|
1548 [?]. May 3.
The Old Man. |
138. Sir Henry Palmer to the Lord Protector. Sends intelligence
received from one of his espials, translated into English. Requests
that a watch bell may be sent, having thereof a great lack. The
espial will not in any wise come often in these parts for fear of suspect, unless some matter of much importance happens. Has required
him to go to Auxy-le-Chateau and to Cressy to ascertain the
intentions of the Germans and the French. [Half a page.]
Incloses, |
|
138. I. Intelligence referred to above. It is reported that the
Count Rhinegrave, with eight ensigns of Germans, are to
be shipped at Newhaven and Treport. Oliver Wanerand
of Boulogne informs him that at Nantes there are threescore galleys ready to go to Scotland, and such a number
of ships as the like has not been seen. Merchant vessels
and others are arrested for the wars by order of the King.
Also, that 50,000 men of war, both horse and foot, are
ready. The whole ships are in number 300, and after
they have landed the troops in Scotland, they shall
return and blockade Boulogne. There is a rumour
that the King of the Romans and the King of Spain, who
are at present with the Emperor, shall come hither. This
causes the French to doubt, and the King has sent many
abroad to make inquiries. Should the French besiege,
one great means of annoying them will be to destroy all
the mills on this side of Montreuil, for their munitions
are in wheat, and the mills of Montreuil are unable to
grind their furniture. There are 30 galleys coming to
Nantes from Mezieres and Marseilles, manned by men of
their own, and not of the King. The French boast that
they will do some great thing. The Constable of France
is very sick. MM. de la Rochepot and Chastillon were
lately in Council at Hesdin, but the latter has gone to the
Court, and the former to Ancre, after giving orders that
the French fort shall be well walled and ditched, and
Ludovic is left at Auxy-le-Chateau and Cressy with eight
ensigns of Germans. The mills may be easily destroyed
by the horsemen of Calais and Guisnes without danger,
taking with them fire instruments. Will inform him
which mills are now in operation. [Two pages and a
quarter.] |
May 3.
Boulogne. |
139. The Council at Boulogne to the Lord Protector. The bearer,
Patrick Duff, one of the soldiers in the Young Man, is discharged,
by reason of being so maimed in a skirmish upon the sands that
he is unfit for service. They therefore recommend him to his
Grace's consideration. [Quarter of a page.] |
May 4.
Boulogne. |
140. Same to same. Have been informed by their friend Ninian
Sanderson, master-gunner of the Old Man, that he has learned by
his wife and others lately come from London, that his goods there
have been confiscated and stayed there for his Majesty in the hands
of the Mayor and Sheriffs, by reason of a report that he had deserted
to the service of the French fort. Wherefore knowing the man to
be untruly and evilly slandered, and that he is a true man, and of as
much honesty, diligence, and forwardness in his Majesty's service at
all times as any man in the like place on this side of the sea, they
request his Grace to see justice done to him. [One page.] |
May.
[Boulogne.] |
141. John Rogers to the Council. Received their letter of the
26th ult. on the 4th inst. by Richard Mynsterley, pursuivant, stating
that they have been informed he has no regard to the gate and
bulwark in the sandhills at Newhaven. Trusts that Lord Stourton
and the rest of the Council can testify to his desire to set these
forward; but it is easier for idle men to keep when it is made, than
to make anything. If they refer to the mole here, he has given over
saving to finish what has been begun, in terms of their letter of
the 21st April; as for that at Newhaven, has only left six workmen
to take foundations, and the rest are barely occupied on the bulwark
in the sandhills. The stuff for the gate is much carried and is still
in carrying, and it shall be done as speedily as possible. It is little
wonder that he being a poor man should not be able to please so
many idle people as are here, having nothing to do but to imagine
to trouble. Desires to know what account of his he should make to
the Treasurer and Auditor, that should be the let to his receiving
any money who sues for none. Trusts his account shall soon be
made, and would to God the work might as soon be paid, for
he has received no other money but 200 marks from Sir John
Williams, and 1,000l. from Mr. Peckham, which 1,000l. he delivered
whole to Sir Thomas Leven, late paymaster here, and for which
has his bill. The 200 marks are ready in his hands when the
paymaster may want them. Has no other account to make, but
his heart is not a little heavy that his doings give no greater satisfaction, when he devotes himself by day and by night exclusively to
his Majesty's service. [One page and a half.] |
May 6.
