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Feb. 1.
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530. DIEGO BOTELHO to the QUEEN.
The answer which the Lords of your Council made me being
other than that which the king my master expected from your
Majesty, I have appealed to you, assuring myself as much of the
friendship and kindness which you have shown to my master and
all who come from him, that you will not allow him to lack a
remedy for his afflicted realm of Portugal, which always in all its
afflictions has been succoured by your predecessors. I will
remind you that the king came to see you as his first refuge, and
that when he took leave of you, you assured him that when
he was aided by France, you would not fail to aid him with
like and greater succour. If it is the case that at this hour
when he is ready to embark, you fail him, you will be the
cause of his missing his principal 'remedy' ; inasmuch as on the
assurance of your promise he has gained over many persons, who
when they see that you do not help him will leave him, and with
good reason complain that he has received them upon the
assurance he had of your succour. I will beg you to believe that I
do not deserve from you that the king my master should think I
have done my duty so badly as to deprive him of the benefits and
favours which you had not denied him up to the present, nor
forbidden your subjects to serve him with their ships, he finding
their expenses and pay ; which now I see that you deny him,
together with the army which he caused us to make in the past
year by your permission, and which cost him a good deal, without
any profit obtained from it, since he could not get out in time to
effect his design. You are not now aiding him with it, and you
refuse permission to Francis Drake to accompany him secretly on
this voyage, at no cost to yourself. Believe me, madam, I do not
know how I can make him this answer to the contents of my
request. I cannot complain if you do not grant it me, however
much reason I may seem to myself to have. If you refuse me
what you granted to my master, I shall think that my bad luck is
the cause of your not succouring him ; and for the reasons above
stated, you will know my reason for appealing from the answer that
they gave me in your Council, and the obligation that you have to
hear me in my rightful cause and do me the favour of giving me
leave, by this bearer, Custodio Leytam, to go in search of him ;
hoping, with your decision to give pleasure to my master, and
make him strong enough to accomplish his design. I have this
day received from him a letter in which he bids me entreat your
Majesty on his behalf to give him an answer promptly and in the
form which you know he needs ; all the good success of his affairs
depending on diligence. Having been unable to have audience of
your Majesty either yesterday or today, I beg you to grant it me
wherever you may be, in order that I may come to a decision in
what it may please you to order, and, with your permission, depart
[me anneler ; qy. m'en aller] to France.—London, 1 Feb. 1582.
Add. Endd. Portuguese French. 1¼ pp. [Portugal I. 74.]
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Beginning
of Feb.
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531. "Memorial to Mr Secretary Walsingham to remind
the Queen. From Sr. Diego Botelho."
May it please her Majesty that a declaration be made to the
admiralty that all the goods coming from the Terceras Islands and
other countries at the obedience of Don Antonio, King of Portugal,
shall be received in this country, and all merchants, English,
Portuguese and others, be allowed to sell and retail them without
let or hindrance ; declaring further that trade to those isles and
countries is free, and that any man may traffic thither as he thinks
fit.
That a letter may be sent to Captain Zouch, Captain of Kinsale,
to restore 44 barrels of sugar which he took by force out of a
Portuguese caravel coming from the isles ; under severe penalties
to make him restore it.
Another letter, in order that if the said caravel enters any other
port of the kingdom it may not be stayed, but let go, and all assistance
given to it ; and a passport, that in the case of any of the King
of Portugal's ships being in the port of Plymouth, they may let
them go, and give them the necessary victuals, and that if by
stress of weather they are driven into some other port, they may
not be stayed.
That her Majesty will be pleased to lend him out of her arsenal
(arsenaq) six bronze culverins of 50 to 60 quintals each with the
necessary ammunition, to send to the Isles ; he being responsible
for their return within six months ; insomuch as necessity presses,
and they could not be made in the time.
That she will grant to the said Botelho a passport to go out of the
realm, embarking at such port as may seem to him good ; enjoining
all men to give him for reasonable payment all of which he may
be in need, and at the port and haven where he shall embark, the
necessary victuals ; and if he embarks in the ships that are at
Plymouth there shall be given him whatever he may need, and
when he sets sail, no stay or hindrance.
