Elizabeth: February 1572

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1876.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Elizabeth: February 1572', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574, (London, 1876) pp. 34-50. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol10/pp34-50 [accessed 25 March 2024]

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

February 1572

Feb. 1. 102. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
Is sorry that resolutions can be no sooner had in matters of so great importance. Perceives that Mr. Randolph is to come down. Knows that he is well acquainted among them, but doubts whether his credit is so good with either side as to do any good. Desires the marriage of the Duke of Norfolk's second son for one of his daughters. Is sorry Monsieur is so scrupulous in his religion, which he thinks might be tolerated. Fears that if he were a Protestant there would be other devices to hinder. Believes that the Queen will never marry, "there are so many hinderers, whom God amend or send the devil to fetch them." If Lord Cobham's offence is such that Her Majesty thinks him not fit to enjoy his office, he desires that he may have it, and so the Earl of Leicester may procure this place for Lord Grey.— Berwick, 1 February 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 2. 103. Treaty between the Queen of England and the King of Portugal.
Treaty of alliance and commerce in accordance with the articles of agreement of Jan. 1, 1572.—London, 2 Feb. 1571.
Draft. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4¼.
104. Rough draft of the above corrected by Burghley.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 6.
105. Draft of a portion of the treaty.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 3.
106. Another copy, with a correction by Burghley.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 2½.
107. Another copy.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 7¼.
108. Article in the above treaty relating to the publication of the prohibition to trade in Ethiopia and the Indies.
Endd. by Burghley as being denied. Italian. P. 2/3.
[Feb. 3.] 109. News from France.
Occurrents at Amboise since Jan. 22.
1. The Queen of Navarre and the Pope's Legate are to be received at Blois, whither the King removes about 4th inst.
2. "The Legate passing by Montpellier where the Huguenots be the greater number, who thinking it fit to do something to please the King, made a lane that he might pass into the town, through which he did, and crossed and blest till he perceived they did no other reverence with cap or knee, but only laughed at him, but after what sort he blessed afterwards I leave the reader to think."
3. Certain couriers going into Spain were rifled of their packets about Chatelherault by masked persons.
4. The King of Portugal is entered into the league against the Turk.
5. It is said that the King of Spain will send one of his daughters hither to pacify the grandmother.
6. Notwithstanding a sermon preached before him, in which the Huguenots were likened to lepers, the King has condemned the town of Paris to recompense such losses as divers particulars sustained at the late hurly burly about the cross.
7. It is a common bruit throughout France that Sir Thomas Smith brought over the Scottish Queen's process to have the King confirm it by Parliament, and no man is offended withal because the crown will have 100,000 francs by her death.
8. By reason of the late suspicion between the Admiral and the Guises, the Huguenots had 20,000 footmen and 7,000 horsemen in readiness, and will bring as many into the field in six weeks warning.
9. The Protestants here cry out against the Scottish Queen, "Crucify, crucify."
By Letters from Venice.
10. Great preparations of the Turk who makes account to have 330 galleys of his own charges, and stays besides of all sorts and nations which be in his ports. The number of men to serve by sea and land be 400,000 footmen, whereof 200,000 be Tartars, besides 100,000 horsemen.
11. On Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 were two councils, where the Duke of Guise caused a supplication to be presented to the effect that notwithstanding the sentence given at Moulins he was not satisfied as yet for his father's death, and therefore desired redress at the King's hands, which was not allowed by those present, the Marquis of Villars saying that in case it were permitted to undo after that sort things passed a great "sight" more would be touched and so much mischief ensue.
Endd. Pp. 4.
Feb. 4. 110. Walsingham to Lord Burghley.
1. Hopes that Burghley may be eased of his sickness so as still to uphold their "staggering state." Touching the third person, he sees it so full of impediments, weighing the matter at home and abroad, as there appears no good foundation to build on.—Paris, 4 Feb. 1571.
2. P.S.—The writer of the new story is Voisin, and not as he termed him in his other letter. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 7. 111. The Duke of Anjou to Maitland of Lethington.
The King of France considering the state to which Scotland is reduced by these civil wars and divisions, has sent M. de Croc to aid in bringing about a reconciliation between the two parties. Advises him to accept any reasonable conditions.—Blois, 7 Feb. 1572.
Copy. Endd. Fr. p. ½.
Feb. 8. 112. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley.
