|
| Oct. 1. |
831. Queen Mary to the Earl of Arundel, Bishop of Ely, and Dr.
Wotton. Gives them additional instructions, in case of concluding
peace with France, for the comprehending therein the cities of the
Hanse, of ancient time confederators with England. [Minute.
Copy. One page.] |
Oct. 1.
Rome. |
832. Sir Edward Carne to Queen Mary. Had written to her
Majesty on the 28th ult. by an extraordinary passing to the King
from Naples. Recently a Bishop arrived as Ambassador from the
King of Poland to thank his Holiness for his intention to send
a Legate to that country, and to solicit that this intention may be
carried into effect; but although he has been here for 15 days he
cannot speak with the Pope, and now shortly, as it is said, a Diet or
Parliament of the whole realm of Poland will be kept. Wherefore
the said Legate is solicited the more, and yet there is no word of
the preparation for setting forth of any, nor can the Bishop have
access to declare his ambassade. The report is, that his Holiness
kinsmen will have him to be at no such charges as are necessary for
such legacy. Vargas has also arrived and has solicited audience; he
has been with Cardinal Caraffa, who willed him to work with him.
His business is to request performance of the agreement between
the Pope and his Majesty, and at Caraffa's hands, so far as can be
perceived, is very slow resolution. The cause of Gropper's coming
here is that he durst not abide in Germany, having written against
the admission of the new Emperor by the Electors of the Empire
without the Pope's admission of the resignation; wherefore his
Holiness keeps him in the palace and makes much of him. News
have been received this morning that the Duke of Florence's army
besieges Montalcino, the town of which was invested suddenly
before it was known they were about it. It is reported that they
have taken Chiusi, a place of importance which the French had in
Tuscany, but the rumour is not believed to be so certain as the
siege. With a great army men think that it cannot hold out long,
as the town is said to lack victuals, money, and soldiers. In Piedmont the Duke of Sessa is reported to go forward valiantly, taking
towns and castles, and destroying the country, besides razing such
as cannot be kept or are thought to be superfluous. Otherwise all
is quiet hereabouts. [Two pages.] |
| Oct. 1. |
833. Instructions given to Thomas Gresham, Esq., sent into
Flanders as the factor of Queen Mary, Oct. 1, 1558. |
|
1. He is to repair to the King, first taking such information as
shall be given him by the Council; after delivering such letters as
he shall receive from hence, he is to sue the King in her Majesty's
name for licence to provide and carry from Flanders into England
such sums of money as follow. |
|
2. The King's answer known, he shall repair to Antwerp again,
and travail to borrow to her Majesty's use 100,000l. for one year at
an interest not exceeding 14 per cent. besides brokerage. |
|
3. He is give the usual bonds under the seals of the Queen and
the City of London. He is to have 20s. a day out of the money
which comes into his hands, to commence Oct. 1, 1558. |
|
4. He is to be allowed four clerks at 16d. a day from the same
date. |
|
5. He is to retain the prices of the Queen's provisions, or the
charge of posting for himself and his servants, &c. |
|
6. He is to be allowed the rent of the houses for keeping the
Queen's powder and other munitions, and the carriage thereof. |
|
7. If the money now permitted to go into Flanders as valued
money be called down, he is to have allowance according to the rate
of such treasure as shall then be in his hand. [Copy. Two pages.] |
Oct. 6.
Canterbury. |
834. The Earl of Arundel and Bishop of Ely to Sir John
Boxall. Inclose Malyn's letter, whereby he will perceive that haste
from London makes no haste here, for as the tide tarrieth for no
man, so no man can go before the tide. Inform him that he may
know there shall be no slackness in them to pass at the first
occasion. [Half a page.] Inclose, |
|
834. I. Letter from John Malyns. Dover, 6th October, 11 p.m.
On receipt of their letter of yesterday had learnt from
the Mayor of Dover that there is no plague there, but the
people that daily die are those that come out of the ships,
and such poor people as come out of Calais of the new
sickness. As for the shipping of them and their horses,
there will be no water to go into Dunkirk haven before
Saturday at the nearest, if the weather were fair, which
is as yet inconstant. [One page.] |
Oct. 10.