Endd. by the writer. Portuguese French. 1 p. [Ibid. I. 75.]
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Feb. 4.
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532. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was the 28th ult. since which time etc.
By good advices from Artois the greatest part of the nobility of
the Malcontents are in some doubt of their estate, because of the
coming of the Spaniards and Italians from Italy ; of whose aid they
say among themselves they have no need, for which cause there is
some great gar [qy. jar] among the Malcontents.
They also write from Artois of many Spaniards and Italians who
are already come to Luxembourg, 'in 12, 20, and 30 in companies,'
for which cause in the land of Luxembourg about Namur and those
parts there is some trouble ; for it seems they will stop the passages
if they can, and they write that there is some great state that
borders on those parts which takes part with the country against
the Spaniards. It seems there is some trouble there, for the Prince
of Parma, who keeps at Tournay, has sent Mondragon thence in
great diligence to those parts.
By means of the troubles that are like to be in the land of
Luxembourg, therefore, it is said the greatest part of the Malcontents,
both horse and foot, that lie in these parts will depart towards
Namus. So it is said from Corttrick.
Grain and all manner of other victuals is very scant in the
enemy's government. 'Before it be Easter Day' it is thought it
will drive him to some extremity. In like case it begins to be very
dear in the parts under the States' government.
The Scots at Meenen, who were half in a mutiny for their pay,
are now made contented for a time with 2 months' pay. This
week those Scots have made sundry skirmishes against the Marquis
of Risbourg and Montigny, who lie at 'Russellers' ; greatly to their
praise, for it seems the enemy had the worst in every skirmish.
It is said the Prince and States granted the Ambassador of Don
Antonio 12 great ships, well-furnished with men, victuals, and
munition ; namely 8 ships from Holland and 4 from Zealand.
Upon some displeasure, the Prince of Parma has discharged
Captain 'Skincke' with his horsemen, who are already departed
out of the country towards 'Docheland.'
Yesterday the Lords of this town received letters from the
Prince in Zealand, in which he writes that he looks for Monsieur
every tide. He commands them therefore to come thither with all
diligence to receive him ; and has written the like to all other towns
of importance. So this day the burgomasters of Bruges and the
'Free' are departed towards Zealand, and there is great rejoicing
at the news. God send him well to arrive in safety.—Bruges,
4 Feb. 1581.
P.S.—'By means' the post goes and comes 'by Zealand away,'
it makes my letters very long on the way. The post might take
this way again without danger of the enemy.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 17.]
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Feb. 4.
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533. GILPIN to WALSINGHAM.
I have not, since my last, greatly solicited the Lords further ;
but as I met any of them in private, I entered into 'conference of
the cause,' and find their resolution to be that considering the
disability of this town by reason of the great charge it is continually
at, all other places in Brabant being so oppressed and subject in a
sort to the enemy's forces that no contribution (or very small)
comes from them, they cannot, nor for danger of the 'president'
may, take upon them the payment of any such debts, for which the
whole General States stand bound. It would be the utter ruin of
this place and the inhabitants if once they yielded to 'satisfy this
or like cause' ; and therefore notwithstanding any forewarning of
future inconvenience or danger, yea, as they protest, though arrests
and stays should be made, this town will not pass other grants than
for the part of Brabant, and care shall be taken that so much shall
be in readiness on every day of payment. And to the end her
Majesty might have the better contentment, they will at the coming
of the Prince and States endeavour by all means that some speedy
resolution may ensue.
I understood from a secret friend that the matter was debated
among them in their Monday council, whether the words singuli in
solidum would touch them. Many alleged and reasoned the
contrary ; but at last one of the 'learnest' handled the case so that
he bore their opinions away and confirmed his conclusion that
they were comprehended and as it were tied by the words as far as
if the debt were their 'particular.'
On Tuesday last the Common Council, or 'breden Raedt,' as
they term it, met ; and the first cause propounded was her Majesty's.
It kept them very long, and yet resolved nothing at that instant,
but deferred their answer, to consider it further against their next
meeting.
