|
| Nov. 1/11. | J. Wroth to Walsingham. |
|---|
| His last was written four days ago. They now hear that the
Spanish fleet is not like to go to sea this winter, most part
of the Marquis of Sta. Croce's ships being much weather-beaten
by his last voyage to the islands. |
|---|
| It is written from Rome that Cardinal Allin is shortly going
to Spain, but "although through his many platforms (fn. 1) he hath
gotten his Cardinal's hat, yet I think him to be so sufficient that,
without his own peril, he will leave the execution thereof to
others, and keep himself at Rome, where, through daily courtesies
and duties, he may procure the goodwill of them who may help
him to be blessed or beato; when as occasion shall be presented. |
|---|
| "Two days past, this Signoria despatched commission to
their ambassador in France to deal with her Majesty's ambassador there about the taking away of the new custom of currants,
as well in England as here . . . which will constrain them to
come to some good composition, for they make profession to
make all the world fools. Her Majesty may with this occasion
confirm many privileges for our nation in these parts." |
|---|
| The Duke of Savoy is levying soldiers, some think only to withstand M. 'de Diguières,' who has taken two places in the Marquisate of Saluzzo; afterwards retiring into Dolphiny. Others think
the preparations are for Flanders; whither (as rumour says)
the Duke of Savoy shall go governor, and the Duke of Parma
be sent as chief captain of the League into France. Believes
it to be rather for the former occasion, or else for some enterprise against the Marquisate of Saluzzo or Genoa, for the
winter is not a season to send soldiers over the mountains, nor
does he think "that the King of Spain will give the Government
of Flanders into the hands of a prince so little practised, as
well in the wars as the world," especially as the sending of
the Duke of Parma into France would make the factions there
come to agreement. |
|---|
| Uncertain rumours are spread of a truce between the Turk
and the Persian for six months.—Venice, 11 November, 1587. |
|---|
| Add. Endd. 1¼ pp. [Venice I. 23.] |
|---|
| Nov. 2/12. | De L'Aubespine Chasteauneuf to Burghley. |
|---|
| On behalf of a French merchant named Nicolas Masselin, who
having been spoiled by the English about a year ago, presented
his informations to the commissioners deputed by her Majesty
to do justice to the French, and was by them given redress against
one named Thobie Franche, in the sum of a hundred pounds
sterling. |
|---|
| Masselin having had this sentence put into execution, the said
Franche went to prison in default of payment, and would have
remained there until now, but that, in order to defeat the said
Masselin of his pay, he devised the trick of carrying the cause
before the judges of Common Law. Prays his lordship to
prevent the matter being referred to other judges than those
who gave the sentence—whose judgment, they being commissioned by her Majesty, should be final and without appeal—and
to order at once that the said sentence shall have its due effect,
seeing that tomorrow the cause is to be called before the judges
of Common Law. |
|---|
| Has also on his hands many other poor Frenchmen, whose
petitions his lordship already has in his hands, and which he is
begged to settle forthwith; as also that of Francois le Pape,
who is waiting for the rest of his payment.—London, 12
November. 1587. |
|---|
| Postscript. Asks his lordship to write to the Lord Chief
Justice [of Common Pleas] in favour of Masselin; that he may
not take cognizance of the cause, but that all may be referred
back to the Commissioners. |
|---|
| Signed. Add. Endd. "2 November." French. 1 p. Seal
of arms. [France XVII. 133.] |
|---|
Nov. 2/12.
[latest date.] | News from divers parts. |
|---|
| Antwerp, 7 Nov. [n.s.] 1587. The Goesi (fn. 2) have this week taken
three vessels coming hither from Diest and Malines, killing
some of the people in them and then, going before the break
of day to Arscot, on the opening of the gate, entered by force,
and killed the guard, sacking the town and carrying off many
persons of quality. |
|---|
| The Duke of Parma continues to make ready for war by land
and sea; gathering his people into the field, and collecting great
store of biscuit and beer, with ladders and other instruments
of war. And as it is said that the King of Scotland has declared himself against England, and has granted leave to the
Catholic King to enter all his ports with his fleet, it is held
almost for certain that it is to make some enterprize against
the English Queen; who, suspecting it, is making provision
against it. |
|---|
| There is no more talk of the treaty of peace, but advices from
Brussels say that his Highness had recalled Signor Andrea de
Loo, who was on his way to England. |
|---|
| There is a report that the States of Holland and Zeeland
intend of themselves to treat of peace with the Duke, since the
Queen of England meant to do so without their participation
therein. |
|---|
| Four thousand Italians and three thousand Spaniards have
arrived at Maestricht, come lately from Italy, and it is said
that the Duke of Parma is made General of the Italian league;
but whether he will go into France is not yet known. |
|---|
| Cologne, 12 Nov. The soldiers of Vartendonc go out daily on
excursions, doing very great harm in all places, for they have
free passage every where. The other evening they went with
180 horse to above Bonn, between Orchel and Linz, to make
prisoner Count Salatin d'Issemburg, but their design did not
succeed, as he withdrew into a castle. The most Christian King
was at Orleans, with 8000 men, and was expecting the Dukes of
Guise, Mayenne, Delbœuf and Lorraine with their forces, and
then to attack the enemy. |
|---|
| The Earl of Leicester has sent out a protest in print against
the States of Holland and Zeeland, in which, amongst other
things he says that as they not only would not acknowledge him
as their defender, but moreover have brought him into very
ill consideration with his Queen, he was forced to depart, and
to make known to the world that he had come from England to
serve and defend them and not to play the lord over them;
whereupon the said States have re-assembled at the Hague, to
deal with this matter, and others concerning these two provinces. |
|---|
| Venice. 12 Nov. The Prince of Bessignano is expected in
Pesaro to pay his respects to the Duke of Urbino, his cousin,
who is said to be going to the government of Milan. . . . |
|---|
| From Boseveino, a castle sixteen leagues from Cracow, where
the Archbishop of Naples was of late, they write by letters of
Oct. 26, that the Prince of Sweden, in the oath taken to the
Polish ambassadors at Dantzig, swore, amongst other things not
to shed human blood; not to restore the part of Livonia which
used to belong to Lithuania, and that after his death, a king
should be elected of his blood; desiring authority to proceed
criminally against those who should commit homicide, against
the privileges of Poland, which with some trouble was granted;
from which it was believed that those people would not consent
thereto, and from Prague other letters writing on these matters of
Poland say that this Swede has gone to the City of Toren
[Thorn] in Prussia, from whence he would go to meet the
Queen widow, his sister, at a place called Petechau [qy. Piotrkow] thirty leagues from Cracow, the magistracy of which has