Dunkirk. |
835. The Earl of Arundel and Bishop of Ely to Sir John
Boxall. After being detained four days at Canterbury and
Dover for want of water to enter this haven without peril,
they arrived safely to-day about noon, and immediately notified their arrival to his Majesty, desiring to know his further
pleasure. To-morrow they intend to go to Bethune, where Wotton
was. Will perceive by Wotton's letter inclosed what he says for
want of full copies of such treaties as are needful for this matter.
The Bishop of Ely has a book of his own of divers treaties, but
none of those made with France in the latter day of King Henry,
or in the time of King Edward, for he was no meddler in them,
neither of the treaties with Scotland during the latter's reign, for
then he would not plus sapere quam oporteat. The clerk who
made the dispatch will inform him what treaties it contained, so
that he will know what ones it were requisite for him to send to
them. Wotton's man told them that his master has made two
dispatches into England since his coming hither, but no passage has
passed hence these 20 days. Various English merchants have
tarried here for lack of passage, and some have fallen into sundry
diseases, the town being very filthy and sore infected with the
plague. Here there is no tarrying for them longer than need
drives; but when their letters shall come to him, Malyns, the
Vice-Admiral, can tell him better than they. [One page.] Incloses, |
|
835. I. Dr. Wotton to the Earl of Arundel and Bishop of Ely.
On Saturday the 1st inst. received at Arras her Majesty's
letter, with commissions, instructions, and relative documents, and notice of their appointment to come hither.
Had forwarded a letter from the Council to his Majesty
with one from himself, but had no reply until yesterday,
when he was summoned to go to Hesdin. Sleeps here and
to-morrow proceeds thither, where he is like to be much
worse than in the camp. His Majesty had not noticed
his letter announcing their coming, but Secretary
Gonzales Perez, who lies sick at Arras, informs him that
his Majesty is aware of it. Suggests that after apprizing
the King of their arrival they should come as far as
Bethune. The Constable arrived here to-day and likewise
goes to Hesdin to-morrow, and it is thought thence to
France upon his faith. His going, it is supposed, will
do no hurt to the conclusion of the peace, of which there
is great hope here. Some think Sunday or Monday next
is appointed for treating thereof, but he has not heard of
it. Hopes they have brought with them copies of former
treaties; in the papers which he has received is only one
whole treaty, which is not very large, and the rest are
extracts from others imperfect of certain points now to be
spoken of If they have not such copies it were most
expedient they sent for them. Of such the Bishop of Ely
must have good store; for himself, had he suspected any
such thing at his coming hither, he should not have been
unprovided. [One page and a quarter.] |
Oct. 14.
Cercamp. |
836. Dr. Wotton to Sir John Boxall. Having no copies of
perfect treaties, would fain have seen the last two made with
France since the taking of Boulogne, and specially in the last treaty,
the reservation of the King of England's right to demand the debts
and pensions. There is the more need of these precedents, because
formerly the treaties were ready drawn and devised to the Commissioners, except in some special articles which could only be
settled by communication with the other part, but now they shall
have to devise the whole themselves. As for Scotland, they have
no former treaty among them. Points out the difficulties attending
the removal of the ordnance to and fro, as well as the fixing of the
limits. Had written twice previously, but understands that on
Monday last his letters remained still at Dunkirk. [One page and
a quarter.] |
Oct. 15.
