towards war,
which it seems cannot be enterprised but that occasion will in some
sort be ministered for you to enter into consideration of it in respect
of the 'voysinage' your States have with France, and in consideration
of those of the Religion, who are much distressed, and live
daily in great fear ; and since it seems the Prince of Cond proposes
to repair to you (if he be not already arrived), I thought it
my duty to send the advice immediately upon knowledge thereof.
While writing this I received this other advertisement, from Spain,
by the last courier, which may seem to give you occasion to forethink
what will be the Spanish king's next enterprise ; since he
daily increases his army by sea and otherwise, besides that his
Spaniards who were in Flanders are embarked towards Spain. I
am loth to trouble you with the declaration of the hopes of those
who are 'ill bent' against your person and your realms or to set
before your eyes the judgments of the well-disposed towards you.
But thus much I will 'remember' to you for the better discharging
of my duty, that it seems that they of Rome have bent their
counsels against your estates, as may appear not only in the
favouring of your fugitives, but also in heartening and practising
with the rebels of Ireland. It is further supposed that the Pope
and other Italian princes would not confederate and assist King
Philip so far with money and forces, but they were assured this
Catholic army should be bestowed hereafter more to their liking
and further from their coasts than Portugal.
The temporising of the proceedings in this country has given
cause to the wise to presume that there is an intelligence and
action which is awaited, wherein all their hands at one 'instance'
shall be set on work. In like manner the sending of d'Aubigny
and his fair manner of entrance and accommodating of himself
signifies that he wishes to gain time ; so that their prepared malice
is like too soon to take place, when there are not sufficient defences
made against their open ready forces. Besides that it is esteemed
King Philip moves not but when he finds great good foundations
and some secret welcome, as may appear by this enterprise of
Portugal ; though perhaps many of the Portuguese' minds are contrary.
Il pensare non importa, ma il fare ; which will appear by
what they will suffer at their hands, with whom daily experience
shews there is no redemption nor reasonable composition to be had.
I am informed the Scottish Queen solicits most earnestly to have
her son brought 'in place' where he may be 'reduced' to the
Catholic Church ; which is most assuredly expected, and will be
brought to pass, for without that they would do little.
The Christian King has been sick of the coqueluche, a kind of
'murre,' which has infected the greatest part of the city, but is now
well again, God be thanked, and purposes to take the air in some of
his houses not far hence.Paris, 15 June 1580.
1 pp. [France IV. 90.]
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June 15.
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326. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
A particular edict having passed for the confiscation of the Prince
of Cond's goods, I am informed that at the request of the Cardinal
of Bourbon the King has caused it to be stayed, but with great
difficulty and some unkindnesses. Because of the guest who I
suppose will be with you before my letter, I write thus much ; of
which I think he will be glad.Paris, 15 June 1580.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson : Confiscation stayed ; Walsingham (?)
adds : of the Pr. of Cond's goods. Then (apparently heads for a
letter to be written) : 1. Portingall Amb. 2. Scotland. 3. Ireland.
4. Hambleton. Brother here. 5. Private causes. 6ll. [Ibid. IV. 91.]
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June 15.
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327. COBHAM to [WALSINGHAM].
I have written to you by Large, the ordinary post, since Mr
Wade's departure ; yet as I am informed of the (Prince of Cond
erased) Count de Torryne [qy. Turenne] meaning to pass over soon
to her Majesty I thought good to advertise it with all speed ;
doubting he will be there sooner than these my letters. I have
sent a little 'bille' of this intelligence inclosed in her Majesty's
letter, which I beseech you to take into your hands when she 'has
served herself of the advice.'
I hear daily of the King's preparations in Languedoc, to be levied
by Biron and the Duke of Maine, 'putting himself in order to be
chieftain of the war in Dauphin.' The troops are 'amassing' in
Picardy. The King rather seeks to unite the noblemen and gentlemen
of the provinces, by whose forces, on horseback with lances,
he purposes to withstand the entry of the reiters and to weary
them ; as also an assured means to overthrow those of the Religion,
for they have few troops on horseback, and those but slenderly
appointed for lances. Their forces are but shot, without armed
corselets, so that the French horsemen will, as they reckon, being
better armed and appointed, overthrow them at all encounters. In
this case the affairs of the 'poor afflicted' stand.
The King seems to blame Monsieur, that while he treats with him
about some pacification, the King of Navarre has taken Cahors in
Quercy and another small place beside it ; with which the King
was highly offended, and in his choler said in a private place that
his enemies had made him many bravados since his return from
Poland : but he had in store a secret which was not known, by
means of which he doubted not he should be revenged on them.
