Elizabeth: March 1582, 11-15

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1907.

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'Elizabeth: March 1582, 11-15', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582, (London, 1907) pp. 542-554. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol15/pp542-554 [accessed 26 March 2024]

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March 1582, 11-15

March 11. 597. WILLIAM STEWART to WALSINGHAM.
'In the meantime of' the lords being here who accompanied the duke in these parts, I received some writings from Scotland from his Majesty and others of the Council, whereby I was ordered to repair to those parts with convenient diligence, his Majesty being desirous to understand from me some things that passed in the time of the Earl of Lennox, my old master. Thereunto it has pleased his Highness and the Prince of Orange to grant me 'conngie' upon the sight of his Majesty's letter directed to the Prince to that effect. And being 'deliberat' to take my voyage in 15 or 20 days at the furthest, I have thought good to advertise you thereof, together with the continuance of my goodwill and earnest desire according to my bounden duty ; wishing all things to 'succeed to those terms' between those two countries that the perfect word and glory of God may be advanced, and the quietness and good accord of both entertained, whereunto in duty and truth I will always employ myself, as I have professed to you and more amply declared to Master Hoddesdon when he was here ; nor in respect of his sufficiency is it needful to trouble you with a long letter. I await when or wherein it may please you to employ me ; either in taking my journey through England, if it may please her Majesty or cause any good, vyerwyis (?) to receive your instructions or advice in what manner I may best govern myself being there. Antwerp, 11 March 1582. Add. Endd. : From Colonel Stewart. Scottish. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 55.]
March 11. 598. GILPIN to LEICESTER.
This morning I received the enclosed letters, and for the better address of them found it needful to trouble you with these few lines. Such news as I could learn this week, you will perceive by the enclosed collection, which notwithstanding I know you will have larger and better advice from others I would not be in default to send, because at your departure you commanded that you might hear from me.Antwerp, 11 March 1581.
Enclosed :
599. OCCURRENTS.
On Sunday last the Common Council of this town met at 7 a.m. and continued together all that forenoon, about the admitting or rejecting of the 'papish exercise' so earnestly required by his 'Alteze.' For the advancing of it the Prince 'did his uttermost in the endeavour,' with allegations of the inconvenience that would ensue if his Highness should depart or leave them ; in which case he would follow, as one loath to abide to see the ruin of the town, of which they themselves would be the cause in standing against his earnest petition. All which petitions notwithstanding, with an infinity of others like, used by most, and in the name of the magistrates, the Council would not condescend for that time to agree, but 'took respect' till the Wednesday following. Meeting again then, they have agreed that his Highness shall have the Abbey church where he now lies, and where the French exercise was before used, for the papists, adding certain limitations, of which the chief are these :
First, none shall come into that church, but they shall by oath renounce the King of Spain, and swear to his Highness, as also to be good and true to these magistrates and the town. Secondly, none to be suffered to come to mass but such as have dwelt in this town three years ; continuance to be reckoned from the day 'he would be admitted' to come thither. Item, none to come thither with their weapons. Their church to be prepared at their charges, 'without to look or attend' any grant or allowance by virtue of the church's former 'incomes.' Item, to have no more than five or six priests, and to look for no more churches than that already granted, with the two chapels they had before for their marrying and christening ; but not to use there any masses or other exercises, and that upon pain of losing all that already granted. Moreover all such as have heretofore been any ways commanded to depart the town and have since crept in again, shall be warned to depart. And all confiscations and alterations passed upon the Church goods and relics to continue, without any motion or demand to be made to the contrary. These and suchlike being declared and written 'forth' were on Thursday afternoon brought by the magistrates to his Highness, where they showed how much ado they had, and had greatly travailed to compass so much, with humble desire that he would in no wise require or press any further, for the disposition of the common people was such that if it stood upon gain or loss of the town and country, they would not pass any further grant. They confirmed this with earnest and solemn protestations, which his Highness made show to take in very good part, and promised to answer in writing. Yesterday about 11 in the forenoon Monsieur went to the General States' meeting, and made his proposition ; the order of which as told me was in sum this :
