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2 June
Paris Archives,
K. 1448. |
306. The King to Bernardino de Mendoza.
Your letters of 7th, 8th, and 25th ultimo to hand, with enclosures.
Your great care and diligence in sending me advices are fully
appreciated. Pray continue in the same way, as we shall be more
anxious now than ever to learn what occurs.
The Armada, which had been almost (fn. 1) a month awaiting in
Lisbon a fair wind, began to leave the Tagus on the 28th, and
during the next two days sailed without mishap. On the 30th the
Armada put to sea. It is of the utmost importance that this news
should be sent flying to the duke of Parma, so you will forward his
packet the hour you receive it. Say nothing about it in Paris until
they learn it from other quarters. There was no objection to your
omitting to address the king of France, in case any of the ships
should put into his ports in Brittany or elsewhere. If the duke of
Parma sends you any instructions which may be needful under the
circumstances, I am sure you will carry them out fittingly.—San
Lorenzo, 2nd June 1588. |
2 June.
Paris Archives,
K. 1568. |
307. Advices from London.
The Admiral and his fleet left Dover last week. I hear that he
had 42 ships, 20 of which belonged to the Queen, and a galley with
20 banks of oars each side. Some people say that he is going along
the French coast, others to Plymouth to join Drake, who is said to
have 86 ships. Many persons believe that the Admiral intends to
go to Lisbon and burn the Spanish fleet, but it is understood that
he has orders not to leave the Channel until the result of the peace
negotiations is known. When he left Dover he lost a ship, which
fouled another whilst at anchor and was smashed. (fn. 2) |
8 June.
Estado, 594. |
308. Duke of Parma to the King.
With regard to the peace negotiations, what I have to add to the
information given in my last is that Controller Crofts has not
returned hither as he promised, but Dr. Dale came instead. He
signifies that Crofts exceeded his authority in presenting the
articles I sent to your Majesty, and in treating for a suspension of
hostilities. (fn. 3) With regard to the place for the conferences, as I
was of opinion that for the aim we have in view it would be better
not to break off the negotiations, and I could not by any means
divert them from their purpose of being near the sea shore, I was
obliged to consent to the Commissioners going either to Berghen,
St. Vinoch, or Beaubourg. They chose the latter place where they
will be very uncomfortable, as there is but little accommodation.
Both they and our men have already arrived there, but I have not
any news yet as to what has passed between them. President
Richardot was perfectly instructed as to your Majesty's intentions ;
and your Majesty may be sure that I will not depart a hairsbreadth
therefrom.
As Crofts was about leaving, intelligence arrived that the Queen
(of England) had learnt that when they (the Commissioners) met
in the tent outside Ostend no powers from your Majesty were
presented, and she had sent orders that, unless due powers were
exhibited, her Commissioners were to return to England at once :
breaking off the negotiations. I had adopted the plan of instructing
Richardot, as if of his own account and secretly, to show Crofts the
power your Majesty sent me, but not to allow him to take a copy
of it. Richardot acted accordingly, and Crofts went away perfectly
satisfied. The same course was followed with Dale. The power
arrived, therefore, very appropriately in order to prevent the
negotiations from being broken off. Apparently the events in
France, the death of the king of Denmark, the proceedings of these
rebel provinces, and the expense they (the English) are incurring,
will cause them to press for the conclusion of the business. In any
case they seem so confident in their sea and land forces, that they
try to make us believe that they are afraid of nobody, particularly
now as it appears they are certain of peace with Scotland, where
they confess they had reasons for fear, if your Majesty's forces were
welcomed in the country to their prejudice. Since the arrival of
the earl of Morton and Colonel Semple there, I have had no
trustworthy news from Scotland, except that the King gives
constant proofs that he becomes more and more confirmed in his
heresy.—Bruges, 8th June 1588. |
309. Duke of Parma to the King.
I was greatly rejoiced to learn from your Majesty that the
Armada was on the point of sailing. I am naturally awaiting
anxiously for certain news of its departure and approach hitherward,
so that our people here may make a move. It is true that
on several occasions intelligence has reached us through France
that the Armada had been sighted on the coast of Brittany, and
details were given which lent an appearance of truth to the news ;
but it has not hitherto been confirmed. The important point is
that God should guide the fleet, and give us grace to serve your
Majesty worthily. I promise your Majesty that the troops of all
nationalities are in as high spirits as could be wished, and I hope
when they are set to work, by God's grace they will gain your
Majesty a signal victory. I am full of confidence in this, when
I see how they (the troops) are preparing their consciences, and
when I think of the justice of our cause and your Majesty's
rectitude of aim. I, for my part, at least, can assure your Majesty
that I will fulfil my promise not to spare myself. I will co-operate
cordially with the duke of Medina Sidonia, and I trust to encounter
the same readiness in him. It is understood that he shall protect
my passage across and subsequently keep the communications open
for the supply of provisions, munitions, &c. If this be not done
effectually, we may find ourselves isolated. Everything is now in
order, the men assembled at the ports ; my only sorrow being that
the long delay that has occurred has given the English time to
make full preparations, as they have done, both by land and sea.
I am almost in despair for want of money, as your Majesty has
ordered that the 670,000 ducats I expected should be employed for
the account of the Armada. I have already expended the 300,000
from the duke of Mantua ; 100,000 has been given to the duke of
Lorraine and his friends, and 200,000 from Juan Ortiz has been
spent on victuals, &c. I have now only the 100,000 received from
Sicily, and the loss on exchange reduces that sum to 87,500. Without
money we shall be ruined.—Bruges, 8th June 1588. |
10 June.
Estado, 594. |
310. Duke of Medina Sidonia to Duke of Parma.
On the arrival of Captain Moresin at Lisbon, I wrote to your
Excellency in reply to the letter he brought from you. Since then
we have only been awaiting a fair wind for the Armada to sail.