M. Rambouillet is returned from his Highness with small satisfaction ;
for Fervaques is not yet come back from the King of
Navarre. His Highness remains at Tours.
On Friday the 10th the King was to visit the Duke of Nevers,
who has been sick of their disease called the coqueluche ; when he
continued about three hours in secret conference with the said
duke, the Duke of Guise, the Count of Retz and Villequier. The
Cardinal of Bourbon was also admitted for a time. Next day the
Duke of Nevers began his journey toward Mzires, and so it is
said he will pass to the baths.
The King has sent M. Rambouillet to the Duke of Montpensier
coming towards Orleans with above 600 horse, requiring him to
leave his troops and repair hither with some 50 gentlemen, the
rather because the Duke of Nevers is gone. I am informed that
the Marquis of Elbeuf and the Duke of Aumale are with the said
duke, being allied with him ; it is thought he will enter Paris in
two days, as the King shall appoint.
There is one come from Germany, from 'Chamberg,' leaving him
at 'Hertfordt' [Erfurt] on the way to 'Misnia,' bringing news of
the levy of reiters for the princes of the Religion ; so that now
every gentleman puts himself in order for the wars.
The preparations continue for the siege of la Fre, and M. la
Guiche, master of the artillery, has received 5,000 crowns to find
20 'battery pieces,' and they have taken order here for horses to
draw the artillery. I hear there is evil agreement between the
gentlemen left by the Prince as chieftains in la Fre.
Four regiments of foot are beginning to march, and are commanded
by M. de Vauguyon, 'great master of the camp.'
The king has received one quarter of the wages of his officers
and those of the Receipts.
It is 'looked' that the King should to-day or to-morrow repair
to the palace. Yesterday the chiefs of the Parliament were with
him at the Louvre, to understand his will as to the form and
manner of proceeding to the execution of the last Edict for the sale
of the lands and goods of those of the Religion who are departed
the realm and their adherents and such like. The Protestants are
much in fear of some secret design intended against them, whereon
they daily shift themselves away ; 'but truly, sir, I do not see how
they can escape the ill hour,' being so compassed about with
malicious devices, and no relief appearing, except the Almighty
break the bands and chains of the mighty.
I hope thus much being 'enlarged' hereof may suffice to
discharge my duty, and give her Majesty cause to look providently
to great imminent threatenings ; as also that this may serve for a
remembrance to your honour and my Lords of the Council,
whereby your counsels may be employed in time for the safety of
the servants of God.
The Portuguese ambassador, at his last visit within these three
days lamented to us in earnest sort that Don Antonio de Castilia
advertises him that the favours for the munitions required for
Portugal are slowly granted, and that the Queen suffers copies to
be taken of the Duchess of Braganza's letters, which were sent to
Antwerp by some 'new Christians' and so conveyed into Portugal ;
also that her Majesty rather nourishes the divisions in Portugal
than seeks their uniting, in that she receives letters from Don
Antonio, and sends answers, entertaining him with hopes by means
of Mr Secretary Wilson.
I learn by the last letters, of May 30, from Madrid, that the
'Foulkers' have sent a letter of credit to the Prince of Parma for
the receipt of 300,000 crowns, to be repaid him at Besanon, and
200,000 more to be paid at Lyons, which sums are to be disbursed
to the Malcontents in Flanders.
I send herewith an advertisement from Merida, where the
Catholic army at that instant was.
By letters of the 30th ult. from Madrid it is advertised that the
Duke of Alva had entered Portugal ; which came by the last courier.
I send you a book set forth by a Scot who was a minister, and is
now become a papist, as many of them daily do.
M. d'Aubigny has written to some friend of his at this Court that
he has received courteous letters from the Queen, wherein she gives
him the title of Cousin.
I am informed that not long since, as the King of Scots was
walking in his garden, a messenger came secretly with a countersign
from his mother, with a message in the name of the Widow,
to whom he answered that he loved not only the Widow, but all
who love her ; so that it is likely there will fall out good intelligence
between the mother and the son, and that assuredly the King does
not favour Earl Morton.
John Tupper made such diligence that parting from you the 10th
we had him here the 12th at noon.Paris, 15 June 1580.
3 pp. [France IV. 92.]
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June 17.
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327. bis. COBHAM to [WALSINGHAM].
I would not let this ordinary post pass without these few words,
wherewith I send you the Edict which has now passed out from the
printer, whereby those princes and other noblemen will be brought
to extreme terms, so that it appears the King is prosecuting the
cause with more apparent rigour than usual.