been changed by the Grand Chancellor. |
|---|
| It is said here, that by reason of the divisions between the
Hollanders and Zeelanders, and seeing that their fortresses are
not well furnished of soldiers, the Duke of Parma will attempt
some enterprise against Holland. |
|---|
| They write from Spain and also from Venice that the Catholic
King has taken up 100000 men for the service he has in hand. |
|---|
| Endd. Italian. 1½ pp. [Newsletters XCV. 35.] |
|---|
| Nov. 10/20. | Dr Schulte to Walsingham. |
|---|
| I know that your honour is fully occupied with weighty affairs
of state, and has no leisure to read or hear a long story. Moreover it is only a few days ago (on the 8th of this month) that
I wrote to you and the Treasurer, giving you full information
as to all points, which I gave to be carried by the English ambassadors. I hope you will gather from them my opinion on the
whole matter. Moreover the Senate has written to the Queen
and your Excellencies, so that anything lacking in my letter
may be supplied from theirs. They have transmitted a few
articles upon which they think the new residency at Hamburg
could be established. I leave these to your Excellency's scrutiny,
but will add one remark. In the article about religion, nothing
more can be obtained by you openly, unless we wish for a
commotion amongst our churches here. But it might be possible
to make a further secret concession if such were demanded, and
we were not urged to put it in writing . . . |
|---|
| If, in regard to this one article you will trust to the good
faith of the Senate, I think there are no difficulties in any of the
others; and that the Queen, your lordships and the Adventurers
will be content with them, and give a definite and early reply. |
|---|
| "But my real reason for writing again is that a certain good
and educated German of Meissen in Saxony, a zealous student
of theology and the scriptures, has written and designs for her
Majesty a book which he is now sending over, wherein he has
predicted and prophecied many things in regard to all the realms
and nations of the world now and in future times, until the day
of judgment. |
|---|
| This man has lived for nearly two years in this neighbourhood,
and has often told me wonderful things about the revelations
and visions shown to him by Divine agency, although he is but
a simple man, formerly a schoolmaster, not very learned in
history, and with even less knowledge of the condition (or even
the names) of the regions and realms of the world. These revelations he has put together in writing . . . and has told me that
he wishes to send the book to the Queen, chiefly because many
things in it concern her and her realm, and which might console and encourage her in the present tumults and evils threaten
ing on all sides, as they are of happy omen for her and all
other Evangelical princes. . . . He has already offered it to
many German princes and to the King of Denmark, and knowing
no one in England, has asked me (as one sometime an ambassador there) to commend him and his book to your lordship, who,
he has learned, has no little favour and authority with her
Majesty. I, for my part, on account of our common bond of
religion and our love for each other, nay for the sake of the
safety of the whole Christian commonwealth, the future prosperity
of England and the happy issue of the present wars, could not
deny him the favour. And so I pray that his action and mine
may have her Majesty's favourable consideration, and that your
lordships will offer the book to her in the good man's name
with all due reverence and a short explanation of his life and
the purport of his writings. |
|---|
| If so, I doubt not but that what he has written will be to
the great advantage of England and no small encouragement to
her Majesty . . . I understand also that he has high hopes of
a return from her Majesty and that she will not be unmindful of him, since his book has been no small expence to him in
writing and drawing the pictures (although the latter are not
very elegant). . . —Hamburg, 20 November, 1587. |
|---|
| Add. Endd. Latin. 3 pp. [Hamburg and Hanse Towns II.
78.] |
|---|
Last date
Nov. 11/21. | Documents in relation to Nicolas Ouseley. |
|---|
| Proceedings against Nicolas Ouseley (Oseley) an English merchant in Malaga, on Aug. 4, 1587, by virtue of the King's letters
of 31 July. |
|---|
| "Don Mendo Rodrigues de Ledesma" chief governor and
justice of this city, in presence of me, Pedro Rues Flores, chief
clerk to the Council there, said he had received a letter from the
King "to do certain diligences in secret." And presently went
to the prison where the said Nicolas Oseley was, and ordered him
to be brought to his house, where he demanded to know what
books, letters or writings he had, and where; who on oath said
they were in his lodging in the prison, where they were found. |
|---|
| The confession of the said Nicolas Oseley, [in answer to the
interrogations of the said Chief Justice.] He said he was an
Englishman, born in a town called Bristol; that he had been in
Spain 22 years, and in Malaga seven; is a citizen there, but
has sold his possessions to pay his debts. The other 15 years
he was one year in London and all the rest in Galicia, Seville,
and Lisbon. In Seville he learned the language. His parents
were Francis and Margaret Oseley, now dead. |
|---|
| He came to Spain "to learn the trade of merchandise, as he
hath, always used." |
|---|
| He traded there not with his own goods, but with the goods
and money of James Hawes, "one of the twenty-four of London"
who died about five years ago, and before and after with John
Watts and John Hawes and one Giles. Floode by order of Peter
Martinez, citizen of Seville, and other merchants, and also had
dealings with John Bawtista de Santa Cruz, of Veles Malaga. |
|---|
| He wrote to his masters in England by the ships that came
by sea, and by land sent them by Peter Martinez, "of whom he
had answer of them." |
|---|
| He was imprisoned eight months since in Malaga, and wrote
by a French ship, name unknown, to one Richard Colvell and
Henry Bichar, Englishmen in London), telling them of his misery
and of the stay of all Englishmen and also of divers hulks,
because they brought English commodities. |
|---|
| He does not remember writing any other letters, and what
letters he has received are in the straw basket which the Justice
had out of his prison. |
|---|
| There was no other Englishman at liberty [sic] in Malaga but
one William Reynolde, now in prison in this city. |
|---|
| Since coming to live in Malaga, he has had conversation and
dealings with all, but privately with none. |
|---|
| He also had dealings with Hugh Leyton of Seville, William
David dwelling in St. Lucars, and Robert Tonsone of Cales,
who formerly dwelt at Veles Malaga. |
|---|
| At this present, he had no goods in Malaga, but in time past
had to the value of four or five thousand ducats. |
|---|
| The biggest book found in the prison is his own, in which he
kept his account with his masters, and the lesser one belonged
to William Reynolds. He believed Reynolds had other books,
and he had dealings with George Barnes and John Barnes of
London, who were his masters. |
|---|
| And he declares that this is all he knows "in truth by the
oath that he hath taken; and that he is of the age of thirty
years, little more or less, the which he subscribed with his name."