This God sent us on the 29th ultimo, although the breeze was still
very light. With the aid of the galleys, however, I was able to
leave port that night without any damage (glory be to God), but
the weather changed, and ever since we have had it so contrary
that we could only put the Armada out to sea and endeavour to
keep up to windward sufficiently to avoid drifting round Cape
St. Vincent. We have done our best by tacking and keeping out
to sea until the weather abated, which it commenced to do yesterday.
It now looks as if it would serve us well, and in order that
Captain Moresin may not miss the opportunity, I have thought well
to send him to inform your Excellency of the sailing of the Armada,
and that all the men, thank God, are in good health and spirits,
ready for the fight if the enemy will face us. I am equally anxious
to have the joy of saluting your Excellency soon, both for the
pleasure it will give me personally, and because our junction must
precede the execution of his Majesty's plans. He has ordered me
not to turn aside, and even if I am impeded simply to clear the
way, and proceed to join hands with you, advising you when I
reach the English coast, so that with a knowledge of my where
abouts your Excellency may bring out your fleet. I greatly wish
the coast were capable of sheltering so great a fleet as this, so that
we might take some safe port to have at our backs ; but as this
is impossible, it will be necessary to make the best use we can of
what accommodation there may be, and that your Excellency, as
soon as Captain Moresin arrives (which will depend upon the
weather), should come out and meet me, sending back to me the
zabra that takes the captain, with advice as to your position, and
where we may meet.
I have called together the pilots and practical seamen on the
Armada who know the whole of the English coast, and consulted
them as to which ports on that coast could accommodate the Armada
in safety from storms. The unanimous decision was that in certain
states of the weather set forth in the document taken by Captain
Moresin, the ships might be safe in ..., (fn. 4) and even Dover,
but that with a SW. or SSW. wind, we should not be below
Cape ... (fn. 5) I have told them that everything will depend
upon the weather, and the most important point will be to effect
a junction between this Armada and your Excellency's fleet.
When this be done I trust that, with God's help, all will proceed in
accordance with our desires in His service.
What I fear most in the Armada is lack of water. It is true
that we carry a six months' supply, but I do not see where we can
obtain any more, and it will be advisable for your Excellency at
once to consider how we may be aided in this respect, even if it be
necessary to transport water in boats from Dunkirk, unless your
Excellency knows of any port where both shelter and water may
be obtained for the Armada, which would be a very great point
gained. In any case it will be necessary for your Excellency to
have all the butts that can be obtained got ready and filled with
water to send to the Armada as soon as it arrives. I have given
full details of this and other points to Captain Moresin, who will
inform you thereof.—On the Royal Galleon, 10th June 1588. |
14 June.
Paris Archives,
K. 1567. |
311. Bernardino de Mendoza to the King.
Julio wrote to me some months ago that he was in arrears in
his account with the Queen more than 15,000 crowns and that
Walsingham was pressing him for instant payment. If he could
not pay it he would be ruined, as they would immediately dismiss
him from his post ; and he asked me to convey this to your Majesty.
As the sum was so large I told him politely that, for his own
advantage, it would be better not to inform your Majesty, as he
might be sure he would receive from you a reward commensurate
with his services. Since then I have heard that he is in great need,
as he is not paid his salary in England, in consequence of his
omission to square his accounts and pay the sums demanded of him.
A few days ago he begged me most earnestly to furnish him credits
to meet the payments on account of the last fair at Lyons, amounting
to 2,500 crowns. I could not help him in the matter as no money
had come to me. Pray your Majesty instruct me how I am to
proceed with him. As he is acting so straightforwardly, and is in
such need, it will be necessary for your Majesty to do something
for him to enable him to keep his head above water—if his services
are of any advantage to your Majesty.
Mucio (i.e., Guise) informs me that this King is not carrying on
any intimate negotiations with the queen of England. The message
she sent to the King and his reply thereto are related in the general
despatch. The new confidant has not received any despatches from
England lately, as armed ships from Dunkirk had captured the two
last packet boats bringing despatches for the English ambassador.
Marco Antonio Messia writes to your Majesty that he is in
England on your service by order of the marquis of Santa Cruz ;
and he sends me two packets enclosed herewith, addressed to
Christoval Lercaro. He asked me to pay 100 crowns for him in
Paris, and to become answerable for 165 until he can dispose of the
value of certain goods he has had arrested in Lisbon, out of which
he promises to pay both sums. I have acceded to his request, which
I think will be of advantage in your Majesty's interests, rather
than leave him in danger and unaided. I pray your Majesty
instruct me how I am to proceed with Marco Antonio in future.
The duke of Parma has sent me your Majesty's despatch of
4th November, saying that I was not to take the step until the
time of his embarcation. I will act as your Majesty's orders. He
also instructs me to send the English pensioners here, to Flanders.
I have given them notice to get ready and have paid them up to
the end of May.—Paris, 14th June 1588. |
14 June.
Paris Archives,
K. 1568. |
312. Bernardino de Mendoza to the King.
I have reports from England dated 23rd and 27th ultimo and
2nd instant (N.S.). The first report states that Drake left Court
post for Plymouth in order to put to sea with 40 ships he had there,
accompanied by the Admiral. The later advices say that the
Admiral had lost a ship in the Downs, she having fouled with
another vessel whilst at anchor as they were about to sail down the
Channel. They advise from Calais, under date of 9th instant, that
80 sail of English ships still remained in the Straits of Dover, which
would seem to indicate an intention of engaging your Majesty's
Armada in the Channel, since all the Englishwoman's ships are not
collecting at Plymouth as it was asserted they would do. Some
short time ago the Admiral cruised up and down before Boulogne,
and sent word to M. d'Aumale to ask him why he was besieging the
place, intimating that if he did not raise the siege his mistress the
Queen (of England) would make him. Aumale replied that he had
no need to give an account of his actions to the Queen, and that he
cared very little either for her threats or his (i.e., the Admiral's). (fn. 6)
As soon as the Queen heard of the disturbances in Paris she sent
a man with letters, offering in general terms to aid this King with
her forces to punish his disobedient vassals. This was done at the
request of Chateauneuf, the (French) ambassador, who had orders
to that effect. The Queen was so suspicious of some evil befalling
her messenger, that the latter did not even take a servant with him,
but was accompanied and guided by Chateauneuf's own secretary.
