Elizabeth: July 1585, 21-25 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 19, August 1584-August 1585. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1916.

'Elizabeth: July 1585, 21-25', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 19, August 1584-August 1585, (London, 1916) pp. 618-631. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol19/pp618-631 [accessed 20 April 2024]

July 1585, 21–25



July 22./Aug. 1.	Warrant by the Duke of Guise, appointing the Sieur de Dunes d' Antragues governor of the town and castle of St. Dizier,—one of the towns granted him in pledge, for his security—with all the rights and privileges enjoyed by the Sieur de Mauvissière, formerly governor there, and ambassador for his Majesty in England.— Chalons, 1 August, 1585.
	Stated to be signed by the Duke, countersigned Pelicard, and sealed with red wax.
	Copy. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. 56.]
July 22./Aug. 1.	G. de Prounincq, dit de Deventer, to Davison.
	Expressing at length his joy and thankfulness for her Majesty's great affection to the welfare of their country and the relief of Antwerp, and also his gratitude to Davison for the part he has had in bringing it about.
	Her Majesty is sending great succours. She is acting as a true Christian princess, but I beg you to show her, when you have opportunity, that although we need good men, we much more need a chief of authority, under whom those who at present have the command would willingly put themselves. We are much weaker in this respect than in any other, and without provision for it, her Majesty will never see so good a result from her succour as she would wish.
	Antwerp still holds out, but we hear that certain personages of the greatest credit lead the parliament with such dexterity, that nothing or very little of the remonstrances written or sent thither comes to the knowledge of the inhabitants. Happily her Majesty's letters will soon be published there, and the burgomaster, Alostanus has gone thither himself, although there is great risk; at whose entry (he having great credit there) all these practices will be certainly overthrown. I have worked with all my power, but fear my letters and remonstrances have been suppressed.
	At our last conference we spoke of the principal force of the Prince of Parma being his cavalry, which is good and consists of old soldiers. Your kingdom has always bred brave horsemen and in great number, both archers and men at arms, accustomed to fight both on foot and on horseback; but according to the most trustworthy histories the archers, by their dexterity with their arrows, have many times brought about great and incredible victories, as in the battle of Yuberoth [Aljubarrota], where 500 English archers, come to the aid of the bastard of Portugal against King John of Castile, overthrew the vanguard of the French horsemen, although they were of five times the strength, and opened the way to that most memorable victory, which 10,000 men gained over 30,000 Spaniards, all horsemen. Your archers did the same thing at the splendid victory of Crecy, and almost everywhere. Which makes me think how much five or six hundred such picked archers, sent hither as secretly as possible, might profit us in the day of battle by attacking the flanks of the enemy's horse. For a file of these being wounded by such arrows, which, by reason of their hooks (crochets) they could not draw out, would throw all the ranks into disorder. I pray you, think of this. Her Majesty will find here a very godly (dévo-tieux) people; she will be princess of a land full of fortresses and fine towns, which will serve her as a counterpoise between Germany and France, just as the country of the Swiss is a barrier to the neighbouring princes. And moreover, this our country (if it only had a wise and valliant chief) is as you know on every side invincible.—Utrecht, 1 August, 1585, stilo novo.
	Add. Fr. 2 pp. [Holland II. 65.]
July 22.	[Jacob Vander Haghe to Davison.]
	Thanks him for his courtesy and discretion. As to the articles which his Honour desired him to put in writing, having well considered the matter, he resolves as follows:—
	1. He does not wish to accept the offers made him by the >Chamberlains for several reasons, which he will declare in due time and place.
	2. He prays to be allowed to import and sell his steel freely and without hindrance, upon such reasonable licence as his Honour is pleased to put thereupon. The Chamberlains can then buy it as well as any other, for he is bound to no one, and it will go to the highest bidder. The losses they [i.e. he and his partners] have suffered, and the need in which they find themselves oblige them to seek by all honest means to get the best profit.—22 July, 1585.