Himself began certain speeches, with acknowledgement how far he thought he was bound to them for the infinite honour and favour received, especially that they 'took' him worthy to be accepted their governor, etc., giving manifold thanks, with protestations that he would endeavour by all possible means to deserve their affection, wherein his care should be the greater for that he deemed himself to be in many ways bound, and so would shew himself by effects like a natural-born father to his children, not doubting but by the good assistance of his brother, and especially of the Queen of England (the favours received from whom were such as he would never be able to requite), he would be enabled not only to withstand the enemy, but to drive him out of their country, to effect which he would in their cause spend life and living. Thus much in substance, though more at large, being delivered, which I hear he did with great modesty and good grace, to the liking of all hearers, he added that forasmuch as he had employed small time or travail in study, and was so unskilful in the art of oratory, doubting lest he should not utter his mind so well as were requisite, and he himself desired, he had caused so much to be set down in writing, which he willed M. 'd'Allegondi' to read. It contained about two leaves of paper, and was in substance that which he had spoken, but larger, and in the best sort. Which done, he again began to say that because his coming into the country was so lately, and he had not yet seen or 'acquainted' with the state of it, he could not tell what were most requisite for the redress of all matters, and to establish some good 'plott' presently to that end. Therefore he desired the Princes of Orange and Epinoy, who have long had experience of all that passed in those parts and their causes, to set down what they found most needful ; which being set down in writing he caused also to be read. He concluded that having heard for the present what he had to say and require at their hands, they would continue their affections towards him, and forthwith, considering that the time of year, the necessity of their state and the enemy's forwardness required short and good deliberations determine about the same. Which, after humble thanks and many protestations to continue in their duty, they promised with all conveniency to accomplish ; and the better to do it in every point, requested copies of his proposition and that set down by the Princes of Orange and Epinoy ; which he granted and so left them for that time. Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. and 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 56.]
March 11. 600. GILPIN to [WALSINGHAM].
Having received your letters with the enclosures, I delivered each of these according to direction. 'M. Bussenvall' and Rossel having promised to return their answers, which if they send them before the post departs you shall receive herewith. I talked with M. 'Alegonde,' showing him how I had proceeded in the suit, and in what terms it at present stood, resting only upon the earnest furtherance of some good forward persons to advance the resolution to her Majesty's contentment. And since you at his instance, had the more willingly taken upon you to stay all extremity till further news from him, I doubted not but he would show such readiness to accomplish his promise as he had found in you to satisfy what he desired. Whereupon he answered that no endeavours should be omitted, either to the States for the yearly interest to come, or the magistrates of this town for the time past. And after his Highness had made the proposition, which he determined to do today, and accordingly has done, he would take the first convenient opportunity to move and deal in her Majesty's cause and afterwards advertise you of his success. I have also talked with those of Holland, who told me the money was ready in Holland. They had not brought it with them for the dangers in the passage, but taking so much up here, would be there repaid upon sight. Those of this town, especially the merchants, travail hard to get together the money for the year past, and hope to effect it ere long. To further it, I have used and will use all diligence, as I trust will appeal mostly. Meanwhile I beseech you to consider my last and return your favourable answer. For our news, I cannot but advertise those I hear, and send withal copies that were delivered me from a good [sic], and request your care in the use of them ; for it being thought his Highness will write thereof to his Majesty himself, he might be offended that others advertised of it, especially if the French ambassador or others should come to the knowledge that copies were sent. Last Sunday the Common Council of this town etc. as in Occurrents, No. 599. Other certain news of the enemy than as signified in my last, I heard none this week.Antwerp, 11 March 1581. P.S.One of this town's burgomasters is a very sincere and honest gentleman, called Petrus Alostanus, sometime councillor to the late deceased Palsgrave, and I am of opinion that a letter to him of 'course' and thanks for his affection to her Majesty, as also for his forwardness to procure contentment for Pallavicino and Spinola, would do much diversly, and procure his countenance (?). He is wise, resolute, and diligent, without pride, glory, or other evil past, and therefore 'to more praise worthy to be accounted of.' Mr Paulus Buys of Holland is also in town, and a like letter to him, with addition to impart and deal frankly with me on any matter, would do no harm. But I refer one wholly to your pleasure. I have upon occasion sent report of my news to my Lords of Leicester and Sussex. Endd. 4 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 57.]