1. Told De Croc that he did not think that he would be allowed to see the Queen of Scots, and that he must take the late Queen of Scots for a person dead in this world, deposed in her own realm, and now by all men's opinions condemned and worthy to die in England, although as yet it be not done. De Croc shook his head and said nothing, but that he was sorry and knew that once Smith loved her well (thinks he took him for Sir Nicholas [Throckmorton]). Smith said that when the Queen's life was in hazard they could not love the occasion of the danger.—Amboise, 4 Feb. 1571.
2. Has had audience on the 6th Feb., and likes better every day the marriage with the Duke of Alençon, and mentions the advantages to be therefrom derived. Thanks him, as also the Earl of Leicester, for having him in remembrance touching the Chancellorship of the Order. Cavalcanti has brought certain notes touching merchants. The poor man has been evil troubled this fortnight and more with the gout, so that by Burghley and him one may see that it is not scant or fine diet that can keep the gout away.—Blois, 8 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 22/3.
Feb. 8. 113. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley.
Yesterday the Cardinal Alexandrino was received into this town. "He is the Pope's nephew, a 'werish' man, and looks like a fool." He was met by Monsieur and the Duke of Alençon, and a great train of gentlemen on horseback, and was conducted to the castle, where the King received him. He did not bless one whit all the way as he came, but held his hands before him together like a fool, or one that prayed. Perceives by Sir Humfrey's letter that Burghley has talked with Medley. Has written plainly to Sir Humfrey, but it is time he were at home himself to take order in these matters. Prays him to send Sir Humfrey down, and let him take some handsome man with him, as if it be himself alone he is too much "assotted" upon Medley.—Blois, 8 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 8. 114. Henry Killegrew to the Queen.
Was sent for on the 3rd inst. at night to the Queen Mother, who willed him to advertise Her Majesty that there were letters come from the King's agent in Flanders making mention that since Gerau D'Espes was arrived the Duke of Alva had sent two persons, an Italian and an Englishman, to Dunkirk to confer there with some who should prosecute such practices as were in England begun, tending to the danger of Her Majesty's royal person and perturbance of her realm, encouraging the secret conspirators with hope of aid and assistance. Craves pardon to utter the judgments of some who have wondered at Her Majesty's wise and prudent government, and who think her "gests" shall be no less famous than any of her progenitors have been if she take profit of the late miraculous saving of her, and hereafter "assure herself and her estate against the malicious enemies and underminers thereof, which every man says may be so justly and easily compassed, as unless she do the same it will call her former policy and actions in question." They say there is but one root the cause of all dangers, "the same in her own wood," which by God's and man's law she may use as best stands with her commodity. What she will do is earnestly looked for. Finds by his own experience that the more she seeks to assure herself the better her business speeds in this court, where almost all have in their mouths, "Vita Conradini mors Caroli, vita Caroli mors Conradini." She need not think that whatsoever she does for her own preservation will be ill taken here. If they saw her take the right way to assure herself they would honour and love her ten times the more; nevertheless, until they see her take that course, they must of policy use "compiamentos nisi forte in tempore futuro, &c." Hopes that she knows that charity in this case ought to begin at herself, upon whose life so many thousands depend, "and therefore accursed [be] whosoever shall persuade her to fear or forbear to do that which God allows her to do."
Draft. Endd.: 8 Feb. 1571. Pp. 2¼.
Feb. 9. 115. Sir John Forster to Lord Burghley.
Has received a letter from Lord Scrope desiring his aid for the subduing and overthrowing the broken people within his office. Wishes to understand the Queen's pleasure whether they may deal with them with the vehemency of fire and sword. Renews his suit for the furtherance of his purchase of Langley. The Regent of Scotland is at Leith, Lord Morton has passed over the water of Dundee, and Lord Ruthven has come to Jedburgh with 300 men to subdue the disordered people there. On the 5th inst. the garrison of Edinburgh burnt two granges of the Lord Morton's at Dalkeith.— Alnwick, 9 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
Feb. 11. 116. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley.
