Mary: May 1558

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Mary 1553-1558. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1861.

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'Mary: May 1558', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Mary 1553-1558, ed. William B Turnbull( London, 1861), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/mary/pp371-378 [accessed 3 December 2024].

'Mary: May 1558', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Mary 1553-1558. Edited by William B Turnbull( London, 1861), British History Online, accessed December 3, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/mary/pp371-378.

"Mary: May 1558". Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Mary 1553-1558. Ed. William B Turnbull(London, 1861), , British History Online. Web. 3 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/mary/pp371-378.

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May 1558

May 1.
Antwerp.
758. Thomas Gresham to Queen Mary. Refers to his letter of the 26th ult. Has since bargained with Martin Fleynzorn for 3,000l. at 14 per cent., to be repaid the 20th May twelvemonth. Also with Balthazar Kynnyng for 4,000l. at the same rate, to be repaid in the payments of the Paiz-Mart come a year, and has purchased many things of which he has advertised the Council. Intends, with the leave of God, to ride this week to Brussels to obtain licence from the King for the transportation of 100,000l. into England. Will write thence to her Majesty. [One page.]
May 1.
Antwerp.
759. Same to Secretary Boxall. Refers to his letter of 26th ult., and requests the usual bonds for Fleynzorn and Kynnyng may be sent. Has purchased 700 morions, 150 pair of sleeves of mail, 100 splints, and 100 skulls, so that there is no more to be got here at present. Has sent one of his men to Wesel and all places in Germany where harness or dags are made, and has effected by exchange 2,000l. for the better accomplishment of her Majesty's provisions. Can do no more, as all armour was bought up here after his coming. Hears nothing of Pickering for payment of money but for his diets. In her Majesty's warrant no mention is made in what money, sterling or Flemish, Pickering is to be paid. As Pickering desires to be paid in sterling money, which at the rate of exchange on the Bourse makes a difference of six per cent., requests a sufficient warrant specifying in which he is to pay. [One page and half.]
May 3.
Greenwich.
760. Warrant from Queen Mary to Thomas Gresham to pay 3,055l. to Benjamin Gonson, Treasurer of the Admiralty, for masts and tackle provided beyond seas for her Majesty's ships by William Watson, merchants. [Minute. Broadside.]
May 4.
Brussels.
761. Herman Peper to Sir William Pickering. The Duke of Savoy having desired him to undertake to arm the regiment of Colonel William Walterdon [Wallerthum] at the same price and under the same conditions as the other colonels in the service of the King have been supplied (as by copies inclosed), has agreed with the said Colonel to deliver to him at his own expense at the place of musters a certain quantity of different kinds of arms amounting to the sum of 6,000 crowns of gold, which arms he is to deliver to his captains in such quantities as they shall require, taking from the Colonel or captains a letter of obligation to permit the Treasurer to deduct from their pay the cost of the arms. As he has no power of suing the regiment for payment begs that Gresham or Alex. Bonvisi, the factors of England in Antwerp, may be appointed to accept the letters of the Colonel or his captains, and to give orders for payment, with power to these factors to send such letters to the Treasurer and stop the amount from the pay of the said Colonel or captains. Begs that he may be paid by the Ambassador 1,000 gold crowns, which he will abate from his last payment, in order to get the arms from the workmen and pay the conveyances and extraordinary expenses, and an assurance from the Queen of the entire payment. [Two pages. French. A marginal note by Pickering states that he has excepted the payment of any ready money to Peper until the whole is due for the arms he shall deliver to the soldiers.] Inclosing,
761. I. Copy agreement between M. de Glaton, Master of the Royal Artillery, and Herman Peper, harness merchant, of Antwerp, for providing by order of the Duke of Savoy arms for three or four regiments of high and low Germans in the King's service, with stipulations touching the provision and payment. May 18, 1557.
761. II. Copy, order to the receiver of artillery to pay to Peper 4,000l. Flemish for armour. May 20, 1557. [French. One page and a half.]
Translation of the preceding letter and inclosures. [Seven pages.]
May 5.
Brussels.
