Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 19, August 1584-August 1585. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1916.
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'Elizabeth: August 1585, 1-10', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 19, August 1584-August 1585, (London, 1916) pp. 643-655. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol19/pp643-655 [accessed 26 April 2024]
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August 1585, 1–10
| Aug. 1/11. | The Duchess of Bouillon to Walsingham. | |
|---|---|---|
| Apologising for not having written sooner, as she was bound to do in acknowledgment of his favours shown to her, both in regard to her own children and to her nieces, the demoiselles of Nassau; and excusing herself on the ground of her health, and her son having been with her.—Sedan, 11 August, 1585. | ||
| Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. 62.] | ||
| Aug. 1/11 | Jaques Rossel to Walsingham. | |
| I send you a book of the ordinances, statutes and proclamations of the princes and lords of the Low Countries, by which her Majesty will learn the sovereign authority which appertains to them, not only in Flanders but in the other provinces accepting the State. Also much concerning the finances. By reading it, you will understand more of the law, ordinances, grand councils and other things than I could tell you. | ||
| It grieves me much to see this important town of Antwerp drawn away from her Majesty's authority, only by the fault of the Sieur St. Aldegonde, more by his passion and ambition than for lack of victuals, to which he imputes and will impute it to cloak his shame. But every one is so well instructed of his actions in the matter that it is believed he will rather remain with the enemy than return to a place where many have sworn his death. | ||
| On Friday, August 9, a French soldier from Mechlin garrison having gone into Antwerp to announce the capitulation which those of Mechlin were making, not being able to return because of the difficulty of the passage, came on to Middelburg and reported that on Saturday the 10th stilo nouveau the resolution for their treaty was to be concluded. | ||
| The principal conditions were concerning the garrison they were to receive, viz. 1,200 footmen of the country and 600 horsemen, but after Bergen should be taken they were to be left without castle or garrison if they had satisfied the money promised in the agreement. | ||
| By the report of the said soldier it appears that these conditions will be accepted, for, there being no police for the business of victuals, they have trouble in getting them, which fact comes a propos to incline the people towards the said conditions; for only a few days before the return of the deputies, provisions were plentiful and at a very good price. | ||
| The same soldier, being an acquaintance of mine, spoke to me privately of the inclination which he said St. Aldegonde had for the Spanish party, “not knowing what grudge he had against the English, forasmuch as he had declared that if one hair of his beard was inclined to the party of her Majesty, he would tear it out and burn it.” Such discourse is unworthy of a man of the Religion, and having made profession of affairs of state, who should not be so free in expressing such sentiments. | ||
| We have also imitators of his actions, who to hinder matters in regard to her Majesty declare that things are not so bad in France as is given out; that it seems very probable that the King is dissembling in relation to the edicts, and has published them to induce the Guisards to lay down their arms; that they still hope France will assist the cause of the Low Countries and that they ought to give the Sieur de Rebours, who is here, the charge of 2,000 French harquebusiers, to testify that they do not desire to be estranged from their good understanding with the French their neighbours; and that the Queen of England will not do for them what they think. All these fine discourses are made by Villiers, the minister, and by one named La Pré, by surname Taffin, brother of the minister and a great support of the French party. | ||
| And to go further, Count Maurice and the Princess are not at all pleased that the States of Zeeland have consented for her Majesty to put garrisons into Flushing and Ter Veere without their consent; since the said places belong to them and to the children born of women of France. This has been said to myself, to which I replied that these were acquired by the late Prince of Orange, but that the States of the country had paid for them; that the revenues were to belong to him, but they had reserved the walls and the sovereign authority. The reply was that those of the country were indebted more than that to the said prince. | ||
| Such brouillons and others ill-affected to the party of her Majesty only serve “de guillon” to alienate the affection of the people, who nevertheless seem to me much more inclined to her service than ever they were to his Highness or the French. It only remains, in my judgment, to give them relief from their oppressions in order to place them entirely at her devotion. | ||