Underwritten, |
|---|
| 1. Copy of the King's letter to Don Mendo Rodrigues deLedesma, governor of Malaga. |
|---|
| Understanding that there was in that city an Englishman
named Nicolas Oseley, who had lived there certain years and had
much dealing with England, and particularly for to give advertisement to that realm of what passed in Spain, his Majesty
commanded the said governor in July last to lay hold on him
and to arrest his books and papers, and to take his confession.
And also if there should arise any other persons faulty in the
said city to put them in safe keeping, and particularly to apprehend John Bawptista de Santa Cruz, Luis Coxete, Christophall
Cano and Diego de Madrid and others: being advertised by his
Council of War that by Oseley's confession, they had had conversation and trade with England, and have received Englishmen and their goods into their houses, contrary to his Majesty's
will and pleasure. Due proof being made of their guilt they are
to receive punishment according to their deserts, and their
goods to be sequestered. [Further orders concerning those outside his jurisdiction, and the four persons mentioned above].
If any appeal, he is to grant the appeals and remit them to the
Council of War. |
|---|
| And he further commands all justices of these his kingdoms
to fulfil his "letters requisitorias," to whom the Governor is to
give all aid and favour in so doing. He is also to call before
him all persons by whom he may be informed concerning the
said matters, "taking their sayings and oath upon a certain
pain to be inflicted upon them" in his Majesty's behalf, giving
him power "to order, decree and condemn all such as shall go
against it" in as ample manner as the cause shall require.—
Court at Segovia, 17 October, 1587. |
|---|
| II. Petition of Nicolas Oseley to the Justice of Malaga, presented 8 November, 1587. |
|---|
| Has been a prisoner in the Common gaol of Malaga for a
year, being apprehended by Don Diego Ordonez de Lara, then
chief justice here, as an Englishman. By his honour's command he
was set at liberty, yet presently stayed again. Has dwelt many
years in this Kingdom, and having now not only lost what he
should have gained by his industry but also spent all his goods,
he humbly prays for his discharge and liberty. |
|---|
| III. The accusation against Nicolas Oseley, given 14 November. 1587. |
|---|
| Joan de Caravazall, fiscal, says that "Nicolas Oseley thismany years, as well before the prohibition as since hath had
trade and conference with England, writing and receiving letters
in the English tongue; giving them advertisements of all that
hath passed in these kingdoms; the which hath been the cause
that the English pirates hath done so much evil in these kingdoms
and in the Indies." He was factor for divers English merchants
dwelling in Seville, who gave him 200 ducats a year and other
profits. In his possession were found many letters and papers
in the English tongue, all of which have been sent to the
King; he "having knowledge of the offences committed by the
said Oseley, which be very offensive and grievous. |
|---|
| Prays that the said Oseley may be condemned "in the greatest
and the most grievous pains, into which he hath fallen according
to the right and equity of the laws of this realm; executing it
in his person and goods for his punishment and example of all
others." Desires justice and costs of his suit. |
|---|
| IV Reply of Nicolas Oseley to the above, made by Luis Delgado his attorney, 21 November, 1587. |
|---|
| Says that his "party," Nicolas Oseley should be cleared of
the accusation, it being no true relation and ought not to pass;
firstly because there are other things in it than the said Oseley
confessed in his examination, and secondly that it is not just
that he should be accused of what he has not committed and
they cannot prove. His trade was lawful and good, and the
writing of letters is no offence, for he had not had time to, write
concerning his estate and the misery he was in respecting his
suits or to give advertisements "any way redounding to the
hurt of these kingdoms." If there have been men of war by
sea, it is no fault of his, "who hath been long time in Spain
and in this city a man of good wealth until the suits in law
between him and William Reynalls and his wife hath undone
him. And although he be an Englishman born, he is a principal
man, very honest, a good Christian, fearing God and his conscience . . . and zealous in the Catholic faith." Humbly prays
that the accusation may be made void and his "party" set free.
Desires justice and costs of the suit. |
|---|
| Endd. 4 closely written pp. [Spain II. 86.] |
|---|
| Nov. 15/25. | M. la Roque to Walsingham. |
|---|
| Has had the pleasure of meeting 'Mr. Griville' in this
place, and they have often spoken of his honour and of the
rare virtues with which God has endowed him. Has never
forgotten the kindness and good entertainment received from
him when he came over to her Majesty by command of the King
his master, and has only not written because he did not think
his letters worthy of giving his honour the trouble of reading.
Rejoices at the happy victory which it has pleased God to grant
them, and of which Mr. Griville (?) will be able to give a
good account.—St. Martin, Isle de Ré, 25 November, 1587. |
|---|
| Holograph. Add. Endd. French. 1 p. [France XVII. 134.] |
|---|
| Nov. 17/27. | Ottywell Smyth to Walsingham. |
|---|
| This day certain news is come from Spain that whereas the
King had commanded all his army of ships to stay till the
next spring, and the men of war to lie in garrison in the towns,
now he has suddenly caused all the ships to be made ready and
all the mariners to go aboard. Report says there are above
a hundred great ships, and that most go "norwards," either for
England, Scotland or Ireland; but they think for Scotland.
From Flanders there is news that twenty ships are arrived at
Newport and Dunkirk, laden with pitch, cables, anchors and other
things for ships, bought in Denmark by the Prince of Parma.
And that the Prince is gone towards the sea-coast with all his
army, and great store of small barks and flat hoys. "I pray
God save England from traitors, and especially upon the sea
coast . . . and that there be not too much credit given to the
Scots." The Bishop [of] Rosse, a Scotsman here in Rouen, went
to confer with the Prince of Parma about three months past,
"which is an utter enemy both to the true church of God and
all England, and one that doeth nothing but invent treason
against England." This news I was requested to give you by
John Toper [i.e. Tupper]. |
|---|
| As I hear from any merchant of credit in Spain which way
the army is gone, I will write to you of it. |
|---|
| Last Tuesday night, above 2500 of the Allemands were slain
by M. de Guise's camp; being betrayed and taken in the night
lying by a castle in a small town. (fn. 3) The General of the Allemands is slain, but none of the French men were amongst them.