762. Summary of the matters conducted on behalf of King Philip by the Duke of Savoy by medium of the Envoy of Queen Mary with Colonel Sir William Wallerthum for levying and bringing to England a regiment of German infantry for the service of that realm. Wallerthum at first required the same retainer and entertainment which had formerly been given to foreign colonels and himself while serving in England, but finally agreed to accept the pay and terms usually allowed by his Majesty. He also asked for the like pension given by his Majesty to the colonels on consideration of surrendering the old entertainment; but, as the Envoy had no commission to promise such pension, his Majesty and the Duke refused to grant any, but promised to recommend this point to the Queen. The Colonel has agreed to deliver the soldiers at Friesland, the place of muster, at the beginning of June, when he will receive from their Majesties letters of retainer and entertain ment with relative papers. Commissioners will be appointed to attend there and then to take the musters and pay the soldiers when one month's wages will be paid to the Colonel and his men at the rate of fifteen batts or twenty-five patarts of Brabant the florin, and at the same rate so long as they shall be employed. [French. Two pages.]
Translation of the preceding. [Two pages and a half.]
May 6.
Brussels.
763. Receipt granted by Colonel Sir William Wallerthum to Sir William Pickering for the sum of 3,400 crowns paid to him for his providing ten companies of German infantry to the service of her Majesty. [Italian and German. Indorsed and accredited by Pickering. One page.]
May 6.
Suzain Castle.
764. William, Lord Grey, of Wilton, to Queen Mary. Was in hope to have had a passport to have sent over in March, and therefore had on the 25th of that month written to the effect of the present letter to her Majesty. But his man was caused to return to him from Fontainebleau with a letter from the Duke of Guise, signifying that the King would not then allow any man of his to be sent over, but that his letters should be. Since then has remained without any word or letter sent, since her Majesty's gracious goodness to him by her pursuivant-at-arms in the French camp before Guisnes, from either wife, child, or kinsman, to his great grief and displeasure. Long since finds himself true prisoner, though always desiring rather death than dishonour. Has been ever since the 27th of March straightly guarded by day, and lodged every night in the top of a tower, which is the prison of the castle, 87 steps or griesses high, under four locks, with two of the archers of the King's guard lying in the same chamber with him, and two others lying without his chamber door hard by it, and the rest betwixt his men and him, his said men being also locked in their chamber every night, which he thinks is against reason. Never yet knew prisoner, who had once liberty upon his faith, should without his deserts be restrained thereof. Has given his messenger charge to declare this his exceeding strait and sharp imprisonment to his cousin Sir Edward Hastings, that he might inform her Majesty thereof. Humbly beseeches her Majesty to consider his case and small ability, and therewith the estimation which the French have of him, which is such that he shall never be able to redeem himself though he should sell all the lands he has, and to extend her great goodness to redeem him out of this his most unhappy misery and misfortune. Commits himself to her Majesty's hands, on whom depends all his wealth and comfort, and his life itself, which he would rather lose a thousand times than once willingly to offend her Grace. [Two pages.]
May 7.
Rome.
765. Sir Edward Carne to same. Since he wrote on the 30th ult. Francisco d'Este arrived, and after remaining five days left yesterday morning for Montalcino, where he is General for the French King. The cause of his coming is not certainly known, but as far as can be learned it was to have a resolute answer of such matters as he had moved on his former visit, and which had been deferred until the return of Cardinal Caraffa; and further, as informed, to attempt to make the Duke of Paliano refuse the recompence appointed by his Majesty with Cardinal Caraffa, giving up the duchy of Paliano to Sign. Marc Antonio Colonna, for which the French King would give him the marquisate of Saluzzi and Montalcino. Cannot perceive that any of the offers are accepted. The Duke of Urbino's Ambassador has been with him by order of his Grace, with the Duke and Duchess' commendation, and mention to him that he had been with the Pope whom he found very conformable, and highly commending the King, at whose devotion are all the states of Italy. Montalcino is so compassed with the lands of the Church and of the Dukes of Florence and Urbino, and all about it barren, that it is impossible the French can keep it long for lack of necessaries. Since Cardinal Caraffa's return there has been no Consistory, and no talk hitherto of any of the conclusions between him and his Majesty. The Duke of Norfolk's dispensation is not yet granted: his Grace's agents and messengers here have begun their suit with Cardinals Caraffa and Naples, where they have fair words and no great haste of dispatch; and otherwise than by them they cannot conveniently labour thereabouts, seeing it is that way begun. One Sign. Martin Guzman is expected here as Ambassador from the new Emperor with his master's obedience to his Holiness; he had arrived at Venice eight days ago. Letters had been received at Venice from Constantinople of the 2d inst. mentioning that at St. George's tide the Turk's navy should sail, consisting of 120 gallies with 30 great vessels for the carriage (called here palandre), and that then the staff of office should be given to the General. Also that the General of the Venetians should receive his staff there on the 8th inst. and forthwith should set forth with their army. In his last had mentioned the delivery of her letters under the Privy Seal to Thomas Wilson in obedience to her command. [Two pages and a quarter.]