| Count Hollock departed on the 10th for Holland to hasten the moneys for making a general payment upon the muster both of the fleet and of the English troops at Bergen and others in the garrisons, It is said that the King of Spain is making ready a sea army, and is assembling 4,000 fresh Spaniards and two regiments of Germans. | ||
| I hope your honour will remember me and move the Queen on my behalf for advancement in her service.—Middelburg, 11 August, new style, 1585. | ||
| Add. Endd. Fr. 2 ½ pp. [Holland III. 1.] | ||
| Aug. 2. | Stafford to Walsingham. | |
| News came yesterday which, “if our King here had as good a stomach as other Kings afore him have had, I think it would breed the greatest blow to the Pope's head that happened unto him these many years. | ||
| “I writ to your honour a good pretty while agone that the Pope had despatched the Bishop of Nazaret hitherward to have interposed his authority for the making of the peace between them of the League and the King.” He was come within two days journey of Lyons when, the peace being concluded, the King sent a courier to Rome to advertise the Pope of it, and gave him charge, if he met the Bishop to deliver him letters desiring him, as the cause of his sending was removed, to stay where he was till he received a fresh charge from the Pope. The Bishop takes this in such dudgeon that he is going homeward again, having despatched a courier to the Pope who arrived before the King's courier, “and so aggraved by his letters this stay of his” that the Pope in a choler ordered M. St. Goard, the King's leaguer there, to keep his house and not stir out. | ||
| St. Goard, taking this “in a great chafe” answered stoutly, which being brought to the Pope, made him in a great choler, and he sent word to the ambassador, upon pain of life to go out of Rome within three hours, and within four days to leave the territory of the Church, which he did, and is now at Lucca (Lucques). From thence he sent to the King, “who in a great rage would needs have presently hunted away the Nuncio here very shamefully, but his good mother, who ever under the colour of quenching the fire never letteth him do any thing that is well meant, persuadeth him . . . that it is a matter of so great importance that it deserveth to be well seen unto, and therefore desired him to have patience till they heard news from the Cardinal d'Este . . . and having heard from him, that to do as he should see cause.” St. Goard had written that Cardinal d'Este was at Tivoli; but he had sent to tell him of his departure, and she was sure that within forty-eight hours news would come from him. | ||
| I am advertised secretly that the Cardinal went presently to Rome, and dealing plainly with the Pope was ordered also out of the city. As soon as we hear more I will tell you both what is done there and what will be done here. | ||
| They that be Pope's men here, and especially they that favour the League give out that St. Goard is the cause of this by his haughtiness to the Pope when first ordered to keep his lodging. “But in truth this is a thing prepared for him by them that favour the League, in revenge of the impeachment and breach that he gave to the Duke of Nevers' treaty at Rome, with the help of the Cardinal d'Este, who in this cause hath been as contrary to his 'nenemies' as if they had been Turks; for the causer of the sending of Nazaretti was the Cardinal of Pellève, otherwise called Cardinal of Sens, a man wholly a Guisard and a very principal pillar and maintainer of this League; and also is he which, upon this stay of Nazaretti by the King, was the only man that exaggerated the action to the Pope. I desire no more than that the King were hearted like King Henry the Eighth, which, if he were, the best flower of the Pope's garland were gone; but in truth, I look for nothing but a dishonourable taking of this, for his good mother and they that have pacified him in the first bruit, know his nature well enough, that having stopped his premiere boutée de furie the King will easily put up a greater matter than this. The Pope playeth the Devil, and therefore I think he cannot last long, because Nullum violentum perpetuum and that it is a common course to have such angry Popes have a buccon [i.e. boucon, poison] quickly given them to despatch them. | ||
| “They say here he hath already played Rex with the Ursins [Orsini] that had some quarrel with the other Pope and his son about killing of certain sergeants.” It is said this Pope has already executed divers for standing against Serjeants or not helping them to do their duty. Also that he has affronted the Spanish ambassador who came to ask his help against those that had rebelled in Naples, taking men out of prison, and killing divers of the garrison who tried to hinder them. The Pope asked by whose authority he demanded it. The ambassador told him that the Viceroy had sent to request him to it in his Master's name. The Pope in a great choler bid him go home to his house and come no more to him for anything unless he had warrant for it under the King's own hand; “that they were men that sought to rule and govern all the world; that not only he would not give them succour against them of Naples, but would rather help them of Naples to keep themselves in liberty. | ||