Rome. |
837. Sir Edward Carne to Queen Mary. As yet cannot learn
any resolution in the suit for reformation of appeal. The Duke of
Sessa goes forward prosperously in Piedmont. He has taken
Monte Calvo, and all the French in it were slain; great provision
and riches with store of large ordnance were found there. The
Duke is now battering Valenza, which it is thought cannot hold
out long. On Thursday his Holiness was nearly two hours in the
Congregation of the Inquisition, where it is said he will not come
henceforth in person, but will let it be kept by Cardinal Carpi,
who is Dean of that Congregation, and the rest of the members.
His Holiness has given orders that no man on any Saturday or
Sunday hereafter shall move him of any matter, neither of his
kinsman nor of his chamber, being accompanied only with the
Cardinal of Naples and Consiliarii. These two days will be
solitary in prayer and in good works. [One page and a half.
Much defaced by damp.] |
Oct. 17.
Rome. |
838. Same to same. Takes opportunity of an extraordinary
passing towards Flanders to inform her Majesty that he wrote to
her on the 15th by the ordinary viâ Venice. Reports the whole
of the information therein contained. Has since heard that when
Vargas was with the Pope, his Holiness gave him good words
in general concerning the matter of the Emperor's admission, which
was the object of his suit, but it was not to the satisfaction of
Vargas. Yesterday the Pope sent to Vargas a great learned man
here, called Restoro, to inform him in law concerning that matter,
to whom Vargas replied that his coming hither was not to dispute
in the matter, because if his Holiness will have it disputed, the
Germans will, in the next Diet to be held shortly, provide that
such a number of Germans shall come hither as shall dispute the
matter with him with harness and weapons, and that none of the
Italian states will stand against them, wherefore his Holiness had
need to come to some better way than to the disputation thereof.
Hears that the Pope says he will have a general Council held in
St. John's Lateran, but cannot perceiye that his Holiness will
come to any other resolution than he made to Sign. Guzman last
summer. Also that the Abbot St. Salutis left Venice in post on
the 9th to go to his Majesty, being sent for by some of the Council
in reference to the peace. So the Abbot's nephew, who brought
his commendations to Carne, informed him to-day. His Holiness
is well amended, and has his speech and remembrance very well,
and walks abroad to Belvidere when the weather serves: "and
yet some reliques of his late sickness do somewhat extenuate
him, as men say." The Duke of Sessa besieges Casale. [Two
pages.] |
Oct. 17.
Dunkirk. |
839. Thomas Gresham to the Council. On the 15th inst.
delivered their letters to the King, who was encamped upon the
French King's ground near the castle and town of Owssie [Auxyle-Chateau], which belongs to the Count Egmont, about nine miles
from the King's town of Hesdin. His Majesty's sent answer by
the Count de Feria that Gresham was to tarry no longer, for he
would write to his Chancellor Scheff for his dispatch in all things
he should ask in the Queen's behalf. The Commissioners of the
King and of the French King are at an Abbey called Sercant
[Cercamp], where the Queen's Commissioners are also, treating of
peace. If it come about, the King will shortly after come to
England. Returned hither to write his letters to the Queen and
Council, and found Sir William Pickering very sore sick of this new
burning ague. He has had four sore fits, and is brought very low
and in danger of his life if they continue as they have done. Gave
him their letters and received of him in virtue of them 3,600
pistolets at 6s. 6d. Flemish a-piece. Carries this money back again
to Antwerp to-day till their pleasure be known. [One page.
Printed by Burgon, Vol. i., p. 198.] |
Oct. 17.
Dunkirk. |
840. Same to Sir John Boxall. On the 15th inst. delivered
the Queen's token to his Majesty, who was much rejoiced at her
amendment. Took only 15,000 weight of the 30,000 weight of
copper, the prest of which Boxall got for him, because he was
bound in 1,000l. to deliver it between this time and Christmas.
[One page.] |
Oct. 22.