It is reported here "that twelve thousand of the Schwarzreiters
('swaderowters') are going back into their own country, and the
French King giveth them all their pay, with 10000 crowns to the
chief of their army."—Rouen ('Roanne'), 27 November, 1587. |
|---|
| Add. Endd. 1 p. [France XVII. 135.] |
|---|
| Nov. 18/28. | News from divers parts. |
|---|
| Venice, Nov. 28. On Saturday evening we had letters from
Lyons giving news of a defeat of the reiters by the Dukes of
Guise and Mayenne, in a village two leagues distant from Montargis; when 1500 were killed, some by the sword, others burnt
when the village was set on fire, as is alleged. Of prisoners a
thousand; besides the booty of 1200 horses, as many corslets,
and the pillage of the baggage of 21 cornets. |
|---|
| It was reported that their chief captain was dead and that
among the prisoners were some of their principal men, who
had fought on foot, and not in their proper dress, for want
of time to get to horse; being attacked at night unexpectedly,
both by the troops and by fire. |
|---|
| The Duke of Mayenne was in great danger, for being with his
cornet of volunteers, watching to prevent the escape of the
enemy, and seeing a good troop of them coming who had
drawn together, with only sixty horse he threw himself amongst
them and put them to flight; receiving many pistol shots, which,
however, did not harm him, owing to his good armour. |
|---|
| Some Swiss colonels from the Huguenot camp had been with
the French King, who (according to letters from Paris of the
3rd) was then near Orleans; some said in order to treat of returning home, others that it was to try to accommodate matters;
but they had returned to Estampes to join the rest. The Guises
are said to be at Montargis. Navarre had disbanded his army
for six weeks, to rest themselves; and a man had come from him
to the Court, to speak to the King; but his Majesty not only
would not hear him, but sent him word to depart within an
hour, or he should be hanged. |
|---|
| This letter also confirms the defeat and death of Joyeuse, of
the Grand Prior his brother, and of 400 gentlemen of his side.
On that of Navarre, there are said to be missing M. de la
Tremouille and the Vicomte de Turenne, and that it is not known
whether the Prince de Condé is alive or dead. |
|---|
| We have many and divers advertisements of the affairs of
Poland, and amongst them, that Maximilian was battering Cracow
on three sides, and that, on the 10th instant, he entered that city
amidst much applause; yet later news from Vienna says nothing
further of this, but only that the ambassadors written of before
were gone from Cracow to his Highness to excuse themselves for
not favouring one more than another for the crown; seeing that
they did not know which was in truth the rightfully elected
King, and that in a congregation of Poles it must be settled
which of the elections, his own or that of the Swede was the
legitimate one. To which his Highness replied that he was legitimately elected, and that if within two days they did not resolve
to accept him lovingly, he should batter the city. Succours continue to come to him from all parts. From day to day they
are expecting those from Lithuania; and the last letters from
Vienna say that it was not known where the Swede was. There
is put about the copy of a letter written to Maximilian by the
Muscovite, who is said to have offered him 30000 horse. |
|---|
| News is come that the Po has burst its banks in all places
from Turin hither. |
|---|
| The ambassador of Florence on Sunday took leave of the Prince
and the Signoria. On Monday he was banquetted by the proctors, Giovanni Michele, Matteo Zane and Alberto Badouro, and on
Tuesday departed to return to his Master; being presented with
a collar of 500 ducats in the name of his Serenita, and much
satisfied by the favours received in this city. |
|---|
| The last advices from Spain say that the Marquis Sta. Croce
was expected at Court, having given orders that his armada
should be refitted. |
|---|
| It seems that the Duke of Mantua is not to go into Monferrato
until after Christmas. These signors are sending Colonel Antonio
Cavall; as Governor to the 'Orcinuovi' in place of the Signor
Mario Bonello, who has licence to come hither to purge himself;
and Gio. Battista Caracciolo is going as captain into the government of Istria. |
|---|
| Prague. Letters of the 10th say that the last advices
from Poland were that Maximilian was still beneath Cracow, not
failing to do all offices whereby those within should become
willing to receive him as their King; but it appears that they
continue in their obstinacy: that having been succoured by 1500
horse from Silesia and a good number from Moravia, together
with some pieces of artillery, it is believed his Highness will
shortly make them feel the force of his arms: that the grand
chancellor has not lacked any diligence to keep matters firm in
the city; having beheaded certain citizens who were suspected,
and that the Swede and his sister proceed on their way, rumour
saying that half a day's journey from Cracow they had been
met by more than 12000 horse. The said Swede had written to
the Emperor, praying him to do good offices with his brother,
but his Majesty's reply is not known. He is thought to be
holding a Diet, to procure aid for him. |
|---|
| Constantinople. Letters of the 28 of last month tell of the
carrying on of the war in Persia, and of the extreme scarcity in
Constantinople and the places round about. News is come of a
defeat given by Simon the Georgian to the Turks, with the
death of 5000 of them, and that there is no more talk of the
peace. Ambassadors from Transilvania had arrived at the Porte
to bring their tribute, but they knew nothing of the affairs of
Poland, although the Chiaussi who were in the convent at Warsaw
and had returned gave an account of the manner of the election
of Maximilian and the Prince of Sweden. |
|---|
| The Senate have appointed Signor Tomaso Contarini, a very
fit gentleman, formerly an advocate, to go as ambassador to
Florence, to return his Highness' compliments. |
|---|
| Rome, Nov. 21. On Sunday last there were baptised in the
church of Sta. Lucia della Tenta the two uterine sons of Signor
Virginio Orsino, who had the evening before returned from
Florence; the first, called Latino, being held at the font by the
ambassador of Spain in person, and by a niece of the Pope;
and the second, called Francesco, by a chamberlain of Cardinal
Montalto, who could not be present, and by a gentlewoman of the
Signora Camilla, for her Excellency. |
|---|
| Advices from Naples of the 14th say that there and in Spezzia,
the wind and the fortune of the sea have wrecked many vessels
and galleys, with the loss of more than 150,000 crowns and the
drowning of as many as a hundred persons; such a misfortune
not having occurred within the memory of man. |
|---|
| In Monday's consistory, after long audiences, the cardinal
of Como reported the second million of gold collected in the
Castle, for which a bull will be issued, as with the first, for
the needs of the holy see. Aldobrandini proposed two churches
in the Indies, and those were dispatched which had been preconizate (fn. 4) in the other [consistory] with the bishopric of Castro
for a friar; the church of Nazareth not having been proposed,
which, as they say is to be for the confessor of his Holiness.