Boulogne. |
142. Sir John Brydges to the same. In accordance with his
letter of the 15th ult. released clearly all the French ships then
remaining here. Since then two were arrested by order of the law,
at the request of some Englishmen who commenced actions of debt
and detainers against them. His Grace, by letter of 2d inst.,
desired to know the cause of their detention; since its receipt one of
the vessels has been released by agreement of the parties, the matter
concerning it being a debt between Job Pierson of Bas Boulogne,
and John Le Grand of St. Valery. The other still remains awaiting
the result of an action of detainer, wherein it is alleged that its
owner wrongfully withholds both the ship and goods of John Love
and John Lewson, Englishmen, co-partners, at St. Valery, to the
value of 100l. sterling. As to the chart or plat, of which M. de la
Rochpot makes so much matter, alleging it to be made of his motion
and consent, declares he is entirely ignorant of it, and as yet knows
not the man that made it. But as his Grace wishes him to send a
person to M. de la Rochepot to speak with the man who confessed the
chart to be of such places as he tells, will dispatch one for that purpose to M. de Langey, alias Bellay, le Roi Tyftof [d'Yvetot], who
commands during the temporary absence of M. de la Rochepot, as will
be seen by the copy of De Langey's letter inclosed. As to delivering
the French prisoners to M. de Rieulx, and receiving in exchange
Lother [Lowther] and the other English, Villefranche, lieutenant of De
Rieulx, who is absent, returns for answer that he knows no such men
and yet requires to receive their's. Desires to know what he should
do, as several have recently deserted, and the French will not give
them up. Hears by espials that the Rhinegrave is on the eve of
embarcation with eight ensigns of lansquenets, and that the others
of the same company at Cressy and Auxy-le-Chateau have come to
Montreuil. Also that great preparations go forward, and it is
secretly said they intend shortly to invest Boulogne both by sea and
land. Suggests that more men should be sent hither. Desires to
know what should be done with the Picards, their wives and children, and whether they shall put to wages such of them as are able
to serve, as they themselves leave it to his discretion. If they should
be refused, doubts whether any of the able bodies will remain here.
[Two pages and a half.] Incloses, |
|
142. I. Letter from M. du Bellay, Fort d'entre Eau, May 2, mentioning that he commands there during the absence of M.
de la Rochepot. [One page. French.] |
|
142. II. Memorandum of the two French ships detained, and the
cause thereof. [Half a page.] |
May 7.
Boulogne. |
143. Sir John Brydges to the Lord Protector. Sends intelligence
received from an espial in France (missing). Should the French
attempt to build any such fortress as is mentioned therein, desires to
know whether it shall be resisted or suffered. [One page and a half.] |
|
144. Same to same. Intercessory for one Barvard, the bearer.
[One page and a half. Torn perpendicularly, one half only
remaining.] |
May 7.
Boulogne. |
145. The Council at Boulogne to the same. Sends by the
bearer, Ninian Sanderson, master-gunner of the Old Man, the book
of the muster of the ordnance, and the account of what remains of
the munitions here, as well as of what is required; the supplies
will be conveyed hither by Sanderson. [Half a page.] |
May 7.
Blackness. |
146. Lord Stourton and the Council at Blackness to the Council.
At the request of Sir Richard Cavendish have viewed this fortress,
and find that the mounts, curtains, and ramparts are in a defenceless
state, so that neither man nor ordnance may be placed there. In
some places the curtains are deficient in height and earthwork, and
in others utterly disordered. The stowage-houses, though nearly
complete, are not yet meet to receive anything. The expense of
carriages being heavy, think that this may be lessened by the taking
of stores out of the ditches round the fort, thus at the same time
deepening the ditches and supplying material for the works. Considering this suspect time, trust the Surveyor may have orders for
speedy completion of these. [Half a page.] |
May 12.
