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| 5 Sept. |
596. Bernardino De Mendoza to Zayas.
Since my last I have learnt of some of the presents made by
M. D'Alençon. He gave the Queen a diamond ring worth, the
French say, 10,000 crowns, which he handed to her when he bade
her farewell at Cobham. The parting was very tender on both
sides, and the Queen presented Alençon with another jewel. He
gave Leicester a cord for his cap, consisting of precious stones
worth 3,000 crowns, and to Sussex a diamond ring of similar
value. Lady Stafford and other ladies received jewels from the
stock brought by Simier, who remains here to continue the
negotiations for the marriage and the other French plans, with
which object he is winning over the councillors in every possible
way.
The Queen has received news from Ireland that James Fitzmaurice
has been killed in a skirmish. He was the leader of those
who landed there, and the Queen is so pleased at the news that she
has ordered that the cavalry shall not be sent and only part of the
infantry, as now that the chief is dead it is believed the rest may
easily be put down.
Two days since there arrived here an express courier, dispatched
on the 3rd August from Seville by the merchants, announcing the
arrival of the despatch caravel from the Indies with news that
Drake, about whom I wrote, had passed through the Straits of
Magellan, and had stolen in the southern sea gold and silver worth
200,000 ducats belonging to his Majesty, and 400,000 the property
of merchants. The adventurers who provided money and ships for
the voyage are beside themselves for joy, and I am told that there
are some of the councillors amongst them. The people here are
talking of nothing else but going out to plunder in a similar way.
Although the courier was sent specially with this news alone I do
not believe it, as in a matter of this importance, if it were true,
some steps would have been taken by his Majesty ere this. I am
making every possible effort respecting the prizes taken by English
pirates from his Majesty's subjects, although I only get to know
of the cases through Englishmen, as the owners themselves do not
tell me. In some cases indeed, like that which took place near
Corunna lately, and the landing of Humphrey Gilbert in Galicia,
where he sacked the hermitage, they themselves confess, and in
these cases I think of requesting the Queen to punish them. At
the same time, if I see an opportunity, I will try to divert her from
her negotiations with the French, as I do generally when I speak
to her or her councillors, but until they see what you wot of (i.e.,
money) it is like hammering cold iron. This Seville courier also
reports that his Majesty announces his intention of undertaking
the Algiers expedition in person, which banishes their anxiety
about the destination with the fleet. One of these ministers of
theirs (i.e., clergymen) has heen convicted of the dreadful and
nefarious crime of consorting with his own daughter, and, although
the affair is public, all they have done is to put him for a little
while in the pillory. You can judge by this how they would
punish other smaller peccadilloes.—London, 5th September 1579. |
| 7 Sept. |
597. Bernardino De Mendoza to Zayas.
Just as this courier was leaving hurriedly for Paris, an English
courier sent by Wotton delivered to me his Majesty's letter of the
18th ultimo, and three from you of the same date. I knew of
the arrival of this English courier on the 5th, but was not aware
that he had any letters for me. No doubt they kept them back,
as I was to have audience of the Queen the next day, so that I
might not have them until after I had seen her. I will report
what passed with her in my next, and have only time now to send,
with all speed, the documents you request. I have had them for
some time to study them, and to be the better able to treat if
occasion should arise. I will send to Antwerp for some more as
there are none here, and will send them by next opportunity.
I now send the "Perpetual edict," the "Pacification of Ghent," and
the decree and proclamation of the same.—London, 7th September
1579. |
| 13 Sept. |
598. Bernardino De Mendoza to the King.
I saw the Queen on the 6th, and she told me she had received
letters from Edward Wotton, and was glad to hear that your
Majesty and the Queen were well. Although at the time I had
not seen your Majesty's letter, I replied in generalities as ordered.
The conversation turned to the matter of the pirates, and, so far
as I could gather from her expressions to me, I judge that the
negotiations for union with the French are proceeding very
warmly. She kept dwelling upon Alençon's good qualities and
praising the Queen-mother, whom she formerly abominated, saying
how cleverly she had brought France to its present good order.
Even if the marriage do not take place, it is probable that a binding
union with the French may be effected—all in disservice of your
Majesty—from the very evident signs to be seen on all hands.