He saw this King on his arrival at Mantes, and his Majesty replied
thanking his mistress for her offer, but saying that he had sufficient
forces to punish those who were disobedient to him, but if at any
time he required assistance to this end he would preferably accept
that of England, as the Queen had been the first to make the offer. (fn. 7)
—Paris, 14th June 1588.
Postscript.—Since signing the above I learn from England, under
date of 10th instant (N.S.), that Drake had not, at that date, left
Plymouth with his fleet. |
14 June.
K. 1567. |
313. Juan Iñiguez (fn. 8) to Juan de Idiaquez.
(In a letter of this date, principally occupied with a somewhat
haughty and violent claim on the part of the writer to the credit of
having by firmness brought the king of France to his present
attitude towards the League, and repudiating the claims of certain
other persons unnamed to a share in the credit, the following
passage occurs in relation to England).
"Recollect how I have worked, and how bereft of all guerdon I
am, after all you have promised me. I have always had faith in
you, and have acted straight forwardly with you, but if past proofs are
insufficient, I may say now I am tired out, and to end the whole
business I will, if I can, join the English expedition, even after it
has begun. My conscience will not allow me to keep out of it,
although I say nothing about it here (i.e., in Paris), because if they
knew I was going, the duke of Parma being at the same time absent
from Flanders, they (i.e., the French Catholics) would think that
his Majesty's favour had completely deserted them. I shall therefore
join the expedition without saying anything. As I am not
appreciated, there is no reason why I should keep between hammer
and anvil. At all events I have the consolation of knowing that I
have reason to complain of others, but no one has reason to complain
of me."—Paris, 14th June 1588. |
17 June,
Cotton MS.
Vesp. CVIII.
English. |
314. Valentine Dale to the Earl of Leicester.
The only hope I can contain of this country is if my Lord Harry
(Seymour) be always in their face when they shall attempt to come
out of haven, for they are able to make no resistance, by God's
grace. They have but 37 ships with tops and such as common
port ships are, not able to stand against her Majesty's. The flat
bottoms your Lordship knows best, be for carriage only. If they
should steal out either to join the navy, or land anywhere, their
soldiers transported in the flat bottoms might make some attempt,
otherwise they may soon be scattered. We have made our demands,
by their answers it will soon appear what they mean.—Bourbourg,
17th June 1588.
Note.—Although not strictly speaking Spanish State papers, the
above letter, and those of 21st and 27th June, from Dale to Leicester,
have been selected for inclusion in the present Calendar, because
they seem to present in a few words the view of the English
Commissioners at the critical period of their negotiations ; and it
will be interesting to compare them with Parma's letters written
about the same time. The whole of Dale's correspondence will be
found in Cotton, Vesp. CVIII. |
21 June.
Cotton MS.
Vesp. CVIII.
English. |
315. Valentine Dale to the Earl of Leicester.
By the answers of the King's Commissioners to our demands and
our replies (both of which are sent with this despatch) it appeareth
in what terms we stand, and yet in very truth they were more calm
at our last meeting than they were before, for we had been plain
with them both by speech and by writing, and severally touching
their uncomely speeches touching her Majesty's actions, wherein we
charged Champigny with his own knowledge as a witness for her
Majesty. But he and Richardot are so impudent in affirming any
untruth, and denying any truth, that if her Majesty had known that
as we do, she would not have sent over upon Richardot's promise
for cessation of arms. But I trust we be even with them in every
respect, their untruths set aside, in which art they are "maistres
passés" (as the Frenchman sayeth). The point hangeth now what
they shall hear of the King's navy, and for us to have a vigilant eye
to scatter them at their coming out of this coast, which is very easy
to do by God's grace (if they steal not out privily), by reason that
they are not sufficiently furnished with ships, neither are their men
able to abide the seas at the first. Yet they do rig with all diligence
possible.—Bourbourg, 21st June 1588. |
21 June.
Paris Archives,
K. 1448. |
316. The King to Bernardino de Mendoza.
The earl of Morton and Colonel Semple will have arrived at their
destination in good time, although, to judge from the reports you
send from England, they will not be able to do so much as they
expected, since the King is so entirely surrounded by heretics. It is,
however, well that they should make what effort they can to see
whether the blood of his mother will not arouse him to vengeance,
as it does those who are much less nearly concerned. Even if the
King will not declare himself, it will be most advantageous for
Morton to be able to induce his friends to cross the English border
at the time the main blow is struck. You will do what you are
able, beyond what has already been done to promote this end.
I approve of what you wrote to (Miss) Kennedy. In case she
should again address you on the subject, and you are sure the
marriage you mention has been effected, and consequently that she
will not come to France to live, you may repeat the same answer,
since she can be of no use to us in Scotland, especially if she be
married to a heretic.—San Lorenzo, 21st June 1588. |
317. The King to Bernardino de Mendoza.
Your news from England came to hand punctually and well, and
you will already have been informed by letter of 4th instant that
the Armada had sailed. It was known that on the 14th it was
proceeding on its voyage together and in good order, in fair weather,
off Finisterre. God grant that all may happen as is best for His
cause, for no other end is aimed at by the expedition.
The Duke is well informed of Drake's plan, both as to burning
the ships and the rest that you have reported. Continue to send
advices, and be very vigilant, so that no point escapes you. Julio
must be very useful to you, as you seem so satisfied with him.
Keep him well disposed as hitherto, so that he may not fail to let
you know punctually what happens, for news will be plentiful just
now. As you think advisable to give the 100 crowns to the
intermediary you can do so, and 500 to Sampson, for the present.