May 7.
Antwerp.
766. Thomas Gresham to Secretary Boxall. Since his letter of the 1st instant notifying his bargains with Martin Fleynzorn and Balthazar Kynning, nothing has occurred worthy of writing. On the 6th inst. received two letters from the Council of the 29th ult. approving of his proceedings. Has also received a letter from the Council for Sir Wm. Pickering, which he has sent with all diligence to Brussels. Hears nothing from Pickering touching any payment but for his diets, which he demands to be paid in sterling money as the exchange goes at Antwerp. Having no sterling money but Flemish, and no commission to pay sterling money to Pickering, begs Boxall will ask the Council to obtain the Queen's warrant for his better discharge in that matter. Intends to go to Brussels to move the King to transport into his realm 100,000l. and to obtain the Duke of Savoy's passport for articles which Sir Richard Southwell has written for; he has also written to Gresham and the Lord Treasurer most effectuously for the sending away of her Majesty's provision. Has written to the Council that there are now four good ships of Antwerp lading for London, the like will not be ready again for two months. The names [of their owners] are Bartholomew Pallis, Thomas de Grave, Cornelius Hildernes, and Clais Cornelisson, whom he has bound not to depart before 16th inst. Intends to lade in them for the Queen's account certain armour and gunpowder specified, worth in all 2,600l. at least. Has written to the Council to appoint proper wafters to the ships. The same quantity of powder is not to be bought for money, for there is no saltpetre nor coals to be had at any price. No more splints, skulls, or morions to be had. As he has informed Boxall, has sent one of his men into Germany to accomplish the Queen's commission, and has delivered her Majesty's letters to Lazarus Tucker.
P.S.—Has received this day a letter from Sir Wm. Pickering to pay 3,400 crowns by the King's order to Capt. Wallerthum. They write that the charge of this band of Germans will be 10,000l. Pickering only tarries his Majesty's dispatch in the premises. [Two pages. See Burgon, Vol. i., p. 478.]
May 9.
Brussels.
767. Sir William Pickering to Secretary Boxall. Albeit he trusts never to faint in the Queen's service, yet her approval of his proceedings seems to encourage him in his duty. Wallerthum, after Pickering had long looked for him, came to the Court on 19th April. Hoped to have been dispatched immediately upon his arrival. By the divers dealing of that Dutch Colonel the bargain could come to no conclusion till now. The Duke of Savoy and D'Arras have used as much diligence as could be desired for the good husbanding of the matter and the advancement of her Majesty's service. If it appear so to Boxall, thinks it would be well to let them know that the Queen approves of their labours. For fuller details refers him to his letter to her Majesty, to which begs an answer and the return of the capitulations and other documents in Dutch which he sent to be signed by her. Begs that he will obtain a commission to Gresham to pay to Mr. Dannet, Mr. Smith, and John Brett, who came in his company, the money due for their diets. Has already disbursed to some of them money of his own. Prays the ordinary allowance of 10s. a day for a trucheman he has been obliged to use since he came here.
P.S.—Begs him to remember the beggars of this chancery. Will know what he means more clearly by the Secretary's letters inclosed herein (missing). The bearers left here by post at 8 p.m. this 9th inst. [Two pages.]
May 10.
Venice.
768. Francesco de Vargas to Queen Mary. The previous intelligence from the Levant, which he had communicated to her Majesty, and which afforded good hope that the Turkish fleet would not come forth this year, is now confirmed by letters from Adrianople of the 14th and 15th ult. These state that the Turk was there much indisposed, and the French having made great applications for the fleet, received for answer from Rustan Bassa, in name of the Turk, that perceiving such efforts made for a truce, he had considered it would not be required, and being so late in the season, had given no orders for it going out, not thinking it would have been asked for. He had, therefore, only 35 or 40 gallies on guard in the Archipelago, but in order to do what he could to serve them the Algerine vessels should, if they wished, join the French gallies. This has greatly offended the French. Sends herewith intelligence from Rome (missing). [Spanish. One page.]