	Without signature, address or endorsement, but in vander Haghe's handwriting. Fr. ¾ p. [Holland II. 66.]
July 22.	Le Sieur to Walsingham.
	On June 12, the Prince of Parma, with both horse and foot entered Burgerhout, then kept by Col. Morgan's small troop, who at first proved unwilling to forsake their charge, but being overcome in number, were constrained to retreat under the rampires of the town, though not without some loss on both sides. It seemed by the sequel that the Prince came only to view the ground, and the commodity Antwerp received by it, for he departed that night and left it to our men again. On the 19th he returned with greater forces, bringing three pieces of battery. “At their last coming, there passed between our Englishmen, (commanded by Colonel Morgan in person) and them great skirmishes, but their artillery planted and playing, it made our men to forsake the place, and notwithstanding other succour come from the town of few horsemen and footmen, all our men were put to retire under the very walls of the town, Colonel Morgan himself escaping very hardly. Some of the enemy's horsemen charged our men so fast that at the very gate divers were slain, both with great and small shot. The Prince being become master of Burgerhout, sent to summon all such castles wherein there were soldiers of Antwerp. Some yielded presently, others did abide to be battered, but by the Wednesday they were all with composition yielded into his hands, and the soldiers sent with a white rod to this town. The Prince having quiet possession of these castles, delivered them all into the hands of the governor of Lierre, called Odoardo Lansangyer(?), a Spaniard, who not long before had written to his Alteze that by reason of the excursions done by the soldiers being in those castles, he could not enjoy the corn that was then upon the ground, which was the cause that this enterprise was by the said Prince undertaken, who withal left certain number of horsemen and footmen in Burgerhout, to hinder our men of gathering either corn, herbs or other necessaries (only whereupon many poor people here did live).
	“The news of the enemy his arrival in Burgerhout was no sooner brought into the town than the burgers grew in armes, the chains in the streets were drawn, everyone spake of it according to his understanding, so that there was great likelihood of a commotion among us here, the more when the enemy was seen come upon our men to the very gate, and to be master of all the castles, but through good order, all such things were remedied for that time.”
	In my letter of the 10th I wrote “of the refusal the great Council here made to send to the Prince of Parma or to enter into any particular treatise with his Alteze, but now the enemy being come to visit us so near, and by consequence the poor deprived of his daily food, the magistrates and said great Council were assembled the 24th [June, o.s.], to whom the estate of the town was declared; the misery and necessity whereto they were reduced (through evil government) and the small hope of being relieved; the calling for a peace by the commonalty, yea by some of the best, who say, we weary of these wars, so that to live any longer in hope it was not possible.
	“This oration done by M. de St. Aldegonde was not but [sic] in making mention of Richardot his letters unto him, where the Prince of Parma for his clemency and benignity was highly exalted, and that his Alteze desired nothing more than to see these countries once delivered of these cruel wars, and most willing to enter into communication with M. de St. Aldegonde by the same to move (?) some good accord between the King and the town, promising to be found reasonable in the grant of their demands if so it were that sincerely and by times his Alteze were sought. Therefore to conclude, he willed them to resolve and that shortly what they would do.
	“The magistrates and great Council having heard M. de St. Aldegonde deferred the giving their advice and answer upon his propositions to the 26th day following; at which time in their assembly it was concluded that Messrs. de St. Aldegonde, Duffelt, Hessels (all of the Council of State) and Schonhoven, one of the magistrates should repair in the name of the Duchy of Brabant and this town to the Prince of Parma, not to propound any demand unto his Alteze, but to sound how they should find his Alteze, if so it were that they would enter in treaty. As this town is inhabited by a multitude of people contrary in opinions, so this resolution of the magistrates and Great Council upon the oration of M. de St. Aldegonde was diversely interpreted. The Protestants (specially the ministers) greatly condemned him. The papists commended him highly. He, of the other side, took God to witness that he was forced for infinite reasons to take that course; the which he knew could not be by him be followed (fn. 1) but that his name and fame should receive some 'wrack,' hoping notwithstanding in time to justify himself of all, and to make his upright and sincere dealings known.” This somewhat contented the wishers for a peace, and the more when the commissioners embarked to go to the Prince on the 29th following. There was at this time no answer from the commissioners sent to Holland. True it is, letters full of comfort often came from thence, but no effect as yet.