March 11. 601. JOHN NORRIS to WALSINGHAM.
Monsieur having demanded of the States liberty of religion has one public church granted him for the mass ; but the citizens coming thither are so 'soused' with difficulties and hard conditions that they will not hasten too fast thither. Today he has exhibited his propositions both for the ordering of the payments and for the wars. No resolution is as yet made if there be any new English company set up. I desire you that such may have the preferment of them who by their long service have well deserved it. Monsieur has also ended a quarrel between a gentlemen of his Court and me, and made the 'appointment' so honourable, committing him to his captain of the guard, that his good affection appeared to those who serve her Majesty. Our affairs in Guelderland stand as before. Antwerp, 11 March 1582 [sic]. Add. Endd. p. [Ibid. XV. 58.]
March 11. 602. HERLE to BURGHLEY.
I could do no less, the post coming away, than send you the enclosed paper, which contains the sum of what was agreed upon concerning the exercise of the mass in this town. Tomorrow I am promised to have Monsieur's proposition to the States-General, which you shall have by the first messenger that comes. I pray that if my brother Johnson attend upon you about any business of mine, he may have favourable hearing.11 March 1581. Add. Endd. p. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 59.]
Enclosure in the above :
Terms on which the church of St. Michael is granted to his Highness for the use of himself and other Catholics. (As given in Gilpin's to Leicester, Occurrents No. 599.) Endd. by Burghley's secretary : The consent of the church in Antwerp for the exercise of the mass. Fr. p. [Ibid. XV. 59a.]
March 11. 603. FREMYN to WALSINGHAM.
I wrote my last to you on the 4th inst. As for what has passed here, his Highness has obtained the church of St. Michael for the Roman Catholics, with ten priests to do the service, who will take the oath of fidelity to him and the Estates, abjuring the King of Spain ; as also will do all the citizens of Antwerp who come to the mass, and they must have lived (abistu) three years in the town. All others, who might come from the neighbouring towns, will be prohibited. Further, his Highness will hold well done and acceptable all that has happened in the town since the contract was made with him ; which he has accorded. Yesterday he took the oath to the States-General, and made them a proposition for the good of their state, concerning the choice they had made of his person in France, his journey into England, and why, etc. I will send you the articles of it next week. There has been a quarrel between Mr Norris and Gaunille (? Gauville), a gentleman of his Highness's, which is settled (apoincteu) ; wherein his Highness shewed himself in all respects favourable to Mr Norris. There is also a quarrel between Cols. Stewart and Preston, which is not yet settled, and one between 'Hyorck' and M. de Thiant. So his Highness is somewhat occupied. Meanwhile the enemy is undertaking nothing so far ; except that the report is that he wants to go and besiege Dunkirk or Dixmude. In short, his Highness is steadily employing himself in establishing some order in this new state, and in raising an army. In 10 or 12 days he is to go and take possession of the county of Flanders, and great preparations are being made at Ghent. Antwerp, 11 March 1582. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XV. 60.]