May 15.
Wilna.
769. Sigismund Augustus, King of Poland, to same. Acknowledges her Majesty's letter requesting that William Watson, citizen of London, may be permitted to purchase materials for her Majesty's navy in Dantzic, and ship the same exempt from imposts, to which he cheerfully accedes, and has issued orders accordingly. [Latin. Broadside.]
May 15.
Antwerp.
770. Thomas Gresham to Queen Mary. By his letter of the 7th inst. certified her Majesty of his proceedings up to that time. Since then has bargained with Paulus Van Gymber for 2,500l. with Balthazar and Conrad Schetz for 8,333l. 6s. 8d., of which and all his other charges has advertised the Council more at large. Rides to-day to Brussels to obtain the King's licence to pass into his realm, and her Majesty the sum of 200,000l. Will write thence to her. [One page. Indorsed by Petre.]
May 15.
Antwerp.
771. Same to Secretary Boxall. By his letter of the 7th inst. signified the full conclusion of his bargain with Lazarus Tucker, and of a payment to Sir Wm. Pickering; of his intention to ship in four ships of Antwerp all the Queen's provisions that he had ready, and of staying these vessels till the 16th inst. for further orders from the Council for their safe-conduct. Waits till their orders be known for his discharge whatsoever chance by the way to the said munitions. Has ready a quantity of powder and morions, which he has purchased as they came to Antwerp since he sent into Germany. Since this has bargained with Paulus Van Gymber for a sum, part to be paid in Antwerp and part in Hamburg, in ready money; this comes to good purpose for the band of Germans that Captain Wallerthum is gone thither to levy. If it come not to pass there, can take it up here by exchange with little loss. Has bargained also with his friends the Schetz for 5,000l. firm, and for 3,333l. 6s. 8d. if they offer it any day between this and the last of May. The bonds to be made in the names of Balthazar and Conrad Schetz. Has received the Queen's and City's bonds for Jerome Rechinger and Lazarus Tucker. Has delivered Rechinger's and shown Tucker's to him. It is a worthy bargain considering the great scarcity of money here now. On the 12th inst. the payments of the mart were prolonged till the 15th of August next; this will be a great hindrance to the Queen's proceedings in taking up money or interest, for no payment has been made here these 18 months. In consideration of which all notable merchants have withdrawn their money from this place, and will daily do so. Rides to-day to Brussels for his Majesty's licence to pass 200,000l. to England [One page and a half.]
[1558, before May 18]. 772. Memorandum by Sir William Pickering that the Colonel [Wallerthum] has sent him word to provide ten ensigns against the musters, according as they are wont to have in this country, of such colour as the Queen likes and will command. [Autograph of Pickering. Seven lines.]
May 18. 773. Queen Mary to Thomas Gresham. Understanding from Sir Wm. Pickering, Knt., that the Colonel of the Germans to be provided for her service requires to have ten ensigns or banners provided against the musters, Gresham is to confer with Pickering herein whether these ensigns have been accustomed to be allowed by other Princes in like cases. If so, Gresham is to cause them to be provided after such sort as is customary in the country, saving that she wishes to have them of her colour, viz., white and green with red crosses. [Minute. Broadside.]
May 20.
Hamburg.
774. Colonel Wallerthum to Sir William Pickering. Has arrived safely in Hamburg. Certain captains of the Count of Aremberg have levied their soldiers here in the maritime countries where he had made his plans, which does him great injury. Nevertheless he shall be provided in a short time with ten ensigns. Certain captains well provided with people have come and offered to serve the Queen under his command, and to prevent their going into the service of the enemy desires to obtain permission to engage them. [Italian. One page and a quarter.]
May 23.
Antwerp.
775. Thomas Gresham to Queen Mary. By his letter of the 15th inst., signified to her Majesty all occurrents up to that time. Since then has been at Brussels where he spoke with the King on the 16th, 18th, and 19th inst, for a licence to pass 300,000 crowns into England. He was in as right good health as her Majesty's heart could desire, and has granted the licence to pass 100,000 cr. at once, charging him to convey it as secretly as possible by reason of the scarcity at present in Antwerp. The King has also granted licence for more armour. Has bargained this day with Paulus Van Dalle for a sum of 4,333l. 6s. 8d. for a year at 14 per cent. Has been this day to Brussels, and when there spoke with the Lord Admiral concerning the shipping and safe conduct of her Majesty's munition, which is all shipped and waits the coming of her ships of war, as he has advertised the Council more at large. [One page.]