Notwithstanding the Duke of Nevers is gone to Mzires, Montpensier
cannot be persuaded to repair hither so 'smally'
accompanied as the King required ; so he has returned to his own
house.
Signor Giovanni Taddei, who came yesterday from Monsieur,
assures me that neither the Duke of Aumale nor the Marquis of
Elbeuf is in Montpensier's company. He also says that his
Highness remains yet at Tours, where the Flemish commissioners
are entertained at his cost, and none repair to them without
license.
I am informed that his Highness makes companies and puts
gentlemen in order for some enterprise, but whether for the cause
of Flanders I cannot assure you ; though those are being entertained
by Monsieur who would not willingly, nor at all, serve him or
the King in any civil wars. Howbeit, their minds under this
climate have been taken to be variable for the most part.
Preparations for the siege of la Fre continue, and those who
favour Monsieur are most glad of the accord made at Cambray last
month.
Lord Claude has written to Lord Hamilton that he has taken his
journey towards her Majesty's Court to find out her disposition for
their cause. He asks him to send over his servant Conningham
with his whole and entire intent. I think Conningham departs on
Monday the 20th ; I will write to you by him.
Lord Claude informs his brother that the Earl of 'Ainguyshe'
shows kindness towards him, and has gone about to chasten some
of those vassals of Lord Hamilton who 'decline' from him in the
'Shrivewick of Glidesdale.'
Captain Louther, one of this King's garde du corps, returned
yesterday. The Bishop of Glasgow is assured by him that the
King is most desirous to pass into France, with discovery to none
but d'Aubigny and such others as are his assured.
I wrote to you of Alexander Stuart, who went hence about the
beginning of this month, passing through England. A resolution
is, as I am informed, sent by him for the dispatch of Earl Morton ;
and that the Scottish Queen has consented that whatsoever shall
be done that way shall be allowed for her service. So that upon
the next easy occasion he will, as they term it, be sticked ; and
thereby it is supposed the Queen's chief 'dependor' in Scotland
put out of the way. The said Alexander is a man of no great
execution himself, but evil-disposed ; and has a crafty meaning and
manner to put an evil work in practice. I am further advertised
that Keerey, the interpreter and secretary to d'Aubigny, will be sent
from Scotland hither very shortly about their secret affairs. He
is to pass in a little ship of 'Lythe,' called the Huguenot.
Two young men are come hither who left Spain about the
beginning of May, one called Richard Parker, the other Bartholomew
Yonge, sons of Gregory Yonge, grocer, of London, and of his wife's
first husband. Bartholomew Yonge is the nephew of Dr. Yonge
imprisoned for papistry, and was sent by him into Spain on purpose
to have gone into Italy upon the doctor's direction. He had conference
with the Duchess of Feria, being recommended by a privy
token from his uncle.
It is advertised from Venice that the Signiors are in doubt that
the Turk intends somewhat against them, occasioned by the evil
disposition and malice of the chief Bassa. Therefore 'they have
and do' send great preparations into Candia ; the rather it is said
that the Persian has concluded a peace with the Grand Signior.
Radolpho Baglioni has not as yet made any companies in Italy
for the King of Spain ; since the Italians are most unwilling to go
'for' Spain, because most part of 9,000 men who went thither are
dead 'for' hunger, want of sustenance and pay.Paris, 17 June
1580.
P.S.It is said two Englishmen are gone by Rouen into England.
Names of Englishmen in Spain : Sir Fr. Englesfield, Mr Henry
Carey, to be captain in one of the ships for Ireland, Mr Charles
Browne, captain of a company for Ireland, Mr 'Predioxe,' John
Jackson, who was in trouble for the Countess of Shrewsbury, and
his brother Mr Newland, Henry Gille, priest.
There is now a ship preparing in the river of Bordeaux, and a
ship and pinnace of M. Lansac, it is said for the Indies. Two more
ships in the river of Bayonne.
2 pp. [France IV. 93.]
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June 17.
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328. COBHAM to [WALSINGHAM].
My lord Hamilton having let me know that Mr Conningham his
servant is presently departing for England on purpose to confer
with lord Claude I would not suffer him to pass without these few
words to inform you of it ; the rather because he is well trusted by
his lord and goes fully instructed in all his causes, and of their
proceedings here and in Scotland, as if you speak with him it will
appear.
I yesterday delivered Peter Brown, the ordinary post, a packet
for you with the Edict for the attaching and confiscation of the
lands and goods of the King of Navarre, the Prince of Cond, M.
de Laval and others.
There is speech here of Mr Stafford's coming from 'thence.'