The Lairds of Ferniehurst and Buccleuch having set forward with 140 shot and their forces of horsemen against Jedburgh, were encountered by Lord Ruthven with certain shot, who overthrew all their footmen, and Ferniehurst has hardly escaped to Martin Elwood's house in Tividale.—Carlisle, 11 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
Feb. 11. 117. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
Has sent to the Regent for a safe conduct for the marshal and Mr. Randolph, but fears they will do little good, for the only mark that both sides shoot at is money, and especially the King's side, who say that the Queen promised to set up the King, and aid them with money and all other things for bringing the realm to obedience. There daily arises new matter to increase the hatred between them. Ferniehurst gathers all he can in order to burn Jedburgh. Complains that there being so many of conspiracy of so notorious and heinous treasons neither any of the principals are executed, or like to be. Unless the rest have their deserts as well as the Duke, the Queen might as well let him live. "It is small policy, nor worthy to be termed mercy, to be so careless, of so weighty matters that touch the quick so near." Would be glad of the Duke's life, both for kindred, friendship, and the nobility of his house, but considering what peril the Queen stands in would renounce him if he were his son.—Berwick, 11 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Injured by damp. Pp. 1½.
Feb. 11. 118. Instructions for Sir Thomas Smith, Walsingham, and Killegrew.
Certain of her Council having conferred with the French ambassador upon such matters as have passed between them and the French King's deputies, he propounded four points which comprehended the differences between them. The first doubt, touching the express mention of religion, after long discussion remained undetermined. The second point moved by the ambassador was for the form, manner, time, and quality of the aid that should be mutually given, wherein he pressed to have had the like manner as was used in the treaty of 1543; he in the end seemed to be satisfied that it should be at the charges of the prince demandant. To the third matter, which was about Scotland, it was admitted that the French King and the Queen of England should send jointly to accord the differences there, and that neither should send forces to either party. Lastly, he offered that his master would yield to any reasonable demands for the benefit of the English merchants resorting into France. This is the sum of what passed between the ambassador and those of the council who were appointed to deal with him, who were the Lord Keeper, the Earl of Leicester, Lord Burghley, and Sir Walter Mildmay. Gives further instructions concerning the wording and alterations to be made in the different articles for the proposed treaty which have been sent by them, and sends a commission under the great seal for Walsingham to join in the negotiations.
Rough draft, corrected by Burghley. Endd. Pp. 11⅓.
Printed at length in Digges' "Compleat Ambassador," p. 154.
Feb. 12. 119. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley.
The Queen Mother understanding their goodwill to set forth the second offer has sent a courier after De Croc, who shall out of hand carry their packet into England. On Sunday the 9th inst. there was running at the ring in masque. The King had six like Amazons, Monsieur seven besides himself, the Duke of Alençon as many, and their bastard brother Monsieur the Chevalier as many like Albanois. Wishes Hall the chronicler were alive and here to have made a dispatch of that and the masque at night. At the running at the ring the Queen Mother came from her place to them to know if they had yet any word, and what the Queen thought of the Duke of Alençon. The Queen Mother told Mr. Killegrew at night at the masque that Alençon's living was rather more than Anjou's. It is pretended that there had needs be much closeness used in this matter, or else many will be stirred up to oppose it. The Pope's Legate has learned to keep in his horns, and blessing where none or very few esteem them.—Blois, 12 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
Feb. 12. 120. Intelligence from Abroad.
1. Vienna, 6 Jan. 1572.—The Duke of Ferrara has left the Emperor's Court; no one can learn why he came, some think for his own personal advantage, some to serve the Emperor or the Venetians, and others to demand the investiture of Mirandola.
2. Venice, 19 Jan. 1572.—The Venetians have offered to give a galley or galliot to any man that will arm it, and that what they gain one third shall come to St. Mark's, and the rest to themselves. They have 25,000 footmen in readiness. There is certain report that the Bishop of Aix has been robbed not far from Ragusa. The Venetians have taken their journey to the Levant with 70 galleys, and Bragadino comes into the gulf with 25 galleys. News from Alexandria says that when the Turk heard of the overthrow of his army he commanded that the Bailiff and the Venetian prisoners should be put to death; but the Pasha made as if half the army had been saved, and that the right wing of the Christians had been taken, whereupon they were sent to prison in the Tower of Marmora. The Turk has no more than 40 galleys in Marmora, a few that came from Cyprus, and 30 out of Barbary.