When he has to leave France he shall be granted fitting recompense
for his services.—San Lorenzo, 21st June 1588. |
21 June.
Estado, 455. |
318. Duke of Medina Sidonia to the King.
I expected that on the morning after I entered port with a part
of the Armada, (fn. 9) the rest would have come in, as it was too late for
them to enter that evening. During that night, however, and the
next day the weather became so heavy that it is believed that the
ships have put to sea. The people of the country say that so violent
a sea and wind, accompanied by fog and tempest, have never been
seen ; and it is very fortunate that all the Armada was not caught
outside, and particularly the galleys, which would certainly have
been wrecked, and the whole Armada endangered. We should have
been scattered, and many lost, and it would have been days before
we could have united again. Fortunately, however, part of the fleet
is here, and the rest will know that they have to join me here. The
weather is now moderating, and I expect the ships will now make
for this port ; so that I hope, in two or three days, to send your
Majesty a statement of what has happened. I am very sorry that
the bad weather of yesterday has separated the fleet, which will be
sure to cause some delay, although it is believed that the actual
damage will be slight. Some of the ships, however, will be disabled,
and all will have to be watered afresh.
One of the two caravels I sent out on the day I arrived here has
returned, saying that Zubelzu's ship, in Recalde's squadron, lost her
mainmast on the same day, and that one of the galleys had thrown
her rudder overboard, as the sea was so heavy. The rest of the fleet
had put to sea, following my vice-flagship. The caravel herself
came back with her masts and rudder broken.
I have shipped on these vessels the fish, meat, and bacon stores
that the marquis of Cerralbo had collected here, and have had
similar stores put on board pataches for the other ships, so that not
an hour shall be lost. The watering also is nearly finished, and
although I am not in good health, I am looking to everything
myself as carefully as I can, with sorrow, as your Majesty may
imagine, at the misfortune that has befallen the Armada. Notwithstanding
all my efforts not to enter port, I find myself here, with
the best of the Armada out at sea. God be praised for all He may
ordain. I see that all has been arranged by His mercy, so that we
may the more readily unite, as the rest of the ships will know where
to find me, which they would not have done if the tempest had
caught us all together at sea. The soldiers and sailors are being
watched with great care, with the help of the Marquis (Cerralbo),
and I do not think we shall lose a single man. The punishment
dealt out will keep them closer.
Many men are falling sick, aided by the short commons and bad
food, and I am afraid that this trouble may spread and become past
remedy.—On the galleon "San Martin," port of Corunna, 21st June
1588.
Note.—A relation of the progress of the Armada prior to this date
will be found in the note to the Duke's letter to the King of
28th May, page 302.
The reply to the above letter was written by the King from San
Lorenzo, on the 28th June (Estado 165), approving of the measures
taken under the circumstances, and urging great activity in again
putting the Armada to sea. Fresh provisions were to be laid in, a
quantity of new biscuit had been ordered from Lisbon, with wine,
vinegar, fish, etc., to be sent to Corunna. Great care to be taken of
the sick, and as much fresh meat served out as possible. |
22 June.
Estado, 594. |
319. Duke of Parma to the King.
Since the enclosed letters were written Captain Francisco Moresin
has arrived here, sent by the duke of Medina Sidonia from the Gulf
of Yeguas, where your Majesty's Armada was on the 10th instant.
I was greatly rejoiced at the news and with God's grace I hope the
fleet will now soon arrive here, as Moresin reports that the wind has
been fair. God grant that the Armada may come safely, and that my
constant prayer since the commencement of the enterprise may be
vouchsafed to me, namely, that I may find myself on English soil
at the head of these troops, and there worthily do my duty to your
Majesty, as I yearn to do.
From Moresin's remarks it appears that the Duke still has doubts
about being able (particularly if the enemy's fleet be not dispersed)
to let me have the 6,000 Spaniards (at least) from the fleet ; which
your Majesty always said I should have, and even promised me
more, if possible, quite recently. He (Medina Sidonia) also seems to
have persuaded himself that I may be able to go out and meet him
with these boats. These things cannot be, and in the interest of
your Majesty's service I should be very anxious if I thought the
Duke were depending upon them. (fn. 10) I do not doubt, however, that
your Majesty's orders have been so clear and precise, that no
difficulty can occur with regard to giving me the 6,000 men, and to
his protecting my passage across, in order that with God's help I
may carry out your Majesty's instructions in the way and at the
time decided upon.
I have therefore no misgiving with regard to Moresin's message
in this respect, besides which the Duke will learn clearly from my
letters that I cannot depart in the slightest degree from the plan
laid down, or from your Majesty's express orders ; to the effect that
the enemy being fully prepared and awaiting us as they are, not
only must there be no mistake about my having the 6,000 Spaniards,
but it would greatly add to the probable success of the enterprise if
I could have a much larger number. With regard to my going out
to join him he will plainly see that with these little, low, flat boats,
built for these rivers and not for the sea, I cannot diverge from the
short direct passage across which has been agreed upon. It will be a
great mercy of God, indeed, if, even when our passage is protected and
the Channel free from the enemy's vessels, we are able to reach land
in these boats. As for running the risk of losing them by departing
from the course agreed upon, and thus jeopardising the whole undertaking,
if I were to attempt such a thing by going out to meet the
Duke, and we came across any of the armed English or rebel ships,
they could destroy us with the greatest of ease. This must be obvious,
and neither the valour of our men nor any other human effort
could save us. This was one of the principal reasons which moved
your Majesty to lay down the precise and prudent orders you did,
that your Spanish fleet should assure us the passage across, as it was
perfectly clear that these boats could not contend against big ships,
much less stand the sea, for they will not weather the slightest
storm. Although I cannot believe that the Duke will raise any
difficulty on these points, or fail to assure my passage across at the
time and in the way that have always been ageeed upon, I have
thought well to write to your Majesty as I have done, and to assure
you again that when the passage is clear and defended, I will use
every possible effort successfully to carry out my part, without
exceeding in the slightest degree the orders your Majesty has given
me. I have the firm confidence that in such case God will aid His
own cause and that of your Majesty, and bless the zeal and
earnestness with which I have acted. When we shall have landed
I hope that your Majesty will have reason to be satisfied of my
goodwill, and of the sincere desire I have always felt to succeed in
serving your Majesty worthily in this and all things.