Monsignor Matteuccio was to start today for his Nuntiato of
Venice, the Archbishop of Capua returning in view of being a
cardinal at the next promotion. M. Dandino is about to depart
for the vice-legateship of Bologna, and the Bishop of Civita
di Penna, having purged himself of certain imputations of having
received bandits into his house at Naples, pretty certainly
will be made a Cardinal, together with the Archbishop of Cosenza, to whom a courier was sent on Sunday evening. M. de
Rustici and the Bishop of San Marco, besides those already
suggested, are also su'l tavoliero [i.e. sur le tapis], although
here, betting being prohibited, little or nothing is said concerning
the Christmas promotion, as to which couriers go continually
backwards and forwards to other places in Italy. |
|---|
| Cardinal Savello is still in bed with a catarrh and tertian
ague, but is much better since yesterday. Gesualdo is troubled
with the colic; Altemps cured of his catarrh. |
|---|
| The carrier of Naples, imprisoned here for carrying prohibited
arquebusses to a traveller, has been set free by the Pope's
favour, but to be banished at the pleasure of the governor. On
Thursday Gaetano arrived here, received royally at Caprarola
by Farnese. Yesterday he kissed the Pope's feet and was made
much of by his Holiness. Sforza is not yet here; Farnese expected within ten days. |
|---|
| In Florence great fetes are preparing for the Coronation of
the Grand Duke, and for his journey at Christmas to make
visits of state. We learn from thence also that the son of the
late Grand Duchess is ill, and that the Commendatore Coloreto,
formerly first gentleman to the Cardinal d'Este, has been made
chamberlain to his Highness. |
|---|
| The Duke of Urbino has given the administration of his state
and government to the Marquis della Rovere, his cousin, in
preparation, perhaps, for going out on some enterprise. |
|---|
| Curtietto, the chief of the brigands, was lately besieged in
the Abruzzo by a hundred soldiers, with all his men; but he
escaped towards Ortona, where he embarked and got away on to
the high seas. |
|---|
| Gerini, the agent of the Grand Duke here for many years has
returned to Florence, and Cipriano Saracinelli of Orvieto is appointed in his place. |
|---|
| A gentleman has arrived, sent by the Duke of Parma from
Flanders to offer his thanks to the Pope. Also M. de Tricarico,
who has rooms in the Palace. |
|---|
| They write from Florence of the great satisfaction of the
Grand Duke that Don Giovanni di Medici, his brother, has been
so warmly received by the Duke of Parma; who sent to meet
him, and gave him an escort of five hundred horse; it being
said that there is a project of the marriage of his Highness
of Tuscany with the eldest daughter of Carlo. (fn. 5) |
|---|
| This rota, at the instance of the King of Spain has decided
two matters of the eight proposed, in favour of the canonization
of St. Diego, a Spanish Franciscan of the convent of Alcala, who
died on the 12 November, 1563. |
|---|
| Venice, ut supra. The letters from Vienna contradict the report
of the cutting off of the 500 horse going from Silesia to Maximilian, and that on the contrary, they reached his Highness
safely. |
|---|
| It is said that the embassy from Cracow to the said Maximilian
was to this effect: that they feared to fall into the crime of
lœsœ Magistatis if they should favour one more than another,
until one of them had been declared il bencreato Ré. That his
Highness had sent his chief chamberlain and two other of his
principal gentlemen to reply that he was the legitimately elected
one; to which the others sent back answer that they would consult together and then reply. Whereupon his Highness determined to make further provision and then besiege the city. |
|---|
| On the termination of the Senate it was published that for
four months there shall be brought in no foreign silk cloth
nor shall any attire himself therein, under severe penalties. |
|---|
| The piazza at present thinks of nothing but wagers on the
next promotion of Cardinals. Those first in the betting are
the Patriarch Gonzaga, the Archbishops of Cosenza and Capua,
the Bishop of Cervia, the governor of Rome, the confessor of the
Pope. M. de Rustici and the Bishop of San Marco, and those who
wish to have eleven, add the Bishop of Paris for France, one
Mendoza for Spain and the Archbishop of Naples for the
Empire. |
|---|
| Antwerp. The mass of his Highness's forces are in the
field, in Flanders and Hainault. |
|---|
| Letters from London of the last of the past month say that
the Queen, persuaded by the King of Denmark, being determined
in some way or another to come to an agreement with the
Duke of Parma, had, the day before sent Dr. Erbrot [Herbert]
one of her Counsellors, together with Giocomo Ortel, deputy of
the States of Holland and Zeeland, to announce to the said
States, that within ten days they must declare whether they
meant to join with her in negotiating the peace with Spain. Yet
her Majesty is arming a great number of vessels to stand on
guard, in case the Biscay fleet should move against her. |
|---|
| The Goesi (fn. 6) last night burnt the pretty village called Schel,
two leagues from here, near the monastery of S. Bernard, because those fathers would give them no contribution. |
|---|
| Just now comes intelligence from Holland that the Earl of
Leicester has assembled all the States of Holland in the city
of Dordrecht, and that each one is to put down in writing what
they mean to do in the future. The cities of 'Alchemar', Oren
[Hoorn] and Medemblick are strongly in his favour; but those
of Enchuysen do not wish for him. Also the cities of Schneck,
Arlinghen, Cranchen and Bolverd (fn. 7) in Frisia have sent their
burgomasters and secretaries to pray him to visit them; but
those of Leuvarden, the principal city there, with the support of
some of the barons, detest him. |
|---|
| Italian. 4½ pp. [Newsletters XCV. 36.] |
|---|
| Nov. 19. | Dr. Lobetius to Walsingham. |
|---|
| I have received your letter of 19 June, and am glad to be
able to send you letters which will not tarry so long on the
road. There is little chance at present of sending by way of
France, and if one gives them to M. Solcker or any other
going into England, they go so far round and have so many
little delays on the way that they take several months to complete their journey. |
|---|
| Of French affairs you know enough, and are not ignorant of
the fights there have been, on both sides the Loire, or of their
issues. It is now said that the Duke of Mayne has retired to
his government, and is at Dijon in Burgundy, and that this is
by the King's orders, to keep guard against the many strangers
who are still daily passing through that country. |
|---|
| Report says that the French people, being most of them afflicted
by the three chief scourges of God, cry out for peace. All the
world wonders what the Duke of Parma will do with so great
an army as he is now making ready. Truly, it is long since
there have been so many troops going from Italy and Spain
into the Low Countries, and yet they have been long kept back
by the pourparlers for peace. |
|---|
| The affairs of Poland might well lead us into a labyrinth from
which it would be difficult to get out without having some
thread or clue in our hand. Although we promise ourselves
much, the issue seems to me doubtful and uncertain, but since
we have begun we must go on with it; it is no longer the
time "de retirer son epingle du jeu." |
|---|
| Our protestant Princes are at work reforming their churches
and schools, and coming to an understanding touching certain
points of difference in religion. Duke Casimir is in his own
country, endeavouring to manage to advantage the estates of
the young prince, his ward, having particularly at heart the
cause of religion. |
|---|
| In this town, things go on pretty well, thank God. The
seigneurs are about to send their ambassadors to Basle, to be
there on the 28th; where and when they are to meet those of
Zurich and Berne, to conclude some alliance and confederation.