Amongst other indications is the fact that all these ministers are
turning their backs upon me, except the Controller, who helps me
and lets me know what is going on. The burden of talk of the
rest is that, if your Majesty persists in the Portuguese business,
you will lose the Netherlands and have a war in Italy. I again
represented to the Queen the evils that might result from failing to
maintain the alliance with your Majesty, without entering into
particulars, as this marriage is so far advanced and she is so
enamoured of it. I lose no opportunity of pressing this point and
others similar, and take care to spread abroad certain aspects of the
matter, which it is important that Parliament and the people should
foresee, particularly what may be the effect of the French getting
a footing here. The Queen said that your Majesty wished to take
Portugal, and had made great preparations with that object. I
replied that I had already told her several times that your Majesty
had collected a powerful fleet, but I did not know where you
would be pleased to employ it. If it were used in Portugal it
would not be for the purpose of taking the country, but simply
to enable you to enjoy your rights, as being, on the death of the
King, the nearest legitimate heir, which I said I had no doubt
the Portuguese understood. She replied that every one did not
agree with this, and your Majesty could not take Portugal as there
were those who would prevent it. I answered (to show her that
I knew about the French negotiations) that, however much certain
princes might unite for that purpose, it would be useless, because
not only had God given you these rights to the Crown, but had
endowed you with forces powerful enough to maintain them. I
could not believe, I said, that she would mix herself up in any
unjust attempt to frustrate this, to which she made no reply, but
changed the subject, and said that the Netherlands were again in
treaty to hand themselves over to the French. I answered that
these suspicions and plots were now of very little importance, as
experience had shown last year how well they agreed, and that
they could not endure the French when they had got them there.
There was less chance for them now than then, as Hainault and
Artois had submitted to your Majesty. Certain English pirates
who landed in Galicia (where they lifted some cattle and sacked a
hermitage) have arrived here and boasted much of their exploits.
Although I had no advice of it from your Majesty or any of your
officers, but only learnt of it from the coast of France, I thought fit
te speak to the Queen on the subject, and to beg her to punish
the men. I said I had received letters from the President of
Galicia, who said he was also giving an account of the matter to
your Majesty in order that steps might be taken. She at once
ordered the men to be arrested, and assured me they should be justly
punished.
The Queen has received news from Ireland saying that the earl of
Desmond had fled from the Viceroy, offended that so little importance
was attached to him. They, therefore, fear he will go to the other
side ; in which case they (the rebels) would hold much of the
island. Another ship had arrived there with foreigners, and the
Viceroy was treating with the O'Neil for a pacification.—London,
13th September 1579. |
599. Bernardino De Mendoza to Zayas.
Yesterday I was visited by the principal merchants who trade
with Spain, to thank me, in the name of the Council, for the
release on surety by his Majesty, of the Englishmen who were
imprisoned at Corunna ; which news had been conveyed to them
by letters dated 19th ultimo, and which they had been informed
was due to certain letters written by me. They were much gratified
at this. Those (i.e., the Spaniards) who went from here, although
I was in a hurry to get them gone, have had such contrary weather
that they have been much delayed.
After the news of Drake's robberies arrived, these merchants
went to the Council and said that they feared that his Majesty
might retaliate by seizing the property of Englishmen in Spain ;
and, as it was now the season for them to despatch their ships,
they could not do so unless they were assured they should not lose
them. The Council replied that Drake had gone on a voyage of
discovery, and if he had plundered it was not their fault, nor did
they think that his Majesty would seize English property in consequence.
I have thought well to report this, that you may see
that their own conscience is now pricking them, and some of the
merchants have paid as much as 4 and 5 per cent. premium of
insurance against seizure on their goods in Spain. His Majesty's
letter to me mentions the enclosure of copy of the Queen's letter to
him. This must have been forgotten, as I only received copy of
the King's letter to her. I am informed from Milan of the new
obstacle raised there to paying me the five hundred odd crowns
due previous to the transfer (i.e., of his pension there). This is the
order given by his Majesty that debts due for more than a year
should not be recoverable. Pray write about it, for what with this
and the fact that they now owe me 16 months pay for my company,
I can hardly make both ends meet here.
The Queen left Greenwich on the 9th (fn. 1) to make a short progress,
hunting at various gentlemen's seats until early next month, when
she comes to London for the Parliament.—London, 13th September
1579.