The King is gone to St. Germain's and the Queen Mother to
'St. Mowre,' where they will remain some time. The town is
infected with diseases, and somewhat with the plague.Paris,
17 July 1580.
p. [Ibid. IV. 94.]
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June 17.
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329. DU PLESSIS to WALSINGHAM.
I would not fail to advertise you of the news, dated 11 June, which
I have to-day from Paris. On May 30 the King resolved upon war,
and assigned the duty of arranging for it to the Paymaster-general
(Thresorier de Vextraordinaire). He has dispatched fresh commissions
for their soldiers, has sent into Germany and Switzerland to
hasten the levies, and orders to Marshal de Biron to take the field
and besiege some place, in order to bring the King of Navarre to
battle at whatever price, which is their sole design. Also the
Duke of Maine has been sent into Dauphin, the Prince Dauphin,
who is governor of it, not wishing to desert his father in his quarrel,
which still continues. To meet the costs of the war they reckon on
2,000,000 francs, which the clergy have offered for the redemption
of their revenues, on forced loans from private persons, and above
all, on our property. In fact on the Monday week previous letters
patent were issued to seize the goods of all who were absent, and
those who were bearing arms or favouring them. On the 9th inst.
they placed a garrison at the bridge of St. Cloud, and are doing the
same at all the approaches. Companies begin to march towards
la Fre, which they mean to batter with 30 cannon. Marshal
Matignon is to command the siege. There are 800 good men and
80 gentlemen well mounted, resolved to fight for their lives there.
My cousin M. de Mouy, son of the late M. de Mouy, is in command ;
M. de Laval's young brother has remained there also, and M. de la
Personne. They have provisions, and have already fortified four
ravelins.
On June 3 the King received word that the King of Navarre had
surprised Cahors, a great, rich, and strong town, which has done
us a good deal of harm. Notwithstanding, there is still talk of
peace, but you know what the preparations (expditions) for it are.
In Lauraguais they have defeated those who massacred our
people at Soreze. This is the state of our affairs ; they need only
a moderate assistance to make a good recovery. I forgot to say
that 4,000 Provenals have joined with our friends in Dauphin.
For the rest, Captain Beaupuis is at Cambray to receive the oath
on behalf of Monsieur, and M. de Valises left Paris on June 10,
taking 10,000 crowns, which President de Thou, now chancellor to
Monsieur, has lent.
I have no letter from the King of Navarre ; for M. de Chemeraut
whom he has sent to the King, a good gentleman, had his throat cut
lately on the high road, and his packets stolen, and since then M.
de la Bussire also, who belonged to the Queen of Navarre, four
leagues from Poitiers.
Thus much I could not keep from you while awaiting our news.
London, 17 June 1580.
P.S.These news come to me from three different quarters, and
are certain.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1 pp. [France IV. 95.]
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June 18.
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330. THE PRINCE OF COND to WALSINGHAM.
Having made my way to this country as speedily and as secretly
as possible, for great and important occasions, of which I desire
myself to treat with the Queen, I would not fail, so soon as I landed
in this port, to dispatch this bearer, one of my secretaries, to you with
all diligence, to advertise yourself and the Earl of Leicester thereof
and to pray you to let her Majesty know it, in order that when she
has done me the honour to make known her will, I may follow it
as well as the advice which I beseech you to give me as to my
course of action. Wherein I address myself to you, as to one
whose friendship I have so long experienced that I count him as
one of my best friends in this world. Awaiting therefore this
bearer's return, whom I beg you to credit, and to dispatch as soon
you can, that a long stay in this place may not betray me, I commend
myself to your favour.Sandwich, 18 June 1580. (Signed)
Henry de Bourbon.
Add. Endd. in L. Tomson's hand : From the Pr. of Cond to
myself. Fr. p. [France IV. 96.]
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June 18.
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331. THE PRINCE OF COND to LEICESTER.
In the same terms as the preceding.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. Fr. p. [Ibid IV. 97.]
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June 19.
|
332. CHRISTOPHER CARLEILL to [WALSINGHAM].
By 'means' of advertisements received this week from the
quarter where our people lie, I have been absent from this town and
am but even now returned, so that I cannot for this time write
your honour of anything that has been passed here in Council or
otherwise.
The cause of my going to the quarter was to have made one in
the surprise of Alost, of which we had some vain news that good
success was likely to have followed, but in fine all is come to nothing,
and the matter worse to begin again than ever before, by reason
of certain cavalry they have caused to lie very near the town.
To-day is come the first news of a rencounter that 'should
happen' between the States' forces that lay in the country of
'Groeningerland' and thereabouts, and those other forces of Malcontents
who went thither to succour the town of Groningen,
in which it is said that our folk remain the winners. But this is
so fresh that I know not how to believe it as yet.