3. Naples, 15 Jan.—A gentleman whose hand the Marquis of St. Croix [Santa Cruz] had caused to be cut off, thinking to revenge himself watched the Marquis to kill him, but proceeded so foolishly that the Marquis received no harm, and he was put in prison, and is in danger of his life. The King of Spain has written to Don John of Austria to gather 8,000 Italian soldiers; Don John has sent to Germany to gather a regiment of Dutchmen. It is thought the King of Spain will be content that the army make the enterprise of the Levant, and he will make a particular enterprise in Africa. The Turk has made Ocheali, King of Algeria, general of the army by sea; he has caused the two castles of the straits to be fortified, thinking that the Christians would attack Constantinople.
4. Rome, 28 Jan.—The Pope makes great instance that the Grand Master of Malta should give one of the great crosses to the Chevalier Romagus, which he is loth to do, and has sent three of his knights to persuade the Pope to the contrary, saying that the Chevalier is only fit to be deprived of the dignity that he has at present. The Duke of Urbino has promised to send his son and 800 footmen to join the League. The Signiory of Genoa have told the Pope that they have no money, or means to make any. The Great Duke of Florence has offered his son and 800 horses for one year to the Emperor if he will break with the Turk. The Duke of Parma having no money offers himself and 600 gentlemen at his charge. The Dukes of Ferrara, Savoy, and Mantua have made no answer. The French Ambassador has sent a courier to the King, doubting that the Duke of Ferrara will take Mirandola.
5. Venice, 7 Feb.—Fiesco remains in England to know the issue of the league between England, France, and Germany; the King of Spain being suspicious of the said league has given commission that Italy and Milan be in readiness. The Duke of Nevers has told the Pope that, notwithstanding all the instance that England has made, France will not make war upon Flanders, and the Queen Mother has assured the King of Spain to go forward against the Turk as a common enemy to all Christians, and that he shall not receive impeachment or hindrance from her son. From Florence they write of wagers 10 or 12 in the 100 that Cardinal Lomelino or Paliotto shall be the next Pope. Signor Mark Antony Colonna has sent a gentleman to be his agent with the King of Spain.
Pp. 4.
Jan. & Feb. 121. Duplicate of the above.
Endd. Pp. 4¼.
Jan. & Feb. 122. Copy of the latter portion of the above.
Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 12. 123. Christopher Ehemius to Henry Killigrew.
Hopes that his negotiations in France will be successful, and not be hindered by their adversaries and the Holy League, by which they can gain nothing but their own ruin and loss. Dominus Junius will tell his mind on the subject to him and the Admiral. A league is proposed between the Electors of Germany and the Venetians against the Turks. Will not mention any foreign news, as he is sufficiently acquainted therewith. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2¼.
Feb. 18. 124. M. De Zwegenhem to the Queen.
Complains of the support and assistance given to pirates who were rebels against his master, detailing the various acts of piracy committed against the King of Spain; and gives examples of the kind treatment of the King to such English subjects, who, being private traders, have been driven on his coasts by weather. The King's subjects have been spoiled of 800,000l., which should make up for the 300,000l. that the English complain they have lost. It is meet that such hostile manner cease, or Her Majesty appoint him to depart, lest by his presence he avow these things, and makes ridiculous the name of friendship in which he comes. He is there to maintain amity, but thinks his stay is vain unless Her Majesty take other order for the arresting of such strange dealings.— London, 18 Feb.
Marginal notes in English. Endd. Fr. Pp. 5½.
Feb. 18. 125. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
The Marshal and Randolph could not without peril ride the weather has been so sore since their coming with extremity of snow and frost, yet are they gone this day being very stormy of snow to Dunbar. They are to have good regard what necessity of money the King's side has, and upon their answer will send them 4 or 500 l. for their present necessity. Is sorry to hear of so many alterations as have been for the Duke of Norfolk's execution; the principal cause of Mather and Barnes' conspiracy being to destroy Burghley and the Queen, and set the Duke at liberty, it is to be feared that though they be executed, some others may be found as ready to do mischief. Is grieved that his son is still in Her Ma jesty's displeasure to the rejoicing of his enemies, for such a notorious villain. As it appears that his enemies have better credit with the Queen than he has, it is high time for him to give over service. Desires him to get his son leave to go beyond the sea for a time. There has been nothing since Her Majesty's reign which has touched him so near.—Berwick, 18 Feb. 1571.
Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
Feb. 18. 126. Sir Valentine Brown to Lord Burghley.