	On the 2nd instant the commissioners came back from the Prince, and likewise, out of Holland, M. Calvart, greffier to the Estates, and at the last negotiation in France one of the deputies. “He was welcome to some, and to others not; for by his coming those that wish for an accord did think it should be hindered. He brought letters and messages concerning the succour to come from England and Holland, but no certain assurance of either.
	“The 4th, after sermon, the magistrates and great Council were assembled to hear the relation of their commissioners come from the Prince of Parma, which was in effect:—
	“That most honorably they had been received, all them four together had had audience of his Alteze, and Monsieur de St. Alde[gonde] once apart. That they found his Alteze a Prince in their opinion sincere, upright, and that seeketh nothing so much as the welfare of these countries, saying he was sorry they had not brought with them full authority and commission from the members of the town for to treat with his Alteze, using protestations that he had a special care for this town, and would grant them any reasonable demands, by the way willing them to consider whereunto they had brought themselves, not able to escape the King his hands, yet notwithstanding if they would not detract the time any longer, but seek a reconciliation with his Majesty presently, there was no other liklihood but they should obtain their desires, always exercise of religion excepted. Besides, if they did not desire the building up of the citadel again nor garrison in the town, he was well contented, so that they could otherwise sufficiently assure the town to yield hereafter due obedience to the King. Many familiar discourses passed in private between his Alteze and Monsieur de St. Aldegonde, of the which since he hath vouchsafed to make me partaker, and in such sort as the manner of speaking, the actions, the outward appearance of the said Prince is greatly by Monsieur de St. Aldegonde esteemed, who persuades himself wholly, seeing to what extremity this town is brought, that by this Prince, these countries shall be well governed. The particularities of this discourse I hope to let your honour understand in person.
	“There was not one assistant in the said assembly of Great Council but gave attentive ear unto the relation Monsieur de St. Alde[gonde] made and not little marvelled to see and hear him in that sort vehemently exalt the virtues of that Prince, naming him to be full of benignity, clemency and void of all dissimulation, adding for his opinion, that he did believe all that the said Prince had told him; willing therefore the said Magistrate and great Council to balance well the estate of their town, the multitude of people therein, the diversity of affections, the scarceness of victuals, specially of corn, the uncertain and unlike hope of succour with the princely and favourable presentations of his Alteze; and with expedition authorize commissioners to repair to his Alteze again with their demands.
	“Upon this oration, answer was made that the great Council did require time of advice till the 6th day following, the which granted, they all for that time departed (not very well contented). In the meantime Monsieur de St. Aldegonde caused the Colonels and Captains of the town to assemble, to whom in effect he made the like oration, using withal persuasions unto them to consent to a treatise the sooner because, as he said, there was no hope of relief, neither out of England, Holland nor elsewhere.
	“As these persuasions to a reconciliation with the K[ing] of Spain through the good opinion he hath conceived of the Prince of Parma, did not greatly please the ears of those in the great Council, much less it did unto these Colonels and Captains, the most part thinking it was a dream unto them to see and hear Monsieur de St. Alde[gonde] speak in that sort, but in somma he hath so well harangued that his persuasions have almost taken the effect he hath as it seemeth long desired.