The answer promised me in writing upon the delivery of the
protest hitherto, I have heard nothing of, but that it should be got
ready and sent me. Yet by the delay I judge it will be stayed till
the said 'Broad Council' has met again.
Assuredly the other provinces are much to blame and not altogether
to be borne with ; though indeed Flanders is marvellously
charged by reason of the war on their frontiers and in their country.
And Holland and Zealand (but the one chiefly) stand to their
former allegations 'not to be' comprehended in the bonds, as
passed without their consents, as I have heretofore advertised you
more at large, and therefore need neither have further cause at
this instant to enlarge on it or about the premises. I intend not to
fail to accomplish whatever has been commanded by you both in
your former letter and in that of Jan. 27, received by this week's
post.
M. du Plessis is still in Zealand, but I have delivered the letter
for him at his house here, and sent all the others according to
direction.
For news, other than was certified in my last, 'I have not,' save
that this people still expects with great desire the coming of Monsieur.
All other business soever as near as I can perceive stays till
such time.
There is great preparation made here to receive him, and pageants
and shows devised to manifest their inward affection towards
him. All other matters, both in Friesland, these parts, and
Flanders, we hear nothing of.—Antwerp, 4 Feb. 1581.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Ibid. XV. 18.]
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Feb. 4.
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534. Roberts's depredations ; the Spanish Ambassador's
demands.
(1) A commission and a letter from the Council to assist it, to
arrest all the sugars, cotton-wools, and any other kind of wares
brought into Bristol by Henry Roberts and others, which were
taken on the sea by them and brought to this country, as is
evidently proved by a Portugal master, one of those who had their
ships taken, who is now here, and by others ; taking by note all the
marks of the goods, and to put [sic] them in safe custody till the
King shall recover his duties, and the rest to the right owners [sic].
And that the commission may be directed to such persons as have
no 'entteres' [qy. interest] to the same goods.
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(2) Another commission to arrest all the sugars and other wares
that have been brought from Bristol to London, or wherever they
shall be found. Also all persons which have bought any sugars
or any of the same goods, whether pirates or others, may be
arrested by virtue of the commission. And that the aforesaid
Harry 'Rouvar' may put sufficient sureties to answer to the value
of all the aforesaid goods. The Judge of the Admiralty says that
his commission will not be obeyed at Bristol, nor here in London,
upon any goods found on land, and therefore he will not grant his
commission.
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(3) Another commission, with the Council's letters of assistance,
for the Vice-admiral Sir Richard 'Bouckell,' commanding him to
deliver the Portugal 'carrable' which was brought to Holyhead by
the ships of the same Harry 'Rovers,' with all the chests of sugar
and other wares, although Sir Richard pretend and make any title
or claim to the goods ; to which claim I will answer that no delay
or further 'shoutes' [suits] be made, as have been in other 'shoutes'
for other robberies.
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(4) Another commission and a letter to command those in
Ireland to deliver back 45 chests of white sugar that were taken at
Cork out of the Portugal 'carrabell,' master Jasper 'Rodregous,'
or to pay the value ; and that it may be dispatched with speed.
Also that other chests of sugar may be restored, which were sold
by the said men of war in Cork and other places in the same
country.
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(5) Another commission general for all the ports of England, to
arrest all ships and wares that are daily brought thither by pirates
of goods appertaining to the king and his subjects, and all such
goods to be put in safe custody till such time as the right owners
shall come for it, everyone for his own according to their
marks.
Endd. with date, and a summary of each article, by (?) L. Cave.
¾ p. (Spain I. 85.)
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Feb. 4.
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535. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
In my last, written at Bruges, I represented to you the deplorable
state of things there, while waiting for his Highness ; the goings-on
in Flanders and the chief towns ; the proposal to have a governor
and dictator of their own ; and lastly an admirable revolution and
change, which remains hung up, all the people being full of this
happy arrival, buoyed up from one hour to another, by the favour
of the wind, which I pray may continue that he may have a
prosperous voyage and a happy landing. In consequence of the
letters announcing his departure from England and the coming of
Lord Leicester and the rest, people are making lengthy preparations.