Though there is a warrant passed for 2,000 l. to be sent to him 10 days ago he cannot get the money delivered here. If he is not speedily helped with a loan, he will not only be put to discredit with those with whom he has bargained, but there will be some lack here. The storms are so great that no man could travel these 10 days. Berwick, 18 Feb. 1571.
Injured by damp. Add. Endd. P. ¾.
Feb 20. 127. Thomaso Fiesco to Earl of [Leicester] and Lord Burghley.
Expressing his regret at the ill success of his lengthy negotiations in the matter of the goods of Spanish subjects stayed in England, and trusting that no evil opinion may be conceived of him because of his efforts, as he hopes always to remain in the good favour of Her Majesty.—London, 20 Feb. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 5¾.
Feb. 22. 128. Answer made by the Council to Zwegenhem's Articles.
1. The Queen was content that he should continue here if it would do good for the continuance of amity betwixt her and the King his master, hoping that he would not persist in the crooked steps of Don Gerau d'Espes. The material points of all his articles might be comprehended in two heads, concerning favour supposed to be given to pirates, being rebels to his master, and for the troubles that grow upon continual arrests of the King's subjects' ships and goods.
2. (1.) To the first, considering he said he met certain ships lying in the narrow seas professing to serve the Prince of Orange, it was said that neither by the Queen or by her Council were they allowed to tarry upon the coasts, but, contrary, all convenient means were used to provoke them to depart. The Queen by sundry proclamations gave notice that her subjects should not buy anything of them, victual them, or otherwise relieve them. If they should bring to land any of their prizes the same should be stayed and preserved to be answerable to the owners. Upon knowledge that sundry Englishmen served in their ships, and that some of the ships in their company were English, which were induced thereto upon opinion that the Prince might lawfully entertain them, proclamation was made that no Englishman should continue in that manner of service under pain of punishment, and because he complained that such orders and edicts were not duly executed, it was said that commissions were sent under the Great Seal of England to noblemen and others in the countries upon the seaside, and that the commissioners found sundry that had offended in secret relieving of them, which were committed to prison, the goods by them bought stayed, and restitution made. It is notorious that some Englishmen, having commission from the Prince of Orange, upon publication of the proclamation, returned to the ports, and said they would in no wise continue in that kind of service. Where one Schonvall, a principal captain of the said Prince's, had taken certain ships laden with goods of the subjects of the King of Spain, upon motion made to the Lord Admiral, the Queen commanded her Captain of the Isle of Wight to will him in her name to restore them, for she could not nor would allow that he should bring any such prizes into her ports or streams. No words would prevail with him, being out of danger of any shot from the land. Thereupon a charge was given to the Captain to secretly arm some ships to take away the prizes by force; but Schonvall in the night, having the wind favourable, got away with his prizes. If any person shall be named that has relieved them contrary to the Queen's proclamations, it shall be seen indeed in what sort he shall be punished. It is notorious how last year a prize was recovered from them, and the goods restored to their owners, notwithstanding that the takers vehemently complained of injury therein done, and by way of suit declared matter to maintain the lawfulness of their prize. The case yet rests undetermined, standing upon the question whether the Prince of Orange, being a free Prince of the Empire, and having his Principality of his title in France, might not make a just war against the Duke of Alva. To this it was added that it was not impertinent to ask him why he thought it reasonable in so earnest sort to require the Queen to banish from her coasts such as serve the Prince of Orange, whom he terms rebels and pirates, when her manifest rebels and heads of rebellion were not only suffered to come by sea into the King's countries, but to be there provided of all favour, and be entertained with monthly pensions in the towns and courts. It was remembered to him how the Earl of Westmoreland, a principal head of the late rebellion in this country, the Countess of Northumberland, wife to the other head of the same, one Leonard Dacres (whom they call there Lord Dacres), and a number besides of the principal heads and captains of the rebellion, are there openly maintained with pensions from the King's own treasury. How was it that the Countess of Northumberland was solemnly brought of late to the Duke of Alva by one of his sons, and accompanied with a great number of English rebels, and suffered to make a solemn oration to him? What was said by her, and answered by the Duke, they report to their comfort to perist in their evil dispositions. It is not unknown what practices they seal therein against the Queen's crown and estate, matters, indeed, fruitless for any effect, but worthy of some note while they are so suffered. Besides this, how Louvain, an university instituted for learning, is an open receptacle for all fugitives and rebels coming out of England (as may appear by their books published against the title, honour, and dignity of the Queen), as though they had thereby a sanctuary to the defence of traitors to their country. It was also said that, without meaning to impute anything to the King of Spain, it could not be unknown to Zwegenhem how many Englishmen, fugitives from their native country, were entertained in Spain, but none more notable than one Thomas Stukeley. How this man, who had no penny, land, or livelihood of himself, nor of any credit, could by fleeing into Spain be so esteemed there, used in better sort than an ambassador, and suffered to expend great sums of the King's money upon his vain pomps, is very strange; yea, how such an error could be committed, as he, being of no account in his own country, should be allowed to sue to be the conductor of an army to invade it. Surely the King was best advised when upon the Queen sending Henry Cobham to him, Stukeley was demised with some reward to depart towards Italy, otherwise experience would have shown that he should have abused the King in any matter committed to him against his country.