March 11. 604. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
This line is to let you know that I have received yours of the 4th inst. I am sorry that mine of the 17th ult. was so long delayed, not so much on my own account as for the inference to be drawn in respect of others which have heretofore disappeared, and may again do in the future. Yet ordinarily I have handed them to Mr Gilpin, by your instructions, and to Mr Thomas Stokes, who has shown himself very ready to help. I congratulate you [sic] on the report which the Earl of Leicester has given you of me. I did him no service worthy of his greatness, as I should have desired. As he asked me to write to him, I have congratulated him in the enclosed. As for the letter from her Majesty for which I asked, I did it more for her service than for my own advancement. As circumstances did not allow of my having it in time, kindly postpone it to a better opportunity. I hope that besides my past good services I shall yet do her others more acceptable. Meanwhile I shall await, through your means, and by the favour of the Earl of Leicester, some honourable promotion, which will give me opportunity for satisfying you more and more. (Unsigned.) Endd. by L. Tomson, with date. Fr. p. [Ibid. XV. 61.]
March 11 & 13. 605. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was the 4th inst. since which time, by means of this great stormy foul weather, very few speeches have passed here save the following. The enemy is making provision of 1000 pioneers, which they are taking up in the country between St. Omer's and Lille. They are also making great provision of victuals in all places for their camp ; so that they have some great enterprise in hand, wherever it be. Also there are come to Calais 3000 tuns of French wines from France, with divers other needful things, which those of Artois and Hainault have bought for their provision ; which will strengthen the enemy very much. This week are come to the enemy's camp, from the land of Luxembourg, Namur, and those parts, about 1,500 footmen ; so it is thought that as soon as the foul weather is over the enemy will show where his enterprise is to be. The Allmans that lie at Rousselaere are still in mutiny for their pay. But it is said they will be contented this next month. M. de Clervant's son, called M. de Vienne, of the age of 24 years, and colonel to the five companies of Frenchmen that lie in this town, went about ten days ago from hence to Antwerp, where it has pleased God to call him to His mercy. His captains and soldiers mourn greatly for his death, being all of the Religion, and good Protestants. Letters are also come from France that it has pleased God to take M. d'Argenlieu to His mercy ; who died lately at his own house beside Paris. All those of the Religion in this province of Flanders greatly 'fear their welfare,' because 'religions frede' is granted to Antwerp and Brussels ; 'to say' in each of those two to have a church to use the Roman religion in. This rejoices the Catholics very much, for they hope to have the like in this town and in all the capital towns in Flanders. Tomorrow the Four Members of Flanders depart from this town to Ghent, to prepare in good order and readiness for the receiving of Monsieur, Duke of Brabant. They received letters today from him, being the first that he has written since his coming over, wherein he commands them to send 10 companies of French of M. de la Rochepot's regiment to Dixmude ; where there are 4 companies of Flemings, whom he commands to be sent to Ypres. In that town are 8 companies of foot and 100 horse, all Flemings. This bringer is my brother, to whom I have written to give his dutiful attendance upon you, to solicit my suit for my license of beer, wherein I humbly beseech you to have me in remembrance. Bruges, 11 March 1581. P.S. 1.Kept until this morning, 12 March.'Even presently' certain news are come to the magistrates of this town that yesterday morning the enemy departed very suddenly with all his camp towards Corttrick, and so over the river there ; and because of victuals, when they were over, they divided themselves into two parts, one going towards Lille and the other towards Tournay. But the speech goes they will be together again within these 4 or 5 days ; but where they will be is not yet certainly known. P.S. 2.This morning, being the 13th, the magistrates of this town have received certain advice that yesterday evening the enemy came with all their camp, and have besieged Meenen. The cause of their going over the river to Corttrick was because the Allmans were not then set contented for their pay, 'which' now those of Lille have promised them payment ; at whose earnest suit and charge they are besieging Meenen. It is feared the town will be lost for want of aid. There are in it 9 ensigns of Scots foot, and about 100 horse, all Scots, and 4 ensigns of burgers. The town is very evil unprovided [sic] of munition and victuals. God send it to hold out, or the rest will not go well here in Flanders. What the enemy means to do will be speedily done with main force. Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Ibid. XV. 62.]