Boulogne. |
147. Sir John Brydges to the Lord Protector. Sends intelligence
from two espials in France (missing). Is credibly informed that
these lansquenets came to Davern and Samer at nine o'clock last
night. When he ascertains their number will apprise his Grace
thereof. [Half a page.] |
| May 14. |
148. Same to same. Sends intelligence from an espial in France.
[One page and a quarter.] Intelligence inclosed, |
|
148. I. On the 7th the reporter arrived at Rouen, when he saw no
vessels but only merchantmen. Thence proceeded to
Caudebec, where the biscuit and bread are prepared; five
ships were lying there to be freighted therewith for Brest.
On Tuesday dined at Harfleet [Harfleur], where is great
preparation of biscuits; this and Caudebec being the chief
staples for that commodity. The same evening lodged at
Hable Neuf [Havre], in the house of Rowland Bretton, a
merchant on the haven. Saw there four great ships of
war,—three of three tops each, the fourth of four,—strongly
apparelled with ordnance, counting thirty pieces of great
artillery. The one of four tops, called the Galleon, which
was disanchored and abroad upon the sea, had a misfortune, by reason of which she had with great pain been
brought back into the haven, where they work upon her
day and night to prepare her for sailing with the others.
The name of the captain is Mons. de Lozon. The Admiral
has stopped there a large Spanish ship of three tops which
had arrived with merchandise; this was ordered to be
unladen for the King's service, and much ordnance was
bestowed therein. There are 20 other ships, of two and
three tops the piece, strongly furnished with artillery of
all sorts. The harbinger of the lansquenets was there, and
appointed such vessels as are to convey the troops to sail
on the 25th curt. Wednesday next went to Montvilliers,
two leagues from Havre, where he found five ensigns of
Germans, very well armed, marching in the fields with
their ensigns displayed, where two of their company
were forced to pass the pikes for having slain two of their
comrades. Of these he counted belonging to every ensign
25 ranks of harquebusiers, rating three to the rank, and
25 ranks of pikes following the harquebusiers, well armed,
and in good order. The number of these five ensigns he
reckoned at 1,700. The furriers have taken quarters in
the adjacent villages for 5,000 Italians, Piedmontese,
Limousins, and Lyonese, all infantry. The Commissioners were very secretly gathering all manner of pioneers
and horses for drawing artillery thereabouts, to be ready
at the end of the month to go where ordered, but whither, as
yet, is not known. At the same day all the legionaries in
Normandy and Brittany, estimated 10,000 at the least, are
ordered to be ready upon pain of death. From Montvilliers
went to Brewant [Brionne?], where he saw a number of
legionaries preparing; thence to Granville by Fecamp,
where was much preparation of horses for drawing artillery and stores. Thereafter to Dieppe, where he counted
30 ships, of which nine or ten were great ships of war very
evil appointed; on inquiring the cause of this at some
mariners they informed him that they attended the King's
coming down, when they should be very shortly ready to
serve. That evening supped at Havre with the Treasurer,
who brought money for payment of the ships, and
many of the captains being also at supper mentioned in
the course of conversation that they were going to Scotland.
The reporter, feigning to be a Frenchman, said to them,
"What the devil will ye do in Scotland? There is
nothing to be won there but the loss of the King's men."
To this one of the captains in a whisper replied that
they only invented this report, as their destination was
not to Scotland but to Calais, in order to take away the
haven and passage of Dover, and then to descend the
number of 30,000, to destroy the country and stop that
passage, so that no manner of succour shall come out of
England to assist Boulogne. Had also conversed with
some pilots there, and on some of them saying they were
bound for Scotland, had asked, "What the devil will ye
make in that butchery in Scotland where none of you is
like to return?" The answer was, "No, we shall not go
so far, but we must so bruit it. Nevertheless, we shall go
no farther than to the coast of Boulogne." In Maine,
beside Anjou, are 600 light horse ready to be embarked at
Brest with the other troops. Wherever he goes hears the
same rumour that the French King will in person go to
Picardy next Midsummer with his army royal, and then
to Boulogne, and that he says it shall cost him his realm
but he shall have it again, and kill both man, woman,
and child that he finds there or thereabouts. It is also a
general rumour that M. de Rieulx, the Grand Master of
Flanders, is in Boulogne, with 4,000 brave Spaniards,
for defence of the town, and that the Emperor has sent
10,000 lansquenets to England to serve his Majesty where
he likes. At Devres and Samer are eleven ensigns of
lansquenets, who arrived there on the evening of Saturday
the 12th, abiding a greater number of foot and the King's
coming. As the reporter returned, he chanced to ask a
Frenchman of the fort how they missed their purpose and
enterprise of their pistolets? Was informed that the
hour had not yet come, but they intended shortly to have
it again; and that they had good espials in the town,
both Italian and other stranger merchants, from whom
they had daily intelligence of the actions and intentions
of the English. At Havre are also four great Scottish
ships of war, of three tops each, well appointed; these
attend the disanchoring of the army to go to Scotland,
and their captains remain on the land to refresh them.