With regard to certain things with which the Duke has requested
that I will help him from here, I will use every effort to do as he
asks, and will keep up as close a correspondence with him as possible.
In order that no point may be lost, I will immediately send Captain
Moresin back to the Duke with everything I have to convey to him,
—Bruges, 22nd June 1588. |
24 June.
Estado, 455. |
320. Duke of Medina Sidonia to the King.
(Gives an account of the arrival of several of the ships of the
Armada in Corunna, and news of many more at other ports on the
coast, most of them mere or less damaged. (fn. 11) Is actively arranging
for repairs to be done at once. Has sent pataches and caravels in
all directions, to order the ships to rendezvous at Corunna. Hopes
that eventually all, or nearly all, will come in, notwithstanding the
violence of the storm, that of yesterday (the 23rd) being worse
than that of Sunday and Monday).
It may be supposed that, if they do not already know in England
of our misfortune, they will know very shortly ; and that, as a
consequence, the corsairs both from England and from Rochelle will
sally in search of our stray ships. I am doing all I can to obviate
this, by sending pataches and rowing boats to reconnoitre, and am
having great vigilance exercised in all directions.
It has also occurred to me that some of our ships may have run
as far as the Scillys, according to the general orders given to them,
and I have consequently sent two very swift oar pataches, well
armed, with an experienced ensign in each, to order any ships that
may be there to return hither. If they find none of our vessels,
they will be useful in reconnoitring the enemy's fleet and bringing
me information.
The watering and victualling of the Armada are being pushed on
with all possible speed and no effort shall be spared ; but the
weather is so overcast and stormy that it greatly impedes us. God
grant that it may improve.
Great care is being exercised in watching the men on the Armada,
and on the quay there is a company of infantry of the country, to
prevent the passage of any person from the Armada without my
special pass, which I only give to the men absolutely needful for
the victualling and watering. This is, I believe, very effectual in
preventing desertion. The Marquis (Cerralbo) has aided me in this
and in all things.—On board the galleon "San Martin," in the port
of Corunna, 24th June 1588. |
321. Duke of Medina Sidonia to the King.
(Repeats briefly the information contained in the preceding letter
of the same date, and refers especially to the inclemency of the
weather.) I am very anxious about this which, in any case, would
be remarkable at the end of June, but being as it is on so great an
occasion in the service of our Lord, it is even the more extraordinary,
considering how fervently the enterprise has been commended and
devoted to Him. We must therefore conclude that what has happened
has been for some good and just reason.
I have hitherto delayed saying to your Majesty what I am now
about to say, in order that it might not be thought that any personal
interest moved me thereto ; but seeing the matter in its present
position, I feel impelled by my conscientious duty to your Majesty
to submit the following points for consideration, in the assurance
that your Majesty will give due credit to me, knowing, as you do,
the zeal and love with which I have always served you.
Your Majesty ordered me to go to Lisbon to fit out this Armada
and take charge of it. When I accepted the task I submitted to
your Majesty many reasons, in the interest of your service, why it
was better that I should not do so. This was not because I wished
to refuse the work, but because I recognised that we were attacking
a kingdom so powerful, and so warmly aided by its neighbours, and
that we should need a much larger force than your Majesty had
collected at Lisbon. This was my reason for at first declining the
command, seeing that the enterprise was being represented to your
Majesty as easier than it was known to be by those whose only aim
was your Majesty's service.
Nevertheless, matters reached a point when your Majesty ordered
me to sail, which I did, and we have now arrived at this port
scattered and maltreated in such a way that we are much inferior
in strength to the enemy, according to the opinion of all those who
are competent to judge. Many of our largest ships are still missing,
as well as two of the galleasses ; whilst on the ships that are here
there are many sick, whose number will increase in consequence of
the bad provisions. These are not only very bad, as I have constantly
reported, but they are so scanty that there cannot be more than
sufficient to last two months. By this your Majesty may judge
whether we can proceed on the voyage, upon the success of which
so much depends. Your Majesty has embarked in this expedition
all your resources both in ships and warlike stores, and I can see no
means whatever of redressing any disaster that may befall us.
A long time would be necessary to collect a naval force, and it
would be impossible, without availing yourself of merchant ships,
which are unfit for these seas, whilst your Majesty has no vessels
on the coasts of Biscay, Portugal, and Andalusia ; so that both
Portugal and the Indies would be imperilled, and the States of
Flanders would take heart and rise again as soon as they learnt of
any disaster to this Armada. To undertake so great a task with
equal forces to those of the enemy would be inadvisable, but to do
so with an inferior force, as ours is now, with our men lacking in
experience, would be still more unwise. I am bound to confess that
I see very few, or hardly any, of those on the Armada with any
knowledge of or ability to perform, the duties entrusted to them. I
have tested and watched this point very carefully, and your Majesty
may believe me when I assure you that we are very weak. Do not,
your Majesty, allow yourself to be deceived by anyone who may
wish to persuade you otherwise. I am supported in my views by
the knowledge of how small a force the duke of Parma has collected.
Even our two forces united would still be weak, but if we do not
join we shall be feeble indeed. We shall not be able, moreover, to
reinforce them as intended, seeing how matters stand at present
with us.
I recall the great force your Majesty collected for the conquest of
Portugal, although that country was within our own boundaries, and
many of the people were in your favour. Well Sire, how do you
think we can attack so great a country as England with such a
force as ours is now? I have earnestly commended this matter to
God, and feel bound to lay it before your Majesty, in order that
you may choose the course best for your service whilst the Armada
is refitting here. The opportunity might be taken, and the difficulties
avoided, by making some honourable terms with the enemy. Your
Majesty's necessities also make it meet that you should deeply
ponder beforehand what you are undertaking, with so many envious
rivals of your greatness.—Corunna, 24th June 1588.