The meeting of the States General is being held here in Antwerp at
St. Michael's.
One misfortune I perceive from this postponement is that the
Malcontents are scheming for an agreement, to which several people
are lending an ear. It makes me fear that these imprudent persons
will allow themselves to be led into the snare, when I remark that
the enemy's actions tend wholly to the aim of deceiving. They are
however scandalised to see the Prince of Parma bringing foreign
soldiers and governors into the conquered towns, whence many
disputes have arisen among them, even to the point of arms. This
however does not break their ambitious passions in the matter of
the Religion, which they hold more than ever in horror, as they
testify daily by the inhumanities which they practise on those
who admit having made profession of it. This ought to serve all
those of Flanders for a mirror to set them thinking of their own
affairs and not let themselves be led over a precipice ; but rather
allow themselves to be ruled and governed by those who hitherto
have risked all to advance the glory of God.
I need not discourse to you on the talk here concerning his
Highness's aid, leaving the marriage at which he aims (le prétendu
m.). I am assured that you are served by others, who can write
to you more at large. In like manner I will not represent to you
the state and disposition of the nations, Italy, Germany, and the
rest. I will instruct you only on the state of things here, which
has undergone such a change that my information is all upset. I
think therefore to advertise from the nearest point of what may
happen ; staying at Antwerp, where I intend to discharge myself
from the service of Flanders in which my only recompense has
been ingratitude for my good work.
If any opportunity for travelling over there had offered, I
should have liked it, to represent to you verbally what it is tedious
to write. His Highness's arrival will give us something to talk
about. I will be sure to let you know the details.—Antwerp,
4 Feb. 1582.
Add. (seal). Endd. Fr. 2 pp. [Ibid. XV. 19.]
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Feb. 6.
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536. The DUKE OF ANJOU to BURGHLEY.
Please pay to Horatio Pallavicino of Genoa (Genevois alt. from
Florentin) the sum of £50,000 sterling remaining of the £60,000
with which you supplied me ; upon which I promise to return your
obligation.—Canterbury, 6 Feb. 1582. (Signed) François ; (countersigned)
Le Pin.
Endd. in Burghley's hand : The Duke of Anjou from Canterbury
by Marchaumont. £5,000 to be delivered to Pallavicino. Note :
£10,000 was paid before in December. Fr. ½ p. [Ibid. XV. 20.]
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Feb. 6.
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537. The QUEEN to the PRINCE OF ORANGE.
Whereas we have dispatched our cousins of Leicester and
Hunsdon, and Lord Howard to bring over our dearest cousin the
Duke of Anjou, we write by them to you, to put you in mind how
much it imports you to see that the duke is there received and
honoured as appertains to a prince of his quality. We shall not
need to tell you how much you yourself are for divers respects
bound to him ; but will only witness to you the earnest goodwill
we bear him and the care we have of his honour and prosperity,
insomuch that whatever honour or dishonour he shall receive there
we shall impute it as done to ourselves, being fully determined to
participate with him in his fortune. Wherefore we pray you to
have a special care in this matter and to give credit to our cousins
in that which they shall say to you.
Endd. by L. Tomson : The copy of her Majesty's letter to the
Prince of Orange, Febr. 6, 1581. ½ p. [Ibid. XV. 21.]
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Feb. 7.
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538. ROWLAND YORKE to WALSINGHAM.
I trust you received my two last ; since which I have not heard
from you. These are to address the bearer Mr Sarabie to you. I
find him so well affectioned to her Majesty and her realm that I
desire you to give him credit in that he shall treat with you, and
to 'qualify everything according to your proceedings past, and
that that is to come.' I and others have spoken with him at large
—such as are affectioned to the Religion.—Ghent, 7 Feb. 1582.
P.S.—You may appoint some time of your most leisure to confer
with him at large.
Add. (in bad French). Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. XV. 22.]
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Feb. 8.
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539. DUKE of ANJOU to PALLAVICINO.