[Four pages.] |
May 15.
Boulogne. |
149. The Council at Boulogne to the Lord Protector. Confirm the
reports of their espials as to the extensive military and naval preparations made by the French and the alleged object of these. All which
weighed, though the French King has made sundry proclamations
in his country, charging that no man shall rumour any wars meant
against England, yet they suspect the assembling of troops so near
to them not to be without some pretence or meaning suddenly to
besiege or assault some of the forts. Wherefore beseech that
sufficient supplies of men, provisions, and all necessaries may be
forthwith sent, as his Grace knows the state of the forts as well as
they do. Inclose a schedule of the number of men required for each fort. |
P.S.—Since writing, are assured that the French King intends
to come in person, and vows to have Boulogne, else it shall cost him
his whole realm. [Two pages. Schedule inclosed. One page.]
Copy of preceding letter and schedule. [Three pages.] |
May 15.
Boulogne. |
150. Same to same. Have received his Grace's letter of the
9th, expressing his surprise that they had not given notice of
the absence of Cornish, the porter, in the time of the Frenchmen's enterprise, and inquiring who had appointed him to that
room. The truth is, they were not aware of his absence rather
[sooner] than they advertised; and are informed by Mr. Windebank
that, so far as he knows, the appointment was made prior to
his coming, by Sir Andrew Flammock. Have no knowledge of Mr.
Crofts being oftener than twice with Chastillon; once, when
sent by them to Abbeville, and another time when he went to the
fort and hunted with him, of which Sir John Brydges was aware,
although Crofts had not asked him leave. On that occasion he and
several other English gentlemen dined in the fort with Chastillon;
and once he entertained in his own house in the high town, two
French gentlemen who came to him. Another time he went to
Portel, where great cheer was made to him and those in his company
by M. de Rieulx and others of the French there. Twice thereafter
the French visited him in the base town; once when they dined
with him at Birch's house, and another time also dined with him at
the house of Nogaye the post, the ensign-bearer of Chastillon's
band, and some others of his gentlemen. This is all they know.
To his Grace's inquiry who should be advanced to the said room,
would wish some one of worshipful parentage having somewhat to take
unto, and also of good discretion, as well for matters of justice as also
able to serve in the wars. Of those most meet for such post within
these forts, are Alexander Brett, Lieutenant of the Citadel (who
they believe has been preferred to the reversion of a better office);
Mr. Callard, Lieutenant of Boulogneberg, who cannot conveniently
be spared, and whose present room is as good; Mr. Henry Dudley,
Captain of the Guard; and George Throgmorton, one of the Captains,
who in their opinion, for his soberness, discretion, and good service,
is as worthy as any to be placed in an office as good as that, if his
Grace did agree to the same. [Two pages.] |
May 15.
Boulogne. |
151. Sir John Brydges to the Lord Protector. Incloses intelligence just received from one of his espials in France. [Five lines.]
Intelligence inclosed, |
|
151. I. Eight ensigns of lansquenets have arrived at Davern, and
three others at Samer. Hears that with their luggage, they
have brought two or three bridges or boards for crossing
the river. A number of men of arms have also arrived,
and it is rumoured that M. de Vendôme comes in person.