| “Thus they say he governeth himself, and meaneth to make himself be known for a Pope. But if it were not that ungratefulness is a common fault among them, truly I should think this the ungratefullest beast in the world to behave himself so to the French King and the Cardinal d'Este, by whom only he was made, as with his own mouth he confessed. But I think the poor monk is so proud of his dignity and is so lately come out of rags that he knoweth not what silk meaneth. I would to God it were the last of that race we should be troubled withal.”—Paris, 2 August. | ||
| Holograph. Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France XIV. 63.] | ||
| Aug. 2. | Warrant under the Queen's signet authorising Mr. Hudleston to be treasurer in the Low Countries.—Manor of Nonsuch, 2 August, 1585. | |
| Copy. Endd. ½ p. [Holland III. 2.] | ||
| Charge of levying, transportation and pay by the month of 4,000 soldiers, with the entertainment of the principal officers. Total 18,460l. | ||
| Endd. 1 p. [Holland III. 3.] | ||
| [This and the following paper are not dated, but are marked in pencil “Aug. 2” and were therefore probably found with the papers of that date.] | ||
| Charges of coat and conduct money &c. and pay of 4,000 men for three months :— | ||
| Coat money “after” 4s. a man | 800l. | |
| Conduct money after 3s. “one with another” | 600l. | |
| Transportation after 3s. a man | 600l. | |
| Half month's pay | 2,210l. | |
| Pay for three months | 14,460l. | |
| Sum | 18,670l. | |
| Endd. ½ p. [Ibid. III. 4.] | ||
| Aug. 3/13. | Christopher Roels to Walsingham. | |
| I was on the point of writing to you when behold yours of July 24 old style (as I presume) which obliges me to thank you very humbly for your favour not only to me but to the welfare of this country. I am distressed that so far we have received from Mr. Valcke no certain news of the legation, and the rather that you wrote to me that we should hear the determination from him; but as since then our deputies have arrived to instruct the said M. Valcke I hope that matters will proceed to the satisfaction both of her Majesty and ourselves. One thing I must ask you, not that I believe it, but for her Majesty's service and not to give distaste here by what is sown by many amongst the people. This is, that it seems to me expedient that a certain Englishman here, apparently a man of quality, should be secured, whose name I do not know, but he is of the company of those who are just now come from England. This man said at Bergen-op-Zoom, at the governor's table and in the presence of many, that we are fools to believe that the Queen will undertake our cause against a King of Spain, whom she will take care not to meddle with, considering his power; but what she does is in order to make, herself master of our havens and forts, that some day she and that King may make a fine morsel of us together, saying he has seen and read this discourse on the Earl of Leicester's table. And although this seems the saying of a fool, one ought always to think it the saying of a traitor, until we know the end of it. They do not wish to meddle with it here for several reasons, therefore your honour may be pleased to think what is to be done for her Majesty's service and to remove all arrieres pensées, for the governor related it here in the full assembly of the States.— Middelburg, 13 August, 1585. | ||
| Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. III. 5.] | ||
| Aug. 3/13. | Jaques Rossel to Walsingham. | |
| I am delighted to hear by yours of July 24 that her Majesty has been told of the true state of Antwerp; that, contrary to the opinion of those who misinformed her, it will hold out for a month, not a fortnight, to which they had condemned it. | ||
| Two merchants have arrived, one at Middelburg, the other at the fleet, bearing the title of “Wicmasters,” (fn. 1) sent by the people to inform them whether there was any appearance of aid, and to whom the said people have sworn upon their life, goods, honour and the ruin of their houses and posterity, that having their advice, they would hold the city fourteen or fifteen days, notwithstanding the importunity of the Prince of Parma and his party for making an end of the treaty. | ||