Please place in the hands of M. de Marchaumont, who will supply
you with the obligation of the Lord Treasurer, all the money in
coin and bullion which you receive under it until the sum contained
therein is made up.—Sandwich, 8 Jan. [sic] 1582. (Signed)
François ; (countersigned) Le Pin.
Endd. in Burghley's hand : 8 Febr. 'Francoiss' Duke of Anjou
to Palavicino to receive the bullion of the Lord Treasurer. Fr.
⅓ p. [Ibid. XV. 23.]
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Feb. 8.
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540. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
I have received your letter by my servant Paulo. I perceive that
the same was then intended which is now reported in this Court,
which is that his Highness 'pretended' to pass over to Flanders,
where they report his presence ; and means are required, for their
course of affairs in those parts 'are' in no great good way.
Lord Hamilton has resorted to me today, being on his departure
from this town, to sojourn at Moret or thereabouts, where he may
repair to the exercise of religion ; which he told me he was the
rather persuaded to do, considering the company the Bishop of
Glasgow left in the house at his departure for Poitou. And upon
that he requested me to put you in remembrance of a promise he
remembers, and would 'infer' you made him, touching the having
of his pension. I showed him that there were some who 'inferred'
to his prejudice that he depended on the Scottish Queen, which he
denies, other than that she promised him a pension for the losses
he had received for her cause ; which pension he demands at her
officers' hands but can get no great portion of it. He alleges that
he depends wholly on her Majesty. I told him further that the
Queen could not like that he sought underhand the young king's
grace, either by Lord Seaton's means or otherwise. He protested
with earnest vows there was no such matter, for he did not hope
much at Lord Seaton's hands, considering he knew him to be a
papist, and though his brother was allied that way by marriage,
yet for other respects he sought nothing by his means. So I have
left the poor lord with small hope.
By some speeches I have received from a party of account, it
appeared to me that the King of Navarre had some action in hand,
but I cannot tell to what purpose it is to be employed.
I shall not fail to send the packet to Mr Humphry Mildmay. I
am glad to understand that Mecot is out of trouble.—Paris, 8 Feb.
P.S.—One of the House of Lancastro, a near kinsman to the
Duke of Braganza, has passed through this town towards Tours.
The King Don Antonio is advertised of two rich ships taken and
brought to Tercera.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [France VII. 22.]
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Feb. 8.
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541. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
I suppose you have been advertised how the king and queen have
returned hither from Chartres ; since which he has been in St.
Germain's fair, to sport himself. But for the most part he has
kept his chamber and bed, refreshing himself after his weary and
troublesome journey ; resting in hope to receive the fruit of their
desires through their meritorious pilgrimage. Notwithstanding
they report that the young queen, in bestowing sundry alms and
in talking to the poor women, met by the way thither one poor
woman, who understanding from the ladies that it was the young
queen with whom she had talked, returned to her, saying : 'Alas,
madame, I am sorry that in this ill weather you take so much pains
to travel to Chartres to have a child, since the good priest who was
wont to make the children is now dead.' With which speech the
ladies made themselves merry.
I understand that upon all occasions of speech offered of the
Queen my sovereign the king uses these terms, that if the marriage
proceeds he will become her most assured affectionate friend.
Otherwise I have not learned any particulars of young Pinart's dispatch.
It was reported to me at Du Bex's coming hither that it was
young Pinart who had arrived ; which was mistaken.
They of the Scottish factions are 'in sundry wise' advertised of
many particulars concerning the quarrel and 'partakers' of
d'Aubigny and James Stewart ; and lately a report has been brought
that d'Aubigny is slain, which is not yet believed. I have not
hitherto informed Lord Hamilton of what was contained in your
letter which I received 'this last' day by my servant Pawle ;
deferring it till he sends to me about his pension, when I will
'deliver' to him so much as you have commanded me.
I am informed that Morgan is now dispatching a Scottish
messenger called James Schavly [sic]. He departs within two
days towards Calais. This James is described to be of a gross
constitution and about 40 years of age, apparelled in a black cloak,
a black hat, a pair of sky-colour 'gulley gaskins,' and a pair of
'stocks' of the same colour ; full-faced, but little hair 'on' his
beard.