Postscript : Since closing this letter I have learnt that a gentleman
from Alençon has arrived with letters for the Queen, informing
her that he has had an interview with his brother in Paris. |
| 17 Sept. |
600. Bernardino De Mendoza to Zayas.
I am sending this duplicate by Calais, and take the opportunity
of saying that, an hour after the letter had left, I was informed
that the French gentleman who had arrived reported the taking of
Fuentarrabia, which has greatly delighted these people as it has
distressed me. They are getting closer every day with the French,
and since this man arrived there are couriers coming constantly
from France, both for the Queen and the ambassadors, who are
now staying with her at the earl of Sussex's house, where all is
feasting, dancing, and toasting the good news. I believe they are
pressing for money for Bearn, for which purpose they will sell his
mother's jewels, which are now here in pawn ; and if, by God's
grace, these people or the French do not run out of funds, they
will certainly attempt some wickedness against his Majesty's
grandeur, as I have so often said, or try to prevent the success of
our fleet. This proves what I have so constantly urged—the need
of gaining over some of these councillors—which will not now be
easy. We never think we shall want anyone's help until the time
comes. Some oar-galleys have gone from here for M. de la Motte,
and some English ships also have gone to serve him, but I have a
very poor opinion of them, seeing things as they are. I have constantly
warned him of this, and I recently sent a courier to him to
let him know that they will attempt some mischief in that direction,
as not a man leaves here without these councillors knowing of it,
and indeed, in some cases, they speak to them before they go.
There has just sailed a ship fitted out by a gentleman of the chamber
to the Queen, with a quantity of ordnance on board, on the pretext
of going to serve him (M. de la Motte), which causes me all the
more suspicion, and I have consequently sent a special messenger
to inform him.—London, 17th September 1579. |
| 25 Sept. |
601. Bernardino De Mendoza to the King.
Intelligence has been received of the publication of your Majesty's
decree prohibiting the export of all goods, except salt, from Spain
in foreign ships, which has caused much annoyance, not only to
the merchants trading with Spain but to all the nation. The
London merchants have addressed the Queen and Council (who are
as much grieved as the rest) setting forth the great damage it will
cause to the country, which profits so much by this trade, and is
so largely interested in it. This will be seen more clearly by the
detailed statement I send to your Majesty of the voyages they
make, and the Queen has consequently written to your Majesty on
the subject, as well as sending to me with many entreaties that I
should do the same. As some ships have already left, and they think
the business is urgent, they have decided to send the letter by a
person who is to travel with all speed. I send to your Majesty the
heads of their letter, so far as I have been able to learn them, as
the importance they attach to the matter persuades me that it will
be to your Majesty's interest that this letter should arrive before
theirs. In addition to saying that the decree is in contravention of
the treaties between the countries, they threaten that, as so many
ships and sailors will be thrown out of employment, they will make
plundering voyages to the Indies ; which may well be believed,
as they do so already. Their pride and insolence are so great that
the very sailors who are going now (i.e., to Spain) are saying that
if they cannot get freights back they must rob on the coast to
make up for them. If your Majesty thinks well, notice might be
sent to the ports and places where they may attempt this. With
the same object in view, the owners of the ships (who are the most
interested) have petitioned the Council that the masters may be
allowed to punish any sailor without being called to account for
it here.
The Queen has also assured the merchants that, if your Majesty
refuses permission for them to load their ships, she will at once
order that no Spanish goods shall enter her country except in
English bottoms, which will prevent Flemish ships carrying on
the trade, and they think there are not enough Spanish vessels for
the purpose.
When the Queen was told of the decree, she said your Majesty
would break friendship with her, and when you wanted her friendship
perhaps you would not get it. They also believe that, even if
your Majesty does not grant them the concession, they will be able
to load their freights in Spain, and it would be very advisable ; if
your Majesty for some good reason allows them to take merchandise
for this once, that they should be made to understand
how great a boon and favour you are granting them, out of your
mere grace, when you have the power to oppress them, even
without going to war. I am aware that it is extremely bold for
me to say this, but I humbly beg for pardon, as my great desire
to serve efficaciously makes me write in this way to the best of
my understanding. Although the English have so many places
whither to send their ships they actually despatched a man some
time ago to Constantinople to try to establish a trade there. He
returned recently with a Turk, bringing a letter from his master to
the Queen, full of endearments, and offering unrestricted commerce
in his country to Englishmen if she, on her part, will give
the same privileges here to his subjects. I will endeavour to get
copies of the letter and their reply to send to your Majesty.
The States have issued a proclamation in Antwerp saying that
no goods are to be shipped there, except in ships belonging to the
Netherlands, and in execution of this they have taken some cargo
out of an English ship in which it had been loaded.—London, 25th
September 1579. |
602. Bernardino De Mendoza to the King.
On the 13th I wrote saying that, on that day, a gentleman had
arrived from Alençon to give an account of the interview of the
latter with his brother, and the pillage of Fuentarrabia. (fn. 2) The
great rejoicing about this did not last long, as they afterwards
learnt of the grief it had caused in Paris that occasion should arise
for war with your Majesty. This later news has troubled them
and people are saying that it was a planned affair that Monseigneur
Aigremont and Duras should have appeared on the frontier at the
time ; the object being to make people believe that some treaty
had been entered into, and that the country at large would
willingly join in a war against your Majesty. It was part of the
plan to convey to the Governor of Bordeaux the news he sent to
the king of France, in order to make the thing look the more
encouraging, and to animate people with the belief that, now they
had a pledge in their hands, they could commence war with
advantage, the negotiations being carried on here being part of the
arrangement. The Queen continues to regale in an extraordinary
way the three (French) ambassadors who are with her. They
have all been lately at the house of the earl of Sussex, where the
Queen and they have been grandly entertained. The rest of the
councillors treat them in the same way, inviting them to their
houses, and feasting them to such an extent that they may now be
looked upon as all one people, although the general public show
little pleasure at this friendship.