	“The 6th day come, as the great Council was to be assembled (as above mentioned), there arrived here one of the two commissioners sent from hence into Holland the 11th of the last month. He brought word for certain that those of Holland through the great preparations they had in hand, with the first convenient wind would attempt with a great number of ships to come hither. That out of England a good number of men were daily looked for in Zeeland. With these and such like comfortable news, commonly given to a besieged town, the Assembly of the Great Council was for that day and some others stayed, the which Monsieur de St. Alde[gonde] did greatly mislike; his reason was, that he was loth to dally with the Prince of Parma.
	“The 8th day there came a messenger expressly with a letter full of comfort from the Count of Hohenloe, so that nothing was that day concluded. The 9th the wind being fair at north-north-west, but the tide somewhat early in the evening, the army of Holland sent two burning ships one after the other to the bridge. The first did so good effects, that if the whole fleet had followed (to the judgment of most men here) this town were now relieved, for sundry ships of the said bridge did burn and sink; the second burning ship did little effect or none. The next day the wind did slack again, and not having been good since, hath altogether taken away from this people all hope of any good to come 'out Holland' for them, and therefore their only refuge now is upon the clemency of the Prince of Parma. The members of the town after sundry and divers consultations, as well in their particular colleges as in the Chamber of the great Council, for the sending commissioners to the Prince of Parma, concluded the 12th to send these whose names follow here:—Philippe de Marnix, Sieur de St. Aldegonde, bourguemaistre de dehors, Guillaume de Merode, Sieur de Duffele, Jehan de Schonhoven, chevalier et eschevin, André Hessels, treasurer of finances, Mathieu de Lanoy, eschevin, Loys Meganc, greffier of the Council of State, Corneille Pruonen, Philipp de Lantmetere, vieux eschevin, Adrian Boordoel, chief de la Porterie, (fn. 2) Hans de Wertt, Gillis Sattin, Henrich d'Uffele, wickmaistres. (fn. 3) Gillis de Schoeten et Aert Boudewins, doyens des mariniers, (fn. 4) Jehan Godin vieux collonel, Jehan Rademaecker, Louys Mallepart, collonel; Herman de Dadenborch, et Henrich d'Erp, doyens des gehulde, (fn. 5) Jehan Goorin et Dierich d'Os, Capitaines.
	“The Articles conceived and set down in writing to the number of thirty six, to be demanded of the Prince of Parma, were read unto all the members of the town and by Monsieur de Aldegonde full authority required to conclude with the said Prince without any further repairing hither to make relation or ask advice. This his demand was utterly by the members of the town denied, except that the Prince of Parma would agree to all the thirty-six articles. Well this commission and authority he and the rest of the Commissioners should have:—To present the said Articles to this Alteze, upon certain to conclude, and concerning the point of religion, building of castle or castles in the town, garrison in the same, holding of forts here about, they would know the Prince of Parma his intention before they would condescend to any full conclusion of an accord.
	“This is in effect the Commission with the which they are departed the 14th of this present. The articles are long and copious, these being the principal. To have certain churches for exercise of religion; no building up of any castle in the town; the same to be free of garrison; demolition of all forts about the town except suche as may serve to annoy the enemies of the King his Majesty (which is to be understood Holland and Zeeland); a pardon general for all offences; ratification and confirmation of all things done heretofore as well in politic as in martial government; that it will please his Alteze reduce the Marquisate of Bergue-op-Zoom and the appurtenances thereof, namely, Willhemstat alias Rugenhill, with certain other Islands in Holland, under the jurisdiction of Brabant again; and that all martial men whatsoever may retire themselves in a place of safety with their arms, ensigns, drums, and baggages. The martial men having amplified this article, thought it requisite to have some in their names to accompany the above named Commissioners, but because their names were not specified in the Prince of Parma his passport, it was concluded that the said Commissioners should procure a passport for such as the martial men would appoint to go in their names, myself being one of them at the request of Colonel Morgan, and to that effect a letter was written the 15th from all the martial men to the said Commissioners, by the which they were requested of the said passport.