Cercamp. |
841. The Earl of Arundel, Bishop of Ely, and Dr. Wotton to the
Council. Yesterday the Earl of Arundel and Bishop of Ely rode
to the camp to see his Majesty, who is lodged more than a league
hence. After a little conversation the King inquired what news
they heard out of England, and on being told that at their
departure they heard of none but good, he informed them of the
Queen's estate, but so as they did not perfectly perceive. After
taking their leave Count Feria told them that Harvey the
Knight Marshal had letters for them at his tent. Received from
Harvey the remembrance subscribed by Boxall, containing notes of
matters to be declared to them from the Council by the said Knight
Marshal. On this returned to his Majesty, making such request as
is contained in the remembrance, but the King said he knew it
very well already, being advertised thereof by Don Alonzo, and
gave them a very good answer upon their request, saying that he
would do as much for the realm of England, if the chance should
happen, as he would do for his own. Further, that he had fresher
letters than theirs, whereby he understood her Majesty was meetly
well amended. Have not yet met with the French Commissioners.
Have received four copies of treaties from Boxall, which will be of
much service, if they have anything to do here at all. Have sent
their letter to the King's camp to Harvey, who is stayed there
purposely, lest his resort hither might give any occasion of talk
to the French. [Two pages.] |
Oct. 23.
Cercamp. |
842. The Earl of Arundel, Bishop of Ely, and Dr. Wotton to
the Council. Since the departure of Mr. Harvey, considering the
weight of the matter communicated by him, have thought it
convenient to put their Lordships in remembrance of the care
necessary to be taken for the avoiding of the dangers which might
ensue upon the bruit of the said matter, fearing the practices of
such as would seek occasion thereupon to trouble the state of the
realm. Hitherto have had no conference with the other Commissioners. [One page.] |
Oct. 23.
Antwerp. |
843. Thomas Gresham to Sir John Boxall. Since coming to
Antwerp on the 20th inst. concluded bargains with Paulus Van
Dalle and Lazarus Tucker. Has written to the Council of a bargain
offered him of money, saltpetre, and gunpowder. Desires that the
bonds be made speedily and the answer of the Council soon given,
as he will not proceed further without their commission. Every
man hopes there will be peace. On the 18th inst. the King removed
his camp on to his own ground. [One page.] |
Oct. 23.
Antwerp. |
844. Same to the Council. By his letter of the 17th inst. from
Dunkirk certified them that he had received of Pickering 3,600
pistolets. Arrived in Antwerp on the 19th inst. Money is much
sought on all hands for the Court upon the States' bonds and the
towns, which are in much esteem here and make good payment at
their day. Begs them to remember the presents for which he has
heretofore moved them; of a chain of gold to Jasper Schetz of
500 or 600 crowns, and to Lazarus Tucker, Lixshalls, and others,
of 300 crowns. [Two pages.] |
Oct. 23.
Antwerp. |
845. Same to Queen Mary. By his letter of the 17th inst.
from Dunkirk, certified her Majesty that he had delivered her
ring to the King. On the 18th inst. the King moved his camp
from Hawssye [Auxy] to his own ground. [One page. Printed
by Burgon, Vol. i., p. 201.] |
Oct 24.
Antwerp. |
846. The Burgesses, Eschevins, and Council of Antwerp to Queen
Mary. Have received her letters by the hands of the Governor
of her merchants. Touching the expediting of the cause which
James Hawes and other English merchants have before them, as
much haste as is consistent with justice is always made, and the
case of Hawes will not be concluded for many days. As regards
the favour to be granted to the Governor and merchants he can
witness that the decision has been to their advantage, and such
answer has been given to their demands as will doubtless satisfy
them. Beg remedy for the custom which is growing among the
English merchants of leaving Antwerp during the free fair time
and carrying on business in Holland, Zealand, and elsewhere.
[French. One page.] |
Oct. 25.