| Your honour's letters gave these merchants such hope, that “this last night of the 12th,” the waterman has departed with letters from the Council of State, Count Maurice, the Council of Zeeland and other private persons, with promises and assurances that if they would retard their treaty fourteen or fifteen days, all the forces of the fleet and all the men of war shall be risked, even to their ruin, with a thousand fresh soldiers they have levied, and that the succours of her Majesty will preserve the state and the country, even if they do not come in time for the battle. Count Maurice, the Council of State and all who have charge and command depart two days hence to assist therein and to be present. They have received information that one vessel or hulk will suffice to break and ruin the stockade, it being so much burnt by the last fireship, which transported four vessels from the bridge as far as Antwerp, such was the violence of the fireworks. | ||
| The money for the payment of the soldiers, both of the fleet, garrisons of Bergen, Sluys, Lillo and other places was embarked in Holland. I fear I may be obliged to assist at the muster and so shall not be able to continue my advertisements. | ||
| This then must serve as a final information of the state of Antwerp, my remarks whereon may be of use to your prudence, that, like the bee, will draw out the sweet, leaving the bitter to the malice of the time, which this evil season produces rather than what is good. Such is the will of the Lord. | ||
| The wife of St. Aldegonde has arrived to-day at her house near Flushing, with some other ladies, with passports from the Prince of Parma, followed by three carts, having announced for the benefit of those ill-instructed as to St. Aldegonde's actions, that she had left Antwerp in a cask, as if she were merchandise. This absurd declaration only serves the people as a laughing-stock, for we know what a reception he has had from the Duke of Parma, and that even the other deputies have been scandalised to see him treating and negotiating alone with the Prince for an hour together; these other deputies being papists and yet jealous of it. | ||
| The “Wikmasters” of Antwerp, wealthy merchants, have told us that if her Majesty sends the promised succour and it is employed in the war, although (jassoit, i.e. jaçoit) the town of Antwerp should be lost, yet keeping the provisions and the passages, the enemy cannot support himself until Christmas; for all the other towns, Ghent, Bruges, Brussels, Malines &c. do and will suffer so much for provisions that it is impossible to maintain them. Wherefore it seems to me that her Majesty should not fail to continue her good-will as to the said succours, since by them may be prevented the ruin of so many towns. | ||
| It remains for me to pray your honour to favour me in obtaining payment of what is due to me by the States by virtue of an “act” which they gave me upon those transgressors of their placcards who have transported provisions to the enemy, the like having been given to the Sieur de Ringout, clerk of the finances. I beg that you will have the said “act” executed and that I may be comprised in it and receive my due. I have written to Mr. Gilpin on the subject, who will remind you of it.—Middelburg, 13 August, 1585. | ||
| Add. Endd. Fr. 2 pp. [Holland III. 6.] | ||
| Aug. 3. | le Sieur to Walsingham. | |
| By my last of July 28 [wanting], I told you of the relation made by the commissioners on their return from the Prince of Parma. All the members of the town had the demands of the Prince given to them in writing, to the end that on the last day of July they should declare their advice in the Great Council. When it was assembled, the commissioners required full authority to conclude the treaty. Some gave their consent, others desired another day of meeting, “the which being secretly given to understand to some of the common people, which was in great multitude gathered before the Town House, presently there was a noise, great number crying 'Peace, peace, we will have peace'; this being done by policy, and considered by those that sought the dilation of time (in hope to be relieved) that of necessity the commissioners must have the full authority they had often demanded, it was granted to them, to the extreme grief of many thousands.” | ||
| Next day passports were sent for, both for these pommissioners and the commissioners for the martial men, namely Capt. Fremyn for the French, Walloons and Dutch; one Capt. Grant for the Scots and myself for Colonel Morgan. Yesterday the passports came, we embarked altogether, landed at a fort on the Flanders side called Burcht, and were received by the principal secretary of his Highness called Le Vasseur and by the Grand Baily of Waes. Le Vasseur presently entered into speech with me of her Majesty's letter to those of Antwerp, saying “On nous pique si souvent qu'a la fin on verra que nous ne sommes point ladres.” I answered him as in duty bound, but still he alleged the daily assistance she gives to the rebels (as he termed them). | ||