3. (2.) It was declared that the inconvenience of the arrests began upon the first general arrest made by the Duke of Alva, by which he commanded all the Queen's subjects in the Low Countries, with their ships and goods, to be arrested, and in like sort those that should afterwards come into those Countries. So did the Queen publish a like arrest in this realm, though the same was not executed with such severity. By the execution of the arrests in the Low Countries many were so cruelly used that they died of famine, whereas none in this realm suffered any such severity. After the first arrest the Duke of Alva published new edicts against the bringing in of English commodities upon pain of confiscation, which was severely executed, and so continues, the like whereof was not hitherto either ordered or put in execution.
4. Therefore it was said to him that in both these causes so much was required of the Queen as she should see were to be answered by the King and his ministers. Whenever he or any other should show sufficient authority from the King to treat and so accord in his name for the reformation of anything that hinders the amity, the Queen meant sincerely and plainly to deal with the King as one that desires the continuance of the amity, and that the subjects of both parties might enjoy the same, as in former times has been between their progenitors.
Rough draft, in the handwriting of Burghley. Endd. Pp. 7½.
Feb. 22. 129. The Answer of the Lords of the Council to Zwegenhem.
Copy of the above, French. Pp. 2.
Feb. 22. 130. Another copy of the above.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 3¼.
Feb. 22. 131. Copy of the above.
Imperfect. Fr. Pp. 32/3.
Feb. 23. 132. Drury and Randolph to Leicester and Burghley.
Find this country in great calamity and misery. Great execrations of the people against the causers, and humble prayers to the Queen of England to be their deliverer, either by the means that are in hand, or by force against the obstinate and wilful refusers of the King's obedience. Advise them to stand in good hope by the experience of old. There is no less honour to be had by bringing this country to quietness than was in expelling the French out of this town. —Leith, 23 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
Feb. 23. 133. Parties in Scotland.
Names of the Lords in Leith:—The Regent, Argyle, Angus, Cassillis, Morton, Buchan, Lyndsey, Ruthven, Maxwell, Lovat, Dunfermline, Macgill, Justice Clerk, [Law] of Dun, the Earl of Glencairn. Lords in the Castle:—The Duke, Huntley, Galloway, Dunkeld, Seton, Home, Patrick Gordon, brother to the Earl of Huntley, Lethington, James Balfour, Provost of Edinburgh, Grange, Coldingham, Ferniehurst, Robert Melville.
Endd. by Drury. Endd. by Burghley: 6 March 1571. P. 1.
134. Another copy.
Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 23. 135. Conference between Lethington and Grange and Sir William Drury and Randolph.
Certain notes containing provisions for an abstinence from arms until such time as a formal treaty may be concluded. All hostilities and mutual injuries to cease, and both sides to have license to travel undisturbed about their lawful business; watch and ward, however, to be kept by either party to provide against surprise.
Endd. by Burghley: Feb. 1571. Pp. 1½.
Feb. 24. 136. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
Encloses certain notes and articles. Order should be taken for the landing of Lord Seton at Harwich. The ports and landing places in England are so negligently looked unto that anybody may land unknown that will. Not long since sundry of the rebels landed at Harwich, Scarborough, and Tynmouth, who remain close with their friends in York, the Bishopric, and Northumberland. The Scots have a common trade, under cover of being driven in by weather, of taking land in some part of England, and so send three or four or more along by land.—Berwick, 24 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
Feb. 23. 137. Sir William Drury and Randolph to Lord Hunsdon.