Note.—The aforegoing letter is accompanied by a statement of all
the ships which had not up to that time entered port. They amount
to 33 vessels and 2 galleasses, with an aggregate of 6,567 soldiers
and 1,882 sailors. Within the next three days five of these vessels
came in. On the 27th June 28 vessels were still missing, with an
aggregate of 6,000 men on board. |
26 June.
Paris Archives,
K. 1568. |
322. Bernardino de Mendoza to the King.
I have letters from England dated 12th and 18th instant. The
first says that it was uncertain whether Drake had left Plymouth,
where he had been joined by the Admiral. The report of the 18th,
from Julio, asserts that the Admiral and Drake had sailed from
Plymouth with 160 sail on the 9th ; their orders being to guard the
coast of England, and not to sail into Spanish waters. The Queen
had left to the discretion of the Admiral and Drake whether to
engage your Majesty's Armada or not, as they might judge
advisable.
The 160 ships include large and small ; and Julio assures me that
not more than 8,000 men, soldiers and sailors together, are in them.
Fourteen ships were leaving London with stores to follow the
Admiral's fleet.
Captain Winter and Lord Seymour (Vice-Admiral) had 40 ships
off Dunkirk. Seymour had assured the Queen that he would
prevent the fleet of the duke of Parma from putting to sea.
The queen of England sent Leighton, governor of Guernsey, to
this King on a mission. He landed at Harfleur, and thence went
to Rouen, where he was met by two coaches sent by the King,
accompanied by a knight of the St. Esprit, and by M. de la
Mauvissière. In his audience with the King, he offered the latter,
on behalf of his mistress, the forces which by the terms of their
alliance she was pledged to furnish. If, however, he (the King) did
not wish for Englishmen, he could choose men of the country he
liked, either Germans or Swiss, and she would have them sent to
France, and provide money in order that the levies might be made
to the King's own liking, which troops she would pay for six
months. In general terms she offered all her forces to maintain the
French crown, and particularly the town of Boulogne, which she
greatly fears may fall into the hands of the Guises.
The King replied generally, thanking the Queen for her kind
offers, which he would accept if any need arose for him to do so.
The envoy left with this reply on the 22nd from Rouen. I am
assured by several Englishmen, and by the new confidant, that the
envoy was anything but pleased ; and the reason why the King sent
him away so promptly will doubtless be found in the demands the
League are making upon the King, respecting his renunciation of
the English alliance, detailed in the accompanying letter. (fn. 12)
The resident English ambassador here has sent secretly to the
duke of Guise, offering him on behalf of his mistress assistance in
money against this King. Guise replied that, so far from wishing
for any help from her, he would employ all the strength he possessed
until he saw her ruined and hanged ; and if a hangman could not be
found, he himself would willingly put the rope round her neck.
He requested that she would send him no more such messages, for
if she did he would throw out of window the man who brought
them, and would never admit within his doors any man attached
to the (English) embassy.
Considering the cunning devices they use here, it may be concluded
they (i.e., the French) arranged for Guise to be tempted in
this way, in order to discover whether he was so firm as he is ; and
if they found he was not, they would have accused him of accepting
the aid of the queen of England whilst he was insisting upon this
King's withrawing from his alliance with her. Even if Guise were
not so firm as he appears to be in his defence of the Catholic cause
and his hatred of heresy, he could hardly fail to suspect that such a
proposal was intended to entrap him. The queen of England had
sent to Scotland George (sic) Cary, son of Lord Hunsdon. He
arrived at Dumfries, where he was extremely well received by the
King. Cary writes under date of 12th instant from Dumfries, that
the King is willing to assist the queen of England with all his
forces, if your Majesty's Armada comes to invade her country, and
will prevent the landing of a foreign force in Scotland. Cary was
quite satisfied with the King's attitude, and was shortly returning
to England.
The earl of Morton was in a fortfied house of his, but as the King
had approached him he had, by last reports, retired further into the
north.
Since writing the above I have advices from London of 22nd,
confirming the sailing of Drake and the Admiral, with the number of
ships and men stated above.—Paris, 26th June 1588. |
26 June.
Paris Archives,
K. 1567. |
323. Bernardino de Mendoza to the King.
The general news from England comes through Julio, and he
says in addition, that Walsingham told him on the 18th instant
that letters from count de Olivares had been captured, by which
the Queen had learnt that his Holiness had granted the investiture
of England to whomsoever might be the consort of the Infanta
Isabel. This had quite banished any hope she had of peace, and
had greatly angered her. She saw that your Majesty only wanted
to gain time in the negotiations. The king of France is not
negotiating anything with the English ambassador. He (the King)
neither entirely refuses nor accepts the offers the Queen makes
him.
They are pressing Julio more hardly every day, not paying him
his wages ; and he has again begged me to help him with the
2,500 crowns mentioned in my last letter. I will give him 1,000
crowns in two instalments, and so will keep him in hand until I
receive your Majesty's instructions. I do not think it will be wise
to lose him at a time when his intelligence may be of so much
importance.
The advices from England in Portuguese are from Vega, and the
letters for Estefano Lercaro in Lisbon from Marco Antonio Messia
who writes that, as he cannot learn that his goods are disembargoed
in Lisbon, he will be obliged to leave England. For this purpose
he asks me for 300 crowns beyond the 265 sun crowns I have already
paid for him. Pray send instructions. I am writing telling him
to try and stay where he is for the present, and, with God's help,
everything will soon be remedied.—Paris, 26th June 1588. |
27 June.
Cotton MS.,
Vesp. CVIII.
English. |
324. Valentine Dale to the Earl of Leicester.
I trust my plain reports are now found true, that the Duke will
agree to no reasonableness, as doth plainly appear by the despatches,
for neither will he pay the Queen her money, but requireth money
of her for their charges ; neither will they avoid the strangers, nor
grant toleration of exercise of religion for Holland and Zeeland but
such as they have granted to Antwerp and others. And so we
stand at a stay what to do, until we know further of her Majesty's
pleasure.—Bourbourg, 27th June 1588.
Postscript.—If my Lord Harry (Seymour) watch them hard at
their going out, that they steal not forth, he shall easily scatter
them by God's grace. |
June ?