Cercamp. |
847. The Earl of Arundel, Bishop of Ely, and Dr. Wotton to the
Council. Yesterday Francisco arrived with the joyful news of her
Majesty's good recovery, to the great comfort of all the Commissioners. They immediately dispatched Francisco with the letters
for his Majesty. He has not yet returned, but having opportunity
of the present messenger think good to apprize them of the promises,
as also that yesterday they entered upon communication with the
French in presence of the Duchess of Lorraine and the King's
Commissioners for his countries. Think it were necessary for them
to know upon what occasions and causes given by the Scots, the
Protector Somerset made war with them. If they can be certified
of this in time, it may serve them to very good purpose, like as the
copies of the two last treaties with France, recently sent, have done.
[One page.] |
Oct. 28.
Rome. |
848. Antonio Pecchi to Yaxley. After many inconveniences and
impediments in his voyage at length reached Rome on the 22d
inst. safe and sound. Remembering his obligations writes these few
lines to Yaxley to give news of himself. Though he has spoken
with many of Yaxley's friends, cannot at present execute his commissions on account of much occupation, and being on the point of
going to Naples in two days. As soon as he shall be settled, will
not fail to pay his debt towards Yaxley and his friend. [Italian.
One page.] |
Oct. 29.
Cereamp. |
849. The Earl of Arundel, Bishop of Ely, and Dr. Wotton to the
Council. On Monday the 23d, the Commissioners assembled at the
residence of the Duchess of Lorraine who presided thereat. The
Duke of Alva and the English Commissioners sat opposite to the
French, and the rest of his Majesty's Commissioners sat beneath.
The Bishop of Ely opened the proceedings, declaring the cause of
their coming, but demurred to entering into the discussion in consequence of the French not having their commission with them.
This objection they at last waived, by advice of the Duke of Alva
and the King's Commissioners, and the Bishop then commenced by
demanding the restitution of Calais. The Cardinal of Lorraine
answered, that Calais having been taken from them by force and by
that same means returned to the Crown of France, it was unreasonable to require restitution of it. To this it was replied that the
taking of Calais by King Edward III. had been confirmed by the
treaty of Bretigny and by King John and his son Charles the Regent of France, who renounced all right and pretence to Calais,
making cession and transportation of such right to King Edward
and his successors; that such renunciation was not gratis, but great
recompence had been given for it by Edward, and that by other
treaties since then it had remained in the peaceable possession of
the English Crown. Such prescription extended to more than 200
years, in all which time the French had no title to it. The Cardinal
objected that the treaty of Bretigny and what had followed thereon
was of none effect, partly because King John was then a prisoner,
and partly because, this treaty having been made for his liberation,
and he dying in prison, the deed became null. He also denied that
any recompence had been given, as well as prescription, right, and
claim. These objections were sought to be repelled by the fact that
the treaty having been made by the Regent Charles, albeit with
consent of his father, the King's death could not nullify it; neither
indeed, if it had been made by himself only, since covenants made by
a prisoner for his ransom are good and available in law. Moreover,
it had been solemnly confirmed and sworn to by King John and
his son, while the former was at free liberty in Boulogne, in which
liberty he lived at home two or three years, then went to the Pope
at Avignon and there enterprised a war against the infidels. That
he returned voluntarily to England to visit King Edward, by whom
while prisoner he had been so gently entertained, and partly to
excuse his son Louis of Anjou, who being one of the hostages had
violated his promise by flying from Calais to France. His dying
in England was therefore a mere chance. As for recompence,
because that Calais should remain to him, King Edward renounced
his right and surrendered to King John the duchies of Normandy
and Touraine, the counties of Anjou and Maine, with other things;
and in regard to prescription, Calais having been taken upon a just
title and in a just war, thereafter renounced, ceded, and permuted,
and held without interruption for 210 years, the prescription was
perfected 100 years ago, becoming a prescription immemorial.
Multo magis so now. After this contention had lasted some time,
the French remained obstinate in their answers. The English Commissioners then demanded the 2,000,000 of crowns long due, showing
how friendly King Henry VIII. had dealt with King Francis in
lending him such large sums of money in his distresses, as was admitted by the confessions of King Francis and the Lady Regent, the
treaty of Moore, the treaty pacis perpetuœ, and other writings.