	“The 16th, answer came from them in a letter, that as then their matters were so raw that it was not necessary they should repair thither so soon, but would have them in mind, and send the passport demanded when time should require it. Withal, they wrote how honorably they had been received, that the next day of their arrival being St. James his day [25 n.s.], after that all the artillery upon the dykes and ships had been discharged three sundry times, for the honour of St. James, they had audience, delivered their Articles to his Alteze, and the next day they were to treat upon them.
	“The 18th, M. de St. Aldegonde wrote a letter to the Magistrate [i.e. magistracy] here, wherein he gave them to understand that as then they had not proceeded very far in their negotiation, for that some of the Prince of Parma his counsellors were absent whom he would have to deal in this matter, and that the greatest difficulty was in the assurances should be given to the King, the town remaining free of castle and garrison. That they were most 'humanly' used, and that the good will and affection of that Prince towards this people did daily more and more appear unto them. This with a prayer unto God to incline the heart of his Alteze to the glory of his heavenly Majesty was the contents of the said letter received here the same day.
	“The 20th, Colonel Mallepart, one of the above named Commissioners through indisposition of one of his legs came back hither. I went the next day to visit him, he told me that to the same day of his departure the Prince had done nothing with them, but 'visited' their propounded articles, and that only then commissioners in the name of the Prince of Parma were assembled, and had begun to deal. That there was no hope of any exercise of the Religion to be obtained, but every one to live in his house without research of his conscience, so that he did not use any scandal, which word scandal is more particularly to be expressed.
	“He affirmed in effect unto me the contents of Monsieur de St. Aldegonde his letter above specified, adding that he thought within two or three days the martial men here should be written unto, for to send their deputies thither, so that in some of their actions there I hope to be oculatus testis.
	“The 21st, in the morning, there is here arrived a messenger sent by the Count of Hohenloe with a letter from her Majesty, dated the 10th of this present, directed to the Magistrate of this town, and another from the Commissioners that are now with her Majesty, to the said Magistrate. The said letters (specially that of her Majesty) were no sooner publicly known to be come, but it caused a great joy in most men—the more when they knew the contents thereof, for they were first read unto the Magistrate, then unto the Council of Estate, and unto the colonels and captains of the town; not one of these shewed in countenance but to be most glad, perceiving so apparently her Majesty's princely care over this afflicted town, wishing generally that her Majesty's succour mentioned in her Highness' letter and that of the Commissioners were already here, for it is to be feared if it come not shortly, that this town shall be constrained to accept the Prince of Parma. The necessity is not yet such with the rich but for money anything is almost to be had, though very dear. But the poor, which is in infinite number, having no provision, that gets nothing, and that doth daily call for a peace, with many other occasions to be declared at another time, is the cause that this town hath entered so soon in treatise with the Prince of Parma.”
	Many have accepted the peace only because void of hope that her Majesty would accept either the sovereignty or protection; but if assured of one of these, “they would yet force themselves to the uttermost, in staying for her Highness' succour.”
	Col. Morgan and I are daily asked for our opinions, but have no letters from your honour or others by which we may judge of her Majesty's intention; yet being accounted her faithful servants, the people believe that if any good were coming out of England, we should know it.
	Col. Morgan has presumed to write the enclosed to her Majesty, because at leaving the Court he was commanded sometimes to do so. If she enters into this action, he is a fit man to be employed, “for experience, knowledge of the country and humour of this people is great in him.”
	I send you this tedious discourse, leaving it to your wisdom to judge of those who employ themselves so earnestly to reduce this town under the Spaniard and of the effects which shall follow if their desires take place. Having been here so long, the ways being so dangerous and my means so small, I think best (unless I receive orders from you or my master) to remain here till things take another course.
	I pray you excuse me to my master for not writing to him at this time. I am sure you will not conceal the contents of this from him or from her Majesty's counsellors. I would gladly express more amply my desire to do her and them faithful services.