B.M.,
Cotton Vesp.
CVIII.
English. |
325. The words of the Duke of Parma, reported by Dr. Dale
in his Letters to Her Majesty. At the colloquy for
peace at Bourbourg, at the coming of the Spanish Great
Fleet.
"As for the Commissioners he was glad they were persons of
such quality, whereby he hoped that there would be some good
success ; but he feared some accident might happen by delay,
whereby his good meaning might be disturbed."
The words of Richardot, reported by Dr. Dale, Mr. Robert Cecil
being present :—
"He did not know what these delays and alterations might
breed. The King was a great way off, and what his determination
might be they could not tell, nor what accident might happen to
England."
Richardot answered, when he was pressed on his former speeches
—he paused a good while and said he had spoken it but by the
way of discourse, and if such things should happen her Majesty's
Commissioners were persons safe by the Duke's safe-conduct, which
was to go, tarry, and depart, and God forbid they should be
molested. That were "contra jus gentium." |
27 June.
Estado, 455. |
326. Report of the Council called by the Duke of Medina
Sidonia, on board the Royal Galleon at Corunna,
27th June 1588. Present : the Duke of Medina Sidonia,
Admiral Juan Martinez de Recalde, Don Francisco de
Bovadillo, Don Jorge Manrique, Diego Flores de Valdés,
Don Pedro de Valdés, Miguel de Oquendo, Don Hugo de
Moncada, Captain Martin de Bertondona, Captain Juan de
Velasco, and Captain Caspar de Hermosilla.
The Duke first submitted the question whether it would be
advisable to await in Corunna the rest of the Armada, or to go out
and seek the missing ships along the coast.
The unanimous opinion was, that it was better to stay here and
await them, as the position was a convenient one from which to
depart on the voyage. Besides this, it was considered that the
Armada was not fit to hunt along the coast for ships ; and that it
would be in every way more advisable for them to seek the Armada
than for the Armada to seek them. The danger, moreover, of cruising
off the coast and about the mouths of harbours was great ; and
dispatch boats had already been sent out along the coast, and orders
conveyed by land to the authorities to instruct ships that had put
into port to come hither.
The Duke then asked the council to decide whether it would be
better to pursue their journey at once, with such ships as were now
at Corunna, Vivero, and Rivadeo, and without waiting for the
missing ships, which, as they knew, and according to the Inspector-General,
Don Jorge Manrique's report, amounted to 28 sail, with
6,000 men on board. He desired each councillor to give his
individual opinion, influenced only by the interests of his Majesty's
service.
Don Jorge Manrique was the first to give his vote. He said he
had made out an account of the men on board the missing ships,
and found they numbered 6,000 all told. Although it was asserted
that 27,884 men had been shipped on the Armada, he found that
only 22,500 were effectives, after deducting general and field officers,
staff, cabin, and ships' boys, gentlemen adventurers, officers of justice,
hospital staff, artillery officers and ministers of religion, as well as
the oarsmen on the galleys, and galleasses. If 6,000 more be
deducted there would only remain 16,000 efficient soldiers and
sailors on the fleet, but it must also be recollected that some of these
had gone away or died, or fallen sick, so that it may be estimated
that nearly a third of the strength of the Armada is missing, without
considering the vessels themselves, which were numerous, and
some of the best in the fleet. There were, moreover, on board, three
maestres de campo (i.e., regimental commanders), who naturally had
with them the flower of their respective regiments. He (the speaker)
was therefore of opinion that the Armada ought not to sail from this
port without the missing portion. He was confirmed in this vote
by consideration of the news, dated 26th April, of the enemy's forces,
which had been contained in his Majesty's last despatches. This
view of the matter ought to be represented emphatically to his
Majesty, as it was of such vital importance, and upon it depended
the fate of Christendom, and the conservation of his dominions. In
this enterprise his Majesty had embarked all his naval force existing
in these seas ; and in case of any misfortune, either in warfare or
tempest, the whole was liable to be lost, as is proved by the present
condition of affairs. This was agreed to by all present, except Don
Pedro de Valdés, who was of opinion that they should sail with the
ships, here, in Vivero, Gijon, and Rivadeo, for the reasons set forth
below. Don Francisco de Bovadilla, Juan Martinez, Diego Flores,
Oquendo, and the rest, gave many reasons for the opinion they had
adopted ; Don Francisco especially saying that if the Armada went
in its full strength its task was safe and easy, and this general
feeling on the fleet would enable them to overcome any difficulties
they might encounter, the men being confident and in good spirits,
with the assurance of victory. But if they went short-handed, the
risk would be great, especially in face of the forces the enemy now
had. If the enemy was willing to meet, or at all events to defend
himself against, the entire Armada, he would certainly be ready to
encounter a portion of it ; and in case of misfortune to the Armada
the Indies would be lost, and Portugal and Flanders in dire peril of
being lost as well. He (Bovadilla) was therefore decidedly of
opinion that the Armada should remain here until the whole force
were re-united as it left Lisbon. The whole of the members concurred
in this, and voted accordingly, except Don Pedro de Valdés,
who opposed it with the following argument.
|
Speech of Don Pedro De Valdés in support of his opinion.
His experience of English affairs, and the fact that no intelligence
had been received that the enemy would receive any foreign aid, led
him to the conclusion that the portion of the Armada now here, in
Vivero, Rivadeo, and Gijon, ought to proceed on the expedition. It
is perfectly evident that the enemy's forces must be divided between
two or three places, for the purpose of impeding the passage of the
duke of Parma, and to oppose the entrance of this Armada into the
Channel. He (Valdés) is also of opinion that our missing ships will
very shortly be heard of—or most of them—because the storm that
overtook them was not very violent, unless, for reasons of their
own, any of the vessels wished to make bad weather of it. With
regard to the Duke's remarks about the stores, and to Don Jorge
Manrique's estimate that they had sufficient for 90 days, he (Valdés)
said that if that were the case, and the sailing of the Armada were
not delayed beyond 15 or 20 days, he was of opinion that the
voyage should be prosecuted. But still he thought that the stores
should be very carefully examined as to their condition. Since the
Duke had called the council together he (Valdés) had gone round
his own squadron, and although he found they had a store of biscuit
sufficient for three months, part of it was in bad condition. There
was more than enough wine for three months, but the bacon, cheese,
fish, sardines, and vegetables were all rotten and of very little use.