We understand that M. de Hze is imprisoned for being discovered
practising the delivery of Arras and Valenciennes into the
hands of the States. Commissaire 'Rowssell' was chiefly employed
in these matters. He said at his departure from this town that he
would advertise you the substance of his business from Dunkirk.
Mr Norris in coming from the castle about the beginning of last
week 'happened to have another unhappy chance to light upon
him.' This was by the falling out of some of his men with a
waggoner, who being drunk, or 'nowghtely' disposed, ran with his
waggon upon his 'footcloth nag' whereon he was mounted. But
'being very hardly escaped' his men rebuked the waggoner, who
finding himself in the town, where he made account he should want
no mates to take his part, answered them again with such vile
speeches that one of the colonel's servants, not able to endure them,
struck the waggoner with his sword in the scabbard. Hereupon
they fall to drawing swords on all sides, and in this broil, some one,
we know not who, struck Mr Norris with a great staff over his nose
and one eye, wherewith his nose was beaten flat to his face and his
eye somewhat bruised. But the eye is already well recovered,
and the nose so raised up again that it will be no 'disfigure' at all.
Meantime it is sore, and the bruise so great that he is driven to keep
his bed for better ease. The Prince and all of the better sort seem
very sorry for the mischance, and make 'semblant' that they will
have justice done in the matter ; but as yet the parties cannot be
found, nor if they were is it thought that such justice could be
ministered as were requisite for such a fault, for the people are so
apt to mutiny that they would hardly suffer any punishment to be
done among them for such kind of occasions. With the consideration
of this Mr Norris partly satisfies himself, and intends to 'overpass'
it as well 'as he may find it can be no better.'Antwerp,
19 June 1580.
Endd. by Walsingham. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 32.]
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June 19.
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333. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
Finding myself here at Bruges to set on foot a good military
enterprise against Cassel and other places, I have found an opportunity
of writing to say that I am your assiduous and willing
servant, although I do not send you news so often. I cannot do so,
being continually on business of such importance that I put off
eating and drinking to attend to it, inasmuch as the situation of
the universal cause depends on it.
You will have learnt that my twofold journey into France on
behalf of Cambray and Bouchain has brought upon our malcontent
enemies an admirable division and distrust among the lords, the
consequence of which has been the arrest and imprisonment of
M. de Hze, who has been taken from the camp to Mons. Several
of his captains, and those of M. d'Egmont and M. de Montigny who
were at Alost and elsewhere, have been arrested, the town of Mons
thrown into discontent and mutiny, Lille and other places similarly
excited ; all through the accursed treachery of one who was reputed
of the Religion, who discovered the enterprise on Mons, the 'ruin'
of the Albanians, twenty ensigns revolted, and four towns brought
over to our obedience.
All which things and other details I should have liked to relate
more minutely, but I am obliged to start this instant for Ypres.
The 'briratz' [Breederaed] at Antwerp met last Friday, to
resolve upon the affair of M. d'Alenon, but came to no conclusion
because the nobles and magistrates had not sent their opinion,
which it is proper for them in the first instance to do.
I received yours of May 20, containing news of the army collecting
in Spain against Portugal. This will further our affairs.
When I left Antwerp they were saying that the Duchess of Parma
was about to start for Paris, to negotiate the marriage of a
daughter of Spain with Alenon. I do not know indeed if there
was anything in it.Bruges, 19 June 1580.
Add. Endd. Fr. 2 pp. [Ibid. XIII. 33.]
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June 20.
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334. ROGER BODENHAM to WILSON.
By Nicolas [Ellis I wrote to y]our honour, and this is only to
advertise you that the King is now upon the borders of Portugal
. . . . . and thither is carried a great number of men and
provisions, so that it is thought here that the King will make an
end of that matter before he be . . . in any other, although great
preparations are made 'with a mighty charge of divers things
which appertain nothing to the matters of Portugal,' whereby it is
gathered that some great enterprise was and is pretended besides
that of Portugal ; which is indeed either for Ireland or 'Argell.'
It is good, therefore, that the Queen be ready, as it is reported here
that she is, to withstand any power that can be made against her ; and
so there is no fear of any man. There is no more to say. 'But
and' Ireland be provided, that there be no landing there, all these
practices will be to no purpose ; 'but and' they may land, it will
breed great trouble. There is a heavy burden laid upon this people
to maintain this great army, which may not long continue.
San Lucar, 20 June 1580.
Slightly damaged. Add. p. [Spain I. 50.]
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