A printed book has recently been published here setting forth the
evils arising from a union with the French. (fn. 3) Many arguments and
reasons are adduced, and examples are given of what has happened
on other occasions. As soon as it was published the Queen
prohibited its possession under pain of death, and great efforts
were used to collect all the copies, and to discover the author,
in order to prevent the circulation of the facts before Parliament
meets.
I wrote that the earl of Desmond had fled from the Viceroy and
had gone over with his brothers in opposition to the Queen. She
has now ordered both the cavalry and the infantry, which had
been raised, to go to Ireland, and more troops are to be recruited,
for whom it is said, victuals will have to be sent from England, as
there are none to be got by them in the revolted country. For this
reason, and because the place is a hotbed of disturbance, and the
country a very humid one, they fear they will not finish the
business so easily.—London, 25th September 1579. |
| 29 Sept. |
603. Bernardino De Mendoza to Zayas.
The enclosed proclamation, which there has been no time to
translate, has been published by the Queen, prohibiting the book
which had been issued against her marriage, and refuting certain
points of it. As the proclamation was only dated two days before its
promulgation (which was carried out with great ceremony) people
are attaching a good deal of importance to it, and are saying that
it was advisable to cut short the sensation caused by the book, in
order to effect the marriage. (fn. 4) You will see by the proclamation
how far advanced the matter is, and how Alençon is flattered by
saying that it was through him that the Portuguese had been kept
in France, which will not much please the Catholics or the people
of Paris.—London, 29th September 1579. |
604. Bernardino De Mendoza to Zayas.
I take this opportunity of repeating what I said on the 25th,
and also of saying that, as the Englishmen who were to take the
Queen's letter (i.e., to Spain) were leaving, news came from the
West that Francis Drake had arrived. I suspect that this was
the reason why they delayed their departure until the present ;
the news now being known to be untrue, as these merchants are in
great alarm lest his Majesty should order the seizure of English
property in retaliation of the robberies committed by Drake. I
sent a man to Plymouth, a Spaniard residing near there, to inform
me of his arrival, as it is believed that unless he is driven elsewhere
by weather, he will make for that port. This man has now
returned, and tells me that he had heard, very secretly, from the
wife of one of the justices there, that these councillors, who have a
share in the venture, have sent orders to all the justices and
governors to help him (Drake) to land and place his plunder in
safety, and I therefore fear that it will be difficult to recover it,
if anything of value reaches the country, especially as it is not
desirable for me to speak to the Queen about it until it arrives.
If I did so, it would be a confession that there were no forces
there (i.e., the Spanish Indies) to punish these men. Those who
are well informed on the subject do not expect Drake to arrive
before January, as he has to return through the same Straits
(of Magellen), and he cannot do this until November, which is
summer in those parts, as the council of the Indies will know, if
true.
Alençon's gentleman has been despatched by the Queen, with a
cap-cord worth, as they say, 3,000 crowns, and a chain worth
300 for himself, by which you will see how warmly the affair is
proceeding, since they are not satisfied with the tokens they
exchanged in person. To judge by the constant couriers being
sent by these French ambassadors, the indisposition of their
master has not sufficed to cool the negotiations. The people in
general are much displeased, and, in addition to the book which
was published, two pasquins were recently posted on the Lord
Mayor's door, saying some very brutal things about the marriage,
amongst which was, that when the marriage was attempted, there
would be 40,000 men collected and ready to prevent it.
One of the Englishmen who are going (i.e., to Spain) is married
in the Canaries, and is called Richard Graveton. He says he is
glad to accept the mission, in order to convey certain information
in his Majesty's interests, respecting the French negotiations,
about the adventurers who fitted out Drake's expedition, and about
the voyages undertaken by the English. He asked me to give
him letters to ensure him a hearing from you, and although I am
not very sure about him, from the fact of his having been chosen
for the mission and certain things I hear, yet I have given him
the letter, because no harm can come from hearing what he has to
say, and he assures me is not far wrong in the matter of the
voyages.—London, 29th September 1579. |