	At my lord of Leicester's request by Capt. Salisbury, Col. Morgan set free Capt. Gashefelt, (“committed for the like fact as Capt. Richard died,”) upon his giving his oath not to depart from hence without the Colonel's consent; notwithstanding which, he secretly departed on the 19th, having deceived many here of money. We believe he is gone to the enemy, but he is no great loss, “for there is neither religion nor sparkle of honesty in him, but a vessel wherein almost all vices abound.”—Antwerp, 22 July, 1585, stilo antiquo.
	Add. Endd. 5 pp. of very small close writing. [Flanders I. 34.]
July 22./Aug. 1.	News from Divers Parts.
	Prague, July 30.—Last Friday after dinner the Emperor went off to the chase, and it is said will remain away until next Saturday, if not driven back by the bad weather, which began last evening with a violent wind.
	On S. James' day, Signor Spinola his Majesty's chamberlain was invited by the Spanish ambassador, as were also Signor Alfonzo his nephew and Signor Brogonzo, who made peace together to the satisfaction of both. His Majesty's departure for Vienna is put off until the Carnival, as that city is not entirely free from the plague, there having lately died there M. Ostermar, a very rich merchant and his wife. He has often lent money to the Archdukes. It is said that the King of Poland is dangerously ill.
	Cologne, Aug. 1.—Letters of July 27 from the Prince of Parma's camp say that on the 24th M. Aldegonde, accompanied by twenty-two members of the Council returned to his Highness with ample commission from those of Antwerp to conclude the agreement, for which, as they wrote from Antwerp on the 21st, nothing was wanting but the moderating of three articles; viz. that they will not build a new castle; that they do not wish to accept any garrison save that of the castle, promising to maintain the city in his Majesty's obedience, and lastly liberty of conscience, without, however, public exercise; to which his Highness not being willing to agree, and demanding speedy resolution upon the conditions proposed by himself, the deputies determined to send a courier to Antwerp to the Great Council, notifying the Prince's will; it being hoped however, that they would not depart from the camp without concluding the treaty.
	Malines has no garrison except a hundred soldiers who, together with the Catholic burgers, have charge of the city.
	From Friesland we hear that about a hundred and fifty of the States' men, going to sack and burn a village near Deventer, have been killed.
	The soldiers of the Count of Mœurs who were on guard on an entrenchment near Neuss, seeing the men of the new Elector approach, who had already begun to stop their way, burned their quarters, and retired into the said city, which Col. Martin Schenck, it is said, entered that same evening, with three hundred foot and a hundred horse.
	Italian. 1¼ p. [Newsletters XCV. 26.]
July 23.	Jacob Vander Haghe to Davison.
	Has read and weighed the writing given him yesterday in his honour's presence by Mr. Beale on behalf of the Chamberlains. As to the first offer, finding it no way different from that made in Zeeland, he refers himself to the answer he then gave them. Touching the second, as, in his honour's and Mr. Beale's presence he has sufficiently declared his intention and shown, that he is not in any way bound, he has nothing more to say. Asks that Mr. Beale may be informed of his reply and very humbly prays that instead of binding him to certain merchants, against all equity, in this time of trouble and of war, he [Beale] will please to demand a reasonable licence, either upon each barrel or upon the whole. This is the third or fourth time he has applied to him, without receiving any reply, and as the time brooks no more delay he prays his honour to procure one for him.—23 July, 1585.
	Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Holland II. 67.]
July 24.	Antonio da Veigua to Walsingham.
	Asking him to remind her Majesty to write to whoever seems to her most favourable to the King Antonio his master, together with the Duchess of Loudunois (Lodonus) aunt of the King of Navarre, as she had promised, to thank them for what they had done for his master, in such a manner that his said master may understand that her Majesty is wishful to show favour to him. [Undated.]
	Add. Endd. “24 July, From M. Ant. de Vega.” Italian, ½ p. [France XIV. 57.]