Strict and secret orders have been given that all horsemen
shall be in their respective garrisons by the 16th inst.,
which is very short notice. It is said they are to come
here with 4,000 men of arms without the other infantry,
and it is positively asserted that there is to be war forthwith. They wait for the arrival of their galleys, which will
come in good force before Ambleteuse, and then endeavour
to carry Boulogneberg by storm, and after that Ambleteuse, killing, ravishing, and pillaging through all the
country. The French Council intended to forbid all
communication of the French with the English, but the
Princes have permitted it in order that the English may
be thrown of their guard and be more easily surprised.
Chastillon and others have given permission to robbers to
steal the English horses, saying that they are lawful
prizes; and indeed a great thief of the name of Hazart,
who robs the English very frequently, has given a horse to
the Provost of the fort. [French. One page.] |
May 15.
Newhaven. |
152. Lord Stourton to the Lord Protector. On receipt of his letter
of the 11th, had repaired to Blackness, and has ordered 120
soldiers to be employed in perfecting the mount and curtains
there, which has no doubt will soon be brought in good order of
defence, provided shovels and spades and mattocks may be obtained
from the Surveyor. And as the Surveyor can send labourers, so
shall the soldiers be displaced and the labourers employed in their
place. Meanwhile considering the present necessity, has thought fit
so to employ the soldiers, promising them wages therefor. Sir
Richard Cavendish is not to be blamed for delay in fortifying that
piece, inasmuch as by special letters from the Council, he was
directed not to intermeddle with the Surveyor's charge. The piece
in the sandhills grows to good defence, and requires to be furnished
with ordnance according as is specified in the inclosed schedule.
These he begs may be sent speedily, and not to be slacked, as the
position of the enemy at Davern, Samer and the neighbourhood,
intimates an intended attack. [One page and a half.] Incloses, |
|
152. I. "Proportion necessary for the furniture of the piece in
the sandhills at Newhaven, wherein is contained two
platforms, the one higher than the other." The requirements were, two demi-culverins with 400 iron shot;
two sacres, with 400 iron shot; two falcons, with 400
iron shot; two fowlers, with two chambers to the piece,
and 400 stone shot; 40 basses, with two chambers; six
lasts of serpentine powder; half a last of corn powder;
100 bows; 200 sheaves of arrows; 100 pikes; 100 bills;
100 half hacks. These are not only to furnish the
ordinary number of that piece, but also such of the in
habitants of the base town, who in time of need have to
repair to the piece. [One page.] |
May 22.
Newhaven. |
153. Lord Stourton and others to the Lord Protector and Council. Requests that speedy order may be taken for passing the
accounts of the bearer, William Parmenter, who had charge of the
victuals under Sir Anthony Aucher, and is now discharged. [One
page.] |
May 26.
Boulogne. |
154. Sir John Brydges to the Lord Protector. Having received
his Grace's letter of the 20th, and instructions given to Mr. Throgmorton, daily travails in his Majesty's name, and from time to time
furnishes as he finds men meet and able. In regard to the report
that by reason of the absence of soldiers, the colouring of members,
and the employment of men's servants at farms and other places in
England, his Majesty's pieces are weakened, the books of the last
musters will testify to the rebuke and shame of the inventor. On
that occasion, although no warning was given till the shutting of
the gate at night, and the muster was taken at eight o'clock next
morning, there were, with the exception of those in England by
passport and the sick, only two receiving the King's wages at their
farms. It is equally untrue that men's servants allowed no wages
have been, and are, captains and lieutenants. As for the abandoning
of farms, has heard of very few so profitable that their fruits hitherto have been able to bear the charge of the farmer; so that if his
Grace takes direction that the farmers be not charged with the rents
of their farms, he thinks that there will be few or none who will refuse
to leave over the same. As for the victuals, the Treasurer every payday retains from the soldiers' wages what can be demanded for them.