March 12. 606. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
You will perceive by the enclosed proclamation which has been published here the king's open demonstration to impeach any force from being levied or passing out of France without commission from him ; so that Monsieur by these outward shows may receive small hope. His Majesty has also lately sent M. Longle to Spain to be his agent at the Spanish Court, having recalled M. de Forquevaux his ambassador ; and as I understand, has written an assurance to the Spanish king by Longle that he is so far from liking his brother's enterprises that he will mount on horseback to 'withstand' that no aid shall pass out of this realm. His Majesty 'showed to have' little joy of his brother's creation and acceptation as Duke of Brabant ; but remembered that the prerogative the King of France pretends in those countries was to be reserved to the elder brother. He has made an ordinance for the levy, as I am informed, of 25,000 fighting men to be in readiness on all occasions. They will be commanded by the Dukes of Maine and Epernon, and Marshal Biron. There are some preparations in the arsenal for the carriage of the artillery, and other show of provision for the camp. M. de la Neuville has arrived from Monsieur, out of Flanders, and has brought with him the confirmation and 'enlargement' of the advertisements concerning Monsieur's reception and the honour done him. He has had conference with his Majesty and is now to go to Chenonceaux to the Queen Mother, and thence to his own house. He is discontented, as I hear, because he received an assignation from Monsieur for 2,000 crowns to defray his expenses, which sum a little before he came here was by a letter from his Highness appointed to his purveyor. The king has written as I hear to M. de Vray that he will not need to repair to him any more to confer further on Monsieur's negotiations ; for he is resolved to take care of his estates, as his brother seeks advancement of his affairs, which as they are begun, so they are to proceed, for anything he will meddle in them. It has likewise been reported that when it was lately signified to the king that her Majesty accommodated Monsieur with 100,000 crowns a month, he answered after his manner, that when he understood in what coin the Queen paid them, he would also contribute. And as I have thus set down what is come to my knowledge of his 'utter' shows and speeches to this effect, I think it convenient also to certify that they assure me he has granted to Monsieur the sum of 400,000 crowns upon the 'imposition and bargain' of salt, which Rucellai had once compounded for ; which sum is to be paid to his Highness thus : 100,000 crowns at once, and 15,000 crowns every year until the whole sum is paid. In this M. de Thou, the king's Chief President, specially favours Monsieur. The king has caused two of the Queen Mother's chambers in the Louvre to be broken down, to make a private gallery from his cabinet to the Duke of Joyeuse. Whereas the Count of Retz was put in hope to be created Duke, and as he thought, peer of France, the king has made a stay of it, leaving order and a cypher with President de Thou not to proceed in the marshal's behalf, upon any message that might be brought from him except he sent the like cypher. So the marshal remains discontented. Some say this 'overthwart' has happened upon a quarrel fallen out between the Duke Joyeuse and a 'coapartener,' of the Count of Retz ; otherwise it is reported that the Marquis of Elbeuf 'lamented' to the king of the marshal's promotion to that degree, being of so base a lineage. The king has sent for Laverdin and Randan because he will not have 'partaking' or banding in troops within his realm. It is said the Queen Mother went away discontented and remains yet at her house of Chenonceaux, intending to visit the Duke of Montpensier at Champigny. There was yesterday a solemn procession through this town, upon the 'Jubele' which the Pope has sent to obtain grace of succession for their Majesties. The office of Constable has been brought in question. The competitors are the Dukes of Guise, Mercour, and Joyeuse. The Pope's nuncio, 'pretending' only the