M. Sturmius has remained in this town since the country round
about has been occupied by the camp of the King of Navarre;
whereby the good man has had great losses. Otherwise he is
well; but he is blind and can do nothing at all, being now
entered into his eighty-first year. He humbly salutes you, and
is eagerly looking for milord Solcker. |
|---|
| We are astonished that the Earl of Leicester cannot be on terms
with Holland and Zeeland. Some attribute it to those of the
Low Countries themselves, saying that they are suspicious or
crack-brained. Others put the blame upon the English, who,
they say, wish to treat these poor people as slaves, as if they
had been conquered in war; making use of their services, but
desiring to exclude them from honours and offices.—Strasbourg,
19 November, 1587. |
|---|
| On a scrap of paper, attached: My humble remembrances to
Messrs. de Sidné, Beel, Waad, Rogersius.
Holograph. Signed "J. L." Add. Endd. French. 1 p. [France
XVII. 136.] |
|---|
| Nov. 23./Dec. 3. | Masino del Bene to Walsingham. |
|---|
| Captain Pardino has given me tidings of your Honour and told
me of your remembrance of me, for which I thank you with
all my heart, and also give thanks to God, who, as the said
Pardino tells me, has been pleased to free you from the serious
infirmity from which, as I heard from your ambassador, you
have been suffering. May he long preserve you in health and
happiness. Here we are all eager to go to meet the people
called Reisters, who are making long days' journeys with some
German and French footmen, and as is said, are bringing with
them three cannon, and have made such progress that it is
judged to be almost impossible we can arrive in time, they
having, as is said, advanced more than twenty leagues. And
if it be true that the Vicomte de Turenne has taken a place called
Saint Lanbert or Ranbert, it will be a great convenience to
them, there being a bridge there which will save them nearly
20 leagues of a bad road which they are now obliged to take,
to their great peril and inconvenience. |
|---|
| I have not written to your honour for a long time, but very
often to Signor Palavicino, intending that it should be imparted
to you, which I believe he will have done. It vexes me greatly
not to have anything more pleasing to write to you than I have
had for a long time. It is believed here that the King of
Spain reckons on sending out the Marquis Santa Croce with
a powerful armada, and that the Duke of Parma is also making
ready, with all that he can get together in his countries. As
for us, our condition is still more facile (fn. 8) than I represented it
to her Majesty. God grant that he [Parma?] may not attack
us, as I greatly fear—it being reasonable that the weakest
and most facile should be assailed—and especially as our ruin
would infallibly bring about yours. May God of his grace
deliver both you and us from so great a peril. |
|---|
| I am advertised, and that from a very good source, that you
have in your house one who is little to be trusted.—Paris, 3
December, 1587. |
|---|
| Holograph. Unsigned. Add. Italian, 2 pp. [France XVII.
137.] |
|---|
Nov. 24./Dec. 4.
[latest date.] | News from divers parts. |
|---|
| Venice, Dec. 4, 1587. News is come to the governor of
Milan from the Spanish court of a league established between
the Catholic King and the Swiss [Catholic cantons]. Also that
that King has published an edict summoning all those who, while
the ships of the Armada were refitting at Lisbon, had gone from
her, to return at once to the fleet and embark, under pain of
life and confiscation of goods; to be ready to set sail at the
shortest notice given by the Marquis Sta. Croce, who was returning to Lisbon after being with his Majesty. It is said that
on the 15 of next March all are to be embarked. |
|---|
| Letters from Vienna of the 21st ultimo deny that the Prince
of Sweden had got so far forward in Poland as had been reported; saying that he had been joined at Dantzig only by a
hundred and fifty persons, a few soldiers and less money; where
he had found an ambassador from the Emperor, sent to exhort
him solemnly not to interfere in the affairs of Poland. |
|---|
| The army of Maximilian increased daily by the succours coming
from Bohemia, Silesia, Moravia and Poland, both foot and horse;
Ferdinand having sent him 4000, the Administrator of Magdeburg 380000 florins as a loan and the States of Austria a thousand harquebusiers. There were also arrived at the camp at
Merghent some carts with money. The passage to Cracow had
been opened, and was safely held by the Comte de Gorch and
the cavalry of Silesia. The High Chancellor had tried three or
four times to issue forth with only three or four others from
Cracow, but was prevented by Maximilian's men. It was even
said that divers of the citizens had gone out secretly to the camp
to offer obedience to his Highness, and take the oath of fidelity. |
|---|
| The Archduke Ernest was at Possonio [Pressburg] in Hungary,
at the Diet of that kingdom, which began on the 14th, and it is
thought will be over by Christmas. His Highness has already
made his proposal in the Emperor's name. |
|---|
| Many think that the Duke of Mantua, in imitation of the Grand
Duke of Tuscany, will send someone express to make the like
compliments, for his own private interests, which the chevalier
Dovara has been to do. The Duke of Savoy is sending M. de
Villargé to the Emperor and the Conte de Beinette to Maximilian to congratulate him on his election as King of Poland. |
|---|
| Advices from Prague of the 17th of last month state that
Maximilian was awaiting what the Lithuanians would do in their
Congregation, which was to take place on the 8th instant. That
the Chancellor [of Poland] still remained obstinate, and seemed
to intend to defend himself with all the strength that could be
made. The Swede, it was understood, was not far from Marienburg it not being known what he meant to do. His man was
dispatched by the Emperor with only general words. The Bohemians were still treating, and some good resolution was expected. The Emperor had commanded the liberation of the ship
stayed by the Uscocchi, with all its cargo, there appearing in
court one sent from the Grand Duke of Tuscany, offering, as is
believed, to bring to a settlement the affairs of Poland. |
|---|
| Of the affairs of France there is no news by the ordinary of
Lyons, further than already written, save that the King had
resolved not to come to a general engagement with the German
army, but merely to follow it, without ever giving it time to
rest or encamp; it being believed that the men desired to return
into Germany in order not to die miserably, as they had begun
to do, of disease. But on the other hand, it was said that new
levies had been made, that of the footmen being in great numbers. |
|---|
| It is said that the Catholic King had granted licence for a
treaty of marriage between the only daughter and heiress of
the late Count Alfonso della Somaglia and of a daughter of the
Count di Chinchion, a Spaniard, with 25000 ducats of rents, and
Don Michele, great nephew of the Pope. . . . |
|---|
| The Chancellor Vittorio Capello, brother-in-law of the late
Grand Duke, wishing for the future to go into the Grand Council,
claims precedency of Signor Tomaso Contarini, knight, Conte
dal Zaffo, who sits above all the other knights; as to which the
Senate will have to make a declaration. |
|---|
| It is said that those acting on behalf of M. Valiero, now in
prison, are treating to buy off the bands of certain of the Falconi,
Veronese bandits killed during these last months by the Cappelletti, in order to liberate the said gentleman. |
|---|
| On the 26 of last month the President of Ravenna left suddenly
and in great haste to go towards Cesena, with a great train
of sbirri and with the Minister of Justice. The reason is not
known, but some say it is because of a great tumult in that
city about a treasure discovered there. |
|---|
| Letters from Spain of the 10th of last month, brought to
Milan to that governor with order to raise from the Genoese many
thousands of scudi, advertise that the Marquis Santa Croce had
left Lisbon with the Armada, going towards Holland and Zeeland;
it being said that the Queen of England offered to leave those
islands [sic], with condition only to reserve Flushing to herself. |
|---|
| Rome, 28 November. Upon advices bringing confirmation
of the defeat and death of the Duke of Joyeuse, his brother,
the Duke de Mercoeur, his brother-in-law and others, the Cardinal
de Joyeuse withdrew to St. Antonio, to provide the household
with mourning; but our Lord does not wish him to make lamentation, saying it is not fitting, for his brothers have died as
martyrs and in the service of Holy Church. |
|---|
| On Monday evening he went to Ostia, and from thence to
Porto, and yesterday evening came to Madame's vigna, near
to the city, to escape visitors. The Most Christian ambassador
went on Wednesday to Ostia, and stayed with him all the day.