July 24.	Davison to Walsingham.
	So soon as I received your letters, which found me in bed very ill-disposed, I sent to entreat Mr. Paul Buys to come to me, and acquainted him with her Majesty's pleasure to add 400 horse to her former offer of 4,000 footmen, if the Brill and Flushing might be delivered to her for assurance, praying him, as I could not go myself, to communicate this overture “with” the rest of his colleagues and to let me know speedily whether they accepted it or not, that I might inform her Majesty.
	“And though I found by him that they had no other power to accept of this offer with the conditions added than they had heretofore pretended, both because it was so much inferior to that they had demanded and their necessity required, and that her Majesty insisted upon the delivery of those two places only which he knew the States of those provinces would be unwilling to yield unto, unless her Majesty might be pleased to take the like assurance of the other provinces, as well to contain them the better in office as to bind them in like degree to the remboursing of her Majesty's charge, which otherwise might fall only upon their shoulders that should remain cautionaries to her Highness for the same; yet for my satisfying, he was content to communicate this offer unto the rest.” Within two hours after, Menin, Barnveldt, Valke and Orteil were sent to let me know that after consideration, they could make no other answer than formerly:— “That they acknowledged themselves most humbly bound to her Majesty for her gracious offer, but to accept thereof, with the caution and assurance desired, was a thing without the limits of their power and commission . . . having, as they protested, no power to offer her Majesty the cautions desired 'under' the succour of 5,000 footmen and 1,000 horse, in which case, her Highness might have her uttermost satisfaction.” But as her offers came so short of what they were to insist on, and that their longer stay was to little purpose, they prayed me, both for shortening her charge and because the present state of things brooked nothing worse than delays and uncertainties, to procure them audience, to hear her final resolution and so determine of their return home. They asked whether it were not expedient for them to repair to Kingston, to be “the nearer and readier,” but I dissuaded them from this until they received your advice therein.—“At my poor house in London, 24 July, 1585.”
	Add. Endd. 1 ½ pp. [Holland II. 68.]
July 24.	News from Italy.
	Rome, July 27.—On Saturday, in the Signatura, before his Holiness, were brought forward the claims of the vassals of the church upon the properties devolved upon the Apostolic See. His Holiness has referred the matter to the Camera, appointing Monsignor della Cornea one of the superintendents.
	Signor Giulio Colonna demanded of our Lord that the cause of Castelnuovo be considered, notwithstanding the vacancy, claiming that he had been wronged by Pope Gregory; but he was not listened to, wherefore he is departing to his castles.
	On Sunday, after private mass, the Pope gave audience in the garden of Monte Cavallo, and confirmed Monsignor Grimaldi in the office of vice-legate of Avignon. Captain Oduardo d' Ascoli is to be sent there immediately, as colonel of six hundred footmen. The same day the Bishop of Ancona was consecrated by Cardinal Castagna at San Giacomo dei Spagnioli, and afterwards banqueted by his lordship with Signor Appio Conti, Lottario his brother and others.
	Last Friday the Abbot of La Grenga was taken to the Torre di Nona, on account, as is said, of the business of the old Treasurer, and to-day has been examined. Filippo Ravenna has resolved to bring 10,000 rubi of corn from Sicily to Rome, at 67 giuli (fn. 6) the rubbio, and the Pope has given him a certain sum of money taken from the licences (tratte) granted in La Marca by the Ecclesiastical State.
	The rent of the customs of Rome is increased by 25,000 crowns, with which his Holiness intends to make un Monte non vacabile for three years, whereby there would be got 300,000 crowns for the service of the Holy See, and it is expected would be used for some notable enterprise.
	Monsignor Sega, Bishop of Piacenza and the Bishop of Civita di Penna are deputed for the reform of the priests, friars and strumpets, which, it is said, will be more rigorous than by Pio V.