enlargement of his master's dignity and devotion, presses by all means to have the ordinances of the last Council of Trent authorised and exercised throughout this realm ; but since he has 'found great obstacles to reform the Temporalty,' he now begins to seek to induce the clergy to conform. He has dealt with the Franciscan friars 'to be reduced' to the constitutions and obedience 'ascribed' in that Council ; to which some of the chief Franciscans have opposed themselves against the nuncio, and the Court of Parliament has taken their part, forbidding the nuncio to 'deal' in any manner of the institutions concerning the Gallican Church, the jurisdiction whereof has been granted by former Popes to the Kings of France. Whereupon the nuncio in his choler excommunicated those of the Court of Parliament, and some Franciscans. The Queen Mother, as I hear, sent to the King of Navarre to request him to come to Chenonceaux or Champigny. He answered that he had great desire to see and serve her ; but he was loth to pass so far forward as to leave Poitiers on the back or on the side of him. If she would vouchsafe to repair to Saint-Maixent beside Saint-Jean-d'Angely, he would wait on her there. The news is come to Court that she was somewhat indisposed in health, but amended. The King of Navarre's sister has returned to Barn. There have been evil instruments who have sought to raise some 'diffidence' between the King of Navarre and the Prince of Cond, having whispered in the King of Navarre's ear that the prince would be content that those of the reformed Churches in France should 'address their affairs' to him as their chief protector. This was never propounded by the Churches nor accepted by the prince, as it has been further 'cleared' by M. de Rohan, who has done very good offices for the whole body of the reformed Religion, and particularly in the redress of those suspicions which were cunningly distilled into the King of Navarre's ears ; whereby the king and prince are very well together. The Bishop of Glasgow is to-day returned from Poitou, and finding that Lord Hamilton is gone, as is reported, to Angers, seems to be discontented. Some of Lord Hamilton's friends have assured me that he is gone to Angers to seek some abiding-place where he and his wife may have the exercise of the Religion. Our Romanists give out that the Pope has addressed an excommunication against the Queen and Monsieur, which will be kept secret 'under benedicite' till some further occasion be offered. I am informed there is one Mr Fernesley, dwelling in Norfolk, who maintains a priest in his house. This priest is well-known to the neighbours, but taken to be Mr. Fernesley's kinsman ; and because he is lame and aged, he walks with a staff. He is commonly apparelled in a black coat either of cloth frieze with long skirts. The chalice with the pax and cope, is kept in a mean person's house, one of the next neighbours. Fernesley dwells in a priory, which he holds by lease of Mr. Townsend. One Sutton, a priest, is lately come from Rheims, resolved to go to England. He is of tall stature, somewhat redfaced, about 25 years old, newly apparelled at the cost of the Papists in Paris, in a long black cloak faced with velvet, a black 'rashe' doublet, and pair of black 'venetians' with black stockings. There is another priest called Slater, of middle stature, about the age of 28, having a big nose, a round face, and a reddish beard, apparelled in a long black cloak faced with velvet, and black fustian doublet, black venetians and stockings. They give me also to understand that there is one Bromley of Clement's Lane, a writer in the 'Common Place,' who has written letters to divers papists on this side the seas touching the 'certifying over some matters of the estate.' He is also reported to be a persuader of divers young gentlemen 'for their departure' from England. The truth of these things will better appear to you by the proofs you are said to have there : wherefore I should be bound to you if you would let me understand whether these advertisements touching the English papists are 'available' for her Majesty's service.Paris, 12 March 1581. Add. Endt. gone. 4 pp. [France VII. 38.]