The said Cardinal has two brothers remaining; one a Capuchin
friar, and the other Grand Prior of Toulouse; all without heirs,
and disabled from the succession without a dispensation. |
|---|
| The above ambassador has sent another courier to Cardinal
Lenoncourt, praying him to note that so much delay is displeasing to the Pope, but this was on the 27 of last month, when
he had already left France on his way hither, where Aragon
arrived last evening, and Farnese and Sforza are expected on
Monday. |
|---|
| The Court holds as almost certain that at the next promotion
the new Cardinals will be Mendoza, Paris, the Patriach Gonzaga
and the Archbishops of Genoa and Cosenza. The Grand Master
of Malta is arrived at Pozzuolo with the galleys and will be here
on Wednesday, all these being at 70 (fn. 9) except Rustici, who was
at 79, and going up and down, Arezzo and the Auditor of the
Chamber, Todi, Orsino, Capua, Tircarico, Civita di Penna, Cernia,
and others are at the bottom. There is talk of a friar and of
another unknown and that there will be 9 cardinals made.
Borromeo has buono tirato da Altemps, but no one can say certainly, for the Pope does not discuss it with anybody. The
Governor stands between hope and fear. They speak of one Fra
Dominico Ferro, a Franciscan, and of the Count Ferranto d'Ascoli; a little also of the Pope's confessor and of one Pio Bonello,
of the house of Pio V. |
|---|
| The merchants of Rome hope on Tuesday next to have licence
to make bets, seeing that all the money goes to Florence, where
they are permitted. The couriers go backwards and forwards,
and the officers with the Pope [aid] by their suggestions for and
against, according to the interests of each one of them. |
|---|
| The two ambassadors sent by the Roman people to Florence
to offer their compliments to his Highness are ready to depart,
being licensed by the Pope. Mattevicio is gone to take up his
office of Nuncio at Venice, but Dandino not yet departed. |
|---|
| The Po has carried away from Cardinal Canano all his rents
for this year in Lombardy. |
|---|
| All the officers in Naples suspended for two years from their
charges have been finally dismissed by the Viceroy, by orders
from Spain. |
|---|
| At the beginning of December, will be celebrated at Florence
the funeral rites of the late Duke and the coronation of his
successor; his Highness having meanwhile learned with great
satisfaction that in Flanders, the Duke of Parma had given
the title of Eccellenza to Don Giovanni, his brother. |
|---|
| Cardinal Savello is without fever but kept in bed by a cold.
A felucca, escaped from Constantinople has arrived here with
twelve Christian slaves. |
|---|
| By the mediation of Cardinal Aldobrandino, the Grand Duke
has pardoned Alfonso Loderini, declared a rebel by Cosmo. |
|---|
| When the Pope last week gave audience to Verona and to the
Venetian ambassador, he settled the business of the Abbey of
San Cipriano, erecting a chantry and prebend in Padua with
1700 crowns of rent; the rest of the Abbey to remain as part
of the revenue of the patriarchate of Venice. |
|---|
| The Pope has declared that the knights of Malta shall not be
obliged to contribute, as was demanded, to the composition which
the clergy of Italy are making for the money which is to be
disbursed at the Treccenti of the Archbishopric. He has deputed
a congregation of three Cardinals to accommodate the differences
between the Auditor of the Chamber, as supreme judge, and
the Governor of Rome. |
|---|
| The death of Cardinal Bourbon is reported. |
|---|
| In the consistory held yesterday morning, there was proposed
a monastery in Sicily and Segovia in Spain, and his Holiness
exhorted the College to pray to God for the affairs of France
in their chapels during Advent, with almsgiving and other pious
works. |
|---|
| This morning after mass sung by the Patriarch Gonzaga, in
the church of Loretto, there was blessed the brass statue of S.