They inform me that within these few days three Welsh priests
arrived here, with store of letters and other trumperies. They
'pretend' to push on to Rheims, to become priests and scholars of
the seminary. One is called William Morgan, cousin to Thomas
Morgan who is here, the second is called Thomas Pryse, both of
Brecknockshire, as I learn ; the third is Davy Powel of 'Mommurth.'
The papists amongst them look for one Mr Rycards, a minister
of a village beside 'Abbington' ; who as they say through often
recourse to the house of one Mr Case in Oxford has been converted
to papistry, having already sold his benefice and goods, leaving his
wife and children to come over into these parts. It is thus
reported by one Daniel Havernan, an Irishman, late scholar to that
Mr Case, who within these few days passed over at Rye, meaning
next week to take his journey towards Rome.
They tell me that there is come into these parts one Patrick
Quayne, naming himself Bishop of 'Armacan,' 'indued' with that
bishopric by the Lord O'Neill. He was 'expulsed' by the son of
Sir Nicholas Bagnal, Marshal of Ireland, by whom he was taken,
but was rescued by O'Neill from Mr Bagnal's soldiers. So
presently after, Patrick repaired first to the Earl of 'D'Esmont,' of
whom he received letters of recommendation to the Pope, and
likewise from O'Neill to the Pope, to the intent, as he affirms, that
a new supply of Italian soldiers may be sent into Ireland this
summer ; and way will be made by Desmond and O'Neill with their
powers for a haven about the west of Ireland for their landing.
Before this Irish bishop's coming the Papists at Rheims had a
muttering amongst them of the like enterprise. On the 1st inst.
the bishop delivered a packet of letters to Thomas Morgan, directed
from one Parsons of Oxford, in which were enclosed letters from
sundry papists in Oxford, part of them directed to Dr Allen at
Rheims and part to Dr Lewes in Italy.
I will withal let you know of those vain reports which are put
forth by our 'indisposed' countrymen. First, they say that they
have this week received letters from Louvain that Monsieur is
shortly coming over into Flanders ; likewise that he will have in the
spring an army compounded of 6,000 English, 6,000 Gascons, 6,000
Almains, 6,000 Swiss, which will serve him in the Low Countries.
Further they whisper that for a truth the marriage is concluded,
and moreover that it is agreed between their Majesties of England
and France that during the life of her Majesty and Monsieur they
shall reign jointly as sovereigns of the Low Countries, and after
their decease those countries shall be divided equally between their
heirs, viz., all Zealand, Friesland, with the north-east countries to
remain to the heirs of our Queen ; the countries of Artois, Flanders,
and the other members of the Low Countries to the heirs of
Monsieur. These fancies I suppose they have framed to send and
certify into Spain and Rome, that they may the more stir up and
provoke the Spanish king and the Pope against the Queen.
I have just been advertised from Angers how it is there understood
that certain companies which pretend to be under the Prince
of Condé's government have attempted to take the town of Niort.
If this be true, it may minister cause of some further civil trouble
and hinder foreign enterprises.
They write from Lyons that the Duke of Mayne arrived there
Jan. 25. His coming to this Court is looked for.
The king said today that his brother was coming out of England
on his way, but that the Queen had 'as then' stayed his departure.
Howbeit they were since advertised in Court that he had passed the
seas on the 3rd inst.
Thus I have filled up this paper with such trifling occurrents,
because I would not fail to let you know what I hear passing in
these parts at this instant. Thanking you for showing such
affection and desire that her Majesty should do me some good,
which I beseech you to continue as you shall think convenient.—
Paris, 8th Feb. 1581.
Add. Endt. gone. 3½ pp. [France VII. 23.]
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Feb. 10.
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542. CHAPELL V. the SENATE OF LUBECK.