| Our discourse soon ended because of our voyage hither, where we have all been honourably received and feasted. I can only write that I fear me before this week be past the accord will be concluded. “The necessity of corn in Antwerp is great, and the greater by those that haste the end of this treatise.” Patton, a Scot is come hither from Scotland through France. When I can learn why, I will advertise you of it.—Bevre (camp of the Prince of Parma) 3 August, 1585, stylo antiquo. | ||
| Postscript.—Captain Fremyn humbly salutes you and my master. I am indebted in Antwerp and know not how I shall leave it unless you and my master send some money for me to Middelburg. Last Sunday the Duke of Alençon's arms were taken down from the gate at the Mint house, and those of Spain set up. | ||
| Add. Endd. 1 p. [Flanders I. 35.] | ||
| Aug. 4. | Elizabeth to the French King. | |
| Monsieur mon frere, Je voy telles estranges menees qui se presentent de jour a autre pour esblouir l'honneur de vous et de la France que J'ay m'ay [sic] tant vaincu non obstant le peu de respect que mes lettres effectuent a vous mander ce gentilhome expres pour vous esclaircir bien amplement de mes conceptions et intentions. Lesquelles si mespriseres Je cognois le pis ne m'en adviendra. Mais si en feries votre profit Je me penseray tresheureuse d'en avoir eu la pensee, et cognoissant la suffisance et sagesse de ce porteur Je ne vous facheray de plus longue lettre si non vous supplier de luy conceder favorable audience, et m'en rendre responce par vous mesmes si aussy vous plaira; vous asseurant que vous pourres librement parler a cest confidant qui m'asseure vous honore et soushaict votre conservation. Avec mes tres cordialles prieres au seigneur Dieu qui vous inspire tout pour le mieux et vous ouvrir les yeux a pouvoir voir clairement vos abuseurs, entre lesquels Je ne me mettray en dernier rane. Votre abusée bonne soeur. | ||
| Copy, inaccurate. ½ p. [France XIV. 64.] | ||
| On the same sheet : | ||
| Elizabeth to —— | ||
| Mon cousin, voyci le temps quant les vielles songent, et entre ceste compagnie, Je voy en vision que si les fidelles n'ayent la main superieur aux iniques tout va en ruyne. Pourtant ne mettes point la main au charue, et puis le retires. Il est trois fois amy qui faict le bon tour en temps. Je soushaite que le Roy eust aultant de hardy conseilliers pour luy servir que Je voy des audacieux pour seconder la piere part. En I' honneur de Dieu consideres qui vous a nouvellement cree, et vous monstres digne de telle facture, ne soyes assistant de sa ruine. Pour mon particulier, vous pourres faire estat d'une bonne amye toujours preste a vous assister es bonnes actions, vous rendent [rendant] mille graces de telle° chose que vous ne penses avoir pervenu a mes oreilles, et de qui Je me resenteray a jamais. Mon cousin, Je vous prie fye vous de ce porteur. Il vous dira asses de ma part. Je le cognoi gentilhome discret. | ||
| Copy, ½ p. [Ibid. XIV. 64a.] | ||
| Aug. 4/14. | Horatio Palavicino to Walsingham. | |
| I have diligently enquired what took place at the time of the creation of the present Pope, and have met with one of the chief gentlemen who was in Rome at the time and is extremely well informed about it. He says that the ministers of Spain said to Cardinal Farnese that the King would have been very glad for him to assume the papacy, and would have aided him with his friends to the utmost of his power; but that in the Bang's schedule, in which were named the cardinals whom he desired to favour —which was to remain sealed with his ambassador, with orders not to open it unless the chair was vacant—the Cardinal Farnese was not named; but the Cardinals San Georgio, Sirleto and Mont' Alto, for whose nomination it was said the greatest efforts should be made, as was done, and with the desired effect. But as the aforesaid ministers feared the power of Farnese, with whom was joined Savello and many others, they used an excellent device to prevent it without its being discovered; and this was that they ordered the Cardinal de' Medici to oppose it openly and hotly; and in order that it should not be thought that this Medici,—being the protector of the affairs of Spain, and minister of the King—was acting by the royal will, they publicly took from him the charge of this protection, so that his opposition should appear personal and private. Thus Farnese was excluded, and then they gave back to Medici his protectorship. You may judge from this if the other is offended! | ||
| The Pope makes profession of being very severe and stern, and is said to have declared that his predecessor was only known as Pope within the walls of Rome, but he will make himself known outside them also. He hates Cardinal Como, and so far does not appear to embrace the English, at least not in the way the other did. | ||
| Returning to the Farnese, you may know that the King has wholly given back the fortress of Piacenza, which matter was only settled at the end of last month; whereof I pray you to advertise her Majesty, as she desired to be informed of it.—Paris, 14 August, 1585. | ||