May 23. 776. "Notes of sums of money taken up in Flanders by Mr. Gresham, the Queen's Majesty's agent there, sithen the 21st of March 1557, as appeareth by his letters." [Two pages and a half.]
May 26.
Venice.
777. Francesco de Vargas, Ambassador at Venice, to King Philip II. Narrates his proceedings with the Senate in reference to a dispute between him and the French Ambassador on the question of precedency. [Copy. Spanish. Three pages and a half.]
Another copy. [Spanish. Three pages.]
May 28.
St. James's.
778. Warrant by King Philip and Queen Mary to Thomas Gresham to deliver to Sir Richard Southwell, Knight, Master of the Ordnance, or his deputy, all powder and other munitions of war provided for their use in the parts beyond seas on the arrival thereof here. [Broadside.]
May 29.
Antwerp.
779. Thomas Gresham to Boxall. By his letter of the 15th signified to him all things done at that time. Since then, has received a warrant from the Queen to pay 3,000l. to Mr. Benjamin Gownstone, [Gonson] who did not send his acquittance. Understanding, however, by the Lord Admiral of what import it was to her Majesty, paid by the commission of Mr. Gownstone to Mr. Watson's servant, Downstone Waltone, the said sum (Flemish), in which he put forth the bill of 2,000 dollars of Paulus Van Gymber, which he took up for Hamburg for the better dispatch of Capt. Wallerthum. Sees now that the Queen will have no need of it in those parts. Thought it best to employ it for her provision of Dantzic, and has sent home Mr. Watson's servant's acquittance, whereby he may have Mr. Gownstone's acquittance according to the Queen's warrant for his discharge in that behalf. On the 27th inst. received the King's passport for the transportation of 300,000 crowns into England. Desires to know the Queen's and Council's pleasure as to the employment of the rest of the money. Moved the King this day for his general passport for all munitions for which the Lord Admiral moved him before his departure, and received for reply that his Majesty would speak with the Duke of Savoy on it. Has bespoken the ten ensigns; they will stand the Queen, one with another, 7l. a piece. This day entered into a bond with Herman Peper for the delivery of the harness to the Germans; his present departure is of importance, for Pickering says the Germans are already on their way. Begs his warrant for the said bond. The prolongation of the mart will prevent any more money from being to be had at interest. The King's coming hither is to provide more, and he begins to do what has been already done in England, that the companies and rich merchants shall lend, nolens volens, on the rents given him when he was here to keep the Order of the Fleece, which was 100,000 florins, and this he will sell or lay to pledge at 16 the florin, which will amount to 266,000l. This matter was known to the town only yesterday. When the ships carrying the Queen's munitions left for Zealand he took order with them not to leave that province; nevertheless it is said here that five of them left without any conduct of the Queen's ships on the 16th inst. For breaking their word they might be a little punished as an example to others. Had stayed them at Antwerp 20 days for the arrival of the Queen's ships. They have had as fair a wind as can blow in the sky. [Two pages and a half.]
May.
Westminster.
780. King Philip and Queen Mary's mutual appointment of Sir William Wallerthum to be Colonel of ten ensigns of German infantry, consisting of 3,000 men, brought from Saxony and Eastland for defence of England during the next six months, in consequence of the war with France. [Four pages.] Annexed,
780. I. "The estate and declaration of the entertainment and wages appointed by" their Majesties to Wallerthum and the chief officers of his regiment (same date). Among these officers the "chirurgeon" is to have 32 and the "hangman" 16 florins per mensem. [Four pages.]
The preceding documents, in French. [Six pages.]
May.
Westminster.
781. Articles to be sworn to by the soldiers serving King Philip and Queen Mary under Colonel Wallerthum. [French. Fifteen pages.]
May. 782. A note of debts owed by Queen Mary in Flanders for which her bonds are out. [One page. Indorsed by Petre.]
May.
Westminster.
783. Commission by King Philip and Queen Mary to Sir William Wallerthum to raise 3,000 soldiers for six months from June next ensuing; the pay of each soldiers be at the rate of four Rhenish guilders per month. [Copy. German. Two pages and a half.]