We, John Leigh of London, merchant, and Roger Watson,
merchant, of Dantsick, acknowledge that at the earnest request of
Margaret Chapell, wife of John Chapell, of London, draper, we
went to the worshipful and discreet German van Dorne, burgomaster
of Lubeck, the 11th of January 1581, in his own house,
situated near Our Lady church in that town, and demanded of him
on behalf of the whole Senate, a direct answer upon the letters of
the Emperor of Russia and the letter of John Chapell which they
received in December. Who gave us presently this answer : "It is
true," quoth he, "that I received such letters both from the
Emperor of Russia, and from John Chapell, and delivered them to
the Senate. The contents imported that they should 'satisfy' the
wife of John Chapell, for the copper, herrings, and ship taken from
him, the sum of 12,000 dollars ; otherwise his Majesty would see
him contented out of their goods that were in Russia, or such as
should first come into his dominions. Whereupon the Senate of
Lubeck gave this resolute answer (which they had before given to
Chapell), that they would not come to any accord with him, nor
with any for him ; which was the absolute answer of the whole
Senate, whereby it would remain. Chapell might do 'his best
what he could' to the contrary, and they would do their best
against him with princes and potentates where they could, and not
only against him, but against all his."
Whereupon we demanded of the burgomaster if that were the full
determination of the whole Senate. He answered, Yea, it was their
full answer, and thereby it should remain. We demanded again if
we might not have it in writing. The burgomaster answered, the
letters which they had received were 'close' and sealed, which they
could answer by writing. And when we demanded when we might
have the letters, he bethought himself, and answered, Chapell had
sufficient answer ; he might do his best. And when we answered
that John Chapell desired nothing but justice, the burgomaster
turned about and went from us.
All which being the truth, we could not 'let' to affirm it by our
corporal oath before notary with our own hands and seals, in the
town of Hamburg, 10 Feb. 1581.
Copy. Endd. 1 p. [Hanse Towns I. 66.]
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Feb. 11.
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543. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was the 4th inst. I have since received the speeches
following.
This week at Tournay was a great meeting of the Malcontents,
whether they shall take the aid of the Spaniards or not. But
there were a great many that durst not come hither ; so news is
come from Corttrick that those who were at the meeting have
agreed to take the aid of the Spaniards.
It is said that Count 'de Layne' [Lalaing], the Marquis of
Risbourg, M. de Montigny, and others were not at the meeting,
because they will not agree to the taking in of the Spaniards. Yet
the speech goes of some hope to win Montigny to be of their side,
for they offer that he shall be general of all the Spaniards that
came.
The Marquis de Risbourg has retired from his charge of the
horseman that lie at 'Rousselers' and 'Isinghame,' and is gone to
Arras or 'New Hedengfort,' where it is said he will continue for a
time.
By good report from the enemy's government, there is great
discontent about the coming of the Spaniards ; by which means
there is great hope here that there will be some revolt on their side
ere long.
Those that are the cause of the Spaniards' coming are the
bishops, 'Rasinghame,' la Motte, 'Swevingame,' 'Lickeques,'
the House of Barlaymont, with others.
The enemy have now agreed, when together at Tournay, that
their forces shall continue in these parts until they see what
dealings may be between Monsieur and the States ; so they lie
'scattering' in great disorder between this and Corttrick 'hearkening
after Monsieur's dealings,' whose coming they greatly dislike.
This week M. de la Noue's son, who now lies at Eccloo with his
cornet of horse, being but 50 lances and 25 harquebusiers, went
out to seek the enemy ; and at the very same place where his father
was taken there he met with two cornets of 'Albernoyses' who were
too strong for him. Yet for all that, with a valiant courage he gave
the first charge upon them, and 'kept skirmish' with them a
'great half hour' and more. But in the end he was forced to
depart with 7 prisoners of the enemy, and slew 16, and hurt divers ;
and he lost 10 of his men slain, and the rest of his men, horse and
foot, are all hurt little or much.
This morning letters came from Flushing that Monsieur arrived
there yesterday at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The news of his
arrival is received in these parts with great joy, and in token thereof
the magistrates of this town are preparing for their making of their
'fires of joy' in the streets, ringing their great bells, and shooting
off all their great artillery round about the town. So in this town
there is great gladness for his coming.—Bruges, 11 Feb. 1581.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 24.]
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Feb. 12.
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544. PIETRO BIZARRI to [WALSINGHAM].