Although his Grace is persuaded that the forts are in a sufficient
state of defence, the truth is far otherwise. Boulogneberg is not,
and cannot be made tenable against the enemy these 20 days,
if before that time he should approach. The Young Man cannot
bear any ordnance, the platform being not yet made; and although
the Old Man is indifferently well appointed with ordnance, yet the
curtains and bulwarks are not thoroughly repaired of the ruins
and breaches of the winter. All these things pretermitted, if it
were possible for him to be in every one of them at the time it
were approached, he protests before God and man that, he living,
the weakest should not change its master. From his cradle till
this time he has been wholly addicted to the King's service, and shall
to his life's end continue to serve with true and faithful heart.
"Nevertheless, for that neither my death nor yet my life, although
that in me only were comprehended the wisdom of Salomon, the
force of Sampson, with the martial policy of Scipio, sufficeth not
for the defence of a piece nor to repulse the enemy's power, it is
most expedient for your Grace to take order that the said pieces may
be well furnished both of men and munition necessary for their defence, lest that the want thereof in time to come give us all cause to
repent; trusting that all those things once had, if at any time the
enemy do attempt any thing against us, of such sort to receive him
that he shall have small joy of his coming." Requests a hundred men
may be sent to furnish the Old Man. [Two pages and a quarter.] |
May 26.
Boulogne. |
155. Sir John Brydges to the Lord Protector. Incloses information received from an espial. [Six lines.] Incloses, |
|
155. I. Letter from—. Beaurayes, May 25. Measurements have
been made for a fort near the sea to annoy the English
haven. The lansquenets are still in their quarters at
Davern and Samer. Chastillon and de Rieulx have returned to-day. A secret enterprise is resolved, not to be
made known till fitting opportunity. The 11 ensigns
of Germans are reported to be near Rayois in Champagne. Yesterday orders were issued at the fort that
no soldiers, under pain of death, shall go more than a
quarter of a league from the garrison, and shall always
have their arms in readiness. Much ordnance is
prepared at Paris. The cavalry are ready in all the
garrisons. Same Monday two troops of cavalry arrived
at Abbeville. Six thousand men are said to be levied in
Champagne and to be coming hither. [French. One
page.] |
May 28.
Boulogne. |
156. Sir Richard Cotton to Lord St. John. Has received by his
son-in-law, Beverley, 17,087l. 11s. 10d., of which, because it lacks of
the 19,000l. intimated in a recent letter, he begs the remain may be
sent for payment of the garrison. Will attend to gathering in the
victual money due to his Majesty. As regards the rents for the last
year has not received one penny of them from Sir William Godolphin, wherefore has staid his pay, and will do so on this occasion,
determining henceforth to treat all in the same manner, from the
highest to the lowest, at whose hands the King has any debt to be
answered, although, as he knows, he shall make his doing therein a
very much mean for the purchase of a great evil will amongst them.
Nevertheless requests a strict commandment by letter from Lord
St. John, both for Godolphin, the Bailli of Newhaven, and the rest,
that such course will be pursued in future. Had desired the Customer to render his account twice yearly for such money as is in his
hands, and at his reckoning on 31 March found him then accountable
for 78l. 14s. 1d.; of this he cannot receive a penny, only an answer
to the effect that he considers himself not bound to account more than
once in the year, and yet nevertheless to pay the money only at
such time as he pleases. If his Lordship allow such order he
shall be contented, but meanwhile desires to have his Lordships
pleasure; for being treasurer, and therefore responsible for the dues,
considers himself entitled to commit all such to ward in default of
payment. This Customer not being a person of sufficient substance,
suggests that sureties for his payments shall be required of him, else
in the end his Majesty is likely to be a loser. [Two pages.] |
May 30.
Boulogne. |
157. Sir John Brydges to the Lord Protector. Defending himself from sundry charges made against him, which are "all untrue,
false, and forged of malice," such as charging for more men than
he employs, appointing his household servants to be petty captains
and lieutenants, and yet to receive their wages as household servants,
&c. Where it is said that children are placed whereas men should
be, and naked men where armed are requisite, and that there be
none where many are paid; he replies, that he never placed boy nor
yet rascal, for that he has always most abhorred them to serve in
place of men; and as for compelling the unarmed and naked soldier
to provide necessary armours until he hath wherewith, it is impossible. As to the lack of numbers, there wanted none but those who
either died or ran away, with whom his Majesty is not charged; and
had his Grace authorized him to supply their rooms, they should not
now have been void. If, therefore, the numbers be unfurnished,
reason would not it should be imputed his folly, &c., &c. Requests
to be allowed to go to England to answer these charges in person.