	On Tuesday morning Cardinal Altemps was at the Pope's audience, but received no favour, for the following day, the Duke was examined again, from whom the Camera demanded 33,000 crowns as a final composition for the whole. All the battalions of the Ecclesiastical State have been cashiered.
	The Patriarchate of Alexandria, vacant by the death of Cardinal Riario, will perhaps be given to Monsignor Sermoneta.
	They advertise from Naples that upon the arrival of the galleys with 10,000 Spaniards, the Viceroy had, by means of excommunication, taken 300 of them, who had goods of the starace, now dead, and many have been racked, great diligence being used under colour of finding again the stolen goods.
	On Wednesday night, Monsignor Lodovico Boccaferra, a Bolognese gentleman of Cardinal Gonzaga was taken to the Torre di Nona by order of the Pope, but the cause not known. It is said that the Bishop of Civita di Penna is made Governor of Rome, and will make his entry on the 1st of August.
	From Milan we hear that great “triumphs” are being made to receive the new archbishop, but the Governor has gone to Vigevone [Vigevano], twenty miles away, in order not to have to meet him and give him the right hand.
	A courier was expected from Monsignor Nazaretti, who has not arrived at the Court of the French King and perhaps may return without going further.
	From Spain it is confirmed that the King of China with all his kingdom was come into the Faith, and that some Japanese princes had taken up arms against other people who would not come to holy baptism.
	The Spanish ambassador has had audience this morning and order has suddenly been given to send a post to the Duke of Savoy. The French King has granted the vacant dignity of Cardinal Armagnac (Armignaco) to the Cardinal d'Este.
	The Signatura di giustizia is not yet conferred. It may be the Senator will have it at the new promotion of cardinals, which will, it is understood, be in September.
	Venice, August 3.—From Constantinople we learn that the Bailo Moresini, with renewed kindness from the Grand Signor and all his chief officers, and the delivery of the intercepted galley and all other things which were to be restored, departed on the first of last month for this place, hoping to make the journey in fifty days.
	On Monday night Zanchetto of the Arsenal, a bandit of this dominion, cut off the head of Pietro Cimonino, a fellow bandit, for the same matter as Frate Egidio of the Frari, hanged a few days ago, and having at once appeared with the head before the Signoria, was imprisoned, it being said that he will be given the beneficio della testa, which on Wednesday was placed upon the pietra del bando, but may suffer capital punishment for his own personal crimes.
	It is said that Count Ottavio Avogadro, notwithstanding the repulse of his proposal, has sent captive to Verona the two assassins taken by him in that territory.
	On Wednesday at eighteen o'clock, the Prince, going to his chamber supported as was usual, at a certain time, having a severe cold, dropped his head and passed to a better life. It is said that he has made the Procurator, his nephew, his general heir, paying 2,000 crowns in legacies. As to Signor Gabriel Corner, his son-in-law, if his nephew dies without sons, half goes to the said son-in-law and the other half to certain of the Cà di Ponte. [Proceedings of bandits.]
	Italian. 3 pp. [Newsletters LXXII. 22.]
July 25./Aug. 4.	Jaques Rossel to Davison.
	We are in anxiety about Antwerp. One of St. Aldegonde's (servants?) is come, who left him at Beveren, continuing the treaty. Her Majesty's second letter has arrived in that city, addressed to the Count of Hollock; for they have made the signal on the tower.
	They have sufficient victuals for four months, but good will is lacking among the magistrates, who have lost heart because they see no succour coming to them. Vander Meuler and some others hold firm.
	May God help them. Our deputies, with the absolute resolution of Zeeland—if her Majesty accepts the sovereignty, which she should do if she values her greatness—have been at sea, but chased back by the enemy of Dunkirk. Her Majesty should make free this passage. The camp of the enemy is being strengthened, but undertakes nothing, expecting always to have Antwerp.—Middelburg, 4 August, 1585.
	Add. Fr. 1 p. Damaged by damp. [Holland II. 69.]