This demand was resisted by the Cardinal and the Bishop of Orleans,
on the grounds that although by the treaty of Moore 2,000,000
were due, that was converted into another debt by the treaty
perpetuœ pacis; and as that treaty had been broken by the English
making wars at Boulogne against King Francis, they had forfeited
the debt. And although there was recognition of the sum in the
first treaty for Boulogne, wherein it was agreed that the English
should not go to war with the Scots, this compact having been infringed by the Protector [Somerset] such money could not be
claimed. Further in that first treaty Boulogne had been pledged to
the English for payment of the 2,000,000; and seeing that in the
last treaty they had agreed to redeliver it for 400,000 crowns, the
previous debt was renounced, even had it been due. All these
averments the English Commissioners denied, showing inter alia
that the condition of the treaty in so far as it comprehended the
Scots was, that the Scots should make no aggression; whereas they
not only had made incursions and invasions, but had refused to
adhere to treaties and agreements made between them and the
English. The French would not admit their reasoning and required judges thereon. The demand for pensions and arrearages
was disposed of in similar manner; and they must needs say that
unless affection blind them too much in their own cause, there were
never in an earnest matter more evident cavillations alleged, than
were herein by the French Commissioners. On Tuesday the English
and King Philip's Commissioners met together in Ruy Gomez's
chambers, when they went over the treaties and various proofs of
the matters argued on the preceding day, when his Majesty's Commissioners thought good that the Bishop of Ely and Dr. Wotton
should next morning meet with the Bishop of Orleans, M. de L'Aubespine, and his brother Bassefontaine, now Bishop of Limoges, to
confer again, and to examine the documentary evidence. This was
done in presence of M. D'Arras; but nothing save vain words and stiff
affirmations were to be had from the French. In the afternoon the
King's Commissioners had an equally inconclusive meeting with the
Cardinal and the French; and again on Thursday the 27th, when
finally the French determined that they would remain in possession
of Calais, and for the rest of the Commissioners' demands, were content that indifferent judges should be appointed to determine them.
On Friday the King's Commissioners required them to meet at the
Duke of Alva's lodging, where the former read a letter to his
Majesty containing an account of the several proceedings, and gave
it their opinion that all further conference with the French on part
of the English Commissioners was but time lost, unless they had been
privately talked with and induced by such means to some good conformity, for so they said had they used them in all their own matters hitherto. His Majesty's Commissioners have shown themselves
very friendly and earnest in the setting forth of the English claims,
bearing out the declaration of the King, formerly expressed at the
camp, that he should have no less care of England than of his own
patrimony. Do not see what further they can perform under the
circumstances; and as on the conclusion or breaking of the peace
depends either the loss of Calais for ever, or the continuance in war
yet for a time, which are both such as the choice of either of them
is very hard and doubtful, it seems expedient the matter were debated and concluded by the Parliament, which is now at hand,
seeing that either of those ways import so much to the whole
realm. |
|
P.S.—Have thought it not convenient to trouble the Queen at
this time with their long letters. [Nine pages.] |
Oct. 29.
Cercamp. |
850. The Earl of Arundel, Bishop of Ely, and Dr. Wotton to King
Philip. Had intended to have notified to his Majesty their proceedings with the French Commissioners; but understanding that
the same have been fully reported to him by the Duke of Alva and
the rest, confine themselves to stating the obstinate refusal of the
French to restore Calais, and their opinion that the questions should
be discussed in the ensuing Parliament. [Latin. Copy.] |
Oct. 30.
Artois. |
851. King Philip's reply to the preceding. His Majesty was
aware of the reply of the French, but exhorts them not to depart
until they receive his orders, hoping for the better settlement of the
question, the French being generally intractable at first. [Latin.
Copy. Both letter and reply on same sheet. One page and a half.] |