There was also a lack of oil. The only victuals he found to be of any
service were the meat and fish received in this port, and he does not
think there is sufficient of them here to last for the 90 days
mentioned by Don Jorge Manrique. He (Valdés) is of opinion that
whilst the Armada is in this port, both the soldiers and sailors
should have daily rations of fresh meat, so that the stores now in
stock should be kept. There will be plenty of fresh meat here for
the purpose, and it will not cost more than 7 or 8 maravedis a
pound, and the men will be strengthened and set up by it, as they
need it.
The Duke also asked them (as each of them knew the condition
of his own squadron) to give an estimate of the length of time their
provisions would last, and what they thought should be done in
case they found the quantity insufficient for the time which had
been mentioned.
To this question the whole of those present said they should like
first to hear the opinion of the Inspector-General. They wished,
however, to mention the great complaints which both soldiers and
sailors were making about the food. With the exception of the
bread (and that is very bad), the wine, rice, and some of the pulse,
the victuals were of no use whatever, for the men would not eat
them.
Don Jorge (Manrique) replied that by the Duke's orders the
whole of the stores were being examined ; and he had in the course
of the examination found the state of the food to be such as was
described by the Generals present. With the exception of the bread,
the wine, and the vegetables, everything was spoilt and rotten, as it
had been on board so long. He had made an account of what
remained in the ships, after deducting the two and a half months'
consumption, since the men were shipped on the 13th April, and
estimated that at the very most there would not be sufficient food
for more than 80 days longer ; excepting on Diego Flores' squadron,
where there might be enough stores to last for barely three months.
In view of this it was unanimously agreed that the stores were
insufficient for so large a force ; and that a full report should be
sent to his Majesty by a special messenger, in order that he might
adopt such measures as seemed best. This report was signed by the
whole of the officers present.
Note.—The above report was dispatched to the King on the
following day, 28th June ; and on the 5th July Don Pedro de Valdés
wrote to his Majesty (replying to a letter sent by the King on the
28th June to him and the various other chiefs of squadrons urging
them to activity), saying that as his (Valdes') opinion in the council
had been so different to that of the other commanders, the Duke was
"looking upon him with an unfriendly eye, and had used expressions
towards him which had greatly grieved him." Don Diego says
that he had recommended the Duke to reduce the biscuit ration by
one quarter, and serve out one pound of fresh meat per man per day
whilst the Armada was in port. He mentions the arrival of several
more of the missing ships. |
27 June.
Estado, 950. |
327. Summary of letters from Count De Olivares dated 10th,
13th, 17th, 26th, and 27th June, 1588.
His Holiness was much grieved that he had received no news of
the sailing of the Armada, and complained that his Majesty did not
give him account of the progress of affairs. To conceal this, he
(Olivares) had announced that a post had been lost coming through
France.
Cardinal Allen and Robert Persons are apprehensive lest the
Pope should give credit to the religion of the king of Scotland, but
up to the present there is nothing apparently suspicious on this
point. They (i.e., Allen, Persons, etc.) are greatly afraid that his
Majesty may favour and side with the English of the Scottish and
French faction, against whom they are much aggrieved ; especially
in consequence of two books which they have printed against them
(i.e., against the English of the Spanish party).
Note.—In the duplicate of one of the above letters Olivares
informs the King that the "Pope is terribly put out that no news
had been sent to him of the departure of the Armada. He is
extremely offended thereat." |
28 June,
Paris Archives,
K. 1448. |
328. The King to Bernardino de Mendoza.
After the accompanying despatches were written we have received
letters from the duke of Medina Sidonia, reporting that, in consequence
of heavy weather on the 19th and 20th, he had been
obliged to enter Corunna, and a portion of the Armada in other
ports in some disorder ; but not to such an extent as to cause him
to desist from proceeding on his voyage, after shipping the water
and provisions there ready for him, and effecting what repairs may
be necessary. I have thought well to inform you of this, so that
you may repeat it if it should appear advisable. Let me know what
they say on the subject in England and France, and any other
fresh intelligence you can obtain. To what extent has the Queen
increased her forces in consequence of the news of the sailing of the
Armada?—San Lorenzo, 28th June, 1588. |
28 June.
B.M.
Cotton Vesp.
CVIII. |
329. Philip II. to Don Pedro de Valdés, Commander of the
Andalusian Squadron of the Armada.
I learn from your letter and that of the Duke (of Medina Sidonia),
the events that have occurred with the Armada on the occasion
of its being caught in the storm, and that the fleet had become
separated, the Duke entering that port (Corunna) with a squadron,
and part of another, and the rest of the ships putting out to sea. I
note also the hope expressed that, when the latter portion of the
fleet learns where the rest is, they will also come into the port,
weather permitting Reports have been received from the corregidor
of Asturias that 60 sail have been seen off that coast, and that there
were two galleasses at Gijon, so it is to be expected that they will
all have endeavoured to collect at the place where the Duke is, and
have set about repairing the damage they may have suffered in the
storm. It is to be hoped that this work and the re-watering and
victualling of the ships will be effected with all speed, so as to enable
you to resume the prosecution of your voyage. You are aware how
important it is that not an hour should be lost, and I therefore
enjoin you urgently to attend in person to what has to be done, and
to help the Duke where needful. The watering, victualling, and
repairing should all be done at the same time, so that the voyage
may be resumed as soon as the weather allows. You will serve me
well therein. Let me know what is done.—San Lorenzo, 28th June
1588.
Note.—The above letter is the original, signed by the King, and in
a Latin note at foot is said to be "Ex dono Legati regis Hisp.
1615." |