1. Give an account of their journey from Berwick to Leith, and their honourable reception by the Regent and his party, with whom they had conference, and in the end obtained that if the town of Edinburgh might be made patent to the King's subjects, they would agree to an abstinence. On the next day they went to the Castle, where also they were most honourably received, and greetings of great kindness passed between them. After long debate they accorded to the abstinence in such sort as his Lordship may see by the enclosed writing; but as for their obedience to the King they desired longer time, promising such answers as in duty, conscience, and honour they ought to yield unto. This done they rose from the table, and entered into private conference with as many of them as were worth speaking unto. "Lethington was charged to the very bottom of his soul, but so as no offence could rise thereof, or suspicion that good is not intended towards him if he deserve well at this time, in whom we find the whole matter consists, so full of fear and doubt of himself that if that were provided for we could not doubt of the rest to have them fully as we would. The Duke continues still in his simplicity; the Earl of Huntley full of malice against his enemies; Lord Home led as Lethington lists, which he gave us for a resolute answer; Lord Seton malicious, vain, despiteful, neither honesty nor reasonable; two worthy prelates neither learned, wise, nor honest; Ferniehurst fretting and fuming for his last defeat, more proud than witty or reasonable; but generally all concluding that peace is best, and that they are willing thereunto."
2. Find great lack of money to pay the [Regent's] soldiers, wherein they doubt either some mutiny or danger to themselves, and therefore desire that some one may be sent in secret sort with money to serve for two months' pay. There is more that moves them thus to write than is needful at this time to be spoken of.—Leith, 23 Feb. Signed.
Add. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 3.
Feb. 23. 138. Notes for an Abstinence from Arms.
Duplicate. See No. 135.
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 12/3.
Feb. 23. 139. Parties in Scotland.
List of nobility and others at Leith and Edinburgh Castle.
Duplicate. Endd. Enclosure. P. ½. See No. 133.
Feb. 24. 140. Lord Hunsdon to Drury and Randolph.
Marvels that they should require him to send so much money, seeing they know there are no such sums here to be had, and that it is directly against Her Majesty's directions, who would be content upon their full agreement to disburse secretly payment for their soldiers for six weeks or two months, but not otherwise. Does not know the number of their soldiers, sundry of whom being Englishmen, have returned to this town in search of entertainment. They are to see that the Queen is not abused by paying 800 for 300. If 500 li. or 1,000 marks will satisfy their expectation for the time he will send it upon their next advertisement.—Berwick, 24 Feb. 1571.
Copy. Endd. P. ¾.
Feb. 25. 141. Advices out of Italy.
1. Rome, 15 Feb.—It is thought that Bishop Salviati shall remain Nuncio in France. The thunder that struck down the pole of Castle St. Angelo was interpreted a great victory to the Christians. The said thunder besides striking down the apple and the angel from the pole broke an arm of the other angel of marble that was on the great tower. This war with the Turk will cause the Pope to furnish himself with many treasures of the church to sustain the same. The Cardinal Vermisenses [of Worms] has complained to the Pope that all the offices should go for money, who answered that if he had considered the calamities of the times and the intolerable charges of the See of Rome he would not have said so much.
2. Rome, 25 Feb.—The enterprise of Tunis is deferred, the Pope having persuaded King Philip from it, who has written to Don John of Austria that he should follow altogether the will of the Pope. On the 15th instant the Pope commanded that all the letters at the post should be opened, and four of them who write news from Rome were put in prison. The Cardinal Alexandrino has had great cheer and entertainment at Blois, and requested the French King that he would marry his sister to the King of Portugal, that he would enter into the league, and that he would make no league with the Queen of England; who made answer that the dealing with the Prince of Navarre was so necessary for the quietness of his realm that he could not satisfy the Pope; that he could see no honourable place for him to enter the league, and that he never meant to make any league with the Queen of England. There is a note of such lords and gentlemen as did not fight in the last journey, but rather hid themselves, which is not to be had, but there are named the Duke of Mondragon, two brethren Neapolitan of the house of Guery, Flaminio Zaubeccaro, a Roman, and John Mathew Pallavicini. They say Don John has caused to be chained fast in the galley certain Spanish captains for the same cause.
Endd. Pp. 1½.
142. Another copy.
Endd. Pp. 12/3.