[Three pages.] Inclosed, |
|
157. I. Articles charged against Brydges. [One page.] |
| May 30. |
158. Same to same. Incloses intelligence from an espial received late this evening. [Eight lines.] Intelligence inclosed, |
|
158. I. Yesterday proclamations were made at the French fort and
other places on the frontiers, that all manner of carts and
horses should be ready to come to Tyngry Wood on Friday
next, the 1st of June. On this proclamation the reporter,
by order of M. Vendeville, Provost of the French fort,
arrested many of them to carry a great force of faggots to
the fort for making ramparts and mounds of defence
against artillery. This morning M. Chastillon left the
fort for Abbeville, to give orders to the pioneers and foot
that are coming to the fort. It is said that the river and
course of the English haven shall be stopped, whereby they
shall the sooner be pined with famine, for otherwise
Boulogne cannot be won; whereabouts they will begin the
reporter does not know. They also intend to build upon
the hill opposite to the Old Man, and will declare war
upon the first casual shot on the English side. The
common report is, that the pioneers shall first come ere the
Germans shall encamp thereabouts. This day it was told
M. Chastillon that the whole army by the sea should
discover before Havre de Grace at 7 o'clock p.m., if wind
and weather would suffer them. [One page.] |
| May 30. |
159. Sir John Brydges to the Lord Protector. Sends intelligence
received from an espial. [Half a page. Inclosure; one page
and a half. Both mutilated perpendicularly.] |
May 31.
Boulogne. |
160. Same to same. Sends intelligence received from two espials
to-day. Yesterday Sir William Herbert and Sir Richard Southwell arrived at Newhaven, and so came hither. [Nine lines.]
Inclosed, |
|
160. I. Intelligence from Beury, 30 May. A fort is to be commenced immediately on the face of Mount Bernard towards
the Tower of Order [Tour d'Ordre]. Orders have to-day
been given that all carts and conveyances here and in the
vicinity shall to morrow (Corpus Christi), be employed in
bringing to the fort the fascines which have been, and are
daily, made near Hardelot. It is reported that they wish to
make a new harbour at Havre. Eight or ten thousand pioneers are embarked: of these 400 are collected at Abbeville,
and from every village thereabouts, as well as at Montreuil
and Ponthieu, two men are required, all to be ready today. There is to be a general muster at Portel. Four
veteran companies, it is said, will leave the port and join
the lansquenets, and as soon as these have left Davern and
Samer, cavalry are to replace them. The troops at Havre
and Rouen embarked on Ascension Day to join, it is
believed, those in Brittany, where are fully 50,000 in
readiness, composed of all nations, Gascons, Italians,
Albanians, Bretons, French, Egyptians, and others; and
certainly there is a very large army. A great train of
artillery fully provided is ready at Paris. The Captain
of Hardelot told a friend of the reporter that no great
stroke would be made till about the feast of St. John,
wherefore it is necessary to be very vigilant in all things.
Mentions the determination of the French King to repossess himself of Boulogne, to build forts and adopt other
steps to provoke the English to commence a war. |
|
160. II. "The advertence of another espial." Treport, 23 May.
Cavalry muster between the fort and the sea. Ground
for a fort has been measured at a place named Bernard,
and an Italian engineer who has taken the measurement,
is at present in the fort. But Chastillon sent to the Constable last Sunday to say that it was better to have forts
already made, which it would cost less to gain than it
would to build a new one. It is resolved to cut the
Dunette to make a harbour, and bring the sea by Cappecure; and he has been informed to-day that there are
a number of pioneers about Rion and St. Valery. Should
such be made, it will be very detrimental to the English
harbour, for with a west-south-west wind it would be
much injured by the sand of Dunette. The lansquenets,
it is said, will encamp at Portel on Thursday or Friday.
Would willingly write more frequently, but cannot except
on the day appointed by the bearer, as he cannot cross the
river, which on both sides is watched by sentries day and
night. [French. Three pages and a half.] |