| I wrote this not knowing that the ambassador would forward it, so might write further, but have nothing worth the telling (not having heard from the Duc d'Epernon) save that from what one sees of present humours, it may be hoped that her Majesty's offers will be in time. | ||
| Postscript by Stafford.—At the closing of this he that Epernon sends to me came to visit me. “I desired him to tell Epernon this from me, that I desired him to remember us here to the French King at his commodity”; not that I doubted it, but because of his great affairs he might forget, and so I prayed him to pardon me for putting him in remembrance of it. | ||
| Add. Endd. Italian, except Stafford's postscript. 2 ½ pp. [France XIV. 65.] | ||
| Aug. 5. | le Brumen to Walsingham. | |
| I send my man for the despatch you promised me yesterday, and to receive your orders touching the ship which is to be restored to M. de Joyeuse, belonging (as I understand) to Captain Coquigri of Fescamp. Captain Giroult would like much to have it, and to have the means to re-victual it and put munition into it, to take it to La Rochelle. He has written to Coquigri, and expects to get it easily if they use some honest delay, as to demand caution from them that the ship shall not make war on the English or some other like thing. | ||
| Those last come from France say that M. de Laval has sent his wife and household (train) to the Isles of Greneze [Guernsey] and is gathering troops to go to the King of Navarre. | ||
| The King still fosters distrust on all hands, and nevertheless their designs against the Religion and the King of Navarre continue. The people where the armies pass or tarry curse all the Leaguers. | ||
| Many gentlemen withdraw, seeing the tardiness of their deliberations. The King still gives passports to go to the King of Navarre.—London, 5 August, 1585. | ||
| Add. Endd. “From Mr. Jeffroy.” Fr. 1 p. [France XIV. 66.] | ||
| Aug. 6/16. | Horatio Palavicino to Walsingham. | |
| As he is to have audience in a few days, and some resolution in the business for which he is come, he desires to know what he shall do if the King should be either cold or irresolute and does not give him cause to return at once; that is, whether he shall remain unless he receives express orders to come over, or whether he shall return unless he has orders to the contrary. | ||
| Desires to be sure of his honour's wishes, in order to follow them without loss of time.—Paris, 16 August, 1585. | ||
| Add. Endd. Italian. ¾ pp. [Ibid. XIV. 67.] | ||
| Aug. 7 1/7. | Treslong to Walsingham. | |
| Offering him warm thanks for that in this hour of his adversity, his honour has not only continued the kindness shown to him in times when his fortune was more prosperous and smiling, but has given him greater testimonies of its faithful continuance and increase, and has procured for him her Majesty's gracious letters to the States General for alleviation of his present misfortune. There will never be a day in his life when he will not feel gratitude to her, to the Earl of Leicester and to his honour and he regrets his harsh and lamentable imprisonment only because it deprives him of all means of testifying the same. Trusts that so favourable a commencement may stimulate them to continue until they reach the good end of his deliverance.— Prison at Middelburg, 17 August, 1585. | ||
| Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. injured by damp. [Holland III. 7.] | ||
| Aug. 7 1/7. | Walter Bindlos to Davison. | |
| Deploring the wretched state of affairs in the Low Countries (Belgium) which makes him undecided whether to laugh with Democritus or weep with Heraclitus. There is no lack of political philosophers, like Plato and Aristotle. What is needed is a Cato, a censor to correct morals and restrain men by fear. So far have the people gone in impudence, that they even call the magistrates by contemptuous names, and that with impunity. This impious impunity has been the cause of all their troubles, which are a visitation from God. They cared nothing for the Prince of Orange when he was alive; they care nothing for authority. And yet their good fortune in their constitution is almost as great as their ill-fortune in war. Their constitution comprises the two best kinds, monarchical and aristocratic joined in one, although it is to be feared that mob-rule (ochlocratia) is at present in power. | ||
| As to Antwerp he will say nothing, except that it is in the greatest peril, being threatened both with an external and internal enemy; and by internal, he means not only the Papists, who are attacking the conscience, but actual want, which attacks the body. He will say nothing as to certain dishonourable rumours about Aldegonde, the governor of the city. May God grant safety to the citizens, free the city from siege, and send the besiegers to hell! | ||
| The ambassador of the King of Navarre is still at Leyden, and will wait there until he receives the King's answer. Then he will go to Upper Germany to unite the minds of the protestant princes in Christian love, so that they may be prepared not only to keep the papal tyranny far from their own borders, but to avenge all injuries done by the papists in France or Germany. . . . —The Hague, 16 Kal. September, 1585. | ||