March 13 607. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
It has been signified to me that Monsieur wrote to the Queen of Navarre that she should give out, and make a show as if she were very ill-satisfied with him, whereby some opinion might be conceived that there had happened an alteration of the 'entire intelligence' that was known to be between them ; so that the king through the consideration of this should be the rather willing to think well of her coming to the Court. And Chanvallon is sent hither to be the trusty instrument for the conveying 'wittely' of these affairs between her and Monsieur. The king makes it known that he will not suffer that any of his courtiers shall 'make the court' in amorous manner to the Queen of Navarre. I hear that Lesdiguieres, one of the chief captains in Provence, has gone to serve Monsieur ; which I take to be done to content the king. They inform me that Don Antonio, at his last being secretly in this town, passed a conveyance wherein he released and 'remised' all his estate, claim, or interest of Cabo Verde, to the use of the Crown of France. The framer of this contract for the French King, with Presidents Brisson and Centbouet (?) I am told that the Prince of Parma is well advertised of this Court by Maria Bandini, a Florentine merchant, cousin to the abbots de Guadagna and del Bene, through whose friendship and acquaintance this Bandini comes to many secrets which may prejudice the affairs of the Duke of Brabant. Bandini has a brother in Rome, placed in the Pope's service through the means of Cardinal Farnese. It is advertised here that Cardinal Borromei is 'practising' a marriage between the Duke of Savoy and the daughter of Mantua, who is a neutral prince ; whereby the jealousies of France and Spain might be 'avoided.' Howbeit, the Pope's ministers doubt the Duke of Savoy, because M. de Cahors (?), his chief favourite, has been of the Religion. Lord Percy has been with me, excusing his retired life ; alleging for Mr Paget that he conforms his course to your direction, sending and receiving letters often from you by Mr Doyley. Thus I fear the worst will happen to the young lord. I send Mr Ashley at Mr Halton's request, having this dispatch in readiness at Adams's arrival. I hope that this week, at the king's return, M. Fante, your servant, will likewise be sent.Paris, 13 March. P.S.Advertisement has been brought that M. de la Noue has been delivered out of prison by his guards, for reward. I am informed that the king has appointed Marshal Biron, MM. de Suze, de Malicorne, and de la Rocheguyon to be dukes ; also Marshal de Retz and M. de Piennes ; but not peers of France. Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France VII. 39.]
March 13. 608. F. HOCHTMANS to FREMYN.
I hope that you received by yesterday morning my letter written last Saturday evening, containing a little discourse of the negotiation and business done here by M. Theron to set up the mass again ; wherefore I need say nothing further at present, besides that I think you will have heard it elsewhere, as from M. de Villiers, to whom I know it was written truly and fully last Friday, to obviate the calumnies and false reports that may get about, and be published there, perhaps even to the ears of his Highness and his Excellency to render odious those of the Reformed religion in this town of Brussels, who always deserve and ought rightfully to be reputed among the most loyal, constant, courageous, and fervent for the public good, and the preservation of the country, and also among the best-affected patriots to his Highness in these parts, as on divers occasions they have effectually shown. They prefer nevertheless in all things and all places the glory and service of God, to the best of their power, as is notorious to all men of good judgement and good conscience, as you may satisfy yourself if occasion requires. Wherefore I beseech you that on the first opportunity you have of speaking to M. Villiers, you will beg him to accept my humble recommendations and all the service I can do him, and beg him on the part of the whole Reformed Church of this town that he will, in God's name, always bear a good hand to its preservation and increase ; reciting to him as follows, namely that from this beginning of trouble arisen in this town days [sic] ago today by reason of the mass which the papists too audaciously and arrogantly wan to set up again, the magistrates, with those of the Council of War, were induced last Saturday forenoon to order that all the captains of the burgers, with their officers, should henceforth each in his own quarter take heed and watch diligently if meetings are held in any houses to celebrate the mass, and if they discover any, report to their colonel to take the appropriate steps. Whereas it may be hoped that the said papists will no more venture so presumptuously as they have done to cause mass to be said, and thus those of the reformed Church will live more peaceably and securely than they have done in the past. That is all I have to write you for the present on the occurrences of this town. Meanwhile I beg you to tell me all that has happened at Antwerp since last Wednesday, both as to the decision and mode of satisfying his Highness's demand for a church and the mass, and under what conditions and restrictions ; as also of the proposition which it is said here he has made to the States-General.Brussels, 13 Mar. 1582. P.S.Please do the same or a similar office with M. de Laval, M. du Pruneaux, and others of the Reformed religion, who are in credit and authority about his Highness and his Excellency, that they too may bear a good hand towards the preservation and increase of the Reformed religion throughout this country. Add. : M. le Capitaine Georges [sic] Fremin, en la rue de l'Empereur, La Fortune, en Anvers. Endd. by L. Tomson ; they of Brussels do greatly mislike of the setting up again of the mass. Fr. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 63.]