Feb. 26. 143. Sir William Drury and Randolph to Lord Hunsdon.
Have considered the contents of his letter and repeat the urgent necessity of sending money to the Regent. Grange shortly makes a pay to his soldiers, and if the Regent has no money to content his, he [is like] to be carried out of this town to Edinburgh [and they to be] sent home like fools. 1,000 marks will not [suffice], so look for no less than . . .
P.S.—Lord Seton has brought money and advertisement from the Duke of Alva that they shall be furnished with men and munitions, also that the practice of the Duke of Medina Celi against England still continues. They of the castle and town being restrained of coals determine to pull down the merchants' houses of Edinburgh who show their obedience to the King for fuel.—Leith, 26 . . . . Signed.
Endd. Injured by damp. P. 1.
[Feb. 26.] 144. Advices from Scotland.
In a quiet conference kept at Leith it has been agreed to follow the order of the Church of England in the admission of bishops and others, which the Regent has allowed and promised to have enacted by parliament as a law. Mr. John Douglas, an aged learned man, has been nominated to the Archbishopric of St. Andrew's. Ferniehurst and Buccleuch intending to burn Jedburgh have conveyed about 100 harquebusiers into Teviotdale, and they of Leith have sent 100 harquebusiers to succour the town. A company from Edinburgh has burnt sundry houses at Dalkeith and taken away such spoil as they could carry. Lord Ruthven has surprised and captured Ferniehurst's harquebussiers, since which all the clans who depended on Ferniehurst have made their submission. In the beginning of this month of February the Lord of Lorne was married to the widow of the Regent Murray. List of lairds and gentlemen of the Lothians and Fife who being suspected of favouring those in Edinburgh Castle have been committed to ward in Galloway and other places in the west. Those of the Castle have concluded to cast down 50 houses within the town, unless the owners pay 50,000 marks Scots. The Earl of Argyle has drawn some chieftains of the Irishmen of the Scottish isles to Leith, who by oath are bound to serve the King, as Maclean, Donald Gorm, and Mac Leod. Lord Lovat has gone home with com mission to make war against Huntley's brother and friends. Lord Maxwell has married the Earl of Angus' youngest sister. Lord Herries has made offer of submission. Lord Seton came to the Castle on the 19th out of Flanders, being landed at Harwich. The Earl of Argyle offers largely to be at the Queen of England's devotion. Donald Gorm, a lord of the outer isles, that was once in England in Queen Mary's time, and had given him of King Edward's garments (which, he has yet as he says), has offered his service to the Queen of England with all his power. Overthrow given by the garrison of Knockfergus to divers Irishmen.—26 February.
Endd. by Drury. Pp. 3⅓.
Feb. 26. 145. Articles for an Accord in Scotland.
Project for according the dissensions in Scotland by establishing a government composed of a certain number chosen from either side, and also for the toleration of religion.
Latin notes in margin by Burghley.
Endd. Pp. 1⅓.
Feb. 28. 146. Requests in behalf of the Queen of Scots.
Certain requests given by M. de Foix to deputies of the Queen of England touching the liberation of the Queen of Scots and the pacification of Scotland, and providing that nothing in the present treaty shall invalidate anything contained in former treaties between the realms of England and France and that of Scotland. To this they replied that they were sent to strengthen the friendship between England and France, and not to negotiate concerning the late Queen of Scots.
Endd. Lat. P. 1.
Feb. 29. 147. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley.
The ending of the league is, by the King's hunting, absence of some of the deputies, and such other matters, still deferred. Thanks him for signifying to him the occurrents, and for remembering him for the office of the Chancellorship of the Garter. Has neither himself, or any other for him, made motion for it. Desires very earnestly to come home and set some order in the matter of the privilege when this extreme cold, which has been since Candlemas Day, shall cease.—Blois, 29 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
Feb. 148. Occurrents from France.
On the 15th February the Queen Mother and the Queen of Navarre met, so that there is great hope that the marriage will go forward. Captain Gryllye was lately sent by the King to the Admiral to accord the differences between him and the Duke of Guise. Cardinal Alexandrino departed on the 25th inst. with no great contentment, being much aggrieved to see such small account made of him by those or the court. The King has appointed Marshal de Cosse to ordain a place near Orleans for the exercise of religion. The young Queen is certainly with child.
Endd. P. 1.