Peter: and the said statue, by command of the Pope, has been
placed on the top of the Column of Trajan. (fn. 10) |
|---|
| Antwerp, 14 November. The provisions of war which the
Duke of Parma is making are being sent to Ghent. This week
there are going thither many little vessels laden with all sorts
of munitions and amongst them a great quantity of lanterns
and torches, some horse mills and many ladders. To-day or
tomorrow, his Highness follows them from Brussels, where he
has called together all his principal counsellors of war, to consult
with them what enterprise shall be taken in hand. Those of
Bergen-op-Zoom (Berghes su la Soma) and Walcheren in Zeeland
are doubtful how they stand, wherefore there daily come ships of
war from Holland and Zeeland to Lillo, to join their fleet, to
prevent the soldiers of his Highness from setting foot in any
place in Zeeland. |
|---|
| Covering sheet wanting. Italian. 4 pp. [Newsletters XCV. 37.] |
|---|
| Nov. 26. | Daniel Rogers to Walsingham. |
|---|
| Although I make haste to depart for the court of the King
of Denmark, I think good to advertise you that for certain,
contribution has been made already by some of the German
Princes for the King of Navarre, about the beginning of last
month. The King of Denmark has contributed 20000 dallers,
i.e. 4500l. sterling. The Elector of Brandenburg's son has delivered 15000 dallers and the Landgrave William of Hesse other
15000. The Electors of Saxony and Brandenburg have not, as
the rest, sent a sum to Duke Casimir, but have disbursed
'Wargelt' [i.e. Wartgelt] for the staying of 6000 reiters, "to the
intent partly that the emprise might be furnished with some reiters
in readiness, in case any sudden trouble happened, partly to stay
the better such as would have served the enemy." But as her
Majesty writes of her grief that none of the said princes have
contributed, I mean to follow that tenor in declaring her intentions, not professing to be acquainted with any thing done
by them. |
|---|
| None hath done more mischief to the King of Navarre than
Doctor [Jacob] Andreas, who did all possible to get the Duke of
Wirtemberg to hinder any reiters going to his succour from
passing through his possessions, "being afraid lest the purity of
doctrine might, by the King of Navarre's good successes, prevail
against his ubiquity." |
|---|
| It is here given forth for a certainty that the Duke of Parma's
son will marry the Duke of Lorraine's daughter, "to engender
straighter correspondency between the Guisards and the said
Duke of Parma." They have also certain news of the King of
Navarre's victory. I never thought to find at Hamburg men so
addicted to the Spaniards. There is one Dekema, a knight and
Frise born, who has great correspondency with the syndicus,
Moller. I send herewith news from Rome and other places of
Italy, received by means of the Landgrave. Although somewhat
old, they are worthy the reading. The author is a German of
my acquaintance who has for twenty years lived in Italy and
been accustomed to send occurences to the Elector Frederick,
father of Duke Casimir. Some who have come hither out of
Spain affirm that the King, by the approbation of the divines,
hath increased the rate of his 'regales' for [i.e. per] ten in the
hundred.—Hamburg, 26 November, 1587. |
|---|
| Postscript. Those come out of Spain add that the King pretends to have spent two millions of gold in furnishing ships
for defence of the fleet come out of 'India'; which he requires
to be repaid by the merchants who "received commodities"
by the said fleet. |
|---|
| Add Endd. 1½ pp. [Denmark I. 101.] |
|---|
| [Nov. 28.]/[Dec. 8.] | Articles of capitulation made by the Duke of Epernon with
the Prince de Conty, chief and conductor of the army of
strangers, the Duke of Bouillon, the Baron d'Hone [Dhona]
and the colonels, captains, reiters, lords, gentlemen etc.
of their army. |
|---|
| The French to surrender their cornets and flags to the Duke,
to be sent to the King. |
|---|
| To the French in the said army, his Majesty grants mainlevee
of their goods and security of their houses, provided they obey
his edict and give a signed promise not to take arms save for
his service, unless without the kingdom. |
|---|
| Those who wish to leave the kingdom, making the like promise,
to have security of their goods, and to go with the strangers. |
|---|
| Those who will promise nothing, to have liberty to depart,
but not main-levée of their goods. |
|---|
| Any who deliver their cornets (fn. 11) or flags to the strangers to
enjoy none of the above benefits. |
|---|
| To the reiters, the King gives passport and security for their
return to the frontiers of his realm, on condition that the
Colonels, Captains and Rittmasters shall give promise to him,
signed by their own hands, not to bear arms in France against
the King, being called thereunto by his subjects without his
express command, and shall be bound to fold up their cornets and
flags while they are returning; not to take or carry away any
prisoners, subjects of his Majesty, nor to commit any acts of
hostility.
Endd. "December, 1587." French. 1 p. [France XVII. 138.]
[The document is almost word for word the same as printed
in Memoires de la Ligue, t. II. p. 237.] |
|---|
| Nov. | "Draft of an order agreed upon between the Lords of the
Council and the French ambassador, touching the granting
of letters of reprisal. November, 1587." |
|---|
| That such letters shall specify the just value of the goods
claimed to have been stolen, and no sale shall be permitted of
such goods as have, by virtue of the said letters, been stayed
on land or taken at sea until there has first been made a valuation
thereof by four merchants, two of them English and the other
two French, to be appointed by the chief officers of the port or
place where the stay is made, or whither goods taken at sea
shall be brought. |
|---|
| That if any to whom letters of reprisal shall be granted shall
remove and sell goods so stayed or taken, they shall lose the
benefit of the said letter of marque and shall also receive such
corporal punishment as shall be deemed fitting. |
|---|
| It is also required that the French commissaries shall declare
their intention touching the manner of interpreting the deniement de justice; viz.: whether it shall be after the cause has
been heard and sentenced by the ordinary judge of the province
where the fault has been committed, or after it shall have been
re-heard by way of appeal; or whether it is intended to appoint
an especial judge in the city of Paris, as there is in London, to
attend to the said causes, and judge them summarily, in order
to expedite the cause of justice.
French. 1 p. Endd. as in head-line. [France, XVII. 139.] |
|---|
| [Nov. end of?] | "The heads of a letter to the town of 'Hambrough' in answer
of one of theirs to her Majesty of the vii. of November,
[n.s.] 1587. |
|---|
| That whereas her Majesty perceived by their letters of Nov.
7 that they find themselves grieved with the late conclusion made
by the Merchants Adventurers with the town of Stoad, yet if
they duly look into the matter they will see that it has fallen
out through their own default. |
|---|
| For after promising by letters both to her Majesty and the
said merchants to accept them to their former residency (which
they said they might do without the assent of the [rest of the]
Steedes) they do not perform it; wherefore she thinketh herself
greatly abused therein. |
|---|
| She is also informed of their great affection to the King of
Spain, made manifest in many ways to the world; and that one
cause of their non-performance of their promise "grew upon
the solicitation of the Duke of Parma," sent by an express
messenger. |
|---|
| These things might justly move her to have nothing more to
do with that town, but that she has had very great care "to
continue and maintain good friendship with the ancient allies
of this crown; of which number, few or none have been more
ancient than the Steeds whereof they are a member," and therefore, contrary to their desert, she is pleased to yield to their
request touching the residency of her Merchants in their town,
if they will renew the residency in as ample manner as lately
granted by the town of Stoade; and also, by some friendly treaty,
get the consent of the town of Stoad to the return of the said
merchants to Hamburgh; and "procure the assents of the Hanse
towns under the seal of their Society for confirmation of the
said residency at Hamburgh."
Endd. as headline. 2¼ pp. [Hamburg and Hanse Towns II.
79.] |
|---|