The greatest news that I can write to you is the very ardent
longing and desire for the coming of his Highness into these parts.
It is awaited not otherwise than as the Hebrews awaited the coming
of their Messiah, but with much greater certainty of his being
already on the road, perhaps arrived in the country.
Although I have informed you by two ordinary posts almost
assuredly as to the fate of M. de Capres, it is held for a thing most
certain that he is alive and well as before, and that although very
insulting words passed between him and the Viscount of Ghent,
alias Marquis of Risbourg, and swords were drawn on both sides,
nevertheless those who were present quickly obviated what might
have happened, the death of one or the other, or, as sometimes
occurs, of both.
Signor Marchetto and Captain Swiz, who fled from Mons in
company with the French Colonel Chamois, who was fined 40
florins, were lately in this town. All three had very great cause to
thank God.
At the siege of Tournay, besides the death of M. de Bours, there
'remained' also the two gentlemen below-written [sic]. I can
write you nothing more that I know of at the moment. The
place of further details must be supplied by what I send you
distant from our hemisphere.—Antwerp, 12 Feb.
Endd. with year. Ital. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 25.]
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Feb. 14.
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545. The COUNT OF EAST FRIESLAND to the QUEEN.
I told you of the way in which the Hanse towns were soliciting
the Elector and the Emperor against me, and the English nation,
and the Merchants Adventurers, and what they had obtained, as
you have doubtless heard more fully from the Secretary of the
Company. Meanwhile they are still going on, singing the old tune
to Cæsar, on the old weak and futile grounds, about monopolies and
usurious contracts which, as they pretend, the English are practising
here, and they have urged the violation of their privileges in England ;
so that he has forbidden us under heavy penalties to show the
merchants any further hospitality. But my councillor and agent
at the Imperial Court has tried by the best means to refute their
arguments, asking finally that nothing should be decreed without
the English and myself being heard. The Emperor considering
that the matter was serious, and that my envoy's request was just
and reasonable, referred the case to the next Imperial Diet.
So the controversy stands at present, and although the Hanses
did not receive the Emperor's answer with equanimity, they had to
acquiesce, since they could get no other. [The remainder from
L. Tomson's summary, endorsed] "A Diet like to be at Augsburg
the 22 April, when the Emperor will hear the cause between the
Hanses and the count and our English merchants trading to
Elbing.—Desires some man instructed from hence to be sent to
that Diet, to join with him against the Hanses.—Craves speedy
answer to this letter ; and to have licence for the 1,000 cloths
formerly required."—Aurich, 14 Feb. '82.—(Signed) Edzardus
manu pp.
Endd. Latin. 4 pp. [Hanse Towns, I. 67.]
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Feb. 14.
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546. Duplicate of the above.
Add. Endd. Latin. 4 pp. [Ibid. I. 67 a.]
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Feb. 14.
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547. The COUNT OF EAST FRIESLAND to [?] HODDESDON.
My thanks to the Society of Merchants Adventurers for
honouring us with a present (honorario). Your Company having
already heard everything from my former letters, and the report of
your secretary Mr Gilpin, it seems needless for me to repeat the
complaints which the Hanse towns have made to the Emperor
against me and the Company. I may mention however that after
your secretary's departure from Cæsar's Court, they renewed their
former complaints and requests. These complaints, unfair as I
think, our Councillor and agent at the Court sought as best he
could to rebut, so that nothing is decreed till I and the English
have been heard. So the Emperor has referred the case to the
approaching Diet, that all things may be duly handled, and done
with lawful connaissance de cause (cum causœ cognitione). And
though the Hanse towns did not like this, they had to agree.
Now since we hope the Diet will be on the 22nd April at
Augsburg, and are daily expecting the Imperial writ, we too must
look out betimes, especially as the Hanse towns will leave no stone
unturned (moturae sunt omnem lapidem) to get what they want, and
we must work hard to defeat them. It will therefore be to the
purpose that some fit person with sufficient powers and full
instructions should be sent to the Diet from the Queen and the
Company.—Aurich, 14 Feb. '82.
Endd. Latin. 2¼ pp. [Ibid. I. 68.]
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