| And. Endd. Latin. 2¼ pp. [Holland III. 8.] | ||
| Aug. 9. | Stafford to Burghley. | |
| Mr. Secretary's letters will make you so thoroughly acquainted how things pass here that I will only trouble you with this news, come since I made up the packet, “of the Duke 'Mercuryes' flight from the suburbs of Fontene, where the Prince of Condé held him in, and in the night stole out and saved himself, being well horsed, but some of his company were 'ketched' by the Prince of Condé, and all his carriage and furniture, and the messenger saith that they fear lest all their footmen be cut in pieces. In this court they generally are glad of it, and are sorry he scaped himself.” | ||
| There is certain news of the rendering of Antwerp and the liberty of M. de la Noue. “I have been chidden by the Queen's own letters, and Mr. Secretary also wrote to me 'so,' that the Queen was offended with it, though he communicated my letters to you upon my request.” I am sorry things are not taken in time, and for my part, have a lesson “to take the less care to break my head” by accepting so dangerous a course as that would have been to me. I pray your lordship find not that there is something in hand worth the discovering! Knowing their intent perfectly, I wrote to Mr. Secretary of it this time, because last year, when I wrote to your lordship to tell her Majesty that some of the Duke of Guise's people offered me private conference, “first she liked, then the next day disliked it,” which I thought came by her communicating it to those “who will never like courses . . . wherein I may do her Majesty service worth the thanks.” This made me write to Mr. Secretary and desire him to make you acquainted with it, “because I thought . . . he would rather have liked to have set forward any good thing than being communicated to him by the Queen, and he not made acquainted by me of it. . . . But while I am here, I will never deal in anything of importance but your lordship shall be acquainted with it.”—Paris, 9 August, 1585. | ||
| Postscript.—I beesech you, keep this letter to yourself. | ||
| Holograph. Add. Endd. by Burghley. Cipher words un-deciphered. 2 pp. [France XIV. 68.] | ||
| Aug. 9. | le Brumen to Walsingham. | |
| M. de Ferguere will be here to-morrow. He is one of the chief persons to whom I apply to know the state of affairs; and from him I shall learn many things. M. de Baqueville has returned and all his troop, of whom the most part is of the Religion. I hear that they have equipped for war four ships and four pinnaces at Havre de Grace. Beware of them! They write that the Prince of Condé has defeated the Duc de Mercœur; that the princes of Bourbon are setting up a flying camp for Poitou, and that the Duc de Maine is making ready the army to go into Guienne, but for lack of money the artillery cannot yet march. Six thousand more Swiss papists are coming to the Guisards. | ||
| M. Desdiguieres (Deriguieres) has taken up arms in Dauphiny for those of the Religion and has taken Livron and other places. M. de Brissac and Boisdauphin are using great cruelties in Anjou to those of the Religion. In Normandy things are still pretty quiet. The nobles of the Religion there and in Picardy stay in their houses and are still hopeful. I hope to know more tomorrow from M. de Ferguere. I send you a packet which General Porta has given me and says you will be glad of it.—London, 9 August, 1585. | ||
| Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. 69.] | ||
| Aug. 10/20. | Copy of the “Apostile” given by the Prince of Parma and Placentia upon certain points proposed to him by Dr. Ferdinand de Salinas, auditor-general of the camp and superintendant of the Admiralty, viz:— | |
| That although according to the tenor of the ordinances both ancient and modern, the ship of Edward Lambert of Gloucester ought to be declared good prize; yet his Highness desiring always to continue his good correspondence with the Queen of England and her subjects, shows favour to the said Lambert, and gives order that he may be acquitted absolutely (à pur et a plien) and allowed to depart with his ship and goods, whither he may please. And the same is to be understood of travellers who have left this country without passports. | ||
| And the like favour is to be shown to William Balfort and to the English merchants naturalized and their goods in the said ships. But the goods belonging to Jehan Boyart, Jehan Carbonnier, Carlo Liebaert, Loys van Dorst and Carlo Baldo, being subjects of the King and not having passport to traffic with the rebels are to be judged good prize.—Camp at Beveren 20 August, 1585. Signed Alexander; countersigned de Salinas. Certified copy by J. Inghelvert. | ||
| Endd. “Copy of the Prince of Parma's order to the Court of Admiralty in Dunkirk for the restitution of such Englishmen's goods as were taken at the seas.” Fr. 1¼ pp. [Flanders I. 36.] | ||